OGL / SRD (2.

0)
Creator & Writer Editing Playtesters
Chris Tavares Dias Christopher Peregrin Stilson James Bahng, Kenny Bailey, Bo
Dannefaer, Chris Brown, Bo Danne-
RULES DEVELOPMENT Interior Illustrations faer, Chris Dias, George Harpster,
Chris Tavares Dias, Christopher Nick Greenwood, M. Wayne Miller Michael McMullen, William Miller,
Peregrin Stilson, Chris Brown Reggie Rocheleau, Brian Rubinfeld,
Logo Designs Christopher Peregrin Stilson, Mitch-
Cover Layout Nick Greenwood le Van Tassell, FrenziedRat
Joshua Raynack Tealeaf, Conan Veitch, Grayson
Military Advisor Walker, Nicole Wickum, Carter
Cover Illustration Geoffrey Lamb Ziemer
Nick Greenwood
RULES Advisor
Cartography Chris Brown
Jeremy Simmons

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5. Representation of Authority to Contrib- for You to comply with any of the terms of and SRD. Ultramodern5 is fully compati-
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13 Termination: This License will termi-
6. Notice of License Copyright: You must nate automatically if You fail to comply All new rules presented in this file are con-
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to Use any Product Identity, including as Open Game License v 1.0 Copyright 2000,
an indication as to compatibility, except as Wizards of the Coast, Inc. System Rules
 munition, Burst Fire, and Reload. Damage types carry over
as well, with energy weapons inflicting either force or radi-
Ultramodern5—or U5—is a supplement designed to offer ant damage. However, additional rules have been added to
classes, backgrounds, feats, skills, rules, equipment, and better define lasers and railguns as well as plasma and nu-
opponents for settings outside of traditional ones involving clear weapons.
dragons and dungeons, though still employing 5th Edition Damage Output. The one obvious observation is that
rules. This book is an expansion of the core 5E rules and damage dice listed in Ultramodern5 are significantly re-
thus does not reprint material from core books required for duced from those firearms in official 5E publications and
play. are more in line for regular weapons in 5E. This is because
Ultramodern5 utilizes the 5th edition (5E) of the first the firearms listed are assumed rare in a fantasy world and
fantasy roleplaying game, the defining RPG of the past, also do not function with fantasy class abilities. With Ultra-
current, and most likely next generation. The core books modern5, classes are designed to work with firearms, great-
of that edition are required. This book was crafted utiliz- ly increasing their damage based on who is using the
ing those core 5E books and no others, as to not make the weapon. This falls in line with traditional 5E philosophy
necessary list longer than needed. and prevents low-level characters from being overpowered.
Although numerous rules are referenced from these Critical Area Effects. Area effects within Ultramodern5
core books, only a few are reprinted or redefined. A few are not magical and are mostly imposed from explosives
rules (specifically referencing firearms) are expanded up- and automatic weapons laying down suppressive fire. This
on, but the original 5E rules are not altered. This book results in targets making saving throws rather than being
creates original material within the same rules structure attacked directly. As weapons do not scale like spells do,
while also attempting to honor the original game’s philoso- there is an additional rule regarding non-spell saving
phy. All rules contained within this book are considered throws that characters impose on opponents
Open Content; all settings and definitions not related to If an opponent rolls a natural 1 against a character-
game mechanics are considered closed content. imposed area effect involving explosives or firearms, the
target suffers additional damage equal to weapon’s damage
dice (the same as rolling a critical hit). This does not apply
to area effects against player characters.
Ultramodern5 takes pride in its lack of fundamental For example, if you roll 2d6+4 with burst fire, and the
changes to core 5E philosophy. Generally, this book aims target rolls a natural 1, roll another 2d6 damage.
to add functionality and variety rather than alter how the
core game works (until reaching the optional UltraMax
rules). For example, core 5E books include rudimentary
rules regarding firearms—Ultramodern5 supplements In traditional 5th Edition rules, classes represent defined
those mechanics. fantasy archetypes. The type of story that Ultramodern5
seeks to emulate calls for characters defined less by their
role and more by their background and talents. Therefore,
a character’s capabilities are derived from two sources: a
There are new classes presented in Ultramodern5, and ladder that determines their general traits, outlook and
although similar in build to those in official 5th Edition disposition, and a class that defines their vocational abili-
licensed products, readers will notice a few notable excep- ties.
tions. You choose a ladder at character generation, gaining an
Firstly, all U5 classes have martial archetype options, initial level 1 ability. You can neither change your ladder
and unlike their fantasy counterparts, offer these options at nor multi-class into another ladder. There are no prerequi-
the same levels. Archetypes are no longer bound to specif- sites for ladders, but having high values in the ladder’s key
ic classes, meaning you can feasibly match any class to any abilities will certainly help. When you reach a level where
archetype. you can select either an ability score improvement or a
There are also classes that are not combat-based—their feat, you can gain an ability from your ladder instead.
power is not in how much damage they inflict, but how Unlike classes, which fill specific roles, ladders are
they can alter the course of a story. based on what you are and how you live your life. These
include various mental and physical disciplines as well as
natural talents. Although some classes and ladders obvi-
ously complement each other, any ladder can be combined
Firearms have been greatly expanded from traditional 5E with any class. Ladders are generic in their benefits.
mechanics, though those rules still apply, including Am-

4
 lifepath system where virtually every facet of a character’s
life can be determined. Instead of selecting a single back-
Some races, gear, and certainly mecha are listed with level ground and rolling on a handful of tables for personality
adjustment. When calculating encounter difficulty, the and motivations, there are now dozens of tables to work
GM should add the adjustment to the character’s level from, including ones where windfall or tragedy is only a
when determining appropriate challenges. This does not dice roll away.
affect the XP rewards of an encounter, which use the PCs’
normal, unmodified levels. All modifiers are cumulative
but only ones that directly apply to the encounter; while a
Large robot race carries a +1 level adjustment, if that same Spellcraft in Ultramodern5 shifts away from standard
robot sits inside +5 level mecha, the +1 for being Large no “Vancian” magic and presents a system focused on natural
longer applies (as it is inside a mecha which dictates its sources of energy, psionics, and possessing inanimate ob-
own size). jects or vehicles. Additionally, new magic items are intro-
For example, if all four members of a party (levels 3, 3, duced revolving around enchanted technology.
2, and 4) possess +5 Level mecha, their levels are 8, 8, 7,
and 9, putting a Medium Difficulty Encounter at 3,650
(900+900+750+1,100). However, after building that en-
counter, actual XP rewards for defeating it are 650 Mecha are large automated or piloted machines—while
(150+150+100+250) or 163 per character. resembling armor, they are more akin to vehicles. This can
This system does mean that a high-level adjusted char- include transformable cars, colossal towering robots, and
acter may bring the total experience down for a group, es- spacecraft. This system deviates the most from standard
pecially if only one or two characters utilize that function. 5E as it includes advanced rules regarding hit location and
Optionally, a GM may decide to increase other characters’ damage effects.
levels to compensate, or award the proper unadjusted XP,
but then when reaching the outlier character, reduce her
XP share to appropriate character level (these options,
however, may have the unintentional effect of making ad- Many of the games set in a semi-modern, modern, or futur-
justed characters less appealing to players). istic setting will assume all player characters are human.
For example, as before, only this time only one member This does remove one level of choice from character gener-
(a 3rd level) possesses +5 Level mecha, with the other char- ation. The human race entry has, therefore, been expand-
acter level at 8, 7, and 9, putting a Medium Difficulty En- ed with optional rules to allow more customization. These
counter still at 3,650 (900+900+750+1,100). However, this include adding genetic traits and natural skills that distin-
time, split the XP evenly (913 XP each), except the outlier guish one character from the rest. Additionally, we are of-
has her XP reduced to as indicated in the previous example fering new races from various different settings from an-
(163). droids to aliens.
Level adjustments can be omitted if game balance is
not an issue. Some bonuses may appear to require level
adjustments as they improve a character over the baseline, Several classes (like the heavy) can activate specific class
but if the effect is mostly situational or “story-based,” a abilities by spending movement. When spending move-
level adjustment is not necessary in practice. It is always ment, reduce your speed that turn by the listed amount. If
up to the GM’s discretion. Additionally, some level adjust- the required amount is your entire speed, you cannot use
ments are listed as +0.5. These round down, so they are that ability and move that same turn. If the cost is higher
only counted if a character incurs another +0.5 adjustment. than your available speed that turn, you cannot use that
ability. The movement required must be spent on a single
Editorial. Level adjustment was, admittedly, one turn and cannot be broken up between turns. If the move-
of the least popular elements of the original d20 ment cost is less than your available speed, you can still
system. However, the alternative creates a situa- move, but your available speed will be reduced by the abil-
tion where a group of low-level PCs accelerates ity’s cost.
unrealistically through character progression. It
makes a game unfun. To avoid the system chafing
for unadjusted players, if any character makes use
of the system, all players should be encouraged to Hit dice are a repository of available dice that can be rolled
do so as much as possible. during a short and long rest to recover hit points. They can
also be spent during combat to activate particular class abil-
ities. If a class ability requires you to spend hit dice to acti-
vate that ability, the stated number of hit dice are lost
Backgrounds have been heavily revised. Though you are (unless otherwise mentioned). You cannot recover hit
welcome to select any background from any officially li- points with them, even if you are told to roll those dice.
censed product, you can also take your chances with the

5
This reduces the number of available hit dice to spend
during a short rest until you recover them normally during This level covers the entirety of civilized history until the
a long rest. early industrial era, stopping before the harnessing of elec-
tric power: everything from the discovery of the wheel to
its use in manufacturing.
Batteries don't list charges, the items they are paired with Vehicles. Gliders or basic aero forms. Both ground and
do. If one isn't listed, then then the lifespan is considered aircraft are limited to archaic steam power.
permanent unless disrupted by an EMP. We don't explicit- Weapons. All weapons rely on chemical propellants
ly explain these rules as it is explained in the standard with simple loading mechanisms. The blunderbuss and
PHB regarding reloading. So, “20-M” means it requires an musket are examples.
M cell and that it offers 20 charges. Medical. Natural healing. TL0 benefits more from re-
discovered human knowledge about biology than the tools
that were developed consequently. Surgery can cure most
wounds, but recovery can last a while.
There has been some confusion over our use of the term Similarity. Up to the mid-18th century.
“free action”. This is technically not defined in 5E, though
it is seen in previous editions. We have implemented it
here as an easy way of communicating when an action can At this level, machines come into their own. Internal com-
be used—In the case of free actions, you can do it any time bustion and steam power have been perfected. Electric
during your turn, and takes technically no time. power and road vehicles are changing the way cities are
built.
Vehicles. Ground vehicles are run off internal combus-
tion and basic electrical systems. The fact they are mass-
In each instance when a character gains a number of uses produced is the real achievement. Aircraft are flown by
of a feature based on an ability score modifier (whether it manual controls and receive propulsion from propellers.
be ladders, classes, or archetypes), such as the infiltrator’s Weapons. Bolt action rifles and revolvers. Cartridge-fed
Procedural Memory ability on Page 75, the minimum num- firearms are becoming more common.
ber of uses gained is always 1. Medical. The implementation of the scientific method
and laboratory research has resulted in vaccines and the
basics of genetic engineering. Drugs have become com-
Previously, tech levels (or TL) were indicated to list how monplace.
advanced gear is. It has been narrowed slightly in this up- Similarity. 19th to early 20th Century.
dated book to specifically refer to a standard tech level
without any assumptions of setting. GMs are no longer re-
quired to set a single tech level for their game. A GM may At this level, almost every form of technology has integrat-
indicate weapons as TL1, vehicles at TL3 but then allow ed electronics and advanced computer control. Electrifica-
TL5 mecha. As long as it fits the desired theme of the tion is now commonplace, though computers have yet to
game, TLs are just guides. dominate civilization.
An item’s tech level is an indicator of hew advanced its Vehicles. Ground vehicles now sport electronics; some
technology is. Most items have a tech level (TL) of 0, even have climate control and electronic stability. Aircraft
meaning they have no considerable advantage over other now have fly-by-wire, vectored thrust, and vertical-take-off
items. Higher levels involve lasers, magnetics, powered capacity.
armor, and plasma weapons, which are not available in Weapons. Computer tracking and targeting. Infrared
most modern settings. Equipment is listed as having a TL and thermal imaging is available, but not standard. Fire-
of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. If an item doesn’t have an indicated TL, arms haven’t changed but have grown more complicated
it is 0. with advanced reloading and higher firing rates. Advances
Modifications for Tech Level. If setting a game at TL1 in construction make them lighter with larger calibers.
or higher, the cost of gear at that level and all lower levels Medical. Computer diagnostic beds, MRIs, and X-Rays.
(except TL0) is reduced by 50%. While the cost of equip- Similarity. Mid-20th century to the not too distant fu-
ment of a higher TL than the campaign standard should ture.
not increase, the availability of such equipment should be
strictly controlled. The assumed 'default' TL for most U5
games is TL2 (present day-near future). Refinements in the manipulation of magnetic fields and
Cost. If setting a game at TL1 or higher, the cost of energy levels characterize this stage. Computers now con-
gear at that level and lower levels (except TL0) is reduced trol most of civilization and link all its citizens together.
by 50%. Vehicles. Vertical take-off fan craft and wingless jets
keep aircraft aloft, are much more stable, and can fly rings

6
around more primitive craft. Aircraft designs are no longer
dominated by their massive aero forms. Ground vehicles
still use wheels, but now mass transit magnetic vehicles Ultramax is an optional variation to Ultramodern5, which
appear as an alternative. adds more complexity and realism onto traditional 5E. This
Weapons. There will always be bullets, but the rise of involves making targets harder to strike but then making
both railcannons and self-propelled projectiles offer alter- damage more impactful. Although initially planned to be
natives. Laser weaponry in its infancy. Advanced magnet- fully incorporated with the rest of the book, it was decided
ics. Prototype exo-armor appears. to keep it separate to allow GMs the opportunity to imple-
Medical. Most known diseases are curable. Healing ment these rules or not.
time cut to one-third with medical attention. Nanotech
healing isolated in the laboratory.
Similarity. This tech level would appear to be ultra-
high-tech to a 21st-century observer, but still vaguely fa-
miliar.

At this level, energy is almost as freely malleable as matter,

and nanotechnology is ubiquitous.
Vehicles. Robots appear beyond the role of “dumb
tool.” Wheeled traffic virtually nonexistent or, if it exists,
can traverse any terrain. Ramjets shrink and provide mas-
sive thrust in small packages, revolutionizing transportation
outside of magnetic-traffic.
Weapons. Laser weapons “tunable.” Plasma weaponry.
Bolt weapons are outdated.
Medical. Nanotechnology can heal any wounds and
even regenerate limbs.

Any sufficiently advanced technology would be indistin-

guishable from magic…if magic didn’t break sufficiently
advanced technology.
Vehicles. Common antigravity replaces all previous
transportation.
Weapons. Disruptors, vapor rifles, disintegrator wea-
ponry.
Medical. Complete body reconstruction.

Mecha are not listed at a specific tech level because mecha

don’t make sense, scientifically. As it will be repeated
more than once, mecha are an example of useless technolo-
gy—meaning if you developed the technology to create
one as portrayed in fiction, you wouldn’t need to, as pe-
ripheral technology would offer superior alternatives. That
being said, we all love mecha.
As a result, the GM may choose to include mecha at
any tech level, regardless of whether the technology base is
remotely feasible. You can have coal-fired mecha, steam-
powered mecha, mecha that constantly break down be-
cause there’s no money in the department budget to do
proper repairs this month, mecha powered by fusion reac-
tors that use antigravity to fly, mecha built around salvaged
alien technology, even magical mecha. Mecha function
entirely on ‘rule of cool’.

7
 our birth, your genetic background, can only and various other important events.
tell part of the story. Who you become is not Except for Life Moments, which should be rolled,
only based on what you are but who you every other element can be chosen. A life built this way
chose to be. For many traditional 5E publica- is still only a skeleton on which to create fleshed-out
tions, your race determined not only your physical moments that integrate into the setting in question. The
makeup but broad common personality traits. It even GM should alter these pages and the roll results if they
decided elements of your personality, your likes, and don’t mesh well in the established setting.
even who you are supposed to hate. Players are also welcome to ignore the following pag-
Obviously, within even the narrow genetic range of es. If wishing to adhere to the standard rules regarding
humanity, this contracted summation is not only inaccu- backgrounds, it should be noted the ones presented here
rate, but it’s also ignorant and borderline prejudiced. offer considerably less than those listed in official li-
Even the lifepath rules here won’t tell you how to censed products. The player should discuss a selection
play your character. You can juggle your memories how- with the GM to make a background balanced.
ever you wish. They only paint the background colors—
the final work is based on how you decide to act the mo-
ment the first game session begins. Two characters with
similar upbringings may make opposing decisions when These following backgrounds denote where you came
facing the same crisis. from, usually detailing the first few years of your life. It
may not determine your current status, only that which
was given to you upon your birth. You can start wealthy
and lose it all or be born into poverty only to find wealth
through actions rather than luck. It should be noted that
several backgrounds can be integrated together, but you
Characters are created using the same process as the core can only gain the benefits of one. Avoid the instinct to
5th Edition games. You determine ability scores, estab- select the one background most connected to your class
lish dominant modifiers, and select race (see chapter 2) or ladder. People change a lot through their lives, and it
and class (see chapter 5) just as you would in a fantasy may be more interesting to see a rollercoaster of life-
game. All race selections are assumed human unless the changing events rather than a straight line.
GM permits otherwise (see official 5E licensed products
for rules on humans, or use the variant in this book).
Where character creation differs from the standard is You were born into privilege. Regardless if yours is the
with the selection of a background (part of the Lifepath first generation with such wealth or the latest tracking
system below) and a ladder (see chapter 4). back hundreds of years, your early years were not spent
in poverty. If you wanted something, you generally could
get it, regardless of cost or difficulty. This does not as-
sume arrogance or ignorance in the challenge of achiev-
It may not be about where you are, but where you came ing wealth—you are simply one that has always gotten
from. Even then, you are not as easily categorized by a what you wanted. Said fortune can remain with you, or
single word, title, or background. Your life, until this mo- an event later could take it all away, just after you had
ment, cannot be summarized with a single sentence. gotten used to money’s presence.
These following pages allow that individuality. Skill Proficiencies. Deception or Persuasion
To encourage unique character development, back- Tool Proficiencies. One musical instrument
grounds in Ultramodern5 are presented thinly, offering Languages. Two languages of your choice.
little content outside of one’s primary origin, which is Equipment. A set of fine clothes, $200 in a fancy,
then used as a springboard into a customizable lifepath. leather wallet.
You are encouraged to piece together the frequently ran-
dom elements of life into a story of one’s character. Alt-
hough on the surface certain combinations may not make
sense, this should encourage creativity (or the GM can This is not a record of your physical capacity. You may
simply allow you to re-roll). not be strong or even agile. You simply won’t back down
With Ultramodern5’s lifepath, after a player selects a from a fight and have been known to provoke one on
background/origin, which establishes one aspect of a occasion. You can be a flat-out bully or someone always
backstory, the lifepath continues, determining family willing to stand up for themselves or others against any
status, siblings, friends, enemies, romantic couplings, form of oppression. You have been called scrappy, not
always open to instigate an attack but always open to

8
ending one. Unlike other backgrounds, this mentality start-
ed early in school and probably remained with you for the
rest of your life. It’s not a matter of how smart you are but more your choice
Skill Proficiencies. Athletics or Acrobatics to never stifle your curiosity about the world. You always
Languages. One language of your choice asked questions. If parents didn’t satisfy, you pestered
Equipment. A trophy from a fight (official or informal), teachers, and when they failed, you took matters in your
$20 in loose bills, common clothes own hands and embraced books or online sources. Regard-
less of your capacity to solve problems or retain complex
theories, you refused to accept an explanation without evi-
You dabbled in some form of criminal activity, as little as dence. This may act in opposition to your upbringing or
petty theft or as severe as organized crime. This is not as- the environment in which you lived, where ignorance and
suming you enjoyed it or whether or not you were even blind faith can be the norm. This may not lead to a life of
caught. Perhaps you had embraced the life of a career crim- science, but simply one that embraces change.
inal, only for said life to bite you back via a double-cross or Skill Proficiencies. Engineering or Science
jail time. Ignoring such presumption, you could have just Languages. Two languages or your choice
been an irresponsible youth lacking proper education or Equipment. A set of common clothes, a handful of text-
parenting that fell in with the wrong crowd...unless you books, $15 in a wallet
were the ringleader that tempted others. Children make
mistakes—it’s part of growth. What you do now is what
matters. You’ve always appreciated the value of a day’s work. You
Skill Proficiencies. Sleight of Hand or Deception can’t handle sitting in a cubicle. To you, life is not worth
Tool Proficiencies. Thieves’ tools living unless you get your hands dirty. There’s a decent
Languages. One language of your choice chance you were raised on a farm or idolized a parent or
Equipment. Common clothes, $15 of stuff you stole sibling following blue-collar work, a pursuit in mining,
manufacturing, or construction. Perhaps they were a fire-
fighter or a paramedic. Despite a possible lingering fascina-
A large chunk of your early life was spent in prayer, sur- tion with creative arts, a need has been instilled to contrib-
rounded by others that validated your devoutness. Com- ute to society tangibly. You don’t have to be strong, just
panions could have been family members or unrelated fol- committed.
lowers. Maybe you escaped a cult; maybe you are still a Skill Proficiencies. Animal Handling or Athletics
loyal member of a massive society. Were you raised in a Tool Proficiencies. One set of artisan tools
loving family or the victim of fanaticism? Perhaps you Languages. One language of your choice
were given to a monastery where you learned a variety of Equipment. One set of artisan tools, $50 in well-earned
skills, from martial arts to winemaking. While you should money
select a faith (real or fictitious) that you were raised in,
your opinion of that faith or religion in general is unrelated
to the selection of this background. To the detriment of other aspects of your life, you excel
Skill Proficiencies. Religion or Nature overwhelmingly in one talent. It could be something ab-
Languages. One of your choice stract. It could be a sport. It could be a musical instrument.
Equipment. Holy items (if said faith endorses them) You picked up a fascination early in life and thought of
including books and symbols, a set of common clothes nothing else. Thankfully, there was a support structure in
place, allowing you to follow your dream. Someone put the
instrument in your hand, dropped you in front of a comput-
By force or by choice, you have moved from location to er, or paid for your classes. Perhaps your obsession drives
location, following friends or family as they struggled for you to exclude most other desires, or perhaps it is your wel-
income. Regardless of your education level, you acquired come retreat from distractions or complications in your life.
more from your time on the streets than anything learned Skill Proficiencies. Athletics or Performance
from books. Drifting doesn’t always equate to being home- Tool Proficiencies. One musical instrument or one arti-
less—perhaps you lived out of a vehicle or a small apart- sans tool kit
ment. Maybe you have no connections at all and live your Languages. One language
life one day at a time. You may be a runaway or an or- Equipment. One musical instrument or artisan tool kit,
phan—why has yet to be determined. a trophy, $15 in a wallet
Skill Proficiencies. Deception or Survival
Languages. Two languages of your choice
Equipment. A set of common clothes, backpack, bed- You’re an introvert, requiring solitude from time to time.
roll, blanket, $5 in coins You aren’t necessarily a misanthrope; you just can’t handle
other people for long periods. As such, your default stance

9
is to dive into books or in front of a computer. It may go to several times.
further, forcing you to live life as a hermit in a hut or as a
hobo pining his days in a van down by the river. This is
unlikely as you are required to be functional in some way What happened to one or both of your parents?
among other people. This concept could encompass a mo-
Choose or roll 1d20
nastic order, or you could be geek. You are not required to 1-11 Both parents are alive.
create an extravagant reason why you avoid people—you (Go to A2-Status)
could just want to be on your own. You excel when allowed 12-14 Orphan – Your parents are dead.
to act by yourself. (Go to A3-Casualty, then go to A5-Surrogate)
Skill Proficiencies. Computer Use or Investigation 15-17 Abandoned – Your parents are gone, but unlikely
Languages. Two languages of your choice dead.
Equipment. A set of common clothes, a personal com- (Go to A4, then go to A5-Surrogate)
18-20 One parent is absent.
puter, $20 in prepaid cards, $10 in your wallet
(1-10. Mother; 11-20. Father)
(1-10. Go to A3-Casualty; 11-20. Go to A4-Separation)
(Also go to A2-Status)
You don’t consider yourself special—you don’t excel in any
one thing. And yet, you are still a unique and interesting
snowflake. The combination of skills and strengths, de-
What standing are your parents and family in?
spite nothing marking you as the best in the world, still
distinguishes you. You don’t consider yourself average, but Choose or roll 1d20
1-8 Your family has had its highs and lows, but you’ve got
you are aware you’ve never been recognized for much in
nothing to complain about.
your life. You are the one society depends on to be reliable. 9 A bad business deal bankrupted the estate—you’ve
You lack any debilitating psychological traits, but you are got nothing.
also not gifted to outclass those around you. This does not 10 A parent or parents were abusive; you hated them.
assume you will never achieve anything—only that no-one, 11 Your family got swept up in a cult.
including you, has any expectation that you will. 12 Parents doted on either you or a sibling hand and
Skill Proficiencies. Any one skill of your choice foot at the expense of others. There might be re-
Tool Proficiencies. Any one tool or vehicle of your sentment.
choice 13 Unpredictable employment moved your family from
town to town, never establishing roots.
Languages. One language of your choice
14 You lived a bucolic life (on a farm, off the grid).
Equipment. $50 in a wallet—always good to have 15 Your family is a cog in a well-oiled corporate or gov-
change. ernment machine.
16 Your family sold you into slavery—whether out of
selfishness or extreme need, makes no difference to
you.
As a mirror to the recluse, you find interacting with people 17 Trauma tore the family apart, and you’ve never fully
thrilling. They invigorate you, and you find confidence and recovered.
motivation when surrounded by those paying attention. 18 The family would be better off without you. You are
You are often the leader in a situation, or you desire to be damaged.
said leader. In school, you quickly found that words and 19 Your parents are criminals, and that’s the source of
actions would gather the interest of others, encouraging some stress. You don’t need to follow in their foot-
steps.
you to continue the practice. You can’t stand remaining
20 Your family is embroiled in a rebellion. It’s respecta-
still in front of a computer, or in isolation. You have to get ble, but also dangerous.
out.
Skill Proficiencies. Persuasion or Intimidation
Tool Proficiencies. One gaming set
Languages. One language of your choice Someone close to you died. What happened?
Equipment. One gaming set, a set of fine clothes, $50
in a wallet you always try to keep on hand

These tables detail your birth, your parents, your general

family, and the events which punctuate your life, the good
and bad, the loves and the tragedies. The following pages
comprise a loose flowchart in which to build a life, creating
the significant events that will hopefully pop up during a
campaign.
Start with parenting (A1), and then move onto siblings
(B1), then onto life events (C1). Several tables are referred
10
 Choose or roll 1d20 Choose or roll 1d20 for each sibling
1-2 Murdered in a targeted attack (it was not random 1-2 Baby Sister
violence). 3-5 Slightly younger sister
3-4 Murdered by gang violence.
6 Twin sister
5-6 Assassinated by a corporation/organization.
7-8 Assassinated by the government/kingdom. 7-9 Slightly older sister
9-10 Killed in a terrorist strike—he/she was not a target, 10 Matriarch sister
but the location was. 11-12 Baby brother
11-12 Died by natural causes. (cancer, diabetes, etc.). 13-15 Slightly younger brother
13-14 Died in a viral outbreak.
16 Twin brother
15-16 Suicide—you could deny it, but it’s the truth.
17-18 Killed in an accident (fire, vehicle crash, drowning, 17-19 Slightly older brother
etc.). 20 Patriarch brother
19-20 Casualty of armed conflict.

What does your sibling think of you?

Choose or roll 1d20 for each sibling
Someone close to you is no longer around. Why? 1-6 The sibling is a sibling, love, and rivalry will always be
Choose or roll 1d20 there.
1-3 Amnesia—the memories of you are gone. 7-9 Your sibling is also your best friend.
4-6 In hiding, probably to protect you. 10-12 The sibling loves you, but you don’t see eye to eye.
7-9 Confinement (jail, concentration camp). 13-14 The sibling worships the very ground you walk on.
10-12 Vanished, just like that. You respect that.
13-15 Kidnapped, you’re sure of it. 15-16 The sibling has issues with you, which may or may
16-18 Separation, for your safety or someone else’s. not be justified.
19-20 There were psychological problems in place. Maybe 17-18 You and the sibling don’t talk. They may hate you;
they were committed. you may hate them.
19 Feelings are moot—your sibling is dead (go to A3-
Causality).
20 Feelings are moot—your sibling is no longer around
Someone raised you other than your parents. (go to A4-Separation).
Choose or roll 1d20
1-4 You were raised by relatives.
(go to A1-Parenting again)
5-6 You bounced through foster homes. This is the one section you cannot choose, where you must
7-8 You were reared on the streets (gang).
9-10 You joined a cult or monastery.
gamble the events of your life. After selecting your current
11-12 You were raised in an orphanage. age, roll 1d6+4 or select a value between 5 and 10. the final
13-14 You were adopted. result is the number of life-changing events which oc-
(go to A1-Parenting again) curred in your past, in the order in which they are rolled.
15-16 An inheritance paid for a private school. You can spread the events around as much as you’d like,
17-18 You joined a military organization. and they can even be swapped around if it best suits the
19-20 Your family is atypical (animals, aliens, machines, backstory the GM is approving.
etc.).
You can assume each event marks one year of your life.
If older, each event could occur every few years. If young-
er, the events could occur over a matter of a few months.
Did you have brothers and/or sisters? If so, how many? Roll on the Life Episodes table (C1) for each event.
Optional Rule. Each time tragedy is rolled, it cannot be
Choose or roll 1d20
rolled again before a windfall is rolled, and vice-versa.
1-6 You are an only child.
7-11 You have 1 sibling.
12-15 You have 2 siblings.
16-17 You have 3 siblings. Roll 1d20
18-19 You have 4 siblings. 1-4 Tragedy (go to C2-Tragedy)
5-8 Friendship (go to D1-Friendship)
20 You have 5 siblings.
9-12 Enemy (go to E1-Enemy)
After determining the number of siblings, go to B2 13-15 Romance (go to F1-Romance)
16-20 Windfall (go to C3-Windfall)

Is your sibling older or younger, and by how much?

11
 9-10 Pursued by Criminals. You have crossed some very
dangerous people and are now being hunted. This
Roll 1d20 may continue to the present or be resolved in the
1-2 Injury. You suffer a crippling wound. This could be from same event or a later event. Roll 1d20 to determine
(1-10) an accident or (11-20) in a battle. Roll 1d20 to who pursues you.
determine the extent of the injury. 1-6. You crossed a small gang, forcing you to avoid
1-10. Most of the damage is internal or psychological; certain areas.
most people don’t notice. 7-11. A minor crime organization put a mark on you.
11-12. You have scars or burns across your body, but 12-15. You crossed a prominent crime family.
most can be covered by clothes. If a critical hit is scored 16-18. You ticked off a major crime syndicate with
on you, you are stunned until the end of your next turn. connections across the land.
13-14. You suffered facial scars or burns. You have disad- 19-20. Turns out, you cut the finger of a massive crim-
vantage with Charisma (Persuasion) checks. inal body with shell corporations and influence over
15-16. You developed hearing problems. You have disad- governments. Woops
vantage with any ability check that requires hearing. If you 11-12 Illness. You either contract a major illness or a hered-
also have the Bad Hearing shortcoming, you are entirely itary disease rears its ugly head. You spent time
deaf instead. suffering from it. Pick a specific condition. Roll 1d20
17. You developed a limp. It’s noticeable and may require to determine the affliction.
a cane. Your speed is reduced by 5 ft. 1-10. Level 0—You contract an infectious disease, and
18. You lost a hand. Unless cybernetics has advanced far for a while, the prognosis looked grim. Thankfully,
enough, your functionality is severely reduced. You lose you pulled through with only minor aftereffects.
the function of one hand. 11-14. Level 1—You cannot fully recover from your
19. An internal injury never fully healed. It’s not visible, condition and must manage it with medication. If
but it affects you. Your hit points are reduced by 2 at 1st properly dosed, no one notices your situation. If you
level, and you gain 1 hit point less every additional level are denied your pill, injection, or treatment, you do not
achieved. recover any Hit Dice after a long rest.
20. You lost an eye, replaced with a false eye or patch. 15-17. Level 2—Despite regular medication, everyone
Advances in cybernetics may mitigate this penalty— that knows you are aware you’ll never be 100%. You
otherwise, you cannot score a critical hit. suffer from the Level 1 impairment, and you also have
3-4 Addiction. You developed a substance addiction. You disadvantage with Constitution ability checks.
can try to kick the habit in-game (you may kick it later 18-19. Level 3—Your condition is apparent to most
in life habits), but it shouldn’t be easy. If separated from everyone. Friends worry; strangers often keep their
your fix for more than a day, you are poisoned until your distance. You suffer from the Level 1 and Level 2 im-
addiction is satisfied. Roll 1d20. pairments, and at the start of every morning, you suffer
1-6. Caffeine hit point loss equal to 10% of your total hit points. This
7-11. Alcohol can be healed through any available means.
12-14. Cannabis 20. Level 4—It’s honestly a miracle you’re still alive.
15-16. Tobacco There’s no doubt that your lifespan has been re-
17-18. Prescription drugs duced from an affliction that you suffer from daily.
19. Amphetamines You suffer from the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 impair-
20. Opioids ments, and your hit points are reduced by 2 at 1st level,
5-6 Psychological Trauma. You suffered an ordeal that and you gain 1 hit point less every additional level
left permanent emotional scars or even a behavioral achieved.
addiction. Roll 1d20 to determine the trauma. 13-14 Pursued by the Law. From tax evasion to premedi-
1-10. You wake up every morning suddenly. You are tated murder, an arrest was issued with your face
slightly moody. You sweat on occasion in stressful and name. You and/or the GM can decide if the ac-
situations. These are minor manifestations that don’t cusation was legitimate or not. Perhaps you were
affect you significantly, but friends notice. framed. That aspect is up to choose (and should be
11-12. You’re an alcoholic. If separated from alcohol for assumed for the major crimes). The severity of the
more than a day, you are poisoned until your addiction is crime and the lengths people will go to your capture
satisfied. is not. Roll 1d20 to determine who pursues you.
13-14. You developed a stutter and have issues with 1-6. You honestly don’t know the big deal, but some-
public speaking. You have disadvantage with both Charis- one does. Outside of a few police officers that know
ma (Persuasion) and Charisma (Intimidation) checks. you, most others won’t even bother chasing you.
15-16. You suffer from nightmares. Even if no one notic- 7-11. It’s a relatively minor offense (petty theft, drug
es, it affects you. After you wake from being unconscious, use) in a small town, though still warranting jail time.
you have disadvantage to ability checks and attack rolls for 12-15. It’s a significant crime (grand theft, drug deal-
five minutes. ing), though you are relatively safe if you avoid the
17-18. You suffer from migraines. You have disadvantage big cities.
with Intelligence ability checks. 16-18. The state or local militia have posted rewards
19-20. You love gambling, but this is not necessarily for information leading to your capture. This sort of
limited to games; you may place yourself at risk to crime (individual murder, organized crime, serial
achieve the same stimulus. robbery, sex crimes) is considered severe.
7-8 Lover, friend, or relative killed. Which one dies can 19-20. A national police force is dedicated to your
be up to you or the GM, but it should be a lover or capture. Information regarding you has spread to
friend established through life events or a relative from every corner of the globe. This crime is nothing less
your immediate family. (Go to A3-Casualty) than terrorism, spree killings, or serial murder.

12
15-16 Debt. What you owe can be financial or personal. It
could be to a government or to one person. Roll
1d20 to determine to what extent you owe. Roll 1d20
1-6. Someone, somewhere, did you a favor, something 1-2 Earned Favor. Someone appreciates your actions. You
you needed at the time. This is not entirely financial, might have saved a life or offered critical advice at the
but they can call on you anytime for help. right time. A debt is owed that you can call on. How
7-11. You were saddled with incredible amounts of you can call on this favor and how often you can is
debt, which thankfully, you have resolved in your determined below. A favor can supply equipment,
later life. However, the stigma of that liability lingers, transportation, access, money, or even military sup-
preventing you from taking chances financially or port. Roll 1d20 for frequency and influence.
even getting approved for credit. Frequency
12-16. Your debt derives from some awful decisions, 1-7. The debtor is limited to what she can accomplish
decisions that you are still paying for. Your debt is by herself.
$1d6x100. When paid by a later event or in-game, 8-13. You can call on them for a single favor a level, or
your obligation is fulfilled. one big favor that will resolve the obligation.
17-18. There is no legal recourse; this is bad. You owe 14-18. You can call on them, big or small, but are lim-
some influential people a lot of money. You better ited to six favors total.
appease them or make installments; otherwise you 19-20. You can call on them, big or small, but are lim-
might find a price on your head. Your debt is ited to two favors per level.
$1d6x1,000. When paid by a later event or in-game, Influence
your obligation is fulfilled. 1-6. The debt is owed by a single person who can or
19-20. In cash or blood, you must repay this obliga- will only supply oneself.
tion. In lieu of a hazardous mission, your debt is 7-11. The debtor can bring in a small group, like a gang,
massive. Your debt is $1d6x10,000. When paid by a retinue, or a few employees.
later event or in-game, your obligation is fulfilled. 12-15. The debtor will bring in dozens of people if nec-
17-18 Imprisonment. You’ve been either kidnapped or sent essary, calling on the right people for the right job.
to prison. Whether or not it’s warranted or how 16-18. The debtor has power and influence across hun-
you got out at the end is up to you or the GM. Roll dreds and can call on favors as well.
1d20 to determine the number of months served. 19-20. The debtor will move heaven and earth to ap-
19-20 Failure. Your career has faltered. Something you have pease you and may be able to do so. You want an
been working on for a very long time has failed mis- army?
erably. You may need to reconsider your goals, per- Identity
haps even your direction in life. Roll 1d20 to deter- 1-5. A relative nobody but who obviously has connec-
mine how badly you screwed up. tions you don’t know about.
1-7. The failure cost you financially. You lose $3d6x10 6-9. The military or police commander.
from starting money. 10-12. A lord, small-town mayor, or the president of a
8-12. You lose your current status at your employ- small company.
ment. If you had a rank, you are demoted. If it was a 13-15. The patriarch or matriarch of a major crime
corporate job, you were banished to a lower floor. family.
13-17. You were fired outright or placed on leave. If in 16-17. The president of a corporation. In medieval
the military, you are busted down to private. times, a duke or baron.
18-20. You lose everything, your position, your rank, 18-19. Royalty or the president of a multi-national cor-
and any hope of following that career again. What poration.
did you do? It might have been unethical. Was it 20. This person runs a country.
warranted? Were you framed? 3-4 Informant. Differentiated from favor, this is a connec-
tion that supplies information or their skill when
called upon. This is probably someone you helped or
a friend in a position of access. An informant has one
dominant skill, rolled with a +8 bonus—this check has
advantage. You can call on an informant once a week.
The informant will never put oneself at risk and won’t
have access to anything outside of what’s around.
Roll 1d20 for identity and skill.
1-2. Professor. Intelligence (History)
3-4. Scientist. Intelligence (Nature/Sciences)
5-6. Doctor. Wisdom (Medicine)
7-8. Hacker. Intelligence (Computer Use)
9-10. Engineer. Intelligence (Engineering)
11-12. Priest. Intelligence (Religion)
13-14. Entertainer. Charisma (Performance)
15-16. Charlatan. Charisma (Deception)
17-18. Private Investigator. Intelligence
(Investigation)
19-20. Survivalist. Wisdom (Survival)

13
 5-6 Wealth. What a stroke of luck, you’ve come into there for you in a pinch, help you out, but they should not
some money. Don’t spend it all at once. Roll 1d20 be taken advantage of. They can be at home waiting for a
for the amount. phone call, or side-by-side with you in the neck of battle
1-7. It wasn’t much, a tax refund probably. You gain (as an NPC).
$3d6x10.
Roll 1d20
8-13. You received a bonus, a commission, or a bank
error in your favor. You gain $6d6x10. 1-2 You reconnect with a relative (cousin, uncle, lost
14-18. You’ve had a good night gambling or finished a sibling, etc.)
long-term project. Maybe you won a contest. You 3-4 A previous romantic interest. Either you separated
gain $1d4x1,000. prior and reconnected later, or the relationship did-
19-20. This is nothing short of a lottery win, inher- n’t work, and you remained as friends.
itance, or a bank heist. However, the money is put 5-6 An old childhood friend, either that you’ve never lost
aside for a rainy day. You gain the following bonuses contact with or one you bumped into and realized
when achieving the listed level. 1st level - $500; 5th no time had really passed.
level – 2,500; 10th level - $10,000; 15th level – 7-8 A co-worker, which could mean a tedious day job or
$55,000. a comrade you shared basic training with.
7-8 Combat Training. You gain admittance in a self- 9-10 You owed this person a favor, or they owed you.
defense class or find a martial arts/weapons teacher. Turns out you two both like the same things. The
You spend an extended time specializing in a craft debt has long since been paid.
apart from your usual training. Each time you gain 11-12 This person had known your family or mutual friends
this windfall, you learn an additional tier. for years, and you always considered him/her like a
Tier 1. You gain 1d4 weapon proficiencies. big brother/big sister. Alternatively, you’ve known
Tier 2. You gain a +2 bonus to initiative. this person through his/her family or mutual friends
Tier 3. Your speed increases by +5 feet. for years, and you always considered him/her as a kid
Tier 4. You gain 1 feat. brother/kid sister.
9-10 Education Grant. People believe you’re smart and 13-14 It started as a teacher or mentor relationship, but
throw money your way to develop your skills fur- after the classes were concluded, you two stayed in
ther. Each time you gain an education grant, you gain touch.
proficiency in one skill or tool of your choice as well 15-16 An old enemy, if you have one, and it makes sense.
as one additional language. You two came to an understanding.
11-12 Recognition. You have been bestowed a well- 17-18 You two met through shared interests or mutual
deserved award, perhaps a gilded trophy. Maybe a friends. It’s boring, but it’s also common.
medal. This doesn’t assume a contest. If in the mili- 19-20 He or she was more like a foster-parent, or rather
tary, you receive medals; you don’t win them. If in the closest one you had to one, or the one you
academia, you receive acknowledgment for a peer- wished you had.
reviewed paper that has advanced your field. You
have advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks with
other people in the same field that know of your achieve-
ments. Yikes. You really got someone’s hackles up. Decide on who
13-14 Positive Side Effect. Well, that was unexpected. You the person is, what caused it, and what the other will do
have been subjected to a medical experiment, a yet when encountered. Gender and age are up to you. If a
untested treatment to a condition you suffer from, combination doesn’t work, the GM is more than welcome
or something latent hidden for many years has finally to order a re-roll.
manifested itself. Roll on the Genetic Benefit Table
15-16 Reputation / Rank. If in the military, you achieve a Roll 1d20
promotion. If on contract, you can raise your prices 1-2 Alas, not all friendships end well. A friend you picked
based on reputation alone. You are given more au- up becomes an enemy.
thority, influence over underlings or employees. This 3-4 A relationship you are currently in ends very badly.
may have reaching aftereffects in the game. You have Or else someone you used to date comes back in-
advantage on Charisma (Intimidation) checks with other tending to destroy your life.
people under your command or influence. 5-6 Regardless of blood, some lines still cannot be
17-18 Recovery. You recover from one effect from the crossed. A relative is no longer a friend.
Tragedy table you are suffering from (chosen by you 7-8 Either someone that bullied you or someone you
or the GM). bullied in your youth returns.
19-20 Personal Treasure. You discovered, was be- 9-10 A coworker in a higher position wants to keep you
queathed, or were given something of value, some- down. As long as he/she is above you, you’ll never
thing you treasure more than most other things, advance.
something you neither should sell or even want to 11-12 Someone under your authority wants to bring you
(not that you would get anything, as selling it would down to his/her level.
only net you 1/10 its original value. Select one item 13-14 Someone you work with (a co-worker on equal foot-
worth $5,000 or less as your item. ing) has it in for you.
15-16 A criminal is out for you.
17-18 Someone with a lot of weaponry (like in military or
law enforcement) really doesn’t like you.
19-20 Make sure you filed your taxes because even the
You found a friend. Good for you. Roll 1d20 to determine slightest slip could bring down the wrath from this
how you met. Gender and race are up to you. Friends are government official with a lot of bureaucratic clout.
different than earned favors or informants. Friends can be
14
Why is there such a divide between you two? How angry are either of you? One of you can take this re-
Roll 1D20 ally personally. Choose logically who is the more cross (or if
1-2 Either you or the enemy caused the other to lose both sides are equally irate), then roll below.
face (not literal) or position. Roll 1d20
3-4 You caused your enemy a physical disability.
1-4 The crossed individual (or both) will try to kill the
1-4. Facial scars or burns
other when given a chance, no remorse. Is that going
5-8. Developed hearing problems
too far?
9-12. Developed a limp
5-8 The crossed individual (or both) wants to beat the
13-16. Lost a hand
living snot out of the other. Maybe it’s something you
17-20. Lost an eye
both need to get out of your system.
5-6 You or your enemy caused the enemy to lose a loved
9-12 The crossed individual (or both) wants to destroy the
one.
other’s life, to suffer for years and years.
7-8 You or your enemy exposed a dark secret of the
13-16 The crossed individual (or both) have been prepping
other that upset the other’s life (but did not involve
some choice zingers to fling at the other at the first
criminal proceedings).
opportunity.
9-10 You or your enemy was humiliated. Sometimes, that’s
17-20 It’s just best you just avoid each other.
enough.
11-12 There was a betrayal or abandonment.
13-14 You or your enemy was responsible for jail time.
1-10. You went to jail;
11-20. Your enemy went to prison. The influence of your enemy—what he or she can throw at
Roll 1d20 to determine the number of months you, assuming there’s motivation for doing so.
served. Roll 1d20
15-16 You or your enemy just hates the other’s stupid, 1-6 Despite any authority, your enemy will only handle
stupid face. matters personally.
17-18 You or your enemy cost the other a job or a lucra- 7-11 Your enemy can bring in a small group, like a gang,
tive deal. retinue, or a few employees. A line is drawn about
19-20 You or your enemy foiled the other’s cunning plan. bringing in more.
12-15 Your enemy will bring in dozens of people if neces-
sary, calling on the right people to bring you down.
16-18 Your enemy has power and influence across hun-
Maybe you hate him/her; perhaps it's the other way dreds and can call on favors as well. Uh oh.
around; maybe it’s mutual. 19-20 Your enemy will move heaven and earth to destroy
you and may be able to do so. You’re screwed.
Roll 1d20
1-6 Your enemy is ticked off with you. You don’t fully
understand why, and probably think it's really overin-
flated. Someone needs a hug.
7-12 Your enemy is your enemy. It doesn’t matter that he Aww…Sweet. You found someone important in your life.
or she doesn’t hold a grudge; you do. It might have been a quick fling or a much longer affair.
13-20 It’s totally mutual. Roll for the type of relationship unless it’s a continuation of
a prior relationship, its current status, and its potential for
Editorial. Astute and aged players may recog- joy or misery.
nize similarities between these tables and those
found in another role-playing game from nearly
thirty years ago. Regardless of rules used or setting (Roll on this table if you are not in a relationship currently)
employed, my campaigns almost always employed Roll 1d20
those tables in the creation of characters. I never 1-6 You met someone, dated for a spell, but ultimately it
forced it, but every player is given the option al- didn’t work out after only a few weeks or months.
The breakup might not have been mutual, but these
ways preferred leaving their lifepath up to random things happen all the time.
chance, always willing to let the chips fall where 7-11 You met, are still together, but you can’t see it lasting.
they may. That being said, as a GM, I did throw (go to F4—Feelings)
out rolls I didn’t agree with. It’s about constructing 12-15 You met and are still together. This may be the one.
a backstory, a sensible backstory—sometimes 16-18 You met someone, but from the beginning, there
events don’t make sense. I’m honestly surprised it were complications.
took me this long to create my own set of tables. (go to F2—Issues)
19-20 Tragic love. Why? WHY? WHHHYYYYYY!?
(go to F3—Misfortune)

15
You are currently in a relationship. Roll to see if you two Your relationship has complications, but how do you two
are still together, and how things are coming along. feel about each other?
Roll 1d20 Roll 1d20
1-4 It’s going very well. If it wasn’t before, it is now. If it 1-4 Despite everything (and there are a lot), you still
was previously, congratulations. love each other.
5-8 The relationship is as before. Nothing has changed. 5-6 Your romantic interest appears to have issues
9-12 This is the one. You get married. but won’t leave you. Why?
13-15 You have a child. 7-8 You have issues, but you won’t leave your ro-
Roll 1-10: Boy; 11-20: Girl. mantic interest. Why?
16-18 It has started to go downhill because of complications. 9-10 You both have issues—the relationship should
(Move to F2—Issues) have ended, but it doesn’t. Something is holding
19-20 Something bad happened. you together.
(Move to F3—Misfortune) 11-12 Your romantic interest still loves you; you’re not
as confident.
13-14 You still love your romantic interest. You are
worried it is no longer reciprocated.
Your relationship encountered several complications. After 15-16 You’re drifting apart from mutual apathy.
rolling in F2-Issues, roll again in F4-Feelings. 17-18 You’ll always be friends, but you fear the spark
has faded.
Roll 1d20
19-20 Screw it. It’s over.
1-2 Your family and/or friends hate your romantic inter-
est.
3-4 Your romantic interest’s family and/or friends hate
you.
5-6 There is a romantic rival involved trying to divide you
to. Who the rival is interested in can be chosen or
randomized?
7-8 You fight constantly.
9-10 You are professional rivals.
11-12 There is a lot of jealousy between you to.
13-14 One of you two had an affair, and the other found out.
15-16 Both of you come from different walks of life, and it Knowing where the "on" switch is and understanding a
puts pressure on the relationship. There may not be point/click interface is a common skill expected of every-
internal pressures, but there may be external ones. one. Computer Use covers more advanced concepts like
17-18 The two of you differ in ethnicity or race. There may hardware modification, upgrade, and maintenance. Com-
not be internal pressures, but there may be external puter Use is also employed in the researching of online
ones. materials. You can attempt the repair or modification of a
19-20 There are money problems; aren’t there always mon-
computer, circumvent security, create programs, or use it to
ey problems?
replace Intelligence (Investigation) when researching a
subject.

Something terrible happened in the relationship, including Editorial. When in doubt, turn it off and on again.
a simple break-up, which can feel like the end of world Doesn’t matter what ‘it’ is.
sometimes.
Roll 1d20
1-4 Sometimes bad things happen, but the relationship
survives it.
5-8 You break up. It just was never going to work out—
the separation is mutual. If proficient in demolitions, you can set and disarm explo-
9-12 You dumped your romantic interest. sives. This includes the planting of all manners of mechan-
14-16 Your romantic interest dumped you. ical and electronic detonators. A successful check lets you
17-18 You two are separated. place bombs to best effect and set or disable detonators.
(go to A4-Separation)
19-20 Your romantic interest has died.
Failure means that the explosive fails to go off as planned.
(go to A3-Casualty) The explosives are not lost. Failure by 10 or more means
the bomb might go off (if it is an explosive that can) as the
detonator is being installed. A failure with wiring explo-
sives together means the extra wired explosives will not go
off with the primary (See Equipment).

16
 to sabotage devices and vehicles. With this technique, you
can inflict effects instantly or when certain conditions oc-
cur.
You can only attempt sabotage against a target which
This is a broad skill dealing with all applications of tech- you can incapacitate logically. The GM can refuse a sabo-
nology, allowing you to craft, modify, and repair devices. tage attempt if you have no way of accessing vital compo-
These include electronics, general machines, exo-armor, nents in the target. The GM may also require you to spend
mecha, techan armor, techan weapons, and vehicles. time gaining access to said components.
Crafting. Crafting technology deviates slightly from There are hundreds of different effects you can accom-
crafting mundane items. Not only are you required to be plish with sabotage. Effects last until the effect is repaired
proficient in Intelligence (Engineering), but you also must unless stated otherwise. Effects can be repaired by a con-
possess the appropriate Engineering kit. If so, then you can tested Intelligence (Engineering) check or with specific
expend $5 multiplied by your character level in widgets solutions to each problem (breaking open a door instead of
each day until you reach the market value of the item (this fixing the sabotage).
is called a build schedule). You must have widgets or parts Mecha. Intelligence (Engineering) can be used to
on hand. build, modify, or repair mecha. Unlike most equipment,
Alternately, you can attempt to make an Intelligence because mecha fall into an abstract definition of technolo-
(Engineering) check—the result -10 and multiplied by gy, they are not listed with a tech level; instead, the GM
your character level is how much in $ you progress instead determines which tech level players mecha fall into and
of taking the standard $5 each day. This value can increase which tech level of kit is required; unless mecha are com-
with the use of engineering kits. monplace in your setting, a good guideline is one TL high-
The tech level of your engineering kit affects the speed er than the setting standard. Once sorted, you must possess
of your build, being a multiplier affecting the number of $ that kit to conduct any work on mecha (see Mecha).
you can invest per day of use. A TL1 kit thus cannot affect
your build time, while a TL5 kit allows you to spend 5
times more $ than generally for a day’s work. You cannot
build other kits or medical injections.
For Example, if the item you are trying to build costs
$5,000, and you possess a TL3 Engineering kit and are 10th This is the general study of the applications of the unal-
level, you can spend 5 (base) x 10 (level) x 3 (kit) = $150 a tered rules that govern the real world. It deals with broad
day without rolling. If deciding to roll one day, and your studies like Biology, Astronomy, and Geography and into
result is a 20, you can spend 10 (roll) x 10 (level) x 3 (kit) = further specific fields of expertise like Biochemistry and
$300 that day. Astrophysics. Given enough dedication, you could earn
Disarm Electronic Locks. When attempting to disarm a grants and degrees, specializing in a field of study to better
trap or break through a lock using an Engineering tool kit, your species and the natural world. Being a top mind of the
you can use Intelligence (Engineering) granted you have a profession could enable you to unravel a genome or to de-
tool kit of at least equal tech level of the device you are sign and build your own superconducting supercollider.
trying to affect. You do not have to specify a field of expertise. This
Recover Hit Points. You can take a day of downtime skill refers to a general knowledge of science. You use this
and make an Intelligence (Engineering) to recover the hit skill for general scientific observations.
points of damaged items or machines. The number of hit Because science.
points recovered is equal to the result of your skill check -
10. This does not apply to mecha (see Mecha) Editorial. ‘The scientist, who does science’ is a
This value can be adjusted with an appropriate engi- character archetype that doesn’t even remotely
neering kit. If the kit is more advanced than the item be- reflect reality, but the alternative is having a char-
ing repairs, add the difference to the hit points recovered. acter with a defined party role whose skills are
If the other way around, the recovered hit points are re- only applicable in certain situations. As an option,
duced (if repairing a TL2 item with a TL4 kit, you gain a a scientist character might have one or two areas
+2 bonus to the hit points recovered—if reversed, it be- she is an expert in (advantage on Sciences checks),
comes a -2 penalty). a bunch of related fields that she is competent in
The repair cost in widgets for each day is equal to the (regular checks), and disadvantaged on anything
number of hit points recovered x 5. completely outside her area of expertise (but still
Reverse Engineer. You can use the Intelligence able to make the checks. Because science.)
(Engineering) skill to convert technology into widgets to
be used in the creation of other technology. Each attempt
to reverse engineer an item takes six hours. Reverse engi-
neering destroys the item being selected. The end result is Although similar to vehicles, mecha don’t follow the rules
you acquire one-fifth of the item’s value in widgets. regarding vehicles in the Equipment chapter. When you
Sabotage. You can use Intelligence (Engineering) skill receive mecha proficiency, you gain the ability to operate

17
all the mecha utilizing the same cockpit configuration as
your mecha. Therefore, if your mecha utilizes a virtual
cockpit, you are trained to use any mecha utilizing a virtual Ultramodern5 also presents a handful of new feats.
cockpit, but you have no training with a mecha utilizing
thought control.
Although there is a mecha pilot class, if the setting of
the game employs mecha as commonplace, the GM should
offer mecha proficiency to all players, regardless of class. If
a mecha transforms outside of a beast or humanoid form Increase your Strength or Dexterity score by 1, to a maxi-
into something operating identically to a vehicle listed mum of 20.
here, it turns into a vehicle, requiring the correct proficien- You also gain proficiency with exo-armor.
cy (see Vehicle Proficiency).

Increase your Dexterity or Intelligence score by 1, to a

If proficient with a vehicle, you know how to drive or pilot maximum of 20.
said vehicle and any situation. There are five types of vehi- Any ability you have requiring an ally within 5-feet of
cle proficiency—light ground, heavy ground, super-heavy an enemy is now extended to any ally with a firearm within
ground, aircraft, watercraft. If possessing one, you know 20 feet of an enemy.
how to control all vehicles of that type. So, if you ride a
bike, you can ride them all. Although not entirely accurate
given the broad range of technology seen across the world, Increase your Intelligence or Wisdom score by 1, to a maxi-
this is a compromise to prevent clutter. mum of 20.
Routine tasks such as ordinary driving don’t require a When crafting technology, the $ you can expend per
check. You only make a check when experiencing unusual day (or longer with a mismatched engineering kit) is dou-
circumstances (such as stormy weather or a slippery sur- bled.
face), performing a stunt, driving at high speeds, or if trying
to operate a vehicle while being attacked or attacking.
If you fail a Dexterity check with a vehicle, you must
suffer the consequences. This can include a second chance Increase your ranged attack ability score by 1, to a maxi-
to recover, a slide, or a crash. Some stunts are easy, and mum of 20.
they neither require a skill check nor have consequences. You can reload one clip, magazine, or cell using fifteen
If you are crashing, you often lose control of your vehi- feet of unspent movement.
cle and cannot perform any checks involving your vehicle Before making a ranged attack with a firearm that you
until the crash is resolved. In most crashes, you continue are proficient with, you can choose to take a -5 penalty to
your remaining movement in the direction you were previ- the attack roll. If the attack hits, you add +10 to the attack’s
ously pointed. In others (like catastrophic jumps), you im- damage.
mediately stop your movement.
See Vehicle Rules in the Equipment chapter for de-
tailed rules on vehicles and how they are controlled.
Mecha. If a mecha transforms outside of a beast or hu-
manoid form into something operating identically to a ve-
hicle listed here, it turns into a vehicle, requiring the cor-
rect proficiency.

Editorial. Vehicles used to be a skill, but this

would put it at odds with the core 5e rules in
which vehicles are a kind of tool proficiency. Alt-
hough one would expect me to follow suit with
medicine requiring a medical kit, Wisdom
(Medicine) has already been established.

18
 t 1st level, you can select a ladder. You gain attack roll or cast a spell. Select either Charisma or Intel-
the ladder's 1st-level feature and can choose ligence as your primary born leader ability.
to gain its additional features instead of se-
lecting an ability score increase or a feat at
4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th levels. In essence, ladders At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your
are a collection of similarly themed feats with an addi- choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
tional benefit when selected at 1st level. using this feature except for your primary born leader
You do not have to select the ladder's additional fea- ability, which has a maximum value of 22.
tures at their listed levels if you would instead gain the Additionally, after you finish a long rest, roll a d20,
standard ability score increase or a different feat. Howev- and put the result aside. You can swap out any roll you or
er, all ladder features must be taken in order. You can't an ally that can communicate with you makes for that
skip a feature if you want a later one, and not choosing all result. You should always have a d20 result put aside this
the features prevents you from being able to achieve the way, but after swapping two die rolls, you cannot swap
apex of the ladder. Most ladder features include an abil- another until you finish a short or long rest. After you
ity score increase, so there is little incentive not to take finish a long rest, you always roll a new d20.
them.
Unlike classes, which fill specific roles, ladders are
based on what you are and how you live your life. These
include various mental and physical disciplines as well as At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your
natural talents. Although some classes and ladders obvi- choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
ously complement each other, any ladder can be com- using this feature except for your primary born leader
bined with any class. ability, which has a maximum value of 22.
Ladders are an optional system. The GM may choose Additionally, your compelling directive ability im-
to use them or not. If they are included, however, all proves—you can swap out four die rolls between short
players should choose one to avoid imbalance. and long rests.

At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your

At 5th, 11th, and 17th level, each ladder offers an additional choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
benefit. This accounts for the lack of magic in most non- choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
fantasy settings. Although weapons and armor may pro- using this feature except for your primary born leader
vide additional properties, almost none in Ultramodern5 ability, which has a maximum value of 22.
offer significant bonuses to attack or damage, and since Additionally, after taking a long rest, if you wear no
modern games don’t always feature incrementally better armor and wield no weapons, you have advantage with
gear throughout a campaign, you can carry the same either Charisma or Intelligence skill checks (select one)
equipment for the entirety of your character’s life. until you make an attack roll or cast a spell.
If your campaign features magic items or sudden
jumps in technological advancement, ladder gains should
be ignored. If you choose to use them anyway, treat each
bonus as an attuned magic item, which must be relin- At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your
quished (and later reattuned if you want it back) to bene- choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
fit from a comparable item bonus. using this feature except for your primary born leader
ability, which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you can turn a short rest into a long rest
without an extension of time. This affects you and all
Key Abilities. Charisma, Intelligence allies you can see. After you use this ability, you cannot
use it again until you have completed four additional long
rests.

Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1st level, you

can always choose to use Intelligence instead of Wisdom
for Insight and Perception checks. At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your
Additionally, after taking a long rest, if you wear no choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
armor and wield no weapons, you gain a +2 bonus to choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
Charisma or Intelligence (select one) until you make an using this feature except for your primary born leader

19
ability, which has a maximum value of 22. level equal to your primary juggernaut ability modifier
Additionally, you can take a moment to focus and gather (meaning double if you selected Constitution), and you
your wits, as well as the wits of your allies. Use an action, gain a damage bonus with melee attacks against incapaci-
and you and all allies able to communicate with you gain tated targets or immovable objects equal to your primary
the benefit of a short rest. This takes no time other than juggernaut ability modifier. You also have advantage on
the action on your turn. After you use this ability, you can- saving throws against being poisoned or stunned.
not use it again until you finish a long rest.

At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your

The born leader gains the following additional benefits choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
at 5th, 11th, and 17th level. using this feature except for your primary juggernaut abil-
5th Level. You gain a +2 bonus to any Charisma or Intel- ity, which has a maximum value of 22.
ligence skill of your choice. Additionally, you can also use an action to activate your
11th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC. “hulking” ability. After you use this ability, you cannot use
17th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage it again until you finish a long rest. When hulking, the fol-
rolls. lowing occurs.
You gain temporary hit points equal to twice your level
+ twice your primary juggernaut ability modifier.
As long as you have temporary hit points, you gain a bonus
Key Abilities. Constitution, Strength to damage rolls with melee attacks equal to your primary
juggernaut ability.
You suffer disadvantage on all skill checks, ability
Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1st level, you can checks, and attack rolls utilizing Intelligence, Wisdom, or
use Strength in place of Dexterity for all attack and dam- Charisma for one hour.
age rolls with ranged and thrown weapons and when set-
ting save DCs. Alternately, when wielding two-handed
small arms, heavy weapons, or super heavy weapons, you At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your
can use Constitution in place of Dexterity for all attack and choice by 2. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
damage rolls. Select either Constitution or Strength as your using this feature except for your primary juggernaut abil-
primary juggernaut ability. ity, which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you have resistance to non-magical slash-
ing, bludgeoning, and piercing damage.
At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary juggernaut abil- The juggernaut gains the following additional benefits
ity, which has a maximum value of 22. at 5th, 11th, and 17th level.
Additionally, your speed is not reduced when moving 5th Level. You recover 1 hit point every hour, provided
through difficult terrain, and you gain a bonus to your hit that you have at least 1 hit point.
points this level equal to twice your primary juggernaut 11th Level. You regain 1d4 additional lost Hit Dice
ability modifier (meaning triple if you selected Constitu- when you take a long rest.
tion). 17th Level. Your regeneration increases to 2 hit points
per hour.

At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your

choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary juggernaut abil- Key Abilities. Dexterity, Charisma
ity, which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you also gain 1 additional Hit Die at this
level, and you maximize your hits points earned from both Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1st level, you
this Hit Die and the normal one you receive at this level. can always choose to use Dexterity instead of Charisma for
Performance checks. You can also choose to use Charisma
instead of Dexterity for Acrobatics checks. You also gain
At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your proficiency in Deception and Performance skills. Select
choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your either Dexterity or Charisma as your primary performer
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 ability.
using this feature except for your primary juggernaut abil-
ity, which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you gain a bonus to your hit points this At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your

49
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 ma saving throws.
using this feature except for your primary performer ability, 17th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage
which has a maximum value of 22. rolls.
Additionally, you are immune to the frightened condi-
tion.

Key Abilities. Dexterity, Intelligence

th
At 8 level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary performer ability, Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1st level, you
which has a maximum value of 22. can always choose to use Dexterity instead of Strength for
Additionally, anytime you make an ability check based the Athletics skill, and Intelligence instead of Wisdom for
on your primary performer ability, you re-roll all die results the Perception skill. You can also use Dexterity in place of
of 5 or less. Strength for attack or damage rolls and when setting save
DCs with all weapons without the heavy property, and you
have proficiency with Dexterity (Acrobatics). Select either
At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your Dexterity or Intelligence as your primary runner ability.
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary performer ability,
which has a maximum value of 22. At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your
Additionally, before making a d20 roll, you can declare choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
what the roll will be (taking no action); subtract the differ- using this feature except for your primary runner ability,
ence between your guess and the actual roll from 4 and add which has a maximum value of 22.
that result onto your roll (if a positive). If the modified roll Additionally, your speed also increases by +5 feet.
becomes a 20 or higher, it is not natural. Once you add +3 Additionally, if you move at least 10 feet while moving
or more to a roll from this ability, you cannot use it again towards a wall, your remaining movement becomes a climb
until you finish a short or long rest. When declaring your speed until the end of your turn. This movement can be in
result, it must be audible for the GM and the player group any direction as long as it follows a vertical surface.
to hear.
For example, if you declare “15” and roll a 17, you add
+2 to your roll, making 19. If you declare 15 and roll 10, you At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your
add nothing. choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary runner ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your Additionally, if you use the Dash action, your move-
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 ment increases by 1.5 times your speed (round down). You
using this feature except for your performer ability, which also add both your Dexterity and your Intelligence modifi-
has a maximum value of 22. er to all Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks.
Additionally, anytime you make an ability check based
on your primary performer ability, you re-roll all die results
of 10 or less. At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary runner ability,
At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your which has a maximum value of 22.
choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your Additionally, as an action, you can set your next Dexteri-
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 ty check or saving throw to your Dexterity score without
using this feature except for your primary performer ability, rolling. You can do this as many times as your Intelligence
which has a maximum value of 22. modifier and regain all spent uses after you finish a long
Additionally, select one Dexterity or Charisma skill you rest.
are trained in. When you make an ability check using that Additionally, you also don’t suffer half damage from an
skill, set the die roll to a natural 20. Once you use this abil- effect that inflicts half damage on a successful Dexterity
ity, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest. saving throw.

The performer gains the following additional benefits At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your
at 5th, 11th, and 17th level. choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
5th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC. using this feature except for your primary runner ability,
11th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to Dexterity and Charis- which has a maximum value of 22.

50
 Additionally, when wearing medium armor, your max
Dex modifier is increased to 3. If wearing light armor, you At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your
gain a +1 bonus to AC. Also, if you take an action to analyze choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
your path before making any movement on your turn, until using this feature except for your primary savant ability,
the beginning of your next turn, you gain a bonus to your which has a maximum value of 22.
AC equal to your Intelligence modifier. Additionally, you also are proficient in all skills of your
primary savant ability (if not already) and use your primary
savant ability instead of Dexterity for your bonus to initia-
At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your tive.
choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary runner ability, At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your
which has a maximum value of 22. choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
Additionally, you gain a pool of additional actions equal choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
to your primary runner ability modifier. You can only use using this feature except for your primary savant ability,
one additional action per turn, and only to take the Dash, which has a maximum value of 22.
Disengage, or Use an Object actions. Your action pool re- Also, if you use any skill tied to your primary savant
fills when you finish a long rest. ability to practice a profession during downtime activities,
you can maintain a wealthy lifestyle without having to pay
per day. You also do not have to pay for research, and train-
The runner gains the following additional benefits at ing costs 1/4 the usual time and money.
5th, 11th, and 17th level. Additionally, after taking a long rest, you gain a +3 bo-
5th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC when not wearing nus to Intelligence or Wisdom (select one) until you make
heavy or exo-armor. an attack roll or cast a spell.
11th Level. Your bonus to AC increases to +2
17th Level. Your bonus to AC increases to +3.
At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary savant ability,
Key Abilities. Intelligence, Wisdom which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, if you have advantage on any roll
(including attack rolls and saving throws) and both results
would succeed, you can set one aside. At any point in the
Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1st level, you next five minutes, you can choose not to make a d20 roll
can use Intelligence in place of Dexterity for attack and and instead use the saved die. You can only set aside one
damage rolls and when setting save DCs with one-handed result at a time, and if not used within 5 minutes, it is lost.
and two-handed small arms. You can also use Intelligence
or Wisdom as your modifier to AC instead of Dexterity and
as your spellcasting ability (if you cast spells). Select either At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your
Intelligence or Wisdom as your primary savant ability. choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary savant ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your Additionally, anytime you roll an ability check, skill
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 check, or saving throw with your primary savant ability, you
using this feature except for your primary savant ability, can set your die roll to your primary savant ability score.
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you gain the insight to discover if some-
thing is simply... stupid. You can ask the GM if a course of The savant gains the following additional benefits at
action (either yours or an ally's you know about) is just 5th, 11th, and 17th level.
plain dumb, or the GM can volunteer this information. If 5th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC.
the action is borderline, the GM's answer may be cryptic; 11th Level. You are immune to being charmed.
otherwise, it should be straightforward. You can ask as 17th Level. You are immune to being frightened.
many times as your primary savant ability modifier before
being required to finish a long rest.

20
 Key Abilities. Constitution, Wisdom more than -10, your minimum exhaustion level is 1
• Between -11 and -20 hit points, your minimum ex-
haustion level is 2.
Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1st level, you can • Between -21 and -30 hit points, your minimum ex-
use Wisdom in place of Dexterity for attack and damage haustion level is 3.
rolls and when setting save DCs with ranged attacks. You • Between -31 and -40 hit points, your minimum ex-
can use Constitution in place of Dexterity when determin- haustion level is 4.
ing your modifier to AC. Select either Constitution or Wis- • Between -41 and -50 hit points, your minimum ex-
dom as your primary survivor ability. haustion level is 5.
You can voluntarily fall unconscious and not compound
exhaustion levels; additionally, after –50 hit points, your
minimum exhaustion level increases to 6, and you die.
At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 Designer. Although 5th Edition rules remove
using this feature except for your primary survivor ability, negative hit points, this specific feature puts them
which has a maximum value of 22. back.
Additionally, you can also use an action and make a DC
15 Constitution ability check to reduce your exhaustion
level by 1. Each time you attempt this save, the DC increas-
es by 5. When you finish a long rest and have a chance to At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your
eat and drink something, the DC resets to 15. choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
Additionally, you also have proficiency in Wisdom choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
(Survival) or Wisdom (Animal Handling) (pick one). using this feature except for your primary survivor ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you automatically pass Wisdom (Survival)
checks with a DC of 20 or less unless you have disad-
At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your vantage on the check.
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary survivor ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you can also increase your exhaustion level At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your
by 1 and select one of the bonuses below. Once you use choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
one of the following abilities, you cannot use that same one choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
again until you finish a long rest (though you can select the using this feature except for your primary survivor ability,
others, each time increasing your exhaustion level). which has a maximum value of 22.
Hit Points. As an action, you gain temporary hit points Additionally, when you finish a long rest and ingest
equal to your primary survivor modifier + your level. some food and drink, you reduce your exhaustion level by 2.
Critical Hit. As part of an Attack action, you can turn a
hit into a critical hit and inflict additional damage equal to
twice your level. The survivor gains the following additional benefits at
AC Bonus. As an action, you gain a +1 bonus to AC for 1 5th, 11th, and 17th level.
minute (10 rounds). 5th Level. You have resistance to cold damage.
Combat. As an action, you gain a +1 bonus to attack 11th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC.
rolls for 1 minute (10 rounds). 17th Level. You have resistance to fire damage.

At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your

choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 Key Abilities. Charisma, Wisdom
using this feature except for your primary survivor ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you can be reduced to less than 0 hit Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1 st level, you can
points (counted as being negative hit points) but remain use Wisdom for all attack and damage rolls with ranged
conscious and standing at the cost of your minimum ex- attacks, unarmed attacks, attacks with melee weapons
haustion level. If you already have levels of exhaustion, they without the heavy property and when setting save DCs.
increase accordingly. Though you can remove additional Select one Charisma-based skill to be proficient in. You
levels, the minimum cannot be removed until your hit can also use Wisdom or Charisma for spells. Select either
points are raised back above 0. Wisdom or Charisma as your primary veteran ability.
• If your hit points are reduced to 0 hit points but

21
 lar) previously. If you fight a similar opponent in the future,
th
At 4 level, you can increase one ability score of your you have advantage on attack rolls until the first time you
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 hit, and your first hit is also a critical hit. 'Similar' is de-
using this feature except for your primary veteran ability, fined as having the same basic creature stat block (with
which has a maximum value of 22. allowances for minor customizations the GM may have
Additionally, you gain a pool of rerolls for any roll you made to a particular creature). for instance, if you previously
might make equal to your primary veteran ability modifier. defeated a space gnome security guard, you would have a
This occurs as part of the same action (or reaction); this bonus against other space gnome security guards, but not
does not count as having advantage. If you suffer from ad- against space gnome mercenaries or space elf security
vantage or disadvantage, you gain the re-roll after taking the guards.
final result—you can then select whichever roll you want.
Once you use good guess, you cannot use it again until the
beginning of your next turn. You regain all your good guess The veteran gains the following additional benefits at
re-roll dice when you finish a long rest. 5th, 11th, and 17th level.
5th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC
11th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage
At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your rolls.
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 17th Level. Your bonus to AC increases to +2.
using this feature except for your primary veteran ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, the number of uses you gain for good
guess increases by 2. You also regain a good guess die roll if Key Abilities. Dexterity, Strength
that roll results in a 1 or a 2.
You also can make an Intelligence (History) check as a
Wisdom (History) check—effectively a gut instinct of what
is probably true—or as a Charisma (History) check—where Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1 st level, you can
you are making something up that might be true. use Strength in place of Dexterity for all attack and dam-
age rolls and when setting save DCs when wielding two-
handed small arms, heavy weapons, or super heavy weap-
At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your ons. When wearing medium armor, your max Dex modifier
choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your is increased to 3. When wearing heavy armor, you gain a
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 max Dex bonus of 1. Select either Strength or Dexterity as
using this feature except for your primary veteran ability, your warrior ability.
which has a maximum value of 22.
You are also immune to the frightened and charmed
conditions . At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary warrior ability,
At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your which has a maximum value of 22.
choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your Additionally, you can power up as an action. You gain a
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 power rank, starting at 1 and increasing to a maximum of 5
using this feature except for your primary veteran ability, with successive power-ups. Each rank has an associated
which has a maximum value of 22. power-up ability, which you can choose to apply to one at-
Additionally, as a reaction to making a saving throw (but tack (each ability also includes all lower ranks). You lose
before making the roll), you can move 5 feet. If this move- your power ranks when you use the ability, or when you roll
ment would take you out of the area of the effect that re- for initiative, or finish a short or long rest.
quires a save, you don't have to make one. Power Rank 1. You have advantage on your next attack;
if you hit, you gain a +2 bonus to damage.
Power Rank 2. Regardless of your next attack roll, it
automatically hits; the damage die of any weapon you
At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your wield increases by an additional step.
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 Power Rank 3. Regardless of your attack roll, your next
using this feature except for your primary veteran ability, attack is a critical hit.
which has a maximum value of 22. Power Rank 4. Re-roll all 1s and 2s on your damage
Additionally, the number of uses you gain for good dice of your next hit. Each time you roll the maximum re-
guess increases by 2. You are also able to more easily over- sult on a damage die, roll that die again and add the result
come foes if you have dealt with them (or something simi- to your damage. If you roll the maximum result on a reroll,

22
keep rolling and adding until you get a different result.'
Power Rank 5. With your next hit, double all damage
dice—this stacks with your critical hit.

At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your

choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary warrior ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, you can also increase your power rank by 1
with a bonus action—once you use this ability, you cannot
use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your

choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary warrior ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, if you don’t move from your spot starting
on your turn, at the beginning of your next turn, you gain a
power rank—once you use this ability, you cannot use it
again until you finish a short or long rest.

At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your

choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary warrior ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, after you roll for initiative, you start
your first turn at power rank 1.

At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your

choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for your primary warrior ability,
which has a maximum value of 22.
Additionally, when you suffer a critical hit or are re-
duced to below half hit points, roll a d4, and add the result
to your power rank. This can only occur once after you es-
tablish initiative.

The warrior gains the following additional benefits at

5th, 11th, and 17th level.
5th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage
rolls.
11th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC
17th Level. Your bonus to attack and damage rolls in-
crease to +2.

23
 odern classes are cut from a different cloth
than traditional fantasy ones. In a dungeon
crawl, it’s crucial to have each character Prerequisites. There are no class prerequisites.
contribute to the acquisition of treasure and Proficiencies. Picking up a class later offers only up a
the survival as a whole. There can be no fat, leaving a few additional proficiencies. When selecting an addition-
lean fantasy party only permitting specific classes within al class, a character gains all armor, weapon, and tool pro-
their ranks. ficiencies and can select a number of skills based on the
It is expected, but not required that characters in a number skills offered by the new class. Count the num-
modern campaign encompass a broad mix of roles, entire- ber of skills offered and divide by 2 (round down)—this
ly dependent on the needs said campaign. It is entirely is the number of skills from that class you can gain profi-
possible to create a character with little to no combat ciency with (player choice).
abilities. Strength of personality can sometimes be more For example, selecting a civilian will gain armor,
important than one’s capacity to aim a gun. weapons, and any two skills, while the grounder will of-
There is no suggested party composition; this would fer armor, weapons, tools, and one skill.
fall entirely on the specifics of the game being run. If the
GM is running a setting wholly based in a post-
apocalyptic wasteland, then grounders, medics, and tech-
ies would be more critical than faces. Likewise, a team of
assassins may not require an engineer, but an infiltrator
or two would be vital. This book does not endorse any
specific party composition, not even for the assumed top-
end combat classes like grounder and heavy. Players and As a civilian, you gain the following class features.
the GM must work together to ensure that not only does
everyone have fun but contribute in his or her own way Hit Dice. 1d8 per civilian level
and as often as possible. Hit Points at 1st level. 8 + your Constitution modifier
Modern characters are also largely dependent on Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d8 (or 5) + your Consti-
technology, which comes in two forms—current tech and tution modifier civilian level after 1st
future tech, although these terms are relative to the tech- Special. You can reduce your Hit Dice to 1d6 to gain
nological base of the campaign. While the 5th Edition 1 hero talent (see later). Consequently, your hit points
rules have reduced the traditional reliance on magical gained at 1st level are reduced to 6 + your Constitution
items to make the combat math work, the default game modifier, and your hit points at higher levers decrease to
still presumes that characters will change and upgrade 1d6 (or 4). Regardless of multiclassing or feats taken,
their equipment throughout a campaign. In this book, your Hit Dice cannot be higher than 1d6.
weapons can possess certain properties, but even the Additionally, you can reduce your Hit Dice to 1d4 to
most advanced weapon lacks any incremental bonuses to gain 1 additional hero talent (2 total). Your hit points
attack or damage (these bonuses being supplied through gained at 1st level are reduced to 4 + your Constitution
Ladder Gains instead). Ultramodern5 characters could, modifier, and your hit points at higher levers decrease to
therefore, conceivably carry the same equipment through 1d4 (or 3). Regardless of multiclassing or feats taken,
the entirety of the campaign (possibly becoming attached your Hit Dice cannot be higher than 1d4.
to their personal gear) or change their loadouts for a par-
ticular mission.
However, in a game with scaling technology (such as Armor. Light armor
Amethyst, where bastions sport different levels of tech- Weapons. All simple weapons
nology), or advanced alien technology, tech can be treat- Saving Throws. Select any two ability scores
ed the same as magic items, with incremental bonuses Skills. Select any four skills.
assigned as usual. In this case, ladder gains should be Special. You can reduce your skill proficiencies to
ignored or treated as filled attunement slots. The GM only two and gain one hero talent.
should indicate at the start of the campaign which tech
rules apply.
It's essential when making a character that not only
you, but everyone else at the table (including the GM) You start with the following equipment in addition to the
understands the strengths and weaknesses of your class. equipment granted by your background.
$300 in gear.

24
 Luck Dice can be spent to activate their color, or the
Lady luck is on your side. Starting at 1st level, you gain the die can be discarded to use the value on the die regardless
ability to affect your success rate at specific tasks based on of die color. Each color offers its own unique ability.
factors you should realistically not have control over. Die Value. A die on its own, regardless of color, can be
You acquire d6s of different colors (yours do not have to spent to modify any d20 roll (whether it be skill or attack)
be these colors, but whichever ones you use should be you make as part of the same action. You can roll first,
clearly identifiable and consistent). You will have the check for success, and then decide whether or not to spend
chance to acquire more and in different combinations of the luck die.
colors. Each color die is connected to a specific type of Combining Dice. Dice can be combined to increase the
ability. effect of an ability. By spending multiple dice, you com-
pound the effect of the activated luck ability. The value on
DIE FOCUS
Black Defense
the initial spent die is not counted, but the values on addi-
White Speed tional dice do. Color-matched dice have their values dou-
Green Recovery bled while unmatched colors are added unmodified. A wild
Red Attack die has no activatable functions, cannot be discarded on its
Purple Wild own, but always acts as a matched die for the purposes of
At 1st level, you gain a number of luck dice based on your combining dice.
highest ability score modifier (regardless which one it is) For example, if you discard an attack die along with
plus ½ your level (rounded up). You must possess at least another attack die (indicating 3), a recovery (showing 5),
one of each die before selecting duplicates at 1st level. Up- and a wild die (showing 2), you add (3x2)+5+(2x2)=15 to
on reaching a new level, your total dice pool can increase the attack die action. The first initial attack die does not
based on the new level and if your highest ability score has add its value.
improved. Whenever you gain additional luck dice, you Defense (Black) Die. When discarded as a reaction to
can also swap out one previously selected die (even if it an enemy hit on you, that attack misses.
means removing your last die of a color), but these choices Combined (Stumble). When combined, the attacker
remain fixed until you gain a level again. must make a Constitution save equal to the value +8, or be
For example, A character has a Charisma of 17 at 1 st knocked prone.
level and starts with 4 dice. The player chooses 1 defense Speed (White) Die. Discard as a bonus action, and you
(black), 1 attack (red), and 1 wild (purple), and 1 recovery can Disengage and move up to your Speed.
(green). At 3rd level, the die pool increases to 5, the player Combined (Bolt). When combined, the value, rounded
replaces the green with a purple and adds a white. up to the nearest 5, is additional movement you can make
After rolling initiative, place your luck die in a cup or this turn.
bag (referred to as the supply), randomly remove a number Recovery (Green) Die. Discard a green along with a Hit
of dice based on your level (2 at 1st level) and roll them— Die as a bonus action and recover hit points equal to the
these are your available dice to spend (your active dice), Hit Die’s maximum value.
and once spent, are discarded and set aside. After finishing Combined (Heal). When combined, the value is addi-
a short rest, return spent dice to your die pool. tional hit points you recover.

THE CIVILIAN
Proficiency Hero
Level Special
Bonus Talents
1st +2 1 Hero talent, Luck Dice (draw 2)
2nd +2 2 Avoidance (+1)
3rd +2 2 Archetype feature
4th +2 3 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 3 Luck Dice (draw 3)
6th +3 4 Avoidance (+2)
7th +3 4 Archetype feature
8th +3 5 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 5 Luck Dice (draw 4)
10th +4 6 Avoidance (+3)
11th +4 6 Archetype feature
12th +4 7 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 7 Luck Dice (draw 5)
14th +5 8 Avoidance (+4)
15th +5 8 Archetype feature
16th +5 9 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 9 Luck Dice (draw 6)
18th +6 10 Archetype feature
19th +6 10 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 11 Chosen One

25
 Attack (Red) Die. Discard as part of an attack action to start of your next turn).
either turn a miss into a hit or a hit into a critical hit. Stroke Of Luck. Anytime you roll a natural 20 (whether
Combined (Wound). When combined, this value is an ability check or an attack), either return a spent luck die
added to your damage roll for this attack. to your supply or draw one luck die from the supply.
Wild (Purple) Die. This die cannot be discarded on its We’re All Lucky. When activating a recovery die, one
own and can only be discarded with another die; however, ally within 5 feet of you can also spend a Hit Die and re-
its value is always doubled as if it were a matching die. cover that die’s maximum value (the ally does not gain the
benefit of combining dice).

You’re a hero…or at least, you’d like to think of yourself as

one. Starting 1st level, and then every two levels after that At 2nd level, as long as you are wearing no armor, you gain
(see table), you gain a hero talent from the list below. a +1 bonus to AC. This increases to +2 at 6th level, +3 at
When reaching an archetype selection, you can decide to 10th level and +4 at 14th level.
select a hero talent instead. Unless otherwise stated, you
can only select a hero talent once.
Born Lucky. If you discard more than three additional At 3rd level, you choose an archetype from the archetype
luck dice via combining, return one of your choice to your chapter. The archetype you choose grants you features at
die supply. 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level.
Bravely Ran Away. When activating a speed die, you Additionally, you can forego your archetype selection at
can also stand up from prone for free; you also have ad- 3rd level and gain an additional hero talent at each of the
vantage on escaping from a grapple until the beginning of above levels.
your next turn. Suggestions. Authority, Diplomat, Driver, Grandmaster,
Comedy Sidekick. Anytime you roll a natural 1 with Sapper, or Suave.
ANY dice (including damage rolls), increase the value of
one unused rolled luck die by 1 (maximum 6).
Do I Feel Lucky. When activating an attack die, you
can also make one additional attack as part of the same When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and
action (it does not benefit from the attack die). 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice
Foolish Fortune. After rolling your luck dice after Initi- by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by
ative, select one and set the die result to 6. 1. As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20
Happy Accidents. When adding matched dice (from using this feature.
combining dice), increase the total result by 3.
Improving The Odds. Immediately after rolling luck
dice after initiative, increase all wild die results by 2 Starting at 20th level, if you are reduced to zero hit points,
(maximum 6). but are then healed before taking a short rest, return all
It’s All In The Reflexes. Before making an ability spent luck dice to the supply and draw again as if you just
check, as part of the same action, take a random luck die rolled initiative. Once you use this ability, you cannot use
from the supply and “lock” it on the player’s character it again until you finish a long rest.
sheet—you have advantage on your next ability check. You
do not regain that locked die until you finish a long rest.
Kismet. Increase your luck die pool by 1. You can select
this talent up to three times.
Luck Of The Whatever. After rolling luck dice after
Initiative, you can re-roll up to two and take the higher As a face, you gain the following class features.
value.
Lucky Star. Increase your luck die draw by 1. You can
select this talent twice. Hit Dice. 1d8 per face level
Make Your Own Luck. You can spend a Hit Die as a Hit Points at 1st level. 8 + your Constitution modifier
bonus action to draw two additional luck dice from your Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitu-
supply. If your supply is empty, you cannot use this ability. tion modifier per face level after 1st
Select this talent a second time and increase the draw to
three additional dice.
Protagonist. When an ally you can see suffers a critical
hit or is reduced to zero hit points, recover a spent luck die Armor. Light armor
of your choice (re-roll it immediately and add it back to Weapons. All simple weapons and one-handed small
your active dice). arms
Stormtrooper Aim. When activating a defense die, you Tools. Disguise kit, all ground vehicles and aircraft
are also counted as having taken the Dodge action (any Saving Throws. Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma
attack rolls made against you have disadvantage until the Skills. Perception, Insight, and four skills from Com-

26
puter Use, Deception, Engineering, History, Intimidation, You have advantage on all attack rolls, ability checks,
Investigation, Performance, Persuasion, Sciences, and and skill checks until the beginning of your next turn.
Stealth Any Charisma saving throws you force a target to make
before the end of your next turn gains a +3 bonus to
the DC.
You start with the following equipment in addition to the At 5th level, your speed increases by 5 feet and you
equipment granted by your background. gain a +2 bonus to AC until the beginning of your next
a one-handed small arm costing $300 or less turn.
a set of light armor $300 or less At 10th level, the bonus to Save DCs increase to +5.
a ground vehicle with a value of $30,000 or less At 14th level, you regain 2 to your Hustle Pool.
a disguise kit At 18th level, you can also roll the spent Hit Die and
$200 in additional gear recover hit points equal to the result.

Starting at 1st level, as long as you wear light or no armor, You know, deep in your heart, you’re a hero, regardless if
you gain a bonus to AC equal to half your proficiency bo- you’re actually a sociopath. Starting at 1 st level, you begin
nus (rounded down). developing skills enabling you to manipulate people
through force of while, a winning smile, and the right se-
quence of words. You gain two Protagonist Traits at 1st lev-
el, gaining an additional trait at 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th level.
You are not a fighter. You’re a… well… everything that’s Several traits require the use of a Charisma saving
not a fighter. Starting at 1st level, once per turn on your throw. The DC to resist your…well…behavior is 8 + your
turn, you can make a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check as Charisma modifier + your proficiency bonus.
a free action; if you pass, you can take an additional action
on top of your regular action. You cannot use the Attack Designer. Way of Protagonist actions are not
action or cast spells with this extra action. At 9th level, this Attack actions, and as such, can be used with the
DC is reduced to 10. additional action with Double Your Efforts.

Biting Taunt. You’re able to scream an obscenity that is

You’re not expecting to be in a fight, so best to use your shockingly personal and vile to your opponent. As an ac-
resources more constructively. Starting at 1st level, instead tion, you can target an enemy that can hear and understand
of using your Hit Dice to recover hit points during rests, you. It makes a Charisma saving throw. If the target fails, it
you can expend them to gain an edge when required. has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the
Spend a Hit Die on your turn, regain no hit points, and you beginning of your next turn. A target that succeeds on the
gain all the following benefits (this requires no action). DC has advantage on additional saving throws against this
You automatically pass the Double Your Efforts skill effect until you finish a long rest.
check to gain the additional action. Cognitive Empathy. The truth is written in their faces.

THE FACE
Proficiency Protagonist
Level Special
Bonus Traits
1st +2 2 Bulletproof Ego, Double Your Efforts (DC15), Life Insurance
2nd +2 2 Hustle Pool
3rd +2 2 Archetype feature
4th +2 2 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 3 Life Insurance (+5 speed, +2 AC)
6th +3 3 Automatic Improvisation
7th +3 3 Archetype feature
8th +3 3 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 3 Double Your Efforts (DC10)
10th +4 4 Life Insurance (save DC +5)
11th +4 4 Archetype feature
12th +4 4 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 4 Make Them Flinch
14th +5 4 Life Insurance (regain 2 Hustle Pool)
15th +5 5 Archetype feature
16th +5 5 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 5 Life Insurance (regain hit points)
18th +6 5 Archetype feature
19th +6 5 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 6 Automatic Improvisation

27
Through interpreting micro-expressions, body language, tempting a generic person, the disguise is near flawless
and other aspects of applied psychology, you can read the (you have advantage on the disguise kit). Regardless, if you
thoughts of certain individuals. As an action, you can focus are mimicking a specific or generic person, if your ability
your mind on any one creature that you can see within 30 check to create a visual disguise is less than your Charisma
feet of you and that has an Intelligence of 4 or higher. It saving throw DC, you can use that instead.
makes a Charisma saving throw. If it fails, you learn the Winning Smile. Before making a skill check for a skill
surface thoughts of the creature—what it is most likely to you are proficient with, you can instead set your roll to your
do in the immediate future and what could possibly be on ability score. When you use winning smile, you cannot use
its mind. You also gain insight into its reasoning (if any) it again until you finish a long rest. You can select winning
and/or its emotional state. This effect lasts until the end of smile a second time and gain a second use before finishing
your next turn or until you break line of sight. a long rest.
Faceman. It’s all about personality. Select one Intelli-
gence, Wisdom, or Charisma skill or one item proficiency.
As an action, double your proficiency bonus with the next You are a born talker and love to debate, regardless if its
check made with that skill or item. You can select faceman versus friends, enemies, or entities. Starting at 2 nd level,
a second time and select another skill or item. you can alter the natural result of any non-attack d20 roll
Fascination. You are, in fact, the most interesting per- you make. You gain a pool equal to double your Charisma
son in the world…at least to your target. As an action, you modifier and can pull from said pool to modify the result of
can attempt to charm a target. It must be able to hear and a d20 roll you just made. Your hustle pool refills after you
understand you. It makes a Charisma saving throw. If it finish a long rest.
fails, the creature is not only charmed by you but by all
your allies the target can see. The charmed effect ends if
the target suffers damage or five minutes have passed.
When you use this feature, you cannot use it again until At 3rd level, you choose an archetype from the archetype
you finish a long rest. If the target makes the saving throw, chapter. The archetype you choose grants you features at
you recover the use of fascination but cannot use it against 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level.
the same target until you finish a long rest. You can select Additionally, you can forego your archetype selection at
fascination a second time and gain a second use before fin- 3rd level and gain an additional Way of Protagonist trait at
ishing a long rest. each of the above levels.
Iceman. If you suffer a critical hit, you regain 1 spent Suggestions. Anti-Hero, Authority, Cleaner, Country
Hit Die. Gunman, Diplomat, Driver, Field Machinist, Pathfinder,
Know the Signs. You have advantage against any Cha- Recon Intelligence, Selfless Protector, or Suave.
risma and Wisdom saving throws.
Mind Twist. More so than insulting a target, you say
something so bizarre (or perhaps amazingly insightful), the When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th
target is forced to take time to think it over. As an action, level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
you can target an enemy that can hear and understand you. or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
It makes a Charisma saving throw. If the target fails, it is As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us-
stunned until the beginning of your next turn. When you ing this feature.
use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a
long rest. If the target makes the saving throw, you recover
the use of mind twist but cannot use it against the same
target until you finish a long rest. You can select mind twist Starting at 13th level, you can force a creature that made a
a second time and gain a second use before finishing a long Charisma saving throw you imposed to re-roll. When you
rest. use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a
Poker Face. You are immune to being frightened or long rest. If the target still succeeds on the saving throw,
charmed. Additionally, all allies that can see you have ad- you recover the use of make them flinch but cannot use it
vantage against being frightened or charmed as well. against the same target until you finish a long rest.
Polyglot. You learn three additional languages. You also
gain one additional language every three levels from now
on. You are really good at giving the illusion that you know
Possible Sociopath. You have resistance to psychic dam- what you are doing. At 6th level, you can spend a Hit Die
age, as well as having advantage on saving throws against as a bonus action to gain proficiency with a tool for one
any effect that would sense your emotions or read your minute (including musical instruments). At 20th level, this
thoughts. improves, and you have proficiency with all tools, all the
Veneer. A disguise kit is only the beginning; outside of time (no need to spend hit dice).
clothing and make-up, you can now alter your voice and
mannerisms. You can also mimic specific people. If at-

28
 Each time a discipline is selected, it increases its tier.
You select additional disciplines at 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th
level.

As a grounder, you gain the following class features.

Tier 1. Whenever you make an autofire attack, you in-

Hit Dice. 1d10 per grounder level flict additional damage equal to the amount you beat the
Hit Points at 1st level. 10 + your Constitution modifier enemy’s AC by, up to a maximum of 5 (for an auto weap-
Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d10 (or 6) + your Consti- on) or 10 (for an auto-heavy weapon).
tution modifier per grounder level after 1st Tier 2. If you hit, you can increase your final attack roll
for the purposes of this path (up to a maximum value based
on your type of weapon from tier 1).
Armor. All armor, shields Auto. +2 to your attack roll after you hit.
Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed and two- Auto-heavy. +4 to your attack roll after you hit.
handed small arms, heavy weapons, super heavy weapons. Tier 3. If you hit, you can increase your final attack roll
Tools. All ground vehicles and aircraft for purposes of this path (up to a maximum value based on
Saving Throws. Strength, Dexterity your type of weapon from tier 1). This replaces the values
Skills. Select two skills from Acrobatics, Athletics, His- from Tier 2.
tory, Insight, Intimidation, and Perception. Auto. +4 to your attack roll after you hit.
Auto-heavy. +8 to your attack roll after you hit.
Tier 4. The maximum upper limit on damage with this
path doubles (10 (for an auto weapon) or 20 (for an auto-
You start with the following equipment in addition to the
heavy weapon).
equipment granted by your background.
Tier 5. If you hit, you can increase your final attack roll
three small arms, each $300 or less
for purposes of this path (up to a maximum value based on
two Concussion Grenades
your type of weapon from tier 1). This replaces the values
a set of armor $300 or less from Tier 3.
$100 in additional gear Auto. +8 to your attack roll after you hit.
Auto-heavy. +16 to your attack roll after you hit.

Starting at 1st level, you can select a fire support discipline.

There are two to choose from: assault or precision. Tier 1. You gain a +1 bonus to all non-autofire firearm
By pursuing assault, you favor automatic weapons that attack rolls.
fire multiple rounds, increasing damage at the risk of accu- Tier 2. If you score a critical hit with a non-autofire fire-
racy. By selecting precision, you keep your weapon firing arm attack, roll all damage dice three times instead of
single rounds, ensuring a hit without wasting ammunition. twice.

THE GROUNDER
Proficiency Fire
Level Brotherhood Special
Bonus Support
1st +2 1 1 Fire Support, Brotherhood
2nd +2 1 1 Take A Knee (30 feet)
3rd +2 1 1 Archetype feature
4th +2 2 2 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 2 2 Take A Knee (25 feet)
6th +3 2 2 Double Tap
7th +3 2 3 Archetype feature
8th +3 3 3 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 3 3 Triple Tap
10th +4 3 4 Meat Shield
11th +4 4 4 Archetype feature
12th +4 4 4 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 4 5 Take A Knee (20 feet)
14th +5 4 5 Quadruple Tap
15th +5 5 5 Archetype feature
16th +5 5 6 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 5 6 Take A Knee (15 feet)
18th +6 6 6 Archetype feature
19th +6 6 7 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 6 7 All In

29
 Tier 3. Set aside a natural 20. Replace one missed at- Dexterity saving throws. The effect ends if the target
tack roll you make with a non-autofire firearm with that stands, if you leave the target's area, or if the target makes
natural 20. Once you do, you cannot set aside another natu- any kind of attack.
ral 20 until you finish a short or long rest. Member Of A Team. You can spend 30 feet of move-
Tier 3. If you roll a natural 2 or 3 on a non-autofire fire- ment and select an ally within 5 feet. That ally can use the
arm attack, you can re-roll. Disengage action without using her action on her next
Tier 5. You have advantage on non-autofire firearm turn.
attack rolls. Slow Is Smooth. When you move, you can reduce your
speed by 10 feet and pull one ally within 5 feet with you. If
you use the Disengage action, the ally also disengages.
At 1st level, you select one of the following brotherhood Snap Out Of It. Use your action to remove one of the
abilities. These abilities complement the group you are in, following conditions an ally suffers from (unless you suffer
rewarding teamwork over selfish ambitions. from the same condition)—charmed, frightened, stunned,
You select additional abilities at 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, or unconscious (unless dying). When you use this feature,
and 19th level. you cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
Action Star. If you score a hit on a creature 20 feet or Solid Frame. When wielding a two-handed small arm,
closer, you can elect to piss said creature off. It now suffers you do not suffer the -2 penalty to firing while moving.
disadvantage on all attack rolls that don’t include you as a Spotter. Target an enemy in line of sight with your ac-
target. The effect ends if you move out of range or out of tion; one ally within 5 feet of you has advantage on her
line of sight (like behind total cover), or don’t attack the next attack roll against the target.
same target before the end of your next turn (you don’t Toss Magazine. You can spend 30 feet of movement
need to hit, just attack). and reload an ally's weapon. The ally must be within 10
Cauterize. You can use your action to heal an injured feet, and you must have the proper ammunition or cell.
ally. The target recovers hit points equal to 1d6 per your
level. When you use this feature, you cannot use it again
until you finish a short or long rest. Starting at 2nd level, you can crouch quickly and brace your
Combat Ineffective. If an allied character in line of elbow against your knee for a secured firing position.
sight is reduced to 0 hit points or less, you have advantage Spend 30 feet of movement and make one ranged attack.
on attack rolls against the creature that hit the ally until the You cannot use this feature if you are within reach of an
creature is destroyed or until the felled ally recovers hit enemy or an enemy is in reach of you.
points. At 5th level, this movement cost is reduced to 25 feet,
Comrades In Arms. If an ally within 10 feet of you suf- reducing to 20 feet at 13th level, and 15 feet at 17th level.
fers a critical hit, you have advantage on attack rolls against
the creature that made that attack until the end of your
next turn. At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you
Covering Fire. When making an Attack action, you can choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th,
suffer disadvantage on all attack rolls for that action; after 15th, and 18th level.
finishing your attack, all allies in line of sight gain a +1 bo- Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection
nus to AC and advantage on all saving throws against any at 3rd level and select either an additional fire support path
target you attack until the beginning of your next turn. or a Brotherhood ability at each of the above levels.
For The Common Honor. If an ally within 5 feet of you Suggestions. Anti-Hero, Banner Head, Brother of
suffers a hit from an enemy, as a reaction, you can swap Blood, Country Gunman, Grandmaster, Infantry Support
locations with the ally and suffer the hit and all effects in- Specialist, Machine of War, Man-At-Arms, Militarist, Ring
stead. Fighter, Selfless Protector or Skirmisher.
Front Line Deployment. Select one ally within 10 feet
as a bonus action. Until the beginning of your next turn,
the targeted ally gains a +1 bonus to AC.
Jump In Front. If you and at least one ally is struck by When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th
an area effect no bigger than 60 feet across, as a reaction, level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
you can push your allies out of the target area. However, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
you are then targeted by the effect a number of times As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us-
equal to the number of allies you pushed. You can still ing this feature.
make saving throw to the effect, but for each attack on you.
When you use this feature, you cannot use it again until
you finish a short or long rest. Starting at 6th level, you can attack twice, instead of once,
Man Down. If you occupy the same space as a dead, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. This
prone, or unconscious ally, the ally cannot be targeted by increases to three attacks at 9th level in this class and four
any ranged or melee attacks and automatically passes all attacks at 14th level in this class.

30
 Skills. Select three skills from Acrobatics, Athletics,
An enemy is more useful to you when it’s dead. Starting at History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, and Perfor-
10th level, as a reaction—or part of your action if on your mance, and sleight of hand.
turn—when a creature within 5 feet is killed or otherwise
incapacitated, you grab it; it now grants you half-cover until
you move. If using a two-handed small arm, you suffer a -1 You start with the following equipment in addition to the
penalty to attack rolls while holding the target. You cannot equipment granted by your background.
use a heavy or super heavy weapon with meat shield. You two one-handed small arms, $300 or less
also cannot use meat shield with take a knee. a set of armor $300 or less
$100 in additional gear

At 20th level, if you hit an enemy, you can empty a full

magazine to ensure a messy kill. Double the number of Starting at 1st level, choose whether you fight with either
attacks you make with an Attack action against a single one firearm or two.
target. When you use this feature, you cannot use it again Two Weapons. Wielding two one-handed small arms is
until you finish a short or long rest. That weapon is also out the same as wielding two light melee weapons for the pur-
of ammunition. poses of two-weapon fighting. As such, you can use a bonus
action to attack with your second small arm. You don’t add
your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus attack
unless the modifier is negative. At 6th level, you no longer
have this limitation and can add your ability modifier to
the damage of the bonus attack.
As a gunslinger, you gain the following class features. One Weapon. If wielding only a single one-handed
small arm, you gain a +3 bonus to damage rolls with that
weapon. This increases to +6 at 6th level.
Hit Dice. 1d8 per gunslinger level
Hit Points at 1st level. 8 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitu- Starting at 1st level, when attacking a creature 5 feet or
tion modifier per gunslinger level after 1st closer with one or two one-handed small arms, you gain a
+1 bonus to attack rolls and a +2 bonus to AC against that
creature.
Armor. Light and medium armor
Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed and two-
handed small arms Starting at 1st level, you can use kata exploits fueled by
Tools. All ground vehicles and aircraft kata points. You have 4 kata points at 1st level, gaining 1
Saving Throws. Dexterity, Wisdom additional point every third level beginning at 2 nd level.
THE GUNSLINGER
Proficiency Kata Kata
Level Special
Bonus Points Exploits
1st +2 4 2 Cinematic Style, Converging Fire, Kata
2nd +2 5 3 —
3rd +2 5 3 Archetype feature
4th +2 5 3 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 6 4 Gun-Fu
6th +3 6 4 Cinematic Style
7th +3 6 4 Archetype feature
8th +3 7 4 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 7 5 Reflex Shot
10th +4 7 5 Kata Improvement
11th +4 8 5 Archetype feature
12th +4 8 5 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 8 6 Gun-Fu
14th +5 9 6 Heroic Bloodshed
15th +5 9 6 Archetype feature
16th +5 9 6 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 10 7 Gun-Fu
18th +6 10 7 Archetype feature
19th +6 10 7 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 11 7 Endorphin Response

31
You regain all spent kata points when you finish a short or
long rest. Kata Cost. 1
At 1st level, you select two kata exploits, gaining one Spend 1 kata before an attack action to add your Wisdom
additional exploit at 2nd, 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th level. Each modifier to all damage rolls until the end of your turn. If
time you can select a new exploit, you can replace one you any attack rolls you make on your turn score a critical hit,
know with a different one. you gain 1 kata (max 1).
All exploits require the use of one-handed small arms.
Certain kata exploits also cost more than one point.
At 1st level, you can only use one exploit per turn. This Kata Cost. 1
increases to two at 10th level. Spend 1 kata on your turn as a bonus action, and your
movement is not reduced through difficult terrain; you
don’t provoke opportunity attacks, and all attacks against
Kata Cost. 1 you have disadvantage until the beginning of your next
Spend 1 kata as part of your movement to double your turn. If you suffer more than one hit while kinesics is in
speed until the end of your turn. If you are hit with an at- effect, you regain 1 kata.
tack before the beginning of your next turn, you gain 1
kata.
Kata Cost. 1
Spend 1 kata with a bonus action and have advantage on
Kata Cost. 1 Dexterity and Strength ability checks, skill checks, and
Spend 1 kata before making a ranged attack roll to have saving throws until the end of your next turn.
advantage on that attack roll. If both attack rolls hit, double
your ability modifier damage. If both miss, you regain 1
kata.
Kata Cost. 2
Spend 2 kata after hitting a creature to turn that hit into a
Kata Cost. 1 critical hit.
Spend 1 kata as a reaction if an enemy scores a critical hit
on you and make a ranged attack against the triggering
enemy. If you hit, your attack is also a critical hit. If you Kata Cost. 1
miss by 5 or more, you regain 1 kata. If you hit a creature at least 20 feet away, spend 1 kata as
part of that same action to gain an additional attack against
one additional enemy within 5 feet of the first target.
Kata Cost. 1
If you are within 5 feet of at least two enemies, you can
spend 1 kata along and 30 feet of movement to make one Kata Cost. 4
ranged attack to one of those enemies. Spend 4 kata after hitting a target, and as part of the same
action, you gain a damage bonus to every subsequent hit
on that specific target equal to your Wisdom bonus until
Kata Cost. 1 the target is killed.
Spend 1 kata as a reaction when hit with an attack or if you
fail a Dexterity saving throw. You take only ¼ damage.
At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you
choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th,
Kata Cost. 1 15th, and 18th level.
Spend 1 kata as part of a reaction when an enemy misses Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection
with a ranged attack—you make a ranged attack. If you at 3rd level and gain a kata exploit and 1 kata point at each
score a critical hit with said attack, you recover 1 kata. of the above levels.
Suggestions. Banner Head, Brawler, Cleaner, Country
Gunman, Grandmaster, Gun Dancer, Machine of War, Man
Kata Cost. 1 -At-Arms, Pistolero, or Ring Fighter.
Spend 1 kata after hitting a target; you inflict additional
damage equal to your level, and if the creature is your size
or smaller and moves or attacks before the start of your
next turn, you can knock the enemy prone as a reaction. When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th
level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us-

32
ing this feature.

Starting at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, As a heavy, you gain the following class features.
whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. This
increases to three attacks at 13th level in this class and four
attacks at 17th level in this class.
Additionally, at 5th level, if all ranged attacks you make Hit Dice. 1d10 per heavy level
with an Attack action are directed at the same target, you Hit Points at 1st level. 10 + your Constitution modifier
can make one additional ranged attack against that target. Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d10 (or 6) + your Consti-
This increases to two additional attacks at 17 th level. tution modifier per heavy level after 1 st

Starting at 9th level, when wielding a one-handed small Armor. All armor, shields
arm, you can use a ranged attack as an opportunity attack. Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed and two-
handed small arms, heavy weapons, super heavy weapons.
Tools. All ground vehicles and aircraft
Saving Throws. Strength, Constitution
At 14th level, you become a staple of action films. If wield- Skills. Select two skills from Acrobatics, Athletics, His-
ing two one-handed small arms, you can double the num- tory, Insight, Intimidation, and Perception
ber of ranged attacks you make with your Attack action,
your Bonus action, and any Reactions until the beginning
of your next turn. If wielding one one-handed small arm,
until the beginning of your next turn, any hits are automat- You start with the following equipment in addition to the
ically critical hits, and you double all dice rolled. Once you equipment granted by your background.
use heroic bloodshed, you cannot use it again until you any three small arms, each $300 or less
finish a short or long rest. a set of armor $300 or less
$100 in additional gear

At 20th level, instead of using your Hit Dice to recover hit

points during a short rest, you can expend them on your At 1st level, you gain artillery talents. You gain four talents
turn as a bonus action and gain 4 points of kata. at first level. You gain an additional talent at 2 nd, 5th, 9th,
13th, 17th, and 20th level. Several talents can be selected
multiple times, increasing their tier, though you cannot
achieve more than rank 2 at 1st level.
Several talents require the use of a Dexterity saving
THE HEAVY
Proficiency
Level Special
Bonus
1st +2 Artillery Talent (x4)
2nd +2 Artillery Talent
3rd +2 Archetype feature
4th +2 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 Artillery Talent
6th +3 Too Close
7th +3 Archetype feature
8th +3 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 Artillery Talent
10th +4 Strongpoint
11th +4 Archetype feature
12th +4 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 Artillery Talent
14th +5 Strongpoint
15th +5 Archetype feature
16th +5 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 Artillery Talent
18th +6 Archetype feature
19th +6 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 Artillery Talent

33
throw. The DC to resist your attack is 8 + your attack abil- Auto-Heavy. Large +6, Huge +7, Gargantuan +8, Colos-
ity modifier + your proficiency bonus + any weapon bonus. sal and up +9

As an action, while you are wielding an auto or auto-heavy As an action, make a single autofire attack. If you hit, you
weapon, each creature in a 10-foot cone (or 15-foot for auto impose one or more effects on the enemy depending on
-heavy) centered on you must make a Dexterity saving how much you beat the target’s AC by (to a maximum of 5
throw. A target takes your weapon damage on a failed save, for an auto weapon or 10 for an auto-heavy weapon). All
or half as much damage on a successful one. You expend effects are cumulative.
ammunition with each saving throw attempted. 2 or more. The target is pushed 5 feet.
Tier 2. The cone increases by 5 feet (15 and 20 feet, 6 or more. The target is pushed +5 feet (10 total).
respectively). Tier 2. You unlock two additional potential effects.
Tier 3. Targets your size or smaller are knocked prone 3 or more. The target has disadvantage on its next
if they fail their saves. ranged attack roll against you until the beginning of your
Tier 4. The cone increases by 5 feet (20 and 25 feet, next turn.
respectively). 8 or more. The target has disadvantage on its next at-
tack roll until the beginning of your next turn.
Tier 3. You unlock two additional potential effects.
As an action, while you are wielding an auto or auto-heavy 5 or more. The target’s speed is reduced to zero until
weapon, each creature in a 10-foot cube (20-foot with auto- the beginning of your next turn
heavy) within normal weapon range must make a Dexterity 10. The target loses its action on its next turn. It still
saving throw. A target takes your weapon damage on a can take reactions and bonus actions.
failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Tier 4. You have advantage on this attack.
You expend ammunition with each saving throw attempt-
ed. You can also attempt rapid-fire between a weapon’s
normal range and maximum range, but the save DC suffers You can spend 30 feet of movement and gain a +1 bonus to
a -5 penalty. AC and provide half-cover for all allies within 5 feet until
Tier 2. The cube’s area increases by 10 feet (20 and 30 the beginning of your next turn. You also have advantage
feet, respectively). against checks and saves from being moved against your
Tier 3. All targets in the cube have their speed halved will until the beginning of your next turn.
until the beginning of your next turn. Tier 2. Allies now gain three-quarters cover.
Tier 4. The cube’s area increases by 10 feet (30 and 40 Tier 3. The bonus to AC increases to +2.
feet, respectively). Tier 4. Imposing Frame now only costs 20 feet of
movement.

When attacking a Large or larger creature with a weapon

using the auto or auto-heavy property, you gain a bonus to You can target large areas on the battlefield and impede
damage against the target for every size above Medium the enemy advancement. While wielding an auto or auto-heavy
creature is. You gain this damage bonus with both autofire weapon, spend 30 feet of movement on your turn and se-
and area-effect attacks using auto and auto-heavy weapons. lect a 10-foot cube (20-foot with auto-heavy) within your
Auto: Large +2, Huge +3, Gargantuan +4, Colossal and weapon’s range. Until the beginning of your next turn, the
up +5 area is considered difficult terrain to any enemy targets
Auto-Heavy. Large +3, Huge +4, Gargantuan +5, Colos- attempting to move through it. As a reaction, you can force
sal and up +6 an enemy that enters the area to make a Dexterity saving
Tier 2. The damage bonus improves. throw. A target takes your weapon damage on a failed save,
Auto. Large +3, Huge +4, Gargantuan +5, Colossal and or half as much damage on a successful one. You expend
up +6 ammunition with each saving throw attempted.
Auto-Heavy. Large +4, Huge +5, Gargantuan +6, Colos- Tier 2. The cube’s area increases by 10 feet (20 and 30
sal and up +7 feet, respectively).
Tier 3. The damage bonus improves. Tier 3. Overwatch now costs only 20 feet of movement
Auto. Large +4, Huge +5, Gargantuan +6, Colossal and to use.
up +7 Tier 4. The cube’s area increases by 10 feet (30 and 40
Auto-Heavy. Large +5, Huge +6, Gargantuan +7, Colos- feet, respectively).
sal and up +8 Tier 5. You can use your action as well as spending
Tier 4. The damage bonus improves. movement with Overwatch and double its area of effect.
Auto. Large +5, Huge +6, Gargantuan +7, Colossal and
up +8

34
 Tier 6. If you used Overwatch on your previous turn,
you can continue sustaining it on this turn, costing only 10 When you reach 10th level, you can take one additional ac-
feet of movement to do so. You cannot shift its location. tion on your turn if both this and your normal action are
used to employ artillery talents. When you use this feature,
you cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest.
When making a non-autofire attack, you can re-roll any At 14th level, you gain one additional use of Strongpoint
damage die roll of 1 until the result is other than 1. If you before you finish a short or long rest. You can also expend a
roll the maximum result of any, add +1 damage. Hit Die as a bonus action, not recover any hit points and
Tier 2. If you score a critical hit, roll all damage dice gain an additional use of Strongpoint, though you cannot
twice and take the higher values. gain more than 1 additional action per turn.
Tier 3. If you roll the maximum result on a damage die,
add +2 damage (instead of +1).
Tier 4. If you roll the maximum result on a damage die,
instead of adding +2 damage, roll 1d6 instead (this die and
any subsequent dice can also benefit from precision fire).
Tier 5. Re-roll any damage die roll of 1 or 2 until the As an infiltrator, you gain the following class features.
result is other than a 1 or a 2. If you roll the maximum re-
sult of any die, add +2 damage.
Hit Dice. 1d8 per infiltrator level
Hit Points at 1st level. 8 + your Constitution modifier
When you hit a creature with a ranged attack using the Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitu-
auto or auto-heavy property, one creature within 5 feet of tion modifier per infiltrator level after 1 st
the first target (10 feet with auto-heavy) takes damage
equal to your Dexterity or Strength modifier.
Tier 2. Increase the range by 10 feet (15 and 20 feet, Armor. Light armor
respectively). Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed small arms, any
Tier 3. Double the damage the second target suffers. two melee martial weapons of your choice
Tools. Disguise kit or Poisoner’s Kit (select one), all
ground vehicles and aircraft
You treat heavy weapons as two-handed small arms for the Saving Throws. Dexterity, Wisdom
purposes of attack penalties while moving. This does not Skills. Stealth plus three from Acrobatics, Athletics,
apply to super heavy weapons. Deception, Computer Use, Engineering, History, Insight,
Intimidation, Perception, Persuasion, and Sleight of Hand.

At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you

choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th, You start with the following equipment in addition to the
15th, and 18th level. equipment granted by your background.
Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection a one-handed small arm worth $300 or less
at 3rd level and gain an additional artillery talent at each of a one-handed melee weapon worth $50 or less
the above levels. a set of TL0 synthetic weave or TL0 ballistics armor
Suggestions. Banner Head, Brother of Blood, Infantry $100 in additional gear
Support Specialist, Man-At-Arms, or Selfless Protector.

You have acquired a very particular set of skills over a very

When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th long career. Said skills are essential to be steadfast in your
level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, craft and should never be up to chance.
or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. Starting at 1st level, you can re-roll undesirable d20 re-
As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us- sults you make. You gain as many uses of procedural
ing this feature. memory as your Wisdom modifier + your proficiency bo-
nus. You recover spent uses after you finish a short or long
rest.
You can re-roll as many times as you wish in response to
At 6th level, if you are hit by an opportunity attack, you can
a single bad roll until you accept a result or run out of uses
make a single melee attack, using your weapon as a club, as
of procedural memory.
either an action or part of your action.
When you use procedural memory, that roll (whether it
be a skill check, ability check, saving throw, or attack roll)

35
is also counted as having advantage. You cannot use proce- Quickness. If enemies within 50 feet of you can’t see
dural memory if you have disadvantage. If you already you, you gain a +5 foot bonus to speed.
have advantage, you still only get to re-roll one die result. Readiness. If you ready an Attack action to trigger
when a specific enemy gets within 20 feet or reveals itself,
you have advantage on the attack.
Starting at 1st level, anytime you have advantage on an at- Reflex Dash. If an enemy score a hit on you, you gain a
tack roll, the target of your attack has disadvantage on at- +10 foot bonus to speed until the end of your next turn.
tack rolls against you until the beginning of your next turn. Response. If an enemy within 40 feet of you misses on
an attack against you, you have advantage on your next
attack against that same enemy.
Scanner. You can Search with a bonus action.
Starting at 1st level, you can dispatch enemies with extreme Sprung. You can stand from prone using only 5 feet of
prejudice. Once per turn, if you hit on an attack you have movement. Additionally, when you make any type of high
advantage on, you double your weapon’s base damage dice jump, you increase the distance by 5 feet.
(not any additional damage dice from class features or ar-
chetypes). The target must be within 20 feet of you.
Starting at 2nd level, you can concentrate all your energy
into ensuring a clean kill, even to the risk of your own per-
Starting at 1st level, you gain an additional skill that enable sonal safety. Instead of using your Hit Dice to recover hit
you to accomplish your mission more successfully. You points, you can expend one during an attack action after
gain an additional skill at 4th, 7th, 13th, 16th, and 19th lev- hitting to turn the attack into a critical hit.
el.
Around Corners. As long as you are not deaf, you are
aware of the location of any hidden or invisible creatures
within 10 feet of you. At 3rd level, you choose an archetype from the archetype
Automatic. You gain two additional uses of Procedural chapter. The archetype you choose grants you features at
Memory. You may only gain this once. 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level.
Focus. The range of Intended Target increases to 40 Additionally, you can forego your archetype selection at
feet. 3rd level and gain an additional use of procedural memory.
Following Patterns. You reduce the Passive Perception Suggestions. Anti-Hero, Cleaner, Driver, Gun Dancer,
of all enemies you encounter by 2. Machine of War, Pathfinder, or Skirmisher.
Increased Fatality. When using Intended Target, triple
base weapon damage dice instead of double.
Multi-Talented. You gain proficiency in either one skill When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th
or one tool of your choice. If you select a skill or tool you level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
already possess proficiency in, you gain a +2 bonus with or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
checks involving that skill or tool. As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us-

THE INFILTRATOR
Proficiency Solid
Level Special
Bonus Skills
1st +2 1 Procedural Memory, Leet, Intended Target, Solid Skills
2nd +2 1 Pacification
3rd +2 1 Archetype feature
4th +2 2 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 2 Ghost
6th +3 2 Efficient Killer
7th +3 3 Archetype feature
8th +3 3 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 3 Most Dangerous Prey
10th +4 4 Crippling Effect
11th +4 4 Archetype feature
12th +4 4 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 5 Efficient Killer
14th +5 5 Ability Score Improvement
15th +5 5 Archetype feature
16th +5 6 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 6 Enhanced Camouflage
18th +6 6 Archetype feature
19th +6 7 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 7 System Shock

36
ing this feature. treated as three-quarters cover. When benefitting from
three-quarters cover, it is treated as total cover.

Starting at 5th level, you have advantage on initiative. If

you act first after rolling initiative, you gain one additional Starting at 20th level, you can inflict a crippling injury on an
action on your first turn and have advantage on attack rolls opponent. After scoring a critical hit on a creature, the tar-
until the end of that turn. get is also stunned until the end of your next turn. When
you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you fin-
ish a long rest.
At 9th level, if using a one-handed small arm or melee
weapon, you improve the damage of the weapon by one
step (1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12) when benefitting
from cover, when attacking a surprised target, or if your
attack roll had advantage. As a marshal, you gain the following class features.

Starting at 10th level, with one-handed melee weapons and Hit Dice. 1d8 per marshal level
one-handed small arms, you score a critical hit on a natural Hit Points at 1st level. 8 + your Constitution modifier
roll of 19 or 20. Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitu-
tion modifier per marshal level after 1st.

Once you have located your target, under no circumstances

can it be allowed to survive. Alas, occasionally, a single Armor. Light armor, medium armor
strike isn’t enough, and you are forced to act more brutally. Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed and two-
At 6th level, if you hit your target with a melee weapon or handed small arms, heavy weapons
a ranged weapon at 20 feet or closer, you can repeat the Tools. All ground vehicles and aircraft
same attack against the same target as part of the same ac- Saving Throws. Intelligence, Charisma
tion. This attack is counted separately from the previous, Skills. Select four skills from Computer Use, History,
so any benefits do not carry over. If the additional attack Investigation, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival, De-
hits, you can make a third attack as part of the same action. ception, Intimidation, and Persuasion
At 13th level, Efficient Killer improves, and you can
make up to five additional attacks on the same target as
part of the same action as long as each previous attack hits. You start with the following equipment in addition to the
equipment granted by your background.
two small arms, worth $300 or less
a set of armor $300 or less
Starting at 17th level, when benefitting from half cover, it is
$200 in additional gear
THE MARSHAL
Proficiency Command Team
Special
Level Bonus Presence Power
1st +2 1 1 Command Presence, Team Powers, For the Good of the Team
2nd +2 2 1 —
3rd +2 2 1 Archetype feature
4th +2 2 1 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 2 2 —
6th +3 3 2 Double Tap
7th +3 3 2 Archetype feature
8th +3 3 2 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 3 3 Triple Tap
10th +4 4 3 —
11th +4 4 3 Archetype feature
12th +4 4 3 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 4 4 —
14th +5 5 4 Quadruple Tap
15th +5 5 4 Archetype feature
16th +5 5 4 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 5 5 —
18th +6 6 5 Archetype feature
19th +6 6 5 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 6 5 Manifestation of Greatness

37
 you gain a +1 bonus to damage rolls.
st
Starting at 1 level, your words and actions generate a pres- Tier 2. Allies re-roll all 1s on all damage rolls; personifi-
ence that can motivate or generally boost those you deem cation of authority improves to a +2 bonus to damage rolls.
your allies. Select one command presence from the list
below. These are always in effect. Each command pres-
ence you possess can also be temporarily boosted, after As long as you stand, no one falls. All allies that can see and
which you cannot boost it again until you finish a long rest. hear you reduce all damage inflicted on them by 1 (2 at
Unless otherwise stated, you gain no benefit from your 10th level).
own command presence. Brotherhood (boost). As an action, you advise your allies
At 2nd level, and again at 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th level, on the best way to avoid damage. Select an energy type
you can either select another command presence or in- (acid, cold, fire, force, lightning, necrotic, poison, psychic,
crease the potential of a presence you already possess radiant, or thunder)—for one minute (10 rounds), all allies
(gaining the tier 2 ability). that can see you gain resistance to that energy type.
Tier 2. All allies in range reduce all damage inflicted on
them by 2 (3 at 10th level).
You don't keep back and order from a distance; you stand
shoulder to shoulder with those you lead. Allies that can
see and hear you have advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom You lead the attack, drawing allied fire to your target. Once
and Charisma saving throws. per turn, if you hit a creature, pick one ally that can see or
Exemplary Example (boost). Use an action, and for one hear you—the targeted ally gains a +2 bonus to her next
minute (10 rounds), all allies within 20 feet of your gain a attack roll.
+1 bonus to AC. Strategic Superiority (boost). As an action, you convey
Tier 2. Allies also gain advantage on Constitution and an attack plan—for one minute (10 rounds), all allies that
Strength saving throws as well; the bonus from exemplary can see and hear you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls against
example increases to +2. the last target you hit until the beginning of your next turn.
Your selected ally still only gains a +2 bonus.
Tier 2. Instead of a +2 bonus, the selected ally gains
advantage.
Using only your words, you call your comrades back from
the most harmful of afflictions. Allies that can see and hear
you double any effect that removes exhaustion. Finishing a
long rest reduces an ally’s exhaustion level by 2, provided Starting at 1st level, as an action, you can allow one ally
that the ally has also ingested some food and drink. within line of sight to take any action ordinarily available to
Profound Advice (boost). Use an action to give a rous- her as a reaction to you or as an additional action on her
ing speech and all allies that can see and hear you reduce next turn. Additionally, you can swap your initiative order
their exhaustion by 1. with another ally once per round.
Tier 2. You gain a number of Hit Dice equal to half
your level that you can distribute to allies that can see and Editorial. The marshal selects an ally to take an
hear you when you and they finish a long rest. These addi- action as a reaction to the marshal selecting them,
tional Hit Dice must be used immediately or are lost. Ad- OR the ally gains a second action on her next turn.
ditionally, when you use profound advice, each ally recov-
ers hit points equal to a quarter of your current hit points.
Starting at 1st level, and every fourth level after, you can
select one team power. Several powers are only available to
Opponents take one look at you and begin to rethink their choose after level 5.
approach. All enemies within 10 feet of you treat the area
as difficult terrain.
Menacing Mug (boost). As an action, you double the If an ally suffers a critical hit from a creature, you can use
range of intimidating mug for one minute (10 rounds). your reaction to give another ally a single attack against the
Tier 2. The range increases to 20 feet, and you can use creature that inflicted the critical hit.
menacing mug twice before needing to finish a long rest.

As an action, select one ally able to see and hear you. If the
Your friends believe themselves better knowing you are ally hits with an attack before the beginning of your next
around. All allies that can see and hear you can re-roll one turn, that hit gains a damage bonus equal to your Wisdom
result of a 1 on the damage dice they roll per hit. modifier + your level.
Personification of Authority (boost). Use an action, and
for one minute (10 rounds), all allies that can see and hear

38
 target regains a number of hit points equal to 1d6 / your
Spend 10 feet of movement to give an ally a 5-foot bonus level. When you use this feature, you cannot use it again
to her speed until the beginning of your next turn. You can until you take a short or long rest.
use boar’s head multiple times on your turn, but each ally You can select this trait multiple times, increasing the
cannot gain more than 5 feet of movement this way. damage cured by 1d6 each time and gaining an additional
use of quick patch between long rests (max 3).

When rolling for initiative, you and each ally that can see
or hear you gains a +2 bonus to their roll. You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight), Wisdom
(Survival), Charisma (Deception), Charisma (Intimidation),
Charisma (Performance), or Charisma (Persuasion) checks
(Level 5) (select one). You can select this trait multiple times, select-
Use an action to wake up one adjacent unconscious crea- ing a different skill each time.
ture. If the target was unconscious from being reduced to
fewer than 0 hit points, she is healed to 1 hit point. When
you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you fin- If an ally within 5 feet of you is charmed, frightened, or
ish a long rest. stunned, you can use your reaction to inflict 1d4 damage
on that ally and remove the effect.

(Level 5)
As a bonus action, you can grant an ally within 5 feet of you (Level 5)
a single ranged attack against the same creature you hit If an ally within 5 feet of you misses on an attack roll, you
with a ranged attack this same turn. can use your reaction to inflict 1d4 damage on that ally and
have them re-roll with advantage.

Use a bonus action to gain 1 additional reaction before the

beginning of your next turn. At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you
choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th,
15th, and 18th level.
Any time an ally hits with an attack, you can use a reaction Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection
to shove that creature 5 feet as long as the target is not at 3rd level and select an additional team power at each of
moved into hazardous terrain (like fire or a pit). the above levels.
Suggestions. Banner Head, Brawler, Brother of Blood,
Country Gunman, Diplomat, Driver, Field Medic, Infantry
(Level 5) Support Specialist, Militarist, Sapper, or Suave.
If a creature hits you with a critical hit, all allies that can
see or hear you have advantage on attack rolls until the
beginning of your next turn against the creature that scored When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th
the hit. level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us-
When the party takes a short rest, you can award any of ing this feature.
your Hit Dice to an ally. Allies cannot have more Hit Dice
than their level.

Starting at 6th level, you can attack twice, instead of once,

You can spend 10 feet of movement to move another ally 5 whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. This
feet. This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks increases to three attacks at 9th level in this class and four
and does not require a reaction on the ally’s part. attacks at 14th level in this class.

If you hit an enemy with a ranged attack, you can inflict no Starting at 20th level, you gain a pool of 1d4 natural 20s
damage, and one ally can disengage from the same enemy when you finish a long rest, which you can use to replace
and move up to half her speed. any d20 rolled by any ally you can see and communicate
with as a reaction.

You can use your action to administer aid to an ally—the

39
 At 1st level, select either Dexterity or Strength as your abil-
ity for attack and damage rolls.
As a martial artist, you gain the following class features.

If you use Dexterity as your attack/damage ability, you

gain the following abilities.
Hit Dice. 1d10 per martial artist level When reaching combo-chain tier 2, you gain a +1 bo-
Hit Points at 1st level. 10 + your Constitution modifier nus to melee attack rolls.
Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d10 (or 6) + your Consti- You add half your Dexterity modifier (round down) to
tution modifier per martial artist level after 1st your normal Dexterity modifier when determining
your AC with light armor (effectively x1.5 your modifi-
er to AC—a +4 Dex bonus becomes a +6).
Armor. Light armor You can use Dexterity (Acrobatics) instead of Strength
Weapons. All simple melee weapons, all one-handed (Athletics) to make or sustain grapple checks.
small arms, and select four martial melee weapons.
Tools. All ground vehicles and aircraft
Saving Throws. Strength, Dexterity If you use Strength as your attack/damage ability, you gain
Skills. Select three skills from Acrobatics, Animal Han- the following abilities.
dling, Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Perception, You gain a +1 bonus to all melee damage rolls.
and Survival You gain proficiency with all medium and heavy ar-
mor.
Editorial. This class revolves around building You have advantage when attempting to shove a tar-
up successive hits to activate potent finishing get. A shoved creature is pushed 10 feet away instead
moves—players are invited to be creative in how of 5 feet.
they move and strike opponents.

Starting at 1st level, you gain the ability to string fighting

You start with the following equipment in addition to the maneuvers together to unleash more powerful attacks. You
equipment granted by your background. always begin a battle on tier 1, inflicting 1d6 damage with
a simple melee weapon for close encounters unarmed attacks.
a one-handed small arm $300 or less If on your turn, you score at least one melee hit, then at
a set of armor $300 or less the beginning of your next turn, you advance to the next
$100 in additional gear tier. You must have hit an enemy at least once during your
turn to move up on your next turn and you can only ad-
vance your tier once per turn.
On tiers 2, 3, 4, or 5, after hitting a target, you can per-

THE MARTIAL ARTIST

Proficiency Martial
Level Special
Bonus Exploits
1st +2 1 Fighting Form, Combo Chain, Martial Exploit
2nd +2 2 —
3rd +2 2 Archetype feature
4th +2 2 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 3 Extra Attack
6th +3 3 —
7th +3 3 Archetype feature
8th +3 4 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 4 Combo Chain
10th +4 4 Extra Attack
11th +4 5 Archetype feature
12th +4 5 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 5 Combo Chain
14th +5 6 —
15th +5 6 Archetype feature
16th +5 6 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 7 —
18th +6 7 Archetype feature
19th +6 7 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 8 Extra Attack

40
form a finishing move. If you don’t perform a finishing ing damage from your last hit, you gain a +2 bonus to AC
move, the combo chain can continue. for one minute (ten rounds) or until you move. If a creature
When you perform a finishing move or fail to make an hits you, you can use a reaction to make a melee attack
attack during your turn, you restart the combo chain at tier against the triggering enemy.
1.
You must decide to perform a finishing move after a Soul Fist. Your enemy doesn’t know it yet, but it’s
successful attack, and on the same turn as one. When you about to have an awful day. After resolving your last hit,
reach the maximum tier allowed by your level, you can you can disengage from the target. Additionally, the target
sustain the chain and your damage dice for as long as you you hit last suffers additional damage equal to your attack
wish, but the moment you commit a finishing move, you ability score at the beginning of its next turn.
revert back to tier 1. You can keep your chain while chang- Spinning Attack. Like a hurricane, either you spin in
ing targets. the air, or your enemy does—either way, someone’s get-
At 1st level, you can only string a combo chain to tier 3. ting hurt. After resolving damage from your last hit, make a
This increases to tier 4 at 9th level, and tier 5 at 13th level. melee attack at this tier to each enemy within ten feet of
Note. You can use melee weapons with combo chain you. If you miss, the creature still suffers your ability modi-
but utilize the table’s damage die instead of the weapon’s. fier damage; if hit, the target is knocked prone. These at-
If you have an ability that increases the damage of your tacks cannot trigger a finisher.
unarmed attack, your damage dice may change, but your Ranbu. Double your last hit’s regular damage dice and
tier does not. make additional melee attacks at this tier against the same
creature until you miss twice or hit four times. These at-
FINISHING MOVES
Unarmed tacks cannot trigger a finisher.
Tier Finishing Moves
Damage
1 1d6 None
Bone Breaker, Circular Attack, The Zone. After resolving damage from your last hit,
2 1d8
Ground & Pound, Surging Punch your damage die remains at this tier regardless of your
Counter, Soul Fist, Spinning Attack,
3 1d10 combo chain until you finish a short rest..
Ranbu
Touch of Death. After resolving damage from your last
The Zone, Touch of Death,
4 1d12 hit, until the target is killed or five minutes have passed,
Drop Hammer, Xian
Ultra, Falcon Punch, Sun-Goku-Satsu, the target’s speed is halved, and it takes damage equal to
5 2d6
Limit Break half your level at the beginning of its turn. This damage
value does not increase if you inflict this finisher on the
same target more than once.
Drop Hammer. If you are grabbing the last creature you
Bone Breaker. You exert pressure on a limb and hear a
hit (it must be your size or smaller), after resolving damage,
crack. Double both your damage dice and ability modifier
you maneuver yourself to force your enemy into the
to your last hit
ground. Make a Strength (Athletics) check with advantage
Circular Attack. You spin your leg around to catch an-
and leap into the air. You inflict additional damage equal to
other opponent. After resolving damage from your last hit,
your roll as you crash back down, possibly creating an im-
make a single additional melee attack (at the same tier)
pact crater (with cracks in the ground).
against one other creature in reach (different than the one
Xian. You achieve perfect clarity for a short while. After
that escalated the combo chain) as part of the same action
resolving damage from your last hit, all enemies in reach
as the last hit. If you score a hit, you gain an additional
are pushed ten feet. You cannot be shoved and are re-
identical attack this turn against a new creature different
sistant to all damage types for one minute (ten rounds).
than the first and second (these attacks cannot trigger a
finisher).
Ground & Pound. After resolving damage from your
Spirit Bomb. One incredible strike—triple your ability
last hit, you use your agility and strength to knock the tar-
damage to your last hit, and if your size or smaller, the tar-
get prone (the creature must be your size or smaller). You
get is incapacitated for one minute or until the target suf-
can then either use a Disengage action or have advantage
fers damage or is moved in any way.
on your next attack against the target.
Falcon Punch. Your last attack is a critical hit, you in-
Surging Punch. You channel your willpower, focus your
flict max damage, and a creature your size or smaller is
energy, and let out a roar. After resolving damage from
shoved 30 feet. If the target hits an obstruction, it suffers
your last hit, the target is pushed 5 feet and has disad-
additional damage equal to the remaining distance. The
vantage on its next skill check or attack roll until the end
target may still pass through the obstruction.
of its next turn (the creature must be your size or smaller).
Shun-Goku-Satsu. You perform an incredibly powerful
sequence of attacks. After resolving damage from your last
hit, make six additional melee attacks (at this tier) against
Counter. You assume a defensive stance. After resolv-
any number of enemies within ten feet of you (each target

41
can only be attacked a maximum of three times). Addition-
ally, all attacks on you miss until the beginning of your You are a superior fighter in all respects. If a creature
next turn. These attacks cannot trigger a finisher. moves away from you, even with the disengage action, you
Limit Break. After resolving damage for your last hit, can use your reaction to move up to your speed with it.
you inflict additional damage equal to the hit points you
are currently down from your total (maximum 50 hit
points). When an enemy scores a critical hit on you with a melee
attack, you gain temporary hit points equal to the amount
of damage dealt. When you use this exploit, you cannot use
At 1st level, you can select one martial exploit from the list it again until you finish a long rest. Additionally, any time a
below. You gain additional exploits at 2nd level, 5th level 8th creature scores a critical hit on you with a melee attack, you
level, and 11th level, 14th level, 17th level, and 20th level. have advantage on melee attacks against that creature until
Each martial exploit can only be selected once. the end of your next turn.

If the same creature in a single round hits you twice, you After performing a finishing move, the tier of said finishing
can perform a single melee attack against the triggering move is a bonus you receive on your next melee attack at
creature as a reaction (to the second attack). If you hit, in- tier 1 (for example, if you perform a tier 5 finishing move,
flict normal damage, and the target’s turn ends. your next attack at tier 1 receives a +5 bonus).

You gain a +1 damage bonus to melee damage rolls. If an ally hits an enemy within 5-feet of you with a melee
attack, you can deal additional damage to that hit equal to
your Strength or Dexterity modifier as a reaction. This
You treat one-handed small arms as melee weapons when does not count towards your combo-chain.
attacking targets at 5 feet or closer. Additionally, all ranged
attacks with one-handed small arms made against targets 5
feet or closer can be considered melee attacks. After hitting a creature, increase your combo chain tier by
one and perform a finishing move. You must have access to
the higher tier, and after using ultra, you can’t use it again
Instead of using your hit dice to recover hit points during a until you finish a long rest.
short rest, you can expend them to increase your combo
chain. Use a bonus action and spend 1d4 hit dice, recover
no hit points, and increase your combo chain by that same Spend 30 feet of movement, and your unarmed attacks
value. Once you use this ability, you cannot use it again have reach until the beginning of your next turn.
until you finish a short or long rest.

Prerequisite. 10th Level

When you hit an enemy that is in reach of you, it has disad- Your melee attacks score a critical hit on a natural roll of 19
vantage on any attacks that don’t include you as a target or 20.
until the end of your next turn. The effect ends if you are
reduced to 0 hit points, you move out of reach of that ene-
my, but not if the enemy moves out of reach of you. You’re a classic brawler. You gain the following benefits.
If you are grappling a target, you have half cover from at-
tacks from other targets. Additionally, any attack that miss-
You are a master at ground fighting. You gain the following es you by 5 or less hits your grappled target instead. When
benefits. moving a grabbed creature your size or smaller, your speed
If a creature breaks from your grapple, you can use is not reduced.
your reaction to attempt a grapple check on the same
target.
You have a +2 bonus to AC against any creature you At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you
are grappling. choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th,
You do not have disadvantage on melee attacks while 15th, and 18th level.
prone. Enemies do not have advantage on you with Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection
non-reach melee attacks if you are prone. at 3rd level and gain an additional martial exploit at each of
the above levels.
Suggestions. Brawler, Cleaner, Field Medic, Grandmas-

42
ter, Gun Dancer, Machine of War, Pathfinder, Ring Fight- Saving Throws. Intelligence, Wisdom
er, Selfless Protector, or Suave. Skills. Medicine; select six skills from Computer Use,
Deception, Demolitions, Engineering, History, Insight,
Investigation, Nature, Perception, Persuasion, and Scienc-
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th es
level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us- You start with the following equipment in addition to the
ing this feature. equipment granted by your background.
a one small arm $300 or less.
a medical kit and a drug kit.
Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of a set of armor $300 or less.
once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. $200 in additional non-military gear (no weapons,
The number of attacks increases to three when you reach weapon-accessories, bullets, or armor)
10th level in this class and to four when you reach 20th level
in this class.
As a medic, you gain exploits you can use to aid allies or
hinder enemies. Mechanically, these are identical to
spells. Exploits require both the use of your hands and
appropriate materials to perform. Unlike spells, medical
exploits require neither contemplation nor studying each
As a medic, you gain the following class features. morning; you regain the use of them each day without ef-
fort. You do not need to choose which exploits to prepare
ahead of time. You can employ any exploit on the list of a
Hit Dice. 1d6 per medic level level that you can use.
Hit Points at 1st level. 6 + your Constitution modifier At 1st level, you also know two medical applications of
Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d6 (or 4) + your Consti- your choice from the medical application list. These are at-
tution modifier per medic level after 1st will abilities you can use as long as you have the necessary
materials and action to perform them. You learn additional
applications of your choice at higher levels, as shown in the
medical applications column of the medic table.
Armor. Light armor
The medic table shows how many slots you have to use
Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed small arms
your exploits of 1st level and higher. To enact one of these
Tools. Poisoner’s kit, all ground vehicles and aircraft
THE MEDIC
Proficiency Medical
Level Special 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Bonus Applications
1st +2 Medical Exploits, Target Avoidance, Primary Target 2 2 — — —
2nd +2 Target Avoidance 2 3 — — —
3rd +2 Archetype feature 2 3 — — —
4th +2 Ability Score Improvement 2 3 — — —
5th +3 Primary Target 3 4 1 — —
6th +3 —- 3 4 2 — —
7th +3 Archetype feature 3 4 2 — —
8th +3 Ability Score Improvement 3 4 3 — —
9th +4 — 4 4 3 1 —
10th +4 Intelligent Resistance 4 4 3 2 —
11th +4 Archetype feature 4 4 3 2 —
12th +4 Ability Score Improvement 4 4 3 3 —
13th +5 Risk An Aneurism 5 4 4 3 1
14th +5 — 5 4 4 3 2
15th +5 Archetype feature 5 4 4 3 2
16th +5 Ability Score Improvement 5 4 4 3 3
17th +6 Expanded Knowledge 6 4 4 4 3
18th +6 Archetype feature 6 4 4 4 3
19th +6 Ability Score Improvement 6 4 4 4 3
20th +6 Good Thing You Have Friends 6 4 4 4 3

43
exploits, you must expend a slot of the exploit’s level or
higher. You regain all expended exploit slots when you fin- Starting at 13th level, instead of using your Hit Dice to re-
ish a long rest. cover hit points during a short rest, you can expend them
When you become a medic, select either your Wisdom on your turn to recover a medical exploit of any level you
or Intelligence as your medic ability. It is used when set- can use. You must employ that exploit within 1 minute or
ting the saving throw DC for a medical application you use it is lost. You regain one level of exploit slot for each Hit
and when making an attack roll with one. If selecting Intel- Die sacrificed, but you can only recover one slot per turn.
ligence, the Wisdom (Medicine) skill can be replaced with For example, if you spend 4 Hit Dice, you can recover a 4th-
Intelligence (Medicine). level slot.
Exploit save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your
Wisdom or Intelligence modifier
Exploit attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your
Wisdom or Intelligence modifier At 17th level, select two more skills from your class list to
Kits. Many exploits and applications require the use of have proficiency in.
either a medical kit or a drug kit. A medical kit has enough
supplies for 50 actions, while the drug kit has enough for
10 actions. This is regardless of how many targets are af- At 20th level, you gain the ability to use allies for cover. For
fected by said action. each ally within 5 feet of you, you can increase the level of
cover you have. One ally—half cover; two allies—three-
quarters cover; three allies—full cover. If you are still hit
Starting at 1st level, as a bonus action, you can take a Dash with an attack, you can transfer all damage to any single
action. At 2nd level, as a bonus action, you can instead take adjacent ally regardless if the original attack roll can hit the
a Disengage action. ally or not. If the attack targets you and the ally, the ally
takes both damage values, taking your damage second.
The ally does not have to be willing.
Starting at 1st level, if you don’t make an Attack action on
your turn, you gain a +2 bonus to AC until the start of your
next turn. At 5th level, this bonus increases to +3.
Activation Time. 1 action
Range. Touch
Components. Medical kit
At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you
Duration. Until employed or 1 minute
choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th,
You use your Medical kit on a willing creature. The target
15th, and 18th level.
gains a bonus on its next Constitution, Strength, Wisdom,
Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection
or Intelligence saving throw equal to your proficiency bo-
at 3rd level and gain one additional medical application at
nus. Each target can only receive this bonus once per
each of the above levels.
check.
Suggestions. Authority, Brother of Blood, Diplomat,
Field Machinist, Field Medic, Militarist, Pistolero, Recon
Intelligence, Sapper, Skirmisher, or Suave.
Activation Time. 1 reaction
Range. Self
Components. None
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th Duration. Instantaneous
level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, If a creature scores a critical hit against you, each ally that
or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. can see both you and the triggering enemy has advantage
As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us- on attack rolls against the triggering enemy until the start
ing this feature. of its next turn.

Starting at 6th level, once per turn (on your turn), you can Activation Time. 1 bonus action
activate one medical application requiring an action or bo- Range. Self
nus action as a free action. Components. None
Duration. Instantaneous
Double your proficiency bonus with your next Wisdom
(Medicine) or Intelligence (Sciences) check made this
Starting at 10th level, double your proficiency bonus with
turn. You can only gain this bonus once per check.
all Intelligence and Wisdom saving throws.

44
 Make an exploit attack against the same target. On a hit,
Activation Time. 1 bonus action the target has disadvantage on its next attack roll until the
Range. Self beginning of your next turn.
Components. None
Duration. 1 round
You’re able to do everything in your power to avoid getting Activation Time. 1 bonus action
hit. You gain a +1 bonus to AC against one creature you Range. Self
can see, and you don't provoke opportunity attacks from Components. Medical kit
the target. Both effects last until the beginning of your Duration. Instantaneous
next turn. You can only gain this bonus once per turn. Use the same round after attempting an exploit that recov-
ers a target’s hit points. The target recovers 1d4 additional
hit points. This increases to 2d4 at 10th level. You can only
Activation Time. 1 bonus action gain this bonus once per exploit.
Range. Self
Components. Firearm
Duration. Instantaneous Activation Time. 1 action
After using a medical exploit as your action, make a single Range. 30 feet
ranged attack this same turn. You can use Intelligence or Components. None
Wisdom instead of Dexterity as your modifier for attack Duration. Instantaneous
and damage. You can quickly ascertain your enemy's eye movements
and body language and determine the best course of ac-
tion. Make a ranged attack against the target. You can use
Activation Time. 1 reaction Intelligence or Wisdom instead of Dexterity as your modi-
Range. Self fier for attack and damage.
Components. None
Duration. Instantaneous
As a reaction to suffering damage from a hit while already Activation Time. 1 bonus action
below half hit points, you halve the attack’s damage. Range. Self
Components. None
Duration. Instantaneous
Activation Time. 1 action Use the same round after you score a hit. The target’s
Range. Touch speed is reduced by half until the beginning of your next
Components. Medical kit turn. You can only apply this effect once per turn.
Duration. Instantaneous
You use your Medical kit on a willing creature and spend a
Hit Die. If the target has been reduced to 0 hit points and
is making death saving throws, the target gains 1 hit point. Activation Time. 1 bonus action
If above 0 hit points, the target recovers hit points equal to Range. Self
your proficiency bonus + 1d6. This increases to 2d6 at 10th Components. Firearm
level. Duration. Instantaneous
Target one creature you scored a critical hit on this turn—
double the amount of dice rolled for damage.
Activation Time. 1 reaction
Range. One ally that can hear you.
Components. None Activation Time. 1 action
Duration. Instantaneous Range. Touch
You can aid allies in pinpointing weak spots in enemies Components. Medical kit
based on your own medical knowledge. As a reaction to an Duration. Instantaneous
ally’s successful attack on a creature, you add your Intelli- Target one living creature. The target is healed of any
gence or Wisdom modifier as extra damage. The ally must damage incurred by the last hit it received since the end of
be able to hear you. your previous turn.

Activation Time. 1 bonus action

Range. Self
Activation Time. 1 action
Components. Firearm
Range. Touch
Duration. Instantaneous
Components. Drug kit
Use the same round after hitting a target with a firearm.

45
 Duration. 24 hours
Target one living creature. The target is immune to being Activation Time. 1 action
blinded. Range. Touch
Advanced. At 10th level, you can target two creatures, Components. Drug kit
though each one requires an action. You can sacrifice the Duration. Five minutes
action on your next turn to administer both injections this Target one living creature to gain a +2 bonus to AC for the
turn. duration. This bonus increases to +3 at 14 th level.
Advancement. At 15th level, you can target up to 2 crea-
tures, but each requires an action. You can sacrifice your
Activation Time. 1 minute action on your next turn to administer both injections this
Range. Touch turn.
Components. Medical kit
Duration. 24 hours
Target one living creature suffering from disease or poison. Activation Time. 1 action
The target has advantage on any saving throws to recover Range. Touch
from disease or poison for the duration. Components. Medical kit
Duration. Instantaneous
If there is one living creature reduced to 0 hit points or less
Activation Time. 1 action within 5 feet of you, you gain 5 + your level in temporary
Range. Touch hit points.
Components. Medical kit
Duration. Instantaneous
Target one living creature. The target regains hit points Activation Time. 1 action
equal to your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom modifier + Range. Touch
your level. Components. Medical kit
Advanced. At 10th level, you can either increase hit Duration. Five minutes
points recovered to triple your Wisdom bonus, or you can Target you and one living creature OR two living crea-
target two creatures instead of one. tures. The target regains hit points equal to your proficien-
cy bonus + your Wisdom modifier + your level. The target
also has advantage on Constitution ability checks and sav-
Activation Time. 1 action ing throws for the duration.
Range. Touch Advancement. At 15th level, you can target up to 4 crea-
Components. Drug kit tures, but every two targets require an action. You can sac-
Duration. 1 hour rifice the action on your next turn to affect all targets this
Target one living creature. The target has advantage on turn.
Dexterity ability checks and saving throws and gains a +10
feet bonus to speed for the duration.
Advancement. At 10th level, you can target up to 2 crea- Activation Time. 1 action
tures, but each requires an action. You can sacrifice the Range. Touch
action on your next turn to administer both injections this Components. Medical kit
turn. Duration. Instantaneous
Target you or one living creature. The target regains hit
points equal to double your proficiency bonus + double
your Wisdom modifier + your level.
Activation Time. 1 bonus action Advancement. At 15th level, increase to triple your pro-
Range. Touch ficiency bonus and ability modifier.
Components. Drug kit
Duration. Instantaneous
Target one living creature to gain one additional action on Activation Time. 1 bonus action
its next turn and on its following turn. This is in addition to Range. Self
any actions the target already has, including bonus actions. Components. Medical kit
Advancement. At 15th level, you can target up to 2 crea- Duration. 1 round
tures, but each requires either an action or a bonus action Double your proficiency bonus to your next Intelligence or
(on the same turn). Wisdom skill check this turn. If the check still fails, you
have advantage on all saving throws until the end of your
next turn.

46
 halved. At the end of each of its turns, it can make a Con-
Activation Time. 1 action stitution saving throw to end the effect.
Range. Touch
Components. Drug kit
Duration. 1 hour Activation Time. 1 action
Target one living creature. The target has advantage on Range. Touch
Strength ability checks as well as a +1 bonus to Strength- Components. Drug kit
based attack rolls for the duration. Duration. Five minutes
Advancement. At 10th level, you can target up to 2 crea- Target one living creature. For the duration, the target au-
tures, but each requires an action. You can sacrifice your tomatically succeeds at all Wisdom and Intelligence saving
action on your next turn to affect both targets this turn. throws. The target also gains resistance to all physical dam-
age.

Activation Time. 1 minute

Range. Touch Activation Time. 1 action
Components. Medical kit Range. Touch
Duration. Instantaneous Components. Medical kit
One creature recovers as many Hit Dice as your proficien- Duration. Instantaneous
cy bonus. Target one living creature. Its fatigue level is reduced by
4.
Advancement. At 15th level, you can target up to 2 crea-
Activation Time. 1 action tures, but each requires an action. You can sacrifice the
Range. Touch action on your next turn to administer both injections this
Components. Drug kit turn.
Duration. 1 hour
Target one living creature. For the duration, the target has
advantage on Constitution ability checks and saving Activation Time. 1 minute
throws. The target also gains temporary hit points equal to Range. Touch
double your proficiency bonus + double your Wisdom bo- Components. Medical kit
nus. Duration. Instantaneous
Advancement. At 10th level, you can target up to 2 crea- Target one creature that has been reduced to 0 hit points
tures, but each requires an action. You can sacrifice the or killed in the past five minutes. The target regains hit
action on your next turn to administer both injections this points equal to double your proficiency bonus + double
turn. your Wisdom modifier. The target can also expend up to
2d6 Hit Dice to recover additional hit points.

Activation Time. 1 action

Range. Touch Activation Time. 1 action
Components. Drug kit Range. Touch
Duration. Instantaneous/Special Components. Drug kit
Target one unconscious living creature. The target wakes Duration. 1 minute
up. If at 0 hit points, the target is brought to 1 hit point, Target one living creature. For the duration, when making
wakes up, and can expend up to 2d4 hit dice to recover hit an attack action, the target may make one extra attack with
points. The target is also immune to sleep effects until it any weapon it is holding. This is in addition to any attacks
finishes a long rest. it already has and those gained by a bonus action.
Advancement. At 15th level, you can target up to 2 crea- Advancement. At 15th level, you can target up to 2 crea-
tures, but each requires an action. You can sacrifice your tures, but each requires an action. You can sacrifice the
next turn to administer both injections this turn. action on your next turn to administer both injections this
turn.

Activation Time. 1 bonus action

Range. Self
Components. Firearm Activation Time. 5 minutes
Duration. Until saved or 1 minute Range. Touch
Target one creature you hit with a ranged weapon this Components. Drug kit
turn. The target suffers a -2 penalty to AC, and its speed is Duration. Instantaneous

47
Target up to 6 creatures (which can include you). Each
target gains temporary hit points equal to double your pro-
ficiency bonus + double your Wisdom modifier. Activation Time. 5 minutes
Advancement. At 20th level, target gains +3d4 addition- Range. Touch
al temporary hit points. Components. Medical kit
Duration. Instantaneous
Target one ally killed in the past 30 minutes. The target
Activation Time. 1 action returns to life with 20 hit points, and they awaken.
Range. 30 feet
Components. None
Duration. Five minutes
Target up to 6 creatures (which can include you). For the
duration, the target’s weapon attacks score a critical hit on
a roll of 19 or 20. If the target already can score a critical hit As a sniper, you gain the following class features.
on a roll of 19 or 20, it increases to 18, 19, or 20.

Hit Dice. 1d8 per heavy level

Activation Time. 1 reaction Hit Points at 1st level. 8 + your Constitution modifier
Range. Self Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitu-
Components. None tion modifier per sniper level after 1 st
Duration. Instantaneous
As a reaction to being targeted by an area effect, you are
moved to the nearest unoccupied space outside the area
Armor. Light armor
(suffering no damage). You also gain a +5 bonus to AC and
Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed small arms, two
have advantage on Dexterity ability checks and saving
-handed small arms, and all weapons with the sniper prop-
throws until the end of your next turn.
erty.
Tools. All ground vehicles and aircraft
Saving Throws. Dexterity, Wisdom
Activation Time. 1 minute Skills. Stealth plus two from Acrobatics, Athletics, His-
Range. Touch tory, Insight, Perception, and Sleight of Hand
Components. Medical kit
Duration. Instantaneous
Target one living creature. The target recovers from all of
the following conditions. blinded, charmed, deafened, dis- You start with the following equipment in addition to the
eased, paralyzed, poisoned, and stunned. Its fatigue level is equipment granted by your background.
reduced to 0, and it recovers hit points equal to double a one-handed small arm $300 or less
your proficiency bonus + double your Wisdom modifier + a basic sniper rifle
double your level. a set of armor $300 or less.

THE SNIPER
Proficiency Marksman Battle
Level Special
Bonus Points Condition
1st +2 2 1 Marksman Talent
2nd +2 3 2
3rd +2 3 2 Archetype feature
4th +2 4 2 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 4 2 Marksman Talent Improvement
6th +3 5 3 —
7th +3 5 3 Archetype feature
8th +3 6 3 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 6 3 Mad Minute
10th +4 7 4 Marksman Talent Improvement
11th +4 7 4 Archetype feature
12th +4 8 4 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 8 4 Mad Minute
14th +5 9 5 —
15th +5 9 5 Archetype feature
16th +5 10 5 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 10 6 Marksman Talent Improvement
18th +6 11 6 Archetype feature
19th +6 11 6 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 12 7 Marksman Talent Improvement

48
 $100 in additional gear additional ammunition. You can repeat this process until
you fail to drop a creature to 0 hit points, you run out of
enemies in range, or you hit three creatures (each addition-
al attack costs an addition marksman point).
Starting at 1st level, you can spend marksman points to em-
ploy one or more of the talents on the following list as part
of an attack action employing a sniper weapon. Each effect
can only be implemented once per attack. Marksman Cost. 4
At 1st level, you start with marksman points equal to 2 + Use when you score a critical hit—the target must make a
your Wisdom modifier, gaining an additional point at 2nd Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the begin-
level and every two levels after. When you take a short or ning of your next turn. The DC for the saving throw is 8 +
long rest, you recover any spent marksman points. Addi- your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom or Dexterity modi-
tionally, if you kill a target with a sniper weapon, you gain fier (your choice).
2 marksman points.
The number of points you can spend per attack de-
pends on your level, and each talent can only be used once Marksman Cost. 3
per attack. Use when you score a critical hit on a living creature—the
1st Level. You can spend 2 points per attack. target is poisoned for one minute (ten rounds) or until it
5th Level. You can spend up to 3 points per attack. passes a Constitution saving throw at the end if each of its
10th Level. You can spend up to 4 points per attack. turns. The DC for the saving throw is 8 + your proficiency
17th Level. You can spend up to 5 points per attack. bonus + your Wisdom or Dexterity modifier (your choice).
20th Level. You can spend up to 6 points per attack.

Marksman Cost. 1
Marksman Cost. 1 Use after scoring a critical hit—make 1 additional attack
Use when you hit with an attack to inflict an additional 1d6 with the same weapon as part of the same action against
damage. This increases to 2d6 at 5th level, 3d6 at 9th level, the same target.
4d6 at 13th level, and 5d6 at 17th level. This additional dam-
age can occur once per turn (once used, you cannot use it
again until the beginning of your next turn). Marksman Cost. 2
Use when you hit with an attack—your next attack on the
target has advantage; this effect expires at the end of your
Marksman Cost. 1 next turn.
Use when you roll a natural 18 or 19 on an attack roll to
turn that attack into a critical hit.
There are many disciplines when pursuing the path of a
sniper. Starting at 1st level, you gain one of the following
Marksman Cost. 2 special traits. You may select another condition at 2 nd, 6th,
Use when you drop a creature—all Medium-sized or small- 10th, 14th, 17th, and 20th level
er enemies in a 5-foot radius around the target have disad- Army Crawl. While prone, you don’t have disadvantage
vantage on attack rolls until the start of your next turn. on ranged attacks made with sniper weapons.
Ballistics Expertise. Spend 10 feet of movement—you
either switch to a one-handed small arm from a sniper
Marksman Cost. 1 weapon OR switch to a sniper weapon from a one-handed
Use when you score a critical hit with an attack—the target small arm.
also has disadvantage on saving throws and ability checks Covert Operation. Spend 20 feet of movement—you
until the beginning of your next turn. have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks until the end
of your turn.
Dead Eye. If a creature 25 feet or closer scores a critical
Marksman Cost. 1 hit on you, you can automatically switch to your pistol and
Use when you score a critical hit—you roll three times the make a ranged attack against the target as a reaction.
damage dice instead of two. Low Profile. While prone, you gain the benefit of half
cover. If already behind half-cover while prone, it counts
as three-quarters cover. If behind three-quarters cover
Marksman Cost. 1-3 (see entry) while prone, it counts as full cover.
Use after dropping a creature to 0 hit points with a sniper Failure Is Not An Option. If you roll a natural 1 on an
weapon—you can make a single ranged attack against one attack roll with a sniper weapon, you can re-roll. You can-
creature within 20 feet of the original target. You use no not use this feature if you have disadvantage.

49
 Snap Shot. You can make a ranged attack with a bonus at 3rd level and gain one additional battle condition at each
action with any firearm. You cannot apply marksman tal- of the above levels.
ents to this attack, and an attack with a sniper weapon has Suggestions. Anti-Hero, Brother of Blood, Man-At-
disadvantage. Arms, Militarist, Pathfinder, Recon Intelligence, or Skir-
Lead The Target. You slow your breathing and hold misher
the weapon steady. You have all the time in the world to
make the perfect shot. Target a creature in line of sight to
become your focus as a bonus action. You gain a +1 bonus When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th
to attack rolls with sniper weapons against your focus. After level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
you select a focus, you cannot select another until you fin- or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
ish a short or long rest. As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us-
Penetration Shot. When making a ranged attack roll ing this feature.
with a sniper weapon against a target with cover, you treat
total cover as three-quarters, three-quarters cover as half
cover, and you ignore half-cover.
Perfect Tracker. You are quick to aim under any cir- Starting at 9th level, you can attack twice, instead of once,
cumstances. You can move up to half your speed and main- whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. If you
tain your sniper bonus. hit with your first attack, you can sacrifice your second at-
Sharpshooter. As an action, you have advantage on your tack, gain 1 marksman point, and can apply it immediately
next attack roll with a sniper weapon. This benefit remains to your hit.
until you make an attack roll or move. At 13th level, you can attack three times whenever you
Shock & Awe. If you miss an attack roll with a sniper take the Attack action on your turn. If you hit with your
weapon, the creature you attacked has disadvantage on its first or second attack, you can sacrifice an additional attack,
next attack roll against you until the beginning of your next gain 1 marksman point, and can apply it immediately to
turn. your hit (max 2 points).
Smooth As Glass. You add 2 additional marksman
points to your total. You can select this battle condition
three times.
Zero Your Weapon. Spend a bonus action to double
both the normal and long ranges of any sniper weapon you
wield until the beginning of your next turn. As a techie, you gain the following class features.

At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you Hit Dice. 1d8 per techie level
choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th, Hit Points at 1st level. 8 + your Constitution modifier
15th, and 18th level. Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitu-
Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection tion modifier per techie level after 1 st

THE TECHIE
Proficiency Tech
Level Special
Bonus Points
1st +2 3 Shiny Red Button, Widget Bag, Tech Points, Tech Savant
2nd +2 4 Tech Savant
3rd +2 5 Archetype feature
4th +2 6 Ability Score Improvement
5th +3 7 Tech Savant
6th +3 8 Pioneer
7th +3 9 Archetype feature
8th +3 10 Ability Score Improvement
9th +4 11 Tech Savant
10th +4 12 McGuy Something
11th +4 13 Archetype feature
12th +4 14 Ability Score Improvement
13th +5 15 Tech Savant
14th +5 16 Pioneer
15th +5 17 Archetype feature
16th +5 18 Ability Score Improvement
17th +6 19 Tech Savant
18th +6 20 Archetype feature
19th +6 21 Ability Score Improvement
20th +6 22 Tech Savant

50
 5 (DC 10, DC 15, etc.). The DC increases regardless if you
succeed in recovering the point or not, and the check re-
Armor. Light and medium armor verts back to DC5 when you take a long rest.
Weapons. Simple weapons, one-handed small arms
Tools. Tinker’s tools, All ground vehicles and aircraft
Saving Throws. Intelligence, Wisdom Cost. 1 or 2 points
Skills. Engineering; select six skills from Computer Each time you hit a target your size or smaller, you shove it
Use, Demolitions, History, Insight, Investigation, Medi- 5 feet. If the target cannot be shoved, it takes 1d6 addition-
cine, Nature, Perception, Performance, and Sciences al damage. You can add this modification twice to push the
target 10 feet and increase the damage to 2d6. Larger crea-
tures are unaffected.

As a techie, you receive the following equipment at 1st lev-

el. Cost. 1 point
a TL0 engineering kit When you score a critical hit, you roll all damage dice
a small arm $300 or less. thrice instead of twice.
a set of armor $300 or less.
$300 in additional non-military gear (no weapons,
weapon-accessories, bullets, or armor) Cost. 2 points
You gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls.

At 1st level, you get tech points (TP) that can be used to
boost abilities and perform exploits representative of your Cost. 2 or 4 points
training. At 1st level, you start with points equal to 3 + your You deal additional damage with a hit equal to the differ-
Intelligence modifier, which increases by 1 every addition- ence between your attack roll and the target’s AC to a max-
al level. Any spent tech points are recovered after you fin- imum of 4. Add this modification a second time to increase
ish a long rest. the maximum to 8.

At 1st level, you can put a button on your firearm. You only Cost. 2, 4, or 6 points
need eight hours of work to put the button on a new fire- Your weapon’s damage gains a +2 bonus. This stacks with
arm but only you can press it without breaking the weapon. any other effects that increases damage. You can add this
The button’s function is determined by your choices from modification up to three times.
the options that follow. You can add as many functions into
your button as you have available tech points, but each
modification can only be added once per configuration un- Cost. 2 points
less stated otherwise. If you don’t alter the function out- You double the rate of fire of your weapon (10 for auto, 20
side of a battle, your last configuration is used (if you have for auto-heavy). When using burst fire, you add double
the available points). your proficiency bonus to the save DC, and you always use
Pressing the button takes no action. When you press the upscaled damage dice. If targeting single creatures,
the button, you spend the tech points corresponding with your weapon’s damage bonus increases by +2. This stacks
each of the functions added. If you don’t have enough tech with any other effect that increases this damage bonus.
points when you press the button, the entire configuration
does not function. Once pressed, its effects last five
minutes. Cost. 1 point
You can own multiple weapons with different configu- When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die, you can reroll. You
rations, as the points are not spent unless the button is must accept the new roll, even if it is a 1 or a 2.
pushed, though pushing multiple buttons during a single
battle would be rather wasteful. Changing a configuration
takes five minutes, though you can attempt to change a Cost. 2 points
configuration as an action with a DC 15 Intelligence Any creature you hit within 20 feet of you has disadvantage
(Engineering) check (you cannot change a configuration on attack rolls against you until the beginning of your next
while one is in effect without voiding the invested tech turn.
points of the previous configuration).
Additionally, you can attempt to regain a lost tech point
with a DC5 Intelligence (Engineering) check. Each check Cost. 1 point
takes 1 minute, and successive checks increase the DC by If you roll a 2 or 3 on your attack roll, you can re-roll. You

51
must accept the second result. in combat for an immediate boost to the weapon with your
shiny red button while it is active. Spend 1 tech point after
you hit, and the target is vulnerable to ally attacks until the
Cost. 4 or 8 points beginning of your next turn.
You gain one additional attack whenever you take the At-
tack action on your turn. You can add this modification up
to two times. This stacks with Pioneer. Starting at 1st level, you gain a widget bag. It contains ran-
dom spare parts, useful materials, and salvage worth $200.
During a short or long rest, you can scavenge for compo-
Cost. 6 points nents. In most areas, you will be able to recover $10 worth
You have advantage on attack rolls. during a short rest and $20 worth during a long rest, but the
GM may award more or less (or none at all) at her discre-
tion.
Cost. 3 points
Your weapon scores a critical hit on a natural roll of 19 or
20.
At 3rd level, you choose an archetype. The archetype you
choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, 11th,
15th, and 18th level.
Starting at 1st level, you gain one of the following traits that Alternatively, you can forego your archetype selection
reflect the uniqueness of your talents. Some require the at 3rd level and gain one additional tech savant exploit at
spending of tech points. You gain additional tech savant each of the above levels.
traits at 2nd level, 5th level, 10th level, 13th level, 17th level, Suggestions. Authority, Diplomat, Driver, Field Ma-
and 20th level. chinist, Field Medic, Gun Dancer, Infantry Support Spe-
Economical Plating. You gain a +1 bonus to AC. Ad- cialist, Pistolero, or Sapper.
ditionally, you can temporarily increase your armor’s poten-
tial, spending one tech point as an action to increase your
AC an additional +1 for five minutes.
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th
Failsafe. If someone other than you attempts to use
level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2,
your weapon with a shiny red button on it (regardless if
or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.
they press it), the weapon explodes, inflicting a critical hit
As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 us-
of weapon damage on the unlucky handler and stunning
ing this feature.
them until the beginning of your next turn. The weapon is
now broken (it can be fixed normally).
Friggin’ Love Science. Spend a tech point, and you
have advantage on Intelligence (Science) or Intelligence Starting at 6th level, you can attack twice, instead of once,
(Engineer) checks until the end of your next turn. If you whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. This
select this trait a second time, you can spend one tech increases to three attacks at 14th level in this class.
point to set your next d20 roll Intelligence (Science) or
Intelligence (Engineer) check to a natural 20.
Immediacy. Spend one tech point as a bonus action to Starting at 12th level, you can construct useful items or tools
gain an additional action on this turn. This action can be to accomplish something generally not allowed given the
used to take any action except an Attack action. available resources available. Either the GM can supply a
Like Machines. Your maximum tech points increase by random assortment of items you can use to create a tool, or
2. You can select this trait up to four times. you can make a case for everyday items one is likely to find
Midas Touch. While you are wielding a firearm, your to solve an immediate crisis.
damage bonus increases by +2. You can select this trait This may involve searching an area or assuming certain
twice, and its effects stack with others that increase this items are available; if your widget bag currently contains at
damage bonus. least $20 worth of parts, you can always be assumed to have
Priorities. Instead of using your Hit Dice to recover hit a variety of small useful items such as screws, nails, paper
points during a short rest, you can expend them to regain clips, duct tape, and chewing gum.
tech points. For each Hit Die spent, you recover 2 tech If the GM is convinced by your argument, make an In-
points rather than recover hit points. You cannot have more telligence (Engineering) check to see if the improvised
tech points than your maximum. gadget or solution works (Set the GM). When you use this
Scientist, Not A Soldier. When you use the Disengage trait, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
action, you can also make a single ranged attack as part of
the same action. You inflict half damage on a hit. Editorial. In traditional fantasy classes, there are
Shrapnel Modification. You can now spend tech points two types of classes—martial classes where abili-

52
ties refresh after a short rest, and spellcasters
where abilities refresh after a long rest. With Ultra-
modern5, despite all classes technically being mar-
tial, I’ve decided to spice things up with a few dif-
ferent approaches. The one problem I see with the
techie is an apprehension in spending any points.
A player holds points back and then realizes when
having a long rest, that points were wasted. Don’t
be conservative. Be useful in every combat—the
other players will appreciate it.

53
 nlike fantasy classes, all Ultramodern5 classes until you finish a short or long rest.
have the same set levels for archetypes, at 3rd,
7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level. Any character
who meets an archetype’s requirements can
choose that archetype (although some classes will syner- Make it look inconspicuous. Starting at 11 th level, when
gize better than others, as noted with the archetype). you finish a long rest, set a d20 roll to 20 and put it aside.
Once you select an archetype, you cannot change it. You can replace any attack roll, saving throw, or ability
Unlike fantasy archetypes, several Ultramodern5 ar- check made by you with that die (at which point, it is
chetypes offer additional proficiencies upon selection. used up). This takes no action. You can do so before or
You gain these when you choose the archetype at 3 rd lev- after a roll, but not after determining the results of that
el. roll. An unused die is lost when you finish a long rest.
Additionally, if you multiclass, you cannot choose the Alternately, if you don’t have a second d20, you could
same archetype again for your second class. always just ‘accidentally’ shift one die result to any other
result.

This archetype works best with the face, infiltrator,

grounder, and sniper classes. Starting at 15th level, as a bonus action, you can use any
amount from your dead pool to recover your hit points.

You have proficiency with simple melee weapons and

one-handed small arms
Starting at 18th level, if an ally is reduced to 0 hit points
or lower, you gain 20 points to your dead pool.
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3 rd level,
you gain a reservoir of death you can tap to inflict addi-
tional damage upon opponents. You can add any amount
from your dead pool to any hit you make against a target
20 feet or closer. When you finish a long rest, your dead This archetype works best with the civilian, face, mar-
pool reduces to zero. You gain points to your dead pool shal, medic, and techie classes.
from the following.
If you reduce a creature 20 feet away or closer to zero
hit points, you gain 5 points; additionally, any addi-
tional damage you inflicted beyond zero with the You have proficiency with one of the following skills.
killing hit is added to your pool (to a maximum of 5, Intelligence (Demolitions), Intelligence (Engineering),
10 total). Intelligence (History), or Intelligence (Sciences).
If you roll the maximum value of a damage die to a
target 20 feet or closer, add half that value onto your
dead pool. Once gained, you cannot gain it again
until the beginning of your next turn. Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3 rd level,
If an enemy scores a critical hit on you, you gain 10 select one Intelligence skill of your choice. You can set
points. your d20 roll to 20 when you really need a roll to suc-
Your dead pool’s size is limited to 10 at 3rd level, 20 at ceed. When you use this ability, you cannot use it again
7th level, 30 at 11th level, 40 at 15th level, and 50 at 18th until you finish a long rest.
level.

Starting at 7th level, instead of using your Hit Dice to

th
Starting at 7 level, if any ally within 50 feet of you suf- recover hit points, you can spend an action and expend
fers any damage, your dead pool is filled by the same one hit die to gain a +10 bonus to any failed Intelligence
value. Once you use this ability, you cannot use it again skill check.

54
 you use this feature, you cannot select another until you
finish a long rest.
Starting at 11th level, when attempting any Intelligence
skill, it only takes a bonus action instead of an action. Addi-
tionally, if you roll less than 10 for an Intelligence check,
increase the result to 10. Starting at 15th level, a few well-placed shots can bring an
enemy’s attention back around to you. If your fleeting ad-
versary attacks an ally, you can make a single ranged attack
against it as a reaction.
Starting at 15th level, you can use the Search action as a
bonus action. You also gain half your proficiency bonus
(round down) to every Intelligence skill you are not already
proficient in. Starting at 18th level, level, until your fleeting adversary is
reduced to 0 hit points, each time it hits you, you gain a +1
bonus to attack rolls against it. This bonus is cumulative up
to +3 but is lost if you attack any creature other than your
Starting at 18th level, your selected skill with PHD im- fleeting adversary or you score a hit.
proves—unless you have disadvantage with the check, it
always results in a natural 20.

This archetype works best with the gunslinger, marshal,

and martial artist classes.
This archetype works best with the grounder, gunslinger,
heavy, marshal, and martial artist classes.
You have proficiency with all simple melee weapons and
with unarmed strikes.

You gain proficiency in any two ranged weapons of your

choice.
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you
can use both hands when grappling a target your size or
smaller to have advantage on all rolls related to the grapple.
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, se-
lect one creature within 50 feet and line of sight to you
after rolling initiative (this takes no action). The target is
your fleeting adversary. You gain a +1 bonus to attack your Starting at 7th level, while grappling a creature your size or
fleeting adversary, and your fleeting adversary suffers dis- smaller, you can inflict 1d6 damage per character level on
advantage on attack rolls that don’t include you as a target. the target as a bonus action. Once you use this feature, you
This effect ends if you drop to 0 hit points, the creature cannot use it again until you take a short rest or long rest.
drops to 0 hit points, you move beyond 50 feet, or line of
sight is broken between you and your target. Once you
select a fleeting adversary, you cannot select another until
you roll for initiative again. Starting at 11th level, if you have one grappled creature in
each hand, you can use a bonus action and make an un-
armed melee attack against each target. A hit deals 2d6 +
your Strength modifier damage to each target.
Starting at 7th level, you can take a -1 penalty to attack rolls
for each weapon you wield to wield a two-handed small
arm with one hand. The weapon only counts as a one-
handed small arms for purposes of how many hands you Starting at 15th level, when grappling a target your size or
use to wield it and for abilities and feats. smaller with two hands, you may attempt a bear hug. Make
an unarmed strike as your action (or one of your attacks). A
hit inflicts 2d6 + your Strength modifier damage.

Starting at 11th level, you can increase damage against your

fleeting adversary. As a bonus action, gain +2 damage, in-
creasing to +3 at 15th level, +4 at 18th level. This increase Starting at 18th level, if you make an unarmed strike against
ends if the target is no longer your fleeting adversary. Once a target you are grappling, you score a critical hit on a natu-

55
ral roll of 19 or 20. der you act in.

This archetype works best with the grounder, heavy, mar- This archetype works best with the face, gunslinger infil-
shal, medic, and sniper classes. trator, and martial artist classes.

Editorial. This archetype’s abilities are useless

unless at least one other party member has taken
the same archetype. Be sure to discuss this with You have proficiency with all with simple melee weapons
your group before selecting this archetype. and one-handed small arms.

You are proficient with one weapon and one armor (except Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, if
exo-armor) another brother in blood is proficient in. If you you score a hit on a target 20 feet away or closer with a me-
both select this archetype at the same time, you can both lee weapon or a one-handed small arm, you inflict addition-
choose new items, as long as you both choose the same al damage equal to three times your level. You can use this
items. ability once before taking a short or long rest, or twice if
you kill the first target with this attack.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, if a

creature scores a critical hit on an allied brother of blood, Starting at 7th level, if wielding a melee weapon or a one-
you can make a single ranged attack against the attacker as handed small arm, as an action, you can make three attacks
a reaction. against a single target 20 feet away or closer. All attacks
have advantage. You can use this ability once before taking
a short or long rest, or twice if you kill your target with one
of these attacks.
Starting at 7th level, you can use a bonus action and target
one allied brother of blood in line of sight. The targeted
brother of blood gains an action that must be used before
the end of your turn. This does not count as a reaction for Starting at 11th level, if you use Once In The Head but fail
the ally. Each brother of blood can benefit from Allied to kill the target, make one additional identical attack.
Support only once per round. Once you use this feature, This attack automatically hits, and you inflict additional
you cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest. damage equal to three times your level (including the addi-
You gain one additional use of Allied Support at 11 th, tional damage with Once In the Head). Once you use this
15th level, and 18th level before being required to finish a feature, you cannot use it again until you take a long rest.
short or long rest.

Starting at 15th level, if you have advantage against a target

Starting at 11th level, you grant a +2 bonus to damage rolls that is surprised or from whom you are hidden, your first
to each brother of blood within 10 feet of you (cumulative attack against them is an automatic critical hit.
up to +6). Remember that they will be granting you this
same bonus.
Starting at 18th level, as an action, add up all the enemies
you can see—you then gain a number of attacks equal to
Starting at 15th level, you can use the Help action on anoth- double that number as part of that same action (Max 20
er allied brother of blood as a bonus action. attacks). You can distribute the attacks anyway you see fit.
Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you
take a long rest.

All members of the team synchronize their actions to oper-

ate as one organism. Starting at 18th level, after rolling for
initiative, you and all allied brothers of blood act on the
highest initiative among you. You all can decide which or-

56
 you choose this archetype at 3rd level, as an action, you can
select one target your size within 25 feet that can under-
stand you. The target makes a Wisdom save against your
psychological attack. The save DC = 8 + your proficiency
This archetype works best with the face, grounder, gun- bonus + your Wisdom/Charisma modifier. If the target
slinger, and marshal classes. fails, either you have advantage on all contested Wisdom or
Charisma ability checks and skill checks until the end of
your next turn, or the target is frightened of you until the
beginning of your next turn. If you target the same crea-
You have proficiency with all one-handed small arms. ture on your next turn, the DC increases by +2
(consecutively to +6). This ability does not work on a tar-
get that has suffered damage from you or an ally in the past
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you minute.
add 2d4 to all your initiative rolls.

Starting at 7th level, if you act before any enemy in the en- Starting at 7th level, select one Charisma skill. You double
counter, you have advantage with all attack rolls made with your proficiency bonus with this skill. At 11 th level and 18th
one-handed small arms until the first enemy acts. level, you may select an additional Charisma skill.

Starting at 11th level, if you have the highest initiative val-

ue at the start of an encounter, add your initiative roll
(including your bonus from Improved Reaction Time) as Starting at 11th level, you can never have disadvantage with
bonus damage to your first hit with a one-handed small any Charisma skills checks, ability checks, or saving
arm. throws.

Starting at 15th level, if you have the highest initiative val-

ue at the start of an encounter, you gain one additional ac-
tion on your first turn. Starting at 15th level, you can expend a Hit Die as a bonus
action (recovering no hit points) to set your next Charisma
or Wisdom skill check to a natural 20 instead of making the
roll.
Starting at 18th level, when you ready an attack action with
a one-handed small arm, you have advantage with the at-
tack, and if you hit the target, the attack becomes a critical
hit. If you employ this ability, you can only make a single Your arguments are so compelling, your opponent is having
attack. a difficult time concentrating. Starting at 18 th level, as an
action, you can select one target within 25 feet that can
understand you. The target makes a Wisdom save against
your psychological attack. The save DC = 8 + your profi-
ciency bonus + your Wisdom/Charisma modifier. If the
target fails, it is stunned until the start of your next turn.
This archetype works best with the civilian, face, marshal, This ability does not work on a target that has suffered
medic, and techie classes. damage from you or an ally in the past minute.

You have proficiency with two Charisma skills of your

choice.
This archetype works best with the civilian, face, infiltra-
tor, marshal, and techie classes.
Your opponent’s argument is invalid and ridiculous, and
your tolerance for their ignorance is over. Beginning when

57
 Hole Shot. As an action, you can make a ram against
another vehicle or creature with your vehicle. If you hit,
You are proficient with all ground vehicles and aircraft. you deal 2d8 additional damage. A hit target also suffers
disadvantage on all ability checks and attack rolls until the
beginning of your next turn. If you hit with this attack, you
cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
Starting at 3rd level, you can learn vehicle stunts. Select Thread The Needle. You can set a Dexterity (Vehicle
one stunt from the list below. You can select one additional Operation) check you made to a natural 20. Once you use
stunt at 7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level. Many of these stunts this ability, you cannot use it again until you finish a long
require a vehicle attack. rest. You can select this stunt up to three times for addi-
Your attack bonus equals your Dexterity modifier + tional uses.
your proficiency bonus. If you hit, you inflict 1d8 per size
category larger your vehicle is than the target (minimum
1d8 if they are the same size). Your vehicle takes 25% of
the damage from this attack.

This archetype works best with the face, medic, and techie
classes.
Starting at 7th level, select one specific vehicle (make, mod-
el, and year). With your chosen vehicle, you have ad-
vantage on control checks.
You gain proficiency with Intelligence (Engineering).

At 11th level, you gain +5 feet to the acceleration of any

vehicle you control. Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you
add half again your proficiency bonus to Intelligence
(Engineering) checks. At 15th level, you instead double
your proficiency bonus to Intelligence (Engineering)
Starting at 15th level, you gain a +2 bonus with attack rolls checks.
when using a vehicle.

Starting at 7th level, you treat all tool kits as one tech level
Starting at 18th level, when you inflict damage with your higher. This increases to two levels at 15th level.
vehicle, roll twice for all damage rolls. Use the higher value
for the damage you inflict, and the lower value to calculate
how much damage you take.
Starting at 11th level, you can attempt to repair broken
items as an action. Additionally, your progress in crafting
any technology is doubled.
Love Tap. As an action, you can make a ram attack
against another vehicle or creature with your vehicle. (see
Ram). If you hit, you deal 1d8 additional damage.
Signature Move. As a bonus action, gain a +3 bonus Starting at 15th level, all technology you build costs 15%
with Dexterity (Vehicle Operation) checks until the end of less (and thus takes 15% less time, round down).
your turn.
Counter Maneuver. If a vehicle or creature hits your
moving vehicle with a physical attack (ram or a melee at-
tack), you can make a ram attack against the target as a Starting at 18th level, you can set an Intelligence
reaction (see Ram). If you hit, you deal 1d8 additional (Engineering) check you made to a natural 20. Once you
damage. use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a
Drop The Hammer. As a bonus action, you gain a +5 long rest. Additionally, whenever you roll a natural 1 on an
bonus to speed until the end of your turn. Intelligence (Engineering) check, re-roll until the result is
Defensive Driving. As a bonus action, you gain a +2 anything except a natural 1.
bonus to your vehicle’s AC until the beginning of your next
turn.
Damage Avoidance. As a bonus action, you halve all
damage you take from making vehicle attacks until the be-
ginning of your next turn.

58
 Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you
can select a specific martial art discipline. A discipline can
This archetype works best with the marshal, martial artist, be activated on your turn as a bonus action. Once activat-
medic, and techie classes. ed, you gain the benefits of this discipline until the end of
the encounter (or five minutes). Once you use a martial art
discipline, you cannot use it again until you finish a long
rest.
You have proficiency with Wisdom (Medicine). At 7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level, you can either select a
new discipline or gain additional uses of one you already
know before being required to finish a long rest. If you
select the same discipline three times (they need not be at
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you successive levels), you unlock an additional benefit. You
gain a bonus to Wisdom (Medicine) checks equal to half can only have one discipline in effect at a time.
your proficiency bonus. At 11th level, you instead double
your proficiency bonus to Wisdom (Medicine) checks.

Resembling a dance more than a martial art, those special-

ized in capoeira are always in motion, attempting to find an
opening in an opponent in whichever way possible. After
activating, you gain the following bonuses.
Starting at 7th level, as an action you can spend up to four You can use the Disengage action as a bonus action.
hit dice to recover hit points, or one hit die as a bonus ac- You gain a +5 bonus to speed.
tion. You have advantage on all Dexterity saving throws.
After you select this discipline a third time, your bonus
to speed increases to +10.
Starting at 11th level, you can use the Disengage action as a
bonus action if you move at least 10 feet directly towards
an ally on that same turn. In your enemy’s eyes, you just appear to stumble around,
luring your enemies in a false hope of a comfortable victo-
ry. The more chaotic you look, the deadlier you are. You
must be inebriated to activate this discipline, and after do-
Starting at 15th level, every ally within reach can take a bo- ing so, gain the following bonuses.
nus action to spend a Hit Die and recover hit points. You You gain temporary hit points equal to twice your lev-
can use your action to double the amount rolled until the el.
beginning of your next turn. You do not inflict double dice damage when scoring a
critical hit; instead, you gain one additional unarmed
melee attacks as part of the same action (max two at-
tacks gained this way per turn).
If an ally succumbs to her injuries, you can no longer be a
Each time a creature misses, your AC increases by +1
healer. You must be a protector. Starting at 18th level, if an
(max +3); if a creature misses you at your max AC bo-
ally in line of sight is reduced to 0 hit points, you have ad-
nus, this bonus reverts to 0, and you gain an unarmed
vantage on attack rolls until you hit; you also gain a bonus
melee attack as a reaction against the triggering target.
to damage with your next hit equal to your Wisdom score.
After you select this discipline a third time, you gain
three additional unarmed attacks with a critical hit
instead of two.

This archetype works best with the civilian, grounder, gun- You know how to find weak spots in your enemy. You are
slinger, and martial artist classes. often seen as being patient, waiting for a moment for a de-
cisive strike. After activating, you gain the following bo-
nuses.
If you hit a creature, you can instead inflict half dam-
You have proficiency with all simple melee weapons. age and grapple the target.
At the beginning of your turn, as a bonus action, any
enemy you are grappling suffers damage equal to your
primary attack modifier.

59
 Any time you inflict a critical hit on a creature, the tar-
get suffers half your hit damage at the beginning of its An aggressive style, you push forward to your enemy, hop-
turn. ing a strong offense will discourage counter attacks. After
After you select this discipline a third time, any enemy activating, you gain the following bonuses.
you are grappling at the beginning of your turn suffers You gain a +1 bonus to melee damage rolls.
damage equal to your Strength modifier plus your Your unarmed attacks and attacks with light melee
Dexterity modifier. weapons gain the Reach property.
If you hit a creature with an opportunity attack, you
can disengage from all other creatures and move with-
Your strength comes from your empty hand—the origin of in 5 feet of that target.
the word. This discipline is prevalent given the simplicity After you select this discipline a third time, your reach
of its foundation. After activating, you gain the following increases to 10 feet for the purposes of opportunity
bonuses. attacks.
Use an action to focus your discipline; until the end of
your next turn, you have advantage on unarmed attack
rolls and triple all dice with critical hits instead of dou-
Your bizarre acrobatic maneuvers involve grabs, tumbles,
ble.
and attacks, which more disorientate your opponents than
You can spend 30 feet of movement to gain a +1 bonus damage them. After activating, you gain the following bo-
to AC until the beginning of your next turn. nuses.
Use an action to make a single kick attack. This is an Each time you hit a creature with an unarmed attack,
unarmed attack that inflicts 1d10 + Strength modifier you gain a +1 bonus to AC; this effect is cumulative up
damage. You gain a +4 damage bonus for each addi- to +3 with each successive hit on the same creature but
tional attack you would generally make with an Attack is lost if you miss the target, do not attack the target by
action. the end of your next turn, or you attack another crea-
After you select this discipline a third time, your kick ture.
attack inflicts 2d6 damage instead of 1d10, and your When you activate this discipline, set aside four
AC bonus increases to +2. “monkey points.” You can use a monkey point in the
following ways.
(a) knock a target your size prone as a reaction to it
You stopped splitting boards and bricks and moved up to missing on a melee attack against you;
bones. Your opponents will fear your strikes. After activat- (b) automatically pass a Dexterity saving throw;
ing, you gain the following bonuses. (c) take only half damage from an enemy attack, or
You gain a +1 bonus to melee damage rolls. (d) double your proficiency bonus and gain ad-
If you roll a critical hit with an unarmed attack, you vantage on your next Strength (Athletics) or
maximize one of your damage dice. Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Unused points are
If you attempt to damage obstacles like doors or tables, lost when the discipline expires.
double the number of damage dice. After you select this discipline a third time, you gain
After you select this discipline a third time, maximize three additional monkey points.
two of your damage dice with a critical hit, and you
triple all damage dice against obstacles.
A variation of kickboxing, there is no limb you possess that
cannot be used for direct physical attacks. You are a stand-
The only way to survive some encounters is to not worry up fighter with a huge repertoire of attacks. After activat-
about how many times you are hurt. After activating, you ing, you gain the following bonuses.
gain the following bonuses. Instead of a simple unarmed attack, you must select
You have resistance to all slashing and bludgeoning which attacks you wish to make. The damage dice
damage. listed cannot be adjusted by any other abilities.
You can spend up to half your level in Hit Dice as an Punch. Damage—1d4; make two punch attacks in
action to recover hit points as if taking a short rest. place of one normal attack you would typically
If you suffer damage equal or greater than 1/4 of your make (max 2 uses per Attack action).
total hit points outside of your turn, you have ad- Elbow. Damage—1d8; if you use an elbow once as
vantage on attack rolls until the end of your next turn. part of an Attack action, roll damage dice twice and
After you select this discipline a third time, you gain take the higher value.
resistance to piercing damage as well. Jump Kick. Damage—1d10; you must move at least 10
feet towards your target before making this attack.
Roundhouse Kick. Damage—2d8; you suffer a –3 pen-
alty to your attack roll.

60
 Knee. Damage—1d6; you can shove the target 5 feet. attack as a reaction.
If the target hits an obstacle, it takes +2 damage. After you select this discipline a third time, you knock
After you select this discipline a third time, if you hit a the target prone and make a melee attack as a reaction
creature three times or more with an Attack action, the if your enemy rolls a natural 1 or 2.
target has disadvantage on its next attack against you.

More defined by its powerful leg movements than hand

You carry a commanding stance and emphasize your ag- strikes, your opponents should always keep their eyes on
gression through rapid and coordinated hand movements your feet. After activating, you gain the following bonuses.
that both distract the enemy and deliver powerful, crip- If you are not grappled or if your legs are unrestrained,
pling blows. After activating, you gain the following bonus- your unarmed attacks increase their damage die by one
es. step (1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 >
You gain a +1 bonus to AC (you cannot use a shield 2d10). These are kick attacks. This does not affect
with this bonus). your martial artist combo chain tier.
If an enemy misses on a melee attack against you, you If you move at least 20 feet towards a creature and
can make a single melee attack against that target as a make an unarmed (kick) attack as your Attack action,
reaction—on a hit, you inflict half damage. If you score you have advantage on the attack. Once you use this
a critical hit, the target has disadvantage on its next ability, you cannot use it again until the beginning of
melee attack against you. your next turn.
You have advantage against attempts to be moved Once per discipline activation, if you score a critical hit
against your will. against a target your size or smaller, you inflict maxi-
After you select this discipline a third time, your AC mum damage.
bonus increases to +2. After you select this discipline a third time, you can
inflict maximum damage with a critical hit twice per
activation.
Your strikes are light, but rapid, connecting numerous
times and at numerous places against your opponent. Sim-
ultaneously, your fluid movements make you a difficult You adore getting close, real close. Getting within your
target. After activating, you gain the following bonuses. enemy’s reach, you hope to prevent a strong counterattack.
At the beginning of your turn as a free action, select And you kick too. After activating, you gain the following
one creature you can see to gain a +1 bonus to AC bonuses.
against until the beginning of your next turn (you can- You gain a +5 bonus to speed.
not use a shield with this bonus). You can spend 20 feet of movement and move to occu-
If you roll a 1 on any of your damage die, you gain an py the same space as your opponent—you no longer
additional melee attack against the same target as part occupy a space around said opponent, and allies can
of that action. If you roll multiple damage dice with a attack through you. Any target occupying your space
hit, all dice must roll a 1. Once you use this ability, you cannot use the Disengage action.
cannot use it again until the beginning of your next If you hit a target with an unarmed attack, you can use
turn. a bonus action to inflict additional claw (slashing) dam-
While you are prone, creatures don’t have advantage age equal to your attack ability modifier. This damage
on you while, and you don’t have disadvantage on is not part of the same attack action and thus is not
them. multiplied with a critical hit. Once you use this ability,
After you select this discipline a third time, your AC you cannot use it again until the beginning of your
bonus increases to +2. next turn.
After you select this discipline a third time, your bonus
to speed increases to +10.
You can direct enemy aggression into a weakness. The
angrier the opponent, the more energy you can direct back.
After activating, you gain the following bonuses.
If a creature’s melee attack roll against you misses, the
difference between the attack result and your AC be- This archetype works best with the gunslinger, infiltrator,
comes a damage bonus on your next melee attack martial artist, and techie classes.
(max 5 damage). This attack must be made on your
next turn against the target that missed you, and if you
miss, the damage bonus is lost.
If a creature’s melee attack roll against you is a natural You have proficiency with one-handed small arms.
1, you can knock the target prone and make a melee

61
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, if Starting at 7th level, if using an auto or auto-heavy weapon,
you use your attack action to make ranged attacks with one at the end of your turn, you can make a single ranged at-
-handed small arms, before the end of your action, roll a tack against one target you have already hit that same turn
d20. On a roll of 16, 17 or 18, you gain one extra ranged as a bonus action.
attack as a part of the same action using a one-handed
small arm, and on a roll of 19 or 20, you gain two extra
ranged attacks.
Starting at 11th level, you can move 5 feet without incurring
attack penalties with two-handed small arms and heavy
weapons (but not super heavy weapons). You can also plant
At 7th level, you can reload a single one-handed small arm a super heavy weapon as a bonus action.
taking no action. Once you use this feature, you cannot use
it again until you take a short rest or long rest. You also gain
a +2 bonus to initiative.
Starting at 15th level, all opponents within 20 feet of you
suffer disadvantage on any attack that doesn’t include you,
and you gain a +3 bonus to damage rolls with ranged weap-
Starting at 11th level, if you score a critical hit with a ranged ons against them.
attack gained from spastic shot, you gain one extra attack
(max 4 extra attacks) with that action.

Starting at 18th level, you can use an action to make a single

ranged attack against each enemy in range you can see.
At 15th level, you can perform a ballet of destruction. Your Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you
spastic shot range increases to 14-17 for one extra attack, finish a short or long rest. If no targets are hit by this ac-
and 18-20 for two extra attacks. tion, you regain the use of this feature.

At 18th level, if you gain at least two additional attacks with

spastic shot, you also gain a +1 bonus to AC and +5-foot
bonus to your speed until the end of your next turn (not None.
cumulative).

This archetype works best with the grounder, gunslinger,

martial artist classes.

This archetype works best with the grounder, heavy, mar- Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3 rd level,
shal, and techie classes. each time you make an attack against a creature within 30
feet of you, you recover 1 hit point of damage. For every 10
hit points recovered this way, you gain one additional at-
tack with your next Attack action (max 1 additional attack).
You have proficiency with simple melee weapons, all small This value is reduced to zero if you don’t make an attack
arms, heavy weapons, and super heavy weapons. within 1 minute.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, if Starting at 7th level, if you are reduced to 0 hit points by a
you don’t move on your turn, you can plant your feet to non-critical hit, you can spend a Hit Die as a reaction, but
stabilize your position. You cannot use your speed to move only regain half the hit points (rounded up). This prevents
until the beginning of your next turn. Until the beginning you from falling prone.
of your next turn, you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls with
auto or auto-heavy weapons. Saving throw DCs against
your auto or auto-heavy weapon attacks also increase by 1.

62
Starting at 11th level, as a free action, you can allow ene- Starting at 15th level, once per turn, if you drop a creature
mies to have advantage against you until the beginning of to 0 hit points using a firearm, you can make a single
your next turn. If you do, until the beginning of your next ranged attack as part of the same action.
turn, you have advantage on attack rolls and regain 2 hit
points instead of 1 with Adrenaline Rush.

At 18th level, your chosen weapon becomes as much a part

of you as an arm. You can re-roll one natural 1 on an attack
Starting at 15th level, if you are reduced to 15 hit points or roll with that weapon—once you use this feature, you can-
less, double your proficiency bonus on attack rolls until the not use it again until you finish a short or long rest. Addi-
end of your next turn. After using this ability, you cannot tionally, your chosen weapon cannot be targeted or de-
use it again until you finish a short or long rest. stroyed, you cannot be disarmed of it, and you can stow
your chosen weapon and draw a one-handed small arm
without taking an action.

Starting at 18th level, when your hit points are reduced to

half your total hit point value or less, you gain a +2 bonus
to damage rolls. When your hit points are reduced to one-
quarter your total hit value or less, this bonus increases to
+3. This archetype works best with any class, as it depends on
the presence of mecha in the setting.

You have proficiency with all mecha.

This archetype works best with the grounder, gunslinger,
heavy, and sniper classes.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3 rd level,

when calculating your Control Ability (the average of your
You have proficiency with all armor, small arms, heavy pilot ability score and the mecha’s physical ability score),
weapons, and super heavy weapons. your own ability score is counted as 2 higher. For example,
if the mecha uses a 22 Strength for a melee attack but you
have an 18 Intelligence, your Intelligence is treated as 20,
for a control ability of 21 (+5). The selection of pilot ability
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, se- score is based on the type of cockpit designed (see Cock-
lect one specific firearm. You gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls pits). This modifier increases to 3 at 7th level, 4 at 11th lev-
and do not suffer disadvantage on attack rolls when prone el, 5 at 15th level, and 6 at 18th level.
with your chosen weapon. This is your chosen weapon for
all man-at-arms abilities. When reaching a new level, you
may select a different weapon.
Starting at 7th level, after rolling initiative, you reduce your
REACON level by 1.

Starting at 7th level, you can change a clip, magazine, or a

cell on your chosen weapon without taking an action. Once
you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you fin- Starting at 11th level, if you suffer a Special Hit Location
ish a short or long rest. result, you can force the target to not roll and set the value
to whatever you wish. Once you use this ability, you can-
not use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

At 11th level, once per turn, if you have advantage on your

ranged attack with your chosen weapon and both rolls hit,
you are considered to have hit twice (using additional am- Starting at 15th level, as a reaction, you can adjust the roll
munition accordingly). result for hit location on your mecha by up to 2.

63
 suffers disadvantage on attack rolls until the beginning of
your next turn.
Starting at 18th level, when attempting to target a specific
hit location, your penalty to attack is reduced by 1.
(1-3 points)
As a bonus action, select one ally per 1 point spent
(maximum 3 allies); the targeted ally can either make a
Disengage action for free or can move immediately up to
This archetype works best with the grounder, marshal, 20 feet.
medic, and sniper classes.

(10 points)
As an action, all enemies you can see are stunned until the
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, beginning of your next turn.
you receive Tactical Points (TPs) each time something
unfortunate happens to you or an ally. As these points com-
pound, you can counter with positive effects. Points are
lost when you take a short rest or long rest or when you roll Starting at 7th level, you can spend your Hit Dice as a bo-
for initiative. Spending points usually takes either a bonus nus action (recovering no hit points) to gain 1d4 TP per
action or a reaction. spent die.
You receive 1 point when each of the following occurs.
An ally you can see or communicate with rolls a natural 1
on an attack roll.
An ally suffers a critical hit. Starting at 11th level, you gain 1d4 TP each time you meet
An ally is reduced past half hit points. a Coordination condition instead of 1.
An ally is reduced to zero hit points.
Three or more allies suffer damage from an area
effect.
You can then spend acquired TPs in the following Starting at 15th level, if enemies gain a surprise action, you
ways. gain 5 TP. If a creature hits you, you gain 1 TP.

(3+ points) Starting at 18th level, if you are reduced to 0 hit points, you
As a bonus action, select one ally per 3 points spent; a tar- gain 10 TP and can use as many Coordination abilities as
geted ally can take two actions and two bonus actions on you want and can afford as a reaction. You fall unconscious
her next turn. as normal as soon as all these effects are resolved.

(2-6 points)
As a bonus action, select one ally per 2 points spent
(maximum 3 allies); the targeted ally makes a single attack.
This archetype works best with the face, infiltrator, martial
artist, and sniper.

(1 point)
One ally gains a +3 bonus to AC until the beginning of
your next turn. If you move before then, the bonus is lost. You have proficiency with Dexterity (Stealth).

(2 points) Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you
As a reaction, one ally’s hit becomes a critical hit. gain the ability to slip into the shadows. You have a dust
pool of 20 feet. If no opponents can see you (utilizing cov-
er, creating a distraction, or merely passing between ob-
(1 point) jects to break line of sight—even for a split second), you
Spend 1 point and 30 feet of movement to move a creature can use your dust pool to ‘teleport’ a distance away to an
within 30 feet of you that is your size or smaller up to 5 feet area out of sight of any opponent. You have to be able to
(it cannot be moved into hazardous terrain). The target physically traverse the space in between—you cannot by-

64
pass obstacles you couldn’t otherwise overcome, but you
can bypass any obstacle you could overcome with a DC 15
or less. Your dust pool is reset when you finish a short rest, Starting at 7th level, you can wield a single one-handed
long rest, or when you roll for initiative. Your dust move- small arm with two hands. If so, you suffer a 20-foot penal-
ment replaces your normal movement—it does not add to ty to speed at the beginning of your turn that lasts until the
your existing movement made during a turn. For every 10 beginning of your next turn; you also increase Point Shot
feet you don’t move on your turn, you fill your dust pool by damage by 1 step for that same time. Additionally, when
5 feet. using Weaver Stance, you gain a bonus to your Point Shot
At 7th level, your dust pool increases to 25 feet; at 11 th attack roll equal to the number of damage steps gained
level, to 30 feet; at 15th level, to 35 feet; and at 18th level, to with Point Shot (eg 4d6 = +4 bonus).
40 feet.

Starting at 11th level, you make sure each opponent is dead

th
Starting at 7 level, if you roll 5 or less on any Dexterity before moving on. If your Point Shot attack reduces a crea-
(Stealth) check, you can re-roll. ture to fewer hit points than your level, as a bonus action,
you use one additional round of ammunition to kill the
target.

Starting at 11th level, if you use at least 10 feet from your

dust pool on your turn, you gain 10 feet of additional walk-
ing speed on that turn. Starting at 15th level, if you act before an enemy after roll-
ing initiative, you can increase your Point Shot damage
against that enemy by two steps until the enemy acts.

Starting at 15th level, if you have cover at the beginning of

your turn, you retain the benefit of cover until the begin-
ning of your next turn, regardless of where you move. Starting at 18th level, if you score a critical hit with a Point
Shot attack, increase your damage by two steps.

Starting at 18th level, if you use at least 20 feet from your

dust pool on your turn, you gain 20 feet of additional walk-
ing speed on that turn (replacing the benefit of Like a
Hawk).

This archetype works best with the face, medic, techie,

and sniper classes.

This archetype works best with the gunslinger, medic, and

techie classes. You have proficiency with light armor, ghillie/yowie suits,
and sniper weapons. You also have proficiency with Dex-
terity (Stealth) checks.

You have proficiency with all one-handed small arms.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3 rd level,

when you make a Dexterity (Stealth) check against a tar-
Starting at 3rd level, as an action, you can make a single get’s Wisdom (Perception), roll 1d10 and put it aside—this
ranged attack with a non-auto one-handed small arm is your reputation die. You can use that result to affect the
against a creature 20 feet or closer. You inflict an additional outcome of any attack or Dexterity (Stealth) check, includ-
1d6 damage on a hit, increasing this damage by one step at ing the one you just made. You can only set aside 1 die at a
7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level (1d6 > 2d6 > 3d6 > 4d6 > 5d6 > time and can replace one with a better result if it comes up.
6d6 > 7d6 > 8d6 > etc.). Any additional effects which in- You lose any acquired reputation die when you finish a
crease damage this way, (other pistolero abilities), are com- long rest.
pounded.

65
Starting at 7th level, if you use a ghillie/yowie suit in its At 18th level, you gain complete control over every oppo-
proper environment, use an action to become invisible un- nent. While grappling a creature, it suffers disadvantage on
til you move or make an attack. escape attempts.

Starting at 11th level, roll all acquired reputation dice twice

and set aside the higher value.
This archetype works best with the civilian, marshal, med-
ic, and techie classes.

Starting at 15th level, if you drop a creature 25 feet away or

further to 0 hit points, you gain one additional reputation
die—in addition to any already acquired. You have proficiency with Intelligence (Demolitions).

Starting at 18th level, you can have two reputation dice at Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level,
once, (three if one is acquired from Psychological Warfare). you have advantage on Intelligence (Demolitions) checks.
Additionally, anytime you make an attack with a weapon
with the EXP property (grenades, demotions, or rockets),
you gain a damage bonus equal to your level. This in-
cludes both direct attack rolls and when imposing Dexteri-
ty saves.
This archetype works best with the grounder, gunslinger,
marshal, and martial artist classes.

Starting at 7th level, if forced to make a Dexterity saving

throw, you can move 5 feet as a reaction but before need-
You have proficiency with simple melee weapons. ing to roll (possibly escaping the area of effect).

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you

can gain the upper hand in almost any close combat situa-
tion. You have advantage on all rolls related to grappling. Starting at 11th level, with an explosive attack (via a
thrown grenade, planted explosive, or a weapon with the
“exp” property) with a blast radius of 10 feet or more, you
increase the blast radius by another 5 feet.
Starting at 7th level, while grappling a creature, you gain a
+1 bonus to AC.

Starting at 15th level, when determining the saving throw

DC for explosives you set, double your Intelligence modi-
Starting at 11th level, if you are grappling a creature, you fier. Additionally, if a target fails a saving throw against
have resistance to any piercing, bludgeoning, or slashing your explosives attack (via a thrown grenade, planted ex-
damage from the target. plosive, or a weapon with the “exp” property), increase the
number of damage dice by two.

Starting at 15th level, each turn you sustain a grapple on a

creature, you inflict damage equal to your Strength or Dex- Starting at 18th level, your explosives tend to set off chain
terity modifier on the target. This does not count as an reactions. After you detonate an explosive, a lingering fire
action. breaks out until the start of your next turn, dealing your
Intelligence modifier + your level in fire damage to any
targets entering or starting their turn in the affected area.
The fire lasts for 1 minute.

66
 Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3 rd level, af-
ter you hit a creature 25 feet away or farther on your turn
with a ranged weapon, you can make a single ranged attack
as part of the same action against any other target in range.
This archetype works best with the face, grounder, heavy, If you hit a target with this attack, you cannot use automat-
and martial artist classes. ic reflexes again until you take a short or long rest.
You gain an additional use at 7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level
before needing to take a short or long rest.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you

can select one creature within reach to be your focus. As
long your focus remains in reach of you, it can use your AC Starting at 7th level, if you score a critical hit, you may
if higher than its own. If your focus is hit by an attack or choose to inflict normal damage (it no longer counts as a
fails a Dexterity saving throw, you can take the entire dam- critical hit) and instead make a single ranged attack against
age and/or effects instead. When you move, you can pull any target in range as part of the same action. You cannot
your focus with you. Once you select your focus, you can- score a critical hit with this additional attack. Once you use
not select another until after you take a short or long rest. this ability, you cannot use it again until the beginning of
If your focus moves out of reach, it no longer benefits from your next turn.
this ability until it or you return.

Starting at 11th level, after making a ranged attack against a

th
Starting at 7 level, if your focus is hit with an attack, re- creature 50 feet away or farther, you can move up to half
gardless if it suffers any damage, you can make an attack your speed and not be counted as having moved.
against the attacker as a reaction. If your focus suffers dam-
age, you have advantage with this attack.

Starting at 15th level, if you drop a creature 25 feet away or

farther to 0 hit points, each creature within 5 feet of the
Starting at 11th level, as long as you are actively protecting target takes damage equal to your attack ability modifier.
your focus, you gain a +1 bonus to AC. Additionally, when
you take a short rest, if you previously selected focus had
suffered no damage, you regain double your Hit Dice.
Starting at 18th level, you can make multiple shots without
a significant reduction in accuracy. If you drop a creature
50 feet away or farther to 0 hit points, you can make anoth-
Starting at 15th level, if your focus is within reach and is er single ranged attack with the same weapon as part of the
caught by an area effect, as a reaction, you throw your focus same action. You can only use this feature once per turn.
up to 15 feet away before the effect activates.

Starting at 18th level, each time you regain hit points, you
can give your focus any amount of the hit points instead. This archetype works best with the civilian, face, marshal,
martial artist, and medic classes.

You are proficient in the Deception, Insight, Perception,

This archetype works best with the grounder, gunslinger, and Persuasion skills.
infiltrator, and sniper classes.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3 rd level, if

You gain proficiency with all sniper weapons. wearing no armor, you double your proficiency bonus with
Charisma (Deception) and Charisma (Persuasion) checks.
You also gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls.

67
Starting at 7th level, while wearing no armor, you have ad-
vantage on all saving throws.

Starting at 11th level, if you fail any skill or tool check, you
have advantage on attack rolls until the end of your next
turn.

Starting at 15th level, select one creature you can see; you
can spend your action to have advantage on your next Wis-
dom or Charisma skill check against the target. You can use
this ability twice before being required finish a long rest to
regain both uses. If your skill check fails, this ability is not
expended.

Starting at 18th level, you can triple your proficiency bonus

to your next Charisma skill check. Once you use this abil-
ity, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest. If
your skill check fails, this ability is not expended.

68
 nlike traditional fantasy settings, characters Medical. The implementation of the scientific meth-
are unlikely to replace every piece of gear od and laboratory research has resulted in vaccines.
they have every few months in a modern Drugs are becoming commonplace.
world. Individuals can possess weapons or Similarity. 19th to early 20th Century.
armor that can carry with them throughout their lives.
The equipment on the following pages reflects that.

At this level, almost every form of technology has inte-

grated electronics and advanced computer control. Elec-
An item’s Tech Level is an indicator of hew advanced its trification is now commonplace, though computers have
technology is. Most items have a Tech Level (TL) of 0, yet to dominate civilization.
meaning they have no considerable advantage over other Vehicles. Ground vehicles now have electronics;
items. Higher levels involve lasers, magnetics, powered some offer climate control. Aircraft now possess fly-by-
armor, and plasma weapons, which are not available in wire, vectored thrust, and vertical-take-off capacity.
most modern settings. Equipment is listed as having a Weapons. Computer tracking and targeting. Infrared
TL of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. If an item doesn’t have an indicated and thermal imaging is available, but not standard. Fire-
TL, it is 0. arms haven’t changed but have grown more complicated
Modifications for Tech Level. The listed cost of gear with advanced reloading and higher firing rates. Advanc-
assumes a TL0 baseline. If your game’s base tech level is es in construction make them lighter with larger calibers.
higher, reduce the cost of all gear at and below the base Medical. Computer diagnostic beds, MRIs, and X-
tech level (except TL0) by 50%. While the cost of equip- Rays.
ment of a higher TL than the campaign standard should Similarity. Mid-late 20th century.
not increase, the availability of such equipment should
be strictly controlled.
Refinements in the manipulation of magnetic fields and
energy levels characterize this stage. Computers now
This level covers the entirety of civilized history until control most of civilization and link citizens together.
the early industrial era, stopping before the harnessing of Vehicles. Vertical take-off fan craft and wingless jets
electric power, everything from the discovery of the keep aircraft aloft, are much more stable, and can fly
wheel to its use in manufacturing. rings around more primitive craft. Aircraft designs are no
Vehicles. Gliders or basic aeroforms. Both ground and longer dominated by their massive aeroforms. Ground
aircraft are limited to archaic steam power. vehicles still use wheels, but now mass transit magnetic
Weapons. All weapons rely on steam or chemical pro- vehicles appear as an alternative.
pellants with simple loading mechanisms. The blunder- Weapons. There will always be bullets, but the rise of
buss and musket are examples. both railcannons and self-propelled projectiles offer alter-
Medical. Natural healing. TL0 benefits more from natives. Laser weaponry in its infancy. Advanced mag-
discovered human knowledge about biology than the netics. Prototype exo-armor appears.
tools that were developed consequently. Surgery can Medical. Most known diseases are curable. Healing
cure most wounds, but recovery can last a while. time cut to one-third with medical attention. Nanotech
Similarity. Up to the mid-18th century. healing isolated in the laboratory.
Similarity. Early-mid 21st century

At this level, machines come into their own. Internal

combustion and steam power have been perfected. Elec- At this level, alternate energy and advanced in nuclear
tric power and road vehicles are changing the way cities power has created an energy surplus. Nanotechnology is
are built. ubiquitous. Consumer space travel is now frequent.
Vehicles. Ground vehicles are run off steam or inter- Vehicles. Robots appear beyond the role of “dumb
nal combustion. Electrical power is in its infancy. The tool.” Exo-armor is mass-produced. Wheeled traffic vir-
fact they are mass-produced is the real achievement. Air- tually nonexistent or, if it exists, can traverse any terrain.
craft are flown by manual controls and receive propulsion Ramjets shrink and provide massive thrust in small pack-
from propellers. ages, revolutionizing transportation outside of magnetic-
Weapons. Bolt action rifles and revolvers. Cartridge- traffic.
fed firearms are becoming more common.

69
 Weapons. Laser weapons “tunable.” Plasma weaponry. changeable. “Macgyvering” a power solution with improp-
Bolt weapons are outdated. er batteries requires a DC15 Intelligence (Engineering)
Medical. Nanotechnology can heal any wounds and check and results in a kludge that only allows 1d4 uses,
even regenerate limbs. after which the device is completely ruined.
If a weapon’s ammunition capacity or an item’s con-
sumption capacity is listed alongside a “B,” “M,” or “H,”
then that item uses a battery cell.
Any sufficiently advanced technology would be indistin-
guishable from magic.
Vehicles. Common antigravity replaces all previous
transportation. The three different types of battery cells are as follows.
Weapons. Disruptors, vapor rifles, disintegrator wea- Basic (B). These cells are for smaller items and cost $2
ponry. each. Ten batteries weigh 1 lb.
Medical. Complete body reconstruction. Medium (M). These cells power many weapons, small-
er vehicles, and larger equipment. They cost $10 each.
One battery weighs 0.25 lb.
High (H). These cells are large, powerful, and usually
The tech level can affect the difficulty and cost of crafting, reserved for huge weapons and massive energy equipment.
repairing, and modifying technology. It can also change its They cost $100 each. One battery weighs 2 lb.
rarity.
TL 0 and TL 1. Common. All items with no listed TL
are TL0.
TL 2. Uncommon Ultramodern5 assumes a traditional modern or futuristic
TL 3. Rare setting without anything most people would consider
TL 4. Very Rare “crazy.” But a lot of players want crazy—they want some-
TL 5. Legendary thing askew. And why not? The issue becomes how do
If setting a game at a higher TL, you can shift the rarity you present it. In truth, every weapon, every suit of armor,
down to make items more common. Certain items (like exo can be reskinned, renamed, without changing the rules.
-armor) may be rarer than their listed tech level. They may We present bioweapons later and offer a few examples,
also count as multiple items. Tech levels can also apply in but in truth, every weapon can be redressed as an organic
other ways depending on the device in question. See the living weapon. Here are some methods to convert the fol-
item descriptions for details. lowing pages to your unique setting.

The weapons table, like the armor table and the gear table, Although several bioweapons are introduced later, every
assumes that once a tech level is set, all older technology weapon can be righted to your techno-organic setting (like
would be cheaper, with current technology being more universe 7775.15589.96305). Although not mandatory, you
expensive. As a result, higher-tech equipment is listed as could replace every reload, breach, or loading with the or-
more valuable. In many settings, however, advanced vari- ganic property. Every melee weapon could be made out of
ants may be the norm, and thus accessible to starting char- sharpened bone or chitin. Energy cells could be balls of
acters. As it is explained later, certain weapon properties slime; bullets can be teeth. Instead of fire, make it acid.
only unlock when a character reaches a specified level, so a Instead of radiant, make it poison.
character can wield a more powerful weapon earlier on. In
settings where more advanced technology is considered
commonplace, know that a weapon’s price is always based
on a basic TL1 variation multiplied by its tech level times Within the confines of the retro-technology of universe
ten. This does not apply to TL0 weapons. 8884.31458.98762, it is relatively easy to swap out one ener-
For example, a TL5 plasma pistol costs 25,000 = 500 gy source for another. Styles can change without adjusting
[basic variation] x (5 [TL] x 10). rules, though some mechanical alterations may be advised.
As a result, if you wish to reduce the price of a higher- For steam technology, some energy cells are replaced with
tech item, so it falls in line with the standard tech level of large spheres of compressed gas, while others are retrofit-
your setting, divide the price by that same value (TL x 10). ted with clumsy capacitors with stored electricity har-
nessed from lightning storms. Lightning can be swapped
out for lasers and nuclear, while plasma can be left out
(unless you want to play with ball lighting). Regardless of
Many of the objects in the following sections require bat- the route, steam weapons should be heavier, at least 25%
teries. A required battery is included in the item’s pur- over the listed weight.
chase price (two with weapons). Battery cells are not inter-

70
 With diesel, much of this doesn’t change, with com- Properties. One-handed small arms use the same gen-
pressed gasses and capacitors still being the norm. Large eral rules as ranged weapons, except as follows.
weapons, however, should operate via miniature engines You do not have disadvantage on attack rolls if you are
spewing pollution. within 5 feet of a hostile creature who can see you and
It’s when reaching the atomic age where everything who isn’t incapacitated.
begins to shift. Outside of the art-deco art style, capacitors One-handed small arms cannot be wielded by Large or
can be replaced with micro-nuclear reactors that never larger creatures (e.g., exo-armor).
need replacing at the cost of increased weight (at least 25% You do not suffer disadvantage on ranged attack rolls if
more if not 50%). you are prone and proficient with the weapon you are
using.
If your Strength is 13 or higher, one-handed small arms
without the Light property gain the property.
On the principle that any sufficiently advanced technology
is indistinguishable from magic, on a basic level any ad-
vanced device can be reflavored as magical simply by say-
ing “it’s magic.” Magical equipment should have addition- These are larger, slightly clumsier weapons usually pre-
al cosmetic features to make them feel magical, although ferred for longer ranges and high stopping power. With the
this can’t affect their normal rules in non-superficial ways. development of technology, the latter became less a factor,
Perhaps a magic revolver reloads itself (still requiring the but two-handed arms have the capacity for larger magazine
normal reload action), or can fire rounds with a variety of capacities, greater accuracy, and the option of fast automat-
energy types. Magic allows any damage type to be replaced ic fire.
with any other damage type when the item/ammunition is Properties. Two-handed small arms use the same gen-
acquired. Anything that substantially changes or adds to eral rules as ranged weapons, except as follows.
the game effects of the item, however, should be statted as Because of their cumbersome nature, if you move or
a custom magic item and possibly even require attune- are moved more than 5 feet, you suffer a –2 penalty to
ment. attack rolls with two-handed small arms until the be-
ginning of your next turn.
These weapons may be purchased for a Large user
(e.g.: exo-armor). If so, a two-handed small arms counts as a
one-handed small arm. It can no longer be used by Medi-
um-sized users.
The weapons covered here are grouped into the following
categories based on their general utility. They do not fall
into the normal categories of simple or martial weapons. These are weapons with the potential of incredible damage
but balance that with a cumbersome design. These large
weapon systems require a tripod, a base, a platform, or any
These large weapon systems require a tripod, a base, a other stable point from which to fire.
platform, or any other stable point from which to fire. Properties. Super heavy weapons use the same general
Properties. Heavy weapons use the same general rules rules as ranged weapons, except as follows.
as ranged weapons, except as follows. Super heavy weapons come equipped with a tripod
Because of their cumbersome nature, if you move or (unless mounted on a vehicle or exo-armor).
are moved any distance, you have disadvantage on You must use an action to plant a super heavy weapon
attack rolls with a heavy weapon until the beginning of in the ground. Once planted, it cannot be moved un-
your next turn. less you use an action to uproot it. If you fire a non-
Unless mounted, heavy weapons require at least planted super heavy weapon, you suffer disadvantage
Strength 13 to use. If not mounted or if wielded by on attack rolls with the weapon. If your Strength is less
someone of lesser strength, attacks have disadvantage, than 18, immediately after the attack, you are pushed 5
and after firing, the target is knocked prone. feet and knocked prone.
These weapons may be purchased for a Large user These weapons may be purchased for a Large user
(e.g.: exo-armor). If so, the heavy weapon counts as a two- (e.g.: exo-armor). If so, a super heavy weapon counts as a
handed weapon. It can no longer be used by Medium-sized heavy weapon. It can no longer be used by Medium-sized
users. users.

These single-handed firearms are renowned for their ease Close combat is not the focus of the modern high-tech mil-
of use and compact style, making them natural choices for itary. Though a knife will always be standard equipment, it
those preferring stealth. is more often used as a utility item rather than a weapon, at
least until the pistol runs out of bullets. As expected, the

71
ONE-HANDED SMALL ARMS
Weapon Cost Damage Range WT. TL Properties
Air dart pistol 150 Special 20/100 4 lb. 1 Light, loading (special), undermount
Assembly Assault Anachronism 30,000 1d6 piercing 200/800 3 lb. 5 Light, magnetic, reload (30 shots/special)
Break-action shot pistol 300 1d8 piercing 25/50 3 lb. 0 Breech (2 shots), shotgun, undermount
Capacitor plasma pistol 25,000 1d6 fire 200/800 3 lb. 5 Auto (1d8), light, plasma, reload (30-M)
Capsicum spray 55 Special 10/40 2 lb. 1 Breach (Special), Light
Caseless pistol 500 1d6 piercing 50/250 2 lb. 1 Light, reload (16 shots)
Charge Pistol 7,500 1d4 force 100/400 2 lb. 3 Light, reload (Special)
Coil pistol 12,000 1d6 piercing 100/400 4 lb. 3 Light, magnetic, reload (10 shots)
Demiurge 60,000 -- -- 3 lb. 4 Light, plasma reload (M-60)
Revelation -- Special 40/160 -- --
Prophecy -- 1d6 special 200/800 -- -- Auto (1d8),
Apocalypse -- 2d6 special 100/400 -- -- Direct (2d8), exp (5 ft.)
Electroshock gun 450 Special 10 3 lb. 1 Light, reload (2-M)
ESP pistol 5,000 1d6 piercing 50/250 3 lb. 2 ESP (Auto 1d8, Auto-Heavy 2d6), light, reload (40 shots)
Grappling Hook 50 1d4 special 25/100 2 lb. 1 Loading, undermount
High-calibre autoloader 250 1d6 piercing 50/200 2 lb. 1 Reload (8 shots)
Light machine gun 500 1d4 piercing 50/250 4 lb. 1 Auto (1d6), light, reload (40 shots)
Low-calibre autoloader 250 1d4 piercing 40/160 2 lb. 1 Light, reload (16 shots)
Machine pistol 300 1d4 piercing 50/200 3 lb. 1 Auto (1d6), reload (20 shots)
Necrotizer (Bio) 10,000 1d8 necrotic 20/60 3 lb. 3 Light, organic (10 shots)
Nuclear pellet pistol 12,000 1d6 radiant 80/320 3 lb. 3 Light, nuclear, reload (15-M)
One-handed grenade launcher 300 Special 50/200 8 lb. 1 Grenade, loading, undermount
Plasma pistol 25,000 1d6 fire 200/800 3 lb. 5 Light, plasma, reload (15-M)
Pico-Positron 50,000 2d10 special 100/400 0 lb. 5 Direct (2d10+10), exp(10ft.), light, plasma, reload (Special)
Pocket pistol 200 1d4 piercing 40/160 1 lb. 1 Light, reload (3 shots)
Revolver 150 1d4 piercing 50/250 2 lb. 0 Breech (6 shots), light
Rail pistol 16,000 1d6 piercing 200/800 4 lb. 4 Light, magnetic, reload (10 shots)
Restrainment field 8,000 Special 50/200 5 lb. 4 Light, reload (4-H)
Smart Pistol 15,000 1d6 piercing 50/250 3 lb. 3 Light, reload (10 shots), SPP
Solid laser pistol 18,000 1d6 force 200/800 3 lb. 4 Laser, light, reload (20-M)
SPP pistol 6,000 1d6 piercing 80/320 3 lb. 2 Light, reload (10 shots), SPP
Thumper laser pistol 25,000 1d6 force 200/800 3 lb. 5 Auto (1d8), laser, light, reload (30-M)

concepts of laser swords and monomolecular whips are con- not come from a natural 20 does not activate this effect
structs of pure science fiction and are considered neither (this includes class abilities that turn hits into critical hits).
possible nor practical for a modern military. They’re still Only rolling a natural 20 will activate a natural 20 effect.
cool though.
Size. Like firearms, melee weapons can be enlarged for
Large users (exo-armor). If one is purchased this way, it
cannot be used by Medium-sized users. This weapon ignores a target's resistance to the weapon's
Power. Like firearms, you only use a charge when you damage type (e.g. a piercing weapon ignores resistance to
make an attack with a melee weapon that has an energy piercing). If the target has fantasy damage resistances, the
cell. Using the weapon for intimidation does not expend weapon also counts as magical, silver, and adamantine.
energy (unless you want it to). If an opponent has immunity to the weapon’s damage
type and the weapon has the AP property, the opponent
has only resistance to that weapon instead of immunity.
Certain weapons unlock the AP property at indicated char-
acter levels while others gain them immediately.

Several weapons feature additional properties that are un- An augment weapon uses your unarmed strike damage
locked when the character using that weapon reaches a dice. An unarmed strike can only benefit from one aug-
certain level. The level is indicated with the feature. ment weapon per hit. By using an augment weapon, you
are still counted as being unarmed.

Many weapon properties impose an additional effect if the

attacker rolls a natural 20. This specifies a natural 20, Auto weapons can fire several rounds with each attack.
which counts as a critical hit, though a critical hit that does This is used with area effects and when increasing damage
against specific targets. A weapon with an auto property

72
 TWO-HANDED SMALL ARMS
Weapon Cost Damage Range WT. TL Properties
Accelerator Rifle 10,000 1d6 piercing 100/400 10 lb. 2 Auto (Special), reload (100 shots)
Assault rifle 300 1d8 piercing 100/400 7 lb. 1 Auto (1d10), reload (50 shots)
Basic sniper rifle 300 1d8 piercing 100/400 8 lb. 1 Breech (5 shots), sniper (+1)
Bolt rifle 300 1d8 piercing 100/400 8 lb. 0 Breech (5 shots)
Caseless rifle 450 1d8 piercing 100/400 10 lb. 1 Auto (1d10), reload (100 shots),
Cyclotron Rifle 4,000 1d8 radiant 100/400 15 lb. 3 Nuclear, reload (20-M)
Displacement Device 25,000 1d6 fire 50/100 15 lb. 5 Plasma, shots (8-M)
Disruptor 45,000 1d8 radiant 50/200 10 lb. 4 Reload (20-H), sonic
Endothermic rifle 14,000 1d8 cold 150/600 15 lb. 4 Reload (20-M)
ESP rifle 450 1d8 piercing 80/320 10 lb. 2 ESP (Auto 1d10, Auto-Heavy 2d8), reload (80 shots)
Field Manipulator 24,000 Special 50/100 20 lb. 4 Reload (Special)
Gauss repeater 28,000 1d8 piercing 200/800 16 lb. 4 Auto (1d10), magnetic, reload (60 shots)
Gravity Gun 22,000 1d8 force 100/400 18 lb. 4 Laser, reload (20-M)
Grappling Hook 150 1d6 special 75/300 20 lb. 1 Loading, undermount
Grenade light weapon 300 Special 50/200 10 lb. 1 Breech (6 shots), grenade, undermount
Grub Gun (Bio) 9,000 1d10 piercing 150/600 15 lb. 3 Organic (16 shots)
Ion rifle 9,000 1d8 lightning 50/200 16 lb. 3 Pincher, reload (20-M)
Kinetic Flash Rifle 9,000 1d8 piercing 150/600 20 lb. 3 Auto (1d10), magnetic, reload (50 shots)
Light Coilgun 9,000 1d8 piercing 150/600 15 lb. 3 Magnetic, reload (16 shots)
Machine shotgun 500 1d10 piercing 30/120 15 lb. 1 Auto (1d12), reload (20 shots), shotgun
Mind Phazer (Bio) 35,000 2d6 psychic 100/400 20 lb. 3 AP, organic (20-M)
Nailgun 16,000 1d6 piercing 150/600 15 lb. 4 Auto (1d8), magnetic, reload (30 shots)
Nuclear Pulse Rifle 8,500 1d8 radiant 100/400 20 lb. 3 Auto (1d10), nuclear, reload (80-H)
Plasma rifle 50,000 1d8 fire 150/600 17 lb. 5 Plasma, reload (20-M)
Railgun 25,000 1d8 piercing 150/600 15 lb. 4 Magnetic, reload (16 shots)
Shotgun 300 1d10 piercing 30/120 10 lb. 0 Breech (6 shots), shotgun, undermount
Submachine gun 300 1d6 piercing 80/320 6 lb. 1 Auto (1d8), reload (80 shots)
Semi-Automatic Rifle 300 1d10 piercing 100/400 7 lb. 1 Reload (30 shots)
Shift Weapons
Energy Modulator 40,000 -- -- 25 lb. 5 Reload (80-H, special)
Plasma Repeater -- 1d6 fire 150/600 -- -- Auto (1d8), plasma
Shock Blaster -- 1d8 fire 30/90 -- -- Plasma, shotgun
Electro Mortar -- 2d6+6 radiant 50/200 -- -- Direct (4d6+6), exp (5 ft.), plasma
Electro-Volt -- 1d10 fire 200/800 -- -- Plasma, sniper (+2)
Nano-Modulator 30,000 -- -- 25 lb. 5 Reload (100 shot)
Assault Rifle -- 1d8 piercing 100/400 -- -- Auto (1d10), magnetic
Combat Shotgun -- 1d10 piercing 30/90 -- ­-- Magnetic, shotgun
Solid Slug -- 1d8+8 piercing 50/200 -- -- Magnetic
Sniper Cannon -- 1d10 piercing 200/800 -- -- Magnetic, sniper (+2)
Sniper cannon 500 1d10 piercing 200/800 15 lb. 1 Reload (6 shots), sniper (+1)
Solid laser rifle 19,000 1d8 force 150/600 15 lb. 4 Laser, reload (20-M)
Sonic focus rifle 7,500 1d8 thunder 50/200 17 lb. 3 Reload (20-M), sonic
Sonic stunner 4,500 Special 50/200 5 lb. 3 Reload (5-M)
SPP rifle 6,000 1d8 piercing 150/600 14 lb. 2 Reload (20 shots), SPP
SPP sensor gun 8,500 1d8 piercing 100/400 16 lb. 3 Reload (10 shots), sniper (+2), SPP
SPP Vortex 8,500 1d8 piercing 100/400 14 lb. 3 Auto (1d10), guided, reload (70 shots)
Thumper laser rifle 30,000 1d8 force 150/600 17 lb. 5 Auto (1d10), laser, reload (60-H)
Ultimate sniper rifle 25,000 1d10 piercing 250/1000 18 lb. 4 Magnetic, reload (10 shots), sniper (+2)
Vapor rifle 35,000 2d6 fire 100/400 12 lb. 5 Plasma, reload (20-H)
X-Beam 20,000 1d8 lightning 100/400 15 lb. 4 Reload (20-M)
Xeno-Stranger (Bio) 20,000 1d8 acid 100/400 15 lb. 3 Guided, organic (20 shots)

need not employ that property, though some abilities re- burst fire attack with a weapon with the auto property, you
quire it. Auto weapons are broken up into two subcatego- use ten rounds of ammunition, but do not use the im-
ries, auto and auto-heavy. proved damage die. With the heavy-auto property, you use
Auto weapons can fire in single-shot mode or in 5- ten rounds of ammunition, and the improved damage die.
round bursts (called an autofire attack). Auto-Heavy can Burst-Fire. Burst-fire allows the use of a burst fire at-
fire in single-shot mode or in aggressive 10-round bursts tack. A burst-fire weapon will always have either the auto
(also called an autofire attack). In single-shot mode, the or auto-heavy property (and as such, the burst fire property
weapon uses its normal damage die. In autofire mode, use is not listed on the table). A burst-fire attack sprays a 10-
the alternate damage value listed on the table. foot-cube area within normal range with ten rounds of am-
All auto or auto-heavy weapons also have the burst fire munition. Each creature in the area must succeed on a
property (thus, it is not listed on the table). When making a Dexterity saving throw or take the weapon's normal dam-

73
 HEAVY WEAPONS
Weapon Cost Damage Range WT. TL Properties
Arc Rifle 19,000 1d12 lightning 200/800 30 lb. 4 Heavy, pincher, reload (20-H)
Acid Thrower (Bio) 1,000 1d6 acid Special 20 lb. 1 Heavy, organic (5 shots)
Atomizer 24,000 2d8 radiant 300/1200 40 lb. 4 Heavy, nuclear, reload (15-M), sniper (+2)
Barrel Blaster 10,000 1d10 piercing 30/120 35 lb. 2 Breech (6 shots), heavy, shotgun
Blade Launcher 24,000 1d10 slashing 50/400 40 lb. 4 Heavy, magnetic, reload (10 shots)
Cannonballer 20,000 2d6 bludgeoning 50/200 50 lb. 3 AP, breech (12 shots), direct (2d6+6), exp (5 ft.), heavy
Coil light gun 13,500 1d10 piercing 300/1200 65 lb. 3 AP, auto-heavy (2d8), heavy, magnetic, reload (40 shots)
Crankgun 500 1d8 piercing 100/400 75 lb. 0 Auto-heavy (Special), heavy, feed (200 shots)
ESP maelstrom 7,000 1d8 piercing 200/800 55 lb. 2 ESP(Auto 1d10, Auto-Heavy 2d6), heavy, reload (400 shots)
Flamethrower 1,000 1d6 fire Special 20 lb. 1 Heavy, reload (10 shots), undermount
God’s Eye sniper gun 9,000 2d8 piercing 300/1200 40 lb. 2 AP, heavy, reload (10 shots), sniper (+2)
Grappling Hook 300 1d10 special 100/600 50 lb. 1 Loading, undermount
Ion cannon 10,500 1d10 lightning 200/800 50 lb. 3 Heavy, pincher, reload (40-H)
Linear Collider 16,800 1d10 radiant 200/800 40 lb. 3 Auto-heavy (2d8), heavy, nuclear, reload (60-M)
Machine light cannon 300 1d10 piercing 100/400 30 lb. 1 Auto-heavy (2d8), heavy, reload (180 shots)
Medium Machine Gun 300 1d8 piercing 100/400 30 lb. 1 Auto-heavy (2d6), heavy, reload (300 shots)
Micromissile Launcher 22,500 1d8 piercing 100/400 30 lb. 3 Heavy, reload (30 shots), SPP
Net gun 300 Special 25/100 10 lb. 1 Loading, heavy, undermount
Nuclear Particle Lance 13,500 1d12 radiant 300/1200 35 lb. 3 Heavy, nuclear, reload (30-M)
Proton Wand 15,000 1d8 radiant 25/150 40 lb. 3 Heavy, nuclear, reload (special)
Pulse mini gun 40,000 1d10 fire 250/1000 100 lb. 5 Auto-heavy (2d8), heavy, plasma, reload (200-H)
Railcannon 30,000 1d10 piercing 300/1200 75 lb. 4 Auto-heavy (2d8), heavy, magnetic, reload (120 shots)
Rocket launcher 450 4d6 bludgeoning 200/800 20 lb. 1 AP, direct (8d6+6), exp (5 ft.), heavy, undermount
Rocket launcher Mk2 2,000 4d6 bludgeoning 250/1,000 20 lb. 3 AP, direct (8d6+6), exp (10 ft.), guided, heavy
Rotary cannon 500 1d10 piercing 100/400 65 lb. 1 Auto-heavy (Special), heavy, feed (400 shots)
Smartgun 30,000 1d6+6 piercing 300/1200 60 lb. 3 Auto (1d8+8), heavy, feed (200 shots)
Solid laser cannon 20,000 1d12 force 250/1000 65 lb. 4 Heavy, laser, reload (30-H)
Sonic devastator 37,500 1d12 thunder 70/280 50 lb. 5 Heavy, reload (40-H), sonic
Thor Cannon 30,000 1d8 radiant 300/1200 30 lb. 5 Heavy, nuclear, reload (special)
Thumper laser cannon 37,500 1d10 force 250/1000 60 lb. 5 Auto-heavy (2d8), heavy, laser, reload (200-H)
Venom Spitter (Bio) 30,000 1d8 poison 25/1000 30 lb. 3 Auto (1d10), heavy, organic (200 shots)

age. The DC of burst fire attacks is either 15 or is equal to saving throw. Proceed with the explosive attack as usual,
8 + your Dexterity modifier + your proficiency bonus if with the target’s position as the intended point.
proficient (which ever is higher). Additionally, if you hit the intended target with an ex-
Note. Remember the new critical rules where if an op- plosive attack,, use the indicated higher damage die. Crea-
ponent rolls a natural 1 against a character-imposed area tures in the area of effect still make a Dexterity saving
effect involving explosives or firearms, the target suffers throw and suffer the normal damage die.
additional damage equal to weapon’s damage dice (the If you miss the intended target by 3 or less on the at-
same as rolling a critical hit). tack roll, the impact point is within 5-feet of the target (an
adjacent square, GM choice). If you miss by more than 3
on the attack roll, the impact point falls 10 feet away (or 2
squares away, GM Choice). If you roll a natural 1, the im-
This property pertains to a weapon with neither a clip nor a pact point is 20 feet away (or 4 squares away).
magazine. It is either a weapon with a single-shot charge,
or it is a firearm that can only be loaded one round at a
time. With an action and/or a bonus action (the character’s
choice), one shot is reloaded in the weapon. Like maga-
zine/clip-based weapons, there is a maximum number of
shots you can load. If a character has additional actions in a No longer are bullets loaded from an external magazine
turn, these can be used to load as well. and launched via a firing pin. Now they are loaded directly
into the barrel, separated only by a propellant. The con-
cept dates back to traditional fireworks, except the stacked
projectile weapon does not need to fire its entire payload
Only certain weapons with the explosive (exp) property when ignited. Electrical pulses launch the bullets in the
possess this. Instead of targeting an area, this weapon can proper order. Misfires are pushed out by the next round,
make a direct attack on a creature. Use an action to make a preventing backfire. This removes the need for a maga-
“direct ranged attack” (this is a special attack and not an zine, a firing pin, or for that matter, any moving parts at all.
attack action); if successful, the target is automatically The greatest advantage of this technology is a phenomenal
ground zero of the explosive attack and does not make a

74
SUPER HEAVY WEAPONS
Weapon Cost Damage Range WT. TL Special
Autocannon 1,000 1d6+6 piercing 300/1200 200 lb. 1 AP, auto (1d8+8), heavy, feed (200 shots)
Caustic Cannon (Bio) 40,000 1d8+8 acid 250/1000 175 lb. 3 AP, auto (1d10+10), heavy, organic (200 shots)
Dense Plasma Focus Cannon 50,000 1d10+10 fire 400/1600 350 lb. 5 AP, auto-heavy (1d12+12), heavy, plasma,
feed (200-H)
Grappling Hook 5,000 1d6+6 special 300/1200 90 lb. 1 Loading, undermount
Ground heavy gun 20,000 3d10 bludgeoning 400/1,600 185 lb. 2 AP, direct (6d10+10), exp (10 ft.), heavy, loading
Mass Driver 50,000 1d10+10 piercing 300/1200 500 lb. 5 AP, heavy, magnetic, feed (10 shots)
Mortar 500 — 50/200 50 lb. 1 Grenade, heavy, loading
Particle Beam Gun 30,000 1d10+10 radiant 300/1200 350 lb. 3 AP, heavy, nuclear, feed (20-H)
Plasma artillery 50,000 4d8 fire 250/1,000 110 lb. 5 AP, direct (8d8+8), exp (10 ft.), loading (1-H),
plasma
Repeating Laser Blaster 40,000 1d8+8 force 250/1000 80 lb. 4 AP, auto-heavy (1d10+10), heavy, laser,
feed (400-H)
Super-Kill Sniper 30,000 1d10+10 piercing 500/2000 150 lb. 4 AP, heavy, magnetic, sniper (+2), reload (5 shots)
Volley Gun ESP 20,000 1d6+6 piercing 250/1000 350 lb. 2 AP, auto-heavy (1d8+8), heavy, feed (500 shots)

firing rate, capable of discharging rounds literally as a feed weapon takes one minute unless stated otherwise in
stream of bullets. the weapon description.
ESP weapons have both the auto and auto-heavy prop-
erty. You can only have one in effect at a time and can
switch between them as a free action.
Grenades use their own form of attack depending on the
specific grenade.

Explosives have an area of effect at the point of impact of 5

feet or more. Additionally, if an explosive's area of effect is
impeded by indestructible terrain (like in a dungeon corri- These weapons assist in aiming after being fired and can
dor), the explosion carries over to unaffected areas. For even make a secondary attack if the first one misses.
every 5 feet impeded by indestructible terrain, the area of As many times a day as your attack attribute bonus, you
effect shifts over to occupy the same area. If both sides of can either have advantage on the attack roll or miss the the
an explosion are occupied by indestructible terrain (like a initial attack and make a second attack as a free action at
narrow corridor), the blast carries up and down the corridor. the beginning of your next turn using that same round of
This rule doesn't go into effect if the explosion can damage ammunition (or rocket).
the obstructing terrain. The number listed next to the
"Exp" entry indicates the size of the radius in feet. Unless
otherwise stated, explosive attacks inflict bludgeoning
damage. Any condensed, well-defined beam of light or heat can be
Attacking with Explosives. When using any weapon considered a laser. In history, the initial weapons concen-
with an area of effect (but lacking the “direct” property), trated radiation to a focal point, burning the target with
you don't make a ranged attack but rather establish a Dex- intense heat; such beams were usually invisible, which is
terity saving throw DC that affected creatures must beat. useful for stealth but less so for accuracy. Later develop-
The DC for the Dexterity saving throw equals 8 + your ments increased the size, damage potential, and visibility
Dexterity modifier + your proficiency bonus (if proficient of these beams. Often, lasers are confused with pulse plas-
in the weapon you are using). ma weapons. The largest difference is that lasers cut while
plasma splashes. Laser weapons give away their firer’s posi-
tion but deliver devastating damage few can resist. They
can also track targets easier with subsequent damage.
Also called a belt-driven weapon, this involves ammunition There are laser pistols, rifles, and thumper cannons.
being fed into a firearm externally from an external supply. Laser weapons inflict force damage. If you hit with a
Older variations involved feed strips or disintegrating belts, laser, you gain a +1 bonus to your next attack roll against
while later models employ a hybrid mechanism to load the same target. This is lost if you don’t fire at the same
bullets without the belt being fed through a machine. An target or if you miss. If you attack an obstruction or inani-
energy weapon with the feed property involves a compli- mate object, you inflict additional damage equal to half the
cated connection/disconnection procedure to power-up, initial damage inflicted. Lasers are very rare items.
including the time it takes for the energy cell to recharge a Focused Beam (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor
capacitor. Piercing property.
Feed weapons often possess massive round capacities Goggles Do Nothing (8th level). If you roll a natural 20,
but suffer from a prolonged reloading time. Reloading a the target is blinded until the beginning of your next turn.

75
The specific process of accelerating metal shells using These weapons deliver an electromagnetic pulse that dis-
magnetism is complicated, with coil-based and rail-based rupts any item that requires a battery or an electric current
technology launching shells using different means. to operate. Pincher weapons are rare items
If you kill a creature, the shell continues on a straight Pincher weapons inflict lightning damage.
path from the weapon, making a single free attack on one Disruption (6th level). Once you hit a target, all func-
creature in direct line of effect within the weapon’s range. tions of battery-powered technology on the target stops
Magnetic weapons are very rare items. working until the end of your next turn.
Gauss (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor Piercing High Voltage (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor
property. Piercing property.
Vector Force (6th level). If you roll a natural 20 with a Jolt to the System (8th level). If you roll a natural 20 on
magnetic weapon, add one additional damage die (after the attack roll and the target is not immune or resistant to
doubling the basic dice). lightning damage, the target has disadvantage on ability
Power. Magnetic weapons have a magazine but require checks and attack rolls until the beginning of your next
power from a power cell to operate the magnetic accelera- turn.
tion (H for heavy and super-heavy weapons, M for all oth-
ers). One is included with the weapon.

Any weapon employing ionized gas is considered a plasma

weapon. A plasma weapon fires a toroid of superheated gas
These are directed energy weapons similar to plasma and inside a magneto-hydrodynamic bubble that is then accel-
laser guns. Where a laser inflicts condensed radiation and erated from the barrel in the same way a railgun fires its
plasma inflicts severe heat, weapons with the nuclear prop- iron-core shell. The bubble remains stable for a significant
erty inflict damage via a high-energy beam of atoms. Upon time, or until it strikes its target, at which point the bubble
impact, they disrupt the molecular structure of the target. is dispersed and delivers its energetic payload as a cloud of
Tissue damage from radiation is a common side effect. intense heat. There are plasma pistols, rifles, and cannons.
This technology has been dubbed a "dirty solution," as it Plasma weapons inflict fire damage. Plasma weapons
frequently emerges before the advancement of high- are very rare items.
powered lasers and plasma weapons. In other circles, these Bottle Cohesion (6th level). This weapon gains the Ar-
devices have been called particle accelerators. Nuclear mor Piercing property.
weapons are rare items. Directed Energy (8th level). On a non-critical hit, roll
Nuclear weapons inflict radiant damage and also deal one damage dice twice and take the higher result. On a
additional damage to creatures vulnerable to necrotic as if natural 20, roll all damage dice twice and take the higher
they dealt that damage type. result.
Fission (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor Pierc-
ing property.
Accelerator (8th level). If you hit with a nuclear weapon,
every subsequent hit on the same target gains a +1 bonus This property pertains to a magazine- or clip-fed weapon.
to damage. This is cumulative up to half the character’s A magazine or clip carries a certain number of shots before
level and is lost if you don’t hit that same target before the requiring a reload. A magazine may also be a battery with a
end of your next turn. set number of charges. Note that several melee weapons
Radiation (8th level). If you roll a natural 20, the target may also require an energy cell—these same rules apply.
is poisoned until the beginning of your next turn. Refer to official licensed material for the rules on reload.

One feature of all bioweapons is their regenerative ammo. Shotguns impact with tremendous force at close range, but
Incapable of being reloaded, ammo is regenerated during this stopping power diminishes rapidly further out. Shot-
combat or a short or long rest (the weapons either siphon guns do +3 damage if fired at targets within 10 feet. Be-
energy from its user or ingest surrounding resources). If yond normal range, they inflict half damage.
you run out of ammunition during combat, you must finish Point-Blank (5th level). If you roll a natural 20, the tar-
a short or long rest before being able to use the weapon get is knocked prone.
again.

These weapons contain advanced targeting systems for

long-range fire. These include tracking systems and
scopes.

76
 Sniper weapons list a bonus. If you are proficient with count as an auto-heavy weapon. Because of recoil, there is
the weapon, you can use an action or bonus action to aim, also a minimum level before higher tiers are unlocked.
gaining the bonus on your following ranged attack with the First Attack—auto 1d8 (5 rounds); second attack—auto
weapon against a creature 25 feet away or further. The bo- 1d10 (10 rounds, 4th level); third attack—auto 2d6 (15
nus is lost if you move or are moved. You also lose the bo- rounds, 6th level); fourth attack—auto 2d8 (20 rounds, 8th
nus after making a ranged attack with the weapon level).
(whether you hit or not). This bonus is cumulative for up
to two actions.
Developed shortly after basic pincher technology, the arc
rifle employs a high-powered electrostatic discharge similar
The first sonic weapon was no more than a simple high- to actual lightning. It’s an energy hog, with a limited maga-
powered oscillating pain siren generating 175-decibel (dB) zine capacity but offsets that by delivering incredible
acoustic waves in all directions. Newer sonic weapons uti- amounts of damage to the target. Additionally, the arc rifle
lize high-frequency ultrasound to carry the painful audio is capable of jumping from target to target, hitting multiple
waves in a straight, focused path. This technology offers creatures at once. This is a very rare item.
increased range with no adverse side effects for the firer. In Jumping (7th level). When you hit a target with the arc
practical uses, the sonic weapon may be downgraded to rifle, make an additional attack against the nearest creature
transmit a normal voice across 10x its range increment to in range; the damage is reduced by one step plus one addi-
any other target without fear of anyone else overhearing tional step for every 10 feet (1d12 > 1d10 > 1d8 > 1d6 >
unless they are inline. Sonic weapons are rare tiems. 1d4 > 0). Repeat this until the damage reaches zero (for
Sonic weapons inflict thunder and bludgeoning damage example, after striking, if two additional targets are 5 feet
Thunder (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor and 20 feet away, the damage is 1d10 for the second target,
Piercing property. 1d4 for the third).
Rumble (8th level). If you roll a natural 20, the target is
deafened for one minute.
The air-dart gun resembles a standard pistol, except it fires
a small needle via an air compressor. The needle inflicts no
damage but can deliver any number of medical injections.
This property is a modification where a smaller weapon is You choose which injection to employ from your inventory
attached under the barrel of an existing weapon. You can before making the attack.
switch to an undermounted weapon instantly, and it occu- Ammunition. This weapon employs injections.
pies the same space as the weapon it is attached to. When
you purchase a weapon with the undermount property,
establish if it is being purchased as a standard weapon or an
undermount, and if the latter, which weapon it is being The “Triple-A” was first seen among numerous black-
mounted to. You can only attach an undermount to a weap- market assassin squads with no clear indication who in-
on one size larger (one-handed small arm > two-handed vented it. The weapon, despite utilizing rudimentary mag-
small arm > heavy weapon > super heavy weapon). A one- netically-accelerated ammunition, can conceal itself within
handed or two-handed melee weapon counts as a one- a warp pocket contained in a bracelet you wear. As an ac-
handed small arm and a two-handed small arm respectful- tion, your weapon assembles from seemingly out of no-
ly. where. Stowing your weapon also takes an action.
Another odd feature is the weapon’s seemingly endless
supply of ammunition. The same warp pocket holds 2,000
rounds of ammunition, which are included though the
fixed internal magazine holds 30. The pocket continually
feeds rounds into the magazine; at the beginning of your
This pulse weapon launches magnetically contained plas- turn as a free action, one round is reloaded in the maga-
ma, though lacking the punch of other related weapons. zine. You can use an action to reload 10 more. The rounds,
Rather, the accelerator dramatically increases its fire rate like the weapon, take up no space when stowed. This is a
the longer its trigger is depressed, increasing damage at the legendary item.
cost of magazine capacity. This is a rare item.
Escalation. After making an attack with the accelerator
rifle, if you attack again on your next turn, and continue to
do so, each subsequent attack increases the damage of an One of the most powerful portable particle beam weapons
autofire attack at the cost of ammunition. This increase available, the atomizer is a brutal device commonly found
reverts back to baseline if you fail to make an attack on with snipers less interested in hiding and more about deliv-
your next turn. By your second attack, the accelerator can ering devastating effects upon an enemy. The beam, when
fired, illuminates everything it passes by or touches for the
millisecond it traverses from the barrel to the target. But

77
few weapons demoralize an enemy more. This is a legend- brain tissue designed to generate and focus psychic power.
ary item. Despite no barrel, the weapon emits visible energy that
Vaporize (6th level). If you reduce a target to 0 hit appears to circumvent physical armor.
points, it is disintegrated. A disintegrated creature and eve- Caustic Cannon. Similar to the acid thrower, this varia-
rything it is wearing and carrying, except magic items, are tion employs membranes that keep individual bolts togeth-
reduced to a pile of fine gray dust. This weapon automati- er, allowing for a rapid-fire acid weapon.
cally disintegrates a Large or smaller nonmagical object or Xeno-Strangler. This weapon launches living ammuni-
a creation of magical force. If the target is a Huge or larger tion that floats in the air and seeks out targets. Upon im-
object or creation of force, this weapon disintegrates a 10- pact, the creature affixes itself and delivers 1d6 poison
foot-cube portion of it. damage at the beginning of the creatures turn until a suc-
Force of Energy (8th level). The atomizer doubles the cessful DC 15 Strength check removes it.
damage of the nuclear property. The atomizer does not Necrotizer. Instead of firing bolts or spewing acid, the
poison a target; instead, if you roll a natural 20, triple the necrotizer sends out a paper-thin tendril that connects the
number of damage dice instead of doubling. target to the weapon. The target can spend an action to
sever the connection easily, but upon impact, and as a bo-
nus action on your next and every following turn until sev-
ered, you recover 1d4 points of damage. If a tendril is still
This insane weapon designed by someone likely also crazy connected, you can use an action in inflict damage as if you
mounts six shotgun barrels in a colorful formation, either hit without making an attack roll. There is no limit on the
an “X,” a star, a smiley face, or sometimes just in a straight- number of tendrils you can have active at a time.
line. No two are ever the same, indicative of a custom- Venom Spitter. Similar to the caustic cannon, this
build. Any combination of them can be fired; however, weapon supplants poison for acid. If you roll a natural 20,
reloading is annoying. the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or
Setback (1st level). Before firing this weapon, decide be poisoned for one minute.
how many barrels will be triggered. Make an attack roll,
inflicting 1d10 for each barrel fired (max 6 barrels or how
many barrels are left untriggered). If you fire 3 or more,
you are pushed 5 feet after the attack. If you fire 5 or more, This weapon, not unlike a railgun, utilizes magnetics to
you are knocked prone after the attack. eject a deadly projectile. However, with the blade launch-
er, what is propelled is a spinning disk, not unlike a saw-
blade. Considerably heavier than an iron flechette, the
blade can be released and suspended in mid-air or directed
To find one will either be incredibly unusual in a tradition- to multiple targets before breaking apart. Despite its appar-
al setting or ordinary in an unusual setting. A biological ent advantages, the energy required to keep a spinning
weapon is not a creature possessing a natural deterrent a sawblade in the air prevents a large ammo capacity.
user is taking advantage of but rather a genetically de- Suspension (3rd level). As a bonus action, you can cause
signed organic machine whose only purpose is to act as a a launched blade to remain in the air as long as it remains
weapon. Taking the “meta” route, any melee weapon can within normal range. It can act as a melee weapon from its
be renamed a “bone-blade,” and a traditional weapon can location, attacking with the same attack bonus as if you
be repurposed to fire teeth or “bio-plasma.” The weapons were making a melee attack. You can also launch it from its
offered here are those that do not fall under any other de- position, making an additional ranged attack from its loca-
scription—ones that could not be rebranded from more tion, though the range is still determined from you and not
traditional sources. All bioweapons have the organic prop- the disk. Once the disk has made a number of attacks
erty. All bioweapons are rare items. equal to half your level or has moved beyond normal range,
Acid Thrower. When you attack with the acid thrower, it breaks up and cannot be used. You can only control one
you target a 20-foot cone emanating from you. The DC for disk at a time.
the Dexterity saving throw equals 8 + your Dexterity mod-
ifier + your proficiency bonus (if proficient in the weapon).
Making the save still inflicts half damage. Any target that
failed the save against an acid thrower suffers half the in- Instead of launching a rocket or a mine, the cannonballer
flicted damage again at the beginning of your next turn. fires out a short-range explosive sphere. Although it can
Grub-Gun. This weapon fires brainless maggots that, direct hit and detonate like a grenade or detonate nearby
when impacting on an organic target, burrow within the and inflicting damage via an area effect, you can also direct
creature to inflict +2 additional damage. When you roll a it to roll around the ground under its own power until find-
natural 20 on an organic target, it must make a DC 15 Con- ing a target. This is a rare item.
stitution saving throw or suffer 2d6 additional acid damage. Bouncer (3rd level). If you do not directly hit with this
If a target is killed, the maggots will reduce the target to weapon, you can elect to have it land without detonation.
slime in one minute. When on the ground, it gains a movement of 30, and as a
Mind Phazer. This weapon features a large amount of bonus action, you can direct it to move. Detonation only

78
takes an action, but you can no longer inflict direct dam-
age. You can only move a ball once per turn and you can Compound bows are fashioned of steel or aluminum—a
only control one ball at a time. A ball has an AC of 18 and 1 few rare models are constructed from carbon fiber or micro-
hit point, and if struck, it explodes at its location. A ball can lattice. Their power comes from a series of pulleys, cams,
be controlled for up to one minute before it runs out of and levers. They do not warp and can be adjusted for a
power and turns itself off. It can still be detonated, but it variety of conditions.
cannot move. A compound longbow can be adjusted for greater force
at the cost of a more demanding draw. Using settings
above the first requires proficiency with the weapon and
This item employs a chemical irritant like capsaicin the listed minimum Strength score. Setting 1—1d6 pierc-
(common in some fruits, plants, and most chilies), also ing; setting 2—Str 15, 1d8 piercing; setting 3—Str 18, 1d10
known as a lachrymatory agent. When a target is struck, a piercing; setting 4—Str 20, 1d12 piercing. It takes a full
sticky, waxy, colorless, and odorless liquid adheres to the minute to adjust to a new setting.
skin. The spray contains almost pure capsaicin, with a Sco-
ville rating of more than 10,000,000 – double the intensity
of pepper spray. A primitive variation of the rotary cannon, the crank re-
If struck, the target must make a DC 15 Constitution quires physical strength on behalf of the user to spin the
saving throw or be poisoned for 2d4 rounds. If you roll a barrels, though the effect is similar. Although outdated and
natural 20, the target fails this save. Larger creatures gain a replaced quickly by the smaller rotary weapon, the
bonus to the save as follows (+2 Large, +4 Huge; larger crankgun still can find a place in primitive cultures or in
than Huge creatures are immune). locations where advanced technology is not easily accessi-
Capsicum spray is a single-use item and cannot be re- ble.
loaded. The crankgun requires a Strength score of at least 13 to
use. It has no single shot option. It always fires 10 shots per
attack roll. It is also immune to any electromagnetic dis-
The weapon is a sleek, smooth, multi-piece item of black ruption.
and silver, constructed from polymer and carbon fiber. The
weapon is less clumsy than ancient designs.
The carbon crossbow comes with a range-finding scope. The demiurge overshadows all others; it is the ultimate
Use a bonus action to aim with the scope, nullifying the sidearm, developed for an exclusive set, and denied to oth-
disadvantage of firing long-range. ers. It cannot be purchased, even illegally. While it looks
like a regular pistol, the demiurge can transform to imitate
three different firearms. Each unit is biometrically locked
This standard one-handed small arm utilizes a rudimentary to its intended user; if someone with non-matching DNA
variation of the plasma thrower to emit pulses of energy and fingerprints even holds it, not only does it not activate,
towards the target. Produced in mass quantities for front- but it will deliver 5 points of lightning damage at the be-
line troops, the charge pistol was designed to be a reliable ginning of each of the user’s turns until released. When
backup rather than a primary firearm. properly matched, the demiurge activates, revealing a holo-
The weapon inflicts fire damage, but unlike a plasma graphic aiming assistant only visible to its wielder that re-
weapon, a charge pistol does not generate radiant damage veals invisible targets and grants a +1 bonus to attack rolls.
or enough heat to circumvent resistance to fire. It also does As an action, you can shift the demiurge’s configuration,
not benefit from a plasma weapon’s directed energy fea- which physically alters the front half of the sidearm. All
ture. However, a charge pistol also lacks a removable ener- three configurations use the same M cell for power. This is
gy cell; instead, it plugs into a standard power socket at the a legendary item.
beginning of a long rest. By the end, the weapon has been Revelation. A target hit must make a DC 15 Constitu-
fully charged. This is a rare item. tion saving throw or increase its exhaustion level by +1 (to
Charge (1st level). If wielding the charge pistol, you can a maximum of level 4) for 1 minute. Unlike normal exhaus-
spend a bonus action to charge the weapon, increasing its tion, levels incurred by this weapon reduce by 1 every mi-
damage by one step (1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > nute after suffering the last attack from it. Each shot uses 5
2d6); this can only be done once per turn and only while charges. If a target makes the save, every additional hit
holding the weapon. This is cumulative with each succes- within 1 minute increases the DC by 2
sive round until the weapon is fired, in which case the Prophecy. In this configuration, the demiurge creates
damage reverts back to baseline. If you drop the pistol or three barrels and a series of active sensors. It gains a +1
holster it, the charge is lost. bonus to attack rolls (+2 total) and its rate of fire increase to
Auto. Each shot uses 1 charge.
Apocalypse. The demiurge creates an oversized barrel
where a large plasma bolt discharges. Each shot uses 20

79
charges. You can spend an action to charge this mode: each
action uses up 20 more charges, expands the blast radius by Experts gave it a complicated name; everyone else calls it a
5 feet and increases damage by one step (2d6 > 2d8 > freeze gun. Based on laser technology, an endothermic rifle
1d6+6 > 1d8+8 > 1d10+10). siphons heat away from the target rather than adding to it.
If used against bodies of water, each round can freeze up to
10 gallons. Against creatures, it can slow down or outright
Although technically a weapon given its plasma energy will stop movement.
inflict damage (albeit light) if it strikes an organic target, Endothermic weapons inflict cold damage. If you hit,
the displacement device is more useful as a method of you gain a +1 bonus to your next attack roll against the
transport. When impacting a flat object (often a wall), the same target. This is lost if you don’t fire at the same target
energy bubble creates a quantum gateway (a miniature or if you miss. This is a very rare item.
wormhole), which generates a tunnel when the next quan- Shatter (1st level). If you reduce a Large target or small-
tum gateway is created. er to 0 hit points with this weapon, it freezes solid; the next
As an action, instead of attacking, you can fire a shot to attack on it causes it to shatter into pieces.
any mostly flat surface within normal range. Firing a sec- Focused Beam (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor
ond shot to another surface automatically creates the gate- Piercing property.
way. Once placed, these gateways cannot be moved. Any Refrigerate (8th level). If you hit a target, its speed is
creature or object up to Medium size that enters one of the reduced by 5 feet until the beginning of your next turn.
gateways emerges from the other as if there were no inter- This is cumulative up to 10 feet. If you roll a natural 20,
vening space. Only one gateway can be open at a time; the target is restrained until the end of your next turn.
firing a third shot automatically closes the existing one. A
gateway can also be closed manually as a free action. If a
gateway closes while something is passing through it, the Although resembling a weapon, and obviously able to in-
subject will be randomly displaced to one side or the other. flict tremendous damage, the field manipulator is techni-
Any inertia is sustained when passing through a gate- cally more a tool, capable of altering the gravitational field
way. If the target fell into a gateway on the floor and in a localized area targeted by the device. This enables the
emerges from a wall gateway, they land 5ft beyond it and user to move or even toss objects much too heavy for the
take any falling damage upon arrival as the abrupt change average person to jostle.
in gravity makes it impossible to land safely. A target fall- If you strike a target within normal range, you are
ing or forced toward a gateway may make a DC 15 Dexteri- counted as having a Strength score of 25 for the purposes
ty saving throw to avoid it. This is a legendary item. of lifting, grappling, shoving, or throwing that target. If
grappling, you can move the target (at a speed of 30) as
long as the manipulator can carry it. You are counted as
The almost inaudible wave-rifle discharge inflicts massive having proficiency with Strength (Athletics). The manipu-
damage on physical targets and on enemy combat units. lator can break open doors and potentially throw explosives
However, in one incident, a test group encountered un- further than a normal person can. Past normal range, all the
dead opponents and reported a much-elevated damage same abilities apply, but the available Strength score is
potential. Undead creatures are vulnerable to hits from this reduced to 16.
weapon. This is a legendary item. The field manipulator lacks a removable energy cell;
instead, it plugs into a standard power socket at the begin-
ning of a long rest. By the end, the weapon has been fully
charged. This is a very rare item.
This wand-shaped device fires air-compressed barbed darts
attached to coils towards a target. Upon impact, the coils
conduct a massive electrical current, disrupting superficial
muscle functions. The darts can penetrate enough to at- This weapon has shrunk in size over the years. Though
tach to anything and are magnetic. The electrical pulse still two-handed, it no longer requires an unsafe pipe to an
does not need to penetrate skin to be effective. even more hazardous backpack. Modern flamethrowers
Upon impact, the target must make a DC 15 Constitu- keep their tank mounted under the weapon stock. The
tion save or be paralyzed for 2d4 rounds. If you roll a natu- container is comprised of a relatively safe solid fuel. When
ral 20, the target automatically fails this save. Larger crea- combined with air, it reacts into expanding foam. A small
tures gain a bonus to the save as follows (+2 Large, +4 battery compresses air in a separate chamber. The foam
Huge; larger than Huge creatures are immune). enters the final chamber and, when allowed to decompress,
Firing Rate. Tension springs recoil the darts back to the sprays out in liquid form. A magnesium igniter at its barrel
gun as a free action. However, it cannot fire again for one sends the superheated stream of flame to its target. De-
minute (10 rounds) as its capacitor needs to charge. spite rumors and urban legends, neither older nor modern
Range. Because of the length of coil, you cannot strike flamethrower tanks explode easily if ruptured or if a spark
creatures further than 10 feet. flicks nearby. If the weapon tank is ruptured, the foam

80
would break and spray but not automatically ignite. Even according to the standard grapple rules.
older models would only burst like aerosol cans and not Length. The length of cable depends on the type of
violently explode. weapon (one-handed—100 ft.; two-handed—300 ft.;
When you attack with the flamethrower, you target a 20 heavy—600 ft.; super heavy—1,200).
-foot cone emanating from you. The DC for the Dexterity
saving throw equals 8 + your Dexterity modifier + your
proficiency bonus (if proficient in the weapon). Making the This variation of laser extends its magnetic containment
save still inflicts half damage. Any target that failed the field outside of the barrel, allowing the beam to appear to
save against a flamethrower suffers half the inflicted dam- bend around corners, especially useful when targets at-
age again at the beginning of your next turn. tempt to hide behind cover or do something especially an-
noying like trying to run away. This is a very rare item.
Bender (1st level). As a bonus action, you can lock onto
There is a grappling hook for every occasion, and coinci- target; this does not improve your chance hit, but it does
dentally enough, every classification. The basic one- allow your attack to circumvent one object that blocks line
handed variety can lift one person, while the larger ones of sight. If you can trace a line to the target, making only
can lift a car. In a pinch, a grappling hook can also grab tar- one turn without crossing cover, the target does not benefit
gets or knock them down. from that cover. At 10th level, you can bend the laser twice.
Grappling Rules. What a grappling hook can affect de-
pends on its size. One-handed smaller arms affect Medium
and smaller targets; two-handed small arms affect Large This miniaturized ordnance weapon fires multiple missiles
and smaller targets; heavy weapons can affect Huge and towards a locked target. Although still explosive, micromis-
smaller targets; super heavy weapons can affect Gargantuan siles lack the potential to inflict additional collateral dam-
or smaller targets. A target larger than a weapon’s capacity age. This weapon would later be surpassed by the smaller
has advantage to resist its effects, while a target one cate- smart pistol but lacks the latter’s capacity to fire without a
gory below a weapon’s maximum capacity has disad- lock. This is a very rare item.
vantage. Targeting a creature two size categories larger Lock On (3rd level). As an action, you can lock onto a
than a weapon’s capacity (or more) will result in a cable target within normal range; this lock is lost if you lose line
snapping the moment it is pulled. A grappling hook may of sight, the target moves out of range or moves within 5
affect you instead of the target you are grappling, meaning feet of you. As a bonus action, you can launch the missile.
you pull yourself to the target rather than it being pulled. This is considered an attack but hits automatically (do not
For example, a two-handed small arm can target affect a roll). You must then reacquire a new lock.
single Huge target, but that target has advantage to resist Multi-Lock (5th level). After you lock on a target, you
the weapon’s effect. Targeting a single medium target, it can spend additional actions to lock additional attacks.
has disadvantage to resist the weapon. Your second action locks 3 additional rounds (4 total); your
Attack Type. You can alter the grapple being used third also locks 3 additional rounds (7 total); your fourth
(attack decision) to affect how it attack targets. also locks 3 additional rounds (10 total). All locks must
Piercing—If you hit, the target is grappled and im- have the same target. Launching all locked missiles still
paled. If the target escapes, it is assumed to have requires only one bonus action.
cut the cable to torn out the grapple; these will
need to be repaired before it can be used again.
Bludgeoning—If you hit, and the target matches the
size of the weapon, the target is knocked prone, This is no longer a utility device; this nailgun has been
and you do not grapple the target (that attack can built for combat. Derived from magnetically-accelerated
still grapple something else, like a wall or a ledge). firearms, the nailgun inflicts less damage, given its
Grapple. Whether it be a wall, a ledge, or a creature, flechettes are accelerated at less speed. However, given
you can attempt to grapple it with an action. A wall re- their increased mass, these narrow rods have the capacity
quires either a DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check or a DC of pinning targets to walls and terrain. In a pinch, this could
10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Attacking a creature re- be used to secure a makeshift barricade, although you
quires a grapple check employing standard grapple rules. wouldn’t want to build a house with it.
You can use your ability or the hook’s; it adds your profi- Pinned (3rd level). If you roll a natural 20 or reduce a
ciency bonus to grapple checks. Its Strength is based on its target to 0 hit points) and there is a solid surface within 10
type (one-handed—16; two-handed—18; heavy—20; super feet behind it, the target is pushed to the surface and re-
heavy—22). strained until the end of your next turn. This is a very rare
Pull. As a bonus action, you can cause the grappling item.
hook to retract at a speed of 50 feet. A mobile grappled
target is pulled toward you if it is smaller than your size;
you are pulled toward it if it is larger; if you are of equal This weapon, when fired, launches four rubberized
sizes, you decide. An unwilling target may resist movement weights outward, casting a net between them.

81
 Property. A Medium-sized creature or smaller struck is
grappled (escape DC 17). Until this grapple ends, the tar- This gun is a modern rendition of the weapon once called
get is knocked prone and restrained. Being comprised of the “Gatling gun,” a relatively simple design with an elec-
braided wire prevents nonmagical blades from cutting tronically controlled crank for rotating numerous barrels.
through the net, but magical blades or blades with the AP The mechanism is simple but does not have the massive
property can cut through the net, taking a creature’s entire firing rate over more advanced models.
turn to do so. An intact net can be reloaded into the gun, The rotary cannon has no single shot option. It always
though this takes 1 minute. Replacements nets cost $5. fires 10 shots per attack roll.

This unusual device is less than four inches long and is

powered by antimatter diverted through a quantum tunnel
from an offsite power source (as such, rupturing the device These are small rockets fired from pistols or rifles that con-
will not cause matter/antimatter annihilation). It cannot be tinue to accelerate after an initial air compression push
reloaded and recharges its 3-shot capacity at a rate of once fires them from the shell. Although more expensive than
every five minutes. The weapon must be primed (as a sep- traditional firearms, SPPs proved useful for engagements
arate action) before it can be fired. Although with a limited when range mattered. The ammunition for SPP weapons
range, it is one of the most powerful weapons one can carry are sabot rounds, as the shell ejected breaks apart, and the
despite its diminutive size. This is a legendary item. contained self-propelled projectile ignites, breaking from
its seal. All SPP weapons can fire underwater, though their
range is halved. They are not common but have definitive
This bizarre and dangerous weapon is believed to have advantages, such as explosive warheads and guidance sys-
predated many modern nuclear accelerators, though pos- tems. These are uncommon items.
sessing unique properties that later successors lack. A pro- Seeking (6th Level). Your SPP weapon gains the guided
ton wand gains its energy from a connected back-mounted property.
miniature Uranium-235 power pack, giving it an effectively
infinite lifespan. However, its fire control system is rudi-
mentary, resulting in limited range and accuracy. A shift weapon is an advanced firearm that is capable of
Its most outlandish feature is a wand’s capacity, thanks reconfiguring itself to act like other weapons. It requires a
to its electrostatically polarized protons, of ensnaring crea- measure of user input to accomplish this, with the rest han-
tures not entirely within physical reality. This is a rare dled by a radical internal mechanism involving the recon-
item. struction of the device at the molecular level. There are
Ensare (4th level). On your next turn, after hitting a tar- two types of shift weapons, the energy modulator, and the
get with the proton wand, as an action, you can employ the nano-modulator. These are legendary items.
weapon to grapple the same target using the weapon’s en- An action is required to switch modes; once set, it re-
ergy; it is counted as having a Strength of 20 and proficien- mains that way until given a new configuration.
cy with Strength (Athletics) checks. This attack can target Advanced Switching (6th level). The speed to switch
creatures immune to being grappled or restrained. You can- configuration improves to a bonus action.
not use the proton wand against another target while it is
grappling.
Particle Thrower (4th level). The proton wand can tar-
This weapon can transform between the four following
get ethereal creatures (including creatures in the ethereal
configurations, each one requiring different energy from
plane), assuming you can see the target. If you hit an invis-
the standard 80-charge capacity M-cell.
ible or ethereal target, it loses its ethereal properties until
Plasma Repeater. An autofire plasma rifle, the repeater
the end of your next turn.
uses one round per shot.
Shock Blaster. This weapon acts as a shotgun and uses
5 rounds per shot.
This pistol-shaped weapon launches a balloon-like force Electro Mortar. When configured, you can only make
field, capturing a target by warping its containment matrix one Electro Mortar attack per action, no matter how many
around its victim and then compressing the field to restrain attacks you can make. It uses up 20 rounds of ammunition
the target from moving. If this weapon strikes a target, it is per shot, releasing a powerful plasma discharge that deto-
restrained. The victim needs to pass a DC 15 Dexterity nates into an area effect.
save or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to escape. Only Large Electro-Volt. This long-range sniper weapon extends
targets or smaller can be targeted. A target can be hit addi- the barrel to improve stability and range, using up 5 rounds
tional times, each one increasing the save DC by +2 of ammunition per shot.
(maximum DC 25). If you roll a natural 20, the target auto-
matically fails its first save.

82
This weapon physically changes dramatically between its Very similar to a standard sonic weapon, the sonic stunner
various configurations. Its magazine is a unique solid mass is designed to be only non-lethal. Some variations of other
of carbon and silicates shaped into a nanostructure the sonic weapons incorporate this configuration as an adjusta-
weapon can break down and shape into the desired bullet. ble switch (though they are commensurately more expen-
Its default provides 100 standard bullets. sive).
Assault Rifle. This standard machine gun is the default A target hit by a sonic stunner must make a DC 20
loadout, using one round per shot. Constitution saving throw or increase its exhaustion level
Combat Shotgun. This acts exactly like a standard shot- by +1 (to a maximum of level 5) for 1 minute. Unlike nor-
gun, using 5 rounds per shot. mal exhaustion, levels incurred by this weapon reduce by 1
Solid Slug. This fires a massive high-caliber round that every minute after suffering the last attack from it. If you
uses 15 rounds of ammunition per shot. roll a natural 20, the target automatically fails the save,
Sniper Cannon. This long-range sniper weapon uses up
5 rounds of ammunition per shot.

Both the thor cannon and the vapor rifle are presented as
alternate takes on established technology. Where the vapor
Although sharing nomenclature with the smart pistol, these rifle branches off plasma technology, the thor cannon is
weapons operate very differently. The smart gun operates spun off from a particle beam. Although damage output is
by receiving micro-inputs from the user in what it should unchanged, the thor benefits from being able to charge up
be targeting, and then assisting in aiming by compensating to deliver powerful blasts. It also runs off its own miniature
for recoil, the wind, and enemy movement. It accomplishes thorium-based nuclear fusion reactor (thus the origin of its
this via a complicated mechanism that mounts the weapon name); as a result, it never runs out of ammo. This is a leg-
to a back-mounted ammo-magazine/power supply. This endary item.
prevents it from being reloaded in combat. Charge (1st level). If wielding a thor cannon, you can
A smartgun can be released and dropped as an action spend a bonus action to charge the weapon, increasing its
but requires five minutes to re-attach. It also requires five damage by one step (1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 >
minutes to reload. This is a very rare item. 2d10). This can only be done once per turn and only while
Mount (1st level). Because of the mounting hardware, a holding the weapon. This is cumulative with each succes-
smart gun has the weight and damage class of a super- sive round until the weapon is fired, in which case the
heavy weapon but actually operates as a heavy weapon in damage reverts back to baseline. If you drop the cannon or
all other respects. holster it, the charge is lost.
Tracking (6th level). As a bonus action, you can lock Deflection (3rd level). The particle beam of a thor can-
onto a target you can see; you have advantage with all at- non can deflect off objects if at the right angle. You can
tack rolls against the target until the beginning of your next ignore cover on a target is there is a wall within ten feet of
turn. the same target.
Vector (6th level). If a Large or smaller target is struck
by a max-level blast, it is pushed 20 feet.
The smart pistol is often reserved for top assassins and Blast Jump (8th level). If you charge the thor cannon
front-line commanders insisting on getting their hands and fire it directly at the ground, you can benefit from an
dirty. Although extremely popular in many circles, its ex- assisted jump. For each step above baseline, you jump 10
cessive price has prevented its distribution in large quanti- feet either vertically or horizontally (for example, if you do
ties. To possess one is more a mark of status. a running jump before activating (so at a full charge of
A smart pistol fires miniature self-propelled projectiles. 2d10, you can leap 50 feet without making a check).
It can be fired like a normal weapon without the added
benefits below. This is a rare item.
Lock On (3rd level). As an action, you can lock onto a This weapon fires a plasma bottle similar to other pulse
target within normal range; this lock is lost if you lose line weapons, but the gas inside is of a particularly volatile mix.
of sight, the target moves out of range or moves within 5 When struck, the victim is literally ripped apart by the
feet of you. As a bonus action, you can launch the projec- massive heat and chemical reaction some compare only to
tile. This is considered an Attack action but hits automati- fluoroantimonic acid, as molecules are torn apart upon con-
cally (do not roll). You must then reacquire a new lock. tact. The pulse appears to simply vaporize a section of the
Multi-Lock (5th level). After you lock on a target, you victim, sometimes the entire body itself, leaving nothing
can spend additional actions to lock additional attacks. but vapor and a clean cauterized cavity. This is a legendary
Your second action locks 2 additional rounds (3 total); your item.
third also locks 2 additional rounds (5 total). All locks must When you hit with an attack with this weapon, re-roll
have the same target. Launching all locked projectiles still your damage dice and select the higher value.
requires only one bonus action.

83
 against an enemy. Some ammunition can only be used
This advanced electrical weapon focuses the whole of its with particular ammo types.
energy on a single target. Electromagnetic side-effects You cannot mix alternate ammunition types in the same
were reduced, and the x-beam cannot arc towards other clip/magazine. Thus, you can only use a kind of alternative
targets. However, once it strikes a creature, the weapon ammunition property per turn unless you attack with mul-
creates a bridge between its power core and the target, sig- tiple weapons.
nificantly increasing damage. This transference can even-
tually turn a target into a bomb. This is a very rare item.
Detonation (1st level). If you reduce a creature to 0 hit A weapon with AP rounds gains the AP property.
points, it explodes, inflicting the damage you inflicted in Use. Caseless rounds, ESP bullets, gauss iron
killing the creature to each target within 10 feet of the flechettes, sabot SPPs, traditional bullets, heavy shells.
creature. The DC for the Dexterity saving throw equals 8
+ your Dexterity modifier + your proficiency bonus (if pro-
ficient in the weapon). Making the save still inflicts half Large and larger targets suffer neither damage nor any ef-
damage. Any Medium-sized target or smaller that failed fect. Medium and smaller targets suffer 1 hit point of dam-
the save is also knocked prone. age (which cannot be modified) and have disadvantage on
High Voltage (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor attack rolls until the start of your next turn. A natural 20
Piercing property. causes the target to be stunned until the start of your next
Channel (8th level). If you hit a target, every subse- turn.
quent hit made on the same target increases your critical Use. Caseless rounds, ESP bullets, sabot SPPs, shotgun
threat range by one. For the first hit, you require natural shells, traditional bullets.
20; on your second attack, you only require a 19 or 20; on Requirement. Non-auto or non-auto-heavy.
your third, you only require an 18, 19, or 20. This continues
until you score a critical hit or make an attack against an-
other target with this weapon; at that point, it reverts back
to requiring a natural 20.
AMMUNITION
Damage
Ammunition Type QTY Cost
Application
Energy
Unlike arrows or bolts, bullets that miss cannot be recov- Battery cell – B 1 Various 2
ered and used again (although the casings and points can Battery cell – M 1 Various 10
sometimes be scavenged and recycled, all but the most Battery cell – H 1 Various 100
basic chemical projectiles require a factory to do this). Pric- Kinetic
Caseless round 20 Any 4
es listed are for the quantities indicated next to the entry. Explosive Spheres 1 Any 20
Each quantity listed weighs 0.25 lb., except for flame tanks ESP bullet 20 Any 4
(5 lb.). Flame tank 1 tank Any 25
Rockets. Rockets are consumables and do not possess Gauss flechette (coil/rail) 10 1d6-1d8 5
an ammunition capacity. Like grenades, they must be pur- Gauss flechette (coil/rail) 10 1d10-2d6 10
chased again. Gauss flechette (coil/rail) 10 < 2d6 15
Note. All characters gain two full magazines, clips, or Heavy shell 1 Any 10
Net cartridge 1 — 5
cells for weapons when they purchase them. The only ex-
Sabot SPP 20 Any 2
ceptions are air dart rifles and grenade launchers (which are Sawblade 1 1d10 1
sold without ammunition). Shotgun slug 10 Any 2
Traditional bullet 20 1d4-1d6 1
Editorial. Ultramodern5 follows the movie and Traditional bullet 20 1d8-1d10 2
videogame standard for clip/magazine usage – that Traditional bullet 20 1d12 and up 3
is to say, mostly ignoring it, because it’s frustrating Injections
Detonator 1 — 10
to micromanage. Clips/magazines are included in
Fear 1 — 100
the purchase price of ammunition, and it is as- Narcosynthesis 1 — 20
sumed that you are reloading your clips in be- Open Mind 1 — 150
tween encounters. You aren’t strolling into fights Paralysis 1 — 75
with pocketsful of loose ammunition. Pain 1 — 100
Sleep 1 — 100
Slow 1 — 50
Alternate
Certain weapons can have their standard ammunition al- Armor Piercing — — x5
Rubber — — x3
tered with a more advanced substitute. Some variants de-
Tracer — — x4
liver more damage while others fill a specific purpose Unusual Ammunition — — x3-x4

84
If you suffer disadvantage from firing at a target at long saving throw. It must pass two consecutive saving throws to
range and miss with your attack, on your next attack, you recover from this effect.
no longer suffer disadvantage. You also suffer -1 damage on Paralysis. This broad-spectrum mélange of neuromus-
each damage die. cular-blocking drugs can inflict nearly instant paralysis in a
Use. Caseless rounds, ESP bullets, gauss iron target. A creature hit is paralyzed. At the beginning of its
flechettes, sabot SPPs, traditional bullets; turn, the target can make a DC 13 Constitution saving
Requirement. Auto or auto-heavy weapons only. throw. It must pass two consecutive saving throws to recov-
er from this effect.
Sleep. This heavy dose of diazepam and various opioids
In a fantasy campaign or certain sci-fi campaigns, certain might actually kill a horse. A hit creature must make DC
types of foes may be vulnerable to certain materials. As 13 Constitution saving throw or fall unconscious. If hit
long as those materials can be placed into a bullet, they can again with the same injection within 1 minute, the saving
convey their properties to the target. The cost of the round throw must be repeated with a +3 increase to the DC
will depend on the rarity of the material. This can include (cumulative to max DC 22). The target remains uncon-
cold iron, fae iron, silver, or adamantine. scious for five minutes or until the sleeper takes damage or
Use. Varies depending on the substance. someone uses an action to shake or slap the sleeper awake.
Slow. This strange medley of drugs causes muscle re-
laxation by depressing the central nervous system. A hit
creature has its speed reduced by half. It also suffers disad-
Injections are an affliction and act similar to poison, only vantage on Dexterity ability checks and saving throws. At
with injections, the target cannot avoid the initial effect. the beginning of its turn, the target can make a DC 13
Injections can be delivered manually with a melee attack Constitution saving throw. It must pass two consecutive
or via an air dart gun. Instead of inflicting damage, you im- saving throws to recover from this effect.
pose the injection's effect. For every size category over
Medium, you require one additional hit of the same injec-
tion before activating the effects. If you hit the same target
again with the same injection before the effect Weapons in officially licensed publications are available
wears off, the target automatically fails its next saving based on the details of the setting played. Weapons from
throw against the effect. Injections do not work on undead non-core and third-party supplements are allowed with the
or incorporeal creatures. A missed attack with an injector GM’s consent. In most cases, assume that archaic weapons
does not destroy the injection, and it can be recovered. are made with more advanced materials and techniques
Detonator. This injection introduces nanites into a sub- that make them more effective in a contemporary or futur-
ject that are programmed to activate based on parameters istic setting.
you set before injection. As a reaction to a condition you
determine, the target takes 12 damage.
Fear. This batch of psychotropics will make the victim This device not only covers up a hand but most of a tar-
think everyone around him is a demon…unless the victim get’s arm as well. Contained within is a powerful acoustic
itself is a demon, in which case, it may see angels. A crea- pressure amplifier that generates a focused sonic explosion
ture hit is frightened. At the beginning of its turn, the tar- at the point of impact. As part of a hit, you can use a cell
get can make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. It must charge and inflict +2 sonic damage onto your melee hit and
pass two consecutive saving throws to recover from this replace the entire bludgeoning damage with sonic. Addi-
effect. tionally, as part of the same charge, you can push the target
Narcosynthesis. Truth serum, multiplied by fifty. For 5 feet as long as it is Medium-sized or smaller. You can
one hour, the target must make a DC 20 Constitution sav- increase the cell usage by 1 charge to increase the push by
ing throw each time it attempts a Charisma (Deception) 5 feet. After 2 charges, the boom gauntlet will also affect
check or have disadvantage on the check. Large targets. There is no maximum number of charges
Open Mind. This injection is a concoction of barbitu- you can add as part of the hit (outside of the cell’s capaci-
rates, amphetamines, and LSD. When injected, the target ty). If you push a target 10 feet or further, the target is
becomes extremely susceptible to suggestion. A creature knocked prone. This is an uncommon item.
hit is charmed. At the beginning of its turn, the target can
make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. It must pass two
consecutive saving throws to recover from this effect.
Pain. This injection does not inflict pain, but rather A no-fuss weapon, brass knuckles add +1 damage to un-
hypersensitizes the dermal nerve network, making a crea- armed melee hits.
ture feel all sensations with uncomfortable intensity. Each
time a hit target takes damage, it suffers an additional 1d4
damage. This is not affected by a critical hit. At the begin- The buzz baton is a non-collapsible truncheon with a point
ning of its turn, the target can make a DC 13 Constitution capable of emanating a powerful electric shock. Basic dam-

85
age is bludgeoning. As part of a hit, you can use a cell other energy sword. Variations go by many names and
charge and either inflict +2 lightning damage or replace the many shapes, but they all share common qualities. You
entire bludgeoning damage with lightning damage. This is must be proficient with this weapon to gain any of its ben-
an uncommon item. efits. The sword can be activated and deactivated with a
bonus action and, once turned on, uses a charge which can
last up to five minutes. This is a legendary item.
Beginning its life as a surgical scalpel, this device quickly Deflection (4th level). You gain a +1 bonus to AC as
evolved to accomplish the ethically opposite goal. The long as you don’t wield a shield; this increases to +2 at 8 th
blade vibrates in excess of 75,000 Hz, enabling it to slice or level.
penetrate virtually any substance. More advanced designs Rebound (6th level). If an opponent misses you with a
translate little of this pulsation to the user's hand, though it ranged energy weapon (laser, nuclear, plasma), you can use
does still occur. As a result, using a harmonic blade for a reaction to reflect that attack to any target you can see.
more than a few minutes generates significant muscle fa- You have disadvantage with this attack. At 10th level, you
tigue. Because a larger blade translates more of its energy no longer have disadvantage.
to the wielder, there has not been a practical harmonic Enhanced Skill (12th level). You gain a +1 bonus to at-
blade longer than a few inches. This is an uncommon item. tack and damage rolls.
If you have proficiency in Wisdom (Medicine), you gain
a +2 bonus to damage with this weapon. Damage die in-
creases to 1d6 if you have advantage on the target. These impressive devices are oversized augmented manip-
ulators attached to artificial muscles and hydraulic pumps.
The entire assembly wraps around the arm and most of the
A laser leash does not thrash or swing around—it remains shoulder. Purchasing two links the two assemblies around
concealed within its wrist-mounted harness until released. the back. This is an uncommon item.
It doesn’t even occupy a hand. Once released, it requires Power-hooks increase the damage dice of unarmed at-
less finesse in attempting to grapple a target. Each round tacks by one step (1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 >
the leash is active uses a cell charge. This is a legendary 2d8 > 2d10). A power-hook takes up a hand.
item.
Energy Clutch (4th level). A Large or smaller creature
hit by your leash is restrained until freed. You cannot re- Effectively an impact-triggered firearm, the punch-gun
strain creatures that are formless or incorporeal. A creature only discharges when a short relay is trigged an inch from
can use its action to make a DC 15 Strength check to free your unarmed attack. Earlier versions of the weapon use
itself. You can make only one attack with the leash as part basic chemical projectiles. At TL4, this is often replaced
of an Attack action regardless of the number of attacks you with a laser, and at TL5 with a plasma weapon (such varia-
can normally make. Once a target is grappled, you can no tions usually combine with an armored gauntlet to protect
longer attack with a leash. the wielder against backblast).
Stable Field (6th level). Your reach extends to 15 feet. If you hit a creature with a melee attack, you can acti-
Thumper (8th level). As a bonus action against a target vate the punch gun to inflict additional damage on the tar-
you are restraining with the leash, you can either toss it up get (listed on the table).
to 10 feet in the air (5 feet for large targets) or pull it to
within 5 feet of you.
This clumsy device resembles a long-handled medieval
maul with a thruster and trigger built-in. Once per turn, as
This weapon mounts to the forearm and is effectively a a free action, you can activate the thruster, spending a cell
captive bolt pistol. When activated, it propels a titanium charge; your next attack suffers a -1 penalty to attack rolls,
rod three inches from your fist (or as much as a foot for but damage increases to 3d6. You also score a critical hit on
larger models). Spring action recoil returns the rod to its a natural 19 or 20. This is an uncommon item.
housing an instant later. The ejection system utilizes com-
pressed air containing enough pressure for five minutes,
and refilling the air tank requires one minute. A similar weapon to the buzz baton, the sick stick is de-
If you hit a creature with a melee attack, you can acti- signed to induce nausea upon contact. Basic damage is
vate the piton-gauntlet to inflict additional 1d6 damage on bludgeoning. As part of a hit, you can use a cell charge to
the target (listed on the table). Once you use the piton, you force a Medium-sized target or smaller to make a DC 15
cannot use it again until the beginning of your next turn. Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for one minute.
If a target saves, it is immune to the effect for one hour.
The target can repeat the same at the end of each of its
Any energy sword is effectively a magnetically bound rod turns. This is an uncommon item.
of plasma capable of slicing nearly everything except an-

86
MELEE WEAPONS
Weapon Cost Damage WT. Properties
Simple Melee Weapons
Brass knuckles 5 +2 bludgeoning ½ lb. Augment, finesse, light, TL0
Collapsible baton 25 1d4 bludgeoning 1 lb. Finesse, light, TL0
Fighting knife bayonet 25 1d6 piercing 2 lb. Finesse, light, TL0, undermount
Plug bayonet 10 1d4 piercing 1 lb. Finesse, light, TL0, undermount
Martial Melee Weapons
Battle Drill 1,500 1d8 piercing 15 lb. Heavy, reload (20-M), two-handed, TL1, undermount
Boom Gauntlet 5,000 +2 sonic 3 lb. Augment, finesse, light, sonic, TL4
Buzz baton 3,500 1d6 bludgeoning / lightning 1 lb. Finesse, light, pincher, reload (20-M), TL3
Chainsaw 1,500 1d8 slashing 15 lb. Heavy, reload (20-M), two-handed, TL1, undermount
Harmonic blade 18,000 1d4 slashing / piercing 1.5 lb. AP, finesse, light, reload (20-M), TL 2
Laser Leash 40,000 1d6 special 1 lb. Finesse, plasma, reach, reload (20-M), TL5
Piton-gauntlet 250 Special (1d6) / Piercing 3 lb. Augment, finesse, light, reload (20-M), TL1
Plasma Sword 40,000 1d8 special 1 lb. Finesse, plasma, reload (10-M), TL5
Power-hooks 5,000 Special 6 lb. AP, augment, finesse, light, reload (20-M), TL2
Punch gun 350 Special (1d4) / Piercing 2 lb. Augment, finesse, light, feed (4 shots), TL2
Punch (laser) gun 18,500 Special (1d6) fire 2 lb. AP, augment, laser, finesse, light, reload (5-M), TL4
Punch (plasma) gun 32,500 Special (1d8) / special 2 lb. AP, augment, plasma, reload (10-M), TL5
Rocket Hammer 5,000 2d6/3d6 bludgeoning 12 lb. Heavy, reach, two-handed, reload (20-M), TL3
Sick Stick 5,500 1d6 bludgeoning 2 lb. Finesse, light, reload (10-M), TL3
Spike bayonet 100 1d8 piercing 2 lb. Reach, two-handed, TL0
Tesla glove 1,500 Special lightning 3 lb. AP, augment, finesse, light, pincher, reload (20-M), TL2
Weapon Cost Damage WT. Properties
Martial Ranged Weapons
Compound longbow 500 Special piercing 4 lb. Ammunition (range 200/800), heavy, two-handed
Carbon Crossbow 500 1d10 piercing 6 lb. Ammunition (range 200/800), heavy, loading, two-handed

This unique item is equipped with more than a half-dozen All explosives require a separate detonator. Some explo-
resonant transformers that conduct severe electrical shocks sives are not designed to be used as one (like fuel) and may
to a target when you impact with a physical hit. be overly or insufficiently sensitive as well as cumbersome.
If you don't hit any creature during a round, at the start Explosives can be triggered without an Intelligence
of your next turn, increase the damage of your next hit (Demolitions) check, but one is required to plant a detona-
with this weapon by +2. This is cumulative up to +8 dam- tor or at least some form of trigger.
age. After you hit any creature, the cumulative damage is
inflicted, and the bonus is reduced back to 0. At the start of
combat, unless you are surprised, the glove is assumed to
be primed to +8 damage. The glove uses a charge each Grenades and explosives with the physical damage type
time it inflicts damage. This is an uncommon item. deal bludgeoning damage unless otherwise stated. Medi-
um or smaller targets that don't save against the Dexterity
saving throw are knocked prone by the explosion.

Regardless if you throw it or set it, the controlled, sudden

expansion of energy remains a popular option in military
uses. In Ultramodern5, we divide these demolitions into All grenades and explosives 2 lb. or less can be thrown by
two variations, grenades and explosives. Medium-sized targets to a range of 60 feet. You cannot
effectively throw explosives larger than 5 lb. A GM can
alter these values if the thrower has a higher strength or is
larger.
These explosives come equipped with either an impact
detonator or a 1-round timer detonator (exploding at the
beginning or end of your next turn—your choice), chosen
when you use the grenade. They can be thrown or fired Exp. All explosives have the Exp property (see Weap-
from a launcher without requiring an Intelligence ons). This entry indicates the area of effect.
(Demolitions) check. A grenade can still be used with an- Detonator. This indicates the type of detonator re-
other detonator, but this requires a separate detonator and quired to trigger the explosive. Ignition—requires an igni-
the use of the Intelligence (Demolitions) skill to plant it. tion source (a flame or another explosive). Explosive—
Some modified grenades can still be thrown, but most can- requires another explosive (it will not detonate with an
not. ignition). Detonator—requires an actual detonator (it will
not detonate otherwise).

87
 Note. Grenades are equipped automatically with an
impact detonator or 1-round timer detonator (choose when Damaging Structures, Inanimate Objects, and Helpless
using the grenade). Creatures. Anything in range that does not have a Dexteri-
Symp (Sympathetic). A "yes" indicates it can be deto- ty score and is not moving takes maximum damage from
nated if caught in the radius of another explosion (50% the blast. Animated targets that are helpless against the
chance). A "no" indicates it cannot, but it may still be deto- blast (for instance, if the explosive is attached to them)
nated by another method initiated by another explosion as cannot make saving throws and also take maximum dam-
long as it has an appropriate detonator. A sympathetic ex- age.
plosion is treated as part of the same explosion only if it is After-effects. After an explosive or grenade is detonat-
located in the same area as the primary—otherwise, make a ed, the affected area provides half-cover for one round.
separate explosives attack. Impact Point. Any creature within the same 5-foot
space as a planted explosive or thrown grenade takes +1
die of damage from a grenade attack (so a 2d6 concussion
Most explosives listed can be either a grenade or a planted grenade will inflict 3d6 to any creature occupying the same
explosive. Grenades can be thrown or loaded into a gre- space as the grenade when it detonates). This does not
nade launcher, and they detonate upon impact or on your apply to “direct” attacks (as they have their own damage
next turn (beginning or ending), chosen when using the die boost).
grenade. Planted explosives require a detonator and an
Intelligence (Demolitions) check.

When making a grenade attack (or an attack where you Booster. The booster grenade is a larger explosive but
throw an explosive), you pick a spot in range (60 feet if is enhanced with a short-period rocket booster. After being
thrown). All targets in the blast radius must make a Dex- thrown, at the apex, the rocket pulses, sending it further
terity saving throw or take full damage. Targets that make out, giving the grenade a maximum throwing range of 400
the save take half damage. feet.
Direct Attack. Grenade launchers, rocket launchers, Composition Explosive. This soft, malleable explosive
ground heavy guns, plasma artillery systems, and any other is also commonly referred to as “plastic explosive” and is
firearm with an “exp” value can target an opponent direct- the standard explosive for breaching demolitions because
ly, using the direct property. See the description of that of its ability to be formed into shaped charges. It can be
property. They don’t benefit from Impact Point. cut, formed, wrapped, and combined with others of its
Dexterity Saving Throw DC. The DC for the Dexterity type. Composition explosive is more expensive than con-
saving throw is either 15 or 8 + your Dexterity modifier + ventional explosives but effective in its capacity. It is also
your proficiency bonus, if applicable (whichever is higher). extremely stable.
Targets that pass the saving throw still take half damage. With a successful DC 10 Intelligence (Demolitions)
Some grenades like EMP and nerve don’t require Dexteri- check, you can change the blast zone of the explosive from
ty saving throws. As mentioned previously, a saving roll of a 5-foot radius to a 10-foot cone. You must determine
a natural 1 is a critical hit. which area the explosive is affecting when you set it, and
once set, and your skill check rolled, you cannot alter the
explosive pattern without starting over. You cannot in-
crease the area of a cone beyond 30 feet with additional
Demolitions. When detonating an explosive, all targets explosives.
in the blast radius must beat the Dexterity saving throw Concussion. This light explosive uses air pressure as
DC or take full damage. Targets that make the save take well as shrapnel to disrupt enemy lines. They are often
half damage. employed as mines and in air bursts to break up dense col-
Dexterity Saving Throw DC. The DC for the Dexterity lections of personnel. Targets with 10 hit points or less that
saving throw equals 8 + your Dexterity modifier + your fail the saving throw are killed.
Intelligence (Demolitions) proficiency bonus. Targets that EMP. These don't inflict any damage, but instead, dis-
pass the saving throw still take half damage. As mentioned charge an electromagnetic burst that disrupts electronics.
previously, a saving roll of a natural 1 is a critical hit. When detonated, all technology that employs a cell stops
Proxy Detonation. Explosives always go off when their functioning for 1d4 minutes. Vehicles suffer disadvantage
detonation conditions are met, regardless of whether the on Dexterity checks for 1d4 minutes.
attacker can act in the encounter. The Dexterity saving Flashbang. Often simply referred to as a stun grenade, a
throw DC of the explosive is set by the person making the flashbang reduces the combat effectiveness of opponents
Demolitions check, not the person who triggers the explo- by confusing and disorientating them with a sudden blind-
sion. If the explosive is thrown, then choose the higher DC ing magnesium flash and a deafening blast. The grenade
between the creator and the thrower. body doesn't actually fragment, so no shrapnel is dispersed.

88
DEMOLITIONS
Weapon Damage Type EXP WT. Cost TL Symp Detonator
Grenades
Booster 2d10 Physical 5 ft. ½ lb. 100 3 No Detonator
Concussion 2d6 Physical 5 ft. ½ lb. 10 1 No Detonator
EMP None None 15 ft. ½ lb. 100 3 No Detonator
Flashbang Special Special 10 ft. ½ lb. 25 1 No Detonator
Fragmentation 2d8 Physical 10 ft. ½ lb. 25 1 No Detonator
Gravity Well -- Special 15 ft. ½ lb. 200 4 No Detonator
HEAT 4d6 Physical 5 ft. ½ lb. 45 1 No Detonator
Magnetic Mine 2d10 Physical 5 ft. ½ lb. 250 3 No Detonator
Mother 2d6 Physical 5 ft. ½ lb. 150 3 No Detonator
Nerve Toxin 4d8 Poison 5/10/15 ft. ½ lb. 250 4 No Detonator
Plasma 4d8 Special 15 ft. ½ lb. 400 5 No Detonator
Riot None Poison 5/10/15 ft. ½ lb. 50 1 No Detonator
Seeker 2d8 Physical 5 ft. ½ lb. 250 3 No Detonator
Shockwave 2d4 Sonic 10 ft. ½ lb. 100 3 No Detonator
Singularity 4d8 Special 10 ft. ½ lb. 450 5 No Detonator
Smoke-Signal None None 0 ½ lb. 5 0 No Detonator
Smoke-Screening None None 10/15/20 ft. ½ lb. 10 0 No Detonator
Tag 2d8 Physical 5 ft. ½ lb. 100 2 No Detonator
White Phosphorus 2d8 Fire 5/10/15 ft. ½ lb. 150 1 No Detonator
Explosives
Auto Fuel 2d6 Fire 5 ft. 1g. / 8lb. 5 0 Yes Ignition
Composition 2d10 Physical 5 ft. 1 lb. 50 2 No Detonator
Exposed gunpowder 2d6 Physical 5 ft. 1 lb. 5 0 Yes Ignition
Fertilizer / ANFO 2d6 Physical 5 ft. 1 lb. 5 0 No Explosive
Jet Fuel 2d8 Fire 5 ft. 1g. / 8lb. 5 0 Yes Explosive
TNT 2d8 Physical 5 ft. 1 lb. 20 0 Yes Explosive

Targets that fail the save are blinded and deafened until charge, a HEAT weapon is the greatest threat to armored
the end of your next turn. opponents. HEAT explosives have the AP property and
Frag (Fragmentation). Frags are designed purely as an also count as fire and radiant against targets resistant to
antipersonnel explosive by discharging dozens of plastic or those types.
steel flechettes blowing out along with fragments of the Magnetic Mine. After being thrown or set, this explo-
explosive's own shell. This deadly shrapnel shreds any- sive will attach itself to any metal object it can detect up to
thing it touches (dealing bludgeoning, piercing, AND 30 feet away. If thrown, determine the impact point; the
slashing damage). mine will sit and wait. The mine will automatically deacti-
Fuel, Auto / Jet. Despite what movies will have you vate and be rendered useless if not detonated within one
believe, it's not easy to set jet fuel ablaze. Standard auto- week; a reset signal will reset for another week. As a reac-
motive fuel doesn’t burn in liquid form, but fumes do, and tion to a metallic object entering its area, the mine will
the heat of a flame is more than enough to start the surface move to the target, enter its space, and detonate.
of a liquid slick evaporating. The blast radius is also on fire Mother. A mother grenade, upon detonation, deploys
for 3d6 minutes. Any target moving into an affected area four smaller concussion grenades that jump out from the
on its turn or any target beginning its turn in an affected mother location in different directions for 10 feet. They
area suffers the basic damage of the fuel (1d6 or 1d8). then detonate after the mother’s detonation is resolved.
Gravity Well. This device, when thrown or deployed, Nerve Toxin. A deadly and illegal weapon, this grenade
upon contact with the ground or a wall, immediately roots expels a potent gaseous mixture blending a batrachotoxin
itself, requiring a DC 25 Strength check to remove. It then and taipoxin and several other agents produce a deadly gas
creates a concentrated gravity source, pulling everything that causes complete paralysis of all muscles by stopping
toward it. Each creature in range must make a DC 20 the release of acetylcholine. By blocking nerve pulses to
Strength saving throw or be pulled toward the gravity well the muscles, the subject dies from asphyxiation or heart
on a failure; it is then restrained for one minute. A target failure. Nerve toxin grenades are a gas effect that only af-
can repeat the same at the end of each of its turns. The fects living creatures. After detonation, the area continues
pull effect only occurs at detonation; other targets can walk to affect any creature that starts its turn in or enters the
through the area of effect later without being affected. The target area for 1d4 minutes. After detonation, the nerve
gravity effect is so strong, all the targets pulled are piled toxin grenade fills a 10-foot cube, expanding to 20 feet at
atop and squeezed into the five-foot space (whenever pos- the top of the next round and 30 feet on the round after
sible) that. Targets are poisoned and suffer 2d6 damage each
H.E.A.T. Or high-explosive anti-tank, HEAT can gen- turn. At the beginning of its turn, the target can make a
erate extreme temperature in a focused burst, compromis- DC 15 Constitution saving throw. It must pass two consec-
ing virtually any defense. When focused into a shaped utive saving throws to recover from this effect.

89
 Nitroglycerine. One of the oldest explosives, nitro is no
longer actively used due to its instability. Nitroglycerine There are three types of smoke grenades: screening gre-
will always detonate if caught in the blast radius of another nades, signal grenades, and white phosphorous grenades.
explosive, if dropped from a height of more than 5 feet, or Most smoke grenades are employed as signaling devices,
if ignited. though they can also be used to screen unit movements,
Riot Grenade. Riot grenades are used usually to dis- conceal advancement and hinder enemy fire. Signal smoke
perse crowds and disorientate attackers. The grenade grenades cannot be used for screening, though screening
doesn't explode but instead opens valves, releasing com- grenades can be used as a signal grenade. Screening gre-
pressed tear gas. In addition to creating an obscuring field nades expel either a hexachloroethane/zinc (HC) mixture
of smoke, the gas causes skin and eye irritation on contact, that is also an irritant or a terephthalic acid mixture (TA),
throat and nose irritation if inhaled. Riot grenades are a gas which is harmless. Signal grenades use potassium chlorate,
effect that only affects living creatures. After detonation, lactose, and a colored dye to work. Signal grenades are
the area continues to affect any creature that starts its turn available in several colors, including white, red, yellow,
in or enters the target area for 1d4 minutes. After detona- green, and purple. The white phosphorus grenade is a
tion, the riot grenade fills a 10-foot cube, expanding to 20 smoke grenade with an explosive burst. Rather than burn-
feet at the top of the next round and 30 feet on the round ing to make smoke, the phosphorus ignites in the air after
after that. Targets are poisoned, and their speed is halved. spreading. The brilliant yellow flame produces phosphorus
At the beginning of its turn, the target can make a DC 15 pentoxide, the smoke, as a by-product. The intense heat
Constitution saving throw. It must pass 2 consecutive sav- allows the grenade to double as an antipersonnel weapon.
ing throws to recover from this effect. The heat is devastating in close quarters.
Seeker. The seeker is less thrown as it is released. It Screening Special Rule. After detonation, the smoke
possesses a fly speed of 30 feet and can be remotely con- grenade fills a 20-foot cube, expanding to 30 feet at the top
trolled for up to one minute. It can still be thrown a longer of the next round and 40 feet on the round after that. The
distance with the flight taking over thereafter. It detonates smoke obscures all sight, including dark/night vision. Eve-
when instructed. You can only control one seeker grenade ryone inside or on opposite sides of the smoke from an at-
at a time, and each one has an AC of 18 and 1 hit point. If tack are granted three-quarters cover. Smoke grenades last
shot, it is destroyed (it does not detonate). for 1d4 minutes. Wind can disperse the smoke as well.
Shockwave. When detonated, the shockwave sends out White Phosphorus Special Rules. This grenade has the
a massive sonic blast. Each target Large or smaller is same effect as the screening grenade, except it also deals
pushed to the edge of the blast range plus 10 additional fire damage to targets inside. Targets entering or passing
feet. If hitting an obstruction, the target and the obstruc- through the affected area automatically suffer damage
tion suffer damage equal to half the distance moved. Af- without a saving throw (saving throws are only for the ini-
fected targets must also make a DC 15 Constitution saving tial impact). White Phosphorus damage cannot be in-
throw or be deafened for one minute. creased by direct fire, ground zero, impact square, or a criti-
Singularity. This mighty weapon creates a similar phe- cal hit.
nomenon to the gravity well, except the gravity at the
source is significantly more powerful. The singularity does
not root itself as it pulls everything to its single point
(including chairs, kitchen appliances and books). Each Back in the medieval age, people protected themselves
creature in range must make a DC 20 Strength saving with clumsy suits of mail, perhaps the odd shield brandish-
throw or be pulled towards the gravity well on a failure. ing a crest. Thankfully, armor is no longer obvious, and can
Those pulled take 3d8 force damage as they reach the cen- often be slipped underneath regular clothes. And then
ter. Those killed or reduced 10 hit points or less are pulled someone asks to don a giant power armor and subtlety goes
into the singularity and disintegrated. Objects small out the window.
enough are likewise drawn in and immediately vaporized. Option. The time period and setting of a game dramati-
Those not killed are knocked prone. cally affect the role of armor. Is it mandatory, or do only
Tag. Instead of setting a location, the attacker may in- certain people wear it? If armor is expected to be uncom-
stead make a ranged attack roll at a range of 30/70 with a mon or reserved for specialized circumstances, the GM
tag grenade. If hit, the grenade attaches to the target, re- should consider the following modifications:
quiring a DC 20 Strength check to remove. You can deto-
Increase base unarmored AC to 12 instead of 10;
nate the grenade at any time, either as a bonus action or a
Allow characters to add Dex OR Con to AC instead
reaction for up to one hour.
of just Dex (representing the ability of tougher
TNT (Trinitrotoluene). TNT is the standard explosive
characters to shrug off inconsequential hits);
to which all others are compared. Although not employed
Increase the base AC of all light armor by +1;
in modern industry or military applications, it is still preva-
All armor reduces incoming damage, in addition to
lent in black market circles and in civilian use (e.g. min-
other properties: 1 point for light, 2 for medium, 3
ing). Unlike moldable explosive, TNT can accidentally
for heavy (to a minimum of 1 damage); this does
detonate if caught in the blast of another explosion.
not apply to exo-armor.

90
 A more advanced form of these optional rules can the physical features of its user, knowing where to add en-
be found in the UltraMax chapter. hancements. As a result, it is considerably more maneuver-
These modifications do not apply if self-shields are the able than other armors of its type. Its most notable feature
norm (see below). allows it to switch modes depending on conditions present.
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the biosuit
counts as three very rare items.
Power. The biosuit requires an H-class power cell to
Powered armor, or exo-armor, is a powered mechanized operate, and it does not function without it.
unit controlled by a pilot inside. While several are not Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
much bigger than their controllers, others weigh several sons.
tons and can tower over fifteen feet. Even though these are Mode. Use an action to set the biosuit’s mode. By de-
machines rather than creatures, Large suits can still fault, it is set to armor mode, but when switched, it will
squeeze like any other creature. remain in its new mode until switched back. After a short
Exo-armors are not mecha, as they operate mostly un- or long rest, it automatically switches back to armor mode.
der conventional armor rules. Mecha have their own, more Activating a mode costs a cell charge, but maintaining a
complicated rules, as detailed in the following chapter. mode does not.
Entering and Exiting Exo-Armor. While under power, it Armor—You gain 10 temporary hit points. Once during
is possible to don or remove exo-armor by using an action your turn, as a free action while in armor mode, you
and expending 30 feet of movement (on the same turn). can regenerate 1 temporary hit point (the total does
Hit Points & Threshold. Exo-armor has its own hit not reset if you disable and reengage armor mode).
point total, which the wearer can shunt damage instead of You also gain resistance fire, acid, and cold, as well as
taking it herself. It also possesses a threshold, which is the bludgeoning, slashing, and piercing from nonmagical
maximum amount of damage the suit can absorb (or shunt- weapons.
ed to its own hit points) from a single hit (the wearer taking Strength—You gain a +4 bonus to Strength and have
the rest). If exo-armor is reduced to 0 hit points, it can no advantage with Strength ability checks.
longer absorb damage but is still functional. It is only con- Speed—You gain a +10 bonus to speed and can use the
sidered disabled when its pilot is reduced to 0 hit points. Dash action as a bonus action.
Shutdown. Exo-armor, being more an occupied robot Cloak—You become invisible until the end of your
than a suit of armor, is vulnerable to effects that disable next turn. Anything you are wearing or carrying is in-
machines such as an electromagnetic pulse. Should the visible as long as it is on you. The effect ends if you
armor lose power and be unable to recover, the wearer is attack or cast a spell. Once deactivated, the armor re-
also immobilized but can escape from the armor by using verts back to armor mode.
three consecutive actions or bonus actions followed by 30
feet of movement to extricate herself.
Weight. Exo-armor can support its own weight and does
not encumber the user. Its movement value is also fixed, This is a blanket term referring to any high-quality set of
despite any other gear or abilities the user may possess to clothes not directly intended for combat protection. Very
alter it. often, these clothes are meant for aesthetics with the add-
ed benefit of saving the wearer from bumps and scrapes. It
also offers the advantage of not impeding the user.

This is a light, but still somewhat clumsy collection of ce- Computer-controlled looms weave super-thin synthetic silk
ramic and polymer plates placed strategically to withstand into an extremely flexible nylon. When struck with an at-
impacts without hampering maneuverability significantly. tack, the spider silk resists as hard as steel but will still flex
This armor works well under normal clothes without re- more than soft rubber. It employs several thicker pads of
vealing its purpose. carbon fiber in key areas. The spider suit allows for ex-
Resistance (Mk2). Slashing from nonmagical weapons. treme maneuverability. This is a rare item.
Resistances. Lightning and slashing from nonmagical
weapons.
Flexible. If your Dexterity score is 20 or higher, the AC
An offshoot from other nano-technology-based armor, the
of this armor increases to 13.
biosuit is designed to maximize user abilities. Its inbuilt AI
is programmed to perfectly match itself to its owner, and
thus is nearly impossible to steal without being rendered
useless. It’s also nearly unseen on the black market as the The predecessor to advanced aromatic polyamides, this full
only way to give one away is for the original owner to be -body set includes thicker pads for impact damage reduc-
present for the handoff and authorize the AI to match to a tion from slashing. It is, however, vulnerable to piercing
new user. Once paired, the biosuit perfectly conforms to attacks. Nevertheless, it is a popular basic outfit and a com-

91
fortable choice for many in the field. Unlike most armor, Accelerator. You have advantage with Strength
synthetic weave can fit easily and covertly under normal (Athletics) checks and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks.
clothes (and can even be designed to look more like cloth- Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
ing than armor). This is an uncommon. sons.
Resistance (Mk2). Slashing from nonmagical weapons. Boosted. You gain a +2 bonus to Dexterity and a +2
bonus to Strength.
Power. The F.A.S.T. requires an H-class power cell to
operate, and it does not function without it.
Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning,
The combat suit employs and blends harder materials, rig- slashing, and piercing from nonmagical weapons.
id plates, and flexible aramids. Additional layers of nylon Speed. Your speed increases by +10. You spend a
separate staggered sheets of thin polymer plastic. charge to increase this to +40 for up to one minute, and you
Resistance (Mk2). Fire and bludgeoning from nonmagi- can use the Dash action as a bonus action.
cal weapons.

An upgrade from basic ballistics armor, this variation is

This employs a combination of flexible aramid fabrics and lighter, equally as resilient, and is offered in a modular con-
rigid ceramic and metal plates. The suit covers the wearer figuration, making it far easier to provide a proper fit. If
completely, sealing her from the outside environment. worn below clothes, it is still obvious.
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
sons.
Resistances (Mk2). Fire and cold, and bludgeoning This suit uses molecule-sized machines to alter the compo-
from nonmagical weapons. sition of the suit at the instant of impact. Usually, the com-
bat suit remains elastic and comfortable. Anytime any im-
pact occurs, the micromachines react with a response time
This resembles a lightened version of the heavier titanium of less than 0.035 seconds. The impact point becomes im-
carbide armor. It additionally offers a holographic camou- mediately inflexible and solid, deflecting the attack. This
flage net that can alter the physical properties of the suit to is an uncommon item.
resemble nearly any terrain it is using. This is a rare item. Nano-Reaction. Any critical hit against you becomes a
Stealth. When you activate the stealth net, you have normal hit.
advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks and can attempt Resistances. Fire and cold, and bludgeoning and slash-
to hide even without cover or breaking line of sight ing from nonmagical weapons.
(although doing so negates your advantage). The stealth
net takes one charge per minute of use.
A predecessor of later powered armor, plus suits became
popular in many circles, given their enhancement capabili-
(Fighting Accelerator Suit Technology) ties and maneuverability without sacrificing visibility and
Although a full-body enclosed suit, the fast-tracker does while maintaining a relatively inexpensive price point. Ear-
not count as an exo-armor given certain limitations over ly models stuck with enhancement and only a close inspec-
more advanced models. However, like the plus suit, it does tion would reveal the limb reinforcements over other regu-
blur the lines somewhat. The F.A.S.T. significantly im- lar advanced military armors. Later successors did away
proves maneuverability, speed, and strength. It also bene- with this restriction and began pushing the armor until the
fits from an enclosed life-support system, protecting the line between it and a full-blown mecha became blurred.
user from hostile external environments. Its helmet- Balance. For the sake of game balance, the plus suit
mounted holographic display improves maneuverability counts as two rare items. The TL4 plus counts as one leg-
and targeting, making the end result a financial nightmare endary items and two rare items.
that never reached mass production. As such, few are seen Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
outside of support roles. This is a very rare item. shutdown, the plus comes back online. Once you use this
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the F.A.S.T. feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
counts as one legendary items and two very rare items. If disrupted, you are restrained until the suit comes back
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s online.
shutdown, the F.A.S.T. comes back online. Once you use Enhancement. While wearing a plus suit, you gain the
this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long following benefits:
rest. If still disrupted, you are restrained until the armor +2 bonus to Strength
comes back online. +2 bonus to Dexterity.
Jump Jets. You are always considered moving when +5-foot bonus to speed.
performing a jump. Mark 2--The Mark 2 increases the base model’s feature

92
ARMOR
Armor Cost Armor Class (AC) STR Stealth WT. Cell TL
Light Armor
Starting Armor
Leather / Textile 20 11+Dex modifier — — 8 lb. — 0
Ballistics Armor 40 12+Dex modifier — — 15 lb. — 0
Synthetic Weave 40 11+Dex modifier — — 7 lb. — 0
Advanced Armor
Ballistics Armor, Mk 2 800 12+Dex modifier — — 15 lb. — 0
Biosuit 20,000 15+Dex modifier — — 15 lb. — 3
Synthetic Weave, Mk2 500 11+Dex modifier — — 7 lb. — 1
Spider-Silk Suit 1,500 12+Dex modifier — — 10 lb. — 4
Medium Armor
Starting Armor
Force Body Vest 50 13+Dex modifier (max 2) — — 20 lb. — 0
Aramid Combat Suit 200 14+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 25 lb. — 1
Aramid Survival Suit 300 15+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 30 lb. — 1
Advanced Armor
Aramid Combat Suit, Mk2 1,500 14+Dex modifier (max 2) — — 25 lb. — 1
Aramid Survival Suit, Mk2 3,500 15+Dex modifier (max 2) — — 30 lb. — 2
Blinder-Mail 4,500 14+Dex modifier (max 2) — — / Special 25 lb. H(20) 3
Nanotech Armor 5,000 16+Dex modifier (max 2) — — 25 lb. H 3
F.A.S.T. 18,000 15+Dex modifier — — 35 lb. H 3
Plus Suit (Mark 1) 9,500 15+Dex modifier — — 35 lb. H 2
Space Suit (Medium) 3,500 15+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 35 lb. M 2+
Heavy Armor
Starting Armor
Flak Longcoat 100 14 — Disadvantage 35 lb. — 0
Carbide Armor 200 16 Str 13 Disadvantage 35 lb. — 0
Tactical Body Armor 300 17 Str 15 Disadvantage 30 lb. — 2
Advanced Armor
Advanced Wasteland 5,000 17 Str 15 Disadvantage 40 lb. — 3
Carbide Armor, Mk2 1,500 17 Str 13 Disadvantage 35 lb. — 0
Full Combat Warrior 7,500 18 Str 13 Disadvantage 40 lb. H 3
Molten Mail 5,000 18 Str 13 Disadvantage 35 lb. H(20) 4
Plus Suit (Mark 2) 30,500 15+Dex modifier — — 55 lb. H 3
Space Suit (Heavy) 5,000 15 — Disadvantage 40 lb. M 2+
Tactical Body Armor, Mk2 2,500 17 Str 15 Disadvantage 30 lb. — 2
Tech-Mail 2,500 18 — Disadvantage 35 lb. — 3
Yowie Suit 750 15 Str 13 Special 35 lb. — 0
Yowie Suit, Mk2 5,500 15 Str 13 Special 25 lb. H(20) 3
Exo-Armor (Light)
Living Carapace (Light) 40,000 12+Dex modifier — — 400 lb. — 3
VR-052F Superlight 120,000 12*+Dex modifier — — 450 lb. H(10) 5
YF-21 Skinsuit 65,000 12*+Dex modifier — — 265 lb. H 4
Exo-Armor (Medium)
Combat Exoskeleton 65,000 15*+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 1,950 lb. H 4
Combat Exoskeleton 85,000 15*+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 1,950 lb. H 5
Living Carapace (Medium) 55,000 15+Dex modifier (max 2) — — 800 lb. — 3
VF-1 Power Suit 65,000 15*+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 650 lb. H 3
Utility Exoskeleton 59,000 14*+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 1,500 lb. H 3
Vulture 52,000 14*+Dex modifier (max 2) — Disadvantage 350 lb. H 4
Exo-Armor (Heavy)
ATAC-01 God Mech 115,000 18* — Disadvantage 18,000 lb. H(10) 5
ATH-Q58 Vertical Tank 85,000 18* — Disadvantage 8,000 lb. H 4
AV-98 Mecha 50,000 18* — Disadvantage 10,000 lb. H 3
Living Carapace (Heavy) 65,000 18 — Disadvantage 1,500 lb. — 3
Mobile Motor Armor 65,000 18* — Disadvantage 3,950 lb. H 4
RX-78 Motor Slave 100,000 18* — Disadvantage 4,850 lb. H 5
Unit 01 Power Armor 70,000 18* — Disadvantage 4,050 lb. H 4
* AC enhanced, see description.

93
to include the following.
+4 bonus to Strength This clumsy but stylish piece of subtle outerwear contains
+4 bonus to Dexterity a thick inner layer of flexible aramid patches able to resist
+10-foot bonus to speed cutting and piercing. It comes available in brown or black.
You have advantage with Strength (Athletics) checks It leaves the head vulnerable, even with the collar up.
and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks. Most importantly, it flaps dramatically in the wind.
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
sons.
Mounts. Your armor is equipped with mounts on each
arm, leg, and on each shoulder. Each mount can hold a two The full combat suit is a mixture of aramid padding and
-handed-handed small arm (or smaller) or up to four maga- titanium plates in water-resistant layers of nylon and me-
zines, cells, which can be accessed easily. tallic fibers covered by patterned camouflage. It offers an
insulated backpack-mounted computer system that con-
trols various operations in the suit.
Nightvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of
Spacesuits don’t technically function as combat armor, but you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were
they do provide needed protection. There are two varie- dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, and the sys-
ties, medium and heavy, with the latter being reserved for tem renders everything you see in shades of either green,
dedicated space use the former often employed within yellow, or blue (user’s preference).
spacecraft or when upon alien worlds. Stealth. If your camouflage pattern matches your ter-
Electromagnetic Shielding. Spacesuits are immune to rain, you gains a +2 bonus with Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
electromagnetic damage and interference. It takes a full minute to adapt a suit to the terrain.
Pressurized. A spacesuit has its own air supply provid- Targeting. You gain a +1 bonus to damage rolls with
ing one hour per tech level of life support. While sealed, ranged weapons within normal range.
you are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poisons. Resistances. Fire, and bludgeoning and slashing from
Cosmic. You have resistance to force and radiant dam- nonmagical weapons.
age.
Thrusters. Your energy cell powers a thruster system
with 30 charges. If within freefall or a low-to-no gravity
environment, you can move using your thrusters (one Able to reshape itself structure at the molecular level, mol-
charge per move). You can also use a charge as a free action ten mail can shunt resources from protection to assault on
to gain advantage to your next Dexterity ability check the fly. An advancement over other nano armors, this vari-
(while in low-to-no gravity). ant would later be improved further by adding flight and
Layered (Heavy only). You have resistance to bludg- ranged weapon options over the earlier limitations regard-
eoning damage from nonmagical weapons. ing metallic shapes. This is a rare item.
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
shutdown, the mail comes back online. Once you use this
feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
Power. The molten mail requires an H-class power cell
to operate, and it does not function without it.
An evolved form of the full combat warrior, cooling sys-
Resistances. Fire and cold, and bludgeoning from non-
tems maintain internal temperature in the harshest envi-
magical weapons.
ronments. A sealed helmet processes external gases.
Shaping. As a bonus action, molten mail can form por-
Resistances. Fire and cold, and bludgeoning and slash-
tions of itself into solid metal shapes. These forms must
ing from nonmagical weapons.
always remain attached to the armor; if separated, they re-
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
duce back to liquid until the main body can absorb it. Each
sons.
bonus action can accomplish one shape. Formed weapons
Targeting. You gain a +1 bonus to damage rolls with
count as magical and adamantine for the purposes of armor
ranged weapons within normal range.
penetration. Here are your shape options:
Any single light melee weapon.
Any two-handed weapon (reduces AC by 1).
Super-strong plates of tungsten carbide are strapped inside A shield that increases AC by +1. The affected arm
a flexible nylon suit to offer remarkable stopping power. cannot wield weapons but is otherwise considered
However, these plates are heavy and significantly reduce empty.
the user’s flexibility. You solidify your legs into the ground; you have ad-
Resistances (Mk2). Fire and cold, and bludgeoning vantage against being moved against your will, but
from nonmagical weapons. your speed is halved.
Mark 2—The upgraded model offers these additional
options to shaping.

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 A one-handed laser or nuclear small arm. Each cell of Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to shutdown
the weapon uses up one charge of your armor’s H cell. the ATAC-01 comes back online. Once you use this fea-
A two-handed laser or nuclear small arm (reduces AC ture, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
by 2). Each cell of the weapon uses up 2 charges of Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d8
your armor’s H cell. damage. If you already inflict 1d8 or more damage with
Use a cell charge to gain a flight speed of 50 for up to unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step
one minute. (1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets also have
a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
Gravity Drive. You suffer no damage from a fall.
Hit Points. The ATAC-01 has 60 hit points and a
This is a slightly detuned version of the full combat warrior
threshold of 60.
armor. It offers similar protection in a lighter package. It
Large Size. You are considered a Large creature while
sacrifices several of its carbide plates to make the suit less
wearing the armor. You have reach.
expensive for those on a budget and does not have a com-
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
puter system built in.
sons.
Resistances (Mk2). Fire and cold, and bludgeoning
Mecha Fists. The ATAC-01 has a Strength of 25.
from nonmagical weapons.
Nightvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of
you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were
dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades
The most advanced non-powered armor, tech-mail, is of gray.
based on medieval scale armor, utilizing overlapping discs Phase. As a move action, spend a charge and teleport up
no bigger than gold coins interlaced together to form a du- to 25 feet.
rable but flexible covering. The discs, comprised of silicon, Power. The ATAC-01 requires an H-class power cell to
ceramic, and titanium, spread out impacts across the entire operate, and it does not function without it.
body, allowing for greater protection. The exacting pattern Regeneration. The ATAC-01 recovers 1 of its own hit
of the scales is proportioned perfectly to maximize protec- points at the end of your turn while the machine is active.
tion where needed most. Repair Drone. You can spend a charge as an action to
Resistances. Fire and cold, and bludgeoning, slashing, recover 10 of the ATAC-01’s hit points.
and piercing from nonmagical weapons. Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning,
slashing, and piercing from nonmagical weapons.
Sensor Net. You have advantage on Wisdom
Not designed for actual combat, this clumsy but effective (Perception) checks.
piece of camouflage offers some rudimentary protection. It Speed. Your speed is 30 feet.
is not terribly heavy, but its overlapping layers of fake foli-
age renders fast movement nearly impossible. Pouches and
straps conceal various other camouflage patterns that can The successor of the smaller VF-1, the impressive ATH
unfold or release to alter the appearance of the suit. has unfortunately not found as much recognition. The mil-
Stealth. In any earth or forest terrain, you have ad- itary division has analyzed the size of the machine, and the
vantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. Additionally, if you logistics division has criticized its cost in comparison to its
don’t move on your turn, you gain half-cover. lighter and cheaper cousin. In truth, its reputation as a
Thermoptics (Mk2). The suit employs holographic im- weaker system is undeserving, as the ATH is considered
aging. If you spend a battery charge and don’t move on one of the most powerful weapon platforms on the conti-
your round, you are invisible. You remain invisible until nent.
you move or make an attack. Balance. For the sake of game balance, the ATH also
counts as one legendary item and two very rare items.
Bonus. The ATH has a +2 bonus to AC (20 total).
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
shutdown, the ATH comes back online. Once you use this
The most dominant and imposing suit in the known world, feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
the ATAC-01 is designed to take on the largest of targets Firearm Stabilization. You can wield heavy weapons as
or engage entire enemy squads by itself. It is the ultimate if they are one-handed small arms and super heavy weap-
evolution in exo-armor development—anything larger ons as if they are two-handed small arms.
would be impractical. Someone acquiring an ATAC-01 Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d8
would be wise to take care of it. It’s unlikely they would damage. If you already inflict 1d8 or more damage with
get another. unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the ATAC-01 (1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets also grant
counts as two legendary items and one very rare item. a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
Bonus. The ATAC-01 has a +3 bonus to AC (21 total). Hit Points. The ATH has 50 hit points and a threshold

95
of 50. have disadvantage on attack rolls against Medium or small-
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi- er targets 5-feet or closer.
sons.
Mecha Fists. The ATH has a Strength of 23.
Power. The ATH requires an H-class power cell to op- The combat exoskeleton resembles an oversized piece of
erate, and it does not function without it. medieval plate, reinforced by limbs of titanium and ampli-
Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning, fied by synthetic muscle fibers running through the entire
slashing, and piercing from nonmagical weapons. assembly. Though not very pretty, the Com-Exo has
Speed. Your speed is 25 feet. proved its usefulness in combat.
Weapon Mount. The ATH has a shoulder or arm Balance. For the sake of game balance, the combat exo-
mounted assembly, which frees up a hand. This mount skeleton counts as one legendary and two rare items. The
acts as a hand or a brace for holding or mounting weapons. TL5 combat exoskeleton counts as two legendary items
and one very rare item
Bonus. The TL4 combat exoskeleton has a +1 bonus to
The AV-98 is a first-generation powered armor meant to AC (16 total); the TL5 combat exoskeleton has a +2 bonus
pave the way for further large robots. Until its release, most to AC (17 total).
exoskeletons were basic body-hugging amplification mod- Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
els. The AV-98 was an initial attempt to create a function- shutdown, the combat exoskeleton comes back online.
ing giant mecha. It features no arms but has a very ad- Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you
vanced walking system. finish a long rest.
Auto-Reload. You have a mechanism to reload your Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d6
weapons (since you have no arms). You can reload three damage. If you already inflict 1d6 or more damage with
clips/cells automatically before needing external loading unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step
(you either have to exit the suit to reload or have an ally do (1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets
it for you). External reloading requires an action and a bo- also grant a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
nus action. Hit Points. The TL4 combat exoskeleton has 35 hit
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the AV-98 points and a threshold of 4. The TL5 combat exoskeleton
counts as a legendary item, as well as two rare items. has 45 hit points and a threshold of 5.
Bonus. The AV-98 as a +2 bonus to AC (20 total). Mecha Fists. The TL4 combat exoskeleton has a
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s Strength of 23. The TL5 combat exoskeleton has a
shutdown, the AV-98 comes back online. Once you use Strength of 25.
this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long Power. The combat exoskeleton requires an H-class
rest. power cell to operate, and it does not function without it.
Large Size. You are considered a Large creature while Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning from
wearing the armor. This does not affect your reach or dam- nonmagical weapons.
age dice. Speed. Your speed is 30 feet.
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
sons.
Mecha. You ignore penalties for difficult terrain. Obviously, this is weird. When wearing a living carapace,
Power. The AV-98 requires an H-class power cell to you’re donning a genetically engineered life form. When it
operate, and it does not function without it. suffers damage, it’s a living creature being hurt. Thankful-
Hit Points. The AV-98 has 50 hit points and a threshold ly, its brain is underdeveloped and lacks any higher func-
of 50. tions. Its central nervous system still functions, and when
Nightvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of merged with a user, channels information within, allowing
you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were the wearer to see around blind spots and employ tactile
dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades feedback. There are three variations of the carapace, de-
of gray. pending on the size of the creature.
Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning and Back of Your Head. You have advantage on Wisdom
slashing from nonmagical weapons. (Perception) checks.
Speed. Your speed is 30 feet. Balance. For the sake of game balance, the carapace
Weapon Limbs. You have neither limbs nor manipula- armor counts as two very rare items.
tors to hold onto external weapons. You have no threaten- Power. The carapace does not employ traditional power
ing reach and cannot make opportunity attacks. You are and cannot be disrupted by electromagnetic radiation.
equipped with three heavy weapon mounts. Because the Hit Points. The carapace armor has hit points and
AV-98 is Large, you can install super heavy weapons as threshold depending on its type.
heavy weapons. Likewise, you can install heavy weapons Light Armor—15 hit points and a threshold of 1.
or two-handed small arms in these mounts as two-handed Medium Armor—30 hit points and a threshold of 5.
small arms and one-handed small arms, respectively. You

96
Heavy Armor—50 hit points and a threshold of 10. shutdown, the RX-78 comes back online. Once you use
Speed. Your speed is 30 feet. this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long
Resistances. Acid, fire, cold, necrotic, psychic, and rest.
thunder. Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do 1d6
damage. If you already inflict 1d6 or more damage with
unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step
This is a generic place-marker for the large variety of cus- (1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets
tom-designed and prototypical powered armor that appear also grant a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
across the world. These unique designs are simply called Hit Points. The RX-78 has 60 hit points and a threshold
mobile motor armors. No two look alike, but they all share of 20.
similar properties. Large Size. You are considered a Large creature while
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the mobile mo- wearing the armor. You have reach.
tor armor counts as one legendary item and two very rare Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
items. sons.
Bonus. The mobile motor armor has a +1 bonus to AC Mecha Fists. The RX-78 has a Strength of 25.
(19 total). Power. The RX-78 requires an H-class power cell to
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s operate, and it does not function without it.
shutdown, the MMA comes back online. Once you use this Speed. Your speed is 35 feet.
feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest. Regeneration. The RX-78 recovers 1 hit point per
Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d6 round while active.
damage. If you already inflict 1d6 or more damage with Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning,
unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step slashing, and piercing from nonmagical weapons.
(1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets Sensor Net. You gain a +2 bonus to Wisdom
also grant a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls. (Perception) checks.
Hit Points. The mobile motor armor has 35 hit points Weapon Mount. The RX-78 has a shoulder or arm
and a threshold of 5. mounted assembly, which frees up a hand. This mount
Large Size. You are considered a Large creature while acts as a hand or a brace for holding or mounting weapons.
wearing the armor. You have reach.
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
sons. Unit 01 is a cumbersome design and one considered primi-
Mecha Fists. The mobile motor armor has a Strength of tive compared to others. Most of the user is exposed to the
20. elements, as the 01 is primarily built as a strength aug-
Power. The motor mobile armor requires an H-class menter.
power cell to operate, and none of its functions work with- Balance. For the sake of game balance, Unit 01 counts
out it. as one legendary item and two very rare items.
Speed. Your speed is 30 feet. Bonus. Unit 01 has a +1 bonus to AC (19 total).
Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning and Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
slashing from nonmagical weapons. shutdown, Unit 01 comes back online. Once you use this
Removable Weapon Limbs. You can remove a gauntlet feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
and replace it with a heavy weapon mount. Because the Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d8
mobile motor armor is Large, you can install super heavy damage. If you already inflict 1d8 or more damage with
weapons as heavy weapons. Likewise, you can install unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step
heavy weapons or two-handed small arms in these mounts (1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets also have
as two-handed small arms and one-handed small arms, re- a +2-enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls.
spectively. Hit Points. Unit 01 has 40 hit points and a threshold of
5.
Large Size. You are considered a Large creature while
This intimidating armor requires its user to slip into a form wearing the armor. You have reach.
-fitting suit that mounts tightly in the control area. The Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
pilot’s head fits only partially into the machine’s helmet, sons.
with most of the user sitting in the trunk of the armor. The Mecha Fists. Unit 01 has a Strength of 23.
pilot's arms extend to the elbows and the legs only to the Power. Unit 01 requires an H-class power cell to oper-
knees. ate, and it does not work without it.
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the RX-78 Speed. Your speed is 30 feet.
counts as a legendary item, as well as two very rare items. Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and slashing and
Bonus. The RX-78 has a +3 bonus to AC (21 total). bludgeoning from nonmagical weapons.
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s

97
 Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and slashing and
Unlike the combat model, the utility exoskeleton, often bludgeoning from nonmagical weapons.
known as an Utex, exposes the majority of the user to the Speed. Your speed is 30 feet.
outside environment. Though offering some protection, its Weapon Mount. The VF-1 has a shoulder or arm
primary function is as a muscle augmenter. Demand rose in mounted assembly, which frees up a hand. This mount
this capacity, and eventually, the Utex was sold in greater acts as a hand or a brace for holding or mounting weapons.
numbers.
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the utility exo-
skeleton counts as two very rare items. The most advanced armor, the VR-052F is the epitome of
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to shutdown, technology. It is considered a prototype or a one-off, and as
the utility exoskeleton comes back online. Once you use such, should never be regarded as expendable. Not only
this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long equipped with an anti-gravity drive, the VR-052F also
rest. sports a flight system and electromagnetic camouflage.
Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d8 Balance. For the sake of game balance, the VR-052F
damage. If you already inflict 1d8 or more damage with counts as three legendary items and one very rare item.
unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step Bonus. The VR-052F has a +3 bonus to AC (15 total).
(1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets also have Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
a +1-enhancement bonus to attack and damage rolls. shutdown, the VR-052F comes back online. Once you use
Hit Points. The utility exoskeleton has 15 hit points this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long
and a threshold of 2. rest.
Mecha Fists. The utility exoskeleton has a strength of Gravity Anchors. You have a climb speed equal to your
23. normal speed.
Power. The utility exoskeleton requires an H-class Gravity Drive. You suffer no damage from a fall.
power cell to operate, and it does not function without it. Hit Points. The VR-052F has 30 hit points and a
Resistance. Bludgeoning from nonmagical weapons. threshold of 3.
Speed. Your speed is 25 feet. Jump Jets. You are always considered moving when
performing a jump. You also have advantage with Strength
(Athletics) checks when jumping.
Originally built as a heavy lift assistant, the VF-1 found Maneuverability. You have advantage with Dexterity
popularity later as a muscle augmenter for weapon applica- (Acrobatics) checks.
tions by the defense department. Eventually, a new suit, Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi-
the ATH-Q58 Vertical Tank, was purpose-built for the sons.
role, but the VF-1’s smaller size kept it in regular use, and Mecha Fists. The VR-052F has a Strength of 24.
it remains the more popular model. Depending on its Power. The VR-052F requires an H-class power cell to
loadout, it can serve as both a ranged weapons platform operate, and it does not function without it.
and a close-combat vehicle. Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning,
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the VF-1 counts slashing, and piercing from nonmagical weapons.
as one legendary item and two rare items. Shadow Field. Use an action and spend a cell charge—
Bonus. The VF-1 has a +2 bonus to AC (17 total). you are invisible for one minute, until you move, or until
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s you make an attack.
shutdown, the VF-1 comes back online. Once you use this Speed. Your speed is 35 feet.
feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
Firearm Stabilization. Even though you are Medium-
sized, you can wield heavy weapons as if they are two- This basic powered suit enables flight via a set of turbines,
handed small arms and super heavy weapons as if they are control surfaces, and vectored thrusters, but offers only
heavy weapons. rudimentary protection for its pilot. It also suffers from a
Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d6 limited range for each flight.
damage. If you already inflict 1d6 or more damage with Balance. For the sake of game balance, the vulture also
unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step counts as two rare items.
(1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets Bonus. The vulture has a +1 bonus to AC (15 total).
also grant a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls. Boosters. You are always considered moving when per-
Hit Points. The VF-1 has 30 hit points and a threshold forming a jump. You also have advantage with Strength
of 5. (Athletics) checks when jumping. You also never take
Mecha Fists. The VF-1 has a Strength of 23. damage from a fall if you are conscious. You always land on
Power. The VF-1 requires an H-class power cell to op- your feet.
erate, and it does not function without it. Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
shutdown, the 101A comes back online. Once you use this

98
feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest. you already have a previous modification, you can skip it.
Hit Points. The vulture has 20 hit points and a thresh- Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to shutdown,
old of 5. the armor comes back online. Once you use this feature,
Jump Jets. You have a flying speed of 60 (same as the you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
fly spell) for 4 minutes. You regain 1 minute per hour. Gravity Anchors. You have a climb speed equal to your
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi- normal speed.
sons. Gravity Drive. You suffer no damage from a fall.
Mecha Fists. The Vulture has a Strength of 18. Increased Armor. The armor gains a bonus to AC be-
Power. The vulture requires an H-class power cell to tween +1 and +3 (it must not already have a bonus).
operate its flight system. Increased Resistance. When you purchase this upgrade,
Resistances. Fire, acid, and cold, and bludgeoning from select a damage type from the following list: acid, cold, fie,
nonmagical weapons. lightning, or thunder. You have resistance to that damage
Special. Entering and powering the suit is the same as type.
full plate armor. Jet Boosters. You are always considered moving when
performing a jump. You also have advantage with Strength
(Athletics) checks when jumping.
This is a small customized powered armor designed specif- Jump Jets. You gain a flying speed of 60 (same as the fly
ically for each user. It conforms tightly to the contours of spell) for 4 minutes. You regain 1 minute per hour.
the body. It employs a combination of lightweight poly- Larger Gauntlets (exo only). Increase the damage dice
mers and aramids reinforced with carbon fullerene rings. of the armor’s gauntlets by one step (1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 >
Solid limbs are made from silicon carbide ceramic that 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10).
slide perfectly to allow movement via a magnetorheological Maneuverability Booster (exo only). You gain a +5-foot
fluid. The suit covers the entire body, with an attached bonus to speed.
helmet that seals it completely. Nightvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of
Balance. For the sake of game balance, the YF-21 also you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were
counts as one rare item and one uncommon item. dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, and every-
Bonus. The skinsuit has a +2 bonus to AC (14 total) thing you can see is displayed in shades of green, yellow, or
Boosters. You have advantage with Strength (Athletics) blue (your choice). If you already have nightvision, you can
checks when jumping. select this modification and increase the range to 120 feet.
Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s Stealth Net. This modification nullifies disadvantage
shutdown, the YF-21 comes back online. Once you use this on Dexterity (Stealth) checks if your armor imposes it.
feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest. Structural Reinforcement (exo only). The armor gains
Hit Points. The skinsuit has 25 hit points and a thresh- additional hit points. These hit points do not stack with
old of 2. other levels of Structural Reinforcement. Each level also
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi- grants an increase in threshold.
sons. Mk1. +10 hit points and a +2 bonus to threshold
Mk2. +20 hit points and a +5 bonus to threshold
Mk3. +30 hit points and a +10 bonus to threshold
Targeting System. You gain a +1 bonus to damage rolls
These modifications are available to most armors with ranged weapons when firing at a target at normal
(including all exo-armors) and often have requirements for range.
their addition. There is no limit to the number of modifica-
tions you can add to exo-armor, though non exo-armor is
generally limited to 1 for light, 2 for medium and 3 for
heavy. Three types of personal shields are listed below, but not all
Armors that already have the system cannot add a sec- are appropriate for every setting.
ond version except to upgrade an existing system, as stated Active Shields. This is the standard type of shield de-
in the description picted in the 5e rules. These defense items often occupy a
Auto-Reload (exo only). You gain a mechanism to re- hand and date back to the age before firearms. They are
load your weapons instantly. You can reload three maga- unpopular in most modern combat situations as they en-
zines/cells without requiring an action before needing ex- cumber movement and are generally only useful for de-
ternal loading (you either have to exit the suit to reload or fense and not attack. While advanced models may have
have an ally do it for you). additional features compared to archaic shields, they func-
BulletProof. You gain resistance to bludgeoning from tion more or less the same.
nonmagical weapons. Select this modification a second Force Shields. These are expensive and powerful de-
time, and you gain resistance to slashing from nonmagical fensive shields that can work in conjunction with tradition-
weapons. Select this modification a third time, and you al armor. They protect the user and everything the user is
gain resistance to piercing from nonmagical weapons. If carrying and can sometimes be extended to encompass

99
additional targets. Force shields increase AC but often legendary item.
come with conditions for effectiveness. Active shields de- Dome. The energy dome radiates 5 feet in every direc-
activate for a split second when the user makes an attack. tion from you, and thus grants its AC bonus to all creatures
Force shields are ineffective against melee attacks given in range as well as you. You can, with a free action, extend
their operation. the radius by an additional 5 feet, reducing the AC by 1
Self-Shields. Not unlike more powerful force shields, (minimum 1). For example, the Mk 3 can extend up to 15
self-shields are nearly skin-flush protective generators that feet but then only grants a +1 bonus to AC.
defend a target from outside attack. Unlike force shields, Power. Once turned on, it uses a charge, and if still on
self-shields offer regenerating temporary hit points rather by the end of your next turn, it uses another charge.
than defensive bonuses.

They cannot be used in conjunction with active or The most advanced active defense system available, the
force shields and cannot be used with Medium or energy shield covers its user only a centimeter from his
heavier armor (light armor only). skin, and thus is capable of protecting against all incoming
When reduced to 0 hit points, the shield “breaks”; any attacks. Its only drawback is its tendency to neutralize
additional damage left after a shield breaks is reduced temporarily when its user makes a melee physical attack.
by half and carried through to the user. Some shields This is a legendary item.
offer additional effects when they break. A break ef- Backpack Mount. The energy envelope does not use
fect does not require an action. up a hand.
Self-shields do not regenerate automatically. If the Hit Points. The envelope has its own hit points and
shield has not suffered damage since the end of your threshold, the same as exo-armor. These hit points cannot
previous turn, you can use a free action on your turn to be repaired; the energy envelope regains all lost hit points
regain hit points to your self-shield equal to your RE- after you finish a long rest. The energy envelope has 30 hit
GEN value. You can also use an action on your turn to points and a threshold of 10.
regain hit points on your turn equal to your REGEN
value, even if it has taken damage.
Self-shields do not require Strength.
All self-shields are backpack-mounted and do not take Not an all-encompassing bubble, the energy shield is gen-
up a hand. erated from an arm-mounted device. It can be activated
Self-shields are always on, but cells need replacing with a free action on your turn and requires a free action to
every 24 hours. deactivate. This is a very rare item.
Power. Once turned on, it uses a charge, and if still on
When a self-shield is purchased, one benefit can be
by the end of your next turn, it uses another charge.
added, occasionally increasing its price.
Operation. While activated, it operates like a traditional
shield. While deactivated, it does not take up a hand.

This arm-mounted device remains concealed and unobtru- This is a heavy titanium shield with grooves on its bottom,
sive until needed. When deployed (usually by a flick of the allowing for a firm root into the ground. In addition, a
wrist), it instantly unfolds and slides into position to offer locked slit can open once it has been planted.
protection. A single energy cell is required for the deploy- If planted into the ground as a bonus action, the shield
ment of the shield. While collapsed, it doesn’t grant its remains upright and acts as three-quarters cover to anyone
shield bonus, but it neither imposes its check nor its move- behind it (as well as offering its bonus to AC). You must be
ment penalty. occupying the same space as the shield to receive this ben-
Standard Configuration. Deploying the shield into efit.
standard configuration can occur on your turn as a bonus
action. While deployed, the shield uses up a hand and
grants a +2 bonus to AC. This reactive system generates a contained energy field
Tower Configuration. Deploying the shield into tower that only responds to high energy attacks from distant tar-
configuration can occur on your turn as a bonus action. gets. It cannot react to close or massive targets and is inop-
While deployed, the shield uses up a hand but grants a +3 erable if a target blocks its sensor net. You gain the AC
bonus to AC. The maximum Dexterity bonus is +2, and bonus against ranged attacks only and only as long as no
Dexterity (Stealth) checks have disadvantage. enemies are in reach of you.
Backpack Mount. The kinetic baffle does not use up a
hand.
The energy drome is a powerful radiant field that possess-
es the capacity to protect multiple targets nearby. This is a

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 Fire. While the shield is up, you have resistance to fire
This device is less a method of resisting damage and more damage.
of a way of discouraging attack. It resonates with an acous- Flash. As a reaction, when a break occurs (but after
tic, magnetic, and gravitational pulse, preventing or dis- breakthrough damage), the shield immediately regenerates
suading targets from delivering melee attacks. The shield’s to full. Once this occurs, this ability cannot be used again
AC bonus applies only against opportunity attacks. This is until you finish a short or long rest.
a rare item. Force. While the shield is up, you have resistance to
Induce Pressure Wave. The repulsor engine requires a force damage.
separate cell for the pressure wave system. Use a bonus Health. Increase shield hit points by +50% (round up).
action with a battery charge, and all Large and smaller Leach. As a reaction when the shield takes damage,
creatures within 5 feet of you are shoved 5 feet. A creature reduce your hit points by any amount and regenerate your
that cannot be pushed is stunned until the start of your shield by that same value. This can prevent a shield break.
next turn. Huge and larger targets are unaffected. Sacrifice Lightning. While the shield is up, you have resistance
five charges to increase the area effect to 10 feet. If you use to lightning damage.
the pressure wave in any way, the repulsor engine is deac- Linger. While your shield is down, you gain a +1 bonus
tivated for one minute. to AC.
Necromonger. While the shield is up, you have re-
sistance to necrotic damage.
Power. While your shield is full, you gain +2 lightning
Within many universes, all forms of physical armor have damage with all melee attacks.
been replaced with nearly skin-flush energy shields. This Pulse. As a reaction to a shield break, all creatures with-
has allowed increased agility with the removal of heavy in 10 feet of you must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving
protection but also increased individuality as users could throw. Each creature takes force damage equal to the
now express themselves fashionably without sacrificing shield’s hit point value on a failed save, or half as much
defensive capabilities. With universe 10110.271822.16180, damage on a successful one. Once this occurs, this ability
self-shields were sold alongside weapons on the harsh fron- cannot be used again until you finish a short or long rest.
tier worlds given physical armor was too heavier and too Radiant. While the shield is up, you have resistance to
cumbersome to transport. As such, their distribution be- force damage.
came commonplace with vagabonds and wandering peace- Response. After a shield break, your next hit, as long as
keepers often sporting century-old traditional clothing un- it occurs before the end of your next turn, is turned into a
der ultra-advanced invisible energy shields. critical hit.
Within universe 62606.186282.60221515, where travel Speed. On a shield break, your speed increases by 5
between worlds is as straightforward as riding an airplane, feet until your shield regenerates at least 1 hit point.
all security and military personnel employ self-shields to Stealth. While your shield is full, you gain a +2 bonus to
avoid over-encumbering often cramped spacecraft. In both Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
realities, there are hundreds of different self-shields availa- Thunder. While the shield is up, you have resistance to
ble marketed by numerous companies. As such, they are force damage.
offered in two tables—the first detailing its hit points and Transform. While the shield is active, if you are hit with
regeneration value, and second by its special feature, which an energy attack, the damage regenerates the shield in-
can be combined in any possible arrangement. Generally, a stead of suffering damage. Once this ability occurs, it can-
shield will only have one benefit, but certain ultra-rare ex- not be used again until you finish a short or long rest.
amples have been found with two or even three. The vari-
ous shield benefits are as follows:
Acid. While the shield is up, you have resistance to acid
damage. This weapon operates similar to the deployable shield,
Burst. As a reaction to a shield break made by a melee except its function is to offer an additional function as a
attack, the attacker (if your size or smaller) is pushed 10 brace. It can be used as an arm for a two-handed small arm,
feet. a heavy weapon, or a super heavy weapon, meaning you
Channel. While the shield is full, all your ranged at- can use this shield while holding on a two-handed weapon.
tacks with energy weapons gain a +1 bonus to damage rolls. You cannot wield a one-handed weapon with your shield
Cold. While the shield is up, you have resistance to cold arm.
damage.
Collapse. If the damage that passes through upon a Editorial. The previous Ultramodern intro-
break is less than the damage absorbed by the shield, no duced a hardness rule as well as an armor-
damage is carried through. piercing value to circumvent said hardness. It
Feedback. While your shield is at maximum, you can was not an unseen element in OGL but made
spend a bonus action to spend one Hit Die and regain hit incorporating Ultramodern into other OGL
points. rules difficult. So, I replaced it and employed
resistances to replicate the same effect. En-

101
 chanted weapons can be considered to ARMOR MODIFICATIONS
have the AP property when adding Armor Cost Stealth WT. Cell TL
Ultramodern into fantasy. Auto Reloader* 1,000 Disadvantage +50 lb. H 3
Bulletproofing 10,000 — +20 lb — 1
Electromagnetic Shielding 500 — +20 lb. — 2
Gravity Anchors 6,000 — +20 lb. H 5
Gravity Drive 5,500 — +20 lb. H 5
Like weapons and armor, players can often
Increased Armor (+1) 5,000 — +2 lb. — 2
field more powerful equipment dependent
Increased Armor (+2) 25,000 — +5 lb. — 2
on their mission parameters. Unlike a fan- Increased Armor (+3) 50,000 — +10 lb. — 3
tasy setting, you are not expected to be Increased Resistance 5,000 — +5 lb. — 3
carrying everything around with you wher- Jet Boosters 5,000 — +25 lb. H 3
ever you go. Jump Jets 7,500 — +35 lb. H 4
Larger Gauntlets* 9,000 — +75 lb. — 3
Maneuverability Booster* 15,000 — +5 lb. — 4
Nightvision 1,500 — +2 lb. H 2
Bayonet Plug. This is not a weapon but Stealth Net 2,000 — +5 lb. H 3
an adapter to add a melee weapon to any Structural Reinforcement, Mk1* 10,000 Disadvantage +25 lb. -- 2
small arm, enabling either weapon to be Structural Reinforcement, Mk2* 20,000 Disadvantage +50 lb. -- 2
used without dropping or holstering one. Structural Reinforcement, Mk3* 40,000 Disadvantage +80 lb. -- 2
Only one- and two-handed small arms can Targeting System 500 — +1 lb. H 2
be equipped with a melee weapon. One- * Exo-armor only.
handed small arms can be equipped with a
dagger only. Two-handed small arms can be equipped with action. You don’t automatically reveal your location if you
any light blade. are hiding and make a ranged attack. Anyone within the
Laser Sight. There are two varieties of laser sight. The weapon’s normal range increment is still aware that a
most well-known one is usually a green diode solid-state weapon has been fired, but not necessarily from where or
laser that paints a dot on the target, although this is more by whom.
useful as a psychological attack (as most individuals find a
target on their chest to be a great incentive to negotiate)
than as an aiming aid, as it is only effective at normal
range. The type snipers actually use is an infrared diode, Friend/Foe Trigger. This detonator can be pro-
which is invisible to everything except nightvision/ grammed to detonate the moment a specific creature en-
darkvision, and acts as a rangefinder, allowing a sniper to ters its blast radius. It can also be programmed to detonate
precisely calculate the distance to the target. Both versions for everything but specific people. There is no limit on its
are included in this unit and may be toggled as a free ac- parameters, but setting the programming requires at least
tion. Either way, the sight grants a +1 bonus to your first one minute.
attack roll on each turn. Impact Trigger. After the safety is pulled, impact trig-
Scope, Targeting. This is a standard long-range target- gers detonate upon impact with any rigid surface. This
ing scope that can be fitted to any two-handed small arm or detonator is rarely used except with grenades.
heavy weapon without an auto, blast, auto-heavy, or sonic Magnetic Trigger. These unique detonators only func-
property. It cannot be used with specialty weapons. Attach- tion on explosive payloads of 5 lb. or less. When armed, the
ing the targeting scope gives the weapon the sniper (+1) detonator detects any sizeable metallic object (such as a
property. vehicle, exo-armor, or suit of plate) passing within 30 feet
Scope, Electro-Thermal/Magnetic. An enhanced digital and is pulled (together with its explosive) towards it, deto-
targeting scope, the ETM system can see past barricades, nating on impact. If there is any form of cover or imped-
into rooms, safes, and even people. It can target lock weak ance, the detonator stops but still detonates.
points on potential targets like axles or hearts. This replac- Motion Trigger. This detonator detects movement in
es a targeting scope. You can ignore one point of obstruct- its burst area and detonates regardless of the target.
ing terrain for the purposes of line of sight (but not line of Pressure Trigger. These trigger the moment weight is
effect). pressed upon the detonator. Large and larger targets auto-
Suppressor. These attachments muffle the flash and matically trigger pressure detonators upon entering a
sonic blast of explosively propelled firearms. By slowing square containing one. Medium and smaller targets have a
the expanding gases exiting the barrel, the suppressor 50% chance to avoid the sensor unless the person placing
stems the acoustical signature but does not silence it com- the explosive succeeded on a DC 15 Intelligence
pletely—reducing it to merely loud instead of deafening. (Demolitions) check for proper placement. The sensor can
Suppressors cannot be used on shotguns, heavy weapons, be manually adjusted to only detonate for specific-sized
or weapons rated higher than TL3 (most of which don’t targets (e.g. detonation only for Huge targets).
need it in any case). Affixing a suppressor takes a standard

102
 ACTIVE SHIELDS
Shield Cost Armor Class (AC) Strength Stealth WT. Cell TL
Deployable Shield 11,000 +2 / +3 — —/ Disadvantage 10 lb. H 3
Forced Defense Shield 250 +2 — Disadvantage 12 lb. — 0
Shield Brace 500 +2 — Disadvantage 10 lb. — 0
Energy Shield 5,000 +2 — — 1 lb. M(20) 4

FORCE SHIELDS
Shield Cost Armor Class (AC) Strength Stealth WT. Cell TL
Energy Envelope 40,000 +1 — — 5 lb. H 5
Kinetic Baffle 26,000 +3 Special — — 5 lb. H 4
Repulsor Engine 15,000 +3 Special — — 5 lb. H/H (10) 4
Energy Dome (MK1) 25,000 +1 — — 10 lb. M (10) 4
Energy Dome (MK2) 35,000 +2 — — 10 lb. M (10) 5
Energy Dome (MK3) 45,000 +3 — — 10 lb. M (10) 5
SELF-SHIELD BRANDS
Shield Cost Hit Points Regeneration WT. Cell TL
Mifune 1,000 5 5 2 lb. M 4
Psycho 1,250 10 5 2 lb. M 4
Viper 1,500 10 10 2 lb. M 4
Moses 1,750 20 5 2 lb. H 4
Taidan 2,000 20 10 2 lb. H 4
Bradbury 3,500 30 10 2 lb. H 4
Sabazios 6,000 30 15 2 lb. H 4
Alphaden 8,500 20 20 2 lb. H 4
Marathon 20,000 40 10 2 lb. H 4
Morita Limited 30,000 40 20 2 lb. H 4
NecroTech 45,000 30 30 2 lb. H(x2) 4
Spirit Systems 80,000 60 20 2 lb. H(x2) 4
SELF-SHIELD MODEL Trip Trigger. This detonator is a simple mechanical or
Model Benefit Multiplier chemical trigger attached to an explosive with a tripwire. A
Asclepius Feedback 0
Boom-Box Burst 0
creature passing through the wire pulls the pin and deto-
Breadbasket Power 0 nates the device. You can run up to 25 feet of wire, but the
Buzzz Channel 0 detonation only occurs in the square where the explosives
Cackle Collapse 0 are placed. Because the wire needs to be raised to be trig-
Ceraunoscopy Transform 0 gered, there is a DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check to spot
Darkside Force +20% the wire.
Fatman Health +20% Wired Remote. This simple form runs an electrical
Firefly Lightning +10%
pulse that triggers the mechanical, chemical, or electrical
Freshmaker Acid +15%
Fuji Fire +25% detonator. The maximum range of any wired detonator is
Godspeed Speed 0 2,000 feet.
Hachiman Linger 0
Hammer Thunder +10%
Loverboy Radiant +20%
Necromonger Necrotic +5% Unlike normal tool kits, these kits do not require proficien-
Old-Man Cold +20% cy but rather are necessary to use appropriate skills.
Puff-Puff Pulse +10% Engineering Kit. These kits include diagnostic tools, a
Thermoptix Stealth +20%
soldering gun, fine point insulated needle pliers, and wire
Triple-A Flash +25%
X-TRO Leach 0 cutters. It employs a battery for a digital multi-meter meas-
Zaptacular Response 0 uring ohms, amps, and volts. It also comes equipped with a
variety of wires, clips, resistors, banana plugs, and crocodile
Radio Remote. The range limit of a radio remote is clips. All diagnostic tools in the kit use non-corrodible wir-
5,000 feet. Both the transmitter and receiver require batter- ing and are EMP-shielded by design, as it would be incred-
ies. ibly inconvenient to have to repair the repair kit before
Timer. Timers utilize either a mechanical clock or a repairing another device. More advanced kits are required
digital timer. Although one may purchase an RDR (red when dealing with more advanced technology and can af-
digital readout) for the same price, this makes the detona- fect build times and cost (see Skills. Intelligence
tor a TL2 item, and is largely pointless unless you are an (Engineering)).
action movie villain. The actual trigger is usually chemical Drug Kit. Along with syringes required to deliver vari-
or mechanical. ous medications, the drug kit offers standard chemicals

103
medical professionals use to create various drugs. Addition- own pattern.
ally, this kit also includes tools enabling one proficient in Duct Tape. Duct tape is useful for a wide variety of
its use to extract needed medications from natural sources. things, subject to your imagination and the GM’s approval
Like the medical kit, the drug kit has enough supplies to (ironically, it is useless for repairing ductwork, as the glue
10 actions (regardless of how many targets are affected by becomes less effective when heated). Some examples in-
said action). clude.
Medical Kit. The formidable medical kit holds bandag- Affix a small item (such as a flashlight or a tracker) to a
es, pills, trauma shears, ointments, and basic stitching im- weapon.
plements for basic injuries. They also have eye pads and Create one foot of rope (up to thirty feet).
cooling gel pads for burns. Along with wound irrigation. Mark up to three feet on the ground or on an object.
Other implements include splints, alcohol pads, an epi- Handcuffs (target is restrained, DC 25 to escape).
nephrine injector, hemostatic pads, and various scalpels Prevent a restrained creature from speaking.
and scissors for emergency surgical procedures. Trained Digital Audio Recorder. This both records and plays
medical professionals can pull off miracles with a medical back 1000 hours on an internal digital memory unit. You
kit. A medical kit has enough supplies to 50 actions can have it set to record only your voice or an entire room.
(regardless of how many targets are affected by said ac- Digital Camera. The resolution, features, and price of
tion). this camera are dependent on the current tech level. Cam-
era technology continually improves, allowing more details
to be captured in a single image. Add the image’s TL-1 to
Wisdom (Perception) checks to scrutinize the picture with
Battery Flare. A battery-powered bright candle, the appropriate software. Storage capacities increase according-
charge only lasts for four hours but illuminates to a 50-foot ly, with each camera being able to take around 5,000 imag-
radius. es. The camera can also record approximately 6 hours of
Big Ear. This tiny device wraps around one’s ear and video.
amplifies incoming acoustic data. You have advantage on Electric Torch. Modern torches do not employ fragile
Wisdom (Perception) checks when listening. It uses one bulbs but instead use electronically regulated light-
charge upon activation and an additional charge every mi- emitting diodes that make the end product more efficient,
nute. brighter, and more durable for the wilderness adventurer.
Binoculars. Ranging in size from small and concealable It employs a miniature electrical generator and capacitor.
to large and clumsy, binoculars bring distant objects into By either shaking the light or winding a crank, the capaci-
close focus. They are sturdy, waterproof, and survive falls tor charges, allowing the unit to power its LED transmitter.
up to 50 feet. If broken, they cannot be repaired. The light illuminates a 60-foot cone from the user. It lasts
Camera Ball. This five-inch rubber ball can be thrown 10 minutes before fading out and requiring a recharge (one
or fired from a grenade launcher. Once it lands, it transmits minute).
audio and video input from a full 360-degree arc up to Electro-Optical Sensor (EOS). The EOS is equipped
1,000 feet to a receiving monitor. When in range, it can also with a 360-degree motion sensor meant to detect both
roll under its own power by remote; it has a speed of 10. It ground and aerial targets within 500 feet. It sends all infor-
has 1 hit point and an AC of 10. It functions for 1 minute mation to a source monitor that cannot be more than 1000
per charge. The TL5 version contains a small antigravity feet away. Targets must beat a DC 25 Dexterity (Stealth)
unit, enabling it to hover for 1 minute per charge used. It check or be detected. It only detects movement and can-
has a fly speed of 20 and a ground speed of 10. not detect incorporeal targets. One charge is used up every
Climbing Boots. Boots are free to characters, but these hour. This is an uncommon item.
are better. You gain a +1 bonus to Strength (Athletics) Filament Camera. This device uses a microscopic wire
checks when climbing. 50 feet long. Through a remote at one end, it can navigate
Clothing. They say clothing makes a man. In this case, around corners and through vents. It transmits visual and
they can also help you with skill checks. In an appropriate auditory information back to its source. Because of the size
situation (GM’s call), you gain the listed bonus to skill of the wire, it is virtually invisible (DC 20 Wisdom
checks. Except for wearing synthetic weave, you gain no (Perception) to spot).
benefits from these clothes if trying to wear them under- Fire Extinguisher. This expels a chemical that smothers
neath or (if possible) over your armor or other clothes. Cas- the flame and cools the target. The result is a compressed
ual wear grants no benefit. container capable of putting out almost any kind of fire
Business—Gain a +1 bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) from combustible metals to burning oils. As an action, ex-
checks tinguish a 5-foot area fire. Each container has enough for
Formal—Gain a +2 bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) ten uses.
checks Flash Goggles. This simple eyewear protects the wearer
Fatigues—Gain a +1 bonus to Charisma (Intimidation) from any blinding effects from bright light, whether natu-
and a +1 bonus to Stealth if wearing a pattern that ral, supernatural, or technological. They respond to incom-
matches the environment. Each terrain type requires its ing illumination and darken within 0.0005 seconds. While

104
you wear them, you cannot be blinded by or suffer penal- world merely looks constantly twilit). Sudden movements
ties or disadvantage due to exposure to light. or attacks disrupt the field entirely. As an action, you be-
Force Shield. This system consists of two ground- come invisible. Each round uses a charge, and the effect
planted generator coils, which when placed up to 20 feet ends if you interact with something or someone or if you
apart and activated, create a barrier between them, impen- make any form of attack. This is a rare item.
etrable from one side but allowing those behind it to fire Light Sticks. When activated, the chemicals mix with a
through. Use an action and drain a cell to create a 20-foot fluorescent dye. They usually glow red, green, or blue.
long wall that grants total cover for those behind it. It uses One stick illuminates a 20-foot radius for one hour.
one additional charge per round in use. It must be deac- Lighter. You gain the capacity to make fire. Fire is
tivated to be moved (a bonus action to deactivate). (almost) always good. In a pinch, the lighter can illuminate
Gas Mask. This flexible and compact unit, when a 5-foot area (your immediate vicinity) and has enough fuel
donned, attempts to filter all outside gasses and will pro- for about 20 minutes of total use.
tect the wearer from many airborne poisons. It will not pro- Metal Detector. This device extends a small probe that
tect the user if the environment has no breathable atmos- scans for metal objects. You have advantage on Wisdom
phere at all. While wearing the mask, you are immune to (Perception) checks when searching for metals. Each at-
gas attacks and inhaled poisons. tempt uses a charge.
Glow-Paint. This is a spray can that, when applied to a Nano-Healer. Beyond just patching holes, these nano-
surface, creates illumination. You can spray up to 10 square bots enter the body via an injection gun and repair it from
feet, which dimly illuminates that area and the area up to within. The bots quickly run out of power after a few
ten feet around it for six hours. minutes. As an action, the target recovers 8d4+8 hit points
Gravity Lens. The lens resembles a 10x13-photo frame and recovers from any disease or poison.
with a handle on one side when unfolded from its compact Pillow. A small fabric pillow stuffed with foam or feath-
package. When attached to a wall, it allows the user to peer ers. It is not useful in hand-to-hand combat.
through it as if looking through a window. It detects secret Perfume/Cologne. Rarely found, exotic perfumes com-
doors, compartments, caches, and so forth as well as snares prise of unique scents not found on the average corner
and pits. You have advantage when attempting to open a market. One finds these tiny bottles in high-class stores
lock, disable a trap, or disarming at explosive. Each attempt that usually sell little else. Each bottle is filled and finished
uses a charge. by an expert hand, often encased in high-quality glass or
Grip Gloves. This allows the user to climb walls with crystal. The raw materials alone for exotic perfumes rise
ease. You have a climb speed equal to half your walking ridiculously high, sometimes involving thousands of differ-
speed. ent flowers picked from the corners of the globe. One such
Handcuffs. These high tensile steel restraints require a rare brand comprises of 10,000 different roses from over
DC 25 Strength ability to break. You can also attempt a DC three countries. A container generally holds 20 uses. When
20 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check to open them. used, you gain a +1 bonus to Charisma (Persuasion) checks
Holographic Generator. This backpack-carried device for 1 hour. However, for the duration, you also suffer disad-
deploys its own legs when activated. The fabric of the pack vantage to Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
conceals most of the gear. Only a reflective sphere on a Portable Jammer. When activated, this device impedes
pintle rises from the top. The device can make a 50-foot all incoming and outgoing wireless communication. This
circle look and sound like some other sort of natural terrain includes cell phones, radio detonators, Wi-Fi, and wireless
and can hide structures, equipment, and creatures within neural implants. It lasts a total of 20 minutes on a charge
the area. Multiple generators can be set up to conceal larg- and radiates 100 feet. Most jurisdictions restrict or ban the
er areas. All sounds within the dome are muffled from the use of this device by civilians.
outside. The effect is not solid, so interacting with the hol- Puppet. A puppet often finds its use entertaining chil-
ogram reveals its illusory nature. This device cannot be dren and the child at heart. Using a puppet for mockery
moved when activated. Each hour of use exhausts a charge. usually fails to deflect retaliation. In a pinch, it can also be
Lie Detector. No paper, needles, or wire; this device is used as a distraction or decoy.
a simple palm-shaped item that is placed gently on the Survival Rations. These are no longer limited to freeze-
subject’s body. You have advantage on Wisdom (Insight) dried meat and crackers but offer a full range of cuisine
checks on the target. Each attempt uses a charge. including chicken and beef fajitas, hamburgers, meatloaf,
Light Bender. Thought once to be the realm of magic, beefsteak, and pastas with various sauces, beef stew, and
the bender moves light around it, effectively making itself jambalaya. Six days of rations for one person weighs one
and its wearer invisible. The device, usually backpack- pound. Each package requires little preparation and can be
stored with a remote bracelet to operate it creates a mag- eaten on the go. Beverages can be ingested right from the
netic field, removing the target from sight, even from pouch. Each ration has a shelf life of five years with a peak
darkvision and infrared. As bending all light would neces- temperature range of 60° C. Each day’s worth of ration sup-
sarily prevent the user from seeing out of it, light of partic- plies, on average, 3000 calories.
ular wavelengths is allowed through the field, creating a Rover Robot. This tiny machine resembles a small,
‘shimmer’ effect when the field moves (to the wearer, the flattened box with two sets of caterpillar tracks. Regardless

105
GEAR GEAR
Item Cost WT. Cell TL Item Cost WT. Cell TL
Combat Accessories Handcuffs 3 — — 1
Bayonet Plug 20 — — 0 Holographic Generator 15,000 30 lb. 10/H 5
Laser Sight 2,000 — M 1 Infrared Goggles 6,000 1 lb. M 3
Scope, Targeting 100 — — 1 Lie Detector 1,500 1 lb. 10/M 3
Scope. ET/M 2,500 — M 3 Light Bender 15,000 5 lb. 10/H 5
Suppressor 75 — — 1 Light Sticks (5) 1 0.25 lb. — 1
Lighter 1 — — 1
Detonators
Metal Detector 500 2 lb. M(30) 3
Friend/foe trigger 10 — 1/B 3
Nano-Healer 250 -- 5/H 5
Impact trigger 1 — -- 1
Pillow 1 — — 0
Magnetic trigger 15 — 1/B 2 Parabolic Microphone 350 4 1 1
Motion trigger 15 — 1/B 2 Perfume/Cologne 100 — — 0
Pressure trigger 20 — — 1 Portable Jammer 2,500 6 lb. M (20) 2
Radio remote 25 — 1/B 2 Puppet 5 — — 0
Timer 1 — -- 1 Rover Robot 100 20 lb. M(30) 3
Trip trigger 5 — -- 1 Shovel 5 1 — 0
Wired remote 15 — 1/B 1 Sleeping Bag 10 1 lb. — 0
Tool Kits Smartphone 100 — — 2
Medical kit 50 2 lb. — 1 Soap 1 — — 0
Engineering kit 100 10 lb. — 0 Spike Strip 500 22 lb. 4 3
Engineering kit 200 10 lb. — 1 Survival Rations (1 week) 2 5 lb. — 1
Engineering kit 400 10 lb. — 2 Suspension Filament 200 0.5 lb. — 3
Engineering kit 800 10 lb. — 3 Tablet Assistant 50 0.1 2 2
Engineering kit 1,600 10 lb. — 4 Towel 1 — — 0
Engineering kit 3,200 10 lb. — 5 Two-Way Radio 20 1 lb. — 1
Ultrasound Goggles 10,000 1 lb. H(20) 5
Drug kit 50 2 lb. — 1
Watch, Automatic 10 — — 1
Utilities
Whistle 1 — — 0
Battery Flare 2 0.5 lb. B 1
Widget Bag 10 5 lb. -- 0
Battery Cell B 2 10x1 lb. — 2 Standard Adventurers Kit 15 20 lb. -- 1
Battery Cell M 10 0.25 lb. — 2 Sunglasses 50 — — 0
Battery Cell H 100 2 lb. — 2 Tent (2-6 person) 10 10 lb. — 0
Big ear 1,000 2 lb. 20/M 3
Binoculars 20 0.5 lb. — 0 of how it lands or tumbles, it still can operate, as its propul-
Briefcase 20 2 lb. — 0 sion system is larger than its body. A camera adjusts auto-
Bolt cutter 50 5 lb. — 1
matically to any change in orientation. It receives instruc-
Caltrops (10) 40 2 lb.. — 0
tions from an operator that cannot be more than 5,000 feet
Camera Ball 500 1 lb. 10/M 3
Camera Ball 2, 500 1 lb. 10/M 5 away and sends back both visual and audio information.
Chemical Light Sticks (5) 1 — — 1 The machine rolls at a speed of 35 feet and can tread
Climbing Boots 50 1 lb. — 0 through rough terrain or even over water. It has an AC 18
Clothing and 20 hit points. It has a Strength score of 3 through a
Business 100 3 lb. — 0 basic manipulator arm and a Dexterity score of 16. If you
Casual 10 2 lb. — 0 have proficiency in an ability check or skill, so does the
Formal 500 3 lb. — 0 robot. It uses one charge per minute, and both the machine
Fatigues 100 3 lb. — 0 and the remote control require batteries.
Compass 1 — — 1 Sleeping Bag. Sleeping bags enclose one (or two snug-
Digital Audio Recorder 10 — 1 1 ly) occupant in a synthetic bag capable of protecting the
Digital Camera 1-500 — 1 1-5 occupant (s) from temperatures as cold as -50 degrees C. It
Duct Tape 1 — — 1
resists wind and combustion (though is still susceptible to
Electro Optical Sensor 5,000 5 lb. M(10) 4
magical fire). It is externally waterproof.
Electric Torch 10 0.5 lb. B 1
Filament Camera 500 0.5 lb. M 2
Soap. When stranded in a combat arena, everyone will
Fire Extinguisher 25 2 lb. — 1 thank the one traveler who brought soap.
Flash Goggles 1,600 0.5 ls. M(5) 2 Standard Adventurers Kit. This kit includes the follow-
Force Shield 7,000 10 lb. H(20) 5 ing: two battery flares, five chemical light sticks, one com-
Gas Mask 500 1 lb. — 0 pass, one sleeping bag, one lighter, one canteen
Glow-Paint 5 — 1 2 (waterskin), and one week of survival rations.
Gravity Lens 5,000 2 lb. M(10) 5 Sunglasses. These are not cheap knockoffs. Depend-
Grip Gloves 3,000 — M 3 ing on lighting conditions, they may negate/impose disad-
vantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks or grant/impose

106
disadvantage on Charisma checks. They also impose disad- everything you see is rendered in shades of green, yellow,
vantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks against you. or blue (your choice). This is an uncommon item.
Suspension Filament. Often used in covert military Widget Bag. You can use widgets to repair, modify, and
applications, suspension filament is a super-strong wire create items, defraying the cost of repairs. You keep pieces
that is virtually invisible to the naked eye. Only light re- handy for on-site repairs. These parts cannot be sold or
flection can detect it when it is being disturbed (DC 2 Wis- traded, and they are useless to others. The parts work with
dom (Perception) check in daytime, DC 25 at night). The any device you attempt to repair. When purchased, the bag
wire supports more than 800 pounds before breaking. It has no widgets. When you scavenge technology, the GM
also can disintegrate when not needed as it requires a slight may award a certain value in additional widgets, or you can
electrical charge to remain intact. When this specific simply buy a certain value of miscellaneous parts. Widgets
charge stops, the wire breaks apart into separate atoms. count against the total treasure awarded. The weight of the
When its taut status is loosened (no weight pulling), it dis- widgets in the bag depends on your level (as you get better
appears, leaving virtually no trace (the wire becomes an at separating useful objects from junk); level 1-6, 1 lb. per
odorless gas). Each unit supplies 500 feet of cable. Only $500; level 7-13, 1 lb. per $1000; level 14-20, 1 lb. per
the length that had force applied will disintegrate, not the $100,000.
whole roll. This function can be deactivated before use and
can also be implemented in a grappling hook.
Synthetic Tent. Tents come in two, four, and six-
person capacities. Most tents utilize flexible poles and are Lifestyle items include travel expenses, entertainment,
available in dome, tunnel, single-hoop, and geodesic styles. and meals beyond the ordinary. It also includes housing for
It takes 5 minutes to set up and take down properly. those characters interested in buying a home rather than
Tablet Assistant. This advanced piece of miniaturized renting.
electronics permits wireless access to the internet as well as
providing dozens (if not thousands) of useful applications
from being a GPS or radio to mimicking bodily functions
and the sounds of laser swords. You gain a +1 bonus to any Cybernetics is the study of control and regulatory systems, both
Intelligence ability or skill check. mechanical and organic. It most frequently refers to the technologi-
Towel. Any good adventurer always knows where their cal augmentation or replacement of body parts. Common to the
towel is. A towel can be used to prevent severe traumatic cyberpunk genre, in most other settings it has largely been re-
bleeding. Otherwise, it is most useful to prevent severe placed with bioengineering as a medical procedure, as it is more
traumatic soaking, or for hiding your head under (on the efficient to replace an organ with an exact copy of that organ than
principle that if you can’t see them, they can’t see you). with something obviously unnatural. However, the idea of bio-
Two-Way Radio. Civilian and military radios use fre- hacking to improve human physical capabilities continues to ap-
quencies explicitly chosen to avoid eavesdropping and in- pear in many speculative fiction settings regardless of the specifics
terference with other machines or day-to-day electronics. of how it works; traditional cyborg augmentation, alien symbionts,
Military models can tune to any frequency. Civilian and golem parts, etc. As such, cybernetics have no defined tech level,
emergency service radios are each restricted to a particular with their aesthetics being based entirely on the setting.
range. It has a clear range of 20 miles. Even basic models Ability Enhancement. Cybernetics allow their bearers to trans-
can withstand some punishment and water pressure. cend normal physical limitations. As such, augmentations that in-
Ultrasound Goggles. These goggles translate sonic vi- crease ability scores also increase the maximum for that ability
brations into visual stimuli. In the absence of ambient score by an equal amount.
sound, they transmit high-frequency pulses and detect the Placement. While any number of modifications can be made to
ricochet off objects. Any loud noise over 120 decibels caus- a given body part (smaller augmentations becoming subsystems of
es the goggles to white out. You gain blindsight—you are larger ones), the more you add to the same location, the less likely
aware of the location of any hidden or invisible creature said modification will be invisible to the untrained eye. A simple
within 10 feet of you. The goggles use one charge per hour modification, depending on the setting, may allow flawless integra-
of use. tion with the organic body, but as more are added, it may be im-
Watch, Automatic. Digital watches have fallen out of possible to avoid attention.
favor in the world of today. Modern watches employ a bal- Visual Expression. In some settings, cybernetics represent an
ance wheel that winds via the motion of the wearer’s arm. expression of self, as much as tattoos. However, in many others, it
This allows the watch to keep perfect time without requir- may be important to keep prosthetics hidden. In a retro-futuristic
ing manual winding or any power source. The compact and setting established in the past, it may be impossible to avoid, with
complicated device is water-resistant, shock-resistant, and visible brass or chrome being staples of those genres. In a biopunk
cannot be over-wound with abuse. They are also complete- setting, cybernetics may not be metallic at all, but an organic mate-
ly silent. rial that blurs the line between machine and human. In settings
Wide Spectrum Goggles. These goggles allow the wear- where cybernetics are uncommon or viewed as an undesirable
er to see in total darkness. You can see in dim light within choice, visible expression of them may impose disadvantage at the
60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if GM’s discretion.
it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, and

107
 LIFESTYLE CYBERNETICS
Lifestyle Cost Cybernetic Price Location
Housing Adrenaline Regulator 1,000 Arms/Legs
Small Condo 10,000 Artificial Mutation 5,500 Arms/Legs
Large Condo 30,000 Biofort 1,000 Torso
Small House 100,000 Boosted Lungs 500 Torso
Medium House 200,000 Boosterware 1,500 Brain
Large House 500,000 Claws 2,500 Hands
Mansion 750,000 Concealable Holster 200 Leg / Arm
Entertainment Cyberlink 200 Brain
Movie Ticket 5 Deployable Shield 500 Arm
Theater Ticker 20 Detachable Limb 200 Arm / Leg
Sporting Event Ticket 50 Digitigrade 5,000 Legs
Meals Empathy Chip 1,000 Brain
Fast food 2 Eyeshine 4,500 Eyes
Family restaurant 10 Fashionwear 200 Any
Upscale restaurant 30 Feign Implant 500 Brain
Fancy restaurant 60 Filtration system 850 Torso
Transportation (Airfare) Flash Caps 850 Eyes
Domestic, Coach 50 Focused Skill Implant 3,500 Various
Domestic, 1st Class 100 Gills 2,000 Torso
International, Coach 400 Implanted Computer 1,000 Brain
International, 1st class 100 Knowledge Chip 500 Brain
Transportation (Vehicle Rental) Language Translator 750 Brain
Economy 60 Lightning Fists 1,000 Arms
Mid-Size or Cargo Trans 100 Linear Frame 25,000 Entire
Luxury 150 Muscle Weave 1,000 Torso
Lodging Nanite Injection 5,000 Torso
Budget motel 70 Nasal Implant 500 Nose
Average hotel 100 Pain Implant 1,000 Brain
Upscale hotel 200 Palm Anchors 500 Hands
Services (Auto Repair) Power Arms 5,000 Arms
1 to 10 hp repaired 100 Power Eyes 500 Eyes
11 to 20 hp repaired 150 Radar Implant 750 Brain
21 to 30 hp repaired 200 Radio Communicator 350 Brain
30+ hp repaired 500 Remote Link 250 Brain
Towing 50 Sensor Amplification 1,000 Head
Bribery Speed Legs 2,500 Legs
Bouncer 20 Thick Hide 1,500 Torso
Bureaucrat 100 VOX Box 1,500 Throat
Informant 150 Weapon Mount 1,000 Arm
Police officer 300
Medical Services (Requiring a long rest) resulting in reduced empathy (disadvantage on certain Wisdom
+10 HP recovered 20 and Charisma checks). This is entirely optional.
+20 HP recovered 50
+40 HP recovered 75
+80 HP recovered 110
A painful procedure, this mesh is interlaced through your muscles
Electromagnetism. It is up to the GM whether or not electro- to significantly improve your physical attributes.
magnetic interference (pincher weapons and EMP) can disrupt Property. You gain a +2 bonus to Dexterity.
cybernetics in the setting. If so, characters should have the option Special. You can purchase this bonus two additional times,
of acquiring electromagnetic shielding from the armor upgrade though each additional weave costs five times as much as the pre-
section. vious one purchased.
Location. When you purchase any location cybernetic, it is
assumed you have effectively replaced that limb with a cyberized
limb. The torso and the brain are generally exceptions. Once again,
this depends on the setting, as many biohacks can occur without You are no longer inconspicuous. This freakish mod is reserved for
limb replacement. those people willing to sacrifice their very humanity for an ad-
Side Effects. Applying cybernetics always involves some form vantage in the task at hand. You have been implanted with mount-
of surgery; in TL0 and TL1 societies, this generally involves ing hardware, allowing for additional limbs. You can have either an
lengthy recovery time, so should not be offered in circumstances extra set of arms or an extra set of legs (or both if you purchase this
when time is at a premium. In some cyberpunk settings, cyborgs add-on twice).
may suffer from cyber-psychosis, the excessive use of cyberization, Property (Arms). An extra set of arms can provide a brace for
weapons and give you advantage with grapple checks.

108
 Property (Legs). An extra set of legs gives you advantage The grapple ends, but you lose the limb as a result. It takes an
against being knocked prone and your speed increases by 5 feet. action to reattach.

The bio fort enhances or replaces major internal organs like your This replacement for both legs allows them to be reconfigured into
liver, stomach, and heart. a springy, multi-jointed form. The extra joint locks in place during
Property. You gain a +2 bonus to Constitution. You are also normal use, so you don’t look weird wearing shorts. These joints
immune to poison. hold massive amounts of conserved kinetic energy.
Special. You can purchase this bonus two additional times, Property. You automatically subtract 50 feet from any fall. You
though each additional biofort costs five times as much as the pre- also double the distance of any jump. Your speed increases by 5
vious one purchased. feet. You also have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks that
rely on moving silently.

Synthetic lungs can store oxygen while also improving the efficien-
cy of natural breathing. These can be used as a replacement or as An empathy chip uses a combination of olfactory and visual inputs
an additional organ. to allow you to communicate easier with those around you. You
Property. You can hold your breath for twenty minutes. know what to say and how to say it.
Property. You gain a +2 bonus to Charisma.
Special. You can purchase this bonus two additional times,
This batch of neural implants relay information from various sen- though each additional empathy chip costs five times as much as
sors to improve response time. the previous one purchased.
Property. You gain a +2 bonus to Initiative and a +2 bonus with
Dexterity saving throws.
The Tapetum Lucidum-2 replicates the nightvision of predatory
animals. This can be unnerving to people who catch the glint from
You can extend razor-sharp blades from your fingers. your eyes.
Property. You can extend or retract your claws with a bonus Property. You have superior vision in dark and dim conditions.
action. If your unarmed melee damage is less than 1d10, it be- You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright
comes 1d10. If it is 1d10 or higher, it increases by 1 step (1d10 > light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color
1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10 > 2d12). in darkness, only shades of gray.

Your leg opens a miniature chamber on which you can conceal a Not one upgrade but a variety, fashionwear encompasses dozens of
single one-handed small arm weighing 2 lb. or less. Removing it aesthetic cybernetics with little no functional value. Each one can
only takes a bonus action. accomplish something unique. Here are some examples: Color/
shape changing tattoo, color-shifting eyes, color-changing skin tint,
color-shifting hair, or length changing hair.

A cyberlink is a typical early brain implant that allows a user to

record memories for perfect playback. It also permits accessing the
internet without a computer. You can appear entirely dead for both observers and under exami-
Property. You have advantage with any checks to recall nation.
memory or lore. Property. As an action, you fall prone and are unconscious. Vital
signs vanish. The pulse is masked. The brain is placed on low-
power mode. All pain receptors are shut off. The brain runs on
minimum power and re-circulates an internal air supply on low
Your forearm opens up to block incoming fire. You must have an consumption to prevent notable breathing. You appear dead. This
arm free to use this feature. effect can last for a full hour until it reactivates to save the brain
Property. As a bonus action, one free arm turns into a shield, from permanent damage. Only a full physical examination by a
granting a +1 bonus to AC. professional can reveal the truth. Once reactivated, you cannot use
this modification again until you finish a long rest.
This implant can also be used to induce a medical coma until
This limb is easily removed or swapped. you have time to be treated. As a reaction to being reduced to 0 hit
Property. You must select which already cybernetic limb can points or making a death save, you can activate the system. You do
be removed, which can only be an arm or a leg. You can detach the not have to make death saves for the duration of the effect – how-
limb as a reaction to a grapple or as a bonus action on your turn. ever, any failed saves still count when you wake up.

109
 Property. Your unarmed melee attacks gain the Pincher prop-
Not one but several implants across the body that replicates the erty, and you can turn any amount of your unarmed damage to
effect of a gas mask without being required to wear one. lightning damage.
Property. You gain resistance to poison as well as advantage to
any saving throws against the poisoned condition.
Nearly your entire body is replaced with a prosthetic, with only 5 to
45 percent of your original organic form remaining. This new body
Replacing your eyes, flash caps can still appear like your eyes, but a can look like anything, though most do not stray too far from a
close inspection reveals their mechanical nature. They suppress binocular/bipedal/upright configuration. The number of configura-
radical changes in lighting, which could cause damage to one's tions is virtually limitless. When you purchase a linear frame, select
eyes. one of the following.
Property. You cannot be blinded or disadvantaged from expo- Alpha. Your Constitution score increases by 4, as does your
sure to light. maximum for that score. All forced movement is halved. You gain
+10 hit points +1 additional hit point per character level in addition
to normal level rewards. When you finish a long rest and ingest
some food and drink, you remove two levels of exhaustion. Your
This broad category covers any cybernetic device design to im- speed is reduced by 5 feet. If an attack knocks you prone without
prove one’s skill. These can include any of the following: Your inflicting another effect, which makes falling unavoidable (like
fingers open up to reveal smaller manipulators that can extend up being incapacitated), you can choose to ignore being knocked
to one foot and accomplish tasks requiring a deft and tiny hand; prone.
you gain aesthetic modifications to appear more attractive; your Beta. Your Strength score increases by 4, as does your maxi-
body is laced with muscle reinforcements to improve stamina; your mum for that score. You are still a Medium-sized creature but can-
visual cortex is enhanced to provide vital information regarding the not fit in any advanced armor. You gain +25 hit points plus 1 hit
world around you. The end result is a pronounced improvement point for every character level. You have advantage with Strength
with one skill. ability checks, and you gain a +2 bonus to melee damage rolls but
Property. Select one skill when you gain this cybernetic; you not melee attacks.
add double your proficiency modifier to checks with that skill. Delta. Your Dexterity score increases by 4, as does your maxi-
mum for that score. You have advantage with Dexterity saving
throws and ability checks. Your base walking speed increases by 5
These are placed either along your neck or along your torso and feet.
allow you to breathe underwater.

A painful procedure, this mesh is interlaced through your muscles

Your memory and skills are digitized within a computer implant. to significantly improve your physical attributes.
Property. You gain a +2 bonus to Intelligence. Property. You gain a +2 bonus to Strength.
Special. You can purchase this bonus two additional times, Special. You can purchase this bonus two additional times,
though each additional weave costs five times as much as the pre- though each additional weave costs five times as much as the pre-
vious one purchased. vious one purchased.

Implanted Knowledge still remains the most popular cybernetic This implant distributed and maintains a small army of molecule-
implant, more than any physical augmentation on the market. sized robots to quickly repair injuries.
Property. You gain any one skill or tool proficiency or gain one Surge. When you finish a long rest, you recover lost hit points
language you can read and write in. equal to your Constitution score.
Regeneration. When you roll a Hit Die to recover hit points,
you recover 1 additional hit point.
This brain implant will translate all languages you hear or read into
one you already know. It has difficulty with slang and idiomatic
expressions or languages without a sizeable lexicon; you cannot A basic implant, a filter is implanted deep in the skull and does not
benefit from bonuses or advantage on Charisma checks related to affect the visual appearance of your face.
non-routine communication. Property. You are immune to inhaled gas effects and any poi-
sons you need to inhale.

This modification places metal caps on the knuckles.

Your body still suffers damage—you are just able to ignore the
effects.

110
 Property. You gain +10 hit points.
Special. You can purchase this bonus two additional times, Lighter materials, stronger muscle fibers, and tendons with power-
though each additional amplification costs five times as much as ful elastic recoil offer incredible speed when needed.
the previous one purchased. With two implants, you have ad- Property. You gain a +10 ft. bonus to speed.
vantage on Constitution saves to maintain concentration. With
three, you have advantage on all Constitution saves.

Your skin is rough to the touch, and you no longer grow hair. Your
skin was not replaced but rather heavily fortified.
Hand-installed gravity pads and magnetic hooks bestow a climb Property. You gain a natural AC of 15 + your Dexterity modifi-
speed of 20 feet. er. If you wear armor, your AC is the higher of the two values.

One or more arms are replaced with cybernetic enhancements The vox box allows you to imitate another subject's voice entirely,
equipped with powerful synthetic muscles. although it doesn’t help mimic their mannerisms. You must have
Property. Unarmed melee damage using your arms increase by heard the other voice clearly to be able to imitate it, and you can
one step (1 > 1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). keep up to three voice patterns in your memory at any one time
Replace two arms to increase unarmed melee damage by two (not including your own).
steps. Property. You can replicate the voice of someone you have
heard perfectly. You have advantage on Charisma (Deception or
Performance) checks to pass yourself off as that person by voice.
Your eyes now come equipped with an inbuilt 500x optical zoom,
which may or may not result in lenses extending from your head.
Property. You do not have disadvantage on attack rolls past You gain a subcutaneous weapon embedded in your body, usually
normal range. in a prosthetic forearm or hand. The weapon extends is visible
when in use. This can either be a firearm or a blade (pick one).
Property (Blade). You can implant any one-handed melee
This implant is more than just giving you eyes on the back of your weapon (within reason). The weapon is concealed in the limb, but
head—it enables you to see what most people cannot. the limb’s purpose is evident if the limb is exposed. Each limb can
Property. Your Passive Perception increases by 5. only contain one weapon.
Property (Firearm). You can implant any one-handed or non-
heavy two-handed small arm under your skin. You cannot be dis-
A brain implant with a cellular transmitter allows you to communi- armed. Reloading a clip takes an action, and you cannot make the
cate with anyone else in signal range. reloading sequence any faster. Extending or retracting the weapon
Property. As a free action, you can communicate with anyone takes no action. Each limb can only contain one weapon. The
with a similar implant or any kind of communication device. weapon is concealed in the limb, but the limb’s purpose is evident
if the limb is exposed.

This brain implant allows you to remotely control a machine you

own, which can include a robot, a car, or a weapon system. Your hands and feet are not permanently webbed—they only un-
Property. You are considered occupying the same space as the furl when you need it.
machine you are controlling. Each link comes with a controller, so Property. You gain a swim speed of 30 feet.
you can only control one item at a time with one link, though you
can possess multiple links. Using the item still requires the same
action as if you were controlling the item manually.
Most adults in a modern and “normal” world can operate
ground vehicles with relative ease. Aircraft are a different
case entirely, requiring specific training to prevent a catas-
A combination of visual and auditory upgrades, sensor amplifica- trophe. The rarity of vehicles and their advancement is
tions boost spatial awareness and improve overall sensory input. dependent on the specifics of the setting.
Property. You gain a +2 bonus to Wisdom.
Special. You can purchase this bonus two additional times,
though each additional amplification costs five times as much as
the previous one purchased. For the most part, vehicles should not be featured in com-
bat, as the logistics of handling two separate scales are too
complex for general purposes. When they are featured,

111
they involve a slight departure from regular movement
rules. If there are no obstructions to crash into, you continue
decelerating at your carryover speed rating each turn until
your movement is 0, you recover with a Maneuver action,
The vehicle’s AC is listed in the vehicle table. Like armor, or until you hit an obstruction or difficult terrain.
some vehicles allow you to add either your Dexterity or If you fail a Dexterity check with a vehicle while crash-
Intelligence bonus to your vehicle’s AC. ing by 10 or more, the vehicle rolls as it crashes. The vehi-
cle takes 2d6 damage at the start of every turn it spends
rolling.
Jump Failure. If you fail by 5 or less, you make the
The vehicle’s controller has disadvantage on attack rolls jump, but enter a crash. If you fail by 5 or more, your vehi-
(unless the vehicle is the weapon) while the vehicle is in cle rolls. If you fail by 10 or more, you drive into the
motion (has a carryover speed) and must make a DC 15 ground or fall short, instantly stopping and suffering dam-
Dexterity check to maintain control if using the Attack age.
action. Passengers have disadvantage as well unless using a Seatbelts. Occupants in vehicles are assumed strapped
turret-mounted weapon. Vehicle movement is considered in when a vehicle crashes (unless they are moving around
the same as personal movement for purposes of penalties inside the vehicle). If a vehicle suffers damage from rolling
and impediments to attacking, especially with firearms. or crashing, occupants strapped in suffer half the damage
inflicted on the vehicle. Those not secured take full dam-
age.
Only one person can control a vehicle, and the vehicle op- Aircraft. An aircraft that fails its control roll loses alti-
erates only on that character's (your) turn. If driving, and tude equal to x2 its speed. Unlike ground vehicles, aircraft
you are required to make a Dexterity check relating to do not decelerate in a slide. Blimps do not lose altitude
something occurring outside of your turn, the effects of when sliding or crashing. They remain suspended in the
that roll take place at the start of your next turn (even if air via a series of "lifting bags" contained inside a larger
you are crashing). Large creatures cannot control vehicles carrier. This can be another balloon or a rigid superstruc-
without substantial modification no matter how big the ture. Each airship of this type lists the number of internal
vehicles are; whether a Large creature even fits in the ve- lifting bags. An attack that inflicts 20 damage or more on
hicle is up to the GM's discretion. Only if a vehicle has an aircraft may puncture a balloon instead of causing dam-
secondary controls (ground vehicle does not—aircraft often age to the craft (attacker's choice). If so, the hit inflicts no
do) can a second character assist the driver via Help or damage on the vessel. Half of an airship's lifting bags must
Working Together. be punctured for an airship to be affected. Once half the
lifting bags are punctured, the airship drops 20 feet at the
start of each turn, dropping an additional 20 feet for every
additional bag punctured. Every bag punctured also impos-
A crash is a catastrophic failure in vehicle control. If you es a cumulative -1 penalty to the vessel's maneuverability.
fail a Dexterity check with a vehicle, the result is a crash. Only by destroying the vessel can it crash violently.
In these terms, a crash is a loss of control, not an incident Escape. If all appears hopeless during a crash, occu-
where damage is inflicted, though this ultimately can hap- pants can try to escape (stunned or not) by making a DC 15
pen. Dexterity (Acrobatics) check for the driver or a DC 10
If you crash, at the start of your turn, you decelerate at check for passengers. Occupants have one chance per turn
your speed rating if you haven't immediately struck an ob- to try to escape. A driver who attempts to escape no longer
struction. If you hit difficult terrain, or you hit an obstacle has any control over the vehicle.
(like a wall or another vehicle), your movement stops. The
vehicle and all occupants inside take damage according to
the vehicle's current speed.
CRASH DAMAGE Reducing a vehicle to zero hit points renders it non-
Speed Damage
Less than 30 No damage functional. A vehicle reduced to a negative value equal to
31-50 1d8 its total hit points bursts into flame, immediately inflicting
51-70 2d8 3d6 fire damage to every creature that moves through or
71-90 3d8 enters its space or within 10 feet of it for five minutes.
91-110 4d8
111-130 5d8
131-150 6d8
151-170 7d8 Getting in and out of a vehicle costs an amount of move-
171-190 8d8 ment equal to half your speed (like mounting or dismount-
191-210 9d8 ing).
211 and up 10d8

112
 Normal-sized vehicles inflict 1d6 damage on a hit for
A vehicle is a mindless machine and thus requires continu- every 40 speed the vehicles have.
ous input. Moving a vehicle occurs on your turn using your Large vehicles inflict 1d10 damage on a hit for every
movement. However, if you want to do anything signifi- 30 speed the vehicles have.
cant with your vehicle, you are required to use an action to Huge vehicles or larger inflict 1d12 damage on a hit for
maneuver, a Maneuver action. every 20 speed the vehicles have.
With a Maneuver action, you can accomplish the fol- If the target was a rigid object (such as a vehicle, or a
lowing. Large or larger creature), the ramming vehicle suffers half
Increase your speed by a maximum of your vehicle’s damage from the ram. If it was a soft object (such as a Me-
speed rating or by a maximum of x2 your speed, the dium or smaller creature), the ramming vehicle suffers
latter requiring a DC 10 Dexterity check with your quarter damage.
vehicle—failing, the craft’s vehicle does not change. If the target is a vehicle moving, the ramming damage
Decrease your speed by a maximum of x2 your vehi- may alter accordingly. Subtract the target’s speed from the
cle’s speed rating or by a maximum of x4 your vehi- attacker’s if the collision occurred from behind or the side
cle’s speed rating, the latter requiring a DC 10 Dexter- or add it if it was from the front.
ity check with your vehicle—failing, the vehicle enters
a crash.
Attempt to gain control of your vehicle if it is out of Vehicles are immune to all conditions. They are also im-
control (in a crash). mune to necrotic, psychic, and poison damage.
Ramming is part of a Maneuver action since you are
making an attack roll, but it is in addition to any other
acceleration, deceleration maneuvers attempted during The speed rating for a vehicle is not its top speed but the
the same action. rate at which you can change its movement (up or down)
without making a Dexterity check with your vehicle.
Here are the rules regarding vehicle movement and
Vehicles are classed as a tool proficiency. For these purpos- acceleration.
es, vehicles are divided into five categories. Your vehicle has a “carryover speed”—the speed at the
light ground (Medium-size vehicles, such as bikes and end of your last turn. Your vehicle has a carryover
ATVs), speed of 0 if the vehicle has stopped or hasn’t moved
heavy ground (Large ground vehicles, such as trucks), before the start of your turn.
super-heavy ground (Huge and larger, such as tanks You cannot move your vehicle with a Dash action (only
and most ETVs), with the movement portion of your turn)—you alter its
aircraft (all manner of flying vehicles), current speed or perform an extreme maneuver with a
watercraft (river- and ocean-going craft). Maneuver action.
If you are proficient with a class of vehicle, you add If you have any carryover speed (even if only 1), that is
your proficiency bonus to all Dexterity checks related to your speed at the beginning of your turn, and you must
the operation of such vehicles. move that distance unless you alter it with a Maneuver
action.
A vehicle can accelerate up to x2 its speed with a DC
10 Dexterity check (with a Maneuver action).
To accomplish a ram, you move a vehicle you are control-
A vehicle can decelerate at up to x2 its speed without a
ling into an adjacent space to your target. Take note of
Dexterity check (with a Maneuver action).
your current speed this turn (especially how much you
have left). Ramming is part of a Maneuver action, and you A vehicle can attempt hard deceleration, decelerating
can perform other vehicle maneuvers normally as part of at up to x4 its speed with a DC 10 Dexterity check
that same action. (with a Maneuver action).
You can ram any creature or object you could target In safe conditions, a vehicle can safely move up to six
with a melee attack. You cannot target individual occu- times its speed rating without a Dexterity check. This
pants of a vehicle (subject to GM discretion). You make a may change depending on conditions
melee attack using your vehicle as the weapon. You may A vehicle’s top speed is x20 its speed rating.
use Dexterity or Intelligence as the attack ability and gain Road and flight conditions can affect a Dexterity
your proficiency bonus with the attack if you are proficient check, as seen below.
with the vehicle. If you pass through an enemy space and Once a vehicle reaches the desired speed, it no longer
do not perform a ram or if you miss, the target automatical- requires a Dexterity check unless conditions change or
ly avoids you, and you continue moving your speed. a maneuver is severe (a sharp turn, an obstacle, or ter-
Damage with a hit depends on how fast the vehicle is rain changes).
traveling (its current total speed at the time of impact) A vehicle automatically fails Dexterity saving
along with how large your vehicle is. throw unless it has a carryover speed.

113
 Huge or smaller vehicles cannot usually enter squares Cargo Capacity. The amount of cargo the vehicle is
labeled as difficult terrain. Depending on the situation, designed to carry in pounds in a cargo module or trunk.
they may get stuck or hit an obstruction. Depending Maneuver. If listed as “Disadvantage,” the driver has
on the topography (marsh or debris, for example), Gar- disadvantage on ability checks to operate the vehicle (so
gantuan or larger vehicles can ignore difficult terrain. best not to push it).
The severity of the terrain may impede even these Speed (Rating). The number of feet the vehicle can
vehicles. Small trees may stop a truck but not a tank. safely accelerate per round.
A vehicle cannot squeeze, crouch, or adjust its space. AC. The vehicle’s AC, to which the driver applies her
Dexterity or Intelligence modifier.
STUNTS Hit Points. The vehicle’s hit points.
Stunt or Condition DC
Speed
Size. The size of the vehicle.
Up to x8 vehicle’s speed 5 Weapon Mounts. Certain vehicles come equipped with
Up to x10 vehicle’s speed 8 mounting hardware to attach weapons. When available, the
Up to x12 vehicle’s speed 12 mount can house any class of weapon listed (the vehicle’s
Up to x14 vehicle’s speed 15 size is not considered when determining the class of wea-
Up to x16 vehicle’s speed 18 ponry, as is the case with exo-armor).
Up to x20 vehicle’s speed 21
Flight conditions
Strong wind +5
Depending on the Tech Level, a vehicle can be run on
Raging storm +8
steam, diesel, petrol, battery, nuclear, or a living organism.
Tornado / Hurricane +12
The details of the setting can also affect this. For most set-
Road conditions
Gravel +5
tings, vehicles are assumed to be run off internal combus-
Rain / Snow +8 tion, giving them a range of about 200 miles per tech level.
Accelerate x2 speed 10 This range is consistent with electric vehicles as well—
Decelerate x4 speed 10 they are just better for the environment. If the latter, a
battery can either be included and rechargeable, an M cell
that requires replacement (H for military vehicles), or both
(the default, meaning the battery only needs replacing if
Creatures inside/on a vehicle receive protection depending drained or broken.
on the situation and the attack.
Cover. Most vehicles grant three-quarters cover to their
occupants. Armored vehicles like tanks often provide full
As with cybernetics and mecha, vehicles are setting-
cover. If an attack targeting a vehicle occupant benefitting
dependent, meaning their inclusion is based on whether
from cover would have hit the target without the cover, the
the GM wishes to include them. Any retro-futuristic set-
attack hits the vehicle instead.
ting that would not usually feature flying cars might if the
Reach. Vehicles do not have reach but creatures inside
setting calls for it. Certain vehicles (like electric) have their
may.
abilities altered based on the tech level set.
Selecting Defense. Creatures inside/on a vehicle target-
ed by an attack from a creature outside the vehicle may
choose to use the vehicle's AC (modified by the driver’s
ability modifier) in place of their own. Certain vehicles
prevent occupants from being targeted by certain attacks
(usually disease, gas, or poison). Creatures attacking a vehi-
cle may choose to target the vehicle itself instead of the All-terrain vehicles are miniaturized motorized buggies.
occupants. They don’t offer the protection their larger cousins have.
ATVs can operate like mounts instead of vehicles for the
purposes of combat. This vehicle automatically passes
Any skill that could be negatively impacted by the motion Dexterity checks at x8 speed.
of a vehicle—such as Wisdom (Medicine) or Intelligence
(Engineer)—has disadvantage.
Armored trucks offer fantastic resistance to external dam-
age without the high costs or the impracticality of an APC
Capacity (Cap). The standard person capacity or crew. or tank. Tires are run-flat, and the wheels are as well pro-
One person is needed to drive the vehicle; other crew- tected as the rest of the truck. The enclosed cabin may
members serve as gunners, co-pilots, or passengers. Each have open gun hole sliders that increase offensive and de-
unused passenger slot allows the vehicle to carry an addi- fensive power while still offering cover to those inside.
tional 200 lb. of cargo.

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 Armament. The armored truck is equipped with a sin- body is formed in such a way that shifting a tumbled vehi-
gle turret heavy weapon mount. cle back to its wheels is a relatively simple procedure.
Immunities. The armored truck is immune to cold, fire, Thick steel roll bars prevent damage to the frame or the
and slashing damage. people inside. They are not designed for urban use.
Resistances. The armored truck has resistance to acid, Resistances. The buggy has resistance to cold.
and thunder, as well as bludgeoning, and piercing from Special. This vehicle automatically passes Dexterity
nonmagical weapons. checks at x8 and x10 speed.

Slow and awkward, armored personnel carriers can track The crawlers are mobile city blocks that act as strongpoints
their history back for over a century. The enclosed cabin for armies, transports for massive cargo, or homes for small
and cargo area provide enough protection through heavy civilizations. This goliath lumbers over the landscape, de-
gauge steel. The vehicle drives on massive tires with a du- livering power equally eight sets of tank treads. This mon-
rable suspension able to withstand a drop from two stories. ster usually heralds its approach with the cracking of trees
Armament. The APC comes equipped with two turret and snapping of bushes as it pushes and heaves through
heavy weapon mounts. forest and grassland.
Dismount. Non-driving personnel can enter and exit Dismount. Non-driving personnel can enter and exit
this vehicle with only 5 feet of movement. this vehicle with only 5 feet of movement.
Immunities. The APC is immune to cold, fire, and Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the vehi-
slashing damage. cle’s shutdown, it comes back online. Once you use this
Resistances. The APC has resistance to acid and thun- feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
der, as well as bludgeoning and piercing from nonmagical Energy. The earth crawler uses up considerable re-
weapons. sources, but it also has a massive fuel tank—so much so
that it requires refueling once a week. This can be re-
placed with a nuclear reactor, which never needs recharg-
(generic sedan, sports car, sport utility vehicle, supercars, ing.
and trucks) Resistances. The earth crawler has resistance to acid,
The average car is the staple of any setting it is found cold, fire, lightning, and thunder damage.
in, relying on the standard power of the age. Its features Sealed. The earth crawler is waterproof. The crew is
are entirely dependent on how long automobiles have been immune to all gas attacks and inhaled poisons until the
available. They can have all-wheel-drive or all-wheel steer- vehicle is destroyed.
ing, can be equipped with a cellular link, cruise control, a Terrain. The earth crawler suffers no penalties for pass-
heads-up-display, and cup holders. ABS, TCS, AVS, A/C, ing through difficult terrain. Terrain the earth crawler pass-
GPS, and DCS are all features dependent on available es over is no longer difficult. It may even be totally sub-
technology. Higher-end machines possess climate control, merged in water, bringing in air from an outside snorkel
an entertainment system, and leather seats. that rises up 10 feet from the hull.
Filtration. Anyone inside gains resistance to poison.
Resistances. Automobiles have resistance to cold, as
well as slashing from nonmagical weapons. Haul trucks are, by default, reserved for particular applica-
tions, mostly within isolated roads and large-scale mining
operations where they act as colossal dump trucks capable
These are durable basic machines with strong chassis and of hauling up to 350 tons. In this application, they are retro-
thick, large, run-flat tires with heavy treads. They don’t fitted to serve a variety of other purposes, including serving
offer any protection to the rider. as a mobile military headquarters or a very powerful con-
Special. Bikes can operate like mounts instead of vehi- struction device. A few have even been retrofitted to
cles for the purposes of combat. This vehicle automatically transport large numbers of people across hostile land-
passes Dexterity checks at x8 and x10 speed. scapes.
Resistances. Bikes have resistance to cold. Dismount. Non-driving personnel can enter and exit
Resistance (Enduro). Enduro bikes have resistance to this vehicle with only 5 feet of movement.
fire. Dump Truck. If used as a pure cargo device without
ration for crew, the haul truck can transport 350 tons of
cargo.
Sealed. The haul truck is waterproof. The crew is im-
This refers to semi-enclosed vehicles with a wide footprint mune to all gas attacks and inhaled poisons until the vehi-
upon the ground (with the tires spaced far to the corners). cle is destroyed.
They are much larger than a standard car. The buggy en-
closes the crew in a steel and plastic frame that offers pro-
tection from a crash but does not seal an environment. The

115
 Terrain. The haul truck suffers no penalties for passing Dismount. Non-driving personnel can enter and exit
through difficult terrain. Terrain the haul truck passes over this vehicle with only 5 feet of movement.
is no longer difficult. Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the vehi-
cle’s shutdown, it comes back online. Once you use this
feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
The hot tank barely passes classification as a tank—it more Energy. The mobile base uses up considerable re-
resembles a recreation vehicle rolling on continuous tracks. sources, but it also has a massive fuel tank—so much so
It is less armored than a normal tank but considerably fast- that it requires refueling once a week. This can be re-
er. Often, these vehicles are the result of bashing two dis- placed with a nuclear reactor, which never needs recharg-
similar vehicles together, usually a bus or a truck with trac- ing.
tor or bulldozer. Resistances. The mobile base has resistance to acid,
Resistances. The hot tank has resistance to acid, cold, cold, fire, lightning, and thunder damage.
fire, lightning, and thunder damage. Sealed. The mobile base is waterproof. The crew is
Pressurized. The crew is immune to all gas attacks and immune to all gas attacks and inhaled poisons until the
inhaled poisons until the vehicle is destroyed. vehicle is destroyed.
Terrain. The hot tank suffers no penalties for passing Expansion. It takes eight hours to deploy or collapse
through difficult terrain. Terrain a hot tank passes over is the mobile base completely. When collapsed, it only holds
no longer difficult. 10 people and 500 lb. of cargo. When it expands, it can ac-
commodate 50 people and hold 50,000 lb. of cargo. It can-
not move while deployed. While deployed, the mobile
base offers various rooms, potentially laboratories, jail cells,
In some settings, hover vehicles have entirely supplanted and anything else required.
traditional wheeled transport. These are rarely actual hov-
ercraft, which use fanjets and air bubbles to remain aloft;
many employ magnetics repelling off metallic roads or an-
tigravity. These are not actual flying cars, as those are clas- With the advancement of robotics and artificial muscles, an
sified as aircraft. They can lift up to six feet off the ground, attempt was made to incorporate this technology into mod-
and in situations where roads are suspended can drive un- ern weaponry. The first-generation legged tank didn't see
derneath a road as well as atop it. If a road turns vertical, a much use out of the testbed. The second variety was too
hover vehicle can follow that curvature. large and cumbersome. Every prototype that emerged for
Filtration. Anyone inside gains resistance poison. ten years never went into production because the ad-
Resistances. Hover vehicles have resistance to cold, as vantages of the multi-ped system were offset by the inher-
well as slashing from nonmagical weapons. ent vulnerability of leg joints to enemy fire.
Hover Avoidance. Hover vehicles can ignore difficult Multi-ped tanks are substantially lighter than their
terrain but not obstructing terrain like walls and trees. It heavy treaded cousins. They are much faster, often
cannot go over terrain higher than six feet. equipped with a backup wheel system for more maneuver-
ability. They can traverse over any terrain, though they
find the most use in urban deployments. Specialized
equipment includes composite armor, environment con-
Larger than a van, smaller than a house, these epic mobile trol, fire extinguishers, IR smoke dispensers, a military
domiciles were initially built out of busses and later built radio, laser and visual rangefinders, military radar, satellite
from the ground up to serve smaller groups of people. uplink, thermography and image enhancement.
These vehicles are not small recreational vehicles or camp- Arms. The arms have a Strength of 26. Melee hits cause
ers, but massive class A motorhomes with two levels and 2d6 damage. The arms are cumbersome and have disad-
the capability of expanding twice or thrice its width when vantage to melee attack rolls. They have a 10-foot reach.
stationary. Immunities. The heavy multi-ped is immune to cold,
Resistances. The land yacht has resistance to cold and fire, as well as slashing, bludgeoning, and piercing damage
fire damage. from nonmagical weapons.
Sub-Vehicle. The land yacht comes equipped with a Manipulators. The multi-ped has two micro-
sedan that remains hidden within the yacht until opened manipulator arms. They have Strength 15 and reach.
and released. Motive System. All multi-peds have dual movement
systems they can switch between with a bonus action. The
wheels operate as normal movement. Legs can ignore all
A step down from the Earth Crawler, mobile bases are not movement penalties for difficult terrain and can pass
truthfully designed to be mobile. They are clumsy, slow, through squares occupied by medium or smaller obstacles
and loud. They are meant to be moved to a location, or enemies. The speed rating is the value for regular leg-
parked, and hopefully never moved again. It takes hours based movement, as well as the speed rating for vehicles
for it to pack up and move and hours again to expand at its (acceleration).
location.

116
 Pressurized. The crew is immune to all gas attacks and covered and open, all-terrain, and city-use. They are all
inhaled poisons until the vehicle is destroyed. battery powered with a range of 150 kilometers before re-
Resistances. The multi-ped has resistance to acid and quiring a recharge.
thunder. Special. The personal transport operates like mounts
Sensors. The heavy multi-ped has darkvision to 500 for the purposes of combat.
feet and see invisible targets within 100 feet.
Turret. Two two-handed small arm turrets and one
heavy weapon turret OR two heavy weapon turrets OR one There is nothing larger moving across a planet. It is the
super heavy weapon turret. capital ship of an entire civilization. The planetmover fea-
tures a full-length flight deck as well as facilities for poten-
tially thousands of people. At 550 meters and gross tonnage
Since the development of the main multi-ped tanks being of 400,000, these are the largest moving man-made objects
used in various battle theatres across the world, several one will find on the planet. Powered by several nuclear
groups began the natural trend of making the designs reactors and rolling treads larger than buildings, the
smaller and more maneuverable. This was in response to planetmover marks the pinnacle of civilization. It is also
demands for a miniature assault vehicle as a solution to the slow, expensive to maintain, and requires a turning circle
tight environments of modern-day congested cities. Unlike of over 3 kilometers.
the main production multi-peds often seen on news pro- Dismount. Non-driving personnel can enter and exit
grams, the LMPV was built for, as is used primarily by ci- this vehicle with only 5 feet of movement.
vilian security and law enforcement groups. Although pow- Electromagnetic Shielding. A planetmover is immune
ered armor and slave systems, as well as androids, have to shutdown from electromagnetic damage.
evolved to render most multi-peds absolute, a few LMPVs Energy. The planetmover does not require refueling.
can still be found in circulation around the globe, frequent- Immunities. The planetmover is immune to all dam-
ly flanked by their successors. age.
Arms. Main arms have a Strength of 20. Melee hits Sealed. The planetmover is waterproof. The crew is
cause 1d8 damage. The arms count as unarmed combat, immune to all gas attacks and inhaled poisons until the
but the limbs are cumbersome and suffer disadvantage to vehicle is destroyed.
all attack rolls. Terrain. The planetmover suffers no penalties for pass-
Grapples. One grappling hook with 500 feet of nan- ing through difficult terrain. Terrain the planetmover pass-
owire. This can easily support the weight of one LMPV es over is no longer difficult.
and up to two passengers. Cargo. A planetmover can hold dozens of ground vehi-
Immunities. The light multi-ped is immune to cold, cles, aircraft, and thousands of troops.
fire, as well as slashing and bludgeoning damage.
Motive System. All multi-peds have dual movement
systems they can switch with a bonus action. The wheels What started as a heavy transport was later expanded by
operate as normal movement. Legs can ignore all move- adding numerous additional trailers. Eventually, the stand-
ment penalties for difficult terrain and can pass through ard semi-truck towing vehicle was replaced by a much
squares occupied by medium or smaller obstacles or ene- large locomotive that no longer required a rail network to
mies. The speed rating is the value for regular leg-based traverse. This entry details the powerful forward vehicle,
movement, as well as the speed rating for vehicles mostly occupied by an engine with little ration leftover for
(acceleration). amenities. Thankfully, a sprung train can tow as many as a
Pressurized. The crew is immune to all gas attacks and dozen trailers, swapping luxury modules with cargo mod-
inhaled poisons until the vehicle is destroyed ules depending on demand. The colossal engine can be
Resistances. The multi-ped has resistance to acid and powered by anything from steam to nuclear. Removing the
thunder, as well as piercing from nonmagical weapons. requirement for rails resulted in the necessity of massive
Sensors. The light multi-ped has darkvision to 250 feet wheels, forcing most sprung trains from main roads.
and see invisible targets within 50 feet. Energy. The sprung train uses up considerable re-
Turrets. Two two-handed small arm turrets OR one sources, but it also has a massive fuel tank—so much so
heavy weapon turret. that it requires refueling once a week. This can be re-
placed with a nuclear reactor, which never needs recharg-
ing.
A kind of advanced motorized scooter, these vehicles start- Resistances. The sprung train has resistance to acid,
ed as a curiosity used only by early adopters and icono- cold, fire, lightning, and thunder damage.
clasts. Eventually, larger companies jumped into the mar- Trailer. The cargo and capacity listings detail only the
ket with competing designs, presenting a cheaper, more locomotive. A sprung train can tow as many as a dozen
efficient transportation alternative for dense population trailers, each costing $5,000. A crew module can transport
centers. Variations include stand-up and sit-down models, 200 people comfortably. A luxury module can transport 50

117
 GROUND VEHICLES
Name Cap. Cargo Maneuver Speed Armor Class (AC) HP Size Cost TL
4-wheel ATV 2 100 — 30 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 20 M 500 1
APC 8 1,000 Disadvantage 30 ft. 15+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 100 H 28,000 1
Armored Truck 7 3,000 Disadvantage 30 ft. 14+ Dex/Int mod (max 2) 70 L 13,000 1
Automobile, Wheeled
Car, Hyper 2 50 — 100 ft. 14+ Dex/Int mod. 40 L 300,000 1
Car, Luxury Sedan 4 500 — 50 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 40 L 25,000 1
Car, Sedan 5 500 — 40 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 40 L 10,000 1
Car, Sporty 4 200 — 50 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 35 L 25,000 1
Car, Sports Sedan 4 500 — 60 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 35 L 40,000 1
Car, Sports 2 200 — 70 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 35 L 60,000 1
Car, Super 2 100 — 90 ft. 14+ Dex/Int mod. 40 L 100,000 1
Semi-Trailer Truck 4 1,000 — 30 ft. 15 100 H 50,000 1
Sport Utility Vehicle 6 500 Disadvantage 30 ft. 15+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 50 L 20,000 1
Sport Utility Vehicle, Luxury 6 500 Disadvantage 40 ft. 15+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 50 L 35,000 1
Truck 4 3,500 — 30 ft. 15+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 50 L 8,000 1
Van 8 200 Disadvantage 30 ft. 15+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 55 L 10,000 1
Bike, Wheeled
Chopper 2 10 — 40 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 25 M 15,000 1
Cruiser 1 20 — 50 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 23 M 10,000 1
Dirt / Motorcross 1 0 — 40 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 20 M 2,000 1
Enduro 2 50 — 50 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 27 M 5,000 1
Scooter 1 5 — 20 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 10 M 1,000 1
Superbike 1 10 — 100 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 25 M 50,000 1
Touring / Dual Sports 2 30 — 60 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 20 M 2,500 1
Trike 2 50 — 40 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 30 M 9,000 1
Buggy, Wheeled 2 50 — 40 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 30 L 1,500 1
Earth Crawler 50 30,000 — 20 ft. 19 400 Titanic 105 3
Haul Truck 10 20,000 — 20 ft. 19 300 Colossal 500,000 3
Hot Tank 4 500 — 30 ft. 17+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 75 H 50,000 3
Hover Vehicles
Hovercar 4 50 — 70 ft. 14+ Dex/Int mod. 50 L 70,000 4
Hoverbike 2 10 — 100 ft. 14+ Dex/Int mod. 30 M 60,000 4
Hovertruck 6 200 — 50 ft. 16+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 60 L 40,000 4
Land Yacht / Bus 20 2000 — 30 ft. 15+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 100 G 400,000 3
Mobile Base 10 500 — 20 ft. 19 250 G 500,000 4
Multi-Ped Vehicle, Light 2 100 Disadvantage 30 ft. 15+ Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 70 L 75,000 3
Multi-Ped Vehicle, Heavy 4 500 Disadvantage 20 ft. 17 100 H 125,000 3
Personal Transporter 1 20 Disadvantage 20 ft. 13+ Dex/Int mod. 5 M 500 1
Planetmover 1,000 107 — 10 ft. 15 1,000 City N/A 3
Sprung Train 50 10,000 — 20 ft. 16 150 G 200,000 2
Tank 4 500 Disadvantage 20 ft. 18 125 H 25,000 1
people. A cargo module can transport 15,000 pounds, in- Terrain. Tanks suffer no penalties for passing through
cluding other vehicles. difficult terrain. Terrain a tank passes over is no longer
difficult. Tanks may even be submerged in water, bringing
in air from an outside snorkel that rises up 10 feet from the
The quintessential armored vehicle: almost completely hull.
enclosed, with a turret or turrets for controlling weapons
from within, presenting minimal risk to the crew with max-
imal damage potential. While early models were little bet-
ter than mobile coffins due to the designers’ ideas being a
little too advanced for the available technology, modern This military aircraft uses fanjets to keep itself airborne
development has at least managed to maintain a steady and is unable to stay aloft otherwise, as it is not equipped
equilibrium with competing anti-tank weaponry. with an aeroform. The fanjets have built-in redundancy,
Armament. The tank has three turret mounts for heavy which can compensate if the craft loses one of its engines.
weapons. It operates as both a transport and as an attack vehicle ca-
Immunities. The tank is immune to cold, fire, as well as pable of parking over a location and securing ground like a
slashing, bludgeoning, and piercing damage. tank. It doesn't deliver the massive punch of a focus attack
Pressurized. The crew is immune to all gas attacks and helicopter, but it can nearly equal one in an even engage-
inhaled poisons until the vehicle is destroyed. ment. Its size and payload have dubbed it a "flying for-
Resistances. The tank has resistance to acid and thun- tress." The rear cargo area can hold up to six fully armed
der. soldiers

118
AIRCRAFT
Name Cap. Cargo Maneuver Speed Armor Class (AC) HP Size Cost TL
Advanced Aerial Vehicle 6 1,500 — 60 ft. 13 + Dex/Int mod. 100 H 100,000 4
Attack Helicopter 2 500 — 60 ft. 15 + Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 90 H 80,000 2
Blimp 5 300 Disadvantage 10 ft. 16 50 G 25,000 2
Buzzboy 1 5 — 60 ft. 13 + Dex/Int mod. 30 M 25,000 2
Flying Supercar 2 50 — 60 ft. 14 + Dex/Int mod. 40 H 3,5000 5
Flying Car 4 200 — 40 ft. 13 + Dex/Int mod. 30 H 25,000 4
Helicopter 4 500 Disadvantage 50 ft. 14 + Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 40 H 25,000 2
Helicopter 4 500 — 60 ft. 13 + Dex/Int mod. 40 H 70,000 3
Leviathan 80 20,000 Disadvantage 40 ft. 18 200 G 200,000 4
Rocket Yacht 8 800 — 100 ft. 15 + Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 50 H 100,000 5
Swoosh Bike 2 100 — 80 ft. 13 + Dex/Int mod. 20 M 20,000 5
Tilt-Fan 6 2,000 — 50 ft. 15 + Dex/Int mod. (max 2) 100 H 100,000 3
Tilt-Rotor 10 3,000 Disadvantage 60 ft. 16 100 G 100,000 2
Tilt-Jet 10 5,500 Disadvantage 70 ft. 16 100 H 125,000 3
ECM. If the AAV is hit with a ranged attack, as a reac-
tion, the attacker must reroll the attack. Blimps are hot-air ships with a non-rigid structure. Without
Nightvision. The AAV’s crew can see in dim light within pressure, they deflate. After cold air is pumped in and then
60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if heated, the baffles fill up, and the final shape takes form.
it were dim light. This vision can’t discern color in dark- Only the passenger car or gondola has a rigid construction.
ness, only shades of gray. The difference between blimps and simple hot-air balloons
Pressurized. The AAV and its crew are immune to gas is the addition of tail fins and propulsion.
attacks and inhaled poisons. Pressurized. The blimp and its crew are immune to gas
Resistances. The AAV has resistance to acid, cold, and attacks and inhaled poisons.
fire, as well as slashing, bludgeoning, and piercing from Lifting Bags. This aircraft is equipped with four lifting
nonmagical weapons. bags.
Sensors. The AAV has darkvision to 500 feet. Resistances. The blimp has resistance to acid, cold, and
Turrets. Two two-handed small arm turrets and one fire, and thunder, as well as bludgeoning from nonmagical
heavy weapon turret OR two heavy weapon turrets. weapons.

Modern attack helicopters dominate the modern urban The buzzboy is a nickname assigned to a variety of one-
battlefield. They have unmatched nightvision and threat man aerial transports. They are used in law enforcement,
analysis, equipped with a laser range finder, thermal imag- traffic control, and military divisions assigned to urban war-
ing night sights, and digital computers. Both the fuel and fare. They are occasionally fitted with weapons but are
ammunition are compartmented to enhance survivability. mostly used for reconnaissance. They can also be con-
Active Camouflage Denial System. Spend 40 feet of trolled by artificial or synthetic intelligence or by remote
movement and target an area 40 feet in diameter up to 200 via cyberlink. They have no room for passengers. The craft
feet away. Until the start of your next turn, all enemy crea- wraps around its user.
tures in the area of effect cannot benefit from cover. This Nightvision. The buzzboy’s pilot can see in dim light
includes using cover to make stealth checks. within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in dark-
ECM. If the attack helicopter is hit with a ranged at- ness as if it were dim light. This vision can’t discern color
tack, as a reaction, the attacker must reroll the attack. in darkness, only shades of gray.
Nightvision. The helicopter’s crew can see in dim light Pressurized. The buzzboy and its pilot are immune to
within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in dark- gas attacks and inhaled poisons.
ness as if it were dim light. This vision can’t discern color Resistances. The buzzboy has resistance to acid, cold,
in darkness, only shades of gray. and fire, as well as slashing and bludgeoning from nonmag-
Pressurized. The helicopter and its crew are immune to ical weapons.
gas attacks and inhaled poisons. Sensors. The buzzboy has darkvision to 250 feet.
Resistances. The attack helicopter has resistance to Turret. One two-handed small arm turret.
acid, cold, and fire, as well as slashing and bludgeoning
from nonmagical weapons.
Sensors. The attack helicopter has darkvision to 500
feet and see invisible targets within 50 feet. Everyone wants a flying car. They were promised a flying
Turret. Two heavy weapon turrets or three two-handed car. It's the mark of a futuristic world, the sure sign of pro-
small arm turrets. One weapon turret can be controlled by gress. Despite wireless internet and miniature portable
the pilot without having to make a control roll. computers, the public will not be satisfied until they have
their flying car. Thankfully, when it finally arrived, it came
with an auto-drive to prevent those same people from kill-

119
ing themselves the first day they took their flying car for a ments. In space, it glides, but its range is severely limited.
spin. Commercial vehicles are usually restricted to defined Often, the rocket yacht achieves low-Earth orbit to make
flight paths, like an aerial highway system; overriding the quick hops across the planet.
flight computer to deviate from the ‘road’ requires an ac- Immunities. The rocket yacht is immune to cold and
tion (and may invalidate your insurance). Emergency and fire.
military vehicles do not have this restriction. Pressurized. The yacht and its crew is immune to all
Nightvision. The car’s driver can see in dim light with- gas attacks and inhaled poisons.
in 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness Movement Mode. The rocket yacht is not required to
as if it were dim light. This vision can’t discern color in make vehicle control checks for speed as long as it is trav-
darkness, only shades of gray. eling in a straight line.
Pressurized. The car and its crew are immune to gas Resistances. The rocket yacht has resistance to acid and
attacks and inhaled poisons. thunder, as well as slashing, bludgeoning, and piercing
Resistances. The flying car has resistance to acid, cold, from nonmagical weapons.
and fire.
Limitation. The flying car cannot fly above 1000 feet.
A swoosh is a vehicle designed by a madman—a collection
of jets and miniature control surfaces barely able to keep
Standard helicopters are a common sight. They are agile the whole thing stable in the air. As such, only insane dare-
despite their size, come equipped with a jet-stabilization devils would hope to master it, and few have. Those ex-
system, and can ferry several armed personnel into a con- ceptions claim a thrill like no other. Everyone else is scared
flict. This entry is not for a heavy transport or for a nimble for his or her life.
2-person craft, but for the mid-size multi-purpose aircraft. Resistances. The swoosh has resistance to cold and fire,
They are still significantly more maneuverable than their and is immune to inhaled poisons and gas attacks.
predecessors, able to navigate the forest of city towers with Special. A swoosh operates like a mount instead of a
no chance of clipping a rotor. vehicle for the purposes of combat.
Pressurized. The helicopter and its crew are immune to Limitation. The swoosh cannot fly above 1000 feet.
gas attacks and inhaled poisons.
Resistances. The helicopter has resistance to acid, cold,
and fire.

This is a blanket term for several variations of tilt-wing

aircraft. They are mostly reserved for company presidents
A colossal flying fortress, the leviathan stays aloft via a doz- and military applications. The engines rotate for quick take
en ducted fans or jets. This mobile strongpoint supports -offs and offer up to a 200% increased horizontal accelera-
numerous weapon turrets and dozens of personnel. There tion over regular helicopters. The tilt-fan utilizes ducted-
are few leviathans in the world, and they rarely appear over fan engines, and the overall design is smaller, with fewer
densely populated areas. Thanks to its size, the leviathan is control surfaces and larger engines compared to vehicle
slow, but it is not an easy target, able to lose half of its en- size. The larger tilt-rotor and tilt-jets are similar in size and
gines and remain aloft. operate nearly identically.
Armament. A leviathan has six turret mounts for heavy Movement Mode. A tilt transport in hover-mode cannot
weapons. move faster than x8 its speed. If it attempts to move faster,
Immunities. The leviathan is immune to cold, fire, as it enters overland mode, and the tilt transport counts x14
well as slashing and bludgeoning damage. it’s speed as x8.
Nightvision. The leviathan’s crew can see in dim light Nightvision. The tilt fan’s crew can see in dim light
within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in dark- within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in dark-
ness as if it were dim light. This vision can’t discern color ness as if it were dim light. This vision can’t discern color
in darkness, only shades of gray. in darkness, only shades of gray.
Pressurized. The leviathan and its crew are immune to Pressurized. The tilt-fan and its crew are immune to
gas attacks and inhaled poisons. gas attacks and inhaled poisons.
Resistances. The leviathan has resistance to acid and Resistances. Tilt transports have resistance to acid,
thunder, as well as piercing from nonmagical weapons. cold, fire, and thunder, as well as slashing and bludgeoning
Sensors. The leviathan has darkvision to 1,000 feet. from nonmagical weapons.

It’s not so much a rocket vehicle as it is a spacecraft capa-

ble of escape velocity. It doesn’t run on liquid propulsion Only one modification one any type can be applied, alt-
and can make such trips repeatedly. It does not resemble a hough you can apply different grades of the same type. For
ground vehicle and functions clumsily in urban environ- example, you can apply interlaced armor plating grade I

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and II and have the values compound, but you cannot ap-
ply two grade I interlaced armor plating. If a modification is EFP involves removing the vehicle's engine control system
already on a vehicle, you can skip that level and gain the that limits the vehicle's power output by dictating throttle
second. There is no limit to the number of modifications response injection timing. The unit is then replaced or re-
you can place in a vehicle. programmed for higher and more efficient output, granting
VEHICLE MODIFICATION a +5-foot bonus to speed rating.
Modification Cost TL Cell
Auto-Reloader 500 2 M
Complete Composite Retrofit 8,500 — —
Electronics Flash Reprogramming 900 2 — This involves installing a larger supercharger or turbo-
EPCM Level 1 500 1 — charger. Later levels include larger wastages and anti-
EPCM Level 2 12,500 2 — surge/blow-off valve. Eventually, secondary forced induc-
EPCM Level 3 25,000 3 — tion systems may be included as well as larger intercoolers.
Forced Induction I 5,000 2 — Grade I Property. Increase speed rating by +5
Forced Induction II 10,000 2 —
Forced Induction III 15,000 2 —
Grade II Property. Increase speed rating by +5
Interlaced Armor Plating I 5,000 — — Grade III Property. Increase speed rating by +5
Interlaced Armor Plating II 10,000 — —
Interlaced Armor Plating III 20,000 — —
Nawz!¹ 420 1 —
Parachute² 500 — —
Your customized vehicle has a slight modification you
Premiere Performance Suspension¹ 2,000 — — haven’t told anyone else about. As a bonus action, the
Reinforced Chassis I 900 — — speed of your vehicle increases by +10 feet for 1 minute.
Reinforced Chassis II 2,500 — — Once you use this ability, you cannot use it again until you
Reinforced Chassis III 6,500 — — finish a long rest.
Reinforced Chassis IV 32,500 1 —
Visual Active Camouflage 32,500 5 H
Weapon mount (2-handed small-arm) 500 1 —
Weapon Turret (heavy weapon) 2,500 1 — Parachutes attach to the main cabin or cockpit of an aircraft
Weapon Turret (super heavy weapon) 6,500 1 — and deploy in case of freefall. A mechanical barometric
VIN Registration Charge¹ 500 — — switch triggers parachutes to prevent a terminal crash. The
¹Ground vehicle only vehicle must be at least 200 feet above the ground for the
²Aircraft only
parachute to operate safely.

You have a mechanism to reload your weapons. You can By strengthening the chassis with strut and sway bars, add-
reload three magazines/cells without requiring an action ing run-flat tires, and replacing key components with hard-
before needing external loading. er and lighter materials like carbon fiber, the vehicle can
endure more punishment.
Level I. Vehicle gains +20 hit points.
Ultra-high molecular-density polyethylene plates are bolt- Level II. Vehicle gains +50 hit points. Vehicle must
ed to the outer panels of the vehicle, removing any illusion have at least 60 hit points for this modification.
of the transport's purpose. When you purchase this up- Level III. Vehicle gains +80 hit points. Vehicle must
grade, select a damage type from the following list—acid, have at least 90 hit points for this modification.
cold, fire, lightning, or thunder. You have resistance to that Level IV. Vehicle gains +110 hit points. Vehicle must
damage type. have at least 120 hit points for this modification.

This is an active cloaking system that can conceal a vehicle

when not engaged in combat.
This is not one modification but several accomplishing As an action, you become invisible for up to five
similar ends. Reactive plating, adaptive camouflage, and minutes. If you are hit by a melee or ranged attack, you
regenerative countermeasures assist in making even an enter a square filled with water, you are hit with debris, or
immobile vehicle harder to target with both close and you fire any weapons, there is a 50% chance you become
ranged attacks. visible, and the effect ends. Once you use this ability, you
Level I. +1 bonus to the vehicle's AC. cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
Level II. +2 bonus to the vehicle's AC.
Level III. +3 bonus to the vehicle's AC.
A vehicle must have a listed hit point total equal to or

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greater than 30 to mount a two-handed weapon turret,
equal to or greater than 60 to mount a heavy weapon
(unless stated otherwise), and equal to or greater than 100
to mount a super heavy weapon (unless otherwise indicat-
ed). Most vehicles can have only one weapon mount.
Weapons use their original size when determining what
can be fitted to a mount, even if they nominally count as a
smaller weapon for a larger user.

Though it does increase weight, this modification attempts

to maintain the overall appearance of the vehicle without
any visible evidence of the increased protection. Normal
windows are replaced with bulletproof glass. Aramid plates
are inserted behind the body panels. Later upgrades in-
volve upgrading the reinforced glass with even tougher
ballistics glass, though windows no longer roll down, and a
cursory examination reveals the heavy defense. Grade 1
provides optimal defense against most one-handed small
arms. Grade 2 increases small arm defense to include heavy
caliber pistols. Grade 3 includes protection against most
two-handed small arms.
Grade I Property. Gain resistance to slashing from non-
magical weapons.
Grade II Property. Gain resistance to bludgeoning from
nonmagical weapons. The vehicle’s speed is reduced by 5
feet.
Grade III Property. Gain resistance to piercing from
nonmagical weapons. The vehicle’s speed is reduced by 5
feet.

This expensive modification involves installing an intelli-

gent active suspension system, which includes computer-
enhanced systems like TCS (Traction Control System),
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), and ESC (Electronically Sta-
bility Control).
Property. Gain a +2 bonus to ability checks with this
vehicle.

This alters the vehicle’s identification number, making the

Automatrix (if your game has one) think your vehicle is
different than it is. By modifying your VIN, you remove
the AM's capacity to track you, although all VINs are regis-
tered. Unless it is told the new VIN is registered to you, it
won't know you are the owner of the vehicle, and people
attempting to track your location via your VIN must be
aware of the new number. In some jurisdictions, failure to
maintain proper vehicle registration is illegal (GM’s discre-
tion).

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M
echa are giant robots, usually piloted, nor- replaces the character’s level. The mecha’s level is used
mally humanoid but not necessarily, some- when establishing encounter difficulty while actual XP
times capable of transforming into other rewards are determined by the lower of the mecha’s level
types of vehicles, and generally operating on or the character’s level (a character’s abilities and feats are
Rule of Cool rather than anything approaching realism. largely meaningless in mecha combat, and so are not fac-
They can range in size from barely larger than their opera- tored into the difficulty of the encounter). This encour-
tors to towering over skyscrapers. Sometimes they com- ages characters to modify and improve their mecha as they
bine into even bigger robots and take on massive alien advance in power themselves, so that encounters continue
starfleets. Other times they are semi-sentient automatons to be meaningful and rewarding at higher levels.
that assist street-level investigations. Frequently they
have their own personalities, or at least are ascribed such Editorial. In previous iterations of Ultra-
whether they are sapient or not. The following rules are modern5, as well as in DEM’s other publication,
designed to accommodate a wide variety of mecha, accord- Amethyst, mecha were a luxury afforded to only
ing to the needs of a given setting. high-level characters. However, with this chapter,
we are presenting them as options for everyone.
Editorial. I have often admitted inspiration from Alas, given that giant robots fight other giants and
RPGs played from the past. I’ve been into role- the predilection of 5E monsters larger than hu-
playing games since the mid-1980s, but despite mans to be high level, this means that a low-level
opening with traditional 1e “red box” and a brief character in control of a mecha should and could
stint with advanced versions, I became entranced by be able to take on opponents with a challenge
the systems developed in the early 1990s by compa- rating far in excess of their normal level.
nies digressing from these tropes. The lifepath sys-
tem was one such system that inspired me, and this
mecha system follows the same pattern. Despite
attempts to diverge from its roots, I still found the Mecha are phenomenally expensive; a mecha’s cost in
end result coincidentally following similar ideas. game funds is approximately equal to its level x 100,000,
Just because it's old doesn’t mean you throw it meaning a 20th level mecha will cost $2,000,000, although
away. in real terms they would probably run in the billions. Giv-
en that they are supposed to be available even to 1 st-level
characters, this would be prohibitive if characters were
expected to spend their own funds on them. Traditional-
A GM establishes the tech level of her setting, as de- ly, this is not the case. Characters in a military group may
scribed in chapter 1. However, mecha do not occupy a be assigned mecha; adventurers may happen across them
place in the traditional structure. To put it bluntly, if a in long-lost storage facilities; scroungers may cobble them
civilization possessed the technology to build a giant robot together from pieces strewn across battlefields; heirs of
that was actually useful in its application, it wouldn’t need noble families might inherit a mecha passed down through
to, as other technology would certainly advance to the generations like an escutcheon; high school students may
point as to make cheaper alternatives more effective. A stumble across alien machines in the bottom of mysterious
‘realistic’ mecha would be totally impractical. Therefore, meteorite craters where the gym equipment shed used to
no attempt is made to make them realistic. be.
Mecha still require a tech level set for purposes of in- Regardless of how they obtain it, it is generally recom-
teracting with other rules related to technology, but that mended that the GM allow players to design their own
tech level is totally up to the GM. It may be the same as mecha. It is as much a point of personalization as their
the baseline for the setting, or several levels above or be- characters, especially considering mecha abilities dictate
low. For most settings, a guideline of one tech level above the majority of the player’s effectiveness in combat. This
the standard is appropriate. can be written into the story that when characters stumble
on their mechs, one calls to each of them. Perhaps when
the story begins, characters have already customized their
machines to their liking. If this still doesn’t work for the
Mecha can vastly adjust the power level of any character. GM’s established setting, then the GM should offer sever-
Consequently, all mecha come with a level adjustment, as al options to characters. If there are four characters, offer
described in Chapter 1; the difference here is that instead six designs and have each player select the one they want.
of adding to the character’s actual level for purposes of Then let the paint fly as each player slaps their own coat
calculating encounter difficulty, a mecha’s level actually to personalize their machine.

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 • Armor Class (if applicable)
• Anytime a mecha is required to make a d20 roll attack
rolls, ability checks, or skill checks, it uses its Control
Ability.
Most of the time characters will not be building or modify- Constitution. Checks connected to Constitution are
ing their own mecha; either they have a team of NPCs generally always saving throws; these are rolled normally
dedicated to the task or one character will be a genius engi- using a mecha’s ability score and are not affected by Con-
neer taking care of everybody’s machines. Should it be- trol Ability rules. However, since a mecha is generally im-
come necessary, however, the difficulty of any Intelligence mune to poison and disease, Constitution saving throws are
(Engineering) check to work on a mecha is equal to 10 + rare.
the mecha’s level.
However, there is one game-balancing limitation; a
character cannot modify or create a mecha higher level
than herself. This means, at least early on, starting charac- When making any kind of d20 roll connected to either
ters will not be able to alter their own mecha until they Dexterity or Strength, instead of using a mecha’s raw abil-
literally outgrow them (this does not apply to the mecha’s ity score, you use your Control Ability, which is derived
initial creation— it is assumed to have been built by some- from your mecha’s control system.
one other than the character, even if the player designed Different control systems (see Cockpits) determine
it). Where possible, a party should have access to an NPC which ability score a pilot uses in controlling the mecha.
techie capable of performing the required modifications; This is called a character’s Piloting Ability. Generally, the
alternately, the GM might require one character to be suf- most common abilities are Dexterity or Strength, though
ficiently higher level than the rest of the party (not ideal, Intelligence and Wisdom can also be used .
since it screws with the party’s XP awards), or waive this A Control Ability is the average of the mecha’s ability
restriction (for modifications only) for the party’s resident score and the piloting ability score.
tech genius.
The total time required to design and build a mecha is Strength Control Ability=
(the mecha’s level / the number of builders) x 10 in days (Mecha Strength + Piloting Ability) ÷ 2 (round down)
(rounding down fractions). The level limit is determined
by the highest-level character working in the group, with Dexterity Control Ability=
the usual rules for collaborative checks. The GM needs to (Mecha Dexterity + Piloting Ability) ÷ 2 (round down)
establish the “value” in salvaged or available parts to build
or improve a mecha where characters don’t possess actual For example, if the mecha has a 22 Strength but the pilot
money. Each successful day spends a percentage of the controls it with a 19 Intelligence, the control ability is 20
required cost and moves the design or improvement closer (+5).
to completion. To count as a full day, the characters must
be able to spend eight hours a day on the design.
For example, if 4 characters are building a 10th level
mecha, it will take 20 days (10/4 = 2.5, round down to 2). Mecha hit points and character hit points are different.
Improving mecha takes less time than building one. Unless specified otherwise, effects that damage the mecha
Swapping out one system for another system of similar size do not damage the pilot, and any effects that recover char-
and complexity only takes a few hours and can be accom- acter hit points cannot recover a mecha’s hit points. Mecha
plished during a long rest. Replacing a major component must be repaired between battles, during short and long
might take several days, while building a new servo from rests. Thankfully, all mecha support a rudimentary auto-
scratch might take a week or more. This is entirely up to matic repair system allowing for recovery during short and
the GM to determine. long rests with the latter enabling further repairing via the
Intelligence (Engineering) skill.

In most respects, piloting a mecha is less like piloting a

Character Hit Dice are separate from mecha Hit Dice.
vehicle and more like controlling another character.
Mecha cannot recover hit points using a character’s Hit
Mecha have their own physical ability scores, hit points,
Dice and vice versa. However, a mecha may be able to
AC, and proficiency bonuses, based on their level and sys-
benefit from class abilities that involve spending Hit Dice
tems rather than the pilot’s scores and abilities. However,
for effects other than recovering hit points, as indicated
the mecha does not completely supersede the character.
below.
A mecha possesses its own Dexterity and Strength abil-
ity values, and the bonuses for these abilities are added to
all the following effects.
• Damage Rolls (Strength- and Dexterity-based)

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Mecha have their own proficiency bonus, determined by Combat follows the standard rules for character-scale com-
the mecha’s level (see level). However, proficient ability bat, except as follows.
checks use the higher bonus between the mecha’s profi-
ciency bonus and the pilot’s proficiency bonus when that
check is associated with any physical ability checks that
apply to the mecha (Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution).
By default, a mecha is considered proficient with any
check needed to use its installed systems and weapons. If The cockpit space is usually located in the torso or head of
the pilot uses skills that cannot be augmented with a a mecha, which requires the pilot to climb to or out of
mecha system (such as Perception if the mecha lacks ap- when entering and exiting. This is covered by normal
propriate sensors), they use their own proficiency bonus. climbing rules. The distance traversed can be halved if the
mecha is crouched.
Upon entering a mecha, activating it usually involves a
short period of startup calibration, which takes at least one
The applicability of character abilities to mecha should be action (and may require more depending on the aesthetics
determined on a case by case basis, taking the scale of the of the setting).
encounter and the expected maneuverability of the mecha
into account.
For instance, if mecha in your setting are basically just
walking weapons platforms, a martial artist should not be What qualifies as ‘difficult’ terrain is dependent on scale.
able to use her Fighting Form or Combo Chain abilities, When defining difficult terrain, the GM should give it an
whereas if they are meant to be unnaturally nimble, she appropriate size category, as Tiny Difficult Terrain, Small
should; likewise, a gunslinger piloting a Huge mecha might Difficult Terrain, Medium Difficult Terrain, Large Diffi-
find it difficult to target Medium-sized creatures with her cult Terrain, etc.
Kata abilities, but would have no trouble at all using them Wheeled vehicles and mecha using wheeled movement
against other mecha. ignore difficult terrain that is at least two sizes smaller than
As a general rule, characters can employ any abilities themselves; walking mecha, creatures, and hover vehicles
that could normally be used with a weapon through the ignore difficult terrain of all sizes smaller than themselves.
mecha; however, saving throw DCs and damage from such
abilities are based on the character level, not the mecha Editorial. This rule is meant to add some com-
level (unless the mecha possesses a modification). Any ex- plexity, like everything else regarding mecha. It is
ceptions that are not specifically called out in this section situational, and a GM may ignore this one based
are left to the GM’s discretion. on the battle. The whole point is that a tree is im-
Ladders. Many ladders allow you to switch your attack passible for a Medium-sized creature, but an an-
and damage ability scores. These do not apply to your noyance that can be stepped over if the mecha is
mecha’s ability score, but may affect your Piloting ability. Huge. Moreover, if a mecha is City-sized, trees
can be ignored. As we’ll see later, UM5 had to in-
troduce more sizes to accommodate the various
different popular mecha found in fiction.
As a mecha’s cockpit is considered total cover for the pilot,
they have no clear path to any target for the purposes of
using magic or supernatural abilities, and cannot ‘see’ to
target these powers (as monitors and telepresence do not A mecha’s reactor is generally a volatile device. When the
count for purposes of such effects). Consequently, unless a reactor suffers a hit, it increases its chance of detonation.
mecha features a device like an Esper lens to channel para- This refers to the Reactor Condition (or REACON) table.
normal abilities, or the ability itself does not require a clear An undamaged mecha begins combat at the level specified
path to the target, these powers cannot express themselves by its reactor type. Each time the reactor suffers a hit, the
outside the mecha. Spells and abilities that are specific level increases by 1, imposing the effects listed on the ta-
exceptions to the rules on cover and visibility may still be ble. Reach high enough, and the reactor may explode, in-
used; as above, the saving throw DCs and damage of such stantly reducing the mecha to 0 hit points and potentially
abilities use the character’s statistics, not the mecha’s. Ad- causing a catastrophic detonation. Additionally, some
ditionally, any magic items a character may carry that im- mecha features allow increasing Reacon to accomplish cer-
prove combat do not apply to the mecha. However, at the tain feats.
GM’s discretion, some attunable magic items may be appli- Effect. As a reactor becomes damaged, it deals damage
cable to the mecha as components. to the torso based on its own Hit Dice; roll the appropriate
dice and suffer the damage. This damage is cumulative
and cannot be avoided by any means.

125
 Detonation. Normally, if a mecha’s torso is reduced to 0 When attacking a mecha, you can either make a called
hit points, it just shuts down. However, if a reactor reaches shot (with an appropriate penalty based on the location) or
level 9, the timer starts to a violent detonation. Only a DC roll 1d10 on the Mecha Random Hit Location table after
15 Intelligence (Engineering) check can stop a reactor making a successful attack (if the table indicates an area
meltdown. If the mecha explodes, all targets within its that has already been disabled, you instead target the tor-
reach must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, suffer- so).
ing damage equal to the mecha’s total Hit Dice roll on a Right Servo/Left Servo. If the table indicates a servo
failure, or half damage on a success. Targets at double the hit, the target gets to choose between the arm, leg, and
mecha’s reach must make a similar saving throw or suffer wing on that side of the mecha (a called shot, of course,
half damage (or quarter on a save). allows the attacker to choose). A single attack cannot be
For example, a 10th level Huge mecha has 10d12 hit split between multiple servos unless the attack fired multi-
dice and a reach of 10 feet. If its reactor detonates, it in- ple shots (auto/auto-heavy); in which case, the damage can
flicts 10d12 damage to each target within 10 feet and half be divided between the limbs on that side.
that damage to each target between 10 feet and 30 feet Pod/Tail. If the target has a tail, the attack strikes a tail;
out. if a pod, it hits a pod. If the target has neither, it strikes the
torso. If the target has both, the target can decide which is
REACON
Level Reactor Effect hit.
-2 Bioenergy None Servo Guard. An arm, wing, or tail can be used to soak
-1 None up incoming damage to the head or torso. This occurs as a
0 Nuclear, Energy Cell None reaction—the pilot simply raises a servo, and that location
1 None suffers a hit instead of the torso. Only arms, wings, and
2 Combustion, Steam None tails can accomplish this, not legs or weapon pods.
3 Torso suffers 1 HD hit
System Damage Table. Unless the specific system has
4 Torso suffers 2 HD hit
5 Torso suffers 3 HD hit its own hit points, which are reduced by this hit, a system
6 Disadvantage on ability checks; hit still reduces hit points from the mecha’s total.
torso suffers 4 HD in damage Optional (Always Torso). With this option, all hits tar-
7 Hit point maximum halved; torso get the torso unless the attacker attempts a called shot. If
suffers 5 HD hit the attacker scores a critical hit, she can select which loca-
8 Speed halved; torso suffers 7 HD tion is hit.
hit
9 HP reduced to 1; 2d4 rounds to MECHA CALLED SHOT LOCATIONS
detonation. Location Penalty to Attack
Torso -1
Arm/Leg -3
Wing -3
Head -4
Mecha, like characters and monsters, possess a single hit Weapon -4
point value. To calculate a mecha’s hit points, add up all Thrusters -4
the hit points from all servos to reach a final hit point value Sensors -5
for the mecha. System -5
A mecha’s hit points can very greatly depending on
how much is invested in servos.
MECHA RANDOM HIT LOCATION
1d10 Location
An important note, a mecha’s hit points are greatly af- 1 Head
fected by a mecha’s Constitution score (just like a charac- 2-4 Torso
ter). 5-6 Right-Hand Servo
7-8 Left-Hand Servo
9 Pod/Tail
10 Roll on System Damage
A mecha’s hit point value is divided into four equal
“tiers” (take a mecha’s total Hit Points and divide it by 4.
When a mecha’s current hit points crosses a tier, it suffers a
servo hit depending on how many hits each location has
suffered (see later).

In regular combat, where a hit lands is abstract. With

mecha combat, however, it is often more important to tar-
get specific areas than it to simply defeat the enemy
through pure attrition.

126
 When a mecha is reduced to 0 hit points, it suffers a
SYSTEM DAMAGE
1d10 Special Hit Location servo hit. Each additional hit after the mecha’s hit points
1 Fire Control—select a weapon, it cannot fire for 1d4 are reduced to 0 also results in a servo hit—eventually, the
turns mecha will be destroyed.
2 Sensors—target blinded and deafened for 1d4 turns System. When a system is reduced to 0 hit points, it
3 Flight System—Fly speed reduced to 0 for 1d4 turns cannot function until at least 1 hit point is restored.
4 Hydraulics—disadvantage on ability checks for 1d4 Limb Servo. When a limb servo (leg, arm, wing, etc.) is
turns
reduced to 0 hit points, not only is the servo rendered use-
5 Control Jam—disadvantage on attack rolls for 1d4
turns less, but all systems (including weapons) attached to that
6 Motive Malfunction—Ground speed halved for 1d4 servo go offline as well. If suffering an additional hit after
turns being disabled, the servo blows off (but is not destroyed).
7 Servo Hit—Roll again on the location table; that servo Reattaching the servo requires an Intelligence
suffers a servo hit effect (roll again if not a servo) (Engineering) check and a long rest. Losing wings will
8 Systems Shutdown—suffer ½ damage but be stunned compromise flight if in an atmosphere. Even if one wing is
for 1 turn
lost, any flight or maneuvering benefits from both wings
9-10 Reactor Hit—Increase Reacon level by 1
are lost.
Head. A head is often the location of a mecha’s sensor
suite, and this suite will go offline if the head is disabled.
Another hit, and the head blows off (but is not destroyed).
When a servo suffers a hit, hit points are reduced from the
Reattaching the servo requires an Intelligence
mecha’s total. You then record that servo as having suf-
(Engineering) check and a long rest.
fered a hit.
Torso. A torso is the primary location of a mecha, and if
When a mecha’s current hit points crosses a tier, it suf-
reduced to 0 hit points, the entire mecha shuts down, and
fers additional effects based on the mecha servo that has
its Reacon level increases by +1. Each time the torso suf-
suffered the most hits at that time. If multiple locations are
fers a subsequent hit, its Reacon increases by +1.
tied for hits, the defender selects the servo. Additional hits
Option—Pilot Damage. Normally the cockpit is the
on the same servo increase the damage to that location.
most secure part of the mecha, and a pilot is in little direct
As there are only four tiers of hits points, a servo cannot
danger during combat. However, to make mecha combat
suffer more than four servo hits via hit point loss. There are
more harrowing, on any critical hit against the torso results
additional ways for a mecha to suffer a servo hit.
in the pilot also suffering 1d8 bludgeoning damage
Natural 20. If the attacker rolls a natural 20 and hits a
(whether from direct damage to the cockpit, or biofeed-
servo, that servo suffers a servo hit effect.
back from the control systems, or random sparks flying out
System Damage. Certain results on the System Dam-
of the monitor screens for no reason).
age table will result in a servo hit effect.
The moment the mecha recovers at least 1 hit point,
the torso comes back online.
Ability. When applying this effect, the defender selects
either Strength or Dexterity and suffers a –2 reduction.
Speed. The mecha suffers a –5-foot penalty to speed. If Mecha (even organic ones) cannot be healed; they must be
affecting legs, it’s ground speed; if affecting wings, it is fly repaired in a painstakingly complicated process.
speed. No Automatic Repairing. Mecha lack automatic repair
System. Roll once on the System Damage table. systems by default. They must be repaired manually. A
Shock. The next character to act in that mecha suffers character trained in Intelligence (Engineering) may make a
disadvantage on his or her next d20 roll (regardless what DC 15 check at the end of a short rest and roll up to half
that roll is), as long as it is made within the next minute. the mecha’s total Hit Dice (if available). On a failure, the
SERVO HIT EFFECTS hit dice are still spent, but only 2 hit points per die are re-
Location 1st Hit 2nd Hit 3rd Hit 4th Hits covered. At the end of a long rest, a character may repeat
Torso System System System System this but spend up to all the remaining Hit Dice. Like char-
Arm Shock Ability Ability Disabled acters, at the end of a long rest, a mecha regains spent Hit
Leg Speed Ability Ability Disabled
Dice, up to a number of dice equal to half of the mecha’s
total number (minimum of one die). This means that an-
Wing Speed Speed Speed Disabled
other long rest could be required to continue repairing.
Head Shock Shock Shock Disabled Engineers are not miracle workers.
Recovery Location. The character making the Intelli-
gence (Engineering) check (or the character controlling
that mech if the check is done via an NPC) can allocate
A servo may be disabled either by receiving a 4th servo hit
recovered hit points however they wish among damaged
via the Servo Hit Effect table or by a mecha being reduced
locations and systems.
to 0 hit points.

127
 Damaged Systems. All systems in limb, tail, pod, and
head locations (except weapons and those that have their
own separate hit points) are restored to full function as long While mecha possess many of the same traits as characters,
as the location has at least 1 hit point. Weapon systems the process of creating them is more complex.
and those with separate hit points require at least 50% of
their location’s hit points before coming back online. For
torso systems, for every 25% of the location’s hit points
recovered, one damaged system can be brought online. The size of your mecha is its most defining feature. You
Once the torso is fully repaired, all remaining damaged can make your mecha any size you want, but there are ben-
functions are brought back. efits and drawbacks to each. Mecha are usually designed to
Reacon Recovery. After finishing a short rest, your Rea- battle creatures of equal size, so a Huge mecha won’t be
con level reduces by 1. After a long rest, a mecha’s Reacon built to take on Medium opponents in confined spaces.
level returns to baseline (based on the reactor). Likewise, a Large mecha generally won’t be properly
equipped to take on Gargantuan opponents.
Size Category. Mecha sizes do not stop at Gargantuan.
In mecha combat, the scale increases to Colossal, Im-
Mecha are normally constrained by the same limitations on mense, Titanic, City, Planetary, and Cosmic. It may be
attacks that characters are; unless a system is linked, only necessary to reclassify the size of some monsters from oth-
one weapon can be used at a time. However, with missile er sources; in that event, calculate the monster’s new space
launchers, any number of missiles can be launched as part and reach based on the table below.
of a single action (making an attack roll for each missile). Maximum Ability Scores. Unlike characters, which
For example, if you have one missile launcher with six mis- have a standard limit of 20 in all ability scores, mecha have
siles, as a single attack action, you can launch between 1 separate limits for each ability. Maximum Dexterity de-
and 6 missiles. How many targets you can strike with a creases as size increases, while maximum Constitution and
single attack is dependent on your targeting system. Strength increase. Keep these limits in mind when buying
As a bonus action, you can lock onto targets, thus al- ability scores in step 2.
ways knowing their position while in sensor range (unless Space. A mecha generally fits a square, though this
they have a jammer or a cloaking device). A sensor package need not be always the case. Traditionally, a size listed
indicates the number of different opponents you can target determines a tabletop footprint with no applicable height.
with a missile attack. Mecha size is defined differently. The longest side of a
For example, if you can track 4 targets, then you can mecha determines its space for the purposes of its possible
launch any combination of available missiles at up to 4 dif- reach and design limitations. For example, a mecha 20 ft.
ferent targets as a single attack action. tall, 10 ft. wide, and 10 ft. across is considered Gargantuan.
Speed. Missiles generally hit their target in the same Reach. Reach is a direct factor of size. A mecha must
turn they are launched. However, in large-scale combat, possess limbs to have reach, either through legs or arms. A
this may not always be the case. Missiles launch at a fly of spacecraft with no limbs does not have reach.
300 feet. Because they lock and track, a target moving Hit Dice. Hit points are determined by level (via the
aside won’t be enough to prevent an impact, but if far purchasing of servos), not by Hit Dice. The Hit Dice listed
enough, and if equipped with some form of countermeas- on the table below applies only to Hit Dice for the purpos-
ure, it may be possible to avert a missile’s impact. es of hit point recovery.
When handling missile speed, the attacker makes an Torso Level. This is the minimum level for a torso
attack first; on a miss (and the missile is not smart), the server. For example, a Huge mecha must have at least a
target need not do anything. On a hit, the target (if a level 6 torso.
mecha) is aware thanks to its sensors package and may at- Space Multiplier. Massive mecha apply the listed mul-
tempt some form of countermeasure to avoid the attack. tiplier to the available spaces on each of their servos. This
Obviously, this is impossible if the target is 300 ft or less dramatically expands their capacity to add additional weap-
away. ons, crew modules, and so forth.
Transform Time. This is the number of rounds re-
quired to transform the mecha. Up to Huge, this only re-
quires a single action.
Some mecha can transform. It only takes an action to acti-
vate, though the time it takes to complete is based on the
size of the mecha. For mecha Tiny to Huge, the transfor-
mation occupies that action and is finished by the end.
However, every size category over Huge requires one addi-
tional round. Bonus actions and extra actions granted by Mecha have only three ability scores: Strength, Dexterity,
class abilities do not speed up this process. and Constitution. Instead of the normal character limit of
For example, a city-sized transformable mecha would 20 in any ability score, mecha abilities have maximum val-
take six rounds to transform.

128
ues determined by the mecha’s size. Physical ability scores its level, but what checks it can be applied to are deter-
are not randomly generated with mecha; instead, you have mined by its systems. A mecha is always considered profi-
29 points to spend on your mecha’s ability scores. The cost cient with checks related to its own movement and weap-
of each score is listed on the Ability Score Point Cost Ta- ons systems.
ble. No mecha can have a score higher than 23 at this stage, Ability Score Bonus. Like player characters, mecha gain
and scores must be equal or below the maximum for its improvements to their ability scores. These are either side-
chosen size (although this is only likely to be a limiting effects of advanced construction or the benefits of im-
factor for mecha smaller than Large size). proved modifications. When reaching a level with an Abil-
ity Score Bonus, you can increase one ability score by 2, or
ABILITY SCORE POINT COST
Score Cost Score Cost you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. You
4 0 14 10 cannot improve an ability score above the limits for the
5 1 15 11 mecha’s size. If designing a mecha from scratch at a higher
6 2 16 12 level, add all the applicable bonuses after you have deter-
7 3 17 13 mined your initial ability scores.
8 4 18 14 Mecha Level vs. Servo Level. A mecha’s level is unre-
9 5 19 15
lated to the levels of the servos. A mecha can possess high-
10 6 20 16
11 7 21 17 er servo levels than its mecha level, but it is the mecha’s
12 8 22 18 level determined on the Creation Point Level Progression
13 9 23 19 table that sets Proficiency and Ability Score Bonus.

The GM determines the range of levels available to a play-

er’s mecha. While it is recommended that mecha in a party
be of the same level for ease of bookkeeping, this is not
strictly necessary.
Creation Points. Creation points are the abstract cost
system for designing a mecha. These are similar to experi-
ence points in regards to character advancement except
that mecha do not gain them through adventuring; they
must be increased through design and upgrades. As points
are added via subsequent modifications, a mecha approach-
es the next level. Once a mecha crosses a threshold to a
higher level, it may potentially improve that mecha’s profi-
ciency bonus and gain bonuses to ability scores.
Proficiency Bonus. Mecha gain the same proficiency
bonuses as standard characters at the same levels. A player
uses the higher of their own proficiency bonus or the
mecha’s when performing a check with a mecha system
(this does mean that a character who has never set foot in-
side a mecha before is still just as capable as someone who
has piloted them from birth, which is unrealistic but is also
the way that most mecha fiction tends to work).
The mecha’s proficiency bonus is solely determined by

MECHA SIZE LIMITS

Size Max Max Max Space Reach Hit Dice Torso Space Transform Base
Dex Con Str Level Multiplier Time Speed
Tiny 30 14 16 2.5 ft. 5 d4 1 0 1 20 ft.
Small 30 16 20 5 ft. 5 d6 1 0 1 25 ft.
Medium 30 18 24 5 ft. 5 d8 2 0 1 30 ft.
Large 30 20 30 10 ft. 5 d10 3 0 1 35 ft.
Huge 26 22 30 15 ft. 10 d12 6 0 1 40 ft.
Gargantuan 22 24 30 20-40 ft. 15 d20 8 x1.5 2 45 ft.
Colossal 18 26 30 45-80 ft. 20 d20+10 12 x2 3 50 ft.
Immense 14 28 30 85-160 ft. 30 d20+15 16 x3 4 55 ft.
Titanic 10 30 30 165-320 ft. 50 d20+20 19 x4 5 60 ft.
City 6 30 30 325-640 ft. 80 d20+25 22 x5 6 70 ft.
Planetary 4 30 30 645-1,280 ft. 120 d20+30 25 x6 7 80 ft.
Cosmic 4 30 30 1,285 ft. or larger 200 d20+35 28 x8 8 90 ft.

129
 0.15 multiplier will cost 495 CP (0.2 + 0.3 + 0.15 = 0.65; 300
CREATION POINT LEVEL
x 0.65 = 195; 195 + 300 = 495 CP).
PROGRESSION
Creation Points Level Proficiency Ability
Bonus Score Bonus
200 1 +2
450 2 +2 A mecha, no matter the limbs or design, is built from a
700 3 +2 +2 basic core servo, or torso; other servos are attached to the
1,100 4 +2 torso. The servos are all listed by cost in Creation Points
1,800 5 +3 (CP), Hit Points (HP), and Spaces.
2,300 6 +3 +2
Hit Points. The HP listed is base unmodified for a giv-
2,900 7 +3
3,900 8 +3 en level. To calculate final hit points for a servo, multiply
5,000 9 +4 +2 the level of the servo by the mecha’s Constitution modifier
5,900 10 +4 and add this value to the HP for that level.
7,200 11 +4 For example, a mecha’s Constitution is 14 (+2 modifi-
8,400 12 +4 +2 er), and the Torso is level 10, add 20 HP to the Torso’s hit
10,000 13 +5 points. Each arm is level 9, so only 18 HP are added to
11,500 14 +5 each of those limbs.
13,000 15 +5 +2
15,000 16 +5
A servo can gain additional hit points by sacrificing
18,000 17 +6 spaces; for every 2 spaces sacrificed, gain 1 hit point for
20,000 18 +6 +2 that server. These only add hit points and do not adjust
22,000 19 +6 any other values. Only 25% (round down) of the total spac-
25,000 20 +6 es available can be sacrificed this way.
33,000 21 +7 +2 Spaces. For most servos, base spaces are equal to the
41,000 22 +7 servo’s hit points, although these are considered independ-
50,000 23 +7
ent values. This base number is modified by the mecha’s
62,000 24 +7 +2
75,000 25 +8 Space Multiplier for its size. A servo may also sacrifice hit
90,000 26 +8 points for extra spaces; sacrifice 1 hit point to gain 2 spaces.
105,000 27 +8 +2 Only base hit points, not hit points gained from a mecha’s
120,000 28 +8 Constitution modifier, can be sacrificed this way.
135,000 29 +9 Torso. A torso is the main body of a frame, but it need
155,000 30 +9 +2 not be an actual torso—no other servos are required to at-
tach to it. The torso is the only mandatory component of a
frame, as it also counts as the primary hull when building a
Now comes the complicated part: buying all the mecha’s vehicle (like a fighter or a ground vehicle). A mecha can
systems and components with creation points. have only one torso. The torso servo’s level need not be
equal to the level of the mecha (it is limited by size), but
you cannot attach any servo to a torso higher than the tor-
so’s level +1.
Mecha parts cost a certain number of creation points (CP) Head. ‘Head’ is a catchall term for the servo housing
each. Oftentimes this is a flat value, but there are compo- the mecha’s sensor suite (it need not actually be anything
nents listed in this chapter with a multiplier rather than a recognizable as a head). With sensors installed in a head
cost. These appear in two different variations—component servo, the pilot can use the mecha’s proficiency bonus
multiplier and mecha multiplier. As per standard rules, if a when making Perception checks (otherwise, the pilot must
multiplier results in a fractional CP cost, round down, even use her own proficiency bonus regardless of how good the
if the fraction is above .5. sensors are). Sensors placed in the head benefit from long-
Component. Components (including armor) can in- er range as well. A mecha can have only one head servo.
crease or decrease the base cost of the item being de- Arms. Multiple arms can allow multiple weapons, multi
signed. A multiplier does not extend to other items (so a -attacks, as well as become braces for larger weapons. Arms
x0.2 weapon modifier applies to the weapon and not the do not automatically come with hands; these are bought
mecha). After applying all other base costs, factor in the later as “handy” weapons.
multipliers individually (do not add them). Legs. Legs need to support a mecha. To support a
For example, a 50-point weapon with a x0.7 and a x1.5 mecha, add up the levels of all the legs; the total value
multiplier will cost 52.5 CP (50 x 0.7 x 1.5 = 52.5). Multipli- must be at least twice that of the torso server level. You
ers do not add to the weight or size of the overall design. gain additional benefits with additional legs.
Mecha. A mecha adds its multiplier at the end and does Two Legs. Normal
so differently. Add all the multipliers together, and the Three Legs. Advantage on saving throws against being
result is ADDED to the final design. knocked prone.
For example, a 300-point mecha with a 0.2, 0.3, and a Four Legs. Same with three legs; +5 feet speed.

130
 Six Legs. Same with four legs, plus you gain a climb
TORSO SERVo
speed equal to your normal speed. Level Cost HP/Spaces
Eight Legs and more. Same as six legs, plus you can 1 50 10
stand up from prone using only 5 feet. 2 112 15
Strength (STR). Both arm and leg servos feature a 3 175 20
Strength value, meaning the maximum Strength that can 4 275 25
be channeled through that limb for the purposes of 5 450 30
6 575 35
Strength-based attack rolls (it does not affect Dexterity-
7 725 40
based attacks). If you have mismatched limbs, you must 8 975 45
determine which one is making the attack. This is inde- 9 1250 50
pendent of the ability limitations due to size. 10 1,475 55
Wings/Tails. These may imitate living organs or be 11 1,800 60
fixed as part of an aircraft. When employing wings, add up 12 2,100 65
the levels of all the wings; if the total value is more than 13 2,500 70
14 2,875 75
twice that of the torso server, then a mecha cannot fall if its
15 3,250 80
fly speed is reduced to 0 or if it is knocked prone while 16 3,750 85
flying. A tail is considered rigid unless it is given a melee 17 4,500 90
weapon, in which case it is considered flexible. A tail with- 18 5,000 95
in 2 levels of a torso also provides stability, granting ad- 19 5,500 100
vantage to Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks. 20 6,250 105
Pods. A pod is nothing more than a cargo box. While 21 8,250 110
providing additional hit points, its primary purpose is to 22 10,250 115
23 12,500 120
store items, including weapons. 24 15,500 125
25 18,750 130
26 22,500 135
27 26,250 140
Servos offer spaces; components occupy them. The spaces 28 30,000 145
listed with servos indicate how many spaces that servo has, 29 33,750 150
while the spaces listed with components indicate how 30 38,750 155
many spaces that item occupies. There may be a situation
where the component you have designed cannot fit within HEAD SERVO
Level Cost HP/Spaces
a servo. In the case of arms, a hand may hold an item, pre-
1 10 1
cluding the need to install the item in the servo (although 2 23 2
this does have its own limitations). 3 35 3
Space Efficiency. If you need to install a larger item in a 4 55 4
smaller space, you can employ space efficiency. This costs 5 90 5
0.5% of the total cost of the item per space removed. How- 6 115 6
ever, you cannot reduce an item below half its original size. 7 145 7
8 195 8
9 250 9
10 295 10
11 360 11
12 420 12
13 500 13
14 575 14
15 650 15
16 750 16
17 900 17
18 1,000 18
19 1,100 19
20 1,250 20
21 1,650 21
22 2,050 22
23 2,500 23
24 3,100 24
25 3,750 25
26 4,500 26
27 5,250 27
28 6,000 28
29 6,750 29
30 7,750 30

131
ARM SERVO WING/TAIL SERVO
Level Cost HP/Spaces STR Level Cost HP/Spaces
1 20 2 18 1 10 2
2 45 3 18 2 23 3
3 70 4 19 3 35 4
4 110 5 20 4 55 5
5 180 6 20 5 90 6
6 230 7 21 6 115 7
7 290 8 22 7 145 8
8 390 9 22 8 195 9
9 500 10 23 9 250 10
10 590 11 24 10 295 11
11 720 12 24 11 360 12
12 840 13 25 12 420 13
13 1000 14 26 13 500 14
14 1,100 15 26 14 575 15
15 1,300 16 27 15 650 16
16 1,500 17 28 16 750 17
17 1,800 18 28 17 900 18
18 2,000 19 29 18 1,000 19
19 2,200 20 30 19 1,100 20
20 2,500 21 30 20 1,250 21
21 3,300 22 30 21 1,650 22
22 4,100 23 30 22 2,050 23
23 5,000 24 30 23 2,500 24
24 6,200 25 30 24 3,100 25
25 7,500 26 30 25 3,750 26
26 9,000 27 30 26 4,500 27
27 10,500 28 30 27 5,250 28
28 12,000 29 30 28 6,000 29
29 13,500 30 30 29 6,750 30
30 15,500 31 30 30 7,750 31

LEG SERVO POD SERVO

Level Cost HP/Spaces STR Level Cost HP Spaces
1 20 2 18 1 10 2 2
2 45 3 18 2 23 3 4
3 70 4 19 3 35 4 6
4 110 5 20 4 55 5 8
5 180 6 20 5 90 6 10
6 230 7 21 6 115 7 12
7 290 8 22 7 145 8 14
8 390 9 22 8 195 9 16
9 500 10 23 9 250 10 18
10 590 11 24 10 295 11 20
11 720 12 24 11 360 12 22
12 840 13 25 12 420 13 24
13 1000 14 26 13 500 14 26
14 1,100 15 26 14 575 15 28
15 1,300 16 27 15 650 16 30
16 1,500 17 28 16 750 17 32
17 1,800 18 28 17 900 18 34
18 2,000 19 29 18 1,000 19 36
19 2,200 20 30 19 1,100 20 38
20 2,500 21 30 20 1,250 21 40
21 3,300 22 30 21 1,650 22 42
22 4,100 23 30 22 2,050 23 44
23 5,000 24 30 23 2,500 24 46
24 6,200 25 30 24 3,100 25 48
25 7,500 26 30 25 3,750 26 50
26 9,000 27 30 26 4,500 27 52
27 10,500 28 30 27 5,250 28 54
28 12,000 29 30 28 6,000 29 56
29 13,500 30 30 29 6,750 30 58
30 15,500 31 30 30 7,750 31 60

132
Wheels and/or treads can be attached to any servo. Which- When armor is purchased, it is spread evenly across the
ever system you install must be at least the same level as mecha. You are not required to purchase armor for each
the torso servo. However, the spaces they take up may be location. Armor is layered onto a servo, so does not take up
split between legs, torso, or arms, though by doing so, the space. Unlike servos, you can acquire any level armor you
mech is required to have each installed servo touching the wish, though each level lists AC values for light, medium,
ground for the system to work. If your mecha has legs, but and heavy armor.
you fit wheels in the body, then the legs must be retracted Like traditional armor, by employing light armor, a
in some way. Alternately, you can purchase one system and mecha may add its Dexterity modifier to its AC, while me-
split them between available legs. Additionally, if your dium armor limits that bonus to +2. Heavy armor doesn’t
mecha transforms to enable the use of wheels, then you allow any positive Dexterity modifier to be added.
can place them wherever you want, assuming those servos EMP Shielding (TL2). This is different than lightning
merge in with the body to form the new shape. immunity; this shields electronics and power systems from
Wheels. Wheels grant a +10-foot bonus to speed, but effects that would shut down or otherwise disrupt your
while in effect, the mecha ignores any benefit from having mecha. You are immune to pincher or EMP attacks.
legs. Resistance (TL2). You gain the listed resistance,
Treads. Treads grant a +5-foot bonus to speed, but whether it be acid, cold, fire, force, lightning, or nuclear.
while in effect, the mecha ignores any benefit from having With bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing, these can be
legs. Treads also allow a mecha to ignore difficult terrain as circumvented with armor penetration or magical weapons.
long as the average obstacle within the difficult terrain is at You cannot combine resistance with the same immunity or
least one size smaller than the mecha or smaller (see Move- vulnerability.
ment). Immunity (TL3). Immunity renders you immune to a
If a mecha suffers a penalty to speed from taking dam- specific type of damage. However, certain weapons inflict-
age to its legs, this does not affect wheels or treads—those ing a damage type can also cut through certain defenses
systems must be individually taken out. Wheels and treads (via AP), in which case, immunity is reduced to resistance.
do not have hit points; they are a system that can be disa- You cannot combine immunity with the same resistance or
bled. vulnerability. Being immune to lightning damage also ren-
ders you immune to the pincher property and other EMP
WHEELS / TREADS
Level Cost Spaces weapons.
1 10 2 Vulnerability. Vulnerability renders you vulnerable to a
2 23 2 specific type of damage. You cannot combine vulnerability
3 35 2 with the same resistance or immunity. This makes armor
4 55 3 cheaper.
5 90 3 Damage Reduction. Damage reduction involves ad-
6 115 3
vanced metallurgy—each incoming attack, regardless of
7 145 4
8 195 4 the source, is reduced by 5.
9 250 4 Energy Absorption. This system must be combined
10 295 5 with at least one type of resistance or immunity. When
11 360 5 struck with damage matching an immunity/resistance you
12 420 5 possess, the damage you do not take can be collected in an
13 500 6 energy cache (see Energy Cache) and released in some
14 575 6
capacity later. You must possess an energy cache to utilize
15 650 6
16 750 7 an absorber.
17 900 7
18 1,000 7 One important take away regarding a mecha’s lev-
19 1,100 8 el and the levels of its servos is that there is no set
20 1,250 8 relationship. Although a 10th level mecha can af-
21 1,650 8 ford level 10 servos, giving it more hit points than
22 2,050 9 most 10th level characters, it would also be un-
23 2,500 9
24 3,100 9
derequipped in other fields. Don’t feel compelled
25 3,750 10 to pack on additional hit points at the cost of
26 4,500 10 weapons or maneuverability.
27 5,250 10
28 6,000 11
29 6,750 11
30 7,750 11

133
LIGHT ARMOR
Level Cost AC
1 20 11
2 45 12
6 230 13 Ranged weapons can be broken up into two categories—
10 590 14 projectile and energy. The former are split into magnetic,
14 1,100 15 traditional, and electronically stacked. With the latter,
18 2,000 16 these are divided into laser, nuclear, pincher, and plasma.
Cost. To calculate the cost of a mecha ranged weapon,
MEDIUM ARMOR determine the cost based on its damage, then factor each
Level Cost AC
1 45 12 multiplier (without adding them). For example, a 1d6 laser
2 70 13 costing 20 is built with +2 Accuracy, but only a 3-round
3 110 14 magazine. The cost breakdown is as follows. 20 x 2.0 x 0.7
4 180 15 = 28 final cost.
7 390 16 Mount. This indicates the number of mounting points
11 840 17 the weapon requires to be stabilized. Each hand holding a
15 1,800 18
weapon counts as a weapon mount, as does a shoulder or
19 2,500 19
torso mount. Tripods offer additional stability, but a tripod
HEAVY ARMOR must be planted, requiring an action, and once planted, it
Level Cost AC cannot be moved unless you use an action to uproot. Your
1 20 14 size also provides additional stability by reducing the re-
2 45 15 quired number of mounts (it cannot be reduce below 1). A
3 70 16 fixed weapon is implanted within a servo (like an arm or
4 110 17 torso); this requires the weapon to take up spaces in the
5 180 18
9 590 19
servo, but it provides additional stability.
13 1,100 20 For example, if you build a weapon requiring 3 mounts,
17 2,000 21 if your mecha is Large, it reduces the weapon to require 2
20 4,100 22 mounts. One hand acts as a mount, and you can affix part
of the weapon to a shoulder mount, allowing you to use the
ARMOR MODIFICATIONS weapon without being destabilized.
Type Cost Weapon Group. If a weapon is mounted entirely within
Resistance (Acid) x1.2
a servo or is held by one hand, it is considered a one-
Resistance (Cold) x1.2
Resistance (Fire) x1.2 handed small arm. If the weapon requires two hands or one
Resistance (Radiant) x1.2 hand and an external mount, it is considered a two-handed
Resistance (Lightning) x1.2 small arm. If the weapon requires more than three mounts
Resistance (Bludgeoning) x1.2 and is not mounted entirely within a servo, it is a heavy
Resistance (Piercing) x1.2 weapon. Any weapon requiring a tripod is counted as a su-
Resistance (Slashing) x1.2 per-heavy weapon.
Immunity (Acid) x1.7
Multiplier Damage. Weapons intended for massive
Immunity (Cold) x2.0
Immunity (Fire) x2.5 damage have multipliers, such as 1d4(x5), to reflect their
Immunity (Radiant) x3.0 deadliness while avoiding having to tally up a fistful of
Immunity (Lightning) x3.0 dice. When a weapon has a damage multiplier, all damage
Immunity (Bludgeoning) x3.2 dice are rolled and adjusted by the attacker’s ability score
Immunity (Piercing) x3.2 modifier, and the result is multiplied by the indicated
Immunity (Slashing) x3.2 amount.
Vulnerability (Acid) x0.8 For example, a weapon listed as 1d4(x5) is rolled, re-
Vulnerability (Cold) x0.8
Vulnerability (Fire) x0.7
sulting in a 3. The character’s ability modifier is +4, in-
Vulnerability (Radiant) x0.7 creasing the damage to 7, which is then multiplied by 5 to
Vulnerability (Lightning) x0.7 inflict 35 points of damage.
Vulnerability (Bludgeoning) x0.7
Vulnerability (Piercing) x0.6
Vulnerability (Slashing) x0.7
Damage Reduction 5 x2.0
Energy Absorption x1.5
EMP Shielding x1.5

134
BASE WEAPONS PROJECTILE WEAPON
Damage Range Mounts Cost HP/Space MODIFIERS
1d6 100/400 1 20 1 Type Cost
1d10 200/800 2 70 3 Accuracy -2 x0.7
2d8 250/1,000 3 230 5 Accuracy -1 x0.8
2d10 300/1,200 4 590 9 Accuracy +1 x1.5
3d8 400/1,600 5 1,300 14 Accuracy +2 x2.0
5d6 500/2,000 6 6,200 20 Accuracy +3 x3.0
5d8 600/2,400 7 12,000 27 Anti-Missile x1.1
4d6(x2) 800/3,200 8 20,000 35 Auto x1.5
5d8(x2) 1,000/4,000 9 32,000 44 Auto-Heavy x1.7
6d6(x2) 2,000/8,000 10 50,000 54 Magazine-1 x0.6
7d8(x2) 3,000/12,000 11 70,000 65 Magazine-3 x0.7
8d6(x2) 4,000/16,000 12 100,000 76 Magazine-7 x0.9
Magazine-10 x1.0
MOUNTS Magazine-Feed x1.2
Type Mount Magazine-Fixed x0.8
One-Handed 1 ESP x2.0
Two-Handed 2 Magnetic x2.0
Weapon Mount 1 Missile x0.15
Tripod 2 Range 0 X0.5
Fixed-Arm/Leg 2 Range -50% x0.8
Fixed Torso 3 Range -25% x0.9
Large -1 Range +50% x1.2
Huge -2 Range +100% x1.3
Gargantuan -3 Range +300% x1.4
Colossal -4 Range +500% x1.5
Immense -5 Shotgun x1.5
Titanic -6
City -7 AMMUNITION/MISSILE MODIFIERS
Planetary -8 Type Cost
Cosmic -9 Armor Piercing x4.0
EMP x4.0
ENERGY WEAPON MODIFIERS Explosive (10 ft.) x3
Type Cost Explosive (20 ft.) x4
Accuracy -2 x0.7 Explosive (40 ft.) x5
Accuracy -1 x0.8 Explosive (70 ft.) x6
Accuracy +1 x1.5 Explosive (110 ft.) x7
Accuracy +2 x2.0 Flamethrower x2
Accuracy +3 x3.0 Flare x0.5
Anti-Missile x1.1 Foam x0.5
Auto x1.4 Incendiary x4.0
Auto-Heavy x1.6 Kinetic x3.0
Cell-1 x0.7 Long Range x1.3
Cell-3 x0.8 Smart (1 round) x2.5
Cell-7 x0.9 Smart (2 rounds) x3.0
Cell-10 x1.0 Smoke x0.5
Cell-Infinite x1.5
Tracer x3.0
Cell-Fixed x0.6
Energy Cache-Divert x1.3
Focused x2.0
Mega-Beam x5.0
Range -50% x0.8 Anti-Missile. A weapon can be switched to target in-
Range -25% x0.9 coming missiles. If a weapon features this modification,
Range +50% x1.2
then as a reaction to one or more missile hits as part of a
Range +100% x1.3
Range +300% x1.4 single action, you can make an AC18 attack against the
Range +500% x1.5 incoming action. If your weapon is single-shot, you can
Type-Nuclear x1.2 only target one incoming missile as a reaction; if your
Type-Plasma x1.4 weapon also possesses the auto or auto-heavy property, you
Warm-Up (1 round) x0.8 can target up to five or ten missiles respectively. For every
Warm-Up (2 rounds) x0.6 hit, one missile detonates halfway between you and the
Warm-Up (3 rounds) x0.5
attacker.
Accuracy. All weapons can be modified with up to a +3
modifier, which is added to attack rolls, but not damage

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rolls. This modifier does not extend to any other weapons ity saving throw equals 8 + your Control Ability modifier +
linked with this one. your proficiency bonus (if proficient in the weapon). Mak-
Auto/Heavy-Auto. This applies either the auto or heavy ing the save still inflicts half damage. Any target that failed
-auto property to a weapon. If you want your weapon to be the save against a flamethrower suffers half the inflicted
able to switch between the two, you would need to acquire damage again at the beginning of your next turn.
both. An auto weapon can switch between single-shot and The size of the cone depends on your size (Tiny-Small: 10
auto, but an auto-heavy is fixed. Weapons with warm-up ft.; Medium: 20 ft.; Large: 30 ft.; Huge: 40 ft.; Gargantuan:
cannot have rapid-fire options. As magazines are indicated 50 ft.; Colossal: 60 ft.; Immense: 80 ft.; Titanic: 100 ft.;
with the number of attacks they can make, a magazine for City: 140 ft.; Planetary: 200 ft.; Cosmic: 300 ft.).
a weapon with the auto/auto-heavy property multiplies its Focused. This energy-only modification increases the
burst rate (5 or 10) by its magazine size (so a 5 shot maga- power output of the weapon. It gains the armor-piercing
zine for an auto weapon actually holds 25 shots). Since auto property—it ignores damage resistance to the damage it
weapons can be fired as a single shot, this does increase the inflicts and reduces immunity to its damage to resistance.
number of individual shots in a magazine. This weapon also counts as magical and adamantine.
Cell/Magazine. This value indicates the cell or maga- Mega-Beam. This devastating energy modification
zine size of the weapon, in number of attacks. If the weap- launches a wide beam towards a target. A mega-beam can-
on is designed for automatic fire (auto or auto-heavy), then not be added to a weapon with the auto or auto-heavy
the actual cell/magazine size increases to accommodate the properties. When firing, pick a target; draw a straight line
number of attacks the weapon can make before requiring a to that target. Regardless if you hit or not, every target
reload rather than individual shots. Selecting a smaller cell/ within 10 feet of the energy weapon suffers the same at-
magazine size makes the weapon cheaper. Increasing the tack. If the intended target is hit, that hit is turned into a
cell/magazine size increases the cost of the weapon (see critical hit.
Ammunition). Missile. This modification converts the projectile weap-
Cell/Magazine-1. A cell/magazine with one shot still on into a missile battery. The entire cost is reduced but is
takes up one space. With projectile weapons, magazine-1 is now contained within a single rocket that is fired. A missile
a manual feed weapon (like a shotgun) where each shot occupies space within a launcher. This launcher can either
must be loaded manually. be mounted or be contained within a servo. The ammuni-
Magazine-Feed. Only available to projectile weapons, a tion is entirely based on the number of missiles purchased.
feed places the ammunition in a reserved space inside the A missile can be modified to affect its range, its accuracy,
mecha or inside a mecha pod. It takes up 3 spaces in the but cannot be given an energy or projectile type. It is both
mecha and holds 30 rounds. a weapon and its ammunition, meaning it can be modified
Cell-Infinite. Reserved for energy weapons, this modi- via ammunition multipliers. Because a missile doesn’t re-
fication connects the weapon’s energy demands to the quire as complicated a firing system, a missile takes up 0.2
mecha’s main reactor, making magazines redundant. This space compared to a normal weapon. Missiles cannot be
takes up 3 spaces. reloaded easily, requiring a long rest to reload. Depending
Cell-Fixed. Reserved for energy weapons with a maga- on the support infrastructure of the setting, these missiles
zine capacity of 1, 3, 7, or the standard 10, this weapon is may be refreshed upon returning to base.
built with a permanent power supply which cannot be re- Projectile Type (Magnetic, ESP). These projectile-only
placed via a magazine. This modification can stand on its modifications change the weapon type of the weapon. By
own with the standard 10-magazine capacity or be com- default, the weapon fires traditional bullets. You can also
bined with the reduced cost of 1, 3, and 7. This means modify the weapon to possess magnetic or ESP property. A
when the weapon is emptied, it cannot be used until the projectile weapon can only possess one property. Purchas-
mecha finishes a long rest, in which case the charges have ing the ESP property gains the auto and auto-heavy prop-
refilled. erties automatically without requiring additional CP to ac-
Energy Cache-Divert. This modification allows you to quire those mods.
divert energy from your energy cache to your energy weap- Range. Although setting a weapon’s damage deter-
on, potentially increasing damage. This requires an energy mines its range, that range can be heavily modified, as far
cache. You can only use this with energy weapons with an out to extend to several miles. While energy weapons have
infinite magazine capacity. an upper limit, projectiles can be self-propelled, expanding
Energy Type (Laser, Nuclear, Plasma). These energy- their range even further. Range 0 can only be applied to
only modifications change the weapon type of the weapon. the missile modification on a projectile weapon, and effec-
By default, the weapon is a laser (see gear). You can also tively turns a missile into a mine.
modify the weapon to possess the nuclear or plasma prop- Shotgun. These weapons operate the same as tradition-
erty. An energy weapon can only possess one property. al shotguns except they inflict damage equal to 3 + 1/size
Flamethrower. This weapon employs fire unless you category over Medium at a range equal to the weapon’s
apply the plasma property. You cannot apply any other normal range divided by 10. All other properties still apply.
damage type. When you attack with the flamethrower, you Warm-Up. This energy-only modification reduces the
target a cone emanating from you. The DC for the Dexter- cost of energy weapons by forcing them to charge before

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firing. By adding a warm-up time, this weapon cannot pos- point, providing illumination in a 10-foot radius area for 1
sess the auto or heavy-auto property. A weapon cannot be minute.
held in perpetual charge, so unless the character is am- Foam. This round inflicts no damage. Instead, it de-
bushing a target, a weapon must start charging after initia- ploys a flame-retardant foam that, a second before impact,
tive is established. Charging a weapon is also noisy, impos- detonates into an expanding spray that affects the 5 feet
ing disadvantage on a target attempting Dexterity (Stealth) impact space and the surrounding 5-feet area. Any flames
checks. A character must use a bonus action to start charg- present are extinguished. As an additional side effect, the
ing on her turn, and that turn is considered the first turn of space the foam occupied is also counted as Medium diffi-
charging. Only after the warm-up time has occurred will cult terrain for five minutes.
the weapon be available to fire at the beginning of the Incendiary. An incendiary round not only ignites any-
character’s next turn. thing flammable it touches, but it also inflicts an additional
1 point of fire damage per shot. All damage is counted as
fire as well as piercing.
Kinetic. This modification is not compatible with auto
Both projectile and energy weapons, by default, employ or auto-heavy weapons. This round, upon impacting, push-
magazines. All magazines require an action to reload. A es any target smaller than you 5 feet.
magazine takes up one space and must be mounted some- Long Range. This modification provides additional
where so it can be retrieved and loaded. The standard stabilization. You do not suffer disadvantage when firing
magazine size is 10 rounds (unless modified). When you beyond normal range.
build any weapon requiring magazines, you gain two full Smart. This modification is not compatible with auto or
cells/magazines automatically. Depending on the support auto-heavy weapons. This bullet or missile is equipped
infrastructure of the setting, these magazines may be re- with a basic artificial intelligence that seeks out the target
freshed upon returning to base. via a self-propelled system and vectored thrust. Use a bo-
Ammunition Cost. To calculate ammunition cost to nus action to paint the target; this does not require an at-
create additional clips, follow this formula. A single shot = tack roll. If the actual attack misses, as a free action at the
Weapon Cost x 0.01. This value is then modified by multi- beginning of your next turn, the projectile will attempt a
pliers listed on the ammunition modifier table. This cost is second attack as if you were making a new attack on your
for a single shot, not for attacks, meaning if the weapon is turn. The smart feature can be added with a one-round
equipped with the auto or auto-heavy properties, shot costs (one secondary attack) or two-round (one secondary and
will skyrocket if a lot of multipliers are added. one tertiary attack) modification.
Energy vs. Projectile. It’s a little bizarre to purchase Smoke. This round inflicts no damage. Instead, it deto-
shots for an energy magazine as it is little more than a bat- nates at any point within range, creating an obscuring
tery, but it does equate the number of rounds contained smoke that operates the same as a smoke grenade, except
within said battery. Projectile rounds can be modified the area of effect alters based on the mecha’s size; a smoke
where energy rounds cannot be. grenade’s initial detonation is equal to 4 x the mecha’s base
Ammunition Space. As bullets sit in a magazine, bullets reach, increasing by half this value every round for two
do not take up spaces, only the boxes they are contained additional rounds.
within. However, a magazine of 1 is a single shot loaded Tracer. Only available with auto (when using the prop-
round, meaning there is no actual magazine. In this case, a erty) and auto-heavy modifications, tracers introduce a
bullet takes up space equal to its cost. Add up all the bul- small incendiary every 5th round, which illuminates a bul-
lets before rounding up. let’s trajectory. After making an attack roll against a target,
your next roll gains a +1 bonus to attack. This bonus is not
cumulative and is reset when targeting a new opponent.
Armor Piercing. Armor-piercing allows the attack to Additionally, a tracer also ignites flammable materials
penetrate through piercing resistance a target may possess. when struck.
In 5E terms, it treats your weapon as magical and adaman-
tine.
EMP. This modification is not compatible with auto or
auto-heavy weapons. This round has the pincher property Melee weapons can be broken up into two categories—
(disables target’s non-shielded electronics on a successful normal melee and energy melee, the latter being a mag-
attack). netically sealed bottle of plasma. As a result, energy melee
Explosive. This modification is not compatible with weapons a hugely advanced and more expensive.
auto-heavy weapons as the rate of fire would detonate oth- Mount. Unlike firearms, melee weapons must be either
er rounds before impact. Explosive rounds/missiles ex- held by either one hand or two or be built into one arm or
plode either upon impact or inches away from the target. leg servo. As a result, instead of requiring mounts, a melee
Explosives are listed with a radius. See Attacking with Ex- weapon lists a minimum size your mecha must be to wield
plosives. a weapon that inflicts this much damage. If the size indi-
Flare. This air-burst round detonates at its highest cated is your size, it is a one-handed weapon. If the weapon

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is at one size smaller or lesser, it is considered a light weap- MELEE WEAPONS
on. If the size is larger than you (up to two), it is two- Damage Mounts Cost HP/Space Mount
handed. You cannot wield a weapon three sizes or more 1d6 1 20 1 Tiny
above yours. If a weapon is implanted rather than hand- 1d10 1 20 1 Small
2d8 2 70 3 Medium
held, then it cannot be held with two hands, thus limiting 2d10 3 230 5 Large
its damage potential. This especially applies to making 3d8 4 590 9 Huge
hands and feet (yes, you can create weapons on your legs; 5d6 5 1,300 14 Gargantuan
call them feet, and increase kicking damage). 5d8 6 6,200 20 Colossal
Energy Melee Weapons. All energy melee weapons 4d6(x2) 7 12,000 27 Immense
have the plasma property. inflicting additional effects 5d8(x2) 8 20,000 35 Titanic
based on their property. 6d6(x2) 9 32,000 44 City
7d8(x2) 10 50,000 54 Planetary
Damage Types. When building your weapon, deter-
8d6(x2) 11 70,000 65 Cosmic
mine its damage type. If an energy melee weapon, it 9d6(x2) 12 100,000 76 --
counts as both plasma (fire/radiant) and as the type you
select, which is the shape the melee weapon takes when MELEE WEAPON MODIFIERS
deployed. You can select Bludgeoning, Piercing, or Slash- Type Cost
Energy (Plasma) x2.0
ing. Some weapon modifications, like the beaming shield,
Capacitor (1) x0.3
force a specific damage type. Capacitor (2) x0.4
Capacitor (3) x0.5
Capacitor (4) x0.6
Accuracy -2 x0.7
Accuracy. All weapons can be modified with up to a +3
Accuracy -1 x0.8
modifier, which is added to attack rolls, but not damage Accuracy +1 x1.5
rolls. Accuracy +2 x2.0
Automated. This energy melee weapon automatically Accuracy +3 x3.0
targets an opponent that enters your reach and makes a Automated x3.0
single attack as a reaction. You can also use a bonus action Thrown x1.2
for the weapon to make an attack (in addition to using an Finesse x1.2
attack action, if desired). It no longer requires a hand to Beaming Shield x1.5
Variable Energy x1.2
use. Returning x1.5
Beaming Shield. This modification for energy melee Handy x1.5
weapons turns the weapon into an energy shield. It still Clumsy x0.7
acts as a blunt-force weapon, inflicting bludgeoning dam- Entangle x1.25
age, but now it also grants a +1 bonus to AC. Mono-Molecular x2.0
Capacitor. Reserved for energy melee weapons, capaci- Focused x2.0
tor weapons have a fixed lifespan of 1-4 rounds. When acti- Shock x3.0
Reach x1.5
vated, the weapon lasts until the beginning of your next
Energy Cache-Divert x1.3
turn, requiring another bonus action to activate/maintain. Piton x1.2
This is an inbuilt power supply that cannot be replaced via
a magazine. When the weapon is emptied, it cannot be
used until the mecha finishes a long rest, in which case the free itself is 8 + your proficiency bonus + your attacking
charges have refilled. ability modifier. This weapon cannot be used on another
Clumsy. Non-energy melee weapons implanted in legs target while one is restrained.
can be given the clumsy property, sacrificing speed for ad- Finesse. A non-energy melee weapon gains the finesse
ditional damage. The clumsy property reduces your speed property.
by 5 feet. Focused. This energy-only modification allows a melee
Energy. This turns your melee weapon into an energy weapon to cut through virtually any defense. It gains the
melee weapon. The weapon must be turned on and off as a armor-piercing property—it ignores damage resistance to
bonus action and is assumed off when not in combat. The the damage it inflicts and reduced immunity to its damage
weapon gains the plasma property. Because of the reduced to resistance. This weapon also counts as magical and ada-
weight, it also gains the finesse property. mantine.
Energy Cache-Divert. This modification allows you to Handy. Only available to non-energy weapons, this
divert energy from your energy cache to your energy weap- modification turns your melee weapon into a hand. It is
on, potentially increasing damage. This requires an energy then implanted, taking up space in your arm servo. It need
cache. not be a traditional hand and can be shaped to include pin-
Entangle. This weapon must possess the slashing prop- cers or claws—however, it doesn’t alter its ability to manip-
erty and reach. Instead of inflicting damage, you can elect ulate objects and hold onto weapons. A hand is as strong as
to restrain a target your size or smaller. A target can use its the mecha it is attached to, meaning it can hold onto any
action to make a Strength check to free itself; the DC to weapon the mecha can carry. You can build basic hands if

138
you don’t intend for them to be used in melee combat. A mount but can release the weapon. A weapon can employ
handy weapon can only be one-handed, so is limited on the multiple mounts, even across multiple servos, though the
damage it can inflict. You can still determine if the final final design must make mechanical sense (GM discretion).
design will inflict bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing dam- A mount can also be used as an alternate location for a
age. weapon based on the mecha’s configuration. For example,
Mono-Molecular. This non-energy modification allows a mecha that transforms may shift the location of a mount-
a melee weapon to cut through virtually any defense. It ed weapon, or a hand-held weapon to a mounted weapon.
gains the armor-piercing property—it ignores damage re-
sistance to the damage it inflicts and reduces immunity to
its damage to resistance. This weapon also counts as magi-
cal and adamantine. Why have one gun when you can have five guns? Weapon
Piton. This modification to non-energy weapons con- coupling allows you to merge two or more weapons into
ceals a spear which ejects and retracts quickly upon impact. one. To couple weapons, add together all the spaces taken
This can only be attached to melee weapons built into ser- up by all weapons and multiply by 0.7; the result is the
vos (including hands and feet). If the melee weapon scores space taken up by the mated weapon. However, if a weap-
a critical, the target suffers an additional 10 points of dam- on is damaged, so are all others coupled. If one is de-
age. If built into an arm servo, the piton can be used to stroyed, the entire assembly is destroyed. Weapon coupling
have advantage on climb checks. If built into a leg servo, is not the same as weapon linking, and you will need to
the piton can activate to reduce any forced movement by link coupled weapons if you want to use them with a single
20 feet; it can also prevent the mecha from be knocked action.
prone. Both servo benefits inflict damage to the surround-
ing environment.
Returning. Combine this with the thrown property;
after being thrown, it returns to you at the end of your turn. An energy cache allows you to control and store incoming
If you are able to make multiple attacks during your turn, energy. This energy is absorbed either through armor, a
they can be made with this weapon as part of the same shield, or another source of power and stored in batteries,
throw. which can then be expelled through thrusters, energy
Shock. This modification to non-energy melee weapons ranged weapons or energy melee weapons. Diverting ener-
sends a charge through against its target. Its damage also gy from the cache to a device requires no action.
counts as lightning damage and upon impact, shuts down Gaining Energy. After finishing a long rest, a mecha’s
all technology on the target until the beginning of your energy cache begins at 0. If you suffer damage, possess a
next turn (the same as the pincher property). resistance or immunity, and possess an energy absorber,
Thrown. The weapon gains the thrown property. The the damage not taken can be used to fill up your cache (up
range is based on your size—Tiny/Small/Medium. 20/60; to its Max Power). A reactive shield can absorb outside
Large/Huge/Gargantuan. 100/200; Colossal. 200/400; Im- energy as well.
mense. 300/600; Titanic. 500/1000; City. 800/1,600; Plane- You can also fill it up by siphoning external energy.
tary. 1,500/3,000; Cosmic. 2,500/5,000. The energy required is immense, like accessing the raw
Variable. If you purchase the variable modification for power of a nuclear reactor and grabbing exposed power
your energy melee weapon, then the weapon can change cables. The GM may award power some other way as well,
between any of the three damage types (bludgeoning, like being struck by lightning. The GM decides how much
slashing, or piercing) as a bonus action. The weapon physi- of the cache is filled by and if the mecha suffers any ancil-
cally alters to appear like a different weapon. In the case of lary damage.
a beaming shield, when shifting into the bludgeoning Divert. This value is the maximum number of points
mode, you turn it into the shield. that can be diverted to an external system (like weapons or
Reach. This gives your weapon reach. The actual dis- thrusters) per use.
tance is based on your size. For Gargantuan and smaller Diverting to Healing. An energy cache can be used to
mecha, your reach is extended by 5 feet. For Colossal and repair a mecha’s systems. As an action, any number of
Immense, your reach is extended by 10 feet. For Titanic points can be spent from the cache to recover hit points to
and City, your reach is extended by 20 feet. For Planetary any servo on a 1-to-1 basis.
and Cosmic, your reach is extended by 40 feet. This only Diverting to a Weapon. When energy is redirected to a
extends your weapon’s reach and does not extend any oth- weapon system, it deals additional damage (after all modi-
er abilities that employ reach. fiers and multipliers have been implemented) on a 1-to-1
basis. You can only divert to an energy weapon with the
energy cache-divert modification.
Diverting to Movement. If your flight system possesses
A weapon mount provides a convenient brace for a firearm. an energy cache-divert modification, you can divert energy
All mounts take up 2 spaces and cost 4. to your thrusters to add to your movement speed, at a rate
A mount is a semi-permanent link. A hand counts as a of 2 points per 5 ft.
Divert to Shields. When energy is diverted to a reactive

139
shield as a bonus action, the shield recovers hit points on a coming damage without resistance. A reactive shield can
1-to-1 basis. You can only redirect to a reactive shield with be manually dropped or raised with a bonus action. After
the energy cache-divert modification. finishing a short or long rest, the reactive shield recovers all
lost hit points. A reactive shield’s spaces can be distributed
ENERGY CACHE
Cost Divert Max Power Space over several locations.
180 5 20 2 SHIELDS
290 10 25 4 Type Cost Shield Bonus Space
500 15 35 6 Standard 10 +1 1
720 20 40 8 Standard 20 +2 2
1,000 25 45 10 Standard 500 +3 3
1,300 30 50 12 Standard 840 +4 4
1,800 35 55 14 Active 110 +2 2
2,200 40 60 16 Active 230 +3 2
3,300 45 65 18 Active 590 +4 2
5,000 50 70 20 Reactive 590 -- 5+

SHIELD MODIFICATIONS
Modification Cost
There are four types of shields—standard shields, active Energy Absorber x1.5
Energy Cache-Divert x1.3
shields, reactive shields, and beaming shields (see Melee
Energy Only x0.75
Weapons, above). Lifespan (3-Round) x0.5
Active. An active shield is automated, attached to its Lifespan (4-Round) x0.6
own linkage, and attempts to intercept attacks without im- Lifespan (5-Round) x0.7
peding your movement. These shields are generally small- Pinpoint Barrier (1) x0.7
er than standard shields but offer better protection thanks Pinpoint Barrier (2) x0.8
to their automated defensive system. These only require Physical Only x0.75
two spaces as they connect only to a permanent mount, not Ranged Only x0.75
unlike a weapon. However, you cannot use an active shield Reactive Upgrade (8/30) x2.0
Reactive Upgrade (14/40) x3.0
as a bludgeoning weapon, and you cannot shield bash with
Reactive Upgrade (18/50) x5.0
it. Reset (3-Round) x2.0
Standard. A standard shield is the same as the classical, Reset (4-Round) x1.5
medieval variety. A shield must be mounted on an arm Surge x2.5
servo. An arm servo with a shield can possess a hand and
hold onto single-mount weapons, but you cannot hold on
one weapon with two hands if one servo contains a shield.
Standard shields come in +1 through +4 AC bonus, though Energy Absorption. This modification requires an ener-
+3 and +4 both come with a -5 feet penalty to speed and a gy cache. When the reactive shield suffers hit point loss,
+2 Max Dexterity bonus (similar to armor). this same value is added to your energy cache. Cannot be
Reactive. A reactive system is a full-on force field that combined with the energy cache-divert modification.
protects your entire mecha. Automatic power distribution Energy Cache-Divert. This modification allows you to
ensures that the majority of energy is diverted to the side divert energy from your energy cache to your reactive
that needs it. The field radiates only a foot from your body, shield. As a bonus action, divert energy to repair the hit
preventing you from including allies, and drops only for an points of your reactive shield, potentially increasing its
instant when you make a melee or ranged attack. Reactive lifespan. This requires an energy cache. Cannot be com-
systems do not possess an armor class; instead, they have a bined with the energy absorption modifier.
particular form of damage resistance to all types of incom- Energy Only. This reactive shield only responds to in-
ing damage. coming energy attacks, including radiant, lighting, fire,
When struck by an attack, compare the damage to its cold, and acid—it ignores bludgeoning, slashing, and pierc-
shield buffer (the first value). If less, then neither the ing attacks as well as attacks using both physical and ener-
shield nor you suffer damage. If higher than the buffer, gy types for a single strike (like a melee weapon channel-
then the shield repels half the incoming damage, with the ing lightning). You may only possess one “only” modifica-
other half removed from the shield’s hit points. When a tion. Note. Depending on the setting, this type of may
shield’s hit points are reduced to 0, the shield fails and re- shield may defend against paranormal energy sources like
mains down until your mech has finished a short or long necrotic as well.
rest. Lifespan. When a reactive shield is activated with a
All of the shield multipliers pertain to the reactive bonus action, it remains up until the beginning of your
shield. By default, a reactive shield’s buffer and hit points next turn. With a limited lifespan, if you don’t use a bonus
are 5/20. Against armor-piercing and magical attacks, the action at the beginning of your turn to shut it down, it will
shield buffer is halved, and the shield absorbs all the in- use up another round of use and remain online until the

140
next round. After the indicated rounds are up, the system control system is “Exo”). The control system affects the
shuts down and cannot be raised until the mecha finishes a entire cost of the mecha (see System Multipliers).
short or long rest. If you shut down the shield prematurely Living Module. A living module is a complete living
and reactivate it in the same battle, any lost hit points are area for 1-2 crew members. It includes beds, desks,
not recovered. screens, and potentially cooking appliances. This addition
Physical Only. Similar to energy, this reactive shield is the basic system for creating a vessel, whether ground-,
only responds to incoming physical attacks, including water-, or space-based. You don’t have to worry about hall-
bludgeoning, slashing, and piercing attacks; it ignores radi- ways and engine rooms; build the living spaces for your
ant, lighting, fire, cold, thunder, and acid as well as attacks crew, the essential engineering rooms come later. This
using both physical and energy types for a single strike room can also be assigned a recreational definition (mess
(like a melee weapon channeling lightning). You may only hall, meeting area, lounge, exercise room, holodeck) to add
possess one “only” modification. “luxury.” Living areas can be combined to form larger are-
Pinpoint Barrier. A pinpoint system is a smaller as. If large enough, your vessel will automatically form
forcefield incapable of encasing your entire mecha; instead, spaces for engineering rooms for free.
it hovers inches from the surface and floats to a location an Passenger Seat. A passenger seat can be a separate
instant before an impending impact. Although equally ef- space or attached to a cockpit. There are no controls; this is
fective against incoming attacks, a pinpoint barrier can only just an additional seat for a passenger.
respond to one attack (or two) outside of your turn. It also Secondary Cockpit. Normally a mecha can only func-
cannot defend your mecha against area attacks requiring tion with one operator, but with additional crew members,
Dexterity saving throws to avoid. certain advantages emerge. When accomplishing any abil-
Ranged Only. This reactive shield only responds to ity check or attack roll, the character with the greatest
rapid incoming attacks. Slow attacks, like melee weapons, chance at success can make the check. Additionally, certain
are ignored and pass through the shield. This shield does pilots may be proficient in skills others lack. One may op-
not respond against mines. erate sensors or employ certain weapons. This does not
Reactive Upgrade. By default, a reactive shield possess- offer the mecha additional actions or additional turns. Both
es a buffer of 5 and 20 hit points, but this can be upgraded. benefit from the cockpit type. A secondary cockpit is not a
Each tier increases the required spaces by 5. So, 8/30 re- turret. These need not be separate rooms.
quires 10, 14/40 requires 15, and 18/50 requires 20. Turret. This is not a cockpit that controls a mecha but
Reset. By default, an energy weapon remains off-line rather a single control system that controls one weapon
when disabled until the mecha has finished a short or long pod. You must construct the pod and install weapons with-
rest. A reset modification allows it to return to full func- in the assembly for the turret to control. A turret, by de-
tionality after a certain number of rounds have passed. Af- fault, operates with the same control scheme as the cockpit
ter the indicated rounds, the shield can be raised with a but can operate via a cheaper system (though this does not
bonus action at the beginning of your next turn. affect cost).
Surge. When this unstable shield’s final hit point is lost
CREW SPACES
and the shield collapses, it violently ejects all built-up en- Crew Spaces Cost Spaces
ergy in a massive explosive outburst. The range and the Basic Cockpit 0 1
damage inflicted is the same as its hit points—all targets in Secondary Cockpit 10 4
range must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking Passenger Seat 2 1
full damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a Living Module 5 5
successful one. Although devastating, it also cannot be Turret 7 3
stopped if the shield is allowed to be reduced to zero hit
points. This cannot be combined with reset or lifespan
CREW SIZE LIMITATIONS
Size Cockpit Passengers Living Turret
modifications. Tiny 1 (Exo) 0 0 0
Small 1 (Exo) 0 0 0
Medium 1 (Exo) 0 0 0
Large 1 1 0 0
Huge 2 6 2 1
Gargantuan 5 20 4 4
Colossal 6 50 10 8
Immense 7 90 20 12
Titanic 8 140 50 16
Crew Size Limitations. Although all mecha must be City 9 200 100 20
able to accommodate a pilot, there are limits to how many Planetary 10 500 200 26
additional passengers and crew spaces it can have, based on Cosmic 11 2,000 1,000 40
the size of the mecha. Tiny and Medium mecha are lim-
ited to “Exo” unless the pilot is smaller than the mecha.
Basic Cockpit. By default, each mecha is built with one The default sensor package allows the mecha to see up to
cockpit, taking up no space and costing nothing (unless the 250 feet and communicate with other targets employing

141
radio up to 200 miles away. However, if the sensor package Sneak Attack) to use the mecha’s level rather than the
suffers damage in any way, it is offline until repaired. Un- character’s.
less the pilot has a visible cockpit, the mecha is blinded
OPTIONAL SENSOR ADDITIONS
and deafened. Addition Cost Spaces
Alternately, you can purchase a more powerful, robust Advanced Sensors 5 1
sensor package, and even acquire a backup system. Higher Focus Reticle 5 0
-level sensors also offer additional benefits. Friend/Foe Analyzer 5 1
Location. If placed in a head servo, all sensors have Resolution Enhancement 5 1
their range doubled. A pilot can also use the mecha’s profi- Gravity Lens 10 2
Audio Enhancer 5 1
ciency bonus when making Wisdom (Perception) checks.
Nightvision 5 1
Additions. Advanced and higher sensor packages gain Motion Tracker 10 2
specific free additions. Select between 1 and 4 from the Magnetic Resonance 10 2
Optional Sensor Additions. You can purchase extra addi- Target Analyzer 10 2
tions if you want.
Backup. A backup system activates the moment prima-
ry sensors are shut down.
Sensor Abilities. A mecha can see any mecha in sensor Countermeasures allow you to be invisible to radar, invisi-
range, even those behind cover. Without specific counter- ble to attempts to track, or literally invisible in all respects.
measures, it is impossible to hide a massive robot radiating It’s about avoiding enemy attacks rather than withstanding
reactor heat. them. This employs traditional camouflage, electronic
Targeting. This value indicates how many targets you countermeasures, and light-bending force fields.
can track. As a bonus action, you can lock on to the indicat- Chaff/Flares. Your mecha is equipped with a rudimen-
ed targets, thus always knowing their position while in sen- tary missile avoidance system. As a bonus action, you re-
sor range (unless they have a jammer or a cloaking device). lease a collection of magnesium flares and tiny aluminum
This value also indicates the number of different oppo- and zinc-coated fibers to confuse incoming missiles. To
nents you can target with a missile attack. This value simplify the rules, you always eject the correct counter-
stacks with optional sensor additions. measure to the impending missile, and the countermeasure
benefits you, no matter where you move after deployment,
until the end of your next turn. Any missile that scores a
Advanced Sensors. As an action, gain advantage on your hit but still not impacted (see Missile rules) must repeat its
next Wisdom (Perception) check that relies on sight. You initial attack. If deployed before an attack, said attack has
can also track +1 targets. disadvantage. A mecha can use chaff/flares 4 times before
Audio Enhancer. As an action, gain advantage on your requiring a reload, which can only be completed after fin-
next Wisdom (Perception) check that relies on hearing. ishing a long rest.
Focus Reticle. This allows any firearm (non-missile) to Cloaking. Cloaking requires complete mecha recon-
have the sniper property. struction; as such does not take up space, instead it is a
Friend/Foe Analyzer. As a bonus action, target one op- system multiplier, meaning its cost is based on the total
ponent within sensor range you can see. You can retrieve cost of the mecha after all primary systems have been built
any combat stats and current hit points as well as track the (see System Multipliers).
target’s location, even if it moves out of line of sight. You Missile Jamming. A non-damaging laser-based defense
can also track +1 targets. system, a missile jammer prevents targets from attempting
Gravity Lens. As an action, you can look around cor- a missile lock-on. As a bonus action, target one enemy that
ners, change a visual angle upon a target, or shift your view you can see. All missiles attacks from that enemy have dis-
to any spot within range. This can include winding around advantage (this affects all missiles attacks the target makes,
hallways and snaking through mazes, all within sensor not just ones targeting you). You can only jam one target at
range. a time. You can purchase upgraded versions that can track
Magnetic Resonance. A form of sonar, a magnetic reso- two attackers at once.
nance system allows you to look through doors, walls, or Sensor Jamming. An advanced variant to the missile
within other mecha. The resonance creates a computer- jammer, a sensor jammer is an active system that renders
generated image, not real life. you radar invisible. Missile attacks have disadvantage, and
Nightvision. You gain Darkvision within your sensor you cannot be located via sensors. If a mecha cannot see
range. you visually, you can attempt Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
Resolution Enhancement. As an action, you gain ad- You can activate jamming with an action, it lasts five
vantage on your next Intelligence (Investigation) check minutes, and cannot be used again until your mecha finish-
that relies on sight. You can also track +1 targets. es a long rest
Target Analyzer. This modification allows a character Sensor Denial. This enhanced jammer allows you to
with class features enabling additional damage with an at- extend your field of effect to all targets within reach.
tack (like the sniper’s Marksman Talent or the rogue’s

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 ECM BIT CONTROL
Addition Cost Spaces Control Range Cost
Chaff/Flares 2 1 1 50 ft. 50
Missile Jamming (1) 10 1 2 100 ft. 100
Missile Jamming (2) 50 1 3 200 ft. 200
Sensor Jamming 390 1 4 400 ft. 300
Sensor Denial 840 2
BIT MULTIPLIER
System Cost
Bonus x3.0
Range x2 x2.0
A “bit” is a remote control sub-mecha slaved to your con- Range x4 x3.0
trols. They can work automatically or via your direct com- Level Adjustment x2.0
mand. These are not complete systems and are usually
only equipped with a weapon and a propulsion system.
You are required to build your bit the same way you
would build your mecha, taking away points from your These are various other minor options you can add to your
budget. Thankfully, being independent, your bit need not mecha, some necessary, others gratuitous.
be incorporated into system multipliers (unless you want
your bit/s to have them). Generally, a bit will only possess a OPTIONS
torso, a method of movement, and a single weapon, but Option Cost Space
Antitheft 0.2 0
you could construct an entire full-sized mecha as well. Collapsible Bike 6 1
These rules detail the control system. Ejection Seat 1 0
Stats. Despite a bit being potentially lower level than Escape Pod 4 2
your mecha, a bit will move and attack based on the abili- Damage Control Module 1 1
ties of the “master” controller, using its Proficiency bonus. Hibernation Module 5 1
Ability modifiers, however, are still determined by the re- Liftwire 0.2 0
mote’s stats. Maneuver Pod 6 2
Control. This value indicates the number of bits you Micromanipulator 1 1
can control at a time. You can possess multiple bits, but Parachute 1/size 1/size
Quick-Change Mount 1 0
this value limits the number of bits you can use with a sin-
Re-Entry Shield 1/size 1/size
gle action. Spotlights 0.2 0
Range. A bit’s operational range. You can double this Stereo 0.2 0
range with a modification. Storage Module 1 1
Operation. A pilot can activate any number bits up to Weapon Linkage 2+ 0
her control value with an action. Each of them can then use
a move and an action on their own.
Antitheft. Your mecha is appropriately locked up, re-
Space. Regardless of the complexity, a bit control sys- quiring a DC 20 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check to
tem only requires 1 space. open.
Replacement. If a bit is reduced to 0 hit points, it is Collapsible Bike. In a small 3-foot box unfolds an elec-
disabled. If suffering more damage after being reduced, it
tric bike, enabling one rider to gain 50 speed for up to six
is destroyed. It must be then rebuilt, costing money to do
hours. The bike has 20 hit points and an AC of 13+Dex/Int
so. Replacement is not automatic, something to consider
modifier. It takes only an action for the bike to properly
before placing mines in bits. unfold.
Bonus. This modification reduces the activation cost for Damage Control Module. This module is designed to
a bit control to a bonus action rather than an action. offer emergency supplies in case your mecha becomes
Level Adjustment. This modification matches the bit
stranded in foreign territory. It contains a 5-person raft, a 5-
level to your own. The bit previously used your proficiency
person tent, fire retardant, a dozen flares, a shortwave ra-
bonus—now it gains ability score bonuses as well based on
dio, a first-aid kit, rations for 12 days of food, a water-
your mecha’s level.
purification filter, and a gas mask.
Ejection Seat. As a reaction to your mecha being re-
SENSORS
Class Cost Space/ Hit Points Sensor Range Communication Range Additions Targeting
Basic 0 1/1 250 ft. 200 miles 0 1
Essential 5 1/1 500 ft. 400 miles 0 2
Advanced 10 2/6 1,000 ft. 600 miles 1 4
Superior 50 3/12 2,000 ft. 1,000 miles 2 6
Specialist 100 4/16 4,000 ft. 3,000 miles 3 8
Master 200 5/20 8,000 ft. Interplanetary 4 10
Backup 5 2/10 150 ft. 200 miles 0 2

143
duced to 0 hit points, your seat ejects with you on it and weapons under a single trigger. Each weapon requires the
parachutes to safety outside of any potential reactor explo- weapon link to be counted. The cost listed indicates iden-
sion. You can also manually eject as a bonus action or reac- tical weapon types mounted in the same servo. If across
tion. You must purchase one for each cockpit. different servos on the same mecha, the cost doubles to 4
Escape Pod. Instead of a basic ejection seat, your entire for each weapon. If across different mecha you control (like
cockpit ejects from a mecha reduced to 0 hit points as a bits), it costs 6 for each weapon. A linked weapon attack
reaction. It parachutes to safety outside of any potential involves making an Attack action than cannot be combined
explosion and contains enough life support to keep any with any character-based martial power (like a gunslinger
occupants alive for 72 hours. The pod cannot maneuver, cinematic style); it is its own action. You can only link
but it can float and send out a distress call. You must pur- ranged weapons, not melee weapons, and only up to four
chase one for each cockpit, though it can be a double-sized weapons can be linked. A linked-weapon attack makes an
pod for multiple pilots. attack roll with each linked weapon.
Hibernation Module. Your mecha is equipped with a
suspended animation module that freezes you in a moment
of time, allowing you to make long journeys without noting
the passage of time. There are three types of flight propulsion available to
Liftwire. Allowing easy access, the liftwire descends mecha—fanjets, thrusters, and gravitics. Each one allows
automatically when an assigned pilot approaches. This al- flight at a different cost. This is usually your last additive
lows the pilot to enter her mecha by moving into its space, system, as you must know your mecha’s final size before
without having to make climbing checks. calculating propulsion costs.
Maneuver Pod. Operating identically to the escape pod, Space. Space equals cost/20 (minimum 1), but these
the maneuver pod is built with thrusters, enabling it to systems can be broken up in any ratio in any servo. For
have a fly speed of 30. In space, this can last tens of thou- example, if thrusters cost 200, taking 10 spaces, you can
sands of kilometers, but in an atmosphere, the pod only place 2 in each leg, 1 in each arm, with the remaining 4 in
contains enough fuel for five minutes of flight before final- the torso.
ly being forced to settle. You must purchase one for each Speed. The value listed is not normal speed, but accel-
cockpit, though it can be a double-sized pod for multiple eration (see Vehicles rules).
pilots. Fanjets. The most primitive propulsion type, but also
Micromanipulators. Only available to Medium or larger the cheapest, fanjets only operate in the lower atmosphere
mecha, these miniature appendages deploy from either an (no higher than 25,000 feet) and cannot have a speed high-
arm servo or a torso and can manipulate smaller objects er than 50 feet. Fanjets can function underwater.
like doors and keypads. They are equipped with standard Thrusters. These employ a reactive thrust system ena-
tools to enact repairs as well. These allow skill checks bling powerful speeds in any environment. Thrusters can
against items smaller than two sizes smaller than the operate in space and underwater.
mecha. Gravitics. Gravity drives do more than just allow a
Parachute. If your mecha is falling, you can as a reaction mecha to fly without a visible exhaust; it also allows the
or bonus action deploy your parachute, preventing any mecha to operate in complete ignorance of physical laws,
damage from the fall, assuming you are falling in a pressur- allowing the mecha to accelerate or decelerate nearly in-
ized environment. The chute then detaches to allow move- stantaneously, removing the feeling of inertia to those in-
ment. The chute can be retracted during a short rest. side. This type of drive is vital for vessels attempting sub-
Quick Change Mount. This allows a servo to be de- light speeds. Gravity drives are the most expensive but can
tached and reattached as an action. The servo is secured levitate, move silently, and even take a craft into orbit
until the point you decide to disconnect it. The servo may without the need to calculate escape velocity.
fall to the ground, it may be used as weapon, or be de-
signed to move under its own power. A quick-change TO CALCULATE PROPULSION COST
mount must be selected for each servo you wish to detach. PER 5 ft. = Size Multiplier x Propulsion Modifier
Re-Entry Shield. Despite what you may assume, a
mecha cannot re-enter the atmosphere of a planet without
some form of thermal protection. This system deploys a
shield, enabling safe atmospheric entry.
Spotlights. As a bonus action, your mecha can illumi-
nate a cone 20x longer than your reach.
Stereo. This could be an internal system, an external
system, or both.
Storage Module. This module (for Medium mecha and
larger) can carry up to 5x your reach in lb. of gear, which
can include smaller mecha.
Weapon Linkage. A weapon link connects multiple

144
 (rounded down) of the command armor. They must be
SIZE MULTIPLIER
Size Size Multiplier purchased for each servo with command armor to have an
Tiny x1 effect.
Small x2 For example, you purchase level 10 command armor for
Medium x4 your level 10 torso and level 7 for each of your level 9 arms
Large x7 and legs. If you purchase thrusters for the torso, you ignore
Huge x11 the –15 speed and –4 Dex penalty but not the –10 and –2
Gargantuan x16
penalties imposed by arms and legs. You must purchase
Colossal x22
Immense x29 thrusters for each servo to remove all penalties.
Titanic x37 SPEED / DEX PENALTY
City x46 Armor Level Speed Dexterity Maneuver
Planetary x56 Penalty Penalty Thrusters Cost
Cosmic x67 -5 level or less None None 20
-4 level -5 -1 45
PROPULSION TYPE -3 level -5 -2 70
Propulsion Cost / 5 ft. -2 level -10 -2 110
Fanjets 2 -1 level -10 -3 180
Thrusters 5 Equal level -15 -3 230
Gravitics 10 +1 level -20 -4 290
+2 level -25 -5 390

Command armor, also known as buster armor or full armor,

offers additional protection by simply packing on weight
onto an existing frame. Instead of altering AC, command
armor packs on ablative hit points, which reduce incoming
damage. Command armor as well can offer additional spac- After constructing the majority of the mecha and determin-
es for weapons. You can add command armor up to two ing its size, you can select your system multipliers. Add up
levels higher than the servo the armor is attached to. This the multipliers of all the systems to determine the final
kind of armor does have its drawbacks. If equipped with value, which is then multiplied in the base cost to deter-
command armor equal to your level or higher, you cannot mine the added cost to the mecha.
transform (if able). Additionally, larger armor reduces your For example, if a 200 CP mecha has the following mul-
speed—both ground and flight (unless you add additional tipliers—x0.2, x0.3, and x0.1, the total multiplier is 0.6,
propulsion in the command armor). which adds 120 CP, resulting in a mecha costing 320 CP.
Command Armor hit points are not adjusted by your
mecha’s Constitution modifier.
Threshold. Command armor features threshold—the
maximum value of damage the command armor takes per More than any other system, a powerplant is determined
hit; additional damage carries through to the mecha. The by the setting and not by player decision. There are five
torso and limbs list different hit points and threshold based different powerplants available—steam, combustion, ener-
on their level. gy cell, nuclear, and bioenergy. Few of these options factor
For example, a mecha servo with 10 HP of command heavily into the cost of the mecha (a few even reduce it).
armor with a threshold of 2 suffering a 10-damage hit trans- However, an unstable or supercharged powerplant will.
lates to 2 damage being taken by the armor with the re- Steam/Combustion. While in real life these power sys-
maining 8 going through to the mecha. tems do not generate anything close to the amount of pow-
Spaces. Command armor takes up no space as it over- er a mecha would require, we have already established that
laps existing armor. However, command armor offers its this is not real life. In the interests of verisimilitude, how-
own spaces to place weapon systems or even propulsion. ever, both systems have a limited capacity and require re-
Speed/Dex Penalty. Armor weighs you down, incurring fueling. Steam/combustion drives can only finish two short
a penalty to speed and your Dexterity bonus to AC (it does rests before being required to finish a long rest to refuel
not affect your Dexterity modifier when making attacks). (assuming said fuel is available). This means that these
Only the highest level of command armor imposes its pen- reactors cannot finish three short rests in a row; if this
alty; you do not add the penalties of all command armor. If mecha cannot finish a long rest to refuel, they shut down.
all the same level, you only add the penalty once for that Steam/combustion also always start at Reacon level 2.
level. Energy Cell/Nuclear. These reactors are the standard
Maneuver Thrusters. These strategically positioned outfits for mecha. They start at Reacon level 0. Energy cell
vectored thrust modules counteract the speed and maneu- drives can only finish four short rests before being required
verability deficiencies that command armor incurs. These to finish a long rest to recharge. This means that this reac-
thrusters cannot increase speed or Dexterity, only offset tor cannot finish five short rests in a row; if this mecha can-
the penalty. Thrusters occupy half the available spaces not finish a long rest to recharge, it shuts down.

145
 Bioenergy. Biological energy can also be considered a COMMAND ARMOR
stand-in for any energy source considered beyond the Level Cost Threshold/ Threshold/ Spaces Spaces
realm of modern science, either magical energy or a theo- HP (Limb) HP (Torso) (Limb) (Torso)
rized unique energy source. It likely forms the core of an 1 20 2/10 5/25 0 3
2 45 3/15 6/30 1 5
entire living organism. Potentially, the reactor is the pilot 3 70 4/20 7/35 2 7
itself, with the energy core enhancing a latent psychic pow- 4 110 5/25 8/40 3 9
er. Bioenergy plants are incredibly stable, beginning opera- 5 180 6/30 9/45 4 11
tion at Reacon level -2. 6 230 7/35 10/50 5 13
Energy Levels. This is the setting where reactor out- 7 290 8/40 11/55 6 15
puts energy. By default, standard does not affect operation. 8 390 9/45 12/60 7 17
Unstable sets the default Reacon level by +1. If this places 9 500 10/50 13/65 8 19
10 590 11/55 14/70 9 21
a reactor in a damaged state, it does not suffer damage; it
11 720 12/60 15/75 10 23
only does when entering a new state. Stable energy reduc- 12 840 13/65 16/80 11 25
es default Reacon level by 1. 13 1000 14/70 17/85 12 27
Supercharged. This mecha possesses the capacity to 14 1,100 15/75 18/90 13 29
overcharge its reactor. As a bonus action, you can increase 15 1,300 16/80 19/95 14 31
Reacon level by 1; you have advantage with all d20 rolls 16 1,500 17/85 20/100 15 33
and gain a +2 bonus to AC until you deactivate the super- 17 1,800 18/90 21/105 16 35
18 2,000 19/95 22/110 17 37
charge. This Reacon level cannot be reduced until the
19 2,200 20/100 23/115 18 39
mecha finishes a short or long rest. If by the end of each of 20 2,500 21/105 24/120 19 41
your turns, you have not stopped the supercharge with a 21 3,300 22/110 25/125 20 43
bonus action, the Reacon level increases by 1 again and 22 4,100 23/115 26/130 21 45
will continue until you shut down the supercharge (with a 23 5,000 24/120 27/135 22 47
bonus action) or reach level 9. 24 6,200 25/125 28/140 23 49
25 7,500 26/130 29/145 24 51
POWERPLANTS 26 9,000 27/135 30/150 25 53
Powerplant Multiplier 27 10,500 28/140 31/155 26 55
Steam -x0.15 28 12,000 29/145 32/160 27 57
Combustion -x0.15 29 13,500 30/150 33/165 28 59
Energy Cell x0.0 30 15,500 31/155 34/170 29 61
Nuclear x0.0
Bioenergy x0.15 offers all the benefits of that system (your Reacon level
Standard Energy x0.0
reduces by 1; you gain an additional round with Smart mis-
Unstable Energy -x0.1
Stable Energy x0.05 siles; you can control +1 bit). You can also express magical
Supercharged x0.2 abilities outside of your mecha, amplified as to make them
more powerful. If you are magically adept, all your spells
operate at your or your mecha’s level (whichever is higher).
Your reach is the same as your mecha’s reach, and all rang-
es increase to your sensor’s range. An Esper lens permits a
A cockpit control system can significantly affect how a pilot to use any mental ability for her pilot ability score.
mech is controlled. Some cockpits are substantially more Exo. You do not operate a mecha through a cockpit as
advanced than others. the mecha is too small to accommodate a pilot of your size.
Size Vs. Operation. When a mecha is larger than you (at The mecha must be either the same size as you or one size
least one size) you can select any cockpit type. If your size, larger. You occupy a number of spaces inside your mecha
it must be an Exo. If smaller, it must be Remote. All cock- equal to your Constitution ability score (this can be broken
pits take up 1 space in the torso except Exo, Rider, and up between the limbs). A mecha with this control system
Remote. receives a +2 bonus to Strength and Dexterity saving
Pilot Ability Score. The ability score a pilot uses to cal- throws and ability checks. Exo controls permit a pilot to
culate their Control Ability is determined by the type of use Dexterity or Strength for her pilot ability score.
cockpit. Manual. This rudimentary system involves controlling
A.I. There is no cockpit. The mecha is run by an artifi- the mecha from a cockpit, not unlike a present-day aircraft
cially intelligent computer. This can either be its own char- (though you likely have screens rather than glass). As a
acter or an ally of a player character. Roll 2d6+6 for the result, you cannot see easily in every direction, no matter
AI’s mental ability scores, then add +2 to Intelligence and where the sensor package is. You suffer a -2 penalty to your
Wisdom. The mecha uses its unmodified physical ability Wisdom (Perception) checks based on sight. Manual con-
scores (no control ability). Alternatively, if you want the AI trols permit a pilot to use either Dexterity or Strength for
to be capable of exiting the mecha, create an automaton her pilot ability score.
pilot according to the normal character creation rules. Reflex. A common advancement for mecha involves no
Esper Lens. A lens is similar to thought control and standard controls. Instead, the target is suspended in a

146
cockpit which replicates personal physical movement. A
mecha with this control system receives a +2 bonus to Dex-
terity and Strength saving throws and ability checks. How- Traditionally, a mecha with an enclosed cockpit seals the
ever, the pilot can suffer from exhaustion through regular pilot from outside calamities. If a mecha possess cold or fire
exertion. Reflex controls permit a pilot to use Strength or resistance, then that same mecha is immune to those envi-
Dexterity for her pilot ability score. ronmental effects (of heat and cold). A mecha resistant to
Remote. The mecha is actually piloted through a virtu- force also possesses radiation shielding.
alization rig in another location, such as a secure base or You can still acquire environmental shielding, which
carrier ship. This control pod must be within communica- renders you immune to those effects but not directed dam-
tion range; if it loses connectivity, the mecha can take no aging attacks employing that damage type (cold Protection
actions. This ‘cockpit’ is considered part of the mecha’s renders you immune to a cold environment but not cold
sensor package and does not occupy additional space; if the damage from a cold-based attack). All mecha with internal
mecha’s sensors are damaged, it loses connectivity. Reac- cockpits receive space protection for free. High pressure
tion time is also reduced; a mecha with this control system renders your mecha sealed against increased external pres-
suffers disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws. Remote sure such as thick atmosphere and up to 2 miles underwa-
control allows a pilot to use Dexterity or Intelligence for ter.
her pilot ability score. This cockpit style is more common ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
as a secondary cockpit, allowing a remote operator to sup- Protection Multiplier
plement a pilot on the scene or take over if the pilot is in- Cold x0.01
capacitated. Fire x0.01
Rider. You are not actually inside your mecha. Rather High Pressure x0.02
Radiation x0.02
you ride it, either from behind or atop. In this situation, the
mecha can be your size or larger and you do not occupy any
spaces inside the mecha. However, being outside does
mean you can be targeted by attacks. Rider controls permit
a pilot to use Dexterity or Intelligence for her pilot ability These systems, though internal, affect the external envi-
score. ronment. These can include cloaking, repair systems, and
Sub-Mecha. Your cockpit is, in fact, a smaller mecha teleportation. Most systems have a multiplier along with a
(which you must build). The control mecha, which must minimum level the torso must be at to be equipped.
be at least two sizes smaller, locks into the larger design. Cloak-Distortion. This cloaking system does not render
The cockpit of the smaller mech dictates the operation of you completely invisible. As an action, you blur your
the larger one (it is generally Exo). mecha against outside attack. Any creature has disad-
Thought. This advanced system strips the cockpit of vantage on attack rolls against you. This does not work
any visible advancements. The target either rests in a sus- against smart missile systems. Enemies capable of truesight
pension fluid or sits strapped in a featureless cockpit. This also filter out this illusion. When you activate Cloak-
system is popular with psychics and those with disciplined Distortion, it remains up for up to 1 minute, and cannot be
minds. A mecha with this system reduces its Reacon level used again until you finish a long rest.
by 1. You gain an additional round with Smart missiles, and Commandeer Slave. You can target a mecha that has
you can control +1 bit. Thought control permits a pilot to been reduced to 0 hit points but not detonated within dou-
use Intelligence or Wisdom for her pilot ability score. ble your reach. Increase your Reacon level by 1. That
Virtual. Whether it be a spherical display, holographic, mecha stands with a quarter of its maximum hit points and
or a virtual headset, the virtual cockpit is the standard ar- now functions under your control. You can use a bonus
rangement for a mecha. Virtual controls permit a pilot to action to control the mecha and can control as many mecha
use Dexterity or Intelligence for her pilot ability score. this way as you can handle, though your Reacon level can-
not decrease until you release the mecha under your con-
COCKPIT trol. Targeted mecha remains slaved to your system for up
Powerplant Multiplier
A.I. x0.2 to 24 hours. After you take control of a mecha, you can
Esper Lens x0.3 maintain control up to your sensor range.
Exo x0.0 Holographics. As an action, you can make natural ter-
Manual -x0.05 rain up to x3 your reach look and sound like some other
Reflex x0.05 form of natural terrain. Creatures entering the field will
Remote x0.1 instantly discover the holographic illusion. A suspicious
Rider x0.0
outsider may attempt a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation)
Sub-Mecha x0.0
Thought x0.2 check to reveal the illusion. The holographic can be made
Virtual x0.0 to conceal objects, people, or mecha within, though they
cannot move for fear of stepping free from the illusion cov-
ering them. When erected, the terrain cannot be moved
but can last up to 8 hours. Once off, it cannot be used again

147
until the mecha finishes a long rest. The holograph is static attack hits a duplicate, the duplicate is destroyed. A dupli-
outside of minor animations and cannot replicate groups of cate can be destroyed only by an attack that hits it. It ig-
people for very long before the illusion is shattered. nores all other damage and effects. The effect ends when
Image Projection. As an action, you create the image of all three duplicates are destroyed. A creature is unaffected
an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon by the shadow imager if it can't see, if it relies on senses
that is no larger than you. The image appears at a spot that other than sight, such as blindsight, or if it can perceive
you can see within sensor range and lasts for up to 10 illusions as false, as with truesight. Once you use a shadow
minutes. It seems completely real, including sounds, but it imager, you cannot again until you finish a long rest.
cannot alter its environment. You can use your action to Space Fold. You plot a position within communication
animate the object to walk, talk, and move from location in range. After one minute of calculation, you teleport your-
range to another location in range. Physical interaction with self and anything within reach to that position. Once you
the image reveals it to be an Illusion. A creature that uses use this ability, you cannot use it again until you finish a
its action to examine the image can determine that it is an long rest. You can increase your Reacon level by 2 to dou-
Illusion with a successful DC 15 Intelligence ble you reach and double your teleportation range.
(Investigation) check. Once you use image projection, you Targeting Slave. Your mecha can relay all sensor data to
cannot again until you finish a long rest. another mecha within sensor range to paint a target. As an
Jump Legs. This system requires more than just action, target one enemy you can see. Your ally can make
springs in your mecha’s legs—the entire system is altered its next attack against the target with advantage.
to improve your mecha’s jump capabilities, up to and in- Teleport-Combat. An action, you instantly transport
cluding booster rockers. Your mecha’s jump distance is yourself and anything within your reach (if you wish) to
tripled. any spot in sensor range. You can teleport an object you’re
Personal Cloak. Spend an action, and your mecha (and grappling. Once you use this ability, you cannot use it
everything inside) becomes invisible for up to 1 hour. The again until you finish a short or long rest. You can reset
effect ends the moment you make any form of action with your use of this ability by spending a bonus action and in-
an external effect (including attacking). Once you use a creasing your Reacon level by 1.
personal cloak, you cannot again until you finish a long Lightspeed. After taking one minute to energize your
rest. You can reset your use of this ability by spending an space-based propulsion system, a powerful pulse distorts
action and increasing your Reacon level by 2. spacetime, allowing you to travel faster than the speed of
Sacrificial Repair. You launch a cable that can extend light. There are two levels of lightspeed, which cost exact-
up to double your reach as a bonus action to an allied ly the same as they are based more on the tech level of the
mecha. As an action, you can siphon up to a quarter of your setting and not mecha complexity, %99 LY and %1000.
maximum hit points and allow the target to recover up to The former obeys the laws of traditional physics but suf-
that same amount. You can also increase your Reacon level fers from issues regarding time dilation (every minute to
by 2 to decrease the target’s by 1. Detaching this cable also the pilot is one year to the outside world); the latter con-
costs a bonus action. After you employ this repair system, verts your mecha into tachyons, allowing it to appear to
you cannot again until you finish a short or long rest. phase out of spacetime. In this state, you mecha cannot
Shadow Imager. As an action, three illusory duplicates collide with anything until it drops below FTL, and the
of your mecha appear adjacent to you. For up to a minute, dilation of time is strangely reversed (every minute to the
the copies move with you and mimic your actions, shifting outside world is one year inside your mecha). Best to get a
position, so it's impossible to track which image is real. You hibernation module.
can use your action to dismiss the illusory duplicates. Each
time a creature targets you with an attack while the imager
is up, roll a d20 to determine whether the attack instead
targets one of your duplicates. If you have three clones,
you must roll a 6 or higher to change the attack's target to a
duplicate. With two duplicates, you must roll an 8 or high-
er. With one duplicate, you must roll an 11 or higher. A
duplicate's AC equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier. If an

TRANSFORMATION
Form Multiplier Servos Benefit
Humanoid x0.0 All None
Fighter x0.15 Torso, Pod, Head, Wings Fly speed x2; Min 50 ft. speed/turn
Hybrid x0.2 All Fly speed x1.5
V/STOL x0.15 Torso, Head, Pod, Wings Requires fanjets; +3 Dexterity
Tank x0.2 Torso, Head, Pod +3 AC; -3 Dex; requires wheels or treads; -10 ft. ground speed
Boat x0.10 Torso, Pod, Head +2 AC
Auto x0.15 Torso, Pod Ground speed +10 ft.; requires wheels; +3 passengers (optional)
Cycle x0.25 Torso, Pod +15 ft. ground speed
Beast x0.2 Any (arms become legs) +3 Strength; ground speed +5 ft.

148
 Strength and a +5-foot bonus to speed.
EXTERNAL MANIFESTATIONS
System Multiplier Min. Level Boat. Your form alters to be buoyant on water. Your
Cloak-Personal x0.05 4 propulsion system converts to work on water. You gain a +1
Cloak-Distortion x0.02 3 bonus to AC in this from.
Commandeer Slave x0.07 6 Cycle. The cycle is generally reserved for Medium-
Image Projection x0.05 10 sized mecha and is popular with an Exo cockpit. The cycle
Jump Legs x0.02 3 gains a +15-foot bonus to ground speed.
Lightspeed %99 x0.1 5
Fighter. Although required to be moving at least 50
Lightspeed %1000 x0.1 6
Sacrificial Repair x0.05 4 feet/turn, a fighter’s fly speed is doubled.
Shadow Imager x0.07 10 Humanoid. The default form, the one assumed when
Space Fold x0.1 10 making a mecha. No exceptional benefits.
Targeting Slave x0.05 12 Hybrid. A hybrid, or gerwalk, is an amalgam of fighter
Teleport-Combat x0.08 6 and humanoid forms. It doesn’t suffer from the flight limi-
tations of the fighter but doesn’t benefit from as much a
speed bonus (x1.5 instead of 2).
Tank. This form overlaps servos to consolidate protec-
Your mecha is alive. It may not be sentient, and it may not tion. It must employ ground wheels or tracks. It offers a +2
be evolved, but it certainly has a pulse and a living core to AC but a -2 to Dexterity.
(bioenergy is mandatory). It was constructed from organic V/STOL. A variation of the fighter, it has no speed re-
parts or was grown in a lab. It is either still clearly a ma- quirement, but it must employ fanjets. It gains a +2 bonus
chine or is undeniably a monster. Your mecha must be to Dexterity.
from a setting that permits this technological breakthrough.
TRANSFORMATION OPTIONS
All techno-organics feature the same benefits. Option Multiplier
• You can spend Hit Dice as a normal creature to recover Android x0.2
hit points during a short and long rest. Combiner x0.1
• You recover Hit Dice per normal creatures during a Instant Transformation x0.02
long rest. Transform Wings x0.01
• You also gain regeneration based on your advance-
ment. Your mecha regains the listed hit points at the
start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point.
Android. Are you really a mecha? This modification
• Weapons become organic as well; the weapons are
allows the mecha to turn into a human-looking android.
identical otherwise.
Obviously, this is only recommended for Medium-sized
TECHNO-ORGANICS mecha with an A.I. built-in. Other forms can be anything
Regeneration Multiplier else, including being an external mecha to another user via
0 x0.1 an Exo cockpit.
1 x0.2 Combiner. The mecha only forms one part of a larger
5 x0.3
10 x0.4
construct. Determine which parts the mecha forms. Other
mecha must possess the same ability. The new size is the
combination of all the mecha involved.
Instant Transformation. Instead of requiring an action,
this mecha transforms with a bonus action. If the mecha
One of the most exciting options for a mecha is its capabil-
takes multiple rounds to transform, the number required is
ity to alter its look to appear as something else. To con-
halved.
struct a transformable mecha, build the primary “native”
Transform Wings. If this mecha does not have wings in
form, and select the alternates. Each added form increases
humanoid form, this modification allows arm or leg servos
the multiplier. When in a new form, servos no longer avail-
to turn into wings.
able merge their hit points with the torso.
An entry lists its cost multiplier, the available servos,
and the benefits. All transformations maintain their size,
and they may conceal their identity as a mecha.
Auto. You transform into a ground vehicle. You gain a
+10-foot bonus to ground speed and spots for three addi-
tional passengers (if you chose). Auto’s shouldn’t be bigger
than Large (Huge or bigger may prove difficult on city
streets).
Beast. Your form alters to form a creature with multiple
legs and/or wings. You can have humanoid arms become
legs. In beast mode, you mecha gains a +3 bonus to

149
 he traditional ‘Vancian’ magic system, despite setting; tying it to a mental ability score makes it a cere-
originating in what is technically a work of bral or spiritual focus, while tying it to a physical score
science fiction (back in days of yore when may evoke more of a wuxia aesthetic. You may also elect
such things were not so rigidly categorized), to allow each character to define their own spellcasting
does not really feel very Ultramodern. Modern and futur- ability score if you don’t want to use Vigor.
istic approaches to magic tend to be more spontaneous
and involve fewer eyes of newt. This chapter provides an
alternative magic system in that vein.
We call this system DARK, although like everything Vigor can be established at character generation like all
else in this book, what you call it and how you choose to other ability scores.
use it is entirely up to you; all that it takes to change from Standard Array. The new standard set of scores is
a magic system to a psionics system to a weird alien su- 15,14,13,12,11,10,8, though a GM may swap the “11” for
perscience system is the terminology. DARK employs a another “12”.
resource pool that allows characters to accomplish tasks as Point Buy. If employing the point-buy system, players
long as that resource is available. This power connects to a begin with 30 instead of 27, though a GM may allow for as
character via a new ability score, Vigor, which can modify much as 33.
or boost magic abilities.
(Note: I always use the unofficial but widely
employed method of rolling 4d6, dropping the
lowest value and assigning scores after they have
Like electricity, magic can be measured, siphoned, and all been rolled).
potentially even bottled. It is a resource like any other,
one only generated by a trained and gifted few—a re- One’s Vigor score can be improved both with standard
source that can be used to alter the entropy in a localized character development as well as with the addition of arti-
area, turning order into chaos (or vice-versa). Although facts or even cybernetics. Depending on the setting,
some worlds may classify this as dark energy (thus the cyberization may incur the opposite effect, crippling one’s
moniker), dark need not exhibit any properties science ability to use Vigor (GM’s discretion).
can explain—it can be something entirely new to this uni- The Unnatural Resource. Instead of Vigor being a
verse. natural ability, it may also only be gifted on those im-
It does allow others to measure the amount of dark planted with a specific device or wearing/wielding a par-
one possesses or can tap. There are no units of measure- ticular item. If so, each player should still establish a base
ment like meters or grams—one simply possesses a quan- Vigor score even if they can’t roll it until properly en-
tity of dark, and as they tap that resource, like a muscle, it hanced.
grows, and one’s vessel enlarges. In truth, every living
creature possesses dark, and although some are gifted
more than others, anyone can work to accomplish some-
thing extraordinary. Those that focus their lives to it, As Vigor is an ability score, it can also be used to resist an
however, will be unmatched compared to those that look effect via a saving throw. Only targets with a Vigor ability
at it only as a hobby. score of 8 or higher can be required to make a Vigor sav-
ing throw (they cannot be targeted if their score is 8 or
less).
Additionally, a target gifted in Vigor may attempt to
An individual’s capacity to use dark is related to one’s employ it as a substitute to another saving throw if the
Vigor ability score. This new score is applied to all dark- spell allows it. The spell entry will indicate if Vigor can be
related ability checks, as well as one’s capacity to use dark used.
magic. There are some people naturally gifted in Vigor,
those simply stronger than others, but this can be left to
atrophy if not exercised. Likewise, someone lacking in
Vigor can develop incredible strength through sheer per- Like all ability scores, Vigor covers several unique skills
severance and a disciplined training regimen. relating to dark magic. Several of these skills can be
Note. By default, Vigor is a separate ability score to looked upon as magical in their application (simulating
enable a wider variety of supernatural characters, rather several traditional magical spells) but employing these
than limiting it to the traditional trope of ‘wizardry’. You effects does not drain one’s vessel. Several options will be
are free to use one of the traditional ability scores instead, made available for characters to gain proficiency in one or
but this will necessarily focus what a spellcaster is for your several Vigor skills.

150
 is stunned until the end of the character’s next turn. If the
character rolls a natural 20 on a Vigor (Induce) check, it is
To commune means to communicate with another living an automatic success, and the target suffers no damage
individual you know in a non-vocal manner. You must have from having made the check.
met the target physically at some point previously. As an
action, you can establish a psychic connection with the
target and communicate for up to a minute before requir-
ing an additional check. The base DC is 10. If the target is A character’s Vigor attribute score (outside of ability
considered a friend, the DC decreases by 5; if the target is checks) is also employed to establish three critical values:
a loved one or relative, the DC decreases by 10. Distance vessel, asset, and river. Only characters with a Vigor score
plays a factor—if you can see the target, the DC is unmodi- of at least 8 may use these values.
fied. If the target is within 10 miles, the DC increases by 5,
and if within 50 miles increases by 5 again. Up to 100
miles, the DC reaches its ceiling, increasing by another 5;
anything further requires a spell. You must share a lan- A vessel is a character’s total dark pool; once this value is
guage with the target, or the target must be able to under- depleted, a character can no longer cast spells. A character
stand you (like a trained pet). Once a connection is made, can never possess a dark value larger than her vessel. As a
the target can communicate back (if they share a language) spell is cast, the cost of the spell is reduced from one’s ves-
regardless if he or she is gifted in Vigor without making a sel. Thankfully, vessel is the raw potential of dark and is a
check. The recipient knows who you are upon receiving renewable resource, ever recharging. It can even be quick-
the connection but cannot locate you. ly replenished with specific concoctions. It is also entirely
possible that vessel is not an inherent natural resource at
all, and is something held in a physical container, either
outside of the body or as an implant (see Dark Gear).
Being endowed in Vigor allows you to be naturally recep- A starting vessel score is equal to half that character’s
tive to its effects around you. This is similar to Perception Vigor ability score (not modifier) + level. All characters
except that it is narrowed to only detect fluctuation in the with a Vigor score of 8 or higher gain access to vessel—it is
dark. You may ask, or a GM may request that you make a not reserved by a specific class. As we will see later, a ves-
Vigor (Detection) check to analyze the level of dark around sel’s value can be adjusted by background, feats, and ar-
you. Depending on the difficulty of the task (set by the chetypes.
GM) you can attempt to detect the following within 30 feet For example, a 1st level character with a Vigor score of
of you: 16 possesses a vessel of 9, while a 10th level character with
--Natural regions strong in dark. a vigor score of 20 possesses a vessel of 20.
--Increased Vigor in living targets (those with an ability
score of higher than 12).
--Artifacts or mechanisms either bottling the resource or
otherwise strong in dark. On your turn, you can regenerate your vessel. Select
--Messages between individuals employing the Com- ONE of the following on your turn:
mune skill. Use a free action to regain 1 lost point from your
This ability can penetrate most barriers but is blocked vessel.
by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of Use a bonus action to regain 2 lost points to your
lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt. Contrary to popular conspira- vessel.
cy theory, aluminum foil alone will not suffice. Use an action to regain a number of points to your
vessel equal to 1+ your Vigor modifier (this is your
default VR score and can be modified by class fea-
tures).
There are those able to push their inbuilt magic beyond its
limitations. This is known as inducing. Many magic effects
provide an option to boost via a Vigor (Induce) check.
However, after a check is made, the target suffers psychic Unlike vessel, which can be measured, asset is more eso-
damage equal to the final roll result OR the DC of the teric. At character generation, you gain an asset value equal
check – 10 (whichever is lower). If you fail at the check, to your Vigor modifier. This can be used at character gen-
the base spell still goes off as indicated. eration and when reaching a new level to purchase dark
For example, if a character is attempting a DC 20 Vigor spells. When a spell is purchased, the asset value is re-
(Induce) check and rolls an 8, that character suffers 8 dam- duced by that spell’s cost.
age; if the character rolls a 25 (succeeding at the check), Your asset value is akin to currency—though it cannot
that character still suffers 10 damage. be lost or stolen. It can, however, be saved (banked), allow-
Natural Results. If a character rolls a natural 1 on a Vig- ing the purchase of more expensive spells later on. Like
or (Induce) check, it is an automatic failure, and the target vessel, your asset score can be increased via background

151
selection and the addition of feats.
By default, each time you reach a new level, you gain a
bonus to your asset score equal to your Vigor modifier. As- Rituals take longer to be cast and cannot be placed in your
set is the one value that cannot be adjusted through cyber- river, but also cost no dark from your vessel to cast. How-
netics, mechanisms, or consumables. ever, rituals carry their own cost, or sacrifice, which can
include exhaustion levels, lost hit points or hit dice, or oth-
er conditions. These must be able to be spent for the spell
to be cast. Spending hit points results in psychic damage,
While asset and vessel represent constantly adjusting val- which you cannot be resistant or immune to.
ues, your river is relatively fixed. The river is your bank of
quick-reference spells that can be called upon in an in-
stant’s notice to be cast. The river is a simple value equal
to your Vigor modifier—you can assign any spell into the Numerous rituals incur exhaustion levels, and said levels
river except for rituals. affect your capacity to cast spells regardless if you gain ex-
For example, a character with a Vigor modifier of 16 can haustion through ritual casting or not.
hold 3 spells in her river. Level 1. Disadvantage on ability checks (affects Vigor).
Any spell with a casting time of one minute is reduced Level 2. Speed and max vessel halved.
to an action while in the river. Level 3. Disadvantage on attack rolls and saving
Any spell with a casting time of one action is reduced to throws.
a bonus action while in the river. Level 4. Hit point maximum halved, and VR reduced
Any spell with a casting time of one bonus action can to 0.
be used once per turn as a free action while in the river. Level 5. Speed and vessel reduced to 0
Anytime you finish a short or long rest, you can swap Level 6. Death
out any spells you possess in your river.
Spells with a casting time longer than one minute can-
not be placed in a character’s river. You are not required to
put a prerequisite spell of a more powerful spell in the river Spell acquisition must follow a structure called the Dark
to cast that more powerful spell from your river. Sequence—a chain of linked spells from the basic cantrips
(root spells) to the larger world-changing epic spells.

Dark does not operate like traditional spellcasting. Charac- There are many paths a spellcaster can take and will most
ters are not required to prepare spells each morning. The likely pursue several. Each one begins with one or more
amount of rest one has does not affect one’s ability until root spells and several tiers of increasingly powerful higher-
exhaustion sets in. That being said, dark spellcasting still level spells. There are no level requirements for any spells,
creates a magical effect that can alter the universe in a mi- but you must acquire a spell in each tier of a path
nuscule but productive manner. These are still called (including root) to gain a higher-tier spell.
spells. Available Paths. There are eighteen paths available to
players: Air, Attraction, Creation, Death, Decay, Earth,
Flame, Illusion, Life, Light, Knowledge, Might, Move-
You can purchase a spell if you can afford it (spending as- ment, Power, Protection, Self, Technology, and Water.
set) and if you possess its requirements, namely at least Synergy. Each path has a related focus. If you purchase
one spell in each lower tier of the same path (the Dark Se- the path cost of this related path, when you acquire a spell
quence). Once you do, you always gain access to that spell, from a higher tier, you gain one spell from the lowest tier
and it is always assumed prepared. A spell generally takes you have access to from the related path for free (or a root,
between a bonus action and one minute to cast, though if it’s the lowest).
this can be reduced by placing it in your river. Root Spells. A character must purchase at least one root
spell to acquire additional spells along that same path. If
you wish to pursue a path, you must spend the Path Cost
(always 2) as well as asset cost for at least one root spell.
Since dark pulls more from internal than external sources, When you do, you gain the Path Benefit. As a result, your
most spells do not require physical components. However, first root spell is more expensive than some later spells.
many do require either verbal (V) or somatic (S) compo- Example. You spend asset to purchase access to the
nents. Those few requiring material components are often Flame Path and then purchase firebolt. You also purchase
limited to colored sand or chalk to etch spell glyphs onto a access to its synergy, the Path of Self. After you acquire
wall or floor or in the creation of a magic circle (sigil). flamethrower, you gain Darkvision for free.
Flammable liquid and a flame source are also not uncom-
mon.

152
 DARK GEAR
Item Cost WT.
Rules regarding concentration are unchanged. A spellcaster Weapons
can generally concentrate on only one spell at a time, but Cambion 5,000 3 lb.
concentration on a spell does not use up dark—only the Combine Rifle 250 12 lb.
Covenant Rifle 5,000 20 lb.
initial casting of the spell does. However, you cannot re-
Fatal Volley 5,000 4 lb.
cover any quantity of your vessel with any action on your Infinity 3,500 3 lb.
turn while concentrating. You can still recover vessel with Robert the Gun — 3 lb.
the use of items. Vigor Shooter 100 3 lb.
Union Cannon 2,500 35 lb.
Armor
The Arch 150 15 lb.
The following items are either consumables, normal gear, The Immortal 300 35 lb.
The Demigod 3,000 45 lb.
or cybernetics associated with magic. The GM must estab-
The Deus 35,000 1,500 lb
lish which items are available. Are there cybernetics or are Machines
external devices, or both? The GM may disallow any or all Linked Vessel (Mark 1) 200 —
gear if desired, based on the designs of the setting. Linked Vessel (Mark 2) 650 —
Note. Some of these items can be employed with tradi- Linked Vessel (Mark 3) 6,000 —
tional “Vancian” magic systems with little-to-no modifica- Linked Vessel (Mark 4) 60,000 —
tion. Implant Vessel (Mark 1) 200 —
Implant Vessel (Mark 2) 650 —
Implant Vessel (Mark 3) 6,000 —
Implant Vessel (Mark 4) 60,000 —
Somatic Surrogate 1,350 —
There are two types of magic weapons: traditional magic, Vocal Proxy 1,350 —
and dark weapons. With traditional magic, any weapon Sigil Projector 1,350 —
with a higher tech level than the setting can be rebranded Permatek 3,500 —
as magic. River Expansion 4,500 —
Vessel Ammo. Dark weapons require no clip, magazine, Darktech Regenerator 5,000 —
or cell; instead, they siphon dark from its wielder. The user Consumables
must volunteer dark, and it cannot be stolen. Alternately, Vigor Injection (Stock) 25 0.5 lb.
Vigor Injection (Greater) 50 0.5 lb.
the weapon can be filled by another individual and then Vigor Injection (Superior) 250 0.5 lb.
handed to another to be fired. It takes an action to refill all Vigor Injection (Supreme) 1,000 0.5 lb.
the vessels of weapons you wield. A weapon’s vessel acts Dark Brew (Stock) 25 0.5 lb.
similar to a character’s vessel, except it does not regener- Dark Brew (Greater) 50 0.5 lb.
ate. A character can move dark from her vessel to the Dark Brew (Superior) 250 0.5 lb.
weapon’s and then regenerate her supply. Dark from a Dark Brew (Supreme) 1,000 0.5 lb.
weapon’s vessel cannot be drawn back to a user—when a Angel River 500 0.2 lb.
Libration 300 0.2 lb.
weapon uses dark, it converts the energy for its own pur-
Darkephrine 350 0.2 lb.
pose. Unlike other firearms, you cannot quickly reload a
weapon’s vessel, though you can refill multiple weapons in
your possession with a single action. the weapon to another.
Type. One-handed small arm. Traditional bullets.

This weapon’s fabricator is believed to have been a half-

breed between two worlds, though which worlds are un- This advanced version of the basic shooter, the combine
known. It’s easy by some to assume divinity and perdition, weapon operates nearly identically, save for a single note-
but others suspect it may be rival alternate dimensions that worthy improvement. Someone trained in the dark can
only resemble ideas of hell and heaven. Regardless, this alter the energy of the weapon to focus her unique set of
semi-intelligent weapon will only serve a master once its skills.
previous one has given the weapon willingly or has died. Alter. As a bonus action, you can alter the damage type
Awareness. You never roll to attack with the cambion— of this weapon to match that of any spell you can cast.
it always hits (but can never crit, even with abilities that Damage. 1d8 force (default); Range. 150/500; Proper-
turn normal hits into criticals). ties. Reload (15-vessel)
Damage. 1d6 piercing; Infuse. Instead of utilizing the base damage type and
Range. 50/200; attack, you can pull dark from the weapon’s vessel to cast
Properties. Light, reload (12 shots) any spell you have in your river that requires a ranged spell
Preference. The cambion bonds to its new owner and attack. The original spell’s range (regardless if it has one)
cannot fire used unless that owner dies or willingly gives changes to the weapon’s. The energy must be able to take

153
all of its dark from the weapon—it cannot be combined never runs out of ammo. Ever. No one knows where the
with your own. Despite the weapon casting a spell you pos- ammo is coming from. Cases for bullets eject similar to an
sess, the dark within the weapon need not be your own. automatic pistol, but the bullets appear in the chamber
Spell Conduit. Any spell you cast requiring a ranged seemingly from nowhere.
spell attack can be fired from this weapon; the spell takes Ammunition. This weapon never needs reloading. Its
on the weapon’s range, and weapon assumes all vocal and ammunition capacity is infinite.
somatic requirements. Damage. 1d6 piercing; Range. 50/200; Properties. Light
Kind of Magic (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor Accelerator (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor
Piercing property. Piercing property.
Type. Two-handed small arm. Type. One-handed small arm.

The opposite of the fatal volley, the covenant rifle is de- A unique weapon, Robert is not a possessed firearm as
signed to strike against the forces of darkness. Although much as he is a weapon given life via some eccentric mage
assumed to have been forged in the depts of a massive ca- who eventually lost it through time. Robert is talkative to
thedral within a metropolis, in truth, its maker was a hum- the point of being borderline annoying but knows when to
ble weaponsmith in a small rural town who claimed the shut up when situations call for it. He enjoys combat, nota-
specifications were given to him from a heavenly creature. bly when defeating evil.
Alignment. Each round an evil creature holds this Attack. Although Robert can fly, he can only fire the
weapon, it suffers damage equal to being shot with it. weapon based on your combat abilities, and only when
Aura. The wielder of this weapon is immune to curses, Robert is within ten feet of you.
diseases, poisons, blindness, and deafness. Communication. Robert communicates via telepathy,
Damage. 1d10 radiant; with only his wielder being able to comprehend him. Rob-
Range. 200/500; ert can speak all languages.
Properties. Shotgun, reload (10-special) Damage. 1d6 piercing; Range. 50/200; Properties.
Holy (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor Piercing Light, reload (12 shots)
property. Independence. Robert has fly 10. He possesses a stat
Type. Two-handed small arm. line Str 12, Dex 18, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 16. He has an AC
Undead Bane (8th level). If this weapon hits an undead of 18 while in flight and gains the proficiency bonus of his
creature, that attack is an automatic critical hit. wielder. Robert has 75 hit points.
Motives. Robert is good with no other preferences be-
tween law and chaos. He cannot stop an evil person from
Those focused in the field of necromancy love instilling wielding him but will try to escape the moment he can.
their bleak ideology in their weapons. Firearms were an Robert wants to defeat evil and will encourage intervention
evident evolution from soul-stealing swords. The Fatal whenever evil presents itself, regardless if the battle is fair.
Volley was one of the first attempts to tap the forces of Senses. Robert possesses hearing a normal vision of up
death. This weapon fires pulses of necrotic energy that to 120 feet.
draw the life from victims to resupply its own ammunition. Thought (6th level). Robert gains a +1 bonus to both
Oh, and it can also raise the dead. attack and damage rolls.
Damage. 1d6 necrotic; Range. 100/300; Properties. Re- Synergy (12th level). Robert’s bonus to attack and dam-
load (12-special) age rolls increase to +2.
Extract. Each time you hit with this weapon, as a free Type. One-handed small arm. Traditional bullets.
action, you can recover 1 hit point, or the weapon can re-
cover 2 shots. As a bonus action, you can suffer damage to
reload the weapon at a ratio of 1:1. This basic pistol, a vigor shooter converts dark so it can be
Rise. If you kill a living (non-construct) target with this ejected as force, inflicting damage on a target. The energy
weapon, at the beginning of your next turn, the creature cannot be used for any other action.
rises as a zombie and serves whoever wields this weapon Kind of Magic (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor
(unless the weapon has been dropped, in which case, it will Piercing property.
attack anything living it encounters). After 48 hours, the Damage. 1d6 force; Range. 80/320; Properties. Light,
zombie falls apart. reload (10-vessel)
Necrotic Energy (6th level). This weapon gains the Ar- Spell Conduit. Any spell you cast requiring a ranged
mor Piercing property. spell attack can be fired from this weapon; the spell takes
Type. One-handed small arm. on the weapon’s range, and the weapon assumes all vocal
and somatic requirements.
Type. One-handed small arm.
The infinity is a simple weapon with a simple effect. It

154
 while wearing the armor. While wearing the armor, mod-
The union takes its name from the fact that it very often ules that require activation only require a bonus action to
requires multiple users to wield. Its energy demands are so do so. All modules must be purchased extra. When you
drastic that a single user would be drained in a matter of upgrade or replace armor, you can transplant modules from
seconds. an earlier set.
Alter. As a bonus action, you can alter the damage type Here are the available items you can employ as a mod-
of this weapon to match that of any spell you can cast. ule: Linked vessel (any version), implant vessel (any ver-
Damage. 1d8 force; Range. 300/1200; Properties. sion), somatic surrogate, vocal proxy, sigil projector, perma-
Heavy, reload (40- vessel) tek vigor injection (any version), dark brew (any version),
Drain. This weapon is equipped with three dark brace- angel river, libration, and darkephrine.
lets with 10 feet of cable each that can be attached to will-
ing or unwilling targets to siphon dark from (you can elect
to be one of the targets). As an action, you can reload the This light armor was the first in its line to be crafted after it
weapon by extracting dark in any combination from any was discovered that technology could tap and focus dark.
linked creature. A creature must have a vessel value. If a Its primary focus was to improve the capacities of someone
creature’s vessel has been depleted, you can instead inflict gifted in spellcraft without impeding them in any way.
damage on a connected creature, at a rate one point of Armor Class. 12+Dex Modifier; Strength. —; Stealth.
dark/point of damage (if the target is employing a mechani- —
cal vessel, they cannot suffer damage). Resistance. You have resistance to lightning and slash-
Heavy. The union cannon contains 40 points of dark in ing from nonmagical weapons.
its vessel that inflict 1d8 force each; you can instead use 2 Modules. You can attach up to two modules to this ar-
points of dark instead per shot to inflict 1d12 force each mor.
and 4 points of dark instead per shot to inflict 3d6 force
each.
Infuse. Instead of utilizing the base damage type and The most powerful basic armor produced, the demigod
attack, you can pull dark from the weapon’s vessel to cast was proven too expensive for distribution and only found
any spell you have in your river that requires a ranged spell itself the extravagant support unit flanking larger military
attack. The original spell’s range (regardless if it has one) units.
changes to the weapon’s. The energy must be able to take Armor Class. 17; Strength. 15; Stealth. Disadvantage
all of its dark from the weapon—it cannot be combined Nightvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of
with your own. Despite the weapon casting a spell you pos- you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were
sess, the dark within the weapon need not be your own. dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, and the sys-
Kind of Magic (6th level). This weapon gains the Armor tem renders everything you see in shades of either green,
Piercing property. yellow, or blue (user’s preference).
Spell Conduit. Any spell you cast requiring a ranged Resistance. You have resistance to fire, as well as bludg-
spell attack can be fired from this weapon; the spell takes eoning and slashing from nonmagical weapons.
on the weapon’s range, and the weapon assumes all vocal Modules. You can attach up to six modules to this ar-
and somatic requirements. mor.
Type. Heavy weapon.

When finding a deus on the battlefield, it generally means

Dark armor is more a collection of features that aid a user either an army has money to throw around, someone wants
in using dark. A dark armor’s most useful feature is its abil- to bring and use their expensive toy, or a nation is not
ity to link other dark gear onto it, allowing instant activa- messing around. It is thought these immense machines
tion of items, including a vessel supply, allowing a user not never left the prototype phase, and each one is a custom-
skilled to gain Vigor and the ability to cast spells. Like tra- ized unit.
ditional spellcasters, you must be proficient with the armor Proficiency. The Deus is exo-armor and requires the
to cast spells in it. appropriate proficiency.
Modules. All dark armors list a module value—these Armor Class. 18 (base); Strength. —; Stealth. Disad-
allow a character to attach other dark items to the armor, vantage
which appear as mostly unidentified attachments—only a Balance. For the sake of game balance, the deus counts
DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) will adequately identify the as one legendary (not counting any modules it may have).
components without physical removal. A DC 20 Strength Bonus. The deus has a +1 bonus to AC (19 total).
check is required to forcibly remove a module from an ar- Electromagnetic Shielding. As a reaction to the armor’s
mor. Modules come in the form of consumables or ma- shutdown, the deus comes back online. Once you use this
chines. If the armor is destroyed, modules are not, and can feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.
be removed. Only the user has access to those modules Gauntlets. Unarmed attacks with the armor do base 1d6

155
damage. If you already inflict 1d6 or more damage with Applications. Cybernetic or module.
unarmed attacks, increase the damage dice by one step Implant Vessel. Mark 1: +1; Mark 2: +2; Mark 3: +3;
(1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 2d10). The gauntlets Mark 4: +4
also grant a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
Hit Points. The deus has 50 hit points and a threshold
of 10. Linked vessels are external and visible bottles containing a
Mecha Fists. The deus has a Strength of 22. swirling blackness—dark in its elemental form. They in-
Modules. You can attach up to eight modules to this crease your vessel value—they do not increase your Vigor,
armor. asset, VR, or river values. Linked vessels are not pretty
Power. The deus siphons dark to operate. Either from (depending on one’s artistic expression) and can potentially
its user or an external source, the deus uses up 5 units each be damaged or destroyed like any other gear, even forcibly
time initiative is rolled. removed. You can gain the benefits of up to two linked
Resistances. You gain resistance fire, acid, and cold, as vessels (either attached to you or an armor) of any combi-
well as bludgeoning from nonmagical weapons. nation.
Speed. Your speed is 30 feet. Applications. Cybernetic or module.
Linked Vessel. Mark 1: +2; Mark 2: +4; Mark 3: +8;
Mark 4: +16
A more substantial follow-up to the arch, the immortal was
built to aid dark casters in support roles while in the heat of
combat. It was later succeeded by the demigod, but the This small repository operates differently from a standard
immortal became the more popular model, as it balanced vessel in that it contains a spell that is continually refresh-
cost with effectiveness. ing itself. When you cast a spell requiring concentration,
Armor Class. 15+Dex Modifier (max 2; Strength. —; you can bond it to your permatek with a bonus action. The
Stealth. Disadvantage permatek then handles the concentration for you, allowing
Mask. You are immune to gas attacks and inhaled poi- you to do other things, including cast other spells. As a
sons. gadget, it can be placed nearby the area of effect, though it
Resistances. You have resistance to fire and cold, as can only operate for ten minutes before terminating the
well as bludgeoning from nonmagical weapons. effect.
Modules. You can attach up to four modules to this ar- Applications. Cybernetic, gadget, or module.
mor.

This brain implant or headset allows you to store

There are three types of dark-related mechanisms: cyber- knowledge, so you don’t have to. It is specialized to trans-
netics, modules, and gadgets. Cybernetics attach to you, mit needed information into your visual field.
with either hidden implants, those emerging from limbs, or Applications. Cybernetic, gadget, or module.
those connected to your body through a harness and wires. Recall. Your river value increases by 1.
All require surgery. Modules attach to armor and can only
function while that armor is being worn. Gadgets are hand-
held and are generally reserved for specific items.
The vast majority of spells requiring a material component
in truth only necessitate sand, chalk, paint, thread, or ash
(the result of flame) to draw a sigil or array into a floor or
Where normal nanotech is designed to patch wounds, the wall (occasionally the symbol is constructed in mid-air).
darktech remains within the brain, attempting to ensure The sigil projector, either mounted in a hand or on a shoul-
synapses fire when they are supposed to. der mount (if in armor) projects the required array onto a
Applications. Cybernetic surface or creates a floating hologram where the spell is
Vigor Regeneration. Your Vigor Regeneration (VR) in- needed. If required, the projector can increase its output
creases by 2. into infrared, inflicting 1 point of damage on a target and
burning the sigil onto it. When requiring basic material
components (when non-specific materials are required),
This internal implantation provides a bonus to Vigor, and the sigil projector can be employed without requiring a
by extension, vessel, VR, and river values as well. It does hand or a bag of components.
not change your asset value. You or your armor can possess Applications. Cybernetic, gadget, or module.
one implant (if wearing armor with the same implant as
you, values do not stack). Each level of vessel improves
this bonus, though you cannot increase your Vigor ability This strange device either sits concealed in an arm or
score above 22 using an implant. shoulder. With armor, it is generally shoulder-mounted.

156
The somatic surrogate unfolds and acts as a hand for the Resupply. When ingested, a dark brew recovers your
purposes of spellcasting. It can assume a hand if both your vessel by the following amount. Stock: 2d4+VR; Greater:
hands are occupied or if you are restrained. While folded, 4d4+VR; Superior: 6d4+VR; Supreme: 8d4+VR.
the somatic surrogate is hard to spot and harder to re- Side Effects. After ingestion, make a DC 10 Constitu-
move—when deployed, it becomes a target but collapses tion saving throw to prevent gaining 1 level of Exhaustion.
the moment the spell duration has elapsed. Each additional ingestion increases this DC by 5. If you
Applications. Cybernetic, gadget, or module. reach level 5, you fall unconscious. After you finished a
long rest, the DC resets to 10.

This apparatus sits anywhere that is not a head (usually

chest or shoulder). It can extend up to five feet away from This injection must be done at the base of the neck but is
you if necessary. A complex assembly of miniature baffles not nearly as invasive and damaging as a standard vigor
and electronic speakers, the vocal proxy can be used to cast injection. The “angel river,” which is only a street term
spells with verbal components. The strangest feature about and not its incredibly lengthy scientific name, increases
the vocal proxy points to how dark spellcasting actually your river while leaving other aspects of dark alone.
works. The voice of the proxy is garbled, hasty, with noises Response Time. Your river value increases by 2, and
extending well above 25-45,000 Hz (or higher), beyond a you can select one spell to improve its speed by one step
human’s capacity of hearing. When required, a proxy can (action to a bonus action or bonus action to once a turn as a
push these values even higher, allowing spells to activate free action). This lasts for five minutes.
via ultrasound. Thus, a vocal proxy, when used, can cast Side Effect. If you inject yourself twice, you do not
spells employing a vocal component in complete silence double the effect, but you do become stunned for five
(assuming someone cannot detect ultrasound). It can also minutes as you become distracted by the inner workings of
cast spells if you are gagged. It still cannot cast spells if in the cosmos.
an area of silence (such as one created by the silence spell).
Applications. Cybernetic, gadget, or module.
Offered in small glass capsules, when broken under the
nose and inhaled, a target’s mind expands and perceives
Consumables are one-use devices. These generally involve the universe in ways before unseen.
a container, which itself can be replenished. Most of these Expansion. After inhaling, select a new spell one-tier
are drugs whose long-term effects have yet to be meas- further up any path you possess. You gain access to the
ured. spell for five minutes.
All consumables require an action to use, except as Side Effect. After the effect wears off, you cannot use
modules – then, they require only a bonus action. libration again until you finish a long rest.

Some have gotten addicted to these boosters. An injection This military drug was used extensively until it was discov-
grants a temporary increase to one’s Vigor score, and by ered it makes a user psychotic after ten to eleven months
extension, vessel, VR, and river values as well. Unlike im- of constant use. It is now mostly found on the black market
plants, injections can increase your score over 20. There to rapidly regenerate one’s vessel.
are side-effects, however. Side Effect. No officially acknowledged long term ef-
Side Effects. Upon injection, you suffer damage equal fects.
to your new Vigor score -15. Vigor Regeneration. Once injected, your Vigor Regen-
Vigor Bonus. Stock: +2; Greater: +4; Superior: +6; Su- eration (VR) increases by 3 for five minutes.
preme: +8. This effect lasts five minutes. If you do not
repeat the injection before the effect expires, your Vigor
score drops to 8 (and by extension, vessel, VR, and river
values) until you finish a long rest. Within universe 4561.48629.85202, the use of dark is regu-
lated and disciplined by a fanatical order of conjurers that
have turned the use of magic into a religion. This sect en-
gages in the criminal infiltration of various governments
Coincidentally, this concoction tastes and carries the effect and has been classified as a cult in many nations. A rival
of dry stout but with an “alcohol by volume” measurement state-sanctioned organization emerged soon after to coun-
of 8%. It also allows a creature to recover lost dark from his ter the growing zealotry of this emergent conviction.
or her vessel. This can only resupply internal vessels and Note: Nothing under this section is a requirement to
not external linked vessels. More expensive varieties are being a spellcaster; in fact, if you were to take every option
usually sold through specialty vendors, but the base stock below, you are likely to overlap benefits.
has been seen under fifty different brands.

157
 choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for Vigor, which has a maximum
value of 22.
You were born exhibiting unnatural abilities within a divi- Additionally, your Vigor Regeneration increases by 2.
sion of the Covenant. You were brought before the apostles
and declared beatified. Taken away from your family, you
underwent rigorous training and cybernetic experimenta- At 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your
tion without your consent to fully develop your abilities. choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
Whether or not you had grown to accept their dogma is up choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
to you. You emerged damaged psychologically but power- using this feature except for Vigor, which has a maximum
ful in the ways of the dark. They made you this way. You value of 22.
owe them a debt, but you may also wish to destroy them. Additionally, select two Vigor-based skills—you gain a
Skill Proficiencies. Detection and Induce +2 bonus with these skill checks.
Languages. One language of your choice.
Equipment. Mark 1 Implant Vessel (Cybernetic)
At 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your
choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
You knew (potentially in secret) that you were gifted. You choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
could see the world in ways others could not, sense ener- using this feature except for Vigor, which has a maximum
gies hidden to the rest. You began studying the arcane in value of 22.
your spare time away from trials and monotonies of daily Additionally, select one Vigor based skill—you double
life. When you had finally learned your limit, you applied your proficiency modifier with this skill.
to Fabrigia. They quickly discovered your potential and
gilded your life with a paid scholarship.
Skill Proficiencies. Commune and Induce
Languages. Two languages of your choice. At 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your
Equipment. Select one—Somatic Surrogate, Vocal choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your
Proxy, or Sigil Projector (gadget or module). choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20
using this feature except for Vigor, which has a maximum
value of 22.
Additionally, as an action, you completely refill your
Regardless of state-run agencies and cults, the manners of vessel. Once you use this ability, you cannot use it again
magic are known to few. It is hidden, often in plain sight. until you finish a long rest.
It is knowledge of the immeasurable, alien wisdom bleed-
ing into our reality from another world, a dimension so for-
eign as to drive those who look too deep insane. So many The occultist gains the following additional benefits at
people peered into that darkness with the smallest of can- 5th, 11th, and 17th level.
dles. You were born with a flashlight. 5th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to AC
Key Abilities. Intelligence, Vigor 11th Level. You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage
rolls.
17th Level. Your vessel increases by 2.
Beginning when you choose this ladder at 1st level, you
can always choose to use Vigor instead of Wisdom for Per-
ception checks.
Additionally, you gain proficiency in one Vigor-based You look around and chuckle at the banality of the world.
skill of your choice. You occasionally sympathize with those that witness their
surroundings in simple terms, colorblind to the full spec-
trum of the cosmos. From an early age, you could under-
stand the workings of reality, what existed beneath the
At 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your surface. There was an ocean, an expanse of shadow and
choice by 1. You can’t increase an ability score above 20 secrets, knowledge mortals were forbidden to comprehend.
using this feature except for Vigor, which has a maximum Perhaps it was for their own good—as looking into the
value of 22. abyss has driven many insane. You can’t claim immunity to
Additionally, your vessel increases by 3. the effects of that infinite darkness, and friends often wor-
ry.
It has become an obsession, learning about the mecha-
At 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your nisms that control seemingly random events, that instruct
the universe on how to work. To know a thing is to control

158
a thing. Through instruction and natural talent, you can glimpsed a brief moment of that darkness. So many people
shape reality as you see fit, to accomplish something previ- claim to know how the cosmos works by claiming piety or
ously reserved by those in myth. Throughout it all, you science. Occasionally, you envy their ignorance.
can’t escape the thought that while you were peering be-
low that surface into that darkness, that something was
staring back, tolerating your presence. You wonder what
that force was, and if it will make its presence known. As a magus, you gain the following class features.

Hit Dice. 1d6 per magus level

There’s no denying you will appear peculiar to those Hit Points at 1st level. 6 + your Constitution modifier
around. Friends consider you the oddball, the eccentric; Hit Points at Higher Levels. 1d6 (or 4) + your Constitu-
this assumes you have friends. Magus in the modern world tion modifier per magus level after 1st.
fall into three categories—those brandishing the emblems
of an organization, those slowly slipping away from sanity
while secretly experimenting within hidden laboratories,
and those struggling with a knowledge and talent they of- Armor. None
ten wish they could forget. Weapons. Simple weapons
No one is immune to the effects of the dark—people Tools. All ground vehicles
assume it’s a simple lack of illumination. You know better; Saving Throws. Intelligence, Vigor
it’s an abyss, a universe stripped of nature. You know that Skills. Select three skills from Commune, Computer
ignoring its apparent contradiction, this void contains struc- Use, Detection, History, Induce, Insight, Perception
ture, a dimension without form. Within the dark resides
infinite potential unrestrained by physics, chemistry, or
sanity. More than a few magus found themselves institu- As a magus, you receive the following equipment at 1st level.
tionalized. Many turned to suicide while others became so One simple melee weapon $30 or less
fearful of mortality, they shut themselves off from the A component pouch
world. Others turned to chemicals to compensate, to steady A small library of related texts worth $500 that you can
their hands. Only a scant few ever appear normal on the never let fall into unfamiliar hands
surface. $300 in additional gear
As a magus, your personality may often chafe against
those you call friends. They don’t understand what you
have seen and could never. You probably think it’s for the
best. You work towards a common goal because either you At 1st level, you begin your training of knowledge seeming-
require distraction, possess loyalty to your last group of ly prohibited in today’s modern world. Some take it as a
compassionate friends, or you believe your path is compul- hobby; for you, it’s a life. Select one of the Mystic Paths
sory due to some vision experienced in your studies. Your and unlock the lowest spell in that sequence you have not
origin was cursed by a single moment of clarity when you already selected (you must have purchased that path al-

THE MAGUS
Proficiency
Vessel Bonus Asset Bonus Special
Level Bonus
1 +2 2 1 Mystic Arts, Endowment
2 +2 2 1 Endowment
3 +2 2 1 Archetype feature
4 +2 2 1 Ability Score Improvement
5 +3 2 1 Mystic Arts
6 +3 2 1 Endowment
7 +3 2 1 Archetype feature
8 +3 2 1 Ability Score Improvement
9 +4 2 1 Mystic Arts
10 +4 3 2 Endowment
11 +4 3 2 Archetype feature
12 +4 3 2 Ability Score Improvement
13 +5 3 2 Mystic Arts
14 +5 3 2 Endowment
15 +5 3 2 Archetype feature
16 +5 3 2 Ability Score Improvement
17 +6 3 2 Mystic Arts
18 +6 3 2 Archetype feature
19 +6 3 2 Ability Score Improvement
20 +6 3 2 Endowment

159
ready). At 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th level, you may select anoth-
er path and unlock the lowest spell in that sequence you You have proficiency with one-handed and two-handed
have not already selected. You may pick a path chosen al- small arms. You also gain proficiency with Vigor (Induce).
ready, and if given two equal options, you may select
whichever you like.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you

At 1st level, and at levels 2, 6, 10, 14, and 20, you gain a +1 can invest energy from your vessel into your ranged weap-
bonus to your Vigor Regeneration (VR). You can also elect ons. As a free action, before making a ranged non-auto at-
to reduce the hit points gained this level (reducing your hit tack, you can spend 2 points from your vessel to have ad-
point maximum) by 2 to gain a +2 increase to your vessel or vantage on your next attack roll. You can also spend up to 3
a +1 increase to your asset. You can reduce your hit points points before making an attack to add that much bonus
gained this level by 3 to gain both rewards. damage. If you spend any quantity of dark on an attack,
the attack is also counted as being magical. If you have not
selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to your
vessel.
At 1st level, and every subsequent level, you receive a +2
bonus to your vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset score.
The bonus increases to 3 and 2 respectively at 10th level.
Starting at 7th level, if you spend any dark on a ranged at-
tack via your Dark Precision feature, that attack gains the
AP property and is counted as silver and adamantine; you
At 3rd level, you choose an archetype from the archetype also no longer suffer disadvantage when firing beyond nor-
chapter, or from the three following. The archetype you mal range. The amount of points you can spend to add
choose grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th, damage with Dark Precision is increased to 5. If you have
11th, 15th, and 18th level. not selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to
Additionally, you can forego your archetype selection at your vessel.
3rd level and gain a +1 bonus to your asset and a +2 bonus
to your vessel at each relevant level.
Starting at 11th level, you can channel a spell employing a
ranged spell attack through your traditional weapon-based
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and ranged attack. The selected spell must come from your
19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice river and attaches to your weapon as a free action. You can
by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by then make a traditional non-auto ranged attack with a one-
1. As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 or two-handed firearm. If you hit with the weapon, you
using this feature. inflict the weapon’s damage plus the effect of the spell. You
can combine a mutualistic spell with your Dark Precision
feature. Vocal and somatic spell components are ignored. If
you have not selected the magus class, you also gain a +2
bonus to your vessel.
To you, the dark is less a mystery and more just a means to
an end. You employ it as you would any other tool. You may
lack the discipline of others, and by consequence, the pro- Starting at 15th level, each point you spend to add damage
ficiency in the dark arts, but that doesn’t equate ignorance. with Dark Precision adds 2 damage instead of 1. You can
It’s less lack of interest and a desire to focus within a spe- also spend 4 points before making the attack to turn a hit
cific path—the integration of magic with everyday items, into a critical hit. This critical hit only applies to the
often weapons. In many circles, you are the one most weapon’s damage, not any damage as a result of Mutualis-
feared, the one believed to have made a deal with supernat- tic Spell. If you have not selected the magus class, you also
ural forces to gain an edge in combat. You can be a member gain a +2 bonus to your vessel.
of a secret order or skilled vagabond wandering the land
with the world often oblivious to what you can do.
Starting at 18th level, instead of spending 2 points from
your vessel to gain advantage on your next attack, you can
This archetype works best with the gunslinger, grounder, spend 3 points to make your next ranged non-auto weapon
infiltrator, and magus classes. attack an automatic hit. You can ignore cover as well. You
can still spend points to add damage and to turn the attack
into a critical hit. If you have not selected the magus class,
you also gain a +2 bonus to your vessel.

160
You are a classic magic-user with this modern world but Starting at 15th level, you are no longer required to use ma-
embracing archetypal ideals doesn’t mean you walk around terial components in your spells unless a component carries
with a pointy hat in a long flowing robe—those guys are a monetary value. You can also concentrate on two spells at
weirdos. It’s best to remain inconspicuous; you look like once and gain a +1 your asset. If you have not selected the
anyone else…until someone requires your services. Even magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to your vessel and a
then, a magician never reveals her tricks. A lot of people +1 bonus to your asset (+2 total).
would freak out if they discovered there was real magic.
Keep your powers silent, quick, and hidden; leave little
evidence that it was you. You could make a career out of Starting at 18th level, select an object, which can be any-
what you know. Let watchers think it was an illusion. You thing that can be held in one hand. You can set aside one
know the truth. spell within it. That spell is counted as part of your river
and costs 1 less dark when casting it. If you have not se-
lected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to your
vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset.
This archetype works best with the face, infiltrator, and
magus classes.

In this decidedly non-traditional fantasy, you have

You gain proficiency with Intelligence (Arcana) and Vigor emerged as a decidedly non-traditional fantasy wizard.
(Induce). Your specialty falls with the blending of magic with tech-
nology. It’s naïve to think that if magic were to exist in the
real world that no one would attempt to mix the two in
some way. As long you’re not inhabiting that annoying set-
Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you ting where magic breaks down technology, there would be
no longer are required to vocalize spells requiring a vocal those wanting to combine them. Already, there are spells
component. If a spell requires you to give commands, you employing technology in some way, you focus on melding
must still do so. You gain a +1 bonus to your river. If you the two in personal ways. While everyone else tries to hide
have not selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus what they can do, you brandish it openly.
to your vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset.

This archetype works best with the medic, the techie, and
Starting at 7th level, you no longer are required to employ magus.
somatic methods when casting spells requiring a somatic
component. If a spell requires a specific hand movement
(such as touching a target), you must still do so. You also
gain a +1 bonus to your Vigor Regeneration. If you have You gain proficiency with Vigor (Induce) and Vigor
not selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to (Commune).
your vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset.

Beginning when you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you

Starting at 11th level, you can cast spells onto simple, tiny, build yourself a semi-magical familiar; this is not an animal
non-mechanical objects. These can be as large as a basket- spirit but a mechanism you have instilled with life and a
ball or as small as a playing card. That spell remains hidden modicum of intelligence. This machine can take an animal
but attached to the object as long as the object remains form you choose: bat, cat, crab, frog (toad), hawk, lizard,
within 500 feet of you. When you cast the spell, you can octopus, owl, snake, fish, rat, raven, sea horse, spider, wea-
dictate how you want the spell to activate, either by giving sel, or any other Small or smaller animal you can think up
it a trigger or by activating it with a bonus action. The spell (GM’s allowance). The familiar has the statistics of the
can remain on the object for up to two days, and you can chosen form, though it is a construct instead of a beast.
have as many concurrent spells on objects as your Vigor Instead of animal forms, the GM may allow you to se-
modifier. An object can only possess one spell each. This lect a robot from the Antagonists chapter instead. You can
can be used to deliver a spell in a non-revealing way or as a take a day of construction to disassemble your familiar and
way to bank certain spells when needed. If you have not give it a new form.
selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to your Your familiar acts independently of you, but it always
vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset. obeys your commands. In combat, it rolls its own initiative
and acts on its own turn. A familiar can't attack, but it can
take other actions as usual. When the familiar drops to 0

161
Hit Points, it falls apart, requiring a day of engineering like power grids and reactors. Instead of gaining you a
work to reassemble. While your familiar is within 100 feet fixed amount, it doubles the value of your Vigor Regenera-
of you, you can communicate with it telepathically. Addi- tion.
tionally, as an action, you can see through your familiar's If you have not selected the magus class, you also gain a
eyes and hear what it hears until the start of your next turn, +2 bonus to your vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset.
gaining the benefits of any special senses that the familiar
has. During this time, you are deaf and blind concerning
your own senses. Finally, when you cast a spell with a Starting at 18th level, you have advantage with all Vigor
range of touch, your familiar can deliver the spell as if it (Induce) check with technology path spells. If you have
had cast the spell. Your familiar must be within 100 feet of not selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to
you, and it must use its reaction to deliver the spell when your vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset.
you cast it. If the spell requires an attack roll, you use your
attack modifier for the roll.
At 3rd level, you can't have more than one familiar at a
time. At 11th level, you can operate two familiars at once, or The following feats are available to any character with a
have one familiar replicating an animal form up to Medium Vigor score of 8 or higher.
size. At 18th level, you can operate three Small or smaller
familiars or two Medium familiars at once, or have one fa-
miliar replicating an animal form up to Large size.
If you have not selected the magus class, you also gain a You gain a +3 bonus to your vessel. You also regain 1 to
+2 bonus to your vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset. your vessel at the beginning of your turn as a free action
even if you are concentrating.

Starting at 7th level, you can use your vessel to recharge

energy cells. Regardless of listed cell capacities, you can
spend 3 dark to recharge a B cell, 6 for an M cell, and 12 for You have advantage with Vigor (Induce) checks when
an H cell. To recharge a single cell costs an action. If you boosting a spell. You also have resistance to the damage
are proficient with the Engineering skill, you can also use resulting from making a Vigor (Induce) check.
Vigor for Engineering instead of Intelligence.
Additionally, when repairing or crafting technological
objects (at least TL1), you can use magic as if it was cur- Your Asset increases by 3 this level and increases by 1 eve-
rency. Each day you can spend 20% more a day in currency ry subsequent level you gain.
in your build schedule; this extra 20% is in magic and does
not cost currency. You must be able to provide the regular
amount in currency to gain the magical bonus. If you have
not selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to The following spells are presented similar to those in tradi-
your vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset. tional 5E publications with a few differences.
Asset Price (AP). The cost from your asset required to
purchase the spell.
Starting at 11th level, you increase the TL of any engineer- Casting Charge (CC). The cost from your vessel re-
ing kit you use by 1. This increases to +2 at 15th level and quired to cast the spell.
+3 at 18th level. This may raise your current engineering Casting Time (Time). The default time required to
kit’s TL over 5. You can also craft items +1 tech level over cast the spell: this can be reduced by placing it in your river
the established setting (GM discretion). If you have not (see River).
selected the magus class, you also gain a +2 bonus to your Range. The range of the spell (same as traditional 5E).
vessel and a +1 bonus to your asset. Duration. The duration of the spell (same as traditional
5E). Many spells require concentration (conc.).
Components (Comp.). The components required to
Starting at 15th level, any enchantment spell you cast can cast the spell, vocal (V), somatic (S), and/or material (M).
now affect machines or robots; this includes machines with Boost. You can boost this spell upon casting by making
no Intelligence. a Vigor (Induce) check.
Additionally, you can draw energy from a battery cell to Sacrifice. This is the additional price when casting a
recharge your vessel. Technically, the power systems are ritual.
unrelated, but somehow, you make it work. A B-cell will
regain you 2 to your vessel; an M-cell will regain you 5 to
your vessel, and an H-cell will regain you 10 to your vessel. These following two spells possess no path requirement
You can even draw power from present non-battery sources and can be purchased at any time.

162
COLLECTIVE SPELLS
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Dispel 2 3 1 minute 60 ft. Inst.
Parlor Tricks* 1 — 1 action 30 ft. Conc. up to 1 hour V, S
* Ritual

Dispel. Choose one creature or object, or magical effect

within range affected by or casting a spell. Make a Vigor Feather Fall. Up to five falling creatures within range
check. The DC equals 10 + (the spell’s tier x 2). Root reduce their fall speed to 60 feet/round until the spell
spells = tier 0. On a successful check, the spell ends. ends. If the creature lands before the spell ends, it takes no
Note: If you place this spell in your river, it’s spell cost falling damage and can land on its feet, and the spell ends
can be reduced to a reaction if the target is within 60 feet. for that creature. For every 1 additional dark spent before
Parlor Tricks. These are minor magical effects like casting, target one additional creature (max +4).
booming your voice, causing lights to change color or flick- Boost (DC 20): Double the number of targets.
er, or generating slight tremors in the ground. Mild teleki- Levitate. One creature or an object up to 500 pounds
nesis is available up to 1 pound. You can alter your appear- that you can see within range rises vertically and/or hori-
ance in minor ways without actually disguising yourself. zontally, up to 20 feet, and remains suspended there for
You can reduce or increase brightness without making it the duration. An unwilling creature that succeeds on a
dark or blinding anyone. You can concentrate on multiple Constitution or Vigor saving throw is unaffected. You can
instances of this spell at once. change the target’s direction up to 20 feet on your turn
(either movement if cast on yourself, or an action if on an-
other target). When the spell ends, the target floats gently
Path Cost. 2 to the ground if it is still aloft. For every 1 additional dark
Path Benefit. When falling, you always land on your spent before casting, increase the target’s weight by 100 lb.
feet, and you reduce 20 feet from every fall. Boost (DC 15): Double the target’s weight.
Synergy Path. Path of Movement. Boost (DC 20): Quadruple the target’s weight.
Traits. Air spells all involve hand movements, often the
exhaling of air from your own lungs. Very seldom are actual
words spoken in your casting. God’s Breath. Create a line 20 feet in each direction
from you; all creatures within 20 feet of that line and in
front of you must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be
Wave. Make a ranged spell attack; on a hit, the target is pushed 20 feet away from you and knocked prone. The
pushed 10 feet. For every 1 additional dark spent before wind disperses gas or vapor, and it extinguishes candles,
casting, increase the push distance by 5 feet (max +20 torches, and similar unprotected flames in the area. It caus-
feet). es protected flames, such as those of lanterns, to dance
Boost (DC 15): Reduce the cost of this spell to an ac- wildly and has a 50 percent chance to extinguish them.
tion. Any creature in the area must spend 2 feet of movement
Jump. Target one creature; the target’s jump distance is for every 1 foot it moves when moving closer to you. As
tripled until the spell ends. For every 1 additional dark part of your move, you can change the orientation of the
spent before casting, increase the number of targets by 1 wall, and if you move, the wall moves with you. For every
(max +4). 1 additional dark spent before casting, increase the line on
each side by 5 feet (max +20 feet).

PATH OF AIR
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Wave 2 2 1 minute 10 ft. Inst. S
Jump 2 3 1 action Touch 1 minute V,S,M
Tier 1
Feather Fall 4 4 1 bonus 60 ft. Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S
Levitate 4 4 1 minute 60 ft. Conc. up to 1 hour V, S
Tier 2
God’s Breath 6 6 1 minute Self. Conc up to 1 minute V, S
Storm Wall 6 6 1 minute 120 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute V,S,M
Fly 6 6 1 action Touch Conc. up to 10 minutes V,S
Tier 3
Freedom 8 8 1 minute Touch Conc. up to 1 hour V,S,M
Wind Road* 8 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 8 hours V,S,M
Tier 4
Weather Master 10 11 1 minute Self Conc. up to 8 hours V, S
* Ritual

163
 Boost (DC 20): Area of effect increases to 30 feet. ing a group to traverse across like a bridge. All ground
Storm Wall. You create a solid wall of swirling translu- movement on the platform is doubled, though any target
cent air up to 60 feet long, 20 feet high, and 5 feet thick moving beyond 60 feet of you falls. As you move, the plat-
with its furthest point no further than 120 ft. You can bend form moves you, giving the illusion the wind road is dozens
this wall in any configuration, even enclosed shapes like if not hundreds of miles across.
cubes, cylinders, or domes. Each creature within its area or Sacrifice: 2 hit dice, +1 for every additional 10 feet (max
entering its area must make a Strength saving throw. A +40 feet).
creature takes 4d8 + Vigor modifier bludgeoning damage
on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
one. Any creature passing into the wall after it is cast fails Weather Master. You control the weather within 5
automatically. Small or smaller flying creatures or objects miles of you for the duration. You must be outdoors or see
can’t pass through the wall. All ordinary projectiles, includ- the outdoors to cast this spell. If you cannot see the sky,
ing rounds from one- and two-handed small arms launched the spell ends early. When the spell ends, the weather
at targets behind the wall automatically miss. Larger weap- gradually returns to normal. You can dissipate a tornado or
ons are unaffected. For every additional 1 dark spent be- create torrential rain. You can adjust the temperature from
fore casting, increase the length of the wall by 10 feet. blistering heat to below freezing. You can increase the
Boost (DC 15): When the duration expires, make a Vig- wind to near gale force. You can blacken the sky or clear
or (Induce) check to extend the effect for another minute. away the clouds. You can recreate any natural temperature
The DC increases by 1 each time it is attempted. that can occur on the planet. For every additional 3 dark
Fly. One target gains a flying speed of 60 feet for the spent before casting, increase the range by 1 mile (max +6
duration. When the spell ends, the target falls if it is still miles).
aloft, unless it can stop the fall. For every additional 2 dark Boost (DC 20): Double the area of effect.
spent before casting, target 1 additional creature.
Boost (DC 15): While in effect, make a Vigor (Induce)
check to increase speed to 80 feet until the end of your
next turn. Path Cost. 2
Path Benefit. You gain proficiency in one Charisma skill
of your choice.
Freedom. One willing creature is unaffected by diffi- Synergy Path. Path of Knowledge
cult terrain and spells and other magical effects that can Traits. Attraction spells are about alluring subjects us-
either reduce the target’s speed or cause the target to be ing magic, thus making it necessary to make your spells not
paralyzed or restrained. The target can also spend 5 feet of look like magic. You conceal the spells in your words and
movement to automatically escape from nonmagical re- graceful nonchalant hand movements. As the effects are
straints. Being underwater imposes no penalties on the often subtle, it can sometimes be difficult to notice you
target’s movement or attacks. The target can stand up as a casting a spell at all.
free action and gains a swim, crawl, and climb speed equal
to its normal speed. The target suffers no adverse effects
from squeezing. For every additional 2 dark spent before Command. You speak a one-word command to a crea-
casting, target 1 additional creature. ture you can see within range. The target must succeed on
Wind Road (Ritual). You create a platform of air 60 feet a Wisdom or Vigor saving throw or follow the command on
in radius centered on you. It feels like solid ground, allow- its next turn. The spell has no effect if the target is un-

PATH OF Attraction
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Command 2 4 1 action 30 ft. 1 round V
Tier 1
Charm 4 4 1 minute 30 ft. 1 hour V
Sleep 4 5 1 minute 60 ft. 10 minutes V, S, M
Tier 2
Captivation 6 6 1 minute 30 ft. Conc. up to 5 minutes V
Suggestion 6 6 1 minute 30 ft. 1 minute V
Fear 6 7 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 minute V
Tier 3
Compulsion 8 9 1 minute 30 ft. 1 minute V
Dominate 8 9 1 minute 30 ft. Conc. up to 1 hour V
Tier 4
Memory Writer 10 10 1 minute 30 ft. Conc. up to 1 hour V, S
Mob Rule 10 12 1 minute 30 ft. 5 minute V, S
* Ritual

164
dead, if it doesn’t understand your language, or if your ends if you are incapacitated or can no longer speak. For
command is directly harmful to it. A target that succeeds at every additional 1 dark spent before casting, you can in-
the save is immune to it for 8 hours. For every additional 1 crease the range by 10 feet (max +60 feet).
dark spent before casting, you can increase the range by 10 Suggestion. You suggest a course of activity and influ-
feet. ence a creature you can see within range that can hear and
understand you. Creatures that can’t be charmed are im-
mune. The suggestion can be anything that does not cause
Charm. The target must make a Wisdom or Vigor sav- obvious physical harm to itself or others. The target must
ing throw, with advantage if you or your companions are make a Wisdom or Vigor saving throw. On a failed save, it
fighting it. If it fails, it is charmed by you until the spell pursues the course of action you described to the best of its
ends or until you or your companions do anything harmful ability. You can only make one suggestion per spell, and if
to it. The charmed creature regards you as a friendly ac- the spell expires before the target can complete the task,
quaintance. Once a creature succeeds at this save, it is im- the spell expires. For every additional 2 dark spent before
mune to the spell for 8 hours. For every additional 2 dark casting, you can include one additional target (max +3 tar-
spent before casting, you can include one additional target gets).
(max +3 targets) in range. Boost (DC 15): Double the range of this spell.
Sleep. You can target a number of creatures in range Terror. Each creature in a 20-foot radius must succeed
with 30 total hit points. Each creature affected falls uncon- on a Wisdom or Vigor saving throw or drop whatever it is
scious until the spell ends, the sleeper takes damage, or holding and become frightened for the duration. While
someone uses an action wake the sleeper. Subtract each frightened, a creature must take the Dash action and move
creature’s hit points from the total before moving on to the away from you by the safest available route on each of its
creature. A creature’s hit points must be equal to or less turns, unless there is nowhere to move. If the creature
than the remaining total for that creature to be affected. ends its turn in a location where it doesn’t have line of
Undead and creatures immune to being charmed aren’t sight to you, the creature can make a Wisdom saving
affected by this spell. For every additional 1 dark spent throw. On a successful save, the spell ends for that crea-
before casting, you can increase the amount of hit points ture. For every additional 1 dark spent before casting, you
by 5. can increase the range by 5 feet (max +30 feet).
Boost (DC 20): If a creature cannot be included entirely
with your remaining hit point allotment, you can attempt
this check to include it. Unlike regular targets, this one Compulsion. This functions identically to suggestion,
gets a Wisdom or Vigor saving throw. except you can now give it a violent action, like inflicting
harm on itself or others. It still must be a single command.
For every additional 2 dark spent before casting, you can
Captivation. All creatures in range that can see and hear include one additional target (max +3 targets).
you must make a Wisdom or Vigor saving throw. Any crea- Dominate. You attempt to beguile a creature with hit
ture that can’t be charmed succeeds on this saving throw points equal or less than you (your maximum) that you can
automatically, and if you or your companions are fighting a see within range. It must succeed on a Wisdom or Vigor
creature, it has advantage on the save. Creatures with few- saving throw or be charmed by you for the duration. If you
er hit points than your maximum automatically fail at this or creatures that are friendly to you are fighting it, it has
save. On a failed save, the target has disadvantage on abil- advantage on the saving throw. You two possess a telepath-
ity checks, attack rolls, and saving throws. Its speed is ic link while the target is charmed that you can use to issue
halved and must always use its movement to move closer commands to while you are conscious (no action required),
to you. This lasts until the spell ends, the target can no which it does its best to obey. You can use your action to
longer hear you, or the target suffers damage. The spell take total and precise control of the target. Until the end of

PATH OF creation
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Mending* 2 — 1 minute Touch Inst. V, S
Purify* 2 — 1 minute 10 ft. Inst. V, S
Tier 1
Chef* 4 — 1 minute 20 ft. Inst. V, S
Create Elemental 4 6 1 minute 90 ft. 10 minutes. V, S, M
Tier 2
Fabricate 6 — 10 minutes 120 ft. Inst. V, S
Tier 3
Bag of Anything 8 — 1 minute Touch 5 minutes V, S
Tier 4
Create Beast 10 12 1 minute Touch Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S, M
* Ritual

165
your next turn, the creature takes only the actions you fied and rendered free of poison and disease.
choose and doesn’t do anything that you don’t allow it to Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit point.
do. During this time, you can also cause the creature to use
a reaction, but this requires you to use your own reaction as
well. Each time the target takes damage, it makes a new Chef (Ritual). You create appetizing food and clean
Wisdom saving throw against the spell. If the saving throw water for five people in range. The meals takes an hour to
succeeds, the spell ends. For every additional 1 dark spent enjoy and to have any effect. The food vanishes if not eat-
before casting, increase the hit points of the creature you en after an hour, though the water remains.
want to dominate by 10 (+50 max). Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit points.
Boost (DC 25): Double the number of hit points of the Create Elemental. You gather natural elements and
creature you want to dominate. inject them with a modicum of intelligence. You create an
elemental of challenge rating 2 or lower. An elemental cre-
ated by this spell disappears when it drops to 0 hit points or
Memory Writer. One creature that you can see within when the spell ends. The elemental is friendly to you and
range must make a Wisdom or Vigor saving throw. If you your companions. It obeys verbal commands that you issue
are fighting the creature, it has advantage on the saving (no action required by you). For every 3 additional dark
throw. On a failed save, the target becomes charmed by spent before casting, increase the challenge rating of the
you for the duration. The charmed target is incapacitated created elemental by 1 (Max CR 5).
and unaware of its surroundings, though it can still hear Boost (DC 15): Double the range you can create the
you. If it takes any damage, this spell ends prematurely. elemental.
While this charm lasts, you can alter the target’s memory of
an event within the last 24 hours that lasted no more than
10 minutes. This includes permanently eliminating that Fabricate (Ritual). You convert raw materials into prod-
memory. The creature must be able to understand you. If a ucts of the same material. You can gather what you can see
modified memory is too nonsensical to affect a creature in a within range to fabricate a Large or smaller object
meaningful manner (GM’s decision), it is disregarded as a (contained within a 10-foot cube, or eight connected 5-foot
dream. For every additional 2 dark spent before casting, cubes), given a sufficient quantity of raw material. Crea-
you can go back further and modify more (2—7 days, 1 tures or magic items can’t be created or transmuted by this
hour; 4—30 days, 1 day; 6—1 year, 1 week; 8—lifetime, 1 spell. You also can’t use it to create complicated items like
year). technology.
Mob Rule. This operates the same as suggestion, ex- Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit dice.
cept that it affects all creatures you wish within range. It
still must be a single action. For every additional 2 dark
spent before casting, you can extend the range by 10 feet
(max +60 ft). Bag of Anything (Ritual). You have constructed a back-
Boost (DC 25): When you give the command, you can pack or satchel from which you can remove nearly anything
provide a violent action, per dominate. you need. The object is created as you remove it from the
bag. The object cannot be chemical or mechanical (no fire-
arms or explosives), but rather standard gear. Only one
item can be removed per use of the spell, and the object
Path Cost. 2 lasts 5 minutes before disintegrating.
Path Benefit. You gain a +2 bonus to your vessel. Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit dice.
Synergy Path. Path of Technology
Traits. With creation spells, hand movements are mod-
est and don’t account more than a hand passing over a sub- Create Beast. You create any beast with a challenge
ject. A few words spoken may be confused as an unrecog- rating 4 or lower, which appears in an unoccupied space
nized prayer. next to you. The beast disappears when it drops to 0 hit
points or when the spell ends. The beast is friendly to you
and your companions for the duration. Roll initiative for
Mending (Ritual). This spell makes necessary repairs the beast, which has its own turns. It obeys any verbal
on objects, and each minute in use further aids in the commands that you issue to it (no action required by you).
mending. The spell leaves no trace of damage. This spell If you don’t issue any commands, it defends itself from
can physically repair a magic item or construct but can’t hostile creatures but otherwise takes no actions. A beast is
restore magic to such an object. Each minute will also re- defined as any creature native to this setting or a “Giant”
cover 1d4 hit points to an object without requiring widgets version of one. This beast is not real, only an imitation, and
or a skill check. it vanishes after the spell expires. For every 3 additional
Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit point. dark spent before casting, increase the challenge rating of
Purify (Ritual). All food and drink within range is puri- the created beast by 1 (Max CR = your level).

166
 Boost (DC 25): The maximum CR increases by 2 (you mentally command any creature you made with this spell
must still spend dark). that you can see (you can command any or all of them at
the same time). If you issue no commands, the creature
only defends itself against hostile creatures. The creature
is under your control for 24 hours, after which it stops
Path Cost. 2 obeying until you cast this spell on it again. For every 3
Path Benefit. When you recover hit points through additional dark spent before casting, you can raise or sus-
spells, you can recover vessel instead at a rate of 1 dark:5 tain two undead.
HP. This is a free action. Boost (DC 20): You can create undead at CR 3 or less.
Synergy Path. Path of Decay
Traits. Death spells involve dark incantations, and
when materials are required, it is often always blood or
ash…or both blood and ash, often used to construct a mag- Perish. The target you touch must make a Constitution
ic circle. It’s not a subtle method of magic. Blood should be saving throw, taking 7d6 + Vigor modifier necrotic damage
fresh, often with a recent animal sacrifice (in the past 5 on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
minutes). one. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs. For
every 2 additional dark spent before casting, you can in-
crease the number of dice by 1 (Max +5 dice).
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
Drain Touch. Make a melee spell attack against a crea- Line of Death. You create an invisible wall of necrotic
ture, inflicting 1d6 + Vigor modifier necrotic damage, and energy up to 60 feet long, 20 feet high, and 5 feet thick
you regain 1 hit point. For every 2 additional dark spent with its furthest point no further than 120 ft. You can bend
before casting, increase dice by 1 and recovery by 1 (max this wall in any configuration, even enclosed shapes like
+3 each). cubes, cylinders, or domes. Each creature within its area
Boost (DC 15): Reduce the cost of this spell to an ac- upon creation or within 5 feet while it is in effect must
tion. make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature
Dead Life. You gain your Vigor modifier in temporary takes 7d6 + Vigor modifier necrotic damage, or half as
hit points, which are lost after the spell expires. For every 1 much damage on a successful save. Any creature passing
additional dark spent before casting, increase gain 1 addi- into the wall after it is cast fails automatically. For every
tional temporary hit point (Max +10). additional 1 dark spent before casting, increase the length
of the wall by 10 feet. This wall is invisible, with the only
evidence of its existence being the inevitable corpses.
Death Curse. Make a melee spell attack against a crea- Boost (DC 13): When the duration expires, make a Vig-
ture; on a hit, the creature suffers disadvantage on all abil- or (Induce) check to extend the effect for another minute.
ity checks on Constitution saving throws until the spell The DC increases by 1 each time it is attempted.
ends. You also deal 1d6 additional necrotic damage when-
ever you hit with any non-spell attack.
Boost (DC 15): Make a drain touch attack (regardless if Greater Animate. This operates the same as animate,
it's selected as your spell) as part of the same spell. except the maximum CR of the undead creature is now 5.
Animate. A Medium or smaller-sized corpse in any state For every 3 additional dark spent before casting, you can
of decay (even bones) becomes any undead creature with a raise or sustain two undead.
CR of 2 or less. On your turn, you can use a bonus action to Boost (DC 20): You can create undead at CR 6 or less.
PATH OF DEATH
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Drain Touch 2 3 1 minute Touch Inst. S
Dead Life 2 5 1 minute Self 5 minutes S
Tier 1
Death Curse 4 4 1 minute Touch Conc. up to 1 hour S, M
Animate 4 5 1 minute 30 ft. Inst. V, S, M
Tier 2
Perish 6 7 1 minute Touch Inst. S
Line of Death 6 7 1 minute 120 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute V,S,M
Tier 3
Greater Animate 8 9 1 minute 30 ft. Inst. V, S, M
Lifeforce 8 9 1 minute Touch Inst. S
Tier 4
Hand of Death 10 11 1 minute Touch Inst. S
Resurrection* 12 — 1 hour Touch Inst. V, S, M
* Ritual

167
 Lifeforce. The target must make a Constitution saving lack of blood in many of the spells.
throw. On a failed save, it takes 7d6 + Vigor modifier ne-
crotic damage, or half as much damage on a successful
save; you recover hit points equal to 25% of the damage Acidic Touch. Make a melee spell attack. On a hit, the
dealt. The damage can’t reduce the target’s hit points be- target takes 1d8 + Vigor modifier acid damage. For every 3
low 1. For every 2 additional dark spent before casting, you additional dark spent before casting, increase dice by 1
can increase the number of dice by 1 (Max +5 dice). (max +3 dice).
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8. Acid Ball. You hurl a bubble of acid. Choose one crea-
ture within range, or choose two creatures within range that
are within 5 feet of each other. A target must succeed on a
Hand of Death. The target must make a Constitution Dexterity saving throw or take 1d4 + Vigor modifier acid
saving throw. It takes 9d6 + Vigor necrotic damage on a damage. For every 2 additional dark spent before casting,
failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A increase dice by 1 (max +3 dice).
humanoid killed by this spell rises at the start of your next Boost (DC 15): Reduce the cost of this spell to an ac-
turn as an undead of CR 3 or less that is permanently un- tion.
der your command, following your verbal orders to the best
of its ability. For every 2 additional dark spent before cast-
ing, you can increase the number of dice by 1 (Max +5 Acid Spray. You produce a 15-foot cone of acid; targets
dice). make a Dexterity saving throw, inflicting 3d6 + Vigor mod-
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8. ifier damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success-
Resurrection (Ritual). You touch a creature that has ful one. A target that fails takes additional damage equal to
been dead for no more than 5 years that didn’t die of old half the initial damage. For every 3 additional dark spent
age, and that isn’t undead. If its soul is free and willing, the before casting, increase dice by 1 (max +3 dice).
target returns to life with all its hit points. This spell neu- Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
tralizes any poisons and cures all diseases afflicting the Poison Puff. A target able to inhale your attack must
creature when it died. This spell closes all mortal wounds make a Constitution saving throw, inflicting 4d6 + Vigor
and restores any missing body parts. Coming back from the modifier damage on a failed save, or half as much on a suc-
dead is an ordeal. The target is at level 4 exhaustion. cessful one. A target that fails is also poisoned for 1 minute.
Boost (DC 15): You can increase the age of the corpse For every 3 additional dark spent before casting, increase
by 5 years. Increase the DC by 1, increasing the age by 5 dice by 1 (max +3 dice).
years each (no Max). Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
Sacrifice: After casting, you gain four levels of exhaus-
tion.

Acid/Poison Spit. All targets in range must make a Dex-

terity saving throw, suffering 7d6 + Vigor modifier damage
Path Cost. 2 on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. If you
Path Benefit. You have resistance to poison and acid spit acid, a target that fails takes additional damage equal
damage. to half the initial damage. If you spit poison, a target that
Synergy Path. Path of Death fails is poisoned for 1 minute. For every 2 additional dark
Traits. Necromancy’s red-headed stepchild, decay spent before casting, increase dice by 1 (max +3 dice).
spells are often confused with the former given its use of Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
audible incantations. The only notable difference is the Condition. Choose one creature that you can see within
PATH OF DECAY
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Acidic Touch 2 3 1 action Touch Inst. S
Acid Ball 2 4 1 minute 30 ft. Inst. S
Tier 1
Acid Spray 3 6 1 minute 15 ft. cone Inst. V, S

Poison Puff 3 6 1 minute 10 ft. Inst. V, S

Tier 2
Acid/Poison Spit 4 7 1 minute 20 ft. Inst. S
Condition 4 7 1 minute 60 ft. 5 minutes V, S
Tier 3
Decomposition 6 9 1 minute 90 ft. Inst. (+10 rounds) V, S
Contagion 6 9 1 minute Touch Until cured V, S
Tier 4
Plague 8 12 1 minute 60 ft. Until cured V, S

168
range to make two Constitution saving throws. For each to acting as puppeteering to nature, are prevalent.
saving throw failed, the target gains a level of exhaustion.
Unlike standard exhaustion, these levels are lost after the
spell’s duration. This spell cannot inflict level 6 exhaus- Snap. You make a ranged spell attack against one crea-
tion, although the target can still reach it normally. For ture in range. On a hit, you inflict 1d6 + Vigor modifier
every 3 additional dark spent before casting, add one addi- thunder damage, and the target is deafened until the be-
tional saving throw (max 5 = 5 levels of exhaustion). ginning of your next turn. For every 3 additional dark spent
before casting, increase dice by 1 (max +3 dice).
Clap. This spell requires two free hands. Each creatures
Decomposition. Make a ranged spell attack against one you select in range must make a Constitution saving throw
target in range; on a hit, the target takes 7d6 + Vigor modi- or be knocked prone. Flying creatures are immune. For
fier damage immediately, and 2d6 + Vigor modifier dam- every 2 additional dark spent before casting, increase the
age every additional round for 10 rounds. On a miss, the range by 5 feet (max +15 feet).
attack splashes the target with acid for half as much of the
initial damage and no subsequent damage. For every 2 ad-
ditional dark spent before casting, increase dice by 1 (max Entangle. Vines sprout in a 30-foot cone radiating from
+5 dice). you. For the duration, this area counts as difficult terrain. A
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8. creature in the area when you cast the spell must succeed
Contagion. Make a melee spell attack. On a hit, you on a Strength saving throw or be restrained until the spell
afflict the creature with any disease of your choice. At the ends. A restrained creature can use its action to make a
end of each of the target's turns, it must make a Constitu- Strength check against your spell save DC. On a success, it
tion saving throw. After failing three of these saving frees itself. When the spell ends, the plants wilt away. For
throws, the disease's effects last for the duration, and the every 2 additional dark spent before casting, increase the
creature stops making these saves. After succeeding on range by 10 feet (max +30 feet).
three of these saving throws, the creature recovers from the Animal Kinship (Ritual). Select a beast with an Intelli-
disease, and the spell ends. gence of 4 or less; it must succeed on a Wisdom saving
throw or be charmed by you for the spell’s duration. If you
or one of your companions harms the target, the spells
Plague. This operates the same as contagion, except ends. Instead of controlling it, you can give it a single in-
now you can make a ranged spell attack against any num- struction and a message to deliver. When you do, specify a
ber of targets you can see in range. For every 2 additional location, which you must have visited, and a recipient who
dark spent before casting, increase the range by 10 ft. (max matches a general description. You can speak a message of
+60 ft.). up to twenty-five words. The target beast travels for the
duration of the spell toward the specified location, covering
about 50 miles per 24 hours for a flying messenger, or 25
miles for other animals.
Path Cost. 2 Sacrifice: You suffer disadvantage to ability checks for 1
Path Benefit. You have advantage with Intelligence hour. You can gain one level of exhaustion and target 2
(Nature) checks. beasts instead of 1.
Synergy Path. Path of Water
Traits. Spells focused on Earth employ what appears to
be dirt in nearly all of its spellcraft. Hand movements, akin
Thunderwave. Each creature in a 15-foot cube originat-
PATH OF EARTH
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Snap 2 3 1 action 10 ft. Inst. S
Clap 2 4 1 minute 10 ft. Inst. S
Tier 1
Entangle 4 6 1 minute 30 ft. cone Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Animal Kinship* 4 — 1 minute 30 ft. 24 hours V, S, M
Tier 2
Thunderwave 6 7 1 minute 15 ft. cube Inst. V, S
Spines 6 7 1 minute 10 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute V, S, M
Tier 3
Wall of Earth 8 8 1 minute 120 ft. Conc. up to 10 minutes V, S, M
Terraform 8 9 1 minute 100 ft. Conc, up to 2 hours V, S, M
Tier 4
Earthquake 10 12 1 minute 500 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute V, S, M
* Ritual

169
ing from you must make a Constitution saving throw. On a
failed save, a creature takes 1d6+ Vigor modifier thunder Earthquake. You create an intense tremor in a 100-foot-
damage and is pushed 10 feet away from you. On a suc- radius circle centered on a point in range. The ground in
cessful save, the creature takes half as much damage and the area becomes difficult terrain. Each creature on the
isn’t pushed. Unsecured objects entirely within the area ground that is concentrating must make a Constitution sav-
are counted as having failed. The spell emits a thunderous ing throw. On a failed save, the creature’s concentration is
boom audible out to 300 feet. For every 2 additional dark broken. When you cast this spell, and at the end of each
spent before casting, increase dice by 1 (max +5 dice). turn you spend concentrating on it, each creature on the
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8. ground in the area must make a Dexterity saving throw.
Spines. Each creature in range centered on you must On a failed save, the creature is knocked prone.
make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 3d6 + Vig- Spend 4 additional dark to open up 1d6 fissures. Each is
or modifier piercing damage on a failed save, or half as 1d10 × 10 feet deep, 10 feet wide, and extends from one
much damage on a successful one. A failed creature is also edge of the spell’s area to the opposite side. A creature
restrained until the spell ends. A restrained creature can standing on a spot where a fissure opens must succeed on a
use its action to make a Strength check against your spell Dexterity saving throw or fall in. A creature that successful-
save DC. On a success, it frees itself. When the spell ends, ly saves moves with the fissure’s edge as it opens. A fissure
the plants wilt away. Creatures entering the spells effect that opens beneath a structure causes it to automatically
must make the same saving throw or suffer equal damage collapse (see below).
and effect. For every 2 additional dark spent before cast- Spend 3 additional dark to inflict 50 bludgeoning dam-
ing, increase the range by 10 feet and the damage by 1 die age to any structure in contact with the ground in the area
(max +30 feet and +3 dice). when you cast the spell and at the start of each of your
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8. turns until the spell ends. If a structure drops to 0 hit
points, it collapses and potentially damages nearby crea-
tures. A creature within half the distance of a structure’s
Wall of Earth. A nonmagical wall of earth rises 80 feet height must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed
long, 30 feet high, and 5 feet thick with its furthest point save, the creature takes 4d6 + Vigor modifier bludgeoning
not further than 120 feet. You can bend this wall in any damage, is knocked prone, and is buried in the rubble, re-
configuration, even enclosed shapes like cubes, cylinders, quiring a DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check as an action to
or domes. If a creature would be surrounded on all sides by escape. The GM can adjust the DC higher or lower, de-
the wall (or the wall and another solid surface), that crea- pending on the nature of the rubble. On a successful save,
ture can make a Dexterity saving throw. On a success, it the creature takes half as much damage and doesn’t fall
can use its reaction to move up to its speed so that it is no prone or become buried.
longer enclosed by the wall. You can use this spell to
bridge a chasm, create a ramp, erect crenellations, battle-
ments, and so on. If you maintain your concentration on
this spell for its whole duration, the wall becomes perma- Path Cost. 2
nent and can’t be dispelled. Otherwise, the wall disappears Path Benefit. You gain resistance to fire damage and
when the spell ends. immunity to any magical fire you create.
Terraform. You can reshape the terrain in the area in Synergy Path. Path of Self
any manner you choose for the duration. You can change Traits. Like the path of air, flame spells involve mostly
elevation, create or fill in a trench, erect or flatten a wall, or hand movements and more mouth movements rather than
form a pillar (GM's discretion on the limits given present actual words. Material components are usually flammable
terrain). At the end of every 10 minutes you spend concen- materials, sometimes even lighters or kerosene.
trating on the spell, you can choose a new area of terrain to
affect. Because the terrain’s transformation occurs slowly,
creatures in the area can’t usually be trapped or injured by Fire Bolt. You make a ranged spell attack; on a hit, the
the ground’s movement. This spell can’t manipulate con- target takes 1d6 + Vigor modifier damage. You can also
struction or technology. If the way you shape the terrain keep the flame in hand, shedding bright light in a 10-foot
would make a structure unstable, it might collapse. This radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet. For every 2
spell doesn’t directly affect plant growth. The moved earth additional dark spent before casting, increase dice by 1
carries any plants along with it. For every 2 additional dark (max +3 dice),
spent before casting, increase the range by 50 feet (max Enchant Flame. You add a flame effect to your weapon;
+200 feet). it counts as inflicting fire as well as normal damage. In-
Boost (DC 25): Double the spell’s range. crease flame damage by +2. If cast on a gun, it lasts one
clip. This spell cannot be cast on energy weapons.

170
PATH OF FLAME
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Fire Bolt 2 2 1 action 100 ft. Conc. up to 1 hour or until fired V,S
Enchant Flame 2 5 1 minute — Conc. up to 1 minute V,S,M
Tier 1
Flamethrower 4 6 1 minute 15-ft. cone Inst. V,S

Forever Flame* 4 — 1 minute Touch Until disp. V,S,M

Flame Ball 4 5 1 minute 5 ft Conc. up to 1 hour V,S,M
Tier 2
Pillars of Fire 6 7 1 minute 120 ft. Inst.
Blazing Barrier 6 7 1 minute 120 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute V,S,M
Tier 3
Artillery Flare 8 9 1 minute 600 ft. Inst. V,S,M
Fire Storm 8 9 1 minute 150 ft. Conc, up to 1 minute V,S
Tier 4
Incendiary Bomb 10 12 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 minute V,S
* Ritual

ed by multiple pillars. The pillars ignite anything flamma-

Flamethrower. You produce a 15-foot cone of fire; tar- ble in the area that isn’t being worn or carried. For every
gets make a Dexterity saving throw, suffering 3d6 + Vigor additional 3 dark spent before casting, add one additional
modifier fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a pillar (max +2).
successful one. This ignites anything flammable in the area Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
that isn’t being worn or carried. Blazing Barrier. You create a blazing wall of fire up to
Boost (DC 15): Increase damage dice to d8. 60 feet long, 20 feet high, and 5 feet thick with its furthest
Forever Flame (Ritual). You create a flame from an ob- point not further than 120 ft. You can bend this wall in any
ject you touch that functions the same as a torch. It creates configuration, even enclosed shapes like squares or circles.
no heat and doesn’t use oxygen. It cannot be smothered or Each creature within its area upon creation or within 5 feet
quenched, but it can be covered. while it is in effect must make a Dexterity saving throw.
Flaming Ball. You create a 5-foot-diameter sphere of On a failed save, a creature takes 4d8 + Vigor modifier fire
fire in an unoccupied space next to you. Any creature that damage, or half as much damage on a successful save. Any
ends its turn within 5 feet of the sphere must make a Dex- creature passing into the wall after it is cast fails automati-
terity saving throw or take 1d6 + Vigor modifier fire dam- cally. The fire damages objects in the area and ignites
age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success- flammable objects that aren’t being worn or carried. For
ful one. As a bonus action, you can either move the sphere every additional 1 dark spent before casting, increase the
up to 30 feet or detonate it. If you ram the sphere into a length of the wall by 10 feet.
creature, it also detonates. When you move the sphere, you Boost (DC 10): When the duration expires, make a Vig-
can direct it over barriers up to 5 feet tall and jump it across or (Induce) check to extend the effect for another minute.
pits up to 10 feet wide. The sphere ignites anything flam- The DC increases by 1 each time it is attempted
mable in the area that isn’t being worn or carried, and it
sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an
additional 20 feet. When you detonate the ball, it creates Artillery Flare. You hurl a fireball which arcs through-
an explosion encompassing each creature in a 20-foot radi- out the air and explodes 10 feet off the ground, creating a
us. The damage dice are doubled when a ball detonates. 40-foot radius circle of flame. Each creature within its area
For every additional dark spent before casting, increase must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a
dice by 1 (max 6). creature takes 6d8 + Vigor modifier fire damage, or half as
Boost (DC 15): Increase damage dice to d8. much damage on a successful save. The fire damages ob-
jects in the area and ignites flammable objects that aren’t
being worn or carried. For every additional dark spent be-
Pillars of Fire. You erect three vertical columns of fire fore casting, increase the area of effect by 5 feet (max +20
which rise from the ground, each 5-feet across and that feet).
must be within 10 feet of another and the furthest no more Boost (DC 20): Upon casting the spell, the range dou-
than 120 feet away (each pillar must also be at least 10 feet bles to 1,200 ft.
from another pillar). Any creature inside or within 10 feet Fire Storm. You create a storm consisting of up to ten
of a pillar must make a Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 10-foot cubes, which you can arrange as you wish. Each
+ Vigor modifier fire damage on a failed save, or half as cube must have at least one face adjacent to the face of
much damage on a successful one. A target may be target- another cube. Each creature in the area must make a Dex-
terity saving throw. It takes 5d8 + Vigor modifier fire dam-

171
age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success- every additional 1 dark spent before casting, increase the
ful one. The fire damages objects in the area and ignites spell save DC by 1.
flammable objects that aren’t being worn or carried. If you Pose. You make yourself—including your clothing, ar-
choose, plant life in the area is unaffected by this spell. For mor, weapons, and other belongings on your person—look
every additional 3 dark spent before casting, add one addi- different until the spell ends or until you use your action to
tional 10-foot cube (max +2 cubes). dismiss it. You can’t change your body type, so you must
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d10. adopt a form that has the same necessary arrangement of
limbs. Otherwise, the extent of the illusion is up to you. To
discern that you are disguised, a creature can use its action
Incendiary Bomb. You generate heat like a small star. to inspect your appearance and must succeed on an Intelli-
All creatures within 30 feet of you must make a Dexterity gence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. For
saving throw. A creature takes 9d8 + Vigor modifier fire every additional 2 dark spent before casting, increase the
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a suc- spell save DC by 1.
cessful one. A creature must also make this saving throw
when it enters the spell’s area for the first time on a turn or
ends its turn there. For every additional 2 dark spent be- Mirror. You create two illusory duplicates of yourself
fore casting, increase the radius by 5 feet. nearby that move with you and mimic your actions. Each
Boost (DC 25): Increase damage dice to d10. time a creature targets you with an attack during the spell’s
duration, roll 1d6 to determine whether the attack instead
targets one of your duplicates. If the roll is equal or less
than the number duplicates, a duplicate is struck instead of
Path Cost. 2 you and destroyed. A duplicate can be destroyed only by
Path Benefit. You gain a +2 bonus to your vessel. an attack that hits it. It ignores all other damage and ef-
Synergy Path. Path of Power fects. The spell ends when all three duplicates are de-
Traits. Like the path of attraction, many illusions re- stroyed. A creature is unaffected by this spell if it can’t see,
quire subtlety in movements for the spell to occur without if it relies on senses other than sight, such as blindsight, or
being noticed. However, there is the odd spell mandate if it can perceive illusions as false, as with truesight. For
with rituals; when required, you enter a deep trance, as if every additional 3 dark spent before casting, increase the
you were meditating. number of duplicates by 1 (Max +4 duplicates).
Hallucination. You create the image and appropriate
sounds and smells of an object, a creature, or some other
Artifice. You create a sound or an image of an object visible phenomenon that is no larger than a 20-foot cube.
within range that lasts for the duration. The illusion also The image appears at a spot that you can see within range
ends if you dismiss it as an action or cast this spell again. If and lasts for the duration. You can’t create sufficient heat
you create a sound, its volume can range from a whisper to or cold to cause damage, a sound loud enough to deal thun-
a scream. If you create an image of an object—such as a der damage or deafen a creature, or a smell that might sick-
chair, muddy footprints, or a small chest—it must be no en a creature. If you move the image, you can alter it so it
larger than a 5-foot cube. The image can’t create sound, appears to be walking. Physical interaction with the image
light, smell, or any other sensory effect. Physical interac- reveals it to be an illusion. A creature that uses its action to
tion with the image reveals it to be an illusion. A creature examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with
can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelli- a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your
gence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. For spell save DC. For every additional 1 dark spent before

PATH OF ILLUSION
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Artifice 2 2 1 action 30 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute S
Pose 2 3 1 action Self Conc, up to 1 hour S
Tier 1
Mirror 4 5 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Hallucination 4 6 1 minute 120 ft. Conc. up to 10 minutes V, S, M
Tier 2
Dreamscape* 5 — 1 minute 300 ft. 24 hours V, S, M
Masquerade* 5 — 1 minute 30 ft. Conc. up to 8 hours V, S
Tier 3
Program* 7 — 1 minute 200 ft. Until dispelled V, S, M
Mirage* 7 — 10 minutes Sight 10 days V, S, M
Tier 4
Projection 9 10 1 minute 500 miles Conc. up to 1 day V, S, M
* Ritual

172
 PATH OF KNOWLEDGE
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Comprehension 2 3 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 hour V, S, M
Tier 1
Communication 2 4 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 hour V, S, M
Locate* 3 — 5 minutes Self Conc. up to 10 minutes V, S, M
Tier 2
Clairvoyance* 4 — 10 minutes 1 mile Conc. up to 10 minutes V, S, M
Premonition 4 — 10 minutes Self Inst. V, S, M
Tier 3
Dreamwalker 5 — 10 minutes Unlimited Conc. up to 1 hour V, S, M
Predestination 6 — 10 minutes Self Inst. V, S, M
Tier 4
Anticipation 8 12 1 minute Self Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S, M
* Ritual

casting, increase the spell save DC by 1. olfactory elements, so it can turn clear ground into difficult
Boost (DC 25): Increase the size of the object to a 40- terrain (or vice versa) or otherwise impede movement
foot cube. through the area.
Boost (DC 20): Double the range of this spell.
Sacrifice: You lose 5 Hit Dice.
Dreamscape (Ritual). You make natural terrain in a 150-
foot cube in range look, sound, and smell like some other
sort of natural terrain. Manufactured structures, equip- Projection. You create an illusory copy of yourself that
ment, and creatures within the area aren’t changed in ap- lasts for the duration. The copy can appear at any location
pearance. The tactile characteristics of the terrain are un- within range that you have seen before, regardless of inter-
changed. If the difference isn’t noticeable by touch, a crea- vening obstacles. The illusion looks and sounds like you
ture carefully examining the illusion can attempt an Intelli- but is intangible. If the illusion takes any damage, it disap-
gence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC to pears, and the spell ends. You can behave in whatever way
disbelieve it. you choose and mimics your mannerisms perfectly. You
Boost (DC 20): Double the range of this spell. can see through its eyes and hear through its ears and
Sacrifice: Spend 3 Hit Dice. switch back as a bonus action, though your original body is
Masquerade (Ritual). This operates the same as pose, blinded and deafened. Physical interaction with the image
except you can alter the appearance of any number of crea- reveals it to be an illusion. A creature that uses its action to
tures in range. You can give each target a different appear- examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with
ance. An unwilling target can make a Charisma saving a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your
throw, and if it succeeds, it is unaffected by this spell. A spell save DC. For every additional 1 dark spent before
creature can use its action to inspect a target and make an casting, increase the spell save DC by 1.
Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save Boost (DC 20): x10 spell range.
DC. If it succeeds, it becomes aware that the target is dis-
guised.
Boost (DC 20): Double the range of this spell.
Sacrifice: Spend 3 Hit Dice. Path Cost. 2
Path Benefit. You can use Vigor for any Intelligence-
based skill checks.
Synergy Path. Path of Attraction
Program (Ritual). This operates the same as hallucina- Traits. Knowledge spells resemble traditional spells as
tion, except the size is a 40-foot cube and can be pre- many know it as they all involve chanting in various lan-
programmed with various instructions to say and act in spe- guages (sometimes more than one), hand movements remi-
cific ways. It can even be programmed to be invisible until niscent of prayers, and magic circles drawn upon the
triggered. The script can last as long as five minutes. ground.
Boost (DC 25): Increase the size of the object to an 80-
foot cube.
Sacrifice: You lose 5 Hit Dice.
Mirage (Ritual). This operates the same as dreamscape, Comprehension. You understand the literal meaning of
except the size of the terrain increases to 1 mile. You can any spoken or written language that you hear or see. This
alter the appearance of structures or add them where none spell doesn’t decode secret messages in a text or a glyph,
are present. The spell doesn’t disguise, conceal, or add such as an arcane sigil, that isn’t part of a written language.
creatures. The illusion includes audible, visual, tactile, and

173
 You can make the messenger appear monstrous and
Communication. You gain the ability to comprehend terrifying to the target, and the target must make a Wis-
and verbally communicate with a creature that cannot com- dom saving throw. On a failed save, when the target wakes
municate via language; this includes plants and creatures up, it takes 3d6 + Vigor modifier psychic damage.
dead in the past 24 hours. The knowledge and awareness Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8 OR can
of creatures are limited by their intelligence. You might be wrest control of the dream from the dreamer.
able to persuade a beast to perform a small favor for you, at Sacrifice: You gain 1 level of exhaustion after the spell
the GM’s discretion. expires. For every 1 hit die spent during the spell, increase
Locate. You concentrate on an object or person. After Intelligence (Investigation) DC by 1 and the damage dice
casting, you sense the direction to the target’s location, as by 1 (max both +5).
long as that target’s location if within 1,000 feet of you. If Predestination. An expansion of premonition, you can
in motion, you know the direction of movement. This can ask the outworld how you can reach a specific future. The
locate a generic target or a specific target if you had en- answer will be specific regarding choices, directions, as
countered it personally. long as they need to be made in the next month. The an-
Sacrifice: You gain 1 level of exhaustion. For every 1 hit swers may be held by the GM until an opportunity pre-
die spent during the spell, increase the range by 1,000 feet sents itself, where the GM will then reveal the best course
(max +5,000 ft.). for you to accomplish what you asked.

Clairvoyance. You create an invisible sensor within Anticipation. You gain the ability to look into the im-
range in a location familiar to you (a place you have visited mediate future. For the duration, you can’t be surprised
or seen before) or in an obvious location that is unfamiliar and have advantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and sav-
to you. The sensor remains in place for the duration, and it ing throws. Additionally, other creatures have disadvantage
can’t be attacked or otherwise interacted with. When you on attack rolls against you for the duration.
cast the spell, you can see and hear through the sensor as if
you were in its space. A creature that can see the sensor
sees a Tiny luminous, intangible orb. Path Cost. 2
Sacrifice: You gain 1 level of exhaustion after the spell Path Benefit. Your maximum hit points increase by 2
expires. For every 1 hit die spent during the spell, increase each time you acquire a life spell.
the range by 1 mile (max +6 miles). Synergy Path. Path of Light
Boost (DC 20): Gain darkvision. Traits. Although not requiring religious worship, many
Premonition. You contact spirits from the outworld to life spells resemble prayers, with hand movements often
ask to ask a single question concerning a specific goal, requiring physical contact. Materials involve magic circles
event, or activity to occur within 7 days. The GM offers a drawn with ash.
truthful reply. The reply might be a short phrase, a cryptic
rhyme, or an omen.
Boost (DC 20): Ask a second question after the first has
been answered. Touch of Life. A creature you touch with 1 or more hit
Sacrifice: You gain 1 level of exhaustion after the spell points regains 2 hit points. For every additional 1 dark
expires. spent before casting, the target recovers 1 additional hit
point (max +5 hp).
Alleviate. A creature you touch recovers a number of hit
points equal to 1d6 + Vigor modifier. This spell has no ef-
Dreamwalker. You shape the dreams of a creature fect on undead or constructs. For every additional 2 dark
known to you. Creatures that don’t sleep can’t be contact- spent before casting, increase hit dice by 1 (max +5 hp).
ed by this spell. You, or a willing creature you touch, enter Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d8.
a trance state, acting as a messenger. While in a trance, the
messenger is blind, deaf, and can’t take actions in the real
world. The messenger appears in the target’s dreams and
can converse with the target as long as it remains asleep. Revivify. You touch a creature that has died within the
The messenger can shape the environment of the dream in last minute. That creature returns to life with 1 hit point.
any way. The dreamer can become aware it is dreaming This spell can’t return to life a creature that has died of old
with an Intelligence (Investigation) check against your age, nor can it restore any missing body parts.
spell save DC (you can also willingly reveal the fact). A 3.
dreamer aware it is dreaming can shape the dream as well, Boost (DC 20): Cast this spell for 15 dark instead of 20.
overriding your manifestations. The messenger can emerge Boost (DC 25): Cast this spell for 10 dark instead of 20.
from the trance at any time, ending the effect of the spell Minor Exorcism. At your touch, all curses affecting one
early. The target recalls the dream entirely upon waking. creature or object end. If the object is a cursed magic item,

174
PATH OF LIFE
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Touch of Life 2 3 1 bonus action Touch Inst. S
Alleviate 2 3 1 action
Tier 1
Revivify 4 20 1 minute Touch Inst. V, S, M
Minor Exorcism* 4 — 1 minute Touch Inst. V, S, M
Tier 2
Healing Wave 6 6 1 action 60 ft. Inst. V, S
Death Ward* 6 — 1 minute Touch 8 hours V, S, M
Tier 3
Cleanse* 8 — 1 minute Touch Inst. V, S, M
Restore 8 9 1 minute Touch Inst. V, S
Tier 4
Regenerate* 10 — 1 minute Touch 5 minutes V, S, M
Healing Aura 10 13 1 minute 30 ft. Inst. V, S
* Ritual

its curse remains, but the spell breaks its owner’s attune- minutes. If you have the severed part and hold it to the
ment to the object so it can be removed or discarded. stump, the spell instantaneously causes the limb to knit to
Sacrifice: Spend 3 damage. the stump.
Boost (DC 15): Each turn, you can attempt this check
to increase the regeneration to 2d8 + Vigor that turn.
Healing Wave. Up to 4 creatures in range that you can Sacrifice: After the spell concludes, you must spend 5
see within range recover hit points equal to 1d4 + Vigor hit dice or reduce your hit points by half.
modifier. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs. Healing Aura. This operates the same as restore, except
For every additional 2 dark spent before casting, increase you affect all creatures you wish within 30 feet of you. For
hit dice by 1 (max +5 hp). every additional 2 dark spent before casting, increase heal-
Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d6. ing dice by 1 (max +5).
Death Ward. You touch a creature, and the first time Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d10.
the target would drop to 0 hit points as a result of taking
damage, the target instead drops to 1 hit point, and the
spell ends. If the effect the target is subjected would kill it Path Cost. 2
instantaneously without dealing damage, that effect is in- Path Benefit. You cannot be blinded.
stead negated against the target, and the spell ends. Synergy Path. Path of Life
Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die per target. For every addition- Traits. It is obvious you are casting a light spell as spell
al 1 hit die spent before casting, target one additional crea- components you possess burn brightly. This path is also
ture (max +3 creatures). common for utilizing a focus (wand, staff, sword, etc.),
making it resemble a classic fantasy spellcaster.

Cleanse. Touch a creature; you neutralize any poison

and cure nonmagical diseases that affect the creature. Radiant Strike. Your next hit on a creature inflicts an
Sacrifice: Spend 3 hit dice. For every additional 3 hit extra 1d6 radiant damage (2d6 against fiends and undead).
dice spent before casting, target one additional creature For every 2 additional dark spent, increase the damage
(max +3 creatures). dice by 1 (max +3 dice).
Restore. A creature you touch regains hit points equal Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d8.
to 7d8 + Vigor modifier. This spell also ends blindness, Light. You touch the end of a focus or nonmechanical
deafness, and any diseases affecting the target. This spell item. Until the spell ends, the object sheds bright light in a
has no effect on constructs or undead. For every additional 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.
2 dark spent before casting, increase healing dice by 1 Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit points. For every additional hit
(max +5). point spent, increase both ranges each by 10 feet (max +30
Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d10. feet).

Regenerate. You touch a creature, and it regains 1d6 + Bolt of Heaven. Make a ranged spell attack against the
Vigor modifier hit points at the beginning of each of its target. On a hit, the target takes 3d6 + Vigor modifier radi-
turns for the spell’s duration. Severed body members ant damage (4d6 against fiends and undead), and the target
(fingers, legs, tails, and so on), if any, are restored after 2 must make a Constitution or Vigor saving throw or be

175
PATH OF LIGHT
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Radiant Strike 2 3 1 bonus action Self Conc. up to 1 minute S, M
Light* 2 — 1 minute Touch 1 hour S, M
Tier 1
Bolt of Heaven 3 5 1 minute 120 ft. Inst. S, M
Starburst 3 5 1 minute Self Inst. S, M
Tier 2
Sunsphere* 4 — 1 minute 30 ft. 1 hour S, M
Extradite 4 7 1 minute Touch Inst. S, M
Tier 3
Sunbeam 5 9 1 minute 60 ft. Inst. S, M
Nova 6 10 1 minute Self Inst. S, M
Tier 4
Sunrise* 7 — 5 minutes 1 mile 8 hours S, M
* Ritual

blinded until the beginning of your next turn (fiends and vantage on this saving throw). On a successful save, it takes
undead have disadvantage on this saving throw). For every half as much damage and isn’t blinded by this spell.
2 additional dark spent, increase the damage dice by 1 Nova. A brilliant sunlight flashes in a 60-foot radius
(max +3 dice). centered on you. Each creature you select in that light
Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d8. must make a Constitution or Vigor saving throw. On a
Starburst. You send out a blinding light from your fo- failed save, a creature takes 10d6 radiant damage and is
cus; all creatures you wish in range must make a Constitu- blinded for 1 minute. On a successful save, it takes half as
tion or Vigor saving throw, suffering 3d6 + Vigor modifier much damage and isn’t blinded by this spell (fiends and
fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success- undead have disadvantage on this saving throw). A creature
ful one (fiends and undead have disadvantage on this sav- blinded by this spell makes another Constitution or Vigor
ing throw). Targets that fail are also blinded until the be- saving throw at the end of each of its turns. On a successful
ginning of your next turn. For every 2 additional dark save, it is no longer blinded. For every 3 additional dark
spent, increase the range by 5 feet (max +20 feet). spent, increase dice by 1 and range by 5 feet (max +4 dice
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8. and +20 feet).

Sunsphere. You create a sphere of light in range that Sunrise. You create a brilliant orb in the sky miles
floats with a speed of 30 ft, has an AC of 18, and 1 hit above that provides sunlight as if it was daylight. Until the
point. Until the spell ends, the object sheds bright light in spell ends, the sun sheds bright light in a 1-mile radius and
a 30-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. It dim light for an additional 1 mile. It follows above you. As
will follow you, but you can use your bonus action to direct an action, you can direct it to slam into a point up to 1 mile
it anywhere else. As an action, you can direct it to slam into away. Each creature within a 70-foot radius to the point of
a target as a ranged spell attack. On a hit, the sphere in- impact must make a Constitution or Vigor saving throw.
flicts 6d8 + Vigor modifier radiant damage, and the spell On a failed save, a creature takes 10d6 + Vigor modifier
ends (7d8 against fiends and undead). radiant damage and is blinded for 1 minute. On a success-
Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit dice. For every 1 additional hit ful save, it takes half as much damage and isn’t blinded by
dice spent, increase the range by 5 feet and the damage by this spell (fiends and undead have disadvantage on this
1 dice (max +20 ft and +4 dice). saving throw). A creature blinded by this spell makes an-
Extradite. Make a melee spell attack against a target; on other Constitution or Vigor saving throw at the end of each
a hit, it suffers 6d8 + Vigor modifier radiant damage. If the of its turns. On a successful save, it is no longer blinded.
target is a fiend or undead, double the damage dice and Sacrifice: Spend all hit dice (at least 12).
push the target 20 feet. For every 2 additional dark spent,
increase dice by 1 (max +3 dice).
Boost (DC 25): You automatically hit.
Path Cost. 2
Path Benefit. You have proficiency with all melee
weapons.
Sunbeam. You create a beam of radiant light 5-feet Synergy Path. Path of Protection
wide and 60-foot long. Each creature in line must make a Traits. Spells from this path are often subtle and often
Constitution or Vigor saving throw. On a failed save, a crea- come as a result of combat. To outsiders, strange things
ture takes 6d8 radiant damage and is blinded until the be- appear to happen around you. Your somatic movements are
ginning of your next turn (fiends and undead have disad- often patterns you make with weapons.

176
 PATH OF MIGHT
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Pinpoint 2 2 1 bonus action Self End of turn S
Tier 1
Paranormal Aim 3 3 1 bonus action Self End of turn S
Compression 3 4 1 bonus action Self End of turn S
Tier 2
Wrath 5 6 1 action Self Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Magic Weapon 5 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 10 minutes V, S
Tier 3
Crack 7 8 1 bonus action Self Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Magic Weapon 8 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 10 minutes V, S
Tier 4
Disintegrate 12 13 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Magic Weapon 9 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 10 minutes V, S
* Ritual

dercrack audible from as far away as 300 feet). If the object

Pinpoint. You gain advantage on your first attack roll as has multiple locks, only one of them is unlocked. An ar-
long as you make that attack before the end of this turn. cane lock is suppressed for 10 minutes. If you strike a crea-
Boost (DC 15). You can use pinpoint again time this ture, you inflict an additional 3d6 + Vigor modifier thunder
same turn. This DC increases by 2 each additional time damage, and the target is pushed 10 feet. If Medium-sized
you use pinpoint (max DC 21) or smaller, the creature is knocked prone.
Magic Weapon (Ritual). The same as the tier 1 spell,
tier 2 increases the bonus to a +2 to attack and damage rolls
until the spell ends (it does not stack with tier 1).
Paranormal Aim. Your next attack Sacrifice: You suffer disadvantage with Wisdom-based
roll before the end of this turn automatically hits. ability checks until you finish a long rest.
Boost (DC 15). You can use paranormal aim again time
this same turn. This DC increases by 2 each additional
time you use paranormal aim (max DC 21).
Compression. You can make a single ranged or melee Disintegrate. Your next attack during the spell’s dura-
attack as part of this spell. tion triggers the spell’s effect. A creature hit must make a
Boost (DC 25). You can use compression one additional Constitution or Vigor saving throw. The target takes 12d6
time this same turn (only once per turn). + Vigor modifier force damage with a failed save or half as
much for a successful one. If this damage reduces the tar-
get to 0 hit points, it is disintegrated. A disintegrated crea-
ture and everything it is wearing and carrying, except mag-
Wrath. Your next hit with a melee or ranged weapon ic items, are reduced to a pile of fine gray dust. The crea-
during this spell’s duration deals an extra 1d4 + Vigor mod- ture can be restored to life only utilizing a resurrection.
ifier psychic damage. If the target is a creature, it must This attack automatically disintegrates a Large or smaller
make a Wisdom or Vigor saving throw or be frightened of nonmagical object or a creation of magical force. If the tar-
you until the spell ends. As an action, the creature can get is a Huge or larger object or creation of force, this spell
make a Wisdom or Vigor check against your spell save DC disintegrates a 10-foot-cube portion of it. A magic item is
to steel its resolve and end this spell. For every 2 additional unaffected by this spell. For every 3 additional dark spent,
dark spent, increase dice by 1 (max +3 dice). increase dice by 1 (max +6 dice).
Boost (DC 20). Increase damage to d8. Boost (DC 25). Increase damage dice to d8.
Magic Weapon (Ritual). Touch a non-magical weapon. Magic Weapon (Ritual). The same as the tier 2 spell,
While you wield the weapon, it becomes magical with a +1 tier 3 increases the bonus to a +3 to attack and damage rolls
to attack and damage rolls until the spell ends. until the spell ends (it does not stack with tiers 1 or 2).
Sacrifice: You suffer disadvantage with Wisdom-based Sacrifice: You suffer disadvantage with Wisdom-based
ability checks until you finish a long rest. ability checks until you finish a long rest.

Crack. Your next attack during the spell’s duration trig-

gers the spell’s effect. If you hit a door, a box, a chest, a set Path Cost. 2
of manacles, a padlock, or another object that contains a Path Benefit. You can use Vigor instead of Dexterity
mundane or magical means that prevents access, the lock when making a Dexterity saving throw against a spell.
breaks off or is opened (while also letting out a loud thun- Synergy Path. Path of Air

177
PATH OF MOVEMENT
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Runner* 2 — 1 action Touch 1 hour S, M
Tier 1
Swiftness 4 5 1 minute Touch Conc up to 1 minute S, M
Passthrough* 4 — 1 minute 30 ft. Conc up to 5 minutes S, M
Tier 2
Jumper 6 7 1 minute 400 ft. Inst. S, M
Portal* 6 — 1 minute Special Inst / Conc up to 1 minute S, M
Tier 3
Gateway* 8 — 1 minute 500 ft. Conc up to 1 minute S, M
Recall 8 9 1 action 500 ft. Inst. S, M
Tier 4
Dimension Circle* 12 — 5 minutes Special 8 hours. S, M
* Ritual

Traits. Movement spells employ magic circles in many mine which portal it connects to. You must concentrate to
of their applications along with hand movements, but little keep the gate open. The two locations are connected as if
to no vocalization. the portal was an open doorway both sides can look
through. A portal on a floor can connect to a portal on a
wall, resulting in often humorous transitions. Portals are
Runner (Ritual). The target’s speed increases by 10 guarded by sigil-locks—you know the keys to all portals
feet until the spell ends. you create as well as those offered by other spellcasters. If
Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die. For every additional hit die you know the location of a portal but not its key, you can
spent, include 1 additional target (max +3 targets). attempt to break through via boost.
Boost (Special): Make a Vigor (Induce) check against
the spellcaster’s Spell DC to break through the lock of a
portal you know the location of.
Swiftness. Until the spell ends, the target’s speed is Sacrifice: You gain 1 level of exhaustion.
doubled, it gains a +2 bonus to AC, it has advantage on
Dexterity saving throws, and it gains an additional action
on each of its turns. That action can be used only to take
the Attack (one weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Gateway (Ritual). An advanced form of portal, you no
Hide, or Use an Object action. For every additional 3 dark longer are required to cast a portal on a floor or wall; now
spent, include 1 additional target (max +3 targets). you can create one in mid-air, and it no longer needs to
Passthrough (Ritual). You create a portal through a 5- connect to another portal. The gateway connects to a loca-
foot section of floor or wall that any Medium-sized creature tion in range. Only your gateway is visible (appearing as an
or smaller can move through. The portal lasts for the dura- open passage), and the transport is one-way (you would
tion. The passage creates no instability in a structure sur- have to cross the portal and cast the spell in the opposite
rounding it. This spell cannot function if there is no open- direction to return).
ing on the other side of the spell. Boost (DC 12): x2 range of the spell. Increase the DC
Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die. by 2 to increase the modifier to x4 (or 4 for x6, 6 for x8,
etc.)
Sacrifice: You gain 1 level of exhaustion.
Recall. You and up to five willing creatures within 5
Jumper. You create a momentary teleportation circle feet of you instantly teleport to a previous location you
than envelopes you, transporting yourself from your cur- have been to since the last time you finished a long rest
rent location to any other spot within range. It must be a that is within range. For every additional 1 dark spent, in-
place you can see or have been to in the past. You can crease the range by 100 ft. (max +500 feet).
bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed
what you can carry. You can also bring one willing creature
of your size or smaller you are touching who is carrying
gear up to its carrying capacity. For every additional 1 dark Dimension Circle. Similar to portal and gateway, except
spent, increase the range by 100 ft. max +600 feet). it creates a two-way doorway from a portal you create any-
Portal (Ritual). On its own, a portal doesn’t accomplish where within 30 feet to any position anywhere on the plan-
much. It can only link to other portals either you have cre- et.
ated or other spellcasters have created that you know the Sacrifice: You suffer 2 levels of exhaustion. Additional-
location of and have been allowed access. This spell cre- ly, you can spend 4 hit dice to extend the range to any loca-
ates a 10-foot-diameter circle on a wall or floor. As an ac- tion within the universe. You can spend an additional 4 hit
tion, you activate the portal, and at the same time, deter- dice to extend the range into alternate realities.

178
PATH OF POWER
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Electric Arc 2 3 1 minute 120 ft. Inst. V, S
Shock Strike 3 2 1 bonus action Self Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Tier 1
Shocking Fist 4 4 1 minute 60 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Lightning Bolt 4 6 1 minute 120 ft. Inst. V, S
Tier 2
Electrified weapon 6 7 1 minute Touch Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Storm 6 7 1 minute 120 ft. Inst. V, S
Tier 3
Electrovolt 8 9 1 minute V, S
Tier 4
Lightning Sequence 10 13 1 minute 120 ft. Inst. V, S
* Ritual

Path Cost. 2 Electrified Weapon. One weapon you touch inflicts an

Path Benefit. Your river increases by 1. additional 1d8 lightning damage when it hits. After a crea-
Synergy Path. Path of Illusion ture suffers lightning damage, the previous creature hit
Traits. Power spells are flashy, colorful, and reveal with the same weapon that suffered lightning damage
one’s presence as a spellcaster clearly. They all involve takes 1d8 lightning damage as well (as long as the previous
flamboyant hand movements. Vocal requirements are often creature is within 60 feet of the current target and was hit
just screaming. in the last round).
Storm. Make a ranged spell attack against a creature
you can see. On a hit, the target takes 3d8 + Vigor modifier
lightning damage; then make a secondary ranged spell at-
Electric Arc. Make a ranged spell attack against the tack to another creature within 60 feet of the first one, in-
target. On a hit, the target takes 1d6 + Vigor modifier light- flicting identical damage as the first strike. For every 2 ad-
ning damage. For every additional 2 dark spent, you re- ditional dark spent, increase the damage dice by 1 (max +4
lease one additional arc at a different opponent (Max +3 dice).
arcs). Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d10.
Boost (DC 15): Increase damage to d8.
Shock Strike. Your next hit on a creature before the
spell ends inflicts an extra 1d6 lightning damage. For every
2 additional dark spent, increase the damage dice by 1 Electrovolt. Make a ranged spell attack against a crea-
(max +3 dice). ture you can see. On a hit, target takes 4d8 + Vigor modifi-
Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d8. er lightning damage on a hit, or half as much damage on a
miss. Whether you hit or miss, each creature within 10 feet
of the target must make a Dexterity saving throw. Each of
these creatures takes 1d8 + Vigor modifier lightning dam-
Shocking Fist. Make a ranged spell attack against a age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success-
creature you can see. On a hit, the target takes 1d8 + Vigor ful one. For every 2 additional dark spent, increase the
modifier lightning damage. Until the end of the spell’s damage dice of both attacks by 1 (max +4 dice).
duration, you have advantage with ranged spell attacks that Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d10.
inflict lightning damage on the same target. For every 2
additional dark spent, increase the damage dice by 1 (max
+4 dice).
Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d10. Lightning Sequence. You release two bolts of lightning
Lightning Bolt. You release a bolt of lightning, forming towards two different targets you can see within range.
a line 100 feet long and 5 feet wide in a direction you Two bolts then leap from those target to as many as two
choose. Each creature in the line must make a Dexterity other targets, each of which must be within 60 feet of the
saving throw, taking 6d6 + Vigor modifier lightning dam- first target. A target can be a creature or an object and can
age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success- be targeted by only one of the bolts. A target must make a
ful one. For every 2 additional dark spent, increase the Dexterity saving throw. The target takes 7d6 + Vigor mod-
damage dice by 1 (max +4 dice). ifier lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much
Boost (DC 20): Increase dice to d8. damage on a successful one. For every 2 additional dark
spent, increase the damage dice on all attacks by 1 (max +3
dice).

179
PATH OF PROTECTION
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Reprisal 2 3 1 action Self Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Magic Armor 2 3 1 minute Self Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S
Tier 1
Shield 4 5 1 bonus action Self Conc. up to 1 minute V, S
Hush 4 5 1 minute Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S, M
Tier 2
Blur 6 6 1 minute Self Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S
Alienation 6 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 hour V, M
Tier 3
Colossus 7 7 1 minute Self Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S
Blender Barrier* 8 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 hour V, M
Tier 4
Invulnerability 10 10 1 bonus action Self 1 round V, M
Impenetrable* 10 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 hour V, M
* Ritual

Boost (DC 25): After the second leap, add one addi-
tional bolt that leaps to another target. Blur. For the duration, any creature has disadvantage on
attack rolls against you. An attacker is immune to this ef-
fect if it doesn’t rely on sight, as with blindsight, or can see
Path Cost. 2 through illusions, as with truesight. You also gain a +5-foot
Path Benefit. If an opponent scores a critical hit on you, bonus to speed.
your vessel regains 2. Alienation (Ritual). You create a magic circle on the
Synergy Path. Path of Might ground (up to 20 feet in radius) and specify a type or spe-
Traits. Protection spells encompass a wide variety of cific creature. The creature can’t willingly enter the cylin-
effects requiring little to no expression. der by nonmagical means. If the creature tries to use tele-
portation or interplanar travel to do so, it must first succeed
on a Charisma or Vigor saving throw. The creature has dis-
advantage on attack rolls against targets within the cylin-
Reprisal. If a creature hits you with a melee attack, it der. Targets within the cylinder can’t be charmed, fright-
takes your Vigor modifier force damage, and you have ad- ened, or possessed by the creature. When you cast this
vantage on your next attack roll against that creature. For spell, you can elect to cause its magic to operate in the re-
every 2 additional dark spent, increase the damage inflict- verse direction, preventing a creature of the specified type
ed by 1 (max +5 damage). from leaving the cylinder and protecting targets outside it.
Magic Armor. Your base AC becomes 13 + your Vigor You can temporarily deactivate or activate the circle’s ef-
modifier. The spell ends if you don armor or if you dismiss fects as a bonus action on your turn or as a reaction to a
the spell as an action. You can spend 6 total dark to in- creature entering it. A creature can attack the protective
crease the base AC to 16, but your maximum Vigor modifi- field; it has an AC of 10 and 200 hit points.
er is reduced to 2. Boost (DC 20): On your turn, while the spell is in ef-
fect, you can attempt this check to increase the HP of the
field by 50.
Shield. You have a +2 bonus to AC. If placed it your Sacrifice: At the beginning each of your turns while the
river, you can use this spell as a reaction against an incom- spell is in effect, you suffer 1 point of damage.
ing hit. For every 3 additional dark spent, increase the bo-
nus by 1 (to a maximum of +4).
Boost (DC 20): Make this check as a reaction while the Colossus. Until the spell ends, you have resistance to
spell is in effect to increase the bonus by 2 against one at- nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
tack. Blender Barrier (Ritual). A variation of alienation, the
Hush. No sound can be created within or pass through magic circle now creates a storm of sharp objects from any-
a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on you. Any creature or thing nearby. You create a magic circle on the ground (up
object entirely inside the sphere is immune to thunder to 20 feet in radius). You can temporarily deactivate or acti-
damage, and creatures are deafened while entirely inside vate the circle’s effects as a bonus action on your turn or as
it. Casting a spell that includes a verbal component is im- a reaction to a creature entering it. A creature cannot pass
possible there. through the barrier, and if it touches the barrier, it immedi-
ately suffers 3d10 + Vigor modifier slashing damage. A
creature can attack the protective field; it has an AC of 10

180
and 200 hit points, but if the attack is melee, the creature
takes damage. Darkvision (Ritual). For the duration, you have
Boost (DC 20): On your turn, while the spell is in ef- darkvision out to a range of 60 feet.
fect, you can attempt this check to increase the HP of the Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit dice.
field by 50. Channel Bear. You gain advantage with Constitution
Sacrifice: At the beginning each of your turns while the checks and 2d6 + Vigor modifier temporary hit points, both
spell is in effect, you suffer 3 points of damage. of which are lost when the spell ends.
Channel Ape. You gain advantage on Strength checks
and a +2 bonus with all Strength-based melee damage
Invulnerability. You are immune to all damage until the rolls, both of which are lost when the spell ends.
end of your next turn. If placed it your river, you can use Channel Wolf. You gain advantage on Dexterity
this spell as a reaction against an incoming hit. Weapons checks, and your speed increases by 5 feet, both of which
that reduce immunity to resistance still apply. are lost when the spell ends.
Boost (DC 20): You can extend this spell for one addi- Channel Tiger. You gain advantage on Charisma and
tional turn. You can repeat this check up to 5 times or until Intelligence checks, both of which are lost when the spell
you fail a check. ends.
Impenetrable. An upgrade for alienation, but this cre- Channel Falcon. You gain advantage on Wisdom checks
ates a sphere that can include the ground underneath you. and a +5 bonus to Passive Perception, both of which are
Creatures inside the sphere either stand upon the encased lost when the spell ends.
ground or float of caught in the air. As an action, you can
move the sphere up to 60 ft. in any direction, moving crea-
tures inside along with it. A creature can attack the protec- Gravity Shifter. Until the spell ends, you can walk on
tive field; it has an AC of 10 and 200 hit points. walls or ceilings as if they were ground. You gain a climb-
Boost (DC 20): On your turn, while the spell is in ef- ing speed equal to your walking speed.
fect, you can attempt this check to increase the HP of the Invisibility. You become invisible until the spell ends.
field by 50. Anything you are wearing or carrying is invisible as long as
Sacrifice: At the beginning each of your turns while the it is on your person. The spell ends if you attack or cast a
spell is in effect, you suffer 2 points of damage. spell.

Path Cost. 2 Sizing. You increase or decrease in size for the spell’s
Path Benefit. You gain a +2 bonus to your vessel. duration. Everything you are wearing and carrying changes
Synergy Path. Path of Flame size with you. Any item dropped returns to normal size at
Traits. These are all personal effects with very little once. You can increase or decrease by one category—from
outward expression other than minor hand movements. Medium to Large, for example. If larger, you also have ad-
vantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws but
disadvantage on Dexterity checks and saving throws. En-
larged weapons deal 1d4 extra damage. If smaller, you have

PATH OF SELF
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Darkvision* 2 — 1 action Self 1 hour S
Channel Bear 3 4 1 action Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Channel Ape 3 4 1 action Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Channel Wolf 3 4 1 action Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Channel Tiger 3 4 1 action Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Channel Falcon 3 4 1 action Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Tier 1
Gravity Shifter 4 5 1 action Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Invisibility 4 5 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 hour S
Tier 2
Sizing 6 7 1 minute Self Conc. up to 5 minutes S
Ultravision 6 — 1 action Self 1 hour
Tier 3
Renew 8 — 1 minute Self Inst. S
Truesight 8 — 1 minute Self 1 hour S
Tier 4
Ghost 10 — 1 minute Self 1 hour S
* Ritual

181
disadvantage on Strength checks and Strength saving
throws but advantage on Dexterity checks and Dexterity
saving throws. Smaller weapons deal 1d4 less damage (this Path Cost. 2
can't reduce the damage below 1). Path Benefit. You are proficient with the Engineering
Boost (DC 20): Increase or decrease by one additional skill and can use your Vigor score instead of Intelligence
size. You must repeat this check each minute. for checks involving technology.
Ultravision (Ritual). You gain the following benefits Synergy Path. Path of Creation.
within 90 feet of you: you have darkvision; you have ad- Traits. These spells allow you to access technology
vantage with Wisdom (Perception) checks when involving magically and involves a combination of various techniques
sight; you can also see invisible creatures and objects as if to perform them.
they were visible; you can see into the Ethereal Plane
(ethereal creatures and objects appear ghostly and translu-
cent). Construction (Ritual). You can now use present refined
Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit dice. metals to aid in the construction of technology similar to
crafting with Intelligence (Engineering). This spell counts
as you possessing a TL5 Engineering kit. When you cast
Renew (Ritual). You regain 1d4 levels of exhaustion the spell, you are also counted as +3 levels higher when
and become cleansed of curses. You also regain a number calculating how far you can advance in your build schedule.
of hit points equal to your Vigor score. Additionally, 20% of the $ spent that day is paid by the
Sacrifice: Spend 4 hit dice. spell without spending resources or money. If you decide
Truesight (Ritual). You gain the benefit of ultravision, to make an Intelligence (Engineering) check for crafting,
plus you can see things as they actually are. You gain this check has advantage.
truesight, notice secret doors hidden by magic, and can see Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die.
into the Ethereal Plane, all out to a range of 120 feet. Refurbishment (Ritual). Make a Vigor (Engineering)
check against an object that has hit points. It recovers hit
points equal to the result of your skill check -10. This can
be modified per usual by using an Engineering kit.
Ghost (Ritual). You become ethereal, ghost-like. Dur- Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die.
ing this time, you can move in any direction. If you move
up or down, every foot of movement costs an extra foot.
You can still see and hear the world around you. While be-
ing ethereal, you can only affect and be affected by other Magic Firearm (Ritual). Touch any type of firearm; the
creatures in that state. Creatures that aren’t can’t perceive weapon gains the AP property and is counted as magic.
you and can’t interact with you, unless a special ability or Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die.
magic has given them the ability to do so. You ignore all EMP. You send out an electromagnetic pulse that af-
objects and effects in the real world, allowing you to move fects all electronic devices and anything that uses a battery
through objects. When the spell ends, you immediately in range. These items stop functioning unless they have
return to reality at that same position within the real world. shielding. For every additional 2 dark spent upon casting,
Sacrifice: When you return to the real world, you gain 2 increase the range by 5 feet (max +20 feet).
levels of exhaustion. Access (Ritual). You can access and control an electron-

PATH OF TECHNOLOGY
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Construction* 3 — 1 hour 120 ft. Inst. V, S, M
Refurbishment* 2 — 1 minute Touch Inst. V, S, M
Tier 1
Magic Firearm* 4 — 1 minute Touch Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S
EMP 4 5 1 minute 30 ft. Inst. V, S, M
Access * 4 — 1 action Touch Inst. V, S
Eyes of SOL* 5 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 1 hour V, S
Tier 2
Hijack 5 6 1 minute 30 ft. Conc. up to 1 hour V, S
Presence of SOL* 5 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S
Tier 3
Wireless* 7 — 1 action Self Conc. up to 1 hour V, S
Radial Access 7 — 1 minute 60 ft. Conc. up to 5 minutes V, S
Will of SOL* 7 — 1 minute Self Conc. up to 8 hours. V, S
Tier 4
Hammer of SOL 9 12 1 minute 1 mile Inst. V, S, M
* Ritual

182
ic device lacking an input (like a keyboard) you touch. The Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit dice.
electronic device only acts within its parameters and can-
not act outside of its function. You cannot access robots
with this spell, just electronic devices. You can touch an Wireless (Ritual). You can access wireless networks as if
electronic storage device and read document files on it. you are computer. Your range is limited by the technology
You can touch a computer and use it, but you do not over- around you. If the region has cellular or satellite access,
ride password locks. There can be as much as six inches your range is unlimited.
between your hand and the electronics of the device. Sacrifice. 1 hit dice.
Boost (DC 20): Increase the range from touch to 60 ft. Radial Access (Ritual). This operates the same as ac-
Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die. cess, except you can target any electronic devices within
Eyes of SOL (Ritual). You access an array of special range.
satellites placed in orbit by your magical order. You gain a Boost (DC 20): Increase the range from 30 ft. to 120 ft.
bird’s eye view of any location you select. It may take as Sacrifice: Spend 1 hit die.
much as 2d4 minutes for a satellite to reach a position, but Will of SOL (Ritual). You access the SOL array and
when it does, it gives you a detailed view out to as much as direct itself to focus on your location. As long as you are
a mile or as close as six feet. It must be outside, but SOL outside, you are alerted to the existence of anything mov-
has access to darkvision and see invisible creatures in ing and/or living within 500 feet of you. The sensors can
range. see invisible and have darkvision.
Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit dice. Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit die.

Hijack. Target a robot in range; it must make a Wisdom Hammer of SOL. Beams of pure energy fall from heav-
saving throw. If it fails, you control the actions of the target en. Each creature in a 40-foot-cylinder centered on the
within the limits of its abilities. Once you have given it a impact point must make a Dexterity saving throw. The
command, it continues to attempt to carry out that com- cylinder spreads around corners. A creature takes 20d6 ra-
mand to the exclusion of all other activities, including that diant (nuclear) damage, and 20d6 fire damage on a failed
machine’s desire to recharge. The target may attempt an- save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The
other saving throw at the end of each minute. If the effect spell damages objects in the area and ignites flammable
lasts five minutes, the target can no longer attempt saving objects that aren’t being worn or carried. As this is nuclear
throws. For every additional 3 dark spent upon casting, damage, this damage is counted as having the Armor Pierc-
target one additional robot (max 3 robots). ing property. This spell cannot function if SOL does not
Boost (DC 20): Double the range of this spell. have line of sight on the impact point. For every additional
Presence of SOL (Ritual). You employ the SOL array 4 additional dark, you may add one additional beam within
to transmit a likeness of you or any creature you wish to 120 feet of the previous one, and though it can overlap a
any location you desire. It may take as much as 2d4 previous blast, a creature in the area of more than one cyl-
minutes for a satellite to reach a position, but when it does, inder is affected only once (max +3 beams).
you can see the immediate location and can create a holo-
graphic image of yourself or any other Medium-sized crea-
ture. You must be outside. You can communicate with in-
dividuals as if you are there, but your holographic status is
obvious, as observers can see partially through you.

PATH OF WATER
Spell Name AP CC Time Range Duration Comp.
Root Spells
Endothermic Ray 2 3 1 minute 60 ft. Inst. S
Alter Temperature* 2 — 1 action Touch Inst. S
Tier 1
Water Breathing* 3 — 1 action Self Conc. up to 8 hours S
Water Walk* 3 — 1 action Self Conc. up to 8 hours S
Tier 2
Control Water* 4 — 1 action 500 ft. Conc. up to 1 hour S
Shard Thrower 4 7 1 minute 120 ft. Inst. S
Tier 3
Storm 5 9 1 minute 500 ft. Inst. S
Breath of Cold 5 9 1 minute 60 ft. Inst. S
Frozen Barrier 5 9 1 minute 120 ft. Conc. up to 1 minute S
Tier 4
Tsunami 7 12 1 minute Sight Conc. up to 1 minute S
* Ritual

183
 (Athletics) check against your spell save DC. When a crea-
ture enters the vortex for the first time on a turn or starts
Path Cost. 2 its turn there, it must make a Strength saving throw. On a
Path Benefit. You gain a swim speed equal to your failed save, the creature takes 1d8 + Vigor modifier bludg-
ground speed. eoning damage and is caught in the vortex until the spell
Synergy Path. Path of Earth. ends. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage
Traits. Similar to Earth, water spells involve boisterous and isn’t caught in the vortex. The first time each turn that
hand movements and little to nothing else. an object enters the vortex, the object takes 1d8 + Vigor
modifier bludgeoning damage; this damage occurs each
round it remains in the vortex.
Endothermic Ray. You release a torrent of cold air to- Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit dice.
ward a creature within range. Make a ranged spell attack Shard Thrower. You form a hard and sharpened rod of
against the target. On a hit, it takes 1d6 + Vigor modifier ice and hurl it towards a target. Make a ranged spell attack
cold damage, and its speed is reduced by 5 feet until the against the target. On a hit, it takes 5d6 + Vigor modifier
start of your next turn. A creature killed by this spell be- cold damage. The shard melts to water within a minute of
comes frozen until it thaws. For every 3 additional dark impact. For every 2 additional dark spent, increase damage
spend on this spell, increase damage by 1 die (max +3 by 1 die (max +4 dice).
dice). Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
Alter Temperature (Ritual). You can freeze or boil up to
5 gallons of water you touch. This must be relatively pure Storm. A hail of rock-hard ice pounds to the ground in a
water and cannot be a water-like substance (like oil). You 20-foot-radius, 40-foot-high cylinder centered on a point
can alter water-based liquids like wine, but you cannot within range. Each creature in the cylinder must make a
alter the temperature of blood within a body. Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 1d8 + Vigor modi-
Sacrifice: Spend 1 point of damage. fier bludgeoning damage and 3d6 + Vigor modifier cold
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a suc-
cessful one. Hailstones turn the storm’s area of effect into
Water Breathing (Ritual). You can breathe underwater difficult terrain until the end of your next turn. For every 2
for the duration. additional dark spent, increase damage by 1 die (max +4
Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit points; spend an additional hit dice).
point for every additional creature you want to include in Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d10.
this spell. Breath of Cold. You exhale a blast of cold air. Each
Water Walk (Ritual). This spell grants you the ability to creature in a 60-foot cone must make a Constitution saving
move across any liquid surface—such as water, acid, mud, throw. A creature takes 7d6 + Vigor modifier cold damage
snow, quicksand, or lava—as if it were solid ground. This on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
does not protect you from any other properties of the sub- one. A creature killed by this spell becomes frozen until it
stance (acid still corrodes, lava still burns, mud is still thaws. For every 2 additional dark spent, increase damage
dirty). If you are submerged, the spell carries you to the by 1 die (max +4 dice).
surface of the liquid at a rate of 60 feet per round. Boost (DC 20): Increase damage dice to d8.
Sacrifice: Spend 2 hit points; spend an additional hit Frozen Barrier. You create a solid wall of ice up to 60
point for every additional creature you want to include in feet long, 20 feet high, and 5 feet thick with its furthest
this spell. point not further than 120 ft. You can bend this wall in any
configuration, even enclosed shapes like cubes, cylinders,
or domes. Each creature within its area upon creation or
within 5 feet while it is in effect must make a Dexterity
Control Water (Ritual). Until the spell ends, you control saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 6d8 + Vigor
any freestanding water inside a cubic area up to 500 feet on modifier cold damage, or half as much damage on a suc-
a side. You can cause the water level of all standing water cessful save. The barrier has an AC 15 and 40 hit points per
in the area to rise by as much as 20 feet. You can create a 10-foot section, and it is vulnerable to fire damage. Reduc-
20-foot tall wave that travels from one side of the area to ing a 10-foot section of wall to 0 hit points destroys it and
the other. You can cause water in the area to move apart leaves behind a sheet of frigid air in the space the wall oc-
and create a trench. You can cause flowing water in the cupied. A creature moving through the sheet of frigid air
area to move in a direction you choose, even if the water for the first time on a turn must make a Constitution saving
has to flow over obstacles, up walls, or in other unlikely throw. That creature takes 4d6 + Vigor modifier cold dam-
directions. You can cause a whirlpool to form in the center age on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success-
of the area. Any creature or object in the water and within ful one. For every additional 1 dark spent before casting,
25 feet of the vortex is pulled 10 feet toward it. A creature increase the length of the wall by 10 feet.
can swim away from the vortex by making a Strength Boost (DC 10): When the duration expires, make a Vig-

184
or (Induce) check to extend the effect for another minute.
The DC increases by 1 each time it is attempted

Tsunami. You can create a wall of water up to 300 feet

long, 300 feet high, and 50 feet thick that lasts for the dura-
tion. When the wall appears, each creature within its area
must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, a
creature takes 5d8 + Vigor modifier bludgeoning damage,
or half as much damage on a successful save. At the start of
each of your turns after the wall appears, the wall, along
with any creatures in it, moves 50 feet away from you. Any
Huge or smaller creature inside the wall or whose space
the wall enters when it moves must succeed on a Strength
saving throw or take 4d8 + Vigor modifier bludgeoning
damage. A creature can take this damage only once per
round. At the end of the turn, the wall’s height is reduced
by 50 feet, and the damage creatures take from the spell on
subsequent rounds is reduced by 1d8. When the wall
reaches 0 feet in height, the spell ends. A creature caught
in the wall can move by swimming. Because of the force of
the wave, though, the creature must make a successful
Strength (Athletics) check against your spell save DC to
move at all. If it fails the check, it can’t move. A creature
that moves out of the area falls to the ground. For every 2
additional dark spent, increase damage by 1 die (max +4
dice).
Boost (DC 25): Increase damage dice to d10.

A GM can limit the spell paths offered to better fit

the magic system being presented in his or her
setting. It is likely that only a handful are availa-
ble, and the GM should ensure those limitations
are made known from the beginning. Additional-
ly, just because a GM makes one path available
doesn’t mean its synergy path is available as well.

185
 computer- or electronic-based ability. It is also immune to
poison and psychic damage. Reduce the Int, Wis, and Cha
Minion. Certain creatures can be turned into minions. of this creature to 1 (-5).
A creature with the minion property uses the listed stats
instead of its normal ones. Monsters from other sources
may be converted into minions by reducing their AC by 1
and cutting their hit points to 1/4. Three minions count as An animyst is a hybrid of beast and human. Any additional
one normal creature of the listed challenge rating. benefits depend on the beast. The common quality be-
tween all of them is any melee attack is considered a natu-
ral attack. Select one of the following:
Ape. This animyst possesses a climb speed of 20 and
The creatures under this heading are generic to allow for a +2 HP per Hit Die.
broader range of enemies. To customize them, assign Badger. This animyst has darkvision to 60 feet and
them one of the adversary traits below. For ease of advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on
bookkeeping, it is recommended that you use only one smell. It’s speed increases by 5 feet.
group of adversaries in a single encounter. Adversary traits Bat. This animyst has blindsight 30 feet and advantage
should be given only to creatures in this section, not to on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing. It
the unique opponents later in this chapter or to creatures also gains a fly of 30 feet, though its ground speed is re-
from other sources. duced to 20 feet.
Adversaries are listed in order of their challenge rating, Bear. This animyst has advantage on all Wisdom
not by their name. (Animal Handling) and Wisdom (Survival) skill checks
and has darkvision to 60 feet. It’s speed increases by 5
feet.
Boar. Once per day, if this animyst is reduced to 0 hit
When building a battle involving common adversaries, points, it is reduced to 1 hit point instead. It’s speed in-
choose one of the following special rules below. You may creases by 5 feet.
select additional traits for one creature, though this may Crocodile. This animyst can hold its breath for a num-
increase its challenge rating (usually at least 1 level). ber of minutes equal to its Constitution score. It also gains
a swim of 30 feet.
Elephant. This animyst is Large. Its speed is 20 feet.
It also gains +1 HP per Hit Die.
There are many aliens one can encounter—these are the Frog. This animyst can breathe air and water and has
aliens presented at the beginning of this book. darkvision to 60 feet. It can also use Dexterity instead of
Konoe. A konoe possesses darkvision to 60 feet. It au- Strength when jumping and is considered having moved
tomatically knows the location of all creatures not under- 10 feet before performing any jump.
ground within 30 feet. It also possesses all-around vision. Goat. This animyst has advantage with all saving
A konoe is vulnerable to basic compounds, and if in con- throws to prevent from being knocked prone. It gains a +5
tact with anything high in PH, it suffers damage every bonus to speed, increasing by another 5 feet when com-
round until cleaned (saltwater—1 damage, baking soda—3 mitting a Dash action.
damage, bleach—5 damage, sodium hydroxide—7 dam- Hawk. This animyst has advantage on Wisdom
age). If a konoe makes a melee attack, no matter the num- (Perception) checks that rely on sight. It gains fly of 50
ber of attacks it makes, it can make one additional attack feet, though ground speed is reduced to 20 feet. It also
as part of the same action. has advantage with Dexterity (Stealth) checks when fly-
Khitin. A khitin increases its ground speed to 40 feet ing.
and has darkvision up to 60 feet. It possesses a climb Horse. This animyst increases its ground speed by +10
speed of 25 feet, and its AC is entirely based on its exo- feet. It also has advantage with all saving throws to pre-
skeleton and not any armor it may be wearing. vent being knocked prone.
Opossum. This animyst has darkvision to 60 feet. It
has advantage on saving throws against poison and dam-
Animates can be robots or magical constructs. Unlike oth- age resistance poison. Its ground speed increases by 5
er robots, animates lack any form of intelligence and can- feet.
not make decisions—they only follow their programming. Rabbit. This animyst has a burrow of 30 feet. If it
Brainless. An animate is immune to being charmed, moves from a standing start, its speed is 40 for that action.
frightened, paralyzed, or poisoned, and it cannot suffer It can also use Dexterity instead of Strength when jump-
exhaustion. It can only be blinded or deafened from a ing. It’s ground speed increases by 5 feet.

186
 Rat. This animyst has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on smell and is immune to
disease. It also gains a +5-foot bonus to speed and Fanatics believe absolutely in their chosen path. They will
darkvision to 60 feet. risk everything, including their lives, in the pursuit of the
Shark. This animyst has blindsight to 60 feet and gains task before them. They are often, but not always, religious
a swim of 40 feet. It also gains a +1 bonus to attack any zealots.
creature that does not have maximum hit points. It can For the Cause. A fanatic has advantage on Constitution
breathe underwater. and Wisdom saving throws and is immune to being fright-
Tiger. This animyst has darkvision to 60 feet, a +5-foot ened. In addition, when a fanatic is reduced to 0 hit points
bonus to speed, and has advantage on Wisdom or less, all fanatics in line of sight of it may move up to 30
(Perception) checks that rely on smell. It also reduces 20 feet as a reaction.
feet from any fall and has advantage to Strength (Athletics)
checks when jumping.
Turtle. This animyst gains a +1 bonus to AC, This creature is among the feyfolk, from a world general
darkvision to 60 feet, and can breathe underwater. adverse to technology, though some exceptions may occur.
Wolf. This animyst gains a +5-foot bonus to speed, These can include elves and any other mythological crea-
which increases to 10 feet when using the Dash action. It tures.
has advantage with Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely Unworldly. A fae has advantage on saving throws
on hearing or smell. It gains a +2 bonus to damage rolls against spells and other magical effects. It also has
with melee attacks. darkvision 60 feet and has advantage with Dexterity ability
checks and saving throws.

Despite assumptions, demons are not automatically evil. A

demon resides in an alternate dimension similar to an ex- A hulk is big, really big. This size does not necessarily have
alted, except a demon generally won’t need to answer to a an effect on its disposition or skin color. This size should
higher being and generally enjoys more independence. be explained in some way (a different race, a supernatural
Demons come in all shapes and sizes, including being vir- ability).
tually indistinguishable to humans. Its alignment need not Goliath. The hulk increases its size by one step (Small
change. to Medium to Large to Huge). It cannot be larger than
Hellion. A demon has damage resistance to cold, light- Huge. Reach for melee attacks increase by 5 feet for every
ning, poison, as well as bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing size category over Medium.
from nonmagical weapons. It is immune to nonmagical fire
damage. A demon also has advantage with saving throws
against spells and other spell effects.
Guerillas avoid presenting themselves as a target. They are
often underequipped and undermanned, offsetting that
deficiency with stealth. They will prefer quick attacks and
Drones are usually robots or otherwise mindless automa- maneuverability over straight open gunplay.
tons built or gathered in massive numbers, designed to Dirty Fighter. The guerilla has advantage with Dexteri-
overwhelm opponents in enormity rather than capabilities. ty (Stealth) checks. It also gains an additional +2 bonus to
Certain losses in combat are expected. AC from cover (+4 and +7 respectively). It also inflicts +2
More Than Expected. A drone has disadvantage on extra damage when making ranged attacks from cover.
Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution saving throws. When
fielding creatures with the minion property, increase the
number of minions to 4 instead of 3 for each group of min-
ions. A hive shares one mind or has many minds synchronized to
operate as one in the combat arena. Most often seen with
robots, insectoid aliens, and creepy transdimensional wave-
form beings.
To be exalted equates to being blessed by some higher We Are One. Every hive unit knows the location of all
power or inhabiting a higher plan of existence. This crea- other hive units within 3 miles. A member of a hive can
ture may be deified itself or a foot soldier from another use its action to grant another hive advantage on one attack
world normal people would ascribe as heaven. roll, ability check, or skill check on its turn (pick one).
Angelic. An exalted has damage resistance to radiant as Hive adversaries cannot receive more than one benefit per
well as bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagi- round.
cal weapons. Exalted also weigh half as much and possess
wings granting a fly speed equal to its ground speed. Exalt-
ed weapons count as magical.

187
 inal ranged weapons.
Flight. The target gains fly 60
Occasionally, an opponent may not be particularly well Healer. The creature regains 1 hit point per Hit Die it
trained but maybe particularly well funded. They may pos- has at the beginning of its turn as long as it has 1 hit point.
sess better weapons and armor either because of the econo- Shapechanger. The creature can use polymorph on it-
my or because of their position in the army. This is despite self as an action, per the spell.
deficiencies in other fields. Sprinter. The creature’s ground speed increases to 200
Tough Guy. An ironclad gains resistance to bludgeon- feet.
ing, slashing, and piercing damage from nonmagical weap- Vanish. As an action, the creature can turn invisible per
ons. It also gains +1 damage if any its damage dice roll the the spell. Once visible, the creature cannot go invisible
maximum result. again for five minutes.
Warp. The creature can with an action teleport to any
location it sees as many times per day as its Hit Dice.
Mobs supply courage and strength through numbers. A
mob is populated by underequipped, untrained individuals
and must offset that by overwhelming their foes. They are After years in some form of military, these adversaries
often civilians. know to maximize their effectiveness when with others
Group Confidence. If mob creatures outnumber their equally trained. Unlike a regimented unit, these are closer
opponents by 2-to-1 or more, each mob creature has ad- to pure soldiers and do not have to be linked arm-and-arm
vantage on attack rolls but cannot inflict a critical hit. to be effective.
Encouraging Reaction. When a trained adversary scores
a critical hit or is killed, the next allied trained adversary
Regimented units work as a team and must deploy in num- within line of sight has advantage on its next attack roll.
bers in an encounter to be effective. On their own, they’re
useless. Unlike a mob, however, regimented forces have
BASIC COMBATANT
undergone training to work together, and as such, are not Medium human, any alignment
known for acts of stupidity, like breaking from a line. Armor Class 15 (armor) or 14 with minion
Reliable Backup. The regimented unit gains a +2 bo- Hit Points 22 (5d8) or 5 with minion
nus to AC while within five feet of another allied regiment- Speed 30 ft.
ed unit (this does not stack). In addition, if one unit moves, STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
it can disengage one allied regimented unit within five feet
and pull it up to 20 feet. Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages One language (English usually)
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Minion. Combatants can be used as minions. A combatant
This creature was once alive, and now it is not. It may be a used this way decreases its AC to 14, and its hit points to
brainless zombie or a fully aware creature annoyed at its 5. Three minions count as one normal at the listed chal-
lack of a pulse. lenge.
Living Impaired. A rotter is immune to necrotic and
poison damage and is immune to being charmed, fright- ACTIONS
ened, or poisoned. It is also immune to exhaustion. Its at- Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
tacks can inflict necrotic damage instead of its normal dam- Hit: 4 (1d4+2) slashing damage.
age.
Firearm. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 50/100 ft.,
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.

This creature possesses unnatural abilities foreign to sci-

ence. Some might consider this individual a superhero but
heroic tendencies are entirely optional. Select one of the
following options.
Bulletproof. A single hit must inflict damage equal or
greater than the creature’s Hit Dice to inflict damage.
Digger. The creature gains a burrow speed of 30 feet.
Elasticity. The reach of the creature’s melee attacks
increase by 10 feet.
Energy Beam. Replace any ranged attacks the creature
has with radiant energy emitters that emanate from hands.
Other than damage type, the weapons act the same as orig-

188
WARRIOR GUY WITH A GUN
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (armor) or 15 with minion Armor Class 15 (armor) or 14 with minion
Hit Points 22 (5d8) or 5 with minion Hit Points 27 (5d8+5) or 7 with minion
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Senses Passive Perception 10 Senses Passive Perception 10

Languages One language (English usually) Languages One language (English usually)
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Minion. Warriors can be used as minions. A warrior used Minion. Guys with guns can be used as minions. A guy with a
this way decreases its AC to 14, and its hit points to 5. gun used this way decreases its AC to 15, and its hit points
Three minions count as one normal at the listed challenge. to 7. Three minions count as one normal at the listed chal-
lenge.
ACTIONS Leverage Swing. The guy with a gun does +3 extra damage
Bat. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
against prone targets.
Hit: 4 (1d6+2) bludgeoning damage.

Dodgy Attack. Make a bat attack with advantage, but the ACTIONS
warrior’s AC decreases by 3 until the beginning of its next Multiattack. Make two gun attacks.
turn.
Pistol Whip. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, one target. Hit: 4
(1d4+2) bludgeoning damage.
BRAWLER
Medium human, any alignment Gun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one
Armor Class 16 (armor) or 15 with minion target. Hit: 5 (1d6+3) piercing damage.
Hit Points 27 (5d8+5) or 7 with minion
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
BRUTAL THUG
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 17 (armor) or 16 with minion
Senses Passive Perception 10 Hit Points 39 (6d8+12) or 10 with minion
Languages One language (English usually) Speed 30 ft.
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Minion. Brawlers can be used as minions. A brawler used this
way decreases its AC to 15, and its hit points to 7. Three
minions count as one normal at the listed challenge. Senses Passive Perception 11
Languages One language (English usually)
Leverage Swing. The brawler does +3 extra damage against Challenge 2 (450 XP)
prone targets. Minion. Brutal thugs can be used as minions. A thug used
this way decreases its AC to 16, and its hit points to 10.
Three minions count as one normal at the listed challenge.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Make 2 chain fist attacks.
ACTIONS
Chain. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one tar- Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
get. Hit: 11 (2d8+2) bludgeoning damage, and the target is target. Hit: 7 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage
knocked prone.
Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one
Chain Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, one target. Hit: 6 target. Hit: 9 (2d6+3) piercing damage.
(1d8+2) bludgeoning damage.

189
 IRRESPONSIBLE GUN OWNER BELL-TOWER SNIPER
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 15 (armor) Armor Class 18 (armor)
Hit Points 51 (6d8+24) Hit Points 27 (6d8+24)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Senses Passive Perception 12 Skills Perception +5, Stealth +6

Languages One language (usually English) Senses Passive Perception 18
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Languages One language (English usually)
Squeezing Off. The irresponsible gun owner has advantage Challenge 3 (700 XP)
on its pistol attacks. One shot is fired each roll. Hawkeye. The sniper has advantage on its sniper rifle attack
if firing from cover.
ACTIONS
Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range ACTIONS
20/600, one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage. Combat Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) piercing damage.
Pistol Whip. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage, and the target is Sniper Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 60/200
pushed 5 feet. ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10+4) piercing damage. The sniper
rifles scores a critical hit on a natural 19 or 20. On a criti-
Grenade (Recharge 5, 6). The irresponsible gun owner cal hit, the target is stunned until the beginning of the snip-
launches a grenade that strikes a 10-foot radius area within er’s next turn. This weapon has the AP property.
60 ft. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Dex-
terity saving throw, taking 12 (4d6) fire damage on a failed
save, or half as much damage on a successful one. QUALIFIED SOLDIER
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 15 (armor) or 14 with minion
KNIFE MAN Hit Points 56 (10d8+11) or 14 with minion
Medium human, any alignment Speed 30 ft.
Armor Class 17 (armor) or 16 with minion
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Hit Points 51 (6d8+24) or 10 minion
Speed 30 ft.
Skills Perception +2,
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Senses Passive Perception 12
Languages One language (usually English)
Senses Passive Perception 12 Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Languages One language (usually English) Minion. Qualified soldiers can be used as minions. A soldier
Challenge 3 (700 XP) used this way decreases its AC to 14, and its hit points to 14.
Minion. Knife men can be used as minions. A knife man used Three minions count as one normal at the listed challenge.
this way decreases its AC to 16, and its hit points to 10.
Three minions count as one normal at the listed challenge. Crouch (Non-Minion). The qualified soldier can spend 30
feet of movement to have advantage on its assault rifle at-
ACTIONS tacks until the end of this turn.
Multiattack. The knife man makes two assorted knife at-
tacks. If both attacks hit, the non-minion knife man makes a ACTIONS
third attack. Multiattack (non-minion). The qualified soldier makes two
combat knife attacks or two assault rifle attacks.
Assorted Knives. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 20/80 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) Combat Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
piercing damage. target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.

Assault Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 200/800

ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6+3) piercing damage.

190
STONE FIST LIEUTENANT
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (armor) or 15 with minion Armor Class 17 (armor)
Hit Points 56 (10d8+11) or 14 with minion Hit Points 65 (10d8+20)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +2, Skills Perception +5, Persuasion +5

Senses Passive Perception 12 Saving Throws Int +4, Wis +5
Languages One language (usually English) Senses Passive Perception 15
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) Languages One language (usually English)
Minion. Stone Fists can be used as minions. A fist used this Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
way decreases its AC to 14, and its hit points to 14. Three Action Point. As a bonus action, the lieutenant can offer an
minions count as one normal at the listed challenge. action to another ally within 60 feet. The action is lost if
not used before the beginning of the lieutenant’s next
ACTIONS turn.
Multiattack (non-minion). The stone fist makes three fist
attacks. Only two hits can inflict damage (the third must ACTIONS
push the target). Multiattack. The lieutenant makes two knife or shotgun
attacks.
Stone Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 5 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage OR push the tar- Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
get 10 ft. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) piercing damage, and the lieutenant can
disengage from the target.

Shotgun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 25/50 ft.,

one target. Hit: 8 (1d10+3) piercing damage, and if the
attack is a critical hit, the target is knocked prone. The
shotgun also inflicts +3 damage if fired at targets 10 feet
or closer. At long range, it only inflicts half damage.

REACTIONS
Coordinate. If an ally is reduced to 0 hit points, any allies
within 30 feet can disengage and move up to 30 feet. Up
to five allies gain an additional action on their next turn.

AMMO WASTER
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (armor) or 17 with minion
Hit Points 65 (10d8+20) or 16 with minion
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Dex +6

Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Minion. Ammo wasters can be used as minions. An ammo
waster used this way decreases its AC to 17, and its hit
points to 16. Three minions count as one normal at the
listed challenge.

ACTIONS
Multiattack (non-minion). The ammo waster can either
make two SMG attacks OR (if he is not a minion) four
SMG attacks, though all four attacks have disadvantage.

Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) bludgeoning damage, and target is
pushed 5 feet.

SMG. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one

target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage.

191
MARTIAL STUDENT WATCHER
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (armor) or 17 with minion Armor Class 16 (armor)
Hit Points 65 (10d8+20) or 16 with minion Hit Points 72 (13d8+13)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Dex +10 Skills Deception +6, Intimidation +6, Perception +3,
Senses Passive Perception 10 Stealth +6
Languages One language (usually English) Saving Throws Str +7, Cha +6
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Senses Passive Perception 13
Minion. Martial students can be used as minions. A student Languages One language (usually English)
used this way decreases its AC to 17, and its hit points to Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
16. Three minions count as one normal at the listed chal- A Looker. Until the watcher hits with his concealed knife, he
lenge. gains a +3 bonus to AC as well as having advantage on
Dexterity (Stealth) and Charisma (Intimidate) skill checks.
ACTIONS
Multiattack (non-minion). The martial student makes Slip Out/Slip In. The watcher can use the Disengage action
three palm attacks. as a bonus action. It also has advantage on its concealed
knife the first time it attacks a creature. If it hits a creature
Palm. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. before it can attack, this hit turns into a critical hit.
Hit: 5 (1d6+4) bludgeoning damage.
ACTIONS
BONUS ACTIONS Multiattack. The watcher makes two concealed knife at-
Dodge. The martial student disengages and can move 5 feet. tacks.

Concealed Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,

MACHINE GUN MENACE one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 +4) slashing damage, and the target
Medium human, any alignment takes 5 poison damage at the beginning of each of its turns
Armor Class 17 (armor) until it makes a DC 15 Constitution saving throw.
Hit Points 78 (10d8+20)
Speed 30 ft.
BAND BROTHER
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (armor) or 17 with minion
Senses Passive Perception 10 Hit Points 90 (12d8+36) or 23 with minion
Languages One language (usually English) Speed 30 ft.
Challenge 5 (1 ,800 XP) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
ACTIONS
Bring Down the Rain (Recharge 5, 6). The machine gun Senses Passive Perception 10
menace can make an area attack with its heavy machine Languages One language (usually English)
gun. Select one 20-foot-radius within 150 feet. Each crea- Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
ture in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving Minion. Band brothers can be used as minions. A band
throw, taking 30 (10d6) explosive damage on a failed save, brother used this way decreases its AC to 17, and its hit
or half as much damage on a successful one. points to 23. Three minions count as one normal at the
listed challenge.
Heavy Machine Gun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit,
range 200/800 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6+3) piercing dam-
age. ACTIONS
Multiattack (non-minion). The band brother makes two
Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one assault rifle attacks, and a non-minion band brother selects
target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) bludgeoning damage, and target is one band brother in line of sight to have advantage on its
pushed 5 feet. next attack roll.

Assault Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range

100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing damage.

Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage

192
SWORDMASTER PROXIMITY THREAT
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 21 (armor) or 20 with minion Armor Class 18 (armor) or 17 with minion
Hit Points 50 (12d8) or 12 with minion Hit Points 123 (14d8+60) or 30 with minion
Speed 40 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Dex +8 Skills Athletics +9

Skills Acrobatics +8, Athletics +7, Stealth +8 Senses Passive Perception 12
Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages One language (usually English)
Languages One language (usually English) Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Minion. Proximity threats can be used as minions. A proximi-
Minion. Swordmasters can be used as minions. A swordmas- ty threat used this way decreases its AC to 17, and its hit
ter used this way decreases its AC to 20, and its hit points points to 30. Three threats count as one normal threat at
to 12. Three minions count as one normal at the listed the listed challenge.
challenge.
ACTIONS
ACTIONS Multiattack (non-minion). The proximity threat makes one
Multiattack (non-minion). If wielding two swords, the auto-shotgun attack but has advantage on the attack.
swordmaster makes two attacks; if wielding one sword, the
swordmaster makes one attack with advantage Auto-Shotgun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range
(select one). 25/100 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d8+3) piercing damage, and
if the attack is a critical hit, the target is knocked prone.
One-Handed Sharpened Steel. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to The shotgun also inflicts +3 piercing damage if fired at a
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+3) slashing damage. If target 10 feet or closer. At long range, it only inflicts half
wielding this weapon two-handed, increase damage to 11. damage.

Two-Handed Sharpened Steel. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 Sprint Shot. Disengage from all enemies, move up to 10
to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6+6) slashing dam- feet, and make an auto-shotgun attack.
age.

REACTIONS
Parry. If an enemy misses on a melee attack against the
swordmaster, it can make a single attack as a reaction.

FLESH FORTRESS
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 14 (armor)
Hit Points 126 (12d8+72)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Senses Passive Perception 8

Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 6 (2 ,300 XP)
Hulking. The flesh fortress has advantage on Constitution
ability checks and saving throws.

ACTIONS
Multiattack. The flesh fortress makes two hammer attacks.
If you attack the same target twice, the second attack has
advantage.

Hammer. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 12 (2d8+4) bludgeoning damage.

Heavy Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range

200/1000 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10+4) piercing damage.
This weapon has the AP property.

193
COMMANDER PYROPHILIAC
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 15 (armor) Armor Class 19 (armor)
Hit Points 98 (13d8+39) Hit Points 78 (12d8+24)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +7, Intimidation +6 Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +9, Wis +6
Saving Throws Wis +10, Cha +9 Damage Immunities fire
Senses Passive Perception 17 Senses Passive Perception 12
Languages One language, usually English Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 7 (2 ,900 XP) Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Tactical Genius. The commander acts twice every round, Smoke ‘Em. Any target within 5 feet of the pyrophiliac
once at its initiative value, and again at its initiative when the pyrophiliac uses his flame thrower suffers 5 fire
value -10. damage.

Sleep When You’re Dead. When an ally within 25 feet of ACTIONS

the commander is reduced to 0 hit points or fewer, the Flamethrower. The pyrophiliac can shoot napalm in either a
target makes an attack action before dropping as a reac- 20-foot cone or a narrow stream 30 feet long and 5 feet
tion. wide. Each creature in the area of effect must make a DC
14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 24 (6d8) fire damage on
Empty the Clip (Recharge 6). When the commander hits a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
with a machine pistol attack, he can use a bonus action to
repeat the attack and continue until the commander miss- Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
es or hits 4 times. (If using empty the clip with multiattack, Hit: 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage, and target is pushed
the commander still gains the second attack). 5 feet.

ACTIONS SHIFU
Multiattack. The force commander makes two machine
Medium human, any alignment
pistol attacks.
Armor Class 19 (armor)
Hit Points 78 (12d8+24)
Machine Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range
Speed 30 ft.
50/200 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+3) piercing damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
ELITE
Medium human, any alignment Saving Throws Str +8, Dex +8, Wis +6
Armor Class 19 (armor) or 18 with minion Senses Passive Perception 12
Hit Points 104 (16d8+32) or 26 with minion Languages One language (usually English)
Speed 30 ft. Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA ACTIONS
Multiattack. The shifu makes 4 slam attacks
Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +9, Wis +6
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Senses Passive Perception 12
Hit: 7 (1d6+4) bludgeoning damage.
Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Kick. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Minion. Elites can be used as minions. An elite used this way Hit: 16 (3d8+3) bludgeoning damage, and if the same size
decreases its AC to 18, and its hit points to 26. Three min- or smaller, the target is pushed 10 feet.
ions count as one normal at the listed challenge.

Snapshot (non-minion). The elite can reduce its remaining BONUS ACTIONS
speed by 10 feet and make an additional rifle attack as part Flip. Shifu disengages from all creatures and moves up to 10
of the same attack action (for example, it can make three feet.
additional attack if it doesn’t move and reduce its speed to
zero). REACTIONS
Counter. If an enemy moves within reach of the shifu, the
ACTIONS shifu can make a single slam attack as a reaction.
Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, range 50/200 ft., one
target. Hit: 10 (1d10+5) piercing damage.

Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) bludgeoning damage, and target is
pushed 5 feet.

194
ASSASSIN PRODIGY
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (armor) Armor Class 18 (armor) or 17 with minion
Hit Points 127 (17d8+51) Hit Points 171 (18d8+32) or 43 with minion
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Stealth +9, Perception +6 Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +10
Saving Throws Dex +9 Skills Acrobatics +9, Athletics +9, Perception +7
Senses Passive Perception 16 Senses Passive Perception 17
Languages One language (usually English) Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) Challenge 11 (3,900 XP)
Natural Predator. Any hits the assassin makes while having Minion. Prodigies can be used as minions. A prodigy this way
advantage are critical hits. decreases its AC to 17, and its hit points to 43. Three min-
ions count as one normal at the listed challenge.
Pervasive Wound (Recharge 6). When the assassin scores
a critical hit on a target, it inflicts a continuous injury, in- ACTIONS
flicting 5 damage at the beginning of the target’s turn until Multiattack(non-minion). A prodigy makes three assault
the assassin is dead, the target is reduced to zero hit cannon attacks.
points, or 1 minute has passed. A target can only suffer
one pervasive wound at a time. Assault Cannon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range
100/600 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) piercing damage.
ACTIONS
Assassin Maneuver. The assassin makes a blade attack with Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
advantage. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) slashing damage.

Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. BONUS ACTIONS
Hit: 10 (1d10+5) slashing damage. Semi-Auto. The prodigy makes an assault cannon attack.

KUNG-FU GUY
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (armor) or 17 with minion
Hit Points 120 (16d8+48) or 30 with minion
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Acrobatics +8, Athletics +9

Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +8
Senses Passive Perception 12
Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Minion. The kung-fu guy can be used as a minion. A kung-fu
guy used this way decreases its AC to 17, and its hit points
to 30. Three minions count as one normal at the listed
challenge.

ACTIONS
Multiattack (non-minion). The kung-fu guy makes three
iron fist attacks.

Iron Fists. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 10 (1d10+5) bludgeoning damage.

Headstrong (Recharge 5, 6) (Non-Minion). The kung-fu

guy makes five iron fist attacks.

195
LAND WHALE KATANA CLICHE
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 13 (armor) Armor Class 20 (armor) or 19 with minion
Hit Points 210 (20d8+120) Hit Points 120 (16d8+48) or 30 with minion
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +10, Con +10 Skills Perception +7

Skills Athletics+ 10 Saving Throws Dex +10
Senses Passive Perception 11 Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages One language (usually English) Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP) Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)
ACTIONS Minion. Katana Clichés can be used as minions. A Katana
Multiattack. The land whale either makes two goliath fist Cliché used this way decreases its AC to 19, and its hit
attacks or two autocannon attacks. points to 30. Three minions count as one normal at the
listed challenge.
Goliath Fists. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 18 (4d6+6) bludgeoning damage. Once the Focus Attack (Non-Minion). The cliché can make one of its
land whale is reduced below 99 hit points, its damage in- attack rolls automatically hit (still roll), though its AC is
creases to 24 (6d6+6) bludgeoning damage. reduced by 2 until the beginning of its next turn.

Autocannon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range ACTIONS

300/1,200 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (1d8+11) piercing damage, Multiattack. The katana cliché makes two katana attacks.
and the next hit increases damage by +2 (this is cumulative Once per action, one hit is turned into a critical hit.
until the total damage is 1d8+31 or the land whale is
stunned, incapacitated, or reduced below 0 hit points. This Katana. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
weapon has the AP property. target. Hit: 10 (1d10+5) slashing damage.

Sweep the Enemy (Recharge 6). The land whale makes an

autocannon against each enemy in range that it can see.
DRUG NUT
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (armor)
MASSIVE Hit Points 152 (16d8+80)
Medium human, any alignment Speed 30 ft.
Armor Class 17 (armor) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Hit Points 253 (22d8+154)
Speed 25 ft.
Saving Throws +5 Con
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Damage Resistances bludgeoning from nonmagical weap-
ons
Skills Athletics +11 Senses Passive Perception 11
Saving Throws Con +12 Languages One language (usually English)
Damage Resistances bludgeoning from nonmagical weap- Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)
ons. Juicer. The drug nut has advantage on Strength, Dexterity,
Senses passive Perception 10 and Constitution saving throws. It also has advantage on
Languages One language (usually English) attacks against targets it is grappling.
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP)
Beast. The massive ignores difficult terrain and cannot be ACTIONS
knocked prone. If the massive hits a prone target, it is a Multiattack. The drug nut makes two improvised weapon
critical hit. attacks, three if all attacks are against a grappled target.

ACTIONS Improvised Weapon. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach

Multiattack. The massive makes two meaty fist attacks. If 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8+5) bludgeoning damage
both are against the same target and hit, the massive can
make a third attack against the same target. One-Handed Choke. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Target is grappled
Meaty Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one (escape DC 18).
target. Hit: 19 (3d8+6) bludgeoning damage and the target
is knocked prone Menacing Lift (Recharge 5,6). Melee Weapon Attack: +10
to hit against a grappled target, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 21 (4d8+5).

196
FORMIDABLE OPPONENT PISTOL PACKER
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 20 (armor) Armor Class 19 (armor) or 18 with minion
Hit Points 120 (16d8+48) Hit Points 152 (16d8+80) or 38 with minion
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +11, Dex +11, Wis +8 Saving Throws Str +10, Con +10
Skills Athletics +11, Acrobatics +11, Perception +8 Senses Passive Perception 12
Senses Passive Perception 18 Languages One language (usually English)
Languages One language (usually English) Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) Minion. Pistol packers can be used as minions. A pistol pack-
ACTIONS er used this way decreases its AC to 18, and its hit points
Multiattack. The formidable opponent makes two rifle at- to 38. Three minions count as one normal at the listed
tacks. challenge.

Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Ranged Response (Non-Minion). The pistol packer can
target. Hit: 10 (1d8+6) bludgeoning damage, the target is Disengage, Dodge, Dash, or make a single hammer shot
pushed 5-feet, and the formidable opponent can immedi- attack as a bonus action.
ately make a rifle attack.
ACTIONS
Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 50/200 ft., one Multiattack (non-minion). The pistol packer makes four
target. Hit: 11 (1d10+6) piercing damage, and the target’s hammer shot attacks; the minion pistol packer makes two.
speed is reduced by half until the beginning of the formida-
ble opponent’s next turn. Hammer Shot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range
40/160 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) piercing damage.
FREE ACTION
Head Shot (Recharge 6). Double all dice damage on the Pistol Whip. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
last customized rifle attack (this stacks if the attack already target. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) bludgeoning damage.
is a critical hit).

ELDER MASTER
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (armor)
Hit Points 120 (16d8+48)
Speed 35 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +11, Dex +13

Skills Athletics +11, Acrobatics +13, Perception +9, Stealth
+13
Damage Resistances bludgeoning from nonmagical weap-
ons
Senses Passive Perception 19
Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)
Anticipation. The elder’s AC increases to 21 vs. ranged at-
tacks.

Close The Gap. If the elder uses the Dash action, its speed
increases to 40 feet.

ACTIONS
Multiattack. The elder master makes a kung-fu attack; if it
hits, repeat the attack until missing or making six attacks. If
the same target is hit three times in one action, the target
is stunned until the beginning of the elder’s next turn.

Kung-Fu. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 15 (2d6+8) bludgeoning damage.

197
MERC LEADER BIG BOSS
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 17 (armor) Armor Class 19 (armor)
Hit Points 136 (16d8+64) Hit Points 207 (18d8+126)
Speed 30ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Wis +7, Cha +8 Saving Throws Str +11, Dex +11, Con +12, Int +9, Wis +9,
Skills Insight +7, Perception +7 Cha +8
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened Skills Perception +9, Intimidation +8, Persuasion +8
Senses passive Perception 17 Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
Languages Common from nonmagical weapons
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Condition Immunity Frightened
Knightly Presence. All allied creatures in sight of the merc Senses Passive Perception 19
leader gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls and saving throws. Languages Three languages (including English)
If the merc leader is killed, all allied creatures suffer a -2 Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)
penalty to damage rolls and saving throws for five minutes. Health Bar. At the start of its turn, if the big boss has not
been reduced to less than 50 hit points, it regains 5 hit
Relay Command. As a bonus action, one ally can take an points.
action.
Weak Point. When an enemy scores a critical hit on the big
ACTIONS boss, the big boss suffers 5 extra damage.
Multiattack. The merc leader makes three pinpoint pistol
attacks. ACTIONS
Multiattack. The big boss makes three groovy gauntlet at-
Pinpoint Pistol. . Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range tacks or two street howitzer attacks.
100/400 ft. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) piercing damage.
Groovy Gauntlet. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5
Patton Complex (Recharge 5, 6). One ally regains hit ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8+6) bludgeoning damage, and the
points equal to one quarter the target’s original hit points. target is knocked prone.

REACTIONS Street Howitzer. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range

Placed Loyalty. If the merc leader is hit by a ranged attack, 300/1,200 ft., up to two targets within 5 feet of each other.
one ally within 20 feet swaps his location with the merc Hit: 22 (2d8+14) explosive damage. This weapon has the AP
leader and suffers the hit instead. property.

Grenade Bandolier (Recharge 6). The big boss can toss a

grenade to within 60 feet. Each creature in a 20-radius of
the impact point must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving
throw, taking 35 (10d6) explosive damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one.

REACTIONS
Action Point (Recharge 6). As a reaction to the end of an
enemy’s turn, the big boss gains a turn.

Second Phase (Once). When the big boss is reduced to 0

hit points or lower, as a reaction, the big boss regains 190
hit points, loses access to the health bar ability, and its
action point ability now recharges on a 4, 5, and 6.

198
NOBLE GUARD WARMONGER
Medium human, any alignment Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 19 (armor) or 18 with minion Armor Class 19 (armor) or 18 with minion
Hit Points 210 (20d8+126) or 52 with minion Hit Points 276 (24d8+168) or 69 with minion
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +12, Dex +12, Con +12 Saving Throws Str +13, Con +13
Skills Athletics +12, Acrobatics +12 Damage Resistances cold, fire; bludgeoning, piercing and
Condition Immunity Frightened slashing from nonmagical weapons
Senses Passive Perception 14 Condition Immunity Frightened
Languages One language (usually English) Senses Passive Perception 13
Challenge 17 (18 ,000 XP) Languages One language (usually English)
Minion. Noble guards can be used as minions. A guard used Challenge 18 (20 ,000 XP)
this way decreases its AC to 18, and its hit points to 52. Minion. Warmongers can be used as minions. A warmonger
Three minions count as one normal at the listed challenge. used this way decreases its AC to 18, and its hit points to
52. Three minions count as one normal at the listed chal-
Phalanx. Any ally of the guard within 5 feet gains a +1 bonus lenge.
to AC (+1 max)
ACTIONS
ACTIONS Multiattack (non-minion). The warmonger makes another
Multiattack (non-minion). The noble makes three rifle other three attacks.
attacks or two bayonet attacks.
Double Shot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, range
Bayonet. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one 200/1,000 ft., two targets. Hit: 14 (2d6+7) piercing damage.
target. Hit: 12 (2d8+7) slashing damage and make a rifle
attack. Aimed shot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, range
200/1,000 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6+11) piercing damage.
Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 200/1,000 ft.,
one target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) piercing damage. Undermount (non-minion). (Recharge 5-6). The war-
monger launches a grenade within 100 feet. Each creature
BONUS ACTIONS in a 20-radius of the impact point must make a DC 19
Training. The guard has advantage on its next attack roll. Dexterity saving throw, taking 45 (10d8) explosive damage
on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
Focused (Recharge 5-6) (non-minion). The guard hits with one.
its next attack.
Slug. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 12 (2d8+7) bludgeoning damage, and the target is
pushed 5 feet.

BONUS ACTIONS
Strategy. The warmonger can move up to its speed, or it
regains 5 hit points.

199
PENULTIMATE ANTAGONIST ANTECEDENT BLEEDER
Medium human, any alignment Medium humanoid, chaotic evil
Armor Class 21 (armor) or 20 with minion Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 294 (28d8+168) or 74 with minion Hit Points 94 (10d8+50)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA VIG

Saving Throws Str +15, Con +12 Skills Commune +7, Detection +7, Induce +7, Intimidation +7,
Damage Resistances cold, fire; bludgeoning, piercing and Investigation +8, Perception +6
slashing from nonmagical weapons Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, psychic.
Condition Immunity Frightened Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Senses Passive Perception 13 Senses passive Perception 16
Languages One language (usually English) Languages one language (often English)
Challenge 19 (22 ,000 XP) Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Minion. Penultimate antagonists can be used as minions. An Dark Resistance. The bleeder has advantage on saving throws
antagonist used this way decreases its AC to 20, and its hit against spells and other magical effects.
points to 74. Three minions count as one normal at the
listed challenge. Porphyrias. The bleeder is vulnerable to piercing and slashing
damage (suffering double damage).
ACTIONS
Multiattack (non-minion). The antagonist makes two ham- Dark Spellcasting. The bleeder has access to dark spellcasting.
mer shot attacks and two throttle hit attacks; the minion Vessel: 20; VR: 5; Spell Save DC 15.
penultimate antagonist makes one each. River Spells: drain touch, dead life, death curse, perish.

Throttle Hit. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Path of Death. When the bleeder recovers hit points, it can
target. Hit: 15 (1d10+10) bludgeoning damage, and the recover vessel instead at a rate of 1 dark:5 HP. This is a free
target is pushed 5 feet. If the antagonist scores a critical hit, action.
it rolls damage dice three times instead of twice, and the
target is pushed 10 feet. ACTIONS
Multiattack. The bleeder makes any other two attacks.
Hammer Shot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, range
300/1,200 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8+10) piercing damage, Dark Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
and the target takes half damage at the beginning of its target. Hit: 15 (2d10+4) psychic damage.
next turn.
Psychic Blast. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 40/100 ft.,
REACTIONS one target. Hit: 13 (2d6+6) psychic damage, and the target is
Resilient Biology (Non-Minion). If the antagonist is hit with pushed 10 feet.
a non-critical attack, the attack misses.
Dark Flare (Recharge 5-6). The bleeder emits a psychic blast
in a 40-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on
a DC 13 Intelligence saving throw or take 22 (4d8+4) psychic
damage and be stunned for l round.

Mutation. The bleeder’s body transmutes; gain one additional

feature (only one at a time)—dark touch reach increases by 5
feet; gain blindsight 60 ft.; increase speed by 5 feet; Strength
increases to 24 (+6); gain climb 30 ft.

200
ANTECEDENT TENANT ANTECEDENT CHAMPION
Medium aberration, chaotic evil Medium—Huge humanoid, chaotic good
Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 82 (11d8+33) Hit Points 136 (16d8+64)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Deception +4, Insight +4, Perception +4 Skills Insight +8, Investigation +7, Perception +9, Persuasion +7
Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened. Damage Resistances psychic, radiant; bludgeoning, piercing,
Senses passive Perception 14 and slashing from nonmagical weapons.
Languages 1 – 4 languages (including English) Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened.
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Senses passive Perception 16
Mutation. Each tenant possesses a unique mutation. Select Languages 1 – 4 languages (including English)
one from the list below: Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Claws: Increase slam damage by +2; gains climb 30 ft. Consecrated. The champion does not age and is immune to
Digitigrade: The tenant has advantage on Strength (Athletics) nonmagical disease. At the beginning of its turn, it regenerates
checks when performing a jump. It can reduce a fall by 30 4 hit points if above 0 hit points.
feet if not incapacitated.
Extended Arms: Slam reach increases by 5 feet. Dark Resistance. The champion has advantage on saving
Extra Arm: Gain an extra attack with multiattack. throws against spells and other magical effects.
Extra Leg: Speed increases by 5 ft.
Gills: The tenant can breathe underwater; gains swim 30 ft. Where Needed. When the champion finishes a short rest, it can
Mandible: The tenant’s slam turns into a bite and increases teleport anywhere on within 10,000 miles. It selects a destina-
damage by 1 die. tion and appears 3d6 miles from that point.
Quills: Any creature making a melee attack on the tenant suf-
fers 2 points of damage. Bitter Rival. A champion knows the location of any antecedent-
Scales: Increase AC to 17. touched creature within 1 mile.
Tail: The tenant has advantage with Dexterity (Acrobatics)
checks, and its slam attack gains +2 bonus to damage. ACTIONS
Third Eye: Gain blindsight 30 ft. Giganta. The champion can increase or decrease its size one
Wings: Gain fly 30 feet. step (Medium > Large > Huge). Large increases reach by 5
feet. Huge increases reach by 10 feet. Weapon damage in-
ACTIONS creases as well. The champion can only remain larger than
Multiattack. The tenant makes any other two attacks. Medium for 10 rounds a day.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Multiattack. The champion makes any other two attacks.
Hit: 8 (1d8+4) bludgeoning damage.
Talisman. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Dark Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 40/100 ft., Hit: 11/16/21 (3d6+3; Large 4d6+4; Huge 5d6+5) psychic dam-
one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) force age, and if an evil creature, the target must succeed on a DC
damage. 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute
(a target that succeeds on the saving throw is immune to this
Fearful Display. Target one creature within 30 feet; it must effect for the next 24 hours).
succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or become
frightened until the end of the tenant’s next turn. If the tar- Sanctified Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
get fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it is also paralyzed one target. Hit: 18/24/30 (4d6+5; Large 5d6+7; Huge 6d6+9)
for the same duration (a target that succeeds on the saving slashing damage.
throw is immune to this effect for the next 24 hours).

201
GOGGETOTH
Medium aberration, chaotic evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 97 (13d8+39)
Speed 40 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA VIG

Saving Throws Int +3, Wis +6, Cha +6,Vig +7

Skills Commune +7, Deception +7, Detection +7, Induce +7,
Insight +6, Perception +6
Damage Resistances psychic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slash-
ing from nonmagical weapons.
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened.
Senses passive Perception 16
Languages All
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Dark Resistance. The goggetoth has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.

Dark Spellcasting. The goggetoth has access to dark spellcast-

ing. Vessel: 23; VR: 5; Spell Save DC 15.
River Spells: blur, endothermic ray, shield, reprisal, shard thrower.

Path of Protection. If an opponent scores a critical hit on the

goggetoth, its vessel regains 2.

Shifter. The goggetoth can spend a minute to polymorph into a

Small or Medium humanoid it has seen. Its statistics, other
than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is
wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true
form if it dies. It can return back to its original form as an
action, but this tears the goggetoth from its false skin. If this
occurs, all creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15
Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute (a
target that succeeds on the saving throw is immune to this
effect for the next 24 hours).

ACTIONS
Multiattack. The goggetoth makes three tentacle attacks.

Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

Hit: 9 (1d10+4) bludgeoning damage, and impose one of the
following additional effects:
• Inflict 10 (3d6) psychic damage.
• The target is grappled (escape DC 15).
• Recover 1 to the goggetoth’s vessel
• The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving
throw or become frightened until the end of the gogge-
toth’s next turn. If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or
more, it is also paralyzed for the same duration (a target
that succeeds on the saving throw is immune to this effect
for the next 24 hours).
• The goggetoth reads the creature’s mind. The goggetoth
has advantage on Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma
(Deception, Intimidation, and Persuasion) checks against
the target for the rest of the day and can remove one
secret or hidden fact about the target.

202
ANTECEDENT Dark Spellcasting. The antecedent has access to dark spellcast-
Gargantuan aberration, always chaotic, usually evil ing. Vessel: 43; VR: 9; Spell Save DC 21.
Armor Class 23 (natural armor) River Spells: acid ball, acid spit, captivation, compulsion, disinte-
Hit Points 594 (29d20+290) grate, dispel, dominate, electrovolt, mob rule, plague.
Speed 60 ft., climb 60 ft., swim 60 ft., fly 60 ft.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If antecedent fails a saving
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA VIG throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Saving Throws Str +17, Dex +7, Con +17, Int +14, Wis +14, Cha Siege Monster. The antecedent deals double damage to objects
+14 and structures.
Skills Commune +15, Detection +15, Induce +15, Insight +14,
Perception +15, Stealth +7 ACTIONS
Damage Immunities poison, psychic; bludgeoning, piercing, and Multiattack. The antecedent makes any three other attacks.
slashing from nonmagical weapons.
Damage Resistances acid, fire Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit:
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, exhaustion, fright- 21 (2d10+10) slashing damage.
ened, poisoned.
Senses blindsight 120 ft., passive Perception 25 Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one tar-
Languages All get. Hit: 17 (2d6+10) bludgeoning damage, and the target is
Challenge 24 (36,500 XP) grappled (Escape DC 21). An antecedent can grapple up to six
Impossible Form. Each creature within 120 feet of the anteced- targets at a time.
ent and aware of it must succeed on a DC 21 Wisdom saving
throw on its turn or become frightened for l minute. A crea- Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., all grap-
ture can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, pled targets. Hit: 17 (2d6+10) bludgeoning damage.
ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving
throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is BONUS ACTIONS
immune to the antecedent’s Frightful Presence for 1 minute. If Calm. The antecedent suppresses its impossible form until the
the target fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it is also para- beginning of its next turn.
lyzed for the same duration.

Sanity Loss. Each time a creature loses a saving throw to an LEGENDARY ACTIONS
effect imposed by the antecedent, that target also reduces its The antecedent can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
Wisdom score by 1d4. A creature reduced to 0 Wisdom is options below. Only one legendary action option can be used
stunned until it regains at least one point of Wisdom. The re- at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. An
duction lasts until the target finishes long rest, but if a creature antecedent regains spent legendary actions at the start of its
is reduced to 0 Wisdom, its ability score is permanently re- turn.
duced by 1d4. Attack. The antecedent makes one tentacle attack.
Phase. The antecedent teleports up to 30 feet.
Dark Resistance. The antecedent has advantage on saving Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The antecedent regains 9 to its
throws against spells and other magical effects. Vessel.

203
CHARIX KAELOS
Small construct, neutral evil Medium construct, neutral evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor) or 15 with minion Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 26 (4d8+8) or 6 with minion Hit Points 93 (11d8+44)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft. Speed 35 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +4 Saving Throws Str +6, Dex +5, Con +6

Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, Skills Athletics +6, Perception +4
petrified Damage Resistance bludgeoning from nonmagical weap-
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 ons.
Languages None Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
Challenge 1 (200 XP) petrified
Minion. Charix can be used as minions. A charix used this Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
way decreases its AC to 15, and its hit points to 5. Three Languages None
minions count as one normal at the listed challenge. Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Absorption. An organic creature grappled and killed by the
Absorption. An organic creature grappled and killed by the kaelos is absorbed. If the kaelos does this three times, it is
charix is absorbed. The charix must then be nearby refined stunned next turn for one turn and becomes a nosis. It
minerals. If so, it is stunned next turn for one turn and maintains its current hit points. Its challenge rating only
becomes a kaelos. It maintains its current hit points. Its changes if it has full hit points.
challenge rating only changes if it has full hit points.
Leap. The kaelos' long jump is up to 40 feet, and its high
Buzzer. The charix has advantage with attack rolls against a jump is up to 20 feet, with or without a running start.
creature it is grappling.
ACTIONS
ACTIONS Multiattack. The kaelos makes any other two attacks.
Piton. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 6 (1d6+3) slashing damage. Implanted Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 13 (2d8+4) slashing damage. This attack has
Clamp. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. the AP property.
Hit: 4 (1d4+2) piercing damage, and the target is grappled
(escape DC 12). Siphon Tendrils. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) necrotic damage, the kaelos re-
BONUS ACTIONS covers half the damage, and the target is grappled (escape
Spike. The charix makes a piton attack. DC 14).

Rebuild (non-minion). If the charix is in contact with metal Assimilate (Recharge 4-6). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit,
or refined materials, it regenerates 3 hit points. reach 5 ft., one creature that is Grappled by the kaelos,
Incapacitated, or Restrained. Hit: 10 (2d6+3) necrotic dam-
age. The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an
amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and the kaelos
regains Hit Points equal to that amount. The reduction
lasts until the target finishes a Long Rest.

BONUS ACTIONS
Disruption. Until the beginning of the kaelos’ next turn, any
creature has disadvantage on attack rolls against it. An
attacker is immune to this effect if it doesn’t rely on sight,
as with blindsight, or can see through illusions, as with
truesight.

Shift. The kaelos moves 20 feet without provoking an oppor-

tunity attack.

204
MONAD Drive Discharge (Recharge 6). The monad ejects radiation
Gargantuan construct, neutral evil in an 80-foot cone from one of its absorbed engines. Each
Armor Class 20 (natural armor) creature in that area must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving
Hit Points 289 (24d10+192) throw, taking 72 (16d8) radiant damage on a failed save, or
Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft. half as much on a successful one.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Frightful Presence. Each creature of the monad’s choice that
is within 120 feet of and aware of the unos must succeed
Saving Throws Str +15, Con +14, Wis +10 on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened
Skills Athletics +15, Insight +10 Perception +10 for l minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the
Damage Resistance cold, fire, force, radiant, lightning; end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weap- success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the
ons. effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the monad’s
Damage Immunities cold, poison Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
Condition Immunities charmed, disease, exhaustion,
frightened, petrified, poison Swallow. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 20 ft., one
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 300 ft., passive Perception target it is grappling. Hit: 22 (3d8+9) piercing damage. If the
20 target is a Large or smaller creature, it must succeed on a
Languages Broken English DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed by the
Challenge 20 (24,500 XP) monad. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it
Blurring Lines. The monad employs nuclear engines rather has total cover against attacks and other effects outside
than wings to remain aloft. It also sports several energy the monad, and it takes 21 (6d6) necrotic damage at the
weapons pulling power from absorbs reactors. The monad start of each of the monad’s turns; the monad regains this
flight and weapons cannot be disrupted same amount. If the monad takes 30 damage or more on a
single turn from a creature inside it, the monad must suc-
ceed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw at the end of
ACTIONS that turn or regurgitate all swallowed creatures, which fall
Multiattack. The monad can use its Frightful Presence. It prone in a space within 10 feet of the monad. If the monad
then makes any four other attacks. dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and
can escape from the corpse by using 20 feet of movement,
Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one exiting prone.
target. Hit: 17 (2d8+9) bludgeoning damage, and the target
is grappled (escape DC 17).
Legendary ACTIONS
Radiation Emitter. Ranged Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, range The monad can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
300/1,500 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (2d10+9) radiant damage. options below. Only one legendary action option can be
This weapon has the AP property. used at a time and only at the end of another creature's
turn. The monad regains spent legendary actions at the
start of its turn.
Reconstruction. The monad flies 20 feet without provok-
ing an attack of opportunity.
Regeneration. The monad regains 5 hit points.
Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The monad makes either a
tentacle attack or a radiation emitter attack.

205
NOSIS UNOS
Large construct, neutral evil Huge construct, neutral evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 157 (15d10+75) Hit Points 157 (15d10+75)
Speed 35 ft., fly 50 ft Speed 35 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +9, Con +9, Wis +7 Saving Throws Str +14, Con +10
Skills Athletics +9, Perception +7 Skills Athletics +14, Insight +7, Perception +7
Damage Resistance cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, pierc- Damage Resistance cold, fire, force, lightning; bludgeoning,
ing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons. piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons.
Damage Immunities poison Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
petrified, poison petrified, poison
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages None Languages Broken English
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) Challenge 13 (10,000 XP)
Absorption. An organic creature grappled and killed by the Bio-Construct. As long as it is contact with refined materials
nosis is absorbed. If the nosis does this six times, it is and has more than 0 hit points, the unos regains 5 hit
stunned next turn for one turn and becomes an unos. It points at the start of its turn. This can include regenerating
maintains its current hit points. Its challenge rating only limbs.
changes if it has full hit points.
Reconstruction. The unos can shift its melee weapons to
Appropriated Technology. The nosis possess thrusters—to inflict slashing, piercing, or bludgeoning damage, and all its
gain its fly speed, it must spend an action to activate. weapons have the AP property. Also, the unos can shift two
of its four arms to form two additional legs; if so, its speed
ACTIONS increases to 45 feet. It can also shift two arms to be two
Multiattack. The nosis makes any other four attacks. wings, giving it fly 40 ft. Shifting limbs can be done via an
action or a legendary action.
Piton. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 18 (2d12+5) piercing damage. ACTIONS
Multiattack. The unos makes one attack from each of its
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. four arms. This can be reduced with reconstruction.
Hit: 12 (2d6+5) piercing damage, and the target is grappled
(escape DC 15). Until this grapple ends, the target is re- Arm Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
strained, and the nosis can't bite another target. target. Hit: 23 (4d6+9) piercing damage. This weapon has
the AP property.
Swallow. The nosis makes one bite attack against a smaller
creature it is grappling. If the attack hits, the target is swal- Spine Launcher. Ranged Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, range
lowed, and the grapple ends. The swallowed target is blind- 100/500 ft., two targets. Hit: 25 (3d10+9) piercing damage.
ed and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and This weapon has the AP property.
other effects outside the nosis, and it takes 10 (3d6) ne-
crotic damage at the start of each of the nosis's turns. The Frightful Presence. Each creature of the unos’s choice that is
nosis regains that same number of hit points. A creature within 120 feet of and aware of the unos must succeed on
killed is absorbed. The nosis can have only one target swal- a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for l
lowed at a time. If the nosis dies, a swallowed creature is minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end
no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
using 5 feet of movement, exiting prone. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends
for it, the creature is immune to the unos' Frightful Pres-
Pulse. The nosis sends out an electromagnetic pulse, causing ence for the next 24 hours.
all technology within 30-feet of it that requires an energy
cell to stop working for 1 minute or until a successful DC LEGENDARY ACTIONS
15 Intelligence (Engineering) check is made. The unos can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action option can be
used at a time and only at the end of another creature's
turn. The unos regains spent legendary actions at the start
of its turn.
Reconstruction. The unos performs reconstruction.
Regeneration. The unos regains 5 hit points.
Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The unos makes either a spine
attack or an arm attack.

206
GARGANTUIX ABOMINATION
Immense Monstrosity, unaligned Large monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 26 (natural armor) Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 1,500 (40d[20+15]+480) Hit Points 110 (13d10+39)
Speed 60 ft. Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +23, Con +23, Int +11, Wis +14, Cha Skills Athletics +11, Engineering +7, Perception +8, Stealth +8
+11 Damage Immunities psychic
Skills Athletics +23, Perception +14 Damage Resistances cold, fire, poison
Damage Immunities All damage from nonmagical weap- Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
ons. paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 18
paralyzed, poisoned Languages broken English
Senses darkvision 1,000 ft., passive Perception 24 Challenge 11 (7,200 XP)
Languages None Wireless. The abomination can control electronics wirelessly
Challenge 40 (3,265,000 XP) within 100 feet as long as the device does not possess an
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Gargantuix fails a saving ability score and is not weapon or armor.
throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Refined. The abomination’s weapons have the AP property.
Feeder. If Gargantuix suffers force or radiant damage, he
heals that amount instead of suffering damage. This func- Multiped. The abomination’s four legs prevent it from being
tions even if Gargantuix is at 0 hit points. knocked prone. It also ignores difficult terrain.

Godly Resistance. Gargantuix has advantage on all saving ACTIONS

throws. Multiattack. The abomination makes any other three melee
attacks.
Siege Monster. Gargantuix deals double damage to objects
and structures. Saw. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one crea-
ture. Hit: 18 (2d10+7) slashing damage, and the target has
ACTIONS disadvantage on attack rolls until the beginning of the abom-
Multiattack. The Gargantuix makes three attacks, one with ination’s next turn.
its bite, and two with its claws.
Drill. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +23 to hit, reach 30 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8+7) piercing damage, and the target’s maximum
Hit: 64 (5d20+12) piercing damage. If the target is a crea- Hit Points are reduced by 2 (1d4) until it finishes a long rest.
ture, it is grappled (escape DC 26). Until this grapple ends,
the target is restrained, and Gargantuix can't bite another Piston. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one tar-
target. get. Hit: 23 (3d10+7) bludgeoning damage, and a Large or
smaller target is pushed 5 feet.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +23 to hit, reach 40 ft., one
target. Hit: 44 (5d12+12) slashing damage. Nailgun. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 100/500 ft.,
one target. Hit: 14 (2d6+7) piercing damage, and the target’s
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +23 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. speed is reduced by half until the abomination’s next turn
Hit: 23 (4d8+7) bludgeoning damage, and if a creature, the (on a critical hit, the target’s speed is reduced to 0).
target must succeed on a DC 26 Strength saving throw or
be knocked prone.

LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Gargantuix can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action option can be
used at a time and only at the end of another creature's
turn. Gargantuix regains spent legendary actions at the
start of its turn.
Attack. Gargantuix makes one claw or tail attack.
Rage. On Gargantuix’s next turn, it gains one additional claw
attack with multiattack (cumulative up to 3).
Roar (costs 2 actions). The next creature suffers disad-
vantage on all ability checks, attacks, and saving throws
until the end of its turn.

207
EMPEROR MINOTAUR BATTLE ARMOR
Large construct, any unaligned Large construct/vehicle, unaligned
Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 157 (15d8+75) Hit Points 78 (l2d8+24)
Speed 30ft., Fly 40 ft. Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +10, Con +9 Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +7
Skills Acrobatics +7, Athletics +10 Damage Resistances lightning, poison; bludgeoning, pierc-
Damage Immunities lightning, poison; bludgeoning, pierc- ing, and slashing from non magical weapons that aren't
ing, and slashing from non magical weapons that aren't adamantine
adamantine Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Senses Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Senses Darkvision 200 ft., passive Perception 13 Languages Common
Languages Common Challenge 5 (1 ,800 XP)
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) Minotaur Rush. The minotaur cannot be targeted by op-
ACTIONS portunity attacks. When the minotaur moves, it ignores
Multiattack. The emperor makes any other four attacks, difficult terrain. The minotaur cannot be knocked prone.
though only two can be a railgun attacks.
ACTIONS
Alpha Strike (recharge 5,6): The emperor uses the Disen- Iron Onslaught (Recharge 6). The minotaur makes a slam
gage, Dash, and multiattack action. attack against each enemy in reach during its movement.
On a hit, the target is knocked prone. The minotaur can
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one only attack each target once.
target. Hit: 14 (2d8+6) bludgeoning damage, and the
target is knocked prone. Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Arm-Mounted Dual Railguns. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 Hit: 24 (4d8+6) bludgeoning damage.
to hit, range 300/1,200 ft. Hit: 14 (2d8+6) piercing damage,
and the target is pushed 10 feet. This weapon has the AP Shoulder-Mounted Micromissiles. Ranged Weapon
property. Attack: +7 to hit, range 300/1,200 ft., Hit: 19
(1d10+14) piercing damage. This weapon has the
Shoulder-Mounted Missiles. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to AP property.
hit (this attack has advantage), range 100/400 ft. (min 20
ft.) Hit: 26 (4d10+6) bludgeoning damage. Note: 10 capaci- REACTIONS
ty. Eruption. When the minotaur is reduced below half hit
points (or 47), as a reaction, the minotaur recovers from
REACTIONS all conditions it suffers from and makes an iron onslaught
Ablative Armor (once). Once the emperor is reduced to attack.
half hit points (or 80), it loses its damage immunities, both
ground and fly speed increase by 5 feet, and it is healed to
full hit points.

208
SHELL JAGANNATH
Large construct, unaligned Large construct, neutral
Armor Class 18 (natural armor) Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 178 (17d8+55) Hit Points 189 (18d8+90)
Speed 30ft. Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +10, Dex +7, Wis +7 Saving Throws Str +11, Dex +9, Con +10
Damage Immunities lightning, poison; bludgeoning, pierc- Skills Perception +7
ing, and slashing from non magical weapons that aren't Damage Immunities lightning, poison; bludgeoning, pierc-
adamantine ing, and slashing from non magical weapons that aren't
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, adamantine
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 13 paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Languages Common Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP) Languages Common
Regeneration. The Shell recovers 5 of its hit points at the Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)
beginning of its turn unless it has less than 100 hit points. Direct Attack. The jagannath can use 20 ft. and make ei-
ther a nuclear caster or a metal fists attack.
ACTIONS Phase Shield. The jagannath can spend 30 ft. of movement
Multiattack. The shell makes three clamp attacks. to erect the phase shield, which lasts until the beginning of
its next turn. When the shield is up, the jagannath gains a
The Clamps. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10ft., +1 bonus to AC and can Disengage taking no action.
one target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) bludgeoning damage plus a
Medium or smaller target can be grappled (escape DC17).
The shell has advantage on attacks against targets it is ACTIONS
grappling. The shell can grapple two different targets or Multiattack. The jagannath makes two attacks from either
one with both clamps—if the latter, the target has disad- the nuclear caster or its metal fists..
vantage when attempting escape. If grappling a target with
both clamps, shell can make a rend attack. Nuclear Caster. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range
300/1,200 ft., Hit: 19 (1d10+14) energy damage, and the
Concealed Pulse Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, target suffers 10 energy damage at the end of its next
range 200/1,000 ft. Hit: 16 (4d6+4) piercing damage. This turn. This weapon has the AP property.
weapon has the AP property.
Metal Fists. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5ft., one
Rend. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5ft., one target target. Hit: 17 (2d10+6) bludgeoning damage
the shell is grappling with both clamps. Hit: 23 (3d6+11)
bludgeoning damage. LEGENDARY ACTIONS
The jagannath can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
the options below. Only one legendary action option can
be used at a time and only at the end of another crea-
ture's turn. The jagannath regains spent legendary actions
at the start of its turn.
Nano-Reconstruction: The jagannath regains 10 hit
points.
Topographical Analysis: The jagannath can take the
Disengage action and move up to 20 feet.
Caster Surge: The jagannath makes a nuclear caster at-
tack.

209
STRONGPOINT PLATFORM XR-0 BODYGUARD ANDROID
Huge construct, unaligned Medium humanoid construct, unaligned
Armor Class 19 (armor) Armor Class 20 (armor)
Hit Points 200 (20d10+100) Hit Points 120 (16d8+48)
Speed 40ft. Speed 30ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +10 Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and

Skills Persuasion +7 slashing from nonmagical weapons.
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened, petri-
slashing from nonmagical weapons. fied, poisoned
Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened, petri- Skills Perception +6
fied, poisoned. Saving Throws Dex +10
Senses darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 17 Senses darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 16
Languages none Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 16 (15,000 XP) Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Cargo Space. The strongpoint can carry 500 lb. of gear or Programmed Protector. As a bonus action, the XR-O can
carry up to 2 passengers. target one ally within five feet. Both the XR-0 and the tar-
Platform. The platform can mount two heavy weapons or get share the android's AC and Dexterity bonus (unless the
one super-heavy weapon. As the platform is Huge, a super- ally’s is higher). Any damage from successful attacks on
heavy is counted as two-handed small arm and a heavy either target is taken by the XR-0. The only way for the
weapon as a one-handed small arm for the purposes of target to take direct damage is for either the target or the
movement and attack penalties. I can carry three clips for bodyguard android to move more than five feet away. The
each weapon. XR-0’s defense includes area attacks.

Sturdy Legs. The platform does not reduce it's speed when To Safety. If the XR-0 moves, it call pull one ally within five
moving through difficult terrain. Variations of the mobile feet of it with it. This movement does not provoke an
platform are designed so they can support one person atop opportunity attack.
if needed.
ACTIONS
ACTIONS Multiattack. The XR-O makes any combination of
Multiattack. The strongpoint makes six attacks if it has six attacks of its slam or pistol attacks.
heavy weapons or four attacks with a super heavy weapon.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 (+10) to hit, reach 5ft.,
Ranged Weapon. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, one target. Hit: 11 (1d10+6) bludgeoning damage.
range based on weapon, one target. Hit: Weapon
Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 (+10) to hit, range
damage +7.
200/800 ft., Hit: 11 (1d10+6) piercing damage.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (+12) to hit, reach 10
ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d8+7) bludgeoning damage,
and the target is pushed 10 feet.

210
TINY SKIN MASS MEDIUM SKIN MASS
Tiny ooze, unaligned Medium ooze, unaligned
Armor Class 8 (natural armor) Armor Class 8 (natural armor)
Hit Points 22 (3d10+6) or 5 with reform Hit Points 66 (7d10+28) or 16 with reform
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft. Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +2, Stealth +3 Skills Perception +2, Stealth +3

Damage Resistances acid Damage Resistances acid
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus- Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus-
tion, frightened, prone tion, frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive
Perception 12 Perception 12
Languages – Languages –
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Regeneration. The tiny skin mass regenerates 2 hp at the Regeneration. The skin mass regains 5 hp at the beginning of
beginning of each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point.
point.
Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 30
Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 10 feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score
feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered to
and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered to have a +9 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks.
have a +5 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks.
ACTIONS
ACTIONS Multiattack. The medium skin mass makes two pseudopod
Pseudopod. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one attacks.
target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) necrotic damage. A target reduced to 0
hit points can be immediately affected by seizure if the skin Pseudopod. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
mass is at full hit points. target. Hit: 12 (3d6+3) necrotic damage. A target reduced to
0 hit points can be immediately affected by seizure if the skin
mass is at full hit points. A random electronic device on the
SMALL SKIN MASS target is disrupted until the end of the target’s next turn.
Small ooze, unaligned
Armor Class 8 (natural armor)
Hit Points 34 (4d10+12) or 7 with reform
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +2, Stealth +3

Damage Resistances acid
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus-
tion, frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive
Perception 12
Languages –
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Regeneration. The skin mass regains 3 hp at the beginning of
each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point.

Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 20

feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score
and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered to
have a +7 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks.

ACTIONS
Pseudopod. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (2d6+2) necrotic damage. A target reduced to 0
hit points can be immediately affected by seizure if the skin
mass is at full hit points.

211
LARGE SKIN MASS HUGE SKIN MASS
Large ooze, unaligned Huge ooze, unaligned
Armor Class 10 (natural armor) Armor Class 10 (natural armor)
Hit Points 99 (9d10+45) or 25 reform Hit Points 126 (11d10+66) or 31 reform
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft. Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +4 Skills Perception +5

Damage Resistances acid Damage Resistances acid
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus- Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, ex-
tion, frightened, prone haustion, frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Senses blindsight 240 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive
Perception 14 Perception 15
Languages – Languages –
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Regeneration. The skin mass regains 8 hp at the beginning of Regeneration. The skin mass regains 10 hp at the beginning
each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point. of each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point.

Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 50 Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within
feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score 70 feet as long as the device does not possess an ability
and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered to score and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered
have a +11 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks. to have a +13 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks.

ACTIONS ACTIONS
Multiattack. The large skin mass makes four pseudopod at- Multiattack. The huge skin mass makes four pseudopod
tacks. attacks.

Pseudopod. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Pseudopod. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 17 (4d6+3) necrotic damage. A target reduced to target. Hit: 22 (6d6+4) necrotic damage. A target reduced
0 hit points can be immediately affected by seizure if the skin to 0 hit points can be immediately affected by seizure if the
mass is at full hit points. A random electronic device on the mass is at full hit points. A random electronic device on the
target is disrupted until the end of the target’s next turn. target is disrupted until the end of the target’s next turn.

212
SMALL SKINNER MEDIUM SKINNER
Small humanoid, unaligned Medium humanoid, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 30 (4d10+8) Hit Points 68 (8d10+24)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +2 Skills Perception +2

Damage Resistances acid Damage Resistances acid
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, ex- Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus-
haustion, frightened, prone tion, frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 12 Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages – Languages –
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Regeneration. The small skinner regains 2 hp at the begin- Regeneration. The medium skinner regains 5 hp at the be-
ning of each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit ginning of each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit
point. point.

Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within
20 feet as long as the device does not possess an ability 30 feet as long as the device does not possess an ability
score and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered score and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered
to have a +7 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks. to have a +9 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks.

ACTIONS ACTIONS
Melee. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Multiattack. The skinner makes two melee attacks.
Hit: 11 (2d8+2) piercing damage. A random electronic de-
vice on the target is disrupted until the end of the target’s Melee. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
next turn. Hit: 12 (2d8+3) piercing damage. A random electronic device
on the target is disrupted until the end of the target’s next
BONUS ACTIONS turn.
Morph. The skinner can adjust its melee weapon to inflict
piercing, slashing, or bludgeoning damage. BONUS ACTIONS
Morph. The skinner can adjust its melee weapon to inflict
piercing, slashing, or bludgeoning damage. It can
also increase its reach by 5 feet, though the
attack bonus drops to +4, and the damage
drops to 7 (1d8+3).

213
LARGE SKINNER SKIN CULTIST
Medium humanoid, unaligned Medium humanoid, chaotic evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Armor Class 17 (armor)
Hit Points 95 (10d10+40) Hit Points 15 (2d8+6)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +2 Skills Perception +2

Damage Resistances acid Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus- Senses passive Perception 12
tion, frightened, prone Languages one language (often English)
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 12 Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Languages – Shared Mind. A cultist knows the location of all other skin
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) creatures, including other cultists, within 1 mile.
Regeneration. The large skinner regains 8 hp at the begin-
ning of each of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point. ACTIONS
Archaic Melee Weapon. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach
Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage.
50 feet as long as the device does not possess an ability
score and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered Archaic Firearm. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
to have a +11 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks. 75/400 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) radiant damage. This
weapon has the AP property.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The skinner makes two melee attacks. BONUS ACTIONS
Communion. The cultist selects another cultist within 30 feet
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: to regain 1 hit point.
26 (5d8+4) piercing damage. A random electronic device on
the target is disrupted until the end of the target’s next
turn. REACTIONS
Communion. If the cultist regains hit points outside of its
Melee. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. turn, it can use a reaction to make a single archaic attack.
Hit: 17 (3d8+4) piercing damage. A random electronic device
on the target is disrupted until the end of the target’s next
turn.

BONUS ACTIONS
Morph. The skinner can adjust its melee weapon to inflict
piercing, slashing, or bludgeoning damage. It can also in-
crease its reach by 5 feet, though the attack bonus drops
to +5, and the damage drops to 11 (2d8+4).

214
SKIN WYVERN
Large monstrosity, unaligned A skin at full hit points can form into a relatively stable
Armor Class 13 (natural armor) shape, often imitating other lifeforms, including extinct
Hit Points 110 (13d10+39)
Speed 20 ft., fly 80 ft.
creatures, cryptids, and mythological beings.
Forming. As an action, as long a skin mass has full hit
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
points, it can form into any anathema of the same size.
Destabilizing. An anathema reduced to 0 hit points
Skills Perception +4 turns back to a mass with a quarter of that mass’s max hit
Damage Resistances acid
points (see Skin Mass). An anathema can voluntarily shift
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus-
tion, frightened, prone to being a mass as an action as well, but its current hit
Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive points are halved as a cost.
Perception 14 Limitations. An anathema inherits the physical attrib-
Languages – utes of the monster it is imitating along with physical at-
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) tacks, including armor class and movement. It does not
Disruption. Each time the wyvern hits with an attack, a ran- inherit magical abilities, spells, or attacks that inflict a dam-
dom electronic device on the target is disrupted until the age type other than bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing dam-
end of the target’s next turn.
age. Any other damage type is converted to necrotic as long
Regeneration. The skin regains 8 hp at the beginning of each as it is melee. It also does not inherit special defenses other
of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point. than those listed below.
Common Traits. All anathema share the following
Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 50 traits: Damage Resistances acid; Condition Immunities
feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened,
and is not weapon or armor. The skin is considered to have prone; Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius);
a +11 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks
the skin mass also inherits its regeneration and wireless
ability based on its original skin mass.
ACTIONS Type. All anathema are considered monstrosities.
Multiattack. The wyvern makes two attacks: one with its bite
and one with its stinger. While flying, it can use its claws in
place of one other attack.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one crea- SKIN BASILISK
ture. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) piercing damage. Medium Monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit Points 52 (8d8+16)
Hit: 13 (2d8+4) slashing damage. Speed 20 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Stinger. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
creature. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) piercing damage. The target must
make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) Damage Resistances acid
poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus-
successful one. tion, frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive
Perception 12
Languages –
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Disruption. Each time the basilisk hits with an attack, a ran-
dom electronic device on the target is disrupted until the
end of the target’s next turn.

Regeneration. The skin regains 5 hp at the beginning of each

of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point.

Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 30

feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score
and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered to
have a +9 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks.

ACTIONS
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
10 (2d6+3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.

215
SKIN CHIMERA SKIN TYRANNOSAURUS
Large monstrosity, unaligned Huge monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (natural armor) Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 114 (12d10+48) Hit Points 136 (13d12+52)
Speed 30., fly 60 ft. Speed 50 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Skills Perception +4 Skills Perception +4

Damage Resistances acid Damage Resistances acid
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus- Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus-
tion, frightened, prone tion, frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive
Perception 14 Perception 14
Languages – Languages –
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Disruption. Each time the chimera hits with an attack, a ran- Disruption. Each time the tyrannosaurus hits with an attack, a
dom electronic device on the target is disrupted until the random electronic device on the target is disrupted until the
end of the target’s next turn. end of the target’s next turn.

Regeneration. The skin regains 8 hp at the beginning of each Regeneration. The skin regains 10 hp at the beginning of each
of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point. of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point.

Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 50 Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within 70
feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score feet as long as the device does not possess an ability score
and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered to and is not a weapon or armor. The skin is considered to
have a +11 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks. have a +13 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks.

ACTIONS ACTIONS
Multiattack. The chimera makes three attacks: one with its Multiattack. The tyrannosaurus makes two attacks: one with
bite, one with its horns, and one with its claws. its bite and one with its tail. It can't make both attacks
against the same target.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 33 (4d12+7) piercing damage. If the target is a Medium
Horns. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 17). Until this
Hit: 10 (1d12 + 4) bludgeoning damage. grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the tyrannosaurus
can't bite another target.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 20 (3d8+7) bludgeoning damage.

216
SKIN WORM XENOBITE DRONE
Gargantuan monstrosity, unaligned Medium aberration, neutral evil
Armor Class 18 (natural armor) Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 247(15d20+90) Hit Points 85 (9d8+45)
Speed 50 ft., burrow 30 ft. Speed 40 ft., burrow 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Con + 11, Wis +4 Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +8
Skills Perception +4 Skills Acrobatics +8, Perception +5, Stealth +8
Damage Resistances acid Damage Resistance bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaus- from nonmagical weapons.
tion, frightened, prone Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened
Senses blindsight 120 ft. (blind beyond this radius), Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive Percep-
tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 14 tion 15
Languages – Languages None
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Disruption. Each time the worm hits with an attack, a random Camouflage. If the xenobite does not move, it has advantage
electronic device on the target is disrupted until the end of on Stealth checks.
the target’s next turn.
Leap. The drone’s long jump is up to 40 feet, and its high
Regeneration. The skin regains 15 hp at the beginning of each jump is up to 20 feet, with or without a running start.
of its turns as long as it has at least 1 hit point.
Organic Configuration. When born, a drone is equipped
Tunneler. The worm can burrow through solid rock at half its with one weapon from the following list—scythe, impaler,
burrow speed and leaves a 10-foot-diameter tunnel in its spinerifle.
wake.
ACTIONS
Wireless. The skin can control electronics wirelessly within Multiattack. The drone makes any other two attacks.
100 feet as long as the device does not possess an ability
score and is not weapon or armor. The skin is considered to Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
have a +15 bonus on Intelligence (Engineering) checks. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) piercing damage, and the target is grappled
(escape DC 15). The drone can only grapple one target at
ACTIONS a time, and while grappled, it cannot use bite.
Multiattack. The worm makes two attacks: one with its bite
and one with its stinger. Scythe. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 14 (2d8+5) slashing damage.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 22 (3d8+9) piercing damage. If the target is a Large or Impaler. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one tar-
smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity get. Hit: 12 (2d6+5) piercing damage; this weapon has the
saving throw or be swallowed by the worm. A swallowed AP property.
creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against
attacks and other effects outside the worm, and it takes 21 Spinerifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 50/250 ft.,
(6d6) necrotic damage at the start of each of the worm's one target. Hit: 12 (2d6+5) piercing damage; this weapon
turns. If the worm takes 30 damage or more on a single has the AP property.
turn from a creature inside it, the worm must succeed on a
DC 21 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or BONUS ACTIONS
regurgitate all swallowed creatures, which fall prone in a Rip (Recharge 6). The drone makes a multi-attack against a
space within 10 feet of the worm. If the worm dies, a swal- target it is grappling
lowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape
from the corpse by using 20 feet of movement, exiting
prone.

Tail Stinger. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one

creature. Hit: 19 (3d6+9) piercing damage, and the target
must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 42
(12d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much dam-
age on a successful one.

217
XENOBITE NOBLE XENOBITE QUEEN
Large aberration, neutral evil Huge aberration, neutral evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 190 (20d8+100) Hit Points 311 (23d10+184)
Speed 40 ft., fly 50 ft. Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Dex +10, Con +9

Skills Acrobatics +10, Perception +7, Stealth +10 Saving Throws Str +13, Dex +10, Con +14, Int +8, Wis +9,
Damage Resistance bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing Cha +9
from nonmagical weapons. Skills Acrobatics +8, Perception +5, Stealth +8
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened Damage Immunities poison
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17 Damage Resistance bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
Languages None from nonmagical weapons.
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened
Camouflage. If the xenobite does not move, it has advantage Senses darkvision 120 ft.
on Stealth checks. Languages None
Challenge 17 (18,000 XP)
Organic Configuration. When born, a noble is equipped Gestalt. All drones and nobles within 120 feet of the queen
with one weapon from following list—claws, boneblade, can use her saving throws bonuses instead of their own.
biopulse, flesh-flechette, spore launcher.
Refined. All of the queen’s attacks have the AP property.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The noble makes any three other attacks. ACTIONS
Multiattack. The queen makes three attacks, two with its
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. claws and one with its bite.
Hit: 11 (1d10+6) slashing damage. One a critical hit, make
one additional claw attack (max 1/turn) Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 23 (4d8+7) piercing damage, and the queen has ad-
Boneblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one vantage on her next attack roll against the same target.
target. Hit: 15 (2d8+6) slashing damage; this weapon has
the AP property. Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 16 (2d8+7) slashing damage. One a critical hit,
Biopulse. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range 100/450 ft., make one additional claw attack (max 1/turn).
up to two targets within 5 feet of each other. Hit: 13
(2d6+6) force damage; this weapon has the AP property. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 23 (4d8+7) slashing damage, and if a creature, the tar-
Flesh-Flechette. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range get must succeed on a DC 21 Strength saving throw or be
300/1,000 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6+6) piercing damage; knocked prone.
this weapon has the AP property.
BONUS ACTIONS
Spore Launcher (Recharge 5-6). The noble selects a point Direct. One xenobite within 120 feet makes a single melee
up to 300 feet away it can see, which then erupts in plasma. attack.
Each creature in a 20-foot radius sphere centered on that
point must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking Legendary ACTIONS
35 (10d6) radiant and fire damage on a failed save or half The queen can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
as much on a successful one. options below. Only one legendary action option can be
used at a time and only at the end of another creature's
BONUS ACTIONS turn. The queen regains spent legendary actions at the
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. start of its turn.
Hit: 11 (26+5) piercing damage. Multiped. The queen can stand up from prone.
Tail Attack. The queen makes a tail attack.
Wing Shield. The noble wings wrap around its body to boost Attack (Costs 2 Actions). One xenobite within 120 feet
protection; its AC increases to 18, but it cannot fly. These makes a single melee attack.
effects last until the beginning of the noble’s next turn.

218
 ltraMax is an optional set of alternative rules
meant to increase the realism of a modern or
futuristic setting while also decreasing the
more game-like elements signature to both
5th Edition and traditional Ultramodern5. These rules When you finish a long rest, you gain one action point.
add another layer of complexity and require some pre- When used, it is gone. After taking a long rest, you lose
planning as many opponents require modification before any action points you haven’t spent, but you start fresh
their inclusion in an encounter. Here are the broad with 1 action point. If your character accomplishes some-
strokes of UltraMax5: thing that significantly progresses the story, or engages in
The objective of UltraMax5 is to create a grittier and behavior faithful to its spirit, the GM may award one ad-
more realistic alternative to the baseline rules. It takes ditional action point. The GM may only award one point
inspiration from numerous uncompromising and realistic this way to a member of a party between long rests. By
role-playing games, and its baseline philosophy is to not using an action point as a free action, you set your next
be beholden to traditional 5th Edition philosophy. Ultra- d20 roll to a natural 20. That die roll is also considered to
Max5 is meant to show what you can do if you use 5 th have advantage.
Edition as only a launching pad in developing more alter-
native rules.
Advantage & Disadvantage operates as normal with one
single amendment—gaining multiple uses of the same
Armor protects you if hit, but it does not prevent you condition can now compound. This means if a character
from suffering a hit. Armor is now listed with a Hardness has advantage and gains it again, the character rolls three
value that reduces incoming damage. Armor can be d20s and takes the highest result. This works with Dis-
“strong” against certain types of attacks or “weak” advantage as well. There is no limit on how much an
against others. effect can stack.

Advantage/Disadvantage rules cannot adequately cover Traditionally, surprise involves one side of combat gain-
all the variables that can affect one’s defense. The objec- ing an action before initiative is resolved. Opponents
tive in UltraMax5 is to not get hit, as hit points are de- now have advantage against targets affected by surprise.
creased and weapon damage is increased. Armor no long- Opponents also have advantage with initiative rolls if all
er adjusts Armor Class—armor only adds resistance to opponents are surprised.
hits. AC can be adjusted with Defense Modifiers. Additionally, one side is no longer compelled to im-
mediately attack. If one side in an encounter has ad-
vantage due to their opponents being surprised, don’t
Although characters gain more hit points at first level, roll initiative. Only when combat occurs is initiative re-
they gain fewer hit points with level progression. Hit solved, and even though the non-surprised side may lose
Points also include rules for “wound categories.” Taking their free action, they still have advantage with all attack
damage is never good. rolls on their first turn as well as initiative (the latter be-
ing only if all opponents are surprised). However, after
one minute, if initiative has not been rolled after targets
are surprised, advantage is lost.
Weapon damage values have all been increased.

Armor no longer adds a bonus to AC; instead, it offers a

UltraMax5 rules affect how characters are played. They damage resistance known as Hardness. A hardness value
will appear more powerful in certain fields, especially is a number that is removed from the damage value of
when it comes to attacks and relevant specialized skills. every attack that hits. Unless otherwise stated, this value
However, because Hit Points are a precious commodity, is fixed; however, certain types of armor can be
it is far easier for characters to be overrun and killed “immune,” “strong,” “weak,” or “useless” against cer-
without proper strategy. As such, despite 5th Edition not tain types of attacks (with the listed value being
openly endorsing the use of miniatures and a battle map, “normal”). A weapon with Armor Piercing reduces the
with UltraMax5, it highly recommended. armor’s effectiveness: Immune to Strong to Normal to

219
Weak to Useless.
Normal. Normal is the listed Hardness rating against How does one modify his or her Armor Class outside of
any hits. this? By using Defense Modifiers. Defense Modifiers are
Strong. The armor’s hardness rating is doubled against also added to Dexterity Saving throws.
hits from listed damage types under strong. All defense modifiers compound, so a target with a Dex-
Weak. The armor’s hardness rating is halved against terity attribute bonus of +3 using the Dodge action gains a
hits from listed damage types under strong. +3 bonus to AC; it finishes its turn behind three-quarters
Useless. The Hardness values does not resist any in- cover, it gains another +5—the target gains a +8 bonus to
coming damage to this type of attack. AC until the beginning of its next turn. With few excep-
Immune. Attacks of this type cannot harm someone tions, each source can offer only one bonus. For example,
wearing this armor. something cannot offer both cover and concealment, or
Note: All armor, unless stated otherwise, is useless two types of cover simultaneously. Likewise, exercise
against the following damage types—necrotic, poison, and some common sense—if a target suffers from the blinded
psychic. condition or has some form of blindsense—concealment
bonuses do not apply. A target cannot gain the benefits of a
Dodge action while grappled or restrained. Unless other-
Standard 5th Edition rules regarding resistances and im- wise stated, conditions supersede defense modifiers unless
munities apply. In regards to how UltraMax5 operates, re- the condition has been modified to be a defense modifier,
sistances and vulnerabilities apply a creature’s natural like being invisible or prone.
physiology, and as such when a creature possesses them, it
is in addition to any armor they wear. For example, a crea-
ture with resistance to bludgeoning damage and wearing Defense modifiers are split between modifiers imposed by
armor with a Hardness value of 5 will remove 5 damage the target and those imposed by the attack. Most of the
first, and any remaining damage is halved. UltraMax5 ar- time, the defender dictates most of the defense modifiers.
mor feature neither resistances nor vulnerabilities. They Concealment. Concealment works similarly as cover,
operate exclusively with their Hardness values. except targets within and on opposing sides of conceal-
ment all gain its benefits, no matter which is closer to it.
Some types of concealment only affect certain targets
Armor generally always has drawbacks. In classic terms, when used, while others can be ignored with certain types
these can include a maximum value of your Dexterity bo- of technology. For example, basic smoke grenades can be
nus you can add to your AC and making it more challeng- circumvented with infrared goggles, so anyone wearing
ing to use Stealth. Other drawbacks can include the size of them can disregard the benefit it offers an opponent.
the armor (like advanced) and weight. They can now also Partial Concealment: This is a lightly obscured area or
limit your speed, skill checks, and your capacity to employ in dim lighting.
Defense Modifiers. Heavy Concealment: This is in a heavily obscured area
or in almost complete darkness.
Total Concealment: This is the same as being invisible
If armor suffers a hit and is penetrated (damage goes (and is the exception to the compounding rule above—you
through), its hardness value is reduced by 1. If a critical hit can benefit from total concealment or invisibility, but not
with penetration, hardness is reduced by 2. Thankfully, both). Targets cannot be seen at all. This is a completely
this can be repaired with an Intelligence (Engineering) obscured area.
check and recovered in the same way as one would repair Cover. Cover operates the same as normal, except total
hit points. cover now offers a +8 to AC and saving throws—it does not
Note: Based in the setting, this rule can be ignored, but prevent attacks. Cover acts differently depending on what
by default, it should be implemented. the cover is made of and how high it is with respect to the
target hiding behind it. For example, if an obstruction is
offering a Medium-sized target half cover, it may not pro-
vide cover to a Large target at all. If the cover is fragile,
Don’t look at the Armor table to establish your Armor and the attack misses by margin defined by the cover de-
Class—it no longer helps you. All armor can do is resist fense modifier, the attack strikes the cover and may dam-
against damage when it occurs. Only your Dexterity modi- age or destroy it. Understandably, the cover does not help
fier (or whatever ability score you employ to add to your a Dexterity saving throw if the target is on the same side of
AC) adds to your AC. The base AC value for everything is the cover as the effect.
now 14 instead of 10. Dash. The Dash action offers a +1 bonus to AC and
Dexterity saving throws in addition to its normal function.
Dodge. The Dodge action no longer imposes disad-
vantage to incoming attack rolls. It now grants a bonus to

220
 DEFENSE MODIFIERS in melee combat benefit from. If you suffer a melee attack
Defense Modifiers (Affects AC Target AC and possess a melee weapon you are proficient with, you
and Dexterity Saving Throws) Modifier can add the ability modifier you employ for that weapon
Defender and add it to your AC. If your unarmed attacks count as
Concealment, partial +2 melee weapons, you can only parry against other unarmed
Concealment, heavy +5 attacks unless you wear some form of arm protection. You
Concealment, total +8
cannot parry ranged attacks (unless you possess a special
Cover, half +2
Cover, three-quarters +5
ability that enables you to do so) unless you are 5 feet or
Cover, complete +8 closer to the attacker, in which case you are parrying hand
Dash action +1 movement and not bullets (Yes, a monk benefits from
Dodge action +Dex bonus three ability modifier bonuses to her AC).
Invisible +8 Prone. Instead of simple advantage and disadvantage,
Kneeling +1 being prone offers a +2 bonus to AC against ranged oppo-
Parry +Attack bonus nents 10 feet away or further, and a +3 bonus against tar-
Prone (unless within 5 ft. from attacker) +2/+3
gets 30 feet away or further. Being prone provides no bo-
Size, same 0
Size +/- 1 category +/-1 nus to AC against ranged attacks closer than 10 feet. At-
Size +/- 2 categories +/-2 tackers attempting melee or ranged attacks at 5 feet or
Size +/- 3 categories +/-3 closer to prone targets still have advantage. If prone, you
Size +/- 4 categories +/-4 are no longer have disadvantage with one- or two-handed
Size +/- 5 categories +/-5 small arms you are proficient with.
Size +/- 6 categories +/-6 Size. The size of the target does make it easier or more
Size +/- 7 categories +/-7 difficult to hit. However, given the inclusion of giant ro-
Size +/- 8 categories +/-8
Size +/- 9 categories +/-9
bots and mecha, it is essential to adjust perceptions of size
Size +/- 10 categories +/-10 modifications. Now the size modifier only applies based on
Vehicle has 41-80 ft. of carryover speed* +1 the difference between attacker and defender. If the de-
Vehicle has 81-120 ft. of carryover speed +2 fender is larger, it gains a penalty to AC; if it is smaller, it
Vehicle has 121-250 ft. of carryover speed +3 gains a bonus to AC.
Vehicle has 251-300 ft. of carryover speed +4 Vehicle Speed. The only way for a person to increase
Vehicle has 301-350 ft. of carryover speed +5 their AC via movement is by the Dash action. As characters
Vehicle has 351-400 ft. of carryover speed +6
can start their turn after previously moving standing still,
Vehicle has 401-450 ft. of carryover speed +7
Vehicle has 451-500 ft. of carryover speed +8 how far they move the previous turn does not affect their
Attacker AC. However, vehicles have carryover speed based on their
Aimed Location Limb/Wheel +2 speed the previous turn, thus they are more difficult to be
Aimed Location Center Mass/Torso +1 hit. A vehicle must be moving faster than 40 feet to benefit
Aimed Location Head +3 from a Defense Modifier.
Range over 30 ft. and less than 60 ft. +1 Note: In situations where characters, either through
Range over 60 ft. and less than 100 ft. +2 special abilities or powered armor, can move faster than 40
Range over 100 ft. and less than 200 ft. +3 feet as either part of their move or as part of an action
Range over 200 ft. and less than 1000 ft. +4 (stressing “either,” and not combined via the Dash action),
Range over 1000 ft. +5 then they to gain the benefits of vehicle speed defense
your AC equal to your Dexterity bonus (or whatever ability modifiers. (For example, in the Dias Ex Machina game
score modifier you add to your AC). This effectively dou- APEX, a character with the Dash Plus talent can move
bles your attribute bonus to AC. The bonus with the more than 120 or more feet in a single action.) In this case,
Dodge action is still limited by the Max Dex Bonus when add up the total feet covered by the character to determine
wearing Medium or Heavy armor (meaning if you are wear- his or her defense modifier.
ing heavy armor, the Dodge action is useless).
Kneeling. As part of your move, you can spend 5 feet of
movement and kneel. By kneeling, you gain a +1 bonus to Attack modifiers are imposed by the attacker when target-
AC until you move again. To stand from a kneel costs 5 ing a creature. The defender has no way to control attack-
feet of movement (so it can be a preferred compromise determined defense modifiers, despite benefiting from
from going prone. If you move while kneeling, it is the them.
same as crawling (1 additional foot of movement required Aimed Shot. An attacker may attempt to aim at a specif-
to move 1 foot). ic location on the target. This can affect how armor is uti-
Invisible. Like the Dodge action, being invisible no lized (no helmet, no protection) as well as what kind of
longer imposes disadvantage on attackers. Instead, you wounds a target suffers based on how many hit points are
gain a +8 bonus to AC. An invisible target still has ad- lost from the hit (See Wounds). Aimed locations include
vantage against opponents. arms/legs, the torso, and the head. Even more specific loca-
Parry. Parry is not action but a passive effect all targets tions like fingers and eyes can be technically targeted,

221
though generally won’t affect the result (targeting an arm every hit die spent, you recover 2 hit points.
forces a target to drop whatever it’s holding; targeting a During A Long Rest (with medical treatment). You can
hand will do the same). roll hit dice as normal and recover hit points as normal.
Range. There are now two modifiers when determining
the success of hitting a target with a ranged weapon. The
first if the effectiveness of the weapon; the second is the Medical Treatment involves someone proficient in Wis-
attacker’s capacity to aim at that distance. Ranged weapons dom (Medicine) and possessing at least a First Aid Kit
still have disadvantage when attacking a target beyond spending most of his or her short or long rest performing
normal range—this describes how effective the weapon is medical care on a target. There is no limit on the number
at striking targets at that distance. However, the distance of targets someone can treat (subject to common sense;
can still make a target more difficult to hit. Targets 30 feet one person can’t attend an entire hospital). However, a
away or more gain defense modifiers to their AC. This target spending his or her time using medical treatment
modifier is determined at the moment the attacker rolls for cannot gain the benefit of a short or long rest (unless they
attack, meaning if the target is pushed back or the attacker, then take another afterward). It is not necessary to actually
thus change position between attack rolls, this modifier make any Wisdom (Medicine) checks for routine care.
may change. This defense modifier is counted as an attack
modifier as the attacker can nullify range penalties by ei-
ther possessing abilities that reduce this effect or employ-
ing technology, like a scope. For example, a sniper using a When you are given temporary hit points, do not split it
scope against a target ignores ALL range penalties save for into quarters for wound tiers—only add it to the Light
having disadvantage when firing beyond normal range. wound tier.
However, using scopes or other range reducing technology
limits an attacker’s own maneuverability (See Gear).
If you are hit by an attack and armor does not resist the
damage, that is when you suffer hit point loss, but losing
hit points is now more serious. There are now wounds;
In UltraMax5, characters will have more hit points at first each tier splits your total hit points into quarters. If the
level and less through character progression. Damage out- split is uneven, then the lighter categories gain the addi-
put is also increased, meaning it is far easier to get severely tional hit points. These are the various Wound categories:
hurt. Characters can either wear armor to avoid damage or Light. The first wound tier, Light, is minor damage
just avoid getting hit altogether. They will still get hit only. There are no ill-effects taking hit point loss in this
eventually, and its effects cannot be immediately ignored. tier. Hits are mostly grazes.
Serious. The second wound tier, Serious, follows Light.
When your hit points drop into Serious, you are hurt and
All characters start off at 1st level with a number of hit hampered. When you first enter this tier and each time you
points equal to their Constitution score (not modifier) plus suffer damage but remain in this tier, you must make a DC
their Hit Dice maximum; this number is then split into 10 Constitution saving throw; if you fail, roll once on the
four equal categories (wound tiers). If the total cannot be Wound Table.
divided evenly, assign the remaining points one at a time Critical. The third wound tier, Critical, follows Serious.
so that the tiers are as even as possible. When your hit points drop into Critical, you are crippled
and not combat effective. Your injuries cannot be con-
cealed. When you first enter this tier and each time you
When characters gain a level, they gain 1 hit point in each suffer damage but remain in this tier, you must make a DC
wound tier. 15 Constitution saving throw; if you fail, roll once on the
For Example, a face at 1st level would now gain hit Wound Table.
points equal to 8 + the character’s Constitution ability Mortal. The fourth wound tier, Mortal, follows Critical.
score, and 1 hit point at each wound tier on every subse- When your hit points drop into Mortal, you are nearing
quent level. Hit Dice are still d8. death. You are no longer effective in combat and require
serious medical attention. When you first enter this tier
and each time you suffer damage but remain in this tier,
you must make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw; if you
Characters still gain hit dice when gaining levels, but can fail, roll once on the Wound Table.
only spend them in the following manner: Dying. When you are reduced to zero hit points or low-
During A Short Rest (without medical treatment). For er, you are dying. Roll once on the wound table as a mortal
every hit die spent, you recover 1 hit point (do not roll.) injury. You also must make a DC 15 Constitution saving
During A Short Rest (with medical treatment). For eve- throw; if you fail, you fall unconscious (at which case you
ry hit die spent, you recover 2 hit points. follow traditional 5th Edition rules regarding Death Saving
During A Long Rest (without medical treatment). For Throws). If awake, you must make an identical saving

222
throw at the beginning of each turn. You can force a pass of
that saving throw by taking 2d4 damage. When you take There are three ways to die in UltraMax5.
damage that reduces your current hit points to your Consti-
tution ability score (not modifier) expressed as a negative 1—You can fail a DC 15 Constitution saving throw after
number, you die. However, you still gain additional turns suffering a mortal head injury when dying.
equal to your Constitution modifier that you can use to do
whatever you want (combat, rousing speech, etc.) before 2—You are reduced to a hit point value equal to your
you die. However, the moment you suffer one point of ad- negative Constitution ability score.
ditional damage, or when time runs out, you drop dead. If
you fall unconscious (willingly or unwillingly) from lost hit 3—You fail three Death Saving Throws before being
points, you suffer 1 point of damage at the beginning of stabilized.
your turn until healed or killed.
These supersede rules regarding instant death in tradition-
al 5th Edition rules. If you die via the third route—failing
Roll on the Wound Damage table below to see where the Death Saving Throws—you can still be brought back to
wound is located. An attacker can also attempt an aimed life through normal methods such as modern medical tech-
shot to a specific location, in which case do not roll. Each nology. However, if you are reduced to negative Constitu-
location includes different wounds based on if the damage tion, regardless if you are conscious or unconscious when
is from the Serious, Critical, or Mortal tier. Only roll on the this occurs, you drop dead permanently…
following table if suffering damage and the target fails its …well, let’s not say eternally permanently, but at this
Constitution saving throw. point, only magical methods or extremely advanced tech-
nology (which appears close to magic) can resurrect you.
WOUND DAMAGE
(Roll 1d10) Have a good speech ready because you are about to visit
1-2: Arm. Roll D6: 1-3, left arm; 4-6, right arm (unless it the choir invisible.
is an aimed shot). Serious—You drop whatever you
are holding in that limb. Critical—Same as Serious, plus
you suffer a -2 penalty to all attack rolls using that arm
until hit points are raised above Serious. Mortal—The If hitting with a weapon inflicting bludgeoning damage,
limb is crushed. It cannot be used until hit points are and if you impose a critical or mortal wound (the target
raised back to full. If you suffer another wound at this failing its Constitution saving throw), you can ignore the
location or suffer this wound while dying, the limb is wound damage table effect and instead knock the target
severed. unconscious until the beginning of your next turn.
3-4: Leg. Roll D6: 1-3, left leg; 4-6, right leg (unless it is
an aimed shot). Serious—You fall prone. Critical—Same
as Serious, plus your speed is halved until hit points
are raised above Serious (if both legs are struck with
separate wounds, speed is quartered). Mortal—The
It would be impossible to list every 5 th Edition monster and
limb is crushed. Your speed is quartered (if already opponent with the required changes to balance them with
quartered, it is 0). It cannot be restored until hit UltraMax5. Here is a list of the guidelines to follow when
points are raised back to full. If you suffer another converting monsters to UltraMax.
wound at this location or suffer this wound while
dying, the limb is severed.
5-9: Torso. Serious—No effect. Critical—You are stunned
until the beginning of your next turn. Mortal—Same as If the target is a normal creature, human or human-like, its
Critical, plus you develop an internal bleed, taking 1 hit points are adjusted as above, adding its Constitution
point of damage at the beginning of each turn and score to the maximum value of one hit die, then adding 1
until you are killed or restored to full hit points. If you hit point for every additional hit die. However, you do not
suffer another wound at this location or suffer this need to split the hit points into wound tiers—that’s only
wound while dying, increase the bleed by 1. Only a
for characters. Instead, whenever a monster suffers either a
successful DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check with a
surgical kit can stop this bleed. critical hit or is reduced past half its hit points—its blood-
10: Head. Serious—You are stunned until the beginning ied value—roll on Wound table as a critical wound. If the
of your next turn. Critical—Same as Serious, plus the same location suffers another wound, increase to a mortal
hit that triggered this wound increases by 2 Hit Dice. wound. Bosses and singular powerful opponents can still
Mortal—Same as Serious, plus the hit that triggered have their hit points separated into tiers and operated the
this wound increases by 4 Hit Dice. If you suffer an same as characters.
additional hit at this location or suffer this hit while
dying, you must make a DC 15 Constitution saving
throw. If you fail, roll 1d6. 1-2, you lose an eye and
are blinded until raised until full hit points (you still Setting a new Armor Class is easy—14+ the creature’s Dex-
lost the eye); 3-5, you are knocked unconscious; 6, terity bonus. Opponents still need to utilize Defense Mod-
you die.
ifiers as characters do.

223
 gone wide. The GM should adjust the blast combat area
Hardness depends on numerous factors. Subtract the crea- accordingly to ensure the rolls reflect the impact point.
ture’s old AC from its new AC, and you have the creature’s This can involve shifting the blast radius position or mov-
starting normal Hardness value. If the creature has a hit die ing targets out of the way. If the area is moved, it does not
higher than d8, increase that Hardness value by the differ- affect additional targets that may be in the new area.
ence between its current maximum hit die value and 8 (so Cleared Save. If your saving throw roll is 5 or higher
a creature with d12 hit dice adds 4 to its Hardness). If the than the Dexterity saving throw DC, and the effect inflicts
creature has any damage immunities, the Hardness value half damage on a save, you suffer no damage. You are
becomes “strong” against that damage type as well. Dam- counted as having cleared the blast zone or avoided its ef-
age immunities and damage resistances remain unchanged. fects without any consequences.
As a creature’s Hit Dice increase, the difference between
its normal hit points and its new hit points widens; as such,
hardness may increase depending on the opponent. Unlike Armor, weapons only have a few minor changes, all
of which deal with their damage—they all get an increase.
Here are the guidelines for altering weapons:
If the monster has any attacks that deal only 1 or 2 dice of • Increase damage dice by 1 for all weapons (or basic, 1-
damage, increase the damage dice by 1 but do not increase 2 dice attacks for monsters).
their fixed damage bonuses. Attack bonuses and Save DCs • Double any fixed damage amounts with Super-Heavy
are unaffected. Weapons.
• Increase damage multipliers (with mecha) by +1.
For example, a Low Caliber Autoloader inflicts 2d4,
These rules cannot account for all abilities a monster can while an SPP Rifle inflicts 2d8+2 (adding in the TL), a
have, so its best up to the GM to figure out what’s best for Mass Driver inflicts 2d10+20, and a mecha weapon inflict-
an encounter. These rules were also designed for Ultra- ing 1d10(x2) inflicts 2d10(x3).
modern5 opponents, and more work may be required to
convert fantasy monsters to this system if the need arises. Magic. Basic spells have their damage adjusted in line
Here are a few other suggestions to consider when adapt- with weapons; any spell that deals 1-2 dice of damage has
ing monsters: its damage increased by 1 die. Saving throw DCs are unaf-
• When fielding creatures with damage resistances but fected.
not damage immunities to bludgeoning and piercing,
don’t adjust the Hardness to strong, just increase the
Hardness base value by 2. Armor Piercing in Ultramodern5 (or AP) ignores a target’s
• Creatures with legendary actions should have their hit resistance to the weapon’s damage type (e.g.: a piercing
points split into the four wound tiers. weapon ignores resistance to piercing). If the target has
• Extremely powerful area effects that inflict more than fantasy damage resistances, the weapon also counts as mag-
50 points of damage (or 8+ damage dice) should have ical, silver, and adamantine. If an opponent has immunity
their saving throw DCs reduced by 2. to the weapon’s damage type and the weapon has the AP
• Creatures with natural attacks are assumed to have arm property, the opponent has only resistance to that weapon
protection to parry other melee attacks. instead of immunity.
• Realistically, creatures with an Intelligence score 4 or In UltraMax5, weapons with the Armor Piercing prop-
less are not smart enough to strategize combat, thus erty reduces the effectiveness of armor down one step,
are unlikely to employ many or any Defense Modifiers from immune to strong to weak to useless, thus affecting
(zombies cannot parry). the armor’s Hardness rating in regards to that damage. Ar-
mor in UltraMax5 does not have resistance in the tradition-
al 5th Edition format, though creatures still can. Thus, a
weapon with an AP value can penetrate armor more effec-
Like Armor Class, Dexterity saving throws (and only Dex-
tively and reduce a target’s natural resistance as well.
terity saving throws) receive the same benefits from the
Defense Modifier tables, with certain amendments:
Aimed Attack. Area effects cannot target specific loca-
tions; these modifiers do not apply to Dexterity saves.
Here are the modifications to ladders when employing Ul-
Cover. Cover bonus only applies to Dexterity saving
traMax.
throws if the source of the attack originates on the opposite
side of the cover.
It is implied that a target that succeeds at a saving
throw has either avoided the attack directly OR the attack- Unstoppable. Additionally, you also gain 1 additional
er has missed with the intended attack, and the blast has Hit Die at this level, and you gain 3 additional hit points at

224
each wound tier at this level.
Built Like a Truck. Additionally, you gain 3 additional
hit points at each wound tier at this level, and you gain a
damage bonus with melee attacks against incapacitated
Unarmed
targets or immovable objects equal to your primary jugger- Tier Finishing Moves
Damage
naut ability modifier. You also have advantage on saving
1 2d4 None
throws against being poisoned or stunned.
Bone Breaker, Circular Attack,
2 2d6
Ground & Pound, Surging Punch
Counter, Soul Fist, Spinning Attack,
3 2d8
Ranbu
Tough It Out. Additionally, you can also increase your
The Zone, Touch of Death, Drop
exhaustion level by 1 and select one of the bonuses below. 4 2d10
Hammer, Xian
Once you use one of the following abilities, you cannot use
Ultra, Falcon Punch, Sun-Goku-Satsu,
that same one again until you finish a long rest (though you 5 2d12
Limit Break
can select the others, each time increasing your exhaustion
level).
Hit Points: As an action, you gain temporary hit points
equal to your primary survivor modifier + half your level.
Critical Hit: As part of an Attack action, you can turn a
hit into a critical hit and inflict additional damage equal to Live, Damn You. You use your Medical kit on a willing
twice your level. creature and spend a Hit Die. If the target has been re-
AC Bonus: As an action, you gain a +1 bonus to AC for 1 duced to 0 hit points or less, the target gains 1 hit point. If
minute (10 rounds). above 0 hit points, the target recovers hit points equal to
Combat: As an action, you gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls your proficiency bonus + 1. This increases to 2 at 10th lev-
for 1 minute (10 rounds). el.
Dead Man Walking. Additionally, if reduced below 0 hit
points, you can remain conscious and standing at the cost of
your minimum exhaustion level. If you already have levels
Emergency Patch. Target one living creature. The tar-
of exhaustion, they increase accordingly. Increase your ex-
get regains hit points equal to your proficiency bonus +
haustion level by one to make any Constitution saving
your Wisdom modifier. At 10th level, you can either in-
throw required to remain conscious—you don’t have to suf-
crease hit points recovered to triple your Wisdom bonus, or
fer damage to force a success on the roll.
you can target two creatures instead of one.

Here are the modifications to classes when employing Ul- Medical Master. Target you and one living creature OR
traMax. two living creatures. The target regains hit points equal to
your proficiency bonus + your Wisdom attribute modifier.
The target also has advantage on Constitution ability
checks and saving throws for five minutes. At 15th level,
Bulletproof Ego. Starting at 1st level, if using the Dodge you can target up to 4 creatures, but every two targets re-
or Dash action, or if you have cover or concealment, you quire an action: you can sacrifice the action on your next
gain an additional +1 to AC. turn to affect all targets this turn.
Natural Healer. Target you or one living creature. The
target regains hit points equal to double your proficiency
bonus + double your Wisdom attribute modifier. At 15th
Cauterize. You can use your action to heal an injured level, increase to triple your proficiency bonus and attrib-
ally. The target recovers hit points equal to 1 / your level. ute modifier.
When you use this feature, you cannot use it again until
you finish a short or long rest.
Take a Knee. Starting at 2nd level, you can crouch
quickly and brace your elbow against your knee for a se- Analeptic Injection. Target one unconscious living
cured firing position. Spend 30 feet of movement and creature. The target wakes up. If at 0 or fewer hit points,
make an additional ranged attack as part of an Attack ac- the target is brought to 1 hit point and wakes up. The tar-
tion this turn. You cannot use this feature if you are within get is also immune to sleep effects until you finish a long
reach of an enemy or an enemy is in reach of you. While rest. At 15th level, you can target up to 2 creatures, but each
kneeling, you also gain a +1 bonus to AC. requires an action: you can sacrifice your next turn to ad-
minister both injections this turn.
Minor Medical Miracle. Target one creature that has

225
been reduced to 0 hit points or less or killed by failing • You gain temporary hit points equal to twice your lev-
death saves in the past five minutes. The target returns to el.
life with hit points equal to your proficiency bonus + your • You do not inflict double dice damage when scoring a
Wisdom attribute modifier. critical hit. Instead, you gain two additional unarmed
melee attacks as part of the same action. There is no
limit on the number of additional attacks you can gain
Exotic Concoction. Target up to 6 creatures (which can this way in a turn.
include you). Each target gains temporary hit points equal • Each time a creature misses, your AC increases by +1
to double your proficiency bonus + double your Wisdom (max +4); if a creature misses you at your max AC bo-
attribute modifier. At 20th level, target gains +2d4 addition- nus, this bonus reverts to 0, and you gain an unarmed
al temporary hit points. melee attack as a reaction against the triggering target.
Major Medical Miracle. Target one living creature. The • After you select this discipline a third time, you gain
target recovers from all of the following conditions: blind- three additional unarmed attacks instead of a critical
ed, charmed, deafened, diseased, paralyzed, poisoned, and hit instead of two.
stunned. Its fatigue level is reduced to 0, and it recovers hit Karate. Your strength comes from your empty hand—
points equal to double your proficiency bonus + double the word’s literal meaning. After activating, you gain the
your Wisdom attribute modifier + your level. following bonuses:
Playing God. Target one ally killed by failing death • Use an action to focus your discipline: until the end of
saving throws in the past 30 minutes. The target returns to your next turn, you have advantage on unarmed attack
life with 1 hit point, and they awaken. rolls.
• You can spend 30 feet of movement to gain a +1 bonus
to AC until the beginning of your next turn.
• Use an action to make a single kick attack. This is an
unarmed attack that inflicts 2d8 + Strength modifier
damage. You gain a +7-damage bonus for each addi-
Head-Butt. Starting at 7th level, while grappling a crea- tional attack you would normally make with an Attack
ture your size or smaller, you can inflict 2d6 damage + 1d6 action.
per level on the target as a bonus action. Once you use this • After you select this discipline a third time, your kick
feature, you cannot use it again until you take a short rest attack inflicts 2d10 damage instead of 2d8, and your
or long rest. AC bonus increases to +2.
Head Slam. Starting at 11th level, if you have one grap- Iron Shirt. The only way to survive some encounters is
pled creature in each hand, you can use a bonus action and to not worry about how many times you are hurt. After acti-
make an unarmed melee attack against each target. A hit vating, you gain the following bonuses:
deals 4d6 + your Strength modifier damage to each target. • You have a Hardness value of 4 and are strong against
Bear Hug. Starting at 15th level, when grappling a target slashing and bludgeoning damage.
your size or smaller with two hands, you may attempt a • You can spend Hit Dice to recover hit points as if tak-
bear hug. Make an unarmed strike as your action (or one of ing a short rest without medical attention while in the
your attacks). A hit inflicts 4d6 + your Strength modifier middle of a fight. You can use any number of Hit Dice
damage. up to half your level as an action.
• If you suffer 1/4 or more your total hit points in dam-
age before the beginning of your turn, you have ad-
vantage on your next attack roll.
Physician Heal Thyself. Starting at 7th level, once per • After you select this discipline a third time, hardness is
turn, you can use a bonus action to recover hit points equal strong against piercing damage as well.
to your Wisdom modifier. Muay Thai. A variation of kickboxing, there is not a
In the Presence. Starting at 15th level, every ally within limb you possess that is not used in direct physical attacks.
5 feet of you can take a bonus action to recover as many hit
You are a stand-up fighter with a huge repertoire of attacks.
points as your proficiency bonus. You can use your action
After activating, you gain the following bonuses:
to double this hit point recovery until the beginning of
• Instead of a simple unarmed attack, you must select
your next turn.
which attacks you wish to make. The damage dice
listed cannot be adjusted by any other abilities.
Punch: Damage—1d4; make two punch attacks in
Drunken Boxing. In your enemy’s eyes, you just appear place of one normal attack you would normally make
to stumble around, luring your enemies in a false hope of a (max 2 uses per Attack action); you must hit with both
comfortable victory. The more chaotic you look, the dead- attacks to increase your Martial Artist chain bonus tier.
lier you are. You must be inebriated to activate this disci- Elbow: Damage—2d6; if you use an elbow once as
pline, and after doing so, gain the following bonuses: part of an Attack action, roll damage dice twice and
take the higher value.

226
 Jump Kick: Damage—2d8; you must move at least
10 feet towards your target before making this attack.
Roundhouse Kick: Damage—3d8; you suffer a –2
penalty to your attack roll.
Knee: Damage—1d10; and you can shove the target
5 feet. If the target hits an obstacle, it takes +2 damage.
• After you select this discipline a third time, if you hit a Impact Point. Any creature within the same space as an
creature three times or more with an Attack action, the exploding grenade takes double dice damage from a gre-
target has disadvantage on attacks against you until the nade attack (so a 2d6 concussion grenade will inflict 4d6 to
beginning of your next turn. any creature occupying the same space as the grenade
Taekwondo. More defined by its powerful leg move- when it detonates).
ments than hand strikes, your opponents should always
keep their eyes on your feet. After activating, you gain the
following bonuses:
Damaging Structures, Inanimate Objects, and Helpless
• If you are not grappled or your legs otherwise re-
Creatures. Anything in range that does not have a Dexteri-
strained , your unarmed attacks increase their damage
ty score and is not moving takes double dice damage as
die by one step (1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6
well as maximum damage from the blast. Animated targets
> 2d8 > 2d10 > 2d12 > 3d8). These are kick attacks.
that are helpless against the blast (for instance, if the explo-
This does not affect your martial artist combo chain
sive is attached to them) cannot make saving throws and
tier.
also take double dice and maximum damage.
• If you move at least 20 feet towards a creature and
Nerve Toxin. A deadly and illegal weapon, this grenade
make an unarmed (kick) attack as your Attack action,
expels a potent gaseous mixture blending a batrachotoxin
you have advantage on the attack.
and taipoxin, and several other agents produces a toxic gas
• Once per discipline activation, if you score a critical hit
that causes complete paralysis of all muscles by stopping
against a target your size or smaller, you inflict maxi-
the release of acetylcholine. By blocking nerve pulses to
mum damage.
the muscles, the subject dies from asphyxiation or heart
• After you select this discipline a third time, you can
failure.
inflict maximum damage with a critical hit twice per
Nerve toxin grenades are a gas effect that only affects
activation.
living creatures. After detonation, the area continues to
affect any creature that starts its turn in or enters the target
area for 1d4 minutes. After detonation, the nerve toxin gre-
Coordination. Beginning when you choose this arche- nade fills a 10-foot cube, expanding to 20 feet at the top of
type at 3rd level, you receive Tactical Points (TPs) each the next round and 30 feet on the round after that.
time something unfortunate happens to you or an ally. As Targets are poisoned and suffer 4d6 damage each turn.
these points compound, you can counter with positive ef- At the beginning of its turn, the target can make a DC 15
fects. Points are lost when you take a short rest or long rest Constitution saving throw. It must pass two consecutive
or when you roll for initiative. Spending points usually saving throws to recover from this effect.
takes either a bonus action or a reaction. You receive 1
point when each of the following occurs.
· An ally you can see or communicate with rolls a natural 1
on an attack roll.
· An ally suffers a critical hit.
Bulletproof. Your hardness rating becomes strong
· An ally suffers a wound.
against bludgeoning. Select this modification a second
· An ally is reduced to zero hit points or less.
time, and it becomes strong to slashing. Select this modifi-
· Three or more allies suffer damage from an area effect.
cation a third time, and it becomes strong to piercing. If
you already have previous modifications, you can skip
them.
Point Shot. Starting at 3rd level, as an action, you can Increased Armor. The armor gains a bonus to hardness
make a single ranged attack with a non-auto one-handed between +2 and +6.
small arm against a creature 20 feet or closer. You inflict an Increased Resistance. When you purchase this upgrade,
additional 2d6 damage on a hit, increasing this damage by select a damage type from the following list: acid, cold,
one step at 7th, 11th, 15th, and 18th level (2d6 > 3d6 > 4d6 > fire, lightning, or thunder. Your armor is strong to that type.
5d6 > 6d6 > 7d6 > 8d6 > etc.). Any additional effects which If already strong, it becomes immune.
increase damage this way, including other pistolero abili- Larger Gauntlets (exo only). Increase the damage dice
ties, are compounded. of the armor’s gauntlets by one step (2d8 > 2d10 > 2d12 >
4d6 > 4d8 > 4d10).
Structural Reinforcement (exo only). The armor gains

227
ARMOR
Armor Hard Immune Strong Weak Useless Drawbacks
Light Armor
Starting Armor
Leather / Textile 2 — -- Piercing, Fire Lightning Head exposed
Ballistics Armor 3 — Slashing Bludgeoning, Lightning — —
Synthetic Weave 2 — Slashing Bludgeoning, Lightning — Head exposed
Advanced Armor —
Ballistics Armor, Mk 2 4 — Slashing Bludgeoning, Lightning — —
Biosuit 4 Poison Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning, piercing, slashing — — Armor mode only
Synthetic Weave, Mk2 3 — Slashing Bludgeoning, Lightning — Head exposed
Spider-Silk Suit 2 — Lightning, slashing — — —
Medium Armor
Starting Armor
Force Body Vest 4 — — — — —
Aramid Combat Suit 5 — Fire, slashing Bludgeoning, lightning — —
Aramid Survival Suit 6 Poison -- Lightning — —
Advanced Armor
Aramid Combat Suit, Mk2 6 — Fire, slashing Bludgeoning, lightning — —
Aramid Survival Suit, Mk2 7 Poison Bludgeoning Lightning — —
Blinder-Mail 5 — — — — —
Nanotech Armor 6 — Fire, cold, bludgeoning, slashing Thunder — —
F.A.S.T. 6 Poison Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning, piercing, slashing — — —
Plus Suit (Mark 1) 6 — — — — —
Space Suit (Medium) 3 — Force, radiant — — —
Heavy Armor
Starting Armor
Flak Longcoat 7 — — — — —
Carbide Armor 7 — Bludgeoning, fire, cold — — —
Tactical Body Armor 8 — — — — —
Advanced Armor
Advanced Wasteland 8 Poison Fire, cold, bludgeoning, slashing — — —
Carbide Armor, Mk2 7 — Bludgeoning, fire, cold — — —
Full Combat Warrior 9 — Bludgeoning, fire, slashing — — —
Molten Mail 8 — Cold, fire, bludgeoning — — —
Plus Suit (Mark 2) 7 — — — — —
Space Suit (Heavy) 4 — Force, radiant, bludgeoning — — —
Tactical Body Armor, Mk2 8 — Bludgeoning, fire, slashing — — —
Tech-Mail 9 — Bludgeoning, cold, fire, slashing, piercing — — —
Yowie Suit 5 — Cold, fire Bludgeoning, piercing — —
Yowie Suit, Mk2 6 — — — — —
Exo-Armor (Light)
Living Carapace (Light) 4 — Acid, cold, fire, necrotic, psychic, thunder — — —
VR-052F Superlight 4 Poison Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning, piercing, slashing — — —
YF-21 Skinsuit 7 Poison Acid, cold, fire — — —
Exo-Armor (Medium)
Combat Exoskeleton (TL4) 8 — Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning — — —
Combat Exoskeleton (TL5) 9 — Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning — — —
Living Carapace (Medium) 9 — Acid, cold, fire, necrotic, psychic, thunder — — —
VF-1 Power Suit 9 — Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning, slashing — — —
Utility Exoskeleton 9 — Bludgeoning — — —
101A Vulture 7 — Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning
Exo-Armor (Heavy)
ATAC-01 God Mech 12 Poison Acid, cold, bludgeoning, fire, piercing — — —
ATH-Q58 Vertical Tank 11 — Acid, cold, bludgeoning, fire, piercing, slashing — —
AV-98 Mecha 11 Poison Acid, cold, bludgeoning, fire, slashing — — —
Living Carapace (Heavy) 11 — Acid, cold, fire, necrotic, psychic, thunder — — —
Mobile Motor Armor 10 — Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning, slashing — — —
RX-78 Motor Slave 12 Poison Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning, piercing, slashing — — —
Unit 01 Power Armor 10 Poison Acid, cold, fire, bludgeoning, piercing, slashing — — —
Active Dissuasion System 2 — — — — —
Deployable Shield 2/4 — — — — —
Energy Envelope 2 — — — — —
Forced Defense Shield 1 — — — — —
Kinetic Baffle 4 — Piercing — — Ranged only
Repulsor Engine 3 — — — — —

228
 GROUND VEHICLES
Name Hardness Immune Strong Weak
4-wheel ATV 2 — — —
APC 14 Cold, fire, slashing Acid, bludgeoning, piercing, thunder —
Armored Truck 13 Cold, fire, slashing Acid, bludgeoning, piercing, thunder —
Automobile, Wheeled
Car, Hyper 4 — Cold, slashing —
Car, Luxury Sedan 4 — Cold, slashing —
Car, Sedan 4 — Cold, slashing —
Car, Sporty 4 — Cold, slashing —
Car, Sports Sedan 4 — Cold, slashing —
Car, Sports 4 — Cold, slashing —
Car, Super 4 — Cold, slashing —
Semi-Trailer Truck 5 — Cold, slashing —
Sport Utility Vehicle 4 — Cold, slashing —
SUV, Luxury 4 — Cold, slashing —
Truck 5 — Cold, slashing —
Van 5 — Cold, slashing —
Bike, Wheeled
Chopper 3 — Cold —
Cruiser 3 — Cold —
Dirt / Motorcross 3 — Cold —
Enduro 4 — Cold —
Scooter 3 — Cold —
Superbike 3 — Cold —
Touring / Dual Sports 3 — Cold —
Trike 3 — Cold —
Buggy, Wheeled 2 — Cold —
Earth Crawler 15 Poison Acid, cold, fire, thunder —
Haul Truck 8 Poison — —
Hot Tank 10 Poison Acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder —
Hover Vehicles
Hovercar 3 — — —
Hoverbike 2 — — —
Hovertruck 4 — — —
Land Yacht / Bus 5 Poison Cold, fire —
Mobile Base 12 Poison Acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder —
Multi-Ped Vehicle, Light 10 Cold, fire Acid, bludgeoning, thunder, piercing, slashing —
Multi-Ped Vehicle, Heavy 14 Cold, fire Acid, bludgeoning, thunder, piercing, slashing —
Personal Transporter 1 — — —
Planetmover 20 All damage — —
Sprung Train 10 Poison Acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder —
Tank 16 Cold, fire, poison Acid, bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, thunder —

additional hit points. These hit points do not stack with either limit the bonus (like +2 with Medium armor) or pro-
other levels of Structural Reinforcement. Each level also hibit it altogether.
grants an increase in threshold.
Mk1: +5 hit points and a +1 bonus to threshold.
Mk2: +10 hit points and a +3 bonus to threshold.
Mk3: +15 hit points and a +5 bonus to threshold. Complete Composite Retrofit. When you purchase this
upgrade, select a damage type from the following list: acid,
cold, fire, lightning, or thunder. Your hardness rating be-
comes strong to that damage type. If already strong, it be-
Linear Frame. Alpha: You gain +5 hit points +1 additional hit comes immune.
point per character level in addition to normal level rewards. Beta: Electronic / Physical Counter Measures (EPCM). Lev-
You gain +15 hit points plus 1 hit point for every character level. el I: +2 bonus to the vehicle's hardness; Level II: +4 bo-
Nanite Injection. When you finish a long rest, you recover lost nus to the vehicle's hardness; Level III: +6 bonus to the
hit points equal to your Constitution modifier. vehicle's hardness.
Pain Implant. You gain +5 hit points. Reinforced Chassis. Level I: Vehicle gains +10 hit
Thick Hide. You gain 4 hardness. points; Level II: Vehicle gains +50 hit points. Vehicle
must have at least 20 hit points for this modification; Level
III: Vehicle gains +75 hit points. Vehicle must have at
least 40 hit points for this modification; Level IV: Vehicle
gains +80 hit points. Vehicle must have at least 50 hit
points for this modification.
Like armor, vehicles allow you to add either your Dexterity Interlaced Armor Plating. Grade I Property: Hardness
or Intelligence bonus to your vehicle’s AC. Some vehicles becomes strong to slashing. If already strong, it becomes
immune; Grade II Property: Hardness becomes strong to

229
AIRCRAFT
Name Hardness Immune Strong Weak
Advanced Aerial Vehicle 10 Poison Acid, bludgeoning, cold, fire, piercing, slashing —
Attack Helicopter 9 Poison Acid, bludgeoning, cold, fire, piercing, slashing —
Blimp 5 Poison Acid, bludgeoning, cold, fire thunder —
Buzzboy 7 Poison Acid, bludgeoning, cold, fire, piercing, slashing —
Flying Supercar 4 Poison Acid, cold, fire —
Flying Car 4 Poison Acid, cold, fire —
Helicopter 7 Poison Acid, cold, fire —
Helicopter 8 Poison Acid, cold, fire, thunder —
Leviathan 12 Cold, bludgeoning, fire, poison, slashing Acid, piercing, thunder —
Rocket Yacht 10 Cold, fire, poison Acid, bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, thunder —
Swoosh Bike 3 Cold, fire — —
Tilt-Fan 8 Poison Acid, bludgeoning, cold, fire, slashing, thunder —
Tilt-Rotor 8 Poison Acid, bludgeoning, cold, fire, slashing, thunder —
Tilt-Jet 8 Poison Acid, bludgeoning, cold, fire, slashing, thunder —
bludgeoning. If already strong, it becomes immune. The Strong (TL2). With the listed damage type, this armor
vehicle’s speed is reduced by 5 feet; Grade III Property: is strong.
Hardness becomes strong to piercing. If already strong, it Immunity (TL3). With the listed damage type, this
becomes immune. The vehicle’s speed is reduced by 5 armor is immune.
feet. Weak. With the listed damage type, this armor is weak.
You cannot combine vulnerability with the same resistance
or immunity. This makes armor cheaper.
LIGHT ARMOR
Self-Shields are a great inclusion in an Ultramodern5 game Level Cost Hard
attempting to emulate many popular modern video games. 1 10 3
In many of these titles, personal shields without any addi- 2 22 4
tional armor (at least effective armor) are commonplace. If 6 115 5
the setting in question is meant to emulate these settings, 10 295 6
self-shields can be assigned immediately at 1st level. These 14 550 7
18 1,000 8
increase player survivability and radically shifts the game-
play from traditional 5E roots. If the brutality of base Ultra- MEDIUM ARMOR
Max is too much, employing self-shields can be viewed as Level Cost Hard
an alternative. 1 11 4
Combining self-shields with randomized loot rules 2 35 5
would certainly match these rules with those found in 3 55 6
many online shooter video games. As such, self-shields are 4 90 7
7 195 8
not modified if implemented in UltraMax.
11 420 9
15 900 10
19 1,250 11

As we have repeatedly noted, mecha are not remotely real- HEAVY ARMOR
istic. However, to make them fall in line with UltraMax, Level Cost Hard
you may implement these modifications. 1 10 6
2 22 7
3 35 8
4 55 9
5 90 10
Armor no longer is spread evenly across the mecha and 9 295 11
must now be purchased for each location. Armor provides 13 550 12
hardness to a location. It still does not take up space. 17 1,000 13
Mix/Matching. Obviously, it would be possible to add 21 2,050 14
medium armor to one servo and light armor to another.
When calculating if a pilot can add its ability score to its
AC, compare how many limbs have each armor type. The
majority of armor types is that overall armor’s specification
as long as it is one less than the heaviest armor.
For Example, if all limbs have light armor but the torso
has medium armor, that mech is counted as having light
armor. If the torso has heavy armor, the mech is counted as
having medium armor (even though it has no medium ar-
mor, it is one less than heavy).

230
 ARMOR MODIFICATIONS SHIELD MODIFICATIONS
Type Cost Modification Cost
Strong (Acid) x1.2 Energy Absorber x1.5
Strong (Cold) x1.2 Energy Cache-Divert x1.3
Strong (Fire) x1.2 Energy Only x0.75
Strong (Radiant) x1.2 Lifespan (3-Round) x0.5
Strong (Lightning) x1.2 Lifespan (4-Round) x0.6
Strong (Bludgeoning) x1.2 Lifespan (5-Round) x0.7
Strong (Piercing) x1.2 Pinpoint Barrier (1) x0.7
Strong (Slashing) x1.2 Pinpoint Barrier (2) x0.8
Immunity (Acid) x1.7 Physical Only x0.75
Immunity (Cold) x2.0 Ranged Only x0.75
Immunity (Fire) x2.5 Reactive Upgrade (13/45) x2.0
Immunity (Radiant) x3.0 Reactive Upgrade (16/50) x3.0
Immunity (Lightning) x3.0 Reactive Upgrade (19/60) x5.0
Immunity (Bludgeoning) x3.2 Reset (3-Round) x2.0
Immunity (Piercing) x3.2 Reset (4-Round) x1.5
Immunity (Slashing) x3.2 Surge x2.5
Weak (Acid) x0.8
Weak (Cold) x0.8
Weak (Fire) x0.7
Weak (Radiant) x0.7
Weak (Lightning) x0.7
Weak (Bludgeoning) x0.7
Weak (Piercing) x0.6
Weak (Slashing) x0.7
Energy Absorption x1.5 BASIC COMBATANT
EMP Shielding x1.5 Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 15 (armor) or 14 with minion
Hit Points 23 (5d8) or 5 with minion
Speed 30 ft.
Hardness 5
Standard. Hardness 3 and up shields come with a -5 STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
feet penalty to speed and a +2 Max Dexterity bonus.
Shield hardness can be modified like armor. Senses Passive Perception 10
Reactive. By default, a reactive shield’s buffer and hit Languages One language (English usually)
points are 10/40. When dealing with armor-piercing and Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
attacks counted as magical, the shield buffer is counted as Minion. Combatants can be used as minions. A combatant
half, and the shield absorbs all the incoming damage with- used this way decreases its AC to 14, and its hit points to 5.
Three minions count as one normal at the listed challenge.
out resistance.
SHIELDS ACTIONS
Type Cost Hardness Space Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Standard 10 2 1 Hit: 7 (2d4+2) slashing damage.
Standard 20 3 2
Standard 500 4 3 Firearm. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 50/100 ft.,
Standard 840 5 4 one target. Hit: 9 (2d6+2) piercing damage.
Active 110 3 1
Active 230 4 1
Active 590 5 1
Reactive 590 -- 5+

231
BRUTAL THUG
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 16 (armor) or 15 with minion
Hit Points 28 (6d8+12) or 7 with minion
Speed 30 ft.
Hardness 6
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Senses Passive Perception 11

Languages One language (English usually)
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Minion. Brutal thugs can be used as minions. A thug used
this way decreases its AC to 16, and its hit points to 10.
Three minions count as one normal at the listed challenge.

ACTIONS
Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (2d6+3) bludgeoning damage

Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one

target. Hit: 13 (3d6+3) piercing damage.

BAND BROTHER
Medium human, any alignment
Armor Class 18 (armor) or 17 with minion
Hit Points 35 (l2d8+36) or 9 with minion
Speed 30 ft.
Hardness 8
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Senses Passive Perception 10

Languages One language (usually English)
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Minion. Band brothers can be used as minions. A band
brother used this way decreases its AC to 17, and its hit
points to 23. Three minions count as one normal at the listed
challenge.

ACTIONS
Multiattack (non-minion). The band brother makes two
assault rifle attacks, and a non-minion band brother selects
one band brother in line of sight to have advantage on its
next attack roll.

Assault Rifle. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range

100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8+4) piercing damage.

Rifle Butt. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 10 (2d6+3) bludgeoning damage

232
 ltramodern5 supports multiple styles of gam- ons that include random elements to create any number
ing, from long-running campaigns to fast run- of unique weapons. Roll on later tables to determine the
and-gun missions and can service just about specific weapon. A GM may use random loot & shoot
any modern or sci-fi genre from high-stakes weapons for any or every item dropped (see later).
espionage to the zombie apocalypse. Because it is built on Self-Shields. If the implemented setting employs Self
the 5th Edition framework, many of the same considera- Shields, and if one is awarded, then also roll once on the
tions that go into planning a fantasy game apply to Ultra- benefits table to see which special feature is included
modern5. Of course, it differs in a few ways as well.' with the device.
TECH ITEM TABLE A
D100 Tech
01-10 Basic Power Cell
An Ultramodern5 character is usually part of a team. Char- 11-20 Brass Knuckles
acter creation should take that into account, and be a col- 21-25 Medium Power Cell
lective experience, each member discussing their concept 26-30 Collapsible Baton
and finding their niche. Be sure the players broadly un- 31-35 Plug Bayonet
36-40 Grenade, Smoke Screening
derstand what sorts of challenges they can expect to run
41-45 Leather Armor
across, and make sure the GM understands what sorts of 46-50 Low-Calibre Autoloader
action the players are interested in facing. 51-55 Grenade, Fragmentation
56-60 Grenade, Flashbang
61-63 Fighting Knife Bayonet
64-65 Vigor Injection (Stock)
66-68 Dark Brew (Stock)
69-71 Grenade, Concussion
72-74 Synthetic Weave
In Ultramodern5 games, enemies rarely come with con- 75-77 Ballistics Armor
venient treasure drops. The best way around this is to 78-80 Synthetic Weave
include a financial reward system which is paid out after 81-83 High Power Cell
the end of an adventure. These would come in the form 84-86 Grenade, HEAT
of raw credits, not paintings, jewels, or magic items. If the 87-89 Medical Kit
player takes an item as loot (a piece of equipment or a 90-92 Vigor Injection (Greater)
weapon, for example), the value of that item is deducted 93-95 Dark Brew (Greater)
96-97 Force Body Vest
from that character’s share of the group’s financial reward 98 Grenade, Riot
at the end of the adventure. 99 One-Handed Grappling Hook
00 Capsicum Spray

Depending on the setting in question, a GM may decide

to use traditional treasure rules. This is certainly common
in games aiming to replicate video games where the goal
is less the progression of a plot and more the acquisition
of random loot. As such, just the same as in a traditional
fantasy game, much of the acquired treasure will be often
replaced throughout level progression.
The following tables are intended to replicate those
found in the official 5E publications. Instead of Magic
Item Tables, replace them with Tech Item Tables,
matching the letters (if a roll refers to Magic Item Table
E, instead refer to Tech Item Table E).
Swapping. These tables offer considerable randomiza-
tion, but the resulting roll may result in loot anachronistic
or inappropriate for the setting. In situations like this,
shift one row lower and continue doing so until reaching
an item that matches the setting. The first entry on every
table (except A) is a random loot & shoot entry.
Loot and Shoot. Several entries refer to general loot &
shoot weapons. As will be explained later, these are weap-

233
TECH ITEM TABLE B TECH ITEM TABLE C
D100 Tech D100 Tech
01-10 Loot & Shoot 01-20 Loot And Shoot
11-20 Grenade, EMP 21-25 Basic Sniper Rifle
21-30 Grenade, Booster 26-28 Net Gun
31-40 Grenade, Tag 29-31 Break-Action Shot Pistol
41-45 Vigor Shooter 32-34 Bolt Rifle
46-50 Grenade, Shockwave 35-37 Aramid Survival Suit
51-54 Spike Bayonet 38-40 Machine Pistol
55-57 Targeting Scope 41-43 Semi-Automatic Rifle
58-59 Engineering Kit (TL0) 44-46 Medium Machine Gun
60-61 Rover Robot 47-49 Libration
62-63 Grenade, Smoke Signal 50-52 Submachine Gun
64-65 Two-Handed Grappling Hook 53-55 The Immortal
66-67 Flak Longcoat 56-58 Tactical Body Armor
68-69 Grenade, Mother 59-61 Machine Light Cannon
70-71 The Arch 62-64 Shotgun
72-73 Air Dart Pistol 65-67 Heavy Grappling Hook
74-75 Revolver 68-70 One-Handed Grenade Launcher
76-77 Pocket Pistol 71-72 Darkephrine
78-79 Grenade, White Phosphorous 73-74 Grenade Light Weapon
80-81 Carbide Armor 75-76 Punch Gun
82 Grenade, Gravity Well 77-78 Engineering Kit (TL2)
83 Suspension Filament 79-80 Grenade, Plasma
84 Implant Vessel (Mark 1) 81-82 Grenade, Singularity
85 Engineering Kit (TL1) 83-84 Caseless Rifle
86 Aramid Combat Suit 85 Electroshock Gun
86 ESP Rifle
87 Linked Vessel (Mark 1) 87 Crankgun
88 Piton-Gauntlet 88 Shield Brace
89 Combine Rifle 89 Rotary Cannon
90 Grenade, Magnetic Mine 90 Angel River
91 Grenade, Nerve Toxin 91 Mortar
92 Nano-Healer 92 Sniper Cannon
93 High-Calibre Autoloader 93 Caseless Pistol
94 Rocket Launcher 94 Machine Shotgun
95 Vigor Injection (Superior) 95 Carbon Crossbow
96 Carbide Armor, MK2 96 Light Machine Gun
97 Dark Brew (Superior) 97 Gas Mask
98 Grenade, Seeker 98 Compound Longbow
99 Forced Defense Shield 99 Linked Vessel (Mark 2)
00 Assault Rifle 00 Implant Vessel (Mark 2)

234
TECH ITEM TABLE D TECH ITEM TABLE E
D100 Tech D100 Tech
01-29 Loot And Shoot 01-20 Loot And Shoot
30-34 Engineering Kit (TL3) 800 21-23 Laser Sight
35-39 Ballistics Armor MK2 24-26 Tech-Mail
40-42 Rocket Launcher MK2 1000 27-29 Yowie Suit
43-45 Dark Brew (Supreme) 30-32 Portable Jammer
46-48 Big Ear 33-35 ET/M Scope
49-51 Autocannon 36-37 Tactical Body Armor, MK2
52-54 Vigor Injection (Supreme) 38-39 Union Cannon
55-57 Acid Thrower 40-41 The Demigod
58-89 Flamethrower 42-43 Grip Gloves
60-61 Mifune Self-Shield 44-45 Engineering Kit (TL5)
62-63 Psycho Self-Shield 46-47 Space Suit (Medium)
64-65 Somatic Surrogate 48-49 Permatek
66-67 Sigil Projector 50-51 Bradbury Self-Shield
68-69 Vocal Proxy 52-53 Aramid Survival Suit, MK2
71-72 Spider-Silk Suit 54-55 Infinity
73-74 Viper Self-Shield 56-57 Buzz Baton
75-76 Lie Detector 58-59 Cyclotron Rifle
77-78 Battle Drill 60-61 River Expansion
79-80 Aramid Combat Suit, MK2 62-63 Sonic Stunner
81-82 Tesla Glove 64-65 Blinder Mail
83-84 Chainsaw 66-67 Super Heavy Grappling Hook
85-86 Flash Goggles 68-69 Darktech Regenerator
87-88 Engineering Kit (TL4) 70-71 Boom Gauntlet
89-90 Moses Self-Shield 72-73 Covenant Rifle
00 Taidan Self-Shield 74-75 Power Hooks
76-77 Rocket Hammer
78-79 Electro-Optical Sensor
80-81 Nanotech Armor
82-83 Fatal Volley
84-85 Advanced Wasteland Armor
86-87 Molten Mail
88-89 Space Suit (Heavy)
90-91 Gravity Lens
92-93 Cambion
94-95 Energy Shield
96 ESP Pistol
97 Sick Stick
98 Yowie Suit MK2
99 SPP Pistol
00 SPP Rifle

235
TECH ITEM TABLE F TECH ITEM TABLE H
D100 Tech D100 Tech
01-20 Loot And Shoot 01-17 Loot And Shoot
20-26 Sabazios Self-Shield 18-25 Marathon Self-Shield
27-32 Linked Vessel (Mark 3) 26-33 Solid Laser Cannon
33-38 Infrared Goggles 34-41 Xeno-Stranger
39-45 Implant Vessel (Mark 3) 42-48 Volley Gun ESP
45-50 Force Shield 49-54 Cannonballer
51-55 ESP Maelstrom 55-59 Ground Heavy Gun
56-60 Full Combat Warrior 59-63 X-Beam
61-65 Charge Pistol 64-67 Gravity Gun
66-70 Sonic Focus Rifle 68-71 Micromissile Launcher
71-75 Restrainment Field 72-73 Field Manipulator
76-78 Nuclear Pulse Rifle 75-76 Atomizer
79-81 SPP Vortex 77-79 Blade Launcher
82-84 SPP Sensor Gun 80-81 Displacement Device
85-87 Alphaden Self-Shield 82-83 Capacitor Plasma Pistol
88-89 Grub Gun 84-85 Plasma Pistol
90-91 Ion Rifle 86-87 Railgun
92-93 Gods Eye Sniper Gun 88-89 Thumper Laser Pistol
94-95 Kinetic Flash Rifle 90-91 Thumper Laser Rifle
96-97 Light Coilgun 92-93 Ultimate Sniper Rifle
98-99 Plus Suit MK1 94-95 Energy Dome Mk1
00 Accelerator Rifle 96-97 Kinetic Baffle
98-99 Gauss Repeater
TECH ITEM TABLE G 00 Assembly Assault Anachronism
D100 Tech
01-19 Loot And Shoot TECH ITEM TABLE I
20-25 Ultrasound Goggles D100 Tech
25-30 Ion Cannon 01-10 Loot And Shoot
31-37 Necrotizer 11-15 Thor Cannon
38-42 Barrel Blaster 16-20 Railcannon
43-47 Deployable Shield 21-25 Particle Beam Bun
48-51 Nuclear Pellet Pistol 26-30 Super-Kill Sniper
52-55 Coil Pistol 31-35 Venom Splitter
56-59 Coil Light Gun 36-40 Morita Limited Self-Shield
60-62 Nuclear Particle Lance 41-45 Smartgun
63-65 Endothermic Rifle 46-50 Shift-Nano Modulator
66-68 Light Bender 54-56 Plus Suit, MK2
69-71 Smart Pistol 57-59 Punch Plasma Gun
72-74 Holographic Generator 60-62 Mind Phazer
75-77 Repulsor Engine 63-65 Energy Dome Mk2
78-80 Proton Wand 66-68 Vapor Rifle
81-83 Rail Pistol 69-70 Sonic Devastator
84-86 Nailgun 71-72 Shift-Energy Modulator
87-89 Linear Collider 73-74 Caustic Cannon
90-91 Solid Laser Pistol 75-76 Plasma Sword
92-93 Harmonic Blade 77-78 Laser Leash
94-95 F.A.S.T. 79-80 Pulse Mini-Gun
96-97 Punch Laser Gun 81-82 Energy Envelope
98 Solid Laser Rifle 83-84 Disruptor
99 Arc Rifle 85-86 Energy Dome Mk3
00 Biosuit 87-88 Pico-Positron
89-90 Plasma Rifle
91-92 Dense Plasma Focus Cannon
93-94 Mass Driver
95-96 Plasma Artillery
97 Demiurge
98 Linked Vessel (Mark 4)
99 Implant Vessel (Mark 4)
00 Spirit Systems Self-Shield

236
WEAPON TYPE
d20 Weapon Type Damage Base Cost Range Weight. Properties
1-5 One-handed small arm 1d6 250 50/200 3 lb. Light
6-10 Two-handed small arm 1d8 350 100/400 12 lb. x2 magazine
11-15 Heavy weapon 1d10 550 200/800 40 lb. x3 magazine, heavy
16-20 Super heavy weapon 1d6+6 750 300/1200 150 lb. x4 magazine, heavy, AP
WEAPON RARITY
d20 Rarity Benefit Table Rolls Cost
1–7 Common None 1 company 0
8 – 13 Uncommon +1 attack and +1 damage 1 company, 1 line x2
14 – 18 Rare +1 attack and +2 damage 1 company, 1 line, 1 model x5
19 – 22 Epic +2 attack and +3 damage 1 company, 1 line, 1 model x10
23 – 25 Masterwork +2 attack and +4 damage 1 company, 1 line, 2 model x30
26 – up Legendary +3 attack and +5 damage 1 company, 2 line, 2 model x60

COMPANY SELF-SHIELD BENEFITS

d20 Company Damage Type Magazine TL d100 Model Benefit
1 Mifune Acid Reload Cell 15 4 01-11 Asclepius Feedback
2 Gunsmith Cold Reload Cell 15 4 12-17 Boom-Box Burst
3 Viper Fire Reload Cell 15 4
18-23 Breadbasket Power
4 Moses Pincher (lightning) Reload Cell 15 3
5 Seburo Sonic (thunder & bludgeoning Reload Cell 15 3 24-29 Buzzz Channel
6 – 10 Federated Firearms Traditional bullet (piercing) Reload 20 2 30-35 Cackle Collapse
11 - 12 NecroTech Nuclear (radiant) Reload Cell 20 3 36-40 Ceraunoscopy Transform
13 – 14 Alphaden Laser (fire) Reload Cell 20 4 41-45 X-TRO Leach
15 – 16 Marathon Plasma (radiant & fire) Reload Cell 20 5 46-50 Godspeed Speed
17 – 18 Morita Limited Magnetic (piercing) Reload 20 3 51-55 Hachiman Linger
19 NecroTech Necrotic Reload Cell 20 3 56-59 Zaptacular Response
20 Spirit Systems Force Reload Cell 20 3
60-63 Necromonger Necrotic
MODEL 64-67 Puff-Puff Pulse
d20 Model Benefit 68-71 Firefly Lightning
1 X-T-R Ricochet 72-75 Hammer Thunder
2 2000 Chain 76-79 Freshmaker Acid
3 DL-44 Lingering 78-81 Darkside Force
4 M-99 Gunner 82-85 Old-Man Cold
5 90K Rifling 86-89 Fatman Health
6 Special Defense 90-93 Thermoptix Stealth
7 Cannon Caliber 94-96 Loverboy Radiant
8 Model One Regeneration 97-99 Fuji Fire
9 VC5 Blade 00 Triple-A Flash
10 EX Velocity
11 Pearl Expensive
12 VF Tracking
13 PPP Rust
A strange aspect of universe 215 4.18456.18122, enemies ex-
14 GG Void
15 1337 Extension ist for the express purpose of dropping treasure. At least it’s
16 E-Tech Criticality called treasure in fantasy settings; in modern and futuristic
17 ZF-1 Replay settings, we call it loot. Enemies have this predilection of
18 101 Echo tossing out numerous weapons upon their death, firearms
19 XM-18 Polymer they never used in combat, and even weapons they could-
20 EM-1 Vigor n’t physically use.
LINE In traditional games where monsters are present but so
d20 Line Additional Property are guns, a GM may elect to include these loot & shoot
1-2 Arc Sniper (+1) rules. Start with the type, which is the only roll that cannot
3-4 Super Sniper (+2) be modified, then roll for rarity. After which each addition-
5-6 Detective Armor Piercing al moniker will add additional features. By the end, you’ll
7-8 Annihilator Auto
have created—hopefully—a unique firearm.
9-10 Enforcer Feed
11-12 Omega Auto-heavy Unlike purchasing a weapon, a weapon dropped comes
13-14 Tactical Explosive with only one fully loaded magazine. Additional maga-
15-16 Dragoon Shotgun zines, if they can be found, cost 10% of the weapon’s pur-
17-18 Performance Undermount chase price.
19-20 Seraphim Guided

237
 curately what a firearm actually is. It could be a sniper
weapon or an automatic weapon. If instructed to roll twice
A weapon cost is based on its tech level and its type. Multi- on this table, you can reroll the second result if it makes no
ply its tech level times 10 then multiply that result by the sense with the first one (be creative, there may be solu-
base cost to find its purchase price. Rarity will also affect tion).
cost. Most likely, this weapon was not purchased, but in- Sniper. This weapon gains a sniper scope and the snip-
stead found, so this helps generate a cost on which to base er property at either +1 or +2. You cannot gain more than a
a selling price. +3 total from a sniper bonus through multiple rolling.
Armor Piercing. If you already gain this property from
being a super heavy weapon, re-roll.
Auto/Auto-Heavy. The increased damage from employ-
This table determines the broad type of weapon, from a ing this property is based on the original damage improved
one-handed small arm to a super heavy weapon. This sets by one step (1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 > 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 >
the base damage, cost, range, and weight. It also applies 1d6+6 > 1d8+8 > 1d10+10 > 1d12+12). Increase magazine
certain common qualities all weapons of that type share. size (x3 for auto, x5 for auto-heavy).
Magazine modifiers multiply the base magazine side deter- Explosive. If you hit a target with a direct attack (not an
mined by rolling the company (most magazines are either area effect), all creatures within 5 feet of the initial target
15 rounds or 20, so a super heavy weapon would expand must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or suffer dam-
that to 60 or 80). age equal to half the damage you inflicted. A success still
suffers half damage (one-quarter of initial damage). If us-
ing an area effect with this weapon, the saving throw DC
This table determines how good the weapon is, though increases by 1.
unlike other tables, certain powerful weapons will be diffi- Shotgun. The weapon gains the shotgun property,
cult to attain without modifiers. which is not particularly useful with the sniper property.
Compare the challenge rating of a monster with the Undermount. This weapon is actually the undermount
average character level of the group; if the difference is of another weapon. Roll one additional weapon of de-
positive, then it is a modifier to the rarity roll. creased rarity (if this weapon is uncommon, roll a com-
An additional modifier to rarity is based on the average mon). If this weapon is common, roll another common.
character level. Guided. You gain the guided property.
1-5. No modifier.
6-10. +1
11-15. +3 This table adds specific features that sets this model of
16-20. +6 weapon from others. Some of these can be very peculiar in
Weapon rarity will determine any bonuses to attack and their application.
damage as well as dictate how many times you roll on the Ricochet. If a target is within 5 feet of indestructible
company, line, and model tables to determine the terrain and you miss with your initial hit, you can make a
weapon’s abilities. When rolling multiple times on a table second attack and inflict half damage. If you impose a
(for masterwork and legendary), either combine all the Dexterity saving throw, increases the DC by 2.
names together or select which name to adopt. Chain. If you score a critical hit on a target, make a sec-
Cost. Rarity will also add a multiplier for weapon cost. ond attack against one creature within 20 feet (your choice)
of the first one.
Lingering. If you score a critical hit on a target, it suf-
A company determines the weapon’s damage type, which fers additional damage equal to your attack ability modifier
is an all-encompassing attribute representative of that cor- at the beginning of your next turn.
poration. It also determines the magazine type and size. Gunner. Increase magazine size by 100%; reduce attack
Most weapons employ energy cells. For one-handed and bonus by 1 (min 0).
two-handed small arms, these are M cells; for heavy and Rifling. Reduce magazine size by 60% (round down);
super-heavy weapons, these are H-cells. increase attack bonus by 1 (max +3).
Element weapons (acid, cold, fire, necrotic, force) em- Caliber. Reduce magazine size by 60% (round down);
ploy a magnetic bubble similar to plasma but enclose a increase damage by one step (1d4 > 1d6 > 1d8 > 1d10 >
different energy type. Pincher, sonic, nuclear, laser, plas- 1d12 > 2d6 > 2d8 > 1d6+6 > 1d8+8 > 1d10+10 > 1d12+12).
ma, and magnetic are the same as listed previously. Regeneration. No matter the magazine size or type, at
the beginning of your turn, you regenerate one round. In-
crease the tech level of the item to 4 (unless already high-
er).
The line is a standard set of products a company offers. Blade. Your weapon is equipped with a blade either as
These offer additional properties that determine more ac- an undermount or as part of the barrel. One-handed and

238
two-handed small arms gain any one light weapon. Heavy
weapons can have a two-handed weapon, and a super
heavy weapon can have up to a heavy weapon (for some
reason).
Velocity. When inflicting a critical hit, roll all damage
dice thrice instead of twice.
Expensive. This is a well-made weapon; its base cost is
tripled for the purpose of selling it.
Tracking. Spend a bonus action to lock onto a target
you can see; you have advantage with all attack rolls
against the target until the beginning of your next turn.
Increase the tech level of the item to 4 (unless already
higher).
Rust. If you hit a nonmagical ferrous metal object not
being worn or carried, you destroy a 1-foot cube of it. If you
score a critical hit on armor, it takes a permanent and cu-
mulative -1 penalty to AC. Armor reduced to an AC of 10
or a Shield that drops to a +0 bonus is destroyed. Increase
the tech level of the item to 4 (unless already higher).
Void. As an action, your weapon assembles in your
hand/s from a warp pocket contained in a bracelet you
wear. A two-handed or larger weapon requires two brace-
lets. Stowing your weapon also takes an action. Increase
the tech level of the item to 5 (unless already).
Extension. Increase normal range by 100%; increase
maximum range by 200%
Criticality. You inflict a critical hit with a natural 19 or
20. With area affects, you score a critical hit if the target
rolls a natural 1 or 2 and fails the save.
Replay. If you score a critical hit on a target, you have
advantage to attack rolls against that same target until you
change targets or miss. Increase the tech level of the item
to 4 (unless already higher).
Echo. Once per turn, if you hit a target, make an identi-
cal attack against that same target.
Polymer. Reduce the weapon’s weight by 75%. It is
considered one class of weapon smaller (super heavy weap-
on > heavy weapon > two-handed small arm > one-handed
small arm). Its combat stats do not change. It can lose the
heavy property or gain the light property.
Vigor. If you hit a target with this weapon or a target
fails a save against you, you recover 1 hit point. This can
only occur during your turn, and the maximum number of
hit points recovered this way depends on your level (1st-5th
level—1 hit point; 6th-10th level—2 hit points; 11th-15th lev-
el—3 hit points; 16th-20th level—4 hit points). Increase the
tech level of the item to 5 (unless already).

239
The following rules are not intended for tactical space maximum speed is limited.
combat. Many rules are vague and depend on the specifics AR allows a vessel to achieve its relativistic speed or
of the campaign setting. For example, there are no rules RS. This value operates the same as traditional speed.
on how fast ships can fly once moving past the speed of Unlike aerial or ground-based vehicles, spacecraft have
light. For most stories, spaceships move at the “speed of NO speed limit in space. They can continually add their
plot,” and they should for Ultramodern5 games as well. AR rating to their RS, though be aware that the same
There are no distances marked between star systems. A amount of deceleration will be required to slow down
ship traveling interstellar distances should take “a few again.
days to a few weeks,” assuming faster than light travel is
available at all. Alternately, starships may cross traverse
warp gates or activate fold drives to instantly teleport to a
new location. A vessel with a relativistic speed (RS) of 1 will cross 1 RC
in one turn. As there is no plane or surface to reference,
all distances are based on how far apart vessels are from
one another and how they are moving. A GM must coordi-
AU. Astronomical Unit; 1AU = distance between Sol nate relative speeds and distances of vessels as both dis-
and Earth tance and relative speed between the attacker and target
AR. Acceleration Rating significantly affects combat success.
DV. Defense Value (applied through shields)
G. Gravity; 1G = 1 Earth Gravity For example, if one vessel is moving at 1RS is trying to
IN. Inertial Negation catch another at 4RS, and the two vessels are 3RC apart,
LY. Light year-measurement of distance. the slower ship can add its 3AR to increase its RS to 4.
RC. Range Category This matches speed but doesn’t close distance. The next
REACON. Reactor Condition turn, adding 3AR increases the ship from 4RS to 7RS and
RS. Relativistic Speed catches up this turn.
SAI. Small Arms Immunity

A ship’s current acceleration is also the G-force applied

to those within it. A vessel with an AR of 1 can add 1 to
RS in one round and create 1G of acceleration; AR 2 can
add up to 2 to RS in one round and create 2G, and so on.
There is no point in determining distances in space using RS is constant unless acted upon by the ship’s accelera-
terrestrial measurements – they’re just too big. Ranges are tion, which can change from round to round. While decel-
separated into Range Categories or RCs. Weapons and eration is mathematically denoted by subtraction from RS
vehicle movement both employ this modified range value. for bookkeeping purposes, there is no such thing as
While effectively unlimited due to the lack of inertia in ‘negative’ acceleration – just acceleration in a different
space, most encounters take place within 10-20 RCs. direction.
Without inertial damping (padding and chemical stim-
ulation in lower-tech settings; some sort of physics-
A spaceship is given an acceleration rating or AR. This defying forcefield in higher-tech ones), prolonged high-G
also acts as a vessel’s G-rating when accelerating. For ex- exposure is harmful to living things, as indicated on the
ample, a ship with AR3 can accelerate at up to 3 Gs. By Speed Effects and Inertial Damage tables.
default, most vessels are only rated at 1G, allowing normal Inertial Effect. When exposed to gravity higher than
gravity on a ship when accelerating in typical situations. 1G, a character must make a Constitution saving throw at
Vessels rated higher can accelerate much faster, but unless the listed DC, and repeats the save at the indicated inter-
the ship is equipped with inertial negation, the crew may val. If the amount of G increases (but not if it decreases)
suffer injuries. before the indicated interval, make a new saving throw
Unless otherwise stated, a vessel’s AR is its accelera- immediately. Each time a saving throw is required with-
tion in space (or outside of an atmosphere but in freefall). out time at normal gravity to recover, the DC increases by
When within a planet’s atmosphere, its acceleration and 2.
Inertial Damage. Each time a character fails a saving

240
throw, their inertial damage level increases by 1. Inertial crossing into the Stratosphere, the RS increases to 4 and
damage is compounded; if a character reaches level 3, they then to 5 entering the Mesosphere. Past the Thermo-
also suffer level 1 and 2. One minute is needed to reduce sphere, you can ignore any RS limit.
one’s inertial damage level by 1.

In reality, the speed of light is an absolute limit, and a

G-Force Inertial Effect
0 Freefall
pretty slow one it is; it takes four years for light from the
1 None nearest star to ours to reach us, let alone from the vast dis-
2 DC10/hour tances involved in a galaxy-spanning game. Therefore al-
3 DC10/10 minutes most all interstellar fiction elects to ignore this fact, mak-
4 DC10/5 minutes ing use of a variety of pseudoscience and outright fantasy
5 DC10/1 minute to bypass the laws of physics.
6 DC10/1 round
7 DC12/1 round
8 DC14/1 round
9 DC16/1 round Also known as jump portals or stargates, these are stable
10 DC18/1 round locations where starships can shortcut between destina-
tions, generally other star systems. Perhaps a network ex-
ists, built by ancient alien empires. Perhaps in this uni-
Level Condition Effect
1 Blurred Vision -2 penalty to ability checks and
verse, wormholes are stable or can be stabilized with tech-
attack rolls nology, allowing transport. In these cases, the gates are
2 Grey-Out Disadvantage on ability checks massive creations, used by small and large ships alike.
3 Tunnel Vision Disadvantage on attack rolls and These can be intimidating, frightening affairs, or as routine
saving throws as going to a modern airport.
4 Blackout Blindness Alternately, travel between star systems may only be
5 G-LOC Unconscious provided via immense carriers that smaller ships must
6 Death Hit points reduced to 0.
hitch a ride on.
There is no minimum or maximum distance between
warp points, and travel between two points occurs at the
speed of plot and/or the established rules of the setting.
Within the setting of Threshold, larger vessels teleport
to a system by traversing a warp bridge, creating a tunnel
Within a planet’s atmosphere, its speed is limited by air
behind it other vessels can eventually follow, creating the
pressure. A vessel is not limited in its AR, but it will be
shortcut between stars. While in transit, passengers often
limited by its maximum RS. On Earth, that limit is 3RS.
experience strange hallucinations, and no-one can accu-
On a planet with equal gravity but higher pressure (like
rately say how much time passes (or if it passes at all).
Venus), that limit would be reduced to 2RS. As a vessel
Sometimes ships enter the tunnel and never come out, but
increases altitude, that RS limit increases until reaching
most people don’t talk about that.
space, where the limit vanishes entirely (as a general
guide, when crossing an atmospheric layer, the RS limit
increases by 1).
Additionally, a vessel requires an AR at least equal to Interstellar travel via warp gates or threshold bridges is
the planet's gravity to achieve escape velocity if within its limited to outer system injection, forcing the rest of the
atmosphere. This means a planet with high gravity and a voyage to rely upon traditional propulsion. Ironically, travel
dense atmosphere may trap vessels incapable of escaping between stars can be instantaneous, with the majority of a
(specific engines ignore this limitation). This cannot ac- journey (sometimes weeks) taken up with interplanetary
commodate every planetary environment, but a GM is movement.
open the modify rules depending on the particular planet Cruising Speed. All vessels lacking inertial negation are
being visited. limited to 1AR cruising acceleration, as this is the equiva-
Air pressure, like all pressure, creates heat from friction; lent of producing 1G gravity on the ship. This may appear
however, it is assumed that player-controlled spacecraft are initially slow, but given many vessels can maintain this
adequately shielded from the effects of this heat. Burning constant acceleration for weeks, it adds up quickly.
up in atmosphere is not an appropriate fate for PCs. For example, if traveling between Earth and the Moon,
accounting for the fact a vessel must turn around halfway
For example, Earth possesses 1 G and 14.7 PSI at sea to decelerate (thus still simulating gravity), a ship under
level; a spacecraft is limited to 3RS at sea level. An AR of constant 1G acceleration can reach its destination in 3
1 or higher is required to escape the planet, and it can hours and 20 minutes.
manage to do that moving between 1RS and 3RS. Once Other examples:

241
 Earth to Venus. 1 day, 11 hours, and 28 minutes. in physical distance—the length the engines can run be-
Earth to Mars. 1 day, 21 hours, and 13 minutes. fore going dry.
Earth to Jupiter. 5 days, 16 hours, and 2 minutes. Rooms. The rooms one may expect on this vessel—
Earth to Pluto. 15 days, 7 hours, and 1 minute used when building a layout map. Hallways are not indi-
These values do not account for orbital mechanics and cated, just assumed.
assume the closest possible distance between planets. Spaces. This value is the number of slots around and
Inertial Negation. A vessel with this modification ig- within a vessel where modifications can be placed. These
nores the effects of g-forces and thus can accelerate and can include systems, force shields, and often enough,
decelerate at higher rates. This allows greater speeds be- weapons. This is a single value but does not represent
tween destinations. Inertial negation is not the same as fixed locations. When adding a modification, it takes up
artificial gravity, which generates 1G where no gravity ex- spaces, then a location on that vessel must be defined.
ists. Negation is more common in the traditional setting of
Threshold than artificial gravity, as negation can still per-
mit gravity through acceleration.
Like mecha, there are 12 different scales of sizes of star-
ships, but their actual footprint is highly variable. Some
ships are built vertically while others are constructed
Starships possess several unique features that only affect a lengthwise. A Medium-sized vessel is often single-man
game in narrative ways, and not in mechanical game ad- spacecraft or two-man escape pods. The common mules of
vantages. Within these simplified rules, ships possess few the Threshold setting are all generally Colossal, though in
statistics. actuality (as a Colossal space is indicated as 80 ft x 80 ft),
Acceleration Rating (AR). The acceleration of a star- they can be over 100 feet long. The spaces indicated only
ship. This value can be added to or subtracted from its list a ship’s footprint when on the ground (generally up-
Relativistic Speed (RS) each turn. Deceleration requires right). Spaceships do not have reach. Obviously, a creature
physically flipping the ship 180 degrees in order to main- cannot fit in any ship smaller than itself. Further, Planetary
tain gravity-under-thrust. and Cosmic scale vessels generally cannot land on planets.
Armor Class. The base armor class of the spacecraft. Max Ability Modifier. A starship’s AC can be modified
Cargo. Offered in cubic yards, not in tonnage. The by the ability score modifier the pilot is using to control
mass of cargo determines the amount of fuel used, but this the vessel—this can be Dexterity, Intelligence of Strength,
is primarily a narrative concern; what is more important is depending on the control system being used (GM discre-
whether something will fit in the hold. tion). The maximum ability modifier depends on the size
Cost/Salvage. Cost indicates a vessel’s purchase price. of the vessel.
Salvage suggests how much it is worth if recovered.
Crew. The number of characters than can be given
roles as well as potential passengers. This is not the mini-
mum number of crew required to fly a vessel—as long as Size Max Ability Modifier Length
Tiny Unlimited <6 ft.
someone can program the flight computer, no ship in this
Small Unlimited 6+ ft.
chapter requires a crew at all. Medium Unlimited 12+ ft.
Features. This entry lists any unusual or unique proper- Large +7 20+ ft.
ties of a spacecraft, not affecting gameplay. Huge +6 40+ ft.
Hit Points/Breach. The hit points of the starship; the Gargantuan +5 100+ ft.
breach is half this value. Colossal +4 200+ ft.
Life Support. The maximum capacity of a vessel before Immense +3 600+ ft.
Titanic None 1,200+ ft.
life support is compromised. A ship can accommodate up
City None 1+ mile
to twice this number, but carbon dioxide buildup will re- Planetary None 4+ miles
sult in a + 1 Inertial Damage every six hours until resolved. Cosmic None 10+ miles
Maneuver. Unlike aircraft, this is a numerical modifier
that affects all Piloting skill checks.
Mass/Cubic Yards. These entries are added for narra-
tive purposes and, in some situations, for the purposes of Modern drives in Threshold utilize reliable fusion drives
salvage vessels being able to tow a craft back to port. that, after hundreds of years of development, have grown
Mechanical. This entry lists any unique features of a incredibly efficient. The largest vessels can often run up to
starship that affects gameplay. six months with smaller vessels often limited to only a few
Pull Factor. An aspect of tugs, this is the mass of a ves- days.
sel that can be towed without significantly compromising Within the setting of Threshold, the titular FTS system
that tug’s acceleration. A tug can increase its towing capaci- is built within whichever reactor provides the means of
ty, but it may come at the cost of acceleration and ulti- propulsion.
mately range. Chemical (TL1). These engines are limited to Large
Range. Range is given as a time measurement, and not

242
and smaller vessels and generally only for launching, land- Antimatter Reactor (TL4). It is believed several an-
ing, and inter-vessel transport. Many only possess at most cient vessels were constructed with antimatter drives,
a two-hour fuel supply. Chemical engines still require sep- though such knowledge of their design has been lost. De-
arate batteries or reactors to power the electrical systems spite improvements in fuel refinement, it is still an incredi-
on the ship. Chemical Engines are limited to 5AR maxi- bly complicated and expensive drive to power. As such,
mum. only one or two refineries are known to have been built,
Electromagnetic Propulsion (TL2). Also known as Ion and all are long since decommissioned. To find an antimat-
drives, these are popular with larger interplanetary freight- ter drive would be a massive win for any salvage team. An
ers where speed is not a concern. EMP drives are known adequately fueled antimatter reactor can accelerate in ex-
for their high efficiency but low exhaust. As a result, most cess of AR50 for a year, or 1AR for 500 years. Because of
are limited to 1AR or less but can run for between six such impressive specifications, equipped vessels would
months and several years. Long-range colonizer vessels also require massive inertial negation to make the crew
used to run on ion drives. Like chemical rockets, EMP and ship survivable.
requires a separate nuclear reactor for power. Gravity Drives (TL5). Still believed the realm of fanta-
Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster (TL2). Plasma sy, there are legends of at least one vessel being construct-
drives, or MPDs, branched off from older electromagnetic ed around a miniature black hole, relying on its Hawking
ion thrusters to improve acceleration with only a marginal radiation for both power and propulsion. Likely, if discov-
reduction in lifespan. These found distribution through ered, a black hole drive may be an artifact of an alien civili-
interplanetary vessels as a successor to the EMP. Most zation. It has been theorized that such a drive would ena-
modern drives still employ later variants of plasma drive, ble up to AR10 but have an effective infinite lifespan (the
so often that they are often bundled with their reactors as a Sun would die before this engine would run out).
single core. An MPD drive can be rated as high as AR3 Space Warp Drive (TL5). This type of propulsion re-
with a lifespan between 2 and 6 months. Larger military quires a power source and would likely mate to either sev-
vessels began life powered by plasma drives. eral massive fusion drives or be powered by a single anti-
Fusion Pulse Drive (TL3). The most advanced propul- matter or gravity drive. The very fabric of spacetime
sion system employed in the modern age (of Threshold) is would be altered to allow a vessel to accelerate to thought
a pulse drive where microscopic nuclear pellets are fed into impossible speeds. Given the breaking of physical laws, a
a reactor and fused, providing both power and thrust for space warp drive could accelerate at ANY acceleration. Its
the entire vessel. Later advances have improved the tech- lifespan would be dependent on the reactor its paired with,
nology, allowing it to run up to four months at 1AR. How- given a space warp drive a range of years or eons.
ever, it’s the pulse drive’s ability to increase acceleration to
as much as 8AR that attracted consumers, though this does
significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Later mega freighters
and colonizer vessels would be equipped with pulse en- The vast majority of ships players will have access to will
gines limited to 1G but rated to last 10 years before refuel- require fuel, as most drives will be TL3 Fusion Pulse
ing. Drives or TL2 Magnetoplasmadynamic Propulsion sys-
Ramjet Fusion Drive (TL3). The largest engine made tems. To refuel a vessel with an empty tank costs any-
during the early days of interstellar space travel was the where between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on how far
Bussard ramjet, which acquired its fuel via attracting ambi- from civilization you are. Black market refueling may cost
ent atoms through a colossal electromagnetic “scoop” less at the risk of fuel quality.
thousands of kilometers across. Fusion occurred within the
reactor, which is then expelled to provide power and pro-
pulsion. Only a few vessels were ever equipped with ram-
jets, and none are in operation today. Each one would be a The rules presented here were designed independently
sight to behold, as they were alleged to dwarf small moons. from those in the mecha chapter. Mecha, regardless of
Ramjets are limited to only 1AR but have an unlimited size, are designed to operate at a standard human scale,
lifespan. while spaceships operate at their own scale. While these
Photonic Drives (TL4). Certain vessels require so rules do not define the actual distance of a range category,
much power to operate that the very radioactive byproduct for the purposes of range and movement while involving
of the reactor is enough to propel the ship. These mam- mecha, 1 RC = 100 feet.
moth reactors are almost always limited to 1AR or less, but While mecha weapons still possess a normal range, they
given the massive size of the reactors (Colossal), their no longer possess an extreme range (it is now effectively
lifespan has been rated in centuries. Gluttons are often unlimited like starship ranges. This may force mecha to
equipped with Photonic drives as the heat from their reac- get close to larger ships for their weapons to be effective.
tors are also used for smelting the ore being mined. Given With mecha, as it is with monsters, they possess speed
the immense cost to produce these drives, none have been per normal, while starships possess acceleration with no
constructed since the Glutton project was canceled. actual maximum speed. Thus for mecha, every 30 feet of
fly movement = 1 AR, assuming the mecha has thrusters or

243
gravitics. spacecraft to better position weapons or avoid incoming
By employing the mecha chapter to create spacecraft, fire.
these same conversion can apply, with the additional con-
version to ally crew members to assume roles (see later).
For mecha no other conversion is required.
(It’s not a perfect conversion, and a GM may need to Tactical Skill. You can make Wisdom (Insight) or Intel-
homebrew to find the perfect balance for the setting). ligence (Investigation) checks as a Tactical skill check.
Attack Pattern (Action). The next attack roll made by
your vessel gains a bonus. Make a Tactical check. DC10:
+1; DC15: +2; DC20: +3; DC25: +4. This bonus is lost at
the beginning of your next turn.
Defense Pattern (Action). Gain a bonus to your vessel’s
AC against the next attack. Make a Tactical check. DC10:
All starships share the following traits. +1; DC15: +2; DC20: +3; DC25: +4. This bonus is lost at
Escape Pods. Each starship is equipped with as many the beginning of your next turn.
two-person escape pods as its crew capacity +20% Boost (Reaction). When an ally aboard ship (or aboard
(rounded up). an allied ship) makes an ability check, they have advantage
Immunities. Starships have immunity acid, cold, ne- on the check. You must be able to communicate with the
crotic, poison, and psychic damage. ally.
Small Arms Invulnerability (SAI). The thick hulls of
starships render them nearly impervious to small-arms fire.
All starships ignore all forms of damage unless that damage
can inflict at least 20 points of damage, regardless if the Piloting Skill. You can make a Dexterity (Acrobatics),
weapon possesses the AP property or not, as SAI is unrelat- Strength (Athletics), or Intelligence (Investigation) check
ed to damage resistances and immunities. If a weapon as a Piloting check (GM discretion, as it's based on a ves-
inflicts more than 20 points of damage, this immunity is sel’s control system). When your vessel is required to make
ignored, and damage can be applied regularly. a Dexterity saving throw, you can use your Piloting check
Pressurized. The crew within a starship is immune to instead.
all poison attacks from outside unless a breach occurs. Attack (Action). The pilot can make an attack action
Resistances. Starships have resistance lightning, as well with a weapon connected to his or her controls.
as bludgeoning, slashing, and thunder from nonmagical Maneuver (Action). Gain a bonus to your vessel’s AC
weapons. Starships with an AC of 16 or higher also gain until the beginning of your next turn. Make a Piloting
resistance to piercing from nonmagical weapons. check. DC10: +1; DC15: +2; DC20: +3; DC25: +4.
Sensors. Starships possess Darkvision out to 1 RC and
radar for 10 RC.

Attack (Action). The gunner can make an attack action

with a weapon connected to his or her controls.
In combat (or in any crisis situation), there are roles players Lock-on Target (Action). The gunner aims and tracks
can assume to improve a vessel’s chance of success. A upon a target, compensating for distance and relative ve-
player can assume multiple roles (though generally no locities; that gunner gains a +4 bonus to his or her next
more than two), but for full enjoyment, each character attack roll. This is cumulative up to +12.
should possess a specialized function. Each role offers vari- Coordinate (Action). Give another ally on the same ves-
ous unique actions. sel a +3 bonus on his or her next attack roll made before
Assignment. A player should only assume multiple your next turn.
roles if the party composition is less than four. At party
sizes greater than four, there can be multiple gunners and
engineers but not multiple tacticians or pilots. For obvious
reasons, some roles do not match well with others when Engineering Skill. The engineer should have training
assumed by the same player. For example, a pilot can also in Intelligence (Engineering).
not be the engineer. Divert Energy-Weapons (Action). Select a weapon on
your vessel. Increase the damage it inflicts. Make an Engi-
neering check. DC10: +6; DC15: +10; DC20: +14; DC25:
+18. This effect lasts until the beginning of your next turn.
Each role also gains a way to apply a unique skill to a com- Repair (Action). Make one Engineering check. Some
bat encounter (training in these skills would be advisable) effects require multiple checks (requiring multiple ac-
Tactical Check. This enables a character to analyze a tions); these need not be consecutive. Track which checks
battle and maximize a vessel’s effectiveness. you have succeeded at.
Piloting Check. This enables a character to maneuver a DC20 (two successes)—Recover 1 lost AR or AC.

244
 DC20 (two successes)—Reduce REACON level by 1.
DC15 (one success)—Recover Hit Points to the vessel
equal the difference between the skill roll and the
DC. This can be used to seal breaches.
DC20 (two successes)—Increase AR by 1 for 1 mi- Each time a hit occurs, the attacker makes an additional
nute; increase REACON by 1 to increase to 2AR. d20 roll. The result is compared to the Starship Damage
DC20 (two successes)—Increase AC by 1 for 1 minute; Table. There are several ways to modify this result of a
increase REACON by 1 to increase AC by 2. starship damage roll.
DC15 - Recover one disabled system. Attacker Roll. The final attack roll minus the target’s
Reduce weapon warm-up time by 1 round; increase AC is applied as a bonus to the starship damage roll.
REACON by 1. Critical Hit. If the attacker rolls a natural 20, add a +5
Note: The repair action becomes easier when an engi- bonus to the final result for the purposes of the starship
neer takes his or her time. damage roll. If the attacker rolls a critical hit which is not a
Overhaul (Reaction). Make an Engineering check after natural 20, add a +2 bonus instead.
suffering a hit; modify the result of the starship damage Target Location. If targeting a location, do not make a
roll. DC10: +/-1; DC15: +/-2; DC20: +/-3; DC25: +/-4. starship damage roll; instead, the location hit is specified
(basic or severe hit). However, an engineer can still alter
this result with a reaction.
Additional Modifiers. Some vessels and modifications
possess modifiers to all starship damage rolls. Additionally,
Combat between spacecraft has been simplified to con- many weapons can alter starship damage results base on
form to 5E philosophy as well as speed up resolution; as their capabilities.
such, combat still only requires an attacker making a d20 Overhaul. The engineer can alter the result of a star-
attack roll. However, this value can be significantly modi- ship damage roll by using his or her Overhaul reaction.
fied by factors such as relative speeds, range, and counter- Breached. Each vessel has two hit points values, its
measures. maximum hit points, and half this value, called “breach.”
Modifier Value Once a vessel’s current hit points crosses this value, all
Distance to Target 10 – RC is a +/- modifier to attack
further hits gain an additional +5 bonus to starship damage
Speed of Faster RS faster target – RS slower target is a
Target (Orientation?) penalty to attack for both sides. rolls.
Target Enhancement Reduces the RC for the purposes of Zero Hit Points. Once a vessel’s hit points reach 0, it
distance modifiers does not immediately explode. Instead, when hitting a
Target Location -4 penalty for targeting any basic loca- target that has been reduced to 0 hit points, all starship
tion hit (do not make a starship dam- damage rolls gain an additional bonus (added onto the ex-
age roll) isting +5) equal to the damage inflicted divided by 10
Target Location -8 penalty to target any Severe location (round down, minimum 1). This modifier compounds with
hit (do not make a starship damage
roll)
successive hits.
For example, if a ship is reduced to 0 hit points and
For example, if two ships are 6 RC apart, both vessels then suffers a 50-damage hit, its next starship damage roll
gain a +4 bonus to attack rolls. If one ship is moving at RS6 incurs a +10 bonus (+5 for the damage, +5 for being
and the other vessel is moving at RS2, both vessels suffer a breached). It then suffers an additional 60-damage hit,
-2 penalty to attack rolls, reducing the total bonus to +2 for incurring a +16 bonus to the next starship damage roll (+5
both sides. If the modified result is more than +/- 3, you for breach, +5 for the 50 damage, and +6 for the 60 dam-
may choose to apply advantage/disadvantage instead for age). This continues to be cumulative until the ship is de-
simplicity’s sake. stroyed.
AC versus Size. Like with human scale, Armor Class is Destroyed Systems. Destroyed systems cannot be re-
determined by a combination of physical defenses and paired with the Engineer’s Repair action as it takes too
agility. This applies to spacecraft as well, with larger ves- much time for a simple patch.
sels possessing the same AC as small, maneuverable ves-
sels. As such, there are no modifiers to attack larger or
smaller vessels.
Orientation. Attack modifiers based on the relative ve- Similar to mecha, a starships drive (however it’s powered)
locities assume two vessels are maneuvering around each can suffer damage. When the reactor suffers a hit, it in-
other. When attempting to escape, a ship moving faster is creases its chance of detonation. This refers to the Reactor
also only moving away; therefore, this modifier can be ig- Condition (or REACON) table. By default, a starship oper-
nored. ates at Level 0. This level increases with hits via the star-
ship damage table.
Each time the REACON level increases, it imposes the
effects listed on the table. Reach high enough, and the
reactor may explode, instantly reducing the vessel to 0 hit

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 Roll D20 Result Effect
</=15 N/A None
16-20 Ship Shaken All characters must make a DC15 Con/Dex/Str or have disadvantage with all ability checks and attack
rolls until the end of their next turn.
21 Basic Hit Drive +1 to REACON
22 Basic Hit Stability -1 penalty to Maneuver
23 Basic Hit System Roll on the System Damage Table. This system is damaged and non-working.
24 Basic Hit Armor -1 penalty to AC
25 Basic Hit Integrity Increase hit damage 20%; a random room suffers a minor air leak.
26 Basic Hit Propulsion -1 to AR
27 Severe Hit Drive +2 to REACON
28 Severe Hit Stability -2 penalty to Maneuver until fixed
29 Severe Hit System Roll twice on the System Damage Table. These systems are damaged and non-working.
30 Severe Hit Armor -2 penalty to AC until fixed.
31 Severe Hit Integrity Increase hit damage 40%; a random room suffers a significant air leak
32 Severe Hit Propulsion -2 to AR
33 Extreme Hit Drive +4 to REACON until fixed
34 Extreme Hit Stability -3 penalty to Maneuver until fixed
35 Extreme Hit System Roll thrice on the System Damage Table. These systems are damaged and non-working.
36 Extreme Hit Armor -3 penalty to AC until fixed
37 Extreme Hit Integrity Increase hit damage 60%; a random room suffers a hull breach. All crew in that room must make a
DC15 Dexterity saving throw or suffer 2d10+10 piercing damage (save half).
38 Extreme Hit Propulsion -3 to AR
39 Destroyed Drive +8 to REACON
40 Destroyed Stability -10 penalty to Maneuver until fixed
41 Destroyed Systems Roll four times on the System Damage Table. These systems are damaged and non-working.
42 Destroyed Armor AC reduced to 5 until fixed
43 Destroyed Integrity Increase hit damage 100%; a random room is destroyed. All crew in that room must make a DC15
Dexterity saving throw or suffer 4d10+40 piercing damage (save half).
44 Destroyed Propulsion AR 0
45+ Catastrophic Collapse Ship offline. All systems dead. Requires at least 1 day to recover 1 system. Next hit destroys the ship.

points and potentially causing a catastrophic detonation. stage 11, a vessel’s hit points is reduced to 0.
Engineers can also increase Reacon to accomplish certain Radiation Damage. When reaching this step (6, 8, 10,
feats. and 11), the main drive of a vessel suffers a catastrophic
breach. Although able to be fixed, for a moment, it floods
radiation into all engineering spaces. All crew within these
spaces must make a DC15 Constitution or Dexterity sav-
Level Effect ing throw or suffer radiant damage (save half). The damage
0 None inflicted is equal to the stage level of the drive during the
1 Random system disabled
2 Fuel reduced 25% from max
breach in d6 + 6 multiplied by half that level (so at REA-
3 Random system disabled CON6, a radiation leak will inflict 6d6+[3x6=18] damage).
4 Fuel reduced 50% from max Thankfully, engineers always wear appropriate personal
5 Random system disabled protective equipment (right?).
6 Radiation Damage (6d6+18)
7 Random system disabled
8 Radiation Damage (8d6+48)
9 AR 0 (if not already) Ship systems are numerous and can be disabled or dam-
10 Radiation Damage (9d6+27) aged via drive hits or starship hits. When a damaged drive
11 DRIVE DESTROYED (11d6+33)
disables a system, the system is not damaged – it just no
longer has power. Dropping the REACON level brings the
affected system back online. When rolling on the system
Drive Destroyed. Depending on the type of drive, damage table via starship damage, the system in question
when destroyed, a reactor may utterly annihilate the ves- is actually damaged. Systems can be rolled or selected by
sel. In other situations, it may result in a catastrophic situa- the GM. If a ship does not have the system in question, re-
tion where the crew have only a few minutes to abandon roll, or select another result. Systems can also be disabled
ship. The conventional drives in the Threshold setting via plot events (GM discretion), such as viruses, electro-
only break apart, making it nearly impossible to fix, but not magnetic interference, internal damage, etc.
destroying a vessel utterly. A drive destroyed condition
also results in radiation damage. Additionally, if reaching

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 pre-charged before combat begins unless the characters are
aware conflict is coming. Once charged, the weapon will
Roll or System Disabled discharge the energy safely within 5 rounds if not fired.
Choose
1 Artificial gravity—reduced to 0
2 Inertial negation—reduced by 1
3 One random weapon
4 Faster than light drive
5 Doors—won’t open automatically
6 Lights
7 Internal Sensors
Lasers count as inflicting fire damage as they transmit heat
8 External Sensors (Radar) despite not being treated as fire in their use in space. La-
9 Landing Gear sers traverse at the speed of light, offering excellent accu-
10 Life support—reduced 25% from max racy, though their damage is decreased.
11 Force shield—reduced 25% from max Light. If a laser hits a target, all subsequent attacks on
12 Medical—disadvantage with Wisdom (Medicine) the same target gain a +1 bonus to attack until you miss or
checks change targets.
13 Engineering—disadvantage on Intelligence Superlaser. This devastating energy modification
(Engineering) checks launches a wide beam towards a target. When firing, pick a
14 Bridge—disadvantage on any skill checks on the target; draw a straight line to that target. Any target within
bridge. range of the beam’s trajectory (200 feet or 3RC), as well as
15 Food supply—reduced by half the impact point, is affected by the blast effect. Additional-
16 Tow cable severed. ly, if the superlaser misses a direct target by 6 or less, that
17 Internal communications
target is still caught in the blast radius.
18 External Communications
Heat. If you roll a natural 20 with a laser weapon, you
19 Stealth suite
20 Targeting computer
reduce the target’s AC by 1d4 until repaired.

Also known as kinetic kill weapons, railguns fire iron

flechettes between 36,000 miles per hour to as fast as
Spaceship weapons do not operate like one-handed, two- 108,000 miles per hour (or 30 miles a second), inflicting
handed, heavy, or super-heavy weapons, and the properties damage through pure mass and velocity.
applied to standard gear do not apply here. Space weapons Anti-Missile. Point defense weapons can be switched
operate with their own rules, though, as stated earlier, for to target incoming missiles. As a reaction to one or more
the purposes class features, space weapons count as heavy missile hits as part of a single attack, you can make an at-
weapons (though without the movement restrictions). tack against the incoming missiles (AC 18). Since point
Sp (Spaces). This is the number of spaces the weapon defense weapons possess the auto-heavy property, you can
occupies. This value cannot be reduced. target up to ten missiles per reaction. For every hit, one
missile detonates halfway between you and the attacker.
Ricochet. On a hit, a magnetic weapon gains a +1 bonus
when rolling on the starship damage table (+3 with a natu-
ral 20).

Weapons possess an effective unlimited range while in

space. Laser-based weapons attenuate after about Particle accelerators operate similar to railguns, but instead
2,000RC, plasma-based weapons work within 1,500RC, of propelling a metal slug at between Mach 6 and Mach
and nuclear accelerators operate within 3,000RC, all well 100, a particle accelerator fires a stream of subatomic parti-
beyond the practical range of an encounter. Magnetic cles close to the speed of light, effectively an identical
weapons have literally no range—they continue at their equation of mass versus velocity with different values. As
launch speed until they hit something. the weapon is a stream, it can slice enemy vessels in two.
On average, particle accelerators inflict the most damage
for the price.
Accelerator. If you roll a natural 20 with a nuclear accel-
After firing this weapon, it requires a certain number of erator, add one additional rolled die and one additional
rounds to fire again. The weapon becomes available again maximized die over typical critical hit damage.
at the highest initiative count on the round after the warm- Disruptor. If a disruptor hits a force shield, the attack is
up count has passed; so a weapon with warm-up (2) would considered a critical hit. If hitting an unshielded vessel,
become available again at the top of the third round after roll one additional time on the starship damage table with
firing. Capacitor bleed prevents the weapon from being

247
Weapon Cost Damage TL Sp Properties
Laser Weapons
Laser, Small 40,000 3d6+18 force 2 1 Attack +1
Laser, Medium 50,000 5d6+30 force 3 3 Attack +2
Laser, Heavy 60,000 7d6+42 force 4 6 Attack +2
Laserlance, Medium 45,000 4d6+24 force 3 3 AP, attack +2
Laserlance, Heavy 55,000 6d6+36 force 3 6 AP, attack +3
Superlaser 1,000,000 20d6+120 force 5 50 AP, attack +3, direct (40d6+240), exp (200 ft./3RC), warm-
up (10)
Magnetic
Point Defense Cannon 35,000 2d8+16 piercing 2 1 Anti-missile, AP, Auto-heavy (2d10+20), feed (500)
Point Defense Cannon, Heavy 45,000 3d8+24 piercing 2 2 Anti-missile, AP, Auto-heavy (3d10+30), feed (500)
Railgun, Light 40,000 3d8+24 piercing 2 1 AP, feed (50)
Railgun, Medium 50,000 5d8+40 piercing 2 3 AP, feed (50)
Railgun, Heavy 60,000 7d8+56 piercing 2 6 AP feed (50), warm-up (1)
Railgun, Massive 70,000 9d8+72 piercing 3 12 AP, feed (50), warm-up (2)
Missiles
Nuclear Rocket, Superlight 500 1d10+10 bludgeoning 2 0.10 AP, direct (2d10+20), exp (10 ft.)
Nuclear Rocket, Light 2,000 2d10+20 bludgeoning 2 0.25 AP, direct (4d10+40), exp (20 ft.)
Nuclear Rocket, Medium 5,000 4d10+40 bludgeoning 2 0.5 AP, direct (8d10+80), exp (30 ft.)
Nuclear Rocket, Heavy 10,000 6d10+60 bludgeoning 2 1 AP, direct (12d10+120), exp (40 ft.)
Nuclear Rocket, Superheavy 15,000 9d10+90 bludgeoning 2 3 AP, direct (18d10+180), exp (50 ft.)
Torpedo, Antimatter 40,000 20d10+200 bludgeoning 5 10 AP, direct (40d10+400), exp (100 ft./1RC)
Nuclear Accelerators
Disruptor 40,000 2d10+20 radiant 2 5
Nuclear Pellet Launcher 65,000 3d10+30 radiant 3 8 AP, direct (6d10+60), exp (5 ft.)
Particle Accelerator, Light 75,000 3d10+30 radiant 2 1
Particle Accelerator, Medium 85,000 5d10+50 radiant 3 3 Attack, +1
Particle Accelerator, Heavy 95,000 7d10+70 radiant 4 6 Attack +2
Particle Accelerator, Massive 105,000 9d10+90 radiant 4 10 Attack +3, warm-up (1)
Plasma Weapons
Pulse Gun, Light 45,000 2d12+24 fire/radiant 3 2 AP
Pulse Gun, Medium 55,000 4d12+48 fire/radiant 3 4 AP
Pulse Gun, Heavy 65,000 6d12+72 fire/radiant 4 10 AP, attack +1
Phazer, Light 75,000 5d12+60 fire/radiant 5 8 AP, attack +2
Phazer, Heavy 85,000 7d12+84 fire/radiant 5 16 AP, attack +3

a -10 modifier. wide to attempt a second attack as a free action at the start
Nuclear Pellet. These weapons accelerate miniature of the attacker’s turn after next.
magnetically contained nuclear pellet explosives. If an at- Anti-Matter Torpedo. With the antimatter torpedo, the
tack misses by 2 or less, the attacker can detonate the pel- target can be caught in the blast radius if missed by 4 or
let to inflict an explosive attack (as per missiles, below). less.

A missile occupies space within a launcher. The ammuni- An intermediate between particle accelerators and rail-
tion is entirely based on the number of missiles purchased. guns, plasma throwers accelerate contained balls of plasma.
Missiles cannot be reloaded easily, requiring a long rest to These are also known as pulse weapons. Plasma weapons
reload. When used, they must be re-purchased. To em- inflict both radiant and fire damage. Later variations, phaz-
ploy missiles in space, take an action to lock on a target, ers, switch out the ball with a channel (or tunnel) connect-
and fire any number of missiles you possess. The attack ing attacker to target (making it appear like a laser).
roll occurs as a free action when the missiles strike (based Superheated. If you roll a natural 20 with a plasma
on their speed). weapon, gain an additional +5 bonus when rolling on the
Missiles have the same initial SR as the vehicle launch- starship damage table.
ing them and have an AR of 4, but only possess a four-
round fuel supply. After that, a missile continues at its cur-
rent speed but can no longer maneuver to make additional
attacks. Any spaceship can be equipped with a number of modifi-
If a missile misses on its attack roll by 2 or less, the at- cations, as long as that ship has the spaces to spare. While
tacker can choose to manually detonate it as part of the many offer mechanical benefits, especially in combat, oth-
attack roll to catch the target in the blast radius. Otherwise ers are provided for narrative function only.
(or if the attack misses entirely), the missile can swing

248
 Modification Cost Space TL Effect
Airlock Umbilical 2,000 0.5 2 Extend airlock by 200 feet.
Artificial Gravity 80,000 1 5 Generate between 1G and 3G anywhere on the vessel.
Cargo Module, Mk1 1,000 1 2 500 cubic yards
Cargo Module, Mk2 2,000 2 2 1,000 cubic yards
Cargo Module, Mk3 4,000 3 2 2,000 cubic yards
Defense Upgrade, Mk1 10,000 1 2 +1 to AC; +3 to SAI
Defense Upgrade, Mk2 30,000 2 2 +2 to AC; +6 to SAI
Defense Upgrade, Mk3 60,000 3 2 +3 to AC; +10 to SAI
Drive Upgrade, Mk1 10,000 2 2 +1 to AR
Drive Upgrade, Mk2 30,000 4 3 +2 to AR
Drive Upgrade, Mk3 60,000 6 4 +3 to AR
Escape Pods 1,000 1 2 +3 2-person escape pods
Extended Fuel Cell 5,000 1 2 +50% fuel range
Floatation Rig 1,000 0.5 3 Float on water
Force Shield, Mk1 15,000 1 3 DV 40; SAI 20
Force Shield, Mk2 30,000 2 3 DV 60; SAI 30
Force Shield, Mk3 60,000 4 4 DV 80; SAI 40
Force Shield, Mk4 120,000 6 5 DV 100; SAI 50
Gravity Extender 30,000 0.5 5 Extends 1G gravity to a docked vessel
Grav Pod 15,000 0.5 4 Greatly increases pull factor
Inertial Negator, Mk1 3,000 0.5 3 IN-3
Inertial Negator, Mk2 10,000 1 4 IN-6
Inertial Negator, Mk3 20,000 1 5 IN-12
Maneuvering Thrusters, Mk1 10,000 0.5 2 Piloting +2
Maneuvering Thrusters, Mk2 20,000 1 2 Piloting +4
Maneuvering Thrusters, Mk3 40,000 2 3 Piloting +6
Manipulator Arms 5,000 0.5 2 Manipulate objects up to 1RC
Reinforced Landing Gear 5,000 0.5 2 Additional or reinforced landing system
Solar Sail 2,000 1 2 0.5 AR and recharges batteries
Sensor Suite, Mk1 1,000 1 2 Darkvision 5 RC; radar 30 RC
Sensor Suite, Mk2 3,000 1 3 Darkvision 10 RC; radar 100 RC; blindsense 1 RC
Sensor Suite, Mk3 6,000 1 4 Darkvision 30 km; radar 200 RC; blindsense 5 RC
Stealth Suite 10,000 1 2 Guided weapons have disadvantage.
Tachyon Transmitter 10,000 0.5 3 10 x light speed for communication
Targeting Computer, Mk1 5,000 1 2 RC modifier: -3
Targeting Computer, Mk2 10,000 1 3 RC modifier: -6
Targeting Computer, Mk3 20,000 1 4 RC modifier: -10
Tow Cables 500 0.5 1 +500 tons towing capacity
Tractor Beam 10,000 2 4 Moor a ship up to RC3 away.
Airlock Umbilical. An umbilical is an air-tight tunnel Defense Upgrade. This series of reinforced plating and
that can adjust to link the airlocks of any vessel, abrogating maneuvering thrusters increase a vessel’s armor class. You
the need for complex docking maneuvers. The umbilical must possess Mk1 to gain Mk2, and both are required for
can extend up to 200 feet, possesses an AC of 15 with each Mk3. AC bonuses do not overlap, and you cannot purchase
5-foot segment having 20 hit points. If reduced to zero, lower levels multiple times. Higher levels also increase a
the umbilical depressurizes, and is severed. Mooring ca- vessel’s Small Arms Invulnerability (SAI).
bles are still attached, however. An airlock umbilical can- Drive Upgrade. This upgrades a vessel’s main reactor,
not be used to tow a vessel. increasing power (rated in improved AR). You must pos-
Artificial Gravity. This advanced technology provides sess Mk1 to gain Mk2, and both are required for Mk3. AR
up to 3G of gravity upon a vessel. This gravity is not re- bonuses do not overlap, and you cannot purchase lower
quired to be uniform; each room can be programmed to levels multiple times.
direct gravity in a particular direction and in any severity. Escape Pods. The listed cost is per three additional 2-
This can be adjusted via access to a computer terminal person escape pods.
with an action (and the appropriate security clearance). Extended Fuel Cell. This increases the range of the
Gravity can also be terminated. If disabled or damaged, vessel by 50% (if the ship utilizes a fuel capacity).
affected areas revert to the vessel’s current acceleration Floatation Rig. As an action, the bottom of the vessel
(with ‘down’ opposite the vector of thrust). deploys air-filled baffles allowing a spacecraft to float on
Cargo Module. These outer sections provide an airtight water or rise to the surface if already underwater. The
container that can function as a hanger bay, drydock, or number of baffles depends on the size and design of the
basic storage bay. vessel (GM determination). Each baffle possesses an AC

249
of 10 and 2 hit points, and if 30% of the baffles are de- assigned crew member onboard the ship. These manipula-
stroyed, the ship cannot float. tors can extend to any targets within 1RC.
Force Shield. This device erects an energy barrier Reinforced Landing Gear. This system allows more
around the vessel. Force shields cannot function in atmos- secured landing on higher gravity planets as well as de-
pheres or when docked with another vessel. Any physical fense if the landing gear is damaged in combat (must be
objects (including spacesuits and cargo modules) cannot hit twice to be destroyed). Additionally, ships without
approach the ship as long as a shield is up. Dropping and landing gear can be equipped with one.
raising a shield takes an action, but does not take effect Solar Sail. This extravagant system takes five minutes
until the same initiative count of the following round. to deploy and retract. While utilized, a solar sail can re-
A shield provides a defense value (DV) that is removed charge a ship’s power supply (though not its fuel supply)
from all incoming damage. Each hit is applied separately, and provide 0.5 G acceleration away from the nearest sun
and if any damage makes it through, starship damage rolls (within 5AU for a Sol-type star).
are made with a -5 modifier. Regardless if damage pene- Sensor Suite. This array of visible antennae and dishes
trates a shield, a shield’s defense value is reduced by 10% improves a ship’s sensor capabilities. It enhances a vessel’s
of the incoming damage. If the attack penetrates the Darkvision, radar, and may provide blindsense.
shield, this value increases to 20%. Once a shield’s defense Stealth Suite. This system can not only scramble a ves-
value is reduced to zero, it is effectively down. Shields sel’s identification codes, but it also can disrupt incoming
also provide their own Small Arms Invulnerability (SAI) guided missiles. When making an attack with a guided
value while up; this value is in addition. Shields possess weapon, this attack has disadvantage.
the standard resistances as all starships (lightning, as well Tachyon Transmitter. This allows tight-beam transmis-
as bludgeoning, slashing, and thunder from nonmagical sions to broadcast to 10 times the speed of light.
weapons) but also gain resistance piercing from nonmagical Targeting Computers. These advanced combat systems
weapons as well. reduce the effects of range modifiers. Each entry lists a
For example, a force shield DV of 40 is struck with 30 range category modifier, effectively reducing the distance
damage attack. No damage breaks through, and the shield between attacker and target. No modifier can reduce the
is reduced by 3 (down to 37). Later, another attack inflicts RC below 0.
60. 23 damage makes it through to the vessel’s HP. The Tow Cables. Additional two cables allow the pulling of
shield is reduced by 12 to 25. more fragile cargo. Each tow cable can pull 500 tons at 1G,
Gravity Extender. A vessel equipped with artificial and cables also come equipped with nets.
gravity can extend up to 1G of gravity control to another Tractor Beam. This allows a vessel to make an attack
docked ship of the same size or smaller (if the vessel al- action against a target within 3RC. On a hit, the ships are
ready has artificial gravity of 1G or less, this instead can tethered via tractor beam. The attacker can pull the vessel
nullify it to zero G, even if the vessels are under thrust; it 1 RC closer per turn, but the ship cannot move beyond
cannot be used to change the direction of said gravity). 3RC. The beam negates up to 4 AR; multiple beams can
Grav Pod. A grav pod offers two functions. First, it can strengthen a vessel’s hold by 2 AR each. Once beyond
be attached to a towed cargo module or a wreck to reduce 3RC the target vessel is no longer bound. (For instance, a
its effective mass, making it lighter. Additional pods can vessel caught by a single tractor beam would require AR5
be added, reducing a towed mass to zero. An umbilical to escape, with an effective acceleration of AR1 allowing it
maintains power to the main vessel. Second, a pod can be to escape after 3 rounds; one caught by two beams would
mounted on a powered vessel to reduce its mass, making require AR7 to escape at the same speed).
its power-to-weight ratio better. The ship gains a +1 to AR.
Only one grav pod can be used this way.
Inertial Negator. A predecessor to artificial gravity, the
inertial negator reduces the effects of acceleration and G-
forces. Generally, these devices will minimize inertia down
to 1G to allow ship gravity during high acceleration. Re-
sponse time to sudden maneuvers and incoming attacks is
reduced by 99.9%, enabling minuscule feedback to aid
tactical decisions, although severe impacts have resulted in
crew members being tossed about a room. Each level of-
fers an IN value, which is the amount G-forces the negator
can absorb.
Maneuvering Thrusters. Additional reaction control
engines scattered throughout a vessel improves navigation
and guidance. Each level offers a bonus to Piloting skill
checks.
Manipulator Arms. These thin appendages offer basic
clamps and adjustable tools that can be controlled by any

250