1) Personal Introduction

CONVERTING AD&D AD&D (2nd Edition) and Stormbringer (3rd Edition) were
the first games I ever actively wrote campaigns for ran and
(2nd Ed) TO BRP as GM while at college. The crossover rules presented here
attempt to bring some of these (quite fond) memories
together.

A) GLOBAL NOTES Many thanks to The Guvnor, moderator and owner of

forum, The Gaming Tavern forum (opens in a new window
or tab).
0) Contents
NOTE: Some sections of this ruleset refer to the Alternative
Magic System. This is a rank-based system of magical Arts
A. GLOBAL NOTES (currently covering Alchemy, Divination, Elementalism,
A. Contents Enchantment, Necromancy, Sorcery and Wizardry) based
B. Personal Introduction on the Stormbringer 3rd Edition magic rules, which is
C. Copyright Disclaimer under development and will be published at a later date.
D. Version Revision History The alternative rules have no effect on these crossover
rules.
E. Abbreviations and References
B. CHARACTERISTICS AND RACES
A. Introduction 2) Copyright Disclaimer
B. Dwarf
C. Elf This document is completely unofficial and in no way
D. Halfling endorsed by TSR (now defunct), Wizards of the Coast or
E. Gnome Chaosium. Terminology from BRP (Basic Roleplaying,
F. Half-elf skill groups) belong to Chaosium Inc. Classes such as
Fighter, Paladin, Psionicist are recognised as TSR's terms.
G. Human
C. PROFESSIONS AND CLASSES
A. Fighter
3) Version Revision History
B. Paladin
C. Ranger First Draft Version 0.1 - Colin Brett. Based on discussions
D. Barbarian The Gaming Tavern forum, April 2013
E. Thief
F. Bard
G. Noble 4) Abbreviations and References
H. Cleric
I. Druid Several rule sets were used in this conversion. The principal
J. Mage sources were:
K. Sorcerer
L. Psionicist • Chaosium's Basic Roleplaying rulebook (aka the
Big Gold Book and abbreviated as BGB)
D. SKILLS
• Chaosium's Stormbringer 3rd Edition rulebook
A. Starting Skill Levels (abbreviated as SB3)
B. Combat Skills • Chaosium's Hawkmoon rulebook (abbreviated as
C. Firearms HM)
D. Lores • TSR's Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Player's
E. Languages and Writing Handbook (abbreviated as PHB)
F. Status Skill Specialisations
Back to Contents.
G. Craft Skill Specialisations
H. Repair Skill Specialisations
E. MAGIC
A. Magical Professions
B. Magic Spells
C. Sorcery Spells
D. Divine Magic
E. Psionic Abilities

1
B) CHARACTERISTICS AND
RACES
1) Introduction
Most characters will be humans. The races generally termed
"demi-human" may also be used at GM's discretion and the
player is encouraged to devise an interesting backstory for their
character's reasons for adventuring in the human realms.
The characteristics, STR, CON, SIZ, INT, POW, DEX and
APP, can be generated for each race using the following dice
rolls. The Characteristic Rolls (Effort, Stamina, Idea, Luck,
Agility and Charisma) and the Derived Characteristics
(Damage Bonus, Experience Bonus, Hit Points, Major
Wounds, Power Points and Movement) are then calculated as
described in BGB p.27-31). The optional EDU characteristic is
not used in these rules. Formal education is a rarity in the
pseudo-mediaeval fantasy worlds in which most campaigns
will occur, so learning is best represented as Lore skills and the
separate Language and Literacy skills for each tongue (being
able to speak a language does not necessarily mean a character
can read and write in that language).
If a demi-human character is generated, the player may add the
Racial Skill Bonuses for that race to the appropriate skills.
Also, the player should note down any special Abilities that
race may have.
Humans and Half-elves may choose which Racial Skill
Bonuses the character has. The player should choose one of the
bonus packages: Brawn, for characters who use force; Guile,
for cunning characters; Negotiate, for characters who prefer to
talk before fighting; or Expertise, for characters who believe
knowledge is power. (These groupings and the Racial Skill
Bonuses are abridged and derived from the optional Personality
Types rules on BGB p.21 and p.23.)
Back to Contents.
2) Dwarf
• Characteristics: STR 4D6 CON 1D6+12 SIZ 1D4+4
INT 2D6+6 POW 3D6 DEX 3D6 APP 3D6
• Racial Skill Bonuses: Appraise +20%, Craft
(Blacksmith or Stonemason) +20%, Lore (Dwarfs)
+20%
• Abilities: Dwarfs can see in the dark and have the
equivalent of the Super Sense (Dark Vision) power at
a level equal to the Dwarf's POW/2 (round down). See
BGB p.164-165.
See also BGB p.341
Back to Contents.
2
3) Elf
• Characteristics: STR 2D6+2 CON 3D6 SIZ 2D4+4
INT 3D6+6 POW 2D6+6 DEX 3D6+3 APP 3D6
• Racial Skill Bonuses: Dodge +20%, Lore (Elves)
+20%, Listen or Spot +20% (player's choice)
• Abilities: Elves can see in the dark and have the
equivalent of the Super Sense (Night Vision)
power at a level equal to the Elf's POW/2 (round
down). See BGB p.164-165.
See also BGB p.342
Back to Contents.
4) Halfling
• Characteristics: STR 2D6 CON 2D6+12 SIZ
1D3+3 INT 2D6+6 POW 2D6+3 DEX 2D6+10
APP 3D6
• Racial Skill Bonuses: Craft (Cooking) +20%, Hide
+20%, Stealth +20%, Throw +20%
• Abilities: Halflings have a natural affinity for
slings and thrown rocks. They suffer no negative
damage modifiers when using these weapons.
See also BGB p.344-345
Back to Contents.
5) Gnome
• Characteristics: STR 2D6+2 CON 2D6+6 SIZ
1D3+4 INT 2D6+7 POW 2D6+5 DEX 3D6 APP
3D6
• Racial Skill Bonuses: Craft (Jewelsmith or
Blacksmith), Lore (Animals) +20%, Lore
(Gnomes) +20%,
• Abilities: Gnomes can see in the dark and have the
equivalent of the Super Sense (Dark Vision) power
at a level equal to the Gnome's POW/2 (round
down). See BGB p.164-165.
Back to Contents.
6) Half-elf
• Characteristics: STR 2D6+4 CON 3D6 SIZ 2D6+6
INT 2D6+6 POW 3D6 DEX 2D6+6 APP 3D6
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Brawn): Brawl +20%, Jump
+20%, Sense +20%
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Guile): Bargain +20%,
Insight +20%, Listen +20%
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Negotiate): Appraise +20%,
Etiquette +20%, Fast Talk +20%
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Expertise): Craft (Any)
+20%, Lore (Any), Research +20%
 • Abilities: Like their Elven cousins, Half-elves can see
in the dark and have the equivalent of the Super Sense
(Night Vision) power at a level equal to the Half-elf's
POW/2 (round down). See BGB p.164-165.
Half-elf character players should choose one of the Optional
Skill Bonuses packages.
Back to Contents.
7) Human
• Characteristics: STR 3D6 CON 3D6 SIZ 2D6+6 INT
2D6+6 POW 3D6 DEX 3D6 APP 3D6
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Brawn): Brawl +20%, Jump
+20%, Sense +20%
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Guile): Bargain +20%, Insight
+20%, Listen +20%
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Negotiate): Appraise +20%,
Etiquette +20%, Fast Talk +20%
• Racial Skill Bonuses (Expertise): Craft (Any) +20%,
Lore (Any), Research +20%
• Abilities: None
Human character players should choose one of the Optional
Skill Bonuses packages.
Back to Contents.
C) PROFESSIONS AND CLASSES
Most of the standard AD&D character classes from the 2nd
Edition Player's Handbook (Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Thief,
Bard, Mage, Cleric and Druid) have been converted to BRP
professions. The Illusionist class has been replaced with the
Sorcerer profession to allow different magical powers to be
used in the game. Additional classes (Barbarian, Noble,
Psionicist) have been drawn from other sources to add some
variety.
1) Fighter
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: STR 9, DEX 9
Fighters are the weapon masters. They may fight to protect
their homeland; to conquer other lands; to prove their worth; to
slay monsters; or simply for the thrill. Whatever the reason,
Fighters are the kings and queens of the battlefield.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Brawl, Dodge, Grapple, Two Weapon Skills
(*)
3
• Any five skills chosen from: Gaming, Hide,
Jump, Listen, Ride, Spot, Stealth, Strategy, Throw,
Weapon Skills (*)
(*) Fighters are a Warrior class. Weapon skills may be for
any Melee, Missile weapon or Shield of the player's choice,
provided the STR and DEX requirements are met. The GM
may also allow Firearms or Artillery weapons to be taken
as one of these choices. Starting Fighters may take a
maximum of FOUR Melee, Missile, Shield, Firearms or
Artillery skills.
c) Starting Special Abilities
None.
d) Later Special Abilities
Leadership: The Fighter becomes a "leader of men",
"captain" or "lord of the manor" and may have troops under
his command. To gain this ability, the Fighter should have
the skills of Command, Status (Region **) and Strategy of
at least Expert level. The exact troops, estate and title
should be determined in play and with the GM.
(**) Status (Region) applies to the Fighter's land, country or
realm in which he or she has been noticed and ennobled by
higher powers (e.g. NPC dukes, princes or even kings). A
suitable country name may be used in place of the generic
term Region.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Fighter begins play with his chosen weapons and shield
(if this was chosen as a skill). Up to 20 items of
ammunition for missile weapons may also be taken. The
Fighter may choose to be equipped with studded leather
armour (aka Lamellar). On a successful Luck roll, this may
be upgraded to chainmail. 2D6x10 "coins of the realm"
may be used to purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
2) Paladin
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: STR 11, POW 9, APP 16
Paladins are holy warriors who fight to protect the innocent
and for the glory of their patron deity. A blend of martial
prowess and priestly virtue.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: First Aid, Lore (Own Religion **), Ride, Two
Weapon Skills (*)
• Any five skills chosen from: Brawl, Grapple,
Etiquette (Own Religion **), Literacy (Own
Language), Lore (Own Religion **), Lore (Occult),
Lore (Blasphemous), Perform (Orate), Perform
(Ritual), Status (Own Religion **), Weapon Skills (*)
(*) Paladins are a Warrior class. Weapon skills may be for any
Melee, Missile weapon or Shield of the player's choice,
provided the STR and DEX requirements are met. The GM
may also allow Firearms or Artillery weapons to be taken as
one of these choices. Starting Paladins may take a maximum of
FOUR Melee, Missile, Shield, Firearms or Artillery skills.
(**) Etiquette (Own Religion), Lore (Own Religion) and Status
(Own Religion) apply to the Paladin's own religious
organisation. A suitable deity-specific name can be used in
place of the generic term Religion.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Code of Honour: A Paladin must abide by a strict code of
honour. Use the Allegiance system (BGB p.315) with the GM
to set these rules. Deviation from the code results in the loss
(temporarily or permanently) of some or all of the abilities
described in this section and Later Special Abilities.
Contribution: The Paladin must donate coins, gems, jewellery
and other valuable artefacts to his church organisation. He may
save enough to keep himself, servants and staff but all other
treasure must be donated. Further, the Paladin may keep only a
limited number of magical items, for example: one suit of
armour, one shield, up to four weapons and up to four other
items. As with money and gems, all other items must be given
to his church.
Detect Evil Intent: Paladin makes a Perform (Ritual) and
expend 1 power point. If successful, this then acts like Danger
Sense psychic power, BGB p.115 (range POW metres radius),
and will alert the Paladin to imminent danger in the area.
Immunity to Disease: the Paladin is immune to all natural
diseases. Sorcerous, extra-planar or magical diseases are not
covered by this immunity.
Protection from Evil: Evil creatures suffer a -10% to hit
modifier when attacking the Paladin by any means (e.g. in
hand-to-hand, at range or even with magic).
d) Later Special Abilities
Healing Hands (1/day): This ability becomes available when
the Paladin's First Aid skill reaches at least Professional level.
The Paladin prays to his deity and makes a Perform (Ritual)
roll. If successful, the prayers will double his First Aid skill OR
double the hit points healed with First Aid (or both on a
critical).
4
Cure Disease (1/week): This ability becomes available
when both the Paladin's First Aid and Medicine skills reach
at least Professional level. The Paladin makes a Perform
(Ritual) roll to divinely cure one disease.
War Horse: A stronger, smarter, braver warhorse is
received as a gift or summoned by the Paladin through
prayers. The horse may become available when the
Paladin's Ride (Horse) skill reaches at least Professional
level.
Clerical Magic: The Paladin gains the ability to cast
Divine Magic spells. This ability becomes available when
the Paladin's Lore (Own Religion) and Perform (Ritual)
skills both reach at least Expert level. The Paladin is
initially taught two Divine Magic spells from a member of
his order. More may be learned as the campaign progresses.
Turn Undead: The Paladin gains the Clerical ability to
Turn Undead. This ability becomes available when the
Paladin's Lore (Own Religion), Etiquette (Own Religion)
and Perform (Ritual) skills all reach at least Expert level.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Paladin begins play with his chosen weapons and
shield (if this was chosen as a skill) and suit of chainmail
armour. These items are gifted to the Paladin by his Order.
Up to 20 items of ammunition for missile weapons may
also be taken. 1D6x10 "coins of the realm" may be used to
purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
3) Ranger
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: STR 12, CON 12, POW 10
Trackers and hunters, guardians of the frontier. Rangers are
wanderers in the wildlands, living by their sword and their
wits.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Hide, Navigate, Stealth, Track, Two
Weapon Skills (*)
• Any four skills chosen from: Brawl, Dodge,
Grapple, Insight, Lore (Plants), Lore (Animals),
Perform (Ritual), Ride, Sense, Weapon Skills (*)
(*) Rangers are a Warrior class. Weapon skills may be for
any Melee, Missile weapon or Shield of the player's choice,
provided the STR and DEX requirements are met. The GM
may also allow Firearms or Artillery weapons to be taken
as one of these choices. Starting Rangers may take a
maximum of FOUR Melee, Missile, Shield, Firearms or
Artillery skills.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Code of Honour: A Ranger must abide by a strict code of
honour. Use the Allegiance system (BGB p.315) with the GM
to set these rules. Deviation from the code results in the loss
(temporarily or permanently) of some or all of the following
powers.
Always Moving: Rangers are limited in the amount of treasure
they can carry. Any cash, valuables or other treasures must be
easily portable, either on their person or (at most) on the back
of a horse. Heavy or bulky treasures must be converted to a
lighter form (coins cashed in for gems, for instance) or given
away to a worthy cause (e.g. the Ranger's religious order but
not to another player character).
At Home in the Wild: The GM may grant a discretionary
bonus of 1/5 Track or Lore (Plants) skill when using Stealth
and Hide in the wilderness (similar to having quality
navigational aids as described in the Navigate skill, BGB p.70).
Direction Sense: Outdoors and in the open, the Ranger has a
keen sense of direction. With a POWx5% roll, the Ranger can
locate North and gains a 5-20% bonus on all Navigate skill
rolls for the next 8 hours.
d) Later Special Abilities
Druidic Magic: The Ranger gains the ability to cast Divine
Magic spells. This ability becomes available when the Ranger's
Lore (Plants) and Lore (Animals) skills both reach at least
Professional level. An NPC Druid will initially teach the
Ranger two Divine Magic spells. More may be learned as the
campaign progresses.
Followers: The Ranger attracts 2D6 followers when his Lore
(Animals), Track and Insight skills all reach at least
Professional level. The followers may be humans, non-humans,
natural animals or even supernatural animals and should be
determined in conjunction with the GM.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Ranger begins play with his chosen weapons and shield (if
this was chosen as a skill) and suit of studded leather armour.
Up to 20 items of ammunition for missile weapons may also be
taken. 2D6x10 "coins of the realm" may be used to purchase
additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
5
4) Barbarian
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: STR 15, CON 15, DEX 14
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Two Weapon Skills (**), Climb, Hide,
Stealth
• Any five skills chosen from: Brawl, Craft
(Carpenter), Dodge, Fine Manipulation, Grapple,
Jump, Listen, Sense, Spot, Throw, Track, Weapon
Skills (**)
(**) Barbarians are a Warrior class. Weapon skills may be
for Melee, Missile weapon or Shield of the player's choice,
provided the STR and DEX requirements are met.
Barbarians may not take Firearms or Artillery skills: their
societies generally do not have access to such technologies.
Further, Pole Weapons (e.g. halberd, pike, naginata, trident
from the weapon table in BGB p.253) are rare in Barbarian
lands. A starting Barbarian wishing to take such weapons
must discuss these choices with the GM. A maximum of
FOUR weapon skills may be taken by newly created
Barbarian characters.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Distrust Magic: Barbarians distrust magic in all its forms,
whether as wizardry, sorcery or items with magical
abilities. Starting Barbarians may not use magic items if
they recognise them as such. Further, Barbarians are
reluctant to help wizards and other magic users. Divine
Magic, particularly those spells and abilities used by tribal
or clan shamans, do not usually evoke such distrust. This is,
of course, a role-playing decision on the part of the
Barbarian character's player. If necessary, a Charisma roll
(APPx5%) on the part of the character requesting the
Barbarian's aid may be used (particularly for NPCs).
Danger Sense: Barbarians have a preternatural danger
sense which protects them from ambush. This acts as a
passive "always on" Danger Sense psychic power (see BGB
p.115). To detect a potential ambush, the GM makes a
Difficult Luck roll for the Barbarian character who, if the
danger is detected, may react accordingly.
d) Later Special Abilities
Detect Magic: Barbarians are grounded in the real world of
nature. Magic is inherently "unreal" and Barbarians can
develop a sense for this. When their Spot, Listen and Sense
skills reach Professional levels, they become able to detect
magical vibrations from objects, people and places. This
takes a successful Stamina or Idea roll, depending on
circumstances as set by the GM.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Barbarian begins play with his chosen weapons and shield
(if this was chosen as a skill). Up to 20 items of ammunition
for missile weapons may also be taken. Barbarians rarely wear
armour as such items are very expensive to produce in their
home societies. A successful Luck roll allows the character to
start with a suit of leather armour; if failed, armour must be
purchased, looted, earned or otherwise acquired. 2D4x10
"coins of the realm" may be used to purchase additional
equipment.
Back to Contents.
5) Thief
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: DEX 9, INT 9
Thieves live in the shadows, outside polite society and hard
working citizens. They make their living through larceny,
trickery and dodgy dealings.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Appraise, Dodge, Fast Talk, Fine
Manipulation, Sleight of Hand
• Any five skills chosen from: Brawl, Climb, Disguise,
Dodge, Hide, Language (Thieves' Cant), Listen, Spot,
Stealth, Weapon Skill (*)
(*) Thieves are a Persuader class. Starting Thieves are limited
to one-handed weapons but may learn heavier, two-handed
weapons later in their career. One-handed weapon skills may
be for Melee, Missile weapon or Shield of the player's choice,
provided the STR and DEX requirements are met. The GM
may also allow Firearms skill to be taken by a Thief. Starting
Thieves may take a maximum of TWO Melee, Missile,
Firearms or Shield skills.
c) Starting Special Abilities
None.
d) Later Special Abilities
Gang: The Thief attracts a gang of 2D6 fellow thieves. The
Thief's Appraise and Fine Manipulation skills must be of at
least Professional level. The gang should be designed in
conjunction with the GM.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Thief begins play with a dagger, any other weapon for
6
which the skill was taken, a suit of leather armour and a set
of lock picks. 2D6x10 "coins of the realm" may be used to
purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
6) Bard
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: DEX 12, INT 12, APP 14
Bards are entertainers, raconteurs, troubadors and story
tellers. They have a broad range of skills and may be
considered a "jack of all trades".
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Lore (Folklore), Lore (Magic Items),
Perform (Play (Instrument) **), Perform (Sing),
Persuade, Sleight of Hand
• Any four skills chosen from: Art (Any), Climb,
Disguise, Gaming, Language (Other), Listen,
Literacy (Own Language), Perform (Orate),
Perform (Recite), Weapon Skill (*)
(*) Bards are a Persuader class. Bards have a broader range
of weapon choices than Thieves and may choose two-
handed weapons when first generated. Weapon skills may
be for Melee, Missile weapon or Shield of the player's
choice, provided the STR and DEX requirements are met.
The GM may also allow Firearms skill to be taken by a
Bard. Starting Bards may take a maximum of TWO Melee,
Missile, Firearms or Shield skills.
(**) The Perform (Play (Instrument) **) skill can be taken
more than once for instruments of the player's choice.
c) Starting Special Abilities
None.
d) Later Special Abilities
Wizardry: The Bard gains the ability to cast Magic spells.
This ability becomes available when the Bards's Perform
(Play Instrument) and Perform (Sing) skills both reach at
least Professional level. An NPC Mage will usually teach
the Bard two Magic Spells. More may be learned over the
course of the Bard's career.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Bard begins play with his or her chosen weapons, a
shield if the skill was taken, one musical instrument for the
skill(s) chosen and a suit of good quality clothing. 2D6x10
"coins of the realm" may be used to purchase additional
equipment.
Back to Contents.
7) Noble
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: INT 9, APP 9
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Bargain, Insight, Etiquette (Region **),
Persuade, Status (Region **)
• Any five skills chosen from: Art (Any), Command,
Drive (Carriage), Language (Other), Literacy (Own
Language), Perform (Orate), Ride, Weapon Skill (*)
(*) Nobles are a Persuader class but their (usually privileged)
position means they have access to a broad array of weapons
and the instructors to teach their use. Weapon skills may be for
any Melee, Missile weapon or Shield of the player's choice,
provided the STR and DEX requirements are met. The GM
may also allow Firearms or Artillery weapons to be taken as
one of these choices. Starting Nobles may take a maximum of
TWO Melee, Missile, Shield, Firearms or Artillery skills.
(**) Status (Region) and Etiquette (Region) refers to the
customs and social standing of the Nobles's own country,
region, province or even empire, depending on the campaign.
A suitable region-specific name can be used. The Status of
starting Noble characters should be capped at 30%.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Connected: The Noble starts with one NPC contact who may
be able to provide information, assistance and/or equipment.
The GM should generate and run this NPC and any personal
motivations should be kept secret from the Noble character.
d) Later Special Abilities
Well Connected: The Noble gains 1D3 NPC contacts who
may be able to provide information, assistance and/or
equipment. The GM should generate and run these NPCs and
any personal motivations should be kept secret from the Noble
character. The Noble's Status (Region) and Persuade skills
should be at least Expert level to gain this ability.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Noble begins play with his chosen weapons and shield (if
this was chosen as a skill). Up to 20 items of ammunition for
7
missile weapons may also be taken. The Noble may choose
to be equipped with chainmail; on a successful Luck roll,
this may be upgraded to half-plate. If the Noble has a Ride
skill of at least Professional level, the character may also
have a riding horse of good quality. 3D6+6x10 "coins of
the realm" may be used to purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
8) Cleric
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: POW 9, INT 9
The Cleric is a defender of the faith, able to take the fight to
the unbelievers and convert them to righteousness. They
protect their flock with skill at arms and minister to their
spiritual needs.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: First Aid, Insight, Lore (Own Religion **),
Perform (Ritual), Persuade
• Any five skills chosen from: Etiquette (Own
Religion **), Language (Other), Literacy (Own
Language), Up to two Lore (Any) choices,
Medicine, Research, Status (Own Religion **),
Teach, Weapon Skill (*)
(*) Clerics are a Persuader class. Classic Clerics are limited
to blunt weapons only (e.g. club, flail, mace, morning star,
sling, staff, warhammer; others are at GM's discretion).
Priests of other deities (War, Agriculture, Death) may have
access to different weapons, with GM's permission.
Weapon skills may be for a Melee, Missile weapon or
Shield of the player's choice, provided the STR and DEX
requirements are met. Starting Clerics may take a maximum
of TWO Melee, Missile or Shield skills.
(**) Etiquette (Own Religion), Lore (Own Religion) and
Status (Own Religion) apply to the Cleric's own religious
organisation. A suitable deity-specific name can be used in
place of Religion.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Divine Magic: The Cleric begins with four Divine Magic
(Clerical) spells. More may be learned over the course of
the Cleric's career.
Turn Undead: This power affects undead within a radius
of the Cleric's APP. It combats the "negative energies" of
undead creatures (i.e. the POW or Power Points as some
undead have POW, others do not). The Cleric prays, calling
on the power of his deity, and makes a Perform (Ritual)
skill roll. This counts as an action in combat and occurs on
the Cleric's own initiative, meaning the undead may have a
chance to attack before the Cleric can turn them. If the Cleric is
struck while praying in this way, it does not affect his
concentration so no Idea roll is needed to maintain the prayers
(as a Mage would if hit while casting a spell). Check the results
below.
• Fumble: The undead recognise the Cleric as a
dangerous threat to their (non-)existence and will
attack the Cleric en-masse.
• Failure: The Cleric's deity is "otherwise engaged" and
the undead do not flee.
• Success: The affected creatures flee the area. Affects
current Power Points of undead POW or Power Points.
Low-POW creatures are affected first.
• Special: The affected creatures flee the area. Affects
current Power Points x 1.5 (round up) of undead POW
or Power Points. Low-POW creatures are affected
first.
• Critical: The affected creatures flee the area. Affects
current Power Points x 2 of undead POW or Power
Points. Cleric may choose which creatures are affected
first.
For example, a Cleric with 13 Power Points is faced by a
mixed horde of seven skeletons (POW 1 each), six zombies
(POW 1 each) and two ghouls (with 6 and 8 Power Points
respectively). The Cleric makes his Perform (Ritual) roll and
calls on his deity for aid in this time of need.
On a normal success, the Cleric affects the seven skeletons and
six zombies (total 13 POW of undead energy).
On a special success, the Cleric affects (13 x 1.5 =) 19.5 (round
up) = 20 points of undead energy. As before, this will affect the
skeletons and zombies (13 POW) and the ghoul with 6 POW
(leaving one point unused).
On a critical success, the Cleric affects (13 x 2 =) 26 points of
undead energy, which the Cleric can target as desired. This
would be sufficient to turn both ghouls (14 points), six zombies
and six skeletons. Only one skeleton remains to be destroyed
by the Cleric's mace in the next round!
At GM's discretion, more powerful undead (vampires,
mummies, liches, wights, wraiths) are not so easily cowed.
Against such creatures, a successful Perform (Ritual) will
allow the Cleric to directly match his own POW vs. the
creature's POW on the Reistance Table in a contest of faith
versus evil. In such a case, a Special success on the Perform
(Ritual) adds a temporary +2 to the Cleric's POW for the
Resistance Table test, while a Critical success adds a temporary
+5 to the Cleric's POW. A fail or fumble on the Perform
(Ritual) skill roll means the Cleric's deity does not answer this
time and the Cleric must rely on skill at arms to defeat the evil
undead.
d) Later Special Abilities
Found a Church: When the Cleric's Etiquette (Own Religion),
Lore (Own Religion) and Status (Own Religion) skills reach
Expert level, he or she may found a church, temple or other
place of worship dedicated to his deity. Details of the church
8
should be worked out in conjunction with the GM.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Cleric begins play with his chosen weapons, a shield if
the skill was chosen, a suit of chainmail armour and a
symbol of the Cleric's faith. 2D4x10 "coins of the realm"
may be used to purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
9) Druid
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: STR 11, APP 14
The Druid is a priest of nature, in harmony with the
elements, animals and plants of the forests, wilderness,
deserts and even the seas.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Language (Druidic), Language (Woodland
Tongues), Lore (Plants), Lore (Animals), Perform
(Ritual)
• Any five skills chosen from: Craft (Brewer),
Craft (Carpenter), Craft (Gardener), First Aid,
Hide, Literacy (Druidic), Lore (Own Religion **),
Navigate, Stealth, Swim, Track, Weapon Skill (*)
(*) Druids are a Persuader class. Druids are limited to
natural armours (i.e. leather armour and wooden shields)
and the following weapons: club, sickle, dart, spear, dagger,
scimitar, sling, staff. Weapon skills may be for a Melee,
Missile weapon or Shield of the player's choice, provided
the STR and DEX requirements are met. Starting Druids
may take a maximum of TWO Melee, Missile or Shield
skills.
(**) Lore (Own Religion) refers to the teachings and
legends of the Druid's own religious beliefs. A suitable
deity-specific name can be used.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Divine Magic: The Druid begins with four Divine Magic
(Druidic) spells. More may be learned over the course of
the Druid's career.
Move through Cover: The Druid can move through
tangled undergrowth at normal speed and leaves no trail. If
being tracked, the tracker must make an opposed Track roll
versus the Druid's Stealth skill or POWx5%, whichever is
higher (see Opposed Skill Rolls, BGB p.173).
Animal Healing: The Druid adds 1/5 of his Lore (Animals)
skill when using First Aid on an injured animal.
d) Later Special Abilities
Resistance to Fire and Electricity: The Druid has an "always
on" Level 2 Resistance to damage caused by attacks and
environmental conditions involving fire and electricity. This
deducts 2 from all damage suffered from these attacks (after
armour); see the Resistance spell, BGB p.100.
Shapeshift: The Druid may shapechange to animal form once
per day. This becomes possible when the Druid's Lore (Own
Religion) and Lore (Animals) skills reach Expert level.
Animal Companion: The Druid keeps a small pet, perhaps a
cat, dog, bird, rodent, squirrel (player's choice). The Druid can
communicate and give limited commands to the pet. This
becomes possible when the Druid's Perform (Ritual) and Lore
(Animals) skills reach Expert level.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Druid begins play with his chosen weapons, a shield if the
skill was chosen, a suit of leather armour and a symbol of the
Druid's faith. 2D4x10 "coins of the realm" may be used to
purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
10) Mage
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: INT 9, POW 9
The Mage is a spellcaster who uses formulae to harness the
mystical forces of the universe to wondrous effect: corruscating
attacks; impenetrable defenses; deceptive illusions; and other,
marvellous effects.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Literacy (Own Language), Lore (Occult),
Perform (Ritual), Persuade, Research
• Optional: Craft (any), Fine Manipulation, Insight,
Language (Other), Two other Lore skills (Any),
Sleight of Hand, Teach
(*) Mages are an Artificer class. They may not wear armour
and are limited to the following weapons: quarterstaff, dagger,
dart, sling. Starting Mages may take a maximum of ONE
weapon skill. Points must be allocated to Attack and Parry
skills with the chosen weapon.
9
c) Starting Special Abilities
Magic: The Mage begins with four Magic spells learned at
INTx1%. See Powers.Magic BGB p.88-102. More points
from the Professional Skill points or Personal Skill points
can be added to these starting levels.
Alternative Magic System: Primary Art is Wizardry and
may choose one Secondary Art.
d) Later Special Abilities
Familiar: The Mage may summon, capture or befriend a
small animal (or other creature) when his Perform (Ritual)
and Lore (Occult) skills reach Expert level. See BGB p.90
for further details.
Wand/Staff: The Mage may create a magical staff when
the character's Perform (Ritual) and Lore (Occult) skills
reach Expert level. See BGB p.91 for further details.
Enchant Items: The Mage may create magical items. The
character needs a Craft skill of at least Professional level to
make a magic item from that sort of material. A Wizard
with Craft (Blacksmith) of 55% would be able to create
enchanted metal items, such as weapons.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Mage begins play with his chosen weapon, an outfit of
fine robes and a grimoire of his spells. 2D6x10 "coins of
the realm" may be used to purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
11) Sorcerer
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: INT 14, POW 16
The Sorcerer's powers are drawn from supernatural beings
and realities: elementals, demonic entities and other planes
of existence. Needless to say, this is not without its risks,
but many Sorcerers are willing to pay the price.
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Literacy (Own Language), Lore
(Blasphemous), Perform (Ritual), Persuade,
Research
• Optional: Craft (any), Fine Manipulation, Insight,
Language (Other), Two other Lore skills (Any),
Sleight of Hand, Teach, Weapon Skill (*)
(*) Sorcerers are an Artificer class. They may not wear
armour and are limited to the following weapons: quarterstaff,
dagger, dart, sling. Starting Sorcerers may take a maximum of
ONE weapon skill. Points must be allocated to Attack and
Parry skills with the chosen weapon.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Sorcerer Sanity: Sorcerers meddle with things which should
be best left alone. As such, they should be subject to the Sanity
rules, BGB p.318-328. If this optional system is not in use, the
character should at least begin play with one "minor
personality quirk" which manifests at inconvenient times and
makes negotiating with NPCs difficult (i.e. halves
Communication skills when dealing with NPCs). This quirk
should be determined in conjunction with the GM.
Sorcery: The Sorcerer begins with four Sorcery spells. No skill
points are assigned to the spells as they (usually) "just work".
A Perform (Ritual) skill roll is needed to trigger the spell or
summoning. The spells are cast as described below:
Alternative Magic System: Primary Art is Sorcery and may
choose one Secondary Art.
d) Later Special Abilities
Familiar: The Sorcerer may summon, capture or befriend a
small animal (or other creature) when his Perform (Ritual) and
Lore (Occult) skills reach Expert level. See BGB p.90 for
further details.
Wand/Staff: The Sorcerer may create a magical staff when the
character's Perform (Ritual) and Lore (Occult) skills reach
Expert level. See BGB p.91 for further details.
Enchant Items: The Sorcerer may create magical items. The
character needs a Craft skill of at least Professional level to
make a magic item from that sort of material. A Sorcerer with
Craft (Blacksmith) of 55% would be able to create enchanted
metal items, such as weapons.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Sorcerer begins play with his chosen weapon, an outfit of
fine robes and a grimoire of his spells. 2D6x10 "coins of the
realm" may be used to purchase additional equipment.
Back to Contents.
12) Psionicist
a) Introduction
Characteristic Requirements: POW 15, INT 12, CON 11
10
b) Starting Professional Skills
• Main: Fast Talk, Insight, Lore (History), Lore
(Occult), Research
• Any five skills chosen from: Art (Any), Craft
(Any), Language (Other), Literacy, Lore
(Blasphemous), Lore (Folklore), Lore
(Philosophy), Perform (Orate), Persuade
(*) Psionicists are an Artificer class. They may not wear
armour and are limited to the following weapons:
quarterstaff, dagger, dart, sling. Starting Psionicists may
take a maximum of ONE weapon skill. Points must be
allocated to Attack and Parry skills with the chosen
weapon.
c) Starting Special Abilities
Psionics: The Psionicist begins with two Psychic abilities
learned at POWx1%. See Powers.Psychic BGB p.110-122.
More points from the Professional Skill points or Personal
Skill points can be added to these starting levels.
d) Later Special Abilities
None.
e) Starting Equipment and Funds
The Psionicist begins play with his chosen weapon (if any),
an outfit of good quality robes and a small object of special
significance to the character (this may be a "lucky charm",
fetish, memento or similar item). It has no in-game effect
other than to add personal flavour to the character. 2D6x10
"coins of the realm" may be used to purchase additional
equipment.
Back to Contents.
D) SKILLS
1) Starting Skill Levels
These rules assume the campaign is of Power Level
Normal. Starting characters divide 250 points over their
Professional Skills and may then allocate INT x 10 further
points from their Personal Skill Points as desired over their
Professional skills or other skills of their choice.
See BGB p.21 and p.24 for more detailed discussions of
campaign power levels and starting skill points.
Back to Contents.
2) Combat Skills
This rule set uses separate skills for Attack and Parry with a
given weapon.
All Professions are described as Warrior, Persuader or
Artificer classes. These distinctions are made to provide some
balance for those professions who lack magical or other skills.
The Warrior classes are those that live and breathe warfare: the
Fighter, Paladin, Ranger and Barbarian. These professions have
weapon skills listed as one or more of their "Main" skills. As
per BGB p.199, after the skill points have been allocated, the
skills are doubled and split evenly between Attack and Parry
skills with that weapon; the Attack and Parry skills then
increase separately through experience. If the chosen weapon is
a missile weapon, the Parry skill starts at half the Attack skill
in that weapon. If the chosen weapon is a shield, the Attack
skill starts at half the Parry skill with that shield.
The Persuader classes are those who might prefer negotiation
and only draw weapons when other options are exhausted: the
Thief, Bard, Cleric, Druid and Noble. These professions have
weapon skills listed as optional choices (e.g. "Any five skills
chosen from"). Points for the Attack and Parry skills with a
chosen weapon or shield must be allocated separately from the
character's Professional and/or Personal skill points.
The Artificer classes are those who have little or no weapons
training as their professions focus on powers beyond mere
mundane bloodshed: the Mage, Sorcerer and Psionicist. These
characters do not have Professional combat abilities and must
allocate points from their Personal Skill Points pool to the
Attack and/or Parry skills for each chosen weapon.
It should be made clear that the Persuader and Artificer class
characters may still learn weapons skills and take active roles
in combat situations. If no weapon skills are taken, the
character may still fight using weapons at their base chance
plus the character's Combat Skills Bonus. Successful attacks or
parries with these weapons will grant the character an
experience check and allow the chance to increase the skills as
normal.
Back to Contents.
3) Firearms
At GM's discretion, and the background of the campaign
world, early firearms may be available. These will be
specialities of the Firearms skill, most commonly, Firearms
(Pistol) and Firearms (Musket). Specific weapons (match lock,
flintlock, wheel lock) may also be available.
Back to Contents.
11
4) Lores
a) Introduction
To maintain the "fantasy flavour", certain Knowledge and
Science skills are redesignated as Lore skills. All other
game effects remain the same.
The following Knowledges translate directly to Lores:
Academics, Blasphemous Lore, Folklore, Group (specific
*), History, Law, Occult, Philosophy, Region (specific *),
Religion (specific *), Streetwise
(*) Players and GMs are encouraged to substitute more
descriptive and flavourful names for these generic terms,
e.g. Group (The Five Wizards), Region (Weeping Waste),
Religion (Thor).
The following Sciences have name changes: Botany to Lore
(Plants), Zoology to Lore (Animals), Chemistry to Lore
(Alchemy **)
(**) If the Alternative Magic System is used, Lore
(Alchemy) represents theoretical and practical laboratory
work and is distinct from the rituals and processes of the
Art of Alchemy.
Described below are a few more Lores from other sources.
b) Lore (Engineering)
Trained engineers have a good understanding of mechanical
principles and methods of construction. Although capable
of working with others, engineers may also complete many
tasks by themselves. Engineers are conversant with
metal/woodworking tools and terminology. They can draw
up plans and can interpret technical drawings no matter
how obscure or involved. Master Engineers (90%+) can
supervise gangs of skilled/semi-skilled/unskilled labourers
up to their APPx5 in number. Engineers can prepare plans
for many projects including war machines, river locks,
mills, fortresses and dams. Many engineers are familiar
with the techniques and engines of seige warfare.
c) Lore (Metallurgy)
Characters with this skill recognise the ores of the more
important metals (eg iron, copper, tin, lead, silver, gold)
and, given the right equipment, can extract the metal from
the ore. They can also calculate the correct mixture of
metals required to produce alloys of various qualities,
including bronze, pewter and electrum. Note that this skill
confers no ability to work the prepared metal; a smithcraft
skill is required for that.
d) Lore (Poisons)
Many plants, animals, metals, minerals and other
substances are dangerous if touched, breathed, ingested or if
they attack. Lore (Poisons) grants knowledge of these
hazardous materials, flora and fauna. A successful skill roll
allows the character to: identify poisons and their sources;
manufacture poisons of varying efficacy (typically one or two
D6 damage, perhaps more on a special or critical success); and
manufacture antidotes. See the rules for Poisons in BGB p.229
and p.272. Also, the Stormbringer 3rd Edition Poison Lore
rules (p.57-58).
e) Lore (Magic Items)
This Lore covers knowledge of the history, legends, makers,
owners, users and events a magical item has affected or taken
part in over time. A successful skill roll may reveal some of the
powers an item possesses and whether the item is beneficial or
cursed in some way. It is not a means to detect magic in an
item (other spells and senses must be used for that). However,
if the history is steeped in evil - as revealed bt a successful skill
roll - it may be that the character will choose not to take the
item, a decision that is best roleplayed.
Back to Contents.
5) Languages and Writing
All characters begin with Language (Own) at INTx5%. All
characters also begin with the Language (Common Speech)
skill at INTx5%, to at least allow all starting characters to
communicate with each other. Skill rolls to talk with other
characters should not, normally, be necessary. However, in
extreme conditions (like trying to yell a warning to another
character over the din of battle, or trying to whisper while
remaining unheard by a sentry), the GM can require a skill roll
to ensure the speaker's message is communicated clearly (an
experience check is earned for successful use in such
circumstances).
Literacy in a pseudo-mediaeval fantasy setting is not
widespread. Players who wish their characters to be able to
read and write must allocate points from Professional and/or
Personal Skill Points pools to the Literacy (Own Language)
and Literacy (Other Language) skills.
Languages include (but are not limited to): Mannish (by
nation); Common Speech; High Elven; Wood Elven; Dwarfish;
Orcish; Goblin; Trollish; Woodland Tongues (the languages of
the birds and beasts of the forests, known to Druids); Druidic
(the secret tongue of the Druids); Thieves' Cant (the secret
slang tongue of the underworld).
Back to Contents.
6) Status Skill Specialisations
a) Status in the Game World
The Status skill is an attempt to quantify a character's standing
12
(be it wealth, personal honour, notoriety, fame or
reputation) within the game world. If taken as a skill, it
should be specialised for a particular organisation, country,
religion or other group within the game world. For
example, Clerics may take the Status (Own Religion) skill
to reflect their position within their church heirarchy. Noble
characters may take Status (Country) as a gauge of their
importance within their country's ruling class. Using Status
outside the specialisation is a Difficult task. See the Status
skill on BGB p.79-80 for more details.
Specialisations include (but are not limited to): Religion
(by cult, creed or deity), Region (by city, homeland,
country, realm, empire), Merchants' Guild (by trade or
region), Thieves' Guild (by Region or city), Army (by
Region or city), Navy (by Region), Professional (by trade
or craft), Group (by social level, caste, tribe, occupation or
kin)
Starting characters may not have more than one Status
specialisation.
Starting characters are capped at a maximum of 15% in this
skill. The Communication Skills Bonus is then added to the
allocated points.
b) Characters With More Than One Status Skill
It would be possible for a character to have more than one
Status skill specialisation. This is most likely to come about
through play as the characters meet new and more powerful
NPCs. There then arises the question of conflict of interest
between these groups, nations and organisations. Perhaps
this is best illustrated with an example.
A Fighter with Status (Homeland) 25% completes a quest
for a high level cardinal of the Sea God. As part of the
reward for this quest, the GM grants the Fighter a 5%
Status (Sea God) skill, to reflect that the Fighter is now
known amongst the Sea God's worshippers and may be
treated with respect and granted favours by sailors,
fishermen and other maritime characters. Over the course of
time, and many sea-borne adventures, the Fighter's Status
(Sea God) rises to 27%. This need not mean the Fighter is
no longer loyal to his homeland. Rather, he is torn between
two factions which may prove problematic if the
organisations come into conflict, either directly or
indirectly. Some possibilities would be:
• The Fighter's homeland makes war against another
nation, an island which venerates the Sea God.
This involves fleet actions on the high seas, where
the island's priests call upon the Sea God to aid
their ships.
• The seas are stricken by a blight or curse and are
awash with dead fish. The Sea God calls upon his
faithful (including the Fighter) to make war on the
land which pollutes the oceans. Unfortunately, this
pollution of magical effluent is traced to the
Fighter's homeland.
In both these situations, the question arises: where do the
Fighter's loyalties lie? This question is best answered through
roleplaying the Fighter's choices in the campaign.
One final point. While characters with multiple Status
specialisations are possible, characters from religious orders
(Clerics, Druids, Paladins and Rangers) should not have more
than one Status specialisation with different deities. The
character has chosen to dedicate his or her life to that deity
only. Further mundane specialisations would be acceptable. A
priest of Thor could have Status (Thor) and Status (Norway), to
reflect his standing within the thunder god's church and with
the people of Norway. But the priest should never have Status
(Odin): the character's soul belongs to Thor and no other.
Note, the above rule says should not, not must not. If such a
situation ever arises in a campaign, it will make for some very
interesting roleplaying possibilities!
c) Status Awards and Penalties
The Status skill description, BGB p.79-80, states that Status
cannot be increased through normal experience checks. Rather,
accomplishing tasks and perilous quests will win the character
renown and recognition amongst his or her peers. Such
increases may be a single point or perhaps D3, D4 or D6.
Perhaps more importantly, Status can go down as well as up.
Failing in a quest or unseemly behaviour may result in the
character losing the respect of his peers and, consequently, a
decrease in his Status skill.
How might characters of given profession earn or lose Status?
Some suggestions are given below.
Members of Religious Orders (Clerics, Druids, Paladins and
Rangers)
• Each year of game time spent as a priest +5
• Each week's "living costs" (*) of treasure sacrificed or
donated to the church +1
• Each priest of a rival church defeated (*) +1D6
• Each civilian converted +2
• Each ceremony performed for a congregation +1
• Each new place of worship constructed +10
• Making a pilgrimage to the church's sacred places +10
• Being defeated by a priest of a rival church (**) -1D6
• Unconfessed sin against the order -1
• Unseemly conduct concealed -1D4
• Unseemly conduct exposed -1D10
(**) The sum donated or sacrificed to the church varies
between game worlds but should at least equal the average
living expenses of a typical family in that world. A "family"
would be two or three adults and two to five (D4+1) dependent
children.
(**) The defeat need not be in combat. It could be in a
theological or philosophical debate, the successful completion
of a quest or other challenge against the rival.
Classic Clerics
13
• Each successful use of Turn Undead +1
• Each powerful Undead creature destroyed +1D6
Druids
• Each tree planted +1
• Each animal healed +1D4
Paladins
• Each Undead creature or demon destroyed +1D6
• Each "champion of evil" defeated +1D6
• Succumbing to temptation -1D3
Rangers
• Each trail blazed or new route found +1D4
• Each civilian rescued from the wilderness +1
• Each animal hunted solely "for sport" -1D4
Fighters and Nobles
• Defeating a powerful opponent (*) +1D6
• Enforcing a law of the land +1D4
• Public works undertaken (**) +1D6
• Breaking a law of the land -1D4
(*) The victory must be witnessed by important NPCs or
PCs
(**) For example: maintaining roads, watch towers,
organising a fair
Thieves and Bards
• Each week's "living expenses" stolen (*) +1
• Each successful performance given +1
• A "big score" +1D6
• An audience with powerful NPC +1D6
• Getting caught -1D6 (and/or prison sentence)
• Being pelted off stage -1D3
(*) The amount stolen varies between game worlds but
should be enough to pay for 7 days lodging at an average
quality inn and three meals per day.
Wizards, Sorcerers, Psionicists
• Each new (*) spell, ritual or power developed
+1D6
• Each magic item created +1D6
(*) i.e. a spell, ritual or power not listed in the Magic
section.
d) Using Status in the Game
A number of ideas are described in the BGB, p.79-80. Of
interest here is the use of Status as a "professional credential",
which allows Status to receive a temporary increase of 1/5 of a
relevant professional skill, as described in the italicised
example on p.80. What constitutes a "professional credential"
for the classes described here? Some suggestions are given
below:
• Fighter: A weapon skill (of any type) or Strategy
• Paladin: Lore (Own Religion) or a weapon skill (of
any type)
• Ranger: Track or Navigate
• Barbarian: A weapon skill (of any type) or Stealth
• Thief: Fine Manipulation or Sleight of Hand
• Bard: Perform (Play Instrument) or Perform (Sing)
• Noble: Etiquette (specialisation) or Command
• Cleric: Lore (Own Religion) or Insight
• Druid: Lore (Plants) or Lore (Animals)
• Mage: A Spell skill rating or Perform (Ritual)
• Sorcerer: Perform (Ritual) or Lore (Blasphemous)
• Psionicist: Lore (Occult) or Art (player's choice)
However, these suggestions are situation-dependent and the
GM and players should roleplay the negotiation involving the
Status of the character. For instance, a Fighter wishing to
impress a horse merchant may wish to use his Ride skill as a
temporary Status bonus; his knowledge of horses being more
important than his skill with a sword.
e) Divine Intervention
In desperate circumstances, the most devout may turn to their
patron deity for aid and the player may request Divine
Intervention. The character's Status with his or her deity is of
paramount importance. Has the character lived up to the ideals
and teachings of the deity? Is he or she sufficiently pure of
spirit to attract the deity's attention in time of need? If so, read
on. If not, perhaps swords and maces are the answer to the
character's troubles?
The procedure for requesting Divine Intervention is as follows.
• The character checks his or her Status (Own Religion)
skill.
• The player then makes the request to the deity. The
request should be measured and not overly drastic,
particularly if there could be a dramatic effect on the
game world (a priest requesting his deity raze a city so
he can avoid a rampaging mob of orcs would be one
such overly-dramatic effect).
• The GM judges the request as impartially as possible.
Roleplaying a god can be an awesome responsibility!
• In most cases, a Divine Intervention call should be a
Difficult Status (Own Religion) skill roll. Suitably
emotive roleplaying could provide a temporary
increase (in the range of +5% to +20%) to the
character's Status (Own Religion) skill. Again, the
GM is the final arbiter here.
• If the DI roll is made, the character is saved through
whatever (preferably minimal) effort is required of the
deity. The character may be spirited away from harm
or the threat eliminated.
14
• If the DI roll is failed, the deity does not grant the
character's request. Perhaps the deity is well-
mannered enough to answer "I'm sorry, my son";
or strict enough to list the character's failings:
"You did not pray the required thirty minutes on
that Wednesday three months ago" (even if the
character had been in combat against an ogre at
that time!); or perhaps just impersonal enough to
say "I'm sorry, all our operators are busy at the
moment. Your request is three-hundredth in the
queue and will be answered as soon as an operator
becomes available." Some deities do not respond
at all.
f) What happens to the character's Status (Own
Religion) after the DI roll?
If successful: the character is saved and that is reward
enough. The intervention has used up some of the
character's accumulated "good faith" or "brownie points"
with the deity who does not wish to be bothered by this
mortal for some time. The character's Status (Own
Religion) drops by 1/5 of its original value and further DI
attempts are forbidden for 1D6 game months.
If failed: Assuming the character does survive the
encounter which necessitated the DI roll, his Status (Own
Religion) is halved and the deity admonishes the character
saying, "you must try harder, mortal!" and no further DI
rolls are allowed until the original Status (Own Religion)
skill level is regained. The player must strive to ensure the
character regains the lost Status points through acts
appropriate to the religion.
g) Non-Divine Intervention
Those characters without patron deities (or guardian
demons, depending on religion) may wish to request aid
from more mundane "higher powers". A Thief could call on
his Guild; a Noble to members of the royal court; or a
Fighter to an army's general. In the examples below, Status
(Organisation) refers to the particular Status specialisation
skill for the group being called upon.
• The character makes his or her request to the
relevant organisation. Evocative roleplaying and/or
a measured statement of facts, resources required
and risk versus reward may, at GM's discretion,
provide a temporary bonus (in the range of +5% to
+20%) to the character's Status (Organisation)
skill.
• The player makes a Status (Organisation) skill roll,
with bonuses for roleplaying, if applicable. Then
check the result below:
• Fumble: the request is refused and the character's
Status with that organisation drops 1D10%
• Failure: the request is refused but the character
suffers no loss of Status with that organisation
• Success: the request should be granted.
• Special or Critical: The request is granted and
extra resources may be made available to the PC or
 the organisation's fee for helping may be reduced, at
GM's discretion.
In all cases, the GM should judge the request on its merits and
roleplay the NPC making the judgement.
h) What Price?
Calling for help is not without its price. The price may be more
than just money. Here are some suggestions:
• A Thieves Guild may take 10% of the stolen money or
demand a particular item from the stolen booty.
• A Noble family may want a favour in return. If the
favour is not returned, it will almost certainly result in
the PC losing Status with that group and may lead to
long term feud.
• An army General may want the Fighter to lead a secret
mission or Forlorn Hope.
• A Wizards Guild may demand a magical item from
the Mage's collection or a spell from his grimoire.
• A summoned entity may demand a sacrifice before it
will aid the Sorcerer.
In all cases, in the interests of fairness, the GM should set the
price and tell the player making the bargain. It may be that the
price is too steep and the player will elect to find another way.
Back to Contents.
7) Craft Skill Specialisations
There are many crafts. Humans and their demi-human kin are
endlessly inventive, so the following list is by no means
exhaustive.
• Armoursmith: A maker of metal armour
• Blacksmith: A maker of metal goods, tools,
horseshoes, houseware
• Bowyer/Fletcher: Makes bows and arrows (treat as a
single craft skill for greater utility)
• Brewer: A maker of beers and wines
• Carpenter: A maker of wooden goods, houses etc.
• Cobbler: Makes boots and shoes
• Cook: A chef
• Gardener: A tender of plants, both edible and
decorative
• Glass Maker: A maker of glass and glass artefacts
• Goldsmith: A maker of gold artifacts
• Gunsmith: A maker of firearms (if applicable in the
game world)
• Jewelsmith: A gemcutter
• Locksmith: A maker of locks
• Plumber: A maker and installer of pipeworks, water
and drainage systems
• Potter: A maker of ceramic/earthenware crockery
• Rope Maker: A maker of rope
• Shipwright: A builder of ships and boats
• Silversmith: A maker of silverware
15
• Stonemason: A worker of quarried stone; a
builder
• Tailor: A maker of clothing
• Tanner: A leatherworker. Makes leather goods,
including leather armour
• Toy Maker: A maker of childrens' (and adults')
toys and games
• Weaponsmith: A maker of metal weapons
• Weaver: A maker of cloths and fabrics
Back to Contents.
8) Repair Skill Specialisations
Items that can be made can also be repaired. Of those
Repair skill specialisations given on BGB p.73, only
Mechanical, Structural and Plumbing repairs are generally
available in the pseudo-mediaeval worlds in which many
campaigns will be set. The Hydraulics specialisation may
also be taken, with GM's permission, particularly in
Renaissance, high-fantasy or steampunk settings. An
appropriate Craft skill may, at GM's discretion, add 1/5 the
Craft's skill rating to a Repair attempt.
Other Repair specialisations include, but are not limited to:
• Arms and Armour: Repairs non-gunpowder
weapons and armour (see Dwarf, BGB p.341)
• Guns: Repairs firearms (if applicable in the
gameworld)
• Joinery: Repairs wooden items
Back to Contents.
E) MAGIC
1) Magical Professions
The Illusionist class has been replaced with Sorcerer. This
way there are four magical professions: Mage, Sorcerer,
Cleric and Druid. Paladins, Rangers and Bards gain limited
magical knowledge later in their careers. Psionicists are not,
strictly speaking, magic users, though their psychic powers
do have similar effects.
Back to Contents.
2) Magic Spells
There are 28 Magic spells permitted to Mages (and Bards)
described in the BGB.
Allowable Magic Spells do not include Conjure Elemental
(as this is a Sorcery spell) or Heal (which is a Divine Magic
spell). A Wizard may learn the Wound spell, though this is
generally reserved for evil magicians.
Mechanics of Magic: Magic spells are treated like mundane
skills. Each spell has a percentage skill rating. The Mage
chooses which spell to cast and makes the skill roll against the
spell's rating. If successful, the spell is cast and the character
gains an experience check, allowing proficiency with that spell
to increase. A POW vs. POW or power points vs. power points
roll on the Resistance Table may be needed to affect the target.
Back to Contents.
3) Sorcery Spells
There are 44 Sorcery spells permitted to Sorcerers in the BGB.
Sorcerers may not use the Heal sorcery spell (this is Divine
Magic).
5) Psionic Abilities
There are 21 psychic abilities described in the BGB.
Mechanics of Psionics: Psionic abilities or psychic powers
are treated like mundane skills. Each ability has a
percentage skill rating. The Psionicist chooses which ability
to use and makes the skill roll against the ability's rating. If
successful, the ability is cast and the character gains an
experience check, allowing proficiency with that ability to
increase. A POW vs. POW or power points vs. power
points roll on the Resistance Table may be needed to affect
the target.
Back to Contents.
Back to Main Contents.

Mechanics of Sorcery: In the BGB as written (p.122), Sorcery

spells "just work" with no skill roll necessary, though a
Resistance Table roll may be needed to overcome the target's
POW. This ruleset, however, requires that a Perform (Ritual)
roll must be made to activate the Sorcery spell. The Sorcerer
must concentrate and recall the specific words, gestures and
emotions needed to power the spell. (See the optional rule on
BGB p.71 for details.) If the skill roll is successful, the spell or
ritual is activated and, of course, the character gains an
experience check in the Perform (Ritual) skill.

Back to Contents.

4) Divine Magic

There are 24 spells and powers allowed to users of Divine

Magic (Clerics, Druids, Paladins and Rangers) described in the
BGB.

Divine Magic is not covered in the BGB. In this set of rules it

uses a mixture of spells, rituals and powers from the Magic,
Sorcery and Psychic power types. Clerics, Druids (and by
extension Paladins and Rangers) may learn any of the
following from the BGB:

• Magic: Light, Dark, Wall, Ward, Countermagic, Heal,

Perception, Protection, Resistance
• Sorcery: Liken Shape, Muddle, Pox, Bird's Vision,
Rat's Vision, Heal, Unbreakable Bonds
• Psychic: Aura Detection, Danger Sense, Dead Calm,
Emotion Control, Empathy, Levitation, Mind Control,
Sensitivity

Mechanics of Divine Magic: All Divine Magic works like

Sorcery spells and rituals. A Perform (Ritual) roll must be
made to activate the Divine spell. The spellcaster evokes the
power of the deity through prayer. (See the optional rule on
BGB p.71 for details.) If the skill roll is successful, the spell is
activated and, of course, the character gains an experience
check in the Perform (Ritual) skill. The spell may require a
Resistance Table roll to overcome the target's POW.

Back to Contents.

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