DEEP

Game By: Ben Dutter

Jessica Dutter

Art: Per Folmer

Sebastian Rodriguez

Graphic Sam Mameli

Design:

Graphic Jean Adaser

Consultant:

Design Ben Milton

Consultant:

Contributors & Emily Diehl-Reader, Will

Playtesting: “Worst Luck” Diamante,
David Brewster, Harrigan,
Peter Mazzeo, Tim Kirk, Joe
England, Justin Dwyer, John
Tague, Eric Vulgaris, Shawn
Tomkin, Alan Bahr, Rich
Harkraker, Josh del Villar,
David Schirduan, Joshua
“Truthseeker” Rigrod, Kelce
Casey, Neil Benson, and
many others.
WHAT IS THIS?
Five Torches Deep (FTD) strips 5e to its
skeleton and fleshes it out with OSR ele-
ments. The goal is to provide an old-school
experience to those familiar with 5e. It’s
self-contained and playable as is, assuming
familiarity with fantasy rpgs.

WHY?
FTD is meant to ease the introduction of
OSR mechanics and principles to those
familiar with 5e. The classes and monsters
are (largely) compatible with 5e, and can be
plugged in and out as you see fit. The more
FTD you add, the more “OSR” it feels.

QUICK PRIMER
• Core mechanics based on 5e
• Four OSR-related classes
• Four OSR-common races
• Race and class restrictions
• STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA
• Ascending AC
• Rolled abilities and HP
• Skills reduced and simplified
• Magic system re-tooled, flattened
• Spells can cause magical mishaps
• Semi-compatible with 5e math
• Semi-compatible with B/X math
• Load and encumbrance
• Incorporates dis/advantage
• Slower and weaker rest and healing
• Equipment can be broken
• Ability scores determine limits
• Retainers, morale, and reactions
OSR
The old-school renaissance or revival (OSR)
is a category of adventure game rpgs that
focuses on perilous quests for loot and
glory, eschewing the modern epic fantasy
norms of the current edition. FTD adheres to
the principles and mechanics below:

Danger Is Real
The world is legitimately dangerous, PC
death is always around the corner, and even
a small mistake can lead to disaster.

Cunning Over Crunch

The game relies on a certain amount of
player ingenuity, cleverness, and cunning.
You shouldn’t brute force your way through
every obstacle because you have a high skill
modifier. The game demands a thoughtful
approach that minimizes the need to roll.

Magic Is Haphazard
Magic can be plenty common, but it’s hard
to wield with any consistency. Even mages
of the highest order must face the strange
mutations and dire mishaps from their
eldritch energies and hope to survive.

Travel & Resources

A significant portion of the game and its
rules focus on traveling through predatory
wilderness; managing rations, light, and
rest; keeping morale high; and trying not to
get yourself killed from harsh terrain.
FTD VS. 5E
The main differences between FTD and 5e
are summarized below:

Weaker PCs
Ability scores are, on average, much lower
than in 5e. Proficiency bonuses scale the
same, but apply in fewer instances. HP is
similar to 5e, but damage is often higher.
Rest and healing are more demanding, while
checks to carry on through exhaustion and
arduous travel more frequent.

Default DC 11
DCs don’t change much, and the assumption
is most things (other than AC) are DC 11. The
GM is encouraged to minimize the need to
roll checks at all given the PC’s approach.

No Dump Stats
Ability scores play just as much role in the
game as ability modifiers (such as a PC’s
STR score determining how much they can
carry, or their CON score showing how many
hours they can travel without rest, or their
CHA score limiting their max retainers). The
“sub-optimal” abilities of other games have
been bolstered to encourage ability variety.

New Mechanics
New and reincorporated mechanics that
reinforce the tropes of old-school games
and the neo-clones that explicitly lean into
the tolling, souls-esque grindhouse.
CORE SYSTEM
Any time a character attempts a risky action
that has a chance of failure, the player rolls
a check. Roll 1d20 + modifier and compare
against the action’s Difficulty Class (DC).

Both the GM and the PC roll checks depend-

ing on who is acting in the fiction. If a
character has an overwhelming advantage,
they can roll 2d20 and take the better. Like-
wise, disadvantage forces them to roll 2d20
and take the lesser.

Let it ride: only a single roll is permitted

until circumstances significantly change.

DCs
The DC is determined by the GM and based
on the difficulty of the action; it can either
be static (based on an obstacle) or opposed
(like rolling against another character).

You succeed if you meet or exceed the DC.

The default DC is 11, but may range between

5 and 20. The GM can state if a task is
impossible or doesn’t require a check.

Check Modifiers
Each check can have modifiers which add
or subtract a number to the base 1d20 roll
(listed as 1d20 + N). PC checks have ability
and proficiency modifiers, which represent
their capability. Whenever a PC is proficient,
they add their proficiency bonus to checks.
Each modifier source is added once per roll.
A party of four PCs - a warrior, thief,
zealot, and mage - head deeper into a cave.

GM: the party descends into the massive

cavern; the only sound they can hear is
the snapping of their torches and the
constant dripping of stalactites. An hour
passes so mark one travel turn.

The warrior, thief, zealot, and mage each

subtract 1 Resilience and 1 torch. The GM
rolls for the travel turn’s outcome. Since it’s
low, there’s an approaching enemy patrol.

Thief: I just hit my CON limit, so I’m out

of Resilience right? I’ll make a check.
They roll 1d20 + CON mod and get a 13,
pass.

GM: you feel weary, but carry on for

now. As you swap out your torches, the
party hears the faint slapping of bare
feet.

Warrior: goblins! Let’s form up to fight.

The GM allows the thief to roll for the

entire party’s collective chance to hide.
They get a 12, just enough to pass. They set
an ambush.

GM: the goblins approach, wary. It

seems they heard you before, but now
lost you. You all get to attack with
advantage.

Each PC rolls a ranged attack (even the

mage fires a bow). Since it’s advantage,
they roll 2d20 a piece. The warrior is the
only one to land a hit with a natural 20.
GM: your dice are cursed. Oh well, Warrior
roll for damage and double it. The warrior
rolls 1d12 + 3 (STR mod), 7. Doubled is 14.

GM: one goblin falls, but now the ambush

is over and we’re into initiative. Their DEX
is 12, so Thief you’re first, then Warrior.

Thief: Quick action to hide. Succeeds with a

16, and moves around to flank the goblins.

Warrior: I charge in. Full movement,

swap to my sword and shield, then attack
the closest one. They roll and kill another.

GM: okay, so now it’s the four goblins’

turn. Checking morale... they hold the line.
Since the thief is hidden and the others
are far away, the goblins attack you four
times Warrior. The GM rolls four attacks,
comparing to the Warrior’s AC. Four hits!

Zealot: you shouldn’t have run in!

GM: sorry; Warrior is knocked to 0 hp. But

now it’s your turn Zealot.

Zealot: I’ll heal you. I get into range and

cast Suture. That needs a check right?
Zealot rolls 1d20 + WIS mod + proficiency
against the spell DC of 12. A 17, success!

GM: okay with Zealot’s healing, you’re

back up to 6 HP Warrior. Roll on the Injury
Table. Warrior rolls a 17. Right, so that
means you get disadvantage on all checks.
 PLAYER
CHARACTERS
CHARACTER
BASICS
Players take on the role of player characters
(PCs). Each PC belongs to a race and class.
The group of PCs is a party, which may have
non-player characters (NPCs) as retainers.

PCs have six abilities: Strength, Dexterity,

Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and
Charisma. Abilities are listed as a score (a
big number) and modifier (a small number).

The score defines certain limits (such as a

PC’s max commandable retainers) while the
modifier adjusts rolls.

Hit points (HP), equipment, spells, and

special techniques (such as class features)
further define a PC. As PCs gain experience
points (XP), they level up and gain benefits.

PCs are most similar to 5e in levels 1 - 3, and

to B/X for 4 - 9. Max PC level is 9.

CHARACTER
CREATION
Follow the steps below to make a PC:

1. Pick race
2. Roll abilities
3. Pick class
4. Define or pick equipment
5. Decide on supply (SUP) carried
6. Determine total load
7. Pick spells if applicable
8. Fill out your character sheet
 PC RACE
PCs are usually human, but may be another
race. Each race has a different way to deter-
mine ability scores, and ability requirements
by class. Races have no other rules impact.

Human
Ability Scores Class Restrictions
Roll 3d6 in order: STR, None
DEX, CON, INT, WIS,
CHA. Swap up to two.

Dwarf
Ability Scores Class Restrictions
CON and STR are 13. Thief: 13+ DEX
Roll 2d6+3 in DEX, Mage: 13+ INT
INT, WIS, CHA order.

Elf
Ability Scores Class Restrictions
DEX and INT are 13. Warrior: 13+ STR
Roll 2d6+3 in STR, Zealot: 13+ WIS
CON, WIS, CHA order.

Halfling
Ability Scores Class Restrictions
WIS and CHA are 13. Warrior: 13+ STR
Roll 2d6+3 in STR, Mage: 13+ INT
DEX, CON, INT order.

Note your race’s abilities and class restrictions. You

must have a high enough ability score to take that
race’s restricted classes (e.g. a halfling needs 13+ INT
to qualify to become a mage). Classes with no restric-
tions can be taken by any PC of that race.
PC ABILITIES
The abilities are Strength (STR), Dexter-
ity (DEX), Constitution (CON), Intelligence
(INT), Wisdom (WIS), and Charisma (CHA).

Scores & Modifiers

The ability score (the number rolled for)
determines the appropriate ability modifier
(which modifies checks). Note each modifier
conversion as listed below:

Score Modifier

1-3 -4

4-5 -3

6-7 -2

8-9 -1

10 - 11 +0

12 - 13 +1

14 - 15 +2

16 - 17 +3

18+ +4

Below 3 is impossible to roll at start

PCs die with an ability of 0 or below
PC CLASS
There are four classes: Warrior, Thief,
Zealot, Mage. Your class determines your
hardiness, skillset, equipment, and pro-
ficiencies. Classes are detailed in a couple
pages. Some class and race combinations
require minimum ability scores.

Class & Race

Humans have no class restrictions, and may
belong to any class. Elves, dwarves, and
halflings can only be certain classes if ability
requirements are met. If unlisted, the race
can be that class without requirements.

• Dwarf: Thief 13 DEX. Mage 13 INT

• Elf: Zealot 13 WIS. Warrior 13 STR
• Halfling: Mage 13 INT. Warrior 13 STR

Using Classes
Each PC picks a class at first level. A PC that
is proficient due to class features gains their
proficiency bonus to related checks. The GM
says when a proficiency bonus applies.

Each class has three archetypes. A PC picks

one at level 3. At levels 3 and 7 the PC gains
the benefits of that archetype, including its
listed proficiency uses and one of the arche-
type features in the boxes below each. The
PC can’t select the same feature twice.

Classes list what dice to roll for HP earned

at each level up. A PC always earns at least
1 HP each time they level up. Some classes
have spellcasting, which is discussed more
in Spellcasting.
EXPERIENCE
PCs gain experience points (XP) for each
gold piece of treasure safely captured. Simply
discovering the gold or holding it for a while
doesn’t earn XP. Optionally, the GM can
grant XP for things other than gold that are
valuable - bounties, rare discoveries, useful
resources, esoteric knowledge, etc.

LEVELS
PCs level up when they earn enough XP. A
PC gains new benefits each time they level
up, per their class. PCs are unable to level up
in more than one class. Max PC level is 9.

In general, a PC earns more HP, can improve

their stats, and gain new class features with
each level up. Refer to your class rules for
specifics (such as dice rolled for HP, etc).

Level XP Required
2 2,500

3 5,000

4 10,000

5 20,000

6 30,000

7 50,000

8 75,000

9 100,000
WARRIOR
You’re quick, strong, and militant. Combat
is your specialty, and you’re able to deal
and sustain more damage than any other.

Warrior Basics
Starting HP 6 + CON mod
HP each level up 1d10 + CON mod
Armor allowed All
Proficient weapons All
Ability proficiency STR, CON
Coordination,
Proficient checks tactics, will,
archetype

Warrior Equipment
• Armor of your choice
• Shield
• 2 one handed weapons
• 1 two handed weapon
• Smith’s kit (1 load, 2 SUP to refill)
• Healer’s kit (1 load, 2 SUP to refill)
• 5 rations (1 load, 5 SUP to refill)
• 3 rolls on Sundries (Quick Reference)
• Max SUP (1 load per 5; INT score)
WARRIOR TABLE
Level Proficiency Class Features
Bonus

Starting HP, warrior

1 +2 equipment

Counter-attack in melee as
2 +2 a quick action up to twice a
fight
Pick a warrior archetype.
3 +2 Gain one of its archetype
features
+1 to an ability score of your
4 +2 choice

Make two full attacks as one

5 +3 active action

+1 to an ability score of your

6 +3 choice

Pick one new feature from

7 +3 your archetype

+1 to an ability score of your

8 +3 choice

Make three full attacks as

9 +4 one active action
Barbarian Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to intimi-
dation, endurance, and travel related checks.
Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

+6 permanent HP Melee crit 19-20

Adv to intimidate Immune to fear
+10’ move speed Adv to endurance
Rage: +3 dmg dealt and taken while active

Fighter Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to med-
icine, engineering, and diplomacy related
checks. Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

+1 permanent AC Adv to diplomacy

+1 dmg all attacks Adv to strategy
Orders: movement, ally can active action
Phalanx: allies gain +1 AC when near you

Ranger Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to wilder-
ness, creatures, and perception checks. Gain
one feature at level 3 and 7.

Immune to weather Adv to track or hunt

Ignore diff terrain Adv to monster info
Ranged crit 19-20 Only need 1/2 sleep
Adv to stealth Can’t get lost
THIEF
You’re sly, cunning, and precise. Stealth is
your specialty, and you can bypass obsta-
cles, patrols, and locks better than anyone.

Thief Basics
Starting HP 4 + CON mod
HP each level up 1d6 + CON mod
Armor allowed Light, shields
Proficient weapons All
Ability proficiency DEX, INT
Stealth, decep-
Proficient checks tion, senses,
tools, archetype

Thief Equipment
• Light armor
• 2 one handed weapons
• 1 ranged weapon
• Ammunition (1 load, 1 SUP to refill)
• 1 use poison (0 load, 2 SUP to refill)
• Thief’s kit (1 load, 5 SUP to refill)
• 5 rations (1 load, 5 SUP to refill)
• 5 rolls on Sundries (Quick Reference)
• Max SUP (1 load per 5; INT score)
THIEF TABLE
Level Proficiency Class Features
Bonus

Starting HP, thief equipment

1 +2

Try to stealth as a quick

2 +2 action instead of an active
action
Pick a thief archetype.
3 +2 Gain one feature from that
archetype
+1 to an ability score of your
4 +2 choice

Use a quick action to halve

5 +3 one hit’s damage against you

+1 to an ability score of your

6 +3 choice

Pick one new feature from

7 +3 your archetype

+1 to an ability score of your

8 +3 choice

Proficiency bonus is doubled

9 +4 for your archetype checks
Assassin Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to intimi-
dation, insight, and tracking related checks.
Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

Craft custom poison Stealth crit 18-20

Adv to stealth Adv to disguise
Stealth after attack Adv to track target
Backstab: +2d6 damage vs unaware target

Bard Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to perform,
inspire, and diplomacy related checks. Gain
one feature at level 3 and 7.

Immune to charm Adv to charm

Adv to lie or deceive Adv to perform
Know CHA tongues Auto detect magic
Healing song: allies heal +1d8 HP per rest

Rogue Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to infil-
tration, athletics, and investigation related
checks. Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

Always know value Adv to lockpicking

Natural climb speed Adv vs traps
+4 max load Stealth at full speed
Dodge: trap and area damage is halved
ZEALOT
You’re devoted, stalwart, and divine.
Fervor is your specialty, and your commit-
ment grants you providential powers. You
gain divine spellcasting.

Zealot Basics
Starting HP 5 + CON mod
HP each level up 1d8 + CON mod
Armor allowed All
Proficient weapons Simple
Ability proficiency WIS, CHA
Spellcasting,
Proficient checks history, insight,
archetype

Zealot Equipment
• Armor of your choice
• Shield
• 1 one handed simple weapon
• Holy symbol (divine focus)
• Healer’s kit (1 load, 2 SUP to refill)
• 5 rations (1 load, 5 SUP to refill)
• 2 rolls on Sundries (Quick Reference)
• Max SUP (1 load per 5; INT score)
ZEALOT TABLE
Level Proficiency Class Features
Bonus

Starting HP, zealot equipment.

1 +2 Gain divine spellcasting

1/safe rest, heal an ally for

2 +2 1d6/level HP as an active
action
Pick a zealot archetype.
3 +2 Gain one feature from that
archetype
+1 to an ability score of your
4 +2 choice

Innately sense evildoers,

5 +3 sadists, and agents of chaos

+1 to an ability score of your

6 +3 choice

Pick one new feature from

7 +3 your archetype

+1 to an ability score of your

8 +3 choice

Enemies roll morale at dis-

9 +4 advantage while you’re
conscious
Cleric Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to healing,
politics, and divine magic related checks.
Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

Healing deals +2 HP Adv to turn undead

Adv to knowledge Adv to healing
Allies adv vs Injury +4 damage vs evil
Bless: active action, ally has +2 next check

Druid Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to wilder-
ness, creatures, and druidic magic related
checks. Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

Speak with nature Wildskin: 1/rest,

active. Become a
Leave no trail
1HP bird, rat, frog,
Immune to poison or tiny creature

No need to eat Adv to wilderness

Paladin Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to instinct,
endurance, and athletics related checks.
Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

Martial proficiency Auto-detect lies

Adv to help allies +1 permanent AC
Vow: keep a holy vow, gain +2HP and dmg
Lay on hands: heal 1 HP per level per day
MAGE
You’re clever, powerful, and mysterious. You
delve into arcane teachings and demonic
sacrifices, untapping eldritch energy. You
gain arcane spellcasting.

Mage Basics
Starting HP 4 + CON mod
HP each level up 1d6 + CON mod
Armor allowed Shields
Proficient weapons Simple
Ability proficiency CON, INT
Spellcasting,
Proficient checks finesse, negotia-
tion, archetype

Mage Equipment
• 1 one handed simple weapon
• A shield or 1 hunting bow
• Potionery glassware
• Scribe’s kit (0 load, 5 SUP to refill)
• Spell components (3 levels, 6 SUP)
• 2 rations (0 load, 2 SUP to refill)
• 1 roll on Sundries (Quick Reference)
• Max SUP (1 load per 5; INT score)
MAGE TABLE
Level Proficiency Class Features
Bonus

Starting HP, mage equipment.

1 +2 Gain arcane spellcasting

1/rest, reduce next damage by

2 +2 INT mod; quick, concentration

Pick a mage archetype.

3 +2 Gain one feature from that
archetype
+1 to an ability score of your
4 +2 choice

1/safe rest, spend 10 min and

5 +3 dispel any spell below your
level
+1 to an ability score of your
6 +3 choice

Pick one new feature from

7 +3 your archetype

+1 to an ability score of your

8 +3 choice

Pick 1 known spell up to spell

9 +4 level 3. It is now a cantrip for
you
Sorcerer Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to charm,
chaos magic, and willpower related checks.
Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

AC 12 + DEX mod Quickcast: pick one

known spell, cast
Fire damage halved
it as a quick action
Adv to resist magic instead of an active

Adv to charm +4 permanent HP

Warlock Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to profane
magic, intimidate, and stealth related
checks. Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

Wear light armor Sacrifice: damage

self (max lvl) to
Martial proficiency
gain an equal bonus
Adv to intimidate to next damage

No need to eat Darksight

Wizard Archetype
You gain your proficiency bonus to diplo-
macy, insight, and arcane magic related
checks. Gain one feature at level 3 and 7.

Pick +1 cantrip Adv to potions

Adv to magic items Adv to lore / info
Gain a familiar Can reroll a mishap
Mastery: double 1 spell’s area or duration
EQUIPMENT
ARMOR &
SHIELDS
Most PCs wear armor, which makes you
more difficult to hit. There is heavy armor
and light armor. Any PC (and most NPCs)
can wield a shield, which simply increases
your AC at the expense of an unusable hand.
The table below details armor, shields, their
requirements by class, and load.

Armor Class
Every combatant - PC or NPC - has an
armor class (AC), or the number needed to
meet or beat in order to land a hit in combat.
AC is effectively the DC to hurt a target,
which triggers damage.

Armor Types
Heavy AC 15 Warrior
Armor Disadv to stealth and Zealot
stamina checks
Weighs 5 load

Mail hauberk and helm

Light AC 12 + DEX mod Warrior

Armor Weighs 2 load Zealot
Thief
Lamellar, gambeson

Shield +2 AC when wielded All

(occupies 1 hand)
Weighs 1 load

Buckler, round, kite

None AC 10 + DEX mod All

WEAPONS
Weapons are broken out into categories
based on their function and training needed.
Weapon descriptors can change a weapon’s
function. Your class describes what weapons
it can use proficiently (which grants a pro-
ficiency bonus). Attacking with a weapon
you’re not proficient with grants no bonus.
Unarmed attacks usually don’t deal damage
and can be treated as physical checks.

Example weapons are in a couple pages.

Effective Range
Melee Works in close range (5’);
some have reach (10’)

Ranged Suited for ranged distances

(15-300’) disadv in melee

Proficiency Required
Simple Easy to use but weak
• One hand: 1d6 damage
• Two hand: 1d8 damage
• Dual 1h: 2d6 dmg, take
best single d6 result

Clubs, spears, hunting bows

Martial More complex and powerful
• One hand: 1d10 damage
• Two hand: 1d12 damage
• Dual 1h: 2d10 dmg, take
best single d10 result

Swords, halberds, war bows

Weapon Descriptors
Descriptors grant weapons special narrative
and mechanical alterations, such as magical,
slashing, blessed, silver, masterworked,
artifact, etc. These descriptors alter permis-
sions (like blessed weapons can deal damage
against wraiths) or modify damage (e.g.
slashing damage is halved vs skeletons).

Weapon Load
One handed are 1 load, two handed are 2
load. Load counts when wielded or stowed.

Weapon Damage
A weapon’s damage lists the ability modifier
used for damage. Ranged weapons usually
add DEX mod to damage, while melee add
STR mod to damage. The GM can rule if a
weapon’s qualities or descriptors alter this.

For example, using a war bow deals 1d12 +

the PC’s DEX or STR modifier (not score),
such as 7 (roll) + 2 (DEX mod) = 9 damage.
Example Weapons
Weapon Descriptors
Arming sword 1d10 + STR mod, 1h, martial, melee, slashing
Club 1d6 + STR mod, 1h, simple, melee, bludgeoning

Crossbow 1d12 + DEX/WIS mod, 2h, martial, ranged,

piercing, action to reload
1d6 + STR/DEX mod, 1h, simple, melee, pierc-
Dagger ing, slashing, stealthy
1d12 + STR/INT mod, 2h, martial, melee, slash-
Halberd ing, piercing, 10’ reach
1d6 + STR mod, 1h, simple, melee, slashing,
Hatchet bludgeoning
Hunting bow 1d8 + DEX mod, 2h, simple, ranged, piercing

Javelin 1d6 + STR mod, 1h, simple, melee, ranged,

piercing
1d12 + STR mod, 2h, martial, melee, piercing,
Longspear 10’ reach
Longsword 1d12 + STR mod, 2h, martial, melee, slashing

Lumber axe 1d8 + STR mod, 2h, simple, melee, slashing,

bludgeoning

Mace 1d6 + STR mod, 1h, simple, melee, bludgeon-

ing, slashing

Poleaxe 1d12 + STR mod, 2h, martial, melee, slashing,

piercing, bludgeoning

Quarterstaff 1d8 + STR mod, 2h, simple, melee, bludgeon-

ing, 10’ reach
Shield 1d6 + STR mod, 1h, simple, melee, bludgeoning

Shortspear 1d8 + STR mod/1d6 + STR mod, 2h/1h, simple,

melee, piercing

War axe 1d10 + STR mod, 1h, martial, melee, slashing,

piercing
1d12 + DEX/STR mod, 2h, martial, ranged,
War bow piercing
1d10 + STR mod, 1h, martial, melee, bludgeon-
Warhammer ing, piercing
LOAD &
ENCUMBRANCE
Items and weight are tracked in terms of
load. Each item the size of a human head or 5
lbs is considered 1 load. PCs are able to carry
load equal to their STR score without issue.

Heavy armor is 5 load, light armor is 2 load.

Items and weapons are 1 load each hand used
when holding or wielding that item. Other
miscellany can be stacked into 1 load.

Carrying load over your STR causes you to be

encumbered, which reduces your speed by 5’
every point of load over your STR, and forces
disadvantage on all checks.

MAGIC ITEMS &

ATTUNEMENT
A PC can only equip and use magic items
equal in number to their CHA mod (min 1).
Wands, scrolls, and other “consumable”
items don’t count toward this limit. Wielding
too many items causes detrimental effects
such as damage to the item or its wielder.

Some magic items require attunement,

which takes 1 hour of concentration or
prayer. You can only attune to 1 item at a time
whether the attuned item is held or not.

If you attempt to use a magic item that needs

attunement without being attuned, none
of its magical properties function. Some
items will fight against their keeper, causing
damage or effects fitting the item’s nature.
SUPPLY
Each PC has supply (SUP) up to their INT
score. This is how much resupply the PC
brought and represents their ability to plan
ahead with what they might need to bring.

You lose some SUP each time you replenish

an expendable item (like a torch). You regain
SUP by succeeding at a check to forage or
cannibalize an item. You can buy supply in a
town or caravan (usually 1 gp per SUP).

SUP can’t create new things while adven-

turing. SUP can only replenish or replace the
spent, consumed, or lost. SUP only works for
items that the PC stated were brought prior
to the start of the adventure (not serve as
“quantum equipment”).

The GM has the final say on how much SUP

something costs, keeping in mind its rarity,
value, and size. An antitoxin is small but
because of its specificity it has a high SUP.

Once a PC has insufficient SUP to replenish

their item of choice, they can no longer use
that item. Reaching 0 SUP prevents the PC
from replenishing any consumable gear. A
PC can choose to carry less than their max
SUP prior to leaving on a quest.

Supply and Load

Five SUP is one load. SUP is rounded to the
nearest 5 per load (e.g. 14 SUP is 3 load, and
11 SUP is 2 load). SUP can be split among the
party, so long as no one exceeds their max.
Example SUP by Gear
Below are common SUP costs to replace or
refill the listed item.

Item SUP
Arrows - 1 fight, or 10 arrows 1
Torches - 1 hour duration 1
Rations - 1 day 1
Parchment - 1 magic scroll 1
Lockpicks - 1 failed check 1
Lantern oil - 3 hours 1
Rope - 100’ 1
Nails or pitons - 10 pieces 1
Healing kit - 1 use 2
Smith’s kit - 1 use 2
Spell components - per level 2
Potion, weak - 1 use 3
Potion, strong - 1 use 5
Antitoxin or poison - 1 use 5
Quicksilver - 1 application 5
Holy water - 1 application 5
Alchemical grenade - 1 use 7
Dragon’s breath bomb - 1 use 9
Foraging
A PC can spend an hour in a fertile region
and forage 1 SUP without making a check. A
check produces more forage worth 1 SUP per
rolled result over DC 11 (e.g. 13 = 2 SUP).

A PC is carrying arrows, torches, and

rations in their backpack. They decided
to carry 12 SUP on their adventure.

While out on their quest, the PC fights

several battles and is out of arrows. The
PC spends 5 SUP toward 50 arrows, and
now has only 7 SUP remaining.

Later, the PC’s party is out of torches

and other light sources. Since this PC
decided to bring along torches, they
spend another 5 SUP to replenish the
party’s cache (now 2 SUP remaining).

Finally, the PC tries to spend some SUP

toward replenishing rope. However,
the GM notes that the PC didn’t bring
any rope and so can’t use SUP toward
any more or “new” rope. Instead, the
PC can only spend their remaining SUP
toward arrows, torches, or rations.

Eventually, the PC is completely out

of SUP. Once they fire their last arrow,
burn their last torch, and eat their last
ration, the PC won’t be able to replen-
ish any of their consumable equipment
until they refill their SUP.
DURABILITY &
SUNDERING
Equipment - gear, weapons, armor - have
durability between 1 and 5; the higher the
sturdier. Glass and cloth have 1 durability,
wood and bone 2-3, metal or mythical 3+.

When an item is used as part of a check

(weapon for attack, armor for defense) it
might take sundering damage. Rolling a
critical failure or suffering from an enemy’s
critical success reduces the item’s durability
by 1. Once at 0 durability, the item breaks.
Only repairs can restore durability.

Shields can trade HP damage for sunder-

ing damage, preventing HP damage at the
expense of the item’s durability. The PC
must declare that they are sacrificing their
shield in this way.

Item DUR
Boiled leather armor 2
Padded gambeson 2
Wooden and bossed shield 2
Spear 2
Wooden bow 2
Laminated bone bow 3
Chainmail 3
Sword 3
Steel mace 4
Steel breastplate 5
 A PC has 10 HP and a wooden shield
with 2 durability. The PC gets hit and
takes 11 damage, but sacrifices their
shield’s 2 durability to reduce the
incoming damage by 2, taking only 9
damage. This allows them to remain
standing at the cost of a shattered
shield, which is no longer usable.

Later, the PC is firing a wooden bow.

The PC rolls a 1 on their attack, which
causes the bow string to snap and
reduce its durability by 1 (now 1).

Another time, the PC is fighting a bear.

The GM rolls for the bear’s attack and
gets a natural 20. The PC’s chainmail
armor takes sundering damage, and its
durability is reduced by 1 (now 2).

REPAIRS
Repairing equipment is possible during rest
or when in a stronghold. Items with less
than max DUR but greater than 0 DUR can
be repaired. No check is necessary to repair
the item if the PC is proficient in its use and
has a forge or similar workstation.

Repairing a sundered item with improper

tools, while not proficient, or while in a
dangerous situation (such as a dungeon)
requires an INT check with DC 10 + DUR
attempted to be repaired (such as DC 11 for 1
DUR, DC 12 for 2 DUR, etc). Having the right
“kit” grants advantage to this check. Each
DUR repaired requires 1 SUP and 1 hour of
labor, regardless if a check is made.
 A warrior PC has chainmail armor
with 1 out of 3 max DUR. While in a
dungeon, they use 2 SUP to attempt to
repair it. They have a smith’s kit, and
so roll at advantage against the DC 12
check. They roll twice with a high of 9.
After two hours and wasting 2 SUP, the
armor’s DUR remains at 1 of 3.

CRAFTING
Crafting items from scratch takes many
hours and materials. A character must be
proficient in the tool or its use to attempt to
craft it. Crafting requires a series of checks:

Forge: construct the disposable work station

such as a crucible or saw horse

Prep: ready the constituent components for

the item such as smelted ore or treated wood

Assemble: combining the materials and

shaping, tempering, or connecting them

Hone: converting the rough item into a pol-

ished, sharpened, ready to use tool

Each check starts with a base of DC 11, but

might be more difficult given the exotic
nature of the item or its materials. Each step
takes a half day of work. Failure at any point
ruins the item and wastes the materials.
GAMEPLAY
SAVES &
CHECKS
Any time a saving throw is required (traps,
spell effects, environmental threats) treat it
as a check with the appropriate modifiers.
Some circumstances can cause a check to be
rolled at advantage or disadvantage.

Skills & Proficiency

5e skills have been removed and replaced
with proficient checks. These are granted
from a PC’s class and archetype.

PC ACTIONS
When every second matters - such as
combat - players take turns describing their
character’s actions. Many actions require
a check of some kind (attacking, casting a
spell, intimidating an enemy into retreat),
each with its own DC and modifiers.

A PC can only take one of each action per

round, but might be forced to make checks
that don’t count as actions.

Types of Actions
• Active: most proactive actions that
require a check (stealth, attack, cast).
• Movement: you can move up to your
speed (usually 30’). You can split up this
distance throughout your turn.
• Quick: brief actions, actions triggered
off others, anything that takes a second.
Active Actions
Active actions are driven by the PC’s choices
and often require a check. Common active
actions: attacking, hiding, casting spells,
commanding troops, or similar. An active
action can always be “traded down” to a
movement or quick action, GM willing.

Movement Actions
You can move up to your speed in feet (30’
base, load reduces) for each movement
action. You can split up this movement
however you’d like, and can take actions in
between segments of movement; such as
moving, then attacking, then moving again.

Some forms of special movement - swim-

ming, crawling, climbing, or traveling in
difficult terrain - force you to move at half
speed (a PC with 30’ speed can climb 15’).

Each load you carry above your STR score

reduces your speed by 5’ and forces disad-
vantage on all checks. A 10 STR, 30’ speed
PC carrying 11 load would move at 25’ speed.
A PC at 0’ speed is completely encumbered
and can’t move at all. A movement action
can be “traded down” to a quick action.

Quick Actions
The most common form of quick action
is a readied action, such as when waiting
to spring an ambush. Drawing items or
weapons, casting certain spells, maintaining
concentration, and some class features are
quick actions. The GM can rule that certain
other basic actions are quick actions.
INITIATIVE
All combatants go in a set order based on
their DEX. Your DEX score (not modifier)
determines your place in initiative, with the
higher DEX acting before the lower DEX. It is
always the same round to round and turn to
turn unless there’s an ambush. Combatants
can choose to delay to a slower initiative.

POSITIONING
If you have a superior tactical position, such
as multiple allies flanking a target, the GM
may grant advantage to your checks.

Stealth: a character successfully in stealth

can’t be directly targeted. Once they attack
their stealth ends. Stealth DCs can vary by
circumstances, or can even be impossible.

Range: all weapons and spells have a

listed range, or what distance they work
in combat. Distance is measured in feet
on a battlemat or grid, or can be broken
into three categories: close, ranged, and
far. Close allows melee attacks and causes
ranged attacks to suffer disadvantage;
ranged is beyond melee reach but ideal for
most ranged weapons; and far is beyond
weapons or spells but still visible.

Tactical Superiority
The players’ choices and cleverness should
be rewarded in play, with GMs granting
advantage or even automatic success. If one
side’s position, weapons, or environment
are wildly superior then no rolls are needed.
PC ATTACKS
A PC attack is a check against the target’s
AC. An attack can have advantage or disad-
vantage per GM discretion. A melee attack
uses STR mod while ranged uses DEX mod.
Arcane spells use INT mod, divine use WIS
mod. PCs add a proficiency bonus to combat
and spell checks if proficient with that item,
weapon, spell, or method of attack.

Range & Attacks

A melee attack must be within 5-10’ (close
range). A ranged attack can be made in
melee combat, however the attack roll is
made at disadvantage. Class feature and
spell attacks can be melee or ranged, as
listed in their description (e.g. “in 30’”
means “a target within 30’ from you”).

Dealing Damage
PCs deal damage when they successfully hit
a target. Damage is listed by the spell, class
feature, or weapon as a number of dice and
ability modifier (e.g. 1d8 + STR mod).

NPC ATTACKS
The GM rolls for a monster or NPC to attack,
using the monster’s stats to determine its
modifier to the appropriate ability check.
This attack is compared against the PC’s AC;
a hit means that the monster deals damage.

Usually, monsters follow the same rules as

PCs for range and damage, but some special
enemies have unique circumstances.
CRITICAL HITS
Damage is doubled on any critical hit; an
attack that rolled a natural 20. This is the
same for both PCs and NPCs, and works on
any type of attack (spells, features, etc).

Critical Failure
Rolling a natural 1 on a check that damages
a PC doubles the damage the PC suffers.

DEATH &
INJURY
Any combatant that reaches 0 hit points
is incapacitated and unable to act. They’re
dead if not stabilized within 1 minute or by
the end of the fight (whichever is later).

Stabilizing & Injuries

An ally (PC or NPC) can roll a modified
ability check, cast a spell, or otherwise heal
an incapacitated character to stabilize them.
Once stabilized, the incapacitated PC rolls
1d20 on the Injury Table. If not a 1 (dead),
they return to 1 HP (or roll for healing).
HEALING & HP
Characters have hit points (HP). You can
never go below zero HP, and never go above
your max HP. You gain more HP as you gain
levels. NPCs’ HP is based on their HD.

A character can make a check to stop or

reduce the negative effects of a wound or
condition, however HP are never restored
without magic, medicine, rest, or similar.

Healing From Rest

A PC heals 1 HP per level per night of safe
rest. This excludes rest in a dungeon or in
hostile wilderness. A PC heals 1 HP per night
of unsafe rest; such as when in a dungeon. A
level 4 PC would heal 4 HP in a night of safe
rest, or 1 HP in a dungeon.

Healing From
Magic & Medicine
Magic and medicine (herbs, potions, etc)
restore HP through a number of dice rolled
(like 3d6). The spell, effect, or item will list
its amount healed. Mundane healing doesn’t
restore HP, but removes penalties. Abilities
can be healed with weeks of rest and care.
Injury Table
1 A false hope, you’re dead
2 Feeble: lose 1d6 STR
3 Shaky: lose 1d6 DEX
4 Weak: lose 1d6 CON
5 Addled: lose 1d6 INT
6 Confused: lose 1d6 WIS
7 Disfigured: lose 1d6 CHA
8-13 Lose a body part (GM’s choice)
14-19 Disadvantage all checks until rest
20 Standing: instantly heal 1d8 HP
MORALE
All living creatures have morale, their will to
fight. The GM calls when to make a morale
check. Morale checks always have a DC 11.
Success means they stand and fight. Failure
means they surrender or flee. PCs rarely
have to check morale.

Morale Checks
Like any check, roll 1d20 with:

++ WIS mod
++ Proficiency bonus (if fitting)
++ Monster morale bonus (based off HD)

PCs and NPCs can roll with advantage or

disadvantage based on the circumstances
(such as being outnumbered).

When To Check
Morale
The GM can call for one or more morale
checks; generally when:

• the battle begins

• after the first combatant is killed
• when the leader or expert is killed
• when the tide of the battle is obvious.

Side, Group, or
Individual
PCs always roll morale individually. The GM
decides if monsters roll as a side, a group
based on type, or individually.
TRAPS
Traps are treated like any other dangerous
check. Unless characters specifically stipu-
late when, where, and how they’re checking
for traps, the GM doesn’t have to allow a
check to perceive, disarm, or avoid a trap.

However the GM must forewarn traps

through narrative cues - such as already
sprung traps from previous parties, an indi-
cation that the trap is there, or some other
in-game fictional descriptor that allows the
players to know when danger is afoot.

Traps can be both magical or mundane,

and any can deal damage, effects, or nar-
rative repercussions as fitting of any other
dangerous check or monster. There may
be multiple ways to avoid, disarm, or move
through a trap.

TREASURE
As gold (gp) is the primary source of XP, PCs
are expected to be able to acquire treasure.
All coins have the same weight; there are
100 coins per pound, and 500 coins per load.

10 copper (cp) = 1 silver (sp); 10 sp = 1 gp.

Gold and precious metals are a source of

magical power. An enemy’s carried loot is
worth 1d20gp per HD; this is separate from
any hoards (chests, piles, altars, etc).

Captured magical items grant XP to the PCs

equal to their fair value. If the magic item is
later sold, the gold earned for that item is
not counted toward the PCs’ XP. Inherited or
“unearned” treasure doesn’t grant XP.
TRAVEL TURNS
A travel turn occurs every hour of in-fiction
time. Travel turns are used to track torches,
distance, and encounters. Torches typically
last an hour, lanterns three hours.

As a rule of thumb, the GM can count every

3-4 scenes, rooms, or encounters in a
dungeon as one hour (or one travel turn).
See Timekeeping for more.

The GM rolls 1d20 on the below table for

each travel turn. The GM can roll with
advantage (better for the party) if the PCs
are being cautious, or at disadvantage if not
(worse for the party). The GM is encouraged
to be creative and logical, tying in threats
that pertain to the area, quest, or dungeon.

Travel Turn Table

1 Terrible, immediate threat
• Accidental encounter
• Devastating ambush
• Environment worsens

2-10 Something bad occurs soon

• A subtle trap or poison

• Cautious enemies prep to
attack any moment
• Retainer flees / betrays

11-19 Threat worsens or draws near

• A distant threat evolves
• Environment gradually
escalates to hostility
• A new potential threat
arrives, suspicious

20 Nothing bad, maybe even good

OVERLAND
TRAVEL
Unencumbered PCs can comfortably travel
10 + STR mod miles per day. Difficult
terrain halves this; harsh terrain quarters it
(e.g. a +2 STR mod PC can ravel 12 miles in
open terrain, 6 miles in difficult terrain, or 3
miles in harsh terrain). Dim light counts as
difficult terrain; darkness as harsh terrain.

An encumbered PC moves at half speed. The

party moves at the slowest PC’s pace if they
plan to stick together. Moving tactically
reduces speed by one quarter, stealthily
reduces it by half. Harsh weather, snow, or
heat are treated as difficult or harsh terrain.

Travel turns can be rolled daily rather than

hourly while the party travels overland.
Torches and SUP reduce hourly, as normal.

OVERWATER
TRAVEL
A boat on smooth water travels 3 miles an
hour, or roughly 30 miles per day. A ship
traveling on the sea moves 5 miles an hour,
or up to 100 miles per full day and night.

Moving in an unfavorable wind or current

halves this speed. Moving with a favorable
wind or current doubles it. The GM can be
more nuanced with speed as desired.

Travel turns can be rolled daily while on a

river or lake, or weekly if at sea. Torches and
SUP reduce hourly, as normal.
ROLLING TO
RETURN
If there’s insufficient time to roleplay the
party’s return to a safe camp scene by scene,
the GM can have each player roll to return.
This roll is a check, with each PC rolling
with a mod equal to their highest modifier
(including proficiency). The GM decides if
the path to safety is dangerous or arduous.

DC = 10 + 1 per travel turn, max DC 20.

Success means the PC returns to safety

without issue. Failure has a cost as described
below, depending on the nature of the path.

• Dangerous: 1d6 damage per 1 under DC

• Arduous: lose 1 load of equipment per 1

under the DC

If the PC is reduced to 0 HP, they die or

are left unconscious. This damage ignores
armor and can’t be healed or avoided. The
GM picks what if any load is dropped, start-
ing with less valuable and less secure items,
and working up to weapons and armor.

A party with two surviving PCs must

roll to return. They are four hours away
from base (DC 14). One PC has a +6 best
mod and the other has a +5. The first
rolls a 17 and makes it back safely. The
second rolls a 12 (natural 7 + 5). Since
the path is arduous the GM causes the
second PC to drop 2 load, a purse of
coins and a treasured crystal skull.
TIMEKEEPING
The GM is responsible for keeping track
of time while the party is out adventuring.
Many effects have specific durations, and
the day is constantly changing depending on
the amount of time passed.

The GM can use multiple time dice to denote

the time of day. Each time die is 1d6, with
its face turned to represent the hour. This is
useful for counting duration, infections, and
travel turns. As the adventuring day moves
forward, the GM uses up to 4d6 turned to
represent the hour of day (e.g. 6, 1 is 07:00h,
while 6, 6, 6, 2 is 20:00h). Each time die
represents one quarter of the day and six
hours of time: pre-dawn, morning, after-
noon, and night.

The GM can roll 1-4 time dice to randomly

determine the hour of day or the duration of
an effect. The more dice, the later it is. The
GM can instead set a starting hour and roll 1
or 2 time dice to determine the specific time.

The party emerges from a portal. The

GM rolls 2d6 to determine the current
time of day on this plane (3, 2). It is
05:00h or in the “pre-dawn” quarter.
The GM sets one time die out to “5.” As
the party adventures, an hour passes,
the GM rolls for a travel turn, and
rotates the time die to “6.”

As the party fights a few battles, the

GM thinks another hour has passed and
rolls for a travel turn. The GM brings
out the second time die (another d6),
and sets it to “1,” or 07:00h.
LIGHT
There are four levels of light. Light affects
different checks in different environments,
both for PCs and NPCs. Torches last 1 hour,
lanterns last 3. They cast 30’ of dim light.

The GM must describe the current level of

light, and clarify what light sources exist.
Players keep track of their own light sources.
The GM calls out hours as they pass with
travel turns and time keeping, but the PCs
must note when torches and lanterns expire.

Darkness
Black as pitch, no light. No creature can see
without other methods (such as darksight
through heat, magic, or tremors).

Advantage Disadvantage
Stealth, hiding All attacks
Listening checks All defense checks
Sight (impossible)
Predicting danger
Finesse, precision
Morale for surfacers
Dim Light
30’ around a torch or a lantern. Moonlight.

Advantage Disadvantage
Stealth, hiding Ranged attacks
Listening checks Defense vs ranged
Sight checks

Well Lit
Typical natural light outdoors, full lanterns
indoors. This is considered the default in
most daytime circumstances, and the GM
rules if advantage or disadvantage apply.

Brilliant
Blindingly bright light, such as high sun
reflected upon undisturbed snow.

Advantage Disadvantage
Tracking, trails Stealth, hiding
Seeing movement Long-range attacks
DARKSIGHT
Some creatures - especially nefarious,
ancient, or subterranean ones - can see with
darksight. Their sight functions in reverse
of humans or other lightsight creatures. The
disadvantages a human suffers in darkness
are advantages to these creatures.

Darksight can often come from some other

natural or magical source - such as sensing
heat, movement, or an acute sense of sound
“mapping” or echolocation.
CHASES
The party can chase fleeing enemies by
making a check. Flat and open terrain uses
STR, uneven terrain uses DEX. The faster the
enemy, the higher the DC. Most creatures
have a 30’ movement speed (DC 11 to catch).
The DC is modified by 1 per 5’ under or over
30’ movement. The DC is lessened if the
pursuers are trying to get into bow range.

Each PC can roll and therefore catch their

quarry individually, or the PC with the worst
relevant modifier rolls for the party to arrive
as a group. Failure means the enemy eluded
the party, success that it was caught.

The PCs roll at disadvantage if the quarry is

able to easily break line of sight (such as in
darkness, dense foliage, or twisting halls).
They roll at advantage if they have a better
position (such as surrounding the enemy).
The quarry can try to stall their pursuer -
which might affect the DC - by throwing
caltrops, impediments, false trails, or bait.

Overland chases over the course of hours or

days can be handled the same way, but use
CON if endurance is more important than
short bursts of speed. Attempting to out-
maneuver an enemy force might instead use
the commander’s CHA or NPCs’ morale.

The process is reversed if the party is trying

to flee. The players still roll, only to escape.

An enemy scout with 40’ speed flees

the party through a dense thicket. A
PC rolls a DC 13 DEX check at disad-
vantage. They get a 4, and the scout
manages to elude capture.
RETREAT
The PCs can retreat from combat on their
turn. The GM might call for a check (mod
varies based on method) to avoid danger, or
allow enemy combatants to attack fleeing
PCs. Retreat is a special action and takes up
the PC’s entire turn; it can’t be done as part
of another action. Concentration effects
immediately halt once the PC retreats.

If the retreating PC fails their check or is

successfully hit by an attack (regardless of
the attack’s severity) their retreat attempt
has failed, and they stop moving. If success-
ful, the retreating PC manages to escape.

Use the chase rules if some NPCs pursue the

retreating PCs. The combatants who remain
in the fight maintain initiative as normal.
If a PC successfully escapes a battle and its
subsequent chase, they can roll to return.
They can “return” to the safety of camp or
to the rest of the party.

Any retainers or NPCs following a PC who

retreats must immediately make a morale
check at disadvantage. If they fail, they rout
and try to flee (often to their deaths due to
their state of panic and lack of command).

A PC is surrounded by enemies. Likely

to die, they attempt to retreat and
the GM calls for a DEX check to break
through the encirclement. The PC rolls
and succeeds, but the GM allows an
enemy combatant on the edge of the
circle to attack the PC in response. The
enemy misses, and the PC is able to flee
the battlefield and is out of initiative.
RESILIENCE &
EXHAUSTION
Each PC has resilience equal to their CON
score. Resilience is the number of hours (or
travel turns) a PC can adventure without
food or rest (e.g. a PC with 10 CON can trek
ten hours). The GM can reason that overland
travel or other elements “damage” a PC’s
resilience, but must alert the PC as such.

The GM can call for a resilience check (1d20

+ CON mod) once the PC has adventured for
more hours than their resilience.

The DC is 10 + the number of hours beyond

the PC’s resilience. Failure means that the
PC becomes exhausted. Repeated resilience
checks can result in automatic failure, HP
damage, injury, or even unconsciousness.

Exhaustion
Once a PC becomes exhausted, they suffer
disadvantage on all checks and their move-
ment speed becomes 0’. They can barely
stand or do anything that requires signifi-
cant exertion (including combat and magic).

Exhaustion can only be cured with sufficient

rest and food; magic generally can’t remove
exhaustion. Typically unsafe rest does not
cure exhaustion, only safe rest will. Being
medically cared for expedites recovery.

Exhaustion can come from failing a resil-

ience check, negative magic conditions,
diseases or poisons, eating tainted food, or
other maladies at the GM’s discretion.
CORRUPTIONS
A PC can become afflicted by disease,
poison, or venom. These forms of corrup-
tion generally call for a CON mod check, but
the GM may rule otherwise (such as magical
diseases). If the PC fails, they become
infected by the corruption. The DC is usually
11, but can increase based on the source’s
difficulty or HD.

The infection worsens in a series of stages,

each stage causing an injury or form of
damage. A stage is a period of time ranging
from hours to weeks. At the culmination
of each stage, the infected PC can make
another check or suffer damage. Each stage
should have progressively worse penalties.

The most common form of damage is ability

score damage to CON, STR, or INT. The GM
can roll 1d6 per stage (hourly to weekly) and
deal the result’s damage to the appropri-
ate ability score. Some diseases have other
penalties, such as loss of limb, movement,
exhaustion, or sanity.

A PC is bitten by a venomous snake and

rolls a CON mod check against DC 11.
The PC fails, and becomes infected. In
the first stage, they suffer exhaustion.
After two hours, the first stage ends
and the PC rolls again; another failure.
They take 1d6 CON damage, rolling a 4.
The PC’s CON of 10 (+0) is now 6 (-2).
Two hours later, the PC makes a CON
mod check and fails again. The PC rolls
1d6 for damage, gets a 6, and reduces
their CON from 6 to 0. They’re dead.
MAGIC
SPELLCASTING
Zealots and mages gain spellcasting, which
allows them to cast spells per the arcane and
divine spell lists. Casting a spell requires a
spellcasting check, at least one free hand,
and some components. Spells are more or
less powerful, noted by spell level.

Casting a spell generally requires an active

action. Each spell in the spell lists defines its
requirements, duration, and similar.

Spellcasting Checks
Spells require a spellcasting check with a
DC = 10 + spell’s level.

Failure triggers a mishap with unintended

consequences, and the spellcaster can’t
attempt spells of that spell level again until
they take a safe rest. The GM can require a
1d20 roll on the Magical Mishap Table or
simply describe what malady the PC suffers.

The result of the spellcasting check is used

to determine the success of a targeted spell,
comparing the result to the target’s defense
(e.g. 10 + the target’s relevant modifier). In
this way a spellcasting check is both to see if
the PC can successfuly cast and hit a target.

A level 4 zealot PC attempts to cast

Impassable (level 2 divine). They roll +
WIS mod and prof vs DC 12, getting a 14
and successfully cast the spell. The 14
is compared vs the targets (HD1 goblins
with +1 relevant modifier, or 11 defense
to resist the effect). The goblins fail and
their speed is reduced to 0’.
Spells Known
Spellcasting PCs know a number of spells
based on the PC’s and spell level. Known
spells can be cast by the spellcaster.

PC Spell Level
Level
1 2 3 4 5
1 1 0 0 0 0
2 2 0 0 0 0
3 3 1 0 0 0
4 4 2 0 0 0
5 5 3 1 0 0
6 5 4 2 0 0
7 5 5 3 1 0
8 5 5 4 2 0
9 5 5 5 3 1

The columns relate to the spell level, while

rows are class level. A level 4 caster would
know four 1st level and two 2nd level spells.

Cantrips
Spellcasting PCs know and can cast 3 can-
trips. These are rote, simple, relatively
weak spells that the PC has mastered. They
require no spellcasting check or components
and can always be used. The list of cantrips
is beneath each of the spell lists.
Spells As Rites
Spellcasters can cast any known spell as a
rite. This takes 1 hour per spell level of con-
centration, but doesn’t require a check.

Concentration
Some spells last as long as concentration is
held. Only one spell can be concentrated on
at a time. Taking damage, making checks, or
other distracting tasks break concentration.

New Spells
PCs can’t improvise spells, but might be able
to cast from a never-before-seen scroll or
other magical artifact. Further, PCs can’t
research “new” spells; they must hunt for
spellbooks and artifacts to discover spells.

Magical Mishap Table

1 Caster takes 1d6/spell level damage

2-3 All nearby non-magical metal melts

4-5 Orb of darkness surrounds the party

6-7 Bizarre gravity, heavy or light

8-9 Caster emits blinding bright light to all

10-11 The spell affects the wrong target

12-13 Significant collateral damage

14-16 Caster is stunned, CON check to resist

17-19 Caster is weak, STR check to resist

20 A different, random spell is cast

PREPARING
SPELLS
Spells in FTD can’t be “prepared” as in other
similar systems. There’s no need for the PC
caster to determine which spells they plan
to cast each day in advance. But, a caster can
hold an action to cast a spell in an ambush.

COMPONENTS
Spells often require components: certain
words, movements, or materials in order to
trigger the spell’s magical effects. These are
generally described in the spell from other
sources, or left abstract (as SUP) in FTD.
Most components are consumed when used.
GMs are encouraged to come up with exotic
and rare material components for casting
more powerful spells, completing rituals, or
learning a new school of magical insight.

POTIONS
Magic potions and other consumables are
highly encouraged, and don’t count toward
the wielded magic item limit (CHA mod).

Potions can apply a temporary spell effect,

ability score increase, class or archetype
feature, or other benefit as the GM sees
fit. The most common form of potion is a
healing potion, which mimics healing spells.

Consumables can be used as part of a

movement action, but not as a quick. Most
consumables and potions only affect the PC
consuming them, not their party or area.
CONVERTING
SPELLS
Cantrips should never directly deal damage.
Non-damage cantrips from 5e and others
can be used as is. Higher-level 5e and OSR
spells can be used as written, per their spell
level (with max usable spell level 5).

All spells that target an enemy are treated

as an attack, and rolled by the PC rather
than as a save by the target. Spells that are
reactive and force an enemy save (such as
the creation of traps, zones, or other static
magical effects) can be used as described.

Spells from other games can be copied

to generate magical items, potions, and
artifacts. Their effects remain as written.
Likewise, the GM can use spell-like abilities
from monsters and NPCs, except calling for
a check rather than a save.

CONVERTING
MAGIC ITEMS
Magic items from 5e and other editions can
be used (mostly) as is. Some have “save”
or usage requirements, which can convert
to the appropriate check. Create magic
items by applying the benefit of a FTD spell,
monster maneuver, or other written effect.

Magic items can’t be used unless their magic

is identified - usually a spell check - or
attuned to by the wielder. Cursed items have
repercussions if attuned to, used, or even
identified in some cases.
ITEM MODS
Some editions apply a magic item’s level as
a check modifier to certain actions (such as
+1 sword grants +1 to hit in melee). Magic
items that are designed with accuracy or
precision as their main benefit can provide
such modifiers, but others don’t.

PCs in FTD have lower combat modifiers

than 5e PCs, and therefore can “handle”
more beneficial magic items from previous
editions without breaking monster math.

SCROLLS &
WANDS
PCs with spellcasting can create, read and
cast spells from scrolls. PCs without spell-
casting can’t use scrolls. Once a scroll is
used it’s destroyed. Scrolls always require a
spellcasting check, even if cast as a rite. A PC
can write a scroll and cast it later as normal.

Wands are codified spells and can be cast

multiple times, even by non-spellcasting
PCs. Wands must be identified before use,
and generally require attunement. Wands
use CHA for checks and damage.

FOCUSES
Magic focuses such as orbs or staffs act
as magic weapons, potentially providing a
check modifier or other benefits. All focuses
remove the need for spell components and
a free hand to successfully cast a spell.
Focuses can be arcane or divine.
ARCANE SPELL LIST
Cantrips
SPELL DESCRIPTION

Illuminate Create torchlight from your

hand. Concentration

Subtle Force Telekinesis. Move up to 5lbs

30’ away. Concentration

Send a brief psychic message

Whispermind to 1 target in line of sight

Flickerheat Weakly transfer heat; light a

candle, cool cup of water

Legerdemain Perform subtle illusions:

teleport coin, change colors

First Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
One creature in 30’ obeys
Charm
you. Attack. Concentration

2HD/level worth of targets in

Sleep 30’ fall asleep. Attack. 8 hrs

Arcane Arrow Fire a magic bolt up to 100’.

Deal 1d4/level dmg. Attack

You sense all near magic. Roll

Discern Magic
check to learn its function

Abjure Check to ignore a damaging

area effect (trap). Quick
Second Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
Enemy ranged attacks have
Shield Aura
disadv vs you. Concentration

Gust of Force Enemies in 15’ cone knocked

back 10’ and prone. Attack

A 20’ area forces 5’ speed.

Amplify Gravity
Enemy resist. 1 min/level

A mundane door or lock in

Knock line of sight opens

Shadowfield Blanket a 30’ area in magical

darkness. 1 min/level

Third Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION

Invisibility You or one touched target is

invisible. Concentration. 1 hr

Dispel Arcanum Remove one spell or effect up

to your highest spell level

All (including allies) in 20’

Furyfire
area take 1d6/lvl damage. Atk

You can speak and read any

Lexicon language (GM disc). 1 hr/lvl

Apparition Immobile illusion up to a 10’

cube. Enemy resist. 1 min/lvl
Fourth Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
All targets that can hear you
Induce Terror
roll for Morale at disadv

Enervate One target in 30’ goes to 4

STR (-3). Attack. 1 min/lvl

Conjure or control 1 element.

Sculpt Element Concentration. 1 min/lvl

Teleport an object you touch

Astral Rift to a point in sight. DC for size

You and 1 ally/lvl ignore dark

Truesight
and invisibility. 10 mins

Fifth Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
You or one target teleports to
Wayfarer
any known place (this plane)

Confound One target/lvl in 30’ goes to 4

INT (-3). Attack. 10 mins

One target or object you

Dissolve
touch melts and/or dies. Atk

Deadly Mist Targets in 20’ area resist or

take 2d6/lvl dmg. 10 mins

Summon a demon of your lvl.

Infernal Call
Check for obedience. 1 hour
DIVINE SPELL LIST
Cantrips
SPELL DESCRIPTION
Create torchlight from your
Illuminate
hand. Concentration

Reforge Mend or repair a mundane

object up to a human in size

You or one touched ally gets a

Providence +1 to next check. Quick

Automatically stabilize one

Stable Touch dying target that you touch

You can smell evil aligned

Stench of Evil
creatures. Concentration

First Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
Heal 1d8 HP to 1 target in 30’
Suture
in line of sight. Quick

Turn Undead Undead targets of HD less

than lvl and in 30’ flee. Atk

Advantage to resist attacks

Sacrosanct
and effects from evil enemies

Condemn Incapacitated targets that

can hear you instantly die

Summon a 1d10 + WIS mace.

Holy Scepter
You’re proficient. 1 min/lvl
Second Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
2HD/lvl worth of targets in
Impassable
30’ go to 0’ speed. Atk. 1 hour

Purify Cure poison or blight from an

area. Roll check for size

Allies that hear you gain +1 to

Divine Vigor all checks. Concentration

One target/lvl is granted

Sustenance nourishment equal to a meal

You or 1 ally become immune

Zeal
to fear for 1 min/lvl

Third Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
You and allies in 10’ gain +2
Angelic Aura
AC. Concentration. 1 min

Hexbreak Remove one curse or disease

from 1 object. Check vs DC

Pacify All targets in 30’ have no

wish to fight. Atk. 1 min/lvl

You or 1 ally gain advantage

Smite to all atks vs evil. 1 turn/lvl

All forms of sound in 30’ are

Field of Quiet silenced. Concentration
Fourth Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION

Deviscerate Heal 3d8 HP of 1 target/lvl in

30’ of you.

Lay to Rest Kill all undead targets of HD

less than lvl in 30’. Atk

You or 1 touched ally can

Wrath attack as a quick. 1 min

Light fills the area. 1d4 dmg

Holy Dawn to evil targets. Atk. 10 min

Retribution If you or 1 ally get hit, enemy

takes 1d8 dmg. 1 min/lvl

Fifth Level
SPELL DESCRIPTION
A touched target follows your
Geas
quest til death. Enemy resist

Commune Ask god questions. They

answer up to lvl in words

Sanctify All cursed or poisoned allies

in 30’ are cured. Magic check

Create 20’ divine area. Enemy

Sanctuary resist to enter. Concentration

Target 30’ area. Allies within

Transcendence heal 4d8. Enemies take 4d8
NPCS & MONSTERS
RETAINERS
PCs are powerful leaders, and as such will
acquire retainers, NPCs in their service.
Retainers are controlled by the GM, but
given orders by their PC commander.

Retainers demand 10gp per HD per day in

service. Highly dangerous work might elicit
a demand for higher wages.

Max Retainers &

Hench
A PC can’t command more than their CHA
retainers. Elite retainers, hench, are earned
equal to ((CHA mod + level) - 5). A level 5
PC with CHA mod +1 attracts 1 hench (1 +
5 - 5 = 1). The same PC at level 9 could have
attracted 5 hench. Hench work for free and
have superior morale and check modifiers,
generally starting at 3HD or higher.

Retainer Checks
Retainers are built in a similar fashion to
monsters. Retainers (usually) fall into one of
four categories:

• Laborer: diligent and athletic

• Expert: educated or experienced
• Militia: capable in a fight
• Adept: an acolyte priest or conjurer

The GM rolls for retainer checks (including

attacks, morale, and ability checks) with
modifiers based on their HD and category
(such as a 4HD Laborer gets +6 to hauling
load). A retainer’s mod should change based
on their category’s relevance to the check.
ORDERS
PCs can give orders to retainers. Giving
orders counts as a quick if it’s less than a
few words, or a movement action if more.
Retainers behave as the GM sees fit if they
are given no orders by their PC commander.

A PC commander can spend an active action

on their turn to roll a command check
(usually DC 11, but higher if the GM thinks
the tactical situation is especially trou-
bling). Rather than attack or similar, the
commander focuses on and maximizes the
impact of their retainers. Success means
that the ordered retainers gain advantage on
their next roll or are able to execute a special
maneuver as a single unit:

• Charge: move forward and attack

• Form Up: get +2AC until next turn
• Kite: move away and attack
• Focus Fire: attack 1 target if possible
• Reposition: move twice their speed
• Retrieve: move to, grab, and retreat

Each ordered retainer’s turn ends once the

maneuver is complete, even if they have not
yet acted. Those who can’t follow orders
(e.g. out of range, immobile, etc) may still
act as independent NPCs.

A PC commands 10 retainers; 5 don’t

have bows. The PC uses their active
action and passes a command check.
The PC orders their unit to Focus Fire
an orc 80’ away. The 5 without bows
can’t reach the orc and so don’t act.
The 5 with bows fire, and the GM rolls 5
times (once for each attacker).
RENOWN
PCs can garner renown, a rating of their
infamy. The higher their renown, the more
likely an NPC knows of a PC’s exploits.
Renown = PC’s highest ability mod + level.

The GM can choose to roll for an NPC’s

familiarity, judging off of the PC’s renown.
If rolling, the GM rolls 1d20; the NPC knows
the PC if equal or under their renown. If the
GM thinks it likely or unlikely that an NPC
would know the PC but still wishes to roll,
they may do so at advantage (the NPC is
more likely to know the PC, take the lower
result) or disadvantage (the NPC is unlikely).

A level 7 PC with STR +4 has 11 renown.

The GM says this obviates a roll, and
that the PC’s reputation precedes them
as they enter a small hamlet.

Later, the PC goes to confront a

warlord. The GM rolls to determine if
the warlord knows of the PC, and gives
them advantage - making it more likely
that they do - to the roll due to the
PC’s martial background. The GM rolls
2d20, 4 and 17, and selects the 4. The
warlord knows of the PC.

REACTIONS
The GM can roll 1d20 to determine an NPC’s
reaction to a PC when confronted, with
the higher the roll the more favorable. A
result of 1-5 is hostile, 6-10 cautious, 11-15
curious, 16-20 positive or even friendly.
Renown or other factors can modify the roll.
MONSTERS
Monsters are broken out into categories
based on their behavior and role. A monster
of any category can have any HD. Special
techniques can be added to any monster to
make it more difficult or interesting.

Each category has a description with actions

and abilities that the monster is good or bad
at. Monsters gain a check modifier to these
actions per the below formulas.

Monster Check Modifiers

WEAK Rarely attempted actions

Modifier 1/2 HD - 2 (max +8)

A 5HD monster has a +0 check modifier

(1/2 of 5 = 2; 2-2 = 0)

NORMAL As good as you’d expect

Modifier 1/2 HD + 2 (max +10)

A 5HD monster has a +4 check modifier

(1/2 of 5 = 2; 2+2 = 4)

STRONG The monster excels at this

Modifier HD + 2 (max +12)

A 5HD monster has a +7 check modifier

(5HD = 5; 5+2 = 7)

AC/DEX Add +10 to best suited mod

Assume unlisted actions or abilities have a

“normal” modifier for that monster.
MONSTER MATH
HD Average Average
(1d8) HP Damage
1/4 1 1d4
1/2 2 1d6
1 5 1d8
2 9 1d10
3 13 1d12
4 17 2d6
5 21 2d8
6 25 2d10
7 29 2d12
8 33 3d8
9 37 3d8 + 1
10 41 3d8 + 2
11 45 3d10
12 49 3d10 + 1
13 53 3d10 + 2
14 57 3d12
15 61 3d12 + 1
16 65 3d12 + 2
17 69 4d10
18 73 4d10 + 1
MATH CONTD
HD Weak Normal Strong
Mod Mod Mod
1/4 -2 +2 +2
1/2 -2 +2 +2
1 -2 +2 +3
2 -1 +3 +4
3 -1 +3 +5
4 +0 +4 +6
5 +0 +4 +7
6 +1 +5 +8
7 +1 +5 +9
8 +2 +6 +10
9 +2 +6 +11
10 +3 +7 +12
11 +3 +7 +12
12 +4 +8 +12
13 +4 +8 +12
14 +5 +9 +12
15 +5 +9 +12
16 +6 +10 +12
17 +6 +10 +12
18 +7 +10 +12
Monster Categories
Each monstser belongs to one category,
which provides the GM guidance on how to
determine its modifiers and behavior (most
“soldiers” are similar despite their details).

Category Description
Brute Weak: INT, DEX, stealth,
finesse, perception, tactics
Strong: STR, CON, morale,
holding the line, resistance

Leader Weak: STR, CON, combat,

being alone, resistance

Strong: INT, CHA, magic,

commands, with minions

Predator Weak: CON, resistance,

morale, direct combat

Strong: INT, offense,

stealth, patience, cunning

Shaper Weak: Melee combat, being

locked down in one place

Strong: WIS, INT, forced

movement, changing the
environment

Sniper Weak: CON, STR, melee,

resistance, morale

Strong: DEX, WIS, ranged

combat, perception

Soldier Weak: magic, speed, lack of

leadership, stealth

Strong: STR, DEX, combat,

morale, unit discipline
Monster Techniques
Weak monsters have 0-1 techniques,
normal monsters have 1-2 techniques, and
elite monsters have 3 or more. Techniques
can come from innate abilities, equipment
and weapons, or external or environmen-
tal factors such as a monster’s lair. The GM
can select any of the techniques below and
modify the monster per the technique.

Technique Description
Ability Drain Successful attacks tem-
porarily (or permanently
at HD 5+) reduce a hit
PC’s ability by 1d6. Pick
one ability to target
Adept Pick up to two spells
from the Arcane or Divine
spellcaster list. The sum
of these spell’s levels
can’t exceed the mon-
ster’s HD. The spells can
be cast once per encoun-
ter at will
Alter Area: Spread, 30’ / HD
Environment The monster can intro-
duce new physical
hazards or reshape
the battlefield in some
way. The GM selects
one style of alteration:
stone, plants, weather,
mechanical, sensory, or
magical
Blast Area: Cone, 10’ / 2HD
Damage: 1d6 / 2HD
Check: PCs check to resist
or dodge
Notes: usually elemental
or magic. 1 use per fight
per 3 HD
Technique Description
Burst Area: Sphere, 5’ / HD
Damage: 1d6 / HD
Check: PCs check to resist
or dodge
Notes: usually elemental
or magic. 1 use per fight
per 3 HD
Extra When Gain a bonus of some
kind when criteria are
met (more damage when
in a forest, extra AC when
in darkness, etc)
Force Successful attacks force
Condition a negative condition on
their PC target: blind,
deafened, paralyzed,
stunned, charmed, etc.
Pick one
Multi-Attack 1 extra attack per 3 HD
(6HD would have 3
attacks, 1 + 2 extra)
Resistance Gain either 1/2 damage
or Immunity or immunity to certain
weapons or damage
types (fire, slashing,
non-magical, non-silver,
etc)
Shove Target: 1 PC / 2 HD
Check: Monster checks to
hit each target
Each hit PC suffers forced
movement up to 10’ per 5
HD
Special Gain a unique move-
Movement ment type or speed in
certain circumstances:
flying, burrowing,
ethereal, underwater,
leap, teleport, extreme
speed, wallclimb, ignore
harsh terrain in certain
environments
MONSTER
TACTICS
Monsters should deploy tactics to the best
of their ability. Even unintelligent beasts are
able to cooperate as a pack.

In general all monsters prefer ambushes,

ranged attacks, and focusing on one target.
PCs should fear wide open battlefields.
Heavily emphasize monsters’ techniques.

Most monsters and NPCs will organize into

various types of units, which deploy certain
tactics to best leverage their strengths.

Group Tactics
Standard Contains: a brute, a leader,
and multiple soldiers.

Tactics: brute charges and

distracts, soldiers fight at
range, leader prioritizes.
Raid Contains: a mix of snipers
and predators.

Tactics: stealth, hit and

run, focus fire, predators
block PCs from snipers.
Patrol Contains: multiple soldiers
with one sniper.

Tactics: patrol an area,

highly alert, sniper sprints
away if PCs detected.
Force Contains: a leader, shaper,
brute, and many soldiers.

Tactics: brute melee, sol-

diers support, shaper and
leader damage from range
HOARDS
Monsters often protect hoards, collections
of treasure or loot. Hoard tables from older
editions can be used as is, or estimated at
1,000 gp per HD of the highest HD monster
(e.g. a castle with a 7HD lord has 7,000 gp).

CONVERTING
MONSTERS
5e monsters and NPCs can be run as written
(however 5e monsters tend to have more HP
than advised; consider 1/2 HP). Convert CR
to HD, and use HD for Monster Math.

Games with ascending AC can be played

as is, except with hard caps set per the
Monster Math table (AC 20, +12 mod).

Descending AC (like B/X) can be converted

by the formula 20 - Descending AC. A B/X
monster with 6 AC becomes 14 AC in FTD
(20 - 6 = 14). Negative AC converts to 20 AC.

Damage and effects can usually be played

as is. Paralysis saves can be made as CON or
WIS checks. Most saves have a listed ability
which remains, just made as a check.

If a monster is listed “As Fighter N” in a

table or adventure, you can use the Brute
monster category as a replacement. Like-
wise, other monster stats listed as classes
can be easily swapped out to a similar cate-
gory per their specialization.

A monster’s DEX score from other games

can be used as is to determine initiative,
otherwise convert to Monster Math by
determining their relevant HD mod +10.
MONSTER
ALIGNMENT
FTD largely ignores alignment, and only
mentions alignment for certain spells or
effects against Evil. Note that capital “E”
Evil is a wholly different notion in FTD than
how a particular creature behaves.

Evil creatures are literal manifestations

of cruelty, corruption, and sadism. By
default, mortal creatures - such as humans,
dwarves, bears, horses etc - can’t be Evil.

Creatures and NPCs that are listed as Evil

from other sources can be treated as such,
but this generally denotes a connection
to an aberrant or infernal plane, and not
merely a reflection of that NPC’s actions.

Common Evil creatures:

• Demons and Devils

• Necromancers and their ilk
• Undead, sentient or otherwise
• Aberrations and their thralls

Non-Evil alignments are irrelevant in FTD.

PC alignments are likewise irrelevant.
BUILDING MONSTERS
Building a monster is done in steps:
1. Concept: a sentence or phrase
2. Threat: its HD and danger level
3. Category: what monster category it is
4. Techniques: which, if any
5. Monster math: HP, AC, mods, etc

Concept
What is the monster’s function, description,
and theme? What should the party feel when
seeing it, entering its lair, fighting it? The
concept is an important aspect of creating
a monster as it defines all of the later steps.
Define it in prose or a simple bullet list.

Threat
Threat consists of HD and a description of
the monster’s level of danger. A GM can
fully or partially randomize a monster’s HD:

Fully random: roll 1d20, with HD equal to

the result - 2 (a natural result of 1 is 1/4 HD
and of 2 is 1/2 HD; see Monster Math table).

Partially random: determine how similar

the monster is to the party’s level: close is
1d6, medium is 2d6, far is 3d6. Roll and sum
the dice pool twice, subtracting the second
result from the first. The remaining number
is then applied to the PCs’ average level.

The GM rolls for a medium monster

(2d6) getting a 9 (6, 3) and 5 (1, 4). 9-5
is 4, and the GM adds 4 to the party’s
average level of 3; this monster is 7 HD.
Category
Refer back to the monster’s concept: is it a
natural beast or predator; an intelligent and
capable leader; a simple brute or member of
a larger, organized unit? Simply assign the
most fitting category, or roll 1d6:

1 Brute 4 Shaper
2 Leader 5 Sniper
3 Predator 6 Soldier

Techniques
If the GM is going through the trouble of
building a monster from scratch, it’s likely
important and therefore warrants at least
one technique. GMs, note that each added
technique notably increases lethality. By
default, a single technique is enough to dif-
ferentiate a monster without making it more
threatening than intended. Always adhere to
what’s interesting rather than “balanced.”
The players’ll figure it out.

Monster Math
Refer to the Monster Math table to deter-
mine your creation’s relevant mods, AC,
HP, and average damage. Use the original
concept and monster category to determine
what types of actions or events are consid-
ered weak or strong mods. These actions
should be immediately clear and useful to
the GM, requiring as little time as possible
to note when the mod applies.
Concept: an etheral dragon made up of
magically unified smoke and energy.
It’s on the hunt for tasty living souls.

Threat: the GM refers to the hex that

this dragon resides within, and decides
that it should be threatening: 10 HD.

Category: the GM can’t decide which

category makes the most sense, and so
rolls, getting a 5: Sniper. That changes
the way the dragon can fight its prey.

Techniques: to get this concept across,

the GM needs to use a few techniques.
A misty breath (Blast, 50’, 5d6), move
like smoke (Special Movement), and an
incorporeal form (Immunity to non-
magical damage).

Monster Math: 41 HP, +3 / +7 / +12. As

a Sniper and smoke dragon, it’ll gain
the +12 bonus to perception and ranged
attacks, but only +3 to keep the PCs
away from it in melee or to resist their
ability to force morale checks. If it must
use an attack out of its breath weapon,
it still packs a punch at 3d8+2.
EXAMPLE MONSTERS
Junglecat, 1HD [Predator]

To Hit: +3 STRONG
Damage: 1d8
INT: +3
AC: 9 Stealth: +3
HP: 5
Patient, cunning,
Base mod: +2 stealthy, arboreal,
Speed: 40’ focus on the weak
TECHNIQUES WEAK

Special movement: CON: -2

in forest, ignore Morale: -2
harsh terrain
Fearful, quick to
Force condition: run and hide, sus-
hit PC is prone ceptible to magic

Orc Raider, 2HD [Brute]

To Hit: +4 STRONG
Damage: 1d10
STR/CON: +4
AC: 13 Morale: +4
HP: 9
Fierce, athletic,
Base mod: +3 tough, brave,
Speed: 30’ damaging
TECHNIQUES WEAK

Resistance: take 1/2 INT/DEX: -1

damage vs all non Perception: -1
magical or physical
attacks Dumb, loud, clumsy
Brigand, 3HD [Sniper]

To Hit: +5 STRONG
Damage: 1d12
DEX/WIS: +5
AC: 13 Perception: +5
HP: 13
Athletic, stealthy,
Base mod: +3 balanced, greedy
Speed: 30’
TECHNIQUES WEAK

Extra When: deal STR/CON: -1

double damage with Resistance: -1
bow vs unaware PC
Weak, cowardly,
poor in melee

Hobgoblin, 4HD [Soldier]

To Hit: +6 STRONG
Damage: 2d6+2
STR/DEX: +6
AC: 14 Morale: +6
HP: 17
Disciplined, tough,
Base mod: +4 brave, deadly
Speed: 20’
TECHNIQUES WEAK

Extra When: +2 AC vs Magic: +0

when in formation Stealth: +0

Shove: hit pushes Needs a leader, slow

PC back 10’
Archcultist, 7HD [Leader]

To Hit: +5 STRONG
Damage: 2d10
INT/CHA: +9
AC: 11 Magic: +9
HP: 29
Evil, compelling,
Base mod: +5 commands a devout
Speed: 30’ following of cultists
TECHNIQUES WEAK

Blast: 15’ cone, 3d6 STR/CON: +1

damage, 2 uses Combat: +1

Ability Drain: atk, Vulnerable when

30’, 1 PC -1d6 STR alone, feeble

Stone Drake, 9HD [Shaper]

To Hit: +5 STRONG
Damage: 3d8+1
INT/WIS: +11
AC: 11 Environment: +11
HP: 37
Massive, powerful,
Base mod: +6 shape stone, clever,
Speed: 20’ / 80’ dig perceptive, cautious
TECHNIQUES WEAK

Special Movement: STR/CON: +2

80’ move in stone Combat: +2

Alter Environment: Loud, fragile, weak

shape or alter 270’ when out of lair
of rock or soil
 RUNNING
THE GAME
GAME MASTER
The Game Master (GM) is responsible for
everything outside of the PCs: the world, its
inhabitants, and the rules. They also:

• Provide a framework for play

• Prepare the base of a session’s content
• Run the game and adhere to principles
• Make rulings on actions and outcomes

FRAMEWORK
The GM plans a series of sessions, one
or more of which make up an adventure
(sometimes called a module); multiple
adventures constitute a campaign. The GM
prioritizes their attention by focusing on
sessions, then adventures, then campaigns.

The centerpiece of any OSR game is a

charged situation with opposing forces and
conflicting goals. The PCs are the agitators
and their influence should be felt. The GM is
responsible for producing this scenario, but
not responsible for its solution or the PC’s
involvement in its outcome.

This template can be applied to any level of

the game (from sessions to campaigns). The
story and narrative will naturally emerge
from its tension. The GM’s job is to hook
and pull the PCs into this conflict, but not
through brute narrative force. The PCs need
a few obvious entry points that require little
analysis; the session and adventure should
only become complicated as it progresses
and evolves from their influence, not at its
onset. In other words, make it easy for them
to get involved, and hard to get out.
PREPARATION
Each session starts with one or more dra-
matic situations that demand the party’s
immediate involvement. The GM defines the
below elements for each session:

Incitement: the hook, the first threat, the

thing that breaks the ice and gets the players
in the mindset of their characters. A quick
scene with a few checks, a weak combat
encounter, or something thought provok-
ing that makes them pay attention and leads
them deeper into the session’s content.

Fork: once they’ve crossed the threshold,

the party should be given an obvious fork
in the road: a time-sensitive choice that
compels them to go down one (potentially)
irreversible path. Do they join the lawless
rebels or the cruel knights? Do they take the
slow and safe path, or the dangerous one?

Obstacles: one or more passive blocks, an

environmental or external impediment that
makes their goal more difficult to achieve.
Weather, terrain, time, resources, etc.

Threats: who directly opposes the party’s

goals? The active threats that will violently
pursue or reject the PCs? What do they
want? When and how do they strike?

Climax and resolution: how can the session

dovetail to a satisfying conclusion? What’s
the final confrontation or challenge that the
PCs must overcome that leads to the gold?
Importantly, what happens if the party
doesn’t achieve this end?

The players, if not their characters, should

see the impact of their efforts (or failures).
The GM has the idea of using a recently
deceased Titan and its scavengers as a
set piece for this week’s session.

Incitement: the PCs will observe a dark

cloud in the distance. As they travel, the
cloud approaches. First the sound of
buzzing, and then a swarm of (usually
harmless) flies. The flies clearly follow
a path of stench toward a lake.

Fork: following the flies to the lake

reveals the corpse of a Titan, a behe-
moth creature valuable in harvest and
magical components. Several small
camps are forming at the lake’s banks.

One camp has fewer than a dozen, and

emits noxious clouds of fulvous yellow
smoke into the air. Another camp clear
cuts a swath of forest and builds boats
and barracks with militant precision.
The third camp is less noticeable, more
a series of small stone structures and
interconnected tunnels, too small for
even halflings to fit through.

Obstacles: the flies, the intense fumes

of the corpse, the dozens of other scav-
engers and beasts that come to feast.

Threats: will the PCs side with one of

the three factions? Will they try to cut
their own path? Others might view
them as interlopers deserving death.

Climax: the PCs discover what caused

the Titan to get stuck and drown in the
lake, a force of great magical gravity
that the locals call “the Heavy.” Can
they dispel it and free the giant body?
PRINCIPLES
FTD is assumed to be played and run by fol-
lowing a series of principles which help the
GM to make rulings over rules.

A Fair Challenge
This game is as much, if not more so, about
challenging the players as it is about creat-
ing a shared story. Rather than collaborating
to tell a tale, you’re inhabiting the minds of
characters who believe their world to be very
real. In turn, their universe behaves with
cold hard impartiality.

The GM must be brutally fair, even to a fault.

Their job is not to protect or challenge the
PCs in some kind of plotline, instead the GM
presents a challenging world full of threat
and consistency, and lets the PCs die if they
don’t treat it with the respect it deserves.

Impact & Ingenuity

The PCs want to feel their impact on the
world, the scene, the session. As they act,
things should naturally and rapidly escalate.
If the players are clever and ingenious, the
GM should reward them. Give them plenty
of opportunities to have an influence, to
solve a problem, to approach a challenge
with many different methods.

Meaningful Choices
The PCs’ decisions are all that really drive
the story of the game. There’s no meta-
plot, no three-act structure. There’s simply
choice, action, and reaction.
Making sure choices are meaningful
demands complex and dramatic situations.
There’s no “right” answer or single solution
- everything comes at the expense of some-
thing else, nothing is for certain. Saints can
exhibit evil and cruelty just as despots can
demonstrate great acts of kindness.

Likewise, how the characters solve a

problem or approach a situation is just as
important (if not more so) than the problem
or situation itself. They want to feel clever,
they want to win. A hard-fought, bloody
victory is sweeter than a preordained one.

Internal Consistency
To make those meaningful choices, the
players have to understand the world
through their characters. Fill their senses
with practical details, realistic and ugly
truths. Let them immerse.

Fundamental truths of your world should

mean something; breaking them should be
even more meaningful. The GM must strive
to maintain this sense of consistency. Only
if things are consistent and cogent are they
able to be leveraged in interesting ways.

Discovery
The characters are adventurers. There’s a
certain assumption that they’ll be tran-
sients, nomads, freebooters on the frigid
frontier. FTD doesn’t assume what your
game is actually about, but it does insist that
the game has a sense of exploration, discov-
ery, and wonder. Play to find out.
That exploration could be navigating a
single region, even a single dungeon. But it
should be able to be explored, delved into,
examined. And not simply as an excuse
to kill monsters and take their stuff, but
to examine what it means to inhabit that
world. How did these bizarre creatures come
to exist alongside the familiar? How has
society managed to scrape survival together
in this harsh and unforgiving landscape?

More simply, the lessons learned in the

earlier sessions should be able to be applied
and leveraged later. As the players continue
to explore the world through their PCs, they
should come to understand it, and hope to
push farther, dig deeper, and uncover even
greater and greater secrets.

Facilitating Play
The GM is often the host, the ruleskeeper,
the one who provides the means to play.
They need to be aware of each of their
players’ preferences, their goals in and out
of the game, and their level of experience.

As a social construct, the game is often

interrupted by social issues; and the GM has
to step in as arbiter to resolve these issues.
While not an obligation, the GM is seen as a
figure of authority in today’s play culture.
Use that authority wisely, and attempt
to develop a table “contract” of mutual
respect, fun, and equality.

As always: ask your players questions,

listen to their answers, and adhere to their
requests for content safety.
GENERATOR
GMs can use these inspiration tables as an
adventure or landmark generator. Roll 1d12
for each column on the Connections Table in
order: Thing > Action > Thing > Fallout.

This creates a threat or entity that wishes to

act upon another entity; if successful fallout
occurs (e.g. a warlord [4] wants to seal [11] a
deity [1] which causes growth [6]).

The GM can assign descriptors to each

element. The Descriptor Table has abstract
words that are meant only to fuel the GM’s
thought process in creating the adventure.

Connections Table
Thing Action Fallout
1 Deity Destroy War

2 Mage Build Disease

3 Monarch Bond Famine

4 Warlord Steal Upheaval

5 Monster Corrupt Summoning

6 Horde Control Growth

7 Kingdom Protect Cataclysm

8 Plane Empower Desecration

9 Artifact Move Slavery

10 Stranger Weaken Tyranny

11 Cult Seal Isolation

12 Landmark Discover Resolution

 Descriptor Table
Roll 1d20 one or more times for each
element from the Connections Table (such
as a Purified, Dancing, Lodestone, Remorse-
ful, Pulsing warlord from the previous
example).

Nature Action Material

1 Aberrant Biting Polished stone

2 Infernal Stabbing Raging fire

3 Cruel Running Choking smoke

4 Predatory Climbing Jagged obsidian

5 Corrupted Flying Rusted iron

6 Primordial Marching Lodestone

7 Extraplanar Seeking Frozen crystal

8 Mercurial Chanting Fractal geode

9 Dominating Weaving Warm wood

10 Selfish Dancing Fluffy snow

11 Selfless Binding Gentle breeze

12 Liberating Collapsing Ancient antler

13 Axiomatic Healing Woven silk

14 Natural Lifting Green loam

15 Fledgling Burying Wispy veil

16 Purified Enrapturing Oiled leather

17 Nurturing Worshipping Cut gemstone

18 Kind Loving Glowing bronze

19 Sacred Hating Rotten flesh

20 Divine Fearing Creaking bones

Descriptor Table Contd
Emotion Sensory
1 Ecstasy Brilliant

2 Admiration Prismatic

3 Terror Gloomy

4 Amazement Void of light

5 Grief Noxious fumes

6 Loathing Rotten stench

7 Rage Wafting rust

8 Vigilance Rain on stone

9 Joy Rustling

10 Trust Shrieking

11 Contempt Pounding

12 Surprise Chiming

13 Sadness Pulsing

14 Disgust Aching

15 Remorse Paralyzing

16 Apathy Invigorating

17 Serenity Intense hunger

18 Aggression Deathly thirst

19 Hope Blinding

20 Love Deafening
RANDOM MAPS
GMs can generate a dungeon, city block, or
wilderness map by using a common puzzle
cube (six colors, nine squares per side).
Scramble the cube and roll it like a d6. The
top face of the cube is the result for the map.
Each colored square on the result face is a
type of terrain, obstacle, or location; each is
commonly enclosed or has a distinct border.

1. White: open path, entrance, or clearing

2. Blue: alternative path (water, ascent)
3. Green: a key destination (treasure)
4. Yellow: passive threat, hazards, terrain
5. Orange: danger, enemy convergences
6. Red: blocked or locked, can’t travel by
any normal means (door, wall, etc)

Note: if you don’t have a six-sided puzzle cube,

you can roll 9d6 and convert each die’s result
and placement per the listed colors above.

The GM must apply these guidelines to the

concept and contents of their dungeon. An
ancient tomb will have different landmarks
and threats than a natural cave. The cube
can be rolled many times, adding the results
together like a quilt, rearranging as needed.
The GM needs to quickly and randomly
map a dungeon for tonight’s session. The
GM jots down a few high-level ideas:
• Concept: a collapsed necropolis
accidentally found by miners
• Contents: natural veins of copper,
the exterior mine entrance, the
miners who are converted into
undead guardians, the tomb itself

The GM scrambles and rolls a puzzle cube

getting the results on the left. Starting
in the top left as northwest and working
clockwise, the GM is able to map out the
general contents of this uncovered tomb.
• NW, green: this is the heart of the
tomb itself, difficult to reach
• N, white: the main entrance
• NE, yellow: precarious tunnels upset
by the mining; fragile columns
• W, blue: a deep pit, and the only way
to access the hidden tomb in NW
• Center, green: the mine itself, with
exposed copper and crystals
• E, red: rough stone walls, blocked
• SW, white: an exit outside, accessed
by the descent in W
• S, red: the locked mining compound
now full of dead and undead
• SE, orange: an ancient Tomb Sen-
tinel is turning the miners it killed
into undead ghouls to help its duty

The party enters from the north after the

news about the mine. There’s a chance
that the tunnels to the northeast collapse
and lock them inside. The northwest area
is below the entrance, and only accessible
through the hidden pit to the west. If they
look for survivors they will face undeath.
QUICK REFERENCE
Make A PC
Pick race, roll abilities, pick class, define or
pick equipment, decide on SUP carried, add
up total Load, pick spells if applicable, and
fill out your character sheet.

Race only affects abilities, not mechanics.

Warriors are tough, thieves stealthy, zealots
use divine magic, mages use arcane. A party
should have two or more classes, usually.

Experience Points (XP): Earn XP equal to

each gold piece (gp) safely captured, spent,
or used in some way (GM fiat). XP is shared
equally by each PC involved in capturing it.
You gain a level once you have enough XP.

Core Mechanic
GM describes an obstacle. PC describes how
they overcome it. If uncertain, GM calls for a
check. The PC rolls 1d20 + relevant modifi-
ers and must meet or beat the DC to succeed.
A typical DC is 11, but can range from 5-20.

Modifiers: ability scores, proficiency, and

occasional magic items can add modifier to
the roll. Each type of modifier is only added
once, even if could apply more than once.

Advantage: roll 2d20 and take the highest.

Disadvantage: roll 2d20 and take the lowest.
GM can grant advantage when appropriate.

PC Proficiency By Level
1-4 +2 bonus to proficient checks

5-8 +3 bonus to proficient checks

9 +4 bonus to proficient checks

Load
Max Load: STR score
Armor: light is 2, heavy is 5, shield is 1
Weapons: one handed is 1, two handed is 2
Coins: 500 (any kind) per 1 load
Weight: 5lbs / human head per 1 load
Gear: most gear is 1-3 load (GM discretion)
SUP Load: rounded nearest 5 SUP per 1 load

Encumbered: over max load; -5’ speed per 1

load over; disadv all checks; 0’ can’t move

Weapons & Armor

Light armor: AC 12 + DEX mod; 2 load
Heavy armor: AC 15; 5 load
Shield: AC +2; 1 load. Break for +HP = DUR

Melee: attack and damage with STR mod

Ranged: attack and damage with DEX mod
Simple: 1 hand is 1d6 + mod; 2 hand is 1d8 +
mod; dual wield is (best of 2d6) + mod
Martial: 1 hand is 1d10 + mod; 2 hand is 1d12
+ mod; dual wield is (best of 2d10) + mod
Descriptors: grant permission or change the
way a weapon functions (e.g. silver, magic)

Gear & Supply

Gear: any non-combat equipment, tracked
Supply (SUP): abstract amount of resupply
for consumable items (torches, arrows, etc)

• 1 fight of ammo: 1 SUP to resupply

• 1 hour of torches: 1 SUP to resupply
• 1 day of rations: 1 SUP to resupply
• 100’ of rope: 1 SUP to resupply
• Special (potions): 2-10 SUP to resupply
• 1 use of most kits: 2 SUP to resupply
Combat
Initiative: high DEX score acts first
Rounds: every combatant gets 1 turn
Turn: every combatant gets 3 actions

Actions: three default types of actions

• Active: attack, cast, or make a check
• Movement: move your speed (30’)
• Quick: activate feature, draw weapon

Attack: roll 1d20 + ability mod + proficiency

bonus if applicable. Meet or beat AC to hit.
Deal damage of weapon or spell with hit.

Hit Points (HP): 0 HP means incapacitated;

1 min or end of encounter at 0 means death.
If PC is stabilized roll on Injury Table. Heal 1
HP per night of unsafe rest; heal level HP per
night of safe rest (impossible in a dungeon).

Morale check: DC 11; WIS mod, proficiency,

or monster HD mods may apply. PCs rarely
check morale. Failure means flee/surrender.

Retainers
Max retainers: CHA score
Hench: elite retainers loyal to a PC. Limited
to ((CHA mod + level) - 5) hench.

Orders: active action to order retainers to:

• Charge: move forward and attack
• Form Up: get +2AC until next turn
• Kite: move away and attack
• Focus Fire: attack single target
• Reposition: move twice their speed
• Retrieve: move to, grab, and retreat

Ordered retainers act as a single unit. A DC 11

CHA check is common for giving orders.
Travel
Travel Turn: every hour in a dungeon, every
day in the wilderness. GM rolls 1d20 on the
table and interprets the results:

Travel Turn Reference

1 An immediate, terrible encounter

2-10 A negative encounter occurs soon

11-19 Things get worse, enemies draw near

20 Nothing bad, maybe even favorable

Overland Travel: 10 + STR mod miles / day.

Rough terrain halves, harsh quarters this.
Overwater Travel: boats 3 miles / hour,
ships 5 miles / hour. Conditions alter this.

Roll to Return: each PC rolls best modifier

and proficiency vs DC 10 + Travel Turns.
Failure means losing loot or taking damage.

Retreat: full round action, make a check,

success retreats from danger but can’t act.
Failure means stuck in a bad position.
Chases: STR check on flat terrain, DEX check
on rough terrain. DC based on enemy speed.

Light
Torches and lanterns cast 30’ of dim light.
Torches last 1 hour, lanterns last 3 per SUP.
• Darkness: adv to stealth, disadv to
nearly all other checks. Harsh terrain.
• Dim Light: adv to stealth and hearing,
disadv to ranged combat and seeing.
• Well Lit: normal daylight conditions
• Brilliant: adv to tracking trails, visible
movement. Disadv to stealth, ranged.
Magic
Spellcasting Check: DC 10 + Spell’s Level;
failure causes a magical mishap. Results are
used to determine success vs NPC target

Known spells: spells selected from Arcane

or Divine spells; can only cast known spells
Cantrips: 3 spells PC casters know that are
cast without a check, prep, or components
Spell Levels: the level of a spell, denoting its
power and rarity (in FTD levels 1 through 5)

Concentration: quick action per turn to

hold, only one spell can be concentrated on.
Damage or serious distractions break it.

Components: SUP is spent = 2 per spell level

cast. A focus obviates component needs. GM
can track specific components for flavor.

Magic Items: wield up to CHA mod magic

items (min 1). Scrolls, wands, potions, and
other consumable items don’t count.

Magical Mishap Table

1 Caster takes 1d6/spell level damage

2-3 All nearby non-magical metal melts

4-5 Orb of darkness surrounds the party

6-7 Bizarre gravity, heavy or light

8-9 Caster emits blinding bright light to all

10-11 The spell affects the wrong target

12-13 Significant collateral damage

14-16 Caster is stunned, CON check to resist

17-19 Caster is weak, STR check to resist

20 A different, random spell is cast

Monsters & NPCs
Converting monsters from other editions
can be run as written (consider halfing
HP). Creating monsters requires a concept,
threat, Hit Dice (HD), and category. Add
techniques if you desire. Calculate stats as:

Monster Math Reference

Avg. HP (4 per HD) + 1

Modifiers Weak: 1/2 HD - 2 (max +8)

Normal: 1/2 HD + 2 (max +10)
Strong: HD + 2 (max +12)

AC / DEX Best suited mod + 10

Avg. Dmg Per round, roughly = HD + 4

Sundries
PCs roll per their class at creation. GMs can
roll for random useful tools in a dungeon.

1 100’ rope 11 30’ copper wire

2 10’ iron chain 12 Noisemaker, auto

3 Iron manacles 13 Thread, needle

4 Hooded lantern 14 Folding shovel

5 Sack of marbles 15 Glass lens

6 10’ Oilskin tarp 16 Steel mirror

7 Small barrel 17 Fishing net

8 Iron crowbar 18 Treated sinew

9 Hammer, chisel 19 Roll of raw wool

10 50’ of bandages 20 Coarse rasp