An Odd World +he 2orld is too lare (or e'plorers to map and too old (or academics to record. &'peditions return (rom ever$ direction 2ith tales o( biarre places 2ondrous and horri(ic. !ou are an &'plorer bravin the unkno2n in search o( riches (ame kno2lede and po2er. ost o( all $ou seek Arcana, strane devices hostin unnatural po2ers be$ond technolo$. +he$ rane (rom the smallest rin to vast machines. Citiens (lock to Bastion. ts vast (actories provide danerous but dependable 2ork and its docks send uns chemicals and ne2spapers to distant neihbours. 4eneath the cit$ The Underground stretches 5ust as (ar. Se2ers t2ist into tunnels hidin ancient caves and (orotten vaults. 1allen cities are adorned 2ith statues o( star-men cultists 2orship metal ods and bellierent unions prepare (or a cosmic invasion. 1amiliar landscapes are overrun b$ strane 2eeds corrosive mists creep in (rom the sea and 5et black mountains 2atch (rom the horion. +his odd 2orld has been a((ected b$ beins much straner than humans.
Into the Odd by Chris McDowall is licensed under a Creat Cr eative ive Common Com monss Attribu Attr ibutio tion n-Non NonCo Comme mmerci rcial al ShareAlik Shar eAlikee 3.0 Unported Unport ed License. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http htt p:// soo sooa aam ames es .bl .blo ospo spott.c .com om
e! to "#$s% Contents
&o! do 'ou (la'% ne pla$er is the *e(eree. +he$ describe the situation the characters are currentl$ in. +he pla$ers ask 7uestions and use their characters to interact 2ith the environment. +he *e(eree tells the pla$ers 2hat happens or 2hich dice to roll to determine the outcome.
!our Character ".............................. ................. 2 #la$in the %ame "........................................... 4 Arcana "........................................ "........................ ............................... ..................... ......5 &'ample o( #la$ ".............................................. 8 Character Advancement "................................ 10 Companies and )ar "....................................... 11 *unnin the %ame "......................................... 12 +reasure "..........................................................13 +raps and ,aards "......................................... 14 onsters "......................................................... 15 +he dd )orld ".............................................. 17 +he ron Coral "................................................ 18 +he 1allen arsh "........................................... 21 ,opesend #ort "............................................... 24
What do 'ou need% need% A set o( dice 8d9 d d; d60 d6< and d<0= pencils and paper. +he *e(eree 2ill have prepared a location (or the characters to e'plore or ma$ use an e'istin adventure module.
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"olling a Character ) )ho ) )ho are !ou>
ui(ent ne-,undred #ennies ( make a Shillin s. nehundred Shillins make a %uilder g.
*oll 3d (or each Abilit$ Score. 60 is averae. !ou ma$ s2ap o( an$ t2o o( $our scores.
Unared Attac d9 ?amae. &and Wea(on 8
&N%+, ) 1ihtin (ortitude and touhness. *T" &N%+, +&*+! ) +- +&*+! ) Stealth athletics and re(le'es. W./L#)&* ) ) Con(idence discipline and charisma. Characters start 2ith d &it(oints, a measure o( their abilit$ to avoid li(e-threatenin ?amae.
*tarter #acage Consult the Starter #ackae table on the (ollo2in pae to (ind $our startin e7uipment and an$ special in(ormation about $our character. As 2ell as individual e7uipment an e'pedition al2a$s has lanterns basic climbin mappin and campin e7uipment and rations.
Co(anions 1or small pla$er roups each pla$er ma$ create one or more companions. *oll their Abilit$ Scores in order and ive them 6hp and a s2ord.
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*tarter #acage Tale atch $our hihest Abilit$ Score aainst $our ,itpoints to (ind $our startin packae. )eapons have their damae roll listed. Arcana are rolled randoml$ 8see pae @=. ( t2o characters 2ould have the same e7uipment the second character takes their startin packae (rom the column to the le(t or riht i( this is not possible. 1h(
2h(
3;= S2ord 8d= usket 8d;= #istol 8d= S2ord 8d= odern Armour 1lashban Sense nearb$ Sense nearb$ unearthl$ beins Arcana. 10 *i(le 8d;= 4a$onet 8d= Lihter 4o$ Arcanum 11
usket 8d;= ,atchet 8d= ,a2k Arcanum
*i(le 8d;= ,atchet 8d= odern Armour #istol 8d= ,ound 4olt-Cutters Arcanum Arcanum
usket 8d;= 12 Club 8d= +hro2in Fnives ule Arcanum Arcanum
3h(
4h(
5h(
usket 8d;= Club 8d= mmunit$ to e'treme heat and cold.
#istol 8d= Fni(e 8d= +elepath$ i( taret (ails )L Save
4lunderbuss 8d;= ,atchet 8d= utt ?reams sho2 $our undiscovered surroundins
usket 8d;= ,atchet 8d= 1lashban ron Limb Arcanum
usket 8d;= #rotective %loves Arcanum
Cla$more 8d;= #istol 8d= < Acid 1lasks Arcanum
#istol 4race 8d;= Steel )ire %rapplin ,ook Arcanum
*i(le 8d;= ace 8d= &ale #oison
usket 8d;= allet arbles 1anc$ ,at Arcanum
usket 8d;= 4a$onet 8d= utt 2ith telepathic link.
achete 8d= #istol 4race 8d;= +alkin #arrot Never Sleep
Club 8d= 3 4ombs *ocket ?arkvision
#ick-A'e 8d= anacles Arcanum
#istol 8d= ,arpoon %un 8d;= +o'in-mmune 4aton 8d= Acid *ocket Slihtl$ anetic
aul 8d;= ?aer 8d= Chain
usket 8d;= #ortable *am %ame Set
Lona'e 8d;= *um 4omb
13 #istol 8d= &ther #oison Arcanum
S2ord 8d= #istol 8d= #istol 8d= Smoke-bomb odern Armour utt Shovel
4olt-Cutters 4lunderbuss 8d;= 1iddle
14 Cane 8d= Acid Sp$lass Arcanum
#istol 8d= 4ell Steel )ire Smoke-bomb
Lona'e 8d;= #istol 8d= Sa2 #istol 8d= %rease +hro2in A'es Animal +rap ,and ?rill 1ire il Sp$lass ?rum
?aer 8d= 1ire il irror
15 #istol 4race 8d;= Canar$ &ther
Lona'e 8d;= 1erret 1ire il
Club 8d= &ther 4o2 8d= S2ord G ?aer 8d;= Cro2bar Fni(e 8d= ani($in %lass 1lute *ocket 1ire il Lost &$e
#istol 8d= Fni(e 8d= 4omb Sa2
1< usket 8d;= #ocket-2atch 4omb
Sta(( 8d;= +ons %lue
,atchet 8d= Net 1ire il 4urnt 1ace
#istol 8d= 4omb Shovel %lo2in &$es
17 ,alberd 8d;= 1ake #istol Arti(icial Lun
#istol 8d= Net #rosthetic Le +rumpet
Club 8d= #aint usket 8d;= Cro2bar Accordion Loud Luns No Nose/Scent
18 %arotte 8d= usket 8d;= ute
#istol 8d= #istol 8d= %rease ,acksa2 Ciars #oison ne Arm 1uitive
#istol 8d= #istol 8d= Acid )hip 8d= Animal *epellent Ciars Lost &$e #rosthetic ,and
S2ord 8d= Shield Armour lliterate
3
S2ord 8d= Steel )ire Ul$ utation.
Sta(( 8d;= +hro2in Fnives 8d=
S2ord 8d= 1erret +attered Clothes ?ebt 83=
ace 8d= #ieon ?is(iured
#la'ing the $ae - )hat $ou need to kno2. *aes: A Save is a roll to avoid daner (rom a risk$ action or situation. *oll d<0. ( $ou roll e7ual or under the appropriate Abilit$ Score $ou pass. 6 is al2a$s a success and <0 al2a$s a (ailure. Turns n $our turn a character can move and per(orm an action. )hen it is unclear 2hich combat side should act (irst the character at the head o( the roup must pass a ?&B Save to secure the (irst action. Actions An action can be an$thin (rom neotiatin to attackin to (leein. Attacks are detailed belo2. 1or other actions the *e(eree calls (or the character at risk to roll a Save. 1or e'ample an attempt to trip an opponent miht (orce them to pass a S+* Save to sta$ on their (eet 2hile an attempt to trick an opponent into surrender ma$ (orce them to pass a )L Save or lo2er their arms.
Ailit' *core /oss ( a character has their S+* score reduced to ero the$ are dead. ( their ?&B or )L are reduced to ero the character is paral$sed or mentall$ broken respectivel$ and cannot act until the$ have a 1ull *est. +he$ must be carried to sa(et$.
Attacs An attacker rolls a die dictated b$ their 2eapon and subtracts the opponentDs Armour score. +heir attack causes this much damae. Attacks that are .(aired such as (irin throuh cover or (ihtin 2hile rappled roll d9 damae reardless o( 2eapon. Similarl$ attacks that are nhanced b$ a risk$ stunt or a helpless or vulnerable taret roll d6< damae.
+eath )hen a character dies the pla$er creates a ne2 character and the *e(eree (inds a 2a$ to have them 5oin the roup as soon as possible. ,ere 7uickness is re7uired over realism. Alternativel$ the pla$er ma$ control o( a ,irelin or ember o( their Compan$. "eaction )hen the roup encounter another bein the character at the head o( the roup must pass a )L Save to avoid an un(avourable (irst reaction. Some encounters are al2a$s hostile or al2a$s (riendl$ but all have potential to chane a(ter (irst contact.
+aage )hen an individual takes damae the$ lose that man$ ,itpoints. ( the$ have no ,itpoints le(t the$ are 2ounded and an$ remainin damae is removed (rom their S+* score. +he$ must then pass a S+* Save to avoid Critical ?amae.
9orale %roups re7uire a )L Save to avoid bein routed 2hen the$ lose hal( o( their total numbers. %roups 2ith a leader ma$ use the leaderDs )L score in place o( their o2n. Lone combatants must pass this Save 2hen the$ are reduced to 0hp. +his applies to opponents and allies but not pla$er characters. 1leein to sa(et$ under pursuit re7uires a ?&B Save.
Critical +aage A character that takes Critical ?amae is unable to take (urther action until the$ are tended to b$ an all$ and have a Short *est. ( the$ are le(t untended to (or an hour the$ die. Using an Arcanu A character can use an ArcanumDs po2er as a normal action 2ithout risk o( (ailure. ( a character tries to use their Arcanum in an unusual 2a$ the$ re7uire a )L Save to bend it to their 2ill. +his can lead to vastl$ di((erent uses. 1or e'ample a character usin their Heat Ray to tha2 a (roen all$ must pass a )L Save to succeed. ( the$ (ail the Heat Ray blasts the un(ortunate all$ (or its normal damae.
*hort "est A (e2 minutes o( rest and a s2i o( 2ater recovers all o( a characterHs lost ,itpoints. *estin ma$ 2aste time or attract daner. 6ull "est A 1ull *est re7uires a 2eek o( rest and rela'ation at a com(ortable location. +his restores all Abilit$ Scores and cures an$ other ailments.
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Arcana ) #o2ers $ou cannot understand. Arcana are the most hihl$ souht-a(ter items in the 2orld. Characters that are open about the Arcana the$ carr$ 2ill (ind themselves the taret o( collectors thieves and con artists. ( a characterDs startin packae contains an Arcanum roll d<0 to see 2hich one the$ et.
1 *(ace 6older Create a ate bet2een t2o (lat sur(aces that $ou can see. +he ates close i( $ou pass throuh or break line o( siht. 2 &eart /ocet State an ob5ect $ou desire. !ou kno2 its direction and eneral distance. 3 #ale 6lae An ob5ect lo2s 2ith 2hite liht. Contact 2ith the lo2in ob5ect causes a chillin pain. +he e((ect 2ears o(( 2hen the Arcanum is used aain 4 *oul Wrench +aret must pass a ?&B Save to avoid $our touch or (eel a 2eiht on their ver$ soul and lose d )L. 5 $ael o> the Unreaale *eal : ne door 2indo2 etc. is sealed until $ou open it. < 6oul Censer: %reen smoke surrounds $ou and ever$one 2ithin <0(t. issiles cannot pass throuh the smoke. 7 "ed;Oil *tae: Spe2s *ed il onto a 60(t area. An$one movin or standin on the oil must make a ?&B Save to avoid (allin and bein unable to move on their turn. ?isappears in a harmless (lash i( inited. 8 #ain *ign: +aret must pass a )L Save or lose d S+*. = *(ider *in Climb sheer sur(aces as i( $ou 2ere a spider. 10 *unlessed Bands %lo2 and hum lihtl$. !ou have Armour < until $ou attack or remove the bands. 11 6lesh;Toe o> Bale Speak in a strane soundin lanuae. &ver$ livin thin is able to understand and repl$ in the same tonue i( the$ 2ish. 12 T'rant?s "od rder a taret to drop (all (lee or halt unless the$ pass a )L Save.
13 Blac @eil +aret must pass a )L Save or is 4linded until $ou li(t the curse or the$ have a (ull rest. 4linded individuals ma$ re7uire a ?&B Save to carr$ out other actions that rel$ on siht and their attacks are mpaired. 14 Binding *trands Strands spread bet2een t2o sur(aces up to <0(t apart. +hose 2ithin onl$ move ver$ slo2l$ unless the$ pass a ?&B Save. 15 &eat "a' d; damae inorin armour. 1< 9iniaturisation Coil +ouch an ob5ect to shrink it into a tin$ miniature. *estore the ob5ect to oriinal sie at 2ill. +he oriinal ob5ect can be up to $our sie but livin beins must be 2illin. 17 Chilling Cloud +aret takes d damae and is (roen in place until the$ pass a S+* Save. 18 #hase e' #hase throuh a 2all or (loor 2ith an$ ob5ects $ou are carr$in. 1= Bone 9agnet !ou ma$ attract or repel a sinle taret that has a skeleton unless the$ pass a )L Save. 20 9irror ngine A per(ect duplicate o( $ou is (ormed. t acts independentl$ and 5ust like the oriinal. t cannot interact ph$sicall$ 2ith an$thin. +he double lasts until dismissed or a ne2 double is created.
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Cr'stal Bea +aret must pass a S+* Save or lose d6< ?&B. ( this reduces their ?&B to ero the$ are turned to blue cr$stal. $uardian *hield A shield o( liht appears bet2een $ou and a sinle taret. +he shield absorbs 6@ points o( damae be(ore vanishin. &ach turn it pushes the taret 60(t a2a$ (rom $ou unless the$ pass a S+* Save. arth *tone ver an hour $ou shi(t sand soil or earth to $our 2ill creatin ditches up to 60(t deep. +his ma$ destabilise structures redirect rivers and (ell trees but does not a((ect rock create tunnels or be (ast enouh to bur$ mobile opponents. "oaring /ion %lass cr$stal or ceramic ob5ects 2ithin @(t are shattered. n addition one ob5ect $ou are touchin 82ielder ma$ avoid 2ith a S+* Save= is shattered. +his ob5ect must be liht enouh (or $ou to li(t. #ressure eedle ( the taret takes Critical ?amae toda$ the$ e'plode in a blood$ mess. Or Bo: Summon t2o orbs o( liht that obe$ $our commands. +he$ can be (lun at a taret (or d6< damae destro$in the orb. No more than t2o orbs can e'ist at once.
$reater Arcana +hese Arcana are more likel$ to be activel$ souht out b$ others. +hose that are undiscovered are likel$ to be hidden in ver$ deep and danerous places or behind po2er(ul uards.
&'(no;Torch +aret must pass a )L Save or repeat their current action until $ou sa$ stop or the$ pass the Save on their turn. .n>erno +eice Cause a source o( (ire to e'plode causin d60 damae to all 2ithin <0(t. /i>e +rain +aret must pass a ?&B Save to avoid $our touch or lose d S+*. !ou reain all lost S+*. Blood *croll +aret must pass a )L Save or have their blood turned to acid. +he$ take d damae inorin armour each round until the$ pass the Save. 9ind #roe !ou are able to vie2 the innermost thouhts o( the taret. +he$ ma$ pass a )L Save to resist. Boo o> +es(air Summon a <0(t area o( tentacles that lash out and rab. An$one 2ithin must pass a S+* Save to break (ree. +he mass o( tentacles has 60hp and is destro$ed at 0hp . #rial 6lute All 2ithin 6@(t o( a point must pass a )L Save or turn (eral. +he$ do nothin but attack the nearest livin thin until the$ pass a )L Save on their turn. $ate to Be'ond Summon a (l$in beast 8S+* 69 Armour 6 60hp d; ?amae= to (iht (or $ou until no enemies remain. A(ter this $ou must pass a )L Save or the beast turns on $ou. ( $ou pass the Save it (lies (or (reedom. nl$ one beast can be summoned at once. Blac Or bliterate a man-sied or smaller ob5ect $ou touch. No e((ect on livin tissue. *naeite #arasite +aret must pass a S+* Save or lose d6< ?&B as $ou bite them. &orned 9as !ou take on a savae (orm 8Armour < d60 damae cla2s retain Abilit$ Scores and hp= but lose the abilit$ to speak. *eturn to normal (orm 2henever $ou 2ish or 2hen $ou sleep. +oo &ie <0(t buin cloud moves 60(t a2a$ (rom $ou each round. An$one 2ithin loses d S+* ever$ round. Wither $loe +aret must pass a S+* Save or lose d6< S+*. *(irit Chain S2ap bodies 2ith another that $ou are touchin. +he$ can resist 2ith a )L Save. *etain )L scores onl$.
+ead Oa: Creates a permanent one-mile one 2here an$ livin thins lose d S+* each hour startin at the end o( this hour. Livin thins 2ithin this one are instantl$ a2are o( this and tr$ to leave. &ven plants 2ither and die in this time. 6orge o> "econstruction ver an hour one damaed or ruined structure ship or similar taret is repa ired to peak condition 2ithout need (or materials. $lorious *tatue: !ou and $our allies (iht to the death even a(ter takin Critical ?amae. +iine #ool: !ou take on the appearance o( a hue odlike entit$. !ou can con5ure purel$ cosmetic but impressive visual e((ects. *tor Throne: !ou turn into a bolt o( lihtnin movin at impossible speed to a speci(ied location $ou can see. An$one $ou pass throuh takes d60 damae inorin armour. Trans>oration Chaer : !ou shi(t to take the (orm o( $our taret retainin onl$ $our )L score and level o( intellience. +his lasts until dismissed. Blac &ole Collider Create a (ive-(oot black sphere. An$thin enterin it is utterl$ destro$ed. Cannot be moved or placed on top o( an ob5ect or opponent. 9ind Wi(er +aret must pass a )L Save or become a mindless automaton. *tarea #anel As lon as $ou have line o( siht to the sk$ $ou call do2n a column o( liht (or d<0 damae inorin all armour.
/egendar' Arcana +hese Arcana are likel$ to be a 2ell kno2n relic or sub5ect o( m$tholo$. +he$ tend to be larer ob5ects like altars or thrones. +hose that are undiscovered remain so (or a reason. +he$ ma$ be lost in an e'tremel$ hostile environment under the control o( a odlike entit$ or uarded b$ hellish death-traps. nl$ the most po2er(ul individuals 2ould openl$ admit to possessin a Leendar$ Arcanum as the$ are ob5ects o( reat lust to an$one that desires po2er.
Weather Altar Cause the 2eather 2ithin a mile radius to chane (or the rest o( the da$. n the case o( danerous 2eather $ou cannot taret speci(ic individuals or locations or cause e'tremes that are inescapabl$ lethal. Oliteration #ris Choose a taret and roll d6<. ( this is e7ual or hiher than their current ,# the$ are completel$ destro$ed in a blast o( (ire. /i>e Co>>in A corpse is miraculousl$ restored to li(e i( the$ pass a )L Save. ( the$ (ail the Save the remains are utterl$ destro$ed and the Arcanum cannot be used on that taret aain. *(ace 6olding Cue !ou and up to one companion are teleported to a location $ou have been to be(ore. Terrile $ong All enemies 2ithin <0(t lose d S+*. *(irit *(here Con5ures a hostl$ imae o( a dead taret 2hich speaks 2ith $ou clearl$ and 2illinl$ reardless o( lanuae or intellience. +he imae remains until dismissed. *eal o> 9adness Creates s$mbols on an$ ob5ect. An$one tr$in to decode them must pass a )L Save or lose d6< )L. uae *(ire: +arets a 600(t area. All structures take d<0 damae and caves or tunnels collapse causin d damae per round to an$one 2ithin until the$ escape. Talet o> the 9aster A lare ob5ect is animated and serves $ou. +he ob5ect has S+* 6; ?&B @ )L @ 60hp Armour < and attacks (or d60 damae. No more than one ob5ect can serve $ou at once. 6orce>ield $enerator: Create a semi-transparent shimmerin sur(ace that onl$ $ou ma$ pass throuh. An$ enem$ approachin the 2all is blasted 2ith liht (or d6< damae. +he (ield lasts until dismissed or another (ield is created. .ron *uit !ou have Armour 3 and inore (ire and poison based damae. !ou can no loner s2im but also do not need to breathe eat or drink. +he e((ect lasts until dismissed.
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"e>eree +he pattern o( the tiles doesnDt seem to respond but as $ouDre inspectin them more closel$ $ou can (eel that the$Dre ivin o(( a sliht heat. Uthred &nouh to burn me> "e>eree ?oesnDt look like it onl$ a sliht heat. Uthred place m$ hand boldl$ aainst the tiles. 8+he other pla$ers roan in unison= "e>eree: As soon as UthredDs hand touches the 2all the shi(tin colours stop. A pulsin blue pattern starts to radiate (rom around UthredDs hand. eiel: Stand b$ (or his head e'plodin... "e>eree: +he tiles are 2arm but $ou donDt (eel an$ other e((ect. No head-e'plosion thank(ull$. Uthred : ,uh 2eird. )ell Dll check out the sha(t. "e>eree: As soon as $ou remove $our hand (rom the 2all it starts to shi(t colours aain and $ou no2 see the tiled shape o( a person its $our re(lection. 4arel$ a second later the room is (illed 2ith a cracklin noise and the tiled visae o( Uthred someho2 steps out o( the 2all he(tin the a'e (rom its back and takin up a combat stance. Tou: Nobod$ else touch the 2allsI Dll leap at the cop$ o( Uthred 2ith m$ daers. "e>eree: *oll (or damae. Tou: 8*olls d;= +hatDs a 9I "e>eree: ka$ $ou dode past tiled bein and stab it in the side. nstead o( a scream the cop$ o( Uthred roars out in cracklin static-noise. tHs still standin. Uthred : Dll have at it 2ith m$ a'e tr$in to drive it a2a$ (rom &ekiel and the lantern-bearer. "e>eree ka$ roll (or damae. Uthred 8rolls d scorin @= have (ive. "e>eree: 8sees the taret is no2 at 0hp takes the remainin < damae (rom itDs S+*= !ou kick the thin back knockin it o(( balance and bur$in $our a'e in its side. t shouts out in static (u 8*olls a S+* Save succeedin= but continues to (iht. Uthred +hereDs onl$ room (or one Uthred hereI "e>eree: +he cop$ o( Uthred drops its a'e on the round and reaches (or2ard to tr$ and rab +oku. %ive me a S+* Save. Tou: 8*olls a S+* Save= &rm... ot a <0. "e>eree: 8ver the roans o( the table= +he creature rabs +oku and slams him aainst the 2all. !ou see a blue pulsin pattern (orm on its sur(ace. A moment later the colours shi(t into his shape and a cop$ o( +oku steps (or2ard (rom the 2all. eiel: never thouht Dd have to choose bet2een killin +oku and Uthred. Dm oin to use the )ither %love 2e (ound earlier and tr$ to destro$ the cop$ o( +oku.
:a(le o> #la' 8+hree pla$er-characters and their hirelin lihter-bo$ are deep in an underround comple' the$ (ound in an inhospitable desert= "e>eree !ouDre (aced 2ith a set o( tall 2ooden doors ten (eet hih and prett$ sturd$. +hereDs no sin o( an$ traps but $ou can see that the door is barred (rom the other side. Tou %reat so somethin is alive in there> eial +his could have been done centuries ao. )hat condition is the door in> "e>eree Looks rotten in places. tDs prett$ old. Uthred )ell 2e didnDt come this (ar to be beaten b$ a door. ,o2 about hack throuh it> "e>eree !ouDll make a lot o( noise but $our a'e should be able to et throuh it. Uthred *iht. chop a2a$. "e>eree: 8makes a luck roll rollin 9. +his is hih enouh that nothin is alerted b$ the noise= !ou bust open the doors 2hich reveal a spectacular room 30(t hih and e7uall$ 2ide. ts 2alls are an intricate mosaic but the tiles are constantl$ shi(tin colour. )ave patterns 2ash across the 2alls and in the centre o( the (loor is a si'-(oot-2ide sha(t. eial: 8Sketchin do2n the room on his rouh map= So itDs a dead end but the 2alls miht be 2orth investiatin... Dm bein ver$ care(ul not to touch them and tell m$ lihter-bo$ to do the same. Tou: h come on 2e hired him because heHs disposableI a$be Uthred should tr$ touchin them. Uthred : Dm not scared o( a 2all but Dm not stupid. Dll tr$ tappin the 2all 2ith the handle o( m$ a'e.
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"e>eree: +he cop$ ets a S+* Save to resist the attack 8*olls a S+* Save= but it (ailsI eiel: 8*olls d6< (or S+* loss as dictated b$ the Arcanum= &levenI "e>eree: 8Checks his notes and sees that this reduces the creatureDs S+* to ero= tDs enouh to drain the ener$ (rom this thin. &'tendin $our love causes the colour to (ade (rom the bein as it (alls motionless to the round and snaps out o( e'istence completel$ destro$ed. Uthred : !esI "e>eree: !ou should be a2are that $ouHve reall$ been makin 7uite a lot o( noise in this room. 8Secretl$ makes a Luck *oll to see i( an$ nearb$ monsters have noticed the noise. A roll o( 6 indicates somethin bad should happen so he rolls on the hostile encounter table he has prepared (or this area=. eiel: donHt like the sound o( this. "e>eree: !ou notice the sound o( somethin approachin behind $ou. *emember that 2eird horselike creature 2ith skin like super-hard tree bark $ou 2ere ambushed b$ last session> Uthred : Sure 2e knocked it do2n that pit and (led like heroes. "e>eree: )ell this thin looks almost identical but rather than bein horse-sied itHs lare enouh to barel$ be able to s7ueee throuh the door2a$. ts 5a2s are bi enouh to be able to s2allo2 $ou 2hole and its (oreles end in raspin cla2s spannin some si' (eet. Needless to sa$ itHs ot $ou in its sihts and it doesnHt seem (riendl$. 81ails a )L Save (or the cop $ o( Uthred as the siht o( this thin is enouh to scare it= +he cop$ o( Uthred sees this thin and immediatel$ cra2ls back into the 2all (adin into the tiles. eiel: donDt much like the idea o( bein s2allo2ed 2hole. )hat are our chances o( runnin throuh its les> "e>eree: tHs prett$ tihtl$ packed into the door2a$. ( $ou 2ant to tr$ it 2ould re7uire a ?&B Save. Uthred +he smaller monster 2as a(raid o( (ire 2asnDt it> #erhaps 2e should send the lantern bearer over to tr$ and keep it at ba$. "e>eree ,e looks prett$ hesitant... a )L Save 2ould be involved (or such a suicidal mission. !ou never kno2 thouh he miht o (or itI Tou: *unnin past it and tr$in to scare it seem needlessl$ risk$ 2hen 2e have a per(ectl$ ood e'it riht hereI Uthred : +he sha(t> ?oes it look like the creature could (it do2n there> "e>eree: Unlikel$ itHs prett$ tiht.
eiel: As suicidal as it sounds it miht be our best hope. Can thro2 a coin or somethin into the sha(t> "e>eree: As $ou (lick a hal(-shillin do2n the sha(t $ou hear a distant splash a (e2 seconds later. Tou: )aterI eiel: +hatHs optimistic... ho2 do 2e kno2 it isnHt acid or somethin> (iure 2e can (ind a 2a$ to distract it lon enouh (or us to escape back up the staircase. "e>eree: )hile $ouHre (ormulatin this plan the creature has manaed to (orce itsel( into the room brushin aainst the tiled 2all 2hich sends out blue ripples. Uthred : h crap this isnHt oin to end 2ell. eiel: 1ineI nto the holeI Tou: +rust meI Hll even leap it (irst. "e>eree: !ouHre all leapin do2n no2> 8+he roup all nod reluctantl$= "e>eree: !ou plune into the darkness o( the sha(t (allin (or a (e2 seconds be(ore splashin into 2hat (eels like ice cold 2ater deep enouh (or $ou to (all into sa(el$. +he bearerHs lantern is e'tinuished and $ouHre barel$ able to et $our bearins in the pitchblack pit be(ore $ou (eel a tinlin sensation over $our bodies. )L Saves all roundI 8%roans (ill the table=
J
A>ter the :(edition - )hat ne't> ost o(ten the oal o( an &'pedition is to (ind out about a m$sterious environment evade a po2er(ul threat or seek out m$sterious Arcana. A success(ul e'pedition is simpl$ one that returns to Civilisation 2ith somethin to sho2 (or it. +his could be a lost arti(act a terrible secret or 5ust a ood stor$.
:(erience /eels )hen a character has completed the listed re7uirements the$ move to the ne't &'perience Level. &ach time the$ advance a level the$ ain dhp and roll d<0 (or each o( their Abilit$ Scores. ( the roll is hiher than the score it is increased b$ 6.
"e(utation As the$ advance throuh &'perience Levels characters ma$ be treated di((erent b$ people the$ encounter.
oice - A brand ne2 character. !ou are read$ to o on an e'pedition. #ro>essional - !ou have survived at least one e'pedition. :(ert - !ou have survived at least three danerous e'peditions since reachin #ro(essional Level. @eteran - !ou have survived at least (ive danerous e'peditions since reachin &'pert Level and have taken on an Apprentice. 9aster - !ou have an Apprentice o( at least &'pert Level and have survived a danerous e'pedition 2ith them since reachin Keteran Level. Be'ond &ven upon reachin aster level a character ma$ have reater ambitions. +his could be a desire (or a leac$ immortalit$ or cosmic transcendence.
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6ounding a Co(an'
War and "eolution
A Compan$ could be an$thin (rom a political roup or overseas colon$ to a cult or business enterprise. A roup o( characters can share manaement and individual members ma$ rane (rom supporters or emplo$ees to partners in manaement.
Training *oldiers @M o( the eneral populace are soldiers 8E,#=. A (urther <0M are (it to (iht as conscripts 83hp=. n militar$ Companies all embers are combat-read$. "eolution +$picall$ the larest Compan$ present in a settlement acts as %overnment. ,o2ever the current rulers can be overthro2n outvoted or other2ise deposed even b$ smaller Companies.
At an$ point $ou ma$ decide to take on a member o( $our Compan$ as an Apprentice. *oll them up as a ne2 character and advance them throuh the e'perience levels as a normal under $our uidance.
Units Lare roups o( combatants are combined as a Unit. +he$ (iht as one. ( a unit outnumbers their opponent at least t2o to one their attacks are &nhanced.
&ach month $our compan$ pursues either 1unds or %ro2th.
6unds !ou ather mone$ this month ainin 6s (or each o( $our embers.
Battles n mass battle a Unit su((ers casualties in the place o( S+* loss at 0hp. &ach point o( S+* lost causes one casualt$ (or ever$ ten attackers. 1or e'ample a unit o( %uardsman that 2ould lose 3 S+* (rom an attack b$ @00 Cultists su((er 6@0 casualties instead 8@00/60 ' 3 6@0=. Casualties are al2a$s rounded do2n.
$ro!th !our numbers increase b$ hal( to a ma'imum o( 600 ne2 members.
*ieges and *hi(s Structures and vessels inore attacks o( less than d6< damae. Leadin a cre2 throuh di((icult manoeuvres re7uires a )L Save (rom the Captain. Cannon 8<=: d6< damae. &ouse 860=: 60hp Armour 6. 6actor' 8600=: 69hp Armour 6. Cit' Wall: 60hp Armour 3 Cannons 8d6<=. 6ort 8<00=: 6@hp Armour 3 Cannons 8d6<= "o!oat 8@0s= 9hp. $alleon 8300= 60hp Armour 6 <00 cre2 Liht Cannons 8d6<= Warshi( 8;00= 6@hp Armour < @00 cre2 Cannons 8d6<=. 6lagshi( 86@00=: <0hp Armour < ;00 cre2 Cannons 8d6<=. .ronclad 8@000=: 6hp Armour 3 00 cre2 Cannons 8d6<=. Wagon 86=: Ehp.
The Blac *tars ) "eolutionar' $rou( Leader: !uren Spinner Activist 8S+* ; 63hp= ?riven to overthro2 t$rants ever$2here. @00 embers @0 *evolutionaries: Ehp uskets 8d;= 6@0 *ebel )orkers: 3hp #olearms 8d;= "o'al Court o> "oseine ) +e(osed "ulers Leader: ueen &ssa B Aristocrat 8S+* 69 @hp= ?riven to perserve her bloodline. @000 embers <@0 *o$al %uard: 60hp ,orse Armour A'es 8d;= <00 1ootmen: Ehp ,alberds 8d;= 9000 %unmen: 3hp uskets 8d;= <00 Liht Cavalr$: Ehp ,orse #istol 4races 8d;=
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"unning the $ae - )hat the *e(eree needs to kno2. +he re(ereeDs 5ob can be divided into a three areas.
$ie .n>oration !ou are the e$es ears and noses o( the pla$ers. ?escribe the present situation and ans2er an$ 7uestions the$ have (or $ou enerousl$. A ame should have surprises but pla$ers should (eel that their decisions are drivin the ame. As such the *e(eree should ensure that pla$ers kno2 the risks the$ are takin 2ith their actions. #resent Choices &ach situation should present the pla$ers 2ith an interestin choice. Assessin the risk aainst the possible re2ard is a vital part o( the ame so help them understand the possible conse7uences o( their action. *emember eas$ choices make (or a borin ame. *ho! Conseuences )hatever the pla$ersD action the ame 2ill advance. &nsure that ever$ choice has impact on the current and onoin situation. ( the pla$ers action called (or a Save to be rolled success and (ailure should both have immediate conse7uences. The Core o> $ood "e>ereeing A ood *e(eree ives the pla$ers interestin choices to make and ensures that these choices have a meanin(ul impact on the ame.
Understanding Ailit' *cores ost humans have Abilit$ Scores bet2een @ and 6@. Scores o( 6 and <0 represent the (ar e'tremes. )hen no Abilit$ Score is listed assume a score o( 60. Understanding *aes Saves onl$ occur as the result o( an action or choice. +he$Dre an attempt to avoid somethin bad be it ettin lost or a ruesome death. *T" Save: Avoidin harm throuh e'ertin ph$sical (orce or 2ithstandin strain on $our bod$. +- Save: Avoidin harm throuh 7uick reactions precision and race. W./ Save: Avoidin harm throuh (orce o( 2ill con(idence and control over Arcana. /uc "olls Sometimes $ouHll 2ant an element o( randomness 2ithout rollin a Save particularl$ in situations dictated b$ luck or those that (all outside o( the three Abilit$ Scores. 1or these situations roll a d. A hih roll (avours the pla$ers and a lo2 roll means bad luck (or the pla$ers. +he *e(eree decides 2hat a speci(ic result means (or the situation at hand. +aage ?amae (rom (allin rocks e'plosions and other sources outside o( normal combat ranes bet2een d9 and d6< 2ith d<0 used in onl$ the most e'treme cases. Consider ho2 it 2ould a((ect an averae person. A (all that is 7uite likel$ to in5ure an ine'perienced character miht cause 6d; damae but a hue rock that 2ould crush most miht do d6<. #oison usuall$ causes Abilit$ Score loss. &((ects like 4lindness 2ill hinder attacks and call (or Saves to carr$ out usuall$ e((ortless actions. Turn /ength A turn is lon enouh (or a character to move and carr$ out a sinle action. Characters ma$ carr$ out other minor actions instead o( movin such as s2itchin 2eapons. +urns are an abstract concept and the real-time lenth o( a turn is not important.
6<
+iscoering e! Arcana
Treasure and "iches
.denti>'ing an Arcanu )hen a character (irst picks up an Arcanum the$ sense its nature but not its speci(ic po2er. +he$ must pass a )L Save to understand its po2er be(ore usin it other2ise the Arcanum is activated in the process.
?i((erent t$pes o( treasure (rom ems to art2ork to (unctional items have a certain value. +raders tr$ to hale this price or in the case o( e'pensive items ma$ not be able to a((ord it at all.
Breaing the "ules Not all Arcana (unction as those iven to ne2 characters. Arcana can do an$thin and are not sub5ect to limitations.
9one' All coins are valued aainst the *iler;*tandard *hilling 8s=. ne Shillin is the amount a t$pical (actor$ 2orker earns in a da$.
*ide >>ects An Arcanum ma$ displa$ various side e((ects. +his could include emittin a constant lo2 re7uirin da$liht or possessin its o2n intellience and communicatin ps$chicall$.
+here are a hue variet$ o( coins that are valued aainst the Shillin 2ith t2o bein especiall$ common.
Co((er #ennies 8p= are 2orth a hundredth o( a Shillin. +en pennies bu$ $ou a cheap drink in a bad tavern.
Big Arcana Not ever$ Arcanum is as portable as a 2and or locket. an$ more closel$ resemble (urnishins or structures. :a(le Uto(ian $ate +his metal structure acts as a portal to another 2orld i( someone spends an hour carr$in out the re7uired ritual. Closin the portal re7uires a )L Save or the character loses d6< )L and the portal remains open. #assae to and (rom the other 2orld is instant and unrestricted.
$old $uilders 8= are 2orth one-hundred Shillins. ne %uilder ets $ou a ood horse a 2aon or a valuable piece o( 5e2eller$. Ban otes are used (or lare business transactions. Notes rane (rom ten %uilders to one-thousand.
+is(osale Arcana An Arcanum ma$ take a disposable (orm such as somethin that must be consumed or an item that disappears a(ter one or more uses. :a(le 6ie +eon Ball Shatterin this orb summons (ive terrible (irebirds. 8S+* 6E ?&B 66 )L 60 60hp d60 damae=. ( all (ive birds are killed the ball re(orms at the corpse o( the last to be killed. Arcana Wea(ons Some Arcana (unction as a 2eapon alonside their abilit$. +he$ ma$ still (unction 7uite di((erentl$ to a normal 2eapon o( their t$pe. :a(le Blue;.ron +eathgun +his heav$ un 8d60 damae cannot move and (ire= (ires a beam o( 2histlin blue liht in place o( a shot. +he un inores armour and an$one takin Critical ?amae (rom the un e'plodes in blue (ire. An$one cauht in this blast takes d damae.
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Ostacles, Trics and &aards *(otting &aards As a eneral rule the presence o( a trap or other haard is al2a$s noticed b$ characters unless the$ are runnin visuall$ impaired or distracted. A(ter this the characters ma$ be harmed throuh (urther inaction or lack o( caution. ost ,aards should allo2 a ?&B Save to avoid daner at the last second. B'(assing &aards +he pla$ers should consider creative 2a$s o( avoidin a haard or disarmin it completel$. *isk$ methods call (or a Save or Luck *oll. *ust$ old traps ma$ onl$ trier on a lo2 Luck roll even i( the characters stumble riht into them. /oced +oors +$picall$ a locked door can be picked iven some time. A ?&B Save is onl$ re7uired i( there is a risk o( trierin a trap alertin (oes or runnin out o( time. Similarl$ breakin do2n a door onl$ re7uires a S+* Save i( there are risks or time pressure but breakin a door al2a$s causes lots o( noise and can take a lon time. Wandering ncounters +he *e(eree rolls d each time the roup move into a ne2 area loiter or make loud noise. A roll o( 6 means the roup encounter somethin a roll o( < means the$ hear somethin approachin or nearb$ and 3- means there is no encounter.
Balancing /edge ust be crossed to reach 2hatever lies on the other side. Can be done 7uite sa(el$ 2ithout pressure but 2hen havin to run or under attack make a ?&B Save or (all to the lo2er level takin d damae and re7uirin a rope to climb back up. +he lo2er level contains crocodiles 8S+* 63 ?&B @ )L @ @,# d; damae=. $ras(ing @ines +riered on nearin strane-lookin vines. +ake d damae each turn and have $our attacks mpaired until $ou break (ree 2ith a S+* Save. ,ihl$ (lammable.
*tu(e>'ing +art #ipe is visible at base o( chest. +riered b$ openin the chest 2ithout takin appropriate precautions. 4roken darts litter the (loor o( this room. ?&B Save or lose d6< ?&B. *!inging Blades &ternall$ s2inin over a corridor in a se7uence. Can be blocked onl$ b$ ver$ stron metal pole or other such ob5ects. #assin throuh 2ithout disablin causes d60 ?amae. *trange ectar A pool o( hone$-like li7uid. Smells delicious but eatin it causes violent spasms (or a minute. An hour later the character spasms aain violentl$ chokin up d thumb-sied $ello2 maots that bein to secrete a ne2 pool o( nectar. +he character loses a point o( S+* (or each maot choked up.
Containent #it 1alse (loor is clearl$ visible unless the character is distracted sprintin or vision is impaired. Steppin onto the (loor (orces a ?&B Save to avoid (allin in. +he (all causes d damae and a metal cae slams shut around victim. An alarm alerts the keepers o( the trap. TraitorDs Circle +riered b$ enterin the circle marked 2ith a s$mbol depictin a daer bein thrust into a heart. )L Save or immediatel$ attack $our closest all$ continuin until knocked unconscious. ( $ou pass the Save $ou are thro2n out o( the circle.
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ncounters +rie Characters and onsters should all have somethin that the$ desire and are 2orkin to2ards. +his is the main uide (or the *e(eree in decidin ho2 the bein behaves and can be an$thin (rom 2orlddomination to a 7uiet li(e. 9onsters Some encounters are b$ their ver$ nature di((erent to people and animals. As such the$ o(ten have special abilities outside o( their Abilit$ Scores. An e'pedition site should contain mostl$ uni7ue monsters but some e'amples are iven in this section. &it(oints Creatures have up to 30hp. *emember that ,itpoints are not purel$ the abilit$ to absorb ph$sical damae but also the monsterDs cunnin and skill in avoidin harm illing 9onsters onsters are treated e'actl$ the same as characters other than noted e'ceptions. Arcana )hile some monsters use Arcana some have innate abilities similar to Arcana. onsters do not need to (ollo2 the rules.
Arour Armoured humanoids or lare beasts have Armour 6. Lare armoured beasts and iant creatures have Armour <. nl$ the larest touhest monsters have Armour 3. Unusual creatures ma$ cause certain attacks to be &nhanced or mpaired aainst them or be outriht immune. +aage Attacks cause d damae i( nothin is mentioned. Some Attack (or e'tra damae up to an absolute ma'imum o( d<0 (or the most e'treme cases. Ailit' *core /oss and +eath Attacs #articularl$ deadl$ creatures besto2 horrible e((ects 2hen the$ cause Critical ?amae. +his ranes (rom Abilit$ Score loss to mess$ death. A ote on Ailit' *cores )hen assinin Abilit$ Scores <0 is the ma'imum. ,ue beins have their sie represented b$ attackin (or more damae and havin a hih Armour score.
6@
Beconing *hado! S+* 60 ?&B 6E )L 63 hp. ?riven to trick the (oolish. ust stick to a sur(ace as a normal shado2 but can pass (rom one side o( a sur(ace to another. +ries to lure tarets to touch it. Upon touchin the shado2 the victim loses d )L each turn. &scapin the Shado2Ds rip re7uires a )L Save or repellin the Shado2. mmune to normal attacks. Can onl$ manipulate ob5ects touchin the sur(ace. +he shado2 is repelled b$ liht and destro$ed i( unable to (ind shelter.
:a(le 9onsters +he *e(eree should use these e'amples as uidance (or creatin their monsters.
+ust &ag S+* ; ?&B 63 )L 66 63hp. ?riven to protect hersel( and manipulate others. Attacks 2ith cla2s. Able to turn to dust at 2ill. #h$sical attacks are mpaired and 2ater-based attacks are &nhanced. Con5ures a veil o( dust around her 2hen in daner momentaril$ blindin all 2ho (ail a ?&B Save . Dust Staff %re$ dust starts to envelop the taret. At the start o( their turn the$ must pass a )L Save or lose d )L. +his is repeated each turn until the taret passes their Save. !he "ye A (loatin e$e that $ou can direct and see throuh. ?estro$in the e$e causes the 2ielder o( the e$e to lose d )L.
Colossal *hell;Beast S+* 6J ?&B )L <0hp Armour 3 ?riven to (eed in monthl$ ores. Usuall$ content to avoid an$thin man-sied in search o( cattle to eat but relentless 2hen threatened. Attacks causin less than d6< damae are mpaired. Lashes out 2ith hue pincers 8d6<=. An$one takin Critical ?amae is snatched and s2allo2ed 2hole losin d points o( S+* each round throuh diestion until the$ are pulled or cut out.
*trange &unter S+* 63 ?&B 63 )L 6< 69hp Armour 6. ?riven to hunt 2orth$ pre$. Speaks onl$ a biarre lanuae. ,is shoulder mounts a beam-un 8d6< disinteration on Critical ?amae= and he carries an e'otic curved blade 8d;=. Thing o> $lo!ing *oe S+* 69 ?&B 60 )L 6@ 60hp ?riven to uard an Arcanum. mmune to normal attacks and an$ (ire-based damae is thro2n back at a taret o( the +hinDs choice. Can be repelled b$ 2ind or cold-based means. An$one enain the thin in melee takes d damae at the end o( their turn (rom the heat alone. nce per hour it can belch smoke to (ill a lare room. Bone Cra!ler S+* 6< ?&B 6; )L E hp. ?riven to implant a host. Attacks 2ith cla2s 8d;= and climbs 2alls and ceilins e((ortlessl$. An$one dealt Critical ?amae is pinned do2n as the Cra2ler dislocates its 5oints and enters the victimDs mouth. n the Cra2lerDs ne't turn it enters the victimDs bod$ killin them and enters a month-lon hibernation state be(ore emerin in its reater (orm 8S+* 6; ?&B 6@ )L 60 6
6
The Odd World
Be'ond Bastion
Bastion ) &u o> 9anind )ith nearl$ a million citiens 4astion is the sel(proclaimed capital o( civilisation.
+ee( Countr' )ith so much o( the populace driven to 4astion stretches o( the countr$side have been completel$ abandoned. +hose that choose a rural li(e are o(ten (iercel$ dismissive o( cit$ d2ellers. 4e$ond the minin to2ns and noble estates are ancient ruins and overro2n 2oods haunted b$ rumour.
ts skies are black 2ith smoke and its streets bustlin 2ith residents (rom ever$ corner o( the 2orld. Kast (actories produce mass oods and ne2 protot$pes. obs (lood 4astionDs streets 2ith haned corpses in their search (or other2orldl$ imposters. ean2hile countless star cults have vastl$ di((erent belie(s and aendas rarel$ coe'istin peace(ull$.
The Underground 4astion sits on a net2ork o( tunnels and vaults that act ever$thin (rom banks and smulin routes to catacombs and se2ers. Secret Kaults are onl$ accessed b$ the ministers that sit on the secretive ,ih Council. +he Underround blends 2ith natural caves rumoured to house monstrous abominations.
The Other Cities Smaller cities la$ claim to their o2n stretches o( countr$. ?ialects (ashions and customs var$ huel$. An increasin number o( citiens leave these comparativel$ primitive cities (or a ne2 li(e in 4astion. +here are 2hispers o( e((orts to uni($ and overthro2 4astionDs dominance.
Be'ond Ciilisation The $olden /ands 4iarre ruins (illed 2ith riches are hidden behind unnatural landscapes. +his distant continent is barel$ mapped and seems to stretch on (orever 2ith increasinl$ alien li(e and surroundins. The #olar Ocean +he reat #olar cean stretches as (ar North as an$one has ventured. 1e2 return and each brins a di((erent stor$. Some talk o( a shinin paradise and some o( a passae to the stars themselves. +he m$steries o( this cean continue to dra2 e'plorers to their death.
6E
:(edition to the .ron Coral *to( reading i> 'ou intend on (la'ing in these sitesE &ach room has the immediatel$ apparent (eatures listed 2ith their direction i( necessar$. +he details listed in parentheses re7uire (urther investiation to be revealed.
Under The .ron Coral !he Iron Coral is a recent addition to the coastal waters of Hopesend# a scum$filled fishin% town &orth of 'astion. !he colourful residents of the town have seen its (a%%ed# metallic form %row out of the spar)lin% ocean over no more than a month. *apin% holes bec)on from its spon%e$li)e shell and the few men to e+plore inside have not returned. &aturally# this has led to rumours of mysterious powers lur)in% within the coral,s caves.
+he &'pedition beins n the Coral 8*oom 0=
Wandering ncounters *emember to roll d 2hen the characters enter a ne2 room loiter or make a noise. n a 6 the$ (ind a random encounter (rom the table belo2. n a < the$ encounter a clue that somethin is nearb$. "oll 1d10 1 A scra2n$ man 860hp A'e= and sickl$ bo$ 86hp S+* 9= scrounin (or treasure. 2 A litter cloud that summons the litterin 2oman 8room 6;= i( an$one uses an Arcanum. 3 A sudden rush o( hot air. 4 Spra$er +hin. 8,ulkin +oad-like +hin. 60hp Armour 6 )L Spits tchin 4arbs (or d damae= 5 A lone starvin husk 8room 6@= < A #ulsin Sac 8room E= 7 Cra2lin Carapace 8room J= 8 Slu crate 8etal crate on slu-like (oot. Cra2ls slo2l$ but can unleash a blast o( liht (or d60 damae 2hen threatened. Crate is empt$.= = d Looters makin an escape 8@hp *i(les= 10 Lost (isherman 9hp Club.
6;
#ulsing *ac S+* < ?&B < )L 60 <,#. ?oes not attack normall$. ?riven b$ desire to be le(t alone. Psychic Scream: ne taret loses d )L and bleeds (rom ears. An$one reduced to )L 0 b$ this attack has their head e'plode.
"oo Contents 0 On the Coral %re$ Coral 8metallic= Sea 8(roth$ dead (ish= Slope ?o2n 8rouh dark to 1=
8 9issha(en "oo Lump$ etallic )alls 8beaten blood smears= eat$ chunks 8re$ (lesh cold=. &ast:#assae2a$ 8to 18 South:?oor 8metal to = North: S$mbols on )all 8(aint lo2 touch opens secret door to 5=
1 The #it ?ark Cave. )aves echo 8metallic echo=. &ast:*ed Coral )all 8so(t can be hacked a2a$ to access 3= 1loor:Chute 8narro2 <0(t do2n leads to 4F )est:Cra2l2a$ 8damp leads to 5=. South:1oam-1illed #assae2a$ 8salt$ harmless to 13= 2 The "ed "oo *ed 2alls 8coral so(t slo2l$ rero2s i( cut= eat$ #ile 8(ormer do pouch 2ith <0s= An$one in here starts to (eel (aint. Sta$in a(ter this 2arnin re7uires a )L Save to avoid passin out. An$one le(t in contact 2ith the (loor is diested in their sleep over an hour b$ the red coral. 3 Colla(sed sca(e "oute Narro2 +unnel 8dead end= +endrils 8d damae retract= 4 Oseration "oo +ransparant )alls 8hard coral dead (ish in sea 2orms suckin lass= Corpse 8cold pale (eeble humanoid 2hite e$es= South:Covered vent 8to 5F &ast:?oor 8etal Slides Corridor to 7
= *ha>t to o!here North:?oor 8metal to 8=. )est:?oor 8metal to 10= Sha(t 8dark @0(t deep ends ocean held back b$ (orce(ield Cra2lin Carapace hidin= South:*ed Coral 8so(t coverin door to 27=. Cra!ling Cara(ace S+* 60 ?&B 69 )L ; ;,#. A rust-coloured humanoid driven b$ love o( cruelt$ to the 2eak. 4ite 8d= carries a 5oint-sti((enin poison. An$one takin Critical ?amae loses d ?&B. 10 +r'ing "oo etal caes 8empt$ 2arm touch triers a 2histle (ollo2ed b$ blast o( heat (or d damae each turn=. )est:?oor 8metal to == &ast:?oor 8metal 2arm to 12=. 11 The *ource Stone )alls 8smooth cool= 1loor:etal pipe 8spe2in out harmless (oam= Ceilin:%rate 8Noise triers babblin in an incomprehensible lanuae. ( decoded messae is OAbandon Structure: #rotection easures LaunchedP= North:+unnel 8(oam-(illed to 12= South:Arch2a$ 8to 13.
5 The *tash 4o'es 8thin metal scraps o( 5erk$ tampered 2ith= 4i ceramic bo' 8contains si' 5ars o( reen beads 2orth 30s each beads inore (riction= North:Covered vent 8to 4F South: S$mbols on )all 8(aint lo2 touch opens secret door to 8= < Bello!ing Corridor +he sea batterin the coral is almost dea(enin here. 7 *igns o> /i>e )alls: !ello2 slime 8t2itches harmless= #ulsin Sac 84alloon-like bod$ t2o sucker (eet (aint lo2= uses a #s$chic Scream i( an$one inter(eres 2ith the slime. Stairs 8to 14=. South:%lass )indo2 8into slides open at touch=.
12 *hell;an Cae Small ,umanoid 8?riven b$ desire to make contact 2ith humans. 1at litterin immobile makes hand estures understands common and attempts to help=. &ast:Le(t ?oor 8metal 2arm to 10= &ast:*iht ?oor 8metal some red coral to 28=. 13 6oa "oo 1oam (ills the room 8smells like sea salt$ harmless= North:#assae2a$ 8to 1=. South:#assae2a$ 8to 11=.
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14 The *entr' 1loor: 60(t %lass dome 8(illed 2ith s2a$in 2ater 2ater s2a$s to2ards characters that are near breaks on contact unleashin a hue 2orm=. South: 1rost$ %lass )all 8sound o( ocean brittle breakable leads to an under2ater cave 2here the 2ater is held at ba$ b$ an invisible (ield.= North: 4i ?oor 8covered in s$mbols braid pattern opens at touch leads to 15F &uge Wor S+* 6E ?&B @ )L @ 6@,# Armour <. An$one takin Critical ?amae (rom its 4ite 86d60= is s2allo2ed 2hole losin d points o( S+* each round throuh diestion until the$ are pulled or cut out. 15 The Colon' Stone )alls 84raid pattern lo2in s$mbols=. ,umanoid 1iures 8unresponsive husks (eeble cold pale 2hite e$es uardin spheres=. Spheres 8Cr$stal 2orth < uarded b$ husks=. An$one takin a sphere must pass a )L Save or (ind themselves unable to leave this chamber. +he$ can be (orced out but i( le(t the$ slo2l$ deca$ into a ,usk. &us S+* 9 ?&B )L < 6,# cla2s 8d9=. ?riven b$ sel(-pit$. 1< +eath &and *tore Altar 8)hite %love - ?eath ,and Arcanum=. Death Hand +ouchin a recentl$ killed bod$ absorbs its li(e (orce. !ou can talk to the dead bein or release it as an ener$ blast (or d60 damae. nl$ one beinDs li(e (orce can be stored at once. A character that is killed 2hile carr$in this Arcanum lives on as a lo2in host.
18 $littering Air %litterin Air 8olden cool=. An$one usin an Arcanum causes a %litterin )oman to materialise and attack. She does not pursue (urther than this room. )est:#assae2a$ 8to 8 North:?oor 8heav$ black bolt s$mbol onl$ opens (or somebod$ 2ith (resh blood on their hands to 1<= &ast:?oor 8heav$ sun s$mbol onl$ opens to somebod$ 2ho has not killed in the last 2eek to 17= $littering Woan S+* 60 ?&B 60 )L 6@. 6<,#. ?riven to repell intruders. d; damae in melee (rom (reein cold inorin armour. mmune to normal 2eapons. Upon causin Critical ?amae she inhales and the taret loses d )L causin disinteration on death. 27 Ga! Tra( )est: *ed )all 8meat$ disuisin a2 4east that attacks 2hen someone nears= North: *ed Coral 8coverin door to == Ga! Beast 8S+* 69 ?&B 6 )L @ Armour 6 6<,#= mmobile. a2s 8d6<=. ?riven b$ huner. *esembles a hue rock$ Kenus (l$trap. ts ut contains t2o uskets a suit o( odern Armour and an emerald-studded skull-pendant 2ith 6. 28 Behind the Ga!s &ast: *ed )all 8meat$ t2itches 2hen cut bleeds eventuall$ too touh to cut throuh=. )est:#assae2a$ 8to door to 12 covered in red coral=.
17 /i>e &and *tore Altar 8!ello2 %love - Li(e ,and Arcanum=. -ife Hand *estore a recentl$ killed bod$ to a hal(-li(e. Abilit$ Scores and ,# remain as the$ 2ere upon death. A bein 2ith an$ Abilit$ Score at ero cannot be restored. +heir ph$sical 2ounds never heal. *estorin another bein to li(e kills the currentl$ restored b ein.
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The 6allen 9arshF so%%y place with ha/ardous fo% and hideous odour. "ach year the land sin)s deeper and has become over%rown with thic) ve%etation. "ven the local wildlife has %rown odd.
+his stretch o( marsh connects the site o( the ron Coral to the port o( ,opesend. 4astion is a da$Ds 5ourne$ b$ ship (rom ,opesend. &ach he' is an hourDs 2alk and contains a *andom &ncounter (rom the table belo2.
&e: Contents "oll d20 1 +2isted ,ulk. S+* 6 ?&B 60 )L 60. 69hp. d60 Club. Nearl$ human driven b$ loneliness. 2 *abid ?o. S+* ; ?&B 69 )L @
1 ; Beach Sand$ 4each 8sea shells dead (ish= ?unes 8desolate (lies= ron Coral loomin (rom the ocean. 2 ; Coluns Circle o( )aist-,ih Stone #illars 8holes $ou can reach into 2ith sparklin shells ried 2ith 5a2-trap (or d; damae= ,ue )illo2 +ree 8bird nests 2recked tree-house= 3 ; Wooden Wal!a' *iver 8rushin 5aed rocks (ros= )alk2a$ 8)ooden battered can support t2o peopleHs 2eiht -( broken ?&B Save to avoid (allin into the 2ater (or d damae per round until rescued=. 4 ; "o(e Tunnel Narro2 +unnel 2ith *ope hanin out 8blood$ <0(t lon tied to hal(-eaten co2 remains= 5 ) 6allen #od 1allen trees 8burnt not chopped= 4ook scraps 8constellations= 60(t etal ?ome 8Loose panel pops open translucent slime harmless (our skeletal corpses non-human= < ) "esearch /a *uined buildin 8stone containin a cramped lab &7uipment 2orth < to the riht person vials o( deadl$ centipede poison causin d S+* loss on Critical ?amae=.
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7 ; /ill' #ad #ond #ond 8sunken rucksack 2ith mirror 860s= childDs dress 8@s= pearl hairbrush 8<0s= 2eihed do2n 2ith rocks= 4us 8blood-suckers harmless=. 8 ; "oc #ile 9(t #ile o( rocks 8disustin smell coverin animal skin sealed 2ith 2a' stu((ed 2ith doens o( (ermentin seabirds= 4ubblin #ond 82arm iron coral ro2in= = ; *ining *hac ,ouse 8Sinkin into arsh cleared out broken crocker$ (urniture smashed and burned= )oodshed 8Sinkin into arsh +ools dead horse= 10 ; "uined *uare Stone-paved s7uare 8moss$= )ell 8<0s in coins= ?o statue 8,ero the +errier pla7ue Okiller o( the muck-bear= 11 ; Watering &ole *oll t2o random encounters here interactin 2ith each other. )aterin ,ole 82ater (aintl$ hums ron Coral is startin to ro2 at the bottom=. 12 ; $olden Orchard %olden (lo2ers 8discarded rin 2orth @= 4lanket and 4asket 8mold$ (ood 2ine bottles= 13 ; &oarding Cae nsects on )alls 8lare (urr$ centipedes harmless=. #ile 8broken (urniture tattered clothes skeletal corpses set o( silver cutler$ 2orth 6 bricks= 9-in- chance it is bein uarded b$ a pair o( ape-men. +he$ de(end their hoard but (lee 2hen badl$ hurt. +he$ continue to harass an$one that steals (rom them. Ape-an: S+* 69 ?&B 6< )L ;hp. ?riven b$ curiosit$. Communicates 2ith a (orm o( sin lanuae and can use simple tools.
1< ; &unterDs &ideout )atchto2er 8old 2ooden looks do2n over the s2amp chest 2ith bombs= %round: 4lankets 8reen patterned 2orth 6s each= <-in- chance o( a pair o( hunters bein present. S+* 66 ?&B 63 )L J 9,#. uskets daers. 17 ; 9eat Tra( 4urnt +rees 8heavil$ burned at various heihts= ,un piece o( meat 8dotted 2ith shin$ shells triers a s2inin lo (or d60 damae=
14 ; Bod' #it #it 8mass rave burnt corpses *otten 2ooden boards 8marked 2ith doens o( names=
18 ; /eiathan Cor(se ,ue dead (ish 8rottin has attracted (lies and centipedes= Lon rass 8broken sp$lass pistol=
15 ; Warrior *tatue Statue 82arrior 2ith an a'e and shield O1elen the S2ampmenHs ScoureP= verro2n 2eeds 8stinin nettles anno$in but harmless=
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1= ; +ar Cae Natural Cave 8lo2-ceilin stalactites d poisonous centipedes tr$ to sneak attack an$one that enters= Cra2lspace 8leads to $reen Cae= Centipede 8S+* 3 ?&B 60 )L 9 6hp. Critical ?amae causes d S+* loss= $reen cae Coral Cave 8dead clams loose (loor ?&B Save or break releasin rush o( boilin 2ater (or d60 damae= #assae2a$ 8branches into hih path to (ool roo narro2 sha(t to aneone roo and carved corridor to !heel roo=. #ool "oo Carved *oom 8braid decoration= #ool 8unnaturall$ dark liht disturbs t2o ?arkthins= +arthing 8S+* 69 ?&B 60 )L 6
21 ; The Buner A Stone 4unker rouhl$ 60(t cubed 8inside: thick cob2ebs cold air hunched choer in corner= etal ?oor marked 2ith red cross 8hihl$ secure multiple locks= Chimne$ 8traces o( blood around the rim (aint breathin (rom inside= &unched Choer S+* 6< ?&B 6@ )L 6@ 63hp. %aunt E(t humanoid 2ith lon limbs ochre skin and a lon distorted (ace. Screams 2hen (ihtin but cannot be heard outside the bunker. )ill do an$thin to escape. Lashes out (or d; damae. )hen it causes Critical ?amae it breaks the taretDs neck and dislocates its 5a2 to envelop their head bitin it o(( and s2allo2in 2hole. 22 ; *tea' #ond #ond 8ankle-deep steamin dead (ish red coral ro2in at base=. Chunks o( 4lack Coral 8ice cold e'tinuishes (lames at touch=. 23 ; Cli>>side Cli )hite Cli((s 8%ra((iti paint & ,earts = 4ird Nests 8es silver snu((bo' 2orth 90s= *ope 8allo2s climb to top ivin vie2 o( the marsh= #ath 8leads alon the cli((s North to2ards sin (or ,opesend.
Wheel "oo Carved room 8braid decoration= ,ue 2heel mounted on round 8impossible to turn usin an Arcanum causes it to start to spin and reveals a carved sheet o( lo2in metal - iracle Sheet=. Miracle Sheet: ?ra2s all poison and ill e((ects (rom one taret to the user o( this Arcanum.
24 ; Thic Wood Lon %rass 8dead anemones= #ath to Clearin 8leads to other Anemone= 9other Aneone S+* 6 ?&B 3 )L <0 63hp Armour 6. Can attack up to (our tarets 2ith tendrils 8d=. ?riven to create drones. An$one takin Critical ?amae is pulled in and paral$ed until (reed 8helper must pass a S+* Save to avoid bein pulled in themselves=. An$one le(t (or an hour is released as a drone. ,as d6< drones at her disposal.
Aneone "oo mmense natural chamber 82alls lined 2ith clear Anemones= d en 8blank stares mindless drones that attack on siht= S+* ; ?&B E )L 6@ <,#. Club 8d= d<0s. 20 ; +eadl' 6ruit 1ruit trees 8blue (ruit tastes (oul harmless= S7ua2kin birds 8blackbirds harmless=
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&o(esend ) /ast #ort o> the orth ;00 embers. 90 %uards: Ehp usket 8d;= S2ord odern Armour. 600 ilitia: 3hp #olearm 8d;=. ,ih )all: ;hp Armour <. 4astion is a da$Ds 5ourne$ a2a$ b$ ship.
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#eo(le Go' ) Ba!d' /andlad' S+* J ?&B ; )L 6< 9,#. ?aer 8d= 60s. Stock$ and red-(aced. ?riven to keep her tavern bustlin and nois$. ,ates bein alone since she believed she 2as abducted b$ lo2in creatures. nl$ oes into detail 2hen drunk.
#aradiso #ar A hal(-collapsed pier (illed 2ith abandoned amusement park rides. +ents and huts no2 host the to2nDs market. The #icled $oose Taern and Boardhouse ore amblin den than tavern. #ink beer tastes (aintl$ (ish$ bro2n cod rolls are incredibl$ salt$ and all ames carr$ (or(eits based around eatin even more disustin thins. The +ocs Literall$ (allin into the sea. Captains bello2 out re7uests (or ne2 cre2 to vo$ae into the #olar cean. "ed Cross Tradehouse ?arius oversees all trade oin in and out o( ,opesend. 1or the riht price he 2ill sell the illeal poisons drus and 2eapons that he keeps aside. +his is the onl$ place to bu$ uns in ,opesend and a premium is chared.
+arius ) #ort Oerseer S+* J ?&B 60 )L E E,#. 1ine Clothes Ceremonial ace 8d= ,ound 3. %reas$ blond hair and beard. ?riven b$ lainess and reed. onitors all tra((ic in and out o( the port. &ver$one kno2s this and there are reular calls (or him to be replaced. Gereiah ) 9ilitia Ca(tain S+* 60 ?&B J )L 6@,# Armour 6. Sabre 8d;= #istol 8d= odern Armour 60s. &$epatch and 2ooden le. ?riven b$ desire (or respect. +alks o( man-apes in the marsh and his near-death at their hands. Leads a uard o( 30 men in protectin the to2n and trainin militia. 6antastic Har ) Wrestler and Acroat S+* 69 ?&B 6; )L 60 3,#. Sta(( 8d;= *idiculous ut(it #arrot S+* 63 ?&B J )L E ;,#. #istol 8d= Club 8d= Caltrops 1ire il
The *i((ing &ole No more than a hole in the 2all sellin small cups o( an e'otic rum called 1ire ?evil at 6s a shot. +his is so bad it causes loss o( d )L and hallucinations.
ara ) "eclusie Artist S+* ?&B 6< )L @ <,#. #aintin Supplies Star Locket 60s. Star -oc)et Allo2s limpses o( distant realms in the bearerDs dreams. +all and spoon-(aced. ?riven b$ desire to (eel special. #aints her dreams and secretl$ believes she is receivin prophecies (rom the stars. s una2are o( the po2er o( her locket but senses somethin% about it.
Bacstreets #oorl$ lit streets patrolled b$ the ilitia 2hen the$ can be bothered. A cult 2orshippin the Sea-)itch build (oul-smellin shrines each niht.
"ando &a((enings and "uours 1 A hue 2ave 2ashed over the to2n leadin to reater rumours o( the sea-2itch returnin. 2 eremiah makes a leitimate attempt to overthro2 ?ariusDs rule o( the docks. 3 onks have travelled (rom (ar south claimin their abbe$ 2as overrun b$ shado2s. 4 +he Union o( an are preachin about an invasion (rom the stars. +he$ have a dead starman to prove it. 5 Ape men have stolen children (rom the to2n. < A (ire has completel$ torn the dock to pieces.
Co((er ; Arourer S+* 6@ ?&B 60 )L 63 ,# Armour 6. 1anc$ Cutlass 8d;= odern Armour @0s. Scru(($ orane hair. ?riven b$ desire to pass on his leac$. ,ates eremiah but berudinl$ supplies his militia. ,as a $oun apprentice #iott that claims to have seen a metal iant roamin the marshes.
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