THE WIZARD'S TOWER

with BASIC RULES SET

By Stephen Chenault
Editor: Mark Sandy
Front Cover: JASON WALTON Interior Art: NATHAN NADA, PETER BRADLEY
Cartography: PETER BRADLEY

1818 North Taylor, #143, Little Rock, AR, 72207

email: [email protected]
website: www.trolllord.com or
www.knightsofthecrusade.com

©2017 Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. Castles & Crusades® is a registered Trademark of Chenault & Gray Publishing LLC, d/b/a Troll Lord
Games. SIEGE Engine™ is Trademark of Chenault & Gray Publishing LLC, d/b/a Troll Lord Games. Amazing Adventures is a Trademark of Chenault &
Gray Publishing, d/b/a Troll Lord Games. The Troll Lord Games, Castles & Crusades, SIEGE Engine, Amazing Adventures and Troll Lord Games logos
are Trademarks of Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. 2017.
Cartography and sword appearing on page 1 is copyright Peter Bradley of Ravenchilde Illustrations, 2017. All interior art and the cover are copyright Troll
Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. All content copyright 2017 Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

 There are two types of attributes: primary and secondary. Of the six
CREATING THE CHARACTER attributes each character has, the player selects a few to be primary
With the exception of the Castle Keeper, each person playing Castles attributes. The remaining attributes are secondary. The distinction is
& Crusades creates a character to use during the game. To create this important when determining the outcome of many actions in Castles &
character, the player begins by simply imagining the type of character he or Crusades. When a character uses a class ability, such as a rogue attempting
she desires to play, be it a wandering barbarian, reclusive wizard, traveling to pick a fat giant’s pocket or a ranger tracking a brigand through a dark
dwarf, noble elf, a dastardly villain or virtuous knight. The player begins forest, an attribute check is rolled to determine if the action is successful.
by generating attribute scores with dice rolls. Attribute scores define the Each class ability has an attribute check associated with it. If the class
character’s physical and mental traits. Next, the player chooses a class, or ability’s associated attribute is one of the character’s primary attributes,
profession, for the character that best fits how the character is imagined. In the character has a greater chance of successfully performing the task. The
the same manner, the player chooses a race which best fits both the persona same principle holds true for the other aspects of the game in which an
and class desired. Lastly, the player fills in the details: examples include attribute check is required.
technical game-related aspects of the character, such as combat bonuses, as
well as the character’s persona and history. These steps are outlined below Attribute checks are explained in greater detail later (see The Castle
and detailed in their appropriate sections. Keeper & the Game). For now, just remember that the selection of
primary and secondary attributes significantly affects the possibility of
Imagine A Character: Decide, in a general manner, the type of character success for many actions in the game. Attribute checks associated with a
desired. Is the character a noble dwarf fighter, a haggard half-orc barbarian, primary attribute are significantly more likely to succeed than those actions
or a disdainful elf knight? Create the character as you imagine him or her performed with a secondary attribute.
to be. In the end, imagination is the only limit when creating a persona.

Roll Attributes: Each character has six attributes, generated by rolling THE SIX ATTRIBUTES
dice. The attributes are: strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, Strength: This attribute reflects physical strength, including the ability to
wisdom and charisma. Each attribute has an impact on the game and can lift or move heavy objects and make powerful attacks. The modifier affects
significantly influence class selection. After rolling the dice to generate melee combat and damage, and all checks for which strength is the primary
these scores, you can choose how those scores are placed. Naturally, it influence. Characters can military press 10x their strength and dead lift
is important to place the scores in a manner that reflects your character 15x their strength score.
concept, desired class and desired race.
Dexterity: This attribute represents a character’s reflexes, manual
Choose A Class: A class is a basic concept upon which the character is dexterity and hand-eye coordination, including the ability to dodge and
modelled. This is one of the more difficult aspects of character creation defend against attacks. The modifier affects armor class, ranged combat
because each class represents an archetype found in literature, film or and all checks involving dexterity.
within roleplaying games themselves. Each class should be very broadly Constitution: This attribute reflects overall health, and also represents a
interpreted. It is possible to have wildly diverse characters that are members character’s ability to withstand pain, suffer physical damage, avoid fatigue
of the same class. Classes should be considered examples or technical and fight off sickness or poison. The modifier affects hit points, and it
extrapolations of archetypes that provide a broad representation for the applies to all checks involving constitution as the prime influence.
type of character desired. This is necessary in order to accommodate the
Intelligence: This attribute reflects mental aptitude. It represents a
needs of the player and the setting where the character’s adventures occur.
character’s ability to learn quickly, apply that learning effectively and use
Choose A Race: Select a race that best fits your imagined character deductive reasoning. The modifier affects the number of arcane spells a
concept. Each race is unique and has its own special abilities, capacities, character can cast each day, the number of languages a character can learn
culture and personality. Closely examine each race prior to making a and all checks involving intelligence as the prime influence.
selection. In particular, ensure that the race selected does not have cultural Wisdom: This attribute reflects depth of personal experience, the ability
or personality characteristics that conflict harshly with the persona of the to make well-considered decisions or judgments, and represents a spiritual
character you wish to create. . connection to a deity. The modifier affects the number of divine spells that
can be cast each day, attempts to turn the undead and all checks involving
Fleshing Out The Character: The most important step in character wisdom as the prime influence.
generation comes last: detailing the character’s persona. The player fleshes
out the details of the character’s personality, physical description, world Charisma: This attribute represents strength of personality, willpower,
view, background, goals and motivations – including the moral “alignment” leadership and attractiveness. It is the degree to which a character is
best suited to the character’s personality. Then the character’s starting able to influence others. The modifier affects other creatures’ loyalty and
money is determined and the player equips the character with clothing, reactions to the character, the number of undead the character can turn
armor, weapons and other adventuring gear. The player also determines and all checks involving charisma as the prime influence.
the character’s hit points – that measure of a character’s ability to survive
damage. GENERATING ATTRIBUTE SCORES
Attribute scores are generated by rolling 3d6. The player adds the results of
ATTRIBUTES the three dice together to create a total score that ranges between 3 and 18.
This process is repeated six times. Once the six scores are generated, each
Attributes represent a character’s physical and mental traits. score is assigned to one attribute, in any order the player chooses. When
assigning attribute scores, the player should consider the race and class
All characters in Castles & Crusades have six attributes:
of the character being created. A character’s race may raise or lower an
Strength (Str) Intelligence (Int) attribute score, and certain attribute scores may affect a character’s class
Dexterity (Dex) Wisdom (Wis) abilities.
Constitution (Con) Charisma (Cha)
Normally, attribute scores only increase or decrease during the course of
Each attribute has a numeric score ranging from 3 to 18. Each attribute
a game as a result of magic, poison, curses or other extraordinary events.
score also has a corresponding modifier, which is a bonus or penalty
Should an attribute score change during game play, the modifier changes
added to or subtracted from certain die rolls during the game as detailed
to correspond to the new score, if applicable. It is possible for an attribute
throughout the rules.
score to fall below 3 or exceed 18 during game play. However, attribute

2 CASTLES & CRUSADES

scores for characters that fall outside of this range are rare, and are Every check has an associated attribute. Whenever one of these checks
usually associated with monsters, powerful magical items or other entities is made, a d20 is rolled by the player. Attribute and level modifiers are
controlled by the Castle Keeper. added to this roll, if applicable. If the result is equal to or greater than a
number generated by the Castle Keeper, called the challenge class, then the
attribute check is successful.
ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS
Each attribute score has a corresponding modifier that can alter die rolls in The challenge class is a number generated by the Castle Keeper that
the game. The modifier is a number added to (or subtracted from) a roll of represents the degree of difficulty for performing that action. The challenge
the dice when a character uses an attribute to take an action, make a saving class is generated in two steps. The first is ascertaining the challenge base.
throw or use a class ability. For example, a character attempting to bend This is determined by whether or not the associated attribute is a primary
the bars of a prison cell would have his or her strength modifier applied to or secondary one. If the associated attribute is a primary attribute, the
the roll. The amount of damage delivered to a foe is likewise affected by challenge base is 12 and if it is a secondary attribute, the challenge base
the attribute modifier. A positive modifier is called a bonus and a negative is 18. Next, the Castle Keeper adds or subtracts the challenge level to the
modifier, a penalty. Higher attribute scores have higher bonuses, and lower challenge class. The challenge level represents the degree of difficulty the
attribute scores have larger penalties. So, whether fighting a nasty troll, a Castle Keeper believes appropriate for the action being taken. This usually
hungry wyvern or avoiding the gaze of a gorgon, attribute modifiers play a ranges between 0 and 10, but can go higher. The sum total is the challenge
decidedly important role in the game. class, and the player must roll higher than that to successfully perform the
action.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES
For example, a 3rd level elf ranger with a 15 wisdom as a primary attribute
There are two types of attributes in Castles & Crusades: primary and attempts to track a pair of wily kobolds through a mountain pass. The
secondary. Primary attributes are those physical or mental abilities in player rolls a d20 and adds the ranger’s level (+3), attribute modifier
which a character is particularly well trained or very experienced in using. (+1) and racial bonus (none) to the roll. If the number generated is equal
Secondary attributes are those the character uses with only average skill. to or higher than the challenge class determined by the Castle Keeper, the
A player selects the character’s primary attributes after choosing a class attempt is successful and the ranger is able to track the kobolds to their
and race. secret lair. The challenge class is the combination of the challenge base
(12) and the challenge level (assume a 3 as the trail is a few days old)
Human characters have three primary attributes. Demi-human races
for a total of 15. The player rolls a 13 and adds 4 for a total of 17. This is
(dwarf, elf, gnome, half-elf, halfling and half-orc) have only two primary
greater than the 15 necessary so the ranger successfully tracks the kobolds
attributes. Each class has one primary attribute associated with it that
to their dark and foreboding lair atop craggy hill.
cannot be changed. The player selects the others. So, a human character
receives one primary attribute designated by the class and the other two A more thorough discussion of the rules and use of checks, called the
are selected by the player. If playing a demi-human character, the player SIEGE engine™, is located in the Castle Keeper’s section of the rules.
can select only one additional primary attribute. For example, the primary
attribute for the ranger class is strength. If the player chooses to play an
elf, he or she selects one of the five remaining attributes as the other ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS
primary attribute. If it were a human ranger, the player would select two 1 2-3 4-5 6-8 9-12 13-15 16-17 18-19
more primary attributes rather than just one. The remaining attributes are
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3
considered to be secondary.

ATTRIBUTE CHECKS
As mentioned before, the distinction between primary and secondary
CLASSES
attributes is important. Almost all non-combat actions in Castles &
Crusades for which the Castle Keeper deems a roll is necessary to determine CLASS DESCRIPTION TERMINOLOGY
success or failure are resolved by an attribute check.
Prime Attribute: There is one prime attribute designated for each class.
If the character is human, the player is allowed to choose two more prime
attributes for that character for a total of three. All other races allow the
player to choose only one more prime attribute for a total of two.

Hit Dice (HD): This is the die type rolled, at each level, for the character’s
hit points. The constitution modifer is added to, or subtracted from, the
result whenever hit points are rolled. The results are cumulative, so a 5th
level barbarian has 5d12 hit points.
Alignment: The suggested alignment for the class.
Weapons: All members of the class are proficient in the use of every
weapon on this list. If a character uses a weapon that does not appear on
this list, the character suffers a –4 penalty on all the “to hit” rolls with that
weapon.
Armor: All members of the class are proficient in the use of every armor
type on this list.

FIGHTER (strength)

T he fighter is the archetypical warrior, superior to all other classes in

armed combat. Fighters come from every geographic region and
occupy all social strata. They are born with a strength of will and spirit that
leads them to seek the field of battle. They find the clash of metal and the

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 3

ring of steel invigorating at times, and necessary at others. Fighters do not Their weapons are generally of the smaller variety and not very impressive,
live in fear of the melee; they face their foes with gritted teeth and steely being knives, daggers, saps and such, or those that can be used from a great
determination, longingly anticipating the next test of their strength and distance such as bows, slings and darts.
skill. All fighters, regardless of background, are characterized by the will
and ability to use their brute strength and swift sword to solve problems or
ABILITIES
overcome foes. Fighters are a unique breed and make their own way in the
world, for ill or good. Special: Rogues favor light armor, as it allows them to better ply their
stealth abilities. Rogues may wear leather armor, a leather coat, or padded
Fighters depend on heavy armor and weaponry that require great strength armor, and can employ small shields without any penalty to the use of
and skill to wield properly. Whether sallying forth with a massive double their abilities. They may also wear leather helmets. A rogue may wear any
bladed battle axe, or a delicately balanced saber of the finest steel while other type of armor, but the character may suffer a penalty when using
sheathed in plates of shiny metal, or hefting only a shield on the blood class abilities and wearing these armors as noted in the ability description.
washed fields of combat, the mighty arm of these warriors rise and the The penalty is equal to -1 for each point above armor class 12 that the
weak fall beneath it. And it is the strength that carries fighters through the armor confers. Restricted helmets and shields cause the rogue to suffer a –1
laborious contests of steel that mark their daily lives. penalty to all abilities. All penalties are cumulative.

ABILITIES For example, a rogue wearing chainmail, which confers a 15 armor class,
suffers a -3 penalty to all ability checks (15-12=3). The same rogue using a
Weapon Specialization: At 1 level, the fighter can choose one weapon
st
large shield suffers a -4 penalty to all ability checks. If the same rogue used a
with which to specialize. All weapons are eligible, including ranged
metal great helm as well, the total penalty would be -5.
weapons such as the bow or sling. The weapon with which the fighter
specializes is usually common to the fighter’s culture or society, but it need
not be. The Castle Keeper and player should consult to determine which Back Attack: A rogue normally avoids face-to-face combat if possible,
weapons are available for specialization, bearing in mind culture, location preferring instead to use stealth to catch an opponent unaware. A rogue
and availability. able to attack an opponent from the rear and who is unaware of the rogue’s
presence, gains a bonus to hit and to damage. To catch an opponent
The fighter can only choose one weapon with which to specialize. Once unaware, a rogue must make a successful move silently check to sneak up
chosen, the weapon cannot be changed. For fighters between 1st and 6th behind the foe, or make a successful hide check while behind the opponent.
level, this specialization imparts a +1 bonus to hit and a +1 bonus to A rogue that succeeds in one or the other of these can make a back attack
damage when being used. At 7th level and above, the bonuses increase to a at a +4 bonus to hit. A successful hit inflicts double the normal damage.
+2 to hit and +2 to damage.
When making a back attack, a rogue must use a close-quarters melee
Combat Dominance: At 4th level, the fighter gains an extra attack with weapon. This weapon must be shorter than the character’s arm. A rogue
any weapon when fighting opponents with 1 hit die. In order to use can only back attack living creatures that have a discernible anatomy. The
this ability, the fighter must direct all attacks in a combat round against rogue must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot,
opponents that meet these criteria. The fighter can split the available and then must be able to reach it.
attacks among qualified opponents as desired. This ability improves as the
fighter progresses in levels. The fighter gains an additional attack for every As the rogue gains experience, the damage inflicted increases. At 5th level,
four levels gained after 4th level. So, at 8th level, the fighter is allowed a a back attack deals triple damage, and at 9th level a back attack inflicts
total of three attacks, and so on. quadruple damage. A back attack cannot be combined with the sneak
attack ability. This ability is affected by wearing armor not on the armor
PRIME ATTRIBUTE: Strength list for the rogue.
ALIGNMENT: Any
HIT DICE: d10 Cant’: Rogues often use a street language known only to those in the trade,
WEAPONS: Any called cant. Code words, hand signals, demeanor, and other signs comprise
ARMOR: Any the cant. The cant can be used to convey complex ideas. The language
ABILITIES: Weapon specialization, combat dominance, extra attack may vary to some degree both geographically and culturally, making cants
unique to each region, city, or even within a city. This ability is affected by
Level HD BtH EPP wearing armor not on the armor list for the rogue.
1 d10 +1 0
Climb (Dexterity): This extraordinary ability allows a rogue to climb up,
2 d10 +2 2,001
down, or across a slope, wall, steep incline (even a ceiling with handholds),
3 d10 +3 4,001 or unusually angled natural or man made slope or incline that others would
4 d10 +4 8,501 find impossible to climb. When doing so, the rogue moves at one-half the
5 d10 +5 17,001 character’s normal speed. A failed climb check means that the character
6 d10 +6 34,001 makes no progress. A check that fails by 5 or more means that the character
falls from the currently attained height, and must suffer falling damage.
ROGUE (dexterity) Rogues can not carry anything in their hands while climbing. When
climbing typical natural slopes and man made inclines, such as a cliff faces
The archetypical ne’er-do-wells, rogues can be scions of the wealthiest
or steep steps, a rogue does not need to make an attribute check to climb
families or simple street urchins. Some make their living by burglary,
the surface. This ability is affected by wearing armor not on the armor list
robbing wealthy merchants and pilfering the goods of many a palace.
for the rogue.
Others pick the pockets of the unwary, from the simple traveller to the
noble lord. Still others find their skills best suited to plundering dungeons, Decipher Script (Intelligence): This ability allows a rogue to decipher
unraveling riddles in dark caves, and stealing treasure from the forgotten writing in an unfamiliar language, a message written in an incomplete
places of the world, avoiding the laws and the lawmen of the more civilized or archaic form or a message written in code. If the check succeeds, the
areas of the world. character understands the general content of a piece of writing. It takes
2d8 turns to decipher each page of a script. The attempt may be made only
Rogues must be exceedingly dextrous. A rogue must be nimble of hand and
once per writing.
foot. They must be quick of wit and mind.

4 CASTLES & CRUSADES

A rogue may use this ability to decipher arcane script if a successful check be applied if there is an observer present that is determined to note where
is made at a penalty of -10. This ability may not be used to decipher divine an item is moved. This penalty is equal to the wisdom attribute bonus for
scrolls. the observer. This ability is affected by wearing armor not on the armor list
for the rogue.
Hide (Dexterity): Rogues use this ability to conceal themselves from
others. A successful check means that the rogue is hidden so well as to Traps (Intelligence): A rogue may use this ability in three manners:
be almost invisible. The rogue can move up to one-half normal speed and finding, disabling or setting traps. Each use requires a separate attribute
remain hidden. Hide checks suffer no penalty in this circumstance. At check and each check may be made only once in a given circumstance.
more than one-half and up to full speed, the character suffers a -5 penalty The player must also describe how the actions are being performed to use
to the check to remain hidden. It’s practically impossible (-20 penalty) to this ability.
hide while running or charging.
To find a trap, a rogue spends time intently studying and searching an area
If the character is being observed, even casually, they cannot hide. If to deduce possible trap locations. It takes one round to locate a trap in a
observers are momentarily distracted, though, the character can attempt specific area such as a lock or a doorknob, and one turn to locate a trap in
to hide. While the observer averts its attention from the character, the a 10 by 10 foot area. A successful check indicates the rogue finds one trap,
character can attempt to get to a hiding place. This check, however, is at a if any are present. The trap discovered is the simplest or most obvious trap
–10 penalty because the character has to move quickly to the hiding place. in the area. If multiple traps are in an area, multiple successful checks are
A rogue cannot hide if there is nothing to hide behind or conceal oneself required to find them all. A rogue can find magical traps with this ability,
with. Deep shadows can count as concealment at the Castle Keeper’s although it may be much more difficult than finding mundane traps. The
discretion. Castle Keeper determines any penalties to the check basing those penalties
on the level or hit dice of those who set them.
Rogues cannot hide and move silently at the same time until they reach 3rd
level. At this level and beyond, a rogue can attempt both but must make To disable a trap, a rogue must first know its location. Once a trap is
a successful conceal and move silent check at-5. In this case, movement is located, a successful check means the rogue has disarmed the trap. The
reduced to one quarter the normal movement rate. This ability is affected attempt can only be made once and failure indicates that the rogue set off
by wearing armor not on the armor list for the rogue. the trap. A rogue can disarm a magic trap, although it may be much more
difficult than disarming a mundane trap. In most cases, rogue’s tools are
Listen (Wisdom): A rogue can use this ability to listen intently and hear needed to disarm a trap. Generally, it takes 1d4 rounds to disarm a trap,
noises that others might not detect, even through an obstacle such as a depending on its complexity.
door. Generally, a successful check indicates that the rogue has detected
some sort of noise. Success indicates the rogue can hear soft sounds, like a To set a trap, or to reset a previously disabled trap, a rogue must make a
whisper or cat stalking, while outside or in the open and up to a range of successful traps check. If a rogue is resetting a trap that was previously
30 feet. It also indicates success if the rogue is listening for sounds on the disabled, the rogue gains a +5 bonus to the check. The amount of time
other side of a door, but the rogue must be adjacent to the door. However, required to set or reset a trap depends on the complexity of the trap,
exactly what is heard is up to the Castle Keeper’s discretion as each case typically taking 1d4 rounds.
is unique. If listening through a stone wall, the rogue suffers a -10 penalty
to the check. For other materials, vary the penalty as appropriate. A rogue Locating traps is not affected by the armor worn. However, disabling and
can retry this ability once a round. Only wearing a metal or large helmet setting traps is affected by wearing armor not on the armor list for the
affects this ability negatively. rogue.

Move Silently (Dexterity): This ability allows a rogue to move so silently Sneak Attack: At 4th level, a rogue has learned to adapt back attack
that others cannot hear the movement. The rogue can use this ability both skills to more general situations. When an opponent or victim is aware
indoors and outdoors. A rogue can move up to one-half the character’s of the rogue, but unsuspecting of an attack, a rogue can use the sneak
normal speed at no penalty. At more than one-half and up to the character’s attack ability. For example, a rogue could be having a conversation with
full speed, the character suffers a -5 penalty. It’s practically impossible (-20 a potential victim while hiding a poisoned stiletto up his sleeve, intending
penalty) to move silently while running or charging. To move silently and to strike once a piece of vital information is learned. Or, a rogue could
hide, see the hide ability. This ability is affected by wearing armor not on be perched in the shadows of a tree, waiting for the perfect opportunity
the armor list for the rogue. to fire a crossbow. Unlike the back attack, sneak attack situations do not
necessarily require a previously successful hide or move silently check,
Open Lock (Dexterity): A rogue can use this ability to open any sort of although the Castle Keeper could require success in one or both, depending
mechanical lock that would normally require a key to open. A successful upon the circumstances if necessary. The opponent is not allowed to roll for
check indicates the lock has been opened. This ability requires the use of a initiative until the round following the attack.
set of rogue’s tools, including picks, blank keys, wires or other appropriate
tools. A rogue may only make one attempt per lock. If that attempt fails, A rogue making a sneak attack gains a +2 bonus to hit and a +4 bonus
the rogue cannot try to open the same lock again until gaining one more to damage. Ranged weapons can be used for sneak attacks if the target is
level as it is beyond the current ability of the rogue to pick it. Only wearing within 30 feet. A rogue cannot aim with deadly accuracy from beyond that
a metal or large gloves affects this ability negatively. range. A sneak attack cannot be combined with back attack.

Pick Pocket (Dexterity): A rogue can use this ability, on a successful This ability is affected by wearing armor not on the armor list for the rogue.
dexterity check, to remove the contents of a pocket or pouch (or otherwise
take something from a person) without being noticed. Success may require PRIME ATTRIBUTE: Dexterity
the rogue to cut the purse or pouch from the target. A penalty to check is HIT DIE: d6
equal to the level or hit dice of the targeted victim. ALIGNMENT: Any
This ability also allows the rogue to perform “sleight of hand” maneuvers. A WEAPONS: Blowpipe, broadsword, cat-o-nine-tails, cestus, club, dagger,
successful dexterity check indicates the rogue has hidden or moved an item dart, light hammer, hand axe, hand crossbow, javelin, knife, light crossbow,
in such a manner so that observers are not aware of where the item has longsword, mace, main gache, quarterstaff, rapier, sap, shortbow, short
been hidden. Such typical maneuvers are hiding a coin, sliding a card up a sword, sickle, sleeve tangler, spiked gauntlet, sling, whip
sleeve, performing the shell game, and the like. A penalty to the check may ARMOR: Leather armor, leather coat, and padded

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 5

 ABILITIES: Back attack, cant, climb, decipher script, hide, listen, move 1st level spell. If the intelligence score is 16 or 17, the wizard receives an
silently, open lock, pick pockets, traps, sneak attack extra 2nd level spell, and if 18 or 19, the wizard receives an extra 3rd level
spell. Bonus spells can only be acquired if the wizard is at a high enough
Level HD BtH EPP level to cast them. Bonus spells are cumulative.
1 d6 0 0
2 d6 +1 1,251 For example, a 4th level wizard with an 18 intelligence receives four 0
3 d6 +1 2,501 level spells, four 1st level spells, and three 2nd level spells. No bonus 3rd
level spell is acquired until the wizard reaches 5th level.
4 d6 +1 6,001
5 d6 +2 12,001
6 d6 +2 24,001 PRIME ATTRIBUTE: Intelligence
ALIGNMENT: Any
HIT DICE: d4
WIZARD (intelligence)
WEAPONS: Club, dagger, dart, staff

T hough they come from many walks of life, all wizards have a few
characteristics in common. They are intelligent, observant, diligent
and have an exacting eye for detail. Their unyielding search and thirst for
ARMOR: None
ABILITIES: Spell casting
knowledge of the eldritch powers often generates a self-serving egomania
Level HD BtH EPP
in the most powerful of wizards. And, as they become ever more competent
in harnessing eldritch sorceries and bending the world about them to their 1 d4 0 0
will, they suffer little distraction and afford interlopers little forgiveness 2 d4 +1 2,601
when their work is interrupted. 3 d4 +1 5,201
4 d4 +1 10,401
A wizard’s pursuits and studies, along with their intense focus upon the
5 d4 +1 20,801
arcane, mean a life of laboring over ancient tomes of knowledge. This
leaves wizards little time to learn and become proficient in any but the most 6 d4 +2 42,501
common of weapons, and not at all capable of using armor that hinders the SPELL BOOK: The number of spells that a wizard has in their spell book
intricate somantic movements needed to cast some of their most powerful at the beginning of play is equal to the number of spells they can cast at
spells. Yet this matters little to them, as wizards realize their wits and arcane first level. For example, a 1st level wizard or illusionist with 14 Intelligence
powers are far more powerful than any sword, and that conjured servants can cast four 0 level spells and three 1st level spells (2 + 1 bonus). So, the
offer far more protection than any armor could possibly manage. character would begin play with a spellbook containing four 0 level and
three 1st level spells. The spells in the spell book can either be chosen by
ABILITIES the Castle Keeper, the player, agreement between the two or randomly (use
the Spell List Charts below).
Spells: A wizard casts arcane spells. Wizards can only cast a limited number
of spells, from each spell level, per day. The Wizard and Illusionist Spells Per
Day Table lists the number of spells per day a wizard may cast of each spell WIZARD SPELLS PER DAY
level. For example, a 5th level wizard can cast five 0 level spells, four 1st Level 0 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
level spells, two 2nd level spells and one 3rd level spell per day.
1 4 2
A wizard must prepare spells before casting them by studying from a spell 2 4 3
book. While studying, the wizard decides which spells to prepare. 3 4 3 1
4 4 3 2
Bonus Spells: With a high intelligence score, a wizard gains bonus spells. 5 5 4 2 1
6 5 4 3 2
If the character has an intelligence of between 13-15, they receive an extra

CLERIC (wisdom)
Clerics are warrior-priests. They are religious by nature and can be found in
service to a pantheon of deities or eternally bound to serve only one. From
their deity or deities, the cleric receives divine powers and act as conduits
of the power of their deity upon the planes of men. Yet these powers come
at a high cost in service, devotion and loyalty. A cleric’s divine connection
to a deity is of supreme importance. This spiritual connection allows them
to better understand the motives and will of their deity and to more capably
and earnestly enact the deity’s desire.

Deities can be of any ethos or morality: from good to evil, and from lawful
to chaotic. All of the deities have priests and devotees who serve and
worship them but the cleric is always of like mind and nature as the deity
they worship. They never falter in carrying out their duties lest they face
the most horrible of retribution and suffer the interminable revenge of an
angered and betrayed power.

ABILITIES
Spells: A cleric casts divine spells. The spells available are listed on the cleric
spell list. A cleric is limited to a certain number of spells of each spell level
per day. The Cleric Spells Per Day Table shows the number of spells per day a

6 CASTLES & CRUSADES

character of the class may cast. Clerics prepare spells each day through prayer RACES
to their deity or deities, followed by contemplation and study.
There are seven races: human, dwarf, elf, gnome, half-elf, halfling, and half-orc
Bonus Spells: High wisdom indicates a greater divine connection. Clerics (four in these quick start rules). Choosing a race is a vital part of character
with a high wisdom gain bonus spells. If they have a wisdom of 13-15, they creation. Race establishes a character’s abilities and weaknesses. In a more
receive an extra 1st level spell. If the wisdom score is 16 or 17, they receive literary sense, the character’s race helps to define the character’s identity.
an extra 2nd level spell and if 18 or 19, an extra 3rd level spell. Bonus spells Where attributes and class answer very important questions about the
can only be acquired if the cleric is at a high enough level to cast them. character, race is an equally if not more important defining factor in a
Bonus spells are cumulative. character’s persona.

Turn Undead (Wisdom): A cleric has the ability to turn, or even destroy, When choosing a race, the player should make an effort to understand
undead monsters. To turn undead, a cleric must declare the attempt as an the basic personality and culture of the selected race. Whether using the
attack and then make a successful wisdom attribute check. The character social descriptions developed for Castles & Crusades, or creating your own
must display a holy symbol toward the undead and utter a prayer, chant societies and cultures, successful roleplaying results from a melding of the
or other invocation of the character’s deity. Turn undead is considered a character’s personality with its racial background. Furthermore, each race
special attack and takes one round. Turn undead has a maximum range of has a number of inherent racial abilities. These range from full vision in
60 feet. inky blackness, to finding hidden doors, to hiding well in the wilderness.

Turning undead consists of channelling divine power. The ability to channel Languages: This is a list of languages that members of the race are likely
divine power is measured by the cleric’s own willpower. Accordingly, to learn in typical circumstances. The languages on this list can change
charisma, not wisdom, affects the number of undead creatures that are at the Castle Keeper’s discretion. Characters with high intelligence have
turned with a successful turn undead check. In most cases, the number the potential to learn a number of additional languages. The number of
of undead turned will be 1d12 plus the cleric’s charisma modifier. When additional languages is equal to the intelligence modifier.
a cleric is five or more levels higher than the undead being turned, the
undead are instead destroyed. Size: Each race varies in size, but all fall into the broad categories of medium
or small. Small indicates a height of between 3’6” and 4’5”. Medium refers
Evil clerics may, instead of turning undead, control them. An evil cleric to a height of between 4’5” and 6’9”.
must be at least five levels higher than the hit dice of the undead sought to
be controlled. Evil clerics can also turn paladins. Movement: The movement rate is provided in feet. It refers to the distance
a character can normally move in one round. Jogging doubles the listed
Turn undead is covered in greater detail in Turning Undead, below. movement rate, and running or sprinting quadruples the normal movement
rate.
Weapon Selection: The cleric is only allowed to use certain weapons.
One weapon must be identical to the major weapon in use by the deity Typical Classes: Each race is most commonly associated with the listed
which they worship. If no single deity is worshipped and a pantheon is classes. This list of preferred classes can be changed at the Castle Keeper’s
instead worshipped, weapon selection is limited to the pantheon’s major discretion, but both Castle Keeper and player should confer prior to making
deities or the deity most closely associated with the activities the cleric a decision.
intends to undertake.
Attribute Modifiers: This refers to the modifications that are applied to
PRIME ATTRIBUTE: Wisdom the attributes of all members of a given race.
HIT DICE: d8
Class Modifiers: Several of the races have modifiers that apply to class
ALIGNMENT: Any abilities.
WEAPONS: Special, club, crowbill hammer, dagger, light or heavy flail, light
hammer, light or heavy mace, morningstar, quarterstaff, war hammer
ARMOR: Any DWARF
ABILITIES: Spells, turn undead Dwarves hail from the depths of the earth, and have lived there for ages
beyond count. Much like the stone they resemble, dwarves possess great
Level HD BtH EPP fortitude and an indomitable will of granite. They are a proud, loyal, and
1 d8 +0 0 honorable people, with lives said to be as long as the tunnels they delve
2 d8 +1 2,251 beneath wind-scoured mountains.
3 d8 +1 5,001
Description: Dwarves resemble the rock and stone they so love. They
4 d8 +2 9,001 are short, stocky and muscled from years of labor at the forge, or from
5 d8 +2 18,001 tunnelling through the earth. Dwarves grow long beards and moustaches
6 d8 +3 35,001 that are considered a symbol of maturity and honor; the most renowned
dwarves have great, thick beards sweeping to their feet. From hours at the
forge and difficult work at the mines, dwarven skin is dark, ruddy, and
CLERIC SPELLS PER DAY
fissured, even at an early age. Their deep-set eyes tend to be blue, hazel or
Level 0 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th gray and sharp enough to pierce the gloom of the underworld.
1 3 1
2 4 2 Personality: Dwarves feel bound by codes of honor that obligate them
3 4 2 1 to kin and kingdom. They consider themselves eternally beholden to their
4 4 3 2 parents and immediate kin, for their parents brought them into the world.
5 4 3 2 1
6 5 3 3 2 The dwarves are also bound to another code that, at its simplest, requires
just compensation to be paid for service dutifully rendered. This code
guides all of their business and interpersonal dealings.

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 7

Dwarves place high value on their skills both as craftsmen and warriors – extensive knowledge of stoneworking and construction. They possess
and rightly so. Dwarves are meticulous crafstmen. almost a sixth sense in this regard which gives them various bonuses and
abilities.
Dwarven stubbornness is nothing more than an expression of the codes of
loyalty, debt, obligation and the determination they project into their daily Dwarves are capable of spotting unusual or unique construction or
lives. Dwarves are slow to shift loyalties and loathe breaking oaths, doing so stonework features including new construction, unfamiliar architecture,
only in dire circumstances. The word of a dwarf is as valuable as gold and sliding walls, stonework traps, unsafe stone surfaces, unstable ceilings and
gems, flowing from generations of tradition and belief. secret or concealed doorways constructed or disguised as stone. A dwarf
passing within 10 feet of one of these features is entitled to a wisdom check
Environment: Most often, dwarves live beneath the earth in great halls at +2 to recognize the feature, as if actively looking for it. Should a dwarf
of stone, stretching for miles under expansive mountain chains. These actively search for these features, the bonus to the wisdom check is +4.
dwarven kingdoms often extend deep into the bowels of the earth as they When examining a feature, a successful wisdom check reveals other bits
mine ever further for precious metals and stones. Some clans, however, of knowledge, such as which race created the feature, its approximate age,
spend much of their lives above ground, building tunnels only for mining, and if applicable, the approximate value of a stone or metal object.
and not as abodes.
LANGUAGES: Common, Dwarven, Gnome, Goblinoid, Halfling, El-
Racial Traits And Abilities ven, Ogrish, Giant, Troll
SIZE: Small MOVEMENT: 20 feet
Animosity (Elves): The disparate personalities of dwarves and elves have
resulted in eons of misunderstandings, squabbles and even wars between TYPICAL CLASSES: Fighter, Rogue, Barbarian, Cleric, Bard
the two races. Dwarves consider elves to be disloyal and untrustworthy ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS: +1 Constitution, -1 Dexterity
partners in war or trade. As a result, dwarves suffer a -2 penalty to charisma ROGUE MODIFIER: +2 find traps in structures only
checks when dealing with elves to whom they are not closely associated.

Deepvision: Ages spent beneath the earth in the dark and quiet places of ELF
the world have imbued dwarves with the ability to see in darkness where Elves are an ancient, almost timeless, race. They embody the grace
a human would find it impenetrable. This vision extends up to 120 feet in and beauty of the natural world: as well as its strength, and at times, its
even the darkest of nights and deepest of tunnels. Colors tend to erode unremitting wrath and fury. Elves live exceedingly long lives, giving them
with deepvision, and objects appear in many shades of gray. It is otherwise a degree of patience unknown to other races, and affording them the
like normal sight, and dwarves can function well with no light at all. Bright opportunity to acquire a vast knowledge of the world and its history.
lights, such as from a lantern or other light source, spoil deepvision. A
dwarf requires one turn to adjust his or her eyes when a light source is Description: Elves vary in size and coloration, depending on their nature.
extinguished before gaining full use of deepvision. Generally, elves are light skinned and pale in color, although light green
skin hues are not unknown. At maturity they average 5 feet 6 inches in
Determine Depth And Direction: The world beneath mountains and in height, and weigh around 115 lbs. Their “ethereal” nature lends them an
the deeps of the earth is the natural home of the dwarf. Dwarves can sense unnatural grace and beauty. Elves have thin, sharp facial features with large,
their approximate depth underground as naturally as a human can sense searching eyes that can vary widely in color. Their ears are long, tapering to
which way is up. The dwarf can determine direction underground just as a point at the ends, and they often wear their hair long and unrestrained.
easily.
Personality: Elves, being long-lived, possess tremendous patience. An
Enmity (Goblins/Orcs): Eternal wars against goblins and orcs have overriding sense of near-immortality affects an elf’s every thought and
created an undying crucible of hatred for these vile creatures. When in action. Other races misinterpret this patience as indolence, laziness and an
combat against goblins or orcs, this fury and hatred allows dwarves a +1 uncaring attitude, since other races cannot afford to wait decades to act on
bonus to hit these creatures. Dwarves have a similar distrust of half-orcs. a matter. Elves know that they have time to act, for the centuries stretch
Dwarves find inter-breeding with goblinoids to be the worst of all sins, before them where other races have mere decades. When pressed, however,
and their powerful antipathy towards pure goblinoids negatively affects elves are capable of quick deliberation and speedy action, though usually
dwarven relations with half-orcs. Dwarves suffer a -4 to charisma checks not as quick as their shorter-lived allies might prefer.
when interacting with half-orcs, goblins and orcs.
Elves relish beauty, both natural and crafted. Their farsighted vision allows
Defensive Expertise (Giants/Ogres): Long regarded as a food source by them to see the shapes of things to come, and more, they can see the shapes
many giants, dwarves have developed considerable expertise in fighting of things that could be. Where others might see a young sapling that one
them. Combined with their small size, this tactical expertise allows dwarves day must grow into a great oak, an elf sees a sapling that, molded with
to offer resistance to the powerful giants. When fighting giants or ogres, care and patience, can grow into a tree of great trunk and arching branch
dwarves receive a +4 bonus to armor class. that will lord over the forest. This sight grants them the patience to make
a craft of their natural environment. They shape the rocks where they
Resistant To Arcane Magic: As unshakeable as granite or iron, dwarves dwell, and cultivate trees and gardens over many years, thus molding their
are particularly resistant to arcane magic. They receive a +3 bonus to all surroundings to create a garden of beauty in the natural world. They apply
saving throws against arcane spells and spell-like effects. this same care to shaping and drawing out the natural beauty in all things,
from simple stones and gems to gardens, forests and hills. Likewise, the
Resistant To Fear: Dwarven loyalty, duty, stubbornness and honor lend
same attention is given to the crafting of weapons and armor, to spells, and
them courage where other races might falter. Dwarves receive a +2 bonus
even to the care of beasts. All things flourish under an elf’s care if given
to all saving throws against fear.
time and safety from the world’s interruptions.
Resistant To Poisons (Constitution): Dwarves are imbued with great
These qualities imbue most elves with a fatalism of surpassing depth. Their
constitutional fortitude. Poisons that might fell a normal human are less
near-immortality creates a peculiar unease with death for their attachment
likely to affect a dwarf. Dwarves receive a +2 bonus to all poison saving
to the living world is more profound and deeply felt than that of most
throws.
other races. Together, these conflicting notions of time create a burgeoning
Stonecraft (Wisdom): Dwarves spend much of their lives carving halls, and even contradictory desire to control and even stop the advancement
castles and underground fortresses out of solid rock, so they possess an of time, the forge of their life’s creation and the crucible of their doom.

8 CASTLES & CRUSADES

In many ways, elves become mired in their history, and change little as Description: Halfings average 3 feet in height and have wide, round eyes
the world changes around them. At times, this leads elves to avoid many and large feet, which are well padded and hairy. Halflings seldom need
situations that don’t directly threaten them, or that they feel would bring to wear shoes except in very cold weather. Long days in the sun give a
unnecessary harm to their creations. halfling’s naturally light skin a ruddy brown tan every summer. This, their
curly hair, and their thick hands all fit their agrarian lifestyle like a well-
Environment: Elves prefer living in serene environments, far from worn frock coat. Most halflings prefer dull-colored clothing so they won’t
turbulent, troubled lands. Often associated with forests and wilderness attract attention to themselves, but the wealthy or prideful wear finer,
areas, elves will also live in open savannah or dense urban environments brightly colored clothes to denote their status.
of their own making. Elvish cities are different from human settlements,
having more in kin with dwarven settlements – both races tend to Personality: Halflings are jovial, friendly and hospitable, yet they prefer
incorporate natural surroundings into both their architecture and living their own culture to those of others. They typically eat too much and
spaces in their communities. develop paunches early in life. Indeed, to have a great paunch is considered
a sign of good breeding and wealth. Normally, halflings eat often during
Racial Traits and Abilities the day. They start the day by enjoying a breakfast, followed by a brunch
and then lunch. This often precedes an afternoon snack of cake and tea,
Enhanced Senses: Elvish physiology is blessed with enhanced vision and
to be followed by supper and then a late dinner. It is said that halflings can
hearing. Elves can see farther than humans in just about every circumstance,
keep time by the grumbles and rumbles of a hungry belly. Halflings also
including torchlight, and can see clearly enough to read a road sign or spot a
work diligently on their farms, houses, gardens, fences and other projects
shield device up to two miles distant when outside during the day. They can
pertaining to their needs; “Relaxing requires a lot of work,” many halflings
also hear very well, and receive a +2 bonus to all checks involving listening.
are wont to say.
Twilight Vision: Even under starlight, moonlight or torchlight, elves
Slow to anger, halflings prefer to settle disputes through legal means
have exceedingly good vision. They can distinguish color and detail under
whenever possible, by appropriate compensation when necessary and
these conditions for up to one mile but only if they are outside.
through other measures only if unavoidable.
Move Silently (Dexterity): This ability allows an elf to move silently
Environment: Most halflings prefer lush, green lands with fertile soil,
in wilderness areas. The elf can move up to one-half normal speed at no
abundant water and mild seasons, and they strive to dwell in areas far
penalty. At more than one-half, and up to the character’s full speed, the
removed from the troubles of the world. Yet, the world is broad, and some
character suffers a -5 penalty to the check. It’s practically impossible (-20
must live in proximity to other peoples and the troubles they create. There
penalty) to move silently while running or charging.
are halflings who make their homes in the coarser areas of the world,
Spell Resistance: Elves are particularly resistant to spells and spell-like including towns or even cities, though these halflings are rare. Halfling
abilities that charm or unnaturally cause sleep. When making saving houses tend to be small and made of brick when built above ground, while
throws against these types of spells, an elf receives a +10 bonus. Elf spell others live beneath the earth in expansive underground houses built into
resistance allows a saving throw against Sleep, even though Sleep normally the tops of hills and underneath large mounds.
does not have a saving throw.
Racial Traits and Abilities
Spot Hidden Doors (Wisdom): Elvish vision and keen senses allows Fearless: Halflings, for the most part, lead sequestered lives and are often
them to spot secret, hidden and concealed doorways. An elf merely passing considered naive. This is not entirely accurate; halflings are not raised with
within 5 feet of a secret, hidden or concealed doorway is entitled to a fears and trepidation imparted to them by myth and fancy, but are reared
wisdom check to spot the door, as if the elf were actively looking for it. on tales of self-dependence and the overcoming of life’s many hurdles.
When an elf actively searches for such doorways, the bonus to the wisdom For either or both reasons, halflings possess stout hearts and are not easily
check is +2. frightened, even in dire circumstances. This trait imparts a +2 bonus on all
saving throws against fear.
Weapon Training: Elves are taught the ways of combat at a young age,
and their long lives allow them to become skilled in weapons favored Hide (Dexterity): Halflings are practised at avoiding the prying eyes of
by their society. Elves begin play with a +1 bonus to hit with one of the others in outdoor settings. A successful check allows the halfling to hide
following weapons: composite longbow, composite shortbow, longbow, making him or her almost invisible. If a halfling decides to move while
shortbow, longsword or shortsword. attempting to remain concealed, he or she can still hide, but will suffer a
penalty to the check. At up to one-half their movement rate, halflings suffer
LANGUAGES: Common, Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, and Orc
a -5 penalty to the check. At one-half their normal movement rate to full
speed, they suffer a -10 to the check. It is impossible for a halfling to move
SIZE: Medium MOVEMENT: 30 feet faster than normal speed while hiding. If the halfling is being observed,
TYPICAL CLASSES: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Wizard, Druid, Knight, Bard even casually, the character cannot hide. If the observers are momentarily
ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS: +1 Dexterity, -1 Constitution distracted, however, the halfling can attempt to hide. This check, however,
RANGER MODIFIER: +2 move silent, +2 to find traps has a -10 penalty because the character has to move quickly into hiding.
ROGUE MODIFIER: +2 listen, +2 move silent, +2 Find traps
Move Silently (Dexterity): Halflings, being naturally small and dexterous,
can move as quietly as a breeze upon a summer morn. With a successful
HALFLING
dexterity check, halflings can move silently. They can move up to one-half
Halflings appear, upon first sight, to be small, well-nourished humans. They their normal movement rate with no penalty to this check. For moving at
share many of the mannerisms and habits of their larger cousins, but a closer one-half of their normal rate up to the character’s full speed, the character
look reveals they have large, hairy feet and rather wide eyes displaying the suffers a -5 penalty to the check. It’s practically impossible to move silently
temperament of wily farmers. Halflings are generally an agrarian people, while running or charging, so this type of action incurs a -20 to the check.
preferring open pastures and lush farmlands to cities or other places
crowded with tall folk. They get along well with most peoples, but rarely Duskvision: Halflings, with their large and piercing eyes, can see in
leave the safety of their homes and communities. Even when they do, it is starlight and moonlight just as a human can at dusk. They retain the
generally only at the behest of others. Meticulous and prosperous, halflings ability to distinguish color and some detail under these conditions, though
enjoy good food, relaxation and a quiet life. everything is cast in shadows. They have no enhanced vision underground,
in torchlight, or under similar conditions of poor illumination.

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 9

Resistant: A lifetime of good food, when combined with hard work and a
self-reliant spirit, makes for a healthy people. Halflings are more resistant
COMPLETING THE CHARACTER
to the ills of life than most other races, so they receive a +1 bonus to all The last and most important step in character creation is to create the
constitution saving throws. character’s persona. After generating the final statistics related to the class
and race, the player should determine the character’s physical desxcription,
LANGUAGES: Halfling, Common, Dwarven, Gnome, Elvish, Sylvan, Gob- decide on any particular mannerisms and at least get in mind the basics of a
linoid personality. Some players may want to go further and develop a world view,
SIZE: Small MOVEMENT: 20 feet
background and motivation. Finally, the player equips the character with
clothing, armor, weapons, and adventuring gear, and then chooses spells.
TYPICAL CLASSES: Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Cleric, Druid, Bard
ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS: +1 Dexterity, -1 Strength
PERSONA
RANGER MODIFIER: +2 conceal, +2 move silent
ROGUE MODIFIER: +2 hide, +2 move silent The character’s persona and appearance are entirely the choice of the
player designing that character, keeping in mind the campaign setting and
the needs of the Castle Keeper and other players.
HUMAN
Humans are the most diverse of the races. Their strength and power derives
ALIGNMENT
from their adaptability to different environments, cultures and societies.
Where the other races are tied to the world around them in one manner Alignment represents the basic and most essential aspects of a character’s
or another, humans alone have no innate affinity for the world, beyond worldview and moral outlook. There are nine possible alignments: lawful
that of a master craftsman to his tools and creations. Their ability to adapt good, neutral good, chaotic good, lawful neutral, neutral, chaotic neutral, lawful
allows humans to maintain close contact, and even intermingle with demi- evil, neutral evil, or chaotic evil. Each alignment, except true neutral, is
humans and humanoids, if they deem it necessary, expedient, or desirable. composed of two aspects.
Diversity is a hallmark of this race and humans can be any class.
CHOOSING A DEITY
Description: Humans range greatly in height and weight, and in other
physical features such as skin and hair color. Males typically stand between Clerics and druids draw their power from the deity, pantheon of deities or
5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet 2 inches, with females being slightly shorter, whatever supernatural forces they have allegiance to. In choosing a deity,
although both sexes occasionally exceed the average height. Humans consultation with the Castle Keeper is necessary to learn more about a
tend to adapt physically to their environments, leaving some with pale particular deity or pantheon and what benefits they can give a cleric as well
skin coloration in cold climates and others with darker skin coloration as what is required of that cleric.
in warmer climates. Since humans are exceedingly migratory, however,
these generalizations do not always apply. Human weight also varies Clerics, and even some druids, require holy symbols or icons representing
extraordinarily and is as much dependent on diet as culture. their deities or the supernatural powers. These symbols serve as a conduit
between the deity and the character. They range in size, shape and form,
Personality: As with their physical traits, humans range greatly in and can be worn as necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings or any other
temperament. They seem to the longer-lived races to move through life jewelry. Rods, staves, wands, scepters and even weapons can serve as holy
with a speed born of desperation. Their short lives give them a burning symbols. The shape and design of the symbol should be limited only by the
desire to create and control the world around them and their own mortality. type of deity, style of game, and the imagination of the player.
This causes humans to see the world in a unique fashion. All things are
tools to humans in their quest for immortality.
EQUIPMENT
Humans lack empathy for the other races, especially elves. Their short
lifespans create an awareness of the importance of things few others STARTING COIN
understand. Life is precious, and the wealth of it must not be wasted on Every character begins the game with some coin of the realm. The amount
frivolous things. In the passage of history, death marks one’s life and can depends upon the character’s class and is listed below.
give it meaning and only through a life well spent can one gain immortality.
The following equipment list contains the cost, effects, weight and
Humans are born with an innate spirit of competition that configures itself encumbrance value for each item. It is not an exhaustive list, so the Castle
into a race for grand achievements, and a constant striving to rise above Keeper should expand it as needed, basing prices on comparable items in
their circumstances. this list.
Racial Affinities: Humans interact well with most other races. They have
no innate prejudices, but are often taught at a young age who is an enemy STARTING GOLD
and who is a friend. A human’s enemies and friends are determined more Fighter, Ranger 30-240gp (3d8x10)
by expediency and mutual benefit rather than any innate prejudice.
Rogue, Assassin, Bard 30-120gp (3d4x10)
Environment: Humans can be found in any environment or climate, Barbarian, Monk 20-80gp (2d4x10)
though they usually prefer to live above ground. Wizard, Illusionist 10-100gp (1d10x10)

Racial Traits and Abilities Cleric, Druid 20-200gp (2d10x10)

Knight, Paladin 60-240gp (6d4x10)
Primary Attributes: Because of the unique nature of humankind, humans
choose an additional primary attribute, for a total of three. Coins exchange at the rate 10gp = 1 Platinum piece
Gold (gp) (pp)
listed to the right. All coins
LANGUAGE: Common equate to about one ounce Silver(sp) 10 sp = 1 gold piece (gp)
in weight. 10 cp = 1 silver piece (sp)
SIZE: Medium MOVEMENT: 30 feet Copper(cp)
TYPICAL CLASSES: Any
ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS: None

10 CASTLES & CRUSADES

EQUIPMENT Ranseur 10 gp 2d4 Holy Symbol 1-100 gp
Armor Rapier 20 gp 1d6 Holy Symbol, Silver 10-1000 gp
AC Scimitar 15 gp 1d6 Holy Water
Armor Type Cost 30 gp
Bonus Scythe 18 gp 2d4 (in glass flask)
Cloth 2 gp +1 Spear 2 gp 1d8 Ink 1 oz. 8 gp
Padded 5 gp +1 Sword, Bastard 35 gp 1d10 Lantern, Bullseye 12 gp
Leather 10 gp +2 Sword, Short 10 gp 1d6 Lantern, Hooded 7 gp
Cuir Bouille 35 gp +2 Sword, 2-Handed 50 gp 2d6 Lockpick Set 30 gp
Ring Mail 40 gp +3 Trident 15 gp 1d8 Mirror, Small Steel 10 gp
Studded leather 25 gp +3 Voulge 12 gp 1d10 Oil (1 pint) 1 gp
Chain shirt 100 gp +4 War Hammer 12 gp 1d8 Pack, Shoulder 2 gp
Scale Mail 50 gp +4 Parchment (10 pcs) 5 gp
Missile/Ranged
Breastplate 200 gp +5 Pole, 10 ft. 2 sp
DMG/
Chainmail 150 gp +5 Weapons Cost Pouch, Large 1 gp
Range
Banded Mail 250 gp +6 Arrow (20) 2 gp —/— Pouch, Small 5 sp
Splint Mail 200 gp +6 Bolts (10) 1 gp —/— Quill 1 sp
Platemail 600 gp +7 1d8/80 Razor 5 sp
Crossbow, Light 35 gp
Full Plate 1500 gp +8 ft. Rope, Hemp (50 ft.) 1 gp
Buckler 15 gp +1 1d4/30 Rope, Silk (50 ft.) 10 gp
Crossbow, Hand 100 gp
ft.
Shield, 3 gp +1 Sack, Small 1 sp
1d10/120
Shield, Large 7 gp +2 Crossbow, Heavy 50 gp ft. Sack, Large 5 sp
Coif, Chain Mail 20 gp +4 1d4/20 Shovel 2 gp
Dart 5 sp
Coif, Leather 4 gp +2 ft. String (50 ft.) 4 sp
Helm, Norml 10 gp +5 1d6/30 Tent 10 gp
Javelin 1 gp
ft.
Helm, Great 20 gp +8 Tinderbox 1 sp
1d8/100
Longbow 75 gp Torch 1 cp
Weapons ft.
Weapon Cost Dmg 1d8/110 Whetstone 1 gp
Longbow, Comp. 100 gp
ft. Provisions
Axe, Hand or Throwing 8 gp 1d6
1d6/60 Item Cost
Axe, Two-Handed 20 gp 1d12 Shortbow 30 gp
ft.
Bardiche 8 gp 1d10 Ale, Flask 4 cp
1d6/70
Battleaxe 10 gp 1d8 Shortbow, Comp. 75 gp Rations (1 day) 5 sp
ft.
Club — 1d6 Rations (1 week) 3 gp
1d4/50
Sling —/ Wine, Common 2 sp
Crowbill 10 gp ft.
Cutlass 10 gp 1d6 Common Equipment Wine, Fine 10 gp

Dagger 2 gp 1d4 Item Cost Mounts, Livestock and Tack

Flail, Light 8 gp 1d8 Armor and Weapon Item Cost
1 gp
Flail, Heavy 15 gp 1d10 Oil Cart 15 gp
Halberd 10 gp 1d10 Backpack 2 gp Chariot 100 gp
Hammer, Light 1 gp 1d4 Barrel 2 gp Dog 5 gp
Lance, Light 6 gp 1d6 Bedroll 1 sp Donkey 8 gp
Lance, Heavy 10 gp 1d8 Blanket 5 sp Feed (per day) 5 cp
Longspear 5 gp 1d8 Boots Heavy 1 gp Horse, Heavy 200 gp
Longsword 15 gp 1d8 Boots, Soft 4 sp Horse, Light 75 gp
Lucerne Hammer 60 gp 1d12+1 Case, Map/Scroll 1 gp Mule 25 gp
Mace, Light 5 gp 1d6 Chalk (per piece) 1 cp Pony 30 gp
Mace, Heavy 12 gp 1d8 Chest, Empty 2 gp Riding Equip 36 gp
Morningstar 8 gp 1d8 Cloak 5 sp Wagon 35 gp
Partizan 10 gp 1d10 Clothing 1-10 gp Warhorse, Heavy 400 gp
Pick, Light 4 gp 1d4 Crowbar 2 gp Warhorse, Light 150 gp
Pick, Heavy 8 gp 1d6 Flask 3 cp Warpony 100 gp
Pike & Awl Pike 5 gp 1d8 Flint and Steel 1 gp

Quarterstaff — 1d6 Grappling Hook 1 gp

Hammer 5 sp

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 11

 Characters who can cast divine spells undertake a certain amount of study
SPELLS of divine magic between adventures. Each time a character receives a
new level of divine spells, the character learns new spells from that level
In Castle & Crusades wizards and clerics (with illusionists and druids in
automatically. A high wisdom is a boon and allows the cleric to cast extra
the fullgame) cast spells. The method of preparation and the casting of a
spells if they have attained the class level required to cast that spell level.
spell is generally the same for both classes. They must prepare their spells
daily for casting. This applies to both arcane and divine magic. However,
differences do exist between arcane magic and divine magic, including the Casting a Spell
details of preparation, casting, and spell acquisition. Most spells take 1 round to cast. A spell that takes 1 round to cast comes
into effect during the caster’s turn for that round. Spells that take more
Terminology than 1 round to cast come into effect during the caster’s initiative turn on
the last round of the casting time for the spell. Many spell durations are
Magic in Castles & Crusade is defined by a language of game terms with
measured in rounds, minutes, hours, or some other increment. When the
which Castle keepers and players of spell-casting characters should be
time is up, the magic goes away and the spell ends.
familiar.
A character must make all pertinent decisions about a spell (range, target,
Arcane Magic: The type of magic learned by wizards.
area, effect, etc.) when the character begins casting. The character must
Divine Magic: The type of magic granted to clerics by deities. make some choice about whom the spell is to affect or where the effect is to
Spell: The formula a character uses to harness magic and give it form. originate, depending on the type of spell.
Spell Slots: The number of daily spells for each level that a character can Most harmful spells allow an affected creature to make a saving throw to
cast as shown by the tables appearing in the character’s class description. avoid some or all of the effect. A saving throw against the character’s spell
has a challenge level equal to the level of the spell caster.
Bonus Spells: Additional spells that can be cast each day due to high
attribute score.
Spells
Known Spells: The spells in a wizard’s spell book or the spells allowed by
Each spell in the list below follows the same format. The spells are
a cleric’s deity from which a character can select and prepare daily spells.
categorized alphabetically by level. Following the spell’s name is the effect
Prepared Spells: The spells a character has memorized. and the casting details of the spell. A spell with an asterisk (*) next to it
Spell Resistance: A special ability possessed by certain monsters and means it is reversible for the opposite effect.
characters that may negate spells cast against them. (See page 26.)
SPELL LISTS
Wizards
Wizards learn arcane formulas to harness magic and create magical effects. CLERIC SPELLS (Divine)
These spells are known as arcane spells, and a wizard inscribes them in his 0-LEVEL CLERIC SPELLS (Orisons)
own, individually unique language in a spell book. A wizard must study 1. CREATE WATER
their spell book each day in order to prepare spells for casting. Wizards Creates 2 gallons/level of pure water.
learn and add new spells through gaining a level, copying from another
2. DETECT CHAOS/ EVIL/ GOOD/ LAW*
spellbook, finding scrolls and new spellbooks, or through research. As Reveals aura of creatures, spells or objects.
described in the wizard class, the wizard’s level limits the number of spells
the wizards can prepare and cast each day. A wizard’s high intelligence 3. DETECT MAGIC
score might allow the wizard to prepare bonus spells each day as well. Detects magical aura and its strength along 50 ft. path.

Each day, a wizard memorizes and prepares spells. A wizard must have 4. DETECT POISON
Detects poison in one creature or small object.
access to a spell book to study. Until the wizard prepares spells from a spell
book, the only spells the wizard has available to cast are the ones that the 5. ENDURE ELEMENTS
character already had prepared from the previous day or those not yet used. Protection from natural elements and weather.
A wizard needs to sleep and rest for eight hours each day before preparing 6. FIRST AID
spells. In addition, it takes 15 minutes per spell for a wizard to study a spell Bandages bleeding wound.
book and memorize the spell for the day. The same spell can be prepared for
use more than once each day. Each preparation counts as one spell toward 7. LIGHT
Object shines like a torch.
the wizard’s daily limit for each spell level.
8. PURIFY FOOD AND DRINK
Once a wizard prepares a spell, it remains in the character’s mind until the
Purifies 1 cu. ft./level of food or water.
character triggers it or until the character abandons it. Upon casting, the
spell is purged from the character’s mind. Certain other events, such as the
disruption of a spell during casting, the effects of magic items, or special
1ST-LEVEL CLERIC SPELLS
attacks from monsters can wipe a prepared spell from a character’s mind.
1. BLESS*
Allies gain +1 to hit and +1 on saves against fear.
Clerics
Clerics cast spells through divine dispensation. A cleric’s deity allows the 2. BLESS WATER*
cleric access to certain powers in order to express his will upon the in the Makes holy or unholy water.
world. Clerics must pray or meditate to receive their spells and need not 3. COMMAND
study to access them. However, a cleric must follow the precepts of their Subjects obey one-word command for 1 round.
deity or risk losing access to this awesome power. 4. CURE LIGHT WOUNDS*
Clerics select and prepare spells ahead of time through prayer and Cures 1d8 damage.
meditation at a particular time of day. Some deities set the time or impose 5. DETECT SECRET DOORS
other special conditions for granting spells to their clerics. The time Reveals hidden doors within 60 ft.
required to prepare spells is eight hours of rest followed by 15 minutes of
prayer or meditation for each spell. A cleric may pick any spell from the 6. DETECT UNDEAD
Reveals undead within 60 ft.
cleric spell lists unless the character’s deity imposes a restriction.

12 CASTLES & CRUSADES

 7. INVISIBILITY TO UNDEAD 9. PRAYER
Undead can’t perceive subject. Allies gain +1 on most rolls, and enemies suffer -1.
8. PROTECTION FROM CHAOS, EVIL, GOOD OR LAW* 10. REMOVE BLINDNESS OR DEAFNESS*
+2 AC and saves, plus other defences. Cures subject.
9. REMOVE FEAR* 11. REMOVE CURSE*
Protects from fear; grants new save vs fear. Frees person or object from curses.
10. RESIST ELEMENTS 12. REMOVE DISEASE*
Grants +2 bonus to saves vs selected element. Cures all diseases.
11. SANCTUARY
Opponents can’t attack the caster.
12. SHIELD OF FAITH
WIZARD SPELLS (Arcane)
Aura grants +2 bonus to AC and saves. 0-LEVEL WIZARD SPELLS (Cantrips)
13. SOUND BURST 1. ARCANE MARK
A pulse of sound that causes 1d8 damage. Inscribes a personal rune (visible or invisible).
2. DANCING LIGHTS
Creates figment torches or other lights.
2ND-LEVEL CLERIC SPELLS
3. DETECT MAGIC
1. AID
Detects magical aura and its strength along 50 ft. path.
+1 to hit, +1 on saves against fear, 1d8 temporary hit points.
4. DETECT POISON
2. AUGURY
Detects poison in one creature or small object.
Learns whether an action will be good or bad.
5. ENDURE ELEMENTS
3. CONSECRATE*
Protection from natural elements and weather.
Makes location holy, turning and harming undead.
6. GHOST SOUND
4. DARKNESS*
Figment sounds.
Creates 20 ft. radius supernatural darkness.
7. LIGHT
5. DELAY POISON
Object shines like a torch.
Stops poison from harming subject for 1 hour/level.
8. MAGE HAND
6. DETECT TRAPS
Five-pound telekinesis.
Reveals traps along a path 50 ft. long.
9. MENDING
7. HOLD PERSON Makes minor repairs on an object.
Holds one person helpless; 1 round/level.
10. MESSAGE
8. LESSER RESTORATION Short, whispered communication at a distance.
Dispels attribute damage effects for one attribute.
11. OPEN/CLOSE
9. REMOVE PARALYSIS Opens or closes small or light things.
Frees one creature from paralyzing effects or slow spell.
12. PRESTIDIGITATION
10. SILENCE Performs minor tricks or tasks.
Negates sound in 15 ft. radius.
11. SPEAK WITH DEAD
Corpse answers questions. 1ST-LEVEL WIZARD SPELLS

12. SPIRITUAL WEAPON 1. ALTER SIZE*

Divine weapon attacks on telepathic command. Object or creature grows or shrinks 10%/level (max 50%).
2. BURNING HANDS
1d2 +1/level fire damage.
3RD-LEVEL CLERIC SPELLS
3. CHANGE SELF
1. ANIMATE DEAD* Changes the caster’s appearance.
Creates and controls undead skeletons and zombies.
4. CHARM PERSON
2. CONTINUAL FLAME Makes one person the caster’s friend.
Makes a permanent, heatless flame.
5. COMPREHEND LANGUAGES
3. CREATE FOOD AND WATER* Understands spoken and written languages.
Feeds three humans (or one horse)/level.
6. ERASE
4. CURE SERIOUS WOUNDS* Mundane or magical writing vanishes.
Cures 3d8 damage.
7. FEATHER FALL
5. DISPEL MAGIC Objects or creatures fall slowly.
Cancels magical spells and effects.
8. FLOATING DISK
6. GLYPH OF WARDING 3 ft. diameter horizontal disk that holds 1000 lbs.
Inscription harms those who pass it.
9. HOLD PORTAL
7. LOCATE OBJECT* Holds door shut.
Senses direction toward object (specific or type).
10. IDENTIFY
8. MAGIC CIRCLE (Against Chaos, Evil, Good, Law) Determines single feature of magic item.
As 10 ft radius protection spell.

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 13

 11. JUMP 18. SEE INVISIBILITY
Make astounding leaps 1 min/level. Reveals invisible creatures or objects.
12.MAGIC MISSILE 19. SHATTER
Strikes for 1d4+1 damage; +1 missile/two levels. Sonic vibration damages objects or crystalline creatures.
13. PROTECTION FROM CHAOS, EVIL, GOOD, OR /LAW* 20. WEB
+2 AC and saves, plus other defenses. Area fills with sticky webs, trap creatures in 20 ft. X 20 ft. area.
14.
READ MAGIC
3RD-LEVEL WIZARD SPELLS
Read magical writings, scrolls, and spellbooks.
1. BLINK
15. SHIELD
Makes harder to hit and other effects.
Invisible disc raises AC and blocks magic missiles.
2. CLAIRAUDIENCE/ CLAIRVOYANCE
16. SHOCKING GRASP
Hear or see at a distance for 1 min./level.
Electric touch deals 1d8 +1/level damage.
3. DISPEL MAGIC
17. SLEEP
Cancels magical spells and effects.
Put 2d4 HD of creatures into comatose slumber.
4. EXPLOSIVE RUNES
18. SPIDER CLIMB
Deals 6d6 damage when read.
Grants ability to walk on walls and ceilings.
5. FIREBALL
19. SUMMON FAMILIAR
1d6 damage/level in 40 ft. diameter sphere.
Summons & binds unique companion to wizard.
6. FLY
20. UNSEEN SERVANT
Subject flies at speed of 90.
Creates invisible force that obeys the caster’s commands.
7. GASEOUS FORM
Subject becomes insubstantial and can fly slowly.
2ND-LEVEL WIZARD SPELLS
8. GUST OF WIND
1. ACID ARROW Blows away or knocks down smaller creatures.
Make ranged attack to deal 2d4/ two lvls acid damage.
9. HASTE*
2. CONTINUAL FLAME Doubles move and number of attacks.
Makes a permanent, heatless flame.
10. HOLD PERSON
3. DARKNESS* Holds one person helpless; 1 round/level.
Creates 20 ft. rad. supernatural darkness.
11. INVISIBILITY SPHERE
4. DETECT THOUGHTS* Makes everyone within 10 ft. invisible.
Allows “listening” to surface thoughts.
12. LIGHTNING BOLT
5. ENHANCE ATTRIBUTE* Electricity deals 1d6 damage/ level.
Raises attribute score for 1 hr/level.
13. MAGIC CIRCLE (against Chaos, Evil, Good, Law)
6. FOG CLOUD As protection spell, but 10 ft. radius.
Fog obscures vision.
14. NONDETECTION
7. INVISIBILITY Hides subject from divination, scrying.
Subject is invisible until attacks.
15. STINKING CLOUD
8. KNOCK* Nauseating vapors that make helpless & limit sight.
Magically opens door, item, chest, etc.
16. SUGGESTION
9. LEVITATE Compels subject to follow stated course of action.
Subject moves up and down at the caster’s direction.
17. SUMMON LESSER MONSTER
10. LOCATE OBJECT* Calls 3 HD or less monsters to aid caster.
Senses direction toward object (specific or type).
18. TINY HUT
11. MAGIC MOUTH Creates shelter for 10 creatures.
Speaks once when triggered.
19. TONGUES*
12. MIRROR IMAGE Speak any language.
Creates 1d4+1 decoy duplicates of the caster.
20. WATER BREATHING
13. PROTECTION FROM ARROWS Subjects can breathe underwater.
Subject immune to most ranged attacks.
14. PYROTECHNICS
Turns fire into blinding light or choking smoke.
15. RAY OF ENFEEBLEMENT
-1 to hit and -1 to damage rolls for every four levels of the caster
16. ROPE TRICK
Up to eight creatures hide in extradimensional space.
17. SCARE
Panics one creature up to 5 HD.

14 CASTLES & CRUSADES

 The first step in calculating challenge class is to determine the challenge
CASTLE KEEPER & THE GAME base (CB). The challenge base is always either a 12 or an 18. Challenge
base is dependent on whether or not the attribute being checked against
RULE ONE is a character’s prime attribute or secondary attribute. If the attribute is
prime, the challenge base is 12. If the attribute is secondary, the challenge
The first rule of Castles & Crusades is that all rules are servants of the base is 18. Returning to our example, Bjorn the fighter has a strength prime
game. This is an important concept to bear in mind and the most important attribute. Thus, the challenge base for his action would be 12. If Bjorn
rule in Castles and Crusades. The rules are designed to allow for an even were a wizard, and strength was a secondary attribute, his challenge base
playing field. They are a set of guidelines from which everyone can begin would be 18.
playing with one another in a consistant and mutually digestible manner.
However, to further the ends of playing the game, the Castle Keeper is The second step in calculating challenge class is determining the conflict’s
encouraged to change, amend, add to or subtract from the rules as fits the challenge level (CL). The Castle Keeper has vast discretion in determining
needs of the adventure, the players or the overall feel of the game. The challenge level. Although the task sounds difficult, it is actually fairly easy.
rules are your servant not your master! Challenge level is nothing more than the level of difficulty of the action
attempted or the reaction made.
ATTRIBUTES & THE GAME
The simplest way to determine challenge level is by referencing the level
Throughout the game, the Castle Keeper and players must resolve whether or hit dice of the non-player character or monster to which the character
or not specific actions succeed or fail. These actions might include tracking making the check is acting against or reacting to. In such cases, challenge
a band of goblins, detecting a trap, swimming a mighty river or resisting the level is equal to the level or hit dice of the non-player character or
effects of a giant snake’s poison. To resolve these situations and others, a monster involved. A monster’s challenge level is equal to its hit dice; a
player rolls a d20 and adds the character’s level and the attribute modifier spell’s challenge level is equal to the level or hit dice of its caster; a trap’s
of one of the character’s six attributes that is being checked against. If challenge level is equal to the level of the person who set it. For instance,
the total score exceeds the number representing the difficulty of conflict if an 8 hit dice creature uses a paralyzing gaze ability on a character, the
requiring the check, the character succeeds. challenge level would be 8. If a 6th level wizard cast a spell on a character for
which a saving throw is allowed, the challenge level would be 6. If a rogue
This simple attribute check mechanic for resolving conflicts underlies the attempts to deactivate a trap set by another 4th level rogue, the challenge
whole of the game and is called the SIEGE engine™. The name SIEGE level would be 4.
engine™ reflects the attribute check because all conflicts in Castles &
Crusades involve an attacker and a defender, just as if an army were laying There are more arbitrary situations that require the Castle Keeper to create
siege to a castle’s walls. The SIEGE engine™ mirrors the game’s story-based an adequate challenge level. If a character is attempting a task such as
theme of characters seeking to overcome the challenges before them. making an extraordinary jump or swinging on a rope to grab an object,
the Castle Keeper needs to assign a difficulty to the task. A good way to
Before describing the SIEGE engine attribute check in more detail, it is assign such a challenge level is to think of the task’s difficulty as if it were
important to note that only those activities which have a significant chance a monster, and then assign a challenge level equal to the hit dice of the
of failure, as determined by the Castle Keeper, should be resolved by a dice monster imagined. In this way, a level or hit dice can be assigned tasks such
roll. In most cases, narrative development and not chance should guide as swimming a river, knocking down a door, jumping a pit or catching a
the game. Judicious use of the attribute check is essential to maintaining falling object. For example, a character might wish to jump over a 6 foot
the fast flow of action and adventure. There are instances in which the wide pit. Assuming the character is unarmored and has room to run and
attribute check is required. These include all class ability checks and saving jump, this is a fairly easy task that is perhaps equivalent to the degree of
throws, and those other instances where the Castle Keeper deems a check difficulty involved in a 1st level fighter combating a 1 HD monster. Thus,
necessary to resolve a conflict. the Castle Keeper assigns a challenge level of 1. However, if the character
is heavily weighted down, leaping across the space could be deemed a 2 or
Once it is decided an attribute check is needed, the Castle Keeper must higher.
identify the attribute to be checked against. In most cases, the answer is
obvious. In the case of class abilities and saving throws, the appropriate As a rule of thumb, a challenge level of 1 to 5 is adequate for easy tasks. For
attribute has already been identified. With class abilities, the associated difficult tasks, a challenge level of 6 to 10 works well. For very difficult tasks,
attribute is in the ability’s description. For example, when Melth the rogue a challenge level of 11 to 15 suffices. Heroic actions require a challenge
picks a pocket, a dexterity attribute check must be made to determine level of 15 to 20 or even higher. When in doubt, err on the low side since
success. Saving throws, which are discussed below, list their associated it never hurts a game to have a character succeed in something difficult.
attribute.
After the challenge base and challenge level are determined, the Castle
Non-specified situations requiring a check are typically easy to resolve Keeper adds them together. The sum is the challenge class for the attribute
as well. The attribute descriptions located at the beginning of the book check. The score is the number which the player must beat on the check.
should aid in deciding which attribute to associate with specific actions. For
example, Bjorn attempts to push a statue over onto the kobold war chief In short, the process of the attribute check involves the player rolling a d20
Krublet. The statue is exceedingly heavy, even for the great Bjorn. The and adding the character’s level and the appropriate attribute modifier.
Castle Keeper might require an attribute check against Bjorn’s strength. That total number must be equal to or greater than the challenge class, as
determined by the Castle Keeper.
Once the associated attribute is chosen, the Castle Keeper must calculate
the character’s chance of success. The chance of success is determined by a Before concluding, it is recommended that the Castle Keeper keep the
number called the challenge class (CC). The challenge class mirrors armor challenge class secret. By keeping it secret, anticipation and the unknown
class in that to succeed, the attribute check result must be greater than or thrill of success or failure is maintained in the game. Simply telling the
equal to the challenge class. player that the attribute check is made against a prime attribute or
secondary attribute conveys an idea of the base chance of success, and
To determine the challenge class, two simple steps are required. The Castle allows the player to make the attribute check roll. The player would then
Keeper must determine the base chance of success (challenge base), and convey the total result to the Castle Keeper without knowing what score
the level of difficulty of the challenge involved (challenge level). is needed to succeed. The Castle Keeper then narratively describes success
or failure.

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 15

SAVING THROWS Castle Keeper awards experience points as described in the rules but always
has the right to add or subtract experience points for role playing well or
A saving throw is simply an attribute check made by a player for the poorly. Details on awarding experience points are located in the Monsters
character to avoid damage or other unwanted alteration or harm caused and Treasure Guide and only outlined here.
by a creature, situation, or effect during game play whether the gaze of a
basilisk, the breadth of a dragon, a spell or even a trap. A player makes Experience points are awarded by the Castle Keeper to the players either
a saving throw in the same manner an attribute check is conducted. on an individual basis or collectively. The experience points awarded are
The following are the most common types of saving throws in Castles & for monsters killed or overcome, treasure acquired, good role playing and
Crusades. They are dealt with individually as each is unque and needs successful adventuring.
explanation. The Castle Keeper should also be able to better extrapolate
from the following how to associate attributes and actions. Monster experience points are located in the monster manual. Experience
points awards for treasure acquired is equal to the gold piece value of all the
treasure picked up in the course of adventuring.
Types of Saving Throws
There are six different kinds of saving throws. They correspond to the
six attributes: strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity, constitution, and COMBAT
charisma. Any effect that causes a saving throw is associated with an Managing combat is often a challenging affair as the Castle Keeper must
attribute. The situations and effects that trigger a saving throw generally not only know all the rules but, to maintain a sense excitement through
fall into one of the following categories. This list is not definitive. description and action, the Castle Keeper must know how to apply the
rules fluidly as part of the roleplaying experience.
Save Type Categories
To facilitate this, the rules for combat have been kept as simple as possible
Strength Paralysis, Constriction with much maneuver room left for Castle Keeper caveat to enable a
Intelligence Arcane Magic, Illusions narrative development that is equally as important to the game as the rules.
Wisdom Divine Magic, Confusion, Gaze, Polymorph/Petrification
Dexterity Breath Weapon, Traps
Outline of a Combat Round
Constitution Disease, Energy Drain, Poison Combat occurs in rounds. Each participant acts in an order established
by the roll of a die (d10), called initiative. Characters take an action like
Charisma Death Attack, Charm, Fear moving, attacking and opponent, quaffing a potion, or casting a spell.
Variable Spells (see spell descriptions) When a character swings or engages in melee, the player rolls a die (d20)
to hit the opponent. If the resulting number is greater than the armor class
of the character’s opponent, a hit is scored. If the hit is successful, damage
Spell Resistance is determined. If a character casts a spell, the affects occur immediately
Spell resistance (SR) is a special defensive ability. A defender’s spell unless noted otherwise in the spell description. Creatures follow the same
resistance is like an armor class against magical attacks. If a spell is being procedure, only the Castle Keeper manages those actions.
resisted by a defender with spell resistance, the caster of the spell must
make a check (1d20) at least equal to or greater than the creature’s SR for
Sample Combat Round
the spell to effect that creature.
With a furious scream and battle axe in hand, Angthar, a fighter, leaps off
Spell resistance applies even if a given spell also allows a creature a saving a narrow ledge into a troop of goblins scouting near his village. He lands
throw. The effects of SR, if any, are applied first, and then the creature may amidst them, reigning blows left and right as they scratch and claw to get
also make a Save. In most cases, SR applies only when a resistant creature away from Angthar’s deadly blade.
is targeted by the spell, not when a resistant creature encounters a spell
that is already in place, such as a wall of iron. The Castle Keeper and the player both roll to determine if the goblins are
surprised by Angthar’s sudden attack. A d10 is used to determine who goes
first in the combat round. The Castle Keeper rolls a 4 for the goblins and the
Turning Undead player rolls a 7 for Angthar. Angthar, a 5th level fighter, gets to swing first.
The cleric has the ability to turn undead, allowing the cleric to cause The player rolls a d20 and adds Angthar’s strength bonus (strength 14, +1
undead creatures such as skeletons, ghasts, ghouls and even vampires to attack bonus) and bonus to hit (+4) to the roll. The player rolls a 12, then
turn away from the cleric and possibly flee or cower in fear. Turn undead adds a +1 and +4 for a total of 17. The goblins are only wearing leather
is a special attack. armor so have an armor class of 12. Angthar hits a goblin with his battle axe.
The battle axe does 2-8 (2d4) damage. The player rolls the 2d4 and adds +1
To turn undead, the cleric must have a holy symbol device and show it to the roll (Angthar’s strength bonus) for a total of 6 points of damage. The
to the undead creature. Turn undead is a wisdom attribute check for the goblin only has 4 hit points so dies with one swing of the battle axe.
cleric. The challenge level for the turning is the monster’s hit dice. So, a
cleric rolls a d20, adds his level and wisdom bonus. This must be greater Angthar lands a devastating blow upon one goblin, cleaving it down
than 12 plus the hit dice of the creature being turned to be successful. The before it could even pull out its sword to defend himself. But the goblin
number of undead turned is 1d12 plus the cleric’s charisma score modifier. captain screams a blood curdling war cry and charges into the fray while his
warriors attack the lone barbarian in their midst. It is the goblins turn to
swing for an attack. Angthar is surrounded and the goblins get six attacks.
Gaining Levels Luckily, Angthar is wearing magical chainmail taken from a giant’s treasure
Characters gain levels as they adventure. Gaining levels equates to horde some years ago.
becoming better and more experienced at one’s chosen profession. To gain
a level, the character must accumulate enough experience points to meet
Combat Terms
the next levels experience point progression (EPPs). The EPPs for each
class are located in the appropriate class description and are gained by The following is a list of common terms use for combat rules.
successfully completing an adventure, killing foes, successfully performing
actions, collecting treasure or possibly as rewards for good role playing. The
Attack roll: This is a d20. When making a melee attack, a d20 is rolled,
modifiers added and subtracted to determine if an attack is successful.

16 CASTLES & CRUSADES

Bonus to hit: This is a feature distinct to each class and is added to both fail, the round proceeds as normal. As with accidental surprise, the
the attack roll. character or monster with the highest chance for success rolls the check.

Closing: This is the determination of who sees whom and how they act
in order to move into contact with one another. INITIATIVE

Combat round: This is the amount of time it takes for all those involved The order of action in a combat round is determined by an initiative roll.
in the round to take an action or move. Each combatant or party rolls a d10. Those with the highest number go first
and actions descend from there.
Damage: If an attack is successful, damage is delivered. The amount
depends on the weapon or item being used. For those with weapons of greater than 10 foot length facing those with
weapons of less than 6 foot length and when a large creature is fighting a
Armor Class: All monsters or player characters attacked have an armor medium size or smaller creature, in the first round only, they are allowed
class. In large part, this is dependent on the type of armor being worn but in to swing at opponents first if they approach within ten feet regardless of
some cases armor is natural and just an abstraction for how difficult it is to initiative and if they have not already taken an action that round. This
strike and damage an object or creature. Armor class normally ranges from counts as an action for that round.
10 to 20 but can extend even higher.
Hit Points: This is the amount of damage a character, creature or object Combat Actions
can take before being killed or broken.
In a combat round, the players and their opponents are able to take many
Initiative: This is a roll used to determine the order of action in a actions including drawing weapons, attacking, moving, casting spells,
combat round. Initiative is determine by the roll of a d10. turning undead, firing missile weapons, and quaffing potions to name just
a few. The actions available in a single round are listed below. The list is
Ranged Combat: Melee with ranged weapons, that is, weapons that are not exhaustive and it is up to the Castle Keeper to adjudicate as to how
thrown or propelled and can strike at a distance of greater than ten feet. long many actions take place and whether or not they can occur in a single
round. Following the list is a more detailed explanation of those actions.
Combat Round
The combat round is ten seconds long during which all the characters and Attack Cast Spell
monsters get a chance to act. Generally, only one action is allowed. A Use Class Ability Use Item
round is about 10 seconds long but this is more an abstraction than an Charge Full move
exact amount of time.
Full Move: If no other action is taken, a character or creature can move
up to their full movement. This includes jogging (2x normal move rate)
SURPRISE and running (4x normal move rate).
Surprise is a situation in which an one party catches another party
unawares and unprepared for combat. Before any other action takes place,
Attack: This is melee. The attacker is allowed to attack for full effect,
including ranged attacks. This can be accompanied by a short move. This
surprise must be determined. For this to happen, both parties must be
is covered under in greater detail under melee below.
unaware of the other or one or the other must be attacked so suddenly as
to be unable to have had time to prepare for actions. In many instances,
the Castle Keeper must make decisions as to whether surprise is actually Cast Spell: A character is allowed to cast one spell. Several spells require
possible. In those instances in which surprise is possible, there is always two or more rounds to cast, in which case the character must wait until the
a chance something could go awry and the surprise does not occur, so a following round for the affects of the spell to take place. This action can be
determination must be made. There are two types of surprise. One is that in accompanied by a short move only. This move is not in addition to normal
which an ambush occurs and the other is an accidental encounter. In both movement.
cases, if the surprise is successful, the surprising party is allowed one free
round of activity. This is followed by normal combat rounds. Use Class Ability: The character or monster is allowed to use any
class ability that they have. Most class abilities take only one round to
Accidental Encounter: This occurs if both parties are unaware of accomplish. Those that do not are described as such in the appropriate
one another and suddenly come upon each other. One or both parties class ability. This action can be accompanied by a short move only. This
can be in motion. In this case, each side makes a dexterity check. If it move is not in addition to normal movement.
is successful, they have surprised the other party. It is possible that both
parties can be surprised, in which case, surprise is negated and the round Use Item: An item that is carried and is readily available can be used.
proceeds as normal. If one party succeeds in the dexterity check while the This includes drinking potions, using wands, casting a spell from a scroll,
other fails, the failing party is surprised. This allows the surprising party one activating magical abilities of magical artifacts, use of equipment, lighting a
full free round of action while the surprised party is not allowed to act. If torch/lantern, casting grappling hook etc. This action can be accompanied
both fail the dexterity check, no surprise occurs and the round proceeds as by a short move only. This move is not in addition to normal movement.
normal. To make a dexterity check for accidental surprise, the character or
monster with the greatest chance for success makes the check. MOVEMENT IN THE COMBAT ROUND
Once initiative or surprise is determined, those who can act are allowed
Ambush: The other type of surprise occurs when one party lies in wait for
to move. Movement rates are listed in the racial descriptions. These
another. In this case, the surprising party must have prepared an ambush
movement rates indicate the distance a character or monster can move in a
and be well hidden. It is up to the Castle Keeper to decide if this is even
round. For characters or monsters that are carrying a lot of gear, movement
possible or if the characters or monsters have the capacity to manage such
can be reduced at the Castle Keeper’s discretion. Movement is listed in
an action. To determine if the ambush is successful, the ambushing party
feet.
makes a wisdom check and so to the ambushed party. If the ambushing
party is successful and the ambushed party is not, the ambushing
party is allowed one free round of action. If both are successful, then a Normal Movement: This is the movement listed in the racial and
determination of surprise is made. In this case, the ambushed party has no monster description section. In a single round, a character or monster
chance of surprising the ambushers though, only preventing a surprise. If can move their full movement but not attack or take a full round action,
though they can draw weapons and do other simple actions.

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 17

Jog: In this case movement is doubled. The character is considered to armor class is listed in its entry in the monster book or its stat block.
be moving fast. As with normal movement, the character can take a half
movement at the jog rate and attack but take no other full round action. Apply a character’s dexterity modifier to the character’s armor class any
time that character can physically react to an attack. Characters lose their
Run: In this case movement is quadrupled. The character is considered dexterity modifier when they are surprised, unaware of an attacker, or when
to be moving very fast. As with normal movement, the character can take they are restrained or otherwise rendered immobile.
a half movement at the run rate and attack but take no other full round
action. Shields are a special case. The +1 modifier is used for all shields but, small
shield only offer the bonus against one opponent, medium shields against
two opponents and large shields against three opponenets.
Charging: To charge, a character must either jog or run in a straight line
in the direction of the enemy. They must expend at least one half their run
or jog movement points. Ranged Combat
A successful charge has two effects: a bonus to damage if a successful hit Ranged combat is much like melee combat except it occurs with ranged
is scored and a penalty to armor class for the one charging. In a charge, weapons. The differences are that for all ranged weapons, the to hit
a successful hit gives a +2 to damage but a -4 to armor class for the modifier is not the strength bonus but the dexterity bonus. Magical bonuses
remainder of the round. If the charge takes place such that an opponent apply as well as any situational modifiers deemed necessary. There are no
has an opportunity to swing due to length of weapon, the opponent gets backstab or back attack bonuses for ranged weapons.
to swing with the armor class adjustment for the charger. If a successful hit
There are two type of ranged weapons, hand thrown or thrust and
is made, the charge attack is negated, though the movement and normal
mechanically driven. Hand thrown weapons are those whose momentum
attack is still allowed.
and distance cast are dependent upon a character’s strength. These include
javelins, daggers and spears. Mechanically driven weapons are those whose
Melee momentum and thrust are dependent on the mechanism which propels
them forward such as crossbows and bows. When a successful hit is scored
Melee occurs after characters have closed for combat and one or both with a thrown weapon, the strength bonus is added to damage. Mechanical
swings to hit an opponent for damage. Melee consists of several steps. It devices do not receive this bonus.
is important to note that the to hit roll does not necessarily represent one
swing, rather, it represents several swings either one of which may deal a Ranged weapons also have range increments listed in the weapons chart.
damaging blow or a series of small blows that cause damage. There is close, medium and far ranges. Modifiers to hit apply to each range
increment. If the target is in the medium range, a -2 to hit applies and if at
First, the character swinging rolls a d20 to hit. To this result, minimally, the long range a -4 to hit applies.
class’ bonus to hit is added. If applicable, many variables are added to the die
roll. These include but are not limited to: strength bonus, magical weapon
bonus, racial modifiers, class ability modifiers, back attack modifiers, spell Damage
effect modifiers, combat to hit modifiers and situational modifiers. All of Hit Points represent the amount of damage, physical and mental, a
these are covered in their appropriate section of the rules except situational character or monster can take before passing out or dying. Hit points are
modifiers and combat to hit modifiers which are covered below. reduced by weapons damage, magical spells and poisons, amongst other
things.
Situational modifiers are those the Castle Keeper deems appropriate for
the situation. These are often in those situations which are impossible to If a hit is successful, damage is assessed and hit points are reduced. Damage
make rule for and the Castle Keeper must use reason to determine what delivered from a blow by a weapon depends on the weapon being used. The
modifier is applied. For example, should a character be swinging across a weapons chart in the equipment section has all the pertinent information
room on a rope, holding a sword in one hand and decide to take a swing at regarding damage by weapon type. Damage is applied immediately and the
someone he is passing over, the Castle Keeper must decide the appropriate results are immediate. If a character or monster dies as a result of the damage
modifier to hit. inflicted, it gets no opportunity to swing, cast spells or anything else.
In general, situational to hit modifiers can be broken down into three
categories: hard, difficult and heroic. For tasks that are hard, up to a -5 can Combat Maneuvers
be subtracted from the die roll and for those that are difficult up to a -10 is Players try all manner of inventive actions during combat. It is impossible
subtracted from the die roll. For heroic actions up to a -20 can be added but to enumerate and describe all the possibilities and it is unproductive to try
modifiers in that range should be exceedingly rare if ever even used. The and do so. However, some of the more common combat maneuvers and
instance above is ridiculous but happens in the movies all the time so will their effects are listed below.
probably happen in a game at one time or another. An applicable modifier
would be between -4 and -8. Dodge: A character can dodge up to three attacks in a round sacrificing
their own attack. They gain a +2 to their armor class.
After adding or subtracting all modifiers from the to hit roll, if the resulting
number is higher than the opponent’s armor class rating, a hit is scored and Disengaging from Combat: The character is allowed to take a half
damage applied. move with no attack and normal armor class. The attacker can follow. If
the character chooses to take a full move, no attack is allowed and the
combatant receives an extra attack at +2.
Armor Class
Disarm: A fighter, rogue, or cleric can disarm an opponent. The character
Armor class is the defensive capacity of the opponent. It takes into account must successfully hit an armor class equivalent to the HD or level of the
an active defense (aware of the combatant), armor worn and a general opponent +18 to successfully disarm him (example, a fighter would need
ability to withstand attacks. It does not represent armor alone. It can also 23 to disarm a 5 hit dice creature). The opponent receives a dexterity
include the toughness of hide or a natural ability to avoid being hit - like a bonus, if applicable, to his rating.
fly. Armor class is primarily determined by the armor worn though as this
offers the most immediate protection. Rear Attack: Attacking a defender from behind gives the attacker a
+1 bonus to hit. The thief does not get to add this to his back attack bonus.
Armor class starts at 10 and goes up as high as modifiers allow. A monsters

18 CASTLES & CRUSADES

THE WIZARD’S TOWER prisoner in the uppermost chamber of his own tower, bound in
a stupor. He lives, but exists in a state of suspended animation,
The Witch’s Tower, designed for 3-5 characters with a challenge only growing older, but needing little or no sustenance. What
level of 2, is playable in one session. It involves a simple tower he does need she supplies in the smallest quantities possible to
located in any village or town of the Castle Keeper’s choosing. keep him alive.
Though conceived as a tower sitting upon a cliff face, the
adventure is highly portable so that the Castle Keeper can move As master of the tower she has begun to use it as a base to haunt
it to a forest, desert, swamp or any terrain they wish. Simply the townsfolk, causing mischief through spreading secrets she
change the opening descriptive text to better reflect the desired has learned through spying, robbing them, killing their animals
locale and make the winding stair a meandering path. and most recently murdering some of them through ‘sitting
upon their chest’. This latter is a form of haunting where the
Upon a promontory overlooking the town of Lead Hill stands witch takes the form of a shade, enters the victim’s home, settles
the Meadow Tower. A mage by the name of Andru Meadow in and around their person, and torments them in their dreams.
had the tower constructed some years past. He used it for his She allows the victim to breath her in where she eventually
residence as well as laboratory and study. Andru served the suffocates them. The victims are found with a look of pained
Lead Hill community for many years, using his sorcery to aid horror upon their faces, the sure sign of a witch’s visit.
the town whenever they needed it, whether from marauding
bandits, wandering monsters or the more mundane tasks of Upon learning of this the characters can offer to take up the
building bridges and making it rain. challenge of exploring the tower or the villagers will hire them,
offering up to 1000gp to root on the witch.
Some years later Andru married a comely woman who he met
on his many adventures. They seemed much taken with each BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE
other and the wizard came to town less and less. Many believed The characters find themselves passing through the town and
that the well minded wizard was well served in his new-found staying in the only inn in town, the Neighbor’s Mill. Here
happiness and left him to his own devices. they find a very excited clientele who are all talking about the
previous evening’s occurrence.
INTRODUCTION
One of the patrons is leaning against the fire place speaking
Several years passed however, and Andru stopped coming to
quite forcefully. He has much of the townsfolk lending an ear.
town altogether. He was very soon missed and though some
delegations were sent to find out where he was they were It’s a plague I tell you! That woman is no more his wife
answered by the comely woman who instructed them that than I’m my own mother’s prized milk cow! She’s a
Andru was involved in a very complicated sorcery and that he witch. I’ve seen her, you’ve seen her. She haunts these
asked that he not be disturbed. She managed to put them off but streets and preys upon our livestock. She’s the cause of
they were very suspicious, for in the course of much town gossip our secrets being out and the cause of old lady Marian’s
and over the fence finger wagging the villagers discovered that death. This I know. I helped bury Marian just a few days
Andru had never told them her name nor had she freely given ago. That look on her face . . . only the terror of a witch
it. None in fact knew who she was or even her place of origin. can bring that on. And I’ve tried to go up there, don’t you
know, but something’s on that road, some evil creature
Soon thereafter a minor plague of evil struck the village. At
haunts those winding stairs. A demon I tell you, you
first simple items were stolen, later animals and later still more
can’t get passed it. She’s got our mage, probably killed
valuable items, gold, jewelry and the like. Recently several
him long ago, and she’s now spreading her evil to town!
murders have happened in town. The villagers have begun to
suspect that a witch is plaguing them for on several occasion The speaker goes on and the crowd talks about it quite some
townsfolk have seen a bent-over hag of horrific design moving until any of the characters express any kind of interest, at which
through the darkened streets; still others have seen the wife point they press them to explore the tower and find out of the
of Andru Meadows, alone and without escort, looking into mage lives and the witch is real.
peoples windows.
The town sheriff is very supportive, offering to bring out a
FOR THE CASTLE KEEPER bounty of 1000gp for pay. The sheriff also supplies them with a
key to the tower, given to him by Andru for safe keeping in case
In point of fact Andru has become a prisoner in his own home. he locked himself out of the tower.
Upon his last adventure he met Erza the Witch. Upon seeing
the young man Erza disguised herself as a young, comely woman. If asked why he doesn’t go to the tower he conjures many
Upon learning of his tower and the village it protected she reasons, from the water in his knee has been acting up to he’s
charmed him only a little, for he was quite smitten with her. She trying to lose some weight so that his armor will permit to climbs
convinced him to take her as his wife and bring her to his home. the steep tower stairs.
He willingly did so. Once ensconced in the tower the witch,
through a series of potions and elixers, slowly ensorcelled him, If the characters take up the challenge the adventure begins by
binding him to her so that even he did not know it. He is now a crossing a shallow river over an old stone bridge on a trade road.

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 19

Just off the road on the far side of the bridge is a path that leads As the stair gives way the tower looms before you. It
to a winding stair. stands upon a narrow ledge overlooking the town in
the valley far below. It is straight, round and well made.
THE WINDING STAIR A large stained-glass window, some 20 feet above,
dominates the tower. At the top of the tower are several
The path snakes through a forested area for about a quarter
more windows, these are open. The tower is quiet and
of a mile where it ends at the foot of a stair. This stair is made
still. The grounds around it, once lush and well tended
of good, solid stone work, but it has been untended for some
are empty gardens now of rock and stone, weeds and
time. Though it is not cracked or broken, they are darkened,
bramble.
stained with dead moss and lichen. Brown, dead weeds, and
deep, brittle-bladed grass grows along the path. The tower itself is 60 feet high and roughly 40 feet wide at the
base. It has a simple closed staircase that runs up the center of
The stairs have an enchantment placed upon them. Anyone
the tower with doors that exit onto each level. The doors are all
looking up the stairs must make a successful intelligence save
metal, though they have locks, only the door to the upper room
(CL 4) or they see the stair as a steep, narrow path that clings
where the witch is living is locked.
to the side of the hill. All their actions going forward, until they
arrive at the flat ground before the tower are at a -1, to include Climbing the Tower
initiative, to hit, damage and all attribute checks.
It requires a successful dexterity check (CL 4) to climb the
Climbing the stairs is not particularly difficult but it does take tower.
the better part of an hour to go up the thousand or so feet to
the tower door. Roof
A hatch leads to the roof. It is locked with a sliding bar. Normally
Note: Those who failed their intelligence save from above are the hatch is impossible to open from the outside, however,
constantly checking themselves, trying to keep from falling. Ask Andru has built a small catch in the floor next to it and hidden.
them to roll several dexterity saves as they go up, though they This secret catch allows someone from above to open the hatch.
should not fall unless they roll a 1 or 2. To discovered the hidden catch requires a successful spot check
(CL 2).
The stair is guarded by two lemures, devils who consort with
the witch. They are sitting astride the stairs about half way up.
TOWER ENTRY
Reaper Miniature Note: For this encounter use Paul Muller’s Area 1 Entryway
fantastic Lemurs, product code 77326.
The door is locked from the inside. The hag, though she does
Lemures (These lawful evil creature’s vital stats are HD 2d8, not suspect anyone is approaching, is fearful of being surprised.
AC 13, HP 14. They have no primary attributes. They attack The characters of course should have the key to the tower. If
with two claws for 1d2 or a bite for 1d4 points of damage. note the lock can be picked on a CL of 2.
They can attack three times in one round, and attack up to two
opponents without penalty. These creatures are huge, filled with This room comprises one half the total bottom of the tower. It
the pus that is the echo of their own evil. They are able, once has a fire place, built into the wall, one large table with 8 chairs
every 3 rounds, to shake their heads so violently that the pus around it, a cupboard filled with mugs, plates, and silver war. A
comes out in a spray. It covers an area 5 feet to either side of the large bear skin rug lies upon the floor; several animal skin rugs
lemur. Anyone struck by the bile suffers 1 point of damage and cover most of it. The room is warm but has not been used in
must make a constitution save or be stunned for 1 round due to some time, or so it appears. There are three doors in the room.
the stench and taste of it. A successful dexterity save avoids the Two of them lead to Area 2 Kitchen and the 3rd to the stairs
bile entirely.) that lead up the tower’s center.

Once defeated the creatures are driven from the plane and back Area 2 Kitchen
to hell. They howl and scream as they do so, alerting the witch Both doors open up to the kitchen. This room is in complete
above. shambles, pots and pans on the floor, the cook fire ashes all over
the place, food, much of it half eaten upon the counter tops and
Treasure: the Lemures have slain one other who approached the floor and all manner of utensils scattered all about. A large brick
tower. It is a rogue. His body is much devoured and half rotted. oven, with venting leading into the wall puts off a tremendous
It lays just off the path. He has a small stone in his pocket. It is amount of heat, making the room almost suffocating.
worn smooth. The stone is a good luck stone, anyone who has it
gains a +1 all attribute checks and saving throws. The witch’s servants, Bael and Baels live here. These imps serve
her as cooks and have made the kitchen their home. They keep
THE TOWER the oven burning to remind them of their home plane where heat
is more commonplace. The imps are evil and have been robbing
The stairs give way to a small, open, rocky ledge. The ledge at
the witch for some time. They hav stored a small treasure trove
one time had some gardens on it but these are long gone.
of items in the kitchen, all hidden inside a covered pot, pushed

20 CASTLES & CRUSADES

up under the butcher block: a ruby ring worth 300gp, a potion The door opens into 6a a small lavatory, complete with a toilet
of healing (1d8), an armband of protection +1 and 200gp in a that has a permanent dimension door cast upon its bowl. What
pouch. goes in drops into the woods some 100 feet outside the tower.

The imp will not attack the party unless discovered; even then The larger room, 6, is the wizard’s private quarters. A huge
it attempts to flee. If the treasure is taken however, the imp king-size bed dominates the center of the room. An open chest
follows the party and harasses them with tricks and traps for the stands at the foot of the bed. Much of its contents, clothing and
rest of their lives if need be. It does not warn the hag nor help personal items, have been cast about the floor. Another large
her if she is attacked, wishing her death more than anything animal-hid rug lies on the floor in front of a long unused fire
else. place. Personal items abound, several cloaks on pegs, as well as
hats, drinking mug on the floor and so forth.
Reaper Miniature Note: For this encounter use Gene Van
Horne’s cool Imps, product code 06180. There are signs of a struggle in the room. The bed is ruffled and
messed up, sheets lying on the floor and some dried blood stains
Imp (These lawful evil creature’s vital stats are HD 1d8, AC the floor next to the door.
15, HP 7. Their primary attributes are physical and mental.
They attack with a bite for 1d4 points of damage and a stinger The struggle did not occur between the witch and the wizard,
for 1 point of damage. They are able to turn invisible, have an but rather between the witch and the mimic that guarded the
SR of 3 and regenerate 1 hit point per round. Their stinger has a room. This creature attacked the witch when she entered the
poison barb that can cause a further 2 points of damage.) room without the wizard, but she killed it with one of her elixirs.
The bottle of which lies on the floor.
Area 3 Upper Living Room
The stairway door opens into this room. The room is lavishly AREA 7 LABORATORY
decorated with tapestries on the walls, rugs upon the floor, and On the steps leading up to the next and final floor, just before
several torch laden wall sconces. A large, ornate table dominates the laboratory is a small bottle lying on its side.
one side of the room and several cushioned couches and chairs
the other side. It is obvious that the room is some type of living Magic Bottle: Lying in front of the door is a bright blue bottle.
room or den, probably used to entertain guests. The lid is off, but attached to the bottle’s neck by a chain. A
small amount of liquid remains in the bottle as well as a small
There is plenty of valuables in the room, the heavy tapestries, pellet. The pellet is in the neck of the bottle, not touching the
and ornate furniture, far too heavy to move about and easily liquid. If the pellet does touch the liquid is immediately turned
steal. The room is largely undisturbed. to a gas and pours out of the bottle. Anyone within 15 feet of the
bottle must make a successful dexterity save or suffer 1d6 points
AREA 4 GUEST ROOM of damage from the gas. The gas is a concoction made of plant
The door opens up on a simple guest room. A bed, well made, extract and can be neutralized. The bottle can be checked for
though dirty, stands against the inner wall. A large chest sits traps and discovered (CL 2) with a successful dexterity check.
at the foot of the bed. Several large animal skin rugs cover the
floor. A huge stained-glass window, the same that overlooks This room itself is in shambles, utterly destroyed, tables
the valley below, dominates the room. The morning sun shines overturned, benches broken, jars and other glass ware shattered
through the sun capturing the image of wizards and monster, on the floor. Extensive fire damage marks the walls so that little
that slowly scrawl across the floor as the morning wanes. remains that is useful. Three large windows look over the room;
the glass that once covered them is broken and lies upon the
The room has little of value in it. The stained glass itself depicts floor.
an image of the White Mage in an epic battle with a hydra.
There is nothing of value here. The witch has destroyed it all.
AREA 5 STUDY
AREA 8 ANDRU’S PRISON
This room is Andru’s study. In the center is a large desk with
several papers upon it, a number of scientific instruments, This room was once Andru’s Star Chamber. Here he sat in quiet
ink well (now dry) and a 5-sconce candelabra. Someone has contemplation, the windows overlooking the village below. He
rifled through the desk and several drawers are open. Yet more charted the stars and watched the moon pass through the still
animal-hide rugs cover the floor, large bears with thicker fur. nights. It is now his prison.
Several book shelves line the wall disorganized and pilfered, The door opens to a foul stench. It smells of swamp
many of them thrown about the room, scorched, or otherwise grass and foul rot. Within a strange site greets you. A
damaged. Several shelves stand completely empty. man sitting upon a large ornate chair, staring at you
with a hollow gaze. His hair is long, flowing down his
AREA 6 ANDRU’S BEDROOM shoulders, even to the floor. His finger nails are long
The two doors to this room are locked and have been for some too, coiled about themselves. His skin on his hands and
time. face, the only portion of his flesh that is visible, is pale

THE WIZARD’S TOWER 21

 and almost translucent. His robes are ragged and thread characters enter the room, keeping them from attacking her.
bare. Whether dead or alive it is impossible to say. She will drink the protection from arrows as they enter the
Standing next to him is a beautiful woman, dressed in room. She has put the haste potion in a mug. She will drink this
a flowing gown of white silks. Her golden hair is pulled just before she attacks them.
back from her face and with eyes filled with both fear
and longing she addresses you. “Thank the gods for your The room is filled with the loot she has stolen from the tower,
coming. That foul witch below has kept us here for so the town and her other depredations. It consists of all manner
very long. And it seems you have slain her!” of items: 200gp, 500sp, 12pp, +1 dagger of venom and a ring of
alter self. She also has 5 potions that she will use in battle: haste,
This is of course the witch. She is only buying time to drink her protection from arrows, paralysis (she keeps this one brewed to
potions before she attacks. She drinks the sanctuary potion first. feed to the wizard), cure light wounds, and sanctuary.

Erza, Witch(This lawful evil creature’s vital stats are HD Her true form is of a homely, middle aged woman with long,
2d8, AC 19, HP 16. Her primary attributes are mental and dark hair. He face is lined with deep furroughs and wrinkles.
physical. She attacks with 2 claws for 1d4 points of damage
each. She can shape shift into a shadow form three times a day. Andru Meadow is still alive and once the hag dies or the
In this incorporeal form her movement is slowed to 10 feet. characters drive her off he slowly comes out of his stupor. He is
After 2 rounds of uttering incantations she is able to fly 60ft. amazed that so much time has passed, but eternally grateful to
per round. To do this she needs some item to help balance her. the characters, offering them to freely take any items that the
She is able to speak with the dead and brew potions.) hag had gathered up whether they had been his once or not.
His spell books are the only exception. These the hag never
Note: the witch drinks the sanctuary potion before the found for he hides them in a small pocket dimension hidden in
the forest.

22 CASTLES & CRUSADES

 OGL
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This book is published under the Open Game License version 1.0a by permission of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The Open Game
Content appearing in this book is derived from the System Reference Document v 3.0, 5.Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as
copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/or
You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.
Designation of Open Game Content: The following is designated Open Game
6.Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion
Content: all stat block information of characters, monsters, and traps that appears in the
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content related words, phrases, and abbreviations wherever they appear: Strength (Str),
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Class, Fighter, Ranger, Rogue, Assassin, Barbarian, Monk, Wizard, Illusionist, Cleric, as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner
Druid, Knight, Bard, Paladin, Race, Demi-human, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Half-Elf, Halfling, of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability
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Designation of Product Identity: Product identity is not Open Game Content. The following portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.
is designated as product identity pursuant to OGL v1.0a(1)(e) and (7): (A) product and product 9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated
line names and other names, including Castles & Crusades, C&C, Castle Keeper (CK), Castles & versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy,
Crusades: Player’s Handbook, Castles & Crusades: Monsters and Treasures, Castles & Crusades: modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version
Castle Keeper’s Guide, Into the Unknown: Vakhund (B) logos, identifying marks, and trade dress; of this License.
(C) all artwork, logos, symbols, graphic designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, 10 Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of
themes and graphic, photographic and other visual representations; (D) logos and trademarks, the Open Game Content You Distribute.
including Castles & Crusades, Castle Keeper, SIEGE engine, and Troll Lord Games, any and all
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which specifically excludes the open game content; (E) the story, storylines, plots, thematic elements, Contributor to do so.
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proper names of the characters, creatures, groups, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial
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game content above, as well as places, locations, settings, and environments and their descriptions affected.
and other accompanying text, though not their stat blocks. 13 Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with
All text, artwork, and maps appearing in this book is property of and copyright 2007 Troll all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the
Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. Castles & Crusades, C&C, Castle Keeper, Troll Lord breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License.
Games, and the Castles & Crusades and Troll Lord Games logos, and products published 14 Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such
by Troll Lord Games are Trademarks of Troll Lord Games. All Rights Reserved. provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a 15 COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Open Game License v 1.0 Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved. System Reference Document Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc; Authors Jonathan Tweet,
Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
1. Definitions: (a)”Contributors” means the copyright and/or trademark owners who Castles & Crusades: Players Handbook, Copyright 2004, Troll Lord Games; Authors Davis
have contributed Open Game Content; (b)”Derivative Material” means copyrighted material Chenault and Mac Golden.
including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation,
Castles & Crusades: Players Handbook, 2nd printing, Copyright 2006, Troll Lord Games; Authors
modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or Davis Chenault and Mac Golden.
other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) “Distribute”
means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise Castles & Crusades: Players Handbook, 3rd printing, Copyright 2007, Troll Lord Games; Authors
distribute; (d)”Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and includes the methods, Davis Chenault and Mac Golden.
procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Castles & Crusades: Players Handbook, 4th printing, Copyright 2009, Troll Lord Games; Authors
Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Davis Chenault and Mac Golden.
Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including Castles & Crusades: Players Handbook, 5th printing, Copyright 2011, Troll Lord Games; Authors
translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. Davis Chenault and Mac Golden.
(e) “Product Identity” means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks
Castles & Crusades: Players Handbook, 6th printing, Copyright 2014, Troll Lord Games; Authors
including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, Davis Chenault and Mac Golden.
dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses,
concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names Castles & Crusades: Monsters & Treasure, Copyright 2005, Troll Lord Games; Authors Robert
and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and Doyel and Stephen Chenault.
special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural Castles & Crusades: Monsters & Treasure, 2nd printing, Copyright 2007, Troll Lord Games; Authors
abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered Robert Doyel and Stephen Chenault.
trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which Castles & Crusades: Monsters & Treasure, 3rd printing, Copyright 2009, Troll Lord Games; Authors
specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the logos, names, mark, Robert Doyel and Stephen Chenault.
sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated
Castles & Crusades: Monsters & Treasure, 4th printing, Copyright 2009, Troll Lord Games; Authors
products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” Robert Doyel and Stephen Chenault.
means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative
Material of Open Game Content. (h) “You” or “Your” means the licensee in terms of this Castles & Crusades Castle Keepers Guide, Copyright 2010, Troll Lord Games; Author Davis
agreement. Chenault. & Stephen Chenault.

2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a Castles & Crusades Castle Keepers Guide, 2nd Printing, Copyright 2015, Troll Lord Games; Author
Davis Chenault. & Stephen Chenault.
notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of
this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No Castles & Crusades The Wizard’s Tower and Basic Rules Set 2017, Troll Lord Games; Author Stephen
terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License Chenault.
itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed
using this License.
3.Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your
acceptance of the terms of this License.
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the
Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with
Insert Name
Chaotic neutral, 2nd level halfling rogue with halfling traits.
Vital stats: HD 2d6, AC 15, and HP 9.
Primary attributes: dexterity and wisdom.
Attributes: strength 14, dexterity 17, constitution 15, wisdom 12, intelligence 14, and charisma 9.
Wears leather armor and carries a short sword (1d6); he also carries a hand axe (1d4) and cross bow with 20 bolts (1d4); sundry gear
such as thieves tool, 50’ rope, food and water, and has 40gp.

Insert Name
Neutral good 2nd level dwarf fighter with dwarven traits.
Vital stats: HD 2d10, HP 17, and AC 17.
Primary attributes: strength and constitution.
Attributes: strength 15, constitution 16, dexterity 9, wisdom 14, intelligence 13, and charisma 12.
Wears chain mail, medium shield, longsword (1d8); dagger (1d4) and spear (1d6); possesses sundry gear such as back pack, rope,
food and water as well as 20gp worth of jewelry and coin.

Insert Name
Chaotic good 3rd level elven cleric with elven traits.
Vital stats: HD 3d8, HP 21, and AC 14.
Primary attributes: wisdom and dexterity.
Attributes: strength 16, dexterity 16, constitution 10, intelligence 11, wisdom 18, and charisma 14.
Wears leather armor, and carries mace (1d8); also has a small war hammer (1d6) and sundry gear such as holy symbol, tinder box,
bandages, food, and water, a potion of healing (1d8), and 24gp worth of jewelry and coin.
Spells: 0-Level detect evil, first aid, light, purify food and drink; 1st level: cure light wounds, shield of faith; 2nd-Level: spiritual
weapon

Insert Name
Chaotic neutral 3rd level human wizard.
Vital stats: HD 3d4, HP 10, and AC 13.
Prime attributes: dexterity, intelligence, and wisdom.
Attributes: strength 12, dexterity 18, constitution 10, wisdom 14, intelligence 17, and charisma 18.
Wears cloak, normal clothes. Carries a dagger (1d4) and a staff (1d6). Also has mapping equipment and 25gp in coin and finery.
Spells: 0-Level: arcane mark, detect magic, mage hand, open/close. prestidigitation; 1st-Level: feather fall, shocking grasp, spider
climb; 2nd-level: enhance attribute.

24 CASTLES & CRUSADES