PF Beginner Box (ORC) - Hero's Handbook

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paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

Second Edition
REMASTER
PATHFINDER BEGINNER BOX HERO’S HANDBOOK

QUICK RULES REFERENCE
Common Rolls 3. Begin the Next Round: Loop back to the highest initiative roll
and take turns in the same order in the new round.
STRIKE ATTACK ROLL 4. End the Encounter: When everyone on one side is defeated or
d20 + attack statistic against Armor Class (AC) something else ends the combat, the encounter ends.
Note: Attack rolls take a multiple attack penalty. The second
attack on your turn is at –5, and the third is at –10. (These Bonus and Penalty Types
penalties are –4 and –8 if you use an agile weapon.) Bonuses and penalties usually have types (such as circumstance
bonus, status penalty, item bonus, etc.). If you have more than
STRIKE DAMAGE ROLL one bonus of the same type to the same statistic, apply only the
One die of the weapon’s size + Strength (if it’s a melee attack) highest. If you have more than one penalty of the same type to
the same statistic, apply only the worst one. If a penalty has no
SPELL ATTACK type, like the multiple attack penalty or range increment penalty
d20 + spell attack modifier against Armor Class (AC) of a weapon, you apply all of them.
SAVING THROW AGAINST A SPELL Cover

d20 + Fortitude, Reflex, or Will against caster’s spell DC Creatures and objects grant cover against attacks made against
Note: A “basic” saving throw means you take no damage if you creatures behind them.
critically succeed, half damage if you succeed, full damage if you Lesser cover, typically given by a creature in the way, gives a
fail, or double damage if you critically fail. +1 circumstance bonus to AC.
Standard cover, from an object in the environment, gives a
PERCEPTION CHECK +2 circumstance bonus to AC, Reflex, and Stealth. It also allows
d20 + Perception against Stealth DC (10 + Stealth) of a hiding a creature behind it to use the Stealth skill to Hide.
creature, or against the DC to find an object
STEALTH CHECK
d20 + Stealth against observers’ Perception DC (10 + Perception)
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SKILL CHECK
d20 + skill’s statistic against the DC
INITIATIVE ROLL
d20 + Perception (or Stealth if you were sneaking up)
Combat Round Sequence

1. Roll Initiative: The GM calls for initiative. Each player rolls
for their hero, and the GM rolls for anyone else. The results
of initiative rolls are ranked from highest to lowest. The GM
writes down the initiative roll results and puts them in order.
2. Play a Round: Take turns in initiative order, from highest
to lowest. If results are tied, enemies go before the heroes.
Creatures on the same side who tie choose what order to go.
Once everyone in the encounter has taken a turn, the round
ends, and the next one begins.
5 MOVING ON A GRID
Valeros 25 When a character moves on a grid, every 1-inch square of the play
10 area is 5 feet across in the game world. Hence, a creature moving
20
25 feet in a straight line would move 5 squares. A square of difficult
terrain costs 5 extra feet of movement.
Because moving diagonally covers more ground, you count that
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30
movement differently. The first square of diagonal movement you
make in a turn counts as 5 feet, but the second counts as 10 feet,
and your count thereafter alternates between 5 feet and 10 feet.
HERO’S HANDBOOK
You track your total diagonal movement across all your movement
during your turn, but reset your count at the end of your turn.
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CHARACTER CREATION SUMMARY GETTING KNOCKED OUT

The full details for character creation start on page 12. Letters in circles refer to the sections on the blank character sheet.
When your hero is reduced to 0 Hit Points, you’re knocked out Critical Failure Your dying value increases by 2. If you have
CHARACTER SHEET CHARACTER SHEET with the following effects: the wounded condition, you instantly die.
BEGINNER BOX CHARACTER NAME NAME PRONOUNS L LEVEL BEGINNER BOX M EQUIPMENT O CHARACTER PORTRAIT
DICE PLAYER NAME XP DICE MONEY
CP SP GP
• Immediately move your initiative position to directly If you lose the dying condition by succeeding at a recovery
before the turn in which you were reduced to 0 HP. check, you’re still at 0 Hit Points and remain unconscious.
ITEMS
A ANCESTRY B BACKGROUND C CLASS NAME PAGE NO.
d4 HERITAGE BACKGROUND ABILITY CLASS ABILITIES d4

ANCESTRY ABILITY
(LEVEL 1)
• Gain the dying 1 condition. If the effect that knocked As with any time you recover from dying, you gain the
d6 D ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS E HIT POINTS
(LEVEL 2)
d6 you out was a critical success from the attacker or the wounded condition.
(LEVEL 3)
STRENGTH
DEXTERITY
STR
DEX
MAXIMUM CURRENT
result of your own critical failure, you gain the dying 2
d8 CONSTITUTION
INTELLIGENCE
CON
INT
F SPEED
Dying
Wounded
H PERCEPTION
=
WIS
+
PROF
T
E
SENSES AND NOTES
d8
condition instead. If the damage was dealt by a nonlethal Wounded
attack or nonlethal effect, you don’t gain the dying When you have the dying condition and lose it, gain the
FEET
WISDOM WIS
STRIDE [one-action] (move) I SAVING THROWS
CHARISMA CHA Move up to your Speed = + T NOTES
FORTITUDE
d10 E
d10 N SPELLCASTING P ADVENTURE LOG
condition; you’re instead merely unconscious with 0 wounded 1 condition or increase the value of your wounded
CON PROF
G SKILLS T = + T DATE DESCRIPTION XP EARNED
REFLEX = + E
SPELL ATTACK E
T = + –
ACROBATICS E DEX PROF ATT PROF
DEX PROF ARMOR
Hit Points. condition by 1 if you already have it. Any time you gain
T
WILL = + E SPELL DC =10+ + T
T = + E
ARCANA WIS PROF
d12 E
INT PROF d12 ATT PROF
J DEFENSES
• Fall prone, drop anything you’re holding, and fall the dying condition while wounded, increase
T = + – PREPARED
ATHLETICS E
STR PROF ARMOR Armor Class Shield Hardness CANTRIPS 5 PER DAY
AC Armor Proficiencies PREP PREP
T = +
CRAFTING Unarmored Light Medium Heavy +
unconscious. You can’t lose the unconscious the dying condition’s value by your
E HP
d20 INT PROF T
E
T
E
T
E
T
E
d20
T = +
ACTIONS DECEPTION E
10 + + +
Max HP BT ACTIONS
CHA PROF
/ Q NOTES
One Action
DIPLOMACY T
E
=
CHA
+
PROF
Base Dex* Prof Item
* Use armor’s Dex cap if lower
One Action
condition while you have 0 HP. wounded value.
K WEAPONS AND ATTACKS
The wounded condition is removed if
T = +
INTIMIDATION E WEAPON Simple T Martial T Fist T
CHA PROF
PROFICIENCIES E E E PREPARED
1ST-RANK SPELLS
Dying
T = + PER DAY
LORE Other Weapon Proficiencies T
Two Actions Two Actions
someone restores Hit Points to you by
E
INT PROF E PREP
T = + MELEE WEAPON
MEDICINE
If you reach dying 4, you die. If you using the Medicine skill to Treat Wounds
T
E = + E
WIS PROF
Three Actions = +
ATTACK STR/DEX PROF Three Actions
T
NATURE E
WIS PROF
DAMAGE + BLUDGEONING PIERCING
Reaction
OCCULTISM T
E
=
INT
+
PROF
TRAITS
DIE STR SLASHING
Reaction R SPELLBOOK
take more damage while you have the or if you’re restored to your maximum Hit
dying condition, increase your dying Points and rest for 10 minutes.
= + MELEE WEAPON
PROFICIENCY PERFORMANCE T
E = + T
E PROFICIENCY
CHA PROF
UNTRAINED
ATTACK STR/DEX PROF UNTRAINED
T = + PREPARED
RELIGION DAMAGE + 0 2ND-RANK SPELLS
value by 1, or by 2 if the damage came
0 E BLUDGEONING PIERCING PER DAY
WIS PROF
DIE STR SLASHING PREP
T = +
Notable Traits
SOCIETY TRAITS
TRAINED
E
INT PROF TRAINED
2 + level STEALTH T
E
=
DEX
+
PROF
–
ARMOR
RANGED WEAPON
ATTACK
=
DEX
+
PROF
T
E
2 + level
from an attacker’s critical hit or your own
EXPERT
critical failure. If you ever go from 0 HP to Attack Anything with this trait is an
T = +
EXPERT SURVIVAL E
DAMAGE + PIERCING FEET
4 + level
WIS PROF DIE STR (thrown) RANGE INC. RELOAD 4 + level
T = + -
THIEVERY TRAITS AMMO
having 1 HP or more, you automatically lose attack of some kind, which means it can
E
DEX PROF ARMOR
SKILL NOTES
Permission to photocopy.
© Paizo Inc. 2024
M N Equipment and Spells on Reverse Side Permission to photocopy.
© Paizo Inc. 2024
PZO2106 Character Sheet-3rd Printing.indd 1 10/23/23 6:03 PM PZO2106 Character Sheet-3rd Printing.indd 2 10/23/23 6:03 PM
the dying condition and wake up. Anytime take a multiple attack penalty if it’s not your
you lose the dying condition, you gain the first attack of the turn (–5 for the second
STEP 1: CREATE A CONCEPT STEP 6: BUY EQUIPMENT M wounded condition. attack and –10 for the third, or –4 and –8,
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Start with the basic idea of the character you want to play. Take the starting equipment package for the class you 4265373
respectively, for an agile attack).

chose (pages 40–41), then use the money left over to RECOVERY CHECK Nonlethal If a nonlethal attack knocks
STEP 2: START BUILDING ABILITY MODIFIERS D purchase any extra items (pages 43–47). While dying, at the start of each of your turns, you out, you don’t gain the dying
Your hero’s ability modifiers each start at +0 and will you must attempt a flat check with a DC equal condition; you’re instead unconscious
increase as you build your character. STEP 7: FINISH YOUR HERO to 10 + your current dying value. with 0 Hit Points.
Finish up by calculating the statistics for everything Critical Success Your dying value is Secret The GM rolls this check
STEP 3: SELECT AN ANCESTRY A you’ve chosen through the rest of the process (pages reduced by 2. for you in secret, telling you what
48–49). Success Your dying value is reduced by 1. happens but not revealing the number
Failure Your dying value increases by 1. rolled.
G SKILLS
H PERCEPTION
UNCONSCIOUS CONDITION
• You can’t take any actions (including reactions and activities).
Dwarf (page 15) Elf (page 16) Human (page 17) I SAVING THROWS • You can’t see.
• You take a –4 status penalty to AC, Perception, and Reflex saves.
STEP 4: PICK A BACKGROUND B J DEFENSES
• You have the off-guard condition. This gives you a –2 circumstance penalty to AC (adding to the above status penalty for
Choose a background on pages 18–19. a total of –6 to your AC).
Acolyte Farmhand Scholar K WEAPONS AND ATTACKS
Criminal Gambler Warrior Waking Up
Deckhand Finally, write down your name and pronouns at the top If you’re unconscious at 0 Hit Points but not dying, return to 1 Hit Point after an amount of time chosen by the GM, usually 10 minutes
of the character sheet. You now have a character! to several hours. If you’re healed above 0 HP, you lose the unconscious condition and can act normally on your next turn. If you’re
STEP 5: CHOOSE A CLASS C unconscious with more than 1 Hit Point, you wake up in one of the following ways. Each causes you to lose the unconscious condition.
• You take damage. However, if the damage drops you to 0 Hit Points, you follow the normal rules for getting knocked out
instead of waking up.
• You receive healing, other than the natural healing you get from resting.
• Someone shakes you awake using an Interact action.
• Loud noise is made around you—though this way doesn’t automatically remove the condition. At the start of your turn,
Cleric Fighter Rogue Wizard you automatically attempt a Perception check against the noise’s DC, waking up if you succeed. (Use DC 5 for a battle or
(page 20) (page 26) (page 30) (page 34) the Stealth DC of creatures sneaking around.)
• The GM decides you wake up either because you’ve had a restful night’s sleep or something disrupted your rest.
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AUTHORS
Logan Bonner, Jason Bulmahn, Lyz Liddell,
and Mark Seifter
ADDITIONAL WRITING
James Jacobs, Ron Lundeen, and
Stephen Radney-MacFarland
DESIGN LEAD
Jason Bulmahn
DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Table of Contents
Adam Daigle
Solo Adventure:
EDITING LEAD
Judy Bauer
Pirate King’s Plunder 2
EDITORS
Judy Bauer, Felix Dritz, Leo Glass, Patrick Hurley,
Example of Play 9
Avi Kool, Ianara Natividad, K. Tessa Newton, and
Lu Pellazar Getting Started 10
COVER ARTIST
Ekaterina Burmak Creating your Hero 12
INTERIOR ARTISTS Ancestries 14
Klaher Baklaher, Gunship Revolution Dwarf 15
(Oliver Morit, Jenine Santos, Hinchel Or,
and Brian Valeza), Katerina Kirillova, Elf 16
Ksenia Kozhevnikova, Valeriya Lutfullina, Human 17
Will O’Brien, Nikolai Ostertag, and
Kiki Moch Rizky Backgrounds 18
Cleric 20
CARTOGRAPHERS
Jason Bulmahn, Damien Mammoliti, 2nd-Rank Cleric Spells 25
Stephen Radney MacFarland, and Fighter 26
Matthias Rothenaicher
Rogue 30
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Wizard 34
Sonja Morris
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2nd-Rank Wizard Spells 39 4265374
DIRECTOR OF VISUAL DESIGN Equipment40

Sarah E. Robinson
Finishing Your Hero 48
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
James Jacobs
Skills 50
PUBLISHER Skill Checks 50
Erik Mona
General Skill Actions 50
Skills and Skill Actions Table 51
Skill Descriptions 52
Playing the Game 60

Rolling Checks 60
Exploration 61
Rest and Daily Preparations 62
Light and Darkness 63
Encounters 63
Basic Actions 65
Attacks 66
Damage 66
Movement 67
Cover 68
Durations 68
Hit Points, Healing, and Dying 68
Flanking 69
Areas 69
Paizo Inc. Conditions 71
15902 Woodinville-Redmond Rd
NE, Unit B. Leveling Up 72
Woodinville, WA 98072-4572
paizo.com Index 72
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PIRATE KING’S PLUNDER

#1
You are a wandering adventurer visiting Otari, a small town on the coast of the Starstone
Isle, an enormous island magically raised out of the ocean by an ancient god. Otari is
renowned for its lumber and fine wooden boats, but that’s not what brought you here—
you came looking for adventure!
Word has it that a vicious beast is preying upon the town’s livestock, and the mayor
has offered 10 gold coins to any hero who can put an end to the menace. That kind of
money would pay your expenses for a month!
After asking around at a nearby tavern called the Crow’s Casks, you learn that most
of the attacks occur on the west side of town, not far from the shore. That seems like
the best place to start your search.
You gather up your belongings and make your way out along the rocky beach to begin
your hunt. It doesn’t take long for you to find the entrance to a dark and mysterious
cave. Large paw prints lead to and from the gloomy opening. Go to Entry #13.
2
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Beginner Box
#2 can just make out a staircase going down. Discarded on the
Inside the icicle, you find a strange key shaped like a skull, ground in front of you is an old torch, probably left here by
with small emeralds for eyes. If you decide to take the key, a previous explorer.
write “Skeleton Key” on your scratch paper. The key is If you take the torch, write “Torch” on your piece of
worth 2 gold just as a piece of art, but it might have other scratch paper.
uses that you don’t yet know about. If your notes say “Pulled the lever,” go to Entry #16.
If you jump down the chute, go to Entry #23. Otherwise, go to Entry #11.
If you instead decide to head back the way you came and
try the other passage, go to Entry #5. #6
The pirate statue falls to the floor in a thunderous crash,
#3 breaking into several pieces. With this last guardian defeated,
You travel down quite a distance before arriving in a you are free to gather up the loot and make your way back to
large, cavernous chamber. A hole in the ceiling above town. In total, the pile of coins contains 79 copper, 25 silver,
allows in a thin shaft of light that illuminates a pile of and 4 gold. But the real treasure was in the three gems you
coins and at least a couple glittering jewels. Standing in found. Two are simple agate gemstones worth 5 gold each,
the center of this pile is a wooden statue, crudely carved but the last is a sparkling ruby. It can easily sell for 20 gold,
to look like a pirate. The statue holds a wooden saber making this a very rewarding trip indeed!
pointed menacingly in your direction. Gathering up the last of your loot, you prepare to head
Drawing closer, you can tell that the statue has joints back to Otari and claim the reward for killing the wolf. While
and hinges on its arms and legs, but by the time you you are at it, you might just spring for the nicest room at the
realize it, you have drawn too close, and the statue comes inn and maybe talk to the town blacksmith about getting a
to life! Swinging its saber back and forth, the menacing new suit of armor. But that is a tale for another adventure...
statue approaches you. As it draws near, you spot a Congratulations on defeating this solo adventure! Did
strange-looking keyhole located in the middle of the you collect all of the treasure? There is a total of 40 gold
statue’s neck.
If you have “Skeleton Key” written on your scratch paper,
go to Entry #19.
If you don’t have the skeleton key, you can draw your
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#4
You flee for your life, bolting past the statue to a crevice
in the back wall. Squeezing through, you soon find a
passage that leads back to the surface. You can go back
to town and claim your reward, but you might still want
to go back and claim the pirate statue’s plunder. Maybe
with more experience and a bit of luck you’ll find a way
to defeat it! But until then, you are looking forward to a
warm meal and a comfortable bed. Although you didn’t
get all of the treasure, you still did quite well in this solo
adventure, making it all the way to the end.
Go to Entry #9.
#5
The burbling sound, echoing from somewhere up
ahead, grows louder with every step until you can
hear the sound of rushing water clearly. As you
turn a corner, the source of the sound becomes
apparent. The chamber up ahead is split in
half by a stream that flows through the
center of the room.
This swift underground
river enters the room
from the right and flows
out to the left. Across the
way, you see a passageway that
continues onward, and you
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worth of coins and treasure you can find during this event, again, you can return to Entry #1 and start over from the
plus the reward. Remember that 10 copper is equal to 1 beginning. You might also want to go straight to building
silver, and 10 silver is equal to 1 gold. your own character for future adventures. If so, go to
You are now ready to build your own character. Go to page 12 to begin the journey.
page 12 to begin the journey.
#10
#7 The passageway winds through ancient rock, but it’s
You leap aside, avoiding the wolf’s snarling jaws and clear that someone has made it wider with a pickaxe,
drive your sword deep into its flank. With a yowl, the although it looks like the work was done many years
wretched creature falls into the muck and goes still. You ago. After squeezing hurriedly through a narrow crevice
clean off your blade then wander into the cave to make with a ceiling supported only by a rotting log, you find
sure that this wolf was the only one. yourself in a small chamber. Roots grow down from
As your eyes adjust to the gloom, you find yourself above, breaking through the ceiling and letting in faint,
inside a small cavern that was obviously the beast’s home. dappling light here and there across the cavern. Opposite
It stinks of wet fur, and there are scraps of rotting meat the entrance is another corridor, but before you can head
and bone lying about—evidence of its previous victims. down that way, you hear a terrible hissing sound coming
Far more interesting, though, is what you spot at the back from the passageway. Emerging from the darkness is a
of the cave. gigantic snake with terrifying fangs!
A crack in the far wall leads into darkness, and just You are now in combat with a snake! Just as when
above it, scratched into stone, is a symbol that looks a fighting the wolf, you and the snake will take turns
lot like a treasure chest. As you draw closer, you realize attacking one another until one side is defeated, but there
the crack is actually the entrance to an underground are a few new things to pay attention to in this combat.
tunnel—it might just be the hiding place of some First, here are the snake’s statistics:
forgotten treasure.
If you squeeze through the crack to explore deeper into Snake’s AC 15
the cave, go to Entry #18. Snake’s Hit Points 8
If you turn around and head back to town to collect your
riches, go to Entry #9. Your AC is 18, and your Hit Points are the same as they
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were at the end of the previous encounter. 4265377
#8 In this fight, the snake gets to go first, but during its first
With a swish, your blade slices right through the snake turn, it must spend 2 of its 3 actions to close the distance
and it falls dead at your feet with a loud thud. Stepping before it can attack. So, on the snake’s first turn, it gets to
around its body, you check the room for anything of spend only 1 action to attack you. On the rest of its turns
value. You find a very old, tarnished silver coin wedged it spends all 3 actions attacking.
between two stones on the floor. It must have been here
for ages, but it will buy you a night at the inn back in Snake’s Actions
town when this is all over. [one-action] Move: The snake moves 20 feet. This is called a Stride.
Add 1 silver to your scratch paper. It must use this action twice on its first turn to be next to
Leaving the dead serpent behind, you head toward the you so that it can attack.
passageway opposite the entrance. Unlike the caves that [one-action] Bite: The snake tries to bite you with its fangs. Roll a
came before, this tunnel looks like it was carefully dug d20 and add 8 to its first attack roll each turn, add 3 to
out of the earth and meticulously reinforced with wood its second attack roll, and subtract 2 from its third attack
and stone. After about 20 feet, the passageway forks, roll. Each time, if the result is equal to or greater than
heading off to the right and the left. You can hear the your AC, the snake bites you and deals 1d4 damage. And
faint sound of splashing water to the right, while a very every time it bites you, you might be poisoned!
cold breeze drifts out of the passage to the left. Which
way do you go? Whenever the snake bites you, it might poison you. This
If you go to the right, go to Entry #5. happens as part of the bite, so it doesn’t use an action.
If you go to the left, go to Entry #15. When you are hit by the snake’s bite, you must attempt
a Saving Throw to resist the effects of the venom. Saving
#9 throws are special rolls to resist things that try to harm
You returned to town safely and collect your reward or control your character. There are three kinds of saving
for killing the wolf—10 gold! But did you collect all throws: Reflex saving throws are used to dodge a bolt of
of this adventure’s treasure? Besides the reward, you lightning or a fearsome dragon’s fire breath; Will saving
can find coins and treasure worth 40 more gold during throws are used to resist spells that try to take over your
this adventure. Remember that 10 copper is equal to 1 mind; and Fortitude saving throws are used to fight off
silver and 10 silver is equal to 1 gold. If you want to try poisons and diseases.
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Beginner Box
You must attempt a Fortitude saving throw every time two things: in the back of the room is an old leather pouch
the snake bites you. Roll a d20 and add your Fortitude that is split open on one side, spilling a handful of coins
save bonus to the roll. Your Fortitude save bonus is +8. across the floor. In addition, set into the floor in the center
If the result is equal to or greater than 16 (the DC of the of the alcove is a stone lever.
poison), you fight it off and nothing happens. If the result If you gather up the coins, write on your scratch paper
is 15 or lower, you take an additional 1d8 damage from that you have 21 copper and 4 silver.
the poison. If you decide to pull the lever, go to Entry #14.
On your turn, you can attack, just like in the previous If you ignore the lever, you crawl back out of the alcove
fight. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to hide behind in this and head down the passageway below. Go to Entry #10.
chamber, so you can’t boost your Armor Class like you
could in the wolf fight. #13
Noticing the tracks leading to the cave, you hide in the
Your Action nearby underbrush, hoping to ambush whatever foul
[one-action] Attack with Your Shortsword: Roll d20 and add 7 (or beast lives here. After just a few minutes, you hear the
+2 for your second attack and –3 for your third attack). sounds of something approaching, and the scent of wet
Each time, if the result is equal to or higher than the fur hangs heavy in the air.
snake’s AC, you hit and deal 1d6+4 damage.
If you defeat the snake, go to Entry #8.

If you succumb to the snake and its poison, go to Entry #17.
#11
The only way to get across the river is to swim through
the dangerous water.
Swimming to the other side of the room requires a
Skill Check. To attempt a skill check, roll a d20 and
add the bonus associated with the skill you are trying
to use. If the result is equal to or greater than the DC
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of the task, you succeed. In this case, you can use the 4265378
Athletics skill to swim across. To make it to the other

side, you must succeed at two Athletics checks, which
each have a DC of 15.
Athletics Skill Bonus +7, Swim DC 15
These checks can be dangerous. If you

are in the water and fail too many Athletics checks to
swim, you get swept downstream. Since the river leads
deep underground, through long tunnels without air,
you’ll drown if you fail a total of three Athletics skill
checks before you succeed at two checks and get out of
the water.
If you fail three Athletics checks, you are dragged into
the underground river and beaten against the rocks. Go
to Entry #17.
If you make it to the other side, you can make your way
down the stairs; go to Entry #3.
If you instead decide to head back the way you came and
try the other passage, go to Entry #15.
#12
After brushing aside some of the moss, you find small
notches cut into the wall, making it simple to climb
up into the crack. Someone must have carved these
on purpose!
Squeezing into the crevice, you find a small, cramped
alcove behind it. It’s filled with moss, but you note
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Emerging from the bushes is a lean, mangy wolf carrying Finally, if your attack roll exceeds the wolf’s AC by 10 or
the body of a dead chicken in its maw. It appears to be more (24 in this case), it’s a critical hit and you deal double
returning home after its most recent hunt. Clearly, this is damage (roll 1d6+4 and double the result). You also score a
the beast that’s been preying upon the farmers’ animals. critical hit against the wolf if the result of the die roll shows
You wait until it is near then draw your shortsword and a “20” on the die. When the wolf attacks you, it can score a
spring out to attack! critical hit only if the die roll is a 20.
You are now in combat with a wolf! You know that this Remember that you go first. If you find that the wolf is
feral beast cannot be tamed and must be slain to keep the hitting you too much, you should remember to hide with
farmers’ livestock safe. Both you and the wolf take turns your third action to make it harder for the wolf to hit you.
attacking one another. You attack by rolling the 20-sided This process continues until you or the wolf is reduced to
die (or d20 for short) and adding your attack bonus (which 0 HP.
represents your skill at wielding a weapon). If the total is If you defeat the wolf, go to Entry #7.
equal to or greater than the wolf’s Armor Class (AC for If the wolf defeats you, go to Entry #17.
short), then the attack is a hit and deals damage. Subtract
the damage from the wolf’s Hit Points (HP for short). To #14
defeat the wolf, you must reduce the wolf to 0 HP or less. You have to pull hard, but the stone lever finally moves;
On the wolf’s turn, it will attack you—you’ll roll a d20 as it slides into place, you can hear a rumbling sound
for the wolf, add its attack bonus, and compare the result from somewhere nearby. Dust and dirt shake loose from
to your AC. If the wolf reduces you to 0 HP or less, you the ceiling until the rumbling finally stops after about a
die. Record both your HP and the wolf’s HP on a piece of minute. There is a deep click from the lever, and no matter
scratch paper. how hard you try, you can’t move the lever back to its
original position.
Your AC 18 Write “Pulled the lever” on your scratch paper.
Your Hit Points 20 With nothing else to do in this alcove, you crawl back out
and head down the passageway below. Go to Entry #10.
Wolf’s AC 14
Wolf’s Hit Points 15 #15
You turn left and make your way down a narrow tunnel
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Combat occurs in rounds. In each round, both you that leads into darkness. The air grows colder with each 4265379
and the wolf take turns, and on each turn, you can use 3 step you take and soon you can see your breath steaming
actions. Once you have used your actions, it’s the wolf’s in the gloom. Up ahead, the passage turns to the right, but
turn. After it uses 3 actions, it’s your turn again. This a pale-blue radiance can be seen from around the corner.
repeats until one side is defeated. Actions are denoted by Just beyond the bend, the corridor opens into a small,
the action symbol ([one-action]). On your turn, you can use the icy chamber.
following actions. Opposite you is an ice-covered chute that descends
into darkness. Rimmed with icicles, it looks almost like
Your Actions a hungry maw. Above this chute, carved into the stone
[one-action] Strike with Your Shortsword: Roll a d20 and add 7. itself, is a warning. It reads, “An icy plunge may take you
If you use this action a second time, only add 2 to the to the Pirate King’s treasure—or to your grave!”
roll, and if you use it a third time, subtract 3 from the Hanging from the ceiling is a large icicle, and you can
roll instead. Each time, if the result is equal to or higher clearly see something glittering inside.
than the wolf’s AC, you hit and deal 1d6+4 damage (roll If you want to try and smash the icicle with your sword,
a 6-sided die and add 4). go to Entry #20.
[one-action] Hide in the Bushes: Increase your AC to 20 until the If you have “Torch” written on your scratch sheet and
start of your next turn. want to light it and try to melt the icicle, go to Entry #2.
If you decide to jump down the chute, go to Entry #23.
You should write your AC, HP, attack bonuses, and damage If you instead decide to head back the way you came and
rolls on your scratch paper so you can reference them later. try another passage, go to Entry #5.
On the wolf’s turn, it attacks you three times, using all
of its actions. #16
In the center of the river is a pillar of stone that looks
Wolf’s Action like it’s been submerged for a long time. You might be
[one-action] Bite: The wolf bites you. Roll a d20 and add 5 for the able to use it as a stepping-stone to jump across the river.
first attack, don’t add anything to the second attack, and However, you could also try to swim across.
subtract 5 from the third attack. Each time, if the result is Getting to the other side of the river requires a Skill
equal to or greater than your AC, the wolf hits and deals Check. To attempt a skill check, roll a d20 and add the
1d6+2 damage (roll a 6-sided die and add 2). bonus associated with the skill you’re trying to use. If the
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Beginner Box
result is equal to or greater than the DC of the task, you your Perception bonus, which is a +4. Once you have
succeed! In this case, you can use Athletics to either jump rolled, compare the total to the Difficulty Class (DC),
across or swim across. which is 15. If your result is equal to or greater than the
If you try to jump across, you must succeed at two DC, you succeed!
Athletics skill checks in a row (one to jump to the pillar If you succeed at the Perception check, go to Entry #24.
and another to jump to the other side). If you fail either If you fail the Perception check, go to Entry #21.
check, you fall in and must swim the rest of the way to the
other side. #19
If you try to swim across, you must succeed at two It can’t be a coincidence that you found a key in the
Athletics skill checks. But if you succeeded at the check to chamber above. Maybe it will help you defeat the statue,
jump to the pillar before falling in the water, you only need but you’re going to have to slow it down first.
to succeed at one Athletics check to swim across, since you You are now in combat with the pirate statue. To start
were already halfway. this combat, you and the statue must first roll Initiative to
determine who gets to act first. This is a Perception check
Athletics Skill Bonus +7, Jump DC 10, Swim DC 15 that both of you attempt. The one who rolls higher gets
to go first (if you tie, the statue goes first). As a reminder,
These checks could be dangerous. If you’re in the water your Perception bonus is +4. The pirate statue’s Perception
and fail too many Athletics checks to swim, you get swept bonus is +0. Roll for both of you to determine who goes
downstream. Since the river leads deep underground, first. If you go first, you must spend 1 action to move up to
through long tunnels without air, you’ll drown if you fail the statue before making any attacks. The statue, however,
a total of three Athletics skill checks before you succeed is much slower, and if it goes first, it must spend 2 actions
and get out of the water. to move up to you before attacking.
If you fail three Athletics checks, you are dragged into
the underground river and beat against the rocks. Go to Statue’s AC 18
Entry #17. Statue’s Hit Points 20
If you make it to the other side, you can make your way
down the stairs. Go to Entry #3. During combat, you can use the following actions. At
If you instead decide to head back the way you came and the start of any of your turns, before using any actions,
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try the other passage, go to Entry #15. you can decide to flee the combat, leaving through a small 4265380
crevice in the back of the chamber. If you do this, go to

#17 Entry #4.
Your vision grows dark as life leaves your body. In your
final moments, you can’t help but think that this is not Your Actions
how stories should end. Maybe the next hero will fare [one-action] Strike with Your Shortsword: Roll d20 and add 7 (+2
better in this deadly place... for a second attack, –3 for a third attack). Each time, if
Although you have died, there are still adventures to the result is equal to or greater than the statue’s AC, you
be had. You can start this adventure over by returning to hit and deal 1d6+4 damage.
Entry #1. You are restored to full Hit Points, but so are all [one-action] Move: You can move up to or away from the statue. If
of the foes that you have faced. You must explore and face you move up, you can attack with your remaining actions.
whatever dangers await you all over again. Alternatively, If you move away, the statue must spend 2 of its actions
you can start making your own character to play in on its turn to move up to you before attacking.
adventures with others. Go to page 12 to begin designing [two-actions] Try the Key: If the statue has fewer than 10 Hit Points
your very own hero! left, you can try to insert the key to deactivate it. This uses
2 actions (the symbol here represents two actions). If you
#18 try this, go to Entry #22.
Putting aside your fear, you squeeze your way through
the crack into the narrow passageway beyond, lit only Statue’s Actions
by faint light from above. If the cobwebs and dust are [one-action] Strike with Saber: The statue uses all of its actions to
any indication, no one has been down this way for a long attack if possible. Roll a d20 and add +9 for the first attack,
time. Up ahead, the passageway widens to form a cave add +4 for the second attack, and subtract -1 from the
chamber before veering to the left. third attack. Each time, if the result is equal to or greater
A curtain of moss grows on the right wall of the small than your AC, the statue hits and deals 1d8+2 damage.
cavern, fed by a trickle of water dripping from the cavern [two-actions] Move: The statue moves toward you. This uses 2
ceiling. Something about it looks odd, but you can’t quite actions (the symbol here represents two actions).
figure it out without succeeding at a Perception check.
Your Perception indicates how good you are at noticing If you defeat the statue, go to Entry #6.
things. To attempt a Perception check, roll a d20 and add If the statue defeats you, go to Entry #17.
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#20 If you survive, the chute drops you into a large chamber.
Using your blade, you begin to hack away at the icicle, Go to Entry #3.
but the first time you strike it, a wave of powerful, If hitting the icicle reduces you to 0 Hit Points or fewer,
magical cold washes up your arm. You take 1 damage. It go to Entry #17.
looks like if you want to destroy the icicle, you’ll need to
hit it at least three more times, taking another 3 damage. #24
If you decide to destroy the icicle with your sword, take 3 Looking around, you notice a narrow crack in the wall,
more damage and go to Entry #2. just above the curtain of moss. Water seems to be dripping
If the damage reduces you to 0 Hit Points, go to Entry out from the crack, and it looks wide enough that you
#17. might be able to squeeze inside. What do you do?
If you decide to leave the icicle alone and jump down the If you ignore the crack and turn to head down the
chute, go to Entry #23. passageway, go to Entry #10.
If you instead decide to head back the way you came and If you crawl into the crack, go to Entry #12.
try the other passage, go to Entry #5.
#25
#21 You are now in combat with the pirate statue. To start this
You look around but fail to spot anything of interest. combat, you and the statue must start by rolling Initiative
With no other way to go, you head down the corridor to determine who gets to act first. This is a Perception
that leads off to the left. You notice a faint breeze as you check that both of you attempt. The one who gets a
make your way down that tunnel. higher result acts first in the combat. As a reminder, your
Go to Entry #10. Perception bonus is +4. The pirate statue’s Perception
bonus is +0. Roll for both of you to determine who goes
#22 first. If you go first, you must spend 1 action to move
Now that the statue is slowed down, you can try to insert next to the statue before making any attacks. The statue
the key to see if it might help defeat this menace. Inserting is much slower, so if it goes first, it must spend 2 actions
the key requires you to attempt an Athletics Skill Check to move up to you before attacking.
to grapple the statue. Roll a d20 and add your skill
bonus. If your result is equal to or greater than the DC to Statue’s AC 18
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grapple the statue, it falls to the ground, deactivated. If Statue’s Hit Points 20 4265381
you fail, it continues to fight you.

During combat, you can use the actions below. At the
Athletics Skill Bonus +7, Grapple DC 20 start of any of your turns, before using any actions, you
can decide to flee the combat, leaving through a small
If you succeed, you defeat the statue! Go to Entry #6. crevice in the back of the chamber. If you do this, go to
If you fail, continue the fight. Return to Entry #19. Entry #4.
#23 Your Actions

Abandoning caution, you dive down the chute, heading [one-action] Strike with Your Shortsword: Roll d20 and add 7 (or
into the freezing darkness! +2 for your second attack, –3 for your third attack). Each
The surface is slick and freezing cold, and you pick up time, if the result is equal to or higher than the statue’s
quite a bit of speed as you descend deeper into the earth. AC, you hit and deal 1d6+4 damage.
Just as the chute begins to level out, you see a massive [one-action] Move: You can move up to or away from the statue.
icicle up ahead, blocking most of the tunnel. At this speed, If you move up to it, you can attack with your remaining
running into it is going to hurt! actions. If you move away, the statue must spend 2 of its
You can try to avoid hitting the icicle and taking any actions on its turn to move up to you before attacking.
serious harm by attempting a Reflex saving throw. Roll
a d20 and add your save bonus. If your check result is Statue’s Actions
less than the DC, you take 1d8 points of damage from [one-action] Strike with Saber: The statue uses all of its actions to
running into the icicle. If you succeed, you take half attack if possible. Roll a d20 and add +9 for the first attack,
damage (roll the d8 and divide the number rolled in add +4 for the second attack, and subtract –1 from the third
half, rounding down). If your roll results in a 20, you attack. Each time, if the result is equal to or greater than
critically succeed and avoid the icicle completely, taking your AC, the statue hits you and deals 1d8+2 damage.
no damage! Finally, if your roll results in a 1 or a 2, you [two-actions] Move: The statue moves toward you. This uses 2
critically fail the saving throw and take double damage actions (the symbol here represents 2 actions).
(roll the d8 and double the result).
If you defeat the statue, go to Entry #6.
Reflex Save Bonus +5, DC 17 If the statue defeats you, go to Entry #17.
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Beginner Box
EXAMPLE OF PLAY
In the solo adventure, you saw the sorts of dangers, decisions, and challenges you might face in a
Pathfinder game. But Pathfinder is a group activity! What does it look like in play? This example
can give you a clearer picture of collaborative storytelling in action.
Jason is the Game Master (GM), running a game for Logan, GM: Alright, Valeros has the highest initiative and gets to
Lyz, and Mark. Logan is playing Kyra, a human cleric; Lyz go first. You have 3 actions.
is playing Valeros, a human fighter; and Mark is playing
Ezren, a human wizard. The adventurers have become lost Valeros: Awesome! First I’m going to raise my shield to
in a haunted forest while searching for a mysterious tower. protect me from the spider, but then I’m going to use my
other 2 actions on Sudden Charge!
Kyra: Are you sure we’re going the right way?
Raising a Shield increases Valeros’s Armor Class by 2 until the
Valeros: I think so. Can I figure out if we’re still heading in start of his next turn. Sudden Charge lets him move up to twice
the right direction? his Speed and attack, all for just 2 actions. Lyz rolls a d20 for the
attack and gets an 18. She sees that Valeros has +9 on longsword
GM: Sure, why don’t you roll a Survival skill check? attacks, for a total of 27.
Lyz rolls a d20 and gets a 16. She then checks Valeros’s character GM: A 27 is a hit! Go ahead and roll for damage.
sheet and sees that he has +5 for Survival, so she adds that to
the roll. The spider’s AC is 17. Since Lyz’s roll was 10 or more higher than
the AC, it’s a critical hit! Looking at the sheet, Lyz rolls a d8 for the
Valeros: Not too bad, I got a 21! longsword and adds 4, getting a total of 6. Because it’s a critical hit,
she doubles that, dealing 12 damage!
GM: After looking at the ground for tracks and checking the
underbrush, you’re pretty sure you haven’t been this way GM: You score a nasty hit, slicing off one of the spider’s
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before. Something unusual lies ahead: the forest canopy is many legs, but it’s still fighting. Kyra, you’re next to act. 4265382
consumed by fog.
Kyra: We could use my deity’s help here. I draw my scimitar
Ezren: Fog, only up in the treetops? I don’t like the look of and call upon Sarenrae’s power and cast runic weapon on
that. There might be some sort of magic up there. I cast the the blade, which provides a +1 bonus to attack rolls and an
spell detect magic to see if I sense anything nearby. increase to the amount of damage it deals.
Jason checks his notes for the adventure, and confirms that GM: You feel your deity’s power flow into the scimitar.
there is no magic up ahead, just one big, angry spider! Unfortunately, the spider gets to act next! Valeros is right in
front of it, so it reaches out to try and bite him!
GM: You extend your senses into the arcane, but you don’t
detect any unusual magic nearby. Jason rolls a d20 and adds the spider’s bite attack statistic,
getting a 21—that’s more than enough to hit.
Valeros: Hmm, I still don’t like the look of this. I get out my
longsword and shield, and then move forward. Valeros: Uh-oh! I spend my reaction to block the attack
with my shield!
GM: Very good. As you draw near, everything becomes
clear. The fog in the trees is actually a mass of thick webs, Shield Block is an ability that reduces the damage from the
draped from tree to tree in dense sheets. attack, but it can break the shield. Jason rolls the damage and
reduces it by the shield’s Hardness value.
Ezren: Oh no! I hate spiders.
GM: Even after your block, the spider still hits you for
GM: As soon as you say that, a huge spider drops from 2 damage, and its fangs are dripping with poison. Roll a
the tree directly in front of you, mandibles clicking. I need Fortitude save!
everyone to roll Perception for initiative.
Lyz grabs the d20 and rolls the saving throw, which will tell her if
Everyone rolls a d20 and adds their Perception to the number Valeros resists the poison. The heroes are in some real trouble here!
on the die. Jason does the same for the spider and then puts the As the fight continues, everyone gets to take a turn, repeating this
characters in order, from highest to lowest. cycle until one side is victorious.
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GETTING STARTED
Want to play the role of a brave hero facing down cunning villains in a world filled with terrifying
monsters and amazing treasures? This book has everything you need to build your first hero, so
let’s get started. A world of endless adventure awaits!
WHAT’S A ROLEPLAYING GAME? This formula can help you remember what to roll when
Pathfinder is a tabletop roleplaying game (RPG)—an you need to roll a check.
interactive story where one player, the Game Master
(GM), sets the scene and presents challenges, while the other d20 + statistic + bonuses and penalties = result
players each take the role of a hero and attempt to overcome
those challenges. Every player contributes to the story by After you roll, you’ll “check” your result against a target
responding to situations according to the personality and number, called a Difficulty Class (DC), to determine whether
abilities of their character, describing their actions as each you succeed or fail. The higher you roll, the more likely you
scene leads into the next. You’ll determine whether your are to succeed!
hero succeeds or fails at the actions they attempt by rolling Sometimes exceptional results on a check (most often,
dice, which adds an element of chance, and then adding your rolling a 1 or a 20 on your d20 roll) cause you to succeed
hero’s statistics, which represent their strengths. or fail so spectacularly that special rules apply. A brilliant
success is called a critical success, or a critical hit for an
attack, while a remarkable failure is called a critical failure.
Dice
Pathfinder uses a set of six different kinds of dice. Each die Actions
has a different number of sides—four, six, eight, or more. The A hero affects the world by using actions. Some actions,
name of each die uses the letter “d” followed by the number of called basic actions, can be used by anyone—Seek, Stride,
sides on the die. The Beginner Box includes a d4, a d6, a d8, and Strike are all basic actions. Others, like spells and
a d10, a d12, and a d20. There are icons on the side of your special abilities, can be used only by certain characters.
character sheet to help you remember which die is which. Each action produces an effect. Some do this automatically,
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When the game tells you to roll multiple dice, the number but for others you’ll roll to determine the effect. 4265383
before the “d” tells you how many of that die to roll. For You’ll see the following icons used for the different types
example, “4d6” means you should roll a d6 four times and of actions found throughout the game.
add the results together. Sometimes you’ll add a number to [one-action] Single actions are the simplest and most common
the total from your die roll, and sometimes you’ll subtract a actions. You can use 3 single actions on your turn, in any
number from the total. order you want.
[reaction] Reactions are special actions that you can use when
The Basic Rule: Rolling it isn’t your turn. Each reaction has a trigger that specifies
Checks when you can use that reaction. You can use only 1 reaction
When a hero tries to do something and the outcome is per round.
uncertain, you’ll roll a check. Whether that’s making an Activities take longer than a single action. Activities that
attack, resisting a spell, or using a skill, you’ll roll a d20 and use 2 actions have this symbol: [two-actions]. Activities that use 3
add a statistic to get the result. The action you’re using will actions—your whole turn—have this symbol [three-actions]. Some
tell you what statistic to add. On some checks, you’ll also activities take even longer, and you can use them only when
apply a bonus, a penalty, or sometimes even both. you’re between combat encounters.
DICE ACTIONS
[one-action] [two-actions]
d4 d6 d8 One Action Two Actions
[three-actions] [reaction]
d10 d12 d20 Three Actions Reaction
10
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Beginner Box
Basic Concepts READING RULES
You’ll see game terms like “saving throw” and “Hit Points” as Throughout this book, statistics and actions like
you create a hero and start playing the game. You need only Strength and Strike are capitalized to help them stand
a general idea of these terms for now, and they’re explained out. Text that is formatted using italics refers to a spell or
more later on. Lots of terms have abbreviations—if you miss magic item, such as light or a healing potion, to help make
or forget what an abbreviation means, you can find it in the it instantly recognizable.
index on page 72.
ARMOR CLASS (AC) CHARACTER SHEET

This number is the Difficulty Class for an attack. It represents REFERENCES
how hard it is to hit a hero or a monster in combat. As you go through this book
CHARACTER SHEET
BEGINNER BOX CHARACTER NAME NAME PRONOUNS L LEVEL
DICE PLAYER NAME XP
to create your character,

A ANCESTRY B BACKGROUND C CLASS
d4 HERITAGE BACKGROUND ABILITY CLASS ABILITIES

(LEVEL 1)
ATTACK
ANCESTRY ABILITY
you’ll see icons like A . These d6 D ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS
STRENGTH STR
E HIT POINTS
MAXIMUM CURRENT
(LEVEL 2)
(LEVEL 3)
When a creature tries to harm another creature, it makes a match with sections of the
DEXTERITY DEX
H PERCEPTION
CONSTITUTION CON Dying SENSES AND NOTES
d8 Wounded = + T
E
INTELLIGENCE INT WIS PROF
F SPEED
FEET
WISDOM WIS
Strike or uses some other attack action. A success on the roll character sheet. Whenever
FORTITUDE E
d10 CON PROF
G SKILLS T
REFLEX = + E
T = + –
ACROBATICS
for that action is called a hit, and a critical success is sometimes

E DEX PROF
the icon appears, there’s

DEX PROF ARMOR T
WILL = + E
T = +
ARCANA WIS PROF
d12 E
INT PROF
T = + – J DEFENSES
ATHLETICS E
STR PROF ARMOR Armor Class Shield Hardness
called a critical hit. A hero might Strike with a weapon or their something you should write
AC Armor Proficiencies
T = +
CRAFTING E
Unarmored Light Medium Heavy + HP
d20 INT PROF T
E
T
E
T
E
T
E
T = +
ACTIONS DECEPTION E
10 + + +
Max HP BT
CHA PROF
Base Dex* Prof Item
/
T = +
fist, grapple with their hands, or attack with a spell. Attacking

* Use armor’s Dex cap if lower
DIPLOMACY
on your character sheet, and

E
CHA PROF
One Action K WEAPONS AND ATTACKS
T = +
CHA PROF
PROFICIENCIES E E E
T = +
Two Actions E
more than once on your turn gets harder with each attack,
INT PROF E
the letter points you to the Three Actions

MEDICINE
NATURE
T
E
T
=
=
WIS
+
+
PROF
MELEE WEAPON
ATTACK
=
STR/DEX
+
PROF
T
E
giving you a penalty called a multiple attack penalty.

E DAMAGE + BLUDGEONING PIERCING
right section.
WIS PROF
DIE STR SLASHING
T = +
OCCULTISM TRAITS
Reaction E
INT PROF
= + MELEE WEAPON
E = + T
E
CHA PROF
ATTACK STR/DEX PROF
UNTRAINED T = +
RELIGION DAMAGE + BLUDGEONING PIERCING
0 E
WIS PROF
DIE STR SLASHING
T = +
SOCIETY E
TRAITS
TRAINED INT PROF
BONUSES AND PENALTIES

= + – RANGED WEAPON T
2 + level STEALTH T
E
= + E
DEX PROF ARMOR ATTACK DEX PROF
T = +
EXPERT SURVIVAL E
WIS PROF RANGE INC. RELOAD
4 + level DIE STR (thrown)
PROFICIENCY
T = + -
THIEVERY E
TRAITS AMMO
Bonuses and penalties apply to checks and certain statistics.

DEX PROF ARMOR
SKILL NOTES
© Paizo Inc. 2024
M N Equipment and Spells on Reverse Side
PZO2106 Character Sheet-3rd Printing.indd 1 10/23/23 6:03 PM
There are several types of bonuses and penalties. If you have Proficiency measures your
more than one bonus of the same type, you use only the highest hero’s aptitude for each statistic. It has three ranks: untrained,
one. Likewise, you use only the worst penalty of each type. trained, and expert. If you’re untrained, your proficiency
bonus is +0. If you’re trained, your proficiency bonus equals
CONDITION your level plus 2, and if you’re an expert, your proficiency
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An ongoing effect that changes how a creature can act, or bonus equals your level plus 4. 4265384
that alters some of their statistics, is called a condition.

RANK
FEAT Spells have a rank to determine their overall power. The
A feat is an ability your hero can use. It might come from spells in this book are 1st or 2nd rank, but more powerful
their ancestry, background, or class. Some feats grant the spells exist in the Player Core rulebook.
ability to use special actions.
ROUND
HIT POINTS (HP) A round represents about 6 seconds of time during a combat
Hit Points represent how badly injured a creature can encounter in which all participants get a chance to act.
be before it falls unconscious and begins dying. Damage
decreases Hit Points on a 1-to-1 basis, while healing restores SAVING THROW (SAVE)
Hit Points at the same rate. Some dangerous effects let you attempt a saving throw
to mitigate their harm. You attempt a saving throw
LEVEL automatically—you don’t have to use an action or a reaction.
A level is a number that measures overall power. The rules There are three types of saving throws: Fortitude (to resist
in this book can take a hero to 3rd level, and those in the diseases and poisons), Reflex (to evade effects that can be
Player Core rulebook elevate them all the way to 20th level! dodged), and Will (to resist effects that target the mind).
Creatures, items, and other rules elements also have levels,
telling you how powerful they are compared to one another. SPEED
Speed is the distance a creature can move using a single action.
NONPLAYER CHARACTER (NPC)
A nonplayer character is controlled by the GM. NPCs TRAIT
interact with players and help advance the story. A trait is a keyword that appears on an action so other rules
can interact with it by referencing the trait. For instance, a
PERCEPTION fighter can make a Reactive Strike against someone who
Perception measures your hero’s ability to notice hidden uses an action with the manipulate or move trait. Traits
objects or unusual situations and usually determines how appear in boxes beneath the title of a rules element, or in
quickly they spring into action in combat. parentheses following an action in a stat block.
11
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CREATING YOUR HERO

Are you ready to dive into adventure? The first thing you need to do is create your hero! It’s up
to you to imagine your hero’s past experiences, personality, and worldview—this will set the stage
for your roleplay during the game. You’ll use the game’s rules to determine your hero’s ability to
perform various tasks and use special skills during the game.
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These pages provide a step-by-step guide for creating Step 1: Create a Concept
your Pathfinder hero. The steps of character creation are What sort of hero do you want to play? The answer to
presented in a suggested order, guiding you through the this question might be as simple as “a brave warrior,” or as
early stages of your hero’s life story, but you can complete complicated as “the child of elven wanderers, but raised in a
them in whatever order you prefer. For instance, you might city dominated by humans and devoted to Sarenrae, goddess
know you want to play a wizard before you decide that of the sun.” Consider your hero’s personality, write out a few
wizard will be an elf. At the very end of character creation, details about their past, and think about why they adventure.
you’ll calculate your statistics.
Many steps of character creation ask you to make choices Step 2: Start Building
about your attribute modifiers. These statistics are essential Attribute Modifiers
to your character and are explained in detail in the green Now, you need to start building your hero’s attribute
box on the next page. modifiers. Your hero’s attribute modifiers each start at +0.
Each step on the following pages instructs you to fill As you select your ancestry, background, and class, you’ll
out fields on your character sheet. The character sheet is increase them. This is a good time to identify which attribute
designed to be easy to use when you’re actually playing the modifiers will be most important to your hero.
game, but creating a hero happens in a different order, so
you’ll move back and forth through the character sheet as Step 3: Select an
you go through the character creation process. Additionally, Ancestry
the character sheet includes every field you might need, even Is your hero a sturdy dwarf, a graceful elf, or a versatile
though not all heroes will have something to put in each human? Ancestry determines your hero’s Speed and
field. If a field on your character sheet is not applicable to contributes to their Hit Points. Each ancestry improves
your hero, just leave that field blank. attribute modifiers to represent that ancestry’s basic
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Beginner Box
capabilities. You’ll also choose one of the ancestry’s three
heritages, which gives your hero a special ability.
Go to page 14 to choose an ancestry.
Step 4: Pick a Background BEGINNER BOX
DICE
CHARACTER NAME NAME PRONOUNS
CHARACTER SHEET
L LEVEL
Your hero’s background might represent their upbringing,

PLAYER NAME XP

an aptitude they’ve been honing since their youth, or another d4 HERITAGE BACKGROUND ABILITY CLASS ABILITIES
aspect of their life before they became an adventurer. Choose

(LEVEL 1)
ANCESTRY ABILITY
from acolyte, criminal, deckhand, farmhand, scholar, or d6

(LEVEL 2)
D ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS E HIT POINTS

warrior. Your hero’s background improves their attribute
(LEVEL 3)
STRENGTH STR MAXIMUM CURRENT
DEXTERITY DEX
modifiers and grants a special ability. d8 CONSTITUTION CON Dying
Wounded
H PERCEPTION
= + T
E
SENSES AND NOTES
Go to page 18 to choose a background. INTELLIGENCE
WISDOM
INT
WIS
F SPEED
FEET
WIS PROF

FORTITUDE E
d10
Step 5: Choose a Class

CON PROF
G SKILLS T
REFLEX = + E
T = + –
ACROBATICS E DEX PROF
DEX PROF ARMOR T
A class gives your hero a suite of heroic abilities and

WILL = + E
T = +
ARCANA WIS PROF
d12 E
INT PROF
J DEFENSES
determines their role in a fight. Each class has three options ATHLETICS T
E
=
STR
+
PROF
–
ARMOR Armor Class Shield Hardness
that let you decide what type of hero you want to be! Will
T = +
CRAFTING E
d20 INT PROF T
E
T
E
T
E
T
E
T = +
you play a devoted cleric, a mighty fighter, a cunning rogue, ACTIONS DECEPTION Max HP BT
E
CHA PROF 10 + + +
/
Base Dex* Prof Item
T = + * Use armor’s Dex cap if lower
DIPLOMACY
or a studious wizard?
E
CHA PROF
T = +
INTIMIDATION WEAPON Simple Martial Fist
Go to page 20 for a cleric, page 26 for a fighter, page 30
E T T T
CHA PROF
PROFICIENCIES E E E
T = +
Two Actions E
for a rogue, or page 34 for a wizard.

INT PROF E
T = + MELEE WEAPON
MEDICINE E = + T
WIS PROF E
Three Actions = +
ATTACK STR/DEX PROF
Step 6: Buy Equipment

T
NATURE E
WIS PROF
DIE STR SLASHING
T = +
OCCULTISM TRAITS
Reaction E
INT PROF
Every hero needs equipment! Begin with the starting PROFICIENCY PERFORMANCE T
E
=
CHA
+
PROF
MELEE WEAPON
= + T
E
equipment package for the class you chose, then use the
ATTACK STR/DEX PROF
UNTRAINED T = +
0 E
WIS PROF
DIE STR SLASHING
money left over to purchase any extra items you want. TRAINED
SOCIETY T
E
=
INT
+
PROF
TRAITS
RANGED WEAPON
Go to page 40 for equipment.

T
2 + level T = + – = +
STEALTH E
E
T = +
EXPERT SURVIVAL E
4 + level DIE STR (thrown)
Step 7: Finish Your Hero

T = + -
THIEVERY E
TRAITS AMMO
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SKILL NOTES
© Paizo Inc. 2024
The last step in creating your hero is to calculate their
statistics based on the choices you’ve made in the process.

Go to page 48 for instructions on finishing your hero.
THE SIX ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS

Attribute modifiers represent your hero’s raw potential. They influence almost every other statistic on your character sheet.
Determining your attribute modifiers happens over several steps during character creation.
Strength
Strength measures your hero’s physical power. Strength gets added to attack and damage rolls in hand-to-hand combat.
Dexterity
Dexterity measures agility, balance, and reflexes. Add Dexterity to attack rolls with ranged weapons, AC, and Reflex saving throws.
Constitution
Constitution measures your hero’s overall health and stamina. Constitution is added to your Hit Points and Fortitude saving throws.
Intelligence
Intelligence measures how well your hero can learn and reason. A high Intelligence determines how many skills your hero has.
Wisdom
Wisdom measures your hero’s common sense, awareness, and intuition. Wisdom is added to your Perception and Will saving throws.
Charisma
Charisma measures your hero’s personal magnetism and strength of personality. A high Charisma helps your hero influence other people.
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ANCESTRIES
Your character’s ancestry determines which people they call their own, whether that’s diverse and
ambitious humans, insular but vivacious elves, or traditionalist and family-focused dwarves. Your
character’s ancestry might be a key part of their identity, shape how they see the world, and help
them find their place in it—or what they’re rebelling against!
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DWARF ELF HUMAN

When you choose your character’s ancestry, you’ll gain a set of benefits that every member of
that ancestry gets. Dwarves can see in the dark, and elves move more quickly than humans. But
ancestries aren’t monolithic! Each ancestry has three heritages that grant additional benefits. For
example, humans with the skilled human heritage have the most skills, while woodland elves gain
advantages in the woods and move even faster than other elves. Once you’ve chosen an ancestry,
you’ll choose your character’s heritage within that ancestry and gain its benefits as well.
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DWARF
Dwarves are well-known as a stoic and stern people who dwell deep underground in cities built
into the hearts of the mightiest mountains. They are fierce on the battlefield, holding the line
against charging orcs or taking the fight to towering giants. Dwarves stand about a foot shorter
than most humans, and most take pride in braiding or styling their hair.
If you pick the dwarf ancestry, write “Dwarf” in the beneath your Hit Points E , write “Forge Dwarf: You take
Ancestry section of your character sheet A . You get 1 less damage from fire.”
the following abilities. In addition, in the Ancestry Ability area A , write
“Dwarven Weapon Familiarity: Trained in the battle axe,
pick, and warhammer.”
Attribute Boosts
Dwarves are both sturdy and wise. Add +1 to both your ROCK DWARF
Constitution and Wisdom D . Your ancestors lived and worked among the great ancient
stones of the mountains or the depths of the earth. In the
Hit Points Notes area under Saving Throws I , write “Rock Dwarf:
Dwarves are hardy and can take a lot of punishment. +2 to Fortitude and Reflex DCs to Shove or Trip you.”
Write “10” in the Maximum box in the Hit Points area E , In addition, in the Ancestry Ability area A , write
although you will add more to this amount later. “Stonemason’s Eye: +2 to Perception to notice unusual
stonework and traps hidden in stone.”
Speed
Dwarves are a bit slower than most. Put down 20 feet for
your Speed F .
Darkvision
Dwarves can see in darkness. Write “darkvision” in the
Senses and Notes box under Perception H . Their darkvision
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they see in black and white.
Pick a Dwarf Heritage

Like for most folk in the world, there are many
different family lines of dwarves, all with their
own traditions and specialties. Pick one of
the following heritages and write it in the
Heritage area under your ancestry A . Then
add its abilities to your character sheet.
DEATH WARDEN DWARF

Your ancestors have been tomb
guardians for generations, and the
power that they cultivated to ward off
necromancy has passed on to you. In
the Notes area under Saving Throws NAMES
I , write “Death Warden: successful Dwarves honor their children with names taken from ancestors
saves against effects created by undead or dwarven heroes, and it’s quite rare to invent a new name or to
count as critical successes.” borrow a name from another culture for a child.
In addition, in the Ancestry Ability
area A , write “Undead Hatred: +1 to Sample Names
damage rolls against undead creatures.” Agna, Bodill, Dolgrin, Edrukk, Grunyar, Ingra, Kazmuk, Kotri,
Lupp, Morgrym, Rogar, Rusilka, Torra, Yangrit
FORGE DWARF
You are well adapted to hot
environments, and you know about
quality weapons because of the time you and your
ancestors put in working at hot forges. In the Notes area
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ELF
As an ancient people, elves have the perspective that can come only from watching the arc of history.
The world has changed around them, and they struggle to reclaim their ancestral homes, most
notably from terrible demons that have infested their lands. Though renowned for their grace,
beauty, and knowledge, they place far more importance on personal freedom.
If you pick the elf ancestry, write “Elf” in the the following heritages and write it in the Heritage area
Ancestry section of your character sheet A . under your ancestry A . Then add its abilities to your
You get the following abilities. character sheet.
Elves can live for hundreds of years, and after spending
Attribute Boosts enough time in one locale, they adapt to match their
Elves are both nimble and clever. Add +1 to both your surroundings. Their skin and hair can even change,
Dexterity and Intelligence D . such as woodland elves taking on the colors of the
trees and leaves around them. Therefore, many
Hit Points elf heritages are connected to the
Elves are slender and slightly frailer compared to environments in which they live.
other ancestries. Put “6” in the Maximum box
in the Hit Points area E , although you will add CAVERN ELF
more to this amount later. You were born underground or spent many
years in tunnels or caverns where light is
Speed scarce. Write “darkvision” in the Senses and
With their long legs and easy grace, elves Notes box under Perception H . Darkvision
are a bit faster than people of most lets you see even in total darkness,
ancestries. Put down 30 feet for though only in black and white.
your Speed F . In addition, in the Ancestry
Ability area A , write “Unwavering
Low-Light Mien: Decrease the duration of
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Elves can see well in dim light. Write rounds by 1 round.” This protects you
“low-light vision” in the Senses and against magic that would affect your
Notes box under Perception H . This mind, letting you recover much faster.
makes it easier to target creatures that
are in shadow. WHISPER ELF
Your ears are finely tuned, able to detect even
Pick an Elf the slightest whispers of sound. In the Senses
Heritage and Notes box under Perception H , write
Like for most folk in the world, there are “Whisper Elf: +2 to Perception to hear creatures
many different kinds of elves, hailing from within 30 feet.”
different regions and families. Pick one of In addition, in the Ancestry Ability area A
write “Elven Weapon Familiarity: Trained in the
NAMES longbow, longsword, rapier, and shortbow.” These
An elf keeps their personal name secret from those outside their are some of the traditional weapons favored
family, giving a nickname when meeting other people. This nickname among elvenkind, so you’ve learned about them
can change over time, due to events in the elf’s life or even on a whim. regardless of the class you choose.
An elf might be known by many different names to associates of
varying ages and regions. Elven names consist of multiple syllables WOODLAND ELF
and are meant to flow lyrically—at least in the Elven tongue. You’re adapted to life in the forest or the
deep jungle, and you know how to climb
Sample Names trees and use foliage to your advantage. In
Aerel, Amrunelara, Caladrel, Dardlara, Faunra, Heldalel, Jathal, Lanliss, the Skill Notes area G , write “Woodland Elf:
Oparal, Seldlon, Soumral, Talathel, Tessara, Variel, Yalandlara, Zordlon Climb in forests at half Speed on a success and
full Speed on a critical success.”
In addition, in the Ancestry Ability area of
your character sheet A , write “Nimble Elf:
Your Speed increases by 5 feet.” Change your
Speed to 35 feet F .
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Beginner Box
HUMAN
As unpredictable and varied as any of Golarion’s peoples, humans have exceptional drive and
the capacity to endure and expand. Though many civilizations thrived before humanity rose to
prominence, humans have built some of the greatest and most abhorrent societies throughout the
course of history. Today they are the most populous people in realms around the world.
If you pick the human ancestry, write “Human” WARDEN HUMAN

in the Ancestry section of your character You and your family members are survivors, and you’ve
sheet A . You get the following abilities. learned how to take care of yourself. Pick one of the
following benefits and write it on your character sheet.
Attribute Boosts • Add 4 to your maximum Hit Points E .
Humans are flexible, with individuals exhibiting any of a • You become an expert in Fortitude saving throws.
wide variety of aptitudes. In Attribute Modifiers, add +1 to Check the “E” box for Fortitude in Saving Throws I .
two different attribute modifiers of your choice D . You can’t • You become trained in medium armor. Check the “T”
have any attribute modifier higher than +4, so you might need box for medium armor in Armor Proficiencies J .
to come back to this step later and make different choices if
the bonus from your class puts you at +5.
Hit Points
Humans are not as sturdy as dwarves or as frail as elves.
Put “8” in the Maximum box in the Hit Points area E ,
although you will add more to this amount later.
Speed
Humans move about as quickly as most ancestries. Put
down 25 feet for your Speed F .
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Like for most folk in the world, there are many different
kinds of humans. Pick one of the following heritages and
write it in the Heritage area under your ancestry A . Then
add its abilities to your character sheet.
BATTLE-TRAINED HUMAN
Your family has trained in battle for generations, granting
you advantages in a fight. You are trained in all martial
weapons. Check the “T” box for martial weapons in the
Weapon Proficiencies part of Weapons and Attacks K .
In addition, in the Ancestry Ability area A , write
“Diehard: You die when your dying condition reaches
dying 5 instead of dying 4.”
NAMES
SKILLED HUMAN Unlike many ancestral cultures, which
Your ingenuity allows you to learn a wide variety generally cleave to specific traditions and shared
of skills. You become trained in three skills of histories, humanity’s diversity has resulted in a
your choice. Wait until you add the trained near-infinite set of names. Humans’ names are as
skills for your class before deciding varied as their beliefs and appearances.
which skills to choose, then check
the “T” box for your proficiency
in each of those skills G .
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BACKGROUNDS
While your character’s ancestry reflects the circumstances of their birth, their background
represents the next step in their life story. Consider what events set your character on their path to
the life of an adventurer and how those circumstances relate to their background. A background
can help you learn or portray more about your character’s personality while also suggesting what
sorts of things they’re likely to know.
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Choose a Background CRIMINALBACKGROUND

Choose one of the following backgrounds for your As an unscrupulous independent agent or as a member of a
character. Write the background you chose on your larger underworld organization, you once lived a life of crime—
character sheet B . and maybe you still do! You might have become an adventurer to
seek redemption for past crimes, to escape the law, or to acquire
even bigger and more valuable treasure. Add +1 to your Dexterity
ACOLYTEBACKGROUND D . If you become an elf rogue, add +1 to your Wisdom instead.
You spent your early days in a church. You might have traveled out You’re trained in the Thievery skill (or Crafting if you become a
into the world to spread the message of your religion or because rogue) and the Underworld Lore skill. Write “Underworld” under
you cast away the teachings of your faith, but you’ll always Lore in Skills (G), and check the “T” box for your proficiency in each
remember the lessons you learned. Add +1 to your Wisdom D . of those skills G .
If you become a dwarf cleric, add +1 to your Constitution instead. In the Background Ability area B , write “Subtle Theft: Other
You’re trained in the Religion skill (or Survival if you become a people take a –2 penalty to their Perception DC when you Steal. If
cleric) and the Scribing Lore skill. Write “Scribing” under Lore in Skills you Create a Diversion, you can Steal something before the end of
(G), and check the “T” box for your proficiency in those skills G . your turn without being noticed by the creature you distracted.”
In the Background Ability area B , write “Student of the Canon:
If you critically fail a Religion check to Recall Knowledge about a DECKHANDBACKGROUND
faith or Decipher Writing about religion, you don’t get incorrect The rolling waves of the high seas, the constant sway of the
information. If you roll a failure on a Religion check to Recall deck underfoot, and the creaking heights of a ship’s rigging are
Knowledge about your deity, you still remember the information.” as familiar to you as solid ground. You might have worked on
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Beginner Box
a simple fishing boat, a wealthy merchant’s galley, a mighty WARRIORBACKGROUND
warship—or even a pirate’s caravel. Whether your crew retired, In your younger days, you waded into battle as a mercenary, a
your ship sank, or you’ve turned to adventuring so you can keep warrior defending your people, or a member of a militia or army.
all the treasure for yourself, you still retain an excellent sense of You might have wanted to break out from the regimented structure
balance and quick reflexes. Add +1 to your Dexterity D . If you of these forces, or you could have always been as independent a
become a rogue, add +1 to your Strength instead. warrior as you are now. Add +1 to your Strength D . If you become
You’re trained in the Acrobatics skill (or Survival if you become a fighter, add +1 to your Constitution instead.
a fighter or rogue) and the Sailing Lore skill. Write “Sailing” under You’re trained in the Intimidation skill (or Medicine if you’re a
Lore in Skills (G), and check the “T” box for your proficiency in each fighter) and the Warfare Lore skill. Write “Warfare” under Lore in
of those skills G . Skills (G), and check the “T” box for your proficiency in those skills
In the Background Ability area B , write “Cat Fall: Treat falls as G.
10 feet shorter, or 25 feet if you become an expert in Acrobatics.” In the Background Ability area B , write “Intimidating Glare:
You can Demoralize foes with a mere glare. If you do, the target
FARMHANDBACKGROUND has to see you, instead of needing to hear you, and you don’t take
With a strong back and an understanding of seasonal cycles, a penalty for not using language.”
you tilled the land and tended crops. Your farm could have been
razed by invaders, you could have lost the family tying you to
the land, or you might have simply tired of the drudgery, but at
some point you left the tools of your trade behind and became
an adventurer. Add +1 to your Constitution D .
You’re trained in the Athletics skill (or Survival if you
become a fighter or rogue) and the Farming Lore skill. Write
“Farming” under Lore in Skills (G), and check the “T” box for
your proficiency in each of those skills G .
In the Background Ability area B , write “Assurance: For
Athletics checks, you can use a result of 10 + your proficiency
bonus in Athletics instead of rolling.”
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GAMBLERBACKGROUND 4265392
The thrill of wining—or the possibility that you might get rich
quick—drew you to games of chance. This might have been a
lucrative sideline that paled in comparison to the real risks and
rewards of an adventuring life, or you might have fallen on hard
times due to a run of bad luck and pursued adventuring as a way
to clear your mounting debt. Add +1 to your Charisma D .
You’re trained in the Deception skill (or Survival if you’re a rogue)
and the Games Lore skill. Write “Games” under Lore in Skills (G), and
check the “T” box for your proficiency in each of those skills G .
In the Background Ability area B , write “Lie to Me: If someone
Lies to you, you know it’s a lie if their result is less than either your
Deception DC or Perception DC.”
SCHOLARBACKGROUND
You have always had a knack for learning, and for years you
sequestered yourself from the outside world to learn all you
could. You read about so many wondrous places and things in
your books, and you always dreamed about one day seeing those
things with your own eyes. Eventually, that curiosity led you to
conclude your formal studies and become an adventurer to pursue
a more hands-on education. Add +1 to your Intelligence D . If you
become an elf wizard, add +1 to your Wisdom instead.
You’re trained in Arcana (or Religion if you’re a wizard) and the
Academia Lore skill. Write “Academia” under Lore in Skills (G), and
check the “T” box for your proficiency in each of those skills G .
In the Background Ability area B , write “Assurance: For
Arcana checks, you can use a result of 10 + your proficiency bonus
in Arcana instead of rolling.”
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CLERIC
Blessed with divine magic, you live the ideals of your faith, adorn yourself
with the symbols of your church, and train diligently with your deity’s favored
weapon. Your spells might protect and heal your allies, or they might punish foes
and enemies of your faith, as your deity wills.
1st-Level
Cleric Class
Features
If you decide to play a cleric, write the
following things on your character sheet.
ATTRIBUTE BOOSTS
Clerics are very wise. Add +3 to your
Wisdom. Then pick three other attribute
modifiers and add +1 to each of those D .
You can’t pick the same attribute modifier
more than once.
HIT POINTS
Clerics can take some hits in a fight. Add
8 to your maximum Hit Points E . These
get added to the Hit Points gained from
your ancestry choice. Then, add your
Constitution to the total.
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INITIAL PROFICIENCIES 4265393
At 1st level, you gain the listed proficiency

ranks in the following statistics. You’re
untrained in anything not listed unless
you gain a better proficiency rank in some
other way. For each of the following items,
check the “T” box for that statistic if you’re
trained, and both boxes if you’re an expert.
SKILLS G
Trained in Diplomacy, Medicine, and Religion
PERCEPTION H
Trained in Perception
SAVING THROWS I
Expert in Fortitude saving throws
Trained in Reflex saving throws
Expert in Will saving throws
DEFENSES J
Trained in light armor, medium armor, and
unarmored defense
ATTACKS K
Trained in simple weapons and fists
SPELLS N
Trained in spell attacks and spell DCs
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Beginner Box
Play a Cleric If You Want To...

• Support and heal your allies with divine spells.
• Fight with the favored weapon of your deity.
• Know about religious writing and images.
• Oppose and destroy evil undead creatures.
During Combat Encounters...

You balance between casting spells and attacking with weapons—typically the favored weapon of your deity. Most of
your spells can boost, protect, or heal your allies.
While Exploring...
You detect nearby magic and interpret any religious writing or icons you come across. You might also concentrate on a
protective spell for your allies in case of attack. After a battle or hazard, you might heal anyone who was hurt.
SPELLCASTING SHIELD BLOCK [reaction]

Your deity bestows on you the power to cast spells. Each If you Raised a Shield on your last turn, you can spend your
morning, you pray to your deity to decide what spells you reaction to block a physical attack with your shield. Reduce the
want to cast that day. This is called preparing your spells. amount of damage by 5, but then you and your shield both take
Every day, you can prepare two 1st-rank spells and five the remaining damage. This might break or destroy your shield.
cantrips from the list on pages 22–23. Write the spells you’ve
prepared in the Spellcasting section of your character sheet DEITY
N and check the Prep box next to each. The final choice you must make as a cleric is the deity
You can cast a spell by spending the actions shown in you worship. Each deity gives you different benefits. Write
the spell’s heading. Whenever you cast a 1st-rank spell, your choice of deity in the Class section of your character
erase the check mark in the Prep box on your character sheet C .
sheet. You can’t cast that spell again that day unless you
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have another copy prepared. Cantrips are special spells that Desna 4265394
don’t go away when you cast them—you can cast a cantrip Desna is the butterfly goddess of dreams, luck, and travel. As
as many times as you like so long as you have it prepared. her cleric, you swear to aid fellow travelers, explore new
Some of your spells require you to make a spell attack places, express yourself through art and song, and find what
roll, while others require enemies to roll a saving throw life has to offer. You also promise never to cause fear or
against your spell DC to determine the effects. The results despair or engage in bigoted behavior.
listed in a spell’s description tell you what happens based on You become trained in the Acrobatics skill G and the
those rolls. To calculate your spell attack, add your hero’s starknife (write this in Other Weapon Proficiencies in K ),
Wisdom + their proficiency bonus in spell attacks (3 at 1st and you can prepare the 1st-rank spell sleep.
level). Your spell DC is your spell attack + 10. Write these in
the Spellcasting section of your character sheet N . Sarenrae
Sarenrae is the goddess of healing and the sun. As her cleric,
DIVINE FONT you swear to protect allies, provide aid to the sick and
Each day, in addition to the normal number of prepared wounded, and help repentant creatures seek redemption.
spells, you prepare 4 extra 1st-rank heal spells. You promise never to create undead, lie, or fail to strike
down evil.
WARPRIEST You become trained in the Nature skill G and the scimitar
You’re a battle-focused cleric called a warpriest, so you excel (write this in Other Weapon Proficiencies in K ), and you can
in combat and know how to make the most out of armor, prepare the 1st-rank spell breathe fire.
shields, and the chosen weapon of your deity. You gain the
Shield Block reaction (write this in the Class section of your Torag
character sheet C ). Shield Block requires you to first Raise Torag is the dwarven god of crafting and defense. As his
a Shield. cleric, you swear to be honorable and forthright, keep your
word, respect the forge, and serve your people. You promise
RAISE A SHIELD [one-action] never to tell lies, cheat someone, intentionally create inferior
When you’re holding a shield, you can use this action to position works, or show mercy to the enemies of your people.
the shield to protect yourself. When you’ve Raised a Shield, you You become trained in the Crafting skill G and the
gain a +2 circumstance bonus to AC. Your shield remains raised warhammer (write this in Other Weapon Proficiencies in
until the start of your next turn. K ), and you can prepare the 1st-rank spell mindlink.
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CLERIC SPELLS
Cantrips 5 minutes of work. If it’s on a creature, it fades naturally over the
course of a week; otherwise it lasts until removed.
DAZE [two-actions]
CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE MENTAL NONLETHAL STABILIZE [two-actions]
You jolt the mind of a single target within 60 feet. This deals 1d6 CONCENTRATE DIVINE HEALING MANIPULATE VITALITY
mental damage and the target must attempt a basic Will save. If Life energy shuts death’s door. One creature within 30 feet loses
the target critically fails, it loses its first action on its next turn, the dying condition, though it remains unconscious at 0 Hit
and it can’t use reactions until then. Points, and it gains the wounded 1 condition (or increases its
wounded condition by 1, if it was already wounded).
DETECT MAGIC [two-actions]
CONCENTRATE DIVINE DETECTION MANIPULATE VITALITY LASH [two-actions]
You send out a pulse that registers the presence of magic within CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE VITALITY
30 feet. You can choose to ignore magic you’re fully aware of, You demolish one undead creature within 30 feet with divine
such as the magic items and ongoing spells of you and your allies. power. You deal 2d6 vitality damage. The target must attempt a
basic Fortitude save. If the creature critically fails the save, for 1
GUIDANCE [one-action] round it takes a –1 status penalty to melee attack rolls, damage
CONCENTRATE DIVINE rolls, and Athletics checks and DCs.
You ask for divine guidance, granting one target within 30 feet
a +1 status bonus to one attack roll, Perception check, saving 1st-Rank Spells
throw, or skill check the target attempts before the start of your
next turn. The target chooses which roll to use the bonus on BREATHE FIRE [two-actions]
before rolling. If the target uses the bonus, the spell ends. Either CONCENTRATE DIVINE FIRE MANIPULATE
way, the target can’t benefit from guidance for 1 hour. Deity Spell You must worship Sarenrae to prepare this spell.
A gout of flame sprays from your mouth in a 15-foot cone. The
LIGHT [two-actions] fire deals 2d6 fire damage to each creature in the area. Each
CONCENTRATE DIVINE LIGHT MANIPULATE creature must roll a basic Reflex save.
You create an orb of light that casts bright light in a 20-foot radius
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(and dim light for the next 20 feet) in a color you choose until you COMMAND [two-actions]
next study your spellbook to prepare your spells. You can attach it CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE MENTAL
to a willing creature in its square to have it move along with that You shout a magically compelling command at one creature
creature. You can end a light spell as an action, and if you have four within 30 feet. You can command the target to approach you,
light spells active when you cast light, choose one to end. run away, release what it’s holding, drop prone, or stand in place.
If the target can’t hear or understand you, the spell has no effect.
MESSAGE [one-action] The effects depend on the target’s Will save.
CONCENTRATE DIVINE ILLUSION MENTAL Success The creature ignores your command.
You mouth words quietly, but instead of coming out of your Failure For the first action on its next turn, the creature must do
mouth, they’re transferred directly to the ears of one creature as you command. It can’t use reactions until it has done so.
within 120 feet. The target can give a brief response directly to Critical Failure The target must use all its actions on its next turn
your ear as a reaction, but they must be able to see you to do so. to obey your command. It can’t use reactions until it has done so.
SHIELD [one-action] FEAR [two-actions]

CONCENTRATE DIVINE FORCE CONCENTRATE DIVINE FEAR MANIPULATE MENTAL
You raise a magical shield of force that lasts until the start of You plant fear in one creature within 30 feet. The target must
your next turn. This shield gives you a +1 bonus to AC, but it attempt a Will save.
doesn’t require a hand to use. While the spell is in effect, you can Critical Success The target is unaffected.
spend your reaction to block an attack with your magic shield Success The target gains the frightened 1 condition.
to prevent up to 5 damage. After you block with this shield, the Failure The target gains the frightened 2 condition.
spell ends and you can’t cast it again for 10 minutes. Critical Failure The target gains the frightened 3 condition. On
its next turn, it spends the turn running away.
SIGIL [two-actions]
CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE HEAL [one-action], [two-actions], OR [three-actions]
You place your unique magical sigil, which is about 1 square inch DIVINE MANIPULATE VITALITY
in size, on a creature or object. The mark can be visible or invisible, You heal the living or damage the undead. If the target is a
and you can change it from one state to another by using an action willing living creature, it regains 1d8 Hit Points. If the target is
to touch the target. The mark can be scrubbed or scraped off with undead, you deal 1d8 vitality damage to it, and it gets a basic
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Fortitude save. The number of actions you spend affects how SANCTUARY [two-actions]
you can use the spell. CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE
[one-action] You can target one creature you can touch. Touch one target to ward it in protective energy. This spell lasts for
[two-actions] You can target one creature within 30 feet. If you’re healing a 1 minute or until the target makes a Strike or uses another hostile
living creature, increase the healing to 1d8+8. action. During this time, any creature that tries to attack the target
[three-actions] You affect all living and undead creatures within 30 feet of must attempt a Will save each time with the following results.
you. Roll 1d8. Heal living creatures for that many Hit Points, and Critical Success Sanctuary ends.
deal that much vitality damage to undead creatures. Success The creature can attack the target this turn.
Failure The creature can’t attack the target and loses the action.
INFUSE VITALITY [one-action], [two-actions], OR [three-actions] It can’t attempt further attacks against the target this turn.
DIVINE MANIPULATE VITALITY
You touch a number of weapons equal to the actions you spent to SLEEP [two-actions]
cast this spell to infuse them with vitality. For 1 minute, attacks CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE MENTAL SLEEP
with these weapons deal an extra 1d4 vitality damage to undead. Deity Spell You must worship Desna to prepare this spell.
You call a miasma of drowsiness in a 5-foot burst within 30 feet of
MINDLINK [two-actions] you. Each creature in the area must attempt a Will save using the
CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE MENTAL outcomes below. A creature that falls unconscious from this spell
Deity Spell You must worship Torag to prepare this spell. doesn’t fall prone and can be woken up by loud noises and attacks.
You link your mind to the mind of one willing creature you can A creature of 4th-level or higher improves its save result by one
touch. You mentally impart to that target an amount of information step (for instance, if it rolls a failure, it gets a success instead).
in an instant that could otherwise be communicated in 10 minutes. Critical Success The creature is unaffected.
Success The creature takes a –1 status penalty to Perception
RUNIC WEAPON [two-actions] checks for 1 round.
CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE Failure The creature gains the unconscious condition. If it’s still
You touch one non-magical weapon. For 1 minute, the weapon gains unconscious after 1 minute, it wakes up automatically.
a +1 item bonus to its attack rolls, and its damage rolls use two dice Critical Failure The creature gains the unconscious condition. If
(of its normal die type) instead of one. it’s still unconscious after 1 hour, it wakes up automatically.
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2nd-Level throw is also frightened 1. If it critically fails its save, the undead
Cleric Class Features is frightened 1 and spends its next turn running away from you.
When you reach 2nd level as a cleric, you get the following
benefits. You can also choose one cleric feat to represent the 3rd-Level
new knowledge you’ve attained. Cleric Class Features
When you reach 3rd level as a cleric, you get the
HIT POINTS following benefits. In addition, you gain the ability to cast
You gain the ability to take more damage before falling 2nd-rank spells!
unconscious. Add 8 + your Constitution to your maximum
number of Hit Points E . HIT POINTS
You grow even more resilient against harm. Add 8 + your
PROFICIENCY BONUS Constitution to your maximum number of Hit Points E .
All your proficiency bonuses are based on your level, and
since your level just went up by 1, your proficiency bonuses PROFICIENCY BONUS
also increase by 1. Write down your new bonuses. All your proficiency bonuses are based on your level, and
• Skills G since your level just went up by 1, your proficiency bonuses
• Perception H also increase by 1. Write down your new bonuses.
• Saving throws I • Skills G
• AC J • Perception H
• Attack rolls K • Saving throws I
• Spell attack and spell DC N • AC J
• Attack rolls K
SPELLS • Spell attack and spell DC N
As your understanding of magic grows, you gain the ability
to prepare one additional 1st-rank spell each day, bringing SKILL INCREASE
the total number up to 3. Write “3” in the Prepared per Day Choose one skill to improve your proficiency rank in. You
box for 1st-Rank Spells on your character sheet N . can change a skill from untrained to trained, or you can
become an expert in a skill you were already trained in. If
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You know how to quickly heal your allies with Medicine. increases to 4 + your level! Check the “T” or “E” box for
Write “Battle Medicine” in the Level 2 box in the Class the skill you chose, and write your new proficiency bonus
section of your character sheet C . in the Prof box G .
BATTLE MEDICINE [one-action] DOCTRINE OF WAR

You can patch up wounds with your healer’s toolkit and a Your training with weapons improves. You become trained
free hand. Attempt a DC 15 Medicine check to heal yourself in all martial weapons. Check the “T” next to “Martial”
or an ally for 2d8 Hit Points. If you become an expert in in the Weapons and Attacks section of your character
Medicine, you can instead attempt a DC 20 Medicine check sheet, and update your proficiency bonus for any affected
to heal for 2d8+10 Hit Points. You can heal a particular weapons K .
person only once each day with Battle Medicine.
GENERAL FEAT
CLERIC FEAT Choose one general feat to add to your abilities. Write the
Choose one of the following cleric feats. Write the feat feat you chose in the Level 3 box in the Class section of
you choose in the Level 2 box in the Class section of your your character sheet C .
character sheet C .
ASSURANCE
CANTRIP EXPANSION You can perform simple tasks without rolling. Pick one skill
Dedicated study allows you to prepare a wider range of simple that you’re trained or expert in. Whenever you’re asked to roll
spells. You can prepare seven cantrips each day instead of five. a check with that skill, instead of rolling you can use a result of
10 + your proficiency bonus for that skill.
HEALING HANDS
Your vitality is even more vibrant and restorative. When you cast FLEET
a heal spell, you roll d10s instead of d8s. You’re fast on your feet. Increase your Speed by 5 feet F .
PANIC THE DEAD TOUGHNESS

Undead harmed by your heal spell might flee. When you use a Your faith makes you hardier than most. Add 3 to your maximum
heal spell to damage undead, each undead that fails it saving Hit Points E .
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SPELLS SEE THE UNSEEN [two-actions]
You learn to cast 2nd-rank spells! Every day, you can CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE
prepare two 2nd-rank cleric spells in addition to the spells You can see invisible creatures and objects for 10 minutes.
you can already prepare. Write “2” in the “Prepared per They appear to you as translucent shapes, and they have the
Day” box for 2nd-Rank Spells on your character sheet N . concealed condition to you.
In addition, the heal spells from your divine font become
heal rank 2 spells. WATER WALK [two-actions]
CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE
2nd-Rank You touch one creature to make them buoyant enough to walk
Cleric Spells along the surface of water and other liquids without falling
through. The spell lasts for 10 minutes.
CLEAR MIND [two-actions]
CONCENTRATE DIVINE MANIPULATE MENTAL
You drive mental contamination from the mind of one willing
creature you touch. Make a spell attack roll and compare the
result to the DC for the source of the frightened condition or
fear effect. Use the caster’s spell DC if the source is a spell, a
creature’s Intimidation DC if the target was Demoralized, or a DC
for the source’s level if it came from something else (the GM can
look this up on page 36 of the Game Master’s Guide).
Success You remove the frightened condition or the fear effect
from the target. This frees only the target, not any other
creatures with that condition or effect.
Failure You suppress the condition until the start of your next
turn unless is comes from a creature higher than 3rd level.
Critical Failure The condition or effect doesn’t end.
DISPEL MAGIC [two-actions]

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You unravel the magic behind one active spell within 120 feet. Make
a spell attack roll and compare the result to the caster’s spell DC.
Success The spell ends.
Failure The spell ends if it’s a 1st-rank spell or a cantrip, but not
if it’s a 2nd-rank spell.
Critical Failure The spell doesn’t end.
HEAL RANK 2 [one-action], [two-actions], OR [three-actions]

DIVINE MANIPULATE VITALITY
You channel vital energy to heal the living or damage the undead.
If the target is a willing living creature, it regains 2d8 Hit Points.
If the target is undead, you deal 2d8 vitality damage to it, and
it gets a basic Fortitude save. The number of actions you spend
affects how you can use the spell.
[one-action] You can target one creature you can touch.
[two-actions] You can target one creature within 30 feet. If you’re healing
a living creature, increase the healing to 2d8+16.
[three-actions] You affect all living and undead creatures within 30 feet of
you. Roll 2d8. Heal living creatures for that many Hit Points,
and deal that much vitality damage to undead creatures.
RESIST ENERGY [two-actions]

A shield of elemental energy protects one creature you touch
against one type of energy damage. Choose acid, cold, electricity,
fire, or sonic damage. For 10 minutes, whenever the target takes
damage of the type you chose, it takes 5 less damage.
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FIGHTER
Whether you fight for honor, greed, loyalty, or simply the thrill of battle, you’re
an undisputed master of weaponry and combat techniques. You might have
been a knight, mercenary, or blade master. Whatever the case, you’ve honed your
martial skills into an art form, performing devastating attacks on your enemies.
1st-Level
Fighter Class
Features
If you decide to play a fighter, write the
ATTRIBUTE BOOSTS
Fighters are very strong. Add +3 to your
Strength. Then pick three other attribute
modifiers and add +1 to each of those
D . You can’t pick the same attribute
modifier more than once.
HIT POINTS
Fighters are trained to take a lot of damage
and generally fight on the front line.
Add 10 to your maximum Hit Points E .
These get added to the Hit Points gained
from your ancestry choice. Then, add your
Constitution to the total.
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you gain a better proficiency rank in
some other way. For each of the following
items, check the “T” box for that statistic
if you’re trained, and both boxes if you’re
an expert.
Skills G
Trained in Acrobatics, Athletics, Crafting,
and Intimidation
Perception H
Expert in Perception
Saving Throws I
Expert in Fortitude saving throws
Expert in Reflex saving throws
Trained in Will saving throws
Defenses J
Trained in light armor, medium armor,
heavy armor, and unarmored defense
Attacks K
Expert in simple weapons, martial weapons,
and fists
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Play a Fighter If You Want To...

• Use the biggest weapons—or two at once!
• Fight on the front lines.
• React quickly to enemy actions.
• Wear the best armor and carry a shield.
• Frighten or bully your foes.

You strike with unmatched accuracy and use specialized combat techniques. You stand between allies and enemies,
attacking foes who try to get past.
While Exploring...
You keep up your defenses in preparation for combat and stay vigilant for hidden threats. You also overcome physical
challenges in your way, breaking down doors, lifting obstacles, climbing adeptly, and leaping across pits.
FIGHTER REACTIONS greatsword and greataxe are prime choices since they use
As a fighter, you can use your reaction to attack foes who 12-sided dice (d12s) for damage. You learn the Vicious
drop their guard or to protect yourself with a shield. You Swing ability.
gain the Reactive Strike and Shield Block reactions (write
these in the Class section of your character sheet C ). Shield VICIOUS SWING [two-actions]
Block requires you to first Raise a Shield. You unleash a particularly powerful attack that clobbers your foe
but leaves you a bit unsteady. Make a melee Strike. If you hit, roll
REACTIVE STRIKE [reaction] one extra die of the listed type for your weapon’s damage (for
If a creature you can reach with a melee attack makes a ranged instance, you’d roll an extra d12 for damage with a greatsword or
attack, uses an action with the manipulate or move trait, or greataxe). Because the attack makes you unsteady, if you attack
leaves a square on its turn, you can use your reaction to make a again this turn, that attack takes a –10 multiple attack penalty or
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and the foe was using an action with the manipulate trait, their
action doesn’t have any effect. Shield Fighter
As a shield fighter, you’re incredibly well-defended and can
RAISE A SHIELD [one-action] hold the front line with ease. Since you have to use an action
When you’re holding a shield, you can use this action to position for your shield each turn, you’ve learned a special ability
the shield to protect yourself. When you Raise a Shield, you gain called Sudden Charge to help make sure you’re always on
a +2 circumstance bonus to AC. Your shield remains raised until the front line.
the start of your next turn.
SUDDEN CHARGE [two-actions]
SHIELD BLOCK [reaction] With a quick sprint, you Stride twice. After moving, if you can
If you Raised a Shield on your last turn, you can spend your reach any enemies with a melee attack, you can make a melee
reaction to block a physical attack with your shield. Reduce the Strike against one of those enemies.
amount of damage by 5, but then you and your shield both take
the remaining damage. This might break or destroy your shield. Two-Weapon Fighter
As a two-weapon fighter, you increase your versatility in
FIGHTER COMBAT STYLE combat by wielding two weapons that might be good at
The last choice you’ll make as a fighter is which combat style different things. Make sure one of your weapons is agile
you use. You might be a brute who focuses on devastating so you can make better follow-up attacks and use your
attacks with a two-handed weapon, a shield fighter who powerful special ability called Double Slice.
protects yourself for unparalleled survival on the front lines,
or maybe a two-weapon fighter who attacks with both DOUBLE SLICE [two-actions]
weapons to take down your foes. Your choice gives you a If you’re holding a melee weapon in each of your hands and at
special ability—write your choice and the ability it grants in least one of those weapons is agile, you can lash out at your
the Class Abilities (Level 1) box of your character sheet C . foe with both weapons. Make two Strikes at the same target,
one with each of your two melee weapons. Don’t increase your
Brute multiple attack penalty until after you make both attacks.
As a brute, using the most damaging weapon is the most Afterwards, you’ll have a –10 multiple attack penalty, or a –8
important thing for you. Two-handed weapons like the multiple attack penalty with an agile weapon.
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2nd-Level FIGHTER FEAT

Fighter Class Features Choose one of the following four fighter feats. Write the feat
When you reach 2nd level as a fighter, you get the you choose in the Level 2 box in the class section of your
following benefits. You also get to choose one fighter feat character sheet C .
to represent new techniques you’ve learned during your
adventures so far! AGGRESSIVE BLOCK
When you use Shield Block against an adjacent enemy your size
HIT POINTS or smaller, you can push the enemy back with your shield. The
You’ve grown tougher, and now you can take more damage enemy chooses whether to gain the off-guard condition until the
before falling unconscious. Add 10 + your Constitution to start of your next turn or to let you push it 5 feet away in a
your maximum number of Hit Points E . direction of your choice.
PROFICIENCY BONUS BRUTISH SHOVE [one-action]

All your proficiency bonuses are based on your level, and Throwing your weight behind your attack, you hit your opponent
since your level just went up by 1, all your proficiency hard enough to make it stumble back. If you’ve already attacked
bonuses increase by 1. Write down your new bonuses. this turn and are holding a two-handed melee weapon, make a
• Skills G Strike with your two-handed melee weapon. If you hit a target
• Perception H that is your size or smaller, you can push it back 5 feet, or 10 feet
• Saving throws I if your Strike was a critical hit. You can move to follow the target.
• AC J Whether you hit or miss, the target is off-guard until the end of
• Attack rolls K your current turn unless you critically fail.
QUICK REPAIR INTIMIDATING STRIKE [two-actions]

You’ve learned to fix broken items quickly so you can get FEAR MENTAL
back into the action. When you use the Crafting skill to Your blows not only wound creatures, they shatter their
Repair an item, it takes you only 1 minute instead of 10 confidence. Make a melee Strike. If you hit and deal damage, the
minutes. Write this in the Level 2 box in the class section of target gains the frightened 1 condition, or frightened 2 if your
your character sheet C . Strike was a critical hit.
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LUNGE [one-action] ASSURANCE
Extending your body to its limits, you attack an enemy that You can perform simple tasks without rolling, making it less
would normally be beyond your reach. Make a Strike with a likely that you’ll critically fail on routine tasks. Pick one skill
melee weapon. You can reach creatures 5 feet further from you that you’re trained or expert in. Whenever you’re asked to roll
than normal for this Strike. a check with that skill, instead of rolling you can use a result of
10 + your proficiency bonus for that skill.
3rd-Level
Fighter Class Features FLEET
When you reach 3rd level as a fighter, you get more Hit You’re particularly fast on your feet. Increase your Speed by 5
Points, a skill increase, and a special ability called bravery feet F .
that keeps you from becoming frightened. You also get to
choose one general feat, representing a broad ability or TOUGHNESS
talent you’ve picked up during your adventuring career. You’re even hardier than most adventurers. Add 3 to your
maximum Hit Points E .
HIT POINTS
Your body has become even more resilient, and you can
take a huge amount of damage before falling unconscious.
Add 10 + your Constitution to your maximum number of
Hit Points E .
PROFICIENCY BONUS
since your level just went up to 3, all your proficiency
bonuses increase by 1. Write down your new
bonuses.
• Skills G
• Perception H
• Saving throws I
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• Attack rolls K
SKILL INCREASE
Choose one skill to improve your proficiency rank in. You
can change a skill from untrained to trained, or you can
become an expert in a skill you were already trained in. If
you become expert in a skill, your total proficiency bonus
increases to 4 + your level! Check the “T” or “E” box for
the skill you chose, and write your new proficiency bonus
in the Prof box G .
BRAVERY
Having faced countless foes in the chaos of battle, you’ve
learned how to stand strong in the face of fear and keep
on fighting. Your proficiency rank for Will saves increases
to expert. Check the “E” box next to Will in the Saving
Throws section of your character sheet. This means your
proficiency bonus is now 4 + your level, so write 7 in the
Prof box next to your Will save I .
In the Notes area of your saving throws J , write
“Bravery: successful saves against fear count as critical
successes, and when you gain the frightened condition,
reduce its value by 1.”
GENERAL FEAT
Choose one general feat to add to your abilities. Write the
feat you chose in the Level 3 box in the class section of your
character sheet C .
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ROGUE
Using your wits and quick reactions, you take advantage of your opponents’ missteps
to strike where it hurts most. You seek thrills and test your skills, and you likely don’t
care much for any laws that happen to get in your way. While every rogue follows a
unique path, the one thing you all share is the breadth and depth of your skills.
1st-Level
Rogue Class
Features
If you decide to play a rogue, write the
ATTRIBUTE BOOSTS
Rogues are very nimble. Add +3 to
your Dexterity. Then pick three other
attribute modifiers and add +1 to each
of those D . You can’t pick the same
attribute modifier more than once.
HIT POINTS
Rogues can take some damage, allowing
you to move in and out of the front lines.
from your ancestry choice. Then, add
your Constitution to the total.
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Skills G
Trained in Acrobatics, Athletics,
Deception, Diplomacy, Intimidation,
Medicine, Society, Stealth, and Thievery
Perception H
Expert in Perception
Saving Throws I
Trained in Fortitude saving throws
Expert in Reflex saving throws
Defenses J
Trained in light armor and unarmored
defense
Attacks K
Trained in simple weapons, martial
weapons and fists
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Play a Rogue If You Want To…

• Sneak up on foes to deal more damage.
• Steal things without being seen.
• Excel at a variety of skills.
• Use trickery to solve problems during adventures.

You move about stealthily so you can catch foes unawares. You’re a precision instrument, more useful against a tough
boss or distant spellcaster than against rank-and-file soldiers.
While Exploring...
You sneak about to get the drop on foes and scout for danger or traps. You’re a great asset, since you can disable traps,
solve puzzles, and anticipate dangers.
THIEF trickery you use during your adventures. You might be a

Nothing beats the thrill of taking something that belongs harrier who scares your opponents, a trap spotter who
to someone else, especially if you can do so completely specializes in finding and disabling dangerous traps, or a
unnoticed. You might be a pickpocket working the streets twin trickster who uses two weapons to throw your enemies
or a cat burglar sneaking through windows and escaping off-guard. Each option gives you a special ability—write
via rooftops. When you attack with a melee weapon that your choice and the ability it grants in the Class Abilities
has the finesse trait, like a shortsword, rapier, or dagger, (Level 1) box of your character sheet C .
you can add your Dexterity to damage rolls instead of your
Strength. On your character sheet, write your Dexterity in Harrier
the Damage box instead of your Strength K . As a harrier, you specialize in weakening your enemy’s
You can use the Thievery skill to Steal an item that’s resolve. You learn the You’re Next ability.
closely guarded, such as in a pocket, without taking
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Steal objects that would be extremely noticeable or time- EMOTION FEAR MENTAL
consuming to remove (like worn armor or the weapon an After knocking a foe unconscious or killing them, you
enemy is actively holding). Write “Pickpocket” in the Skill menacingly tell another foe that you’re coming after them next.
Notes section of your character sheet G . Attempt an Intimidation check to Demoralize (page 55) with a +2
circumstance bonus against a single creature that you can see
SNEAK ATTACK and that can see you, possibly giving it the frightened condition.
When your enemy can’t properly defend itself, you take
advantage to deal extra damage. To use sneak attack, you Trap Spotter
must use your fist, a melee weapon with the agile or finesse As a trap spotter, you find and disable dangerous traps,
trait, a thrown dagger, or a ranged weapon. When you use helping you and your group sneak into places while avoiding
one of these attacks to Strike a creature that has the off- alarms and protections. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to
guard condition, you deal an extra 1d6 damage. A creature Perception checks to find traps, to AC against attacks made
can become off-guard if you surprise them with your surprise by traps, and to saving throws against traps. Even if you
attack ability (see below), if they can’t see you because it’s aren’t Searching, the GM rolls a secret check to see if you
dark or you’re using the Stealth skill, or if they’re directly find any traps where you are.
between you and an ally. An off-guard creature is easier to hit.
Write “Sneak Attack 1d6” in the Class Abilities (Level 1) Twin Trickster
box of your character sheet C . As a twin trickster, you fight with two weapons, using your
first attack to make your foe vulnerable to your second
SURPRISE ATTACK attack. You learn the Twin Feint ability.
You spring into combat faster than foes can react. On the
first round of an encounter where you rolled Stealth for TWIN FEINT [two-actions]
initiative, creatures that haven’t acted have the off-guard If you’re holding a melee weapon in each of your hands, you can
condition, but only against you. Write “Surprise Attack” in make a dazzling series of attacks with both weapons, using the
the Class Abilities (Level 1) box of your character sheet C . first attack to throw your foe off guard. Make one Strike with
each of your two melee weapons, both against the same target.
ROGUE TRICKERY The target is automatically off-guard against the second attack.
The final choice you must make as a rogue is the type of Apply your multiple attack penalty to the Strikes normally.
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2nd-Level your allies are all Avoiding Notice together while exploring,
Rogue Class Features the ally with the lowest Stealth can roll a single Stealth check
When you reach 2nd level as a rogue, you get the following to Avoid Notice, instead of each hero rolling separately. This
benefits, as well as a rogue feat to show what you’ve learned. increases your chances to sneak past enemies without anyone
being noticed. Write “Quiet Allies” in the Level 2 box in the
HIT POINTS Class section of your character sheet C .
You gain the ability to take more damage before falling
unconscious. Add 8 + your Constitution to your maximum ROGUE FEAT
number of Hit Points E . Choose one of the following rogue feats. Write the feat
you choose in the Level 2 box in the Class section of your
PROFICIENCY BONUS character sheet C .
since your level just went up by 1, your proficiency bonuses MOBILITY
also increase by 1. Write down your new bonuses. You move in a way that prevents your enemies from retaliating.
• Skills G When you use a Stride action but move only half your Speed or
• Perception H less, that movement doesn’t trigger reactions (like the fighter’s
• Saving throws I Reactive Strike) from your enemies.
• AC J
• Attack rolls K QUICK DRAW [one-action]
You draw your weapon and attack with the same motion. You
STEALTH EXPERT Interact to draw a weapon, then Strike with that weapon.
Your proficiency rank in Stealth improves to expert.
Check the “E” box for Stealth, and write “6” in its Prof UNBALANCING BLOW
box G . Interweaving attacks in a graceful flow, you unbalance your
foes. Whenever your Strike is a critical hit and deals damage, the
QUIET ALLIES target gains the off-guard condition against your attacks until
You’re skilled at helping a group move quietly. When you and the end of your next turn.
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3rd-Level INTIMIDATING GLARE
Rogue Class Features You can Demoralize with a mere glare. When you do, your target
When you reach 3rd level as a rogue, you get the following has to see you instead of needing to hear you, and you don’t take
benefits, and you can choose both a new general feat and a a penalty if the creature doesn’t understand your language.
new skill feat.
STREETWISE
HIT POINTS You know about life on the streets and feel the pulse of your
You gain the ability to take more damage before falling local settlement. You can use Society instead of Diplomacy to
unconscious. Add 8 + your Constitution to your maximum Gather Information.
number of Hit Points E . In any settlement you frequent regularly, you can use the
Recall Knowledge action with Society to know the same sorts of
PROFICIENCY BONUS information that you could discover using Diplomacy to Gather
All your proficiency bonuses are based on your level, and Information. The DC is usually significantly higher, but you know
since your level just went up by 1, your proficiency bonuses the information without spending time gathering it. If you fail
also increase by 1. Write down your new bonuses. to recall the information, you can still try to Gather Information
• Skills G normally later on.
• Perception H
• Saving throws I DENY ADVANTAGE
• AC J As someone who often takes advantage of opponents’ lapses
• Attack rolls K in defense, you’re careful not to leave such openings yourself.
You don’t gain the off-guard condition against a creature you
SKILL INCREASE can’t see or one that’s flanking you unless it’s 4th level or
Choose one skill to improve your proficiency rank in. You higher. Lower-level creatures can still help their allies flank
can change a skill from untrained to trained, or you can you. Write this in the Level 3 box in the Class section of your
become an expert in a skill you were already trained in. If character sheet C .
you become expert in a skill, your total proficiency bonus
increases to 4 + your level! Check the “T” or “E” box for
the skill you chose, and write your new proficiency bonus
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GENERAL FEAT
Choose one general feat to add to your abilities. Write the
feat you choose in the Level 3 box in the Class section of
your character sheet C .
ASSURANCE
You can perform simple tasks without rolling checks. Pick one
skill that you’re trained or expert in. Whenever you’re asked
to roll a check for that skill, instead of rolling you can use a
result of 10 + your proficiency bonus for that skill.
FLEET
You’re fast on your feet. Increase your Speed by 5 feet F .
TOUGHNESS
You’re hardier than most. Add 3 to your maximum Hit
Points G .
SKILL FEAT
As a rogue, you can also choose one skill feat. Write the
your character sheet C .
CAT FALL
Your catlike aerial acrobatics allow you to cushion your
falls. Treat falls as 10 feet shorter. If your proficiency
rank in Acrobatics is expert, treat falls as 25 feet shorter.
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WIZARD
You’re an eternal student of the universe’s arcane secrets, using your mastery of
magic to cast powerful and devastating spells. You treat magic like a science and
study esoteric tomes to understand how magic works.
1st-Level
Wizard Class
Features
If you decide to play a wizard, write the
ATTRIBUTE BOOSTS
Wizards are very smart. Add +3 to
your Intelligence. Then pick three other
attribute modifiers and add +1 to each
of those D . You can’t pick the same
attribute modifier more than once.
HIT POINTS
Wizards aren’t trained to take a lot of
damage and generally avoid fights.
from your ancestry choice. Then, add
your Constitution to the total.
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Skills G
Trained in Arcana, Occultism, and Society
Perception H
Trained in Perception
Saving Throws I
Trained in Fortitude saving throws
Trained in Reflex saving throws
Defenses J
Trained in unarmored defense
Attacks K
Trained in simple weapons and fists.
Spells N
Trained in spell attacks and spell DCs
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Beginner Box
Play a Wizard If You Want To...

• Cast spells to devastate foes and protect allies.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the nature of magic than any other class.
• Influence the world around you and solve problems with your magic.

You likely try to stay out of the fray, carefully judging when to use your spells. You save your most powerful magic to
incapacitate threatening foes and use your reusable spells against weaker enemies.
While Exploring...
You locate magical auras and determine the arcane significance of magical writing or phenomena you uncover. When you run
across an unusual obstacle, you probably have a scroll or spell that should make it easier to overcome.
SPELLCASTING or staff. Each morning when you prepare your spells, you can
Through dedicated study and practice, you’ve learned to designate a single item you own as your bonded item.
harness arcane power to cast spells. Each morning, you study Once per day, you can drain your bonded item’s power to
your spellbook to decide what spells you want to cast that choose a spell that you already cast today and cast it again.
day. This is called preparing your spells. Every day, you can Recalling this spell is instant, but you still have to spend the
prepare two 1st-rank spells and six cantrips from the list on actions to cast the spell. Write “Arcane Bond” in the Class
pages 36–37. When you prepare a spell, check the “Prep” box Abilities (Level 1) box of your character sheet C .
next to that spell on your character sheet.
You can cast a spell by spending the actions shown in the ARCANE SCHOOL
spell’s heading. Whenever you cast a 1st-rank spell, erase the The final choice you must make as a wizard is to select the
check mark in the “Prep” box on your character sheet. You school you attended to learn magic: ars grammatica, battle
can’t cast that spell again that day unless you have another magic, or protean form. Your school adds 1st-rank spells to
copy prepared. Cantrips are special spells that don’t go away your spellbook, plus one special kind of spell called a school
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as you’d like so long as you have it prepared. and it doesn’t count as one of your prepared spells. You
Some of your spells require you to roll a spell attack roll, cast your school spell like any other spell. Once you cast it,
while others require enemies to roll a saving throw against you can get it back by spending 10 minutes studying your
your spell DC. A spell’s description tells you what happens spellbook, allowing you to cast it again!
based on those rolls. To calculate your spell attack, add your
hero’s Intelligence + their proficiency bonus in spell attacks Ars Grammatica
(3 at 1st level). Your spell DC is your spell attack + 10. Write This school taught you all about the basic building blocks of
these in the spellcasting section of your character sheet N . magic, allowing you to create powerful defenses and influence
others with your spells. You learn the protective wards school
SPELLBOOK spell and the following 1st-rank spells: command, gentle
You can only prepare spells that you have recorded in your landing, mystic armor, runic weapon, and sleep. Write these
spellbook. You have a spellbook that contains all of the cantrips in the spellbook section of your character sheet R .
listed on page 36, plus the 1st-rank spells listed in your arcane
school (see below). As you gain levels, you’ll add spells to your Battle Magic
spellbook. You can also add new spells you find during your This school taught you to harness the raw power of magic,
adventures using the Arcana skill. Write the cantrips from page using the power of the elements to destroy and create. You
36 in the spellbook area of your character sheet R . learn the force bolt school spell and the following 1st-rank
spells: breathe fire, fleet step, force barrage, gust of wind,
SPELL SUBSTITUTION and mystic armor. Write these in the spellbook section of
You can swap what spells you have prepared by studying your character sheet R .
your spellbook. You can spend 10 minutes to exchange one
prepared spell that you have not yet cast for another spell of Protean Form
the same rank from your spellbook. Write “Spell Substitution” This school taught you to understand the link between your
in the Class Abilities (Level 1) box of your character sheet C . mind and body, using magic to shift and alter your form.
You learn the scramble body school spell and the following
ARCANE BOND 1st-rank spells: command, fleet step, mystic armor, pest
You place some of your magical power in a special item, form, and spider sting. Write these in the spellbook section
usually an item associated with spellcasting, like a wand, ring, of your character sheet R .
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WIZARD SPELLS
Cantrips SIGIL [two-actions]
ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE
DAZE [two-actions] You place your unique magical sigil, which is about 1 square inch
ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE MENTAL NONLETHAL in size, on a creature or object. The mark can be visible or invisible,
You jolt the mind of a single target within 60 feet. This deals 1d6 and you can change it from one state to another by using an action
mental damage and the target must attempt a basic Will save. If to touch the target. The mark can be scrubbed or scraped off with
the target critically fails, it loses its first action on its next turn, 5 minutes of work. If it’s on a creature, it fades naturally over the
and it can’t use reactions until then. course of a week; otherwise it lasts until removed.
DETECT MAGIC [two-actions] TANGLE VINE [two-actions]

ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE ARCANE ATTACK CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE
You send out a pulse that registers the presence of magic within A vine appears in the air to lash out at one target within 30 feet.
30 feet. You can choose to ignore magic you’re fully aware of, such Make a spell attack roll against the target’s AC. If you hit, the
as the magic items and ongoing spells of you and your allies. target takes a –10-foot status penalty to its Speeds for 1 round. If
it is a critical hit, the target cannot move for 1 round.
FIGMENT [two-actions]
ARCANE CONCENTRATE ILLUSION MANIPULATE TELEKINETIC PROJECTILE [two-actions]
You create a simple illusion of a sound or vision within 30 feet. The ARCANE ATTACK COLD MANIPULATE
sound can’t include words or elaborate music and the vision is no You hurl a rock or other small object at one target within 30 feet.
bigger than 5 feet across and looks crude up close. Each round after Make a spell attack roll against the target’s AC. If you hit, the
you cast the spell, you can sustain the illusion until the end of your target takes 2d6 bludgeoning damage. On a critical hit, you deal
next turn by spending a single action to concentrate on the spell. double damage.
GOUGING CLAW [two-actions] 1st-Rank Spells

ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE MORPH
Your arm hand transforms into a sharp claw, allowing you to BREATHE FIRE [two-actions]
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make an attack against a single target that is next to you. Make a ARCANE CONCENTRATE FIRE MANIPULATE
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spell attack roll against the target’s AC. If you hit the target takes A gout of flame sprays from your mouth in a 15-foot cone. The
2d6 slashing damage and 2 persistent bleed damage. Double the fire deals 2d6 fire damage to each creature in the area. Each
damage and bleed on a critical hit. creature must roll a basic Reflex save.
LIGHT [two-actions] COMMAND [two-actions]

ARCANE CONCENTRATE LIGHT MANIPULATE ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE MENTAL
You create an orb of light that casts bright light in a 20-foot radius You shout a magically compelling command at one creature
(and dim light for the next 20 feet) in a color you choose until you within 30 feet. You can command the target to approach you,
next study your spellbook to prepare your spells. You can attach it run away, release what it’s holding, Drop Prone, or stand in place.
to a willing creature in its square to have it move along with that If the target can’t hear or understand you, the spell has no effect.
creature. You can end a light spell as an action, and if you have four The effects depend on the target’s Will save.
light spells active when you cast light, choose one to end. Success The creature ignores your command.
Failure For the first action on its next turn, the creature must do
MESSAGE [one-action] as you command. It can’t use reactions until it has done so.
ARCANE CONCENTRATE ILLUSION MENTAL Critical Failure The target must use all its actions on its next turn
You mouth words quietly, but instead of coming out of your to obey your command. It can’t use reactions until it has done so.
mouth, they’re transferred directly to the ears of one creature
within 120 feet. The target can give a brief response directly to FLEET STEP [two-actions]
your ear as a reaction, but they must be able to see you to do so. ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE
You gain a +30-foot status bonus to your Speed for 1 minute.
SHIELD [one-action]
ARCANE CONCENTRATE FORCE FORCE BARRAGE [one-action], [two-actions], OR [three-actions]
You raise a magical shield of force that lasts until the start of ARCANE CONCENTRATE FORCE MANIPULATE
your next turn. This shield gives you a +1 bonus to AC, but it You shoot shard of magic toward one creature you can see within
doesn’t require a hand to use. While the spell is in effect, you can 120 feet. The missile automatically hits and deals 1d4+1 force
spend your reaction to block an attack with your magic shield damage. You can shoot two missiles if you cast this spell with 2
to prevent up to 5 damage. After you block with this shield, the actions, or three missiles if you cast it with 3 actions. Choose the
spell ends and you can’t cast it again for 10 minutes. target for each missile individually.
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FORCE BOLT [one-action] BASIC SAVING THROW
ARCANE CONCENTRATE FORCE MANIPULATE Some spells use a basic saving throw. These work like
School Spell You must have went to the School of Battle Magic any other save but use the same degrees of success:
to prepare this spell. Critical Success The creature takes no damage.
You fire an arrow shaped bolt of force from your fingertips at Success The creature takes half the listed damage.
one creature within 30 feet. It automatically hits and deals 1d4+1 Failure The creature takes the full listed damage.
force damage to the target. Once you cast this spell, you can get Critical Failure The creature takes double the listed damage.
it back by spending 10 minutes studying your spellbook.
GENTLE LANDING [reaction] RUNIC WEAPON [two-actions]

AIR ARCANE CONCENTRATE ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE
You cause the air itself to rise up and keep one creature within You touch one non-magical weapon. For 1 minute, the weapon
60 feet safe from a fall. The target falls very slowly, only 60 feet gains a +1 item bonus to its attack roll, and its damage rolls use
each round, for up to 1 minute. If the target reaches the ground two dice (of its normal die type) instead of one.
during this time, it takes no damage from the fall.
SCRAMBLE BODY [one-action]
GUST OF WIND [two-actions] ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE
AIR ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE School Spell You must have went to the School of Protean Form
You cast violent wind in a 60-foot line from where you stand. to prepare this spell.
The wind extinguishes small non-magical fires, disperses fog and Your magic warps the biology of one creature within 30 feet.
mist, and blows light objects around. Each creature in the area The creature must attempt a Fortitude saving throw. If it fails, it
must attempt a Fortitude save, using the outcomes below. becomes sickened, taking a –1 status penalty on all attack rolls,
Critical Success The creature is unaffected. skill checks, and saving throws, as well as a –1 status penalty to
Success The creature can’t move against the wind. its AC. On a critical failure, the penalties increase to –2 and it is
Failure The creature falls over and gains the prone condition. If also slowed 1 for as long as it is sickened. On its turn, the creature
it was flying, it suffers the effects of a critical failure instead. can spend an action to make another Fortitude saving throw to
Critical Failure The creature is pushed 30 feet in the wind’s end this effect. Once you cast this spell, you can get it back by
direction, falls over and gains the prone condition, and takes spending 10 minutes studying your spellbook.
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SLEEP [two-actions]
MYSTIC ARMOR [two-actions] ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE MENTAL SLEEP
ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE You call a miasma of drowsiness in a 5-foot burst within 30 feet of
You ward yourself with shimmering magical energy, gaining a you. Each creature in the area must attempt a Will save using the
+1 item bonus to AC. This bonus lasts until the next time you outcomes below. A creature that falls unconscious from this spell
prepare your spells. While wearing mystic armor, you use your doesn’t fall prone and can be woken up by loud noises and attacks.
proficiency bonus for unarmed defense to calculate your AC. Critical Success The creature is unaffected.
Success The creature takes a –1 status penalty to Perception
PEST FORM [two-actions] checks for 1 round.
ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE POLYMORPH Failure The creature gains the unconscious condition. If it’s still
You transform into a tiny animal, such as a cat, insect, lizard, or unconscious after 1 minute, it wakes up automatically.
rat, for 10 minutes or until you spend a single action to change Critical Failure The creature gains the unconscious condition. If
back. You can decide the specific type of animal. Your AC is it’s still unconscious after 1 hour, it wakes up automatically.
15 + your level, your Speed is 20 feet, and you have low-light
vision. Your Acrobatics and Stealth change to +10 instead of their SPIDER STING [two-actions]
normal statistics. Whenever you take physical damage, you take ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE POISON
5 extra damage. You can’t speak, cast spells, use actions with the You touch one creature, stinging it like a spider. The creature takes
manipulate trait, benefit from item bonuses, or use item actions. 1d4 piercing damage and must attempt a Fortitude save. If the
target fails the saving throw, it must attempt a Fortitude save again
PROTECTIVE WARDS [one-action] at the end of its next turn, suffering the same effect. This spell lasts
ARCANE AURA MANIPULATE 4 rounds or until the target successfully saves.
School Spell You must have went to the School of Ars Grammatica Critical Success The creature is unaffected.
to prepare this spell. Success The creature takes 1d4 poison damage.
You emanate protective magic. You and any allies adjacent to you Failure The creature takes 1d4 poison damage and takes a –1 status
gain a +1 bonus to AC. Once per round after your cast this spell, you penalty on melee attack rolls and melee damage rolls for 1 round.
can spend a single action to sustain it until the end of your next turn, Critical Failure The creature takes 1d4 poison damage and takes a
up to a maximum of 1 minute total. This also increases the size of –2 status penalty on melee attack rolls and melee damage rolls
the spell’s area by 5 feet for each action, to a maximum of 30 feet. for 1 round.
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2nd-Level Ars Grammatica Protective magic swirls around you.

Wizard Class Features Whenever you cast gentle landing, sleep, or dispel magic (which
When you reach 2nd level as a wizard, you get the following you learn at 3rd level), your aura activates for 1 minute. During
benefits. You can also choose one wizard feat to represent this time, if you take acid, cold, electricity, or fire damage,
the new knowledge you have attained. reduce the damage you take by 1.
Battle Magic Your aura makes the deadly energy you create
HIT POINTS even more dangerous. Whenever you cast breathe fire, force
You gain the ability to take a bit more damage before falling barrage, or floating flame (which you learn at 3rd level), it deals
unconscious. Add 6 + your Constitution to your maximum 1 extra damage. If the spell you cast was force barrage, one
number of Hit Points E . shard of your choice deals 1 extra damage.
Protean Form Whenever you cast fleet step, pest form, or
PROFICIENCY BONUS enlarge (which you learn at 3rd level) on yourself, you adjust the
All your proficiency bonuses are based on your level, and spell to also make yourself more mobile. Increase your Speed by
since your level just went up by 1, your proficiency bonuses 5 feet (for a total Speed increase of 35 feet with fleet step).
also increase by 1. Write down your new bonuses.
• Skills G 3rd-Level
• Perception H Wizard Class Features
• Saving throws I When you reach 3rd level as a wizard, you get the
• AC J following benefits.
• Attack rolls K
• Spell attack and spell DC N HIT POINTS
You gain the ability to take more damage before falling
SPELLS unconscious. Add 6 + your Constitution to your maximum
As your understanding of magic grows, you gain the ability number of Hit Points E .
to prepare one additional 1st-rank spell each day, bringing
the total number up to 3 (one of which must have the trait for PROFICIENCY BONUS
your arcane school) plus your school spell. Write “3” in the All your proficiency bonuses are based on your level, and
Prepared per Day box for 1st-Rank Spells on your character since your level just went up by 1, your proficiency bonuses
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sheet N . In addition, add any two 1st-rank wizard spells to also increase by 1. Write down your new bonuses. 4265411
your spellbook. Write these in the spellbook section of your • Skills G

character sheet R . • Perception H
• Saving throws I
QUICK IDENTIFICATION • AC J
You can identify magic items and magical effects more quickly. • Attack rolls K
It takes you only 1 minute to identify items and effects using • Spell attack and spell DC N
the Arcana skill instead of 10 minutes. Write this in the Level
2 box in the Class section of your character sheet C . SKILL INCREASE
Choose one skill to improve your proficiency rank in. You can
WIZARD FEATS change a skill from untrained to trained, or you can become
Choose one of the following wizard feats. Write the feat an expert in a skill you were already trained in. If you become
you choose in the Level 2 box in the Class section of your expert in a skill, your total proficiency bonus increases to 4 +
character sheet C . your level! Check the “T” or “E” box for the skill you chose,
and write your new proficiency bonus in the Prof box G .
CANTRIP EXPANSION
Dedicated study allows you to prepare a wider range of simple GENERAL FEAT
spells. You can prepare seven cantrips each day instead of five. Choose one general feat to add to your abilities. Write the
REACH SPELL [one-action] your character sheet C .
You can extend the range of your spells. If your next action is to
cast a spell that affects a creature or object other than yourself, ASSURANCE
increase the spell’s range by 30 feet. If the spell normally requires You can perform simple tasks without rolling. Pick one skill
you to touch the target, it can affect a target within 30 feet. that you’re trained or expert in. Whenever you’re asked to roll
a check with that skill, instead of rolling you can use a result of
SCHOOL AURA 10 + your proficiency bonus for that skill.
You expand your understanding of the magic taught by your
school, allowing you to create an aura when you cast certain FLEET
spells. The benefit of this aura depends on your choice of school. You’re fast on your feet. Increase your Speed by 5 feet F .
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TOUGHNESS attack things 10 feet away, and it gains a +2 status bonus to melee
You’re hardier than most spellcasters. Add 3 to your maximum damage rolls.
Hit Points E .
FLOATING FLAME [two-actions]
SPELLS ARCANE CONCENTRATE FIRE MANIPULATE
You learn to cast 2nd-rank spells! Every day, you can prepare You create a flame in one square within 30 feet that moves at
three 2nd-rank wizard spells, in addition to the spells you can your command. The flame deals 3d6 fire damage to the creature
already prepare. At least one of these spells must be the spell in that square, and that creature must attempt a basic Reflex
granted by your school (see below). Write “2” in the “Prepared save. Once per round after you cast this spell, you can spend
per Day” box for 2nd-Rank Spells on your character sheet N . a single action to sustain it until the end of your next turn, up
In addition, add two 2nd-rank wizard spells to your to 1 minute. When you do, you can make it levitate to another
spellbook. One of these spells comes from your school— square within 10 feet and deal 3d6 fire damage each creature in
dispel magic for ars grammatica, floating flame for battle its square along the way, with a basic Reflex save. Creatures that
magic, or enlarge for protean form. The other is chosen succeed on their Reflex save take no damage (instead of half).
by you. Write the spells in the spellbook section of your
character sheet R . INVISIBILITY [two-actions]
ARCANE ILLUSION MANIPULATE
2nd-Rank You touch one creature to cloak it in illusions that make it
Wizard Spells invisible. Other creatures can’t see the target and gain the
off-guard condition to the target. The target can still get hit
ACID GRIP [two-actions] by area effects, but if a creature wants to Strike the target
ACID ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE or use another ability against them, the creature making
A taloned hand appears and grabs one target the attack must guess which square the target is in.
within 120 feet, burning it with acid. The The GM rolls a secret DC 11 flat check (roll an 11 or
target takes 2d8 acid damage plus 1d6 higher on a d20 without adding anything). If
persistent acid damage. The target this flat check fails, the attack misses.
must attempt a basic Reflex save. If the target makes a Strike or uses
If it succeeds, the target does another hostile action, the spell ends as soon
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damage. If it fails, the hand any such actions, it ends after 10 minutes.
moves it 10 feet in a direction of
your choice (20 feet on a critical failure). MIST [three-actions]
ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE WATER
DISPEL MAGIC [two-actions] You call forth a cloud of mist that fills a
ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE 20-foot burst within 120 feet. All creatures within
You unravel the magic behind one active spell the mist gain the concealed condition, and all
within 120 feet. Make a spell attack roll and creatures outside the mist gain the concealed
compare the result to the caster’s spell DC. condition against creatures within it. The
Success The spell ends. cloud lasts for 1 minute, but you can
Failure The spell ends if it’s a 1st-rank disperse it before then by spending a
spell or a cantrip, but not if it’s a single action to end the spell.
2nd-rank spell.
Critical Failure The spell doesn’t RESIST ENERGY [two-actions]
end. ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE
A shield of elemental energy protects one
ENLARGE [two-actions] creature you touch against one type of
ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE damage. Choose acid, cold, electricity, fire,
You make one willing creature or sonic damage. For 10 minutes, whenever
within 30 feet grow to size the target takes damage of the type you
Large for 5 minutes. Its chose, it takes 5 less damage.
equipment grows with it
but returns to natural size if WATER WALK [two-actions]
removed. The creature takes ARCANE CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE
a –1 status penalty to its AC, You touch one creature to make them buoyant
Reflex saving throws, ranged enough to walk along the surface of water and
attack rolls, Acrobatics, Stealth, other liquids without falling through. The spell
and Thievery. It can reach and lasts for 10 minutes.
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EQUIPMENT
To leave their mark on the world, your hero needs the right equipment, including armor, weapons,
and adventuring gear. This chapter presents the equipment you can purchase during character
creation. You can find these items for sale in most settlements.
Starting Equipment Write your equipment in the Equipment box of

You start with specific equipment that depends on your your character sheet M , then turn to the sections
class. You also have some money left over, which you can for each type of equipment to find their statistics.
use during your adventures or spend on additional items.
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Fighter
Armor: breastplate
Cleric Weapon: dagger, shortbow with 60 arrows
Armor: chain shirt (or hide armor if your Strength Adventuring Gear: adventurer’s pack, repair
is +2 or more) toolkit
Weapon: If you worship Desna, you have a starknife. Money Left Over: 1 gold piece
If you worship Sarenrae, you have a scimitar. If you If you are a brute, you also have your choice of a greatsword
worship Torag, you have a warhammer. or greataxe. If you’re a shield fighter, you also have a shield
Adventuring Gear: adventurer’s pack, healer’s toolkit, and your choice of a longsword or battleaxe. If you’re a
shield, wooden religious symbol two-weapon fighter, you have your choice of either a
Money Left Over: 1 gold piece longsword and a shortsword or a battleaxe and a hatchet.
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Wizard
Armor: none
Rogue Weapon: crossbow with 60 bolts, dagger
Armor: leather armor Adventuring Gear: adventurer’s pack, spellbook
Weapon: dagger, rapier, shortsword Money Left Over: 10 gold pieces
Adventuring Gear: adventurer’s pack, healer’s If you’re a human with the warden heritage, you should
toolkit, thieves’ toolkit use some of your money left over to buy some armor
Money Left Over: 2 gold pieces (page 42).
MONEY CARRYING AND USING ITEMS

The standard form of currency in Pathfinder is coinage, You can carry items in three ways: held, worn, or stowed.
which comes in three types: copper pieces (cp), silver pieces Held items are in your hands. You can hold one item in each
(sp), and gold pieces (gp). A silver piece is worth 10 cp hand or one two-handed item using both hands. Worn items
and is the standard for most everyday transactions. Gold are tucked into pockets, belt pouches, bandoliers, weapon
pieces are often used for purchasing magic items and other sheaths, and so forth. You can retrieve a worn item with a
expensive items, as 1 gold piece is worth 10 sp or 100 cp. single action, and putting it back uses another action. As
usual, manipulating objects uses the Interact basic action.
BUYING AND SELLING You can drop an item without spending an action. Stowed
As you gain experience and additional wealth, you should items are in a backpack or a similar container, and you have
periodically buy new equipment. You might also find to spend an action to take off the backpack before you can
equipment or even magic items during your adventures, or spend the Interact action to retrieve an item stowed within.
you can buy them once you have enough money. You can Many ways of using items require you to spend multiple
usually buy equipment only in settlements; the GM will let actions. For example, making a Strike with a dagger worn in
you know when it’s time for a shopping spree! a sheath at your belt requires using an Interact action to draw
You can also sell equipment you aren’t using anymore. the dagger and then using a second action to Strike. Likewise,
Most items can be sold for half their Price, but broken shields you have to draw a potion from your pocket or belt pouch
can’t be sold at all. before you can Interact to drink it.
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Armor AC Bonus
Armor increases your defenses, but medium or heavy armor This number is the item bonus you add for the armor when
can hamper movement. Armor protects you only while determining your Armor Class. Write this number in the
you’re wearing it. If you want to increase your defense Item box of the Defenses section of your character sheet J .
beyond the protection your armor provides, you can use a
shield (page 43). Dexterity Cap (Dex Cap)
This value is the maximum amount of your Dexterity that can
ARMOR CLASS apply to your AC while wearing a suit of armor. For example,
Your Armor Class (AC) measures how well you can defend if you have a Dexterity of +4 and wear a suit of half plate
against attacks. When a creature attacks you, your Armor (which has a Dex cap of +1), you apply at most a +1 bonus
Class is the DC for that attack roll. from your Dexterity to your AC while wearing that armor.
In the Dex Cap box of the Defenses section of your
DONNING AND REMOVING ARMOR character sheet J , write this number or your Dexterity—
Getting in and out of armor is time-consuming—so make whichever is lower.
sure you are wearing it when you need it! It takes 1 minute
to don light armor and 5 minutes to don medium or heavy Strength Threshold
armor. It takes 1 minute to remove any armor. If you’re strong enough, you can overcome some of your
armor’s penalties. If your Strength is equal to or greater
ARMOR STATISTICS than this value, you can ignore the armor’s check penalty
The armor table on the next page provides the statistics for (see below) and decrease the Speed penalty (page 43).
suits of armor that you can purchase and wear, organized
by category. That table uses the following terms. Check Penalty
While wearing armor, you take this penalty to Strength-
Category and Dexterity-based skill checks, except for the Grapple,
The armor’s category—light armor, medium armor, or Shove, and Trip actions. If you meet the armor’s Strength
heavy armor—indicates which proficiency bonus you use threshold, you don’t take this penalty. Write this number in
while wearing the armor. If you aren’t wearing any armor, all of the Armor boxes in the Skills section of your character
use the proficiency bonus for unarmored defense. sheet G .
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ARMOR
Light Armor Price AC Bonus Dex Cap Strength Threshold Check Penalty Speed Penalty Armor Traits
Leather 2 gp +1 +4 +0 –1 — —
Chain shirt 5 gp +2 +3 +1 –1 — Flexible, noisy
Medium Armor Price AC Bonus Dex Cap Strength Threshold Check Penalty Speed Penalty Armor Traits
Hide 2 gp +3 +2 +2 –2 –5 ft. —
Breastplate 8 gp +4 +1 +3 –2 –5 ft. —
Heavy Armor Price AC Bonus Dex Cap Strength Threshold Check Penalty Speed Penalty Armor Traits
Half plate (level 1) 18 gp +5 +1 +3 –3 –10 ft. —
Full plate (level 2) 30 gp +6 +0 +4 –3 –10 ft. Bulwark
Speed Penalty
While wearing a suit of armor, you take the penalty listed SHIELD ACTIONS
in this entry to your Speed. If you meet the armor’s Strength
threshold, reduce the penalty by 5 feet (to no penalty if the RAISE A SHIELD [one-action]
penalty was –5 feet, or to –5-feet if the penalty was –10 When you’re holding a shield, you can use this action to
feet). Write your adjusted Speed on your character sheet F . position the shield to protect yourself. When you have
Raised a Shield, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus to AC.
Armor Traits Your shield remains raised until the start of your next turn.
If a suit of armor has traits, they’re listed in this entry.
Armor can have the following traits. SHIELD BLOCK [reaction]
Bulwark: The armor covers you so completely that it If you Raised a Shield since your last turn, you can
provides benefits against some damaging effects. On Reflex spend your reaction to block a physical attack with your
saves to avoid a damaging effect, such as a fireball, you add shield. Reduce the amount of damage by 5, but then you
+3 instead of your Dexterity. Write this benefit in the Notes and your shield both take the remaining damage. This
part of the Saving Throws area I . might break or destroy your shield.
Flexible: The armor is flexible enough that it doesn’t
hinder most actions. Don’t apply its check penalty to
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Acrobatics or Athletics checks. Write “0” in the Armor box 4265416
for these skills G .

Noisy: This armor is loud and likely to alert others to
your presence. The armor’s check penalty applies to Stealth
checks even if you meet the required Strength threshold.
Write the check penalty in the Armor box for the Stealth
skill G .
Shields
A shield costs 2 gp and can increase your defense. You
must be holding a shield in one hand in order to use
it, and it grants its bonus to AC only if you use the
Raise a Shield action on your turn. This action
grants +2 circumstance bonus to AC until your
next turn starts.
If you have access to the Shield Block reaction
from your class, you can use it while Raising your Shield to
reduce the damage you take by 5. Both you and the shield
then take any remaining damage.
If your class kit gives you a shield or you purchase
one later, write it in your list of items in the Equipment
section of your character sheet M , and keep track of its
Hit Points in the notes area of the Defenses section J .
SHIELDS AND DAMAGE

A shield has 20 Hit Points. If a shield ever takes 10 damage
or more, it becomes broken. A broken shield can’t be used for
Raise a Shield or Shield Block, but you can still Repair it. If
the shield loses all 20 Hit Points, it is completely destroyed.
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Weapons have a range increment. Ranged weapons have a Range

Most characters in Pathfinder carry weapons, ranging from entry in the table that lists this value. Melee weapons that
simple clubs to graceful bows to mighty warhammers. Write can be thrown have the thrown trait, which states their range
your weapons in the Melee Weapon and increment. Write the range increment of
Ranged Weapon boxes of the Weapons your ranged attack in the Range Inc box
and Attacks section of your character in the weapon’s Ranged Weapon entry
sheet K . STARKNIVES on your character sheet K .
From this weapon’s central metal When you make a Strike with these
FISTS ring, four tapering metal blades weapons and the target is beyond the
All heroes have the trained proficiency extend like points on a compass listed range, you take a –2 penalty for
rank with their fists. With a fist Strike, rose. When gripping a starknife each additional multiple of that increment
you calculate your attack and damage from the center, you can use it as a between you and the target. If the target
rolls in the same way you would with melee weapon. It can also be is further away than six times the listed
a weapon. Fists deal 1d4 bludgeoning thrown short distances. range, you can’t attack them at all.
damage. Though they’re not weapons, For example, a shortbow takes no
fists have the agile and finesse penalty against a target up to 60 feet
weapon traits. Since fists aren’t away, a –2 penalty against a target
weapons, effects and abilities that beyond 60 feet but up to 120 feet away,
work with weapons don’t work with and a –4 penalty against a target beyond
your fists unless they specifically say 120 feet but up to 180 feet away, and so
so. Fist attacks have the nonlethal on, up to 360 feet.
trait, which means that if your fist
attack reduces an enemy’s HP to 0, Reload
that creature is knocked unconscious After making an attack, ranged weapons
instead of killed. You can use a fist to need to be reloaded before you can
make a lethal attack, but you take a –2 used them again. The Reload entry
circumstance penalty to your attack roll. tells you how many Interact actions
it takes to reload such weapons. This
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IMPROVISED WEAPONS number can be 0 if drawing ammunition 4265417
If you attack with something that wasn’t built to be a and firing the weapon are part of the same action.
weapon, such as a chair or a vase, you’re making an attack An item with a Reload entry of “—” must be drawn to be
with an improvised weapon. Improvised weapons are thrown. This requires an Interact action, just like drawing
simple weapons and use your proficiency bonus for simple any other weapon.
weapons, but you take a –2 item penalty to attack rolls with Write the reload time for your ranged attack in the
an improvised weapon. The GM determines the amount Reload box in the weapon’s Ranged Weapon entry on your
and type of damage the attack deals, if any, as well as any character sheet K .
weapon traits the improvised weapon should have.
Hands
AMMUNITION Some weapons are held in one hand, while others need
Crossbows, hand crossbows, shortbows, and longbows fire both hands. A few items, such as a longbow, list 1+ for their
ammunition. You can buy 10 arrows or bolts for 1 sp. Each Hands entry. You can hold a weapon with a 1+ entry in one
piece of ammunition can be used only once. hand, but the process of shooting it requires using a second
hand to retrieve, nock, and loose an arrow. This means you
WEAPON STATISTICS can do things with your free hand while holding the bow,
The tables on page 45 list the statistics for melee and ranged but you can’t shoot if you’re holding something in your
weapons. Those tables use the following terms. other hand.
Damage Weapon Traits

This entry lists the die used for damage rolls with that A weapon’s traits are listed in this entry. Many traits let you
weapon. It also lists the type of damage that weapon deals: use a weapon in special ways or change some of the rules
B for bludgeoning, P for piercing, or S for slashing. Write about how it works.
your weapon’s die in the Damage box of its Melee Weapon Agile: The multiple attack penalty you take with this
entry on your character sheet K . If the weapon is a melee weapon on the second attack on your turn is –4 instead of
weapon, check the box for the weapon’s damage type. –5, and –8 instead of –10 on the third attack in the turn.
Deadly: On a critical hit, the weapon adds a weapon
Range damage die of the listed size. Roll this after doubling the
Ranged weapons and melee weapons that can be thrown weapon’s damage.
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Beginner Box
MELEE WEAPONS
Simple Weapons Price Damage Hands Weapon Traits
Club 0 1d6 B 1 Thrown 10 feet
Dagger 2 sp 1d4 P 1 Agile, finesse, thrown 10 feet, versatile S
Mace 1 gp 1d6 B 1 Shove
Spear 1 sp 1d6 P 1 Thrown 20 feet
Staff 0 1d8 B 2 —
Martial Weapons Price Damage Hands Weapon Traits
Battle axe 1 gp 1d8 S 1 Sweep
Greataxe 2 gp 1d12 S 2 Sweep
Greatsword 2 gp 1d12 S 2 Versatile P
Hatchet 4 sp 1d6 S 1 Agile, sweep, thrown 10 feet
Light hammer 3 sp 1d6 B 1 Agile, thrown 20 feet
Longsword 1 gp 1d8 S 1 Versatile P
Maul 3 gp 1d12 B 2 Shove
Rapier 2 gp 1d6 P 1 Deadly d8, finesse
Scimitar 1 gp 1d6 S 1 Forceful, sweep
Shortsword 9 sp 1d6 P 1 Agile, finesse, versatile S
Starknife 2 gp 1d4 P 1 Agile, deadly d6, finesse, thrown 20 feet, versatile S
Trident 1 gp 1d8 P 1 Thrown 20 feet
Warhammer 1 gp 1d8 B 1 Shove
RANGED WEAPONS
Simple Weapons Price Damage Range Reload Hands Weapon Traits
Crossbow 3 gp 1d8 P 120 feet 1 2 —
Hand crossbow 3 gp 1d6 P 60 feet 1 1 —
Javelin 1 sp 1d6 P 30 feet — 1 Thrown
Martial Weapons Price Damage Range Reload Hands Weapon Traits
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Shortbow 3 gp 1d6 P 60 feet 0 1+ Deadly d10
Finesse: You can use your Dexterity instead of your Thrown: You can throw this weapon as a ranged attack.
Strength on attack rolls using this melee weapon. You still Add your Strength to your damage roll as you would for a
use your Strength when calculating damage. melee weapon.
Forceful: This weapon becomes more dangerous as you Versatile: A versatile weapon can be used to deal a
build momentum. When you attack with it more than once different type of damage than what’s listed in its Damage
on your turn, the second attack gains a +1 circumstance entry on the table. This trait indicates the alternate damage
bonus to the damage roll, and the third attack gains a +2 type. For instance, a piercing weapon that has the versatile
circumstance bonus to the damage roll. If your weapon is S trait can be used to deal piercing or slashing damage. You
a +1 striking weapon or under a runic weapon spell, or choose the damage type each time you make an attack.
you’re using Vicious Swing, you gain a +2 circumstance Volley: This ranged weapon is less effective at close
bonus to the damage roll for your second attack and distances. Your attacks against targets within the listed
a +4 circumstance bonus to your damage roll on the range take a –2 penalty.
third attack.
Shove: You can use this weapon to Shove with the Gear
Athletics skill even if you don’t have a free hand. If you Your hero needs all sorts of items while exploring, which
critically fail a check to Shove using the weapon, you can can range from rations to climbing gear to fancy clothing.
drop the weapon to take the effects of a failure instead of
a critical failure. If you’re using a weapon under a runic GEAR STATISTICS
weapon spell, a +1 magic weapon, or a +1 striking weapon The Adventuring Gear table on page 47 lists the Price for
with this trait, you can add the weapon’s item bonus to each type of gear. Any item with a number after its name in
attack rolls as an item bonus to the Athletics check to Shove. parentheses indicates that the item’s Price is for that quantity
Sweep: This weapon makes wide sweeping or spinning of the item.
attacks, making it easier to attack multiple enemies. When
you attack with this weapon, you gain a +1 circumstance Hands
bonus to your attack roll if you already attacked a different Each item’s entry on the table says how many hands it takes
target this turn using this weapon. to use the item. Most items that require two hands can be
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carried in only one hand, but you must spend an Interact lensatic compass gives you a +1 item bonus to these checks.
action to change your grip in order to use the item. The GM Crowbar: When Forcing Open an object that doesn’t have
may determine that an item is too big to carry in one hand an easy grip, a crowbar makes it easier to gain the necessary
(or even two hands, for particularly large items). leverage. If you don’t use a crowbar to pry something open,
you takes a –2 item penalty to the Athletics check to Force
Wearing Tools Open the object. A levered crowbar grants you a +1 item
You can make a toolkit (such as a climbing kit or healer’s bonus to Athletics checks to Force Open anything that can
toolkit) easier to use by wearing it. This allows you to draw be pried open.
and replace the tools as part of the action that uses them. Flint and Steel: Flint and steel are useful in creating a fire
Any toolkits not worn in this manner must be if you have the time to catch a spark, though using
stowed or taken out with an Interact action. them is typically too time-consuming to
be practical during an encounter. Even
ADVENTURING GEAR in ideal conditions, using flint and
These items follow special rules or steel to light a flame requires using at
require more detail. least 3 actions, though it often takes
Adventurer’s Pack: This item is significantly longer.
the starter kit for an adventurer, Grappling Hook: You can throw a
containing the essential items grappling hook with a rope tied to it
for exploration and survival. The to make a climb easier. The GM rolls
pack contains the following items: a secret attack roll against a DC that
a backpack, a bedroll, 10 pieces of depends on the target, typically at least DC
chalk, flint and steel, 50 feet of rope, 2 20. On a success, your hook has a firm hold,
weeks’ rations, soap, 5 torches, and a waterskin. but on a critical failure, the hook seems like it
Backpack: A backpack holds most of your will hold but actually falls when you’re partway up.
items. You must spend an Interact action to take off the Healer’s Toolkit: This kit of bandages, herbs, and
backpack before you can access those items within, and suturing tools is necessary for Medicine checks to Stabilize,
you must spend another Interact action to put the backpack Stanch Bleeding, or Treat Wounds. An expanded healer’s
back on. toolkit provide a +1 item bonus to such checks. If you wear
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Candle: A lit candle sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius your healer’s toolkit, you can draw and replace them as part 4265419
for 8 hours. of the action that uses them.

Climbing Kit: This satchel includes 50 feet of rope, Lantern: A lantern sheds bright light and requires 1 pint
pulleys, a dozen pitons, a hammer, a grappling hook, and of oil to function for 6 hours. A lantern sheds light in a
one set of crampons. Climbing kits allow you to attach 30-foot radius (and dim light in the next 30 feet) and is
yourself to the wall you’re Climbing; you move half as equipped with shutters, which you can close to block the
quickly as usual (minimum 5 feet), but the kit lets you light. Closing or opening the shutters requires an Interact
attempt a DC 5 flat check to prevent a fall whenever you action.
critically fail. You gain a +1 item bonus to Athletics checks Magnifying Glass: This quality handheld lens gives you
to Climb while using an extreme climbing kit. A single kit a +1 item bonus on Perception checks to notice the minute
has only enough materials for one climber, so each climber details of documents, fabric, and the like.
needs their own kit. If you wear your climbing kit, you can Musical Instrument: Handheld instruments include
access it as part of a Climb action. bagpipes, a small set of chimes, small drums, fiddles and
Clothing: Ordinary clothing is functional with basic viols, flutes and recorders, small harps, lutes, trumpets, and
tailoring, and could be as peasant garb, monk’s robes, or similarly sized instruments.
work clothes. A virtuoso instrument gives you a +1 item bonus to
Fine clothing, suitable for a noble or royal, is made with Performance checks using that instrument.
expensive fabrics, precious metals, and intricate patterns. Oil: You can use oil to fuel lanterns, but you can also
Thieves’ toolkit is the only toolkit that can be worn with set a pint of oil aflame and throw it. You must first spend
fine clothing. You gain a +1 item bonus to checks to Make an Interact action preparing the oil, then throw it with
an Impression on upper-class folk while wearing high- another action as a ranged attack. If you hit, it splatters
fashion fine clothing. on the creature or in a single 5-foot square you target. You
Winter clothing allows you to negate the damage from must succeed at a DC 10 flat check for the oil to ignite
severe environmental cold and reduce the damage from successfully when it hits. If the oil ignites, the target takes
extreme cold to that of severe cold. 1d6 fire damage.
Compass: A compass helps you Sense Direction or Piton: These small spikes can be used as anchors to
navigate, provided you’re in a location with uniform make climbing easier. To affix a piton, you must hold it in
magnetic fields. Without a compass, you take a –2 item one hand and use a hammer to drive it in with your other
penalty to these checks (similar to using a shoddy item). A hand. You can attach a rope to an affixed piton so you
46
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ADVENTURING GEAR
Item Price Hands Item Price Hands
Adventurer’s pack 15 sp — Virtuoso handheld 50 gp 2
Backpack 1 sp — Oil (1 pint) 1 cp 2
Bedroll 2 cp — Piton 1 cp 1
Candle (10) 1 cp 1 Rations (1 week) 4 sp 1
Chalk (10) 1 cp 1 Religious symbol
Climbing kit 5 sp 2 Wooden 1 sp 1
Extreme climbing kit 40 gp 2 Silver 2 gp 1
Clothing Repair toolkit 2 gp 2
Ordinary 1 sp — Superb repair toolkit 25 gp 2
Fine 2 gp — Rope (50 feet) 5 sp 2
High-fashion fine 55 gp — Soap 2 cp 1
Winter 4 sp — Spellbook (blank) 1 gp 1
Compass 1 gp 1 Ten-foot pole 1 cp 2
Lensatic compass 20 gp 1 Thieves’ toolkit 3 gp 2
Crowbar 5 sp 2 Replacement picks 3 sp —
Levered crowbar 20 gp 2 Infiltrator thieves’ toolkit 50 gp 2
Flint and steel 5 cp 2 Infiltrator picks 3 gp —
Grappling hook 1 sp 1 Tool
Healer’s toolkit 5 gp 2 Long tool 1 gp 2
Expanded healer’s toolkit 50 gp 2 Short tool 4 sp 1 or 2
Lantern 7 sp 1 Torch 1 cp 1
Magnifying Glass 40 gp 1 Waterskin 5 cp 1
Mirror 1 gp 1 Writing set 1 gp 2
Musical instrument Extra ink and paper 1 sp —
Handheld 8 sp 2
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don’t fall all the way to the ground on a critical failure toolkit, you can draw and replace them as part of the action 4265420
while Climbing. that uses them.

Religious Symbol: This piece of wood or silver is Tool: This entry is a catchall for basic hand tools that
emblazoned with an image representing a deity. Some divine don’t have a specific adventuring purpose. A hoe, shovel,
spellcasters, such as clerics, can use a religious symbol of their or sledgehammer is a long tool, and a hand drill, ice hook,
deity as a divine focus to use specific abilities and cast certain or trowel is a short tool. A tool can usually be used as an
spells. A religious symbol must be held in one hand to use it. improvised weapon, dealing 1d4 damage for a short tool or
Repair Toolkit: A repair toolkit allows you to perform 1d6 for a long tool. The GM determines the damage type
simple repairs while traveling. It contains a portable anvil, that’s appropriate and adjusts the damage if needed.
tongs, woodworking tools, a whetstone, and oils for Torch: A torch sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius (and
conditioning leather and wood. You can use a repair toolkit dim light to the next 20 feet) for 1 hour. It can be used as
to Repair items using the Crafting skill. A superb repair an improvised weapon that deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage
toolkit gives you a +1 item bonus to the check. You can draw plus 1 fire damage.
and replace a worn repair toolkit as part of the action that Waterskin: When it’s full, a waterskin contains roughly 1
uses it. day’s worth of water for a Small or Medium creature.
Spellbook: A spellbook holds the written knowledge needed Writing Set: A writing set includes a variety of paper
to learn and prepare various spells, a necessity for wizards and parchment, an inkpen or a quill with ink, sealing wax,
(who get one for free at 1st level). Each spellbook can hold up and a simple seal. You can refill your kit with extra ink
to 100 spells. The Price listed is for a blank spellbook. and paper.
Ten-Foot Pole: When wielding this long pole, you can use
Seek to search a square up to 10 feet away. The pole is not Cost of Living
sturdy enough to use as a weapon. The table below shows how much it costs to get by. These
Thieves’ Toolkit: You need a thieves’ toolkit to Pick Locks values cover room and board, taxes, and other fees.
or Disable Devices (of some types) using the Thievery skill.
An infiltrator thieves’ toolkit add a +1 item bonus to checks Standard of Living Week Month
to Pick Locks and Disable Devices. If your thieves’ toolkit Subsistence 4 sp 2 gp
break, you can repair them by replacing the lock picks with Comfortable 1 gp 4 gp
replacement picks appropriate to your toolkit; this doesn’t Fine 30 gp 130 gp
require using the Repair action. If you wear your thieves’ Extravagant 100 gp 430 gp
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FINISHING YOUR HERO

You’ve identified the main aspects of your hero. Now it’s time to add the finishing touches! Here
you’ll calculate the numbers that correspond to the decisions you made during your journey
through character creation and choose some final details like your hero’s name and personality.
Is your hero a champion of justice or a sellsword who works for anyone who can pay the bills?
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Now that you’ve made most of the big decisions for modifier used for that skill. For each skill, add your hero’s
your hero, it’s time to calculate their statistics. Many of proficiency bonus for that skill + the indicated attribute
these statistics include a proficiency bonus. If your hero’s modifier. Some skills, like Acrobatics and Stealth, have an
proficiency rank for a statistic is trained, the proficiency extra box for an armor penalty, which you’ll subtract from
bonus for that statistic equals your hero’s level + 2. If it’s your total for that skill.
expert, the proficiency bonus equals your hero’s level + 4.
If your hero is untrained in that statistic, their proficiency Perception
bonus is +0. Your hero’s Perception measures their alertness. Add their
proficiency bonus for Perception plus their Wisdom H .
Skills
Your hero’s Intelligence determines how many skills Saving Throws
they know, in addition to those they gained from Add up the total for each of your hero’s three saving
their background and class. From the full list of skills throws I .
beginning on page 52, choose a number of skills equal to Fortitude: Add their proficiency bonus for Fortitude
your hero’s Intelligence to become trained in. Mark the saves plus their Constitution.
“T” circle next to the “Prof” box for these skills on your Reflex: Add their proficiency bonus for Reflex saves
character sheet G . plus their Dexterity.
To the right of each skill on your character sheet G , Will: Add their proficiency bonus for Will saves plus
there’s an abbreviation that reminds you of the attribute their Wisdom.
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Beginner Box
CHARACTER SHEET
BEGINNER BOX CHARACTER NAME NAME PRONOUNS L LEVEL
DICE PLAYER NAME XP
d4 HERITAGE BACKGROUND ABILITY CLASS ABILITIES

(LEVEL 1)
ANCESTRY ABILITY
(LEVEL 2)
d6 D ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS E HIT POINTS (LEVEL 3)

STRENGTH STR MAXIMUM CURRENT
DEXTERITY DEX
H PERCEPTION
CONSTITUTION CON Dying SENSES AND NOTES
d8 Wounded = + T
E
INTELLIGENCE INT WIS PROF
F SPEED
FEET
WISDOM WIS
FORTITUDE E
d10 CON PROF
G SKILLS T
REFLEX = + E
T = + –
ACROBATICS E DEX PROF
DEX PROF ARMOR T
WILL = + E
T = +
ARCANA WIS PROF
d12 E
INT PROF
T = + – J DEFENSES
ATHLETICS E
STR PROF ARMOR Armor Class Shield Hardness
T = +
CRAFTING E
d20 INT PROF T
E
T
E
T
E
T
E
T = +
ACTIONS DECEPTION E
10 + + +
Max HP BT
CHA PROF
Base Dex* Prof Item
/
T = + * Use armor’s Dex cap if lower
DIPLOMACY E
CHA PROF
T = +
CHA PROF
PROFICIENCIES E E E
T = +
Two Actions E
INT PROF E
T = + MELEE WEAPON
MEDICINE E = + T
WIS PROF E
Three Actions = +
ATTACK STR/DEX PROF
T
NATURE E
WIS PROF
DIE STR SLASHING
T = +
OCCULTISM TRAITS
Reaction E
INT PROF
= + MELEE WEAPON
E = + T
E
CHA PROF
ATTACK STR/DEX PROF
UNTRAINED T = +
0 E
WIS PROF
DIE STR SLASHING
T = +
SOCIETY E
TRAITS
TRAINED INT PROF
= + – RANGED WEAPON T
2 + level STEALTH T
E
= + E
T = +
EXPERT SURVIVAL E
4 + level = + -
DIE STR (thrown)
T
THIEVERY E
TRAITS AMMO
DEX PROF ARMOR
SKILL NOTES
© Paizo Inc. 2024
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Defenses situations. Edicts are behaviors your personal philosophy or

Your hero’s Armor Class (AC) represents how difficult code encourages. Anathema are the opposite: actions contrary
they are to hit in combat. To calculate AC, add 10 + your to your point of view and violations of your personal code.
hero’s Dexterity (up to their armor’s Dexterity cap) + their For example, you might declare that you follow an edict to
proficiency bonus with the type of armor you chose + that keep detailed records of any dungeon you explore, or you
armor’s item bonus to AC J . might consider it anathema to refuse to help a friend in need.
For most characters, these are entirely optional, though
Weapons and Attacks it’s best to consider taking some on as you create your
You’ll need to calculate your hero’s attack statistic for character to hone in on how they think. If you are playing
Strikes with each weapon they have and how much damage a cleric, you should follow the code outlined by your deity,
each Strike deals K . as described on page 21. Your choice of ancestry might also
For each weapon’s attack, add your hero’s proficiency be used to inspire you to create new edicts or anathema
bonus for that weapon or type of weapon + Strength for your character. An elf character might have an edict to
for melee Strikes or Dexterity for ranged Strikes. If their never flee from a demon, whereas a dwarf character might
Dexterity is higher and the melee weapon has the finesse consider it anathema to leave a friend on the battlefield.
trait, you can add Dexterity instead of Strength for Edicts and anathema help you understand how your
that Strike. character thinks. Use them to guide you in playing them,
You also need to calculate how much damage each but remember, their choices are yours to make!
weapon’s Strike deals. Melee weapons and ranged weapons
that have the thrown trait add Strength to damage rolls (if Name and Pronouns
your hero is a rogue and your weapon has the finesse trait, Don’t forget to name your hero and decide on their
add Dexterity instead). Other ranged weapons don’t add pronouns—characters of all genders or no gender are
anything to the damage roll. equally likely to become adventurers. Record your hero’s
name and pronouns in the top section of your character
Edicts and Anathema sheet. If you’d like, you can also draw your hero’s
You can choose to take on edicts and anathema to reinforce appearance or write a description of what they look like in
your character’s beliefs and guide how they’d react in certain the Character Portrait section O .
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SKILLS
While your character’s attribute modifiers represent their raw talent and potential, skills represent
their training and experience at performing various tasks. You can use skills to figure out what
your character knows, how far your character can jump, and even how well your character can
influence people!
Every skill uses an attribute modifier, which is listed next to messages takes 1 hour per page. The text must be in a language
the skill—for example, Stealth uses your Dexterity. you can read, though the GM might allow you to attempt to
Each skill has special actions you can use. Some of these decipher text written in an unfamiliar language using Society.
actions can be attempted by anyone, but others require a The GM determines the DC based on the complexity of the
hero to have the trained proficiency rank in the skill (or document. The GM might have you roll one check for a short text
better). A skill’s actions appear in the Skills and Skill Actions or a check for each section of a larger text.
table on page 51. Critical Success You understand the true meaning of the text.
Success You understand the true meaning of the text. If it was
Skill Checks a coded document, you know the general meaning but might
When you use a skill, usually by performing one of its not have a word-for-word translation.
actions, you might attempt a skill check: roll a d20 and add Failure You can’t understand the text. If you try again, you take a
the statistic for that skill. The rules for checks are on page 60. –2 circumstance penalty to your checks to decipher it.
Critical Failure You believe you understand the text on that
SKILL CHECK DCS page, but you have in fact misinterpreted its message.
The GM sets the DC of a skill check, using the guidelines on
page 36 of the Game Master’s Guide. Most DCs will range IDENTIFY MAGIC (TRAINED)
between 10 and 20. Even an untrained character has a decent You try to identify a magic spell, item, or location. Use the
chance to succeed against a low DC like 10. Characters with skill related to the kind of magic you’re trying to identify,
the trained proficiency rank in a skill can often succeed against based on which trait it has: Arcana if it has the arcane trait,
DC 15. A higher DC like DC 20 is tough for trained characters Religion if it has the divine trait, Occultism if it has the
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Sometimes, another creature will attempt a check against cases, you can use a skill to identify magic of a different
your skill. In these cases, you’ll need to calculate your DC tradition at a higher DC. The GM determines whether you
for that skill. To determine your DC for a skill, just add 10 can do this and what the DC is. If something just has the
to that skill. For example, when someone tries to find you magical trait, like many items, all four skills are equally
while you’re sneaking around, they attempt a Perception suitable at identifying it.
check against your Stealth DC. If your Stealth is +5, your
Stealth DC is 15. IDENTIFY MAGIC
CONCENTRATE EXPLORATION SECRET
General Skill Actions Once you discover that an item, location, or ongoing effect is
Some skill actions called general skill actions can be used magical (such as by casting the detect magic cantrip), you can
with multiple different skills. When you use a general skill spend 10 minutes to try to identify the particulars of its magic.
action, you might use any skill that lists that action as one of The GM sets the DC.
its skill actions, depending on the situation. If you’re not sure Critical Success You learn the magic’s name, what it does, and
whether you can use a certain skill, the GM decides. any means of activating it (if it’s an item or location).
Success For an item or location, you get a sense of what it does
DECIPHER WRITING (TRAINED) and learn any means of activating it. For a spell, you learn its
When you encounter particularly old, complicated, or coded name and what it does. You can’t try again in hopes of getting
texts, the GM might require you to Decipher the Writing a critical success.
before you can understand what it says. You must be trained Failure You fail to identify the magic and can’t try again for 1 day.
in the relevant skill to Decipher Writing. Arcana is typically Critical Failure You misidentify the magic as something else of
used for writing about magic or science, Occultism for esoteric the GM’s choice.
texts about mysteries and philosophy, Religion for scripture,
and Society for coded messages or archaic documents. RECALL KNOWLEDGE (UNTRAINED)
To remember useful information on a topic, you can attempt
DECIPHER WRITING to Recall Knowledge. You might know basic information
CONCENTRATE EXPLORATION SECRET about something without needing to attempt a check, but
You attempt to decipher complicated writing or literature on an using Recall Knowledge requires you to stop and think for
obscure topic. This takes 1 minute per page, but decrypting coded a moment so you can recollect more specific facts.
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ARMOR AND SKILLS

If you wear armor, you might take a penalty to skills that use your Strength or Dexterity. Having a good Strength lets you
ignore this penalty. You’ll find out whether the penalty applies when you choose your armor (page 42).
SECRET CHECKS
If an action has the secret trait, the GM rolls the check for you and tells you what happens without revealing the result of the roll.
Secret checks happen when your knowledge is imperfect, like when you’re searching for a hidden creature or object, attempting to
deceive someone, or remembering some piece of lore. This way, you as the player don’t know things that your character wouldn’t.
EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES
Some skill activities have the exploration trait. These usually take a minute or more, and can’t be used during an encounter. If you’re not
sure whether you have the time to use one of these activities, ask your GM.
SKILLS AND SKILL ACTIONS

Skill Ability Untrained Actions Trained Actions
Acrobatics (page 52) Dexterity Balance [one-action]
Tumble Through [one-action]
Arcana (page 52) Intelligence Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50) Decipher Writing * (page 50)
Identify Magic * (page 50)
Learn a Spell*
Athletics (page 52) Strength Climb [one-action]
Grapple [one-action]
High Jump [two-actions]
Long Jump [two-actions]
Shove [one-action]
Swim [one-action]
Trip [one-action]
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Crafting (page 54) Intelligence Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50)

Repair *
Deception (page 54) Charisma Create a Diversion [one-action] Feint [one-action]
Lie
Diplomacy (page 55) Charisma Gather Information *
Make an Impression *
Request [one-action]
Intimidation (page 55) Charisma Coerce *
Demoralize [one-action]
Lore (page 55) Intelligence Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50)
Medicine (page 56) Wisdom Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50) Treat Wounds *
Stabilize [two-actions]
Stanch Bleeding [two-actions]
Nature (page 57) Wisdom Command an Animal [one-action] Identify Magic* (page 50)
Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50)
Occultism (page 57) Intelligence Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50) Decipher Writing * (page 50)
Performance (page 57) Charisma Perform [one-action]
Religion (page 57) Wisdom Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50) Decipher Writing * (page 50)
Society (page 58) Intelligence Recall Knowledge [one-action] (page 50) Decipher Writing * (page 50)
Stealth (page 58) Dexterity Hide [one-action]
Sneak [one-action]
Survival (page 59) Wisdom Sense Direction * Track *
Thievery (page 59) Dexterity Steal [one-action] Disable a Device [two-actions]
Pick a Lock [two-actions]
*
This skill action is used during exploration, and can’t be used in combat.
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RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action] against the enemy’s Reflex DC (10 + the enemy’s Reflex) as soon
CONCENTRATE SECRET as you try to enter its space.
You attempt a skill check to try to remember a bit of knowledge Success You move through the enemy’s space, treating the
regarding a topic related to that skill. Pick a skill and ask the GM squares in its space as difficult terrain (every 5 feet costs 10
a question. The GM determines the DCs for such checks and if the feet of movement). If you don’t have enough Speed to move all
skill applies. The GM might suggest a different skill or ask you to the way through its space, you get the same effect as a failure.
narrow down your question before allowing you to make a check. Failure Your movement ends, but you trigger reactions as if you
Critical Success You recall the knowledge accurately and gain had moved out of the square you’re in.
additional information or context.
Success You recall the knowledge accurately or gain a useful Arcana
clue about your current situation. Attribute Modifier Intelligence
Failure You don’t recall anything useful. Use Arcana to measure how much you know about arcane
Critical Failure You recall false or no information (GM decides). magic and creatures. If you’re a wizard, you can use Arcana
to add new spells to your spellbook.
The following skills can be used to Recall Knowledge about
the listed topics. RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action]
• Arcana: Arcane magic, magical theories, and creatures You can Recall Knowledge about arcane magic, magical
of arcane significance. theories, and creatures of arcane significance (like dragons and
• Crafting: An item’s value, engineering, and constructs. constructs). The description of this activity is on page 50.
• Lore: The subject listed as part of the skill’s name.
• Medicine: Diseases, poisons, wounds, and forensics. TRAINED ARCANA ACTIONS
• Nature: Divine magic, geography, weather, and
creatures of natural origin. DECIPHER WRITING
• Occultism: Occult magic, obscure philosophy, and You can Decipher Writing about arcane theories. The description
creatures of occult significance. of this activity is on page 50.
• Religion: Divine magic, deities, theology, and creatures
of religious significance. IDENTIFY MAGIC
• Society: Local history, key personalities, societal You can Identify Magic of the arcane tradition, like wizard spells.
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structure, and humanoid culture. The description of this activity is on page 50. 4265425
Skill Descriptions LEARN A SPELL

The rest of this section includes a summary of each action, CONCENTRATE EXPLORATION
which attribute modifier the skill uses, and the actions you You can learn a new spell from someone who knows that spell
can use that skill for. Some actions require you to have the or from magical writing like a spellbook or scroll. You spend 1
trained proficiency rank or better in the skill. These appear hour (or 2 hours, for a 2nd-rank spell) learning from the person
after a “Trained Actions” heading. who knows the spell or studying the magical writing. The special
materials required to add the spell to your spellbook cost 2 gp,
Acrobatics or 6 gp for a 2nd-rank spell. Attempt a DC 15 Arcana check (DC
Attribute Modifier Dexterity 18 for a 2nd-rank spell).
Use Acrobatics to move about with coordination and grace. Critical Success You learn the spell and add it to your spellbook,
When you use the Escape action (page 65), you can roll an and the materials cost only half as much.
Acrobatics check instead of a fists attack roll if you want. Success You expend the materials and add the new spell to
your spellbook.
BALANCE [one-action] Failure You fail to learn the spell, but you don’t expend the
MOVE materials. You can try again once you gain a level.
You move across a narrow surface or uneven ground, attempting Critical Failure As failure, but you expend half the materials.
an Acrobatics check against its Balance DC (set by the GM).
You’re off-guard while on a narrow surface or uneven ground. Athletics
Critical Success You move up to your Speed. Attribute Modifier Strength
Success You move up to half your Speed. Use Athletics to perform deeds of physical prowess. When
Failure You keep your balance but remain stationary. you use the Escape action (page 65), you can roll an Athletics
Critical Failure You fall and your turn ends. check instead of a fists attack roll if you want.
TUMBLE THROUGH [one-action] CLIMB [one-action]

MOVE MOVE
You Stride (page 65). During this movement, you can try to move You move up, down, or across an incline. You have to use both
through the space of one enemy. Attempt an Acrobatics check your hands to Climb, so you can’t be holding anything. Attempt
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an Athletics check. The GM determines the DC based on the

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nature of the incline and environmental circumstances. You have GRABBED AND RESTRAINED 4265426
the off-guard condition while climbing. Grapple uses the grabbed and restrained conditions.
Critical Success You climb 10 feet. Grabbed You’re held in place by another creature. You’re
Success You climb 5 feet. unable to move and have the off-guard condition (a –2
Failure You don’t make any progress. circumstance penalty to AC). If you use a manipulate action
Critical Failure You fall. If you fall more than 5 feet, you take while grabbed, you must succeed at a DC 5 flat check (roll a
bludgeoning damage equal to half the distance you fell. 5 or higher on a d20 without adding anything) or the action
does nothing; roll the check after spending the action, but
GRAPPLE [one-action] before its effects happen.
ATTACK Restrained You can’t move, and you have the off-guard
You attempt to grab an opponent. You have to have a free hand condition (a –2 circumstance penalty to AC). You can’t use
to Grapple someone, unless you already have them grabbed or any actions with the attack or manipulate traits except to
restrained. Attempt an Athletics check against their Fortitude DC attempt to Escape (page 65). Restrained is stronger than
(10 + their Fortitude). grabbed, so grabbed doesn’t affect you if you’re restrained.
Critical Success Your target gains the restrained condition until
the end of your next turn unless you move or your opponent
Escapes (page 65). Critical Success You jump up to 8 feet vertically and 5 feet
Success Your target gains the grabbed condition until the end of horizontally or up to 5 feet vertically and 10 feet horizontally.
your next turn unless you move or your target Escapes. Success You jump up to 5 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally.
Failure You fail to grab your target. If you already had it grabbed Failure You jump up to 3 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally.
or restrained using a Grapple, it breaks free. Critical Failure You don’t jump, and instead, you fall over in your
Critical Failure If you already had the target grabbed or restrained, space, gaining the prone condition.
it breaks free. Your target can either give you the grabbed
condition, as if it succeeded at using the Grapple action against LONG JUMP [two-actions]
you, or force you to fall over and gain the prone condition. You Stride, then attempt a DC 15 Athletics check to make a long
jump in the direction you were striding. If you didn’t Stride at least
HIGH JUMP [two-actions] 10 feet, you automatically fail.
You Stride, then attempt a DC 30 Athletics check to jump up. If Success You Leap a distance equal to your check result (up to
you didn’t Stride at least 10 feet, you automatically fail. your land speed), rounded down to the nearest 5 feet.
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LEAP RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action]

The Leap basic action (page 65) lets you jump without You can Recall Knowledge about the value of items, engineering,
needing a check. This uses a single action, and allows and mechanical creatures. The description of this activity is on
you to jump 10 feet horizontally (or 15 feet if your Speed is page 50.
at least 30 feet), or 3 feet vertically with 5 feet of horizontal
movement. REPAIR
EXPLORATION MANIPULATE
Failure You jump up to 10 feet horizontally, or up to 15 feet if You spend 10 minutes using a repair toolkit (page 47) to fix a
your Speed is at least 30 feet. damaged item, like a shield or your thieves’ toolkit. The GM sets
Critical Failure As failure, and after your jump you fall over and the DC, which is based on the item’s level (DC 14 for an ordinary
gain the prone condition. shield). You can’t Repair a destroyed item.
Critical Success You restore Hit Points to the item based on your
SHOVE [one-action] proficiency in Crafting: 10 if you’re untrained, 20 if you’re
ATTACK trained, or 30 if you’re an expert.
You push an opponent away from you. If you make a creature Success You restore Hit Points to the item based on your
move with a Shove, the target doesn’t trigger reactions based on proficiency in Crafting: 5 if you’re untrained, 10 if you’re
movement, such as the fighter’s Reactive Strike. You must have trained, or 15 if you’re an expert.
a hand free or be using a weapon with the shove trait. Attempt Failure You fail to repair the item.
an Athletics check against the target’s Fortitude DC (10 + their Critical Failure You deal 2d6 damage to the item. Reduce this
Fortitude). damage by the item’s Hardness as normal.
Critical Success You push your target up to 10 feet away from
you. You can Stride after it, but you must move the same Deception
distance and in the same direction. Attribute Modifier Charisma
Success You push your target back 5 feet. You can Stride after it, Use Deception to trick and mislead others using disguises,
but you must move the same distance and in the same direction. lies, and other forms of subterfuge.
Failure You don’t move the target.
Critical Failure You lose your balance and fall prone. CREATE A DIVERSION [one-action]
MENTAL
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SWIM [one-action] You can create a diversion that draws creatures’ attention 4265427
MOVE elsewhere. Attempt a single Deception check and compare it

In most calm water, you can swim without needing a check. If the to the Perception DCs of the creatures whose attention you’re
water you’re swimming in is turbulent or otherwise dangerous, trying to divert (10 + their Perception). Whether or not you
you might have to attempt an Athletics check to Swim. succeed, creatures you attempt to divert gain a +4 circumstance
If you end your turn in water and haven’t succeeded at a Swim bonus to their Perception DCs against your attempts to Create
action that turn, you sink 10 feet or get moved by the current, as a Diversion for 1 minute.
determined by the GM. However, if your last action on your turn Success The creature loses track of you. This lets you use
was to enter the water, you don’t sink or move with the current the Sneak action (page 58) to get away. The creature
that turn. stays distracted until the end of your turn or until you do
Critical Success You move 15 feet through the water. anything except Step (page 65) or use the Hide or Sneak
Success You move 10 feet through the water. action of the Stealth skill (page 58). If you Strike a creature,
Failure You make no progress. the creature remains off-guard against that attack, then
turns its attention back to you. If you do anything other
TRIP [one-action] than Step, Hide, Sneak, or Strike, the creature sees you just
ATTACK before you act.
You try to knock an opponent to the ground. You must have Failure You don’t divert the attention of any creatures whose
a hand free or be using a weapon with the trip trait. Attempt Perception DC exceeds your result, and those creatures are
an Athletics check against the target’s Reflex DC (10 + their aware you were trying to trick them.
Reflex).
Critical Success The target falls prone and takes 1d6 LIE
bludgeoning damage. CONCENTRATE MENTAL SECRET
Success The target falls prone. You try to fool someone with an untruth. Doing so takes at
Failure The target stays upright. least 1 round, or longer if the lie is elaborate. You roll a single
Critical Failure You lose your balance and fall prone. Deception check and compare it to the Perception DC (10 +
their Perception) of every creature you’re trying to fool. The
Crafting GM might give them a circumstance bonus if your lie is hard
Attribute Modifier Intelligence to believe, and some lies are so big that it’s impossible to get
Use Crafting to understand, assess, and repair items. anyone to believe them.
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Success The target believes your lie. the DC based on the difficulty of the request. Some requests are
Failure The target doesn’t believe your lie and gains a +4 so unsavory or impossible that the NPC would never agree to
circumstance bonus against your attempts to Lie for the them.
duration of your conversation. The target is also more likely Critical Success The target agrees to your request without
to be suspicious of you in the future. qualifications.
Success The target agrees to your request, but they might
TRAINED DECEPTION ACTION demand added provisions or alterations to the request.
Failure The target refuses the request, though they might
FEINT [one-action] propose an alternative that is less extreme.
MENTAL Critical Failure Not only does the target refuse the request, but
With a misleading flourish, you leave an opponent unprepared for they also like you much less than they did before.
your real attack. Attempt a Deception check against the Perception
DC (10 + their Perception) of an opponent in reach of you. Intimidation
Critical Success You completely throw off your target’s defenses Attribute Modifier Charisma
against you. The target is off-guard against your melee attacks Use Intimidation to threaten people.
until the end of your next turn. The off-guard condition gives
it a –2 circumstance penalty to AC and makes it vulnerable to COERCE
the rogue’s sneak attack. CONCENTRATE EXPLORATION MENTAL
Success Your target is fooled, but only momentarily. The target You attempt to bully a creature into doing what you want. You
is off-guard against your next melee attack against it this turn. must spend at least 1 minute of conversation with the creature.
Failure You fail to fool the target. At the end of the conversation, attempt an Intimidation check
Critical Failure Your feint backfires. You’re off-guard against the against the target’s Will DC (10 + its Will), modified by any
target’s melee attacks until the end of your next turn. circumstances the GM determines.
Critical Success The target agrees to follow your directives so long
Diplomacy as they aren’t likely to harm the target in any way. The target
Attribute Modifier Charisma continues to comply for an amount of time determined by the
Use Diplomacy to influence others through negotiation GM but not exceeding 1 day, at which point the target becomes
and rhetoric. unfriendly toward you. However, they’re too scared to retaliate.
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Success As success, but the target may retaliate. 4265428
GATHER INFORMATION Failure The target doesn’t do what you say and becomes
EXPLORATION SECRET unfriendly to you.
You canvass local markets, taverns, and gathering places in an Critical Failure The target refuses to comply, becomes hostile to
attempt to learn about a specific individual or topic. The GM you, and can’t be Coerced by you again for at least 1 week.
determines the DC of the check and the amount of time it takes
(typically 2 hours, but sometimes more). You might get a better DEMORALIZE [one-action]
result by spending coin on bribes, drinks, or gifts. CONCENTRATE MENTAL
Success You collect information about the individual or topic. With a sudden shout, a well-timed taunt, or a cutting put-down,
The GM determines the specifics. you can shake an enemy’s resolve. Choose a creature within
Critical Failure You collect incorrect information about the 30 feet of you. Attempt an Intimidation check against that
individual or topic. target’s Will DC (10 + its Will). If the target doesn’t understand
your language or you’re not speaking a language, you take a –4
MAKE AN IMPRESSION circumstance penalty to the check, and you automatically fail
CONCENTRATE EXPLORATION MENTAL if the target can’t hear you. Regardless of your result, you can’t
You spend 1 minute to try to get a creature to like you with flattery try to Demoralize the same creature again for 10 minutes. If a
and acts of goodwill. At the end of the conversation, attempt a creature tries to cast clear mind on someone you’ve Demoralized,
Diplomacy check against the Will DC (10 + its Will) of the creature, use your Intimidation DC (10 + your Intimidation) for the spell
modified by any circumstances the GM considers relevant. You attack.
can impress up to five creature’s by taking a –2 penalty on your Critical Success The target gains the frightened 2 condition.
check. The impression lasts for only the current social interaction. Success The target gains the frightened 1 condition.
Critical Success The target likes you much better than it did before. Failure The target is unaffected.
Success The target likes you somewhat more than it did before.
Failure The target’s attitude toward you is unchanged. Lore
Critical Failure The target likes you less than it did before. Attribute Modifier Intelligence
Use Lore to remember information about a narrow topic.
REQUEST [one-action] You gained a Lore skill from your background, such as
CONCENTRATE MENTAL Farming Lore or Underworld Lore. If there’s any doubt
You can make a request of a creature that likes you. The GM sets whether a Lore skill applies to a specific topic or action,
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the GM decides whether it can be used. If you have a Lore condition (page 71) an extra chance to remove the persistent
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skill and a different skill that you could use for a topic, you damage. You need to use a healer’s toolkit to do so (page 46). 4265429
choose which one to roll. Roll your Medicine check against a DC chosen by the GM. This is
usually the DC of the effect that caused the persistent damage.
RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action] Success The creature attempts a flat check to end the persistent
You can Recall Knowledge about the subject of your Lore skill. bleed damage.
The description of this activity is on page 50. Failure You don’t affect the persistent bleed damage.
Critical Failure The creature immediately takes the damage from
Medicine their persistent bleed damage.
Attribute Modifier Wisdom
Use Medicine to patch up wounds. TRAINED MEDICINE ACTION
RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action] TREAT WOUNDS

You can Recall Knowledge about diseases, injuries, poisons, and EXPLORATION HEALING MANIPULATE
other ailments. The description of this activity is on page 50. You spend 10 minutes treating one injured living creature. You
can choose yourself if you want. You need to use a healer’s toolkit
STABILIZE [two-actions] to do so (page 46). A creature can benefit from Treat Wounds
MANIPULATE only once per hour, even if multiple creatures try to treat them.
You try to stabilize a creature that has 0 Hit Points and the dying Attempt a DC 15 Medicine check. If you’re an expert in
condition. You need to use a healer’s toolkit to do so (page 46). the Medicine skill, you can instead make the check DC 20 to
Roll a Medicine check with a DC of 21 if the creature has dying 1, increase the Hit Points regained on a success or critical success
22 if they have dying 2, or 23 if they have dying 3. by 10.
Success The creature loses the dying condition, but remains Critical Success The target regains 4d8 Hit Points and loses the
unconscious and gains the wounded condition (see page 70). wounded condition if they have it. You can continue treating
Failure You don’t improve the target’s condition. the injured creature for a total of 1 hour to double the Hit
Critical Failure You increase the target’s dying value by 1. Points they regain.
Success The target regains 2d8 Hit Points and loses the
STANCH BLEEDING [two-actions] wounded condition if they have it. You can continue treating
MANIPULATE the injured creature for a total of 1 hour to double the Hit
You try to give a creature that has a persistent bleed damage Points they regain.
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Failure The target doesn’t regain any Hit Points. MAGIC TRADITIONS
Critical Failure The target takes 1d8 damage. Spellcasters cast spells from one of four different
magical traditions. Clerics cast divine spells, while
Nature wizards cast arcane spells. Some monsters might cast
Attribute Modifier Wisdom occult or primal spells, as do some classes in the full
Use Nature to understand the natural world, know about game. Each magical tradition has a skill associated with it:
the primal magic of nature, and command animals. Arcana for arcane, Nature for primal, Occultism for occult,
and Religion for divine. Some types of magic, such as that
COMMAND AN ANIMAL [one-action] of most magic items, don’t belong to any single tradition.
CONCENTRATE These have the magical trait instead of a tradition trait.
You try to get an animal to do what you want. Choose one of the
following basic actions you want the animal to use (from page
65): Drop Prone, Leap, Seek, Stand, Stride, and Strike. Attempt a Performance
Nature check against the animal’s Will DC (10 + its Will). The GM Attribute Modifier Charisma
might lower the DC if the animal already likes you or if you offer Use Performance to display your talents with music,
it a treat. You automatically fail if the animal is angry with you oratory, dance, or other performing arts. This skill is more
or can’t hear you. prominent in the full Pathfinder game, as the bard class uses
Success The animal uses the action you command on its next turn. it to inspire their allies.
Failure The animal is hesitant or resistant, and does nothing.
Critical Failure The animal misbehaves or misunderstands, and it PERFORM [one-action]
uses some other action determined by the GM. CONCENTRATE
You make a brief performance—one song, a quick dance, or a
RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action] few jokes—to prove your capability or impress someone quickly.
You can Recall Knowledge about primal magic, fauna, flora, Performing rarely has an impact on its own, but it might influence
geography, weather, the environment, and creatures of natural the DCs of subsequent Diplomacy checks against the observers
origin (like animals, beasts, and fey). The description of this if the GM sees fit.
activity is on page 50. Roll a Performance check. The GM determines the DC based
on how refined the tastes of your audience are—it’s more difficult
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Critical Success Your performance impresses the observers, and

IDENTIFY MAGIC they’re likely to share stories of your ability.
You can Identify Magic of the primal tradition. The description of Success You prove yourself, and observers appreciate the quality
this activity is on page 50. of your performance.
Failure Your performance falls flat.
Occultism Critical Failure You demonstrate only incompetence.
Attribute Modifier Intelligence
Use Occultism to know about ancient philosophies, obscure Religion
mysticism, and occult magic. This skill is tied to the occult Attribute Modifier Wisdom
magical tradition, an art so strange that none of the Use Religion to understand deities, faiths, divine magic, and
Beginner Box characters cast occult spells. This tradition is undead creatures.
more prominent in the full Pathfinder game.
RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action]
RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action] You can Recall Knowledge about divine magic, deities,
You can Recall Knowledge about occult magic, ancient mysteries, theology, obscure myths of a faith, and creatures of religious
obscure philosophies, and occult creatures (like aberrations and significance (like undead). The description of this activity is
oozes). The description of this activity is on page 50. on page 50.
TRAINED OCCULTISM ACTIONS TRAINED RELIGION ACTIONS
DECIPHER WRITING DECIPHER WRITING

You can Decipher Writing about weird philosophies, complex You can Decipher Writing of a religious nature, including
metaphysics, and incoherent ramblings. The description of this allegories, homilies, and proverbs. The description of this activity
activity is on page 50. is on page 50.
IDENTIFY MAGIC IDENTIFY MAGIC

You can Identify Magic of the occult tradition. The description of You can Identify Magic of the divine tradition. The description of
this activity is on page 50. this activity is on page 50.
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Society bonus from standard cover to your Stealth check. Lesser cover
Attribute Modifier Intelligence isn’t sufficient to Hide. The GM rolls your Stealth check in secret
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Use Society to remember and understand the people, history, and compares the result to the Perception DC of each creature
and systems of civilizations. you’re trying to Hide from (10 + its Perception).
Success The creature can’t see you. If it could see you before, it
RECALL KNOWLEDGE [one-action] still knows roughly your position until you Sneak (see below)
You can Recall Knowledge about local history, important to move elsewhere. If it tries to target you while it can’t see
personalities, legal institutions, societal structure, and humanoid you and only knows your position, it has to succeed at a DC 10
creatures. The description of this activity is on page 50. flat check (roll a 10 or higher on a d20) or it fails to target you.
Failure The creature can still see you.
TRAINED SOCIETY ACTION
SNEAK [one-action]
DECIPHER WRITING MOVE SECRET
You can Decipher Writing of coded messages, text written in an When you’ve successfully hidden from someone using Hide,
incomplete or archaic form, or possibly even languages you don’t you can Sneak to move to another place so they don’t know
speak. The description of this activity is on page 50. where you are. Stride up to half your Speed. At the end of
your movement, the GM rolls your Stealth check in secret and
Stealth compares the result to the Perception DC of each creature that
Attribute Modifier Dexterity couldn’t see you but knew where you were at the start of your
Use Stealth to sneak around. Using Stealth happens in two movement (Perception DC = 10 + the creature’s Perception).
steps: using Hide to hide behind something so people lose If you have standard cover (page 68) from the creature
sight of you but still know your approximate location, then throughout your Stride, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus to
using Sneak to move around so they lose track of where you your Stealth check. You can roll against a creature only if, at the
are entirely. end of your Stride, you have standard cover or the concealed
condition; otherwise, it sees you.
HIDE [one-action] Success The creature can’t see or hear you during your movement
SECRET and doesn’t know where you are after you stop moving.
You huddle behind cover or deeper into concealment to hide Failure A telltale sound or other sign gives your position away.
yourself. You must have standard cover (page 68) or have the The creature still can’t see you, but it knows where you are.
concealed condition to Hide, and you gain any circumstance Critical Failure You’re spotted! The creature can see you.
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Survival ENDING STEALTH
Attribute Modifier Wisdom You stop being hidden from a creature if you move to a
Use Survival to get by in the wilderness and track creatures. place where you no longer have cover from it, or if you
use any action other than Hide, Sneak, or Step. A creature
SENSE DIRECTION you’re hidden from has the off-guard condition against you,
EXPLORATION SECRET taking a –2 circumstance penalty to AC against your attacks.
You spend a minute or so to get oriented in the wild. You use If you attempt to Strike the creature, it has the off-guard
a compass and can be aided by using the stars, the position of condition against that one attack, but then it sees you.
the sun, and the environment around you. Typically, you attempt Creatures can use the Seek action to try to find you,
a Survival check only once per day, but some environments or as described on page 65. If they find you, you have to
changes might necessitate rolling more often. successfully Hide again to become hidden once more.
Critical Success You get an excellent sense of where you are and
know where the cardinal directions are exactly. Invisibility
Success You gain enough orientation to avoid becoming hopelessly If you’re invisible (due to the invisibility wizard spell,
lost. You have a sense of the cardinal directions, but it’s not exact. for instance), you can’t be seen. You get the benefit of
Failure You can’t determine your location or the cardinal directions. a successful check to Hide all the time. That means if
anything would let a creature see you, like critically failing
TRAINED SURVIVAL ACTION a check to Sneak), the creature knows where you are
but can’t see you. You can Sneak while invisible without
TRACK needing to Hide first.
CONCENTRATE EXPLORATION MOVE
You follow tracks while you’re traveling, moving at up to half your
travel speed (see Exploration on page 61 for rules on traveling). device, such as a lock. A thieves’ toolkit (page 47) are helpful
The GM determines the DCs for such checks, depending on the and sometimes even required to Disable a Device, as determined
freshness of the trail, the weather, and the type of ground. You by the GM.
attempt your Survival check when you start Tracking. Your Thievery check result determines how much progress
Success You find the trail or continue to follow the one you’re you make. A complex device might require more than one
already following. You can keep following it for 1 hour or until successful check to disable.
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have you roll a new check. successes toward disabling a complex device. You leave no
Failure You spend an hour searching, but you lose the trail. trace of your tampering, and you can rearm the device later, if
Critical Failure You lose the trail and get lost, wasting 24 hours that type of device can be rearmed.
as you find your way back to where you started. Success You disable the device, or you achieve one success
toward disabling a complex device.
Thievery Failure You don’t make any progress toward disabling the device.
Attribute Modifier Dexterity Critical Failure You trigger the device.
Use Thievery to steal items without being noticed and to
disable mechanisms like locks and traps. PICK A LOCK [two-actions]
MANIPULATE
STEAL [one-action] Picking a Lock requires a thieves’ toolkit (page 47) and works much
MANIPULATE like Disabling a Device. Your Thievery check determines how much
You try to take a very small object from another creature without progress you make. The DC of the check is determined by the
being noticed. You automatically fail if the creature that has the construction of the lock you’re attempting to pick, and most locks
object is in combat or on guard. require more than one successful check to unlock (see below).
Attempt a Thievery check. The DC is usually the Perception Critical Success You achieve two successes toward opening the
DC of the creature wearing the object (Perception DC = 10 + its lock. You leave no trace of your tampering.
Perception). If the object is in a pocket or similarly protected, you Success You achieve one success toward opening the lock.
take a –5 penalty to your Thievery check. Failure You make no progress toward opening the lock.
Success You steal the item without the bearer noticing. Critical Failure You break your tools. Fixing them requires
Failure The item’s bearer notices your attempt before you can using Crafting to Repair them (page 54) or else swapping in
take the object. The GM determines the creature’s response. replacement picks (which cost 3 sp).
TRAINED THIEVERY ACTIONS Lock Quality DC Successes

Poor lock 15 2
DISABLE A DEVICE [two-actions] Simple Lock 20 3
MANIPULATE Average Lock 25 4
This action allows you to disarm a trap or another complex Good Lock 30 5
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PLAYING THE GAME

Now that you’ve built your hero, you’re ready to learn the rules of the game. The world of Pathfinder
is full of possibilities, with rules to cover all sorts of situations, but a few basic rules are enough
to understand how you can explore the world, battle monsters, and make the game and the world
your own! The Player Reference Cards have a condensed version of these rules for use at the table.
NARRATING ACTIONS
Pathfinder’s about more than just
numbers. You and your friends are
cooperating to tell a story! As you
prepare to use your actions, describe
your character’s attitude and what
they want to get done. Talk about
how you execute your attack or the
flashy movement you use as you
cast your spell. The GM can do the
same for the monsters.
You can narrate what you’re doing
up until you roll—then the dice take
over! Usually, the GM tells you what
happens as your attack goes wide or
strikes true, or as your spell engulfs
your enemies. Sometimes the GM
might ask you to describe what
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basics of what occurs, but all the

players contribute the details that
make the story come to life!
Rolling Checks These are some common types of checks and DCs.
When your hero tries to do something and the outcome is
uncertain, you’ll roll a check to see whether you succeed. Check Statistic Difficulty Class (DC)
Pathfinder has many types of checks, from skill checks Weapon or fist Attack bonus Armor Class (AC) of the
to attack rolls to saving throws, but they all follow the attack target
basic steps explained below: roll the d20, calculate your Spell attack Spell attack Armor Class (AC) of the
result, and compare that result to a target number called a modifier target
difficulty class (DC) to determine whether you succeed or fail. Saving throw Fortitude, Spell DC of the caster
All checks use the same formula: against a spell Reflex, or Will
Perception check Perception Stealth DC of a hiding
d20 + statistic + bonuses and penalties = result creature or DC set by the
GM to find an object in the
Checks and DCs both come in many forms. When you environment
swing a sword at a monster, you’ll make an attack roll, and Stealth check Stealth skill Perception DC of observers
its Armor Class is the DC. If you leap across a chasm, you’ll
attempt an Athletics skill check with a DC based on how far STEP 1: ROLL
you’re trying to jump. When trying to remember information Start by rolling your d20! Pay attention to whether you
about an ancient text, you’ll roll a skill check to Recall rolled a 20 or a 1 on the die because that does something
Knowledge with a skill and DC determined by the GM. special when you determine success or failure.
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STEP 2: CALCULATE THE RESULT CALCULATING DCS
Add the number you rolled on the d20 to the statistic you’re For many checks, you’ll compare your result to
using (such as your attack bonus or your Stealth), and add another creature’s DC, with Strikes, the DC of your
any special bonuses and penalties that apply. This total is attack roll is your target’s Armor Class (AC). Sometimes an
your result. enemy’s check uses your DC, like comparing the result of
an Intimidation check to Demoralize you to your Will DC.
Bonuses and Penalties If you need a DC for something that’s normally a statistic,
Sometimes you’ll have a bonus or penalty to add to your roll such as a Will DC, just add 10 to the statistic to get the DC.
in addition to the statistic you’re using. For instance, a spell For example, a creature with a Will of +5 has a Will DC of 15.
might give you a bonus to an attack roll. Such a bonus might For other checks, like an Athletics check to Climb a
be labeled, like a circumstance bonus, status bonus, or item steep cliff, the Game Master sets the DC for you. They
bonus. You can benefit from only the highest bonus with a have information on how to do so on page 36 of the Game
given label. For example, if two spells are affecting you, each Master’s Guide.
giving you a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, your total status
bonus would still just be +1, not +2. This works the same
way for multiple circumstance or item bonuses, too. But if to a success, a success to a failure, and a failure to a
you get a +1 status bonus and a +1 circumstance bonus to an critical failure. Usually, this means you critically fail.
attack roll, you add both! Penalties can have labels too, and
they work the same way, except that the number is negative. SAVING THROWS
Anything without a label is cumulative. For example, Saving throws, or saves, are checks that let you shrug off
the penalty for making multiple attacks in a round and the harmful effects, such as those of enemies’ spells. An ability that
penalty for attacking at a long range with a ranged weapon lets you attempt a save says so in its text. These checks are
don’t have labels, so both would apply to an attack that automatic—you don’t need to use a reaction to attempt one.
wasn’t your first of the round and was made at a long range. There are three types of saving throw: Fortitude saves
for overcoming something through your body’s endurance,
STEP 3: DETERMINE SUCCESS Reflex saves for quickly dodging, and Will saves for mentally
Often, it’s important to determine not only if you succeed resisting something.
or fail, but also how spectacularly you succeed or fail.
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Exceptional results can cause you to critically succeed or Basic Saving Throws 4265434
critically fail. Some spells and other effects that deal damage ask you to
roll a basic saving throw. You roll a basic saving throw like
Critical Success You exceed the DC by 10 or more. any other save, but you’ll use the following outcomes to
Success You meet or exceed the DC. determine how much damage you take.
Failure Your result is lower than the DC.
Critical Failure Your result is lower than the DC by 10 or more. Critical Success You take no damage.
Success You take half the listed damage.
The action you’re using tells you what happens depending Failure You take the full listed damage.
on how well you rolled. For instance, if you attacked with Critical Failure You take double the listed damage.
a Strike, you’d deal double damage on a critical success, the
normal amount of damage on a success, and no damage Exploration
at all on a failure or critical failure. If an action doesn’t As heroes move from place to place, exploring a dungeon,
say anything special happens on a critical failure, a critical wilderness, or city, the game is flexible. If a fight breaks out
failure has the same result as a regular failure. For a Strike, during exploration, the game turns into an encounter, which
a critical failure is no different from a regular failure. follows a more specific set of rules explained on page 63.
Likewise, if an action doesn’t say something special happens Exploration involves movement and roleplaying, and the
on a critical success, it has the same effect as a success. GM determines the flow of time based on what the heroes
do. Your hero might be traveling from one town to another,
Rolling a 20 or a 1 chatting with a couple of merchants at an outpost along the
Rolling the highest or lowest number on a d20 has some way, or having a terse conversation with the watchful city
special rules. guards at your destination. If the GM needs to track how
• If you roll a 20 on the d20, use a result one step better long travel takes, they’ll use this table—the party travels at
than what you’d normally get based on your roll. This the speed of its slowest member.
changes a critical failure to a failure, a failure to a
success, and a success to a critical success. Usually, this Hero’s Speed Miles per Hour Miles per Day
means you critically succeed! 20 feet 2 16
• If you roll a 1 on the d20, do the opposite and use a 25 feet 2-1/2 20
result one step worse. This changes a critical success 30 feet 3 24
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SPECIAL RULES FOR CHECKS

Some types of checks follow special rules.
Flat Checks
When something’s based purely on chance, you’ll attempt a flat check. A flat check never includes any modifiers, bonuses, or
penalties—you just roll a d20 and compare the result on the die to the DC.
Secret Checks
The secret trait appears on anything that uses secret checks. You use the normal formula for the check, but the GM rolls the d20
in secret. Instead of revealing the result, the GM simply describes the information or effects determined by the check’s result.
Helping Someone
You can aid someone when they attempt a skill check or attack roll to potentially give them a bonus. This requires preparing
to help them, usually by spending an action or more on your turn, then using a reaction when they attempt their skill check or
attack roll. When you use your reaction, attempt a skill check or attack roll, usually the same type of roll as the one you’re trying
to help. The DC is usually 20, but the GM might make it higher in tricky situations. You give your ally a +2 circumstance bonus on
a critical success, a +1 circumstance bonus on a success, nothing on a failure, and a –1 circumstance penalty on a critical failure.
Attacks
Anything that has the attack trait follows some special rules. You can read about attacks on page 66.
EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES Investigate (concentrate, secret) You move at half speed and use
While traveling and exploring, you’ll tell the GM what your Recall Knowledge to discover clues among the various things
hero does along the way. If all you want to do is to make you see as you journey along. You can Investigate using any
steady progress toward your destination, your hero will move skill that has a Recall Knowledge action, but the GM determines
at the appropriate travel speed from the table on page 61. whether the skill is relevant to the clues you could find.
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When you want to do something in addition to simply Scout You scout outside the group, moving at half speed while 4265435
traveling, you describe the basics of what you’re attempting looking for danger. At the start of the next encounter, everyone
to do, such as “I’m searching for hazards” or “I’m keeping in your party gains a +1 circumstance bonus to their initiative roll.
my shield ready in case we’re attacked.” The GM finds the Search (concentrate) Moving at half speed, you Seek
best exploration activity to match your description and meticulously. If you come across a secret door, item, or hazard
describes the effects of that activity. Some exploration while Searching, the GM attempts a secret check to Seek to
activities limit how fast you can travel and be effective. find out if you notice the hidden object or hazard. In locations
The following activities have the exploration trait. Any with many objects to search, you have to stop and spend
other traits are listed in parentheses after the activity’s name. significantly longer to search thoroughly.
You can find more exploration activities in Skills (page 50). Sense Direction (secret) Using a compass or environmental clues,
Avoid Notice Move at half your travel speed and attempt a you orient yourself in the wild. See the Survival skill on page 59.
Stealth check to avoid anyone noticing you as you travel. If Track You look for a creature’s tracks so you can follow them. See
you’re Avoiding Notice at the start of an encounter, you roll a the Survival skill on page 59.
Stealth check instead of a Perception check to determine your
initiative. You’ll also compare the result of this Stealth check Rest and Daily
to the enemies’ Perception DCs, like you would for the Sneak Preparations
action, to determine if they notice you. Once every 24 hours, you can take a period of rest (typically
Defend Move at half your travel speed with your shield raised. 8 hours). When your rest ends, you regain Hit Points equal
If combat breaks out, you have the +2 circumstance bonus to to your Constitution modifier (or 1 HP, if your Constitution
your AC from Raising a Shield until your first turn begins. is +0). If you’re higher than 1st level, multiply the HP you
Detect Magic (concentrate) You must have the detect magic regain by your level.
cantrip prepared to choose this activity. You cast detect magic After you rest, you spend 1 hour to make your daily
at regular intervals. You move at half your travel speed. preparations. Preparing includes the following:
Hustle (move) You strain yourself to move at double your travel • Don armor and equip weapons and other items.
speed. You can Hustle only for a limited time. Multiply your • If you’re a cleric or a wizard, regain your spell slots and
Constitution modifier by 10 to find how many minutes you choose the spells you prepare that day.
can Hustle. If you’re in a group that’s Hustling, use the lowest • Reset any abilities you have that refresh during your
Constitution modifier among everyone to determine how fast preparations or that can be used only a certain number
the group can Hustle together. of times per day.
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Light and Darkness rounds, each of which is 6 seconds of time in the game
There are three levels of light: bright light, dim light, and world. (Ten rounds is 1 minute.) Every round, each
darkness. The game’s rules assume you’re in bright light, creature in that combat takes a turn in an established
so most of the time you don’t have to worry about any order called initiative. An encounter takes place following
special rules. Areas in shadow or lit by weak light sources these four steps.
are in dim light. Creatures and objects in dim light have the
concealed condition, meaning any attack or other effect STEP 1: ROLL INITIATIVE
that would target them fails unless the creature trying to When the encounter starts, the GM calls for initiative. Roll
target them succeeds at a DC 5 flat check (rolling a 5 or your Perception (unless you were Avoiding Notice in the
higher on a d20 without adding anything). A creature with lead-up to the battle, in which case you roll Stealth). The
darkvision or low-light vision can see in the dim light and GM rolls initiative for anyone other than the heroes in
targets creatures in it normally. the encounter. Unlike a typical check, where the result is
Areas without any light at all are in darkness. A compared to a DC, the results of initiative rolls are ranked
creature or object in darkness can’t be seen unless the from highest to lowest.
creature looking for it has darkvision. A creature without
darkvision or another means of perceiving in darkness STEP 2: PLAY A ROUND
is blinded while in darkness, though it might be able to The round starts with the creature who rolled the highest
see illuminated areas beyond the darkness. When you’re initiative taking their turn first. The process of taking your
blinded, all terrain is difficult terrain (page 67) and you turn is described on page 64. Once the first creature has
take a –4 status penalty to Perception checks that rely on taken their turn, the one with the next highest initiative
sight. If you try to attack or affect a target you can’t see takes their turn, and so on. If initiative results are tied,
due to darkness or for any other reason, you fail unless enemies go before the heroes. If creatures on the same side
you succeed at a DC 11 flat check. tie, they choose what order to go the first time their initiative
comes up. After that, everyone’s place in the initiative order
Encounters doesn’t change for the rest of that encounter.
When you’re in a tense fight and every individual action Once everyone has taken a turn, the round ends, and the
counts, you enter an encounter. Time is divided into next one begins.
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STEP 3: BEGIN THE NEXT ROUND At the end of an encounter, the GM may award Experience
Initiative is like a clock—after all combatants have taken Points to the party, or you may find treasure to divvy up.
their turns, you’ll start a new round. Go back to the highest
initiative number and everyone takes another turn in the Taking Your Turn
same order in the new round. When it reaches your initiative in combat, you get to take
your turn! You can use your actions on your turn, and some
STEP 4: END THE ENCOUNTER special rules apply at the start and end of your turn. Here’s
When everyone on one side is defeated, some sort of truce what you do during each part of your turn.
is reached, or another event or circumstance stops the
combat, the encounter ends. You and the other participants START OF YOUR TURN
no longer follow the initiative order, and the game returns • If you created an effect with a duration lasting a
to exploration. certain number of rounds, like many spells do, reduce
the number of rounds remaining by 1. The effect ends
if the duration is reduced to 0.
• If you’re dying, roll a recovery check (see Dying on
page 70).
• Lose the reaction from your previous turn, and regain
your 3 actions and 1 reaction. You can’t “save up” unused
actions or reactions from previous turns. If a condition
or effect prevents you from using some, but not all, of
your actions, you still regain the remaining actions. If a
condition or effect prevents you from using all of your
actions, you don’t regain any actions or your reaction.
USING ACTIONS
• Now that you have your actions, it’s time to use them!
You can perform your actions in any order you wish,
but you have to complete one before beginning another.
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Stride unless a special activity lets you. You can pick your
actions from the basic actions on page 65 and
any actions you get from your class.
• Once you’re done spending actions, go to
the end of your turn.
END OF YOUR TURN

• Lose any of your 3 actions that remain. You keep your
reaction if you didn’t use it on your turn; you lose it at
the start of your next turn.
• If you have a persistent damage condition (page 66), you
take the damage at this time. After taking the damage, you
can attempt the flat check to end the persistent damage.
• End any effects that last until the end of your turn.
• Resolve anything else specified to happen at the end of
your turn.
• Your turn is over, and the next creature’s turn begins.
Actions
During an encounter, the things you can do are represented
by actions.
Single actions [one-action] can be completed in a very short time.
Their effects are simple, and all of the effects happen within
that single action.
Activities take longer and represent multiple single
actions. Activities use symbols if they take 2 actions [two-actions] or
3 actions [three-actions]. During combat, you can’t split an activity
over multiple turns, so it’s not possible to, for example,
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Basic Actions • Horizontal Jump up to 10 feet horizontally, or up to 15 feet if

Every creature can do common tasks using basic actions. your Speed is at least 30 feet. You land in the space where
You’ll Interact, Step, Stride, and Strike a great deal. Many your Leap ends (meaning you can typically clear a 5-foot
feats and other actions tell you to use one of these basic gap, or a 10-foot gap if your Speed is 30 feet or more).
actions or modify them to produce different effects. For • Vertical Jump up to 3 feet vertically and 5 feet horizontally
example, a large number of activities include a Strike. onto an elevated surface.
As long as you can act, you can also speak without
spending any actions. You can usually speak a single SEEK [one-action]
sentence or so per round. Sign language works the same CONCENTRATE SECRET
way, but you need free hands to do it, and the recipient of You scan for signs of creatures or objects. The GM might limit
your message needs to see you rather than hear you. Special the amount of space you can search with just 1 action. Usually
uses of speech, such as attempting a Deception skill check the area is 30 feet across if you’re looking for creatures or 10
to Lie, require spending actions and follow their own rules. feet if you’re looking for an object. Searching a larger area
or doing an in-depth search is a longer activity that takes an
DROP PRONE [one-action] amount of time the GM determines would be reasonable.
MOVE The GM attempts a secret Perception check for you and
You fall and gain the prone condition (page 71). While prone, you compares the result to the Stealth DCs of creatures in the area
have the off-guard condition, which gives you a –2 circumstance you can’t see or the DC to detect each object in the area (the
bonus to AC and attack rolls, and you can’t move except to Stand. GM sets the DC for objects). Magic like invisibility might keep a
creature hidden even if your attempt to Seek goes well.
ESCAPE [one-action] Critical Success If you were searching for creatures, you can
ATTACK tell clearly where the creature is. If you were searching for
You attempt to escape from the grabbed or restrained condition. an object, you learn its location.
Choose one creature that has you grabbed or restrained. Attempt Success If you were searching for a creature and knew roughly
an attack roll using your proficiency bonus for fists against the where it was hidden, you can now clearly tell where it is. If
Athletics DC of the creature grabbing you. You can attempt an you didn’t know roughly where it is, the GM points out where
Acrobatics or Athletics check instead of an attack roll if that it is. If you were searching for an object, you learn its location
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statistic is higher, but this action still has the attack trait. or get a clue to its whereabouts, as determined by the GM. 4265438
Critical Success You get free and remove the grabbed or

restrained condition imposed by your chosen target. You can STAND [one-action]
then Stride up to 5 feet. MOVE
Success You get free and remove the grabbed or restrained You stand up from lying down, losing the prone condition.
condition imposed by your chosen target.
Critical Failure You don’t get free, and you can’t attempt to STEP [one-action]
Escape again until your next turn. MOVE
Other Types of Escape In some cases, you might be grabbed You carefully move 5 feet. Unlike most types of movement,
by a spell, hazard, or the like instead of a creature. Your check Stepping doesn’t trigger reactions that can be triggered by
to Escape works the same way, but it might use a different DC: move actions or upon leaving or entering a square. You can’t
the Thievery DC of the creature who tied you up, the spell DC Step into difficult terrain.
for a spell, or the listed Escape DC of any other impediment.
STRIDE [one-action]
INTERACT [one-action] MOVE
MANIPULATE You move up to your Speed.
You manipulate an object or the terrain. You can grab an
unattended object, pull something out of a belt pouch, open a STRIKE [one-action]
door, or something similar. ATTACK
Releasing or dropping something doesn’t cost an action, but You attack with a weapon you’re wielding or with your fist,
it must happen between your other actions or activities, not targeting one creature within your reach (for a melee attack)
during them. Releasing something doesn’t trigger reactions. or within range (for a ranged attack). Roll the attack roll for
the attack you’re using, and compare the result to the target
LEAP [one-action] creature’s AC. If you hit, roll a damage roll using the die for your
MOVE weapon or fist. Add your Strength if you made a melee attack.
You take a careful, short jump. The distance you Leap depends Your target loses Hit Points equal to the damage you deal.
on whether you’re Leaping horizontally or vertically. Jumping a Critical Success If you beat the target’s AC by 10 or more, you
greater distance requires a Long Jump or High Jump (page 53). get a critical hit! After rolling, double your damage.
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spend 1 action for a [two-actions] spell on one turn and complete it The penalty resets every turn. It also applies only during
on the next. Activities that take longer than 3 actions say your turn, so you don’t have to keep track of it if you can
so in the text and don’t have an icon. You can’t use such perform an Reactive Strike or a similar reaction that lets
actions in combat because you can’t complete them in a you make a Strike on someone else’s turn.
single turn. An activity might contain single actions within
it, such as making a Strike as part of the activity. These RANGE PENALTY
sub-actions work just like they do normally. For instance, Ranged and thrown weapons are less accurate against targets
the Sudden Charge activity has a fighter Stride twice, then farther away. The weapon’s range increment determines this
Strike—but it costs only 2 actions to do it all, instead of 3! interval. As long as your target is at or within the listed
Reactions [reaction] can be used any time their special trigger range increment, also called the first range increment, you
happens, whether it’s your turn or not. Reactions are usually take no penalty to the attack roll. Beyond that distance, you
triggered by other creatures or by events outside your take a –2 penalty for each additional increment beyond the
control. All fighters have the Reactive Strike reaction, but first. Both the multiple attack penalty and range penalty
not every character has an ability to spend their reaction on. can apply to the same attack, giving a big penalty to your
You don’t have to use a reaction when its trigger comes up if second or third attack against someone far away!
you don’t want to. In an encounter, you get only 1 reaction
each round, so you can’t react more than once per round. Damage
Outside of encounters, your use of reactions is more flexible If you make an attack and it hits, or if you successfully cast
and up to the GM. a spell to harm your foe, you’ll roll dice to determine how
much you hurt an enemy. Roll the kind and number of dice
ACTIONS WHILE EXPLORING indicated by your weapon or spell, and add any numbers
When you’re not in an encounter, you don’t have to track listed for that ability (for example, many weapons say to add
when you get your 3 actions and reaction, though you can your Strength to the damage for melee Strikes).
still use actions and reactions as needed. The GM tells you The damage you deal has a type, such as piercing or fire,
how much time you have to get things done and determine which can matter since some creatures take more or less
what actions and reactions you can use if there’s confusion. damage depending on the type.
Activities with the exploration trait take a long time to Damage you deal decreases the target’s Hit Points by the
carry out, so you can use them only outside of encounters. same amount, so a creature that takes 6 damage loses 6 Hit
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In addition to the exploration activities on page 62, you can Points. If penalties to an attack would reduce its damage to 0 4265439
fine more in the Skills section on page 50. or below, you still deal 1 damage. For example, if you threw a
dagger and rolled a 1 on the damage roll while you had a –1
Attacks penalty to damage rolls, you still deal 1 damage to your target.
You’ll make an attack roll when you Strike and for some
other actions. For most attack rolls, you’ll compare your Damage Source Dice Modifier
result against your target’s Armor Class (AC). There are Melee Strike 1 weapon die or fist die Strength
three main types of attack rolls: melee attack rolls, ranged Ranged Strike 1 weapon die None
attack rolls, and spell attack rolls. Some skills can be used Thrown weapon 1 weapon die Strength
to make attacks, such as Athletics being used to Grapple Strike
someone rather than damage them. Spell Listed in the spell Typically none*
* Some spells add your spellcasting attribute modifier. This
MULTIPLE ATTACK PENALTY information is listed in the spell.
If you attack more than once on your turn, you take a
multiple attack penalty. This penalty is shown on the table DOUBLING AND HALVING
below. If your attack has the agile trait (such as a fist and You might need to double or halve your damage, depending
some weapons), the penalties listed in the Agile Penalty on the action you used. For instance, many spells deal half
column aren’t as high. damage if your enemy succeeds at its save, full damage if
it fails, and double damage if it critically fails. You double
Attack Penalty Agile Penalty or halve the damage after rolling rather than changing the
First None None number of dice you roll. Add any bonuses or penalties
Second –5 –4 before you double or halve. Special damage—like the extra
Third –10 –8 damage from a rogue’s sneak attack—is doubled or halved,
too. If you halve damage that’s an odd number, round down.
Always calculate your multiple attack penalty for the
weapon you’re using on that attack. If you attack with a PERSISTENT DAMAGE
longsword, then a shortsword (which has the agile trait), Persistent damage, like bleeding or being on fire, hurts you
the attack with the shortsword is at –4, even though your over time. When you gain persistent damage, you don’t take
first attack was with a weapon that isn’t agile. it right away. Instead, you take it at the end of your turn each
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round. After you take the damage, you attempt a DC 15 flat whether this is the case. For instance, if you hit a monster
check (roll a 15 or higher on a d20 without adding anything) that’s immune to fire with a flaming sword, the sword itself
to see if you recover from the persistent damage. would still deal slashing damage, but the extra fire damage
See page 71 for the full details. wouldn’t do anything.
IMMUNITIES, WEAKNESSES, AND RESISTANCES DAMAGING ITEMS

Damage might affect a creature differently if it has The rules for attacking and damaging items differ
an immunity, weakness, or resistance to that damage from the rules for creatures. Attacks and spells don’t
type. Immunity prevents the creature from taking any normally damage items, except for traps, unless
damage at all. A weakness causes the creature to increase specified otherwise. If you have a shield, it can take
damage they take by the listed amount, and resistance damage if you use the Shield Block reaction.
prevents the listed amount of damage. So if you used
a spell that deals 10 fire damage, a creature that’s Movement
immune to fire would take no damage, a creature The Beginner Box includes maps with a 1-inch grid to track
with weakness 5 to fire would lose 15 Hit Points, and the placement and movement of creatures and objects.
a creature with resistance 5 to fire would lose 5 Hit Medium creatures, like the heroes, take up 1 square on
Points. This adjustment applies to every instance the grid, as do Small creatures. Large creatures take up
of damage, so if you made three Strikes that deal a 2 × 2 area.
bludgeoning damage against a creature with
resistance 5 to bludgeoning damage, it would take DIFFICULT TERRAIN
5 less damage from each of the three strikes! Usually, Difficult terrain is any terrain that impedes your
heroes don’t have immunities or weaknesses, though movement, like thick undergrowth or rubble. Moving
the resist energy wizard spell can give resistance to some into a square of difficult terrain costs an extra 5 feet of
damage types. movement. This additional cost doesn’t increase when
Immunity matters for more than just damage. A moving diagonally (see Moving on a Grid below). You
creature that’s immune to a certain trait is completely can’t Step into difficult terrain. Movement while
unaffected by anything with that trait, and one with you’re jumping ignores the terrain you jump over.
immunity to a condition can’t gain that condition.
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For instance, a creature without a mind lists “mental” in REACTIONS TO MOVEMENT 4265440
its immunities. Not only would it take no mental damage, Some reactions are triggered by a creature using an action
but a spell with the mental trait wouldn’t do anything to with the move trait. The most notable example is Reactive
it at all! In some cases, a creature is immune to part of an Strike, which fighters and some monsters have. A creature
attack or spell but not the rest, and the GM determines with Reactive Strike can use it when a nearby enemy uses
MOVING ON A GRID
When a character moves on a grid, every 1-inch square of the
play area is 5 feet across in the game world. Hence, a creature
moving 25 feet in a straight line would move 5 squares.
5 Because moving diagonally covers more ground, you
Valeros 25 count that movement differently. The first square of diagonal
10
movement you make in a turn counts as 5 feet, but the second
20 counts as 10 feet, and your count thereafter alternates between
the two. For example, as you move across 4 squares diagonally,
30 you would count 5 feet, then 10, then 5, and then 10, for a total
of 30 feet. You track your total diagonal movement across all
your movement during your turn, but reset your count at the
end of your turn.
In this example, Valeros Strides so he can move up to his
Speed, which is 25 feet. He moves 5 feet horizontally, then
his first diagonal costs 5 more feet. Now his second diagonal
costs 10 feet! For the last square of movement, taking another
diagonal would take 5 feet, but moving horizontally into the
rubble would take 10 feet because the rubble is difficult terrain.
If Valeros moved up or down instead, he could move 1 square.
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an action with the move trait or when an enemy leaves Targets

a nearby square. The Step basic action doesn’t trigger Some actions have you select one or more specific targets.
reactions based on movement and neither does movement You can’t select a target if it’s out of range, if you can’t
caused by other creatures, like a Shove. tell where it is, if it doesn’t match restrictions on who
you can target, or if some other ability prevents it from
MOVING THROUGH A CREATURE being targeted.
You can move through the space of any creature willing Some effects target an ally. This must be someone on
to let you. If you want to move through an unwilling your side, often another hero, but it might be a bystander
creature’s space, you can Tumble Through that creature’s you’re trying to protect. You aren’t your own ally. If it isn’t
space using Acrobatics. You can’t end your turn in a square clear, the GM decides who counts as an ally or an enemy.
occupied by another creature, though you can end a move An ability that targets a willing creature doesn’t do anything
action in its square provided that you immediately use unless the target allows you to affect them. Only you can
another move action to leave that square. If two creatures decide whether your hero is willing, and the GM decides
end up in the same square by accident, the GM determines whether an NPC is willing.
which one is forced out of the square (or whether one falls Melee attacks can target someone only if they’re
over and gains the prone condition; see page 71). adjacent—right next to the attacker on the grid. Being
You can stand in the same square as a prone creature next to them diagonally on the corner of their space is
if that creature is willing, unconscious, or dead and is still adjacent. Some abilities, like the Lunge fighter feat
your size or smaller. The GM might allow you to climb or the enlarge spell, let someone reach creatures further
atop a larger creature that’s dead or unconscious in away. Large creatures can always reach creatures up to 10
some situations. feet away.
FALLING Durations
When you fall more than 5 feet, upon landing you take Some actions have effects that last longer than the actions
bludgeoning damage equal to half the distance you fell. If themselves. These effects are measured by a duration.
you take any damage from a fall, you fall over and gain the Something might last until the end of your next turn, for 1
prone condition. minute, or for other lengths. Once the duration is over, the
You can Grab an Edge as a reaction to reduce the damage effect ends.
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from some falls. Roll a Reflex save against the DC to Climb When a duration is measured in rounds, the remaining 4265441
the surface (as chosen by the GM). If you succeed, you duration decreases by 1 at the start of each turn of the
catch yourself and take damage as though the fall were 20 creature that created the effect. If you need to track
feet shorter (or 30 feet shorter on a critical success). On a something that lasts 1 minute in combat, 1 minute is 10
critical failure, you take 10 bludgeoning damage for every rounds. Most fights don’t last that long, so you might not
20 feet you’ve fallen, then keep falling! need to worry about it! Some durations last until certain
things happen or stop happening, instead of a certain
Cover amount of time.
When you’re behind an obstacle that could block weapons,
guard you against explosions, and make you harder to Hit Points, Healing,
detect, you’re behind cover. Standard cover gives you a and Dying
+2 circumstance bonus to AC, to Reflex saves against area Your maximum Hit Points represents your health,
effects, and to Stealth checks to Hide, Sneak, or otherwise wherewithal, and heroic drive when you’re in good health
avoid detection. and rested. When you take damage, subtract the damage
Creatures give lesser cover, which grants a +1 circumstance from your current Hit Points.
bonus to AC. A creature with standard cover can attempt to Some spells, items, and other effects can heal you, and
use the Stealth skill to Hide (page 58), but lesser cover isn’t resting overnight heals you, too. When you’re healed, you
sufficient for using Stealth. regain Hit Points equal to the amount healed. You usually
can’t go above your maximum Hit Points.
Type of Cover Bonus Can Hide
Lesser +1 to AC No GETTING KNOCKED OUT
Standard +2 to AC, Reflex, Stealth Yes Creatures can’t have fewer than 0 Hit Points. Most enemies
who fall to 0 Hit Points die or are destroyed. This removes
You might simultaneously have cover against one them from play. If the attack was nonlethal, though, the
creature and not another. Cover applies only if your path enemy doesn’t die, and they’re instead knocked out for a
to the target is partially blocked. If a creature is entirely significant amount of time (usually 1 minute or more).
behind a wall or the like, you typically can’t target it at all. Heroes, on the other hand, don’t automatically die when
The GM decides whether you have cover and whether it’s they reach 0 Hit Points! Instead, they’re knocked out—but
lesser or standard. they’re still at risk of death.
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FLANKING
If you and an ally are on opposite sides or corners of an enemy,
you’re flanking that enemy. This gives the creature the off-
Merisiel guard condition (giving it a –2 circumstance penalty to AC)
2 against melee attacks from anyone flanking it. If you stop
Kyra flanking the creature, the off-guard condition ends.
You can flank or help an ally flank only if you meet all three
1 of the following conditions:
Valeros
• No condition or effect is preventing you from acting
or attacking.
• You’re holding melee weapons or able to make a
3 fist attack.
• You’re close enough to reach the enemy with an attack.
Ezren
1. Kyra and Valeros are flanking the ogre.

2. Merisiel and Valeros aren’t flanking the ogre.
3. The hobgoblin and ogre flank Ezren because the ogre is
Large and can reach 10 feet away.
AREAS AREAS BURST

Some effects occupy an area of
CONE
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a specified shape and size. There 4265442
are three types of areas: bursts, 5 feet

cones, and lines. You can use the 10 feet
diagrams to the right as templates 15-foot orthogonal 15 feet
rather than measuring squares 15-foot diagonal
manually. Usually, an ability with 20 feet
an area affects everyone in the
area. For instance, if you cast the
breathe fire spell, everyone in its
cone—friend or foe!—must attempt
a Reflex save, and if they fail, they 30-foot diagonal
30 feet
take fire damage. A creature that’s 30-foot orthogonal
inside the area but totally behind a
barrier, such as on the other side of LINE
a wall from your area’s origin, isn’t
affected by the effect.
• Burst A sphere expanding out
from the center. You can set 30-foot lines
the center of the burst on any
grid intersection in range.
• Cone A quarter-circle shoots 60-foot orthogonal
out from you. Choose whether
to aim the cone straight out
from you or diagonally when
you use the ability.
• Line A straight line shoots
from a corner of your square
in a direction you choose. 60-foot diagonal 60-foot lines
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UNCONSCIOUS the dying 2 condition instead. If the damage was dealt

The unconscious condition has the following effects. by a nonlethal attack or effect, you don’t gain the dying
• You can’t use any actions, reactions, or activities. condition; you instead gain the unconscious condition
• You can’t see. and have 0 Hit Points.
• You take a –4 status penalty to your AC, Perception, and • You fall down and drop what you’re holding. You gain
Reflex saves. the prone condition and the unconscious condition.
• You have the off-guard condition. This gives you a –2 The unconscious condition is described in the sidebar.
circumstance penalty to AC (this penalty combines with You can’t lose the unconscious condition while you
the status penalty above for a total of –6 to your AC). have 0 HP.
Waking Up Dying
If you’re unconscious with 0 Hit Points but you don’t have If you ever reach dying 4 for any reason, you die immediately.
the dying condition, you naturally return to 1 Hit Point (Though battle-hardened humans can last until they have
after a while. The GM chooses the amount of time it takes dying 5.) If you take damage while you already have the
for you to recover, usually 10 minutes to several hours. If dying condition, you increase your dying value by 1, or by
you’re healed to more than 0 HP, you lose the unconscious 2 if the damage came from an attacker’s critical hit or your
condition and can act normally on your next turn. own critical failure. If you ever go from 0 HP to 1 HP or
If you’re unconscious with 1 HP or more (because you’re more, you automatically lose the dying condition and wake
asleep or you’re unconscious due to a spell), you wake up. Anytime you lose the dying condition, you gain the
up and lose the unconscious condition in one of the wounded condition, described below.
following ways. When you have the dying condition, at
• You take damage, but if the damage drops the start of each of your turns, you must
you to 0 Hit Points, you follow the rules attempt a flat check (a d20 roll without
for getting knocked out instead of adding anything) against a DC equal
waking up. to 10 + your current dying value to see
• You receive healing, other than the if you get better or worse. This is called a
natural healing you get from resting. recovery check. Use the following effects
• Someone shakes you awake using an for your recovery check result.
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Interact action. Critical Success Reduce your dying value by 2. 4265443
• Loud noise is made around you, though Success Reduce your dying value by 1.
this way doesn’t automatically remove Failure Increase your dying value by 1.
the condition. At the start of your turn, Critical Failure Increase your dying value by 2.
you automatically attempt a Perception
check against the noise’s DC, waking up if Recovering
you succeed. (Use DC 5 for a battle, or the If you lose the dying condition by
Stealth DC of creatures sneaking around.) succeeding at a recovery check, you’re
• The GM decides you wake up, either still at 0 Hit Points and remain
because you’ve had a restful night unconscious, but you can wake up as
of sleep or something disrupted described in the sidebar. As with any
your rest. time you recover from dying, you gain
the wounded condition.
Two special conditions come into Wounded

play in when you’re knocked out. When you have the dying condition and lose it, regardless
Dying: This condition includes a number that measures of the reason, you gain the wounded 1 condition. If you
how close you are to death. You die when you reach already had the wounded condition, increase its value by 1
dying 4! when you lose the dying condition.
Wounded: When you get knocked out and come back, The wounded condition makes getting knocked out more
you’re in greater danger. The wounded condition makes dangerous: if you gain the dying condition while you have
your dying condition get worse faster. the wounded condition, increase the dying condition’s value
When you’re reduced to 0 Hit Points, you’re knocked out by your wounded value.
with the following effects. If you have enough time, you can get rid of the wounded
• Immediately move your initiative position to directly condition. The condition goes away, regardless of its
before the turn in which you were reduced to 0 HP. current value, if someone successfully restores Hit Points
• You gain the dying 1 condition. If the effect that to you by using the Medicine skill to Treat Wounds or if
knocked you out was a critical success from the you’re restored to your maximum Hit Points and rest for
attacker or the result of your critical failure, you gain 10 minutes.
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Beginner Box
27167727
Conditions without adding anything) or the action does nothing; roll the 4265444
Conditions are circumstances or states that affect you in check after spending the action, but before its effects happen.
some way. You might be gripped with fear or made slower Persistent Damage Instead of taking persistent damage immediately,
by a spell. When you have a condition, it lasts until its stated you take it at the end of each of your turns as long as you have
duration ends, an ability removes it, or the condition’s rules the condition. Whatever gives you persistent damage tells you
cause it to end. Some conditions have a number called a the damage type and the dice; you roll the damage dice each
condition value that conveys the severity of a condition. If time. After you take persistent damage, roll a DC 15 flat check
a condition value is ever reduced to 0, the condition ends. (roll 15 or higher on a d20 without adding anything) to see if you
Concealed While you’re concealed from a creature, such as in a recover from the persistent damage. If you succeed, the condition
thick fog, you’re difficult for that creature to target. A creature ends. If you or someone else took steps to help you recover (like
that you’re concealed from must succeed at a DC 5 flat check trying to snuff out a fire), the DC is 10.
(roll a 5 or higher on a d20 without adding anything) when If you gain persistent damage when you already have
targeting you with an attack, spell, or other effect. This applies persistent damage of the same type, you keep only one:
only to abilities with targets, not to ones with areas that don’t whichever has a higher amount or die size.
require the user to select targets. If the flat check fails, the Prone You’re lying on the ground. You’re off-guard (–2
attack, spell, or effect doesn’t affect you. circumstance penalty to AC) and take a –2 circumstance
Dying See page 70. penalty to attack rolls. Standing up ends the prone condition.
Off-guard You’re unable to defend yourself well. You take a –2 Restrained You can’t move, and you have the off-guard condition
circumstance penalty to AC. Flanking (page 69) makes you off- (a –2 circumstance penalty to AC). You can’t use any actions
guard only to creatures flanking you, but some effects make with the attack or manipulate traits except to attempt to
you off-guard against everything. Escape (page 65). Restrained is stronger than grabbed, so
Frightened This condition has a value. You take a status penalty grabbed doesn’t affect you if you’re restrained.
equal to this value to all your checks and DCs. At the end of each Slowed When you regain your actions at the start of your turn,
of your turns, the value of your frightened condition decreases reduce the number of actions you regain by your slowed value.
by 1. When it reaches 0, you’re no longer frightened. Because slowed has its effect at the start of your turn, you
Grabbed You’re held in place by another creature. You’re unable don’t immediately lose actions if you become slowed during
to move and have the off-guard condition (a –2 circumstance your turn.
penalty to AC). If you use a manipulate action while grabbed, Unconscious See page 70.
you must succeed at a DC 5 flat check (roll a 5 or higher on a d20 Wounded See page 70.
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LEVELING UP
As you go on adventures, defeat opponents, and solve challenges, your character will gain
Experience Points (XP). Keep track of your XP on your character sheet as you earn it L .
Once you’ve reached 1,000 XP, you gain a level! Increase Index
your level by 1 L and subtract 1,000 XP from your current attribute modifier 12, 13 initiative 63
XP. (You get to keep any extra XP toward your next level!) AC (Armor Class) 11, 49 Intelligence attribute modifier 13
Then flip back to your class entry to learn all the benefits Acrobatics skill 52 Intimidation skill 55
you gained from leveling up. You can find that information action 10, 65 level 11
on page 24 if you’re a cleric, page 28 if you’re a fighter, page activity 10 leveling up 72
ancestry 14–17 light and darkness 63
32 if you’re a rogue, or page 38 if you’re a wizard.
Arcana skill 52 Lore skill 55–56
area 69 low-light vision 63
armor 42–43 Medicine skill 56–57
Armor Class (AC) 11, 49 movement 67–68
Athletics skill 52–54 Nature skill 57
attack 49, 65, 66 Occultism skill 57
background 18–19 off-guard condition 71
bonus 11 penalty 11
Charisma attribute modifier 13 Perception 11, 48
checks 10, 60–61 Performance skill 57
flat checks 62 persistent damage condition 71
secret checks 62 proficiency 11
cleric class 20–25 prone condition 71
concealed condition 71 reaction 10
conditions 71 Reflex saving throw 11
Constitution attribute modifier 13 Religion skill 57
cover 68 resistance 67
Crafting skill 54 rest and daily preparations 62
critical success or failure 10, 61 restrained condition 71
damage 66–67 rogue class 30–33
darkness and light 63 round 11, 63–64
darkvision 63 saving throw (save) 11, 48
DC (difficulty class) 10, 61 basic saving throw 61
Deception skill 54–55 shield 43
Dexterity attribute modifier 13 skill 50–59
BEYOND 3RD LEVEL difficult terrain 67 calculating skills 48
This box provides all the rules you need to difficulty class (DC) 10, 61 slowed condition 71
play Pathfinder up to 3rd level—but the game Diplomacy skill 55 Society skill 58
doesn’t stop there! As you’ve been exploring durations 68 Speed 11, 67–68
your hero in the Beginner Box, you’ve built dwarf ancestry 15 spell
a character that’s 100% compatible with the dying 68, 70 cleric spells 22–23, 25
complete Pathfinder game. You can grab a edicts and anathema 49 spell attack and spell DC 21, 35
Pathfinder Player Core rulebook and keep elf ancestry 16 wizard spells 36–37, 39
encounters 63–64 Stealth skill 58
playing! See what your hero looks like at
exploration 61–62 Strength attribute modifier 13
their full potential—all the way up to 20th
falling 68 Survival skill 59
level—or try out different ancestries like
feat 11 Thievery skill 59
gnomes and goblins, classes like the barbarian fighter class 26–29 trait 11
and sorcerer, and all sorts of new spells and flanking 69 turn 64–66
treasures. A whole world of adventure awaits! Fortitude saving throw 11 unconscious 70
frightened condition 71 weakness 67
gear 45–47 weapon 44–45
grabbed condition 71 weapons and attacks 49
healing 68, 70 Will saving throw 11
Hit Points (HP) 11, 68, 70 Wisdom attribute modifier 13
HP (Hit Points) 11, 68, 70 wizard class 34–39
human ancestry 17 wounded condition 70
immunity 67
72

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paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

PATHFINDER BEGINNER BOX HERO’S HANDBOOK

SAVING THROW AGAINST A SPELL Cover

Combat Round Sequence

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

CHARACTER CREATION SUMMARY GETTING KNOCKED OUT

d4 HERITAGE BACKGROUND ABILITY CLASS ABILITIES d4

respectively, for an agile attack).

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

2nd-Rank Wizard Spells 39 4265374

DIRECTOR OF VISUAL DESIGN Equipment40

Playing the Game 60

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PIRATE KING’S PLUNDER

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weapons and attack. Go to Entry #25. 4265376

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were at the end of the previous encounter. 4265377

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

If you defeat the snake, go to Entry #8.

Athletics skill to swim across. To make it to the other

Athletics Skill Bonus +7, Swim DC 15

These checks can be dangerous. If you

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

crevice in the back of the chamber. If you do this, go to

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

you fail, it continues to fight you.

#23 Your Actions

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

ARMOR CLASS (AC) CHARACTER SHEET

to create your character,

d4 HERITAGE BACKGROUND ABILITY CLASS ABILITIES

you’ll see icons like A . These d6 D ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS

for that action is called a hit, and a critical success is sometimes

the icon appears, there’s

fist, grapple with their hands, or attack with a spell. Attacking

on your character sheet, and

the letter points you to the Three Actions

giving you a penalty called a multiple attack penalty.

BONUSES AND PENALTIES

Bonuses and penalties apply to checks and certain statistics.

PZO2106 Character Sheet-3rd Printing.indd 1 10/23/23 6:03 PM

that alters some of their statistics, is called a condition.

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

CREATING YOUR HERO

paizo.com #38079015, Land Pearson <[email protected]>, Apr 9, 2024

Step 4: Pick a Background BEGINNER BOX

Your hero’s background might represent their upbringing,

A ANCESTRY B BACKGROUND C CLASS

aspect of their life before they became an adventurer. Choose

from acolyte, criminal, deckhand, farmhand, scholar, or d6

D ATTRIBUTE MODIFIERS E HIT POINTS

Go to page 18 to choose a background. INTELLIGENCE

STRIDE [one-action] (move) I SAVING THROWS

Step 5: Choose a Class

DIRECTOR OF VISUAL DESIGN Equipment40

Choose a Background CRIMINALBACKGROUND