INSERT YOUR

IMAGE HERE
Check out Unsplash.com in the Stock panel.

You can get a pretty good approximation of the official playbook

illustrations using various layer adjustments and effects.
I recommend playing with the levels and posterize adjustments
in particular to get harsh blacks and that illustrated feel.
Combine these with various layer effects OR use classic
artworks to represent your character.

A good illustration is more important than many designers realize.

Specialist
The Example
A short flavorful description of the archetype
Paragraph long description of the archetype. Make it sound interesting and
include a bit about their history with the legion.

When you play a Example, you earn xp when you help your squad with
TactA or TactB. Explain why these tactics are important to playing this
archetype.

Two to three evocative questions for this playbook.

starting abilities specialist action

◆◆◆◆ actiona As a Example, you start with one
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ actionb rank in special. As with all
Specialist actions, these are not
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ actionc
rolled. Instead, each rank gives you
STARTING BUILDS one special use per mission.
Special allows you do a special
If you want some guidance when you thing. Special uses are restored
assign your four starting action when you select your load at the
ranks and special ability, use one of start of a mission.
these templates. Each special use allows you do a
exemplara: Action +1, Action +2, specifically special thing. Longer
Action +1. AbilityA. description of that special thing.
Special is important for the
ExemplarB : Action +1, Action +2, following reasons.
Action +1. AbilityB.
ExemplarC : Action +1, Action +1,
Action +2. AbilityC.
ExemplarD: Action +1, Action +1,
Action +1, Action +1. AbilityD.

2
 EXAMPLE SPECIAL ABILITIES
Resource Ability
Include a special ability that touches upon this playbooks special resource.
Explain the implications of spending this resource including how it interacts
3 with spending the special resource normally.

Push Ability
Include a special ability with two narrative options that happen when you
push yourself: format the options like this—separate them with an emdash.
When you push yourself to activate this ability, you still get one of the normal
benefits of pushing yourself (+1d, +1 effect, etc.) in addition to the special
ability.
Explain a little more about what you get when you select each of the two
options presented.

Special Armor Ability

Include a special ability that gives you special resistance to certain tactics or
that allows you to push yourself in a specific situation.
Explain the implications of spending special armor and when it is refreshed.

Gear Ability
Consider an ability that interacts with gear such as ammunition or supplies in
a special way.
How does this benefit you.

Campaign Ability
Consider an ability that interacts with the campaign phase in some way.
Perhaps through interactions with various supplies, engagement rolls, etc.
Make sure to clarify when this happens and who benefits.
Ability Ability
Consider an ability that interacts with one or more specific playbook-centric
abilities. Perhaps skirmish or shoot for a fighter or discipline or sway
for a charismatic figure.
What extra edge does it give you? Is it potency or +1d? Or is it something else?
4
Special Action Ability
Consider an ability that interacts with special actions such as aid, protect,
push, or flashbacks, or devil’s bargains.
What extra edge does it give you? Is it potency or +1d? Or is it something else?

HEAVY ITEMS AND LOADOUT

light load
◆ Limited Use Item: such as a flare gun or a bow and arrow with ammo. Give
it between three and five uses.
◆ Fine Armor/Weapon/Item: Might provide 1 armor against physical
attacks. How it looks. Flavor text. Question to consider?
◆ Fine Armor/Weapon/Item: Might provide 1 armor against physical
attacks. How it looks. Flavor text. Question to consider?
normal load
◆ Fine Armor/Weapon/Item: Might provide 1 armor against physical
attacks. How it looks. Flavor text. Question to consider?
◆ Fine Shield/Utility Item: Might provide 1 shield use against physical
attacks. How it looks. Flavor text. Question to consider?
— OR (Choose either Fine Shield or Fine Large Weapon) —
◆ Heavy Armor/Weapon: Might provide 1 heavy armor against physical
attacks. How it looks. Flavor text. Question to consider?
heavy load
◆ Fine Kit or Utility Item: Allows you to do something cool and useful
without spending utility. Question to consider?
◆ Fine Armor/Weapon/Item: Might provide 1 armor against physical
attacks. How it looks. Flavor text. Question to consider?
 CREDITS
The Example template is intended to be used in
the production of fan creations and is not
officially sanctioned by Off Guard Games.
3

Designed in consultation with the Blades in the

Dark Discord channel.

Writing and design by Justin Ford.

Original layout and design by Off Guard Games.

Band of Blades is property of Off Guard Games.

If you enjoy this example template feel free to

leave a review on my storefront at
moth-lands.itch.io or write me on twitter
@MothLands.