CREDITS

Lead Game Designer & Ferruccio Argento

Creative Director

Writers Ferruccio Argento, Dirk Vandereyken

Additional Writing & Darren Watts, Steven S. Long, Jason Durall, Dirk Vandereyken, Jason Walters,
Game Design Michael Surbrook
Editing & Proofreading Ferruccio Argento, Dirk Vandereyken
Cover Artist Mark Graham
Graphic Design & Layout Rudo de Goede, Anna Urbanek
Art Director Ferruccio Argento
Artists Mark Graham, Nele Diel, Athavan Ananthakanesamoorthy,
Marco Gonzalez, Lucy Parkhomenko, Juan Bisceglia, Joe Aderes, Manthos Lappas,
Jennifer S. Lange, Andrew Clark
Cartographers Hugo Solis, Robert Altbauer
Dungeon Maps Jose Esteras
Character Sheets Runehammer
Symbols & Icons Oray Studios, Annelot van der Staak
Additional Contributors Marco van Stiphout, Sandra Catharin, Cheyenne Kuijs, Jeroen de Jonghe, Katrina
Waldman
Playtesting & Consulting Daniel Tol, Sennen Thus, Marco van Stiphout, Wiebe Haksel, Kees Kok, Giovanni
van der Wielen, Dirk Vandereyken, Niels van den Kieboom, Goran Deckers,
Wouter Koot, Sandra Catharin, Allard van der Willik, Bob Quicken, Rik Veerman,
Jason Bak, Roald Smet, Ajay Sharma, Tom Schuijt, Jeremy Dudok.

Special Thanks
All the great people and communities who supported this Blood and Doom © Dicetale Games 2023. Artwork © Dicetale
project from an early stage on. Friends and early playtesters Games 2023. Distributed by Modiphius Entertainment.
who helped the project sail the right course. The amazing Printing Edition: 2023-01.
Darren Watts (who passed away recently and who will be
The Blood and Doom ruleset and names, logos, characters,
sorely missed) for his wisdom and for helping to refine the
likenesses, characteristics, and all related elements included in
game’s concept. My dear friend Fadil el Ghoul for believing
this work are copyright Dicetale Games 2023. Unauthorized
in me throughout development. Dirk Vandereyken, for
use of copyrighted material is prohibited. This is a work of
being available day and night to get this project finished.
fiction. Any similarity with actual people and events, past or
Mark Graham, the first artist to join and help shape the
present, is coincidental and unintentional. All Rights Reserved.
project visually.
A Blood and Doom Open Game License will be made
Also Thanking
available upon the final release of the game. This BaD-OGL
Runehammer, Dungeon Craft, Seth Skorkowsky, Questing
will allow creators to use any and all content presented in
Beast, and Web DM for providing endless inspiration on game
the Blood and Doom Open Game Content, made available
design and principles through their online platforms.
at the same time.
Influences
Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu RPG, Index Card
RPG, Five Torches Deep, 5e Hardcore Mode, Powered by
the Apocalypse, Conan – Adventures in an Age Undreamed
Of, Grim World, Exalted, Deathbringer, Numenera, Fate
Core, Old School Essentials, Forbidden Lands, Ironsworn,
Lamentations of the Flame Princess, Torchbearer, Low Fantasy
Gaming, Mouse Guard, Pathfinder, Changeling the Lost, 13th
Age, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, HERO System.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....................... 6
CHAPTER 1:
RULES OVERVIEW ............... 14
CLASS & ARCHETYPE .......................
ABILITIES. . ........................................ 15
SKILLS .............................................. 15
TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC. . ............. 16
FICTION & MECHANICS .................... 17
ACTION ROLL ................................... 18
EDGE & CHALLENGE .......................
SETBACK DIE ...................................
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ...........................
MOMENTUM . . ................................... 31
BLOOD POINTS. . ..............................
DOOM POINTS.. ...............................
TASKS ..............................................
SIZE, DISTANCE & SPEED .................
CHAPTER 2:
WELCOME TO ATHYR ....... 38
ETHENNIA.. ....................................... 41
ISHTA. . .............................................
ISLANDS OF ROSHAN. . ...................... 47
SUNDERED WASTES .........................
EVANDYR .........................................
CHAPTER 3:
CHARACTER CREATION ... 56
SUMMARY .......................................
CHARACTER PATH.. ..........................
CHAPTER 4:
CLASS & A RCHETYPE .. ....... 72
BARBARIAN ...................................... 74
Nomad ........................................... 78
14
Gladiator ........................................ 82
GUARDIAN ...................................... 88
Warden .......................................... 92
Vanguard ........................................ 96
ASSASSIN . . ...................................... 100
Ninja ............................................. 104
22
Viper. . ........................................... 110
26
DRUID. . ............................................ 116
28
Kindred . . ....................................... 120
Stargazer ....................................... 128
33
34
CHAPTER 5:
35
A BILITIES & SKILLS .......... 136
36
ABILITY BASICS .............................. 136
ABILITIES IN-DEPTH ....................... 138
SKILL BASICS. . ................................ 140
CHAPTER 6:
44
TRAITS, POWERS
& M AGIC ................................ 145
50
TRAITS ............................................ 145
53
USING POWERS .............................. 145
CHARGES . . ...................................... 146
COMMON TAGS .............................. 146
USING MAGIC. . ............................... 147
56
CANTRIPS ....................................... 148
60
4 5
CHAPTER 7:
FEATS ....................................... 149
CHAPTER 8:
EQUIPMENT ......................... 152
USING EQUIPMENT ........................ 152
ARMOR. . ......................................... 152
SHIELDS. . ........................................ 153
REPAIRS. . ........................................ 154
SLOTS & LOAD ................................ 154
CRAFTING. . ..................................... 156
WEAPONS ...................................... 158
EQUIPMENT TAGS.. .........................
EQUIPMENT LIST ............................ 162
CHAPTER 9:
A DVENTURING ................... 182
GOING ON AN ADVENTURE . . .......... 182
PLAYER ROLES. . .............................. 182
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS . . ......... 184
TRAVEL BASICS . . ............................. 188
REST ............................................... 190
DYING. . ...........................................
DEATH & THE MUNAGI ................... 192
EXPERIENCE POINTS
& LEVELING UP ................................... 193
CHAPTER 10:
DUNGEONS . . ......................... 194
TRACKING RESOURCES .................. 194
DARKNESS & LIGHT . . ...................... 195
MADNESS ....................................... 196
AWARENESS & PERCEPTION. . ......... 196
STEALTH & HIDING ......................... 197
TRAPS. . ........................................... 198
CHAPTER 11:
COMBAT &
ENCOUNTERS ...................... 199
ROUNDS & TURNS .......................... 199
EDGE & CHALLENGE ...................... 202
ATTACKING & DEFENDING.. ............ 204
DAMAGE & ARMOR ........................ 208
BRUISES & WOUNDS ...................... 210
RESILIENCE .................................... 210
DESTROYING OBJECTS ..................... 211
ITEM USE, REPOSITION
& INITIATIVE ROLL ......................... 212
BREAKING MORALE ....................... 213
161
RETREATING . . ................................. 214
CHAPTER 12:
CONDITIONS &
A FFLICTIONS .. ....................... 216
CONDITIONS .................................. 216
AFFLICTIONS .................................. 219
Injury ............................................ 219
Madness & Trauma ......................... 222
Disease, Curses & Possession .......... 222
191
CHAPTER 13:
DOOMSAYER’S SECTION .230
CORE PRINCIPLES .......................... 231
RUNNING THE GAME. . .................... 236
USING MONSTERS & NPCS ............. 254
MONSTER & NPC VAULT ................. 267
PLAYER-FACING NPCS .................... 287
A PPENDIXES ........................ 290

INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS A TABLETOP
ROLEPLAYING GAME?
Picture a world beyond the boundaries of our own,
where the realm of the imagination reigns supreme.
Where every thought, every decision, every action
can shape the course of an epic adventure. A tabletop
roleplaying game is a gateway to this boundless realm
of possibility. It is a game that transcends the confines
of the physical world and invites you to become a hero,
a villain, or anything in between – although, in the case
of Blood and Doom , you’d better not lean too much
to the dark side, as it will corrupt you and it will lead
you to your doom. On Athyr, only the courageous and
the daring stand a chance of holding their own against
the dangers that are threatening the world.
At its core, a tabletop roleplaying game is a collaborative
experience. You and your friends will create a story
together, taking on the roles of characters within that
story. One of you will take on the part of the Game
Master, also called the Keeper, the Narrator, the
Director, the Storyteller, or the Dungeon Master in
other roleplaying games and called the Doomsayer in
Blood and Doom . The Doomsayer will be acting as
your senses, telling you what you see, hear, smell, taste,
and feel. They will also take on the roles of the Non-
6 7
Player Characters, Monsters, beasts, and animals your
Characters meet. As the Doomsayer leads you through
a series of challenges and obstacles, you’ll be tasked
with making decisions, rolling dice, and improvising
your way through the twists and turns of the adventure.
But a tabletop roleplaying game is more than just
a game. It’s an opportunity to explore different aspects
of yourself, to step into the shoes of someone entirely
different, and to experience a world of adventure and
magic that exists only in your mind – and maybe as
maps, 2D or 3D terrain, illustrations, and miniatures
on your tabletop. No board is necessary, though, and
tabletop RPGs – or ‘TTRPGs’ – can uniquely be enjoyed
as theatre of the mind plays only. They offer you
a chance to build relationships with your fellow players,
to learn how to work together as a team, and to create
memories that will last a lifetime.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of epic
proportions, if you’re ready to explore new worlds and
test your skills in the face of danger, then a tabletop
roleplaying game is the game for you. Let your
imagination run wild, and let the adventure begin!
A BOUT THIS
PRIMER BOOK
In your hands you have a Primer version of the Blood
and Doom Core Rulebook – the one book (out of
three) that is absolutely necessary to play the game.
It is a big chunk of what you will find in the final Core
Rulebook and will allow you to start playing right
away. It covers a large part of the rules, but also omits
a lot of the more specific information you’ll eventually
want to have if you’d like to delve deeper into the
world of Athyr and the options you have available as
a Player Character.
This Primer book will introduce you to the rules and the
setting. It’ll show you how to create a Character and
four of the nine playable Classes are already included.
Each Class also has two Archetypes, making for no less
than eight unique Archetypes you can choose from.
The final book, which will Kickstart on April 4, will
add five more Classes and ten Archetypes to the mix,
dramatically expanding the available choices!
Of course, Classes and Archetypes also come with their
own Abilities, Skills, Feats, and unique Traits, Powers,
and Magic. This Primer book comes with many of each
and the combination of all of those things makes each
Character stand out. Combined with the Character’s
appearance and personality, there are a sheer endless
number of personas you can create.
Lastly, this Core Rulebook Primer also delves into many
aspects of going on an adventure, including possible
environments to explore, handling combat and all
kinds of different encounters, Conditions & Afflictions,
a ton of equipment to choose from, and a large section
meant for the Doomsayer’s eyes only, with advice on
how to prepare and run games for Players (including
several Stat Blocks). There’s also Quickstart Characters,
empty Character Sheets and a world map of Athyr
included as separate PDFs.
In essence, this Blood and Doom Core Rulebook
Primer is a shorter, fully playable 1.0 version of the final
rulebook you’ll be able to back through Kickstarter,
which is set to include around 420 pages of game
content once complete. It should give you not just
a pretty good, but an excellent idea of what we have
in store for you!
Introduction
LOTS MORE
TO COME
So, what’s not in the book? As already touched upon,
the final rulebook will give you more Character Classes
and Archetypes, but that’s not all! You’ll also find out
about using hirelings, mounts and mounted combat.
The final book will present Advanced Traits, more
Powers, and a lot more Magic. It also features heavily
expanded travel rules and more!
Not enough, you say? Well, we didn’t think so either,
as there are two more books you can get and each of
them also has its own free Primer you can download
as a PDF right now (or came bundled with this book).
The first is the Doomsayer’s Codex: Guide to Athyr. It
presents the five known regions of the world of Athyr,
the only exception being the pirate realm of Taliath
and the secretive nation of Keldor, both regions where
explorers rarely dare to tread. The Primer delves
deeper into Ethennia and Ishta mainly, while the final
book will also include Evandyr, the Islands of Roshan,
and the Sundered Wastes covered in great detail.
There is more, as cults are threatening the future of
Athyr. A doomed world, it seems only a matter of
time before one of these foul organizations is able
to perform a final ritual that will bring the revolting
extradimensional entity it worships into power. There
are twelve cults, each worshipping one of the twelve
Heralds of Doom, and we’re presenting all of them in
another hefty tome called the Doomsayer’s Codex:
The Twelve Pillars of Doom . The Primer presents two
of them, the Sheddai and the Yiukashin, in all their
unholy glory.
Learn about their history, structure, Herald of Doom,
encroaching influence, rituals, spells, records, artifacts,
and monsters through the Primer PDF. The cults are
designed to be fully integrated with the Blood and
Doom setting and even power entire campaigns. We
wanted to give you the opportunity to add the horror
according to your own taste and The Twelve Pillars of
Doom book grants you exactly that freedom.
Of course, even though there are thousands of
interesting locations and NPCs, Travel Acts, points
of interest, and quest hooks included in the core
books, we wanted to give you some fully-fledged
adventures as well. Faces of Evil isn’t your run of the
mill adventure, but a complete investigative murder
mystery with lots of social interaction and a healthy
dose of combat added to the whole. It should be
available as yet another free download by the time

the Kickstarter campaign launches on April 4, 2023.
The Seven Jewels of Azul-Ra is a jungle adventure
with lots of exploratory action, treasures to find, NPCs
to talk to, and enemies to defeat. It’ll be available as
a free download during the Kickstarter campaign’s
third week.
While our Kickstarter campaign is running, we’ll also
give you the opportunity to get us to do another three
adventures to be will be included in your final rewards:
The Lost City of Taoeshi will take your Characters to
the enigmatic Islands of Roshan, where myths have
endured and are reality to most denizens of the realm;
The Eye of Maru Dasa, which will give you an ancient
temple to explore (or is it a temple?), and Rise of the
Black Sun , which will feature yet another one of the
blasphemous cults threatening our reality.
SUMMARY
OF A DDED
K ICKSTARTER
CONTENT
CORE RULEBOOK
▪ 5 more Classes and 10 Archetypes.
▪ Advanced Traits, Powers and Magic for all
9 Classes and 18 Archetypes.
▪ Over 30 more unique Weapons.
▪ Hirelings, Mounts and Siege Weapons.
▪ Extensive Travel Rules, including Journey,
Expedition, River Run and Sea Voyage.
▪ Rules for Chases.
▪ 20 additional Monsters and NPCs.
▪ 20 additional Beasts to use for the Druid and
Hunter Class.
▪ Expanded Crafting Rules with item recipes and an
ingredient / material list.
8 9
If you back us on Kickstarter, books – whether as PDFs or
in print – are not the only thing you’ll be getting. We’ll
also offer you a cool Doomsayer’s Screen, miniatures,
a custom dice set of 12 dice, including a Setback die,
and another 7 polyhedral dice, card sets, and more!
We absolutely promise you that you’ll be getting a lot
of bang for your buck, so please make sure to follow us
and hop on board as soon as the Kickstarter launches –
we’ll even have something very special for you if you’re
amongst the first to do so!
Look for Blood and Doom on Kickstarter.com or
follow this direct link – it might save you from your
ultimate doom:
WWW.KICKSTARTER.COM/PROJECTS/
DICETALEGAMES/BLOOD-AND-DOOM
▪ Additional Traumas.
▪ Additions to rules for Events and Traps (including
setting traps).
▪ Complete chapter on creating Adventures.
▪ Optional rules, including Multiclassing.
▪ Lists and overviews, including a Rules Summary,
and Trait, Power and Magic Sheets per
individual Archetype.
▪ Updated World Map with Trade Routes.
▪ Dozens more full-color illustrations as you find in
this Primer.
▪ Improvements based on community feedback.
▪ Totaling around 420 pages.
DOOMSAYER’S CODEX:
GUIDE TO ATHYR
▪ Covering all Subregions of Ethennia and Ishta,
including the currently missing Beshaar Desert,
Plains of Nihar Din, The Dying Lands, Badawo
Wilds, Akani and Charr Dhan.
▪ Complete Chapters on the Islands of Roshan, the
Sundered Wastes and Evandyr, also including all
their Subregions (over 16 more in total) described
in detail.
▪ All Subregions will have (as they do for Ethennia
and Ishta in the Primer book) countless Locations,
NPCs, Local Specialties, Goings-On, Quest Hooks,
Secrets & Rumors, Points of Interest, Travel Acts,
Hex Maps and more.
▪ Each Subregion and Location’s History, Peoples
and Cultures and Politics.
▪ Over 80 unique Monsters and NPCs not included
in the Core Rulebook.
▪
Cult activity for each Location, to easily link
the cults described in the Doomsayer’s Codex:
Twelve Pillars or Doom to any place in Athyr.
▪ Dozens more full-color illustrations.
▪ Totaling around 375 pages.
OTHER K ICKSTARTER
R EWARDS & STRETCH GOALS
K ICKSTARTER R EWARDS
▪ Deluxe Slipcase Set including all 3 Blood and
Doom books.
▪ Poster Map (Print Version)
▪ Doomsayer’s Screen (Digital + Print)
▪ Adventure: ‘The Lost City of Taoeshi’ (Digital)
▪ Blood and Doom Dice Set
▪ Card Sets (Print) including Weapon Attributes,
Conditions & Afflictions, and Magic Item, Healing
Item & Poisons.
▪ 9 Character Miniatures & 9 Monster Miniatures.
Introduction
DOOMSAYER’S CODEX: THE
TWELVE PILLARS OF DOOM
▪ Covering all 12 Cults and their Herald of Doom,
adding 10 more cults to the Yiukashin and
Sheddai currently covered in the Primer.
▪ Each of the 12 Cults comes with their own unique
History, Ranks, Rituals, Texts (such as Tomes and
Scrolls), Artifacts, Spells and Corruption Effects.
▪ Each Cult also comes with its own unique Cultist
Stat Blocks, totaling over 50 Cultists.
▪ Over 60 unique Monsters each specific to one of
the Cults and not included in the Core Rulebook
and Guide to Athyr.
▪ Doom Levels for each of the 12 Cults, offering
a step-by-step overview of how to build your
own Adventure or Campaign around a Cult. This
includes three unique goals they are trying to
achieve, how the cultists go about doing this, and
what will happen should they succeed (or fail!),
offering specific content for your Sessions.
▪ Unique Trauma Tables per Cult.
▪ Dozens more full-color illustrations.
▪ Totaling around 375 pages.
K ICKSTARTER
STRETCH GOALS
▪ Adventure: The Eye of Maru Dasa (Digital)
▪ Map of Athyr’s Solar System, including its two
suns, five moons, and other planets.
▪ 20 additional Monsters.
▪ The Priest Class, including its 2 Archetypes and all
Traits and Powers/Magic.
▪ Adventure: Rise of the Black Sun (Digital)
▪ Full Soundtrack composed by Knut Avenstroup
Haugen (Conan Exiles, Dune Awakenings).

TONE & FEEL
The world of Athyr seems to be doomed and even
though much of the general populace has no inkling
of the true threat looming over reality, more and
more people are starting to realize that corruption
is spreading throughout the lands. Some astrologists
are looking at the stars and realizing that the celestial
sky has changed, as many of the specks of light in the
firmament of space have dimmed or disappeared.
Fortunetellers and diviners are going insane trying to
foretell the future. Mediums are left in a catatonic state
after the spirits they commune with tell them the truth
about what is going on. Monsters are appearing where
previously there were none. Creatures are mutating
into foul, often almost unrecognizable versions of their
former selves. The cults are gaining in power and their
malefic influence is spreading, corrupting the sands,
seas, and skies.
On Athyr, danger and grit are constants, and the world
is on the brink of destruction. Humanity is faced with
monsters, cults, and magic that threaten to bring
about its downfall. The Twelve Pillars of Doom loom
ominously, a dark portent of the inevitable dark fate
that awaits if the cults are not stopped.
But you are the heroes in the making, the ones who will
rise to the challenge and defy danger against all odds.
The game’s mechanics are easy to grasp and quick to
play, but crunchy and pulpy enough to satisfy even the
most dedicated of players. Combat is smooth-running
and cinematic, with a fast-paced approach that will
keep you on the edge of your seat.
Blood and Doom encourages roleplay and a narrative
approach to combat, with player-facing rolls and no
set initiative order. This creates a sense of realism and
tension, as you must react to changing situations and
think on your feet.
The game is easy to learn but deep and customizable,
allowing you to create the Character of your
dreams and explore the world of Blood and Doom
to its fullest. But be warned - the world is dark and
foreboding, hurtling towards its inevitable doom at the
hands of the twelve cults and the Heralds of Doom
they worship. Can you stop them and save humanity
from its fate, or will you turn your back and go on
adventures until, finally, everything starts to crumble
around you, enjoying your short but carefree life for as
long as it lasts? The choice is yours.
10
WHAT YOU
NEED TO PLAY
Great news: as you will be playing Blood and Doom ,
you won’t need much. Only this book, Character Sheets
(included as PDFs to print, or on virtual tabletop Roll20
for playing online), and an assortment of dice. If you’re
printing out your Character Sheets, you’ll also need an
erasable pencil and a gum to write down all relevant
information about your Character.
As far as the dice are concerned, you’ll need a set
of 10-sided dice (d10) of which one has a different
color than the rest (your ‘Setback Die’). About ten
d10 should do it. Additionally, you’ll need a standard
set of seven polyhedral dice, including a d4, d6, d8,
d10, d12, d20 and d100. The set of custom dice we’ll
make available during our Kickstarter campaign will
come in especially handy and includes no less than
12d10 (including a Setback Die), each of them inscribed
with symbols to denote the ‘successes’ you roll during
the game, and polyhedral dice with custom designed
numbering in the style of Blood and Doom .
As previously noted, Blood and Doom can easily
be played both using theater of the mind, or using
miniatures and a map. 2D-tiles or 3D-terrain will also
look great, but we recommend playing without a grid
to keep the action going and to keep movement more
open and freestyle, as the game is more suited to
cinematic strategic combat and we don’t want you to
get stuck measuring distances every few seconds.
Most importantly, you’ll need 2 to 6 players,
a Doomsayer, and the willingness to have a good time
together and simply set aside a few hours to have some
pure old-fashioned unadulterated fun!
Introduction
INSPIRATION & INFLUENCE
▪ Conan The Barbarian (1982),
▪ Conan The Destroyer (1984),
▪ The Other Gods (1921),
▪ Azathoth (1922),
▪ Berserk (1997), ▪ The Call of Cthulhu (1926),
▪ The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad (1973), ▪ At the Mountains of Madness (1931),
▪ The Witcher (2019), ▪ The Shadow over Innsmouth (1931),
▪ Red Sonja (1985), ▪ The Croning (2012),
▪ The Beastmaster (1982), ▪ The Burrowers Beneath (1974),
▪ Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984), ▪ Baour: Strands of Death (2009),
▪ Hellraiser (1987), ▪ The Bleak Shore (1940),
▪ The Dark Crystal (1982), ▪ Elric of Melniboné (1972),
▪ The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance (2019), ▪ The Thing (1982),
▪ Dagon (1917), ▪ The Fly (1986),
▪ Beyond the Wall of Sleep (1919), ▪ Prince of Darkness (1987),
▪ Nyarlathotep (1920), ▪ Children of the Corn (1977),
▪ The Nameless City (1921), ▪ The Omen (1976)
K EY TERMS
Some specific terms will be mentioned throughout Blood and Doom frequently. Below is an overview of the most
important ones and what they mean within the context of the game.
D(X) SCENE
Dice are an essential part of any tabletop role-playing Any moment during Blood and Doom when Characters
game. Blood And Doom uses mostly d10, which are are engaging with the world and people in it. It usually
10-sided dice. You can also find abbreviations like d6 involves talking to people or interacting with other
and d8 to indicate dice with that number of sides. Any creatures. Think of a Scene like that of a movie, where
number put in front of the ‘d’ shows how many dice something happens and progresses into the next Scene
should be rolled, for example 4d10 to roll four ten- with different circumstances.
sided dice. Whenever a d2 or d3 is mentioned, this
ENCOUNTER
refers to a d4 or d6 respectively, with results of 1-2
In many ways the same as a Scene, except that an
equaling 1, 3-4 equaling 2, and 5-6 equaling 3.
Encounter usually involves some type of conflict that
SESSION needs to be resolved. A fight is a good example of an
An afternoon or evening of playing Blood and Doom , Encounter, or a trap in a Dungeon that sets off the
usually lasting somewhere between three to five hours room filling with water. A Scene can easily turn into
and played with two to six people. Drinks and snacks an Encounter whenever conflict arises and is acted out
are recommended. taking Turns.
11

CHARACTER
The adventurers whose roles the players take on
during the game. They are known as Characters, or
Player Characters (PCs). For convenience, throughout
this book when referring to ‘you’, it will usually also
mean your Character.
CLASS
This is what makes your Character unique, determines
what it is that they are good at, and what defines them.
There are nine Classes to choose from each with two
Archetypes. They are the Barbarian, Guardian, Hunter,
Shaman, Assassin, Druid, Slayer, Minstrel and Sorcerer.
PARTY
A group of Characters who travel and adventure
together. Usually this will be all the players’ Characters
at your table or virtual tabletop.
DOOMSAYER
The Doomsayer, also known as game master or GM, is
the one who narrates to the players what they see and
hear in the world and reacts to the Characters’ actions
and conversations by portraying NPCs and Monsters.
The Doomsayer also makes decisions about what
will happen after a die roll has been made and
keeps the game moving forward. The Doomsayer
is not an adversary of the Players, and though they
may create exciting challenges for the Players’
Characters, you always play together to have a fun and
engaging experience.
NPC
The characters whose roles the Doomsayer takes on
during the game and inhabit the fictive world the
game takes place in. They are known as non-player
characters. If you’re lucky they are friendly to you and
your Party, but there’s a lot of NPCs with nefarious
intentions, most notably cultists!
MONSTER
These are the natural and unnatural creatures that
inhabit the world and often pose a danger to the
Characters. They can be found almost anywhere and
fighting them will likely comprise a large part of most
adventures.
12
DUNGEON
Any place that might house foes, monsters, secret
ancient texts, clues to complete a quest, and so on.
Dungeons are dangerous places waiting to be explored,
providing a ton of adventuring opportunity. Think of
ancient ruins, underground cave complexes, ominous
cult lairs and impenetrable fortresses for example.
ACTION ROLL
Explained thoroughly in the rules, an Action Roll
is when you roll a handful of dice (d10) to attempt
a challenging action. The result of the roll determines
whether you succeed and to what degree, or if you fail
and perhaps even suffer a negative consequence.
EDGE & CHALLENGE
Whenever you make an Action Roll, you sometimes
get to roll more or fewer dice than usual depending
on the situation. When this is to your advantage,
you gain Edge and roll more dice. When it is to your
disadvantage, you suffer Challenge and roll fewer dice
instead.
BLOOD POINTS & DOOM POINTS
Your Character has both Blood Points and Doom Points,
which form a key part of the game. You spend Blood
Points to use Powers and cast Magic, while Doom Points
can be spent to reroll dice and get another chance to
succeed at an action should you have failed.
MOMENTUM
When you make an Action Roll and roll more successes
than required for its Difficulty, each additional success
represents one Momentum. Momentum can be spent
in various ways, to gain benefits, aid your allies, and
perform special moves with certain weapons among
other things.
PLAYING THE GAME
Using the imagination of everyone around the table,
the Doomsayer describes a Scene to the players,
functioning as the Characters’ eyes, ears and nose for
a moment to let them know where they are and what is
going on. The players are then free to respond and tell
each other what their Character does or says, either by
describing it in third person or acting it out as if they
are playing a role in a theater play or a movie.
Most of the time, the Doomsayer will drop little clues
while describing a Scene, informing players as to what
their Characters could pick up on and pursue. Players
can have their Characters roam around a city to
explore, travel to distant lands in search of treasure,
talk to NPCs they encounter, or look for signs of trouble
and offer their aid to an NPC in need. All the while,
the Doomsayer will let players know what happens in
response to the Characters’ actions.
Blood and Doom would not be a game about
adventure and evil cults if conflict and dangerous
challenges weren’t a big part of it. The Doomsayer
will usually prepare, come up with quests for your
Characters, or set up situations that draw them into
a plot or adventure organically. As the story develops,
obvious or less obvious assignments may arise for
Characters to take on, usually involving some form
or exploration, investigation, combat, magic-use, or
another adventuring trope.
This is where Encounters come into play. Unlike a Scene,
where everyone at the table can describe what they
say or do in an unstructured manner, an Encounter is
made up of Rounds and starts as soon as any conflict
arises. Every Round, each Character, NPC, and Monster
gets one Turn to act. This can include moving around
the environment, attacking, defending, helping allies,
using magic, solving problems and much more.
As this goes on, Session after Session, players will get
a chance to make choices as to how their Characters
develop, both through their actions and decisions
made within the fictional world of the game (normally
Athyr, though other settings can easily be adopted),
and through earning Experience Points that allow
them to Level Up, learn new things, and take on more
challenging quests.
Together these Sessions make up what is called an
adventure, which can last anywhere between one
to about ten Sessions. Particularly long adventures
are sometimes referred to as a campaign, involving
Characters starting and finishing multiple smaller
adventures that all tie together to form a bigger
13
Introduction
whole. Think of it as how a movie or TV show plays out.
The former is short, to the point, and has an ending
just before the credits start rolling again. Perhaps
there is a sequel in the works, but even without one,
a movie usually stands fine on its own. The latter goes
on for much longer, with some episodes being filled
with action and excitement, and others focusing on
the characters and their personal affairs. Whatever the
case might be, the ending often isn’t in sight until after
a few seasons.
As you start out playing Blood and Doom , one of you
takes on the role of the Doomsayer and the other
players each create a Character to play with. Everyone
is recommended to familiarize themselves with the
rules of the game as described in this book, but the
Doomsayer most of all should read or skim through
both this book (especially the Doomsayer Section in the
back) and the adventure at least once to get a good
idea of how to prepare, run and adjudicate the game.
Other books, like the Doomsayer’s Codices, will allow
the Doomsayer to delve even deeper into the setting
and the lore, making sure they can come up with even
richer and more detailed backgrounds and stories.
The world of Athyr is a place of wonder and danger,
where every step could lead to adventure or doom. The
Doomsayer’s voice rises above the clatter of dice and
the murmur of conversation, painting a vivid picture of
the world that surrounds the characters. The scent of
exotic spices mingles with the stench of decay, as the
players’ imaginations conjure up a bustling bazaar or
a forgotten tomb.
But danger lurks in every shadow, and the players must
be ready to face it at any moment. With a sudden lurch,
the scene transforms into a deadly encounter, where
each decision could mean the difference between
life and death. The Players’ hearts race as they battle
monsters, explore ancient ruins, and uncover sinister
conspiracies. Through it all, they grow in strength and
wisdom, becoming legends in their own right.
Blood and Doom is a game of both epic adventure and
unimaginable dread, where the Players will have to take
on the roles of heroes in the making – quite possibly
reluctant ones – and face the ultimate test of courage
and cunning. Journeying through the world of Athyr
can be a glorious experience, an operatic drama, an
emotional rollercoaster, and a symphonic power metal
extravaganza, but it is always an exciting, epic voyage,
and we are honored to have you on board with us.
THE BLOOD A ND DOOM TEAM
 Rules Overview

A BILITIES SKILLS
Every Character has fifteen Abilities that determine Every Character has a number of Skills to complement
how good they are at performing certain actions or their Abilities. Skills tell you something about what your
overcoming challenges presented during the game. Character is trained in and what kind of experience

CHAPTER 1:
Whenever a Character attempts to do something or they have. They are more specific than Abilities and
reacts to the world around them, it is always related to only apply in specific situations or when using certain
one of these Abilities. weapons or tools.

RULES
If you are unfamiliar with the roleplaying game trope
of Abilities, you’ll get the hang of it soon enough;
every Ability is pretty self-explanatory, and detailed
information about their use and meaning can be found
For example, the Skill ‘Wilderness Exploration’ would
be of help when trying to navigate through a dense
forest or find food while traveling across a desert, while
the ‘Swords’ Skill is useful for fighting with a scimitar

OVERVIEW
in the ABILITIES & SKILLS CHAPTER ON P. 136 . or katana. Whenever one of your Skills applies to
a situation you get to roll extra dice that increase your
Once your Character has been created they will have
chance of succeeding an action even more.
a number of points in each Ability, known as an Ability
Score. The higher an Ability Score, the more dice you
get to roll when using that Ability and so increasing your
chance of success. The ACTION ROLL SECTION ON P. 18
goes into more detail on how dice rolling works.

ABILITY OVERVIEW
STRENGTH Physical strength and muscle power

B O DY
DEXTERITY Finesse, balancing and crafting
TOUGHNESS Stamina, resilience and constitution
REFLEX Reactiveness and speed
STEALTH Moving stealthily and hiding

CLASS & A RCHETYPE INTELLECT Brainpower, abstract knowledge and logical thinking

MIND
Nine Classes will be playable upon the official release of Blood and Doom. In this primer WISDOM Practical knowledge, healing and survival
book, a selection of four Classes is included to create your Character, each described in
LORE Knowledge about culture, history and myths
the CHARACTER CREATION CHAPTER ON P. 56 . To better understand the game’s
rules as discussed in the following sections it can help to know a little of what a Class is AWARENESS Perception and awareness of surroundings
about first.
FOCUS Stability of the mind
Every Class in the game is split into two Archetypes that further define it. The Barbarian
Class for example includes the Nomad and Gladiator Archetypes, one of which you will
choose if you decide to play a Barbarian. Each Archetype in turn has number of unique HEART Sympathy, social adeptness and integrity

SOUL
attributes in the form of Traits, Powers and Magic.
MYSTIQUE Secrecy, deception and seduction
Your Class is central to your Character, and the first thing you choose when you create
one; everything else, like allocating Ability Scores and choosing an Origin and Character COURAGE Bravery, composure and leadership
Path will flow from it naturally. Now that the basics are covered, it is time to dive a little
deeper into what all of it means.
INSIGHT Sensing intentions and deceit
WILLPOWER Steadfastness and resisting evil

14 15
 Rules Overview

TRAITS, POWERS Some Traits allow you to gain ‘Charges’, which can be MAGIC is rare in the world of Blood and Doom , yet When your Character does something during the

& M AGIC
Each Class Archetype has a variety of unique Traits,
Powers (or Magic) that can be used during the game.
They are a large part of what makes each Class and
Archetype unique. You start the game with a certain
number of each and get to choose more as you reach
higher levels and can improve the ones you already have.
A brief overview is presented here, though more
details can be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC
CHAPTER ON P. 145 and the CLASS & ARCHETYPE
CHAPTER ON P. 72 .
TRAITS usually aren’t actively used; instead, a Character
always gains its benefit. Unlike Powers and Magic,
every Class and Archetype has Traits. A good example
of a Trait is the Guardian Warden’s ‘My Life For Yours’,
which allows the Warden to protect an ally at their
side by taking part of the damage they would receive
from an opponent.
spent to use the Trait’s effect a set number of times.
These Charges are gained per Rest, per Day, at the start
of an Encounter or when something specific happens.
An example being the Assassin Ninja’s ‘Blood Oath’,
with which they gain 6 Charges whenever they make
a promise to someone to defeat, capture or kill a target
that wronged them. The Ninja can spend a Charge at
any time to increase their chance of success to help
further their goal and hold their promise.
POWERS are often more impactful than Traits, but they
are temporary and using them requires Blood Points to
be spent. For example, the Barbarian Nomad’s ‘Destroyer’
allows them to destroy objects like wooden doors and
iron locks with a single blow from their weapon for up to
1 minute. Another example is the Guardian Vanguard’s
‘Turn The Tide’, which they can use to let an ally take
an extra Action on their Turn and possibly get out of
a tough spot during a fight. Not every Character can
use Powers, however. They are reserved for Classes that
do not use Magic, and vice versa.
there are those who have mastered it nonetheless
(cultists most notably!). Just like Powers, using Magic
requires Blood Points to be spent. The Druid, Shaman
and Sorcerer are Classes that can each use a form of
Magic which is unique to only them. Of these three,
the Druid is included in this primer book, focusing on
the forces of nature to wield magic and bend their
natural surroundings to their will.
For example, the Druid Stargazer’s ‘Control Elements’
allows them to shape, move, solidify or vaporize any
element of their choice, from fire or water to earth
and air, and even metal. The Druid Kindred’s ‘Wild
Growth’ lets them create, twist and roots and thorn
bushes on large area or surface that can either retrain,
knock down or even harm opponents.
FICTION &
game, it usually looks something like this:
FICTION
▪ The Doomsayer describes a Scene; something
that is happening, or simply the things you see,
hear or smell wherever it is that you are at
that moment.
▪ You describe your Character’s action; what
they do or attempt, or their reaction; how they
respond to perils and danger. If possible, give
some detail on the hows and whys; add some
flare and imagination to what you want to do.
M ECHANIC
(These mechanics and game terms are all covered in
the upcoming sections.)

M ECHANICS ▪ If necessary, the Doomsayer asks for an Action

Roll and chooses an Ability and Difficulty.
When playing a tabletop roleplaying game like
Blood and Doom , there is the story, the fantasy, the
▪ Roll a number of Action Dice determined by
your Ability Score, Skill Rank (if one of your Skills
imagination and narration which is happening at the
is relevant) and any Edge and Challenge that
table; the roleplay aspect of it, and the suspension of
disbelief of envisioning yourself being your Character may apply.
inside the game’s world. This is known as the fiction. ▪ If the number of successes you roll meets or
exceeds the Difficulty, you succeed! Additional
Then there are also rules, dice, and calculations that
need to be made and whatever else is happening successes rolled above the Difficulty are also used,
during the game to make it work that is not part of as covered later.
the fiction. These are known as the mechanics.
Mechanics can sometimes lead the fiction to disappear
into the background, with players focusing on rules FICTION
and numbers. Even though it is perfectly fine to have
this happen from time to time, most people seem to
▪ The Doomsayer narrates what happens next,
based on the success or failure achieved.
agree that putting fiction first, and mechanics second,
results in a more immersive experience. ▪ Your friends will hopefully cheer if you did
something cool or prevented some disaster,
To help accomplish this, try to think first and foremost
and you add to the Doomsayer’s narration by
about being part of the fiction and simply say what is
on your mind when you do or say something as your roleplaying your Character or describing what
Character, or while referring to them in the third they do next.
person.
Don’t stare blindly at your Character Sheet in search of
answers for what you could do, but let the story and
action drive you. This way you can stay immersed in
the adventures unfolding at the table and largely leave
thinking about mechanics up to the Doomsayer.

17

ACTION ROLL
Often the game progresses with players describing what
they do or say and the Doomsayer responding with
what happens next without making dice rolls. However,
any time you attempt to do something challenging or
anything else which has a reasonable chance of failure,
you make what is known as an Action Roll.
For example, to attack an enemy, spot something that
is hidden, scale a mountain cliff, navigate your way
in the wilderness, cast a spell on someone, or recall
knowledge about a place’s history.
You also make an Action Roll when something happens
to you, like when you defend yourself against an attack,
jump out of harm’s way from a trap that triggered, or
resist poison from a snakebite. In such cases you make
an Action Roll to determine whether you can avoid it
or reduce any harm you might take.
ROLLING DICE
To make an Action Roll you roll a bunch of Action Dice
(d10) and try to get as many results of 8, 9 and 10
as you can, which are referred to as ‘successes’. Each
Action Die that comes up 8 or 9 counts as one success,
while every 10 counts as two successes. Action Dice
that come up 7 or lower have no effect and can be
disregarded, with exception of your Setback Die (a d10
of a different color; more on this later).
The Doomsayer always lets you know how many
successes are required to succeed at an action. The
harder the thing is you attempt to do, the higher the
Difficulty and the more successes you’ll need. The
default is 2 successes, but it could be anywhere from
1 to 5. More on this can be found in the DIFFICULTY
LEVEL SECTION ON P. 28 . Of course, rolling more
successes than required works as well; it doesn’t have
to be the ‘exact’ number of successes, just as long as
you roll equal to or higher than the Difficulty.
So how many Action Dice do you get to roll for
a specific action? This depends on the size of your
Dice Pool. The better you are at doing something, the
more Action Dice you can add to your Dice Pool to
roll for that action. ‘Dice Pool’ is really just a fancy way
of saying ‘the dice you collect in your hand before you
roll them’. But this is also one of the most fun parts
of the Dice Pool: you get to physically add as much
Action Dice as you can (or are allowed) to your hand,
shake them up, and roll to see what happens.
18
Your Dice Pool is made up of the following:
▪ ABILITY SCORE
You always add a number of Action Dice equal to
one of your Ability Scores.
▪ SKILL RANK
You add a number of Action Dice equal to
a Skill’s Rank only if a Skill applies.
▪ EDGE AND/OR CHALLENGE
You sometimes add or subtract even more dice,
as covered in the Edge & Challenge section.
Most of the time, the Doomsayer lets you know
what Ability to use when making an Action Roll. For
example, Strength when you make a melee attack
with a glaive, Awareness when you try to spot danger
or clues, Mystique when you try to deceive someone
during a conversation, or Reflex when you jump out of
the way of a triggered trap. With a Strength Score of
4, you can add 4 Action Dice to your Dice Pool. Simple
as that.
In some cases, though, more than one Ability could
apply, and you can then choose depending on the
approach you take. For example, some weapons allow
you to use either Strength or Dexterity when attacking,
and when defending yourself against an opponent’s
melee attacks you can use Toughness (to stand firm
and hold your ground) or Reflex (to dodge the attack).
It is up to you to determine whether a Skill could
be beneficial to your action, which should always be
discussed with the Doomsayer. If a Skill applies, you can
add a number of Action Dice equal to the relevant
Skill’s Rank to your Dice Pool. If none of your Skills apply,
you roll as many Action Dice as your Ability Score only
(though as usual Edge and/or Challenge can apply).
REFERRING TO
ACTION ROLLS
Action Rolls are usually referred to just by
their relevant Ability name, which for the
above examples would be: ‘Strength Roll’,
Awareness Roll’, ‘Mystique Roll’, and so on.
You will encounter those terms frequently
in this book, always meaning an Action Roll
using the Ability mentioned.
For example, let’s say you are making your way
through a dense jungle and want to see if you can
spot the hidden temple ruins that are rumored to
be somewhere in that area. The Doomsayer will ask
for an Awareness Roll. If you have the Archeology &
Stonework Skill or maybe Perception & Investigation,
these would certainly be useful in this situation and
the Doomsayer should allow you to add Action Dice
from either one of those Skills’ Rank. On the other
hand, if you have neither, you’ll probably end up just
rolling Awareness.
ACTION ROLL =
ROLL ACTION DICE (D10)
IN DICE POOL (ABILITY + SKILL)
8, 9 = ONE SUCCESS
10 = TWO SUCCESSES
ROLLING ADDITIONAL SUCCESSES
Additional successes rolled above the required Difficulty
aren’t wasted, but instead used to gain additional
benefits, succeed triumphantly, use your weapon’s
special attributes, help an ally, or when casting magic:
increase the spell’s effect. This is all covered in more
detail in the MOMENTUM SECTION ON P. 31 .
EXAMPLE
Akar and Nehresi, two fearsome warriors from
the Valgar Plains, are making their way across
the arid deserts of Ova Dyr to deliver an
important message to the Twin Amrins of Nadir.
During their third night of trekking across the
sandy dunes they are surrounded by a pack
of hungry Plain Beasts, ready to devour them
whole.
Akar and Nehrasi know what to do and
immediately ready their weapons and stand
back to back as the four Plain Beasts draw closer
from all sides. Both adventurers know that
getting the upper hand here might mean the
difference between life and death, and Akar
decides to leap forward and lash out with his
Battleaxe, attacking the largest and fiercest of
the Plain Beasts in hopes to scare off the others.
19
Rules Overview
PLAYER FACING RULES
Blood And Doom is a ‘player facing’ game,
which means that unlike in many other
tabletop roleplaying games players make
almost all dice rolls and the Doomsayer
very few. You make Action Rolls both when
you act (on your Turn, during an Encounter)
and also when you react (on an opponent’s
Turn, during an Encounter).
For example, instead of the Doomsayer rolling
for a Monster to make an attack, you as the
player make an Action Roll to defend yourself
instead (using the Toughness or Reflex Ability).
If you succeed, you avoid getting hit. If you fail,
your enemy strikes true and you’ll likely take
damage. Similarly, if an NPC tries to trick you,
the Doomsayer does not roll to see if the NPC
succeeds. Instead, you make an Action Roll to
determine whether you can see through the
deception (using your Insight Ability).
The Battleaxe is a weapon that can only be
wielded using Strength. Akar has a Strength
Score of no less than 5, and a Skill Rank of 2 in
the ‘Axes’ Combat Skill. Akar’s Player gets to roll
a total of 7 Action Dice, and the Doomsayer
calls it a Difficulty 2 to hit the Plain Beast. The
result is 8, 8 and a 10 (ignoring numbers lower
than 7), which is no less than 4 successes! More
than enough for Akar to cleave his mighty
Battleaxe into the muscled neck of the Plain
Beast pack leader.
(A Battleaxe has a Weapon Attribute known
as ‘Brutal’, which would allow Akar to pull off
a devastating move and deal extra damage
because he rolled more successes than required,
but we’ll cover that later to keep things
simple here).

As Akar’s attack succeeds, the Player can now
roll for damage. A Battleaxe has a d10 Damage
Die (Damage Dice can vary from 1d4 all the
way up to 1d12!) and the result is 6. The Axes
Skill Rank of 2 is also added to this damage, for
a total damage dealt of 8! But the Plain Beasts
aren’t convinced yet, and the pack leader is
ready to retaliate. It twists and turns to pull back
from Akar’s Battleaxe and strikes back.
The Doomsayer asks Akar’s Player to defend. He
decides there is no time to jump of of the way
and narrates how he attempts to parry with his
Battleaxe, still having it held up from his prior
attack. He makes a Toughness Roll, also using
his Axes Skill Rank. His Toughness Score is 3, and
adding the Axes Skill Rank this totals 5 Action
Dice. Plain Beasts might not be so hard to hit,
but defending against them is a Difficulty 3
no less.
5 Action Dice are rolled and luckily the result
is an 8 and 10 (again, ignoring lower numbers).
Since a 10 is good for 2 successes, the total is
3 successes and Akar manages to fend of the
attack. The Doomsayer would roll for damage
if the Plain Beast’s claw would have struck Akar,
but instead now Nehrasi sees a chance to join
in, jumps on a nearby rock and dives down onto
one of the Plain Beasts dual wielding her kukris
and ready to take care of business…
20
Rules Overview
EXAMPLE
Dandri, a valiant Guardian hailing from
Karchova, has recently arrived by ship at the
docks of Samorra, one of Ethennia’s greatest
(if not ‘the’ greatest) port cities. Long story
short, she gets into a scuffle with a group of
pickpockets on the Guild Docks while the rest
of her Party is off to visit the infamous Shrine of
the Idol.
Obviously, these thieves must have thought
the near human-sized sword Dandri carries
must have been a decorative piece, as they
all stumble back when she draws her majestic
zweihänder. As the Doomsayer narrates what
happens, Dandri’s Player sees an opportunity
to end this confrontation quickly. She lets the
Doomsayer know she wants to intimidate these
petty thieves by having Dandri swing her sword
skillfully around her and uttering ‘Alright, you
scoundrels, let’s have it! My blade thirsts for
your blood!’
The Doomsayer asks if Dandri wants to continue
by hacking away at the pickpockets or only
wants to intimidate them (for now). Dandri’s
Player agrees to the latter, and the Doomsayer
asks for a Mystique Roll, but adds that if Dandri
would like to let her action speak louder than
her words, a Strength Roll may work just as well.
Dandri’s Player decides to let her threatening
tone do most of the work here and makes
a Mystique Roll, with an Ability Score of 4. She
also adds 1 Action Die from her Intimidation Skill
for a total of 5.
Dandri’s Player rolls 5 Action Dice against
a Difficulty of 2 and gets 2 successes; just
enough to succeed. Dandri manages to scare off
the thieves, at least for the time being, as they
disappear into the crowd.
21

EDGE &
CHALLENGE
Whenever you make an Action Roll you can increase the
number of Action Dice in your Dice Pool, for example
by setting up advantages for yourself or others, or by
working together. This is known as gaining Edge.
Some circumstances however do exactly the opposite
and decrease the number of Action Dice in your Dice
Pool. This is known as suffering Challenge. You can find
an overview on the next few pages of the most common
ways to gain Edge or suffer Challenge.
When you gain Edge and / or suffer Challenge, simply
add 1 Action Die to your Dice Pool for every Edge gained
and subtract 1 Action Die from your Dice Pool for every
Challenge suffered. The easiest way to keep track of this
is by physically adding and taking out these dice as you
ready them in your hand to roll.
Unlike your Ability Score or Skill Rank, Edge and
Challenge aren’t permanent and can change from one
Action Roll to another. For example, when you attack
an opponent while hidden you gain Edge, but not again
after they have become aware of your presence. If you
attack an opponent while you have higher ground on
the other hand, you gain Edge and keep doing so as
long as you hold that position.
If you ever end up having to roll 0 Action Dice after
applying Edge and Challenge, your Action Roll fails
automatically, though Doom Points can be spent to
help out if needed. More on this in the DOOM POINTS
SECTION ON P. 34 . Regardless of how much Edge
you gain, you never roll more than 12 Action Dice total
at any time during the game.
EDGE / CHALLENGE =
ADD / SUBTRACT ACTION DICE
22
EDGE
Situational
Things like hiding, taking cover,
having higher ground, but also
Advantage
social or investigative advantages.
One Character takes the lead
Working and makes an Action Roll while
Together allies assist to increase the chance
of success.
Some of your Traits, Powers and
Trait, Power
or Magic Magic can give you Edge as well,
or even your allies.
Gain Edge when an ally
gives you a Boost, if you do
Boosting
anything related to what they
just accomplished.
When an opponent is hampered
by a Condition, you sometimes
Conditions
gain Edge if you can take
advantage of it.
CHALLENGE
Things like harsh weather,
Situational climbing a slippery surface, an
Disadvantage
ambush or having accidentally
insulted someone.
When you get attacked by
a group of opponents, you
Opponent
don’t always roll to defend
Group Attack
against each, but roll once
with Challenge.
Just like Characters, Monsters
Opponent and NPCs have Traits and
Trait / Action special Actions that can
impose Challenge.
Conditions like Poisoned, Blinded
or Prone can cause you to
Conditions
suffer Challenge to perform
specific actions.
SITUATIONAL A DVANTAGES
When you attempt something that can benefit from
the environment, the objects in it, prior planning, or
a perfect set-up, you gain Edge. You can usually only
make use of one situational advantage per Action Roll,
though there are exceptions. Feel free to let your
Doomsayer know if you think this is the case.
A common way to gain Edge like this is when you
engage an opponent who is unaware of your presence,
either by sneaking up on them or setting up an ambush.
It also includes things like making the floor slippery
with oil, escaping through bramble bushes while you
know a path and your opponent doesn’t, or attacking
someone from an advantageous position.
Objects that provide a situational advantage exclude
commonly used items and weapons, but instead refer
to things like a knocked-over table or pile of barrels
to take cover behind, or a chandelier to swing across
the room with. Feel free to try things out and ask your
Doomsayer if what you want to attempt is beneficial
and can give you Edge.
More options like these are covered in the COMBAT &
ENCOUNTERS CHAPTER ON P. 199 , but situational
advantages aren’t exclusive to physical confrontation
by any means. For example, you can gain Edge by using
leverage to lift a heavy object, or by using sensitive
information to persuade a guard to grant you passage.
Setting up situational advantages can be considered
the bread and butter of adventuring. The world is
a dangerous place, and your opponents are often sly
and deadly. Going straight toward your goal without
considering how to gain the upper hand can mean the
difference between victory and defeat.
WORKING TOGETHER
When you do something and one or more allies help
out, you gain Edge per ally who adds something to
improve your action. This is a great way to overcome
challenging obstacles or defeat powerful opponents
that would otherwise be hard to tackle alone. When
working together, one Character always takes the lead
while others assist.
This could be anything from breaking open a door to
a coordinated effort to bring down an opponent to
23
Rules Overview
baking a pie. During an Encounter, everyone who works
together to achieve something spends their Turn to do
so, but only the Character who takes the lead makes an
Action Roll to perform the Action.
To work together like this, it should be possible that
your coordinated efforts benefit the situation. For
example, bashing against a regular-sized door can
reasonably only be done by two Characters at most,
and when attacking an opponent each Character who
assists should be able to let the Doomsayer know how
they intend to do this.
TRAITS, POWERS & M AGIC
Some of your Traits, Powers and Magic provide Edge to
you and one or more of your allies. Their description
lets you know when this is the case. Opponents also have
Traits and special Actions they can perform that impose
Challenge when you have to react against them.
BOOSTING
How to give an ally a Boost or how to make use of
a Boost yourself is explained in the MOMENTUM
SECTION ON P. 31 . In short, when you receive
a Boost, you can use it to gain Edge if you immediately
act upon the advantage gained from an ally’s efforts.
SITUATIONAL
DISADVANTAGES
Like situational advantages, there can also be many
things that hinder your actions instead. The Doomsayer
lets you know when this is the case. Situational
disadvantages can range from environmental
challenges, to hidden opponents attacking you, to not
respecting the dress code at a royal ball. Whenever
you do anything that might be affected by these
circumstances, you suffer Challenge.
It can also happen you attempt something challenging,
but not quite enough to raise the Difficulty Level.
Instead, the Doomsayer can decide you suffer
Challenge instead, which is slightly more beneficial to
your chance of success.

OPPONENT GROUP ATTACKS
Imagine getting attacked by three opponents at once
and having to make an Action Roll to defend against
each opponent. This would slow down the game to
a halt and isn’t very exciting. Instead, when a situation
like this presents itself there are special rules where you
only roll to defend yourself once but suffer Challenge
for each opponent above the first.
There is a little more to it than that, as the damage
possibly dealt by your opponents is also affected. The
COMBAT & ENCOUNTERS CHAPTER ON P. 199 goes
into this in more detail.
CONDITIONS
You can suffer a Condition when something bad
happens to you, like getting Poisoned by a poisoned
arrow, Blinded by darkness, or knocked Prone by
a powerful attack or object crashing into you. Some
Conditions cause you to suffer Challenge, though there
are many other negative consequences possible as well.
When an opponent suffers a Condition exactly the
opposite happens, and you gain Edge to any Action Roll
that can capitalize on their Condition. For example, if
an opponent is knocked Prone you gain Edge to attack
them. A complete overview of Conditions is listed in the
CONDITIONS & AFFLICTIONS CHAPTER ON P. 216 .
EXAMPLE
Nazoya, a fierce Barbarian with a short temper,
and her best friend, a gentle and kind-hearted
Druid by the name of Kelim, are making their
way to the Taluan Caves in the southern parts of
Torra Nyega. They are in search of a legendary
treasure that is supposed lie hidden there;
remnants of an age long forgotten.
As they make their way across the Domes of
Maradhar, they stumble upon a particularly
hazardous ridge they need to cross. The
Doomsayer decides this is no easy task, and
asks both to make a Dexterity Roll, Difficulty 2
(requiring 2 successes to succeed).
Nazoya’s Player asks if the Climbing & Caving Skill
would be of use here, and the answer is obviously
‘yes’. She Rolls a total of 6 Action Dice, as Nazoya
has a Dexterity Score of 4, and a Climbing &
24
Rules Overview
Caving Skill Rank of 2. She rolls an 8 and a 10 EXAMPLE runes painted on the ground, the Doomsayer asks
(ignoring lower numbers), equaling 2 successes. Ulmar, Salanthe and Fidrico are making their Salanthe’s Player to make an Awareness Roll, as her
Enough to make the Difficulty of 2! Nazoya Character is the first to enter.
way through a haunted crypt, torches in hand
climbs across the ridge gracefully. to illuminate their path inside this dark and dank Salanthe has an Awareness Score of 4, and 1
Kelim has a Dexterity Score of 5, but underground dungeon. They had noticed the Rank in the Perception & Investigation Skill. At
unfortunately no Skill that applies. Kelim’s faint sound of footsteps in the distance earlier this point it seems clear what is going on, and
Player looks at his Character Sheet and asks the but were unable to see far enough to spot the Doomsayer reveals that Alzabar is hiding
Doomsayer if maybe ‘Wilderness Exploration’ anything. Could the rumors be true? That the behind the door, ready to strike. The Difficulty
applies, but the Doomsayer rules that it’s a far mad cultist and warlock Alzabar the Cruel has is 4 to spot him, as he is an exceptionally
been hiding in the crypt, plotting to sacrifice the
stretch to use that for this particular climb. sneaky individual. She rolls 5 Action Dice but
boy who was abducted from the nearby town of only manages to get 2 successes. The Party is
Luckily, Nazoya has a rope and decides to hold
Okabi one week ago? caught off-guard by Alzabar and the blood-
one end tight and throws the other end to
Kelim, who ties it to a sturdy-looking rock. Using Tempted by the allure of a hefty reward, and of stained dagger he so skillfully wields. As a result,
course out of the goodness of their own hearts, whoever Alzabar chooses to attack first suffers
the rope, the climb has gotten a bit easier for
the Party of adventurers presses on in hopes of Challenge to defend themselves. Of course, he
Kelim, who gains Edge (from this situational
will have revealed himself when he does, and the
advantage) and Kelim’s Player can add 1 extra dealing with the matter. As they finally arrive in
remainder of the Encounter continues without
Action Die to his roll. He gets to roll a total of 6 the room where the boy is being held, bound with
ropes and sitting in a circle of candles and sinister this penalty.
Action Dice (adding 1 to the Dexterity Score of
5), without using any Skill.
Unfortunately, he rolls just 1 success; not enough
to make the Difficulty, and Kelim slips and ends
up hanging above a 100-feet drop holding on to
the rope for dear life. Nazoya immediately acts
and tells the Doomsayer she wants to give all she
has to try and pull up Kelim. ‘Such a feat requires
Strength’, the Doomsayer replies, and luckily,
Nazoya has plenty.
Nazoya has a Strength Score of 5 and an
Olympian Skill Rank of 2, for a total of 7 Action
Dice to roll. The Doomsayer sets the Difficulty
at 3, as pulling up Kelim while being stuck on
a small and treacherous mountain cliff is no easy
feat. Nazoya’s Player rolls two 8s and two 9s, for
a total of 4 successes!
That’s one more success than required, and
because of this, the Doomsayer narrates how
Nazoya easily pulls up Kelim. Nazoya’s Player says
in character: ‘I got you. I’d never let you fall; you
know that!’, to which Kelim replies: ‘Of course, I
wasn’t scared for one moment..’, as he wipes of
the sweat from his forehead. ‘Let’s go find that
treasure!’.
25

SETBACK DIE
One of your Action Dice is a special d10 known as the
Setback Die, which should have a different color from
the rest of your d10s so you can easily tell it apart. No
matter how many or how few Action Dice you roll,
your Setback Die should always be included as one of
them. This means if you end up rolling just 1 Action Die,
it should be your Setback Die.
Your Setback Die functions the same as other Action
Dice in that it generates successes when its result is
an 8, 9 or 10. However, when you fail an Action Roll
and your Setback Die results in a 1, 2 or 3, you suffer
a Setback in addition to failing your roll. If your Action
Roll succeeds on the other hand, any result of 1, 2 or 3
on your Setback Die can be ignored.
What exactly happens when you suffer a Setback
depends on the nature of your attempted action, with
a wide variety of challenges and obstacles to deal with.
The Doomsayer Section of this book offers tips and
advice for the Doomsayer to come up with Setbacks
and includes several roll tables to determine them
randomly as well. When using Magic this works a bit
different, as you’ll see next. Some examples:
26
WHEN ATTACKING
▪ Your weapon becomes Dented. If it is Dented
again, it is destroyed, though you can repair
a weapon to prevent this from happening.
▪ You put yourself in a disadvantageous position,
suffering Challenge to defend yourself or avoid
danger until your next Turn.
▪ You make the situation around you harder or
more dangerous to deal with for one or more
of your allies. They suffer Challenge if they do
anything related.
▪ You strike some inanimate object, causing
unwanted collateral damage and potentially
complicating the situation around you (knocking
over a lamp and plunging the room into
darkness, or even spilling flaming lamp oil across
the floor, for example).
▪ In your haste to reload, you spill some ammo
(arrows, crossbow bolts, etc).
▪ You sprain your muscles from making an awkward
body movement and become Paralyzed until the
end of your next Turn.
WHEN DEFENDING
▪ Your armor becomes Dented. Armor can be
Dented a number of times equal to its Durability
Rating, after which it offers no more protection
until repaired.
▪ A boot sole breaks or comes unfastened, causing
you to become Slowed until you take the time to
resolve it.
▪ You get turned around entirely, or stagger
backwards out of reach, suffering Challenge to
your next attack or related action.
▪ You collide or interfere with an ally, causing them
to suffer Challenge to their next Action Roll.
▪ If after you defend a subsequent Action Roll
needs to be made, to withstand or resist any
secondary effects of the attack, you automatically
fail that roll.
▪ You suffer additional damage or even an Injury.
More on attacking and defending can be found in
the COMBAT & ENCOUNTERS CHAPTER ON P. 199 .
Equipment and repairing items is covered in the
EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 .
WHEN USING M AGIC
When you use Magic and suffer a Setback, a unique,
negative effect is triggered as specified in the Magic’s
description. Magic can be very dangerous, and its
Setback effects can have serious consequences. More
on using Magic can be found in the USING MAGIC
SECTION ON P. 147 .
WHEN R ESISTING M AGIC
Powerful cultists, necromancers or warlocks often
make use of dark Magic to obtain their goals, and you
as adventurers will often be on the receiving end of
their mind-altering, arcane spells. Some Monsters also
have special (magical) abilities comparable to the use
of Magic. When you suffer a Setback when resisting
Magic, any of the following things might happen
(though they are each greatly dependent on the exact
nature of the Magic):
27
Rules Overview
▪ You suffer more damage than usual from the
Magic.
▪ The duration of a Condition you suffer (like
being Frightened, or Charmed) is increased,
and/or the Difficulty to end the Condition is
increased instead.
▪ You suffer more Madness than usual as a result of
the Magic’s sanity-inducing effect.
▪ Your weapon is lit ablaze with fire and you suffer
fire damage unless you drop it.
▪ Your armor explodes or is shredded to pieces.
▪ You become Exhausted, Troubled or Blemished.
▪ Instead of lowering an Ability Score by 1, you
lower it by 2.
WHEN DOING
A NYTHING ELSE
Most Setbacks during the game actually occur while
out adventuring and perhaps not necessarily engaged
in a confrontation. Many things can happen depending
on the situation. For example, when you try to lockpick
the backdoor of a guarded castle, a Setback could
mean you made too much noise, causing several guards
to pass around the corner and putting you and your
Party in a tough spot. Or when attempting to cross
a rushing river, suffering a Setback could mean you
plunge into the water and are immediately dragged
away by a powerful stream, only to end up hanging
from a slippery cliff where the water crashes down
a great depth.
Other, none-narrative penalties might still apply, for
example when you fall from great height after failing
an Action Roll while climbing, a Setback could mean
you suffer an Injury in addition to the damage you
would normally take. Though it may seem like suffering
a Setback is a bad thing (it actually is), it usually provides
the most fun and tense moments of the game, creating
unpredictable situations where you get a chance to
show off how to deal with great adversity akin to
heroes whom songs are written about.
FAIL ACTION ROLL
+ SETBACK DIE RESULT 1, 2 OR 3
= SETBACK
 Rules Overview

SUCCESS CHANCE TABLE

DIFFICULTY DIFFICULTY
SUCCESSES
R EQUIRED ACTION
LEVEL Easy 1
DICE
ROLLED
EASY
(1)
NORMAL
(2)
HARD
(3)
EXTREME
(4)
NIGHTMARE
(5)
Whenever you make an Action Roll the Doomsayer 1 30% 10% — — —
Normal 2
sets the Difficulty depending on what you attempt,
or the severity of what is happening to you. The 2 51% 23% 5% 1% —
Hard 3
Doomsayer lets you know the Difficulty of the roll
beforehand, speeding up the process of rolling dice 3 66% 36% 13% 4% 1%
and interpreting the outcome. When no Difficulty is Extreme 4
mentioned, the default is Normal. 4 76% 49% 23% 9% 3%
Nightmare 5
When you attempt to balance yourself on a broken 5 83% 59% 33% 16% 6%
rope bridge for example, the Doomsayer might ask to
make a ‘Normal Dexterity Roll’, meaning you need 2 or Once a Difficulty is set, it remains unchanged 6 88% 68% 44% 24% 11%
more successes to succeed. If the rope bridge is nearly regardless of whether you are aided by an ally, have
falling apart, the Doomsayer might ask to make a Hard set up a situational advantage or use a Skill that shows 7 92% 75% 53% 32% 17%
Dexterity Roll (requiring 3 successes) to successfully you have experience. Such advantages and others are
balance yourself instead. implemented by gaining Edge instead. 8 94% 81% 61% 41% 23%
Action Rolls are made using the following Difficulty As you can see in the Success Chance Table, Difficulty
9 96% 86% 67% 49% 31%
Levels, where success is achieved when the total Levels can make quite the difference. Whenever the
number of successes rolled is equal to or higher than Doomsayer calls for an Extreme or Nightmare roll you 10 97% 89% 75% 56% 38%
the number shown. may want to think twice about your approach.
11 98% 92% 80% 63% 45%

12 99% 94% 84% 69% 52%

DOING THE I MPOSSIBLE

Some things are simply impossible to do, regardless of Difficulty. In such cases, no roll can be
asked by the Doomsayer or made by the player. The things that Characters attempt should
always be reasonably possible within the fiction of the game, even though this is a fantasy
game about bravery, heroics and going against all odds.

For example, asking a noble lord to hand all their riches over to you with no good reason won’t
ever succeed, not even if you roll 5 successes or more. Likewise, attacking a Dragon with your
bare fists (save for poking out its eyes maybe) won’t ever succeed either, as its natural scale
armor simply cannot be penetrated without a weapon or using magic.

It is highly recommended that the Doomsayer be clear and final when determining that
something is impossible. Letting players attempt things that are simply not within their
Characters’ abilities can lead to outrageous results. At times these can add enjoyment to
gameplay, but frequently the result breaks immersion, and encourages players to try to roll for
everything, no matter how hard.

28 29
 Rules Overview

MOMENTUM Other benefits can include performing a time-

During the game it can often happen you roll more
successes than required for the Difficulty set by the
Doomsayer. Such additional successes are known
as Momentum, which each additional success
representing 1 Momentum. For example, if an Action
Roll’s Difficulty is 3 and you roll 5 successes, you succeed
and gain 2 Momentum.
Momentum can be spent and utilized in various ways,
and you always decide what to do with Momentum
immediately after you have rolled your dice. You can
choose one or multiple options from the table below
per Action to spend up to 3 Momentum on. Any
Momentum left over and unspent is lost, and you can
never save up Momentum for later use.
SPENDING MOMENTUM
consuming action in a short amount of time, finding
a useful item, stumbling upon exactly the right person
to help you out, automatically succeeding similar
actions for a limited time, or even something not
directly related to your current action.
The more Momentum you roll, the greater your
benefit should be. There is no exact measurement for
this, but one Momentum warrants a minor benefit,
while two or three Momentum should be rewarded
with something significant.
Not every action lends itself to gaining Momentum
like this. If a simple success or failure is all that could
reasonably happen that is fine too. Don’t force additional
successes (Momentum) rolled into slowing down the
game; instead save it for moments it can really make
a difference or add something useful to a Scene.

Gain
Mostly for non-combat Action
Rolls. Spend Momentum to
BOOST
a Benefit Whatever action you perform, if you accomplish
gain benefits and succeed
anything that an ally might be able to benefit from, you
triumphantly.
can spend 1 Momentum to give them a Boost. Should
Give an ally Edge to one of an ally act on what you set up for them, they can use
their Action Rolls if they can this Boost to gain Edge to one Action Roll related to it.
Boost an Ally
immediately take advantage of Unlike when you work together as described in the
what you just did. Edge & Challenge section, you don’t need to give up
your Turn to help someone. Instead, your exceptional
Use Momentum can be spent to
success (at whatever you were doing) creates
a Weapon perform special actions using one
Attribute ‘momentum’ from which someone else may benefit.
of your Weapon’s Attributes.
A Boosted ally must act not long after they received
Some Traits, Powers and Magic their Boost to take advantage of it, which is most useful
Trait, Power
or Magic allow you to spend Momentum during an Encounter when taking Turns. In this case,
each in their own unique way. a Boost lasts until the end of the Round when it was
obtained. Without an Encounter taking place, a Boost
must be used immediately after it is gained. In either
BENEFIT case, Boosts cannot be saved up and should be spent
The simplest way of applying Momentum is to before being able to receive another Boost.
determine how well you succeeded at something. Most importantly you should be able to justify how
Usually, the Doomsayer will think of beneficial effects and why what you did can benefit an ally, which you
gained when this happens, but you should feel free to can discuss and deliberately plan for. It is up to the
pitch in and think of something cool together. The Doomsayer to decide whether your plan can work as
Doomsayer does have final say over what will happen. intended or not.
Utilizing Momentum this way works best for actions In rare cases multiple allies may be able to benefit
performed during a Scene as opposed to an Encounter. together from what you did, in which case, at the
For example, when you try to spot danger or clues it Doomsayer’s discretion, you could be allowed to spend
can lead to uncovering even more than expected, or more than one Momentum; one per ally that you want
when trying to figure out if someone is lying it could to Boost. All allies Boosted this way are then expected
provide additional information about their personality to act on it immediately to make use of their Boosts,
and underlying intentions. as usual.

30 31

You cannot Boost an ally by spending Momentum
from reacting to something, like defending against an
attack, jumping out of the way of a trap, or resisting
poison. It should always be something you initiate
yourself, and that can potentially help an ally.
Boosting is a great way to work as a team and tackle
obstacles you come across in a cinematic fashion,
creating combos of subsequent actions made by your
entire Party where one Boosts another and another
the next. When coordinated right, a Boost can even be
used to defend against an opponent’s attack or other
harmful effect.
EXAMPLE
WEAPON ATTRIBUTES
The EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 lists an
overview of special actions that can be performed
by spending Momentum using one of your Weapon’s
Attributes. The more Momentum you have to spend,
the more powerful their effect. Think of things like
severing an opponent’s arm, impaling them with a spear
and pinning them to a wall, making extra attacks or
parrying an opponent for a relentless counterstrike.
Each weapon in the game has one or more of these
attributes, like ‘Powerful’, ‘Swift’ or ‘Vicious’.
TRAIT, POWER OR M AGIC
Some of each Class Archetype’s unique Traits, Powers
or Magic utilize Momentum in various ways. Refer to
the CLASS & ARCHETYPE CHAPTER ON P. 72 to
learn about what you can do if you choose to play
such a Character.
EXAMPLE
While visiting a leather workshop in Vahlia,
a beautiful gem-encrusted leather armor
catches Laevandyr’s eye. Known for his
legendary stinginess, the haughty noble tries
to haggle down the price, prompting the
Doomsayer to ask his Player for a Mystique Roll
at Difficulty 2. He rolls and gets an 8, another
8, and a 10, which is no less than 4 successes! It
also means that Laevandyr will get 2 Momentum
and the Doomsayer decides that the shopkeeper
agrees to let go of his masterwork at a major
discount.
32
In addition to getting an even fairer price than
Laevandyr was asking for, the shopkeeper takes
a liking to his straightforwardness. He kneels
down behind the counter and pulls up a few
goods he had tucked away there, saved only
for ‘special’ customers: several beautiful leather
bags, and some particularly alluring footwear,
all of which he is willing to part with for
a more than decent price as a result of rolling
2 Momentum.
While embroiled in a fight with a band of
Thalian pirates, Ragnaar the Barbarian has just
decapitated his opponent and is looking to
cause some more carnage. A few feet away
from him, one of his allies, the swashbuckling
captain Menar, is having a hard time fending
off a particularly well-groomed raider who is
slashing at him with a jagged cutlass.
Ragnaar jumps into the fray and needs to
beat a Difficulty of 3 to succeed, but his Player
gets 5 successes – gaining 2 Momentum!
Since the weapon Ragnaar is wielding has the
Vicious Attribute, his Player decides to spend 1
Momentum to inflict Bleed 1 on top of dealing
damage as usual. The Barbarian cut a scarring
wound deep into the pirate’s chest, leaving
blood splatters all over the ship’s wooden
planks… and some of its crew.
Additionally, David uses his second point of
Momentum to Boost Ragnaar’s ally Ymar, who
is also engaged with this same opponent. His
Player can now use that Boost to gain Edge
to defend himself should the wounded pirate
decide to attack Ymar, or to gain Edge on an
attack of his own.
Rules Overview
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE
Illy-Hun, a Druid Stargazer from Sionto, one Imra, a battle-hardened warrior from The Dying
of Roshan’s Trinity Islands, channels ‘Control Lands, is locked into deadly combat with a vile
Elements’ to move a piece of stone barricading Sheddai cultist. She swings her maul over her
an entrance. Her Player describes how she head, trying to wipe the arrogant smile from the
stretches out one of her arms and makes man’s face forever. Imra’s Player needs to beat
a movement with her hands, as if she’s grabbing a Difficulty of 2 and rolls 5 Successes. He spends
the object from a distance. She makes an Action 3 Momentum to activate the weapon’s Brutal
Roll to determne if the Magic succeeds and Attribute, smashing Imra’s maul into the cultist’s
what size of rock she is able to move. arm, splintering his bones! The cultist needs to
let go of his two-handed sword, while Imra also
The Difficulty of the Magic is 2 and if the Player
gets to inflict 3d6 points extra Damage on top
succeeds without gaining Momentum, Illy-
Hun will only be able to manipulate an item of what his maul usually deals. The Ethennian
smiles as the Sheddai drops to his knees, too
the size of a backpack – not nearly enough to
busy with coughing up blood to call out his
swipe away the slab of stone. Luckily, she rolls
Herald’s blasphemous name.
5 successes, gaining 3 Momentum and swiping
away the entire obstacle, revealing a tunnel
that leads deeper into the damp cave complex
where the Troglodytes her Party has been
looking must be hiding.
BLOOD POINTS
SPEND BLOOD POINT(S) =
USE POWER OR MAGIC
USING BLOOD POINTS
Blood Points represent the life force and will to face
adversity in the world of Blood and Doom , and the
GAINING BLOOD POINTS
You start the game with 6 Blood Points that grant your
strength that is given to those who dare to attempt
Character the capacity to do extraordinary things, and
and save Athyr from its (unavoidable) doom. The world
also being the maximum you can have at any time.
is rife with danger and cults who would do nothing
Whenever you Rest and have accomplished (or tried
rather than see the world burn or become its sole
to accomplish) valiant and heroic deeds, you can roll
masters with all others their slaves.
6 Action Dice to gain back Blood Points. You gain 1
During the game, Blood Points are most commonly Blood Point per success rolled. Whenever you Recover,
used to activate your Character’s Powers and when you replenish all your Blood Points instead and no roll
using Magic. As long as you remain a force for good is required.
and work towards making Athyr a better place, you’ll
In addition, the Doomsayer can reward Characters
be able to replenish your Blood Points and keep
with Blood Points at other times during the game, for
fighting the good fight. Should you stray from that
example after defeating a powerful and corrupted
path, you may find yourself lost and without the ability
monster or when saving innocent people from the
to use Blood Points any longer.
hands of a cult about to sacrifice them. When this
33

happens, the Doomsayer rolls a number of Blood Dice
depending on what was accomplished, and your Party
as a group earns those Blood Points.
Blood Points earned this way are usually divided
among all Characters in the Party equally, though
Players can decide together who will get a few more
Blood Points over others, showing appreciation to one
or two Characters for their unflinching bravery and
having made all the difference during that last Scene
or Encounter. Or perhaps instead, Blood Points are
divided considering who might be able to make best
use of them during upcoming trials and challenges.
GAIN BLOOD POINTS =
DURING REST ROLL 6 ACTION DICE.
GAIN 1 PER SUCCESS.
RECOVER TO REPLENISH
ALL BLOOD POINTS
DOOM POINTS
USING DOOM POINTS
Doom Points represent the dark fate of Athyr and how
those who walk the path of being its saviors can on
occasion tap into this negative force to bend the rules
to their will, but always coming at a cost in the long
run. Doom Points are for the depraved, the insane,
the unlucky, the power-hungry and the vile. Use them
carefully if you don’t want to end up getting murdered,
devoured, or swallowed up by an extradimensional
portal into the void!
If not dissuaded by this warning, you can spend a Doom
Point once per Action Roll to reroll all Action Dice that
didn’t result in a success. You can do so if your initial
Action Roll failed to try and succeed instead, but also
if your Action Roll succeeded, perhaps to gain more
Momentum. If your Setback Die triggers a Setback,
you cannot spend Doom Points to reroll.
Alternatively, you can spend a Doom Point if you ever
end up rolling 4 or less Action Dice after applying Edge
and Challenge, to roll 5 Action Dice instead. This gives
you a chance to succeed even in the worst possible
situation, including if you would end up rolling 1 die.
34
When doing so you can even spend 1 more Doom Point
to also reroll as just described.
SPEND DOOM POINT =
REROLL FAILED ACTION DICE
OR ROLL MINIMUM OF
5 ACTION DICE
GAINING DOOM POINTS
Like Blood Points, you start the game with 6 Doom
Points, which is the maximum you can have. Doom
Points are, however, only replenished at the end of
a Session, at which time you can roll 6 Action Dice to
gain back Doom Points. For each success rolled you
receive 1 Doom Point.
You can at times also gain a Doom Point after you
failed horribly or were extremely unlucky. At any
point during the game, should you continuously edge
closer to the dark abyss that is your death or simply try
something very impressive and impactful but see it fail
regardless, the Doomsayer can ‘reward’ a Doom Point,
hopefully giving you a better chance of succeeding
next time.
GAIN DOOM POINTS = END OF
SESSION ROLL 6 ACTION DICE.
GAIN 1 PER SUCCESS
THE DOOM ROLL
As just touched upon, spending too much Doom Points
may see things turn against you in the long run. At
any time, the Doomsayer might want to determine
whether something uncertain within the fiction of the
game can work out in your favor or against, or whether
something terrible might befall you. This is when the
Doomsayer can ask for a Doom Roll to determine your
fate, which will have become less likely to succeed with
every Doom Point that you have spent up until then.
As an example, let’s say you find yourself locked up
in a prison cell and want to look for a way to escape;
is there a loose brick in the wall that could allow you
to start digging a way out? Or let’s say you discover
a portal to another dimension and decide to jump
in head first; are you going to end up in happy place
where benevolent beings grant you untold wisdom, or
does your skin slowly start to scorch away as you arrive
on some hellish plane of existence?
Sometimes even the Doomsayer might not have an
answer in mind and can leave it up to chance by asking
for a Doom Roll. These kinds of situations come up
more often than you may think and even though the
Doomsayer can have a Session meticulously prepared,
leaving unanswered questions up to chance keeps
things unbiased, dynamic and above all, horrifyingly
unpredictable.
Alternatively, the Doomsayer can also have multiple
Characters make a Doom Roll, for example if they are
uncertain which Character is the target of a trap that
was just set off, or if the Doomsayer wants to determine
which Character gets targeted by a Dragon or Munagi
during a life-threatening battle scene. Sometimes it’s
clear who a Monster might attack, but at other times
it could be either of two or even three Characters.
The Doom can determine who gets the short end of
the stick.
To make a Doom Roll, you roll Action Dice equal to
the number of Doom Points you have. Note that the
fewer Doom Points you have, the lower the chances
are of succeeding a Doom Roll. The Difficulty is always
Normal, requiring 2 successes to succeed. A Doom Roll
is a special roll and not considered an Action Roll; you
don’t use any Ability, cannot gain Edge or a Boost, and
cannot suffer a Setback.
DOOM ROLL =
ROLL ACTION DICE
EQUAL TO DOOM POINTS
When you succeed on a Doom Roll the situation turns
out in your favor. When you fail, you will have to find
another way to get things done or find yourself with
a problem or two to solve. If multiple Players can
benefit from a single Doom Roll, the Player who is most
involved with assessing the situation or getting things
done makes a Doom Roll for the entire Party.
When multiple Players make a Doom Roll to determine
who is the most unfortunate and falls into a trap or gets
mauled by a Baikuda, the Player or Players who rolled
the lowest number of successes get targeted. Difficulty
isn’t considered in this case. When tied for successes,
the Player(s) with the lowest number of Doom Points
gets targeted instead.
35
Rules Overview
TASKS
Tasks are used whenever you try to overcome an
obstacle or perform an activity that requires more
than just one Action Roll to complete. Usually, multiple
Characters take part in performing a Task, each making
Action Rolls and accumulating Completion Points
together until it is completed.
Unlike other actions, a Task’s Difficulty isn’t the number
of successes per Action Roll required to succeed.
Instead, each success rolled adds 1 Completion Point
(CP) to the Task’s Difficulty. Task Difficulties are shown
below, though in rare cases a Task could require more
CP than listed here. You never simply succeed or
fail a Task as result of one roll, and a Setback is only
triggered if you roll 0 successes and your Setback Die
results in a 1, 2 or 3.
You usually use the same Ability for each Action Roll
to complete a Task, but if more than one approach is
possible the Doomsayer could allow different Abilities
to be used. This way every Character can pitch in and
help on a Task utilizing their own individual strengths.
TASK TOTAL CP
DIFFICULTY TO COMPLETE
Simple 12
Challenging 18
Tough 24
Grueling 30
Tasks are mostly used when there are consequences
and things happening in between, creating time-
pressure to finish before a situation worsens. It is
therefore almost always part of an Encounter, playing
out in Rounds and Turns.
A few quick examples: trying to dig a hole to escape
from a collapsed cave slowly filling with water,
attempting to scale a mountain cliff while being shot
at with arrows, disabling various parts of a trap as it
slowly builds toward a lethal climax, trying to convince
a group of enemies they should surrender, clearing
a ditch for shelter during a snowstorm as frostbite
sets in.
 Rules Overview

SIZE, DISTANCE DISTANCE & R ANGE

Distance and range are noted as being Close, Near, Far

& SPEED
SIZE
The size of creatures or objects in the game is best
described by making a comparison to something
everyone can relate to. For instance, the size of a cat,
an elephant, a house or a castle tower are all things
we can imagine in our mind. One elephant might be
a bit smaller than another and the same can be said for
a house or castle tower, but that rarely matters; such
descriptions trigger the imagination much more than
talking in terms of feet or meters.
For rules purposes, Monsters are divided into size
categories, allowing a distinction to be made when size
is important. These size categories are TINY , SMALL ,
MEDIUM , LARGE , HUGE , MASSIVE , ENORMOUS ,
and GARGANTUAN .
or Distant and can be useful for players as well as the
Doomsayer to describe a Scene or Encounter.
Most often it comes up when describing the positioning
of a Character or Monster and how they move around
during an Encounter, which is when distance and range
become a bit more important to define than during
other moments in the game.
CLOSE and NEAR are both ranges related to things
in your direct vicinity; used often when talking about
fighting with melee weapons and taking a few steps
around as you do. For example, swords and daggers
reach up to Close range, while a halberd, whip or
kusarigama can reach up to Near range.
FAR and DISTANT are ranges related to things and
actions that reach quite a bit further out; used often
when talking about fighting with throwing weapons
or ranged weapons such as shuriken, throwing axes or
a bow.

Somewhere around the size

Tiny of a squirrel, a mouse or
M ELEE
anything smaller. Up to an arm-lengths away or closer.
Close Suited for fighting by biting, using claws,
About the size of a goat, a chair
Small a dagger, axe, or sword.
or the smallest person you know.
A few steps away. Suited for fighting
The size of an average human,
Medium Near with a whip, spear, halberd or throwing
a tiger or a modest bookcase.
a net. This is about 2 times Close.
About the size of a cow or
Large
a horse.
R ANGED
The size of an elephant, a shed or
Huge
castle gates. Only a short sprint away. Suited for

Far
throwing a handaxe, firing a Valdyrian
About the size of a sailboat or
Enormous bow or throwing shuriken. This is about
a modest house.
3 times Near.
Somewhere around the size of
Massive A decent sprint away, requiring some
a castle tower or a whale.
time to cross. Suited for firing a recurve
The size of a mansion, castle, or Distant
Gargantuan bow or arbalest. This is about 3
anything bigger.
times Far.
Anything that is further away than Distant range
is referred to as Remote, which is about as far as
the eye can see when outside in the open. Remote
distance rarely comes up during any Encounter and
no weapons or magic spells can reach that far. That is,
unless the magic can target someone across immense
distances, for example a radius of 100 miles, at which
point referring to it using the above terms cease to be
relevant altogether.
SPEED
Characters and most Monsters have an average
Movement Speed, referred to in short as their Speed.
Some Monsters however, can have slow or fast
Movement Speeds, or variations thereof. Average
Speed equals being able to move up to Far distance on
a Turn, while Slow Speed halves this distance and Fast
Speed doubles it.
M APS & M INIATURES
Running Encounters in Blood and Doom can easily be
done using ‘theater of the mind’. This means all the
action is described in relation to each other; choosing
to be more abstract than exact and imagining the
action in your mind, without the use of minis and
a map.
For more complex Encounters it can be helpful to use
miniatures and a map to provide some more detail
about the environment and everyone’s position in it. To
do so, it is recommended you use a map without a grid
and estimate distances based on their descriptions,
keeping the action at the table fast and cinematic even
when a map might become the focus of attention for
some time.
To accommodate this style of play on a map and
adjudicate any disputes that might arise about how
far a Character could move, the Reposition Roll (and
other such tie-breaking and decision rolls) is included
as part of the game rules. It can be found on P. 212 .

36 37

CHAPTER 2:
WELCOME
TO ATHYR
As far as you or anyone you know is aware of, mankind
has existed since the world of Athyr was born. Created
by the Ancient Gods, humans have never been alone,
but have always co-existed with animals and beasts
alike. Predatory monsters have invariably roamed the
lands and ruled over the deepest of oceans, all under
the watchful presence of the twin sister gods Aureya
and Issira.
BIRTH OF
HUMANITY
Although it is unclear where humanity first sprung,
tracing back the languages spoken by the various
cultures on Athyr to their Proto-Athyrian root seems
to indicate that human life started in the Sundered
Wastes. According to accepted myth, there, the Eldra
Gavan, an ancient folk that had managed to tap into the
arcane essence of Athyr, caused a devastating magical
surge that razed the landscape, leaving the area as it
is known: barren and marked by deep crevices and
majestic mountain ranges. By then, however, people
38
had spread out over Athyr’s seven known regions. Five
of these – Ethennia, Ishta, the Sundered Wastes, the
Islands of Roshan, and Evandyr – interact and trade
with each other, but two – Keldor and Taliath – remain
a mystery to most people on the other continents,
excerpt for rare visits by the stout Keldorians and the
incessant raids by Taliath pirates.
DIVINE
A BANDONMENT
Many millennia ago, the Ancient Gods retreated, and
although their names are still sung by minstrels, their
past exploits are now relegated to myth and legend.
Only the druids of the First Order of Elements seem
to believe that the tales they tell are as accurate as
they are crucial to understand the true meaning of
things. No-one knows exactly why they left, but most
current priesthoods still talk about the Battle of the
Gods above Ova Dyr that preceded their abrogation
and the subsequent calamities that struck Athyr.
Welcome to Athyr
Maybe the Ancient Gods were defeated by the
numerous newer deities, maybe they decided the
MODERN TIMES
struggle was not worth a prolonged effort. Perhaps they Over the last millennia, the monsters that once used
struck some abstruse deal with their successors, or they to lurk in the shadows have come out of their hiding
had some other reason to leave the world. Whatever more than ever before. Conflict brooms in every
their motivation was, the current pantheons took over, corner and political infighting seems to be more
and they have been worshipped across most of Athyr prevalent than in previous times, despite the many
ever since, although Roshani keep pleading to their One alliances and the bustling trade between most regions.
True God and Ishtans call to their spirit deities. Where once the Ethennian sandstorms known as
Rhogoon and the volcanic outbursts of Mount Obetu
Whatever the reason, coinciding with their departure,
in Ishta were responsible for the most dangerous
the Al’Harayad (Ethennian for ‘Divine Heat’) flattened
weather phenomena, now, adventurers return form
the Valgar Plains and the center of the world shook,
their quests recounting tales of bizarre occurrences
burying entire cities underneath the sands and sinking
and depraved cults. Beasts that once seemed to stay
city-states that are now only rumored to exist thanks
within their habitats are venturing out more often and
to songs and tales that have been passed about them
many fortunetellers have stopped talking about their
throughout the ages. Their remnants are still there to
visions, while some diviners have even taken their own
be uncovered deep underneath layers of earth, rock,
lives or gone insane.
or water.
The year is 3765, and portents indicate a great
calamitous event due to happen 3 years from now,
when a celestial event that occurs only once every
THE M ASTERY
24 years has Issira and Aureya align with Athyr and its
five moons. Astronomers and astrologers have stared
conjecturing that some of the stars in the night sky
OF M AGIC might actually be dead, and entire constellations have
recently disappeared. There is talk of human sacrifice in
Under the tutelage of the new pantheons, or at the cities and settlements where previously there was none
very least under their watchful eye, depending on and some people have started to act more secretively.
who you talk to, scholars took up the study of reality
There is a life to be had and there are treasures to
itself. Many rulers pretended not to notice, hoping to
be found. Fame and wealth are still the driving goal
use this knowledge of magic for their own purposes,
for many explorers and heroes, but a growing number
others tried to intervene or integrate this new way of
of people is taking notice of the dark changes that
approaching the arcane in their own societies. Druids
are twisting and perverting the beautiful but perilous
and shamans reacted just as diversely as a new form of
world they have known so far. Great champions now
spellcasting emerged. Despite its dangers, and despite
deny death, facing the Munagi that come for their
the oftentimes unintentional side effects of calling
souls in increasing numbers; but return to the living
upon the mystic energies of places ill understood, the
horribly scarred by the experience.
movement was unstoppable, and sorcerers started
to shape the world, although the necessity to have Welcome to Athyr.
engineers, artisans, craftsmen, and other non-magical Welcome to a world of Blood and Doom .
careers remained and all in all, the impact of the dark
tomes and the esoteric has been less than the kingdoms
at that time were expecting, mainly because of the
long and arduous process of learning how to weave
the invisible forces of the world in the first place.
And, so, Athyr remained a world of nomads and
barbarians, of vassals and knights, of emperors and
counselors, of guilds and artisans, of bards and
minstrels, and of rogues and scoundrels, despite of its
many breathtaking wonders and unseen dangers.
39

ETHENNIA
THE R EGION
Ethennia is by far the largest region in Athyr. With also
land connections to both Keldor and Ishta, Ethennia
is – in every sense of the word – the center of the
world and it is almost a wonder that Ethennians aren’t
a more prideful people, and most Ethennians you have
met are welcoming to strangers, maybe discounting
some of the fiercest and solitary nomadic tribes and
nomads that roam the arid Beshaar Desert or the
diverse Valgar Plains.
Split through the middle by The Great Artery, Ethennia
is largely made up of extensive deserts and grasslands,
interspersed with more fertile regions; rolling hills that
are difficult to navigate by anything other than the
indigenous flightless birds known as the Hiriku; much
sought-after oases; and foreboding mountain ridges.
People you have met along your travels talked about
fearsome Mountain Giant tribes and unhallowed
monstrosities, but outside of pack animals and pets,
you’ve never heard them describe anything that sounds
even remotely docile or friendly.
Although its vast areas of sand, stone, and grass
would suggest otherwise, Ethennia seems to hold just
as many wonders and just as much treasure as other,
more disparate regions. This is not a land of ancient
tombs, inhabited caves, or strange creatures, but of
buried megapolises, sprawling tunnel complexes, and
entire species that have adapted to the arid wastes so
completely that they seem to have been made out of
the very material that constitute it. Here, there must be
untold antediluvian secrets to be unearthed, and thus
Ethennia remains something you – or at the very least
most of your peers – are drawn to.
40 41
Welcome to Athyr
A BOUT ETHENNIA
There are many reasons for visiting Ethennia: its delicate
silk robes, intricate tapestries, and Ethennian libraries,
but also its local gastronomy, with a prominent role
to play for the many exotic spices you have found on
markets as far outside of the region as Evandyr and the
Islands of Roshan.
In the Ethennian cities, princes and kings known as
Amrin and queens known as Alika reign over their
populace. Outside of these centers of civilization,
almost the entire population lives a nomadic life and
settlements are usually temporary. Given the means,
cities usually claim large swathes of lands far beyond
their city walls, which effectively makes them city-
states, even though you’ve never heard of any Amrin
or Alika charging taxes. Connecting these sovereigns
are the Grand Amrin, who are purportedly elected to
make sure that the many royals can easily stay in touch
with each other.
Across the lands in-between the cities, the Rhogoon
rage; sandstorms that obscure anything they touch
from view within seconds, and nothing strikes fear in
the heart of a weary traveler as much as the Great
Khamsheen, the largest storm of its kind on Athyr,
capable of erasing an entire village if the necessary
precautions aren’t taken. Still, the prospect of treasure
has attracted a copious amount of adventurers to these
lands. Many have become rich, and you have heard
their names sung by minstrels across the world many
times.
Many more have perished.

SUBREGIONS
Ethennia is largely divided into five subregions, each
a unique land of its own, with people and customs, and
even landscapes, varying greatly from one region to
the next.
BESHAAR
Dry and desolate, the Beshaar Desert is said not to
have seen rain for over a thousand years. Here, the
Rhogoon rages even more frequently than anywhere
else in Ethennia, leaving only the Daleh – pillars
of deep-brown rock that rise from the sand to an
incredible height – standing. Barbarian tribes like the
Ubara even believe that these towering columns are
steppingstones to reach the afterlife!
In the north of the Beshaar Desert stands Kitai, one
of the only two Ethennian ports large enough to
accommodate vessels from Roshan, and certainly
the one with the most eccentric and idiosyncratic
populace – a folk that still adheres to old customs and
insists on speaking Old Ethennian, even though almost
everyone here seems to know at least 4 or 5 languages,
and the great Beshaar Academy has retained its status
as the largest and most famous learning center in all
of Ethennia.
THE DYING LANDS
Although most of Ethennia consists of desert terrain,
The Dying Lands aren’t a misnomer. Barren and
completely infertile, the entire subregion is one large
42
stretch of rock and stone, a literally dying patch of
waste and fossils that keep degrading at rates faster
than the laws of nature would dictate, and even the
undead here are fouler and more putrid than anywhere
else in the world.
Unsurprisingly, the humans who inhabit this region are
some of the hardiest people on Athyr, having built up
(for the most part) a natural resistance to the land’s
degrading character. You have also heard of the
Sallutah, a people native to the Dying Lands that feasts
on the flesh of anyone unlucky enough to come across
them.
OOSAL MOUNTAINS
By far the most contentious kingdom of all Ethennia,
the Oosal Mountains are currently presided over by
two barbarian brothers: King Amlanth of Thoral and
his identical twin, King Hamlikh of Turan. The people
here are raised from childhood on to be ferocious
warriors and both Amrin maintain a fleet of highly
maneuverable attack vessels, as well as many coastal
military barracks that together form a highly-effective
defense line.
Oosal’s united barbarian tribes are known to be very
aggressive, and bloody but sanctioned conflicts are often
staged between the peoples here to keep the warriors
sharp and ready to act should they be called upon. You
have heard of the many native bounty hunters and
mercenaries, almost all of whom are easily recognizable
thanks to their animal companions: Cizarth, a large,
native feline species capable of climbing the highest
trees, as their most sought-after sidekicks.
OVA DYR
Desolate and flat, travelers to these plains count
only Aghrapur as a city worthy of that name, whilst
the local Khalindrim don’t seem to care about other
cultures and peoples. Much of the land is known not
to be in the hands of humans, but is dominated by
the great Sandworms that make this subregion their
home. Not even the Urandir have been able to claim
true dominion over the area, even though they
have succeeded in appropriating abandoned tunnel
complexes from their Sandworm enemies.
Ova Dyr is well-known for its floating rocks and a rare
metal called thelhium, the sturdiest forgeable substance
on Athyr. There are more things here than the eyes
and other natural senses would suggest, though, and it
has long been speculated that a gateway to the world
of the Djinn can be found here.
THE PLAINS OF NIHAR DIN
This beacon of civilization was abandoned a long time
ago, leaving only a few settlements within the heartlands
and a few major cities along its perimeter. The peoples
of Nihar Din are hardy but welcoming, but many of them
don’t believe in the omnipotence of the divine, instead
living according to a very peculiar set of rules that has
caused many to shun them for fear of blasphemy. This
has kept the region rather poor, despite the affluence
of fish and crustaceans, as the Alakh Mountains have
43
Welcome to Athyr
kept Taliathi pirates from raiding the plains in any large
numbers for centuries now.
There aren’t a lot of temples or other places of worship
on the Plains of Nihar Din, and many of the peoples here
have turned to magic and science. Arcane innovation
marks even the smallest of settlements, despite the
absence of libraries or other centers of accumulated
knowledge. This had led many to speculate that
something bizarre is going on in this subregion.
THE VALGAR PLAINS
Marked by the Al’Harayad –‘the Divine Heat’ – the
Valgar Plains are thought to have suffered the direct
wrath of the Ancient Gods for abandoning them more
than any other place on Athyr. In these modern days,
the Valgar Plains comprise a vast stretch of flatland that
hosts some of the greatest, most important Ethennian
cities and centers of culture, such as Tamon and
Samorra, but you have also heard that many nomadic
tribes and a paganistic order of druids reside here.
Although the Valgar Plains are easily navigable because
of the absence of steep elevations and low grass,
the local Mendrihm will tell any traveler that most
dangers lurk underneath or inside of the grass canopy,
but the entertainment found in Tamon, the eclectic
giant harbor of Samorra, the specialized equipment
found in Adesh, and mountain city Azul jointly attract
a multitude of visitors every month, while the twisted
Mel’Daharad rock formations, the half-buried Ten
Statues, and other landmarks are enough to draw in
droves of curious adventurers.

ISHTA
THE R EGION
Ishta is a hot and humid jungle region bordering the
dry plains and deserts of Ethennia in the north and the
lukewarm Sea Of Blood in the south. It is a naturally
occurring lowland, but its mountainous borders have
long kept the nobles of Ishta’s numerous tropical
city states from having too much contact with the
nomadic tribes and traders from southern Ethennia.
However, stouthearted merchants still brave the
treacherous passes from time to time, despite their
gorges and saddlebacks containing an unknown but
significant number of dangerous creatures like the
degenerate, semi-human Troglodytes that claim the
heights as their own.
Far below the ornate Troglodyte caverns and extensive
cliff dwellings, Dinosaurs vie with humans for living
space and dominance. The mountain ranges, the peaks
of which can reach as high as 1,000 rods, are snow-
locked during the winter months, and the tepid Sea
of Blood is infested by the much-feared pirates of
Taliath, the boldest of which have been known to take
smaller vessels upstream to attack cities in audacious,
tactically ingenious raids.
44
A BOUT ISHTA
You have often heard of Ishta being referred to as
the most savage and deadly known region of Athyr,
much of which can be attributed to the abundance
of predatory wildlife and the high number of warring
indigenous tribes that inhabit its jungles. Though much
of Ishta’s population resides in small reed and clay hut
villages scattered throughout the various jungles and
along their rivers and lakes, there are several large city
states which maintain a more sophisticated, governed,
and decadent existence. The most prominent of these
are Qualat and Huexolta, ruled by powerful juntas of
priests, nobles, and sages, who are just as much revered
as they are feared by their own people.
Civilizations from bygone ages have left behind traces
in the form of buried and forgotten ruins in the jungle
so old that no living person knows even their names.
Some say these are filled with jewels and gold, bus also
harbor an ancient evil. Many think that Mount Obetu,
an ancient volcano that lies restless and violent to this
day may be to blame for the demise of these long-lost
societies, and its turbulent seismological roaring are
watched carefully by priest-astronomers of Qualat and
Akshan for signs of another devestating eruption.
Beneath the surface of everything in Ishta, whether
natural or man-made, lies conflict, struggle, and
instability. If you have ever visited Ishta during
your travels, you will have felt the ground rumbles
unpredictably underneath your very own feet.
Beautiful, multi-colored feathered serpents called
Hisilta fly on currents of magic but are poisonous to
the touch. Tentacled Jungle Arachnids sink their razor-
sharp claws deep inside of their victims to feast not on
their blood, but on their brain fluid, only to get liquified
underneath the rubbery laps of skin of Girkyin, which
in turn are crushed to death between the mauling
teeth of the great Dinosaurs.
Underneath the veneer of the cities’ magnificent
pyramids and palatial temples lies a far darker,
grimmer reality, as almost everyone knows that many
of Ishta’s majestic edifices are built upon millennia of
subjugation, dark magic and human sacrifice. In some
cities, a captive underclass still toils ceaselessly and
restlessly everywhere one goes, their ultimate fate
carefully kept from most foreigners who visit there.
City states seem to pause their ongoing conflicts only
when they join together in leagues and formations to
wage war with other city states that have, in turn, also
banded together in temporary leagues and formations,
and that may or may not have been allies only the year
before. The conflict is compounded by the fact that
no less than 20 languages are spoken in Ishta, making
mutual understanding – or choosing which language
to learn when travelling to the continent – even more
difficult, despite the fact that most Ishtans are fluent in
more than one tongue.
Despite their differences, the people from Ishta all
believe in spirits as nearly-omnipotent beings, each of
them either representing a particular aspect of nature
or a broad abstract concept. Dozens of these powerful
spirit-deities are worshipped and, contrary to what is
usual in regions like Ethennia or Evandyr, the faithful
don’t mostly flock to a single divinity within their
pantheon, but rather tend to call on multiple spirits at
once. Also, Ishtan natives continue to claim that these
beings still actively intervene, in stark contrast with
the gods of other pantheons, who seem to speak only
indirectly, through their priests and ceremonies.
45
Welcome to Athyr
SUBREGIONS
TORRA NYEGA
By far the most pleasant and hospitable subregion of
Ishta, Torra Nyega is continuously patrolled by the
Xerifa. These wandering judge-lawmen have succeeded
in cementing the area’s peaceful reputation, but hasn’t
stopped the many dangers hidden underneath Torry
Nuega’s green canopy from persisting.
From the colossal statue greeting travelers on the
Orunuro river to the gigantic monsters that many
claim roam the depths of Lake Kahija, not even the
wealth of information contained inside Huexolta’s Pillar
of Sagacity or the priest-astronomers of Nakbu seems
to hold the answers needed to unveil Torra Nyega’s
oldest mysteries.
JUNGLES OF MARAROKA
Devoid of any settlements to speak of except for the
fortress harbor city Kintaba in its south-east, the Jungles
of Mararoka are characterized by their dense tropical
forests, river routes, and paths so difficult to spot that
travelers who are unfamiliar with these surroundings
are advised to call in the help of specialized captains
known as Kiongozi to guide them through the local
network of trails.
Here, fellow travelers have seen creatures so large that
some of them easily loom over even the biggest of
Dinosaurs, ravenous beasts that would endanger the
entire fauna of these jungles if so many of the semi-
nomadic humans living here wouldn’t stage ritual
hunts for them, both to keep their families safe and
to provide their spouses and children enough food to
sustain them for months. The most fearsome of these
chasers are known throughout Athyr: the awe-inspiring
Jaida and their reptile steeds.
BADAWO WILDS
While the perimeters of the Badawo Wilds are as lush
and green as anywhere else on Ishta, the frequent lava
eruptions form broad plateaus of up to two miles thick,
and the soil to its northeast is cracked and broken.
Here, the earth shakes frequently, but the peoples of
the Badawo Wilds have taken extraordinary measures
to prosper here, while their priest-astronomers
constantly confer with the spirits to forewarn their
communities should The Parching Pinnacle show signs
of becoming fully active once again.
Living both in forest towns and small palisade burgs
built over molten magma, most Badawons – unlike
most Ishtans – do not have to fear reptiles or other

natural creatures, but rather have to contend with the
unnatural monstrosities and extraplanar. Many sages
believe that the magma itself is alive, and it certainly
seems like there might be some sentience lurking
inside of the surface layers underneath the walkways,
rope bridges, and huts that make up the Badawon
villages. Despite so much of its land being covered in
scorched minerals, the periphery of the Badawo Wilds
is rich with vegetation, and small settlements provide
trade posts to sell the crystals, iron, and basalt found in
the molten landscape that comprises so much of this
subregion. Unfortunately, this has also attracted the
largest concentration of Beastmen anywhere on Athyr.
One lone city blooms here: the thriving metropolis
of Akshan, famous for both its courageous Osador
climbers and the specialized equipment they have at
their disposal. Above them are the Magstradamis, an
order of revered mystics and astronomer-priests that
has vowed to keep Akshan safe.
AKANI
Part scorched earth, part plains, woods, rivers, lake, and
mineral-rich mountains, Akani is without a doubt the
most varied subregion in all of Athyr, and its diversity
rivals the most multifarious areas in Evandyr.
In the south, one of the only two harbors in all of Ishta
stands: Nosso. Protected by a mist that many believe is
supernatural in nature, it is rarely attacked or invaded,
and there are a smany rumors surrounding the port as
there are about the mysterious region of Keldor and
the outlandish pirates of Taliath. It seems that Akani and
Charr Dhan have a rather strenuous relationship with
each other, as access from the south to the north in
this western half of Ishta can only pass through both
subregions.
46
CHARR DHAN
Lush and green with enough rivers and veins of open
areas, Charr Dhan is also characterized by a treacherous
delta that keeps any harbor from being established
along its western shores. Rapids and waterfalls,
swampland and dangerous rocky outcroppings prevent
large ships from passing here, but despite of its raging
currents, Charr Dhan is more easily navigable overland
than most other subregions on the continent.
With direct river access to both the small but efficient
harbor town of Nosso and The Dying Lands, the
metropolis of Qualat stands in the north of beautiful
Lake Odazi as one of Ishta’s only two metropolises (the
other one being Huexolta). A beacon of acculturation
and refinement ruled by a body of wise priest-
astronomers and sages. Qualat boasts its own culture
and the people of this city-state adhere to a set of
beliefs that seem alien to most other societies on Athyr.
As erudite as Qualat is, the lands surrounding the
capital are populated by more stealthy predators
and aggressive non-humans than anywhere else on
Ishta, and the Beastmen that live in the Badawo Wilds
present a constant danger.
To the north, where the river forks, trading boats can
easily reach The Dying Lands, where intrepid nomads
are more than willing to barter their more in-demand
goods and services. However, this has made Charr
Dhan – and its northern city-state, Tixal, in particular –
a prime target for raids by Thalian pirates, who often
anchor their larger ships to the west of the Charr
Dhanian island to serve as a base for their smaller boats
and rowing vessels. Recent rumors claim that this has
prompted the priests of Tixal to start sacrificing more
living beings than before, but most such claims haven’t
been substantiated (yet).
ISLANDS OF ROSHAN
THE R EGION
The Islands Of Roshan are an archipelago separated
from the mainland of Athyr by the always crystal-
blue but sometimes tempestuous Sea Of Jewels. A
meritocracy with little respect for the old and the
decrepit, most of the realm is ruled by the mysterious
emperor Zheng, whose dynasty has held an iron grip
over the Islands since time immemorial. It is comprised
of eight large main islands, though their supreme ruler
resides on his own, centrally-located island-city, Kyoso,
an architectural marvel built on cliffs too high for
anything but flying creatures and the island’s imposing
300 feet-wide pulley elevator platforms to reach.
Other than the southern trinity of islands (Omara,
Sionto and Arosha), the empire also holds sway over
the frigid northern islands of Eshiri, Riukala, and
Oneshi. Eastern Iokara and Unigo seem to be of little
importance to the emperor, as they probably count
too few settlements and too many monsters, but most
of the people living on the hundreds of inhabited
smaller isles do pledge allegiance to Zheng and follow
his dynasty’s tenets. The islands range from large land
masses to tiny, frozen sandbars barely worth a mention
on any map, making drawing any detailed map of
Roshan exceedingly difficult.
A BOUT THE
ISLANDS OF ROSHAN
Perhaps more than any other region in the world, the
monotheistic Islands of Roshan are steeped in tradition
and nowhere have beliefs and ideologies evolved so
little over het last few millennia than here. This may
be partly because the empire is heavily populated by
monsters both majestic and frightening, which has been
the case since anyone can remember.
In contrast to almost all other Athyrian cultures, only
monsters that have been shown to threaten or attack
fellow citizens, their livestock, or their resources are
actively hunted, whereas others are left alone. This
policy is called the Ildum-Li, and is even adopted
in regions that don’t adhere to imperial law, which
includes Iokara, Unigo, and some of the smallest islands
on the continent.
47
Welcome to Athyr
With their myths so intact and their factual history so
murky, much of Rohsani storytelling is based on epic
adaptations of past accomplishments and heroic deeds,
spiced-up folklore, and verbose myths. Nowhere else
can so many supposedly magical ceremonial trinkets,
sophisticated ornaments, and emblematic weapons or
armor be found. In Roshan, arcane flourish is something
to wear, flounder, or use.
There are a great many fabled places to be found in
Emperor Zhang’s realm. Most of these don’t need to
be uncovered or even pinpointed on a map, as their
existence is somewhat well-known. No-one would ever
question that the Temple of Yaorak – a blasphemous
wizard who led a sect that worshipped the Ancient
Gods before the organization was cleansed by the
dynasty – is haunted by the spirits of the malevolent
heretics, but most Roshani would never dare to tread
inside. Many people know the Tomb of Emperor Xiao-
Hin is guarded by golems that still channel the long-
dead ruler’s energies from beyond the grave, but also
that anyone who enters will be afflicted with the same
curse that killed him. And there is no doubt that the
Celestial Cave of Giya-Lin can be accessed through
the everlasting Amiyi clouds above Roshan, but only
spellcasters or people on flying steeds can reach the
cave to ask for the oracle’s advice.
All magical places of significance are guarded by the
imperial army and only dynastic visitors are allowed in,
should they be strong, bold, or stupid enough to wish
so, but a few famed places have remained undiscovered
so long that even Roshani discount their existence. If the
underwater mirror palace of the aquatic emperor Nih-
Oaix is real, it remains hidden under millions of cubic
feet of crushing fluid. If there really is a shrine where
the canonical Hair of Jigao is kept safe, it is undoubtedly
guarded by the One True God’s celestial servants. And if
it is true that the human-hating Kylin retain a kingdom
that stretches out from the subterranean grottos
underneath Eshiri to domed underwater settlements
just off the Riukalan coast, no-one is ready for the clear
danger this devilish and lithe scaled species poses.
Despite being an island chain, Roshan’s borders are
well-guarded. The various ports have strict rules and
guidelines for those who visit, usually for the purpose
of trade or seeking treasure, but many an Ethennian or
 Welcome to Athyr

Evandyrian can be found especially on the Trinity Islands.
Whatever the future may hold, Roshan’s ideology has
been firmly rooted in its monotheistic religion and
belief in the One True God, who is worshipped in the
three Aspects that together comprise a Holy Trinity
representing every sentient living being: Jigao (The
Body), Gaoya (The Mind), and Aoji (The Soul). Even
priests are dedicated to a specific Aspect of the Trinity,
and it is rumored that Gaoya clergy has mental powers
that are very different than magic encountered
anywhere else.
Every priesthood strives for self-improvement with
a focus on their chosen Aspect, and, uniquely, libraries
are operated by all three ecclesiastic branches working
together, each running a separate, clearly-delineated
section of these athenea. This has led to exceptionally
well-organized and referenced centers of learning
and book collections, where knowledge is strikingly
accessible and easy to find, if present. Needless to
say, the Islands of Roshan are often frequented by
academics and adventurers from across the ocean
who are seeking more information on a wide range of
subjects, and nowhere on Athyr can more concentrated
expertise be found on subjects like legends, myths,
folklore, monsters, anatomy, and human behavior,
although almost all athenea are sorely lacking books
on history and geography.
KYOSO
Stretched out over an entire island, the capital of Kyoso
is Emperor Zheng’s private home. It holds his royal
army and fleet, his servants, his hunting grounds, his
palaces, and those family members who aren’t residing
in their own stately mansions on the other islands. The
city-island is thought to be impenetrable, which in no
small part is due to the many keeps dotted around the
smaller islands, the protective embrace of the bigger
Roshani masses of land, and the enormous wall that
constitutes the entire island’s perimeter.
THE EIGHT M AIN ISLANDS
THE TRINITY ISLANDS
With their proximity and easy access to the empire’s
seat in Kyoso, it should come at no surprise that the
presence of the dynasy and the church of the One
True God are felt more strongly in Omara, Sionto, and
Arosha than anywhere else except of course for Kyoso
itself. Proud warlords who received their medals and
armor embellishments straight from their dynastic
rulers patrol the lands and their highly-disciploned
troops deliver swift and summary justice whenever
needed. The multi-leveled temples of the One True are
higher here than on the other islands, often allowing
each of the three three different orders to occupy
their own floors, with the priests of Jigao taking in the
lower levels, their peers of Gaoya above them, and the
Aoji clerics taking in the upper floors.
From the extensive cemetery found on the southern tip
of Omara (which is primarily known for the gambling
houses, fighting rinks, animal races, and penitentiary of
‘Rickety Town’ Basari) to the friendly competitions of
Sionto’s rival harbor cities and the Aroshan rivers, that
are said to be the tears of the great Indral (the last
known representative of an ancient race of gigantic
fur-covered creatures that towered over the Islands),
the Trinity Islands may be some of the most diverse
Roshanian landmasses.
IOKARA AND UNIGO
As the most eastern and distant islands of Roshan, both
Iokara and Unigo have little contact with the dynasty.
The people here are often referred to as Roshani-
mak by other Roshani, who feel their hunter-gatherer
lifestyle is barbaric and outdated.
The Iokara and Unigo natives have vastly different
customs, even up to the point that certain gestures
common on one island can mean exactly the opposite
thing on the other. In the past, this has led to bitter
skirmishes between both peoples, but it must be
decades since their differences resulted in such
altercations.
ONESHI
Also called ‘Dragon Skull Island’, Oneshi is, indeed,
somewhat shaped like the skull of a native Dragon
species known as the Yua-lyiun. Luckily, these creatures
are hugely territorial and are rarely seen outside of the
mountains where they live.
Oneshi is well-known for its diverse and interesting
villages, each of which grew out of the exclusive
presence of a guild. As one could suspect, each village
is known for its specialty, and some of the guilds have
become very focused, with the Guild of Firemakers
and the Guild of Arcane Translations being the most
notorious ones.

ESHIRI AND RIUKALA

As one travels up north, the temperature progressively
drops, the gastronomy changes to an even more fish-
based cuisine, and people start to wear thicker clothing
and become more taciturn. Correspondingly, the type
of monsters that inhabit the lands differs significantly
as well, with fur-covered beasts and thick-skinned,
muscular sea creatures being far more common in and
around these lands.
While Roshanians don’t hunt monsters without
good reason, the white-furred, ape-like creatures
known as the Yon-la are protected by the Emperor.
Unfortunately, the ban has attracted some of the
most vicious, unscrupulous bands of monster hunters
anywhere on Athyr, and these bandits have chased the
rare Quanar – a semi-intelligent feathered scavenger
species – to the brink of extinction.

48 49

SUNDERED WASTES
THE R EGION
The Sundered Wastes mark the border between east
and west, and stretch all the way from the pirate-ridden
Moon Skull Bay in the south to the Sea Of Jewels and
the cold, jagged peaks of Kheldor in the north. Some
claim that mankind first sprang here and prospered
in the magic-rich fields of green. These ‘Eldra Gavan’
are thought to have mastered the arcane essence of
the world until the arcane energies of Athyr erupted
outwards tens of thousands of years ago, leaving the
Sundered Wastes as they are now: a mostly-barren
landscape with little vegetation, marked by cracks and
crevices, great precipices and deep ravines, delineated
by rocky coasts with no beaches and by immense
mountain ranges.
Throughout this desolate territory, magic still runs
free and wild, unchecked by anyone except for the
Red Wizards in the north – the only ones who seem
to understand its true nature. More chaotic than
anywhere else, the primal forces that rage across the
Sundered Wastes have changed the lands in ways
unimaginable by most, simultaneously striking fear in
the hearts of most and attracting dozens of curious
adventurers on an almost daily basis. In large parts of
the Sundered Wastes, gravitational anomalies, toxic
clouds that abrade the already-rough surface of the
lands, and lifeforms that retain resemblance with
neither the animals nor the monsters in other parts
of the world seem to be more common than anything
that adheres to the traditional laws of physics.
A BOUT THE
SUNDERED WASTES
Although their proximity to the Beshaar Desert and the
Plains of Nihar Din might leave some who only know the
Sundered Wastes from looking at Athyr’s world map
thinking that this region is an extension of the eastern
deserts and steppes, anyone who has thread unto these
lands for but a few seconds knows better. Contrary
to Ethennia, only some stretches of the Wastes are
covered by sand. Most of the territory is rocky and
there are huge height differences, making the entire
territory the least level of any on Athyr. Something
still stirs there, as mysterious as it was when it was still
50
hidden underneath the water, and travelers who are
forced to travel through these treacherous basins often
disappear, as if something predatory picked them off in
a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds.
Aside from the coastal towns of Nhakai and Asreja, the
central city of Faru Sadin, and the sorcerer stronghold
of Quan, there are no human settlements bigger than
tent camps in the Sundered Wastes, and there are
not enough interconnected centers of civilization to
have kingdoms arise. As a result, no-one really rules
the Sundered Wastes, and it is mostly the Kayachi –
nomadic tribes known to outsiders as ‘the Scavengers’ –
who have managed to survive here in great numbers. In
no small part, this is thanks bizarre metal enhancements
grafted onto their scarred bodies – unsettling body
modifications that are apparently given to them by the
Red Wizards in return for certain goods or services.
Although it is not known which gods are worshipped
by the Red Wizards, they at least seem to pay lip
service to the same pantheon followed by the Kayachi.
Unsurprisingly, the nomads do not have ceremonies
or set rites as almost all other religions do, but rather
simply seem to believe in their eight gods and curse
their names instead of pleading them to intervene. It is
assumed that divine beings are narcistic megalomaniacs,
wily tricksters, lustful hedonists, and gluttonous
alcoholics with a sense of humor who love it when
humans don’t pretend to love or even like them just
to get what they want from them, and respect a more
irreverent attitude a lot more (the Kayachi may not be
completely wrong in their assumptions.)
Whether it be the inhuman beings that have mastered
the peculiarities of the Sundered Wastes’ geography,
the sudden tearing of the earth, the months-long
darkening of the sky, pellets of stone raining down on
unsuspecting travelers, or streams of toxic air, all bring
death and suffering to those who aren’t quick to adapt.
Regardless of the exanimated hordes that roam the
lowest grounds and the random bolts of arcane force
that suddenly spring into existence at the most unlikely
of places, adventurers are still drawn to the Sundered
Wastes, and the best of them don’t just return home to
have songs written about them, but to become kings
and queens.
SUBREGIONS
THE BLACK SANDS
Unsettling and ominous, The Black Sands are exactly
that: an entire subregion covered in sands of various
dark shades. From ebony to onyx and charcoal: literally
the entire territory is black, and sovereigns from all
over the world send artisans and dyers here to bring
back pigments to use in their most expensive tints, but
most do not have the stomach to continue onwards
for more than a few miles, as adventurers who have
been here all agree that the absence of color makes
even simple movements far more difficult. Here, the
very shadows seem to move, arcane shades of ages
bygone that want nothing more than suck every speck
of chromaticity out of their living hosts.
FARU SADIN
Sandwiched between The Black Sands and Malak’Dor,
in an area that has no name other than the Sundered
Wastes, Faru Sadin is the only bastion of civilization
outside of the cities and towns along the region
borders. Despite being inhabited by humans, Faru
Sadin is almost as alien as the uninhabited parts of the
Sundered Wastes. It stretches higher than any other
known center on Athyr, and although it only covers
a relatively small surface area, life here is distributed
amongst many different levels, each of them connected
through wires and elevators, cables and ropes, ladders
and stairs, bizarrely-curved walkways and two kinds
51
Welcome to Athyr
of thoroughly alien-looking flying steeds: the Ymryll,
winged lizards the size of horses that instinctually
only fly up until they break the clouds, and that are
bred on the floor level to bring their riders to higher
ground; and the Daremdar, similarly-sized gliders with
three heads stacked on top of each other that are
bred on the higher levels to bring their passengers to
lower grounds.
The Kayachi of Faru Sadin are not ruled by a single
sovereign or royal family, but rather by the Guild of
Alchemists, and the way of life here is so different from
the nomadic existence of most Kayachi that most
tribes do not refer to the citizens of Faru Sadin as such,
but rather as ‘Sadinians’.
MALAK’DOR
Ancient Athyrian for ‘The Scaled Lands’, Malak’Dor is
not a misnomer, as its surface is broken up in large
flakes, laminas, plates, and other incrustation of all
shapes and forms. Not nearly as dark as The Black Sands
but still mostly grey and black, Malak’Dor is home to
several large carnivorous species that hide underneath
its many layers, however thin, and prey on each other
as well as on almost any living being of flesh and bone.
Carapaced borrowers, teethed arthropods, and acid-
spewing monsters thinner than sheets of paper slither
through the cracks of these fields, and their presence
would be enough to give any adventurer pause were it
not for the existence of Golmorhan – flaked creatures
with fronts that hover above the surface while their

tail ends trail through the upper layers of Malak’Dor,
leaving easy to follow grooves in the surface peel. The
Golmorhan can be tamed and ridden, providing faster
transport than when navigating the tranquil western
flank or the mountain passes to the eastern side.
THE NORTHERN WASTES
The Northern Wastes border Keldor, the Sea of
Jewels, and Beshaar, and here many Athraki tribes can
be found, often at odds with Kayachi. This is mostly
due to the fact that nearly all Athraki disapprove of
the bodily enhancements the Kayachi are known
for and view the Red Wizards of Quan as evil. These
mysterious sorcerers are rumored to have modified
their own bodies even more extensively than they have
the Kayachi, and visitors report that their entire city
is a nightmarish amalgam of metal contraptions and
symbiotic lifeforms.
Despite their disquieting appearance and surroundings,
the Red Wizards are very welcoming to strangers and
the city is reputed to count a disproportionate amount
of inns and taverns for a place that is difficult to access.
Despite of their agreeableness, the Red Wizards are
rumored to secretly pry their visitors for information
about Ayaari or Eldra Gavan technology, and Quan is
said to rest on an arcane nexus point that may either
erupt at any time, or host demonic beings that the
sorcerers have made a deal with in order to power
their own artifacts and extend their influence.
52
THE SOUTHERN WASTES
The least inhospitable of all subregions, The Southern
Wastes are of strategic importance due to the region’s
only two true ports: Nhakai and Asreja. Both harbor
cities are difficult to reach, as they top large cliffs and
bringing in ships safely to the docks below is an arduous
affair best left to experienced and skilled sailors.
Once inland, travelers soon face more difficulties, as
supernatural phenomena become more prevalent near
The Black Sands and as the river that runs from Asreja
ends in a particularly impassable node of the Alakh
Mountains.
VALE OF LOST SOULS
The only large, wooded area in the entire Sundered
Wastes, the Vale of Lost Souls would probably make
for a good site to build a harbor at, if not for it being
enclosed by a huge, oval-shaped mountain range and
its inhabitants, described by explorers as small, pointy-
eared, and sadistic humanoids. There is absolutely no
animal populace in the Vale of Lost Souls whatsoever,
but the subregion does have other inhabitants.
Found here are thousands of wandering spirits that
may possibly belong to members of a culture that
disappeared ages ago and many adventurers invade
the premises, drawn by the presence of enox, a rare
and priceless rock that grows underneath the trees of
the Vale and fetches extremely high prices at markets
all over Athyr.
EVANDYR
THE R EGION
Evandyr is the westernmost known continent of
Athyr. It’s a place of widely different environmental
conditions and terrain, with a frozen north, hot
arid south, dark forests, vast mountain ranges, and
a surprisingly large amount of fertile land perfect
for settlement. This ideal land is, however, unevenly
distributed due to an abundance of microclimates
created by a combination of huge mountain ranges
with numerous bays, peninsulas, and rivers.
Most probably, it is precisely because of these
geographic and agricultural factors that Evandyr has
never really stood united except when threatened by
outside kingdoms from across the seas. Instead, its six
distinct kingdoms, Solnos, Oskolim, Lhandor, Vahlia,
Korchova, and Orthoss have been at odds with each
other for more generations than anyone cares to
remember.
Dotted with citadels and castles, border keeps and
island fortresses, Evandyr is a land of countless hamlets,
almost as many villages, civilized towns, and palatial
cities. However, it is also a land with much untamed
hinterlands, damp dungeons, and haunted ruins where
the ethereal specters of rulers past lament their own
avariciousness and impatience.
A BOUT EVANDYR
Nowhere else in the world are the lands so fertile and
abundant, nowhere else is the local produce so varied
and are trade guilds so powerful and active… and
nowhere else are neighboring countries so distrustful
and – sometimes – even covetous of each other. Ruled
by rivalling kings and queens who don’t hesitate to
arrange marriages purely to enforce blood bonds and
strengthen allegiances, Evandyr is rife with political
infighting and infested with spy networks, backstabbing,
deception and underhanded dealings.
As different as the kingdoms of Evandyr are from each
other, you know that all of them adhere to a fairly strict
feudal system with lieges and lords, knights and squires,
priests and clerics, monks and nuns, and numerous
vassals forced to pay ever-increasing taxes. Still, there
hasn’t been open warfare in either your lifetime or that
of your parents.
A lot of Evandyr is pure wilderness and many freebooters,
brigands, and raiders set up camp here. Most of these
bandit bands have more reason to fear the many
53
Welcome to Athyr
indigenous monsters and otherworldly creatures that
skulk through the dark forests than they would knights
or soldiers.
In those places where the rule of law holds sway
in Evandyr, it is invariably oppressive, and used to
reinforce a millennium old social structure in which
the commoners are bound to the land they live on
and are rarely allowed the right to leave it without
permission. Meanwhile, the aristocracy constantly
compete with one another on behalf of titled nobles,
who use commoners like strategic pieces in a board
game. Thus peasants, gentry, aristocracy, and nobility
all quietly despise one another, and have done so for
over a thousand years.
The authority of any potentate in these regions is
mostly hypothetical, though the princes of Orthoss and
Vahlia do at least patrol the roads and pathways of
their respective realms. In many places, travel between
communities is extremely dangerous, and except
for the Orthosi, most people in Evandyr live under
the shadow of fear, for the roads that run through
the uninhabitable wild places in-between pockets of
civilization and dangerous woods are stalked by entire
legions of undead, horribly mutated humanoids, and
rabid preternatural wolves, while the existence of free
cities in the south is the only reason why, at least up
until now, the Evandyrians have been able to keep the
pirates of Taliath in check.
Except for Solnos, there aren’t many public libraries in
Evandyr and much of its population is illiterate, but quite
a lot of learned people keep private book collections
and some even open their homes to their fellow
citizens or interested travelers. However, deception
and covertness provide fertile ground for clandestine
experiments and research into the darkest of arcane
arts, which are known to be practiced extensively in
Evandyr.
For all its conservatism, Evandyr’s established religion, the
Sareclum, often seems to be the one thing that binds its
inhabitants together. Its dioceses often overlap two or
three kingdoms and all religious orders – priests, nuns,
monks, and beguines – are well-educated and fluent
in Old Evandyrian. All believe in the same pantheon,
but most temples and chapels are dedicated to a single
deity. Evandyrians tend to be pragmatic and go to
whatever temple they think will cater to their needs
best, sometimes even attending several services a week,
all of them dedicated to different supreme beings.

Although worshipping Bhalion, the Prince of Darkness,
and his father, Ekashi, The Hateful, is forbidden, both
play a significant part in the pantheon’s lore.
The other dark gods, Melorra (Queen of Chaos), Yadira
(The Deceitful), and Shaeida (Harbringer of Death), and
Jergal (The Envious) have all retained their temples and
followings, mostly because their priests believe that
they represent less enviable character traits that can
become more dangerous if denied, and thus should
be focused through rituals that are supposed to be
cathartic.
Understandably, adventurers like you and others
willing to take up the task of taming Evandyr’s
wilderness areas, stand up against the malevolent
creatures that too often plague its forests, and take
up arms against the cults are extremely welcome
and venerated everywhere in Evandyr, with Slayers
being particularly revered. In fact, the fastest route to
success and renown on this continent has never been
ascendency to any throne, but rather martial prowess
and strategical insight.
54
EVANDYR’S SIX K INGDOMS
Evandyr is made up of six kingdoms, each with their
own unique culture, traditions, and landscapes.
KARCHOVA
Karchovans are best known for their great galleons and
caravels. King Zabian holds more western isles than any
other Evandyrian sovereign, and his family has created
a seemingly impenetrable defensive belt out of both
archipelagos, littering them with ship wharfs, military
barracks, watchtowers, and fortresses.
Despite the rumors of demon worship surrounding
the Kozoch (Karchova’s small but elite navy), many
adventurers are drawn to Karchova’s capital city of
Madena – the only harbor capital in all of Evandyr – and
for one particular reason: its Seafarer’s Guild is the only
one in the world that actively caters to adventurers
and not to fishermen or other people who ply less
dangerous trades. Here, hirelings, mercenaries, and
would-be heroes are not only trained in navigation,
geography, and sailing, but also in ship-to-ship combat,
monster baiting, and other skills that do not have
peaceful intentions.
LHANDOR
Situated to the west of Evandyr’s military giant Vahlia,
the Lhandorian queen Yvrette recently managed to
secure her country’s safety by having her youngest
daughter, princes Imerelda, betrothed to the Keldorian
prince Maskarev.
Lhandorians are also widely known throughout Athyr
for being extremely superstitious – mostly about curses,
bad luck, and portents of doom. Commoners of any
station spend their days festooned with a wide variety
of charms, totems, phylactery, and amulets. Rooms are
constantly smudged with herbs, complicated warding
gestures are enacted, and mirrors of any kind tend to
get treated with extreme suspicion. This is encouraged
by the fact that Lhandor also has the largest share of
bona fide fortunetellers, seers, and diviners anywhere
in Evandyr, and you may come here to first to learn
about your fate before continuing with your exploits.
ORTHOSS
Far more carefree than other Evandyrians, Orthosi
have spawned some of the best minstrels, travelling
bardic troupes, and swashbuckling heroes on Athyr.
The Orthosi royal houses managed to secure an
enduring alliance with the semi-feral humanoids known
as Berendir centuries ago, and ever since, this fierce
mountain species has succeeded in discouraging any
army from trying to pass through the mountains or
enter Orthoss by crossing the western bay delineating
its border with Karchova.
An agreement with some of the most powerful Thalian
pirate lords to offer their crews safe haven in freetowns
scattered along the coast, all in return for their
protection should it ever become imperative has done
the rest. Many a pirate has started selling information
in Orthosi inns and taverns, so much so that it has
become a business more lucrative than actual raids or
smuggle runs to many.
OSKOLIM
A highly advanced fishing culture, Oskolim do not only
excel as trawlers, clam diggers, and lobster trappers,
but also as rugged mariners who are said to be
capable of surviving freezing temperatures even when
submerged for protracted periods of time. Confronted
with icebergs and entire floating islands of ice, Oskolim
have cemented an already-legendary reputation
for themselves by building the only icebreaker ships
55
Welcome to Athyr
anywhere on Athyr – juggernaut boats that double as
capable, if slightly difficult to maneuver, warships.
Often at odds with Solnos over the mineral-rich
northern Isles of Urbolg, Oskolim has nonetheless
retained control over the ice-covered peninsula.
SOLNOS
Well-known for its availability of higher education and
the grand universities that mark the land more than
its palaces and temples. Adroit diplomats, charismatic
negotiators, and soft-spoken rulers, the princes and
princesses of Solnos are all just as versed in espionage
and double-dealings. Friendly at most times, but ruthless
if necessary, the Solni have signed an agreement with
Lhandor not to contest rulership over the western
island of Domaia by turning it into a massive resort
open to the peoples from all six kingdoms, as long as
the required amount of gold is paid.
Still, Solnos is also marked by its illustrious past, when
ancient bloodlines waged a grisly war with the rest of
the continent, and the land to the south-west remains
largely barren except for the half-buried remains of
soldiers long dead and war machines the likes of which
have not seen since. There may be more treasure to
be found there than anywhere else on Evandyr, which
is why so many adventuring troupes – often in search
for the same mythical item or priced relic – clash here.
VAHLIA
There is no doubt that Vahlia has the largest surface
of fertile mass of land and access to valuable resources
in all of Evandyr, but if not for the manmade passage
through the two mountain passes leading to the
Sabretooth Bay east of Tarvos and to the north
of Mooncrest Valley, Vahlia would not be able to
capitalize on its trade capabilities as well as it has done
over the last centuries.
This – amongst other, more typical reasons – has led
Vahlians to keep sponsoring the largest, best-armed
military in the known world. Needless to say, Vahlia
also has some of the world’s best military schools and
the weapon training to be had here is unparalleled.
Adventurers who are educated in the art of war and
combat skills so typical of the Vahlian army usually hold
an edge over fighters who have been taught cruder
and less effective martial techniques.

CHAPTER 3:
CHAR ACTER
CREATION
SUMMARY
When creating your Character, follow the steps
outlined in this chapter. Alternatively, you can use
the Quickstart Characters provided at the back of
this book instead, allowing you to skip the character
creation process entirely and start playing right away.
Doing so can be especially useful if you plan on playing
a short adventure, lasting only 1 to 3 Sessions. For
longer adventures or campaigns, it is usually more fun
and engaging to build Characters with your gaming
group together and discuss with your Doomsayer what
the adventure or campaign is going to be about, or
where in Athyr it will take place.
SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE — PAGE 71
CHERISHED POSSESSION — PAGE 71
56
1. SESSION 0
Session 0 is intended to all get together first before
you actually start playing the game and see how
your Characters might know one another, what ties
bind them to adventure together, and whether they
would even fit into the adventure the Doomsayer has
prepared. Session 0 sounds like it will take up an entire
afternoon or evening, but rest assured that creating
Characters for Blood and Doom can be done in under
one hour, allowing you to immediately start playing
afterwards.
During Session 0, your Doomsayer may make
suggestions, answer questions, provide information,
and sometimes may even veto any inappropriate or
confusing results or choices. This should always be
done sparingly: but remember that the Doomsayer has
an idea for the adventure or campaign in mind, and
assumedly knows more than you do about what sorts
of foes and challenges you will face. Their guidance is
inevitably going to be to help avoid Characters that
don’t fit in, be woefully unprepared for the adventures
to come, or might break the narrative the Doomsayer
is trying to create through play.
So, what does Session 0 look like in practice? To start,
check with your Doomsayer and ask them what kind
of adventure they intend to run. Will it be a story of
exploration in search of mythical treasure? Or will it
be an investigative mystery where your Characters are
SESSION 0 — PAGE 57 expected to help those in need find answers to some
horrible things that have been happening of late? Will
CHOOSE A CLASS — PAGE 58 the adventure be set in a desert, a jungle maybe, or on
a ship sailing the oceans? Are there likely going to be
ORIGIN — PAGE 60
a lot of Monsters to fight, pirates to capture, or will
APPEARANCE — PAGE 70 the adventure be set in a city and feature courts and
political intrigue? Of course, not all these answers have
PERSONALITY — PAGE 70 to be answered very clearly, and a general idea will do.
PARTY VOW — PAGE 70
Then, try and think of what Class and Archetype you
might want to play and how you see them fit into this
IDEALS — PAGE 70 story, or perhaps purposefully not fitting in at all, but
for a specific reason. Try to think about this together
HABITS — PAGE 71 with the rest of your group and see if each Player can
57
Character Creation
choose a unique Class and Archetype instead of two of
the same. The next section, Choose a Class, gives you
a brief idea of each Class and Archetype.
Every Character of course has an origin, a story of
how they came to be, whether from a humble village
destroyed by raiders, life of the streets of a decadent
city, or training in the art of magic since birth. Let
yourself be inspired by books, series or movies you know
if you want, which can often help give you a general
idea of what your Character may be like. Also have
a look at the map of Athyr and imagine what place you
might hail from. It is recommended most Characters
in the Party share the same Origin, with maybe one
or two exceptions. Athyr is an immensely large world,
and Characters all hailing from a different region are
unlikely to end up together. But, more importantly,
(as you will see later), there are many languages
spoken across Athyr and it would be beneficial if your
Characters are at least able to talk with one another.
Also try and see if all your Characters would fit together
as a group, perhaps even with the same goal that led
them to live a life of adventuring. Perhaps they all hail
from the same village that got burnt down, or maybe
you can come up with an idea of how you met and
stuck together for one reason or another. Discuss with
your Doomsayer if they may have some ideas as well,
rooting your Characters’ origins into their adventure in
the best possible way.
Finally, it’s time to take out some Character Sheets and
start writing down all the details. Each Class Archetype
has a unique sheet, and a second sheet, the ‘Character
Path’, is the same for every Class. You should have
two sheets in front of you ready to start filling out
the details. This is what the next sections are all about.
Make sure to keep creating your Characters together,
as some of the details especially in the Character
Path section require you to write down a Party Vow
for example, something that defines exactly what has
been discussed already during Session 0.
 Character Creation

2. CHOOSE A CLASS EXPERT CLASSES

All 4 Classes available in this primer book are discussed
in detail in the next chapter. A short overview of the
9 Classes to be included in the game’s official release
is presented here. For now, you can try out Blood and
Doom playing as either a BARBARIAN , GUARDIAN ,
DRUID or ASSASSIN , though it should be noted that
each of these Classes has two very distinct Archetypes
(as do all other Classes), making even two Druid
Characters (for example) very different and unique,
with a choice between the Kindred and Stargazer
Archetypes for a Druid.
This makes for a total of 8 unique Character options,
each of them highly customizable to suit whatever
you envision your Character to be, with varying Ability
Scores, Skills, Traits, Powers and Magic to choose from.
Every Class Archetype also allows you to choose a Feat
when you create your Character, and as you Level Up,
more of all the above can be gained by your Character,
including several ‘improvements’ that can be applied to
any Traits, Powers and Magic of your choosing.
Classes are divided into three broad categories:
‘Warrior’, ‘Expert’, and ‘Magic’ Class. Some game rules
refer to this category specifically, for example when
choosing a Feat (which unlike Traits, Powers and Magic
aren’t unique to one Class Archetype). To fill out all
the details of your Character (relating to their Class
and Archetype) check the Class’s respective chapter for
more information, then continue with step 3 (Origin).
ASSASSIN
Trained in stealth and subterfuge, Assassins are employed by their government or
by outside contractors to handle the dirty work for them, killing their targets with
indiscriminate precision. The secretive Ninja are martial experts and spies who often hide
their true identities, while Vipers resort to poisons, traps and ranged combat to get the
job done.
SEE P. 101
HUNTER
Skilled trappers or archers, these outdoor experts have learnt to navigate the wilderness,
track prey, and kill for food or survival. Beastmasters forge an inseverable bond with their
beast companion, who aids them in whatever quest they undertake, while Deadeyes
present a threat at long distances, and none are a better shot with bow and arrow.
MINSTREL
Minstrels are the troubadours, the jongleurs, the acrobats, the actors, the bards, the
poets, the seducers, the dancers, the musicians, and the singers of Athyr. Loreweavers
have made telling stories, debating an issue, or lecturing about compelling subjects into
an artform, while Entertainers use their considerable skills to amaze, inspire and captivate
entire audiences with their abilities.

WARRIOR CLASSES
M AGIC CLASSES
BARBARIAN
Considered uncivilized by many, but hailed as fierce warriors by others, Barbarians are
often raised in hostile environments far from the cities and towns of Athyr. They are
either wandering Nomads who are used to live off the wild or trained Gladiators, who
make a living by demonstrating their skills in bloody combat to entertain the masses.
SEE P. 75
GUARDIAN
Guardians are stalwart knights who have dedicated their lives to a noble cause. Some
have sworn to protect the innocent, others are bound by oath or coin to serve. Honor-
bound, they vouch to either be Wardens ready to lay down their lives for another, or
inspiring Vanguards always found spearheading the battlelines.
SEE P. 89
SLAYER
Slayers are specialized warriors who have been born or trained to singly-mindedly hunt
and kill the most dangerous of beasts and monsters. The Bloodborn are naturals who came
into the world with certain innate abilities or who were raised in a society that thrust
them into their role from an early age on, whereas Nightstalkers have been schooled to
relentlessly hunt their prey, often in the most desolate places of Athyr.
DRUID
Druids are often members of a spiritual or religious movement that worships the natural
world, including the flora and fauna native to Athyr. These priests, teachers, and judges
are attuned to the environment and are often leading or advising their communities.
Kindred can draw on the essence of nature to transform into great beasts, while
Stargazers analyze celestial alignments to advise others and manipulate the elements to
wield powerful Magic.
SEE P. 117
SHAMAN
Mostly found in indigenous or tribal societies, Shamans are custodians of religious and
attuned to the spirit realm. They perform rituals of nature to commune or even summon
spirits, who they call upon as a form of Magic. The enigmatic Mystics can see into the
ethereal plane with ease, while Soothsayers are adept counselors and healers who use
their divinatory abilities to help others gain insight in their future.
SORCERER
Versed in dark but powerful Magic, Sorcerers have learnt to decipher the ancient texts,
mystic glyphs, intricate runes, and arcane formulae found in dusty tomes or other
recording devices filled with (forbidden) knowledge. Shadowcasters tap into other,
murky dimensions to violate the laws of nature and cast Spells, while Illusionists trigger
hallucinations or create images out of mid-air that trick the senses into believing they
are real.

58 59
 Character Creation

CHARACTER PATH COMMON NAMES

Abha, Abji, Adhira, Bora, Chintara, Daifa, Eman, Gayan,
The results of the following steps of Character Creation can be written down on your Character Path sheet, and Hilel, Ilisa, Jaguri, Jharna, Kisni, Lela, Maiza, Nahdi, Rajan,
mainly revolve around your Character’s origin, background, and other personal details. Sumita, Sayed, Taslin, Vasan, Vimala, Zaria.
GODS
The folk of Ethennia worship a pantheon of sixteen
gods, favoring them by personal choice or when
appealing to the god’s particular sphere of influence.

COMMON LANGUAGES Kalliope Flower of Passion

Ethennian is spoken in most towns and cities across
Ethennia and is a fairly modern language that evolved

3. ORIGIN
Bhaidiri The Enlightened
over a short period of time due to increased trade
between the vast region’s cities. All other languages are
Aurelia Queen of Stars
spoken mostly by local tribes and nomads belonging
Choose one of the Origins below to determine where your Character grew up exactly or spent most of their
to one of Ethennia’s subregions and are generally
lives. The Welcome to Athyr chapter provides more details about all five these regions, though a brief description Sareha Peaceful Jewel
much older.
is given here as well. Each Origin provides suggestions for Character names (though of course you are free to
come up with your own), more specific details about where within the region you grew up, what languages MOSTLY Esmet The Dreamer
your Character knows as a result of this (offering several options), and what gods they worship or spirits they LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN
commune with. Jutow Lurker in Shadows
Most towns and cities across
Note that anything described here can be altered or changed to your preference, as long as you discuss it with Ethennian
Ethennia
your Doomsayer first and they agree on your suggested changes. Eothep The Formless Whisperer
Adiri Beshaar
Vastor The Sand Dragon
Aldaran Plains of Nihar Din
Aghab The Conqueror
ETHENNIAN living, or, instead one of Ethennia’s five subregions Ethyri Ova Dyr
Dharnan
Ethennia is the largest region of Athyr, encompassing if you prefer a more nomadic background or Djinn of Chaos
vast deserts, plains and steppes. As an Ethennian, you Ethemi Valgar Plains
to hail from a small, remote settlement. Such
are accustomed to a lifestyle where the winds and Wadahe Shepherd of Nature
settlements are not shown on the world map,
the sands dominate all. While many Ethennians live Valdyrian The Dying Lands
but you and the Doomsayer can come up Quisani
like nomads crossing the deserts in harmony with the Eternal Guardian
suns and the dunes, others dwell within the craggy with one together, or they might have more
mountainous regions, sequestered deep into the detailed information available including just such Alahad Watcher of the Seas
many caves, valleys, and arroyos, in homes carved and a settlement.
formed out of the rocky walls themselves.
▪ Choose a name for your Character. Menef iri Daughter of Creation
Dotted throughout the region are several oasis towns, ▪ If you chose a city as your background, you know Baimon The Omen
bustling harbors, and splendorous cities. Countless the language Ethennian and can also choose
kingdoms and empires have fallen and been buried one secondary language from any subregion of
beneath the sands of Ethennia over the millennia, but Khamenos The Just
Ethennia, or, alternatively, Ishtan (spoken in cities
today you’ll find mostly city states individually ruled by
princes and queens known as Alika, connected through across Ishta), Eroshan or Aroshi (spoken on the
their common allegiance by the Grand Amrin who are Islands of Roshan), or any of the six languages
elected from their royal ranks. spoken in the kingdoms of Evandyr.
Throughout the dusty landscape can be found ruins ▪ If you chose one of Ethennia’s subregions as your
of antiquity and unknown provenance, as well as vast background, you know that region’s language,
tunnel complexes built by creatures like the enormous and can either choose Ethennian as a secondary
Sandworms that traverse the region’s underground language, or any one language from a subregion
layers effortlessly.
neighboring the one where you grew up.
When you choose Ethennian as your Origin, follow
these steps:
▪ Choose between one and five gods from the
Ethennian pantheon that you have a particular
▪ Choose either an Ethennian city on the map that affinity with. More details on all gods and spirits will
you grew up in or have spent most of your life be included in the final release of Blood and Doom.

60 61
 Character Creation

ISHTAN choose only one and you also know Ishtan as

The teeming green land of Ishta is separated from the a secondary language.
Ethennian deserts by the mountain range known as the
Iron Peaks of Dorganthur, and to the south there is
▪ Choose between three and eight spirits from those
worshipped in Ishta that you regularly commune
only the lukewarm Sea of Blood. The region is rife with
with. If you hail from a city, you can choose up
volcanoes, howling wilderness, rain forests, vast swamps
and ancient, dense jungles inhabited by both humans to three of Ethennia’s deities as well but are
and dinosaurs. Everywhere one looks, Ishta teems with encouraged to choose a smaller number of spirits.
life, and as an Ishtan you have grown up in a land of
brightly-colored creatures and easily harvested foods, COMMON NAMES
but you also know that nature is red in tooth and spine, Ake, Arana, Boro, Canchari, Cuitlauac, Iawi, Inguill,
and that the most beautiful plumage might hide the Kaba, Kachiri, Mandu, Malinali, Rimac, Tiso, Tari,
sharpest claws, and that the most innocent of insects Teuchi, Xocoyol, Wanadi, Zincicha.
can be equipped with a deadly sting.
COMMON LANGUAGES
The great cities are led by a stunning variety of
Ishtan is spoken in several of the great cities. It is an
governments, including juntas of experts, military
old language that contrary to popular belief actually
dictatorships, councils of priest-astronomers, and
outdates most of the languages and dialects spoken by
god-emperors or empresses. Some demand absolute
Ishta’s countless tribes. And tribes there are many, as are
fealty from their subjects, others choose to offer their
languages spoken in Ishta and even more dialects. No GODS
citizens a great amount of freedom. With its rocky
region in Athyr has only half the number of languages The Ishtans are animists, worshiping a wide range of nature spirits, ranging from those listed below to countless
coasts and its few but easily-defendable harbors, few
spoken among the humid jungles of the south. others. Some of these spirits are patrons of specific tribes, towns, and villages, and some are said to dwell in the
have had any luck conquering this vast, dense region,
trackless jungles.
though the opulence of its most influential cities is
fabled throughout all Athyr. The number of clans and
MOSTLY
local tribes in Ishta far outnumbers those found in LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN Huwsedo The Wind Spirit Lapayetta The Demon Spirit
Ethennia, though many are unknown to outsiders, or Ishtan Several large cities Kta’Vaska Iawande
even locals, as the dense canopy of this land’s jungles The Leaf Spirit The Purity Spirit
makes traveling even a few dozen miles in any direction Ishari
an undertaking only few dare to ponder. Jamasepta The Earth Spirit Oyferi The Healing Spirit
Ashiri
When you choose Ishtan as your Origin, follow Charr’Dhan
Imen Odo Oya Bao-Ar
these steps: The Rain Spirit The Mountain Spirit
Kirea
▪ Choose either an Ishtan city on the map that you Baadi Xalhuota The River Spirit Zo’Xepl The Warrior Spirit
grew up in or have spent most of your life living, or,
Nuwemi
instead one of Ishta’s five subregions if you prefer Dalnorra The Night Spirit Ururuna The Divination Spirit
Oeresa Jungles of Mararoka
to hail from a small, recluse tribe. Tribe settlements
Panto Kajemba The Day Spirit Pakse-Muni The Binding Spirit
are not shown on the world map, but you and the
Doomsayer can come up with one together, or Suhemi
Nyudai The Fertility Spirit Howeme The Shadow Spirit
they might know one that you can use. Tauli

▪ Choose a name for your Character. Thori Akani Munajé The Death Spirit Enu Sutu The Song Spirit
▪ If you chose a city as your background, you know Andume
the language Ishtan and can also choose one Zebado The War Spirit Balkepi The Fire Spirit
Budume
secondary language from the subregion the city
Obima Uru’Massari Zanpak-Zeri
is located in, or, alternatively, Ethennian (spoken in The Sky Spirit The Hunter Spirit
Badawo Wilds
cities across Ethennia), or any of the six languages Siltoe
Waniga The Monster Spirit Saidori The Lake Spirit
spoken in the kingdoms of Evandyr. Ewera

▪ If you chose one of Ishta’s subregions as your Wanpuri

Oseme The Breath Spirit Toka’Habi The Rock Spirit
background, you know all of that subregion’s Polesi Torra Nyega
languages (though not fluently, but you can make Ikomeno Cuatalemo
Apane The Beast Spirit The Thunder Spirit
yourself understandable), or, alternatively, can

62 63

ROSHANI
The Islands of Roshan are an ancient culture, their
bloodlines and history dating thousands of years old,
venerating their divine ancestry from the heavens
themselves. The ruling dynasty has been in charge of
the islands since time immemorial and the current
emperor, Zhang, is the only known ruler on Athyr
whose face and appearance remains an enigma. His
meritocracy has served the nation well, although the
old and decrepit are often faced with a manifest lack
of respect and care.
Nowhere else are inhuman creatures left to live and
breed, and most of the monsters and beasts talked
about in myths and folklore are still around, their
existence not left to conjecture but rather objective
finding. And thus, Roshan remains a nation of mystical
legends and great accomplishments, although the
people on its eastern islands care little for the imperial
laws and edicts imposed on the other subregions.
When you choose Roshani as your Origin, follow
these steps:
▪ Choose one of Roshan’s main eight islands that
you grew up on or have spent most of your life
living, either in one of the island’s cities or as part
of a smaller town or village not shown on the map.
You and the Doomsayer can come up with one
together, or they might know one that you can use.
▪ Choose a name for your Character.
▪ You know the language spoken on the island
you were born on or spent most of your life.
If you hail from a city on one of the Trinity
Islands (Omara, Sionto and Arosha), you can also
choose a secondary language from the following:
Ethennian (spoken in the major cities of Ethennia)
or Ishtan (spoken in most cities in Ishta).
▪ You can choose to either worship the ‘One True
God’ or, alternatively, choose between one and five
gods from the Ethennian pantheon that you have
devoted yourself to.
64
COMMON NAMES
Amane, Arisa, Benkei, Chiyo, Eien, Genjo, Heizo, Honzo,
Ise, Katai, Machi, Matsuo, Nami, Nissho, Okinu, Rika,
Senzo, Sorai, Takuro, Tsuki, Ukon, Urako, Yachi, Zenko.
COMMON LANGUAGES
Unlike the other realms, the Roshani languages are
almost evenly split up amongst its islands, with Eroshan
being spoken in Omara, Sionto, and Arosha; Eshi in Eshiri,
Ryukala, and Oneshi; and Aroshi in Unigo and Iokara.
Each of these languages has many distinctions and
vocabularies based on one’s social class in relation to
others, and outsiders find these tongues quite complex
to master.
Even though all resemble to be dialects of the same root
language, the varying distinctions make it impossible to
simply derive the meaning of one if another is known.
Most Roshani are taught some Eroshan as a matter of
course to be able to communicate with one another, and
there are some secret trade and guild languages that are
not taught to outsiders.
MOSTLY
LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN
Eroshan Omara, Sionto, Arosha
Eshi Eshiri, Ryukala, Oneshi
Aroshi Unigo, Iokara
GODS
Most Roshani believe in the ‘One True God’, who is
worshipped as a trinity of aspects that together form
one entity: Jigao (‘The Body’), Gaoya (‘The Mind’),
and Aoji (‘The Soul’). Every home and business on the
Islands has a small shrine to the One Who Is Three
within its confines.
Character Creation
SUNDERED language, choosing from: Thali (spoken in Taliath),
Ravaged by ancient sorcerous blight and arcane Adiri or Alderan (spoken in Ethennia), Arakh (spoken
storms that erupted out of the land’s arcane energies in Keldor, in the icy north) or either Osho, Orthosi
tens of thousands of years ago and that wiped out the
or Vahlian (spoken respectively in Oskolim, Orthos
ancient civilization known as the Eldra Gavan, woe to
and Vahlia, the three easternmost kingdoms of
any who call the Sundered Wastes their home. You,
Evandyr).
unfortunately, are such a soul, having grown up in this
▪ Choose between one and three gods from the
damnable, near-lifeless place, where unnatural rifts are
known to spawn forth terrible monsters and gravity’s Sundered Wastes’ pantheon that you don’t quite
pull fluctuates between on place and another as if on worship, but just curse at a lot when things go
an entirely different plane of existence. The region is
wrong.
dominated by mountains and vast scorched deserts,
seas of silt and dust that hide the shambles of a bygone
COMMON NAMES
age. Only the worst and the most adventurous thrive
Bakos, Bezek, Cirmos, Dalibor, Dusana, Dusik, Grago,
here, shunned or applauded by others and walled off
Hromec, Jarka, Jaromir, Jurova, Kral, Loran, Matis,
from Ethennia by great mountain ranges.
Mirda, Orlik, Radek, Salar, Sirak, Surilla, Trava, Venko,
The near-constant battle for survival dominates all in Vlasta, Wira, Zelina, Zlata, Zorah, Zvara.
the Sundered Wastes, with rigid discipline required to
merely exist day to day. There are few settlements of MOSTLY
any size, but the cities that do exist are uniquely bizarre.
LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN
In the center of the Sundered Wastes stands Faru Sadin,
with its impossibly-curved architecture and alien-looking Kayachi
Across most of the Sundered
flying steeds known as the Ymryll. In the north lies Quan, Wastes
where the Red Wizards – one of the most distinctive
Malak Dorr and Northern
sorcerous orders in all Athyr – are said to modify Athraki
Wastes mostly
their own bodies, transforming them into a macabre
admixture of flesh and strange contraptions. The wastes
GODS
then, are dominated by the Kayachi, scavengers who
are willing to risk permanent deformation in exchange The harsh, pitiless gods of the Sundered Wastes are
of the Red Wizards’ newest body modifications; and the more a curse than a pantheon, each only named in
more spiritual Athraki. All are suspicious, hardened by scorn, as the subject of whatever woe has befallen the
this tough life, and many look down on those who grew speaker. The most common are listed here. Others are
known and named, but feared less.
up in softer, kinder climes.
When you choose Sundered as your Origin, follow Orthar The Blood God
these steps:
▪ You hail from either of the cities Faru Sadin, Nhakai, Rhak The Gluttonous
or Asreja, or are a member of the many hunter-
gatherer tribes (Kayachi or Athraki) that roam the
Kamano The Beast King
Sundered Wastes’ barren landscape. A lot more
Diredja The Lustful
details on these cities and many of the Kayachi and
Athraki tribes will be included in Blood and Doom’s Silnami The Judgmental
final release.
▪ Choose a name for your Character. Wazini The Trickster
▪ Whether from a city or living as a tribe member,
you know a handful of Kayachi and Athraki dialects Arakrex The Great Scorcher
and can make yourself known in most places across
Milandre The Depraved
the wastes. Additionally, you know one other
65
 Character Creation

EVANDYRIAN ▪ Choose between one and six gods from the GODS
Most folk from Evandyr worship one or more of the
The folk of Evandyr are a mix of many cultures that Ethennian pantheon that you have a particular
twenty-two gods that make up their pantheon. Favor
have been at war and mingled with each other equally affinity with. Keep in mind that worshipping Bhalion for a specific god or gods over others usually stems
for time out of mind. The primary kingdoms are Solnos,
and/or Ekashi is considered forbidden. More details from personal choice and what someone might want
Oskolim, Lhandor, Vahlia, Karchova, and Orthoss, and
on all gods and spirits will be included in the final or desire at any given time.
they are culturally distinct from one another, but to
those from the mainland they all seem to be of a piece. release of Blood and Doom.
Each realm has its own king or queen, duke or duchess, Vanorra The Earthmother
or tzar or tzarina, but for the most part, the most COMMON NAMES
important figure is the elder of the village. Aisha, Amara, Belu, Daylen, Drystan, Eliarra, Eluvian, Melorra The Wielder of Chaos
Gendral, Gorvas, Gidea, Haldi, Idrim, Jeras, Kayla,
There are several cities of note dotting the fertile lands
Lorelei, Mirabel, Nayreena, Oleram, Savian, Syrdar, Anagdir The Courageous
of Evandyr, but even more hamlets and towns amongst
Tirgan, Vasilius.
its dark forests, and the royal families of each realm
Felnor The Bringer of Justice
are tied to one another by blood and oath, pact and COMMON LANGUAGES
promise. The people are generally superstitious and Although a select few scholars and nobles across Evandyr
Erathis The Knowledgeable
suspicious of outsiders, for good reason, as this land is are somewhat familiar with the ancient language Old
rife with ancient beast-folk, embodied spirits, undead, Evandyrian, most people speak only their home kingdom’s
and changelings. Acanthe The Bestower of Power
language and perhaps that of a neighboring kingdom
When you choose Evandyrian to be your Origin, follow they trade with.
Shaeida The Harbinger of Death
these steps:
MOSTLY
▪ Choose one of Evandyr’s six kingdoms you hail LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN Persemos The Voice of Reason
from. Then, choose either a city on the map in that
Vahlian Vahlia Yadira
kingdom, or think up of a small town or village not The Deceitful
shown on the map together with your Doomsayer.
Lhandorian Lhandor Gorshag
Alternatively, you can choose to be from a rural The Lord of War
area, to have lived in the mountains, etc. Karchovan Karchova Fortubo The Dreamer
▪ Choose a name for your Character.
▪ You know the language of your kingdom and one Orthosi Orthoss Lirr The Illuminating
adjacent kingdom or your choice. If you grew up
in large city, you may choose one more common Osho Oskolim Bhalion The Prince of Darkness
language spoken anywhere else on Athyr that
Solno Solnos
you have studied and know. This excludes the Jergal The Envious
many languages spoken throughout Ishta, but may
Torin The Valorous
include Ishtan (spoken in the region’s major cities).

Nerys The Angel of Beauty

Ekashi The Hateful

Morgalf The Inventor

Dherone The Patron of Peace

Xinteus The Watcher in the Sky

Ephalos The Protector

Geshta The Forsaken

66 67

A NCIENT LANGUAGES
Throughout Athyr, some Ancient Languages long lost
to time are still known by a select few people, and even
spoken by some others. Dusty, old tomes and scrolls
that adventurers might find are often written in one of
these languages, as are carvings and symbols engraved
into the stonework of ruins or carved into artifacts
crafted over millennia ago.
Unless a Character has a Lore Score of either 4 or 5,
none of the Ancient Languages can be chosen to be
known during Character Creation (SEE P. 56 ). When
your Lore Score allows it however, you can choose
from the following Ancient Languages:
PROTO ATHYRIAN
The language first ever spoken on the surface of Athyr,
as life began to prosper in the region now known as
the Sundered Wastes. Proto Athyrian is a primitive
language, found in cave paintings throughout the
Sundered Wastes, parts of Ethennia, and even Evandyr,
Taliath and Keldor. It is over 100.000 years old, and
uses mostly symbols depicting people, animals, body
parts, facial features and the like to convey meaning.
ANCIENT ATHYRIAN
The first language to evolve out of Proto Athyrian,
Ancient Athyrian demonstrates the first steps towards
a full-fledged written language. The symbols it uses
still vaguely resemble those found in Proto Athyrian,
but are extended into signs that denote complex
conjugations and gender references. Some scholars still
study this language actively, believing it holds the key
to many secrets that have been lost to time.
OLD EVANDYRIAN
Still actively practiced by the nuns, beguines, monks,
and priests of Evandyr’s established religion, the
Sareclum, Old Evandyrian books litter the region’s
few libraries and many private collections. It uses an
inflected grammar, in which words change according
to the role they play in a sentence and a flexible
subject-object-verb-structure. It was also the first
language with an easy-to-learn alphabet, with each
sign denoting a different letter.
68
Character Creation
OLD ATHRAKI
Exclusively spoken in Keldor, there are few Old Athraki
manuscripts to be found in the other regions of Athyr.
Where available, Old Athraki demonstrates a keen
understanding of linguistic structure, with a highly
distinct inflectional morphology, gendered nouns, nine
cases, and a complete lack of articles that has most
people who try to learn it flabbergasted and frustrated
even years in.
OLD VALDYRIAN
By far the most poetic-sounding of all ancient
languages, Old Valdyrian features a subject-verb-
object-order, but its most distinctive trait by far is its
extensive vocabulary, and Old Valdyrian dictionaries
are at least three times as thick as their Old Evandyrian
or Old Athraki counterparts.
OLD ETHENNIAN
Featuring many guttural sounds and verbal sentences
as well as nominal, functional, and non-functional ones,
the type of sentence used in Old Ethennian is closely
linked to the kind of subject covered, with nominal
sentences mostly referring landscape, environment,
and weather. It has an extensive but highly-specialized
vocabulary (though not nearly the size of the Old
Valdyrian one), with hundreds of different synonyms
for ‘sand’, ‘desert’, ‘sun’, ‘heat’, and similar words that
have preoccupied Ethennians throughout the ages.
AYAARI
By far the most complex of all languages found on Athyr,
Ayaari is veiled by mystery. Literally and figuratively
utterly alien in nature, it features both simple-looking
and complex symbols and a vocabulary totally unlike
any of the Athyrian native tongues. Its vocabulary is
vast and uses sounds that are unpronounceable by any
human, which serves to further complicate things. Each
word seems to have many synonyms, but no synonym
means exactly the same thing, allowing for uniquely
specialized knowledge sharing and very specific
meanings that leave little room for misinterpretation.
Unfortunately, this is exactly why Ayaari has been
completely misunderstood and even misinterpreted,
both by the most skilled of academics and the vilest
of cultists.
69

4. A PPEARANCE
Describe your Character’s appearance in a few short sentences. You do not need
to define every little detail, but you should try to provide a quick impression
of what someone else might see if they looked at your Character. Your realm
of Origin may provide some guidelines on how your people generally look, but
such is the world of Athyr that your Character might look entirely unlike those
they grew up around. Things you might want to include here are height, build,
attitude, coloration, clothing style, etc. to give your Doomsayer and other
players a good idea what your Character looks like.
5. PERSONALITY
Everyone has some sort of personality, and your Character should have some
traits or emotional characteristics that set them apart from everyone else. You
can write this as a few sentences that describe their overall personality and how
it manifests, or you can write some simple descriptive words. This is highly useful
for everyone in the group, so that they can color their dialogue towards your
Character, but also so your Doomsayer knows how the world might perceive
your Character, and shape interactions accordingly.
6. PARTY VOW
This should be determined with your gaming group together, as mostly already
covered in the Session 0 section. A Party Vow determines what it is your group
of heroes is focused on doing. It can be a saying, a motto, an oath, or simply
a declaration of what drives you to adventure and to stick together. It may be
that you have sworn allegiance to a particular figure and pledged your fealty,
or you may all be in it for the thrill of adventure and the rewards it yields.
7. IDEALS
What drives your Character? What has sent them on the path to adventure and
what goal do they have? Is it vengeance for a past wrong committed against
them or their loved ones, or is it a more mercenary desire to get rich and retire
in comfort? Do they want to achieve some goal, or perhaps are they driven by
a religious calling? Or are they fatalistic, believing that they are chosen by fate
to do great or terrible things? Each Class’s chapter provides some suggestions
for Ideals fitting for such a Character. Feel free to select one or several of those,
come up with your own ideas, or a combination of both.
70
Character Creation
8. H ABITS
Your Character has likely developed some visible habits or even flaws that are obvious,
and perhaps get them into trouble. These are not so much personality traits as they are
visible manifestations of those traits. Your Character might be meticulous about their
gear or their physical person, always trying to keep clean and wearing fine clothing.
They may be prone to overindulgence in alcohol, sex, or other pleasures of the flesh,
or they might be strictly religious and make a point of noting how others’ behaviors
fall short.
Perhaps they are impatient and leap into reckless violence quickly and without much
hesitation or are willing to gamble even when odds are against them and money is low.
The Doomsayer can use these as prompts to get you involved with adventure, and even
as potential lures to get you to take notice of something. As with Ideals, every Class
offers some suggestions on Habits that you could use to take inspiration from.
9. SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE
Throughout your Character’s life, they have likely grown up with family and kin, and
have been trained or learned from others. Describe up to three people—living or
dead—who your Character finds significant enough to have influenced them at some
point in their lives, and write their names on your Character sheet, perhaps with a brief
explanation about the relationship.
This does not always need to be someone they love or like, either. It can be a bitter
enemy or a childhood rival. Perhaps it is the leader of an evil cult who murdered your
Character’s family, or the wise master who trained you in the art of the sword. For
longer campaigns, these figures may emerge in gameplay, or their influence be felt, as
the Doomsayer crafts adventures with personal stakes that matter to you.
10. CHERISHED POSSESSION
If desired, your Character has one keepsake that is important to them. It can be
something relatively functional, like a small weapon or piece of ornamentation, or it
can be something practical. It may be a religious symbol or icon, a piece of jewelry
once worn by a loved one, a lucky coin, a favorite throwing knife or special arrow, or
even some minor trinket that only matters to you.
It cannot be something you can easily sell, as its value is almost entirely to you and
not to some random merchant. However, it may be taken from you, or something you
might accidentally lose. How far would you go to get it back? You Cherished Possession
has Load 0 and doesn’t require to be added to the Equipment section or Treasure &
Trinkets section of your Character Sheet, unless you happen to cherish a bag of bricks.
71
 Class & Archetype

CHAPTER 4:
CLASS &
A RCHETYPE

72 73

BARBARIAN
PLAYING
A BARBARIAN
CLASS TYPE: Warrior
COMPLEXITY: Low
Deep within your veins flows an untamed force that
sets you apart from the confines of society. Born
and raised outside the sheltered walls of civilization,
betrayed by a society that was supposed to protect its
own, or abused for the gleeful entertainment of others,
you have survived the harshness of the wilderness or
have otherwise grown up beyond the controlled set of
rules most ‘civilized’ people are expected to adhere to.
Instead, you hail from a place where only the strongest
and most cunning prevail.
You are a paragon of freedom, bound by no laws or
customs but your own or the tribe that you belong to.
Your very existence defies the expectations of those
who dwell within the cities of men, who often fail to
comprehend the raw power and unbreakable will that
drives you forward.
You rely on the guidance of your own insights, the
knowledge shared within the group that you belong
to, and the strength of your unyielding muscles
to navigate the trials and tribulations of life. Your
community is forged through the shared struggle
and hardship of those who have faced the untamed
wilderness and emerged victorious.
Many may call you a ‘barbarian’ or ‘savage’, simply
because you weren’t raised within the patronizing
confines of a metropolis, but they do so at their own
peril. For they have yet to witness the sheer ferocity
and indomitable spirit that fuels your being. You are
a force of nature, unstoppable and unrelenting, a true
embodiment of primal power and raw survival instinct.
75
Class & Archetype
There are two Barbarian Archetypes:
THE NOMAD was raised in Athyr’s vast wilderness;
whether running through the trees of a dark forest,
riding on horseback across the steppes, or stalking
silently through the jungle, their families or tribes rarely
stayed in one place for long. Instead, they traveled,
either by necessity or because of they were driven to
do so by some other motivation, always looking for new
pastures for their livestock or new challenges to face.
The nomadic life leaves many superstitious, but others
deal with the unknown in a more logical, pragmatic
manner. Whatever the case, tracking, survival skills and
physical feats are the Nomad’s craft. Their knowledge
of – and capabilities in – their preferred terrain are
unrivaled, as is their ability to deal with the unexpected
and the unknown. There are many types of Nomads: the
heavily muscled brute wielding an over-sized weapon,
whipcord-lean desert wanderers equipped with bow
and arrow, tattooed mountain-dwelling fighters, ship-
borne raiders, and more.
THE GLADIATOR is trained to combat their adversaries
in brutal, spectacular manner, and was shaped by
a lifetime of servitude and violence in the arena. Many
Gladiators have abandoned their fear of death a long
time ago, while others are motivated by it, driven
forward by their unrelenting refusal to die.
Stoicism, resilience, showmanship, skill with any kind of
weapon put in their hands, and a willingness to kill if
required define the life of many a Gladiator. Some did
not choose this life and were forced into it by their
captors or owners, others resolutely chose to step
into the arena to match their martial prowess with
whoever – or whatever – that was thrown at them.
Most Gladiators must endure the paradox of being
simultaneously praised as celebrities whose exploits are
sung about and being despised as the dregs of society,
feared as the deadliest of manslayers, and trusted
as the capable leaders needed to guide their allies
through the toughest of battles.
 Class & Archetype

CHOOSE YOUR A RCHETYPE

When you decide to play a Barbarian, choose between
the Nomad and Gladiator Archetypes to further
specialize your Character. Details can be found on the
next few pages. When you Level Up, use the Level Table
to determine how your Character progresses. For this
primer book, everything you need to play up to Level
6 is available, with Levels 7 to 12 included in the final
book release.
Character Sheets to write down the details about your
Character are included in a separate PDF document
for you to print. Unique sheets are included for both
the Barbarian Nomad and Barbarian Gladiator. If you
intend to play online, you can use the Blood and
Doom Character Sheet available on Roll20 and enter
your Character’s details there instead.
STANDARD / ADVANCED
Whenever you get to choose an Advanced
Trait or Power, you can choose a Standard
Trait or Power instead if you want, but not
the other way around.

LEVEL TABLE
CHARACTER
LEVEL PROGRESS

1 You get what you get. Check back here once you are Level 2.

2 Improve one Trait or Power.

3 Gain a Standard Trait.

Gain a Standard Power.

4
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.
Gain a Standard Trait.
5
Gain a Warrior Feat.

6 Improve one Trait or Power.

Gain an Advanced Power.

7
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.

8 Gain an Advanced Trait.

Improve one Trait or Power.

9
Gain a Warrior Feat.
Gain an Advanced Power.
10
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.

11 Gain an Advanced Trait.

12 Improve one Trait or Power.

76 77
 Class & Archetype

NOMAD For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ Barong (Load 1. Tags: Str / Dex,

Close, 1d6 Slashing Damage,
▪ Athraki Bow (Load 1. Tags: Dex,
Far, Two-Handed, Ammo, 1d6
▪ Trapper Tools (Load 1)
or:
Ready, Riposte, Wieldy) Piercing Damage, Accurate) Woodworker Tools (Load 1)

A BILITIES Finally, you can increase the rank of any 3 of your

Tabarzin (Load 2. Tags: Str,
Close, 1d8 Cleaving Damage,
9 Arrows (Load 1. Tags:
Supply 9)
Located on your Character Sheet are three columns Adventuring Skills to ‘Adept (2)’ by marking the
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate second box and do the same for any 3 of your Accurate, Versatile) Quiver (Load 1)
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each Combat Skills. You’ll be able to increase more as or: or:
column as you want. you Level Up. Battleaxe (Load 3. Tags: 6 Throwing Axes (Load 1.
Strength, Toughness and Wisdom are Abilities that can Str, Close, Two-Handed, Tags: Str / Dex, Far, Supply 3,

A RMOR PROFICIENCIES
be useful for a Nomad to have a decent score in. What 1d10 Cleaving Damage, 1d4 Slashing Damage, Vicious),
each Ability is used for during the game is explained in Brutal, Shatter) Bandolier (Load 1)
the ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 , including several You are proficient in wearing Light and Medium armor.
benefits you can gain for some of your Ability Scores. Armor and Armor Proficiency are both covered in the
EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 .
A BILITY SCORES
Body 5—4—4—3—3 TRAITS & POWERS IDEALS & H ABITS
To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
Next, choose 2 Standard Nomad Traits (Level 1-6) and 2
Mind 5—4—3—3—2 Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Nomad to take ideas from.
Standard Nomad Powers (Level 1-6) from the ones listed
in this chapter. Take some time to go over them and
Soul EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:
4—4—3—3—2 choose those you think would really fit your Character.
You’ll gain more as you Level Up. The open road is your home, and the wind your When you take a life in a battle well-fought, you paint
constant companion. The horizon is your only limit, your face with the blood of those you have slain as
More information about using Traits and Powers can
SKILLS be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC CHAPTER
and the next adventure your only plan. a sign of respect or take a token to remember them
Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills People reveal their true nature when facing the by and honor them.
ON P .
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the dangers of the wilderness. People dwelling in cities
Whenever possible you are silent, listening to your
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of
hide their nature behind walls, gates, doors, and locks.
surroundings and the language of the land. This way
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’.
FEATS Freedom is worth fighting for, even if it means spilling
blood. No chain, no collar, no crown should ever hold
neither man nor beast can surprise you.
You can choose one Warrior Feat from the FEATS LIST you down. When you enter an enemy lair, you sometimes say an
▪ Balance & Acrobatics ON P. 149 . You gain another Warrior Feat at Level 5
The world is a dangerous place, but it is also full of
ominous yet ridiculous thing like: ‘You’ve come to the
▪ Hunting & Tracking and Level 9.
wonders. Seek out the beauty in every corner of it, and
wrong place’, even though you just entered their castle.

▪ Poison & Disease
▪ Wilderness Exploration
You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing
how you are trained in using certain types of
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can
then choose 2 more Combat Skills, all of which are
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark
those as well.
▪ Unarmed ▪ Bows
STARTING EQUIPMENT
Roll 1d6 and multiply its result x10. This is how much
Gold you have at the start of the game. You also gain
the Equipment listed here. More details can be found
in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152.
▪ Hide Armor (Load 1. Tags: Light, Durability 3,
Protection s1, c0, p1, b2, e1)
▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1)
▪ Rope (60ft) (Load 1)
let it fill you with inspiration.
Honor your word, but never forget that your loyalty
lies with your tribe or your compatriots. They are your
family, and their well-being is paramount.
The call of the wild is a siren song that cannot be
ignored. Follow it wherever it takes you, and you will
find yourself in the heart of adventure.
Your strength is not just in your arms, but in your heart
and your mind. Use your wit and your intelligence to
outsmart your enemies and emerge victorious.
Do not dwell in one place too long lest you become
When in camp it is great fun to silently sharpen your
weapons for hours, staring menacingly at anyone who
interrupts you or asks a question.
You always carry a small pouch of dirt from the land
of your birth, to remind you of where you come from
and keep you grounded.
You are a skilled storyteller, and often regale your
companions with tales of your adventures or the myths
and legends of your people.
You just love playing up stereotypes and sometimes

▪ Daggers ▪ Throwing ▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) attached to it. Travel the land, see the land, learn the
grunt, groan, or make up weird animalistic noises just

▪ Axes
to see your friends’ reactions.
land, master the land.
▪ 3 Torches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) When you make camp for the night, you take care
to set up traps and alarms to alert you of potential
threats. You are always vigilant and ready for what the
night may bring.

78 79

NOMAD TRAITS
STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
BORN IN HARDSHIP
You have Resistance to damage from environmental
effects, such as extreme heat, cold, sandstorms, toxic
air, and so on. This includes not just natural phenomena
but similar forms of attack, such as an opponent
creating a deadly sandstorm, or a spell that causes
intense winter temperatures to affect an area.
Additionally, you can sustain yourself by eating things
that disgust more “civilized” people. Once per day
when you Rest, you do not need to consume a Ration.
This does not affect travel Rations.
IMPROVEMENT
You gain Resistance to fire, ice, lightning, and
acid damage from any source.
FOR MY BLOOD!
When you take the life of a worthy adversary in combat
(and you dealt most of the damage required to kill it), you
can shout out “For My Blood!” to make your ancestors
proud and possibly be granted a boon. Roll 1d10.
▪ On a 1-3, your ancestors are not impressed.
▪ On a 4-7, your ancestors see you have potential.
Heal up to 3 damage.
▪ On a 8-10, your ancestors are appeased. Heal up
to 6 damage and gain 1 Blood Point.
IMPROVEMENT
On a 8-10, you can choose to cure
a Condition instead.
PRIMAL RAGE
LIMIT: Once per Turn
When you fight, you can call upon the bestial rage of
an animal spirit who holds special significance for you
(and your people). When you gain this Trait, choose
one of the rage types listed below and gain its benefits.
RAGING BEAR
When you successfully attack an opponent in
a weaponless brawl, you can choose to take up to 6
damage and deal that amount of extra damage.
RAGING TIGER
Gain Edge to melee attacks during your Turn. Until
your next Turn, you defend with Challenge.
80
RAGING WOLF
When you succeed at an attack while two or more allies
are within Near range, you can spend 1 Momentum to
Boost both allies.
RAGING LION
When you brutally kill an opponent (e.g., chop of
a limb, or crush their body), up to three opponents
within Far range become Frightened of you until the
end of your next Turn.
IMPROVEMENT
Gain the benefits of one additional rage type.
You can only use one type at a time.
ANCESTRAL GUIDANCE
Gain 6 Charges per Rest. When you come upon ancient
ruins, primeval woods, burial mounds, or similar sites,
you can look to your ancestors to give you guidance.
When you make a Wisdom or Awareness Roll while at
such places, you can spend Charges to gain Edge, up to
a maximum of 3 per roll.
IMPROVEMENT
Gain 9 Charges per Rest. In addition to Wisdom
and Awareness Rolls, you can also use Ancestral
Guidance with Lore and Courage Rolls.
DEADLY HUNTER
Few people, even those raised in the wilds like you,
can match your skill at killing prey. While hunting in
a wilderness area (see below) you can make a Wisdom
Roll (Difficulty 2) using your Hunting & Tracking Skill
when an Encounter starts or is about to start. For each
Momentum rolled up to a maximum of 3 you deal
1 extra damage whenever you successfully attack an
opponent for the remainder of the Encounter.
When you gain Deadly Hunter, choose 3 wilderness
areas / terrain types from the following for this Trait to
apply: Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Jungle,
Mountains, Swamp, Wasteland. Discuss with your
Doomsayer what terrain types might be expected in
the adventure or campaign.
IMPROVEMENT
You can choose 3 more wilderness areas / terrain
types for Deadly Hunter to apply to.
UNBREAKABLE WARRIOR
Gain 3 Charges at the start of an Encounter. During
that Encounter, you can call upon inner reserves of
strength to overcome the effects of being hurt. When
you suffer an Injury or any amount of Madness, you
can spend 1 Charge to ignore the Injury’s effects or
NOMAD POWERS
STANDARD POWERS (LEVEL 1-6)
VICIOUS WOUND 1 BP
LIMIT: Once per Attack
You know how to make particularly effective, deadly
attacks by targeting vulnerable spots. Activate Vicious
Wound to gain Edge to a melee weapon attack and
inflict an amount of Bleed equal to your Skill Rank to
one opponent on a success, applied after you have
dealt damage. This Bleed is not added to other Bleed
caused by this same attack, if any.
IMPROVEMENT
After you have made a successful attack using
Vicious Wound, you brutally rip back your
weapon and immediately deal an amount of
extra damage equal to Bleed inflicted.
ENDLESS STAMINA 2 BP
USE: Bonus Action / Any Time
A lifetime of fighting and surviving in the wilds has
made you tough and hardy. Roll a number of d4
equal to your Toughness Score and heal an amount of
damage equal to the outcome. You also cure Bleed.
IMPROVEMENT
You are also cured of either Poisoned, Slowed
or Withered.
DESTROYER 2 BP
DURATION: 1 Minute
Your powerful strikes have the ability to damage, even
destroy, an enemy’s weapons and armor. When using
a weapon with the Shatter attribute, every Momentum
spent causes 2 Dented to your opponent’s armor
instead of 1, or you can spend 3 Momentum to destroy
their weapon.
81
Class & Archetype
suffer up to 2 less Madness respectively. An Injury still
counts as such for the purposes of other rules and
requires to be healed, eventually.
IMPROVEMENT
You can heal Injury and Trauma when you get
a chance to Rest for a minimum of 6 hours, in
a similar way as when you Recover.
You can also destroy wooden doors, furniture, and
similar objects with a single blow from this weapon,
or you deal 2d4 extra damage instead of 1d4 per
Momentum spent to destroy brick walls and stone
objects that have a significant Resilience.
IMPROVEMENT
You can likewise destroy iron locks, cell doors,
a drawbridge mechanism and other similar
metal constructions with a single blow from your
weapon.
SAVAGE STRIKE 1 BP
LIMIT: Once per Attack
When you fail a melee attack by a margin of only 1
success, activate Savage Strike to still deal Basic Damage
to one opponent. This damage cannot be increased in
any way and the attack is considered a failure. You
cannot use Savage Strike if you suffer a Setback.
IMPROVEMENT
You can deal Basic Damage when you fail a melee
attack by a margin of up to 2 successes instead.
MIGHTY STRIKE 1 BP
LIMIT: Once per Attack
Your attack is so powerful that few opponents can
resist it. When you activate Mighty Strike, you gain
Edge to one melee weapon attack using a weapon’s
Brutal, Massive, or Shatter attributes and gain 1d4
extra Momentum on a success.
IMPROVEMENT
The same applies when using the Impale or
Powerful Weapon Attributes.
 Class & Archetype

GLADIATOR For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ Claymore (Load 3. Tags: Str,

Close, Two-Handed, 1d10
▪ Gladius (Load 1. Tags: Str, Close,
1d8 Piercing Damage, Thrust,
▪ Smith Tools (Load 1)
or:
Slashing Damage, Massive) Wieldy) Mason Tools (Load 1)

A BILITIES Finally, you can increase the rank of any 3 of your

Located on your Character Sheet are three columns
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each
column as you want.
Strength, Dexterity and Courage are Abilities that
can be useful for a Gladiator to have a decent score
in. What each Ability is used for during the game is
explained in the ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 ,
including several benefits you can gain for some of
your Ability Scores.
A BILITY SCORES
Body 5—4—4—3—3
Mind 4—4—3—3—2
Soul
5—4—3—3—2
SKILLS
Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’.
▪ Crafting & Repairs
Adventuring Skills to ‘Adept (2)’ by marking the
second box and do the same for any 3 of your
Combat Skills. You’ll be able to increase more as
you Level Up.
A RMOR PROFICIENCIES
You are proficient in wearing Light and Medium armor.
Armor and Armor Proficiency are both covered in the
EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 .
TRAITS & POWERS
Next, choose 2 Standard Gladiator Traits (Level 1-6)
and 2 Standard Gladiator Powers (Level 1-6) from the
ones listed in this chapter. Take some time to go over
them and choose those you think would really fit your
Character. You’ll gain more as you Level Up.
More information about using Traits and Powers can
be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC CHAPTER
ON P. 145.
FEATS
You can choose one Warrior Feat from the FEATS LIST
ON P. 149 . You gain another Warrior Feat at Level 5
and Level 9.
or:
Battleaxe (Load 3. Tags:
Round Shield (Load 2. Tags:
Str, Fragile, 1d6 Bludgeoning
Str, Close, Two-Handed, Damage, Shield, Wieldy)
1d10 Cleaving Damage, or:
Brutal, Shatter) 3 Throwing Nets (Load 1. Tags:
Str / Dex, Near, Special, Supply
3, Accurate, Restrain)
IDEALS & H ABITS
To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Gladiator to take ideas from.
EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:
You live for the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the When a well-thought-out plan is in place and your allies
fight. The arena is your home, and you are at your best rely on you to remain calm, you can’t help yourself but
when you stand before the cheering masses, ready to cause carnage and engage in bloodshed.
spill blood in their name.
You have a ritual of oiling and polishing your weapons
Life is nasty, brutish, and short, so you enjoy pleasure to and armor before each fight, as if paying homage to
the fullest wherever and whenever possible. the tools of your trade. If your opponents are around,
you will do so with a broad grin on your face to
The world as a battlefield, and every challenge
intimidate them.
a chance to prove your worth. You will not back down
in the face of adversity but will rise up and fight until Before each battle you prey to tiny figurines that you
victory is yours. hide on your person. These represent the friends and
family taken from you before they locked you up.
Loyalty is earned through battle, and those who fight
by your side earn your respect and trust. But make no You choose to own little beyond clothes, armor, and

▪ Intimidation mistake, if they betray you, they will feel the sting of weapons. That way no one can take much from you.

▪ Leadership & Command STARTING EQUIPMENT

your blade. On the battlefield, you always seek out the biggest
▪ Olympian Roll 2d6 and multiply the total result x10. This is how You know that death may come for you at any moment,
but you do not fear it. Instead, you embrace it as the
and strongest opponents, relishing the challenge of
overcoming them in combat.
much Gold you have at the start of the game. You also
You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing ultimate test of your strength and bravery.
gain the Equipment listed here. More details can be You often drink heavily after or even during a fight,
how you are trained in using certain types of
found in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152. Bravery, honor, and endurance forged by blood and reveling in the adrenaline and glory of victory or
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is
suffering. These are the things they’ve forced you to drowning your sorrows in defeat. Of course, you will
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can ▪ Leather Armor (Load 2. Tags: Light, Durability 3, believe in, and this is what you will adhere by until your deny drinking too much afterwards, even if you can’t
then choose 2 more Combat Skills, all of which are Protection s2, c1, p2, b1, e0) dying breath. stand on your two feet anymore.
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark
▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1) You believe that every opponent, no matter how You have a tendency to show off during fights,
those as well.
▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) weak or insignificant, deserves your full attention and entertaining your (possibly imaginery) crowd and
▪ Unarmed ▪ Bludgeons ▪ 3 Torches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) respect. To underestimate them is to risk your own life. taunting your opponents with flashy moves and
▪ Grappling ▪ Throwing ▪ 3 Repair Caches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) You believe that true freedom comes not from wealth gestures.
▪ Swords ▪ Shields ▪ Steel Mirror (Load 1) or status, but from the ability to fight and survive on You take pride in your scars, each one a testament to
▪ Axes your own terms. The only chains you will ever wear are your endurance and bravery in the face of danger,
those you forge yourself. and love telling stories of how you got them to those
willing (or unwilling) to listen.

82 83
 Class & Archetype

GLADIATOR TRAITS SAY MY NAME

Your name and reputation strike fear into the hearts

STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
IRON SKIN
Your skin is so thick and hardened from countless
scars that it is like a suit of armor. You gain the
following benefits:
▪ While wearing no armor, you have natural armor
with a Protection Rating of 2 for all Weapon
Damage and Elemental Damage types. Your
natural armor cannot be Dented.
▪ You suffer no negative effects from your first
Injury, though it does count as an Injury for
the purposes of other rules and requires to be
healed eventually.
IMPROVEMENT
You suffer no negative effects from your first and
second Injury. Additionally, you can break free
from any physical restrainment at the cost of
suffering an Injury, if reasonably possible.
MACHUS
When you fight with a weapon with the Reach tag
and make a Basic Attack as described, you can spend
1 Momentum to prevent your opponent from moving
closer.
ETARIUS
When you fight with a one-handed weapon and a net,
you can use a Bonus Action to attempt to Restrain
a target and attack with your weapon as an Action on
the same Turn.
URMILLO
When you fight with a sword and shield, you can save
up to 3 Momentum resulting from a sword attack and
add these as successes when you defend using your
Shield soon after.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose one more Gladiator fighting style and
gain its benefits.
of your enemy. Whenever an Encounter starts in which
you are about to fight those who deserve to be struck
down, you can make a display of might, leadership and
resolve. To do so, you make an Action Roll using the
one of the Abilities and Skills listed and gain its effect
on a success:
▪ COURAGE + INTIMIDATION
Your enemies cower before you as you intimidate
them with your unfaltering might. Gain Edge to
attack all opponents for the first 3 Rounds of the
Encounter.
▪ FOCUS + LEADERSHIP & COMMAND
Your enemies are demoralized by your prowess in
leadership. If they have a leader, you gain Edge to
attack the leader for the entire Encounter. If you
defeat the leader, morale of all those under their
command is automatically broken.
▪ STRENGTH + OLYMPIAN
Your raw strength is like a thunderstorm on the
battlefield. Your enemies are unable to affect
your mind as your body takes full control. You
cannot suffer Madness for the first 3 Rounds of
the Encounter.
IMPROVEMENT
You can also choose the following:
AWARENESS + INTIMIDATION
You don’t fear what lurks in the shadows or
even what jumps you from behind. Instead,
you welcome these dangers. You do not suffer
Challenge to act against any opponent who
strikes from a hidden position or uses deceptive
tactics for the entire Encounter.
TOUGHNESS + OLYMPIAN
You cannot be beaten down by any ordinary
means, and your enemy knows it. Shoud you
become Dying during this Encounter, instead
you heal 8 damage of Bruises and keep going.

WITNESS ME! WEAPON MASTER

When you defeat an enemy in a particularly bloody
and gruesome way while having dealt the brunt of the
damage to them, heal 3 damage and make a Courage
Roll using your Intimidation or Olympian Skill. On
a success, gain 1 Blood Point if another enemy witnessed
you. It helps if you show off, flex your muscles, and let
them know they are next.
IMPROVEMENT
Instead of gaining a Blood Point, you can choose
to gain a Doom Point.
You know weapons like no one else - especially the big
and powerful ones. Gain 6 Charges per Rest. When you
successfully attack with a melee weapon that has the
Powerful or Massive Weapon Attributes, you can spend
1 or more Charges as Momentum for the purpose of
activating those Attributes’ effects.
IMPROVEMENT
Weapon Master also applies to weapons with the
Brutal or Impaling Weapon Attributes.

APPETITE FOR PLEASURE

FIGHTING STYLE
You are an expert in gladiator fighting styles and
a force to be reckoned with during combat. When
you gain this Trait, choose a fighting style and gain
its benefits.
TALLUS
You gain proficiency in wearing O-Yoroi and Splint
Armor and ignore their Bulky tags.
Whenever you have feasted and indulged yourself in
the taste of wine, ale, companionship, and other mortal
pleasures, you become unpredictably aggressive. For
the next 3 Encounters, when you make a successful
melee attack and roll a 10 on any of your Action
Dice, you may roll all Damage Die twice and keep the
highest result(s).
IMPROVEMENT
Chugging a tankard of ale or bottle of wine is
enough to gain Appetite For Pleasure’s benefits
for your next Encounter. You can do this once
per Rest.

84 85

GLADIATOR POWERS
STANDARD POWERS (LEVEL 1-6)
FEROCIOUS STRIKE 1 BP
LIMIT: Once per Turn
You call upon the strength and power within to do
more than humanly capable. Activate Ferocious Strike
after a successful melee attack to make another Basic
Attack against the same opponent as a Bonus Action
on your Turn.
IMPROVEMENT
You can direct your Basic Attack at another
opponent if you choose. This can even be
a ranged attack using a throwing weapon,
for example.
86
RETALIATE 1 BP
USE: Bonus Action / Any Time
You are so skilled at hand-to-hand combat that not
even the most experienced opponent can close with
you and get away unscathed. Whenever you take
damage from an opponent’s melee attack, you can
make a Basic Attack against them immediately as
a Bonus Action.
IMPROVEMENT
You can use Retaliate also when an ally within
Close range from you takes damage from an
opponent’s melee attack.
BY THE GODS
USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
2 BP
DURATION: 1 Minute
You spit in the face of those who would do you harm,
and the gods of combat and fortitude are at your side.
You gain Resistance to slashing, cleaving, piercing and
bludgeoning damage dealt to you by any opponent
and you cannot become Frightened of them.
IMPROVEMENT
You can spend 3 Blood Points instead to also
gain the following: You cannot become Prone,
Restrained, Slowed or Stunned by any opponent.
BATTLE CRY 2 BP
LIMIT: Free Action / Once per Turn
You ferociously shout out encouragement and
inspiration during battle, emboldening those who fight
alongside you. You and two allies you choose within
87
Class & Archetype
Near range each gain Edge on their next attack and
deals 1d4 extra damage to one opponent on a success.
IMPROVEMENT
You can choose up to four allies instead of two.
HERALD OF WOE 1 BP
LIMIT: Before attempting to Break Morale
Your sheer physical presence and powerful combat skills,
combined with your talent for boasting, threatening,
and taunting your foes, make it an easy matter for
you to terrify them into fleeing or surrendering. When
you make an Action Roll to Break Morale (whether
spending your Turn to do so, or as the result of
a particularly intimidating attack), you gain 1d4 extra
Completion Points.
IMPROVEMENT
You can spend 2 Blood Points instead of 1 for
Herald of Woe to apply to up to 5 Action Rolls
during the same Encounter.

GUARDIAN
PLAYING
A GUARDIAN
CLASS TYPE: Warrior
COMPLEXITY: Low
Trained by the best war masters in the land, you have
dedicated your life to helping those who cannot protect
themselves. Sometimes, this means being a personal
bodyguard to someone you’ve been entrusted to,
sometimes it means selflessly representing an entire
community in the frontlines of a battle as it is attacked
by their enemies. Maybe you do this because you are
driven to do so by a past trauma or by the morals
passed to you by your elders; maybe you are more of
a mercenary, bound by both honor and coin to defend
the sovereignty of an entire village, city, or realm.
Whatever your motivation, as long as you are able to
wield a weapon, you will always stand between your
allies and their foes.
The Guardian Class is a good choice for players who
wish to play an honorable knight or hireling who knows
their way around the societal skirmish as well as on the
battlefield. A Guardian has been subjected to countless
hours of physical conditioning and weapons training by
experts often from an early age on, before they ever
drew a blade or fired an arrow in combat, and wears
the best and heaviest armor gold can buy. Their ability
to kill is tempered only by a code of honor and sincere
devotion to a cause, whether that of a god, kingdom,
employer, or simply loyalty to their friends.
88
Class & Archetype
There are two Guardian Archetypes:
THE WARDEN is a personal bodyguard dedicated to
the welfare and protection of their companions, willing
to sacrifice their very life to defend them. They may
stand peacefully alongside their charges for months
or even years, eyes alert for a blade from the dark
or a crossbow bolt from an alley, only to pour over
an emergent threat in a wave of aggression when the
time comes. Often trained in the subtleties of court
intrigues and state politics, and well-versed in history,
the Warden will also seek to protect the interests of
their companions from the dangers that flow from pen
and tongue, in addition to those of the flashing blade
THE VANGUARD leads the charge into battle, waving
the banner of their glorious cause above them and
exalting others to follow in their wake. They are
inspiring leaders with a keen military mind and a vast
understanding of strategy, tactics, and warfare. In
childhood, a Vanguard’s toys were often tin soldiers or
sticks and rocks representing monsters and fearsome
beasts, and their only friends were likely veterans
dedicated to instructing them in discipline. As an
adult, they inspire friends, followers and even entire
regiments to perform feats of bravery none would
otherwise be capable of, their courage giving hope to
others against seemingly impossible odds. When the
sky blackens with arrows and the air is filled with the
screams of dying horses and soldiers, Vanguards charge
forward while inspiring others to follow their lead and
protect those they have vowed to defend.
89
 Class & Archetype

CHOOSE YOUR A RCHETYPE

When you decide to play a Guardian, choose between
the Warden and Vanguard Archetypes to further
specialize your Character. Details can be found on the
next few pages. When you Level Up, use the Level Table
to determine how your Character progresses. For this
primer book, everything you need to play up to Level
6 is available, with Levels 7 to 12 included in the final
book release.
Character Sheets to write down the details about your
Character are included in a separate PDF document
for you to print. Unique sheets are included for both
the Guardian Warden and Guardian Vanguard. If you
intend to play online, you can use the Blood and
Doom Character Sheet available on Roll20 and enter
your Character’s details there instead.
STANDARD / ADVANCED
Whenever you get to choose an Advanced
Trait or Power, you can choose a Standard
Trait or Power instead if you want, but not
the other way around.

LEVEL TABLE
CHARACTER
LEVEL PROGRESS

1 You get what you get. Check back here once you are Level 2.

2 Improve one Trait or Power.

3 Gain a Standard Trait.

Gain a Standard Power.

4
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.
Gain a Standard Trait.
5
Gain a Warrior Feat.

6 Improve one Trait or Power.

Gain an Advanced Power.

7
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.

8 Gain an Advanced Trait.

Improve one Trait or Power.

9
Gain a Warrior Feat.
Gain an Advanced Power.
10
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.

11 Gain an Advanced Trait.

12 Improve one Trait or Power.

90 91
 Class & Archetype

WARDEN For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ Mace (Load 2. Tags: Str, Close,

1d8 Bludgeoning Damage,
▪ FIne Clothes (Load 1)
or:
▪ 3 Bandages (Load 1. Tags: Apply,
Slow, Supply 3)
Shatter) Calligraphy Kit (Load 1. Tags: or:

A BILITIES Finally, you can increase the rank of any 3 of your

or:
Khopesh (Load 3. Tags: Str,
Uses 9) 1 Healing Aid (Load 1. Tags:
Apply, Slow, Supply 3)
Located on your Character Sheet are three columns Adventuring Skills to ‘Adept (2)’ by marking the
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate second box and do the same for any 3 of your Close, 1d8 Slashing Damage,
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each Combat Skills. You’ll be able to increase more as Restrain)
column as you want. you Level Up.
Strength, Lore and Heart are Abilities that can be

useful for a Warden to have a decent score in. What
each Ability is used for during the game is explained in
the ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 , including several
benefits you can gain for some of your Ability Scores.
A BILITY SCORES
A RMOR PROFICIENCIES
You are proficient in wearing Light, Medium and Heavy
IDEALS & H ABITS
To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
armor. Armor and Armor Proficiency are both covered Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Warden to take ideas from.
in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 .
EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:

Body 4—4—3—3—2 TRAITS & POWERS The well-being of your allies more important than
your own. They are more important than your own
You never enter a place you cannot leave. You are
always on the lookout for escape routes, exits, and
Next, choose 2 Standard Warden Traits (Level 1-6)
Mind 5—4—3—3—2 gain or glory, and you would lay down your life to potential avenues of ambush.
and 2 Standard Warden Powers (Level 1-6) from the
protect them.
ones listed in this chapter. Take some time to go over Whether it is the mantra of your teachers or the
Soul 5—4—4—3—3 them and choose those you think would really fit your Not all battles are fought on a battlefield. The most names of those you wish to protect, the first thing in
Character. You’ll gain more as you Level Up. dangerous ones are being fought in courts and out of the morning you do after waking up is repeat them
plain sight. You consider both wherever you go. three times.
More information about using Traits and Powers can
SKILLS be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC CHAPTER You hold the belief that everyone deserves protection, When meeting new people, you always observe and
Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills ON P. 145. no matter their background or religion. You are assess any potential threats or dangers, and may be
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the a defender of the weak, the outcast, and the inclined to interrogate whoever you talk to for the first
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of downtrodden, even if it means standing against those time. This habit is not born out of fear, but a sense of
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’.
FEATS in power. responsibility to keep those around you safe.
You can choose one Warrior Feat from the FEATS LIST You understand that sometimes, to truly protect Each morning, when you wake, you review your words
▪ Courts & Politics ON P. 149 . You gain another Warrior Feat at Level 5 others, you must make sacrifices. Whether it is a foe, an and deeds from the day before. You do so to ensure

▪ History & Culture and Level 9. ally, or even a family member, you will give up whoever your actions did not sully your honor or bring harm to

▪ Perception & Investigation and whatever is necessary to make good on your vows. those who depend on you.

▪ Stewardship STARTING EQUIPMENT

You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing
how you are trained in using certain types of
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can
then choose 2 more Combat Skills, all of which are
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark
those as well.
Roll 2d6 and multiply the total result x10. This is how
much Gold you have at the start of the game. You also
gain the Equipment listed here. More details can be
found in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152.
▪ Splint Armor (Load 8. Tags: Heavy, Bulky, Noisy,
Durability 5, Protection s4, c3, p2, b2, e3)
Know your land. Know its people and places. Know its
great names, know its great events, know its stories.
Know this, and know your place among them.
You do not speak of your code of honor as it is personal
to you. Instead, you live it. Demonstrate it in every
deed, every word, each act of generosity and mercy,
and each act of battle and vengeance.
Your duty as a guardian is not just to protect, but
You never go anywhere unarmed. No matter what the
circumstance, you have a weapon hidden somewhere
on your person, just in case an ally might need
protecting.
You never trust your enemies, but you always give
them a chance to surrender. You believe that mercy
is a sign of strength and it is always better to avoid
unnecessary bloodshed.

▪ Unarmed ▪
Polearms ▪ Round Shield (Load 2. Tags: Str, Fragile, 1d6 also to teach and guide. You seek to pass on your You have a strict training regimen that you follow every

▪ Swords ▪ Shields Bludgeoning Damage, Shield, Wieldy) knowledge, skills, and wisdom to the next generation. day. You believe that discipline is the key to success

▪ Bludgeons ▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1) Your armor and weapons are the conduits of your and that only through hard work and determination

▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) combat prowess. You treat both with great care and can you truly achieve great deeds.

▪ 3 Torches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3)
are always interesting in improving their capability to
serve you well.
You never let a companion go into battle alone. You
will always stand by their side, even if it means risking
your own life.

92 93

WARDEN TRAITS
STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
THE HERO WE NEED
If one or more of your allies are stuck, trapped,
restrained, or at risk from slipping or falling, you gain
Edge to do anything with the purpose of helping them.
You also gain Edge to hold down doors, blockade
entryways, or otherwise obstruct enemies from passing
through corridors while being pursued.
IMPROVEMENT
At the end of any Encounter in which you used
one or more of your Turns to help an ally as
described, you gain back 1 Blood Point per Turn,
up to a maximum of 3.
COMBAT STRATEGIST
You are an experienced combat strategist specializing
in protecting those around you. When you gain this
Trait, choose a combat strategy you have mastered
and gain its benefits:
PREPARED
Gain 3 Charges per Encounter. Spend a Charge to gain
Edge to any combat related roll.
CAUTIOUS
You gain Edge to Awareness and Focus Rolls during
an Encounter and Edge to Retreat. Whenever you
succeed in Retreating, choose a number of allies Near
you equal to Momentum spent on this roll to succeed
with you.
REACTIVE
Whenever you see an opponent attack an ally Near
you, you gain Edge to act against this opponent up
until and during your next Turn.
PROTECTIVE
Gain 3 Charges per Encounter. Spend a Charge at any
time to aid an ally within Close range by protecting
them. When you do, they gain Edge to one Action Roll
to defend or otherwise avoid physical harm.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose one more combat strategy you have
mastered. You gain the benefits of both.
94
SHIELD MASTER
You are a master in the defensive arts and using
a shield. You can use your shield to block 1d6 damage
dealt to an ally Close to you as a Bonus Action at any
time. In addition, you can switch a shield for a weapon
or vice versa on your Turn without requiring an Action,
or do so as a Bonus Action at any time.
IMPROVEMENT
When you use your shield to defend and fail, you
can choose to use a Bonus Action to block 1d6
damage dealt to you.
BRINGER OF JUSTICE
You bring justice to those who do evil and let nothing
stand in your way. Once per Round when you are
directly targeted by anything that would influence
or corrupt your mind or soul, you can use your Heart
Ability instead of any other Ability required to make
the Action Roll to resist it.
IMPROVEMENT
You can never be Frightened, Charmed, Cursed
or Possessed.
MY LIFE, FOR YOURS
When an ally Close to you takes damage, you can put
yourself in harm’s way at the last second to protect
them, requiring no Bonus Action. When you do, take
between 1 to 6 damage for them, ignoring your armor.
IMPROVEMENT
You can do the same when an ally would suffer
an Injury or an amount of Madness and suffer the
Injury or Madness instead. When you do, gain 1
Blood Point.
HONORABLE KNIGHT
Your charisma and reputation as an honorable knight
allow you to get things done others wouldn’t be able
to, whether to negotiate a contract with a prince
or noble, represent someone in court, intimidate
a criminal or pirate, persuade guards to let you pass,
attempt to break your enemies’ morale, or make
a rallying speech on a marketplace.
WARDEN POWERS
STANDARD POWERS (LEVEL 1-6)
TAUNT 1 BP
USE: Bonus Action / Any Time
You draw the attention of your enemy, challenging
them to attack you. Choose an enemy you wish to
taunt within Near range. When they take their next
Turn, they must attack you or direct any other harmful
abilities at you as long as you stay within range.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose two enemies to taunt instead of one.
DISARMING STRIKE 1 BP
USE: Once per Attack
Activate Disarming Strike to gain Edge to a melee
weapon attack for the purpose of disarming an
opponent. On a success, you disarm them, and deal
Basic Damage.
IMPROVEMENT
You can disarm up to three opponents within
your weapon’s range. Make a weapon attack
against the most powerful opponent. On
a success, spend up to 2 Momentum to disarm
one additional opponent per Momentum spent.
You deal Basic Damage to your initial target only.
RALLY TO ME! 1 BP
USE: Bonus Action / Any Time
When an ally within Close range is about to be harmed
by an opponent, you can attack this opponent. You
do so before your ally makes an Action Roll to defend
95
Class & Archetype
Whenever you would be able leverage your status
as a knight as described or in a similar situation, you
can spend 1 Blood Point to gain Edge to Action Rolls
relating to these interactions unless the situation
changes drastically, for up to 1 hour.
IMPROVEMENT
You can spend up to 3 Blood Points instead
to gain an amount of Edge equal to Blood
Points spent.
themselves. If your attack is successful, the opponent’s
action is thwarted.
IMPROVEMENT
You can do the same to help an ally within Near
range, moving up to them as you attack.
INSPIRING PRESENCE 1 BP
USE: Free Action / Once Per Round
Allow an ally Near you who failed an attack to make
another (Basic) Attack immediately as part of their
Action or Bonus Action.
IMPROVEMENT
You can do as described and your ally gains
Edge to their second attack, or alternatively, you
can use Inspiring Presence two times per Round
without granting Edge, but never to help the
same opponent twice.
BANE OF EVIL 2 BP
USE: Once per Attack
Your goodness and selfishness are a bane to all evil.
Activate this Power before you make a melee weapon
attack to gain Edge and deal extra damage equal to
your Heart Score to one opponent on a success and
inflict Stunned.
IMPROVEMENT
You can spend one more Blood Point after you
successfully attack like this to immediately follow
up with a Basic Attack as a Bonus Action.
 Class & Archetype

VANGUARD For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ Katana (Load 1. Tags: Dex, Close, ▪ Claymore (Load 3. Tags: Str,

1d8 Slashing Damage, Swift, Close, Two-Handed, 1d10
▪ Calligraphy Kit (Load 1. Tags:
Uses 9)
Versatile) Slashing Damage, Massive) or:

A BILITIES Finally, you can increase the rank of any 3 of your

or:
Flail (Load 2. Tags: Str, Close, 1d8
or:
Glaive (Load 2. Tags: Str / Dex,
Spyglass (Load 1)

Located on your Character Sheet are three columns Adventuring Skills to ‘Adept (2)’ by marking the
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate second box and do the same for any 3 of your Bludgeoning Damage, Tactical) Near, Two-Handed, Reach, 1d8
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each Combat Skills. You’ll be able to increase more as Slashing / Piercing Damage,
column as you want. you Level Up. Impale, Vicious)
Strength or Dexterity, Focus and Courage are Abilities

A RMOR PROFICIENCIES
that can be useful for a Vanguard to have a decent
score in. What each Ability is used for during the game
is explained in the ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 , You are proficient in wearing Light, Medium and Heavy
including several benefits you can gain for some of armor. Armor and Armor Proficiency are both covered IDEALS & H ABITS
your Ability Scores. in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 . To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Vanguard to take ideas from.
A BILITY SCORES
Body
TRAITS & POWERS EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:
5—4—3—3—2 Next, choose 2 Standard Vanguard Traits (Level 1-6)
The path of a vanguard is a lonely one, but it is also You make sure your armor is in the most pristine
and 2 Standard Vanguard Powers (Level 1-6) from the
Mind 4—4—3—3—2 the most honorable. You bear the weight of your state as possible. When you look sloppy, it affects the
ones listed in this chapter. Take some time to go over
comrades’ lives on your shoulders, and you will do message you’re sending across during battle.
them and choose those you think would really fit your
Soul everything in your power to ensure their survival, even
5—4—4—3—3 Character. You’ll gain more as you Level Up. Before each battle you reach down, grab a handful
if it means sacrificing your own. of dirt, and let it run through your fingers while you
More information about using Traits and Powers can
You do not fear death, but you fear the thought of silently recite a warrior’s prayer.
be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC CHAPTER
SKILLS ON P. 145.
your death being in vain. You will fight tooth and nail
to ensure that your legacy lives on, and that your
You always carry a small journal with you, in which
Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills you jot down your thoughts, battle strategies, and
cause is remembered.
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the even reflections on past battles, maybe in a language
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of FEATS It is your duty to fight for those who cannot and for others can understand, maybe in code. You use this to
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet You can choose one Warrior Feat from the FEATS LIST those who fall. And when you fight, you fight until you continually improve your tactics and hone your skills.
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. ON P. 149 . You gain another Warrior Feat at Level 5 cannot or until you fall. You are early to rise, so you can exercise and train
and Level 9.
▪ Balance & Acrobatics In your eyes, the world is a dark and dangerous place.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be. You believe in
in weapon craft. You also work late into the night to
ensure your wargear is in the best shape possible.
▪ History & Culture bringing light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless,
▪ Leadership & Command STARTING EQUIPMENT and courage to the fearful.
Before each battle, you make sure that your allies
are in the best mindset for the fight ahead. You give
▪ Strategy & Warfare Roll 3d6 and multiply the total result x10. This is how The best way to win a battle is to know your enemy. them a pep talk that inspires them to be great, fierce
much Gold you have at the start of the game. You also You will study their tactics, their weaknesses, and and invincible.
You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing
gain the Equipment listed here. More details can be their strengths, and you will use that knowledge to
how you are trained in using certain types of You always carry a small pouch of herbs and spices to
found in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152. your advantage.
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is cook a hearty meal for your comrades. You believe
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can ▪ O-Yoroi Armor (Load 7. Tags: Heavy, Noisy, Bulky, Strategy and commitment win half the battle. Training that a well-fed and rested army fights better.
then choose 2 more Combat Skills, all of which are Durability 5, Protection s2, c4, p2, b3, e2) and discipline win the other half. You always carry a lucky charm or a totem of your
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark
those as well.
▪ Round Shield (Load 2. Tags: Str, Fragile, 1d6 Be the first on the battlefield and the last to leave, or deity with you into battle. It may be a small trinket,
Bludgeoning Damage, Shield, Wieldy) do not leave at all. but you believe it provides you with divine protection
▪ Unarmed ▪ Polearms
▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1) You believe that the greatest victory is not defeating and gives you the strength to overcome any challenge.
▪ Swords ▪ Throwing ▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) your enemies but turning them into allies. You are You constantly survey the battlefield, looking for
▪ Bludgeons ▪ Shields always willing to extend a hand of friendship, even to potential ambush points, chokepoints, and strategic
those who have wronged you in the past. locations that you can use to your advantage. You
make sure to communicate this information to your
allies, and adjust your plans accordingly.

96 97

VANGUARD TRAITS
STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
LEAD THE CHARGE
You are an exemplary leader in battle and know how
to lead the charge and aid and inspire your allies.
When you gain this Trait, choose a leadership skill you
have mastered and gain its benefits:
VIGILANT
Gain Edge to Awareness, Focus and Insight Rolls during
any Encounter for the purpose of being vigilant and
alert, or to gain information about your enemies’
tactics and moves.
BRAZEN
Gain 3 Charges per Encounter. Whenever you Boost
an ally, you can spend a Charge to Boost another ally
for free.
INSPIRING
Whenever you defeat an enemy, choose an ally Near
you that you wish to inspire and roll 3 Action Dice. For
every success you roll, they gain 1 Blood Point.
PRESSING
Gain 3 Charges per Encounter. Spend a Charge after
an ally within Near range rolled a Setback. They don’t
suffer a Setback instead.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose one more leadership skill you have
mastered. You gain the benefits of both.
YOU HAVE MY SWORD
As long as you fight alongside an ally Close to you, they
gain Edge to defend themselves against attacks. If you
fight alongside multiple allies, choose one per Round
to gain this benefit.
IMPROVEMENT
The ally you choose gains Edge to attack as well.
98
THE ART OF WAR
Gain 6 Charges per Rest. When you are engaged in
tactical or strategic planning or leadership, you can
reflect on the lessons taught by former instructors and
masters of combat for guidance. Whenever you make
an Action Roll using your Leadership & Command or
Strategy & Warfare Skills, you can spend Charges to
gain Edge up to a maximum of 3 per roll.
IMPROVEMENT
Gain 9 Charges per Rest instead.
FRONT OF THE LINE
When you are the first to enter any room or area in
a dungeon (such as an enemy castle, a warlock’s tower,
abandoned mine complex, cult lair, etc.) or lead
your allies when walking into an open space where
danger might be expected, you gain Edge to the first
Action Roll you make to avoid danger and/or protect
your allies from harm. This could be to avoid a trap,
protect others from falling to their death, survey
your surroundings for a possible ambush, to negotiate
passage with an enemy, or anything similar.
IMPROVEMENT
You gain Edge to the first two Action Rolls made
this way.
INEXORABLE SPIRIT
Whenever you become Charmed, Frightened,
Paralyzed, Slowed or Stunned, you can make a Focus
Roll (Difficulty 2) once. This roll cannot be improved in
any way, and you don’t use a Skill when making this roll.
On a success, the Condition ends immediately.
IMPROVEMENT
On a success, the Condition ends, and you
become immune to it for 1 minute.
GREAT WEAPON FIGHTER
When you attack with a melee weapon you have at
least Combat Skill Rank Adept (2) in, you can choose to
do any one of the following, decided before you make
the attack. Additionally, you can use either Strength
or Dexterity, regardless of the weapon’s requirement.
▪ Increase the weapon’s Damage Die one size.
▪ Gain 1 extra Momentum if your attack succeeds.
VANGUARD POWERS
STANDARD POWERS (LEVEL 1-6)
BEACON OF HOPE 2 BP
USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
You bolster your allies during combat by ensuring
them you got their back and speaking words of
encouragement. Choose two allies within Far range to
get 8 Resilience each.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose three allies instead.
LAUNCHING STRIKE 1 BP
USE: Once per Attack
Activate Launching Strike before you make a melee
weapon attack to move up to your Speed towards an
opponent and launch yourself into the air to strike
down with immense power and determination. Gain
Edge to make your attack and knock your opponent
Prone on a success in addition to dealing damage.
Moving like this does not reduce the distance you can
normally move on a Turn.
IMPROVEMENT
When you attack like this, roll your Damage Dice
twice and keep the highest result(s) on a success.
TURN THE TIDE 2 BP
USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
When things seem to take a turn for the worse you
know what to do and boost morale to gain the upper
hand. Activate Turn The Tide to allow an ally within Far
99
Class & Archetype
▪ Gain Edge to your attack but suffer Challenge to
defend until your next Turn.
IMPROVEMENT
In addition, you can:
▪ Give the weapon the Tactical Weapon
Attribute until the start of your next Turn.
▪ Spend 1 Blood Point to deal internal damage
instead of the weapon’s damage type.
range that can see or hear you to take an extra Action
on your Turn.
IMPROVEMENT
You can spend 3 Blood Points instead to choose
two different allies to take an extra Action on
your Turn.
UNFALTERRING RESCUE 1 BP
USE: Bonus Action / Any Time
When an ally Close to you is about to be attacked or
physically harmed in any way, you can dive onto them
and both jump out of the way of harm. When you do,
both you and your ally land Prone somewhere within
Near range but avoid the attack.
IMPROVEMENT
You can help two allies this way instead of one.
FOR OUR CAUSE 1 BP
USE: Once per Attack
When you activate For Our Cause, gain Edge to one
melee weapon attack. On a success, you can spend
1, 2 or 3 Momentum to Boost up to 3 allies within
Near range.
IMPROVEMENT
On a success and if you Boosted at least 2 allies,
you also deal extra damage equal to your
Courage Score to one opponent.

A SSASSIN
PLAYING
AN A SSASSIN
CLASS TYPE: Expert
COMPLEXITY: Medium
The Assassin walks a path of shadow, shrouded in
secrecy and despised by many. They are masters of the
art of death, taking lives with ease and precision. For
most, the coin is their sole motivation, yet others find
a higher purpose in their deeds, guided by a strict moral
code or the orders of a powerful organization that has
indoctrinated them. Some are vigilantes, driven by
a thirst for revenge, others are deeply delusional or
forced to ply their trade to support a loved one.
An Assassin’s arsenal is compact and deadly, concealed
within the folds of their cloak or robe. Daggers, short
swords, crossbows, shuriken, and kusarigama are their
tools of the trade. But their true power lies in their
ability to move unseen, striking from the darkness and
disappearing as quickly as they came. The Assassin is
not a warrior, and they do not seek honorable combat.
Theirs is a dance of death, executed with the grace of
a predator and the precision of a surgeon. They are
experts of the ambush, and their targets rarely see
them coming.
The Assassin Class is a good choice for players who
wish to play a stealthy, dexterous character who has
few compunctions about killing from concealment,
at a distance, or indirectly using poison, diversion or
sabotage. Alternatively, they are only doing what they
think is necessary or inescapable and may be plagued
by horrible nightmares or even hallucinations that have
them face the people they killed. Still, they keep doing
what they are good at because not enough others
are capable of doing so or willing to do something
deplorable for the greater good.
100
Class & Archetype
Assassins thrive on obscurity, manipulation and surprise;
good Assassin can kill a victim before they even know
they’re a target. A great Assassin will never be seen by
that victim. A master Assassin will make the death look
completely natural or like an accident.
There are two Assassin Archetypes:
THE NINJA , a shadowy figure in the night, dances
silently between the trees and rooftops, the very
essence of deathly grace. Like a wraith, they slip through
the shadows unseen, leaving their unsuspecting prey
vulnerable to their swift and lethal strikes. Martial arts
are their weapon, honed through years of training in
a secretive institution far from preying eyes, allowing
them to become one with the darkness and the night.
But their skills do not stop there, for they are also adept
at tapping into the very ki-energy that flows within
them, unleashing it upon their enemies in a flurry of
deadly strikes. Beware the Ninja, for when they come
for you, it will be too late to escape their swift and
deadly justice.
THE VIPER is a shadowy figure that slithers through
the streets of Athyr’s sprawling metropolises and lurks
among the ancient trees of darkened forests. A master
of poisons and trickery, this deadly assassin strikes
from afar, felling their prey with cunning precision
and never leaving a trace. With their mastery of both
ranged weapons and traps, Vipers can take out their
target from afar, remaining hidden and undetected.
Cloaked in deception, often seductive, and shrouded
in secrecy, these unassuming killers can blend into their
surroundings and assume any guise, shrouding their
identity to appear as harmless as a butterfly. But make
no mistake, for the Viper is a formidable foe, trained
in the ways of the human anatomy and the subtle arts
of exploiting its weaknesses. They strike with deadly
accuracy, targeting the vital points of their prey,
bringing swift and merciless death to those who cross
their path. Beware the Viper, for they are a master of
the lethal arts, and a harbinger of death that strikes
without warning.
101
 Class & Archetype

CHOOSE YOUR A RCHETYPE

When you decide to play an Assassin, choose between
the Ninja and Viper Archetypes to further specialize
your Character. Details can be found on the next few
pages. When you Level Up, use the Level Table to
determine how your Character progresses. For this
primer book, everything you need to play up to Level
6 is available, with Levels 7 to 12 included in the final
book release.
Character Sheets to write down the details about your
Character are included in a separate PDF document for
you to print. Unique sheets are included for both the
Assassin Ninja and Assassin Viper. If you intend to play
online, you can use the Blood and Doom Character
Sheet available on Roll20 and enter your Character’s
details there instead.
STANDARD / ADVANCED
Whenever you get to choose an Advanced
Trait or Power, you can choose a Standard
Trait or Power instead if you want, but not
the other way around.

LEVEL TABLE
CHARACTER
LEVEL PROGRESS

1 You get what you get. Check back here once you are Level 2.

2 Improve one Trait or Power.

3 Gain a Standard Trait.

Gain a Standard Power.

4
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.
Gain a Standard Trait.
5
Gain an Expert Feat.

6 Improve one Trait or Power.

Gain an Advanced Power.

7
Increase the Rank of any 5 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.

8 Gain an Advanced Trait.

Improve one Trait or Power.

9
Gain an Expert Feat.
Gain an Advanced Power.
10
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 4 Combat Skills by one.

11 Gain an Advanced Trait.

12 Improve one Trait or Power.

102 103
 Class & Archetype

NINJA For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ 2 Sai (Load 1. Tags: Dex, Close,

1d6 Piercing Damage, Penetrate,
▪ 9 Shuriken (Load 2. Tags: Dex,
Far, Supply 9, 1d6 Piercing
▪ Lockpick Kit (Load 1. Tags:
Uses 9)
Ready, Thrown, Wieldy) Damage, Penetrate, Swift) or:

A BILITIES second box and do the same for any 3 of your

Located on your Character Sheet are three columns
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each
column as you want.
Dexterity, Stealth and Focus are Abilities that can be
useful for a Ninja to have a decent score in. What each
Ability is used for during the game is explained in the
ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 , including several
benefits you can gain for some of your Ability Scores.
A BILITY SCORES
Body 5—4—4—3—3
Mind 5—4—3—3—2
Soul 4—4—3—3—2
SKILLS
Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’.
▪ Balance & Acrobatics
Combat Skills. You’ll be able to increase more as
you Level Up.
A RMOR PROFICIENCIES
You are proficient in wearing Light armor. Armor and
Armor Proficiency are both covered in the EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER ON P. 152 .
TRAITS & POWERS
Next, choose 2 Standard Ninja Traits (Level 1-6) and 2
Standard Ninja Powers (Level 1-6) from the ones listed
in this chapter. Take some time to go over them and
choose those you think would really fit your Character.
You’ll gain more as you Level Up.
More information about using Traits and Powers can
be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC CHAPTER
ON P. 145.
FEATS
You gain the Stalker Feat and can choose one more
Expert Feat from the FEATS LIST ON P. 149 . You gain
another Expert Feat at Level 5 and Level 9.
or:
Kusarigama (Load 2. Tags: Dex,
Ammo Belt (Load 1)
or:
Disguise Kit (Load 1. Tags:
Uses 9)
Near, Clumsy, Two-Handed, 3 Boomerangs (Load 1. Tags:
Variable Range, 1d8 Slashing / Dex, Far, Supply 3, Special,
Piercing / Bludgeoning Damage, 1d6 Bludgeoning Damage)
Pull, Restrain, Vicious) Bandolier (Load 1)
IDEALS & H ABITS
To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Ninja to take ideas from.
EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:
When you give your word to someone to execute an You are obsessed with always leaving some kind of
assassination, that word is your bond. No matter how mark on your targets once your mission is done. This
many rivers you must swim, mountains you must climb, may literally be a calling card, a letter, a symbol you
or people you must deceive: the target is as good
carve into your victim, a flower, or anything else.
as dead.
Focus is the key to killing. You meditate and fast
The true power of a Ninja lies not in their physical
strength, but in their mastery of the mind. You are
extensively before going out on a job to make certain
your senses are razor sharpened.
a master of psychology and manipulation, able to read
your enemies like an open book and turn their own
weaknesses against them.
You have a list of names of people you killed. You speak
their names every day to make sure they will not come
Respect the darkness, the night and the energy that to haunt you in your sleep. It can take you up to ten
flows through the shadows. Without that respect, you minutes to recite this long list…
will never be able to fully use them to your advantage.
To be a Ninja is to also embrace the darkness within
Silence is your ally. You move with a grace and fluidity

▪ Cloaks & Shadows

that seems almost supernatural, barely making a sound as

▪ Intimidation
▪ Perception & Investigation
You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing
how you are trained in using certain types of
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can
then choose 2 more Combat Skills, all of which are
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark
those as well.
STARTING EQUIPMENT
Roll 2d6 and multiply the total result x10. This is how
much Gold you have at the start of the game. You also
gain the Equipment listed here. More details can be
found in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152.
▪ Leather Armor (Load 2. Tags: Light, Durability 3,
Protection s2, c1, p2, b1, e0)
▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1)
▪ Cloak (Load 1)
yourself, the primal instincts that drive you to kill. You
accept this part of yourself without hesitation, knowing
you glide through the shadows. This is disconcerting even
to your allies, who may often be spooked by your ability.
that it is what makes you a truly unstoppable force on
the battlefield. Physical training is essential to your life path. Every
day when possible, you practice climbing, running,
The mark of a great Ninja is their ability to think on
their feet and adapt to any situation. You are constantly swimming, and other useful physical skills.
studying and training, honing your skills in combat,
deception, and subterfuge so that you can always stay
You always want to prepare for a job and will
meticulously create maps and draw up plans that
one step ahead of your enemies.
will help you to finish whatever needs to be done. Be
Every great Ninja masters a particular weapon for careful, though, as notes one day may turn out to be
killing. You strive to become one with your preferred evidence the next!

▪ Unarmed ▪ Swords ▪ Rope (50ft) (Load 1) weapon, whether odachi, shuriken, or crossbow.
You take drugs every night to keep the nightmares at
▪ Grappling ▪ Esoteric ▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) Killing is a subtle art, but other subtle arts also bay. You may be addicted to them, and suffer from

▪ Daggers ▪ Throwing ▪ 3 Torches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) matter. Master one, whether singing, dance, poetry, withdrawal symptoms if you choose to cut down.
▪ 3 Spools of Thread (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) calligraphy, or painting.
A true Ninja knows that survival depends on adaptability.
Finally, you can increase the rank of any 4 of your ▪ Spider Venom (Load 1. Tags: Apply, Inject, Slow, A true Ninja is a master of disguise. You revel in
being a chameleon, able to seamlessly blend into any
You are always willing to think outside the box, to use
Adventuring Skills to ‘Adept (2)’ by marking the Uses 9) unconventional methods to achieve your goals, and to
environment or social setting, from the opulent palaces
of the wealthy to the grimy back alleys of the slums. improvise when the situation calls for it.

104 105

NINJA TRAITS
STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
MASTER OF SHADOWS
You are one with the shadows, blending into
darkness as if you were molded by it. You gain the
following benefits:
▪ Gain Edge to hide while in darkness or a dimly
lit environment.
▪ You do not suffer the effects of Blinded while in
darkness, though you do so by relying on your
intuition as opposed to sight and cannot make
out details.
▪ You cannot suffer Madness as result of being in
darkness in any way.
IMPROVEMENT
When you kill an opponent while in darkness or
a dimly lit environment, you gain 1 Blood Point.
THE ART OF KI
You have mastered the art of controlling your Ki
energy to strengthen yourself or destabilize and
confuse an opponent when you make unarmed
attacks. Gain 6 Charges per Rest. Before you make
an unarmed attack, you can spend Charges to gain
one of the following benefits on a success:
▪ 1 CHARGE: You push an opponent back several
steps.
▪ 2 CHARGES: You inflict Confused to
one opponent.
▪ 2 CHARGES: You deal force damage instead of
bludgeoning damage.
▪ 3 CHARGES: You inflict Stunned to one opponent.
IMPROVEMENT
Gain 9 Charges instead of 6. Additionally, before
you make any Body Ability roll you can spend 2
Charges to use Focus instead. This is not limited
to attacking, and can include things like lifting
heavy objects, resisting poison, or climbing
a castle wall.
106
BLOOD OATH
Your word is your bond, sealed in blood and held
sacred, never to be broken. When you make a promise
to anyone to help defeat, capture or kill a ‘target’ who
wronged them, or as part of an agreement or contract,
you gain 9 Charges. You can spend a Charge at any
time to gain Edge to any Action Roll to further your
goal and hold your promise.
IMPROVEMENT
Gain 12 Charges instead of 9.
SMOKE BOMBS
Once between Rests you can spend an hour making
Smoke Bombs using readily available materials and
according to a secret recipe only you know. When you
do, gain 6 Charges representing your Smoke Bombs
(Load 0). You can never carry more than 6 for danger
of exploding. Spend a Charge to use a Smoke Bomb
and do one of the following:
▪ Use a Bonus Action on your Turn to throw it on
the ground before you and immediately attempt
to hide in a situation where you otherwise
wouldn’t be able to.
▪ Use a Bonus Action on your Turn to throw it on
the ground before you and move undetected to
a space up to Far range away from you.
▪ Use a Bonus Action at Any Time to throw it
before an ally up to Near range who is about to
be attacked, granting them Edge to defend.
IMPROVEMENT
You can make a ranged attack as an Action on
your Turn to throw a Smoke Bomb up to Near
range in the face of an opponent, inflicting
Blinded on a success.
Class & Archetype
WAY OF THE BEAST AGILE EVASION
You are familiar with several techniques and moves You are so nimble and agile that you can easily evade
that mimic animals and monsters to control the flow of danger and somehow always seem to land on your feet
energy when you are in a fight. When you gain this Trait unharmed. Whenever you make an Action Roll to do
choose 2 techniques that you have mastered. You can as described and fail, you can reroll all Action Dice that
use a technique you know by spending 1 Blood Point. didn’t result in a success to try and succeed instead,
once.
WAY OF THE TIGER
You cannot use Agile Evasion if you suffer a Setback,
As an Action, leap onto an opponent up to Near
and you cannot spend a Doom Point to reroll another
range and gain Edge to attack them immediately. On
a success, deal damage and knock them Prone.
time when you use this Trait. You can reroll when you:
▪ Evade attacks and other harmful effects that
WAY OF THE HIRIKU
Increase your Speed to fast until the end of your Turn,
don’t target you directly.
allowing you to move up to twice Far range. ▪ Avoid traps or similar harmful effects, like falling
rocks or quicksand.
WAY OF THE DRAGON
▪ Attempt to prevent from slipping or falling.
Activate before you make a melee attack. When you
deal damage, you deal fire damage instead of your IMPROVEMENT
weapon’s damage type. For any of the above, if you suffer a Setback, you
fail normally instead, but cannot reroll any failed
WAY OF THE TURTLE Action dice to try and succeed (including by
Brace yourself against incoming attacks as a Bonus spending a Doom Point).
Action on your Turn. When you do, gain Resistance to
all Weapon and Elemental Damage until the start of
your next Turn.
WAY OF THE HYDRA
Activate before you make a melee attack. When you
deal damage, roll up to 3 Damage Dice twice and keep
the highest result of each.
WAY OF THE MALIN
When you make an attack using this technique, you
are considered Huge size for the purpose of attack and
grapple requirements. On a success, you deal damage
and knock your opponent Prone.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose 2 more techniques that you
have mastered.
107
 Class & Archetype

NINJA POWERS
STANDARD POWERS (LEVEL 1-6)
CUNNING STRIKE 1 BP LEAF ON THE WIND 1 BP

USE: Once per Attack USE: Free Action

While hidden or when you approach an opponent who
is distracted or engaged, you can activate Cunning
Strike before you make a melee weapon attack to deal
3d6 extra damage to one opponent on a success. You
cannot also spend Momentum to deal extra damage
for this attack, though it can still be used to trigger
other effects.
IMPROVEMENT
You deal 4d6 extra damage instead of 3d6.
When you are hidden and do anything that gives away
your position or when you are about to be spotted,
you can activate Leaf On The Wind to remain hidden
and unnoticed. You can do so any number of times
per Round.
IMPROVEMENT
You can choose an ally Close to you to gain this
benefit instead.

MIND OVER BODY 1 BP

TAKEOVER 1 BP
USE: Bonus Action / Any Time
When you get attacked by an opponent of Medium size
or smaller in melee, you can lean into their attack and
use a special grappling technique to both evade and
take over. To do so, you either require to be wielding
a weapon with the Ready attribute, be unarmed, or
drop the weapons you are holding.
Activate Takeover to gain Edge to defend using Reflex
and the Grappling Skill. On a success, you thwart their
attack, grapple them, and follow up as if you just initiated
a grapple on your own Turn, spending Momentum to
throw, choke or wrestle down your opponent.
IMPROVEMENT
You can use Takeover even against an opponent
of Large size.
USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
Your mind is master of your body, and you are trained
to focus and control your physical form with just
a thought. Choose 3 of the following Conditions that
you cannot suffer until the end of your next Turn:
Bleed, Burning, Paralyzed, Poisoned, Stunned,
Unconscious (except when caused by Dying), Withered,
or Exhausted.
IMPROVEMENT
You can choose to ignore suffering an Injury
instead of one of the 3 Conditions.

ASSASSINATE 1 BP

USE: Once per Attack

You don’t break contracts nor promises made to

those who put their trust in you getting a job done.
Sometimes, you cannot afford to fail. Before you make
an attack, activate Assassinate to gain successes equal
to your Focus Score. Then make the Action Roll and
add these successes to your result.
IMPROVEMENT
You also ignore an amount of armor equal to
your Focus Score.

108 109
 Class & Archetype

VIPER ▪ Serpent’s Tears (Load 1. Tags:

Consume, Slow, Uses 3)
▪ Crossbow (Load 1. Tags: Dex,
For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ Jambiya (Load 1. Tags: Dex,

A BILITIES
Located on your Character Sheet are three columns
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each
column as you want.
Dexterity, Stealth and Mystique are Abilities that can
be useful for a Viper to have a decent score in. What
each Ability is used for during the game is explained in
the ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 , including several
benefits you can gain for some of your Ability Scores.
A BILITY SCORES
Body 5—4—4—3—3
Mind 4—4—3—3—2
Soul 5—4—3—3—2
SKILLS
Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’.
▪ Cloaks & Shadows
Finally, you can increase the rank of any 4 of your
Adventuring Skills to ‘Adept (2)’ by marking the
second box and do the same for any 3 of your
Combat Skills. You’ll be able to increase more as
you Level Up.
A RMOR PROFICIENCIES
You are proficient in wearing Light and Medium armor.
Armor and Armor Proficiency are both covered in the
EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 .
TRAITS & POWERS
Next, choose 2 Standard Viper Traits (Level 1-6) and 2
Standard Viper Powers (Level 1-6) from the ones listed
in this chapter. Take some time to go over them and
choose those you think would really fit your Character.
You’ll gain more as you Level Up.
More information about using Traits and Powers can
be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC CHAPTER
ON P. 145.
FEATS
You gain the Poison Expert Feat and can choose one
more Expert Feat from the FEATS LIST ON P. 149 . You
Close, 1d6. Piercing / Slashing
▪ Lockpick Kit (Load 1. Tags:
Uses 9)
Far, Two-Handed, Ammo, 1d8 Damage, Ready, Swift, Vicious, or:
Piercing Damage, Penetrate)
▪ Crossbow Bolts (Load 1. Tags:
Wieldy) Disguise Kit (Load 1. Tags:
or: Uses 9)
Supply 9) Katana (Load 1. Tags: Dex, Close,
▪ Bolt Case (Load 1) 1d8 Slashing Damage, Swift,
Versatile)
IDEALS & H ABITS
To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Viper to take ideas from.
EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:
There are so many toxins on Athyr that are left to Never pass up the chance to closely inspect a corpse.
be discovered. So many ways for people to suddenly
choke, gasp, and die. You aspire to one day discover
Maybe they have died in a way you have never
encountered before, and you can use this knowledge
and use the ultimate poison.
to your advantage.
Every target is a puzzle waiting to be solved. You
Impersonating others is a good way to conceal your
study your targets’ routines, habits, and relationships
own manners and habits. You study and practice being
meticulously, seeking the perfect angle of attack.
someone else for extended periods of time to add
It is far better to be unknown and rich than infamous them to your vast repertoire of disguises.
- and dead. You strive always to be nameless and
unknown, a whisper of a person; or, at the very least, You do not trust anything that is offered to you, because
not to be known by your actual name. you know all the ways food or drinks can be poisoned.
You make sure to politely decline the offerings and
Threats are only in the eye of the beholder. Manipulate
only eat or drink anything you have prepared yourself.
what they see and change their perspective to strike
silently and unexpectedly. Nothing has to go to waste. You scavenge through
The perfect assassin leaves no trace. You strive to be broken objects or other trash to find the perfect part
like the wind, moving through the shadows and leaving of your next trap or ingredient for a poison.

▪ Deception & Trickery gain another Expert Feat at Level 5 and Level 9. no evidence of your passing. Your kills are whispered
about in hushed tones, but no one knows for sure that
You have an almost obsessive attention to detail. Every
▪ Mechanisms & Traps they were the work of the Viper.
trap you set, every poison you brew, every disguise you
▪ Poison & Disease STARTING EQUIPMENT You love being in the spotlight and the persona you
create is done with painstaking precision and care. This
obsession may spill into other habits as well, potentially
You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing Roll 2d6 and multiply the total result x10. This is how have adopted has become famous. Maybe you have infuriating your allies.
much Gold you have at the start of the game. You also cast your false identity as your true self’s worst nemesis,
how you are trained in using certain types of
as a philanthropist, or as an investigator, and you You know that fear is a powerful weapon. You are not
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is gain the Equipment listed here. More details can be
love the paradoxicality of the admiration you garner above using psychological tactics to intimidate your
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can found in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152.
this way. targets, instilling a sense of dread that can be even
then choose 2 more Combat Skills, all of which are
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark
▪ Leather Armor (Load 2. Tags: Light, Durability 3, The world is full of secrets, and the key to power more effective than physical harm.
Protection s2, c1, p2, b1, e0) is knowledge. You collect and hoard information, You take delight in using a signature poison, trap,
those as well.
▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1) keeping it close to your chest until the moment it can or modus operandi, and you get excited when you
▪ Unarmed ▪ Bows ▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3)
be used to deadly effect.
hear your name being whispered, whether it be in
▪ Daggers ▪ Throwing ▪ 3 Torches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) The ultimate goal is not just to kill, but to do so with admiration or fear.
▪ Swords ▪ Trapper Tools (Load 1)
style and grace. You approach every assassination as
a work of art, seeking to create a masterpiece of death You test out all poisons you make on yourself first,
▪ 3 Repair Caches (Load 1. Tags: Uses 3) that will be whispered about for years to come. starting with a low dosage. You do this just as much
to learn about its effects as you want to immunize
yourself. Your stubbornness has taken a toll in the past,
though, and you’ve accidentally paralyzed or even
almost killed yourself on numerous occasions.

110 111

VIPER TRAITS
STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
TOXIC VEINS
For years you’ve trained crafting poisons and
exposed yourself to them while doing so. As
a result, you have built up a strong tolerance and
are Resistant to poison damage. You have also
discovered the recipe to several unique poisons as
listed here, known only to you. When you gain this
Trait you get 3 Uses of two poisons of your choice.
They all have the tags: Dangerous, Uses 3, Load 1.
MEOMI’S PASSION
Inhaling this yellow-green, acidic vapor causes someone
to slowly decompose from inside, inflicting Withered 3.
▪ CRAFT: Focus 3, 2 Hours. Set A: 6 Zotholoc Oil. /
Set B: 4 Vodun Dust + 1 Meomi Moss.
BOGAMI’S TERROR
Whoever drinks this vile and putrid decoction starts
to view their environment as a nightmarish hellscape,
dealing 2d4 psychic damage and inflicting Frightened
for 3 Rounds. The source of their fear is whoever is seen
first after drinking this poison.
▪ CRAFT: Focus 3, 1 Hour. Set A: 8 Quanian Fungi. /
Set B: 2 Bogami Tears.
UDRIN’S CLAW
Someone who inhales this dark and wispy miasma feels
as if their heart is being clenched by a sharp claw,
dealing 3d4 internal damage and causing them to fall
Prone.
▪ CRAFT: Focus 3, 3 Hours. Set A: 12 Udrin’s Venom.
/ Set B: 1 Cerulean Orchid.
SALADIN’S SHOCK
This thick, dark-blue oil can be applied to a projectile
(not a melee weapon), causing a target who takes
damage from it to become Paralyzed for 1 minute.
▪ CRAFT: Focus 3, 2 Hours. Set A: 6 Cthonic
Ambers. / Set B: 4 Orichalca Extract.
IMPROVEMENT
Whenever you craft a poison and fail to add
an Ingredient Set, only half the quantity of
ingredients of each type is lost (with a minimum
of 1 of each type).
112
VENOMOUS FRIENDS
You possess a collection of small, venomous animals
which you have trained (to the extent possible) to
do your bidding. Gain 3 Charges per Rest. Spend
a Charge to release one of these deadly creatures
into a room or open area unseen and let them do
their lethal work, which takes a few minutes. Make
an Action Roll (using 10 Action Dice) to determine
if their attack succeeds. They return unseen after
their work is done.
SERPENT IMPROVEMENT
The serpent slithers across the ground or through
water up to Distant range away to set its fangs into
a target, dealing 1d4+2 piercing damage +1d4 poison
damage on a success, and inflicting Bleed 3 + Blinded
and Slowed for 1 minute.
SPIDER
The spider crawls up to Far range across the floor,
along walls and ceilings, and can drop down from
such surfaces onto a target below. It bites their target,
dealing 1 poison damage on a success (ignoring armor),
and inflicting Poisoned and Paralyzed for 10 minutes.
SCORPION
The scorpion crawls up to Distant range along the floor
or burrowing underneath a loose surface (like sand)
to sting a target up to Distant range, dealing 1d4+2
piercing damage +1d4 internal damage on a success
(ignoring armor), and inflicting Bleed 1 + Prone and
Confused for 1 minute.
IMPROVEMENT
Your venomous friends are now trained to
the extent that they may also perform other,
simple tasks for you. Roll 8 Action Dice to
determine if any other action you have them
perform succeeds.
MASTER OF DISGUISE
Your skill at disguising yourself (either to change your
appearance, or to look and act like another person) is
unparalleled. You can do all of the following:
▪ Perfectly mimic the voice and mannerisms of
a person you have heard speak before.
▪ When asked, know details only the person you
are disguised as could know, provided you did
some minor research or are familiar with them.
▪ Keep up your façade for up to 10 minutes in the
presence of the most intimate friends or family of
the person you are disguised as.
▪ Anything else more specific to the situation the
Doomsayer thinks would be appropriate.
You can disguise yourself in just a minute
while not in an Encounter. Once during every
Encounter, you can do so by using an Action
and Bonus Action on your Turn as long as you
are out of sight of any opponents. To do so you
must have pre-prepared one specific disguise in
advance to use.
BOOBY TRAPS
You know how to make the Booby Traps listed
here. You can set up one of these Booby Traps in
any place reasonably possible within just 1 minute.
When you do, deplete 1 Repair Cache for the
materials used. Once a trap is triggered, make
a Dexterity Roll using the Mechanisms & Trap Skill
against the opponent’s Difficulty to determine if
it is successful. The Doomsayer will let you know
when to make this roll.
113
Class & Archetype
SPIKED SWIVEL
Anywhere around a corner where this trap can be
concealed you set up a pole with spikes horizontally
that when triggered, swivels around a mechanism with
force, hitting a target with its spikes on a success. The
spikes deal 2d6 piercing damage and cause Bleed 2.
BEAR TRAP
You place a camouflaged bear trap on the ground
that shuts its jagged, metal rings around the foot of
anyone who steps on it on a success. The trap deals
1d12 piercing damage and inflicts Slowed.
TRIPWIRE BOLT
You set up a nearly invisible tripwire between two
objects or structures that, when pressed against,
triggers a poisoned bolt to fire at its target. On
a success, the bolt deals 1d6 piercing damage +1d4
poison damage and causes Poisoned.
SPRING PULL
A concealed net placed on the floor is pulled up by
a rope and counterweight to Restrain an opponent of
medium size or smaller on a success. The net has 10
Resilience.
ACID SHOWER
You hang up a bottle of acid with a small hammer
mechanism that breaks it when someone steps against
the connected wire below. The acid splashes over
the target on a success, dealing 1d8 acid damage and
inflicting Burning 3.
IMPROVEMENT
You can set up Booby Traps within a manner
of mere seconds, or, during an Encounter, by
spending a full Turn (including your Bonus Action)
to do so. To be able to do this, you must have
spent 1 hour preparing up to 3 Booby Traps of
your choice (which can be the same one multiple
times) at any time prior to setting them up. You
deplete Repair Caches for these traps at the time
you make these preparations, and they have
1 combined Load.

FACELESS MENACE
You have been taught how to make and use masks
that grant near-magical powers while worn. You
can wear a mask for up to 10 minutes before its
effects wear off and it needs to be put back in the
mysterious black box you keep them in (Load 0).
Masks regain their potency after about 6 hours in
the box.
Putting on or taking off a mask requires a Bonus
Action. If a mask grants any benefits that result
from what is described, you can gain up to 3 Edge
to make any Action Roll related to its effect. Choose
two of the masks listed below that you have in your
possession and know how to use. You can only ever
wear one mask at a time.
MASK OF CLAIRVOYANCE
This mask grants the power to see through deception
and treachery. While wearing it you can perceive that
a person is disguised, or that they secretly harbor ill will
or evil intentions toward you and your allies. It doesn’t,
however, reveal any specific details.
MASK OF THE DEMON
This mask can change your facial features to take on
a menacing and demonic, otherworldly visage. This
is the only mask that doesn’t obviously appear as
a mask to those who see it and can cause people to be
intimidated or frightened when they see it, especially
in the dark. While wearing it, your voice also takes on
a demonic character.
MASK OF LINGERING
While wearing this mask your senses become so attuned
to your surroundings that you are able to detect events
that transpired in any closed or open space you find
yourself in. Images of past events present themselves
as vague, soundless visions that allow you to see events
of up to one hour before.
114
MASK OF SECRETS
As long as you have this mask on you can see hidden
traps, secret doors and passageways, or concealed
weapons or magic items someone might carry, or even
spot clues more easily. Such secrets are revealed by
giving off a soft, white glow as seen through the mask.
MASK OF DEATH
This mask allows you to see death when it approaches.
When any of your allies have died and Munagi come
to fetch their soul, you gain Edge to all Action Rolls
to interact with or oppose the Munagi. Additionally,
if you die while wearing this mask, the Munagi will be
unable to locate you to tear your soul from your body.
After surviving, penalties as described in the DEATH &
THE MUNAGI SECTION ON P. 192 do still apply.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose one more mask that you have in your
possession and know how to use. The duration of
all masks’ effects increases from 10 to 30 minutes.
SWIFT HEALING
When you Catch Your Breath, you heal up to 5
damage of Bruises for every success rolled instead
of 3. Additionally, whenever you have suffered one
or multiple Injuries or Traumas, these can be cured
when you Rest instead of when you Recover. Doing
so requires about an hour of time and, as usual,
only someone else can cure these for you.
IMPROVEMENT
The Difficulty to cure any of your Injuries or
Traumas, or to save your life when you become
Dying, is lowered by 1.
Class & Archetype
VIPER POWERS
STANDARD POWERS (LEVEL 1-6)
RAPID-FIRE 2 BP UNSEEN DREAD 1 BP
USE: Bonus Action USE: Once per Attack
You can so rapidly ready and load a bow or crossbow While hidden, you can activate Unseen Dread before
that you can make three attacks on your Turn. All you make a melee attack to deal 1d6 extra damage to
targets must be within Far range in a 90-degree arc in one opponent on a success and cause Frightened. The
front of you and you can choose to direct one or more Condition lasts until the end of the opponent’s next
of these attacks at the same opponent. Turn, but you can spend Momentum from this attack
to increase the duration by a number of Turns equal to
Activate Rapid-Fire before you attack to make two
Momentum spent.
additional (Basic) Attacks immediately after the first,
as a Bonus Action. You must roll for each attack and its IMPROVEMENT
damage separately and the Swift attribute cannot be When you have attacked using Unseen Dread,
you can choose to immediately disappear again
used on these attacks.
from sight and remain hidden.
IMPROVEMENT
You can fire three shots all around you instead of
in a 90-degree arc in front of you. KAYJU-KIRI 2 BP
USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
BLOOD FOR BLOOD 1 BP
DURATION: 1 Minute
USE: Once per Round You twist your fingers to form a mystic pattern and
Shedding blood emboldens and strengthens you, call upon a realm of shadow spirits that imbue you
always looking to improve making your next kill. After with a dark, forbidden energy. Whenever you defend
killing an opponent, activate Blood for Blood to gain against an opponent’s melee attack and succeed, they
6 Resilience. are dealt 1d4 psychic damage per Momentum you
spend.
IMPROVEMENT
You can spend 2 Blood Points to gain 8 Resilience IMPROVEMENT
instead and heal 1d6 damage of Bruises. They are dealt 1d6 psychic damage per
Momentum you spend instead.
VIPER STRIKE 1 BP
USE: Once per Attack
Activate this Power before you attack with any weapon.
If your attack is a success, you can spend Momentum
to deal extra damage as follows: 1 Momentum equals
1d8 extra damage, 2 Momentum equals 1d10, and 3
Momentum equals 1d12.
IMPROVEMENT
You deal 1d6 extra damage without spending any
Momentum, but once you spend Momentum for
the purpose of this Power, this extra damage is
replaced as described.
115

DRUID
PLAYING A DRUID
CLASS TYPE: Magic
COMPLEXITY: High
Beneath the shadowy boughs of an ancient forest, you
breathe in the heady aroma of dew-drenched leaves
and mossy earth. The whispers of the spirits of the
wood call out to you, a symphony of voices as intricate
as the dance of the leaves. You know the true divinity
lies within the wild embrace of nature and all its secrets.
The worship of gods is a folly of mortals, for the primal
forces of the world are the only truth.
You are a Druid, bound to the earth and all its wonders.
You perform your rituals in the sacred groves, on
mountain peaks, by crystal-clear streams, and among
the standing stones of ages past. The spirits of Athyr,
guardians of the wild and the unseen, are yours to
summon and command. The sound of a distant herd’s
thundering hooves, the roar of the ocean’s waves, and
the rustle of the forest’s leaves are your lullabies.
As a master of the ancient magic, you have studied the
language of the skies or of the land and the creatures that
dwell within it. You research celestial movements or walk
with the animals, speak with the plants, and listen to the
whispers of the wind. Your power is born of the untamed
wilderness, and your wrath is swift and terrible to those
who seek to harm it. For you are the druid, and the might
of Athyr courses through your veins like a raging river.
To be Druid is to be a guardian of the natural world,
a sentinel of Athyr’s delicate balance. You know that
the rhythms of nature are not to be tampered with, and
that the actions of humankind can upset the harmony
of the world. Your heart aches with the knowledge of
the damage wrought by the greed of men, as they
seek to dominate and exploit the earth.
For those who would join your ranks, there is no
greater honor than to stand as a protector of the skies
and the wild places of Athyr. To be a Druid is to be one
116
Class & Archetype
with the clouds or to be a steward of the earth, bound
to the ebb and flow of the seasons.
There are two Druid Archetypes:
THE KINDRED , a primal force to be reckoned with,
are Druids who have forged a deeper connection to
the natural world. They use their wild Magic to shape
the natural world to their will, controlling both plant
and beast. The Kindred are not merely protectors of
the wilds; they are a part of it, a force to be feared and
respected. Most move with the grace of a predator,
their eyes reflecting the wisdom of ages. They dress in
garments woven from natural fibers and adorned with
symbols of the elements they are attuned to.
To those who cross them, the Kindred are a fierce
adversary, capable of calling upon the might of the
animals that roam Athyr to crush their foes. But to those
who show them respect and honor the balance of nature,
they are a steadfast ally. These Druids are not a force to
be trifled with, but those who share their ideals will find
a loyal companion in their fight to protect the natural
world from the greed and destruction of civilization.
THE STARGAZER a druid of rare talent and insight,
is intimately familiar with the secrets of the cosmos.
They wield their magic with the power to control
the elements, calling forth the deafening thunder and
dazzling lightning with ease. A true alchemist of great
skill, they can weave potent elixirs that grant unearthly
abilities. Their eyes are constantly turned skyward,
gazing deep into the infinite night sky to draw forth
knowledge and prophecy. They are masters of astrology,
deciphering the movements of the planets and stars to
divine the future and warn of impending danger.
Unlike their Kindred brethren, Stargazers are not
content to hide away in the forests. They embrace the
cities with equal fervor, seeking out ancient tomes and
priceless knowledge to further their understanding of
the celestial realm. But despite their love for learning,
they remain a mystery to most, shrouded in the mystical
lore of their ancient order.
117
 Class & Archetype

CHOOSE YOUR A RCHETYPE

When you decide to play a Druid, choose between the
Kindred and Stargazer Archetypes to further specialize
your Character. Details can be found on the next few
pages. When you Level Up, use the Level Table to
determine how your Character progresses. For this
primer book, everything you need to play up to Level
6 is available, with Levels 7 to 12 included in the final
book release.
Character Sheets to write down the details about your
Character are included in a separate PDF document
for you to print. Unique sheets are included for both
the Druid Kindred and Druid Stargazer. If you intend
to play online, you can use the Blood and Doom
Character Sheet available on Roll20 and enter your
Character’s details there instead.
STANDARD / ADVANCED
Whenever you get to choose an Advanced
Trait or Magic, you can choose a Standard
Trait or Magic instead if you want, but not
the other way around.

LEVEL TABLE
CHARACTER
LEVEL PROGRESS

1 You get what you get. Check back here once you are Level 2.

Improve one Trait or Magic.

2
Gain one Standard Magic.
Gain a Standard Trait.
3
Gain a Cantrip.
Improve one Trait or Magic.
4 Gain one Standard Magic.
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 2 Combat Skills by one.
Gain a Standard Trait.
5
Gain a Magic Feat.
Gain one Standard Magic.
6
Gain a Cantrip.
Improve one Trait or Magic.
7
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 3 Combat Skills by one.
Gain an Advanced Trait.
8
Gain an Advanced Magic.
Improve one Trait or Magic.
9 Gain a Cantrip.
Gain a Magic Feat.
Gain an Advanced Magic.
10
Increase the Rank of any 4 Adventuring Skills and any 2 Combat Skills by one.
Improve one Trait or Magic.
11
Gain an Advanced Trait.

12 Gain an Advanced Magic.

118 119
 Class & Archetype

K INDRED For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ Handaxe (Load 1. Tags: Str / Dex, ▪ Valdyrian Bow (Load 1. Tags:

Close, 1d6 Slashing Damage, Dex, Far, Two-Handed, Ammo,
▪ Woodworker Tools (Load 1)
or:
Ready, Swift, Thrown, Wieldy) 1d6 Piercing Damage, Swift) Leatherworker Tools (Load 1)

A BILITIES A RMOR PROFICIENCIES or:

Barong (Load 1. Tags: Str / Dex,
Arrows (Load 1. Tags: Supply 9)
Quiver (Load 1)
Located on your Character Sheet are three columns You are proficient in wearing Light armor. Armor and
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate Armor Proficiency are both covered in the EQUIPMENT Close, 1d6 Slashing Damage, or:
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each CHAPTER ON P. 152 . Ready, Riposte, Wieldy) Panabas (Load 2. Tags: Str,
column as you want. Close, 1d8 Slashing Damage,
Dexterity, Wisdom and Heart are Abilities that can be
useful for a Kindred to have a decent score in. What
TRAITS, CANTRIPS & M AGIC Penetrate, Versatile)

Gain the Trait ‘Beast Shape’ and choose 1 more

each Ability is used for during the game is explained in
the ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 , including several
Standard Kindred Trait (Level 1-6) to gain. You can then
also choose 2 Kindred Cantrips and 1 Standard Kindred
IDEALS & H ABITS
benefits you can gain for some of your Ability Scores. To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
Magic (Level 1-6), all listed later in this chapter. Take
Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Kindred to take ideas from.
A BILITY SCORES some time to go over them and choose those you
think would really fit your Character. You’ll gain more
EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:
Body 4—4—3—3—2 as you Level Up.
You are fiercely independent and self-reliant, and you The sounds and scents of the wild are your constant
More information about using Traits, Cantrips and prize freedom above all else. You prefer to live off
Mind companions. You listen to the wind, the rustling of
5—4—3—3—2 Magic can be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC the land, subsisting on berries, roots, and small game, leaves, the calls of birds, and the howls of wolves to
CHAPTER ON P 145. rather than relying on the trappings of civilization. learn the secrets of the land.
Soul 5—4—4—3—3
You believe that the natural world is imbued with
It is best for others that they know exactly what you
FEATS magic, and that by tapping into this magic you can
perform miracles. You are always seeking to expand
are. Thus, you dress in long robes embroidered with
SKILLS You can choose one Magic Feat from the FEATS LIST
ON P. 149 . You gain another Magic Feat at Level 5
your knowledge of ancient rituals and obscure leaves, do not cut your hair, and abstain from shoes
except in the bitterest cold.
Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills traditions, hoping to discover new sources of power,
and Level 9.
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the Animals don’t own possessions. Thus, you keep the Normal people are impressed by cryptic utterances –
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of number of physical items you own to a minimum and and they expect them from you. Make one at least
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’.
STARTING EQUIPMENT make certain those you have are plain and unadorned. once a day.
Roll 1d6 and multiply its result x10. This is how much You believe that all creatures have the right to exist You seek to embody the spirit of the wild. You move
▪ Animal Handling Gold you have at the start of the game. You also gain and thrive in their own way, even if it means interfering with the fluid grace of the river, the patience of the
▪ Herbalism & Healing the Equipment listed here. More details can be found with the plans of humans. You will go to great lengths hunter, and the tenacity of the wolf.
▪ Nature & Spiritualism in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152. to protect and preserve endangered species, even if it
means putting your life on the line. You speak in riddles and puns, for the language of the
▪ Wilderness Exploration ▪ Hide Armor (Load 1. Tags: Light, Durability 3, You view all life as interconnected and interdependent,
wild is not always straightforward. This often irritates
You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing Protection s1, c0, p1, b2, e1) your friends, who almost never seem to get a straight
and you seek to deepen your understanding of the
how you are trained in using certain types of ▪ Sacret Amulet*
Amulet (Load 1) complex web of relationships that underpins the natural answer from you.
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is
▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1) world. You spend long hours in silent contemplation,
communing with the spirits of the forest and listening
You are a collector of rare and unusual plants. You
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can
then choose 1 more Combat Skill, all of which are ▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3) to the whispers of the wind.
believe that every plant has its own unique properties

▪ 3 Torches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3)

and uses, and you use your extensive knowledge of
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark You believe that the human body should be without botany to create powerful potions and remedies.
that one as well. ▪ Herbalism Kit (Load 1. Tags: Uses 9) pain or discomfort and you will try your best to heal
Cities are by their nature unclean. When leaving
▪ Daggers ▪
Axes ▪
Bows anyone who is hurt, no matter their allegiance or beliefs.
a city, you must perform complex purification rituals
* Your Sacred Amulet is a unique item that enhances You believe that nature must always be respected and before returning to the wilderness, less you spiritually
never exploited. You work to maintain the delicate
WILD M AGIC your Magic as long as you wear it. When you don’t,
you do not add Action Dice from your Nature & balance between predator and prey, life and death,
contaminate it.
As a Kindred you have an innate connection with growth and decay. You have a deep appreciation for the absurdities of
Spiritualism Skill to use Magic. Should you ever lose
nature that allows you to shape and channel its wild, life. You find joy in the strange and unexpected, and
it, you can spend time during Recovery to craft a new You consider the spirits of nature far purer and more
untamed essence as a form of Magic. You use Wisdom trustworthy than the gods many other people believe seek out unusual experiences and creatures.
one from wood, some string and a gemstone of your
or Heart when you make an Action Roll to use Magic, choice, or obtain a new Sacred Amulet another way. in. You dislike established religions and would rather
and the ‘Nature
Nature & Spiritualism’
Spiritualism Skill. see them perish.

120 121

K INDRED TRAITS
STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
BEAST SHAPE
USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
DUR ATION: 10 Minutes
LIM IT: Twice per Rest.
You spend most of your time out in the wilderness,
allowing you to have formed a special bond with
certain beasts; hunting with them, learning their
ways or even becoming part of a pack for a while.
At the start of the game, pick 3 such beasts to be
your Kindred Beasts. They must be of medium size
or smaller, and exclude beasts that can swim or fly.
During the game, you can transform into one of
your Kindred Beasts and do anything the beast is
capable of. You can only spend your Character’s
Blood Points to use a beast’s Powers and cannot use
the beast’s Doom Points. Blood Points and Doom
Points gained in any way go to your Character. You
Like your Character, you can perform any action
the beast would be capable of and attack using
claws or fangs for example, or climb and forage,
without requiring to spending Blood Points.
While you are transformed into a beast you mark
its Bruises when taking damage instead of your
own, but not its Wounds. Any damage taken as
Wounds is marked for your Character, though you
can remain in beast form if this happens. Madness is
also directly applied to your Character. Whenever
you transform into a beast again at a later time,
their Bruises, Armor, Blood Points and Doom Points
are always all restored.
You can transform back to human form any time
you choose. You also transform back when your
Wounds are fully marked, after 10 minutes pass or
when you Rest or Recover.
IMPROVEMENT
Whenever you spend a day forming a bond
with a beast, it can replace any of your current
Kindred Beasts if you wish and you can have up
to 5 Kindred Beasts instead of 3, which can also
be of large size. Additionally, you can use Beast
Shape as a Bonus Action at Any Time.
122
You can find a list of beasts and their Stat Blocks in
APPENDIX A ON P. 290 . Information included
replaces your Character’s statistics while you are
a beast, except your Wounds, Blood Points and
Doom Points. Unlike a Character, a beast is skilled
at most things they can do. Therefore, they have
only one Skill Rank instead of multiple ranks in
different Skills. When attempting anything the
beast would naturally be skilled at, you add its
Skill Rank to the relevant Ability Score to roll
Action Dice as usual.
A beast’s Skill Rank is based on your Character
Level as follows: Level 1-4 (Rank 1), Level 5-8 (Rank
2), Level 9-12 (Rank 3).
Anything you wear or carry with you disappears
while transformed into a beast, and appears
exactly how it was before when you transform
back. You can still understand human speech as
a beast but are unable to talk. You keep your own
mind and thoughts, though you are also partly
driven by the instinct of the beast. This means
for example, that social adeptness and recalling
human-learned knowledge is temporarily
clouded, though you always retain a sense of
purpose. While transformed you cannot use any
of your Traits, Cantrips or Magic unless specified.
The effects of Conditions and Afflictions are
the same as when in human form, and they are
retained whether you transform into a beast or
transform back. Some Conditions and Afflictions
may need to be slightly altered to be fitting
for a beast. Discuss with your Doomsayer when
there is any doubt.
Class & Archetype
NATURAL EXPLORER SPIRIT ANIMAL
When you gain Natural Explorer, choose 3 wilderness Choose a beast to be your Spirit Animal. Once
areas / terrain types from the following for this Trait per Rest you can take on one physical attribute of
to apply: Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, this animal, such as antlers, vertical pupils, a furry
Jungle, Mountains, Swamp, Wasteland. tail, scales, and so on. This attribute isn’t normally
While in one of your chosen terrain types you gain visible, though you can choose to make it appear
Edge to all Action Rolls made related to travel, when you want.
exploration, foraging, navigation, hunting and keeping When you do, gain 6 Charges you can spend to use
watch. Additionally, you cannot suffer a Setback for the attribute’s benefits for an instance. Discuss with
any such Action Rolls while in your chosen terrain. your Doomsayer what these might be. For example,
antlers could grant you a special attack, vertical
IMPROVEMENT pupils might increase your sight in the dark, and
You can choose 3 more wilderness areas / terrain scales might improve your armor.
types for Natural Explorer to apply to.
Once you are out of Charges, or when you Rest
or Recover, you lose all remaining Charges and
WILD WHISPERS the attribute ceases to be visible. You can always
choose to end the effect early.
You have the ability to communicate with animals.
Animals do not converse as readily or clearly as
IMPROVEMENT
humans do, but you can always get a sense of
You gain 9 Charges instead of 6. You can take
their meaning or get a simple message across.
on two physical attributes of your Spirit Animal,
Additionally, you gain 6 Charges per Rest to do
though you can only reveal and use the benefits
the following:
of one attribute between Rests.
You can spend a Charge to make a Wisdom Roll
using your Animal Handling Skill and convince
an animal to perform a simple task for you, after BY NATURE SUSTAINED
which they’ll go their separate way. The Difficulty
Whenever you are outdoors and attune to your
is always 2, though you may suffer Challenge for
natural surroundings, whether it be a desert,
example if the animal is sick, enraged, or under
forest, mountain region or any other (non-toxic)
some malevolent influence.
environment, you can heal up to 6 damage of
When you attune yourself to the frequencies Wounds whenever you Rest in addition to its usual
emitted by trees and other medium-sized plants, benefits. To gain this benefit, you are required to
you can spend a Charge to make a Wisdom Roll rest on soil, grass, in a tree, or on another natural
using your Nature & Spiritualism Skill to attempt surface and cannot sleep in a tent or on a bedroll,
and learn about threats, danger or any unnatural so nature may heal you.
presence within a half-mile radius that the plants
might be alarmed by. The Difficulty is always 2, IMPROVEMENT
though circumstances may impose Challenge. You can instead choose to be cured of one Injury
You can use Wild Whispers while in beast form, or Trauma this way.
using the beast’s Wisdom Score and Skill Rank,
spending any Charges you have at that time.
IMPROVEMENT
When you make an Action Roll as described, you
can spend Momentum to ask an animal, plant or
tree to rally to your cause, as long as it doesn’t
harm nature in any way. When you do, multiple
animals and plants within a 10-mile radius will be
notified as this message spreads wide, and all of
them will converse with you, give you hints and
clues, and provide warnings for up to a number
of hours equal to Momentum spent.
123

POWDERS & BALMS
You know how to prepare the unique and potent
herbal mixtures listed here, including powders, balms,
oils and tea. When you gain this Trait you get 3 Uses
of two mixtures of your choice. You also gain Edge to
make these mixtures (whose recipe is known only to
you) and any other herbal mixtures that have healing
or other beneficial effects. All mixtures listed here have
the tags: Slow, Uses 3, Load 1.
OIL OF PROTECTION
This sour-smelling, golden substance feels warm
when rubbed onto the skin. It grants a natural armor
Protection Rating of 3 for all Weapon and Elemental
Damage types. This lasts for 1 hour, but the Protection
Rating does not stack with that of any worn armor.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 4 Hours. Set A: 6 Makalim
Root. / Set B: 2 Ibani Moss + 1 Gladestone.
AMENAK’S EYE
Rubbing this pitch-black and extremely fine dust in one’s
eyes causes a soft stinging sensation, but also grants the
ability to see in darkness for up to 10 minutes.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 3 Hours. Set A: 12 Amenak
Dust. / Set B: 4 Nightcaps.
K INDRED CANTRIPS
QUICK ROOT MIMIC 3
Make a single root grow from the ground within Near
range, grabbing an opponent and causing Restrained.
The root has 3 Resilience.
SPORE BURST SOUL GUARDIAN
You release poisonous spores from your hand, targeting
an opponent within Near range. The spores deal 1d4
poison damage.
GROWTH
Make a small flower up to the size of a knife grow on
any natural surface within Far range that is not part
of a creature.
SHIVERS
Make someone within Far range get goosebumps and
shivers as if a cold draft touched their skin.
124
BALM OF RELIEF
Anyone who applies this buttery and slightly grainy
balm across their wounds before they Rest may roll 6
Action Dice. Each success heals a x3 Wound during Rest.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 3 Hours. Set A: 8 Sudin Nuts. /
Set B: 2 Asan Berries + 1 Piko Oil.
YATAGAMI LEAF
Named after its main ingredient but actually a mix
of several herbs, drinking this tea will instill a clarity
of mind for up to 1 hour that reduces any Madness
suffered by 1.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 6 Hours. Set A: 4 Yatagami
Leaves. / Set B: 1 Ziran Seed + 1 Mirrha Herb.
IMPROVEMENT
Whenever you find ingredients for making
mixtures, you may roll a die of one size larger
than normal to determine the quantity you
can collect. Additionally, whenever you craft
a mixture and fail to add an Ingredient Set, only
half the quantity of ingredients of each type is
lost (with a minimum of 1 of each type).
Mimic any vocal sound an animal makes with your
own voice with full impact and realism. You must have
heard the sound once before.
Gain 3 Charges once per Encounter. Spend a Charge
to use Wisdom and the Nature & Spiritualism Skill
when you defend yourself against an attack.
THORN VINE You create, twist and shape Roots, Thorn Bushes or
Summon a thorned vine from your hand and strike an
opponent within Near range with it. The vine deals
1d6 slashing damage.
BIRD CALL has 4 Resilience. A Vine has 2 Resilience.
Make any bird call sound audible from a point you
choose up to Distant range away from you.
Class & Archetype
K INDRED M AGIC
STANDARD M AGIC (LEVEL 1-6)
DRUIDIC SENSE 1 BP ▪ Roots can either push up and knock Medium-
sized or smaller creatures inside Prone once or
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / HEA)
DURATION: 1 Minute LIMIT: One Active Restrain them or those who enter until destroyed.
You focus on a beast in your surroundings and ▪ Thorn Bushes deal 2d4 slashing damage to
anyone inside once. If anyone moves partly or
experience its senses. You can move and take actions
fully inside their Speed is halved and they take
while you do, switching back and forth between your
senses and the beast’s as you choose. You can decide 1d4 slashing damage per Turn.
to end the connection at any time.
▪ Vines are 15ft and can carry the weight of two
Medium or one Large-sized creature.
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
—
You see through the MOMENTUM INTENSITY
beast’s eyes.
Roots and Thorn Bushes are
+ you hear, smell and feel (skin) —
1 the size of a human, or you
as the beast does. create 3 Vines.
+ you experience the beast’s Roots and Thorn Bushes are
2
emotions and thoughts. 1 the size of a wagon, or you
+ you remember whatever the create 6 Vines.
3 beast experienced during the Roots and Thorn Bushes are
last hour. 2 the size of a shed, or you
create 9 Vines.
SETBACK
Roots and Thorn Bushes are
A distorted mix of senses all around plague you. Suffer
the size of a house, or you
1d4 Madness.
create 12 Vines.
IMPROVEMENT
In addition to beasts, you can choose any willing,
unwilling or hostile creature / human and SETBACK
experience its senses. If unwilling or hostile, the You are engulfed by plant growth and become
Difficulty is determined by your target. Restrained. The growth has 6 Resilience.
IMPROVEMENT
Double all Resilience. You can also make Roots
WILD GROWTH 2 BP
grow denser to grab larger creatures. To do so,
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / HEA) spend 1 Momentum per size category above
DURATION: 3 Rounds LIMIT: One Active Medium. Additionally, Thorn Bushes now deal
2d6 slashing damage initially, then 1d6.
Vines up to Far range away from you, growing from
a surface you choose. This cannot be part of a creature,
or anything worn or carried. Roots or Thorn Bushes
only target your opponents (as described) and each
patch affecting an opponent (grabbing or attacking)
125

FLOWER POWER 1 BP
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / HEA)
DURATION: 10 Minutes LIMIT: One Active
You summon forth some of the rarest flowers in the
world, making them grow on surface within Far range.
This cannot be part of a creature, or anything worn or
carried. After it is summoned, you can make it bloom
as a Bonus Action at any time to trigger its effect once.
Choose a flower type before you use this Magic and
summon one flower on a success:
FIRE LILLY
Sets fire to anything and all targets within Near range,
dealing 2d4 fire damage and causing Burning 1.
GHOST ORCHID
Causes Frightened to targets within Near range. Those
affected become Frightened of anyone remotely
hostile toward them until the end of their next Turn.
JADE VINE
Whoever picks and smells this flower heals up to 2d4
damage.
SETBACK
You cannot summon the flower type you chose again
until you Rest.
IMPROVEMENT
You can summon three more types of flowers:
NIGHT CEREUS
An area the size of a house turns dark and cannot
be illuminated.
BLUE ROSE
Anyone within Near range of this flower takes
2d4 psychic damage.
WHITE LOTUS
No one within Near range can tell a lie for
1 minute.
126
NATURE’S STRIDE 1 BP
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / HEA)
DURATION: 1 Minute DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / HEA) DURATION: 1 Minute —
You control forest growth, snow, rock, quicksand,
storms, lava, avalanches and other natural formations
and phenomena up to Far range away to grant you
passage, aid you and your allies, or hinder opponents.
The effect occurs once and lasts for 1 minute.
For example, roots might grow to form a bridge when
you need it, lava may cool to form stones to step onto,
or a wall of ice blocks an avalanche and spares your life.
You cannot use Nature’s Stride to cause an opponent
serious harm, but you can hinder them in various ways.
For example, by forest growth closing in and blocking
their path, having them become buried in snow, or by
swooping them away in a tornado.
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
You control an area the size of
—
a wagon.
You control an area the size of
1 USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / HEA)
a shed.
You control an area the size of
2 SETBACK
a house.
You control an area the size of
3
a mansion.
SETBACK
Nature rejects you. You cannot use Nature’s Stride
again until you Rest.
IMPROVEMENT
The duration increases to 10 minutes and range
increases to Distant.
Class & Archetype
BARKSKIN 1 BP
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
USE: Bonus Action / Any Time
You gain 4 Charges.
You or someone you choose within Near range of
1 You gain 6 Charges.
you has their skin take on the form of thick, hardened
tree bark. Instead of a living target you can choose 2 You gain 8 Charges.
an object the size of a backpack and strengthen its
structure (clearing Dented equal to half the mentioned 3 You gain 10 Charges.
Resilience) with hardened bark, ignoring this Magic’s
duration.
SETBACK
The swarm engulfs you for a brief moment, then
MOMENTUM INTENSITY disappears. Take 2d4 piercing damage.
— Your target gains 4 Resilience. IMPROVEMENT
You can split the swarm into two swarms half its
Your target gains 6 Resilience size, controlling each individually by spending
1
and cannot suffer Bleed. up to two Charges per swarm as a Bonus Action.
Two swarms have 8 Resilience each. They can be
Your target gains 8 Resilience merged back into one swarm whenever they are
2 and cannot suffer Bleed within Close range.
or Poisoned.
Your target gains 10 Resilience SUSTAIN LIFE 2 BP
3
and cannot suffer Bleed,
Poisoned or Withered.
Choose one of the following methods of sustaining life.
You cannot use it on yourself, and no Momentum can
be spent. You either succeed or fail, and cannot suffer
Your target becomes wrapped in soft, moist bark and
becomes Slowed until the end of their next Turn. a Setback.
IMPROVEMENT
You can choose both yourself and someone
▪ Gain Edge to cure Withered or save someone
from Dying.
▪ Someone you touch heals 4d4 damage.
within Near range, or two items.
INSECT SWARM 2 BP
▪ Someone you touch is cured of Bleed
or Poisoned.
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / HEA)
IMPROVEMENT
DURATION: 10 Minutes LIMIT: One Active Gain the following methods of sustaining life to
choose from:
You summon a swarm of insects the size of a wagon
and gain Charges as detailed below. You can spend up ▪ Someone you touch heals 6d4 damage.
to 2 Charges as a Bonus Action on your Turn (requiring ▪ Someone you touch is cured of Withered.
one free hand to make gestures) and command the
insects to perform an action per Charge, but not the
▪ Someone you touch is cured of an Injury or
common Disease.
same action twice: 1. Move up to Far range. 2. Attack
everyone inside. 3. Form shapes. 4. Perform a simple task.
The swarm has 16 Resilience. Anyone inside is Blinded
temporarily and when the swarm attacks it deals 2d4
piercing damage. Once out of Charges, the swarm
disappears.
127
 Class & Archetype

STARGAZER For each of the following, choose between two options:

▪ 2 Kukris (Load 1. Tags: Dex,

Close, 1d6 Slashing Damage,
▪ Quarterstaff (Load 1. Tags:
Str / Dex, Close, 1d6 Bludgeoning
▪ Calligraphy Kit (Load 1. Tags:
Uses 9)
Ready, Swift, Thrown, Wieldy) Damage, Riposte, Versatile) or:
A BILITIES A RMOR PROFICIENCIES or: or: Paint Kit (Load 1. Tags: Uses 9)
Located on your Character Sheet are three columns You are proficient in wearing Light armor. Armor and Scimitar (Load 2. Tags: Str, 3 Bolas (Load 1. Tags: Dex,
with Abilities: Body, Mind and Soul. You can allocate Armor Proficiency are both covered in the EQUIPMENT
Close, 1d8 Slashing Damage, Far, Supply 3, Special, 1d8
the Ability Scores shown below to the Abilities in each CHAPTER ON P. 152 .
column as you want. Vicious) Bludgeoning Damage, Restrain)
Bandolier (Load 1)
Wisdom, Lore and Insight are Abilities that can be
useful for a Stargazer to have a decent score in. What
TRAITS, CANTRIPS & M AGIC
Next, choose 2 Standard Stargazer Traits (Level 1-6)
each Ability is used for during the game is explained in
and 2 Stargazer Cantrips. You also gain the Stargazer
the ABILITIES CHAPTER ON P. 136 , including several
Magic ‘Control Elements’ and can choose 1 more
benefits you can gain for some of your Ability Scores.
Standard Stargazer Magic (Level 1-6), all listed later
A BILITY SCORES in this chapter. Take some time to go over them and
choose those you think would really fit your Character. IDEALS & H ABITS
Body You’ll gain more as you Level Up. To finalize your Character, create a Character Path as described in the CHARACTER PATH SECTION ON P. 60.
4—4—3—3—2
Below are a few examples of Ideals and Habits fitting for a Stargazer to take ideas from.
More information about using Traits, Cantrips and
Mind 5—4—4—3—3 Magic can be found in the TRAITS, POWERS & MAGIC EXAMPLE IDEALS: EXAMPLE HABITS:
CHAPTER ON P. 145.
Soul The stars and the celestial bodies hold the secrets of You wear a necklace made of polished stones and
5—4—3—3—2
the universe, and it is your duty to uncover them. You crystals, each one representing a different planet or
FEATS will stop at nothing to acquire new knowledge about
the cosmos, even if it means putting yourself in danger.
celestial body. You believe that the energy of these

SKILLS You can choose one Magic Feat from the FEATS LIST
ON P. 149 . You gain another Magic Feat at Level 5 You believe that the divine is found through meditation,
stones can help you tap into the power of the cosmos.

Your Character starts with the 4 Adventuring Skills
shown here and you can choose 4 more from the
A DVENTUR ING SK ILL LIST ON P. 141 for a total of
8. Each is already marked on your Character Sheet
as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’.
▪ Alchemy & Science
▪ Meditation
▪ Perception & Investigation
▪ Study & Research
You also gain the following Combat Skills, showing
how you are trained in using certain types of
weapons or other combat techniques. Each is
already marked as Skill Rank ‘Novice (1)’. You can
then choose 1 more Combat Skill, all of which are
shown on your Character Sheet. Make sure to mark
and Level 9.
STARTING EQUIPMENT
Roll 2d6 and multiply the total result x10. This is how
much Gold you have at the start of the game. You also
gain the Equipment listed here. More details can be
found in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152.
▪ Leather Armor (Load 2. Tags: Light, Durability 3,
Protection s2, c1, p2, b1, e0)
▪ Crystal Ball*
Ball (Load 1)
▪ Adventurer Pack (Load 1)
▪ 3 Rations (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3)
▪ 3 Torches (Load 1. Tags: Supply 3)
study, ritual, and music, and will do your best to involve
others in these endeavors.
You know that the universe is filled with divine energy
that can be harnessed for good or for ill. You work to
align yourself with this energy in order to help others.
Every person has a destiny written in the stars. You spend
hours reading these signs, looking for clues that might
help you guide others towards their true purpose.
You believe everything should be done according to
the seasons and may have made up a list of things you
should and should not do at specific times of the year.
You know that the true nature of the world lies beyond
what is visible to the eye. You seek to awaken this hidden
world in others, revealing the interconnectedness of
all things.
People are impressed by cryptic utterances – and they
expect them from you. Make one at least once a day.
Writing down observations of the stars is important.
Letting others read them is not! Once a day you
inscribe your daily observations of everything in secret
code into a diary you carry with you at all times.
You language is convoluted and verbose. Never use
simple sentences. This may be quite annoying during
combat encounters but on the other hand, your
enemies sometimes stop whatever they’re doing to
scratch their heads.
You have difficulty deciding anything without first
consulting the celestial alignments.
You never miss an opportunity to gaze at the stars.

▪ Hourglass (Load 1)
When you travel, you always choose a route that allows
that one as well. The phases of the moon determine your actions. You you to see the most celestial bodies possible.
▪ Daggers ▪
Polearms ▪ Alchemist Kit (Load 1. Tags: Uses 9) plan your travels and transformations based on the
Your natural time of activity is at night, not during the
▪ Swords ▪ Throwing
lunar cycle, for Athyr’s five moons hold the secrets of
the wild. day. You use powerful herbs and spells to stay awake
* Your Crystal Ball is a unique item that fits in your if forced to take actions during the day. If you’re not
A LCHEMY M AGIC hand and enhances your Magic as long as you have careful, some of these may be addictive.
As a Stargazer you use your knowledge of alchemy and it with you. When you don’t, you do not add Action
You are a collector of rare and unusual rocks. You
astronomy to transform and channel nature’s essence Dice from your Alchemy & Science Skill to use Magic.
believe that every mineral has its own unique properties
as a form of Magic. You use Wisdom or Lore when you Should you ever lose it, you can spend time during
and uses, whether physical or metaphysical.
make an Action Roll to use magic, and the ‘Alchemy
A lchemy Recovery to craft a new one from glass and gemstones
& Science’
Science Skill. or obtain a new Crystal Ball another way.

128 129

STARGAZER TRAITS
STANDARD TRAITS (LEVEL 1-6)
RUNE SCRIBE
You know a number of runes that you can draw
or engrave onto any natural surface to gain their
mythical effects. You can do so twice per Rest as
an Action. Their effect is immediate after you finish
drawing and affects the area or region you draw
the rune in. When a rune is used indoors or inside
closed spaces, it reaches as far as adjacent rooms
only instead if its listed range. Choose two runes
that you know and can use:
SOUL RUNE
Learn if anything living is or was present within Distant
range during the last 6 hours and what or who.
BLOOD RUNE
Anyone can transfer 1 Blood Point once to an ally
within Close range.
CIRCLE RUNE
For up to 10 hours, when anyone passes through an
invisible circle that reaches up to Distant range, the
rune will make a soft chime sound.
STAR RUNE
Illuminate an area the size of a house with faded, blue
starlight for 1 hour.
EYE RUNE
See what events transpired within Distant range during
the past 10 minutes. These events present themselves
as a series of colorless and silent dream-like images.
POWER RUNE
Anyone making an Action Roll to use Magic within
Far range can choose to gain Edge, up to a total of 3
times combined.
IMPROVEMENT
Choose two more runes that you know and can
use.
130
ORACLE OF THE STARS
The stars in the night’s sky show you patterns that
allow a glimpse of the future. You can use Oracle Of
The Stars once per Rest if you were able to gaze into
the night’s sky for a dedicated moment. When you
do, gain 3 Charges. You can spend a Charge at any
time during a Scene to invoke foresight retroactively
and change a small detail as how it could have been
with your prior knowledge.
For example, you can find you brought an item that
you need even though you didn’t, you can obtain
information useful to you that an NPC might have
told you, or you can even have visited the location
you are at to set something up in advance to help you
out. Discuss with your Doomsayer what could work or
not. If you desire a particularly impactful change the
Doomsayer might ask to spend 2 Charges instead of 1.
IMPROVEMENT
You can use your foresight and spend Charges
during an Encounter as well. You can do so as
a Bonus Action on your Turn.
VERSATILE MAGIC
When you Recover you can swap one Magic for
another as long as they are from the same tier
(Level 1-6 or Level 7-12). Any Improvements remain
tied to the Magic they were originally chosen for.
IMPROVEMENT
You can do so whenever you Rest.
POTION BREWER
Your knowledge of alchemy allows you to brew
some unique and powerful potions. When you gain
this Trait you get 3 Supply of two potions of your
choice. You also gain Edge to make these potions
(whose recipe is known only to you) and any other
similar potions that grant beneficial effects. All
potions listed here have the tags: Supply 3, Load 1.
POTION OF RESISTANCE
Drinking this pink, grainy potion grants Resistance to
fire, ice, lightning and acid damage for 1 minute. It
smells faintly like cedar wood but has almost no taste.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 6 Hours. Set A: 6 Fakaru Seeds.
/ Set B: 2 Obsidian Ash.
ELIXIR OF VITALITY
This dark-green, milky elixir gives its drinker 8
Resilience along with a sharp, cinnamon-like flavor and
a hint of bitterness.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 2 Hours. Set A: 8 Sarkan
Leaves. / Set B: 2 Arrin Stones.
DECOCTION OF INSIGHT
This thick, golden decoction increases the Insight Score
of anyone who drinks it by 1 for an hour. It bears the
taste of honey but is less sweet and slightly earthier.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 3 Hours. Set A: 6 Zavrik’s
Butter. / Set B: 4 Trickle Oil.
AMBROSIA OF THE GODS
Whoever drinks this delicious, deep purple, glowing
ambrosia has their maximum Blood Points increased
by 1 for one day. They also gain 1 Blood Point.
▪ CRAFT: Wisdom 3, 4 Hours. Set A: 10 Amanita
Spores. / Set B: 1 Tunam Bark.
IMPROVEMENT
Whenever you find ingredients for making
potions, you may roll a die of one size larger
than normal to determine the quantity you can
collect. Additionally, whenever you brew a potion
and fail to add an Ingredient Set, only half the
quantity of ingredients of each type is lost (with
a minimum of 1 of each type).
131
Class & Archetype
CRYSTAL MEMORIES
When you hold in your hand a crystal or gemstone
and concentrate on it for a moment, you can etch
a sequence of thoughts or memories into it. These
thoughts and memories can be about 10 seconds
in length and will display themselves visually on
the crystal or gemstone’s surface in a loop, lacking
both color and sound.
IMPROVEMENT
The thoughts and memories you etch can be up
to 30 seconds long and cause small vibrations in
the air, allowing someone close to also hear the
sound of the thought or memory. Additionally,
the loop is now visible in soft, subdued color-
tones.
KEEPER OF LORE
You have with you at all times a leather-bound
tome that appears like it’s at least 1.000 years old.
In it, you have written notes from all the countless
hours spent in arcane libraries, consulting ancient
scriptures, star-charts and other accounts of
history, mythical events and occult practices. The
information in your book is written in a coded
language only you can read.
Gain 6 Charges per Rest. When your tome of lore
could provide clues on any subject matter related
to the above, you can spend a Charge to consult
your notes and gain Edge to an Intellect or Lore
Roll. You can choose to spend multiple Charges to
gain Edge to the same Action Roll, up to a maximum
of 3.
IMPROVEMENT
Gain 9 Charges per Rest. You can also spend
a Charge to use your tome to impress others, act
as though shrouded in mystery, or even consult
it to see through illusions and trickery that
might be described in it. You then gain Edge to
a related Mystique or Insight Roll.

STARGAZER CANTRIPS
GUST BURST the end of your next Turn.
Push an opponent or object Close to you away up
to Near range with a powerful gust of air from your
hands. The gust also deals 1d6 force damage.
FLAME SHATTER control.
Create a small flame at your fingertip that lasts about
a minute and which you can shape in various forms
at will.
MEND FIRE BOLT You send forth a blast of lighting from your hand,
Mend a broken object you touch the size of a teacup
or smaller. The object should not be tougher than for
example rock or metal.
COLOR STONE HEAT & COLD Close range of you are also pushed back to Near range.
Make a small stone up to Far range from you appear
in any color, glowing softly and changing its color as
you want for up to one minute.
STARGAZER M AGIC
STANDARD M AGIC (LEVEL 1-6)
CONTROL ELEMENTS 1 BP
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / LOR)
You can control the elements of fire, water, earth or
air as long as the element is not carried or worn by
anyone and up to Far range away from you. You can
only control one chosen element any time you use
this Magic and are able use one specific method of
control. You can never create more of the element
or reduce its mass below what originally exists.
Whatever new form the element takes on is retained
indefinitely, or until changed again.
Choose Fire
Fire, Water
Water, Earth or Air and a method of control:
▪ Shape
▪ Move (Average Speed up to Far range)
▪ Strengthen / Solidify
▪ Weaken / Vaporize
132
Make an area of ground or flooring the size of a door
within Far range crack and burst. It hinders anyone of
large size or smaller trying to pass.
Make an item up to Far range from you the size
of a teacup or smaller and made of wood, clay or
another porous material burst and crack.
Hurl a small ball of fire from your hand toward an
opponent or object within Near range. The bolt deals
1d6 fire damage.
Make an item the size of a teacup or smaller up to
Far range away glow with heat or freeze from cold for
several seconds.
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
You control an area the size of
— The next time you use Moonlight, it costs 1 extra Blood
a backpack.
You control an area the size of
1
a human.
You control an area the size of
2 3
a wagon.
You control an area the size of
3 knocked Prone.
a shed.
If you wish to control the element to directly harm
an opponent(s), you use your target’s Difficulty to
cast this Magic. It can deal anywhere between 1d6
and 3d6 damage of an appropriate type and / or
can cause an opponent(s) to suffer a Condition.
Strengthening / Solidifying or Weakening /
Vaporizing can increase or decrease the element’s
Resilience by up to 3d6. Discuss these details with
your Doomsayer when they apply.
SETBACK
You can only control an area the size of a Gerbil until
you Rest.
IMPROVEMENT
Add the element of Metal to the ones you can
THUNDER BLAST 1 BP
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / LOR)
accompanied by the sound of thunder. You can choose
to shape the lightning as a cone up to Near range,
or a line up to Far range, dealing lighting damage to
all creatures inside. When you choose to shape the
lighting as a cone, creatures of Medium size within
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
Everyone inside the area takes
— + you understand details about
1d4 lightning damage.
Everyone inside the area takes
2d4 lightning damage.
1 IMPROVEMENT: Creatures
of Tiny and Small size are
knocked Prone.
Everyone inside the area takes
3d4 lightning damage.
2 IMPROVEMENT: Creatures of
Medium size and smaller are
knocked Prone.
Everyone inside the area takes
4d4 lightning damage.
IMPROVEMENT: Creatures
of Large size and smaller are
133
Class & Archetype
SETBACK
Lightning strikes all around you. Take 1d4 lightning
damage (ignoring armor) and become Blinded until
IMPROVEMENT
You also knock affected creatures Prone as
described.
MOONLIGHT 1 BP
USE: Action / On Turn
DIFFICULTY: 2 or Target (WIS / LOR)
Hidden passages, secret doors, arcane seals, magical
effects and magical objects up to Far range away are
revealed and radiate faintly like moonlight for a brief
moment, allowing you to see them, even in the dark.
This moonlight glow is only visible to you. Additionally,
you can choose to make an entire room up to the size
of a house radiate like moonlight this way, allowing
you to make out details in the dark for up to 1 minute.
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
— You do as described.
1
their origin, nature and purpose.
+ you automatically detect
2 similar secrets and magic until
you Rest.
3
+ you can end one magical
effect, unlock a secret door, or
similar, once.
SETBACK
Point. This lasts until you Rest.
IMPROVEMENT
You can use Moonlight to detect magical abilities
and similar on opponents, making them radiate
as described, visible to only you. When you do,
use the opponent’s Difficulty to cast this Magic.
You can spend Momentum to achieve much the
same effects, though instead of ending a magical
effect by spending 3 Momentum, you gain Edge
to resist any magical abilities you detected until
you Rest.

IMBUE ELEMENTS 2 BP
USE: Action / On Turn The mist covers an area the size
DIFFICULTY: 2 or Target (WIS / LOR)
DURATION: 1 Minute
You imbue one item or weapon you touch the size
of a sword, or three smaller items or ammo such as
arrows, with one of the listed elements. This Magic
has no Intensities.
FIRE
The item is wreathed in flame, causing 1d4 fire damage
when touched. If it is a weapon or ammo, it deals
1d4 extra fire damage to one target and can cause
Burning equal to Momentum spent from the attack up
to a maximum of 3.
ICE
The item is covered in ice, causing 1d4 ice damage
when touched. If it is a weapon or ammo, it deals 1d4
extra ice damage to one target and can cause Slowed
by spending 2 Momentum from the attack.
SETBACK
The element engulfs your hand briefly. Take 1d4
damage of the listed type, ignoring armor.
IMPROVEMENT
Gain the following elements to imbue items or
weapons with:
LIGHTNING
The item is covered in streaks of lightning,
causing 1d4 lightning damage when touched. If it
is a weapon or ammo, it deals 1d4 extra lightning
damage to one target and can cause Blinded by
spending 2 Momentum from the attack.
AIR
The item is engulfed in a vortex of air and
vibrations, causing 1d4 force damage when
touched. If it is a weapon or ammo, it deals 1d4
extra force damage to one target and can knock
them Prone by spending 2 Momentum from the
attack.
BLAST OF ICE & FIRE 1 BP
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / LOR)
You send forth a destructive blast of ice or fire
from your hand onto an area the size of a wagon
up to Distant range away, dealing ice or fire
damage (your choice) to anyone inside. A blast of
ice freezes objects inside the area, while a blast of
fire sets flammable objects ablaze.
134
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
The blast deals 1d6 ice damage
—
or fire damage.
The blast deals 2d6 ice damage
or fire damage.
1 The mist covers an area the size
IMPROVEMENT: Also causes
Burning 1.
The blast deals 3d6 ice damage
or fire damage.
2 a place up to Distant range even if you cannot
IMPROVEMENT: Also causes
Burning 2.
The blast deals 4d6 ice damage
or fire damage.
3
IMPROVEMENT: Also causes
Burning 3.
SETBACK
Your arm freezes or burns. Take 1d6 ice or fire damage,
ignoring armor.
IMPROVEMENT
The blast inflicts Burning as described to all those
inside the area.
SUMMON MIST 2 BP
USE: Action / On Turn DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / LOR)
DURATION: 3 Rounds LIMIT: One Active
You summon forth a patch of dense, electrically
charged mist up to Distant range away from you.
The mist completely obscures the area it covers and
everyone inside is Blinded. Gain 6 Charges. You can
spend up to 3 Charges as one Bonus Action on your
Turn to control the mist, requiring one free hand
to make gestures. Once out of Charges, or after 3
Rounds have passed, the mist disappears.
▪ Spend 1 Charge to move the mist up to Near
range.
▪ Spend 2 Charges to move the mist up to
Far range.
▪ Spend 2 Charges to make the mist deal 1d6
lightning damage to everyone inside.
Class & Archetype
MOMENTUM INTENSITY MOMENTUM INTENSITY
You and three willing
— 3
of a wagon. allies teleport.
The mist covers an area the size
1 SETBACK
of a shed.
Everyone teleports to a random space up to Near
range away, feeling sick and maybe even throwing
2
of a house.
up from this nauseating experience. Is that blood?
Everyone suffers Confused.
The mist covers an area the size
3
of a mansion. IMPROVEMENT
You and any allies you touch can teleport to
SETBACK
see it. You can teleport through walls and other
Mist fills your lungs. Become Unconscious until the end
obstacles this way. If you end up inside a solid
of your next Turn.
structure, everyone who teleported takes 2d10
IMPROVEMENT bludgeoning damage and is moved to the nearest
You gain more control over the mist and gain 8 open space, knocked Prone. Additionally, you can
Charges instead of 6. You can now spend up to 4 touch unwilling creatures to teleport along with
Charges as one Bonus Action and are able to also you, using their Difficulty to cast this Magic. You
do the following:
must also spend Momentum to do so in the same
▪ Spend 2 Charges to decrease the mist’s way as teleporting willing creatures.
area one size from how it was summoned
and make it denser, also causing Slowed to
FORCE BURST 1 BP
creatures of Medium size or smaller inside.
▪ Spend 2 Charges to split the mist into two USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
DIFFICULTY: 2 (WIS / LOR) DURATION: 1 Minute
patches, each one size smaller. You can
control both by spending Charges for each You harness pockets of dense air that you can
patch of mist as one Bonus Action. unleash onto an opponent during a confrontation.
▪ Spend 3 Charges to make the mist deal 2d6 Gain a number of Charges that last up to a minute
and that you can spend to do as described,
lightning damage to everyone inside.
requiring one free hand to make gestures:
TELEPORT 1 BP
MOMENTUM INTENSITY
USE: Bonus Action / On Turn
— Gain 2 Charges.
DIFFICULTY: 2 or Target (WIS / LOR)
You instantly teleport to a space you can see up to 1 Gain 4 Charges.
Far range away and can choose several willing allies
you touch within Close range to teleport with you 2 Gain 6 Charges.
by spending Momentum. Anyone who teleports
does so along with everything they carry or have 3 Gain 8 Charges.
in their hands.
SETBACK
MOMENTUM INTENSITY You are knocked back up to Far range by a powerful
burst of air, landing Prone. If you collide with a solid
— Only you teleport. object you take 2d4 bludgeoning damage.
You and one willing IMPROVEMENT
1 You can spend 1 additional Charge to target an
ally teleport.
opponent of Large size for each action describing
You and two willing ‘medium size’, or spend 2 additional Charges for
2
allies teleport. an opponent of Huge size.
135

CHAPTER 5:
A BILITIES
& SKILLS
A BILITY BASICS
Your Character has fifteen Abilities that influence how good and experienced they are at
performing certain actions or overcoming challenges. They are grouped into three categories;
Body, Mind and Soul.
Abilities are at the core of your Character, and they show what your Character excels at.
When you create your Character, they will have an Ability Score for each Ability ranging
between 2 and 5. Unlike in some other tabletop roleplaying games, your Ability Scores don’t
increase when you Level Up. Instead, you can increase the rank of your Skills and gain new
Traits, Powers, Magic and Feats (improving some of those as well).
When you make an Action Roll the number of Action Dice you get to roll equals the Ability
Score of a relevant Ability as determined by the Doomsayer, added to by the Skill Rank of
any Skill that might apply. You then add to (Edge) or subtract from (Challenge) this total
depending on situational circumstances.
You can of course propose a different Ability to use if the approach you take to your action
justifies it. Feel free to let your Doomsayer know about this and tell them how and why this
other Ability may work better for you. The Doomsayer has the final say.
The CHARACTER CREATION CHAPTER ON P. 56 takes you through everything necessary
to create your Character, which includes determining their Ability Scores. The ACTION ROLL
SECTION ON P. 18 describes in more detail how Action Rolls are made.
136
R ISK & R EWARD ABILITY BENEFITS
What exactly happens when you Succeed or Fail a dice
roll in the game is heavily dependent on circumstance.
Rules cannot cover all situations, but knowing the Risk
and Reward before you do a thing can remedy this.
When you do something that requires an Action Roll,
consider asking your Doomsayer what the Risk and
Reward is.
Lets say you are closely studying a scroll with secret
symbols and are trying to decipher their meaning.
Failing your Action Roll could mean you simply learn
nothing and the symbols remain a mystery you.
The Doomsayer might however tell you the scroll is
extremely delicate, and inches away from crumbling
to dust. Failure in this case could mean it crumbles
away in front of your eyes from handling it, and the
meaning of the secret symbols lost forever.
Whether you get a straightforward answer or a mere
clue; having an idea of the consequences of anything
you attempt can help you make decisions and keep
the game fair. As with above example, the Doomsayer
can give a hint that it doesn’t look like it would survive
much handling or investigation, probably crumbling to
dust if not careful.
It is then up to you to decide to go through with your
investigation, keep the scroll safe, copy its symbols
onto a fresh piece of parchment, or bring it to the
nearest town where an expert can help with a smaller
chance of destroying it.
Whether failing or succeeding, the consequences
should never be unfair, or unclear, unless the element
of surprise is intentional and you as a Player know and
expect it.
137
Abilities & Skills
Some Ability Scores grant you a benefit tied to that
Ability which is listed here. When creating your
Character and determining your Ability Scores, check
the overview below to see what benefits you might
gain. They apply only once.
Whenever an Ability Score is increased or decreased
temporarily due to any effect, such as from a Trait,
Power, Injury or Curse, these benefits are unaffected.
Whenever your Ability Score is increased or decreased
permanently, these benefits are affected and should be
adjusted accordingly.
STRENGTH
▪ +2 Equipment Slots if your Strength Score is 4.
▪ +4 Equipment Slots instead if your Strength Score
is 5.
TOUGHNESS
▪ +2 Maximum (x1) Bruises if your Toughness Score
is 4.
▪ +2 Maximum (x1) Bruises and +1 (x2) Bruises
instead if your Toughness Score is 5.
WISDOM
▪ +1 Skill (any) increased to Rank Adept (2) if your
Wisdom Score is 4.
▪ +2 Skills (any) increased to Rank Adept (2) if your
Wisdom Score is 5.
LORE
▪ +1 Ancient Language known if your Lore Score
is 4
▪ +2 Ancient Languages known instead if your Lore
Score is 5.
(SEE P. 68 for more information about Ancient
Languages.)
INSIGHT
▪ +1 Maximum Madness if your Insight Score is 4.
▪ +2 Maximum Madness instead if your Insight
Score is 5.

A BILITIES IN-DEPTH
B O DY Abilities of this category are all physical attributes, determining how strong, fast, resilient and
stealthy your Character is, among other things.
STRENGTH (STR) Physical Strength & Muscle Power
EXAMPLES: Lift heavy objects, fight with brute strength in melee range, push, pull or
break something, wrestle and engage a grapple, climb a rope, run or swim for short
distances, jump far or high, hold on to someone after they slip and fall.
DEXTERITY (DEX) Finesse, Balancing & Crafting
EXAMPLES: Handle delicate objects, pick locks, fight with finesse in melee range, fire
ranged weapons, balancing and other acrobatics, climb a rock wall, craft and repair
items, free yourself from a grapple, make a difficult jump, do a card trick.
TOUGHNESS (TOU) Stamina, Resilience & Constitution
EXAMPLES: Brace against incoming melee attacks or grapples, block or shield yourself
and others from harm, manage prolonged physical activity, hold your breath, go without
food or sleep, resist poison or disease, endure extreme weather, maintain a grapple.
REFLEX (REF) Reactiveness & Speed
EXAMPLES: Dodge melee or ranged attacks and other dangers, avoid getting caught
during a chase, jump out of the way of something harmful, quickly find your balance after
a misstep, react fast when you fall into a trap.
STEALTH (STE) Moving Stealthily & Hiding
EXAMPLES: Hide yourself from sight, move around stealthily and unseen, steal something
without being noticed, make secret gestures or whisper without drawing attention to
you, breath, cough or sneeze without making any sound.
138
Abilities & Skills
MIND Abilities of this category are all mental attributes, determining how intelligent, learned, or
focused your Character is, among other things.
INTELLECT (INT) Brainpower, Abstract Knowledge & Logical Thinking
EXAMPLES: Study an ancient text for clues, investigate an object or scene, do math and
calculations, scientific knowledge, come up with a plan, learn by reading, recall a building’s
lay-out, think logically, strategize, memorize, tie together clues, figure out a plan of action.
WISDOM (WIS) Practical Knowledge & Survival
EXAMPLES: Find food and water in the wilderness, navigate a journey, use medicine
and healing, know how to tie a knot, intuitively get a grasp on something, knowledge
about nature, herbs and poison, handle animals, learn by doing.
LORE (LOR) Knowledge about Culture, History & Myth
EXAMPLES: Recall details about history, lands and its people, languages, tradition,
religious practice, rituals and myth, knowledge about monsters and their lairs, knowing
the value of treasure and rare items, knowledge about the arcane and magic.
AWARENESS (AWA) Perception & Awareness of Surroundings
EXAMPLES: Spot danger or clues, take watch and notice hidden enemies, find traps and
secret passages.
FOCUS (FOC) Stability of the Mind
EXAMPLES: Keeping a clear mind under duress, withstand magical attacks on the mind,
memory and logic, resist mind-control, resist your mind being pried for information and
secrets, concentrating on something for an extended time.
SOUL Abilities of this category are all personality attributes, determining how empathic, intimidating,
brave or strong-willed your Character is, among other things.
HEART (HEA) Sympathy, Social Adeptness & Integrity
EXAMPLES: Gain someone’s sympathy, make inquiries to find a person or place, ease
someone’s mind, show good intentions, diffuse an argument or conflict, create art and
perform, stay true to the light of one’s soul, ask someone for help.
MYSTIQUE (MYS) Secrecy, Deception & Seduction
EXAMPLES: Bewilder or charm someone, intimidate or threaten, disguise yourself,
engage in shadowy and deceitful politics, seduce and backstab, express extravagance,
distract, cheat and manipulate, embrace the dark side of one’s personality.
COURAGE (COU) Bravery, Composure & Leadership
EXAMPLES: Face imminent death without hesitation, inspire others to follow your cause,
show leadership, convince an entire village to move due to looming danger, lower enemy
morale with sheer bravery, impress others with your deeds and heroic reputation.
INSIGHT (INS) Sensing Meaning, Intentions & Deceit
EXAMPLES: Sense someone’s motivations and reasoning, learn if someone is being
deceitful, understand unexplainable phenomena using intuition, see through magical
illusions and trickery, learn what may trouble someone, sense a threatening situation.
WILLPOWER (WIL) Stability of the Mind
EXAMPLES: Stave off evil and corruption, resist enchantments and charms, show spirit and
conviction, withstand going insane, find the will to get through a tough spot, resist morals
and principles being challenged or tested, deal with consequences of defeat and loss.
139

SKILL BASICS
As covered in the Rules Overview chapter, every
Character has a number of Skills which tell you
something about what they are experienced at or
trained in. Some Skills are predetermined by your
Class Archetype while others can be chosen freely to
customize your Character to your own taste.
There are two types of Skills: Adventuring Skills and
Combat Skills. Adventuring Skills are usually related
to some kind of activity, field of knowledge or use of
tools. For example, Archology & Stonework, Wilderness
Exploration or Thievery & Crime. Combat Skills on the
other hand relate specifically to the use of various
types of weapons or a shield, or experience in unarmed
fighting and grappling. For example, Daggers, Axes,
Bows or Grappling.
Whenever you attempt to do something during the
game and one of your Skills applies or would in any
way benefit your action, you add a number of Action
Dice to your Dice Pool depending on your Skill Rank
for that specific Skill (on top of the relevant Ability
Score). Some Skills can also be used when something
happens to you instead, for example to defend yourself
with your weapon or shield, or resist poison or mind-
control. You can use only one Skill per Action Roll,
regardless of its type or the circumstances in which
the Skill is used.
The Doomsayer never asks to use a specific Skill
during the game; they only let you know what Ability
to use when you attempt something. It is up to you
to determine whether one of your Skills applies and
let your Doomsayer know. They have final say over
whether the Skill can be used in a specific situation.
This is true mostly for Adventuring Skills, as Combat
Skills are fairly straightforward as to when they apply.
USE SKILL = ADD ACTION DICE
EQUAL TO SKILL RANK
TO DICE POOL
140
A DVENTURING SKILLS
Adventuring Skills are used for a great number of
activities and include almost anything you can think
of that relates to the life of an adventurer (aside from
fighting with weapons). For example, pursuing enemies
through a dense jungle using Hunting & Tracking,
planning a way into a well-guarded fortress using
Strategy & Warfare, deciphering an ancient, cryptic
text using Study & Research, or Balance & Acrobatics
to make your way across a tree trunk to get across
a ravine.
Some Adventuring Skills are also useful for reacting
to danger, such as the aforementioned Balance
& Acrobatics to dodge traps, Occult & Arcane to
withstand supernatural forces, or Poison & Disease to
resist poison, injury and exhaustion.
When using any type of tool or kit, you and the
Doomsayer can discuss what Adventuring Skill might be
appropriate. For example, the Thievery & Crime to use
a Lockpick Kit, Nature & Healing to use an Herbalism
Kit, or either Hunting & Tracking or Contraption
Expert to use Trapper Tools. The Crafting & Repairs
Skill allows you to specifically choose several crafts to
gain experience in.
You always require to have the appropriate tool or
kit to attempt any action related to it. For example,
you cannot lockpick a door without a Lockpick Kit.
The Performance Skill allows you (among other things)
to choose three music instruments that you can
play, which, unlike experience in a certain craft, isn’t
included in any other Skill.
It is true that Adventuring Skills can overlap in some
areas, but this is intentional. The freedom allowed to
creatively decide whether an Adventuring Skill can
work to your advantage in each situation is part of the
game. Even so, all Skills offer many aspects unique only
to that Skill and choosing two or more Adventuring
Skills with some overlap may still mean you can reap
additional benefits from doing so.
COMBAT SKILLS
Using a Combat Skill requires you to be wielding
an appropriate weapon. For example, a scimitar in
order to benefit from the ‘Swords’ Combat Skill, or
a parashu to benefit from the ‘Axes’ Combat Skill.
Notable exceptions are of course Unarmed Fighting
and Grappling. Even though grappling can be
considered unarmed fighting as well, a distinction is
made between punching, kicking, headbutting and
other forms of martial arts (Unarmed Fighting), and
the specific techniques required to grapple, wrestle,
armlock, choke and throw an opponent (Grappling).
Combat Skills are used to both attack and defend,
which is explained in more detail in the ATTACKING &
DEFENDING SECTION ON P. 204 . When you create
your Character, you get a number of specific Combat
Skills and can choose several more from the list below.
More information on all available weapons can be
found in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 , along
with various types of armor and other items.
▪ Unarmed ▪ Polearms
▪ Grappling ▪ Esoteric
▪ Daggers ▪ Bows
▪ Swords ▪ Throwing
▪ Axes ▪ Shields
▪ Bludgeons
SKILL R ANK
Each Skill you have can give you between 1 to 5 extra
Action Dice to roll depending on its Skill Rank. When
you create your Character you will have Rank Novice
in most of your Skills, and a few Rank Adept. As you
Level Up you’ll get a chance to choose which Skills you
would like to develop over others, increasing their
Rank as shown below.
You can mark the Skill Rank for each of your Skills in
the dedicated boxes on your Character Sheet. Skills
predetermined by your Class Archetype are already
marked. When you increase a Skill’s Rank simply mark
one more box up to a maximum of 5.
SKILL R ANKS
NOVICE ADEPT EXPERT
(1) (2) (3)
+1 Action Die +2 Action Dice +3 Action Dice
141
Abilities & Skills
A DVENTURING SKILL LIST
When you create your Character you also get
a number of specific Adventuring Skills as detailed
in each Class Archetype’s description. You can then
choose several more from the list presented here. It is
recommended to choose additional Adventuring Skills
that expand upon your Archetype’s and are fitting for
your Character and the sort of Adventure or Campaign
you’re going to play.
ALCHEMY & SCIENCE
You have knowledge about, and experience with,
alchemy, chemistry, science, astrology and other
scientific arts. You know the material elements that
make up the world and are adept at using equipment
related to science, including telescopes, astrolabes,
and the use of auguries. You know planets and stars,
moons, eclipses and constellations, and have a basic
understanding of the forces of nature, like gravity,
dimensions and time. If you are a magic-user such as
the Druid Stargazer, your natural ability to use magic
is enhanced by this Skill.
ANIMAL HANDLING
You have spent your life among animals, caring for
them, riding them or even living among them. You
are adept at sensing, calming and riding animals and
animal-driven vehicles, and possess knowledge of their
care, feeding, and capabilities. You have a way with
animals unlike most others and can on occasion get
them to do your bidding or likewise can tell when
they are startled or alarmed, or whether their natural
habitat has been disturbed.
APPRAISAL
You are a connoisseur of the arts and valuable
items, know what things are worth, and have an
understanding of such items’ history and are adept at
identifying treasure and magic items, bargaining for
low prices and recognizing forgeries. You are familiar
with ancient and rare items, some bordering on the
occult and alien, and have many a tale to tell about
legendary paintings, sculptures, masterfully crafted
tapestries and similar objects.
MASTER LEGEND
(4) (5)
+4 Action Dice +5 Action Dice

ARCHEOLOGY & STONEWORK
You have experience in digging up secrets from
the earth, dating historical objects and structures,
understanding or devising layouts and floorplans, and
identifying minerals and precious metals. You have
knowledge of stonework and ancient ruins and their
purpose, and know how to identify secret areas and
other hidden features of human-built complexes.
BALANCE & ACROBATICS
Your adventuring experience has made you alert and
both adept and quick to respond to slipping, falling,
dodging traps and other similar sudden, physical
threats. You are skilled at performing stunts, balancing
and escaping restraints. You know how to land on
your feet like a cat in any situation and have a way to
escape when being chased and throwing down objects
to block opponents’ paths when being pursued.
CLIMBING & CAVING
You have experience and training in mountain climbing,
caving, and similar activities and know the risks and
challenges involved. You are familiar with the tools
and preparation required, including improvising under
duress and making quick repairs, and are adept at
finding pathways and safe routes in such environments
and those similar.
CLOAKS & SHADOWS
You are a master of the silent approach. You can move
around stealthily, use shadows and dimly lit areas to
your advantage, and are able to spot the perfect
places to hide. You survey a room or area immediately
upon entering to find the best places to take cover if
need be. Because you know what to look for, you can
also spot enemies who are hiding or lie waiting in an
ambush fairly easily.
COURTS & POLITICS
You have dabbled in the goings-on of courts, lords,
ladies and their laws, politics and schemes. You know
the daily operations of city organization, councils, and
their associated conventions. You are quick to spot
when the gentry is lying and know how to get on their
good side and get things done in higher-up circles,
striking bargains and good deals for contracts, quests
and rewards.
CRAFTING & REPAIRS
You have studied as an apprentice or even worked as
an artisan for some time, learning how to craft and
repair various items and weapons or armor. When you
gain this Skill, choose 3 of the artisan fields from the
following, which determine the specific craft you are
142
experienced in, including the use of any related tools
or kits:
▪ blacksmith/armorer
▪ leatherworker/trapper
▪ bowyer/fletcher
▪ woodworker/carpenter
▪ weaving/cooking
▪ mason/jeweler
▪ calligraphy/painting
▪ glassblowing/pottery.
DECEPTION & TRICKERY
You cannot be trusted - at least sometimes - or when
you choose not to be. You have spent your life lying,
keeping secrets, practicing trickery, and engaging in
manipulation, impersonation and forgery. You are
skilled at all such activities and know how to get things
done with people using false promise, diversion, sleight
of hand, playing games of chance, rigging probabilities,
and any kind of related scheme, whether verbal or
a contrived and elaborate plot of your design and
execution.
HERBALISM & HEALING
You have practical knowledge of plants, medicinal
herbs, treating wounds, illness, disease and injury. You
know what is required to treat wounds and infection
properly and can identify plants, roots, fungi and even
have rudimentary and intuitive insight into flora not of
this world. You know how to make potions and brew
teas that have alleviating effects on a variety of qualms
and pains, and even some to soothe the mind and cure
trauma.
HISTORY & CULTURE
You have a deep knowledge of history, cultures,
religion, laws, philosophy and traditions from all over
Athyr. You know many languages, their origin and
dialects and recognize and know how to respect local
customs, even if only recently introduced to them.
You know your way around libraries, temples and
other places of worship and are versed in the deeper
philosophical truths that humanity has been seeking
since the dawn of time.
HUNTING & TRACKING
You are an experienced hunter and tracker, and know
how to hunt small game (or your enemies!), set traps,
track animals, people or monsters, spot danger in
the wilderness. and make your way around stealthily
without making noise. You know how to skin and
prepare animals for cooking and have experience
in curing hides, leatherworking and using the
associated tools.
INTIMIDATION
You are persuasive and intimidating in ways subtle or
rife with displays of force. You know how to threaten
people without others noticing, but at the same time
have the audacity and might to scare a crowd into
submission, and possess the skill to back up your words
with action. As a result you don’t scare easily yourself,
and fear and backing down is largely unknown to you.
LEADERSHIP & COMMAND
You have commanded military regiments, bands of
mercenaries, or groups of tribal warriors. You know
how to take the lead, inspire others to follow you into
combat and convince people to aid your cause. You are
experienced in raising or breaking morale, and know
when it is time to retreat or take a loss. You can uplift
others even in between action and are experienced
with others relying on your help, encouragement
and bravery.
MECHANISMS & TRAPS
You know simple and complex mechanisms and their
cogs, wheels, springs and triggering devices, whether
it be a drawbridge, clockwork, alarm system or trap.
You can craft and repair such mechanical devices (and
those similar), and are adept at spotting traps, setting
traps, dismantling traps, designing traps, dodging
triggered traps and deactivating traps.
MEDITATION
You are the master of your own mind and soul.
Through extensive training you have learnt to shield
yourself from magical harm that directly influences
your thoughts, emotions, and personality. You can
observe your inner self and emotions from a distance
and let them pass by easily, retaining your sanity and
poise. You are able to concentrate for an extensive
amount of time, and nothing and no-one can distract
you in such moments.
MONSTERS & MYTH
You have delved deeper than most into the chasms
where horrors make their home and gathered
knowledge about monsters, their habits, lairs, and facts
and myths relating to them. Your experience has made
you resistant to fear, charms, mind-control, curses, and
other similar odious effects. You have encountered
creatures and monsters both mundane and those ‘that
should not be able to exist’ and have become resilient
143
Abilities & Skills
to suffering madness or feeling despair resulting from
witnessing such aberrations and magical effects.
NATURE & SPIRITUALISM
You are familiar with nature and natural magic. You
are at home among druids, shamans and other natural
healers and spiritualists, and have a deep connection
with Athyr. You know death, rites of passing, the cycle
of life, and even to some extent what lies beyond. You
have some experience in communicating with those
who passed away and can sense unnatural presences
whether malevolent or benign. If you are a magic-user
such as a Druid Kindred or a Shaman, your ability to
channel nature’s essence is enhanced by this Skill.
OCCULT & ARCANE
You have seen unexplainable things and peered beyond
the veil shrouding the world in its fragile, material shell.
You have knowledge about cults, obscure traditions
and orders, occult practices, dark rituals, forbidden
tomes and spells, and experience with the supernatural,
demonic possession, banishment, corruption of the
soul, alien dimensions and mystical events. If you are
also a magic-user such as a Sorcerer, the knowledge of
your arcane spells comes from this Skill.
OLYMPIAN
You are skilled at performing feats of strength and
endurance, like running, jumping, swimming, climbing
and heavy lifting. You have trained for such activities
specifically and are resistant to exhaustion and injury
possibly resulting from them. You are physically
extremely healthy and know a lot about nutrition,
exercise, meditation and rest, and are accustomed to
putting your body through extremes without breaking.
PERCEPTION & INVESTIGATION
You have a knack for spotting danger and suspicious
surroundings, and know how to properly investigate
clues, look for hidden objects, find traps or pinpoint
important information. Your methods of deduction
are refined, and you have a way of questioning suspect
individuals that can reveal their hidden motives to you.
You pay attention to the smallest details overlooked by
most and are adept at making shorthand notes.
PERFORMANCE
You are an actor, singer, dancer, mime, poet and
writer. You have grown up knowing how to play various
instruments, write music and theater plays, and are
skilled at entertaining people and putting up a show.
You know how to charm people, recite poems by heart
and can sing serenades as well as conduct an orchestra
 Traits, Powers & Magic

or choir. You have a way of making people laugh, cry STEWARDSHIP

or be thrilled, gripped and excited by the stories you You have experience in managing and running
tell. When you gain this Skill, choose 3 music instruments operations of a keep, stronghold, guild or any other

that you know how to play fairly well.
POISON & DISEASE
You have knowledge of poisons, how to make and use
CHAPTER 6:
organization. You know how to handle logistics,
accounting, personnel management, registration and
general provisioning like no other. Your experiences
also allows you to easily manage treasuring, secure

them effectively, treating someone affected by poison,
diseases, and injury. You have acclimated your own
body through exposure to resist and withstand poisons,
infection, exhaustion, necrotic influence, withering and
TR AITS, POWERS
beneficial deals, barter for items, and gain insight into
the logistics of any organization you come across.
STRATEGY & WARFARE

other similar effects that affect physical health.
PSYCHOLOGY
You have extensive knowledge of the psyche and know
how to tell when someone is telling the truth or is
outright lying to you. You can spot ulterior motives
veiled by social nicety and you know the telltale signs of
concealed truths, blatant lies and clever misdirection.
Through counsel and hypnosis, you are able to treat
people plagued with afflictions of the mind, and can
say what needs to be said to calm someone in distress.
SAILING & SHIPS
You have spent significant amounts of time on or near
& M AGIC
You have studied and trained in the art of warfare.
Tactics, logistics, strategy and planning related to
combat or battle are your second nature. You are
able to communicate and direct movement on the
battlefield like a seasoned battle master. Because you
know how you would act, you are able to anticipate
enemy actions, break their morale, examine the lay-
out of fortified castles and fortresses and compromise
their escape routes.
STUDY & RESEARCH
You have spent many days and nights studying scrolls
and tomes doing research and gathering information
for all manner of purposes. Libraries are your second

the water and know how to sail different kinds of ships.
You are able to navigate these over rivers and seas and
have had your share of combat on the water. You know
the strong and weak points of ships or a fleet and can
adjust combat strategy accordingly. You have experience
with all tasks required to row or sail, like tying knots and
raising sails, and even posses some knowledge of how to
build all manner of river- or seafaring vessels and rafts.
SEDUCTION & CHARM
You have this way about you that charms people into
home, and you are able to navigate them easily to find
the books and papers you need. You are able to learn
and absorb copious amounts of information in a short
amount of time and decipher ancient manuscripts and
gather clues from them.
THIEVERY & CRIME
You are a talented thief who knows their way around
unfamiliar places. You are adept at lockpicking, stealing,
bribing, and burglary and other forms of crime. You
know dark street corners inside out and are able to
While a lot of things make Blood and Doom
Characters unique, the Traits and Powers you pick and
the Magic you choose to wield contribute heavily to
making them feel like distinctive individuals – not
only in game terms, but also in how they impact your
Character’s history, personality, and mannerisms. Let’s
delve a little deeper into how everything works!
USING POWERS
Unlike Traits, Powers need to be called upon, fleeting
but formidable abilities that need focus, exertion,
a certain state of mind, or a set action to activate.
The cost for doing so is steep, for it requires the
sacrifice (or spending) of one’s own Blood Points.
Those who wield Magic are not granted the luxury
of Powers, as they have chosen a different path that
already stretches their inner reserves to the utmost.

getting what you want. With wit, smooth-talk and
sometimes downright manipulation, you are able to
steer conversations your way, to get things done or to
defuse the precarious position you find yourself in. You
do not shy away from using any means at your disposal
to persuade or seduce others into doing your bidding
and are quite experienced in the art of romance.
SOCIALIZE & CONNECT
You have a gift for identifying social organizations and
important goings-on wherever you find yourself. You
are able to connect to the right people at the right
place at the right time and know how make small talk
while at the same time getting the information you
need. You can easily find the places and people you
seek in a settlement and can build networks within
a small amount of time, from noble houses to black
market operations.
build report with other criminals and the circles they
mingle in. You know how to get to a settlement’s black
markets and where to fence stolen goods. You know
thieves’ codes and secret words that let allow you
communicate with others who do not always abide by
the law.
WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
You feel more at home in the wilds than in an urban
environment. You are capable of navigating through
dense forests or barren wastelands with no landmark
in sight, hiking for hours on end. You can spot danger
from afar and even in the most desolate places you
know where to forage food and water. You can study
the sky and weather patterns to anticipate your
next move and are able to survive in the harshest of
environments.
TRAITS
Like Traits and also Magic, Powers are fully unique to
your Character’s Class and Archetype. Powers often
mean the difference between defeat and victory, and
Contrary to Powers and Magic, Traits linger like using them wisely can win an argument, turn the tide
a haunting whisper, ready to be unveiled at a moment’s of battle, or even save an entire city. In Athyr, Power
notice. They are not mere skills to be honed, but gifts is a double-edged sword, capable of great triumphs
bestowed upon a Character, forever woven into their and crushing defeats. The question remains: will you
being by their training and the experiences they have pay the price to wield it?
accumulated as a member of their Class. Unlike the
flashy displays of Powers and Magic, Traits are a subtle
force that courses through every Character, specific USE POWER = SPEND BLOOD
to their Class and Archetype. They have become POINT(S).
procedural knowledge, habits, and actions that can
be performed at a moment’s notice without the need TRIGGER EFFECT AS DESCRIBED
to bring their execution into memory, or sometimes
are even ever present in the background. They have,
in a sense, become inherent. Some Traits do have
Charges that need to be spent in order to activate
them, which is explained in the Charges section.

144 145

CHARGES
Some Traits, Powers or Magic give you a number
of Charges. Charges are spent to trigger a specific
effect and represent a number of ‘uses’ or ‘times you
can do (x)’. Their use is in many ways similar to Blood
Points, but instead used to manage minor things
your Character can do. It can happen that you have
multiple pools of Charges from various sources active
at the same time. Your Character Sheet allows you to
easily keep track of such pools simultaneously, with an
A, B or C indicator to distinguish between them.
After a certain amount of time, any remaining and
unspent Charges are automatically lost. For most
Powers and Magic this equals the duration of the
Power or Magic itself, unless specified otherwise.
You cannot save up Charges that are gained from
the same Trait, Power or Magic. If you were to use
a Power again that gives you a number of Charges (for
example) already existing Charges will be replaced
with the newer (highest) amount.
Charges are often gained ‘Per Rest’, meaning that
once you have completed a Rest and gain new
Charges, any remaining ones are replaced as just
described. Charges gained ‘Per Encounter’ indicate
you gain Charges whenever an Encounter starts and
lose whatever is left at the end of it. Charges may also
be gained ‘Per Day’, ‘Per Week’, any other indication
of a period, or for example when (x) happens.
146
COMMON TAGS
Most Traits, Powers and Magic have one or multiple
tags to give you a quick overview of when they can be
used, how long their effect lasts, what limitations they
have, and more. There are four types of common tags:
USE , DURATION , DIFFICULTY and LIMIT . Difficulty
and Limit are covered in the Using Magic section as
they apply only to the use of Magic.
USE
A Use tag lets you know how and when a Trait, Power
or Magic can be used. For example, ‘Once Per Attack’,
‘Bonus Action / Any Time’, ‘Bonus Action / On Turn’,
‘Free Action’ or ‘Once Per Turn’, ‘Once Per Rest’ and
‘Once Per Round’.
Without an Encounter going on using Rounds, Turns,
Actions and Bonus Actions you can still use a Trait,
Power or Magic with these tags, taking a few seconds
to execute. More information about Rounds, Turns,
Actions and Bonus Actions can be found in the
COMBAT & ENCOUNTERS CHAPTER ON P. 199 .
DURATION
The Duration tag lets you know how long a Trait,
Power or Magic’s effect lasts when it is used. Duration
tags can come in the form of ‘10 Minutes’, ‘1 Hour’,
‘Until the end of the Encounter’, ‘For 2 Rounds’, or ‘1
Minute’ to name a few examples.
These durations represent time passing in the fiction,
not at your table. You and the Doomsayer should
usually be able to make a good estimate of how long
this is whenever relevant. The duration of a Round
equals 10 seconds when it is applied outside of an
Encounter, and a duration of 1 Minute always covers
an entire Encounter, even though an Encounter may
sometimes last more than 6 Rounds.
NO TAG?
Unless specified with a tag, Traits, Powers and Magic
can be used as detailed in their description.
USING M AGIC
To cast Magic, you first have to pay its Blood Point
cost and then make an Action Roll to determine if it
succeeds. Each Magic’s description lets you know how
much Blood Points need to be spent and what Ability
should be used to make the Action Roll. You can add
Action Dice from an Adventuring Skill as well, though
which specific Skill depends on your Character’s Class
and Archetype. For example, the Druid Kindred uses
Nature & Healing to cast Magic.
Using Magic requires one free hand to make gestures
and the ability to speak. If either one or both isn’t possible
you cannot use Magic. When wielding a two-handed
weapon or both a one-handed weapon and a shield, you
can temporarily adjust your grip to make gestures, but
suffer Challenge when using Magic this way.
USE MAGIC = SPEND BLOOD
POINT(S) + MAKE ACTION ROLL
147
Traits, Powers & Magic
DIFFICULTY
Each Magic also has a listed Difficulty, letting you
know how many successes are required to successfully
cast it. However, when you directly target an
opponent or other unwilling creature you must use its
Difficulty instead if it is higher. For example, to target
an opponent of Difficulty 4 with your Magic, you
require to roll 4 successes to succeed, even though
the Magic’s Difficulty might be only 2.
This does not apply when you indirectly target one
or multiple opponents, for example by casting Magic
that affects a certain area or space. Any opponents
in the area are still affected as described, but they
aren’t considered a ‘target’ of your Magic and you
can simply use the Magic’s base Difficulty to cast it.
LIMIT
Some Magic uses the ‘Limit: One Active’ tag. This
means only one of that specific Magic can be used or
be active at the same time. This does not influence the
use of other Magic, and you can also have multiple
different Magic with the ‘One Active’ tag active at
the same time as long as they are not the exact
same Magic. You can choose to cast the same Magic
again at any time, ending its current iteration and all
remaining benefits automatically, then gaining them
anew again if you succeed your Action Roll to cast it.
SETBACK
When you make an Action Roll to use Magic and fail,
you suffer Setback if your Setback Die results in a 1,
2 or 3, just like any other Action Roll. Such a Setback
represents the arcane forces you attempted to
harness to be twisted in ways that were never meant
to be, causing a negative consequence. Each Magic
has a unique Setback effect listed in its description,
letting you know what exactly will happen. As usual,
you cannot use a Doom Point to reroll when you
suffer a Setback.

MOMENTUM
Almost all Magic has a variety of intensities that
can be triggered by spending Momentum. Simply
succeeding an Action Roll to use Magic is good
enough, but it has the potential to become much
more powerful when you roll additional successes
and spend Momentum. You can still use Momentum
for other purposes as well, for example to Boost an
ally if your Magic somehow helps them. You can split
up spending Momentum any way you see fit, for
example, if you gain 3 Momentum, you can spend
1 Momentum to Boost an ally and 2 Momentum to
increase the intensity of your Magic.
Some intensities provide benefits easily applied and
decided upon after you have cast your Magic. For
example, if it increases the number of Damage Dice
you can roll. Other times it might affect the size of an
affected area for example, which could influence some
of the decision making involved when casting such
Magic. After all, what you describe your Character to
do might be different if the affected area is the size
of a human as opposed to the size of a house, but you
won’t know until after you have made the Action Roll
and can possibly spend Momentum.
In such cases it is recommended to roll Action Dice
to cast Magic first, and then continue by describing
what your Character (and the Magic unleashed) does
exactly, spending any required amount of Momentum
(if any) to achieve it.
GAINING EDGE
Unlike most actions, using Magic isn’t something
others can help you with or easily gain a situational
advantage for. You could still gain Edge for example
if an ally has an opponent grappled or cornered and
you target it with a destructive blast of energy. This
only applies to Magic where the Difficulty is that of
the target opponent.
A REAS & SHAPES
Magic that affects an area rather than one or more
specific individuals should has an area defined in
its description. This can be as simple as ‘the size of
148
Feats
a wagon’ or ‘the size of a house’, applying its effects
equally to all within an area of about that size.
The Doomsayer can adjust these sizes as needed,
to roughly approximate sizes, such as a spell that
normally affects an area the size of a room instead
affecting everything in a corridor of roughly the same
footprint, size-wise. Generally, such Magic also affects
a vertical dimension roughly equal or appropriate to
the approximate size. For example, a wagon-sized
CHAPTER 7:
area of effect is also roughly the height of a wagon,
and so on.
FEATS
Some Magic fires off an effect in either a ‘line’ or
‘cone’ from a point of origin (usually your Character).
A line or cone is always described in terms of ‘up to (x)
range, for example, ‘a line up to Far range’, or ‘a cone
up to Near range’. A line always runs straight and is
about as thick and wide as an arm. A cone is thinnest
at its point of origin and widens straight out up to its
maximum range at 90 degrees.
CANTRIPS
When you create a Druid, Shaman or Sorcerer
Character you can choose several unique Cantrips to
learn as described in each of these Classes’ chapters.
Cantrips are minor magic tricks and illusions, less
powerful than other Magic but often very effective.
You can use a Cantrip as an Action on your Turn Every Character starts with one or two Feats and gains another at Level 5 and Level 9. Depending on your Class
without spending any Blood Points. When used at any Type (Warrior, Expert or Magic) you have access to specific Feats only, as indicated with each Feat. Some Feats
time not during an Encounter you can do so at will, may have overlap with a Class Archetype’s Traits or Powers, in which case you don’t gain the same benefits twice.
requiring about 3 seconds to execute. Discuss with your Doomsayer when in doubt, and they can decide on whether it might still work with a minor
adjustment to the written rules. More Feats will be added when the final game is released.
Cantrips only require an Action Roll if they target an
opponent (the Difficulty being that of your target,
as usual) or when you somehow try to use it in an
unconventional way. In such cases the Doomsayer
FEATS LIST
may ask for a roll to determine whether it works as
intended or not. When you make this Action Roll you
use the same Ability and Skill as when using other
Magic as determined by your Archetype. You cannot
spend Momentum or suffer a Setback when using
BETTER & BOLDER DANGER SENSE
Gain an Improvement to any Standard (Level 1-6) You have an intuitive sense for perilous situations and
a Cantrip, nor can you hold a Cantrip to execute it Trait, Power or Magic. At Level 8 (or any Level above gain Edge to any Action Roll made to detect an ambush
on a subsequent Turn. 8 if your Level is higher when acquiring this Feat), or some other lurking menace. You can do the same in
also gain an Improvement to any Advanced (Level any social situation, to identify whether anyone means
7-12) Trait, Power or Magic. you harm, if it is not immediately obvious.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert, Magic CLASS TYPE: Expert, Magic
149

DUAL WIELDER
When you fight while dual wielding two one-
handed weapons that both have the Wieldy tag
(excluding a shield) you can attack as an Action
on your Turn with one weapon, and immediately
make a Basic Attack with the other as a Bonus
Action. If your initial attack failed, this Basic Attack
suffers Challenge.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert
ENTICER OF DOOM
As long as you embrace your doom and have spent
at least 2 Doom Points during a Session, you can
roll 2 additional Action Dice to gain Doom Points
at the end that Session. Additionally, when you die,
your spirit may join the fight against the Munagi
instead of only your close allies being able to fend
of these soul-fetchers.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert, Magic
FAST LEARNER
When you Level Up and increase the Rank of your
Skills, increase the Rank of one more Skill than
described in your Class’s Level Table. This can either
be an Adventuring or Combat Skill, but not both.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert, Magic
FAVOR OF THE GODS
You are favored by the gods to do great and valiant
deeds. Roll 1 additional Action Die to gain Blood
Points whenever you Rest. Whenever you pursue
or have pursued unvaliant deeds willingly, the gods
shun you and this Feat’s effect doesn’t apply for
one week.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert, Magic
INDOMITABLE
You’ve trained your will to withstand sights and
experiences that would cause lesser minds to run
shrieking in horror. Whenever you suffer Madness,
roll one Action Die per Madness suffered. For every
success you roll, ignore 1 Madness.
CLASS TYPE: Magic
150
IRON GRASP
You never lose your grip on a weapon or held item,
no matter what, even when knocked unconscious
or if a Setback indicates so. You also gain Edge to
grapple and perform grappling moves, and the
same applies to climbing attempts.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior
JUGGERNAUT
You simply can’t be knocked Prone if there’s ground
beneath your feet, no matter how hard you’ve been
hit or suffer any Setback, so long as you remain
conscious.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior
LANGUAGE EXPERT
Choose any 2 Common Languages or 1 Ancient
Language that you know and are proficient in. If
you choose at least 1 Common Language spoken in
Ishta, you may choose 2 more Common Languages
spoken in the same subregion.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert, Magic
MAGIC INITIATE
Gain one additional Standard Magic (Level 1-6) of
your Class Archetype.
CLASS TYPE: Magic
MAGIC RESISTANCE
You know and have used Magic for so long that you
have become more resistant to the effects of harmful
Magic. Gain Edge to any Action Roll to resist or avoid
any Magic that directly targets you.
CLASS TYPE: Magic
MARTIAL ARTIST
You deal 1d8 damage instead of 1d4 when fighting
unarmed. As usual, you also add your Unarmed
Skill Rank to the damage you deal. Additionally,
you don’t suffer Challenge when fighting unarmed
against an armed opponent.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert
Feats
POISON EXPERT
You ignore the Dangerous tag for all poisons and
gain Edge to Action Rolls to apply, use, identify, or
craft poisons. This does not include attacks made
with a poison-coated weapon, or anything else
indirectly related to using poison.
CLASS TYPE: Expert, Magic
RESILIENT FIGHTER
You have been in so many battles and fights that
is has made you resilient to harm. At the start of
every Encounter, gain 4 Resilience.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior
STALKER
You can attempt to hide as Bonus Action on your
Turn instead of using an Action.
CLASS TYPE: Expert
STEADY HANDS
You never have to make an Item Use roll when
switching weapons or when using an item in a risky
and dangerous situation. This does not apply when
using or wearing equipment with the Clumsy tag.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert
VERSATILE POWER
When you Recover you can swap one Power for
another as long as they are from the same tier
(Level 1-6 or Level 7-12). Any Improvements remain
tied to the Power they were originally chosen for.
CLASS TYPE: Warrior, Expert
WATCHFUL
You are always alert and rarely let a hidden enemy
get the better of you. You don’t suffer Challenge to
act against an opponent because they were hidden.
CLASS TYPE: Expert
151

CHAPTER 8:
EQUIPMENT
USING
E QUIPMENT
Items and Equipment are used as how they make sense
in the fiction of the game. For instance, you cannot wear
two suits or armor, nor could you wield a two-handed
weapon and another weapon at the same time.
Similarly, a Sorcerer dual wielding two one-handed
weapons doesn’t have a free hand to make gestures
required to use Magic, and you would not be able to
use a Bandage during combat as it takes a couple of
minutes to apply.
Weapons are divided into 9 categories - including shields
- and your Character, depending on what Class and
Archetype you have chosen, has a rank in one or more
Combat Skills relating to these categories, also including
several types of tools and kits. This shows how you are
trained at using weapons of that category, adding extra
Action Dice to your Dice Pool when you fight with them,
whether to attack or defend.
You can still use any weapon or tool if you have no Skill
Rank at all for it, but don’t gain any extra Action Dice
when doing so. The ABILITIES & SKILLS CHAPTER ON
P. 136 includes an overview of all Combat Skills that
exist in the game, but in short they relate to weapon
categories and individual tools and kits as listed in this
chapter’s Equipment List.
152
A RMOR
Armor is divided into three categories: Light, Medium
and Heavy. Your Character is proficient in one or
more of these armor categories, which is required to
wear such armor in combat effectively. Wearing armor
your Character is not proficient in causes you to suffer
Challenge to all rolls involving physical activity, including
the use of Magic, and halves your Speed.
Each suit of armor has a Protection Rating assigned to
various types of damage. This Rating represents how
much damage you can subtract when taking damage
of that particular type. Regardless, your armor should
always reasonably be effective against the attack or
effect, otherwise it doesn’t apply at all. Common sense
should be used to determine whether armor can possibly
be applied.
Weapon damage types all have their own Protection
Rating while elemental damage (like fire or acid damage)
is grouped under the elemental category. More about
damage types can be found in the DAMAGE & ARMOR
SECTION ON P. 208 , including some damage types
armor is not effective against at all.
S C P B E determine how much damage they deal when you
Slashing Cleaving Piercing Bludgeoning Elemental
Equipment
An armor’s Durability Rating on the other hand
represents how many times it can be Dented before
becoming useless and requiring repairs. Your armor
usually becomes Dented when you fail an Action Roll
to defend yourself against an attack or other danger
your armor might be affected by and your Setback
Die’s result is a 1, 2 or 3.
There are other ways in which your armor can
become Dented, including some attacks from powerful
monsters such as a Dragon. In this case, simply failing
to defend yourself will cause your armor to become
Dented, regardless of suffering a Setback. If your armor
is Dented a number of times equal to its Durability
Rating, you can no longer subtract any damage as
just described until you get a chance to repair it. Any
number of Dented you accumulate up until that point
has no effect.
SHIELDS
Shields function much the same as any weapon, in that
they can be used to both attack and defend against melee
attacks using the appropriate Ability and (Shield) Combat
Skill. To attack with a shield, you use your Strength Ability.
To defend with a shield, you use your Toughness Ability,
with an exception noted below. There are some unique
advantages to fighting with a shield gripped in your hand
of course, making it not just another weapon.
First, every shield has a unique ‘Shield’ Attribute that
can be applied when defending yourself against melee
attacks (see WEAPON ATTRIBUTES ON P. 159 ).
Second, a shield allows you to use your Shield Skill when
defending against ranged attacks, spells or traps against
which a shield would be effective. Think of things like
holding up your shield as poisoned arrows shoot from
slits in a dungeon wall or using it to block a blast of fire.
Without a shield, no Skill can be used in such situations
(with some exceptions), making a shield a very effective
defensive tool. When using a shield in this way as opposed
to its normal use of blocking melee attacks, you use your
Reflex Ability instead of your Toughness Ability.
Whenever you use your shield to defend and suffer
a Setback that causes your armor to be Dented, your
shield is Dented first instead. Shields have Damage Dice
listed in the Equipment List just like weapons, used to
attack with one. A shield requires to be carried in one
hand in order to be used, and an Action is required to
equip / unequip it.
153

DENTED ITEMS
Items like weapons and shields can be Dented, just
like armor. As already discussed, this usually happens
when you make a relevant Action Roll and fail and
your Setback Die results in a 1, 2 or 3. Items that are
Dented can still be used normally, but if Dented again
they are destroyed. Any item with the Fragile tag is
immediately destroyed when it is Dented and cannot
be repaired, while items with the Resilient tag can be
Dented twice before this happens.
R EPAIRS
Whenever you Set Up Camp somewhere you can make
repairs. It takes an hour of uninterrupted time and
concentration to repair one item and the right tools
are needed to do so. For example, Smith Tools to repair
Chain Mail armor or Bowyer Tools to repair a Longbow.
In addition, you require to spend Repair Caches to
repair an item and make an Action Roll to determine if
you succeed. The number of Repair Caches and target
Difficulty per item type can be found in the Repair Table.
When you are ready to repair an item, spend the number
of Repair Caches listed and make either a Dexterity or
Intellect Roll. You can add the Skill Rank of any Adventuring
Skill that shows you might have experience using such
tools. The Crafting & Repairs Skill is of course an obvious
choice, but likewise a Skill such as Hunting & Tracking can
indicate you have experience with Leatherworking and
Trapper Tools, for example. You gain Edge if you are at
a workplace that facilitates this craft. On a success, you
manage to repair the item fully, clearing all Dented from
R EPAIR TABLE
ITEM R EPAIR DIFFICULTY
Light Armor & Shields
Medium & Heavy Armor
Weapons
Other (Common) Items
Magic / Mythical Items
armor or an item. On a failure, Repair Caches spent are
wasted and you’ll have to try again.
REPAIRS =
DEXTERITY OR INTELLECT ROLL
Settlements might have a smithy, leatherworker or
bowyer who can make repairs against a fee, which can be
a great alternative for a Party lacking a Character skilled
at making repairs or the capacity to carry along a supply
of Repair Caches or appropriate tools.
SLOTS & LOAD
To simplify keeping track of how much Equipment you
can carry or wear each item is written down in Slots
on your Character Sheet. Every line in the Equipment
section on your Character Sheet represents 1 Slot. How
many Slots an item takes up is indicated by its Load
followed by a number.
Most items have Load 1 and can fit into 1 Slot, but
there are heavier and larger items that have Load 2 or
more and thus take up additional Slots. Think of plate
armor or a ladder for example. It’s not just a matter of
weight and size; how difficult it is to carry something
around while adventuring is also included as part of
determining its Load.
There are 24 Slots available on your Character Sheet,
with several of them reserved only for Characters with
a high Strength Score. You can never carry or wear
more items than fit into the Slots you have available,
unless they are minor treasure or trinkets as shown next.
R EPAIR
CACHE COST
Normal (2) 2
Hard (3) 3
Normal (2) 1 gold coins are quite common and rarely would you
Normal (2) Variable
Extreme (4) 6
154
TRACKING USES & SUPPLY
Many smaller items such as Torches, Poison or Arrows
have a number of Uses or Supply. The Equipment
section on your Character sheet has two columns to
keep track of this; ‘current’ and ‘maximum’. You can use
the ‘current’ column to write down your current Uses
/ number of Supply you have left, and the ‘maximum’
column to write down the maximum fitting 1 Slot as
a reminder.
USES
Any item with the Uses tag can be used an (x) number
of times before it is rendered useless or empty.
Replenishing Uses can only be done if it makes sense
in the fiction. Exceeding the number of original
(maximum) Uses by replenishing requires any excess
uses to be added on your Character Sheet in another
Slot or can be disregarded if you choose.
Whenever you acquire an item with the Uses tag, you
gain the number of Uses as detailed in the Equipment
List unless specified otherwise by the Doomsayer. The
prices in the list are the cost of the item’s maximum
number of Uses.
SUPPLY
Any item with the Supply tag tells you how many of
that item amounts up to 1 Load. Until all Supply is
depleted it remains 1 Load. When you acquire more
of such Items you add to its Supply, which is 3 for most
items and 9 for any kind of Ammo, small Throwing
Weapon and similar. When the maximum Supply for 1
Load is exceeded, another Load is added, requiring an
additional Slot.
For example, Rations have a Supply value of 3. This
means 6 Supply of Rations amounts to 2 Load / Slots,
while between 7 and 9 Supply of Rations amounts
to 3 Load / Slots. Unlike Uses, whenever you gain an
item with the Supply tag, you gain 1 Supply and not its
maximum listed Supply. The prices in the Equipment
List are the cost per single item and are purchased
individually unless their amount is added behind the
price between brackets.
CURRENCY
Blood And Doom’s currency is based on silver and gold,
short for ‘silver coin’ and ‘gold coin’. In Athyr, silver and
see copper coins being used. It’s either bartering items,
paying with silver or gold coins, or trading silver and
gold bars or gemstones.
155
Equipment
1 silver equals the value of a pint of ale at an inn.
1 gold equals the value of 10 silver, or a decent
meal at an inn.
1 gold bar equals 1.000 gold or
a modest diamond.
Anywhere between 0-250 silver and 0-250 gold is
considered to be 0 Load. Anything upwards of 250
silver or gold takes up 1 Load per 250 silver / gold. For
example, 130 gold is 0 Load, 328 gold is 1 Load and
280 silver + 650 gold is 3 Load. You could carry 249
silver and 249 gold without it taking up any Load, and
you don’t add up silver or gold to calculate Load but
treat each currency independent from one another.
You can keep track of the amount of total silver and
gold you have at the top of your Character Sheet, just
make sure to mark a Slot in your inventory as either
‘silver’ or ‘gold’ for every 250 above the first.
Characters who save up silver and gold will find that
carrying a lot of it becomes quite cumbersome. It is
therefore recommended to either find a safe place
to store your riches in between adventuring, invest
in property, or store value in gold bars or gemstones
whenever possible. Gold bars, for example, are a bit
lighter to carry than their equivalent in gold coins.
1 Gold bar takes up 1 Load while still being worth 1.000
gold coins (taking up 3 Load). An even better option is
to carry gemstones, as explained next.
STORING GEMSTONES
& SMALL TREASURE
Depending on its type and size, a gemstone can be
worth hundreds or even thousands of gold. Gemstones
and other small treasure like rings, bracelets or
necklaces can be carried without taking up any Load,
as long as they fit the Treasure & Trinkets space on
your Character Path sheet.
You can carry up to 24 such items this way. Any more
than that start to add up in weight and should be added
to the Equipment section on your main Character
Sheet, usually taking up 1 Load per item. This isn’t a very
efficient way to carry treasure, and once you exceed
those 24 items it can be wise to start thinking about
a place to store your riches while out adventuring.
It is recommended to write down the amount and
value of each gemstone / small treasure item next to it
as a reminder of its worth, that is if its worth is known

to you. It may happen its value needs to be assessed
by an expert first to determine this. In addition, selling
gemstones and treasure for gold or items can turn out
differently depending on where you try and gemstones
or treasure aren’t accepted as a payment method
everywhere. Exchanging gemstones for gold and
bartering for items and services is common practice
for adventurers who travel to exotic places and delve
deep into the chasms of the earth to acquire riches.
CRAFTING
To craft or brew an item, like for example a weapon,
suit of armor, potion, ointment, or poison, you’ll first
need either a recipe, some instructions, or possess the
knowledge on how to make it. You’ll then know what kind
of ingredients and materials to collect, which of course
takes some time and effort to do, as does the crafting
of the item itself. Success isn’t always guaranteed, and
some of the ingredients might go to waste as you hone
your crafting skills to make an item instead of spending
hard-earned coin to buy it or barter. But the experience
can be rewarding, and save gold or bartering items in
the process. Basic rules and guidelines for crafting are
presented here and will be expanded upon for the final
release of the Core Rulebook.
R ECIPE
Aside from having a recipe, instruction set or the
knowledge of how to craft a common item there are
also many recipes to be found across Athyr that describe
the crafting of unique or even secret and mythical
items that cannot be bought anywhere. Alternatively,
you and the Doomsayer could even come up with
unique and innovative recipes together depending
on ingredients and materials you already collected,
working the other way around and perhaps even selling
a newly discovered recipe for top gold!
Any recipe or instruction always includes at least the
following information:
156
HOARDING ITEMS
Regardless of Slots and Load, it wouldn’t make sense
or be possible to carry a whole bunch of the exact
same item. For example, a Round Shield is Load 2, but
you wouldn’t be able to carry more than maybe 2 or
3. The same applies to items like armor, large two-
handed weapons or a ladder or tent for example. Load
is on average kept low so you can carry quite a bit
of diverse items when you go adventuring but making
a realistic estimation of the size and weight of any item
is still recommended.
▪ The Ingredient Sets required to craft the item.
▪ The type and quantity of an ingredient or
material that makes up each Ingredient Set.
▪
The time required per Ingredient Set to add or
apply it to the item you are crafting.
▪ What Ability is used to make an Action Roll to do
so and the Difficulty to succeed.
INGREDIENT SETS
Every item that can be crafted is made up of one or
(usually) multiple Ingredient Sets. An Ingredient Set
includes a very specific quantity of one or more types of
ingredients or materials, which, after you have collected
them and can start crafting, are all added or applied to
the item you’re making during one crafting session.
The quantity of the ingredients within an Ingredient Set
cannot be split up, and you make an Action Roll (as
described later) to determine if the entire Ingredient
Set is added to your item successfully, bringing you one
step closer to completing the item. Ingredient Sets must
always be added to an item in a particular order, from
the first to last set. This also means that you could finish
crafting an item at another time, adding one Ingredient
Set to an item one day, and another set perhaps a week
later (collecting more of the required ingredients in
the meantime). An item is then completed once all its
Ingredient Sets are successfully implemented.
EXAMPLE
The ‘Potion of Examples’ has a recipe made up
of 3 Ingredient Sets. First, 6 Tuova Leaves are
crushed into a bowl and treated according to
this potion’s secret recipe. Once successful, this
part of the potion is done. At another time, 1
Orun Berry and 2 Gadja Herbs must be added to
the now existing brew, which completes another
part of the crafting process. Finally, 1 Drop of
Malin Blood is to be added when the nearly-
finished potion is at just the right temperature,
and has not moved an inch for an hour.
SET A: 6 Tuova Leaves.
SET B: 1 Orun Berry + 2 Gadja Herbs.
SET C: 1 Drop of Malin Blood.
EXAMPLE
The ‘Armor of Examples’ has a recipe made up
of 2 Ingredient Sets, and unlike the Potion of
Examples, they include some identical material.
It would be possible to have all Ingredient
Sets made up of several quantities of the same
material, which should still be added as separate
sets to an item. The same crafting process is
followed here, each time making an Action
Roll to apply one of the sets to the (legendary)
‘Armor of Examples’.
SET A: 8 Lumps of Iron + 1 Lump of Carbon
SET B: 1 Lump of Copper
COLLECTING INGREDIENTS
You can either find and extract ingredients and
materials from the natural world or buy them at
a vendor where they can be purchased. Depending on
the time available and effort spent to find the right
ingredients or materials, the Doomsayer can allow
a Wisdom Roll to be made at the end of every day or
the end of every week for the purpose of finding one
type of ingredient or material.
157
Equipment
On a success, you find what you were looking for
and the Doomsayer lets you know what die to roll
to determine how much (a d4 or d8 for example). To
collect herbs, dangerous plants, venom, chemicals and
other similar ingredients you need an appropriate Kit
(like a Herbalism Kit, Poisoner Kit or Alchemist Kit) and
deplete 1 Use for each instance you find something,
regardless of quantity. For materials like iron ore,
you’ll need a pickaxe to extract it from the rock it is
found on. You can also collect valuable or useful parts
from a Monster you have slain, though it is up to the
Doomsayer to determine whether anything useful
might be salvaged and what or how much exactly.
Very small ingredients and materials collected can be
stored as 1 Supply (of a maximum Supply of 9 equaling
1 Load), while larger materials are 1 Load each. For
example, you can carry 9 Tuova Leaves taking up
1 Load, or bring 1 chunk of Iron Ore with you also
taking up 1 Load. When collecting ingredients, keep
in mind that you need at least all of what is included
in one Ingredient Set before you can even attempt
to start crafting an item, and that you’ll need to start
with the first Ingredient Set specifically. Additionally,
collecting some extra quantities of each ingredient or
material is recommended, as chances are some of it
will go to waste.
DOING THE WORK
In order to work on crafting any item you’ll need to
be at a place that facilitates the craft and have the
proper Tool or Kit available. Usually, crafting items like
weapons or armor cannot be done unless at a smithy
or armory. Working on potions or similar items could
feasibly be done wherever there is some room to do
concentrated and precise work, though unless it is
done in a laboratory or at another dedicated location,
each time an Ingredient Set is added (and an Action
Roll made) it requires the depletion of another Use of
the appropriate Kit. If everything is set up properly you
can start crafting as follows:
▪ Deplete the full quantity of all ingredients and
materials of the Ingredient Set to add.
▪ Spend the required amount of time crafting (that
part of) the item.
▪ Make an Action Roll using the required Ability
and an appropriate Skill (if any).

CRAFTING R ESULT
Every recipe has an Ability, Difficulty and required Time
listed, which is usually the same for adding or applying
each of its individual Ingredient Sets. Depending on
the outcome of your Action Roll, any of the following
can happen:
▪ SUCCESS: The Ingredient Set is added or applied
successfully, and you are one step closer to
finishing your item! If this was the last Ingredient
Set to be added, you’ve done it, and your item is
completed.
WEAPONS
WEAPON R ANGE
Most melee weapons are only useful for fighting within
Close range, to attack an opponent right next to you
or defend against any kind of melee attack. Polearms
and some Esoteric weapons have a greater reach
and can be used to attack opponents at Near range
instead. Most such weapons have the ‘Reach’ Weapon
Attribute, detailing some rules as to how to fight with
them specifically.
Some melee weapons with the ‘Thrown’ Weapon
Attribute and many ranged weapons can be thrown or
fired up to Far range, while some other ranged weapons
(bows mostly) can even be fired up to Distant range.
Any bow that has a listed range of Far can still be fired
up to Distant range, but the attack suffers Challenge
when doing so. This does not apply to other weapons
(of any range).
WEAPON DAMAGE
A weapon can deal one of four types of damage. Each
type not only lets you know in what way such a weapon
functions in the fiction, but also when it might be most
effective. Some Monsters or NPCs wearing a particular
kind of armor may be more resilient against a specific
type of damage for example.
158
▪ FAILURE: You made a mistake, spilled
ingredients, or ruined materials. This part of the
item remains unfinished and the ingredients and
materials included for this Ingredient Set are
wasted. You can try again if or when you have
the same ingredients and materials available.
▪ SETBACK: Not only did you ruin this part of the
crafting process, but you messed up so badly
that all progress made before has been rendered
useless. If this happens on your first Ingredient Set,
it’s not too bad. When halfway or nearly done, it
means you lose everything you worked on.
DAMAGE T YPES
Damage that slashes open
Slashing flesh or an object by cutting
and slicing.
Damage that cleaves into
Cleaving flesh or an object by hacking
or chopping.
Damage that pierces flesh or
Piercing an object usually by stabbing
or thrusting.
Damage that bludgeons
Bludgeoning a body or object by bashing
or striking.
When an attack succeeds, you deal damage by rolling
Damage Dice. The type and number of Damage Dice
is determined by the weapon used to attack (unarmed
attacks use 1d4). Damage Dice are indicated in the
Equipment List as 1d6, 1d8, and so on. The outcome is
then added to by a static damage bonus equal to your
Skill Rank, which at the start of the game is usually 1 or 2.
WEAPON ATTRIBUTES
Every weapon has one or more Weapon Attributes,
showing what that weapon is capable of and the kind
of unique actions you can execute with it by using it
a certain way. For most Weapon Attributes this requires
spending Momentum as described, up to a maximum
of 3.
There are three types of Weapon Attributes: ‘Attack’,
‘Defend’ and ‘Special’, letting you know when they apply.
You can only use one ‘Attack’ or ‘Defend’ attribute per
Action Roll and must choose which you want to use
before you roll your Action Dice. ‘Special’ Weapon
Attributes on the other hand can be combined with
either of the other two types of attributes any time.
Some Weapon Attributes allow you to do things like
chop off an arm or monstrous appendage, knock and
opponent down to the ground, or impale an opponent
and pin them to a wall. Of course, Monsters come in
many different sizes and common sense should be used
regarding if such actions can apply, possibly altering
the Weapon Attribute slightly together with your
Doomsayer to make it work.
For example, no matter how well you roll, you will not
be able to impale and pin (using the Impale attribute)
a Dragon to a wall, though you might be able to do so
targeting only one of its claws or its tail. Likewise, you
will have a hard time knocking over a Hydra (using the
Powerful attribute) but might still deal extra damage
as described. You can always discuss this and other
ways to spend Momentum using these attributes with
your Doomsayer.
ACCURATE
T Y PE: Attack COST: —
This weapon is so precise that when you take some
time to focus, your attack achieves exceptional
accuracy. You can spend your Bonus Action to gain
Edge whenever you attack with this weapon.
BRUTAL
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
You cleave into, crush or bash down on your
opponent’s body, shoulder, arm, leg or head. The
more Momentum you spend, the greater the
brutality. If you can spend 3, you sever an arm, leg
or monstrous appendage. Each Momentum spent
also deals 1d6 extra damage.
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Equipment
IMPALE
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
You impale your opponent with this weapon, possibly
moving them in a direction of your choice as they are
Restrained, or even pinning them to a wall or another
opponent if you can spend 3 Momentum. You can let
go of your weapon to keep your opponent Restrained
to a wall, requiring them to spend an Action on their
Turn to free themselves. Each Momentum spent also
deals 1d6 extra damage.
MASSIVE
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
This massive weapon can be swung in a wide arc
around you, possibly hitting multiple opponents. For
each Momentum spent, hit another opponent within
Close range of your initial target. Deal damage to all
opponents you manage to hit this way. Any extra
damage that applies to ‘one opponent’ is dealt to
your initial target only.
PENETRATE
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
This weapon can penetrate your opponent’s armor
or can easily find a weak spot or small opening.
You ignore an amount of their armor equal to
Momentum spent and deal damage as usual.
POWERFUL
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
You knock an opponent back a step, possibly causing
them to fall (out of a window for example) or be
slammed against a wall. The more Momentum you
spend, the farther away you can knock back your
opponent. 3 Momentum causes them to fall Prone,
or even be Stunned. Each Momentum spent also
deals 1d6 extra damage.
PULL
T Y PE: Special COST: —
When you have an opponent Restrained with this
weapon, you can use a Bonus Action immediately
to make a Strength Roll and pull them closer to
you on a success or do so as an Action during any
subsequent Turn as long as they are Restrained. If
your weapon has ‘Reach’, you can instead pull and
step back, keeping Near range distance.
 Equipment

READY
T Y PE: Special COST: —
SWIFT
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
EQUIPMENT TAGS
Below is an overview of equipment tags that are used in the Equipment List.
This weapon can be sheathed or unsheathed while This weapon allows you to make two swift attacks
you hold a two-handed ranged weapon such as a bow on your Turn by spending Momentum. When you
(temporarily adjusting your grip), while engaged make an attack with this weapon as an Action and
in a grapple, or in other similar situations where succeed, spend 1 Momentum to make a Basic Attack R ANGE A RMOR PROFICIENCY
grabbing or stowing a larger weapon is impossible. against the same target as a Bonus Action. For each Up to an arm-lengths away
Close Light Light and flexible armor.
Doing so requires a Bonus Action. You can then use Momentum above 1 that you spend you gain Edge to or closer.
this weapon to attack or defend against an opponent this attack.
Medium Sturdy and protective armor.
normally. Additionally, you are never required to Near A few steps away and around you.
make an Item Use Roll to draw a weapon with the TACTICAL Heavy Bulky and very resilient armor.
Ready attribute in any situation. Far A short sprint away and around you.
T Y PE: Special COST: —
This weapon makes it hard for opponents to disengage A distance requiring some time and
RESTRAIN Distant
from. When an opponent Close to you moves away effort to cross.
T Y PE: Attack COST: — from you on their Turn, you can make a Basic Attack PROPERTIES
against them as a Bonus Action. Two-
Before you attack with this weapon, decide if you
Requires both hands to wield.
want to deal damage or Restrain your opponent. On USAGE Handed
a success, you do as intended. When an opponent THROWN This item is immediately destroyed
Needs to be applied to something to Fragile
tries to free themselves on their Turn, you can T Y PE: Attack COST: — Apply when it becomes Dented.
make a Toughness Roll to resist them getting free. have effect.
This melee weapon can also be thrown up to Far
This item can be Dented twice
range using the weapon’s required Ability. This can Consume Needs to be consumed to have effect. Resilient before being destroyed after
RIPOSTE be Strength, despite being a ranged attack.
a third time.
T Y PE: Defend COST: 1-3 Momentum
Inhale Needs to be inhaled to have effect.
THRUST When wielding this weapon you can
When you defend against an attack using this weapon Variable easily switch between its listed range
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum Touch Needs to be touched to have effect.
and succeed, you can deal your attacker 1d4 damage Range and any closer range to attack or
per Momentum spent. If you spend 3 Momentum, When paired with a shield you gain Edge to attack an Needs to pierce skin or enter the defend without suffering a penalty.
you also gain Edge to attack them on your Turn if you Inject
opponent you just successfully defended against using bloodstream to have effect.
act immediately. your shield. This weapon also deals 1 extra damage per Some special combat rules apply to
Momentum spent, regardless of how it is used. An Item Use roll is required to weapons with this tag relating to its
Reach
use this item. On a Failure, the reach and opponents moving within
Dangerous
SHATTER Doomsayer can introduce a negative closer range. See P. 234 for details.
VERSATILE
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum consequence for handling it.
T Y PE: Special COST: — Items or weapons with this tag have
This weapon has the capacity to damage your Duration The item’s potency lasts an amount Special some unique properties and special
opponent’s armor. Inflict Dented equal to This weapon can either be wielded with one or (x) of time equal to (x). rules listed in their description.
Momentum spent. Then deal damage as usual. with two hands easily. When wielded with two
hands, increase its Damage Die by one size. Can be used an (x) amount of times When taking damage against which
When attempting to destroy a static object using Uses (x)
before it is depleted. Protection armor would be effective, subtract
this weapon, you deal 1d4 extra damage per
Rating (x) the relevant value from the damage
Momentum spent to lower its Resilience. VICIOUS Number of Supply of this item
Supply (x) taken of the indicated type.
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum adding up to 1 Load.
(x) is the number of times this armor
SHIELD This weapon has a way of targeting arteries or organs to Uses up Ammo that is fitting for Durability
Ammo can be Dented before is has become
cause a vicious wound. Inflict Bleed (x) where (x) equals the Weapon. Rating (x)
T Y PE: Defend COST: 1-3 Momentum too damaged and beyond use.
Momentum spent, after having dealt your damage.
When you defend against an attack using your shield Takes a couple of minutes to
Slow
and succeed, you can spend 1 Momentum to push use properly.
WIELDY
your attacker back several steps, or 2 Momentum Requires using Strength
to trip them, causing Prone. Alternatively, spend 2 T Y PE: Special COST: — Str
when wielding.
Momentum to make a counterattack using your This weapon can be wielded in combination with any
shield, or 3 Momentum to do so with a weapon other one-handed weapon at the same time. When you Requires using Dexterity
Dex
you hold. Both require a Bonus Action. attack or defend, choose which of the two weapons when wielding.
to use.

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 Equipment

PENALTIES
Reflex Rolls suffer Challenge while
wearing or carrying. Challenge does
Bulky
not increase if wearing or carrying
multiple items with this tag.
Stealth Rolls suffer Challenge while
wearing or carrying. Challenge does
Noisy
not increase if wearing or carrying
multiple items with this tag.
Automatically fail all Item Use rolls
Clumsy
while wearing or wielding this item.
TWO-HANDED
Some Two-Handed Weapons could reasonably
be used with just one hand as well, though
usually not for long without reverting to
a two-handed grip. Using a Two-Handed
Weapon like this also sacrifices accuracy
and power. Attacks made this way suffer
Challenge, the weapon’s Damage Die is
reduced one size, and no two subsequent HIDE ARMOR LEATHER ARMOR JAZERANT
attacks can be made like this.
Armor made from several thick Armor made from leather that has Armor made of lightweight
layers of rhino, dinosaur or been stiffened by being boiled. chainmail sewn between cloth.
similar hide.

EQUIPMENT LIST
A RMOR
AVG. PROTECTION
LAMELLAR CHAIN MAIL SCALE MAIL

NAME PRICE TAGS S/C/P/B/E DURABILITY LOAD Armor made of small rectangular Armor made from countless small, Armor made from overlapping
plates of sturdy leather reinforced sturdy metal rings individually steel or bronze scales sewn to
Hide Armor 10 g Light 1 / 0 / 1 / 2 / 1 3 Load 1 with iron, steel or bronze. linked together. a cloth or leather undercoat.

Leather Armor 30 g Light 2 / 1 / 2 / 1 / 0 3 Load 2

Jazerant 75 g Light 2 / 2 / 1 / 0 / 2 3 Load 3

Lamellar 90 g Medium, Noisy 1 / 2 / 2 / 3 / 1 4 Load 4

Chain Mail 180 g Medium, Noisy 3 / 2 / 1 / 2 / 2 4 Load 5

Scale Mail 250 g Medium, Noisy 2 / 2 / 3 / 2 / 2 4 Load 6

O-Yoroi 310 g Heavy, Bulky, Noisy 2 / 4 / 2 / 3 / 2 5 Load 7

Splint Armor 430 g Heavy, Bulky, Noisy 4 / 3 / 2 / 2 / 3 5 Load 8 O-YOROI SPLINT ARMOR PLATE ARMOR

Armor made of various plates Armor made from overlapping Armor made from large
Plate Armor 700 g Heavy, Bulky, Noisy 4 / 3 / 3 / 4 / 3 5 Load 9
and scales laced together and metal plates attached to an metal plates with thick
lacquered to prevent corrosion, underlayer of leather and chainmail. padding underneath.
with thick padding underneath.

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 Equipment

SHIELDS DAGGERS
AVG. AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD
Round Shield 20 g Str, Fragile 1d6 Bludgeoning Shield, Wieldy Load 2 Ready, Swift,
Kukri 3g Dex, Close 1d6 Slashing Load 1
Thrown, Wieldy
Kite Shield 30 g Str, Clumsy 1d8 Bludgeoning Shield, Wieldy Load 3 Penetrate, Ready,
Sai 6g Dex, Close 1d6 Piercing Load 1
Thrown, Wieldy
Bulky, Clumsy,
Tower Shield 40 g — — Load 4 Accurate,
Resilient, Special
Pesh-Kabz 6g Dex, Close 1d6 Piercing Penetrate, Ready, Load 1
Wieldy
ROUND SHIELD KITE SHIELD TOWER SHIELD
1d6 Piercing / Ready, Swift,
Jambiya 7g Dex, Close Load 1
Small shield made of a combination Large, kite-shaped shield made of Human-sized, rectangular shield Slashing Vicious, Wieldy
of wood and leather. a combination of wood, leather made of wood and metal,
and metal. frequently used in mass combat. Ready, Riposte,
Barong 10 g Str / Dex, Close 1d6 Slashing Load 1
Special: Requires Heavy Armor Wieldy
Proficiency. While carrying, your Ready, Vicious,
Cinquedea 8g Str / Dex, Close 1d6 Piercing Load 1
Speed is halved. Provides Cover Wieldy
when carried (gaining Edge to
defend). Can also be put on the
ground, used as Cover, considered
an object with 24 Resilience,
16 if Dented once, or 8 if
Dented twice.

KUKRI SAI PESH-KABZ

Dagger with a broad, flaring head Dagger-shaped weapon with Long, narrow, pointed dagger,
that curves forward. three prongs. perfect for piercing armor.

JAMBIYA BARONG CINQUEDEA

Broad-bladed, extremely Short, leaf-bladed dagger almost Dagger with a very broad,
curved dagger. the length of a shortsword. triangular blade tapering to
a point.

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 Equipment

SWORDS
AVG. SCIMITAR KATANA FALCHION GLADIUS
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD
One-handed sword One- or two-handed One-handed sword with A straight-bladed
Scimitar 20 g Str, Close 1d8 Slashing Vicious Load 2 with a long, curved sword with a gentle curve a broad, slightly curved double-edged
single-edged blade. and a single-edged blade. single-edge blade and shortsword great
Katana 50 g Dex, Close 1d8 Slashing Swift, Versatile Load 1 Extraordinarily sharp a rough knuckle guard. for thrusting.
and light.
Falchion 24 g Str, Close 1d8 Slashing Swift Load 2

Gladius 18 g Str, Close 1d8 Piercing Thrust, Wieldy Load 1

Khopesh 30 g Str, Close 1d8 Slashing Restrain Load 1

KHOPESH RAPIER CLAYMORE RAM-DAO

Rapier 50 g Dex, Close 1d8 Piercing Riposte Load 2
A long one-handed sword A lightweight dueling A broad, two-handed A large, extremely
Str, Close, with a straight blade sword, dual-edged, with straight bladed sword wide-bladed and heavy
Claymore 60 g 1d10 Slashing Massive Load 3
Two-Handed that curves dramatically a long narrow blade, with a V-shaped two-handed sword with
midway down its length. often well-decorated crossguard. a flared head.
Str, Close,
Ram-Dao 65 g 1d10 Cleaving Brutal Load 3 and with an elaborate
Two-Handed
handguard.
Dex, Close,
Odachi 80 g 1d10 Slashing Accurate, Swift Load 2
Two-Handed
Str, Close, 1d10 Slashing / Penetrate, Impale,
Jian 70 g Load 3
Two-Handed Piercing Vicious
Str, Close, 1d12 Cleaving / Brutal, Impale, ODACHI JIAN ZWEIHÄNDER
Zweihänder 80 g Load 3
Two-Handed Piercing Massive A straight, double-edged
A gigantic, two-handed A very large, straight-bladed,
version of the katana. broadsword with a small, two-handed sword with a broad
rounded hilt. hilt and double hand guards.

A XES
AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD
Ready, Swift, HANDAXE PARASHU TABARZIN
Handaxe 5g Str / Dex, Close 1d6 Slashing Load 1
Thrown, Wieldy
A small, one-handed axe that can A long-handled single- or double- An extremely long-handled
Parashu also easily be thrown. bladed axe suitable for use with axe, often with two heads or an
20 g Str, Close 1d8 Cleaving Versatile, Vicious Load 2
one or both hands. Those with opposing hammer head.
single blades are often set with
Tabarzin 25 g Str, Close 1d8 Cleaving Accurate, Versatile Load 2
a spike on the reverse.
Panabas 30g Str, Close 1d8 Slashing Penetrate, Versatile Load 2

Str, Close,
Battleaxe 50 g 1d10 Cleaving Brutal, Shatter Load 3 PANABAS
Two-Handed
A relatively plain long-
Str, Close, Clumsy, GREATAXE
Brutal, Massive, handled weapon resembling
Greataxe 70g Resilient, 1d12 Cleaving Load 4 BATTLEAXE
Shatter a combination of a sword An immense two-handed, usually
Two-Handed double-bladed war axe, often
and axe, with a wide, A heavy, two-handed,
forward-flaring blade. single-bladed war axe. with a wide, rounded blade.

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 Equipment

BLUDGEONS
AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD
Mace 10 g Str, Close 1d8 Bludgeoning Shatter Load 2 MACE MORNINGSTAR FLAIL WARHAMMER

A one-handed hafted A one-handed weapon A one-handed hafted A long, narrow-handled

Morningstar 20 g Str, Close 1d8 Piercing Penetrate Load 2 weapon with a weighted with a heavy, spiked ball weapon with several weapon with a double
metal striking head, often head. chains at one end, usually head: a hammer for
Flail 15 g Str, Close 1d8 Bludgeoning Tactical Load 2 cast in a variety of shapes connected to smaller striking backed with
and sizes. weights. a long pick for piercing.
1d8 Piercing /
Warhammer 50 g Str, Close, Resilient Shatter Load 3
Bludgeoning
Str, Close,
Macuahuitl 40 g 1d10 Piercing Brutal Load 4
Two-Handed
Str, Close, 1d10 Piercing /
Kanabo 35g Powerful Load 4
Two-Handed Bludgeoning KANABO
MACUAHUITL MAUL
Str, Close, Bulky, A wide oar-like club whose edges A heavy, two-handed, long-hafted An extremely powerful, long-
Brutal, Massive,
Maul 80 g Clumsy, Resilient, 1d12 Bludgeoning Load 5
Powerful Shatter are set with flat, sharpened pieces of war club, spiked or studded along handled hammer with an
Two-Handed obsidian, knapped to a razor edge. much of its length. immense head, made of iron.

POLEARMS
AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD JAVELIN SPEAR QUARTERSTAFF

Str / Dex, Close, A light spear, balanced for throwing A long-shafted spear, often with A wooden stave, often the
Javelin 5g 1d6 Piercing Thrown, Wieldy Load 1 and often used expendably. a leaf-shaped iron head used for height of the wielder, used one-
Supply 3
close and ranged combat. and two-handed as a primarily
Impale, Thrown, defensive weapon.
Spear 15 g Str / Dex, Close 1d6 Piercing Load 1
Thrust, Versatile

Quarterstaff 10 g Str / Dex, Close 1d6 Bludgeoning Riposte, Versatile Load 1

Str / Dex, Near, 1d8 Slashing /

Glaive 25 g Impale, Vicious Load 2
Two-Handed, Reach Piercing GLAIVE KAMAYARI HALBERD
Str / Dex, Near, Penetrate, Pull, A long-hafted polearm A long spear with a trident-like A long, heavy polearm usually
Kamayari 28 g 1d8 Piercing Load 2
Two-Handed, Reach Restrain with a fanciful head akin to three-bladed head though with wrought with a large axe blade,
a wide spearhead. the two outside blades point a heavy spear head, and a back-
Str, Near, Clumsy, 1d10 Cleaving /
Halberd 30 g Brutal, Tactical Load 3 outwards or back. pointing spike or lesser blade.
Two-Handed, Reach Piercing
Str, Near, Clumsy, 1d10 Slashing /
Bardiche 50 g Brutal, Powerful Load 3
Two-Handed, Reach Cleaving
Str, Near, Clumsy,
Trident 70 g 1d10 Piercing Impale, Thrown Load 3
Two-Handed, Reach SODEGARAMI
BARDICHE TRIDENT
Str, Near, Clumsy, 1d12 Slashing / Brutal, Powerful, Pull, A heavy, long-hafted polearm with
Sodegarami 90 g Load 4
Two-Handed, Reach Piercing Restrain A long-hafted weapon set with an A metal, spear-like weapon with a multi-pointed, wide head for attacking,
elongated single-bladed axe head. three points, often pronged. restraining and pulling an opponent. The
pole is also lined with protective spikes.

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 Equipment

E SOTERIC
AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD
KAMA TEKKO-KAGI WHIP TESSEN
Ready, Riposte,
Kama 10 g Str / Dex, Close 1d6 Piercing Load 1 A short-handled weapon A handle with long claws A long, coiled and A deceptively sturdy fan used
Wieldy
with a perpendicular extending from it at right braided length of leather, for close combat fighting,
1d6 Slashing / scythe-like blade protruding angles, held with the blades sometimes with metal disguised for beauty but
Tekko-Kagi 10 g Str / Dex, Close Ready, Swift, Wieldy Load 1
Piercing from it. protruding through the gaps woven into the end. allowing the wielder to
Dex, Near, between the fingers. Often defend, distract, and strike.
Whip 5g 1d6 Bludgeoning Pull, Restrain Load 1 used in pairs.
Variable Range
1d6 Slashing / Accurate, Swift,
Tessen 20 g Dex, Close, Fragile Load 1
Bludgeoning Wieldy
Str / Dex, Near, Riposte, Swift,
Bo 10 g 1d8 Bludgeoning Load 1
Variable Range Versatile
Dex, Near, Clumsy, 1d8 Slashing
Kusarigama 30 g Two-Handed, / Piercing / Pull, Restrain, Vicious Load 2 CHAKRAM
Variable Range Bludgeoning KUSARIGAMA NUNCHAKU BO
Special: Hold one half of
Dex, Close, Restrain, Swift, A long-handled scythe- Originally a grain-threshing Similar to a quarterstaff, a Chakram in each hand to make
Nunchaku 5g 1d8 Bludgeoning Load 1 like weapon paired with
Two-Handed Tactical tool, this consists of two but slightly lighter and a melee attack with it, counting as
a chain at its base, attached mid-length smooth handles more flexible, also used two one-handed weapons with the
Dex, Close, to a spiked ball. Use often connected with a rope or for whip-like attacks. Wieldy tag. Connect both halves
Chakram 20 g 1d8 Slashing Tactical, Thrown Load 1
Two-Handed, Special involves using the chain chain, used in whirling and and throw it to make a ranged
to strike or entangle, then whipping attacks. attack. The Chakram returns
pulling the target down and to your hand after you attack
or into the blade. whether successful or not. When
BOWS you suffer a Setback, it is lost.

AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD
Dex, Far,
Athraki Bow 20 g 1d6 Piercing Accurate Load 1
Two-Handed, Ammo
Dex, Far,
Valdyrian Bow 25 g 1d6 Piercing Swift Load 1
Two-Handed, Ammo ATHRAKI BOW VALDYRIAN BOW LONGBOW CROSSBOW

Dex, Distant, An extremely flexible A particularly complex A stout, relatively plain A short and powerful bow
Longbow 35 g 1d6 Piercing Vicious Load 1
Two-Handed, Ammo composite bow made of composite short-bow made bow made of a single set at a T-angle at the end of
wood and horn, usually of many layers of wood piece of wood and a stock with an integral trigger
Dex, Far, wielded on horseback. and horn. capable of immense range. and channel for the bolts.
Crossbow 40 g 1d8 Piercing Penetrate Load 1
Two-Handed, Ammo
Dex, Distant,
Recurve Bow 45 g 1d8 Piercing Accurate Load 2
Two-Handed, Ammo
Dex, Distant,
Eshi Bow 60 g 1d8 Piercing Penetrate, Swift Load 2
Two-Handed, Ammo
ARBALEST
Dex, Distant, Clumsy, A thicker, heavier crossbow that can
Arbalest 65 g Two-Handed, Ammo, 1d10 Piercing Penetrate, Vicious Load 3
RECURVE BOW ESHI BOW often only be drawn with a cranequin or
Special foot-mounted lever. Special: Requires the
A complex composite of wood and An immensely long bow, used
use of a Bonus Action and spending half
horn, usually used for hunting. asymmetrically with the wielder
movement on a Turn to load / reload
grasping only the bottom third,
after each shot.
rather than the bow’s middle.

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 Equipment

THROWING A MMUNITION
AVG. AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS DAMAGE ATTRIBUTES LOAD NAME PRICE TAGS LOAD
Throwing Dex, Near, Arrows 9 (9) g Supply 9 Load 1
Darts 5 (9) g 1d4 Piercing Accurate Load 1
Supply 9
Crossbow Bolts 9 (9) g Supply 9 Load 1
Shuriken 5 (9) g Dex, Far, Supply 9 1d6 Piercing Penetrate, Swift Load 1
Darts 9 (9) g Supply 9 Load 1
Dex, Far, Supply 3,
Boomerang 24 (3) g 1d6 Bludgeoning — Load 1
Special Sling Bullets 3 (9) g Supply 9 Load 1
Dex, Far,
Sling 5g 1d6 Bludgeoning Accurate Load 1
Two-Handed, Ammo
Str / Dex, Far,
Throwing Axes 15 (3) g 1d6 Slashing Vicious Load 1
Supply 3
Dex, Far,
Dart Blowgun 10 g Two-Handed, 1d8 Piercing Accurate, Penetrate Load 1
Ammo, Special
Dex, Far, Supply 3,
Bola 5 (3) g 1d8 Bludgeoning Restrain Load 1
Special
Str / Dex, Near,
Throwing Net 15 g — Accurate, Restrain Load 1
Special, Supply 3

ARROWS CROSSBOW BOLTS DARTS

Long, metal-headed fletched Short, metal-headed bolts, Narrow, weighted throwing darts,
arrows, sold in a bundle of 9. sold in a bundle of 9. sold in a bundle of 9.
THROWING DARTS SHURIKEN BOOMERANG SLING

A small, weighted throwing A flat, throwing blade
needle, primarily used made of a single piece of
against unarmored targets star-shaped metal. These
and/or to deliver poison. can be easily concealed
Usually sold in groups of 3. almost anywhere.
THROWING AXES DART BLOWGUN
Lightweight axes A long narrow tube suitable
balanced for throwing. for blowing wide-feathered
darts with silence, tremendous
force and accuracy. Often used
in conjunction with poison for
assassinations.
Special: The Boomerang
returns to your hand
after you attack whether
successful or not. When you
suffer a Setback, it is lost.
BOLA
Two or more ropes
attached at a central point,
with weights at each end.
When thrown, the Bola
whirls through the air and
can strike or immobilize
a target. Often used
for hunting.
A loop of cloth or leather
used to throw sling
stones or bullets with
tremendous force.
THROWING NET
The throwing net is a round
net with weights woven into
its outside ring. It does no
damage but entangles and/or
restrains the target, making
them vulnerable to further
attacks.
CARRYING
A MMUNITION
You require to have a specific type of container
to be able to carry Ammo or Throwing Weapons.
The Adventuring Equipment list offers a choice of
five such types of containers, each suited to hold
one or multiple types of Ammo and Throwing
SLING BULLETS
Weapons. Having a container does not reduce
Small, walnut-sized lumps of an Ammo or Throwing Weapon’s Load and they
lead, sold in batches of 9. (Slings should still be listed in their own Slot on your
can also throw rocks, which are
Character Sheet like any other item.
free but deal 1 less damage.)

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 Equipment

A DVENTURING EQUIPMENT & ITEMS ADVENTURER PACK: Includes: backpack, bedroll,

set of clothes, waterskin, knife, whetstone, pouch,
LARGE TENT: Made of oiled canvas, large enough to
accommodate six people. Includes collapsible frame,
tinderbox and candles. ropes and stakes.

TENT: Offers shelter for up to 3 people, or comfortably CLOAK: A thick draping cloak, suitable for wrapping
R EGULAR ITEMS for up to 2. Includes collapsible frame, ropes and stakes. gear in, as a makeshift blanket.
FISHING NET: A weighted fishing net, either thrown
AVG. AVG. BEDROLL: A blanket and sleeping pad rolled together
and bound. and pulled or hung and dragged to catch fish.
NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS SPOOL OF THREAD: Roughly 20 yards of tough, thick
REPAIR CACHE: Used up when using tools to repair or
Adventurer Fishing Net 5g Load 3 thread, with a needle.
50 g Load 1 craft something that uses general resources like cloth,
Pack
leather, metal, string, dye, and so on. DICE SET: A small assortment of polyhedral dice,
Spool of Thread 1g Supply 3, Load 1
Tent 20 g Load 2 RATION: Must be consumed to heal Bruises during suitable for most games of chance.
Dice Set 3g Load 1 Rest, or Wounds during Recovery. Also used to stay MESS KIT: A metal bowl-like plate, utensils and cup.
Bedroll 5g Load 1
alive and not starve to death. A ration is considered
COOKING POT: A metal pot suitable for hanging over
Repair Cache
Mess Kit 3g Load 1 a portion of food and amount of water to sustain
5g Supply 3, Load 1 a cookfire or sitting on a heated stone.
a human, though water is only included as long as
Cooking Pot 5g Load 1 you have a waterskin on your person (included in the SLED: A lightweight wood and leather sled capable
Ration 1g Supply 3, Load 1
Adventurer Pack). of carrying 200 lbs of goods, with an attached rope
Sled 15 g Load 3 harness.
Torch 1g Supply 3, Load 1 TORCH: Requires free hand. Illuminates surroundings
up to Far range dimly. MINER’S PICK: A standard tool for rock-hewing, with
Miner’s Pick 10 g Load 1
Rope (60ft) 2g Load 1 a pointed metal head atop a long shaft.
ROPE (60FT.): A coil of rope sturdy enough to suspend
Chain & Lock 15 g Load 1 one or more Characters. (Length: twice Far range) CHAIN & LOCK: A length of stout metal chain with
Grappling Hook 5g Load 1
a padlock and key.
Manacles GRAPPLING HOOK: A small metal multi-pronged
Iron Spikes 1g Supply 3, Load 1 15 g Load 1
hook designed to be thrown at the end of a rope, for MANACLES: Metal cuffs for affixing around the wrist.
Bag of Sand Free Load 3 climbing. BAG OF SAND: A small canvas bag with a drawstring,
Wooden Stakes 1g Supply 3, Load 1
IRON SPIKES: A bundle of 3 iron spikes suitable for filled with fine, dry sand.
Chalk 1 (9) g Supply 9, Load 1
Ladder (10ft) 10 g Load 4 securing ropes while climbing, securing doors, or other CHALK: Nine small pieces of chalk in a variety of colors.
uses.
Pitons 3 (9) g Supply 9, Load 1 PITONS: Nine narrow metal nails with bent or ringed
Crowbar 5g Load 1
WOODEN STAKES: A bundle of 3 thin wooden stakes, heads, suitable for rock-climbing.
Pole (10ft)
Hammer 5g Load 1 useful for many things.
3g Load 3 HAMMER: A standard tool.
LADDER (10FT): A lightweight but sturdy ladder; some
Wood Axe 10 g Load 1 WOOD AXE: A two-handed double-bladed wood axe.
Ball Bearings 3 (300) g Supply 300, Load 1 types are hinged and can fold.
It can be used as an improvised weapon but is not
Climbing Gear 20 g Load 2 CROWBAR: A curved metal bar suitable for prying up balanced for combat.
Steel Mirror 3g Load 1
nails or spikes, prying open doors, or as a club in an
Shovel CLIMBING GEAR: Several variable lengths of
Large Tent 20 g Load 3 5g Load 2 emergency.
lightweight but sturdy rope, clawlike grips for hands,
POLE (10FT): A useful length of wood, lighter and less stout leather gloves, and a sling bag for easy access.
Iron Nails 3 (30) g Supply 30, Load 1
Cloak 5g Load 1 sturdy than a staff.
SHOVEL: A small digging tool.
BALL BEARINGS: Bag of up to 100 round metal
IRON NAILS: A bundle of 30 flat-headed iron nails
bearings, often used to make ground difficult to walk
upon, or sometimes melted down for other purposes. held together by a blob of wax.

STEEL MIRROR: A small, hand-sized steel mirror,

brightly polished.

174 175
 Equipment

CONTAINERS HOURGLASS: A small sand-filled sealed glass vial MAP CASE: A leather cylinder with caps at each end,
flared at top and bottom and pinched in the middle. watertight enough to keep rolled maps intact.
AVG. AVG. Takes exactly one hour for sand to trickle from top to MAGNET: A small metal magnet, roughly the size of
NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS bottom. a thumb.
Quiver 3g Load 1 Backpack 10 g Load 1 SCALE: A small metal scale with counterweights, for SCISSORS: A pair of shears, capable of cutting through
getting exact weights of items. all but the toughest of cloths or leathers.
Bolt Case 6g Load 1 Wooden Crate 1g Load 2
MAGNIFYING GLASS: A polished magnifying loop BIRDCAGE: A small cage with a door and carrying
Ammo Belt Barrel and leather case for protection. handle.
3g Load 1 10 g Load 3
SPYGLASS: Required to carry up to 9 Supply of PERFUME: A tiny glass or metal bottle of some exotic
Bandolier 10 g Load 1 Sack 1g Load 1 Throwing Axes, Boomerangs or Bolas. scent, with a tiny stopper. Most are made from pressed
COMPASS: A small cannister with a magnetized arrow flowers, herbs or barks thinned with alcohol or oil.
Leather Pouch 2g Load 1 Bottle 1 (3) g Supply 3, Load 1
set upon a loose pivot, pointing northwards. FINE CLOTHES: A suit of clothing suitable for a noble,
Scroll Case 5g Load 1 Waterskin 5g Load 1 ENCYCLOPEDIA: A series of books listing a variety made of fine cloth and cut according to the most
of subjects in brief and/or depth, usually organized current fashion in the court of the land the clothes
Wooden Box 2g Load 1 Bucket 3g Load 1 were purchased in.
alphabetically, but sometimes by subject.

QUIVER: Required to carry up to 27 (3x9) Supply BACKPACK: A closeable leather bag with leather JOURNAL: A leather-bound booklet of blank pages
of Arrows. shoulder straps, stout and durable. with a clasp and small lock.

BOLT CASE: Required to carry up to 27 (3x9) Supply WOODEN CRATE: To store bulk items.
of Crossbow Bolts. BARREL: A wooden barrel, bound with iron hoops at
AMMO BELT: Required to carry up to 18 (2x9) Supply the top and bottom.
Throwing Darts / Darts, or Shuriken. SACK: A thick cloth sack with a drawstring close.
BANDOLIER: Required to carry up to 9 Supply of BOTTLE: A glass bottle with a cork stopper, able to
HEALING ITEMS
Most of these items come in small packets of folded paper or cloth or small containers, included in the price. The
Throwing Axes, Boomerangs or Bolas. hold roughly 3 Supply units wine or other fluid.
prices listed are the cost per individual item, not a Supply of 3, and they can be purchased individually.
LEATHER POUCH: Required to carry up to 27 (3x9) WATERSKIN: A waxed and oiled watertight bag with
Supply of Sling Bullets. a cork stopper. AVG. AVG.
SCROLL CASE: A cylindrical case made of hardened BUCKET: A thin-walled wooden bucket. NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS
leather with a clasp.
Bandage
Apply, Slow, Medicine
Consume, Slow,
WOODEN BOX: To store delicate items. 12 g 40 g
Supply 3, Load 1 Supply 3, Load 1
Elderberry Consume, Slow,
Anti-Toxin
Consume, Slow, 20 g
16 g Seeds Supply 3, Load 1
SPECIALTY ITEMS Supply 3, Load 1
Consume, Supply 3, Apply, Slow, Supply
AVG. AVG. Coca Leaves 12 g
Load 1
Healing Aid 34 g
3, Load 1
NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS Consume, Slow,
Consume, Supply 3, Sun Berries 45 g
Gadja Herbs 18 g Supply 3, Load 1
Hourglass 10 g Load 1 Map Case 5g Load 1 Load 1
Consume, Supply 3, Consume, Supply 3,
Scale 10 g Load 1 Magnet 6g Load 1 Mushroom Liquid Courage 8g
20 g Load 1
Load 1
Magnifying Scissors 2g Load 1 Apply, Inject, Supply
Glass 5g Load 1 Moonberry Consume, Supply 3, Adrenaline Shot 20 g
Juice
32 g 3, Load 1
Load 1
Birdcage 5g Load 1
Spyglass 20 g Load 1
Apply, Slow, Supply
Repellent 3g
Perfume 10 g Load 2 3, Load 1
Compass 5g Load 1
Fine Clothes 14 g Load 3
Encyclopedia 10 g Load 1

Journal 4g Load 1

176 177
 Equipment

BANDAGE: This soft and oiled bandage cures Bleed
when applied to a wound.
ANTI-TOXIN: A brown powder made from a mix
of no less than 43 herbs can alleviate and cures the
Poisoned Condition.
COCA LEAVES: Chewing these thick and juicy leaves
can cure Slowed or Paralyzed.
GADJA HERBS: Small green-purple leaves that have an
invigorating effect on whoever consumes them. Heal up
to 2d4 damage of Bruises.
MUSHROOM: These small, glowing mushrooms heal
1d4 Madness when made into a tea or other hot drink
and consumed.
MOONBERRY JUICE: This juice, extracted from the
extremely rare Moonberries heals up to 4d4 damage
of Bruises and/or Wounds.
REPELLENT: This buttery salve bearing the scent of
ginger can keep away biting insects when applied to
one’s skin.
MEDICINE: A combination of powders, herbs and
pills that cures 1 common Disease or Infection when
consumed in the right dose.
ELDERBERRY SEEDS: These rare seeds are known for
their de-aging effect and are the main ingredient for
embalming bodies of the deceased to preserve them.
They cure Withered when consumed.
HEALING AID: This set of bandages, straps, sedatives
and other medical tools can treat and cure 1 Injury,
after which it is depleted.
SUN BERRIES: These bright pink berries have an
enlightening and calming effect on the mind and soul
of whoever eats them. Cure 1 Trauma.
LIQUID COURAGE: These numbing spirits cause
anyone who drinks it to know no fear. Resolves
Frightened when consumed.
ADRENALINE SHOT: A crude syringe the size of an
arm with a thick needle dripping with life’s essence.
When thrust through a Dying Character’s chest straight
into their heart, anyone who attempts to save their life
within 1 minute gains Edge to do so.
SPIDER VENOM: Thin, diluted spider venom that
causes the Poisoned Condition if applied to a weapon
or projectile and then pierces the skin.
QUARTAN’S BANE: A harmful mix of various venoms
that can deal 1d4 extra poison damage when applied
to a weapon or projectile.
MUNAGI OIL: Transparent, glowing oil extracted
from the skin of a manifested Munagi spirit. It deals
1d4 extra radiant damage and causes Burning 1.
RED DEATH: This vile mixture of inflammatory and
infectious liquids causes Bleed 3 to whomever is attacked
by a weapon coated with it.
SERPENT’S TEARS: These tears collected from the
Ojune Snake causes whoever consumes them to fall
asleep and become Unconscious.
BLOOD OF AGHMA: This repulsive, thick, dark-red
fluid deals 4d4 internal damage when mixed into
a drink and consumed.
MIDNIGHT MALICE: This toxic gas deals 3d4 poison
damage to whomever breathes it after being released
from its bottle.
NECRO DUST: Inhaling this very fine, dark-brown,
putrefied dust causes Withered 3.
VOID ESSENCE: This pitch black, dense fluid deals 2d4
null damage when touched. If 6 or more damage is
dealt, a target is banished to the void for 1 Round.
KISS OF DREAD: Anyone who touches this red powder
becomes Paralyzed for 1 minute and suffers 4d4 psychic
damage as their mind is assaulted with nightmarish
images for the entire duration.

POISONS
Most poisons come in either a small bottle or vial, included in the price. The prices listed are the cost for the item’s
maximum uses (either 3 or 9) and cannot usually be purchased at a lower use-count.
APPLYING POISON
Poisons with the Apply and Inject tags are only useful when they enter an opponent’s blood
stream. To do this, it should be applied to a sharp Weapon or Arrow after which a successful
attack is required to trigger the Poison’s effect. Of course, other sharp objects or improvised
ways to achieve the same can always be discussed with your Doomsayer.

AVG. AVG. Once such a Poison is applied it remains potent for up to one hour, after which it dries up. Most
NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS Poisons that require to be applied also have the Slow tag, meaning it can take a couple of
minutes to apply the Poison properly. Applying Poison to one or multiple Weapons or Arrows
Apply, Inject, Slow, Blood of Consume, Slow, Uses
Spider Venom 36 g 30 g doesn’t affect the time it takes by much and can be neglected.
Uses 9, Load 1 Aghma 3, Load 1
Midnight Inhale, Dangerous,
Every Poison has a number of Uses before it runs out. When applying Poison to Arrows
Quartan’s Apply, Inject, Slow, 18 g
24 g Malice Uses 3, Load 1 or similar projectiles, spend 1 Use per Arrow. When applying Poison to a Weapon, spend
Bane Uses 9, Load 1
anywhere between 1 to 9 Uses to coat the Weapon’s blade or tip. The number of Uses you
Apply, Inject, Slow, Inhale, Dangerous, spend equals the number of subsequent attacks made with the Weapon that can cause the
Necro Dust 30 g
Munagi Oil 34 g Uses 3, Load 1
Uses 9, Load 1 Poison to take hold on a success.
Apply, Inject, Slow, Touch, Dangerous,
Red Death Void Essence 48 g Poisons with the Consume, Inhale or Touch Tags always require at least one appropriate Action
30 g Uses 3, Load 1
Uses 9, Load 1
Roll to be made to prepare them to be consumed, held up or thrown to be inhaled, or make
Consume, Slow, Uses Touch, Dangerous, sure a target touches it. Similar to applied poison that requires an attack to succeed, putting
Serpent’s Tears Kiss of Dread 66 g
28 g Uses 3, Load 1
3, Load 1 any other poison to good use has a chance of failure, with the Ability and Difficulty for the
Action Roll depending on the situation or target.

178 179
 Equipment

TOOLS K ITS
AVG. AVG. AVG. AVG.
NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS NAME PRICE TAGS
Smith Tools 12 g Load 1 Weaver Tools 6g Load 1 Herbalist 10 g Uses 9, Load 1 Lockpick 8g Uses 9, Load 1

Leatherworker Trapper Tools Poisoner Calligraphy

10 g Load 1 12 g Load 1 12 g Uses 9, Load 1 16 g Uses 9, Load 1
Tools

Bowyer Tools
Jeweler Tools 16 g Load 1 Alchemist 16 g Uses 9, Load 1 Navigator 20 g Uses 9, Load 1
10 g Load 1
Woodworker Cooking Tools 8g Load 1 Disguise 12 g Uses 9, Load 1 Cartography 14 g Uses 9, Load 1
Tools
8g Load 1
Mason Tools 16 g Load 1 Forgery 20 g Uses 9, Load 1 Paint 8g Uses 9, Load 1
Carpenter Tools 8g Load 1
Glassblowing
12 g Load 1 CARTOGRAPHY KIT: Parchment or paper, notebook,
Pottery Tools 10 g Load 1 Tools HERBALISM KIT: A wide variety of dried herbs,
tinctures, salves, and tools for cutting and preparing compass, candle, magnifying glass, spyglass, ruler, ink,
herbs for herbal remedies. Includes small wooden etc. Required to make maps.
NOTE: These represent portable tool sets such as a tradesperson or Character with training in the trade might
containers and pouches. Required to collect and store PAINT KIT: Small vials of bright pigment, mixing board,
possess. These tool sets to not represent the items that would be found in a shop, such as smithy.
flora, make teas, potions, powders. canvasses to paint on, a variety of brushes, glaze or
SMITH TOOLS: A hammer and tongs, gloves and TRAPPER TOOLS: Animal traps, hammer, tongs, POISONER KIT: A small array of poisons (contact, lacquer and cleaning solution. Required to paint.
a leather apron, files and shaping tools, and cloth for prybar, oil, file, replacement parts. Required to craft or ingested, gaseous, venom, etc.), gloves, a mask, and
burnishing metal. Required to craft or repair metal repair traps (not just for hunting). some simple remedies. Includes distilling material, tiny
armor and weapons. bottles for storage, and various mediums for thinning.
JEWELER TOOLS: Fine chisels, files, buffing cloths,
Required to collect dangerous plants, venom, and
LEATHERWORKER TOOLS: Needles, knives, scrapers, magnifying monocle or standing glass, Required to
leather thongs, leatherworking stamps and etching craft or repair jewelry.
make poisons.
KIT USES & REFILLING
tools, and simple chemicals for curing and colored ALCHEMIST KIT: A variety of alembics, beakers,
COOKING TOOLS: Cooking pots and pans, spatula,
dyes. Required to craft or repair armor with leather bottles, candles, powdered and liquid chemical agents Each Kit includes items which are depleted when
cooking fork, tongs, cooking oil, ladle, knife, seasonings
and hides. and reagents, alcohol and purified water, along with you make use of the Kit and items that are not
(salt, pepper, more if available), etc. Required to
the tools to safely hold and mix various compounds. depleted. Depending on the situation you and
BOWYER TOOLS: Wood- and bone-carving tools prepare anything other than simple meals.
Includes, vials, bottles, corks. Required to collect fluids the Doomsayer can decide whether using the Kit
(knives, files, etc.) and strings. Glue for composite bows,
MASON TOOLS: Hammers, chisels, files, shovel, and chemicals.
and sealant or lacquer. Required to craft or repair requires a Use to be depleted. When replenishing
stoneworking tools, trowels, quicklime, bucket,
bows. DISGUISE KIT: Makeup, wigs, various props like eye- Uses for a Kit by purchasing one you already own
etc. Required to build, modify, and repair stone-
WOODWORKER TOOLS: Woodworking tools or brickwork.
patches, false teeth, a wide range of easily alterable you can do so at half the asking price, refilling
items of clothing, etc. Required to make a disguise. only the items that were depleted.
(hammer, files, awls, planers, saws, etc.), chalk or
GLASSBLOWING TOOLS: Pipe, tongs, glass shaping
charcoal for measurement, glue and lacquer, wood FORGERY KIT: Parchment and paper, a variety of pens
tools, glass cutter, mineral dyes, files, buffing cloths, etc. The Adventurers Pack and some Kits include
stain or other dyes, nails or wooden pegs. Required to and brushes, seals, envelopes, scroll cases, stains, and
Required to craft or repair items made of glass. items that are also listed separately. Should
craft or repair wooden weapons or items. waxes. Required to forge documents.
you need to replace an item that was originally
CARPENTER TOOLS: Carpentry tools (axe, saws, wedge, LOCKPICK KIT: Lockpicks, small metalworking tools, included in your Kit, it’s individual Load is
hammer, files, awls, planers, etc.), chalk or charcoal for a listening horn, files, pliers, blank keys, prybar, etc.
automatically included as a part of it and can be
measurement, glue and lacquer, wood stain or other REPAIR CACHE Required to pick locks.
ignored. If available during the game, purchasing
dyes, nails or wooden pegs. Required to craft or repair CALLIGRAPHY KIT: Parchment or paper, quills and
When crafting or making repairs without the a Kit is usually more efficient when it comes to
shields or wooden structures. steel-tipped pens, inks, wax, seals. Required to write.
required resources at hand, a Repair Cache can Load and Slots than buying any of the items
POTTERY TOOLS: Shaping tools, glue, sandpaper, files, included separately. Still, you may decide that
NAVIGATOR KIT: Compass, calipers, sextant, spyglass,
paint or enamel. Required to craft of repair pottery or be used instead in most cases. A Repair Cache
includes a combination of materials suited for
maps or charts, etc. Required to navigate. your Character would be more likely to carry
similar clay items.
crafting and repairing common Equipment. a compass but not a full Cartographer Kit.
WEAVER TOOLS: Small loom with many spools of
Some rare Equipment might still need additional
thread, needles, dyes, pins, etc. Required to craft or
repair clothing. resources, as discussed with the Doomsayer. How
many Repair Caches are required to repair items
of a specific type is listed in the REPAIRS section
on p. 154.

180 181

CHAPTER 9:
A DVENTURING
GOING ON AN
A DVENTURE
Adventurers are the backbone of any dark fantasy
tabletop roleplaying game. They are the brave souls
who seek out the unknown, risking life and limb to
explore dangerous lands, uncover ancient secrets, and
battle fierce monsters. Although motivations can vary
from curiosity to greed, love, revenge, and much more,
the end result is the same: they get into high-stakes
situations and have to face obstacles most mere mortals
would rarely have to overcome – not even on Athyr.
In Blood and Doom, the stakes are even higher. The
world is often grim and foreboding, with supernatural
forces lurking around every corner. You as adventurers
must be prepared to face unspeakable horrors, from
grim undead hordes to malefic demonic entities and
the cults of the dreaded Heralds of Doom themselves.
Going on an adventure typically requires careful planning
and strategy. Your Party must gather information about
the dangers that lie ahead, and equip themselves with
weapons, spells, and other tools that will help them
survive. You may need to form alliances with NPCs,
hire mercenaries, or recruit local guides who know
the terrain.
Once the adventure begins, you may encounter
traps, ambushes, and other obstacles that can derail
your quests. You must be prepared to improvise and
adapt to changing circumstances, making split-second
decisions that could mean the difference between
life and death. Despite the dangers, there is an allure
182
to exploring Athyr: the thrill of discovery, the rush of
combat, solving a mystery, meeting memorable people,
unravelling political intrigues, and the satisfaction of
overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles can
make it all worthwhile. And for the most skilled and
daring adventurers, the promise of glory and treasure
awaits at the end of their journey.
The following helps Doomsayers structure your
Party’s expedition and create amazingly captivating
experiences. From the role each of the Characters can
play to general guidelines, setting up camp, Resting,
Recovery, facing death, earning Experience Points (XP)
and Leveling Up.
PLAYER ROLES
When on adventures, Characters usually fall into
particular roles, taking on tasks and assisting the group
to the best of their abilities, based on their particular
aptitudes and skills. But outside the game environment,
you, the Players, take on roles that contribute to the
overall play experience in ways that are not always like
what your Characters are doing. Just as the Doomsayer
is essentially the director of a gaming session.
Identifying and naming these roles makes life easier for
both you and the Doomsayer and can help to keep your
group happy and functioning well. Player roles are not
Classes, but instead are informal roles taken on by the
Players during gameplay. They’re not straightjackets,
and some of them can blur into one another, but they
each serve important functions during play. They also
blur the line between the real world and the fiction, as
the roles can both represent ways the Player and their
Character behave.
If desired or possible, the players can switch up who takes
these roles each session or every few sessions to make
sure that no one feels penned in or like they’re doing
a job on top of their primary assignment, which is to have
fun adventuring.
CHRONICLER
The Chronicler keeps a journal or record of some sort,
keeping track of deeds done and achieved, loose ends
that might need to be revisited, noting any unresolved
issues that should be addressed later, and even making
note of where quests and rewards may be found,
based on rumors or scraps of lore discovered while
adventuring.
A MBASSADOR
The Ambassador is the “face” of the group. They do
the talking, go ahead to negotiate with others, and
keeps track of significant NPCs and important foes,
noting how the party relates to them, and what
history they have that might be relevant. They set up
meetings, write letters and handle any administration
or bureaucratic issues the group encounters.
M APPER
The Mapper examines the world map and their
immediate area (often represented by hexes) to
determine the best directions and modes of travel. They
draw any dungeon, catacombs, caves, or other adventure
areas as described by the Doomsayer and make careful
note about places of interest on the map. Ultimately,
they keep the group going in the right direction.
QUARTERMASTER
When anyone in the group needs something on or
before an adventure, they talk to the Quartermaster.
They are the handlers and procurers of gear and
supplies. They make sure everyone has proper
equipment, mounts, rations, etc. and do the haggling
and shopping for an expedition into the unknown. The
Quartermaster can also keep track of torches used
while roaming through a dark dungeon, as one torch
needs to be depleted when entering every room.
183
Adventuring
TREASURER
The Treasurer is the money-holder, keeping track of
any gold and silver earned or won by the group. They
know how much a particular expedition costs and how
and where to store or keep funds and other valuables
so they are not lost between adventures. They know
the market rates for hirelings and do the negotiating
when the group is going to take on paid work. They are
often involved with selling any treasure of worth and
handle the trivial part of commerce, such as currency
exchanges, local taxes, and any fees the group may
encounter, including bribes.
For a smaller group, a player can take on more than
one of these roles, and as noted above, they can often
blur together. Similarly, there are a few subsidiary roles
a Player might take in addition to one of the above.
SHOT CALLER
Rather than being the spotter, pointing out where to shoot,
the Shot Caller is the decision-maker or tiebreaker. They
are the arbiter of what to do when the Party disagrees
about actions to take. They may not be the Party’s leader,
but in absence of clear leadership they might take the lead
in proposing what to do, or serving as a quick negotiator
to speed up discussions and keep the group — Players and
Characters — moving forward effectively.
RULES LAWYER
The Rules Lawyer is essentially a reference for both the
Doomsayer and the Players, checking game rules to
keep gameplay running smoothly and to help smooth
over any disagreements about rules. Generally, their
position is a fair one and they may be forced to tell the
other Players that a rules interpretation might not be
favorable. The Doomsayer generally has a great deal to
handle during a Session, and someone on the Players’
side also keeping the rules in mind can make the game
run smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
SNACKMASTER
The real-world version of the Quartermaster, they
ensure that for face-to-face Sessions, everyone brings
adequate snacks and drinks, if shared, and collects funds
for things like food ordering. They should not need be
paying for everything, but simply making sure everyone
else contributes. The Snackmaster should respect dietary
choices and see that others are respectful, and be alert
for allergies or dietary prohibitions, to avoid any hard
feelings or illness.

ENVIRONMENTAL H AZARDS
Athyr is a dangerous world, with substances and
phenomena that can harm, or even kill, a Character just
as quickly as a Beastman’s attack or a Dragon’s bite. This
section describes some of these environmental hazards.
Unless noted otherwise, the rules presented here do not
apply to specific spells, attacks, or other game elements
that involve these phenomena or substances (such as
a Monster’s acidic spittle or a Magic that blasts a target
with fire). Those abilities do the damage listed for them in
their own descriptions. Of course environmental damage
could apply as a secondary effect to any attack, spell
or other action, for example when pushing someone
into a flaming brazier, or tumbling down a cliff to be
splattered across the ground below.
ACID
Your Character may be exposed to acid (or similar caustic
substances) in an alchemist’s laboratory, the sacrificial
baths of an evil cult, or the puddles of deadly goo left
behind by some disgusting Monster. Acid deals damage
depending on the strength of the particular substance
and also causes the Burning Condition, lingering over
time until neutralized.
STRENGTH ACID
OF ACID DAMAGE BURNING
Weak 1d6 1 problems, but in an enclosed area (such as a house that’s
Average
2d6 2 the point where it interferes with breathing and vision.
Potent 3d6 3 otherwise. Shorter falls may also involve Injuries if you
Strong 4d6 4
Lethal 5d6 5 FIRE
Dissolving 6d6 6 that are even deadlier than ordinary smoke. The same
NEUTRALIZING
You can neutralize acid by applying a substance that
counteracts it. Depending on the type of acid, this may
include immersing yourself in water, using egg whites,
or dousing yourself in various alchemical mixtures
developed for just such purposes.
184
INJURY
At the Doomsayer’s discretion, suffering a Setback when
being exposed to Average or Strong acid can inflict
a long-lasting Injury, such as Gruesome Wounds and
Third-Degree Burns. Beside direct exposure, acid can also
cause damage with its fumes.
FUMES
The fumes from some types of acid, particularly in large
amounts, are equal to bring exposed to a Weak acid and
ignore armor. They don’t cause Burning or an Injury, but
as long as you are exposed to such fumes the Doomsayer
can rule you suffer 1d4 Acid Damage every Minute or
even every Turn during an Encounter! Such damage
ignores armor.
FALLING
It’s not uncommon for Characters to fall from ledges,
bridges, cliffs, and other heights. Typically, you suffer 1d6
damage per 10 feet fallen up to a maximum of 20d6.
This assumes you land on ordinary ground or stone. If
you happen to land on a comparatively soft substance
(such as thick mud or water), damage can be reduced
by 1d6 up to 3d6. Likewise (but worse), if you were to
land on sharp rocks or other things more damaging than
ordinary ground, damage can be increased by 1d6 up to
3d6 instead.
INJURY
Falls of 30 feet or more (about Far range) always inflict at
least one appropriate Injury, unless the Doomsayer rules
suffer a Setback.
One of the most common environmental dangers your
Characters can face is fire. Humans and other sentient
species use it for light, cooking, and many other purposes,
and sometimes those fires get out of control. Many
magical effects also involve fire.
The table indicates the amount of damage caused by
types or sizes of fires that you might encounter. In the
case of larger fires and lava, this damage assumes total
or near-total exposure to or immersion in the fire. If
your Character suffers only partial exposure (such as
accidentally stepping one foot into lava, or sticking just
his arm into a bonfire), damage can be reduced to 1/4th
of what is indicated.
Adventuring
T YPE
OF F IRE
FIRE
DAMAGE BURNING
SLIPPERY SURFACES
Ice on the ground (or similarly slippery surfaces, such as
thick mud) makes it more difficult to keep your footing.
Torch/
Campfire 1d6 1 Characters who choose to move at only half Speed
or less can do so over slippery surfaces without any
Bonfire 2d6 2 problem (most of the time). If your Character moves at
their normal Speed, make a Reflex Roll (Difficulty 3). On
House Fire 3d6 3 a success, you manage to do so without issue. On a failure,
you fall Prone halfway over to the spot you intended to
Forest Fire 4d6 4 move to, or, if you suffer a Setback, you fall Prone without
having moved an inch from where you were standing.
Lava 5d6 5
Hellfire 6d6 6
LIGHTNING
Characters who are outdoors during thunderstorms (or
NEUTRALIZING when the gods are having a bad day) run the risk of being
Exposure to fire often causes carried or worn flammable struck by lightning. Realistically, the effects of a lightning
objects (such as clothing, hair, or parchment) to catch strike range from practically nothing happening to
fire, inflicting the Burning Condition as indicated. You instant death – but this is Blood and Doom, where danger
can neutralize its effect by dousing whatever flammable besets your Character in all manner of unexpected ways.
object you are wearing, jumping into a pool of water, or Therefore, a Character struck by lightning suffers 6d6
doing anything else that will end you being ablaze. Lightning Damage and immediately becomes Dying if
you roll a Setback.
INJURY
Appropriate Injuries for a character to incur from fire Of course, the Doomsayer may adjust the amount
damage include Gruesome Wounds, Lost Fingers, and of damage up or down to reflect the strength of the
Third-Degree Burns. thunderbolt and other circumstances. One particularly
important factor is how well grounded your Character is
SMOKE when hit by lightning. A Character who is well grounded,
Fires generate smoke, and this can cause its own problems by for example standing in water, being encased in
for Characters. In the open air smoke rarely causes any metal armor, or holding onto a piece of metal stuck
into the ground, will take significantly more damage
ablaze or a bonfire in a cave), the smoke may build up to from lightning, since this allows more electricity to flow
through them.
If the Doomsayer judges that smoke has become thick
enough to hinder your Character, you make a Toughness
Roll (Difficulty 3) at the end of every Round and take 1d4 QUICKSAND
Poison Damage on a failure. Quicksand is a mixture of sand (or similarly fine forms of
Burning some substances – such as a lot of the potions soil) that looks like solid ground at first glance but can’t
actually support any significant amount of weight, with
and materials in some alchemists’ labs – creates fumes
often deadly consequences to those who get caught in it
rules apply as above, but increase the damage done to (at least on Athyr). Similarly, a quagmire (or sinkhole) has
1d6 Poison damage (or more). the same lethal effect, though instead caused by water
and mud sucking in anyone who stands on its surface.
When you step into quicksand, a quagmire, or similar
FOG substance, you immediately sink into it up to knee-height.
You may sometimes encounter fog or mists that are so When this happens, make a Focus Roll (Difficulty 3) to
thick that they impede sight. In this case, the Doomsayer try and remain calm enough not to make the situation
can ask any relevant Action Rolls to be made with worse. On a failure, any Action Rolls made by you or your
Challenge. allies with the purpose of freeing you and escaping will
suffer Challenge.
185
 Adventuring

Depending on the exact situation, an Event is then
triggered, and if no Encounter was taking place, it will
start now. You have a limited time to escape, and as you
and your allies each get one Turn per Round to act (as
usual), you will sink deeper into the ground at the end
of each Round. The Doomsayer will let you know what
happens, but on average you will be fully submerged
after 2-3 Rounds have passed. You can always choose to
spend your Turn to try and succeed the Focus Roll should
you have failed it at first.
Suffocating doesn’t happen very fast, but there is a bigger
problem to worry about once submerged: the chance
that it will be impossible to be pulled back up and rescued,
no matter what any of your allies might try at that point.
As soon as your Character is fully underground, make
a Doom Roll. The number of successes you roll is the
number of Rounds left during which attempts to save
you can be made. After that, or if you roll no successes,
your Character dies.
TOUGHNESS
TEMPERATURES ROLL DIFFICULTY
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES
Extreme temperatures can pose a hazard to any
adventurer. Most of the time temperatures won’t get
high or low enough to affect Characters adversely
(though they may become mighty uncomfortable).
But if the temperature is too hot or cold, the situation
becomes more dire.
The accompanying table shows the effects that extreme
temperatures can have on Characters. This of course
also depends greatly on whether or not protective
measures are taken (such as doffing armor in extreme
heat or wearing warm clothing to protect from the cold),
whether a Character is sheltered or out in the open, other
circumstances like being wet, wind strength, and so on.
Whenever exposed to temperature extremes as listed
in the table, make a Toughness Roll every hour against
the indicated Difficulty, using no Skill. On a success, your
Character remains unaffected. On a failure, they suffer
the appropriate amount and type of damage (ignoring
armor). The Doomsayer can allow to roll with Edge or
instead impose Challenge to these rolls depending on the
circumstances just described.
DAMAGE ON FAILURE
WATER
Characters may sometimes find themselves submerged
in water deep enough to hinder them (or cover them
entirely). Being submerged in water for half of your height
or more causes you to move at half your normal Speed if
you wade through the water across a solid surface.
Once fully submerged and/or taking a swim while
only partly submerged you move at a similar Speed.
Your Character is assumed to be able to swim at least
moderately well unless of course your Character Path
describes otherwise, or if you think it appropriate for
your Character once it comes up during play. Actions
hindered by being under water suffer Challenge. For
example, attacking or defending. Though some things
may actually be easier to do (like lifting objects while
standing on the bottom of a lake), in which case you can
attempt it with Edge. When fighting an opponent who is
also under water and equally affected, any such Edge or
Challenge doesn’t apply.
SUFFOCATING & DROWNING
When your Character is fully submerged in water or
another substance, they run the risk of suffocating and/
or drowning. Any Character can hold their breath for
a maximum of 30 seconds times their Toughness Score.
After that they begin to suffer 1d6 Internal Damage per
Round until the Character become Dying or reaches air.
These rules also apply to situations where a Character is
suffocating, has to hold their breath for some reason, or
otherwise doesn’t have access to air.
STRENGTH
WIND LEVEL R ATING
Heavy 4 Challenge 1
WIND
Ordinary wind poses little problem for Characters, but
extremely fast, strong winds can wreak serious havoc.
This has several effects, as detailed in the accompanying
table, describing various wind levels.
First, winds heavier than moderate have a Strength
Rating for purposes of moving objects, causing damage
to structures, and so forth. This rating is comparable to
a Strength Ability Score and can be used (if desired) by
the Doomsayer to make an Action Roll vs an object’s
Difficulty to determine whether it would be damaged
or destroyed.
Second, firing projectiles (such as arrows or bolts) or
throwing weapons (like any dagger or handaxe) is much
harder to do accurately in strong winds. The table lists
the Challenge suffered per wind level when attempting
such actions.
Third, in environments with lots of sand or dust,
a sandstorm (such as the Rhogoon that rage across
Ethennia) may seriously impede vision or hamper other
actions, and worse, cause serious harm to anyone caught
in them and not able to take shelter. The table shows an
amount of Challenge suffered to actions hampered by
such a storm (similar to firing projectiles) and also any
particle damage (applied as a type of damage depending
on the exact nature of the storm) suffered every Round
a Character is exposed.
CHALLENGE PARTICLE
(R ELEVANT DAMAGE PER
ACTIONS) ROUND
1d4

Deadly Hot Difficulty 3 3d4 Fire Damage Extreme 8 Challenge 2 2d4

Blazing Hot Difficulty 2 2d4 Fire Damage Hurricane 12 Challenge 3 3d4

Scorching Hot Difficulty 1 1d4 Fire Damage Hypercane 16 Challenge 4 4d4

Moderate — — Tornado 20 Challenge 5 5d4

Freezing Cold Difficulty 1 1d4 Ice Damage Apocalyptic 24 Challenge 6 6d4

Extreme Cold Difficulty 2 2d4 Ice Damage

Deadly Cold Difficulty 3 3d4 Ice Damage

186 187

TRAVEL BASICS
Whether by road, on water or through the wilderness,
travel can be a dangerous, but rewarding ordeal. While
adventuring you will often travel from one exotic
location to the next, in search of treasure, a cult lair,
fame and glory, or simply to help those in need. More
detailed travel rules are covered in the Doomsayer
Section of this book, but a brief overview of the game’s
two main travel types is provided here for Players.
TRAVEL ROLES
When you travel, every Character takes on a specific
role to fulfil. Each role should be fulfilled by at least
one Character, but it is also possible for one Character
to take on multiple roles if your Party is smaller than
four. Two Characters can also share the same role, with
exception of the Navigator.
Navigator
Navigates travels and makes sure
the Party doesn’t get lost.
Scouts the area for obstacles,
Scout
danger and other activity and sites.
Hunter / Hunts and gathers to provide food
Forager and water to the Party.
Watcher
Keeps watch at camp at night or
any other part of the day.
JOURNEY
This type of travel is used to reach a destination usually
several days or more away, during which the dangers
of travel and managing resources, such as rations, are
important, as well as hunting, foraging, navigating,
scouting the area travelled through looking for
shortcuts and setting up a camp and keeping watch.
If you plan to travel particularly far, perhaps for a week
or more, you are recommended to consult a map
and select one or two waypoints along your path. A
waypoint is usually a settlement or other place where
you can rest properly and stock up on supplies. Travel is
then broken up into multiple Journeys that take place
in between these waypoints.
When using a map with hexes, each hex represents
24 miles, which is the average distance that can be
travelled per day on foot. When playing using a map
without hexes, the Doomsayer can simply make an
estimation of the number of days required to travel
188
to the next waypoint or destination instead. There
are several more things to consider, like the terrain,
weather conditions and whether you have an accurate
map or not. The Doomsayer will let you know about all
this once you plan on travelling.
Going on a Journey can involve discovering places you
weren’t expecting to along the way, meeting interesting
people, encountering monsters and challenges, or
discovering landmarks. How this plays out is greatly
dependent on the skill of your Character and others
in the Party, as you go about your way vigilantly and
attempt to stay out of trouble as best you can.
EXPEDITION
This type of travel is used to explore the area you
are in, not going anywhere in particular. Travel itself
becomes the adventure, and with it all the things you
might encounter and discover along the way. Instead
of choosing a destination, the general direction you
travel in, or an adjacent hex on a map, is chosen as
the next waypoint during an Expedition. You can cover
ground during the day and night, which are broken
up into four parts for the purpose of an Expedition,
choosing what to do during every part as you either
explore the area you are in deeper, or move on to
another to seek adventure there. While doing so you
cover an average of 4 miles per day instead of 24.
An Expedition is the best way to discover all of Athyr’s
hidden ruins and secrets and getting to know the
people and settlements you encounter along every
part of your travels, even those hidden away from plain
sight. Treasure might be found in unexpected places,
and cults or monster lairs discovered where they would
otherwise be overlooked if you didn’t spend the time
exploring every square mile.
M ARCHING ORDER
In some situations, the Doomsayer can ask to know the
marching order of your Party. This doesn’t necessarily
have to be a literal representation of exactly where
everyone stands in what order, but should at least
inform all the Players of who’s in the lead, who has
the chance to perceive something significant, the best
target for an ambush predator to choose, and so forth.
Not only that but knowing who is at the back of the
Party can also be important if something approaches
from behind, for example.
Adventuring
The first Character in the marching order usually keeps
a wary eye out for dangers (whether they’re traps,
When you take watch, make an Awareness Roll to
determine whether you can spot possible threats on
attackers, or something else), makes Awareness Rolls to time. On a success, you do, and meet any opponents on
survey the area or room ahead, and otherwise serves equal ground, or notice a threat on time. On a failure,
as the party’s “scout.” The next Character, who often you don’t, and notice any threats too late. As a result,
follows at least a couple dozen feet behind the first you suffer Challenge to the first Action Roll you make
one so as not to interfere with the first’s stealthiness, is during the first Round of an Encounter. The rest of the
often a strong, well-armored Character of some sort Party, unless asleep, suffers the same. Any Characters
who’s ready to confront any danger and protect his who were asleep during the start of an Encounter must
comrades from it. skip the first Round to wake up and get ready and join
the action.
Behind them are other members of the group who
need to deploy to an attack quickly; the middle of the Some places you visit may be so dangerous and packed
marching order is also a good place for Characters with enemies that setting up camp isn’t possible.
who are easily hurt or otherwise need more defense The Doomsayer will let you know whether a place is
from threats. safe enough at least to try and set up camp, or that
chances of an enemy walking by are so great it’s not
As just touched upon, the last Character in the
marching order plays an important role also, since they
even worth trying until you reach a safer place. You
can however always choose to Catch Your Breath
defend the rest of the Party against being attacked
instead, as covered later.
from behind and are themselves in a very dangerous
position. Another well-armored Character often fills
this position the best, but some groups prefer to have
a highly observant Character at this position so they
can spot ambushes or things the rest of the Party I NTERRUPTED REST
missed as it passed by.
Scenes and Encounters that interrupt a Rest
might take some time to play out at the table,
SETTING UP CAMP but often take only minutes in the fiction. For this
In order to Rest or make Repairs, Characters will need reason, unless what happens takes Characters
to set up camp and take a break from adventuring or completely away from their camp or interrupts
travel for some time. This doesn’t always require for their Rest until much later, every Character that
tents to be put up and a campfire to be lit; simply continues resting for a total of around 3 hours still
putting down your backpacks and equipment for a few gains a Rest’s benefits.
hours can suffice.
When setting up camp in a dangerous place to Rest, it
can be wise to have one or two Characters take watch
during this time so they can warn others of trouble.
Note that Characters who take watch must still get
at least 3 hours of Rest to be able to gain its benefits.
Resting for 6 hours with two Characters alternating
a watch makes sure everyone can Rest properly. If not
possible, then any Character standing watch have to
sacrifice those benefits.
189

R EST
When you set up camp, rest for 3 hours or more and
consume a ration (or plenty food and drink is available),
you gain the benefits of a Rest as listed below. You can
only gain these benefits twice per day. If you don’t Rest
for a total of at least 6 hours per day, you risk some
negative consequences (see Lack of Sleep textbox).
1. Heal all Bruises and Madness.
2. Cure Bleed and Withered.
3. Roll 6 Action Dice and gain back 1 Blood Point
per success.
4. Regain the use of Traits, Powers, Magic or Items
that can be used a number of times ‘Per Rest’.
Once per Rest, any Character with the ‘Herbalism &
Healing’ Skill can attempt to heal a (x3) Wound for
another Character by making a Wisdom Roll (Difficulty
2) using this Skill, or a (x6) Wound instead (Difficulty 3).
R ECOVERY
When you rest for a full day in comfort and safety
and consume two rations (or plenty food and drink is
available), you Recover. Any rules that refer to a Rest
also apply when you Recover. Gain the same benefits
as a Rest and:
1. Heal all Bruises, Wounds and Madness.
2. Cure Bleed and Withered.
3. Replenish all Blood Points.
4. Regain the use of Traits, Powers, Magic or Items
that can be used a number of times ‘Per Rest’.
5. Attempt to cure Afflictions, as described.
If you are under the care of an NPC well-trained in
medicine or healing you are automatically cured of 1
Injury or Trauma per day that you Recover, choosing
which one to remove first. If not, they require further
treatment. Anyone except you can attempt to cure an
Injury or Trauma you sustained. Curing Injury requires
a Wisdom Roll; curing Trauma requires an Insight Roll,
both Difficulty 2. On a Success, you are cured of one,
choosing which one to remove first. You can continue
this process on subsequent days you Recover.
When a Character has 2 total Afflictions, the Difficulty
for the above-mentioned roll increases to 3 (Hard)
or to 4 (Extreme) when a Character has 3. Should
a Character ever sustain more than a total of 3
190
Afflictions, they become Dying and the last sustained
Affliction is ignored. Afflictions other than Injury or
Trauma that can be cured by Recovering are cured the
same way as Injury or Trauma. However, most require
more than that to get rid of, regardless of whether you
can get help or not. The Doomsayer will let you know
when this is the case and what is required to cure them
or how you can find out.
CATCHING YOUR BREATH
When there is no time to rest properly (for 3 hours or
more), and/or danger is all around you and you cannot
set up camp for any reasonable amount of time, you
can instead Catch Your Breath. You can do this once
between every Rest you take, but only after you have
had a challenging Encounter.
Catching Your Breath doesn’t require to be in a safe
place or to set up camp. It takes only 15 minutes of
staying in the same spot and doing not much else
except to literally ‘catch your breath’ for a moment.
When you do, roll a number of Action Dice equal to
your Toughness Score and heal up to 3 damage of
Bruises for every success rolled.
The number of Action Dice rolled cannot be increased
by using a Skill or any other method (like gaining Edge)
unless a rule specifically states it can.
LACK OF SLEEP
Whenever a day passes when a Character did
not Rest at least 6 hours in total or Recovered,
they must make a Toughness Roll (Difficulty 2).
On a Success, they suffer no consequence and
can continue for another day. On a Failure, the
Character suffers Exhaustion. On a Failure and if
a Character is already Exhausted, they become
Troubled. On a Failure and if a Character is already
both Exhausted and Troubled, they fall asleep and
become Unconscious until they have slept for at
least 6 hours.
LACK OF NUTRITION
Without consuming a ration(s) during Rest or
Recovery, none of their listed benefits are gained.
In a dangerous world as Athyr this should be
enough to want to keep doing so! However, when
not the case, for example during quiet times
or while not out adventuring, Characters are
expected to have at least one meal per day and
some drinks, or alternatively, keep consuming
two rations per day simply to stay alive.
Should this be neglected, a Character can go
without food and water for 3 days, before
a Toughness Roll (Difficulty 2) must be made.
The same rules apply as described for ‘Lack of
Sleep’ when making these rolls, except instead
of eventually falling asleep you become Dying.
While traveling, slightly different rules apply,
which the Doomsayer can let you know about
when it comes up.
SANCTUARY
Though rare and hard to come upon, there are sites of
great spiritual power and godly blessing in the world.
When spending about an hour in deep thought and
meditation at a Sanctuary, you clear all Bruises, Wounds
and Madness, replenish Blood Points and Doom Points,
end all Conditions and cure all Afflictions. It’s like a big
charity event hosted by the gods.
DYING
When your Character’s Bruises and Wounds are both
fully marked you are considered to be Dying. Any
Conditions or Afflictions resulting from the attack or
harmful effect that cause you to become Dying are
applied as usual. If ever you should become Dying for
some other reason, you don’t have to mark any Bruises
and Wounds left unmarked.
When Dying, walk down these steps to see if fate
decides that your Character should live or die.
191
Adventuring
HEALING
It could be useful to bring an Adrenaline Shot on
your adventures, just in case a Character becomes
Dying. This item, when applied, grants Edge to
one Wisdom Roll made to save a Dying Character.
Any consumables and magic that can clear
a Character’s Bruises or Wounds or facilitate other
healing do not work on one who is Dying, but
once they become conscious again healing might
be a good idea!
GETTING HELP
When one or more Characters become Dying,
things can get ugly very fast. All is not lost
however, as there is still a day left to get help.
Sometimes it can increase a Dying Character’s
chances of survival if they are brought back to the
nearest settlement to find a healer, or to convince
one to return to the site where a Dying Character
lies Unconscious.
1. Your Character goes Unconscious and cannot
regain consciousness except by the means
described below. Lose all Charges and end all
ongoing effects of your Traits, Powers, Cantrips
and Magic.
2. In total, one attempt at a Wisdom Roll can be
made to save a Dying Character. No Doom
Points can be spent on this roll and it cannot
be improved in any other way, though Edge is
applied as usual.
On a success, they come back conscious and
heal 1 damage. On a failure, death is inevitable.
The Difficulty of this Wisdom Roll is 2 (Normal)
but increases to 3 (Hard) if a Character has 2
Afflictions, or 4 (Extreme) if they have 3.
3. If nothing is done to help a Dying Character
within one day after they become Dying, they
die. If a Dying Character receives any damage
from an external source, they also die.

DEATH & THE MUNAGI
When everything has failed and you find yourself dead,
this is not necessarily the end for you. Your Character’s
body has likely suffered incapacitating wounds and
perhaps other debilitating forms of damage, whether
from Magic or some other horrific fate. You should
discuss with the Doomsayer what you would like to
do next.
If you choose that your Character has died an epic and
suitable death, and you wish to end their story at that
juncture, then let events with the other Characters
unfold as your soul goes to its final destination and
later, work out the details with your Doomsayer what
your next Character could be. Perhaps they can be
a vengeful relative, wondering what has happened to
your dead Character and seeking those responsible?
Or maybe they are just a nearby and suitably heroic
alternate figure, whose intervention in the other
Characters’ lives makes sense in the overall narrative.
However, you can choose the more epic and suitably
heroic option, to come back. You can rage against
the dying of the light. Instead of your Character
being eliminated from the game, your soul refuses
to abandon your body, lingering with heroic resolve.
Munagi spirits will come to fetch your soul and drag
it to its ultimate destination, but this will not be your
fate at this time. The Doomsayer will provide details,
but in this instance, if your Character’s allies are on
hand, they can battle these vengeful spirits to keep
your Character’s body and soul intact and united.
It is now up to your allies to fend off the Munagi,
perhaps granting you another chance at life, or maybe
your allies will all die as well in the attempt. This is battle
should be a fierce exchange in which the Munagi seek
to drag your spirit from its mortal shell, while you lay
helpless and incapacitated. If your allies are successful
in preventing your soul from being taken, you remain,
and healing Magic may be applied to restore you to
life, as if you were at death’s door.
DEATH’S TOLL
The above-described experience is not without its
cost and having one’s soul in a state of peril has its
psychological and spiritual toll. Should you live, the
following penalties apply:
192
FIRST DEATH
Permanently decrease two Soul Ability Scores of
your choice by 1, to a minimum of 1. You must
also lower your Doom Point maximum by 1. You
have learned a vital message, however, about
mortality and what death feels like.
Should fate have its way with you and you suffer
death a second time, the procedure is the same as just
described, but the following penalties apply:
SECOND DEATH
Permanently decrease three Soul Ability Scores
of your choice by 1. Lower your Doom Point
maximum again by 1. You are living on borrowed
time at this point, and doom cannot be held at
bay forever…
When you have died for a third time, Death itself
will come to fetch you, and there is no escape, no
bargaining, and no further chances at a return to the
mortal coil. Anyone who stands before Death to keep
you from them may suffer your fate as well, or simply
be rendered unconscious instantly. Death, after all, is
the final judge, and none may contradict its will.
Although it isn’t required, you might want to include
the effects of having died in the way you roleplay
your Character, and some Doomsayers could remind
you of the consequences from time to time. Here are
a few suggestions, according to the Abilities you chose
to lower:
▪ HEART: You will become less sociable, more
withdrawn, show less empathy, be more inclined
to deceive or lie than before, etc.
▪ MYSTIQUE: You will ‘feel’ less unique, and
less special. You will become easier to read
and possibly slightly less interesting, attractive
or intimidating.
▪ COURAGE: You may get nightmares from time
to time or freeze in the face of life-threatening
danger. You may have flashbacks of how you died
and the Munagi.
▪ INSIGHT: You will have more trouble ‘getting’
other people and seeing through their lies. You
may become more gullible and easier to deceive.
▪ WILLPOWER: As with losing Courage, you may
get vivid, bad dreams about what happened.
You might feel less motivated or energetic, and
maybe less ‘alive’ than before.
Adventuring
EXPERIENCE POINTS & LEVELING UP
Experience Points – or ‘XP’ in short – are the currency ▪ Solving an ancient Mystery: 500
of growth and development in Blood and Doom .
▪ Completing a Journey or Expedition: 500
They represent the hard-won lessons and skills that
adventurers gain through their trials and tribulations,
▪ Thoroughly exploring a City, Town or other
Settlement: 250
and the rewards that come with surviving in a world of
darkness and danger. ▪ Completing a small Dungeon or challenging
Encounter: 250
As an adventurer, Experience Points are your key to
unlocking new abilities and becoming more powerful. ▪ Overcoming a social dilemma or significant
Every Monster you slay, every puzzle you solve, every problem during a Scene: 250
epic social victory, and every challenge you overcome
grants you Experience Points that can be used to Level
Up your Character and gain new Traits, Powers, Magic LEVELING UP
and Feats, and also to increase the Rank of your Skills. Your Character starts out at Level 1 with 10.000 XP,
representing the fact that they aren’t novices and
But Experience Points also represent the growth and
that they have settled into their Archetypes. Also, it is
development of your Character’s personality and
simply more intuitive to track XP this way. When your
worldview. As you journey through the dark and
Character has earmed a total of 20.000 XP, they
foreboding world of the game, you will encounter new
advance to Level 2, when they have earned
ideas, perspectives, and moral dilemmas that will shape
your Character’s beliefs and values. Experience Points, Your Character doesn’t automatically benefit from
then, reflect your Character’s life path, both in terms gaining another level. Just like what is usually the
of their physical abilities and their inner growth. case in real life, they need some time to reflect on
their actions, analyze what has happened, exercise,
XP should not be handed out lightly by the Doomsayer,
and train. In game terms, this means that you need
but rather be earned through hard work, clever
to Recover before being allowed to implement the
thinking, and daring deeds. They are the measure of
changes offered by the higher level, as indicated in
the hero’s journey, the marker of the adventurer’s
your Class’s Level Table.
path from neophyte to master, and the symbol of the
courage and determination that it takes to survive in
a world of darkness and peril.
XP is earned for each Character equally, unless the
R ETIRING A CHARACTER
Doomsayer and Players all agree that one or more
Once your Character reaches 12th Level you will
usually retire them a couple of game sessions later
Characters deserve a larger portion of XP than others.
or whenever the game’s story reaches some form of
In that case, reward the number of XP listed below to
conclusion. Your Character likely has become a lord,
the deserving Character(s), and ½, or ¼ of the listed
king or tribe leader or achieved whatever other goals
XP to the others. Experience Points can be rewarded
they had set for themselves and will live out the rest of
as soon as one of the conditions below is met, during
their lives in relative quiet.
a break or at the end of a Session. It can be fun to get
Perhaps they will become NPCs in the next story you
XP rewarded immediately, tough some groups may
prefer to summarize events at the end of a Session and play with new, unexperienced Characters and one day
do the bookkeeping at that time. be called upon again when the need is dire, or could
play the role of an enemy should they have become
The Doomsayer can reward Characters with XP for:
corrupted. It’s up to the Doomsayer and the players
▪ Completing a notable Quest: 2.500 together to decide if they want to start a completely
▪ Finishing a challenging Dungeon: 1.000 new story or perhaps if some threads of the previous
▪ Acquiring legendary Treasure or an important
campaign haven’t yet been resolved and would be
worth delving into with new Characters.
Artifact: 500
193

CHAPTER 10:
DUNGEONS
THE BASICS
Any time you and your friends find yourself in or near
a place that might hold danger, enemies, treasure,
or valuable information and items, some special rules
apply that are disregarded during other times for easy
of play.
The most common of such places is known as
a Dungeon, and includes things like underground
caverns, an enemy camp, the ruins of an ancient tower,
the palace of an evil lord, a prison, treacherous mines,
a volcano, monster lair, or long forgotten tomb.
Even while exploring the wilderness, you can encounter
similarly dangerous places in the open air, which when
appropriate abide by these same rules as a Dungeon.
This can include things like a hidden forest grove, an
ominous dolmen circle, a burial site, a well-guarded
mountain pass, or a once-bloodstained battlefield
underneath which the bones of cursed, fallen warriors
restlessly await their revenge.
Dungeons are commonly made up of various rooms (or
areas if outside). These aren’t always rooms in a literal
sense, but provide an easy way for you and the Doomsayer
to differentiate them as they will each have their own
features, secrets, traps, treasures, or enemies. As you
move around in a Dungeon you are always considered to
be in one or another of such rooms or areas.
194
TRACKING
R ESOURCES
The most common item Characters will use in a Dungeon
or dark open area are torches, providing light and
visibility in areas shrouded in darkness. One torch is
depleted every room or area the Characters venture
into that is unlit and where they want to be able to see
their surroundings.
Characters will frequently pass through one space
quicker or slower than another, but each requires one
torch to be used regardless. This makes keeping track
of such resources easier and taken over a longer period
any relevant differences even out eventually. When a lot
more time than usual is spent in a particular room or
area this is only considered if significant to the game.
The Doomsayer will let you know what activities might
use up resources at a higher rate, if any.
Unless a room or area is lit or you do not mind being in
total darkness, you use up torches as follows:
Dungeons
TORCHES SPLITTING UP
ACTIVITY DEPLETED When any Character strays away far from
the rest of the Party, make sure to check
Entering a dark Room or Area 1 who is carrying torches; it may be necessary
for another torch to be lit when Characters
Taking on any activity requiring
get separated from the rest of the group.
a decent amount of time.
Examples: Make repairs, dig 1
a tunnel, thoroughly study an
object or cryptic tome. LIGHT R ANGE
When Resting for 3 hours or more,
& COMPLICATIONS
A torch provides light up to Far range
unless you make a campfire. /
from the source, but needs to be held
When keeping watch beyond 3 with one hand or otherwise be set on
a campfire’s radius for 3 hours
a fixed position on the ground (giving
or more.
Monsters an opportunity to grab, break
or extinguish it!). It is enough to provide
a decent amount of light in most rooms
or areas.
DARKNESS A torch used in complete darkness still
doesn’t provide the same visibility as daylight,
& LIGHT
and Players as well as the Doomsayer should
be aware of this. Extra effort may still have
to be taken or additional Action Rolls made
to do things that require full visibility even
DARKNESS
when carrying a torch.
Being in complete darkness causes the Blinded
Condition, meaning you suffer Challenge to Action Rolls
you make that rely on sight (which are quite many!). HIDING IN DARKNESS
This includes almost all rolls relying on physical activity, Any attempt to hide yourself in darkness
not to mention trying to read, navigate a path, spot while holding a Torch automatically fails
danger or fight. Some activities (like reading) outright unless you face an opponent who cannot
fail when attempted in full darkness, and many more see. Moving around stealthily or hiding
similar examples can be thought of. is therefore best done in places that are
already dimly or completely lit, or in full
Most Monsters have Darksight, allowing them to see in
darkness without using any source of light.
the dark reasonably well. If ever you should find yourself
in darkness fighting an opponent that is equally affected
(like human opponents), you do not suffer Challenge to
rolls targeting them or rolls made to react to them.
Spending time in Darkness while danger and untold
horrors awaits around every corner can also affect
your Character’s sanity. Darkness can be a pressing and
claustrophobic affair, with panic and despair setting in
as your pulse increases and your breathing accelerates
uncontrollably. More details can be found in the next
section: Madness.
195

M ADNESS
Aside from spending time in total darkness as just
described there are several other circumstances and
events that may trigger your Character to suffer Madness.
Adventuring can be a terrifying and dangerous affair,
possibly crossing paths with all manner of atrocities. In
such cases the Doomsayer can ask for everyone in the
Party to make an Action Roll to determine if a Character
suffers Madness. Abilities used are most often Focus,
Heart, Courage, Insight and Willpower, as determined
by the Doomsayer. As usual, the Doomsayer also sets the
Difficulty, and the amount of Madness suffered can vary
from 1 up to a d2, d4, d6, or more. Some of the most
common examples are:
DARKNESS
While in complete darkness, you require to make
a Willpower roll every hour. The Difficulty is usually 2
but can be raised by the Doomsayer depending on how
threatening the situation is at the time aside from the
darkness itself. On a failure, you suffer 1 Madness. The
Doomsayer can estimate when an hour has passed or
decide that every 3 rooms or areas you pass through
equals one hour spent.
GRUESOME SCENES
Finding a corpse (or part of one!), or stumbling onto the
scene of a ghastly death, ritual scene, mass execution,
torture or bloody sacrifice may require an Action Roll,
suffering an amount of Madness as determined by the
Doomsayer on a failure. The Ability to be used depends
on the specific circumstance. Generally, Characters are
accustomed to death and mayhem, and those who make
fighting their trade might be more-or-less immune to
some of this unless the circumstances are unexpected,
involve someone they knew, or are exceptionally
gruesome and rife with evil.
MONSTERS
Athyr is full of strange and horrible creatures, the sight
of which can cause mortal minds to suffer and break.
Most of the time, though, Characters are not required to
make an Action Roll when seeing natural animals, beasts,
or common types of Monsters. There are those however
that are so unspeakably terrifying, twisted, unnatural,
alien and incomprehensible that Madness might be
suffered. The Doomsayer will let you know what Action
Roll to make when you Encounter such a Monster.
196
M AGIC
Being the target of diabolical spells cast to twist and
bend your very soul, Magic fueled by sacrifice of blood
or human life, or a powerful mind-altering artifact can
potentially cause Madness. In fact, Magic might be
the most dangerous of all madness-inducing events
described in this section, and it isn’t unheard of that it
can leave an adventurer a dribbling pile of insanity. The
Ability used to withstand such effects vary depending
on the Magic’s source, as does the amount of Madness
you might suffer.
INCOMPREHENSIBLE
EVENTS
Some things are beyond mortal understanding, and
when you encounter living manifestations of the
Heralds of Doom, strange and terrible environments
where the laws of physics do not hold sway, freakish
occurrences, or apocalyptic events, the Doomsayer can
ask for an Action Roll to determine if your Character
suffers Madness.
AWARENESS
& PERCEPTION
Usually when arriving at a place of some significance
or when entering a new room in a Dungeon, one
Character quickly surveys the surroundings, and their
Player makes an Awareness Roll. Hopefully this provides
clues for a narrower search, or to possibly study and
investigate something you discovered.
Similarly, you can make such a roll to spot hidden clues,
listen for noises, look for traps, or attempt to detect
hidden enemies or other dangers. As an exception,
the Doomsayer doesn’t always reveal the Difficulty of
Awareness Rolls beforehand or whether you succeed
afterwards. They only take note of the outcome and let
you know what you find out.
HIDDEN OPPONENTS
Opponents usually don’t lie waiting in ambush or actively
try to hide from approaching Characters unless they
have good reason to. Because of this, you don’t require
to make Awareness Rolls all the time from fear of being
attacked by an unseen opponent. The Doomsayer will
usually provide some clues in advance.
When you fail an Awareness Roll while opponents are
hiding or waiting in ambush, you suffer Challenge to
react to anything a hidden opponent does until they
have revealed themselves. Most of the time this is
something like attacking or casting a spell, and you
suffer Challenge to defend against the attack or resist
the spell. Not only that, but at least one of the hidden
opponents gets to take a Turn first, before anyone else
can pitch in and Turns continue to be taken as usual (in
any order).
It is always possible that one or multiple opponents
have revealed themselves while others are still hidden
(the same is true for Characters when the situation
is reversed) and in that case, anyone still hidden can
still benefit from it. Most of the time though, hidden
opponents will have revealed themselves during the first
Round of an Encounter.
Because not all Players are actively making Awareness
Rolls all of the time, the one Character who did survey
the surroundings plays an important role here, as when
they fail to spot hidden opponents it will have negative
consequences for the entire Party. For this reason, it is
usually a good idea that a Character with keen senses
takes the lead and scouts ahead for potential danger.
SPOT DANGER OR CLUES =
AWARENESS ROLL
STEALTH
& HIDING
When attempting to move around stealthily or hide
yourself it is only required make an Action Roll when
you know an opponent is present, or if there are signs
of trouble or danger that you can act upon. Until that
time, you can simply let the Doomsayer know that you
are taking a stealthy approach, and how.
Similarly, if you are able to set up a situation in advance
that allows you to be unseen by potential enemies, you
do not need to make an Action Roll to hide, but are
simply considered hidden. For example, when you set
up an ambush and hide in bramble bushes, waiting for
an enemy caravan to pass by.
197
Dungeons
If such a situation is difficult to set up, the Doomsayer
can ask to make an Action Roll to determine how well
you prepared. This is usually a Wisdom or Intellect Roll.
You are then considered to be successfully hidden, but
depending on the success of the rolls made opponents
may be more or less likely to sense something is wrong
once they arrive at the scene.
HIDING FROM OPPONENTS
When none of the above applies, you can make
a Stealth Roll to actively hide or move unseen past
opponents that you are aware of. You do not make
a Stealth Roll in advance, but only at the time when you
actually attempt to hide or sneak past an opponent. The
Difficulty of the Action Roll is that of the opponent with
the highest Difficulty in any given group of Monsters
or NPCs. Unlike when making an Awareness Roll as
described in the ‘Hidden Opponents’ section, all Players
make a Stealth Roll individually.
On a success, you are considered hidden from all
opponents until you do anything that could draw
attention to you, or if the situation around you changes.
When this happens, you may have to roll again to
remain hidden.
As long as you remain unnoticed when an Encounter
starts, whether by setting up an ambush in advance
or simply by hiding, you gain Edge to act against any
opponents unaware of you, and at least one Character
gets to take a Turn first during the Encounter, after
which Turns continue to be taken in any order as seems
to make the most sense. Alternatively, you could of
course use the opportunity to sneak past your enemy
and avoid conflict altogether!
Once an opponent has become aware of your presence
after you’ve acted, for example by attacking them, you
are no longer considered hidden until you hide again.
If any Character has already attacked an opponent and
given up their concealed position, it is still possible for
other (still hidden) Characters to gain Edge on their
Turn. You can also actively hide (again) during an
ongoing Encounter. How this works is covered in the
HIDING DURING ENCOUNTERS SECTION ON P. 202 .
MOVE STEALTHILY OR HIDE =
STEALTH ROLL
 Combat & Encounters

TRAPS TRIGGERED TRAPS

Let’s assume you did not spot a trap in time and
Traps are an important element of any Dungeon, triggered it. One of two things can happen:
and likely there are many. Clever Monsters and NPCs
usually take all kinds of measures to ensure their evil 1. Something harmful occurs instantly and ends

CHAPTER 11:
operations can proceed without the meddling of brave immediately. You and several of your allies
and righteous Characters, especially within their own will have to make a Reflex Roll or any other
lairs. An Awareness Roll is required to spot traps and appropriate Action Roll to determine how badly

COMBAT &
a Dexterity Roll is required to dismantle a trap you you are affected.
managed to spot.
A great example are arrows that shoot from slits
in a wall as soon as you move against a tripwire

SPOTTING TRAPS =
AWARENESS ROLL
DISMANTLING TRAPS =
DEXTERITY ROLL
2. Something harmful slowly starts to unfold, taking
SPOTTING & DISMANTLING
Several risks are involved when dismantling a trap that
you spotted. Let’s start by assuming you discovered
a trap before it was triggered. The design of some traps
might allow you to circumvent them as soon as you
learn where they are placed and what their workings
are. However, many traps are designed to prevent this,
leaving you with several options:
1. You can turn back to find another route to get
where you were headed, leaving the trap intact.
2. You can carefully attempt to set-off the trap
while trying to avoid harm; though this requires
some knowledge of what to expect as well,
and an appropriate Action Roll to be made
by one or multiple Characters to avoid any
negative consequence.
3. You can attempt to dismantle the trap, requiring
a successful Dexterity Roll as just described. Some
traps impose negative consequences if you fail
to dismantle them. What kind of mechanics are
built into each trap and how dangerous it is to
dismantle it differs per trap.
or set foot on a floor tile that triggers the trap.
Usually, any Character that might be affected
still gets a chance to dodge out of the way,
making a Reflex Roll. Failing this means you likely
take damage.
a certain amount of time to complete. A trap
that takes time to complete could still be stopped
halfway, requiring quick thinking and usually
several Action Rolls to get done.
Think of a room slowly filling with water while
entrances are barred, or walls that start to close
in. Such Traps are handled exactly the same way
as an Event and is usually played out using Rounds
and Turns.
ENCOUNTERS
ROUNDS
& TURNS
Whenever a Scene escalates into conflict, or
a particularly threatening situation presents itself,
it is considered an Encounter. Usually this happens
when you fight an opponent, but it may just as well
be a trap or harsh weather conditions that trigger an
Encounter. Encounters have some special rules that
provide structure and make running them easier.
Every Encounter is made up of Rounds and in each
Round every participant gets to take one Turn.
Everyone is free to take Turns in whatever order they
wish; or team up to take Turns together and help one
another. Once everyone has taken a Turn, the Round
ends and a new one begins, repeating this process
until conflict has been resolved.
When exactly you, your allies, or any of your
opponents take their Turn flows naturally from the
fiction of what is happening during the Encounter
and when it started. Any action usually leads to
a response, whether from an ally coming to your aid,
or from an opponent countering an attack. Players
and the Doomsayer can discuss and plan ahead, or
simply let things happen as feels right.
The only time when either an opponent, you or one
of your allies is certain to take a Turn first is while
hidden at the start of an Encounter. This applies only
to the first Turn taken during the first Round. After
that, Turns continue being made again as described.
ON YOUR TURN
During your Turn, you can move up to your Speed
and take one Action. You can do this in any order,
and split up your movement into one part before
taking an Action, and one part after.
Alternatively, you can use your Action to move up
to your Speed again, allowing you to cover a greater
distance on your Turn. You are also free to do less
than described, for instance by not moving at all, or
skipping your Action. You are always considered to
have taken a Turn by the end of any Round, even if
you do nothing.
TURN = MOVE + ACTION

198 199

TIME
Each Round represents about 10 seconds of
action and things happening in a very fast-paced
sequence of events, like a fight in a movie scene.
Unlike in some other games, Turns are not
interpreted to all take place simultaneously, but
play out just as how it happens at the table, each
action leading to the next, etc.
Considering an entire Encounter rarely lasts
more than 6 Rounds, most are finished within
a timespan of only a minute in the fiction of the
game. At the table however, this might play
out over the course over anywhere between ten
minutes up to half an hour or so.
ACTION
You can do anything you want when you take an
Action, as long as it reasonably possible within the
Fiction of the game and can be done in the span of
a few seconds. You can attack an enemy, attempt
to discover secrets, interact with your foes and
environment, and so on. This is usually done by
roleplaying, making an Action Roll, and spending
Blood Points when using Powers or Magic.
When you take an Action, imagine being your
Character and facing the challenges presented
before you, then let the Doomsayer know what
you would like to do. The Doomsayer can propose
to make an Action Roll to see if you can manage it.
You are encouraged to allow everyone at the table
take the spotlight during various moments, including
your own Character of course, and to work together
and help one another to defeat your foes and
overcome obstacles.
When you see or hear something happening at the
table and you decide it’s time for your Character
to take their Turn, you might say something like ‘I
run towards the Beastman with the eyepatch in the
corner, draw my dagger and stab it’. The Doomsayer
would then say something like ‘Sure, go ahead. Roll
Dexterity and let’s see if you are a match for this
vicious Beastman.’
200
Some more examples of what typically is considered
an Action:
▪ Attack an enemy to deal them damage, throw
them, or push them.
▪ Throw a torch into a pile of flammable objects to
set a room ablaze.
▪ Barricade a door with a table.
▪ Intimidate your opponent with threats to break
their morale.
▪ Grab an item stored in your backpack and use it
(unless it has the Slow tag).
▪ Hide yourself from your enemy if possible.
▪ Get out of the fray to take cover and apply
a bandage.
▪ Switch a weapon for a shield you carry on your
back, or vice-versa.
▪ Use Magic or a Cantrip.
▪ Swing a torch around you to keep monsters at
a distance.
▪ Grab a weapon or item off the ground within
Close range.
FREE ACTION
You can do something that requires very little time
and add it to the above, both still being considered
one Action. This is referred to as a Free Action and
unlike an Action it usually doesn’t require an Action
Roll to perform. When you attempt some of these
while in the midst of danger or engaged with enemies
around you, the Doomsayer can ask to make an ITEM
USE ROLL AS EXPLAINED ON P. 212 .
▪ Switch a weapon for another.
▪ Pull a nearby lever.
▪ Kick open a door, or slam a door shut.
▪ Hand over an item to an ally close to you.
▪ Communicate with those around you.
▪ Drop your weapon or shield.
MOVEMENT SPEED
Every Character has average Movement Speed,
which equals moving up to Far range and is referred
to simply as your Speed. This applies only during
Encounters, as outside of an Encounter the exact
distance a Character can move is rarely relevant.
As described in the On Your Turn section, a Character
can use their Action to move their Speed again,
covering Far range twice. There are Monsters and
NPCs in the game that have a slow or fast Speed, which
equals half or double average Speed respectively.
DOING MORE
There are times when you may want to do more
than just described or do something that is far more
challenging. If so, you can simply let your Doomsayer
know what you would like to attempt and have
a conversation about how to work it out. This includes
talking about what is required to succeed, what the
desired or possible outcome is, and what happens if
you fail. Usually, this means resolving your Action in
one of the following ways:
▪ You can try what you intend using just one
Action, but the Difficulty of your Action Roll
is increased.
▪ You require to make two Action Rolls as part
of one Action. If the first fails, your Action
ends early.
▪ You make an Action Roll to attempt at
least part of what you want to achieve and
can spend Momentum to do more or gain
additional benefits.
▪ It would take too much time. You have to split it
up between two Actions / Turns.
For example, the Doomsayer can increase the Difficulty
of your Action Roll if you wish to slide between an
opponent’s feet to target another opponent behind
them, or when you need to jump a decent distance to
reach someone to attack.
Multiple Action Rolls might be required if you
attempt to do several things that cannot be resolved
with one roll using the same Ability. For example, if
you’d like to knock over a table to take cover behind
it, then ready your bow to take aim and shoot at
an opponent across the room. The Doomsayer can
201
Combat & Encounters
ask for a Strength Roll to knock over the table. On
a success, you get to make a Dexterity Roll to fire
your bow from cover. On a failure, your Action ends
as you struggle to move the table.
Sometimes you can make just one Action Roll and
spend Momentum to do add something to your
Action. Discuss what you want to attempt with your
Doomsayer first and they can let you know how
much Momentum is required to get it done. For
example, you want to attack an opponent while at
the same time pushing them back into a brazier to
set them ablaze. You could make your attack as usual,
and spend 1 Momentum to push them closer to the
brazier, and 2 Momentum to push them into it and
set them ablaze, dealing 1d4 extra fire damage and
inflicting Burning.
These are just a handful of examples to show that
an Action can be much more than just doing one
straightforward thing. Try and let the fiction inspire
you to come up with something to do on your Turn
given what is happening around you and talk to your
Doomsayer to find a way and make it work.
BONUS ACTION
A Bonus Action can be taken once per Round and
requires a Trait, Power or Magic that specifies it can
be used as a Bonus Action. Some Weapon Attributes
allow you to use your Bonus Action as well. Unless any
of the above is the case, you cannot normally take
a Bonus Action.
Unlike an Action, a Bonus Action isn’t used to do
whatever comes to mind. Instead, the Trait, Power,
Magic or Move describes exactly what the Bonus
Action does and what its effect is. Usually, a Bonus
Action requires to make an Action Roll, though
sometimes it is only required to ‘spend’ your Bonus
Action to achieve a certain result, without making
a roll.
Some Bonus Actions are taken on your Turn, while
others can be taken any time during a Round or at
a time specified in its description. Traits, Powers and
Magic with the Bonus Action tag can also be used as
a normal Action on your Turn, if possible.
BONUS ACTION = ON TURN / ANY
TIME. MAX 1 PER ROUND

EDGE & CHALLENGE
As touched upon in the Rules Overview chapter you
and your allies can gain Edge or suffer Challenge in
various ways. Edge increases the number of Action
Dice you can roll, while Challenge on the other hand
reduces this.
Aside from using a Skill or working together, there are
many situational advantages and disadvantages that
can come into play, especially during an Encounter.
Below are some of the most common to gain Edge or
suffer Challenge as a result of these.
COVER
When you are partly hidden behind some object or
wall, or fully obscured from sight but still actively
participating in combat from that position, you have
what is known as Cover.
Cover grants Edge to Action Rolls that benefit from
such positioning, such as defending against ranged
attacks or explosive magic. The Doomsayer might
impose Challenge on certain Action Rolls as well, if
something you attempt to do from Cover is hindered.
When you are fully obscured from sight and not
taking part in combat actively, perhaps to catch your
breath for a moment or to treat wounds, you cannot
be targeted by most attacks.
When repositioning or re-entering combat from this
position you do run some risk, having been unable to
pay attention to the situation around you for a while.
A Reposition Roll is made to determine how well this
goes. On a success, you suffer no negative effects. On
a failure, the Doomsayer can impose Challenge to the
first Action Roll you make after re-entering a fight.
The REPOSITION ROLL SECTION ON P. 212 offers
more details on how this works.
Opponents can of course seek Cover as well. Any
attempt to target them with ranged attacks or other
harmful effects from a distance suffer Challenge, or
if fully obscured from sight and out of reach, they
cannot be targeted.
HIDING
As long as you are hidden, you gain Edge to act against
an opponent and do things that benefit from this in
some way. If what you do gives away your position,
you are no longer hidden after that.
202
Hiding during an Encounter can prove difficult, as
everyone involved is usually paying careful attention
to their surroundings as well as their opponents. Doing
so requires an opening or distraction, otherwise you
suffer Challenge to hide, or the Doomsayer might roll
it isn’t possible at all.
To attempt to hide during an Encounter, you make
a Stealth Roll as an Action on your Turn. Unlike before
an Encounter starts, the Difficulty for this roll is only
as high as the most perceptive opponent that could
actually spot you and isn’t distracted. This is usually
the opponent who has the highest Difficulty.
When a hidden opponent acts against you, you suffer
Challenge if the fact that they are hidden benefits
them in some way. If an opponent does anything to
give away their position, they are no longer hidden
after that.
When one or multiple opponents attempt to hide
themselves during an ongoing Encounter, any
Character who is unengaged and who might be able
to spot them is allowed to immediately make an
Awareness Roll, even though it isn’t their Turn. This
doesn’t require a Bonus Action.
Only one Character is required to succeed for all
other Characters around them to be considered
aware of the enemy’s presence (provided they are
within shouting distance from one another and not
otherwise unable to communicate). On a failure, an
enemy is hidden until they reveal themselves or are
spotted.
When you actively attempt to spot a hidden opponent,
you can make an Awareness Roll on your Turn as an
Action. On a success, you discover their position and
you or your allies can act against them normally. On
a failure, they remain hidden and cannot be targeted
directly, as you are only able to guess where they
might be.
Similarly, when an opponent spends a Turn to
try and discover where you might be hiding, you
require to make a Stealth Roll. On a success, you
remain hidden and cannot be targeted. On a failure,
you are discovered, and opponents can act against
you normally.
USING OBJECTS
The most dramatically interesting and dynamic
Encounters are those which take advantage of the
physical environment, including objects that can be
manipulated, moved or even picked up and thrown.
Depending on what you are using or how you are
using it, the Doomsayer may also require you to make
an Action Roll to properly utilize the object.
Generally, any clever or strategic use of an object
can offer you Edge to an attack or action, but
the following loose set of guidelines can help the
Doomsayer assess whether an object offers Edge. If
a foe does these things to you, you suffer Challenge
in the same fashion.
Some examples of minor things you can do that
would still allow you to take a full Action to make an
attack or do something else:
▪ Splashing a flagon of ale in your foe’s face.
▪ Kicking up a cloud of dust into the area to blind
them.
▪ Some sort of distracting feint, like thrusting
a torch at their face.
▪ Swirling your cloak to conceal your body’s exact
location.
▪ Throwing something light at your foe to distract
them momentarily.
▪ Pushing or maneuvering something light into
their path or onto them.
Some examples of things you might do that require
the use of an Action, perhaps to benefit an ally:
▪ Drenching your foe in lamp oil on slippery
ground.
▪ Causing a large curtain or tapestry to fall over
your foe(s).
▪ Throwing something of medium weight at your
foe to hinder them.
▪ Pushing another person into their way.
▪ Toppling something at them that they need
to dodge.
At the Doomsayer’s discretion, successful use of the
object may also impose a Condition onto your foe.
Common Conditions might include Blinded, Prone,
Restrained, Slowed, or Burning.
203
Combat & Encounters
HIGHER GROUND
Most of the time, it is preferrable to gain and hold
the higher ground in combat. This enables you to
strike more directly at your foe’s head and arms, while
they in turn are often limited to striking at your lower
body.
Following are some suggestions for how the
difference between the one with higher ground and
the one in the lower ground can provide Edge or
Challenge to attacks and defensive actions. The one
with the advantageous position gains Edge, the one at
a disadvantage suffers Challenge.
▪ Above one another on a moderately sloped hill
or wide staircase.
▪ On horseback against an opponent on foot.
▪ On top of an elevated surface of less than knee
height, such as a dais or platform against a foe on
the ground.
▪ Standing on a table versus someone on the
ground.
BEING ENGAGED
OR DISTRACTED
During a fight, combatants are often engaged with
one or multiple opponents simultaneously, crossing
weapons, raising shields and landing blows back and
forth in quick succession. This, and other distractions
(such as facing an opposite direction) might pose
an advantage to someone approaching unnoticed
or from behind and striking their weapon at an
opportune moment.
However, it is assumed that during combat all
participants are alert and looking not just at who
they are engaged with, but at the same time at the
entire situation around them. The same is true for any
direction a combatant faces; in a dangerous situation,
continuously being aware of what is happening
around you is essential. For this reason, you usually
don’t gain Edge to attack an engaged or distracted
opponent (or suffer Challenge if the situation is
reversed) unless effort has been made to draw their
attention away deliberately.

THREATS & INSULTS
Not all combat or conflict is physical, and sometimes
fierce epithet, threatening gesture, or cruel insult can
serve just as easily to cause an opponent to doubt
themselves, hesitate, intimidate, or even distract and
demoralize them enough to hinder their actions.
Similarly, a foe can use those same tactics against
you, and many intelligent opponents will use these
methods to their advantage as well.
The Doomsayer usually requires a successful Action
Roll for these attempts, such as Strength for physical
intimidation, Mystique for manipulating words or
threats, Insight to notice what their weakness might
be, or Courage to emphasize one’s willingness to
deliver. On a success, you gain Edge to an action
that makes use of these threats and insults, or suffer
Challenge if an opponent has done something similar
to you.
ATTACKING & DEFENDING
ATTACKING
When making any kind of attack you use either
the Strength or Dexterity Ability depending on the
weapon you wield. Every weapon (or shield, as you
can attack with those as well) has a tag letting you
know which of the two applies, though some have
both Abilities listed, meaning you can choose which
one to use. Unarmed attacks can be made using either
Strength or Dexterity.
The type of weapon used to attack lets you know
what Combat Skill applies, like ‘Swords’, ‘Polearms’ or
‘Bows’. Unarmed attacks and grappling also have their
own Combat Skill, ‘Unarmed Fighting’ and ‘Grappling’.
Like with any Action Roll, when you make an attack
you roll Action Dice equal to the relevant Ability
Score + relevant Skill Rank, if any. You can gain Edge
or suffer Challenge as usual.
When you succeed at an attack, you can spend
Momentum to utilize one of your Weapon Attributes,
Boost an ally, or gain effects as described in any of
your Traits and Powers. Unarmed Fighting and
Grappling have some options to spend Momentum as
well, which are listed later. Finally, you deal damage
204
At the Doomsayer’s discretion, Edge gained this way
or Challenge suffered may last more than one Round,
with each Momentum spent from making the threat
or insult adding another Round it being effective.
Momentum gained from this attempt could even
be spent to impose a temporary Condition such as
Confused or Frightened on the target for as long as it
seems relevant. In the event of multiple Characters or
foes offering insults, these do not stack.
Attempts at threats, intimidation, insults, etc. are
also best delivered in character rather than in the
abstract. When roleplaying, deliver the words to the
Doomsayer in character rather than saying ‘I issue
a cruel insult’, for example.
by rolling Damage Dice as covered in the next section,
Damage & Armor. When you fail an attack, none of
the above applies, but your Setback Die lets you know
if something bad happens, like causing your weapon
to become Dented.
ATTACK = STRENGTH OR
DEXTERITY + COMBAT SKILL
DEFEND VS M ELEE
Monsters and NPCs will of course not stand idly by
and will attempt to execute attacks or other harmful
actions of their own. The Doomsayer lets you know
when it’s time to defend yourself or avoid harm,
which usually happens during the Turn of one of your
opponents. In many ways, defending yourself works
the same as attacking, and you can use the weapon
in your hand or a shield (if you have one equipped)
to defend. You make an Action Roll and gain Edge or
suffer Challenge when appropriate.
When you want to brace yourself and block incoming
melee attacks (for example, by using your weapon
or a shield), you make a Toughness Roll and use
a relevant Combat Skill, such as that of the weapon
you block or parry with or your shield. When you
want to try and dodge or deflect a melee attack, you
make a Reflex Roll instead, and you can still use your
weapon’s Combat Skill as you step aside and deflect
the incoming attack. You cannot use a shield this way
though, as it requires using Toughness to block. When
defending unarmed, depending on the approach you
take, use either Toughness or Reflex.
There are situations in which one of these two Abilities
can have an advantage over the other however, or
is even required to be used. For example, dodging
an extremely fast opponent using the Reflex Ability
may impose Challenge while using Toughness to
block its attacks wouldn’t. Likewise, defending against
an opponent with massive and powerful attacks may
suffer Challenge when you block using the Toughness
Ability, while jumping out of the way using Reflex
wouldn’t. The Doomsayer will let you know when this
is the case, or whether one of the two is required to
be used.
When you defend successfully, some Weapon
Attributes, Traits and Powers allow you to spend
Momentum to gain various benefits. This is especially
true for shields, which have the Shield attribute, and
weapons with the Riposte attribute. When you fail
the Action Roll, the Doomsayer lets you know how
much damage you take by rolling the opponent’s
Damage Dice. The Damage & Armor section explains
how damage taken can be reduced by applying
your armor. Similar to making an attack, when you
fail to defend yourself and your Setback Die triggers
a Setback, you could suffer a negative consequence.
DEFEND VS MELEE = TOUGHNESS
OR REFLEX + COMBAT SKILL
DEFEND VS R ANGED
When someone makes a ranged attack against
you, you can only defend using your Reflex Ability.
Moreover, you cannot add Action Dice by using
a Combat Skill like when fighting in melee, except
the Shield Skill if you have one equipped. After all,
a normal weapon won’t be of much use to defend
against incoming arrows. In short, to defend against
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Combat & Encounters
a ranged attack you roll either Action Dice from your
Reflex Ability alone, or Reflex + Shield Skill. The same
applies to traps that trigger shooting arrows or other
projectiles, or attacks or traps that target an entire
area and require you to dodge out of harm’s way. No
Combat Skill can be used in such situations except
a shield’s.
DEFEND VS RANGED = REFLEX
(+ SHIELD SKILL IF EQUIPPED)
ONE-H ANDED WEAPONS
The advantage of fighting with a one-handed melee
weapon is that you can use a shield at the same
time, or keep your other hand free to carry a torch,
another item, or more easily perform minor actions
in between attacks.
TWO-H ANDED WEAPONS
A two-handed melee weapon deals more damage
than a one-handed weapon on average, and most
ranged weapons are two-handed also. You cannot
however also hold a shield or torch while wielding
such a weapon and suffer Challenge to use Magic.
Some Weapon Attributes, like Powerful or Brutal, are
exclusive to two-handed melee weapons and used to
perform the most devastating attacks.
DUAL WIELDING
To dual wield two one-handed melee weapons or
a melee weapon and shield, at least one of the two
requires to have the Wieldy tag. You can choose which
of these you want to use whenever you attack or
defend. This offers a wider range of Weapon Attributes
that can be used without the need to switch weapons
for a dynamic and versatile fighting style.
WEAPONS WITH ‘R EACH’
Weapons with the Reach tag have some special rules
relating to their range. Usually found on polearm or
similar weapons, a weapon with the Reach tag can be
used to attack and defend at its listed range normally
(which is usually Near range). Whenever an opponent
attempts to move within closer range while wielding
such a weapon, you can make a Basic Attack against
them as a Bonus Action.

However, you suffer Challenge to attack, and defend
against, an opponent within this range and any
Weapon Attributes the weapon has don’t apply. This
is because even though a weapon like a halberd or
sodegarami offer some great advantages to fighting
an opponent at a distance, once they manage to get
close it actually becomes quite challenging to use
these weapons effectively.
When in this situation you can of course always
drop your weapon on the ground and draw another
(smaller) weapon to continue fighting. Doing so
requires an Item Use Roll, unless the weapon you
draw has the Ready attribute. Picking your trusty
reach weapon back up however requires a full Action,
and again (if opponents are still near or danger is all
around you) could warrant an Item Use Roll.
The same rules apply to NPCs wielding such weapons
or even Monsters with enormously large appendages
that stretch up to Far range or beyond. If these have
the Reach tag, the Doomsayer can make a Standard
Attack as a Bonus Action when you move closer than
their weapon’s listed range. You then attack and
defend with Edge as long as you remain there.
UNARMED ATTACKS
Unarmed attacks are performed using Strength or
Dexterity, depending on whether you want to strike
with force, or agility. When defending unarmed
against an opponent, you can use either Toughness
206
or Reflex, as you stand firm and block, or evade using
your reaction speed. There are two situations that
can come up when fighting unarmed:
▪ You are unarmed (or don’t use your weapon)
and face an armed opponent: You suffer
Challenge to attack and defend. If the situation is
reversed, gain Edge.
▪ You are unarmed and face an unarmed
opponent: You attack and defend as usual.
GRAPPLING
Grappling isn’t merely an attempt to hold or grab
someone with one arm, but instead resembles real-
world wrestling and jiu-jitsu, requiring you to sheath
or drop your weapon and use your arms and legs.
To grapple someone, they must be the same size or
smaller than you.
Initiating a grapple or making any grappling follow-up
move is done using the Strength Ability. When trying
to free yourself from an opponent’s grapple you can
use either Strength or Dexterity, while maintaining
a grapple when an opponent tries to free themselves
requires a Toughness Roll.
When you successfully grapple an opponent, they
remain grappled (Restrained) by you until they can
manage to free themselves on their Turn, and you
or others gain Edge to attack someone Restrained
this way or defend against the Restrained opponent,
except when they try to break free. You can also
move around at half your Speed, forcing a grappled
opponent to move along with you.
When you have an opponent grappled, you can either
follow up with a grappling move, using your Grappling
Skill, or make an unarmed attack, using your Unarmed
Fighting Skill. If you have a weapon with the Ready
Attribute, you can also use it to attack an opponent
grappled by you. This Attribute is reserved mostly
for daggers or similar weapons suited for such close
combat situations, and can be unsheathed during
a grapple to attack your opponent, or others close
to you.
When initiating a grapple, you can spend Momentum
to follow up as described below, though you can
also perform each option listed as an Action on any
subsequent Turn you have an opponent grappled. As
with Weapon Attributes, feel free to come up with
your own suggestions if you want to do something
else and discuss with your Doomsayer whether it
could work.
1 MOMENTUM: Make a grapple move as a Bonus
Action to throw your opponent to the ground.
Cause Prone and deal unarmed damage but end
your grapple.
2 MOMENTUM: Make a grapple move as a Bonus
Action in the form of a chokehold. Deal unarmed
damage. Your opponent remains grappled.
3+ MOMENTUM: Make a grapple move to take your
opponent down to the ground and wrestle, possibly
breaking an arm, leg or monstrous appendage. Deal
unarmed damage. Your opponent remains grappled.
IMPROVISED ATTACKS
Don’t let yourself feel limited by just making an attack
with the weapon you hold in your hand each Turn.
You can add flavor to your attacks however you
like and can discuss with your Doomsayer how this
would play out at the table, including the amount of
damage it would deal. You can throw chairs, knock
over a heavy bookcase and smack it down on your
opponent, set their hair on fire with a torch, push
their heads under water, kick them out of a castle
tower window, and so on.
BASIC ATTACK
Some Traits, Powers and Weapons Attributes allow
you to make an attack when it is not your Turn, or
an additional attack that is made immediately after
you already attacked. Sometimes such an attack is
described as a Basic Attack or a derivation thereof,
like Basic ‘Counter’ Attack, or Basic ‘Melee’ Attack.
A Basic Attack means you make an attack as usual
but cannot spend Momentum, increase the attack’s
damage or gain any other beneficial effects, like those
from a Weapon Attribute. You can still gain Edge or
suffer Challenge when you make a Basic Attack. A Basic
Attack deals Basic Damage, unless specified otherwise.
(See also Basic & Extra Damage in the next section).
MULTIPLE TARGETS
Some Traits, Powers or Weapon Attributes allow
you to attack multiple opponents with one attack.
You don’t make another Action Roll to do so unless
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Combat & Encounters
specified, and the effect is automatically inflicted
upon all opponents as described.
If additional opponents are harder to attack than
your initial target however, this becomes trickier.
After all, successfully attacking an opponent at
Normal Difficulty cannot mean you automatically
succeed dealing damage to an opponent with Hard
Difficulty as well. Instead, you’ll have to match the
other opponent’s Difficulty by using one or more
additional successes (if any), which cannot then be
used as Momentum.
Any Traits, Powers or other rules descriptions that
refer to ‘a target’, ‘one target’ or ‘one opponent’ only
apply to the initial target of your attack, even when
you attack multiple opponents at once.
R ESISTING
H ARMFUL EFFECTS
When an opponent uses Magic or another form of
attack against which a simple defense will not suffice,
the Doomsayer lets you know what Ability to use.
For example, Reflex to dodge out of the way of
a dragon’s fire breath, Focus to withstand an assault
on your mind, or Willpower against Magic that aims
to corrupt your soul. Skills aren’t used when you avoid
harm of this nature.
OPPONENT GROUP ATTACKS
When you get attacked by a group of similar
Monsters or NPCs you don’t always have to roll to
defend against each individually, as decided by the
Doomsayer and depending on the situation. Instead,
you can roll to defend once as follows:
▪ For each opponent above one that attacks, suffer
Challenge. You can (usually) only be attacked by
a total of 3 opponents at once.
▪ When you fail to defend, take full damage from
one opponent and add 1d4 extra damage per
opponent above the first.
▪ If (similar) opponents vary in Difficulty, the
Doomsayer decides against which opponent you
roll and which opponent deals their full damage.
▪ Apply your armor as usual to determine how
much damage is prevented, counting the total
damage dealt as being from one attack.

DAMAGE
& A RMOR
Whenever you succeed at an attack, successfully cast
harmful magic or do anything else to hurt an opponent,
you deal damage. Likewise, whenever you fail to
defend against an opponent, fail to resist their magic,
or get harmed in any other way you are dealt damage
instead. Much more than just dealing damage can
happen of course (suffering a Condition for example,
sometimes even without damage being involved), but
in this section we will focus on damage only.
DEALING DAMAGE
When one of your attacks succeeds, you determine
the amount of damage you deal by rolling your
weapon’s Damage Die. Each weapon has their Damage
Die listed in the EQUIPMENT LIST ON P. 162 . You
then always add an amount of damage equal to the
Skill Rank of the Combat Skill used to make the attack.
For example, when you attack using a Claymore and
your Sword Skill is at Rank Expert (3), you would deal
1d8 +3 slashing damage.
When making an unarmed attack or harmful grappling
move, you deal 1d4 bludgeoning damage, and add
damage from the appropriate Combat Skill’s Rank in
the same way just described. Damage resulting from
unarmed attacks or harmful moves is sometimes also
referred to as ‘unarmed damage’. Every Momentum
spent from such attacks or moves equals 1 extra
damage, up to a maximum of 3.
When you successfully cast harmful Magic, you deal
damage as detailed in the Magic’s description, if any.
This is usually a number of Damage Dice, though no
damage is added from a Skill Rank when using Magic.
BASIC & EXTRA DAMAGE
A distinction is made between ‘Basic Damage’ and
‘Extra Damage’, and some game rules refer to either of
these specifically. Basic Damage is the initial damage
dealt before any damage is ‘added’ by using Traits,
Powers, Weapon Attributes (whether actively or not),
spending Momentum, or even the poison applied to
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an arrow. Basic Damage does include the damage
bonus from a Combat Skill Rank. Like in the Claymore
example: 1d8 +3 slashing damage is considered Basic
Damage. Extra Damage, then, is everything just
mentioned that is not part of this Basic Damage.
DAMAGE T YPES
WEAPON DAMAGE
Each weapon also deals a specific type of damage,
which is listed in the Equipment List. These are:
slashing, cleaving, piercing or bludgeoning damage.
Whenever a weapon is listed as being able to deal
multiple types of damage, you choose one when you
attack depending on how you use your weapon. For
example, a warhammer has a blunt side and a pointy
side. Depending on which side you choose to be
facing your opponent as you hit them will have the
weapon deal either bludgeoning or piercing damage.
Monsters (or humans!) who use claws, fists, fangs,
stingers or other parts of their body used as weapons
are also considered to deal weapon damage, and the
same rules apply.
DAMAGE
T YPE EXAMPLES
When you cut or slice with
Slashing
a weapon like a katana, jambiya,
glaive or falchion, you deal
slashing damage.
When you hack or chop with
Cleaving
a weapon like a greataxe, halberd,
ram-dao or zweihänder, you deal
cleaving damage.
When you stab or thrust with
a weapon like a rapier, sodegarami,
Piercing
pesh-kabz or spear, you deal
piercing damage.
When you bash or strike an
opponent with a weapon like
Bludgeoning
a mace, warhammer or kanabo,
you deal bludgeoning damage.
ELEMENTAL DAMAGE
Magic, environmental hazards and some Monsters
and Magic Weapons can deal elemental damage, like
fire, acid or force damage.
DAMAGE
T YPE EXAMPLES
Fire
From a torch, burning arrow, lava
or fire powers and magic.
From suffering extreme cold or ice
Ice
powers and magic.
From lightning or lightning powers
Lightning
and magic.
Acid
From toxic environs and air,
chemicals or acid powers and
magic.
From powerful bursts of air and
Force
force powers and magic.
From intense beams of radiating
Radiant energy and radiant powers
and magic.
SPECIAL DAMAGE
Special Damage cannot be reduced by wearing
armor. Amor won’t help when you get poisoned,
suffer internal bleeding or are erased from existence
for example.
DAMAGE
T YPE EXAMPLES
Poison
From a poisoned arrow, poison,
snakebite, or poison powers and
magic.
From deadly sickness, undead
Necrotic creatures or necrotic powers and
magic.
From persisting wounds, internal
Internal
bleeding and other injuries.
From effects afflicting the mind
Psychic
and psychic powers and magic.
From effects tainting the soul and
Corrupting
corrupting powers and magic.
From other-dimensional
Null
forces, alien powers and
annihilation magic.
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Combat & Encounters
A RMOR
As detailed in the EQUIPMENT CHAPTER ON P. 152 ,
you subtract an amount of damage equal to your
armor’s Protection Rating whenever you take damage
and your armor would be effective against it. Every
suit of armor has a Protection Rating corresponding
to various types of damage, letting you know how
much damage to subtract when affected by damage
of that particular type.
Below is an overview of the various types of damage
armor can be effective against, which includes types
of Weapon Damage individually, and all Elemental
Damage as a group. Armor isn’t effective against
Special Damage, but it can sometimes be prevented
altogether if it is a secondary effect of Weapon
Damage.
For example, if a poisoned arrow would deal 1d8
piercing damage +1d4 poison damage, the poison
damage will not take hold at all if the piercing
damage is reduced to 0. This is because the arrow
apparently didn’t manage to pierce the armor at all,
and therefore the poison carried by the arrow should
be ignored, (including any resulting Condition, such
as being Poisoned). If only 1 piercing damage gets
through however, the full 1d4 of poison damage is
applied as usual and isn’t reduced, and potentially the
Poisoned Condition may still apply.
S C P B E
Slashing Cleaving Piercing Bludgeoning Elemental
IMMUNE, R ESISTANT
& VULNERABLE
Throughout this book you can find the damage
tags Immune, Resistant and Vulnerable, usually in
combination with a specific description of a damage
type it applies to. For example, ‘immune to slashing
damage’ or ‘resistant to fire damage’.
Immune means all damage of that type is reduced
to 0. Resistant means that any damage taken of that
type is halved. Vulnerable means any damage taken
of that type is doubled. All three apply to the total
damage dealt of that type by one attack or effect and
after applying damage reduction from armor, if any.
You cannot benefit from being Resistant to one
specific damage type twice or more. The same
applies to the negative effect of being Vulnerable.
You can however be Immune, Resistant or Vulnerable

to different types of damage. Even though armor is
ineffective against any type of Special Damage, you
can be Resistant, Vulnerable, or Immune to it.
Should the benefit of being Resistant or Immune to
a type of damage cause you to take 0 damage, any
secondary damage (or suffering a Condition) caused by
the attack or harmful effect may still apply. Taking the
previously outlined example of the poisoned arrow in
the Armor section, if being Resistant to piercing damage
causes it to be reduced to 0, the arrow still managed to
penetrate your armor (assuming it did) and harm you,
it’s just that you shrug it off and leaves you unaffected.
The poison damage then, will still apply.
BRUISES
& WOUNDS
Whenever you take damage you have a choice of
how to mark it on your Character Sheet. There are
various boxes that represent Bruises and Wounds.
Each has a number to the right of it letting you know
how much damage you can mark for each individual
box. To do so, simply draw a cross or checkmark
(whichever you prefer).
For example, when taking 3 damage, you could either
mark three (x1) boxes, a (x2) box and (x1) box, or a (x3)
box. You can mark damage this way as you see fit,
but there’s a difference between marking Bruises or
Wounds that may influence how you go about this.
The main difference is that Bruises can be easily
healed, for example by taking a Rest. Wounds on the
other hand are more serious and harder to get rid
of. They can only be healed by Recovering or healing
items and magic. More about Resting and Recovery
can be found in the REST & RECOVERY CHAPTER ON
P. 190 .
In addition, whenever all (x3) Wounds boxes are
marked, you suffer an Injury. Similarly, when both (x6)
Wounds boxes are marked, you also suffer an Injury.
This is indicated on your Character Sheet below these
boxes as a reminder. Even though Wounds can be
used to mark quite a bit more damage than Bruises,
doing so can have serious consequences!
Whenever you take 1 damage and all (x1) boxes are
already marked, you still have to mark a box to take
this 1 damage. In this case, the best option would be
to mark a (x2) box instead. If those are also all marked,
210
taking 1 damage can eventually lead to you requiring
to mark a (x3) box or even a (x6) box. Whatever
situation presents itself, if you take any damage, you
must mark at least that amount of damage, and if
unable, possibly more.
When a Character has sustained their maximum
number of Bruises and Wounds they go unconscious
and become Dying. Chances are they might still be
saved, but death lurks around the corner at that
point. See the DYING SECTION ON P. 191 for what
steps to take when this happens.
Whenever a rule or description refers to ‘healing’, this
means you clear the indicated amount of damage
marked on your Character Sheet, whether these are
Bruises or Wounds is up to you and the amount of
healing received.
R ESILIENCE
Some Traits, Powers and Magic can grant a Character
Resilience, which functions like temporary Bruises.
By default, a Character doesn’t have any Resilience.
Whenever you take damage and do have Resilience,
you always mark damage as Resilience first over Bruises
or Wounds. Rules that apply to marking Bruises and
Wounds similarly apply to Resilience, though it can
never be ‘healed’.
When you gain Resilience multiple times, you replace
its maximum if it exceeds your current maximum
only, but never add to it. For example, if you have 4
Resilience and gain 2 or 4 Resilience, nothing happens.
If you gain 6 Resilience, your maximum Resilience
becomes 6 instead of 4. Any Resilience already
marked with damage at that time isn’t cleared.
You can never have more than 10 maximum Resilience
at any time, with each box representing 2 Resilience
and able to be marked for 2 damage each (similar
to x2 Bruises). Resilience can only be gained as 2, 4,
6, 8 or 10. Your Resilience and any damage marked
as Resilience are always fully cleared and removed
10 minutes after you gained it or at the end of an
Encounter, whichever comes first.
Combat & Encounters
DESTROYING solid stone or thick tree, your weapon automatically
becomes Dented.
OBJECTS Objects use Resilience instead of Bruises or Wounds
to show the amount of damage required to break it.
Objects can only be damaged or destroyed by using
This could be more or less, depending on the specific
a method that would reasonably work. For example, nature of the object, its material, thickness, mass,
firing a bow or swinging a wooden club or sword and so on. An object with 10 Resilience for example,
won’t be of much use against a solid, stone wall, nor requires to be dealt 10 damage to be destroyed.
will any Magic that deals poison damage.
Since static objects aren’t very hard to target, you
A young tree might be cut with some heavier types of usually don’t require to make an Action Roll and only
swords, but most trees would sooner damage a sword roll Damage Dice instead. This would be different if
than you making any progress; a weapon like an axe such objects are moving, or another reason causes it
will work much better. On the other hand, using fire to be hard to target.
to burn down bramblebushes can prove to be even
more effective than cutting through with a sword or If you have a proper tool or weapon, and enough
axe, though both can be effective. time to break or destroy an object, the Doomsayer
can simply let you know that you achieved it without
Below is an overview with guidelines to help determine ever rolling dice. The same principle applies as with
what might work and what not, but common sense Tasks; rolling dice is only relevant is there is time
should be used as to the weapon or tool used as pressure and other things happening in between, such
well, regardless of the type of damage it deals. If as during an Encounter.
you decide to bash a weapon like a sword against
M ATERIAL R ESILIENCE
DAMAGE R ESISTANCE,
VULNERABILITY & I MMUNITY *
Cloth / Rope 4 Resistant: bludgeoning. Vulnerable: fire
Ice 6 Immune: cold. Vulnerable: cleaving, fire
Dry Wood 8 Vulnerable: cleaving, fire
Brick 10 Vulnerable: force
Live Wood 12 Resistant: bludgeoning
Gold 18 Resistant: cold, slashing, piercing
Solid Stone 20 Resistant: slashing, piercing, force, fire, cold
Iron / Steel 24 Resistant: slashing, piercing, fire.
Minerals 30 Resistant: slashing, piercing, force, fire, cold
Diamond 40 Resistant: slashing, piercing, fire, cold
* Most objects are Immune to all types of Special Damage, with the notable exception of Null Damage.
Depending on the situation, the Doomsayer can rule that using other types of Special Damage, such as
Necrotic Damage, may have some effect on certain objects.
211

ITEM USE ROLL
When you use an item, switch weapons, pull a lever,
open and close a door or do similar things as part of
your Action, the Doomsayer can ask for an Item Use
Roll if the situation around you is particularly lethal
and risky. This is especially true when you have already
used your Action to also do something else, like attack
an opponent. But just the same it can apply if you
spend a full Action to use an item while engaged with
an opponent or another threat close by.
To make an Item Use Roll, use your Dexterity Ability.
The Difficulty is always Normal, requiring 2 successes
to succeed. An Item Use Roll is a special roll and not
considered an Action Roll. You don’t use a Skill, cannot
gain Edge, or improve an Item Use Roll in any way.
On a success, you do as intended without issues. On
a failure, you still get to do what you set out to do, but
the Doomsayer can introduce a negative consequence.
For instance, an enemy might immediately make
a Standard Attack against you or could disarm you.
If your Setback Die results in a 1, 2 or 3 when you fail
an Item Use Roll, consequences could be more severe.
You don’t make another Action Roll to decide what
exactly happens when you suffer a consequence like
this. Instead, they happen as result of failing your Item
Use Roll. If this involves getting dealt damage, you may
apply your armor as usual.
Some examples of when an Item Use Roll may
be required:
▪ Equipping or unequipping a shield while closely
engaged with an enemy.
▪ Switch any weapon for another while closely
engaged with an enemy.
▪ Pulling a lever or opening a door while an enemy
is Near it that is unengaged.
▪ Retrieving an item from your backpack with an
enemy Near you that is unengaged.
▪ Firing a bow at a target while engaged with an
enemy within Close range.
▪ Opening a door without cover while a group of
archers guards it from afar.
ITEM USE ROLL = DEXTERITY
(NO SKILL)
212
R EPOSITION
ROLL
A Reposition Roll can be made whenever there
is doubt about whether your Character can reach
a certain space or target on their Turn when moving,
or when you attempt a challenging reposition during
a fight, such as when re-entering combat from Full
Cover. It could also be used when you are engaged
with multiple enemies and attempt to get away.
To make a Reposition Roll, use your Reflex Ability.
The Difficulty is always Normal, requiring 2 successes
to succeed. A Reposition Roll is a special roll and not
considered an Action Roll. You don’t use a Skill, cannot
gain Edge, or improve a Reposition Roll in any way.
On a success, your attempt works out as planned. On
a failure, you either cannot cross the distance you
intended and might need to spend your Action to move
further. In case of a tricky situation like re-entering
combat or escaping from a group of opponents the
Doomsayer can introduce a negative consequence
as described in the Item Use section (including more
severe consequences if your Setback Die rolls a 1, 2 or
3 as well).
A Reposition Roll is not used when you simply move
around and come across obstacles or other elements
during an Encounter that may hinder you. In such
cases, depending on your approach the Doomsayer
will ask for an Action Roll using an appropriate Ability.
Some examples of when a Reposition Roll may
be required:
▪ Using a map with a grid, you want to move
1 square more than you normally can.
▪ Using a map without a grid, the Doomsayer rules
you can’t make it to the position you want to
move to on your Turn, but only barely. Roll to see
if you can make it.
▪ You’re moving out of the fray while surrounded
by multiple opponents.
▪ You re-enter combat from Full Cover.
REPOSITION ROLL = REFLEX
(NO SKILL)
INITIATIVE ROLL
An Initiative Roll can be made when it isn’t obvious
narratively who should take their next Turn during an
Encounter; one of the Characters, or an opponent. In
this case, when the Doomsayer prompts an opponent
to take their Turn, but you think it would be important
and feasible that your Character gets to act first, you
can roll to decide what happens.
To make an Initiative Roll, use your Focus Ability.
The Difficulty is always Normal, requiring 2 successes
to succeed. An Initiative Roll is a special roll and not
considered an Action Roll. You don’t use a Skill, cannot
gain Edge, or improve an Initiative Roll in any way.
On a success, you take a Turn first, then your opponent.
On a failure, your opponent takes a Turn first, and
you can still decide after that to take a Turn then
or let someone else take theirs. If you fail and suffer
a Setback, you are forced to take your Turn at the very
end of the Round.
INITIATIVE ROLL = FOCUS
(NO SKILL)
BREAKING
MORALE
Monsters and NPCs rarely fight to the bitter end with
their lives at risk if they know they’re on the losing end
of a fight. How this plays out in your game is something
the Doomsayer has to decide based on the story and
characters in it.
Whenever the Doomsayer thinks it is appropriate
given a group of Monsters or NPCs’ size, Reasoning
and Instinct (and whether they are on the winning or
losing end of a fight, or their leader has been defeated
or not, for example), Characters can attempt to break
their Morale. Doing so works the same as a Task,
accumulating Completion Points together as a Party
in order to get the opponents to retreat or surrender.
How Tasks work is fully explained in the TASKS SECTION
ON P. 35.
213
Combat & Encounters
Each Character can add CP toward breaking Morale as
an Action on their Turn (starting after the first Round
of the Encounter has passed), but in order to do so
the situation requires to be set up properly first. When
things are looking to take a turn for the worse for your
opponents, you can engage with them socially or in
any other way to try and let them know their game
is up and they better surrender, make a run for it, or
whatever else you have in mind.
You can intimidate them by using physical force and
making a Strength Roll for example, deceive and
manipulate them by making a Mystique Roll, or show
your unfaltering bravery by making a Courage Roll. Of
course, just making these Action Rolls isn’t sufficient.
You’ll need to either describe and/or roleplay this to
make it work.
When you pull off a particularly intimidating stunt,
such as decapitating the leader of a group of cultists,
setting a corrupt noble on fire and throwing him
from a castle tower as the guards are watching, or
completely crushing the largest Monster in a pack, the
Doomsayer can rule that you gain Completion Points
as a result of that action instead of making another
Action Roll to do so. You then gain Completion Points
equal to the Ability Score used to perform the stunt.
A group of enemies’ Morale, and number of Completion
Points required to succeed, equals 10x the Difficulty of
the most powerful opponent still actively participating
in the Encounter. For example, 20 CP if that Difficulty is
2, 30 CP if the Difficulty is 3, and so on. It can of course
happen that the most powerful opponent is defeated
when you have already accumulated CP. In that case,
the Doomsayer should check how many CP would be
required based on the next most powerful opponent,
which in turn could mean that the required CP is closer
to being reached or has already been reached.
The Doomsayer is free to raise or lower the number
of CP required depending on circumstance, it could
for example be more than just indicated if the Party
wants to attempt and break morale when opponents
aren’t losing in a fight, or if the particular Monsters or
NPCs would be more fanatical than average. It should
however always be communicated to all Players fairly
how much CP are required from the moment they
want to start and try breaking Morale.

Once successful, conflict ends and you and the
Doomsayer can come up with an appropriate and likely
result together. This could mean that any opponents
left do what you propose, but it might also mean
they react in an unexpected manner. Every Monster
and NPC has Reasoning and Instinct to help guide
a likely response should there be doubt, and only the
Doomsayer knows the nature of these.
BREAK MORALE = TASK VS
OPPONENTS’ MORALE
(CP 10X DIFFICULTY)
R ETREATING
When an Encounter turns sour it can often time be
smart to retreat instead of fighting until you and you
allies are all either unconscious or dead. Instead of
proceeding by the usual means of moving and taking
actions, you can do so by announcing that you wish
to Retreat.
Everyone in the party who wants to Retreat makes
a Willpower Roll on their Turn as an Action, possibly
using an appropriate Adventuring Skill as well if available
(for example, Leadership & Command or Strategy &
Warfare). The Difficulty is set by the Doomsayer, with
a higher Difficulty being more likely the more dire the
situation.
If several or all Party members wish to Retreat
together, they can do so as well, all taking their Turns
together as a group. Any Character who has already
taken a Turn will have to wait until the next Round
to do so. Therefore, attempting to Retreat together is
best done planned ahead and at the start of a Round,
214
Combat & Encounters
before Turns are taken to do something else. Should
anyone be Unconscious, or worse, Dying, a minimum of
two Characters is required to drag or carry them along
as they Retreat, or one Character who then makes the
Willpower Roll with Challenge.
RETREAT = WILLPOWER ROLL.
SUCCESS = RETREATED + TROUBLED
On a success, you make your way out and find yourself
at a safe distance from the Encounter you were in. If
you are in a small Dungeon, the Doomsayer might rule
that you end up outside or even back at your camp, but
in a larger Dungeon it could mean you only managed
to head back to the last safe spot you visited inside
the Dungeon. Whatever the case may be, everyone
who Retreated becomes Troubled as a consequence
of having had to give up and flee the scene, which isn’t
the stuff that heroes are made of.
On a failure, you also become Troubled, and are unable
to Retreat at this time. Subsequent attempts to Retreat
after having failed incur no further penalty, and you
can try again the next Round if you are still alive.
RETREATING FORWARD
In rare cases, there might be no other option than
to Retreat into an unexplored area, or Characters
might wish to do so voluntarily. Such a Retreat is
obviously risky; not knowing what dangers might
present themselves or getting stuck in a room
from which there may be no escape. Whatever
the case may be, players should always indicate
beforehand where they wish to Retreat to.
215

CHAPTER 12:
CONDITIONS
& A FFLICTIONS
CONDITIONS
Whenever your Character, a Monster, or NPC takes
damage or fails to resist certain harmful effects, they
can sometimes suffer a Condition. The overview below
shows the effect of these Conditions and how long
these last or how to commonly resolve them. For
example, an attack that blinds you or an opponent,
hinders your movement, causes you to be confused,
paralyzed, or even poisoned.
There is no limit to the number of Conditions you, an
opponent or anyone else can suffer, though suffering
a Condition you are already affected by has no
additional effect unless specified otherwise. If resolving
a Condition involves making any kind of Action Roll,
the Difficulty depends on the source; usually the
Monster or NPC that inflicted it.
216
Sometimes failing one Action Roll can be enough to
suffer a Condition. For example, if you get struck with
a powerful melee attack, failing to defend yourself
could inflict damage and cause you to fall Prone. In
other situations, you might fail one Action Roll first
and are then required to make a second Action Roll
to determine if you suffer a Condition. For example,
after a venomous bite, you first make an Action Roll
to defend yourself and should that fail, you’ll take
damage and will have to make another Action Roll to
determine if you become Poisoned.
In case of this last example and similar situations, should
the damage you suffer be reduced to 0 by your armor,
the Poisoned Condition cannot apply and you won’t
have to make a second Action Roll; the poison can
only take hold when the fangs that inject the venom
actually penetrate the skin.
BLEED (X)
You feel the bruises and wounds you’ve sustained
are starting to take their toll. When you take
damage from an attack while suffering Bleed, you
take (x) extra internal damage. If Bleed is inflicted
multiple times or from multiple sources, replace
current (x) only if a new value of (x) is higher.
DURATION: Until you Rest or after applying
a Bandage. Someone can also make a Wisdom
Roll once to attempt to cure Bleed.
BLINDED
Your eyesight is impaired momentarily. As
a consequence, you suffer Challenge to do anything
that relies on sight (e.g. attacking, spotting danger,
balancing). Affected Monsters or NPCs can be
targeted with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the affected’s next
Turn unless specified otherwise.
BURNING (X)
Some lingering, burning effect from fire, ice,
lightning, acid or radiant damage persists. When
anyone suffers Burning, they take (x) damage at
the end of each of their Turns, ignoring armor. The
type of damage is determined by the attack or
effect that caused it.
If Burning is inflicted multiple times for the same
damage type, replace current (x) only if a new value
of (x) is higher. You can however suffer Burning
multiple times for different damage types, taking
(x) damage of each independently.
DURATION: You can make a Dexterity Roll
(Difficulty 1) as an Action on your Turn to resolve
all Burning, or someone else can do this when
helping you. A Monster or NPC can do the same,
but the Doomsayer rolls a d10 instead. Any result
of 4 or higher resolves all Burning.
CHARMED
Your mind and soul are affected by whomever
charmed you. You cannot act against the source of
the charm and suffer Challenge to defend against
it or its harmful effects. Affected Monsters or NPCs
217
Conditions & Afflictions
suffer the same and can be targeted with Edge by
the source of their charm.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise. You can end it early by
succeeding a Focus Roll, which you can attempt
at the end of each of your Turns.
CONFUSED
You took one hit to the head too many, or some
magic is distorting your thoughts. Anyone who
suffers Confused cannot take an Action or Bonus
Action and is only able to move and react to
danger (e.g. defending or evading harm, resisting
poison or magical effects).
DURATION: Until the end of the affected’s next
Turn unless specified otherwise.
FRIGHTENED
Something seriously frightens you. You suffer
Challenge to do anything while the source of your
fear is in the same room or area and cannot move
closer to it. Affected Monsters or NPCs suffer the
same and can be targeted with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise, or after consuming
Liquid Courage. You can end it early by
succeeding a Courage Roll, which you can
attempt at the end of each of your Turns.
PARALYZED
Your body stiffens completely and you are unable
to move or act. You fail all Action Rolls involving
physical activity. Succeed on Action Rolls against
an affected Monster or NPC the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise.
POISONED
You are under the effect of a poison and suffer
Challenge to physical activity (e.g. attacking,
climbing). Affected Monsters or NPCs can be
targeted with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise, or after consuming
Anti-Toxin.

PRONE
You are knocked off your feet and land on the ground
face down. You suffer Challenge to do anything
hindered by being in this position (e.g. attacking,
defending, evading harm). Affected Monsters or NPCs
can be targeted with Edge the same way. Someone
who is Prone can still crawl at half their Speed.
DURATION: Spend half Movement on your Turn
to stand back up and suffer Challenge to any
Action Rolls made during that same Turn (or gain
Edge vs a Monster or NPC).
RESTRAINED
You cannot move freely and suffer Challenge to
do anything related, except attempting to get free
(e.g. attacking, defending, evading harm). Affected
Monsters or NPCs can be targeted with Edge the
same way.
DURATION: Until the restriction is ended or
destroyed.
SLOWED
Your Movement Speed is halved.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise, or after consuming
Coca Leaves.
STUNNED
You are shocked for a moment, unable to move
or act, and suffer Challenge to all Action Rolls
involving physical activity. Affected Monsters or
NPCs can be targeted with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the affected’s next
Turn or after taking any damage, unless specified
otherwise.
UNCONSCIOUS
You are unable to act in any way. You fail all Action
Rolls an unconscious creature would be affected
by but remain unaffected otherwise. Succeed on
Action Rolls against an affected Monster or NPC
the same way. If not already Prone, fall Prone to
the ground.
DURATION: After taking a decent nap or when
something happens that would wake someone,
unless specified otherwise.
218
WITHERED (X)
Your body slowly withers away from some necrotic
attack or magic, even more so if you exert yourself.
Every hour, or when taking an Action or Bonus
Action, take (x) necrotic damage. If Withered is
inflicted multiple times or from multiple sources,
replace current (x) only if a new value of (x) is higher.
DURATION: Until you Rest or after consuming
Elderberry Seeds, unless specified otherwise.
Someone can also make a Wisdom Roll once to
attempt to cure Withered.
EXHAUSTED
You become extremely fatigued to the point of
collapse. You suffer Challenge to Action Rolls
using any Body Ability. Monsters or NPCs do not
get Exhausted.
DURATION: Clear no Bruises during Rest. Instead
remove either Exhausted, Troubled or Blemished.
Recovery removes all three and clears all Bruises
and Wounds as usual.
TROUBLED
Serious strain and worry take hold of your every
thought. You suffer Challenge to Action Rolls
using any Mind Ability. Monsters or NPCs do not
get Troubled.
DURATION: Clear no Bruises during Rest. Instead
remove either Exhausted, Troubled or Blemished.
Recovery removes all three and clears all Bruises
and Wounds as usual.
BLEMISHED
Your very personality and soul become tainted and
corrupted. You suffer Challenge to Action Rolls using
any Soul Ability. Monsters or NPCs do not get Blemished.
DURATION: Clear no Bruises during Rest. Instead
remove either Exhausted, Troubled or Blemished.
Recovery removes all three and clears all Bruises
and Wounds as usual.
A FFLICTIONS
Adventuring can be an ugly and dangerous business
and Afflictions are an unfortunate part of it. There are
two common types of Afflictions: Injury and Trauma.
Even though a Character will be exposed to many
dangers and will take damage frequently while
adventuring, Injury and Trauma are meant to indicate
something more severe. As described in the REST &
RECOVERY SECTION ON P. 190 , they do not simply
go away when you Rest, but require more downtime
to cure using Recovery.
If you ever suffer more than a total of three Afflictions,
your Character becomes Dying. This not only includes
Injury and Trauma, but Disease, Infection, Curses and
Possession as well.
SEVERITY OF A FFLICTIONS
If the idea of suffering and roleplaying such severe
afflictions as presented here is something you’d prefer
not to do you can choose to omit them from the
game. You and the Doomsayer can have a conversation
together about what you would be okay with and
what not.
Blood And Doom is intended to be a tense, gritty
game, not a gory or disturbing one. Afflictions are
included to make danger feel more real as opposed to
just marking Bruises and Wounds but should not cause
anyone to feel uncomfortable.
For example, you can choose to not use Injury and
Trauma while still keeping Curses as part of the game,
or any other combination. If you prefer to play without
Injury and Trauma, you can use a general penalty as
shown here instead and can refer to them as Injury
or Trauma without being more specific about their
nature.
▪ Per Injury, lower the Ability Score of three Body
Abilities of your choice by 1.
▪ Per Trauma, lower the Ability Score of two Mind
and two Soul Abilities of your choice by 2.
219
Conditions & Afflictions
INJURY
Suffering Injury is often the direct result of failing a roll
to protect yourself against certain harm. For example,
the bite of an incredibly powerful Monster such as
a dragon, getting caught in an explosion, or when
falling from great height. It doesn’t matter how much
Bruises or Wounds you have marked; you suffer an
Injury regardless. Anther common way to suffer Injury
is when marking Wounds. Whenever you have marked
all (x3) Wounds boxes, you suffer an Injury. Whenever
you have marked both (x6) Wounds boxes, you also
suffer an Injury.
Injuries can be anything from a broken arm, dislocated
shoulder, deep-cut wound or shattered knee cap.
Each time your Character sustains an Injury, you and
the Doomsayer can choose one fitting with how it
was sustained. Some Injuries can be chosen multiple
times, which is indicated on the Injury Table. Each
Injury has one or more negative consequences for your
Character that remain in effect until they get a chance
to Recover and possibly heal them.
The consequences mentioned in the Injury Table
last until the relevant Injury is healed. Even though
normally some Conditions could be ended in other
ways, that doesn’t apply when they are the result of
an Injury. It should be noted that Injury effects are not
all-encompassing, and the Doomsayer may rule that
some actions not mentioned here suffer Challenge, or
that it is impossible to do a certain thing while you are
affected by the Injury. Common sense should be used
to determine how this would play out.
Injuries are of course best roleplayed instead of only
applying their effect as related to the rules of the game.
Not being able to wield your favorite weapon because
of a broken arm might cause your Character to worry
as they are no longer able to protect those they love,
or a fractures collarbone may cause incredible pain
whenever they put on or take of your armor, and so on.
 Conditions & Afflictions

INJURY TABLE
INJURY EFFECT INJURY EFFECT
The snap of bone sickeningly echoes through the air as your arm crumples under the You feel the sting of skin tearing as the blade strikes, leaving a deep gouge in your
Broken force of the blow. You feel a sharp pain shoot up your arm, and your hand hangs limply Deep flesh. The wound bleeds freely, but it’s the throbbing pain that really gets to you.
Arm (2) at your side. Abrasion (1) Mark 2 (x2) Bruises. These cannot be cleared until you Recover. For every (x2) Bruise you
(1) You lose the ability to use of one of your arms. (2) You lose the ability to use both arms. have marked or mark later you suffer Challenge to Body Ability Rolls.

You hear the sickening crunch of bone as your knee is struck, and you crumple to the You hear the snap of bone as your collarbone shatters under the force of the blow.
Shattered ground in agony. Your leg feels numb and moving is going to be painful. Your arm hangs limply at your side, and every movement sends waves of pain through
Kneecap (1) Fractured
your body.
You fall Prone, suffer Slowed and cannot get up from being Prone without help. Collarbone (2)
(1) Take 1 Internal Damage each time you use the affected shoulder or arm. (2) Take 1d4
The wound stings as you feel the warmth of blood trickling down your skin. But it’s not Internal Damage instead.
Festering the cut that worries you - it’s the sickly smell emanating from the festering wound.
Cut (1) You feel a cutting sting as the blade slices through bone, severing your finger from
Your (x1) Bruises become fully marked. You cannot clear (x1) Bruises except by Recovering. your hand. Blood spurts from the stump, and you feel a sense of loss and despair wash
You feel a sharp pain in your gut as the blow lands, and you realize something inside Lost Fingers (3) over you.
you has ruptured. Blood fills your mouth as you struggle to breathe. Hopefully Roll 1d3 to determine how many fingers are lost. Each finger lost causes Challenge to any
Internal minstrels will leave out the part about you choking in your own blood when they sing action made with that hand.
Bleeding (1) about your exploits. You feel a sharp pain shoot up your back as you twist awkwardly, and your muscles
You only clear half of your (x1) Bruises and half your (x2) Bruises when Resting or spasm in protest. Every movement sends waves of agony through your body, and you
Recovering, rounded down. Back Sprain (1) can barely stand.

Your vision blurs as the impact hits, and you feel a sharp pain shoot through your skull. You only clear (x1) Bruises and (x3) Wounds when you Rest or Recover and suffer Challenge
to all Action Rolls involving physical activity.
Skull This is going to be really bad…
Fracture (1) Your foot turns awkwardly as you misjudge your movement, and you feel a sharp pain
Lower all Mind Ability Scores by 1 and suffer 1 Psychic Damage whenever you make an
shoot up your leg. Every step is agony, and you can barely put weight on your injured
Action Roll using a Mind Ability. Twisted
foot. Maybe your opponents won’t notice?
Ankle  (1)
You scream in agony as your flesh burns, searing it to the bone. Your skin blisters and
Third-Degree Suffer 1 Internal Damage whenever you move and/or physically exert yourself (e.g. attack,
chars, and you can smell the crispy odor of your own burning flesh.
Burns (1) block, evade, lift heavy objects) without help or support.
Take 1d4 Fire Damage every hour, ignoring armor.
You feel a sharp pain shoot through your body as the blow lands, and you know that
Nerve
You feel the air rush out of your lungs as the blow strikes your chest, and you hear something’s off, as the sting won’t subside.
Damage (1)
a crunch as your ribs break. Every breath is agony, and you struggle to keep the
Suffer 1 Internal Damage whenever you spend a Blood Point or Doom Point.
Broken Ribs (1) convulsions at bay.
The force of the impact shatters your jawbone, making it impossible to speak or eat
You cannot do anything every other Round except defend yourself and you suffer
without immense pain. Your words will be coming out as a guttural growl for a while,
Challenge to all Action Rolls relating to physical activity. Broken Jaw (1)
and your mouth hangs open in a grotesque rictus.
Your leg buckles under the force of the blow, and you feel a sharp pain shoot up your
Any Action Rolls involving talking suffer Challenge and you need assistance to eat or drink.
thigh. You have difficulty to stand and support your own weight and whatever you
Fractured The blow to your head leaves you dizzy and disoriented, with a splitting headache and
carry.
Leg (2) a ringing in your ears. You struggle to maintain your balance and focus, and your vision
(1) Your maximum Inventory Slots is halved. (2) You suffer Prone and cannot stand up
blurs and swims with every movement.
or crawl. Concussion (2)
(1) You suffer Blinded and automatically fail all Focus Rolls. (2) You also suffer Confused,
The blow opens a deep gash in your flesh, exposing muscle and bone. Blood spurts
though you can ignore the effects of this Condition by spending 1 Blood Point per Action
Gruesome from the wound in pulses, and you feel yourself growing weak and lightheaded. At least
you take.
Wounds (1) it feels a little like getting drunk, but less fun.
You don’t know what it is, but you don’t feel well. You and the Doomsayer can come up
Take 1d4 Internal Damage every hour. Just A Thing (1)
with something together.

220 221

M ADNESS & TRAUMA
Unlike Injury, Trauma is never the direct result of failing
a roll to protect yourself. Instead, you slowly become
insane and unstable by suffering Madness. There are
several boxes that can be marked when you suffer
Madness, just like Bruises and Wounds. Each Madness
box represents just 1 Madness, never more.
Whenever you Rest of Recover all Madness is cleared,
just like Bruises. When Madness is fully marked, you
suffer a Trauma. Each Trauma has one or more negative
consequences for your Character that remain in effect
until they get a chance to Recover and receive proper
treatment to heal their Trauma. All Conditions and
other effects mentioned in the Trauma Table last until
the Trauma is healed.
Trauma can be anything from amnesia, a phobia,
mania, compulsion and more. It is usually the result
of powerful abilities of alien-like monsters or magic
that pierces your mind and thoughts, though it can
happen when you traverse into unimaginable darkness
and depths or when witnessing horrific events as well.
Just like Injury, when you suffer a Trauma you and the
Doomsayer can choose one fitting with how is was
sustained. Trauma can also be rolled randomly on the
Trauma table using a d6 and then a d4, leaving the
mental health of your Character up to chance.
After suffering a Trauma, you immediately clear all
Madness sustained, and any Madness suffered at
that instance above your Character’s maximum is
disregarded. The level of Madness you reached has
materialized itself in the form of the Trauma, giving
you some relief before accumulating Madness again
and perhaps (though hopefully not!) suffer another
Trauma.
The Trauma Table below presents a variety of Traumas
and how they might manifest in your Character. Even
though every Trauma has one or more penalties or
222
Conditions imposed on your Character, a big part of
each is a narrative consequence that can be roleplayed
to great dramatic effect. Each Trauma provides some
hints as to how they might make your Character feel
or how they might behave while its effect has a hold
on them, as well as information on what parts of your
Character Path are affected, if any.
D6 TRAUMA
1 Amnesia
2 Phobia
3 Disorder
4 Compulsion
5 Mania
6 Delusion
On the following pages, you will find example
manifestations of various types of Trauma.
DISEASE, CURSES
& POSSESSION
If Injuries and Trauma aren’t bad enough, the world
of Blood and Doom is also rife with diseases that an
adventurer might attract. Also, when dealing with cults
and occult-related activity, artifacts or forbidden texts,
it isn’t unheard of for adventurers to become curses
or even get possessed by some sort of demon. For
the final release of this book, extensive rules for such
ominous and dark Afflictions will be added, though
a version update to this free Primer book may see
them included even sooner.
Conditions & Afflictions
EXAMPLE A MNESIA (D4)
The strain of your experiences shuts down your memories. You forget who you
are and how or why you ended up where you are today, and with what purpose,
causing you to despair and maybe requiring the help of friends to pull you
1. Retrograde through.
Amnesia
All your Soul Ability Scores are temporarily lowered by 1 and you suffer 1 Madness
when you wake up after every Rest.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Party Vow.
You forget not only the incident that causes your amnesia, but also critical aspects
of your training and experience, not remembering much of what you were so
2. Dissociative
good at.
Amnesia
Choose 8 Skills you have Rank 2 or higher in and temporarily lower their Rank by 2.
These Skills’ Ranks can end up being 0. You also cannot make use of any of your Feats.
You forget who your allies are, and indeed, who everyone is except yourself.
Names, identities, relationships, etc. are all a mystery to you. This may even cause
you to mistrust or at the least be suspicious of people claiming they’re your best
3. Localized
friends and allies.
Amnesia I
You become Troubled and cannot benefit from any your allies Traits, Powers, or Magic,
and cannot gain Boosts.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Party Vow, Significant People.
You lose all memory of your culture and only remember your native language (or
one of multiple). You feel empty as though your existence has no roots, and it may
4. Localized even lead you astray from the morals you were taught from a young age on.
Amnesia II Action Rolls that rely on your culture or heritage suffer Challenge and related Traits,
Powers or Magic cannot be used.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Languages, Deities & Spirits, Ideals.
223

EXAMPLE PHOBIAS (D4)
When the darkness comes, it feels like you are surrounded by a black void that
devours all light. The shadows stealthily sneak around you, the icy-cold whispers hiss,
1. Nyctophobia the unknown lurks in every corner. As soon as you are in the dark, you freak out.
You suffer Challenge to all Action Rolls made in darkness or a dimly lit environment
and cannot benefit from any Traits or Feats that grant advantages to being in darkness.
You have an overpowering fear of being consumed by a visceral horror that strikes
at the very core of your being. You struggle with images of being swallowed whole
by a monstrous creature or being devoured by the maw of a gaping abyss.
2. Teratophobia Make a Courage Roll (Difficulty 3) when you encounter any Monster. On a failure,
you suffer Frightened, with all Monsters being the source of your fear, not just
a specific one.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Party Vow.
The sharpness of blades, the point of a needle, the jagged edge of beast’s tooth:
Each one a deadly threat, waiting to pierce your flesh and spill your blood. You
can no longer bear to touch a sharp object, to look at it, or even to think of it.
3. Aichmophobia You won’t be able to hold anything sharp or even carry it with you, and when
encountering an opponent with a sharp object (or natural weapon), you suffer
Challenge to all Action Rolls as long as they are within Near range of you.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Habits.
The sight of blood makes you sick. The metallic scent, the sticky texture, the
sickening knowledge of what it represents. Even a drop completely overpowers
your senses. You cannot bear to see it.
4. Hemophobia
Make a Willpower Roll (Difficulty 3) when you see blood. On a failure, you cannot
refrain from turning or moving away until it is out of sight.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Party Vow, Habits.
224
Conditions & Afflictions
EXAMPLE DISORDERS (D4)
You feel the darkness within you spreading like a disease. You know that you are
still alive, but it feels like you are already dead, a walking corpse, a ghost in the
flesh. The fear grips you and the hopelessness consumes you.
1. Cotard Syndrome
Suffer 1 Madness whenever you socially interact with anyone aside from expressing
your dark thoughts to them.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Significant People.
Nightmares plague your sleep, and the horrific visions that visit you even cause you
waking hallucinations. Some nightmares involve people you love and who are close
to you.
2. Insomnia
Whenever you have taken a Rest, roll 1 Action Die. On a failure, you become Exhausted
from not having slept properly.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Significant People.
You are burdened with a weight that presses down on your every movement,
making even the simplest tasks seem impossible. Your body feels heavy and
sluggish, and every breath is a struggle. But beware, for in your weakness, you may
become vulnerable to attack, and risk losing your life to the slightest misstep.
3. Weight of Atlas
You suffer Slowed. You may make a Toughness Roll (Difficulty 3) when in a dangerous
or life-threatening situation. On a success, the Condition subsides for 1 minute.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality.
You endlessly yearn for a past that can never be recaptured. You long for a time
when things were simpler and more innocent, and you are haunted by memories
of what once was. In your nostalgia, you risk becoming stuck in the past and
4. Anemoia unable to move forward.
Both your Blood Point and Doom Point maximum are lowered by 3.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Party Vow, Ideals.
225

EXAMPLE COMPULSIONS (D4)
Your mind is stripped of all fear, leaving you cold and calculating, without regard
for your own safety or that of others. You are always driven to take great risks, no
matter who you put in the face of danger by doing so.
1. Phobosclerosis You gain Edge to Courage Rolls but at the same time have no regard for danger,
suffering Challenge to all Action Rolls relating to making smart decisions or even
estimating a lethal situation, etc.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Party Vow, Habits.
Are you sure it’s dead? You can’t be positive until you are absolutely certain. When
confronted with a dead creature, even one you have killed, you are compelled
to hack at it or use whatever means necessary to ensure that it is no longer
2. Mortumosia a threat. This also applies to any creature long dead, as well as traps that caused
you damage.
If you cannot act out your urge to do as described, you suffer 1 Madness every time.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Habits.
You are not entirely sure about the difference between your inner voice and the
one that speaks aloud, so you blurt out whatever is on your mind, regardless of the
risk it puts you in or the potential conflicts it creates for your allies.
3. Agorhea
No penalties apply, but this Compulsion should bring you and your Party enough
trouble even without.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Habits.
You are absolutely fascinated by bones! The yellower, the older, or the more
unusual they are, the better! You feel the urge to collect and gather them into
nice, neat little piles. Each one is unique, a testament to the life it once belonged
to. You long to possess them, hold them close, and feel the weight of their history
in your hands.
4. Osseous
Hoarding As soon as you see bones, make a Focus Roll (Difficulty 3) to refrain from trying to
collect them as your first action. If you have bones in your possession, you will stay up
late to study them, and become Exhausted until they are taken from you or you are
forced to rest.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Habits.
226
Conditions & Afflictions
EXAMPLE M ANIAS (D4)
You are filled with a religious fervor, a devotion to the divine that burns within you
like a flame. You see yourself as an instrument of your gods’ or spirits’ will and are
driven to spread their hallowed or spiritual message to the point of risking harm
and alienating allies.
1. Hyperreligiosity
Suffer Challenge 3 to socially interact with people holding different religious beliefs
than you. Unless you bring up your deity with a fanaticism burning in your eyes during
every conversation, succeed a Heart Roll (Difficulty 3) or become Troubled.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Party Vow, Ideals, Significant People.
You are consumed by a wild energy, a desire to revel and indulge in all of life’s
pleasures. You dance and sing with abandon, losing yourself in the intoxicating
rhythms of the world around you. But beware, for in your madness, you may
become a danger to yourself and others.
2. Bacchic Mania
You lose interest in whatever quest or assignment you and your Party are involved in
and will take any opportunity you get to carouse until the suns come up, causing you
to become Exhausted.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Party Vow, Ideals.
You have become completely swept up in some quixotic quest or obsession
determined by the Doomsayer as appropriate to what caused this Mania. It
dominates your every waking moment. You talk about it incessantly and regard all
3. Obsession lesser goals as unimportant next to this fixation.
Make a Willpower Roll (Difficulty 3) every time you wish to divert your path from
your goal. On a failure, and if you don’t follow your goal, you lose all Blood Points and
become Troubled.
You are destined for greatness, and your every action is proof of your superiority.
You might see yourself as a god, a conqueror, or simply the most important person
in the world.
Lower your Heart Score by 3 temporarily (minimum score of 1) Should you be in
4. Megalomania
a situation that would require you to hold back, disengage or retreat in any matter,
make an Insight Roll (Difficulty 3). On a failure, you continue on despite the odds
and dangers.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Party Vow, Ideals.
227
 Conditions&Afflictions

EXAMPLE DELUSIONS (D4)

You believe that ordinary events or objects have special significance just for you.
You may see hidden messages in books, or even road signs, and are convinced that
these messages are meant specifically for you for a purpose you desperately want
to uncover.
1. Delusion of
Make an Insight Roll (Difficulty 3) if someone is trying to convince you that you’re
Reference
wrong or interfere with the pursuit of your discovery of what the messages mean.
On a failure, you suffer Challenge to all Action Rolls that do not involve pursuing
your research.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Party Vow, Ideals, Habits.

You become convinced that you are possessed by a demon, an utterly malevolent
presence that consumes you with a dark madness. It has taken root in your very
soul, driving you to commit unspeakable acts of evil unless stopped by your allies.
At the start of every new Scene and Encounter, make a Willpower Roll (Difficulty 2)
2. Daemonomania
On a failure, you do something twisted. Feel free to be creative about the evil you’re
trying to do! The delusion does not make you dumb, though, and you will refrain from
doing things that may get you in immediate trouble.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Habits.

The world around you is a foul lie, a twisted mockery of reality. Only you realize
that all other people, including your loved ones, are imposters, disguises worn
by dark spirts to deceive you. You are alone, surrounded by enemies, trapped in
3. Capgras a perpetual nightmare.
Syndrome You are constantly vigilant and suffer Challenge 3 to all Action Rolls related to social
interaction. Make an Insight Roll (Difficulty 3) to believe anything someone says unless
it conforms to your delusion.
AFFECTS CHARACTER PATH: Personality, Party Vow, Habits.

You believe you are someone else. An important historical figure, long-dead hero,
or someone with great significance to your ancestry. This makes you behave as
though extremely important, majestic even, to the annoyance of those around
you, who you view as being less important and only in your life to serve you and
4. Delusion of
your grand destiny.
Grandeur
Your Heart Ability Score is lowered by 2, but your Mystique Ability Score is increased
by 2. If people around you don’t go along with your delusional thoughts during
any time between Rests, make an Insight Roll (Difficulty 3). On a failure, you suffer
1d4 Madness.

228 229

CHAPTER 13:
DOOMSAYER’S
SECTION
FOR DOOMSAYER’S EYES ONLY
This part of the book is meant for the Doomsayer and includes advice
on how to create an immersive and captivating tabletop roleplaying
experience, as well as on how to run a Blood and Doom adventure
or campaign specifically. However, most of the information here isn’t
secret and Players should feel free to read through this section as well.
230
CORE PRINCIPLES
1. PREPARE YOUR GAME
Before running Blood and Doom , make sure to
familiarize with the rules and the core principles of
the game. You also should also read through whatever
adventure you will be running. This could be any of the
published pre-written adventures or a scenario of your
own making, although we strongly encourage new
Doomsayers who have never run a tabletop roleplaying
game before to start off with a published adventure.
These have the advantage of having everything you
need included (such as quests, maps, illustrations, etc.)
and will save you a great deal of time.
Two free Starting Adventures are available for you to
download (or came bundled with this book): ‘Faces of
Evil’ and ‘The Seven Jewels of Azul-Ra’, as are several
Quickstart Characters to use with these adventures
or any other. Quickstart Characters can be especially
useful if Players ask to get a sense of the game and
setting before investing the time and effort to create
their own Characters (although creating one in Blood
and Doom is a fast and easy process), if they don’t
(yet) have the inspiration to come up with a concept
of their own, or if they couldn’t be present while the
other Players created their Characters.
2. RUN SESSION 0
Read the section on Session 0 and present a framework
for the Players to work in by telling them about the
setting and maybe the region where the Adventure
will take place in, then listen to their ideas and the
concepts they come up with for their Characters. The
best acting instructors and directors rarely tell their
students or actors exactly what to do, but rather let
them follow their intuition and then help them improve
on their own instincts and plans. It’s a lot more fun for
them and, ultimately, for you as well, if they’re allowed
to develop what they have in mind, but do remain
available to help them tweak or finetune their ideas.
If you’re running a quick one or two Session game or
short adventure, Session 0 might not be necessary, and
Players may opt to use Quickstart Characters instead.
3. BE R EADY TO A DJUST
If you feel a Player might not feel comfortable with
sensitive topics you know will be intrinsic to your
campaign, talk this over with them. Maybe your
231
Doomsayer's Section
adventures require a certain sense of dread and
horror not everyone is okay with or may include
difficult subjects that also form social or psychological
problems in real life. Remind Players that this is a game
of make-belief, set in a world that isn’t meant to reflect
an ideal society. There are many things horribly wrong
on Athyr, and slavery, discrimination, torture, and
other distasteful things do exist in certain places within
this fictional world. Tackling them in a tasteful manner
can be a very rewarding experience and doesn’t mean
you are promoting them as a person.
Be willing to remove or adjust themes that might be
offensive to one or more Players, but also keep the
option open to tell Players that this might not be the
game for them if too much doesn’t align with what they
expect from the game. There are hundreds of TTRPGs
out there, and a limitless number of ways to play Blood
and Doom , and they might enjoy themselves better in
another group or campaign if themes central to the
plot do not sit well with them.
Most importantly, even though you may include
difficult themes and immoral ideologies or actions in
your games, never present them as something positive.
They are there to accentuate the ever-present strife
and danger on Athyr and to challenge the Characters,
not as something to aspire to. There is evil and
immorality in the world, and it should always be clear
that this is something bad that no-one should wish for
and is present in the game (most often) as something
for Player Characters to stand up against.
4. PRESENT CHALLENGES,
NOT SOLUTIONS
Remember that a tabletop roleplaying game is
a collaborative storytelling experience. Even though
you will most likely have an adventure in front of
you, or improvise something you come up with, the
Characters’ actions are what sets apart a tabletop
roleplaying game from all other games and what makes
it so immersive. Oftentimes, it helps to focus on the
Scene or Encounter at hand and stay in the moment
instead of worrying about what should happen next.
Try to create challenges and throw obstacles in the
Characters’ way and run with what they’re doing
instead of railroading them back on the ‘right path’.
It can even be worthwhile to present Characters with
situations you don’t necessarily know how they would
 Doomsayer's Section

solve them. Usually, you can trust that Players will find
a way, and will pleasantly surprise you.
Always keep the adventure or campaign’s story arc
in mind, but don’t force it on the Characters should
they decide to go in a different direction. Experienced
gamers are likely to tell you that some of their
most memorable sessions included non-scripted,
totally improvised sessions, and maybe even had the
Characters follow a tangent not even mentioned in the
adventure. Even more so, many Doomsayers (perhaps
including yourself) prefer to play open-ended games,
in which the Characters’ actions dictate the plot over
the course of many Sessions, instead of using any kind
of a long-term plan.
That being said, you sometimes may want to help
Characters get back on track if they’re lost or if it
becomes clear that their failure to act is going to
have dire consequences. You may want to present
them with the (possible) outcome of their (in)action,
have an NPC talk to them, throw an obstacle on their
way that makes it impossible to continue what they
were doing, and so on. Just refrain from doing so
when it isn’t absolutely necessary and never make such
interventions too obvious.
5. A FORCE FOR GOOD
No matter if Players create Characters that are a saintly
force for good, or shady, self-centered types who
aren’t averse to stealing, double-crossing, and bribing,
the most important principle of Blood and Doom is
that in the end, Characters work together to make the
world a better place, no matter what their method.
They could be looking out just for themselves or have
a shared higher purpose of rooting out injustice, but any
acts of pure evil executed by Player Characters have no
place in Blood and Doom . Exceptions of crossing this
line temporarily may be made if a Character is under
the influence of a curse or some malevolent power
that has taken hold of them, or when they are tempted
by the notion of joining a cult. After a while though,
should a Character become irredeemable, they can
perhaps live on in the fiction as a villainous NPC, there
for other Characters (or those in future Adventures) to
confront. In short, acts of evil and depravity are to be
reserved for malevolent overlord NPCs (or the poor
misguided souls who follow them) and put in the game
for Characters to oppose, not to indulge in themselves.
PLAYER-FACING
ROLLS
In most tabletop roleplaying games, both the Players and
Doomsayer make rolls to see how well the Characters,
Monsters and NPCs fare. Blood and Doom, however, is
a player-facing game, which means Players will be making
most, if not all, of the rolls. This allows you to focus on
orchestrating and directing evocative and challenging
Encounters, while shifting the action ever more into
the hands of Players. Player-facing rolls have the added
advantage of keeping Players alert and engaged at all
times during the game, as even when it isn’t their Turn,
they could be asked to roll to defend against attacks or
react to other things happening around them.
Instead of having to manage the Turns of a host of
Monsters during an Encounter, you as the Doomsayer
can focus on the narrative and describing what these
Monsters (or NPCs) do. There are still some dice for
you to roll of course, as rolling no dice at all wouldn’t
be much fun either! Whenever a Monster or NPC acts,
you can roll a d10 to determine what action they will
take (though you can always simply choose an action
yourself), and should a Monster or NPC deal damage,
you’ll roll Damage Dice to determine how much.
▪ Instead of gaining one or more Feats at Level 1,
these are gained at Level 2 instead. Any specific
Feats gained by a Class (as opposed to choosing
freely) should be kept, as they are an essential
part of that Class’s makeup.
▪ For armor, use a Protection Rating of 2 (light
armor), 3 (medium armor) or 4 (heavy armor)
and apply this to all damage types as opposed to
different values per damage type. This simplifies
armor, but also makes it a little better than it
otherwise would be, giving Characters a slightly
better chance of surviving.
▪ Refrain from using detailed rules on Unarmed
Attacks (no Edge / Challenge depending on
armed or unarmed opponents) and Grappling (no
Momentum spending; instead, a Grapple is simply
to Restrain an opponent, nothing more).
▪ Use the simplified rules for Injuries and Afflictions
as found in the SEVERITY OF AFFLICTIONS
SUBSECTION ON P. 219 .

CREATING
INEXPERIENCED A DVENTURES
BLOOD VS D OOM
PLAYERS
Although not yet included in this Primer book, the final,
official release of Blood and Doom’s Core Rulebook
As an optional rule, you can impose a penalty on the number of Action Dice a Player may will include a section with concrete tips on how to
roll to regain Blood Points when they Rest, should you find their Character has willingly Some elements of the game can be left out or create immersive adventures both fast and easy and
indulged themselves too much in the dark arts and cult-like behavior. At the same time, adjusted when playing Blood and Doom for a group how to prepare your Sessions step by step.
such a Character may gain a bonus to the number of Action Dice they roll at the end of of Players who don’t have any prior experience with
tabletop roleplaying games. This allows such Players
a Session to gain Doom Points.
to get familiar with the basics first, and to expand on
This balancing act of Blood Points representing a force for good, and Doom Points
representing malevolence and the impending doom of Athyr can be a fun way of
these later, usually after having completed a starting
adventure or two. COMBAT AT
gradually showing a Player what the consequences and benefits are of such actions, up
until the point it may be too late for them to repent, and they turn into a villainous NPC.
Additionally, each Class is labeled with a Complexity,
varying from Low, Medium to High. Inexperienced YOUR TABLE
Players are recommended to choose a Class of Low or Combat and Encounters can be played out in several
This should not be presented as a form of punishment, but simply serve to show that Medium Complexity. Should you think it would help ways, each depicting the action differently. The
such actions do matter in Blood and Doom and can shift the balance between their your group learn the ropes, you can do some or all the method you choose depends on your and your group’s
available Blood Points and Doom Points. For the final release of the game, this mechanic following as you see fit: preference, and perhaps the circumstances in the
may be expanded upon depending on playtest results and input from the community. game and other factors. As a suggestion, consider
▪ Ignore all Weapon Attributes. Instead, trying each of the approaches described below in one
Momentum can be spent to deal 1 extra damage
or two Sessions, then choose one that appeals the most
per Momentum, up to a maximum of 3. Any to the group. You could even switch methods from
Traits or Powers that specifically refer to Weapon one Encounter to the next to keep things fresh and the
Attributes should not to be chosen until Weapon Players engaged.
Attributes are introduced.

232 233

THEATER OF THE M IND
Theater of the mind means that all the action takes
place by describing it to one another at the table,
preferring to keep the focus on immersion and the
fiction rather than calculating or measuring distances.
Let’s take an Encounter with Beastmen as an example.
It often doesn’t matter exactly how far away from
a Character any Beastman is located. What matters
instead is whether the Character could hit it with their
bow, or whether the Beastman would be able to hit
them with any ranged weapon they carry from where
they are positioned.
Players may wonder if the Beastman even carries
a ranged weapon at all, and whether their Character
could make that out from where they are standing.
Could they move up to the Beastman and still swing
their sword in one Turn, or would they need to move
twice on their Turn and wait until their next Turn to
take a swing at the Beastman?
These kinds of abstractions are at the core of running an
Encounter using theater of the mind. It can be helpful to
think of each element in a Scene or Encounter, whether
the environment, structures, objects in it or Characters
and Monsters, as being related to each other with
purpose, instead of exactly defined distances.
It is up to you as the Doomsayer to provide challenges
while Characters and their opponents (under your
control) are moving around during an Encounter
like this. Treacherous terrain and obstacles can make
all the difference and moving freely may require an
extra Action Roll in some cases for instance. This way,
movement and distance become real even if not
directly visible on a map.
Size, Speed, Distance and Range are meant as basic
building blocks of the above premise when using
theater of mind; they are merely a way for you
and your Players to speak the same language and
understand one another when describing what anyone
sees or wants to do, but no more than that.
CREATURE SIZE
Somewhere around the size of
Tiny a squirrel, a mouse or anything
smaller.
About the size of a goat, a chair or
Small
the smallest person you know.
The size of an average human,
Medium
a tiger or a modest bookcase.
234
CREATURE SIZE
Large About the size of a cow or a horse.
The size of an elephant, a shed or
Huge
castle gates.
About the size of a sailboat or
Enormous
a modest house.
Somewhere around the size of
Massive
a castle tower or a whale.
The size of a mansion, castle, or
Gargantuan
anything bigger.
M ELEE DISTANCES
Up to an arm-lengths away or
closer. Suited for fighting by
Close
biting, using claws, a dagger, axe,
or sword.
A few steps away. Suited for
fighting with a whip, spear, halberd
Near
or throwing a net. This is about 2
times Close.
R ANGED DISTANCES
Only a short sprint away. Suited
for throwing a handaxe, firing
Far
a shortbow or throwing shuriken.
This is about 3 times Near.
A decent sprint away, requiring
some time to cross. Suited
Distant
for firing a longbow or heavy
crossbow. This is about 3 times Far.
GRIDLESS M AP
& M INIATURES
For many gaming groups, using a gridless map and
miniatures is the perfect “middle ground” between
theater of the mind and using a more ‘exact’ gridded
map. It provides all the benefits of being able to
visualize an Encounter, the environment it takes place
in, and the relative positions of Characters and their
opponents. All the while doing so without getting
bogged down by measuring exact distances or
counting a number of squares on the map.
Doomsayer's Section
Both when using this method and theater of the mind, A LTERNATIVE SETTINGS
a Reposition Roll can be a great tool to use when in Basic information about Blood and Doom’s setting,
doubt whether a Character might be able to reach Athyr, is included in this book, and greatly expanded on
a spot on the map or not. Though most of the time in the other core rulebooks, adventures, and upcoming
a fair estimation can be made by you as the Doomsayer supplements. If you’re not already doing so, consider
(and whenever possible ruling in favor of the Players, as using the Doomsayer’s Codex: Guide to Athyr and
Blood and Doom is a hard enough game already!) of the Doomsayer’s Codex: The Twelve Pillars of Doom
what distance might be considered fair for a Character to add hundreds of pages of additional regions, quest
to move, any doubts can be quickly resolved by having hooks, adventure ideas, NPCs, Monsters, cults, spells,
the Player make a Reposition Roll. and more to your game.
If you want to run a campaign that’s more oriented
GRIDDED M AP
towards a certain type of play, be it intrigue or espionage,
exploration, warfare, romance, myth, or specific fantasy
& M INIATURES
or horror subgenres, chances are you’ll find a settlement
Using a gridded map offers you the benefit of measuring or (sub)region that is extremely conducive to that kind
things precisely, using the guide provided below and of play without needing to adapt the game. If there are
counting any distance using the number of squares on Stat Blocks or rules that are distinct for that region, they
the map, which usually represent 5 feet each. Likewise will be included there, and you’ll find that Athyr is a rich
it can be used to determine whether a distant target is and wondrous but dangerous world and the rewards of
adventuring in it will be huge, both for the Players and
within range of Character, Monster or NPC’s weapon,
and so forth. It eliminates most disagreements about their Characters.
where a Character is and what they can accomplish Still, you may want to tweak the setting and make it
on their Turn, though (and again, this depends entirely
your own. An obvious change would be to add Elves,
on preference) it can lead to the fiction of the game
Dwarves, or other non-humans as playable Character
being reduced to something more akin to a board or options. An easy way to this would be to replace the
strategy game as opposed to a story taking place in
listed Origins with the ones just mentioned, which
everyone’s collective imaginations. will each have their own cultural heritage, known
languages, and maybe even pantheons. However, we
CREATURE SIZE do advice not to start handing out bonuses to Ability
Scores, Skills, or anything else you may find in other
Medium
1 square games, as Blood and Doom was created to have these
(or smaller)
tied to a Character’s Class, not their Origin.
Large 2 or 3 squares There are many other options, of course. Maybe you
want to go back in time and present Athyr in an earlier
Huge 4 or 6 squares
age, or up the tech level and make gunpowder personal
weapons available. Maybe you want to include Ayaari
Enormous 8 or 9 squares
as a playable race, should some of these aliens have
survived and procreated. Maybe you’d like the gods
Massive 16 or 18 squares
to be more active, or introduce a new faction. In the
Gargantuan end, Blood and Doom is your game. We just provide
30 squares or more
(or larger)
a framework to build upon and if you’d like to change
anything, please go ahead and do so – just make a note
of it and stick to the new continuity you have created.
DISTANCES Of course, you can also use Blood and Doom ’s ruleset
Close 1 square 5 feet and Classes to play in an entirely different setting of
your own creation – or even adapt the game engine to
Near 2 squares 10 feet suit that of a third-party publisher. Even though certain
settings might require some rules to be tweaked, the
Far 6 squares 30 feet Blood and Doom game engine is robust enough to let
you do that.
Distant 18 squares 90 feet
235

RUNNING
THE GAME
Now that you are familiar with the basics and know how to prepare for a typical game session, it’s time to delve
a little bit deeper into actually running Blood and Doom at your table. The nuts and bolts of the matter so to speak.
BASIC DOOMSAYER A DVICE
There’s a lot of things we could say about being the
Game Master (or Doomsayer, in Blood and Doom)
for a tabletop roleplaying game – in fact, entire books
have been written on the subject, and the Doomsayer’s
Codices delve deeper into the matter as well. Here’s
some advice to help you get you started!
1. BUILD A STRONG START
As in real life, first impressions in a tabletop roleplaying
game are extremely important. Draw your Players in
from the start by appealing to their Characters’ senses
and motivations. Describe an evocative world and
get them to join in quickly. You should already have
presented an overview of the setting during Session
0 and even though you may want or need to repeat
some of that info, stick to what is important to the
adventure once it starts.
236
You may want to also foreshadow things to come or
set the scene, so you should be intimately familiar with
the opening sequence of the adventure. As always, do
let Players interrupt you if they’d like their Characters
to do something. It takes away from the suspension of
disbelief if you ask them to first listen to you unless you
still have to add in a description that might influence
their decisions.
2. A PPEAL TO A LL SENSES
Humans are very visually oriented beings, and while
describing Scenes and Encounters telling Players what
their surroundings look like is of course important.
However, try to always include one or more other
senses as well. For example, the sounds that may
stand out in a Scene. Perhaps water can be heard
slowly dripping in the distance, echoing through the
dark cavern the Characters just entered. Or, what
Characters might feel (not emotionally, but physically).
You could describe how a cold draft softly blows
through the underground tunnel complex, and that
the air is most, or perhaps thick and suffocating. Smells
are also important of course, and describing the stench
of decay or dank, moldy air prevalent in a Scene can
add a lot to build suspense. Similarly, the smell of
spices and roasted meat can liven up any town or city’s
marketplace in quite the opposite way!
The most important thing to remember is to refrain
from telling Players what their Characters might feel
or think as a result of what you describe. It can be
tempting to say things like ‘the icy cold makes your
legs stiffen’, or ‘the screaming sound of dozens of
prisoners makes you feel uneasy and afraid’, but that
after all, is up to the Player to decide. You can merely
present the situation to them, and it is their part of the
game to take the opportunity and describe what their
Character may feel or do as a result.
3. M AKE IT FEEL R EAL
One of your most important jobs as a Doomsayer will
be to keep your Players’ suspension of disbelief. Make
the world feel real by describing the results of their
actions. This includes humans reacting like humans,
but also extradimensional entities maybe reacting in
entirely different, unfathomable ways. It also includes
not railroading your Players. By forcing them into
a particular direction, you’re removing their sense of
agency as well as making the world feel less real.
Also try and be mindful of the fact that Players may
sometimes know more than their Characters or are
more knowledgeable in certain topics than their
Character might be in the fiction. If a Player would
make a decision that their Character most likely
wouldn’t, or which is based upon things happening in
a Scene their Character is not a part of (but the Players
obviously knows about), you may want to ask them to
think about whether their Character would actually
make this decision, not knowing what they do – just
make sure to explain why.
That being said, Blood and Doom is also a game
about investigation and discovering secrets, and there
is no need to dumb down Characters and keep Players
wondering at every turn whether their Character
would know or understand something that they
themselves do.
237
Doomsayer's Section
4. CATER TO YOUR PLAYERS
Different players like different things. Some may love
acting out their Characters, rarely breaking the fourth
wall when they’re speaking in their voices, while others
prefer narrating what their Characters are saying in
third person. Some might be particularly excited by
interacting with NPCs, persuading, manipulating,
seducing, interrogating, coercing, or even challenging
them. Others might love the tactical aspects of the
game and enjoy combat or other physical trials. And
a lot of players really like mysteries and puzzles, or
political intrigue.
Allow Players to do what they love most, whenever
possible, and let them know there is no right or wrong
way to do things when it comes to what was just
described. After playing with the same group for a while,
you’ll learn what excites each of your Players the most,
and you can try and include something that appeals to
everyone in your Sessions. It may happen that a Player
interested mostly in action and combat wants to hurry
along a Scene involving lengthy conversations with NPCs,
but that might also be the moment when one of the
other Players gets a chance to shine. One Session might
be more fun for some Players than for others, but over the
course of an adventure try and make it so that everyone
gets to experience something they specifically enjoy.
5. M EMORABLE NPC S
One of the things that excites Players is encountering
one or more interesting, memorable NPCs. When
introducing NPCs, try to describe a few quirks, facial
expressions, mannerisms, and physical features first,
but never more than 3 or maybe 4. Anything more
will be too much for Players to take in, and usually it’s
just a few things that stand out the most and that are
important or noteworthy. It’s never about describing
an NPC as accurately as possible, but instead letting
Players know what’s ‘special’ about this person. If there
are secrets the NPC is hiding, or things that might give
away clues to an investigation, make sure to mention
those (or hinting at them) as part of some ordinary
descriptors as well, as to not make them stand out too
much and give away such clues too easily.
To roleplay any NPC, the most important thing to
know about them is what their goal is or what their
core beliefs are. Whatever the NPC wants to achieve
(either in life in general, or more to the point of the
adventure) determines their actions and also their
 Doomsayer's Section

deposition towards the Player Characters, who of

course have their own goals that may or may not align.
Add to this a personality trait, mood or mannerism and
you have enough to go on and roleplay the NPC.
Another tip any Game Master will confirm is to have
a short list of NPC names ready with your notes. Players
will always (miraculously) seek out NPCs in the game
you haven’t prepared for and ignore those you may
have written a whole paragraph about. A list of names
allows you to come up with NPCs on the fly, and if you
have a list with names ready you can introduce an NPC
properly, and improvise the rest.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, know that NPCs
are in fact what makes an adventure or campaign
tick and holds everything together. They are more
important than anything else in the game, and
memorable NPCs and the conversations that take place
between them and the Player Characters, sometimes
fun, other times emotional or confronting, are far
more ‘real’ than anything else you can present during
the game.
6. LISTEN TO PLAYERS
Try and listen to your players as much as possible, let
them ask questions, and let Characters interrupt the
7. SWITCH UP
THE SPOTLIGHT
If one Player gets too much time to act at the table,
the other gamers might lose interest, or, worse, start
resenting you or them. Always try to jump from Player
to Player and ask what each is doing, always dividing
the spotlight between Players (and their Characters)
during Scenes and Encounters. Sometimes it makes
sense to spend a little longer on one Character,
especially if the group has split and not everyone is
at the same location, but if you need to do that, try
to balance things afterwards by giving someone else
a little bit more time.
During Encounters, which are meant to play out swiftly
like action scenes in a movie, try to keep an eye out for
Players who take a long time to decide what to do on
their Turn and nudge them along if necessary. The lack
of a set Turn order in Blood and Doom does help a lot
to prevent Players from thinking about this too long,
as none will effectively be ‘given’ a Turn unless they
actively choose to act. And at that point, they will also
likely have thought of ‘what’ they want their Character
to do and not spend too long executing it.
8. M AKE IT PERSONAL
THE ‘BLOOD’ AND THE ‘DOOM’
Blood and Doom is set in a world that is on the verge
of being doomed forever, though the Player Characters
might of course still be able to avert that fate. Most
cults still operate in the proverbial shadows, away
from the prying eyes of rulers, adventurers, and law
enforcers, but there is a prevailing sense among some
that this is about to change, and a time of extreme
hardship is at hand. The twelve major cults of Athyr
worship the Heralds of Doom, and each of them has
their own twisted plan for Athyr and its people.
The people of Athyr do know there are dangers
lurking almost everywhere, but not every single place
on Athyr is necessarily dark and foreboding, not every
location is haunted, not every sorcerer is in league with
demons, not every sovereign is immensely cruel, and
not every kid is possessed. Adventures and campaigns
work best when you foreshadow the doom and build
op the atmosphere, heightening the tension while
gradually unveiling the truth – a reality that, all too
often, seems dark and hopeless. Following are some
tips to get that foreboding vibe to your gaming table:
1. ATMOSPHERE
2. BUILD SUSPENSE
Don’t hit the Players with everything all at once: drop
little hints that something’s off before divulging more
information. As the Characters start discovering more
about what is going on, you can create more ominous
scenes and become more graphic.
Think of most horror stories: most start off in the real
world, with the personages living out their normal lives,
totally oblivious to the portentous stratagems at play.
Then, something odd happens, and soon, more bizarre
things start to occur. Maybe a family member starts
acting weird, or the same doll keeps showing up at
random locations in the house, or footsteps are heard
on the attic floor.
Whatever the case, these occurrences should mostly be
things that make the Players wonder, without already
being able to pinpoint what’s really going on with any
degree of certainty. Ideally, you’ll succeed in making
them so curious that they can’t help but open that
secret door or stick their arms into the gaping maw of
the gruesome stone statue. Finally, the true danger is
revealed, and it’s even worse than the Characters could
ever have imagined.

narrative or the action if they should be able to do
so. As the Doomsayer you have a lot of control over
the game and handing out this control to the Players
and simply letting them do their ‘thing’ for a while as
you listen can be very rewarding. More often than not,
listening to Players discuss and plan ahead will provide
you with a host of ideas of how the adventure or a Scene
might progress next and that you hadn’t thought of
yourself. For the sake of not breaking immersion, when
you decide to pursue one of the ideas a Player came
up with, always tell them that was your plan all along,
and they simply guessed it right!
If Characters have a personal link to something or
someone, the Players will probably end up being more
involved as well. Even if you’re running a published
adventure, look for NPCs, locations, or events that
you could tie to one or more Characters. Maybe
Amalia’s grandfather used to tell her about this one
tavern in Orthoss where he used to dance with her
late grandmother. Maybe the artifact the heroes are
looking for is Hafaista’s long-lost family heirloom. Thalia
could need the money she’ll make with her share of
the treasure to get much-needed magical healing for
her dying father. Upon examining the names engraved
in the golden amulet Fala recovers from a tomb, they
turn out to be those of her uncle and nieces. There are
many ways to make sure the Players don’t start feeling
like their Characters are running a simple errand and
to expand on the lore.
Atmosphere is everything when playing a game about
high adventure and cults, rituals and unparalleled
danger. Use words and descriptions that reflect this
3. GREY A REAS
Including malefic extradimensional entities, baleful spells,
atmosphere and create a sense of foreboding from an
evil overlords, and amoral princes in the setting helps
early moment on. Be mysterious. Act like you know
create clear protagonists. There is no question that they
secrets that may be the death of the Characters if they
bear ill will and that they probably should be stopped.
are not careful (and you actually do know these, of
Still, having everything be black and white by definition
course). Be a ‘Doomsayer’. Play in the evenings when it
doesn’t allow for a lot of nuance and may become
is dark outside, dim the lights and light some candles.
a predictable. Presenting choices, items, locations, and
Maybe even get some props like a skull and leather-
NPCs that have faults but also have redeeming qualities,
bound books to display on your table.
or who’ve lived through traumatic events that have
Also consider playing some background music during caused them to become who or what they are often
your Sessions. Video game soundtracks for games set ends up being more believable and engaging. It also
in the same genre as Blood and Doom should work allows you to put forth paradoxes and dilemmas.
well, and as part of our Kickstarter campaign we have
Should Characters kill a demon-possessed NPC, even
included a soundtrack composed specifically for Blood
though their mind might still be saved if they find
and Doom as one of its stretch goals. In particular,
a way to exercise the demon? After the party finds
this soundtrack and video game soundtracks will work
out that the royal family members an NPC has been
well because they are composed as background music
abducting approved his father’s hanging a decade ago,
that can be listened to over and over again on repeat
even though they knew he was innocent, will they still
without fluctuations in intensity and volume indicative
try to save the haughty king and princess?
of movie scores that cater to the exact, specific scenes
the music is written for. Making situations and NPCs more three-dimensional
this way is a good allows you to provoke emotion and
have your Players make tough choices, which may not
always have clearcut answers.

238 239

4. EMPHASIZE CORRUPTION,
NOT EVIL
In the Blood and Doom books, we rarely identify an
NPC, creature, or Monster as ‘evil’. Even though evil
definitely exists in the setting and even though certain
NPCs most certainly are immoral and wicked, it is
more engaging to emphasize other words that sound
less absolute, but that also appeal to our ‘unhealthy’
inquisitiveness. Cults spread their corrupting influences
and the Heralds of Doom are too alien, their motives
too impossible to truly discern, to truly comprehend.
Almost all humans share some fear of the unknown and
making something more difficult to get a grip on is
often far more chilling than identifying an entity as
‘purely evil’ or ‘evil personified’, as we know that concept
all too well and thus may be a little desensitized to it.
5. EMBRACE THE DOOM
A game can’t be called Blood and Doom without
a gloomy atmosphere hanging over the world. There
are twelve cults active on Athyr, all of which will herald
the end of mankind in its current form if they should
prevail. This means the chances of the world surviving
for much longer are slim, although the general
populace is bound to remain ignorant of that fact until
the doom rises and it becomes more obvious how grim
things are looking. Munagi come to reap the souls of
Characters who have died. An entire alien race has
perished soon after landing on Athyr. Many of the stars
in the sky are, in reality, long dead, and only their light
remains for now. Most other worlds in the universe
have been subjugated, destroyed, absorbed, eaten, or
wiped out of existence by the Heralds of Doom.
There is still a sprinkle of hope left, but it is just that:
a sprinkle. This creates a sense of urgency as well as
a sense of scale, as many events already unfolded that
have changed the face of not only the world, but all of
reality forever. Removing all possible good prospects
out of the equation might cause Player Characters
to stop trying. That kind of inaction would also be
the death of your game, but as long as your Players
keep believing that there’s a chance for improvement,
however small it is, chances are that they won’t
immediately run away from the challenges put in
front of them. After all, true heroes aren’t made by
defeating weak opponents, solving easy conundrums,
or overcoming small obstacles, but by facing powerful
enemies, unveiling ancient mysteries, and rising up
when times are bleakest.
240
R EWARDING
BLOOD POINTS
After a particularly challenging Encounter or
overcoming any other difficult obstacle or challenge in
which Players had to spent quite a few Blood Points, you
can roll Blood Dice to see if the gods may grant their
Characters a boon and gain back some Blood Points.
Rolling Blood Dice should be reserved for moments in
which Characters have shown to be brave, work like
a team, and inspired to those around them, and when
Players have come up with inventive and original ideas
to defeat their opponents or overcome obstacles.
On average you should find a way to roll Blood Dice
at least once or twice per Session, though this can
be more if Characters are caught in the depths of
the earth to fight through a labyrinth of traps, soul-
corrupting aberrations and flesh-eating slimes for days
on end in order to save a town from being sucked into
a vortex of anti-matter. The more Characters struggle
to do good deeds, the more frequently you can reward
them Blood Points.
Blood Dice are similar to Action Dice (d10). When
you think it appropriate, roll Blood Dice equal to the
Difficulty of the most powerful opponent just defeated
or challenge that was overcome, and the Party, as
a group, earns Blood Points equal to the number of
successes you roll. Alternatively, you can let one of the
Players make this roll for you. Players can then divide
Blood Points earned among their Characters as they
see fit.
REWARD BLOOD POINTS =
ROLL ACTION DICE EQUAL TO
HIGHEST DIFFICULTY.
EACH SUCCESS EARNS PARTY
1 BLOOD POINT
R EWARDING
DOOM POINTS
The world of Athyr is full of perils. There are obscene
cults at work, gruesome monsters stalk the lands, and
dark deals are made when no-one is watching. As
Athyr etches closer to its doom, it is infused with dark
energy, and those heroes who sometimes have to face
impossible odds can tap into this negative essence at
their own peril.
Sometimes, Players may forget that they can use Doom
Points to twist their fates. If it seems like they could
use the support of Athyr’s essence when things look
particularly grim, remind them that they can still spend
a Doom Point. From time to time, also remind Players
that their Characters are using negative energy when
they are spending this resource, and that such may
eventually come with a cost. It’ll add to the atmosphere
that is so indicative of the game if the Characters are
conscient of the fact that they are playing with unseen
power that they cannot truly comprehend.
Players will be able to regain spent Doom Points at the
end of every Session by rolling 6 Action Dice. Every
success rolled gains them a Doom Point. In addition,
there are several situations in which you, as the
Doomsayer, can give out Doom Points during a Session
as well, for example:
▪ When a Player has had a stroke of bad luck,
for example after failing several Action Rolls in
a row, including one or more that caused their
Character to get into trouble.
▪ When a Player fails an Action Roll during a pivotal
moment of the game, when their Character
went out of their way to save innocent people,
help their allies, or simply tried to do something
heroic.
▪
When a Player / Character did something very
cool that amazed you or the other gamers at the
table, or that made everyone laugh.
▪ When a Character became Dying and barely
survived.
▪ When a Character suffered a horrible Setback.
Try and refrain from awarding too many Doom Points
during a single Session. A good guideline will be to
hand out between 1 to 3 Doom Points per Character
per Session. Don’t forget that Characters can have
a maximum of 6 Doom Points and that they get to roll
241
Doomsayer's Section
to replenish their Doom Points at the end of the Session
as well. You don’t want to have the Characters run
around with a maximum allotment of Doom Points all
the time, as this would make the Doom Roll mechanic
a lot less exciting. Let them spend their points if they’re
down on their luck – it’ll heighten the tension once
a Doom Roll is called for!
It is also advised not to reward Doom Points for things
one Player may naturally be better at than another,
such as good roleplaying for example. Even though this
is a commendable skill and of course forms a large part
of what makes a roleplaying game what it is, it wouldn’t
be fair if extrovert Players who act out their Character
easily receive more Doom Points than Players who are
more introvert and may enjoy other aspects of the
game just as much.
DOOM ROLLS
As Characters continue to defy the odds and draw on
Athyr’s negative energy by spending Doom Points, that
twisted form of power keeps coursing through their
bodies. This can come at a terrible cost, which becomes
clear when you, as the Doomsayer, ask one or more
Players to make a Doom Roll. There many situations in
which you can ask a Doom Roll to be made (examples
provided below), but in general there are two types of
Doom Rolls:
1. When a Player or Players ask you something
(or you want to know without them asking)
about the fiction of the game and you want to
let chance decide how it will turn out. In this
case, one Player makes a Doom Roll at Normal
Difficulty. On a success, the situation turns out
in their favor. If more than one Character is
involved, still only one Player makes a Doom Roll.
2. When you want to know which of the Characters
are the target of a something bad about to
happen. In this case, all Players whose Characters
are involved in the situation make a Doom Roll
and the Player (or Players) who rolls the lowest
number of successes is targeted. On a tie, and if
you really need only one target, the Player with
the lowest number of Doom Points is targeted.

It’s important to remember not to ask for Doom Rolls
too often and save them for situations where it can really
make a difference. When a Player makes a Doom Roll,
they roll a number of Action Dice equal to their current
Doom Points. In no way can Action Dice be added to this
roll. Suffice to say that the more Doom Points a Player has
spent, the slimmer their chances become of succeeding
a Doom Roll! Use Doom Rolls to add suspense, raise the
stakes, or determine whether something turns out in the
Characters’ favor or not. There are countless examples
that can be thought of. Here’s a few:
▪ To determine if an NPC or Monster is friendly to
them or not.
▪ Whether the room in a dungeon you haven’t
mapped out is a dead-end or has another
passage to be explored.
▪ When a Character locked up in a prison cell
wants to know if there is a loose brick so they can
try to escape.
▪ Whether a certain item the Characters are
looking for is in stock at a shop or not.
▪ describe what happens, including how fearless Monsters
Whether a Character’s arrows are depleted if the
Player forgot to keep track of them.
▪ Which of the Characters in the Party an
incredibly powerful Monster might attack, given
equal odds (adversaries are usually most likely to
attack whoever is closest or seems to pose the
biggest threat, of course).
▪ Which Character(s) fall into a trap if they’re close
together, and the trap seems too small to hurt all
of them.
▪ Whether guards are present at the back entrance
of a fortress if you are unsure if it would be
guarded.
▪ Whether a Monster or beast returns to its nest
while the Characters are there looting it for
treasure.
▪ Whether a family member, friend, or
acquaintance survived a natural disaster or an
attack.
▪ When an NPC accuses the Party of a crime and
decides that one of them should be hanged.
▪ When you want to determine what the weather
will be like during the Party’s travels.
▪ When you want to determine which of the
Characters might be the target of a cult ritual
performed to hurt them (if no one Character
would be an obvious choice).
242
COMING UP
WITH SETBACKS
As touched upon in the SETBACK SECTION ON P. 26,
Setbacks can happen in a wide variety of situations
during the game. It is up to you as the Doomsayer to
come up with fitting and challenging consequences for
the Characters while at the same time keeping the game
fun and fair. Guidelines are provided here, including
a wealth of examples and several roll tables for you to
randomly determine a Setback’s consequence, choose
one you think works best, or to use as inspiration to
create your own ideas.
It is recommended you always emphasize any Setbacks
as unfortunate happenings rather than comedic
mishaps. Players do not generally like feeling foolish,
and Setbacks that make them feel like their Characters
are clownish or incompetent are to be avoided. Try and
weave these Setbacks into the narrative of the game as
the action goes around the table Turn after Turn, and
emphasize the Characters’ heroics and struggles as you
and Villains sometimes get the better of them.
When a Character uses Magic, the Player should check
the Magic’s description to learn what will happen
when suffering a Setback, and no specific action from
you is required. Additionally, some Monsters and NPCs’
Actions or Spells have specific Setbacks described, in
which case those can be used instead of the ones listed
here. There are four broad categories of Setbacks
relating to what a Character is attempting to do at the
time they suffer the Setback, covered next. (A summary
to keep by your side while running the game can be
found in the back of this book: APPENDIX B – P. 292 .
There is one standard rule that applies to all
Setbacks, which is that any secondary Action
Roll required to be made after failing the first,
automatically fails. For example, when a Character
fails an Action Roll to defend against a poisoned
weapon attack, a Toughness Roll may be required
(after damage has been dealt) to determine
whether a Character becomes Poisoned. In this
case, should they suffer a Setback when defending,
they automatically fail this Toughness Roll, get
dealt damage, and suffer Poisoned. This in and
of itself is an appropriate Setback, and no more
consequences need to be added.
Doomsayer's Section
WHEN ATTACKING
Characters can attack an opponent in many different ways, but usually it will be a weapon attack or unarmed
attack of some kind. When coming up with a Setback, try and take into account how risky the attack is, or what
additional effects a Character might be trying to achieve. For example, swinging a sword straight at an opponent
is less risky than climbing up on a table to jump down on an opponent and attempt to drive a sword through their
neck. The best Setbacks are directly tied to the situation in which it occurs, or what exactly a Character attempted
to do.
When in doubt, you can simply choose one of the Setbacks from the list below you think is fitting, roll a d20 to
determine a random outcome, or go for something simple like the Character ‘denting’ their weapon. Like with any
type of Setback, you are encouraged to come up with your own ideas and improvise. After playing a few Sessions
ideas for Setbacks will start coming more easily as you weave together a story of action, reaction, attempts and
consequences all as part of a cinematic sequence just like in a movie.
D20 SETBACK
The Character misses their attack so clumsily that they scrape against their opponent’s weapon, or
1
the opponent quickly jabs them. They take 1d6 damage (ignoring armor).
The Character accidentally hits an ally within their weapon’s range. The ally suffers the Character’s
2 Basic Damage, which they should roll for. If no ally is within range the weapon becomes Dented or
they suffer 1d4 bludgeoning damage.
3
The Character’s weapon becomes Dented, or, if wielding a ranged weapon, it becomes Dented and
they spill 1d6 pieces of ammo.
The Character strikes an object nearby, causing unwanted collateral damage and complicating the
4 situation around them. For example, by knocking over a lamp and plunging the room into darkness
or shattering glass that goes flying around.
The Character slips and falls as they miss their attack, causing Prone. When wielding a ranged
5 weapon, instead they lose their balance for a moment and suffer Challenge to defend themselves
until their next Turn.
The Character drops their torch or slams against the torch a nearby ally is holding, dropping it onto
6
the ground and perhaps even extinguishing it.
7
The Character puts themselves in a disadvantageous position, suffering Challenge to defend
themselves or avoid any danger until their next Turn.
The Character starts to feel the effects of fatigue if the Encounter is in the 3rd Round or later. They
8 suffer Exhausted. If not, their weapon becomes Dented, or they suffer 1d4 bludgeoning damage
(ignoring armor) hurting themselves.
The Character’s awkward body movement sprains the muscles, causing them to be Paralyzed until
9
the end of their next Turn.
The Character’s weapon is Dented, or, if fighting unarmed or grappling, they hurt themselves and
10
suffer 1d4 bludgeoning damage (ignoring armor).
The Character steps right into the arc of an opponent’s attacks. The opponent deals their Basic
11
Damage to the Character without a chance to defend.
243
 Doomsayer's Section

WHEN DEFENDING
D20 SETBACK Characters being on the receiving end of a Monster or NPC’s attacks lends itself even more to devastating
Setbacks and a lot can go wrong in the frenzy of pitched combat. Defending can mean the difference between
The Character drops their weapon on the ground within Close range, or spills 1d8 pieces of ammo as
12 life and death and these Setback examples certainly reflect that. Of course, depending on the size and power of
they try to reload their ranged weapon.
an opponent they can be adjusted accordingly, and you can always come up with your own ideas for Setbacks.
The Character misses their attack so clumsily that they scrape against their opponent’s weapon, or
13
the opponent quickly jabs them. They take 1d4 damage (ignoring armor).
D20 SETBACK
The Character makes the situation around them more dangerous to deal with for an ally within Near
14
range. They suffer Challenge to defend themselves or avoid any danger until their next Turn. The Character parries badly, causing their weapon to become Dented. When fighting unarmed, they
1
hurt themselves and take 1d6 extra bludgeoning damage.
The Character accidentally hurts themselves by striking their weapon awkwardly or against an object.
15
They take 1d4 bludgeoning damage (ignoring armor) and their weapon becomes Dented. The Character accidentally exposes themselves. Their opponent finds a weak spot and can ignore
2
any and all armor.
The Character strikes an object nearby, causing unwanted collateral damage and potentially
16 complicating the situation around them. For example, by destroying vials of acid that spill over them The Character’s opponent moves so skillfully and unexpectedly, it causes the Character to
3
or an ally, or hitting a lever that sets of a trap. become Confused.

The Character gets sand or dirt in their eyes or turns awkwardly to look directly into bright sunlight.
17
They are Blinded until the end of their next Turn.
The Character misjudges the flurry of combat and makes a bad move, causing them to
18
become Confused.
The Character drops or spills something valuable to them, whether it be the leather bag of gems
19
they just pried out of a wall, 1d4 rations or torches, or that strange, mysterious amulet they just
looted from a tomb.
The Character suffers an Injury as they make a seriously bad move either hurting themselves or
20 caused by a relentless counterattack from their opponent. Appropriate Injuries could be: Broken
Arm, Fractured Leg, Broken Ribs, Lost Fingers, Back Sprain, or Twisted Ankle.
4 The Character’s armor becomes Dented, or, if wearing none, they suffer an Injury.
5 The Character slips (or gets knocked over) and falls Prone.
The Character collides with an ally. Both suffer Challenge on their next action or defense. If there
6 are no allies nearby, they just collided with their opponent, who gets a prime opportunity to spit on
them or curse.
7 The Character’s armor becomes Dented, or, if wearing none, they suffer an Injury.
The Character defends so badly that they open themselves up for even more harm than usual. They
8
take 1d6 extra damage.
The Character needs to lean backwards to far to deflect the attack, they injure themselves. They
9
suffer an Injury: Back Sprain.

10 The Character’s armor becomes Dented, or, if wearing none, they suffer an Injury.

The opponent’s weapon causes a spark or splinters something while the Character is parrying or
11
blocking, causing the Blinded Condition.
The Character starts to feel the effects of fatigue if the Encounter is in the 3rd Round or later. They
12
suffer Exhausted. If not, their armor becomes Dented.

13 Both the Character’s weapon and armor become Dented.

The Character damages their footwear while moving around, causing the Slowed condition until it is
14
removed or fixed.
The Character accidentally exposes themselves. Their opponent finds a weak spot and can ignore
15
any and all armor and deals 1d4 extra damage.

16 The Character bumps their own head while defending, causing them to become Stunned.

17 The opponent feinted their attack setup so well that the Character becomes Confused.

The Character twists in such a way that they won’t be able to use their own weapon to defend or
18
attack until the end of their next Turn.
The Character’s armor takes such a beating that it is Dented twice, or if wearing none, they take 1d6
19
extra damage and suffer an Injury.
Instead of deflecting a blow, the Character’s block actually allows their opponent to strike harder.
20
They take 1d6 extra damage and suffer an Injury.

244 245
 Doomsayer's Section

WHEN R ESISTING M AGIC WHEN A DVENTURING walking over a rope bridge, or knock over a brazier,
Many different things can go wrong when resisting Magic directly targeting a Character or when they attempt to Characters lockpicking doors, jumping over crevices sending sparks and hot coals all over the floor. Other
dodge an explosion caused by some arcane Spell, like a blast of fire. Magic often has a specific Setback included that run deep into the earth, balancing on top of a fallen times more severe and ‘mechanical’ effects are
for this very reason, but if not, you can use one of the Setbacks listed here. They apply not only to Magic, but also tree trunk to cross a dangerous river, or trying to win appropriate. For example, when a Character attempts
magical or near-magical abilities that a Monster might use. an argument with a local noble; all fit into this ‘loose’ to climb across a cliff, slips and falls. Any damage
category of adventuring. Anything you can think of they would normally take from such a fall can be
that doesn’t include any of the three former categories complemented by suffering an appropriate Injury
D20 SETBACK is also included here, whether it be winning a drinking if they roll a Setback, and Conditions such as Bleed,
The Character suffers more damage. Whichever Damage Dice are rolled, you roll one more for competition at a tavern, making repairs and crafting Burning, Frightened, Poisoned, Prone, etc. can also be
1
them. For example, 2d4 becomes 3d4, 1d6 becomes 2d6, etc. items, or communicating with spirits. considered in many other, similar situations.
The Character loses 2 Blood Points as they are overcome with the arcane energy that infuses the Most of the time it will be enough to come up with Most importantly Setbacks should always make sense
2
spell targeting them. a narrative consequence for a Setback, complicating within the fiction. In the first example of lockpicking
a Character’s situation and requiring to deal with a door, this would mean if Characters made an effort
The duration of any effect, such as a Condition suffered, or being banished to another plane of
3 the escalation. More often than not, Characters are to determine no guards are on patrol, they cannot
existence, is doubled.
together attempting such activities, and any Setback just appear from thin air. Setbacks are an escalation of
The Character’s fate has become sealed through the arcane essence of the magic that affects them. suffered may well influence the course of action for the things already present, events set in motion before, or
4
They lose 2 Doom Points. entire Party. something else that could plausibly happen when things
turn sour.
5 The Character suffers any appropriate Condition as an additional effect. For example, when they attempt to lockpick the
backdoor of a guarded castle, a Setback could mean Due to the wide range of possibilities and large variety
The Character suffers a temporary loss of memory and motor function. They cannot use any Skills of different situations to deal with, such Setbacks
6 they made too much noise, alerting several guards
until the end of their next Turn. cannot be summarized in a table lest it be 40 pages
and resulting in them passing around the corner and
The Character’s armor is Dented due to soaring heat, freezing cold or some other extreme effect. putting the Party in a tough spot. Or when attempting long (and quite unusable at that). Instead, an extensive
7 If this causes the armor’s maximum number of Dented to be reached, it explodes (metal) or is to cross a rushing river, suffering a Setback could mean list of examples will be provided in the final release
shredded (hide, leather) beyond repair. the Character plunges into the water and is dragged of this book. Do keep in mind that Players who love
A total of 5 Equipment Slots worth of equipment is lost or destroyed. The Player may choose which away by a powerful stream, only to end up hanging to embrace their Character’s doom and dealing with
8 tough situations could be willing to help by offering
5, though they cannot be empty slots. from a slippery cliff where the water crashes down
a great depth. suggestions. Any tabletop roleplaying game isn’t about
9 The Character’s weapon is flung from their hand up to Far range away, sizzling with arcane energy. ‘winning’ after all, but about telling the most exciting
Many of the Setbacks for combat can also apply when
and heroic stories possible, especially those in which the
The Character suffers more damage. Whichever Damage Dice are rolled, you roll one more for out of combat but while in precarious situations.
10 Characters face great adversity.
them. For example, 2d4 becomes 3d4, 1d6 becomes 2d6, etc. A  Character could accidentally drop their torch while
The Character’s fate has become sealed through the arcane essence of the magic that affects them.
11
They lose 2 Doom Points.

12 The Character suffers any appropriate Condition as an additional effect.

Surroundings collapse or some other obstacle presents itself, blocking a Character’s path to reach
13
their allies.
The spell creates a temporary rift in reality, attracting the attention of a Monster. It’ll jump or fly
14
through next Round.

15 An appropriate Ability Score is lowered by 2 for the remainder of the Encounter.

The Character’s armor is Dented due to soaring heat, freezing cold or some other extreme effect.
16 If this causes the armor’s maximum number of Dented to be reached, it explodes (metal) or is
shredded (hide, leather) beyond repair.
The Character’s weapon is destroyed as a result of a powerful blast or damage like fire damage, ice
17
damage, acid damage, or null damage.
The Character loses 3 Blood Points as they are overcome with the arcane energy that infuses the
18
spell targeting them.

19 The Character suffers any appropriate Condition as an additional effect.

20 The Character suffers an appropriate Injury, 1d4 Madness, or Troubled / Blemished.

246 247

DUNGEON
EXPLORATION
CHECKLIST
When Characters explore locations they aren’t
familiar with, you can use this checklist to easily keep
track of several steps that need to be repeated by
Players whenever their Characters move from one
area or room to another. This is especially useful
when they are in a Dungeon (as they somehow often
find themselves…) but can be applied when moving
between areas in a dark forest or along a mountain
pass just as well. These steps only apply to contained
areas and buildings however, not long-distance travel
covering miles or more.
1. DEPLETE A TORCH. When entering a dark room
or area, one Player should deplete a torch for
their Character to create light and visibility, unless
they prefer the dark. Torches last (on average) as
long as any time spent in a room or area.
2. MAKE AN AWARENESS ROLL. If actively looking
for traps or any immediate danger, one Player
makes an Awareness Roll to determine what
their Character notices. If opponents are present,
whether hidden or not, an Encounter might start
immediately. See AWARENESS & PERCEPTION
and STEALTH & HIDING SECTIONS ON P. 197 .
3. DECIDE A COURSE OF ACTION. Characters can
look for clues, try to find more traps, look for secret
doors, investigate objects, sneak past opponents
they spotted, engage in combat or social
interaction, read books, consume a potion, etc.
4. BACKGROUND ACTIVITY. Just before Characters
move on to the next room or area, decide on
and make a note of what happens in places they
aren’t present. This could influence what happens
as the Characters enter the next room.
248
ENCOUNTER
CHECKLIST
To help keep track of what happens during an
Encounter you can use this checklist. It provides the
most important steps to tackle, Round after Round.
After having played a few Sessions this will come
naturally for most Doomsayers, but it can be handy to
have with your notes regardless.
1. EVERYONE TAKE TURNS. Characters, Monsters
and NPCs take one Turn per Round.
2. DEVELOP THE NARRATIVE. While taking Turns,
you and all Players develop the narrative.
3. USE THE ENVIRONMENT. Have Monsters and
NPCs use the environment to their advantage.
4. INTRODUCE / ESCALATE EVENTS. Dynamically
change surroundings to pose danger.
1. EVERYONE TAKE TURNS
When anyone takes a Turn, they can:
▪ Take an Action and move up to their Speed (in
any order), or
▪ Move up to twice their Speed.
Monsters and NPCs with a Nemesis Level can sometimes
do more (see P. 262 ).
2. DEVELOP THE NARRATIVE
Always try to develop the narrative by appealing to the
Characters’ senses and describing what is happening.
When a Monster attacks, don’t just have Players roll
the dice and call out numbers, but tell them how it is
doing so and what it looks like. Also try to remember
there are many ways Monsters and NPCs can engage
with the Characters that don’t involve combat, which
are an important way to develop a story as opposed
to just hacking away at one another. Below are a few
examples to give you some inspiration, but keep in
mind that the details always depend on the story or
adventure you’re playing:
Doomsayer's Section
▪ Provoke Characters to take a risk.
▪ Reveal information to Characters that might
3. USE THE ENVIRONMENT
Encounters never take place in a void. Whether they
surprise them.
▪ Get an NPC to demonstrate loyalty to their
happen on land, on a body of water, inside a volcano,
in the air or somewhere else, the terrain will never be
wicked leader.
featureless. As the Doomsayer, try and have Monsters
and NPCs use their surroundings to their advantage,
▪ Try and convince Characters to see something in and/or interact with objects in them. Doing so will
make any Encounter much more engaging and realistic.
a different light.
▪ Force Characters to observe or listen Players are of course encouraged to do the same, and
it is important you describe the scene well and try and
to something.
always make Players aware of between one and three
▪ Offer Characters a bribe, lie or manipulate. things that stand out in their surroundings that you
▪ Intimidate Characters or threaten with think could be interesting during a confrontation.
severe consequence.
▪ Seduce Characters, perhaps even beg falsely
4. INTRODUCE / ESCALATE EVENTS
Encounters are rarely static: things happen that change
for mercy. the environment, dangers may be introduced during
▪ Present them with a difficult choice or later Rounds, and opponents may have something
conundrum. set up to thwart the Characters plans when fighting
in their lair. Having dynamic, changing surroundings
The possibilities are almost endless, of course, and keeps Encounters fresh and exciting. Fires may spread,
shouldn’t be entirely set, as they also depend on the
ice might break, stones may fall down, windows may
Characters’ actions. Even an NPCs who start out helpful shatter, reinforcements may arrive, and so on. Events
might not remain that way if the adventurers threaten
are covered in more detail next.
them or treat them badly, even if they do so with good
reason. Of course, most NPCs and Monsters involved
in an Encounter are likely to be adversarial, but
other NPCs might be implicated who aren’t in direct
opposition with the Characters.
249

EVENTS
During any Encounter, one or more Events may take
place. Events come in two types: Delayed Events, which
are first set in motion and then occur after a specific
number of Rounds have passed, and Timed Events,
which start immediately when triggered and last
a specific number of Rounds. Both have their merits,
and you’ll find that Delayed Events are great tension
builders, as Players know that something bad is about
to happen, while Timed Events are useful for letting
Players know how long they have to get out of a tough
spot and also as a mechanic to use in traps (as you’ll see
in the upcoming examples).
DELAYED EVENTS
Once you introduce a Delayed Event, roll 1d4 to
determine how many Rounds will pass before it occurs.
You could keep the resulting number a secret, but it’s
much more fun and tense if Players can see the result
and can anticipate when something bad is going to
happen. Of course, unless it is absolutely clear given
the circumstances what the Event might be, Players will
usually not know ‘what’ exactly will happen, though you
can narrate a slow build-up to the Event, Round after
Round, to create even more of a sense of foreboding.
Then, at the start of every Round after the Event was
set in motion, turn down the d4 by one number, similar
to a countdown clock. As soon as the d4 shows the
number 1 (which could of course be the same Round
you rolled it!) and it cannot be lowered at the start
of a Round, the Event takes place. Some examples of
Delayed Events are:
▪ Enemy reinforcements are trying to bash
in a sturdy, locked door to enter the room
Characters are in. After 1d4 Rounds, the door
bursts apart and more opponents come pouring
in, seriously complicating the situation for
the Characters.
▪ Characters are fighting opponents in castle ruins
with weak, wooden flooring, or on a rickety
rope bridge across a ravine. Due to the impact
of battle, the floor (or rope bridge) is about to
break in 1d4 Rounds.
250
▪ A herd of wild animals is crossing the desert
plains at incredible speed. They are barely within
sight but will arrive and trample the Characters
within 1d4 Rounds unless they find a way to
shelter or take other measures not to get hurt.
▪ A deranged warlock is reciting ancient
incantations to open a portal to another world,
which would swallow up everyone inside the
room. He is protected by his loyal followers, and
unless the Characters stop the warlock, it takes
1d4 Rounds for the portal to open and everyone
being transported into the alien world.
TIMED EVENTS
A Timed Event has some effect that builds up every
Round until it stops functioning in the final Round,
or has reached a (often devastating or deadly) end
point. It starts immediately when triggered, and you
can roll 1d4 to determine how many Rounds it will last.
Resolving this works the same as for a Delayed Event:
as soon as a Round starts in which the d4 cannot be
lowered anymore, the Event ends. It should be noted
that for particularly lethal Timed Events, a set number
of Rounds will work better than rolling a d4, as rolling
a result of 1 or 2 would be too likely to get Characters
killed without them being able to prevent it. Some
examples of Timed Events are:
▪ Some of the Characters have walked across
quicksand and are now stuck. It will take 3 Rounds
before they are fully buried and out of reach,
likely suffocating within tens of seconds.
▪ A Character (or one of their opponents) has
broken several vials of acid that exude a toxic
gas filling the room or area. For 1d4 Rounds,
Characters, NPCs and Monsters who aren’t
immune to the gas take 1 acid damage at the end
of their Turn.
▪ A trap is triggered, instantly closing off all
entrances to the room the Characters are in.
Sand starts pouring in through several holes near
the ceiling, which will fill up the entire room and
suffocating everyone inside unless they escape or
close off all holes within 4 Rounds.
Doomsayer's Section
CHARACTER DEATH
& MUNAGI ENCOUNTERS
As touched upon in the DEATH & MUNAGI SECTION You can be creative while describing this, as no
ON P. 192 , the souls of particularly heroic Characters
may refuse to leave their bodies when they die, at
Munagi manifestations are exactly alike, but
whether the mist is greyish or a translucent green,
which time Munagi will come to fetch it. If a Player
and whether its wispy tendrils are reaching out or
so chooses, their allies can try and prevent this from
spinning slowly like an impossible local hurricane,
happening and the dead Character could be granted
the cloud is always there, and the air will always
another chance at life.
be frigid as the Munagi arrive.
It isn’t known exactly why certain individuals with
exceptionally strong souls are able to cling to life this way 2. Another Round later (so two Rounds after the
and keep their souls from leaving their bodies. Different Character died), they will form: ghastly ethereal
religions have vastly divergent views on this, but almost creatures, all intent on relentlessly ripping the
everyone on Athyr knows that, if a strong soul refuses to pertinacious soul from its mortal coil. They will all
abandon the physical world, Munagi will come to fetch
go after the dead Character’s soul immediately
it and take it with them to the ethereal world.
and single-mindedly, unless someone else has the
By the time a Character dies, they will have
audacity to stand in their way. If barred from
undoubtedly have accomplished exceptional things.
touching the deceased Character, the Munagi will
Maybe this happened during gameplay, but the roots
for this might be in the Character’s past experiences. rage against whoever is so foolish to keep them
Assume all adventurers have proven their meddle. from fulfilling their only true purpose, turning their
Their experiences and feats have made their souls full wrath onto that person and attacking them.
tougher than most. This doesn’t necessarily reflect in Although ethereal, Munagi need to manifest in
a Character’s personality or mental strength, as it’s
a semi-physical form to reap a soul that is still
purely metaphysical in nature.
anchored to the material world, and they can
Anytime a Character loses their life, check with the
be stopped. Characters who are still alive can
Player if they are ready to move on and create a new
battle them, though they will also have to heed
Character for the next Session, or whether they want
their dead Character’s soul to resist death, hang on to whatever else is happening around them and may
the moral world and continue their quest to accomplish still be locked in battle with another adversary –
great and heroic deeds (or whatever their plains may maybe even the one who killed their friend. This
be). If they choose the latter, you are to present them
with a Munagi Encounter, and considering they are
all makes things extra difficult.
3. If the Characters manage to defeat all Munagi
lifeless on the ground, it is up to the rest of the Party
that manifested, fate is altered, and the soul of
to deal with the situation, and (possibly) try to defeat
the Munagi and save the Character’s soul. Here’s how the lifeless Character will firmly re-attach to their
this plays out: body again. They can now be healed and brought
back to consciousness, taken to a safe place to
1. At the start of the next Round of the Encounter
(or if no Encounter was taking place, one will start
Rest, or any of the usual things Characters might
do in this situation. Penalties a Character suffers
now), a whirling, icy fog will form next to the
as a result from having died are described in the
corpse, making people’s hairs stand up and chilling
DEATH’S TOLL SUBSECTION ON P. 192 .
them to the bone. The supernatural aura will be
unmistakable and almost any native of Athyr will Unfortunately, the strongest souls also face the strongest
recognize it for what it is, even if, up until now, Munagi, as they are tethered to their mortal shells even
they only heard about it as a children’s tale: the more tightly. This rare bond doesn’t attract the Lesser
Munagi that are usually encountered, but rather the
coming of the Munagi.
Heroic Munagi, powerful creatures that seek out the
251
 Doomsayer's Section

greatest of souls to bring them to where they belong

and restore the laws of nature. Munagi Stat Blocks
are included in the back of this book. Depending on
the dead Character’s Level, the Munagi Encounter
consists of:
if any) to match their attempted action, after which
the opposing Player does the same, but must choose MONSTER MONSTER
an Ability and Skill appropriate to defend or resist the
action. You as the Doomsayer should of course make VS MONSTER VS OBJECT
sure the proper Abilities and Skills are used. Whenever a situation occurs when a Monster or Whenever a Monster or NPC targets an object, for

▪ LEVEL 1-6: 1d4+(x) Lesser Munagi, where (x) is
the number of Characters alive.
▪
LEVEL 7-12: 1d4+(x) Heroic Munagi, where (x) is
the number of Characters alive.
Make this Scene suitably heroic, as the outcome will
be definitive. Unsurprisingly, Munagi fight to the
death and only if all are defeated will the Character’s
soul be saved. No Munagi will return for it until the
Character dies again. Munagi will not engage any
This could for example mean the initiating Player
rolls for their Character to attack another, using their
Character’s Dexterity Ability and Dagger Skill, while the
opposing Player rolls Toughness and uses the Shield Skill.
The number of successes rolled is then compared and
whoever rolls more wins the contest. The difference
between the number of successes rolled can be spent
by the winning Player as Momentum as usual, and if
applicable, Damage Dice are rolled, armor is applied,
etc. In the event of a tie, the Character with the most
NPC contests another without any of the Characters
being involved, you can simply narrate what happens
and determine the outcome based on what is most
likely within the fiction of the game. If Characters are
participating, any Monster or NPC that is helpful to
whatever the Characters are trying to accomplish can
grant a suitable advantage to one or more Characters,
likely based off one of their Actions as represented on
their Stat Block.
Alternatively, several Player-Facing NPC Stat Blocks
example roots created by a Druid’s ‘Wild Growth’
Magic, they automatically succeed in doing so if
reasonably possible. This still requires a suitable Action
to be used, resulting in the Monster or NPC having
to spend their Turn or part of it on actively working
toward destroying the object. The Monster or NPC
deals their damage as usual, and an object is destroyed
once damage has been dealt equal to its Resilience.

other Character unless attacked themselves. They have
not come for anyone but the dead, and their anger
will subside if they manage to wound someone badly
enough to stop that person from interceding. As soon
as the path is clear, they will attempt to harvest the
dead Character’s soul again. This changes when they
kill another Character, who will now also have to
choose whether to relinquish the world of the living or
try to stay. In the latter case, if there are currently less
Munagi than when they first appeared, more Munagi
will manifest to replenish their depleted numbers.
Doom Points is successful.
In the above example, if the attacking Character gets
4 successes and the defending Character 3, the attack
hits and 1 Momentum can be spent to trigger (for
example) the Vicious attribute and cause Bleed 1, or the
Penetrate attribute to ignore 1 armor of the defending
Character. Damage Dice are then rolled to determine
how much damage the defending Character takes. If
successes were reversed, the attack is deflected, and
Momentum can be spent to push back the attacker.
Traits, Powers, Magic and Weapon Attributes can all
be used as they normally would, though for some
improvisation may be required to make these work
against another Character instead of a Monster or
are provided in the back of this book, which could
(generally) represent a wide range of NPCs. One of
these can be handed out to a Player to represent the
NPC, which will take Turns and operate in the same
way a Player Character does as long as they are willing
and able to help, using Blood Points to activate their
Powers and making Action Rolls based on their Abilities
and Skills, and so on.
ROUNDING
As cults raise more members and conduct their
unhallowed rituals, their Heralds’ influence grows.
Major celestial events that might indicate a cataclysmic
upset are portended to be looming over the future
of the universe. Rifts in reality risk scarring existence
forever. Evermore Monsters are spotted roaming the
lands and swimming through the oceans. Corrupted
magic is weakening the world and the gods seem to
be absent. Life on Athyr is tough. Needless to say, when
Players need to divide a number or the result of a dice
roll, always round down.

CHARACTER
NPC. Many more situations than the one just described
can be thought of, for example using Stealth and

VS CHARACTER
Sometimes two or more Characters contest each other
instead of an NPC or Monster, for instance if they end
up fighting each other or attempting to do a thing
without one of their party members seeing it. Such
situations should be handled with care and are to be
acted out only if all Players are on board with having
some friendly rivalry at the table but are otherwise
discouraged.
When two Characters are at odds with each other,
each Player rolls for what they attempt to do, but
instead of comparing the result to a target Difficulty,
both Players’ rolls are compared. To do so, the Player
who initiates the action chooses an Ability (and Skill,
Thievery & Crime to try and steal something from
another Character, with Awareness and Perception &
Investigation to oppose, or Mystique and Deception
& Trickery to tell a lie, with Insight and (similarly)
Deception & Trickery to try and see through the lie.
Magic is cast as usual, and in most cases no opposing
roll is required. A Druid Kindred could for example cast
Wild Growth, and if successful, spend Momentum to
increase the Magic’s Intensity. Any Character(s) in the
middle of an area with thorn bushes can make a Reflex
Roll using Balance & Acrobatics to determine if they
avoid the effects as described. If any Magic’s Difficulty
is that of its target, then opposing rolls can again be
made to determine the outcome.

252 253

USING MONSTERS
& NPC S
A large part of a Doomsayer’s job during the game
is portraying both Monsters and NPCs. Whatever
Adventure or Campaign you are running, ultimately
Blood and Doom (like many other tabletop RPGs)
wouldn’t be a game about adventure if at some
point the Characters aren’t going to get attacked
by some corrupted undead creature or bloodthirsty
monstrosity. And then there are the most horrible
monsters of all: human adversaries, or ‘villains’. These
unfriendly NPCs aren’t simply going about their daily
lives, but plot and scheme in the shadowy corners of
Athyr to execute some (often) grand, delusional plan,
endangering the lives of innocents.
When you present your Players with an Encounter
involving one or multiple Monsters and/or villainous
NPCs, you use Stat Blocks to determine what they are
capable of. These Stat Blocks can be compared to
a Character Sheet, except that it is designed specifically
to be easy to use for a Doomsayer and shows only the
most relevant information. It lets you know what kind
of Actions a Monster or NPC can perform on their Turn,
for example, or how difficult it is to spot them when
they are hiding or have prepared an ambush. It also
lets you know how many Bruises and Wounds they can
suffer before they collapse, or what kind of Conditions
they might be immune to. This section of the book
explains step-by-step what each element of a Stat
Block means and how use them in your Encounters.
254
DIFFICULTY
A Monster or NPC’s Difficulty (shown at the top right
of its Stat Block) represents the base Difficulty of
Action Rolls made by Characters to interact with the
Monster or NPC, whether to attack it, defend against
it, intimidate it, try to determine if they are lying, or
resist its Magic. It is also a good overall indication of
how ‘challenging’ it is to face.
Some Monsters and NPCs have Strengths and
Weaknesses, changing the Difficulty for specific
interactions with it, while others have a unique
Difficulty listed as part of an Action described in their
Stat Block. Whenever either is the case, this Difficulty
should be used instead of the Monster or NPC’s base
Difficulty.
A RMOR
This section lists the Monster or NPC’s armor, including
Armor Type, Durability Rating (the number on the
right, if any), and Protection Rating per damage type.
NPCs often wear the same kind of armor Characters
do, such as ‘Leather Armor’, ‘Chain Mail’, Splint
Armor’, and so on. These are usually shortened to
just ‘Leather’, ‘Chain’ or ‘Splint’ in a Stat Block. Such
armor also functions the same: whenever damage is
taken of a given type, you subtract an amount equal to
the relevant Protection Rating, but only if the armor
would be effective against the attack or harmful effect.
Whenever armor is Dented, you lower its Durability
Rating, until it is destroyed when it reaches 0.
Most Monsters and some NPCs have a special type
of armor, which can be either ‘Natural’, ‘Unnatural’
or ‘Magical’. Unlike an actual suit of armor that is
worn, this protective thick skin, shell or unnatural /
magical armor is part of the Monster or NPCs body,
whether physical or metaphysical. Natural armor can
be Dented and destroyed like other armor, though
Unnatural or Magical armor cannot (at least not by
any ordinary means), and therefore does not have
a Durability Rating. All three these types of armor do
offer a Protection Rating per damage type just like
a regular suit of armor.
BRUISES & WOUNDS
Every Monster and NPC has a number of Bruises and
Wounds it can suffer before it is defeated or killed,
similar to any Character. This is summarized in the
indicated section at the top of the Stat Block, but in
truth Blood and Doom ’s Stat Blocks are designed to
be used with the Encounter Tracker in mind. Every Stat
Block you find in the book is also included in a separate,
printer-friendly PDF for you to keep handy during
your Sessions and mark Monsters or NPCs’ Bruises and
Wounds, just like Players do for their Characters.
Below each Stat Block in this PDF is an area to easily
keep track of the damage suffered, usually enough for
anywhere from 1 up to 8 such Monsters or NPCs. It
also includes room to fill in a Name and/or Feature
for each, pips to track Turns and Rounds, and space
to write down Conditions and such. This is all covered
later in this section.
If a Monster or NPC isn’t killed at the end of an
Encounter, their Bruises are cleared as soon as they
take a Rest (or when it can be assumed they have done
so, as they are often not the focus of Scenes played
out at the table, and some thought should be given
instead to what might happen ‘behind the scenes’ as
Player Characters go about their business).
Monsters and NPCs cannot ‘Catch Their Breath’ like
Characters, but they could Recover and clear both
Bruises and Wounds if left to their own devices for
several days or more, during which time they may
have had the opportunity to recuperate and heal fully,
even getting rid of Injuries they sustained (though
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chopped-off limbs often don’t grow back unless
magic is involved). Players should be made aware of
this, realizing how retreating from an Encounter and
returning within one or two days could prove to be
beneficial, with their opponent still weakened.
R EASONING & INSTINCT
NPCs can often be reasoned with, especially if they
realize they might not survive an Encounter with
a group of Characters. They have lives of their own
with family, friends, goals, and desires to consider. If
evil hasn’t darkened their hearts too much, they might
be able to see the wrongs of their ways and prove
helpful or cease to be a threat to Characters when put
on the spot.
The same cannot be said of most Monsters, like
a famished Velociraptor in search of its next meal for
example. Characters can talk to it all they want, but
reasoning isn’t likely to happen! A Velociraptor is also
less likely to back down when on the losing end of
a fight, though it might be scared-off when it sees the
ground littered with its pack’s carcasses.
Every Stat Block has a Reasoning entry, noting a simple
‘yes’ or ‘no’ to give you a quick idea of whether the
Monster or NPC could be reasoned with or not, and
how easily or in what way their morale might best be
broken if Players want to attempt to try this. Instinct,
covered next, also plays a part in how breaking morale
may play out at the table.
Instinct then, lets you know what base goals a Monster
or NPC has. These are suggestions like ‘capture’,
‘enslave’, ‘protect’, ‘steal’ or ‘devour’ for example. It can
help you determine what actions a Monster or NPC is
likely to take, and what drives them. This is of course
a simplification to give you a basic idea only, and any
Monster or NPC you throw at the Characters will more
often than not react in more complex ways based in
the adventure or story.
As an example, the aforementioned Velociraptor
usually wants nothing more than to kill and devour its
prey. It has no other use for the Characters besides
this. Beastmen on the other hand would require good
reason to actually kill a Character; they are of much
more use to them alive and in captivity to help work
toward whatever nefarious plan they are executing.
The list below, while being far from definitive, includes
several Instinct Tags you can use as further guidelines.

INSTINCT TAGS
A show of force or intimidation
Bargain with the purpose of gaining a favor
from it.
Capture an opponent for various,
Capture
often complex, political reasons.
Defending oneself steadily
Defend
against an opponent they feel
threatened by.
Everyone has to eat. It just happens
Devour to be their opponent who is on
the menu.
Usually a cultist, seeking to impose
their cult’s doctrine upon others.
Doctrine
This can vary per cultist depending
on their function or rank within
the cult.
Force a captured opponent to
Enslave do hard labor for some nefarious
purpose.
End an opponent’s life for sadistic
Kill and often dogmatic, ritualistic
purpose.
Fighting simply to be left alone
Leave and often distanced from a place
or event.
Protecting territory, newborn
Protect young, a secret, or something
similar.
Be relieved of some harmful curse
or affliction they often confusedly
Relieve
view their opponent might be
a solution to, whether true or not.
Take whatever items or riches an
Steal
opponent has from them.
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SIZE & SPEED
This lists the Monster or NPCs Size and Speed. Human
and other Humanoid NPCs and Monsters are usually
Medium Size, which is the size of an average human.
Other Monster size categories are: TINY , SMALL ,
MEDIUM , LARGE , HUGE , MASSIVE , ENORMOUS ,
and GARGANTUAN .
Somewhere around the size of
Tiny a squirrel, a mouse or anything
smaller.
About the size of a goat, a chair or
Small
the smallest person you know.
The size of an average human,
Medium
a tiger or a modest bookcase.
Large About the size of a cow or a horse.
The size of an elephant, a shed or
Huge
castle gates.
About the size of a sailboat or
Enormous
a modest house.
Somewhere around the size of
Massive
a castle tower or a whale.
The size of a mansion, castle, or
Gargantuan
anything bigger.
Most Monsters and NPCs have Average Movement
Speed, usually referred to simply as their Speed. Any
Monster or NPC with Average Speed can move up
to Far range on their Turn during an Encounter. Slow
Speed equals half Average Speed, while Fast Speed
equals twice Average Speed.
T YPE
Monsters and NPCs are categorized according to their
type as described here. Not only does this give you
a good idea of what kind of creature you are dealing
with, but some rules also refer specifically to one or
more of these types.
HUMAN
Humans are one of the most common and versatile types
of creatures that can be encountered. As a type, Humans
are defined by their physical characteristics, their culture,
and their potential for both good and evil. Physically,
Humans are bipedal creatures with two arms and two
legs, a versatile body plan that allows them to adapt to
a wide range of environments and challenges. Culturally,
Humans are known for their adaptability and innovation,
and for their ability to form complex societies and
civilizations. They can be encountered in a wide range of
situations, from friendly merchants or helpful villagers to
ruthless bandits or power-hungry warlords.
HUMANOID
The Humanoid type includes a wide range of creatures
that share certain physical characteristics with Humans,
such as two arms, two legs, and a generally upright
posture. However, the Humanoid tag does not include
actual Humans. Humanoid creatures can have a wide
range of physical attributes, such as horns, fur, tails,
or wings, and can possess unique abilities or powers
humans are not capable of having. They can also have
their own cultures, societies, and beliefs, and can, of
course, be either friendly or hostile.
BEAST
The Beast type includes the diverse array of creatures
that inhabit the wild places of the world, from the
ferocious predators that stalk their prey through the
jungle, to the graceful herbivores that roam the plains.
These beings are the purest expression of the natural
world, their lives dictated by the rhythms of the seasons
and the struggle for survival. Animal creatures are often
less intelligent than their humanoid counterparts, but
their instincts are honed to a razor’s edge, allowing
them to navigate their environment with unparalleled
grace and efficiency. They possess a wide range of
physical abilities, from acute senses to powerful claws.
ELEMENTAL
The Elemental type stands for the creatures that
are made up of or connected to one of the classical
elements, such as fire, water, earth, or air, or
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a combination thereof. These creatures often possess
supernatural powers and abilities related to their
element, such as the ability to control flames or create
earthquakes. They can range in size from small and
subtle to massive and imposing, and their disposition
usually reflects the element they are made of.
PLANT
Plant creatures are either fully or partially composed
of plant matter, such as vines, leaves, or bark. They
often possess unique abilities related to photosynthesis,
such as the ability to regenerate quickly or manipulate
plant growth, but they may just as easily ensnare you
with thorned vines and devour you whole!
UNDEAD
The Undead are creatures that have been brought
back to life through dark magic or supernatural means,
often at the cost of their humanity or free will. These
unhallowed creatures can include Zombies, Skeletons,
Ghosts, and other spectral or corporeal entities. They
are typically immune to mundane weapons and require
special methods or magic to defeat or banish.
MONSTROSITY
The Monstrosity type indicates creatures that are not
easily classified as belonging to any other category,
and are often the result of magical experimentation,
corruption, or other unnatural means. They can vary
wildly in appearance and abilities, but often possess
strange or disturbing traits, such as multiple heads,
tentacles, or toxic breath. They can be small and agile
or massive and terrifying, and can be either intelligent
or driven purely by instinct. Aside from their unnatural
appearance and capabilities, some Monstrosities can
be similar to Beasts, though they aren’t of the kind that
exist in our real world and unlike Beasts have a tenancy
to be malevolent. Creatures that are a combination of
two or more Beasts (like a half-horse, half-snake) are
also classified as Monstrosities.
ABERRATION
The Aberration type refers to creatures that are
fundamentally alien or bizarre in nature, possessing
abilities or traits that are often beyond human
comprehension. They can be the results of dark
magic, beings from another dimension, or normal
humans, beasts, or animals that have been corrupted
by the encroaching influence of the Heralds of Doom.
Aberrations often possess strange or supernatural
abilities, such as the power to manipulate reality or to
control the minds of others.
 Doomsayer's Section

CONSTRUCT
Constructs are artificial in nature, created by magic,
technology, or a combination of both. These creatures
can include golems, clockwork automatons, and
other constructs that are imbued with a measure of
intelligence and sentience by their creators. They
often possess special abilities or resistances that
make them formidable opponents, such as the ability
to regenerate, resist certain types of damage, or
manipulate machinery.
and rugged features mark them as a breed apart
from mortal men. They possess incredible endurance,
resilience, and physical power, as well as a fierce pride
and independence that makes them formidable foes.
TERRAIN
Below are the different Terrain tags used in Blood
and Doom . Note that these are very broad categories
and indicate only the most prevalent type of Terrain
A Monster or NPC’s ‘Standard Attack’ Action could REGENERATE (X)
involve any of their listed weapons, which all have their Heals (x) Damage at the start of each Round.
range, Damage Die and damage type included in the
Stat Block. Some Actions refer to specific weapons, in RESISTANT (X)
which case the damage dealt is usually described as Has resistance to (x) type of damage, halving the
part of the Action as well, as it potentially deals more damage taken after applying armor, if any.
damage than the default for that weapon.
SPIDER CLIMB
Can easily climb up smooth walls or along ceilings at
TRAITS its listed Speed.

MYTHICAL
The Mythical type embodies the fabled beasts and
legendary creatures that haunt the dreams of mortals,
roam the Islands of Roshan, and make their lairs in
secluded places on Athyr. These beings are the stuff of
ancient myths and epic tales, born of the primal fears
and aspirations of humanity. They are the great Dragons
that hoard treasure, the beautiful Unicorns that heal
the sick, and the gargantuan Baikuda that defy reason
and logic. Mythical creatures possess otherworldly
powers and abilities, beyond the comprehension of
mortal minds. They are often revered or feared by the
societies that encounter them, and their existence is
shrouded in mystery and wonder. Mythical creatures
represent the primal forces of nature and the mysteries
of the unknown, serving as powerful allies or fearsome
adversaries to those who seek to unravel their secrets.
DEMONIC
The Demonic type represents the infernal denizens of
the underworld, twisted creatures born of darkness and
malice. These beings are the archetypes of evil, driven
by an insatiable hunger for power and destruction.
Demonic creatures are often humanoid in form, but
their twisted features and malevolent aura reveal their
true nature. They possess supernatural strength, agility,
and resilience, as well as dark powers such as infernal
magic and the ability to corrupt and possess mortal
souls. The mere presence of a demonic creature is
enough to instill terror and despair in the bravest of
heroes, for their essence is a corruption of all that is
good and true.
GIANT
The Giant type stands for the towering titans of the
natural world, creatures of immense size and strength
that dwarf all who stand before them. These behemoths
are the guardians of the mountains and the lords of
the wilderness, their footsteps shaking the earth and
their roars echoing across the land. Giants are often
humanoid in appearance, but their massive frames
in a certain area. For example, Desert Terrain often A Monster or NPC’s Traits function the same as
STEALTH ATTACK
includes some Mountains and Wasteland as well, but a Character’s, though they are mostly simpler and
as long as most of it is flat and sandy, it is referred to in Deals 1d6 extra damage when hidden and making
easier to implement. A full overview below:
the game as Desert. a successful attack.
AGGRESSIVE
The Terrain tag included in a Monster or NPC’s Stat TRAMPLE
Can move up to its speed toward a Character as
Block is by no means where they can solely be found, When moving its Speed toward a target to make
a Bonus Action.
but merely an indication of where they are most likely a melee attack, a Character suffers Challenge to defend
encountered, and in what kind of regions of Athyr they and falls Prone on a failure in addition to damage and
ANTI-MAGIC
may be more abundant than in others. any other effects.
Immune to Magical effects or Magic attacks that
directly target it.
Arctic Arc Mountains Mou TRUESIGHT
Can sense its surroundings supernaturally, even without
BACKSTAB
Coastal Coa Swamp Swa eyesight or direct line of sight. In closed spaces this
Character suffers Challenge to defend against this
reaches only as far as the room or area it is present in,
Monster or NPC if the Character is distracted or
Desert Des Underground Und but out in the open up to Distant range. A creature
engaged with another opponent.
with Truesight does not suffer any negative effects
Forest Urban
For Urb from the Blinded Condition.
DARKSIGHT
Grassland Gra Wasteland Was Can see in darkness fairly well and at least better than
TUNNELER
most humans.
Can dig through solid earth at its listed Speed.
Jungle Jun Water Wat
CANNOT SUFFER (X)
VULNERABLE (X)
Cannot suffer (x) type of Condition.
Is vulnerable to (x) type of damage, doubling the
WEAPONS CLIMB / FLY / SWIM
damage taken after applying armor, if any.
Any weapons a Monster carries that are also included
This Monster or NPC can climb, fly or swim.
in the Equipment List do not automatically include UNBREAKABLE
the Weapon Attributes from that list. This is done This NPC or Monster’s Morale cannot be broken by
IMMUNE (X)
to keep Encounters and using Monsters during the any normal means. If the leader of a group of Monsters
Is immune to (x) type of damage. Ignore damage of or NPCs has this Trait, all those fighting alongside it and
game more straightforward for you, the Doomsayer.
this type. under its command share this effect.
Relevant effects from Weapon Attributes that might
apply are included as part of the Monster or NPC’s
Actions instead. LIGHT SENSITIVITY
UNDYING (X)
When exposed to sunlight, Characters gain Edge to all Once per Round if Bruises and Wounds are fully
Should a Character manage to obtain a Monster rolls against this Monster or NPC. marked, heal (x) damage.
or NPC’s weapon, it functions as described in the
Equipment List, or, if it is a special weapon not included PACK TACTICS
in the list, it functions as a weapon closest to its type Character suffers Challenge to defend against this
and build. If it is a Magic Weapon or Item instead, its Monster or NPC if one or more of its allies are within
specifications are usually listed separately from the Close range of it.
Stat Block and can be handed to a player for their
Character to use.

258 259

STRENGTH & WEAKNESS
Some Monsters and NPCs have one or multiple
Strengths and Weaknesses. This section of the Stat
Block describes both what the Strength or Weakness
applies to, and, either lists a modified Difficulty that
applies when a Character interacts with that particular
aspect of the Monster or NPC. Some examples:
▪ Powerful melee attacks. Difficulty +1 to defend
against such attacks.
▪ Great ambusher. Difficulty 4 to spot if this
Monster is hidden.
▪ Swift attacks.
attacks Difficulty +1 to defend against this
Monster if using REFLEX to dodge.
Unlike Traits, there is no defined list of such Strengths
and Weaknesses. Instead, you’ll find many Monsters
and NPCs have something unique and mostly narrative
described. When customizing and homebrewing
Monsters or NPCs, thinking up of unique Strengths and
Weaknesses and applying them to existing Stat Blocks is
fairly easy and a good way to start customizing. More
on this can be found in the CUSTOMIZING MONSTERS
SECTION ON P. 264 .
SPECIAL
These are special features with a short instruction
specific to that Monster only. They are different per
Monster and explained in its Stat Block. This is not
a complete list, just like Strengths & Weaknesses, and
special abilities can be custom designed to fit any
particular Monster or NPC uniquely. Some examples:
▪ When encountered, WILLPOWER or suffer
1 Madness.
▪ All minions under this leader’s command
have their Difficulty increased by 1 while in
its presence.
▪ Mounted: Large Size, Armor scpbe: 3, Max
Wounds 24, Damage 1d10+3. When a mount
bucks due to fear or targeted attacks, roll 3
Action Dice: 1 success or more, remain mounted
and stable. 0 success, become unmounted and
fall Prone.
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ACTIONS
Every Monster and NPC has various Actions they
can perform. When you decide for a Monster or
NPC to act, you can either choose an Action listed
on their Stat Block or roll a d10 and let fate decide
what Action the Monster or NPC will perform. Each
Action has a number letting you know what outcome
it is linked to. Some Actions are triggered on more
than one outcome, which results in triggering those
more frequently.
Of course, you can always improvise, just as long as
the Difficulty and consequence of the Action are fair
and in line with the idea behind the Monster or NPC.
Each Monster and NPC has a ‘Standard Attack’ Action
specifically designed for this, usually triggered when
rolling a 1-2. It states you can either choose to make
a weapon attack, brawl, grapple or improvise.
It is completely up to you whether you want to have
more control over what a Monster or NPCs does
during an Encounter or whether you prefer to sit back,
roll a d10 to see what happens, and let your Players
know if things go badly for them that it was out of
your control. When you decide to roll to determine
a Monster or NPC’s Action, it is recommended to
do so at the start of their Turn before they move, as
the outcome of the roll may influence whether the
Monster or NPC would move toward (or stay near)
a Character or do exactly the opposite.
As touched upon in the Difficulty section, a Monster or
NPC’s Action can have a listed Difficulty that deviates
from their base Difficulty. When this is the case, it is
always shown to the right of the Ability included in
the Action’s description. Actions are usually formatted
as shown in below examples, with annotations
purposefully kept brief so that during an Encounter
you aren’t required to read through a lot of text to
figure out what to do.
The first line in italic provides a short narrative
description of what happens and sometimes also
includes information as to the relevant range or
number of targets (information about range is omitted
if the Action is made with a weapon listed in the Stat
Block that includes its range). The second line reads
what a Player has to do to prevent harm as described.
EXAMPLE A
A violent and powerful scimitar attack.
DEFEND or 1d8+2 Piercing Damage.
EXAMPLE B
Magically project a horrifying image of
a thousand malformed faces onto two targets
within Near range.
WILLPOWER 2 or suffer 1d4 Madness.
EXAMPLE C
Unleash a devastating shot using an arrow
dipped in poison.
REFLEX 3 or 1d8+3 Slashing + 1d4 Poison Damage
+ TOUGHNESS 2 or Poisoned.
In Example A, the Action dictates that a Character
who is attacked by this Monster or NPC must ‘defend’
themselves (in whatever way they see fit, and as
described extensively in the Core Rulebook). What
happens when they roll a success is rarely mentioned,
as the Action is thwarted. What is described however
is what happens if the Player’s Action Roll fails. In this
case, they would take 1d8+2 Piercing Damage.
In Example B, the Action dictates that a Character who
is exposed to this magical effect requires to succeed
a Willpower Roll at Difficulty 2, and suffer 1d4 Madness
on a failure. A Difficulty is only listed like this if it
deviates from the Monster or NPCs base Difficulty.
In Example C, much the same applies as in Example A,
except the consequence of failing means the Character
takes 1d8+3 Slashing Damage and 1d4 Poison Damage.
They are then required to make a second Action Roll,
using their Toughness Ability. On a success, nothing
more happens, but on a failure, the Character suffers
the Poisoned Condition. The Difficulty of the Reflex
Roll is 3, and the Difficulty of the Toughness Roll is 2,
as indicated.
Of course, a lot more variations are present in the
game, which cannot all be described here. Looking at
these examples should help interpret all such Actions,
but if you are ever unclear, don’t worry and simply
improvise what you think is right. The most important
thing is always to keep the game going and provide
fast-paced, cinematic combat to your table.
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ACTION TAGS
These are tags that apply only to a specific Action and is
included in the Action’s description in brackets behind
the Ability (as explained in the previous section).
ARMOR IGNORE
Armor cannot be used to reduce damage from this
action or effect. Even without this tag, some actions
inherently ignore armor, such as the use of some
Magic, or suffering Poison Damage. This tag is used
only if otherwise armor could be applied to indicate
an exception.
BRUTAL
A failed roll against this attack or effect causes an
Injury.
CHALLENGE (X)
Suffer Challenge to make an Action Roll to defend
against or resist these effects, (x) being the amount of
Challenge suffered if it is 2 or higher.
DISTURBING
Anyone, excluding the target(s), who witnesses the
consequence of failing this roll must make a Willpower
Roll or suffer 1 Madness.
DRAIN
Heal damage equal to half of the damage an opponent
takes from this attack or effect after applying armor,
with a minimum of 1. This does not include damage
from Bleed or similar effects that are not the direct
result of the attack’s damage.
DREADFUL (X)
A Failed roll against this attack or effect inflicts (x)
Madness.
HORRIFIC (X)
Suffering a Setback against this attack or effect inflicts
(x) Madness.
PENETRATE (X)
Damage from this attack or effect ignores an amount
of armor equal to (x).
PERSISTENT
Successful roll against this attack or effect still inflicts
half damage and / or Madness, though other effects
(e.g., Conditions) are ignored.

SEVERE
Suffering a Setback against this attack or effect causes
an Injury.
SHATTER
A failed roll against this attack always causes armor to
be Dented.
NAME / FEATURE
Included in the Encounter Tracker section of each
Stat Block is a Name / Feature section. Here you can
write down the Names of NPCs you are keeping track
of or alternatively a Feature, which can be handy
to distinguish the individual NPCs and (more likely)
Monsters from one another in a group.
A Feature could for be, for example: ‘missing eye’,
‘horribly scarred’, ‘largest of the pack’, ‘white fur’,
‘broken fang’, or simply anything else that gives
a unique descriptor to similar-looking Monsters that
would otherwise become hard to tell apart. This is
especially useful when using theater of the mind,
without any tokens or miniatures for Players to see
who is positioned where during an Encounter. Letting
Players know about a unique Feature of each Monster
will allow them to easily communicate to you and each
other who they want to attack, and of course for you
as the Doomsayer to do the same in return.
TURNS & ROUNDS
Also included in the Encounter Tracker section of each
Stat Block are pips that you can mark whenever an
NPC or Monster has taken a Turn during a Round. That
way, and if Players can keep track of their own Turns
during any given Round, running Encounters becomes
easy and intuitive. Every Player Character, Monster
and NPC participating in an Encounter gets one Turn
per Round, after which a new Round begins. When you
have marked all pips for the Monsters and NPCs in the
column of a Round, there’s no more Turns for them to
take until the next Round begins.
CONDITIONS
This area of the Encounter Tracker can be used to
write down Conditions, Afflictions, armor denting, or
other notes that can be useful to remember during
an Encounter. If a Monster or NPC becomes Poisoned
262
for example, this affects gameplay and Players gain
Edge to certain Action Rolls (to attack the Monster,
for example). You can write down what Condition(s)
a specific Monster or NPC suffers from so you won’t
forget during the frenzy of combat being acted out
and roleplayed at the table.
M AGIC POINTS
Some NPCs have the ability to cast spells or use
other forms of magic. Whenever this is the case, the
Encounter Tracker also includes a dedicated space
to keep track of Magic Points. Magic Points function
much the same as Blood Points, and NPC spells usually
have a Magic Point cost that must be paid by you in
order to cast the spell. Once out of Magic Points, the
NPC can no longer cast spells until they Rest or can
be assumed to have taken a Rest. The section is noted
as MP, which is short for Magic Points. The number
indicated is the maximum number of Magic Points the
NPC can have and is usually also the number they start
an Encounter with.
NEMESIS LEVEL
Monsters of legendary status or NPCs who are
powerful leaders or mighty adversaries featured in an
adventure’s story have a Nemesis Level, indicated in the
top left of their Stat Block, next to their base Difficulty.
Their Nemesis Level represents how such opponents
are so formidable that they can on occasion twist
fate and against all odds resist the Player Characters’
attempts at defeating them brutally and abruptly, and
additionally, exert themselves to the extreme in the
face of adversity.
Whenever a climactic Encounter with such an
opponent takes place, a Monster or NPC’s Nemesis
Level represents two things:
1. How many times during the Encounter they can
ignore the effects of any of the Characters’ Traits,
Powers, Magic, Feats or Weapon Attributes, should
these result in the opponent’s immediate and
premature death or severe debilitation. Unlike lesser
foes, these hardened and experienced Monsters and
NPCs can make an unexpected move that prevents
them from, for example, getting an arm chopped off,
their entire armor destroyed in an instance, being
decapitated, or banished to another dimension.
When appropriate, and only up to a number of times
equal to the Monster or NPC’s Nemesis Level, you can
call upon such forces and turn a successful Action Roll
made by a Player into a failure, ignoring any and all
harmful effects resulting from it, including those that
might apply when a failure is rolled. Any Blood Points,
Doom Points, Charges and Momentum are still spent,
but have no effect.
You can only do this when the Monster or NPC is at
risk of harm as described, and not to aid in attacking
or harming Characters. It should also not be used to
simply prevent taking damage if no additional, serious
consequence is tied to it. It is recommended to have
the narrative support such a feat, with you as the
Doomsayer describing how the Monster or NPC at
the last second managed to overcome the challenge
presented before them such as the best villains
sometimes do in a book or movie, even though the
dice that were rolled say otherwise.
2. An opponent’s Nemesis Level also indicates how
many times during an Encounter they can take an
extra Turn. On this Turn, the Monster or NPC can
move half the distance they normally can on a Turn
and take one Action. Regardless of Nemesis Level, they
still get only one Bonus Action per Round (if any), as
usual. The Monster or NPC cannot however take two
subsequent Turns this way, and only one ‘extra’ Turn
can be taken per Round.
Such legendary and formidable opponents that have
a Nemesis Level are often outnumbered by the Player
Characters (or at least, once their minions have been
dealt with) and providing a few extra Turns during
the climactic and decisive moment of an adventure
or campaign can make all the difference, challenging
Characters (as well as Players!) to their limits.
MONSTER & NPC TURN
Monsters and NPCs take Turns in much the same
way Player Characters do. They can either move and
perform an Action, or move up to twice the distance
they normally can and forego taking an Action. Moving
and taking an Action can be split up in whatever way
works best. If a Monster or NPC’s Stat Block describes
they can do something as a Bonus Action, they can do
so once per Round, just like Characters.
Normal Actions can of course be anything that the
Monster would be capable of, and isn’t limited to just
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Doomsayer's Section
attacking or defending, or the Actions listed on their
Stat Block. They could set off a trap, get weapons from
a weapon rack, search for hidden objects, barricade
a door, and so on. Just think of them in exactly the
same way as a Character.
USING LEADERS
In the seven realms of Athyr, where danger lurks in
every shadow, the prowess and cunning of the enemy
can spell the difference between triumph and despair.
Should the Characters encounter a leader among
a pack of minions or a wicked NPC wielding eldritch
powers amidst a horde of Monsters, the thrill of battle
becomes all the more exhilarating. The Players must
be nimble of mind and swift of action, for only the
clever and the bold can hope to emerge from such
a struggle victorious.
A leader NPC brings a host of advantages to its minions,
bolstering their morale, sharpening their tactics, and
furnishing them with specialized arms and abilities. Yet
the leader can also be the fulcrum of the Characters’
assault, forcing them to discern and prioritize their
targets and risking retaliation from the minions’
onslaught. Likewise, the introduction of a spellcaster
imparts a fresh layer of intricacy to the conflict, the
NPC’s sorcery empowering its allies (perhaps even
healing them) and unleashing attacks that can turn the
tide of combat.
The Characters must work in concert to devise
a winning strategy, scrutinizing the adversary’s
vulnerabilities and strengths and devising methods to
exploit them. They may resort to subterfuge to isolate
the leader or concentrate their assaults upon them,
entice the minions away, or dismantle the sorcerer’s
magic ere it can be invoked. They must think creatively,
utilizing the terrain or other resources at hand to
their advantage. They must also manage their own
resources prudently, preserving their skills and magic
for the most propitious moment.
Above all, Encounters featuring any kind of leader
to a group will test the Players’ mettle to the
utmost, compelling them to hone their abilities and
collaborate to surmount challenges that transcend the
sum of their parts. Whether they rise to the occasion
and attain glory or succumb to the enemy’s might,
the experience will remain indelible, a tribute to the
supremacy of strategy and teamwork in the face of
the unknown.

CUSTOMIZING MONSTERS
As with anything that applies to running the game,
feel free to change up what a Monster or NPC can or
cannot do on their Turn or any other way. The only
requirement being to think about it in advance of
a Session or the Encounter, make a (mental) note of it,
and stick with what you came up with, at least for the
upcoming Encounter.
This keeps the game fair and meaningful to players,
who can use the knowledge they obtain when fighting
or observing a Monster or NPC to possibly gain
an advantage. You could increase or decrease the
base Difficulty of a Monster, change up its Speed or
maximum Bruises and Wounds, invent entirely new
Actions, or give it more or different Weapons, Traits,
or Strengths and Weaknesses.
There is a chance players will get to know what to
expect when fighting a Monster from the book and
customizing them or even inventing entirely new
Monsters of your own can keep your game fresh and
exciting. In addition, who is to say that any two Ghul
are exactly alike? Just as Characters, Monsters and NPC
villains can come in many different varieties.
It can also be a lot of fun to create your own Monsters
and NPCs. Instead of listing a step-by-step process
to help you do so, it requires only to have played
a couple of Sessions and having familiarized yourself
with the Monsters and NPCs in this book or one of
the Doomsayer Codices. Take whatever Monster or
NPC comes closest to what you have in mind, and start
tweaking it.
264
MONSTER & NPC
INJURY TABLE
Monsters and NPCs can suffer Injuries, just like
Characters can. They do not, however, suffer Madness
or Trauma. Whenever a Character performs a brutal
and devastating attack (for example, by using a weapon
with the Brutal attribute), you can use the Injury table
presented here for ideas of possible consequences. If
indeed the result of a Weapon Attribute, the effects
described in the Injury Table are to be added to those
in the Weapon Attribute’s description. The specific
(improvised) action the Character just performed can
give a good indication of what Injury would be most
appropriate.
Characters can of course attempt to inflict horrible
injuries in other ways than by attacking with such
weapons, but to do so they should describe what kind
of Injury or harm they want to try and inflict before
they make an Action Roll. Considering these Injuries
are far more impactful than simply taking damage, the
Difficulty for such an action should be raised by 1, or
even 2, for it to succeed. As usual, a Monster of any
size larger than Medium could be affected differently,
often less impactful the larger they are, than described.
The Injury Table found here is slightly different than the
one for Player Characters, as some effects listed there
do not apply to Monsters and NPCs. Also, these Injuries
are more severe in both their description and effect, as
Monsters and NPCs are usually more expendable than
Characters, not to mention a lot more corrupted and/
or evil, often deserving of a quite horrible fate. Feel
free to tone down the brutality as you see fit, do away
with these descriptions altogether, or (us usual), come
up with your own ideas on the spot.
The Injury Table includes the notation (x)
d6 damage for some Injuries. Here, (x) is
the number of d6 as determined by you
depending on the seriousness of that Injury.
This is usually anywhere between 1d6 to 3d6.
Similarly, a negative effect might persist for
an (x) number of Rounds, or trigger ‘after’
(x) Rounds, which can also be determined
by you depending on the severity of the
situation.
Doomsayer's Section
INJURY EFFECT
An arm or monstrous appendage has been completely crushed or severed! Bone might
Crushed or be protruding, blood might spurt across the walls, and a monstrous appendage may yet
Severed Arm flop around for some time on the ground.
/ Appendage
The Monster / NPC loses the ability to use their arm or appendage. This may affect what
weapon(s) they can wield, or attacks they are able to perform.
A major artery is slit. Blood comes spewing out like a pulsating fountain. Covering the
wound won’t stop the bleeding, but it might slow it down just a little.
Slit Artery
The Monster / NPC takes (x)d6 Internal Damage at the end of every Round. An NPC with
the will to live may drop everything they are holding and press on the artery to reduce this
damage to a minimum of 1d6.
The target’s skull has been split or partly crushed. Brain fluid comes spilling out
and their eyes roll back into their sockets as they start to twitch and convulse
Split or uncontrollably.
Crushed
The Monster / NPC suffers the effects of being Paralyzed (whether immune or not) for (x)
Skull
Rounds. They take (x)d6 Internal Damage at the end of every Round, and (most likely) will
die after just a few Rounds have passed, perhaps taking one last swing at a Character as
they perish in slow, convulsing pain.
The target is on fire, encapsulated in ice, engulfed by lightning, or drenched in acid.
Extreme The Monster / NPC suffers Burning (x), where (x) is the amount of damage they take at
Burning the end of every Round of the appropriate type as is usual for the Burning Condition.
Considering this is a severe Injury, (x) should be between 3 and 9 as opposed to 1-3 usually
inflicted by Burning.
Ribs are broken and splintered, maybe even piercing lungs that now fill with blood
and other fluids. The target likely spews out blood, grabbing their chest in agony and
gasping for air.
Broken Ribs The Monster / NPC cannot take actions except defend themselves. Characters gain Edge to
attack. The Monster / NPC takes (x)d6 Internal Damage at the end of every Round. They
could still brace the pain and force themselves to act, but suffer 1d6 Internal Damage when
they do.
A kneecap or leg has been shattered, broken, or severely wounded in another way. The
sound of snapping bone and awkward, unnatural bending of the leg is a grueling sight
Shattered
to behold, as the target crumples to the ground.
Kneecap
or Leg The Monster / NPC suffers Prone and cannot get up, but only crawl at half their Speed
across the ground. Characters gain Edge to attack them or defend against them (should
they even be able to attack or harm anyone in this state).
One too many blows to the head have caused irreparable brain damage resulting in
dizziness, confusion, and nausea, perhaps even vomiting as a result.
Brain Damage The Monster / NPC suffers Confused until they are healed, or maybe will never get
a chance to recover. They’ll also have trouble talking, casting spells or anything else
requiring speaking, and might suffer 1d4 Internal Damage at the end of every Round at
least until the Encounter is over.
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 Doomsayer's Section

INJURY EFFECT
Fingers go flying through the air, or a hand drops to the ground. It’s not looking good.
If unclear what exactly happens, the Player may roll 1d4. The result is the number of
Severed
fingers lost, and on a result of 4 the entire hand is severed!
Fingers or
Hand The Monster / NPC loses the ability to use their hand or the tip of similar (monstrous)
appendage. This may affect what weapon(s) they can wield, or attacks they are able
to perform.
A target is impaled by a long, spiked weapon such as a glaive or by being smashed into
the sharp, metal protrusions of an enormous trap wall, for example. The realization is
quite horrific, as they look down (usually) at the thing sticking out their body on both
ends, preventing them from moving freely.
Fully Impaled
The Monster / NPC is Restrained until they manage to remove themselves from the object
sticking out their body. It takes them a full Turn to do so, and they suffer (x)d6 Internal
Damage from the gaping hole that now bleeds freely, and (x)d6 Internal Damage at the
end of every Round as a result of slowly bleeding to death.
A shoulder has been properly wrecked or crushed, leaving the attached arm to hang
down motionless or even bent backward at an anatomy-def ying angle.
Wrecked The Monster / NPC loses the ability to use their arm or appendage properly. This may
Shoulder affect what weapon(s) they can wield, or attacks they are able to perform. They can still
try and use this arm, but it causes unimaginable pain, and they take (x)d6 Internal Damage
whenever they do.
A deep gash across the gut causes skin and flesh to burst open and innards to start
falling out. The penetrating smell is horribly disgusting, as is the sight of the Monster /
NPC trying to keep their own body together as it falls apart, inside out.

MONSTER
Opened Gut The Monster / NPC takes (x)d6 Internal Damage at the end of every Round. An NPC who
wants to keep on fighting could hold their wound closed with one hand while wielding
a weapon with the other, but all Action Rolls made to attack them or defend against them
gain Edge.

& NPC VAULT

A large, gaping cut, wound, abrasion or any other similar affliction. Many things can be
Gruesome come up with depending on the Character’s action.
Wound The Monster / NPC suffers (x)d6 Internal Damage at the end of every Round, and perhaps
also an appropriate Condition.

In this section you’ll find in-depth information on the Monsters and NPCs included in
this book, as well as their Stat Blocks for use during play. This is but a small selection
of the more than one hundred Monsters and NPCs that will be included for the final
release of the Blood and Doom. Our other Primer book, the Doomsayer’s Codex:
The Twelve Pillars of Doom, already includes several more that you can check out
right now, with over a dozen cultists and cult-specific Monsters included there. As
the fate of Athyr hangs in the balance, it is now up to you to thrill, excite, and
surprise your Players with the Monsters and NPCs at your disposal. Enjoy!

266 267

HUMANOID
BEASTMAN
NAMES
Aalzhik, Durlug, Gormag, Greldak, Krondar, Pongar,
Shulzon, Tarkash, Thongruk, Zarthuk.
DESCRIPTION
Beastmen, abhorrent beings that look like a man and
gorilla hybrid. Their bodies are a grotesque mixture of
muscle and fur, as if some mad creator had stitched
together the most savage elements of both species.
Their coarse, ebony skin is adorned with bristling hair
that gives them a primal air, like some long-forgotten
predator risen from the depths of time.
When they lumber through the shadows on their
massive legs, they seem to loom over their prey like
titans of the jungle. Sanding fully erect they’re typically
7-8 feet tall, but many of them have a tendency to
stoop slightly, so they don’t look quite so large. Their
simian heads bristle with yellowed fangs, and their
beady, bestial eyes gleam with a feral intelligence that
is all too easy to underestimate. Though their bodies
are built for the wilds, many wear clothing and armor
made for humans, as if to mock the species that they
have so closely embraced.
While these monsters call the primal forests of Ishta
their home, tales abound of their forays beyond their
native land. In far-off kingdoms and forgotten corners
of the world, they can be found plying their ferocious
trade, serving dark lords and cruel warlords, or simply
sating their brutal desires through raid and pillage.
INSTINCT
Bred for war and destruction, Beastmen instinctively
do anything they can to display their formidable might
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Doomsayer's Section
to each other, their commander (usually a Beastmen
Warmonger) and their enemies.
Beastmen loathe humans and subject them to the worst
sorts of indignity and torment if they get the chance.
Many a Beastmen’s slave has wound up dead on the
floor because something angered the Beastmen and
it decided to take its rage out on the hapless servant.
FLAWS
Beastmen function best when led by a commander
whom they respect (or who rules them through might
and fear). Without strong leadership they often falter,
becoming a mob of individual soldiers motivated by
bloodlust rather than an effective fighting force.
Beastmen have terrible tempers. They anger easily
and can quickly start to fight among themselves unless
a leader puts a stop to it — and such fights inevitably
lead to the death of at least one of the Beastmen
involved. A Beastmen whose temper gets the best of
itself may make rash decisions or take risks that a more
level-headed soldier never would.
TACTICS
Beastmen fight in an aggressive, brutal fashion, using
their size, strength, and ferocity to overwhelm their
foe. They usually fight to kill and plunder (and some
stories claim they eat dead enemies), but they often
capture enemy soldiers and civilians to enslave them.
These unfortunate folk do all the menial labor in
Beastmen society and usually suffer horrific abuse in
the process. A lucky few are sold to human slavers and
taken away from Beastmen’s lands.
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 Doomsayer's Section

LORE with ferocity, tearing him limb from limb and leaving
Legend has it that a warmongering warlock known as nothing but scattered bones and scraps of flesh.

Andalva the Exile created Beastmen long, long ago.
It is said that the warlock, consumed by a thirst for
power and conquest, delved into forbidden realms of
magic to achieve his ultimate goal. He experimented
with spells and rituals until he discovered the key to
crossbreeding humans with great apes, and thus the
Beastmen were born.
The first Beastmen to emerge from Andalva’s foul
laboratory were twisted, deformed, and filled with an
unholy rage that no mortal could quell. They were
larger and stronger than any human, with black skin as
MONSTROSITY
With their leader dead, the Beastmen scattered to the
winds, retreating to the deepest, darkest jungles and
remote, isolated regions where they could establish
their own societies. They became nomads, wandering
from place to place in search of food, territory, and
a sense of belonging. They were feared and reviled by
humans, who saw them as monsters to be avoided at all
costs. Over time, these bestial creatures became more
organized, developing their own societies and cultures.
They adapted human clothing, armor, and weapons to
suit their needs, and learned to live off the land in ways

tough as leather and long, sharp teeth that gleamed
in the moonlight. Andalva reveled in his creation,
gathering them to him like a twisted father to his
malformed children.
With his army of Beastmen, Andalva set his sights on
neighboring kingdoms, hoping to conquer them and
extend his reign of terror. But the warlock’s hubris would
be his undoing. He soon discovered that the Beastmen
were not the obedient soldiers he had envisioned. They
were wild, unpredictable creatures, driven by primal
urges and an unquenchable thirst for blood. As Andalva’s
grip on his army loosened, the Beastmen turned on him
THOGUA
that humans could not. They became masters of the
jungle, using their brute strength and animal cunning to
survive in a harsh, unforgiving world.
Even now, centuries after Andalva’s death, the Beastmen
remain a force to be reckoned with. They continue to
DESCRIPTION Those who survived a Thogua attack often speak of first
Bereft of any grace usually associated with felines, being visited by their assailants in their dreams of the
raid and pillage in distant lands, serving as mercenaries,
Thogua are rarely seen before they are heard, as night before, with the Thogua appearing as monstrous
and sometimes even forging alliances with humans
their presence is almost always announced by their entities chasing after them and – if they don’t wake
who are bold enough to hire them. But their true
bellowing roar – a baritone, hollow clamor that easily up fast – maiming and mutilating them, before finally
nature remains unchanged: they are fierce, untamed,
reverberates for many miles in open air, penetrating feasting on their torn bodies.
and utterly savage, a constant reminder that the line
through even the best armor and the densest tissue to
between man and beast is thinner than we might like
FLAWS
shake the very bones of anyone who is unlucky enough
to think.
to be inside of a Thogua’s hunting territory. It is said
that once heard, there is very little time to flee the Once understood, Thogua can be tricked into
premises before a Thogua will appear, hungry for flesh attacking by simply entering their territory and staying
and single-minded in its pursuit of it. there for a few days. However, this tactic will only work
if the intruders manage to keep their own dreams
Once they reveal themselves, these night-time prowlers completely clear of their intentions, as those might
are frightening to behold, their furred chests towering give away what they are up to. Trespassers might
over any adult human, their paws more muscular than decrease their chances of getting noticed by refraining
even the hardiest warriors and their claws longer than from falling asleep, but obviously this will become very
those of the lions their appearance so often evokes. fatiguing rapidly.
However, it is not the size of their hands – each of
them easily capable of cupping two human ones, as
well as snapping them from their arms with less effort TACTICS
than it takes a toddler to shake a rattler – nor is it their Experienced adventurers and academics alike know
impressive maw with its razor-sharp teeth that impress that, even though a single Thogua will usually act as
the most: rather, it is their set of horns. Protruding out an advance scout, it will rarely be travelling alone, as
of the top of their heads, at the point where their huge these powerful creatures tend to roam the wilderness
ears meet the greyish-brown manes, are the cornua in prides: small family units, usually consisting of one to
that tend to remind onlookers of abyssal goats. three adults and anywhere from zero to six children.
Once a group of humans has entered a Thogua family’s

INSTINCT territory, there seems to be only one outcome: death.

Having been hunted by humans for centuries now,
Thogua have become fiercely protective of their
territory and consider any intruders to be valid targets.
Because of the similarities to both lions and goats, many
tend to assume that Thogua behavior reflects that of
those mundane animals – but that’s a misconception.
The Thogua will first visit the trespassers’ nightmares
and show them what their horrifying fate will be before
finally attacking them, unrelenting until their living and
hunting grounds are exclusively their own once more.
This intrusion is extremely taxing on the psyche of its
victims, while also keeping them from getting a good
night’s rest.

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 Doomsayer's Section

LORE
Thogua seem to be indigenous to Athyr. They spent
many millennia in magic-rich environments and
eventually evolved into a species that is in tune with the
dream world. Even though they seem to be awake for
only three to five hours every night, Thogua don’t sleep
like other beings do. Instead, while their eyes are closed,
they spend their lives in what is known as the ‘Mexiang
Yumah’ – the Living Dream. The Maxiang Yumah is
a plane that is closely connected to the material one,
but it is shaped by the dreams and nightmares of other
sentient beings.
While most people have difficulty shaping their dreams,
the Thogua are masters at it. In fact, they can even
shape the dreams of others. Within their own pride,
they use this ability to raise their children, cure mental
problems and form bonds far stronger than those of
most humans. Before a raid, however, Thogua often
using this ability to wear down their soon-to-be
victims mentally, heralding their physical visit through
gruesome night terrors.
THE LOGUA
There is rumored to be a subspecies of Thogua usually
referred to as the ‘Logua’ active on the plains of Ethennia.
These natural predators are said to be able to traverse
the sands as if they were part of the Living Dream itself,
which has led some academics to believe that the land
might once have been home to a lost civilization that
spent most of its time in Mexiang Yumah.

Perhaps even more frightening is that Thogua can
project their nightmares in the waking world, confusing
and disorienting their opponents in combat (more
about how that works below) before rending them with
their horns and claws. Also, they often pick up weaker
opponents, impaling them on their horns, leaving cruor
and grume both on themselves and their environment.
ITEMS
Thogua horns are natural magical reservoirs that store
a limited amount of life energy from people who are
dreaming. This energy can be drawn from by Sorcerers
who have learned how to harness the power of the
horns to cast or enhance spells.
Unfortunately to the Thogua, human Sorcerers
discovered the magical properties of their horns
centuries ago. Up until then, the Thogua were a peaceful
herder species living in tight-knit family units, but their
numbers soon got thinned out by fanatic hunters
motivated by greed and avarice. The surviving Thogua
soon learned how to use their assailants’ dreams against
them and started to defend their remaining territories
with a fervor unheard of by even the most power-
hungry of Evandyrian nobles, but this hasn’t kept their
horns from being a particularly valuable commodity to
the mages of Athyr.

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SANDCRAWLER
DESCRIPTION
The Sandcrawler is a monstrous creature of the desert,
wrought from the molten heat of the sunbaked
desert sands. Near man-sized, its carapace as black
as a clear night sky, as it glistens with an oily sheen
that reflects the light of a thousand stars. Its arachnid
frame, stretching up to five feet in length, is adorned
with pincers as sharp as shards of obsidian, each tip
bearing rows of teeth that glint like a rogue’s knives
in the sunlight. Its mandibles, jutting from beneath its
ominous skull, thrust forward like cruel pikes, ready to
impale and rend its prey to pieces.
This burrower’s rounded maw is a grotesque row of
razor-sharp teeth, clicking open and closed with the
force of a thousand cicadas as the creature inhales the
scent of its next victim. It is a hunter, a predator of the
wastelands, and its movements are jerky but lightning-
fast and unbelievably precise.
INSTINCT
The Sandcrawler’s instinct is not simply driven by
hunger, but also by a deep sense of territoriality and
a desire to guard its own. These creatures are fiercely
protective of their nests, often working in groups of
274
three to defend their young and the precious resources
of their desert home. Unfortunately, Sandcrawlers are
paranoid creatures which feel threatened as soon as
someone approaches, and on Athyr, their ability to
hide in the sands and attack from surprise has made
more victims than any other desert animal.
These creatures’ scissor-like claws and venomous
stingers are weapons of defense as much as offense,
honed through generations of conflict with other
predators of the wastelands. When they do attack,
they do so with a calculated ferocity that is nothing
short of terrifying and an exactitude no archer or
blademaster can hope to match.
FLAWS
Despite their fearsome power and instinctual ferocity,
Sandcrawlers are not without their flaws. For all their
lethality, they are creatures of the desert, and their
reliance on the harsh environment can be a weakness
as much as a strength. Their armored carapace, while
formidable, is not completely impervious to the
scorching heat of the suns, and prolonged exposure to
the harsh elements can weaken their defenses if they
do not manage to find shelter or burrow underneath
the sands for prolonged periods of time. Additionally,
their reliance on their young and the resources of their
territory can make them predictable, leaving them
vulnerable to ambush and attack.
TACTICS
Sandcrawlers are expert hunters, and their tactics are
as deadly as they are varied. When hunting alone,
they will often ambush their prey from below, using
their scissor-like claws to dig quickly through the sands
before snapping their target’s limbs with their claws
or impaling them and effortlessly hoisting them into
the air. If their stinger hits, their victim will also be
poisoned, which makes Sandcrawler attacks deadly
even if their target survives the initial assault.
However, when working in groups of three, Sandcrawlers
become even more dangerous, as they have been known
to employ a more coordinated attack. One Sandcrawler
will prepare its attack underneath the surface while the
other two will approach from either side, flanking their
target and pulling it down into the sands, where the first
Sandcrawler will assist in holding down the hapless victim.
Once their prey is immobilized, the Sandcrawlers will
use their razor-sharp mandibles to crush and tear their
victim apart, with each member of the group taking
a different part of the kill. The Sandcrawlers’ venomous
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Doomsayer's Section
stingers can also be used to weaken their prey, injecting
paralyzing toxins that make it easier to subdue. If all
else fails, or if their mandibles do not manage to pierce
the target’s armor, these black arachnids will count on
suffocation to finish off their mark.
LORE
First documented by Malnur Haran, a Druid and prolific
writer from the Sundered Wastes who, between 2871
and 2899, wrote no less than 391 treatises on nature,
Sandcrawlers do not seem to be supernatural in origin,
yet seem to be born out of the sands themselves. Maybe
their eggs are too small to be visible to the naked eye,
or maybe they impregnate their environment with
invisible spores, but the result is an organic being the
size of a forearm that grows to full adult size within the
span of two years.
Ask any who live in the Sundered Wastes or Ethennia,
and you will come to hear that the Sandcrawlers and
the far larger Sandworms hold dominion over the
sands, and that their numbers are more plentiful than
those of any other living creature. It is a wonder, then,
that the nomads of the deserts have been able to map
out routes that mostly avoid these violently reactive
arachnids – either by luck or skill – but should they
ever encroach on settled lands, it would leave most
communities extremely vulnerable indeed.

UNDEAD
MUMMY
NAMES
Amentep, Hetphor, Isenkore, Kerama, Khuti,
Mentusankh, Nefru, Sobekhar, Talumon.
DESCRIPTION
The smell of the stale air of the tomb assaults your nose
as you strain your eyes to see in the torchlight. You can
tell this burial place belonged to someone important
— valuable treasures are no doubt hidden somewhere.
But you recoil in fear as the sarcophagus opens and the
mummified remains of its occupant return to life! With
the linen bandages that wrap its entire body scraping
along the floor as it walks, it lurches toward you, arms
stretched out to grab you, and a horrific light shines
forth from its sunken eyes....
INSTINCT
The drive to protect their tombs and themselves
governs most Mummies’ thoughts. While some lesser
Mummies seem to have little more self-will than
a zombie, the most powerful of their kind have just as
much awareness and judgment as they did in life, and
react intelligently to any threats. If someone escapes
their tomb they may leave it to go in pursuit, tracking
that person unerringly across land and sea until they
get their revenge. This is even more likely to happen
if that person took something valuable or important
from the tomb.
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Doomsayer's Section
FLAWS
Because Mummies sleep the slumber of death until
something awakens them, sometimes clever adventurers
can find a way to get the drop on them and weaken (or
even destroy) them before they come fully to unlife.
The more powerful the Mummy, the less likely this is
to occur.
A Mummy’s greatest weakness is fire. The preservatives
in which the priests soak their bodies (and their
bandages) become highly flammable over time, so that
just touching a Mummy with a spark sometimes causes
it to flare up like a torch and rapidly burn away to
nothing — but as it dies a fiery death, it attacks with full
vigor, and may burn its enemies to death along with it.
TACTICS
A Mummy’s attacks all require it to touch or grasp its
opponents, so its first move in combat is to close to
melee range (or find some way to make the Characters
come to it). Most Mummies, including all lesser ones,
rely primarily on their physical strength and durability
to bash and smash their opponents, wield weapons
against them, or grab them by the throat and strangle
LORE that protect the tombs of the mummified. Many tales
In the world of Athyr, the dead are not always granted the describe the wrath of the Mummies against those who
them to death. (In some cases Mummies wear full
mercy to rest in peace. Many ancient cultures, and some would disturb their eternal slumber.
armor, and carry shields and weapons, making them
that still exist today, practice the art of mummification.
even harder to harm.) ABANDON ALL HOPE, YE WHO ENTER...
The preserved bodies of rulers, nobles, and great warriors
are laid to rest in elaborate tombs, their spirits believed Beware, ye who would dare to violate the sanctity of
to protect and guide their descendants. Yet, there are a Mummy’s tomb, for the curses of the ancients still
some who receive the gift of mummification in exchange hold sway in these hallowed chambers. Legends speak
for a great service to their king, or even as an ‘honor of curses so potent that they can wreak vengeance
guard’ to protect the tombs of their sovereigns. upon any who dare to disturb the slumber of the
undead. These curses can manifest in a multitude of
Unfortunately, the honor of mummification can come ways, each one more terrifying than the last.
at a great price, for legends abound of the dark curses
277

The Mummy’s curse can strike swiftly and silently, for
even if an adventurer manages to evade the grasp of
the undead, they may not be so lucky as to escape its
touch. Those who are marked by the Mummy’s ice-
cold bony fingers will soon find their limbs withering
away to nothing, their flesh turning to dust and bone
until they are nothing but a husk of their former selves.
The curse takes hold slowly, stealthily, only revealing
itself hours or even days after the unfortunate victim
has left the tomb, and many try to take their own lives
before they allow atrophy to fully take hold.
Woe betides adventurers who convince themselves
that fleeing the Mummy’s lair means they have
escaped its wrath, for the curse of the undead is not
limited by the confines of its tomb. It can relentlessly
track its quarry through twisting passages and open
plains alike, unerringly seeking out those who have
dared to disturb its slumber. And woe to those who
have taken any treasure from the Mummy’s hoard, for
the undead will consider this a major transgression and
pursue them to the ends of the seven realms to reclaim
what is rightfully theirs.
278
But perhaps the most insidious curse of all is reserved
for those who have committed the greatest sacrilege of
all: the unholy desecration of the Mummy’s body itself.
These foolhardy wrongdoers are subjected to a curse
that will haunt them even in their dreams, filling their
minds with perverted visions of their own horrifying
death and inevitable decay. Their world will be forever
shrouded in a twilight pall, haunted by the specter of
the undead and even the Munagi may refrain from
taking the victim’s unsanctified soul, as they are cursed
to a life of perpetual misfortune.
Only the most learned priests and sages possess
the knowledge and lore necessary to remove the
Mummy’s curse. However, time is of the essence, for
the curse must be lifted within two weeks, lest the
victim be claimed by undeath forever. Ordinary curing
and healing spells are of no use, for this is a curse born
of the ancient magic of a long-forgotten age. May the
gods have mercy on any who are unfortunate enough
to incur the wrath of the Mummy’s curse.
GHUL
DESCRIPTION
A Ghul, or ghoul, is a type of undead creature that
typically dwells in cemeteries, deserts, and other such
isolated places (but ones where humans, their preferred
prey, sometimes visit or pass by). They resemble
desiccated corpses, sometimes with long, stringy hair
still attached to their heads. In some cases, parts of
their soft tissues (such as the lips) shrivel to nothing
or fall off over time (thus exposing their sharp teeth);
in others the ears lengthen and become pointed, the
nose comes to look somewhat bestial, and so forth.
They may wear the tattered remnants of garments
they wore in life, or the graveclothes in which they
were buried. Their fingernails lengthen and harden
into claws.
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INSTINCT
Most Ghuls are solitary creatures; they have no desire
to share territory or food with others of their kind.
But some adventurers tell stories of Ghul ‘colonies’ that
include a dozen or more of the horrid creatures.
A Ghul’s appetite dominates its thoughts. While it may
become sated temporarily after a large meal, it usually
spends most of its time hunting down something to
eat. It can consume and enjoy nearly any flesh — even
the decaying flesh of decomposing corpses, which
some Ghuls consider a delicacy. While it prefers human
meat, it will settle for animal or monster flesh if it must.
Ghuls can reason on a simple or instinctual level but
aren’t truly ‘intelligent.’ Adventurers cannot negotiate
or trade with them, for example — at best they
can convince Ghuls to leave them alone through
demonstrations of force.

FLAWS
Because of the horrible stench of rot and decay that
surrounds them, Ghuls have difficulty remaining hidden
from their prey — the odor gives them away when they
get too close. To counteract this, they try to approach
prey from downwind; they know the wind and weather
patterns in the area where they live very well.
TACTICS
Ghuls dislike open combat. Instead, they prefer to
ambush, trick, or deceive their prey so they can get
close enough to strike a killing blow before the hapless
victim realizes what they really are. They rely on
their natural weaponry instead of wielding manmade
weapons. Their claws and fangs may carry diseases, so
Characters who survive a Ghul attack may want to seek
a healer’s care or cast curative spells on themselves.
LORE
Alas, for those who would look for peaceful slumber
during the darkest hours of the night, the dead do not
always find eternal rest in the earth. Instead, they may
rise again in a form that few would welcome. Behold, the
Ghul, a wretched creature born of three fates most foul.
The first fate is reserved for those who, in their lifetime,
indulged in the dark practice of cannibalism. When
such a one passes beyond the veil, they may find
themselves returning as a shambling Ghul, hungering
for the flesh of the living with a ravenous appetite.
280
But it is not only those who feast on the flesh of their
own kind who are at risk. The second fate is more
insidious, for it can befall anyone who does not receive
the proper rites and blessings upon their passing.
Perhaps they were forgotten, or perhaps their final
rites were mishandled by a careless or incompetent
hand. Either way, these unfortunate souls may find
themselves rising as Ghuls, driven by a hunger that only
the living can satisfy.
As horrible as these destinies are, at least they are
preventable, yet the third way that leads to the
hapless dead becoming Ghuls is not, as it is the result
of a foul spell or ritual such as the Fetor of Flesh. A
perverse rite performed by the depraved cult known
as the Yiukashin.
Often, the battlegrounds of war provide the most
fertile ground for the rise of Ghuls. When armies clash
and the dead are left unburied, their souls may be
doomed to return in this unholy form. The Ghuls that
arise from such places are numerous and relentless,
roaming the earth in search of their next meal.
Beware, for these creatures are not to be trifled with.
They are fast and strong, their limbs twisted and
gnarled with decay. Their eyes are dead and lifeless,
and their hunger is insatiable. May whatever gods or
spirits they answer to have mercy on those who find
themselves in the path of a Ghul, for they will find no
mercy from these creatures of the grave.
DEMONIC
FLESH DEMON
DESCRIPTION
Flesh Demons are sinewy, thin and extremely agile,
impossibly fit beings from another reality with large
pointy ears and claws that are designed to rip through
flesh and shatter bones with the ease of a Vahlian sword
cutting through lemon cake. These vile creatures are
usually summoned through the Rituale Daemonum di
Carne, but sometimes, there ethereal forms find other
ways to manifest physically after they have succeeded
in piercing the veil that separates Athyr from their
twisted home realm.
INSTINCT
Although many humans believe that Flesh Demons
crave flesh and are driven by an insatiable hunger like
animals, they are sadly mistaken, as these supremely
cunning critters are driven by far more complex
motivations. Infinitely curious, they are also obsessed
with flesh and muscle tissue, and only looking at raw
meat can satisfy them. Voyeurs of the skinless form,
they are driven to watch and touch their subjects, and
only those depraved enough to comprehend a Flesh
Demon’s desires can truly understand that they are,
in a sense, consumed by an intense love for whatever
husk of sinews and organs they can hold and cradle in
their arms.
For all the intensity of their perverse compulsions, Flesh
Demons are easily bored, and after they have been
able to gaze upon their handiwork for a few seconds,
they are ready to leave again, on to their next victim
and experiment. Thus is why a cult like the Yiukashin
is able to use them as silent assassins so successfully, as
Flesh Demons rarely stay long enough to be caught
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Doomsayer's Section
in the carnage they cause, and the methods they use
are precise and perfectly executed. This, of course,
makes them more dangerous than any drive for food
could do.
LORE
Outside of the Athyran reality, there exist many others,
most adhering to different laws of physics. The collision
between multiple of these planes of existence would
spill these other rules of nature into dimensions where
they would cause cataclysmic changes, but fortunately
they are kept from coexisting by veils that can only be
pierced by the strongest of magics – or the foulest of
extradimensional abominations.
There exist exceptions, too: realities that are
intertwined with each other, the shrouds between
them thin enough to influence entire dimensions,
invisible and intangible to anyone but certain arcane
creatures, divine mediums, spirit-talkers, and trained
spellcasters. Out of all of those existences, there is
one that exerts an immense malefic effect on Athyr:
a realm known by the Evandyrian church as Daramon
La, by Ishtan shamans as Xyrixus Quarom, and by the
One True Religion of Roshan as Yua Qua Lem, a realm
of Demons and other hellish creatures.
Contrary to the plane where the Outer Gods hail
from, Daramon La is knowable, and some, like the
sage Taronuk Manir, whose soul is still there to be
tormented for the rest of eternity for its transgressions,
have even tried to chart its topography. Unsurprisingly,
all such attempts have been incomplete at best, since
it is as vast as the Athyrian solar system and as varied as

anything near Aureya and Issira. It is a plane of horror,
of endless suffering and pain, of jagged mountains that
tear open any who try to scale them, of endless streams
of lava and searing heat as well as a cold so intense
that it burns the skin within seconds. Its features are
a gross exaggeration of those found on Athyr, as if
every single aspect that can make nature so beautiful
has been perverted and twisted to the extreme.
Here, the Flesh Demons dwell, intelligent critters with
a foul demeanor who are obsessed with bare flesh and
raw meat, with muscle tissue and tendons, with skinless
hulks and skinned creatures, drawn as they are to the
pulsating sinew and slimy, viscous texture.
Despite their power, Flesh Demons are rarely able to
manifest on Athyr, although extradimensional portals
and tears in reality sometimes allow them to come
through, and failed experiments or flawed spells can
pull them into the world, where they appear in their
ethereal form until they are able to occupy a host
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Doomsayer's Section
body. The most common way for them to visit Athyr,
though, is through a perverse ritual known as the
Rituale Daemonum di Carne, created by Evandyrian
demonologists to summon these beings most foul,
and most often found in the dark tome known as the
Daemonum di Carne Codex.
In order to do so, a live victim is needed, and an arcane
Signum di Continentia has to be carved into their
chest, allowing the Flesh Demon – up to that point
still an ethereal entity, at least when manifesting in
Athyr’s reality – to take hold. Within 10 minutes, it rips
through all remaining skin, and the muscles and tissue
of the hapless host slowly start to transmogrify into
the mishappen true shape of the Flesh Demon. When
the process is done, the host’s body cracks open and
the Flesh Demon has come into the world, ready to
gleefully follow anyone who has called it forth to prey
on the living and satisfy its ghoulish compulsions.
283

MUNAGI — THE SOUL FETCHERS
DESCRIPTION
Munagi, also known as ‘Soul Fetchers,’ are ethereal
beings that resemble rotting corpses with long, black
hair that flows as if perpetually underwater. Their
elongated arms and gaunt, twisted fingers are infused
with ethereal energies, granting them the power
to pluck a human’s soul from its mortal vessel. Their
faces are a sight to behold, with black holes for eyes
and a gaping mouth that speaks with the sound of
a thousand whispers. These whispers merge to become
a brooding choir of regret, suffering, fear, and delusion,
born of the thousands of souls a Munagi has collected
over its immortal life.
Most cultures on Athyr know of Munagi in one form or
another. When someone dies, the hope is that their soul
will pass into the afterlife, whatever that afterlife might
be. To the Rohsani, it is a place in the heavens, next to
the One True God and its three aspects. To Ethennians,
the afterlife consists of peaceful and abundant plains.
To the Ishtans, it is to become a spirit and be one with
nature. And so different cultures have different notions
of where souls are taken to, but all of them know about
the Munagi, not in the least because these ethereal
guides sometimes manifest when a soul refuses to be
taken away and stubbornly clings to its body.
INSTINCT
As a metaphysical being, a Munagi exists for one
purpose: to fetch the souls of the dead. It is not entirely
known whether they also guide the souls of those who
are ready to leave their mortal coils and willingly travel
to their final destination, and some sacred doctrines
claim the Munagi only carry off the souls of the
wicked and unjust, while others have no opinion on
the matter or believe the opposite — that Munagi
escort deserving souls to a paradisical afterworld. Some
religions hold that burning a person’s body, or treating
it in some other specific manner, prevents a Munagi
from fetching their soul away.
On those rare occasions where living beings meet
Munagi, the encounter almost always takes place at
a location where the ‘aura’ of death is most intense:
graveyards; battlefields; cities affected by plague; and
the like. They manifest when a soul refuses to leave and
have only one driving, all-consuming motivation: to
reap it from its body and haul it to an entirely different
plane – the one where the dead dwell – or maybe have
it be absorbed by the cosmos.
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Doomsayer's Section
It is unclear whether the Munagi serve a higher power
other than Death itself, a concept or maybe an Ancient
God who encompasses entropy and decay, and who
conceivably cares nothing about morality or reasoning.
FLAWS
To a trained user of magic, a Munagi leaves a distinctive
trail when it moves through the mortal world or
shifts to another plane. A character who knows the
appropriate spell could magically follow this path.
TACTICS
Different Munagi react to combat situations in
different ways. Most never attack any living being,
and if attacked shift themselves into one of the many
ethereal planes, seemingly fading out of existence
as they do so. But other Munagi seem to relish the
chance to teach any interloper a lesson he won’t soon
forget — if they survive.
A Munagi’s best known and deadliest attack is to
fetch a mortal’s soul prematurely, killing that person
instantly. If the Munagi doesn’t want to go that far, it
can simply ‘touch’ a person’s soul, causing them intense
(but not necessarily fatal) pain. For an even stranger
type of attack, a Munagi shifts a corporeal being into
and out of an ethereal plane multiple times in the
space of a heartbeat, causing disorientation that leaves
the victim vulnerable to a Munagi’s other attacks.
Heroic soul Munagi have even more ways to affect
a human’s soul or mind to cause various types of harm,
disorientation, and weakness.
Even if a Munagi cannot reach an adversary, it still
has ways to attack them. For example, it can project
a blue-white energy that paralyzes that person. If this
succeeds, it can then close in to attack with its claws or
another power. If a Munagi believes it’s losing a fight, it
usually retreats into an ethereal plane, most likely never
again encountering the beings who drove it away,
LORE
In an ethereal realm beyond mortal comprehension,
where the veil between life and death is thinner than
the finest silk, the Munagi dwell. Humanity’s knowledge
of these beings is limited, with only two known types,
both described by sages, academics and priests
285

everywhere and gifted with mortal denominators that
undoubtedly fail to properly grasp the true meaning
behind their existence.
The ‘Lesser Soul’ Munagi appears when the soul of one
whose exploits have not yet attracted the attention of
Death itself needs to be collected. Thus far, the souls
of these ordinary mortals, inexperienced adventurers,
and minor heroes have not become intertwined with
the essence of Athyr and the destiny of reality. They
do not seem to have attracted the attention of Death
itself, and their soul’s destination will most likely not
have a great impact on the future of reality.
When a great hero or powerful sovereign dies, however,
their soul will warrant the appearance of a ‘Heroic
Soul’ Munagi and the might of these nigh-unstoppable
ethereal forces should not be underestimated.
Though they can see into and inhabit the ethereal
planes, when they appear in the physical realm, they
take on a tangible form with all the characteristics of
a corporeal being. They can be hurt with weapons and
other forms of attack, but they do not need to sleep or
breathe. They are immortal, never aging or getting sick,
and never needing to eat or drink to sustain themselves.
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Doomsayer's Section
Encountering a Munagi is an unsettling experience,
for nothing about them quite adds up. They are
PLAYER-FACING
undead but not quite, vicious fighters yet their facial
expressions remain uninvolved. They are clearly
supremely intelligent but do not speak, and while
NPC S
some are cruel and evil, others avoid battle altogether.
It is for these reasons that the people of Athyr fear
the Munagi more than any other creature, and their
most common natural reaction when one manifests
alongside a fallen hero or a lifeless sovereign is to flee
for their lives.
When a Character dies, a Munagi arrives to claim
their soul, typically right away, but sometimes these
Any one of these Player-Facing NPC Stat Blocks can be the Players. This is both fun and engaging for them
creatures wait for a few minutes or even days for
handed out to a Player should an NPC temporarily join and allows you to focus on the Monsters and Villains
reasons unknown. Once they take the soul, there is no
the Party and fight alongside the Characters during in the adventure.
hope of reversing the events that led to the Character’s
one or multiple Encounters. You as the Doomsayer still
death. In the end, the Munagi’s task, whether imposed These Player-Facing Stat Blocks are general
upon themselves or by a greater power, is simple yet determine how an NPC behaves, what they say, and representations of NPCs of various backgrounds and
daunting: to collect the souls of the living and deliver what their general course of action is during any given skill sets that can be used for any NPC that best fits
them to a realm beyond mortal comprehension. They Scene or Encounter. However, taking Turns, rolling their description. As with all other Stat Blocks, many
are Soul Fetchers, Munagi, and their story will most dice, spending Blood Points and keeping track of the more will be included for the final release of the Blood
probably continue long after the mortals of Athyr have NPC’s Bruises and Wounds can all be done by one of
and Doom Core Rulebook.
passed from existence.
WARRIOR
In all corners of the world, warriors stand ready to face whatever their motivation, all warriors share a fierce
any threat that may come their way. With their weapons determination to triumph over their enemies. Through
at the ready, they charge forward into battle or help blood and sweat, they push themselves to the limit,
hold the lines, their eyes fixed on victory. Some fight for never backing down from a challenge.
honor, others for glory, and still, others for survival. But
287

ROGUE
Across Athyr, people quip that for every watcher or
guard, there seems to be a Rogue. Amidst the shadows
and dimly lit alleys, their nimble fingers deftly pick locks
and slide coins from unsuspecting pockets. The best
of these masters of deception and subterfuge move
like cats stalking their prey, always ready to strike. But
don’t be fooled by their charming smiles and silver
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Doomsayer's Section
tongues, for these Rogues can be just as dangerous as
any sword-wielding knight. With their keen senses and
quick reflexes, they navigate the dangers of the night
with ease, always on the lookout for their next score.
Whether they’re running a con or pulling off a heist,
the Rogues of the seven realms operate beyond the
confines of the law, and far away from public scrutiny.
289
 Appendixes

COBRA
In the shadowed depths of the dense jungle, the cobra its path. This fearsome predator is known for its deadly

A PPENDIX A :
slithers silently through the undergrowth, its venomous accuracy, attack speed and hypnotic gaze.
fangs poised to strike any intruder who dares to cross

BEAST STAT BLOCKS

TIGER
The tigers of Athyr are fierce and formidable beasts,
their powerful muscles rippling beneath their striped
coats. They move with fluid grace, their every
movement calculated and precise. The gleam of
their eyes reveals a keen intelligence and ferocious
determination. A  tiger’s claws can rend flesh and
its jaws can crush bone. Once a tiger has set its eye
on their prey, there is bit little chance the unlucky
creature will escape.

WOLF
Found everywhere in forested regions, wolves are often
met in tight-knit packs. Their fur is sleek, their howls
a haunting melody that echoes through the trees, and
those that bond with a mortal often prove to be loyal
beyond human comprehension, willing as they are to
use their keen senses and rending teeth in service of
their masters.

290 291

A PPENDIX B:
SETBACKS
WHEN A DVENTURING
Characters lockpicking doors, jumping over crevices
that run deep into the earth, balancing on top of a fallen
tree trunk to cross a dangerous river, or trying to win
an argument with a local noble; all fit into this ‘loose’
category of adventuring. Anything you can think of
that doesn’t include any of the three former categories
is also included here, whether it be winning a drinking
competition at a tavern, making repairs and crafting
items, or communicating with spirits.
Most of the time it will be enough to come up with
a narrative consequence for a Setback, complicating
a Character’s situation and requiring to deal with
the escalation. More often than not, Characters are
together attempting such activities, and any Setback
suffered may well influence the course of action for the
entire Party.
For example, when they attempt to lockpick the
backdoor of a guarded castle, a Setback could mean
they made too much noise, alerting several guards
and resulting in them passing around the corner and
putting the Party in a tough spot. Or when attempting
to cross a rushing river, suffering a Setback could mean
the Character plunges into the water and is dragged
away by a powerful stream, only to end up hanging
from a slippery cliff where the water crashes down
a great depth.
Many of the Setbacks for combat can also apply when
out of combat but while in precarious situations.
A  Character could accidentally drop their torch while
walking over a rope bridge, or knock over a brazier,
292
sending sparks and hot coals all over the floor. Other
times more severe and ‘mechanical’ effects are
appropriate. For example, when a Character attempts
to climb across a cliff, slips and falls. Any damage
they would normally take from such a fall can be
complemented by suffering an appropriate Injury
if they roll a Setback, and Conditions such as Bleed,
Burning, Frightened, Poisoned, Prone, etc. can also be
considered in many other, similar situations.
Most importantly Setbacks should always make sense
within the fiction. In the first example of lockpicking
a door, this would mean if Characters made an effort
to determine no guards are on patrol, they cannot
just appear from thin air. Setbacks are an escalation of
things already present, events set in motion before, or
something else that could plausibly happen when things
turn sour.
Due to the wide range of possibilities and large variety
of different situations to deal with, such Setbacks
cannot be summarized in a table lest it be 40 pages
long (and quite unusable at that). Instead, an extensive
list of examples will be provided in the final release
of this book. Do keep in mind that Players who love
to embrace their Character’s doom and dealing with
tough situations could be willing to help by offering
suggestions. Any tabletop roleplaying game isn’t about
‘winning’ after all, but about telling the most exciting
and heroic stories possible, especially those in which the
Characters face great adversity.
Appendixes
WHEN ATTACKING
D20 SETBACK
1
The Character misses their attack so clumsily that they scrape against their opponent’s weapon, or the
opponent quickly jabs them. They take 1d6 damage (ignoring armor).
The Character accidentally hits an ally within their weapon’s range. The ally suffers the Character’s Basic
2 Damage, which they should roll for. If no ally is within range the weapon becomes Dented or they suffer
1d4 bludgeoning damage.
The Character’s weapon becomes Dented, or, if wielding a ranged weapon, it becomes Dented and they
3
spill 1d6 pieces of ammo.
The Character strikes an object nearby, causing unwanted collateral damage and complicating the situation
4 around them. For example, by knocking over a lamp and plunging the room into darkness or shattering
glass that goes flying around.
5
The Character slips and falls as they miss their attack, causing Prone. When wielding a ranged weapon, instead
they lose their balance for a moment and suffer Challenge to defend themselves until their next Turn.
The Character drops their torch or slams against the torch a nearby ally is holding, dropping it onto the
6
ground and perhaps even extinguishing it.
The Character puts themselves in a disadvantageous position, suffering Challenge to defend themselves or
7
avoid any danger until their next Turn.
The Character starts to feel the effects of fatigue if the Encounter is in the 3rd Round or later. They suffer
8 Exhausted. If not, their weapon becomes Dented, or they suffer 1d4 bludgeoning damage (ignoring armor)
hurting themselves.
The Character’s awkward body movement sprains the muscles, causing them to be Paralyzed until the end
9
of their next Turn.
The Character’s weapon is Dented, or, if fighting unarmed or grappling, they hurt themselves and suffer 1d4
10
bludgeoning damage (ignoring armor).
The Character steps right into the arc of an opponent’s attacks. The opponent deals their Basic Damage to
11
the Character without a chance to defend.
The Character drops their weapon on the ground within Close range, or spills 1d8 pieces of ammo as they
12
try to reload their ranged weapon.
The Character misses their attack so clumsily that they scrape against their opponent’s weapon, or the
13
opponent quickly jabs them. They take 1d4 damage (ignoring armor).
The Character makes the situation around them more dangerous to deal with for an ally within Near range.
14
They suffer Challenge to defend themselves or avoid any danger until their next Turn.
The Character accidentally hurts themselves by striking their weapon awkwardly or against an object. They
15
take 1d4 bludgeoning damage (ignoring armor) and their weapon becomes Dented.
The Character strikes an object nearby, causing unwanted collateral damage and potentially complicating
16 the situation around them. For example, by destroying vials of acid that spill over them or an ally, or hitting
a lever that sets of a trap.
The Character gets sand or dirt in their eyes or turns awkwardly to look directly into bright sunlight. They
17
are Blinded until the end of their next Turn.
18 The Character misjudges the flurry of combat and makes a bad move, causing them to become Confused.
The Character drops or spills something valuable to them, whether it be the leather bag of gems they just
19
pried out of a wall, 1d4 rations or torches, or that strange, mysterious amulet they just looted from a tomb.
The Character suffers an Injury as they make a seriously bad move either hurting themselves or caused by
20 a relentless counterattack from their opponent. Appropriate Injuries could be: Broken Arm, Fractured Leg,
Broken Ribs, Lost Fingers, Back Sprain, or Twisted Ankle.
293
 Appendixes

WHEN DEFENDING WHEN R ESISTING M AGIC

D20 SETBACK D20
The Character parries badly, causing their weapon to become Dented. When fighting unarmed, they
1 1
hurt themselves and take 1d6 extra bludgeoning damage.
The Character accidentally exposes themselves. Their opponent finds a weak spot and can ignore
2 2
any and all armor.
The Character’s opponent moves so skillfully and unexpectedly, it causes the Character to
3 3
become Confused.
SETBACK
The Character suffers more damage. Whichever Damage Dice are rolled, you roll one more for
them. For example, 2d4 becomes 3d4, 1d6 becomes 2d6, etc.
The Character loses 2 Blood Points as they are overcome with the arcane energy that infuses the
spell targeting them.
The duration of any effect, such as a Condition suffered, or being banished to another plane of
existence, is doubled.

4 The Character’s armor becomes Dented, or, if wearing none, they suffer an Injury.
5 The Character slips (or gets knocked over) and falls Prone.
The Character collides with an ally. Both suffer Challenge on their next action or defense. If there
6 are no allies nearby, they just collided with their opponent, who gets a prime opportunity to spit on
them or curse.
7 The Character’s armor becomes Dented, or, if wearing none, they suffer an Injury.
The Character defends so badly that they open themselves up for even more harm than usual. They
8
take 1d6 extra damage.
The Character needs to lean backwards to far to deflect the attack, they injure themselves. They
9
suffer an Injury: Back Sprain.
The Character’s fate has become sealed through the arcane essence of the magic that affects them.
4
They lose 2 Doom Points.
5 The Character suffers any appropriate Condition as an additional effect.
The Character suffers a temporary loss of memory and motor function. They cannot use any Skills
6
until the end of their next Turn.
The Character’s armor is Dented due to soaring heat, freezing cold or some other extreme effect.
7 If this causes the armor’s maximum number of Dented to be reached, it explodes (metal) or is
shredded (hide, leather) beyond repair.
A total of 5 Equipment Slots worth of equipment is lost or destroyed. The Player may choose which
8
5, though they cannot be empty slots.
9 The Character’s weapon is flung from their hand up to Far range away, sizzling with arcane energy.

10 The Character’s armor becomes Dented, or, if wearing none, they suffer an Injury. The Character suffers more damage. Whichever Damage Dice are rolled, you roll one more for
10
them. For example, 2d4 becomes 3d4, 1d6 becomes 2d6, etc.
The opponent’s weapon causes a spark or splinters something while the Character is parrying or
11 The Character’s fate has become sealed through the arcane essence of the magic that affects them.
blocking, causing the Blinded Condition. 11
They lose 2 Doom Points.
The Character starts to feel the effects of fatigue if the Encounter is in the 3rd Round or later. They
12
suffer Exhausted. If not, their armor becomes Dented. 12 The Character suffers any appropriate Condition as an additional effect.

13 Both the Character’s weapon and armor become Dented. Surroundings collapse or some other obstacle presents itself, blocking a Character’s path to reach
13
their allies.
The Character damages their footwear while moving around, causing the Slowed condition until it is
14 The spell creates a temporary rift in reality, attracting the attention of a Monster. It’ll jump or fly
removed or fixed. 14
through next Round.
The Character accidentally exposes themselves. Their opponent finds a weak spot and can ignore
15
any and all armor and deals 1d4 extra damage. 15 An appropriate Ability Score is lowered by 2 for the remainder of the Encounter.

16 The Character bumps their own head while defending, causing them to become Stunned. The Character’s armor is Dented due to soaring heat, freezing cold or some other extreme effect.
16 If this causes the armor’s maximum number of Dented to be reached, it explodes (metal) or is
17 The opponent feinted their attack setup so well that the Character becomes Confused. shredded (hide, leather) beyond repair.
The Character’s weapon is destroyed as a result of a powerful blast or damage like fire damage, ice
The Character twists in such a way that they won’t be able to use their own weapon to defend or 17
18 damage, acid damage, or null damage.
attack until the end of their next Turn.
The Character loses 3 Blood Points as they are overcome with the arcane energy that infuses the
The Character’s armor takes such a beating that it is Dented twice, or if wearing none, they take 1d6 18
19 spell targeting them.
extra damage and suffer an Injury.
Instead of deflecting a blow, the Character’s block actually allows their opponent to strike harder. 19 The Character suffers any appropriate Condition as an additional effect.
20
They take 1d6 extra damage and suffer an Injury.
20 The Character suffers an appropriate Injury, 1d4 Madness, or Troubled / Blemished.

294 295

A PPENDIX C:
CONDITIONS
BLEED (X)
You feel the bruises and wounds you’ve sustained are
starting to take their toll. When you take damage
from an attack while suffering Bleed, you take (x) extra
internal damage. If Bleed is inflicted multiple times or
from multiple sources, replace current (x) only if a new
value of (x) is higher.
DURATION: Until you Rest or after applying
a Bandage. Someone can also make a Wisdom
Roll once to attempt to cure Bleed.
BLINDED
Your eyesight is impaired momentarily. As
a consequence, you suffer Challenge to do anything
that relies on sight (e.g. attacking, spotting danger,
balancing). Affected Monsters or NPCs can be targeted
with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the affected’s next
Turn unless specified otherwise.
BURNING (X)
Some lingering, burning effect from fire, ice, lightning,
acid or radiant damage persists. When anyone suffers
Burning, they take (x) damage at the end of each of
their Turns, ignoring armor. The type of damage is
determined by the attack or effect that caused it.
If Burning is inflicted multiple times for the same
damage type, replace current (x) only if a new value of
(x) is higher. You can however suffer Burning multiple
times for different damage types, taking (x) damage of
each independently.
DURATION: You can make a Dexterity Roll
(Difficulty 1) as an Action on your Turn to resolve
all Burning, or someone else can do this when
helping you. A Monster or NPC can do the same,
but the Doomsayer rolls a d10 instead. Any result
of 4 or higher resolves all Burning.
296
CHARMED
Your mind and soul are affected by whomever
charmed you. You cannot act against the source of
the charm and suffer Challenge to defend against
it or its harmful effects. Affected Monsters or NPCs
suffer the same and can be targeted with Edge by the
source of their charm.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise. You can end it early by
succeeding a Focus Roll, which you can attempt
at the end of each of your Turns.
CONFUSED
You took one hit to the head too many, or some
magic is distorting your thoughts. Anyone who suffers
Confused cannot take an Action or Bonus Action and is
only able to move and react to danger (e.g. defending
or evading harm, resisting poison or magical effects).
DURATION: Until the end of the affected’s next
Turn unless specified otherwise.
FRIGHTENED
Something seriously frightens you. You suffer Challenge
to do anything while the source of your fear is in the
same room or area and cannot move closer to it.
Affected Monsters or NPCs suffer the same and can be
targeted with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise, or after consuming
Liquid Courage. You can end it early by
succeeding a Courage Roll, which you can
attempt at the end of each of your Turns.
PARALYZED
Your body stiffens completely and you are unable to
move or act. You fail all Action Rolls involving physical
activity. Succeed on Action Rolls against an affected
Monster or NPC the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise.
POISONED
You are under the effect of a poison and suffer
Challenge to physical activity (e.g. attacking, climbing).
Affected Monsters or NPCs can be targeted with Edge
the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise, or after consuming
Anti-Toxin.
PRONE
You are knocked off your feet and land on the ground
face down. You suffer Challenge to do anything
hindered by being in this position (e.g. attacking,
defending, evading harm). Affected Monsters or NPCs
can be targeted with Edge the same way. Someone
who is Prone can still crawl at half their Speed.
DURATION: Spend half Movement on your Turn
to stand back up and suffer Challenge to any
Action Rolls made during that same Turn (or gain
Edge vs a Monster or NPC).
RESTRAINED
You cannot move freely and suffer Challenge to do
anything related, except attempting to get free (e.g.
attacking, defending, evading harm). Affected Monsters
or NPCs can be targeted with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the restriction is ended or
destroyed.
SLOWED
Your Movement Speed is halved.
DURATION: Until the end of the Encounter
unless specified otherwise, or after consuming
Coca Leaves.
STUNNED
You are shocked for a moment, unable to move or
act, and suffer Challenge to all Action Rolls involving
physical activity. Affected Monsters or NPCs can be
targeted with Edge the same way.
DURATION: Until the end of the affected’s next
Turn or after taking any damage, unless specified
otherwise.
297
Appendixes
UNCONSCIOUS
You are unable to act in any way. You fail all Action
Rolls an unconscious creature would be affected by
but remain unaffected otherwise. Succeed on Action
Rolls against an affected Monster or NPC the same
way. If not already Prone, fall Prone to the ground.
DURATION: After taking a decent nap or when
something happens that would wake someone,
unless specified otherwise.
WITHERED (X)
Your body slowly withers away from some necrotic
attack or magic, even more so if you exert yourself.
Every hour, or when taking an Action or Bonus Action,
take (x) necrotic damage. If Withered is inflicted
multiple times or from multiple sources, replace
current (x) only if a new value of (x) is higher.
DURATION: Until you Rest or after consuming
Elderberry Seeds, unless specified otherwise.
Someone can also make a Wisdom Roll once to
attempt to cure Withered.
EXHAUSTED
You become extremely fatigued to the point of
collapse. You suffer Challenge to Action Rolls using any
Body Ability. Monsters or NPCs do not get Exhausted.
DURATION: Clear no Bruises during Rest. Instead
remove either Exhausted, Troubled or Blemished.
Recovery removes all three and clears all Bruises
and Wounds as usual.
TROUBLED
Serious strain and worry take hold of your every
thought. You suffer Challenge to Action Rolls using any
Mind Ability. Monsters or NPCs do not get Troubled.
DURATION: Clear no Bruises during Rest. Instead
remove either Exhausted, Troubled or Blemished.
Recovery removes all three and clears all Bruises
and Wounds as usual.
BLEMISHED
Your very personality and soul become tainted and
corrupted. You suffer Challenge to Action Rolls using
any Soul Ability. Monsters or NPCs do not get Blemished.
DURATION: Clear no Bruises during Rest. Instead
remove either Exhausted, Troubled or Blemished.
Recovery removes all three and clears all Bruises
and Wounds as usual.
 Appendixes

INJURY EFFECT

A PPENDIX D:
The blow opens a deep gash in your flesh, exposing muscle and bone. Blood spurts
Gruesome from the wound in pulses, and you feel yourself growing weak and lightheaded. At least
Wounds (1) it feels a little like getting drunk, but less fun.

INJURY
Take 1d4 Internal Damage every hour.
You feel the sting of skin tearing as the blade strikes, leaving a deep gouge in your
Deep flesh. The wound bleeds freely, but it’s the throbbing pain that really gets to you.
Abrasion (1) Mark 2 (x2) Bruises. These cannot be cleared until you Recover. For every (x2) Bruise you
have marked or mark later you suffer Challenge to Body Ability Rolls.

INJURY EFFECT You hear the snap of bone as your collarbone shatters under the force of the blow.
Your arm hangs limply at your side, and every movement sends waves of pain through
Fractured
The snap of bone sickeningly echoes through the air as your arm crumples under the your body.
Collarbone (2)
Broken force of the blow. You feel a sharp pain shoot up your arm, and your hand hangs limply
(1) Take 1 Internal Damage each time you use the affected shoulder or arm. (2) Take 1d4
Arm (2) at your side.
Internal Damage instead.
(1) You lose the ability to use of one of your arms. (2) You lose the ability to use both arms.
You feel a cutting sting as the blade slices through bone, severing your finger from
You hear the sickening crunch of bone as your knee is struck, and you crumple to the your hand. Blood spurts from the stump, and you feel a sense of loss and despair wash
Shattered ground in agony. Your leg feels numb and moving is going to be painful. Lost Fingers (3) over you.
Kneecap (1)
You fall Prone, suffer Slowed and cannot get up from being Prone without help. Roll 1d3 to determine how many fingers are lost. Each finger lost causes Challenge to any
action made with that hand.
The wound stings as you feel the warmth of blood trickling down your skin. But it’s not
Festering the cut that worries you - it’s the sickly smell emanating from the festering wound. You feel a sharp pain shoot up your back as you twist awkwardly, and your muscles
Cut (1)
Your (x1) Bruises become fully marked. You cannot clear (x1) Bruises except by Recovering. spasm in protest. Every movement sends waves of agony through your body, and you
Back Sprain (1) can barely stand.
You feel a sharp pain in your gut as the blow lands, and you realize something inside
You only clear (x1) Bruises and (x3) Wounds when you Rest or Recover and suffer Challenge
you has ruptured. Blood fills your mouth as you struggle to breathe. Hopefully
to all Action Rolls involving physical activity.
Internal minstrels will leave out the part about you choking in your own blood when they sing
Bleeding (1) about your exploits. Your foot turns awkwardly as you misjudge your movement, and you feel a sharp pain
You only clear half of your (x1) Bruises and half your (x2) Bruises when Resting or shoot up your leg. Every step is agony, and you can barely put weight on your injured
Twisted
Recovering, rounded down. foot. Maybe your opponents won’t notice?
Ankle  (1)
Suffer 1 Internal Damage whenever you move and/or physically exert yourself (e.g. attack,
Your vision blurs as the impact hits, and you feel a sharp pain shoot through your skull.
block, evade, lift heavy objects) without help or support.
Skull This is going to be really bad…
Fracture (1) Lower all Mind Ability Scores by 1 and suffer 1 Psychic Damage whenever you make an You feel a sharp pain shoot through your body as the blow lands, and you know that
Nerve
Action Roll using a Mind Ability. something’s off, as the sting won’t subside.
Damage (1)
Suffer 1 Internal Damage whenever you spend a Blood Point or Doom Point.
You scream in agony as your flesh burns, searing it to the bone. Your skin blisters and
Third-Degree
chars, and you can smell the crispy odor of your own burning flesh. The force of the impact shatters your jawbone, making it impossible to speak or eat
Burns (1)
Take 1d4 Fire Damage every hour, ignoring armor. without immense pain. Your words will be coming out as a guttural growl for a while,
Broken Jaw (1)
and your mouth hangs open in a grotesque rictus.
You feel the air rush out of your lungs as the blow strikes your chest, and you hear
Any Action Rolls involving talking suffer Challenge and you need assistance to eat or drink.
a crunch as your ribs break. Every breath is agony, and you struggle to keep the
Broken Ribs (1) convulsions at bay. The blow to your head leaves you dizzy and disoriented, with a splitting headache and
You cannot do anything every other Round except defend yourself and you suffer a ringing in your ears. You struggle to maintain your balance and focus, and your vision
Challenge to all Action Rolls relating to physical activity. blurs and swims with every movement.
Concussion (2)
(1) You suffer Blinded and automatically fail all Focus Rolls. (2) You also suffer Confused,
Your leg buckles under the force of the blow, and you feel a sharp pain shoot up your
though you can ignore the effects of this Condition by spending 1 Blood Point per Action
thigh. You have difficulty to stand and support your own weight and whatever you
Fractured you take.
carry.
Leg (2)
(1) Your maximum Inventory Slots is halved. (2) You suffer Prone and cannot stand up You don’t know what it is, but you don’t feel well. You and the Doomsayer can come up
Just A Thing (1)
or crawl. with something together.

298 299

A PPENDIX E:
WEAPON ATTRIBUTES
ACCURATE
T Y PE: Attack COST: —
This weapon is so precise that when you take some
time to focus, your attack achieves exceptional
accuracy. You can spend your Bonus Action to gain
Edge whenever you attack with this weapon.
BRUTAL
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
You cleave into, crush or bash down on your
opponent’s body, shoulder, arm, leg or head. The
more Momentum you spend, the greater the
brutality. If you can spend 3, you sever an arm, leg
or monstrous appendage. Each Momentum spent
also deals 1d6 extra damage.
IMPALE
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
You impale your opponent with this weapon, possibly
moving them in a direction of your choice as they are
Restrained, or even pinning them to a wall or another
opponent if you can spend 3 Momentum. You can let
go of your weapon to keep your opponent Restrained
to a wall, requiring them to spend an Action on their
Turn to free themselves. Each Momentum spent also
deals 1d6 extra damage.
MASSIVE
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
This massive weapon can be swung in a wide arc
around you, possibly hitting multiple opponents. For
each Momentum spent, hit another opponent within
Close range of your initial target. Deal damage to all
opponents you manage to hit this way. Any extra
damage that applies to ‘one opponent’ is dealt to
your initial target only.
300
PENETRATE
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
This weapon can penetrate your opponent’s armor
or can easily find a weak spot or small opening.
You ignore an amount of their armor equal to
Momentum spent and deal damage as usual.
POWERFUL
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
You knock an opponent back a step, possibly causing
them to fall (out of a window for example) or be
slammed against a wall. The more Momentum you
spend, the farther away you can knock back your
opponent. 3 Momentum causes them to fall Prone,
or even be Stunned. Each Momentum spent also
deals 1d6 extra damage.
PULL
T Y PE: Special COST: —
When you have an opponent Restrained with this
weapon, you can use a Bonus Action immediately
to make a Strength Roll and pull them closer to
you on a success or do so as an Action during any
subsequent Turn as long as they are Restrained. If
your weapon has ‘Reach’, you can instead pull and
step back, keeping Near range distance.
READY
T Y PE: Special COST: —
This weapon can be sheathed or unsheathed while
you hold a two-handed ranged weapon such as a bow
(temporarily adjusting your grip), while engaged
in a grapple, or in other similar situations where
grabbing or stowing a larger weapon is impossible.
Doing so requires a Bonus Action. You can then use
this weapon to attack or defend against an opponent
normally. Additionally, you are never required to
make an Item Use Roll to draw a weapon with the
Ready attribute in any situation.
RESTRAIN
T Y PE: Attack COST: —
Before you attack with this weapon, decide if you
want to deal damage or Restrain your opponent. On
a success, you do as intended. When an opponent
tries to free themselves on their Turn, you can
make a Toughness Roll to resist them getting free.
RIPOSTE
T Y PE: Defend COST: 1-3 Momentum
When you defend against an attack using this weapon
and succeed, you can deal your attacker 1d4 damage
per Momentum spent. If you spend 3 Momentum,
you also gain Edge to attack them on your Turn if you
act immediately.
SHATTER
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
This weapon has the capacity to damage your
opponent’s armor. Inflict Dented equal to
Momentum spent. Then deal damage as usual.
When attempting to destroy a static object using
this weapon, you deal 1d4 extra damage per
Momentum spent to lower its Resilience.
SHIELD
T Y PE: Defend COST: 1-3 Momentum
When you defend against an attack using your shield
and succeed, you can spend 1 Momentum to push
your attacker back several steps, or 2 Momentum
to trip them, causing Prone. Alternatively, spend 2
Momentum to make a counterattack using your
shield, or 3 Momentum to do so with a weapon
you hold. Both require a Bonus Action.
SWIFT
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
This weapon allows you to make two swift attacks
on your Turn by spending Momentum. When you
301
Appendixes
make an attack with this weapon as an Action and
succeed, spend 1 Momentum to make a Basic Attack
against the same target as a Bonus Action. For each
Momentum above 1 that you spend you gain Edge to
this attack.
TACTICAL
T Y PE: Special COST: —
This weapon makes it hard for opponents to disengage
from. When an opponent Close to you moves away
from you on their Turn, you can make a Basic Attack
against them as a Bonus Action.
THROWN
T Y PE: Attack COST: —
This melee weapon can also be thrown up to Far
range using the weapon’s required Ability. This can
be Strength, despite being a ranged attack.
THRUST
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
When paired with a shield you gain Edge to attack an
opponent you just successfully defended against using
your shield. This weapon also deals 1 extra damage per
Momentum spent, regardless of how it is used.
VERSATILE
T Y PE: Special COST: —
This weapon can either be wielded with one or
with two hands easily. When wielded with two
hands, increase its Damage Die by one size.
VICIOUS
T Y PE: Attack COST: 1-3 Momentum
This weapon has a way of targeting arteries or organs to
cause a vicious wound. Inflict Bleed (x) where (x) equals
Momentum spent, after having dealt your damage.
WIELDY
T Y PE: Special COST: —
This weapon can be wielded in combination with any
other one-handed weapon at the same time. When you
attack or defend, choose which of the two weapons
to use.