Work in Progress

hidden name

Character Creation

To create a character, go through the following steps.

1. Abilities

A character has four core Abilities that define their capabilities in different situations.

Strength represents might and power. This Ability also determines the number of Slots a character has for carrying items and bearing conditions.

Dexterity represents agility and finesse. This Ability also determines Focus, a reserve of effort and luck that can be spent to give a Check or Damage roll Advantage.

Presence represents willpower and charm. This Ability is used to resist the strain of casting Spells and determines how many Spell Shards a character can refill during a Long Rest.

Constitution represents toughness and resistance. This Ability determines starting Hit Points, a measure of the number of injuries a character can sustain before they die, and is used to resist fatigue, poison, and disease.

Distribute +2, +1, 0, and -1 among the Abilities, or roll 2D6 for each using the list below. If no score is +1 or higher, reroll all Abilities.

• On a 2, set the Ability score to -3.
• On a 3, set the Ability score to -2.
• On a 4 to 5, set the Ability score to -1.
• On a 6 to 8, set the Ability score to 0.
• On a 9 to 10, set the Ability score to +1.
• On an 11, set the Ability score to +2.
• On a 12, set the Ability score to +3.

2. Hit Points

Hit Points represent the number of injuries a character can sustain before they die. Set the character’s maximum Hit Points to Constitution + 6.

3. Focus

Focus is a reserve of effort and luck that can be spent to give a Check or Damage roll Advantage.

Each session, a character’s Focus is set to their Dexterity score, up to 3.

Unspent Focus is lost at the end of each session and does not carry over.

4. Slots

Slots measure how much a character can carry and how many conditions they can bear. Set the character total Slots to Strength + 10.

Standard items take 1 Slot, bulky items take 2 Slots, and petty items take no Slots.

5. Starting Backgrounds

Each character begins with common supplies and one background. To choose the background, find the character’s highest Ability score, then roll 1D6 on the matching table in the Belongings section. If two or more Abilities are tied, the player chooses which table to use. Instead of rolling, the player can simply pick a background that suits the idea they have for their character if they have one.

6. Additional Details

To finish the character, roll or choose from the Details tables in the section section. Note the character’s name and preferred pronouns. The character can now start their journey!

Belongings

Every character starts with the following supplies:

• A bundle of torches (D6 Uses)
• Pack rations (D6 Uses, petty)
• 3D6 x 10 coins (petty)

Background Tables

After noting down the supplies above, add the items from one of the following backgrounds. Pick or roll on the table that matches the character’s highest Ability score.

Strength Backgrounds 1D6

Roll 1D6
1D6	Strength Backgrounds
1	Soldier: Greatsword (D10, bulky), Chain Armor (D6), rope (50ft), spikes, whetstone.
2	Blacksmith: Battle axe (D10, bulky), Leather Armor (D4), tongs, hammer, bellows.
3	Guard: Polearm (D10, bulky), Shield (D6), manacles, whistle, horn.
4	Farmer: Spear (D8), cloak, shovel, chicken, sack.
5	Sailor: Cutlass (D8), Leather Armor (D4), grappling hook, tar, rum.
6	Outlaw: Halberd (D10, bulky), Leather Armor (D4), crowbar, lockpicks, caltrops.

Show all

Dexterity Backgrounds 1D6

Roll 1D6
1D6	Dexterity Backgrounds
1	Thief: Dagger (D6), Leather Armor (D4), lockpicks, mirror, caltrops.
2	Hunter: Short sword (D8), Leather Armor (D4), snare wire, trap, knife.
3	Scout: Crossbow (D8, bulky), Leather Armor (D4), map case, chalk, spyglass.
4	Messenger: Shortbow (D6, bulky), cloak, satchel, wax, whistle.
5	Servant: Knife (D6), robe, disguise kit, poison, soap.
6	Performer: Rapier (D8), cloak, makeup kit, cards, costume.

Show all

Presence Spell Shards

Characters with Presence as their highest Ability score own a number of Spell Shards equal to their Presence score. Each Spell Shard takes 1 Slot in a character’s inventory. To determine which Spell a character possesses, pick or roll on the Spell tables found on the following pages. Spell Shards cannot be copied or crafted through ordinary means and are usually found in places of knowledge, power, or danger.

Presence Backgrounds 1D6

Roll 1D6
1D6	Presence Backgrounds
1	Priest: Mace (D8), robe, holy symbol, incense (D6 Uses), bell.
2	Scholar: Staff (D6), robe, Spell Shard, ink and quill, lens.
3	Hermit: Staff (D6), cloak, charm pouch, bones, herbs (D6 Uses).
4	Noble: Short sword (D8), cloak, signet ring, perfume, letter of credit.
5	Scribe: Dagger (D6), robe, blank book, seal, wax.
6	Pilgrim: Club (D6), Leather Armor (D4), prayer book, bandages (D6 Uses), staff.

Show all

Constitution Backgrounds 1D6

Roll 1D6
1D6	Constitution Backgrounds
1	Healer: Club (D6), Leather Armor (D4), herbs (D6 Uses), bandages (D6 Uses), salve.
2	Miner: Pick (D8), Leather Armor (D4), shovel, lamp, oil (D6 Uses).
3	Cook: Cleaver (D8), Leather Armor (D4), pot, spices, meat.
4	Fisher: Spear (D8), cloak, net, fishing kit, flask.
5	Laborer: Hammer (D8), Shield (D6), pry bar, rope (50ft), nails.
6	Monk: Staff (D6), robe, prayer beads, tea tin, blanket.

Show all

Details

Once the mechanical side of the character is set, a few personal details bring them to life. The tables below cover appearance, personality, and names.

Detail Tables

Roll on or pick from any of the following tables to flesh out the character. None of these choices affect the rules, they simply help define who the character is at the start of their journey.

Roll 1D6
1D6	Face
1	Round
2	Long
3	Wide
4	Plain
5	Lined
6	Scarred

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Eyes
1	Piercing
2	Gentle
3	Cold
4	Weary
5	Bright
6	Distant

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Hair
1	Short
2	Long
3	Curly
4	Braided
5	Bald
6	Gray

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Physique
1	Slim
2	Stocky
3	Muscular
4	Heavy
5	Tall
6	Short

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Clothing
1	Old
2	Fancy
3	Odd
4	Trendy
5	Dirty
6	Patched

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Mannerism
1	Fidgets
2	Stares
3	Laughs often
4	Mumbles
5	Gestures
6	Never smiles

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Speech
1	Loud
2	Mysterious
3	Slow
4	Fancy
5	Rough
6	Soft

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Virtue
1	Brave
2	Patient
3	Kind
4	Loyal
5	Curious
6	Honest

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Flaw
1	Proud
2	Greedy
3	Rash
4	Stubborn
5	Restless
6	Fearful

Show all

Roll 1D6
1D6	Drive
1	Freedom
2	Justice
3	Wealth
4	Revenge
5	Duty
6	Survival

Show all

Roll 1D20
1D20	Names
1	Alder
2	Bram
3	Cora
4	Dain
5	Elin
6	Finn
7	Mira
8	Tessa
9	Garron
10	Haldor
11	Ilya
12	Jora
13	Kellan
14	Lysa
15	Orrin
16	Petra
17	Rook
18	Sable
19	Thane
20	Uma

Show all

Roll 1D20
1D20	cont.
1	Vale
2	Wren
3	Yara
4	Zane
5	Aric
6	Bria
7	Calder
8	Della
9	Elden
10	Frey
11	Joss
12	Rowan
13	Kade
14	Lina
15	Merek
16	Nessa
17	Orla
18	Quin
19	Risa
20	Sten

Show all

Roll 1D20
1D20	Surname
1	Ash-
2	Brown-
3	Green-
4	Gray-
5	Clay-
6	Reed-
7	Moss-
8	Oak-
9	Pine-
10	Birch-
11	Hazel-
12	Flint-
13	Slate-
14	Sand-
15	Barley-
16	Rye-
17	Swift-
18	Still-
19	Long-
20	Short-

Roll 1D20
1D20	+ suffix
1	-brook
2	-field
3	-wood
4	-hill
5	-stone
6	-ford
7	-dale
8	-moor
9	-croft
10	-ton
11	-ham
12	-worth
13	-stead
14	-wick
15	-by
16	-leigh
17	-marsh
18	-bridge
19	-tree
20	-well

Show all

Basics

Time

The game uses three scales of time.

Rounds: Each Round lasts less than 1 minute and tracks actions used during combat.

Turns: Each Turn lasts about 10 minutes and tracks actions used during exploration.

Watches: Each Watch lasts about 6 hours and tracks actions used during travel. Each day is divided into four Watches: morning, afternoon, evening, and night.

Step Dice

Step Dice track anything that can be used up, wear out, run down, or draw near. They follow a die chain from D12 down through D10, D8, D6, D4, and finally D0.

Roll a Step Die when a resource is used, an item is stressed, or time passes. Interpret the result as follows:

• On a 1, reduce the Step Die by two steps.
• On a 2 to 3, reduce the Step Die by one step.
• On a 4+, the Step Die stays the same.

At D0: The resource is spent, the item breaks, the timer runs out, or the situation changes, depending on what the die was tracking.

Step Dice can track items with limited uses:

• Bundle of healing herbs (D4)
• Quiver of arrows (D10)
• Rations (D6)

Step Dice can also track timers:

• How long a torch stays lit (D6)
• How long an oil lantern stays lit (D8)
• How soon before a dangerous creature catches up (D4)
• How close a certain faction is to reaching its goal (D6)

Characters

Abilities

A character has four core Abilities.

Strength: Represents might and power. It also determines how many Slots a character has for carrying items and bearing Conditions.

Dexterity: Represents agility and finesse. It also determines Focus, a reserve of effort and luck that can be spent to give a Check or Damage roll Advantage.

Presence: Represents willpower and charm. It is used to resist the strain of casting and determines how many Spell Shards a character can refill with mana during a Long Rest.

Constitution: Represents toughness and endurance. It also determines starting Hit Points, and is used to resist fatigue, poison, and disease.

During character creation, distribute +2, +1, 0, and -1 among the Abilities, or roll 2D6 for each using the list below. If no score is +1 or higher, reroll all Abilities.

• On a 2, set the Ability score to -3.
• On a 3, set the Ability score to -2.
• On a 4 to 5, set the Ability score to -1.
• On a 6 to 8, set the Ability score to 0.
• On a 9 to 10, set the Ability score to +1.
• On an 11, set the Ability score to +2.
• On a 12, set the Ability score to +3.

Hit Points

Hit Points (HP) measure how many injuries a character can take before they die. When a character takes Damage, reduce their HP by that amount. At 0 HP or lower, the character is taken out and will die in a numnber of minutes (or Rounds) equal to Constitution + 1D4 unless they receive help or assistance.

During character creation, set maximum HP to Constitution + 6.

Death

When a character dies, the player creates a new character, and the Referee introduces them to the group as soon as possible. Alternatively, the player may take over an NPC already traveling with the group.

Rests

When a character has time to pause and recover, they can take a Rest to refill lost HP and tend to Conditions. Resting takes time, and time may cost the group opportunities or attract danger.

A Short Rest takes 10 minutes (one Turn) and refills 1D4 HP.

A Long Rest takes 6 hours (one Watch) and refills 1D6 HP. It also clears most minor Conditions, such as fatigue, stress, or exhaustion, though some may still require treatment, a Remedy, or specific action in the fiction.

A Full Rest takes one week and refills all HP. It also clears most major Conditions, such as broken limbs, deep sickness, or lingering poisons, provided the character has access to shelter, care, or whatever the fiction requires.

Remedies

A Remedy is any curative preparation, whether a potion, salve, herbal bundle, or similar material. A Remedy takes 1 Slot, and its uses are tracked with a Step Die.

Using a Remedy takes 10 minutes (one Turn). Afterward, roll 1D6 and recover that many HP.

• A common Remedy starts at D4.
• A well-crafted one starts at D6.
• A rare or powerful Remedy starts at D8 or higher.

Focus

Focus is a reserve of effort and luck that can be spent to give a Check or Damage roll Advantage. It refills each session to match a character’s Dexterity, up to a maximum of 3.

Spend: A character can spend 1 Focus to give a Check or Damage roll Advantage, even after seeing the result.

Refresh: Any unspent Focus is lost at the end of a game session.

Slots

A character has a number of Slots for tracking what they carry and the Conditinos that hinders them. The following all take up Slots.

Items: An item is anything a character picks up, buys, or finds and keeps in their inventory. Most items take 1 Slot. Bulky items take 2, and petty items take none. Supplies such as torches or rations have uses tracked with a Step Die. At D0, the item is gone.

Weapons: A Weapon is anything used to deal Damage in combat. A Weapon’s quality is tracked with a Step Die and ranges from D4 to D12. Roll its die when attacking. After each combat encounter, players roll the Step Die of each Weapon their character used in the fight. At D0, the Weapon breaks and must be repaired or replaced.

Armor: Armor is the protective gear a character wears to reduce incoming Damage. An Armor’s quality is tracked with a Step Die and ranges from D4 to D6. When a character takes Damage, roll the Armor Die and subtract the result from the Damage. After each combat encounter, players roll the Step Die of the Armor their character wore in the fight. At D0, the Armor breaks and must be repaired or replaced.

Shields: A Shield is a piece of defensive equipment used to block and cancel the Damage of an entire attack. A Shield’s quality is tracked with a Step Die and ranges from D4 to D6. Unlike Weapons and Armor, a Shield’s Step Die is rolled after each use, not after a combat. At D0, the Shield breaks and must be repaired or replaced.

Conditions: A Condition is any affliction that hinders a character, such as fatigue, stress, broken limbs, poison, and more. Each Condition takes 1 Slot, but may take more if it worsens over time. If no Slot is available, the character must drop something to make room. A Condition may impose Disadvantage on certain actions or render them impossible. To clear a Condition, a character must rest or receive the appropriate care.

During character creation, set the total number of Slots to Strength + 10. If a character’s Strength increases through an Advancement, update the total number of Slots available.

Actions

Resolving Actions

When a player describes an action, the Referee looks to the fiction and decides whether the outcome is assured, uncertain, or impossible before any dice are rolled.

Assured: The character has the ability, tools, time, and opportunity, so the action simply happens.

Uncertain: The outcome is in doubt, the stakes matter, and so the Referee calls for a Check.

Impossible: The action cannot succeed as described. The Referee explains why to allow the player to try a different approach.

If a competent character has what they need and nothing meaningfully stands in the way, the action should simply unfold. Checks are for moments where the result is truly uncertain and the outcome will change the situation.

Checks

When the outcome of an action is uncertain, the Referee calls for a Check and sets a Difficulty Rating (DR).

• A DR of 6 is routine.
• A DR of 9 is easy.
• A DR of 12 is normal.
• A DR of 15 is difficult.
• A DR of 18 is extreme.

To make a Check, the player rolls 1D20 and adds the most relevant Ability score. If the total meets or exceeds the DR, the action succeeds. Otherwise, it fails.

When playing solo, always default to DR 12 unless the fiction clearly calls for something easier or harder.

Advantage: When factors in the fiction improve a character’s position, such as a clever plan, surprise, or an enemy’s weakness, the Referee may grant Advantage. When a Check has Advantage, roll 2D20 and keep the highest die.

Disadvantage: When the situation works against the character, such as darkness, harsh weather, a debilitating Condition, or firing into cover, the Referee may impose Disadvantage. When a Check has Disadvantage, roll 2D20 and keep the lowest die.

Helping: Before a Check is rolled, one nearby ally who could reasonably assist may help and grant Advantage to the acting character. The ally must be physically present and able to take part in the action, and only one ally can help on a given Check. An ally who helps shares the same risk and consequences as the character making the Check. In combat, helping costs the ally their action for that Round.

Opposed Checks: When two characters act directly against each other, both make a Check and the higher total wins. On a tie, roll again.

Nuanced Checks

When the Referee wants more than a binary result when making a Check, the player makes a Nuanced Check instead. Roll 2D20, add the most relevant Ability score to each die separately, and compare both totals to the DR.

• If both totals meet or exceed the DR, it is a strong success. The action succeeds cleanly, quickly, or with an added benefit.
• If only one total meets or exceeds the DR, it is a weak success. The action succeeds, but a cost, delay, reduced effect, exposure, or new complication follows.
• If neither total meets or exceeds the DR, it is a failure. The action does not go as intended, and the fiction moves forward with a consequence.

When playing solo, all Checks should be resolved as Nuanced Checks.

Advantage: When a Nuanced Check has Advantage, roll 3D20 and keep the highest two dice, then resolve the Nuanced Check normally.

Disadvantage: When a Nuanced Check has Disadvantage, roll 3D20 and keep the lowest two dice, then resolve the Nuanced Check normally.

Spells

Spell Shards: Each Spell is held in a Spell Shard. Its uses are tracked with a Step Die, and each Spell Shard takes 1 Slot.

Casting: Anyone can use magic, and Spells always take effect when cast. After casting, the caster must succeed a DR12 Presence Check or gain a “fatigued” Condition.

Recovery: After each cast, roll the Spell’s Step Die. At D0, the Spell is drained and can no longer be used. During a Long Rest, a character may refill a number of Spell Shards equal to their Presence score.

Advancements

The Referee decides when characters receive an Advancement, typically after completing a quest, making a significant discovery, or overcoming a powerful foe.

When characters receive an Advancement:

• Add 1D6 to their maximum HP.
• Roll 1D6 for each Ability. If the result is equal to or higher than the Ability’s current score, increase it by 1, up to a limit of +6.
• If Strength increases, update the total number of Slots available.
• If Dexterity increases, update the maximum Focus.

Die of Fate

When the outcome of a situation is uncertain, the Referee may roll a 1D% Die of Fate instead of deciding the answer directly. If the result is 50 or lower, the answer is positive. If it is 60 or higher, it is negative.

The Referee may adjust the threshold based on how likely a favorable outcome is, raising it to 70 or more for something very likely, or lowering it to 30 or less for something unlikely.

The Die of Fate is used throughout the game’s procedures: weather, navigation, foraging, encounters, NPC reactions, and surprise.

In published adventures, the Die of Fate may appear as an explicit percentage threshold such as “X% chance of ___”. If the result falls within the stated range, the outcome happens.

Combat

Rounds: When combat begins, players usually act first. After that, each Round has one player turn and one enemy turn, with play alternating between each side.

Surprise: When characters are caught off guard, they act last in the first Round. When NPCs are caught by surprise, they act last instead. After the first Round, combat proceeds normally.

Actions: When players act, they may do so in any order they wish. Each Round, a character can move a short distance and take one other action: attack, cast a spell, perform a feat, move further away, use an item, attempt a rescue, or something else which the fiction allows.

NPCs: When an NPC enters combat, they have a number of HP, Weapons, sometimes Armor, and a Resolve rating. At 0 HP, they are taken out of combat.

Attacks: When a character attacks, roll their Weapon Die for Damage. If the defender has Armor, roll their Armor Die and subtract the result from Damage before applying the remainder to the defender’s HP.

Advantage: When an attack has Advantage, such as when striking an unaware enemy, attacking from high ground, or exploiting an enemy’s weakness, roll the Damage twice and keep the highest result. When an attack has Disadvantage, such as when fighting in total darkness, attacking while restrained, or using an unfamiliar Weapon, roll the Damage twice and keep the lowest result.

Feats: When a character attacks with an improvised Weapon, uses the environment, or does something harmful but hard to quantify, the Referee assigns a Damage Die based on the situation: D4 for limited harm, D6 for serious harm, D8 or higher for devastating harm. If the action is more about position, control, or escape than harm, the Referee may call for a Check instead. If the Check succeeds, the fiction shifts accordingly.

Misses: When rolling a 1 during a Damage roll, the attack misses entirely. When rolling a 1 during an Armor roll, the Armor is ignored and provides no protection.

Wear and Tear: At the end of each combat encounter, players roll the Step Die of each Weapon and Armor that was used by their characters and step them down as normal. At D0, the item breaks and must be repaired or replaced in the fiction.

Other Combat Situations

Multiple Attacks: Some weapons, attacks, or NPCs can strike more than once with a single action. When this happens, the attack is written with a plus sign between the dice, such as D8 + D8. Roll each Damage die and keep the highest result.

Blast Damage: Some attacks affect everyone within a blast radius. Make one Damage roll for each affected target. If it is unclear how many targets are caught in the blast, the Referee rolls the attack’s Damage die and uses that result as the number of targets, then rolls Damage for each target.

Unarmed Combat: Unarmed attacks deal 1D4 Damage unless the fiction suggests otherwise.

Ranged Attacks: Ranged attacks cannot be made while engaged in melee. Otherwise, they can target distant enemies as long as the attacker has a clear line of sight. Protective cover imposes Disadvantage.

Adventuring

Journeying

Use these procedures when characters journey into the wilds.

Travel: Characters can travel six miles per Watch across clear terrain. Difficult terrain halves this distance. Clear paths double it. Traveling on horseback doubles the distance. Traveling by ship triples it.

Weather: At the start of each Watch, roll the Die of Fate to see whether the weather holds. If not, the group can wait it out and make no progress this Watch, or press on with Disadvantage and halve their travel distance. The Referee may adjust the threshold based on season and climate: 30% in dry or mild seasons, 70% in stormy or harsh ones.

Navigation: When traveling without a clear path or landmark, roll the Die of Fate at the start of each Watch to see whether the characters stay on course. If not, they get lost or drift in an unintended direction. The Referee may adjust the threshold based on terrain and weather: 30% in dense forests, fog, or blizzards, 70% on open plains or under clear skies.

Foraging: When foraging or hunting, roll the Die of Fate to see whether the characters find anything worthwhile. If they do, increase one ration’s Step Die by 1 step. The Referee may adjust the threshold based on terrain and season: 30% or lower in barren or frozen regions, 70% or higher in lush or abundant ones.

Rations: Each character must consume one ration per day, rolling its Step Die, or gain a “starving” Condition.

Short Rest: Characters may spend one Turn (10 minutes) taking a Short Rest to recover. Resting takes time, and time may cost opportunities or attract danger.

Long Rest: Characters may spend one Watch (6 hours) taking a Long Rest to recover. If they do not do this at least once each day, they gain a “fatigued” Condition.

Delving

Use these procedures when characters delve into lightless reaches.

Movement: Each Turn, characters may carefully move to a nearby area and take one additional action.

Light: A reliable light source is required when exploring depths and dungeons. Without one, characters have Disadvantage on all their rolls. A single light source is enough for a group moving together. When a light is lit, a player rolls the Step Die of the consumable item. The Referee then tracks its duration with a Step Die: D6 for torches and D8 for oil lanterns. Each Turn, the Referee rolls that die and steps it down as normal. At D0, the light goes out and a new one must be lit.

Encounters & Events

Use these procedures whenever characters journey or delve.

Events: At the start of each Turn (10 minutes) or Watch (6 hours), roll the Die of Fate to see whether the way ahead stays clear. If not, the Referee introduces an encounter, hazard, complication, or sign of a looming event. The Referee may adjust the threshold based on how active the environment is: 30% in quiet or empty stretches, 70% in populated or dangerous territory.

Looming Events: When the Referee reveals signs of a looming event, start an Event Step Die to show it drawing closer. The larger the die, the more time remains before it occurs. If unsure, use a D6. At the start of each following Turn or Watch, roll the Event Step Die and step it down as normal. At D0, the event unfolds.

Distance: When an encounter occurs, roll the Die of Fate to see if it starts far or near. If it is far, the group has time to react, hide, or prepare. If it is near, the characters must act now. The Referee may adjust the threshold based on terrain: 30% in dense cover or darkness, 70% on open ground or with advance warning.

Reactions: When the characters meet an NPC or creature, use whatever reaction fits the situation. When the response is uncertain, roll the Die of Fate to see whether the NPC is curious, kind, or helpful. If not, they are wary, dangerous, or hostile. The Referee may adjust the threshold based on the situation: 30% for predators or hostile creatures, 70% for typically peaceful folk.

Resolve: NPCs have a Resolve rating expressed as a percentage. A rating of 30% is cowardly, 50% is average, and 70% or higher is steadfast. If a group of NPCs loses half their numbers or a lone NPC loses half their HP, the Referee rolls 1D%. If the result is equal to or under the Resolve rating, the NPC holds. Otherwise, they rout, flee, or yield.

NPCs and Creatures

Use these procedures when characters encounter NPCs or creatures.

Drive: Most NPCs have drives or goals. They may accept bribes, withdraw when outmatched, or negotiate if it serves them. Violence is rarely the only option.

Hit Points: Most NPCs and creatures have 4-12 HP. Tough or large beings have 13-20 HP. Only colossal threats exceed 20 HP, up to a maximum of 30 HP.

Damage: Unarmed or weak attacks deal D4 Damage. Light Weapons or attacks deal D6 Damage. Medium Weapons or dangerous attacks deal D8 Damage. Heavy Weapons or deadly threats deal D10 Damage. Some Weapons or attacks deal Damage multiple times, shown with a plus sign, such as D8 + D8. In those cases, roll each Damage die and keep the single highest result.

Armor: Most NPCs and creatures have no Armor. Some have D4 Armor, while hardier foes have D6. Unusual beings may grant attackers Advantage, impose Disadvantage on certain attacks, or prove immune to them entirely.

Resolve: Most NPCs have a Resolve of 50%. Cowardly or weak-willed foes may have as little as 30%, while elite or fanatical enemies can have 70% or higher.

Specials: Some NPCs or creatures use attacks that break the usual rules. These attacks might call for a Check, ignore standard Weapon Dice, bypass Armor entirely, inflict Conditions, or impose unusual effects.

Forces: Warbands, armies, and massive creatures count as one NPC. They ignore damage from individuals and require coordinated force or tactics to harm. At 0 HP, they perish, rout, or yield.

Recruitment

Characters may gather or recruit help throughout their journey. Some serve out of duty, others out of conviction, but most expect payment.

Individual recruits are treated as NPCs with HP, a Weapon Die, Armor, and a Resolve rating. Groups or warbands are treated as a Force, also with HP, a Weapon Die, Armor, and a Resolve rating. The Referee sets these values based on the group’s quality and number.

NPCs must be fed, rested, and paid. When any of these needs go unmet, the Referee rolls the Die of Fate against the Force’s Resolve. If the result is above the Resolve rating, the NPCs mutiny, desert, or disband. Otherwise, reduce their Resolve by 10%. Resolve recovers by 10% per day once their needs are being met again.

Structures and ___

Structures have HP and sometimes Armor. At 0 HP, they are destroyed. Repairing or providing care for them takes one day of work per point of HP restored.

Light Structures: Buildings made of wood or similar materials cannot be harmed by ordinary Weapons. Damaging them requires fire, magic, heavy ordnance, or a creature large enough to tear them apart.

Fortifications: Walls and stonework are immune to most forms of attack. Breaking through requires heavy ordnance or finding a way around, such as a gate, a hatch, or a sewer.

• Small (gate, hatch, weak spot): 5 HP, D4 Armor.
• Medium (barricade, reinforced door): 10 HP, D4 Armor.
• Large (fortress wall, vault): 10 HP, D6 Armor.

Mounts and Flyers: When mounts or flyers collide, each takes D12 Damage. If one vessel is much larger than the other, the larger one only takes D6 Damage and the smaller one takes D12 Damage.

• Small (cart, raft, skiff): 4 HP.
• Medium (carriage, longship, glider): 7 HP, D4 Armor.
• Large (warship, airship, convoy): 10 HP, D6 Armor.

Heavy Ordnance: This is the only reliable way to damage fortified structures.

• Small (portable): D12 Damage.
• Medium (mounted): D12 Blast Damage.
• Large (immobile): D12 + D12 + D12 Blast Damage.

Living World

Use these procedures to create a Land, a part of the world that feels alive and worth exploring. Each Land is represented by a 5 x 5 flower map of 6-mile hexes.

Open the interactive hex mapping tool →

Regions

Repeat these steps until every hex in the Land is filled with a Region.

1. Roll 1D6 and consult the table below to determine the Region’s type and Spread Die.
2. Drop the Region’s Spread Die onto the map to choose its start hex. If it lands off the map, reroll. If it lands on a colored hex, move it to the nearest uncolored hex.
3. Color a number of uncolored hexes equal to the result, starting from the start hex and spreading outward. If the Region gets boxed in before all hexes are placed, place the remainder from the nearest uncolored hex.
4. Use the tables below to generate the Region’s name, features, and more.

Region Type 1D6

Roll 1D6
1D6	Region Type	Spread Die
1	Waters (rivers, lakes, coast)	D6
2	Wetlands (marsh, bog, fen)	D6
3	Plains (meadows, grassland, flats)	D4
4	Forests (woodlands, groves, old growth)	D4
5	Peaks (mountains, ranges, ridges)	D4
6	Barrens (desert, tundra, salt flats)	D4

Show all

Region Vegetation 1D6

Roll 1D6
1D6	Region Vegetation
1	Bare (not for Wetlands or Waters)
2	Sparse (all terrain)
3	Patchy (all terrain)
4	Common (all terrain)
5	Dense (not for Barrens)
6	Overgrown (not for Peaks or Barrens)

Show all

Factions

Factions populate a Region and shape its conflicts, trade, faith, and everyday life. Follow these steps to add Factions to a Region.

1. Roll 1D4 to determine how many Factions exist in the Region.
2. For each Faction, roll 1D6 and consult the table below to determine its type and Influence Die.
3. Drop the Faction’s Influence Die onto the map to choose its start hex. If it lands off the map, reroll. If it lands on a hex already claimed by another Faction, move it to the nearest unclaimed hex.
4. Claim a number of hexes equal to the result, starting from the start hex and spreading outward by coloring the borders of those hexes. This marks the Faction’s territory.
5. Use the tables below to generate the Faction’s name, wants, methods, assets, and current activity.

Faction Type 1D6

Roll 1D6
1D6	Faction Type	Influence Die
1	Highborn (court, knights, lords)	D6
2	Religious (clergy, monks, templars)	D6
3	Merchants (traders, crafts, coin)	D4
4	Outlaws (thieves, rogues, rebels)	D4
5	Mages (wizards, scholars, cultists)	D4
6	Wardens (druids, rangers, tribes)	D4

Show all

Faction Clocks

Factions are always working toward a goal. To represent this, assign each Faction a Goal Step Die and roll it between sessions. The larger the die, the longer or more complex the goal. If unsure, use a D6. At D0, the Faction reaches its goal, and the Land changes to reflect it.

Region Names

Use the following tables to generate a Region name based on its land type.

Roll 1D66
1D66	Waters
1·2/1	Wyrm-
1·2/2	Mist-
1·2/3	Sorrow-
1·2/4	Moon-
1·2/5	Serpent-
1·2/6	Black-
3·4/1	Storm-
3·4/2	Glass-
3·4/3	Silver-
3·4/4	Frost-
3·4/5	Dusk-
3·4/6	Veil-
5·6/1	Star-
5·6/2	Still-
5·6/3	Shadow-
5·6/4	White-
5·6/5	Dark-
5·6/6	Grey-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-haven
1·2/2	-water
1·2/3	-mere
1·2/4	-sound
1·2/5	-ford
1·2/6	-reach
3·4/1	-pool
3·4/2	-gulf
3·4/3	-tarn
3·4/4	-shore
3·4/5	-lake
3·4/6	-bourne
5·6/1	-deep
5·6/2	-bay
5·6/3	-run
5·6/4	-fall
5·6/5	-strand
5·6/6	-coast

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Wetlands
1·2/1	Mist-
1·2/2	Wail-
1·2/3	Leech-
1·2/4	Blight-
1·2/5	Tangle-
1·2/6	Bone-
3·4/1	Rot-
3·4/2	Venom-
3·4/3	Drown-
3·4/4	Gloom-
3·4/5	Muck-
3·4/6	Reek-
5·6/1	Pitch-
5·6/2	Mourn-
5·6/3	Witch-
5·6/4	Creep-
5·6/5	Shade-
5·6/6	Foul-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-mire
1·2/2	-quag
1·2/3	-marsh
1·2/4	-sink
1·2/5	-fen
1·2/6	-seep
3·4/1	-ooze
3·4/2	-bog
3·4/3	-sump
3·4/4	-moor
3·4/5	-slough
3·4/6	-hollow
5·6/1	-shallow
5·6/2	-pool
5·6/3	-moss
5·6/4	-murk
5·6/5	-swamp
5·6/6	-mere

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Plains
1·2/1	Green-
1·2/2	Gold-
1·2/3	Sun-
1·2/4	Whisper-
1·2/5	Wind-
1·2/6	Dawn-
3·4/1	Honey-
3·4/2	Amber-
3·4/3	Pale-
3·4/4	Wild-
3·4/5	Fair-
3·4/6	Bright-
5·6/1	Silver-
5·6/2	Still-
5·6/3	Long-
5·6/4	High-
5·6/5	Broad-
5·6/6	Ever-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-mead
1·2/2	-lea
1·2/3	-heath
1·2/4	-land
1·2/5	-plain
1·2/6	-field
3·4/1	-stead
3·4/2	-wold
3·4/3	-spread
3·4/4	-reach
3·4/5	-down
3·4/6	-grass
5·6/1	-span
5·6/2	-dale
5·6/3	-vale
5·6/4	-common
5·6/5	-ward
5·6/6	-march

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Forests
1·2/1	Pine-
1·2/2	Oak-
1·2/3	Moss-
1·2/4	Briar-
1·2/5	Cinder-
1·2/6	Raven-
3·4/1	Thorn-
3·4/2	Hollow-
3·4/3	Shade-
3·4/4	Wolf-
3·4/5	Mist-
3·4/6	Root-
5·6/1	Elder-
5·6/2	Fern-
5·6/3	Black-
5·6/4	Whisper-
5·6/5	Deep-
5·6/6	Moon-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-wood
1·2/2	-grove
1·2/3	-thicket
1·2/4	-glade
1·2/5	-copse
1·2/6	-holt
3·4/1	-bough
3·4/2	-weald
3·4/3	-canopy
3·4/4	-brake
3·4/5	-shade
3·4/6	-wild
5·6/1	-pines
5·6/2	-oaks
5·6/3	-fir
5·6/4	-moss
5·6/5	-fern
5·6/6	-forest

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Peaks
1·2/1	Ice-
1·2/2	Riven-
1·2/3	Dead-
1·2/4	Frost-
1·2/5	Doom-
1·2/6	Howl-
3·4/1	Bleak-
3·4/2	Grim-
3·4/3	Iron-
3·4/4	Jagged-
3·4/5	Ash-
3·4/6	King-
5·6/1	Broken-
5·6/2	Silent-
5·6/3	Dread-
5·6/4	Sky-
5·6/5	Wyrm-
5·6/6	Giant-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-watch
1·2/2	-wall
1·2/3	-guard
1·2/4	-crown
1·2/5	-fang
1·2/6	-helm
3·4/1	-ridge
3·4/2	-mount
3·4/3	-spire
3·4/4	-crag
3·4/5	-horn
3·4/6	-tower
5·6/1	-spine
5·6/2	-tooth
5·6/3	-peak
5·6/4	-spear
5·6/5	-head
5·6/6	-reach

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Barrens
1·2/1	Scour-
1·2/2	Crack-
1·2/3	Ruin-
1·2/4	Void-
1·2/5	Raze-
1·2/6	Dead-
3·4/1	Curse-
3·4/2	Lost-
3·4/3	Scorch-
3·4/4	Endless-
3·4/5	Bone-
3·4/6	Still-
5·6/1	Char-
5·6/2	Dust-
5·6/3	Rift-
5·6/4	Grim-
5·6/5	Black-
5·6/6	Waste-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-field
1·2/2	-flat
1·2/3	-pan
1·2/4	-reach
1·2/5	-scape
1·2/6	-span
3·4/1	-sand
3·4/2	-plain
3·4/3	-waste
3·4/4	-land
3·4/5	-sea
3·4/6	-death
5·6/1	-hollow
5·6/2	-dune
5·6/3	-scar
5·6/4	-grave
5·6/5	-mark
5·6/6	-void

Show all

Region Features and Spark

Use the following tables when generating a Region’s features or overall vibe. Create a Spark by pairing one Spark Theme with one Spark Action to suggest a live situation in the Region.

Features 1D66

Roll 1D66
1D66	Features
1·2/1	Bridge
1·2/2	Cairn
1·2/3	Tower
1·2/4	Barrow
1·2/5	Circle
1·2/6	Monastery
3·4/1	Standing Stones
3·4/2	Chapel
3·4/3	Temple
3·4/4	Dolmen
3·4/5	Keep
3·4/6	Mill
5·6/1	Shrine
5·6/2	Fort
5·6/3	Tomb
5·6/4	Abbey
5·6/5	Castle
5·6/6	Well

Show all

Descriptor 1D66

Roll 1D66
1D66	Descriptor
1·2/1	Overgrown
1·2/2	Haunted
1·2/3	Forgotten
1·2/4	Crumbling
1·2/5	Broken
1·2/6	Silent
3·4/1	Ancient
3·4/2	Cursed
3·4/3	Sunken
3·4/4	Weathered
3·4/5	Hidden
3·4/6	Lost
5·6/1	Abandoned
5·6/2	Flooded
5·6/3	Burned
5·6/4	Warded
5·6/5	Bloody
5·6/6	Hallowed

Show all

Spark Theme 1D66

Roll 1D66
1D66	Spark Theme
1·2/1	Shadow
1·2/2	Journey
1·2/3	Faith
1·2/4	Memory
1·2/5	Power
1·2/6	Ruin
3·4/1	Trade
3·4/2	Blood
3·4/3	Death
3·4/4	Fate
3·4/5	Knowledge
3·4/6	Vision
5·6/1	War
5·6/2	Truth
5·6/3	Nature
5·6/4	Honor
5·6/5	Life
5·6/6	Debt

Show all

Spark Action 1D66

Roll 1D66
1D66	Spark Action
1·2/1	Reveal
1·2/2	Guard
1·2/3	Destroy
1·2/4	Transform
1·2/5	Pursue
1·2/6	Depart
3·4/1	Gather
3·4/2	Betray
3·4/3	Weaken
3·4/4	Bind
3·4/5	Seize
3·4/6	Hide
5·6/1	Avenge
5·6/2	Uncover
5·6/3	Create
5·6/4	Release
5·6/5	Corrupt
5·6/6	Hunt

Show all

Faction Names

Use the following tables to generate a Faction name based on its type.

Roll 1D66
1D66	Highborn
1·2/1	Ash-
1·2/2	Black-
1·2/3	Gold-
1·2/4	Iron-
1·2/5	Oak-
1·2/6	Raven-
3·4/1	Stone-
3·4/2	White-
3·4/3	Wolf-
3·4/4	Silver-
3·4/5	Gray-
3·4/6	Green-
5·6/1	Storm-
5·6/2	Winter-
5·6/3	Blood-
5·6/4	Star-
5·6/5	Thorn-
5·6/6	Red-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-wood
1·2/2	-ford
1·2/3	-vale
1·2/4	-crest
1·2/5	-brook
1·2/6	-mere
3·4/1	-mark
3·4/2	-ridge
3·4/3	-field
3·4/4	-haven
3·4/5	-tower
3·4/6	-keep
5·6/1	-hold
5·6/2	-gate
5·6/3	-crown
5·6/4	-shield
5·6/5	-sword
5·6/6	-blade

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Religious
1·2/1	White-
1·2/2	Silver-
1·2/3	Gold-
1·2/4	Ash-
1·2/5	Star-
1·2/6	Moon-
3·4/1	Sun-
3·4/2	Dawn-
3·4/3	Sacred-
3·4/4	Holy-
3·4/5	True-
3·4/6	Silent-
5·6/1	Blessed-
5·6/2	Radiant-
5·6/3	Eternal-
5·6/4	Ancient-
5·6/5	Iron-
5·6/6	Crimson-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-flame
1·2/2	-path
1·2/3	-shield
1·2/4	-hand
1·2/5	-word
1·2/6	-way
3·4/1	-crown
3·4/2	-heart
3·4/3	-soul
3·4/4	-spirit
3·4/5	-grace
3·4/6	-vow
5·6/1	-oath
5·6/2	-song
5·6/3	-prayer
5·6/4	-gate
5·6/5	-tower
5·6/6	-vigil

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Merchants
1·2/1	Gold-
1·2/2	Silver-
1·2/3	Iron-
1·2/4	Silk-
1·2/5	Spice-
1·2/6	River-
3·4/1	Harbor-
3·4/2	Free-
3·4/3	Fair-
3·4/4	East-
3·4/5	West-
3·4/6	North-
5·6/1	South-
5·6/2	Royal-
5·6/3	Amber-
5·6/4	Copper-
5·6/5	Grand-
5·6/6	High-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-road
1·2/2	-port
1·2/3	-gate
1·2/4	-mark
1·2/5	-way
1·2/6	-bridge
3·4/1	-cross
3·4/2	-coin
3·4/3	-scale
3·4/4	-wheel
3·4/5	-hand
3·4/6	-key
5·6/1	-seal
5·6/2	-ring
5·6/3	-chain
5·6/4	-vault
5·6/5	-crown
5·6/6	-bond

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Outlaws
1·2/1	Black-
1·2/2	Red-
1·2/3	Wild-
1·2/4	Free-
1·2/5	Shadow-
1·2/6	Night-
3·4/1	Wolf-
3·4/2	Raven-
3·4/3	Fox-
3·4/4	Crow-
3·4/5	Thorn-
3·4/6	Ash-
5·6/1	Iron-
5·6/2	Gray-
5·6/3	Broken-
5·6/4	Lost-
5·6/5	Scar-
5·6/6	Grim-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-blade
1·2/2	-knife
1·2/3	-fang
1·2/4	-claw
1·2/5	-heart
1·2/6	-hand
3·4/1	-eye
3·4/2	-wing
3·4/3	-paw
3·4/4	-blood
3·4/5	-bone
3·4/6	-moon
5·6/1	-wind
5·6/2	-stone
5·6/3	-mark
5·6/4	-tooth
5·6/5	-scar
5·6/6	-skull

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Mages
1·2/1	Star-
1·2/2	Moon-
1·2/3	Silver-
1·2/4	Crystal-
1·2/5	Obsidian-
1·2/6	Azure-
3·4/1	Twilight-
3·4/2	Shadow-
3·4/3	Ancient-
3·4/4	Hidden-
3·4/5	Secret-
3·4/6	Mystic-
5·6/1	Deep-
5·6/2	Veiled-
5·6/3	Void-
5·6/4	Astral-
5·6/5	Crimson-
5·6/6	Onyx-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-tower
1·2/2	-spire
1·2/3	-eye
1·2/4	-hand
1·2/5	-flame
1·2/6	-gate
3·4/1	-key
3·4/2	-seal
3·4/3	-rune
3·4/4	-sigil
3·4/5	-ward
3·4/6	-mark
5·6/1	-tome
5·6/2	-scroll
5·6/3	-vault
5·6/4	-crown
5·6/5	-circle
5·6/6	-moon

Show all

Roll 1D66
1D66	Wild Folk
1·2/1	Oak-
1·2/2	Ash-
1·2/3	Willow-
1·2/4	Thorn-
1·2/5	Moss-
1·2/6	Fern-
3·4/1	River-
3·4/2	Stone-
3·4/3	Wolf-
3·4/4	Bear-
3·4/5	Stag-
3·4/6	Raven-
5·6/1	Hawk-
5·6/2	Fox-
5·6/3	Otter-
5·6/4	Badger-
5·6/5	Pine-
5·6/6	Elder-

Roll 1D66
1D66	+ [suffix]
1·2/1	-root
1·2/2	-leaf
1·2/3	-bark
1·2/4	-branch
1·2/5	-shadow
1·2/6	-song
3·4/1	-path
3·4/2	-walker
3·4/3	-runner
3·4/4	-strider
3·4/5	-tracker
3·4/6	-watcher
5·6/1	-keeper
5·6/2	-heart
5·6/3	-spirit
5·6/4	-blood
5·6/5	-fang
5·6/6	-claw

Show all

Faction Goals and Assets

Use the following tables when generating a Faction’s goals, methods, resources, and current activity.

Roll 1D66
1D66	Wants
1·2/1	Conquest
1·2/2	Unity
1·2/3	Secrets
1·2/4	Revenge
1·2/5	Riches
1·2/6	Balance
3·4/1	Power
3·4/2	Dominion
3·4/3	Immortality
3·4/4	Legacy
3·4/5	Expansion
3·4/6	Knowledge
5·6/1	Protection
5·6/2	Purity
5·6/3	Tradition
5·6/4	Freedom
5·6/5	Justice
5·6/6	Salvation

Roll 1D66
1D66	through
1·2/1	Force
1·2/2	Ritual
1·2/3	Deception
1·2/4	Charity
1·2/5	Scholarship
1·2/6	Intrigue
3·4/1	Magic
3·4/2	Devotion
3·4/3	Blood
3·4/4	Propaganda
3·4/5	Alliance
3·4/6	Espionage
5·6/1	Trade
5·6/2	Intimidation
5·6/3	Prophecy
5·6/4	Diplomacy
5·6/5	Assassination
5·6/6	Law

Show all

Has… 1D66

Roll 1D66
1D66	Has
1·2/1	Archives
1·2/2	Relics
1·2/3	Monopoly
1·2/4	Scripture
1·2/5	Coffers
1·2/6	Fleet
3·4/1	Pact
3·4/2	Army
3·4/3	Artifact
3·4/4	Sanctuary
3·4/5	Oracle
3·4/6	Bloodline
5·6/1	Fortress
5·6/2	Spies
5·6/3	Mines
5·6/4	Network
5·6/5	Hostages
5·6/6	Farmland

Show all

Is…

Roll 1D66
1D66	Is...
1·2/1	Smuggling
1·2/2	Converting
1·2/3	Searching
1·2/4	Plotting
1·2/5	Negotiating
1·2/6	Retreating
3·4/1	Warring
3·4/2	Fortifying
3·4/3	Building
3·4/4	Purging
3·4/5	Recruiting
3·4/6	Trading
5·6/1	Excavating
5·6/2	Patrolling
5·6/3	Occupying
5·6/4	Infiltrating
5·6/5	Summoning
5·6/6	Hiding

Show all

Refereeing

The Referee can use these guidelines to stay consistent without slowing the game down. They won’t cover every situation, but they should make running the game a lot easier.

Guidelines

hidden name

Conversions

To play Nightsong using the extensive adventures and bestiaries published for countless OSR games over the years, the guidelines below can be used to convert NPCs and creatures into the Nightsong format.

These are good baselines, but the Referee may adjust the numbers in case they do not feel right at the table.

Nightsong NPCs

In Nightsong, NPCs are defined by:

Drives: What the NPC wants, fears, or is trying to achieve. Drives inform behavior and negotiation.

Hit Points: The amount of Damage an NPC can sustain before being taken out.

Attacks: The weapons, natural attacks, or abilities used to deal Damage.

Armor/Shields: Equipment or natural protection that helps resist Damage.

Resolve: A percentage rating representing the NPC’s will to fight. 30% is cowardly, 50% is average, 70% or higher is steadfast. When a morale test is triggered, the Referee rolls 1D%. If the result is equal to or under the Resolve rating, the NPC holds. Otherwise, they rout, flee, or yield.

Specials: Unique traits, powers, or exceptions that bend or break the standard rules of play.

Nightsong “Saves”

Many traditional old-school games call for “saves” to avoid special effects or dangerous consequences. In Nightsong, only player characters make these rolls. When a save is required, the character makes a DR12 Check using the most appropriate Ability, adjusting the DR up or down to reflect the severity of the threat. When an NPC would be asked to save, the Referee rolls the 1D% Die of Fate to determine the outcome instead.

MÖRK BORG

• Hit Points: Stay the same.
• Weapons: Stay the same. D2 damage becomes D4 in Nightsong.
• Armor: Tier 1 Armor becomes D4. Tier 2 or Tier 3 Armor becomes D6. Shields stay the same.
• Resolve: Use the creature’s Morale score. Morale 2-5 is 30%, Morale 6-7 is 50%, Morale 8-9 is 70%, and Morale 10-12 is 90%.

Cairn

• Hit Points: Stay the same.
• Weapons: Stay the same.
• Armor: Armor 1 becomes D4. Armor 2 or 3 becomes D6.
• Resolve: Use the creature’s WIL score. WIL 3-6 is 30%, WIL 7-11 is 50%, WIL 12-15 is 70%, and WIL 16-18 is 90%.

Knave

• Hit Points: If the creature lists Hit Dice, use Hit Dice x 4. If it already lists HP, stay the same.
• Weapons: Stay the same.
• Armor: Light Armor or 1-2 Armor Points becomes D4. Heavier Armor or 3+ Armor Points becomes D6.
• Resolve: Use the creature’s Morale score directly. Morale 2-5 is 30%, Morale 6-7 is 50%, Morale 8-9 is 70%, and Morale 10-12 is 90%.

Old-School Essentials

• Hit Points: Use Hit Dice x 4.
• Weapons: Stay the same.
• Armor: Unarmored, hide, or Leather Armor is None or D4. Mail, plate, or supernatural plating is D6. Shields stay the same if noted.
• Resolve: Use the creature’s Morale score. Morale 2-5 is 30%, Morale 6-7 is 50%, Morale 8-9 is 70%, and Morale 10-12 is 90%.

DCC

• Hit Points: If the stat block already lists HP, stay the same. Otherwise use Hit Dice x 4.
• Weapons: Stay the same. If the creature uses “funky dice” damage, round to the closest standard die.
• Armor: Unarmored, hide, or Leather Armor is None or D4. Mail, plate, or supernatural plating is D6. Shields stay the same if noted.
• Resolve: Set Resolve by the creature’s temperament. Skittish, hungry, pressed into service, or weak-willed foes are 30%. Typical soldiers, bandits, beasts, and guards are 50%. Elite troops, cultists, undead, constructs, and fanatics are 70%. Mindless horrors, holy guardians, and beings that do not fear death are 90%.

Thank you

Thank you so much for reading Nightsong!

What Next

Now that you have finished reading the game, here are a few paths forward.

Play: print the cheatsheet, create characters using our online tool. Gather dice or use the dice roller, a few players, then step into a world of wonders and dangers.

Feedback: Nightsong is still evolving, and reader feedback helps sharpen both the rules and the presentation. Notes on clarity, edge cases, typos, and table use are all welcome. Visit farirpgs.com/discord or farirpgs.com/contact.

Suggestions: Nightsong is a community project. If there are additional rules, tables, procedures, or guidelines that would make the game easier to run or more fun to play, suggestions are welcome.

Donations: Nightsong is free and always will be. If the game brought something to your table and you want to support its continued development, donations are welcome.

Third-Party Works: Nightsong is meant to be hacked, expanded, and remixed into new adventures and new games. To publish work based on Nightsong, download compatibility logos at nightsong.farirpgs.com/license and include the following notice in the published work:

This product is based on Nightsong, published by Fari RPGs (https://farirpgs.com/), developed and authored by René-Pier Deshaies-Gélinas, and is licensed for use under the Open RPG Creative License. This product is licensed under the ORC License held in the Library of Congress at TX 9-307-067 and available online at various locations including www.azoralaw.com/orclicense and others. All warranties are disclaimed as set forth therein.

More: For updates, tools, downloads, and related projects, visit nightsong.farirpgs.com.

This is a work in progress…

Creatures

Humanoid

This is a work in progress…