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Player's Option:

Combat & Tactics


Foreword
Way back in issue #39 of Dragon Magazine ! found a great artic"e ca""ed Good Hits
and Bad Misses# My friends and ! $ad been %"aying t$e &'&'( game for a cou%"e of
years and we took one "ook and ado%ted t$e artic"e)s critica" $it and fumb"e system# We
ignored e*ery %iece of ad*ice about res%onsib"e use of t$e system and began using t$e
critica" tab"es in our ne+t game#
,ur e%ic batt"es turned into b"oodbat$s# ,ur grou% of ad*enturers "eft a trai" of
dismemberment and sucking c$est wounds in our wake# ! distinct"y reca"" one batt"e in
w$ic$ my c$aracter a dwar*en fig$ter named -ende" $ad t$e unbe"ie*ab"e misfortune of
"osing one "eg an arm and t$e ot$er "eg at t$e ank"e# -e sti"" $ad 3. $it %oints "eft so
-ende" ke%t on batt"ing swinging $is a+e wit$ great war/cries as $e craw"ed a"ong after
$is enemies# Ta"k about your sus%ended disbe"ief0
1ow it occurs to me t$at maybe 2ust maybe e*en Conan 3or 4odzi""a05 wou"d $a*e
been inca%acitated by t$ese in2uries# !n fact maybe -ende" if ro"e/%"ayed we"" wou"d
$a*e cur"ed u% into a ba"" and cried for $is mot$er w$en $e "ost t$at first "eg# ! sure wou"d
$a*e# 6ut we $ad a great time wit$ it e*en w$en fumb"es "ed to friend"y/fire
deca%itations and ot$er suc$ incidents#
T$e %oint to a"" t$is is t$at any fantasy ro"e/%"aying game $as a %retty toug$ 2ob in
creating fast but semi/rea"istic combat ru"es and t$e &'&' game e*en wit$ *ariant
ru"es "ike t$e critica" $it system we ran amok wit$ is basica""y an abstract game# T$e
Combat & Tactics book is a com%romise t$at adds some detai" to combat7not to make it
more realistic but to make combat more believable# T$ere are darn good reasons w$y
%eo%"e sto% fig$ting after t$ey "ose a cou%"e of "imbs w$y 89t$/"e*e" fig$ters don)t turn
t$eir backs on guys wit$ kni*es in t$eir $ands and w$y %eo%"e oug$t to be %o"ite to angry
fo"ks %ointing "oaded crossbows at t$em#
!f you)re one of t$ose %"ayers w$o t$inks :-ey it)s on"y 8d; %oints of damage w$at
do ! care<: 3and w$o $asn)t once in a w$i"e<5 you)"" find t$at t$is book)s going to make
you t$ink twice# ! can)t t$ink of a sing"e e+am%"e in a"" of fantasy "iterature w$ere a
c$aracter wasn)t concerned about someone trying to %ut a knife or arrow in $im= w$y
s$ou"d your c$aracter be any different< Combat & Tactics rewards common sense and
>uick t$inking# Taking need"ess risks and making bad decisions can get a %erson ki""ed in
a fig$t# 'on)t you t$ink your c$aracter wou"d see t$ings t$e same way<
?ic$ 6aker
1o*ember 899;
6efore anyone e*er t$oug$t about creating a ro"e/%"aying game t$ere was a "itt"e set of
ru"es ca""ed t$e Chainmail game# Wit$ t$at s"im book"et in $and one cou"d use
miniature figures to conduct medie*a" batt"es from swee%ing conf"icts in w$ic$ $uge
armies of stee"/c"ad men foug$t for $onor and booty to sma"" bands of $eroes storming
formidab"e cast"es to forces of e"*es taking u% t$eir bows against fearsome dragons#
T$e Chainmail ru"es were $ard"y t$e "ast word in $istorica" accuracy but t$ey were
easy to "earn and easy to %"ay# T$ey a"so did a great 2ob of con*eying w$at it mig$t $a*e
been "ike to see a medie*a" batt"e unfo"ding before you# T$e Chainmail game e*entua""y
ga*e rise to t$e first fantasy cam%aigns but a set of miniatures ru"es is not a ro"e/%"aying
game and it wasn)t "ong before t$e '&'( game and "ater t$e &'&' game came a"ong
to re%"ace it# 1e*ert$e"ess t$e Chainmail ru"es for tab"eto% combat remain at t$e root of
t$e &'&' game#
T$e &'&' game is about more t$an combat but w$at fantasy ad*enture is com%"ete
wit$out at "east one %itc$ed batt"e w$ere t$e $eroes %re*ai" by t$e strengt$ of t$eir sword
arms and t$e s$ar%ness of t$eir wits< T$e Combat & Tactics book is for anyone w$ose
$eart races 3as mine does5 at t$e t$oug$t of c"as$ing arms= not 2ust $ack )n s"as$ but
$eroic batt"es wit$ swir"ing action ringing stee" and e"dritc$ f"as$es of magic# @ou won)t
find 9. %ages of tab"es te""ing you e+act"y w$ere a sword b"ow "ands in t$is book but you
wi"" find %"enty of ways to make combat more t$an a dice/ro""ing contest or an e+ercise in
subtracting $it %oints from your c$aracter)s tota"# !f a"ong t$e way you "earn to stay away
from fig$ts un"ess you)re sure your %arty can win t$em t$at)s e*en better#
Aki% Wi""iams
1o*ember 899;
Tab"e of Contents
Chapter One:
Player's Option Combat System
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign<
T$e 6att"e Ma%
Figures and Facing
Aca"e
Me"ee Aca"e
?ange
Wea%ons
Monsters
Missi"e Aca"e
Awitc$ing Aca"e
Combined Aca"e
T$e Combat ?ound
Combat ?ounds and
4ame Time
A%e"" 'urations
Combat Atatus
C"ear
T$reatened
Bnusua" Monsters and T$reatening
4ra%%"ed
&ttacks of ,%%ortunity
Mo*ement
6ase Mo*ement
C+ce%tiona" &bi"ities
and Mo*ement
Atrengt$
'e+terity
Cncumbrance
Aim%"ified Cncumbrance
,%ening t$e 6att"e
Aur%rise
Cncounter 'istance
Aet/u%
T$e Fi*e 6asic Ate%s of C*ery Combat ?ound
Ate% ,ne: Monster &ction 'etermination
Ate% Two: D"ayer &ction 'ec"aration
Ate% T$ree: !nitiati*e
Ate% Four: ?eso"ution of &ctions
Ate% Fi*e: Cnd of ?ound ?eso"ution
!nitiati*e
T$e !nitiati*e ?o""
6ase !nitiati*e
Wea%on A%eeds
Critica" C*ents
Combat &ctions
Combat &ctions and Mo*ement
1o/Mo*e &ctions
-a"f/Mo*e &ctions
Fu""/mo*e &ctions
Mo*ement and !nitiati*e
Combat Mo*ement
on t$e 6att"e Ma%
Mo*ing T$roug$ ,t$er Figures in Combat
,*erruns
C$oosing an &ction
T$e &ctions
&ttack
Cast a A%e""
C$arge
Co*er
FireET$row Missi"es
4uard
Mo*e
Darry
?un
A%rint
Bnarmed Combat
Bse & Magica" !tem
Wit$draw
Cnding t$e Combat ?ound
?etreats
Fatigue
Fee%ing Track of Fatigue
Cffects of Fatigue
?eco*ering from Fatigue
Cffects of Force Marc$ing on Fatigue
Mora"e
!nforma" Mora"e C$ecks
Forma" Mora"e C$ecks
Fai"ing a Mora"e C$eck
Atatus
A%ecia" Combat Conditions
Atandard and ,%tiona"
&'&' ?u"es
Mo*ement and Footing
Co*er and Concea"ment
Mounts
?ear or F"ank &ttacks
Aitting Fnee"ing
and Gying Drone
'amage and 'ying
Wea%on Ty%e *s# &rmor Ty%e
Firing !nto a Me"ee
&dditiona" ?u"es
-ig$er 4round
Fnockdowns
Critica" -its
T$e 4ray &reas
C+am%"e of Combat
?ound ,ne
?ound Two
?ound T$ree
?ound Four
Chapter Two:
Combat Options
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign<
6att"e Tactics
A$ie"d Wa""
Hersus Missi"es
Hersus Me"ee
A%ear -edges
Mounted C$arge
&rc$ery from -orseback
&ttack ,%tions
T$e ,%%osed ?o""
6"ock
Ca""ed A$ot
'isarm
4rab
,*erbear
Du""ETri%
Aa%
A$ie"d/Dunc$
A$ie"d/?us$
A%ecia" Wea%on Maneu*er
Tra%
Tra% and 6reak
Bnarmed &ttack
Bn$orse
Fig$ting Aty"es
Aing"e Wea%on
Two/$anded Wea%on
Aize and Two/$anded Wea%ons
,ne/ or Two/$anded Wea%ons
,ne/$anded Wea%ons
used Two/$anded
Wea%on and A$ie"d
Two Wea%on
Bnarmed
Missi"e or T$rown Wea%on
Mu"ti%"e Goaded Wea%ons
T$rown Wea%ons
Wea%on/A%ecific Aty"es
'ue"ing
W$at)s & 'ue"<
!nitiati*e
T$e 'ue"ing D"ot
&ttacking in t$e ?ig$t A%ot
?eading an ,%%onent)s Mo*e
Mo*ing t$e Figures
C$oice of 'efense
C$oice of &ttack
Cnding a 'ue"
-eroic Frays
Chapter Three: The Battlefield
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign<
6att"efie"ds
T$e Four 6asic 6att"efie"ds
'ungeons or Ca*es
Town or 6ui"ding
,utside
Cast"es or Fortifications
6att"efie"d C$aracteristics
Cncounter ?ange
Gines of Fire
Co*er and Concea"ment
Footing
,bstac"es
Bnusua" Materia"s or -azards
Terrain Ty%es
6ad"ands
Ca*es
'esert
Fie"ds or Farm"and
Forest -ea*y or Iung"e
Forest Gig$t
-i""s
Mars$
Mountains
D"ains
A$i%s
Awam%
Ta*erns
Town Atreets
4enerating a 6att"efie"d
Ate% ,ne: Aca"e
Ate% Two: To%ogra%$y
F"at
-i""y
6roken
A"o%es and Cscar%ments
Ate% T$ree: 4round Co*er and Water
C"ear
T$ickets
Gig$t Woods
-ea*y Woods
C"ear
6og
Atream
Dond
Ate% Four: ,bstac"es
Ate% Fi*e: Dutting !t &"" Toget$er
Fig$ting in Bnusua" Conditions
Gimited Hisibi"ity
Moon"ig$t or Moderate Fog or ?ain
Atar"ig$t or 'ense Fog or -ea*y ?ain
Tota" 'arkness
Water
Wea%on ?estrictions
Hision
Mo*ement
Fig$ting Bnderwater Monsters From t$e Aurface
C"imbing
Mo*ement
Fig$ting
Fig$ting F"ying Creatures
&eria" Combat
!nitiati*e
T$reatening
Mo*ement
&ttacks from 6e"ow
&ttacks from &bo*e
Bnseating a ?ider
Combat on ,t$er D"anes
&stra" Combat
Ct$erea" Combat
T$e Cffects of Magic on t$e 6att"efie"d
Wizard A%e""s
Driest A%e""s
Magica" !tems
Chapter Four: Weapon Specialization & Mastery
Wea%on Droficiencies
!nte""igence and Droficiencies
Droficiencies and t$e
Wea%on 4rou%s
A%ecia"ization and
Wea%on 4rou%s
C$aracter C"asses and Wea%on Droficiencies
Fits and 6arred Wea%ons
1ew Wea%ons
A$ie"d Droficiency
&rmor Droficiency
Wea%on Mastery
1on%roficiency
Fami"iarity
Droficiency
C+%ertise
A%ecia"ization
Me"ee Wea%ons
Missi"e Wea%ons
6ows
Crossbows
Firearms
Wea%on Mastery
Cffects of Mastery
-ig$ Mastery
4rand Mastery
A%ecia" 'M 1ote
Fig$ting Aty"e A%ecia"izations
Wea%on and A$ie"d Aty"e
,ne/$anded Wea%on Aty"e
Two/$anded Wea%on Aty"e
Two/Wea%on Aty"e
Missi"e or T$rown Wea%on Aty"e
-orse &rc$ers
Goca" Fig$ting Aty"es
A%ecia" Ta"ents
Chapter Fie:
!narmed Combat
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign<
6raw"ing
6raw"ing &ttacks &gainst &rmed ,%%onents
Tem%orary 'amage
,%%osed ?o""s
Dumme"ing
Dumme"ing Drocedures
Dumme"ing Aki"" Ge*e"s
&n C+am%"e of Dumme"ing
A%ecia" Dumme"ing Maneu*ers
Aa%%ing
Ficking
Wrest"ing
Wrest"ing Drocedures
-o"ds
Dre*ious"y Cstab"is$ed -o"ds and Gocks
6reaking Free
&ssistance
Gocks
Wrest"er Hersus Wrest"er
Wrest"ing Aki"" Ge*e"s
&n C+am%"e of Wrest"ing
,*erbearing
,*erbearing Drocedures
Dins
Cffects of Dins
Maintaining and 6reaking Dins
&ssistance
,*erbearing Aki"" Ge*e"s
&n C+am%"e of ,*erbearing
&ttack ,%tions and
Bnarmed &ttacks
Aubdua" &ttacks
&n C+am%"e of Aubduing
Martia" &rts
Martia" &rts Drocedures
Martia" &rts Aki"" Ge*e"s
Martia" &rts Wea%ons
&n C+am%"e of Martia" &rts Combat
Martia" &rts Ta"ents
Chapter Si":
Critical #its
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign<
Critica" -its: Aystem !
Critica" -its: Aystem !!
Critica" -it C$arts
Gocation
Ae*erity
?esistance
?eading t$e Critica" -it Tab"es
A%ecific !n2uries
Critica" -it Cffects
Critica" -it Tab"es
Chapter Seen:
Weapons & $rmor
C>ui%ment 4rou%s
?eading t$e C>ui%ment Gists
Atone &ge or Aa*age Cu"tures
Too"sECommon
T$e 6ronze &ge and &ncient Cu"tures
?oman
'ark &ges
T$e Crusades
-undred @ears) War
T$e ?enaissance
Midd"e Castern
,rienta"
Firearms
&rmor
Master Wea%on Gist
Wea%on 'escri%tions
Wea%ons Tab"es
Wea%on 4rou%s
Wea%ons and &bi"ity 6onuses
&rmor 'escri%tions
Chapter %i&ht:
Sie&e Warfare
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign<
War Mac$ines
6ombardment Cngines
6a""ista
6ombard
Cannon
Cata%u"t
Trebuc$et
6ombardment Cngine
Drocedures
!ndirect Fire Cngines
&n C+am%"e of !ndirect
6ombardment
'irect Fire Cngines
&n C+am%"e of 'irect
6ombardment
He$ic"es
C$ariot
-owda$
Carrying Ca%acities For 6easts
Wagon
'ri*ing C$ecks and F"i%%ing ,*er
?amming
Misce""aneous War Mac$ines
6attering ?am
6ore
Cau"dron
4a""ery A$ed
4reek Fire Dro2ector
Mant"etE&batis
?am Catc$er
?ocks
Critica" -its and
Fnockdown 'ice
Mu"ti%"e Targets
Aiege Tower
Csca"ades
T$e &%%roac$ of & Cast"e
Wa""s
Wa"" 'efenses
Aca"ing Wa""s
Gadders
4ra%%"ing -ooks
War Mac$ine *s# War Mac$ine
Fires
Aa%%ing
Detards
Creatures !nside
'estroyed Targets
Magica" &ttacks
Aieges
?eduction
?eduction Drocedures
Aa*ing T$row Fai"ure
Mines
Counter Mining
!n*estment
Mass Combat
Mass Combat Drocedures
&n C+am%"e of Mass Combat
Droficiencies
Chapter 'ine:
Monsters
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign<
Creatures in 6att"e
!nte""igence
&"ignment
Mora"e
Creature Ty%es
-umanoid
&nima"
Monster
&ttack and &rmor Ty%es
&ttacks
&rmor
(nde"
Credits
)esi&n: G# ?ic$ard 6aker !!! & Aki% Wi""iams
%ditin&: T$omas M# ?eid
*ro+ect Coordinator: Ate*e Winter
$rt Coordinator: Deggy Coo%er
Coer (llustration: Ieff Cas"ey
(nterior (llustrations: 'oug C$affee Ges 'orsc$eid Garry C"more
Fen & C$ar"es Frank ?oger Go*e"ess Crik ,"son and &"an Do""ack
,raphics Coordinator: Dau" Ia>uays
,raphic )esi&n: 'ee 6arnett
*roduction: Dau" -anc$ette
Typo&raphy: &nge"ika Gokotz
*hoto&raphy: C$ar"es Fo$"
)ia&rams: Dau" -anc$ette
Special Than-s: 'a*e 4ross
&d*anced 'ungeons & 'ragons 'ungeons & 'ragons &'&' '&' 'ungeon Master
'ragon Atrike and 'ragon are registered trademarks owned by TA? !nc#
Chainmail! Monstro"s Man"al! Planescape! Player's Option and t$e TA? "ogo are
trademarks owned by TA? !nc#
T$is book is %rotected under t$e co%yrig$t "aws of t$e Bnited Atates of &merica# &ny
re%roduction or ot$er unaut$orized use of t$e
materia" or artwork contained $erein is %ro$ibited wit$out t$e e+%ress written %ermission
of TA? !nc#
?andom -ouse and its affi"iate com%anies $a*e wor"dwide distribution rig$ts in t$e book
trade for Cng"is$ "anguage %roducts of TA? !nc#
'istributed to t$e book trade in t$e Bnited Fingdom by TA? Gtd# 'istributed to t$e toy
and $obby trade by regiona" distributors#
J899K TA? !nc# &"" ?ig$ts ?eser*ed# Drinted in t$e B#A#&#
.LMNO9L..9OL9 98;9PPP8K.8 9nd Drinting 1o* 899K#
C$a%ter ,ne:
Player's Option
Combat Aystem
T$is c$a%ter introduces t$e Player's Option combat system an ad*anced set of skirmis$
ru"es designed to add detai" and f"a*or to batt"es in an &'&' game# T$e combat ru"es
from t$e Player's Handboo# and D"ngeon Master G"ide $a*e been e+%anded and
stream"ined to create more acti*e e+citing batt"es#
!n most forms of %ersona" combat t$ere is a "ot more going on t$an a cyc"e of
swing/and/miss and swing/and/$it actions# !n a fig$t %eo%"e mo*e around# T$ey %ress
ad*antages or fa"" back w$en t$ey need to get some room# Consider a %air of bo+ers#
T$ey)re not 2ust t$rowing %unc$es= t$ey)re ducking dodging wea*ing and trying
different attack strategies suc$ as 2abs $ooks or u%%ercuts#
&rmed combat is muc$ t$e same# Dosition is im%ortant# Cnemies try to surround
"one c$aracters to get f"ank or rear attacks# Garge creatures suc$ as giants or dragons use
t$eir bu"k to knock sma""er o%%onents back and scatter defenses# T$ese are not unusua"
attacks or s%ecia" maneu*ers= t$ey)re t$ings t$at 2ust $a%%en in t$e c$aos of a fig$t#
T$e Player's Option combat system incor%orates t$ese effects and tactics making
t$em a*ai"ab"e for $eroes and monsters bot$# @our batt"es wi"" ne*er be t$e same again#
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%iagn< T$e Player's Option combat system is an
integrated set of ru"es t$at do*etai"s wit$ t$e "ater c$a%ters in t$is book# -owe*er you
don)t $a*e to use t$is c$a%ter in order to make use of t$e ot$er systems#
T$is c$a%ter %resents se*era" new combat actions restructures t$e &'&'
initiati*e system and introduces retreats fatigue and critica" e*ents# Most of t$e materia"
assumes t$at you wi"" use t$ese ru"es wit$ c$aracter and monster miniatures on some kind
of ma%# !f you don)t want to run combat "ike t$is you)"" sti"" find t$at t$e new initiati*e
system and actions can be used wit$out any figures or ma%s at a""#
T$e 6att"e Ma% T$e Player's Option combat system is %"ayed on a gridded batt"e ma%
wit$ 8/inc$ s>uares# T$e batt"e ma% becomes a diagram of t$e batt"efie"d t$at can be used
wit$ figures stand/u% counters or markers# T$e e+act "ocation of eac$ c$aracter or
creature is im%ortant since facing and terrain are critica" to t$e tactics of a fig$t#
& number of games and accessories suc$ as t$e D"ngeons & Dragons(
&d*enture Dacks inc"ude gridded ma%s# Fee" free to borrow ma%boards and modify t$em
for use in your own cam%aign#
@ou can a"so use dry/erase boards magnetic dungeon ti"es or was$ab"e gridded
mats to %ortray your batt"efie"d# @ou can make your own ma%s to customize t$e
batt"efie"d for eac$ combat# !n fact it)s a good idea for t$e 'M to %re%are for an
encounter by making a ma% of t$e batt"efie"d before$and# &s "ong as t$e ma% is marked
in 8/inc$ s>uares it wi"" do#
Aome 'Ms and %"ayers may %refer batt"e ma%s marked wit$ $e+es instead of
s>uares# -e+es $owe*er introduce certain incon*eniences to t$e ru"es t$at do not surface
wit$ a s>uare grid# 3For e+am%"e can figures occu%y %artia" $e+es near wa""s<5
1e*ert$e"ess wit$ a few modifications it is certain"y %ossib"e to ada%t t$e Player's
Option combat system to a $e+ grid#
Figures and Facing
C*ery c$aracter in a fig$t is re%resented by a miniature stand/u% or marker of some
kind# Figures s$ow t$e "ocation of e*ery creature in t$e batt"e and a"so s$ow t$e $acing of
eac$ creature# !n me"ee sca"e one Man/sized creature fi""s one s>uare on t$e ma%#
!n any fig$t facing is *ery im%ortant# !t)s $ard to %unc$ someone standing be$ind
you un"ess you turn around# Cac$ figure or marker on t$e batt"e ma% s$ou"d $a*e an
ob*ious front facing# For miniatures in strange %oses e*eryone s$ou"d agree before$and
w$at direction is t$e front of figure# :T$is figure faces t$e s>uare $is sword is %ointing
at: is good enoug$#
&"" figures $a*e $ront! $lan#! and rear s%aces# T$e t$ree s%aces in front of a figure
are its front s%aces t$e two s%aces direct"y beside it are f"ank s%aces and t$e t$ree s%aces
be$ind it are rear s%aces# Facings can be at t$e side of a s>uare or at t$e corner 3see
diagram5#
1orma""y c$aracters can on"y attack enemies in t$eir front s%aces and gain attack
bonuses w$en t$ey attack an enemy)s f"ank or rear#
T$ere are two situations w$ere more t$an one figure can occu%y a sing"e s>uare:
gra%%"ed figures are bot$ in t$e defender)s s>uare and c$aracters in c"ose order 3see
C$a%ter Two5 can fit two figures to a sing"e s>uare# !f t$ere is more t$an one figure in a
s>uare eac$ figure $as t$e same front f"ank and rear s%aces= no one is considered to be
in t$e "eft side of t$e s%ace or t$e back of t$e s%ace or w$ate*er#
Tiny 3Aize T5 creatures can fit an un"imited number in one s>uare a"t$oug$ it
wou"d be unusua" for more t$an 8. to be in one s%ace un"ess t$ey were insect/sized#
Figures t$at are sma""er t$an Man/sized 3Aize A5 norma""y occu%y one s>uare
eac$ but if s%ace is tig$t t$ey)"" fig$t two to a s>uare wit$ no %ena"ty# Ama"" creatures in
c"ose order can fit t$ree figures in a s>uare#
Garge 3size G5 creatures norma""y occu%y one s%ace on t$e ma%# T$ey can fig$t in
c"ose order sim%"y by occu%ying ad2acent s%aces#
-uge 3size -5 creatures occu%y two to four s%aces on t$e ma% de%ending on t$eir
size and s$a%e# -umanoids suc$ as giants and ettins are two s>uares wide creating an
e+tra front s%ace and an e+tra rear s%ace# -orse/"ike or ser%entine creatures $a*e a
narrow front and a "ong body creating two e+tra f"ank s%aces# 6"ock/"ike or massi*e
creatures occu%y a four/s%ace s>uare#
4argantuan 3Aize 45 creatures occu%y at "east si+ s%aces# T$ey can be e*en bigger
if t$e 'M decides t$at t$e creature)s %ro%ortions are tru"y immense# & dragon wit$ a ;./
foot body cou"d take u% a b"ock of s%aces two wide and eig$t "ong0 4argantuan creatures
define front f"ank and rear s%aces so t$at roug$"y one/t$ird of t$e ad2acent s>uares fa""
into eac$ category#
Aca"e !n norma" combat situations eac$ 8/inc$ s>uare on t$e ma% re%resents an area K
feet s>uare# T$is is referred to as me"ee sca"e# Bnder certain s%ecia" circumstances eac$
8/inc$ s>uare can re%resent K yards# T$is is known as missi"e sca"e#
Me"ee Aca"e
T$e me"ee sca"e is t$e defau"t sca"e for batt"es t$at take %"ace indoors inside dungeons in
darkness or fog or at c"ose range# &s "ong as t$e combatants are a"" starting wit$in K. or
O. yards of eac$ ot$er most batt"e ma%s are big enoug$ to run in me"ee sca"e from t$e
start# T$is wi"" sa*e you t$e troub"e of con*erting from missi"e sca"e to me"ee sca"e
during t$e batt"e 3see Missi"e Aca"e be"ow5#
!n me"ee sca"e remember t$at s%e"" and missi"e ranges are based on yards not
feet# & t$rown dagger norma""y $as a s$ort range of 8. yards or 3. feet# !n me"ee sca"e
t$is is O s>uares on t$e batt"e ma%# & s%e"" wit$ a 3./yard range can be targeted 8N
s>uares away#
?ange
Most c$aracters and monsters can on"y make me"ee attacks against creatures standing in
one of t$eir front s%aces# -owe*er some wea%ons %ro*ide e+tra reac$ for c$aracters and
some monsters co*er a greater area because of size#
Weapons
Many %o"earms are assigned a range muc$ "ike missi"e wea%ons# & %o"earm wit$ a range
of 9 can strike enemies standing in t$e c$aracter)s front s>uare or any ad2acent s>uare
beyond t$e row of front s>uares#
Aome wea%ons are defined as range only wea%ons# Dikes and "ances fa"" into t$is
category# T$ese wea%ons can be used to make norma" attacks in t$e s>uares t$ey can
reac$ but cannot be used against targets in between t$e wie"der and t$e wea%on)s %oint#
Creatures wie"ding range 9 or "arger wea%ons or natura" attack forms cannot make
me"ee attacks t$roug$ an occu%ied s>uare to anot$er s>uare un"ess as %art of a s%ear or
%ike $edge 3see C$a%ter Two5#
Monsters
&ny Garge creature armed wit$ a wea%on adds 8 to its range due to its great natura"
reac$# For e+am%"e an ogre wie"ding a s%ear 3norma""y range 85 $as a range of 9 wit$ t$e
wea%on# &ny -uge creature armed wit$ a wea%on adds 9 to t$e wea%on)s range# &
4argantuan creature adds 3 to a wea%on)s range= a titan swinging a 8K/foot sword
endangers an enemy >uite a ways off#
Aome monsters may a"so $a*e natura" attacks t$at a""ow t$em to strike o%%onents
at ranges greater t$an 8#
Missi"e Aca"e
Aome batt"es may o%en in missi"e sca"e w$ic$ is fi*e yards to t$e s>uare# T$e on"y
reason to set u% a batt"e in missi"e sca"e is w$en t$e two $osti"e forces try to engage eac$
ot$er wit$ s%e""s or missi"es at ranges greater t$an K. yards or so# 1atura""y t$is usua""y
$a%%ens in outdoor settings wit$ good *isibi"ity# !f neit$er side $as any missi"e or s%e""
ca%abi"ity t$ere is no reason to set u% t$e batt"e in missi"e sca"e# Aa*e yourse"f t$e troub"e
of con*erting and set it u% in me"ee sca"e from t$e start#
%or e&ample! the heroes enco"nter a party o$ orcs 'hile climbing a high
mo"ntain pass( The DM decides that the t'o gro"ps spot each other at a range o$ )**
yards! since there isn't m"ch cover( +othing happens "ntil the gro"ps close to ,-* yards!
since that is the ma&im"m range o$ the party's longbo's( The DM tells the players that
they begin the battle in missile scale! ., s/"ares a'ay $rom the orcs(
!n missi"e sca"e c$aracters and monsters mo*e 8E3 as fast as norma"# & c$aracter
t$at cou"d norma""y mo*e 89 s>uares in a combat round can on"y mo*e four s%aces %er
round in missi"e sca"e# T$ere are nine me"ee s>uares in a sing"e missi"e s>uare so u% to
nine Man/sized creatures can occu%y a s>uare w$en missi"e sca"e is in effect#
Aince a"" s%e"" and missi"e wea%on ranges are e+%ressed in yards it is easy to
figure ranges in missi"e sca"e# & target eig$t s>uares away is actua""y ;. yards distant#
Awitc$ing Aca"e
W$en two o%%osing creatures mo*e ad2acent to eac$ ot$er it)s time to switc$ t$e sca"e
from missi"e to me"ee sca"e# Ae"ect one figure as an anc$or and mo*e a"" t$e ot$er figures
t$ree times as far from t$e anc$or as t$ey were# !n effect you)re zooming in on t$e batt"e#
&n easier but "ess accurate met$od of zooming in on t$e batt"e is to sim%"y
announce t$at you)re switc$ing sca"e and a""ow bot$ %"ayers and monsters to get a second
set/u%# &s "ong as e*eryone sticks by t$e s%irit of t$e set/u% 2ust eyeba"" it# Make certain
t$at t$e o%%osing forces $a*e t$ree times as many s>uares between t$em as t$ey did
before t$e sca"e was zoomed in#
Combined Aca"e
& $andy way to kee% track of w$ere t$e %arty members are in re"ation to eac$ ot$er is to
$a*e t$em set u% t$eir marc$ing order in me"ee sca"e# Aet u% t$e monster grou% in me"ee
sca"e in re"ation to eac$ ot$er# 1ow assume t$at a"" t$e s%aces between t$e %arty and t$e
monsters are missi"e s>uares# Make sure you indicate w$ere t$e sca"e c$anges by setting
a %enci" or ru"er on t$e ma%#
T$is combined sca"e met$od assures t$at monsters trying to c"ose under missi"e
fire $a*e to wit$stand t$e norma" amount of attacks before t$ey get c"ose enoug$ for
me"ee# !t)s a"so usefu" for determing t$e areas of effect of any s%e""s cast at t$e o%%osing
grou%# W$en any two o%%osing c$aracters come in contact switc$ t$e sca"e#
T$e Combat ?ound !n a standard &'&' game rounds are assumed to be about one
minute "ong# T$e combat system round "asts about 8. to 8K seconds during w$ic$ a
ty%ica" swordsman wi"" make about t$ree to si+ swings# Most c$aracters and monsters can
on"y make one effecti*e attack in t$is time= t$e rest of t$e swings are feints %arries or
2ust for s$ow#
-ig$er/"e*e" c$aracters wit$ mu"ti%"e attacks are ab"e to make more of t$ese
swings count# Darries are fo""owed u% wit$ ri%ostes# Feints sudden"y become attacks
w$en an o%ening %resents itse"f# Wit$ time and %ractice a ski""fu" swordsman can make
e*ery swing of $is sword a %otentia""y "et$a" attack#
Combat ?ounds and 4ame Time
Combat rounds replace t$e one/minute round in norma" &'&' combat situations# !f you
need to kee% count fi*e combat rounds e>ua" one norma" round and K. e>ua" a fu"" turn#
To make t$ings easy t$e 'M can ru"e t$at a batt"e regard"ess of its actua" "engt$
takes one turn# C$aracters tend to s%end se*era" minutes c$ecking on fa""en enemies
sur*eying t$eir own in2uries and making sure t$at t$e enemy $as abandoned t$e fie"d
before dro%%ing t$eir guard# Bn"ess time is an issue t$is is reasonab"e#
A%e"" 'urations
&"" s%e""s wit$ durations e+%ressed in rounds "ast for t$e e+act same number of combat
rounds# A%e""s wit$ durations measured in turns "ast for t$e entire batt"e# !f a s%e""
measured in rounds is in t$e midd"e of its duration w$en t$e fig$ting begins t$e ba"ance
of its duration runs in combat rounds#
%or e&ample! a )th0level mage casts a haste spell that lasts three ro"nds! pl"s one
ro"nd per level! $or a total o$ eight ro"nds( 1n the $i$th ro"nd! the party gets into a $ight(
The haste spell lasts $o"r combat ro"nds be$ore e&piring(
C*eryt$ing e"se about t$e s%e"" sti"" functions on a round/by/round basis as it did before#
& c"eric casting heat metal sti"" inf"icts 9d; %oints of searing damage in t$e t$ird fourt$
and fift$ combat rounds# & wizard wit$ a $eather $all s%e"" sti"" fa""s at a rate of 89. feet
%er combat round# ?emember t$is is an abstract system= a%%"ying %$ysics %ro%erties to
e*ery situation 3suc$ as t$e fact t$at t$e wizard wit$ $eather $all is now %"ummeting to t$e
ground at a $asty O#N m%$ rat$er t$an t$e standard 8#; m%$5 may re*ea" "ots of facts but
it won)t make for a better game#
Combat Atatus &ny figure in*o"*ed in combat fa""s into one of t$ree categories: clear!
threatened! or grappled# T$is re%resents t$e immediacy of an enemy t$reat and inf"uences
w$at actions t$e c$aracter can c$oose for t$at combat round# & c$aracter)s o%tions are
e+treme"y "imited w$en $e is caug$t in an ow"bear)s $ug#
!n addition to go*erning t$e c$aracter)s c$oice of combat actions for t$e round
t$reatening is a"so im%ortant because it determines w$o is sub2ect to w$at are known as
attac#s o$ opport"nity 3see be"ow5#
C"ear
C$aracters w$o are standing free of t$e me"ee and aren)t endangered by any ad2acent
monsters are considered c"ear# 3T$e c$aracter can sti"" be attacked by missi"e fire
c$arged or $a*e a s%e"" t$rown at $im of course#5 &s "ong as a c$aracter is not in t$e
t$reatened s%aces of any enemy figure $e is c"ear# T$e c$aracter)s c$oice of combat
action is unrestricted#
C$aracters w$o are c"ear are a""owed to turn to t$reaten a figure t$at mo*es u% to
t$em in t$e course of a combat round# T$e c$aracter doesn)t $a*e to do t$is= $e can ignore
t$e danger# T$e c$aracter on"y gets t$is free facing c$ange once %er round so $e can
e"ect to t$reaten t$e first figure t$at mo*es u% to $im or to wait u%on t$e arri*a" of a more
dangerous enemy#
T$reatened
&ny s>uare t$at a creature can reac$ wit$ its wea%ons or c"aws a"so threatens t$ose
s>uares and t$erefore any c$aracters or creatures standing in one of t$e t$reatened
s>uares# T$e c$aracter)s own facing doesn)t matter7it)s %ossib"e to be t$reatened by
someone standing be$ind you#
T$reatened c$aracters can c$oose to ignore t$e creature t$reatening t$em and take
any combat action t$ey wis$ but if t$ey do t$e t$reatening creature gains an immediate
attack of o%%ortunity# T$e fo""owing actions create an attack of o%%ortunity for t$e
t$reatening creature:
&ttem%ting missi"e combat 3ot$er t$an at t$e t$reatening creature and on"y in t$e combat
round w$en it first t$reatens t$e c$aracter5#
Mo*ing away from t$e t$reatening creature# T$is inc"udes mo*e c$arge and run but not
wit$draw#
Turning so t$at t$e t$reatening creature is now in a rear s>uare#
&ttem%ting an unarmed attack against any foe e+ce%t an unarmed $uman/"ike creature#
Monsters and c$aracters t$reaten a"" e"igib"e s>uares t$roug$out t$e entire round#
!f a c$aracter tries to s%rint t$roug$ t$e t$reatened s>uares to get by t$e defender t$e
defender gets an attack of o%%ortunity as t$e c$aracter runs by# !f t$e creature being
attacked suffers from a successfu" knockdown ro"" or if a critica" $it from t$e attack of
o%%ortunity is suffered t$en it must sto% mo*ing# ,t$erwise it may run by t$e creature
t$reatening it#
!nusual Monsters and Threatenin&
T$ere are a number of creatures t$at do not $a*e a c"ear front facing# W$o can te"" w$at
t$e dangerous end of an oc$re 2e""y or otyug$ is< T$ese amor%$ous monsters don)t $a*e
rear or f"ank s%aces and t$erefore t$reaten any c$aracter w$o mo*es ne+t to t$em#
4ra%%"ed
4ra%%"ed c$aracters are %$ysica""y restrained by t$eir foes# T$ere are a number of ways to
gra%%"e wit$ an o%%onent= wrest"ing martia" $o"ds %inning and grabbing are a"" %ossib"e#
!n addition some monsters $a*e s%ecia" attacks t$at gra%%"e t$eir *ictims# For e+am%"e a
giant scor%ion can %in its %rey in its c"aws or an ow"bear can $ug a *ictim#
4ra%%"ed creatures must get free before t$ey can mo*e# T$e on"y combat actions a
gra%%"ed creature can take are:
?es%ond wit$ unarmed combat#
&ttack t$e gra%%"ing creature wit$ a size A wea%on#
&ttem%t to esca%e# Cac$ gra%%"ing met$od defines a means of esca%e#
4ra%%"ing creatures occu%y t$e same s>uare on t$e batt"e ma% un"ess t$ere is
somet$ing unusua" about t$e monster doing t$e gra%%"ing# For e+am%"e a ro%er can
gra%%"e c$aracters u% to 8. s>uares away wit$ its s%ecia" tentac"e attack#
4ra%%"ing figures ne*er t$reaten ot$er s>uares#
&ttacks of ,%%ortunity
&ttacks of o%%ortunity occur w$en a t$reatened c$aracter or creature ignores t$e enemy
ne+t to it or turns its back on a foe# T$e t$reatening enemy gets to make an immediate
me"ee attack 3or se>uence of attacks for monsters wit$ mu"ti%"e attacks5 against t$e
t$reatened creature# &ttacks of o%%ortunity cannot be %erformed wit$ missi"e wea%ons#
T$is is a free attack t$at does not take t$e %"ace of any actions t$e t$reatening creature
$ad a"ready %"anned#
& creature can)t make more t$an one attack of o%%ortunity against a sing"e
o%%onent in t$e course of a combat round but if se*era" enemies "ea*e t$emse"*es o%en
t$e creature can make one free attack against eac$ one#
T$ere is a "imit to t$e number of attacks of o%%ortunity a sing"e creature may
make in one round# Warriors and monsters can make t$ree attacks of o%%ortunity %"us one
%er fi*e "e*e"s or -it 'ice# &"" ot$er c$aracters can make one attack of o%%ortunity %"us
one %er fi*e "e*e"s# T$irty kobo"ds trying to swarm %ast a fig$ter in a narrow %assage wi""
take "osses but some wi"" sti"" get t$roug$#
Aur%rised c$aracters and monsters cannot make attacks of o%%ortunity during t$e
round in w$ic$ t$ey are sur%rised#
Mo*ement ,b*ious"y mo*ement is an im%ortant %art of a fig$t# !f a c$aracter is
wie"ding a sword $e can)t $urt anyone wit$ it un"ess $e gets *ery c"ose to t$em# T$e
more time a c$aracter s%ends mo*ing t$e "ess $e is ab"e to do w$en $e gets t$ere#
!n t$e standard &'&' game e*ery c$aracter and monster $as a base mo*ement
rate# Aince Player's Option combat rounds are s$orter t$an &'&' rounds eac$ %oint of
t$at base mo*ement rate a""ows a DC 1DC or creature to mo*e one s>uare %er combat
round in me"ee sca"e# & $uman fig$ter wit$ a mo*ement rate of 89 can mo*e 89 s>uares
or O. feet in one combat round# !f a c$aracter mo*es diagona""y it costs 3 mo*ement
%oints for eac$ 9 s>uares rounded u%# !f a c$aracter mo*es t$ree s>uares diagona""y it
costs K mo*ement %oints: 3 for t$e first two s>uares and 9 for t$e t$e t$ird s>uare#
?emember t$is is a conser*ati*e ad*ance# Figures can e+ceed t$eir norma"
mo*ement rates by charging! r"nning! or sprinting 3see &ttack ,%tions be"ow5# T$e
same $uman fig$ter s%rints 8N. feet in a combat round w$ic$ isn)t bad for an untrained
runner wearing sturdy boots $ea*y c"ot$es and carrying a sword#
C$aracters determine t$eir combat system mo*ement in t$ree ste%s:
'etermine t$e c$aracter)s base mo*ement rate from $is c$aracter race=
&d2ust t$e base mo*ement rate for e+ce%tiona" abi"ity scores=
Modify t$e c$aracter)s mo*ement due to $is encumbrance#
6ase Mo*ement
C*ery c$aracter 3and monster5 begins wit$ a base mo*ement determined by race# For
monsters t$is information a%%ears in t$e a%ro%riate Monstro"s Man"al accessory
under Mo*ement# For c$aracters t$e base mo*e *aries by race:
Character .ace Moement .ate
-uman 89
C"f or -a"f/e"f 89
'warf O
4nome O
-a"f"ing O
Bn"ess t$e 'M wants to generate abi"ity scores for e*ery 1DC in t$e game it)s
safe to assume t$at any generic member of t$e race $as t$e base mo*ement rate "isted#
-owe*er %"ayer c$aracters and e+ce%tiona" 1DCs may be ab"e to mo*e faster t$an
norma"#
C+ce%tiona" &bi"ities
and Mo*ement
C$aracters wit$ e+ce%tiona" Atrengt$ or 'e+terity scores can increase t$eir base
mo*ement rate beyond t$e norma" "imits of t$eir race# Aimi"ar"y c$aracters wit$
weaknesses in t$ese areas are s"ower t$an ot$ers of t$eir kind#
Stren&th
&dd t$e c$aracter)s $it %robabi"ity ad2ustment to $er base mo*ement rate# !f you are a"so
%"aying wit$ t$e 2#ills & Po'ers ru"ebook add t$e $it %robabi"ity ad2ustment based on
t$e c$aracter)s Atrengt$EAtamina 3not Atrengt$EMusc"e5 instead#
)e"terity
&dd t$e c$aracter)s reaction ad2ustment to $is base mo*ement rate# !f you are a"so %"aying
wit$ t$e 2#ills & Po'ers ru"es use t$e ad2ustment for 'e+terityE6a"ance instead#
%or e&ample! 3o$tos the 2'i$t! a h"man $ighter! has a 2trength o$ -4 and a
De&terity o$ -5( His 2trength gives him a hit probability bon"s o$ 6-! and his De&terity
gives him a reaction bon"s o$ 6-! too( His base movement rate! there$ore! is -,6-6-! or
-.(
Cncumbrance
C*en t$e fastest s%rinter won)t mo*e so >uick"y w$en $e)s carrying 8;. %ounds of armor
wea%ons and ad*enturing gear# & c$aracter)s encumbrance fa""s into fi*e categories:
none! light! moderate! heavy! and severe# Cncumbrance is described in t$e Player's
Handboo# in C$a%ter O: Money and C>ui%ment#
To determine t$e c$aracter)s encumbrance category find $is Atrengt$ and read
across t$e tab"e# T$e numbers on t$e tab"e are t$e break%oints for eac$ category# &
c$aracter wit$ a Atrengt$ of 8; is not encumbered unti" $e $as KO %ounds of gear "ig$t"y
encumbered unti" $e $as NO %ounds of gear moderate"y encumbered unti" $e carries 88O
%ounds of gear and $ea*i"y encumbered u% to a "oad of 8;O %ounds#
To ca"cu"ate a monster)s strengt$ for t$is %ur%ose add 38E9 %oints %er size
category 3rounded down5 to t$e monster)s base -it 'ice 3ignoring %"usses5# T$us an ogre
$as a generic Atrengt$ score of 8N 3Garge creature is size category ; + 38E9 Q 8; %"us ;
-it 'ice Q 8N5#
Character %ncumbrance Cate&ory
Stren&th /t0 Mod0 #y0 Seere
3 O M N 8.
;LK 88 8; 8M 9.
OLM 98 9. 39 ;M
NL9 3O K8 OO N8
8.L88 ;8 K9 MM 9M
89L83 ;O M. 9; 88N
8;L8K KO NO 88O 8;O
8O M8 8.8 838 8O8
8M NO 899 8KN 89;
8N 888 8K. 8N9 99N
8NE.8 83O 8MK 98; 9K3
8NEK8 8O8 9.. 939 9MN
8NEMO 8NO 99K 9O; 3.3
8NE98 93O 9MK 38; 3K3
8NE.. 33O 3MK ;8; ;K3
& creature)s fina" mo*ement is figured by com%aring current encumbrance wit$
natura" base mo*ement#
Base %ncumbrance Cate&ory
Moe 'one /t0 Mod0 #y0 Seere
8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 8 8 8
3 3 9 9 8 8
; ; 3 9 8 8
K K ; 3 8 8
O O ; 3 9 8
M M K ; 9 8
N N O ; 9 8
9 9 M K 9 8
8. 8. M K 3 8
88 88 N O 3 8
89 89 9 O 3 8
83 83 8. M 3 8
8; 8; 88 M ; 8
8K 8K 89 N ; 8
8O 8O 89 N ; 8
8M 8M 83 9 ; 8
8N 8N 8; 9 K 8
!n addition to affecting $ow far a c$aracter can mo*e in a combat round
encumbrance a"so affects $ow we"" a c$aracter can fig$t# Moderate"y encumbered
c$aracters suffer a L8 %ena"ty to attack ro""s# -ea*i"y encumbered c$aracters suffer a L9
attack %ena"ty and t$eir &rmor C"ass suffers a R8 %ena"ty# !f t$e c$aracter is se*ere"y
encumbered $e suffers a L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks and a R3 %ena"ty to $is &rmor C"ass#
Fatigue may tem%orari"y increase a c$aracter)s effecti*e encumbrance= see Fatigue for
more information#
Simplified %ncumbrance
!f t$e standard encumbrance ru"es aren)t wort$ t$e troub"e $ere)s an easier way to do it#
Most of t$e weig$t a c$aracter carries is in armor and wea%ons# To stream"ine t$ings
on"y use t$e c$aracter)s armor s$ie"d and "argest wea%on w$en figuring t$e tota" weig$t
carried# T$is s"ig$t"y fa*ors DCs but it)s muc$ faster t$an tracking e*ery addition of
weig$t#
!n C$a%ter Ae*en armor is rated wit$ a base encumbrance# T$is is t$e ty%ica"
encumbrance "e*e" of a $uman wearing t$at armor# For e+am%"e %"ate mai" is rated as
moderate encumbrance wit$ a mo*ement of O for a ty%ica" $uman# T$ese defau"t *a"ues
make it easy to eyeba"" 1DC mo*ement rates#
!f you use t$e sim%"ified encumbrance ru"e make sure t$at it is not abused# !f t$e
'M fee"s t$at a DC is taking ad*antage of t$is ru"e 3for e+am%"e carrying dozens of
wea%ons or *ast amounts of ad*enturing gear5 $e can insist on using t$e more detai"ed
accounting of t$e norma" encumbrance ru"es#
,%ening t$e 6att"e 1ow t$at you know w$at t$e ma% "ooks "ike $ow to $and"e "ong/
and s$ort/range batt"es and $ow t$e figures interact on t$e ma% it)s time to discuss t$e
set/u% and %resentation of a fig$t# W$at effect does sur%rise $a*e< W$ere do terrain
features go< W$o sets u% t$eir figures w$ere<
Aur%rise
6efore a batt"e begins one or bot$ sides may $a*e to c$eck for sur%rise# T$e 'ungeon
Master $as t$e fina" word on w$et$er or not a sur%rise c$eck a%%"ies# T$ere are situations
in w$ic$ one side may $a*e to make a sur%rise c$eck but t$eir o%%onents don)t7for
e+am%"e an ambus$ or a nig$ttime encounter wit$ enemies carrying brig$t "ig$ts#
Aur%rise conditions and modifiers are discussed e+tensi*e"y in t$e DMG and t$e PHB
3C$a%ter 88: Cncounters for bot$5#
T$e sur%rise c$eck is a d8. ro"" modified for t$e surrounding conditions and any
s%ecia" %re%arations one %arty or t$e ot$er makes# 1orma""y a grou% is sur%rised on a ro""
of 8 9 or 3# T$e sur%risers get a free round of attacks mo*ement or s%e""s against t$e
sur%rised members of t$e ot$er grou%#
Cncounter 'istance
T$e distance between two grou%s is an im%ortant %art of setting u% t$e batt"e# T$e terrain
and weat$er $a*e a great effect on encounter distance= e*en an eag"e/eyed c$aracter wi""
$a*e a $ard time s%otting $is enemies in a dense fog or %itc$/b"ack nig$t#
T$e 'M can sim%"y assign an encounter distance based on $is estimation of t$e
situation or $e can ro"" on t$e tab"e be"ow# !n many cases t$e range of t$e encounter is
ob*ious= if a %arty of $eroes kicks down a dungeon door and storms a guardroom it
stands to reason t$at t$e gno"" warriors are some'here in t$at room#
Situation .an&e 1melee scale2
6ot$ grou%s sur%rised 8d; s>uares
,ne grou% sur%rised 8dO s>uares
1o sur%rise:
Amoke or $ea*y fog 8dN s>uares
Iung"eEdense forest 9d8. s>uares
Gig$t forest ;dO s>uares
AcrubEbrus$Ebus$ ;d89 s>uares
4rass"andEfie"d 8.dO s>uares
'ungeonEnig$t Gimit of *ision
1o co*er Gong missi"e range
1ote t$at dungeon or nig$t encounters refer to t$e *ision "imits of w$oe*er can
see t$e fart$est# !f a %arty of $eroes e>ui%%ed wit$ "anterns can see 3. feet in a dark
forest a $unting %arty of orcs t$at can see O. feet may try to o%en t$e batt"e wit$ a *o""ey
of arrow fire out of t$e darkness#
!f a situation arises w$ere t$ere is no rea" co*er or t$e enemy)s a%%roac$ is
detected $undreds of yards away t$e encounter s$ou"d be set u% at t$e ma+imum range of
t$e "ongest/range missi"e wea%on in t$e fig$t# !n t$is case it wi"" %robab"y be necessary
to begin t$e batt"e in missi"e sca"e and mo*e to me"ee sca"e w$en t$e grou%s c"ose#
Aet/u%
T$e "ast ste% before starting t$e fig$t is setting u% t$e batt"efie"d and t$e "ocation of t$e
combatants# T$e 'M s$ou"d first arrange t$e batt"efie"d= if t$e fig$t is taking %"ace in a
room inside a dungeon t$e 'M notes t$e room)s size s$a%e and interesting contents
before %"acing any creatures in it# C$a%ter T$ree describes batt"efie"ds of a"" kinds in
great detai"#
!f one side $as s%otted t$e ot$er wit$out being seen or $as sur%rised t$e ot$er
grou% t$ey can make t$eir o%%onents set u% first and t$en %"ace t$eir own combatants to
take ad*antage of t$e situation# 3T$ey sti"" $a*e to obser*e t$e encounter distance dictated
by t$e 'M t$oug$#5
!f neit$er side is sur%rised or if ot$er s%ecia" circumstances e+ist t$e 'M can
dictate t$e %ositions of a"" c$aracters and monsters at t$e beginning of t$e batt"e# T$e DCs
s$ou"d be set u% in t$eir norma" marc$ing order wit$ any ad2ustments t$e 'M deems
a%%ro%riate# Aomeone $ad to o%en t$e door to t$e guardroom after a""# T$e monsters are
%"aced by t$e 'M as s$e sees fit#
!f t$e 'M knows somet$ing t$e %"ayers don)t t$ere)s no reason s$e can)t kee%
some figures off t$e ma% unti" t$e %"ayers $a*e reason to s%ot t$em# !f t$ere)s a giant
s%ider on t$e cei"ing and no one "ooks u% t$e 'M s$ou"d fee" free to s%ring a fiendis$
sur%rise w$en a c$aracter wa"ks under it#
T$e Fi*e 6asic of C*ery Combat ?ound Wit$ t$e e+ce%tion of two ski""ed fig$ters
using simi"ar wea%ons or sty"es combat is utter c$aos# !t)s "udicrous to be"ie*e t$at any
set of game ru"es cou"d begin to a%%roac$ an accurate simu"ation of fig$ts t$at range from
barroom braw"s to fantastic due"s between arc$mages and dragons#
-owe*er t$ere $as to be some way to reso"*e combat# !n t$e Player's Option
combat system batt"es are di*ided into combat rounds and eac$ round is di*ided into
fi*e basic ste%s# T$ese ste%s are:
Ate% ,ne: Monster &ction 'etermination
Ate% Two: DC &ction 'ec"aration
Ate% T$ree: !nitiati*e
Ate% Four: ?eso"ution of &ctions
Ate% Fi*e: Cnd/of/?ound ?eso"ution
Ate% ,ne:
Monster &ction 'etermination
6efore t$e %"ayers announce w$at t$eir c$aracters are doing t$is round t$e 'M secret"y
decides w$at actions t$e monsters take# ,nce t$e 'M decides w$at t$e monsters wi"" do
$e s$ou"d stick by it7$e)s on $is $onor not to switc$ actions after "earning t$e %"ayers)
decisions# &fter a"" t$e monsters don)t know w$at t$e DCs are going to do before t$ey do
it# !f necessary t$e 'M can make notes about monster actions to remind $imse"f of w$at
t$ey intend to do#
4enera""y monsters and 1DCs $a*e t$e same actions a*ai"ab"e to t$em t$at t$e
%"ayer c$aracters do# T$ey can c$arge attack or wit$draw 2ust "ike t$e DCs# Monsters
norma""y c$oose t$e most ad*antageous and sensib"e actions for t$e situation# ?efer to
C$a%ter 1ine: Monsters for more information#
Ate% Two: D"ayer &ction 'ec"aration
&fter t$e 'M $as decided w$at t$e monsters wi"" do eac$ %"ayer must announce $is
c$aracter)s action for t$e combat round#
Ate% T$ree: !nitiati*e
!n t$is ste% a"" c$aracters in a fig$t determine w$en t$eir dec"ared actions actua""y take
%"ace# T$e Player's Option combat system reso"*es actions in a series of initiati*e %$ases
wit$ t$e reso"ution time of different actions affected by wea%on c$oice creature size and
ot$er factors# Aee !nitiati*e be"ow for more information on t$e initiati*e system#
Ate% Four: ?eso"ution of &ctions
T$e dec"ared actions of a"" c$aracters and monsters are reso"*ed using t$e initiati*e %$ase
system# & c$aracter can abort $is %"anned action and do somet$ing e"se but t$e new
action takes %"ace at t$e *ery end of t$e combat round#
Ate% Fi*e: Cnd/of/?ound ?eso"ution
&fter a"" actions $a*e been reso"*ed t$ere are se*era" t$ings t$at need to be done before
t$e round ends# T$e four %arts of t$is ste% are $atig"e! retreats! morale! and stat"s(
Fatigue is a measure of t$e c$aracter)s endurance o*er a %ro"onged combat# &t t$e
end of eac$ round t$e c$aracter c$ecks to see if t$e combat $as "asted "ong enoug$ for
$im to become fatigued or e+$austed#
?etreats occur w$en a figure is forced to fa"" back by t$e %ress of t$e fig$t# T$is
can $a*e t$e effect of breaking u% an enemy "ine or forcing t$e retreating c$aracter o*er a
c"iff into >uicksand and so on#
T$e 'M makes mora"e c$ecks for t$e monsters if a%%ro%riate# Most creatures
don)t care to carry a "osing batt"e to t$eir own deat$s and wi"" try to break off t$e fig$t if
t$ings aren)t going t$eir way#
Gast but not "east c$aracters w$o are suffering from s%e"" effects %oison or
s%ecia" critica" $its suffer damage or fig$t off t$e effect# T$e e+act %rocedure is
determined by t$e ty%e of condition t$e c$aracter is suffering from#
!nitiati*e Timing is e*eryt$ing in combat# 'oes a fig$ter try to get in a >uick b"ow
before $is enemy can react or does $e wait for a better o%ening< W$o gets to go first
w$en a barbarian warrior is trying to cut down a mage casting a s%e""< T$e initiati*e
structure %resented $ere is designed to answer t$ose >uestions and %ro*ide your c$aracter
wit$ better a"ternati*es for combat#
T$e !nitiati*e ?o""
T$e Player's Option combat system reso"*es actions in fi*e action %$ases: very $ast! $ast!
average! slo'! and very slo'# & c$aracter)s action %$ase is determined by $is base
initiative modified by $is wea%on s%eed and t$e combat action $e se"ects for t$e round#
Atriking at an o%%onent standing ne+t to you doesn)t take muc$ time at a"" but running
$a"fway across t$e batt"efie"d in a "ong c$arge wi"" take a "itt"e more time#
&t t$e beginning of eac$ round of combat bot$ sides ro"" a d8.# T$e side wit$ t$e
"owest ro"" wins initiati*e# !n eac$ action %$ase t$e side t$at $as won initiati*e attacks
and mo*es first# !n any gi*en action %$ase for one side of a fig$t attacks and s%e""s occur
before mo*ement takes %"ace# 3!n ot$er words if you and your com%anion bot$ take an
action in t$e a*erage %$ase your buddy gets to fire an arrow or cast a s%e"" down t$at
$a""way before you actua""y begin running down it#5 !f t$ere are fast creatures on bot$
sides of t$e fig$t t$e fast creature t$at won initiati*e strikes before t$e fast creature t$at
"ost initiati*e# Fast creatures strike before a*erage creatures e*en if t$e a*erage creature)s
side won initiati*e#
Aome initiati*e ro""s %ro*ide unusua" resu"ts:
& ro"" of 8 acce"erates t$e action %$ase of t$at side by one so a s"ow c$aracter gets to go
in t$e a*erage %$ase=
& ro"" of 8. s"ows t$e action %$ase of t$at side by one ste%=
& tie resu"ts in a critica" e*ent# ?ero"" t$e initiati*e dice unti" one side or t$e ot$er wins
and t$en consu"t t$e Critica" C*ent Tab"e be"ow#
6ase !nitiati*e
& creature)s base initiati*e is t$e time it begins to mo*e or makes an attack if it
attacks wit$out wea%ons# Monsters t$at norma""y fig$t wit$ natura" wea%onry are sim%"y
assigned a base initiati*e determined by t$eir size and s%eed#
Monster Size Base (nitiatie
Tiny or Ama"" Hery Fast
Man/Aized Fast
Garge &*erage
-uge A"ow
4argantuan Hery A"ow
!m%ro*e base initiati*e one grade for a mo*ement rate of 8N or better and reduce
base initiati*e one grade for a mo*ement rate of O or "ess# &"so moderate"y encumbered
c$aracters and monsters suffer a one/%$ase initiati*e %ena"ty $ea*i"y encumbered
creatures are s"owed by two %$ases and se*ere"y encumbered creatures suffer a t$ree/
%$ase initiati*e %ena"ty#
1ote t$at most %"ayer c$aracters $a*e a base initiati*e of fast# ?emember t$is
doesn)t take into account wea%on s%eeds or combat actions# ?ecord t$e c$aracter)s base
initiati*e on t$e c$aracter s$eet7it)s used in eac$ and e*ery round of combat#
Wea%on A%eeds
C$aracters armed wit$ wea%ons modify t$eir base initiati*e wit$ t$eir 'eapon speed# &""
wea%ons are assigned a s%eed rating of fast a*erage s"ow or *ery s"ow# W$en t$e
c$aracter makes an attack $is action %$ase is $is base initiati*e or wea%on s%eed
'hichever is later# & fast $uman armed wit$ a two/$anded sword a s"ow wea%on attacks
in t$e s"ow %$ase of t$e round# T$e base initiati*es of magica" wea%ons are modified as
fo""ows:
Ma&ical Bonus Base (nitiatie Modifier
R8 none
R9 or R3 one %$ase
R; or more two %$ases
T$us a $uman wie"ding a t'o0handed s'ord 6, gains a one/%$ase modifier attacking in
t$e a*erage %$ase rat$er t$an t$e s"ow %$ase#
Critica" C*ents
Atrange t$ings $a%%en in t$e fog of war# Many batt"es $inge on a "ucky break or an
unforeseen com%"ication# !n t$e Player's Option combat system t$is is ref"ected by t$e
critica" e*ent ro""#
Critica" e*ents are %ro*ided to add co"or and e+citement to t$e me"ee# T$ey create
o%enings or o%%ortunities t$at >uick/t$inking DCs can take ad*antage of# T$ey a"so a""ow
t$e 'M to %resent a more acti*e and *isua" %ortraya" of t$e c$aracters in batt"e#
T$e 'M is free to ru"e t$at t$e critica" e*ent does not occur or e*en a"ter it to
ref"ect t$e e+act circumstances of t$e batt"e# For e+am%"e if t$e batt"e is taking %"ace on a
mountainside beneat$ an o*er$ang of snow t$e 'M can decide t$at t$e critica" e*ent is
an a*a"anc$e triggered by t$e fig$ting#
&s a genera" ru"e critica" e*ents s$ou"d not direct"y inf"ict damage to a c$aracter
or creature a"t$oug$ t$ey can force sa*ing t$row ro""s or abi"ity c$ecks to a*oid damage#
Bse critica" e*ents to create c$aos and disorder on t$e batt"efie"d but a*oid fa*oring one
side or t$e ot$er#
Critical %ent Table
d34 roll .esult
8L9 &rmor Troub"e
3L; 6att"efie"d 'amaged
K 6att"efie"d A$ifts
O C"ose Suarters
M !tem 'amaged
N !tem 'ro%%ed
9L88 Fnock 'own
89 Gucky 6reak
83 Gucky ,%ening
8;L8K Mount Troub"e
8O ?einforcements
8M ?etreat
8N A"i%
89L9. Wea%on Troub"e
$rmor Trouble
& random combatant $as troub"e wit$ $is armor# ?o"" 8dO for t$e e+act %rob"em# T$e
c$aracter can remedy t$e situation by s%ending one round standing sti"" and re%airing $is
armor#
d5 roll .esult
8L9 -e"m "ost *ictim)s $ead is e+%osed
3LK A$ie"d "ost
O D"ate "ost R9 to &C 3%"ate armor on"y5
Battlefield )ama&ed
Aomet$ing in or around t$e batt"efie"d gets broken# !f t$e fig$t occurs indoors it mig$t be
a %iece of furniture a window or a keg of a"e#
Battlefield Shifts
T$e tide of batt"e carries a"" figures 8dO s>uares in a random direction from t$eir current
"ocation# 1obody gains any attacks of o%%ortunity#
Close 6uarters
Two enemies t$at t$reaten eac$ ot$er find t$emse"*es inside one anot$er)s reac$ and are
effecti*e"y gra%%"ed#
(tem )ama&ed
& random combatant $as somet$ing damaged by a wi"d swing# C$oose anyt$ing e+ce%t a
wea%on and ro"" an item sa*ing t$row to see if it broke#
(tem )ropped
&s abo*e but t$e item is s%i""ed dro%%ed or cut free from t$e owner)s %erson#
7noc- )own
& random combatant engaged in me"ee is knocked to t$e ground by a co""ision wit$
someone near $im# T$e nearest figure 3friend or foe5 must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row
*s# %ara"yzation or fa"" down ne+t to $im#
/uc-y Brea-
& random combatant is fa*ored by fate and gains a R; bonus to $is &rmor C"ass and
sa*ing t$rows for t$is round on"y#
/uc-y Openin&
& random combatant sees $is c$ance# -e gets a R; bonus to t$e attack ro"" against
w$ate*er enemy $e $ad %"anned to attack t$is round#
Mount Trouble
& random mounted combatant e+%eriences difficu"ty wit$ $is anima"# ?o"" 8dO:
d5 roll .esult
8L3 Mount bo"ts# !t s%rints for 8d8. rounds in a random direction or unti" t$e
rider ro""s a successfu" riding %roficiency c$eck#
;LK Mount rears# T$e rider must ro"" a successfu" riding %roficiency c$eck or
fa"" off t$e mount#
O Mount fa""s# T$e t$rown rider must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s#
%ara"yzation or be stunned for 8dO rounds#
.einforcements
&""ies of t$e 'M)s c$oice s$ow u% for one side or t$e ot$er#
.etreat
T$e %ress dri*es back a"" t$reatened figures of one side or t$e ot$er# Aee ?etreats be"ow#
Slip
& random combatant s"i%s and fa""s s%ending t$e round on $is back#
Weapon Trouble
& random combatant e+%eriences difficu"ty wit$ $is wea%on# ?o"" 8dO:
d5 roll .esult
8L9 Combatant disarmed un"ess a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation is
ro""ed#
3LK -ard %arry may break wea%on# ?o"" a successfu" item sa*ing t$row *s#
crus$ing b"ow to a*oid#
O !f t$e c$aracter ki""ed an o%%onent "ast round $is wea%on is stuck in t$e
foe)s body# Take a round to %u"" it out#
Combat &ctions Combat actions are basic strategies t$at a c$aracter can fo""ow in a
round of combat# 'oes &rgat$ t$e 6ra*e stand $is ground and wait for t$e orcs to come
to $im or does $e c$arge ras$"y into t$e center of t$eir "ine< 'oes ?owan t$e Mage cast a
s%e"" or s%end $er round mo*ing to a better *antage %oint< @ou decide w$en you se"ect
your c$aracter)s combat action for t$at round#
T$ere are se*era" factors in*o"*ed in c$oosing a combat action# !t is dangerous to
do anyt$ing but attack or %arry w$en your c$aracter is t$reatened by an ad2acent
o%%onent# !t)s downrig$t use"ess to dec"are a c$arge w$en your c$aracter is gra%%"ed by a
giant constrictor snake#
D"ayer c$aracters $a*e t$e rig$t to c$oose any action t$ey "ike in combat as "ong
as t$ey meet t$e basic re>uirements for it# 3!t makes no sense for a c$aracter wit$out
magica" items to announce t$at $e wi"" use one for $is combat action#5 -owe*er once t$e
re>uirements $a*e been met a"" o%tions are o%en# T$e 'M s$ou"d not disa""ow a combat
action e+ce%t under t$e most e+treme circumstances# 1o matter $ow foo"is$ or difficu"t
somet$ing may seem "et t$e DC try it if $e rea""y wants to# 3,f course t$e 'M can assign
difficu"ty modifiers if s$e deems it necessary#5
T$e fo""owing c$oices are a*ai"ab"e as combat actions in t$e Player's Option
combat system:
$ttac-Fire Missiles .un
Cast a A%e"" 4uard A%rint
C$argeMo*e Bse a Magica" !tem
Co*er Darry
Cac$ of t$ese actions is e+%"ained in more detai" "ater in t$is section#
Combat &ctions and Mo*ement
& c$aracter)s c$oice of combat action go*erns $ow far $e can mo*e in a gi*en combat
round# For e+am%"e a wizard certain"y can)t mo*e a considerab"e distance %icking $is
way t$roug$ swinging wea%ons and une*en footing w$i"e attem%ting to cast a s%e""
w$ic$ re>uires great concentration and %recision# Gikewise a warrior cannot safe"y
wit$draw from a fig$t mere"y by turning and wa"king away at norma" s%eed# Certain
kinds of actions natura""y %rec"ude mo*ement w$i"e ot$er c$oices are actua""y more
effecti*e w$en "arger distances are crossed# Aome c$oices a""ow for a range of mo*ment
o%tions#
T$e *arious combat actions fit into t$ree basic mo*ement categories# T$ese
categories inc"ude no/mo*e actions $a"f/mo*e actions and fu""/mo*e actions# Aome of
t$e combat actions "isted abo*e may fit into on"y one category w$i"e ot$ers may function
wit$ two or e*en a"" t$ree ty%es of mo*ement#
'o8Moe $ctions
1o/mo*e actions are 2ust t$at7t$e c$aracter %erforms some sort of action during $er
%ro%er action %$ase w$et$er it is fig$ting an o%%onent or using a wand wit$out mo*ing
significant"y during t$e round# C*en if a c$aracter c$ooses any one of t$e no/mo*e
actions $owe*er s$e can sti"" ad2ust $er %osition during $er action %$ase# A$e can mo*e
one s>uare in any direction and c$oose any facing as a free ad2ustment to $er %osition# !f
t$e c$aracter is t$reatened s$e can ad2ust $er %osition wit$out %ro*oking an attack of
o%%ortunity by making sure t$at $er ad2ustment does not take $er out of t$e enemy)s front
s>uares or turn $er back to $im# 1o/mo*e actions inc"ude:
&ttack
Cast a A%e""
Co*er
FireET$row Missi"es 3norma" ?,F5
4uard
Darry
Bnarmed Combat
Bse a Magica" !tem
#alf8Moe $ctions
-a"f/mo*e actions a""ow a c$aracter to mo*e u% to $a"f $is norma" mo*ement rate and
sti"" %erform some ot$er action suc$ as attacking wit$ a wea%on or firing missi"es# T$ere
are $owe*er "imits to w$at can be done or $ow far a c$aracter can mo*e and sti""
accom%"is$ t$ese actions# -a"f/mo*e actions inc"ude:
&ttack
C$arge
FireET$row Missi"es 3$a"f t$e norma" ?,F5
4uard
Bnarmed Combat
Wit$draw
Full8moe $ctions
Fu""/mo*e actions in*o"*e a c$aracter mo*ing $is fu"" norma" mo*ement rate 3or e*en
more in some cases5 before attem%ting ot$er actions# Fu""/Mo*e actions inc"ude:
C$arge
Mo*e
?un
A%rint
Mo*ement and !nitiati*e
Com%are t$ese two actions: one c$aracter wit$ a readied bow decides to fire at an orc
c$ieftain ;. feet away and a second c$aracter wit$ a readied sword decides to run o*er to
t$e orc and take a swing at $im# W$ic$ action is reso"*ed first< ,b*ious"y t$e arc$er)s
attack wi"" arri*e before t$e swordsman gets $is swing# Mo*ing takes time es%ecia""y in a
8.L8K second combat round#
C$aracters don)t instantaneous"y b"ink across a batt"efie"d 2ust because it)s t$eir
turn to mo*e# T$ey begin t$eir mo*e at one %oint in time and t$en finis$ mo*ing
sometime "ater# & c$aracter w$o begins $is mo*e w$en fast actions are reso"*ed may
finis$ $is mo*e w$i"e a*erage or s"ow actions are reso"*ed#
Mo*ement a"ways begins in a c$aracter)s base initiati*e %$ase and is %erformed in
$a"f/mo*e increments one %$ase at a time# For a $a"f/mo*e action t$e tota" amount of
mo*ement takes %"ace in a sing"e %$ase# For a fu""/mo*e action t$e c$aracter mo*es no
more t$an $a"f of $is tota" mo*ement in eac$ of two consecuti*e %$ases so a s%rinting
c$aracter is actua""y tra*e""ing 8#K times $is fu"" norma" mo*ement in eac$ of $is two
mo*ement %$ases# &fter any mo*ement is com%"eted for t$e c$aracter t$e rest of t$e
combat action is reso"*ed# 1ote t$at an action may be de"ayed by mo*ement but it wi""
ne*er occur sooner t$an norma" because of mo*ement# !n ot$er words if a fast c$aracter
wit$ a two/$anded sword 3a s"ow wea%on5 c$ooses to make a $a"f/mo*e and attack t$e
$a"f/mo*e occurs in t$e fast %$ase but t$e attack does not $a%%en unti" t$e s"ow %$ase
3un"ess t$e c$aracter was c$arging= see be"ow5#
1ote t$at w$en se*era" a""ies 3c$aracters or creatures t$at a"" won or "ost initiati*e
toget$er5 are acting in t$e same %$ase c$aracters %erforming actions do so before t$eir
com%anions begin to mo*e#
%or e&ample! Boldo the s'ordsman intends to ta#e a hal$0move and attac# an orc!
'hile his companion! %letcher the bo'man! prepares to $ire an arro' at it( 1$ Boldo's
hal$0move and %letcher's shot both occ"r in the same phase! the arro' act"ally strea#s
to'ard the orc be$ore the s'ordsman l"nges $or'ard to close 'ith it(
&"so note t$at t$e 8/s>uare ad2ustment of a no/mo*e action is considered simu"taneous
wit$ t$e action itse"f# T$us t$e ad2ustment and t$e no/mo*e action a"" occur before any
norma" mo*ement is %erformed by a""ies w$o are e"igib"e to do so during t$e same %$ase#
Combat Mo*ement on t$e 6att"e Ma%
W$en a c$aracter actua""y mo*es across t$e batt"efie"d don)t %ick u% t$e figure and t$en
dro% it back down again se*era" s%aces away# Trace t$e e+act %at$ t$e c$aracter is
fo""owing from s>uare to s>uare on t$e batt"e ma%# & c$aracter ne*er knows w$en t$ere is
a tra% $e may trigger or an in*isib"e enemy t$reatening %art of $is %"anned mo*e#
C$aracters can make any facing c$anges t$ey want wit$ no cost in mo*ement
%oints during t$eir mo*e# ?emember too t$at c$aracters can make a sing"e facing c$ange
during an enemy)s mo*e if t$e enemy mo*es ad2acent to t$em#
Mo*ing T$roug$ ,t$er Figures
in Combat
& c$aracter can mo*e t$roug$ a s>uare occu%ied by a friend"y figure as "ong as t$at
figure isn)t t$reatened or attacking in t$e current round# Cnemies can on"y occu%y t$e
same s>uare if t$ey are gra%%"ed or if one is %rone# ,t$erwise "arger creatures can
attem%t to make an o*errun#
Oerruns
W$en a "arger creature attem%ts to mo*e into a sma""er standing enemy)s s>uare it is
ca""ed an o*errun# Mounted figures use t$eir mount)s size for t$is %ur%ose so a $uman on
a size G $orse can o*errun a $uman on foot# ,*erruns create an attack of o%%ortunity for
t$e figure being ste%%ed on# &fter t$e defender)s attack t$e defender must ro"" a
successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation or be knocked down# C*en if $e does
successfu""y sa*e $e is forced one s>uare away from $is current "ocation# T$is sa*e is
modified by a L; %ena"ty for a creature two sizes "arger t$an t$e defender a LN %ena"ty
for a creature t$ree sizes "arger etc#
%or e&ample! a hal$ling 7si8e 29 gets in an ogre's 'ay( :$ter the hal$ing's attac# o$
opport"nity! he m"st roll a s"ccess$"l saving thro' vs( paraly8ation or be #noc#ed do'n(
The ogre is t'o si8es larger! so the saving thro' is rolled 'ith a ;. penalty( <ven i$ the
hal$ling s"ccess$"lly saves! he is $orced o"t o$ the s/"are(
W$en a defender is knocked down by an o*errunning creature $e may suffer a
tram%"ing attack# T$e tram%"er gets an attack of o%%ortunity t$at inf"icts 8d; %oints of
damage %er difference in size# C*en t$oug$ t$e defender is %rone no modifiers a%%"y=
tram%"ing is an aftert$oug$t on t$e attacker)s %art# T$e 'M can ad2ust t$e damage as $e
sees fit= *ery dense creatures suc$ as c"ay or stone go"ems may not be serious"y $urt by
e*en a giant)s tram%"e#
Contin"ing o"r e&ample! the hal$ling $ails his saving thro' and is #noc#ed $lat by
the ogre's r"sh( The ogre gets a $ree attac# o$ opport"nity and rolls a hit( 2ince there is a
t'o0category di$$erence in si8e bet'een them! the hal$ling s"$$ers ,d. points o$ damage(
Being trampled by someone ten times yo"r 'eight can be lethal(
& %rone creature wit$ an enemy in its s>uare may get u% by using a fu""/mo*e
action# Aince two standing enemy figures cannot occu%y t$e same s>uare size a"ways
wins= t$e "arger of t$e two creatures dis%"aces t$e sma""er one# !n addition t$e standing
figure a"ways c$ooses w$ic$ s>uare t$e dis%"aced figure enters# !f t$e creatures are of t$e
same size an o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" is made to determine w$o stays and w$o is dis%"aced#
Concl"ding o"r e&ample! the hal$ling decides to rise again to avoid getting
trampled some more( 2ince the ogre is larger than the hal$ling! the hal$ling m"st be
displaced one s/"are in order to rise( 2ince the ogre is also the standing creat"re! it
decides 'hich s/"are the hal$ling is displaced to( 1$ the roles had been reversed! 'ith the
hal$ling in the s/"are o$ a prone ogre that 'ished to stand! the hal$ling 'o"ld still have to
be displaced! since it is smaller( Ho'ever! this time the hal$ing! 'hich is the standing
$ig"re! chooses 'hich s/"are to be displaced to(
,f course t$e standing figure mig$t wis$ to kee% t$e ot$er figure from rising or
t$e %rone figure mig$t decide to fig$t it out rat$er t$an try to rise# !f one figure wis$es to
kee% anot$er figure %rone an o*erbearing attack is necessary but treat t$e situation as if
t$e attack ro"" to $it &C 8. is automatica""y successfu" 3see ,*erbearing C$a%ter Fi*e5#
C$oosing an &ction
W$en it is time for a c$aracter to se"ect an action for t$e round t$e action is c$osen
inde%endent"y wit$out se"ecting a mo*ement category before$and# For e+am%"e if a
warrior c$ooses to attack t$ere is no need to dec"are w$et$er t$is is a no/mo*e attack or a
$a"f/mo*e and attack# T$e %"ayer sim%"y announces t$at $is warrior intends to attack#
T$is a""ows some f"e+ibi"ity in t$e system so t$at t$e ebb and f"ow of batt"e does
not t$wart t$e c$aracters) actions eac$ round# 6y waiting unti" a c$aracter)s action %$ase
occurs to determine $ow muc$ mo*ement is needed to %erform a c$osen action muc$ of
t$is %rob"em is e"iminated#
Ati"" t$ere are times w$en c$aracters may be %re*ented from com%"eting t$eir
action by a c$ange in t$eir situation# & s%e""caster may $a*e $is s%e"" interru%ted or a
f"eeing c$aracter may find $imse"f tra%%ed wit$ no %"ace to run# W$en a c$aracter)s
action is %re*ented by an enemy)s interference t$e action is "ost for t$e round and t$e
c$aracter can take no ot$er action for t$at round#
,n t$e ot$er $and c$aracters may sometimes start an action and t$en t$ink better
of it# & c$aracter may begin a c$arge and t$en %u"" u% s$ort w$en $e rea"izes $e is about
to run into a $edge of %ikes or a c$aracter w$o $ad %"anned to fire a crossbow may
sudden"y recognize $is target as a %otentia" a""y#
&t t$at %oint a c$aracter can c$oose to eit$er $o"d or abort a combat action w$en
$is action %$ase arises# -o"ding an action sim%"y in*o"*es de"aying t$e intended action
for one or more action %$ases#
%or e&ample! Tyar the Glorio"s 'ins initiative and declares that he 'ill attac#
7beca"se there is an orc in $ront o$ him9( Tyar 'o"ld normally per$orm his attac# on the
average phase! d"e to his long s'ord( Ho'ever! on the $ast phase T'illo the 2ly! Tyar's
thie$ly companion! s"ccess$"lly #ills the orc 'ith a bac#stabbing attac#( Tyar sees an
ogre that 'ill most li#ely advance d"ring the average phase! b"t only a$ter Tyar is
elligible to ta#e his attac# 7since Tyar 'on initiative9( Tyar decides to hold his attac# "ntil
the slo' phase so that he can attac# the ogre a$ter it advances(
& c$aracter may a"so c$oose to abort $is %"anned action in fa*or of anot$er# T$ere
are some "imits to t$e new c$oice of actions and t$e c$aracter)s turn automatica""y
bounces to immediate"y after t$e *ery s"ow %$ase of t$e combat round# !t is treated "ike
an e+tra %$ase and is reso"*ed norma""y in a"" res%ects# Aee t$e indi*idua" action c$oices
for more detai"s#
T$e &ctions
6e"ow are "isted eac$ of t$e actions a*ai"ab"e to a c$aracter and $ow t$ey are reso"*ed#
$ttac-
T$is is t$e basic action for c$aracters and monsters in a fig$t# W$en a c$aracter c$ooses
to attack $e makes $is norma" $and/$e"d wea%on attacks# C$aracters and creatures can
make a $a"f/mo*e and attack or t$ey can stand t$eir ground and attack as a no/mo*e
action#
Monsters wit$ mu"ti%"e attacks %erform a"" t$eir attacks on t$e same %$ase# !f a
dragon attacks wit$ a*erage s%eed its bite c"aws tai" and wing buffets a"" take %"ace in
t$e a*erage %$ase of t$e combat round# C$aracters using a wea%on in eac$ $and strike in
t$e same fas$ion during t$e action %$ase of t$e s"ower wea%on#
C$aracters w$o $a*e mu"ti%"e attacks wit$ t$e same wea%on 3suc$ as $ig$/"e*e"
fig$ters or wea%on s%ecia"ists5 make t$eir first attack norma""y and t$en make one attack
eac$ %$ase t$ereafter unti" t$ey)*e reso"*ed a"" of t$eir mu"ti%"e attacks# & "ong sword
s%ecia"ist wit$ two attacks in a round makes $is first attack in t$e a*erage %$ase and $is
second in t$e s"ow %$ase of t$e round#
1orma""y a c$aracter can combine a mo*e and an attack on"y by mo*ing first and
reso"*ing attacks "ater# -owe*er a c$aracter can c$oose to attack first and t$en make a
$a"f/mo*e at t$e end of t$e round# 1ote t$at c$aracters can ad2ust t$eir %osition eac$ time
t$ey attack so a $ero wit$ mu"ti%"e attacks cou"d attack se*era" creatures standing a%art
from eac$ ot$er#
&ttacks of o%%ortunity 3see T$reatening5 do not count as a c$aracter)s attack for
t$e round# !t is %ossib"e for a creature to get more attacks t$an norma" if its o%%onent
%ro*ides it wit$ an o%ening for an attack of o%%ortunity#
C$aracters and monsters may c$oose a number of attack o%tions suc$ as grab!
bloc#! trap! or disarm# T$e fig$ter mig$t use $is bi""/$ook to %u"" a mounted o%%onent off
$is $orse or $e mig$t try to tri% t$e anima"# -e cou"d e*en go on t$e defensi*e and try to
b"ock $is enemy)s b"ow# ?efer to &ttack ,%tions in C$a%ter Two for more information
about t$e *arious a"ternati*es#
Cast a A%e""
Wizards and %riests may c$oose to cast s%e""s during combat# &"" s%e""s are assigned an
action %$ase 2ust as wea%ons are# T$e c$aracter is considered to begin casting in t$e *ery
fast %$ase and to finis$ in t$e s%e"")s action %$ase# !f t$e s%e""caster is in2ured by an attack
during t$e casting t$e s%e"" is "ost#
A%e""s and s%e""/"ike abi"ities are assigned action %$ases based on t$eir casting
times:
Castin& Time *hase
8L3 Fast
;LO &*erage
ML9 A"ow
8 round or more Hery A"ow
W$en a c$aracter casts a s%e"" s$e "oses any 'e+terity benefit to $er &rmor C"ass
since s$e must $o"d sti"" and concentrate to make t$e s%e"" work# &fter t$e s%e"" $as been
cast t$e mage or %riest may a%%"y $er 'e+terity bonus to $er &rmor C"ass again# !f t$e
s%e""caster doesn)t cast a *ery s"ow s%e"" s$e can take a $a"f/mo*e at t$e end of t$e
round#
Dsionic %owers take effect during a random"y determined %$ase regard"ess of t$e
%sionic creature)s regu"ar 6ase D$ase#
.andom *sionic (nitiatie
d94 roll: Base *hase
8/9 Hery Fast
3/; Fast
K/O &*erage
M/N A"ow
9/8. Hery A"ow
T&dd t$e %ower)s Dre%aration Time to t$is ro""#
Char&e
C$aracters and monsters can c$arge to ra%id"y c"ose for combat and make an attack#
C$arging is a fu""/mo*e action but a c$arging c$aracter may mo*e 88E9 times $is base
mo*ement w$en $e c$arges# & knig$t wit$ a mo*ement of O can c$arge an enemy u% to 9
s%aces away#
C$aracters begin t$eir c$arge on t$eir base initiati*e mo*ing u% to one/$a"f t$e
distance of t$e c$arge# !n t$e fo""owing %$ase t$ey mo*e t$e remainder of t$e distance#
Bn"ike most attack forms t$e c$arge attack is reso"*ed t$e moment t$e attacker arri*es# !f
t$e knig$t abo*e $as a base initiati*e of fast and an o%%onent is standing M s>uares away
t$e knig$t mo*es K s%aces in t$e fast %$ase and 9 more in t$e a*erage %$ase at w$ic$
%oint $e attacks immediate"y#
C$arging 3w$ic$ mig$t more accurate"y be ca""ed t$e reck"ess attack5 gi*es
c$aracters se*era" ad*antages but a"so im%oses some %ena"ties# T$e c$arging c$aracter
gains a R9 bonus on $is attack ro""# Aome wea%ons suc$ as "ances are suited for c$arging
and inf"ict doub"e damage w$en used in a c$arge#
6ecause t$ey are so intent on t$e attack $owe*er c$arging c$aracters are at a
disad*antage defensi*e"y# T$ey "ose a"" 'e+terity bonuses to &rmor C"ass and suffer a R8
%ena"ty to &C in addition to t$at# 4uarding c$aracters wit$ wea%ons "onger t$an t$e
c$arger)s automatica""y strike first# !n addition c$aracters can set s%ears 3see 4uard5
against c$arges#
Coer
& c$aracter wit$ a cocked and "oaded crossbow or an arrow nocked and drawn in a bow
can announce t$at $e is co*ering an o%%onent wit$in $is wea%on)s s$ort range# T$e
co*ering c$aracter can on"y c$oose to co*er a sing"e s>uare on t$e board as "ong as t$at
s>uare is wit$in t$e wea%on)s s$ort range and in sig$t# ,n"y c$aracters wit$ a wea%on
%roficiency s"ot in bow or crossbow can co*er someone in t$is manner# Co*ering
situations usua""y are created by t$e circumstances of t$e initia" encounter= for e+am%"e
an arc$er may sur%rise $is enemy co*er $im and order $im to dro% $is wea%on#
C$aracters can a"so dec"are a combat action to co*er someone#
Aince t$e arrow or bo"t is ready to be fired t$e co*ering c$aracter)s first s$ot is
fast 3or *ery fast if t$e c$aracter is a s%ecia"ist#5 Aee 6ows and Crossbows in C$a%ter
Ae*en# T$e co*ering c$aracter automatica""y wins initiati*e against t$e co*ered target# !t
is %ossib"e for a *ery fast creature to beat out t$e s$ot of a %roficient arc$er but e*en *ery
fast creatures can be co*ered by a s%ecia"ist#
T$e c$aracter can $o"d $is co*er unti" "ater in t$e round if $e wants to see w$at
$is target is going to do# -e can fire first in any "ater %$ase# &fter t$e first s$ot $as been
"oosed t$e co*ering c$aracter can %erform t$e rest of $is missi"e fire at t$e regu"ar action
%$ase and rate of fire#
T$e co*ering s$ot itse"f is made wit$ a R9 bonus to t$e attack ro""# Co*ering is
$andy for freezing o%%onents in t$eir tracks since e*erybody knows $ow >uick"y an
arrow or bo"t can be re"eased once it is drawn#
Co*ering can a"so be used wit$ any $and/$e"d b"aded wea%on7basica""y t$e
c$aracter %uts $er sword to an o%%onent)s t$roat in a sing"e ad2acent s>uare and menaces
$im# T$e *ictim must be stunned dazed %inned unconscious or sur%rised for a c$aracter
to co*er $im wit$ a me"ee wea%on# &s wit$ bows and crossbows t$e co*ering c$aracter
automatica""y wins initiati*e against $er target and can attack in t$e fast %$ase or in t$e
*ery fast %$ase if s$e is a s%ecia"ist# T$e attack is made wit$ a R9 bonus to $it and t$e
critica" number 3see Critica" -its in C$a%ter Ai+5 dro%s to a 8O#
Fire;Throw Missiles
Firing missi"es and t$rowing $and/$e"d wea%ons 3inc"uding s%"as$ing $o"y water or oi"5 is
anot$er basic action t$at is *ery common in combat# T$e c$aracter can stand sti"" and
attack at $is fu"" rate of fire or $e can make a $a"f/mo*e and fire or t$row missi"es at 8E9
$is norma" rate#
T$e one e+ce%tion to t$is mo*e/and/fire routine is for missi"e wea%ons t$at $a*e a
rate of fire "ess t$an 8Eround 3t$is inc"udes "arge crossbows and most firearms5# !n t$is
case t$e c$aracter wie"ding suc$ a wea%on can mo*e $a"f $is norma" rate and sti"" fire t$e
wea%on only on the initial discharge o$ the 'eapon# T$e wea%on is assumed to be "oaded
and cocked# &fter t$is first s$ot t$e c$aracter can on"y fire t$e wea%on as a no/mo*e
action#
Firing or t$rowing missi"es is dangerous w$en a c$aracter is t$reatened by anot$er
creature since it creates an attack of o%%ortunity# T$e on"y e+ce%tion to t$is ru"e is during
t$e same combat round t$at t$e t$reatening creature actua""y mo*es u% to t$reaten t$e
c$aracter# T$e c$aracter can get $is s$ots in w$i"e $is enemy c"oses but after t$at $e $ad
better switc$ to a me"ee wea%on#
C$aracters wit$ mu"ti%"e missi"e attacks in t$e same combat round %erform t$eir
first attack on t$e norma" action %$ase and t$en fo""ow wit$ one missi"e %er %$ase unti"
t$ey)*e com%"eted t$eir fu"" rate of fire# For e+am%"e a dart s%ecia"ist $as 3 attacks %er
round wit$ $is darts a fast wea%on# -e t$erefore t$rows $is first dart in t$e fast %$ase t$e
second in t$e a*erage %$ase and t$e t$ird in t$e s"ow %$ase#
Aome monsters suc$ as manticores may $a*e mu"ti%"e missi"es t$at are fired
simu"taneous"y# T$ese attacks are a"" reso"*ed in t$e same %$ase#
,uard
W$en a c$aracter guards s$e waits for $er o%%onents to come to $er# 4uarding is a $a"f/
mo*e action or a no/mo*e action if t$e c$aracter stands $er ground# & guarding c$aracter
strikes t$e moment an attacker mo*es into t$e guarding c$aracter)s t$reatening s>uares
regard"ess of $er actua" initiati*e and action %$ase# T$e on"y way an enemy can attack a
guarding c$aracter first is wit$ a "onger/ranged wea%on#
!f a guarding c$aracter is attacked by a c$arging c$aracter t$e c$aracter t$at won
initiati*e attacks first 3un"ess one of t$e c$aracters $as a "onger/ranged wea%on t$an t$e
ot$er5# !f bot$ t$e c$arging and guarding c$aracters $a*e wea%ons of e>ua" range t$en
t$e c$aracter wit$ t$e "arger wea%on strikes first# 4uarding c$aracters are considered to
be set $or charge and s%ears and s%ear/"ike %o"earms inf"ict doub"e damage against
c$arging creatures 3see C$a%ter Ae*en5#
%or e&ample! :er'en loses initiative and is armed 'ith a long s'ord! normally a
'eapon o$ average speed( : very $ast si8e M creat"re ta#es a hal$0move to attac# her 'ith
cla's in the $ast phase! b"t since :er'en is g"arding! she attac#s $irst( 1$ the very $ast
creat"re 'ere charging! it 'o"ld attac# $irst since it 'on initiative $or the ro"nd( 1$
:er'en had a long spear 7range ,9! she 'o"ld get the $irst blo' despite the creat"re's
charge(
!f no one attacks a guarding c$aracter s$e can abort to an attack at t$e end of t$e
round and take a $a"f/mo*e to reac$ someone#
Moe
Mo*ing a""ows a c$aracter to co*er a "ot of ground wit$out dro%%ing $is defenses#
Mo*ing is norma""y a fu""/mo*e action but if a c$aracter on"y mo*es $a"f $is ma+imum
mo*e or "ess $e can consider it a $a"f/mo*e action instead#
Mo*ement norma""y begins on a c$aracter)s base initiati*e wit$out modifiers for
wea%on s%eed# Cac$ $a"f/mo*e a c$aracter makes re>uires one %$ase so a fast c$aracter
does $a"f $is mo*e in t$e fast %$ase and finis$es $is mo*e in t$e a*erage %$ase#
*arry
Aometimes t$e best t$ing to do is take co*er and try not to get c"obbered# &ny c$aracter
can c$oose to %arry as a combat action# Darrying is a no/mo*e action t$at is in effect for
t$e entire combat round# !f a c$aracter %arries $e cannot mo*e attack or cast s%e""s#
Darrying reduces a nonwarrior c$aracter)s &rmor C"ass by one/$a"f $is "e*e"# &
Ot$/"e*e" wizard wit$ an &C of K w$o %arries reduces $is &C to 9# Warriors w$o c$oose
to %arry reduce t$eir &C by one/$a"f t$eir "e*e" %"us one# & Ot$/"e*e" fig$ter gets an &C
bonus of ; by %arrying#
.un
& c$aracter can doub"e $is base mo*ement by running# ?unning is considered a fu""/
mo*e action= t$e c$aracter can)t do anyt$ing e"se in t$e same combat round t$at $e runs#
?unning on a batt"efie"d is dangerous= t$e c$aracter "oses a"" 'e+terity bonuses to $is
&rmor C"ass and suffers a R8 &C %ena"ty on to% of t$at# !n addition $e is considered to
be c$arging if $e runs into a s>uare t$reatened by an o%%onent wit$ a set s%ear#
C$aracters can maintain a run as "ong as t$ey $a*e t$e necessary fatigue %oints
3see Fatigue be"ow5# ,utside of combat t$ey can run for a number of rounds e>ua" to
t$eir Constitution score# &fter t$at t$ey must sto% and rest# Aee Iogging and ?unning in
t$e Player's Handboo# under C$a%ter 8;: Time and Mo*ement for more information#
Sprint
& c$aracter can tri%"e $is base mo*ement by s%rinting# Gike running s%rinting is a fu""/
mo*e action t$at dro%s t$e c$aracter)s defenses for t$e round#
!narmed Combat
&ny c$aracter may c$oose to make an unarmed attack instead of attacking wit$ $is
wea%ons# T$ere are four basic ty%es of unarmed combat: %unc$ing wrest"ing
o*erbearing and martia" arts# ?efer to C$a%ter Fi*e for more information on reso"*ing
unarmed attacks#
& c$aracter can %erform an unarmed attack on $is base initiati*e if $e doesn)t $a*e
to mo*e to reac$ $is target or $e can take a $a"f/mo*e action to c"ose for combat#
&ttacking armed o%%onents 3inc"uding monsters wit$ natura" attacks5 is dangerous for an
unarmed fig$ter= if t$e c$aracter attacks an armed creature t$at is t$reatening $im $e
suffers an immediate attack of o%%ortunity from $is intended *ictim# T$e armed defender
gains a R; bonus on $is attack ro"" and $is damage ro"" against an unarmed attacker#
Monsters wit$ natura" wea%onry a"most ne*er make unarmed attacks# -owe*er it
is %ossib"e for inte""igent creatures to :%u"" in t$eir c"aws: and try to batter a c$aracter
into unconsciousness# Monsters wit$out natura" attacks may resort to unarmed combat if
t$ey are disarmed or want to ca%ture t$eir enemy#
!se $ Ma&ical (tem
4enera""y a c$aracter can use a magica" item as a fast action or make a $a"f/mo*e and
use an item as an a*erage action# Aome magica" items take more or "ess time as noted
be"ow:
(tem *hase
Dotion &*erage
Acro"" Hery A"ow
?od Ataff or Wand Fast
Misce""aneous Magica" !tem &*erage
For most magica" items wit$ functions t$at do not emu"ate combat or s%e""casting
actions t$e magic of t$e item is acti*ated during t$e reso"ution ste% at t$e end of t$e
round# !n a few cases w$ere %owers take an unusua" amount of time to acti*ate t$e 'M
is t$e fina" arbiter# !f an item combines wea%on/"ike c$aracteristics and misce""aneous
magic suc$ as a rod of "ord"y mig$t it s$ou"d be treated as a wea%on w$en being used to
attack and as a magica" item w$en its ot$er functions are being used#
Withdraw
Wit$drawing is t$e on"y safe way to "ea*e a s>uare t$at is t$reatened by an o%%onent#
W$en a c$aracter wit$draws $e backs carefu""y away from $is o%%onent wit$out turning
$is back or creating an attack of o%%ortunity for $is o%%onent#
Wit$drawing is a $a"f/mo*e t$at takes %"ace on t$e c$aracter)s base initiati*e# &
wit$drawing c$aracter cannot attack or cast s%e""s a"t$oug$ $e can sti"" get attacks of
o%%ortunity#
Cnding t$e Combat ?ound &fter a"" t$e combat actions $a*e been reso"*ed it is
time to finis$ u% t$e round and get ready for t$e ne+t one# T$e end of t$e round is a time
to take care of any "oose ends or bookkee%ing t$at needs to be "ooked after# T$e four
ma2or items t$at are addressed at t$e end of t$e round are retreats! $atig"e! morale! and
stat"s(
?etreats
W$en one c$aracter inf"icts me"ee damage 3but not as a resu"t of missi"e combat5 on an
enemy wit$out being $it in return s$e may force $er foe to retreat dri*ing $im back wit$
we""/aimed b"ows# T$e attacker doesn)t $a*e to force $er enemy back= s$e can decide to
"et $im stand fast and not %ress t$e ad*antage# & defender can ignore t$e re>uirement to
retreat if $e is ; or more "e*e"sE-it 'ice $ig$er t$an t$e attacker or if $e is two sizes
"arger t$an t$e attacker# & retreat cannot occur if t$e enemy was knocked down during t$e
round#
W$en a c$aracter retreats $e must mo*e backward into one of $is rear s%aces
c$osen by t$e attacker# !f t$ere is no %"ace to retreat direct"y be$ind $im t$e attacker
must c$oose one of t$e retreating c$aracter)s f"ank s%aces# !f t$e c$aracter is unab"e to
retreat into any rear or f"ank s%ace $e must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s#
%ara"yzation or be knocked down in t$e s%ace $e is in# !n some s%ecia" situations t$e 'M
may a""ow a retreating c$aracter a c$ance to a*oid being forced back# T$is a""ows a
c$aracter wit$ $is back to a c"iff 3for e+am%"e5 to a*oid gi*ing ground#
T$e creature w$o forces a retreat may fo""ow $er retreating enemy kee%ing $er
foe in a t$reatened s>uare# T$e attacker can instead c$oose to back $er enemy off and
t$en $o"d $er own %osition#
?etreats are good for breaking u% enemy batt"e/"ines or for maneu*ering an
enemy into a batt"efie"d $azard# ?etreats can a"so be used to disengage from a t$reatening
creature by dri*ing it back# ?etreats don)t create attacks of o%%ortunity for t$e creature
forcing t$e retreat= t$is is t$e end of t$e combat round and e*eryone is finis$ed attacking
for t$e round# -owe*er t$e retreating creature may $a*e been %us$ed into a situation
w$ere $is rear or f"ank is e+%osed to an enemy during t$e ne+t round of combat#
Fatigue
Fig$ting a %ro"onged batt"e can be e+$austing# ,n"y t$e most $eroic c$aracters can stand
fast against wa*e after wa*e of foes wit$out tiring# T$e *arious c$aracter c"asses gain a
number of fatigue %oints e>ua" to t$eir base -it 'ie *a"ue# !n ot$er words a warrior $as
8. fatigue %oints a t$ief O etc# Warriors gain one additiona" fatigue %oint eac$ time t$ey
gain a "e*e"= nonwarriors gain one fatigue %oint e*ery two "e*e"s# T$is *a"ue is modified
by t$e $it/%oint bonus or %ena"ty for Constitution#
For monsters fatigue %oints are e>ua" to N 3since monsters use a dN for t$eir -it
'ice5 %"us t$e number of -it 'ice rounded down# T$us an ogre 3;R8 -it 'ice5 $as 89
fatigue %oints#
7eepin& Trac- of Fati&ue
C$aracters and monsters start off in a fres$ state# !n e*ery %$ase t$at a c$aracter or
monster mo*es or attacks c$eck off one fatigue %oint# W$en t$e tota" reac$es . t$e
c$aracter or creature is fatigued# ?eset t$e fatigue score back to its origina" *a"ue and
c$eck off two %oints in e*ery %$ase t$at mo*ement or combat takes %"ace# W$en t$e
score reac$es . again t$e creature is e+$austed#
%ffects of Fati&ue
C$aracters and monsters w$o are fatigued mo*e and fig$t as if t$ey were encumbered
one category more t$an t$ey rea""y are# For e+am%"e & c$aracter w$o was moderate"y
encumbered becomes $ea*i"y encumbered w$en $e is fatigued#
C+$austed c$aracters mo*e and fig$t as if t$ey were encumbered two categories
more t$an norma"# &n e+$austed moderate"y encumbered c$aracter mo*es and fig$ts as
if $e were se*ere"y encumbered# Bsua""y e+$austed c$aracters are we""/ad*ised to catc$
t$eir breat$#
.ecoerin& from Fati&ue
!f a c$aracter or monster s%ends one round resting making no mo*es or attacks of any
kind $e gets t$e c$ance to reco*er one category of fatigue 3e+$austed to fatigued
fatigued to fres$5 by ro""ing a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation# C$aracters
modify t$e die ro"" by a cumu"ati*e R8 bonus for eac$ consecuti*e round t$ey s%end
resting# T$e c$aracter)s $it/%oint bonus for e+ce%tiona" Constitution is a"so used as a
modifier to t$e reco*ery ro""#
W$en a c$aracter reco*ers a fatigue category $is fatigue number is re/set a"" t$e
way back to its origina" *a"ue# -e gets a second wind and can re2oin t$e fray#
%ffects of Force Marchin& on Fati&ue
W$ene*er c$aracters $a*e fai"ed a Constitution c$eck as a resu"t of force marc$ing and
are sti"" in t$e %rocess of reco*ering 3see t$e PHB C$a%ter 8;: Time and Mo*ement
under Cross/Country Mo*ement5 t$ey automatica""y begin t$e combat in a fatigued state
rat$er t$an fres$# Fatigue %oints are consumed at t$e doub"ed rate and a"" t$e %ena"ties for
being fatigued 3as we"" as t$e %ena"ties for force marc$ing5 a%%"y unti" a state of
e+$austion is reac$ed# Furt$ermore creatures cannot return to a fu""y fres$ state during
t$e batt"e= on"y t$e noncombat reco*ery %eriod for force marc$ing can remo*e t$is
restriction#
Mora"e
T$e end of t$e round is a"so t$e time for mora"e c$ecks# ?emember %"ayer c$aracters
ne*er need to c$eck mora"e= t$ey)re smart enoug$ to know w$en to cut and run and
foo"is$ enoug$ not to run w$en t$ey s$ou"d# -owe*er 1DC a""ies or fo""owers of t$e DCs
may decide to abandon t$em if t$ings go %oor"y#
Mora"e is discussed at "engt$ in t$e D"ngeon Master G"ide so it won)t be
reiterated $ere# T$e 'M is not re>uired to make a mora"e ro"" e*ery round= $e can use $is
own 2udgment to decide w$en someone mig$t be t$inking of ca""ing it a day# Aome good
guide"ines of w$en monsters or 1DCs mig$t make mora"e c$ecks:
W$en sur%rised=
W$en faced by an ob*ious"y su%erior enemy force=
W$en an a""y is s"ain by magic=
W$en 9KU of t$eir grou% $as fa""en=
W$en K.U of t$eir grou% $as fa""en=
W$en t$eir "eader deserts or is ki""ed=
W$en t$ey are fig$ting an enemy t$at can)t be $urt by t$eir wea%ons=
W$en t$ey are offered a c$ance to surrender and t$ey)*e a"ready met one ot$er condition
for a mora"e c$eck#
(nformal Morale Chec-s
T$e 'M can a"ways 2ust decide if a creature or 1DC %asses its mora"e c$eck wit$out
e*en ro""ing dice# T$e 'M s$ou"d be fair wit$ t$is= it)"" >uick"y annoy t$e %"ayers if t$eir
trusted $enc$men run away t$roug$ 'M ca%riciousness at t$e first sign of troub"e#
Formal Morale Chec-s
& forma" mora"e c$eck is a com%arison of a 9d8. ro"" against t$e creature)s base Mora"e
rating modified for t$e situation# &n e+tensi*e "ist of modifiers a%%ear on t$e 'M Acreen
and under Mora"e in C$a%ter 9: Combat in t$e D"ngeon Master G"ide#
Failin& a Morale Chec-
W$en a c$aracter or grou% of monsters fai"s a mora"e c$eck t$eir first consideration is to
get away from t$e fig$t# !f t$ey fai" by a sma"" margin 3say 8 or 9 on t$e die ro""5 t$ey try
to wit$draw in good order# !f t$ey fai" by a "arge margin t$ey break off t$e fig$t and f"ee
for t$eir "i*es# !nte""igent creatures may try to surrender if t$ere is no %"ace for t$em to
run or if t$ey t$ink t$ey won)t be ab"e to get away#
Atatus
T$is is a catc$/a"" %$rase for any condition or situation t$at may affect t$e actions ne+t
round# 'id a c$aracter get knocked down during t$e fig$t< -e)"" start t$e ne+t round
%rone# 4enera""y magica" effects and continuing damage 3%oison burning acid etc#5
actua""y inf"ict t$eir damage in t$is %art of t$e combat round#
A%ecia" Combat Conditions T$ere are a number of s%ecia" situations t$at can arise in
t$e course of a fig$t t$roug$ natura" circumstances or mi"itary %"anning# Aomeone mig$t
fa"" down or be inca%acitated by a s%e""# & batt"e foug$t in a t$ick tang"ed forest may
"imit arc$ery to s$ots of 3. feet or "ess# Atinging snowstorms or sandstorms may "imit
*isibi"ity and carry away "ig$t missi"es# T$e side t$at considers t$e c$aracteristics of t$e
batt"efie"d in its tactics often gains an ad*antage o*er its enemies# C$a%ter T$ree
describes batt"efie"ds in great detai" but t$ere are a few s%ecia" ru"es t$at s$ou"d be
mentioned $ere#
Atandard and ,%tiona" &'&' ?u"es
T$ese ru"es can a"" be found in t$e Player's Handboo# andEor t$e D"ngeon Master G"ide#
C*en if t$ey are "isted as o%tiona" ru"es in t$e core ru"e books t$ey are a standard %art of
t$e Player's Option combat system# T$ey are %resented again $ere 3wit$ any necessary
combat system a"terations and additions5 for ease of reference# ?efer to C$a%ter 9:
Combat in t$e PHB and DMG for more detai"s#
Moement and Footin&
4round c$aracteristics may drastica""y "imit a c$aracter)s abi"ity to mo*e in a fig$t# T$e
mo*ement reductions "isted be"ow a%%"y to t$e c$aracter)s base mo*ement so a c$aracter
wit$ a norma" mo*e of 89 s%aces wou"d be reduced to a mo*e of four s%aces in $ea*y
brus$# !f a c$aracter %asses t$roug$ mu"ti%"e ground ty%es in one round $e uses t$e worst
of t$e modifiers#
Condition .educe Moe by
-ea*y brus$ or t$icket 9E3
Gig$t brus$ or forest 8E3
!ce or s"i%%ery footing 8E3
Atee% s"o%e or roug$ ground 8E9
Fnee/dee% snow water or soft sand 8E3
Waist/dee% snow or water 8E9
A$ou"der/dee% snow or water 9E3
Coer and Concealment
Concea"ment and co*er work on"y against missi"e fire and co*er a"so %ro*ides a bonus to
sa*ing t$row ro""s w$ere an effect causes %$ysica" damage "ike a fireba"" s%e""#
T$e amount of t$e target t$at is concea"ed or co*ered determines t$e %ena"ty to
any missi"e attacks made against t$e target#
Tar&et is: Coer Concealment
9KU $idden L9 L8
K.U $idden L; L9
MKU $idden LM L3
9.U $idden L8. L;
& target is im%ossib"e to $it w$en it is com%"ete"y b"ocked from t$e arc$er by co*er#
Gine of Fire# & figure)s "ine of fire is considered to run from t$e center of its s>uare to t$e
center of t$e target)s s>uare# !f t$e "ine of fire %asses t$roug$ any %art of a s>uare
containing an obstac"e t$e target is considered to be co*ered or concea"ed to some e+tent#
T$e 'M can decide w$et$er t$e target is 9KU K.U MKU or 9.U screened or $e can ro""
random"y if it is not c"ear# !f t$e "ine of fire %asses t$roug$ a s>uare containing a figure
engaged in me"ee t$e arc$er must use t$e ru"es for firing into a me"ee to determine w$ere
$is s$ot goes#
1ote t$at inte""igent creatures w$o are facing t$e arc$er wi"" usua""y use t$e
screening ob2ect for its ma+imum effect w$i"e anima"s and monsters t$at aren)t
inte""igent 3!nt 8 or "ess5 wi"" rare"y try to screen t$emse"*es against an arc$er)s fire#
!f t$ere)s any >uestion about w$ic$ s>uares t$e "ine of fire %asses t$roug$ you can
use a string a ru"er or t$e edge of a card to c$eck t$e missi"e)s %at$#
Mounts
Mounts %ro*ide t$eir rider wit$ a R8 bonus to attack ro""s w$en fig$ting against
unmounted o%%onents w$i"e t$e o%%onents suffer a L8 %ena"ty to attacks against t$e rider
3t$ere is no %ena"ty to attack t$e mount itse"f5# Most mounts are fair"y "arge and can
o*errun sma""er creatures# & norma" $uman on $orseback can use $is mount)s s%eed and
size to tram%"e $is o%%onents underfoot 3see ,*errun5# Many mounts are a"so ca%ab"e of
making attacks a"ong wit$ t$eir rider#
?ear or F"ank &ttacks
!f a creature is ab"e to %osition itse"f for a rear or f"ank attack it gains a significant
ad*antage# F"ank attacks get a R8 bonus to $it and rear attacks a R9 bonus# & t$ief
attacking from t$e rear can dec"are a bac#stab and gain a R; bonus to $is attack ro""# !n
addition to t$e attacker ad*antages t$e defender)s s$ie"d doesn)t $e"% against f"ank attacks
on $is uns$ie"ded side nor on any rear attacks# Gast but not "east t$e defender)s 'e+terity
ad2ustment doesn)t count against rear attacks since t$e defender can)t see t$e attack
coming and attem%t to dodge it#
Aitting Fnee"ing and Gying Drone
C$aracters may sit knee" or fa"" %rone as a no/mo*e action# 4etting u% from sitting or
knee"ing is considered a $a"f/mo*e action so a c$aracter can stand and sti"" fire a missi"e
or make an attack# Atanding u% from a %rone %osition is treated as a fu""/mo*e action so
t$e c$aracter can do not$ing e"se in t$at round e+ce%t rise#
Aitting or knee"ing c$aracters are s"ig$t"y $arder to $it wit$ missi"es or t$rown
wea%ons= t$ey gain an &rmor C"ass bonus of L8 against any ranged attacks# -owe*er
t$ey)re at a disad*antage in me"ee# &nyone making a me"ee attack against a sitting or
knee"ing c$aracter gains a R9 bonus to $it t$em#
Drone c$aracters %resent *ery sma"" missi"e targets and gain an &C bonus of L9
*ersus ranged attacks# -owe*er t$ey are *ery *u"nerab"e to anyone c"ose enoug$ to
t$reaten t$em# Me"ee attacks against %rone c$aracters gain a R; bonus to $it#
Fnee"ing c$aracters can use any wea%on wit$ no %ena"ty# Aitting c$aracters can
on"y use crossbows wit$out a %ena"ty= wit$ any ot$er wea%on t$ey suffer a L9 %ena"ty to
t$eir attack ro""s# 31ote t$at c$aracters on $orseback are mounted not sitting05 Drone
c$aracters can on"y use crossbows or size A wea%ons w$i"e t$ey)re on t$e ground# &
%rone c$aracter firing a crossbow attacks at one/$a"f t$e norma" rate of fire and makes
any me"ee attacks wit$ a L; %ena"ty to $it#
'amage and 'ying
Creatures reduced to negati*e $it %oints are inca%acitated and begin "osing 8 $it %oint %er
round unti" t$ey reac$ L8. at w$ic$ %oint t$ey die# & creature)s "oss of $it %oints can be
$a"ted by binding its wounds using t$e $ea"ing %roficiency or casting some kind of
curati*e magic on t$e *ictim#
C$aracters w$o $a*e been reduced to . $it %oints or "ess are $e"%"ess= t$ey can)t
tend t$eir own wounds or take any actions# &t e+act"y . $it %oints t$e c$aracter is sim%"y
unconscious and remains so unti" $ea"ed or unti" 9dO fu"" turns %ass# !f a c$aracter)s deat$
is %re*ented by binding $is wounds or $ea"ing $im t$e c$aracter is com%"ete"y $e"%"ess
for at "east 9; $ours#
!t is dangerous to "ea*e c$aracters at a negati*e $it %oint tota" for "ong# Cac$ day
t$at a c$aracter begins wit$ negati*e $it %oints ro"" a d8. and com%are it wit$ t$e
abso"ute *a"ue of t$e c$aracter)s $it %oints 3in ot$er words take into account on"y t$e
numerica" *a"ue of t$e $it %oints ignoring t$e negati*e sign5# !f t$e die ro"" is "ess t$an
t$is numerica" score t$e c$aracter "oses 8d; additiona" $it %oints# T$is additiona" "oss of
$it %oints can be a*oided if someone wit$ t$e $ea"ing %roficiency is t$ere to tend to t$e
%atient or if curati*e magic is used#
%or e&ample! Gorathan the =nl"c#y 'as badly ma"led by a dire 'ol$ and
red"ced to ;) hit points( His companions bo"nd his 'o"nds! b"t no clerics or pro$icient
healers 'ere nearby! so Gorathan didn't recover any hit points( The ne&t day! a d-* is
rolled to see i$ he 'orsens or not( 1$ the roll is a . or less 7'hich is less than the >)> o$
Gorathan's ;) hit points9! Gorathan loses -d. additional hit points( 1$ the roll is a ) or
better! Gorathan recovers hit points normally $or a day o$ bed rest( 1$ Gorathan has some
bad rolls! he might not ma#e it(
Wea%on Ty%e *s# &rmor Ty%e
Aome wea%ons $a*e an innate ad*antage against certain ty%es of armor# !n t$e Midd"e
&ges $undreds of wea%ons were designed for t$e %ur%ose of %enetrating $ea*y armor#
Wea%on ty%es and armor ty%es are e+%"ored in more detai" in C$a%ter Ae*en#
Firing !nto a Me"ee
T$roug$out t$e ages friend"y fire $as been a significant t$reat on t$e batt"efie"d# !n t$e
Player's Option combat system t$e s$orter combat round means t$at arc$ers can)t wait to
%ick and c$oose t$eir s$ots# T$ey $a*e to fire or $o"d t$eir fire in an instant#
& me"ee is defined as any situation in w$ic$ one creature t$reatens anot$er# Firing
or t$rowing missi"es at eit$er of t$e two engaged creatures re>uires t$e s$ooter to ro"" to
see w$ic$ figure $e actua""y attacks# &"" creatures t$at are t$reatened or t$reatening one
anot$er in t$e same grou% are inc"uded so t$e arc$er is guaranteed of at "east firing at t$e
rig$t engagement#
To determine t$e actua" target assign eac$ Man/sized target 8 %oint on a die#
Ama""/sized targets get 8E9 a %oint Garge targets 9 %oints -uge targets ; %oints and
4argantuan targets O %oints#
&dditiona" ?u"es
T$ese ru"es are s%ecific to t$e Player's Option combat system#
-ig$er 4round
!f t$e attacker)s waist is $ig$er t$an $is o%%onent)s $ead $e gains a R8 bonus to $is attack
ro""s# Atairways tab"eto%s and stee% s"o%es may create $ig$er/ground o%%ortunities for a
c$aracter in combat# T$is doesn)t a%%"y to co"ossa" creatures suc$ as giants w$o are
fig$ting on "e*e" ground against muc$ s$orter c$aracters nor does it a%%"y to mounted
c$aracters= t$ey a"ready get a bonus#
Fnockdowns
Aome creatures can smas$ t$eir o%%onents to t$e ground wit$ raw strengt$ or $ea*y
wea%onry# Fnockdowns are based on t$e size of t$e attacker)s wea%on com%ared to t$e
size of t$e defender#
C*ery wea%on 3inc"uding monster attacks5 is assigned a #noc#do'n die t$at is
ro""ed w$en a $it is scored# Gig$t wea%ons $a*e a sma"" die w$i"e $ea*y wea%ons use a
d8. or d89 for knockdowns# T$e size of t$e target determines w$at ro"" is re>uired for a
knockdown#
Target Aize Fnockdown ?o""
T 3
A K
M M
G 9
- 88
'on)t confuse t$e knockdown die wit$ t$e actua" damage caused by t$e $it= t$ey
are two different t$ings# !t is a "itt"e >uicker to ro"" t$e knockdown c$ance a"ong wit$ t$e
damage dice but don)t fee" "ike you $a*e to#
,b*ious"y some creatures are immune to knockdowns# &n oc$re 2e""y b"ack
%udding or fire e"ementa" can)t rea""y be knocked down nor cou"d a crocodi"e or s$ark in
t$e water# !n addition some monsters may be unusua""y resistant to knockdown effects#
7noc-down %ffects0 Creatures w$o suffer a knockdown must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing
t$row *s# deat$ or be knocked %rone# T$e *ictim can stand u% by forfeiting a $a"f/mo*e
or an attack# !f $e $as a"ready com%"eted $is actions for t$e round $e $as to wait unti"
ne+t round to stand u%# ?efer to Aitting Fnee"ing and Drone abo*e for more information
about being on t$e ground#
&ny c$aracter or creature armed wit$ a "oaded and cocked crossbow or firearm
t$at is knocked down must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation or accidenta""y
fire t$e wea%on#
Monsters and 7noc-downs0 Monsters w$o wie"d wea%ons can use t$e knockdown die
size t$at is "isted for t$at wea%on and t$en modify t$e die for t$eir own size# !ncrease t$e
die one ste% for eac$ Aize category "arger t$an Man/sized or decrease it for eac$ one
under# For e+am%"e an ogre is wie"ding a morningstar w$ic$ norma""y $as a knockdown
die of d8.# 6ecause t$e ogre is Aize G one size "arger t$an Man/sized t$e knockdown die
increases to a d89#
For monsters wit$ natura" attacks c$oose a wea%on t$at seems c"ose to t$e attack
ty%e and t$en modify it for t$e monster)s size# &n adu"t dragon)s c"aws may be "ike "ong
swords# & wy*ern)s sting mig$t be simi"ar to a s%ear# Monsters may resist knockdowns
better if t$ey $a*e four or more "egs are e+ce%tiona""y dense or "ow/bui"t or seem
genera""y toug$er t$an norma"#
Critical #its
&"t$oug$ critica" $its are mentioned in t$e core &'&' ru"es as an o%tion t$is system
works different"y t$an any %ro*ided t$ere# & critica" $it may occur w$en a c$aracter ro""s
e+ce%tiona""y we"" during $is attack# T$e attack ro"" must be a natura" 8N or $ig$er and
t$e ro"" must $it t$e target by at "east K# & 8st/"e*e" fig$ter wit$ a T-&C. of 9. can
ac$ie*e a critica" against an o%%onent wit$ &C K since $e can ro"" a 9. and $it $im wit$ K
to s%are but $e can)t get a critica" against an o%%onent wit$ &C ; 3or better5#
&s a basic ru"e critica" $its inf"ict doub"e damage# -owe*er C$a%ter Ai+ is
de*oted to t$e to%ic of critica" $its and %resents an integrated system t$at accounts for t$e
strengt$ of t$e b"ow t$e "ocation in2ured and a das$ of "uck#
!f DCs can get critica" $its wit$ great attack ro""s monsters s$ou"d be ab"e to as
we""# ,t$erwise t$e ba"ance of t$e game s$ifts in fa*or of t$e %"ayer c$aracters#
T$e 4ray &reas
,%%onents w$o are facing off across s>uares t$at are %artia""y b"ocked by so"id obstac"es
may or may not be ab"e to effecti*e"y attack one anot$er# For e+am%"e two o%%onents are
facing eac$ ot$er diagona""y w$ere a wa"" corner abutts t$e intersection of t$eir s>uares#
-a"f of t$e %eo%"e using t$e Player's Option combat system wi"" argue t$at t$ey can
attack eac$ ot$er and $a"f of t$em wi"" argue against it# T$e same %rob"em arises w$en
considering w$et$er or not figures can occu%y $a"f s>uares 3"ike any s>uare t$at is
bisected by a diagona" wa""5# Aome %eo%"e wi"" argue for suc$ a ru"e and some wi"" argue
against it#
T$e answer to t$ese and ot$er simi"ar gray areas of figure %"acement and
mo*ement is it doesn)t rea""y matter as "ong as t$e so"ution is e>uitab"e# !f c$aracters can
attack around corners t$en so can monsters# !f you don)t want it to $a%%en t$en it doesn)t
7for c$aracters or monsters# 1eit$er c$oice skews t$e system to fa*or anyone so bot$
so"utions are e>ua""y *iab"e# Iust decide as a grou% before$and $ow you want to $and"e
t$e situation t$en stick wit$ it# T$ese kinds of situations and conditions are way too
numerous to mention or ad2udicate wit$in t$ese %ages but t$e guide"ines set out abo*e
s$ou"d gi*e t$e 'M and %"ayers enoug$ to work wit$#
C+am%"e of Combat -ere)s t$e scenario: four ad*enturers are e+%"oring t$e dungeons
beneat$ a ruined tem%"e w$en t$ey encounter a guardroom wit$ si+ bugbears armed wit$
morningstars# T$e $eroes are 'ain a dwarf fig$ter wit$ 83 fatigue %oints= Dasca" a
$uman %a"adin wit$ 8. fatigue %oints= Gyssa an e"*en mage wit$ ; fatigue %oints= and
'amiar a $a"f/e"*en t$ief wit$ O fatigue %oints# T$e bugbears eac$ $a*e 88 fatigue %oints
3Monsters get N %oints %"us t$eir -it 'ice in t$is case 3R85# 1one of t$e members of
eit$er grou% are considered encumbered#
1o one is sur%rised so t$e 'M %"aces t$e bugbears in t$eir room and te""s t$e
%"ayers to arrange t$eir $eroes in t$e doorway# Aince 'amiar o%ened t$e door t$e 'M
decides t$at 'amiar must be in front e*en t$oug$ 'ain usua""y takes %oint in t$e
marc$ing order#
?ound ,ne
First t$e 'M decides w$at t$e bugbears are going to do# T$e two on t$e f"anks mo*e to
take co*er t$e one in t$e midd"e f"i%s t$e tab"e for co*er $is com%anions c"ose for
combat and t$e "ast bugbear is sti"" getting out of bed and decides to wait and see w$at
$a%%ens# 1ow t$e 'M asks eac$ of t$e %"ayers w$at t$eir c$aracters wi"" do:
Damiar? >1'll shoot at the nearest b"gbear(>
Pascal? >B"gbears@ Ae can ta#e them( 1'll close $or an attac#B>
3yssa? >1'll thro' a sleep spell(>
Dain? >There might be more o$ 'em aro"nd( 1'll cover the hall'ay 'ith my
crossbo'(>
C*eryone $as dec"ared an action so it)s time to ro"" initiati*e# T$e 'M ro""s a K
but t$e %"ayers beat $im wit$ a ro"" of 3# 1ow t$e 'M begins wit$ *ery fast actions and
starts working t$roug$ t$e round#
DM? >O#ay! nobody's very $ast this ro"nd( Co" g"ys 'on initiative! so 'ho's
$ast@>
3yssa? >My sleep spell's $ast(>
Pascal? >1 start moving(>
DM? >Ahere do yo" 'ant to center yo"r spell! 3yssa@>
Damiar? >Don't catch "s 'ith itB>
3yssa? >1'll center it on the b"gbear in the middle o$ the room(> 7Dolls e$$ect9 >My
spell a$$ects ) Hit Dice o$ b"gbears(>
DM? >2orry! that's only one( He's o"t(>
Pascal? >1'm movingB 1'll E"mp on the table in $ront o$ them(>
DM? >+o problem( Co" threaten the b"gbear! and he threatens yo"( Don't $orget to
mar# a $atig"e point o$$( That's it $or $ast( 3et's go on to average actions(>
T$e bugbear)s base initiati*e is a*erage but t$e %"ayers won initiati*e and get to
reso"*e t$eir a*erage actions first# Dasca" is wie"ding an a*erage/s%eed "ong sword#
Damiar? >My $irst bo'shot is average( 1 rolled a ,*B 1s that a critical hit@>
'amiar)s ad2usted T-&C. wit$ $is "ongbow is a 8O so $e $it an &C L; wit$ $is
ro"" of 9.# T$e bugbears are on"y &C K so $e easi"y $its t$e bugbear wit$ a good enoug$
ro"" to critica""y $it t$e monster# T$e basic critica" ru"e is doub"e damage dice but t$e 'M
cou"d use t$e critica" $it ru"es in C$a%ter Ai+ if $e wanted to# Wit$ doub"ed damage
'amiar ro""s 9dN for $is s$eaf arrow and tags t$e bugbear for 8K %oints of damage
dro%%ing it wit$ one s$ot0
T$e two bugbears mo*ing under co*er begin t$eir mo*es now# T$e "ast bugbear
meets Dasca"# Dasca" gets $er attack first but e*en wit$ a R8 bonus for $eig$t ad*antage
s$e misses# -er o%%onent misses $er as we""# 'amiar uses $is second bow s$ot and fires
at a bugbear using co*er missing by a mi"e#
&t t$e end of t$e round Dasca" and 'amiar $a*e eac$ used two %oints of fatigue
w$i"e 'ain and Gyssa $a*e used none# T$e two bugbears t$at took co*er $a*e eac$ used
one w$i"e t$e one "ocked in combat $as used two# T$ere are no retreats but t$e 'M
decides t$at a mora"e c$eck is in order since t$e bugbears $a*e seen two of t$eir fe""ows
knocked out of action# T$e bugbears %ass t$e c$eck and t$e round is o*er#
?ound Two
T$e 'M decides t$at t$e two bugbears on t$e f"anks remain under co*er t$is round and
guard# T$e bugbear engaging Dasca" decides to take a $a"f/mo*e and attack "ooking to
o%en t$e range and take ad*antage of its "onger reac$# T$e "ast bugbear wi"" mo*e u% to
2oin t$e fig$t and engage Dasca"# T$e %"ayers state t$eir actions:
Pascal? >1'll stand my gro"nd and attac#(>
3yssa? >1'm going to move into the room to $ind a place to cast my ne&t spell(>
Damiar? >1'll try and shoot at the b"gbear hiding aro"nd the corner( Maybe 1'll
get l"c#y(>
Dain? >Co" g"ys are doing o#ay 'itho"t me( 1'll #eep covering this hall'ay(>
DM? >Doll initiative! everybody(>
T$e %"ayers win initiati*e again ro""ing a 8# T$is acce"erates t$eir actions by a
%$ase# !n t$e *ery fast %$ase Gyssa mo*es into t$e room# T$is time Dasca")s a*erage
sword attack becomes a fast action as does 'amiar)s bow s$ot# Dasca" misses $er
bugbear but 'amiar ro""s anot$er 9.0
T$is time 'amiar)s 9. is not a critica" $it# T$e 'M ru"es t$at t$e bugbear is under
MKU co*er so it $as a M/%oint bonus to its &rmor C"ass making it effecti*e"y &C L9#
Aince 'amiar)s ad2usted T-&C. is a 8O $e on"y $it by 9 and $e needed to $it by K to get
anot$er critica" $it# T$e bugbear is wounded but sti"" $as some fig$t "eft in it#
!n t$e a*erage %$ase 'amiar fires $is second arrow but misses# Fina""y t$e
bugbears can begin to mo*e# T$e bugbear t$at is t$reatened by Dasca" backs away
%ro*oking an attack of o%%ortunity# Dasca" ro""s $er free attack but misses# T$e "ast
bugbear c"oses to wit$in two s%aces# Aince t$e bugbears are Garge creatures armed wit$
wea%ons t$ey can sti"" reac$ Dasca"#
DM? >Ae're "p to slo' actions! and the t'o b"gbears $ighting Pascal get to ma#e
their attac#s(> 7Dolls t'o attac#s(9 >Co"'re l"c#y! they both missed( :t the end o$ the
ro"nd! nobody has to retreat( <verybody #eep trac# o$ ho' many $atig"e points yo"'ve
"sed( Pascal! yo" "sed "p t'o again this t"rn! d"e to yo"r attac# o$ opport"nity(>
Pascal? >Don't the b"gbears have to ma#e another morale chec#@>
DM? >+o! nothing's changed since the last one(>
&t t$is %oint Dasca" $as O fatigue %oints "eft 'amiar 9 and Gyssa 3 w$i"e 'ain is sti"" at
$is fu"" amount since $e $asn)t mo*ed or foug$t# T$e bugbears attacking Dasca" $a*e M
and 9 res%ecti*e"y w$i"e t$e two taking co*er sti"" $a*e 8. eac$#
?ound T$ree
T$e 'M smi"es to $imse"f7t$e bugbears $a*e maneu*ered t$e $eroes rig$t w$ere t$ey
want t$em# T$e two bugbears fig$ting Dasca" can guard getting t$e first attack against
t$e %a"adin because of t$eir "onger range# T$e two bugbears $iding be$ind t$e room)s
corners wi"" mo*e forward to engage Dasca")s f"ank and Gyssa# T$e 'M asks t$e %"ayers
to state t$eir actions for t$e round:
Pascal? >1'll move "p and attac# again(>
3yssa? >Cast acid arro' at the b"gbear hiding in the corner there(>
Damiar? >Feep $iringB>
Dain? >1'll move and ta#e a shot at a b"gbear( +othing's coming do'n this
hall'ay(>
T$e initiati*e ro"" is won by t$e %"ayers again beating t$e bugbears wit$ a 9#
T$ere are no *ery fast actions t$is round#
!n t$e fast %$ase Dasca" mo*es u% to t$reaten t$e bugbears facing $er but t$ey
bot$ get attacks since t$ey were guarding and out/ranged $er# ,ne bugbear misses but
t$e ot$er $its for K %oints of damage and a ro"" for a knockdown# & morningstar is rated
as a d8. for knockdowns and since t$e bugbear is a Garge creature t$at is ste%%ed u% to
a d89# !t takes a M to knock down a Man/sized creature and t$e 6ugbear ro""s a 9#
Auccess0 Dasca" ro""s a sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation and fai"s# A$e is on t$e ground and
$as to use t$is round to stand u% again#
Gyssa)s s%e"" is again fast# A$e t$rows Me"f)s acid arrow at t$e bugbear %re*ious"y
wounded by 'amiar and $its it for N %oints of damage# 'ain takes a $a"f/mo*e and ste%s
into t$e doorway beside 'amiar#
,n t$e a*erage %$ase 'amiar fires $is first arrow of t$e round and misses# Dasca"
wou"d $a*e attacked t$is round but decides to stand u% again# T$e bugbears $iding
around t$e corners mo*e u% to t$reaten Dasca" and Gyssa#
Pascal? >2"re! no' they brea# cover since 1 got #noc#ed do'n(>
DM? >Co" didn't thin# those t'o b"gbears 'ere going to stay o"t o$ the 'ay
$orever! did yo"@>
3yssa? >Ae're in tro"ble(>
DM? >Ae're "p to slo' actions no'( Dain and Damiar have shots! i$ they 'ant to
ta#e them( Co"'ll be shooting into a melee no'! since there aren't any b"gbears clear o$
the $ight(>
Damiar? >1'll ta#e my chances(>
Dain? >Me! tooB>
3yssa? >Hey! yo" co"ld hit "sB>
Dain 7shr"gging9? >2o@ Co" can ta#e it(>
T$ere are t$ree bugbears w$o are t$reatening Dasca"# Bsing t$e Firing into a
Me"ee ru"es t$e 'M determines t$at a dN ro"" s$ou"d be used to reso"*e w$o becomes t$e
target# 3T$e t$ree bugbears are Garge and count for 9 eac$ and Dasca" counts for 8 target#
&n N resu"t wi"" be rero""ed#5 'amiar and 'ain are "ucky7t$e target ro""s end u% being
bugbears# Bnfortunate"y bot$ c$aracters miss wit$ t$eir attacks#
T$e two bugbears w$o mo*ed in t$is round get to attack in t$eir $a"f of t$e s"ow
%$ase# ,ne attacks Dasca" and t$e ot$er attacks Gyssa# Dasca" is $it again for K more
%oints of damage but t$is time s$e isn)t knocked down# Gyssa gets c"obbered for O %oints
of damage and begins to consider a strategic wit$drawa"#
&t t$e end of t$e round e*eryone marks off t$eir fatigue %oints# Dasca" "oses two
more as do 'ain and 'amiar but Gyssa cast a s%e"" and "oses none# T$e bugbears w$o
broke co*er and attacked Gyssa and Dasca" "ose two but t$e ot$ers w$o were a"ready
engaged on"y "ose one eac$#
Aince Dasca" was $it wit$out $itting $er o%%onents t$e bugbears can force $er to
retreat# A$e is dri*en back one s>uare but t$e bugbears $o"d t$eir ground to kee% t$eir
reac$ ad*antage# T$e continuing damage from t$e Me"f)s acid arrow s%e"" doesn)t begin
unti" ne+t round since Gyssa 2ust cast t$e s%e"" t$is round#
?ound Four
!n t$e ne+t round t$e $eroes get a "itt"e "ucky# Dasca" downs one of $er attackers wit$ a
critica" $it and 'ain co*ers Gyssa)s wit$drawa" and inf"icts serious damage against t$e
bugbear w$o $ad in2ured t$e mage# &not$er bugbear fa""s w$en t$e Me"f)s acid arrow
finis$es it off at t$e end of t$e round# Wit$ two more down t$e 'M ru"es t$at t$e
sur*i*ors c$oose a fig$ting wit$drawa" and t$e $eroes "et t$e bugbears retreat#
C$a%ter Two:
Combat ,%tions
C*en t$e greenest recruits $a*e more o%tions in combat t$an to stand in one %"ace and
swing at o%%onents o*er and o*er again# T$is c$a%ter co*ers tactics o%tions and sty"es of
fig$ting t$at are a*ai"ab"e to anyone on a batt"efie"d# 6att"es aren)t 2ust a matter of w$o
gets t$e "ucky ro""s now= smart c$aracters can make t$eir own "uck by using sound tactics
and common sense in t$e t$ick of t$e fig$t#
T$ere are fi*e %arts to t$is c$a%ter# T$e first is Battle Tactics= it co*ers common
tactics for fig$ting a batt"e inc"uding shield 'alls! pi#e hedges! and mo"nted charges(
:ttac# Options discusses different ways to use a c$aracter)s attack to ac$ie*e s%ecific
resu"ts# %ighting 2tyles! D"eling! and Heroic %rays discuss t$e *arious tactics of %ersona"
combat and $ow c$aracters can em%"oy t$em to t$eir ad*antage#
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign< 6att"e Tactics re"ies $ea*i"y on t$e Player's
Option combat system %resented in C$a%ter ,ne# &"t$oug$ t$e basic conce%ts are sti""
sound you won)t see muc$ game benefit to t$ese strategies un"ess you are reso"*ing
batt"es wit$ t$e combat system#
T$e ot$er four %arts of t$is c$a%ter7&ttack ,%tions Fig$ting Aty"es 'ue"ing
and 6raw"ing7can a"" be incor%orated into e+isting cam%aigns toget$er or
inde%endent"y# T$ey do not re>uire t$e combat system to be used in your cam%aign# T$e
information in t$is c$a%ter re%"aces t$e re"ated to%ics in The Complete %ighter's
Handboo##
6att"e Tactics ,*er t$ousands of years t$e tactics of batt"e $a*e c$anged many times#
!nno*ations of e>ui%ment and maneu*er often ga*e armies domination of t$eir wor"d#
&"e+ander)s %$a"an+es of s%earmen were near"y unsto%%ab"e# Dikes and bows broug$t
about t$e end of t$e knig$t)s batt"efie"d su%remacy "ong before firearms were effecti*e
wea%ons#
Aome of t$ese same tactics can be used to good effect by %"ayer c$aracters and
t$eir o%%onents# C*en t$e most foo"$ardy barbarian s$ou"d t$ink twice before c$arging a
band of orcs w$o $a*e formed a s%ear/$edge to recei*e $is attack#
A$ie"d Wa""
!n C$a%ter ,ne we described $ow figures can crowd toget$er in c"ose order %"acing two
Man/sized creatures in a sing"e s%ace# !f t$e creatures stay a"ong an e*en "ine in c"ose
order t$ey can form a s$ie"d wa"" by o*er"a%%ing t$eir s$ie"ds# T$e s$ie"ds must be
medium or kite s$ie"ds# Fig$ting wit$ a s$ie"d wa"" $as se*era" benefits#
<ersus Missiles
&"" members of t$e s$ie"d wa"" and any allies be$ind it are considered to be be$ind K.U
co*er 3L; &C bonus5 *ersus missi"e fire# A$ie"d wa""s b"ock "ines of fire indoors or
underground so in dungeon settings any a""ies be$ind t$e wa"" can)t be targeted by $osti"e
missi"e fire# T$e creatures actua""y $orming t$e s$ie"d wa"" can sti"" be struck $owe*er#
<ersus Melee
Aince t$e members of t$e wa"" are in c"ose order s$ie"d wa""s a""ow t$em to concentrate
t$eir fig$ting %ower# T$ey are a"so good for contro"ing enemy mo*ement es%ecia""y in
narrow areas suc$ as dungeon corridors# 6ecause t$e s$ie"ds o*er"a% a"" members of t$e
wa"" gain a L8 bonus to t$eir &rmor C"ass#
Creatures forming a s$ie"d wa"" must be of t$e same size or t$e wa"" won)t work#
!n addition t$ey $a*e to mo*e toget$er if t$ey want to stay "inked# & s$ie"d wa"" can on"y
take a $a"f/mo*e wit$out breaking a%art#
Creatures in a s$ie"d wa"" are s"ig$t"y "imited in t$eir c$oice of armament# T$ey
can fig$t on"y wit$ one/$anded wea%ons since t$ey)re using a s$ie"d in t$e ot$er $and# !f
t$ey use a s"as$ing or b"udgeoning 3Ty%e A or 65 wea%on t$ey suffer a L9 %ena"ty to
attack ro""s un"ess t$e wea%on is a sma""er size category t$an t$ey are because t$e c"ose
order interferes wit$ t$e wea%on)s swing# Diercing 3Ty%e D5 wea%ons aren)t affected by
c"ose order#
:s an e&ample! a h"man barbarian 7si8e M9 $orms a shield 'all 'ith his
companions( He can "se his short s'ord 7Type 2! si8e 29 or spear 7Type P! si8e M9 'itho"t
penalty! b"t i$ he $ights 'ith his battle a&e 7Type 2! si8e M9 he s"$$ers a ;, penalty to his
attac# rolls beca"se he's so close to his allies(
&not$er e+ce""ent tactic for s$ie"d wa""s is to %"ace "ong/range %o"earm wie"ders
immediate"y be$ind t$e s$ie"d wa""# Aince t$e %o"earms can reac$ o*er t$e s$ie"d "ine
enemies can be e+%osed to se*era" attacks at once w$en t$ey c"ose to me"ee range# Bsing
a %o"earm o*er a friend creates a L9 %ena"ty to attack ro""s $owe*er#
A%ear -edges
A%ear or %ike $edges are e+treme"y effecti*e against creatures trying to c"ose in for
me"ee# Awiss %ike formations cou"d defeat t$e most %owerfu" mounted c$arges and cou"d
cut t$roug$ many foot troo%s as we""# -edges don)t $a*e to be formed in c"ose order but
t$ey)re more effecti*e if t$ey are# -edges can be made doub"y dangerous by adding an
e+tra rank of s%earmen or %ikemen to create a defense in de%t$ against an enemy)s
a%%roac$#
To form a s%ear $edge c$aracters need to stand side/by/side in an e*en "ine# &
second rank can form u% be$ind t$e first rank and attack o*er t$e front rank wit$ a L9
%ena"ty to attack ro""s# !f t$e %o"earm is a range/on"y wea%on suc$ as a %ike t$en t$e
%ena"ty does not a%%"y# !f t$e troo%s are e>ui%%ed wit$ range 3 wea%ons a t$ird rank can
be added be$ind t$e second rank#
A%ear $edges are most effecti*e w$en a"" c$aracters c$oose t$e guard action since
any foe foo"is$ enoug$ to a%%roac$ cou"d be sub2ected to as many as O attacks before $e
cou"d strike back# A%ear $edges can on"y make $a"f/mo*es and sti"" remain toget$er#
Gike s$ie"d wa""s s%ear $edges can be e+treme"y effecti*e in "imited areas w$ere
o%%onents can)t f"ank t$em#
Mounted C$arge
,ne of t$e most s%ectacu"ar batt"e maneu*ers is a ca*a"ry c$arge# T$ere are no s%ecia"
considerations or formations necessary for a mounted c$arge= a sing"e knig$t on
$orseback can use t$is tactic#
T$e mounted c$arge against foot troo%s gi*es t$e c$arging c$aracter a R9 bonus on $is
attack for c$arging and a R8 bonus for being mounted# !f $e)s armed wit$ a "ance $e
inf"icts doub"e damage if $e $its# !n addition t$e "ance)s su%erior range may a""ow $im to
strike before t$e defender $as a c$ance to attack#
T$e c$arging c$aracter can a"so use $is mount to mo*e t$roug$ enemy figures %ossib"y
knocking t$em down or tram%"ing t$em# & "ine of armored knig$ts can "itera""y ride down
infantrymen a"t$oug$ t$ey)"" %ro*oke attacks of o%%ortunity once t$ey get into t$e %ress#
Ati"" t$e initia" s$ock of suc$ a c$arge can decimate most infantry formations#
& great defense against t$e mounted c$arge is missi"e fire at t$e mounts# Bsua""y
t$e $orses are easier to $it t$an t$e riders# &ny time a mount is in2ured t$e rider must
make a riding c$eck 3or ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation5 to kee% contro" of
t$e anima"# T$e riders of any anima"s fo""owing t$e in2ured mount must a"so make riding
c$ecks or be sto%%ed by t$e downed anima"#
&rc$ery from -orseback
&rc$ers on $orseback are *ery effecti*e against foot troo%s wit$out missi"e wea%ons# 3!f
t$e c$aracter on foot $as a wea%on to re%"y to t$e $orse arc$er)s fire it)s a different story#5
Wea%ons suitab"e for use w$i"e mounted inc"ude s$ort bows com%osite s$ort bows $and
crossbows "ig$t crossbows and size A firearms#
!f t$e arc$er remains sti"" 3takes a no/mo*e action5 $is rate of fire and range
modifiers are unaffected by $is mount# !f $e rides a $a"f/mo*e $is rate of fire is reduced
by one category and $e suffers a L9 %ena"ty to $is attack ro""s# !f $is mount takes a fu""
mo*e $is rate of fire is reduced as abo*e and $e suffers a L; %ena"ty to $is attack ro""s#
T$ese %ena"ties can be reduced by e+%ertise in mounted arc$ery= refer to C$a%ter Four for
more information#
T$e best way to e+%"oit t$e arc$er)s mobi"ity is to ga""o% in for a round of fire and
t$en retreat w$en t$e foot troo%s try to res%ond# T$is tactica" system was one of t$e most
successfu" e*er de*ised and for a time rendered infantry near"y obso"ete#
&ttack ,%tions -eroic swordsmen don)t 2ust stand sti"" and $ack at t$eir o%%onents=
t$ey das$ back and fort$ trading %arries and ri%ostes wit$ ski"" and agi"ity# & great way to
add e+citement and f"a*or to your batt"es is to a""ow DCs t$e c$ance to try f"as$y
maneu*ers or s%ecia" tactics against t$eir dastard"y foes#
!n a me"ee c$aracters can c$oose any number of tactics instead of a sim%"e strike
or t$rust# T$e fo""owing attack o%tions are a*ai"ab"e to any c$aracter %roficient wit$ t$e
wea%on $e is using:
6"ock Du""Etri%
Ca""ed s$ot Aa%
'isarmA$ie"d/%unc$
4rab A$ie"d/rus$
,*erbear Bnarmed attack
Din Bn$orse
A%ecia" wea%on maneu*er
The Opposed .oll
Many of t$e attack o%tions described be"ow use a game mec$anic known as an o%%osed
ro""# !n an o%%osed ro"" w$oe*er comes c"osest to t$eir success number wit$out going
%ast it wins t$e contest#
%or e&ample! t'o characters 'restling $or control o$ one s'ord co"ld be re/"ired
to ma#e opposed 2trength chec#s to see 'ho gets the 'eapon( The character 'ith the
highest d,* roll that doesn't e&ceed his 2trength score 'ins the contest(
6ecause t$e goa" of an o%%osed ro"" is to come as c"ose to missing as %ossib"e
wit$out doing it attack ro""s are won by t$e c$aracter wit$ t$e "owest ro"" t$at doesn)t go
under t$eir re>uired to/$it number and abi"ity c$ecks are won by t$e c$aracter wit$ t$e
$ig$est ro"" t$at doesn)t e+ceed $is abi"ity score# Ties e+tend t$e contest one round un"ess
stated ot$erwise#
6"ock
& c$aracter can dec"are t$at s$e is using one of $er attacks to b"ock an o%%onent)s strike#
6"ocking is a $ard %arry wit$ a wea%on t$at def"ects an o%%onent)s attack# &ny wea%on
e+ce%t ro%e/"ike t$ings suc$ as nets "assoes or s"ings can be used to b"ock#
W$en a c$aracter tries to b"ock an attack s$e makes a norma" attack ro"" against
&C ;# -er o%%onent makes a norma" attack ro"" against $er &rmor C"ass# T$e strike is
b"ocked if t$e c$aracter succeeds wit$ a "ower ro"" t$an $er enemy succeeded wit$# !f t$e
attacker fai"ed anyway it)s a miss no matter w$at t$e b"ocking c$aracter ro""ed# !f t$e
b"ocking c$aracter fai"ed but $er attacker succeeded it)s a $it des%ite t$e b"ock attem%t#
%or e&ample! :r'eth is a )th0level $ighter 'ith an adE"sted TH:C* o$ -. 'ith her
long s'ord( 2he is $ighting a hill giant 'ith a TH:C* o$ G( :r'eth decides to "se an
attac# to bloc# the hill giant's ne&t stri#e( 2he rolls a -) and s"cceeds 'ith her roll( The
hill giant rolls a -,H :r'eth is :C -! so the giant s"cceeds! too( His roll o$ -, is lo'er
than her -)! so :r'eth's bloc# $ails(
!f t$e c$aracter announces $er b"ock before initiati*e is ro""ed s$e can b"ock an
attack e*en if it beats $er action %$ase# !f s$e decides to wait s$e can on"y b"ock attacks
in $er action %$ase or "ater#
6"ocking is an e+ce""ent tactic for c$aracters wit$ mu"ti%"e attacks to use against
c$aracters or monsters wit$ on"y one attack# & ra%ier s%ecia"ist wit$ a main/gauc$e in $er
off $and can use $er off/$and wea%on or one of t$e ra%ier attacks to b"ock w$i"e using t$e
rest of $er attacks offensi*e"y#
Ca""ed A$ot
& ca""ed s$ot is an attack at a s%ecific "ocation on t$e target# For e+am%"e a ca""ed s$ot
can be used to attack t$e $ead of an enemy w$o isn)t wearing a $e"m t$e unarmored "egs
of a c$aracter wearing on"y a breast%"ate or t$e s%ecia" weakness of a monster wit$ an
&c$i""es) $ee"#
Ca""ed s$ots $a*e to be announced before t$e attack ro"" is made# W$en t$e ca""ed
s$ot is announced t$e c$aracter)s action %$ase is de"ayed by one category= a bows$ot t$at
wou"d norma""y be in t$e a*erage %$ase becomes a s"ow action if t$e arc$er decides to
make a ca""ed s$ot# !f you)re not %"aying wit$ t$e initiati*e system described in C$a%ter
,ne assume ca""ed s$ots recei*e a R8 initiati*e %ena"ty#
Ca""ed s$ots norma""y %resent t$e attacker wit$ a L; %ena"ty on $is attack ro"" but
t$e 'M can modify t$is for t$e circumstances# !f t$e target is sur%rised or not e+%ecting
t$e attack t$e ca""ed s$ot modifier may not a%%"y at a""# ,n t$e ot$er $and a %articu"ar"y
difficu"t ca""ed s$ot 3stabbing an enemy t$roug$ t$e eyes"it of $is *isor for e+am%"e5 may
inf"ict a LO or e*en a LN %ena"ty to t$e attack ro""# Ca""ed s$ots are disru%ted if t$e
c$aracter attem%ting it suffers a knockdown#
&"t$oug$ ca""ed s$ots are norma""y most usefu" for s%ecia" combat effects "ike
breaking a beaker of acid in an e*i" wizard)s $and t$ey can a"so be usefu" against
%artia""y unarmored o%%onents# &n enemy in fu"" %"ate mai" wit$ no $e"met $as an &C 8.
$ead= it)s easier to make t$e ca""ed s$ot wit$ a L; %ena"ty against t$at &C 8. t$an to
swing at t$e enemy)s norma" &C of 8# !f a ca""ed s$ot is used to strike a s%ecific body area
and resu"ts in a critica" $it ignore t$e "ocation die of t$e critica" $it ro"" and 2ust ro"" t$e
effect for t$e area struck# 3Aee C$a%ter Ai+ for more information on critica" $its#5
Ca""ed s$ots can a"so be used to fire missi"e wea%ons into a me"ee wit$out t$e risk
of $itting an a""y# !f t$e ca""ed s$ot misses no one e"se is in danger of being $it by t$e
missi"e#
&s an o%tiona" ru"e t$e 'M may a""ow ca""ed s$ots to be used to force an
automatic retreat or knockdown effect rat$er t$an inf"ict damage#
'isarm
T$ere are two ty%es of disarming maneu*ers offensi*e and defensi*e and t$ey bot$
work essentia""y t$e same way# & c$aracter w$o wis$es to use eit$er ty%e of disarm must
a""ocate one of $is attacks for t$e round to t$e feat# !f t$e disarm is a defensi*e one it is
reso"*ed before t$e attacker ro""s to $it# & disarm works *ery muc$ "ike a b"ock but t$e
c$aracter attem%ting t$e disarm must ro"" against &C . w$i"e t$e intended *ictim of t$e
disarm sti"" ro""s against an &C ;#
&nyone in*o"*ed in a disarm t$at is using a two/$anded wea%on recei*es a ;/
%oint bonus to t$e target &rmor C"ass for t$e %ur%oses of t$e o%%osed ro""# !t)s im%ossib"e
to disarm a wea%on two sizes "arger t$an your own so a fig$ter wit$ a dagger can)t try to
disarm a mage wit$ a >uarterstaff# 'isarming can occur using a missi"e wea%on but t$e
missi"e)s size is t$e factor used to determine w$et$er or not t$e attem%t can succeed not
t$e wea%on firing t$e missi"e#
%or e&ample! Dain the d'ar$ 'arrior is $ighting a h"man sells'ord named
Torath( Dain anno"nces be$ore initiative that he 'ill "se one o$ his attac#s $or a
de$ensive disarm on Torath's attac# that ro"nd( Be$ore Torath attac#s! he ma#es an
opposed roll against :C . 'hile Dain rolls against :C *( Torath's TH:C* is -4 and
Dain's is -I( Torath rolls a -)! good eno"gh to hit :C .! 'hile Dain rolls a -,! not /"ite
eno"gh to hit :C *( Torath avoids Dain's disarm attempt and proceeds normally 'ith his
attac# roll(
1$ Dain had been 'ielding a t'o0handed a&e! his roll 'o"ld also have been
against :C . 7the .0point bon"s to :C *9! and his -, 'o"ld have been good eno"gh to
hit( 2ince his -, 'as lo'er than Torath's -)! Dain 'o"ld have 'on the opposed roll and
disarmed Torath(
'efensi*e disarms work 2ust "ike b"ocks for initiati*e= if announced before t$e
ro"" t$ey can be attem%ted against attacks t$at beat t$e c$aracter)s action %$ase#
,t$erwise t$ey can on"y be used on t$e c$aracter)s action %$ase or "ater in t$e round#
,ffensi*e disarms work "ike ca""ed s$ots= w$en announced t$ey de"ay t$e c$aracter)s
action %$ase by one ste%# T$e intent to disarm $as to be announced before any ro""s are
made#
W$en a wea%on is disarmed it fa""s 8L8. feet away 38d3L8 s>uares5 in a random
direction# ?eco*ering a disarmed wea%on re>uires a $a"f/mo*e# & disarmed c$aracter can
be immediate"y co*ered if t$e attacker $as an attack remaining in t$e round#
'isarms work best against "ow/"e*e" o%%onents w$o don)t $a*e good T-&C.s
since it)s difficu"t for t$em to make t$eir o%%osed ro""s#
4rab
C$aracters can grab wea%ons or im%ortant items away from t$eir o%%onents# !f t$e
c$aracter wants to grab $is o%%onent direct"y $e s$ou"d consider it a wrest"ing attack and
reso"*e it as unarmed combat= see C$a%ter Fi*e# & c$aracter $as to $a*e a $and free to
grab= if bot$ $ands are fu"" $e)s got to dro% somet$ing in order to attem%t t$e grab# 3Two/
$anded wea%ons can be $e"d in 2ust one $and but t$e c$aracter can)t attack t$is way#5 T$e
attacker must announce t$e grab attem%t before $e makes $is attack ro""#
Trying to grab an enemy)s %ossessions w$i"e $e t$reatens you is a bad idea= t$e
defender recei*es an immediate attack of o%%ortunity against t$e grabber#
4enera""y t$e grab attem%t works t$e same way a disarm attem%t does# T$e
c$aracter attem%ting to grab an item must make an o%%osed ro"" against &C . w$i"e t$e
intended *ictim ro""s against &C ;# T$e 'M may assign certain %ena"ties to t$e c$aracter
attem%ting t$e grab de%ending on circumstances= grabbing a tiny ring on someone)s
finger mig$t incur a LN %ena"ty to t$e target &rmor C"ass for t$e grabbing c$aracter# !f t$e
o%%osed ro"" resu"ts in a tie t$e item may be dro%%ed or broken at t$e 'M)s discretion#
%or e&ample! <"serio the Bold is behind the evil 'i8ard AarEo and decides to
grab AarEo's 'and o$ lightning( There's no attac# o$ opport"nity! since the hero 'asn't
threatened by AarEo( The DM r"les that there is no penalty to <"serio's attempt! since
AarEo has the 'and in his hand and isn't paying <"serio any attention( <"serio and
AarEo ma#e the opposed roll! <"serio against :C *! AarEo against :C .( <"serio's
TH:C* is a -5! 'hile poor AarEo's is still a ,*( <"serio scores a hit 'ith a roll o$ -J!
'hile AarEo rolls a -, and misses! so <"serio gets his hands on the 'and(
,nce t$e grabbing c$aracter succeeds in gras%ing t$e item t$e o%%onents must
wrest"e for contro" of it using o%%osed Atrengt$ c$ecks# !f a c$aracter on"y grabs 3or was
origina""y $o"ding5 t$e item wit$ one $and t$en $is Atrengt$ is reduced by 3 %oints#
Contin"ing o"r e&ample! <"serio and AarEo no' str"ggle $or control o$ the 'and!
ma#ing opposing 2trength chec#s( <"serio's -4 2trength is red"ced to an e$$ective -.
beca"se he only got one hand on the 'and! and AarEo's -I becomes a -*( <"serio ma#es
his 2trength chec# 'ith a 5! b"t AarEo rolls a G and 'ins! Eer#ing the 'and a'ayB Aonder
'hat he'll do 'ith it ne&t ro"nd@
,*erbear
T$e best attack against a warrior of $eroic %rowess is often a sim%"e rus$# ,*erbearing is
a common tactic w$en se*era" creatures are confronting a "one enemy w$o can cut t$em
to %ieces one at a time# ,*erbearing attackers t$row t$emse"*es at t$eir o%%onent using
w$ate*er $o"ds t$ey can find to get $im on t$e ground and restrain $im#
,*erbearing is $azardous= t$e defender gets an attack of o%%ortunity against any
attacker $e t$reatens 3u% to t$e "imits im%osed in C$a%ter ,ne5# !t can take a concerted
rus$ of a dozen or more to get t$roug$ a $ig$/"e*e" fig$ter)s guard# ,*erbearing is treated
as an unarmed attack and is reso"*ed on t$e base initiati*e of t$e s"owest attacker in t$e
%i"e#
T$e o*erbearing force reso"*es t$e attack by making a sing"e attack ro"" at t$e
T-&C. of t$eir best member# T$e attackers get a R8 bonus to $it for eac$ additiona"
attacker# T$e attack is made against t$e defender)s natura" &rmor C"ass 3&C 8. for most
DCs5 on"y counting magica" and 'e+terity ad2ustments7a man in %"ate mai" is 2ust as
*u"nerab"e to being %u""ed down as a man in "eat$er armor#
!f t$e attackers $it t$ey must make an o%%osed Atrengt$ c$eck against t$e
defender to see if t$ey drag $im down or not# Bse t$e Atrengt$ of t$e "argest attacker and
a%%"y t$e fo""owing modifiers:
;/%oint bonus or %ena"ty %er size difference of t$e "argest attacker *ersus t$e defender=
R8 %er additiona" attacker=
L; if defender $as more t$an two "egs#
Monsters can be assumed to $a*e a Atrengt$ of 38E9 %oints %er size category 33
for Tiny M for Ama"" 8. for Man/sized 8; for Garge etc#5 %"us t$eir -it 'ice# !f t$e
defender wins t$e Atrengt$ c$eck $e kee%s $is feet and s$rugs off t$e attack# !f t$e
attackers win t$e defender is knocked down# T$e defender can be %inned and restrained
if $e is successfu""y o*erborne again in t$e ne+t round#
%or e&ample! si& #obolds are $ighting :lvoth! a h"man #night( The monsters
decide to "se their n"mbers against :lvoth and overbear him( :lvoth #ills one o$ the
#obolds in an attac# o$ opport"nity as the monsters close! b"t the other $ive try to
overbear any'ay( :lvoth is normally :C *! b"t his chain mail and shield don't help him
here! only his De&terity o$ -J( The #obolds attac# against an :C o$ 5! 'ith a 6- bon"s to
hit since they o"tn"mber him(
The #obolds score a hit! so :lvoth engages in a 2trength contest to #eep his $eet(
Fobolds sho"ld have a 2trength score o$ 4 based on the $orm"la above 7I-K,L, $or
2mall9( Ho'ever! their e$$ective 2trength is increased to an -- d"e to their n"mbers 7.
e&tra #obolds9( :lvoth has a 2trength o$ -4 and rolls a G! ma#ing his 2trength chec#( The
#obolds roll an --! E"st ma#ing their chec# 'ith a higher roll and 'inning the contest(
:lvoth goes do'n beneath the br"tes' r"sh(
&s an o%tion a sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation can be substituted for t$e o%%osed
Atrengt$ c$ecks# T$is works a "itt"e faster but it)s not as accurate as t$e system described
abo*e#
Du""ETri%
& good tactic against mo*ing enemies or c$aracters w$o aren)t %aying attention is a tri%
or tang"ing maneu*er# To %u"" or tri% an o%%onent t$e c$aracter must be armed wit$ a
wea%on t$at $as t$e abi"ity to snare someone)s "egs# T$e fo""owing wea%ons a"" >ua"ify:
bi"" bo"a bow "ig$t or $ea*y crossbow $orseman)s f"ai" $ar%oon 2a*e"in k$o%es$
"asso mancatc$er net footman)s or $orseman)s %ick any %o"earm >uarterstaff scourge
s%ear staff s"ing and w$i%# T$ese wea%ons feature "ong staff/"ike %ieces c$ains or
ro%es or $eads t$at can catc$ and %u"" an enemy)s "egs out from under $im#
To %u"" or tri% an enemy t$e c$aracter makes a norma" attack ro""# !f $e $its $e
makes an o%%osed ro"" of $is Atrengt$ against t$e defender)s 'e+terity or Atrengt$
w$ic$e*er is better# !f t$e attacker wins t$e defender is knocked down# !f t$e defender
wins or if bot$ fai" t$e attack fai"s# !f t$e ro"" is a tie t$ey bot$ fa"" down#
For %ur%oses of t$is maneu*er a monster)s norma" mo*ement rate can be
considered its 'e+terity score# !ts Atrengt$ is e>ua" to 38E9 %oints %er size %"us its -it
'ice# T$ere are se*era" modifiers t$at a%%"y to t$e attacker)s Atrengt$ $owe*er:
;/%oint bonus or %ena"ty %er size difference of t$e attacker *ersus t$e defender=
L9 to attacker)s Atrengt$ if t$e target $as four "egs or more=
R3 if t$e defender was unaware of t$e %u"" or tri% attack=
LO if t$e defender was stationary#
%or e&ample! :lvoth is 'aiting in amb"sh $or the #ing's messenger to come
galloping do'n a 'ooded lane( He decides to "se his halberd to trip the horse 'hen it
comes by( 1$ he hits! he'll "se his 2trength against the horse's move o$ -J( :lvoth's
2trength is modi$ied by ;. $or the si8e di$$erence and ;, $or the horse's e&tra legs! b"t 6I
beca"se he is hiding! so his -4 2trength is an e$$ective -. $or p"rposes o$ tripping the
horse(
,%tiona""y t$e o%%osed ro"" can be re%"aced by a sim%"e sa*ing t$row *s#
%ara"yzation# !t)s not as accurate but it may be more con*enient for t$e 'M and %"ayers
to remember#
2ap
Aa%%ing is an attem%t to knock out an o%%onent by striking wit$ t$e f"at of t$e b"ade or
s"ugging $im from be$ind wit$ a sturdy sword/$i"t# !t doesn)t work *ery we"" against
c$aracters or monsters t$at are e+%ecting it= any c$aracter attem%ting to sa% a creature
t$at t$reatens $er %ro*okes an attack of o%%ortunity for t$e defender# -and/$e"d wea%ons
and t$rown wea%ons may be used in sa% attem%ts#
& sa% is a ty%e of ca""ed s$ot= it $as a one/%$ase initiati*e %ena"ty and t$e attacker
$as a L; %ena"ty to $it# T$e %ena"ty increases to LN if t$e defender is wearing some kind
of $e"met# ,n"y Ama"" or Medium creatures can be sa%%ed= Garge monsters can)t be
knocked out "ike t$is#
!f t$e attacker scores a $it s$e may knock out $er o%%onent# T$ere is a KU c$ance
%er %oint of damage of knocking out t$e *ictim u% to a ma+imum of ;.U# T$us if t$e
sa%%er inf"icts K %oints of damage s$e $as a 9KU c$ance of knocking out $er o%%onent#
Aa%%ing damage is "ike unarmed combat damage= 9KU is rea" and t$e rest is tem%orary#
1atura""y if $er damage ro"" e+ceeds t$e *ictim)s $it %oints $e)s knocked out anyway#
T$e knockout c$ance increases to 8.U %er %oint of damage 3ma+ N.U5 if t$e
*ictim is sur%rised as"ee% restrained or magica""y $e"d in some way# Aa%%ed c$aracters
remain unconcious for 3d8. fu"" rounds#
A$ie"d/Dunc$
&ny c$aracter e>ui%%ed wit$ a s$ie"d can c$oose to forego its %rotection and gain an
e+tra attack known as a s$ie"d/%unc$# T$e s$ie"d/%unc$ is treated as a norma" secondary
wea%on attack= t$e %rimary wea%on suffers a L9 %ena"ty to attack ro""s t$at round and t$e
s$ie"d/%unc$ attack is ro""ed wit$ a L; %ena"ty# & c$aracter may use $is reaction
ad2ustment due to a $ig$ 'e+terity score to offset t$ese %ena"ties# &"ternati*e"y t$e
c$aracter can s"bstit"te $is norma" attack for a s$ie"d %unc$ wit$ no %ena"ties#
T$e e+act c$aracteristics 3i#e# damage and s%eed5 of eac$ ty%e of s$ie"d are noted
on %age K8# !f t$e c$aracter is trying a s$ie"d/%unc$ $e must announce $is intention
w$i"e dec"aring $is combat action and forfeits t$e defensi*e benefit of t$e s$ie"d for t$e
round# T$e c$aracter mo*es into t$e s>uare of $is o%%onent on $is base initiati*e t$en
e+ecutes t$e s$ie"d %unc$ and backs out into $is own s>uare again on t$e fo""owing
initiati*e %$ase#
A$ie"d/?us$
T$e s$ie"d/rus$ is an attem%t to knock someone down by running into t$em wit$ your
s$ie"d# T$e c$aracter must $a*e 8. feet 39 s%aces5 of running room to make an effecti*e
s$ie"d/rus$# Making a s$ie"d/rus$ is treated as a c$arge attack for %ur%oses of guarding
c$aracters wit$ set s%ears#
W$en t$e c$aracter makes a s$ie"d/rus$ $e makes a norma" attack against $is
enemy)s &C# Aome s$ie"ds may %ro*ide modifiers or bonuses to t$e rus$= refer to C$a%ter
Ae*en# &fter a s$ie"d $as been used for a rus$ it %ro*ides no &C bonus for t$e rest of t$e
round for its bearer# Making a s$ie"d/rus$ a"so costs t$e c$aracter a norma" attack but it
isn)t considered an off/$and wea%on "ike a s$ie"d/%unc$#
!f t$e s$ie"d/bearer $its wit$ $is attack $e makes an o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" against
$is o%%onent to see if $e knocks $im down# T$e "oser of t$e o%%osed ro"" fa""s down= if
bot$ c$aracters fai" t$eir Atrengt$ ro""s t$ey bot$ fa"" down# T$e fo""owing modifiers
a%%"y to t$e attacker)s Atrengt$ score:
;/%oint bonus or %ena"ty for eac$ size difference of t$e attacker *ersus t$e defender=
R3 if t$e defender was unaware of t$e s$ie"d/rus$=
L9 if t$e defender $as four "egs or more#
&s noted before monsters can be assumed to $a*e a Atrengt$ of 38E9 %er size
category %"us t$eir -it 'ice# !nstead of an o%%osed ro"" t$e 'M can substitute a sa*ing
t$row *s# %ara"yzation for t$e defender to sa*e time#
!f t$e s$ie"d/rus$er misses wit$ $is attack ro"" $e must ro"" a successfu" 'e+terity
c$eck to stay on $is feet as $e rus$es %ast $is target# !f $e fai"s $e fa""s down#
A$ie"d Dunc$
A$ie"d Ty%e Aize A%eed ?eac$ 'amage Fnockdown
Ama"" A Fa 395 8 8d3 dO
Medium M &* 3O5 8 8d; dN
Garge G A" 3N5 8 8dO d8.
Shield .ush
Shield Type Size Speed .each )ama&e 7noc-down::
Ama"" A 6aseT 8 8d3 .
Medium M 6aseT 8 8d; R8
Garge G 6aseT 8 8dO R3
T & A$ie"d ?us$ is %erformed in t$e attacker)s base initiati*e %$ase#
TT T$e knockdown bonus is used during t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ c$eck t$at takes %"ace
if t$e attack $its 3see C$a%ter Two %age ;O5# !f t$e c$aracter)s Atrengt$ c$eck succeeds
add t$e "isted number to t$e ro"" before t$e two ro""s are com%ared#
A%ecia" Wea%on Maneu*er
Ae*era" wea%ons $a*e s%ecia" %ro%erties t$at can be used to great effect by a ski""ed
wie"der# T$e bo"as c$ain $ar%oon "asso mancatc$er and net a"" $a*e s%ecia" effects t$at
can be used against o%%onents# T$e e+act nature of eac$ wea%on)s s%ecia" maneu*er is
discussed in C$a%ter Ae*en#
4enera""y using a s%ecia" wea%on maneu*er re>uires a ca""ed s$ot t$at de"ays t$e
wie"der)s action %$ase by one ste% and gi*es $im a L; %ena"ty on $is attack ro""#
Tra%
!t)s %ossib"e to use your wea%on or s$ie"d to %in your enemy)s wea%on against $is body or
to tra% t$e wea%on on your own sword/$i"t or wea%on $aft# T$is maneu*er is known as a
tra%# Tra%s are muc$ "ike b"ocks= t$e c$aracter can get a c$ance to tra% an attack t$at
comes before $is action %$ase by dec"aring t$e tra% before initiati*e is ro""ed or $e can
tra% any attack t$at comes in $is action %$ase or "ater wit$out dec"aring $is action
before$and#
Gike wit$ a disarm t$e tra% is reso"*ed before t$e norma" attack ro"" is made# &
c$aracter attem%ts to tra% an enemy)s attack by ro""ing an o%%osed attack ro"" *ersus &C .
w$i"e $is o%%onent ro""s against &C ;# !f t$e tra%%ing c$aracter wins t$e o%%osed ro"" t$e
wea%on is successfu""y %inned# ,t$erwise t$e %in fai"s and t$e norma" attack ro"" is
made#
,nce an enemy)s wea%on is tra%%ed $e "oses any additiona" attacks $e cou"d $a*e
made wit$ t$at wea%on in t$e current round# &t t$e end of t$e round t$e tra%%ing
c$aracter and $is *ictim make o%%osed Atrengt$ ro""s to see if t$e *ictim can free $is
wea%on# !n eac$ subse>uent round one Atrengt$ c$eck is made on t$e fastest c$aracter)s
base initiati*e and a second one at t$e end of t$e round#
& c$aracter wit$ a tra%%ed wea%on can a"ways attack wit$ a secondary wea%on or
sim%"y abandon t$e wea%on t$at)s been caug$t# T$e c$aracter w$o %erforms t$e tra%
cannot use t$e wea%on or s$ie"d $e)s %inning t$e o%%onent)s wea%on wit$#
Tra%%ing is an e+ce""ent tactic to use against an o%%onent wit$ fewer attacks# !t is
a"so a good tactic for a two/wea%on fig$ter to use against a sing"e/wea%on fig$ter= by
sacrificing one wea%on)s attacks $e com%"ete"y sto%s $is o%%onent)s offense# &not$er
sneaky trick is to $a*e an a""y tra% a toug$ o%%onent)s wea%on to free u% unanswered
f"ank or rear attacks for a second c$aracter# Tra%%ing is toug$er t$an a sim%"e b"ock but
wort$ t$e effort#
Tra% and 6reak
Aome wea%ons suc$ as t$e sai or t$e swordbreaker are suited for breaking a tra%%ed
enemy wea%on# W$en a wea%on of t$is ty%e is used to tra% an enemy wea%on t$e
tra%%ing c$aracter can dec"are an attem%t to break t$e wea%on# T$e tra%%ed c$aracter
must ro"" a successfu" item sa*ing t$row *s# crus$ing b"ow for $is wea%on or it breaks=
for meta" wea%ons t$is is a M or better on 8d9.# T$e wea%on)s magica" bonus a%%"ies#
!f t$e break attem%t fai"s t$e tra%%ed b"ade is automatica""y freed# ,t$erwise t$e
wea%on is broken# ,n"y swords kni*es or wea%ons wit$ sword/"ike com%onents 3suc$ as
a $a"berd)s s%ike or a g"ai*e5 can be broken#
Bnarmed &ttack
T$rowing a %unc$ or trying to get a wrest"ing $o"d on t$e enemy is a"ways a "egitimate
attack# &s noted in C$a%ter ,ne trying to engage an armed o%%onent in unarmed combat
is risky= if t$e armed c$aracter t$reatens t$e attacker $e gets an immediate attack of
o%%ortunity#
T$ere are se*era" ty%es of unarmed attacks t$at can be em%"oyed by a c$aracter
inc"uding %unc$ing wrest"ing martia" arts and o*erbearing# T$e *arious ty%es of
unarmed combat are described in great detai" in C$a%ter Fi*e# 1ote t$at a c$aracter $as to
$a*e a $and free to %unc$ or wrest"e someone#
Bn$orse
& mounted enemy can be knocked off $is steed by a number of met$ods# W$ene*er a
c$aracter is in danger of fa""ing off $is $orse $e must ro"" a successfu" riding %roficiency
c$eck 3or a sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation if $e doesn)t $a*e t$e riding %roficiency5 to
remain in t$e sadd"e# !f $e fai"s $e)s considered to be knocked down and is "ying %rone
on t$e ground#
Aome ways to un$orse a mounted c$aracter inc"ude:
7noc-down: Atriking a mounted c$aracter or t$e mount $ard enoug$ to create a
knockdown c$ance=
)ama&e: Atriking a mounted c$aracter for 8. or more $it %oints of damage=
*ull;Trip: -itting a mounted c$aracter or t$e mount itse"f wit$ a %u""Etri% attack=
Oerbearin&: Auccessfu""y gra%%"ing a mounted c$aracter wit$ an o*erbearing attack 3$e
may a"so be %u""ed down by "osing t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ c$eck to fig$t off t$e
o*erbearing attem%t5=
)ama&e to the Mount: Wounding a mount during t$e batt"e 3ki""ing t$e steed a"ways
un$orses a c$aracter no >uestions asked5#
Fig$ting Aty"es T$ere are a"most as many different ways of fig$ting as t$ere are
fig$ts# C*ery c$aracter and monster $as $is or $er fa*orite wea%on and %referred means
of attack# Fig$ting sty"es are genera" ways in w$ic$ a c$aracter can e>ui% $imse"f for a
fig$t and e+ecute $is attacks during t$e batt"e#
!f a c$aracter doesn)t know a fig$ting sty"e $e can "earn it at t$e cost of a
%roficiency s"ot# Warriors can actua""y s%ecia"ize in fig$ting sty"es to gain bonus attacks
or defenses= t$is is co*ered in C$a%ter Four#
Aing"e Wea%on
!n sing"e/wea%on sty"e t$e c$aracter wie"ds a one/$anded wea%on and "ea*es $is off/
$and em%ty# T$ere are some disad*antages to t$is sty"e in t$at t$e c$aracter is s$orting
$imse"f t$e %rotection of a s$ie"d or t$e e+tra offense of a secondary wea%on# -owe*er
sing"e/wea%on sty"e does "ea*e t$e c$aracter wit$ a $and free for using magica" items
grabbing or %unc$ing an o%%onent#
!f t$e sing"e/wea%on c$aracter makes an off/$and attack suc$ as a %unc$ or grab
$e)s considered to be fig$ting wit$ two wea%ons# -is %rimary wea%on suffers a L9
%ena"ty to attack ro""s and $is secondary attacks suffer a L; %ena"ty to $it# T$ese %ena"ties
are offset by t$e c$aracter)s reaction ad2ustment for $is 'e+terity score#
&"" %"ayer c$aracters regard"ess of c"ass know t$e sing"e/wea%on fig$ting sty"e#
Two/$anded Wea%on
T$e "argest and most damaging wea%ons a*ai"ab"e to DCs are usua""y two/$anded
wea%ons# ,b*ious"y a c$aracter wit$ a two/$anded wea%on is not going to be ab"e to use
a s$ie"d or a secondary wea%on but $e does $a*e a "ot of offensi*e ca%abi"ity#
Many two/$anded wea%ons are %o"earms and e+tended/range wea%ons t$at
%ro*ide t$e wie"der wit$ s%ecia" tactica" benefits in addition to t$eir raw damage
%otentia"# 1ote t$at a c$aracter doesn)t $a*e to use bot$ $ands 2ust to $o"d a two/$anded
wea%on= $e can $ang on to it wit$ one $and to free u% t$e ot$er for anot$er acti*ity but
$e can)t attack unti" $e gets bot$ $ands on t$e wea%on again#
Size and Two8handed Weapons
4enera""y a c$aracter can use a wea%on e>ua" to $is own size in one $and and a wea%on
one size "arger in two $ands# For e+am%"e a $a"f"ing 3size A5 can use a s$ort sword or
$and a+e in one $and since t$ey)re size A wea%ons but if $e used a broadsword 3size M5
$e)d $a*e to use it two/$anded and t$ere)s no way $e cou"d use a "ongbow or $a"berd#
One8 or Two8handed Weapons
Ae*era" wea%ons can be used as one/$anded or two/$anded wea%ons# T$ese inc"ude t$e
bastard sword $ar%oon 2a*e"in s%ear "ong s%ear and trident# T$ese wea%ons)
c$aracteristics c$ange w$en used two/$anded= refer to C$a%ter Ae*en#
One8handed Weapons used Two8handed
Ae*era" ot$er wea%ons are norma""y one/$anded wea%ons t$at can be used two/$anded if
t$e wie"der so desires# T$ere)s no %articu"ar reason to do t$is un"ess t$e c$aracter)s too
sma"" to wie"d t$e wea%on any ot$er way# T$ese wea%ons inc"ude t$e batt"ea+e c"ub
footman)s f"ai" $orseman)s f"ai" "ong sword footman)s mace $orseman)s mace morning
star footman)s %ick $orseman)s %ick and war$ammer#
Warriors %riests and mages norma""y know t$e two/$anded wea%on fig$ting
sty"e#
Wea%on and A$ie"d
,ne of t$e most common fig$ting sty"es in t$e &'&' game t$is sty"e %ro*ides t$e
c$aracter wit$ t$e defensi*e benefits of a s$ie"d and sti"" a""ows a decent offense# !n
addition to t$e &C benefit of t$e s$ie"d t$is sty"e a"so gi*es t$e c$aracter t$e attack
o%tions of s$ie"d/%unc$ and s$ie"d/rus$#
T$ere are two disad*antages to t$is sty"e: first t$e c$aracter is "imited to using a
sing"e one/$anded wea%on since $is ot$er $and $as t$e s$ie"d= second"y if $e wants to
>uick"y em%ty a $and $e $as to dro% $is wea%on# Most s$ie"ds are stra%%ed to t$e
c$aracter)s arm and take a fu"" round to remo*e#
Warriors and %riests norma""y know t$e wea%on and s$ie"d fig$ting sty"e#
Two Wea%on
1ot to be confused wit$ t$e two/$anded wea%on sty"e two wea%on sty"e uses a wea%on
in eac$ of t$e c$aracter)s $ands# T$e ad*antage of t$is is c"ear: t$e c$aracter eit$er $as
more attack %ower or can use t$e secondary wea%on defensi*e"y to b"ock incoming
b"ows# &not$er benefit "ies in t$e fact t$at e*en if t$e c$aracter "oses a wea%on $e)s sti""
armed#
T$e c$aracter can use any one/$anded wea%on in $is %rimary $and but $is
secondary wea%on must be a size sma""er t$an $is %rimary wea%on# Fni*es and daggers
can a"ways be used regard"ess of t$e %rimary wea%on)s size# T$e c$aracter suffers a L9
%ena"ty to attacks wit$ t$e %rimary wea%on and a L; to attacks wit$ t$e secondary
wea%on# T$is %ena"ty is offset by t$e c$aracter)s reaction ad2ustment for $ig$ 'e+terity#
1mportant +ote? W$i"e t$e c$aracter recei*es $is norma" number of attacks for
c"ass "e*e" and s%ecia"ization wit$ $is %rimary wea%on $e on"y recei*es one additiona"
attack wit$ $is secondary wea%on#
Warriors and rogues know two wea%on fig$ting sty"e#
Bnarmed
Aome c$aracters %refer to fig$t wit$ t$eir fists and feet instead of wea%ons and s$ie"ds#
4enera""y a c$aracter can make one wrest"ing or o*erbearing attack or two %unc$ing
attacks %er round# !f a c$aracter is using a wea%on in one $and $e can use $is second
$and for an additiona" attack 2ust "ike fig$ting in two/wea%on sty"e# -owe*er t$e bare/
$anded attack creates an attack of o%%ortunity for t$e defender if $e t$reatens t$e
attacker#
&"" c$aracters can %unc$ or wrest"e= it doesn)t e*en re>uire a wea%on %roficiency#
!t)s %ossib"e to s%ecia"ize in unarmed combat and become better at $and/to/$and fig$ting
7refer to C$a%ter Fi*e for more information#
Missi"e or T$rown Wea%on
Fig$ting wit$ missi"es or t$rown wea%ons is an e+ce""ent o%tion as "ong as you can kee%
your target at a range w$ere you can $it $im wit$out being $it# ,nce an enemy t$reatens
an arc$er or s"inger it)s a good idea to eit$er wit$draw or c$ange wea%ons#
?egard"ess of a c$aracter)s size using a bow crossbow s"ing b"owgun or firearm
at its norma" rate of fire re>uires bot$ $ands# Crossbows and firearms can be "oaded wit$
bot$ $ands and t$en aimed and fired in one $and if t$e attacker)s size is e>ua" to t$e
wea%on)s size or "arger# -owe*er $ea*y crossbows ar>uebuses ca"i*ers and muskets
suffer a L9 %ena"ty to t$e attack ro"" if aimed one/$anded#
Multiple /oaded Weapons
!f a c$aracter is ab"e to cock and "oad se*era" crossbows or ready se*era" firearms for
firing $e can get se*era" s$ots off *ery >uick"y# &s "ong as t$e c$aracter $as "oaded
wea%ons c"ose at $and $e can tri%"e $is norma" rate of fire# W$en $e runs out of "oaded
wea%ons $e)"" $a*e to resume firing at t$e norma" rate#
Thrown Weapons
Most t$rown wea%ons on"y re>uire one $and to use= t$ere)s no reason w$y a c$aracter
cou"dn)t carry a s$ie"d or a second wea%on in $is off/$and# & c$aracter can)t t$row
wea%ons and make a me"ee attack in t$e same round7$e $as to c$oose one or t$e ot$er#
Aize M or "arger t$rown wea%ons can be used in con2unction wit$ a c$arge attack#
T$e c$aracter %erforms $is c$arge as norma" but $e %u""s u% s$ort of $is target by 8. to
9. feet and uses $is momentum to add to t$e 2a*e"in or a+e t$row# T$is attack confers t$e
mo*ement and R9 attack bonus of a c$arge but t$e attacker suffers t$e c$arge %ena"ties
too#
Wea%on/A%ecific Aty"es
Many s%ecia"ized fig$ting sty"es and wea%on combinations $a*e de*e"o%ed o*er t$e
$istory of %ersona" combat# Aome e+am%"es of t$ese s%ecia" cases inc"ude t$e net and
trident matc$ed sai nunc$aku or fig$ting sticks and t$e ra%ier and main/gauc$e#
T$e e+act benefits of eac$ wea%on/s%ecific sty"e are described in C$a%ter Four#
4enera""y t$ese efficient wea%on %airings tend to offset t$e %ena"ties of fig$ting in two/
wea%on sty"e or %ro*ide e+tra defense w$en used toget$er#
'ue"ing W$en two ski""ed fig$ters meet in %ersona" combat t$eir contest runs far
dee%er t$an sim%"e attacks b"ocks or tra%s# !f a bo+er dodges to $is "eft w$en $is
o%%onent t$rows a rig$t 2ab or ducks w$en $is o%%onent t$rows a body %unc$ $e)s at a
distinct disad*antage# T$e same t$ing can $a%%en in a me"ee between two armed
combatants#
T$e subt"e %atterns of attack and defense create tem%orary ad*antages or
disad*antages for c$aracters in*o"*ed in a due"# Gea%ing o*er a "ow a+e swee% is a great
way to a*oid getting $it # # # but w$at if you guessed wrong and your o%%onent aimed
$ig$< T$is section %resents an o%tiona" set of ru"es for reso"*ing due"s between ski""ed
warriors#
W$at)s & 'ue"<
For our %ur%oses a due" is any fig$t t$at takes %"ace between a DC and one $umanoid
enemy armed wit$ a wea%on of some kind# !t doesn)t begin t$oug$ unti" t$e two
combatants $a*e actua""y engaged in me"ee# 'on)t begin using t$ese ru"es inc"uding t$e
s%ecia" initiati*e system be"ow unti" t$is $a%%ens#
4enera""y it)s not wort$ t$e e+tra time and effort to use t$e due"ing ru"es un"ess
t$e enemy is c"ose to t$e DC)s own ski"" "e*e"= if t$e $ero can c"ean t$e *i""ain)s c"ock
wit$in a round or two don)t bot$er to use t$ese ru"es#
'ue"s are best sa*ed for confrontations wit$ ma2or 1DC *i""ains# !f more t$an one
c$aracter or creature is engaged on eit$er side t$e fig$t doesn)t count as a due" anymore=
t$e subt"eties of attack and defense are >uick"y "ost w$en se*era" combatants become
in*o"*ed# T$e 'M $as t$e aut$ority to dec"are t$at a due" $as turned into a norma" me"ee
w$ene*er $e sees fit#
!nitiati*e
!n a due" initiati*e works different"y t$an it does in a norma" me"ee# ?o"" initiati*e
norma""y at t$e beginning of t$e fig$t but disregard any critica" e*ents7t$is is a contest
of ski"" not "uck# T$e c$aracter t$at wins initiati*e is ca""ed t$e attacker and $is o%%onent
becomes t$e defender#
&fter t$e first round due"s don)t $a*e initiati*e ro""s# !nstead t$e attacker retains
t$e initiati*e unti" one of t$e fo""owing e*ents occurs:
-e c$ooses a combat action t$at does not re>uire an attack ro"" in a round=
T$e defender disarms or tra%s t$e attacker)s %rimary wea%on=
T$e attacker is knocked down or forced to retreat by t$e defender=
T$e defender o*erbears tri%s or ot$erwise gra%%"es t$e attacker#
W$en t$e initiati*e s$ifts t$e effects are immediate7if an attacker "oses t$e
initiati*e in t$e fast %$ase $is o%%onent is considered to $a*e t$e iniati*e in t$e a*erage
s"ow and *ery s"ow %$ases of t$at same round as we"" as t$e fo""owing round 3or at "east
unti" t$e new attacker "oses t$e initiati*e#5
T$e 'ue"ing D"ot
6efore a due" begins bot$ of t$e %artici%ants s$ou"d $a*e a co%y of t$e due"ing %"ot
3%ro*ided on t$e o%%osite %age for you to %$otoco%y5# T$ere are two basic %arts to t$e
diagram: t$e %ositioning symbo"s and t$e attack and defense "ists#
&t t$e beginning of eac$ round of a due" t$e attacker and defender bot$ secret"y
c$oose t$eir strategies of attack defense and %osition# T$e attack and defense forms are
re%resented by numbers on a concea"ed die= t$e attack form uses a d89 and t$e defense a
dO# T$e "ists on t$e due"ing %"ot indicate w$ic$ forms are a*ai"ab"e and w$at effects and
ad2ustments a%%"y# T$e %osition symbo"s are used to indicate $ow t$e due"ist mo*es
de$ensively in t$e round#
To set u% a maneu*er eac$ %"ayer first takes t$e defensi*e die 3t$e dO5 and
c$ooses a defense form t$en %ositions it in t$e s%ace desired# 1e+t an attack form is
se"ected on t$e attack die 3t$e d895# 1ote t$at not a"" attack forms are a""owed wit$ e*ery
defensi*e maneu*er# T$e numbers in t$e %osition s%aces indicate w$ic$ attack c$oices are
*a"id wit$ t$at kind of defensi*e mo*ement# &fter a"" it)s %retty $ard to %erform a c"ose
attack on someone w$en you)re "ea%ing back# Fina""y t$e attack die is %ositioned w$ere
t$e due"ist antici%ates $is o%%onent wi"" go#
&ttacking in t$e ?ig$t A%ot
&ntici%ating w$ere your o%%onent wi"" go is an im%ortant %art of t$e due"# !f you a%%"y
your attack to t$e e+act %oint t$at your o%%onent is mo*ing defensi*e"y your due"ist
gains a R9 bonus to t$e attack ro""# For e*ery direction 3stationary forward or backward
"eft or rig$t5 and e*ery "e*e" 3"ow midd"e $ig$5 t$at you are off a 9/%oint %ena"ty is
a%%"ied#
%or e&ample! <"sebio is involved in a d"el 'ith his archnemesis! Dari"s the
Dastardly( <"sebio's player secretly chooses to step to the le$t and per$orm a de$ensive
bloc# mane"ver( :t the same time! <"sebio 'ill per$orm a normal attac#! anticipating
that Dari"s 'ill leap bac#(
Dari"s! ho'ever! decides to t"mble $or'ard! ma#ing a normal de$ense and a
normal attac#( 2ince <"sebio g"essed incorrectly t'o direction places 7$rom bac# to
stationary! stationary to $or'ard9 and t'o levels 7high to medi"m! medi"m to lo'9! he
'ill s"$$er a ;5 penalty to his attac# roll 7he starts 'ith a 6, bon"s! b"t loses $o"r ,0point
penalties $or the $o"r displacements9(
?eading an ,%%onent)s Mo*e
&fter bot$ c$aracters $a*e set t$eir attack %attern but before t$ey are re*ea"ed one
due"ist can attem%t to :read: t$e ot$er)s mo*es# T$e due"ists make an o%%osed
!nte""igence c$eck# W$ic$e*er due"ist wins $as %icked u% on some te"egra%$ed mo*e by
$is o%%onent# !f neit$er due"ist makes a successfu" c$eck no %attern reading occurs#
&"ternati*e"y t$e due"ist w$o $o"ds initiati*e automatica""y gets to make a :read#:
!n eit$er case t$e winner gets to ask about one as%ect of $is o%%onent)s %attern#
-e may c$oose to ask w$at kind of attack is coming w$at kind of defense is being used
or t$e %osition of $is o%%onent)s defense# ,nce t$is is done t$e due"ist w$o $as made t$e
read may ad2ust one as%ect of $is own %attern according"y# !f $e c$ooses to c$ange t$e
%osition of $is attack t$en $e may on"y ad2ust it by one s%ace eit$er directiona""y or by
one "e*e"#
Contin"ing o"r e&ample! <"sebio 'ins an opposed 1ntelligence chec# and
/"estions Dari"s's player on the direction Dari"s intends to move de$ensively( =pon
seeing ho' badly he miscalc"lated! <"sebio decides to adE"st his attac# $rom a leap bac#
to a bac#pedal! red"cing his penalty $rom a ;5 to a ;.( :lternatively! he co"ld have
chosen to change his attac# style to a 'ild s'ing! gaining a 6- bon"s to hit! b"t his $inal
penalty 'o"ld have been at ;)(
Mo*ing t$e Figures
&fter t$e %atterns are estab"is$ed and read combat is conducted as %er t$e combat system
in C$a%ter ,ne# !f a figure must c"ose to make an attack t$e figures are mo*ed
according"y# &t t$e end of t$e round t$e %"ayers must mo*e t$eir figures on t$e board one
s%ace in t$e direction t$ey c$ose as t$eir defensi*e %ositioning# !n ot$er words if a
due"ist tumb"ed forward t$at figure mo*es forward one s%ace#
!f for some reason t$e two figures end u% in t$e same s>uare an o%%osed Atrengt$
c$eck is made to see w$o gains t$e s>uare and w$o is %us$ed back a s>uare# T$e
combatant w$o wins t$e s>uare a"ways %us$es $is foe in t$e o%%osite direction from
w$ere t$e winner came in#
C$oice of 'efense
T$ere are si+ different defenses t$at a due"ing c$aracter can c$oose from w$en bui"ding
$is attack %attern for t$e round# T$e defenses are:
8 'one: T$e c$aracter c$ooses to use a standard defense not uti"izing any
unusua"
maneu*ers#
9 Weapon Bloc-: T$e c$aracter a""ocates an attack for t$e b"ock maneu*er
using a
wea%on to catc$ one of $is o%%onent)s attacks#
3 )efensie Trap: T$e c$aracter a""ocates an attack to %erform t$e tra%
maneu*er#
T$e tra% itse"f can be %erformed wit$ a %rimary or secondary wea%on or
e*en a
s$ie"d#
; )efensie )isarm: T$e c$aracter a""ocates an attack to %erform a
defensi*e
disarm#
K Shield Bloc-: T$e c$aracter a""ocates an attack for t$e b"ock maneu*er
using a
s$ie"d to catc$ one of $is o%%onent)s attacks#
O *arry: T$e c$aracter c$ooses t$e combat action %arry making no attacks
t$is
round# Darrying %ro*ides t$e c$aracter wit$ a bonus to $is &C e>ua" to 8E9
$is
"e*e" or 8E9 $is "e*e" %"us one if $e is a warrior#
C$oice of &ttack
'ue"ists can a"so c$oose one of twe"*e ty%es of attack:
9 'ormal $ttac-: T$e due"ist uses no unusua" maneu*ers sim%"y
attem%ting to
"and a norma" b"ow wit$ $er wea%on#
3 Shield *unch: T$e due"ist a""ocates one of $er attacks to %erforming a
s$ie"d
%unc$#
= Sap: T$e due"ist attem%ts to use $er attack to knock $er o%%onent
unconscious#
> *ull;trip: T$e due"ist tries to use $er wea%on to $ook or snare $er
o%%onent)s "egs
and %u"" $im off $is feet# A$e must a""ocate an attack for t$is o%tion#
5 Offensie )isarm: T$e c$aracter a""ocates an attack to t$e offensi*e
disarm
o%tion#
? Feint: T$e c$aracter tries to draw out $er o%%onent by faking an attack in
one
"ocation and t$en attacking somew$ere e"se# T$e feint is %articu"ar"y
effecti*e
against ri%ostes and disarms and t$erefore %ro*ides a R8 bonus against
t$ose ty%es
of attacks#
@ Outside $ttac-: T$e c$aracter tries to attack around $er o%%onent)s guard
striking
to t$e side of a s$ie"d or at a s"iding o%%onent# T$is maneu*er offers a R8
bonus
against a s$ie"d b"ock or a s"ide %osition# F"ai"s are a"so *ery good for t$is
and get a
R8 attack bonus abo*e and beyond any ot$er bonuses for t$is maneu*er#
A .iposte: T$e c$aracter waits for $er o%%onent to "aunc$ an attack and
e+%ose a
weakness and t$en s$e strikes in return# & c$aracter w$o ri%ostes must
wait unti"
after $er o%%onent $as attacked before s$e can make $er own attack in t$at
round#
-owe*er t$e ri%oste maneu*er offers a R8 bonus to $it against smas$es
wi"d
swings and outside attacks#
94 Smash: !t)s not e"egant but beating down a weaker c$aracter)s defenses is
a
"egitimate tactic in a fig$t# T$is ty%e of maneu*er offers a R8 bonus to $it
*ersus
b"ocks and %arrys#
99 Close $ttac-: T$e due"ist tries to get inside $er o%%onent)s guard and
attack at
c"ose range# T$is maneu*er %ro*ides a R8 bonus against o%%onents wit$
"arger
wea%ons but it cannot be used if t$e c$aracter)s own wea%on size is "arger
t$an $er
o%%onent)s#
93 Wild Swin&: Foregoing a"" t$oug$t of defense t$e c$aracter tries to make
as many
attacks as %ossib"e by raining a fusi""ade of b"ows on $er o%%onent# Wi"d
swings
gain a R8 bonus to attacks against norma" defenses#
Cnding a 'ue"
'ue"s don)t $a*e to be foug$t to t$e deat$= in fact t$ere are "ots of *i""ains and monsters
t$at wou"d rat$er not get ki""ed if it)s %ossib"e to surrender and "i*e# Aome ot$er common
conditions for due"s inc"ude fig$ting to first b"ood fig$ting unti" someone is wounded
3usua""y 9KU or K.U "oss of $it %oints5 fig$ting unti" disarmed or knocked down and
any number of ot$er a"ternati*es# !n socia" confrontations t$e area)s cu"ture may $a*e
due"ing traditions t$at define t$e norma" forms of combat and *ictory#
For e+am%"e in 1orse cu"tures due"s mig$t be reso"*ed in a holmgang or is"and/
going= t$e two %arties in*o"*ed meet on a sma"" is"and wit$ no seconds or bystanders
and on"y one is %ermitted to return# ,t$er due"s may be considered o*er w$en t$e b"ood
of one of t$e fig$ters stains a w$ite s$eet on w$ic$ t$ey fig$t or w$en an im%artia" 2udge
ru"es t$at one c$aracter or t$e ot$er $as been defeated#
-eroic Frays T$e most $eroic and ins%irationa" stories of batt"e are about t$e stand of t$e
few against t$e many# T$e "egend of ?o"and $o"ding t$e %ass of ?onces*a""es or 'a*y
Crockett at t$e &"amo or To"kien)s ta"e of t$e Fe""ows$i% standing against t$e orcs of
Moria in 6a"in)s tomb7t$ese stories "i*e fore*er in t$e imaginations of %eo%"e
e*eryw$ere#
!n a $eroic fray t$e DCs are fig$ting against $ordes of indi*idua""y weak monsters
suc$ as gob"ins kobo"ds or giant rats# Warriors facing ad*ersaries far "ess ski""fu" t$an
t$emse"*es can doub"e t$eir norma" rate of attack# T$is on"y a%%"ies to t$eir %rimary
wea%on= if t$e c$aracter is fig$ting wit$ a wea%on in eac$ $and t$e secondary wea%on
sti"" adds on"y one additiona" attack %er round# &ny attacks of o%%ortunity t$e $eroic
warrior recei*es must be counted off against t$ese additiona" attacks $owe*er#
!n addition warriors gain one e+tra attack %er round w$ic$ may be used to
%erform a s$ie"d/%unc$ s$ie"d/rus$ unarmed %unc$ or kick or grab maneu*er against
any o%%onent t$at t$ey t$reaten w$en t$ey begin reso"*ing t$eir attacks for t$e round#
T$e norma" %ena"ties for t$ese attacks don)t a%%"y so t$e s$ie"d maneu*ers don)t cost t$e
warrior $is &C bonus and t$e unarmed maneu*ers don)t %ro*oke attacks of o%%ortunity#
C$aracters can on"y engage in a $eroic fray against creatures of 8L8 -it 'ice or
"ess or creatures w$ose -it 'ice or "e*e"s are 8. "ess t$an t$e $ero)s# & 89t$/"e*e" fig$ter
can dec"are a $eroic fray against monsters of u% to 9 -' a 83t$/"e*e" fig$ter can stand
against 3/-' monsters and so on#
T$e ot$er re>uirement of a $eroic fray is numbers# T$e $ero)s side must be
outnumbered by t$e enemy for t$e warrior to gain $is e+tra attacks# !f t$ere are fewer
monsters "eft t$an attacks a*ai"ab"e t$e e+cess attacks are "ost#
C$a%ter T$ree:
T$e 6att"efie"d
For t$ousands of years c"imate and terrain $a*e %"ayed critica" ro"es in t$e de*e"o%ment
of mi"itary tactics and t$e e*o"ution of t$e batt"e# !n f"at o%en "ands ca*a"ry became t$e
dominant force on t$e batt"efie"d because t$e terrain fa*ored mobi"ity# 6ut e*en t$e best
$orsemen "ose most of t$eir mobi"ity in $ea*y forest swam% or rugged mountains# T$e
commander w$o "earns to use t$e terrain to $is ad*antage becomes a formidab"e enemy#
!n many &'&' games t$e batt"efie"d itse"f is often ignored or %ortrayed in a
co"or"ess abstract manner# T$is c$a%ter e+%"ores t$e *arious ty%es of batt"efie"ds and
t$eir c$aracteristics wit$ two goa"s in mind: creating more scenic and *isua" sites for
your DCs) $eroic encounters and %ro*iding %"ayers and 'ungeon Masters wit$ anot$er
"e*e" of batt"efie"d detai" to reward >uick t$inking and sound tactics#
T$e first section of t$is c$a%ter Battle$ields discusses sites common to
ad*enturers in ro"e/%"aying situations and defines batt"efie"d c$aracteristics and terrain#
Aettings ranging from ice %"ains to tro%ica" 2ung"es are a"" inc"uded# T$e second %art of
t$is c$a%ter t$e Battle$ield Generation 2ystem %ro*ides t$e 'M wit$ an easy way to
>uick"y create a com%"ete batt"efie"d for any encounter# T$e "ast %art of t$is c$a%ter is
Combat =nder =n"s"al Conditions and dea"s wit$ a *ariety of strange situations#
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign< C*en if you are not using t$e Player's Option
combat system %resented in C$a%ter ,ne you)"" sti"" find t$at most of t$e materia" in t$is
c$a%ter can be usefu" in any &'&' cam%aign# T$e information on mo*ement co*er and
encounter ranges can go a "ong way toward making your batt"es more *isua" and e+citing#
@our %"ayers wi"" a"so en2oy t$e new tactica" o%%ortunities 3and %rob"ems5 t$is c$a%ter
%resents#
6att"efie"ds C*ery fig$t t$e %"ayer c$aracters %artici%ate in $as to $a%%en somew$ere#
'efining t$e setting for an encounter may %ro*ide %"ayers wit$ ideas for ways to use t$e
terrain against t$eir enemies or %resent t$e 'M wit$ an o%%ortunity to make an
encounter toug$er by gi*ing t$e monsters t$e same o%%ortunities#
T$e Four 6asic 6att"efie"ds
!n most fantasy ro"e/%"aying games batt"es tend to take %"ace in one of four
en*ironments: a dungeon or ca*e a town or bui"ding a cast"e or fortification or outside#
T$ere are e+ce%tions of course but most batt"es occur in one of t$ese en*ironments#
T$e 'M can %re%are four basic batt"e ma%s to re%resent eac$ one of t$ese areas
and t$en modify t$e ma% for t$e %articu"ar detai"s of eac$ new batt"e# For e+am%"e TA?)s
Dragon 2tri#e( game inc"udes ma%s of a town a meadow a dungeon and a ca*e7wit$
a "itt"e work t$e 'M cou"d use t$ese generic ma%s to $and"e a"most any fig$t#
)un&eons or Caes
T$ere are t$ree basic %rob"ems wit$ fig$ting in a dungeon or ca*e: first t$e fig$t usua""y
takes %"ace in a confined area= second "ig$ting may be a critica" issue for c$aracters w$o
don)t $a*e infra*ision= and "ast but not "east t$e monsters usua""y know t$eir own $omes
we""# Bnfortunate"y most DCs end u% going into dungeons or ca*es to confront monsters
in t$eir "airs#
,*era"" dungeons or ca*es may be t$e most dangerous %"aces to $a*e a fig$t# T$e
"ig$ting is %oor t$e footing is >uestionab"e and t$ere are a"" kinds of %ossibi"ities for
tra%s and ambus$es# T$e cram%ed >uarters e"iminate a"" but t$e most rudimentary c$oices
of tactics and strategy#
W$en %re%aring a dungeon batt"e for t$e DCs t$e 'M s$ou"d note t$e
c$aracteristics of t$e area in ad*ance# Iust about anyt$ing can "i*e in a dungeon and
a"most any kind of furniture or obstac"es can be found t$ere#
Town or Buildin&
Fig$ting inside bui"dings or in t$e streets of a town is a"most as risky as fig$ting inside a
dungeon# &mbus$ "urks around e*ery corner and at times it may be $ard to distinguis$
between enemies and bystanders# Many town fig$ts in*o"*e t$ie*es or cutt$roats w$o
know t$eir turf far better t$an t$e DCs w$o are often *isitors#
T$e biggest consideration in a fig$t in a ci*i"ized area is t$e %ossibi"ity of $e"% or
interference from t$e "oca" watc$ or nosy bystanders# Bn"ess t$e DCs are wi""ing to acce%t
a %rice on t$eir $eads t$ey)"" want to coo%erate wit$ t$e "oca" constabu"ary# T$e 'M
s$ou"d make a %oint of %re%aring for t$e arri*a" of t$e watc$ since it)s "ike"y t$at
someone wi"" ca"" for $e"% before too "ong#
Outside
6att"efie"ds in t$e great outdoors range from feature"ess to im%assab"e de%ending on t$e
terrain and ground co*er# From t$e 'M)s %oint of *iew an outside batt"e is a difficu"t one
to run since t$ere aren)t many ma%s of forests or $i""sides around# & second consideration
is t$e %ossibi"ity of "ong/range combat t$at becomes a me"ee forcing a c$ange of sca"e#
T$e batt"efie"d generation system in t$e ne+t section of t$is c$a%ter dea"s wit$
batt"efie"ds in a"" kinds of terrain# Bsing t$is system t$e 'M can random"y create a
detai"ed batt"efie"d in no time at a""#
Castles or Fortifications
!t doesn)t take a genius to rea"ize t$at storming a cast"e or fort of some kind is dangerous
and b"oody work# T$e defenders $a*e t$e ad*antage of fu"" co*er and dead"y tra%s or
de*ices to make s$ort work of attackers# C*en $ig$/"e*e" c$aracters s$ou"d t$ink twice
before entering t$e ki""ing zones of a we""/designed gate$ouse or kee%#
&s wit$ dungeons or bui"dings t$e 'M s$ou"d %re%are accurate and detai"ed
ma%s wit$ notes about co*er and tra% "ocations before t$e gaming session# T$is wi""
sa*e a "ot of time during t$e game and e"iminate t$e $a"f/$our %auses in t$e game w$i"e
t$e 'M sets u% t$e fig$t#
6att"efie"d C$aracteristics
T$e c$aracteristics of a batt"efie"d can often c$ange t$e nature of an encounter by "imiting
mo*ement *isibi"ity or missi"e fire# For e+am%"e c$arging is im%ossib"e in waist/dee%
water and arc$ery is ineffecti*e in dense forest# 6att"efie"ds are described wit$ si+
genera" c$aracteristics: encounter range "ines of fire co*er footing obstac"es and
materia"s or $azards t$at can be found t$ere#
%ncounter .an&e
T$is is t$e distance at w$ic$ one grou% sig$ts anot$er grou%# T$e encounter range is
go*erned by t$e ground co*er and terrain= ob*ious"y it)s muc$ $arder to sneak u% on
someone on a f"at %"ain t$an it is in $ea*y forest# Tactica" encounter ranges are found in
C$a%ter ,ne under Opening the Battle#
T$ese ranges may seem *ery s$ort but kee% in mind t$e fact t$at t$ese distances
assume t$at bot$ %arties are trying to a*oid being s%otted# !f one side or t$e ot$er doesn)t
care about being seen it)s fair to doub"e or tri%"e t$e "isted encounter ranges#
1ote t$at encounter range is a"ways t$e s$ortest of two ranges: t$e *isibi"ity from
t$e surrounding terrain and t$e *isibi"ity from t$e ambient "ig$t# & c$aracter may be ab"e
to see for mi"es on an o%en %"ain in day"ig$t but on a moon"ess nig$t t$at o%en "and is
fair"y we"" $idden# ,n a dark nig$t in t$e forest %eo%"e can %ass wit$in fi*e feet of a
%atient enemy wit$out knowing t$at $e)s t$ere#
/ines of Fire
T$is is re"ated to encounter range since terrain ty%es t$at "imit *isibi"ity a"so restrict
missi"e fire# & batt"efie"d)s "ines of fire are described as clear! impaired or severely
impaired# C"ear "ines of fire are easy: t$e batt"efie"d $as no effects on missi"e fire#
!m%aired "ines of fire $a*e no effect on missi"e fire wit$in t$e terrain)s minimum
encounter distance= for e+am%"e "ig$t forest $as an encounter range of ;dO s>uares so
t$e first ; s>uares of any missi"e fire are unaffected# &fter t$is minimum distance targets
are treated as if t$ey $ad one ste% of $ard co*er more t$an t$ey actua""y do= a target in t$e
o%en actua""y $as 9KU co*er 9KU co*ered targets are bum%ed u% to K.U and so on# T$is
is because "ow branc$es or trees are obscuring t$e "ine of fire#
Ae*ere"y im%aired "ines of fire $a*e no effect on fire wit$in t$e terrain)s minimum
encounter range simi"ar to im%aired "ines of fire abo*e# !n se*ere"y im%aired "ines of
fire t$e ma+imum range of any missi"e fire is reduced to t$ree times t$e minimum
encounter range and a"" targets in t$is area gain two "e*e"s of co*er#
Coer and Concealment
Most batt"efie"ds offer a fair amount of co*er or concea"ment# T$is tends to be re"ated to
encounter range and "ines of fire# Co*er is sim%"y described as a*ai"ab"e or una*ai"ab"e= if
t$ere is co*er %resent its range from t$e c$aracter "ooking for co*er is noted#
Footin&
T$e ground)s mo*ement c$aracteristics can $a*e a drastic effect on t$e course of a batt"e#
T$is is referred to as footing# Footing is brief"y described in C$a%ter ,ne= t$e terrain
descri%tions t$at fo""ow t$is section go into more detai" on t$e footing for eac$ ty%e of
batt"efie"d#
T$e %rinci%a" effect of %oor footing is to "imit mo*ement to a fraction of norma"#
& c$aracter wit$ a norma" mo*ement rate of 9 w$o is in $ea*y brus$ is "imited to a MH
of 3# T$e c$aracter)s fu""/mo*e and $a"f/mo*e combat actions are a"" affected by t$is
"imitation#
Obstacles
&ssuming t$at t$e basic batt"efie"d is a f"at barren %"ain obstac"es are anyt$ing t$at
interru%t a c$aracter)s mo*ement or %ro*ide co*er against missi"e fire# T$ey inc"ude
streams %onds bogs trees t$ickets dunes or drifts s"o%es or b"uffs bou"ders bui"dings
or wa""s#
&s noted abo*e obstac"es $a*e two basic effects: "imiting mo*ement and
%ro*iding co*er# For e+am%"e most c$aracters $a*e to go around a tree trunk and can
stand be$ind it to use it for co*er# !f an obstac"e 2ust "imits mo*ement instead of b"ocking
it com%"ete"y it can usua""y be crossed or c"imbed at t$e cost of a $a"f/mo*e for t$e
c$aracter#
!nusual Materials or #azards
T$is "ast category is a catc$/a"" for items t$at 2ust can)t be described abo*e# Aome
batt"efie"ds may $a*e t$e makings for s%ears "assoes or s"ings 2ust "ying around# ,t$er
batt"efie"ds may $a*e s%ecia" $azards suc$ as fires >uicksand or water dee% enoug$ to
drown in#
Terrain Ty%es T$e fo""owing "ist of terrain ty%es is not meant to be e+$austi*e= a book
t$is size cou"d be fi""ed wit$ descri%tions of to%ogra%$y and ground co*er for e*ery
concei*ab"e batt"efie"d# !f you don)t see somet$ing to matc$ w$at you want %ick
somet$ing c"ose and a%%ro+imate#
6ad"ands
6ad"ands are rocky wastes or broken terrain wit$ 2agged escar%ments dee% gu"c$es and
"itt"e %"ant co*er# T$e 6"ack -i""s of Aout$ 'akota and %arts of t$e western Bnited Atates
fa"" into t$is category# ?ugged knife/edged $i""s tend to "imit *ision and confine t$e fig$t
to a sma"" area#
%ncounter .an&e: 8.dN s>uares 3K.L;.. feet5
/ines of Fire: C"ear
Coer: ?andom $ard co*er a*ai"ab"e wit$in 8dO s>uares of any c$aracter#
Footin&: ?ocky s"o%es reduce mo*ement by 9E3= c$aracters can mo*e norma""y if t$ey
a*oid c"imbing or descending $i""s#
Obstacles: 'ee% gu"c$es and bou"ders#
!nusual: ?ocks for s"ings are $andy e*eryw$ere# Fa""ing down a rocky s"o%e is
dangerous7if a c$aracter s"i%s is knocked down or fai"s a 'e+terity c$eck w$i"e
descending a s"o%e $e ro""s 8.L;. feet 38d;V8.5 and suffers 8d; damage %er 8. feet
fa""en#
Ca*es
&d*enturers seem to find fig$ts in ca*es a"" t$e time# & ty%ica" ca*e is sma"" twisted and
dark wit$ une*en f"oors and $anging sta"actites and s$ar% sta"agmites# !f t$e batt"e is
taking %"ace in a co"ossa" ca*ern it)s better to consider it an o%en fie"d or $i""side under
tota" darkness#
%ncounter .an&e: 6y range of *isibi"ity#
/ines of fire: !m%aired#
Coer: -ard co*er is a*ai"ab"e wit$in 8d3 s%aces of any c$aracter#
Footin&: Aome ca*e f"oors may be muddy or s"ick but genera""y footing is okay#
Obstacles: ?ock formations and cre*asses#
!nusual: !f t$e "ig$ts go out ca*es are %itc$ b"ack# Fig$ting in tota" darkness gi*es t$e
attacker a L; %ena"ty on attack ro""s and a random c$ance of attacking anyone engaged
wit$ $im inc"uding friends#
Ata"agmites can skewer an unfortunate c$aracter w$o fa""s on one= any c$aracter
w$o is tri%%ed or knocked down $as a 8 in 8. c$ance of fa""ing on a sta"agmite# T$e
sta"agmite :attacks: wit$ a T-&C. of 8K and inf"icts 9d8. %oints of damage if it $its# &
successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation for $a"f damage a%%"ies#
'esert
T$is is t$e c"assic sandy desert of motion %icture fame# Most deserts are actua""y dry
rocky areas t$at are more "ike bad"ands or %"ains# T$e great dunes of a sandy desert tend
to restrict *ision and s"ow mo*ement#
%ncounter .an&e: Gongest missi"e range#
/ines of Fire: C"ear#
Coer: &*ai"ab"e by "ying be$ind a dune crest but none ot$erwise#
Footin&: C"imbing a dune face reduces a c$aracter to 8E3 mo*ement#
Obstacles: 'unes b"ock "ines of sig$t and may s$orten t$e encounter range# 'unes range
from a cou%"e of feet to se*era" $undred feet in $eig$t and may stretc$ for mi"es#
!nusual: 1ot$ing of note#
Fie"ds or Farm"and
Hast areas of ci*i"ized nations are farm"and# Bsua""y cu"ti*ated fie"ds indicate a
sett"ement $omestead or *i""age wit$in a mi"e or two# !n "ate summer and autumn fu""/
grown cro%s suc$ as corn or w$eat may be ta""er t$an a $uman and %ro*ide e+ce""ent
concea"ment#
%ncounter .an&e: WinterEs%ring: "ong missi"e range# Aummer or wi"d fie"ds: 8.dO
s>uares 3K.L3.. feet5= autumn: KdO s>uares 39KL8K. feet5#
/ines of Fire: C"ear#
Coer: 1one# Concea"ment is a*ai"ab"e in summer or fa"" by "ying down#
Footin&: C+ce""ent no %ena"ties#
Obstacles: 1one#
!nusual: 1ot$ing of note#
Forest -ea*y or Iung"e
T$is is dark dense forest wit$ $ea*y undergrowt$ and c"ose"y s%aced trees# T$e t$ick
growt$ se*ere"y "imits *isibi"ity and it is *ery easy to b"under into an enemy wit$out e*er
knowing $e was t$ere# T$e &%%a"ac$ian forests and t$e Dacific 1ort$west are good
e+am%"es of $ea*y forest#
%ncounter .an&e: 9dO s>uares 38.LO. feet5
/ines of Fire: Ae*ere"y im%aired#
Coer: -ard co*er wit$in 8d3 s>uares of any c$aracter= concea"ment wit$in 8d3L8
s>uares of any c$aracter#
Footin&: -ea*y undergrowt$ and c"ose/set trees reduce a"" mo*ement by 8E3#
Obstacles: Trees and t$ickets#
!nusual: & ready su%%"y of branc$es can %ro*ide c"ubs or s$ar%ened stakes in no time at
a""# !n some forests $ea*y *ines can be used for snares or "assoes#
!t)s dangerous to ride at $ig$ s%eed in a forest= t$e rider of any mount mo*ing at a
run or ga""o% $as a 8 in O c$ance %er turn of being struck by a branc$# T$e rider must ro""
a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation or be un$orsed suffering 8dO %oints of damage
in t$e %rocess#
'ense forests se*ere"y restrict f"ying creatures of Aize G or bigger# Auc$ monsters
must "and in a c"ear area and a%%roac$ t$eir %rey on t$e ground since t$ere is not enoug$
s%ace between t$e trees to unfur" t$eir wings#
Forest Gig$t
T$e %rinci%a" difference between $ea*y forest and "ig$t forest is t$e amount of
underbrus$# Gig$t forests $a*e muc$ "ess brus$ to obstruct mo*ement on t$e ground and
tend to be muc$ airier and brig$ter# Ama"" stands of trees co%ses or orc$ards can a"" be
considered "ig$t forest#
T$e ground "e*e" of a true rain forest can a"so be considered "ig$t forest since
t$ere is "itt"e underbrus$ and t$e trees are s%aced a fair distance a%art# T$e cano%y "e*e"s
mig$t be considered t$ickets or dense forest#
%ncounter .an&e: ;dO s>uares 39.L89. feet5
/ines of Fire: !m%aired#
Coer: -ard co*er a*ai"ab"e wit$in 8dO s>uares of any c$aracter= concea"ment a*ai"ab"e
wit$in 8d; s>uares#
Footin&: 1orma"#
Obstacles: Trees#
!nusual: Aee $ea*y forest#
-i""s
Most $i""s are considered to be %art of anot$er terrain# For e+am%"e gent"e ro""ing $i""s
are %"ains forests or farm"ands7t$eir ground co*er is t$eir most im%ortant
c$aracteristic# T$is category actua""y refers to rugged foot$i""s or $ig$"ands wit$ "ig$t or
no forestation# Garge areas of t$e &%%a"ac$ian mountains t$e Acottis$ -ig$"ands and t$e
foot$i""s of t$e &"%s fa"" into t$is category#
%ncounter .an&e: 'etermined by t$e "e*e" of forestation 3$ea*y "ig$t or none#5
/ines of Fire: 'etermined by t$e "e*e" of forestation#
Coer: 'etermined by t$e forestation but in $i""s wit$ no trees $ard co*er is sti""
a*ai"ab"e wit$in 9d8. s%aces of any c$aracter#
Footin&: C$aracters mo*ing u%$i"" are s"owed to 9E3 or 8E3 mo*ement de%ending on t$e
se*erity of t$e grade# T$e forestation may "imit mo*ement e*en if t$e grade isn)t too bad#
C$aracters w$o s"i% or fa"" w$i"e mo*ing down$i"" must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s#
deat$ or ro"" 8.L;. feet 38d;+8.5 suffering 8d; damage %er 8. feet fa""en#
Obstacles: 6ou"ders escar%ments and ra*ines or gu"c$es#
!nusual: C$aracters fig$ting wit$ a $eig$t ad*antage 3i#e# attacking from u%$i""5 gain a
R8 bonus to t$eir attack ro""s# Most $i""s are good %"aces to find rocks for s"ingstones#
Mars$
Mars$es aren)t swam%s= mars$es are bogs or wet"ands wit$out trees# T$e ground is
treac$erous and care"ess ad*enturers can easi"y become "ost or mired in mud# Mars$es
may be f"at but ta"" stands of reeds can ser*e as e+ce""ent concea"ment and c$aracters
w$o don)t mind getting wet can a"ways go to ground to stay out of sig$t#
%ncounter .an&e: ;d89 s>uares 39.L9;. feet5
/ines of Fire: C"ear#
Coer: 1one# & c$aracter can find concea"ment wit$in 9dO s>uares be$ind reeds or in
s$a""ow %onds or creeks#
Footin&: !n knee/dee% water c$aracters mo*e at 9E3 t$eir norma" rate# !n waist/dee%
water t$ey mo*e at 8E9 t$eir norma" rate# !n s$ou"der/dee% water mo*ement is reduced
to 8E3 norma"#
Obstacles: Donds creeks and streams#
!nusual: C$aracters gra%%"ing in water waist/dee% or dee%er can try to drown t$eir
o%%onent if t$ey ac$ie*e a $o"d on $im# T$e *ictim is considered to begin $o"ding $is
breat$ on t$e round in w$ic$ $is attacker got $is wrest"ing $o"d and may begin to drown
as described in t$e Player's Handboo# C$a%ter 8;: Time and Mo*ement under -o"ding
@our 6reat$#
1ote t$at c$aracters rendered unconscious by an attack may a"so be in danger of
drowning if t$ey fa"" into water of any de%t$#
Mountains
6att"es on actua" mountainsides are rare# T$is ty%e of terrain re%resents $ig$ %asses
canyon/wa""s dee% *a""eys $ig$ snowfie"ds and windswe%t %eaks# !f t$e fig$t takes
%"ace be"ow t$e tree"ine consider t$e terrain to be $i""s forest or fie"ds#
%ncounter .an&e: Gong missi"e range#
/ines of Fire: C"ear#
Coer: -ard co*er is usua""y a*ai"ab"e wit$in 3d8. s>uares of a c$aracter but it may take
mountaineering ski""s to get to it#
Footin&: C$aracters mo*ing u%$i"" or down$i"" are reduced to 8E3 norma" mo*ement or
%ossib"y sto%%ed a"toget$er de%ending on t$e grade# !f no norma" mo*ement is %ossib"e
c$aracters may decide to c"imb instead#
Obstacles: 6ou"ders ice or snow c"iffs dangerous s"o%es#
!nusual: C$aracters w$o s"i% or fa"" w$i"e c"imbing or mo*ing down$i"" must ro"" a
succcessfu" sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ or fa"" 8.LO. feet 38dO+8.5 suffering 8dO %oints of
damage %er 8. feet fa""en# Mountainsides usua""y $a*e a %"entifu" su%%"y of rocks of a""
sizes#
D"ains
,%en %"ains are a tactician)s greatest c$a""enge# Wit$out any c"ear ad*antage to be gained
from contro"ing a terrain feature batt"es become contests of maneu*er and ski""# &ny
commander can stand off a su%erior enemy force in roug$ terrain but it takes a genius to
defeat t$e same force on o%en ground# D"ains inc"ude sa*anna$s dry ste%%es and some
grassy deserts as we"" as &merican Midwest/sty"e %rairie#
%ncounter .an&e: Gong missi"e range# & Man/sized creature can be s%otted as far as
8... yards away on "e*e" %"ains#
/ines of Fire: C"ear#
Coer: 1one#
Footin&: 1orma"#
Obstacles: T$e random stream gu"c$ or stand of trees#
!nusual: 1ot$ing of note#
A$i%s
!n many &'&' cam%aigns s$i%s and boats are t$e fastest way to tra*e" "ong distances#
Many kingdoms re"y e+tensi*e"y on sea trade and are %"agued by %irates or %ri*ateers#
1atura""y ad*enturers tend to get in*o"*ed in %rob"ems "ike t$is# Fig$ting on a s$i% first
assumes t$at t$e attacker can catc$ and board $is %rey#
%ncounter .an&e: 6e"owdecks encounter range is "imited by t$e range of *ision#
&bo*edecks e*eryt$ing is in range for an encounter# A$i%s can s%ot ot$er s$i%s as far as
8.L8K mi"es away de%ending on t$eir size and t$e %re*ai"ing *isibi"ity#
/ines of Fire: !m%aired#
Coer: Masts deck$ouses water/kegs and gunw$a"es can a"" function as $ard co*er#
&bo*edecks any c$aracter is wit$in 8d; s>uares of $ard co*er#
Footin&: 1orma"# C"imbing around in rigging is a different matter t$oug$#
Obstacles: Masts sai"s deck cargo and o%en $atc$es can obstruct mo*ement#
!nusual: T$e sai"s and masts of a s$i% are known as its rigging# Mo*ing around in t$e
rigging is treated "ike c"imbing but t$ere are a"ways ro%es or "adders $andy# !f a c$aracter
in t$e rigging s"i%s or is knocked down $e may fa"" to t$e deck or t$e sea#
Awam%
Awam%s are "ike mars$es but $a*e trees and t$ickets# Most of a swam%)s trees can be
found on is"ands of so"id ground but many ot$ers 3suc$ as cy%resses5 can t$ri*e in t$e
water# T$e Gouisiana bayou t$e 4reat 'isma" Awam% of Hirginia and %ortions of t$e
C*erg"ades are good e+am%"es of swam%s#
%ncounter .an&e: 9dO s>uares 38.LO. feet5
/ines of Fire: !m%aired#
Coer: -ard co*er is a*ai"ab"e wit$in 8dO s>uares of any c$aracter# Concea"ment is
a*ai"ab"e anyw$ere by going to ground#
Footin&: !n knee/dee% water c$aracters mo*e at 9E3 t$eir norma" rate# !n waist/dee%
water t$ey mo*e at 8E9 t$eir norma" rate# !n s$ou"der/dee% water mo*ement is reduced
to 8E3 norma"#
Obstacles: Trees t$ickets bogs creeks %onds >uicksand#
!nusual: Aee Mars$es# !n addition swam%s usua""y $a*e wood or *ines $andy w$ic$
can be used to make im%ro*ised wea%ons#
Ta*erns
!t seems to be t$e fate of ad*enturers e*eryw$ere to get into braw"s and scra%es of t$e
nastiest sort in a"e$ouses and common rooms# T$e ty%ica" indoors fig$t is a dangerous
and b"oody affair com%"icated by t$e %resence of bystanders and t$e %ossib"e
inter*ention of t$e town watc$#
%ncounter .an&e: 6y "imit of *isibi"ity# 1atura""y you can)t fig$t wit$ someone w$o
isn)t in t$e room#
/ines of Fire: Bsua""y im%aired#
Coer: Tab"es benc$es and furniture can a"" be used for $ard co*er#
Footin&: 1orma"#
Obstacles: Furniture#
!nusual: C$airs mugs bott"es and ot$er ta*ern accessories can a"" be used as c"ubs or
ot$er wea%ons#
Town Atreets
!f t$e DCs aren)t getting into barroom braw"s t$ey)re %robab"y fig$ting in t$e a""eys or
streets rig$t outside# Most medie*a" towns $ad *ery c"ose/s%aced bui"dings wit$ dark
winding streets#
%ncounter .an&e: 9dO s>uares 38.LO. feet5
/ines of Fire: Bsua""y c"ear#
Coer: -ard co*er is a*ai"ab"e wit$in 8dO s>uares of any c$aracter#
Footin&: 1orma"#
Obstacles: Carts wagons *endor)s sta""s %assers/by bui"dings#
!nusual: Wa""s and gate$ouses often "imited mo*ement between sections of a town#
T$ese areas cou"d be used as strong%oints by a defending force# &"most any kind of
wea%on materia"s may be c"ose at $and in a ty%ica" town street#
4enerating a 6att"efie"d Aince t$e Player's Option combat system re"ies on a figure)s
%ositioning and facing any batt"efie"d t$e 'M creates s$ou"d s$ow obstac"es and terrain
features in t$e e+act s>uares t$ey occu%y# T$e fo""owing section describes a >uick
batt"efie"d generation system t$at t$e 'M can use w$en $e doesn)t $a*e t$e time or
forewarning to %re%are a detai"ed batt"efie"d before t$e %"ayer c$aracters get into a fig$t#
T$is system s$ou"d not re%"ace o"d/fas$ioned %re%aration for an ad*enture# !f you
know t$at t$e %"ayers are "ike"y to encounter a tro"" ambus$ in a mountain %ass make
some notes about t$e setting of t$e batt"e before t$e ad*enture begins# &ny staged
encounters in bui"dings s$ou"d be described too# !f you take t$e time to draw a good
dungeon ma% t$e ma% can be co%ied to a "arger size for use wit$ t$e Player's Option
combat system wit$out too muc$ troub"e#
T$e on"y times you s$ou"d $a*e to create a batt"efie"d from scratc$ are w$en you
don)t e+%ect a fig$t to occur suc$ as w$en t$e DCs run into a random encounter w$i"e
tra*e"ing cross/country or %ick a fig$t wit$ someone t$ey were 2ust su%%osed to ta"k to#
Aa*e yourse"f t$e troub"e of creating a batt"efie"d if it is fair"y ob*ious t$at t$e encounter
won)t "ead to a fig$t or if it seems "ike"y t$at t$e actua" fig$t wi"" be *ery s$ort#
Ate% ,ne: Aca"e
-ere)s a ti% for sa*ing time: don)t make a batt"efie"d bigger t$an it $as to be# T$ere)s no
%oint in ma%%ing e*ery street of a town if you)re confident t$at you can contain t$e batt"e
in one dark a""eyway# ?efer to t$e encounter ranges "isted for t$e *arious terrain ty%es in
t$e %re*ious section= you %robab"y don)t need to make t$e batt"efie"d bigger t$an about
89KU to 8K.U of t$e ma+imum encounter range# For e+am%"e in "ig$t forest t$e
encounter range is ;dO s>uares# T$e ma+imum encounter range is 9; s>uares so you)""
want a batt"efie"d about 3. to 3K s>uares across# !f t$e encounter is taking %"ace indoors
it)s not necessary to ma% out more t$an t$e room t$e DCs are fig$ting in#
Ate% Two: To%ogra%$y
Take your batt"efie"d and di*ide it into nine sections "ike a tic/tac/toe board# T$e "ay of
t$e "and may %"ace some %arts of t$e batt"efie"d $ig$er t$an t$e ot$er %arts# Cac$ of t$ese
nine sections is assigned a $eig$t re"ati*e to t$e ot$ers= from t$ese different $eig$ts
you)"" deri*e t$e s"o%es of your batt"efie"d# 3!f t$is is an indoors fig$t ignore t$is ste%#5
First determine t$e base to%ogra%$y for your batt"efie"d: f"at $i""y or broken#
Mars$es swam%s %"ains and some fie"ds and forests are f"at= $i""s deserts and most
ot$er fie"ds and forests are $i""y= and bad"ands ca*es some deserts and mountains are
broken#
Flat
1o s"o%es or e"e*ations wort$ noting# @ou)re done wit$ t$is ste%#
#illy
?o"" a dO for eac$ section of t$e batt"efie"d= on a 8 t$at section is e"e*ated 9. feet abo*e
t$e rest of t$e batt"efie"d and a"" ad2acent sections are e"e*ated 8. feet abo*e t$e base
$eig$t# ,n a ro"" of 9 t$at section is e"e*ated 8. feet abo*e t$e base $eig$t#
Bro-en
?o"" a dO for eac$ section of t$e batt"efie"d= on a 8 t$at section is e"e*ated 9. feet but
ad2acent areas aren)t e"e*ated as t$ey are in $i""y terrain# ,n a 9 or 3 t$at section is
e"e*ated 8. feet#
A"o%es and Cscar%ments
-i""s are surrounded by s"o%es# Cac$ 8. feet of e"e*ation re>uires a s"o%e of two to four
s>uares to surround it# 'raw a $i""to% of t$ree to ten s>uares at t$e mid%oint of eac$
e"e*ated area and t$en circ"e t$e $i""to% wit$ a ring of s"o%ing s>uares#
6roken areas may be surrounded by s"o%es or escar%ments# &ny side of an
e"e*ated area $as a K.U c$ance of being eit$er a s"o%e or an escar%ment# !f it is a s"o%e
draw it as described abo*e# !f it is an escar%ment consider it to be one s>uare wide#
Ate% T$ree: 4round Co*er and Water
1ow take eac$ section of t$e ma% and determine $ow dense t$e ground co*er is in t$at
area# T$e categories are c"ear 3C5 t$ickets or bramb"es 3T5 "ig$t woods 3G5 and $ea*y
woods 3-5# ?o"" a dO for eac$ area and consu"t t$e c$art be"ow:
9 3 = > B 5
Gig$t Woods C C T G G -
-ea*y Woods C T G - - -
Awam% C C T T G G
-i""s C C C C T G
D"ains C C C C C T
Clear
1o ground co*er in t$at section of t$e batt"efie"d#
Thic-ets
6ramb"es or t$ickets co*er t$at section of t$e batt"efie"d# T$ickets tend to be in c"um%s=
take about two/t$irds of t$e s>uares in t$at area and mark a cou%"e of bramb"e %atc$es#
/i&ht Woods
Gig$t forest is %re*a"ent in t$at area of t$e batt"efie"d# Trees are about t$ree s>uares away
from eac$ ot$er= mark trees in about one/>uarter of t$e s>uares in t$at section#
#eay Woods
-ea*y woods are "ike "ig$t woods but t$e trees are c"oser toget$er# Mark trees in about
one/t$ird to one/$a"f of t$e s>uares in t$at area about one to two s>uares away from eac$
ot$er#
Atanding water or bogs can be $and"ed in muc$ t$e same way as ground co*er#
Cac$ section of a mars$ swam% fie"d or %"ain may be c"ear 3C5 or it may $a*e a %ond
3D5 bog 365 or stream 3A5 in it# ?o"" 8dO for eac$ nint$ of t$e ma%:
9 3 = > B 5
Mars$ C A 6 6 D D
Awam% C A 6 6 6 D
Fie"d C C C C A D
D"ain C C C C C A
Clear
1o water in t$at region#
Bo&
&bout one/$a"f of t$e area in >uestion is a soft muddy bog# 6ogs are usua""y knee/dee%
to s$ou"der/dee% water wit$ "ots of *egetation mud and debris# 6ogs tend to be one
"arge bog and not many sma""er bogs so mark on"y one or two distinct bogs %er area of
t$e ma%# !f two ad2acent areas $a*e a bog t$ey mig$t be one "arger bog# Consider
connecting t$em toget$er#
Stream
Most streams are on"y one or two s>uares wide and range from knee/dee% to s$ou"der/
dee%# Atreams don)t usua""y a%%ear and disa%%ear wit$out a body of water to f"ow into or
out of so make sure t$at t$e stream s>uares form a continuous "ine and go somew$ere if
at a"" %ossib"e#
*ond
&bout t$ree/>uarters to a"" of t$e area is under water# Donds are usua""y knee/dee% or
waist/dee% near t$e edges but can be 8. or 8K feet dee% in t$e midd"e#
Ate% Four: ,bstac"es
6att"efie"ds are often "ittered wit$ obstac"es and obstructions# T$ey %ro*ide co*er "imit
mo*ement and occasiona""y endanger t$e %eo%"e fig$ting around t$em# T$e 'M s$ou"d
arbitrari"y scatter a $andfu" of obstac"es of $is c$oice o*er t$e ma%# ,bstac"es inc"ude:
4u"c$es ra*ines or ditc$es 3any terrain e+ce%t mars$ or swam%5
6ou"ders 3$i""s mountains bad"ands5
?ockfa""s 3$i""s mountains bad"ands5
'eadfa""s 3forests swam%5
Fences eart$works or bui"dings 3any ci*i"ized area5
Ate% Fi*e: Dutting !t &"" Toget$er
@our batt"efie"d s$ou"d now be com%"ete# C$ances are you $a*e some defensib"e terrain
and some o%en areas t$at in*ite attack# 1ow t$e 'M s$ou"d decide w$ere eac$ force
starts# !f one side sur%rises t$e ot$er t$e sur%rised fe""ows $a*e to set u% first and t$e
sur%rising force gets to set u% around t$em# !f one side was stationary or defending t$ey
set u% a"ong one random"y/determined ma% edge and t$e attackers set u% o%%osite t$em#
!f bot$ forces were mo*ing ro"" random"y to see w$ic$ edge of t$e ma%board
eac$ force was coming from# T$ey can enter t$e encounter area from ad2acent sides of t$e
batt"e ma% but not from t$e same side# !f t$e %"ayers $a*e a set marc$ing order t$e 'M
can insist t$at t$ey set u% t$eir figures according"y# ,r if t$e circumstances dictate $e
can a""ow t$em to %"ace t$eir figures w$ere*er t$ey see fit#
D"ease note t$at t$e sim%"e creation of a batt"efie"d does not guarantee a more
e+citing and interesting encounter7t$e 'M $as to reward c$aracters w$o use t$eir $eads
by making use of t$e terrain and %resent t$e %arty wit$ enemies w$o do t$e same# C*en a
grizz"ed %arty of ad*enturers s$ou"d t$ink twice before going u% a rocky $i""side against a
band of orcs w$o can see t$em coming#
Fig$ting in Bnusua" Conditions Aince ad*entures are notorious"y un%redictab"e a
sur%rising number of batt"es take %"ace in t$e most incon*enient %"aces# D"ayer c$aracters
tend to get into fig$ts w$i"e $anging on t$e side of a c"iff swimming in subterranean
"akes or w$i"e *enturing into fantastic %"anes of e+istence# Gast but not "east many
magica" s%e""s can create strange effects# T$is ne+t section addresses t$e most common of
t$ese unusua" conditions#
Gimited Hisibi"ity
Fig$ting at nig$t or in dark settings is difficu"t7es%ecia""y if your foe can see better t$an
you can# &s noted in t$e DMG c$aracters fig$ting in darkness or $ea*y fog suffer
%ena"ties to t$eir attack ro""s damage bonuses and &rmor C"asses#
Moonli&ht or Moderate Fo& or .ain
C$aracters suffer a L8 %ena"ty to attack ro""s and sa*ing t$rows# Aince not$ing can be
seen more t$an 8.. yards 3O. s>uares5 away s%e"" and missi"e ranges are "imited= no
missi"e sca"e combat can take %"ace in an encounter#
Starli&ht or )ense Fo& or #eay .ain
C$aracters suffer a L3 to attack ro""s and sa*ing t$rows a L9 %ena"ty to &C and on"y get
8E9 t$eir norma" damage bonus for e+ce%tiona" Atrengt$# 1ot$ing can be seen more t$an
K. yards away 38. yards for dense fog or c"oudy moon"ess nig$ts5 so s%e"" and missi"e
ranges are *ery "imited#
Total )ar-ness
C$aracters suffer a L; %ena"ty to attacks sa*es and &C and recei*e no damage bonus for
e+ce%tiona" strengt$# 1o s%ecia" attacks suc$ as disarms backstabs or tra%s are a""owed
7t$e c$aracter can)t see $is own wea%on "et a"one $is target#
Water
Bnderwater combat is described in some detai" in t$e DMG# -ere)s a >uick reminder of
some of t$e difficu"ties of underwater combat#
Weapon .estrictions
,n"y ty%e D wea%ons can be used effecti*e"y underwater= t$e water offers too muc$
resistance to use any ot$er kind of wea%on e+ce%t nets#
<ision
Bnder t$e best of circumstances c$aracters can see no more t$an 8.. feet underwater 3K.
feet in fres$ water#5 For eac$ 8. feet t$ey descend t$is range of *ision is reduced by 8.
feet= if a c$aracter is 3. feet underneat$ t$e surface of a "ake $e can on"y see 9. feet# !f it
is dark outside or t$e water is muddy t$is cou"d be reduced e*en more#
Moement
C$aracters mo*ing about underwater $a*e to swim# Aee Awimming under C$a%ter 8;:
Time and Mo*ement in t$e Player's Handboo##
C$aracters w$o are on"y wading are muc$ "ess affected# Wading in knee/dee%
water reduces mo*ement by 8E3# Wading in waist/dee% water reduces mo*ement by 8E9
and adds a one/%$ase initiati*e %ena"ty to any action t$e c$aracter takes# Wading in
s$ou"der/dee% water reduces mo*ement by 9E3 adds a two/%$ase %ena"ty and causes t$e
c$aracter to "ose any 'e+terity ad2ustment to $is &rmor C"ass 3a"t$oug$ it does %ro*ide
co*er against someone firing missi"es at t$e c$aracter5#
Fi&htin& !nderwater Monsters From the Surface
!t)s a"ways great fun w$en a wading c$aracter gets attacked by some a>uatic $orror#
W$en a c$aracter fig$ts against somet$ing t$at uses water for co*er s"as$ing and
b"udgeoning wea%ons are use"ess# ,n"y ty%e D wea%ons can be used to attack underwater
creatures and t$ere is a L9 %ena"ty to $it# T$e wading c$aracter a"so "oses any 'e+terity
ad2ustment to &C w$en attacked from beneat$ t$e surface#
C"imbing
C"iffs and mountainto%s are anot$er awkward %"ace for a fig$t# &d*enturers seem to be
drawn to t$e worst "ocations imaginab"e for t$eir $eroic batt"es and often find t$emse"*es
under attack w$i"e t$ey)re c"inging to a *ertica" wa"" of rock#
Moement
C"imbing c$aracters norma""y mo*e 8 foot %er round for eac$ %oint of norma" mo*ement#
& dwarf wit$ an ad2usted mo*ement rate of K can c"imb K feet %er round in good
conditions# ?efer to C"imbing under C$a%ter 8;: Time and Mo*ement in t$e Player's
Handboo##
Fi&htin&
C"imbing c$aracters "ose a"" &C bonuses for 'e+terity and s$ie"d and may $a*e rear
attack modifiers a%%"ied against t$em# T$ey $a*e a L9 %ena"ty to attack damage and
sa*ing t$row ro""s# !f a c$aracter is abo*e $is enemy $e gains a R9 bonus on $is attack
ro""s= if $e is beneat$ $is enemy $e suffers an additiona" L9 %ena"ty#
&ny time a c$aracter is struck w$i"e c"imbing s$e must make a c"imbing c$eck
detai"ed in C$a%ter 8;: Time and Mo*ement in t$e PHB# 1ote: you can use a defau"t
c$eck of 3.U in good conditions#
Fi&htin& Flyin& Creatures
Cncountering angry giant eag"es w$i"e c"inging to a c"iff is usua""y no fun at a""# Bn"ess
t$ey can $o*er f"ying monsters can on"y make one %ass e*ery ot$er round to attack
c"imbing c$aracters# !f t$e DCs are facing t$e c"iff 3most c"imbers $a*e to5 t$e f"ying
creatures get t$e benefit of rear attacks# !nte""igent f"yers may try to use t$eir ta"ons to
drag a c"imber off t$e c"iff= treat t$is as a grab attack# T$is forces a c"imbing c$eck and
e*en if t$e c$aracter succeeds $e sti"" must win t$e Atrengt$ contest to stay on t$e c"iff
side#
&eria" Combat
&eria" combat is described at "engt$ in C$a%ter 9: Combat under t$e o%tiona" ru"e &eria"
Combat in t$e D"ngeon Master G"ide# -ere)s t$e gist of $ow t$ese ru"es work in t$e
Player's Option combat system#
(nitiatie
T$e more maneu*erab"e f"yer gains a L8 bonus to its initiati*e ro"" for eac$ "e*e" of
difference in Maneu*erabi"ity C"ass between itse"f and its o%%onent# Creatures at $ome in
t$e air $a*e an easier time fig$ting w$i"e airborne#
Threatenin&
1o aeria" combatant t$reatens any ad2acent creatures# Combat in t$e air 2ust doesn)t work
t$at way= batt"es tend to take t$e form of 2oust/"ike %asses at eac$ ot$er#
Moement
&"" f"iers wit$ a MC of 6 or worse must dec"are a $a"f/mo*e action e*ery round 2ust to
stay in t$e air# C"ass 6 f"iers can $o*er in %osition but f"iers wit$ a MC of C or worse
must mo*e forward in t$is $a"f/mo*e to stay a"oft# T$is re>uirement to kee% mo*ing
means t$at a c"ass C f"ier can make an attack against a stationary target once %er two
rounds a c"ass ' f"ier once %er t$ree rounds and a c"ass C f"ier once %er si+ rounds#
4aining a %oint of a"titude costs an additiona" mo*ement %oint= a f"ier wit$ a
mo*e of 8N cou"d mo*e 9 s>uares forward and 9 s>uares u% wit$ a fu""/mo*e action#
'i*ing a""ows t$e f"ier to add one %oint of free mo*ement for eac$ %oint of a"titude it
dro%s so t$e f"ier wit$ t$e 8N mo*ement cou"d mo*e 3O s>uares in a fu""/mo*e di*e# ,f
course it a"so $as to dro% 8N %oints of a"titude 39. feet5 to do t$is#
$ttac-s from Below
Creatures attacking from beneat$ an o%%onent cannot c$arge but t$ey may be in a b"ind
s%ot# T$e defender can re%"y wit$ an attack on"y if it $as natura" wea%ons or its rider is
e>ui%%ed wit$ a size G wea%on suc$ as a "ance#
$ttac-s from $boe
Creatures attacking from abo*e may dec"are a c$arge by di*ing at t$eir *ictims# Gances
s%ears and a f"ier)s natura" ta"ons or c"aws inf"ict doub"e damage in a di*e attack# !n
addition t$e defender may not be ab"e to re%"y to t$e attack if its on"y natura" wea%ons
are ta"ons or $oo*es#
!nseatin& a .ider
C$aracters riding a f"ying mount can be :un$orsed: 2ust "ike c$aracters on t$e ground# !f
t$e c$aracter is stra%%ed into $is sadd"e 3a wise %recaution5 $e is sim%"y knocked off/
ba"ance in $is seat and suffers t$e same %ena"ties as if $e $ad actua""y been knocked
down on t$e ground7$e is easier to $it and $as to s%end an action getting back in $is
seat#
1atura""y if a c$aracter is not stra%%ed in $e risks t$e damage of a fa"" if $e is
unseated by any means#
Combat on ,t$er D"anes
&"most any conditions imaginab"e may be encountered in t$e *arious %"anes of e+istence#
T$e D"anesca%e cam%aign setting describes t$e genera" conditions of t$e *arious ,uter
and !nner D"anes but fig$ts are a"so "ike"y to occur in two ot$er settings: t$e &stra" and
t$e Ct$erea" D"anes#
$stral Combat
,n t$e &stra" D"ane a creature)s tactica" mo*ement is based on its !nte""igence score# !ts
mo*e becomes 3. feet 3O s>uares5 %er %oint of !nte""igence# !n addition !nte""igence
re%"aces Atengt$ for %ur%oses of determining attack and damage ad2ustments and
Wisdom re%"aces 'e+terity for &C ad2ustments and missi"e fire# &"" missi"e ranges are
doub"ed but non/nati*e c$aracters suffer a L9 %ena"ty to $it wit$ missi"e attacks#
T$ere are *ery few obstructions in t$e &stra" D"ane and t$e encounter range is
norma""y twice t$e "ongest missi"e range# Aince t$is is most "ike"y a great distance astra"
combat s$ou"d be run in missi"e sca"e# Fig$ting in t$e &stra" is "ike aeria" combat=
creatures do not t$reaten eac$ ot$er and can mo*e in t$ree dimensions#
!f a c$aracter)s astra" se"f is ki""ed s$e immediate"y returns to $er %$ysica" body
wit$ on"y 8 $it %oint# !f t$e c$aracter is ki""ed w$i"e %$ysica""y on t$e %"ane s$e is dead#
%thereal Combat
Ct$erea" creatures mo*e at t$eir norma" unencumbered rate regard"ess of t$eir e>ui%ment
and armor# Bn"ike t$e &stra" D"ane t$e Ct$erea" is a swir"ing mass of misty %roto/matter
t$at obscures *ision= t$e Cncounter ?ange is 8.L;. s>uares 3K.L9.. feet5# Missi"es tend
to be s"owed by t$e misty matter and s$ots of medium range or "onger 2ust sto% and $ang
in t$e air#
!f a c$aracter is in t$e 6order Ct$erea" s$e can sti"" %ercei*e t$e s$adowy out"ines
of t$e %"ane s$e 2ust "eft# A$e can mo*e t$roug$ any ob2ects or creatures wit$out
im%ediment# ,f course s$e is unab"e to affect t$ings on t$e %"ane s$e is *iewing but s$e
can on"y be affected by t$e magica" gazes of a *ery "imited number of monsters#
T$e Cffects of Magic on t$e 6att"efie"d 1eed"ess to say t$e one t$ing t$at breaks
a"" t$e ru"es on a batt"efie"d is magic# A%e""s and magica" items can create a"most any
condition imaginab"e ranging from t$e mere"y annoying to t$e tru"y catastro%$ic# We
cou"d s%end most of t$is book describing t$e e+act effect of eac$ and e*ery s%e"" and
magica" item in t$e game system but t$is wou"dn)t be *ery %ractica"# !nstead we)""
discuss t$e most common effects t$at may gi*e 'Ms troub"e#
Wizard A%e""s
T$e most %owerfu" and effecti*e s%e""s in t$e &'&' game are found in t$e $ands of
wizards# !n fantasy ro"e/%"aying wizards often dominate batt"efie"ds "ike $ea*y arti""ery
or airstrikes in modern warfare# Cntire batt"es often $inge on one c$aracter)s c$oice of
s%e""s and t$e enemy)s attem%ts to down t$e wizard before $e wreaks $a*oc on t$em#
Blink
T$e s%e"" blin# works s"ig$t"y different"y in t$e Player's Option combat system# ?o"" 8dO=
on a 8 t$e wizard b"inks in t$e *ery fast %$ase on a 9 fast on a 3 or ; a*erage on a K
s"ow and on a O *ery s"ow# T$e wizard)s b"ink a"ways occurs first in t$e %$ase before
any ot$er actions are reso"*ed#
Darkness, 15' Radius
Creatures outside t$e area of darkness cannot trace a "ine of fire t$roug$ t$e darkness to a
target on t$e ot$er side# Creatures mo*ing in tota" darkness are reduced to 8E3 t$eir
norma" mo*e un"ess t$ey wis$ to risk stumb"ing
Enlarge
& c$aracter w$o grows to eig$t feet in $eig$t becomes size Garge= a c$aracter w$o grows
to 89 feet in $eig$t becomes size -uge# T$is affects reac$ t$reatening and mo*ing
t$roug$ sma""er figures= see C$a%ter ,ne# Hery "arge monsters can be made sma""er by
a%%"ying t$e re*erse of t$is s%e""#
Fog Cloud
&s wit$ dar#ness magica" fog b"ocks any "ines of fire# Creatures b"undering t$roug$ t$e
fog can easi"y be ambus$ed by enemies waiting for t$em to come into t$e o%en= t$e 'M
can insist on sur%rise c$ecks if $e deems it a%%ro%riate#
Hallucinatory errain
T$is s%e"" is *ery dangerous w$en used to concea" $azardous areas# !f t$e *ictims do not
%ercei*e t$e i""usion t$ey fa"" %rey to w$ate*er $azards t$e terrain $o"ds# For e+am%"e
creatures w$o run down a $i""side be"ie*ing it to be "e*e" ground recei*e no 'e+terity
c$eck or sa*ing t$row to kee% t$eir ba"ance= t$ey automatica""y fa"" and ro"" or s"ide to t$e
bottom of t$e $i""#
Haste
Creatures under t$e inf"uence of a haste s%e"" increase t$eir base initiati*e and wea%on
s%eeds by two %$ases and a"ways win initiati*e# T$eir mo*ement rates are doub"ed and
t$ey gain a second set of attacks in t$e *ery s"ow %$ase#
!n"isi#ility
T$e best t$ing to do wit$ an in*isb"e c$aracter or monster in a fig$t is to secret"y note its
"ocation eac$ round and %$ysica""y remo*e t$e figure from t$e board# 'o yourse"f a fa*or
and don)t run combats wit$ in*isb"e figures on bot$ sides#
$u%p
T$e creature em%owered by t$is s%e"" can actua""y "ea% o*er Man/sized targets wit$out
%ro*oking an attack of o%%ortunity# !n addition if t$e 2um%er wins initiati*e $e can make
a $a"f/mo*e action to "ea% away after $e attacks an ad2acent figure w$et$er or not $e is
t$reatened by $is enemy#
Pyrotec&nics
T$e smoke effect of t$is s%e"" b"ocks "ines of sig$t and $inders missi"e fire 2ust "ike
magica" mists or fogs#
'&ocking (rasp
&t t$e 'M)s o%tion creatures in meta" armor may be considered &C 8. *ersus t$e
wizard)s touc$# ,n"y 'e+terity and magica" ad2ustments a%%"y#
'lo)
Creatures affected by a slo' s%e"" automatica""y "ose initiati*e and reduce t$eir base
initiati*e and wea%on s%eeds by two %$ases# &s noted in t$e s%e"" descri%tion t$eir
mo*ement rates and attack rates are $a"*ed#
Driest A%e""s
Few %riest s%e""s in t$e Player's Handboo# t$at do not du%"icate wizard)s s%e""s actua""y
affect t$e batt"efie"d to any significant degree# -owe*er t$e Tome of Magic inc"udes a
number of %riest s%e""s in t$e s%$ere of war designed for t$e batt"efie"d#
*ir +alk
Creatures affected by an air 'al# s%e"" mo*e and fig$t as if t$ey were on so"id ground as
o%%osed to engaging in true aeria" combat# T$ey t$reaten s>uares in front of t$em and can
guard against t$e attacks of ot$er f"ying creatures gaining t$e ad*antages of t$at combat
action#
O#scure%ent
Gike magica" fog obscurement b"ocks "ines of sig$t t$roug$ t$e affected area screening
creatures in or be$ind t$e mists from most missi"e attacks#
Magica" !tems
T$ere are $undreds of magica" items t$at can create *arious effects on t$e batt"efie"d# T$e
e+act resu"ts of a magica" item)s use are "eft to t$e 'M)s discretion but $ere are some
genera" guide"ines on some s%ecific items# !n cases w$ere a magica" item du%"icates a
s%e"" effect refer t$e s%e"" sections#
Potion o, (ro)t&
C$aracters may easi"y c$ange size by imbibing a potion o$ gro'th= t$ey gain t$e
ad*antages of e+tended reac$ and size bonuses in o*erbearing or o*erruns as norma" for
monsters of t$at size#
Potion o, !n"ulnera#ility
T$e imbiber can sti"" be knocked down gra%%"ed or o*erborne by creatures $e is
ot$erwise immune to#
*pparatus o, -)alis&
T$e mec$anica" c"aw attacks of t$e a%%aratus act in t$e s"ow %$ase of initiati*e#
Boots o, 'peed
T$e &rmor C"ass bonus a%%"ies w$en t$e c$aracter c$ooses a $a"f/mo*e or fu""/mo*e
combat action# 4oing toe/to/toe in a me"ee doesn)t a""ow t$e wearer of t$e boots to take
ad*antage of t$eir defensi*e %ro%erties a"t$oug$ $e can a"ways use t$e e+tra mo*ement#
Boots o, 'triding and 'pringing
!f t$e wearer strikes before $is enemy because of a better action s%eed or because $e won
initiati*e $e may s%ring away as described in t$e DMG wit$out %ro*oking an attack of
o%%ortunity# T$e R8 &C bonus a%%"ies a"" t$e time e*en w$en t$e user is mired in a
stationary s"ugging matc$#
Cross#o) o, *ccuracy
&"t$oug$ t$e wea%on treats a"" s$ots as s$ort range it sti"" $as medium and "ong ranges
for %ur%oses of armor %enetration# Aee crossbows in C$a%ter Ae*en: Wea%ons and &rmor#
'ci%itar o, 'peed
T$e scimitar o$ speed is *ery fast and its wie"der a"ways wins initiati*e if $e dec"ares a
combat action t$at in*o"*es an attack wit$ t$e wea%on#
'&ort ')ord o, .uickness
Aee scimitar o$ speed abo*e# !f two suc$ wea%ons are in*o"*ed in a sing"e batt"e t$eir
strikes are considered to be simu"taneous#
')ord o, '&arpness
T$e magica" %ro%erties of sharpness o*erride t$e norma" critica" $it %rocedure# !t is sti""
%ossib"e to ac$ie*e a norma" critica" $it by ro""ing an 8N or 89 e*en if it doesn)t >uite
acti*ate t$e sharpness %ro%erties# !f a "imb is se*ered consider t$e in2ury to be a critica"
one of t$e a%%ro%riate sort7C$a%ter Ai+ detai"s t$e un%"easant effects of "osing "imbs#
/orpal ')ord
&s wit$ t$e s'ord o$ sharpness t$e %ro%erties of a vorpal blade o*erride t$e critica" $it
%rocedure# !f t$e wie"der ro""s an 8N or $ig$er t$at meets t$e criteria for a critica" $it
wit$out in*oking t$e *or%a" %ower a norma" critica" $it resu"ts#
C$a%ter Four:
Wea%on A%ecia"ization & Mastery
!n a des%erate batt"e t$e on"y t$ing t$at stands between a bra*e $ero and a gris"y end is
$is ski"" wit$ b"ade or s$ie"d# Aki"" at %ersona" combat is a *a"uab"e commodity in a
fantasy setting= it)s $ard to imagine Conan meeting $is better at sword%"ay or t$e 4ray
Mouser encountering a foe swifter and more agi"e t$an $imse"f#
T$is c$a%ter describes a re*ised wea%on %roficiency system t$at inc"udes se*era"
grades of s%ecia"ization as we"" as new uses for a wea%on %roficiency# T$is materia" is
com%"ete"y com%atib"e wit$ t$e c$aracter %oint %roficiency system described in t$e 2#ills
& Po'ers book= t$e %oint system a""ows c$aracters to %urc$ase %roficiency e+%ertise
s%ecia"ization or mastery in t$e same way t$at an &'&' c$aracter can s%end %roficiency
s"ots to gain t$ese benefits#
& number of new uses for wea%on %roficiencies are a"so inc"uded in t$is c$a%ter#
Wea%on grou%s fig$ting sty"es attack maneu*ers s$ie"d use armor use s%ecia" ta"ents
and dirty tricks can a"" be "earned by s%ending wea%on %roficiency s"ots#
Wea%on Droficiencies &nybody can %ick u% a sword and swing it in a menacing
manner but wit$out %ro%er training and tec$ni>ue it)s im%ossib"e to use a wea%on
correct"y# & c$aracter)s wea%on %roficiencies re%resent wea%ons in w$ic$ $e $as some
degree of training# Bsua""y $e can wie"d t$em wit$out embarrassing $imse"f#
!nte""igence and Droficiencies
Fig$ters %a"adins and rangers may a%%"y t$eir bonus "anguage s"ots for $ig$ !nte""igence
scores to any kind of wea%on %roficiency# C$aracters of any ot$er ty%e can on"y use
t$ese e+tra %roficiency s"ots to "earn nonwea%on %roficiencies# T$is rewards fig$ters w$o
c$ose brains o*er brawn by a""owing t$em to com%ensate for s$ortcomings in %$ysica"
attributes wit$ t$e benefits of ski"" and training#
Bnder t$is ru"e t$e c$aracter)s number of a""owed "anguages sim%"y re%resents
t$e most "anguages s$e can e*er "earn# T$e c$aracter isn)t assumed to begin %"ay knowing
any e+tra "anguages= instead s$e must use nonwea%on %roficiency s"ots to "earn any e+tra
"anguages s$e wants to s%eak# C$aracters can a"ways s%eak t$eir nati*e tongue wit$out
s%ending any %roficiency s"ots#
'emi$uman c$aracters w$o are a""owed to "earn e+tra "anguages sti"" $a*e to
s%end s"ots "earning t$ese tongues# T$eir ad*antage "ies in t$e fact t$at t$ey can begin
%"ay wit$ know"edge of t$ese "anguages because t$ey $ad access to %eo%"e w$o s%oke
t$em w$en t$ey were growing u%#
Droficiencies and t$e
2#ills & Po'ers 6ook
T$e Player's Option c$aracter %oint system re%"aces t$e norma" ac>uisition of %roficiency
s"ots# C$aracters may decide to "earn a "ot of ski""s by de*oting t$eir c$aracter %oints to a
*ariety of %roficiencies or t$ey may c$oose to s%ecia"ize in a few areas# ?egard"ess of
$ow t$ey e"ect to s%end t$eir c$aracter %oints t$e end resu"ts are t$e same: eit$er t$ey
$a*e a %roficiency in somet$ing or t$ey don)t#
Wea%on 4rou%s
Many wea%ons are *ery simi"ar in construction and tec$ni>ues of use= for e+am%"e using
a bastard sword wit$ one $and is not too muc$ different from using a "ong sword# 6ot$
wea%ons are $ea*y two/edged b"ades t$at re"y on s"as$ing or c$o%%ing strokes to cut
t$roug$ armor# &"" wea%ons are categorized in tight gro"ps w$ic$ are furt$er organized
into broad gro"ps# T$e %articu"ar grou% a wea%on be"ongs to is noted under t$e wea%on
c$aracteristics in C$a%ter Ae*en#
Tig$t grou%s ser*e two functions in game %"ay# First of a"" a"" wea%ons in a tig$t
grou% are considered to be re"ated to eac$ ot$er# & c$aracter w$o is %roficient in one
wea%on be"onging to a tig$t grou% is automatica""y fami"iar wit$ t$e ot$er wea%ons of
t$at tig$t grou% and $as a reduced %ena"ty for non%roficiency w$en using t$em#
Aecond c$aracters can "earn to use a"" wea%ons in a tig$t grou% wit$ a 'eapon
gro"p pro$iciency# Wea%on grou% %roficiencies cost two s"ots but may inc"ude a number
of wea%ons# For e+am%"e a c$aracter cou"d use a wea%on grou% %roficiency to gain
%roficiency in crossbows= by s%ending two s"ots $e actua""y gains %roficiency in si+
different wea%ons#
Aome tig$t wea%on grou%s are furt$er organized into broad grou%s# For e+am%"e
t$e tig$t grou%s of a+es %icks $ammers and maces are a"" %art of t$e $afted wea%on
broad grou%# Droficiency in a"" of t$e wea%ons of a broad wea%on grou% can be "earned
for t$ree %roficiency s"ots#
& number of wea%ons are com%"ete"y unre"ated to anyt$ing e"se# For e+am%"e
"assoes 2ust don)t work "ike any ot$er ty%e of wea%on# T$e same a%%"ies for nets w$i%s
bo"as and mancatc$ers# T$ese wea%ons must be "earned one at a time#
Specialization and Weapon ,roups
-a*ing a wea%on grou% %roficiency counts as t$e first s"ot of s%ecia"ization for one
wea%on in t$at grou%# W$en t$e c$aracter c$ooses to s%ecia"ize $e need on"y s%end one
additiona" %roficiency s"ot and se"ect any wea%on of t$at grou% as $is s%ecia"ty# For
e+am%"e a c$aracter wit$ t$e crossbow tig$t grou% %roficiency cou"d s%end one
additiona" s"ot to s%ecia"ize in t$e medium crossbow# -e)s s%ent a tota" of t$ree s"ots but
$as %roficiency wit$ si+ ty%es of crossbows and s%ecia"ization wit$ $is %referred wea%on
t$e medium crossbow#
C$aracter C"asses and
Wea%on Droficiencies
Most c$aracter c"asses are "imited in t$eir se"ection of wea%ons# -owe*er in t$e 2#ills &
Po'ers book a c$aracter may c$oose to be %roficient in a wea%on s$e norma""y wou"d
not be a""owed to use# T$is is ref"ected by re>uiring t$e c$aracter to s%end more c$aracter
%oints t$an norma" to become %roficient#
&s an o%tiona" ru"e c$aracters may "earn to use barred wea%ons by %aying e+tra
%roficiency s"ots# & rogue or %riest may "earn a wea%on norma""y reser*ed for warriors by
suffering a one/s"ot %ena"ty and wizards may "earn wea%ons norma""y reser*ed for %riests
or rogues wit$ a one/s"ot %ena"ty# !f a wizard wis$es to "earn t$e use of a wea%on
norma""y reser*ed for warriors on"y s$e must %ay a two/s"ot %ena"ty# For e+am%"e a
wizard w$o wants to use a "ong sword cou"d do so by %aying two wea%on %roficiencies
for it since "ong swords are a*ai"ab"e for rogues7but s$e wou"d $a*e to %ay t$ree s"ots
to become %roficienct in t$e two/$anded sword#
1ote t$at t$e "imited number of wea%on %roficiencies a*ai"ab"e for nonwarrior
c$aracters wi"" tend to contro" c$aracter abuse of t$is ru"e# Driests may be capable of
"earning any wea%ons under t$ese ru"es but %riests w$o use barred wea%ons do so at t$e
risk of angering t$eir su%eriors or deity#
7its and Barred Weapons
Aome kits may a""ow c$aracters to use barred wea%ons= for e+am%"e mi"itant wizards
may se"ect a sword as one of t$eir wea%on %roficiencies# 4enera""y t$e bonuses and
%erks of a kit are considered to negate any out/of/c"ass %ena"ties# -owe*er %riests may
sti"" be "imited by t$eir %riest$ood wea%on restrictions#
'ew Weapons
& number of new wea%ons are introduced in C$a%ter Ae*en: Wea%ons and &rmor# Many
of t$ese are simi"ar to wea%ons t$at were restricted in t$e Player's Handboo## T$e
Wea%on Tab"e in C$a%ter Ae*en "ists any c"asses t$at cannot use a %articu"ar wea%on
under norma" circumstances#
A$ie"d Droficiency
6y s%ending a wea%on %roficiency c$aracters can become more ski""ed in t$e use of t$eir
s$ie"d# Modern re/enactments of medie*a" tournaments $a*e demonstrated t$at t$e s$ie"d
is a *ery im%ortant %art of a warrior)s %rotection# T$e e+tra %rotection conferred by t$e
s$ie"d *aries by t$e e+act ty%e t$e c$aracter becomes %roficient in:
Shield 'ormal *roficient 'umber of
Type $C bonus $C bonus $ttac-ers
6uck"er R8 R8 8
Ama"" R8 R9 9
Medium R8 R3 3
6ody R8ER9 *s# R3ER; *s# ;
missi"es missi"es
T$e number of attackers is t$e ma+imum number of times t$e s$ie"d bonus can be
used in a sing"e round by t$e c$aracter# 1orma""y s$ie"ds can on"y be used against
enemies in t$e c$aracter)s front s%aces or in t$e f"ank s%aces on t$e c$aracter)s s$ie"d
side#
&rmor Droficiency
Aimi"ar"y c$aracters can s%end time and effort "earning $ow to use t$eir armor more
efficient"y# W$i"e t$is doesn)t %ro*ide a bonus to &rmor C"ass it can $e"% to offset t$e
$efty encumbrance %ena"ties of $ea*y armor# & c$aracter w$o s%ends a wea%on
%roficiency s"ot becoming ac>uainted wit$ a ty%e of armor gains t$e s%ecia" benefit of
on"y suffering one/$a"f t$e norma" encumbrance of t$at armor#
For e+am%"e c$ain mai" norma""y weig$s ;. %ounds but a c$aracter wit$ a
%roficiency in c$ain mai" on"y $as to count 9. of t$is towards $is encumbrance "e*e"#
T$is re%resents t$e c$aracter)s training in wearing t$e armor 2ust t$e rig$t way and $is
%ractice in mo*ing around w$i"e wearing 3. or ;. %ounds of ironmongery#
Wea%on Mastery !t)s fair"y ob*ious t$at t$ere is a $uge difference in t$e attack
%otentia" of an unski""ed no*ice and a trained swordsman# T$e "e*e" of ski"" wit$ w$ic$ a
c$aracter fig$ts is di*ided into si+ genera" categories: non%roficiency fami"iarity
%roficiency e+%ertise s%ecia"ization and mastery#
2#ills & Po'ers uses c$aracter %oints to ac>uire eac$ "e*e" of mastery but t$is
system is a"so com%atib"e wit$ &'&' wea%on %roficiencies# 1on%roficiency and
fami"iarity $a*e no cost in %roficiency s"ots norma" %roficiency costs one s"ot e+%ertise
and s%ecia"ization cost two s"ots and mastery costs t$ree or more s"ots#
1on%roficiency
!f a c$aracter $as ne*er $ad any training or %ractice wit$ a wea%on $e is non%roficient#
-e can on"y guess at t$e %ro%er way to $o"d t$e wea%on or attack $is o%%onent# &nyt$ing
fancier t$an a sim%"e $ack s"as$ or bas$ is beyond $is abi"ities7t$e c$aracter cannot
attem%t any attack o%tions suc$ as disarming b"ocking or sa%%ing#
!n addition to $is inabi"ity to make s%ecia" attacks t$e c$aracter a"so suffers an
attack ro"" %ena"ty based on $is c$aracter c"ass# Warriors tend to figure out wea%ons of
any kind re"ati*e"y >uick"y and $a*e a sma"" %ena"ty for attacking wit$ wea%ons t$ey)re
not fami"iar wit$# ,t$er c$aracters don)t $a*e t$e warrior)s affinity for wea%ons and are
more se*ere"y %ena"ized# T$ese %ena"ties are:
Class 'onprof0 Familiarity
Warrior L9 L8
Wizard LK L3
Driest L3 L9
?ogue L3 L9
Dsionicist L; L9
1onc"assed
1DCs L; L9
&ny wea%on wie"ded by a non%roficient c$aracter is considered one initiati*e
%$ase s"ower t$an it rea""y is and missi"e wea%ons $a*e t$eir rate of fire $a"*ed# &n
untrained c$aracter wie"ding a "ong sword $as an initiati*e %$ase of s"ow not a*erage
and an unski""ed c$aracter wie"ding a "ong bow wou"d on"y fire once %er round instead of
twice#
Fami"iarity
&"" c$aracters are automatica""y $amiliar wit$ any wea%on t$at is re"ated to a wea%on t$ey
are %roficient in# Wea%ons are considered to be re"ated if t$ey are %art of t$e same tig$t
grou%# For e+am%"e a c$aracter w$o is %roficient in t$e use of t$e "ig$t crossbow is
automatica""y fami"iar wit$ a"" ot$er ty%es of crossbow because t$ey)re %art of t$e same
tig$t wea%on grou%#
Fami"iarity is not as good as %roficiency but it beats not knowing anyt$ing about
a wea%on at a""# C$aracters on"y suffer one/$a"f t$e norma" non%roficiency %ena"ty w$en
attacking wit$ wea%ons t$ey are fami"iar wit$# T$ey may attem%t any norma" attack
maneu*ers %ossib"e 3t$e fami"iarity %ena"ty sti"" a%%"ies of course5 and suffer no
initiati*e or rate of fire %ena"ties#
Fami"iarity does not a""ow t$e user to make use of any s%ecia" wea%on attack
modes t$at re>uire %roficiency in t$e wea%on#
Droficiency
T$is is t$e basic "e*e" of com%etence most c$aracters ac$ie*e wit$ t$eir wea%ons
training# Droficiency a""ows t$e c$aracter to use a wea%on wit$ no %ena"ties and em%"oy
a"" attack o%tions and s%ecia" wea%on %ro%erties to t$eir fu""est e+tent#
&s noted %re*ious"y warriors can s%end two %roficiency s"ots to become
%roficient in a tig$t wea%on grou% or t$ree s"ots to become %roficient in a broad grou%#
,t$erwise c$aracters $a*e to s%end one s"ot %er wea%on t$ey wis$ to be %roficient wit$#
C+%ertise
Wea%on e+%ertise is a form of s%ecia"ization t$at is a*ai"ab"e to nonfig$ters# ?egu"ar
wea%on s%ecia"ization 3described be"ow5 is on"y a*ai"ab"e to sing"e/c"assed fig$ters but
wea%on e+%ertise can be "earned by %a"adins rangers and mu"ti/c"assed fig$ters# T$ere)s
no reason a sing"e/c"assed fig$ter co"ldn't "earn e+%ertise instead of s%ecia"ization but
e+%ertise is 2ust as e+%ensi*e as s%ecia"ization and isn)t as good#
Wea%on e+%ertise a""ows a c$aracter to gain e+tra attacks as if $e or s$e were a
wea%on s%ecia"ist# &t 8st "e*e" an e+%ert wit$ t$e "ong sword gets to attack t$ree times
%er two rounds# Wea%on e+%ertise a"so a""ows t$e use of any unusua" wea%on %ro%erties
reser*ed for s%ecia"ist use# Wea%on e+%ertise does not grant t$e c$aracter e+tra attack or
damage bonuses as wea%on s%ecia"ization does#
1ote t$at 2#ills & Po'ers a""ows a c$aracter to :customize: $is c"ass and recei*e
abi"ities $e norma""y cou"d not attain# Bnder t$ese ru"es %a"adins rangers and mu"ti/
c"assed fig$ters can s%ecia"ize at t$e cost of sacrificing ot$er abi"ities or ad*antages#
Aimi"ar"y %riests and rogues may be ab"e to gain wea%on e+%ertise# !f you aren)t using t$e
2#ills & Po'ers book we recommend t$at you "imit s%ecia"ization and mastery to sing"e/
c"ass fig$ters on"y and "imit e+%ertise to %a"adins rangers and mu"ti/c"ass fig$ters#
A%ecia"ization
6y s%ending an e+tra %roficiency s"ot on a wea%on a sing"e/c"ass fig$ter c$aracter can
become a specialist# & fig$ter may on"y s%ecia"ize in one wea%on at a time# !f s$e wis$es
to c$ange $er s%ecia"ization to a different wea%on s$e must s%end two e+tra %roficiency
s"ots to become a s%ecia"ist in t$e new wea%on and "oses a"" benefits of s%ecia"izing in
t$e %re*ious one 3a"t$oug$ s$e is sti"" %roficient wit$ it and a"ways wi"" be5# &ny more
c$anges cost t$ree s"ots eac$ so it)s a good idea to %ick one wea%on and stick wit$ it#
T$e e+act benefits of wea%on s%ecia"ization *ary wit$ t$e %articu"ar wea%on
in*o"*ed# 4enera""y t$e ty%es of benefits fa"" into one of fi*e categories: me"ee wea%ons
missi"e wea%ons bows crossbows and firearms#
Melee Weapons
A%ecia"izing in a me"ee wea%on %ro*ides a c$aracter wit$ two main benefits: first of a""
$e gains a R8 bonus to attack ro""s and a R9 bonus to damage ro""s wit$ t$at wea%on=
second"y $e gains an e+tra attack once %er two rounds# & 8st/"e*e" fig$ter norma""y
attacks once %er round but a 8st/"e*e" "ong sword s%ecia"ist attacks t$ree times %er two
rounds#
Missile Weapons
T$is category inc"udes s"ings and t$rown wea%ons# 4enera""y s%ecia"ists gain an
increased rate of fire wit$ t$ese wea%ons and a R8 bonus to attack ro""s# !f a c$aracter
s%ecia"izes in a wea%on t$at can be used eit$er for me"ee or as a missi"e wea%on 3s%ears
daggers $and a+es etc#5 $e gains t$e me"ee benefit described abo*e w$en using t$e
wea%on for $and/to/$and combat and t$e increased rate of fire for using t$e wea%on for
ranged attacks#
?efer to t$e tab"e be"ow for t$e e+act number of attacks a*ai"ab"e to t$e s%ecia"ist
for t$e *arious ty%es of missi"e wea%ons#
Bows
C$aracters w$o s%ecia"ize in t$e bow gain a R8 bonus to $it at any range 3norma" range
%ena"ties sti"" a%%"y of course5 an increased rate of fire and a new range category: %oint/
b"ank# Doint/b"ank is any s$ot of 3. feet or "ess# &t %oint/b"ank range t$e c$aracter gains
a R9 to damage# !n addition bow s%ecia"ists can automatica""y fire first as a *ery fast
action if t$ey $a*e t$eir target co*ered# T$is su%ercedes t$e s%ecia"ization ru"es found in
t$e Player's Handboo##
Crossbows
A%ecia"ists wit$ crossbows gain a R8 bonus to $it at any range an increased rate of fire
and a %oint/b"ank range category 2ust "ike arc$ers# For crossbows %oint/b"ank range
e+tends out to O. feet# Crossbow s%ecia"ists $a*e a R9 bonus to damage ro""s against any
target at %oint/b"ank range# !n addition t$ey s$are t$e arc$er)s >uick/s$ot benefit w$en
co*ering an enemy#
Firearms
Firearms s%ecia"ists are often referred to as marksmen or sharpshooters# A%ecia"izing in a
firearm %ro*ides a c$aracter wit$ t$ree benefits: first of a"" $e $as a better rate of fire
t$an a nons%ecia"ist= second $e gains a R8 bonus to $it at any range= and "ast t$ere is a
K.U c$ance t$at any misfire $e ro""s w$i"e attacking wit$ t$e firearm is sim%"y a miss
instead#
Specialist $ttac-s per .ound
/eel of Specialist
Weapon 9C5 ?C93 9=D
Me"ee Wea%ons 3E9 9E8 KE9
6"owgun 9E8 KE9 3E8
6o"as 8E8 3E9 9E8
6ows 9E8 3E8 ;E8
-and Crossbow 8E8 3E9 9E8
Gig$t Crossbow 8E8 3E9 9E8
-ea*y Crossbow 8E9 8E8 3E9
Atonebow 8E8 3E9 9E8
?e%eating Crossbow 9E8 KE9 3E8
T$rown 'aggerEFnife3E8 ;E8 KE8
T$rown 'art ;E8 KE8 OE8
Firearms
&r>uebus 8E3 8E9 8E8
Matc$"ocks 8E9 8E8 3E9
Ana%"ocks 8E8 3E9 9E8
W$ee"ock 6e"t Disto" 8E8 3E9 9E8
W$ee"ock -orse Disto" 8E9 8E8 3E9
Ia*e"in 3E9 9E8 KE9
A"ing 3E9 9E8 KE9
Ataff A"ing 8E8 3E9 9E8
A$uriken 3E8 ;E8 KE8
,t$er T$rown Wea%ons 8E8 3E9 9E8
Wea%on Mastery
T$ere are swordsmen and t$en t$ere are swordsmen# & warrior w$o de*otes $is "ife to
t$e study of martia" combat and t$e c$aracteristics of a sing"e ty%e of wea%on can become
a wea%on master7a fig$ter w$ose %recision >uickness and ski"" are *irtua""y une>ua"ed
anyw$ere#
Wea%on masters are rare c$aracters# ,n"y sing"e/c"assed fig$ters can e*er ac$ie*e
wea%on mastery and e*en t$en t$ey do so wit$ time study and sacrifice# To ac$ie*e
mastery in a wea%on a c$aracter must first s%ecia"ize in t$e use of t$at wea%on# T$en at
any time after $e reac$es Kt$ "e*e" $e can s%end anot$er %roficiency s"ot to become a
wea%on master# -e can continue to de*ote %roficiency s"ots to t$e study of $is c$osen
wea%on but can)t %rogress faster t$an t$e rate at w$ic$ $e gains new wea%on %roficiency
s"ots# Ao a c$aracter w$o becomes a master at Kt$ "e*e" cou"dn)t ac>uire $is second s"ot
of mastery unti" Ot$ "e*e" $is t$ird unti" 9t$ "e*e" and so on#
4enera""y on"y wea%ons t$at re>uire some ski"" to $and"e or t$at $a*e a $istory of
cu"tura" identification are c$osen by wea%on masters# Awords of any kind are t$e most
common wea%ons mastered fo""owed by bows and t$en a+es or s%ears# Do"earms
crossbows and firearms are t$e sub2ect of wea%on mastery on"y in rare cases# T$e 'M
can decide t$at a wea%on isn)t a%%ro%riate for mastery at $is discretion but $e s$ou"d do
so before a c$aracter c$ooses to s%ecia"ize in it#
%ffects of Mastery
!f a fig$ter s%ends anot$er %roficiency s"ot on a me"ee wea%on $e a"ready s%ecia"izes in
$is attack and damage bonuses increase to R3 and R3 res%ecti*e"y# For bows and
crossbows $is %oint/b"ank bonuses increase to R3ER3 as wit$ me"ee wea%ons and $e
gains an additiona" R8 to $it at a"" ot$er range categories for a tota" of R9# 3?emember
t$is bonus doesn)t take range modifiers into account so t$e arc$er $as a tota" of R9 at
s$ort R. at medium and L3 at "ong range if t$e %ena"ties are factored in#5
& marksman w$o c$ooses to master a firearm gains an additiona" R8 bonus to $it
cumu"ati*e wit$ t$e effects of s%ecia"ization for a tota" bonus of R9 to $it# &s wit$ bows
and crossbows t$is is sti"" reduced by range %ena"ties# !n addition t$e marksman ignores
$ea*y armor at a"" ranges as if $e were firing at a s$ort/range target# Aee Firearms in
C$a%ter Ae*en for more information#
#i&h Mastery
6y s%ending a second s"ot on mastery a c$aracter can become a high master# 6y t$is
time t$e c$aracter $as s%ent four s"ots on a sing"e wea%on and is at "east Ot$ "e*e"# -ig$
masters increase t$e s%eed factor of t$eir c$osen wea%on by one category= for e+am%"e a
s"ow wea%on in t$e $ands of a $ig$ master is automatica""y considered to be of a*erage
s%eed# -ig$ masters a"so score critica" $its on ro""s of 8O or $ig$er rat$er t$an 8N 3if t$e
o%tiona" critica" $it system is used5 t$at $it t$eir o%%onent by a margin of K or more#
-ig$ masters w$o s%ecia"ize in bows crossbows s"ings or firearms gain a new
range category: e+treme range# For a"" wea%ons e+treme range is 8E3 fart$er t$an "ong
range# For e+am%"e if a wea%on $as a norma" ma+imum range of 8N s>uares in t$e $ands
of a master it can s$oot 9; 38E3+8NQO 8NROQ9;5 s>uares# C+treme range s$ots $a*e a L8.
%ena"ty to $it before ad2ustments are made for t$e effects of mastery#
,rand Mastery
-ig$ masters w$o s%end one more s"ot on "earning t$eir wea%on of c$oice can become
grand masters# 4rand masters are ca%ab"e of feats of sword%"ay t$at border on t$e
fantastic# 4rand masters gain one additiona" attack %er round abo*e and beyond a
s%ecia"ist)s rate of attacks for t$eir "e*e" so a 89t$/"e*e" me"ee wea%on grand master
wou"d attack 3 times %er round wit$ $is wea%on of c$oice#
4rand masters a"so increase t$e amount of damage and t$e c$ance of a
knockdown w$en t$ey em%"oy t$eir c$osen wea%on# T$e wea%on)s base damage die and
knockdown die are increased to t$e ne+t greater die size against a"" o%%onents# & "ong
sword t$us inf"icts 8d8.E8d9. %oints of damage in t$e $ands of a grand master and its
knockdown die is increased to a d8.# !f t$e wea%on causes mu"ti%"e dice of damage a"" of
t$em are increased# T$us a two/$anded sword in t$e $ands of a grand master inf"icts 3dN
%oints of damage on "arge targets# 1eed"ess to say grand masters are e+treme"y
dangerous o%%onents#
Special )M 'ote
Wea%on mastery is $ard to come by and e*en $arder to %erfect# !t)s not too rare for a
c$aracter to become a master but t$e >uest to become a $ig$ master or grand master
cou"d take years# Bn"ike t$e %re*ious "e*e"s of s%ecia"ization w$ic$ can sim%"y be
se"ected as an ad*ancement c$oice $ig$ mastery and grand mastery s$ou"d re>uire a
great dea" of time and %ersona" sacrifice on t$e %art of t$e c$aracter# !t)s not unreasonab"e
to re>uire t$e candidate to "ocate someone w$o can teac$ $er and s%end se*era" mont$s
of cam%aign time in training7%ossib"y :sitting out: an ad*enture or two w$i"e s$e $ones
$er ski""s#
W$i"e t$e $ig$er "e*e"s of wea%on mastery are a great goa" for a c$aracter to set
$er eyes on t$ey can unba"ance a game *ery >uick"y# C+ercise tig$t contro" o*er t$e
ac>uisition of wea%on mastery in your cam%aign and make certain t$at t$e %"ayers
rea"ize 2ust $ow rare and s%ecia" t$eir wea%on master c$aracters rea""y are#
Fig$ting Aty"e A%ecia"ization Fnowing $ow to use a %articu"ar fig$ting sty"e is
a"most as im%ortant as being %roficient wit$ a wea%on# T$e *arious fig$ting sty"es are
introduced in C$a%ter Two= warriors automatica""y know e*ery sty"e w$i"e t$e ot$er
c$aracter ty%es are "imited in t$eir know"edge of fig$ting sty"es# !f a nonwarrior wis$es to
"earn a sty"e $e doesn)t know $e can do so at t$e cost of a wea%on %roficiency#
!n addition to sim%"y knowing a sty"e warriors %riests and rogues can s%ecia"ize
in t$at met$od of fig$ting by s%ending a wea%on %roficiency s"ot# T$e e+act effects of
sty"e s%ecia"ization *ary from sty"e to sty"e# 1ote t$at warriors can s%ecia"ize in a
wea%on and t$en s%ecia"ize in an a%%ro%riate sty"e# !n fact warriors can s%ecia"ize in as
many sty"es as t$ey "ike as "ong as t$ey $a*e t$e %roficiency s"ots 3or c$aracter %oints5
a*ai"ab"e# Driests and rogues can on"y s%ecia"ize in one sty"e#
Wea%on and A$ie"d Aty"e
1orma""y a c$aracter em%"oying a s$ie"d in $is off $and can s$ie"d/rus$ s$ie"d/%unc$
b"ock or tra% as if it were a secondary wea%on wit$ t$e norma" %ena"ties for attacking
wit$ two wea%ons# T$e disad*antage is t$at t$e s$ie"d)s &C bonus is forfeited for any
round in w$ic$ it is used t$is way#
-owe*er c$aracters w$o s%ecia"ize in wea%on and s$ie"d sty"e can c$oose to
make one of t$ese secondary attacks e*ery round wit$out "osing t$e &C benefit for
carrying a s$ie"d# !f t$e $eroic fray ru"es from C$a%ter Two are in use t$e c$aracter on"y
gets one secondary attack not two but $is %rimary wea%on attacks are sti"" doub"ed of
course#
,ne/$anded Wea%on Aty"e
T$e c$aracter is a"ways free to treat $is em%ty $and as a :secondary wea%on: and %unc$
grab or ot$erwise annoy anyone $e is fig$ting# T$e norma" %ena"ties for using two
wea%ons a%%"y# !f t$e c$aracter is a"so fami"iar wit$ t$e two/$anded wea%on sty"e and $is
wea%on can be used eit$er one/ or two/$anded $e can switc$ back and fort$ between t$e
two sty"es at t$e beginning of e*ery round of combat#
C$aracters w$o s%ecia"ize in t$is sty"e gain a s%ecia" &C bonus of R8 w$i"e
fig$ting wit$ a one/$anded wea%on and no s$ie"d or off/$and wea%on# 6y s%ending an
additiona" %roficiency s"ot t$e c$aracter can increase $is &C bonus to R9 but t$at)s t$e
ma+imum benefit for sty"e s%ecia"ization#
Two/$anded Wea%on Aty"e
Many wea%ons are so "arge t$at a c$aracter is re>uired to use bot$ $ands to wie"d t$em#
T$e ru"e of t$umb is sim%"e: a c$aracter can use a wea%on wit$ a size e>ua" to or "ess
t$an $er own in one $and and can use a wea%on one size "arger t$an $erse"f if s$e wie"ds
it two/$anded#
!f a c$aracter s%ecia"izes in two/$anded wea%on sty"e s$e increases t$e s%eed of
$er wea%on by one category 3s"ow to a*erage a*erage to fast5 w$en s$e fig$ts using a
two/$anded wea%on# !f you)re not using t$e new initiati*e ru"es %resented in C$a%ter ,ne
t$e wea%on)s s%eed factor dro%s by 3#
T$ere are a few wea%ons t$at can norma""y be em%"oyed one/$anded or two/
$anded= t$ese are noted in t$e wea%ons "ist of C$a%ter Ae*en# T$ere are a"so a *ariety of
wea%ons t$at are norma""y used one/$anded but t$at can be used two/$anded# T$is wou"d
a""ow a s%ecia"ist in t$is sty"e to gain t$e s%eed benefit mentioned abo*e# !n addition t$e
two/$anded sty"e s%ecia"ist gains a R8 to damage ro""s w$en using a one/$anded wea%on
in two $ands#
Two/Wea%on Aty"e
T$is is a difficu"t sty"e to master since it re>uires e+ce%tiona" coordination and
ski""# 1orma""y c$aracters w$o fig$t wit$ a wea%on in eac$ $and suffer a L9 %ena"ty to
attacks wit$ t$eir %rimary $and and a L; %ena"ty to attacks wit$ t$e off/$and wea%on#
T$is can be %artia""y or com%"ete"y negated by t$e c$aracter)s reaction ad2ustment for
'e+terity 3or 'e+E&im if you)re a"so using 2#ills & Po'ers5# C$aracters w$o s%ecia"ize
in t$is sty"e reduce t$eir %ena"ty to . and L9 res%ecti*e"y# &mbide+trous c$aracters w$o
s%ecia"ize in t$is sty"e suffer no %ena"ty wit$ eit$er attack#
T$e c$aracter)s secondary wea%on must be one size sma""er t$an $is %rimary
wea%on7but kni*es and daggers can a"ways be used as secondary wea%ons regard"ess
of t$e size of t$e %rimary wea%on# 1ote t$at t$is means t$at for Man/sized c$aracters t$e
secondary wea%on $as to be size A# -owe*er if a c$aracter s%ends a second %roficiency
s"ot on two/wea%on sty"e s%ecia"ization $e gains t$e abi"ity to use two wea%ons of e>ua"
size as "ong as $e can use eac$ one as a one/$anded wea%on# ?angers are considered to
$a*e t$e first s"ot of t$is sty"e s%ecia"ization for free as a c$aracter abi"ity#
Missi"e or T$rown Wea%on Aty"e
Aome $eroes s%ecia"ize in fig$ting wit$ ranged wea%ons= ?obin -ood and Wi""iam Te""
s%ring to mind as good e+am%"es# C$aracters w$o c$oose to s%ecia"ize in missi"e or
t$rown wea%on sty"e gain two benefits# First t$ey can mo*e u% to $a"f t$eir norma"
mo*ement rate and sti"" attack wit$ t$eir fu"" rate of fire or make a fu"" mo*e and attack
at $a"f t$eir rate of fire# Aecond t$ey gain a bonus of L8 to t$eir &C against enemy
missi"e fire w$i"e attacking wit$ a ranged wea%on#
#orse $rchers
& %roficient arc$er and rider w$o s%ecia"izes in missi"e sty"e gains a s%ecia" benefit w$en
mounted: any %ena"ties $e suffers for s$ooting w$i"e riding are reduced by 9# 1orma""y a
c$aracter suffers a L9 %ena"ty to missi"e attacks if $is mount is mo*ing at u% to $a"f its
norma" s%eed and a L; %ena"ty if $is mount is mo*ing at fu"" s%eed# -orse arc$ers suffer
no %ena"ty for $a"f/s%eed firing and on"y a L9 %ena"ty for firing at fu"" s%eed#
-orse arc$ers are rare in a ty%ica" Western Curo%ean fantasy setting# -istorica""y
most $orse arc$ers came from centra" &sia# &t t$e 'M)s discretion a c$aracter may not
>ua"ify for t$is s%ecia" benefit un"ess $e $as a suitab"e origin or makes an effort to "ocate
someone from t$at cu"ture w$o can teac$ $im#
Goca" Fig$ting Aty"es
Many s%ecia"ized forms of combat e*o"*ed t$roug$out t$e wor"d in *arious "ocations#
Aome ?oman g"adiators were trained to fig$t wit$ net and trident= Western Curo%e
de*e"o%ed t$e 2oust= and martia" arts e*o"*ed t$roug$out sout$ern and eastern &sia# !f a
c$aracter comes from an area w$ere a uni>ue form of combat $as e*o"*ed s$e may s%end
a wea%on %roficiency s"ot to s%ecia"ize in t$at form of fig$ting#
Aome e+am%"es of s%ecia"ized fig$ting sty"es inc"ude: ra%ier and main/gauc$e
sabre fig$ting sticks or nunc$uks katana and wakizas$i and so on# !f a c$aracter s%ends
a %roficiency s"ot to s%ecia"ize in one of t$ese "oca" sty"es s$e can c$oose one of t$e
fo""owing benefits:
& L8 bonus to &rmor C"ass=
& R8 bonus to attack ro""s=
T$e abi"ity to make a free b"ock or tra% maneu*er wit$out s%ending an attack to do so=
T$e negation of %ena"ties for fig$ting wit$ two wea%ons=
& free unarmed %unc$ or kick#
For e+am%"e s%ecia"ization in fig$ting wit$ matc$ed sticks or nunc$uks may
confer t$e negation of t$e norma" L9EL; attack %ena"ty for fig$ting wit$ two wea%ons#
?a%ier and main/gauc$e s%ecia"ization may %ro*ide t$e c$aracter wit$ an e+tra b"ock or
tra% maneu*er wit$ $is main/gauc$e# T$e 'M is t$e fina" 2udge of w$at bonus a
%articu"ar sty"e %ro*ides and w$et$er or not a c$aracter can s%ecia"ize in it#
A%ecia" Ta"ents
Wea%on %roficiencies can a"so be used to ac>uire a *ariety of s%ecia" %erks traits and
c$aracteristics usefu" for a fig$ter# Aome of t$ese ta"ents were origina""y %resented as
nonwea%on %roficiencies and are noted wit$ an asterisk= t$ey can be %urc$ased wit$
eit$er ty%e of %roficiency s"ot#
&s a"ways t$e 'M is t$e fina" arbiter of w$et$er or not a %articu"ar o%tion or
abi"ity is %ermitted in $is cam%aign# !f $e decides t$at an abi"ity doesn)t fit $e can re>uire
t$e %"ayers to c$oose anot$er ta"ent#
$lertness: 38 s"otEO CD5 WisdomE!ntuition R8
4rou%s: &""
Aome c$aracters are unnatura""y a"ert and instincti*e"y note signs of troub"e t$at
ot$er c$aracters may miss# & c$aracter wit$ t$is %roficiency reduces $is c$ance of being
sur%rised by 8 in 8. if $e makes a successfu" %roficiency c$eck# !n situations w$ere
sur%rise is automatic t$e c$aracter may sti"" attem%t a %roficiency c$eck# !f $e %asses $e
is sur%rised at t$e norma" c$ance instead of automatica""y#
$mbide"terity 38 s"otE; CD5 'e+terityE&im
4rou%s: Warrior ?ogue
&mbide+trous c$aracters are ab"e to use eit$er $and wit$ e>ua" coordination and
ski""# T$ey are neit$er rig$t/$anded nor "eft/$anded# W$en fig$ting in two/wea%on sty"e
an ambide+trous c$aracter $as two :%rimary: $ands and suffers a L9 %ena"ty to $it wit$
eit$er wea%on# !f t$e ambide+trous c$aracter s%ends a s"ot to s%ecia"ize in two/wea%on
fig$ting sty"e $e suffers no %ena"ty to attacks wit$ eit$er wea%on#
$mbush 38 s"otE; CD5!nte""igenceE?eason
4rou%s: Warrior ?ogue !nitia" rating: K
& c$aracter wit$ t$is %roficiency is ski""ed at "aying ambus$es and setting u%
sur%rise attacks# Most c$aracters can set u% an ade>uate ambus$ w$en t$e terrain fa*ors it
and t$ey know t$e enemy is coming but a c$aracter w$o s%ends a s"ot on t$is ski"" is ab"e
to create ambus$es w$ere ambus$es wou"dn)t norma""y be %ossib"e#
&mbus$es are im%ossib"e if t$e attackers $a*e a"ready been s%otted by t$e
*ictims= t$ere)s no %oint in $iding t$en# !f t$e ambus$ing %arty knows t$eir >uarry is
coming to t$em t$ey can "ay an ambus$# !f t$e attack is going to take %"ace in difficu"t or
unusua" circumstances a %roficiency c$eck may be ca""ed for= fai"ure indicates t$at t$e
*ictims $a*e s%otted t$e ambus$ before t$ey wa"k into it# ,t$erwise t$e ambus$ is
guaranteed to ac$ie*e sur%rise#
Camoufla&e 38 s"otE; CD5 !nte""igenceEFnow"edge
4rou%s: Warrior ?ogue !nitia" rating: K
C$aracters ski""ed in camouf"age understand $ow to stay out of sig$t in natura"
surroundings# Bn"ike $iding in s$adows camouf"age re>uires one of two t$ings: good
co*er nearby or a "ot of %re%aration# !t)s %ossib"e for a c$aracter to $ide $imse"f on a f"at
rocky desert but $e)d need to $a*e s%ecia" c"ot$es and time to ready a $iding s%ot# ,n t$e
ot$er $and a"most anyone can duck be$ind a tree on s$ort notice#
!f t$e c$aracter %asses $is camouf"age c$eck $e is considered to be effecti*e"y
invisible as "ong as $e doesn)t mo*e# -e can a*oid encounters if $e c$ooses or gain a L8
bonus on $is c$ance to sur%rise someone w$o doesn)t s%ot $im# T$e c$aracter)s c$eck is
modified as noted be"ow:
,round Coer: L; %ena"ty if no *egetation is nearby=
Terrain: R8 bonus if terrain is rocky $i""y or broken R9 if *ery rocky=
*reparation Time: L9 if c$aracter $as on"y one round of warning L; if c$aracter $as no
warning#
?angers and t$ie*es gain a R;.U to t$eir c$ance to $ide in s$adows if t$ey %ass a
camouf"age c$eck in con2unction wit$ t$eir attem%t to $ide in s$adows#
)irty Fi&htin& 38 s"otE3 CD5 !nte""igenceEFnow"edge
4rou%: Warriors ?ogues !nitia" rating: K
Heteran braw"ers and so"diers ac>uire a re%ertoire of feints ruses and *arious
uns%ortsman"ike tactics t$at can come in $andy in a fig$t# & c$aracter wit$ t$is :ski"": can
attem%t to use a dirty trick once %er fig$t= if $e succeeds $e gains a R8 bonus to $is ne+t
attack ro""# !f t$ere)s some reason t$e enemy be"ie*es t$e c$aracter wi"" fig$t $onorab"y
3$ard"y a wise assum%tion05 t$e bonus is R9#
,nce a %articu"ar enemy $as fa""en %rey to t$e c$aracter)s dirty trick $e can ne*er
be caug$t off/guard again# !n addition if t$e c$aracter)s o%%onent is ski""ed in dirty
fig$ting $imse"f t$e attem%t automatica""y fai"s#
%ndurance: 39 s"otsE; CD5 ConEFitness
4rou%: Warrior !nitia" rating: 3
T$is %roficiency a""ows a c$aracter to %erform strenuous %$ysica" acti*ity twice as
"ong as a norma" c$aracter before fatigue and e+$austion set in# !f t$e fatigue ru"es from
C$a%ter ,ne are in %"ay a c$aracter wit$ t$is %roficiency increases $is fatigue %oints by
K.U#
Fine Balance 39 s"otsEK CD5 'e+E6a"ance
4rou%: Warrior ?ogue !nitia" rating: M
C$aracters wit$ t$is ta"ent are b"essed wit$ an innate sense of ba"ance and $a*e an
uncanny knack for kee%ing t$eir feet under t$em# Wit$ a successfu" %roficiency c$eck
t$e c$aracter gains a R9 bonus on any c"imbing c$ecks sa*ing t$rows or abi"ity c$ecks
to a*oid s"i%%ing or fa""ing# !n addition t$e c$aracter reduces any %ena"ties for fig$ting in
off/ba"ance or awkward situations by 9 %oints#
T$e fine ba"ance ta"ent is a"so *ery usefu" for tig$tro%e wa"king tumb"ing and
c"imbing wa""s# !f t$e 'M determines t$at a %articu"ar feat wou"d be inf"uenced by t$e
c$aracter)s e+ce%tiona" ba"ance t$e c$aracter gains a R9 3on d9. ro""s5 or R8.U 3on d8..
ro""s5 bonus to $is ro""s to reso"*e t$e action#
(ron Will 39 s"otsEO CD5 WisdomEWi""%ower L9
4rou%: Warrior Driest !nitia" rating: 3
Aome %eo%"e are %ossessed of an amazing abi"ity to dri*e t$emse"*es on des%ite
in2uries or e+$austion t$at wou"d sto% anot$er %erson in $is tracks# & c$aracter wit$ t$e
iron wi"" ta"ent gains a R8 bonus to sa*ing t$rows *s# mind/affecting s%e""s or effects
inc"uding charms! holds! hypnotism! $ascination! s"ggestion! and ot$er suc$ s%e""s#
!n addition c$aracters wit$ iron wi"" $a*e t$e un>iue abi"ity to kee% fig$ting e*en
after being reduced to negati*e $it %oints# Cac$ round t$at t$e c$aracter wis$es to remain
conscious $e must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ wit$ $is negati*e $it %oint
tota" as a modifier to t$e ro""# For e+am%"e a c$aracter reduced to LK $it %oints can try to
stay on $is feet and kee% mo*ing and fig$ting by succeeding on a sa*ing t$row ro"" wit$ a
LK %ena"ty# &s "ong as t$e c$aracter remains conscious $is condition does not worsen7
in ot$er words $e doesn)t begin to "ose 8 additiona" $it %oint %er round unti" $e actua""y
%asses out#
/eadership 38 s"otE3 CD5 C$arismaEGeaders$i% L8
4rou%: Warrior !nitia" rating: K
C$aracters wit$ t$e "eaders$i% ta"ent understand $ow to moti*ate troo%s and get
t$e most out of t$eir men# !n batt"efie"d situations a mi"itary unit "ed by t$e $ero gains a
R9 bonus to any mora"e c$ecks t$ey $a*e to make# !f you are %"aying wit$ t$e mass
combat ru"es in C$a%ter Cig$t t$e c$aracter is treated as if $e were t$ree "e*e"s $ig$er
t$an $e rea""y is so a ;t$/"e*e" fig$ter can command troo%s as a Mt$/"e*e" fig$ter if $e
%ossesses t$is ta"ent#
6uic-ness 39 s"otsEO CD5 'e+terityE&im
4rou%: Warrior ?ogue !nitia" rating: 3
& c$aracter wit$ t$is ta"ent is unusua""y fast# -er $and/eye coordination is
e+ce""ent and s$e can often get %ast $er o%%onent)s defenses before t$ey rea"ize $ow
>uick s$e rea""y is# !n combat s$e gains a s%ecia" L9 bonus to $er initiati*e ro"" if s$e
makes a %roficiency c$eck# A$e can use t$is bonus if s$e mo*es or makes an attack wit$ a
wea%on of a*erage s%eed or >uicker but $er s%ecia" bonus does not a%%"y to attacks wit$
s"ow wea%ons or stationary actions suc$ as guarding or %arrying#
Steady #and 38 s"otEK CD5 'e+terityE&im
4rou%: Warrior ?ogue
C$aracters wit$ t$is ta"ent are e+ce""ent s$ots wit$ bows or crossbows# T$ey $a*e
an unusua""y good eye for distance a knack for 2udging a tricky s$ot and a smoot$ and
easy aim and re"ease# !f t$e c$aracter takes a fu"" round to aim $is s$ot 3i#e# *o"untari"y
$o"ds $is action unti" "ast in t$e round5 $e suffers no %ena"ty for a medium/range s$ot and
on"y a L9 %ena"ty for a "ong/range s$ot# !f t$e c$aracter wou"d norma""y recei*e mu"ti%"e
attacks wit$ $is wea%on $e $as to forfeit t$em in order to use t$is ta"ent7$e can make
on"y one s$ot %er round#
Trouble Sense 38 s"otE; CD5 Wis#E!nt#
4rou%: 4enera" !nitia" rating: 3
Aometimes known as a danger sense t$is ta"ent gi*es t$e c$aracter a c$ance to
detect ot$erwise undetectab"e t$reats by instinct# T$e c$aracter)s troub"e sense comes into
%"ay w$en t$e c$aracter is t$reatened by a danger $e $asn)t noticed yet#
T$e 'M s$ou"d make troub"e sense c$ecks in secret# !f t$e c$aracter succeeds $e
is on"y sur%rised on a ro"" of 8 by a sneak attack and treats any rear attacks as f"ank
attacks instead# T$e 'M can modify t$e %roficiency c$eck if t$e c$aracter is taking e+tra
%recautions or if t$e attacker wou"d be %articu"ar"y $ard to notice before striking#
C$a%ter Fi*e:
Bnarmed Combat
C$aracters a"" too fre>uent"y find t$emse"*es wea%on"ess w$i"e embroi"ed in a fig$t#
C+%erienced %"ayers often %refer to $a*e t$eir c$aracters *o"untari"y "ay aside t$eir
wea%ons to engage in non"et$a" combat es%ecia""y w$en attem%ting to ca%ture an
o%%onent w$o is more *a"uab"e to t$em a"i*e t$an dead#
T$ere are t$ree %arts to t$is c$a%ter# T$e first is Bra'ling= it co*ers p"mmeling!
'restling and overbearing! t$e t$ree basic ty%es of unarmed combat 3t$oug$ im%ro*ised
wea%ons can be used in %umme"ing5# Aubduing is a ty%e of armed combat t$at em%"oys
wea%ons in non"et$a" ways# Martial :rts is a set of ski""s t$at can make an unarmed
c$aracter as formidab"e and un%redictab"e as a swordsman#
'oes T$is 6e"iong in My Cam%aign< T$e materia" in t$is c$a%ter is an e+tension
of t$e combat o%tions in C$a%ter Two and it is intended for use wit$ t$e Player's Option
combat system %resented in C$a%ter ,ne# T$is c$a%ter can be used by itse"f $owe*er#
6raw"ing subduing and martia" arts can a"" be incor%orated into a cam%aign
se%arate"y or toget$er#
6raw"ing 1o c$aracter is entire"y $e"%"ess w$i"e sti"" conscious and free to mo*e#
!m%ro*ised wea%ons suc$ as iron s%ikes and c$airs often "ie wit$in easy reac$ and a
b"ow from a fist often can be as te""ing as a dagger t$rust#
6raw"ing is genera""y "ess dead"y to t$e defender t$an armed combat but it does
$owe*er carry its own risks#
6raw"ing &ttacks &gainst
&rmed ,%%onents
&ny braw"ing attack %ro*okes an attack of o%%ortunity from any and a"" o%%onents w$o
are armed and t$reatening t$e assai"ant# T$e defender gets a R; bonus to attack and
damage ro""s# !f an attack of o%%ortunity s"ays t$e attacker t$ere is no braw"ing attack# !f
an attack of o%%ortunity creates a knockdown c$ance t$e braw"ing attack automatica""y
fai"s and is wasted e*en if t$e attacker)s sa*ing t$row succeeds and $e is not knocked
down7t$e defender)s wea%on kee%s t$e attacker at bay# !f an attack of o%%ortunity resu"ts
in a critica" $it t$e c$aracter w$o scored t$e $it can c$oose to ro"" for t$e critica" $it 3see
C$a%ter Ai+5 or force t$e braw"ing attack to automatica""y fai"#
Tem%orary 'amage
,n"y one >uarter of any damage inf"icted in braw"ing combat is norma"# 'i*ide t$e
damage from eac$ attack by four and round down# T$e resu"t is t$e norma" damage from
t$e attack= a"" remaining damage is tem%orary# !f a sing"e attack inf"icts "ess t$an four
%oints of damage it is a"" tem%orary damage# 3Two $umans wit$ a*erage Atrengt$ scores
%umme"ing eac$ ot$er wit$ bare knuck"es can inf"ict on"y tem%orary damage#5
Tem%orary damage automatica""y $ea"s at t$e rate of one %oint %er combat round
3or standard round if t$e Player's Option combat system is not in use5 no matter w$at t$e
in2ured c$aracter does# !t is $e"%fu" to kee% track of tem%orary damage se%arate"y#
C$aracters reduced to L8. $it %oints by tem%orary damage 3or a combination of
tem%orary and norma" damage5 are sti"" dead# C$aracters reduced to between . to L9 $it
%oints reco*er one tem%orary damage %oint eac$ combat round 3instead of "osing a %oint
eac$ round5 but remain unconscious for 9dO fu"" turns or unti" $ea"ed# 1orma" damage
takes %recedence o*er tem%orary damage# !f a c$aracter $as suffered enoug$ norma"
damage to reduce $is $it %oints be"ow zero $e "oses one $it %oint eac$ round 3as
described in C$a%ter ,ne under 'amage and 'ying5 and regains no tem%orary damage#
T$e attacker in an unarmed combat can o%t not to inf"ict damage7t$is is ca""ed
%u""ing t$e %unc$ t$oug$ it a%%"ies to a"" forms of unarmed combat# T$e attack may sti""
generate s%ecia" effects suc$ as knockouts knockdowns $o"ds "ocks and %ins but it
inf"icts no damage at a""#
,%%osed ?o""s
T$e braw"ing %rocedures make e+tensi*e use of o%%osed ro""s# Aee C$a%ter Two for a
discussion of $ow to use o%%osed ro""s in combat# 1ote t$at in an o%%osed abi"ity c$eck a
die ro"" of 9. is a"ways a fai"ure e*en if t$e effecti*e score is 9. or more# !n an o%%osed
attack ro"" a die ro"" of 8 is a"ways a fai"ure e*en if ad2ustments to t$e ro"" wou"d a""ow
for success#
Dumme"ing Dumme"ing inc"udes most attacks made wit$ $ands fists e"bows and t$e
"ike# -umanoid and %artia""y $umanoid creatures wit$ racia" inte""igence of at "east "ow
can make %umme"ing attacks# 1on$umanoid creatures wit$ racia" inte""igence of at "east
a*erage and wit$ mani%u"ati*e a%%endages at "east as "arge and strong as $uman $ands
and arms a"so can %umme"# -umans demi$umans orcs ogres giants centaurs and
simi"ar creatures can make %umme"ing attacks# 4reat cats octo%i oozes $orses and
ot$er creatures w$o "ack inte""igence or %re$ensi"e a%%endages cannot# Common sense
must a%%"y# For e+am%"e t$e 'M mig$t a""ow andros%$in+es to make %umme"ing attacks
if t$ey retract t$eir c"aws# 4enera""y $owe*er creatures wit$ natura" attacks use t$em in
%reference to %umme"ing attacks#
Dumme"ing re>uires at "east one free $and a"t$oug$ t$e attacker may wear a
meta" gaunt"et or simi"ar item# & c$aracter may a"so use a wea%on %omme" or an
im%ro*ised wea%on suc$ as a mug or bott"e in a %umme"ing attack# &ttacks wit$
im%ro*ised wea%ons %ro*oke attacks of o%%ortunity 2ust as ot$er braw"ing attacks do#
T$e target of a %umme"ing attack must be a"i*e non/*egetab"e organic and non/
f"uid# Bndead s$amb"ing mounds go"ems and 2e""ies are among t$e many creatures t$at
cannot be %umme"ed#
Dumme"ing is ineffecti*e against creatures w$o can be $armed on"y by s%ecia" or
magica" wea%ons un"ess t$e attacker functions as a magica" wea%on %owerfu" enoug$ to
$urt t$e creature 3see DMG Tab"e ;O= note t$at c$aracter "e*e"s ne*er a%%"y to t$e tab"e5#
C"ementa"s fiends and most e+tra%"anar creatures are immune to %umme"ing un"ess
attacked by simi"ar creatures or by c$aracters using magica" wea%ons#
Creatures immune to b"unt 3ty%e 65 wea%ons are immune to %umme"ing attacks#
1o creature can %umme" an o%%onent more t$an one size "arger t$an itse"f un"ess
t$e target is not standing u% 3%rone knee"ing or sitting5 or t$e attacker $as a $eig$t
ad*antage or can f"y# For e+am%"e a $a"f"ing usua""y cannot %umme" a $i"" giant#
Dumme"ing Drocedures
Most c$aracters can make a sing"e %umme"ing attack eac$ round# &ny c$aracter can gain
an e+tra %umme"ing attack eac$ round by %unc$ing wit$ bot$ $ands 3%ro*ided bot$ $ands
are free5# -owe*er t$e c$aracter suffers t$e %ena"ties for attacking wit$ two wea%ons
3see C$a%ter Two5#
To make a %umme"ing attack t$e c$aracter makes an attack ro"" *s# t$e defender)s
&rmor C"ass# Dumme"ing damage and s%eed *aries wit$ t$e ty%e of im%"ement used to
%umme":
Ama"" soft ob2ects 3bare $ands5 inf"ict 8d9 %oints of damage= base s%eed is fast#
Ama"" $ard ob2ects 3mai"ed fists mugs wea%on %omme"s5 inf"ict 8d3 %oints of damage=
base s%eed is fast#
Garge soft ob2ects 3sadd"es unconscious c$aracters5 inf"ict 8d; %oints of damage= base
s%eed is s"ow#
Garge $ard ob2ects 3c$airs sma"" tab"es sacks of coins5 inf"ict 8dO %oints of damage=
base s%eed is s"ow#
To be used as an im%ro*ised wea%on an ob2ect must weig$ no more t$an one t$ird of t$e
attacker)s ma+imum %ress score 3from PHB Tab"e 85 and its greatest dimension can be no
"arger t$an $a"f t$e attacker)s $eig$t# For e+am%"e a Man/sized creature cou"d wie"d a ta""
stoo" in a %umme"ing attack but not a ste%"adder or ban>uet tab"e= common sense must
a%%"y#
& cestus 3see C$a%ter Ae*en5 is a s%ecia" case# & c$aracter em%"oying a cestus
uses t$e %umme"ing %rocedure but inf"icts norma" damage#
Atrengt$ bonuses to attack and damage ro""s a%%"y to a"" %umme"ing attacks#
T$ere is no knockdown die for %umme"ing attacks# !nstead t$ere is an o%%osed
Atrengt$ ro"" to see if t$e defender is knocked down# Modify t$e o%%osing Atrengt$ scores
as fo""ows:
9/%oint bonus or %ena"ty %er size difference of t$e attacker *ersus t$e defender=
R8 for attacking wit$ a "arge ob2ect=
R8 R9 or R3 for a s%ecia"ized master or grand master attacker#
T$e defender is knocked down if t$e attacker wins t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ ro""# !f bot$
Atrengt$ ro""s succeed t$e c$aracter w$o succeeds wit$ t$e $ig$est ro"" is t$e winner# !f
t$e attacker fai"s $er Atrengt$ ro"" t$ere is no knockdown no matter w$at t$e defender
ro""s# !f t$e defender fai"s $er Atrengt$ ro"" t$ere is no knockdown un"ess t$e attacker)s
ro"" succeeds#
!f a %umme"ing attack scores a critica" $it do not use t$e %rocedures in C$a%ter
Ai+# !nstead t$e defender must sa*e *s# deat$ or be knocked unconscious for 3d8.
combat rounds# T$e attacker)s $it %robabi"ity ad2ustment 3from Tab"e 8 in t$e PHB5 for
Atrengt$ a%%"ies as a bonus or %ena"ty to t$e sa*ing t$row# !f t$e attacker does not $a*e a
Atrengt$ score determine t$e attacker)s effecti*e Atrengt$ using t$e formu"a found in
C$a%ter Two and a%%"y t$e a%%ro%riate modifier from t$e PHB#
Dumme"ing Aki"" Ge*e"s
'onproficient: Most c$aracters $a*e $ad some e+%erience wit$ %umme"ing since ear"y
c$i"d$ood and non%roficient c$aracters are *ery rare# !f t$e o%tiona" c$aracter %oint
system from t$e 2#ills & Po'ers book is in use a c$aracter w$o is non%roficient in
%umme"ing may c"aim 3 e+tra c$aracter %oints# Auc$ c$aracters are *ery rare
$owe*er and t$e 'M and t$e %"ayer s$ou"d agree on a reason w$y t$e c$aracter is
non%roficient= %er$a%s t$e c$aracter $ad an iso"ated and non*io"ent c$i"d$ood or
comes from a cu"ture w$ere fistfig$ting is unknown# & non%roficient %umme"er
suffers t$e attack %ena"ty "isted for $is c"ass in Tab"e 3; from t$e PHB and cannot
score a knockdown or knockout wit$ a %umme"ing attack#
Familiar: T$e *ast ma2ority of c$aracters are assumed to be fami"iar wit$ %umme"ing
and need not s%end any c$aracter %oints or %roficiency s"ots on t$e ski""# Auc$
c$aracters can make one %umme"ing attack eac$ combat round wit$ no %ena"ty#
*roficient: &ny c$aracter can s%end c$aracter %oints 3or a wea%on %roficiency5 to
become %roficient at %umme"ing# 1onwarriors gain no benefit from %umme"ing
%roficiency# Droficient warriors gain t$eir fu"" a""otment of me"ee attacks w$en
%umme"ing#
%"pert: &ny c$aracter can s%end c$aracter %oints 3or wea%on %roficiencies5 to become
e+%ert at %umme"ing# C+%ert warriors w$o are entit"ed to more t$an one me"ee attack
eac$ round can make t$e same number of %umme"ing attacks eac$ round but gain no
ot$er benefits# C+%ert nonwarriors can make mu"ti%"e %umme"ing attacks at t$e same
rate as a nons%ecia"ized warrior of t$e same "e*e"#
Specialized: 4enera""y on"y sing"e/c"assed fig$ters can become %umme"ing s%ecia"ists
t$oug$ t$ere are o%tiona" ru"es in t$e 2#ills & Po'ers book t$at a""ow ot$er c$aracters
to s%ecia"ize# Dumme"ing s%ecia"ists gain t$e norma" s%ecia"ist attack and damage
bonuses and e+tra attacks# A%ecia"ists) attack bonuses a%%"y to t$eir Atrengt$ scores
w$en ro""ing for knockdowns#
Master: ,n"y sing"e/c"assed warriors can attain mastery in %umme"ing# Dumme"ing
masters gain t$e norma" master attack and damage bonuses and e+tra attacks# Masters)
attack bonuses a%%"y to t$eir Atrengt$ scores w$en ro""ing for knockdowns and a%%"y
as %ena"ties to sa*ing t$rows *s# knockouts# 4rand master %umme"ers can use critica"
augmentation to score knockouts on attack ro""s of 8O or better#
&n C+am%"e of Dumme"ing
&nada an Nt$/"e*e" e"f warrior $as 2ust esca%ed from a ce"" inside a bugbear "air# -e $as
no wea%ons but sti"" wears $is suit of chain mail 6-( &nada sur%rises a %air of unwary
bugbear guards and mo*es in to attack t$em from be$ind# T$e bugbears are Garge
creatures but &nada is Man/sized so $is %umme"ing attacks can effect t$em# &nada is
fami"iar wit$ %umme"ing and can make on"y one %umme"ing attack eac$ round des%ite
$is warrior "e*e" 3t$oug$ $e cou"d make a second attack wit$ $is ot$er fist and suffer t$e
%ena"ties for a two/$anded attack5#
6ecause $e is not in a t$reatened s>uare $is first %unc$ does not %ro*oke an
attack of o%%ortunity# &nada)s attack ro"" must be good enoug$ to $it &C K a bugbear)s
norma" &rmor C"ass# -e $its wit$ a ro"" of 8N good enoug$ to score a critica" $it# &nada)s
Atrengt$ is 8M so t$e bugbear suffers 9d9R8 %oints of damage from &nada)s bare fists
3t$e damage is doub"ed due to t$e critica" $it5# T$e b"ow inf"icts 3 %oints of damage a""
tem%orary# 1e+t &nada and t$e bugbear must make o%%osed Atrengt$ ro""s# &nada
recei*es a L9 %ena"ty to $is Atrengt$ score because $e is one size c"ass sma""er t$an $is
o%%onent# T$e bugbear)s effecti*e Atrengt$ is 8M wit$ a R9 bonus because it is "arger t$an
&nada# &nada ro""s anot$er 8N and t$e bugbear ro""s a 8.# T$e bugbear is not knocked
down# 36ecause &nada fai"ed $is Atrengt$ ro"" t$e bugbear wou"d not be knocked down
in any case#5
T$e critica" $it makes t$e bugbear ro"" a sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ at L8 3because of
&nada)s 8M Atrengt$5 to a*oid being knocked out# !t fai"s t$e ro"" and fa""s unconscious
for 3d8. combat turns# T$e second bugbear takes no action because &nada $as sur%rise#
T$e ne+t round &nada wins initiati*e and mo*es in to %umme" t$e second
bugbear w$o turns to face $im# &nada)s %unc$ %ro*okes an attack of o%%ortunity
because t$e bugbear t$reatens $im# T$e bugbear $as R; attack and damage bonuses and
its racia" damage bonus of R9# !t $its &nada for 9 %oints of norma" damage and scores a
knockdown c$ance# &nada)s %umme"ing attack automatica""y fai"s but $is sa*ing t$row is
successfu" and $e is not knocked down# T$e bugbear decides to use its regu"ar attack to
%unc$ &nada wit$ its free $and in $o%es of reca%turing $im a"i*e# !t must $it &C 3
3&nada $as a 8K 'e+terity in addition to $is magica" armor5 and misses#
'uring t$e ne+t round &nada tries to %ick u% t$e fa""en bugbear)s wea%on# T$e
second bugbear wins initiati*e $owe*er and tries to %unc$ &nada again# &nada is not yet
armed so t$ere is no attack of o%%ortunity# T$is time t$e bugbear $its inf"icting 8d3R9
%oints of damage wit$ its mai"ed fist# !t scores K %oints of damage 8 norma" and ;
tem%orary# &nada $as now suffered 8; %oints of damage 8. norma" and ; tem%orary#
Bnfortunate"y &nada on"y $ad 89 $it %oints at t$e start of t$is batt"e $a*ing been
wounded ear"ier# 6ecause $is current $it %oint tota" is L9 $e fa""s unconscious for 9dO fu""
turns# T$e bugbears drag $im back to $is ce"" and watc$ $im more carefu""y t$is time#
A%ecia" Dumme"ing Maneu*ers
T$e fo""owing are s%ecia" attacks t$at can be attem%ted as a %umme"ing attack# T$ey are
ty%ica""y attem%ted to cause a s%ecia" situation suc$ as a knockout#
Sappin&
T$e basic ru"es for sa%%ing are found in C$a%ter Two# -owe*er a c$aracter may attem%t
to make a ranged sa% attem%t wit$ a t$rown ab2ect sub2ect to range Atrengt$ and
'e+terity modifiers# 'amage is determined by t$e ob2ect)s size and $ardness as gi*en
abo*e# T$ere is a one/%$ase de"ay w$en making a ranged %umme"ing attack= sma""
ob2ects become a*erage "arge ob2ects become *ery s"ow# Ama"" ob2ects $a*e a ma+imum
range of 8K yards# A$ort range is K yards or "ess medium range is KL8. yards and "ong
range is 8.L8K yards# Garge ob2ects cannot be t$rown un"ess t$ey can be wie"ded as
im%ro*ised wea%ons as described abo*e= t$ey $a*e a ma+imum range of K yards and are
a"ways considered to be at medium range# Aize Garge and "arger creatures mig$t be ab"e
to $ur" some "arge ob2ects suc$ as sacks of coins as t$oug$ t$ey were sma"" ob2ects#
7ic-in&
C$aracters attacking wit$ a $eig$t ad*antage 3or attacking a %rone knee"ing or sitting
o%%onent5 can %umme" by kicking instead of %unc$ing# -umanoid c$aracters tend to
$a*e stronger "egs t$an arms and inf"ict e+tra damage:
Bare feet: 8d3 %oints of damage=
ShoesE boots: 8d; %oints of damage=
#eay boots: 8dO %oints of damage=
(ron8shod or hobnailed boots: 8dN %oints of damage#
Wrest"ing Wrest"ing inc"udes a"" attacks aimed at gras%ing and $o"ding an o%%onent#
&ny creature wit$ racia" inte""igence of at "east semi/ can make wrest"ing attacks if it a"so
$as gras%ing a%%endages t$at it cou"d use to restrain an o%%onent# !ncor%orea" and
amor%$ous creatures cannot make wrest"ing attacks and cannot be wrest"ed# Gimb"ess
creatures suc$ as worms snakes and t$e "ike genera""y cannot wrest"e t$oug$
constrictor snakes can be assumed to be using a form of wrest"ing#
Worm"ike and snake"ike creatures are resistant to wrest"ing damage but can be
$e"d or "ocked so t$ey cannot attack unti" t$ey win free of t$e $o"d# Creatures immune to
norma" wea%ons $a*e a natura" resistance to wrest"ing attacks so t$ey can be gra%%"ed or
%inned but take no damage from a $o"d un"ess t$e attacker functions as a magica"
wea%on# !mmunity to norma" wea%ons $owe*er does not %rotect a creature from t$e
effects of a "ock inc"uding damage#
Wrest"ing re>uires bot$ $ands free# A$ie"ds w$ic$ are norma""y worn stra%%ed to
t$e forearm interfere wit$ t$e c$aracter)s gri% and %re*ent wrest"ing#
Wrest"ing combat a"ways takes %"ace between two o%%onents= mu"ti%"e attackers
cannot make a wrest"ing attack as a grou%# 'amage from wrest"ing $o"ds and "ocks is
most"y tem%orary 2ust "ike ot$er ty%es of braw"ing damage#
Wrest"ing Drocedures
Most c$aracters can make one wrest"ing attack eac$ round# Wrest"ing attacks take %"ace
on t$e attacker)s base initiati*e %$ase#
& wrest"er makes an attack ro"" *s# &rmor C"ass 8. regard"ess of t$e defender)s
actua" &rmor C"ass# 6onuses for t$e defender)s 'e+terity and magica" %rotections a%%"y#
Cffects t$at %ro*ide a f"at &rmor C"ass suc$ as magica" bracers or s$ie"d s%e""s count as
a R8 bonus regard"ess of $ow strong t$eir enc$antments are# !f t$e attacker misses $is
action %$ase ends# !f t$e attacker scores a critica" $it t$e defender is automatica""y $e"d#
T$e attacker enters t$e defender)s s>uare and inf"icts 8d9 %oints of damage# T$e attacker
can immediate"y try for a "ock 3see Dre*ious"y Cstab"is$ed -o"ds be"ow5# !f t$ere is no
critica" $it t$e attacker enters t$e defender)s s>uare and immediate"y c$ecks for a $o"d#
#olds
To c$eck for a $o"d t$e combatants make an o%%osed attack ro"" *s# &C 8. 3'e+terity
and magica" bonuses a%%"y5# Atrengt$ bonuses a%%"y a"ong wit$ t$e fo""owing modifiers:
;/%oint bonus or %ena"ty %er size difference of t$e attacker *ersus t$e defender=
L8 for a defender norma""y immune to t$e attack=
L9 for defenders wit$ unusua""y su%%"e bodies 3snakes ee"s worms etc#5#
T$e attacker must win t$e o%%osed ro"" to ac$ie*e a $o"d# !f t$e defender wins if
t$ere is a tie or if bot$ ro""s fai" t$e attacker is dri*en back to $is origina" s>uare and t$e
gra%%"e is broken# 6ot$ c$aracters retain t$eir origina" facings#
!f t$e attacker wins t$e o%%osed ro"" t$e attacker ac$ie*es a $o"d# T$e defender
suffers 8d9 %oints of damage un"ess immune to t$e attack and t$e attacker can try for a
"ock during $is ne+t attack# & $o"d "asts unti" t$e attacker frees t$e defender or t$e
defender breaks free# 4ra%%"ed c$aracters cannot mo*e unti" t$ey free t$emse"*es and
t$ey cannot make attacks of o%%ortunity# C$ecking for a $o"d ends t$e attacker)s action
%$ase= t$e c$aracter cannot attack again unti" $e wou"d norma""y be e"igib"e for a me"ee
attack 3usua""y t$e ne+t combat round5= $owe*er t$e c$aracter can counter t$e defender)s
attem%ts to get free 3by making o%%osed ro""s5#
Atrengt$ bonuses to attack and damage ro""s a%%"y to a"" wrest"ing attacks $o"ds
and "ocks#
*reiously %stablished #olds and /oc-s
W$en a c$aracter is e"igib"e to make an attack and begins t$e action %$ase wit$ a
c$aracter in $is gras% t$e attacker can re"ease t$e o%%onent try to im%ro*e $is gri% or
2ust $o"d on#
!f t$e attacker re"eases $is o%%onent $e can immediate"y attem%t anot$er unarmed
attack draw a wea%on and attack 3t$is counts as a $a"f/mo*e action5 or attem%t some
ot$er action norma""y a*ai"ab"e to t$e c$aracter suc$ as mo*ement#
!f t$e attacker tries to im%ro*e $is gri% make anot$er o%%osed attack ro"" as
described abo*e# !f bot$ attack ro""s fai" t$ere is no c$ange in t$e combatants) status7
t$ey remain gra%%"ed and no damage is inf"icted# !f t$e defender wins t$e attacker suffers
8d9 %oints of damage 3%"us Atrengt$ bonus5 and t$e defender)s %osition im%ro*es one
%"ace# Gocked defenders become $e"d $e"d defenders break free# !f t$e defender wins
wit$ a ro"" good enoug$ to score a critica" $it t$e defender immediate"y scores a "ock on
t$e attacker and can c$oose a "ock resu"t from t$e tab"e be"ow# T$e defender now
contro"s t$e wrest"ing se>uence and is treated as t$e attacker in subse>uent action %$ases#
!f t$e attacker wins t$e o%%osed ro"" t$e defender suffers 8d9 %oints of damage and t$e
attacker)s %osition im%ro*es one %"ace= $e"d c$aracters become "ocked#
!f t$e attacker 2ust tries to $o"d on conduct anot$er o%%osed ro""# Bn"ess t$e
defender wins $is status does not c$ange= $e"d c$aracters remain $e"d and suffer 8d9
%oints of damage and "ocked c$aracters remain "ocked and suffer a "ock resu"t of t$e
attacker)s c$oice# !f t$e defender wins $is status im%ro*es one %"ace as noted abo*e#
T$ere is no c$ance for t$e defender to ro"" a critica" $it and ac$ie*e a "ock on t$e attacker#
!f bot$ attacks fai" or if t$ere is a tie t$e defender)s status remains unc$anged but t$e
defender takes no damage and cannot suffer a "ock resu"t 3t$oug$ an estab"is$ed "ock is
not broken5# T$e ad*antage of $o"ding on is t$at t$ere is a"so no c$ance for a critica" $it
to re*erse t$e attacker)s fortunes#
& c$aracter w$o decides to $o"d on after $e $as ac$ie*ed a "ock can on"y re%eat
t$e %re*ious "ock effect# !f t$e c$aracter wis$es to c$ange effects $e must win anot$er
o%%osed ro""#
Brea-in& Free
& defender w$o begins an action %$ase in anot$er c$aracter)s gras% cannot mo*e# T$e
on"y combat actions $e can take is an attack wit$ a size A or natura" wea%on %umme"ing
or wrest"ing# T$ese attacks must be directed at t$e o%%onent gra%%"ing t$e c$aracter#
&ttacks wit$ size A wea%ons and %umme"ing attacks suffer a L9 attack %ena"ty# 1atura"
and armed attacks are not %ossib"e if t$e c$aracter)s origina" facing wou"d not a""ow t$em#
For e+am%"e a fig$ter w$o makes a wrest"ing attack from one of a "ion)s rear s>uares
cou"d not be sub2ected to t$e "ion)s c"aw attacks t$oug$ t$e "ion cou"d turn its $ead to
bite#
!f t$e defender scores a critica" $it wit$ a wea%on or natura" attack $e can o%t to
inf"ict doub"e damage 3and %er$a%s ro"" for a s%ecia" effect according to t$e ru"es
%resented in C$a%ter Ai+5 or force t$e attacker to re"ease $im# !f t$e defender scores a
knockdown wit$ a %umme"ing or wea%on attack $e breaks free#
!f t$e defender makes a wrest"ing attack conduct an o%%osed attack ro"" as
described abo*e# !f bot$ attacks fai" t$ere is no c$ange in t$e combatants) status7t$ey
remain gra%%"ed or "ocked and no damage is inf"icted# !f t$e defender wins t$e attacker
suffers 8d9 %oints of damage 3%"us Atrengt$ bonus5 and t$e defender)s %osition im%ro*es
one %"ace# Gocked defenders become gra%%"ed and gra%%"ed c$aracters break free# !f t$e
defender wins wit$ a ro"" good enoug$ to score a critica" $it t$e defender immediate"y
scores a "ock on t$e attacker and can c$oose a "ock resu"t from t$e tab"e be"ow# T$e
defender now contro"s t$e wrest"ing se>uence and is treated as t$e attacker in subse>uent
action %$ases# !f t$e attacker wins t$e o%%osed ro"" t$ere is no c$ange in t$e defender)s
status# !f t$e attacker wins wit$ a ro"" good enoug$ to score a critica" $it t$e attacker
automatica""y ac$ie*es a "ock#
$ssistance
Wrest"ing in*o"*es seizing and contro"ing t$e defender)s body= mu"ti%"e attackers tend to
$inder eac$ ot$er more t$an t$e defender# C*en Hery Garge creatures t$at occu%y more
t$an one s%ace on t$e ma% cannot be wrest"ed en masse because it is im%ossib"e to
coordinate t$eir actions as t$e defender t$ras$es about# T$e attacker)s com%anions
$owe*er can make me"ee %umme"ing and o*erbearing attacks against t$e defender# 3&
c$aracter in*o"*ed in wrest"ing combat does not count as %art of t$e %i"e if $is
com%anions try to o*erbear t$e defender5#
!t is e>ua""y difficu"t to in*o"*e mu"ti%"e defenders in wrest"ing combat# & sing"e
c$aracter can try to gra%%"e t$e attacking wrest"er and %ry $im "oose from t$e defender# !f
t$e rescuer ac$ie*es a $o"d 3or a "ock5 on t$e attacker t$e origina" defender breaks free
and t$e origina" attacker is %u""ed into t$e rescuer)s s>uare#
& $o"d or "ock a"so can be broken by scoring a knockdown or critica" $it wit$ a
wea%on or %umme"ing attack as described abo*e or by o*erbearing t$e attacker#
&dditiona" defenders w$o t$reaten t$e attacker can make attacks of o%%ortunity e*ery
time t$e attacker initiates an o%%osed ro""#
Missi"e attacks directed at wrest"ers $a*e a c$ance to $it eit$er c$aracters as
described in C$a%ter ,ne#
/oc-s
C$aracters w$o become "ocked suffer one of t$e fo""owing effects c$osen by t$e
c$aracter w$o ac$ie*ed t$e "ock:
Throw: T$e attacker "itera""y t$rows t$e defender t$roug$ t$e air# T$e defender "ands
%rone 8 or 9 s>uares away in any direction t$e attacker c$ooses# T$e defender suffers
8d; %oints of damage un"ess $e "ands on a soft yie"ding surface but is freed from t$e
attacker)s gras%# 'efenders t$rown onto %articu"ar"y $ard and unyie"ding surfaces
suc$ as so"id stone f"oors or wa""s take 8d;R8 %oints of damage# !f t$e defender is
t$rown into anot$er creature immediate"y conduct an o*erbearing attack against t$e
creature struck using t$e attacker)s Atrengt$ score and t$e t$rown creature)s size# !f
t$e defender is t$rown into a $azardous area suc$ as a %oo" of burning oi" or a set of
s$ar% s%ikes $e takes additiona" damage from t$e $azard 2ust as t$oug$ $e $as
ste%%ed or fa""en into it# -azards usua""y inf"ict norma" 3not tem%orary5 damage#
'efenders at "east two size c"asses "arger t$an t$eir attackers cannot be t$rown# Treat
t$e t$row as a takedown# !f t$e defender is t$e same size or sma""er t$an t$e attacker
t$e attacker can make a $a"f mo*e before t$rowing $is o%%onent#
Ta-edown: T$e attacker makes t$e defender fa"" to t$e ground in t$e combat s>uare# T$e
defender suffers 8d3 %oints of damage and remains in t$e attacker)s gras%#
Slam: T$e attacker $ur"s t$e defender *io"ent"y to t$e ground in t$e combat s>uare# T$e
"ock automatica""y becomes a $o"d and t$e *ictim breaks free if $e ro""s a successfu"
sa*ing t$row *s# breat$ wea%on# T$e defender suffers 8dN %oints of damage in any
case# T$e defender suffers 8dNR8 %oints of damage if s"ammed into so"id ground and
t$e a%%ro%riate amount of damage is inf"icted if t$e defender is s"ammed into
$azardous ground# 'efenders at "east two size c"asses "arger t$an t$eir attackers
cannot be s"ammed# Treat t$e s"am as a takedown#
*ress: T$e attacker s>ueezes or twists some %art of t$e *ictim)s body inf"icting damage#
T$e *ictim remains in t$e attacker)s gras% and suffers 8dOR8 %oints of damage# !f t$e
attacker re%eats t$e %ress on $is ne+t action %$ase t$e damage bonus increase to R9
and continues to increase if t$e attacker can re%eat t$e %ress wit$out interru%tion# &
%ress re%eated t$roug$ fi*e consecuti*e attacks wou"d inf"ict 8dORK %oints of damage
during t$e fift$ attack#
#ammer: T$e attacker %umme"s t$e defender or %ounds $is body against somet$ing# T$e
defender suffers 8d9 %oints of damage and must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s#
deat$ or be knocked unconscious for 3d8. combat rounds# T$ere is no ad2ustment to
t$e ro"" as t$ere is in a %umme"ing attack and no damage ad2ustment for items t$e
attacker $o"ds or wears on $is $ands#
Manipulate: T$e attacker takes contro" o*er t$e defender)s body# T$e attacker can %ry
items out of t$e defender)s gras% remo*e e+%osed e>ui%ment from t$e defender)s
body bind t$e defender)s "imbs negate one of t$e defender)s natura" attacks or in$ibit
t$e defender)s actions in ot$er ways at t$e 'M)s discretion# T$e defender suffers 8d9
%oints of damage from t$e attacker)s man$and"ing#
T$e attacker can remo*e one item or bind one "imb wit$ a manac"e in one attack
%$ase# !t takes two attack %$ases to tie a "imb wit$ ro%e# !f in doubt about t$e attacker)s
abi"ity to remo*e an item a""ow t$e attacker to make an o%en doors or bend bars ro"" to
%erform t$e action# For e+am%"e remo*ing a $e"met from a strugg"ing $obgob"in wou"d
re>uire an o%en doors ro""# ?emo*ing a $e"met from a strugg"ing storm giant wou"d
re>uire a bend bars ro""#
!t is often %ossib"e to maintain a mani%u"ation w$i"e %erforming a %ress or
takedown# !f t$e defender wins an o%%osed ro"" w$i"e mu"ti%"e "ocks are estab"is$ed a"" of
t$em are broken#
Carry: T$e attacker "ifts t$e defender into t$e air and makes a norma" mo*e# T$e
defender)s weig$t 3and t$e weig$t of t$e defender)s e>ui%ment5 is added to t$e
attacker)s encumbrance rating# T$e attacker cannot c$oose t$is "ock if t$e defender)s
tota" weig$t 3wit$ e>ui%ment5 e>ua"s or e+ceeds t$e attacker)s ma+imum %ress *a"ues
3see PHB C$a%ter 85#
Wrestler <ersus Wrestler
!f two c$aracters $a*e dec"ared wrest"ing attacks against eac$ ot$er t$ey automatica""y
gras% eac$ ot$er# Aki% t$e initia" attack ro"" and make an o%%osed ro"" on t$e fastest
c$aracter)s action %$ase to see w$o $as t$e ad*antage# T$e winner estab"is$es a $o"d or a
"ock if $is ro"" was good enoug$ to score a critica" $it#
Wrest"ing Aki"" Ge*e"s
'onproficient: &"" c$aracters $a*e $ad some e+%erience wit$ wrest"ing since ear"y
c$i"d$ood= t$e on"y non%roficient wrest"ers are creatures t$at cannot make wrest"ing
attacks at a""# !n most cases creatures t$at cannot make wrest"ing attacks a"so cannot
be wrest"ed# !f a non%roficient creature can be wrest"ed it can make o%%osed ro""s
wit$ no %ena"ties but it cannot score critica" $its or ac$ie*e $o"ds or "ocks= t$e
creature can mere"y wigg"e out of t$e attacker)s gras% 3or make natura" attacks5# &
c$aracter cannot c$oose to be non%roficient in wrest"ing and gain e+tra c$aracter
%oints under t$e o%tiona" c$aracter %oint system from t$e 2#ills & Po'ers book#
Familiar: Creatures t$at can make wrest"ing attacks are automatica""y fami"iar wit$
wrest"ing and need not s%end any c$aracter %oints or %roficiency s"ots on t$e ski""#
Auc$ c$aracters can make one wrest"ing attack eac$ combat round wit$ no %ena"ty#
*roficient: &ny c$aracter can s%end c$aracter %oints 3or a wea%on %roficiency5 to
become %roficient at wrest"ing# 1onwarriors gain no benefit from wrest"ing
%roficiency# Droficient warriors gain t$eir fu"" a""otment of me"ee attacks w$en
wresting# -ig$/"e*e" warriors can initiate mu"ti%"e wrest"ing attacks eac$ round and
can try to im%ro*e $o"ds or switc$ "ocks in any action %$ase w$en t$ey are e"igib"e to
make attacks#
%"pert: &ny c$aracter can s%end c$aracter %oints 3or wea%on %roficiencies5 to become
e+%ert at wrest"ing# C+%ert warriors w$o are entit"ed to more t$an one me"ee attack
eac$ round can make t$e same number of wrest"ing attacks eac$ round but gain no
ot$er benefits# C+%ert nonwarriors can make mu"ti%"e wrest"ing attacks at t$e same
rate as a nons%ecia"ized warrior of t$e same "e*e"#
Specialized: 4enera""y on"y sing"e/c"assed fig$ters can become wrest"ing s%ecia"ists
t$oug$ t$ere are o%tiona" ru"es in t$e 2#ills & Po'ers book t$at a""ow ot$er c$aracters
to s%ecia"ize# Wrest"ing s%ecia"ists gain t$e norma" s%ecia"ist attack and damage
bonuses and e+tra attacks#
Master: ,n"y sing"e/c"assed warriors can attain mastery in wrest"ing# Wrest"ing masters
gain t$e norma" master attack and damage bonuses and e+tra attacks# 4rand master
wrest"ers can use critica" augmentation to score >uick "ocks on attack ro""s of 8O or
better#
&n C+am%"e of Wrest"ing
&nada t$e e"f warrior from t$e %re*ious e+am%"e "ures one of $is bugbear guards into
$is ce"" in anot$er bid to esca%e# T$e guard is wary of troub"e so t$e 'M ru"es t$ere is no
c$ance for sur%rise but a"so gi*es &nada t$e first attack as $e "unges from be$ind t$e
door and gra%%"es wit$ t$e bugbear#
T$e bugbear is armed and turns toward &nada as $e attacks# 6ecause &nada is
t$reatened t$e bugbear gets an attack of o%%ortunity before &nada makes $is wrest"ing
attack# &nada gets "ucky and t$e bugbear misses# &nada makes an attack ro"" *s# &rmor
C"ass 8. and ro""s a M good enoug$ to $it#
1ow &nada c$ecks to see if $e ac$ie*es a $o"d# &nada and t$e bugbear make
o%%osed attack ro""s# &nada is attacking &rmor C"ass 8. because t$e bugbear $as no
magica" or 'e+terity bonuses= &nada suffers a L; %ena"ty for being a size c"ass sma""er
t$an t$e bugbear but gains a R8 bonus from $is Atrengt$# T$e bugbear is attacking &rmor
C"ass N because of &nada)s chain mail 68 and 8K 'e+terity# &nada ro""s a 8. good
enoug$ to $it# T$e bugbear ro""s an 8N a"so good enoug$ to $it= $owe*er &nada wins t$e
o%%osed attack ro"" because $e succeeded wit$ a "ower number# &nada $as a $o"d on t$e
bugbear and inf"icts 8d9R8 %oints of damage 3because of a successfu" $o"d and &nada)s
8M Atrengt$5# &nada inf"icts 9 %oints of damage bot$ tem%orary#
'uring its attack %$ase t$e bugbear dro%s its wea%on w$ic$ is too big to use
w$i"e gra%%"ed and tries to break free# &nada and t$e bugbear conduct anot$er o%%osed
attack ro"" t$is time wit$ t$e bugbear gaining a R; bonus to its ro"" for t$e size difference
since it is t$e attacker# T$e bugbear ro""s a 9. norma""y good enoug$ to score a critica"
$it against &nada)s effecti*e &rmor C"ass of N# &nada $owe*er ro""s an 88 good enoug$
to $it t$e bugbear)s effecti*e &rmor C"ass of 8. and win t$e o%%osed ro"" 3because it is
successfu" and "ower t$an t$e bugbear)s ro""5# 6ecause t$e bugbear didn)t win t$e o%%osed
ro"" t$e critica" ro"" is disregarded= t$e bugbear does not ac$ie*e a "ock on &nada#
1ow t$at bot$ combatants $a*e taken an attack %$ase t$e combat %roceeds to t$e
ne+t combat round# &nada wins initiati*e and tries to ac$ie*e a "ock on t$e bugbear#
T$ere is anot$er o%%osed ro"" and &nada wins wit$ a ro"" of 89 *ersus t$e bugbear)s 9
3t$e bugbear "ost because its attack fai"ed and &nada)s succeeded5# &nada ac$ie*es a "ock
and decides to $o"d t$e bugbear)s mout$ s$ut to kee% it from ca""ing for $e"%# T$e 'M
decides t$is is a mani%u"ation and t$e bugbear suffers anot$er 8d9R8 %oints of damage#
&nada inf"icts 3 %oints of damage a"" tem%orary#
T$e bugbear tries to free itse"f once again during its attack %$ase but "oses t$e
o%%osed ro""# T$e combat round ends#
'uring t$e ne+t round t$e bugbear wins initiati*e but "oses t$e o%%osed ro""
again# 1ow t$at t$e bugbear)s mout$ is c"am%ed s$ut &nada decides to twist t$e
bugbear)s $ead a "itt"e w$ic$ >ua"ifies as a %ress# T$e 'M decides &nada can kee% $o"d
of t$e bugbear)s mout$ w$i"e wrenc$ing at its $ead but &nada sti"" must make anot$er
o%%osed ro"" to estab"is$ t$e %ress# &nada wins again and inf"icts 8dOR9 %oints of damage
38dOR8 for t$e %ress %"us one for &nada)s Atrengt$5# &nada ro""s a ; and inf"icts O %oints
of damage 8 norma" and K tem%orary# T$e bugbear $as now suffered 9 %oints of damage
N tem%orary and one norma"# T$e bugbear started wit$ 8; $it %oints is now at K and
strugg"es on#
&nada "oses initiati*e t$e ne+t round and t$e bugbear tries to free itse"f again#
T$ere is anot$er o%%osed ro"" w$ic$ t$e bugbear "oses# !f t$e bugbear $ad won bot$ t$e
%ress 3$ead twist5 and mani%u"ation 3mout$ c"am%5 wou"d $a*e been broken and &nada
wou"d on"y $a*e $ad a sim%"e $o"d#
&nada decides to %ress again on $is attack %$ase# T$ere is anot$er o%%osed ro""
w$ic$ &nada wins= because &nada was 2ust $o"ding on t$e bugbear cou"d not $a*e
ac$ie*ed a "ock by winning t$e ro"" wit$ a critica" $it# &nada $as maintained $is %ress
t$roug$ two attack %$ases so $e inf"icts an e+tra %oint of damage for a tota" of 8dOR3
%oints# &nada inf"icts M more %oints of damage 8 norma" and O tem%orary# T$e bugbear)s
$it %oint tota" is now be"ow zero and it fa""s unconscious for 9dO fu"" turns# &nada %icks
u% t$e bugbear)s wea%on and s"i%s out of t$e ce""#
,*erbearing T$is *ersion of o*erbearing is an e+%anded *ersion of t$e one a%%earing
in C$a%ter Two but it a"so assumes t$at no combatants in*o"*ed are fig$ting wit$
wea%ons# ,*erbearing inc"udes most attacks aimed at sim%"y o*er%owering t$e target# !f
t$e attackers are seeking to o*erw$e"m t$e defender t$roug$ brute strengt$ or s$eer
weig$t of numbers it)s an o*erbearing attack# ,*erbearing is a tactic a*ai"ab"e to any
creature and can be used against a"most any ot$er creature# Creatures wit$ mu"ti%"e "egs
are difficu"t to o*erbear# Creatures wit$ no "egs at a"" are near"y im%ossib"e to o*erbear
3because t$ey can)t be knocked down5 but attackers wit$ sufficient strengt$ sometimes
can %in t$em in %"ace# Creatures wit$ no so"id form 3immateria" gaseous or "i>uid5
cannot be o*erborne#
C$aracters need not $a*e t$eir $ands free to make o*erbearing attacks but t$ey
mig$t not be ab"e to take fu"" ad*antage of %ins if t$ey do not 3see be"ow5#
,*erbearing Drocedures
Hirtua""y a"" creatures can make one o*erbearing attack eac$ round# &s e+%"ained in
C$a%ter Two o*erbearing re>uires an attack ro"" *s# &rmor C"ass 8.# &d2ustments for
'e+terity and magic a%%"y to t$e defender)s &rmor C"ass#
!f t$e attack $its t$ere is an o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" to determine if t$e defender
kee%s $er feet# & "ist of modifiers 3e+%anded from C$a%ter Two5 is inc"uded be"ow:
;/%oint bonus or %ena"ty %er size difference of t$e "argest attacker *ersus t$e defender=
R8 bonus %er additiona" attacker=
L; %ena"ty if defender $as more t$an two "egs=
L; %ena"ty if t$e defender is "eg"ess 3snake worm s"ug5=
L; %ena"ty if t$e defender is genera""y amor%$ous 3ooze s"ime 2e""y5#T
TCreatures t$at >ua"ify for t$is modifier a"so get t$e modifier for $a*ing no "egs for a
tota" %ena"ty of LN#
!f t$e defender wins t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" s$e stays on $er feet and t$e
attackers remain in t$eir s>uares# T$e defender remains c"ear and can finis$ t$e round
norma""y# !f t$e attackers win t$ey 3or as many as wi"" fit5 enter t$e defender)s s>uare and
e*eryone fa""s in a $ea% wit$ t$e attackers on to%# T$e o*erborne c$aracter takes no
damage# 1ote t$at attackers in s>uares ad2acent to t$e defender can contribute to
o*erbearing attacks e*en if t$ey can)t enter t$e defender)s s>uare#
!f defender is o*erborne s$e "oses a"" actions for t$e remainder of t$e round and
$er actions are se*ere"y "imited t$e ne+t round= t$e c$aracter is gra%%"ed and cannot mo*e
or make any attacks 3inc"uding attacks of o%%ortunity5 unti" s$e gets free#
& defender w$o $as been knocked down by an o*erbearing attack can be %inned if
s$e is successfu""y o*erborne again in t$e fo""owing round# ,*erborne defenders can do
not$ing unti" t$e %in is reso"*ed#
Dins
&ttackers w$o $a*e made successfu" o*erbearing attacks $a*e an ad*antage o*er t$e
defender in t$e fo""owing round# T$e attackers can re"ease t$e o%%onent or try for a %in#
!f t$e attackers re"ease t$e o%%onent t$ey can immediate"y attem%t anot$er
unarmed attack draw a wea%on and attack 3t$is counts as a $a"f/mo*e action5 or attem%t
some ot$er action norma""y a*ai"ab"e to c$aracters suc$ as mo*ement#
!f t$e attackers try for a %in conduct anot$er o%%osed Atrengt$ ro""# !f t$e
attackers win t$e o%%onent is %inned 3see be"ow5# !f t$e defender wins t$e attackers
must "ea*e t$e defender)s s>uare and t$e defender can s%end a $a"f mo*e or an attack to
stand u% 2ust as if s$e $ad suffered a knockdown#
%ffects of *ins
& %in "asts for an entire combat round# & %inned c$aracter is considered %rone and
gra%%"ed# T$e attackers can immobi"ize a %inned c$aracter)s "imbs if t$eir $ands are free#
!f t$e attackers are t$e same size or "arger t$an t$e defender one of t$e defender)s "imbs is
immobi"ized and use"ess for e*ery attacker wit$ free $ands in t$e %i"e# !f t$e attackers are
sma""er it takes one e+tra creature %er size c"ass difference to immobi"ize a "imb# For
e+am%"e it takes one $uman to $o"d down an orc)s arm two $umans to $o"d down an
ogre)s arm and t$ree $umans to $o"d down a $i"" giant)s arm# !f t$e attackers are "arger
t$ey can %in two "imbs for e*ery two size c"asses difference# For e+am%"e a sing"e ogre
can %in one "imb of a dwarf or two of a $a"f"ing)s "imbs#
!f a"" t$e defender)s "imbs are immobi"ized for two consecuti*e rounds t$e
attackers $a*e t$e u%%er $and and can c$oose any wrest"ing "ock effect# 3'amage from
"ocks ac$ie*ed t$roug$ an o*erbearing %in is most"y tem%orary as in a"" ot$er forms of
braw"ing combat#5 & grou% t$at ac$ie*es a "ock inf"icts damage on"y once %er round but
uses its effecti*e grou% Atrengt$ score w$en determining damage#
Maintainin& and Brea-in& *ins
& %inned creature can make unarmed or natura" attacks wit$ its free "imbs or can attack
wit$ a size A wea%on# T$e %inned c$aracter)s origina" facing does not affect t$ese attacks=
a"" t$e c$aracters in*o"*ed are entang"ed in a random dog%i"e and t$e defender is assumed
to be facing a"" t$e attackers simu"taneous"y7t$is is one disad*antage to o*erbearing
attacks# !f t$e defender inf"icts a critica" $it wit$ a wea%on or natura" attack $e can o%t to
inf"ict doub"e damage 3or ro"" for a s%ecia" effect according to t$e ru"es %resented in
C$a%ter Ai+5 or force t$e attacker w$o is struck to re"ease $er# !f t$e defender scores a
knockdown wit$ a %umme"ing or wea%on attack t$e attacker w$o is struck must re"ease
t$e defender#
T$e attacker cannot direct"y counter t$e %in s$e must wait unti" t$e attackers try
to maintain t$e %in#
&ttackers w$o $a*e %inned a defender must make an o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" eac$
round to maintain t$e %in# !f a %inned defender wins t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" s$e breaks
t$e %in and can s%end a $a"f mo*e or an attack to stand u%# A$e is sti"" gra%%"ed $owe*er#
!f t$e defender wins t$e ne+t o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" s$e breaks free# !f t$e defender wins
initiati*e s$e can force t$e ro"" $erse"f on $er attack %$ase= t$is is t$e on"y time a
defender can initiate t$e o%%osed ro"" w$ic$ can be eit$er an attack or a Atrengt$ ro"" at
t$e defender)s o%tion# !f t$e defender "oses or t$ere is a tie t$e defender remains gra%%"ed
and t$e attackers can ski% t$e attack ro"" and go direct"y to t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" on
t$eir ne+t action %$ase# !f t$e defender wins s$e breaks free and can finis$ t$e round
norma""y#
$ssistance
,*erbearing in*o"*es brute force and is t$e natura" attack form for grou%s of creatures
confronting a "one target# !n t$e case of mu"ti%"e defenders t$e attackers can di*ide
t$emse"*es among t$eir o%%onents or concentrate on a sing"e defender %ro*ided t$at t$e
attackers occu%y s>uares ad2acent to t$e defender#
T$e defender)s a""ies if c"ear can remo*e attackers from t$e %i"e by making
o*erbearing or wrest"ing attacks against t$em# &n a""y w$o t$reatens t$e attackers can
make attacks of o%%ortunity eac$ time t$e attackers initiate an o%%osed ro""7t$e arri*a"
of an armed a""y usua""y breaks u% a massed o*erbearing attack# & critica" $it or
knockdown can force an attacker to re"ease a defender as described abo*e#
Missi"e attacks directed at a %i"e $a*e a c$ance to $it any c$aracter in t$e %i"e as
described in C$a%ter ,ne#
,*erbearing Aki"" Ge*e"s
&ny creature or c$aracter w$o can be o*erborne is automatica""y fami"iar wit$
o*erbearing combat# & c$aracter cannot c$oose to be non%roficient in o*erbearing and
gain e+tra c$aracter %oints under t$e o%tiona" c$aracter %oint system from t$e 2#ills &
Po'ers book#
,*erbearing is a crude form of combat t$at em%$asizes brute force o*er finesse# !t
is not %ossib"e to de*e"o% o*erbearing e+%ertise s%ecia"ization or mastery#
&n C+am%"e of ,*erbearing
&nada t$e e"f warrior from t$e two %re*ious e+am%"es is sneaking t$roug$ t$e bugbear
"air wit$ a morning star in $and# -e sti"" wears $is chain mail 6-# T$e bugbears are >uick
to note esca%e and t$ree of t$em corner $im in an unused c$amber# T$e trio decides to
rus$ &nada and take $is wea%on away#
T$e t$ree bugbears make a combined o*erbearing attack against &nada# 6ecause
$e is armed &nada can make attacks of o%%ortunity against t$e bugbears# &s an Nt$/"e*e"
fig$ter &nada is entit"ed to u% to four attacks of o%%ortunity but $e on"y gets t$ree since
t$ere are on"y t$ree bugbears# &nada gets "ucky and $its a"" t$ree times# 1o $its ki"" any
bugbears but $e scores a knockdown c$ance against one of t$em# T$e bugbear fai"s its
sa*ing t$row ro"" *s# deat$ and is knocked down# !t cannot %artici%ate in t$e o*erbearing
attack# C*en if t$e sa*e was successfu" t$e bugbear cou"d not %artici%ate in t$e attack
because it suffered a knockdown c$ance#
T$e two remaining bugbears must $it &C N 3because of &nada)s magica" c$ain
mai" and 8K 'e+terity5# T$ey $it and t$ere is an o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" to see if &nada is
o*erborne# T$e bugbears recei*e a R; bonus because t$ey are "arger t$an &nada and an
additiona" R8 because t$ere are two of t$em= t$eir effecti*e Atrengt$ score for t$is attack
is 89# &nada ro""s a 8O $ig$er t$an $is ad2usted Atrengt$ score# T$e bugbears ro"" a 83
easi"y a success# &nada goes down wit$ t$e bugbears on to% in t$e s>uare w$ere $e
stood# &nada can do not$ing e+ce%t await t$e bugbears) %in attem%t#
T$e ne+t round t$e bugbears attem%t a %in# T$e t$ird bugbear 2um%s on t$e %i"e
increasing t$e bugbears) bonus to RO# &nada ro""s a 8K e+act"y w$at $e needs to succeed
wit$ $is Atrengt$ score# T$e bugbears ro"" a 8. a success but &nada succeeded wit$ a
$ig$er ro"" so $e wins# 6ecause $e was not %inned &nada can s%end a $a"f mo*e
regaining $is feet and attack wit$ $is morning star# -is b"ows do not s"ay any bugbears
and anot$er bugbear enters t$e c$amber and 2oins t$e fray#
&"" four bugbears attem%t to o*erbear &nada during t$e ne+t round# &nada gets an
attack of o%%ortunity against eac$ of t$em and s"ays one# T$e t$ree sur*i*ors make a
combined attack and $it &C N forcing anot$er o%%osed Atrengt$ ro""# T$e bugbears win
and &nada goes down again# ,nce again &nada can do not$ing but await t$e %in attem%t#
T$e t$ree bugbears win t$e ne+t o%%osed ro"" %inning &nada# 6ot$ of &nada)s
arms and one of $is "egs are %inned# T$e 'M decides t$at t$e bugbear $o"ding &nada)s
"eg is %rone and a""ows t$e e"f to kick 3%umme"5 t$at bugbear# &nada $its and scores a
knockdown against t$e bugbear making it "et go of $is "eg#
T$e two remaining bugbears try to maintain t$e %in during t$e ne+t round and t$e
bugbear w$o was knocked "oose 2oins t$e %i"e# &nada wins t$e o%%osed ro""# 6ecause $e
was %inned &nada can on"y regain $is feet $e cannot break free or "aunc$ any ot$er
attacks#
&nada wins initiati*e $owe*er and can attack before t$e bugbears can do
anyt$ing# -is morning star is too "arge to use w$i"e gra%%"ed so &nada decides to break
free wit$ an o%%osed attack ro"" 3taking ad*antage of $is su%erior T-&C.5#
Bnfortunate"y $e ro""s a 8 and fai"s# -e wi"" remain gra%%"ed no matter w$at t$e bugbears
ro""#
T$e bugbears try to o*erbear again= because &nada is gra%%"ed $e gets no attacks
of o%%ortunity and t$e bugbears do not $a*e to make an attack ro""# T$e bugbears win t$e
o%%osed Atrengt$ ro"" knocking &nada to t$e f"oor again#
6y t$is time two more bugbears arri*e on t$e scene# T$e bugbears attem%t to %in
&nada during t$e ne+t round and t$e new bugbears 2oin t$e %i"e# T$ey $a*e a RN bonus
and $andi"y win t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ ro""# &"" of &nada)s "imbs are %inned#
T$e ne+t round t$ey attem%t to maintain t$e %in and succeed again# &"" of
&nada)s "imbs $a*e been %inned for two consecuti*e rounds and t$e bugbears $a*e $im
under contro"# Four bugbears %u"" &nada)s arms and "ock t$em be$ind $is back w$i"e t$e
fift$ bugbear ties t$em toget$er 3a mani%u"ation5# &nada suffers 8d9R8. %oints of damage
from t$e man$and"ing 3because t$e bugbears) effecti*e Atrengt$ score is 995#
T$e fi*e bugbears >uick"y $au" t$eir bound ca%ti*e back to $is ce"" w$ere t$ey
bind $im e*en more secure"y#
&ttack ,%tions and Bnarmed &ttacks
Ae*era" attack o%tions from C$a%ter Two are a"so a*ai"ab"e to unarmed c$aracters as
fo""ows:
Bloc-: & c$aracter can a""ocate one %umme"ing attack to b"ock an incoming attack#
6"ocks *s# ot$er unarmed attacks are reso"*ed norma""y# Bnarmed b"ocks against
wea%ons inc"uding creatures wit$ natura" wea%ons recei*e a L; %ena"ty#
Called Shot: & ca""ed s$ot to an o%%onent)s $ead during unarmed combat is a sa% attack
and s$ou"d be reso"*ed according to t$e ru"es gi*en in C$a%ter Two# Aa%%ing re>uires
a sma"" $ard ob2ect# 6are/$anded sa%%ing attacks are treated as norma" %umme"ing
attacks#
Most ot$er ca""ed s$ots made during unarmed combat s$ou"d be reso"*ed as
s%ecia" attacks# &ttem%ts to knock items out of o%%onents) $ands for e+am%"e s$ou"d be
treated as an offensi*e disarms#
)isarm: &n unarmed c$aracter can attem%t bot$ offensi*e and defensi*e disarms at a L;
%ena"ty to $is attack ro"" if $e is e"igib"e to make %umme"ing attacks# !f an unarmed
c$aracter attem%ts to disarm a two/$anded wea%on t$e attack %ena"ty is LN# &n
unarmed offensi*e disarm a"ways %ro*okes an attack of o%%ortunity#
*ull;Trip: Most unarmed %u""Etri% attacks s$ou"d be reso"*ed as wrest"ing attacks#
&n unarmed %u""Etri% can be reso"*ed as a %umme"ing attack if directed at an
o%%onent w$o is mo*ing and unaware of t$e attack# Bse t$e %u""Etri% ru"es from
C$a%ter Two to reso"*e t$is maneu*er#
!nhorse: Treat unarmed un$orse attem%ts as o*erbearing attacks if t$e attacker cou"d
concei*ab"y get $er body onto t$e mount w$i"e attacking 3as mig$t be t$e case if t$e
attacker were 2um%ing down on t$e mounted c$aracter from a $eig$t5= ot$erwise
reso"*e t$em as wrest"ing attacks#
)uels: Two unarmed c$aracters can conduct a due" if t$ey are not in*o"*ed in a wrest"ing
se>uence 3t$e o%%osed ro""s in a wrest"ing combat a"ready ref"ect a contest of ski""5# !f
a successfu" gra%%"e during any due" resu"ts in a $o"d t$e due" is sus%ended unti" t$e
resu"ting wrest"ing se>uence ends# Aee 'ue"ing in C$a%ter Two for %rocedures#
Aubdua" &ttacks !t is %ossib"e to em%"oy most common wea%ons in a genera""y
non"et$a" manner by striking on"y wit$ t$e $aft or f"at of t$e b"ade# For some wea%ons it
is %ossib"e for t$e attacker to re*erse $is gri% and use t$e wea%on)s butt or %omme" as a
c"ub#
To make a subdua" attack a c$aracter makes an attack ro"" *s# t$e o%%onent)s
norma" &rmor C"ass# T$ere is L; attack %ena"ty and t$e wea%on)s damage is reduced by
$a"f= round fractions u%# Aubdua" attacks are treated as armed me"ee attacks in a"" ot$er
ways#
C$aracters w$o are entit"ed to mu"ti%"e me"ee attacks can make mu"ti%"e subdua"
attacks# &"" bonuses for Atrengt$ e+%ertise s%ecia"ization and mastery a%%"y to subdua"
attacks# &ny damage inf"icted is t$ree >uarters tem%orary 2ust as in braw"ing attacks#
Creatures reduced to zero $it %oints or "ess fa"" unconscious 2ust as in braw"ing combat# !f
you don)t want to bot$er wit$ di*iding subdua" damage in $a"f t$en di*iding by four ro""
a sma""er die for damage instead# For e+am%"e ro"" 8d; for a "ong sword 8d3R8 for a
footman)s mace and 8d; for a morning star# & critica" $it wit$ a subdua" attack causes a
b"unt critica" effect 3see C$a%ter Ai+5 or forces t$e target to ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row
*s# deat$ to a*oid being knocked out for 3d8. combat rounds# T$ere is no sa*ing t$row
ad2ustment for t$e attacker)s Atrengt$ as t$ere is in %umme"ing attacks#
&n C+am%"e of Aubduing
T$e $a%"ess &nada finds $imse"f forced into a g"adiatoria" combat by $is bugbear ca%tors#
-is o%%onent is 6arzun a Mt$/"e*e" dwarf fig$ter# &nada decides $e doesn)t wis$ to ki""
$is fe""ow %risoner and decides to attack to subdue instead# 6arzun wears %"ate mai" and
carries a s$ie"d gi*ing $er an &rmor C"ass of 9# &nada wins initiati*e and ro""s a 89#
&nada)s T-&C. is 83 so $is ro"" is good enoug$ to $it e*en before adding t$e R8 attack
bonus &nada gets for $is 8M Atrengt$ but not good enoug$ for a critica" $it# T$e 'M
decides &nada s$ou"d ro"" 8d; to determine t$e morning star)s subdua" damage 3but t$e
'M cou"d $a*e decided to ro"" 9d; and di*ide t$e resu"t by two5# &nada ro""s a 3= 6arzun
suffers ; %oints of damage 3R8 for &nada)s Atrengt$5# T$ree %oints are tem%orary and 8
%oint is norma"#
6arzun decides to re%"y wit$ a subdua" attack as we""# &nada)s 'e+terity and
chain mail 6- gi*e $im an &rmor C"ass of 3# 6arzun ro""s a 8.# -er T-&C. is 8;
making $er ro"" bare"y good enoug$ to $it after adding t$e R8 attack bonus from $er
8NE98 Atrengt$# 6arzun ro""s a 9 for damage= s$e adds R3 for $er Atrengt$ and inf"icts K
%oints on &nada ; tem%orary and 8 norma"#
&nada wins initiati*e again and dec"ares a no/mo*e attack# -e attacks once wit$
$is morning star in t$e a*erage %$ase and again in t$e s"ow %$ase 3because $e is Nt$ "e*e"
and entit"ed to an e+tra me"ee attack t$is round5# 6arzun a"so dec"ares a no mo*e attack
and gets attacks in t$e a*erage and s"ow %$ases# 6ecause s$e "ost initiati*e 6arzun
strikes "ast in eac$ %$ase# &nada)s first attack $its wit$ a 8K# T$ere is no c$ance for a
critica" $it and $e inf"icts ; %oints of damage again 33 tem%orary and 8 norma"5# 6arzun
misses $er attack and combat %roceeds to t$e ne+t %$ase#
&nada $its again and inf"icts K %oints of damage# 6arzun $as now suffered 83
%oints of damage 38. tem%orary and 3 norma"5# 6arzun)s fina" attack $its wit$ a 9.# A$e
on"y needed to ro"" a 8. so t$e 9. is good enoug$ for a critica" $it# &nada suffers 9d;R3
%oints of damage 3t$e morning star)s 8d; subdua" damage is doub"ed to 9d; and 6arzun)s
R3 damage bonus is added5# 6arzun ro""s a O inf"icting 9 %oints of damage M of w$ic$
are tem%orary and two t$at are norma"# &nada $as now suffered 8; %oints of damage 88
tem%orary and 3 norma"# 6arzun o%ts to knock out &nada rat$er t$an ro""ing for a critica"
$it# &nada ro""s a 9 fai"ing $is sa*ing t$row *s# deat$= $e wi"" be unconscious for 3d8.
combat rounds and t$e g"adiatoria" fig$t ends muc$ to t$e bugbears) disa%%ointment#
Martia" &rts Martia" arts is a s%ecia"ized form of %umme"ing t$at uses t$e body as a
wea%on# & creature must be ab"e to make %umme"ing attacks to em%"oy a martia" art#
Martia" arts are difficu"t to "earn and not common"y known# 4enera""y on"y creatures
wit$ at "east a*erage inte""igence and from mediati*e nonmateria"istic cu"tures can "earn
martia" arts#
Martia" arts re>uires at "east one free $and# Bn"ike a c$aracter making norma"
%umme"ing attacks a martia" artist must be bare/$anded or wearing on"y norma" g"o*es
and s$oes# & martia" art is a disci%"ine of t$e mind and body and most im%"ements are
a*oided# !m%ro*ised wea%ons cannot be used in martia" arts attacks#
Martia" arts attacks inf"ict most"y tem%orary damage 2ust as norma" %umme"ing
attacks do# Marita" arts attacks are ineffecti*e against creatures norma""y immune to
%umme"ing attacks#
Martia" &rts Drocedures
C+ce%t w$ere noted be"ow martia" arts attacks are reso"*ed as %umme"ing attacks# &
martia" artist en2oys some ad*antages w$i"e %umme"ing de%ending on t$e sty"e of martia"
arts $e is using:
Style $: T$e sty"e em%$asizes striking wit$ t$e $ands or fists# T$e c$aracter)s bare or
g"o*ed $ands are treated as sma"" $ard ob2ects 38d3 %oints of damage5 and t$e
c$aracter can strike and damage creatures of any size# !f t$e c$aracter is unarmed and
unarmored $e can make an e+tra attack eac$ round wit$ $is ot$er $and 3%ro*ided t$at
it is free5 wit$out t$e usua" %ena"ties for attacking wit$ two wea%ons#
Style B: T$e sty"e em%$asizes striking wit$ t$e feet# T$e c$aracter)s bare or s$od feet are
treated as "arge $ard ob2ects 38dO %oints of damage5 and t$e c$aracter can kick
o%%onents e*en w$en t$ey are not %rone sitting or knee"ing# !f unarmed and
unarmored t$e c$aracter can make an e+tra attack eac$ round wit$ one of $is free
$ands# 1ote t$at t$e abi"ity to %umme" creatures of any size is not %art of t$is sty"e#
Style C: T$e sty"e em%$asizes t$rows and esca%es# T$e c$aracter can c$oose t$e %u""Etri%
combat o%tion w$en making %umme"ing attacks# !f t$e attack $its t$e martia" artist
can use eit$er $is Atrengt$ or 'e+terity score for t$e o%%osed ro""# T$e martia" artist
a"so can make an o%%osed attack ro"" to esca%e any $o"d gra%%"e "ock or %in# T$e
esca%e ro"" counts as an attack but if it succeeds t$e martia" artist is considered c"ear
and can finis$ t$e round norma""y#
Style ): T$e sty"e em%$asizes dodges and b"ocks# T$e c$aracter can make one free b"ock
eac$ round in addition to any attacks $e makes# !f unarmed and unarmored t$e
c$aracter recei*es a L9 &rmor C"ass bonus#
Martia" &rts Aki"" Ge*e"s
'onproficient: &ny c$aracter w$o $as not been trained in one of t$e four martia" arts
sty"es automatica""y fa""s into t$is category# 1on%roficient martia" artists can make
norma" %umme"ing attacks but cannot c"aim any martia" arts benefits#
Familiar: Fami"iarity $as no effect on t$e martia" arts= a c$aracter is %roficient in a
martia" art or $e is not#
*roficient: Martia" arts sty"es are unknown in most &'&' game "ands# To s%end
c$aracter %oints 3or a wea%on %roficiency5 to become %roficient in a martia" arts sty"e
a c$aracter must be nati*e to 3or $a*e %aid an e+tended *isit to5 a cu"ture w$ere
martia" arts $as de*e"o%ed# Auc$ cu"tures are usua""y nonwestern %$i"oso%$ica" and
nonmateria"istic# T$ey usua""y stress t$e %ower of nature or of t$e inner se"f o*er t$e
%ower of too"s wea%ons and tec$no"ogy# Auc$ cu"tures often do not a""ow
commoners to own wea%ons or armor#
Droficient nonwarriors can make one martia" arts attack eac$ round# Droficient
warriors gain t$eir fu"" a""otment of me"ee attacks w$en making martia" arts attacks# !f a
c$aracter $as sufficient c$aracter %oints 3or %roficiency s"ots5 a*ai"ab"e $e can become
%roficient in more t$an one martia" arts sty"e# &"" benefits are cumu"ati*e= for e+am%"e a
c$aracter %roficient in sty"es & and 6 cou"d kick or %unc$ creatures of any size inf"icting
8d3 %oints of damage wit$ a %unc$ and 8dO %oints of damage wit$ a kick# !f unarmored
t$e c$aracter cou"d make one e+tra %unc$ eac$ round wit$ no %ena"ties# 1ote t$at t$e four
martia" arts sty"es do not constitute a wea%on grou%= eac$ muc$ be "earned se%arate"y#
%"pert: &ny c$aracter w$o knows a martia" arts sty"e can s%end c$aracter %oints 3or
wea%on %roficiencies5 to become e+%ert in t$e sty"e# 3C$aracters %roficient in mu"ti%"e
martia" arts sty"es can become e+%erts in on"y one sty"e#5 C+%ert warriors w$o are
entit"ed to more t$an one me"ee attack eac$ round can make t$e same number of
martia" arts attacks eac$ round but gain no ot$er benefits# C+%ert nonwarriors can
make mu"ti%"e martia" arts attacks at t$e same rate as a nons%ecia"ized warrior of t$e
same "e*e"#
Specialized: 4enera""y on"y sing"e/c"assed fig$ters can become martia" arts s%ecia"ists
t$oug$ t$ere are o%tiona" ru"es in t$e 2#ills & Po'ers book t$at a""ow ot$er c$aracters
to s%ecia"ize# Martia" arts s%ecia"ists gain t$e norma" s%ecia"ist attack and damage
bonuses and e+tra attacks# A%ecia"ists) attack bonuses a%%"y to t$eir Atrengt$ scores
w$en ro""ing for knockdowns# C$aracters %roficient in mu"ti%"e martia" arts sty"es can
become s%ecia"ists in on"y one sty"e# Martia" arts s%ecia"ists can make martia" arts
attacks against armed o%%onents wit$out %ro*oking attacks of o%%ortunity# A%ecia"ists
can attem%t b"ocks and disarms against armed o%%onents wit$out t$e L; %ena"ty to t$e
o%%osed ro""= martia" arts disarms against two/$anded wea%ons recei*e a L; %ena"ty
instead of t$e norma" LN %ena"ty for unarmed disarms#
Master: ,n"y sing"e/c"assed fig$ters can attain mastery in martia" arts# Martia" arts
masters gain t$e norma" master attack and damage bonuses and e+tra attacks# Masters)
attack bonuses due to t$eir Atrengt$ scores a%%"y w$en ro""ing for knockdowns and
a%%"y to o%%onents as %ena"ties to sa*ing t$row ro""s *s# knockouts# 4rand master
martia" artists can use critica" augmentation to score knockouts on attack ro""s of 8O or
better#
& martia" arts master t$reatens $is front s>uares and is entit"ed to make attacks of
o%%ortunity 2ust as if $e were armed wit$ a wea%on# & martia" arts master can c$oose to
inf"ict norma" damage instead of most"y tem%orary damage# !f t$e master ro""s a critica"
$it w$i"e inf"icting norma" damage $e scores a b"udgeoning critica" instead of a knockout
c$ance# W$en determining se*erity com%are t$e master)s size c"ass wit$ t$e target)s#
?educe t$e master)s size c"ass by one category if t$e attack is a %unc$#
Martia" &rts Wea%ons
T$ere are a few wea%ons s%ecifica""y designed for use in t$e martia" arts# Most of t$ese
wea%ons were origina""y im%ro*ised from common too"s but $a*e been refined to
function as e+tensions of a martia" artist)s body# C$a%ter Ae*en inc"udes a "ist of t$ese
wea%ons#
& martia" arts wea%on functions norma""y in most res%ects# & c$aracter c$ooses it
and "earns to use it as $e wou"d any ot$er wea%on# & martia" artist armed wit$ a martia"
arts wea%on can use $is sty"e)s s%ecia" abi"ities e*en if t$ey norma""y re>uire $im to be
unarmed# T$e martia" artist can em%"oy t$e wea%on in combat to a*oid %ro*oking attacks
of o%%ortunity and ot$er %ena"ties associated wit$ being unarmed# For e+am%"e a
c$aracter %roficient in sty"e & martia" arts cou"d use a nunc$aku in eac$ $and inf"ict 8dO
%oints of norma" damage wit$ eac$ $it and a*oid attacks of o%%ortunity# & c$aracter
%roficient in sty"e 6 cou"d use a nunc$aku and sti"" c"aim $is &rmor C"ass bonus if $e is
unarmored= t$e c$aracter cou"d use t$e nunc$aku to %erform $is free b"ock wit$out t$e L;
%ena"ty for being unarmed#
Martia" artists are sti"" sub2ect to t$e norma" non%roficiency %ena"ties w$en using
martia" arts wea%ons# 1ons%ecia"ist martia" artists sti"" %ro*oke attacks of o%%ortunity if
t$ey make unarmed attacks w$i"e armed wit$ a wea%on e*en a martia" arts wea%on# For
e+am%"e a kick from a c$aracter %roficient in sty"e 6 cou"d %ro*oke an attack of
o%%ortunity e*en if t$e martia" artist was $o"ding a nunc$aku at t$e time#
&n C+am%"e of Martia" &rts Combat
&nada t$e e"f fig$ter from %re*ious e+am%"es in t$is c$a%ter is fina""y rescued from t$e
c"utc$es of $is bugbear ca%tors# -is ne+t ad*enture takes $im to a distant "and $e $as
ne*er *isited before# &nada returns to $is cam%site one morning to disco*er a mot"ey trio
of $umans $e"%ing t$emse"*es to $is rations# -e s$outs and c$arges wa*ing $is sword
$ig$# To &nada)s sur%rise t$e unarmed brigands stand t$eir ground#
&nada wins initiati*e and attacks first= $e ro""s a 8K and easi"y $its $is unarmored
o%%onent 3t$oug$ t$ere is no critica" $it5# T$e brigands are %roficient in ty%e 6 martia"
arts# T$ey are $ungry and decide to kick and %unc$# T$e kicks %ro*oke attacks of
o%%ortunity from &nada but t$e %unc$es do not because a sing"e c$aracter can make on"y
one attack of o%%ortunity against a gi*en o%%onent in one combat round# &"" of &nada)s
attacks $it# T$e brigand wounded ear"ier by &nada dro%s to t$e ground reduced to "ess
t$an . $it %oints# &nada ro""s an 8N against t$e second brigand more t$an enoug$ for a
critica" $it# &nada inf"icts 9dNR8 %oints of damage and decides to foi" t$e brigand)s attack
rat$er t$an ro""ing for a s"as$ing critica"# &nada mere"y wounds t$e t$ird brigand w$o
can com%"ete $is attack# T$e brigands are 9nd/"e*e" fig$ters 3T-&C. 895# T$e brigand
ro""s a 8M good enoug$ to $it &nada)s &rmor C"ass of ;# 3&nada sti"" $as $is 8K 'e+terity
and chain mail 6- and $e $as %icked u% a s$ie"d w$ic$ im%ro*es $is &rmor C"ass to 9#
-owe*er $e suffers a R9 &rmor C"ass %ena"ty for c$arging#5 T$e kick inf"icts ; %oints of
damage 3 tem%orary and 8 norma"# To see if t$ere is a knockdown &nada and t$e
brigand must make an o%%osed Atrengt$ c$eck# T$e brigand)s Atrengt$ is 8; and $e gets a
R8 for attacking wit$ a "arge ob2ect 3$is foot is treated as one because $e is using sty"e 65#
&nada)s Atrengt$ of 8M is unmodified# &nada wins t$e o%%osed ro"" and is not knocked
down# 1ow t$e two brigands make t$eir %unc$ing attacks and bot$ miss#
T$e ne+t round t$e wounded brigand retreats "ea*ing $is comrade to face &nada
a"one# T$e brigand decides to b"ock and &nada dec"ares an attack# &nada wins initiati*e
but t$e brigand sti"" can b"ock because t$e b"ock was dec"ared before t$e initiati*e ro""#
T$e brigand announces t$at $e)s b"ocking t$e sword wit$ $is arm# T$ere is an o%%osed
ro""= t$e brigand makes an attack *s# &rmor C"ass ; wit$ a L; %ena"ty for an unarmed
b"ock *s# a wea%on# &nada makes an attack ro"" *s# t$e brigand)s &rmor C"ass of 8.# T$e
brigand ro""s a 89 and &nada ro""s a 9.# T$e brigand succeeds in s%ite of t$e %ena"ty#
&nada $as succeeded too but t$e attack is b"ocked because t$e brigand succeeded wit$ a
"ower ro"" 32ust &nada)s "uck5# 6ecause t$e brigand is entit"ed to two attacks 3a kick and a
%unc$5 $e cou"d attack wit$ a kick now 3because $e)s a"ready used $is %unc$ to b"ock
&nada)s sword5# T$e brigand decides $e doesn)t want to suffer anot$er attack of
o%%ortunity and doesn)t attack#
&nada is entit"ed to two attacks as we"" 3because $e is an Nt$/"e*e" fig$ter5 and $e
swings $is sword on t$e ne+t action %$ase# T$e brigand decides to a""ocate $is second
attack as anot$er b"ock# T$e 'M considers t$e situation for a moment since $e)s not sure
it)s %ossib"e to b"ock a sword wit$ a kick# T$e 'M decides to a""ow t$e b"ock because t$e
brigand is trained in a martia" art# T$ere is anot$er o%%osed ro"" w$ic$ t$e brigand "oses#
T$e damage is enoug$ to %ut t$e brigand under . $it %oints# T$e brigand w$o retreated
ear"ier f"ees and &nada $as won t$e confrontation#
Martia" &rts Ta"ents
,nce a c$aracter is %roficient in at "east one martia" arts sty"e s$e can ac>uire wit$ t$e
'M)s a%%ro*a" a *ariety of additiona" ski""s t$at ref"ect $er ad*anced menta" and %$ysica"
training# ,n"y a martia" artist can "earn t$e ski""s %resented $ere# T$ey can be %urc$ased
wit$ eit$er wea%on or nonwea%on %roficiency s"ots#
Flyin& 7ic- 38 s"otE3 CD5 Atrengt$EMusc"e
4rou%s: Warrior !nitia" rating: K
T$e c$aracter can "ea% $ig$ into t$e air "eading wit$ a %owerfu" kick t$at can strike
o%%onents u% to t$ree s>uares away# T$e c$aracter can "and in any s>uare ad2acent to t$e
target as "ong as it is wit$in two s>uares of t$e attacker)s starting %osition# !f t$e
c$aracter is not %roficient in sty"e 6 t$is maneu*er is t$e on"y attack s$e can make in t$e
round and t$e kick inf"icts 9d; %oints of damage# Atrengt$ bonuses to t$e attack and
damage ro""s a%%"y but s%ecia"ization and mastery bonuses from anot$er marita" arts
sty"e do not#
!f t$e c$aracter is %roficient in sty"e 6 t$is maneu*er can re%"ace one kick attack
eac$ round and t$e kick inf"icts 9dO %oints of damage# Atrengt$ bonuses a%%"y to t$e
attack and damage ro""s# !f t$e c$aracter is a sty"e 6 s%ecia"ist or master t$e a%%ro%riate
bonuses a"so a%%"y#
!f t$e c$aracter $as at "east one s>uare of running room and dec"ares a $a"f mo*e
action no abi"ity c$eck is re>uired# !f t$e c$aracter $as no running room or dec"ares a no
mo*e action a Atrengt$EMusc"e c$eck is re>uired# !f t$e abi"ity c$eck fai"s t$e attack
automatica""y misses as t$e c$aracter fa""s down in $er "anding s>uare#
Bac-ward 7ic- 38 s"otE 3 CD5 1E&
4rou%s: Warrior Driest ?ogue
T$e c$aracter can attack an o%%onent standing in one of $er rear s>uares eit$er by "as$ing
backward or kicking o*er $er own $ead# T$is maneu*er does not %ro*oke attacks of
o%%ortunity 3but de"iberate"y turning one)s back on an o%%onent does5# T$is maneu*er
works best for c$aracters %roficient in sty"e 6 simi"ar to t$e f"ying kick described abo*e#
Sprin& 38 s"otE3 CD5 'e+terityE6a"ance
4rou%s: Warrior ?ogue !nitia" rating: K
T$e c$aracter can make astonis$ing 2um%s and "ea%s wit$ b"inding s%eed# &t t$e cost of a
$a"f mo*e or an attack t$e c$aracter can s%ring into t$e air attaining a $eig$t of fi*e feet
and "anding u% to two s>uares away in any direction# T$e c$aracter can f"i% and twist
w$i"e airborne to ac$ie*e any facing w$en $e "ands# !f t$e c$aracter $as a 9/s>uare
running start $e can doub"e $is s%ringing distance "anding u% to four s>uares away and
"ea%ing 8. feet in t$e air but t$e running start is a $a"f/mo*e action# For e*ery additiona"
s"ot s%ent on t$is ski"" t$e c$aracter can add fi*e feet and one s>uare to t$e distance
ac$ie*ed#
For e+am%"e a c$aracter w$o as s%ent two s"ots on t$is ski"" cou"d "ea% 8. feet
into t$e air and "and u% to t$ree s>uares away from a standing start# !f t$e c$aracter)s
'e+terityE6a"ance ro"" fai"s t$e c$aracter fa""s down in $is "anding s>uare= $e can get u%
during $is ne+t action %$ase but can take no ot$er actions unti" t$e fo""owing round# !f
t$e abi"ity c$eck succeeds t$e c$aracter can finis$ t$e round norma""y after "anding#
Crushin& Blow 38 s"otE3 CD5 1E&
4rou%s: Warrior Driest ?ogue
T$e c$aracter can break $ard ob2ects wit$ $er $ands 3or feet if s$e uses sty"e 65# Bnder
idea" conditions t$e c$aracter can break a wooden board 8E9: t$ick %er "e*e" or 8E;: s"ab
of stone or brick %er "e*e"# ,b2ects t$at are e+ce%tiona""y strong reinforced su%%orted by
ot$er ob2ects 3suc$ as bricks in a wa""5 or not s$a%ed "ike boards recei*e a sa*ing t$row
ro"" *s# crus$ing b"ow to a*oid breakage# W$en used against a creature t$e crus$ing b"ow
does norma" damage %"us 8 %oint %er "e*e"# & crus$ing b"ow re>uires intense
concentration# !t is a no/mo*e action and t$e c$aracter can take no ot$er actions during
t$e round w$en s$e uses t$e crus$ing b"ow#
(nstant Stand 38 s"otE3 CD5 'e+terityE6a"ance
4rou%s: Warrior Driest ?ogue !nitia" rating: M
T$e c$aracter can instant"y regain $is feet after fa""ing down# !f t$e abi"ity c$eck
succeeds t$e c$aracter can ignore t$e effects of knockdowns or fai"ed s%ring attem%ts# !f
t$e abi"ity c$eck fai"s t$e c$aracter can get u% during $is ne+t action %$ase but cannot
take any furt$er actions unti" t$e ne+t round# C$aracters cannot use t$is ski"" w$i"e
%inned "ocked $e"d or gra%%"ed#
Missile )eflection 38 s"otE3 CD5 1E&
4rou%s: Warrior Driest ?ogue
T$e c$aracter can %erform b"ock maneu*ers 3see C$a%ter Two5 against norma" missi"es
fired at $er from t$e front# T$e c$aracter can use $er free c$ange of facing 3see C$a%ter
,ne5 to turn toward an attacker firing missi"es from $er f"ank or rear but t$is counts as
$er c$ange of facing for t$e round#
1orma" missi"es inc"ude mundane and enc$anted arrows a+es bo"ts 2a*e"ins
sma"" stones and s%ears# Garge or magica" missi"es suc$ as ba""ista bo"ts $ur"ed
bou"ders and magic missi"e s%e""s cannot be def"ected#
C$a%ter Ai+:
Critica" -its
Fantasy "iterature is fu"" of mig$ty b"ows and grie*ous wounds t$at c$ange t$e course of
a batt"e# C$aracters suc$ as ?obert C# -oward)s Conan 6eowu"f or any of t$e $eroes of
t$e &rt$urian "egends wreaked $a*oc among t$eir enemies7c"ea*ing sku""s se*ering
"imbs and ot$erwise smas$ing t$eir foes into red ruin# C*ery fan of $eroic fiction is a
"itt"e fascinated 3and sometimes $orrified5 by b"ood and gore# @ou on"y $a*e to go out to
t$e mo*ies to see t$at t$is is true#
-owe*er t$e %ur%ose of t$is c$a%ter is not to o*erw$e"m &'&' %"ayers wit$
sickening dis%"ays of %oint"ess *io"ence# T$e %ur%ose of t$is c$a%ter is to %ro*ide t$e
&'&' game wit$ a more rea"istic system for simu"ating te""ing b"ows and s%ecific
in2uries# &t its most basic "e*e" t$e &'&' combat system is a contest of attrition t$at a""
boi"s down to w$o runs out of $it %oints first# Critica" $its can c$ange t$at#
T$is c$a%ter %resents two critica" $it systems# T$e first is e+treme"y sim%"e: if you
score a critica" $it you get to ro"" doub"e damage# T$e second system is more in*o"*ed
and takes into account t$e "ocation of t$e in2ury t$e se*erity of t$e wound and t$e %ower
of t$e attacker# Gast 3but certain"y not "east05 t$is c$a%ter conc"udes wit$ a few notes on
t$e effects of s%ecific in2uries and $ow t$ey can be $ea"ed#
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign< W$i"e t$e rest of t$is book assumes t$at
you)"" be %"aying wit$ t$e fu"" critica" $it tab"es and ru"es you)"" find t$at t$is c$a%ter can
be com%"ete"y disregarded wit$ no i"" effects# More t$an anyt$ing e"se in t$is book
critica" $its are o%tiona"= if t$e 'M and %"ayers don)t want t$em t$e &'&' game works
fine wit$out t$em#
-owe*er t$ere is one t$ing wort$ mentioning: if monsters $a*e to suffer critica"
$its so do %"ayer c$aracters# ,t$erwise game ba"ance >uick"y goes out t$e window#
Critica" -its: Aystem !
Critica" $its occur w$en a c$aracter ro""s a natura" 8N or $ig$er and $its t$e target by a
margin of K or more after a"" ad2ustments# !f t$e c$aracter scores a critica" $it $e inf"icts
doub"e damage dice ca"cu"ated before ad2ustments for Atrengt$ magic or s%ecia"
circumstances# !n a situation w$ere t$e damage is doub"ed for anot$er reason do not
doub"e t$e mu"ti%"ied damage= add it instead t$en add ot$er ad2ustments# For e+am%"e a
"ig$t "ance inf"icts 8dO damage or 9dO in a c$arge# 6ut if a c$arging "ancer scores a
critica" $it t$e "ance inf"icts 3dO damage not ;dO#
%or e&ample! 3iera is a .th0level elven 'arrior $ighting a gnoll( 3iera's base
TH:C* is a -4! b"t she has a -4 2trength 76- to hit9! she's an el$ "sing a long s'ord 76-
to hit9! and she has a magical long s'ord 6,( Her total adE"sted TH:C* is -I! and the
gnoll's :rmor Class is )( 2he 'ill hit the gnoll on a roll o$ J or better! and can achieve a
critical hit 'ith a nat"ral -J or higher( On one combat ro"nd! she rolls a -G! 'hich is a
critical hit( 2he rolls -dJ $or damage! do"bles that! then adds 6- $or her 2trength and 6,
$or her magical long s'ord! $or a total o$ -) 775&,M-,96-6,9(
:$ter dispatching the gnoll! 3iera $inds hersel$ $acing a horrible tanar'ri 'ith an
:C o$ ;IB 2he scores a hit on a roll o$ -5 or better( 2he cannot score a critical hit
beca"se it's impossible $or her to hit 'ith ) points to spareH even i$ she rolls a ,*! she
only hits by .( 1$ the tanar'ri charged! its :C 'o"ld drop by one point to ;,! and then
3iera co"ld score a critical hit 'ith that roll o$ ,*(
T$ere are no s%ecific in2uries using t$is critica" $it system# !nstead it on"y
%ro*ides c$aracters and monsters t$e c$ance to dis$ out e+tra damage w$en t$ey make a
great attack ro""# Gimiting t$e critica" $its to attacks t$at $it by a margin of K or more
so"*es one ot$er %rob"em# Consider t$e 8st/"e*e" fig$ter# -e on"y $its on a 9. against an
o%%onent wit$ *ery good &rmor C"ass 3. or "ower5# Bnder ot$er critica" $it systems t$e
few times $e does $it t$e fig$ter a"tomatically inf"icts a critica" $it# Bnder t$is system
t$at can)t $a%%en#
Critica" -its: Aystem !!
T$e second and more detai"ed system for critica" $its uses t$e same attack mec$anic as
t$e %re*ious one# &s abo*e t$e attacker must ro"" a natura" 8N or $ig$er and $it $is
o%%onent by a margin of K or more# T$en if t$e *ictim fai"s a sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ a
s%ecific in2ury occurs# -owe*er t$e effects are determined by four factors: t$e attacker)s
wea%on size com%ared to t$e defender)s size t$e ty%e of wea%on com%ared to t$e ty%e of
target t$e "ocation of t$e $it and a ro"" for t$e in2ury)s se*erity#
Critica" -it C$arts
T$ere are t$ree ty%es of wea%ons: s"as$ing %iercing and b"udgeoning# C*ery wea%on in
t$e &'&' game system is assigned a ty%e wit$ on"y a cou%"e of e+ce%tions suc$ as
"assoes and nets# !f a wea%on does not $a*e a ty%e it cannot ro"" on a critica" $it c$art
a"t$oug$ it can sti"" inf"ict doub"e damage on a critica" attack ro""#
T$ese t$ree wea%on ty%es are com%ared to t$ree target ty%es for a tota" of nine
different critica" $it c$arts# T$e target ty%es are $umanoids anima"s and monsters# !n t$e
fo""owing %ages you)"" find a c$art for 6"udgeoning *s# -umanoids 6"udgeoning *s#
&nima"s 6"udgeoning *s# Monsters A"as$ing *s# -umanoids and so on# !n most cases
t$e correct critica" $it c$art to use s$ou"d be re"ati*e"y ob*ious#
#umanoids inc"ude anyt$ing t$at is genera""y s$a%ed "ike a $uman ranging from
%i+ies to giants# !f it $as two arms and two "egs it)s %robab"y $umanoid#
$nimals inc"ude anyt$ing t$at is a norma" or giant/sized *ersion of a norma"
anima"# Mamma"s re%ti"es birds and am%$ibians a"" fa"" into t$is category7but not
insects or fis$# !t a"so inc"udes monsters t$at are anima"/"ike in form suc$ as b"ink dogs
winter wo"*es moon dogs $e"" $ounds nig$tmares os>ui%s or fire toads#
Monsters inc"ude anyt$ing t$at doesn)t fit into t$e %re*ious two categories# 4iant
insects of any kind fis$/"ike monsters com%osite creatures suc$ as manticores or
dragons and weird t$ings "ike +orn or "eucrottas wou"d a"" be considered monsters# !f in
doubt o*er w$et$er somet$ing is a monster or not ca"" it a monster= t$is is t$e defau"t
category for t$ings t$at defy c"assification#
Gocation
T$e critica" $it c$arts re>uire two die ro""s: one to determine t$e "ocation of t$e $it and
t$e ot$er to determine t$e se*erity# 1ote t$at t$ese can be ro""ed simu"taneous"y# T$e
"ocation die is usua""y a sing"e d8. but t$ere are some e+ce%tions#
Called Shots0 !f a c$aracter $its wit$ a ca""ed s$ot and scores a critica" $it t$e
"ocation die is ignored# T$e "ocation is automatica""y determined to be w$ere*er t$e
c$aracter $ad been aiming#
/ow $ttac-s0 !f t$e attacker is fig$ting a creature two sizes "arger or a defender
wit$ a distinct $eig$t ad*antage use a sing"e dO for "ocation# -ead and u%%er torso s$ots
become e+treme"y unusua" in t$ese cases#
#i&h $ttac-s0 !f t$e attacker is two sizes "arger t$an t$e defender or $as a
significant $eig$t ad*antage ro"" 8dOR;# 4iants fig$ting $a"f"ings don)t often strike t$em
"ow#
Ae*erity
T$e second ro"" on t$e critica" $it c$arts is for se*erity# T$e se*erity of a $it is determined
by t$e re"ati*e size of t$e attacker)s wea%on and t$e defender#
Weapon s0 Tar&et Size %ffect )i1c2e
Wea%on size is W target size Minor 8dO
Wea%on size is Q target size Ma2or 9d;
Wea%on size is X target size Ae*ere 9dO
Wea%on is two sizes "arger Morta" 9dN
T$e di3c5e indicated is t$e ty%e ro""ed for t$at se*erity# For e+am%"e if a $uman
armed wit$ a "ong sword 3size M5 is fig$ting a gno"" 3size G5 $e ro""s 8dO for t$e critica"
$it)s se*erity because t$e "ong sword)s size is sma""er t$an t$e gno"")s size#
!f t$e wea%on is two sizes "arger t$an t$e target it is %ossib"e to reac$ t$e 83R
co"umn of t$e c$art# T$ese $its inf"ict triple damage dice e*en if t$e *ictim %asses $is
sa*ing t$row to a*oid t$e effects of t$e critica" $it#
T$e arrows and bo"ts fired from bows and crossbows are considered size M
wea%ons e*en t$oug$ t$e missi"es t$emse"*es are Ama""# -ea*y crossbow bo"ts are
considered size G#
?esistance
Critica" $its automatica""y inf"ict doub"e damage dice or tri%"e damage dice if t$e wea%on
is two sizes "arger t$an t$e target 3see abo*e#5 -owe*er any effects beyond t$is can be
a*oided by a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# deat$# For e+am%"e t$e critica" ro"" may
indicate an arm in2ury wit$ minor b"eeding but if t$e *ictim makes $is sa*ing t$row no
arm in2ury actua""y takes %"ace# T$e c$aracter on"y suffers doub"e damage from t$e $it#
,b*ious"y t$is cou"d be sufficient to morta""y wound or ki"" a c$aracter anyway#
Aome monsters are natura""y resistant to t$e effects of certain critica" in2uries#
Creatures suc$ as go"ems undead or e"ementa"s don)t b"eed and t$erefore ignore any
suc$ effects# & monster "ike a $ydra can "ose a $ead wit$out being instant"y s"ain#
-owe*er t$ese in2uries can sti"" be im%ortant because it mig$t affect t$e way a monster
mo*es or attacks# & ske"eton t$at)s $ad a "eg knocked off can)t mo*e at its fu"" rate e*en if
it is "ess troub"ed by t$e in2ury t$an a "i*ing %erson wou"d be# A"imes and 2e""ies $a*e no
%arts t$at are more s%ecia"ized or im%ortant t$an t$e rest of t$e body and are t$erefore
immune to t$e effects of most critica" $its# Bse common sense to $and"e t$ese situations
as t$ey arise#
?eading t$e Critica" -it Tab"es
First find t$e a%%ro%riate tab"e for t$e wea%on ty%e 3s"as$ing %iercing or b"udgeoning5
and t$e target ty%e 3$umanoid anima" or monster#5 T$en ro"" for $it "ocation 3d8.5 and
se*erity 3*ariab"e dice#5 ?efer to t$e entry indicated on t$e c$art# ?emember critica" $its
inf"ict doub"e 3or tri%"e5 damage dice but any ot$er effects can be a*oided by a successfu"
sa*ing t$row *s# deat$#
T$e s%ecific ty%es of in2uries are described in t$e section fo""owing t$e c$arts#
A%ecific !n2uries
T$e critica" $it c$arts inc"ude a number of s%ecific in2uries t$at go beyond a sim%"e "oss
of $it %oints# Wounds are di*ided into fi*e degrees of se*erity: gra8ed! str"c#! inE"red!
bro#en! and fina""y shattered! severed! or cr"shed(
Wounds s$ou"d be recorded on t$e c$aracter s$eet# &ttack and mo*ement
%ena"ties remain unti" t$e in2ury t$at created t$e %ena"ty $as $ea"ed# Wounds are a"ways
accom%anied by some "oss of $it %oints but a s%ecific in2ury isn)t damage per se=
consider it a tem%orary %ena"ty t$at t$e c$aracter $as to %ut u% wit$ unti" it is restored#
%or e&ample! %eodor the Bold is $ighting an ogre armed 'ith a cl"b( The ogre
scores a critical hit! rolling a 5 $or location and a 4 $or severity( %eodor's torso has been
str"c#! a 'o"nd that red"ces him to -K, his normal move and gives him a ;, penalty to
any attac# rolls he ma#es( 71t also p"ts a healthy dent in his nice plate mail(9 %eodor's
penalties remain "ntil he recovers $rom his >torso str"c#> speci$ic inE"ry(
3et's say that %eodor had -5 hit points! and the ogre's blo' in$licted -, points o$
damage( The missing -, hit points can event"ally be recovered! b"t %eodor's penalties
remain "ntil the >torso str"c#> speci$ic inE"ry heals(
Ae*ere in2uries can tem%orari"y reduce a c$aracter)s ma+imum a""owab"e $it
%oints# !n ot$er words a fig$ter wit$ a broken "eg wi"" not be a""owed to en2oy $is fu""
a""otment of $it %oints unti" $is broken "eg is re%aired# !f t$e c$aracter $as more $it %oints
t$an $e is current"y a""owed $e is reduced to t$e in2ured *a"ue w$en t$e current batt"e is
o*er# T$is re%resents t$e increased *u"nerabi"ity of bad"y wounded c$aracters#
For e+am%"e if a fig$ter wit$ 3. $it %oints recei*es 8. %oints of damage and an
:arm destroyed: in2ury t$at reduces $im to K.U of $is norma" $it %oints $e dro%s from
9. to 8K w$en t$e batt"e is conc"uded and remains at 8K unti" $is ruined arm is some$ow
$ea"ed# ?emember t$oug$ t$at s%ecific in2uries are on"y inf"icted if t$e *ictim fai"s a
sa*ing t$row *s# deat$#
,razed: 4razes are minor in2uries t$at may %ro*e troub"esome if t$ey b"eed# &
c"re light 'o"nds s%e"" or ot$er $ea"ing magic ca%ab"e of restoring ; $% wi"" $ea" a graze#
3T$e c"re light 'o"nds s%e"" doesn)t $a*e to actua""y restore t$at many %oints= it 2ust must
be ca%ab"e of doing so#5 4razes a"so $ea" natura""y as if t$ey were a "oss of 8dO $%# !n
ot$er words if a graze is t$e e>ui*a"ent of a 3/$% wound two days of rest $ea" it
com%"ete"y since c$aracters norma""y reco*er 9 $% %er fu"" day of rest# 1ote t$at t$e
graze isn)t tied to t$e c$aracter)s actua" "oss of $it %oints in any way# !f a grazed c$aracter
recei*es $ea"ing magic t$e graze is $ea"ed and $e gets to reco*er $it %oints#
Struc-: & body %art t$at $as been struck is often %ena"ized in a sma"" way for t$e
effects of t$e wound# For e+am%"e a critica" $it t$at reads :wea%on $and struck L9
%ena"ty to attacks: means t$at t$e c$aracter $as a L9 attack %ena"ty wit$ $is wea%on $and
unti" t$e wound is $ea"ed# !n2uries of t$is ty%e can be $ea"ed by a c"re light 'o"nds s%e""
or ot$er $ea"ing magic ca%ab"e of restoring K $% of damage# Atruck areas $ea" natura""y as
if t$ey were a "oss of 9dO $%#
(n+ured: Wounds of t$is se*erity can troub"e a c$aracter for weeks= t$ey $ea"
natura""y as if t$ey were a "oss of 8.dO $%# & c"re serio"s 'o"nds s%e"" or ot$er $ea"ing
magic ca%ab"e of restoring 8. $it %oints can a"so re%air t$e in2ury# !n2uries a"most a"ways
entai" serious combat %ena"ties for t$e wounded c$aracter#
!n2ured arms "egs or tai"s reduce a c$aracter to MKU of $is norma" $it %oints# &n
in2ury to t$e abdomen torso or $ead reduces a c$aracter to K.U of $is norma" $it %oints#
& 9K/$% c$aracter wit$ a c$est in2ury can $a*e no more t$an 83 $it %oints unti" $is in2ury
is $ea"ed 3and cou"d $a*e a "ot "ess t$an t$at if $e continues to suffer damage05
Bro-en: 6roken bones run t$e gamut from minor fractures t$at don)t $inder a
c$aracter at a"" to "ife/t$reatening com%ound fractures# 4enera""y t$e %re*ious two in2ury
categories are considered to inc"ude minor breaks or cracks= t$is category is reser*ed for
se*ere fractures# 6roken bones can be mended by a c"re serio"s 'o"nds s%e"" t$at is
de*oted 2ust to knitting t$e bone= un"ike gra8ed! str"c#! or inE"red! t$e c$aracter regains
no $it %oints from a s%e"" used in t$is way# 6roken bones $ea" natura""y as if t$ey were
9.dO "ost $it %oints so bed rest in t$e care of a %roficient $ea"er is a rea""y good idea if
t$e in2ured c$aracter is %"anning on resuming $is ad*enturing career anytime soon#
6roken arms reduce a c$aracter to MKU of $is norma" $it %oints# 6roken ribs or
"egs reduce a c$aracter to K.U of $is norma" $it %oints# &ny ot$er broken bones reduce a
c$aracter to 9KU of $is norma" $it %oints#
CrushedE ShatteredE or )estroyed: Gimbs t$at suffer t$is kind of catastro%$ic
in2ury may ne*er be usab"e again= $its to t$e torso abdomen or $ead of t$is magnitude
are often "et$a"# !f t$e *ictim sur*i*es $e wi"" ne*er natura""y reco*er to $is norma" se"f#
& "imb damaged t$is way wi"" be use"ess for t$e rest of $is "ife and $its anyw$ere e"se
wi"" "ea*e t$e *ictim inca%acitated# T$e *ictim wi"" be bedridden for at "east one to eig$t
mont$s before $e can e*en regain a semb"ance of mobi"ity#
& c"re critical 'o"nds s%e"" or ot$er $ea"ing magic ca%ab"e of restoring 9. $% of
damage can re%air t$e damage of t$is kind of in2ury# !n addition t$e bones of t$e affected
area 3if any5 are assumed to be broken and may re>uire anot$er a%%"ication of $ea"ing
magic to re%air#
'estroyed s$ou"ders $i%s or "imbs reduce t$e *ictim to K.U of $is norma"
ma+imum $it %oints# &ny ot$er wounds of t$is magnitude reduce t$e *ictim to 9KU of $is
norma" tota"#
Seered: ,b*ious"y a creature t$at $as a "imb se*ered can no "onger engage in
acti*ities t$at re>uire t$e use of t$at member# & $uman wit$ a se*ered "eg can)t wa"k or
run and is reduced to craw"ing unti" $e gets a crutc$# & c$aracter wit$ a se*ered s$ie"d/
arm can)t use a s$ie"d anymore and so on# T$e on"y way to undo t$is kind of damage is
by means of a regeneration s%e""#
T$e s$ock of "osing a "imb wi"" %re*ent a c$aracter from mo*ing inde%endent"y or
attacking for 9d8. weeks# &t t$e 'M)s discretion a c$aracter w$o :on"y: "oses a $and or
a foot may actua""y be ab"e to %erform "imited acti*ities after being stunned 8dO rounds
but on"y by %assing a Aystem A$ock ro""# -owe*er c$aracters w$o sustain suc$ massi*e
in2uries are best off abandoning t$e fie"d to t$eir enemies#
T$e "oss of a "imb wi"" reduce a c$aracter)s ma+imum norma" $it %oints by 9KU
for a %artia" "oss or K.U for a more catastro%$ic "oss# !f t$e c$aracter can com%ensate
wit$ a wooden "eg or $ook t$e $it %oint "oss may be reduced by one ste%#
Critica" -it Cffects
T$ere are se*era" %ossib"e effects of in2uries caused by critica" $its: b"eeding attack
%ena"ties mo*ement %ena"ties knockdowns dro%%ed wea%ons or s$ie"ds and %ossib"e
armor or s$ie"d damage# Aome of t$ese conditions are tem%orary7a dro%%ed wea%on can
be %icked u%7w$i"e ot$ers remain unti" t$e in2ury t$at created t$e effect is $ea"ed# &ny
damage or ot$er ty%es of effects are marked off during t$e Cnd/of/?ound ste% if t$e
Player's Option combat system is a"so used#
Bleedin&: & c$aracter wit$ minor b"eeding "oses an additiona" 8d9 $% %er fu"" turn
unti" t$e wound is magica""y $ea"ed or bound# !n addition t$ere is a c$ance t$at minor
b"eeding wi"" sto% on its own# T$e c$aracter may ro"" a sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ eac$ time
$e suffers damage from minor b"eeding= if $e is successfu" t$e b"eeding sto%s#
&nybody can sto% minor b"eeding by a%%"ying a bandage or ot$erwise addressing
t$e in2ury# T$is takes 8dO combat rounds or a sing"e one/minute round#
Ma2or b"eeding resu"ts in a "oss of 8d9 $% %er combat round unti" t$e wound is
magica""y $ea"ed or bound# Geft untreated ma2or b"eeding can easi"y cause a c$aracter)s
deat$# !n effect t$e L8. ru"e re%resents ma2or b"eeding= t$e c$aracter "oses 8 $% %er round
w$en reduced to negati*e $it %oints#
Ma2or b"eeding can be sto%%ed by a c"re light 'o"nds s%e"" 3t$e *ictim reco*ers
$it %oints too5 t$e $ea"ing of K $% of damage by any ot$er magica" means or by a
successfu" use of t$e $ea"ing %roficiency# !f t$e wound is bound by an untrained
c$aracter make an !nte""igence c$eck for t$e wou"d/be medic# !f $e fai"s $e is unab"e to
$e"%# !f $e makes t$e c$eck t$e b"eeding is reduced to minor#
Ae*ere b"eeding causes t$e *ictim to "ose 8.LO.U 38dO+8.U5 of $is origina" $it
%oint tota" e*ery combat round# For e+am%"e if a fig$ter norma""y $as ;3 $it %oints but
recei*es a se*ere b"eeding resu"t $e "oses ; $% 38.U5 to 9; $% 3O.U5 in eac$ round of
se*ere b"eeding# 1eed"ess to say t$is is e+treme"y "et$a"#
& c"re light 'o"nds s%e"" 3or K $% of $ea"ing5 wi"" reduce se*ere b"eeding to
ma2or b"eeding= a c"re serio"s 'o"nds s%e"" 3or 8. $% of $ea"ing5 reduces it to minor
b"eeding= and a c"re critical 'o"nds or $ea" s%e"" sto%s it a"toget$er# &n untrained
c$aracter $as no c$ance to bind a torso abdomen or $ead wound wit$ se*ere b"eeding
but a successfu" use of t$e $ea"ing %roficiency wit$ a L; %ena"ty reduces se*ere b"eeding
to ma2or b"eeding#
1ote t$at once a c$aracter dro%s be"ow . $it %oints regard"ess of t$e number and
combination of wounds s$e is suffering from s$e on"y suffers t$e effects of ma2or
b"eeding 3i#e# on"y 8 $it %oint is deducted %er round5#
$ttac- *enalties: Many critica" $its $am%er t$e *ictim)s abi"ity to fig$t resu"ting
in an attack %ena"ty# T$is is noted as a%%"ying to a"" attacks or to attacks wit$ t$e
%articu"ar "imb t$at was in2ured# ,t$er critica" $its may %re*ent t$e *ictim from making
attacks at a""# !f a critica" $it %re*ents a c$aracter from making attacks it a"so %re*ents
$im from casting s%e""s or e+ercising any ot$er combat action e+ce%t mo*ing or using
magica" items#
Moement *enalties: -its to t$e "egs and body may %ena"ize a c$aracter)s abi"ity
to mo*e# Bsua""y t$is is e+%ressed as :8E9 mo*e: :8E3 mo*e: and so on# !f t$e
c$aracter)s mo*ement is "imited $e may not c$arge run or s%rint= $e can on"y mo*e by
using t$e reduced rate# & c$aracter wit$ no mo*ement at a"" can sti"" ride a mount wit$
difficu"ty or drag $imse"f on t$e ground wit$ an effecti*e mo*ement rate of 8#
7noc-downs: !f a critica" $it ca""s for a knockdown t$e *ictim is sti"" entit"ed to
a sa*ing t$row to a*oid fa""ing down# Aee Fnockdowns in C$a%ter ,ne#
$rmor and Shield )ama&e: Aome critica" $its ca"" for %ossib"e damage to a
creature)s armor or s$ie"d# !f t$e *ictim of t$e $it $as no armor at t$at "ocation t$e b"ow
is usua""y assumed to $a*e more se*ere effects t$an if t$e c$aracter was %rotected# T$e
armor descri%tions in C$a%ter Ae*en dea" wit$ t$e co*erage of eac$ ty%e of armor#
!f t$e creature struck does $a*e a s$ie"d or armor to def"ect t$e b"ow it may be
damaged if t$e c$art ca""s for it# First of a"" t$e *ictim gets $is norma" sa*ing t$row ro""
to a*oid t$e effects of t$e critica" $it= if t$e ro"" is successfu" t$ere is no s%ecia" effect for
t$e $it# !f t$e ro"" fai"s $is armor or s$ie"d must ro"" an item sa*ing t$row *s# norma"
b"ow wit$ t$e number of %oints of damage 3before doub"ing5 used as a negati*e modifier
for t$e sa*e# !f t$e attacker)s wea%on is "arger t$an t$e defender 3for e+am%"e a Aize G
$a"berd striking a Aize M $uman5 t$e sa*e is ro""ed against a crus$ing b"ow instead#
%or e&ample! remember the ogre's critical hit on poor %eodor@ That res"lt also
called $or possible armor damage( The ogre's cl"b is 2i8e 3! so the item saving thro' is
against a cr"shing! not a normal! blo'( %eodor is in metal plate mail! 'hich has a saving
thro' o$ 4 vs( cr"shing blo'( The ogre did 5 points o$ damage be$ore do"bling $or the
critical hit! so %eodor's armor is sa$e on a roll o$ -I or more on a d,*(
& damaged s$ie"d is use"ess# !f armor is damaged on"y t$e "ocation struck is
use"ess and it no "onger contributes to t$e o*era"" &C of t$e suit# ?efer to t$e ru"es for
Dartia" &rmor in C$a%ter Ae*en# !n t$e e+am%"e abo*e Feodor was struck on t$e torso# !f
$is armor fai"ed its item sa*ing t$row on"y $is breast%"ate wou"d be ruined# & %"ate mai"
breast%"ate contributes 3 %oints to $is &C so Feodor)s &C worsens from &C 3 to &C O#
'amaged e>ui%ment can be re%aired by a ski""ed armorer or by magica" means#
Blud&eonin& s0 #umanoids
#it /ocation Chart
d94 roll /ocation
8L9 ?ig$t "eg
3L; Geft "eg
K &bdomen
OLM Torso
N ?ig$t arm
9 Geft arm
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s 1.i&ht 9C3E /eft =C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim knocked down
K Fnee struck knockdown 8E9 mo*e
O Foot broken 8E9 mo*e
M &rmor damaged "eg in2ured if target $as no armor to co*er "egs 8E; mo*e
N -i% broken minor b"eeding no mo*e
9 &rmor damaged "eg broken if target $as no armor to co*er "egs no mo*e
8. Fnee s$attered no mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
88 -i% s$attered minor b"eeding no mo*e or attack
89 Geg s$attered no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding from
com%ound
fractures
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim stunned 8dO rounds
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 8E9 mo*e
O &rmor damaged *ictim stunned 8dO rounds tri%"e damage if no armor
M &bdomen in2ured 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N &bdomen in2ured minor interna" b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty to
attacks
9 &rmor damage abdomen in2ured minor b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9
%ena"ty to attacks
8. &bdomen in2ured no mo*e or attack minor interna" b"eeding
88 &bdomen crus$ed no mo*e or attack ma2or interna" b"eeding
89 &bdomen crus$ed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere interna"
b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Fnockdown stunned 8d; rounds
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 8E9 mo*e
O A$ie"d damage torso struck 8E9 mo*e
M &rmor damage torso struck 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N Torso in2ured minor interna" b"eeding no mo*e or attack
9 ?ibs broken minor interna" b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. ?ibs broken ma2or interna" b"eeding no mo*e or attack
88 Torso crus$ed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere interna" b"eeding
89 Torso crus$ed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $rms 1/eft @E .i&ht A2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -and struck wea%onEs$ie"d dro%%ed
K &rm struck s$ie"d damageEwea%on dro%%ed
O -and broken L9 %ena"ty to attacksEs$ie"d dro%%ed
M &rmor damage arm broken if *ictim $as no armor to co*er "imb
N A$ie"d damage arm broken stunned 8 round
9 Wea%on dro%%ed arm broken stunned 8d; rounds
8. A$ou"der in2ured no attacks minor b"eeding
88 &rm s$attered 8E9 mo*e no attacks minor b"eeding
89 A$ou"der s$attered no mo*e or attacks ma2or b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim stunned 8dO rounds
K -ead struck $e"m remo*ed *ictim stunned 8 round= L9 %ena"ty to attack
ro""s if *ictim $ad no $e"m
O -ead struck L9 %ena"ty to attacks
M -e"m damaged face in2ured stunned 8dO rounds 8E9 mo*e L; %ena"ty to
attacks
N Aku"" broken $e"m damaged *ictim reduced to . $it %oints and
unconscious 8d; $ours
9 Face crus$ed minor b"eeding no mo*e or attack C$a dro%s by 9 %oints
%ermanent"y
8. -ead in2ured unconscious 8dO days "ose 8 %oint eac$ of !ntEWisEC$a
%ermanent"y
88 Aku"" crus$ed reduced to . $it %oints ma2or b"eeding !nt Wis C$a a""
dro% by 8E9 %ermanent"y
89 Aku"" crus$ed immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
Blud&eonin& s0 $nimals
#it /ocation Chart
d94 roll /ocation
8 ?ig$t fore"egEwing
9 Geft fore"egEwing
3 ?ig$t $ind "eg
; Geft $ind "eg
K Tai" 3for snakes or fis$ 8LK is tai" $it5
OLM &bdomen
NL9 TorsoEc$est
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s;Win&s 19C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim knocked down
K Fnee struck *ictim reduced to 9E3 mo*e
O FootEwrist broken 9E3 mo*e
M Geg in2ured 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N -i% broken minor b"eeding no mo*ement L9 %ena"ty to attacks= wing $it
forces cras$ "anding
9 Geg broken 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding= wing $it forces immediate "anding
8. Fnee s$attered 8E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
88 -i%Es$ou"der s$attered minor b"eeding no mo*e or attack= wing $it forces
cras$ "anding
89 GegEwing s$attered no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding from com%ound
fractures
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Tail 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8LK 1o unusua" effect
O Ti% of tai" struck= if %re$ensi"e any items carried are dro%%ed L9 %ena"ty
to tai" attacks due to %ain
MLN Tai" in2ured norma" anima"s must sa*e *s# deat$ or retreat in %ain= "ose
any tai" attacks
9L8. Tai" broken "ose any tai" attacks 8E9 mo*e if anima" uses tai" for
mo*ement
88 Tai" crus$ed *ictim stunned 8L3 rounds "ose any tai" attacks no
mo*ement or attacks if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement
89 Tai" crus$ed %ain reduces creature to 8E9 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty on any
attack minor b"eeding= no mo*e or attack if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim stunned 8dO rounds
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 8E9 mo*e
O &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8dO rounds reduced to 8E9 mo*e
M &bdomen in2ured 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N A%ine broken no mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 &bdomen in2ured minor b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. &bdomen in2ured no mo*e or attack minor interna" b"eeding
88 A%ine crus$ed no mo*e or attack ma2or interna" b"eeding
89 &bdomen crus$ed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere interna"
b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 1@CA2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Fnockdown stunned 8d; rounds
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 8E9 mo*e
O Torso struck stunned 8dO rounds 8E9 mo*e
M A%ine struck 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N Torso in2ured minor interna" b"eeding no mo*e or attack
9 ?ibs broken minor interna" b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. ?ibs broken ma2or interna" b"eeding no mo*e or attack
88 A%ine crus$ed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere interna" b"eeding
89 Torso crus$ed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim stunned 8dO rounds
K Anout struck anima" must sa*e *s# deat$ or retreat in %ain for 8d8. rounds
O -ead struck L9 %ena"ty to attacks
M Iaw in2ured stunned 8dO rounds 9E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N Aku"" broken anima" reduced to . $it %oints and unconscious 8d; $ours
9 AnoutEface crus$ed minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no bite attacks L; %ena"ty
to a"" ot$er attacks
8. -ead in2ured unconscious 9d; $ours reduced to 8E9 mo*e and L; %ena"ty
to a"" attacks for 8d3 mont$s
88 Aku"" crus$ed reduced to . $it %oints ma2or b"eeding !nt Wis C$a a""
dro% by 8E9 %ermanent"y
89 Aku"" crus$ed immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
Blud&eonin& s0 Monsters
#it /ocation Chart
d94 .oll /ocation
8 ?ig$t fore"egEc"awEwing
9 Geft fore"egEc"awEwing
3 ?ig$t $ind "eg
; Geft $ind "eg
K Tai" 3for snake"ike or fis$"ike monsters 8LK is tai" $it5
OLM &bdomen
NL9 TorsoEc$est
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s;Win&s 19C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim knocked down
K Fnee struck *ictim reduced to 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks wit$ t$at
a%%endage
O FootEwrist broken 9E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks wit$ t$at a%%endage
M Gimb in2ured 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N -i% broken minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no attacks wit$ "imb= wing $it
forces cras$ "anding
9 Gimb broken 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding= wing $it forces immediate
"anding
8. Fnee s$attered 8E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
88 -i%Es$ou"der s$attered minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to a""
attacks= wing $it forces cras$
89 GegEwing s$attered no mo*e L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks ma2or b"eeding
from com%ound fractures
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Tail 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8LK 1o unusua" effect
O Ti% of tai" struck= if %re$ensi"e any items carried are dro%%ed L9 %ena"ty
to tai" attacks due to %ain
MLN Tai" in2ured "ose any tai" attacks
9L8. Tai" broken "ose any tai" attacks if creature uses tai" for mo*ement
reduced to 8E9 mo*e
88 Tai" crus$ed *ictim stunned 8L3 rounds "ose any tai" attacks no
mo*ement if monster uses tai" for mo*ement and L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
89 Tai" crus$ed %ain reduces creature to 8E9 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty on any
attack minor b"eeding= if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement no mo*e or
attack
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim stunned 8d; rounds
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 9E3 mo*e
O &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8dO rounds reduced to 9E3 mo*e
M &bdomen in2ured 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N A%ine in2ured 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 &bdomen in2ured *ictim stunned 8d3 rounds minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e
and L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. &bdomen in2ured no mo*e or attack minor interna" b"eeding
88 A%ine crus$ed no mo*e or attack ma2or interna" b"eeding
89 &bdomen crus$ed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere interna"
b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 1@CA2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Fnockdown stunned 8d; rounds
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 9E3 mo*e
O Torso struck stunned 8dO rounds 9E3 mo*e
M A%ine struck 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N Torso in2ured minor interna" b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
9 ?ibs broken minor interna" b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. ?ibs broken ma2or interna" b"eeding no mo*e or attack
88 A%ine crus$ed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere interna" b"eeding
89 Torso crus$ed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Hictim stunned 8d; rounds
K Iaw struck L9 %ena"ty to any bite attacks
O -ead struck stunned 8 round L9 %ena"ty to attacks
M Iaw in2ured stunned 8d; rounds 9E3 mo*e no bite attacks
N Aku"" broken monster reduced to 8E; norma" $it %oints and unconscious
9d8. turns
9 AnoutEface crus$ed minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no bite attacks L; %ena"ty
to a"" ot$er attacks
8. -ead in2ured unconscious 8d8. turns reduced to 8E9 mo*e and L; %ena"ty
to a"" attacks for 3dO days
88 Aku"" crus$ed reduced to . $it %oints ma2or b"eeding !nt Wis C$a a""
dro% by 8E9 %ermanent"y
89 Aku"" crus$ed immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
Slashin& s0 #umanoids
#it /ocation Chart
d94 .oll /ocation
8L9 ?ig$t "eg
3L; Geft "eg
K &bdomen
OLM Torso
N ?ig$t arm
9 Geft arm
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s 1.i&ht 9C3E /eft =C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Geg struck minor b"eeding
K Geg struck minor b"eeding= 8E9 mo*e
O Geg in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e
M &rmor damaged= "eg in2ured if target $as no "eg armor 8E9 mo*e ma2or
b"eeding
N Fnee s$attered ma2or b"eeding no mo*e L; %ena"ty to any attacks
9 &rmor damaged "eg struck minor b"eeding 8E9 mo*e= if target $as no "eg
armor "eg se*ered at knee se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
8. -i% s$attered no mo*e or attack se*ere b"eeding
88 Geg se*ered se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
89 Geg se*ered at t$ig$ no mo*e or attack *ictim reduced to . $it %oints
wit$ se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; &bdomen grazed minor b"eeding
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 8E9 mo*e wit$
minor b"eeding
O &rmor damaged= *ictim stunned 8dO rounds ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e if
no armor
M &bdomen in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N &bdomen in2ured se*ere b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 &rmor damage abdomen in2ured minor b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9
%ena"ty to attacks= if no armor *ictim at . $it %oints ma2or b"eeding
8. &bdomen in2ured no mo*e or attack se*ere b"eeding
88 &bdomen in2ured *ictim at . $% se*ere b"eeding
89 &bdomen destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Torso grazed minor b"eeding
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round reduced to 8E9 mo*e wit$ minor
b"eeding
O A$ie"d damage torso struck 8E9 mo*e & minor b"eeding
M &rmor damage torso struck 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks= if no armor
torso in2ured no mo*e or attack se*ere b"eeding
N Torso in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 A$ie"d damage= torso struck L9 %ena"ty to attacks= if no s$ie"d torso
in2ured se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
8. Torso in2ured se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
88 Torso destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere b"eeding
89 Torso destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $rms 1/eft @E .i&ht A2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -and struck wea%on dro%%ed minor b"eeding= no effect on s$ie"d arm
K &rm struck s$ie"d damageEwea%on dro%%ed minor b"eeding
O -and in2ured L9 %ena"ty to attacksEs$ie"d dro%%ed
M &rmor damage arm struck minor b"eeding= if no armor arm in2ured
ma2or b"eeding
N -and se*ered stunned 8 round ma2or b"eeding s$ie"d or wea%on dro%%ed
9 &rmor damage arm broken= if no armor arm se*ered stunned 8dO
rounds ma2or b"eeding
8. A$ou"der in2ured no attacks ma2or b"eeding
88 &rm se*ered se*ere b"eeding 8E9 mo*e
89 &rm se*ered no mo*e or attacks se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -ead grazed stunned 8d3 rounds minor b"eeding
K -ead struck $e"m remo*ed *ictim stunned 8 round= L9 %ena"ty to attack
ro""s minor b"eeding if *ictim $ad no $e"m
O -ead struck minor b"eeding *ictim b"inded for 9d; rounds by b"ood in
eyes
M -e"m damaged face in2ured stunned 8dO rounds minor b"eeding 8E9
mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
N Aku"" broken $e"m damaged *ictim reduced to . $it %oints ma2or
b"eeding
9 T$roat in2ured se*ere b"eeding
8. Aku"" destroyed *ictim reduced to . $% se*ere b"eeding !nt Wis C$a a""
dro% by 8E9 %ermanent"y
88 T$roat destroyed *ictim ki""ed
89 -ead se*ered immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
Slashin& s0 $nimals
#it /ocation Chart
d94 .oll /ocation
8 ?ig$t fore"egEwing
9 Geft fore"egEwing
3 ?ig$t $ind "eg
; Geft $ind "eg
K Tai" 3for snakes or fis$ 8LK is tai" $it5
OLM &bdomen
NL9 TorsoEc$est
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s;Win&s 19C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Geg struck minor b"eeding
K Fnee struck 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding
O Geg in2ured ma2or b"eeding 9E3 mo*e
M FootEc"aw in2ured 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to attacks wit$
t$at "imb
N -i% in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*ement L9 %ena"ty to attacks= wing $it
forces cras$ "anding
9 GegEwing se*ered at mid%oint 8E3 mo*e ma2or b"eeding= wing $it forces
uncontro""ed fa""
8. Fnee destroyed ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
88 -i%Es$ou"der destroyed se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack= wing $it
forces cras$ "anding
89 GegEwing se*ered at mid/t$ig$ no mo*e or attack se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Tail 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8LK 1o unusua" effect
O Ti% of tai" struck= if %re$ensi"e any items carried are dro%%ed minor
b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to tai" attacks
MLN Tai" in2ured minor b"eeding norma" anima"s must sa*e *s# deat$ or
retreat= no tai" attacks
9L8. Tai" se*ered near end ma2or b"eeding "ose tai" attacks mo*e reduced by
8E3 if creature uses tai" for mo*ement
88 Tai" se*ered *ictim stunned 8L3 rounds "ose tai" attacks ma2or b"eeding
no mo*ement or attacks if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement
89 Tai" se*ered stunned 8L3 rounds ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9
%ena"ty on any attack= if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement no mo*e or attack
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; &bdomen grazed minor b"eeding
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 9E3 mo*e minor
b"eeding
O &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8dO rounds reduced to 9E3 mo*e minor
b"eeding
M &bdomen in2ured 8E3 mo*e minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N A%ine in2ured no mo*e minor b"eeding L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 &bdomen in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. &bdomen in2ured no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding
88 A%ine destroyed no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding *ictim %ara"yzed
89 &bdomen destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 1@CA2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Torso grazed minor b"eeding
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 9E3 mo*e minor
b"eeding
O Torso struck stunned 8dO rounds minor b"eeding
M A%ine struck ma2or b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N Torso in2ured se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
9 ?ibs broken ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
8. ?ibs broken se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
88 A%ine destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere b"eeding
89 Torso destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -ead grazed stunned 8 round minor b"eeding
K Anout struck minor b"eeding anima" must sa*e *s# deat$ or retreat for
8d8. rounds
O -ead struck minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to attacks
M T$roat in2ured ma2or b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N Aku"" broken anima" reduced to . $it %oints ma2or b"eeding
9 AnoutEface destroyed ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no bite attacks L;
%ena"ty to a"" ot$er attacks
8. -ead in2ured reduced to . $% se*ere b"eeding= 8E3 mo*e and L; %ena"ty
to a"" attacks for 8d3 mont$s
88 T$roat destroyed se*ere b"eeding
89 -ead se*ered immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
Slashin& s0 Monsters
#it /ocation Chart
d94 .oll /ocation
8 ?ig$t fore"egEc"awEwing
9 Geft fore"egEc"awEwing
3 ?ig$t $ind "eg
; Geft $ind "eg
K Tai" 3for snake"ike or fis$"ike monsters 8LK is tai" $it5
OLM &bdomen
NL9 TorsoEc$est
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s;Win&s 19C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Geg grazed minor b"eeding
K Fnee struck 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding
O Geg struck minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e
M FootEc"aw in2ured 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to attacks wit$
t$at "imb
N -i% in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*ement= wing $it forces cras$ "anding
9 GegEwing se*ered at mid%oint 8E3 mo*e ma2or b"eeding= wing $it forces
uncontro""ed fa""
8. Fnee destroyed ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks wit$
affected "imb
88 -i%Es$ou"der destroyed ma2or b"eeding no mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks=
wing $it forces cras$ "anding
89 GegEwing se*ered at mid/t$ig$ no mo*e or attack se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Tail 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8LK 1o unusua" effect
O Ti% of tai" struck= if %re$ensi"e any items carried are dro%%ed minor
b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to tai" attacks
MLN Tai" in2ured minor b"eeding monster suffers L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks due
to %ain= no tai" attacks
9L8. Tai" se*ered ma2or b"eeding no tai" attacks= if creature uses tai" for
mo*ement 8E3 mo*e
88 Tai" se*ered *ictim stunned 8 round "ose tai" attacks ma2or b"eeding= 8E3
mo*ement L; %ena"ty to attacks if monster uses tai" for mo*ement
89 Tai" se*ered stunned 8 round ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty on
any attack= if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement no mo*e or attack
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; &bdomen grazed minor b"eeding
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round minor b"eeding
O &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8d3 rounds reduced to 9E3 mo*e minor
b"eeding
M &bdomen in2ured 8E9 mo*e minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N A%ine in2ured 8E3 mo*e minor b"eeding L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
9 &bdomen in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. &bdomen in2ured 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks ma2or b"eeding
88 A%ine in2ured no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding *ictim stunned 8dO
rounds
89 &bdomen destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 1@CA2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Torso grazed minor b"eeding
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round minor b"eeding
O Torso struck stunned 8d3 rounds minor b"eeding
M A%ine struck minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N Torso in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 ?ibs in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
8. ?ibs broken se*ere b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no attack
88 A%ine broken ma2or b"eeding no mo*e or attack
89 Torso destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -ead grazed minor b"eeding
K Anout struck minor b"eeding monster must sa*e *s# deat$ or retreat for 8
round
O -ead struck minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to attacks
M T$roat in2ured ma2or b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N Aku"" in2ured monster reduced to 9E3 mo*e ma2or b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to
a"" attacks
9 AnoutEface in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no bite attacks L9 %ena"ty
to a"" ot$er attacks
8. -ead in2ured reduced to . $% ma2or b"eeding= 8E3 mo*e and L; %ena"ty to
a"" attacks for 8d3 weeks
88 T$roat destroyed se*ere b"eeding
89 -ead se*ered immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
*iercin& s0 #umanoids
#it /ocation Chart
d94 .oll /ocation
8L9 ?ig$t "eg
3L; Geft "eg
K &bdomen
OLM Torso
N ?ig$t arm
9 Geft arm
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s 1.i&ht 9C3E /eft =C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Geg grazed *ictim knocked down
K Geg struck minor b"eeding
O Geg in2ured minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e
M &rmor damaged= "eg in2ured if target $as no "eg armor 8E9 mo*e ma2or
b"eeding
N Fnee broken minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to any attacks
9 &rmor damaged "eg struck minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e= if target $as no "eg
armor "eg broken ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
8. -i% broken no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding
88 Geg broken se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
89 Geg destroyed no mo*e or attack se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; &bdomen grazed minor b"eeding
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 9E3 mo*e wit$
minor b"eeding
O &rmor damaged= *ictim stunned 8d; rounds minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e if
no armor
M &bdomen in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N &bdomen in2ured se*ere b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 &rmor damage abdomen in2ured minor b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9
%ena"ty to attacks= if no armor *ictim at . $it %oints ma2or b"eeding
8. &bdomen in2ured 8E3 mo*e no attack se*ere b"eeding
88 &bdomen in2ured *ictim at . $% se*ere b"eeding
89 &bdomen destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Torso grazed minor b"eeding
K Torso struck 9E3 mo*e wit$ minor b"eeding
O A$ie"d damage torso struck 9E3 mo*e & minor b"eeding
M &rmor damage torso struck 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks= if no armor
torso in2ured no mo*e or attack se*ere b"eeding
N Torso in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 A$ie"d damage= torso struck L9 %ena"ty to attacks= if no s$ie"d ribs
broken se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
8. ?ibs broken se*ere b"eeding no mo*e or attack
88 Torso destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere b"eeding
89 Torso destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $rms 1/eft @E .i&ht A2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -and struck wea%on dro%%ed minor b"eeding= no effect on s$ie"d arm
K &rm struck s$ie"d damageEwea%on dro%%ed minor b"eeding
O -and in2ured L9 %ena"ty to attacksEs$ie"d dro%%ed
M &rmor damage arm struck minor b"eeding= if no armor arm in2ured
minor b"eeding
N &rm broken *ictim stunned 8 round minor b"eeding s$ie"d or wea%on
dro%%ed
9 &rmor damage arm in2ured L9 %ena"ty to attacks or s$ie"d dro%%ed= if no
armor arm broken stunned 8dO rounds ma2or b"eeding
8. A$ou"der in2ured no attacks ma2or b"eeding
88 &rm destroyed ma2or b"eeding 9E3 mo*e
89 &rm destroyed no mo*eEattack ma2or b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -ead grazed stunned 8d3 rounds minor b"eeding
K -ead struck $e"m remo*ed *ictim stunned 8 round= L9 %ena"ty to attack
ro""s minor b"eeding if *ictim $ad no $e"m
O Cye in2ured L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks= if $e"med *ictim is on"y stunned 8
round instead
M -e"m damaged face in2ured stunned 8dO rounds minor b"eeding 9E3
mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
N Aku"" broken $e"m damaged *ictim reduced to . $it %oints ma2or
b"eeding
9 T$roat in2ured se*ere b"eeding
8. Aku"" broken *ictim reduced to . $% ma2or b"eeding !nt Wis C$a a""
dro% by 8E9 %ermanent"y
88 T$roat destroyed *ictim ki""ed
89 -ead destroyed immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
*iercin& s0 $nimals
#it /ocation Chart
d94 .oll /ocation
8 ?ig$t fore"egEwing
9 Geft Fore"egEwing
3 ?ig$t $ind "eg
; Geft $ind "eg
K Tai" 3for snakes or fis$ 8LK is tai" $it5
OLM &bdomen
NL9 TorsoEc$est
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s;Win&s 19C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Geg struck minor b"eeding
K Fnee struck 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding
O Geg in2ured minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e
M FootEc"aw in2ured minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to attacks wit$ t$at "imb
N -i% in2ured minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*ement L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks= wing
$it forces cras$ "anding
9 GegEwing broken 8E3 mo*e minor b"eeding= wing $it forces cras$ "anding
8. Fnee broken minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
88 -i%Es$ou"der destroyed ma2or b"eeding no mo*e or attack= wing $it
forces cras$ "anding
89 GegEwing destroyed no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Tail 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8LK 1o unusua" effect
O Ti% of tai" struck= if %re$ensi"e any items carried are dro%%ed minor
b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to tai" attacks
MLN Tai" in2ured minor b"eeding norma" anima"s must sa*e *s# deat$ or
retreat= no tai" attacks
9L8. Tai" in2ured minor b"eeding "ose tai" attacks= if creature uses tai" for
mo*ement 8E3 mo*e
88 Tai" destroyed *ictim stunned 8L3 rounds "ose tai" attacks ma2or
b"eeding no mo*ement or attacks if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement
89 Tai" destroyed stunned 8d9 rounds ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9
%ena"ty on attacks= if anima" uses tai" for mo*ement no mo*e or attack
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; &bdomen grazed minor b"eeding
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 9E3 mo*e minor
b"eeding
O &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8d; rounds reduced to 9E3 mo*e minor
b"eeding
M &bdomen in2ured 9E3 mo*e ma2or b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N A%ine in2ured 8E3 mo*e minor b"eeding L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
9 &bdomen in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
8. &bdomen in2ured no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding
88 A%ine broken no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding *ictim %ara"yzed
89 &bdomen destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ se*ere b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 1@CA2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Torso grazed minor b"eeding
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round and reduced to 9E3 mo*e minor
b"eeding
O Torso struck stunned 8d; rounds minor b"eeding
M A%ine struck minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N Torso in2ured stunned 8 round ma2or b"eeding
9 ?ibs broken minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
8. ?ibs broken ma2or b"eeding no mo*e or attack
88 A%ine destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ ma2or b"eeding
89 Torso destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -ead grazed stunned 8 round minor b"eeding
K Anout struck minor b"eeding anima" must sa*e *s# deat$ or retreat for
8d8. rounds
O Cye in2ured stunned 8d3 rounds L9 %ena"ty to attacks
M T$roat in2ured ma2or b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N Aku"" broken anima" reduced to . $it %oints ma2or b"eeding
9 AnoutEface destroyed minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no bite attacks L;
%ena"ty to a"" ot$er attacks
8. -ead in2ured reduced to . $% ma2or b"eeding= 8E3 mo*e and L; %ena"ty to
a"" attacks for 8d3 mont$s
88 T$roat destroyed se*ere b"eeding
89 -ead se*ered immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
*iercin& s0 Monsters
#it /ocation Chart
d94 .oll /ocation
8 ?ig$t fore"egEc"awEwing
9 Geft fore"egEc"awEwing
3 ?ig$t $ind "eg
; Geft $ind "eg
K Tai" 3for snake"ike or fis$"ike monsters 8LK is tai" $it5
OLM &bdomen
NL9 TorsoEc$est
8. -ead
/ocation: /e&s;Win&s 19C>2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Geg grazed minor b"eeding
K Fnee struck 9E3 mo*e
O Geg struck minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e
M FootEc"aw in2ured minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to attacks wit$ t$at "imb
N -i% in2ured minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*ement= wing $it forces cras$ "anding
9 GegEwing broken 8E3 mo*e minor b"eeding= wing $it forces cras$ "anding
8. Fnee destroyed ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks wit$
affected "imb
88 -i%Es$ou"der destroyed ma2or b"eeding no mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks=
wing $it forces cras$ "anding
89 GegEwing destroyed no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Tail 1B2
Seerity %ffect
8LK 1o unusua" effect
O Ti% of tai" struck= if %re$ensi"e any items carried are dro%%ed minor
b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to tai" attacks
MLN Tai" in2ured minor b"eeding monster suffers L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks due
to %ain= no tai" attacks
9L8. Tai" broken minor b"eeding no tai" attacks= if creature uses tai" for
mo*ement 8E3 mo*e
88 Tai" destroyed *ictim stunned 8 round "ose tai" attacks ma2or b"eeding=
8E3 mo*ement L; %ena"ty to attacks if monster uses tai" for mo*ement
89 Tai" destroyed stunned 8d3 rounds ma2or b"eeding 8E9 mo*e and L9
%ena"ty on any attack= if monster uses tai" for mo*ement no mo*eEattack
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: $bdomen 15C?2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; &bdomen grazed minor b"eeding
K &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8 round minor b"eeding
O &bdomen struck *ictim stunned 8d3 rounds minor b"eeding
M &bdomen in2ured 9E3 mo*e minor b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N A%ine in2ured 8E9 mo*e minor b"eeding L; %ena"ty to a"" attacks
9 &bdomen in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e and L9 %ena"ty to attacks
8. &bdomen in2ured 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks ma2or b"eeding
88 A%ine in2ured no mo*e or attack ma2or b"eeding *ictim stunned 8dO
rounds
89 &bdomen destroyed *ictim reduced to . $it %oints wit$ ma2or b"eeding
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: Torso 1@CA2
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; Torso grazed minor b"eeding
K Torso struck *ictim stunned 8 round minor b"eeding
O Torso struck stunned 8d3 rounds minor b"eeding
M A%ine struck minor b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to attacks
N Torso in2ured minor b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
9 ?ibs in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e L; %ena"ty to attacks
8. ?ibs broken ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no attack
88 A%ine broken ma2or b"eeding no mo*e or attack
89 Torso destroyed *ictim ki""ed
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
/ocation: #ead 1942
Seerity %ffect
8L3 1o unusua" effect
; -ead grazed minor b"eeding
K Anout struck minor b"eeding monster must sa*e *s# deat$ or retreat for 8
round
O Cye in2ured stunned 8 round L9 %ena"ty to attacks
M T$roat in2ured ma2or b"eeding 9E3 mo*e L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks
N Aku"" in2ured monster reduced to 9E3 mo*e ma2or b"eeding L9 %ena"ty to
a"" attacks
9 AnoutEface in2ured ma2or b"eeding 8E3 mo*e no bite attacks L9 %ena"ty
to a"" ot$er attacks
8. -ead in2ured reduced to . $% ma2or b"eeding= 8E3 mo*e and L; %ena"ty to
a"" attacks for 8d3 weeks
88 T$roat destroyed se*ere b"eeding
89 -ead destroyed immediate deat$
83R &s 89 abo*e wit$ tri%"ed damage dice
C$a%ter Ae*en:
Wea%ons & &rmor
C$aracters are defined not on"y by t$eir abi"ities and a"ignment but a"so by t$eir
%ossessions and e>ui%ment# Wit$ t$e %ro%er %re%aration and gear t$ere)s a"most not$ing
a daring $ero can)t accom%"is$#
T$is c$a%ter %resents a com%re$ensi*e "isting of 2ust about any kind of wea%on or
armor a c$aracter wou"d e*er want to use# T$e "ist is di*ided into nine different semi/
$istorica" grou%ings to $e"% %reser*e consistency and accuracy# For e+am%"e t$e most
so%$isticated armor a*ai"ab"e during Western Curo%e)s 'ark &ges was c$ain mai"= %"ate
mai" $adn)t been in*ented yet# !f a %articu"ar nation or cu"ture in your cam%aign $as a
'ark &ges f"a*or to it armor $ea*ier t$an c$ain mai" s$ou"dn)t be a*ai"ab"e t$ere#
T$e e>ui%ment categories are Atone &ge 6ronze &ge ?oman 'ark &ges
Crusades ?enaissance Cng"is$ Ci*i" War Midd"e Castern and ,rienta"#
T$e second %ur%ose of t$is c$a%ter is to u%date wea%on and armor statistics for
t$e Player's Option combat system# !n addition to t$e standard size ty%e and damage
"istings a new number $as been introduced: t$e knockdown die# A%eed factors are %rinted
as bot$ a number and a category for use in a standard &'&' game or wit$ t$e Player's
Option initiati*e ru"es# Dartia" armor tab"es are inc"uded so t$at %"ayers can re/create
$istorica" or fantastic sty"es suc$ as back/and/breast %"ate wit$ grea*es c$ainmai" s$irts
and so on#
Gast but not "east a com%"ete e+%"anation of s%ecia" wea%on %ro%erties and
encumbrance is inc"uded at t$e end of t$is c$a%ter#
C>ui%ment 4rou%s &s "ong as %eo%"e $a*e been making wea%ons different cu"tures
$a*e %roduced different ty%es of armaments# ,ne wou"dn)t e+%ect to find an Cng"is$
"ongbow in ancient 4reece or a samurai)s katana in medie*a" Henice# ,f course many
&'&' cam%aigns aren)t *ery :rea"istic: but e*en in t$e most cosmo%o"itan settings t$ere
wi"" be "oca" standards of tec$no"ogy and %referred wea%ons and e>ui%ment#
!t)s a"ways %ossib"e for rare or unusua" wea%ons to trick"e into an area from
outside# For e+am%"e if a tribe of 2ung"e sa*ages $as been trading wit$ a more ad*anced
cu"ture it)s >uite "ike"y t$at t$ey may $a*e "earned meta"working or at "east be armed
wit$ stee" s%ear$eads and arrow$eads t$ey traded for# 'es%ite t$is %"ayers s$ou"d try to
e>ui% t$eir c$aracters in a reasonab"e and consistent fas$ion# & Hiking/"ike barbarian
from t$e far nort$ $as no business beginning a cam%aign e>ui%%ed wit$ a b"owgun
katana or scimitar# !t)s far more reasonab"e for t$e c$aracter to wear c$ain mai" and carry
a t$rowing a+e and "ong sword# T$e 'M is t$e fina" 2udge of w$at a c$aracter can
reasonab"y e+%ect to be ab"e to find in any %articu"ar area#
?eading t$e C>ui%ment Gists
T$e cu"ture "ists inc"ude t$e fo""owing information:
'ame: Most wea%ons $a*e been described by t$eir common &'&' e>ui*a"ent
so a $lamberge or 8'eihander is sim%"y referred to as a two/$anded sword# T$ere are
some e+ce%tions7for e+am%"e t$e g"adius w$ic$ is 2ust a s$ort sword# T$e indi*idua"
wea%on descri%tions t$at fo""ow t$e tab"es make note of any additiona" names by w$ic$
t$e wea%on is known#
Cost: Cac$ wea%on $as a "isted cost based on t$e standard &'&' monetary
system# Many wea%ons $a*e different costs on different tab"es= t$ese are wea%ons t$at are
rarer in t$e one setting t$an t$e ot$er# !f t$e wea%on $as a :7: for cost it is effecti*e"y
free since it can easi"y be made by any c$aracter#
Atone &ge or Aa*age Cu"tures
Atone &ge cu"tures are rare in most &'&' cam%aigns# ,n"y t$e most iso"ated areas can
be considered to be in t$e Atone &ge# !n our own $istory most Atone &ge cu"tures
disa%%eared t$ousands of years ago7but t$ose t$at did sur*i*e sti"" "i*e today in t$e
remote areas of Ma"aysia and Aout$ &merica#
Iust because a cu"ture uses Atone &ge tec$no"ogy doesn)t mean t$at it is %rimiti*e
or barbaric# 1ati*e &mericans en2oyed com%"e+ ad*anced societies wit$out meta" too"s
or wea%ons# T$erefore t$is category can a"so be used to describe &ztec/"ike ci*i"izations
t$at e+ist as contem%oraries of societies wit$ more ad*anced tec$no"ogy#
Aa*age settings are found in %$ysica""y remote areas w$ere %rimiti*e societies
$a*e gained access to meta"working tec$no"ogy# T$is is a good catc$/a"" category for
e>ui%%ing barbaric 2ung"e tribes fierce nomads or tribes of canniba"s# -istorica""y many
&frican &sian and Ma"aysian nations were considered :sa*ages: by Western Curo%ean
e+%"orers as "ate as t$e ear"y %art of t$is century# T$ese uni>ue cu"tures suffered terrib"y at
t$e $ands of t$eir su%%osed"y more/ci*i"ized *isitors#
Atone &ge wea%ons inc"ude a *ariety of missi"es de*e"o%ed from basic $unting
too"s# T$ey tend to be inferior to e*en 6ronze &ge arms w$ic$ were designed as
im%"ements of war# &rmor is "ig$t or none+istent and consists of a $ide/co*ered s$ie"d
and "eat$er $ide or cord body armor at best#
Aa*age arms inc"ude im%ro*ed meta"/$eaded *ersions of many Atone &ge
wea%ons# Aa*age armor is a"so "ig$t but inc"udes co%%er or bronze reinforcement# !n
some cases *ery so%$isticated "ame""ar or sca"e armor of wood bone or "eat$er may be
a*ai"ab"e# -istorica""y c$ain mai" a%%eared in t$e 8Nt$ and 89t$ century among
Ma"aysian and &sian tribes $undreds of years after Curo%eans abandoned its use#
Stone $&e and Saa&e Settin&s
:d8e 3 g%
&+e
Battle 8K g%
HandKthro'ing O g%
Atone K s%
6"owgun 8 g%
6arbed dart 8 s%
1eed"e 9 c%
6o"as K s%
6oomerang K s%
6ow
A$ort 8K g%
$light arro' 3 s%E89
stone arrow 3 c%E89
C"ub 7
War 9 g%
Dagger 9 g%
6one 8 s%
Atone 9 s%
'art K s%
Harpoon 9. g%
6one 8 g%
Navelin K s%
2tone K c%
Fnife K s%
6one 3 c%
Atone K c%
Thro'ing K g%
Gasso K s%
Parang or Machete N g%
Suarterstaff 7
?ock 7
A"ing K c%
Atone 7
2pear 9 g%
Atone 9 s%
!ta"ic entries are on"y a*ai"ab"e in meta"/using Atone &ge or sa*age settings#
Too"sECommon
T$is "ist inc"udes anyt$ing t$at is common"y a*ai"ab"e as a too" or so uni*ersa" t$at any
cu"ture wou"d $a*e access to it# Dicks s%ades and s"edge $ammers can be found in any
town and can make ser*iceab"e wea%ons if swords and bows aren)t a*ai"ab"e# ?egard"ess
of t$e actua" setting used anyt$ing on t$is tab"e can be wie"ded as a wea%on by a
c$aracter# 1ote t$at Atone &ge or Aa*age cu"tures are not assumed to $a*e access to t$ese
im%"ements w$ic$ is w$y t$e Too"sECommon "ist fo""ows t$e Atone &ge "ist#
T$e 'M is free to ru"e t$at any %articu"ar too" or de*ice is una*ai"ab"e for
se"ection as a wea%on %roficiency# Most %eo%"e don)t %"an on wie"ding "anterns or s%ades
as wea%ons on a regu"ar basis#
Tools and Common Materials
&dze 3 s%
6e"aying %in 9 c%
6ott"e 7
C"ub 7
4reat 9 g%
F"ai"
4rain K s%
Fork N s%
4affE$ook
&ttac$ed 9 g%
-e"d K c%
4ra%%"e K g%
-atc$et 9 g%
-ammer K s%
-ar%oon 9. g%
-o"y symbo" big 9K g%
Fnife K s%
Gantern *aries
Gasso K s%
Mac$ete N g%
,i" f"ask O c%
Dick ; g%
Dry bar 9 g%
Suarterstaff 7
Aa% K s%
Acourge 9 g%
Acyt$e 3 g%
Aick"e O s%
A"edge $ammer 9 g%
A"ing K c%
6u""et K c%
Atone 7
A%ade 8 g%
Torc$ 8 c%
Hia" N s%
W$i% 8 s%
T$e 6ronze &ge and &ncient Cu"tures
T$e first meta" wea%ons were made from co%%er# !t was easy to mine and easy to work
but %ro*ed to be *ery soft# 6y adding tin to co%%er a muc$ stronger a""oy known as
bronze was created# T$e ear"y ci*i"izations of Cgy%t and Meso%otamia were
manufacturing bronze wea%ons more t$an ;... years ago#
Bn"ike Atone &ge or sa*age cu"tures 6ronze &ge cu"tures are a"most ne*er found
as contem%oraries of more ad*anced ci*i"izations# ,nce a nation or tribe masters t$e
working of iron bronze ra%id"y fa""s out of fa*or# T$is category is good for cam%aigns set
in ancient times or for e>ui%%ing warriors w$o are some$ow dis%"aced in time#
&t t$e beginning of t$is era a batt"e consisted of two mobs of armed men meeting
in a bruta" me"ee# 6y t$e end of t$e 6ronze &ge so%$isticated %$a"an+es of s%earmen and
a firm gras% of tactics enab"ed t$e 4reek city/states to dominate t$e ancient wor"d# T$e
c$ariot ru"ed t$e batt"efie"d for a w$i"e on"y to be re%"aced by more maneu*erab"e
ca*a"ry#
A%ears bows and s"ings are t$e most common wea%ons of t$is time %eriod# &+es
and swords are rarer# Awords e*o"*ed from %rimiti*e sick"e/s$a%ed c$o%%ing wea%ons
into t$e 4reek &iphos a we""/made s$ort sword used for t$rusting and s"as$ing#
&rmor runs t$e gamut from none at a"" to sturdy coats of meta" "ame""ar or sca"es
and bronze breast%"ates and grea*es# T$e armor ty%e known as bronze %"ate mai" $as no
rea" $istorica" mode" but is inc"uded as a "ogica" e+tension of bronze %"ates worn o*er
more of t$e body#
Bronze $&eE $ncient Cultures
&dze 3 s%
6att"e a+e K g%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
Com%osite s$ort bow MK g%
Gong bow MK g%
A$ort bow 3. g%
Cestus 8 g%
'agger 9 g%
'art K s%
-andEt$rowing a+e 8 g%
Ia*e"in K s%
Gance "ig$t O g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
Mace/a+e 89 g%
Dike K g%
Suarterstaff 7
A%ear N s%
,ne/$anded 7
Two/$anded 7
A%ear "ong K g%
Ataff s"ing 9 s%
Atink%ot 8 s%
Atone 7
Aword
6roadsword 3. g%
F$o%es$ 8K g%
Aa%ara 8. g%
A$ort 8K g%
Aword/a+e 9. g%
Trident 8K g%
Two/$anded a+e 8K g%
War$ammer 9 g%
War c"ub 9 g%
'uring t$is %eriod iron wea%ons began to a%%ear# !f an iron wea%on is used
against armor made of bronze $orn wood or any weaker materia" t$e attacker gains a
R8 bonus to $it# Aimi"ar"y if a bronze wea%on is used against iron armor t$e attacker
suffers a L8 %ena"ty to $it# 6ronze/on/bronze or iron/on/iron matc$/u%s %ro*ide no
s%ecia" bonuses or %ena"ties#
!ron wea%ons and armor may be considered to be none+istent rare or common in
t$is setting# !f t$e 'M decides t$ey)re none+istent no c$aracter can obtain t$em# !f iron is
rare any wea%on or armor made of iron can be %urc$ased for tri%"e t$e "isted cost# !f iron
is common iron arms can be %urc$ased at t$e "isted cost# ,f course if iron is common
2ust about e*eryone e"se wi"" $a*e it too#
?oman
T$e mi"itary system of ?ome con>uered $a"f t$e known wor"d# &t its $eig$t t$e ?oman
Cm%ire stretc$ed from A%ain to Da"estine and Cng"and to Cgy%t# ?oman "egionaries were
e>ui%%ed wit$ a cuirass and $e"met of iron a "arge cur*ed s$ie"d a ty%e of 2a*e"in ca""ed
a pil"m! and a gladi"s or s$ort sword# T$ey foug$t in disci%"ined s%aced ranks t$at
%ermitted men in t$e rear to ste% forward and re"ie*e tired men in t$e front "ine kee%ing
fres$ men in contact wit$ t$e enemy#
Gater in t$e ?oman Cm%ire ca*a"ry became more and more im%ortant# !n time it
re%"aced t$e infantry "egions as t$e %rimary wea%on of t$e em%ire# T$e em%$asis on
ca*a"ry "ed to t$e de*e"o%ment of "onger swords and t$e use of $ea*ier "ances in s$ock
c$arges#
?ome)s ci*i"ized enemies were e>ui%%ed in muc$ t$e same way as $er own
"egions# -owe*er t$e em%ire was a"so confronted wit$ barbaric 4au"s Ce"ts and
4ermans# T$eir warriors often foug$t wit$ no armor and on"y a s%ear and s$ie"d# !t wasn)t
unti" t$e dec"ine of t$e em%ire t$at t$e "egions cou"d be defeated by t$eir i""/e>ui%%ed
foes#
6ronze &ge &ncient Cu"tures
6att"e a+e K g%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
Com%osite s$ort bow MK g%
Gong bow MK g%
A$ort bow 3. g%
Cestus 8 g%
'agger 9 g%
'art K s%
-andEt$rowing a+e 8 g%
Ia*e"in K s%
Gance
"ig$t O g%
medium 8. g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
1et K g%
Di"um 8 g%
Suarterstaff 7
A%ear N s%
A%ear "ong K g%
Ataff s"ing 9 s%
Atink%ot 8 s%
Atone 7
Aword
6roadsword 8K g%
'rusus K. g%
4"adius 8. g%
A%at$a 8K g%
Trident 8K g%
War$ammer 9 g%
'ark &ges
T$e 'ark &ges are usua""y considered to e+tend from t$e end of t$e Western ?oman
Cm%ire to t$e 1orman in*asion of Cng"and# W$i"e Western Curo%e was in turmoi" t$e
neig$boring areas were in far better s$a%e# T$e Castern ?oman Cm%ire or 6yzantium
sur*i*ed and grew strong retaining contro" of modern/day Turkey and 4reece# !s"am
s%read t$roug$out t$e Ge*ant and nort$ern &frica bringing en"ig$tenment and
ci*i"ization#
T$is grou%ing of e>ui%ment re%resents a barbarian or backwater kingdom in a
fantasy cam%aign# Aince no armor $ea*ier t$an c$ain mai" e+ists many of t$e wea%ons
t$at e*o"*ed to %ierce or defeat armor $a*e not been in*ented yet# !t)s good for Hiking/
"ike cu"tures and $umanoid $ordes#
T$e 'ark &ges saw one *ery im%ortant inno*ation in Western Curo%e: t$e
introduction of t$e stirru%# T$is a""owed a mounted man to wie"d $ea*ier wea%ons and
de"i*er a stronger b"ow wit$out fear of fa""ing off $is $orse# T$is inno*ation signa"ed t$e
beginning of t$e $orseman)s ascendancy on t$e batt"efie"d# 6y t$e year a#d# 9.. t$e most
de*astating wea%on on t$e batt"efie"d was t$e c$arge of $ea*y ca*a"ry# 1o infantry
formation cou"d $o%e to wit$stand it and "ig$ter ca*a"ry $ad to mo*e aside or be crus$ed#
!n t$e West armor was genera""y "ig$t unti" "ate in t$is %eriod# C$ain mai" was too
e+%ensi*e for anyone e+ce%t c$ieftains and %icked bodyguards# 6y t$e end of t$e 'ark
&ges c$ain mai" $ad become far more %re*a"ent# Meta" "ame""ar and sca"e were wide"y
used in 6yzantine and Mus"im armies a"t$oug$ "ig$t infantry usua""y did wit$out any
armor at a""#
The )ar- $&es
6att"e a+e K g%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
&rrow s$eaf 3 s%EO
Com%osite s$ort bow MK g%
Gong MK g%
A$ort 3. g%
Ca"tro% 9 g%E89
Crossbow
Gig$t crossbow O. g%
Gig$t >uarre" 8 s%
De""et bow 9K g%
De""et K c%
'agger 9 g%
'art K s%
-andEt$rowing a+e 8 g%
Ia*e"in K s%
Gance
Gig$t O g%
Medium 8. g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
Suarterstaff 7
A%ear N s%
A%ear "ong K g%
Ataff s"ing 9 s%
Atink%ot 8 s%
Atone 7
Aword
6roadsword 9. g%
Gong sword ;K g%
Aabre 3. g%
A$ort sword 8K g%
Two/$anded a+e 8K g%
War$ammer 9 g%
T$e Crusades
T$e Crusaders foug$t t$eir way to t$e -o"y Gand at t$e end of t$e 88t$ century and
founded kingdoms t$at wou"d "ast a"most 9.. years# T$is is often referred to as t$e &ge
of Mai"= c$ain mai" was t$e %re*a"ent form of %ersona" %rotection t$roug$out t$is %eriod#
6y t$e time of t$e Crusades t$e armored knig$t $ad become t$e $ea*y ca*a"ry of
Western Curo%e# !t was said t$at a Crusader c$arge cou"d carry :t$roug$ t$e wa""s of
6aby"on#:
T$e knig$ts of t$e First Crusade were unru"y >uarre"ous and im%etuous# T$ey
$ad "itt"e gras% of batt"efie"d tactics or maneu*ers# T$e Ayrians Turks and Fatimids w$o
faced t$em were often commanded by nob"e warriors w$o dis%"ayed great ski"" and
subt"ety wit$ t$eir armies# 6ut as often as not t$e Crusaders won t$e day t$roug$ s$eer
$ard fig$ting and weig$t of armor# !t was not unusua" for a band of Crusaders to take on a
force of Turks or Ayrians se*era" times its own size and %re*ai"#
T$e Crusades saw se*era" im%ortant tec$no"ogica" inno*ations# C$ain mai"
$auberks were now augmented by c$ain mittens and "eggings for com%"ete %rotection#
Crossbows first saw wides%read use at t$is time# T$ey %ro*ed es%ecia""y usefu" for
kee%ing $orse arc$ers away from a formation since t$ey outranged t$e ca*a"ry)s "ig$ter
bows# Crossbows a"so $ad e+ce""ent %enetration %ower %unc$ing t$roug$ armor t$at
cou"d sto% most bow s$ots#
&t t$e end of t$is %eriod %"ate armor began to a%%ear# &t first %"ates were used to
increase t$e %rotection o*er t$e s$ou"ders and c$est of a mai"ed knig$t# Wit$in a s%an of
on"y K. years c$ain mai" $ad been "arge"y re%"aced#
!n addition to t$e Crusades in t$e -o"y Gand t$is era a"so saw t$e great Mongo"
con>uests of ?ussia -ungary and Do"and#
!n game terms t$e Crusades re%resent an ear"y Midd"e &ges society# Wit$out
%ikes and "ongbows to counter t$em mai"ed knig$ts owned t$e batt"efie"d# & fair number
of standard fantasy settings center on t$is "e*e" of tec$no"ogy= for e+am%"e t$e armies of
I#?#?# To"kien)s Midd"e Cart$ are e>ui%%ed wit$ mai" s$ie"d and "ong sword#
The Crusades
6att"e a+e K g%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
&rrow s$eaf 3 s%EO
Com%osite s$ort bow MK g%
Com%osite "ong bow 8.. g%
Gong MK g%
A$ort 3. g%
Ca"tro% 9 g%E89
Crossbow
-ea*y crossbow K. g%
-ea*y >uarre" 9 s%
Gig$t crossbow 3K g%
Gig$t >uarre" 8 s%
De""et bow 9K g%
De""et K c%
'agger 9 g%
F"ai" footman)s 8K g%
F"ai" $orseman)s N g%
-andEt$rowing a+e 8 g%
Gance Gig$t O g%
Gance Medium 8. g%
Gance -ea*y 8K g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
Suarterstaff 7
Dick footman)s N g%
Dick $orseman)s M g%
Do"earm
6i"" M g%
4"ai*e O g%
4uisarme K g%
-a"berd 8. g%
A%ear N s%
A%ear "ong K g%
Ataff s"ing 9 s%
Atink%ot 8 s%
Atone 7
Aword
6roadsword 9. g%
Gong sword ;K g%
Aabre 3. g%
A$ort sword 8K g%
War$ammer 9 g%
-undred @ears) War
!n 8998 t$e city of &cre fe""# !t was t$e "ast of t$e Crusader domains in t$e Ge*ant# &fter
eig$t Crusades and a"most 9.. years of s%oradic fig$ting t$e -o"y Gand remained in t$e
$ands of t$e Mus"ims# Car"y in t$e 8;t$ century friction between t$e ru"ers of France and
Cng"and "ed to t$e beginning of t$e -undred @ears) War in 833M#
Cdward !!! t$e Fing of Cng"and "ed an e+%edition into France in 83;O# ,n
&ugust 9Ot$ t$e Frenc$ &rmy met t$e Cng"is$ at CrYcy# 6"ooded by years of $ard
fig$ting against t$e We"s$ and t$e Acots t$e Cng"is$ "ongbowmen decimated c$arge after
c$arge from t$eir %re%ared %ositions# 6y t$e end of t$e fig$ting t$e f"ower of Frenc$
c$i*a"ry "ay dead on t$e fie"d wit$ on"y a few $undred Cng"is$ "osses to weig$ against it#
T$e armored knig$t $ad met $is matc$#
T$e 8;t$ century is t$e defau"t tec$no"ogica" "e*e" of most &'&' cam%aigns
re%resenting t$e end of t$e Midd"e &ges# Fu"" %"ate armor $ad a%%eared and wit$ it a
*ariety of wea%ons designed to %ierce it# W$i"e t$e knig$t and $is mount were %rotected
by t$e $ea*iest and most com%"ete armor e*er seen $e no "onger ru"ed t$e batt"efie"d#
!nstead t$e "ow"y infantryman became dominant due to t$e a%%earance of t$e "ongbow
t$e %ike and an assortment of %o"earms#
The #undred FearsG War
6att"e a+e K g%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
&rrow s$eaf 3 s%EO
&rrow %i"e 3 s%EO
Com%osite s$ort MK g%
Com%osite "ong 8.. g%
Gong MK g%
A$ort 3. g%
Ca"tro% 9g%E89
Crossbow
-ea*y crossbow K. g%
-ea*y >uarre" 9 s%
Gig$t crossbow 3K g%
Gig$t >uarre" 8 s%
De""et bow 9K g%
De""et K c%
'agger 9 g%
Ati"etto N s%
F"ai" footman)s 8K g%
F"ai" $orseman)s N g%
-andEt$rowing a+e 8 g%
Gance Gig$t O g%
Gance Medium 8. g%
Gance -ea*y 8K g%
Gance Iousting 9. g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
Mau" ; g%
Morningstar 8. g%
Dick footman)s N g%
Dick $orseman)s M g%
Do"earm
&w" Dike K g%
6ardic$e M g%
6ec de Corbin N g%
6i"" M g%
6i""/4uisarme M g%
Fauc$ard K g%
4"ai*e O g%
4"ai*e/4uisarme 8. g%
4uisarme K g%
-a"berd 8. g%
Gucern $ammer M g%
Mi"itary fork K g%
Suarterstaff 7
A%ear N s%
Ataff s"ing 9 s%
Atink%ot 8 s%
Atone 7
Aword
6astard Aword 9K g%
6roadsword 8. g%
Cstoc 8; g%
Fa"c$ion 8M g%
Gong sword 8K g%
Aabre 8M g%
A$ort sword 8. g%
Two/$anded sword K. g%
War$ammer 9 g%
T$e ?enaissance
Firearms continued to im%ro*e re%"acing t$e bow and crossbow as t$e %rimary missi"e
wea%on on t$e batt"efie"d# T$e Frenc$ &rmy at t$e end of t$e -undred @ears) War fina""y
defeated t$e Cng"is$ wit$ a coordinated army of ca*a"ry %ike and gunnery# &t t$e same
time t$e famous Awiss %ikemen were "earning t$at t$eir tig$t"y/%acked formations were
$orrib"y *u"nerab"e to fie"d arti""ery# 'es%ite t$e best efforts of armorers $and/$e"d
firearms %ro*ed to be ca%ab"e of downing a knig$t wit$ a sing"e s$ot#
T$e ?enaissance was a %eriod of c$ange in warfare# &t t$e beginning of t$is era
e>ui%ment and tactics were not *ery different from t$e "ate Midd"e &ges# Dikes and $ea*y
ca*a"ry were sti"" t$e most common arms on t$e Curo%ean batt"efie"d# 6y t$e end of t$e
8Ot$ century guns $ad re%"aced "ances %ikes and bows as t$e wea%on of c$oice for t$e
armies of Curo%e#
T$e ?enaissance cu"minated in t$e T$irty @ears) War and t$e Cng"is$ Ci*i" War#
!n bot$ of t$ese conf"icts firearms %ro*ed t$eir su%eriority o*er o"der wea%ons# 6y 8OK.
t$e armored knig$t was a figure of $istory and t$e %ike and bow were *anis$ing as we""#
&n &'&' cam%aign in a ?enaissance setting actua""y tra*e"s beyond t$e origina"
sco%e of t$e game# C$aracters can no "onger re"y on $ea*y armor to %rotect t$em= most of
t$eir foes are e>ui%%ed wit$ firearms t$at can %enetrate t$e finest %"ate armor# T$e %ower
of a DC %arty)s massed musket fire makes e*en 8st/"e*e" c$aracters t$e e>ua" of an ogre
or tro""# &nd t$e e+istence of $ig$ magic becomes $ard to 2ustify in an &ge of ?eason#
T$e mi"itary systems de*e"o%ed by t$e Curo%eans in t$is time %eriod wou"d %ro*e
to be in*incib"e to "ess ad*anced cu"tures as Curo%ean e+%"orers began t$e con>uest of
t$e wor"d around t$em# Many neig$boring %eo%"es suc$ as t$e Turks or t$e Cossacks
began to fa"" be$ind t$e Curo%ean %owers during t$is era# 6y t$e time t$e Turks $ad
matc$"ocks t$e Curo%eans $ad f"int"ocks= by t$e time t$e Turks $ad f"int"ocks t$e
Curo%eans $ad *ery good f"int"ocks# T$e u%s$ot of t$is is t$at a kingdom wit$
?enaissance/"e*e" tec$no"ogy is ca%ab"e of defeating and dominating "arger but "ess
ad*anced societies#
1eed"ess to say t$is re%resents t$e most ad*anced tec$no"ogy a*ai"ab"e in a
standard &'&' cam%aign#
The #undred FearsG War
6att"e a+e K g%
6randistock 8K g%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
&rrow s$eaf 3 s%EO
&rrow %i"e 3 s%EO
Com%osite s$ort MK g%
Com%osite "ong 8.. g%
Gong MK g%
A$ort 3. g%
Ca"tro% 9g%E89
Crossbow
-ea*y crossbow K. g%
-ea*y >uarre" 9 s%
Gig$t crossbow 3K g%
Gig$t >uarre" 8 s%
De""et bow 9K g%
De""et K c%
'agger9 g%
Main/gauc$e 3 g%
Darrying dagger K g%
Ati"ettoN s%
F"ai" footman)s 8K g%
F"ai" $orseman)s N g%
-andEt$rowing a+e 8 g%
Gance Gig$t O g%
Gance Medium 8. g%
Gance -ea*y 8K g%
Gance Iousting 9. g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
Mancatc$er 3. g%
Mau" ; g%
Morningstar 8. g%
Suarterstaff //
Dick footman)s N g%
Dick $orseman)s M g%
Do"earm
&w" Dike K g%
6i"" M g%
6i""/4uisarme M g%
4"ai*e/4uisarme 8. g%
-a"berd 8. g%
Mi"itary fork K g%
Dartisan 8. g%
?anseur O g%
A%etum K g%
Hou"ge K g%
A%ear N s%
Aword
6astard Aword9K g%
6roadsword 8. g%
C"aymore 9K g%
Cut"ass89 g%
Fa"c$ion 8M g%
Gong sword 8K g%
?a%ier 8K g%
Aabre 8M g%
A$ort sword 8. g%
Two/$anded sword K. g%
War$ammer 9 g%
Midd"e Castern
Bn"ike t$e %re*ious categories w$ic$ trace a semi/$istorica" %rogression of armaments
t$is grou%ing re%resents a generic &rabian or Mooris$ cu"ture# Wea%ons suc$ as scimitars
and 2ambiyas aren)t norma""y a*ai"ab"e in any kind of Curo%ean setting but t$ey)re
common in "ands wit$ a Midd"e Castern f"a*or#
1o Midd"e Castern cu"tures e*er de*e"o%ed $ea*y %"ate armor but e+ce""ent
*arieties of c$ain mai" and reinforced c$ain mai" were a*ai"ab"e for $ea*y ca*a"ry# Foot
troo%s were usua""y unarmored# 6ot$ straig$t and cur*ed sword b"ades were common
t$roug$out t$e &rab wor"d# 6ows were a"so great"y fa*ored and t$e com%osite bow of
t$e Turks was t$e most %owerfu" in t$e wor"d#
Many of t$e wea%ons on t$is "ist aren)t true contem%oraries of eac$ ot$er or come
from wide"y scattered areas# For e+am%"e t$e c$akram tu"war and bag$ nak$ are !ndian
wea%ons and cou"dn)t be found in a Turkis$ or 6edouin *enue# !f t$ere is any >uestion
about w$ic$ wea%ons are a*ai"ab"e t$e 'M can decide if a %articu"ar wea%on be"ongs in
$is cam%aign or not# &"t$oug$ t$ere is no $istorica" re"aton t$is e>ui%ment grou%ing a"so
co*ers Centra" &sian nomads suc$ as Tartars or Mongo"s#
Middle %astern Cultures
&nkus 3 g%
6ag$ nak$ ; s%
6att"e a+e K g%
6"owgun K g%
6arbed dart 8 s%
1eed"e 9 c%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
Com%osite "ong bow 8.. g%
Com%osite s$ort bow MK g%
A$ort bow 3. g%
C$ain K s%
C$akram N s%
Crossbow
-and >uarre" 8 g%
-and crossbow 8K. g%
-ea*y crossbow K. g%
-ea*y >uarre" 9 s%
Gig$t crossbow 3K g%
Gig$t >uarre" 8 s%
De""et bow 9K g%
De""et K c%
'agger9 g%
Iambiya ; g%
Fatar 3 g%
'art K s%
F"ai" footman)s 8K g%
F"ai" $orseman)s N g%
-andEt$rowing a+e 8 g%
Ia*e"in K s%
Gance "ig$t O g%
Gance medium 8. g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
Mancatc$er 3. g%
Suarterstaff 7
Do"earm
&w" Dike K g%
4"ai*e O g%
-a"berd 8. g%
Mi"itary fork K g%
A%ear N s%
A%ear "ong K g%
Aword
Cut"ass89 g%
Tu"war 8M g%
Gong sword 8K g%
Aabre 8M g%
Acimitar 8K g%
A$ort sword 8. g%
4reat scimitar O. g%
Trident 8K g%
,rienta"
&s wit$ t$e Midd"e Castern grou%ing t$e ,rienta" grou%ing is meant to %ro*ide a *ariety
of wea%ons for f"a*or# !t wou"dn)t fee" rig$t for a samurai warrior to e>ui% $imse"f wit$ a
%o"e a+e or a %i"um# ,nce again t$e wea%ons "ist co*ers a "ot of time and territory= t$e
'M is free to ru"e out any wea%on s$e doesn)t fee" is a%%ro%riate for $er cam%aign#
,rienta" armors were a"most a"ways *arieties of "ame""ar brigandine or sca"e
e*en t$oug$ t$ey were known by different names# T$e c$aracteristic armor of t$e
samurai was usua""y a fine suit of meta" "ame""ar armor#
Oriental Weapons
&nkus 3 g%
6att"e a+e K g%
6"owgun K g%
6arbed dart 8 s%
1eed"e 9 c%
6o stick K c%
6ow
&rrow f"ig$t 3 s%E89
&rrow s$eaf 3 s%EO
Com%osite "ong bow 8.. g%
Com%osite s$ort bow MK g%
A$ort bow 3. g%
C$ain K s%
C$akram N s%
C$i2ikiri O g%
Crossbow
Gig$t crossbow 3K g%
Gig$t >uarre" 8 s%
De""et bow 9K g%
De""et K c%
C$o/ku/no K. g%
'agger9 g%
'art K s%
4unsen ; g%
-and a+e 8 g%
Ia*e"in K s%
Iitte K s%
Fama 9 g%
Fau sin ke 3 g%
Fawanaga 8 g%
Fusari/gama ; g%
Gance "ig$t O g%
Gance medium 8. g%
Mace footman)s N g%
Mace $orseman)s K g%
Mancatc$er 3. g%
1unc$aku K s%
Do"earm
&w" Dike K g%
Ga2atang M g%
1agimaki O g%
1aginata N g%
Tetsubo ; g%
Aai 8 g%
Aang kauw K g%
A$uriken 3 s%
A%ear N s%
A%ear "ong K g%
Aword
Cut"ass89 g%
Fatana 8.. g%
1in2a/to 9. g%
1o/dac$i ;K g%
Tu"war 8M g%
Aabre 8M g%
A$ort sword 8. g%
Wakizas$i K. g%
T$ree/%iece rod 9 g%
Trident 8K g%
Firearms
T$is "isting sums u% a"" firearms a*ai"ab"e from t$e ot$er grou%ings# !t was se%arated
from t$e main e>ui%ment "istings because t$e use of firearms in an &'&' cam%aign is
%ure"y o%tiona"# Firearms re>uire an e+%"osi*e %owder to %ro%e" t$eir missi"es= t$is can be
eit$er smo#e po'der or g"npo'der#
4un%owder is a mi+ture of sa"t%eter su"fur and c$arcoa"# 4enera""y it is a*ai"ab"e
on"y in "ow/magic cam%aigns# !f gun%owder is wide"y a*ai"ab"e in a gi*en setting
firearms wi"" natura""y be more common# !f t$e 'M ru"es t$at gun%owder works in $is
cam%aign it can be %urc$ased at t$e "isted cost# !n a rea"istic setting gun%owder is c$ea%
and easy to obtain#
Amoke %owder is a magica" com%ound t$at du%"icates t$e effects of gun%owder# !f
t$e 'M wis$es to $a*e firearms in $is cam%aign but wants to "imit t$eir a*ai"abi"ity $e
can decide t$at norma" gun%owder doesn)t work# Amoke %owder is muc$ scarcer and far
more e+%ensi*e t$an regu"ar gun%owder and %"ayer c$aracters wi"" usua""y $a*e to find
some instead of being ab"e to buy it#
,f course if t$e 'M wants no guns of any kind in $is cam%aign $e can ru"e t$at
neit$er gun%owder nor smoke %owder work on $is wor"d# Wit$out %owder guns are
use"ess#
Firearms
-and Matc$
-andgunne 89K g%
&r>uebus 8MK g%
Matc$"ock
&r>uebus K. g%
Ca"i*er;. g%
Musket wErest ;K g%
W$ee""ock
&r>uebus N. g%
6e"t %isto" 9K g%
-orse %isto" 3K g%
Ana%"ock
6e"t Disto" 8K g%
-orse Disto" 9. g%
Musket O. g%
F"int"ock
6e"t Disto" 3. g%
6"underbuss 9. g%
6"underbuss Disto" 3K g%
Carbine OK g%
-orse Disto" ;. g%
Musket 9. g%
Combined Wea%ons
&+e/%isto" ;K g%
'agger/%isto" ;. g%
-ammer/%isto" K. g%
Aword/%isto" MK g%
6u""et 8s%E8.
4un%owder 8 s%
A"ow matc$ K s%
Amoke%owder 9K g%
&rmor
T$is "ist sums u% t$e ty%es of armor a*ai"ab"e by eac$ time %eriod# T$ere are two %rices
"isted for eac$ %iece of e>ui%ment: a common %rice and a rare %rice# 4enera""y armor is
rare w$en some ot$er ty%e of armor is %re*a"ent# For e+am%"e %"ate mai" is rare in a
Crusades/era cam%aign and t$erefore more e+%ensi*e t$an in a -undred @ears) War/era
setting#
T$e armor tab"e a"so %ro*ides information on %ieces of armor used toget$er# !t
was >uite common for armor to be :mismatc$ed=: t$e $o%"ite of ancient 4reece wore a
bronze breast%"ate grea*es and $e"met wit$ a "eat$er skirt w$i"e t$e Mog$u" !ndians
used an iron breast%"ate sewn into a com%"ete suit of c$ainmai"#
Full Suits
$rmor Common .are Torso Torso $rm $rm /e& /e& Full Full
Type Cost Cost $C Wei&ht $C Wei&ht $C Wei&ht $C Wei&ht
6anded mai"R 9.. g% 9MK g% 3#. 8M "bs .#O ; "bs .#9 K "bs O 3K "bs
6rigandine 89. g% 8K. g% 9#. 8K "bs .#; 3 "bs .#O ; "bs ; 3. "bs
6ronze %"ateR ;.. g% MK. g% 3#. 93 "bs .#O ; "bs .#9 M "bs O ;K "bs
C$ain mai"RR MK g% 99K g% 9#K 9. "bs .#K ; "bs .#N O "bs K ;. "bs
Cord armor 8. g% 8K g% 8#. N "bs .#9 8 "b .#3 9 "bs 9 8K "bs
Fie"d %"ate 9... g% 3... g% ;#. 3. "bs .#N O "bs 8#9 9 "bs N O. "bs
Fu"" %"ate ;... g% 7 ;#K 3K "bs .#9 M "bs 8#; 8. "bs 9 M. "bs
-ide armor 3K g% K. g% 9#. 8K "bs .#; 3 "bs .#O ; "bs ; 3. "bs
!m%ro*ed mai"RR8N. g% 3.. g% 3#. 9K "bs .#O K "bs .#9 N "bs O K. "bs
Geat$er armor K g% 7 8#. N "bs .#9 8 "b .#3 9 "bs 9 8K "bs
Gig$t sca"eRR N. g% 89. g% 8#K 83 "bs .#3 9 "bs .#K ; "bs 3 9K "bs
Meta" "ame""ar 9K. g% 33. g% 9#K 8M "bs .#K ; "bs .#N K "bs K 3K "bs
Dadded armor ; g% 7 8#. K "bs .#9 8 "b .#3 8 "b 9 8. "bs
D"ate mai" O.. g% 9.. g% 3#K 9K "bs .#M K "bs 8#. N "bs M K. "bs
?ing mai" ;. g% ;. g% 8#K 8K "bs .#3 3 "bs .#K ; "bs 3 3. "bs
Aca"e armor O. g% N. g% 9#. 9. "bs .#; ; "bs .#O O "bs ; ;. "bs
A%"int mai" N. g% O.. g% 3#. 9. "bs .#O ; "bs .#9 O "bs O ;. "bs
Atudded "eat$er 9. g% ;. g% 8#K 83 "bs .#3 9 "bs .#K ; "bs 3 9K "bs
WoodEbone
armorRK. g% K. g% 8#K 8. "bs .#3 9 "bs .#K 3 "bs 3 9. "bs
R -istorica""y t$ese armor ty%es on"y e+isted as %ieces and not fu"" suits#
RR 'e%ending on t$e %eriod t$ese armor ty%es may on"y be a*ai"ab"e as %ieces#
Composite $rmors
$rmor Type Cost Components $C Wei&ht
bonus
6ack/and/breast N. g% D"ate mai" breast%"ate ; 9K "bs
C$ain $auberkMK g% T$ig$/"engt$ coat of mai" ; 3K "bs
C$ain/"ame""ar89K g% Game""ar breast%"ate mai" for "imbs O 3K "bs
4a""ic armor 3. g% Geat$er "eggings and s"ee*e meta" be"t 9 8. "bs
-a"f/%"ate 3.. g% 6ack/and/breast %artia" "eg and arm %"ate O ;. "bs
-o%"ite armor 8O. g% 6ronze breast%"ate grea*es "eat$er skirt K ;. "bs
Game""ar s$irt 8.. g% Game""ar coat c"ot$ skirt 3 9. "bs
Gorica $amata 89. g% C$ain s$irt studded "eat$er skirt ; 9K "bs
Gorica segmenta 8MK g% 6anded mai" s$irt studded "eat$er skirt K
9. "bs
Mai" and %"ate 8K. g% 6reast%"ate o*er c$ainmai" O ;K "bs
T$ree/>uarter %"ateN.. g% Fu"" %"ate torso and arms
%artia" "egs M ;K "bs
#elmets
Type $C Cost Wei&ht Surprise
Ca% O ; g% 3 "bs norma"
C"ose/faced 3 9. g% 8. "bs L8 %ena"ty
Mai" coif K 8. g% K "bs norma"
4reat $e"m 8 N. g% 9. "bs L9 %ena"ty
Geat$er $e"m N 8 g% 9 "bs norma"
,%en/faced ; 89 g% M "bs L8 %ena"ty
Shields
Type $C Mod H Foes Cost Wei&ht
6uck"er R8 8 8 g% 3 "bs
Ama"" R8 9 3 g% K "bs
Medium R8 3 M g% M "bs
Garge R9 ; 8. g% 8K "bs
Master Wea%on Gist T$e tab"e t$at fo""ows inc"udes a"" of t$e ot$er fo""owing wea%on
statistics#
Wei&ht: T$is is t$e wea%on)s weig$t in %ounds# Aome wea%ons $a*e a neg"igib"e
weig$t but a grou% of 8. weig$ one %ound#
Size: Wea%ons are described as Ama"" Medium or Garge# & c$aracter can em%"oy
a wea%on e>ua" to $is own size in one $and and can em%"oy a wea%on one size "arger in
two $ands# & size A gnome can use a dagger or s$ort sword one/$anded but $e wou"d
need two $ands to use a size M batt"e a+e#
Type: Wea%ons are di*ided into t$ree categories: 6"udgeoning Diercing and
A"as$ing# T$is describes t$e wea%on)s met$od of creating in2uries and is used to
determine w$at kind of critica" $its t$e wea%on inf"icts# !n addition some monsters may
be %artia""y resistant to t$e effects of certain wea%on ty%es= for e+am%"e ske"etons on"y
take 8E9 damage from s"as$ing or %iercing wea%ons#
Speed: Wea%ons are rated as $ast! average! or slo' for %ur%oses of t$e Player's
Option combat system# !n addition a number is inc"uded after t$e category to ref"ect t$e
wea%on)s s%eed factor under standard &'&' ru"es# !f t$e Player's Option combat system
is not being used in a cam%aign t$e s%eed factors are used instead#
Melee .each: &"" $and/to/$and wea%ons are rated as $a*ing a reac$ of 8 9 or 3
s>uares# & reac$ of 8 a""ows t$e user to attack any target in an ad2acent s>uare t$at $e
t$reatens a range of 9 a""ows t$e user to attack targets one or two s%aces away and so on#
& wea%on wit$ a range of 3 cannot be used to attack a target on"y 8 s>uare away= it can
on"y attack targets 9 or 3 s>uares away#
!f a wea%on $as a :7: in t$is category it cannot be used to make me"ee attacks#
Missile .OF: T$is is t$e number of times %er combat round t$at a missi"e
wea%on may be used to attack# 1atura""y a c$aracter can)t t$row two or t$ree wea%ons
%er round if $e on"y $as one a*ai"ab"e#
Missile .an&e: ?ange is e+%ressed as t$ree numbers# T$e first number is t$e
outermost "imit of s$ort range t$e second is t$e outermost "imit of medium range and t$e
t$ird is t$e outermost "imit of "ong range# For e+am%"e a t$rown dagger $as a range of
9E;EO# !f it is t$rown at a target one or two s>uares away it)s a s$ort/range s$ot= a target
t$ree or four s>uares away is a medium/range s$ot= and so on#
Missi"e ranges are gi*en in combat system s>uares# !n norma" me"ee sca"e a
s>uare e>ua"s K feet# !n missi"e sca"e 3on"y used for outdoors or o%en batt"efie"ds5 a
s>uare e>ua"s K yards#
)ama&e: 'amage is di*ided into two categories: *ersus Ama""LMedium
creatures and *ersus Garge or "arger creatures# T$e target size dictates w$ic$ rating to
use#
7noc-down: T$e knockdown die is ro""ed any time t$e wea%on scores a $it# &
resu"t of M or better creates a %ossib"e knockdown against a Man/sized target#
Melee Missile .an&e )ama&e s0 Size
Weapon Wt0 SizeType Speed.each .OF S;M;/ Sm8Med /ar&e 7ndwn
&dze ; A AED Fa3;5 8 7 7 8d;R8 8d;
dO
&nkus ; M DE6 &*3O5 8 7 7 8d; 8d; dN
&+e
6att"e M M A &*3M5 8 7 7 8dN 8dN
d8.
-andEt$rowing K M A Fa3;5 8 8Ernd 9E;EO
8dO 8d; dN
Atone O M 6EA &*3O5 8 7 7 8dO 8d;
dN
Two/$anded h 8. G A A"395 8 7 7 8d8.
9dN d89
6ag$ nak$ 8 A A Fa395 8 7 7 8d9 8d9
d;
6e"aying %in 9 A 6 Fa3;5 8 7 7 8d3 8d3
dO
6"owgun$ 9 G 7 &*3K5 7 9Ernd 9E;EO 7 7
7
6arbed dart T A D 7 7 9Ernd 9E;EO 8d3
8d9 d;
1eed"e - T A D 7 7 9Ernd 9E;EO 8
8 7
6o sticks ; G 6 Fa335 8 7 7 8dO 8d;
dN
6o"as 9 M 6 A"3N5 7 8Ernd OE89E8N 8d3 8d9
dO
6oomerang , 9 A 6 Fa3;5 8 8Ernd ;ENE89 8d; 8d;
dN
6ott"e b 9 A 6 Fa3;5 8 8Ernd 9E3E; 8d3 8d9
dO
6ow
Com%osite "ong h 3 G 3D5 &*3M5 7 9Ernd 7
7 7 dO
wEf"ig$t arrow T A D 7 7 7
89E9;E;9 8dO 8dO dO
wE%i"e arrow T A D 7 7 7
NE8OE3; 8dO 8dO dO
wEs$eaf arrow T A D 7 7 7
NE8OE3; 8dN 8dN dO
wEstone arrow b T A D 7 7 7
89E9;E;9 8d; 8d; dO
Com%osite s$ort h 9 M 3D5 &*3O5 7 9Ernd 7
7 7 7
wEf"ig$t arrow T A D 7 7 7
8.E9.E3O 8dO 8dO dO
wEstone arrow b T A D 7 7 7
8.E9.E3O 8d; 8d; dO
Gong h3 G 3D5 &*3M5 7 9Ernd 7 7 7
7
wEf"ig$t arrow T A D 7 7 7
8;E9NE;9 8dO 8dO dO
wEs$eaf arrow T A D 7 7 7
8.E9.E3; 8dN 8dN dO
wE%i"e arrow T A D 7 7 7
8.E9.E3; 8dO 8dO dO
wEstone arrow T A D 7 7 7
8;E9NE;9 8d; 8d; dO
A$ort h9 M 3D5 &*3M5 7 9Ernd 7 7 7
7
wEf"ig$t arrow T A D 7 7 7
8.E9.E3. 8dO 8dO dO
wEstone arrow T A D 7 7 7
8.E9.E3. 8d; 8d; dO
6randistock K M D &*3M5 8 7 7 8dO 8dO
dN
Ca"tro% T A D 7 7 7 7 8 8d9
7
Cestus 9 A 6 Fa395 8 7 7 8d; 8d3 dO
C$ain h! s 3 G 6 &*3K5 9 7 7 8d;R8 8d;
dO
C$akra m 8 A A Fa3;5 7 9Ernd ;ENE89 8d; 8d3
d;
C$i2ikiri h O M DE6 &*3M5 8395 7 7 8dO 8dN dO
C"ub 3 M 6 Fa3;5 8 8Ernd 9E;EO 8dO 8d3
dN
4reat 8K G 6 A"395 8 7 7 9d; 8dOR8
d89
War O M 6EA &*3M5 8 8Ernd 9E;EO 8dOR8 8d;R8
d8.
Combined Wea%ons
&+e/%isto" O M A Fa3;5 8 as w$ee""ock be"t %isto"
8dO 8d; dN
'agger/%isto" 3 A D Fa395 8 as w$ee""ock be"t %isto"
8d; 8d3 dO
-ammer/%isto" K M 6 Fa3;5 8 as w$ee""ock be"t
%isto" 8d;R8 8d; d8.
Aword/%isto" O M A &*3K5 8 as w$ee""ock be"t %isto"
9d; 8dOR8 dN
Crossbow
C$o/ku/no$ 89 M 7 &*3O5 7 9Ernd 8.E9.E3.
7 7 7
-and 3 A 7 &*3K5 7 8Ernd 7 7 7
7
-and >uarre" T A D 7 7 7 ;ENE89
8d3 8d9 d;
-ea*y h 8; M 7 A"38.5 7 8E9 rnd7 7
7 7
-ea*y >uarre" T A D 7 7 7
8OE39E;N 8dNR8 8d8.R8 dO
Gig$t hM M 7 &*3M5 7 8Ernd 7 7 7
7
Gig$t >uarre" T A D 7 7 7
89E9;E3O 8dOR8 8dNR8 dO
De""et bow$ K M 7 &*3M5 7 8Ernd 7 7
7 7
De""et T A 6 7 7 7 NE8OE9;
8d; 8d; d;
'agger8 A D Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E;EO 8d; 8d3 dO
6one b8 A D Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E3E; 8d9 8d9
dO
Iambiya 8 A DEA Fa335 8 7 7 8d;
8d; dO
Fatar 8 A D Fa395 8 7 7 8d3R8 8d3
dO
Me"ee Missi"e?ange 'amage *s#
Aize
Wea%on Wt# Aize Ty%e A%eed ?eac$ ?,F AEMEG Am/Med Garge
Fkdwn
Main/gauc$e 9 A DEA Fa395 8 7 7 8d; 8d3
dO
Darrying 8 A D Fa395 8 7 7 8d3 8d3
dO
Ati"etto8E9 A D Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E;EO 8d3 8d9 d;
Atone b 8 A D Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E3E; 8d3 8d9
dO
'art 8E9 A D Fa395 7 3Ernd 9E;EN 8d3 8d9 d;
F"ai"
Footman)s 8K G 6 &*3M5 8 7 7 8dOR8 9d;
d89
4rain 3 M 6 &*3O5 8 7 7 8d; 8d; dN
-orseman)s K M 6 &*3O5 8 7 7 8d;R8 8d;R8
d8.
F"int"ock I
6e"t Disto" 3 A D &*3M5 7 8E9 rn ;ENE89 8dNk 8dNk
dN
6"undbuss Disto" . O A D A"395 7 8E3 rn 9E;EN 8dO
8dO d8.
6"underbuss. 8. M D A"38.5 7 8E3 rn 3EOE89 8dN 8dN
d89
Carbine N M D &*3N5 7 8E9 rn 8.E9.EKK 8d8.k
8d8.k dN
-orse Disto" ; A D &*3N5 7 8E9 rn KE8.E8K 8d8.k
8d8.k dN
Musket 89 M D A"395 7 8E9 rn 8KE3.EN. 8d89k
8d89k dN
Fork O G D &*3M5 8 7 7 8dO 8dOR8 dO
4affE$ook 9 A D Fa395 8 7 7 8d; 8d3 d;
4ra%%"e 3 A DE6 &*3M5 8 8E9 rnd9E;EO 8d; 8d; dO
4un%owder T 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
4unsen 8 A 6ED Fa395 8 7 7 8d3 8d9 d;
-ammer 3 A 6 Fa3;5 8 8Ernd 9E;EO 8d; 8d3 dO
-and Matc$ )
&r>uebus 8. M D Hs"38K5 7 8E3 rn 8.E3.E;9
8d8.k 8d8.k dN
-andgunne 9. G D Hs"38N5 7 8E; rn NE9;E3;
8dNR9 9dOR9 d8.
-ar%oon h O G D &*3M5 9 8Ernd 9E;EO 9d; 9dO dN
6one b! h K G D &*3M5 9 8Ernd 9E3E; 8dO 8d8.
dN
-atc$et 3 A A Fa335 8 8Ernd 9E;EO 8d; 8d; dO
-o"y symbo" big ; A 6 &*3K5 8 7 7 8dO 8d3
dN
Ia*e"in 9 M D Fa3;5 8 8Ernd ;ENE89 8dO 8dO dO
Atone b 9 M D Fa3;5 8 8Ernd 3EOE9 8d; 8d;
dO
Iitte 9 A 6 Fa395 8 7 7 8d; 8d9 dO
Fama 9 A DEA Fa3;5 8 7 7 8dO 8d; dO
Fau sin ke ; M 6 &*3O5 8 7 7 8dN 8dO dN
Fawanaga h 8 A DE6 &*3M5 9 7 7 8d3 8d9 dO
Fnife -!, A AED Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E;EO 8d3 8d9 d;
6one b8E9 A DEA Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E3E; 8d9 8d9 d;
Atone b 8E9 A DEA Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E3E; 8d9 8d9
d;
T$rowing ; M AED A"3N5 8 8Ernd 9E;EO 9d; 8dOR8
dN
Fusari/gama h3 M DEAE6 &*3O5 9 7 7 8dO 8d; dO
Gance
Gig$t m K G D &*3O5 9 8Ernd 9E3E; 8dO 8dN
dN
Medium m 8. G D &*3M5 9 7 7 8dOR8 9dO
d8.
-ea*y m 8K G D A"38.5 9 7 7 8dNR8 3dO
d89
Iousting m 9. G 6 A"38.5 9 7 7 8d3L8 8d9L8
d89
Gantern 9L3 A 6d &*3O5 8 8Ernd 9E3E; 8d3T 8d9T dO
Gasso 3 G 7 A"38.5 7 8E9 rnd9E;EO 7 7 7
Mace
Footman)s 8. M 6 &*3M5 8 7 7 8dOR8 8dO
d8.
-orseman)s O M 6 &*3O5 8 8Ernd 9E3E; 8dO 8d;
dN
Mace/a+e 9 G 6EA A"3N5 8 7 7 9d; 8dOR8 d8.
Mac$ete K M A &*3O5 8 7 7 8dN 8dN dO
Mancatc$er h! 5 N G 7 &*3M5 8 7 7 7 7
dO
Matc$"ock 4
&r>uebus 8. M D A"38.5 7 8E9 rnd8.E9.EO. 8d8.k
8d8.k dN
Ca"i*er88 M D A"395 7 8E9 rndNE8OE;N 8dNk 8dNk
dN
Musket wErest 9. G D A"3895 7 8E9 rnd89E9;EM9 8d89k
8d89k dN
Mau" 8. G 6 A"3N5 8 7 7 9d; 8d8. d89
Morningstar 89 M 6ED &*3M5 8 7 7 9d; 8dOR8 d8.
1et$ 8. M 7 A"38.5 8 8E9 rnd9E3E; 7 7 7
1unc$akus 3 M 6 Fa335 8 8E9 8E9 8dO 8dO dN
Me"ee Missi"e?ange 'amage *s#
Aize
Wea%on Wt# Aize Ty%e A%eed ?eac$ ?,F AEMEG Am/Med Garge
Fndwn
,i" f"ask 8 A d HA38K57 8E9 rnd9E3E; d d 7
Darang or Mac$ete K M A &*3O5 8 7 7 8dN 8dN
dO
Dick
Farming too" N G D A"3N5 8 7 7 8dO 8dOR8
dN
Footman)s O M D &*3M5 8 7 7 8dOR8 9d;
dN
-orseman)s ; M D &*3K5 8 7 7 8d;R8 8d;
dO
Dike c! h 89 G D A"3835 3 7 7 8dO 8d89 dN
Di"um I M D &*3K5 8 8Ernd 3EOE9 8dO 8dO dO
Do"earm
&w" Dike c 89 G D A"3835 3 7 7 8dO 8d89
dN
6ardic$e 89 G A A"395 9 7 7 9d; 9dO
d89
6ec de Corbin h 8. G DE6 A"395 9 7 7 8dN
8dO d8.
6i""/4uisarme h 8K G DEA A"38.5 9 7 7 9d;
8d8. d8.
6i""$ 8K G DEA A"38.5 9 7 7 9d; 8d8. d8.
Fauc$ard M G A A"3N5 9 7 7 8dO 8dN
dN
4"ai*e N G A A"3N5 9 7 7 8dO 8d8. d8.
4"ai*e/4uisarme h8. G DEA A"395 9 7 7 9d; 9dO
d8.
4uisarme h N G A A"3N5 9 7 7 9d; 8dN
d8.
-a"berd h 8K G DEA A"395 9 7 7 8d8. 9dO
d89
Ga2atan g O G A &*3O5 8 7 7 8d8. 8d8.
dN
Guc $ammer c! h 8K G DE6 A"395 9 7 7 9d;
8dO d8.
Mi"itary fork M G D &*3M5 9 7 7 8dN 9d;
dN
1agimaki m O M A &*3O5 9 7 7 8dO 8dN
dO
1aginata m 8. G A &*3M5 9 7 7 8dN 8d8.
dN
Dartisan c N G D A"395 9 7 7 8dO 8dOR8
dN
?anseur c M G D A"3N5 9 7 7 9d; 9d;
dN
A%etum c M G D A"3N5 9 7 7 8dOR8 9dO
dN
Tetsubo N G 6 &*3M5 8 8E9 8E9 8dN 8dN
d89
Hou"ge 89 G A A"38.5 9 7 7 9d; 9d; d89
Dry barK M 6 &*3K5 8 7 7 8dO 8d3 dN
Suarterstaff h ; G 6 Fa3;5 8 7 7 8dO 8dO d8.
?ock 8 A 6 Fa395 8 9Ernd 9E;EO 8d3 8d9 dO
Aais 9 A 6 Fa395 8 7 7 8d; 8d9 dO
Aang kauw$ s 8. G DEA &*3M5 8 7 7 8dN 8dO dO
Aa% -!, A 6 Fa395 8 7 7 8d9 8d9 d;
Acourge J 9 A 7 &*3K5 8 7 7 8d; 8d9 d;
Acyt$e N G DEA A"3N5 8 7 7 8dOR8 8dN dN
A$uriken T A D Fa395 7 9Ernd 3EOE9 8d; 8d; d;
Aick"e 3 A A Fa3;5 8 7 7 8d;R8 8d; d;
A"edge $ammer h 8. M 6 A"3N5 8 7 7 8dOR8 8d;R8
d89
A"ing 8 A 7 &*3O5 7 8Ernd 7 7 7 7
6u""et T A 6 7 7 7 8.E9.E;. 8d;R8 8dOR8
d;
Atone T A 6 7 7 7 NE8OE9; 8d; 8d;
d;
A"ow matc$ T 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Amoke%owder T 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
Ana%"ock G
6e"t Disto" 3 A D &*3M5 7 8E9 rnd3EOE9 8dNk 8dNk
dN
-orse Disto" ; A D &*3N5 7 8E9 rnd;ENE89 8d8.k 8d8.k
dN
Musket 8; M D A"395 7 8E9 rnd8;E9OEMN 8d89k
8d89k dN
A%ade h K M AE6 &*3M5 8 7 7 8d; 8d; dN
A%ear cK M D &*3O5 8 8Ernd 9E;EO 7 7 7
1orma"
,ne/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8dO
8dN dO
Two/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8dOR8
9dO dN
Gong c! h N G D A"3N5 9 7 7 9dO 3dO
dN
Atone b K M D &*3O5 8 8Ernd 9E3E; 7 7
7
,ne/$ande d 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8d;
8dO dO
Two/$anded c 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8dO
9d; dN
Ataff s"ing h! -* 9 M 7 A"3885 7 8Ernd 7 7 7
7
Atink%ot 9 A 6 7 7 7 OE89E8N 8d3
8d3 dO
Atone 9 A 6 7 7 7 OE89E8N 8d;R8 8dOR8
dO
Me"ee Missi"e?ange 'amage *s#
Aize
Wea%on Wt# Aize Ty%e A%eed ?eac$ ?,F AEMEG Am/Med Garge
Fnkdwn
Aword
6astard 8. M A &*3O5 8 7 7 7 7
7
,ne/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8dN
8d89 dN
Two/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 9d;
9dN d8.
6road/ ; M A &*3K5 8 7 7 9d; 8dOR8 dN
C"aymore h N M A &*3M5 8 7 7 9d; 9dN
d8.
Cut"ass; M A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dOR8 8dNR8 dN
'rusus 3 M A Fa335 8 7 7 8dOR8 8dNR8 dO
Cstoc K M D &*3K5 8 7 7 8dO 8dN dO
Fa"c$ion N M A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dOR8 9d;
dN
4"adius 3 A D Fa335 8 7 7 8dO 8dN
dO
Fatana O M AED Fa3;5 8 7 7 7 7 7
,ne/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8d8.
8d89 dO
Two/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 9dO
9dO dN
F$o%es$ M M A A"395 8 7 7 9d; 8dO
dN
Gong ; M A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dN 8d89 dN
1in2a/to K M AED Fa335 8 7 7 8dN 8dO
dO
1o/dac$i 8. G AED A"3N5 8 7 7 8d8. 8d9.
d8.
?a%ier ; M D Fa3;5 8 7 7 8dO 8dN dO
Aabre K M A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dOR8 8dNR8 dN
Aa%ara ; A A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dOR8 8d; dO
Acimitar ; M A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dN 8dN
dN
4reat 8O G A A"395 8 7 7 9dO ;d;
d8.
A$ort 3 A D Fa335 8 7 7 8dO 8dN dO
A%at$a ; M A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dN 8d89 dN
Aword/a+e 89 G A A"38.5 8 7 7 8dNR8
8d89R8 d8.
Tu"war N M A &*3K5 8 7 7 8dOR8 9d; dN
Two/$anded 8K G A A"38.5 8 7 7 8d8. 3dO
d89
Wakizas$i 3 M AED Fa335 8 7 7 8dN 8dN
dO
T$ree/%iece rod h! s K G 6 &*3M5 8 7 7 8dO 8d;
dN
Torc$ 8 M 6d Fa3;5 8 8Ernd 9E3E; 8d; 8d3 dO
Trident K G D &*3M5 8 8Ernd 9E3E; 7 7 7
,ne/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8dOR8 9d;
dO
Two/$anded 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8dNR8 3d;
dN
Hia"b T A d Fa395 7 8Ernd 9E3E; d d 7
War$ammer O M 6 Fa3;5 8 8Ernd 9E;EO 8d;R8 8d; dN
W$ee""ock c
&r>uebus N M D A"3N5 7 8E9 rnd8.E9.EO. 8d8.k
8d8.k dN
6e"t %isto" 3 A D &*3M5 7 8E9 rnd3EOE9 8dNk 8dNk
dN
-orse %isto" ; A D &*3N5 7 8E9 rnd;ENE89 8d8.k 8d8.k
dN
W$i% -- 9 M 7 A"3N5 3 7 7 8d9 8 7
T T$ese wea%ons weig$ "itt"e indi*idua""y# Ten of t$ese weig$ one %ound#
b 6one and stone wea%ons $a*e a 8 in O c$ance of breaking any time ma+imum
damage is ro""ed# For t$e bott"e and t$e *ia" any $it breaks t$e item un"ess a successfu"
sa*ing t$row *s# norma" b"ow is ro""ed# !f a bott"e is broken it can t$en be used as a
knife#
c T$ese wea%ons inf"ict doub"e damage if firm"y set to recei*e a c$arge#
d T$ese wea%ons may inf"ict additiona" damage from burning fue" $o"y water or
acid#
h T$ese wea%ons re>uire two $ands to wie"d regard"ess of t$e wie"der)s size#
# !f t$e knockdown ro"" for t$ese wea%ons is a M or $ig$er ro"" an additiona"
damage die and add it to t$e origina" damage# ?o"" anot$er knockdown die and if t$e
resu"t is anot$er M or $ig$er re%eat t$e damage#
m T$ese wea%ons inf"ict doub"e damage w$en wie"ded in a mounted c$arge#
s T$ese wea%ons can be used to %erform s%ecia" martia" arts atttacks#
- Doison is a*ai"ab"e for t$e b"owgun need"e on"y if t$e 'M a""ows it#
, T$e boomerang returns on"y if it was t$rown by a %roficient user and misses its
target#
I F"int"ock firearms misfire on a natura" attack ro"" of 8#
. T$e b"underbuss inf"icts 8d; se%erate attacks on targets at s$ort range# !t cannot
cause additiona" damage "ike ot$er firearms# Aee t$e wea%on descri%tion#
) &"" range %ena"ties for $and matc$ firearms are doub"ed so medium/range s$ots
$a*e a L; attack modifier and "ong range s$ots a L8. modifier# -and matc$ firearms
misfire on a natura" attack ro"" of K or "ess 38. or "ess in wet conditions5#
5 T$e mancatc$er dismounts a rider on a successfu" $it#
4 Matc$"ock firearms misfire on a natura" attack ro"" of 3 or "ess 3O or "ess in wet
conditions5#
J T$e scourge is ineffecti*e against o%%onents in meta" armor 3sca"e mai" or
$ea*ier5#
G Ana%"ock firearms misfire on a natura" attack ro"" of 9 or "ess#
-* T$e staff s"ing $as no s$ort range# !t cannot $it targets wit$in K s>uares of t$e
wie"der attacks made O to 89 s>uares away are considered to be at medium range and
attacks made 83 to 8N s>uares away are considered "ong range#
-- T$e wi% is ineffecti*e against o%%onents in any ty%e of armor#
Wea%on 'escri%tions
&dze# ?esemb"ing an a+e wit$ a sideways b"ade t$e adze is a common too"#
Aome sa*age tribes use a s$ort/$and"ed war adze as a c"ose/combat wea%on# Common
adzes can be found in most woodworkers) s$o%s#
&nkus# T$e ankus is an e"e%$ant goad# !t is a t$ree/ to four/foot staff wit$ a meta"
$ook and %oint at one end# T$e ankus was intended to be bot$ a too" and a wea%on and
some were used as e"aborate ceremonia" %ieces#
&+e stone# T$is crude wea%on consists of an edged %iece of stone "as$ed to a
wooden $aft# 1orma""y it)s on"y found in t$e most %rimiti*e of settings#
6ag$ nak$# &"so known as :tiger c"aws: a bag$ nak$ is a set of meta" b"ades
worn on t$e %a"m# !t is used wit$ a cat/"ike c"awing motion# Bsua""y t$e bag$ nak$ is
used in %airs one on eac$ $and# !t is a*ai"ab"e on"y in !ndian or ,rienta" settings#
6att"e a+e# -undreds of *ariations on t$e batt"e a+e e+ist# 4enera""y any $ea*y
a+e t$at can be used one/$anded or two/$anded fa""s into t$is category# 3!f an a+e can
on"y be used two/$anded it)s a two/$anded a+e#5 6att"e a+es often $a*e a s%ike $ammer
or sma""er b"ade backing t$e %rimary b"ade# !n some cases bot$ b"ades are e>ua" in size
in weig$t and can be used interc$angeab"y#
,t$er names for a batt"e a+e inc"ude t$e b"llova! bearded a&e! bipennis! and 'ar
a&e(
6e"aying %in# T$is is a wea%on of con*enience for sai"ors of any cam%aign#
6e"aying %ins are used to secure t$e "ines of a s$i%)s rigging and t$ere)s a"ways one
nearby on t$e deck of a s$i%#
6"owgun# 6"owguns can fire two ty%es of ammunition: a barbed dart suitab"e for
$unting sma"" fow" and a need"e for carrying %oison# Most b"owguns are si+ or se*en feet
in "engt$ a"t$oug$ assassins mig$t carry a miniature wea%on two feet "ong t$at can on"y
fire need"es#
6"owgun ammunition is *ery "ig$t and cannot %enetrate $ea*y armor# !f a target is
%rotected by a fu"" suit of brigandine mai" or %"ate of any kind t$e attacker suffers an
additiona" L; to $is attack ro""#
6o stick# T$is orienta" staff is a ta%ering "engt$ of wood about four to si+ feet in
"engt$# T$e wie"der of a bo stick suffers a L9 %ena"ty to attacks against an o%%onent in
%"ate armor of any kind#
6o"as# 6o"as consist of two or t$ree weig$ts 2oined by a sturdy "eat$er cord or
ro%e# T$ey $a*e been used by $unters since t$e Atone &ge# & c$aracter must be %roficient
wit$ t$e bo"as to t$row t$em successfu""y# !f t$e bo"as $it t$eir target t$ey automatica""y
create a knockdown c$ance for t$eir *ictim# !f t$e *ictim fai"s $is sa*ing t$row $e $as to
s%end a fu"" round and make a Atrengt$ c$eck to be ab"e to stand and mo*e again#
6o"as can a"so be used for s%ecia" ca""ed s$ots# & ca""ed s$ot at t$e target)s arms
wi"" %re*ent t$e target from using $is wea%on or s$ie"d unti" $e s%ends a round and
succeeds in a Atrengt$ c$eck# & ca""ed s$ot at t$e target)s $ead wra%s t$e bo"as around $is
neck and begins to strang"e $im# -e suffers 8d3 %oints of damage from strangu"ation eac$
round unti" t$e bo"as are remo*ed or $e dies#
& s$ar% knife dagger or simi"ar s$ort b"ade can be used to se*er a bo"a)s cords#
T$is re%"aces t$e Atrengt$ c$eck to get free and is automatica""y successfu"# ,f course
t$e *ictim must $a*e an arm free to cut t$e bo"as "oose#
6oomerang# &not$er ancient $unting wea%on t$e boomerang is a $ea*y
aerodynamic c"ub# !t does not norma""y return to its t$rower= a %roficient user $as to make
a ca""ed s$ot to set u% a t$row t$at wi"" return in t$e e*ent of a miss#
6ott"e# 6ott"es are found in ta*erns and a"e$ouses a"" o*er t$e wor"d# Cac$ time a
bott"e $its it must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# norma" b"ow or break# & broken
bott"e can be wie"ded as if it were a knife#
6ow# ,ne of t$e most common wea%ons t$roug$out $istory is t$e bow# T$e
sim%"e se"f bow or s$ort bow $as been used for $unting and war since before t$e dawn
of ci*i"ization# !f a bow is made from a sing"e %iece of wood it is a %"ain "ong or s$ort
bow= if it is made from "aminated $orn wood bone or any ot$er materia"s it is a
com%osite bow#
!f a c$aracter $as an unusua""y "ow Atrengt$ score $e m"st a%%"y any attack or
damage %ena"ties to $is arc$ery# -e is forced to use bows t$at $a*e a "ig$ter %u""#
-owe*er for a c$aracter to gain $is bonuses for a $ig$ Atrengt$ score $e must get a
custom/made bow w$ic$ costs 3LK times t$e norma" %rice# & $ig$er/Atrengt$ c$aracter
can a"ways use a "ower/Atrengt$ bow gaining bonuses u% to t$e ma+imum %ermitted by
t$e bow# For e+am%"e a c$aracter wit$ a Atrengt$ of 8NE3K can use a bow made for a
Atrengt$ of 8M gaining a R8 to $it and R8 to damage instead of $is norma" fu"" bonuses#
A$ort bows can be found in any setting# C*en if t$ey are not used for war t$ey are
t$e wea%on of c$oice for many $unters# A$ort bows fire f"ig$t arrows or stone arrows#
Gong bows are sim%"y bigger s$ort bows# T$ey are drawn to t$e c$eek instead of
being drawn to t$e c$est as ot$er bows are# Gong bows can fire any kind of arrow# Gong
bows cannot be used from $orseback#
Com%osite s$ort bows are t$e fa*orite of $orse arc$ers e*eryw$ere# T$ey can fire
f"ig$t arrows or stone arrows#
Com%osite "ong bows are usua""y on"y found in eastern cam%aigns# T$ey can be
fired from $orseback if t$ey $a*e been s%ecia""y bui"t for it at twice t$e norma" cost#
Com%osite "ong bows fire any kind of arrow#
F"ig$t arrows are t$e basic war or $unting arrow# T$ey f"y fart$er t$an s$eaf
arrows w$ic$ $a*e a broader and $ea*ier $ead for more damage# Di"e arrows are
constructed wit$ sma"" dense %oints designed to %ierce $ea*y armor# & %i"e arrow fired at
s$ort range %ena"izes t$e target)s &C from armor by 9 %oints# T$is on"y a%%"ies to t$at
%ortion of a target)s armor t$at is deri*ed from %$ysica" armor= 'e+terity co*er or
magica" bonuses are not affected#
%or e&ample! an archer $ires a pile arro' at a 'arrior 'earing chainmail 6, and
a shield 'ith a De&terity o$ -5( The chainmail is considered to be , points 'orse! so it
has a base :C o$ 4! not )( Overall! the 'arrior's :C drops $rom * to ,( 1$ the 'arrior
'ore nothing b"t bracers o$ de$ense 7:C .9! his :C 'o"ld not be a$$ected(
6randistock# T$e brandistock is an iron/s$od wa"king staff t$at concea"s t$ree
b"ades# W$en de%"oyed t$e b"ades form a sma"" trident# !n situations w$ere t$e enemy
isn)t e+%ecting a c$aracter to be so armed t$e 'M can assign a R8 sur%rise or initiati*e
bonus#
Ca"tro%# & ca"tro% is a c"uster of four or more iron s%ikes designed so t$at one
%oint is a"ways facing u% 3t$ey wou"d "ook simi"ar to a d;7one %oint is a"ways u%5# T$ey
are intended to be scattered in t$e %at$ of an enemy w$o may ste% on one if $e)s not
carefu"#
!n order to be effecti*e at "east 8. ca"tro%s must be scattered in a K)+K) s>uare 3or
8.. in a 8K)+8K) area one s>uare in missi"e sca"e#5 &ny c$aracter entering t$e area must
ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation or ste% on a ca"tro% suffering t$e "isted
damage# T$e *ictim is reduced to 8E9 mo*ement unti" $e s%ends a round remo*ing t$e
ca"tro% from $is foot# !n addition t$e c$aracter must make a second sa*ing t$row= if $e
fai"s $is foot is considered to be struck 3see C$a%ter Ai+5 and $e is reduced to 8E3
mo*ement unti" it $ea"s#
& c$aracter mo*ing at $a"f $is norma" s%eed or s"ower can %ick $is way t$roug$
t$e ca"tro%s wit$out troub"e7as "ong as $e can see t$em# & "ow ground fog or "ong grass
may $ide ca"tro%s from e*en t$e most obser*ant c$aracters# !f a c$aracter is running or
c$arging w$en $e ste%s on a ca"tro% $e must sto% immediate"y#
Cestus# T$e cestus is an armored gaunt"et e>ui%%ed wit$ s%ikes b"ades and ot$er
suc$ t$ings# !t is worn o*er t$e fist and used for %unc$ing an o%%onent# T$e cestus suffers
a L9 %ena"ty to attacks against enemies in any kind of %"ate armor#
C$ain# T$e c$ain is sim%"y a weig$ted "engt$ of c$ain t$at is w$ir"ed ra%id"y# !t is
used to strike and tang"e an o%%onent# !f t$e c$ain is used for a %u""Etri% maneu*er t$e
attacker gains a R; bonus on $is Atrengt$ c$eck# T$is a"so a%%"ies to %u""Etri%s against
riders#
C$akram# T$e c$akram is a t$rowing >uoit or disk wit$ a s$ar%ened outer edge
about a foot in diameter# !t is t$rown frisbee/sty"e wit$ a ra%id s%in# T$e c$akram is not
as effecti*e against armored o%%onents and suffers a L9 %ena"ty to attacks against targets
in any kind of mai" sca"e or %"ate armor#
C$i2ikiri# T$is com%osite wea%on consists of a s%ear wit$ a "engt$ of c$ain
attac$ed to t$e butt# !t can be wie"ded as an ordinary s%ear or re*ersed and used to tang"e
or f"ai" at an enemy# !f t$e c$ain end is used t$e c$i2ikiri is a Ty%e 6 wea%on t$at inf"icts
damage as a c$ain# T$e c$i2ikiri adds R; to t$e attacker)s effecti*e Atrengt$ for %u""Etri%
maneu*ers but cannot be used to %u""Etri% a rider#
C"ub# Mankind)s o"dest wea%on e+ists in t$ousands of *arieties# C"ubs range from
somet$ing as sim%"e as an anima")s t$ig$ bone to a we""/ba"anced work of art# 1ot a""
c"ubs can be t$rown but t$rowing wea%ons are common enoug$ t$at a DC can obtain one
as easi"y as a me"ee/on"y wea%on# C"ubs are effecti*e"y free but if a DC wants to get one
t$at is recognized as a warrior)s wea%on it may cost anyw$ere from K s% to 8. g%#
C"ub great# T$e great c"ub is sim%"y a two/$anded *ersion of t$e regu"ar c"ub# !t
is often e>ui%%ed wit$ nai"s s%ikes or bands of iron# !ts greater size and mass gi*es it a
better damage %otentia" t$an its sma""er forebear#
Crossbow# & crossbow is a s$ort %owerfu" bow mounted on a rif"e/"ike stock# !t is
aimed and fired "ike a rif"e# -istorica""y crossbows were more %owerfu" t$an bows and
$ad better $itting %ower at a greater range but t$ey were a"so far s"ower# T$e Cng"is$
"ongbow was ne*er decisi*e"y bested by t$e crossbow sim%"y because a trained arc$er
cou"d fire si+ arrows to t$e crossbowman)s sing"e bo"t#
Crossbows were in*ented sometime in t$e 'ark &ges but didn)t come into
wides%read use unti" t$e Crusades# T$e ear"iest crossbows were %e""et bows t$at fired
sma"" stones or bu""ets instead of >uarre"s# T$e wea%on ra%id"y grew "arger and more
%owerfu"# 6y t$e ?enaissance many crossbows cou"dn)t be drawn by $and and $ad to be
winc$ed back by a $and/$e"d crane>uin#
For game %ur%oses crossbows are di*ided into fi*e categories: t$e %e""et bow 3t$e
"ig$test crossbow common"y a*ai"ab"e5 t$e "ig$t crossbow t$e $ea*y crossbow t$e c$o/
ku/no or re%eating crossbow and t$e $and crossbow# T$e "ig$t crossbow can be cocked
by $and but t$e $ea*y crossbow re>uires t$e use of an attac$ed crane>uin to draw it# T$e
c$o/ku/no is simi"ar to a "ig$t crossbow but $o"ds u% to 8. bo"ts in a magazine t$at rests
on to% of t$e wea%on# 1orma""y it is on"y a*ai"ab"e in orienta" settings# T$e $and
crossbow is deri*ed from t$e 'row wea%on but cou"d $a*e been bui"t in ?enaissance/
"ike settings as a wea%on for %ersona" defense or assassination#
To ref"ect t$e %ower of a crossbow t$e damage ratings $a*e been increased#
Bnder t$e PHB ru"es c$aracters $a*e "itt"e reason to e*er use a crossbow w$en a s$ort
bow is $andy# !n addition crossbows gain a s%ecia" armor penetration abi"ity# &t medium
range "ig$t and $ea*y crossbows reduce t$e &C of an armored o%%onent by 9 %oints#
3Aee t$e %i"e arrow descri%tion under bow#5 &t s$ort range "ig$t and $ea*y crossbows
reduce t$e &C of an armored o%%onent by K %oints# De""et bows $and crossbows and
c$o/ku/no do not $a*e t$is s%ecia" abi"ity#
-ea*y crossbows are a"so ca""ed arbalests(
'agger# Mankind)s second o"dest wea%on is %robab"y t$e stone dagger# 'aggers
are s$ort stabbing b"ades ranging from si+ inc$es to more t$an a foot in "engt$# T$eir size
and uti"ity $a*e made t$em a *ery "ong/"i*ed wea%on used in many times and %"aces#
!n Atone &ge or sa*age settings meta" daggers may not be a*ai"ab"e# 'aggers can
a"so be made of s$ar%ened stone or bone# -owe*er wea%ons of t$ese inferior materia"s
$a*e a 8 in O c$ance of breaking on any successfu" $it#
?enaissance settings introduce se*era" *ariations on t$e common dagger
inc"uding t$e main0ga"che! parrying dagger! and stiletto# T$e main/gauc$e and %arrying
dagger are designed to be used in t$e off $and of a swordsman armed wit$ a ra%ier or
sabre# T$eir $ea*y guards and >ui""ons gi*e t$e user a s%ecia" R9 bonus to any attem%ts to
b"ock wit$ t$e wea%on# !n addition t$e %arrying dagger may break an enemy)s sword
w$en used in a defensi*e disarm maneu*er# !f t$e maneu*er succeeds t$e attacker must
ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# crus$ing b"ow for $is sword if it is a ra%ier or *s#
norma" b"ow for any ot$er kind of sword#
T$e sti"etto is a "ong t$in b"ade designed so"e"y for %iercing# !t can %unc$ t$roug$
armor or s"i% between t$e "inks of c$ainmai"# T$is gi*es t$e sti"etto a s%ecia" R9 bonus to
attacks against armored o%%onents# 3Aee t$e note under pile arro' or crossbo'(9
T$e 2ambiya and katar are wea%ons found in eastern cam%aigns# T$e 2ambiya is
t$e traditiona" &rab dagger wit$ a s$ar%"y cur*ed b"ade# !t is often ornate"y decorated#
T$e katar is a dagger wit$ an )-) $and"e designed to be $e"d in a c"osed fist wit$ t$e
b"ade %ro2ecting out o*er t$e knuck"es# !t is used wit$ a %unc$ing motion#
'art# T$ese wea%ons are not t$e tiny modern darts you may be fami"iar wit$#
T$ey)re muc$ "arger and $ea*ier t$an t$eir s%orting counter%arts# 'arts were usua""y as
"arge as a ty%ica" arrow wit$ a weig$ted $ead# T$ey were %o%u"ar among ancient %eo%"es
and eastern cu"tures and were used as sma"" 2a*e"ins by skirmis$ers and "ig$t ca*a"ry#
Firearms# 4uns are com%"ete"y o%tiona" in t$e &'&' game# !f t$e 'M ru"es t$at
t$ey are not a*ai"ab"e in $is cam%aign no c$aracter may take %roficiency in a firearm or
%urc$ase one# Gike many wea%ons firearms gradua""y im%ro*ed o*er time increasing in
re"iabi"ity range and fire%ower#
Firearms $a*e se*era" unusua" c$aracteristics# First of a"" t$ey are sub2ect to
misfires# Modern tests $a*e s$own t$at %rimiti*e firearms %robab"y misfired as often as
once e*ery four s$ots# W$en a c$aracter)s attack ro"" fa""s in t$e misfire range t$e 'M
s$ou"d ro"" 9dO and consu"t t$e fo""owing tab"e:
9dO Misfire ?esu"t
9L3 C+%"osion
;LM Fou"ed barre"
NL89 -angfire
&n e&plosion inf"icts 9dO %oints of damage on t$e c$aracter $o"ding t$e gun or
8dO if a sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ is successfu"# T$e gun is destroyed by t$e misfire# &
$o"led barrel ruins t$e s$ot and renders t$e gun use"ess unti" it is carefu""y c"eaned7a
%rocess t$at wi"" take a good 8.L3. 38d3+8.5 minutes# & hang$ire goes off 8d3 combat
rounds "ater t$an it s$ou"d# !f t$e user kee%s t$e gun trained on its target $e can make a
norma" attack#
T$e second unusua" c$aracteristic of firearms is t$eir abi"ity to ignore armor# &ny
firearm e+ce%t a $and matc$ wea%on may ignore t$e %ortion of a target)s &C t$at is
deri*ed from %$ysica" armor or s$ie"d# &t s$ort range 'e+terity co*er and magica"
bonuses are t$e on"y factors t$at contribute to a target)s &C# &t medium range t$e target)s
base &C is %ena"ized by K 3w$ic$ may be as bad as ignoring it a"toget$er5 and at "ong
range t$e base &C is %ena"ized by 9#
%or e&ample! a renegade #night in %"ate mai" R3 is $ired "pon by the #ing's
m"s#eteers( +ormally! his :C is a base *( : short0range m"s#et shot ignores the 40point
:C red"ction provided by plate mail! and only the armor's 6I enchantment is
considered( The renegade #night's :C is a 4( :t medi"m range! the armor is not
completely ignored! b"t the base :C o$ I is red"ced to an :C o$ J( Magic adE"sts this to
:C )( :t long range! the #night is :C , against m"s#et $ire(
Gast but not "east is t$e abi"ity of a firearm to cause o%en/ended damage# &ny time
a firearm $its its target t$ere is a 9KU c$ance t$at a second damage die is ro""ed and
added to t$e first# T$ere)s a 9KU c$ance t$at that damage ro"" creates additiona" damage
and so on# T$is 9KU c$ance is %art of t$e knockdown die ro""= if t$e knockdown die
comes u% M or better t$e damage continues#
%or e&ample! 2ir Oandegar is shot by an "nco"th man0at0arms 'ielding a horse
pistol( The damage roll comes "p a I! b"t the #noc#do'n die is an J( : second damage
die is rolled! 'hich res"lts in ) more points o$ damage( Oandegar's attac#er rolls another
#noc#do'n die! 'hich comes "p 4! so he rolls a third damage die! getting a 5(
%ort"nately! he misses on his chance to do any more damage! b"t 2ir Oandegar s"$$ers a
total o$ -. points $rom a single b"llet(
T$e *ery ear"iest firearms were hand match de*ices t$at resemb"ed a $and/$e"d
bombard# -and matc$ wea%ons inc"ude t$e $andgunne and t$e ar>uebus# Bn"ike ot$er
guns $and matc$ wea%ons $a*e no triggers or firing mec$anisms# !nstead t$e user
touc$es a burning s"ow matc$ to a $o"e in t$e barre" igniting t$e wea%on)s c$arge# T$e
$andgunne doesn)t e*en fire a bu""et but %ro%e"s a $ea*y iron arrow t$at cannot cause
continuing damage "ike ot$er firearms# &"" $and matc$ wea%ons suffer do"ble t$e norma"
range %ena"ties for medium and "ong/range s$ots#
T$e matchloc# was a significant im%ro*ement# !t freed one of t$e user)s $ands by
%ro*iding a c"am% to $o"d t$e s"ow matc$ and %ro*ided a trigger mec$anism t$at wou"d
bring t$e matc$ into contact wit$ t$e %riming %owder# T$e matc$"ock ar>uebus is a far
more %owerfu" and re"iab"e wea%on t$an t$e $and matc$ *ersion# Matc$"ocks were a"so
made as ca"i*ers and muskets# T$e ca"i*er was a sma""er wea%on t$at fired a "ig$ter
bu""et# T$e matc$"ock musket was a "ong $ea*y wea%on t$at $ad to be fired from a
forked rest or ba"anced on a wa""#
W$ee""ocks were t$e ne+t im%ro*ement to t$e firearm# !nstead of a burning
matc$ t$e %owder was ignited by s%arks %ro*ided by a s%ring/dri*en w$ee" of f"int# !t
worked a "ot "ike a modern cigarette "ig$ter# W$ee""ocks were contem%oraries of
sna%"ocks w$ic$ $e"d a sing"e %iece of f"int in a $ammer/"ike striker# T$e sna%"ock was
easier to manufacture but "ess re"iab"e so w$ee""ocks were often t$e wea%on of t$e
nobi"ity and anyone e"se w$o cou"d afford to s%end more money on a gun# T$e w$ee""ock
ar>uebus was a "ig$t but %owerfu" wea%on reser*ed for use by t$e wea"t$y or t$e
%ri*i"eged# !nteresting"y enoug$ w$ee""ocks were ne*er de*e"o%ed outside of Curo%e#
Disto"s were a"so introduced as w$ee""ocks but were a"so manufactured as
sna%"ocks# &t first %isto"s were t$e wea%on of t$e ca*a"ry# T$e $orse %isto" re%"aced t$e
"ance as t$e wea%on of c$oice for $orsemen# Most ca*a"rymen carried two or t$ree of
t$ese $ea*y %isto"s for dea"ing wit$ %ikemen and ot$er suc$ annoyances# !n time be"t
%isto"s were %roduced as "ig$ter *ersions of t$e $orse %isto" for %ersona" defense#
F"int"ocks were t$e direct descendants of sna%"ocks# T$ey are a"most
indistinguis$ab"e from eac$ ot$er but t$e "ater f"int"ocks tended to be sturdier and more
re"iab"e t$an t$eir %redecessors# F"int"ocks saw t$e introduction of t$e carbine or
$orseman)s musket w$ic$ was a "ig$ter wea%on t$an t$e infantryman)s gun# 6y t$e time
f"int"ocks $ad been in*ented muskets no "onger re>uired a rest for t$eir barre"s and cou"d
be fired from t$e s$ou"der#
T$e b"underbuss was t$e ancestor of t$e modern s$otgun# !t was a s$ort musket/
"ike wea%on wit$ a be""/s$a%ed f"aring muzz"e# Iust about anyt$ing cou"d be %oured into
t$e barre" of a b"underbuss and t$en fired at an enemy7stones nai"s coins or e*en sa"t
or gra*e"# &t s$ort range a b"underbuss actua""y inf"icts 8d; se%arate attacks on its target
but none of t$e %ro2ecti"es are $ea*y enoug$ to inf"ict t$e e+tra damage of ot$er firearms#
&t medium range t$e b"underbuss makes a sing"e attack on 8d3 se%arate targets in a 3/
foot radius 3or one s>uare#5 &t "ong range t$e b"underbuss inf"icts .L8 38d9L85 attacks on
any targets in a K/foot radius 3four s>uares#5 & "ucky b"underbuss s$ot can knock down
four or fi*e attackers at once or it may on"y make a big noise and miss e*eryt$ing#
Combined wea%ons are an interesting side/note in t$e $istory of firearms# W$en
firearms were sti"" re"ati*e"y new it was fair"y common to make sure t$at t$e wea%on
retained its usefu"ness after its first s$ot by bui"ding a me"ee wea%on around it# -ammers
a+es broadswords and daggers were a"" made wit$ %ara""e" gun barre"s# !n some cases
t$e barre" actua""y ser*ed as t$e wea%on)s $aft# T$e numbers "isted on t$e tab"e ref"ect t$e
wea%on)s stats as a me"ee wea%on= ot$erwise it is treated as a w$ee""ock be"t %isto"#
F"ai"# 'e*e"o%ed from t$e farmer)s t$res$ing too" f"ai"s were used on batt"efie"ds
t$roug$out t$e Midd"e &ges# T$e common grain f"ai" can be found on t$e Too"s "ist since
near"y e*ery farm $as se*era" around# T$e $orseman)s f"ai" is simi"ar but uses iron
weig$ts and re%"aces t$e "inking ro%e wit$ sturdy c$ain# T$e $orseman)s f"ai" gains a R8
bonus on attacks against targets using s$ie"ds since it can easi"y strike around t$em# !n
addition $orseman)s f"ai"s gain a R9 bonus on any attem%ts to tra% or offensi*e"y disarm
an o%%onent)s wea%on#
T$e footman)s f"ai" is a different wea%on entire"y# !t consists of a sturdy s$aft wit$
a $inged 3not c$ain/2oined05 iron/s%iked $ead# !t is used wit$ two $ands and can de"i*er
crus$ing b"ows of great %ower# T$e footman)s f"ai" gains a s%ecia" R8 attack bonus against
o%%onents in any kind of %"ate armor#
Fork# T$e common %itc$fork $as been ado%ted as a ready means of defense by
farmers t$roug$out t$e ages# &"most any farm or town $as a %"entifu" su%%"y of forks#
4affE$ook# T$e gaff is a s$ort T/$and"ed $ook used to boat fis$ or $and"e $ea*y
crates# For K g% a $ook can be attac$ed in %"ace of a missing $and w$ic$ %ro*ides a
c$aracter wit$ a wea%on t$at cannot be disarmed#
4ra%%"e# 4ra%%"es are often used at sea and in sieges# Bsua""y t$ey are made from
t$ree or four iron $ooks we"ded toget$er and a sturdy "engt$ of ro%e# 4ra%%"es can be
t$rown K feet $orizonta""y or 3 feet *ertica""y %er %oint of Atrengt$# &"t$oug$ gra%%"es
aren)t intended for %ersona" combat a creati*e c$aracter can im%ro*ise a number of
%u""Etri% maneu*ers wit$ a gra%%"e and "engt$ of ro%e#
4unsen# T$is dece%ti*e wea%on resemb"es an orienta" fan# !t is bot$ a %arrying
de*ice and an effecti*e b"udgeon# T$e %a%er fan contained in a gunsen is used to distract
and confuse an o%%onent and is often decorated wit$ beautifu" designs# & c$aracter
%roficient in t$e gunsen)s use gains a s%ecia" R9 bonus to any b"ock maneu*ers s$e makes
wit$ t$e fan#
-ammer# Bsed in a"most any craftsman)s trade $ammers can be found in s$o%s
and works$eds e*eryw$ere# Most working $ammers are muc$ sma""er and "ig$ter t$an
any mi"itary *ersions#
-and or t$rowing a+e# Hariations on t$e medium/sized a+e e+ist in a"most any
setting# 1ot e*ery $and a+e can be t$rown= t$e wea%on must be bui"t for ba"ance to be
t$rown a"t$oug$ t$is isn)t %articu"ar"y rare or unusua"# T$e Franks made e+ce""ent use of
t$rowing a+es as a s$ock wea%on= t$e Frankis$ "ine wou"d $a"t 2ust s$ort of t$e enemy
and $ur" a murderous *o""ey of a+es before c"osing for $and/to/$and fig$ting# Wit$ a
ca""ed s$ot an a+e can be t$rown at an enemy)s s$ie"d w$ic$ must t$en ro"" a successfu"
sa*ing t$row *s# norma" b"ow or be ruined#
-ar%oon# ?are"y used on t$e batt"efie"d t$e $ar%oon is t$e wea%on of sea"ers and
w$a"ers t$roug$out t$e wor"d# T$e $ead of a $ar%oon is $inged to "odge in a wound and
fi+ t$e $ar%oon to its target# & ro"" of K or better on t$e knockdown die indicates t$at t$e
$ar%oon is stuck in t$e *ictim and wi"" cause an additiona" 8dO damage if it is yanked out
or cut out of t$e wound#
Bsua""y a strong "ine is attac$ed to t$e $ar%oon so t$at t$e $unter can kee% $o"d
of $is %rey after striking wit$ t$e wea%on# !f t$e $ead is stuck t$e wie"der can engage in
an o%%osed Atrengt$ contest wit$ t$e target to %u"" $im off $is feet# W$en $ar%oons are
used against "arge creatures t$e cord is usua""y tied off to t$e $unter)s boat w$ic$ $e"%s
t$e $unter)s Atrengt$ c$eck considerab"y#
-atc$et# Many sma""er $and a+es actua""y fa"" into t$is category# T$e $atc$et)s
sma"" size %ermits it to be used as an off/$and wea%on# -atc$ets are a"so $andy too"s for
wi"derness tra*e"ers or %eo%"e w$o work wit$ wood#
-o"y symbo"# ,n"y t$e most im%ressi*e %ersona" $o"y symbo"s are "arge enoug$
to be wie"ded as b"udgeons# !f a creature is sub2ect to damage from coming into contact
wit$ a $o"y symbo" t$is is in addition to t$e b"udgeoning damage inf"icted by t$e weig$t
of t$e b"ow# ,f course if a creature is on"y $it by magica" wea%ons t$en t$e $o"y symbo"
must be enc$anted to inf"ict b"udgeoning damage#
Ia*e"in# Gig$t t$rowing s%ears $a*e been used in warfare and $unting for
t$ousands of years# 6y t$e time of t$e Crusades 2a*e"ins are genera""y found in t$e $ands
of nonWestern cu"tures= t$ey "ack t$e %enetrating %ower to be effecti*e against $ea*y
Western armor#
Iitte# T$e 2itte is an iron %arrying bar wit$ a s$ort $ook at one end# !t isn)t s$ar%
but can be used to strike b"udgeoning b"ows# T$e 2itte %ro*ides a s%ecia" R9 bonus to
b"ock or defensi*e disarm maneu*ers#
Fama# T$is wea%on is a straig$t/b"aded sick"e deri*ed from t$e common %easant)s
too"# Aince it is regarded as a too" it can be carried by a c$aracter w$o wis$es to concea"
t$e fact t$at $e is armed#
Fau sin ke# T$e kau sin ke or w$i%%ing c$ain is an orienta" *ersion of t$e f"ai"# !t
consists of four to si+ iron bars "inked end/to/end by s$ort "engt$s of c$ain# T$e kau sin
ke gains a s%ecia" R8 bonus to attack ro""s against o%%onents using s$ie"ds since it can
strike around t$e s$ie"d#
Fawanaga# T$is wea%on consists of a gra%%"e wit$ a weig$ted ro%e attac$ed# T$e
$ook or weig$t can be used to strike at o%%onents and t$e gra%%"e is $andy for c"imbing
as we""# T$e kawanaga adds R; to t$e attacker)s effecti*e Atrengt$ w$en used to %erform
t$e %u""Etri% maneu*er#
Fnife# Der$a%s t$e most common wea%on is t$e $umb"e knife# &"most e*eryone
carries sma"" kni*es for eating as an a""/%ur%ose too" or for %ersona" defense# Fni*es are
s$orter t$an daggers and are used to bot$ s"as$ and stab# T$ey can be easi"y concea"ed in
a *ariety of s%ecia"ty s$eat$s ranging from a dandy)s $at/band to s%ring/"oaded wrist
s$eat$s# 6one and stone kni*es can be manufactured in settings w$ere iron and stee" are
una*ai"ab"e#
Fusari/gama# T$e kusari/gama consists of a kama or sick"e wit$ an attac$ed
"engt$ of c$ain# !t is e+treme"y *ersati"e and can be em%"oyed in a number of ways# Gike
se*era" ot$er c$ain wea%ons it adds a R; bonus to t$e attacker)s Atrengt$ c$ecks w$en
used to %erform t$e %u""Etri% attack o%tion#
Gance# T$e "ance is t$e $orseman)s s%ear# !t $as been used in warfare since t$e
6ronze &ge# Drior to t$e in*ention of t$e stirru% t$e "ance cou"d not be couc$ed for a
c$arge= instead t$e $orseman wou"d stab o*er$and wit$ t$e wea%on or e*en t$row it# &s
a ru"e of t$umb a rider must be mounted on a $orse a%%ro%riate for $is "ance or e"se $is
wea%on wi"" be reduced in effecti*eness# & $ea*y "ance re>uires a $ea*y war$orse a
medium "ance re>uires a medium war$orse and so on# !f t$e "ance is too $ea*y for t$e
$orse it does damage as if it were t$e correct ty%e so a $ea*y "ance used from a "ig$t
war$orse does damage as a "ig$t "ance#
4enera""y t$e $ea*y war$orse was a Curo%ean de*e"o%ment t$at a%%eared in t$e
"ater stages of t$e Crusades# 6efore t$e de*e"o%ment of $ea*y %"ate armor it wasn)t
necessary to use draft $orses for mounts#
Gances are an e+ce%tion to t$e size re>uirement ru"es= a rider wit$ stirru%s can use
any "ance in one $and but a rider wit$out stirru%s $as to use two $ands for t$e "ance#
3Atirru%s a%%eared during t$e 'ark &ges in Western Curo%e#5 &s noted abo*e a rider wit$
stirru%s can couc$ t$e "ance for a mounted c$arge w$ic$ causes doub"e damage#
!n addition to t$e "ig$t medium and $ea*y "ances Gate Midd"e &ges cam%aigns
wi"" a"so see t$e use of t$e 2ousting "ance# T$is wea%on is b"unted to %re*ent its target
from being se*ere"y in2ured during a tournament#
Gantern# ,n occasion a c$aracter $as to make do wit$ w$ate*er)s $andy# & "antern
can be used as a crude c"ub inf"icting "ig$t damage but if it is "it it may s%i"" burning oi"
o*er t$e defender# ?o"" an item sa*ing t$row for g"ass against a norma" b"ow= if t$e
"antern breaks t$e *ictim is burned for an additiona" 8d; %oints of damage and may be on
fire# Aee oi"#
Gasso# T$e "asso or "ariat is common"y associated wit$ nomadic cu"tures# 1ati*e
&mericans and Centra" &sians common"y used t$e "asso on anima"s and it was on"y
rare"y used against an enemy# Gassoes are on"y effecti*e w$en used in con2unction wit$ a
ca""ed s$ot attack= t$ey cannot be used for norma" attacks#
!f t$e attacker succeeds wit$ a ca""ed s$ot against $is o%%onent)s "egs $e gets t$e
"asso to sett"e "ow enoug$ on $is o%%onent)s body t$at $e can %u""Etri% $is enemy# -e
gains a s%ecia" R; bonus to $is o%%osed Atrengt$ c$eck# !f t$e attacker is mounted and
$as t$e "asso made fast to $is sadd"e $e is considered to be t$e size of $is mount7so a
rider on $orseback is size G for %ur%oses of t$e o%%osed Atrengt$ c$eck for a tota" of RN
*ersus Man/sized targets#
!f t$e attacker succeeds wit$ a ca""ed s$ot against $is o%%onent)s arms $e can tra%
$is enemy)s wea%on s$ie"d or bot$ by %inning $is arms to $is body# T$e "asso user)s
o%%osed attack ro"" is made against &C 8. instead of &C 9# !f t$e attacker wins t$e ro""
one arm 3random"y determined5 of t$e defender is tra%%ed# !f $e beats $im by ; or more
bot$ arms are tra%%ed# !n addition if t$e attacker is mounted and t$e "asso is tied off to
t$e sadd"e $e can %erform a %u""Etri% ne+t round wit$out an attack ro"" sim%"y by s%urring
$is $orse#
Gast but not "east a "asso can un$orse a rider by succeeding in a ca""ed s$ot# !f t$e
rider is mo*ing and t$e "asso is tied off to somet$ing so"id 3"ike a tree5 $e is
automatica""y un$orsed# !f t$e rider isn)t mo*ing or t$e "asso isn)t tied off an o%%osed
Atrengt$ c$eck is used to determine w$et$er or not t$e rider is un$orsed#
Mace $orseman)s# T$e mace is anot$er ancient wea%on t$at remained in use unti"
t$e 89t$ century in many %arts of t$e wor"d# T$e $orseman)s mace is "ig$ter and s$orter
t$an t$e footman)s for ease of use from $orseback# Most $orseman)s maces are
constructed from four to eig$t iron f"anges# T$e $orseman)s mace recei*es a R8 bonus to
attacks against o%%onents in any kind of mai" armor#
Aome $orseman)s maces of Midd"e Castern or ,rienta" origin feature sword/"ike
basket $i"ts# T$e $i"t %ro*ides a R8 bonus to attem%ts to b"ock attacks wit$ t$e wea%on#
Mace footman)s# T$e footman)s mace is a $afted wea%on wit$ a $ea*y iron or
bronze $ead# T$e $ead can be s%$erica" or f"anged and may feature s%ikes or knobs# Gike
its sma""er cousin t$e footman)s mace is es%ecia""y usefu" against f"e+ib"e armors and
recei*es a R9 bonus to attacks against enemies in mai" of any kind#
Mace/a+e# T$is 6ronze &ge wea%on features a mace/"ike $ead wit$ a sing"e
cur*ing a+e b"ade %ro2ecting from it# !t is $ea*y and awkward but de"i*ers a formidab"e
b"ow#
Mac$ete# T$e mac$ete is regarded as a too" by some cu"tures and as a wea%on of
war by ot$ers# !t consists of a s$ort $ea*y s"ig$t"y cur*ed b"ade designed for s"as$ing#
Many *arieties of triba" swords or fig$ting kni*es fa"" into t$e category of mac$etes and
may be e"aborate"y decorated b"ades of su%erior construction and ba"ance# !n eastern
"ands t$ese b"ades are known as %arangs#
Mancatc$er# T$e mancatc$er is a s$ort %o"e/arm wit$ two cur*ing fork/"ike
%rongs at t$e business end# T$e %rongs are $inged so t$at t$ey can be %us$ed tig$t"y
c"osed around t$e intended ca%ti*e# T$e mancatc$er on"y works against Aize M creatures#
Gike crossbows and firearms mancatc$ers ignore armor7on"y 'e+terity and magica"
ad2ustments a%%"y# !f a $it is scored t$e *ictim suffers t$e "isted damage# Cac$ round t$e
mancatc$er)s user can %us$ and %u"" t$e *ictim about for an automatic 8d9 %oints of
damage and can try to %u""Etri% $is *ictim by succeeding in an o%%osed Atrengt$ c$eck#
,nce caug$t t$e *ictim "oses a"" 'e+terity and s$ie"d ad2ustments to &C# -e can
on"y esca%e by $acking t$roug$ t$e wea%on)s $aft 3&C ; 8. $% size M ty%e A wea%on to
damage5 or making a bend barsE"ift gates ro"" w$ic$ causes an additiona" 8d9 damage#
Mancatc$ers are used by town watc$es and gendarmes to ca%ture armed
crimina"s#
Mau"# T$e mau" is a mi"itary s"edge$ammer designed for two/$anded use# !t is
about t$ree to four feet in "engt$ wit$ a $ea*y s>uare $ead# !t recei*es a R8 bonus to
attacks against o%%onents in %"ate or mai" armors# Traditiona""y t$e mau" was carried by
"ig$t"y armored troo%s suc$ as arc$ers for use against dismounted knig$ts#
Morningstar# &"so known as t$e godentag or $o"y water s%rink"er t$e morningstar
is a $afted wea%on t$ree to fi*e feet in "engt$ wit$ a $ea*y s%iked $ead# !t is designed for
two/$anded use and often features a %o"earm/"ike s%ike at its end# Gike t$e mau" t$e
morningstar was bui"t to %enetrate a knig$t)s armor# !t recei*es a R8 bonus to attack ro""s
against any ty%e of %"ate armor#
1et# ?are"y used as a wea%on t$e net is on"y found in unusua" settings# & fig$ting
net often features sma"" barbs or weig$ts in t$e wea*e and a trai"ing ro%e for guidance
and conto" o*er netted targets# T$e net)s on"y function in $and/to/$and combat is to b"ock
tra% or disarm an o%%onent= it cannot strike effecti*e"y for damage#
T$e net is most dangerous w$en it is t$rown at an enemy# ,n"y t$e target)s
'e+terity and magica" ad2ustments to &rmor C"ass count# !f t$e net $its it may tra% t$e
o%%onent)s wea%on and s$ie"d# !f t$e *ictim is tra%%ed $e can on"y break free by making
a Atrengt$ c$eck# !n future rounds t$e net user $as t$e c$oice of "ea*ing t$e net w$ere it
is and attacking wit$ anot$er wea%on or of trying to im%ro*e t$e ca%ture#
To im%ro*e t$e net)s ca%ture t$e netter "oo%s t$e trai"ing ro%e around t$e target#
T$is re>uires anot$er attack ro"" 3as before on"y count 'e+terity and magic#5 !f t$e netter
$its t$e *ictim)s effecti*e Atrengt$ dro%s by ; for %ur%oses of getting out of t$e net#
1ets must be fo"ded %ro%er"y to be effecti*e"y t$rown# T$e first time a c$aracter
t$rows $is net in a fig$t $e makes a norma" attack ro""# &fter t$e net is unfo"ded it can
on"y by t$rown wit$ a L; %ena"ty to $it# !t takes 9 combat rounds for a %roficient user to
fo"d a net#
1unc$aku# T$e nunc$uks consist of two wooden or iron bars "inked by a sma""
"engt$ of c$ain# Gike t$e western f"ai" t$ey are descendants of t$e common grain f"ai"# &
%roficient user may wie"d nunc$aku in eac$ $and des%ite t$e fact t$at t$ey are identica"
in size7but t$e attack %ena"ties for attacking wit$ two wea%ons sti"" a%%"y#
,i"# 6urning oi" can be an effecti*e wea%on in some situations# T$ere are t$ree
basic uses for oi": igniting a %udd"e under an enemy)s feet t$rowing or s%"as$ing burning
oi" on $im or making a Mo"oto* cocktai"#
!f an enemy can be "ured into a %"ace w$ere oi" in contact wit$ $im can be ignited
$e suffers 8d; %oints of damage %er two f"asks t$at $a*e been %re%ared for firing# T$e
*ictim must attem%t a sa*ing t$row ro"" *s# %ara"yzation or catch $ire7see be"ow# T$ere
is no attack ro"" for t$is ty%e of attack but if t$e oi" $as to be ignited by a burning arrow
or t$rown torc$ t$e 'M can insist t$at an attack ro"" *ersus &C 8. be made to get t$e fire
to t$e oi"#
T$rowing burning oi" at a target is difficu"t# T$is category is reser*ed for t$ings
"ike busting a burning "antern o*er someone)s $ead or dum%ing a bow" on t$e intended
*ictim# T$e *ictim suffers 8d3 %oints of damage %er f"ask t$rown and must make a sa*ing
t$row *s# %ara"yzation wit$ a R; bonus or catc$ fire# &n attack ro"" is re>uired for t$is
ty%e of attack but on"y t$e defender)s 'e+terity and magica" ad2ustments are considered
for &C#
& Mo"oto* cocktai" re>uires a fu"" combat round to fuse and "ig$t so one can be
t$rown on"y once %er two rounds# &s abo*e an attack ro"" is re>uired= on"y count t$e
defender)s 'e+terity and magica" ad2ustments# !f struck t$e defender gets to ro"" a sa*ing
t$row *s# deat$ to see if t$e cocktai" went off or not= if it does t$e *ictim suffers 8dN
%oints of damage and must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# %ara"yzation or catc$ fire#
Hictims w$o catc$ fire suffer 8d; %oints of damage in t$e round fo""owing t$eir
unfortunate c$ange of status# T$ey are a""owed to ro"" a sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ to
e+tinguis$ t$e f"ames eac$ round= if t$ey fai" t$e base damage is increased by 8 die#
T$erefore a c$aracter w$o is on fire suffers 8d; %oints of damage t$e first round 9d; t$e
second 3d; t$e t$ird and so on to a ma+imum of Kd; %er round# Gea%ing into a "ake
e+tinguis$ing t$e f"ames magica""y or ro""ing around on t$e ground may a""ow t$e
c$aracter to ro"" $is sa*ing t$row wit$ a R9 to RN bonus at t$e 'M)s discretion#
Darang# Aee machete(
Dick# T$is common too" can be used as a wea%on but is *ery $ea*y and unwie"dy#
Dick $orseman)s# T$e mi"itary *ersion of t$e stonemason)s too" features a s$ort
beaked s%ike designed for %unc$ing t$roug$ $ea*y armor# T$e $orseman)s %ick $as a R8
bonus to attacks against o%%onents in %"ate armor of any ty%e# Many %icks are e>ui%%ed
wit$ a $ammer or a+e b"ade on t$e re*erse side of t$e $ead and may be DE6 or DEA ty%e
wea%ons for a sma"" cost increase#
Dick footman)s# & "arger and $ea*ier *ersion of t$e $orseman)s %ick t$e
footman)s %ick gains a R9 bonus *ersus %"ate armors#
Di"um# T$e famous 2a*e"in of t$e ?oman "egionaries t$e %i"um is forged wit$ a
"ong soft iron $ead# W$en a t$rown %i"um $its a s$ie"ded o%%onent or misses by on"y one
or two %oints it sticks in t$e s$ie"d# T$e wea%on)s weig$t bends t$e soft iron $ead and
makes t$e s$ie"d unusab"e unti" t$e %i"um is remo*ed7a %rocess t$at re>uires 8dO
combat rounds# Magica" s$ie"ds $a*e a 9.U c$ance %er %"us of ignoring t$e %i"um)s
effects#
Do"earm# Do"earms are "ong $afted wea%ons designed for two/$anded use#
-undreds of *arieties e+ist eac$ wit$ its own s%ecia"ized function# !n t$e Midd"e &ges
%o"earms were introduced to gi*e t$e foot so"dier a wea%on ca%ab"e of dea"ing wit$ t$e
$ea*i"y armored knig$t# T$ey are more common on t$e batt"efie"d t$an in ad*enturing
%arties#
T$e first ty%e of %o"earm are t$e s%ear"ike wea%ons# T$ese are %rimari"y t$rusting
wea%ons and are es%ecia""y effecti*e w$en set against c$arges# T$e %ike is a *ery "ong
wea%on wit$ a sma"" iron $ead= t$e ranseur s%etum and %artisan are s$orter wea%ons
wit$ side b"ades or s%ikes t$at gi*e t$e user a R9 bonus on any tra% or b"ock attem%ts#
Dartisans sur*i*ed into t$e 89t$ century as ceremonia" wea%ons#
T$e ne+t category of %o"earm are t$e %o"e a+es# T$ese are $ea*y wea%ons wit$
a+e/"ike $eads t$at are designed for ma+imum striking %ower# Do"ea+es inc"ude t$e
bardic$e t$e $a"berd and t$e *ou"ge or Goc$aber a+e# Do"ea+es gain a R9 bonus on
attack ro""s against any ty%e of %"ate or mai" armor#
Glaives are sim%"e %o"earms t$at consist of a sing"e "ong cur*ing b"ade used for
bot$ s"as$ing and t$rusting# T$ey "ack t$e cutting %ower or strong straig$t %oint of
%o"ea+es or s%ear"ike wea%ons and are genera""y not as effecti*e as t$e %re*ious
wea%ons# 4"ai*es inc"ude t$e g"ai*e 3natura""y5 t$e fauc$ard and t$e orienta" nagimaki
and naginata# &s a side note t$e nagimaki is actua""y a $orseman)s wea%on#
Bills are mu"ti/function %o"earms t$at inc"ude a cutting surface a s%ear"ike s%ike
and $ooks or cur*ed b"ades on t$e back for dismounting riders# 6i""s bi""/guisarmes
g"ai*e/guisarmes and guisarmes a"" fa"" into t$is category# &"" of t$ese wea%ons %ro*ide a
R9 bonus to %u""Etri% attem%ts against riders#
T$e "ast category of %o"earms are wea%ons wit$out a true category# T$ese
s%ecia"ized wea%ons can)t be c"assified as one of t$e abo*e ty%es# T$e bec de corbin or
crow)s beak is a wea%on designed to %ierce $ea*y armor= it gains a R3 bonus to attacks
*ersus any kind of %"ate armor# T$e Gucern $ammer is simi"ar but uses a c"awed $ammer
$ead instead of a sing"e beak# !t gains a R9 bonus to attacks *ersus targets in %"ate armor#
T$e mi"itary fork is not$ing more t$an a war *ersion of t$e %easant)s %itc$fork#
Gast but not "east two orienta" %o"earms fa"" into t$is catc$/a"" category# T$e
"a2atang is an unusua" wea%on wit$ $a"f/moon b"ades at eit$er end= a %roficient user
T$reatens $is f"ank s%aces as we"" as $is front s>uares# T$e tetsubo is a kind of %o"e/mace
wit$ a $ea*y iron/bound $ead#
Dry bar# 4enera""y a %ry bar is a wea%on of con*enience not c$oice# !t can be
used as an effecti*e b"udgeon#
Suarterstaff# T$e staff is t$e fa*ored wea%on of tra*e""ers and %easants
e*eryw$ere# !ts iron/s$od ends are used to strike %owerfu" b"ows or 2ab at an enemy# T$e
orienta" bo stick resemb"es t$e >uarterstaff in "engt$ and ba"ance but is used different"y#
T$e >uarterstaff suffers a L9 %ena"ty to attacks against %"ate armor#
Aai# T$e sai is a %arrying wea%on wit$ a "arge crossguard# !t resemb"es a dagger
but t$e :b"ade: is round wit$ no edges# !t is norma""y used for b"udgeoning attacks# T$e
sai)s crossguard %ro*ides a R9 bonus to any b"ock tra% or disarm attem%ts#
Aang kauw# T$is wea%on resemb"es a s$ort doub"e/ended s%ear wit$ a buck"er or
b"aded guard at t$e center# !t re>uires bot$ $ands but %ro*ides a %roficient user wit$ an
&C bonus of R8 due to t$e sma"" s$ie"d# Gike t$e "a2atang t$e sang kauw t$reatens bot$
of t$e wie"der)s f"ank s>uares as we"" as $is front s%aces#
Aa%# T$e sa% is a "eat$er bag fi""ed wit$ sand or "ead s$ot# !t is used to render an
unsus%ecting *ictim unconscious# Aa%s are on"y effecti*e w$en used against o%%onents in
"eat$er or "ig$ter armors# To go for an instant knockout t$e user must make a ca""ed s$ot
to t$e target)s $ead# !f $e $its t$ere is a KU 3;.U c$ance ma+imum5 c$ance %er %oint of
damage t$at t$e *ictim is knocked out for 3d8. rounds# & target wearing a $e"m of any
kind %ro*ides t$e attacker wit$ an additiona" L; %ena"ty in addition to t$e ca""ed s$ot
%ena"ty# & creature of size Garge or greater cannot be knocked out t$is way# Aee C$a%ter
Two for more information on sa%%ing#
Acourge# T$e scourge is a torturer)s wea%on# !t consists of a $and"e wit$ se*era"
"eat$er w$i%s often studded wit$ barbs nai"s or ot$er simi"ar de*ices# T$e scourge)s
w$i%s can catc$ and grab an enemy)s wea%on and t$e wie"der of t$e scourge gains a R8
bonus on any disarm attem%ts#
Acyt$e# &not$er too" con*erted into a wea%on t$e scyt$e mounts a cur*ing b"ade
%er%endicu"ar to a "ong wooden $aft# !t was origina""y intended to be used for $ar*esting
grain and is s"ow and awkward as a wea%on#
A$uriken# &"so known as sha#en or thro'ing stars s$uriken come in a *ariety of
s$a%es and sizes# T$e most common designs are "arge t$rowing need"es and f"at star/
s$a%ed b"ades# A$uriken are t$e fa*ored wea%ons of assassins in orienta" cam%aigns#
Aick"e# Gike t$e scyt$e t$e sick"e is %rimari"y a too" t$at occasiona""y sees use as
a wea%on# T$e sick"e)s cur*ing b"ade is used for cutting cro%s for $ar*est and %riests of
nature or agricu"ture often use t$e sick"e as a ceremonia" wea%on#
A"edge $ammer# A"edges are used in construction and masonry work of a"" kinds#
!t is genera""y too $ea*y and s"ow to be used as a wea%on e+ce%t in an emergency#
A"ing# ,ne of t$e most common missi"e wea%ons is t$e $umb"e s"ing# T$is is not a
c$i"d)s toy s"ings$ot= t$is is a wea%on t$at can $ur" sma"" stones or "ead bu""ets wit$ "et$a"
force# T$e s"ing is a sim%"e "engt$ of cord or c"ot$ wit$ a cu% in t$e center# T$e %ro2ecti"e
is %"aced in t$e cu% and t$e s"ing is w$ir"ed ra%id"y in a sidearm or o*er$ead motion#
A"ings can be im%ro*ised from many materia"s and are among t$e c$ea%est of wea%ons#
A"ingstones can be found in any rocky "andsca%e# 1orma""y sma"" round rocks are
best suc$ as t$e ty%e found in streambeds# A"ing bu""ets are made of "ead bronze or iron
muc$ "ike t$e bu""ets for a firearm#
A%ade# A$o*e"s or s%ades can be used as a wea%on of "ast resort if t$ere is not$ing
more war"ike at $and# Fo"ding mi"itary s%ades wit$ s$ar%ened b"ades were used in $and
to $and fig$ting in bot$ Wor"d Wars#
A%ear# T$e s%ear is one of mankind)s o"dest wea%ons# Gitera""y t$ousands of
*ariations e+ist but t$ey a"" feature a $ead designed for stabbing or t$rusting# T$roug$out
t$e 6ronze &ge and t$e years of t$e ?oman Cm%ire t$e s%ear was t$e most common
wea%on on t$e batt"efie"d# !n %rimiti*e settings stone/$eaded s%ears are common# T$e
s%ear can be used eit$er one/$anded or two/$anded#
A%ear "ong# T$e "ong s%ear is not$ing more t$an a $ea*ier s%ear wit$ a "onger
reac$# & norma" s%ear ranges from KLN feet in "engt$ but a "ong s%ear is about 8.L89 feet
"ong# T$e "ongest wea%on of t$is fami"y is t$e %ike w$ic$ was often 8NL98 feet in "engt$#
T$e "ong s%ear is a two/$anded wea%on#
Ataff s"ing# T$e staff s"ing sim%"y consists of a s$ort wooden staff wit$ a "eat$er
s"ing at one end# !t can be used to t$row "arger and $ea*ier %ro2ecti"es t$an a norma" s"ing
but can)t t$row t$em as far or as accurate"y# T$e s"ing $as no s$ort range category=
instead any s$ot from .L89 s>uares away is considered a medium range s$ot#
!n addition to t$rowing stones staff s"ings can a"so be used to t$row stin#pots7
sma"" c"ay *esse"s fi""ed wit$ no+ious burning materia"s# !f a stink%ot misses its target it
sti"" scatters and breaks o%en 3see 4renade/"ike missi"es in t$e DMG#5 &ny c$aracter
wit$in one s>uare of a stink%ot $it must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ or suffer
a L9 %ena"ty to a"" attacks due to c$oking and coug$ing for 8dO combat rounds#
Aword# Awords are t$e most efficient wea%ons of ancient times combining ease
of use wit$ e+ce""ent armor %enetration# T$e ear"iest co%%er swords a%%eared t$ousands
of years before t$e rise of t$e ?oman Cm%ire and ceremonia" swords are carried today by
most of t$e wor"d)s armies and na*ies#
6astard swords are a"so known as $and/and/a/$a"f swords# T$ey are not$ing more
t$an "onger $ea*ier "ong swords# T$e e+tra weig$t of a bigger b"ade enab"ed t$e sword)s
wie"der to $ack t$roug$ t$e $ea*ier armor t$at a%%eared at t$e end of t$e Crusades#
W$et$er used one/$anded or two/$anded t$e bastard sword gains a R8 bonus to $it
o%%onents in any ty%e of mai" or %"ate armor#
6roadswords $a*e e+isted in a number of settings# &ny medium/sized b"ade
designed for s"as$ing can be ca""ed a broadsword# !n ancient times t$e best b"ades fa""
into t$is category= by t$e Midd"e &ges t$is describes a ci*i"ian)s sword or a court b"ade#
Gater broadswords were bui"t wit$ basket $i"ts w$ic$ gi*e t$e wea%on user a R8 bonus
on any b"ock attem%ts#
T$e c"aymore is a Acottis$ two/$anded sword somew$at s$orter t$an t$e true two/
$anded sword# !t is an e+ce""ent"y ba"anced wea%on wit$ fearsome cutting %ower# T$e
c"aymore gains a R8 bonus to $it o%%onents in any kind of "eat$er mai" or %"ate armor#
T$e cut"ass is a $ea*y s"ig$t"y cur*ed sing"e/edged b"ade of medium "engt$# !t
was %o%u"ar wit$ sai"ors and marines for $undreds of years# Gike some broadswords
cut"asses were made wit$ basket $i"ts#
T$e drusus is a ?oman s$ort sword of e+ce%tiona" >ua"ity# !t)s rea""y not$ing more
t$an a we""/made g"adius ke%t at a razor/$oned edge# T$e wea%on)s fine >ua"ity %ro*ides
a R8 bonus to attack ro""s but after any fig$t t$e wea%on is considered to be du""ed and
functions as a norma" g"adius unti" it is re/$oned7a task t$at re>uires a fu""y/e>ui%%ed
forge and a trained swordsmit$#
T$e estoc is t$e grandfat$er of t$e ra%ier# !t is an edge"ess t$rusting sword
designed for %iercing armor# !t gains a R9 bonus to attacks against o%%onents in any kind
of mai" and a R8 bonus to attacks against o%%onents in any kind of %"ate armor# Cstocs
were often made wit$ %erfect"y triangu"ar or s>uare b"ades#
T$e fa"c$ion is a s"as$ing wea%on wit$ a s"ig$t"y cur*ed b"ade and a s>uared/off
%oint# !t is near"y use"ess for t$rusting but its b"ade design concentrates t$e weig$t of t$e
b"ade near t$e end for e+ce""ent c$o%%ing %ower#
T$e traditiona" wea%on of t$e ?oman "egionary was t$e g"adius# !t is basica""y a
we""/made iron or stee" s$ort sword used a"most e+c"usi*e"y for t$rusting#
T$e samurai)s katana may be t$e sing"e finest sword e*er made# !t is a s"as$ing
wea%on wit$ a s$ar% c$ise"/s$a%ed %oint# T$e stee" was often of e+ce%tiona" >ua"ity bui"t
u% wit$ a "aborious %rocess of fo"ding and re/fo"ding= some b"ades $ad $undreds of fo"ds#
T$is created a sword of tremendous resi"ience and strengt$# T$e $i"t accomodates one or
two $ands e>ua""y we""#
T$e com%anion to t$e samurai)s katana is t$e wakizas$i a s$orter b"ade of simi"ar
construction and design# !n eastern cu"tures on"y a samurai may wear t$ese two b"ades
toget$er# !t is *ery common for a katana and wakizas$i to be %aired as a matc$ed set#
T$e k$o%es$ is an ancient wea%on of t$e 6ronze &ge# !ts b"ade runs straig$t from
t$e $i"t but t$en cur*es around in a great sick"e s$a%e# !t is $ea*y and awkward but may
be t$e on"y sword a*ai"ab"e in some settings#
T$e "ong sword is meant to re%resent t$e wea%on of t$e ty%ica" western knig$t
but a"so inc"udes any medium/"engt$ straig$t b"ade designed for bot$ s"as$ing and
t$rusting# T$e ad*ent of $ea*y %"ate armor made t$e "ong sword obso"ete= "onger $ea*ier
b"ades were re>uired to %ierce a knig$t)s armor#
Iust as t$e samurai $as $is traditiona" katana t$e nin2a $as $is nin2a/to t$e
traditiona" sword of t$e assassin# T$e nin2a/to is sma""er t$an t$e katana and genera""y not
as we"" made# Bn"ike t$e katana t$e nin2a/to features a "arger guard and a sturdy scabbard
w$ic$ can be used as a c"imbing ste%#
T$e "argest orienta" sword is t$e no/dac$i a two/$anded katana/"ike wea%on
a"most si+ feet in "engt$# Aome no/dac$i are bui"t to t$e e+acting s%ecifications of a
katana but most are not of t$e same >ua"ity#
,ne of t$e "ater swords to a%%ear was t$e ra%ier a "ig$t "ong t$rusting wea%on#
T$e ra%ier was t$e gent"eman)s wea%on in t$e ?enaissance and "ater centuries remaining
in use unti" t$e 8Nt$ century# T$e ra%ier a%%eared "arge"y because armor was beginning to
disa%%ear from t$e batt"efie"ds of Curo%e#
&not$er due"ist)s wea%on is t$e sabre a s"ig$t"y cur*ed s"as$ing b"ade of medium
"engt$# T$e sabre $ad one of t$e "ongest %eriods of ser*ice of any sword= t$ey a%%eared in
Curo%e during t$e 88t$ century and were sti"" considered standard issue for ca*a"rymen
at t$e beginning of t$e 9.t$ century#
T$e most ancient sword in t$is "isting is t$e sa%ara a wea%on of t$e
Meso%otamian em%ires of t$e 6ronze &ge# T$e sa%ara is a sma""er *ersion of t$e
k$o%es$ and is no "arger t$an a standard s$ort sword#
,ne of t$e most distincti*e swords is t$e scimitar a gracefu""y cur*ed wea%on
fa*ored by many &rabian cu"tures# T$e scimitar was carried by Mus"im warriors from
A%ain to !ndia and became a symbo" of t$e strengt$ and subt"ety of !s"am# T$e great
scimitar a two/$anded *ersion of t$e norma" b"ade was a wea%on reser*ed for
ceremonia" guards and e"ite %a"ace troo%s#
6y far t$e most common b"ade is t$e $umb"e s$ort sword# T$ousands of *arieties
$a*e been created by near"y e*ery cu"ture on Cart$# ?egard"ess of t$e setting some
e>ui*a"ent to t$e standard s$ort sword can be found# T$e s$ort sword is %rimari"y a
t$rusting wea%on ranging from 88E9 to 98E9 feet in "engt$#
T$e s%at$a is t$e ancestor of most Western Curo%ean b"ades# !t is t$e ?oman "ong
sword a wea%on de*e"o%ed for ?oman ca*a"ry but soon co%ied by t$e barbarians w$o
foug$t against t$e ?omans#
T$e sword/a+e is not a true sword# !t features a "ong wooden $aft in %"ace of a
$i"t and a sword b"ade wit$ an a+e/"ike construction at t$e business end# !n batt"e it
wou"d be wie"ded more "ike an a+e t$an a sword# !t was a wea%on of ancient times t$at
was soon re%"aced by more efficient b"ades#
T$e tu"war bears a sma"" resemb"ance to t$e fa"c$ion but is found in eastern
settings# Bn"ike t$e fa"c$ion t$e tu"war cur*es inward for c$o%%ing %ower instead of
outward for a "onger s"as$# T$e famous 4$urka knife is a good e+am%"e of a tu"war/"ike
b"ade#
T$e "argest and most %owerfu" sword is t$e two/$anded sword or 8'eihander# !t
was de*e"o%ed in t$e ?enaissance to dea" wit$ %ikemen and dismounted knig$ts# !t often
stood we"" o*er si+ feet ta""# T$e two/$anded sword gains a R9 bonus to attacks against
o%%onents in any kind of mai" or %"ate armor since its $ea*y b"ade can easi"y %enetrate
e*en t$e $ea*iest armor#
T$ree/%iece rod# !t is said t$is wea%on was in*ented by a master of t$e martia" arts
w$ose staff $ad been broken by $is enemy# T$e t$ree/%iece rod consists of t$ree s$ort
wooden sta*es "inked by ro%e or c$ain# !t is e+ce%tiona""y usefu" for %erforming tra%s
b"ocks and defensi*e disarms= t$e t$ree/%iece rod confers a R; bonus to any suc$
attem%ts#
T$rowing knife# T$is terrifying wea%on resemb"es a sword wit$ t$ree or four
%oints# T$e $and"e and "ower %art of t$e b"ade a%%ear norma" but t$e b"ade forks se*era"
times into a number of dagger/"ike %oints# !t)s t$rown $orizonta""y so t$at it s%ins %ara""e"
to t$e ground# T$e t$rowing knife is usua""y considered a wea%on of sa*age cu"tures#
Torc$# Most torc$es can be used as ser*iceab"e c"ubs in a %inc$# !f t$e torc$ is
burning it inf"icts 8 e+tra %oint of damage# !n addition most anima"s fear o%en f"ame and
may a*oid a c$aracter wa*ing a burning torc$ around# Torc$es on"y ignite *ery
f"ammab"e substances so norma" c"ot$es and t$e "ike won)t usua""y be set afire by a
sing"e b"ow from a "it torc$#
Trident# T$e trident is t$e famous t$ree/%ronged s%ear of seafarers and
mercreatures# Fis$ermen of many cu"tures use tridents as $unting wea%ons but mi"itary
tridents are muc$ more scarce#
Two/$anded a+e# T$is mig$ty wea%on consists of a four/ to fi*e/foot $aft wit$ a
*ery $ea*y b"ade# T$e a+e may be doub"e/bitted wit$ b"ades on bot$ sides of t$e $aft or
it may on"y $a*e a sing"e b"ade# !t is an unwie"dy wea%on but a ski""ed warrior can strike
b"ows of tremendous strengt$ wit$ it#
Hia"# Hia"s aren)t %articu"ar"y damaging by t$emse"*es but w$en fi""ed wit$ acid
or $o"y water t$ey)re somew$at more dangerous# W$en a *ia" is t$rown at an o%%onent
t$e attacker may ignore armor7on"y 'e+terity and magica" ad2ustments to &C count for
t$e defender# !f t$e *ia" $its t$e *ictim suffers t$e fu"" damage of w$ate*er substance is
inside# !f it misses it may sti"" inf"ict damage wit$ a s%"as$ $it de%ending on w$ere it
"ands 3see 4renade/"ike Missi"es in t$e DMG#5
War c"ub# T$e war c"ub is considered a work of art in many cu"tures# !t is carefu""y
bui"t from t$e best materia"s a*ai"ab"e and often "ined wit$ s$ar% stones or s%ikes to
increase its damage %otentia"# War c"ubs cannot be t$rown#
War$ammer# T$e war$ammer is *ery simi"ar in size and ba"ance to t$e $orseman)s
%ick but instead of a %oint for %iercing armor t$e war$ammer is e>ui%%ed wit$ a b"unt
striking $ead# T$e war$ammer gains a R8 bonus to attacks *ersus %"ate armors#
W$i%# T$e w$i% cannot cause damage to an o%%onent in any kind of %"ate mai"
or "eat$er armors but can sti"" be used to %erform a number of s%ecia" maneu*ers# !t gains
a R9 bonus to %u""Etri% and offensi*e disarm maneu*ers# !n addition t$e sting of t$e "as$
may force norma" anima"s to retreat at t$e 'M)s discretion#
Wea%on 4rou%s
&s noted in %re*ious c$a%ters wea%ons can be c"assified into tight and broad grou%s# &""
wea%ons in a tig$t grou% are considered to be re"ated to one anot$er= a c$aracter
%roficient in one automatica""y $as fami"iarity wit$ t$e rest# 1ote t$at a wea%on
%roficiency inc"udes stone or bone *ersions of t$e same wea%on#
!n t$e "isting be"ow broad grou%s are noted under t$e red bo"d ty%e and tig$t
grou%s are in ita"ics#
&+es Dicks and -ammers
:&es? batt"e a+e $andEt$rowing a+e $atc$et two/$anded a+e sword/a+e mace/a+e
Pic#s? $orseman)s %ick footman)s %ick %ick
Hammers? war$ammer mau" s"edge
=nrelated? adze
Bo's? s$ort bow com%osite s$ort bow "ong bow com%osite "ong bow
C"ubs Maces and F"ai"s
Maces? footman)s mace $orseman)s mace mace/a+e
Cl"bs? c"ub great c"ub war c"ub ankus morning star
%lails? $orseman)s f"ai" footman)s f"ai"
Crossbo's? $and crossbow "ig$t crossbow $ea*y crossbow %e""et bow c$o/ku/no
Daggers & Fnives? dagger sti"etto 2ambiya main/gauc$e %arrying dagger knife katar
3ances? Gig$t medium $ea*y 2ousting
Do"earms
2pear0li#e polearms? aw" %ike %artisan ranseur s%etum
Polea&es? bardic$e $a"berd *ou"ge
Bills? bi"" bi""/guisarme g"ai*e/guisarme guisarme/*ou"ge $ook fauc$ard
Glaives? g"ai*e fauc$ard naginata nagimaki fauc$ard/fork
Bea#ed? bec de corbin "ucern $ammer
=nrelated? mi"itary fork tetsubo "a2atang
A%ears & Ia*e"ins
2pears? s%ear "ong s%ear aw" %ike
Navelins? 2a*e"in %i"um dart
=nrelated? $ar%oon trident brandistock
Awords
:ncient? broadsword sa%ara k$o%es$ sword/a+e s$ort sword
Doman? broadsword drusus g"adius s%at$a
Middle <astern? s$ort sword scimitar great scimitar tu"war
Oriental? cut"ass katana wakizas$i no/dac$i nin2a/to
2hort? s$ort sword g"adius drusus sa%ara dagger tu"war
Medi"m? broadsword "ong sword cut"ass sabre fa"c$ion estoc
3arge? bastard sword c"aymore two/$anded sword great scimitar no/dac$i
%encing 'eapons? ra%ier sabre main/gauc$e %arrying dagger
Chain & Dope Aeapons? c$ain kau sin ke kusari/gama kawanaga c$i2ikiri
Martial :rts Aeapons? sai 2itte nunc$aku sang kauw t$ree/%iece rod bo stick
Firearms
Hand match 'eapons? ar>uebus $and gunne
Matchloc#s? ar>uebus ca"i*er musket
Aheelloc#s? ar>uebus be"t %isto" $orse %isto"
2naploc#s and %lintloc#s? musket be"t %isto" $orse %isto"
!f a wea%on does not a%%ear in t$e %receding "istings it be"ongs to no wea%on
grou%# For e+am%"e wea%ons suc$ as t$e bo"as t$e boomerang or t$e mancatc$er are so
uni>ue in t$eir em%"oyment t$at not$ing e*en comes c"ose to being simi"ar#
Wea%ons and &bi"ity 6onuses
4enera""y a c$aracter may a%%"y $is Atrengt$ bonuses to any wea%on %owered by
$is own musc"e# &ny $and/$e"d wea%on used to s"as$ b"udgeon or t$rust at an enemy
certain"y counts but wea%ons t$at don)t inf"ict damage or don)t $a*e a ty%e don)t a""ow a
c$aracter to use $is attack bonuses# For e+am%"e a c$aracter)s Atrengt$ $as no effect on
t$e use of a "asso or net#
C$aracters may use t$eir reaction ad2ustment for $ig$ 'e+terity w$en t$rowing or
firing any kind of missi"e wea%on# -owe*er t$ey do not use t$eir Atrengt$ bonuses
un"ess t$e wea%on is t$rown and com%"ies wit$ t$e conditions abo*e# Firearms bows
s"ings and crossbows are not norma""y affected by a c$aracter)s Atrengt$#
6ows can be made to take ad*antage of a c$aracter)s Atrengt$ bonuses but must
be custom/made# ?efer to C$a%ter O: Money and C>ui%ment in t$e Player's Handboo##
T$e 8Ot$/"e*e" 'art A%ecia"ist: !t)s "udicrous to a""ow a $ig$/Atrengt$ c$aracter
t$e fu"" benefit of $is muscu"ar %ower if $e insists on using tiny "itt"e wea%ons suc$ as
darts# & good way to address t$is kind of min/ma+ing is to "imit t$e damage bonus
granted by $ig$ Atrengt$ to t$e ma+imum ro"" of t$e wea%on)s base damage# & dart
norma""y causes 8d3 %oints of damage against size M targets so a c$aracter wit$
e+ce%tiona" Atrengt$ cou"d gain a tota" of R3 to $is dart)s damage7but no more e*en if
$e is norma""y entit"ed to a damage bonus of R; or more#
&rmor 'escri%tions
T$e armorer)s craft e*o"*ed o*er t$e course of t$ousands of years muc$ as wea%ons
e*o"*ed# T$e mar*e"ous works of t$e 4erman and !ta"ian master armorers of t$e 8Kt$
century sim%"y cannot be du%"icated by craftsmen wit$ more %rimiti*e tec$no"ogy#
T$erefore armor is "imited by time %eriod 2ust as wea%ons are#
T$e fo""owing descri%tions note t$e ad2usted base &C for a fu"" suit of eac$ armor
ty%e and a"so a generic encumbrance *a"ue for ty%ica" $umans in t$at armor# D"ayer
c$aracters may acce%t t$ese encumbrance *a"ues or use t$e more ad*anced encumbrance
ru"es to tota" u% t$eir e>ui%ment weig$t#
T$e armor tab"e a"so inc"udes %rotecti*e *a"ues for %ieces of armor# !n most cases
t$ese are fractiona"7for e+am%"e a c$ain mai" arm %iece im%ro*es t$e wearer)s &C by
.#K# For most DCs t$is reduces t$e wearer from an &C of 8. so if a com%osite suit of
armor im%ro*es t$e c$aracter)s &C by 3#9 %oints $is actua" &rmor C"ass is a O#8 38.L3#95
w$ic$ rounds down to an &C of O# ,n"y round to t$e "ower &C if t$e fraction is #3 or "ess=
an &C of O#8 is a O but a O#; O#K or O#9 is considered to actua""y be &C M#
Dartia" armor can a"ways be by%assed by t$e use of t$e ca""ed s$ot ru"es in
C$a%ter Two# T$e attacker suffers a L; %ena"ty for making a ca""ed s$ot but of course $e
gets to make $is attack against t$e defender)s un%rotected &C of 8.# T$e best use for
%artia" armor in t$e game is to simu"ate *arious forms of com%osite %rotection fa*ored in
different time %eriods= for e+am%"e medie*a" infantry often wore breast%"ates and
$e"mets but did not wear armor on t$eir "egs or arms#
Gast but not "east armors are "oose"y grou%ed into t$ree basic ty%es7%"ate
armors mai" armors and "eat$er armors# Aome wea%ons gain s%ecia" attack bonuses
against certain ty%es of armor# For e+am%"e t$e $ea*y b"ow of a mace is es%ecia""y
effecti*e against mai"ed o%%onents because t$e f"e+ibi"ity of t$e mai" a""ows t$e b"ow to
cause damage e*en t$roug$ t$ick armor#
6ack/and/breast# 3&C O= enc# none= ty%e %"ate5 T$is armor is sim%"y a stee"
breast%"ate and back %iece worn "ike a s$irt# !t %rotects t$e wearer)s *ita" organs but
"ea*es t$e "imbs unco*ered# -istorica""y it saw use t$roug$out t$e ?enaissance#
6anded mai"# 3&C ;= enc# "ig$t= ty%e mai"5 T$ere is some debate o*er t$e
e+istence of t$is armor in t$e Midd"e &ges but ?oman "egionaries wore banded
breast%"ates as %art of t$e lorica segmenta( 6anded mai" consists of %ara""e" bands or
stri%s of armor co*ering t$e torso s$ou"ders arms and "egs wit$ mai" guarding t$e
2oints#
6rigandine# 3&C O= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 & *ery common armor of t$e "ater
Midd"e &ges and t$e east brigandine consisted of a coat of "eat$er %"ates# Cac$ "eat$er
%"ate was a sandwic$ wit$ stee" stri%s inside of it# T$e 2oints and "imbs were constructed
wit$ fewer armor stri%s for f"e+ibi"ity# A%"inted mai" described be"ow is not$ing more
t$an a $ea*ier *ersion of brigandine#
6ronze %"ate mai"# 3&C ;= enc# "ig$t= ty%e %"ate5 T$is armor ne*er e+isted as a fu""
suit $istorica""y# -owe*er bronze breast%"ates grea*es and arm guards were >uite
common es%ecia""y in 4reek and ear"y ?oman settings# Wit$ a fu"" suit of bronze %"ate
mai" t$e under"ying c$ain mai" backing t$at is found in norma" stee" %"ate mai" is
re%"aced by backing made of studded "eat$er#
6uck"er# T$e sma""est s$ie"d used is t$e buck"er# !t is usua""y not more t$an a foot
in diameter# !ts sma"" size makes it easy to carry but it is of "imited usefu"ness against
anyt$ing e+ce%t fencing wea%ons# T$e buck"er)s &C bonus can on"y be counted against
t$e attacks of a sing"e o%%onent in any combat round#
Ca%# Atee" bronze or iron ca%s are among t$e most common $e"mets unti" t$e
"ater days of t$e Crusades# & ca% is often worn o*er a mai" coif for additiona" %rotection=
t$e two toget$er %ro*ide an &C of 3 for t$e user)s $ead and neck# Ca%s often inc"ude
nasa"s or %ro2ecting bars t$at co*er t$e user)s nose#
C$ain $auberk# 3&C O= enc# "ig$t= ty%e mai"5 C$ain mai" was first constructed in
?oman times as s$irts or skirts# T$roug$out t$e 'ark &ges mai" was reser*ed on"y for t$e
wea"t$iest warriors# 6y t$e end of t$e 'ark &ges t$e most common form of mai" was t$e
$auberk a "ong/s"ee*ed coat t$at $ung to t$e wearer)s knees# 6ecause t$e "ower "egs are
*u"nerab"e t$e $auberk doesn)t offer t$e same %rotection t$at a fu"" suit of c$ain mai"
does#
C$ain mai"# 3&C K= enc# "ig$t= ty%e mai"5 T$e fu"" suit of c$ain mai" a%%eared ear"y
in t$e Crusades w$en c$ain "eggings were added to t$e traditiona" $auberk# For more
t$an a century mai" was t$e uni*ersa""y fa*ored form of %rotection in Western Curo%e and
t$e -o"y Gand= armor e+%erts refer to t$e 88t$ and 89t$ centuries as t$e &ge of Mai"#
C$ain/"ame""ar# 3&C ;= enc# "ig$t= ty%e mai"5 C$ain mai" was used wide"y in
6yzantium and eastern "ands too# !t was common for eastern %eo%"es to augment t$eir
"ig$ter mai" wit$ $ea*ier armor# C$ain mai" wit$ "ame""ar breast%"ates grea*es and arm
guards was wide"y used by 6yzantine Turkis$ and Dersian ca*a"ry#
C"ose/faced $e"m# T$is category inc"udes a number of *ariations ranging from
stee" war masks to t$e Crusaders) barre" $e"ms to samurai $e"mets# T$e $e"met offers
e+ce""ent %rotection but is $ea*y and can "imit *ision and $earing# !n situations w$ere
fie"d of *iew or c"arity of $earing may be im%ortant t$e 'M can im%ose a L8 %ena"ty to
sur%rise c$ecks for c$aracters wearing c"ose/faced $e"ms#
Cord armor# 3&C N= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 ,n"y found in sa*age or e+otic
settings cord armor consists of ro%e/"ike fibers wo*en and knotted into a t$ick toug$
fabric# !t may be found in %"aces w$ere "eat$er is scarce#
Fie"d %"ate# 3&C 9= enc# moderate= ty%e %"ate5 T$e armorer)s craft reac$ed its %eak
during t$e ?enaissance w$en fu"" suits of articu"ated %"ate armor were common# Fie"d
%"ate armor dis%enses wit$ t$e c$ain backing of %"ate mai" or fu"" %"ate armor to sa*e
weig$t# !nstead a "ig$t suit of %adding or a#eton wou"d be worn beneat$ fie"d %"ate# T$e
considerab"e weig$t of t$is armor was distributed o*er t$e wearer)s body and a trained
knig$t cou"d "ie down stand u% or *au"t into t$e sadd"e w$i"e wearing $ea*y armor#
Fu"" %"ate# 3&C 8= enc# moderate= ty%e %"ate5 T$e fina" de*e"o%ment of armor was
fu"" %"ate armor w$ic$ %rotected t$e wearer wit$ %adding c$ain and a suit of beautifu""y
crafted inter"ocking %"ates carefu""y ang"ed to def"ect b"ows# &rmor of t$is ty%e cou"d
e*en wit$stand "ong/range gunfire as "ong as t$e bu""et didn)t strike s>uare on target# &
we""/made suit of fu"" %"ate armor was t$e sign of $ig$ nobi"ity= many "esser knig$ts $ad
to make do wit$ far "ess im%ressi*e suits due to t$e great e+%ense of t$is mar*e"ous
armor#
4a""ic armor# 3&C N= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 ?eser*ed for t$e g"adiatoria" arena
4a""ic armor consisted of "eat$er "eggings and a "eat$er s"ee*e wit$ a wide meta" be"t# 1o
free so"dier wou"d norma""y wear suc$ "ig$t armor if better cou"d be found#
4reat $e"m# T$e great $e"m actua""y sits on a meta" gorget or t$roat/guard
instead of resting its weig$t on t$e wearer)s $ead# T$e face is com%"ete"y co*ered# T$e
%rotection offered by t$e great $e"m is unmatc$ed but t$e wearer)s *isibi"ity and $earing
are serious"y im%aired= $e suffers a L9 %ena"ty to any sur%rise c$ecks t$at mig$t be
affected by $is abi"ity to s%ot $is enemy or $ear someone sneaking u% on $im#
-a"f/%"ate# 3&C ;= enc# "ig$t= ty%e %"ate5 &s firearms became more %re*a"ent t$e
usefu"ness of $ea*y %"ate armor ra%id"y dec"ined# T$e trend towards more com%"ete
co*erage re*ersed and so"diers and knig$ts began to discard a"" but t$e most critica"
%ieces of armor# -a"f/%"ate consists of a breast%"ate and tassets or $i% armor but t$e
"ower "egs are "eft unarmored as are t$e insides of t$e arms# -a"f/%"ate "ingered on into
t$e 8Mt$ century before disa%%earing a"toget$er#
-ide# 3&C O= enc# "ig$t= ty%e "eat$er5 -ide armors were rare in Western Curo%e
but saw some "imited use in eastern settings# &t t$e 'M)s o%tion $ide armor can be used
to simu"ate t$e buff coat7a ?enaissance armor made of se*era" "ayers of stiffened
"eat$er#
-o%"ite armor# 3&C K= enc# "ig$t= ty%e %"ate5 T$e armor of t$e c"assic 4reek
warrior consisted of a bronze breast%"ate and grea*es wit$ a studded "eat$er skirt# !t
offered a good com%romise of %rotection for *ita" areas wit$out too muc$ weig$t#
&"e+ander)s so"diers con>uered $a"f t$e wor"d in armor "ike t$is#
!m%ro*ed mai"# 3&C ;= enc# "ig$t= ty%e mai"5 Ae*era" *arieties of im%ro*ed c$ain
mai" a%%eared during t$e Crusades# 6ar mai" consisted of sma"" meta" stri%s t$readed
t$roug$ t$e "inks= doub"e mai" used $ea*ier "inks doub"e/2oined= augmented mai" used a
t$ick "eat$er backing to reinforce t$e coat# &"" ty%es of im%ro*ed mai" offer better
%rotection t$an norma" c$ain mai" but at t$e %rice of increased weig$t#
Game""ar# 3&C K= enc# "ig$t= ty%e mai"5 Game""ar armor consists of sma""
o*er"a%%ing %"ates of meta" sewn toget$er or stitc$ed to a backing of "eat$er or c"ot$# !t is
simi"ar to brigandine and s%"inted mai" but isn)t sandwic$ed in "eat$er "ike t$e ot$er two
armors# Game""ar is a *ery ancient armor t$at was used in Meso%otamia and ancient
Cgy%t t$ousands of years before t$e rise of ?ome# 6yzantine and Dersian ca*a"rymen
used breast%"ates of stee" "ame""ar as %art of t$eir $ea*y armor#
Game""ar s$irt# 3&C M= enc# none= ty%e mai"5 Fu"" suits of "ame""ar armor were *ery
rare in t$e 6ronze &ge but "ame""ar coats wit$ c"ot$ skirts were somew$at more
common# T$is com%osite armor re%resents t$e best %rotection a*ai"ab"e to t$e common
so"dier in e+treme"y ancient settings#
Geat$er# 3&C N= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 Geat$er armor $as been used by "ig$t
troo%s since t$e 6ronze &ge# Geat$er can be toug$ened by treating it wit$ oi" in a %rocess
known as c"ir boilli( T$is armor ty%e uses cuir boi""i %ieces to reinforce *ita" areas and
soft "eat$er for t$e "egs and arms#
Geat$er $e"m# T$e "ig$test $e"m a*ai"ab"e is made from cuir boi""i "eat$er
reinforced by iron or bronze bands# T$e "eat$er $e"m doesn)t %ro*ide muc$ %rotection
com%ared to ot$er ty%es but it)s better t$an not$ing#
Gig$t sca"e# 3&C M= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 1orma" sca"e armor is made out of
iron bronze or stee" but it)s a"so %ossib"e to make sca"e armor out of cuir boi""i "eat$er
sca"es bone or $orn# Gig$t sca"e is often t$e armor of nomadic or sa*age %eo%"es w$o
$a*e difficu"ty finding meta" to work wit$#
Gorica $amata# 3&C O= enc# none= ty%e mai"5 T$is ?oman armor consisted of a
c$ain mai" s$irt and a skirt of "eat$er reinforced wit$ bronze or iron stri%s# !t was an ear"y
armor used from t$e time of t$e Dunic Wars into t$e 8st century a#d#
Gorica segmenta# 3&C K= enc# none= ty%e mai"5 Gorica segmenta re%"aced "orica
$amata and was used unti" about a#d# 3K.# !t consists of a breast%"ate of banded mai" and a
reinforced skirt of studded "eat$er armor#
Mai" coif# T$e mai" coif is a $ood of c$ain mai" t$at dra%es o*er t$e neck and
s$ou"ders as we"" as t$e $ead# !t is usua""y worn wit$ a ca% or beneat$ anot$er $e"met
since c$ain mai" by itse"f doesn)t offer muc$ %rotection against im%act wea%ons# !f worn
wit$ a ca% t$e mai" coif is &C ;= if worn under anot$er $e"met it %ro*ides no additiona"
%rotection but at "east a""ows t$e user to remo*e $is restricti*e $e"met and get a "ook
around wit$out baring $is $ead com%"ete"y#
Mai" and %"ate# 3&C ;= enc# "ig$t= ty%e %"ate5 D"ate armor first a%%eared near t$e
end of t$e Crusades as reinforcement for c$ain mai" armor# Ama"" breast%"ates were
introduced first but ra%id"y grew into fu"" breast%"ates wit$ com%"ete "eg and arm
co*ering# T$e mai" and %"ate armor describes an ear"y form of %"ate mai" in w$ic$ a
breast%"ate is worn o*er a fu"" suit of c$ainmai"#
,%en/faced $e"m# 4reek and ?oman $e"mets norma""y fe"" under t$is category as
did many $e"mets of t$e "ater Midd"e &ges# T$e o%en/faced $e"m %ro*ides good
%rotection and on"y moderate"y com%romises *ision and $earing# T$is category a"so
inc"udes t$e ?enaissance morion kett"e $e"m "obster/tai" and ot$er suc$ $e"mets#
Dadded# 3&C N= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 Dadded or >ui"ted armor is %robab"y one
of t$e o"dest and most uni*ersa" forms of %ersona" defense# C*en in t$e days of fu"" %"ate
armors %added suits known as aketons were worn beneat$ t$e stee" %"ate to cus$ion
b"ows and $e"% distribute t$e weig$t of t$e outer armor# Gig$t troo%s of many time
%eriods are often e>ui%%ed wit$ %added armor#
D"ate mai"# 3&C 3= enc# mod= ty%e %"ate5 T$is is t$e c$ea%est and most common
form of %"ate armor in t$e Midd"e &ges# !nstead of attem%ting to articu"ate t$e 2oints and
%ro*ide com%"ete %"ate %rotection %ortions of t$is armor are sim%"y %rotected wit$ c$ain
mai"# T$is form of armor was not$ing more t$an an e+%anded suit of mai" and %"ate and
t$e forerunner of true %"ate armor# C*en in t$e age of fu"" %"ate armor sim%"e %"ate mai"
was sti"" common among %oorer knig$ts and %rofessiona" mercenaries#
?ing mai"# 3&C M= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 ?ing mai" consists of a "eat$er coat
wit$ rings sewn onto it# !t s"ig$t"y resemb"es c$ain mai" but t$e "inks do not inter"ock# !n
t$e 'ark &ges ring mai" was a c$ea% substitute for true mai" w$ic$ was too e+%ensi*e
for many warriors# Aome *arieties of ring mai" were used t$roug$out t$e Midd"e &ges by
"ig$t troo%s arti""erists and skirmis$ers#
Aca"e mai"# 3&C O enc# "ig$t ty%e mai"5 T$is ancient armor ty%e consists of a
"eat$er coat or s$irt wit$ sca"es of meta" ri*eted to it# 3Aome forms of sca"e mai" were
made wit$ $orn or "eat$er7see Gig$t Aca"e#5 Aca"e mai" was ne*er wide"y used in t$e
West but saw e+tensi*e use in t$e Mideast and ,rient#
A$ie"d sma""# T$e sma"" s$ie"d or targe is usua""y a round s$ie"d about two feet
in diameter# Aome "ater medie*a" s$ie"ds were triangu"ar or s>uare in s$a%e# T$e sma""
s$ie"d can be used against two enemies in a combat round as "ong as t$ey are in front of
t$e c$aracter or on $is s$ie"ded f"ank#
A$ie"d medium# T$is catc$/a"" category inc"udes anyt$ing from t$e ?oman
sc"t"m to t$e 1orman kite s$ie"d# !t usua""y stands about t$ree feet ta"" and is two to t$ree
feet wide# T$e medium s$ie"d can %rotect t$e wie"der from u% to t$ree enemies %er round
as "ong as t$ey are in front of t$e c$aracter or on $is s$ie"ded f"ank#
A$ie"d "arge# &"so known as t$e body s$ie"d or tower s$ie"d t$is mig$ty s$ie"d
stands at "east four feet ta"" and is two to t$ree feet wide# !t can %rotect t$e wie"der against
any attack from $is front or s$ie"ded f"ank#
A%"int mai"# 3&C ;= enc# "ig$t= ty%e mai"5 A%"inted armor resemb"es brigandine
but "arger meta" stri%s are used# T$e meta" stri%s are ri*eted toget$er in an o*er"a%%ing
%attern and t$en enc"osed in two "ayers of "eat$er# A%"inted armor was not wide"y used in
Western Curo%e but was %o%u"ar in !ndia and t$e Far Cast# T$e o0yoroi of t$e samurai
can be considered to be s%"int mai"#
Atudded "eat$er# 3&C M= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 ?einforcing "eat$er wit$ meta"
studs or sma"" %"ates is an o"d idea= armor of t$is ty%e $as been used since t$e 6ronze
&ge# !t was sti"" common among foot so"diers e*en as "ate as t$e ?enaissance#
T$ree/>uarter %"ate# 3&C 3= enc# "ig$t= ty%e %"ate5 Gike $a"f/%"ate t$ree/>uarter
%"ate a%%eared w$en knig$ts began to discard t$e "ess im%ortant %ieces of t$eir armor#
T$ere)s "itt"e %oint in carrying around M. %ounds of armor w$en it won)t sto% a bu""et or a
$ea*y crossbow bo"t# T$ree/>uarter %"ate retains t$e breast%"ate arm %rotection $i%s and
t$ig$ %"ates but dis%enses wit$ %rotection for t$e "ower "egs and inner %art of t$e t$ig$s
w$ic$ wou"d norma""y be %rotected by t$e $orse#
Wood or bone armor# 3&C M= enc# none= ty%e "eat$er5 !n %rimiti*e or sa*age
settings meta" may be una*ai"ab"e for armor# Wood or bone "ame""ars and reinforced
coats are not uncommon among %eo%"e wit$ "itt"e access to meta"# Bsua""y armor of t$is
ty%e concentrates on %rotecting t$e torso w$i"e "ea*ing t$e arms and "egs free for
mobi"ity#
&rmor Ty%e Common in### ?are in###
6anded mai" -@ C? ?M
6rigandine -@ ?C ,? MC C?
6ronze %"ate 6? ?M
C$ain mai" C? -@ '& ?M ?C ,?
Cord armor A& AH MC ,? 6?
Fie"d %"ate armor ?C -@
Fu"" %"ate armor ?C -@
-ide armor A& AH 6? ,?
!m%ro*ed mai" MC C? -@
Geat$er armor &"" 7
Gig$t sca"e mai" AH 6? ?M '& ,?C? -@ MC
Meta" "ame""ar '& MC 6? ?M ,? C?
Dadded armor &"" 7
D"ate mai" -@ C?
?ing mai" '& C? -@ ?C MC ,? 6? ?M
Aca"e mai" 6? ?M '& C?
A%"int mai" MC ,? C? -@ ?C
Atudded "eat$er armor &"" e+ce%t A& 7
WoodEbone armor A& AH 7
6ack/and/breast ?C -@
C$ain $auberk'& C?
C$ain/"ame""arMC C? '&
4a""ic armor ?M 7
-a"f/%"ate armor ?C -@
-o%"ite armor 6? ?M
Game""ar s$irt 6? 7
Gorica $amata ?M 7
Gorica segmenta ?M 7
Mai" and %"ate armor C? -@
T$ree/>uarter %"ate ?C -@
A&QAtone &ge= AHQAa*age= 6?Q6ronze &ge= ?MQ?oman= '&Q'ark &ges=
C?QCrusades= -@Q-undred @ears) War= ?CQ?enaissance= MCQMidd"e Castern=
,?Q,rienta"#
6arding
Warriors $a*e been "ooking for ways to armor t$eir mounts a"most as "ong as
t$ey)*e been armoring t$emse"*es# !t doesn)t take a genius to figure out t$at an unarmored
$orse mig$t be an easier target t$an t$e $ea*i"y %"ated knig$t w$o)s riding it# T$erefore
c$aracters w$o %"an on riding t$eir $orses into batt"e s$ou"d try to ac>uire barding#
$rmor Type Cost $rmor Class Wei&ht
Geat$er sca"e MK g% M 3L85 K. "bs
Aca"e 3K. g% O 3L95 N. "bs
Dadded3K g% N 3L85 3. "bs
C$ain K.. g% K 3L95 8.. "bs
D"ate and c$ain MK. g% ; 3L35 83. "bs
T$e &C replaces t$e mount)s natura" &rmor C"ass if t$e barding &C is better t$an
t$e anima")s norma" &C# !f t$e anima")s &C is better t$an t$e barding t$en t$e barding
sim%"y im%ro*es t$e anima")s &C by t$e number in %arent$eses#
%or e&ample! horses have a nat"ral :C o$ 4( 2cale! chain! and plate barding
replace their nat"ral :C( 2ince leather and padded armors don't provide an :C better
than 4! they simply lo'er the horse's :C to 5 or )! respectively(
/eather scale bardin&0 T$is barding dates back to t$e 6ronze &ge but a"so saw
use in ?oman times and t$e 'ark &ges# !t consists of a "eat$er b"anket wit$ cuir boi""i
sca"es sewn onto it#
*added bardin&0 ,ften used by Crusaders t$is "ig$t armor a"so a""ows a knig$t
to dis%"ay $is co"ors on $is mount#
Scale bardin&0 T$e best barding a*ai"ab"e unti" t$e -undred @ears) War is sca"e
barding# !t consists of a coat sewn wit$ meta" sca"es# Aca"e barding was used by t$e
%rinces and kings of t$e 6ronze &ge#
Chain bardin&0 ,n"y t$e strongest $orses can carry an armored knig$t and a
$ea*y coat of mai" too# C$ain barding was not *ery common because of its e+%ense and
weig$t#
*late and chain bardin&0 T$e best armor a*ai"ab"e for $orses came into use
towards t$e end of t$e -undred @ears) War# T$e $orse)s fore>uarters f"anks $ead and
neck are %rotected by stee" %"ates and "oose c$ain skirts co*er t$e rest# Gike c$ain
barding %"ate barding is *ery $ea*y and *ery e+%ensi*e# !t wou"d norma""y on"y be found
on t$e mount of a great knig$t or %rince#
C$a%ter Cig$t:
Aiege Warfare
Ama"" frays between bands of ad*enturers and t$eir foes are not t$e on"y batt"es foug$t in
a fantasy wor"d# Com%anies of brigands roam t$e countryside and t$ere mig$t be scores
of troo%s in a town guard or cast"e garrison# !n times of war armies numbering in t$e
t$ousands mig$t take to t$e fie"d#
1or are $and/$e"d wea%ons suc$ as swords and s%ears t$e on"y dead"y
im%"ements a $ero is "ike"y to face# We""/%re%ared o%%onents often em%"oy war mac$ines
of ingenious design and fearsome %otentia"# Gikewise defenders need not de%end so"e"y
on t$e "oca" terrain for %rotection= instead t$ey mig$t em%"oy a"" manner of constructions
and fortifications#
T$is c$a%ter)s first section Aar Machines discusses fig$ting e>ui%ment t$at
genera""y is "arger t$an ty%ica" $and/$e"d wea%ons# 6ombardment engines *e$ic"es and
misce""aneous de*ices are inc"uded# Csca"ades co*ers a wide *ariety of actions inc"uding
battering down common %orta"s and sca"ing wa""s# 2ieges and %orti$ications discusses t$e
"engt$y %rocesses of smas$ing t$roug$ fortifications t$roug$ brute strengt$# Mass
Combat %ro*ides a way to >uick"y determine t$e outcome of a batt"e too "arge to %"ay out
using t$e Player's Option combat system# Fina""y Pro$iciencies gi*es detai"s on two new
warrior %roficiencies introduced in t$e %re*ious sections#
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%iagn< Few cam%aigns wi"" use t$e materia"
%resented $ere a"" of t$e time 3cast"es arti""ery and massed troo%s are $ard"y
common%"ace5 but most cam%aigns wi"" find it usefu" occasiona""y#
T$e ma2ority of t$e materia" in t$is c$a%ter is intended for use wit$ t$e combat
system from C$a%ter ,ne and t$e 6att"efie"d ru"es from C$a%ter T$ree# !t is not necessary
to use t$e combat system wit$ any of t$e materia" in t$is c$a%ter but your games wi"" be
great"y en$anced if you do# T$e ru"es on fortifications %resented $ere use many terms and
conce%ts from t$e materia" on batt"efie"ds and it is necessary to be fami"iar wit$ C$a%ter
T$ree before using t$em# T$e materia" on sieges and on mass combat is intended to stand
a"one#
War Mac$ines &ny %iece of %otentia""y usefu" batt"efie"d e>ui%ment offensi*e or
defensi*e can be considered a war mac$ine if it is too "arge for a sing"e c$aracter to use#
& tree trunk used as a battering ram a cata%u"t "oaded wit$ greek fire and a $owda$
stra%%ed to an e"e%$ant)s back a"" can be considered war mac$ines#
6ombardment Cngines
&ny "arge de*ice intended to $ur" missi"es >ua"ifies as a bombardment engine# T$e most
common ty%es and t$eir basic statistics are "isted on t$e tab"e be"ow#
6ombardment engines are difficu"t to aim at indi*idua"s# 4enera""y a
bombardment engine can target on"y units of creatures bui"dings ot$er war mac$ines
*e$ic"es s$i%s and sing"e creatures of 4argantuan size= see t$e indi*idua" bombardment
engine descri%tions for e+ce%tions#
!t takes time and effort to set u% a bombardment engine and %re%are it to fire for
t$e first time# T$e minimum %re%aration time is 8. minutes or t$e time re>uired to c$ange
facing w$ic$e*er is greater# T$e number increases by K.U if a trained arti""erist is not on
$and to direct t$e o%eration#
W$en used wit$ t$e Player's Option combat system a bombardment engine $as a
fie"d of fire of ;K degrees "eft or rig$t of its current facing# T$is is generous for most
wea%ons inc"uded $ere but it is assumed t$at a bombardment engine)s s"ow rate of fire
accounts for a considerab"e amount of man$and"ing between s$ots#
.an&e: ?anges are di*ided into minimum s$ort medium and "ong categories# & wea%on
cannot be aimed at targets c"oser t$an its minimum range#
T#$C4: T$e c$ance to $it a target wit$ a bombardment engine is a function of t$e
engine not t$e crew#
)ama&e: T$e number before t$e s"as$ is t$e amount of damage inf"icted on Man/sized or
sma""er creatures= t$e number after t$e s"as$ is t$e damage inf"icted on "arger creatures# !f
t$ere is on"y one *a"ue gi*en t$e damage is t$e same for a"" sizes of creatures# Aome
creatures are entit"ed to a sa*ing t$row to reduce or a*oid damage# 'amage to structures
is co*ered in t$e Csca"ades and Aiege and Fortifications sections#
1ote t$at creatures immune to norma" missi"es are not immune to missi"es from
bombardment engines# Creatures immune to b"unt wea%ons are immune to cata%u"t and
trebuc$et missi"es and to round s$ot fired from ba""istae# Creatures immune to %iercing
wea%ons are immune to bo"ts from ba""istae# Creatures immune to nonmagica" wea%ons
are immune to attacks from ba""istae cata%u"ts and trebuc$ets 3un"ess t$e missi"es
em%"oyed are enc$anted5# Cannon and bombard %ro2ecti"es are b"unt wea%ons but t$ey
are %ro%e""ed wit$ enoug$ force to $arm creatures t$at are ot$erwise immune to b"unt
wea%ons# Cannons and bombards a"so can $arm creatures t$at are immune to nonmagica"
wea%ons# Gig$t cannons are treated as R8 wea%ons for determining w$ic$ creatures t$ey
can $arm# Medium cannons and great bombards are treated as R9 wea%ons and $ea*y
cannons are treated as R3 wea%ons#
7noc-down: T$e size of t$e die t$e wea%on ro""s for knockdowns#
.OF: 3?ate ,f Fire5 T$is is $ow often t$e wea%on can be fired if fu""y crewed= 8EN
means t$e wea%on can fire once e*ery eig$t rounds#
Chan&e Facin&: T$is is t$e number of rounds re>uired to c$ange t$e wea%on)s facing ;K
degrees# &ny wea%on "isted as :.: can c$ange facing during t$e Cnd/of/?ound ste% of a
round in w$ic$ t$e wea%on was fired#
Crew: T$e number of Man/sized creatures re>uired to o%erate t$e wea%on# !f fewer crew
are a*ai"ab"e t$e wea%on)s rate of fire decreases by one for e*ery missing crew member
and t$e wea%on cannot be o%erated at a"" if t$e a*ai"ab"e crew is "ess t$an $a"f t$e
re>uired number# C+tra crew can be a""ocated to t$e wea%on to maintain its rate of fire in
t$e face of casua"ties among t$e crew# &t t$e 'M)s o%tion two Ama"" or four Tiny
creatures can re%"ace one Man/sized creature= one Garge creature can re%"ace two Man/
sized creatures one -uge creature can re%"ace t$ree Man/sized creatures and so on# !f at
"east one trained arti""erist is not on $and to su%er*ise t$e crew t$e rate of fire decreases
by one# Creatures must $a*e mani%u"ati*e a%%endages and a racia" inte""igence of at "east
"ow to ser*e on a crew#
Tar&et Size: T$e sma""est creature t$e engine can target indi*idua""y= see t$e engine)s
descri%tion for detai"s#
Wei&ht: T$e engine)s a%%ro+imate weig$t in %ounds#
Spaces: T$e number of ma% s%aces t$e engine occu%ies on t$e ma%#
T!ndicates t$at t$e usua" LK modifier for "ong range s$ots does not a%%"y#
Bombardment %n&ines
.an&e 7noc-8 Chan&e Tar&et
Weapon M;S;M;/ T#$C4 )ama&e )own .OF Facin& Crew Cost Size Wt0
Spaces
6a""ista Gig$t 7E88E99E33 89 9dOE3dO dN 8EN .
8 9.. &ny 8.. 8
6a""ista Medium 8E88E99E3O 8; 3dOE3dN d8. 8E89
. 9 3.. - 9.. 9
6a""ista -ea*y 9E89E9;E39 8M 3d8.E3d89 d89 8E8O
. ; ;.. - ;.. 9
6ombard 8NE7E7E;.T 8M 9d8.E9d89 d89 8E8K 3.
3 8.... 4 O.. 8
6ombard 4reat 3OE7E7EN.T 89 3d8.E3d89 d9. 8E8N
3. K 3.... 4 89.. 9
Cannon Gig$t 7E8KE;KE9. 89 8d89+K d8. 8E8K .
3 8.... - ;.. 8
Cannon Medium 7E9.EO.E89. 8; 8d89+K d89 8E8N
. ; 8K... - 8... 8
Cannon -ea*y 7E3.E9.E8N. 8M 8d89+K d9. 8E3.
8K O 3.... - 9... 9
Cata%u"t Gig$t 8KE7E7E3.T 8; 9d8. dN 8EN .
8 9K. - 9.. 8
Cata%u"t Medium 8KE7E7E33T 8K 3d8. d8. 8E89 .
3 3K. 4 3.. 9
Cata%u"t -ea*y 8NE7E7E3OT 8O 3d8. d89 8E8O 9.
K K.. 4 K.. 9
Trebuc$et 9;E7E7E;NT 8M ;d8. d89 8E8O 3.
N MK. 4 8... ;
6a""ista
T$is engine "ooks somet$ing "ike a giant crossbow mounted on a swi*e"# !t usua""y fires
s%ear/"ike bo"ts but some *ersions fire round s$ot of stone or meta"= bot$ ty%es use t$e
same basic statistics# 6a""ista %ro2ecti"es $a*e a re"ati*e"y f"at tra2ectory and t$ey are
fair"y accurate#
& "ig$t ba""ista can be aimed at any target in sig$t %ro*ided t$e wea%on is fu""y
crewed# & "ig$t ba""ista wit$ a %artia" crew can fire at sing"e creatures of Garge or greater
size# & medium or $ea*y ba""ista can fire at a sing"e -uge creature or at a 4argantuan
creature if %artia""y crewed# &ny ba""ista)s fie"d of fire is "imited to ;K degrees "eft or rig$t
of t$e wea%on)s facing at t$e beginning of t$e round# & ba""ista)s facing can be c$anged
u% to ;K degrees during t$e "ast %$ase of any round w$en it fires#
6ombard
T$e term :bombard: encom%asses a broad category of nonstandardized %rimiti*e
gun%owder wea%ons t$at fire "arge stone or iron ba""s in a $ig$ arc$# & ty%ica" bombard
$as a s$ort t$ick barre" cast from bronze and set in a rigid wooden base# More ad*anced
siege mortars from t$e cannon era a"so use t$e bombard statistics#
& sing"e s$ot from a norma" bombard re>uires 8. c$arges of smo#e po'der or
gun%owder= a great bombard re>uires 9. c$arges and bot$ ty%es of bombards are sub2ect
to misfiring 3see C$a%ter Ae*en for detai"s5# T$e $eat and debris "eft in t$e barre" after
firing accounts for t$e wea%on)s re"ati*e"y s"ow rate of fire as t$e wea%on must be coo"ed
and c"eaned before it can fire again#
& bombard)s facing is fi+ed at t$e beginning of a batt"e= a fu"" crew working
nonsto% for 3. minutes can c$ange a bombard)s facing ;K degrees# For a %artia" crew add
8. minutes to t$e time re>uirement for eac$ missing crew member= a crew at $a"f
strengt$ cannot mo*e a bombard#
T$e bombard)s t$underous roar can confuse or %anic creatures unaccustomed to
"oud noises or norma""y fearfu" of t$under# T$is inc"udes most creatures wit$ a basic
mora"e score of 8. or "ess and any creature genera""y unfami"iar wit$ e+%"osi*es or
magic# Auc$ creatures must c$eck mora"e if t$ey are wit$in ;. yards of a bombard w$en
it fires# Creatures usua""y "ose t$eir fear of a bombard)s noise if t$ey win an encounter
against an enemy armed wit$ one or if t$ey s%end a mont$ or so getting accustomed to
t$e sound#
Cannon
T$ese wea%ons are more refined *ersions of bombards# T$ey $a*e "ong s"im barre"s
made from $ig$/>ua"ity bronze and t$ey fire wroug$t/iron s$ot in a "ow f"at tra2ectory#
T$ey are fair"y accurate#
Cannons are sub2ect to misfires 2ust as bombards are# & s$ot from a "ig$t cannon
re>uires 8. c$arges of smo#e po'der or gun%owder# & medium cannon re>uires 8K
c$arges and a $ea*y cannon re>uires 9. c$arges#
& "ig$t or medium cannon can c$ange facing ;K degrees during t$e Cnd/of/?ound
ste% of any round w$en it fires# & fu"" crew working nonsto% can c$ange a $ea*y cannon)s
facing in 8K minutes#
T$e sound of cannon fire can %anic some creatures 2ust as a bombard)s can#
Cata%u"t
T$is engine usua""y consists of some sort of "e*er mounted on a sturdy frame# T$e "e*er
acts as a t$rowing arm and is fitted wit$ a cu% or s"ing to $o"d t$e %ro2ecti"e# W$en fired
a cata%u"t "obs t$e %ro2ecti"e $ig$ into t$e air# Tension %ro*ides t$e cata%u"t)s %ower# !n
%rimiti*e cata%u"ts t$e "e*er was made from some f"e+ib"e materia" 3usua""y green wood5
and %ro*ided its own %ower w$en it was bent back and re"eased# More so%$isticated
cata%u"ts were e>ui%%ed wit$ a rigid arm %owered by a mass of twisted skeins 3usua""y
$orse$air5# &ncient cata%u"ts often resemb"ed ba""istae aimed u%ward to fire indirect"y= a""
ty%es of cata%u"ts use t$e same basic statistics#
Cata%u"ts usua""y fire "arge stones but t$ey can be "oaded wit$ a"most anyt$ing:
sma"" stones c$ains dead anima"s or anyt$ing e"se sma"" enoug$ to fit in t$e s"ing or cu%
and not so $ea*y t$at it o*er"oads t$e "e*er# Garge ob2ects inf"ict t$e damage "isted on t$e
tab"e# Masses of sma"" ob2ects can inf"ict an e+tra die of damage against most creatures
but are use"ess against structures and any creature wit$ a natura" &rmor C"ass of . or
better 3inc"uding c$aracters wit$ an &rmor C"ass of . before s$ie"d or 'e+terity
modifiers5#
& "ig$t cata%u"t wit$ a fu"" crew can target -uge creatures#
& "ig$t or medium cata%u"t can c$ange facing ;K degrees during t$e Cnd/of/
?ound ste% of any round w$en it fires# -ea*y cata%u"ts genera""y are "eft in %"ace once
t$ey are sited for a batt"e# & fu"" crew can c$ange a $ea*y cata%u"t)s facing after 9.
minutes of work#
Trebuc$et
T$ese massi*e engines are simi"ar to cata%u"ts but t$ey deri*e t$eir %ower from gra*ity#
& trebuc$et)s t$rowing arm is a rigid beam wit$ a $ea*y weig$t at one end and a s"ing or
cu% for %ro2ecti"es at t$e ot$er# W$en t$e beam is re"eased t$e force of t$e fa""ing weig$t
$ur"s t$e %ro2ecti"e in a $ig$ arc$# Gike cata%u"ts trebuc$ets fire "arge stones or masses of
sma""er ob2ects#
Trebuc$ets genera""y are "eft in %"ace once t$ey are sited for a batt"e# & fu"" crew
can c$ange a trebuc$et)s facing after 3. minutes of work#
6ombardment Cngine Drocedures
& bombardment engine fires in t$e *ery s"ow %$ase of t$e round w$en its "oading
is com%"eted# !f "oaded and aimed during a %re*ious round a bombardment engine can
fire in t$e *ery fast %$ase#
!ndirect Fire Cngines
6ombards cata%u"ts and trebuc$ets fire t$eir %ro2ecti"es in a $ig$ arc$= t$ey are
inaccurate and cannot rea""y be aimed at anyt$ing= t$e crew sim%"y %oints t$e engine in
t$e target)s genera" direction and $o%es t$e missi"e wi"" "and somew$ere nearby#
&"" targets are considered &rmor C"ass . but t$ere is no range modifier# T$e
attack ro"" is modified as fo""ows:
R3 for stationary targets=
L3 for targets mo*ing at a rate greater t$an 3 but "ess t$an 89=
LO for targets mo*ing at a rate of 89 or greater=
R; for t$e second and subse>uent s$ots at a stationary target=
R9 for targets w$ose "argest dimension is greater t$an 3.)=
R; for targets w$ose "argest dimension is greater t$an 9.)=
RO for targets w$ose "argest dimension is greater t$an 9M.)#
Co*er genera""y is not a factor w$en reso"*ing indirect fire but concea"ment can be#
!ndirect fire genera""y can arc$ o*er obstac"es between it and t$e target %ro*ided t$at t$e
obstac"e is no $ig$er t$an 8K.U of t$e distance between t$e obstac"e and t$e engine or
t$e obstac"e and t$e target w$ic$e*er is "ess# For e+am%"e a wa"" 9.) feet $ig$ wou"d not
b"ock indirect fire un"ess it was wit$in O.) of eit$er t$e engine or t$e target# 1ote t$at in
many cases it is easier for an engine to fire at a feature or structure w$ere o%%onents are
$iding t$an it is to fire at t$e o%%onents t$emse"*es#
!f a creature is too sma"" to be targeted indi*idua""y an indirect fire engine sti""
can fire at t$e 8K) s>uare area containing t$e creature# T$e base modifier is . 3because t$e
target is not larger t$an 3.) "ong5# Modifiers for t$e sma"" target)s mo*ement a%%"y 3it)s
$ard to $it t$e rig$t area w$en t$e creatures wit$in it are mo*ing5# T$e attacker must
se"ect an intended im%act s>uare for t$e missi"e= any of t$e nine s>uares in t$e area can be
se"ected#
-its: &n engine)s missi"e tends to bounce or s$atter on im%act and affects an area
as s$own on t$e accom%anying diagrams# Creatures wit$in t$e area of effect suffer
damage "isted for t$e wea%on# Creatures wit$ KR8 or more -it 'ice can ro"" a successfu"
sa*ing t$row *s# %etrification to a*oid t$e damage= modifiers for 'e+terity and magica"
%rotections a%%"y# & creature t$at $as suffered a direct $it 3by being in t$e im%act s>uare
or by being "arge enoug$ to >ua"ify as a target and getting $it5 is a""owed no sa*ing t$row
e*en if norma""y e"igib"e for one# Creatures wit$ $ard co*er between t$em and t$e im%act
s>uare get a sa*ing t$row e*en if not norma""y entit"ed to one# Creatures under co*er get
bonuses to t$eir sa*ing t$rows= see C$a%ter ,ne#
!f t$e engine is firing at an area containing creatures too sma"" to target
indi*idua""y t$e s$ot ne*er "ands e+act"y w$ere intended# Fo""ow t$e %rocedure out"ined
be"ow for misses but ro"" 8d; for distance#
Misses: To determine w$ere t$e s$ot actua""y fa""s ro"" 8dN on t$e indirect fire
scatter diagram to determine t$e direction of t$e miss= t$en ro"" 9dO to determine t$e
distance in s>uares from t$e intended im%act s>uare and t$e actua" im%act s>uare# !t is
%ossib"e for t$e s$ot to fa"" inside t$e engine)s minimum range or outside its ma+imum
range# Creatures in t$e area w$ere t$e s$ot fa""s suffer t$e effects of a $it#
-its and Misses &gainst Garge Creatures: !f t$e missi"e scores a direct $it on a
creature "arge enoug$ to >ua"ify as a target t$ere is no effect on creatures in t$e ad2acent
s>uares# T$e creature)s body %re*ents t$e missi"e from bouncing or s$attering# !f a direct
attack on a "arge creature misses t$e attacker ro""s for scatter# T$e intended im%act s>uare
is a"ways t$e s>uare t$e creature occu%ies# !f t$e creature occu%ies more t$an one s>uare
t$e intended im%act s>uare is a"ways t$e s>uare c"osest to t$e engine#
Critica" -its and Fnockdowns: ,n"y direct $its can be critica" $its or cause
knockdowns# !f t$e ru"es from C$a%ter Ai+ are in %"ay indirect fire engines inf"ict Garge
b"udgeoning critica"s#
F"aming Dro2ecti"es: Cata%u"ts and trebuc$ets can be "oaded wit$ missi"es soaked
in %itc$ or a simi"ar f"ammab"e substance# T$e missi"e)s range is reduced by 8E3# W$en it
strikes t$e missi"e scatters f"aming debris o*er its norma" area of effect# T$e debris burns
for two rounds inf"icting 9dO %oints of damage t$e first round and 8dO %oints of damage
t$e second round# T$e effect on wooden structures is t$e same as f"aming oi"# & cata%u"t
a"so can $ur" canisters of 4reek fire# & 4reek fire cannister a"so reduces t$e cata%u"t)s
range by 8E3# T$e cannister breaks on im%act and scatters 4reek fire o*er t$e cata%u"t)s
norma" area of effect#
&n C+am%"e of !ndirect 6ombardment
& grou% of fi*e dwar*es "ed by a Ot$EOt$/"e*e" fig$terEc"eric $as "ocated a fortified gob"in
*i""age# T$ey $unker down in an ancient ruin about 3.. yards from t$e *i""age wa""s to
discuss %"ans# Bnfortunate"y for t$e dwar*es an a"ert sentry $as s%otted t$em and t$e
gob"ins ready t$eir medium cata%u"t for a s$ot at t$e intruders# T$e dwar*es $a*e taken
co*er be$ind an o"d stone wa"" 89 feet $ig$= t$ey sit wit$ t$eir backs to t$e wa"" w$i"e
t$ey ta"k# 6ecause t$e dwar*es are wit$in N feet of t$e wa"" t$e cata%u"t cannot target
t$em# C*en if t$e dwar*es were in t$e o%en t$e cata%u"t cou"d on"y target t$eir area
because t$ey are Man/sized creatures#
T$e gob"ins decide to fire at t$e to% of t$e wa"" and $o%e for t$e best# T$e wa"" is
stationary and se*era" $undred feet "ong# -owe*er t$e gob"ins are aiming at one s%ecific
section so t$e 'M decides t$ere is no attack bonus# 6ecause t$e dwar*es are t$e true
target of t$e attack t$e 'M decides to im%ose t$e standard L; %ena"ty for 9.U
concea"ment 3it mig$t be a fair"y easy task to $it t$e wa"" but it)s a bit more difficu"t to
strike t$e section of wa"" direct"y abo*e t$e dwar*es) $eads5# T$e gob"ins $a*e t$e
cata%u"t "oaded wit$ a mass of sma"" stones w$ic$ gi*es t$em an e+tra die of damage
against creatures 3;d8. %oints of damage in t$is case5# T$e attack ro"" is a 89 a miss# 3&
medium cata%u"t)s T-&C. is 8K so t$e gob"ins needed to ro"" a 89 or better to $it#5 T$e
gob"ins ro"" 8dN for scatter and get a 3 indicating an o*ers$ot to t$e rig$t# T$e gob"ins
now ro"" 9dO for distance and t$e resu"t is a M so stone s$ot im%acts M s>uares away from
t$e aiming %oint too far away to score any incidenta" $its on t$e dwar*es 3see diagram
8;5#
W$en t$ey see t$e cata%u"t stones dro%%ing beyond t$em t$e dwar*es decide to
"ea*e intending to e+it t$roug$ t$e far side of t$e ruins and return $ome# T$e medium
cata%u"t is re"oading and cannot fire again before t$e dwar*es get away# Bnfortunate"y
t$e gob"ins a"so $a*e two "ig$t cata%u"ts and t$e sentry a"erts t$eir crews to t$e dwar*es)
f"ig$t#
6ecause t$e dwar*es) mo*ement takes t$em more t$an N feet away from t$e wa""
t$e "ig$t cata%u"ts can $it t$em# T$e gob"ins must fire at t$e area w$ere t$e dwar*es are#
T$eir attacks recei*e a L3 %ena"ty for targets mo*ing faster t$an 3 but s"ower t$an 89# T$e
crews $a*e an ad2usted T-&C. of 8M for t$ese s$ots# T$e first crew ro""s a O a miss but
t$e second crew gets a 9. a $it# T$e scatter and direction dice %"ace t$e miss too far away
to $urt t$e dwar*es# 6ecause t$e cata%u"t t$at $it was firing at an area containing sma""
targets t$e $it a"so scatters# T$e gob"ins ro"" a 9 indicating a straig$t o*ers$ot# 6ecause
t$e s$ot was a $it t$e gob"ins ro"" 8d; for distance and get a 8 so t$e s$ot "ands rig$t in
front of t$e dwar*es# T$e "eader and two dwar*es are wit$in t$e area of effect# T$e two
dwar*es are one/-it/'ie creatures and t$ey $a*e no co*er so t$ey are not a""owed a
sa*ing t$row# T$e damage ro"" is a 8O w$ic$ ki""s bot$ dwar*es# T$e "eader is a""owed a
sa*ing t$row *s# %etrification to a*oid t$e damage and t$e ro"" is successfu"# T$e "eader
takes no damage and beats a $asty retreat wit$ $is t$ree sur*i*ing fo""owers#
Gater t$at day a monstrous 9.) umber $u"k 3a true mutant 7 it is considered size
-uge for t$e %ur%oses of t$is e+am%"e5 bursts from t$e ground and attacks a gob"in %atro"
about 9.. yards from t$e *i""age# !f t$e umber $u"k were muc$ c"oser it wou"d be wit$in
t$e minimum range for t$e cata%u"ts 38K. yards5# Most of t$e %atro" f"ees "ea*ing one
unfortunate comrade tra%%ed in t$e umber $u"k)s mandib"es# T$e medium cata%u"t cannot
target on -uge creatures so it must fire at t$e area containing t$e umber $u"k# T$e crew
se"ects a s>uare ne+t to t$e umber $u"k as t$e intended im%act s>uare 3t$ey $o%e to score
a "ucky direct $it by ro""ing t$e rig$t combination of scatter and distance dice5# T$e
umber $u"k remains in %"ace w$i"e crus$ing its gob"in mea" but %art of its body remains
$idden be"ow ground so t$e 'M a%%"ies a L8 %ena"ty to t$e s$ot for 9KU concea"ment
gi*ing t$e medium cata%u"t an ad2usted T-&C. of 8O# T$e gob"ins ro"" an 88 a miss# T$e
scatter die is a M s$ort and to t$e "eft= t$e ro"" for distance is a O and t$e s$ot "ands too far
away from t$e umber $u"k to do any damage# Bnfortunate"y two of t$e f"eeing gob"ins
are in t$e s$ot)s area of effect and are ki""ed 3see diagram 8O5#
T$e two "ig$t cata%u"ts can fire at -uge creatures# Wit$ t$e L8 modifier for
concea"ment t$e "ig$t cata%u"ts $a*e ad2usted T-&C.s of 8K# T$e attack ro""s are 8K and
O# T$e first s$ot $its t$e umber $u"k and because of t$e direct $it t$e umber $u"k gets no
sa*ing t$row and suffers 3d8. %oints of damage from it 3t$e gob"ins are sti"" using masses
of sma"" stones5# T$e miss scatters using t$e s>uare containing t$e umber $u"k)s $ead as
t$e intended im%act s>uare# T$e ro"" is a 9 a straig$t o*ers$ot# T$e distance ro"" a"so is a
9 w$ic$ %"aces t$e umber $u"k wit$in t$e s$ot)s area of effect in s%ite of t$e miss# T$e
umber $u"k $as NRN -it 'ice and gets a sa*ing t$row *s# %etrification to a*oid damage= it
ro""s a 89 easi"y succeeding# 1e*ert$e"ess t$e direct $it con*inces it to retreat be"ow
ground wit$ its %rize#
'irect Fire Cngines
6a""istae and cannons fire t$eir %ro2ecti"es in a "ow f"at cur*e# T$ey are fair"y accurate
t$oug$ somew$at difficu"t to aim at sma"" targets# ,n"y "ig$t ba""istae can be aimed as
free"y as a $and/$e"d wea%on can= "arger engines can $it sma"" targets on"y by aiming at
t$e area containing t$e target#
&"" targets are considered &rmor C"ass 8.# !f t$e target is a creature 3not an area
containing a creature5 bonuses from 'e+terity and magica" %rotections a%%"y# T$e attack
ro"" is modified as fo""ows:
R3 for stationary targets=
L3 for targets mo*ing at a rate greater t$an 3 but "ess t$an 89=
LO for targets mo*ing at a rate of 89 or greater=
R; for t$e second and subse>uent s$ots at a stationary target=
R9 for targets w$ose "argest dimension is greater t$an 3.)=
R; for targets w$ose "argest dimension is greater t$an 9.)=
RO for targets w$ose "argest dimension is greater t$an 9M.)=
L9 for targets at medium range=
LK for targets at "ong range#
Modifiers for co*er and concea"ment a"so a%%"y# Concea"ment *ersus direct fire
bombardment engines is easier to find t$an true co*er as few barriers are substantia"
enoug$ to resist $its# For e+am%"e a t$ick $edgerow mig$t %ro*ide co*er from arrows
and s"ing stones but it can %ro*ide on"y concea"ment against cannon fire#
T$e %rocedures for determining t$e effects of $its and for determining e+act"y
w$ere a direct fire missi"e "ands are genera""y t$e same as for indirect fire engines e+ce%t
t$at $its in a 8K) area containing creatures too sma"" to target indi*idua""y ro"" 8d3 for
scatter distance# 'irect fire engines ro"" 9d; for scatter distance w$en t$ey miss#
Cannons: Creatures wit$in a cannon s$ot)s area of effect suffer 8d; %oints of
damage e*en if t$ey make t$eir sa*ing t$rows# &"" cannons $a*e t$e same basic damage
"isting against creatures78d89+K# ?o"" 8d89 and mu"ti%"y t$e resu"t by fi*e# T$is
re%resents t$e %ossib"y catastro%$ic effects of coming into contact wit$ t$e cannon ba"" or
t$e s$ra%ne" a cannon ba"" im%act %roduces# !f t$e 8d89 ro"" is 8. or $ig$er t$e affected
creature a"so must sa*e *s# deat$ or be ki""ed outrig$t 3see t$e 'eat$ from Massi*e
'amage ru"e in C$a%ter 9 of t$e PHB5#
Critica" -its and Fnockdowns: ,n"y direct $its can be critica" $its or cause
knockdowns# !f t$e ru"es from C$a%ter Ai+ are in %"ay cannons inf"ict Garge b"udgeoning
critica"s and most ba""istae inf"ict Garge %iercing critica"s# Aome ba""istae fire s$ot
instead of bo"ts and inf"ict Garge b"udgeoning critica"s#
F"aming Dro2ecti"es: 6a""istae can be "oaded wit$ bo"ts ti%%ed wit$ wads soaked in
%itc$ and wra%%ed in c"ot$# T$e f"aming bo"t)s range is reduced by 8E3 and it inf"icts
norma" damage and 8 %oint of additiona" fire damage if it scores a direct $it# T$e f"ame
can set fire to wooden structures#
&n C+am%"e of 'irect 6ombardment
T$e -uge umber $u"k from t$e ear"ier e+am%"e "ater disco*ers a community of gnomes
and c$arges to t$e attack sending t$e gnomes scurrying into t$eir burrows# T$e gnomes
$a*e insta""ed se*era" "ig$t ba""istae and a "ig$t cannon for defense# Two ba""istae and t$e
cannon take aim at t$e umber $u"k w$i"e it das$es about trying to "ocate its *anis$ed
%rey# T$e umber $u"k is about 9.. yards away from t$e bombardment engines#
Gig$t ba""istae can indi*idua""y target creatures of any size# T$e ba""istae $a*e
medium/range s$ots# T$e range im%oses a L9 %ena"ty and t$e scor%ion)s mo*ement of O
im%oses an additiona" L3# T$e ba""istae $a*e ad2usted T-&C.s of 8M# T$e attack ro""s are
K and 9.# T$e K is a miss= because t$e missi"e was targeted direct"y at t$e umber $u"k t$e
intended %oint of im%act is t$e umber $u"k)s s>uare c"osest to t$e ba""ista# T$e gnomes
ro"" a scatter die and get an N indicating a miss to t$e "eft# 1ow t$ey ro"" 9d; for distance
and get a 9 so t$e missi"e "ands two s>uares away and $as no affect on t$e umber $u"k#
Fortunate"y t$ere were no gnomes in t$e area to be $it by stray missi"es#
T$e 9. is good enoug$ to score a critica" $it against t$e umber $u"k)s effecti*e
&rmor C"ass of 8. e*en wit$ a LK attack %ena"ty# T$e umber $u"k is a -uge creature and
it suffers 3dO %oints of damage 3and %ossib"y a se*ere %iercing critica"5# T$e damage dice
tota" 88 %oints of damage#
T$e "ig$t cannon can a"so target a -uge creature so t$e crew aims it at t$e umber
$u"k# !ts ad2usted T-&C. is a 89# T$e attack ro"" is an N a miss# T$e scatter ro"" is a O
s$ort and dead a$ead# T$e distance ro"" is on"y a 9 w$ic$ 2ust bare"y %"aces t$e umber
$u"k wit$in t$e s$ot)s area of effect# T$e umber $u"k $as NRN -it 'ice and is a""owed a
sa*ing t$row *s# %etrification# !t ro""s a ; a fai"ure# T$e umber $u"k suffers 8d89+K %oints
of damage 3it wou"d $a*e suffered 8d; %oints of damage e*en if it $ad been successfu"5#
T$e damage ro"" is an N inf"icting ;. %oints of damage enoug$ to ki"" it after t$e 88
%oints of damage t$e umber $u"k suffered from t$e ba""ista bo"t#
He$ic"es Most *e$ic"es are sim%"y used to get %eo%"e or materia"s from %"ace to %"ace
and $a*e no function on t$e batt"efie"d e+ce%t as ob2ects of contention 3wagon"oads of
rare merc$andise or ta+ money often attract considerab"e attention5# Aome *e$ic"es are
designed to function as wea%ons $owe*er and most offer t$eir %assengers some
concea"ment or co*er# T$e most common ty%es are "isted be"ow#
C$ariot
T$ese "ig$tweig$t two/w$ee"ed *e$ic"es are usua""y o%en to%%ed# T$ey are fair"y >uick
and maneu*erab"e# ,ne to four "arge creatures can be $itc$ed to a sing"e c$ariot# &n
anima" drawing a c$ariot can %u"" twice its norma" 3unencumbered5 "oad at 9E3 of its
norma" mo*ement rate# Cac$ additiona" anima" added to t$e team eit$er increases t$e
mo*ement rate by one %oint or adds its ma+imum "oad to t$e c$ariot)s useab"e "oad#
For e+am%"e two "ig$t $orses cou"d %u"" a 3;./%ound c$ariot "oad at a mo*ement
rate of 8M or a ON./%ound c$ariot "oad at a rate of 8O# Atandard mo*ement rates for fu""y
"oaded c$ariots are gi*en in t$e indi*idua" descri%tions be"ow#
& c$ariot must sto% immediate"y if an anima" drawing it is ki""ed# T$e dri*er or a
%assenger must s%end a $a"f/mo*e action getting out and disentang"ing t$e anima" and an
additiona" $a"f/mo*e action or an attack cutting it "oose# Cutting an anima" "oose re>uires
a knife or s"as$ing wea%on#
&"t$oug$ c$ariots are $ig$"y maneu*erab"e *e$ic"es t$ey are not as agi"e as
c$aracters# & c$ariot must s%end one %oint of mo*ement to c$ange facing# & c$ariot
cannot c$ange facing in res%onse to attacks# !f a c$ariot c$anges facing more t$an four
times during a round t$e dri*er must make a dri*ing c$eck for eac$ additiona" c$ange or
t$e c$ariot f"i%s o*er#
C$ariots function best on smoot$ fair"y "e*e" ground# C$ariots must a*oid most
obstac"es= at t$e 'M)s o%tion c$ariots can attem%t to cross obstac"es "ess t$an 9) $ig$ 3or
dee%5 at a cost of two mo*ement %oints %er s>uare but a dri*ing c$eck is re>uired to
a*oid f"i%%ing o*er# !f a c$ariot crosses any terrain w$ere t$e footing reduces mo*ement
t$e c$ariot must %ay t$e mo*ement %ena"ty and must %ass a dri*ing c$eck at t$e end of
any %$ase w$en it attem%ts to mo*e or c$ange facing#
& c$ariot mo*es on its dri*er)s base initiati*e %$ase#
& c$ariot $as no cargo ca%acity beyond w$at its %assengers can carry on t$eir
%ersons 3t$oug$ %assengers can "ay t$eir %acks at t$eir feet w$i"e riding5#
& c$ariot can %erform o*erruns as t$oug$ it were a -uge creature= use t$e dri*er)s
T-&C. to reso"*e t$e attack of o%%ortunity w$en an o%%onent is knocked down 3see
C$a%ter ,ne5# C$ariots are treated as -uge creatures w$en reso"*ing fire from
bombardment engines# & c$ariot occu%ies as many s>uares on t$e ma% as re>uired to
accommodate t$e figure re%resenting it but ne*er "ess t$an four s>uares in any case#
& c$ariot)s %assenger ca%acity %rotecti*e *a"ue and ot$er c$aracteristics *ary
wit$ t$e ty%e of c$ariot:
& "ig$t c$ariot)s car can $o"d as many creatures as one ma% s>uare 3one Garge creature
two Man/sized creatures and so on= see C$a%ter ,ne5# !f t$e %assengers go into c"ose
order so t$ey can fit into a car t$ey need not a"" $a*e t$e same facing but t$e dri*er
must face forward# Man/sized %assengers in a "ig$t c$ariot can c"aim K.U
concea"ment from fronta" attacks#
&n o*errun attack *s# a Garge or Man/sized creature wit$ a "ig$t c$ariot re>uires a
dri*ing c$eck if t$e o%%onent is knocked down# !f t$e c$eck fai"s t$e c$ariot f"i%s o*er#
& "ig$t c$ariot drawn by two "ig$t $orses can carry two armored men at a s%eed of
8N#
& medium c$ariot)s car can $o"d as many creatures as two ma% s>uares# Man/sized
%assengers in a medium c$ariot can c"aim K.U co*er from fronta" attacks and K.U
concea"ment from f"ank attacks#
&n o*errun attack *s# a Garge or Man/sized creature wit$ a medium c$ariot
re>uires a dri*ing c$eck at R8 if t$e o%%onent is knocked down# !f t$e c$eck fai"s t$e
c$ariot f"i%s o*er#
& medium c$ariot drawn by t$ree "ig$t $orses can carry four armored men at a
s%eed of 8N#
& $ea*y c$ariot)s car can $o"d as many creatures as t$ree ma% s>uares# Man/sized
%assengers in a $ea*y c$ariot can c"aim K.U co*er from fronta" and f"ank attacks#
-ea*y c$ariots do not re>uire dri*ing c$ecks w$en making o*erruns#
& $ea*y c$ariot drawn by four "ig$t $orses can carry si+ armored men at a s%eed
of 8N#
& c$ariot dri*er cannot attack w$i"e t$e *e$ic"e is mo*ing e+ce%t for swer*ing attacks
3see be"ow5#
C$ariot %assengers get t$eir fu"" a""otment of me"ee or missi"e attacks regard"ess
of t$e c$ariot)s mo*ement# Dassengers cannot make me"ee attacks against o%%onents in
front of t$e c$ariot un"ess t$ey are armed wit$ wea%ons "ong enoug$ to reac$ t$ose
s>uares# Dassengers make t$eir me"ee attacks in t$e norma" initiati*e order#
!f t$e c$ariot is mo*ing during an action %$ase w$en a %assenger makes an attack
t$e %assenger attacks at t$e end of t$e c$ariot)s mo*ement# !f a c$ariot is mo*ing at fu""
s%eed any missi"e or me"ee attacks t$e %assengers make suffer a L9 attack %ena"ty# !f t$e
c$ariot mo*es at $a"f s%eed or "ess t$e attack %ena"ty is L8# T$ere is no %ena"ty for
attacking from a motion"ess c$ariot#
!t is not %ossib"e to cast a s%e"" from a c$ariot mo*ing at greater t$an $a"f s%eed or
from a c$ariot mo*ing o*er roug$ ground at any s%eed# !f t$e c$ariot is mo*ing at $a"f
s%eed or "ess a %assenger can cast a s%e"" on"y if anot$er %assenger $e"%s steady $im#
&ny c$ariot can be e>ui%%ed wit$ scyt$e b"ades on its w$ee"s and t$e front of t$e
car# & scyt$e c$ariot inf"icts an e+tra 9dO %oints of damage w$en making o*erruns# !f t$e
defender is not knocked down during an o*errun attem%t t$e attacker sti"" can make an
attack of o%%ortunity t$at inf"icts 8dO %oints of damage#
& c$aracter dri*ing a scyt$e c$ariot a"so can swer*e making $is norma" a""otment
of me"ee attacks against sing"e creatures in t$e car)s f"ank s>uares# T$e attacks are made
during t$e c$ariot)s mo*ement %$ase and are reso"*ed as norma" me"ee attacks e+ce%t t$at
t$e defender recei*es no &rmor C"ass bonuses for 'e+terity or a s$ie"d and t$e attack
recei*es no attack ro"" or damage bonuses from Atrengt$# !f t$e attack $its treat it as a
successfu" o*errun= t$e minimum damage is 9dO# !f a swer*e attack inf"icts a critica" $it
treat t$e scyt$e as a "arge s"as$ing wea%on#
-owda$
& $owda$ is a fig$ting %"atform stra%%ed to a beast)s back# -owda$s usua""y are used on
-uge or "arger creatures but t$ey can be used on Garge creatures as we""#
Most $owda$s are o%en to%%ed and %ro*ide K.U co*er to Man/sized creatures
inside against attacks from t$e $owda$)s front f"ank or rear#
Gike a c$ariot a $owda$)s %assenger ca%acity is measured in ma% s>uares# &
$owda$)s weig$t and ma+imum ca%acity *aries wit$ t$e size of t$e creature t$at carries it
as fo""ows:
Creature Aize Ca%acityT Weig$t
Garge 8 K. "bs#
-uge 9 8.. "bs#
4argantuan 3 8K. "bs#
TMa+imum ca%acity= -uge and 4argantuan creatures can carry sma""er $owda$s# Aome
common sense ad2ustments are necessary# For e+am%"e %o"ar bears are -uge creatures
but t$eir rounded bodies and rocking gait "imits t$em to one/s%ace $owda$s at best#
Bn"ess t$e beast carrying a $owda$ $as at "east "ow inte""igence one %assenger must act
as t$e dri*er or maho"t# Bsua""y t$e ma$out does not ride in t$e $owda$ but in a sadd"e
"ocated near t$e creature)s $ead w$ere t$e ma$out can issue commands more easi"y# &
ma$out mounted t$is way counts against t$e beast)s tota" "oad but not t$e $owda$)s
ca%acity= t$us a war e"e%$ant cou"d carry four men in a $owda$ %"us a ma$out in a
sadd"e# & beast wit$out a ma$out acts as an 1DC under t$e 'M)s contro"#
& ma$out usua""y is com%"ete"y occu%ied wit$ contro"ing t$e beast# !f t$e beast is
inte""igent or e+ce%tiona""y we""/trained t$e ma$out can function as a mounted c$aracter#
Dassengers in a $owda$ can fire missi"es cast s%e""s or make me"ee attacks 3but
see t$e note on e"e*ation be"ow5 as t$oug$ stationary as "ong as t$e beast carrying t$e
$owda$ does not c$arge s%rint engage in me"ee or attem%t an o*errun# !f t$e beast
c$arges engages in me"ee or attem%ts an o*errun e*eryone in t$e $owda$ must dec"are
a $a"f/mo*e action to stay inside and kee% steady# !f t$e beast s%rints e*eryone in t$e
$owda$ must dec"are a fu""/mo*e action to stay inside and can do not$ing e"se#
Dassengers can try to 2um% out= a c$aracter w$o 2um%s out of a $owda$ is considered
knocked down and suffers 8dO %oints of damage un"ess $e ro""s a successfu" sa*ing t$row
*s# breat$ wea%on#
C$aracters riding a -uge beast are considered to be one s>uare abo*e t$e
batt"efie"d w$i"e c$aracters riding a 4argantuan beast are considered two s>uares abo*e#
C$aracters e"e*ated abo*e t$e batt"efie"d cannot make me"ee attacks or be attacked in
me"ee un"ess wea%ons wit$ sufficient reac$ are em%"oyed or t$e o%%onent is t$e same
size as t$e mount "arger t$an t$e mount or no more t$an one size c"ass sma""er t$an t$e
mount# For e+am%"e a man riding in a tricerato%s $owda$ and armed wit$ an a+e cou"d
not attack or be attacked by a footman armed wit$ a c"ub but $e cou"d attack or be
attacked by an ogre#
& creature carrying a $owda$ mo*es on its base initiate %$ase#
Carryin& Capacities For Beasts
!f a creature)s carrying ca%acity is not "isted in t$e PHB assume t$at most creatures can
carry fi*e %ounds %er %oint of Atrengt$ 3see t$e formu"a for com%uting t$is in C$a%ter
Two5= %articu"ar"y "arge or sturdy >uadru%eds can carry 8. %ounds %er %oint of effecti*e
Atrengt$# To t$ese numbers add ;.. %ounds if t$e creature is -uge and O.. %ounds if t$e
creature is 4argantuan#
T$e resu"ting number is t$e creature)s norma" "oad w$ic$ a""ows mo*ement at t$e
creature)s base s%eed# T$e creature can carry 8K.U of its norma" "oad and mo*e at 9E3
s%eed and it can carry twice its norma" "oad and mo*e at 8E3 s%eed# & f"ying creature
reduced to 9E3 s%eed "oses one maneu*erabi"ity c"ass= a f"ying creature reduced to 8E3
s%eed cannot f"y#
1ote t$at t$is is intended as a >uick met$od for determining carrying ca%acities#
W$ere %re*ious"y %ub"is$ed information conf"icts wit$ t$e numbers %resented $ere
c$oose t$e one t$at seems most a%%ro%riate# Aome sam%"e ca"cu"ations are %ro*ided in
t$e tab"e on t$e ne+t %age#
1ote t$at t$e size category of t$e &frican e"e%$ant $as been a"tered from its "isting in t$e
Monstro"s Man"al# !t seemed on"y reasonab"e t$at t$e e"e%$ant)s carrying ca%acity
s$ou"d be e>ui*i"ant to if not greater t$an t$e %o"ar bear a -uge creature as we""#
Wagon
T$ese cumbersome four/w$ee"ed *e$ic"es are usefu" for carrying %assengers or cargo#
,ne to 89 "arge creatures can be $itc$ed to a wagon# &n anima" drawing a wagon can %u""
tri%"e its norma" 3unencumbered5 "oad at $a"f its norma" mo*ement rate# &dditiona"
anima"s attac$ed to a wagon eit$er increase t$e wagon)s mo*ement rate by one or add
t$eir tri%"ed "oad to t$e usefu" "oad# For e+am%"e two "ig$t $orses cou"d $au" a K8./%ound
wagon "oad at a s%eed of 83 or a 8.9./%ound wagon "oad at a s%eed of 89#
& wagon must s%end a mo*ement %oint to c$ange facing and eac$ c$ange of
facing must be se%arated by at "east one s>uare of straig$t mo*ement# & wagon cannot
c$ange facing in res%onse to attacks# !f a wagon c$anges facing more t$an twice in a
round t$e dri*er must make a dri*ing c$eck on eac$ additiona" c$ange or t$e wagon ti%s
o*er#
Gike c$ariots wagons function best on smoot$ "e*e" ground# Bn"ike c$ariots
wagons cannot attem%t to cross obstac"es# Bnstab"e footing s"ows wagons and can cause
t$em to f"i% o*er#
& wagon mo*es on its dri*er)s base initiati*e %$ase#
& wagon can %erform o*erruns as t$oug$ it were a -uge creature# Wagons are not
%articu"ar"y difficu"t to a*oid and t$e target gets a R9 bonus to t$e knockdown sa*ing
t$row# &"" ot$er modifiers a%%"y# For e+am%"e a $uman sub2ected to a wagon)s o*errun
wou"d norma""y $a*e a L; %ena"ty to t$e knockdown sa*ing t$row for being two sizes
sma""er t$an t$e wagon but t$e %ena"ty is reduced to L9 because of t$e wagon)s R9
modifier#
& wagon is treated as a -uge target w$en reso"*ing fire from a bombardment
engine# & wagon occu%ies as many s>uares on t$e ma% as re>uired to accommodate t$e
figure re%resenting it but ne*er "ess t$an four s>uares in any case#
& wagon)s cargo and %assenger ca%acity is determined by t$e number of anima"s
%u""ing it and by its size= a wagon can $a*e from one to si+ s>uares of %assenger ca%acity#
Man/sized creatures in a norma" wagon can c"aim 9KU co*er from t$e wagon)s
sides# !f t$e wagon is co*ered or enc"osed it offers K.U co*er# & s%ecia"ized war wagon
offers eac$ %assenger 9.U co*er#
Dassengers in a wagon can fire missi"es cast s%e""s or make me"ee attacks as
t$oug$ stationary as "ong as t$e anima"s %u""ing t$e wagon do not c$arge engage in
me"ee rout or attem%t an o*errun# !f t$e team c$arges fig$ts or attem%ts an o*errun
e*eryone in t$e wagon must dec"are a $a"f/mo*e action to stay inside and kee% steady# !f
t$e team routs e*eryone in t$e wagon must dec"are a fu""/mo*e action to stay inside and
can do not$ing e"se# Dassengers can try to 2um% out= a c$aracter w$o 2um%s out of a
wagon is considered knocked down and suffers 8dO %oints of damage un"ess $e ro""s a
successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# breat$ wea%on#
Carryin& Capacities for Beasts
Size 'ormal /oad; Moderate /oad; Ma"imum /oad;
Creature Speed:: Speed:: Speed::
&frican C"e%$antT - - ON.E8K 8.9.E8. 83O.EK
&nky"osaurusT - OO.EO 99.E; 839.E9
4riffonT G 98.E89 38KE9 ;9.E;
F" 3. 3C5 F" 9. 3'5
Mammot$T - M..E89 8.3.E9 8;..E;
Do"ar 6ear - K3.E89 M;KE9 8.O.E;
Ai"*er 'ragon - KK.E9 N9KEO 88..E3
@oung F" 3. 3C5 F" 9. 3'5
4iant Atag 6eet"eT G 98.EO 38KE; ;9.E9
Aubterranean GizardT - O3.E89 9;KE9 89O.E;
Tricerato%sT - M3.E9 8.9KEO 8;O.E;
W$ite 'ragonT 4 9O.E89 8;;.E9 899.E;
,"d F" ;. 3C5 F" 9M 3'5
Wy*ern 4 M;KEO 888ME;8;9.E9
F" 9; 3C5 F" 8O 3C5
T Creature recei*es sturdy >uadru%ed bonus
TT Creature mo*es at t$e "isted s%eed as "ong as its "oad does not e+ceed t$e "isted
weig$t ot$erwise it mo*es at t$e ne+t s"ower rate# Creatures "oaded beyond t$eir
ma+imum ca%acity cannot mo*e#
- T$e &frican e"e%$ant is "isted as Garge in t$e Monstro"s Man"al accessory= $owe*er
it $as been c$anged to a -uge creature for %ur%oses of t$is tab"e in order to bring it in
"ine wit$ t$e ot$er creatures "isted#
'ri*ing C$ecks and F"i%%ing ,*er
&n unski""ed c$ariot or wagon dri*er must ro"" an N or "ess on 8d9. to kee% from f"i%%ing
o*er in a dangerous situation# T$e dri*er can add $is &rmor C"ass ad2ustment from
'e+terityE&gi"ity to t$e re>uired number and gets an additiona" R8 bonus if $e a"so $as
t$e anima" $and"ing %roficiency# !f t$e dri*er $as t$e *e$ic"e $and"ing %roficiency $e can
make a %roficiency c$eck instead of a dri*ing ro""= t$e R8 bonus for t$e anima" $and"ing
%roficiency a"so a%%"ies to t$e c$eck#
T$e *e$ic"e f"i%s o*er if t$e c$eck fai"s# C*eryone in t$e *e$ic"e must ro"" a successfu"
sa*ing t$row *s# breat$ wea%on or be %inned underneat$# & successfu" ro"" indicates t$at
t$e c$aracter is t$rown c"ear# !f t$e *e$ic"e is fu""y enc"osed by a rigid structure
%assengers cannot be %inned under it but anyone inside must s%end a"" of t$e ne+t round
c"imbing out# Dassengers in an o%en/to%%ed wagon 3not a c$ariot5 get a R3 bonus to t$e
ro""# !f t$e ro"" is successfu" t$e c$aracter is considered knocked down and must s%end a
$a"f/mo*e or attack action to stand u%# & %inned c$aracter remains %rone under t$e
*e$ic"e for t$e remainder of t$e round and must s%end a"" of t$e ne+t round getting c"ear#
?amming
?amming occurs w$en *e$ic"es 3inc"uding creatures carrying $owda$s5 attack eac$ ot$er
direct"y# & ramming attack is reso"*ed during t$e attacker)s mo*ement %$ase#
!f a *e$ic"e attacks anot$er *e$ic"e make an o%%osed dri*ing ro""# T$e fo""owing
modifiers a%%"y:
R8 for eac$ size c"ass "arger t$an t$e o%%onent=
R8 for $a*ing more w$ee"s or "egs t$an t$e o%%onent#
!f t$e defender wins t$e ro"" one of t$e attacker)s w$ee"s as determined by t$e 'M must
ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# crus$ing b"ow 3see DMG Tab"e 995# !f t$e ro"" fai"s t$e
w$ee" breaks and t$e attacking *e$ic"e f"i%s o*er# !f t$e attacker wins t$e ro"" one of t$e
defender)s w$ee"s must ro"" *s# crus$ing b"ow as abo*e# !f t$e w$ee" does not break t$e
defender sti"" must make a dri*ing c$eck to a*oid f"i%%ing o*er#
!f a creature attacks a *e$ic"e t$e *e$ic"e)s dri*er ro""s an o%%osed dri*ing c$eck
*s# t$e creature)s effecti*e Atrengt$ score# !f t$e creature wins t$e ro"" t$e *e$ic"e f"i%s
o*er# & creature cannot attack a *e$ic"e in t$is fas$ion un"ess it is at "east as "arge as t$e
*e$ic"e# !f t$e *e$ic"e wins t$e ro"" t$e creature must *eer away from t$e *e$ic"e#
!f a *e$ic"e attacks a creature t$at is too "arge to be o*errun use t$e %rocedure
out"ined abo*e# !f t$e *e$ic"e wins t$e ro"" t$e creature must mo*e one s>uare 2ust as
t$oug$ it $ad been o*errun 3but t$e attacking *e$ic"e inf"icts no damage5#
!f an attacker tries to ram an unattended *e$ic"e use t$e %rocedures out"ined
abo*e# T$e unattended *e$ic"e $as a defau"t dri*ing ski"" of K#
Misce""aneous War Mac$ines T$e fo""owing wea%ons do not fit into any of t$e
%re*ious categories yet t$ey cou"d *ery easi"y be found on t$e batt"efie"d#
6attering ?am
!n its sim%"est form a battering ram consists of a sturdy beam t$at one or more creatures
can %ick u% and swing against a %orta" or wa"" to batter it down# More com%"e+ rams $a*e
beams wit$ reinforced $eads and a frame to su%%ort t$e beam# &ny "ong $ea*y ob2ect
3suc$ as a "og or benc$5 between fi*e and 3. feet "ong can be used as a sim%"e ram
%ro*ided t$ere is at "east fi*e feet of free s%ace be$ind t$e ram 3to a""ow t$e crew to
swing it5# & minimum of one Man/sized creature is re>uired of eac$ K feet of ram and a
ma+imum of two Man/sized creatures is a""owed %er fi*e feet of ram# & ram can affect
on"y %orta"s structures or "arge stationary ob2ects 3see t$e Csca"ades section be"ow5#
Creatures carrying or wie"ding a sim%"e ram mo*e and defend as t$oug$ $ea*i"y
encumbered regard"ess of t$e ram)s actua" weig$t#
& ram sus%ended from a frame can be from 8. to O. feet "ong# & sus%ended ram
a""ows t$e crew to em%"oy its strengt$ more efficient"y inf"icting more damage#
& ram crew can swing t$e ram once a round during t$e *ery s"ow %$ase#
6ore
& bore a"so known as a sow is simi"ar to a sus%ended battering ram but $as a $ead
simi"ar to a %ointed screw# T$e screw $ead is *ery effecti*e against stonework#
,t$erwise it functions as a sus%ended ram#
Cau"dron
T$e most common form of t$is wea%on is a $uge kett"e %"aced in a frame t$at a""ows it to
ti% and s%i"" its contents on unfortunate o%%onents be"ow# T$e same effect can be obtained
by sus%ending a barre" bucket or b"adder from a beam and ti%%ing or s%"itting t$e
container so t$at its contents s%i"" out#
Bn"ess ot$erwise noted t$e contents of a cau"dron %our down in a stream one
s>uare wide# W$en it $its t$e ground it forms a %udd"e t$ree s>uares wide and t$ree
s>uares "ong centered on t$e %oint of im%act# !f t$ere is a wa"" or simi"ar barrier t$at
kee%s t$e %oo" from s%reading out t$e %oo" is fi*e s>uares "ong and two s>uares wide
wit$ t$e "ong side "ying a"ong t$e barrier#
T$e amount of damage a cau"dron inf"icts *aries wit$ t$e ty%e of materia" in it:
F"aming oi" burns for two rounds inf"icting 9dO %oints of damage on t$e first round and
8dO %oints of damage on t$e second round=
6oi"ing oi" must be $eated for at "east one $our before use or it is treated e+act"y "ike
f"aming oi" 3once $eated its tem%erature can be maintained as "ong as fue" is
a*ai"ab"e5# 6oi"ing oi" burns for two rounds inf"icting ;dO %oints of damage t$e first
round and 8dO %oints of damage on t$e second round=
6oi"ing water is muc$ c$ea%er t$an boi"ing oi"# !t must be $eated for 3. minutes before
use# 6oi"ing water inf"icts 9d; %oints of damage w$en it strikes a creature and 8d;
%oints of damage t$e round t$ereafter as it soaks into fur or c"ot$ing and continues to
sca"d# Creatures entering t$e area of effect on t$e second round take no damage=
Mo"ten "ead must be $eated at "east four $ours before use and t$e *o"ume of $ot "i>uid is
genera""y sma""# Mo"ten "ead forms a %udd"e two s>uares wide and two s>uares "ong
wit$ one s>uare direct"y under t$e cau"dron and s%reading away from t$e cau"dron to
t$e "eft or rig$t as t$e attacker c$ooses# Mo"ten "ead sears its targets for t$ree rounds
inf"icting ;dO %oints of damage t$e first round 3dO %oints of damage t$e second
round and 9dO %oints of damage t$e t$ird round#
4a""ery A$ed
& ga""ery s$ed is a "ow structure bui"t to %rotect a ram bore or team of sa%%ers 3see t$e
Csca"ades section be"ow5# !t $as a %eaked roof of $ea*y %"anks it is su%%orted by t$ick
wooden wa""s and it is usua""y w$ee"ed and co*ered wit$ wet $ides to make it f"ame
resistant# 4a""ery s$eds are usua""y 8K to O. feet "ong and fi*e to 9. feet wide# T$e s$ed
%rotects as many ma% s>uares as it co*ers# For e+am%"e a 8./ by K./foot s$ed %rotects 9.
s>uares# Creatures wit$in are com%"ete"y $idden from *iew and %rotected from missi"e
and me"ee attacks "unc$ed from outside t$e s$ed# Creatures wit$in t$e s$ed $owe*er
cannot attack e+ce%t to o%erate t$eir ram or bore to make sa%%ing attacks#
!f t$e s$ed $as no w$ee"s it takes one Man/sized creature to carry it for eac$ ma%
s>uare it co*ers# T$e 8./ by K./foot s$ed from t$e %re*ious e+am%"e wou"d re>uire 9.
Man/sized creatures to carry it# Creatures carrying t$e s$ed mo*e as t$oug$ se*ere"y
encumbered regard"ess of its weig$t# !f t$e s$ed is w$ee"ed it can be %us$ed a"ong as
t$oug$ t$e crew were $ea*i"y encumbered but it cannot negotiate roug$ terrain or e*en
moderate s"o%es#
4reek Fire Dro2ector
4reek fire is an a"c$emica" mi+ture t$at readi"y bursts into f"ame and burns furious"y# &
4reek fire %ro2ector is a meta" tube about si+ inc$es wide and fi*e feet "ong# W$en
unca%%ed it acts "ike a f"ame t$rower s%raying a "ine of f"ame one s>uare wide and four
s>uares "ong# T$e "ine begins at t$e %ro2ector)s mout$ and e+tends direct"y away#
Creatures wit$in t$e area immediate"y suffer 3d8. %oints of damage un"ess t$ey ro"" a
successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# breat$ wea%on for $a"f of t$at# Targets suffer an additiona"
8d8. %oints of damage during t$e ne+t two rounds regard"ess of t$e initia" sa*ing t$row)s
resu"t#
Mant"etE&batis
& mant"et is somet$ing "ike an o*ersized s$ie"d# !t is ty%ica""y made of $ea*y %"anks and
is si+ feet $ig$ and 8. feet wide# & sing"e figure armed wit$ a bow or crossbow can fire
t$roug$ an o%ening in t$e mant"et and c"aim 9.U co*er# &dditiona" figures firing from
be$ind t$e mant"et can c"aim K.U co*er#
& mant"et weig$s 8.. %ounds and re>uires at "east two Man/sized creatures to
carry it# Creatures carrying a mant"et mo*e as t$oug$ $ea*i"y encumbered 3due to t$e
mant"et)s bu"k5 e*en if t$ey can $and"e t$e weig$t# Mant"ets usua""y are fitted wit$ %ro%s
so t$e troo%s carrying it can set it down and use it wit$out being encumbered#
&n abatis is simi"ar to a mant"et but "ower and t$icker# !t is used to %"ug breec$es
in wa""s and to %ro*ide a semi/mobi"e barrier against foes# &n abatis %ro*ides K.U co*er
to creatures be$ind it# Garge/sized and sma""er creatures cannot cross an abatis unti" it is
destroyed# 4iants and ot$er -uge bi%eda" creatures can cross an abatis at a cost of two
mo*ement %oints#
?am Catc$er
T$is is a "arge $ook or fork on a "ong %o"e# Ty%ica""y it can catc$ and $o"d a ram or bore
working direct"y be"ow# T$e ram remains $e"d unab"e to attack unti" t$e attackers break
t$e ram catc$er or ki"" t$e crew# T$e ram catc$er is too sma"" to be attacked by
bombardment engines but it is susce%tib"e to attacks from s"as$ing wea%ons# !t $as an
&rmor C"ass of 9 and 3. $it %oints#
?ocks
,ne of t$e most sim%"e and effecti*e ways to defend a wa"" or fortification is to $ur"
c$unks of rock or masonry down on t$e attackers# T$e c$aracter $ur"ing t$e rock makes a
norma" attack ro""# T$e damage inf"icted *aries wit$ t$e size of t$e rock and t$e distance
it fa""s:
Size
Small Medium /ar&e
7noc-down )ie 9d5 9d@ 9d93
)istance Fallen
2hort 8d; 9d; 3d;
Medi"m 8dN 9dN 9dN
3ong 8d8. 9d8. 3d8.
Ama"" rocks weig$ "ess t$an four %ounds# Medium rocks weig$ more t$an four but
"ess t$an eig$t %ounds# Garge rocks weig$ eig$t %ounds or more#
& s$ort fa"" is 8. to 3. feet# & medium fa"" is 38 to O. feet= t$e standard L9
modifier for missi"es at medium range a%%"ies# & "ong fa"" is O8 feet or more= t$e standard
LK modifier for missi"es at "ong range a%%"ies# 'e+terity bonuses a%%"y to t$e attack ro""
but Atrengt$ bonuses do not 3nor do Atrengt$ bonuses a%%"y to t$e damage ro""5# ?ocks
are dro%%ed on t$e attacker)s base initiati*e %$ase#
Critical #its and 7noc-down )ice
& dro%%ed rock inf"icts Ama"" Medium or Garge b"unt critica" $its de%ending on its size#
&"" rocks add R8 to t$e knockdown die at medium distances and R9 to t$e knockdown die
at "ong distances#
Multiple Tar&ets
!f a rock is dro%%ed on a grou% a"" sca"ing t$e wa"" by t$e same route "adder or ro%e t$e
attacker makes a norma" attack ro"" against t$e "ead c"imber# C*ery creature be"ow t$e
"eader must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# breat$ wea%on to a*oid being $it as we""#
T$e ot$er c"imbers recei*e a R3 bonus to t$e sa*e if t$e initia" attack misses#
Aiege Tower
T$is construction is a"so ca""ed a be"fry# !t consists of a framework mounted on w$ee"s
and co*ered wit$ t$ick %"anks and a "ayer of $ides soaked in water 3to make t$e structure
f"ame resistant5# T$e w$o"e tower is about ;. feet $ig$# !nside a siege tower $as t$ree
stories: T$e ground f"oor is about 8K feet s>uare# Creatures on t$is f"oor are %rotected as
if t$ey were in a ga""ery s$ed 3see abo*e5# T$e second story is 3. feet from t$e ground#
T$is story is e>ui%%ed eit$er wit$ t$ree arrow s"its w$ere troo%s armed wit$ bows or
crossbows can fire out wit$ 9.U co*er or a 8./ to 8K/foot drawbridge t$at can be
"owered to %ro*ide >uick access to t$e to% of a wa""# W$i"e t$e drawbridge is u% troo%s
on t$e second story $a*e 8..U co*er#
T$e t$ird story is a %artia""y enc"osed deck about 8. feet s>uare# Creatures on t$e
deck $a*e t$e same benefits as creatures be$ind a mant"et#
Ai+ Man/sized creatures working wit$in t$e bottom story can %us$ a siege tower
as t$oug$ t$ey were se*ere"y encumbered# Ai+ more Man/sized creatures can %us$ from
be$ind t$e tower and t$e team of 89 can mo*e as t$oug$ $ea*i"y encumbered# Gike a
w$ee"ed ga""ery s$ed a siege tower cannot cross roug$ terrain or moderate s"o%es#
Misce""aneous War Mac$ine
Costs and Weig$ts
Machine Cost Wei&ht
6ore K.. 8..LO..
Cau"dron K. 8K.
4a""ery A$ed 9K.LK.. ;..L;9..
4reek Fire Dro2ector K.. MK
Mant"et 8K 8..
?am Catc$er 9K 9K
?am Aim%"e K. K.L3..
?am Aus%ended ;.. 8..LO..
Aiege Tower N.. 9...
Csca"ades Tec$nica""y an esca"ade is an attem%t to storm a cast"e or fort by sca"ing t$e
wa""s usua""y wit$ "adders# ?u"es for doing so are inc"uded $ere but t$is section a"so
inc"udes ru"es for ot$er ty%es of actions t$at can take %"ace during a Player's Option
combat scenario inc"uding combat between war mac$ines#
T$e &%%roac$ of a Cast"e
T$e area around a cast"e usua""y %ro*ides c"ear "ines of fire out to t$e ma+imum range of
t$e cast"e)s defensi*e wea%ons# For e+am%"e a cast"e e>ui%%ed wit$ "ig$t ba""istae offers
a c"ear "ine of fire out to 33. yards# T$e encounter range is a"ways t$e same as t$e
ma+imum missi"e range#
Footing around a cast"e *aries wit$ t$e terrain# & cast"e bui"t on a %"ain $as good
footing# Mountain cast"es are surrounded by rocky s"o%es 39E3 or 8E3 mo*ement w$en
going u%$i""5 forest cast"es tend to be surrounded by masses of stum%s w$ere trees $a*e
been cut to %ro*ide c"ear "ines of fire 38E3 mo*ement5#
Co*er is genera""y not a*ai"ab"e to creatures attacking a cast"e once t$ey enter
ma+imum missi"e range regard"ess of t$e >ua"ity of t$e footing#
& cast"e)s wa""s %resent an ob*ious obstac"e to attackers# !n addition cast"es often
are surrounded by ditc$es or moats usua""y from 8. to 9. feet dee%#
Wa""s
,ne way to ca%ture a cast"e or fortress is to c"imb t$e wa""s and o*er%ower t$e defenders
inside# T$is sort of undertaking is *ery dangerous but its sim%"icity and s%eed makes it
an ob*ious c$oice for sma"" bands of $eroes#
T$ere are four basic ty%es of cast"e wa""s in t$e &'&' game:
Wooden *alisades: T$ese wa""s usua""y are made from s$ar%ened "ogs about si+ inc$es
t$ick# T$ey ty%ica""y are 8. to 8K feet ta""# 'efenders cannot fig$t from ato% a %a"isade
un"ess it is %ro*ided wit$ a catwa"k or $oardings 3see be"ow5#
Stone: T$ese wa""s are made of a sing"e "ayer of stone or brick and are ot$erwise simi"ar
to %a"isades#
Curtain Walls: T$ese wa""s are bui"t of two "ayers of dressed stone wit$ dirt and rubb"e
%acked in between# Curtain wa""s genera""y are t$ick enoug$ to %ro*ide a fig$ting
%"atform and are usua""y batt"emented 3see be"ow5 to %ro*ide e+tra co*er# Curtain wa""s
are usua""y 3. to O. feet $ig$ and can be from 8. to 3. feet t$ick#
%arth ramparts: T$ese wa""s are mounds of dirt usua""y carefu""y %acked and braced#
Bn"ike t$e ot$er t$ree ty%es of wa""s w$ic$ are *ertica" a ram%art s"o%es u%ward at a
stee% ang"e# 'efenders can fig$t from ato% a ram%art but a stone wa"" %a"isade or
catwa"k often is added at t$e to% to %ro*ide e+tra co*er# ?am%arts are usua""y 9. to ;.
feet $ig$ and ;. to N. feet t$ick#
Wall )efenses
& sim%"e wa"" offers no co*er to c$aracters standing on it# Cast"e designers $owe*er $ad
se*era" ways to rectify t$e %rob"em:
Battlement: T$is is a barrier about si+ feet $ig$ wit$ a"ternating so"id %arts 3mer"ons5
and o%enings 3embrasures5# & batt"ement gi*es Man/sized creatures standing be$ind it
K.U co*er w$i"e acti*e"y defending t$e wa"" against attacks coming from be"ow t$e
batt"ement# T$e best co*er an acti*e defender can c"aim from attacks coming from t$e
batt"ement)s "e*e" or $ig$er 3for e+am%"e from attackers ato% a siege tower5 is 9KU# &
wa"" "ess t$an 8. feet t$ick re>uires a catwa"k to make a batt"ement usefu"#
Catwal-: T$is is a narrow "edge t$at a""ows defenders to $ide be$ind t$e wa""# !t grants
9KU co*er against attacks coming from be"ow#
%mbrasure Shutter: T$ese $ea*y wooden s$utters can be added to a batt"ement to
increases t$e co*er *a"ue to MKU against a"" attacks#
#oardin&: T$is wooden construction is simi"ar to a catwa"k but it is bui"t on t$e outside
of t$e wa""# !t gi*es 9.U co*er to creatures attacking o%%onents at t$e base of t$e wa""
and MKU co*er ot$erwise# & $oarding made of stone is ca""ed a mac$ico"ation#
Splay: T$is is an ang"ed area at t$e base of a wa""# !t $e"%s su%%ort t$e wa"" and makes it
difficu"t for siege engines to attack t$e wa"" direct"y# !f t$e defenders dro% rocks from
ato% a wa"" fitted wit$ a s%"ay t$e wea%ons scatter if t$ey miss# Bse t$e bombardment
engine scatter diagram but treat a ro"" of K O or M as a ro"" of 9# T$e rock bounces one
s>uare in t$e indicated direction# War mac$ines are automatica""y struck and creatures
must ro"" a successfu" sa*ing t$row *s# breat$ wea%on or be struck regard"ess of &rmor
C"ass#
Scalin& Walls
!t is %ossib"e for most c$aracters to c"imb a cast"e)s wa""s# Aee t$e Player's Handboo#
C$a%ter 8; for basic c"imbing ru"es# Treat %a"isades as roug$ surfaces stone and curtain
wa""s as *ery smoot$ surfaces and ram%arts as s"o%ing wa""s 3see PHB Tab"e 9M5# 1ote
t$at c"imbing mo*ement is measured in feet %er round# C$aracters sca"ing a wa"" suffer a
number of restrictions and %ena"ties:
& c"imber "oses a"" &rmor C"ass bonuses from a s$ie"d and 'e+terity=
& c"imber suffers a L9 %ena"ty to attack damage and sa*ing t$row ro""s=
&ttacks directed at a c"imber from t$e ground gain t$e standard R9 bonus for rear attacks#
&ttacks directed at a c"imber from ato% t$e wa"" gain t$e standard R8 bonus for an
attacker on $ig$er ground=
& c"imber struck for any amount of damage must succeed wit$ an immediate c"imbing
c$eck or fa"" to t$e ground# !f an attack a"so causes a knockdown c$ance or a forced
retreat t$e c"imber must make a successfu" sa*ing t$row ro"" *s# deat$ or fa"" to t$e
ground=
& c"imber cannot em%"oy a two/$anded wea%on#
/adders
T$is is t$e best way for an unski""ed c"imber to get u% a wa""# Carrying a "adder re>uires
two Man/sized creatures %er 8. feet of "engt$# T$e carriers mo*e as t$oug$ $ea*i"y
encumbered# & "adder can be %ut in %osition against a wa"" in t$e Cnd/of/?ound ste% of
any round w$en it is carried to t$e base of t$e wa""# & "adder must be at "east as "ong as
t$e wa"" is ta"" %"us fi*e feet# & c$aracter can c"imb four feet of "adder %er mo*ement
%oint eac$ round#
'efenders ato% a wa"" can use an attack to %us$ a "adder away# !f t$e "adder is not
braced or "oaded wit$ c"imbers t$e attem%t a"ways succeeds# ,t$erwise t$e "adder fa""s
if t$e defender makes a successfu" o%en doors ro""# Trying to %us$ a "adder away
%ro*okes attacks of o%%ortunity if t$e defender is t$reatened#
W$en a c"imber reac$es t$e to% of a wa"" $e can ste% onto t$e wa"" during t$e
round)s reso"ution %$ase if t$ere is an em%ty s>uare in front of $im 3t$is cou"d %ro*oke an
attack of o%%ortunity5# !f t$ere is no em%ty s>uare t$e c"imber must s"ay a defender or
force a retreat and create an em%ty s>uare before ste%%ing from t$e "adder#
,rapplin& #oo-s
To set a gra%%"ing $ook t$e wie"der makes an attack ro"" *s# &rmor C"ass K ad2usted for
range# !t takes a fu"" round to $ur" t$e $ook and set it firm"y or to reco*er t$e gra%%"e after
a miss#
& c$aracter c"imbing by means of a ro%e and gra%%"e mo*es at t$e ro%e and wa""
rate and recei*es a bonus to $is c"imbing c$ance 3see PHB C$a%ter 8;5#
& defender can cut t$e ro%e attac$ed to a gra%%"e by attacking it wit$ a s"as$ing
wea%on# T$e ro%e $as an &rmor C"ass of K and K $it %oints# & "engt$ of "ig$t c$ain can be
attac$ed to t$e gra%%"e to make cutting more difficu"t# & c$ain reduces t$e gra%%"e)s
ma+imum range in $a"f# T$e c$ain $as an &rmor C"ass of . and 9. $it %oints#
War Mac$ine *s# War Mac$ine
& siege is a s"ow/mo*ing %rocess t$at can take mont$s to reso"*e7not t$e best sub2ect
for a $eroic ro"e/%"aying game# -owe*er an arti""ery due" or an attem%t to storm a cast"e)s
wa""s su%%orted and o%%osed by war mac$ines %ro*ides "ots of action for batt"e#
T$e tab"e on t$e ne+t %age gi*es attack and defense *a"ues for a"" t$e common
war mac$ines "isted in t$is c$a%ter# 'efensi*e *a"ues for some common structures are
a"so inc"uded# 1ote t$at statistics for true fortifications are not inc"uded $ere7it takes
more t$an a few combat rounds to bring down a cast"e wa""# ?u"es for true sieges are
gi*en in t$e ne+t section#
Fires
Wooden constructions inc"uding most war mac$ines 3but not cannons5 can be set ab"aze
by 4reek fire f"aming oi" incendiary missi"es and t$e "ike#
Bn%rotected wood catc$es fire w$ene*er struck by a fire attack# Wood %rotected
by wet $ides or continua" soaking catc$es fire on"y on a 8L3 on 8d9.# 4reen or fres$"y
wet wood catc$es fire on a ro"" of 8L88 on 8d9.#
T$e structure takes norma" damage from t$e attack t$e first round# ,n t$e ne+t
round t$e attacker ro""s 8d9. for eac$ %oint of damage inf"icted in t$e first round= on a
ro"" of 8. or more one additiona" %oint is inf"icted# !f defenders s%end t$e w$o"e round
fig$ting t$e fire t$ere is more damage on"y on a ro"" of 8K or more# !f no damage is
inf"icted t$e fire goes out# T$e %rocess is re%eated eac$ round unti" t$e construction "oses
a"" its structura" %oints or t$e fire goes out#
)oorE Common: T$is is a regu"ar door made of $ea*y %"anks#
)oorE .einforced: T$is is a ty%ica" dungeon or cast"e door strengt$ened wit$ meta"
bands and studs#
,ate;*ortcullis: T$is refers to "arge %orta"s for admitting *e$ic"es and mounted troo%s# &
gate is doub"e *a"*ed and made from $ea*y %"anks or meta" bars# & %ortcu""is is a meta"
gri""work# 'rawbridges a"so fa"" into t$is category#
/adder: & ty%ica" "adder is made from a %air of $a"f/inc$ rai"s wit$ rungs about t$e same
size "as$ed on#
Walls: Ha"ues gi*en are for a section 8.) s>uare#
Bric-: T$is inc"udes wa""s made from fired brick ti"e adobe or soft stone about si+
inc$es t$ick# -ard stone suc$ as granite $as twice t$e structura" *a"ue#
Thic- Wood: T$is inc"udes wa""s made from roug$ $ewn "ogs or $ea*y timbers#
Thin Wood: T$is inc"udes wa""s made from ordinary %"anks watt"e and daub and simi"ar
"ig$tweig$t materia"s#
.oc-s: T$e first number indicates structura" damage inf"icted w$en t$e rock is dro%%ed a
s$ort distance# T$e second number indicates a medium dro% and t$e t$ird number
indicates a "ong dro%# Atructures and war mac$ines $a*e an &rmor C"ass of 8. w$en
attacked by rocks#
War %n&ine $ttac- and )efense <alues
.an&e $ttac- )efense
Wea%on MEAEMEG T-&C. Ha"ue ?,F Crew Ha"ue
Bombardment <ngines
6a""ista Gig$t 7E88E99E33 89 7 8EN
8 ;
6a""ista Medium 8E88E99E33 8; 8d3 8E89
9 N
6a""ista -ea*y 9E89E9;E3O 8M 8d;R9 8E8O
; 89
6ombard 8NE7E7E;.T 8M 8dO 8E8K 3
9.
6ombard 4reat 3OE7E7EN.T 89 3d89 8E8N
K 3.
Cannon Gig$t 7E8KE;KE9. 89 8dO 8E8K 3
9.
Cannon Medium 7E9.EO.E89. 8; 9d89 8E8N
; 9K
Cannon -ea*y 7E3.E9.E8N. 8M 3d89 8E3.
O 3.
Cata%u"t Gig$t 8KE7E7E39T 8; 8d9 8EN
8 8.
Cata%u"t Medium 8KE7E7E39T 8K 8d3R8 8E89
3 89
Cata%u"t -ea*y 8NE7E7E3OT 8O 9d; 8E8O
K 8K
Trebuc$et 9;E7E7E;NT 8M ;d; 8E8O N
9.
Oehicles
C$ariot Gig$t 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
N
C$ariot Medium 7E7E7E7 7 7 7
7 8.
C$ariot -ea*y 7E7E7E7 7 7 7
7 89
-owda$ 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
N/89
Wagon 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
N/9;
Wagon War 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
8./3.
Misc( Aar Machines
6ore 7E.E7E7 7 8d; - 8 Z 89
Cau"dron 7E.E7E7 7 [ 8E9. 9 9
89
4a""ery A$ed 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
9.
4reek Fire Dro2ector 7E.E7E7 7 [[ 8E8O 9
N
Mant"etE&batis 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
89
?am Catc$er 7E.E7E7 7 8d9 I 7 9
7
?am Aim%"e 7E.E7E7 7 8d9 - 8 Z
O
?am Aus%ended 7E.E7E7 7 8d; - 8 Z
89
Aiege Tower 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
9;
Other
'oor Common 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
N
'oor ?einforced 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
8O
4ateEDortcu""is 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
39/O;
Gadder 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7 ;
Wa"" 6rick 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
9K
Wa"" T$ick Wood 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
8K
Wa"" Gig$t Wood 7E7E7E7 7 7 7 7
8.
?ock Ama"" 7E.E7E7 7 .E.E8 8 8
7
?ock Medium 7E.E7E7 7 .E8E8d9 8
8 7
?ock Garge 7E.E7E7 7 8E8d9E8d; 8 8
7
T !ndicates t$at t$e usua" LK modifier for "ong range s$ots does not a%%"y#
[ T$e materia" "oaded into a ca"dron determines damage# 6oi"ing water inf"icts no
damage on structures# 6oi"ing and f"aming oi" inf"icts 8d; %oints of damage to wooden
structures on eac$ of t$e two rounds it burns= if t$e structure catc$es fire during t$e first
round t$e e+tra damage is added during t$e second round# Mo"ten "ead inf"icts 8d;R8
%oints of damage to wooden structures eac$ round it sears#
[[ 4reek fire inf"icts 9d; %oints of damage to wooden structures eac$ round it burns# !f
t$e structure catc$es fire during t$e first round t$e e+tra damage is added during t$e
second round#
Z Aim%"e rams re>uire a crew of at "east one Man/sized creature %er K) of "engt$= t$e
ma+imum crew is two Man/sized creatures %er K) of "engt$# Aus%ended rams and bores
re>uire a crew of at "east two Man/sized creatures %er 8.) of "engt$= t$e ma+imum crew is
four Man/sized creatures %er 8.) of "engt$#
- Der two Man/sized crew members# 6ores add R8 to eac$ die of damage if t$e
target is stone# & sim%"e ram crewed by a sing"e Man/sized creature inf"icts 8 %oint of
damage#
, T$is is t$e time re>uired to re%osition and re"oad t$e cau"dron# Time re>uired to
$eat t$e contents is not inc"uded#
I Der two Man/sized crew members# T$ere must be at "east two crew o%erating t$e
ram catc$er for e*ery 8.) of ram or no damage is inf"icted# !f t$e ram is %rotected by a
ga""ery s$ed t$ere must be at "east four crew members %er 8.) of ram#
. !ndirect fire engines usua""y cannot target %orta"s as t$e missi"es tend to strike t$e
wa"" containing t$e %orta" instead#
Aa%%ing
Teams of four Man/sized creatures can inf"ict 8d9 %oints of structura" damage eac$ round
if armed wit$ %icks crowbars or wea%ons t$at can ser*e as %icks or crowbars# Teams of
"ess t$an four creatures a"so can inf"ict structura" damage but t$ere is a one/round de"ay
for e*ery creature missing# For e+am%"e a team of t$ree $umans cou"d inf"ict 8d9 %oints
of structura" damage e*ery two rounds# Aa%%ing is a no/mo*e action t$at occu%ies a
creature for t$e entire round#
Two Ama"" or four Tiny creatures count as one Man/sized sa%%er= one Garge
creature counts as two Man/sized sa%%ers one -uge creature counts as t$ree Man/sized
sa%%ers and so on# 6urrowing creatures inf"ict tri%"e damage dice# For e+am%"e a sing"e
umber $u"k 3a Garge burrowing creature5 inf"icts 3d9 %oints of damage e*ery two rounds#
Detards
& %etard is an e+%"osi*e c$arge %"aced against a wa"" or %orta" in an attem%t to b"ow it
o%en# 4enera""y gun%owder or smoke %owder is t$e e+%"osi*e# C*ery 8. c$arges of
%owder inf"icts 8d; %oints of structura" damage to t$e target#
Creatures !nside 'estroyed Targets
'efenders inside a structure t$at is destroyed 3"oses a"" its structura" %oints5 must ro""
successfu" sa*ing t$rows *s# deat$ or be ki""ed in t$e co""a%se# Auccess indicates 9dO
%oints of damage#
Magica" &ttacks
T$e fo""owing s%e""s and magica" items can be usefu" during an esca"ade:
Big#y's Clenc&ed Fist
& b"ow from t$is s%e"" inf"icts 8d; %oints of structura" damage# T$e disembodied $and is
a Man/sized target#
Dig
T$is s%e"" a""ows t$e caster to dig t$roug$ eart$ ram%arts at t$e rate gi*en in t$e s%e""
descri%tion# !f a $o"e dug t$roug$ a ram%art co""a%ses t$e area abo*e it becomes
damaged 3see t$e Aieges section be"ow5#
Disintegrate
6ecause t$is s%e"" ob"iterates a 8.) cube of non"i*ing matter w$en it strikes most war
mac$ines and %orta"s are effecti*e"y destroyed w$en struck# !f t$e 'M decides a target is
not destroyed it sti"" suffers 9d8. %oints of structura" damage7and $as a 8.) $o"e in it#
Eart&0uake
6ui"dings suffer Kd89 %oints of structura" damage from t$is s%e""# T$e s%e"" a"so ca*es in
mines and tunne"s and can cause t$e ground to crack o%en and swa""ow u% war mac$ines
as t$oug$ t$ey were Garge creatures# Aiege towers $a*e a K.U c$ance to fa"" o*er e*en if
t$ey do not fa"" into a crack#
Fire#all
T$is s%e"" inf"icts 8d9 %oints of structura" damage against wooden targets 3inc"uding t$ose
%rotected by wet $ides5 for e*ery two dice of damage it norma""y inf"icts= round fractions
down# For e+am%"e a fireba"" from a Kt$/"e*e" caster inf"icts 9d9 %oints of structura"
damage# & $ireball can set wooden constructions afire#
Horn o, Blasting
& b"ast from t$is item inf"icts ;d; %oints of structura" damage against stone or meta"
targets and Od; %oints of structura" damage against wooden targets#
!ncendiary Cloud
T$is s%e"" does not $arm structures or war mac$ines direct"y but it can set fire to wooden
constructions during t$e fourt$ round of its e+istence# ?o"" for a fire once for eac$ "e*e"
of t$e caster#
1ig&tning Bolt
T$is s%e"" damages wooden constructions 2ust as a fireba"" does# !t inf"icts 8d9 %oints of
structura" damage against stone or meta" targets for e*ery t$ree dice of damage it wou"d
norma""y inf"ict= round fractions down# For e+am%"e a lightning bolt from a Mt$/"e*e"
caster wou"d inf"ict 3d9 %oints of damage against a mant"et 3a wooden target5 and 9d9
%oints of damage against a %ortcu""is 3a meta" target5# & lightning bolt can set wooden
constructions afire 2ust as a fireba"" can#
Potion o, Fire Breat&
T$e tongue of f"ame from t$is %otion can damage wooden constructions# !t inf"icts 8d9
%oints of structura" damage for eac$ die of damage it norma""y inf"icts# For e+am%"e a
sing"e draug$t inf"icts 8d9 %oints of structura" damage# !t a"so can set wood constructions
afire#
2attock o, t&e itans
T$is item can be used to bore t$roug$ ram%arts or wa""s at t$e "isted rates simi"ar to a dig
s%e"" e+ce%t t$at it can a"so bore t$roug$ stone#
2aul o, t&e itans
W$en em%"oyed against sma"" constructions or war mac$ines t$is item inf"icts 9dN %oints
of structura" damage#
2o"e Eart&
T$is s%e"" can co""a%se ram%arts 3or sections of ram%arts5 u% to 9;. yards "ong and u% to
O. feet t$ick# & ram%art co""a%sed in t$is manner is treated as damaged= if "ess t$an a t$ird
of its origina" *o"ume remains it is considered destroyed 3see t$e Aieges section be"ow5#
& ram%art can be made resistant to move earth s%e""s by facing it wit$ brick or stone or
bracing it interna""y wit$ timbers or stone# & ram%art reinforced in t$is manner resists a
mo*e eart$ s%e"" on a ro"" of 8. or $ig$er on 8d9.# !f t$e ram%art is faced and interna""y
braced it is immune to move earth s%e""s#
Ring o, t&e Ra%
T$is item inf"icts 8d; %oints of structura" damage %er c$arge e+%ended#
Ring o, '&ooting 'tars
T$is item)s ball lightning effect inf"icts structura" damage as a lighting bolt s%e"" does# !f
mu"ti%"e ba""s are disc$arged against t$e same target in a sing"e round tota" t$e norma"
damage dice before ca"cu"ating t$e structura" damage dice# For e+am%"e if t$e wearer
creates two ba""s of "ig$ting 3Kd; %oints of damage eac$5 and directs t$em bot$ at a sing"e
target t$e ba""s wou"d inf"ict Kd9 %oints of structura" damage against a wooden target or
3d9 %oints of structura" damage against a stone or meta" target#
rans%ute Rock to 2ud
T$is s%e"" effects on"y :natura": stone# Atone w$ic$ $as been created or %rotected by
magic is unaffected as is stone w$ic$ $as been artificia""y s$a%ed on a"" four sides# For
e+am%"e t$e wa""s in a sim%"e tunne" dri*en t$roug$ so"id rock are sub2ect to t$is s%e""
but if t$e tunne" were "ined wit$ brick or stones t$at $ad been worked into b"ocks a
transm"te roc# to m"d s%e"" cou"d not $arm t$em# T$is s%e"" sti"" is *ery usefu" in a siege
$owe*er as *irtua""y a"" cast"es must be bui"t u%on bedrock in order to su%%ort t$e weig$t
of t$e wa""s# !t is %ossib"e to use a transm"te roc# to m"d s%e"" to undermine a wa"" by
attacking t$e bedrock underneat$ %ro*ided t$at t$e s%e"" $as enoug$ area to reac$ under
t$e wa"" and t$at t$e mud can f"ow out and "ea*e a ca*ity under t$e wa""# !n some cases it
mig$t be necessary to em%"oy sa%%ers or a dig s%e"" to get at t$e bedrock and %ro*ide a
%"ace for t$e mud to go# !f t$ese conditions are met t$e wa"" sti"" remains unaffected if
t$e defender ro""s a 8. or more on 8d9.#
+all o, Fire
T$is s%e"" can set fire to wooden structures as mentioned in War Mac$ine *s# War
Mac$ine abo*e if it is %"aced against t$em# ?o"" for a fire once for eac$ "e*e" of t$e
caster# !f a wooden construction %asses t$roug$ a 'all o$ $ire it suffers 8d3 %oints of
structura" damage %"us one %oint %er caster "e*e" and can start a fire as noted abo*e#
+all o, !ron
& %"ain iron wa"" created by t$is s%e"" $as fi*e structura" %oints %er 8E; inc$ of t$ickness#
+all o, 'tone
& %"ain stone wa"" created by t$is s%e"" $as two structura" %oints %er 8E; inc$ of t$ickness#
+arp +ood
Wooden bombardment engines and w$ee"ed *e$ic"es are disab"ed if affected by t$is s%e""#
'oors and wa""s suffer 9dN %oints of structura" damage#
Aieges Aieges are %onderous affairs t$at in*o"*e a "ot of waiting and genera" inacti*ity#
T$e attacker)s main goa" is to batter down t$e defending wa""s so t$ey can "aunc$ an
esca"ade or to dri*e t$e defender out t$roug$ star*ation or t$irst# T$e fo""owing system
a""ows you to simu"ate t$e effects of an e+tended siege $and"ing mont$s of o%erations
wit$ a sing"e die ro""#
?eduction
T$is refers to any attem%t to destroy a cast"e)s wa""s# Bse t$e tab"e to reso"*e t$e attem%t#
$ttac-er: T$e ty%e of engine attacking t$e wa""# T$is assumes one engine attacking eac$
3.) section of wa""#
)efendin& Wall Type: T$is refers to t$e wa"" ty%es described in t$e Csca"ades section#
Curtain wa""s are treated as $ard or soft stone de%ending on t$e materia"s used to
construct t$em# ?am%arts are treated as eart$# Da"isades are treated as t$ick wood#
1orma" bui"dings mant"es and abatises are treated as t$in wood# 1ote t$at ram%arts are
difficu"t to batter down but fair"y easy to c"imb#
.eduction
)efendin& Wall Type
$ttac-er #ard Stone Soft Stone %arth Thin Wood Thic- Wood
6a""ista Medium 7 3EMont$ 7 8.E'ay KE'ay
6a""ista -ea*y 3EMont$ ;EMont$ 7 88E'ay OE'ay
6ombard KEWeek 9EWeek ME3 Mont$s 9.E!mmediate 8OE'ay
6ombard 4reat MEWeek 88EWeek 9E3 Mont$s 9.E!mmediate
9.E'ay
6ore 9E-our 88E-our 7 89E!mmediate 89E'ay
Cannon Gig$t KEWeek 9EWeek ME3 Mont$s
9.E-our 9.E-our
Cannon Medium OEWeek 8.EWeek NE3 Mont$s 9.E!mmediate
9.E'ay
Cannon -ea*y MEWeek 88EWeek 9E3 Mont$s 9.E!mmediate
9.E'ay
Cata%u"t Gig$t 9EMont$ OEMont$ ;E3 Mont$s 9.E'ay 83E'ay
Cata%u"t Medium 3EMont$ MEMont$ KE3 Mont$s 9.E!mmediate
8;E'ay
Cata%u"t -ea*y ;EMont$ NEMont$ OE3 Mont$s
9.E!mmediate 8KE'ay
?am Aim%"e ME-our 9E-our 7 9.E-our 9.E'ay
?am Aus%ended NE-our 8.E-our 7 9.E!mmediate 9.E-our
Mine 8.T 8.T NT 8.T 8.T
Trebuc$et KEMont$ 9EMont$ ME3 Mont$s 9.E!mmediate 8OE'ay
TCac$ attem%t to mine is a one/time attem%t# Aee Mines for more information#
.eduction *rocedures
Cross reference t$e ty%e of attacker wit$ t$e ty%e of defending wa""# T$e number
before t$e s"as$ indicates t$e sa*ing t$row ro""ed on 8d9. t$e wa"" needs to resist t$e
attack# T$e time %eriod after t$e s"as$ indicates t$e amount of sustained attack t$ere must
be before t$e die is ro""ed= :immediate: indicates t$at t$e wa"" must sa*e e*ery time it is
struck# For %ur%oses of t$ese ru"es one :day: re%resents abut 8. $ours of sustained
bombardment# !f t$e crews are re"ie*ed 3and t$ey can see t$eir targets5 it is %ossib"e to
%erform two s$ifts of bombardment e*ery 9; $ours# !f more t$an one engine is attacking
t$e same section of wa"" ro"" once for eac$ engine# T$e sa*ing t$row numbers assume a
wa"" of a*erage strengt$ and t$ickness for its ty%e# !f t$e wa"" is unusua""y we"" made 3a
dwar*en fortress wit$ e+ce%tiona" stone for e+am%"e5 t$e 'M can a""ow a sa*ing t$row
bonus of R8 or R9# Furt$ermore an e+ce%tiona""y t$ick wa"" gains a sa*ing t$row bonus
of R8 for e*ery K.U of e+tra t$ickness# & curtain wa"" ;K feet t$ick for e+am%"e wou"d
gain a R8 sa*ing t$row bonus#
Sain& Throw Failure
!f a wa"" section fai"s its sa*ing t$row once it becomes damaged# T$e center 8./foot
section "oses 8E3 of its $eig$t and s%ecia" co*er suc$ as $oardings %ara%ets and s%"ays
are destroyed# T$e debris creates a crumb"ing s"o%e t$at any c$aracter can attem%t to
c"imb# !f a wa"" section fai"s its sa*ing t$row twice it is destroyed# T$e center 8.) section
is breac$ed and reduced to 8E3 of its origina" $eig$t# T$e breec$ becomes a rocky s"o%e as
"ong as t$e wa"")s origina" t$ickness# !n addition t$e 8.) section to eit$er side of t$e
breec$ becomes damaged# !f t$e defenders $a*e an abatis %re%ared t$ey can mo*e it into
%osition immediate"y# &n abatis sa*es as t$in wood#
%or e&ample! an attac#ing army brings three heavy cannons to bear against a $ortress
'ith granite c"rtain 'alls )*' thic# and .)' high( The 'alls save as hard stone and
receive a 6- saving thro' bon"s $or their thic#ness( The DM assigns them an additional
6- d"e to s"perior 'or#manship 7a gang o$ storm giants 'or#ing "nder a d'arven
engineer b"ilt the castle9(
The attac#ers aim all three o$ their cannons at one section o$ 'all( :t the end o$
one 'ee#! the de$ender rolls three saving thro's( The rolls are )! G! and ,*( :ll the rolls
are s"ccesses and the attac#ers ma#e no head'ay the $irst 'ee#( :ss"ming that the
de$enders do not sally $orth to #noc# o"t the cannons! they contin"e their bombardment
$or another 'ee#(
:t the end o$ the second 'ee#! the de$ender rolls three more saving thro's( The
rolls are I! .! and --H t'o o$ the rolls are $ail"res( The center o$ the I*' section o$ 'all is
red"ced to a roc#y slope -)' high! -*' 'ide! and )*' long( 1n addition! the -*' sections o$
'all to either side o$ the breech are damaged and red"ced to sloping 'alls I*' high( :ny
special $eat"res on the damaged sections! s"ch as hoardings! are destroyed(
Mines
&ttackers w$o found a cast"e)s wa""s too difficu"t to batter down often attem%ted to
undermine t$em by digging a tunne" underneat$ t$e wa""s and co""a%sing it eit$er by
burning out t$e su%%orts or fi""ing t$e mine wit$ %owder and b"owing it u%# T$e main
factor in mining is t$e amount of time re>uired to dig# T$e fo""owing tab"e gi*es t$e
*o"ume in cubic feet t$at a team of 8. miners can e+ca*ate in a sing"e eig$t/$our s$ift:
.ace of Miner %arth Soft Stone #ard Stone
4no"" $a"f"ing $uman 8K. 8.. K.
4nome kobo"d 8O. 89. O.
4ob"in orc 8M. 83. O.
'warf $obgob"in 8N. 8;. M.
,gre 3.. 9.. 8..
-i"" giant O.. ;.. 9..
Fire giant frost giant O.. ;.. 9..
Atone giant 8... M.. 3K.
!f a creature is not "isted %ick t$e most a%%ro%riate ty%e from t$e tab"e# For e+am%"e
e"*es mine at t$e $uman rate# T$e mine tunne" must be a minimum of K) s>uare %"us an
additiona" K) for eac$ size c"ass beyond Ama""# For e+am%"e $umans orcs and dwar*es
re>uire a s$aft 8.) s>uare# Atone giants re>uire a tunne" 9.) s>uare#
W$en t$e mine reac$es t$e wa"" a ga""ery must be dug out underneat$# T$e ga""ey
must be as "ong as t$e wa"" is t$ick at "east 8.) wide and at "east K) dee% 3more if t$e
miners re>uire a "arger tunne"5# ,nce t$e ga""ery is dug t$e su%%orts can be fired and t$e
8.) section of wa"" abo*e t$e ga""ery must ro"" t$e "isted sa*ing t$row or be destroyed= if
t$e sa*e fai"s t$e ad2oining 8.) wa"" sections become damaged#
T$e ga""ery can be more t$an 8.) wide and an additiona" section of wa"" must
make a sa*ing t$row for e*ery e+tra 8.) of ga""ery widt$# Amoke %owder or gun%owder
%"aced in t$e mine can reduce t$e wa"")s sa*ing t$row# Twenty c$arges of %owder reduce
one section)s sa*ing t$row ro"" by L8#
Counter Minin&
!f t$e defenders sus%ect t$e attackers $a*e begun a mine t$ey can attem%t to dig t$eir
own tunne" and attack t$e miners# 4i*en genera" know"edge of an a%%roac$ing mine)s
%osition 3suc$ as w$ic$ wa"" t$e mine is aimed at5 a counter mine is successfu" on a ro""
of 8. or better on 8d9.# T$is c$ance can fa"" to not$ing 3if t$e defenders are com%"ete"y
foo"ed about t$e mine)s "ocation5 or be an automatic success 3if t$e defenders know w$ere
t$e mine is t$roug$ di*ination magic or reconnaissance5# W$en a counter mine succeeds
t$e two %arties must fig$t a me"ee to see w$o contro"s t$e tunne"s# Miners usua""y wear
no armor and can carry on"y sma"" wea%ons but troo%s sent in to guard t$e miners or
"aunc$ a counterattack can be armed and armored norma""y#
!n*estment
&not$er and genera""y more re"iab"e met$od for ca%turing a cast"e or fort is to sim%"y
surround it and wait for t$e garrison to star*e 3assuming t$at t$e cast"e does not $a*e
resident %riests w$o can kee% t$e troo%s fed5# T$e 'M must decide in ad*ance $ow muc$
food is stored inside t$e cast"e# 4enera""y cast"es $a*e no more t$an a year)s wort$ of
su%%"ies on $and and t$ey usua""y $a*e muc$ "ess %er$a%s se*era" weeks) to a few
mont$s) wort$#
& garrison)s mora"e rating dro%s by 8 w$en it runs out of food# Cac$ week
t$ereafter ro"" 8d; for e*ery 8. creatures in t$e garrison= on a ro"" of ; sing"e/-it/'ie
creatures in t$e grou% e+%ire and ot$er creatures "ose 9KU of t$eir $it %oints# 'o not ro""
for %"ayer c$aracters and im%ortant 1DCs= instead t$ey are a""owed a sa*ing t$row *s#
wands wit$ a LK %ena"ty to a*oid t$e $it %oint "oss#
T$e garrison a"so c$ecks mora"e eac$ week wit$out food# Fai"ure indicates t$at
t$e troo%s o%en t$e gates to t$e attackers# !f %re*ented from o%ening t$e gates t$e troo%s
attem%t to "ea*e t$e cast"e any way t$ey can# !f t$e mora"e c$eck succeeds t$e garrison
$o"ds out anot$er week# ?e%eat t$e %rocedure unti" a"" t$e defenders star*e t$eir mora"e
breaks or re"ief arri*es#
Most cast"es $a*e ade>uate sources of water usua""y a we"" inside t$e wa""s# !f a
garrison is de%ri*ed of water use t$e %rocedure gi*en abo*e for food but c$eck for
casua"ties $it %oint "osses and mora"e e*ery t$ree days#
Mass Combat ,ccasiona""y batt"es wi"" arise t$at are 2ust too "arge to %"ay out wit$ t$e
Player's Option combat system# For e+am%"e it can take a "ong time to reso"*e a batt"e
w$en ;. gob"ins attack t$e DCs as t$ey negotiate wit$ a dwar*en "ord and $is 8K
bodyguards#
@ou can use t$e mass combat ru"es w$ene*er you fee" t$ey are necessary#
4enera""y if t$ere are more creatures in t$e batt"e t$an wi"" fit on your ma% it)s a good
time to use t$e mass combat ru"es# !t)s usua""y best to "ea*e DCs and im%ortant 1DCs in
%"ace on t$e ma% and use t$e norma" combat system to reso"*e t$eir actions# Bse t$e mass
combat ru"es to determine t$e outcome of t$e "arger batt"e raging around t$e DCs#
Mass Combat Drocedures
Fee% %a%er and %enci" $andy to kee% track of t$e troo%s on bot$ sides#
Atart by di*iding t$e o%%osing forces into grou%s of a con*enient size= grou%s of
K 8. or 9. usua""y work t$e best# !f t$ere is an odd number of troo%s make one grou%
s$ort$anded# For e+am%"e a grou% of 3K creatures cou"d be di*ided into t$ree grou%s of
8. and one grou% of fi*e or se*en grou%s of fi*e# !t is best to kee% grou%s of simi"ar
creatures toget$er#
&ssign eac$ grou% an &rmor C"ass based on t$e most %re*a"ent &C in t$e grou%#
For e+am%"e if a grou% of 9. $a"f"ings inc"uded t$ree "eaders in c$ain mai" and 8M
arc$ers in "eat$er armor t$e grou% $as an &rmor C"ass of N# !f t$ere is a tie for t$e most
%re*a"ent armor ty%e use t$e worst one# &ssign eac$ grou% a T-&C. based on t$e most
%re*a"ent T-&C. in t$e grou% as abo*e#
,nce you $a*e assigned an &rmor C"ass and T-&C. to eac$ grou% you are ready
to begin# @ou may c$oose to ro"" for sur%rise a""owing one grou% to attack uno%%osed
but after t$is combat is considered simu"taneous# &ssign one side of t$e combat to be t$e
attackers and one side to defend# Gine u% attacking grou%s against defending grou%s on a
one/to/one basis# Cac$ defending grou% must be attacked once before any defending
grou% can be attacked twice# For e+am%"e a force of O. orcs di*ided into si+ grou%s of 8.
are attacking ;. dwar*es di*ided into four grou%s of 8.# Two grou%s of dwar*es are
attacked once and two grou%s are attacked twice# T$e orcs can)t attack one grou% si+
times# 1ote t$at in some cases on"y %art of an attacking force can get into a batt"e# & force
of 9. dwar*es guarding a ca*e mout$ mig$t $o"d out against $undreds of orcs because
on"y 9. of t$em can attack at a time#
T$e attacking grou% makes a norma" attack ro""# !f t$e ro"" succeeds t$ey wi""
inf"ict one -it 'ie on t$e defenders for eac$ creature in t$e attacking grou% ignoring
critica" $its= $owe*er do not remo*e any casua"ties yet#
1ow re*erse t$e %rocess $a*ing t$e defenders return t$e attack using t$e same
%rocedure# W$en bot$ sides $a*e made a"" of t$eir attack ro""s mark off enoug$
casua"ties in wounded grou%s to account for a"" t$e -it 'ice inf"icted "ea*ing on"y one
wounded defender# For e+am%"e if a grou% of 8. orcs successfu""y attacks 8. 3rd/"e*e"
dwar*es t$ree dwar*es are ki""ed and one "oses a sing"e -it 'ie#
?e%eat t$is %rocedure unti" one side is ki""ed or breaks mora"e# &%%"y subse>uent
$its to wounded creatures first#
To sa*e time toward t$e end of a combat you can reorganize sur*i*ors into new
grou%s#
Creatures :ki""ed: in a mass combat are a""owed a sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ if t$ey
recei*e some form of $ea"ing immediate"y after t$e batt"e# T$ese figures are assume to be
$o*ering at deat$)s door 3see C$a%ter ,ne5 and can be sa*ed# !f t$ere are a "ot of
casua"ties ro"" t$e sa*ing t$rows in grou%s of K 8. or 9.#
&n C+am%"e of Mass Combat
T$e dwar*en "eader and bodyguards from t$e e+am%"e at t$e beginning of t$is section are
ta"king to a grou% of si+ DCs w$en ;. gob"ins attack# T$e 8K bodyguards are ;t$/"e*e"
fig$ters wit$ batt"e a+e s%ecia"ization 3ad2usted T-&C. 8O5 wearing chain mail 6- and
carrying s$ie"ds 3&C 35# T$e gob"ins $a*e a T-&C. of 9. and an &rmor C"ass of O# T$ey
are armed wit$ s$ort swords and s$ort bows#
T$e 'M decides to di*ide t$e combatants into grou%s of fi*e so t$ere are eig$t
grou%s of gob"ins and t$ree grou%s of dwar*es# T$e 'M a"so decides t$at a"" t$e
bodyguards wi"" 2oin t$e mass combat "ea*ing t$e DCs and two grou%s of gob"ins to fig$t
a norma" Player's Option combat system batt"e# T$e gob"ins gain sur%rise and "oose
arrows# T$e ten gob"ins fig$ting t$e DCs attack indi*idua""y# T$e remaining si+ grou%s
attack t$e bodyguards two grou%s of gob"ins against eac$ grou% of dwar*es#
T$e gob"ins fire two *o""eys of arrows from 8. yards away# T$ey are at s$ort
range and recei*e a R8 to t$eir attack ro""s because of sur%rise# Cac$ grou% of dwar*es
recei*es four *o""eys of arrows 3two grou%s of gob"ins eac$ firing two *o""eys5# &gainst
t$e first grou% t$e attack ro""s are: 3 8M 8N and 8N= t$ree $its# T$e first grou% of
dwar*es suffers 8K dice of damage= t$ree dwar*es are ki""ed and one suffers t$ree dice of
damage# T$e attack ro""s against t$e second grou% are O 8M 83 and 9.= two $its# T$e
second grou% suffers 8. dice of damage ki""ing two dwar*es and inf"icting two dice of
damage on a t$ird# T$e attack ro""s against t$e t$ird grou% are 3 89 ; and 8;= one $it#
,ne dwarf is ki""ed and a second dwarf suffers one die of damage# T$ere are no return
attacks from t$e DCs and dwar*es because t$ey were sur%rised#
T$e ne+t round t$e DCs and t$e dwar*en "eader fig$t a norma" batt"e against t$eir
8. foes# T$ey make s$ort work of t$e gob"ins ki""ing se*en of t$em#
!n t$e mass combat t$e dwar*es are now in t$e t$ick of t$e fig$t c$arging at t$e
gob"ins# T$e dwar*es $a*e a R9 bonus for t$e c$arge and an additiona" R8 because t$ey
are dwar*es attacking gob"ins# T$e gob"ins are sti"" firing t$eir bows and "oose a *o""ey
of arrows as t$e dwar*es c$arge# T$ey recei*e a R8 bonus to t$eir attack ro""s because
t$eir o%%onents are c$arging#
T$e dwar*es com%"ete t$eir c$arge# Cac$ grou% of dwar*es attacks one grou% of
gob"ins w$i"e t$e remaining t$ree grou%s are not attacked# T$eir attack ro""s are 8O 8;
and 83= t$ree $its# T$e first grou% contains two dwar*es w$o inf"ict two dice of damage
and ki"" two gob"ins# T$e second grou% contains t$ree dwar*es and t$ey ki"" t$ree
gob"ins# T$e fina" grou% contains four dwar*es w$o ki"" four gob"ins#
Cac$ grou% of dwar*es is attacked twice# T$e ro""s against t$e first grou% are 3
and 8N= one $it# T$e first grou% suffers K dice of damage= t$e wounded dwarf 3w$o $ad
a"ready suffered t$ree dice of damage5 is ki""ed and anot$er dwarf is ki""ed as we""
wi%ing t$e grou% out# T$e ro""s against t$e second grou% are K and 88= bot$ misses# T$e
ro""s against t$e t$ird grou% are 9. and 8;= one $it# T$e wounded dwarf is ki""ed and a
second dwarf suffers two dice of damage#
T$e gob"ins wise"y decide to wit$$o"d t$eir second *o""ey of arrows and t$e
dwar*es get no attacks of o%%ortunity#
6ecause t$ere are on"y si+ dwar*es "eft t$e 'M decides a mora"e c$eck is in
order and t$e dwar*es %ass it# T$e 'M a"so decides to re/combine t$e sur*i*ors into a
sing"e grou% of si+# T$e gob"in casua"ties resu"t in 98 gob"ins remaining w$ic$ t$e 'M
di*ides into t$ree grou%s of fi*e and one grou% of si+# T$e 'M a"so decides t$at t$e
grou% of si+ gob"ins "ea*es t$e mass combat to attack t$e DCs and dwar*en "eader
"ea*ing t$ree grou%s of gob"ins in t$e mass combat# 3T$ere are now nine gob"ins in t$e
norma" combat#5
'uring t$e ne+t round t$e DCs continue to do we"" s"aying se*en more gob"ins#
T$e two sur*i*ors fai" a mora"e c$eck and f"ee t$e fie"d#
!n t$e mass combat t$e dwar*es get two attacks t$is round since t$ey are
s%ecia"ists# T$e dwar*es first attack ro"" is a 8M and si+ -' wort$ of gob"ins wou"d be
ki""ed# T$is is enoug$ to wi%e out an entire grou% of gob"ins but t$e si+t$ -it 'ie wi"" be
wasted# T$e second attack is made against a second grou% of fi*e gob"ins and t$e ro"" is a
8.= sti"" good enoug$ to $it t$e gob"ins) &rmor C"ass of O# Fi*e more gob"ins wi"" die and
t$e "ast -it 'ie goes to waste#
T$e t$ree grou%s of gob"ins attack ro""ing 9. 89 and ;= one $it# T$e attack ki""s
two wounded dwar*es 3w$o eac$ were two -' down5 and wounds anot$er for one die of
damage#
T$ere are now fi*e gob"ins facing t$e si+ DCs t$e dwar*en "eader and t$e four
sur*i*ing guards# Finding t$emse"*es outnumbered t$e gob"ins c$eck mora"e and %ass
not wanting to f"ee from t$eir $ated dwar*en enemies#
T$e 'M decides t$at t$e remainder of t$e batt"e can be $and"ed using t$e norma"
ru"es and t$e mass combat ends# T$e DCs and dwar*es win $andi"y# T$e 88 fa""en
dwar*es recei*e magica" $ea"ing and first aid as soon as t$e batt"e ends# Cac$ ro""s a
sa*ing t$row *s# deat$ to see if t$ey can be re*i*ed# T$e ro""s are incredib"y bad and on"y
four dwar*es sur*i*e# T$e DCs a"so re*i*e one gob"in for interrogation#
Droficiencies
T$e fo""owing %roficiencies are a%%"icab"e to warfare and t$e o%eration of war
e>ui%ment# T$ey are ac>uired t$e same way standard PHB %roficiencies are#
$rtillerist 38 A"ot5 C$arismaEGeaders$i%
4rou%: Warrior
& c$aracter wit$ t$is %roficiency can direct t$e siting and o%eration of a bombardment
engine# T$e ma+imum number of engines t$e c$aracter can contro" is e>ua" to 8E3 of t$e
c$aracter)s C$arismaEGeaders$i% score %ro*ided t$at t$e engines are no fart$er a%art t$an
t$e c$aracter can s%rint in a sing"e round#
<ehicle #andlin& 38 A"ot5 'e+terityE'odge
4rou%: Warrior
T$is %roficiency a""ows t$e c$aracter to contro" a wagon or c$ariot under difficu"t
circumstances# T$e c$aracter can ro"" against t$is %roficiency w$en a dri*ing c$eck is
norma""y re>uired#
C$a%ter 1ine:
Monsters
Monsters are t$e meat and drink of a fantasy cam%aign# T$e abi"ity to defeat fearsome
beasts is w$at sets great $eroes a%art from ordinary morta"s# T$is c$a%ter contains
information on using monsters in Player's Option games#
T$ere are t$ree %arts to t$is c$a%ter# T$e first %art Creat"res in Battle discusses
$ow monsters genera""y be$a*e on t$e batt"efie"d using basic &'&' game information
suc$ as a"ignment inte""igence and mora"e as a guide#
T$e second %art Creat"re Types discusses t$e %$ysica" c$aracteristics of
monsters inc"uding tactics and combat o%tions t$at are es%ecia""y a%%"icab"e to %articu"ar
ty%es of monsters and $ow to determine w$at $a%%ens w$en a monster suffers a critica"
$it#
T$e t$ird %art :ttac# and :rmor Types discusses t$e natura" wea%onry and
%rotection a*ai"ab"e to monsters and $ow it functions in t$e Player's Option game#
'oes T$is 6e"ong in My Cam%aign< T$e amount of materia" from t$is c$a%ter you
need to use de%ends on $ow muc$ of t$e o%tiona" materia" from t$e %re*ious c$a%ters
you are using# T$e first two sections s$ou"d %ro*e $e"%fu" to anyone using t$e Player's
Option combat system from C$a%ter ,ne# T$e "ast section dea"s %rimari"y wit$ o%tiona"
materia" from t$e rest of t$is book#
Creatures in 6att"e &"" creatures do not fig$t in t$e same manner# & creature)s
instincts natura" wea%onry bra*ery and cu"ture a"" $a*e an im%act on t$e way it fig$ts# &
great wyrm red dragon is not on"y *ast"y more %owerfu" t$an a kobo"d its titanic inte""ect
and *ast e+%erience makes it a more com%"e+ and un%redictab"e o%%onent t$an a mere
kobo"d cou"d e*er be#
!nte""igence
Creatures tend to fig$t as c"e*er"y as t$ey can and a creature)s inte""igence is w$at
determines $ow c"e*er it can be:
'on8 142
T$e creature 2ust reacts to w$at its senses te"" it# !t is not ca%ab"e of assessing t$e dangers
it faces or t$e rewards it stands to gain# !n a fig$t a noninte""igent creature turns its
attention to t$e most immediate t$reat# W$en bad"y $urt a noninte""igent creature usua""y
f"ees but some creatures 2ust don)t know w$en t$ey)re $urt and fig$t on ignorant of any
danger# 1oninte""igent creatures) combat actions usua""y are "imited to attack or c$arge# !f
t$ey f"ee t$ey run or s%rint rat$er t$an wit$draw# T$ey do not em%"oy any of t$e s%ecia"
batt"e tactics or attack o%tions %resented in C$a%ter ,ne#
$nimal 192
T$e creature $as a "imited abi"ity to asses risks and rewards# 4enera""y it res%onds on"y
to *ery basic moti*ations and does not attack un"ess it is trained to it is $ungry or it is
defending somet$ing it *a"ues 3suc$ as food offs%ring a mate or $unting territory5# !n a
fig$t an anima" inte""igence creature re"ies on its instincts# !t attacks t$e most accessib"e
o%%onent t$e o%%onent t$at is most "ike"y to be edib"e or t$e o%%onent t$at scared it into
attacking# T$e creature $as some gras% of tactics enoug$ to know t$at f"ank attacks are
better t$an fronta" attacks and t$at rear attacks are better t$an f"ank attacks# T$e creature
a"so instincti*e"y understands t$e *a"ue of not being detected %rior to its attacks#
&nima" inte""igence creatures usua""y f"ee if bad"y in2ured but can fig$t to t$e
deat$ if tra%%ed or cornered# &n anima" inte""igence creature)s combat actions can inc"ude
attack c$arge guard 3suc$ as a cat waiting at a mouse $o"e5 run and s%rint# Gike
noninte""igent creatures t$ey do not use batt"e tactics or attack o%tions#
Semi8 13C>2
T$e creature $as some abi"ity to assess risks and rewards and is smart enoug$ to de"ay an
attack unti" a good o%%ortunity %resents itse"f# !t is ca%ab"e of "earning somet$ing about
its o%%onents) abi"ities# & "ion or tiger for e+am%"e knows enoug$ to stay downwind of
creatures t$at de%end on scent and to stay be$ind creatures t$at de%end on sig$t# Wit$
e+%erience t$e creature %robab"y can "earn to recognize missi"e and me"ee wea%ons and
to direct attacks at "ig$t"y armed c$aracters# !f t$e creature $as encountered missi"e
wea%ons it "earns to recognize t$e *a"ue of co*er# ,t$erwise it is "imited to attacking
c$arging guarding running and s%rinting#
/ow 1BC?2
T$e creature re"ies more on e+%erience and reasoning t$an instincts# !t is genera""y aware
of risks and rewards# !t can make sim%"e %"ans and can em%"oy any attack o%tion t$at it is
e>ui%%ed to use# For e+am%"e a "ow inte""igence creature can em%"oy missi"e wea%ons
but on"y if t$ey are a*ai"ab"e# Most batt"e o%tions are sti"" beyond t$e creature)s gras% but
it can make unarmed attacks ride a mount and maybe 2oin a s%ear $edge or s$ie"d wa""
3see C$a%ter ,ne5#
$era&eC<ery 1@C932
T$e creature mig$t occasiona""y act from im%u"se but genera""y re"ies on reasoning and
obser*ation to make decisions and it can t$ink beyond t$e ob*ious# T$e creature $as a
good a%%reciation of risks and rewards but t$is is "imited by its e+%erience# !t is ca%ab"e
of %"anning and organizing its actions and coordinating t$em wit$ ot$ers# T$e creature
can use any of t$e attack o%tions batt"e tactics and combat o%tions %resented in C$a%ter
,ne#
#i&hC%"ceptional 19=C952
T$e creature genera""y is not im%u"si*e# !n batt"e it t$inks a$ead and considers $ow its
current actions mig$t affect its o%tions in t$e future# T$e creature is *ery f"e+ib"e and can
a"ter its tactics to fit an unforeseen situation# T$e creature can use any of t$e attack
o%tions batt"e tactics and combat o%tions %resented in C$a%ter ,ne#
,eniusCSupra ,enius 19?C342
T$e creature is *ery insig$tfu" and a"most ne*er im%u"si*e# !t %"ans for t$e future and
a"ways carefu""y measures risks against rewards# &ny sc$eme or subterfuge it em%"oys is
a%t to be $ard to detect and *ery dead"y#
,odli-e 139D2
T$e creature can make correct deductions from incom%"ete information# !t is in*ariab"y
knows t$e most a%%ro%riate action to take in any situation# 3T$oug$ it mig$t not a"ways
take it= god"ike beings are $ard to understand#5 To ref"ect t$e creature)s su%erior inte""ect
t$e 'M mig$t decide to make t$e DCs dec"are t$eir actions before deciding w$at t$e
creature does in a gi*en combat round#
&"ignment
& creature)s be"iefs and e+%ectations can inf"uence t$e way it fig$ts es%ecia""y if it $as at
"east a*erage inte""igence#
Chaotic
T$e creature tends to t$ink of itse"f# !t does not res%ond we"" to "eaders$i% un"ess
intimidated or %ersuaded to fo""ow orders# !ts tactics are usua""y intended to im%ro*e its
indi*idua" effecti*eness and sur*i*a" not t$e grou%)s#
C$aotic creatures are a%t to seek >uick and dramatic resu"ts and combat and are
"ike"y to em%"oy ca""ed s$ots offensi*e disarms and s$ie"d rus$es#
'eutral
T$e creature is as "ike"y to consider t$e needs of t$e grou% as muc$ as itse"f so "ong as it
can ser*e one wit$out com%romising t$e ot$er# T$e creature res%onds moderate"y we"" to
"eaders$i% so "ong as it does not fee" its needs are being subordinated to t$e grou%)s# T$e
creature $as no great desire for indi*idua" g"ory#
1eutra" creatures are a%t to seek ways to restrict an o%%onent)s o%tions and to
counter o%%osing actions and are "ike"y to em%"oy %arries b"ocks %u""Etri%s and
defensi*e disarms#
/awful
T$e creature tends to t$ink of its grou%# T$e creature res%onds we"" to "eaders$i%
%ro*iding it is not ine%t ineffecti*e or unnecessari"y $ars$# T$e creature genera""y
functions as a cog in a "arger mac$ine %romoting a common goa" it s$ares wit$ its
com%anions#
Gawfu" creatures are a%t to c$oose tactics t$at re"y on t$e grou% suc$ as s$ie"d
wa""s %ike $edges and massed o*erbearing attacks#
Mora"e
& creature)s mora"e score measures its ferocity %erse*erance and courage# T$oug$ most
fre>uent"y used to decide if a creature runs away or surrenders during a fig$t mora"e a"so
can ser*e as guide"ine for deciding t$e creature)s genera" wi""ingness to fig$t#
!nreliableC!nsteady 13C?2
T$e creature is most "ike"y to dea" wit$ a t$reat by running away or $iding un"ess it $as
been trained for war or it $as been cornered# !f forced to fig$t t$e creature does not
%ur%osefu""y do anyt$ing t$at e+%oses it to increased danger#
$era&eCSteady 1@C932
T$e creature is not so skittis$ as to f"ee at t$e first sign of a t$reat# !f it does not wis$ to
fig$t it is "ike"y to b"uff or stand its ground before taking f"ig$t# T$e creature is not
aggressi*e and is un"ike"y to make an un%ro*oked attack un"ess it is $ungry or ot$erwise
stands to gain from a fig$t# !t is un"ike"y to make a fronta" attack w$en outnumbered or
outsized= if sufficient"y moti*ated t$e creature mig$t wait for an o%%ortunity to attack
w$en it $as an ad*antage o*er an ot$erwise su%erior grou%# ,nce a fig$t begins t$e
creature is wi""ing to try a"most anyt$ing t$at wi"" im%ro*e its c$ances for *ictory
%ro*ided t$e risk does not e+ceed t$e %otentia" reward#
%liteCChampion 19=C952
T$e creature is aggressi*e and genera""y tries to b"uff its way out of fig$ts it does not
want# !f t$e b"uff fai"s t$e creature is more "ike"y to fig$t t$an run away# !f faced wit$ a
su%erior force it a"most a"ways "ooks for ways to e*en t$e odds before attacking# &fter a
fig$t begins t$e creature is wi""ing t$e undertake considerab"e risks to $e"% insure a
*ictory#
FanaticCFearless 19?D2
T$e creature is *ery aggressi*e# !t does not b"uff %referring to attack w$en t$reatened#
,nce engaged in a fig$t it se"dom retreats# !t is wi""ing to take a"most any risk to gain a
*ictory#
Creature Ty%es
& creature)s %$ysica" c$aracteristics a"so %"ay a ro"e in $ow it acts on t$e batt"efie"d# !f
you are using Critica" -its Aystem !! from C$a%ter Ae*en a monster)s body ty%e a"so
determines w$at critica" $its c$art to use and w$at kinds of s%ecia" damage can affect it#
Many basic ty%es of creatures are described be"ow but you must use your own
2udgement and common sense w$en deciding a monster)s ty%e# Atudy t$e creatures
statistics and descri%tion# !f t$ere is a %icture study t$at too#
-umanoid
-umanoid creatures $a*e two arms two "egs and a $ead# T$e creature wa"ks u%rig$t and
genera""y uses too"s and wea%ons# !n most res%ects t$e creature functions 2ust "ike a
%"ayer c$aracter and is sub2ect to a"" forms or critica" $its and t$eir s%ecia" effects#
#uman
T$e creature is Man/sized or sma""er: $umans dwar*es e"*es orcs kobo"ds $obgob"ins
and t$ri/kreen are e+am%"es of $uman ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid c$arts# !f t$e creature $as mu"ti%"e arms or "egs t$e
"imbs actua""y in*o"*ed in t$e combat or c"osest to t$e attack are t$e most "ike"y to be
struck# ?o"" 8dO= a ro"" of 8LK indicates t$at t$e acti*e "imb is struck and a ro"" of O
indicates t$e inacti*e "imb is struck# !f t$e creature is em%"oying a"" its "imbs t$ere is an
e>ua" c$ance for any "imb to be struck# For e+am%"e an unarmed t$ri/kreen is fig$ting
wit$ a"" four c"aws and its o%%onent ro""s a "eft arm critica"# T$e two arms on t$e t$ri/
kreen)s "eft side are e>ua""y "ike"y to be $it 3ro"" 8dO to determine w$ic$ one5# -owe*er if
t$e t$ri/kreen was using a wea%on in one rig$t $and a s$ie"d in one "eft $and and
$o"ding e>ui%ment in its remaining two $ands a "eft arm critica" wou"d most "ike"y strike
t$e s$ie"d arm#
Combat: -uman ty%es use attack o%tions batt"e tactics and combat o%tions as t$eir
inte""igence ratings a""ow#
O&re
T$e creature is "arger t$an Man/sized but not -uge: ogres gno""s bugbears minotaurs
and >uaggot$s are e+am%"es of ogre ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid c$arts#
Combat: ,gre ty%es use attack o%tions batt"e tactics and combat o%tions as t$eir
inte""igence ratings a""ow# T$ey often em%"oy tactics t$at e+%"oit t$eir su%erior size and
reac$ suc$ as mo*ing back out of me"ee range to force an o%%onent to c"ose again w$i"e
t$e creature guards#
,iant
T$e creature is -uge or "arger: t$e *arious races of giants giant/kin titans and some
genies are e+am%"es of giant ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid c$arts but most o%%onents are forced to attack "ow 3see
C$a%ter Ai+5#
Combat: Most giant ty%es are fond of o*errunning o%%onents es%ecia""y if t$ey are two
or more size c"asses "arger 3see C$a%ter ,ne5= a giant is "ike"y to create a great dea" of
$a*oc w$en o*errunning an entire formation of dwar*es# ,*errunning can be a
dangerous tactic $owe*er and inte""igent or e+%erienced giants usua""y on"y try it ear"y
in a batt"e w$en t$ey $a*e enoug$ $it %oints to wit$stand t$e attacks of o%%ortunity t$ey
are "ike"y to %ro*oke#
#umanoid Flyer
T$e creature can be any size but $as wings s%routing from its back: %i+ies $ar%ies
gargoy"es and %it fiends are e+am%"es of $umanoid f"yer ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid c$arts# &rm $its can strike t$e wings instead= for fronta"
attacks ro"" 8dO= 8L; means an arm $it KLO a wing $it5# ?e*erse t$e odds for rear attacks#
&rm $its from f"ank attacks $a*e e>ua" c$ances of $itting an arm or a wing#
Combat: & f"yer)s tactics usua""y em%$asize mobi"ity# !f t$e creature $as a ranged attack
it stays out of reac$ and attacks from a distance# !n me"ee t$e creature tends to swoo%
down for f"ank or rear attacks t$en f"ies out of reac$ 3using t$e wit$draw o%tion at $a"f
its f"ying s%eed5#
Troll;$pe
T$e creature can be any size but re"ies on natura" wea%onry: tro""s gori""as and umber
$u"ks are e+am%"es of tro""Ea%e ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid c$arts= $owe*er a tro""Ea%e)s "ong arms can be used for
"ocomotion if necessary# ?educe mo*ement %ena"ties from "eg $its by one ste%: a no/
mo*e resu"t "imits t$e creature to a 8E9 mo*e a 8E9/mo*e effect reduces t$e creature to a
3E; mo*e and a 8E; effect is ignored# Tro""s and ot$er creatures t$at regenerate ignore
grazes# Doints regenerated count as magica" $ea"ing for reducing b"eeding effects# For
e+am%"e a tro"" suffers ma2or b"eeding for on"y two rounds before it is reduced to minor
b"eeding 3because it regenerates O $it %oints in t$at time5# &fter two more rounds t$e
minor b"eeding sto%s#
Combat: T$ese creatures are fond of o*erruns 3if t$eir size a""ows5 and wrest"ing attacks
3t$ey can bite w$i"e wrest"ing5# T$eir %owerfu" c"aws are treated as wea%ons one size
"arger t$an norma" 3see be"ow5#
&nima"
&nima"s are creatures wit$ four "imbs of some kind and sometimes a tai"# T$ey em%"oy
natura" wea%onry and usua""y wa"k on four "egs f"y or swim# &n anima")s size $as no
effect on its ty%e#
$ian
T$e creature $as two fore"imbs ada%ted for f"ying 3sometimes for swimming5 and two
$ind "imbs for wa"king or roosting: birds bats rocs and %erytons are e+am%"es of a*ian
ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e anima" c$arts= treat fore"eg $its as wing $its#
Combat: &*ians tend to swoo% to t$e attack t$en break away 2ust as $umanoid f"yers
do# &*ians attacking from a di*e are considered to be c$arging and inf"ict doub"e damage
wit$ t$eir c"aws#
6uadruped
T$is is t$e most common anima" ty%e= e+am%"es range from $ouse cats to e"e%$ants#
Critical #its: Bse t$e anima" c$arts# !f t$e anima" $as no tai" rero"" any tai" $it#
Combat: Garge >uadru%eds fre>uent"y c$arge and o*errun t$eir o%%onents# Ama""er
>uadru%eds %refer to attack from sur%rise#
Serpent
T$e creature $as a $ead and a "ong "eg"ess body# Anakes nagas and ee"s are e+am%"es of
ser%ent ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e anima" c$art= most "eg $its are treated as tai" $its#
Combat: Many ser%ents can em%"oy a constriction attack# Treat constriction attacks as
wrest"ing attacks e+ce%t t$at t$ere is no attack of o%%ortunity and t$e attack must $it t$e
o%%onent)s norma" &rmor C"ass# & creature tra%%ed in t$e ser%ent)s coi"s is considered
gra%%"ed and "ocked 3see C$a%ter Fi*e5 and can use t$e norma" wrest"ing %rocedure to get
free#
Fish;Whale
T$e creature $as a "ong stream"ined body wit$ f"i%%ers or fins for direction contro"#
Critical #its: Bse t$e anima" c$arts# Fore"eg $its 3"ocation ro""s of 8 or 95 can affect
%ectora" fins or f"i%%ers# ?o""s of 3LK affect t$e tai"# Mo*ement %ena"ties from fin or
f"i%%er $its a%%"y on"y if t$e anima" c$anges direction or makes a me"ee attack during t$e
round# T$e anima" re"ies on its tai" for mo*ement and suffers mo*ement %ena"ties from
tai" critica"s wit$ se*erities of 9 or more#
Combat: T$ese creatures often em%"oy a*ian tactics using t$eir su%erior swimming
s%eed to de"i*er >uick attacks and t$en mo*e out of reac$#
Monster
Monsters come in a"" s$a%es and sizes# T$e basic monster critica" $it c$arts assume four
"imbs a $ead and a tai"= $owe*er it is often necessary to use two different c$arts to
assign a $it "ocation#
$morphous
T$e creature $as a f"uid body wit$ no ob*ious "imbs= t$e creature often can a"ter its s$a%e
free"y and can form "imbs or a%%endages as needed# A"imes oozes 2e""ies and ge"atinous
cubes are e+am%"es of amor%$ous ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: &mor%$ous creatures are immune to critica" $its#
Combat: &mor%$ous creatures t$reaten e*eryt$ing ad2acent to t$em# Fortunate"y most
of t$em are noninte""igent and cannot tactica""y e+%"oit t$is abi"ity# &mor%$ous creatures
$a*e no f"ank or rear s%aces#
*lant;Fun&i
T$e creature $as a fibrous body wit$ no interna" ske"eton and few or no interna" organs#
T$e creature often $as *ines or branc$es instead of arms and roots or tendri"s instead of
"egs# Myconids treants and s$amb"ing mounds are e+am%"es of %"antEfungi ty%e
monsters#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid critica" c$art# &bdomen and torso $its affect t$e trunk or
stem# !f t$e creature $as no $ead $ead $its affect t$e trunk instead# &rm $its affect t$e
creature)s branc$es or gras%ing a%%endages# Geg $its affect roots 3if t$e roots are
e+%osed5 or t$e trunk# T$e creature ignores crus$ resu"ts and a"" b"eeding is automatica""y
reduced by one ste%#
Combat: D"antEfungi creatures can be *ery difficu"t to detect w$en "urking in norma"
fo"iage# W$en reso"*ing o*erbearing attem%ts t$e creature gets t$e bonus for $a*ing
more t$an four "egs 3it)s %retty difficu"t to %us$ a treant down5# & %"ant creature wit$
gras%ing *ines 3suc$ as a c$oke cree%er5 can make wrest"ing attacks wit$out %ro*oking
an attack of o%%ortunity= suc$ attacks are reso"*ed against t$e creature)s norma" &rmor
C"ass not &C 8.# & creature caug$t in a gras%ing tendri" is considered gra%%"ed and
"ocked and can use t$e norma" wrest"ing %rocedures to get free#
)ra&on
T$e creature $as a sca"y body a $ead two or four "egs and a %air of wings s%routing
from its back# 'ragons %seudo dragons wy*erns and ki/rin are e+am%"es of dragon ty%e
creatures#
Critical #its: !f t$e dragon is t$e same size or sma""er t$an t$e attacker use t$e monster
c$arts# !f t$e dragon $as on"y two "egs fore"eg $its strike t$e wings# !f t$e dragon $as
four "egs fore"eg $its from fronta" attacks strike t$e wings on a ro"" or K or O on 8dO#
?e*erse t$e odds for rear attacks 3wings are struck on a ro"" 8L;5# Fore"eg $its from f"ank
attacks $a*e e>ua" c$ances of $itting an arm or a wing#
!f t$e dragon is one or two sizes "arger t$an t$e attacker facing determines t$e
c$art to use# Fronta" attacks use t$e $umanoid c$arts treating fore"eg $its as wing $its=
"eg $its strike t$e fore"egs# F"ank attacks use t$e monster c$art treating fore"eg $its as
wing $its# ?ear attacks use t$e $umanoid c$art treating fore"eg $its as wing $its and $ead
$its as tai" $its# !f t$e dragon is t$ree or more size c"asses "arger t$an t$e attacker it is
immune to s%ecia" effects from critica" $its t$oug$ it sti"" suffers doub"e or tri%"e damage#
Combat: 'ragons) tactics em%$asize mobi"ity# T$ey tend to soften u% t$e o%%osition wit$
t$eir breat$ wea%ons and s%ecia" attacks before c"osing to conduct me"ee# Hery "arge
dragons "ike to o*errun s%e""casters and ot$er %$ysica""y weak c$aracters before engaging
more formidab"e c$aracters in %$ysica" combat#
.adial
T$e creature)s body is essentia""y circu"ar wit$ a centra" $ead and torso surrounded by
"imbs# ,cto%i +orns gre"" and be$o"ders are e+am%"es of radia" ty%e creatures#
Critica" -its: Bse t$e monster c$arts treating $ead $its as torso $its# &ny fore"eg $it
strikes one of t$e "imbs t$e creature is current"y em%"oying in combat# &ny tai" or $ind
"eg $it strikes a "imb not in*o"*ed in combat# !f t$e creature is em%"oying a"" its "imbs in
combat any "eg or tai" $it is treated as a fore"eg $it# !f t$e creature)s "imbs $a*e no 2oints
3an octo%us)s tentac"e for e+am%"e5 t$e creature ignores mo*ement %ena"ties from knee
and $i% $its#
Combat: & radia" creature wit$ sensory organs on its f"ank or rear negate t$e usua"
bonuses for f"ank or rear attacks# !f t$e creature a"so $as "imbs in its f"ank or rear sides it
t$reatens t$ose s>uares as we""# For e+am%"e a zorn t$reatens e*ery s>uare ad2acent to it
wit$ its t$ree arms and t$ree eyes# &n inte""igent radia" creature mig$t try to grab its
o%%onent)s wea%ons wit$ one or two of its "imbs w$i"e attacking norma""y wit$ t$e rest#
Auc$ grab attem%ts do not %ro*oke attacks of o%%ortunity as "ong as t$e creature is
making more norma" attacks t$an grab attacks#
(nsect;$rachnid
T$e creature $as a c$itinous body di*ided into two or more segments and mu"ti%"e "imbs#
4iant insects giant s%iders giant scor%ions and giant crayfis$ are e+am%"es of
insectEarac$nid ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e monster c$arts# !f t$e creature $as no tai" treat tai" $its as abdomen
$its# Fore"eg $its affect t$e creature)s c"aws or fig$ting "imbs# -ind "eg $its affect one of
t$e creature)s ot$er "imbs# T$e effected "imb is t$e one c"osest to t$e attacker= if se*era"
"imbs are e>uidistant ro"" random"y to see w$ic$ "imb is effected# T$e creature)s
mo*ement is unaffected by damage to t$e "egs as "ong as it $as at "east two undamaged
"egs on eac$ side of its body# For e+am%"e a giant s%ider can suffer knee $its to two of its
"eft "egs and suffer no mo*ement %ena"ties# !f it suffers damage to a t$ird "eg on t$e "eft
side $owe*er its mo*ement is affected# &"" b"eeding resu"ts are automatica""y reduced by
one ste%#
Worm
T$e creature is simi"ar to a snake# !t $as a "ong sinuous body and may or may not $a*e
"imbs# 4iant s"ugs giant centi%edes and %ur%"e worms are e+am%"es of worm ty%e
creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e monster c$arts# !gnore t$e effects of "eg $its un"ess t$e creature
$as $ands or c"aws it can use in combat= in suc$ cases a fore"imb $it 3a ro"" of 8 or 95
strikes t$e fig$ting "imb# &"" ot$er "eg $its are treated as tai" $its#
Combat: Hery "arge worm ty%e creatures often can swa""ow *ictims w$o"e# !f t$e
creature scores a critica" $it t$e *ictim takes doub"e damage and is swa""owed w$o"e
instead of suffering a s%ecia" effect#
Centaur
T$e creature $as an anima" 3usua""y >uadru%ed5 body and a $umanoid fore%art wit$ a
$ead torso abdomen and arms# Centaurs wemics and driders are e+am%"es of centaur
ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid c$arts for fronta" attacks# Geg $its affect t$e creature)s
anima" fore"egs and arm $its affect t$e creature)s $umanoid arms# Bse t$e monster c$art
for f"ank and rear attacks# !f t$e creature $as no tai" treat tai" $its as abdomen $its#
Combat: Centaur ty%e creatures armed wit$ missi"es function as unmounted arc$ers#
Aome centaurs ty%es mig$t use a wea%on to %arry b"ock or disarm w$i"e attacking wit$
t$eir fore"imbs#
Merman
T$e creature $as a fis$ or snake body and $umanoid or anima" fore%arts# Mermen sea
"ions and yuan/ti are e+am%"es of merman ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid or anima" c$art for fronta" attacks re/ro""ing "eg $its#
Bse t$e monster c$art for f"ank and rear attacks# Fore"eg $its strike t$e creature)s arms or
fore"imbs# ?o""s of 3LK strike t$e tai"# T$e anima" re"ies on its tai" for mo*ement and
suffers mo*ement %ena"ties from tai" critica"s wit$ se*erities of 9 or more#
/izard Man;/ycanthrope
T$e creature $as a genera""y $umanoid body s$a%e but a"so $as a tai"# Gizard men and
"ycant$ro%es in $ybrid form are e+am%"es of "izard manE"ycant$ro%e ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e $umanoid c$art for fronta" attacks# Bse t$e monster c$art for f"ank
and rear attacks# Fore"imb $its strike t$e creature)s arms#
Combat: T$ese creatures genera""y function as $umanoids in combat# Many of t$em a"so
can bite w$i"e attacking wit$ a wea%on= bite attacks are made on t$e creature)s base
initiati*e %$ase and can be made simu"taneous"y wit$ a wea%on attack#
Other
T$e creature defies easy c"assification# T$is ty%e inc"udes a"" creatures t$at "ack "arge
"imbs and we""/defined body areas and creatures t$at are too sma"" to %resent we""/
defined target areas# 1orma" insects craw"ing c"aws and urc$ins fa"" into t$is category#
Critical #its: Bse t$e monster c$art# Treat a"" critica" $its as abdomen $its#
Combat: T$ese creatures usua""y em%"oy s%ecia"ized attack forms based on t$eir uni>ue
%$ysica" c$aracteristics# Creatures wit$ ranged attacks usua""y use t$em in fa*or of me"ee
attacks#
!ndead
T$e creature is dead= it can be an animated or transformed cor%se suc$ as a ske"eton
g$ou" or *am%ire or a %$ysica" manifestation of a dead creature)s s%irit suc$ as a g$ost
wrait$ or s%ectre#
Critical #its: Bse t$e c$art a%%ro%riate for t$e creature)s body ty%e= most undead are
$umanoid# Bndead are immune to most critica" $its# T$ey com%"ete"y ignore grazed
struck and in2ured resu"ts# T$ey suffer on"y t$e mo*ement %ena"ties for crus$ed
s$attered and destroyed resu"ts 3t$ey ignore attack %ena"ties and $it %oint reductions5#
Bndead ignore b"eeding effects# !ncor%orea" undead ignore critica" $its a"toget$er but
sti"" suffer doub"e damage#
Combat: Most undead eager"y enter me"ee combat# Mind"ess undead sim%"y attack#
!nte""igent undead $o%e to make fu"" use of t$eir touc$/de"i*ered s%ecia" attacks#
,olem
T$e creature is an artificia" construct or magica""y animated ob2ect# T$e *arious go"ems
and most animated ob2ects are e+am%"es of go"em ty%e creatures#
Critical #its: Bse t$e c$art a%%ro%riate for t$e creature)s body ty%e= most go"ems are
$umanoid# 4o"ems are $ard to $urt= reduce a"" se*erity ro""s by two 3treat resu"ts of . or
"ess as no effect5# T$ey com%"ete"y ignore grazed struck and in2ured resu"ts# T$ey are
immune to b"eeding# T$ey suffer on"y t$e mo*ement %ena"ties for crus$ed s$attered and
destroyed resu"ts 3t$ey ignore attack %ena"ties and $it %oint reductions5#
Combat: Most go"ems are mind"ess# !f "eft on t$eir own t$ey mo*e direct"y into me"ee
attacking w$ate*er creatures t$ey can reac$# 4o"ems under anot$er creature)s direction
mig$t em%"oy more so%$isticated tactics de%ending on t$e directing creature)s abi"ity to
formu"ate %"ans and communicate t$em effecti*e"y#
&ttack and &rmor Ty%es & monster)s c"aws and teet$ can inf"ict critica" $its 2ust as a
norma" wea%on can# & monster)s natura" defenses a"so $e"% it resist attacks 2ust as magica"
armor or a $ig$ 'e+terity score does#
&ttacks
To determine t$e ty%e and se*erity of a critica" $it inf"icted by a monster consu"t t$e tab"e
be"ow:
Form Type Size
6ite DEAT Aame as Creature
6utt 6 Aame as Creature
C"aw A Creature L8TT
Fist 6 Creature L8
-orn D Aame as Creature
-oof 6 Creature L8
Tai" 6 Aame as Creature
Ating D Creature L8
Wing 6 Aame as Creature
Form: W$at t$e creature uses to de"i*er t$e attack#
Type: T$e kind of attack t$e creatures de"i*ers# T$e t$ree categories are t$e same as t$e
categories for wea%ons7%iercing 3D5 b"udgeoning 365 and s"as$ing 3A5#
Size: -ow "arge t$e wea%on is for %ur%oses of determining se*erity# Creature L8 means
t$e attack is treated as one size c"ass "ower t$an t$e creature# For e+am%"e a c"aw attack
from a bu"ette is treated as a Medium wea%on for %ur%oses of critica" se*erity#
TTreat as a s"as$ing attack un"ess t$e target is immune to s"as$ing wea%ons or on"y t$e
creature)s fangs are "arge enoug$ to inf"ict damage# For e+am%"e snake and s%ider bites
are %iercing attacks#
TTC"aw attacks from tro""Ea%e ty%e creatures are treated as t$e same size c"ass as t$e
creature for se*erity %ur%oses#
&rmor
& creature sub2ected to an attack t$at ignores armor suc$ as an o*erbearing attem%t a
s$ort/range s$ot from a crossbow or a s$ot from a bombardment engine mig$t be
entit"ed to an ad2ustment to its effecti*e &rmor C"ass of 8. due to 'e+terity or magic#
'i*ide a creature)s "and mo*ement rate by 9 or its f"ying or swimming mo*ement
rate by 89 to get its effecti*e 'e+terity bonus against suc$ attacks# 'ro% fractions# !f t$e
creature is entit"ed to mu"ti%"e 'e+terity bonuses it gets on"y t$e best one# For e+am%"e a
"ig$t $orse MH 9; is entit"ed to a L9 &rmor C"ass ad2ustment#
&ny creature wit$ an &rmor C"ass of "ess t$an . is entit"ed to a magica" &rmor
C"ass ad2ustment e>ua" to its negati*e &rmor C"ass# For e+am%"e a great wyrm red
dragon $as an &rmor C"ass of L88# !ts effecti*e &C against a s$ort/range crossbow s$ot
or wrest"ing attack is L3 3t$ere is a L88 magica" ad2ustment and a L9 'e+terity
ad2ustment5#
%or e&ample! an aara#ocra is a h"man0type creat"re( 1t "ses the h"manoid critical hit
charts( :rm hits 'ith a severity o$ J or more also ma#e $lying impossible and $orce a
crash landing i$ the aara#ocra is in $light( :n aara#ocra attac#s 'ith t'o cla's! 'hich
are treated as small slashing 'eapons( The creat"re has an e$$ective ;I De&terity
adE"stment to :rmor Class d"e to its $lying speed(
: beholder is a radial type creat"re( 1t "ses the monster critical hit charts(
Generally! opponents m"st attac# the creat"re's central body and m"st ma#e called shots
to a$$ect the creat"re's eyestal#s and central eye( Ho'ever! $orelegK'ing and hind leg
critical hits stri#e the creat"re's eyestal#s and head critical hits a$$ect the creat"re's
central eye( The creat"re's bite is treated as a si8e M slashing and piercing attac#(
:n ad"lt copper dragon is a dragon0type creat"re( %rontal and rear attac#s "se
the h"manoid critical hit tablesH $lan# attac#s "se the monster critical hit table( Beca"se
the dragon is Gargant"an! it is imm"ne to special e$$ects $rom critical hits in$licted by
si8e M and smaller attac#s( The dragon's bite is treated as a Gargant"an
slashingKpiecing attac#( The dragon's cla's and #ic#s are treated as H"ge slashing
attac#s( The dragon's tail slap and 'ing b"$$ets are treated as Gargant"an bl"nt attac#s(
The dragon has a combined magical and De&terity adE"stment to its :C o$ ;)! ;, d"e to
its $lying movement rate and ;I d"e to its standard :rmor Class(
!nde+
&
&batis
&bi"ity bonuses wit$ wea%ons
&borting an action
&ction %$ase
base
effects of mo*ing on
encumbrance)s effect on
in due"ing
mo*ement)s effect on
of combat
of magica" items
of mo*ement
of %sionics
of s%e""s
of unarmed attacks
of wea%ons
wea%on s%eed)s effect on
&'&' ?u"es standard and o%tiona"
&dze
&eria" combat
:ir 'al#
&"ertness
&"ignment of creatures
&mbide+terity
&mbus$
&ncient cu"tures) wea%ons
&nkus
:pparat"s o$ F'alish
&%%roac$ of a cast"e
&rc$ery from $orseback
&rmor
wea%on ty%es *s#
&rmor C"ass
benefits due to a s$ie"d wa""
bonus due to
sitting or "ying %rone
by s$ie"d ty%e
effects of %arrying on
effects of running or s%rinting on
water)s effect on
w$i"e c"imbing
&rmor damage due to critica" $its
&rmor descri%tions
%roficiency
tab"es
creatures) ty%es
&rti""erist
&ssistance in wrest"ing
&stra" combat
&ttack o%tions
wit$ unarmed attacks
&ttack %ena"ties from critica" $its
&ttack ty%es for creatures
&ttacking
&ttacks of o%%ortunity
and missi"e fire
and retreats
and wit$drawing
during o*erruns
free ad2ustment)s effect on
"imits to
*s# grabs
*s# o*erbears
*s# sa%%ing
*s# unarmed attacks
&ttacks %er round
wit$ s%ecia"ization
&+e batt"e
stone
two $anded
6
6ackward kick
6ack/and/breast armor
6ad"ands as batt"efie"ds
6ag$ nak$
6a""ista
6anded mai"
6arding
6arred wea%ons
6ase initiati*e
6attering ram
6att"e a+e
6att"e ma%s
6att"e tactics
6att"efie"ds
effects of magic on
setu%
6att"ements
6e"aying %in
6e"fry
Bigby's clenched $ist
6"eeding
Blin#
6"ocking
as an unarmed attack
in due"ing
6"owgun
6o stick
6ogs in a batt"efie"d
6o"as
6ombard
6ombardment engines
6one armor
6oomerang
Boots o$ speed
Boots o$ striding and springing
6ore
6ott"e
6ow
6ow s%ecia"ization
6randistock
6raw"ing
6reaking free of wrest"ing $o"ds
6rigandine armor
6road wea%on grou%s
6roken bones
6roken to%ogra%$y in a batt"efie"d
6ronze &ge wea%ons
6ronze %"ate mai"
6uck"er s$ie"d
6ui"dings as batt"efie"ds
6urning materia"s
C
Ca""ed s$ot
as an unarmed attack
"ocation in critica" $its
Ca"tro%
Camouf"age
Cannon
Ca%
Carrying ca%acities for beasts
Casting s%e""s
from c$ariots
from wagons
Cast"es as batt"efie"ds
Cata%u"t
Catwa"ks
Cau"dron
Ca*es as batt"efie"ds
Cestus
in %umme"ing
C$ain
C$ain barding
C$ain $auberk
C$ain mai" armor
C$ain/"ame""ar armor
C$akram
C$aracters and mora"e
C$arging
*s# a s%ear or %ike $edge
as a resu"t of running or s%rinting
mounted
*s# guarding
C$ariot
C$i2ikiri
C$oosing a combat action
C"asses and wea%on %roficiencies
C"ear figures
C"ear ground in a batt"efie"d
C"ear "ines of fire
C"ear terrain in a batt"efie"d
C"imbing
C"imbing c$eck
C"imbing wa""s
C"ose attack in due"ing
C"ose order
as %art of a s$ie"d wa""
as %art of a s%ear or %ike $edge
C"ose/faced $e"m
C"ub
great
war
Combat action %$ases
ad2ustments for a s%ear or %ike $edge
against f"ying creatures
astra"
bonus due to $ig$er ground
bonus for mounted c$arge
due"ing
effects of encumbrance
et$erea"
fi*e basic ste%s of
from c$ariots
from wagons
$eroic frays
in unusua" conditions
"oca" fig$ting sty"es
martia" arts
rear and f"ank attacks
subdua" attacks
unarmed
unarmed attack o%tions
*s# a s$ie"d wa""
*s# sitting or %rone creatures
water)s effects on
w$i"e c"imbing
Combat actions
aborting
c$oosing
effect on action %$ase
effects on mo*ement
in con2unction wit$ mo*ement
Combat on ot$er %"anes
Combat round
Combined sca"e
Common materia"s
Concea"ment
on t$e batt"efie"d
Constitution bonus to fatigue
Cord armor
Cost of wea%ons
Counter mining
Co*er
on t$e batt"efie"d
Co*ering
Creature size in s$ie"d wa""s
knockdown number
and two/$anded wea%ons
Creature ty%es
Creatures in batt"e
Critica" e*ents
in due"ing
Critica" $its
c$arts
effects
from co*ering
from %umme"ing
from wrest"ing
resu"ting from a ca""ed s$ot
wit$ a sword of s$ar%ness or *or%a" sword
wit$ direct fire engines
wit$ indirect fire engines
wit$ rocks
Crossbow
%ecia"ization
Crossbow of accuracy
Crusades)s wea%ons
Crus$ed s$attered or destroyed "imbs
Crus$ing b"ow
Curtain wa""s
'
'agger
'amage
f wea%ons
'ark &ges)s wea%ons
'arkness)s effects on *isibi"ity
Dar#ness! -)' radi"s
'art
'eat$
'efensi*e disarm
'eserts as batt"efie"ds
'estroyed "imbs
'estroyed targets
Dig
'irect fire engines
'irty fig$ting
'isarming
as an unarmed attack
in due"ing
Disintegrate
'oors
'ri*ing c$ecks
'ue"ing
wit$ unarmed attacks
'ue"ing %"ot
'ungeons as batt"efie"ds
'uration of s%e""s
'ying
C
Cart$ ram%arts
<arth/"a#e
Cmbrasure s$utters
Cncounter range
in astra" combat
in et$erea" combat
Cncumbrance
effects on initiati*e
and action %$ase
fatigue)s effects on
in et$erea" combat
Cnd of t$e combat round
Cndurance
<nlarge
C>ui%ment grou%s
Csca"ades
Cscar%ments
Ct$erea" combat
C+ce%tiona" abi"ities)
effects on mo*ement
C+$austed c$aracters
C+%ertise
in martia" arts
in %umme"ing
in wrest"ing
C+treme range
F
Facing and s$ie"d use
during mo*ement
free ad2ustment
front f"ank and rear
mu"ti%"e figures in t$e same s>uare
Fai"ing a mora"e c$eck
Fami"iarity
in martia" arts
in %umme"ing
in wrest"ing
Farm"and as batt"efie"ds
Fatigue
and force marc$ing
effects of running or s%rinting on
Fatigued c$aracters
Feinting in due"ing
Fie"d %"ate armor
Fie"ds as batt"efie"ds
Fig$ting w$i"e c"imbing
f"ying creatures
in unusua" conditions
Fig$ting sty"e s%ecia"izations
Fig$ting sty"es
Figures c"ear
facing of
gra%%"ed
t$reatened
Fine ba"ance
Firearms
from $orseback
in missi"e/wea%on fig$ting sty"e
s%ecia"ization
%ireball
Fires
Firing into a me"ee
Firing missi"es
at mounts
at sitting or %rone creatures
from c$ariots
from $orseback
from wagons
in et$erea" combat
into a me"ee
into t$e water
rocks
*s# a s$ie"d wa""
F"ai"
F"aming %ro2ecti"es wit$ direct fire engines
F"aming %ro2ecti"es wit$ indirect fire engines
F"ank attacks
F"at to%ogra%$y in a batt"efie"d
F"ying kick
Fog)s effects on *isibi"ity
%og clo"d
Footing effects on mo*ement
on t$e batt"efie"d
Footman)s mace
Footman)s %ick
Force marc$ing)s effects on fatigue
Forest $ea*y as batt"efie"ds
Forest "ig$t as batt"efie"ds
Fork
Forma" mora"e c$ecks
Fortifications as batt"efie"ds
Free ad2ustment during a no/mo*e action
Fres$ c$aracters
Fu"" %"ate armor
Fu""/mo*e actions
4
4affE$ook
4a""ery s$ed
4a""ic armor
4argantuan creatures number %er s>uare
4ates
4enerating a batt"efie"d
4rab
4rand mastery
4ra%%"ed figures
4ra%%"ing
as o*erbearing
as wrest"ing
4ra%%"ing $ooks
4ray areas
4razes
4reat c"ub
4reat $e"m
4reek fire
%ro2ector
4round co*er in a batt"efie"d
4uarding
in a s%ear or %ike $edge
*s# c$arging
4unsen
-
-a"f/mo*e actions
-a"f/%"ate armor
Hall"cinatory terrain
-ammer
s"edge
-and or t$rowing a+e
-ar%oon
-aste
-atc$et
-azards on t$e batt"efie"d
-e"m great
"eat$er
o%en/faced
-eroic frays
-e+es on ma%s
-ide armor
-ig$ attacks in critica" $its
-ig$ mastery
-ig$er ground
-i""s as batt"efie"ds
-i""y to%ogra%$y in a batt"efie"d
-oardings
-o"ds in wrest"ing
-o"y symbo"
-o%"ite armor
Horn o$ blasting
-orse arc$ery s%ecia"ization
-orseman)s mace
-orseman)s %ick
-orses %erforming o*erruns
-owda$
-uge creatures number %er s>uare
-undred @ears) War)s wea%ons
!
!m%aired "ines of fire
!m%ro*ed mai" armor
1ncendiary clo"d
!ndirect fire engines
!nforma" mora"e c$ecks
!nitiati*e
base
during co*ering
effects of mo*ing on
encumbrance)s effect on
in aeria" combat
in due"ing
mo*ement)s effect on
of combat actions
of magica" items
of mo*ement
of %sionics
of s%e""s
of unarmed attacks
of wea%ons
wea%on s%eed)s effect on
!n2uries
!nstant stand
!nte""igence)s bonus %roficiency s"ots
!nte""igence of creatures
!n*estment
1nvisibility
!ron wi""
I
Ia*e"in
Iitte
Ium%
Iung"e as batt"efie"ds
F
Fama
Fau sin ke
Fawanaga
Ficking in %umme"ing
Fits and barred wea%ons
Fnee"ing
Fnife
t$rowing
Fnockdown die
Fnockdowns
and %umme"ing
as a resu"t of retreats
due to critica" $its
due to un$orsing
from tem%orary damage
from wrest"ing
in o*erbearing
of wea%ons
wit$ direct fire engines
wit$ indirect fire engines
wit$ rocks
Fusari/gama
G
Gadders
Game""ar armor
Game""ar s$irt
Gance
bonus for a mounted c$arge
Gantern
Garge creatures number %er s>uare M
Garge s$ie"d
Gasso
Geaders$i%
Geat$er armor
Geat$er $e"m
Geat$er sca"e barding
Gig$t sca"e armor
3ightning bolt
Gines of fire
against a s$ie"d wa""
Goca" fig$ting sty"es
Gocation of critica" $its
Gocks in wrest"ing
Gong s%ear
Gorica $amata armor
Gorica segmenta armor
Gow attacks in critica" $its
Gying down
M
Mace footman)s
$orseman)s
Mace/a+e
Mac$ete
Magic on t$e batt"efie"d
Magica" attacks structura"
Magica" items on t$e batt"efie"d
use during combat
Magica" wea%ons
Ma$out
Mai" and %"ate armor
Mai" coif
Ma2or b"eeding
Mancatc$er
Mani%u"ate
Mant"et
Man/sized creatures number %er s>uare
Ma%s as batt"efie"ds
batt"e
generating a batt"efie"d
mo*ement on
using $e+es
Mars$ as batt"efie"ds
Martia" arts
ta"ents
wea%ons
Mass combat
Master wea%ons "ist
tab"es
Mastery
in martia" arts
in %umme"ing
in wrest"ing
Materia"s on t$e batt"efie"d
Mattoc# o$ the titans
Mau"
Ma"l o$ the titans
Medium s$ie"d
Me"ee combat see Combat
Me"ee sca"e
Me"ee wea%on s%ecia"ization
Midd"e Castern wea%ons
Mines
Minor b"eeding
Misce""aneous war mac$ines
Missi"e def"ection
Missi"e fire
accidenta" firing due to knockdown
against sitting or %rone creatures
at mounts
effects of co*er and concea"ment on
from c$ariots
from $orseback
from wagons
in et$erea" combat
into a me"ee
rocks
*s# a s$ie"d wa""
water)s effects on
Missi"e range of wea%ons
Missi"e sca"e
in astra" combat
Missi"e wea%on s%ecia"ization
Missi"e/ or t$rown/wea%on fig$ting sty"e
s%ecia"ization
Monster ty%es
Monsters and fatigue %oints
and unarmed attacks
base initiati*e
in batt"e
knockdown c$ances and immunities
range of attacks
resistance to critica" $its
Atrengt$ formu"a
t$reatening s>uares of
wit$ missi"e attacks
Moon"ig$t)s effects on *isibi"ity
Mora"e
of creatures
Morningstar
Mountains as batt"efie"ds
Mounted attacks as o*erruns
Mounted c$arge
Mounts
un$orsing
Move earth
Mo*ement
and footing
c"imbing
combat actions) effects on
free ad2ustment
in a s$ie"d wa""
in a s%ear or %ike $edge
in aeria" combat
in con2unction wit$ combat actions
in due"ing
on t$e ma%
%ena"ties due to critica" $its
under water
Mo*ement rate effects on action %$ase
e+ce%tiona" abi"ities) effect on
Mo*ing
Mu"ti%"e attacks wit$ missi"e fire
Mu"ti%"e figures and facing
Mu"ti%"e "oaded wea%ons
1
1atura" attacks and knockdowns
1egati*e $it %oints
1et
1ew wea%ons
1on%roficiency
in martia" arts
in %umme"ing
in wrest"ing
1o/mo*e actions
1DCs and mora"e
due"ing
1umber of creatures %er s>uare
1unc$aku
,
,bscurement
,bstac"es in generating a batt"efie"d
on t$e batt"efie"d
,ffensi*e disarm
,i"
,ne/ or two/$anded wea%ons
,ne/$anded wea%ons used two/$anded
,ne/$anded/wea%on sty"e s%ecia"ization
,%en/faced $e"m
,%%osed ro""s
,%tiona" &'&' ru"es
,rienta" wea%ons
,utside as a batt"efie"d
,utside attack in due"ing
,*erbearing
a mounted c$aracter
during o*erruns
,*erruns
wit$ c$ariots
wit$ wagons
D
Dadded armor
Dadded barding
Da"isades wooden
Darang
Darrying
in due"ing
Detards
Dick
footman)s
$orseman)s
Diercing *s# anima"s critica" $it tab"es
Diercing *s# $umanoids critica" $it tab"es
Diercing *s# monsters critica" $it tab"es
Dike $edge
Di"um
Dins
D"ains as batt"efie"ds
D"ate and c$ain barding
D"ate mai" armor
bronze
Doint/b"ank range
Do"earm
Donds in a batt"efie"d
Dortcu""ises
Potion o$ $ire breath
Potion o$ gro'th
Potion o$ inv"lnerability
Dress
Driest s%e""s on t$e batt"efie"d
Droficiencies
bonus s"ots due to $ig$ !nte""igence
Droficiency
in martia" arts
in %umme"ing
in s$ie"d
in wrest"ing
Drone
Dry bar
Dsionics)s action %$ase
Du""ingETri%%ing
a mount or mounted c$aracter
as an unarmed attack
in due"ing
Dumme"ing
Dunc$ing
Pyrotechnics
S
Suarterstaff
Suickness
?
?ain)s effects on *isibi"ity
?am catc$er
?amming
?am%arts eart$
?am battering
?ange of wea%ons
of monsters) attacks
?anged wea%ons and guarding
?ate of fire from $orseback
of wea%ons
s%ecia"ization
wit$ mu"ti%"e "oaded wea%ons
?ear attacks
?eco*ering from fatigue
?eduction
?enaissance)s wea%ons
?esistance to critica" $its
?etreats
?iding %roficiency and in2ured mounts
un$orsing
?ing mai" armor
Ding o$ shooting stars
Ding o$ the ram
?i%oste in due"ing
?ocks
?od t$ree/%iece
?oman wea%ons
?ound in combat
?u"es standard and o%tiona"
?unning
A
Aai
Aang kauw
Aa%
Aa%%ing
in due"ing
in %umme"ing
structura"
Aa*age cu"tures) wea%ons
Aa*ing t$row bonuses due to co*er
and concea"ment
Aa*ing t$rows for sieges
Aca"e combined
in a batt"efie"d
me"ee
missi"e
switc$ing
Aca"e armor "ig$t
Aca"e barding
"eat$er
Aca"e in astra" combat
Aca"e mai" armor
Aca"ing wa""s
Acimitar of s%eed
Acourge
Acyt$e
Ae*ered "imbs
Ae*ere"y im%aired "ines of fire
Ae*erity of critica" $its
A$attered "imbs
A$ie"d buck"er
damage due to critica" $its
"arge
medium
%roficiency
sma""
s%ecia"ization
wa""
A$ie"ds in wea%on/and/s$ie"d fig$ting sty"e
tra%%ing wit$
ty%es
*s# rear and f"ank attacks
A$ie"d/%unc$
in due"ing
A$ie"d/rus$
A$i%s as batt"efie"ds
2hoc#ing grasp
2hort s'ord o$ /"ic#ness
A$uriken
A$utters embrasure
Aick"e
Aiege tower
Aieges
Aing"e/wea%on fig$ting sty"e
Aitting
Aize of wea%ons
A"am
A"as$ing *s# anima"s critica" $it tab"es
A"as$ing *s# $umanoids critica" $it tab"es
A"as$ing *s# monsters critica" $it tab"es
A"edge $ammer
A"ing
A"o%es
A"ow
Ama"" creatures number %er s>uare
Ama"" s$ie"d
Amas$ing in due"ing
A%ade
A%ear
$edge
"ong
A%ecia" combat conditions
A%ecia" ta"ents
A%ecia" wea%on maneu*ers
A%ecia"ization
and wea%on grou%s
in martia" arts
in %umme"ing
in wrest"ing
A%ecific in2uries
A%eed of wea%ons
A%e""casting
from c$ariots
from wagons
A%e""s action %$ase of
casting during combat
duration of
on t$e batt"efie"d
A%"ays
A%"int mai" armor
A%ring
A%rinting
Ataff s"ing
Atandard &'&' ru"es
Atar"ig$t)s effects on *isibi"ity
Atatus
Ateady $and
Atone age wea%ons
Atone a+e
Atone wa""s
Atreams in a batt"efie"d
Atreets as batt"efie"ds
Atrengt$ of monsters
Atruck "imbs
Atudded "eat$er armor
Aty"es of martia" arts
Aubdua" attacks
Aur%rise
Awam%s as batt"efie"ds
Awimming
Aword
2'ord o$ sharpness
Aystem ! critica" $its
Aystem !! critica" $its
T
Take down
Ta*erns as batt"efie"ds
Tem%orary damage
Terrain ty%es bad"ands
ca*es
desert
fie"ds or farm"and
forest $ea*y or 2ung"e
forest "ig$t
$i""s
mars$
mountains
%"ains
s$i%s
swam%s
town streets
ta*erns
T$ickets in a batt"efie"d
T$reatened creatures firing or
t$rowing missi"es at
T$reatened figures
T$reatening and guarding
and missi"e fire
and wit$drawing
in aeria" combat
in astra" combat
mo*ement into
*s# unarmed attacks
T$reatening creatures firing or
t$rowing missi"es at
T$ree/%iece rod
T$ree/>uarter %"ate armor
T$row
T$rowing knife
T$rowing missi"es
T$rowing or $and a+e
T$rown wea%ons
T$rown/wea%on fig$ting sty"e
s%ecia"ization
Tig$t wea%on grou%s
Too"s
To%ogra%$y in a batt"efie"d
Torc$
Town streets as batt"efie"ds
Towns as batt"efie"ds
Tram%"ing
Transmute rock to mud
Tra% and break
Tra%%ing
in due"ing
Trebuc$et
Trident
Tri%%ing
a mount
as an unarmed attack
in due"ing
Troub"e sense
Two/$anded a+e
Two/$anded/wea%on fig$ting sty"e
s%ecia"ization
Two/wea%on fig$ting sty"e
s%ecia"ization
Ty%e of wea%ons
B
Bnarmed attack
Bnarmed combat
Bnarmed fig$ting sty"e
Bnconscious creatures
from %umme"ing
Bn$orsing
as an unarmed attack
Bnseating a rider in aeria" combat
Bse a magica" item
H
He$ic"e $and"ing
He$ic"es
Hia"
Hisibi"ity
Hision in et$erea" combat
under water
Hor%a" sword
W
Wagon
Wa"" defenses
Aall o$ $ire
Aall o$ iron
Aall o$ stone
Wa""s
War c"ub
War engines) attack and defense *a"ues
War mac$ines
costs and weig$ts
misce""aneous
*s# ot$er war mac$ines
War$ammer
Aarp 'ood
Water)s effects on combat
Water in a batt"efie"d
Wea%on descri%tions
e+%ertise
fami"iarity
grand mastery
grou% %roficiency
grou%s
maneu*ers
mastery
non%roficiency
%roficiency
range
restrictions in water
s%ecia"ization
s%eed
s%eed)s effect on action %$ase
*s# target size for critica" $its
Wea%ons and abi"ity bonuses
knockdown die
magica"
martia" arts
names
new
tab"es
tra%%ing wit$
used in a s$ie"d wa""
*s# armor ty%es
Wea%on/and/s$ie"d fig$ting sty"e
s%ecia"ization
Wea%on/s%ecific sty"es
Weig$t of wea%ons
W$i%
Wi"d swing in due"ing
Wit$drawing
Wizard s%e""s on t$e batt"efie"d
Wood armor
Wooden %a"isades
Woods $ea*y in a batt"efie"d
"ig$t in a batt"efie"d
Wounds binding
Wrest"er *s# wrest"er
Wrest"ing

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