Concepts

Dice Notation

only standard dice (1–6) are needed for players, and both standard and percentile dice (1–100) are needed for JudgesOther equipment required for play includes pencils, graph paper, notebook or scratch paper, and optionally hex-paper.

. Where applicable, notation such as 3d6 or d100 or 1–6d6 is used, meaning “roll three six-sided die,” “roll a percentile die,” and “roll between one and six six-sided dice,” respectively.

Abilities

at times, certain player character ability scores will be referenced. Where applicable, notation such as BODY or MIND is used.

Core Mechanic

generally, the way that actions are accomplished in W&W is via rolls or “ability checks.” A number of d6 will be rolled based on the selected ability, and each four (4), five (5), or six (6) result rolled is counted as a “success.” The total amount of “successes” rolled is sometimes called the “success level” or SL. This gives a 50% chance to succeed per die rolled.

Body

BODY is the first of the physical abilities, representing physical prowess, resilience, and overall health. A character may be asked to roll B to attack, perform a feat of great might, withstand a poisoning, or fight exhaustion.

Damage a character takes is subtracted from their B score, and a character’s B may be thought of as their “health” or “hit points.” A character dies if their B ever reaches 0.

A character may carry a load, in pounds, equal to twice their B. Any weight carried beyond this is subtracted from a character’s A. For example, a character with 3 B carrying 7 stone reduces their speed by 1. See Carrying Capacity.

Speed

SPEED is the second physical ability, representing manual dexterity, coordination, and quickness. A character may be asked to roll S to pickpocket someone, dodge a falling rock, or balance on a narrow wall.

A character’s S score can be reduced by certain spells, environmental hazards, or being overwhelmed in melee. A character’s S may be thought of as their “dexterity” or “movement.” If a character’s S ever reaches 0, the character is slowed to the point of complete immobility.

During combat, a character’s S score is split between movement and defensem and when checking initiative, the character with higher S typically acts first. See Combat.

Mind

MIND is the first mental ability, representing the capacity for thought and reason and one’s innate connection to magical forces and higher powers. A character may be asked to roll M to cast a spell, identify a magical device, or defend against an enemy spell.

A character’s M score is reduced each time a spell is cast, and a character’s M may be thought of as their “psychic capability.” If a character’s M ever reaches 0, the character is mentally incapacitated. Characters in such a state cannot make decisions, and will only doze off and wander aimlessly unless led.

A character’s M score is the maximum amount of languages they may know. See Languages.

Ego

EGO is the second mental ability, the final ability overall, and represents a character’s force of will and personal magnetism. A character may be asked to roll E to inspire their troops or free themselves from mind control.

A character’s E may be reduced by magic, social gaffes, or dishonorable conduct, and a character’s E may be thought of as their “reputation” or “karma.” E may be protected from loss by a character’s rank. If a character’s E ever reaches 0, the character is struck with cowardice. Craven characters will not ever willingly enter dungeons or pick fights they are not sure to win.

A character’s E score is the maximum number of retainers a character may employ at once.

Class Statistics

Statistics are given to the “top level,” but there is theoretically no limit to how far most characters can progress.

Dwarfs

Dwarfs are stout, wide folk, formed of flesh nigh indistinguishable from rock. Their facial features are nonexistent except with great focus or permanently sculpted with hammer and chisel. They typically dwell in hilly or mountainous regions. Their apparent makeup is determined randomly or chosen, at the player’s option.

Dwarfs have the following attributes relevant to play:

• Dwarfs are inert and can never cast spells. They can, however, employ magic items.
• There is a 50% chance that spells have no effect on a dwarf.
• No matter their ability scores, a dwarf’s prayer will never reach a deity.
• Dwarfs’ dense bodies sink quickly in water and are unaffected by poison.
• Due to their short stature, they may not wield the two-handed weapons of humans and elves.
• Dwarfs must consume 1 gp worth of precious metals or gemstones weekly, or petrify into a statue. They may not consume the food of other living creatures, though they may drink and must sleep as a human does.
• If a dwarf is separated from the earth, be it by wooden floors, ships, or thin air, for more than one consecutive month, the dwarf’s form begins to irreversibly crumble to dust. Full disintegration takes one week.
• A dwarf “sees” his or her surroundings within 10” via sensing vibrations through the ground. This sense is dulled while not standing on earth or stone.

Movement and Distance

Movement and distance values are given as inches (“) in this rulebook. This is to increase versatility, and to ensure that combat, exploration, etc. are conducted similarly at all scales. The scales for each type of environment are as follows:

Human-scale

1” = 5 feet. One combat round is 2 seconds, and each figure represents a single combatant.

Unit-scale

1” = 5 yards. One combat round is 12 seconds (units move half the speed of single combatants), and each figure represents several combatants.

Wilderness-scale

1” = 5 miles. Combat is not possible at this scale.

Carrying Capacity

Weight in W&W is measured in stone, roughly equivalent to the historical unit. Humanoid creatures and all character types can carry a maximum load equal to twice their Body in stone. Thus, a character with 4 B has a capacity of 8 stone, and one with 6 B has a capacity of 12 stone. Any load carried above this value is subtracted, 1:1, from the character’s speed. If a character with 2 B and 3 S, say, dropped everything trying to haul 6 stone of loot out of the dungeon, they would be reduced to a mere 1 S! Be careful while on expeditions—taking damage during combat thus reduces both load capacity and movement rate.

A maximum load calculation of ten times Body, instead of two, applies to any quadrupedal animal bred or used for carrying packs or riders, whose physiology allows them to carry a much greater load relative to their strength. An even greater modifier (one-hundred times Body) applies only to pulling a wheeled vehicle on clear terrain.

Exploration

Time in the underworld is measured in “turns” of six minutes (10 per hour). In one turn, a party may move four times the movement speed of their slowest member or perform one significant action. Inexperienced parties, with low overall abilities, will thus move quite slowly through a dungeon’s corridors. This slow movement rate accounts for mapping and significant caution—hallway traps, for example, will almost always be immediately obvious at this rate. Detection of a concealed trap (e.g. a poison needle in a lock, or a tripwire attached to a door) can require careful observation and description of actions by the player.

It should be noted that only animals trained specifically for close combat (dogs, battle-trolls, etc.) will willingly enter dungeons, and even this is not a certainty. The below list of actions taking one turn is not exhaustive, and the Judge is granted the power to set the difficulty of the tasks as needed. The typical ability rolled is listed in (parentheses).

• Searching a 10-foot by 10-foot area for secret doors or hidden treasure (M).
• Listening for sounds beyond a shut door (M).
• Forcing open a stuck door or lifting a portcullis (B).
• Disarming a detected trap (A or M).

If failure occurs in some of the above cases, a loud noise is created that may attract unwanted monster attention, or a trap may be sprung. Be intentional.

Pursuit

A chase is resolved in rounds. At the start, the Judge determines the fleeing party’s lead in inches. Each round, both the pursuer and the quarry make an opposed Speed roll (in the case of parties, the Speed of the slowest member).

If the pursuer wins (has more successes), they reduce the lead by the difference in the success rolls. If the quarry wins, they increase the lead by the difference. Ties result in no change. For example, a creature with 3 S rolls 4, 6, and 2 while chasing a creature with 7 S, who rolls 1, 4, 6, 6, 2, and 6. The fleeing creature gains 2” on the pursuer. The chase ends when the lead is reduced to 0 (the quarry is caught, at which point combat is initiated) or the lead exceeds the pursuer’s line of sight (due to corners, fog, etc.).

The Judge may apply penalties for difficult terrain or obstacles, or require ability rolls to navigate them. Failure may end a participant’s movement for that round.

Mapping

During the course of a dungeon or wilderness adventure, it is expected that one or multiple players take on the role of mapper. In a wilderness, this consists of listing landmarks, biomes, notable creatures, settlements etc. in relation to each other, and is normally done on hex or large-scale graph paper. The best scale is 1” = 5 miles, roughly 1 hex or square in either case.

In a dungeon setting, this mainly consists of laying out the known rooms on a grid. Players will receive descriptions such as: “You move 30’ down the hall, and there is an open door to the left and a staircase heading down straight ahead. Through the door, you can see a circular room 10’ in diameter, with another door on its northeast face.” The most efficient scale to use in this case is one square = 10’, though one square = 5’ is popular as well. Judges may not give exact measurements of rooms—at times mappers are expected to make their best approximation from descriptors such as “smallish” and “oblong.” Players should always assume that rooms are approximately 10’ in height, and hallways 10’ to the highest point of a pointed arch, unless stated otherwise by the Judge.

The above scales and paper suggestions are indeed suggestions, and there are no rules to how a map must be recorded. However, a detailed, accurate map is the cornerstone of a party’s adventuring effectiveness. In the vicious underworld, maps will constantly be tested by shifting passages, slanted halls, and the like. It is prudent, at times, to employ two mappers, such that their interpretations of the Judge’s descriptions can be compared, or should one of them die in such a manner that the map is destroyed or lost.

Getting Lost

In unknown wilderness, the Judge checks if the party will get lost once per day. The base chance is 1-in-6 on open plains, 2-in-6 in forests or hills, and 3-in-6 in dense jungle, swamp, or during poor weather. A guide, a path to follow, or an accurate map precludes this check. If lost, the party’s direction of movement is determined at random and is known only to the Judge until they reorient.

A party can reorient by reaching a major landmark, backtracking successfully, or through a Mind roll under special conditions (e.g., clear skies for celestial navigation). As a reminder, only the Judge may call for rolls.

Combat

Combat is the ultimate method of resolving disputes in W&W, and should only be engaged in once other less dangerous methods of conflict resolution have failed or been dismissed as unlikely to succeed.

Before Combat

Before a fight breaks out, be it in a silent woods, in a cramped dungeon hallway, or in a bustling town avenue, the procedure is as follows:

1. The Judge determines if either party is surprised.
2. Encounter distance is determined.
3. All figures move. A combatant may charge or flee.
4. Missile fire is conducted.

Surprise

Under normal circumstances, each participant in a combat unaware of the opponent before first sighting them has a 1-in-6 chance of being surprised. If only one of the parties is surprised, that party cannot act in any way until a melee begins, at which point they are shocked into action. If both parties are surprised, the procedure resolves as normal.

Various factors can increase the likelihood of, or completely preclude a party from being surprised. For example, a party carrying light or being noisy will never surprise a group of monsters in a dungeon unless coming through a door—situations like this will be noted by the Judge: “So you know, dragging that chest along will be very loud.”

Encounter Distance

After surprise has been determined, the next question becomes: “Well, Judge, we see the orcs and they don’t see us, but how close are we?”

When surprise is in play, the encounter distance is 1d6 times two inches (typically from 10–60 feet in a dungeon). This accounts for the surprisers essentially “sneaking up” on the surprisees. If there is no surprise, then the encounter distance is 1d6 times four inches (20–120 feet in a dungeon).

Pre-Combat Movement

Charging

A combatant charges at twice their Speed, but can only move in a straight line. If an opposing combatant is intercepted during this charge after more than 4” of movement, the attack is made at +1 (i.e. 1 additional d6). If it is not specified by the player or Judge, it is assumed that a charging character drops their backpack in place for recovery after the fight has ended.

Fleeing

A combatant flees at three times their Speed. A fleeing character has a defense score of 0—see below. Combat may be avoided, or the opposing combatants may decide to chase. See Pursuit.

This process continues until the participating figures clash in melee, at which point combat is initiated and the first round takes place.

Missile Fire

Characters attacking with a missile weapon roll Body versus the target’s defense score, as Melee (see below). The greater number of successes wins, dealing damage equal to the difference. The defender, thus, wins ties.

Once opponents clash in a melee, it is almost impossible to hit the intended target with a ranged attack. Assuming that all combatants in melee are approximately human-sized, a combatant firing into melee should make a Mind roll (SL = the number of combatants) to determine whether or not the intended target is hit. If this roll fails, the subsequent damage, if any, is dealt to a random combatant in the vicinity. This applies to missile-like spells as well.

Re-arming a crossbow or other sufficiently mechanical ranged weapon is too complex to accomplish during combat unless noted otherwise.

The Combat Round

The basic unit of combat is the round. A single round of man-to-man combat lasts two seconds, during which the procedure below is followed.

1. All figures move.
2. Spellcasting is initiated.
3. Missile fire is conducted. See Missile Fire above.
4. Melee is resolved and initiative is checked if necessary.
5. Other relevant actions are taken.
6. Spells take effect.

In addition, the following should be noted:

• All combatants act simultaneously during the respective phases.
• A combatant may move and take one action (cast spell, fire missile, strike with a weapon, pull a lever, retreive an item, etc.) during a round.
• Casting a spell from a scroll is as normal spellcasting, initiating in step 2 and casting in step 6.

Spellcasting

Any time a character initiates spellcasting, they are vulnerable to interruption. If the caster sustains damage at any point before the spell takes effect, the casting is interrupted and Mind is spent or retained (see Magic).

Melee

Once a character abuts one (or multiple) opposing combatants, they are considered engaged in melee.

The order in which combatants attack is determined by their current Speed—highest speed acts first, and so forth. Ties are broken by weapon length (see Equipment): in the first round, the combatant with the longest weapon acts first, but in subsequent rounds shorter weapons allow the combatant to act faster.

Note that if the defender is unaware, unwilling, or otherwise unable to launch a counterattack, then initiative need not be checked.

Once who goes first is determined, the procedure for attacking is as follows:

1. The attacker rolls Body and notes the number of 4’s, 5’s, or 6’s (successes) rolled. The resultant value is their attack score.
2. This is compared to the defender’s current Speed, referred to as their defense score. A defender who is unconscious has a defense score of zero. Shields modify the defense score in unique ways. See Equipment.
3. Subtract the attack score from the defense score. If the attack score is greater than or equal to the defense score, the attack connects. The total damage is calculated by the formula below:

Total Damage = [Weapon Damage + (Attack Score - Defense Score)] - Target Armor DR

That is, excess successes from the attacker are added to the attack’s total damage. If an attack hits, but the target’s DR reduces the damage to 0 or less, the target takes one point of Fatigue. If a combatant accumulates Fatigue equal to or greater than their Body, they lose consciousness. Fatigue is reduced to zero one turn after combat has ended.

Note that the equipped armor of a defender who is paralyzed, unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated is typically easily circumvented by an attacker, and thus damage reduction is not applied. Damage reduction granted by natural features, such as thick skin or scales, is still subtracted.

Other Notes Regarding Combat

Damage

Most, if not all, creatures involved in combat will sustain damage in some form. Most standard (i.e. handheld) weaponry deals a number of damage specified by its size plus the difference in the attack score and defense score. Some notable exceptions to this are siege weaponry, unarmed strikes, some improvised, mastercraft, and magical weapons, and some spells.

Wounds

When a character reaches 0 Body, they may elect to take a Wound. If they choose to do so, their maximum Body is reduced by 1, and they are left in a stable unconscious state. Some extraordinary wounds, such as when a character is felled in one attack, may have additional effects—Judges are supplied guidelines. Wounds may be accrued from other sources, including curses, magic spells, and certain types of monsters. Certain magics may also drain one’s maximum Speed, Mind, or Ego. Reductions in score maximums are permanent, and therefore must be re-earned through Training.

Death

When a character reaches 0 Body and cannot or chooses not to take further wounds, they are dead. Barring the power of certain superpowered magical spells, items, or other miracles, the character may not return to life. In rare cases, magic spells, magic weapons, or exceptionally dangerous monsters are capable of slaying a character outright. Be wary!

Should a character somehow be brought back to life, they must make a Body save against a success level determined by the method of necromancy used. If the check fails, the character is irrevocably dead and may not ever be resurrected.

When a character dies, the player should either proceed to create a character sheet for their heir, if they have one (see Relatives) or create a new character. Brand-new characters always begin play at the lowest level of experience.

Psychic Combat

Unlike the tactical duel, psychic combat is the art of death, conducted between two willing magicians. To an inexperienced observer, however, it may not be obvious that psychic combat is happening at all.

Both magicians must be certain of the duel in their mind, and open their mind to their opponent in order to begin. Psychic combat cannot be initiated without two willing participants (thus, those incapable of magic-use may not participate), and combatants must be aware of their opponent in some way.

Psychic combat proceeds in “waves.” During each wave, each combatant rolls a number of d6 equal to their level (i.e. a Thaumaturge rolls 3d6 per wave and an Archmage rolls 8d6). Compare the number of successes rolled by each party. The difference is subtracted from the loser’s Mind or Ego score, whichever is higher. As always, keep note of the character’s original scores.

If a participant’s Mind or Ego reach 0 during psychic combat, the character dies. The victor will likely have suffered damage to his or her scores as well. For the purposes of play, psychic combat is considered “spellcasting.”

Hirelings

Players will likely require the services of hired help. Hirelings of various sorts can be found in towns, strongholds, and possibly in villages. Hirelings are ordinary folk who will perform mundane (non-combat) duties; some examples are given to the left. With enough gold there is no limit to how many hirelings a character can employ.

Hirelings will not always feel comfortable traveling through wilderness, dungeons, or other hazardous conditions. In addition, the prices given do not account for the cost of materials, quarters, or board that may be necessary for each profession. Thus, additional costs may be incurred.

Mercenaries

Mercenaries are neutrally aligned soldiery whose monthly fee is commensurate with their function and equipment. Elves and dwarfs are the least common. With enough gold there is no limit to the number of mercenaries a character can employ.

Mercenaries may be found in any settlement with a military presence, though the most exotic may only be found in wilderness keeps. Postings may be kept for 100 sp per month that attract between 6–36 mercenaries of various types weekly, so long as the character’s reputation is sufficient.

Light footmen

are local militia, citizen soldiers, watchmen, and the like possibly with gambeson, brigandine and/or shield who have -1 morale.

Footmen

wear brigandine or mail armor, shield, and helm, and carry various arms.

Archers and crossbowmen

wear gambeson and carry daggers and short bows or crossbows, respectively.

Longbowmen

wear gambeson and carry daggers and longbows.

Light Horsemen

are light footmen upon riding horses.

Horsemen

are footmen upon light warhorses.

Heavy Horsemen

typically wear plate armor and helms, carry shields, and ride heavy warhorses.

Specialists

Specialists of various sorts can be found in the most populous and enticing cities, towns, strongholds. Specialists range from ordinary folk to leveled non-player characters who perform all sorts of duties; some examples are given to the left. With enough gold there is no limit to how many specialists a character can employ.

Specialists are typically already established where found, and must sometimes be enticed into service. This can take many forms. An alchemist with a successful shop may find it difficult to resist relocating to a state-of-the-art laboratory, even if it is far from their home.

In addition, the prices given do not account for the cost of materials, quarters, or board that may be necessary for each profession. Thus, additional costs may be incurred. Healers, e.g. must be paid 10 sp per day while actively healing a character in addition to the cost of their employment.

Retainers

Unusual help including monsters and player-types can also be sought. These are called retainers and the number allowed at any one time is limited by a character’s Ego; a character with 5 E, for example, can employ a whopping 5 retainers!

A character can seek retainers during adventures or advertise their need by posting notices, hiring heralds, frequenting taverns, or sending messages to foreign parts where candidates may dwell. Similar to mercenary hiring, postings may be kept for 100 sp per month that attract between 1–6 player-types monthly, so long as the character’s reputation is sufficient. Beyond this, the cost and effectiveness of hiring endeavors is left to the Judge’s discretion.

If a prospective retainer is found the character can make an offer of employment. Only the lowest level player types are employable, and will likely not be tempted for any offer worth less than 50 gp. Dwarfs especially desire gold and gems, magicians desire spells and magic items, and so on.

Relatives

Player-types can possess arms, armor, and equipment from the outset and (if they are fortunate) can accumulate considerable wealth. If a character disappears on an adventure all of their worldly goods are forfeit! Thus, a character may designate one relative as heir to their estate. Should the character be slain or otherwise mysteriously vanish, “death” can be declared after one game month of unexplained absence.

If designated, the heir then takes possession of all properties, goods, and valuables that belonged to the departed minus 20%, to account for executors, inheritance tax, and whatnot. The player may then assume the role of the heir who must begin at the lowest level for the selected class.

Should the original character unexpectedly return to reclaim the estate, another 20% is lost in addition to the amount spent by the heir, if any. The Judge must adjudicate the reaction of the disinherited heir, who might intrigue to retain control. If the disinherited heir is kept on as part of the player’s household or retinue, their loyalty may be adjusted according to their relation to the original character, at the Judge’s discretion.

Sages

Sages are wise and often eccentric characters of myth who have an uncanny expertise in their given field. They often demand service, extravagant payment, or other inconveniences in exchange for their services. The Judge will have a full complement of information regarding sages that can be found in the game world, but some examples include training experts, warlocks, fortune-tellers, hermits, and the like.

Non-Player Loyalty

When any non-player enters into a player character’s service the Judge will secretly determine their loyalty, which may subsequently be adjusted for excellent or poor treatment. Additional pay, gifts of arms, armor, or magic items, and the rising fame (or infamy) of an employer can increase loyalty. Unjust treatment, poor prospects, or unfit conditions can decrease loyalty.

So long as a non-player is treated reasonably, receives the agreed payment, and is not exposed to unnecessary danger their loyalty will not be tested. In extreme circumstances the Judge will use reaction checks or morale checks to determine the non-player’s behavior.

Memorization

The method that users of arcane magic employ to record spells into their mind is known as memorization. Prior to adventuring, a magician spends time selecting which spells best suit the nature of the intended adventure (perhaps breathe water is not the best choice in a desert…). Thus, a magician need not carry spellbook on his or her person while adventuring—so long as they trust where they leave it!

A magician can memorize a number of spells prior to an adventure equal to their experience level. Spells memorized are stored in the magician’s mind until the adventure ends, at which point the magician mentally purges. The spell is not “spent” once cast, and may be cast again, however the dice committed are still rolled and subtracted from Mind if casting is interrupted. See Combat.

Magic Dice

The power of magic spells is commensurate with the number of magic dice (sometimes noted MD) used during their casting. A spellcaster must declare how many dice will be used on any given spell. There is no maximum, however a magician with only 3 M should be extremely cautious using 3 dice or more! The number of dice rolled and their sum are used in the determination of the spell’s power. Each die showing 1–4 is subtracted from the caster’s Mind score. Each die showing a 5 or 6 is “free,” representing expertise in methodology and psychic recycling. Thus, if a magician with 4 M casts a spell with 3 dice and rolls 1, 2, and 6, they are reduced to 2 M due to the mental strain of the casting.

If a spell reduces its caster to 0 M, the spell fizzles before its casting is completed.

Rituals

When led by a Mage or higher, a group of magicians can cast spells more powerful and complex than what can be memorized. Each magician participating contributes a number of dice they see fit, up to a maximum of their level. The time taken to complete a ritual is commensurate to the amount of dice spent (e.g. a ritual using twenty-five dice takes a minimum of 50 days). Rituals can only be conducted in places of great magical significance or specially designated halls. See Strongholds.

A short list of spells castable only by ritual is provided at the end of this volume, and the Judge has guidelines for the development of new ones.

Spellwrighting

All magic-using sorts can engage in the creation of entirely new spells, should they be unsatisfied with the repertoire available to them. The Judge will determine the usage of magic dice by the spell, and potentially the minimum required MD for casting, according to the player’s description of the intended effects.

The base cost for spell research is 100 gp and one week. This assumes that the researcher has a laboratory, shrine, or other focused workspace and a well-equipped library at their disposal. If the researcher does not own the research locale, the cost in both time and coin increases tenfold.

There is always a chance for spell creation to fail, or for unintended consequences. Success during spellwrighting is determined by a Mind roll, the success level of which is determined by the Judge based on the complexity of the spell.

Enchanted Items

Enchanting is the act of manifesting magical energy into physical objects. The power of created magical items is largely dependent on one’s level of attunement, and is detailed below for various item types.

Enchanted items may be found during adventures as treasure. To intuit the function of such magical devices during the throes of adventure is difficult, and requires a successful Mind roll. The difficulty is determined by the Judge, commensurate to the item’s complexity (e.g., a “+1 mace” will be easy to intuit, while an “orb of scrying” or “broom of flying” may not be immediately obvious). Failure on this check precludes understanding the item until the adventure ends, at which point the item’s effects are assumed to be revealed through study. A misunderstood or non-understood item can still be used, but caution should be exercised in doing so. Curses will never be discovered in either manner, and must be specifically identified by magic or by a Sage.

Example Magic Spells - REVIEW LATER

Spells are listed alphabetically. The power of each is varyingly determined by the magic dice MD spent by the caster. A number in parentheses (x) with the spell name indicates the minimum quantity of magic dice that must be spent in order to cast the spell. If a range is not listed, assume that the magician must be able to see the spell’s target.

Arcane Dart

Fires a number of unerring darts of force equal to the MD spent. Each dart strikes a target of the caster’s choice within 30” and deals a single point of damage.

Auralate

Creates an illusory sound. The maximum volume is determined by the highest die rolled (1 being a whisper, 6 a dragon’s roar). The sound can be moved by the caster up to 1” per round for a number of turns equal to the MD spent.

Breathe Water

Allows a number of creatures equal to the number of MD spent to breathe underwater for a number of minutes equal to the sum of the dice rolled.

Charm

A number of creatures equal to the number of MD spent must roll Ego or treat the caster as an ally—hostility is immediately ceased. The spell lasts for a number of minutes equal to the sum rolled. Creatures who succeed may not be affected again until the magician gains a level of experience.

Combustion (3)

A bead of fire erupts at a point within 30”. The explosion fills a radius of 1” per MD spent. It deals a total amount of damage equal to the sum of the MD rolled, divided evenly among all creatures in the blast.

Command

The magician issues a command to a single creature that can understand them, which can have a number of words equal to the number of MD rolled. The target must roll Ego (success level = number of dice rolled) or obey. A creature will never obey a suicidal command.

Fear

A number of creatures equal to the number of MD spent must roll Ego or flee in fear for a number of minutes equal to the sum rolled. Creatures who succeed may not be affected again until the magician gains a level of experience.

Grease

A number of square inches of surface equal to the sum rolled are coated with magical grease for one turn (10 minutes) per die dedicated to the spellcasting. Grease is flammable, and creatures moving more than 2” in a single round slip and fall prone.

Heal (3)

Restores Body equal to the sum of the dice rolled. The healing may be split as the caster sees fit among a maximum number of creatures equal to the number of dice spent.

Hold (2)

Paralyzes targets. The caster spends one MD per target, and each target rolls Mind against the value of the MD spent for them. If this roll fails, the target is paralyzed for a number of seconds equal to the sum of the MD rolled.

Luminate

Creates a floating sphere of light that follows the caster. Its light-shedding radius in inches is equal to the highest MD rolled, and it lasts for a number of turns equal to the MD spent.

Mind Armor

Creates an invisible barrier around the caster that provides Damage Reduction equal to the caster’s Ego. The shield lasts for a number of rounds equal to the sum of the MD rolled or until it absorbs one hit per MD spent.

Barrier

Creates a shimmering, translucent wall of force at a point within 20”. The wall’s total area in 1” squares is equal to the sum of the MD rolled. It may take 10 hits per MD spent and lasts for one turn per MD spent or until destroyed.

Read Languages

For a number of turns equal to the MD spent, the caster can read any non-magical writing. The total number of pages or distinct inscriptions that can be read is equal to the sum of the MD rolled. This spell does not inform the caster what language he or she is reading.

Sleep

Puts creatures to sleep within 12”. Affects a total number of creatures equal to the sum of the MD rolled, affecting lowest Body creatures first. The slumber lasts until dispelled or for a number of turns equal to the number of MD spent.

Snakes

A number of sticks equal to the sum of the MD rolled are turned into snakes at the magician’s command. The snakes do not follow commands, but are generally friendly to the spell’s caster. Snakes created this way turn back into sticks after a number of days equal to the number of MD rolled.

Spider Climb

The caster or a touched creature can climb sheer surfaces as if they were a spider. The effect lasts for a number of turns equal to the highest die rolled. A number of creatures equal to the number of MD spent may be affected.

Unseen Servant

An invisible, mindless humanoid force is conjured with a Body score equal to the lowest MD rolled. It obeys simple commands for a number of hours equal to the total MD spent. It cannot attack or perform complex tasks.

Example Rituals

Conjunction

Inscribes a permanent circle of transportation, linking it to one other such circle anywhere in the world. - 60 MD, 120 days, 25,000 sp in crushed gems and rare metals inlaid into a permanent structure. - This ritual must be completed at two separate locations to create a linked pair of teleportation gates. The lead caster makes a Mind roll to properly align the arcane matrices. On a success, the link is stable. On a failure, the link is flawed; each use has a 1-in-6 chance of a teleportation mishap, determined by the Judge. A flawed conjunction can only be repaired if the ritual is performed again.

Conjure

Generates a single enchanted object out of pure magic. - 100 MD, 200 days. No material components are required. - This ritual creates a magical item. The lead caster makes a Body, Mind, and Ego roll to begin the formation process. The success levels for each category may be modified based on the specificity of the request, the power of the item, and other factors regarding the item’s design. Success creates the object, exactly as intended. Failure has a 3-in-6 chance of the resulting item being secretly cursed in some way.

Fabricate Golem

Animates a humanoid construct of inanimate matter to serve as a tireless guardian. The material of the body determines the golem’s power and nature. - 35 MD, 70 days, a masterfully crafted body costing at least 15,000 sp. - The ritual imbues the prepared form with a semblance of life. The lead caster must make an Mind roll, which may be modified by the Judge based on the materials and craftsmanship. Success creates a loyal, mindless golem under the caster’s command. Failure consumes the materials and has a 2-in-6 chance of animating a rogue, hostile golem.

Resurrection

Raises a single creature from the dead. The creature is returned to life in the body in its current state. Thus, limbs are not restored, and medical attention is likely still required upon success. - 10 MD, 20 days, 3,000 sp in diamonds. - The creature to be resurrected must make a Body save against their maximum B or become immune to the effects of all further necromancy attempts. If the creature died more than one month before the ritual is initiated, failure is guaranteed.

Simulacrum

Creates an imperfect duplicate of a living creature. The ritual requires a piece of the target (hair, nail, etc.) and a specially prepared clay body worth 10,000 sp. - 40 MD, 80 days. - The resultant simulacrum has half the original’s abilities and levels and is completely loyal to its creator. A creature may only have one simulacrum at a time.

Scrying

Allows the viewing of a known person or place through a specially prepared silver mirror. - 10 MD, 20 days, 1,000 sp mirror. - The vision is clear and untraceable, though it is detectable as all magic. It lasts for a number of minutes equal to the sum of the lead caster’s Mind and Ego.

True Name Binding

Summons a specific extraplanar entity (e.g., a demon, elemental, djinn) whose True Name is known, for the purpose of binding it to a single task. - 25 MD, 50 days, 5,000 sp in rare components (unique blood, specific gems, inscribed circles). - The lead caster must win an opposed Ego check against the entity (i.e., each rolls [1d100] against the others’ Ego score) to bind it. Failure results in the entity being freed and immediately hostile. Success binds it to a single, specific service, after which it is released.