Epic Fantasy Role Playing at its Best

This is a game of epic fantasy adventure where heroes face danger, explore ancient ruins, battle terrifying foes, and call upon divine powers.

The system is designed to be:

• Fast - combat resolves quickly
• Brutal - danger is real
• Cinematic - big hits matter
• Simple to learn - one core mechanic runs everything

If you've never played before, don't worry. You'll be rolling dice and making heroic decisions in minutes.

Everything in the game uses six-sided dice. Most rolls use 3d6. Special roles, e.g. Stun Check resolution use 1d6. Damage uses from 1d6 to 4d6.

1. You choose a Skill.
2. The GM assigns a Difficulty (0-15).
3. Cross-index your Skill Level and the Difficulty on the Universal Action Matrix (UAM).
4. Roll 3d6.
5. If your roll >= the target number >>> Success.

That's it. One mechanic for everything.

Your character has:

Characters trained in Prayer can call upon divine power to influence the world directly. Prayer represents faith, ritual, and favor rather than memorized spells.

Common prayers include:

• Heal - restore HP
• Curse - hinder an enemy
• Divination - gain insight
• Protection - shield allies
• Battle Courage - turn failure into success

The full rules for invoking prayers, resolving their effects, and facing the risks of divine intervention are found in the Prayer section.

All actions taken outside of combat are resolved using the Universal Action Matrix. The same core mechanic applies whether a character is climbing a wall, tracking prey, or persuading a guard.

Common non-combat actions include:

• Climbing
• Sneaking
• Tracking
• Persuasion
• Foraging
• Detecting traps
• Swimming
• Jumping

Use the following ranges as general guidance when setting difficulties:

Typical Difficulties

• 0-3: trivial
• 4-6: routine
• 7-9: challenging
• 10-12: hard
• 13-15: extreme

The GM should adjust difficulty based on circumstances, preparation, and narrative stakes.

Combat is dangerous, and survival depends as much on judgment as on statistics. Keep the following in mind:

• Do not fight fair. Fight smart.
• Use terrain to your advantage.
• Retreat when the fight turns against you.
• Armor breaks; track Armor HP.
• A single heavy hit can leave you Stunned.
• Prayer is powerful, but it carries risk.
• Work as a team rather than as individuals.
• Ask the GM about creative options and improvised tactics.

Stepping into this game means stepping into a world of danger, mystery, and mythic possibility. Your character is more than numbers on a page. They are a living hero in a world where steel rings, magic surges, and every decision carries weight.

This first adventure is designed to ease you into the rules while showcasing the heart of the game: fast action, meaningful choices, and cinematic moments where a single roll can turn the tide.

You do not need to know every rule to begin. You will learn by doing: exploring ancient ruins, crossing treacherous terrain, fighting desperate battles, and calling upon divine power when all seems lost. The GM will guide you, the Quickstart will support you, and the story will carry you forward.

Your journey begins now.

Character statistics are generated by rolling 3d6. Three dice are used because of their non-linear probability curve: most results cluster between 9 and 12, representing typical human capability, while extreme values, both high and low, are increasingly rare.

During character creation, roll 3d6 four times and record the results together as a single slate.

Assign the values in the order they were rolled.

For Example:

• Strength (ST): 11
• Agility (AG): 10
• Constitution (CO): 14
• Intuition (IN): 15

You may roll as many slates as you wish, however once you choose a slate, you must use all four values exactly as rolled.

For Example: Bob wants to generate melee fighter. He rolls 3d6 four times and is not happy with the results so he continues to roll 3d6 in groups of four (a slate) until he finds something he likes.

This table shows the probability distribution of rolling 3d6. It lists the odds of rolling each individual result from 3 to 18, as well as the cumulative chance of rolling at or above a given number.

For Example: The chance of rolling exactly a 14 is 6.94%. The chance of rolling a 14 or higher is 16.20%.

Players may consult this table when making tactical decisions. For instance, if an action requires a roll of 12 to succeed, the table shows a 37.50% chance of success.

These brutal, close-quarters techniques rely on raw muscle and ferocity.

• Brawling : Fists, elbows, headbutts, improvised weapons
• Grappling : Holds, throws, joint locks, pins, and choking maneuvers
• Cutting : Swords, daggers, knives, and edged weapons
• Crushing : Maces, warhammers, axes, mauls, staves, blunt weapons
• Spears/Polearms : Spears, pikes, glaives, halberds, long-reach weapons
• Shield Bash : Striking, shoving, knocking foes off balance

Precision and mobility define these ranged and fluid fighting styles.

• Throwing Weapons : Javelins, knives, axes, darts
• Bow & Arrow : Longbows, shortbows, composite bows
• Sling : Stones, bullets, lead shot
• Mounted Combat : Fighting effectively from horseback or other mounts

Control, balance, and quick movement under pressure.

• Sprinting : Short bursts of speed to escape or close distance
• Climbing : Scaling walls, rocks, or structures safely
• Jumping : Leaping across gaps, obstacles, or hazards
• Swimming : Moving through water efficiently and safely
• Sneaking : Moving quietly and remaining unseen
• Balancing : Maintain footing on narrow, unstable, moving surfaces
• Riding : Controlling mounts; prerequisite for Mounted Combat

Endurance-based mobility over long distances.

• Cross Country : Long-distance travel or pursuit over rough terrain

The body's ability to endure hardship. Each level provides incremental protection.

• Resist Cold/Heat : Endure extreme temperatures (20 mins/lvl)
• Resist Hunger/Thirst : Delay starvation or dehydration (12 hours/lvl)
• Resist Exhaustion : Continue activity despite fatigue (20%/lvl)
• Resist Poison : Reduce or ignore poison effects (severity and duration/lvl))
• Resist Pain : Delay damage via Deferred Damage mechanic (1 Deferred Damage/lvl)

Fine motor control and practical craftsmanship.

• Picking Locks : Open mechanical locks without keys
• Making Fire : Start and maintain fires under various conditions
• Set/Disarm Traps : Create, detect, or neutralize mechanical hazards
• Tie Knots : Secure lines for climbing, restraint, or rigging
• First Aid : Stabilize injuries and reduce hp loss (1d6 HP)

Awareness of people, places, and unseen threats.

• Persuasion : Influence, negotiate, inspire, or intimidate others
• Detect Lies : Sense deception or inconsistencies in speech or behavior
• Find Traps : Spot hidden mechanical or environmental dangers
• Foraging : Locate food, herbs, water, or usable materials
• Tracking : Follow creatures or people by signs and trails
• General Perception : Notice subtle details, movement, or changes
• Sense Magic : Detect magical presence, auras, curses or enchantments
• Sense Danger : Intuitive awareness of imminent threats or ambushes

Divine appeals that bend fate, restore life, or guide action.

• Heal : Restore HP or cleanse afflictions
• Curse : Bring misfortune upon a target
• Rebuke : Smite enemies who dare to threaten you
• Divination : Reveal hidden truths or foresee danger
• Spirit Walking : Commune with spirits or other realms
• Protection : Shield allies or alter hostile outcomes
• Battle Courage : Inspire resolve and turn failure into success

Skill Levels represent mastery. Mortals can reach Grandmaster (10-12) through dedication. Supernatural (13-15) is beyond human limits – reserved for gods, angels, demons, or those touched by the divine in ways no mortal training can achieve.

Unskilled Level 0 represents Unskilled players who are at a severe disadvantage when attempting a skill. Even the simplest tasks are daunting. For example: youths lacking any training.

Learner Levels 1-3 represent Learners. These characters are studying and practicing but lack any significant field experience. For example: Students.

*Journeyman Levels 4-6 are Journeymen. These are players who have completed the basic training for their skill and are qualified to practice it in real-world situations. For example: Academy graduates after assigned their first station.

Master Levels 7-9 are Masters of their skill. These represent experts in their field with years of real-world experience who are capable of teaching others. For example: The rugged veteran who oversees training of cadets.

Grandmaster Levels 10-12 are Grandmansters of their skill, experts with decades of experience who operate at the pinnacle of human ability. For example: The elusive swordmaster, now retired to the mountaintops to pray in peace.

Supernatural Skill levels of 13-15 enter the realm of Supernatural and are off limits to mortal adventurers. Such characters represent the theoretical maximum achievement possible and should be reserved for the rarest of cases. For example: the Immortal Centurion, forever guarding his entombed wife until the return of the Doctor.

1. Identify the skill the character is using (left-hand column).
2. Determine the difficulty of the task (top row, 0-15). The GM assigns this based on circumstances.
3. Cross-reference skill and difficulty to find the target number.
4. Roll 3d6.
5. If the roll is equal to or greater than the target number, the action succeeds. Otherwise, it fails.

Special Cells Cells marked with -- mean either the task is impossible (top right) or that it is so simple it cannot fail (lower left).

Trivial Success

Cells showing < 3 represent tasks so simple that they normally cannot fail, however, Protection and Curse prayers can force results below three.

Cells showing > 18 are usually impossible, howeverm Battle Courage prayers may force rolls above 18.

In many systems, combat is expected. Victory is assumed. Encounters are calibrated for slaughter.

In this system, combat is consequential.

You do not enter battle casually. You enter because you must.

Victory is earned. Defeat is possible. Survival is uncertain.

Every melee weapon has its optimum reach. A weapon cannot attack past its reach and attacks with penalty before its reach.

Thrown weapons may be used as a tactical option instead of moving into melee or as a transition into melee.

• A combatant may throw a weapon while advancing at half movement speed.
• Cannot enter an opponent's optimal band in the same round as throwing.
• Throwing while moving uses the normal thrown weapon rules:
  • Range: 25'
  • Damage: 1d6 + ST bonus
  • Initiative: Thrown Weapon category
• Band effects for attacks are still determined at the start of the round.

Initiative is the tool combatants use to determine who swings first.

• Each combatant rolls 1d6 + IN bonus at the start of a round.
• Highest result acts first.
• Initiative is determined per combat encounter, not globally.
  • Example:
    • Player A vs Orc: Player A wins initiative and attacks first.
    • Player B vs two Goblins: Goblins win initiative and attack first.

Rounds

• Players take turns one at a time; a turn is called a round.
• The exact length of a round varies:
  • Non-combat rounds: potentially several minutes.
  • Combat rounds: typically five to ten seconds.

Action Declaration

• Players declare and execute actions in seating order.
• During declaration, players may discuss tactics.
• Once all actions are declared, resolution occurs according to initiative.

Shield Bash

• A character performing a Shield Bash automatically acts first in the round.
• If multiple combatants declare Shield Bash, roll initiative normally among themselves.
• See Shield Bash rules for details.

Ties

If two or more combatants tie on initiative:

1. Thrown Weapons (rock, knife, hatchet, javelin)
2. Unarmed or Close arms (Brawling, Grappling, dagger, short sword)
3. Medium arms, 1H (short spear, sword, mace, hand axe)
4. Medium arms, 2H (greatsword, great axe)
5. Long arms, 2H (lance, spear, poleaxe)
6. Bows (all kinds) and slings
7. If still tied within the same category, the highest IN bonus acts first.
8. If still tied, roll off.

Example

• Boris vs Cave Troll:
  • Boris rolls 4 +1 IN >>> 5
  • Cave Troll rolls 5 -1 IN >>> 4
  • Boris swings first.

Critical Damage occurs when an attacker's roll not only hits but significantly exceeds the required target number.

It represents precision, timing, and exploiting an opponent's weakness.

Calculation:

For every two points the roll exceeds the required hit value, add +1 Critital Damage.

For Example:

• Faust needs to roll 10 to hit.
• He rolls 14.
• 14 is 4 higher so he recieves +2 critical damage.

Stun Checks: Reeling from the Blow

Even the mightiest hero can stagger under a cataclysmic strike. When a single blow delivers massive trauma, the world spins-bones rattle, vision blurs, and survival hangs by a thread. Stun Checks represent these moments of overwhelming impact, turning raw damage into cinematic peril.

When a Stun Check Is Required

A character must make a Stun Check when a single attack deals damage equal to or greater than their Stun Check, after armor and Deferred Damage are applied.

Calculating Stun Check

• Stun Check (SC) = HP / 3, rounded to the nearest whole number.

For Example:

• Boris has the following stats:
• Strength: 16 (+2)
• Constitution: 15 (+1)
• HP: 31
• SC: 10

His Stun Check (SC) is calculated as follows:

(31 / 3) = 10.33 = 10

Only hits dealing 10+ damage after subtracting armor Damage Reduction and Resist Pain (described in their own sections) may force a Stun Check.

Stun Check Resolution

• When Incoming damage from one attack meets or exceeds the Stun Check.
• Roll 1d6 immediately after damage application.
• Result Consult the table below.

A character reduced to negative HP equal to their Stun Check dies immediately.

Shield Bash is a defensive, tempo-control action used to create space and disrupt an opponent.

Effects

1. Can only attack foes in Close Band.
2. You act first
3. Roll attack
4. Damage: 1d6 + ST bonus
5. On a hit, the target makes a Moderated Stun Check

Moderated Stun Check

Roll 1d6:

• 4-6: No additional effect
• 1-3: Target:
  • is shoved back into the Medium Band (effective next round),
  • cannot take further action this round

Notes

• Shield Bash is primarily a control action, not a high-damage attack.
• Typical sequence: Shield Bash >>> step back >>> draw weapon.
• Stun penalties from Shield Bash do not stack.
• Reposition or push a target back to Medium Band

Mounted Combat is a specialized skill representing a character's ability to fight effectively from horseback. It reflects timing, balance, momentum control, and coordination with the mount.

Mounted Combat emphasizes momentum and impact rather than continuous toe-to-toe exchanges.

Boxing is a gentlemanly form of Brawling where players wear special gloves and adhere to limited engagement rules.

Combat actions follow a clear sequence. Each step is resolved in order.

Step 1: Declare Attack

• Announce which weapon or action you are using.
• Note if mounted, charging, or performing a special attack.

Step 2: Determine Required Roll

• Cross-reference the attacker's relevant skill against the defender's skill using the Universal Action Matrix.
• This gives the Required to Hit value.

For Example: Boris vs Orc Raider >>> Required to Hit = 11

Step 3: Roll to Hit

• Roll 3d6.
• If roll >= Required to Hit >>> attack hits.
• If roll < Required to Hit >>> attack misses.

For Example: Boris rolls 12 on 3d6 >>> Hit!

Step 4: Roll Damage

• Roll the appropriate weapon damage dice.
• Add Strength bonus and/or Critical Damage modifiers if applicable.

Weapon Damage Reference:

• 1H weapon: 2d6 + ST
• 2H weapon: 3d6 + ST
• Mounted charge: 4d6 + ST
• Ranged: 1-3d6 depending on weapon

For Example: Boris rolls 2d6 = 8 + 1 ST = 9 damage

Step 5: Apply Damage to Armor

• Subtract the armor's Damage Resistance (DR) from the rolled damage.
• If damage <= 0 >>> no damage passes through.
• Armor HP is reduced by the full rolled damage, regardless of DR.

For Example: Orc chain armor (-4 DR) Boris's 9 damage >>> 4 absorbed, 5 passes through Armor HP reduced by 9

Step 6: Apply Damage to Defender HP

• Subtract remaining damage after armor from the defender's HP.
• If defender HP <= 0 >>> defender is incapacitated.

For Example: Orc loses 5 HP (9 rolled - 4 DR)

Step 7: Special Considerations for Mounted Combat

• If charging, apply mounted weapon damage: 4d6 + ST.
• After the charge, the horse repositions >>> the rider cannot attack next round.
• Mounted attacks require: Riding skill, Mounted Combat skill, and weapon skill.

For Example: Knight charges with lance: 4d6 = 18 + 2 ST = 20 damage Apply to enemy armor and HP as normal. Horse repositions next round >>> cannot attack.

Persuasion never compels action; it convinces. A persuaded character believes the choice is their own and will not perform actions that violate core beliefs, self-preservation, or identity.

Persuasion as Attack: Persuasion can be treated like an attack roll using 3d6 and the Universal Action Matrix. The persuader rolls against the target's own Persuasion (or Detect Lies) to determine success, with results modified by how reasonable the suggested action or thought is for the target. Success can range from full compliance to partial consideration, while failure results in resistance or suspicion. Legendary persuaders may gain bonuses or automatic effects against susceptible targets.

Design Note: A character skilled in Persuasion and Flare functions much like a bard-using performance, rhetoric, and presence to influence others. These effects rely on belief and emotion, not compulsion, and follow the normal rules for plausibility and resistance.

1. Define the Rolls:

The acting character uses their Persuasion skill, opposed by the defender's Persuasion or Detect Lies skill.

1. Use the UAM for Resolution:

Cross-index the acting skill and the opposing skill on the Universal Action Matrix to determine the target value. The acting character then rolls 3d6; meeting or exceeding the target value indicates success.

1. Plausibility Modifier:

Before rolling, GM judges the degree to which the request is plausible and applies the following mods as needed.

1. Persuasion outcome: "Degrees of success are measured by how much the roll exceeds the required number from the Universal Action Matrix."

For Example:

Sarumon the Wise has a preternatural skill at persuasion (level 11). He encounters a group of horsemen from Rohan who are there to arrest him. The riders are not skilled at persuasion but are skilled at telling truth from lies (Detect Lies at level 6).

Sarumon meets them at the gate and tells them he is but an old and loving wizard with no desire to harm anyone. Quite the contrary he has worked tirelessly for Rohan and Gondor and they should be ashamed to have thought so scandalously of him.

The GM decides that this is a reasonable request according to the probability modifier so no modifiers apply.

We look up Sarumon's 11 skill on the left of the matrix and the riders' 6 on the top and see that Sarumon must roll >= 6 to succeed. Sarumon rolls 3d6 and receives a 3, 3, and 4 for a total of 10. Ten is greater than the requires six so his persuasion succeeds.

Looking at the Persuasion outcome we see this is a "Strong Success" since it succeeds by at least two points. The outcome is target "fully accepts" the suggestion. In this instane the riders apogise for their rudenes and inconvenience and ride away feeling quite shameful for having caused a disturbance.

Some challenges rely on raw physical power rather than skill. Characters may attempt feats of strength such as kicking down a door, lifting a fallen log, bending bars, or breaking chains.

Armor Takes Damage First Armor has its own Hit Points (Armor HP). Damage is applied to the armor before the wearer.

Damage Reduction (DR) While the armor still has HP, it reduces the damage that passes through to the wearer by its DR value.

Armor DR cannot exceed its HP. This means severely damaged armor may provide less protection and it typically would.

Wearer Takes Remaining Damage Any damage left after armor absorption and DR is applied to the character.

Broken Armor When armor HP is reduced to 0, it is broken. Broken armor provides no DR and no longer absorbs damage until repaired.

• Armor HP absorbs the full damage of each hit before DR is applied.
• DR applies only while armor has HP remaining.
• DR cannot exceed remaining armor HP.
• Armor does not protect against damage that ignores armor (GM discretion).
• Deferred Damage from Resist Pain ignores armor and DR when applied.
• Armor buys time by taking punishment for the wearer. It can break over time.
• Strength bonus applies to melee (and sometimes thrown) weapons. Mounted attacks always include ST bonus on a charge.
• Critical hits add additional damage or effects (see critical hit rules).

Combat is brutal and deadly. Armor absorbs damage, extending survival without inflating HP. The following table shows average damage per round for typical combatants (2d6 damage, hit >= 13, both fighters 21 HP):

Repair costs depend on armor type and damage to be restored.

Notes

• Multiply "Repair Cost per 10 HP" to restore more damage.
• All repairs are in 10 HP increments. No pro-rating.

For Example: Boris's scale armor has taken 168 points of damage. He wants to have it repaired. His final cost is 68 sp, which accounts for 170 HP of repair.

• A shield occupies the off-hand.
• Adds directly to Defense when fighting defensively.
• The shield's Defense bonus is added to your Attack rating for resolving defensive combat.

A hero with Attack 5 using a buckler (+1 Defense) defends as if their Attack were 6.

• Shields prevent hits, they do not reduce or absorb damage.
• Shields function only when the wielder is aware of the attack and able to react.
• Shields require the listed Strength to wield. Characters who do not meet the requirement cannot equip the shield.
• Shields may be used alongside armor, providing both increased Defense (shield) and damage reduction (armor).

• Armor protects you after a hit lands.
• Shields increase your chance to avoid being hit entirely.
• A combination of armor and shield offers both protection and avoidance, enhancing survivability in combat.

A divine appeal performed after combat, during triage, or at camp. Healing Prayers cannot be performed in active combat, during pursuit, or under immediate danger.

Healing can also be used to break curses (see the Curse section for full rules on Spiritual Severance).

A Curse is a ritualized prayer to the divine or to spirits, calling misfortune upon a chosen target. It is never improvised and never instantaneous. The caster invests hours, days, or longer in deliberate preparation before the curse may be invoked.

Curses afflict both flesh and land. Those struck suffer grave weakness of body and spirit.

Rebuke is an instantaneous prayer meant to smite your enemies and bring them back into the fear of your god. It must be your first action in the round. If successful then you may perform a second non-combat action, e.g. movement, perception, Protection or Battle Courage prayer.

Damage caused by Rebuke is physical but ignores armor and cannot be resisted using Resist Pain. Recipients of Rebuke are subject to normal Stun Check rules.

Protection prayer does apply when resisting Rebuke per combat rules.

Rebuke damage can be healed like normal physical damage, e.g., First Aid, Heal prayer, or rest.

Enemies affected by Rebuke are stunned with fear for one round and cannot attack. They may continue to move or perform non-combat actions.

A ritualized skill to perceive hidden knowledge, distant events, or future possibilities.

• Not for combat; guides the party and informs decisions.
• Examples:
  • Locate a dragon's lair across the mountains.
  • Identify which paths are safe or cursed.
  • Understand the tendencies of a powerful NPC before meeting them.

Divination may require time, preparation, or rare components. Success is measured by clarity and usefulness, not damage.

A mystical skill allowing the caster to temporarily leave their body and commune with spirits.

• Not for combat; used to gather hidden knowledge, secrets of the dead, or forbidden lore.
• Examples:
  • Speak with a recently deceased guard to learn the key to a tomb.
  • Consult a wandering spirit to uncover past events in a haunted house.
  • Learn hidden codes, passwords, or secret locations.

Spirit Walking requires preparation, a safe environment, and often a symbolic focus (e.g., ritual circle, personal artifact). Success grants insights; failure may confuse or endanger the caster's spirit.

Protection and Battle Courage are pre-battle bufs cast on one or more characters. They follow the same scope as Healing: each recipient tracks the buff individually. Buffs may be cast multiple times before combat, but only one buff type can be active per character (Protection or Battle Courage).

A step-by-step example of how Resist Pain interacts with armor, damage, and stun checks.

Heroes heal 4 HP + Constitution bonus every 24 hours of rest. Rest means no strenuous activity: no running, marching, or fighting. HP can be pro-rated every 12 hours at GM discretion.

Characters with zero or fewer hit points are unconscious. At GM discretion, characters may remain conscious in an extremely feeble state.

Characters die when they reach a negative HP value equal to their Stun Check (SC).

For Example:

• Henrick
• HP: 21
• SC: 7

Death occurs at -7 HP.

Death is not necessarily immediate. GMs can adjust the window of mortality according to the situation.

Death can also be averted using Healing Prayer, if successful.

Extreme temperatures sap strength and, if ignored, cause bodily harm.

• Extreme cold requires proper clothing and shelter.
• Extreme heat requires shade and ample water.
• Every 1 hour unprotected in extreme heat or cold causes 1d6 damage.
• Each point invested in Resist Cold/Heat extends this duration by 20 minutes.

For Example: Grundy has 3 points in Resist Cold/Heat. He can endure extreme temperatures for an additional 3 x 20 = 60 minutes. If the base duration is 60 minutes, he can now survive 120 minutes total before suffering damage.

Player characters need food and water daily, but sometimes supplies run short.

• Every 1 day (24 hours) without food or water causes 1d6 damage.
• Each point invested in Resist Hunger/Thirst extends this duration by 12 hours.

For Example: Darion hides from a horde of orcs without food or water. Normally, he would begin suffering damage after 24 hours. With 4 points in Resist Hunger/Thirst, he extends this by 4 x 12 = 48 hours. He can now survive 3 days total before hunger or thirst begins to harm him.

Each poison is unique. See Poisons and Their Effects for details about specific poisons and their effects.

Each point invested in Resist Poison mitigates both the severity and duration of poison.

Poison Mitigation Table

For Example:

Xandar has 3 points in Resist Poison and is bitten by a poisonous spider.

The GM determines the spider's venom is a Hard Poison:

• Immediate damage: 1d6
• Ongoing damage: 1 HP per hour for 10 hours

The GM rolls 4 for immediate damage. Checking the Poison Mitigation table for level 3, Xandar mitigates 70% of both damage and duration.

• Immediate Damage: 4 x 70% = 2.8 >>> rounded to 3 HP
• Hourly Damage: 1 x 70% = 0.7 HP per hour
• Duration: 10 hours x 70% = 7 hours

Result: Xandar takes 3 HP immediately and will suffer 5 HP total over the next 7 hours.

• Typically cause minor irritation or discomfort.
• Effects are mostly cosmetic: itching, slight swelling, mild nausea.
• Rarely require rolls to resist, and generally do not affect combat or adventuring ability.
• Examples: mild insect stings, basic irritant plants, spoiled but non-toxic food.

• Cause minor damage (e.g., 1-2 HP) but rarely impose ongoing harm.
• Often resisted by washing, basic first aid, or a minor Constitution check.
• Adventurers may notice symptoms quickly, giving time to react.
• Examples: weak herbs, spoiled food, minor sting or bite.

• Begin to have a noticeable impact on combat effectiveness.
• Damage may be immediate (1d6 HP) with gradual ongoing effects like 1 HP per hour for several hours.
• May induce fatigue, nausea, or impaired movement.
• Examples: snake bites, scorpion stings, some fungal toxins.
• Requires careful attention from party healers to avoid escalation.

• Cause serious damage (1d6 HP + ongoing damage) and may require multiple rounds of first aid, Healing Prayer, or magical intervention.
• Symptoms include severe pain, weakness, and impaired action, reducing the adventurer's ability to fight or travel.
• Examples: poisoned darts, toxic fungi, venomous plant extracts.
• Without treatment, ongoing damage can quickly escalate to dangerous levels.

• Highly lethal; immediate effects and ongoing damage can threaten life if untreated.
• Adventurers must act quickly to apply healing or antidotes, or risk unconsciousness or death.
• Examples: poison blades, venemous snakes, rare alchemical concoctions.
• These poisons create high tension in encounters and require creative player response.

• Magical or cursed toxins designed for narrative impact and dramatic tension.
• Damage is severe (2d6 HP + 2d6 ongoing per hour) and often continues until treated by specialized means, including divine intervention or powerful magic.
• These poisons test resource management, party coordination, and quick thinking.
• Examples: magical venom, cursed toxins, alchemist's fatal brew.
• Typically used sparingly to make a scenario memorable, often tied to story climax.

• Poison may affect movement, attack rolls, or skill checks depending on severity.
• Characters with high Resist Poison will reduce or avoid effects.
• Ongoing damage continues even during rest unless actively treated.
• GMs should describe symptoms vividly to enhance tension and cinematic feel.

• Base distance: 1 mile per level of Cross Country Running skill
• Characters with 0 skill: 1/2 mile per push
• This represents the distance a character can travel in a single sustained push (~20 minutes of hard travel) without triggering exhaustion penalties.

For Example:

Skill level 5 >>> 5 miles per forced march before fatigue sets in.

• Each level of Resist Exhaustion increases the base distance by +20% per level
• Multiplicative, not additive:

Total -Push- Calculation

Total Distance = Base x (1 + 0.20 x Resist Exhaustion level)

GMs may modify the base miles by +50% (0.5x to 1.5x) based on:

• Terrain: swamp/mountains -30-50%, open plains +20-50%
• Weather: blizzard/rain -20-40%, clear +10%
• Load/Encumbrance: heavy gear -20-30%
• Story needs: pursuit urgency +20%, cursed land -40%

GM Tip: Announce the adjusted base before the march begins so players can strategize: "The muddy foothills halve your base to 2 miles per skill level-push hard or camp?"

When a character exceeds their adjusted forced march distance in a single push (or fails to rest adequately after multiple pushes), apply exhaustion levels:

The party flees orcs through hilly terrain (GM sets base -30% >>> 0.7x).

Boris: Cross Country 6, Resist Exhaustion 4

• Base: 6 miles x 0.7 = 4.2 miles
• Extended: 4.2 x (1 + 0.20x4) = 4.2 x 1.8 = 7.56 miles per push

After 8 miles >>> +1 exhaustion (-1 physical). They push another 6 miles >>> +1 more exhaustion (-2 total, half speed). Time to camp!

Flavor: "Your legs burn, breath rasps like broken glass. The horizon mocks you-but one more ridge, one more mile, and perhaps the dawn finds you alive."

The following characters demonstrate how distinct archetypes emerge naturally from the core mechanics of the system. There are no formal "classes" in this game. No character is restricted to a predefined path, and no role is locked behind a label.

Instead, archetypes arise from skill choices, stat priorities, and equipment decisions.

• A heavily armored combatant with Discipline and weapon mastery functions as a Fighter.
• A high-Strength warrior with Resist Pain and mobility becomes a Barbarian.
• A character who blends martial skill with Prayer naturally takes on the role of Paladin or Cleric.
• A high-Agility character investing in stealth and technical skills operates as a Rogue.

These are not classes. They are outcomes.

The examples below show how the same mechanical framework supports front-line soldiers, wilderness hunters, divine champions, stealth specialists, and arcane mystics - all without introducing separate subsystems or class restrictions.

Players are free to reproduce these archetypes, hybridize them, or depart from them entirely.

The Fighter is the backbone of any warband: steady, trained, and reliable under pressure. Built around Discipline and strong core combat skills, the Fighter excels in controlled engagements and defensive formations. With solid armor, shield use, and a high Stun Check, the Fighter absorbs punishment while maintaining battlefield order. This character rewards tactical play, positioning, and methodical combat decisions.

Stats

• ST: 13 (+1)
• AG: 11 (+0)
• CO: 15 (+1)
• IN: 10 (+0)
• HP: 28
• SC: 9
• Initiative Bonus: +0

Combat

• Weapon: Spear (Spear/Polearm 4)
  • Damage: 2d6 + 1
• Secondary: Short Sword (Cutting 4)
  • Damage: 2d6 + 1
• Armor: Rigid Leather
  • Armor HP: 120
  • DR: 3
• Shield: Wall Shield
  • Defend +2

Skills

• Level 4: Spear/Polearm, Cutting, Cross Country
• Level 3: Brawling, Sprinting, General Perception
• Level 2: Resist Pain, Sense Danger, First Aid
• Level 1: Resist Exhaustion, Jumping, Grappling

The Barbarian thrives in raw, brutal combat. High Strength and Constitution make him difficult to drop, while Crushing attacks and mobility skills allow him to dominate chaotic fights. Though less refined than the Fighter, the Barbarian compensates with endurance and aggression. Resist Pain and physical resilience make him especially dangerous once wounded - the longer the fight drags on, the more terrifying he becomes.

Stats

• ST: 17 (+2)
• AG: 12 (+0)
• CO: 13 (+1)
• IN: 9 (+0)
• HP: 30
• SC: 10
• Initiative Bonus: +0

Combat

• Weapon: Greataxe (Crushing 4)
  • Damage: 3d6 + 2
• Armor: Rigid Leather
  • Armor HP: 120
  • DR: 3
  • Defend: 4
• Shield: none

Skills

• Level 4: Crushing, Resist Pain, Sprinting
• Level 3: Brawling, Grappling, Tracking
• Level 2: Climbing, Swimming, Make Fire
• Level 1: Resist Cold/Heat, Foraging, Sense Danger

The Paladin blends martial skill with divine authority. Competent in front-line combat, the Paladin also wields prayer-based abilities for healing and protection. This character excels at sustaining allies, reinforcing defenses, and maintaining morale. The Paladin's strength lies not in raw offense, but in battlefield stability - preventing collapse and turning attrition into victory.

Stats

• ST: 13 (+1)
• AG: 10 (+0)
• CO: 12 (+0)
• IN: 14 (+1)
• HP: 25
• SC: 8
• Initiative Bonus: +1

Combat

• Weapon: Arming Sword (Cutting 4)
  • Damage: 2d6 +1
• Secondary: Shield Bash 3
  • Damage: 1d6 +1
  • Always goes first
• Armor: Chain Mail Shirt
  • Armor HP: 200
  • DR: 4
• Shield: Wall Shield
  • Defend +2

Skills

• Level 4: Cutting, Battle Courage (Prayer), Protection (Prayer)
• Level 3: Shield Bash, Heal (Prayer), Sense Danger
• Level 2: Riding, Mounted Combat, Sense Magic
• Level 1: Persuasion, Detect Lies, First Aid

The Rogue survives by agility, awareness, and precision. High Agility and initiative allow the Rogue to act first and strike where opponents are weakest. Skilled in stealth, locks, traps, and deception, this character shines outside direct confrontation - but can still deliver decisive blows when opportunity arises. The Rogue rewards clever play, positioning, and calculated risk.

Stats

• ST: 9 (+0)
• AG: 15 (+1)
• CO: 10 (+0)
• IN: 16 (+2)
• HP: 19
• SC: 6
• Initiative Bonus: +2

Combat

• Weapon: Daggers (Cutting 1)
  • Damage: 2d6
• Ranged: Throwing Weapons 1
  • Damage: 1d6
• Armor: Light Leather
  • Armor HP: 80
  • DR: 2
• Shield: none

Skills

• Level 4: Sneaking, Picking Locks, Balancing
• Level 3: Tracking, Brawling, Detect Lies
• Level 2: Climbing, Set/Disarm Traps, Jumping
• Level 1: Throwing Weapons, Persuasion, Foraging

The Ranger dominates open terrain and fluid engagements. Skilled in ranged combat and wilderness survival, the Ranger controls distance and tempo. High initiative and mobility allow repositioning, scouting, and pursuit. In structured combat the Ranger supports from range; in exploration, the Ranger guides the party safely through hostile environments.

Stats

• ST: 12 (+0)
• AG: 15 (+1)
• CO: 10 (+0)
• IN: 13 (+1)
• HP: 22
• SC: 7
• Initiative Bonus: +1

Combat

• Weapon: Bow & Arrow 4
  • Damage: 2d6
• Secondary: Short Sword (Cutting 1)
  • Damage: 2d6
• Armor: Rigid Leather
  • Armor HP: 120
  • DR: 3
• Shield: none

Skills

• Level 4: Bow & Arrow, Tracking, Cross Country
• Level 3: Sneaking, Foraging, Making Fire
• Level 2: Climbing, Swimming, General Perception
• Level 1: Resist Exhaustion, Resist Hunger/Thirst, Resist Poison

The Cleric sustains the party through faith and endurance. Durable enough to stand near the front, yet focused on healing and protection prayers, the Cleric ensures allies remain functional when fights turn desperate. While not a primary damage dealer, the Cleric's presence dramatically increases a party's survivability. This character is ideal for players who prefer support, foresight, and battlefield stabilization.

Stats

• ST: 12 (+0)
• AG: 9 (+0)
• CO: 14 (+1)
• IN: 15 (+1)
• HP: 26
• SC: 8
• Initiative Bonus: +1

Combat

• Weapon: Mace (Crushing 1)
  • Damage: 2d6
• Armor: Soft Leather
  • Armor HP: 80
  • DR: 2
• Shield: Buckler
  • Defend +1

Skills

• Level 4: Heal (Prayer), Protection (Prayer), First Aid
• Level 3: Rebuke (Prayer), Sense Magic, Persuasion
• Level 2: Sense Danger, Making Fire, Tie Knots
• Level 1: Crushing, General Perception, Riding

The Seer is physically fragile but intellectually formidable. With high Intelligence and arcane skills, the Seer manipulates knowledge, perception, and unseen forces. Less armored and less resilient than other archetypes, the Seer depends on positioning, allies, and preparation. In return, the Seer brings capabilities no other character can replicate - foresight, magical detection, and reality-bending influence.

Stats

• ST: 8 (-1)
• AG: 12 (+0)
• CO: 10 (+0)
• IN: 17 (+2)
• HP: 18
• SC: 6
• Initiative Bonus: +2

Combat

• Weapon: Staff (Crushing 0)
  • Damage: 2d6 -1
• Armor: Heavy Robes (Padded)
  • Armor HP: 40
  • DR: 1
• Shield: none

Skills

• Level 4: Spirit Walking (Prayer), Curse (Prayer), Rebuke (Prayer)
• Level 3: Sense Magic, Persuasion, General Perception
• Level 2: Sneaking, Detect Lies, Sense Danger
• Level 1: Making Fire, Foraging, Tracking

Name: Harold the Wise              |Items:
-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------
Stats:                             |Gold Pieces: 5      |
Strength: 12 (+0)                  |Silver Pieces: 200  |
Agility: 11 (+0)                   |Backpack            |Mess kit (cooking)
Constitution: 11 (+0)              |Bedroll             |Rope (50')
Intuition: 18 (+3)                 |Tarp                |Mirror
HP: 23                             |Fire starting kit   |Pipe and tobacco
SC: 8                              |First aid kit       |Whistle
				   |                    |
Armor: Rigid Leather               |                    |
DR: 3   HP: 120                    |                    |
Shield: Buckler (+1 defense)       |                    |
Weapon: Rapier (4) 2d6             |                    |
Second: Dagger (4) 2d6             |                    |
				   |                    |
Skills (lvl/checks):               |--------------------|---------------------

Brawling (ST): 2/0                 Find Traps (IN): 4/3
Cutting (ST): 4/0                  Foraging (IN): 4/3
Climbing (AG): 2/0                 Tracking (IN): 4/3
Swimming (AG): 2/0                 General Perception (IN): 4/3
Sneaking (AG): 2/0                 Sense Magic (IN): 4/3
Riding (AG): 3/0                   Sense Danger (IN): 4/3
Resist Poison (CO): 1/0            Heal (IN): 4/3
Resist Pain (CO):  1/0             Curse (IN): 4/3
Making Fire (AG): 2/0              Rebuke (IN): 4/3
Tie Knots (AG): 1/0                Divination (IN): 4/3
First Aid (AG): 4/0                Spririt Walking (IN): 4/3
Persuasion (IN): 4/3               Protection (IN): 4/3
Detect Lies (IN): 4/3              Battle Courage (IN): 4/3

Description/Backstory:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harold the Wise lives a life of privilege. Born into a life of luxury
and wealth, studying at the finest schools, and taught by the best of
tutors, he is a man of style, culture and finess. He adventures not
for wealth or glory but for the pleasure of it.

His passions include Divination and Spirit Walking. He fluently
travels the spirit realms, studying and learning from all he
encounters.

He's also a skilled fencer and quite deadly with his trusted rapier.
Don't judge him by his refined and elegant demeanor, this man is fierce
when cornered.

Using the sample characters above, we ran a 100,000 iteration monte-carlo simulation between the Fighter, Barbarian and Paladin, without any buffs and alternately with Protection (P) and Battle Courage (BC).