Chapter Two

Character Archetypes

CHAPTER ONE

Your archetype is both who you are and who you

are not. It tells you, the other players, and the narrator The Bully’s Role
what you are most likely to be able to accomplish, as While the Bully is used to being a leader, even if
well as what is likely to affect you. Each archetype has only of his small gang of toadies, being sucked into the
strengths and weaknesses that are as much story ele- Grimm Lands changes all that. He may still push others
ments and roleplaying hooks as they are game design around, cajoling the kids through force, intimidation,
considerations.
Archetypes are not the final word as to what your
character can accomplish in Grimm, however. Two
Nerds might be incredibly different, and even Bullies
can have smart, sensitive, or sneaky sides.

The Bully
I’m gonna pound you into next week, shrimp!

You are the subject of fear and loathing in the

eyes of other children. You are the kid who beat up
Johnny, you are the maker of wet willies, and you
are the figurative troll in the boys’ bathroom who
makes Nerds pee their pants rather than ask to use
the toilet. The cornerstone of your personality is the
procurement and retention of power. Everything you
do is to ensure your place at the top of the pecking
order in your class. You’re used to surrounding your-
self with sycophants that are motivated by fear and the
allure of your power. You employ force only when
necessary, relying instead on the threat of pain.
Of course, now that you’re stuck in the Grimm
Lands, things are different. Now there are real
trolls, and they don’t only pick on wimps. You
keep the other kids around you so the monsters
have someone else to snack on, but they don’t lis-
ten to you half as well as they used to. Sometimes
they even tell you what to do. Even the Nerd! But
you’ll do whatever it takes to stay alive, and get
out of here.
7

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Starting Bully Traits
The following is a list of a 3rd-grade Bully’s starting grade in each trait.

Cool 2nd Pluck 1st Imagination 1st Luck 1st Muscle 4th
Hide 1st Seek 2nd Scamper 1st Scrap 4th Throw 2nd
4-H — Book Learning 1st Boy Scouts — Country Club —
Gaming — Home Ec — Industrial Arts 3rd Juvie 2nd

and sometimes even violence. However, when push Additionally, the target character must fulfill at least
comes to shove, he’s as scared as anyone else and will one of the following three requirements:
follow orders if it means surviving. Surprisingly, the
Bully can become a stalwart protector of the group. On 1. Has a lower personal grade than the Bully
one hand, such heroism distracts him from his own fear,
so no one else can see that he’s shaking in his boots. On 2. Has a lower Muscle trait than the Bully
the other hand, even if that Nerd with the runny nose is
3. Is of a smaller stature than the Bully
the same kid he gave wedgies to on a daily basis, he’s
his Nerd with the runny nose, and no one but the Bully
If the Bully wins an opposed test, he receives an
is going to pick on him without his say-so!
advantage on his Scrap tests against the target for this
Bullies are strong, and fairly resilient, making them
scene. The advantage is equal to +1 for each grade by
good characters to stand in front and Scrap with attack-
which the Bully wins the test.
ing monsters of their own size. However, they are at a
distinct disadvantage when their foe is bigger than they
Example: Bubba, the Bully, wants to beat up
are, and aren’t terribly well equipped intellectually; or
Georgie, the Nerd who keeps challenging his authority.
socially, or creatively, or in any way at all, really, other
In the first action round, Bubba spends his turn making
than being strong and intimidating. But sometimes,
a Cool test. Bubba has Cool 3rd grade, but his
that’s enough.
Intimidating ability gives him an effective grade of 5th
for this test, since he’s threatening violence. He rolls the
Specialty, Flaw, and dice and gets a 3, for a result of Cool 5th grade.
Georgie now makes a Pluck test to oppose Bubba’s
Beginning Archetype intimidation. Georgie has Pluck 3rd grade and rolls a
5, for a result of Pluck 3rd grade. Bubba wins the
Ability opposed test by two grades, so his Scrap tests against
Specialty: Bullies are well-practiced in the art of Georgie will receive an advantage of +2.
brawling. Bullies always rolls an extra die on the initial
roll of their Scrap tests. Archetype Abilities
Flaw: The Bully’s key weakness is he is only com-
fortable when he has the upper hand, hence the classic Each time a Bully advances to an even-numbered
aphorism that most Bullies back down when you stand personal grade beyond 3rd, he may choose one of the
up to them. Each time the Bully suffers a wound, he abilities below. Each ability may only be taken once.
must make a Pluck test with a difficulty of one grade Gang Up: Characters ordinarily receive +1 die
per his total number of wounds (including the just-suf- when others use teamwork to help them on Scrap tests.
fered wound). If he fails, he becomes scared (see page Bullies are used to having toadies to back them up,
22), and continues to be scared until the wound has though, so Bullies with this ability gain +2 dice per
been healed or the source of his injury is neutralized or character using teamwork to help him on Scrap tests.
no longer present. Intimidating: Bullies are accomplished at playing
Threats: The Bully is especially adept at pushing nice, kissing ass, and outright lying when they need to
around those who are smaller or weaker than him. He get out of trouble. But their social skills are most impres-
may spend a turn making an opposed Cool test against sive when they are using violence or the threat of vio-
a character within a stone’s throw who can see or hear lence to persuade or manipulate others. In these situa-
the Bully. The target characters need not understand the tions, a Bully gains a +2 advantage to Cool.
Bully’s language, so long as he is intelligent enough to
read the Bully’s body language or tone of voice.
8

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Pile-on: Headlocks and wedgies are part of a Threats, Master (8th
Bully’s daily dialogue with his peers. When wrestling grade or higher): Only a Bully
with foes who are his stature or smaller, the Bully is with the Advanced Threats ability may select this abili-
considered to be one stature level larger for the purpos- ty. If the Bully wishes to cause a Master Threats result,
es of determining his and his opponents’ penalties and he must declare this before making the opposed test, and
movement limitations. only succeeds at causing any result at all if he wins the
Protector: Some Bullies, once forced to trust and opposed test by six or more grades. Alternatively, imme-
rely on their peers, realize that their true purpose is not diately upon causing an Advanced Threats result, the
to terrorize those who are smaller than they are, but to Bully may expend two grades of Imagination to elevate
protect them. When an adjacent ally is the target of an the result.
attack, the Bully may interpose himself and take the tar- If the Bully causes a Master Threats result, the
get’s place. This must be decided before the attack test Bully receives an advantage against the target on Scrap
is made. The attack is resolved normally but is made tests and the target refusing to attack the Bully in melee;
against the Bully rather than the original target. additionally, the target is terrified of the Bully, doing his
Threats, Advanced: Only a Bully with the Threats best to flee from him each turn.
ability may select this ability. If the Bully wishes to
cause an Advanced Threats result, he must declare this
before making the opposed test, and only succeeds at
causing any result at all if he wins the opposed test by
three or more grades. Alternatively, immediately upon
The Dreamer
causing a Threats result, the Bully may expend one There, in the sky…do you see that cloud? It looks
grade of Imagination to elevate the result. like a phoenix rising from its own ashes!
If the Bully causes an Advanced Threats result, then
in addition to the Bully You find the world outside the classroom
receiving an advan- to be much more interesting than the dry stuff
tage against the tar- of Mrs. Applegate’s lectures. You like to read
get on Scrap tests, about fantastic stuff like dragons, unicorns,
the target refuses and knights, or maybe you dream of being
to attack a ball player in the major leagues. Someday,
the Bully it’ll all come true.
in melee. It’s hard to be a Dreamer. Your mother
nags you about paying more attention. Your
teachers have special meetings with your
parents. The teachers always shoot you dirty
looks down their long and crooked noses.
Some of the other kids pick on you, but you’ve
learned to overcome it. You know things
they’ll never know: special places, windows
into other worlds. When you look off into the
distance, and before a sharp word brings you
back, you see yourself as a brave hero saving
the day, or yourself at bat for the big team
about to hit a home run.
Now that you’re in the Grimm Lands,
you finally have a chance to really be that
hero. But somehow, you never thought
about the fact that being a hero is danger-
ous—really dangerous. And now that you
realize that, the boring old regular world
doesn’t seem so bad, after all.

The Dreamer’s Role

The Dreamer is the kid who spends
more time in her head than in the world with
other children. She is so distracted and preoc-
cupied with flights of fancy, she often gets into
trouble for it. Now that she’s in the Grimm Lands,
all those supposedly wasted hours are paying off. While
her fellow kids are stumbling around trying to under-
stand their new powers, the Dreamer has a natural
9

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Starting Dreamer Traits
The following is a list of a 3rd-grade Dreamer’s starting grade in each trait.

Cool 1st Pluck 1st Imagination 4th Luck 2nd Muscle 1st
Hide 2nd Seek 4th Scamper 2nd Scrap 1st Throw 2nd
4-H 1st Book Learning 2nd Boy Scouts 1st Country Club —
Gaming 3rd Home Ec 1st Industrial Arts — Juvie —

control over her imagination. While the rest of the Happy Thoughts: To a Dreamer, anything can be
group is desperately trying to remember what it takes to fixed with the power of belief, even dire wounds. When
pacify a troll, the Dreamer is intimately familiar with a Dreamer heals her own wounds by expending
the world they are trapped in. In small groups, she Imagination, she heals two wounds for every 1
sometimes rises to a position of leadership, as she, and Imagination expended. When she heals others’ wounds
she alone, truly understands the world of Grimm. by expending Imagination, she heals one wound for
every 1 Imagination expended.
Observant: Dreamers are so in touch with the stuff
Specialty, Flaw, and that makes up the Grimm Lands that they have almost
superhuman awareness of their surroundings. A
Beginning Archetype Dreamer may expend 1 Imagination to ignore any envi-
Ability ronmental or conditional penalties to visibility, hearing,
etc., for the rest of the scene. The Dreamer can use this
Specialty: A Dreamer’s flightiness in the Real ability, for example, to more easily spot a monster lurk-
World is inversely proportional to her ability to under- ing in the dark or hear a whisper in the midst of a
stand, embrace, and even manipulate the Grimm Lands. cacophony.
Dreamers always roll an extra die on the initial roll of Rapid Recovery: Imagination is the cornerstone
Imagination tests. of the Dreamer, and as such she may recover spent
Flaw: Dreamers tend to lose themselves in their Imagination more rapidly than normal. Once per story,
thoughts and imaginings…and their nightmares. by spending half an hour doing nothing but enjoying
Dreamers are therefore more susceptible to illusions idle daydreaming, the Dreamer may recover half of her
and charms than other characters. The Dreamer suffers expended Imagination (round down).
a -1 to all tests made against charm spells, illusions, and Spontaneous Spellslinger: While most kids must
similar abilities that toy with the mind. be taught magic spells in order to use them, the
I Think I Can: By believing in herself, the Dreamer Dreamer seems to have an inherent ability to manipu-
can accomplish nearly anything. Dreamers may choose late arcane energies by harnessing them with the power
two iconic Core traits, one of which is automatically of her Imagination. By expending Imagination equal to
Imagination. Alternatively, if a Dreamer wishes, she may the magic spell’s circle level, she may spontaneously
choose Imagination as her only iconic Core trait. For recreate the effect of any magic spell she has witnessed
each single Imagination that such a Dreamer expends, during this story. She does not suffer any estrangement
she may generate an imagining as if she had expended or weakening (see page 76), but she is not considered to
two Imagination (see “Imaginings,” page 71). have learned the spell, either.
True Hero (8th grade or higher): When her need
is great and a true hero is called for, the Dreamer can
Archetype Abilities become the hero she always imagined herself to be. By
Each time a Dreamer advances to an even-num- spending her turn and expending half (round up) of her
bered personal grade beyond 3rd, she may choose one maximum Imagination, she may transform into a shin-
of the abilities below. Each ability may only be taken ing figure of power and grace, such as a knight, a
once. hunter, or a guardian angel. The effect lasts for one
Bonus Keepsake: The Dreamer’s Imagination scene, and may only be called upon during appropriate-
imbues a mundane item with power, manifesting as a ly dramatic circumstances, as decided by the narrator.
new keepsake (see page 66), designed by the Dreamer’s The Dreamer gains a special ability appropriate for
player and the narrator. her avatar, as designed by the narrator:
An angel might be able to fly,
10

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

a hunter might be able to track and fire his bow in any academics, reading, or flights
terrain or weather, and a knight might be able to strike of fancy, so whereas the other kids
true (ignoring any protection) against any foe who had may be at least somewhat familiar with the terrors this
no honor in his heart. The Dreamer also gains the fol- world brings, Jocks are often clueless. Of course, around
lowing benefits: here, there are times that simple ignorance is all that
keeps you from melting into a pool of gibbering horror.
1. Increase stature by one level

2. Increase speed by one level Specialty, Flaw, and

3. +2 grades to any three of the following traits: Beginning Archetype
Muscle, Pluck, Scamper, Scrap, Seek, Throw
Ability
Specialty: Jocks may choose their specialty from
The Jock among Scamper, Muscle, or Throw, depending on their
sports of choice. Jocks with a specialty in Scamper, for
instance, were probably track and field stars or
Come on guys, we’re only down by four—if we soccer players. Those with a specialty on
pull together we can cream ’em! Muscle were probably wrestlers or
defensive backs in the midget
You’re the best at what mat- football league, and those
ters most: sports. Even before with a specialty in Throw
you played organized sports, were probably pitchers
you could carry more, run on the softball team or
faster, jump higher, climb quarterbacks for the
better, and throw farther football team. Which-
than anyone else in your ever trait the Jock
class. Everyone looks up to chooses as his special-
you, and you try not to let it ty, he always rolls an
go to your head. But it’s extra die on the initial
hard not to. You’re a roll when testing in that
winner. trait.
Or at least, you were. Flaw: While
But you can’t quite figure cool in other kids’
out the rules to the eyes, Jocks pursue
Grimm Lands, and the physical prowess to
people here are playing the exclusion of intel-
for keeps. At least you lectual and social activi-
still have a team, and ties. Jocks may only
even if none of them are focus on, or step up on,
much good at throwing or or receive teamwork
running, they can do some bonus dice on Scamper,
pretty amazing stuff here. It makes Muscle, and Throw tests. If
you glad that you didn’t pick on the Jock’s iconic Core trait is
the Nerd too much back in the Luck, he may also only expend
Real World. You didn’t, did you? Luck on the above tests.
The Winning Play: By calling on
some hidden reserve, the Jock can push him-
The Jock’s Role self past his normal limits. Once per scene, without
Jocks played at least one team spending his turn, the Jock may gain +1 grade to
sport in the Real World; most played a wide variety of Scamper, Throw, and Muscle tests for the rest of the
sports year-round, and at this young age, they were more scene. Thereafter, the Jock’s Muscle trait is expended by
likely to be co-ed rather than split into gender-based one grade.
teams. Now that they’ve been sucked into the Grimm
Lands, that experience serves them well. They can get Archetype Abilities
along well with everyone, understand the value of work-
ing together, and refuse to give up. Jocks usually have Each time a Jock advances to an even-numbered
more physical prowess than Bullies do, but they seldom personal grade beyond 3rd, he may choose one of the
use their strength and speed to hurt others. The down- abilities below. Except for the Bonus Talent ability,
side of their extra-curricular activities is that they each ability may only be taken once.
never had much time for
11

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Starting Jock Traits
The following is a list of a 3rd-grade Jock’s starting grade in each trait.

Cool 2nd Pluck 2nd Imagination 1st Luck 1st Muscle 3rd
Hide 1st Seek 1st Scamper 4th Scrap 2nd Throw 4th
4-H — Book Learning 1st Boy Scouts — Country Club —
Gaming — Home Ec — Industrial Arts — Juvie —

Bonus Talent: Jocks have what is these days called Winner’s Mindset (8th grade or higher):
“physical intelligence.” That means that they’re good at Successful Jocks not only perform on a physical level,
anything involving using their bodies, and can pick they also constantly apply their minds to the situation at
things up pretty quickly. The Jock may select any talent hand. They can mentally psych themselves up to an
that has either a Playground trait or Muscle as a upcoming task, run scenarios through their heads, and
requirement; he must still meet all of the talent’s so on. Each turn during an action scene, a Jock may
requirements. focus on a Playground trait in addition to spending his
Competitive: Some Jocks thrive on spectators and turn in other ways. He may focus on different traits as
proving that they’re the best there is at what they do. he wishes, switching back and forth, but as soon as he
Whenever performing opposed tests while in a contest, makes a test in a focused-on trait, it resets to its normal
and particularly while in front of a group of watchers boost range.
who are doing nothing but watching the contest
between the Jock and the other character, the Jock
receives +2 grades on all Playground tests and on
Muscle tests. This advantage cannot be applied to
attack or defense tests, unless the Jock is in a gladiato-
The Nerd
rial combat or the like. Actually, it is quite possible that the rules of our
Fearless: Jocks are tough, focused, and not very world do not apply to this one…allow me to make a few
smart. They’re either too brave or too dumb to be wor- calculations…
ried about the danger a monster represents, or maybe
have so much confidence in their abilities that they Some call you a prodigy. Some call you a geek.
don’t think it matters. In any case, once an action scene Some don’t call you anything at all, because they forget
starts (including during an ambush round), the Jock that you’re there. You can name the first 50 elements on
receives +2 grades on all Pluck tests. the periodic table, you’re good at algebra, geography,
Sport Specialization: When using a single piece history, civics, and…sports? Well no, you don’t play
of equipment appropriate for one of his favorite sports, any, really. But you do like games! You’ve read the
the Jock gains a special benefit. If the equipment could Traps & Trolls handbook more times than you can
be used as a weapon (like a Louisville slugger or a dis- count, and you’re a shoo-in for the pro tour of Sorcery:
cus), the Jock inflicts +1 wound when wielding it. If the The Assemblage, as soon as you’re old enough.
equipment is protective, like a helmet, shoulder pads, or Now that you’re in the Grimm Lands, your so-
shin guards, the Jock gains protection 1. If the equip- called “book learning” has come in quite useful. You’ve
ment is something else, the narrator may develop a managed to astound everyone from the simple peasant
physical benefit as appropriate. Running shoes might who wants to keep his well from freezing, to the grand
increase the Jock’s speed by one level, for instance. duke and his simpleton of a sage. Of course, half of the
Team Spirit: The Jock, being a team player, bene- people here accuse you of witchcraft when you’re just
fits when working with others. His friendly intentions using the basic tenets of science, or of reading their
also encourage others to do their best. Even when he minds just because you’ve memorized Table 3-7:
spends his turn doing something other than providing Random Non-Player Motivations from the Traps &
teamwork, the Jock may grant a bonus teamwork die to Trolls narrator’s guide. And unfortunately for you, these
a character within a cricket’s hop, so long as that char- people have mastered the art of building fires and tying
acter is spending his turn doing the same thing as the people to posts just fine.
Jock.

12

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

The Nerd’s Role
The Nerd is one of the most iconic characters in the
schoolyard. As one of the first archetypes to emerge in
youth, he studies hard, lacks all fashion sense, is social-
ly inept, and has unpopular hobbies. Most of these guys
and girls focus on math and the sciences, and a few find
interest in the outdoors (either so they can get that Boy
Scout badge, or the better to complete their insect col-
lection). Nerds tend to be chatty and more than a little
pedantic. As kids seldom like a condescending tone,
especially from a peer, Nerds often find themselves
the targets of Bullies and the occasional Jock. On the
other hand, Nerds possess the knowledge and intel-
lect to help a lost group of kids find their way
through the weird world of Grimm. They overlap
with the Dreamer somewhat in terms of their
knowledge of the fantastic, but they bolster
that with advanced abilities in all Classroom
traits.

Specialty, Flaw, and

Beginning Archetype
Ability
Specialty: Nerds have great memories, and
actually enjoy learning things from books. Nerds
always roll an extra die on the initial roll of all Study
traits. In addi-
Flaw: Nerds are physically underdeveloped, social- tion, by expend-
ly hopeless, and poor fighters. Nerds may never focus ing 1 Imagination
on, or step up on, or receive teamwork bonus dice on and succeeding at an
Cool, Muscle, or Scrap tests. If the Nerd’s iconic Core opposed Book Learning
trait is Luck, he may not expend Luck on the above test, the Nerd may cause such listeners to be fascinated
tests. with him (as per the enchanter magical spell Fascinate;
Studious: Nerds, unlike most of their peers, actual- see page 81).
ly have attention spans. They are used to committing to Insight: Sometimes inspiration comes like a bolt of
their interests, and they are quick learners. At character lightning, just when needed. Insight simulates those
creation and again each time a Nerd increases in per- ineffable moments of epiphany. Whether because of the
sonal grade, two of his Study traits increase by one Nerd’s amazing powers of deduction or the fact that he
grade each, at no credit cost. has read every Traps & Trolls adventure module ever
published, he may know the answer. Once per scene, by
spending his turn and expending one Imagination, the
Archetype Abilities Nerd may ask the narrator a question she must answer,
Each time a Nerd advances to an even-numbered although she can be tricky or circumspect. The knowl-
personal grade beyond 3rd, he may choose one of the edge gained may be anything the player can imagine,
abilities below. Each ability may only be taken once. from a villain’s true motivations to his likely plan of
Astounding Intellect: The Grimm Lands are attack against the kids, from a creature’s soft spot to its
replete with bizarre devices, enchanted items, and weird most dangerous ability, from a detail of a previous
puzzles, all of which Nerds are better at figuring out adventure to an advanced scientific theory that the child
than their fellow kids. Nerds gain a +2 advantage on would normally not comprehend. The answer should be
Imagination tests to solve puzzles or any other test helpful, but may take the form of a hint or cryptic reply.
involving riddles, conundrums, or problem-solving. Quick Study: In school, being a quick study helped
Geek Celebrity: Whenever the Nerd is interacting a Nerd understand lessons easily. In the Grimm Lands, it
with individuals who are similarly brainy, be they the means the Nerd can learn a magical spell via apprentice-
king’s advisors, wizards, or a sphinx, he may use his ship or study in half the time (see “Magic,” page 73).
Book Learning in place of Cool for the purposes of Skeptic: The enchanting magic of the Grimm
making a good impression. Lands neither frightens nor bothers the Nerd anymore,
and he has honed his emotions to a Vulcan-like void.
13

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Starting Nerd Traits
The following is a list of a 3rd-grade Nerd’s starting grade in each trait.

Cool 1st Pluck 2nd Imagination 2nd Luck 1st Muscle 1st
Hide 3rd Seek 4th Scamper 1st Scrap 1st Throw 1st
4-H 1st Book Learning 4th Boy Scouts 1st Country Club —
Gaming 4th Home Ec — Industrial Arts — Juvie —

The Nerd gains +2 grades on tests against temptation,

despair, and effects that would affect his emotions. The Normal Kid’s Role
That’s Illogical! (8th grade or higher): If a Nerd The Normal Kid might be a blank slate, someone
believes in anything, it’s logic. By expending half of his who doesn’t fit into one of the archetypes presented
maximum Imagination (round up), the Nerd can force a here. In that case, the Normal Kid is whatever the play-
target creature within a stone’s throw to attempt a Pluck er makes of her, with whatever strengths and weak-
test opposed by the Nerd’s Book Learning. Should the nesses seem appropriate, though she’ll never be as good
creature fail the opposed test, it loses access to any as the other archetypes are at their specialties.
powers or abilities that can’t be explained by modern On the other hand, some Normal Kids are so aver-
science (such as most magical spells or supernatural age, so well-rounded, and so kid-ish that everything
powers). This effect lasts for as long as the Nerd con- they do seems generic. This can be great for the gang,
tinues to spend his turn explaining to everyone present as the Normal Kid can fill in any roll in a pinch. It can
(though none are likely to bother listening) why those be disappointing for the Normal Kid, though,
abilities just can’t work. Not every kid fits into the stereotypes presented as
the archetypes. Some are just average, Normal Kids.
The Normal Kid is really a blank slate for players to
The Normal Kid create the kind of kid they want. In the Grimm Lands,
Normal Kids are a dime a dozen, caught in the teeth of
Jack’s giant, or baked in a pie by the old witch in the
Yeah, we know each other. I sit in the back of the forest. They are the kids to which awful stuff happens.
class. And you came to my birthday party. Remember? Of course, not all die horrible deaths. Really.

You’re not too popular, but at least you’re not a

Nerd or an Outcast. You play sports, but you’re not the Specialty, Flaw, and
star of the team. You get Bs in all your classes, but Beginning Archetype
you’d rather be playing or hanging out than stuck in
class. Sure, you have friends, just not as many as the Ability
Popular Kid. All in all, you’re just you, an ordinary,
everyday kid who does his homework (most of the
time), plays street hockey (when you’re not ground- Specialty: A Normal Kid may choose any one trait
ed), and has a secret crush on Cindy (even though she as his specialty. When making a test in this trait, the
doesn’t know who you are). Normal Kid always rolls an extra die on his initial roll.
Now that you’re in the Grimm Lands, though, Flaw: Normal Kids are generic, which has two
you’re pretty sure everyone will remember you. They’d effects. First of all, the Normal Kid cannot have a trait
better, after you helped the Jock save them from those that exceeds any other trait of its type by more than one
strangling vines, and crawled behind the witch just grade, as they rarely specialize in any particular area.
before the Bully pushed her into her own oven, and pro- For instance, if a kid has Muscle 3rd grade and 2nd
tected the Nerd while he finished his spell, and…oh, grade in his other Core traits, he must advance all of his
never mind. other Core traits to 3rd grade before he can advance
Muscle to 4th grade.
Second, a Normal Kid who embraces his own
generic nature is for some reason especially tasty to
the monsters and villains of the
Grimm Lands. He is the person
14 in the story that the bad stuff

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

happens to: the red shirt, the nameless extra, the hero’s
expendable best friend.
When presented with several equally tasty targets at
any point in a combat (i.e., whenever the narrator would
randomly determine a creature’s target from among sev-
eral adjacent kids), an opponent always chooses to
attack the Normal Kid. Additionally, in situations where
a harmful effect, such as a spell or a widespread attack,
could just as easily not include the Normal Kid as
include him, the attack is always includes him, even
if it means fewer nearby kids are included.
Bonus Talent: The Normal Kid needs all the
help he can get. A Normal Kid may select one
additional talent during character creation.

Archetype Abilities
Each time a Normal Kid advances to an
even-numbered personal grade beyond 3rd, he
may choose one of the abilities below. Except
for the Bonus Talent ability, each ability may only
be taken once.
Bonus Talent: The Normal Kid can select a
talent for which he qualifies.
I’m Special, Too!: In defiance of the general
perception that others have of Normal Kids,
they can be special…or at least, their traits can
be. The Normal Kid can expend a single grade
in a Core trait other than his iconic Core trait,
with benefits as described under that trait in
Chapter 3: Traits and Talents. A Normal Kid
may do this once per story per Core trait.
Social Chameleon: Normal Kids, having
not much personality of their own, tend to blend in with
the crowd. Their predisposition to this kind of behavior
has an unusual result in the Grimm Lands. Once per
scene, the Normal Kid temporarily gains the beginning
archetype ability of any other archetype. So for instance, heritage that is far from normal. The exact effects of this
he might imitate the Bully’s Threats ability, the Jock’s ability are decided by the narrator, but several examples
Winning Play ability, or even temporarily receive an are presented below. Each heritage should be unique.
increase to his Study traits (two +1 increases per person-
al grade beyond 3rd, divided evenly among all of his
Study traits) in emulation of the Nerd’s Studious ability. Sample Unusual Heritages
Survivor: Say what you will about the Normal Kid, Descended from Kings: As a child, you wandered
but he’s resilient. A Normal Kid’s health is one higher from your parents’ royal garden and into the mundane
than his personal grade. world. Now, through accident or fate, you have found
Understudy: Some Normal Kids are always wish- your way back into the Grimm Lands. After many
ing they could be the ones in the spotlight. Others adventures and several strange clues, you’ve finally
couldn’t care less, but spend so little time specializing learned the truth about your birthright, unlocking all of
in any one thing that they accidentally pick up and the responsibility it entails. You are accepted back into
learn what others are doing. And when someone is the loving arms of your true family, and become the heir
hurt, it’s time to show the world what a Normal Kid to one of the Checkerboard Kingdoms. This means that
can do. Any time one of the Normal Kid’s fellow chil- you have access to troops, wealth, and a safe haven. It
dren is knocked out, the Normal Kid can choose one of also means, however, that you have new responsibili-
that kid’s traits, talents, archetype abilities, or known ties, potentially restrictive parents, and of course, the
spells. Until the child wakes up, the Normal Kid can special attention of anyone who wishes to harm or con-
use that aspect of the kid in his stead. quer your kingdom, such as the Rotten King.
Unusual Heritage (8th grade or higher): Not all Fairy Kin: Unbeknownst to you, you were a
Normal Kids are destined to remain bland forever. changeling, a fairy infant left in place of a stolen mun-
Some discover, upon adventuring for a time in the dane baby. Now that you have returned to a place much
Grimm Lands, that they have a closer to the fay lands, your latent blood has awakened.
15

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Starting Normal Kid Traits
The following is a list of a 3rd-grade Normal Kid’s starting grade in each trait.

Cool 2nd Pluck 2nd Imagination 2nd Luck 2nd Muscle 2nd
Hide 2nd Seek 2nd Scamper 2nd Scrap 2nd Throw 2nd
4-H — Book Learning 2nd Boy Scouts — Country Club —
Gaming — Home Ec — Industrial Arts — Juvie —

Perhaps you are recognized by all fairies as one of their languages while in wolf form, but whether in wolf or
nobility, and are given special treatment and subtle aid human form you can communicate with canines.
throughout your travels. Or it may be a profound
change: You disappear into a chrysalis one night, and
emerge as a cat-sized elfin kid with butterfly or dragon-
fly wings sprouting from your back, which give you a
speed of fast when flying. You gain the ability to fly at
The Outcast
your normal speed and instantly learn three 1st-circle You don’t know me! You don’t know what it’s like to
magical spells from among the artisan, enchanter, and be me…
guardian lists. You may now use magical powers with-
out fear of weakening or estrangement. However, by Your life sucks. Your family hates you, when they
becoming a fairy, you forsake the Real World and may bother to notice you. No one understands you, so you
never leave the Grimm Lands. don’t bother trying to explain. Besides, you don’t need
Moonstruck: You’ve always had disturbing dreams friends. You like not fitting in. You wear whatever
of hunting down prey and rending it with your teeth; clothes you want to, listen to music they’ve never heard
now you know why. You are a wolf in kid’s clothing, of, and spend as much time as far away from
banished from the Grimm Lands by the Big everyone else as possible, unmissed and
Bad Wolf for challenging his domi- unnoticed. You like it that way, really.
nance. Half of the wolves, dogs, and Now that you’re stuck in this
other canines you encounter will place, maybe your parents and
roll over for you automatically, everyone else will finally miss
accepting your dominance of you. But that doesn’t much
the pack; the other half main- matter, now. You’re stuck
tain their allegiance to the Big with a bunch of norms, and
Bad Wolf, and are automati- they’re all “Go team!” or
cally antagonistic towards “Somebody save me!”
you (the narrator will Nothing’s changed. You still
determine which side a don’t need them, and they still
canine takes by rolling don’t know who you are. At
randomly or deciding least your luck seems to have
based on the story needs). improved…or maybe it’s just
Additionally, you that everyone else’s luck has
manifest your heritage. You gotten so much worse.
become obsessed with the
moon, have a tendency to
growl and even bark at
those who alarm you, and
The Outcast’s
you gain a dog’s Sniffer abili- Role
ty. Finally, every morning you
Outcasts are depressed children who
must decide whether you’d like
believe, in some cases correctly, that
to spend the day as a wolf or as
no one cares for them. Their des-
a human. If you choose to be a
perate lives have left them little
wolf, you gain all of a wolf’s physical
room to develop their imaginations
features (its teeth, protective hide, speed,
or believe in much
and scent). You can’t speak any human
16

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Starting Outcast Traits
The following is a list of a 3rd-grade Outcast’s starting grade in each trait.

Cool 1st Pluck 1st Imagination 2nd Luck 2nd Muscle 1st
Hide 4th Seek 2nd Scamper 2nd Scrap 1st Throw 2nd
4-H — Book Learning 2nd Boy Scouts — Country Club —
Gaming — Home Ec 1st Industrial Arts — Juvie 4th

of anything. Thanks to their isolated existence, howev- gang is attacked in an action scene, the Outcast is the
er, they have developed strong coping skills that make last person in the gang to be targeted by foes on the first
them excellent survivors in the Grimm Lands. Since no round. For instance, if the gang is ambushed by a pack
one notices them anyway, they find that it is easier for of pirate slavers with nets, only after every other gang
them to sneak around and go to forbidden places. Most member is wrapped in a net will the Outcast be attacked.
Outcasts are good at stealing, having learned that it gets Additionally, when presented with several equally
them attention in the Real World. In the Grimm Lands, tasty targets at any other point in a combat (i.e., when-
the Outcast’s ability to pick a pocket may mean the dif- ever the narrator would randomly determine a creature’s
ference between all of the kids getting out of a dungeon target from among several adjacent kids), a creature
alive, and all of them having the flesh flayed from their never chooses to attack the Outcast.
bones. Outcasts that save the day in Grimm may end up Finally, in situations where a harmful effect like a
being appreciated and accepted, after all. The tricky part spell or a widespread attack could just as easily include
is getting them to believe it. the Outcast in its area as not include him, the attack does
not include him.

Specialty, Flaw, and

Beginning Archetype Advanced Archetype
Ability Abilities
Each time an Outcast advances to an even-num-
bered personal grade beyond 3rd, he may choose one of
Specialty: Outcasts, often out of necessity, tend to the abilities below. Each ability may only be taken once.
be liars, cheats, sneaks, and thieves. Outcasts may Cheap Shot: Because most people barely notice
choose to specialize in either Hide or Juvie. Whichever Outcasts, much less perceive them as threats, the
is chosen, the Outcast always rolls an extra die on the Outcast can often catch opponents by surprise and strike
initial roll for the chosen test. them in especially sensitive spots. The Outcast must
Flaw: Outcasts are pathologically shy, and have a either be behind his target, or concealed from the target
difficult time speaking to anyone who isn’t a kid. in some way (he must be hiding, or must be disguised as
Whenever an Outcast attempts to speak to anyone other a non-combatant, and so on). When an Outcast lands a
than a kid, say anything in public, or even draw a mon- cheap shot, he inflicts +1 wound.
ster’s attention away from his friends, the Outcast must Compulsive Liar: Outcasts can swear oaths and
make a Pluck test with a difficulty equal to the primary not really mean it. The Outcast suffers no ill effects from
listener’s or watcher’s Cool grade. If he fails, he is breaking an oath or failing to complete a quest (see page
unable to do so; he instead reverts to his normal state of 103). In addition, the Outcast gains a +2 advantage on
self-isolation, his eyes downcast and bitter words being Cool tests made to lie, fast-talk, or otherwise deceive, as
muttered beneath his breath. well as to notice such tactics being used against them.
The Outcast receives a –1 disadvantage on the test Inscrutable: The Outcast hides behind a wall of
if the person or creature he is trying to address is one of hair or smudges of dark makeup. Who can say what his
authority, considerable power, or great presence (the hands are doing in those long sleeves, or what he’s hid-
mayor of a town, a dragon, a knight, a king, a teacher, ing beneath that bulky coat? The Outcast need not
etc.). If speaking in public to no one in particular, the declare his intended actions at the beginning of the
difficulty of the test is 1st grade, plus 1 grade per 5 round, instead waiting until his turn to decide what to do.
non-kid listeners or watchers nearby.
Forgettable: No one notices
the Outcast. Whenever the
17

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Quick: Outcasts are team, providing inspiration and support to her friends.
used to avoiding blows from With much of her support network gone, she becomes a
drunken parents or irritated cops. When the Outcast little nervous, causing her baser natures to emerge.
spends his turn evading, he gains an additional +1 grade Being used to getting whatever she wants is a character
to his defense trait. trait that can get her into trouble if she is not careful.
Shoplifter: In addition to spending his turn in
other ways during an action scene, the Outcast can pick
up and conceal any cat-sized or smaller unattended Specialty, Flaw, and
object that he passes during his turn. Characters who
might notice the act may make Seek tests opposed by Beginning Archetype
the Outcast’s Juvie. Ability
Vanish (8th grade or higher): An Outcast is so
forgettable that he can just drift out of someone’s
notice. Once per scene, the Outcast may spend his turn Specialty: Popular Kids are, well, popular. They
and expend 1 Imagination to make a Hide test (opposed are socially adept and highly skilled at getting others to
by Seek) even while being observed and with nothing do what they want. A Popular Kid always rolls an extra
to hide behind. If the Outcast attempts this during an die on the initial roll of Cool tests.
action scene, he must either have something to hide Flaw: Popular Kids are not always rich kids
behind or must not be observed at the moment that he’s (though it helps), and not all Popular Kids are material-
trying to hide. If he succeeds, everyone else in the scene istic. However, they all desperately want certain things
not only loses sight of him, they essentially forget that from the world: love, attention, friendship, clothes, and
he was ever there. anything considered cool. They’re also used to getting
The Outcast may remain hidden for the rest of the those things. As a result, Popular Kids have a hard time
scene, if he likes, so long as he does nothing during his refusing temptations and resisting despair. Popular kids
turns but hide and, if he desires, move at half speed. The suffer a –2 disadvantage on any attempt to resist despair
Outcast can remain hidden even after moving out from and temptations (see pages 102 and 106). The narrator
behind cover. can also call for the Popular Kid to make a Pluck test
(difficulty varies) whenever confronted with the oppor-
tunity to take something without immediate, obvious
consequences. It’s not that the Popular Kid steals per se,
The Popular Kid but if something happens to be lying around and she
really wants it, it’s hard for her to say no.
Ridicule: Popular Kids have an uncanny ability to
Oh, hi (giggle)…and you are…?
undermine others’ confidence. This ability only works
against characters within a stone’s throw who can hear
Everyone knows your name and everyone likes
the Popular Kid. They must understand at least the
you. You’re the most Popular Kid in school, and that
basics of the Popular Kid’s language and be intelligent
carries a certain level of responsibility. You and your
enough to feel self-doubt. To use this ability, the
friends determine fashion, who is in and who is out. If
Popular Kid must spend her turn and make an opposed
someone doesn’t like it, well, that’s just because they’re
Cool test against the target, mocking its abilities, ideas,
jealous. You probably come from a well-off family, and
or even its appearance. If she wins the test, her target
your parents have great plans for you. You do well in
begins to think that perhaps its evil plan is stupid, after
school, but unlike the Nerd, you spend time in the cool
all. The target suffers a –1 disadvantage on all trait tests
clubs, like the swim team, cheerleading, and key club.
for a number of rounds equal to the number of grades
Everyone looks to you for the social rules of the school,
by which the Popular Kid won the test. An opponent
and you’re more than happy to oblige.
may only be affected by this ability once per scene.
You have to admit, you were a little worried when
you first got to this “Grimm Lands” place. But so far,
you’ve managed to convince a lot of the people here Advanced Archetype
just how cool you are, and the kids still look up to you,
most of the time. As long as you have people to tell Abilities
what to do, you’ll be fine. You hope.
Each time a Popular Kid advances to an even-num-
bered personal grade beyond 3rd, she may choose one
The Popular Kid’s Role of the abilities below. Each ability may only be taken
once.
The Popular Kid has a lot going for her in the Real Cheerleader: Popular Kids are natural leaders. A
World: plenty of friends, lots of support, maybe even word of inspiration from the Popular Kid goes a long
rich parents to buy her all sorts of goodies. She knows way towards inspiring even the most anti-social Outcast
how to get along with everyone, even adults. When put to greater things. Any time a Popular Kid would pro-
into the rather unlikely position of finding herself in a vide a bonus die due to teamwork, she instead pro-
fairy tale world, she relies on those natural strengths. vides +1 grade to the ally.
She is a social character who works best as part of a
18

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes

 Starting Popular Kid Traits
The following is a list of a 3rd-grade Popular Kid’s starting grade in each trait.

Cool 4th Pluck 1st Imagination 1st Luck 1st Muscle 1st
Hide 1st Seek 1st Scamper 2nd Scrap 1st Throw 1st
4-H — Book Learning 3rd Boy Scouts — Country Club 4th
Gaming — Home Ec 1st Industrial Arts — Juvie —

Confidence: The Popular Kid wouldn’t stay that anymore.” The Popular Kid may then immediately pick
way if she didn’t have the confidence to succeed. She another kid to go with, provided the kid is even less
may re-roll one die any time she rolls one or more 1s. mature, more clingy, has less in common with her, etc.
Fascinate: Popular Kids are great at winning over A kid who has been dumped receives a –1 disadvantage
crowds and fascinating others. Each creature to be fas- to all tests for one day, but also retains the increase to his
cinated must be within a stone’s throw of the Popular Imagination for that day (as he imagines his life is over).
Kid, able to see and hear her, and able to pay attention In any case, kids are resilient and not terribly emotion-
to her. The Popular Kid must also be able to see each ally vested at this young age, so the dumped kid returns
creature. The distraction of a nearby combat, or other to normal after one day.
dangers, prevents the ability from working. Ridicule, Advanced: If the Popular Kid wishes to
To use the ability, the Popular Kid makes a Cool cause an advanced ridicule result, she must declare this
test (or a 4-H test if the target is an animal); viewers may before making the opposed test, and only succeeds at
make an opposed Pluck test. Creatures who fail the test causing any result at all if she wins the opposed test by
sit quietly and listen to the Popular Kid talk (or watch 3 or more grades. Alternatively, immediately upon caus-
her dance, or listen to her sing, etc.), taking no other ing a ridicule result, the Popular Kid may expend one
actions for as long as the Popular Kid continues. While Imagination to elevate the result.
fascinated, a target suffers a –2 disadvantage on Seek If the Popular Kid achieves an advanced ridicule
and Cool tests. Any potential threat requires the Popular result, then in addition to suffering the disadvantage on
Kid to make another Cool test and allows the creatures all trait tests, the target feels the urge to change what it’s
new Pluck tests. Any obvious threat, such as someone doing for that round, even if its current actions seem to
drawing or aiming a weapon or casting a spell, automat- be successful. So if the target was attacking one kid with
ically breaks the effect. a weapon, it may switch to attacking another one with
Go With: The most coveted position in school is to magic; if the target was successfully bashing down a
be the boyfriend or girlfriend of a Popular Kid. “Going door, it may decide to try to find another way into the
with” is a kind of platonic girlfriend/boyfriend relation- house.
ship children use once they get over the revulsion of the Ridicule, Master (8th grade or higher): Only a
opposite gender, but before the complications of puber- Popular Kid with the Advanced Ridicule ability may
ty fully sink in. The Popular Kid can select one other select this ability. If the Popular Kid wishes to cause a
child (a player character or a story character) to go with. master ridicule result, she must declare this before mak-
The selected child’s Imagination temporarily increases ing the opposed test, and only succeeds at causing any
by 1, and he receives +1 grade on all Pluck tests while result at all if she wins the opposed test by six or more
the Popular Kid is present. However, the Popular Kid grades. Alternatively, immediately upon causing an
may rely on her boyfriend to save her if she’s in trouble. advanced ridicule result, the Popular Kid may expend
Any time the Popular Kid takes wounds, she may cause two Imagination to elevate the result.
the wounds to be inflicted on the kid she’s going with If the Popular Kid achieves a master ridicule result,
instead. To do so, she must expend one Imagination per then in addition to suffering the disadvantage on all trait
wound she wishes to transfer. tests and changing what it’s doing for that round, the tar-
The Popular Kid may end this relationship at any get becomes so uncertain as a result of the Popular Kid’s
time, dumping her boyfriend with such worldly phrases mockery that it does nothing but stand still in confusion
as “I need someone more mature,” “I need some time to and doubt during its next turn.
myself,” and “we don’t have anything in common

19

Chapter Two: Character Archetypes