Zen & The Art of Mayhem Corebook

Zen and the Art of Mayhem

1 Designing
Mindless
In these scenarios the game is truly dilemma
based. The characters stumble from situation to situation
Worlds
trying to get out of trouble and just seem to get in even
deeper until a breaking point is met and everything goes
to hell in a hand basket. The characters hopefully then
The possibilities for worlds are endless, but get up, dust themselves off, and move on to the next
before a game can start, even before characters are adventure. In mindless adventures talents and flaws
created, decisions about that world must be made. The are played out to their fullest. Almost every situation will
tone, atmosphere, scope, and setting must be decided on. involve the use or exploitation of a talent or flaw. Skills are
Then add in new elements to spice up the world, decide still used but more as a last resort. Although melodramatic
on the power level of the characters, and figure out why elements are present in mindless games itʼs only to
the characters travel together. provide a little bit of direction to a game. Otherwise itʼs
These six major factors will outline the universe just one random silly situation after another. A mindless
the characters will be journeying through. Giving the game usually revolves around a single subject or two
world a framework both the Architect and the players can dimensional stereotypical NPC, and lasts only a couple of
work with when creating characters, backgrounds, and sessions at most.
adventures. The framework is the backbone of the world;
everything created for the game should be anchored in Assemble Insert
the decisions made from these six major factors. Dragon Half
Excel Saga
Prefectural Earth Defense Force
1.1 The Tone of Zen and the Art of Shinesmen
Mayhem
The tone of the game is effected by the two Silly
factors of melodrama and humor, how much of each is up A plot is evident in a silly game. Although
to the Architect and players. Both factors are important in the characters still run around exploiting talents and
any Zen game, the complete absence of one or the other abusing flaws there should be an underlying goal to
will cause the game to feel off balanced. the game. Situations still drive the game, but they have
In the more melodramatic games flaws may more purpose and structure than in a mindless game.
be down played by the characters and the Architect. Some NPCʼs start to take on more depth of personality,
Melodrama will take the foreground, interaction between becoming more then stereotypes and gags.
the characters and the non player characters can be the
heart of the adventure. With every session like a chess Early Dragonball
match, each move carefully thought out. Countermoves Lupin the 3rd
planned in advance, tension so thick you can cut it with a Uresei Yatsura
knife.
On the other hand a game with comedic
Lighthearted
overtones will consist of more moment to moment play.
The characters roam about in a fairly detailed
The characters spend their time getting into and out of
universe. People, places, and events all exist outside the
difficult situations, and one thing always leads to another.
characters current situation. The plot is a very important
Flaws will naturally be played to the hilt in this type of
part of the game, the characters actions will have great
game. The players and the Architect will constantly
bearing on future devolvement. NPCʼs as well become
try to one up the other on bad jokes and puns. The
increasingly more important, some even need character
melodramatic elements will appear only now and then to
sheets and notes on their personalities and personal
provide a bit of direction.
goals.
There are many different avenues that can be
taken with the tone of the game, it does not have to be
Later Dragonball
one extreme or the other. The approach taken by the
Naruto
Architect can vary between melodrama and comedy.
Ranma 1/2
Which is favored over the other will have a lot to do with
Tenchi Muyo
the type of players and the mood of the Architect.
Tri Gun
The following examples should give an Architect a
feeling of the different tones that can be taken with a Zen
Game. They are not the only options open, just the most
fundamental.
Sober
Zen and the Art of Mayhem Notes On Tone
In a Sober game melodrama is favored over Each world designed for a Zen game will be
the comedy element. Skills start playing a larger part in different. The setting, technology, magic, and other factors
the game, talents and flaws on the other hand are down will play a big part in how the game is played. But the
played more. Talents become more defined in what a underlying melodramatic and comedic elements should
character is capable of. Flaws are still present but they always be present. For both the Architect and the players
donʼt completely incapacitate the characters. In times of to enjoy the game to the fullest a tone should be found
crisis a flaw can be overcome for a short period of time that all can enjoy.
when needed. NPCʼs are as important to the game as the It is important to keep in mind that the melodrama
characters, some even more important. and comedic components can change during a long
game. A campaign which started off with silly and
Big O annoying characters can develop more and more serious
Cowboy Bebop plots as the game and the characters grows. Eventually
Dragonball Z the humorous elements may slide into the background.
Hellsing This is a gradual change resulting from both the players
and the Architect, the change may not happen in a single
Rational game session. The opposite is also true where a more
Although humor is used to break the tension serious game may start to become more light hearted do
every now and then, melodrama has fully taken over the the actions during game sessions. It is important to pay
game sessions. Character / NPC interaction is the heart of attention to the tone of the game and tailor the adventure
the game. Not only are the situations with the characters around it.
important, but so is what is happening without them
knowing about it. A character will not be able to exploit
their talents as far. Flaws become more of a personality
quirk, always present but more controllable.
Akira
Full Metal Alchemist
Giant Robo the Day the Earth Stood Still
Inu Yasha
Dead Serious
The characters are deeply involved in a intricate
plot. Humor is more of a annoyance then a welcomed
part of a game session. Talents, flaws, and even skills are
downed played in favor of character interaction.
Berserk
Ghost in the Shell
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Princess Mononoke
1.2 Types of Atmospheres Surreal
There are different degrees of temperament to Everything is like a dream. Sometimes things
a world that effects the overall Atmosphere of a game. seem normal enough, but then everything goes strange.
These levels reflect the over all disposition of a world the People and things just seem to appear and disappear.
characters are situated in. How common are extraordinary Symbolism is every where, and lets not even get into
people like the characters? How many others can do phallic references.
the things they do? How much of the populace have
talents and flaws? There are many grades that can be Ai City
taken when designing the atmosphere of a game the FLCL
following are only examples of the most common types of Perfect Blue
atmospheres. Shogo Kakume Utena
Whacked 1.3 Types of Scope

Almost everyone in the world is extraordinary, It is important to consider the scope of the game
every city, every town has remarkable individuals. The that will be run. Will the characters go on a grand quest to
characters will run into their equals or better, no matter save the world? Or just be attending some high school?
where they go. Crazy stuff is always going on, bizarre The scope will determined how much work the Architect
events, weird occurrences, mass destruction, itʼs all part will have to put into creating a universe. If the scope
of daily life. starts off small a lot less has to be prepared before game
play begins. If the characters are going to be involved
Doctor Slump in a undertaking as immense as saving the world then
Dragon Half allot of background will have to be established before
Excel Saga the adventure can begin. Once a game has begun it
Most Super Deformed Anime is possible to expand itʼs scope afterwards. But it is
important to develop a background detailed enough for
Strange your scope. This background will determine what type of
There are plenty of exceptional inhabitants all characters that are appropriate. On final note, try to tailor
over the place, but they are out numbered by the ordinary the scope to the time you want to play the campaign, the
people. Ratio may vary but it is usually about a one in larger the scope the longer it will take to finish.
a million. Organizations and other groups with similar
goals usually form around these extraordinary individuals. Minor
Normal people know about the remarkable individuals out The plot mostly revolves around the player
there but most will never meet one face to face. Bizarre, characters travel. They run into trouble every now or then
strange, and weird events are not common, but everyone but after the adventure is done nothing will have changed
knows they happen every now and then, most just treat much. The world continues on whether the characters
them the same as they would natural disasters. succeed or not.
Full Metal Alchemist A typical Ranma 1/2 story

Giant Robo the Day the Earth Stood Still City Hunter episode
Lupin the 3rd Lupin the 3rd misadventure
One Piece
Ranma 1/2 Troublesome
The effects of this adventure will change the world
Normal But.... in someway, whether the characters succeed or not things
The world does not believe in the supernatural will be different. Or if the character succeed things will
events, conspiracies, secret organizations, extraterrestrial stay the same, if they are lucky (and they want things to
visitation, or other strange events, these are the domain stay the same).
of the tabloids. But that doesnʼt mean they donʼt happen.
Allot goes on in the shadow away from prying eyes. Dirty Pair
Extraordinary people exist but are few in number. If seen Lupin 3rd Movies
by the public everything is explained away, or at least Cowboy BeBop
attempted. Tenchi Muyo
Hellsing
X
Yu Yu Hakusho
Street Fighter II
Grand
This adventures minor plots will have an effect on
the world, and even if the character succeed everything
will not necessarily end up the way they wanted. To start
a Grand plot the Architect must be sure they are ready for
the effects this game may produce.
Bubblegum Crisis
Full Metal Alchemist
Inu Yasha
Saint Seiya
Epic
In an Epic adventure, the world will be changed,
the status quo will be shattered and the world will spend
time picking up the pieces. In a Epic game things change,
some good, some bad, but changes will happen and
everyone, including the Architect, must be ready for the
repercussions.
Big O
Giant Robo
X
Zeta Gundam
Notes on Scope
The Higher the scope of the game the more
consequence minor plots will take place. In a minor scope
game the adventure is played and ended. Effects from
that adventure may not ever make much of a difference.
In a grand adventure, troublesome sub plot are involved
and minor subplots are involved in those. Then when you
look at and epic plot, there are a few grand sub plots with
troublesome sub-sub plots, etc.... I think you are starting
to get the picture.
1.4 Types of Setting Modern World Kind of….
With endless possibilities for worlds, it is hard to The world has many things in common with the
narrow thing down to a couple of stereotypes. However modern world. Many of the same technology and cultures,
there are a few stereotypes types that do stick out. but at the same time it is not. The worlds land masses
Do not forget, it is easy enough to add one or two and nations are not the same, key technologies have
elements to these basic worlds and really turn things never made their way into the world, while others are
around. very common. Often times the world has creatures and
monsters roaming the land, and people still carry swords.
Fantasy
What makes a fantasy world? In Anime itʼs the Big O
lack of convenient technology. That does not mean Full Metal Alchemist
technology doesnʼt exist, it just means most of the time Naruto
itʼs not readable available to the general public. Most Wings of Honneamise
people live in small towns with no electricity or advanced
machinery. Animal, windmills, waterwheels, and maybe A Mixed Bag
some crude steam engines are all towns have. Mass The world canʼt be shoe horned into a single
transit is usually not obtainable; most people are forced to concept. There seems to be all types of tech and magic
walk, ride animals, or travel in caravans. The government levels across the globe. Some places seem pretty modern
is typically your basic feudal system, kings, queens, and advanced, while others seem to be living in the dark
dukes, and knights. Typically, if advance technology is ages. It is common for non settled areas to be almost
available, it is these people that will posit it. Mysticism has prehistoric, with creatures and monsters running around,
a strong hold on these societies, even if magic doesnʼt kind of explains why they are unsettled doesnʼt it.
exist.
Many times fantasy worlds are set in the far Dragonball
future many centuries after some great apocalyptic event, One Piece
remnants of the old world exist, building covered with Vampire Hunter D
plant growth, old underground complexes, etc... In these
worlds technology has not completely disappeared but Post Apocalyptic
most of society has gone back to a simpler life. The world has been destroyed, society has
collapse, and small bans of people are all that is left.
Berserk Anarchy is the new law, only the strong can rule. Wanders
KO Beast Century cross the wastelands where every day is a test for
Inu Yasha survival.
Record of Lodoss War
Slayers Fist of the Northstar
MD Geist
Modern Day Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind
Almost a deceptive title, this world is any world
set in the present, recent past, near future, or any Gritty Future (Dystopian)
combination of the three. Modern Day refers mostly any This setting leaves a bad taste in your mouth, it is
world where the suburbs thrive, school kids walk the a dark and gloomy place. Most of the time it is dim, even
street, and life appears to be normal and happy. Of course during the day, black rain clouds cover the sky. Cities of
it is common for all this to be turned upside down as soon glass and steel sprawl across the land, towers reaching
as the game starts. into the clouds, some even into low orbit. Industrial
plants cover what the cities do not. Huge factories pump
Ranma 1/2 smoke and pollution high into the air. Society is breaking
Initial D down, crime is rampant, riots are a part of daily life, and
City Hunter the police have to resort to strong arm and marshal law
Hellsing tactics to try to keep the peace.
FLCL
Akira
Bubblegum Crisis
Ghost in the Shell
Dominion
Post Industrial
The world seems to be frozen in the late eighteen
hundreds and early nineteen hundreds. Steam and coal
is king, huge trains crisscross the land. Zeppelins and
bi planes float through the skies. Huge ocean steamers
ply the seas. Advance technology does creep out like
submarines or jet aircraft but they always have the look
and feel of the late 19th and early 20th century. People
live in fare sized communities, and visit the big industrial
cities. The lands are pretty much explored, but there are
areas that remain mysterious. Legends are still plentiful
about strange places and lost treasures. Governments
are diverse, kings and queens still rule there lands, but
republics and other advanced governments have started
to rise. Sometimes refereed to as Steampunk or Pulp.
Giant Robo
Laputa, Castle in the Sky
Nadia Secret of Blue Water
Near Space
The vastness of space is just opening up to the
world. Governments and huge corporations build colonies
and spaceships to take them away from the constraints
of gravity. A new breed of man is ready to take those first
steps to expand mankind past mother Earth. Colonies in
orbit, bases on Mars, trips to Jupiter, and possible colony
ships to other stars.
The Enemy is the Pirate

Most Gundam Sagas
Cowboy BeBop
Galaxy Spanning
Space travel is common, hundreds of worlds are
populated all over the galaxy. Although it does take time to
travel from one world to another, itʼs usually not that long,
a couple of days at most. Many people own spaceships,
not just the government and huge corporations. Typically
technology is busy doing everything, from construction to
simple household jobs.
Captain Harlock
Dirty Pair
Outlaw Star
Irresponsible Captain Tylor
Legend of Galactic Heroes
1.5 Types of Elements Secret Societies
Elements are factors added to the setting to Mysterious people of great power and influence
give them some type of twist or gimmick. Elements add meet to control events in the world. They have their own
flavor to the setting making the world more unique. Each agenda, and donʼt care what they have to do to achieve
Element will effect the world in someway, even if it is not a it. Many secret societies are centuries old, creating the
surface change or apparent to everyone, it will effect the world they want. Sometimes these silent conspiracies are
characters in someway eventually. rather new, people banding together for a common goal or
to hide some secret information. If more then one secret
Horror society exists in a world they will probably war between
Demons, Oni(s), Ogres, slimy tentacles, and other themselves, but always away from the public eye.
supernatural creatures exist in the night. Sometimes they
walk openly in the world, most of the time the live in the Giant Robo
shadows. Commonly they exist in a counter world that is Ruroni Kenshin
parallel to our own. Powerful demons often send minions Tobe Isami
through to our world to gain allies and plan for a possible X
invasion.
Mythological
Berserk Gods, magical creatures, great magical artifacts
Iczer One all exist in these worlds. Most of the time, empowered
Wicked City beings and their kin walk openly in the lands. Kappas
Vampire Princess Miyu are as common placed as cows. Everyone has a magical
piece of jewelry of some kind. Gods play an integral
Super Tech part in the world and exist in numerous ways. They may
Technology has made incredible leaps forward. be manifestations of the forces of nature, the supreme
Anti Grav, Lasers, Teleportation, Powered Armor Suits, creator of all that is, one of many powerful but lesser
Transformable Robots, and a whole lot more are all gods, or just people with extraordinary abilities.
possible. This super tech may not be available to the
general public, but it is out there. Arion
Berserk
Ghost in the Shell Full Metal Alchemist
Project A-ko Inu Yasha
Science Ninja Team Gatchaman Saint Seiya
Magic Transportation from...

Magic comes in many forms: the is the ability This element is when one or more characters
to draw off the forces of nature, the abilities to summon from one setting are transported to another. Many times
energies from other dimension, or drawing on the the ones transported are looking for away back, other
elements of fire, water, earth, and air. Some worlds are times characters can travel back and forth between
limited to drawing energies from only one source, other settings.
are open to all. Magic does not always exist in the open, it
is often kept out of the public eye. Escaflowne
Fushigi Yuugi
Magic Knight Rayearth Rayearth
Full Metal Alchemist The Twelve Kingdoms
Slayers Leda: The fantastic adventures of Yohko
Record of Lodoss Wars
War
Ki, Martial Arts, and Super Physical Abilities The world is at war, usually, the war has been
Ki charged abilities, amazing martial arts super going on for sometime, but not always. The war is a major
physical abilities, people able to take a pounding and get part of anything that happens in the world, whether the
back up for more. Ki allows for flame ups during dramatic characters are directly involved in the fight or not.
speeches, super leaps across great distances. Punches
that send people flying across the battlefield. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Most Gundam Storylines
Dragonball and DBZ Venus Wars
Naruto Votoms
Saint Seiya Wings of Honneamise
Yu Yu Hakusho
SD Comedy Breaks Moderately Powered
These elements are a chance for the Architect The characters have talents and stats to back
and players to blow off a little steam. SD Comedy Breaks them up in tight situations. Super human physical feats
are time outs where the characters can insult each other, are more common, with characters being able to push the
whack each other, and basically do crazy stuff, all without limits of what they can do. Talents start to play a bigger
it effecting the actual game. A character can be slapped part in the game, as well as super skills.
around in SD Mode will not lose any hit points or actions
once it is over. Stats between 6 & 9, 2 major talents, and 2 or 3 minor
talents, or 56-70 points
City Hunter
Dragon Half Cowboy Bebop
Rayearth Big O
City Hunter
1.6 Types of Power Levels Macross
How powerful you would like the characters to
be will have a great effect on the world itself. The more Substantially Powered
powerful the characters, the more powerful the NPCʼs will The characters have a distinct advantage in
have to be. Characters who can take on an entire army a particular area they choose to excel in. Or they may
by themselves, will presumably have to fight opponents choose to be a jack of all trades, being skilled in many
of the same level or more powerful to feel a challenge. areas. Super human feats are nothing out of the ordinary,
If the characters are considerably much less powerful and it is well known, that one bullet wonʼt be enough.
then there opponents most also be de-powered, or the
characters will feel inept. Stats between 7 & 10, 2 or 3 major talents, and 3 or 4
It is important to keep in mind that the power level minor talents, or 71-90 points
can change during a campaign. It is easy enough to make
the characters more powerful, but it is almost impossible Ranma 1/2
to lower a power level once the bar has been raised. Science Ninja Team Gatchaman
Street fighter II
Low Powered Tri Gun
The characters have a slight edge over each Slayers
other, their talents make them unique in one area.
Nevertheless they are not that much different then Extravagantly Powered
others around them. Stat differences are pretty much The characters are ridiculously powerful, and they
within a couple of points, even skills levels are close excel in many areas. Typically these abilities are hard to
between characters. Super human physical feats can be hide and most people will know what they are capable of
accomplished but they are more or less infrequent. doing.
Stats between 4 & 7, 1 major talent, and 1 or 2 minor Stats between 8 & 10, 3 or more Major Talents, and 3 or
talents, or 40-55 points more minor talents, or 91 or more points.
Here is Greenwood Dragonball Z

Intial D Fist of the North Star
Legend of Galactic Heroes Naruto
Mobile Suit Gundam (UC) Saint Seiya
Power levels will be discussed in more detail in section 6.

2 Creating Physical
These three stats represent the characters fitness
and condition. It represents their natural ability to perform
Characters
physical tasks.
Strength
The measure of a characters brute strength. How
When you sit down to create a character in Zen much they can lift, throw, push, pull or twist an opponent
and the Art of Mayhem it is important to remember one into taffy.
simple fact. You are creating more then a character, you
are developing a personality. Each character should be 1-2 Only lift about half their weight
unique, with strengths, weaknesses, and personal quirks 3-4 Typical Strength
all their own. No matter if you are creating the character 5-6 Lift more than their own weight over their head
randomly, or building off a preformed archetype or idea. 7-8 Exceptionally strong being able to press almost
Once the character is finished they should become a new twice their weight.
personality. 9-10 Powerhouse of brute force.
When you start to play the character, this new 11-15 Superhuman strength levels. Characters can lift
personality should take over your way of reasoning. object larger and heavier then they are and toss them
You should start to act and think in a new way taking through the air, making it look easy.
into account how the characters talents and flaws will
effect a situation. You canʼt just play flaws when they Speed
are convent, and talents are more then bonuses to your The gauge of a characterʼs swiftness, how quick
die rolls. Thinking during the game should be more than theyʼre with their hands, and how quickly they can get
mathematical computations. Just because the rules seem away from a bad situation.
to point out that a character canʼt do something, does not
mean they realize it. 1-2 The character seems to do everything in slow
If you havenʼt created a character before, read motion
through the character creation rules completely before 3-4 Average speed
proceeding. You can also refer to the sidebar for the 5-6 Pretty quick
creation of Amaxamander to see how the process is done. 7-8 Can make a fair living running the shell game or
being a pick pocket.
2.1 Stats 9-10 Slight of hand tricks almost come naturally
Characters are based around nine stats, divided 11-15 Moves so fast they sometimes leave a motion blur
into three categories. They are Physical, Mental, and
Presence. Each stat can range in value from 1 to 10. All Coordination
stats must be given at least one point, but no more then A sum of the characters equilibrium, agility,
10 points. Stats can go up to 15 but this can only be done balance, and hand eye coordination. Also the ability to
with a purchase of a Talent. (See Major Talents 2.3) cross a 1000 foot grudge on a fallen tree and not fall to
After points are chosen for each stat, take the ones death.
totals for the three stats and divide by 3, rounding down
for .33 and up for .66. This is characters overall rating for 1-2 The character is a clumsy and awkward. If their
each category. shoelaces are untied they will trip.
Stats of 3 to 4 are considered normal human 3-4 Usual coordination
levels. Stats of 7 to 8 are above the average person on 5-6 The character is a crack shot
the street. 9-10 Represent the best of the best. 7-8 Neuro surgery is not a problem
9-10 Trick shots are almost second nature
11-15 Characters has no problem carrying nitro glycerin
Mental
Zen and the Art of Mayhem Presence
These three stats are the characters ability These three stat represent the characters
to reason and solve puzzle, to understand their demeanor, their personal characteristics, mannerisms,
surroundings. Not just their ability to absorb knowledge, self-assurance. Their outward composer and personality,
but how well they put it to use. how other perceive them.
Intelligence Appearance
The measure of the characters IQ and their ability The characters physical beauty, personal aura,
to recall facts and figures. The proficiency to quote long charisma, and how attractive others find the character.
mathematic formulas to prove they are right. 1-2 The character is ugly and rude
3-4 Most of the time the character is considered
1-2 Sometimes has trouble remembering their name homely
3-4 Usual Intelligence 5-6 The character is considered attractive
5-6 Has an exquisite memory 7-8 Alluring, seductive, and ravishing are words to
7-8 Remembers strange and unusual facts, which no describe the character
one in their right mind would remember. 9-10 The character is the standard of true beauty
9-10 Has a mind is like a steel trap 11-15 The character radiates beauty even on a bad hair
11-15 Remembers things they had read in passing day
years ago.
Size
Comprehension A rating of physical size, how big the character
The gauge of the characters ability to react to is. Not just height but width. The higher the size of the
the surroundings. Their ability to take in the information character the larger they will be.
around them and come up with a plan of action. The
potential to look at the world and compare it what they 1-2 Short or tiny
know to relives just how screwed up things really are. 3-4 Average height and size
5-6 Tall or large
1-2 The character can miss a herd of charging 7-8 Very tall or tall and ample
elephants 9-10 Immense is just one of the words people use to
3-4 Normal Comprehension describe the character
5-6 The character is very aware of their surroundings 11-15 Tremendous
7-8 Little clues that other miss seem lit with a glowing
spotlights. Cool
9-10 Few details escape the notice of the characters A rating of composure, poise, grace, and
11-15 Notices even the smallest details, like changes in elegance. How well the character interacts with others.
wind direction, slight of hand tricks, what someone had for The ability to win people over with charm.
lunch by their breath.
1-2 Bundle of nerves
Abstract Reason 3-4 Average coolness
The ability to figure out the relationships of objects 5-6 Calmed and controlled
and figures. The characters aptitude toward working 7-8 It takes a lot for the character to loss their
out geometry, and applying it in the physical world. The composure
comprehension of machine and mechanics. 9-10 Very few things can shock the character
11-15 Has the grace and elegance to put James Bond
1-2 Has a problem figuring out which hole the round to shame
peg goes in.
3-4 Normal Abstract Reason
5-6 The nature of how thing interact comes fairly
easily
7-8 The character has a knack for understanding how
things work
9-10 The nature of machines are almost second nature
11-15 The character can not only understand the way
machine works, but improve them
2.2 Talents Cutting Edge Tech: The world of technology is always
Talents are what set the characters apart from the changing with new and updated tech coming out all the
average joe. Talents are knacks, fortes, aptitudes, gifts, time. The character is always on top of this ever-changing
and abilities that give the character an edge. Each talent world. Not only understanding what is current, what is
gives the character an advantage in a particular field, on the drawing board, even things only in the theoretical
a bonus for a roll, or a proficiency that few other have. stage. +5 to rolls dealing with high tech.
Talents give the character the upper hand, but are never
all encompassing. Escape Artist: The character can escape any bonds, from
Every character should have a few major talents handcuffs, to the straight jacket, to the old being chained
and a handful of Minor Talents to give them an assist. up and locked in a tank of water. This talent enables them
Players can choose Talents a number of different ways. to slip out of personal bonds, and small cramped areas.
Characters can only buy a talent once, major or minor. Their body is able to twist in ways other cannot, allowing
the character to get out of these tight situations. However,
Purchase this talent does not allow the character to escape from
Major Talent 5 points prisons, which is more fun to roleplay.
Minor Talent 2 points
Expert Marksman: The character is a great shot; they can
use any firearm, bow, or any ranged weapon with great
2.2.1 Major Talents accuracy. They have a natural knack for knowing how to
These are the big ones, they give the character lead, predicting the natural conditions, and then hitting
a major advantage. Each major talent is a specialty in a the mark. Add +5 to any rolls dealing with hitting a target
specific area, permitting the character to achieve feats at range, including pistols, rifles, bows, and throwing
that few others could do. Each major talent provides a daggers, cards, or chop sticks.
character with either +5 to a Stat or Skill in all situations,
or some unique gift that few others can perform. Expert: There are many areas of expertise the character
can choose. The focus should be tied to a skill or skill set,
Beckoning Call: The character have a major corporation, but should not be to broad. Expert of electronics, expert
government department, or other agency at their of psychology, expert of red-tape, law expert, expert
beckoning call. They can be used to do work for the cook, etc… However expert of combat would be a little
character, like research, air strikes, or other useful jobs. too broad, but expert swordsmen would be okay. The
With a telephone call the character can get the gears and character will receive +5 to rolls that are related to their
cogs of a huge organization working for them. expertise.
Bend Physics: Do incredible psychical feats, defy gravity Filthy Rich: Money is no object, the character has plenty
for a few second, run up a wall, turn on a dime at high of it, and on hand. They are loaded, well off, even. If they
speed, come to a complete and utter stop from any start running low, it is simple enough to replenish it. The
speed. Add +5 to rolls when trying impossible feats where character does not have to worry about money, price is
the laws of physics are ruling against the character. never a problem.
Bookworm: The characters loves to read, and reads Gizmo Jacket: The character has to ability to pull useful
allot, reads almost anything they can get their hands on. Items from their coat. They think of something they need
The upside is they tend to remember allot of what they reach and poof, they get something thatʼs close. What
read. This doesnʼt make them an expert in a field, but it is they get is up to the Architect. It will always be useful
surprising how often these little snippets of information will but not necessarily what they are looking for. The Gizmo
come in handy. +5 to any rolls dealing with knowledge. Jacket does not have to be a coat; it can be a hat or other
article of clothing.
Brilliant: The character is more then smart, they are a
genius. Their mind is like a steel trap that information Gorgeous: How far can you get on looks alone?
canʼt escape from. Itʼs like they donʼt even have to think Well pretty far actually. The character has a beauty
about things, it just comes to them. Facts, formulas, and unmatched by most, even the members of the same sex
theories are learned and remember without much effort. find themselves strangely attracted to them. Add +5 to
Add +5 to Intelligence Stat. appearance stat.
Colossal Size: The character is big, okay thatʼs an Grease Monkey: The character understands the nature of
understatement, they are huge. Massive shoulder, large machines and how they work, they have to just examine
hands and feet. Sure buying clothes is a pain, but you a machine and understand how and why it operates.
donʼt get very many people trying to push the character Fix mechanism fast, with only half the parts, and have it
around. Add +5 to Size work better than before. Add +5 to any rolls dealing with
working with machines and other mechanism.
Hardboiled: Life has never been easy for the character, Regeneration: The character heals faster than everyone
this has left the character with a very rough edge. Fun, else. It takes them half the time to recover from being
cheerful, humorous, and friendly would never be used knocked silly. Hit points are recovered at double their
to describe them. They intimidate others by just looking normal rate.
at them, and good luck to anyone trying to intimidate or
interrogate them. They are one tough cookie have been to Sharp Eye: The character have excellent peripheral
hell and back and are not happy about it. Receive +5 to all vision, their eyes adjust to light changes quicker than
battle of will rolls. most, and their vision is much sharper at longer range.
The tend to notice things that others miss and have an
Healing Touch: The character has a natural gift for easy time understanding their surroundings. Add +5 to
healing. From wounds to illnesses they have a knack for comprehension stat.
knowing what to do, even if it is only temporary relief. Add
+5 to all healing rolls. Side Step Shuffle: Dodge attacks, bullets, falling trees,
rolling rocks, and even falling ceilings. Add +5 to dodge
Hyper Speed: The character is fast, really fast, they have rolls. Moreover, all dodge rolls do not cost an action no
a quickness to their reflexes that is unparalleled. Add +5 matter how often they must dodge. (See section 2.6
to Speed Stat. Defense)
Iʼll Be Back Syndrome: Some people have a natural Slick Talker: The character can take anything anybody
knack for surviving death defying situations. When things says and turn it around. Their rhetoric is suburb, allowing
get bad and are not going their way they can choose to them to spin any discussion or argument to their favor.
escape the situation. As long as they are trying to escape When it comes to running the con game there is on better.
they receive a +5 bonus to their rolls. If they turn to fight, Add +5 to any roll where they are convince another to
and damage an opponent, no bonus. If they perform change their mind or agree with them.
an attack to distract or confuse someone trying to stop
them, they get the bonus. The talent also works to rescue Super Martial Arts: The character is trained in rare from
the character when things look bad. Left for dead in the of martial arts. This talent gives the character +5 to their
middle of nowhere? They are found by a stranger and Martial Arts rolls.
nursed back to health. Left in a prison on death row? A
prison riot breaks out and they have a chance to escape. Super Tech: When it comes down to puzzles, how
Killed and buried? Wasnʼt really them. Villains love this things work, or the calculating formulas, the character
talent. is unmatched by most. Nothing mechanical is beyond
the character. +5 to Abstract Reason (Super Abstract
Invulnerability: The character is built like a rock and Reason).
is harder to hurt. Invulnerability represents a natural
toughness to the character, they do not bruise or cut Super Coordination: The characters balance and hand
easily, however it does not help them heal. Add +7 to eye coordination are excellent. Catching, throwing,
their DAN number. (See Section 2.17 DAN for more deflecting, juggling, walking tight ropes, balancing objects,
information) etc… all come very easy. Add +5 to coordination stat.
Luck: Stuff tends to go the characters way, certain things The Rose: This is the power to pull roses seemingly out
will happen in their favor. The character can spend Luck of now where, the character can use the rose as a prop
points to reroll a failed roll with +5. However the more they or even to throw. The Rose acts like a dart when used
do this the more expensive it becomes. Each time in a as a weapon, not really doing a lot of damage but can
day they do this the cost doubles, so first time it only cost be used to pin clothing or cut ropes, etc… The roses can
1, the second time 2, third time 4, sixth time 32. be any color but most often they are red, white, or black.
There is no real limit to how many can be pulled, but a
Natural Athlete: Running, climbing, throwing, jumping, character can pull a maximum of one an action. So if they
balance, these all come naturally to the character. They want more than one they will have to wait till the following
have and edge when it comes to physical tasks. Add +3 to action to pull the next one.
any athletic rolls, and the characters physical stat checks
are automatically doubled. Tremendous Strength: The character can perform feats
of strength. Able to lift objects that would normally take
Pilot Anything: +5 to all pilot and driving rolls. The several men, rip doors right off their hinges, carry heavy
character can fly a jumbo jet, a helicopter, the space loads long distances even up hill, etc…, Add +5 to their
shuttle, it makes no difference. Cars, trucks, semis, tanks, strength stat.
it all comes naturally. This talent also allows the character
to jump into an alien ship and know how to fly it with a
quick scan of the controls.
Ultra Cool: Nerves of steel, the ability to keep ones Dimensional Pocket: This talent allows the character to
head even in the most stressful situation, to remain store items in a small extra dimensional space. It should
levelheaded. The character just radiates calm and be limited to a few items or a group of items. Animal
control, even giving confidents to others around them, or characters may carry equipment in dimensional pockets
driving them mad as they try to crack the character. Add since they have no pockets to being with. Some may store
+5 to cool stat. weapons there for quick retrieval.
2.2.3 Minor Talents Direction: The character to always know where north is.
Minor talents are bonus and abilities that give They tend to know where they are, how they got there,
the character aid in certain situations. Most of the time and how to get back. It is hard for them to get lost even in
Minor Talents are special aptitudes that are used while a place they have never been.
roleplaying, some give bonus to dice rolls.
Famous: People have heard of the characters talents, and
Authority: The character has a position of authority and accomplishments, the good things. The Architect should
can use this to their advantage. People look up to the figure out what theyʼre famous for is.
character, or fear them, either way they tend to take what
the character says seriously, and donʼt want to piss off. Of Flame up: This talent allows the character to flame up
course not everyone has respect for authority. their aura. Flame up gives the character two bonus,
the first they look cool with their aura flashing around.
Bulk Out: This talent allows the character to increase If the Character wishes they can form their aura into
their body size. Add 5 to their Size Stat for 2d6 turns. This shapes like a Phoenix or Dragon. The second use allows
increases their size and adds to their Hit Points. Very the character to frighten their opponents in combat.
impressive when done at the right time. Opponents most make a cool check or loss an action.
Charming: There is something about the character that Invent Rube Goldberg Device: The character is able to
people just like. If the character is nice and treats people make gizmos with whatever is on hand. They always
kindly, most people will follow the lead and will be nice to require many steps, but they surprisingly do what they
the character. Of course if they burn that person, they are are designed to do. Even if it involves, shot guns, alarm
not likely to be charmed again. clocks, rats taking cheese, and so on.
Connected: It pays to be well connected, you are never far Flashback: The descriptions of the character are rich
away from someone that can lend a hand. A call for help and detailed. As they talk others are drawn to what they
in tough situation, some back up when needed, a helping are talking about, almost as if they are transported to the
hand is never far away. Just a few contacts lead you to event and are viewing it as it happens.
someone that can help. Need transportation? A few calls
and you get hooked up with a friend –of-a-friends-brothers Flash Forward: The character verbal skills draw in anyone
who has a cargo plane. Need some muscle? You know listening. When describing a plan; people see what the
someone who goes to a wrestling school and bounces at character describe with footnotes and measurements.
the clubs on the weekend, he and maybe some buddies
can lend a hand. Connected gives the character a chance Instant Clean: After becoming totally a mess the character
to reach others that can help. This doesnʼt guarantee the brush their self off and look as good as new.
help; it gives them a chance to reach someone who can. It
is up to the character to talk there way into the help. Intuition: The character has hunches, gut reactions,
that tend to pull them one way, or point out things that
Constant Prop: The character has a prop that they maybe important, even if what that importance is at the
constantly have on them. The prop can be practically time remains a mystery. When the character comes to a
anything from a personal object, to an article of clothing. crossroads, with lots of options, they can ask the Architect
For example it could be an old stogie cigar that their what road their Intuition tells they to take.
character chomps on constantly and it never goes out.
Iron Jaw: The character is got a natural toughness to
Cute: Everyone thinks the character is cute and stops to them. They can take a punch or hit, get up from a fall
comment about it. They tends to be nice to the character, faster. +3 to DAN.
until they piss them off, then the cuteness wears off quick.
the Knock: This talent allows a character to hit an
electronic or mechanical object to get it to work. They
can get free calls out of a payphone, the jukebox to play
a song, or they can get the right password imputed in a
lock. The Knock never lasts that long, and will not fix an
item, but it might get it to work just long enough.
Knows People in High Places: Itʼs good to know people Photo OP: With this talent their character pauses to do
in authority, they can always be helpfully in tough spots. Photo OPs. It could be body builder poses, or a short
Arrested? No problem a phone call will get you bail routine with a weapon ending in a pose. They are always
money, or a lawyer, or even a pay off. Need to get into flashy and dramatic in nature. When performed it is like
a black tie invite-only party? No problem, you can get the spotlight is on them, and all action around them
in, now you just need the right dress. Of course these seems to stop for the moment.
favors donʼt always come for free, often each favor will be
needed to be paid off later. Professional Reputation: The character is known by
people in their field for their knowledge and abilities. The
Knows Where Whoever Theyʼre Following is Going: This reputation is of course good, of course it could spurn a
talent helps out those bounty hunter types who always little jealousy.
get somewhere before the person they are following
does. Yet this does not mean they know what the person Pull Out Signs: This Talent allows the character to pull
is going to do there, or what the place is. Treat this as out signʼs with what they want to say written on it, or
knowing the geographical location not the actual details of appropriate pictures. This is perfect for those characters
the place. that cannot speak for one reason or another.
Linguist: The character has a knack for languages, they Scrounge: This talent allows the character to find what
can pick up languages of others fairly quickly. Just by they need to fix, build, or jury-rig something together. The
listening, the meaning starts to come to them, they start character digs through whatever is on hand and turns it
to understand patterns, and soon they are able to start into something useful.
conversing with others, even if it is crudely. However it
wonʼt be long before they are speaking like a native. Social Chameleon: Some people just seem to blend in
where ever they go. Any social setting or situation they
Master of....: Pick something the character is a master are able to adapt to their environment and the people
of and give them a 15 skill. The Mastery has to be around them. Other people just assume they belong,
something that not offensive or defensive in nature. if in a military base, they walk and salute correctly. At
Things like Pick Pocket, Bureaucratic, Tracking, Medic, the docks they scratch and spit with the best of them.
Interrogation, Acting, etc. However if someone starts to talk to them, their cover
could be blown.
Metaphysical Ability: A metaphysical ability allows a
character to summon the energies and use them. The Sooth the Savage Beast: The character seems to be on
can be attacks, spells, special techniques, psychic a empathic level with nature and animals. They tend to
abilities, etc… With this talent a character can choose a know what to do to calm an animal down, or make it come
metaphysical ability from section 2.6.2. Each metaphysical to them. They can become friends with most animals.
ability is a different talent, characters can take this talent
again, as long as they do not choose the same ability. Special Vehicle: This talent gives the character a special
vehicle only they can use. Could be a fast motorcycle,
Object from a Loved One: The character must choose an supped up car with gadgets, a specialized plane, or even
object that was given to them. It is usually a locket, ring, a starship. All depends on the world and whatʼs available.
or other piece of jewelry. This object will allow them a Think of what the character want it to do, then talk to the
save or bonus in different situations. Like they are hit in Architect.
the heart by a bullet (they think), however, when they look,
the locket took the hit. Stone Faced: It is hard to read the character, they are
able to keep their reactions and feelings to themselves. It
Panty Flash: This Talent is for female characters only. is hard to tell if they are bluffing or not, and even hard to
When activated the skirt flies up giving all male characters tell if they are intimidated.
a quick look. They must all make a Cool Check at half stat
or lose 1 action. Stupid Luck: The character figure things out by accident.
They lean on the right switch to open the secret door, or
Photographic Memory: The character tends to have great pick up a clue and play with it for no reason.
recall when it comes to facts they have seen. They can
recall peopleʼs names and faces with easy. Remember Super Weapon: A special damage weapon. This weapon
facts from newspapers they have read. can add bonuses to damage, like x2 or +8. Have added
accuracy +4 to hit. Or even do extra type of attacks,
for example a sword that can also throw fireballs. The
weapon can be anything, swords are the most common,
but the character could have a special pistol, or even a
butter knife that does the damage of a sword.
Tinker: The character loves playing with technology, Minor Talents
they may not fully understand it, they might not be able Authority
Bulk Out
to design and build it themselves, but they can improve Charming
it. They have a knack for understanding devices and Connected
can improve their performance. They can fix, upgrade, Constant Prop
overcharge, and even combine devices to work Cute
Dimensional Pocket
together. +3 to tasks dealing with fixing up, or upgrading, Direction
technology. Famous
Flame up
Ventriloquism: The art of throwing ones voice to make Invent Rube Goldberg Device
Flashback
it appear to be coming from somewhere else, and the Flash Forward
lips donʼt even move. The character can projected their Instant Clean
voice and make it appear that is coming from someplace Intuition
other then them. The trick only works in the immediate Iron Jaw
the Knock
area of the character, no more then a few meters, and the Knows People in High Places
character most be able to talk to do it, in other words if Knows Where Whoever Theyʼre Following is Going
they are gagged or underwater it canʼt be used. Linguist
Master of....
Metaphysical Ability
2.2.4 List of Talents Object from a Loved One
Major Talents Panty Flash
Beckoning Call Photographic Memory
Bend Physics Photo OP
Bookworm Professional Reputation
Brilliant Pull Out Signs
Colossal Size Scrounge
Cutting Edge Tech Social Chameleon
Escape Artist Sooth the Savage Beast
Expert Marksman Special Vehicle
Expert Stone Faced
Filthy Rich Stupid Luck
Gizmo Jacket Super Weapon
Gorgeous Tinker
Grease Monkey Ventriloquism
Hardboiled
Healing Touch
Hyper Speed
Iʼll Be Back Syndrome
Invulnerability
Luck
Natural Athlete
Pilot Anything
Regeneration
Sharp Eye
Side Step Shuffle
Slick Talker
Super Martial Arts
Super Tech
Super Coordination
The Rose
Tremendous Strength
Ultra Cool
2.3 Flaws Always Hungry: With this flaw, the character, is always
Flaws are used to balance the strengths gained looking for food. They love to eat, and eat anything.
through talents. Flaws are problems, quirks, difficulties, They will try to find some snack food, and eat anything
idiosyncrasy, oddities, habits, etc… that all characters available. They are also easily bribed with food, -5 to
have. Some flaws affect the character directly, while resist an offer of food.
others affect the people around them.
When creating a character it is important to watch Always Serious: The character tends to take everything
which flaws the character takes. Some flaws can have too seriously. They have almost no sense of humor and
a critical effect a character. To many of these flaws can do not get jokes, puns, or sarcasm. They think life is to
cripple a character. An important remembers TALENT short for fooling around, and when there is a job to be
YOU CONTROL, FLAWS YOU DONʼT. A character done, that should be first and foremost thing on their
cannot take a flaw designed it to give them some kind of mind.
advantage.
Characters will have to take two flaws for each Amnesia: The past is a mystery, some, or all, of the
Major Talent and one flaw for each minor talent. characters life is a blank. They are not sure what
happened to them, or why. Usually the past is linked to
Absentminded: This flaw makes the character forget some cover up or conspiracy, or they just hit their head
where they put something. They are always trying to find one day and only wish it was something more dramatic.
where they left things, and are constantly losing things.
-5 to rolls dealing with remembering where certain things Anal Retentive: A character with this flaw has to have
are. everything perfect, theyʼre efficiency experts, and hate to
waste anything. Everything should be neat and organized,
Absolutely No Sense of Direction: The character make every object should have its place, and be put back there
a random decision about turns, and directions. If the once it is done being used.
character is someplace heʼs been for a while they will
be able to get there, it will just take longer. About 2 to Anatomical Shift Syndrome: Do to some physical trigger
three time longer “I sent you next door to get a cup of the character changes between two or more physical
sugar how come it took you 20 minutes?” “I got lost.” If forms. It may be man to animal, male to female, tall
the character is heading out for a long distance trip they female with blonde hair, to short female with black hair,
probably will never make it without allot of help. whatever. The trigger is always something uncontrollable,
like a word, a sneeze, water, the full moon, etc... Most of
Accident Prone: They just canʼt help it, its not likely they the time the change does not effect the characters mind
are trying to break things, it just kind of happens, they trip, and they have their skills and knowledge intact. However,
and run into things, they will lose their grip and drop a in some forms, like man to animal, they may not be able
fragile item, at itʼs worse they will set off a chain reaction to speak or have opposing thumbs to use weapons or
of little disastrous with just a stumble. Half stat checks if tools. Limitations should be discussed with the Architect,
something could end up being broken. but remember this is a flaw, one form should have some
major disadvantage. It is also possible to have more than
Acts Like …: With this flaw the character tends to behave two forms but keep it down, too many forms can cause
in a stereotypical manner. Could be a salesmen, lawyer, allot of gaming hassles. This flaw may be linked to Split
cabby, gangster, etc, The character will put up this act in Personality flaw.
social situations even if it is not anything they are, they To make the different forms the character must
just like to pretend. first choose their base forms they change back and forth
from. Their base form gives the character skills and skill
Always Broke: There is never enough money to go points. Each form will have itʼs own Stat points rolled
around. Every time the character tries to save some, a up. Yet in all forms the mental stats will all be the same.
expense will come up. Most of the time the character is However, the physical and presence stats will change.
indebt and is trying to barrow some money to get by. A final note this flaw can be a real hassle in a game,
anytime a player wishes to take this flaw they should talk
Always Complains: The character is always complaining to the Architect and have the flaw approved first.
about something. Their cloths are all dirty, they canʼt do a
thing with their hair, and the famous “oh I broke a nail.” Annoying Personal Habits: This flaw gives the character
an annoy habit that they do all the time. It could be talking
Always on Downers: A character with this flaw looks like to themselves, repeating the last words someone says,
they have no energy and is always half asleep. They are bragging, biting their nails, picking their nose, etc...
never quick to react and always take their time. However
once the adrenaline starts pumping they are ready for
action, but once the excitement is over they are ready for
a nap.
Anti-Brain: The character does stupid things, all the time. Berserker: The character with this flaw tend to go into
things that drive normal people nuts. The things they rages when hurt in combat. Each time they fall below half
do are just not right for the situation, making anyone their hit points they will be filled with a berserker rage.
viewing it question the sanity of the character. Anytime the Roll 1d10 to find out how many turns the character will
character does something off the wall, others viewing it be berserk. While berserk they attack anything in range,
will have to make a mental stat check, if they fail, they will friend or foe until the turns are over.
lose an action, think of the large sweat drop, or the classic
… over the characters head. Depending on the what the Bi-Polar: The character will often shift from two different
Anti-brain character does, the stat checked maybe halved extremes in their personality. Like going from happy to
or worse. sad, or calm and controlled to silly and wild, energetic to
subdued. Typically no personality type is dominate, and
Antisocial: A character with this flaw hates groups, the character will switch back and forth.
crowds, and other gatherings. And they will let everyone
know it too, they try and keep to themselves. Bloody Nose: Every time someone talks of sex, shows
a little skin, or does a panty flash the character gets a
Argumentative: The character likes to argue, in fact bloody nose and loses all actions for 1d6 turns.
they will go out of their way to start an argument. If they
disagree with someone, they wonʼt hesitate to voice it. Boy Scout: You were brought up with respect for others; to
tell the truth, to play by the rules, never cheat, to stand up
Arrogant: A character with is stuck up, and believes that for what is right. All those things others seem to think only
they are better than everyone else is. Whatever the root get in the way are an important part of who the character
of this arrogance the character believes that others are is.
beneath them, and dealing with people beneath them can
be such an annoyance. Break Away Clothing: With this flaw, the character has
problems keeping clothing in one piece. They seem to rip
Avoids Pain When Ever Possible: The character hate to and tear during combat, always covering strategic areas,
do things that might cause them pain. They will try to do it but always needing to be replaced by the time combat is
a different way so you do not get hurt. Remember “I may over.
be a coward but, Iʼm a greedy little coward.”
Breaks into Tears: When the character gets hurt, fails, or
Angst: The character has allot of self-doubt. Doubt about make a fool out of themselves, they start to cry, and itʼs
what they are capable of. Doubt about what they should hard to convince them to stop.
do. Doubt about what others will think. Doubt about what
is the right thing, and what is the wrong thing. There is no Bundle of Nerves: Nerves of steel the character does not
end to the Anxiety the character feels. have. The littlest thing worries the character. A strange
sound? Could be someone sneaking up on them. A
Bad Accent: The character talk with a bad accent, many stranger in the back of the room, could be someone
people canʼt understand what they are saying. Thick spying on them. They keep seeing people following them
draws, funny ways of pronouncing syllables, adding out of the corner of their eyes.
strange prefix and suffixes on to words and sentences.
Can Never Get a Date: The character can never seem
Bad Joint: It could be a sore knee, a dislocating elbow, or to get a date. They are stood up, their dates fall ill, are
even a bad back. Whatever the reason physical activity kidnapped, they may ask someone out and the person
tends to lead to pain. –3 on all physical task. faints. The reasons will change but the effect is the same.
Bad Reputation: People have heard of the character, the Canʼt Make Up Their Mind: A character with this flaw
bad things. They look at the character as trouble and will can never truly decide what they want to do. Each of the
probably never trust them. -5 to convince rolls options are so good or bad they cannot decide.
Bad Vision: Life is a blur, a real blur not a figurative one, Canʼt Notice a Herd of Charging Elephants: Even though
and fuzzy blur on top of that. The characters vision is they see things normally, things donʼt always click with
terrible, they have a hard time seeing and focusing in on the character. Often times they are unable to locate an
things, and must wear large thick glasses. –3 to visual object, even though it is right in plain sight, they just tend
perception based skills, and if the character loses their to over look it till it is pointed out to them. Sometimes
glasses, -5 to all skills needing them to see. even something strange or out of the ordinary will pass
by them without even a second look. –5 to rolls where the
character maybe searching for something.
Compulsive Gambler: Life is a risk, so why not bet Hard Drinker: The character drinks, and not the light stuff
on it. The character loves to bet, bet on anything and either. Typically it will be a glass of rut gut straight up or
everything, and could never turn down a game of cards or on the rocks, if it needs to be shaken or stirred itʼs for
dice. They are always trying to get others to bet on things pansies. The hard drinker isnʼt what you would call a fun
to make things more interesting, and would never turn drunk, far from it. They drink to forget, and then get mad
down a wager. when they canʼt remember what they where drinking to
forget. They never pass up a chance to drink away their
Clumsy: A character with this flaw lacks physical grace. sorrows, and when they do reach that point they can be
They are always tripping over their own feet or dropping next to useless till they sleep it off.
things. Coordination checks are always halved. A Architect
can also have the character make a coordination check Hard of Hearing: The character will often miss things that
when holding something or running. are said by others. Worse many audio clues, like footsteps
or heavy breathing behind them, go unnoticed. –3 to
Dark Secret: In the characters past they have a secret awareness and detection rolls wear hearing is important.
that most never get revealed, it must remain hidden at
all cost. They go out of the way to keep the dark secret Has to Leave Heroes after Tying Them Up: This is a
hidden. Is the character wanted? Are they hiding from the common flaw for many villains, and sometime a couple
law? Or Syndicate? Whatever the dark secret it will be heroes. If the character captures their prey, they figure
bad for the character if it gets out. that their prey canʼt escape their trap, and leaves them
acting as if they already are out of the picture for good,
Dependence: The character has a dependence on and goes on to their next stage.
something or they lose talents, become weak, etc.. The
dependence might be several different things; they must Hates a Personal Habit: The character cannot stand a
drink orange juice, need sunlight, etc... The dependences certain personal habit of others (see Annoying Personal
and effect should be discussed with the Architect. Habits). The reaction to the habit could be anything, they
could get violent, runaway screaming, start yelling, get
Exaggerated Emotion: The character tends to have an drunk.
emotion or emotions on high. Whenever they are hit by
the emotion it is like it is set to 11. Hates a Type of People: The character does not like a
certain type of people. It could be politicians, lawyers,
Glass Jaw: A good shot to the head is never a good thing, taxi cab drivers, or even people who work at convenience
however to the character with a glass jaw it is even worse. stores. It doesnʼt really matter, they just annoy the
If the character is hit in the head, all stat checks are character to no end.
halved.
Heavy Sleeper: Once asleep it is very hard to wake the
Greedy: The character will always do what they think will character; often they must be physical shook to be coaxed
get them rich, or richer, then anybody they know. They out of sleep. The character likes to get a full eight hours of
will tend to ignore danger, or try to trick others into helping rest, if they are knocked out, chances are they will sleep
them, anything to reach their goal. for a few hours, unless someone wakes them. Also once
awoken they take awhile to come to their full attention and
Gullible: Ever here the saying; There is one born every are unable to do much for at least a few minutes to a half
minute? Well the character is defiantly one of them. With hour.
this flaw, the character is pulled into schemes and con
jobs with ease. They tend to take people at their word, if it Hidden Beauty: A person who isnʼt physically attractive,
sounds good, then it will be. until they take off their glasses, or let down their hair,
etc... They of course are oblivious to this change, and are
Guilty Conscience: If the character does anything is shocked when peopleʼs attitudes change towards them. –
remotely dishonest, it really bothers them, and they feel 4 to appearance skills, until the beauty is reviled, however
they have to put it right. the character feels uncomfortable while doing this and will
want to switch back often.
Hangers On: It is hard enough to take care of oneself
without having other dependents hanging around. It could Honest: The character canʼt lie, it is not in their nature,
be a spouse, kids, sick mother, little brother or sister. even spinning the truth is hard for them to do. Facts speak
Whoever it is, they depend on the character for help. for themselves, and are not to be changed just to suit
someoneʼs needs. Bluffing is just foreign to their way of
thinking, they are not sure how to do it.
Hunted by...: Someone or some organization is always Just Looks Stupid: No one believes the character has
hunting the character. It could be their ex-girlfriend, any smarts. They tend to have a dumb look on their face,
the cops, a reporter, or even the CIA. They will always like their mind is a total blank. Others tend to think the
be tracking down the character, even if the character character is not that bright, and donʼt take them seriously.
manages to give them the slip, it wonʼt be long before they
are back on the trail. Kleptomaniac: The character steals things they think they
must have, typically small things they can easily stuff in a
If You Canʼt Use Your Friends, Who Can You Use: The pocket. They may even steal from a friend.
character use people anyway you see fit to get what they
want. The character has their morale code, but their isnʼt Lazy: A character with this flaw is laid back and hard to
anything wrong with pulling a few strings to get what they motivate. They would rather wait then do something now.
want. Typical they have no initiative to go out and do anything
on their own.
Illiterate: The character canʼt read, everything they picked
up, they learned by doing. They tend to be hands on and Lecher: This flaw means the character is always going
will try to avoid doing anything, which requires them to nuts when someone of the opposite sex walks by. They
read. They are not stupid, they learn symbols and icons like revealing clothing on women and will go out of their
quickly, it is just string words together in sentence that way to get a good look or try to pick them up.
make it tough.
Leering: The classic psycho stare look. Whenever the
Impatient: The character does not like to wait around for character sees a member of the opposite sex they are
anything. They are always jumping the gun and flying off attracted to, they just start to stare. They have a hard time
the handle. Life is moving along with or without them, they taking their eyes off the person. They will some times start
want to make sure it is with them. to lean and drool.
Immodest: The character doesnʼt really have a sense of Lives in a World All There Own: The reality the character
modesty. They will strip down to almost nothing without a lives in is not the same one everyone else sees. They
second thought to those around them or where they are. see things differently than everyone else. Enemies lurk
They will talk about sex, bodily functions, and other things everywhere, every day object are not what others see
with no embarrassment to themselves, and even though them as. Some times the fantasy world of their mind
the people they are talking to are complete uncomfortable completely takes over how they view the world seeing
with the subject. buildings and everyday objects in a completely different
light.
Impulsive: Certain things just sound to good to be true
and the character will basically forget everything else and Looks Like Someone Else: With this flaw, the character is
do it, without thinking of the consequences. being mistaken for someone who is wanted, or someone
no one likes. It tends to happen quite often.
Incurably Shy: The character cannot confront the opposite
sex. They are too embarrassed, or possible they are Looks Out For Number One: The character is always out
afraid of the let down. Whatever the reason they are for there self interests. This does not mean they never
always uncomfortable around people they have romantic help anyone but themselves, but everything they do
feelings for. revolves around making sure things go good for them in
the end.
Insanely Jealous: The character is always jealous of
the people around them. Jealous of the attention others Love Sick: Always looking for love the character will fall
receive, Jealous of others abilities, Jealous of just about deeply and madly in love at the first opportunity. If the
anything. character is not chasing after their current object of desire,
they will dream about meeting them. They think the littlest
Intoxicated: The character likes to drink, and is drinking crush is true love, and love at first sight happens allot.
most of the time. If they are not drinking, theyʼre nursing a
hang over, and thinking about their next drink. They never Loves to Fight: Combat is where it at, and nothing
pass up a chance to get a drink, and will go out of their better then laying out as many people as possible. The
way to get one. When drinking the character receives a –3 character enjoys getting into fights and wants to beat as
to all physical tasks, and while they have a hang over –3 many people as possible. They love to brag about how
to mental tasks. many fights they have been in, and how many foes they
have defeated.
Loves Strange Items: The character has interest in Never Turns Down a Challenge/Fight: The character
strange items. They tend to collect them and treat them cannot turn down a challenge they must do it or they feel
like they are the most valuable item in the world. The they will lose honor or other people will look down on
items could be practically anything, from toys, books, them.
cookware, etc…
Noble Calling: A noble calling is to have a goal, or calling,
Masochist: The character with this flaw loves pain, any to something greater. It could be teaching, or religion, or
pain. They look forward to going to the dentist, in fact even healing the sick. The character strives to this noble
they beg to be tortured to the point that it is no fun for the calling, guiding them in their choices. The calling has to
torturer. be noble, ass kicking is not a noble cause.
Miser: A person with the flaw of being a miser is always No Common Sense: The character never stops to think
hoarding money. They will not loan anyone money without of the situation they are in, they pretty much do what they
charging outrageous interest. They will even try to cheat want, when they want.
people out of their fair share.
No Idea of the Gravity of the Situation: The character has
Misses Important Information People Tell Them: It is a hard time realizing the predicaments they are in. If they
sometime hard to remember everything somebody is see an army in front of them, they are ready to charge. If
told, but the characters seems to be forgetting important all the character are captured, they think no problem they
things. They are always stating why no one told them, and can deal with it. If they are lost it is not a problem they will
are constantly reminded they did. see something they know soon enough.
Mocks Everyone: With this flaw, the character is often Noisy: Gossip always fascinates the character, who is
very sarcastic. Anytime anyone fails they get really vicious seeing who? What is someone up to? What did one
and tend not to let up. person say about the other? All these questions and more
are very important and the character canʼt get enough.
Modest: The character is a bit self-conscious about their
body and privacy. They embarrass easily when they are No Luck: A character with this flaw seems to have bad
less then fully clothed or someone of the opposite sex luck follow them around. When the character is around
is nearby. They donʼt like to talk in public about anything little things go wrong.
sexual, and will shy away from any of these situations.
No One Cares What Happens To You: This flaw just
Mt. Fuji Syndrome: The character tends to go into a set means that everybody ignores the character. Few will
of poses and speeches, talking themselves up, and trying come to their aid until the character convince them that it
to look cool. Of course the bad guys tend to ignore them, is worth it. Or until they are needed for something.
and the waste of actions annoys their allies. Typically
the character will waste their first few actions doing their No Sense of Danger: The character never realizes what
routine. danger really is. Theyʼre always gung-ho, ready to tackle
any problem.
Naïve: The character is lacking in worldly experience and
understanding. Things others take for granted, they find No Sense of Timing: The characters are always off cue.
strange and unusual. They pretty much act like the classic They say the wrong thing at the wrong time. They jump
country bumpkin. into battle too quick or too slow. Anything that has to do
with getting something done right time the character is off.
Negative Skill: With a negative skill, a character thinks
they have a skill and their good at it. However, they cannot No Tact: The character has no sensitivity to what is proper
do it at all, the most common negative skill is cooking. The and appropriate in dealing with others. What they say or
skill is at -5 and can never be raised or lowered. do will often offend people around them.
Nervous Twitch: When the character gets into a stressful No Willpower: It is not hard to get the character will back
situation, or is just plain bored they will start a nervous down under pressure. They fold easily to threats, and
twitch without even really being aware of it themselves. have a hard time controlling their own impulses.
It could be biting ones nails, or playing with a personal
object or weapon, talking out loud to themselves, playing
with their hair, etc….
Never on the Ball: A character with this flaw has a hard

time getting into the swing of things. They are often
preoccupied by other thoughts.
Obsessed: The character thinks about something Personal Item: The character has a personal item
constantly and compulsively. It could be money, women, that they cherish. They protect it like the same way as
new technology, history, legends and lore, etc…. What someone they loved.
ever is chosen it will occupy the characters mind at almost
all times. They will be drawn to the obsessed subject Phobia: A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a
when ever the opportunity arises, and it is tough to pull specific thing or situation that compels the character to
them away, even if their life is in danger, they feel a strong try and avoid it. Despite the awareness and reassurance
need to feed there obsession. from others that it is not dangerous. Pick something from
the dictionary and the character is afraid of it, or anything
Odd Speech Quirk: It could be talking about oneself in the to do with it.
third person. It could be a strange word –glaven- that just
happens to come out every now and then. Or mumbling Picky: A character with this flaw tends to be very selective
under ones breath allot. Even trailing off in mid sentence. about everything. This room is too small, this food is cold,
Whatever the speech quirk it comes up every so often, not I hate this TV show.
constantly making the character unable to communicate.
Pointless Belief: This flaw is similar to strong Ideals,
Old: The character is old, what more can be said, they however the ideals they holds true are rather pointless.
are passed their prime, well passed. They complain about It could be they are out to find and prove Elvis is still
being old, they have aches and pains, they are forgetful, alive. Other pointless beliefs like (fill in Blank) will save
always missing or not understanding things said. When the world. It can also be that they believe they are on a
the character is old they tend to not be able to do things mission from God.
they thought they could, they fumble on a one or a two.
They will forget things in the middle of doing it. They canʼt Pointless Ceremony: The character tend to have a long
even find their way to the station, let alone keep a train of drawn out ceremony before doing things. It could be
thought. before they eat, or go to sleep, or even before they go into
combat.
Out of Shape: Its tough to stay in shape, and life is busy
enough as it is. So now the character just isnʼt as healthy Poser: Some people just try to be something they are
as they use to be. They tire quickly, and canʼt excrete not, and no matter how hard they try, they will never be. It
themselves very long. After a few rounds of physical could be the small skinny dude trying to be a tough guy.
activity they well start to receive a –1 each round they Or the farm hand trying to look like high society. A man
continue, until they get a rest. trying to be femme fatal. Itʼs just never going to be true.
Outwits Himself: With this flaw a character over plans their Power Nut: This flaw means the character goals are to
actions, they go into such detail that they cannot complete rule the world, become the most famous man in existence,
a plan. I know, that you know, that I know, that you know, or control all the money in the universe. They never have
etc... enough power and always looking for more.
Overconfidence: A character with this flaw will always be Prankster: The character like to pull practical jokes on
sure of their abilities and will never doubt them. They are everyone, even their friends.
sure they are the best, and doubt anyone could challenge
them. Puts Up With Anything: The character will put up with
almost anything the other characters do. Although it may
Over Denial: If the character is unsure what someone get under their skin, they will try to control themselves;
might think of their actions, they deny it. Good or bad, sometimes they must leave to vent their anger.
they will try to shift blame to someone else when ever
possible. Sadist: With this flaw the character likes to cause pain to
other people. This includes the people around then and
Pacifist: The character hates violence, they hate people their friends.
who are violent, and they avoid violence whenever
possible. Scattered Brained: The characters mind is always a mess
of thoughts. When trying to tell a story they will always go
Paranoia: The character is sure that someone or off on tangents, and it takes constant prodding to keep
something is after them. Mostly the government, part of them on track and actually get to the point. This also
a huge conspiracy, and they are after the character. Or effects how they recall information they have read, and
maybe it is space aliens are after them, even the post often will only remember part of it. –3 to all knowledge
office is in on it. It is a vast conspiracy, and the character rolls.
seems to think they are involved, even if they have no
clue why.
Secretive: The character has a tendency to keep certain Soliloquies: It is hard to stop the character from going on
facts to themselves. With this information they have the and on. Explaining the plan, how and why they came up
upper hand and giving it out freely would do them no with it, what they are trying to accomplish, why they are
good. They tend to hold information back and if they do doing it, who will benefit, and who will be punished, how
give out the facts they tell, one or two others and tell them history will view them and there plan, etc…, etc…
not to tell anyone else.
Sounds Like Someone Famous: The characters speech
Self-Conscious about Looks: The character is always pattern is like that of a famous character or actor. It might
checking their personal appearance, fixing their hair, be that they speak like they are in a Shakespearian play,
straightening a tie, putting on makeup. They always or talk like they are in a John Wayne western, or Jack
worried about what they look like in the wrong situation, Nicholson, or another famous person.
as their falling to their death they would cry out “My Hair.”
Split Personality: A character with this flaw has one or
Selfish: The character thinks about themselves more than more extra personalities, they may be totally different from
anything else. They do not like to share, or let anyone each other. Usually triggered be some sort of common
else take anything. event, Sneezing, Stubbing their toe, Quick light changes,
etc. Their different personality could have their own list of
Sesame Street Attention Span: The character with this flaws and talents.
flaw cannot stop and do any one thing for long. They will
get bored and move on to something else very quickly. Strong Ideals: The character has some ideals they hold
These type of people can only watch a TV station for above all else. It could be truth, honor, or even that they
about 2 or 3 minutes before they have to change the are right all the time.
channel, just long enough to get their attention.
Stupid Pets: The characters has some little pets that
Short Fuse: It really doesnʼt take much to set the hang out with them, they may have some small function
character off. The are quick to angry, sometimes you can but mostly they hang around looking cute, or getting into
almost see the tension building in them as they get ready trouble.
to go off.
Stubborn: This flaw means the character is set in their
Showoff: The character deliberately behaves in such a ways. They do not like changing their minds or do
way as to attract attention to themselves. Always trying to something they are not fond of.
make sure they are seen, doing what they do best.
Sweet Talked into Anything: All it takes is a few kind
Sickeningly Cheerful: Upbeat and perky, these characters words, puppy dog eyes, a twirl of the hair from a member
always look on the bright side of life. Even when of the opposite sex and the character is easily talked into
everything around is going wrong they stay very cheerful, something they might normally not do.
to the point of being annoying.
Tacky: The character always dresses in tacky clothes, and
Smartass: A character with this flaw always has some say things that are just a little out of date.
smart comment to spit out. A smartass never knows when
to quit and thinks they are very clever. Talks like a Game Show Host: The character usually talks
like a game show host. “Thatʼs right not only is this the
Speaks in Riddle: The character will tend to speak in home of the toughest man in the universe, itʼs also the
circles telling riddles and stories, they may even end up home of the one person tougher than him....... His wife.”
rhyming. Never giving a straight answers, they prefer to
speak in questions or parables, a simple yes or no is not Talk with Animals: At first this sounds like a talent, but
in their nature. This flaw is difficult to play with, and should when you get down to in the animals live in their own
be carefully roleplayed. world and arenʼt that useful to talk to. Unless something
effects them in a direct way they tend to notice much.
Someone the Character Know Always Dies: With this, flaw Most donʼt have much of a memory and canʼt remember
people the character knows always die on them. Usually what happened a few hours ago let only yesterday. So
leaving them in a jam to solve their murder, or find out a conversation tends to be pretty pointless, much like
what they were trying to tell them before the grim reaper talking to a preschooler.
took them away.
Technocurse: Technology seems to break when the Useless Weapon: A character with this flaw thinks they
character uses it. Its not likely they are trying to destroy it, have the greatest weapon of all time. They will pull it out
things just stop working right, jam up, or start to smoke. as intimidation, and will only use it when all else fails. But
Anything that has movable parts, electronics, or other of course, the weapon is not good at all.
technology will be downgraded in quality by one, and
chances of it failing doubled while the character uses it. Visible Odor: The character stinks so bad that people
can actually see the odor. The odor is difficult to mask
Technophobe: What was wrong with the old technology? and will always be noticed. If the character actual cleans
Why did it have to change? Wasnʼt good enough before? themselves they can remove the odor for a sort period of
New fangled technology bothers the character, if it isnʼt time, but it will return, and usually at the worst time.
something they remember from their youth it is too new
for them. Weakness to...: The character has a weakness to a
certain something and will become weak or lose talents
The Type That Would Kick His Grandma In The Shins And when they come into contact with it. The weakness could
Steal Her Ovaltine: Need we say more. be anything, sunlight, darkness, cats, etc.
Thin Skinned: The character isnʼt much for taking Weirdness Magnet: Strange things happen around the
punishment, they bruise easily. It really isnʼt hard to hurt character. It could be people, places, or things, doesnʼt
them. –3 to DAN. really matter. They seem to find the character, or just
happen when they are around. Supernatural, rare, or just
Total Asshole: With this flaw the character seems to piss strange events happen. If they stop in a old house, most
everyone off. They are self centered and donʼt seem to likely it will be haunted, Visit some place, something will
give a damn about anything but themselves, or what happen, even if it is an event that happens once every
theyʼre interested in, and to hell with everyone else. thousand years, it will happen when the character is
visiting.
Totally Pushy and Violent: A character with this flaw will
push people around to do what they wants them to do. Whiner: Everyone has some self doubt, but the whiner
This means anyone including friends and enemies alike. goes on and on about it. To anyone who will listen, even
when nobody is listening they will go on with a long
Treats People Like…: Allot of the times a character will soliloquies about their doubts and problem.
automatically treat people a certain way. Ordering them
about, blow them off, or being overly nice, it can be Yellow: The character tries to avoid any situation
anything. But this behavior seems to be a safety net for that might be difficult to deal with. They donʼt like
the character when meeting people. confrontation, and anything that might cause them bodily
harm is really out of the question.
Trusts No One: People canʼt be trusted, they will lie to
cover up the smallest thing, which means you can bet that You Owe A Favor: In your past someone did you a big
they are going to do their best to hide the big ones. Not favor, one of those life saving ones, it was an offer you
everything is a lie, it is just never the whole truth, and you couldnʼt refuse. Now you our in debit, and when you are
can bet they are holding something back. asked to do a favor, your in no position to say no. Luckily
they tend to be little favors that your skills are suited for.
Uncontrollable Evil Laugh: Whenever the character comes Eventually the big one will come down and your debit will
up with a plan or things goes their way they break into a be paid.
laugh that is loud and obnoxious that everyone around
them must hear.
Under the Weather: Cough, running nose, headache,

The character always seems under the influence of some
sort of ailment. They are always coughing or sneezing,
especially when they are trying to be stealthy..
Unusual Aim Skill: The character fires off many shots each
missing the target they are aiming at, but on a successful
hit they will hit something that might end up helping them
out. It is up to the Architect and the situation at hand
what the character hits, but it will generally be something
useful.
2.3.1 List of Flaws Masochist Visible Odor
Miser Weakness to…
Flaws Misses Important Information People Tell Them Weirdness Magnet
Absentminded Mocks Everyone Whiner
Absolutely No Sense of Direction Modest Yellow
Accident Prone Mt. Fuji Syndrome You Owe A Favor
Acts Like … Naïve
Always Broke Negative Skill
Always Complains Nervous Twitch
Always on Downers Never on the Ball
Always Hungry Never Turns Down a Challenge/Fight
Always Serious Noble Calling
Amnesia No Common Sense
Anal Retentive No Idea of the Gravity of the Situation
Anatomical Shift Syndrome Noisy
Annoying Personal Habits No Luck
Anti-Brain No One Cares What Happens To You
Antisocial No Sense of Danger
Argumentative No Sense of Timing
Arrogant No Tact
Avoids Pain When Ever Possible No Willpower
Angst Obsessed
Bad Accent Odd Speech Quirk
Bad Joint Old
Bad Reputation Out of Shape
Bad Vision Outwits Himself
Berserker Overconfidence
Bi-Polar Over Denial
Bloody Nose Pacifist
Boy Scout Paranoia
Break Away Clothing Personal Item
Breaks into Tears Phobia
Bundle of Nerves Picky
Can Never Get a Date Pointless Belief
Canʼt Make Up Their Mind Pointless Ceremony
Canʼt Notice a Herd of Charging Elephants Poser
Compulsive Gambler Power Nut
Clumsy Prankster
Dark Secret Puts Up With Anything
Dependence Sadist
Exaggerated Emotion Scattered Brained
Glass Jaw Secretive
Greedy Self-Conscious about Looks
Gullible Selfish
Guilty Conscience Sesame Street Attention Span
Hangers On Short Fuse
Hard Drinker Showoff
Hard of Hearing Sickeningly Cheerful
Has to Leave Heroes after Tying Them Up Smartass
Hates a Personal Habit Speaks in Riddle
Hates a Type of People Someone the Character Know Always Dies
Heavy Sleeper Soliloquies
Hidden Beauty Sounds Like Someone Famous
Honest Split Personality
Hunted by... Strong Ideals
If You Canʼt Use Your Friends, Who Can You Use Stupid Pets
Illiterate Stubborn
Impatient Sweet Talked into Anything
Immodest Tacky
Impulsive Talks like a Game Show Host
Incurably Shy Talk with Animals
Insanely Jealous Technocurse
Intoxicated Technophobe
Just Looks Stupid The Type That Would Kick His Grandma In The Shins
Kleptomaniac And Steal Her Ovaltine
Lazy Thin Skinned
Lecher Total Asshole
Leering Totally Pushy and Violent
Lives in a World All There Own Treats People Like…
Looks Like Someone Else Trusts No One
Looks Out For Number One Uncontrollable Evil Laugh
Love Sick Under the Weather
Loves to Fight Unusual Aim Skill
Loves Strange Items Useless Weapon
2.4 Skills Athletics: The over all fitness and physical condition of
Skills are proficiencies, capabilities, adeptness, the character. Their prowess, ability to jump, sense of
expertise, etc… in areas of knowledge. Skills are used to balance, endurance, etc… With a low skill a character can
accomplish task and over come obstacles in the game. do most physical tasks and not get winded, with a high
Each skill is linked to a stat category, the Architect will pick skill they can make a fast dash through a crowded street,
which of the three stats is appropriate for the task, or use dodging around people, jumping over obstacles, and
the categories rating. The higher the stat the better the make it all look easy.
character will be with the skill. Skills are ranked between 1
and 15, each level showing a greater mastery of the skill. Climbing: The higher the characters climb skill the better
chance they have of getting over obstacles. A low skill
1-3 Semi Skilled allows them to climb ropes, fences, and steep inclines.
4-6 Skilled With a high skill they can climb up walls and other
7-9 Highly Skilled completely vertical surfaces. Linked to Athletics.
9-11 Professional
12-13 Unmatched Defense: The knowledge of protecting ones own person.
14-15 Master When to dodge, when to block, when to duck. The best
way deflect a punch or kick, the correct way to roll with the
Certain skills are linked to prerequisite, or master blow, etc… With a low skill the character can avoid most
skills, which need to be taken before the linked skill. The attacks. A high skills allows them to make a fool out of
linked skill cannot be a higher level then the skill it is most attackers.
linked too.
Skills represent the characters knowledge and Forgery: The art of copying others signature and writing
accomplishment in a subject, and will go beyond simple style. With a low skill the character can copy a signature
use. For example a character with a sword skill, also that will pass a quick inspection. A high skill will allow the
understands sword quality, types, history, etc… It wouldnʼt character to write out a whole letter that looks perfect,
give them the ability to make one, but they would be even when compared next to the original.
able to tell a cheap one from a highly crafted one, even
insight in historical swords. Pistol skill, would also cover Heighten Reflex: Training to increase the characters
maintenance, how to take it apart, clean it, unjam it, even reaction time. A low skill the character can quick draw a
what ammo types are the best for each situation. weapon. With a high skill the character can snatch an
object right out of some one elseʼs hands.
2.4.1 Skill Lists Martial Arts: The skill of trained hand-to-hand combat.
The list of skills for characters to choose from will Martial arts skill covers any kind of fighting from wrestling,
vary depending on the setting of the game. A game set boxing, karate, kicking boxing, kung fu, to street fighting.
in a fantasy environment will have a different set of skills The style used is up the character. After level 6 the
then a game set in modern times, or a future world. The character can choose a weapon class to use with their
Architect should create a list of skills for a game based on martial arts skill. At low levels the character can hold their
the setting before the players start to create characters. own in a barroom brawl. With a high skill they are able to
fight off a group of armed ninjas. Linked to Defense
2.4.2 Common Skills
There are some skills that are pretty common Pick Pocket: The art of relieving something off someone
between all settings. Most of the time these are physical else without them being aware. A low skill allows the
and presences skills. character to grab a wallet or purse off an unsuspecting
person. With a high skill the character can remove a
Physical Skills watch or piece of jewelry. Linked to Heighten Reflexes.
Acrobatics: The ability to do back flips, handsprings,
summersaults, and mid air flips and rolls. A low skill the Quick Build: The skill of working quickly and accurately,
character a can pull a mid air summersault, and land on when a trap needs to be set up, or a broken item needs
their feet. With a high skill the character can make their to be fixed fast. With a low skill the character can set up
way across the roof tops with grace and easy. Linked to a simple trap quickly. A high skill allows the character to
Athletics take a part and rebuild an item in half the time it would
normally take. Linked to Heighten Reflexes.
Sleight of Hand: The art of canceling small objects,

making them seem to appear and disappear, with
quick movements and misdirection. With a low skill the
character can pull off the shell game. A high skill they can
make hand size items seem to vanish.
Stamina: This skill allows a character to drag on where Ninjitsu: These weapons are small handheld weapons
others would fall short. If they have to keep up action they designed to have multiple uses, making them very handy
can make a stamina roll to see if they can keep going. in combat. These weapons include kama, kusarigama,
If the character has been up 20 hours straight they can manriki gusari, and Tiger Claws.
make a stamina roll to keep going. Run long distances;
carry a heavy load, etc.… Pole Arm: Long bladed weapons designed for phalanx
combat. These weapons allow infantry to defend
Strength Athletics: The skill of unleashing the bodyʼs full themselves from cavalry and attack others from a greater
strength, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc… A low skill will allow distance. Pole arms include pikes, spears, halberds, yari,
a character to lift twice their weight with ease. A high nagamaki, and tridents.
skill allows the character to move many times their own
weight. Linked to Athletics. Swords: The sword almost goes hand in hand with the
warrior. Often becoming the very symbol of the knight,
Swimming: A good skill to have when you find yourself samurai, or other professional soldier. From short sword
onboard a sinking ship. With a low skill the character can to claymore, rapier to cutlass, katana to bastard.
swim across most rivers or lakes, and dive a few meters.
With a high skill the character can swim as naturally as Staff: Long thin shafts of wood or metal, the staff is a
they walk, and dive a considerable distance on a single versatile weapon. From shorter bo and quarter staffs to
breathe. Linked to Athletics. long staffs taller then the user.
Throw: The art of propelling objects through the air with Whips and Chains: Long thin flexible weapons that are
great force and accuracy. This skill is used to throw object cable of entangling. Including the classic bullwhip, ball
like rocks, as well as weapons such as Boomerangs, and chain, and others.
Bola, and Shurikens. With a low skill the character can
hit a target with a good deal of force. A high skill the Mental Skills
character can take out a moving target in mid air. Analyze: The skill of being able to study a person or object
to better understand it, and how it works. With a low skill
Weapon Skill: The training in the use of melee weapons the character can spot a patterns and how figure out basic
in combat. The character can choose one weapon class functions. A high skill allows the character to predicate
for every two levels in the skill. At level 5 the character will actions and understand strengths and limitations. Linked
have up to 3, at level 10 the character will have 5, etc… to Notice.
Linked to Defense
Archeology: The study of the past through the recovery,
Archery: Firing a bow and arrow with accuracy. With a documentation, and analysis of architecture, artifacts, and
low skill the character can leave a nice cluster of arrows remains. Also the study of past mysteries, lost items, and
on a target. A high skill allows them to shoot an apple off treasures. With a low skill the character can identify items
someoneʼs head, while they are both moving. and link them to historical periods. A high skill gives them
knowledge of where, when, and how the item was created
Axes: The art of using an axes in combat. From and used, plus its value. Linked to History
tomahawks to battleaxes and great axes.
Bookkeeping: Records and record systems are a wealth
Clubs and Maces: A classic weapon ages old; it could of information. Characters with the skill of bookkeeping
be argued that the club was the first weapon ever used. are able to not only keep accurate records, but audit other
Weapons include maces, flails, morning stars, baseball record systems to find errors, hidden information, or other
bats, sledgehammers, and even boards with nails in them. oddities. With a low skill the character can spot errors in
the books of most small businesses. A high skill they can
Counterstrike: This class of weapons is those small spot money laundering, secret accounts, emblazonment,
quick weapons deigned for defense as much as offense. and other hidden information in a government or large
Counterstrike weapons include batons, fans, fighting corporation.
sticks, jutte, nunchaku, sai, tri-staff, and tonfa.
Camouflage: To conceal by the use of disguise or by
Dagger: The classic edged weapon, easily concealed, and blending it in with the surrounding environment. With a
with a thousand uses, and very deadly in the right hands. low skill the character can hide small objects. A high skill
Daggers come in many types from Dirks, to Stilettos, to allows them to hide buildings. Linked to Stalk/Hide
commando knives, and switchblades.
Carpentry: The skill of building, not just the use of tools, History: Knowledge of the past, the who, what, and why
but the how to knowledge. The correct way to build a of civilization. With a low skill the character knows the
framework, joints, and other aspects of construction. The background of the world and major historical events and
skill also lets the character understand the construction dates. A high skill reveals detailed information on the past,
of buildings and items, allowing them to spot oddities important dates, historical figures, events, etc…
like hidden compartments, rooms, and passageways.
Also comes it handy making traps. With a low skill the Language: The study of language not native to the
character can perform most carpentry repairs, make basic character. With a low skill the character can speak in
furniture, and build a shed or barn. With a high skill they broken sentences and generally get their point across.
are able to build an entire house and all the furniture They can also read signs and other simple common
inside, with secret rooms and passageways. writings. A high skill allows them to read and speak like a
native.
Cook: The knowledge of food and how to make it. How
to prep meats and vegetables, how to prepare the food, Law: The knowledge of the laws, law enforcement, and
and what to do to make it as tasty as possible. The skill the legal system. A low skill the character knows a few
also covers nutritional knowledge, allowing the character loopholes that can get them out of a tight situation with the
to know what to make to help heal the natural way. With a law. With a high skill the character is able to win a legal
low skill the character can make most dishes. With a high case in court.
skill they can butcher their own meat, and cook a full feast
from the most basic ingredients. Navigation: The knowledge of trianglization and the use of
the tools and techniques such as maps and compasses to
Disguise: The knowledge of modifying appearance, and get where they want to go. With a low skill the character
manner, in order to prevent recognition. From simple can follow most maps plotting the course they are taking.
clothing changes, to advance make up techniques. The With a high skill they are able to make their own map
skill is also useful in spotting others who have employed venturing into the unknown.
these techniques. Low skill allows the character to change
their appearance enough to fool most people they might Notice: The skill of being aware of ones surroundings,
not know. A high skill can be used to make the character spotting clues, movements of others, and other oddities.
look like someone else, and even fool those that know More then just sight, notice incorporates all senses in
them or the person they are disguised as. looking for things that are out of place. A low skill allows a
character to spot someone tailing them or spot something
Education: This skill represents the knowledge of the out of place. With a high skill they notice things like
world in which the character lives. The language and missing items because of the dust being disturbed, or
writing used. How to work common everyday items they other small details other would overlook.
need to use. The recent history and social traditions,
etc… With a low skill the character knows the basics of Occult: The study of secret and hidden knowledge from
everyday life, just about a typical high school education. the past to the present. Where the knowledge came from,
A high skill shows advance knowledge of the world, who obtained it, how it was kept hidden, the people and
equivalent to a PhD from an prestigeʼs university. organizations that possessed it, etc… With a low skill
the character is aware of the past not always covered
Engineering: The knowledge of applying scientific and in history. With a high skill the character knows many
technical knowledge to solve problems. The character of the past secret organizations and the knowledge the
uses imagination, judgment, reasoning and experience to possessed. Linked to History.
create problem solving items and inventions. With a low
skill the character can make useful items and equipment Pick Lock: The knowledge of how lock mechanisms
to solve simple problems. A high skill makes it possible operate, and how to open them without the right code or
to build things that will push the laws of physics in the key. With a low skill most doors and locks can be opened.
characters favor. With a high skill not even safes are all that “safe”.
Gamble: The art of playing the odds, and knowing how to Psychology: The study of the mind and behavior, and
read the tells of others. The knowledge of the games of understanding the motivations that drive people. The skill
chance and how to correctly beat to increase the odds of of viewing and understanding the actions and behavioral
winning. A low skill allows the character to clean up at the patterns of others. A low skill allows the character can get
home game. With a high skill the character can play the an idea of the motivations of someone they are talking to.
odds and win big at the casinos. With a high skill they are able to predict the actions others
might take.
Red Tape: The skill of cutting through bureaucratic mess. Teach: The skill of imparting knowledge to others, the
They know when things have to be signed in triplicate, character can shows others how to accomplish a task.
who to report too first, even when a little grease might get With a low skill the character can teach a small group
the bureaucratic wheels turnings faster. With a low skill fairly simple tasks. A high skill they can teach others up to
the character can get a permit or other documentation their own level of knowledge.
fairly quickly. With a high skill they can process the
paperwork for even the biggest project efficiently. Writing: The art of putting words to the page to create
poems, stories, or even just documentation. With a low
Research: The knowledge of how to track down skill the character can create something most people
information from many different sources, including would be willing to read. A high skill they can write best
records, reference materials, articles, and periodicals. A selling novels.
low skills allows the character to find the latest information
on a person or subject. With a high skill they can uncover Zoology: The knowledge of animals and animal
a vast conspiracy. life, including the study of the structure, physiology,
characteristic, and classification of wildlife. A low skill
Rhetoric: The art of persuasion through writing. With a allows the character to know the nature of most common
low skill the character can write an article or editorial that animals. With a high skill they know a great deal about
can sway peoples opinions. A high skill they can write a animals past and present, their nature and capabilities.
compelling book on their philosophies convincing many of
its value. Linked to Writing. Presence Skills
Acting: The skill of performance, but more then just
Search: The skill of finding things the character is looking remembering lines, it covers the characters ability to feint
for. A low skill allows the character to find most items that responses. To convey emotion such as anger, disgust,
are missed placed. With a high skill the character can fear, guilt, joy, sorrow, surprise, etc… With a low skill they
find things that where hidden, and hidden well. Linked to can fool someone for a short time. A high skill allows the
Notice character to keep up an act over a long period of time.
Stalk/Hide: The knowledge of how to follow someone Baffle With Bullshit (BWB): This skill allows the character
without being noticed, and avoid being followed by to ramble on about a subject until the person theyʼre
others. With a low skill the character can tail someone talking to is confused. With a low skill they can baffle most
from a distance and not be spotted. A high skill allows nonprofessional. With a high skill the character can baffle
them to avoid even a team of people trying to follow their even experts in the field.
movements.
Bluff/Lie: The art of deceiving others senses into believing
Strategy & Tactics: The art of using the resources at ones an untruth. More then just a simple lie, the character most
disposal to achieve their goals. Used in competition, learn to control their body language. With a low skill the
business, and warfare. With a low skill the character can character trick most people. A high skill allows them to fool
figure calculate short-term options. A high skill allows even the best trained eye. Linked to Savvy.
them to plot out long-term plans.
Command/Lead: The knowledge on how to give orders
Survival: The knowledge of how to survive out in the wild. and have them followed. A low skill allows the character
Where to find shelter, food, protecting oneself from the to lead a small band or office. With a high skill they can
elements, etc… With a low skill the character can survive command a whole army or company.
a few days out in nature. A high skill allows them to live
long-term outdoors. Funnyman: Humor is often a useful weapon, it can get
people to drop their guard, or even defuse a stressful
Track: The skill of following the signs and clues left situation. Funnyman is the art of getting others to laugh.
behind, from footprints, and other markings. It is also With a low skill they can crack a joke and get a small
useful in covering up ones trail from being tracked. With snicker. A high skill allows the character get the most
a low skill the character can track large animals. A high stone faced person to crack a smile. Linked to Acting.
allows them to follow even the faints signs.
Impersonate: More then just acting, but duplicating
Traps: The art of designing mechanisms to ensnare, anotherʼs personality and manners. The art of studying
capture, or detect. The skill is also extremely useful in a person and being able to mimic their style. A low skill
spotting and disarming traps as well. With a low skill the allows the character to pull off the mannerisms of a
character can set up and disarm simple traps. A high skill person. With a high skill they can mimic the voice, speech
allows the design of advance multistage traps, and the patterns, and manners of someone. Linked to Acting.
knowledge of how to disarm them. Linked to Engineering.
Interview/Question: The art of obtaining information from Savvy: The knowledge of sophisticated personal
others through a series of questions. More then just interaction. The ability to read peoples body language,
getting a few answers, the Interviewer is looking to obtain moods, and emotions, to see through false fronts and
facts and to verify them through the series of questions. deceptions. With a low skill the character can tell when
Often asking background, or leading questions to make someone is trying to miss lead them. A high skill allows
sure they are not being mislead. The more information, or them to detect when someone is trying to hide something.
pieces of the puzzle, the character has the more they can
tell if they are being told the truth or not. With a low skill Seduction: The skill of charming, tempting, and coercing
they can interview the man on the street and obtain the others to get them to do what you want. With a low skill
information they are looking for. A high skill allows them to they can flirt and tease others, toying with their affections.
question a number of witnesses and pieces together what A high skill allows the character to wrap them around their
happened with great accuracy. little finger. Linked to Savvy.
Interrogation: The skill of obtaining information that Savoir Faire: The art of graceful social interaction,
someone would not otherwise be willingly to disclose. knowing the right things to say, the right way to grate
The typical purpose is not to force a confession, but someone, show respect, etc… With a low skill the
rather to develop sufficient rapport, playing on the character knows what to do in most social situations. A
sourceʼs character, to prompt the source to disclose high skill allows the character to know what to do when
his information. A low skill allows the character to grill a meeting with royalty. Linked to Savvy.
criminal to obtain the facts they are trying to hide. With a
high skill the character can obtain secret code or name Street Smarts: Keen perceptions on dealing with the
before the person even realizes they gave it up. Linked to steamer side of life. The knowledge of how to talk, the
Interview/Question. right type of body language, when to be forceful, and
when to back down. The ability to tell the lowly thug, top
Intimidate: The art of making others do what one wants soldiers, and underworld bosses apart. With a low skill the
through fear, to frighten into submission, compliance, or character can find underworld contacts. A high skill allows
acquiescence. To rattle someone into doing something the the character to deal with the top bosses. Linked to Savvy
character wants. Or to get that person to think twice about
doing something that might upset the character. A low skill Style: The art of apparel and grooming to increase, or
allows the character to get the local bully to back away. even sometimes decrease, someoneʼs appearance.
With a high skill they can make even the most highly Knowing the right way to dress, the fashion guidelines
trained warrior pause and take a step back. of the times. The correct way to style hair and make up
to make someone more attractive. The character can
Negotiate: The art of the bargaining with others to come also tell allot about others from their dress and style.
to a mutual settlement. A low skill allows the character to With a low skill the character can keep up with the latest
haggle over the price of and item. With a high skill they fashion trends. A high skill allows them to increase their
can broker a peace agreement. attractiveness with the right clothes, hair, and make up.
Oratory: The art of speech making, manipulating the

crowd to get behind the speechmaker. With a low skill
the character can impress a small auditorium. A high skill
allows the character to run for political office.
Provoke: The art of motivating someone into action that

they would normally not be willing to take. With a low skill
the character can get someone to jump the gun so to
speak. A high skill allows them to trick someone into doing
something they know is a bad idea. Linked to Intimidate.
Smooth Talk: The skill of persuasion and manipulating

others into actions that benefit the character. With a low
skill the character can convince someone to lend them a
few bucks, or bouncer to let you in to a club. A high skill
allows the character to convince people to hand over
riches, or to let them into topic secret areas.
2.4.3 Additional Skills Magic Theory: The how and why of magic in the world,
Each setting will have unique skills the characters an understanding of how it was created and used. With a
may need. The following lists are common skills for low skill the character is aware of the ways magic works.
specific setting types. The Architect should add any other A high skill allows them to advance that very knowledge to
skills that the characters may need. new levels.
Before the players start to create characters a full
list of skill should be generated for them to choose from. Weaponsmith: The knowledge of creating weapons of all
types. Characters with weaponsmith can also examine
weapons and improve them, or discover weaknesses.
Fantasy Setting
A low skill allows them to create basic weapons. With
Additional Physical Skills a high skill they are able to create weapons that will
Riding: The ability to ride beast for transportation, from actually do more damage and be more accurate. Linked
horses, camels, to chocobos, whatever is available in the to Blacksmith.
world for transportation. With a low skill the character can
guide the beast where they need to go without to much Tailor: The knowledge of making clothes and other useful
trouble. A high skill allows them to push the beast to its products out of cloths and other materials. A low skill
peak performance levels. allows the character to mend most fabrics, and make
basic products. With a high skill they can create new
Crossbow: A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a bow cloths and fabrics, and sew them into masterpieces.
fixed crosswise on a wooden stock, varying is size from
one handed units to larger models. Crossbow class is
added to Weapon Skill.
Modern Day
Additional Physical Skills
Action Sports: The ability to manipulate ones center
Additional Mental Skills
of gravity, to achieve high speeds, and new heights,
Alchemy: The knowledge of the how interactions in
and to ignore the pain, and suppress the fear. Skating,
nature. Combining herbs, minerals, and animal matter
skateboards, surfing, snowboards, and skiing all are
together. A low skills allows the character to make simple
possible. With a low skill the character can pull off simple
medicines and other useful products. With a high skill the
tricks. A high skill allows them to take the laws of physics
character knows many of the base elements and how to
to their limit.
extract them, maybe even change lead to gold.
Drive: The knowledge of how to operate land vehicles of
Animal Training: The knowledge of how to train animals.
all types. The skill of learning the location of the controls
The ability to read and understand animal behavior
and operating them while the eyes are focused on the
patterns and the discipline to train them. With a low skill
environment. A low skill allows them to drive most vehicles
the they can house break most pets. With a high skill the
avoiding common obstacles and not having a accident.
character can train a pack of wild animals to obey their
With a high skill the character can take the vehicle to its
commands.
very limit and beyond.
Blacksmith: The skill of working metal, how to bend it
Firearms: The knowledge of how to operate firearms like
into useful well crafted tools. The knowledge also covers
pistols, shotguns, rifles, submachine guns, and assault
the knowledge of metals and how to create them. With a
rifle. The character can choose firearm class for every 3
low skill the character can mend and create simple metal
levels in the skill. At level 5 the character will have up to 2,
tools. A high skill allows them to create complex metal
at level 10 the character will have 4, etc…
creations with durable metal alloys.
Assault Rifle Class: The skill of using high rate of fire
Clockwork: The knowledge of gears, cogs, sprockets,
rifles, more often fired from the side then from the
switches, pulleys, etc.. How they work and complement
shoulder.
each other. A low skill allows the character to fix most
broken clocks or other device. A high skill they can create
Rifle Class: From bolt action to automatic, the skill of
complex works using vast number of mechanisms that all
using these weapons long range capabilities.
work like clockwork.
Side Arm Class: The art of firing small one-handed pistols
Legends and Lore: The world is full of tales and stories,
and machine pistols.
the character knows these fables and their origins. With
a low skill the character know the myths and legends of
Shotgun Class: Knowing the ups and downs of these
their lands. A high skill they know lore from through out
shorter range weapons with heavy sink. Also includes
the ages, and great knowledge of where it came from and
grenade launchers.
who it was past down through, often having insight into
the truth that the legends are based on.
Heavy Weapons: Knowledge of how to use and operate Mythology: The world is full of tales from the past, epic
large firearms and ballistics, from heavy machine guns yarns of gods, demons, and heroes. With a low skill the
to rocket launchers. With a low skill the character can fire character knows the pantheon of most myths and the
most military heavy weapons. A high skill allows them to major stories. A high skill they know lore from through out
adjust trajectories and long range fire. Linked to Firearms. the ages, and great knowledge of where it came from and
who it was past down through, often having insight into
Pilot: To operate vehicles in all three dimensions, knowing the truth that the myths are based on.
how to adjust pitch and yarn, and avoiding a death spiral.
With a low skill the character can keep the vehicle in Science: Breaking down the physical world to
the air okay, but take offs and landings can be tricky. A understandable formulas and laws. With a low skill the
high skill allows them not only to pull off stunning aerial character knows the basics of most science fields. A
maneuvers, but also land perfectly in a hurricane. high skill allows them to study even the most bizarre
phenomenon and understand the complex physical laws
Additional Mental Skills that make them possible.
Computer: How to use them and how to abuse them, the
knowledge of programming, networking, and hacking. Sci-fi
With a low skill the character can gain access to most Additional Physical Skills
unsecured computers. A high skill allows them to hack into Energy Sidearm Class: Additional Firearm skill, the skill of
the most secure systems and run amok. firing energy pistols accurately.
Demolitions: The knowledge of explosives and how to use Energy Rifle: Additional Firearm skill, the knowledge of
them. The right amount to use to get the desired effect, using energy rifles with precession.
and how to properly shape the blast for greatest effect.
With a low skill the character can handle most explosives Zero G: No gravity at all is difficult to navigate through,
and not blow themselves up. A high skill allows them to with no force to slow you done every action can send
take down an entire building, having collapse neatly on you a different way. With a low skill the character can
itself. get around fairly well in Zero G, at least without hurting
themselves. A high allows them to move about as if they
Electrical Repair: The skill of working with circuits were born without gravity. Linked to Athletics.
and electronic parts. Knowing how they work, how to
troubleshoot, and replace broken parts. A low skills the Additional Mental Skills
character can fix most electronic equipment with the Stellar Navigation: The skill of plotting a cross through the
right parts. I high skill allows them to not only repair, but stars. With a low skill the character can navigate through
redesign it, improving the performance. a star system and plot a cross through the stars. A high
skill allows the character to take a ship to its design limits,
First Aid: Knowledge of how to treat wounds, breaks, and going dangerously close to a start and slingshot them
common ailments. The character will also have a working through a start system. Possibly even plotting a course
knowledge of medicines and medical equipment, as well that allowing them to do a run in only 12 parsecs.
good on hand substitutes. With a low skill the character
can stop bleeding, set a broken limb, and perform CPR. AI: The understanding of Artificial Intelligence, and the
A high skill allows the character to perform battlefield advanced circuitry that makes it possible. With a low skill
surgery, messy but can save a life. the character can maintain advanced smart systems.
A high skills allows the character to design a computer
Medical: The knowledge of the body and how and why it maybe smarter then they are, maybe.
works, detailed knowledge of symptoms and causes, as
well as pharmacy. A low skill allows the character to treat Cybernetics: the knowledge of complex microfiber and
most common aliments. With a high skill they can tracked circuitry designed to mimic body and muscle, improving
down symptoms to unknown diseases and know how to them. With a low skill the character can maintain theses
treat them. Linked to First Aid. complex systems. A high skill allows them to upgrade,
improve, and design new ones.
Mechanical Repair: The skill of how to repair mechanical
engines and systems, the knowledge of how they work Mecha: From powered armor to gigantic machines based
and troubleshooting problems. With a low skill the on human or animal forms. A low skill allows the character
character can keep most machines running in good to maintain these marvels. With a high skill they can
condition, fixing minor issues. A high skills allows the design and build them.
character to repair a broken machine, upgrading and
improving the performance.
Nano Tech: The knowledge of micro-machines, how Writing
they work, how to program them, and how to make Rhetoric
Zoology
them operate as a greater whole. A low skill allows the
character manipulate nano machines, Presence
Acting
Funnyman
2.4.4 Making New Skills Impersonate
Each setting created may need additional skills. Baffle With Bullshit (BWB)
New technologies will require skills to create and maintain Command/Lead
these inventions. A setting with starships may need new Interview/Question
Interrogation
skills to cover knowledge of the interstellar drive system or Intimidate
weapon technology. New physical skills to use equipment, Provoke
vehicles, and weapons. New knowledge skills covering Negotiate
alien races, and cultures, even their technologies. A Oratory
Smooth Talk
fantasy setting with different realms and dimensional Savvy
travel between them would have skills dealing with each Bluff/Lie
realm and the means of travel. Seduction
Skills in Zen are usually fairly broad. Allowing Savoir Faire
Street Smarts
the character to have a grasp on a fairly wide field of Style
knowledge. The higher the skill the more knowledge they
know on the subject. Fantasy Setting
Additional Physical Skills
2.4.5 Skill List Riding
Weapons Skill
Physical Skills Crossbow
Athletics
Acrobatics Additional Mental Skills
Climbing Alchemy
Stamina Animal Training
Strength Athletics Blacksmith
Swimming Weaponsmith
Defense Clockwork
Martial Arts Legends and Lore
Forgery Magic Theory
Heighten Reflex Tailor
Pick Pocket
Quick Build
Sleight of Hand Modern Day
Throw Additional Physical Skills
Weapon Skill Action Sports
Drive
Mental Firearms
Bookkeeping Heavy Weapons
Carpentry Pilot
Cook
Disguise Additional Mental Skills
Education Computer
Engineering Demolitions
Traps Electrical Repair
Gamble Medical
History Mechanical Repair
Archeology Mythology
Occult Science
Language
Law Sci-fi
Navigation Additional Physical Skills
Notice Athletics
Search Zero G
Analyze Firearms
Pick Lock Energy Sidearm
Psychology Energy Rifle
Red Tape
Research
Stalk/Hide Additional Mental Skills
Camouflage Stealer Navigation
Strategy & Tactics AI
Survival Cybernetics
Track Mecha
Teach Nano Tech
2.6 Metaphysical Abilities Clairvoyance: This ability can give characters warning
Metaphysical Abilities are essentially like skills; of events happening elsewhere. The ability can be used
they act and work in much the same way. The major to check on people or places a character is familiar with,
difference is the fact that Metaphysical Abilities cost without having to go there personally. The higher the
energy to utilize; limiting how many times a character can abilities the more clear the message. However even a
use them in a game session. high abilities will not tell the character everything, only
Each metaphysical ability will generate a skill clues. Clairvoyance has the ability to activate without
under the appropriate set of stats, either Physical or warning like danger sense and precog.
Mental. The ability will start off with 10 points (or level Range None
4), and can then be upgraded with skill points just as a See vision tied to others
normal skill (See 2.12.4 Skill Points for more information). Cost 1
The energy to use metaphysical ability is equal to the
combine stat scores added together and divided by three Control Wind: Control the winds and use them to knock
(or all stats added together divided by 9) this represents opponents around. The victim doesnʼt take damage from
the characters over all power. The character has that the wind, the wind will knock them off their feet sending
many points to spend on using their metaphysical abilities them flying (Knockback only) into things (Damage).
a day, basically between full rests. If a character takes Character can control winds level away in meters. They
more then one metaphysical ability they share the same roll ability level+A/R+2d10 to hit a target. Minus the
pool of points, they do not get more points. targets DAN from the total, anything over the DAN will be
treated as knockback effect. Characters can make Coord
Astral Projection: This metaphysical ability allows the Stat checks to over come knockback, halved every time
character to have their consciousness leave their bodies the knockback is twice their DAN.
for a short period of time and float around like a ghost. In Range: Level
this form only others astral projecting can see this form, To Hit Level+A/R+2d10
and the can travel up to twice their level in meters away Minus DAN, Anything over is Knockback.
from their body, for level turns, using all their perception Cost: 2
abilities. However while they are astral projecting their
body is totally defenseless. Danger Sense: This metaphysical ability warns the
Range Level x2 character of danger before it happens, giving the
Leave ones body in astral form character a free action. The higher the ability the stronger
Cost 2 the feeling that something is going to happen to the
character. The higher the level the more information the
Boosted Punch/Kick: The character can direct the force of character receives, instead of just danger, it could be
their metaphysical energy into a punch or kick attack. Add feeling to duck, or to move one step to the left.
the character Ability Level to their punch or kick damage. Range None
Range: Same as Punch or Kick Detect danger before it happens
Damage +Level to Punch or Kick Cost 1
Cost 1
Dispell: Metaphysical abilities can be a real bonus, but
Call Flame: This metaphysical ability allows the character when used against you a real pain, dispell allows the
to create a flame out of thin air. It can be small enough to character to cancel out effects of metaphysical abilities on
light a cigar, or large enough to burn a phone book. them, on someone else, or object by touch.
Range: Level Range: Touch
Damage 1 point per 1d6 strength flame. Negates other metaphysical abilities
Cost 1
Charged Throw: This ability allows the character to
charge an object like a knife, arrow, chop sticks, a rock, Dream Vision: This ability allows the user to see future
etc... With metaphysical energy and throw it further and events as a dream hopefully in time enough to do
delivering more damage. The distance is object is thrown something about it. The higher the ability the more clear
is double with charged throw. The damage is equal to the dream and the more the character can remember
Ability Level+3d6 +Object damage. when the character wake up. The character with a higher
Range: Double normal throwing range level can induce themselves into a trancelike state to get
Damage: Level+3d6+Object Damage a vision. However they can do no other actions while they
Cost: 2 attempt this.
Range None
Receive useful information in a dream
Cost 1
Energy Blade: The character is able to create a blade like Entangle: This metaphysical ability can cause a person or
manifestation of their metaphysical energy, and send it object to feel that it is wrapped up by some invisible force
through the air. The energy blade will slice through objects and cannot move, or perform any action. The object or
much in the same way as a sword, axe, or other bladed person will be immobilized, for X entangle level actions.
weapon. Range is equal to the ability level x2 in meters, to Range touch
hit roll is energy blade +Coord+1d10, damage is equal to Immobilized for X level turns
energy bladex2+1d10, 1⁄2 DAN of the target. Cost 3
Range: Levelx2
To Hit: Level +Coord+1d10 Empathic Sense: Sure it is easy to tell when someone
Damage: Level x2+1d10 (1/2 DAN) is mad, angry, or even joyfully happy. But with Empathic
Cost: 2 sense the character can tell when another is hiding
their feelings, or trying to give off a fake emotion. With a
Energy Blast Cone: The character learns to focus their higher level they can also try to influence the emotions
metaphysical energy into a cone. This attack covers a of others, getting them to calm down, or get angry.
large area, range is equal to the character ability level. Characters can detect emotions of others up to skill level
The character rolls Ability Levelx2+Coord+1d10 to hit, the away. Level+Int+1d10 to try and create a emotion in
damage is equal to the to hit roll. another, Mental Stat check to resist, half for every 20. The
Range Level influence is passing and will only last 1d6 turns.
Damage To Hit Roll Range Level
Cost 3 Pick up Emotions/influence emotions
Cost 1
Energy Blast Focused: The character concentrates
their Metaphysical energy into a tight beam, to deliver Fear: When the metaphysical ability is enacted,
maximum force into one target. Range is twice the ability the person it is cast on will have their sense of fear
level, Characters rolls ability level+Coord+1d10 to hit. heightened to the point of wanting to flee, or get away,
Damage is equal to the to hit roll x 3. attacking is not really an option for them. Last fear level in
Range: Level x2 turns.
To Hit: Level+Coord+1d10 Range Touch
Damage: To Hit Roll x3 Causes Fear
Cost: 3 Cost 2
Energy Explosion: Metaphysical energy explosion sends Find: This metaphysical ability allows the character to
a blast of Metaphysical energy in all 360 degrees. The locate an object or person. The character must have a
damage is equal to the Ability Level+1d10, no to hit roll piece of the object or something that has been with a
needed all in the blast radius are hit. Blast radius is equal person a fairly long time. Then the object will act like a
to Ability level in meters. compass. Cost 1 point last ability level +2d6 turns.
Range: Level Range Touch
Damage Level+1d10 Object acts like a compass
Cost 2 Lasts Level+2d6 turns
Cost 1
Energy Shield: Metaphysical energy can be projected
into a dome or wall to protect the character and possible Fireball: Send out a large ball of fire and heat, then send it
others. A dome with a diameter of 4 meters can be at your target. Range is equal to metaphysical ability level
created that gives all around protection. A wall can be x2 in meters, roll Fireball level+A/R+1d10 to hit, damage
made that is 4 Meters square, which will stop attacks is twice the to hit roll. The Fireball is an area effect when
coming from straight ahead. The energy shield will drop in it explodes on impact with anything it hits. It does damage
strength 1 point every turn, it will also drop 1 point every to anything 1/4 fireball level in meters radius, anyone in
time an attack hits it and doesnʼt penetrate. It will drop 2 the radius most make a defense roll.
points if the attack goes through, and 1 additional point Range Level x2
for each time the damage that penetrates is double the To Hit Level+Int+1d10
strength of the shield. Damage To hit total x2
Range: 4 Cost 3
Dome: DAN equal to Level+ 1d10
Wall: DAN equal to Level +2d10
Cost 2
Heal: This metaphysical ability allows the character to Mental Attack: This ability allows the character to attack
heal, it could be used to heal someone who is sick or to anotherʼs mind, they flood the mind of their opponent
heal lost hit points. The metaphysical ability can heal level overloading it with information causing headaches,
+2d6 amount of hit points. The action takes 1 round to loss of concentration, possible loss of action, and even
perform and the character can not do any other actions unconsciousness. The attack can be sent out level in
while performing the heal, including any active defense. meters, roll Mental Attack+Int+1d10. The opponent most
Range Touch then make a mental stat check to avoid losing an action,
Heal Level+2d6 Hit Points halved every 20points. If the Mental Stat check is fumbled
Cost 1 they lose consciousness, if they fail they loss 1d6 actions.
Range Level
Influence: When the character uses the metaphysical Level+Int+1d10 vs Mental Stat check
ability on another they can improve their over all ability Cost 3
to manipulate that person into doing what they want. The
metaphysical ability will only last skill level in turns, and Mind Defense: This ability allows the character to put up a
once it wears off, the person may question the decision. screen against mental attacks and attempts to alter their
Range Touch minds. The screen is a natural defense against others
Add +5 to all rolls influencing trying to penetrate their mind, and will protect them from
Cost 2 any metaphysical attempt to alter their thoughts. Add level
to all Stat checks defending against mind altering attacks.
Invisibility: This metaphysical ability allows the user, Range None
or what ever they use it on, to become invisible for Improve Mental Stat Checks
metaphysical ability level turns. While the character is Cost 1
invisible they seem to blend into the background, when
moving they can be detected by a strange blurring effect, Mind Reading: This ability allows the character to pull
but it is hard to detect even with a high notice. However information from anotherʼs mind. They can passively try
they will still be detected by sound, smell, and even touch. and pick up passing thoughts of others. They attempt to
Range Touch pick up what the other is currently thinking, often getting
Invisible Level turns fragments, if they are in a conversion they can try to ask
Cost 2 questions to make the other think of what they are talking
about increasing the chance of getting something useful.
Levitate: The metaphysical ability lessens the effects of They can also try to read a persons memory, the person
gravity on a person or object for ability level turns. The the character is trying to read knows the character is
user can also control the control the levitation through reading their mind and may try to fight it. The character
touch, so they are able to fly if they use it on them selves most also completely concentrate on the task giving them
or control the flight of an object, like a broom or carpet, no other actions while they attempt. A mind reading may
which they use it on as long as they are in physical take several turns to complete as the dig deeper into
contact with the object. someoneʼs mind, each time getting harder. The more
Range: Touch secret or protected the information is, the harder the
Flight/No Weight information is to reach.
Cost 2 Range Level
Read thoughts, Find information
Lighting: Create bolts of electricity to send at your Cost 3
opponents, great for just the shock value. The lighting
can travel X the level in range, Level+A/R+1d10 to hit, Mirror Image: This metaphysical ability allows the
Damage is level +3d6. character to create mirror images of themselves, or
Range: X Level anything it is cast on, that all act the same as whatever
To Hit: Level+A/R+1d10 it is cast on, very hard for most people to pick out the
Damage: Level+3d6. original. The metaphysical ability can create up to X
Cost 2 level amount of images, within a 5 meter area. They will
last mirror image level turns, mimicking what ever the
character does, but do not have any substance.
Range Touch
Create up to X level in images
Cost 3
Powered Jump: The character can jump higher and Telekinesis: The ability to move things with the characters
further with a boost of metaphysical energy. In fact mind. The higher the ability the heavier object the
sometime the character prefers to “Hop” around instead character can move. Use the ability like the Strength,
of running. The higher the character ability the further Coordination, and Speed.
the character can jump. Characters can jump Powered Range Level
Jump+1d10 x2 meters in length and half that in height. Manipulate Object from a distance.
Powered Jump+1d10x2 meters, 1⁄2 that in height Cost 2
Cost 1
2.6.4 Metaphysical Abilities List
Precognition: This is a special psi ability allows a Astral Projection
character to get glimpse of the future. More of a passive Boosted Punch/Kick
ability precog will hit the character at different times, Call Flame
giving them warnings or clues to different events. The Charged Throw
higher the ability the more clear the precog will be. Clairvoyance
Precognition can activate without warning like danger Control Wind
sense or clairvoyance. The character with a higher level Danger Sense
can induce themselves into a trancelike state to try a get a Dispell
precognition. However they can do no other actions while Dream Vision
they attempt this. Energy Blade
Range None Energy Blast Cone
Precog warnings Energy Blast Focused
Cost 1 Energy Explosion
Energy Shield
Shapeshift: The character can change their shape into Entangle
an object, animal, or possibly even another person. Empathic Sense
The more radically different the shift the harder it is. So Fear
shapeshifting into a mouse is a lot harder then a wolf. Also Find
trying to duplicate something exactly is also much more Fireball
difficult to master. The shift will only last shapeshift level in Heal
turns. Influence
Range Touch Invisibility
Change shape for Level turns Levitate
Cost 3 Lighting
Mental Attack
Silence: The metaphysical ability silences all noise half Mind Defense
the ability level radius around the user, or object it is used Mind Reading
on. The sound simple canʼt escape until the effects is Mirror Image
over. Powered Jump
Range Touch Precognition
No sound for Skill level turns Shapeshift
Cost 1 Silence
Telepathy
Telepathy: This ability allows the character to send and
receive messages telepathically. With a low skill the Telekinesis
character can send simple messages they hope the other
person will understand, like duck or look to your left. With
a higher level they can send more complete thoughts and
sentences to someone else. To get a message back the
other person would need Telepathy also. Characters donʼt
need the ability to receive messages but they do need it to
try to pick up messages not meant for the character, they
can feel the thoughts being transmitted and try to focus in
on them.
Range Level x2
Send Thoughts
Cost 1
2.7 Motivation 2.12 Making A Character
Every character is required to have a motivation, There is a number of different ways to make
the thing that drives them, their goal in life. It could be; characters for a Zen and the Art of Mayhem game. The
knowledge, power, money, women, sex, etc... They will Architect and players should sit down and decided which
always be working towards this goal even if it will hurt version they want to use, or come up with their own
them, or the group. The characters motivation should be system.
somewhat vague, something that they can never fully There are four key factors to making a character
achieve. A character with the motivation of fame might for a game; character points, talents, flaws, and skill
make the local paper, then national news, finally their points. These factors will play an important part in how the
name is known all over the world. Yet they want to make character fits into the world, and powerful they are. Also
sure an entire chapter is devoted to them in a history some talents and flaws may conflict with the world the
book, so they keep going. characters are being created for, and should be modified if
Of Course NPCs should have simpler motivations needed.
like, be annoying, just be mean, or even destroy the Whether talents are chosen first, or character
known and unknown universe (Did I say simple?). NPCs points divided up, or both at the same time, is up to the
motivation should focus on what their job in the game is. If Architect and players. Since the number of flaws are
the NPC is a government official his motivation might be; calculated from the amount of talents, and the stat totals
take the longest coffee break in history. used to create skill points, these are usually chosen first.
But it doesnʼt always have to be that way. Architects
2.8 Luck can decided to have players pick out a number of flaws
Each character has a pool of luck points. they want first, then use the total number to pick out the
Luck gives them something extra, a bonus, an added talents for the characters. They can also give the players
advantage, an edge when they need it the most. Luck can a number of skill points, and use the amount of skills
be spent to improve a characters chance of succeeding chosen for each stat category to determine the amount
in a task. Every character starts with 25 luck points when of character points the character will have in each stat
they create a character. (See 3.10 Using Luck for more category. It is completely up to the way the Architect and
information) players think works best for them. Try a few different ways
till you find the one that work best for the game.
2.9 DAN 2.12.1 Character Points

DAN stands for Damage Absorption Number. It is These are the points used to create the stats for
a number representing how much punishment a character the character. The more points given the higher the over
can withstand before they actually start to take damage. all stats the character will be able to have. The lower
To calculate DAN add the characters Strength, Speed the points the more careful the players will have to be in
and Coordination together, divided by three and round up, choosing where to put those points.
then add the character body size.
For a wide variance in characters power levels, the
Combined Physical Stat+ Body Size = DAN players can roll for a random number of points to spend,
either on both stats and talents, or just stats.
2.10 Hit Points
A characters Hit Points represent the physical 5d10+25 for stats giving the players 30 to 75 points
health of a character. A characters hit points is equal to 8d6+30 giving a range of 38 to 78 with an average of 58
10 times their DAN. This number is the character normal 4d10+40 for a range of 44 to 80
hit points. As the character takes damage they will lose 6d6+50 giving 56 to 86 with an average of 71
hit points when the damage is more then the characters 9d10
DAN. 15d6.
DAN x 10 = Hit Points Another alternative is to roll point values for each stat
category.
3d10
5d6
2d10+10
3d6+12
Or it is possible to Roll for each stat Another important factor can be how advanced
1d10 the Architect may want the characters to start off. If they
want the characters to be young and inexperienced then
Or the Architect can hand out a set number of points for they can have them start off with few skill points, forcing
Stats 55 or 70, or Stats and Talents like 65 or 80. them to up them during game play. Or they can hand out
a higher number of points allowing the characters to start
2.12.2 Talents off already master in some skills.
Talents can also be handled in a number of An Architect can also put a cap on the amount of
different ways. Since the talents the characters have skill points the characters can put into a skill, like 36 not
will play a major part in any game. All player characters letting the skill start over level 8, or 78 capping it at level
should have 1 Major Talent and a 1 Minor at the minimum. 12.
A simple way to figure out skill points is to have
The Architect can have the players buy talents with the each character receives beginning points based on their
same character points as they acquire their stats. This stats. Add up the stats for one category x5. Then have a
forces players to choose between high stats and talents. bonus number of points handed out for each category like
20, 50, or even 100 points.
Or if the Architect wishes they can hand out point
specifically for buying talents. Major Talents are worth 5 To reach each level of a skill, skill points equal to that level
points and minor Talents 2. So giving character 20 points needs to be purchased. So to start a skill at level 1 only
to spend they can get 3 Major Talents and 2 Minor, or 2 takes 1 skill point, but level 5 would be 15 skill points, and
Major Talents and 5 Minor Talents, etc… Left over points level 10 would take 55 skill points.
can be discarded, or possible allowed to be turned into
skill points or moved to stats. 1 1
2 3
A random number roll like 2d10+3 can also be used, or 3 6
3d6+2, it comes down to how many talents and flaws are 4 10
appropriate to the game setting. 5 15
6 21
The over all number of Talents should be kept low, 7 28
1-3 Major 2-4 Minor, all characters in a game should have 8 36
relatively the same number. 9 45
10 55
2.12.3 Flaws 11 66
Characters need to choose two flaws for every 12 78
Major Talent, and one flaw for every Minor Talent taken. 13 91
These balance out the advantages the character gains 14 105
with their talents. The other option is to have players pick 15 120
out flaws, each flaw being worth 2.25 points for buying
talents. 2.12.5 Backstory
This is the background for the character, what
2.12.4 Skill Points has happened in their life leading up to the start of the
Skills points are used to purchase the skills the game. What they do for a living, where they lived, etc…
character will be using in the game. The world in which These details should be worked out between the Architect
the character is in will play an important role in the amount and the players so that the character can become part
of skill points the character receives. The more advanced of the world they are playing in. There are some charts
the world, the more points they may get for mental skills, in section 8 to help randomize and pick out interesting
while a more primitive environment may have a factor backstories.
in the amount of physical skill points the character may
get. Also the social conditions may play a key role in the
number of presence skill the character gets.
Before skills can be chosen a master skill list for
the world needs to be created. Appropriate skills need to
be added, and skills that donʼt work need to be removed.
The Architect should sit down with the players and discuss
which skills would work, pointing out which ones all
characters should have, and create any they think maybe
need for the world. The master skill list should then be
used when selecting skills for the characters.
2.13 Character Power Rankings
There are different rankings for characters in Zen
and the Art of Mayhem, the more points a character is
built on the more powerful they will become. Characters
who are too powerful can throw off the balance of a game.
Characters to weak may not be able to hold out against a
powerful enemy. The chart below allows characters to be
ranked on power levels, the higher the number the more
powerful the character. Remember to keep a game in
balance try and keep characters in a party at a maximum
of 15 points from each other.
Type Points
Useless Character 0 - 29
Normal Character 30 - 54
Adventurer 55 - 74
Fighter 75- 89
Warrior 90-114
Superhero 115-129
Demigod 130-150
Godling 151-Up
To put characters on this chart added up all stats

(but not the overall ratings for the categories). Then add
5 points for each major talents, then add 2 for each minor
talent.
This chart can help an Architect determine how
powerful the characters are compared to each other, and
what NPC and villains should be built on. Another use
is to allow an Architect to set standards for a game. For
example an Architect can limit all characters under 90
points in a game. This will allow a group of characters to
be more balanced in the way of points. Or an Architect
might want all the characters to be Superheroes and
expands the points up to 110 points and 4 major talents.
3 The System
Beauty: There is not always time to make sure one looks
their best, sometimes the character is caught off guard,
the wind might of blown their hair all over the place, or
they could have been working hard and be very messy,
There are plenty of situations where the Architect and the next thing they know they run into somebody. This
and players will have to resolve a situation with the roll of appearance stat check will see if the character is looking
a dice. The uses of skills, the reaction of a character or their best or not.
NPC, a question of time, a quick determination of success
or failure, etc... Not all situations should be resolved by Bump: Most commonly used when the character is
dice roll, but many will. moving around in the dark, impaired in someway, or in a
rush. They start to bump into an object, possible making
3.1 Stat Check noise and could cause it to fall if they are not careful. If the
Stat checks are used in times when the character character makes the coordination stat check they mange
may or may not be affected by an action or event. not to make any noise and not knock over the object. If
Architects can use Stat Checks to see if the character they fail it is going to fall, and only a catch stat check is
loses their balance, or misses a passing clue, lose their going to stop it.
composer, etc...
A Stat check is rolled on a 1d10, a successful roll Catch: When something starts to fall, the character knocks
is equal to or less then the stat. If the situation calls for it, something over, when somebody throws something to
the stat check may be halved, rounded up, the process them, or at them. The character most make a speed stat
can be halved again, making it 1/4 the original stat, this check to see if they can catch it before it is too late.
process can go on as many times as the Architect sees fit
for the situation. A roll of a 1 is always a success and a roll Chain Reaction: Often times one small action can set off a
of a 10 is always a failure. whole chain of events. With an abstract reason stat check
Stat checks are used when it is a quick reaction the character can possible figure out what the next step is
with no time for the character to apply a skill to what and stop the chain reaction before it gets out of control.
they are doing, meaning they have to make do with their
natural abilities. If the character trips, they could have to Cough: Sometimes you canʼt help but cough, it creeps up
make a coordination stat check to see if they can avoid on you in the most in convent time, and if someone else
falling. If they fail the stat check, then maybe they can to is coughing, the argue is hard to hold back. The character
use a skill to catch themselves, or roll safely, etc… The must make a cool stat check to avoid coughing.
stat check is rolled to determine if they are going to fall or
not. Or it could be a speed stat check to if they can catch Discomfort: Often times the character does not want
something thrown at them they are not expecting. If they show outwards signs of pain or discomfort. Sure it is easy
are waiting for something to be thrown, then they can use enough to mask if you know it is coming, but when it is
a skill and it becomes a task. out of the blue it is hard to cover up. The character must
make a cool stat check or cover up the signs, failure could
3.1.1 Common Stat Checks result in a jump, yelp, or other sign of discomfort.
Here is the list of common stat checks that might
come up during the game, it is not all the stat checks Endurance: If the character tries to perform a physical
possible the Architect should feel free to make and use feat for a long time it can get harder and harder to keep
any stat check they think in necessary during the course up. They can be forced to make the stat check based
of the game. There are a couple of cool based stat checks on the stat which is being taxed. Failure will result in the
that can come into play that are anime based, such as the character having to take a break.
…. and sweat drop.
Gas: It happens to the best of them, the character ate too
Awareness: It is hard for a character to pay attention to much, or has been drinking allot, possibly it is tied to a
everything that is happening around them all then time. slight alignment they have. Problem is they are going to
Often their focus else where as they try to complete a make a bodily noise. Body Stat check to check the noise
task. But they have a chance to catch something out of in check.
the corner of their eye, hear an odd noise that doesnʼt fit,
or feel a slight vibration. A Comprehension stat check can Short Term Memory: Often times the character will put
be used to see if they happen to notice or not. something down and forget where it is, or forget a name
of someone they just meet, sometimes even what they
where just in the middle of doing. Intelligence stat check
to recall the information. If they fail they most pause and
retrace the steps which lead up to the confusion.
Slide: When surfaces are slippery and the character 3.1.2 Physical Feats
isnʼt aware of the condition, they could easily slide out of Each character can perform basic physical
control. Coordination stat check to see if they can stop feats based on their stat and skill levels. The numbers
themselves from losing control, failure will send them out produced below should be considered basic guidelines
of control, possible falling backwards or into something. of a characters capability. Other factors could come into
play that will affect these rolls, the numbers here would be
Sneeze: Those pesky annoyances, and the character considered under optimal conditions, and the character
has a hard time fighting off. It is said that someone talking is fully prepared. If they are wounded, or running uphill,
about the character behind their backs can cause a burdened with a weight, etc.. these could all greatly
sneeze. Cool stat check, if failed the character will lose an reduce the out comes of the roll. If the character does not
action or have to stop what they are doing. have the proper skill they can substitute another related
skill at 1/2 level, or just use the stat alone.
Stuck: When something doesnʼt open easily, like a drawer Most will not come into play during a game, but if
or a door, or if an object doesnʼt want to move, or is stuck, the information is needed for a certain situation it can be
the character can give it a quick pull or push. A strength found out.
stat check will determine if the character can get it to
move freely again. Lifting
Lifting is simply trying to move a heavy object,
Sweat Drop: This is a cool based stat check to determine whether it is just off the ground, moving it, or lifting it
if the character can hide outward embracement to over ones head. Generally a character can lift and move
something said or actions done. The embracement could up to Str x25 pounds without to much effort. Grip and
be from things they did, or the actions of others. Failing position are important factors to the lift. The better grip the
usually means a awkward look, or shock, on their face character can get the heavier object they can lift, and the
and a large sweat drop hanging from the side of their better position the have the more leverage they have the
forehead. The affect is short term, but it can cause them more weight they can move. The formulas given assume
to miss an action, stop what they were doing, or be unable the character is getting a very good grip, and position on
to make a snappy comeback. the weight. If the object is difficult to lift the multiplication
factor could be reduced to reflect this.
Trip: Often times when the character is in a rush, or
not looking where they are going, or simply not paying Dead Lift: Lifting a weight off the ground only up to around
attention, they can end up tripping on something. If they the torso. Characters can dead lift more weight then they
fail their coordination stat check they are going to stumble can lift over their head. Typically the character would
or fall. have to make a roll each turn to keep the object lifted. For
every minute the multiplication factor will drop by one. A
Yawn: When the character becomes a little bored, or character can also push or pull this much weight, however
worse when others do it, a yawn can be hard to fight off. if the object is easier to move, do to being on wheels
If the character fails a cool check, they are force to yawn or other advantage, the weight could increase up to 10
and will be forced to lose an action or stop what they are times. A character can dead lift. Strx25 +Skill +1d10 in
doing till the yawn is done. pounds, if the character has athletics skill the total can be
multiplied by 2, and if they have strength athletics by 4.
….: If the character gets upset or annoyed by another
they have a chance to show the outward signs by having Overhead Lift: How much weight a character can lift over
a …. appear above them. Failing the cool stat check is their head. This is the hardest lift to perform, bringing
only a short-term effect, but the character is unable to in both leg and arm strength. A character will have to a
mask their annoyance, and it can cause them to pause for roll every turn to left the weight above their head, the
a moment. multiplier is reduced by 1 every minute. The character
can lift Strx25 +Skill +1d10 pounds over their head with
athletics, x2 with strength athletics skill.
Jumping Swimming
The jump is an attempt to clear the maximum Characters can swim in water one of two ways,
amount of distance with a leap, either vertically or on top, using a variety or strokes, and holding their
horizontally. The situation of the jump can play a factor breath underwater. Surface movement is always a faster
in distance, a character jumping from a higher position pace, but if the character can push off something to gain
to a lower one, will gain some distance, but jumping from momentum they can move pretty fast underwater. The use
a lower position to a higher one might decrease their of fins and other underwater gear will of course improve
maximum. performance.
High Jump: With a running start a character can High Holding Breath: Normally a character can hold their breath
Jump physical + Athletics + 1d10 x.1 meters high. This is for Physical + Athletics x3 +1d10 turns, or Physical +
a leap trying to gain maximum height, not distance. Athletics + 1d10 x.25 minutes.
Long Jump: With a good running start a character can Swim: A character can swim freestyle at Physical
clear Physical + Athletics + 1d10 x.3 meters. +Athletics +1d10 x.35 meters a turn, or Physical
+Athletics +1d10 x4 meters a minute.
Standing Jump: Without a running start a character can
jump Physical + Athletics + 1d10 x .05 meters. Underwater Swimming: A character can swim underwater
Physical + Athletics + 1d10 x.2 meters a turn, or Physical
Running + Athletics + 1d10 x2.4 meters a minute, for as long as
Running is simply trying to get from point A to B they can hold their breath.
quickly. There are three paces a character can run at. A
dash which is putting everything the character has into Throwing
a quick burst of speed. Running which is a fast pace How far a character can throw an object is
they can keep up for longer periods. Lastly Jog covers effected by the weight and aerodynamic nature of the
everything from a brisk walking pace to a slow and steady object. Typically the smaller and lighter the object the
run. Often times a character can start off with a Dash and further it can be thrown. Also objects designed to be
after a few turns slow down to a running pace, or while thrown will travel further and more accurately.
jogging they can increase up to a run for a minute or so to
pick up time. Aerodynamic Throw: A character can throw a lightweight
object at Physical x10 meters. These are small object
Dash: A character can dash up to Physical + Athletics typically designed to be thrown, like balls, daggers,
x2 +1d10 meters per turn. This is a mad dash of speed, spears, boomerangs, etc… Of course the throw will not be
putting everything the character has into it. They can that accurate, x5 meters if the character wants to try to hit
only keep up this pace for about a minute at most, before something around a meter in size.
the strain becomes too much, and they would have to
downgrade to a running pace. Heavy Weight Throw: This type of throw is pure power,
trying to get a heavy object as far away as possible.
Run: This is a quick pace, but not giving it the characters A character can throw an object Strength+ Athletics+
all, meant to get over all distance over speed. A character 1d10 meters. The objects weight will play a factor in the
can run Physical+ Athletics + 1d10 meters a turn, or distance. Up to 5lb x4, 10lb x3, 15lb x2, 20lb normal,
Physical + athletics + 1d10 x12 meters a minute. This 25lb x.75, 30lb x.5, etc… This type of throw assumes the
pace can be maintained for extended periods, up to an character has room to move and rotate a bit to get as
hour or more, Endurance would play effect how long they much velocity on the object as possible, and the object
could continue. is allowed to move in a gentle arc, if their movement is
restricted, or in a confined space the total distances could
Jog: This is a brisk walking pace to a jog, allowing the be greatly reduced.
character to cover allot of ground without straining their
body to much. A character can cover Physical + Athletics
+ 1d10 x.5 meters a turn, or Physical + Athletics + 1d10
x6 Meters a minute, or Physical + Athletics + 1d10 x.36
KPH or Physical + Athletics + 1d10 x.22 MPH.
3.2 Tasks Difficulty Rating
Whenever a character uses a skill it is referred Each skill test should be rated in difficulty by the
to as a task. How difficult the task is up to the situation at Architect. The rating is based on how easy or hard it is
hand. The Architect must take into account the complexity to accomplish. This rating shouldnʼt be based on how
of the actual work, how much time is needed, and how hard it would be for a certain character to do the task, just
much time the character has. Plus consider other factors over all how difficult it is. The following is a list of difficulty
like correct tools, help from others, etc... ratings and some common tasks associated with them,
There are a few ways to resolve tasks depending the Architect should use these as guidelines to rate skill
on the situation and skills involved; Conflict, Skill Test, and test that may come up in the game.
Situational. Each has its place in a game and the Architect
will have to decide when each is appropriate to use. 5 Easy
10 Simple
3.2.1 Conflict 15 Average
When a character is using a skill against another 20 Difficult
character, player or non-player. Both characters roll off 25 Hard
using the appropriate Stat+Skill+1d10 (+Modifiers), the 30 Improbable
higher score wins. The Architect will have to deicide 40 Now youʼre Getting too Silly
what happens on a tie, typically the defender wins, but
there is not always a defender. Typically used in combat, Easy 5
competitions, fast convincing, or when two skills being Hitting the broadside of a barn from close range
used against each other. Punching someone who is unconscious
Of course the roll off is the mechanical side of Driving down a road on a nice clear day
how to resolve conflicts, it is still important to roleplay out Doing adding and subtracting, with small numbers
the situations. Often times the way the character roleplays Boiling Water
the conflict can add modifiers. The roll off should only be Remembering a recent world altering event
used at the end, after both sides in the conflict describe Using your typical household appliance
what they are trying to accomplish, and the Architect adds Getting someone to lend you a penny
in appropriate modifiers (see section 3.2.2.1 for a list of Spotting someone in the same small room as you
modifiers) See Section 5 Combat for more information
and examples of conflicts Simple 10
Hitting a van at close range
Tapping someone on the shoulder
3.2.2 Skill Test Driving in traffic
This is a situation where the Architect sets a Doing multiplication and division
difficulty rating the character most use there skill to beat Cooking meats and vegetables
to succeed. These tasks are based on the time and Remember a major news story
resources at the characters disposal. The more time, and Unjamming a copier or printer
the more resources the character has the easier the task Talking someone into loaning you their pocket change
will become. For example if the character needs to disarm Spotting someone in a large busy room
a bomb, but the bomb is not set to go off for a week, the
character has a full set of tools, plus the plans for the Average 15
bomb complete with wiring diagram and codes, it is pretty Hitting a man size target at close range
simple and easy to do. Now that same bomb with only 10 Hitting a slow pitched ball with a bat
seconds left, no tools, no diagram or plans is going to be Driving in heavy traffic
almost impossible. Doing geometry and algebra
Following a recipe
Remembering some history, or a news story
Fixing a minor issue with a engine or machine
Performing a tune up
Talking someone into loaning you a few bucks
Spotting someone in a crowded hall or ballroom
Difficult 20 Modifiers
Hitting a small target at short range These are outside forces that can affect how
Hitting a fast ball difficult a skill test is to complete, and should be taken
Driving fast and weaving through heavy traffic into consideration by the Architect. Adding up modifiers
Doing advance physics and calculus problems can make even the simplest task much harder to
Cooking a multi-course meal accomplish. The Architect should think over environment
Remembering details from a news story or history the character is in, what condition the character maybe in,
Rebuilding an engine or machine and what other outside forces that could be effecting their
Getting someone to lend you ten or twenty bucks concentration.
Spotting someone is a busy area with people constantly
arriving and leaving Things that make a Task More Difficult
+4 Donʼt have all the right tools
Hard 30 +4 Hard to concentrate: drunk, drugged, sick, slightly
Hitting a bullʼs eye at long range wounded, tired, groggy, under attack, extra stress, noisy
Hitting a 100mph fastball environment, vision impaired slightly, someone is nagging
Winning a Car Race them, etc…
Creating a new mathematical proof +4 They have never done it before
Cooking an entire feast, all from the most basic +5 They donʼt have the proper skill
ingredients +6 Donʼt have all the right parts
Remembering facts of an obscure news story or historical +6 Pressed for time
event +8 Very hard to concentrate: badly wounded, very
Supping up and improving performance of an engine or tired, just woken up, extremely noisy environment, vision
machine impaired greatly, etc…
Getting someone to loan you a hundred bucks or more +8 They are substituting parts
Spotting a small object mostly obscured +8 They are using makeshift tools
+10 No ones ever done it before
Improbable 30 +12 Extremely hard to concentrate: very badly
Hitting a small moving object at long range wounded, practically blind, so noisy you can barley hear
Catching a fly with a pair of chop sticks yourself think, etc..
Winning a rally championship +12 Really pressed for time
Discovering new laws of physics +16 Hanging on to conscious with each breathe
Piecing together events from fragments of information
Redesigning a machine or engine to double or more the Things that can Make a Task Easier
original performance -5 Plenty of time
Getting someone to lend you a car, house, a grand, etc... -10 No foreseeable time limit
Noticing a moved object by the dust, or dents in the carpet -5 Close range (half the normal distance)
-10 Point blank range (within a meter or two)
Now youʼre Getting Too Silly 40 -5 Instructions
Hitting a quarter thrown in the air at long range -10 Plenty of information handy
Catching a bullet is midair -5 Assistant with same skill helping
Defining a whole new field of physics
Discovering a conspiracy the reaches back through Difficulty and Modifiers are offered up as
ancient history suggestions and are not written in stone. If the Architect
Making a new engine that out performs all others in your feels that a normally simple repair rates as hard instead
spare time because the character is unfamiliar with design or
Getting someone to hand over control of a vast empire technology involved then it is their call. If they decide
Noticing a few pennies removed for a large change jar that a wounded character only receives +2 because it is
a very slight wound, or +6 because it is a wound getting
worse, then it is excitable. These are only guidelines,
the Architect has to figure out how they want to rate task
based on the game they have designed.
Rolling a Skill Test Used most often with Presence skills, a situational
To find if the character succeed in a task, take the task maybe two characters (PC or NPC) bargaining over a
character Stat+Skill+d10 and roll equal to or higher than price of an item. Both characters would add Skill and Stat
the task difficulty. If the character Stat+Skill is equal to or taking into account any modifiers, and the character with
higher than the difficulty level + modifiers the character the higher total will start with the advantage. The greater
succeed without rolling. the difference the greater the advantage. A character
If the character rolls under the total then they with twice the score of another will have a considerable
do not succeed, however it does not always mean total advantage then two characters only separated by a few
failure. Depending on the task the character may find that points. An advantage could be lost, or improved, as the
they have succeeded in somethingʼs, but not everything, situation is roleplayed out. Architect may still role dice for
and can try again later. Often times they can spend random reaction to things that happen, low roll meaning
time again and try the task. However repeated failures they are not accepting the others point of view, high roll
can make a task harder to retry. Each failed attempt meaning they are liking it, etc..
can increase the difficulty till success become virtually In the case of a character trying to do a fast talk,
impossible. The lower the roll the more chance they did con job, or other type of trickery could gain the advantage
more harm then good, the closer they come to making the over someone, but they maybe able to perform mental
roll, the less chance they did harm. stat checks to over come the deceit. Each situation will be
A roll of the target number and means success, different and it will be up to the characters and Architect to
the higher the roll total then the target number means figure out the out come.
greater success. This is of course up to the task and
difficulty rating and modifiers. Typically if the total is 1.5 3.3 Dice
times greater then the task difficulty then the success is Zen and the Art of Mayhem uses d10 for most
that much greater. rolls, and d10 and d6 for damage. Is that the only dice that
can be used? Well generally yes.
3.2.3 Situational However if an Architect and players want to
These are tasks where roleplaying can affect they can change the range of success and failure by
the outcome. Instead of rolling the character roleplays rolling 2d6 instead of 10, it can be done. In the rules any
the situation, because the way the character interacts place it says roll 1d10 replace with 2d6. This change will
can have a greater affect on the situation then just a effect play giving characters a better chance of scoring
roll. Do they try a friendly approach? Trying to gain the a marginal success, and less of a chance at low or high
confidences of someone? Or the hard approach trying to totals. It is completely useable.
make the other nervous? If the Architect and players wants to use a d20
The characters stat and skill should be added instead of a d10, it is up to them. It will mess with the
together, this will give a general rating of how good the mechanics of the system, but if they donʼt mind and want
character maybe over all. The higher the total the better the greater totals and success, then it can be done. Also
the character is at the task overall. Any modifiers should the damages can be changed to different dice as will. The
be reversed when applied to Situational, for example total damage should not be changed but if a Architect and
being drunk would be -4, and plenty of time would be +5 players like using different types of dice, they can.
5 Novice 3.3.1Open Ended Dice Rolls

10 Experienced Zen and the Art of Mayhem uses open ended
15 Practiced dice rolls. If the character rolls a 10 they get the bonus of
20 Professional an extra roll to add to the total. This allows the character
25 Master a chance to succeed at task they normally would not be
30 Unmatched able to accomplish, or to truly shine every now and then.
35 How did you get to this level??? As long as the character rolls a natural 10 they can roll
again. If the game wishes to use 2d6 instead or 1d10 a
Characters then roleplays out the situation and roll of box cars, or two sixʼs, would be a open ended die
the Architect will have to figure in how that will increases roll.
their chance of success. The character is not really trying
to beat a specific number as in a skill test, instead they
are trying to get degrees of success. If the situation goes
badly then they might fail at achieving their goal. If it goes
fairly well they may get some of what they were looking
to achieve. However if they are able gain control of the
situation then they maybe able to achieve even more then
they originally hoped for.
3.3.2 Fumble Memory Fumble
The flip side is if the character roll a 1 on an 1: You pause with nothing but a blank look on your face.
action the character must roll on the fumble table. A way 2: You start to remember something that has nothing to
to avoid this is by spending luck points, if the character do with what you where doing in the first place
spends luck the character canʼt fumble. If the game 3: You remember what you want but forget an important
wishes to use 2d6 instead or 1d10 a roll of snake eyes, or fact.
two oneʼs, would be a fumble. 4: You think you forget something important and get side
tracked.
Action Fumble Table 5: 42 that has to be it, but now why 42?
1: Sneeze Lose 1action 6: You remember only fragments.
2: Yawn Lose 1 action everyone else most make a cool 7: You remember the complete opposite.
check, if they fail they yawn too. 8: You break into a long story which has nothing to do
3: Stumble lose 1 action make a coordination check, if you with what you where trying to remember.
fail you fall. 9: You come up with the WRONG fact (you think itʼs the
4: Cause action to airball (Random Effect) right fact).
5: Forget what youʼre doing, roll 1d6, Spend this many 10: You spend 1d6 turns trying to remember, but then you
actions retracing your steps, or until someone reminds forget what youʼre trying to remember.
you.
6: Cause action to effect yourself. 3.4 Luck
7: Stub your toe, lose the rest of the turn hopping around. Luck is a pool of points a character can use to
8: Drop your weapon/ drop your guard (Lose 1 action) modifiy their rolls and increase their chance of success. It
9: bumble about lose 1d6 Actions. is also used to increase stats and skills, so the more luck
10: You get the hick ups, you must do something to get collected by the character and not used during the game
rid of them. You now fumble on a 1-2 till you get rid of the can be used to improve the character.
hick ups.
3.4.1 Adding Luck to Rolls
Tech Fumble
Most common use for luck is to increase the
1: Caused more damage to Item +5 Difficulty next try.
characters chance for success in completing a task. The
2: Drop important Tool spend 1d10 turns looking for it.
character can add 1 point to your rolls total for every
3: Caused more damage to the Item +10 Difficulty next try.
1 point of luck the character spends. This will allow
4: Cause damage to yourself (roll your own punch
the character to get out of tight spots or just show off.
damage).
However characters can spend a maximum of 10 points of
5: Caused more Damage to the Item +15 Difficulty to next
luck with any one roll.
try.
6: The Item is ruined and you have to get a new one.
7: The Item blows up in your face, you are confused for 3.4.2 Raising Stats and Skills
1d6 turns. Luck is also used to increase stats and skills,
8: The object works differently than it is suppose to. allowing the character to grow. The raising of stats and
9: It looks fixed but it falls apart upon use. skills should not be done during a game session. Instead
10: You turn the Item into a Trans Dimensional it should be left as an option to do during the characters
Vibblefester. downtime. This is to reflect the character actually having
time to devotee to learning a skill or boosting a stat.
Cool Fumble The exception is when a character may pick up
1: Your pause is slightly too long. a new skill during the course of a game. The Architect
2: Your eyeʼs wander and the effect is ruined. may allow the character to spend luck points to learn a
3: You canʼt resist and must scratch yourself. skill they may have just started using during the game.
4: Your nose starts to drip. For example a character is given a bow and some arrows
5: You stutter. by another character but doesnʼt have an archery skill.
6: You canʼt remember what you where going to say. But they spend time learning how to use it and practice
7: You start to drool. when they can. The Architect should allow the character
8: You have an uncontrolled body exhaust. to put points into starting archery. On the other hand if a
9: You get the hiccups, must figure a way to get rid of character is handed a bow and the player wants to use his
them or all cool rolls fail. luck points to add archery at level 7 and then use it, that
10: You completely fall apart. should not be allowed.
Skills are of course easier to raise, 5 luck points
will give the character one skill point. That skill point
can then be used to increase the level of the skill. If the
Architect wishes they can allow characters to spend
luck points right after the character has used the skill or
practiced with the skill. The limit of how many luck points
the character can use will be up to the situation and
Architect. Although it is should be limited to a few points
each time. This allows the character to slowly increase the
skill over time. They wonʼt go up in level fast but they will
be improving over time.
Stats are much hard to increase and cost 10
times the current level in luck points to raise. To raise a
Stat from 6 to 7 would be 60 luck points. Stats cannot
be raised past 10 spending luck points. Stats take allot
of time to improve and should be done mainly between
long down times in a games or campaign. If the Architect
wishes the character can slowly build up a stat by adding
luck points to it during a game. But the points spent
should be limited to 5 or 10 each time, and only when the
character is actively using a stat or training in that stat
during a game.
Stat
Level x 10 Luck Points
Skill
1 Skill Point = 5 Luck Points
3.4.3 Increasing Luck

Luck points should be handed out by the Architect
to reward creative, inspired, imaginative, inventive,
enterprising, and artistic role playing. Luck points should
go to characters that plays their flaws, use their talents in
new and imaginative ways, figure out important points in
the plot, etc..
How much luck and when is completely up to the
Architect. Points can be handed out during a game to
award players, or after each game session. If the Architect
chooses they can hand out all points at the end of a
campaign. An important note, luck points can never be
taken away.
4 Props 4.3 Damage and Breakdowns
Anytime a character uses an item a great deal
there is a chance for it to breakdown, start to work
Props are a very important part of any role playing funny, go haywire, etc... The chance of this goes up or
game. It defines what a character has access to, how down depending on the quality of the item. Each time
they can travel, the way they communicate, etc... Since a character rolls a fumble when using a prop there is a
Zen and the Art of Mayhem is designed to be used in chance it is going to breakdown. Have the character roll
almost any setting it is hard to come up with the ultimate 1d10, if the item is very cheap it breaks down on a roll of 9
props list that covers objects from the stone age to vast or less. If it is cheap it will breakdown on a roll of 7 or less.
interstellar empires. But that does not mean we are not A normal item will breakdown on a 5 or less, a well built
going to try. item will breakdown on a 3 or less, and a superbly built
item will breakdown on a roll of a 1.
Fumbling is not the only way for a prop to break.
4.1 Props Damage Absorption Number Any time the item takes some damage there is a chance
Each prop has a Damage Absorption Number, it will break. Normally roll a quality test anytime a Very
this number is how many points of damage it can absorb Cheap item is hit. Cheap Items will roll anytime the Item
before taking actual damage and eventually being takes damage over 1/2 its DAN. A Normal item will make
destroyed. A small prop like a gun, or a computer would a roll if it takes damage over its DAN. A Well Built item will
have about a 10 DAN, a large prop like cars would be make a roll if the damage is over twice the items DAN. A
around a 100 DAN, and buildings would be around a 1000 superbly built item will only need to make a quality check
DAN. (Section 4.7 lists basic prop DAN) if it loss half itʼs DAN.
Each time an item is hit compare the damage to
the items DAN, if the damage is greater then the items 4.3.1 Weak Spot
DAN it takes damage equal to the amount over the DAN. The DAN given to an object is itʼs over all rating
The Items DAN will also go down 1 point for every 5 of punishment it can take. However many objects will
points over the DAN. If an Objects DAN is reduced to have weak spots that can be targeted that will damage
zero it is pretty much destroyed. It may not necessarily fall the object much quicker. Screens, controls, air vents,
into little pieces, but for the most part its original use is no tires, exposed parts, etc… These areas can be targeted
longer going to work, the object is basically scrap. and if hit do double, triple, or more damage to the object.
Or the targeted area could halt the object function till it
4.2 Quality is replaced or fixed. Quality will also play a factor, with
Normal items are made at standard quality, which cheaper objects having bigger weak spots, and well built
is the DAN given for a prop. But not all items are always ones having smaller ones. An architect will have to figure
built the same. Some are built cheaply, which means they out what an objects weak points are and what will happen
cost less, but then again they break easier and canʼt take if hit, when it comes up during a game.
as much damage. Others carry a higher price tag, and
are built with expert care and are much better products.
To reflect this a character can buy any item for lower cost
but then DAN may be as low as half of the original. On the
other side of the coin, a more expensive Item may have
twice the normal DAN, however the price will also reflect
this.
Quality Cost Breakdown Fix

Very Cheap 1/4 9 or less +10 Difficulty
Cheap 1/2 7 or less +5 Difficulty
Normal Norm 5 or less Normal
Well Built x2 3 or less -5 Difficulty
Superb x5 on a 1 -10 Difficulty
4.3.2 Fixing 4.3.3 Jury Rig
When trying to fix a broken prop the quality will Jury rig is a way of fixing a prop fast, or when
come into play again. The more cheap the item the more you donʼt have what you need. However the item is not
things that break on it, quality can increase or decrease really fixed and there are problems that go along with
the difficulty of the task to fix the item. Very cheap items jury rigging. First if the character wants to jury rig an item
have a +10 Difficulty to repair rolls so a simple repair (5) the difficulty rating will go down 10 a Hard task (25) will
becomes a Difficult (10). Cheap items have a +5 difficulty become Average (15), the item will have a quality rating of
factor. Normal Items are the flat rate, well built items go very cheap until repaired correctly.
down 5, while suburb items go down 10 so a Hard (20) Jury rigging can also be used to upgrade or
repair becomes Average (10). (Other factors can come improve the performance of any prop. It can be used to
into play when a character is trying to fix anything. improve the top speed of a car or double the speed of a
Complexity and Tech Level (TL) of a prop will computer. However the same problem will arise as when
increase the difficulty level to a task repair. Simple you fix anything with a jury rig. The props quality rating will
items like a pulley or a hinge are easier to repair then a become very cheap until the improvement is removed.
computer or clockwork mechanisms.
4.4 Cost and Money
Easy (5): These are items like a pulley, hinge, the wheel, A price list for a game is never written in stone.
etc.. They are the simple forms of machines and do not Depending on the world objects can have radically
take much to fix when they breakdown. different prices. In some worlds guns may be very rare
and have a high price tag, in others they may be available
Simple (10): Most common mechanical items like guns, at the local corner store and therefore costs allot less. The
locks, drive trains, internal combustion engines, clockwork two factors that effect prices are quality and availability.
gears and wheels, etc... The lower the quality the lower the price, the higher the
quality the more money it will cost. Availability of an item
Average (15): Common electronic circuitry like computers, will also affect price, mass produced items will cost less
TVs, VCRS, advance clockwork, miniature gears and then costume built. New technology will always carry a
wheels.. higher price tag then older out of date tech. If the Item is
not commonly available a very cheap item on the black
Difficult (20): Miniaturized electronics like integrated market may cost 10 times the normal cost, but itʼs the only
circuitry, micro circuit boards, etc... place youʼre going to get it.
The prices for the list are given in Cabbage, the
Hard (25): Molecular machines, nano technology, etc... money system in the world of Pangea. A Cabbage is
about equal to the American dollar, this is done to help
Other Factors keep an easy reference for most Architects and players.
+4 Bad Instructions For more information on the Cabbage see section 6 the
+4 Donʼt have all the right tools World of Pangea. All Items are listed with a price, even
+6 Donʼt have all the right parts though the character would never truly buy some of the
+6 Each tech level above the character tech level Items. The prices are given for consistency and just in
+8 Substituting parts case someone decides they want one.
+8 Using Makeshift tools
-5 All the right tools
-5 Good Instruction
-10 Full tech manual and problem database
DAN Loss +to Repair Difficulty

None Normal
up to 1/2 +5
More than 1/2 +10
More than 1/4 +15
All +30
4.5 Weapons 4.6 Vehicles
Weapons play a big part in any roleplaying Vehicles can come in many types and are broken
game, characters are always trying to do damage to down into four basic categories; air, land, water, and
something or someone with a weapon. To generalize and space. The rules given for each type is very basic and
say all weapons act the same is unrealistic and unwise. only really scratches the surface when it comes to using
However to create an accurate combat system that takes vehicles in a game. Most will be expanded in later add
everything into account is just unwieldy to use. Zen and on rules. All vehicles follow the same rules as props with
the Art of Mayhem weapons only have a few rules they quality affecting the over all performance.
need to follow.
Quality Performance Difficulty
4.5.1 Accuracy Very Cheap Down 1 level +10
All weapons have a few things in common, first Cheap Down 1 level +5
they all have an Acc, or Accuracy. A weapons accuracy Normal -- --
reflects how well it was built, the higher the accuracy the Well Built Up 1 level -5
higher quality of the weapon. Accuracy is usually between Suburb Up 1 level -10
-2 and +2. -2 for Very cheap, 0 for average, +1 for well
built, and +2 for suburb. Accuracy is added to any roll to 4.6.1 Aircraft
hit, it can also be added to parry rolls for hand to hand Vehicles that are designed to fly through the air,
weapons. making getting from point A to point B the fastest, and it
is always cool to fly over head, looking down at the world
Quality Acc below you. Aircraft come in many types depending on
Very Cheap -2 its use, from small personal craft to large passenger and
Cheap -1 cargo craft. An aircrafts performance is rated on altitude,
Normal 0 handling, and speed. A good pilot can always improve the
Well Built +1 performance of a aircraft, knowing just how to coax the
Suburb +2 extra performance needed, even if it maybe short term.
4.5.2 Ammo Size: The overall size of the aircraft typically the larger the
Characters and guns can be a fun, but sometime aircraft the more DAN it will have and the more cargo and
they become a complicated combination. Do you force passengers it can carry. But this is not always true, often
a character to keep track of every bullet? Or let them space will be sacrificed to make room for improvements
endlessly fire shots? If the gun has a low ammo count like and advancements in the design.
a revolver it is easy to keep track of shots, however if the
gun is an automatic with a large clip it can be very difficult Size Example DAN
The ammo listed for a full automatic, assault rifle, Small Fighter/Prop Plane 40-80
or machinegun is not the true number of bullets it holds, Medium Small Cargo 80-120
instead it represents more grouping of ammo and how the Large Transport 120-200
gun is fired will determine how fast the ammo goes down. Very Large Passenger Plane 200-500
A single aimed shot uses only one shot, a short burst uses Huge Zeppelin 500
3 shots and full out uses 5. If the character uses single
shot most of the time, when the ammo reaches zero it Armor: Armor is additional protection given to an aircraft
means they are down to the last few shots and will be to shield it from damage. Most aircraft will not have any
able to squeeze off two more before needing to reload. armor as it typically makes it heavier and more difficult to
If the ammo reaches zero from short burst or full out it is fly, but military aircraft will have armor levels.
empty.
Armor Bonus Drawback
Single Shot Normal Damage Light +1⁄2 DAN None
Short Burst Double Damage (x2) Medium +DAN .25 Speed
Full Out Triple Damage (x3) Heavy 1.5x DAN .5 Speed/-1 handling
Super Heavy 2x DAN .75 Speed/-2 handling
Speed: Speed is the overall top speed of the aircraft, Size: The size of the vehicle will effected not only how
how fast it can go when the throttle is turned up to full. much damage it can take, but what it is capable of.
Typically a aircraft can reach .25 (1/4) its top speed per Typically the smaller the vehicle the faster it will be able to
turn. However the quality of the aircraft will play a big Accelerate and Decelerate.
factor in itʼs acceleration and over all top speed, reducing
it by .25 for each level below and raising it .25 each level Size Example DAN
above. V Small Skateboard/Bike 5-10
Small Cycle/Compact Car 10-25
Speed Max Speed Medium Car/Small Truck 25-50
V Fast Slow 150mhp Large Truck/Van 50-100
Slow 300mph V Large Semi/Tank 100-250
Fast Up to the speed of sound Huge Train 250-500
Very Fast Mach 1 to Mach 3 Mammoth Mobile Base 500
Ludicrous Mach 3 or faster
Accelerate and Decelerate: This is how many turns it
Altitude: This is a rating of how high the aircraft can fly. takes the vehicle to speed up to itʼs top speed, or slow
Typically the altitude is limited by what the aircraft was down to a stop from itʼs top speed. The quality and
designed to do and whether or not it is pressurized or not. type of vehicle will effect the levels of acceleration and
deceleration.
Altitude Max Height
Low 1000 meters Typical Acel/Decel
High 10000 meters V Small 1/1
V High 50000 meters Small 2/2
Extreme Almost reaches orbit Medium 3/3
Orbit Can reach space Large 5/5
V Large 7/7
Handling: How well the aircraft handles in flight, how easy Huge 10/10
it is to change directions and perform aerial maneuvers. Mammoth 15/15
A aircraft with a poor rating can really only be flown in a
straight line, and you better hope the weather is good. Handling: How easy it is to drive or steer the vehicle in
While an aircraft with an excellent rating can perform tight question. If the vehicle is just being driven down the road
turns, power dives, and Ariel stuns. handling is not really that important, but when the vehicle
is trying to weave through traffic, driven in bad conditions,
Handling Modifier to Tasks or just being pushed to its limits handling can play an
Poor +10 important role.
Standard 0
Good -5 Handling Difficulty
Excellent -10 Pathetic -10
Poor -5
4.6.2 Land Vehicles Good 0
Cars, Trucks, Vans, Semis, Cycles, Bikes, Tanks, Excellent +5
Hovercraft, etc… all rate as land vehicles, covering any Superb +10
mechanical means of traveling on land. Vehicle can be
very diverse in a world, and the types listed here and Top Speed: This is actually not the full top speed of the
in the prop lists are just suggestions. Architect should vehicle, but more the practical limit of its capabilities. It
go through and create any land vehicles they need for can be pushed past itʼs top speed, but not without risk,
their world based on the guidelines listed here. The plus its handling will be effected as well, becoming lower
performance here is listed as a guideline, a good driver when pushed to itʼs limit. The longer a vehicle runs over
can always improve the performance of a vehicle. its top speed the greater chance it will fail.
Knowing just how to coax the extra performance needed,
even if it maybe short term. Extras: Land vehicles can be loaded with extras, armor
weapons, turbo, nitro, sound system, etc… These extras
are left up to the Architects desecration on how they
should be handled in a game. Some will give performance
boost, while others will really have no effect other then
roleplaying.
4.6.3 Watercraft 4.6.4 Spacecraft
Boats, cannons, rafts, sailing ships, ships of From small shuttles to vast interstellar starships
the line, battleships, submarines, etc.. anything that these craft are used to leave the confines of gravity and
travels through the water one way or another. Early ships head towards the stars. Spacecraft are a whole different
used sails and oars to navigate the waters, never a fast type of vehicle then air, land, or water, and the rules here
method. Later developments of prop system greatly only scratch the surface. Spacecraft will be presented in
increased speed and maneuverability. only the most basic terms.
Size Example DAN Fighter/Shuttle: These are small craft carrying 1 to around
Small Raft/Rowboat 10-50 4 people depending on the design. Most, but not all, are
Medium Fishing Boat 50-100 designed to work in space and the atmosphere. They
Large Yacht/Large Fishing 100-250 cannot take much punishment, but their key defense is
Very Large Destroyer 250-500 being hard to hit. Typically fighters are armed, shuttles are
Huge Battleship 500-750 not.
Immense Cargo/Aircraft Carrier 750
DAN 25-100
Speed knots Handling Good to Superb
V Slow 5
Slow 10 Transport/Cargo/Escort: These smaller ships are used for
Quick 20 a great number of jobs, adapted for the needs of the time.
Fast 30 They can be crewed by a small number of men, sometime
3 or less, or fully staffed around 20. They are not as agile
Handling: How easy it is to steer the boat in question. If as Fighter/Shuttles but are still pretty maneuverable.
the boat powered by sail it will be limited in its ability to Many will be able to travel in the atmosphere. They can
move depending on the wind, but get it behind a wind be armed and have defenses built in.
and it could move quite fast. Boats with oars will be able
to maneuver much more efficiently at low speeds, but its DAN 100-250
top speed will be limited. Boats with prop systems tend to Handling Good to Excellent
handle well at small size, but the large they get the hard
they are to handle. Destroyer/Freighter: These ships are large in size, usually
crewed by 100 people or more and can be armed to the
Handling Difficulty teeth with defense to match, or carry a great amount of
Pathetic -10 cargo or passengers.
Poor -5
Good 0 DAN 250-1000
Excellent +5 Handling Good to Poor
Superb +10
Battleship/Colony/Mega-Transport: These massive ships
Armor & Weapons: Warships will often be armored and are symbols of power. Sometimes crewed by 1000 people
armed depending on the era in which it was built and or more, these massive ships can be armed with enough
the technology available. Anything from side mounted fire power to decimate at planet. Or carry an entire colony
cannons, to large turrets and missiles could be used. But to a new world.
typically most ship will not be armed, unless someone
mounts a mini-gun or harpoon cannon on the deck. DAN: 1000 or more
Handling Poor to Pathetic
4.7 Standard Props Breastplate: A breastplate comes in a variety of styles,
The following is a list of props divided into three sizes, and fashion colors. Each breastplate has an Armor
broad categories. Each category is based around a group level of 1 to 4 and adds 4 to 16 points to a characterʼs
of tech levels. The items listed in each category are DAN.
commonly found in the Tech Levels they represent.
Breastplate DAN COST
Light 4 250
Rudimentary Tech Level 1-3
Medium 8 300
These items can be found in almost any
Heavy 12 400
civilization. Even if they do not use them they can be
Ex Heavy 16 750
created or designed if the need arises.
Full Armor: Full armor comes in a variety of styles, sizes,
Modern Tech Level 4-6 and fashion colors. Each full armor has an Armor level of
With the advancement of science come many 1 to 4 and adds 4 to 16 points to a characterʼs DAN.
useful items not available before, numerous items wonʼt
be available in all worlds. If the Architect wishes to not Full Armor DAN COST
allow or limit items, they should inform the players of Light 4 500
these changes before they finish character creation and Medium 8 800
start to pick their props. Heavy 12 1000
Ex-Heavy 16 1500
Advanced 7 and Beyond
Representing all the super science and magic Shield
items an Architect may wish to have in their world. Buckler: Small shield used in the off hand and strapped
down to the arm. Designed to block and deflect blows of
Prices on items will very depending on the world melee weapons.
the Architect creates. It is important for the Architect to DAN-4 COST-40
remember to create a price list for the players if they
choose to modify the prices listed. Large Shield: Coming in many different shapes and sizes
large shields provide mobile protection against most
melee weapons and can even be used to protect ones
4.7.1 Rudimentary Tech Level 1-3 upper body from a rain of arrows.
DAN-8 COST-80
Clothing and Armor
Normal Fashion: Your everyday clothing found all over Full Body Shield: These large shields are employed by
Pangea. These come in all sizes made of durable cloth. ranks of soldiers. Large enough to crouch behind they can
DAN-4 COST-50 also be put side by side making a wall of protection. Great
for protection against enemy arrows, spears, and pole
High Fashion: The way to make yourself stand out from arms. More of a hindrance in close quarters combat.
the crowd. High Fashion clothes will get you noticed, you DAN-12 COST-200
look better then anyone in normal fashion.
DAN-4 COST-200 Personal Items
Compass: Small handheld device to tell you which way is
Armor north.
Helms: Helms comes in a variety of styles, sizes, and DAN-2 COST-5
fashion colors. Each helm has an Armor level of 1 through
4 and adds 4 to 16 points to a characterʼs DAN. Torch: Great for lighting the way when itʼs dark.
DAN-4 COST-2
Helm DAN COST
Light 4 25 Lantern: Lasts longer then a torch by slowly burning fuel.
Medium 8 40 DAN-6 COST-12
Heavy 12 60
Ex-Heavy 16 120
Tools
Zen and the Art of Mayhem Transportation
Saw: A small saw for cutting trees, branches, and other Cart: Can be drawn by a horse or pack animal, not the
wood products. Also good for interrogation sessions. most comfortable ride, but sometimes better than walking.
DAN- 5 COST-5 DAN-30 COST-120
Hatchet: A long flat blade, a good item for cutting though Water Vehicle
the overgrowth. Row Boat: This small boat can fit three people
DAN-6 COST-8 comfortably, and can be rowed across a body of water.
DAN- 25 COST-100
Rope: Rope is sold in 10ft increments, up to 1000ft or so.
Each 10ft section of rope has 10 DAN points. Fishing Boat: A large boat that can carry around 6 people.
COST-10 Very slow speed, can be equipped with sails, oars or both.
DAN- 50 COST-1250
Grappling Hook: Tri-pronged grappling hook for the end of
your rope, great for grabbing hold of solid objects so you Large Fishing Boat: Larger version of a fishing boat, it can
can climb. carry up to 12 people. Travels at slow speeds can be sail,
DAN-16 COST-35 oars, or both.
DAN- 80 COST-4000
Tool Set (Digging): Shovel, pick axes, etc... all sold
together in a portable kit. Each has to be pulled out and Weapons
put together. Each tool has 15 DAN points. Axes
COST-90 Breaded Axe: Larger axe designed to be wielded two
handed, it is also weighted to be thrown easily imbedding
Survival Equipment itself into an opponent.
Tent: Large 5 person tent for those trips away from Damage- 4d6+3 DAN- 8 COST-70
civilization.
DAN-10 COST-250 Battle Axe: Probable one of the most famous axes, the
long handles and larger cutting edge are easily feared on
Sleeping Bag: One man sleeping bag for those cold nights the battlefield.
in the deep dark uncivilized frontiers. Damage- 4d6+6 DAN- 10 COST-85
DAN-6 COST-30
Great Axe: Powerful two handed, double headed, battle-
Mounting Climbing Kit: This set comes complete with 500 axe. The great axe can deliver a powerful blow able to
feet of rope, grappling hooks, some spikes and a hammer. cleave through thick armor.
Everything you need to climb the highest peaks. Damage- 5d6+6 DAN- 10 COST-100
COST-275
Tomahawk: A small one-handed axe popular with many
Furniture and Household Items warriors. The tomahawk is weighted to be used effectively
Wooden Chair: Nice and strong, great for hitting someone in close combat as well as to be thrown at short range.
with. Damage- 2d6+3 DAN- 6 COST-30
DAN-7 COST-10
Clubs
Wooden Bench: Long bench for sitting on or hiding under Large Spiked Club: Probably the most recognized club on
DAN- 12 COST-50 the battlefield, these primitive weapons should never be
under estimated in combat.
Wooden Table: Found in almost any home Damage- 4d6+3 DAN- 10 COST-40
DAN-18 COST-100
Small Fighting Sticks: Light slender sticks that are
Cauldron: Large black pot found in most early kitchens. designed to be used defensively, then deliver a quick
Some were even big enough to hold a person counterstrike.
DAN-50 COST-250 Damage- 1d6 DAN- 5 COST-10
Ale Keg: Large keg for storing alcohol in bars. Solid Club: Light in weight, but still able to deliver plenty of
DAN-20 COST-175 damage to an opponent.
Damage: 3d6 DAN-10 COST-25
Daggers Pole Arms
Large Dagger: This dagger is always handy in a pinch, or Pike: Carried by foot soldiers to defend against opposing
close quarters combat. It is also weighted to be thrown cavalry and formations, the pike is a very basic pole arm,
when needed. nothing fancy but still very effective.
Damage- 3d6+3 DAN-6 C0ST-50 Damage- 5d6 DAN-12 COST-250
Dirk: Double edged, very sharp, broad headed dagger Spear: Designed to be thrown or thrust into an opponent,
popular with foot soldier. Often the weapon most very basic, and very effective.
associated with the word dagger. It was used for Damage: 3d6 DAN-8 COST-75
everything from cutting, chopping, to eating and combat.
Damage- 2d6+3 DAN-6 COST-35 Halberd: Not the longest pole arm, but very versatile on
the battlefield. The double-sided longer blade makes the
Stiletto: A long slender dagger designed to slip through weapon very dangerous in the right hands.
an opponents defenses. The stiletto is often viewed as Damage: 6d6 DAN-14 COST-300
the blade of the assassin; easy to carry and conceal,
designed to be thrust into a victim, able to find its way Nagamaki: A type of yari with a short staff and long blade,
past armor, and can be used to deliver poison for added making it an effective hand-to-hand weapon even in close
effect. quarters combat.
Damage- 2d6+3 DAN-8 COST-75 Damage- 5d6+3 DAN-12 COST-200
Maces
Cavalry Mace: Light one-handed mace designed to be Yari: A cross between a sword and a pole arm, the yari
fast an agile. The weapon can be passed from hand to supports a long blade at the end of a long shaft. Designed
hand easily, also very handy in tight fighting conditions. to give the foot soldier an advantage over cavalry units.
Damage- 3d6 DAN-12 C0ST-125 Damage- 6d6+3 DAN-14 COST-300
Flail: The chained head of the flail allows it great power Trident: The trident is often viewed as a weapon of the
and speed when striking an opponent. Not very effective sea, but it can be very useful on any battlefield. The three
when fighting near allies, but with the freedom to swing it prong head can be used to catch and disarm opponents,
can easily strike down many opponents. and is weighted to be thrown.
Damage- 4d6 DAN-12 C0ST-140 Damage- 3d6 DAN-12 COST-250
Morning Star: The classic spiked mace, the head will Swords
have a few large spikes, and a number of smaller spike Bastard Sword: Popular long sword that could be wielded
arranged around the head. Excellent for crushing and one handed or two. Slighter longer then a standard long
possible penetrating armor. sword, it was usually better crafted over all, using the
Damage- 5d6+3 DAN-14 COST-160 finest materials.
Damage- 5d6 DAN-12 COST-300
Two handed Mace: Popular foot soldier weapon the Two
handed mace can easily dismount a cavalry or send a Cavalry Sword: Small curved sword designed to be
man off his feet. used on horseback, either against other cavalry or foot
Damage 6d6 DAN-16 COST-180 soldier. The blade was kept small to make it easier for
the swordsmen to change targets in the chaos of a close
Warhammer: The warhammer is a very powerful weapon combat melee.
on the battlefield. Even though it takes great strength Damage- 3d6+3 DAN-10 COST-250
to wield, the weapon can deliver a heavy blow to an
opponent. Claymore: Large and powerful two-handed sword favored
Damage: 5d6+3 DAN-14 COST-160 by the highlanders.
Damage- 7d6 DAN-16 C0ST-350
Cutlass: Popular short sword which is commonly

associate with pirates do to the easy it can be wielded in
close quarters combat and below decks where space is at
a premium.
Damage- 3d6+6 DAN-12 COST-300
Katana: The blade of the Samurai, some call it the Kama: The kama is a converted farming tool, perfectly
ultimate sword of design and function. The blade is adapted for close in fighting. The sickle style cutting edge
slender, curved and made of the finest quality. The handle makes it a very effective slash and gash weapon.
is extended allowing for greater power and agility. Damage- 2d6+3 DAN-6 COST-80
Damage: 5d6+6 DAN-18 COST-750
Kusarigama: A combination weapon, the Kusarigama is
Long Sword: The sword of the knights, greater range and basically a kama, with an attached chain, and a weighted
power then the typical short sword. The blade would give spike at the end. Hard to manage, in the hands of a skilled
the knight a better chance of cutting throw the armor of his warrior it can be quite effective.
opponent. Damage- 3d6+3 DAN-8 COST-120
Damage: 4d6 DAN-16 COST-400
Nunchaku: The two small sticks connected by a small
Rapier: Long slender sword designed for dueling, it is chain was originally a farming tool to beat seeds out of
quick and agile but less effective on an armored foe. It is grains. But it was soon seen as a useful weapon in the
design to deliver its point hard into a foe. right hands. The chain allowed for great speed and power
Damage: 4d6 DAN-12 COST-500 with a swing.
Scimitar: Popular curved sword that could easily be
wielded on horse back or on foot. The blade is wider then Quarter Staff: Also called a Bo Staff, this is basically a
most designs giving it great durability, a favorite slash and smaller staff favored do to its agility over range.
gash weapon. Damage- 3d6 DAN-8 COST-80
Sai: Looking like a large dagger, the sai has no cutting
Short Sword: Classic foot soldier weapon, easy to carry edge, just a long slender cone for thrusting. The hilt is
along with other weapons, and would be used when the designed to catch and disarm opponentʼs weapons. But
fight broke down to close in melee combat. The short the key to the sai is its defensive and counterstrike ability.
sword was not to effective against armor, but small Damage- 3d6 DAN-8 C0ST-175
enough to find weak points and unarmored areas of a foe.
Damage: 3d6 DAN-8 COST-300 Shuriken: The shuriken, or throwing star, is weighted so
it can be thrown with great accuracy. The effective range
Others Weapons is equal to the characters Coordination, normal to hit and
Bola: A bola is three small balls connected by a chain. It is damage. At twice Coordination range the to hit is reduced
thrown at an opponent to entangle limbs. by two and damage is halved.
Damage: 2d6 DAN-4 COST-100 Damage- 2d6 +3 DAN-2 C0ST-30
Boomerang: The boomerang is a classic throwing Staff: The staff is a classic weapon, one of the earliest
weapon, able to be whipped across the battlefield, and used by man, and never abandoned because of its
return to the thrower if it fails to connect with a target. easy to make and use. Nothing more then a length of
It can also be used in close combat as a hand weapon wood anywhere between half, to the height of a man,
when needed. sometimes even a little longer.
Damage- 1d6 DAN-5 COST-150 Damage- 4d6 DAN-10 COST-140
Clawed Gauntlet: An armored glove equipped with sharp Tiger Claw: The tiger claw is a dangerous weapon, two to
claws. In close combat fighting it is like having a fist of three claws are anchored to the characters forearm and
daggers slashing at an opponent. extend out past the hand. The blades carry a sharp edge,
Damage- 2d6+3 DAN-6 COST-200 and are spaced to be able to catch and disarm opponents.
Fan: A normal fan is not a weapon, but when the spines
are replaced with thin metal needles, it can not only Tonfa: The tonfa is part of the evolution of the fighting
defend, but the sharp tips can puncture or slash at an stick. A 90 degree handle, 2/3rd of the way up the weapon,
opponent in a counterstrike. is added to allow the weapon to switch from defense to
Damage- 2d6 DAN-3 COST-100 offense and back with the flick of the wrist.
Jutte: Small metal fighting stick with one side equipped
with a weapons catch to disarm opponents. Not a
powerful weapon on the battlefield, but it can be extremely
useful in skilled hands.
Tri-chucks: Tri-chucks or three section staff is a very Short Bow: These are small bows originally designed
difficult weapon to master, but in the hands of a skilled to be used hunting. They are unable to generate great
warrior truly deadly. The design to only gives the user force, which does decrease the effective range of the
great range and power, but the chain often allowed the bow. However the smaller size does allow the bow to
weapon to reach around a block and hit the target. be fired quicker, and it can be wielded while running, on
Damage- 5d6 DAN-10 COST-160 horseback, or other moving vehicles.
Whip: The whip can be a very versatile weapon, not really Range +to Damage
designed to be a killing weapon its main use is to entangle Str+Coord +2d6
an opponentʼs weapon or limb. Str+Coordx2 +1d6
Damage- 1d6 DAN-4 COST-80 Str+Coordx3 Effective Range
Yoyo: Not your typical battlefield weapon, the yoyo can be DAN-6 COST-150
used by a skilled warrior was a very dangerous weapon.
The increased range and entangling ability can come in Arrow: These are those long pointy sharp sticks you shoot
very handy. out of your bow.
Damage- 2d6 DAN-2 COST-20 Damage-2d6 DAN-2 COST- 15
Bows and Crossbows Compact Crossbow: Small crossbow designed to be

Longbow: Also referred to as the military bow, typically aimed and fired one handed. Not having a great range it
as tall as the archers themselves. It is designed to fire an can still be very deadly. The compact crossbow fires the
arrow unaimed long distances, most effective when a rank smaller quarrels instead of arrows.
of archers rain arrows on the opposing force. However
a trained archer can use the long bow to hit targets at Range +to Damage
great range and force. Do to its size the archer most be Coord 3d6
standing still, feet firmly planted, to use it. Coordx2 2d6
Coordx4 1d6
Range +to Damage Coordx8 Effective Range
Str+Coordx2 +3d6
Str+Coordx4 +2d6 DAN-8 COST-225
Str+Coordx8 +1d6
Str+Coordx16 Effective Range Heavy Crossbow: Also known as the military crossbow,
this large crossbow can be fired easily over great
DAN-10 COST-300 distances.
Recurve Bow: The end of the tips of these popular bows Range +to Damage
curve away from the archer. These small curves allow the Coordx2 4d6
bow to generate a greater amount of force, and be highly Coordx4 3d6
accurate. Coordx8 2d6
Coordx16 Effective Range
Range +to Damage
Str+Coord +3d6 DAN-12 COST-400
Str+Coordx2 +2d6
Str+Coordx3 +1d6 Hunting Crossbow: This light crossbow is designed to be
Str+Coord Effective Range fast off the draw, easily carried and fired even in a dense
forest. The hunting crossbow is a comprise between
DAN-8 COST-200 power and size.
Range +to Damage

Coord 4d6
Coordx2 3d6
Coordx4 2d6
DAN-8 C0ST-200
Wrist Crossbow: Small and compact the wrist crossbow Flares: Reloads for the flare gun.
does not have much power or range, but it can come in DAN-1 COST-5
handy in close quarters combat. The wrist crossbow uses
the smaller quarrels instead of arrows. Walkie Talkie: Small hand held communication device.
Broadcast over a small range to others on same
Range +to Damage frequency.
Coord 2d6 DAN-2 COST-35
Coordx2 1d6
Coordx3 Effective Range SOS Transponder: Small hand held device used to
signals an SOS, it also transmits the coordinates of
DAN-4 COST-120 your locations. Most of the civilized part of Pangea has
someone listening for SOS transmissions.
Quarrel: Smaller projectile designed to be used with DAN-4 COST-15
smaller sized crossbows.
Damage- 1d6 DAN-2 COST-10 Shortwave Radio: This compact piece of electronics
allows a person to listen to transmissions and
4.7.2 Modern Tech Level 4-6 communicate over long ranges, even cross country.
DAN-8 COST-300
Clothing and Armor CB: A shorter range version of the shortwave radio, a CB
Clothes stay pretty much the same, just the fashions will allow a open band transmission to be sent, but only to
change. the local area.
DAN-6 COST-80
Armor is no longer made of bulky forged metal. The new
armor uses bullet proof fabrics, and plastics, not available Telephone: Small portable phones are available for
before. use. However only the civilized parts of Pangea have
telecommunication lines.
Personal Items DAN-4 COST -240
PDA: Personal Data Assistance, these nice handy dandy
items can store useful information. Names, places, dates, Binoculars: Small device used to increase characters
appointments, bounty lists, blackmail material, etc… notice at longer ranges.
DAN-3 COST-500 DAN-6 COST-30
Laptop Computer: A personal computer fits in your lap. Pocket Camera: Small camera use to take Holiday snaps,
It is generally loaded with the software you need and a wink wink nudge nudge.
few games to keep you amused. It is able to be attached DAN-4 COST-25
to a network and allow the character to download and
research important information. It can also be given maps, Video Camera: Portable camera used to record those
city information, and other handy facts with input cards. moments you want to keep forever.
Input Cards: These allow your personal computer to Tools

be up dated with information. Card price go up with the Tool Set (Fixing): This tool kit includes wrenches,
information and variety of information. screwdrivers, hammers, crowbar, and an assortment of
DAN-2 COST-20 nuts, bolts, and nails. Plus a few power tools, including
Power screwdrivers, a drill, circular saw, and belt sander.
Flashlight: This small hand held item will illuminate a cone The kit also has its own blow torch. Each tool has 15 DAN
in front of it allowing a character to see. points. COST-60
DAN-4 COST-10
Tool Set (Electronic): Digital Volt Ohm Meter, oscilloscope,
Scuba Gear: Comes with wet suit, tank, and goggles. soldering iron, a few miscellaneous chips, etc... Or
Perfect for those underwater trips. everything you need to fix or improve electronics. Case
DAN-7 COST-400 has a DAN of 20, each tool has 8 DAN points.
COST-420
Flaregun: A small gun that can fire flares to signal other
people or for help. Also used to Ignite villains who are
standing in puddles of flammable liquid
DAN-6 COST -15
First Aid Kit: All you need to patch up wounded party Furniture and Household Items
members. The kit carries a wide variety of bandages and Couch: Long seat prefect for sleeping or for three people
Gauzes. It also includes pain killers and laughing gas. to sit.
Portable Chemistry Set: Small kit including a supply of Loveseat: Like a couch but built for two.
a variety of chemical compounds, beakers, tubes, and a DAN-10 COST-150
Bunsen Burner. Case can take up to 20 points of DAN,
each beaker or tube has 1 point of DAN. Reclining Chair: A must for those who like to lay back and
DAN-20 COST-350 relax.
DAN-8 COST-175
Spy Equipment
Bugs: When this small device is left behind in a room, Overstuff Chair: If you canʼt afford a recliner this chair will
you can pick up signals from it and listen in. They can do, still comfortable.
broadcast up to 10 miles away, and also can be detected DAN-8 COST-100
be detected and removed.
DAN-3 COST-70 Ottoman: That little thing that sits in front of a chair for
your feet.
Bug Detector: A bug detector lets you find any bug in your DAN-7 COST-45
general area. It will sweep a room and give you a beep
if there is a bug. The beep gets faster the closer you get Normal Chair: Small hard seat for sitting. Not the most
to the bug, giving you an idea where to find a bug at (only comfortable but it beats standing.
works on normal bugs). DAN-6 COST-20
DAN-5 COST-130
Stove: Gas or electric, good for all your food, also good to
Coldlight Sticks- Chemical agents are mixed in the stick hide behind.
and will release a glow for an hour. DAN-20 COST-750
Delayed Reaction Knockouts: These are special Refrigerator: Large and cool comes with both refrigerator
knockouts that can be applied to opponents through skin and freezer unit. It can hold a lot of food, plus take allot of
contact. Once exposed all you have to do is tell them damage.
theyʼve been drugged and they will be out cold. Duration DAN-30 COST-900
depends on the size of the dose, or 1 hour per dose.
COST-200 TV: Typical 19ʼ television, comes cable ready, it also
has rabbit ears that can pick up local stations (all fuzzy
Sonic Ears: These allow a person to pick up conversation though).
from a great distance. The sonic ear is gun shaped with a DAN-12 COST-200
huge cone on the front. If you point it at the area you want
to listen in on it will amplify the sound so you can hear. Desk: A desk with large work place, selves and doors.
You must be in line of sight to do this. DAN-18 COST-150
DAN-6 COST-220
Kitchen Sink: Large and heavy the kitchen sink is prefect
Spy Camera: These are small cameras which you can for dumping things in or hiding behind.
take pictures with. Both the camera and the film are very DAN-20 COST-80
small and easy to hide.
DAN-2 COST-320 Counter: Long work area, best for preparing food on
DAN-16 COST-150
Wire Tap: This small device works like a bug but can
be put in a phone line allowing you to listen to phone Table: Square or circular, both can fit 6 people.
conversations. Bug detector will find wire tapes. DAN-18 COST-450
DAN-2 COST-65
Toilet: Or better known as the can, the throne, or the
crappier, can take a lot of damage.
DAN-18 COST-150
Bath Tub: Big enough to hide in and can take a lot of

damage.
DAN-25 COST-275
Items Found out in the Public Ghetto Rambler: These are your downtown specials,
Vending Machine: These large machines are found all all supped up and ready for show. The car is always
over providing sweets and snacks for a price. They make decked out with silly gadgets, like ground effect neon
great cover. lights, jumpin shocks, and always a flashy paint job. The
DAN-25 COST-1500 acceleration is always good, but you canʼt say much for
the brakes.
Dumpster: These huge trash receptacles are made of Acel/Decel-4/4 Handling-Normal
metal and take allot of punishment. Max Speed-120
Paper Box: Great of getting the morning news, even Sports Car: Sleek and fast the sports car is the ultimate
better as emergency cover in high-end speed and handling. However the down side
DAN-20 COST-275 is your entire vehicle is made of fiber glass and canʼt take
much damage.
Phone Box: These small unit hold public phones, the price Acel/Decel-2/2 Handling-Excellent
goes up daily but they are made of metal. Max Speed-150mph
DAN-25 COST-450 DAN-30 COST-30,000
Phone Booth: All though tall it doesnʼt take much to Drag machine: A drag machine is the fastest car off the
destroy. light, itʼs all engine, with every available attachment. If itʼs
DAN-12 COST-275 speed and quick acceleration you want the drag machine
is for you.
Cars and Land Vehicles Acel/Decel-2/3 Handling-Good
Clunker: A Clunker is a car thatʼs always on the verge of Max Speed-150 mph
breaking down, there are always at least 10 things wrong DAN-40 COST-7000
with the car at one time. It will always break down at the
most inconvenient time, if you fix it something else will Yellow Cab: Yellow cabs are the transportation of those
go wrong, the clunker is also slow at acceleration and without vehicles. All cabs have poor acceleration and
deceleration. The advantage to a clunker is it can take handling, however they can take allot of damage and
more damage then most cars before they breakdown those who drive have a high rank in combat driving.
(Since most of the systems on the clunker donʼt work in Acel/Decel-6/5 Handling-Poor
the first place, it doesnʼt matter if it takes a few slugs). Max Speed-80mph
With this in mind you can abuse a clunker more than you DAN-60 COST-3000
would a normal car. Plus clunkers are cheap.
Acel/Decel-6/6 Handling-Pathetic The SUV: Large 4 x4 vehicle that can take the off-road
Max Speed-60mph as well as the highways. Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV and
DAN-45 COST-700 punishment go hand and hand, however they stay in the
low end of Acceleration.
Grocery Getter: These are your nice big multi passenger Acel/Decel-4/4 Handling-Good
family cars. Each Grocery getter can hold up to 5 people Max Speed-80mph
if not more, plus plenty of cargo. The down side to DAN-75 COST-20,000
a grocery getter is that it has slow acceleration and
deceleration, plus the handling is awful. Custom Van: A custom van is made to each personʼs
Acel/Decel-5/4 Handling-Poor needs and desires. It is fitted with huge comfortable seats,
Max Speed-60mph complete with swivel option, TVs, even a water bed if
DAN-50 COST-1200 needed. However Vans are slow and handle very poorly.
Acel/Decel-5/5 Handling-Poor
The Boat: This large car is built to last. Most boats come Max Speed 75mph
complete with huge engine and massive steel body. This DAN-75 COST-35,000
makes for great DAN but poor acceleration and handling.
Acel/Decel-6/5 Handling-Pathetic Work Van: Allot like a custom van, however, the vans
Max Speed-80mph back area is devoted to equipment storage. Handling and
DAN-70 COST-1000 acceleration still poor.
Max Speed-60mph
DAN-75 COST-2000
Party Limo: The party limo is the ultimate is luxury, the Crotch Rocket: Bike built for speed, and some handling
limo is as long as two or more cars. Itʼs back is loaded but mostly speed. Lean around corners and roar through
with comfortable seats, bars, TV sets, or anything else traffic.
you want, sometimes you can get the one with the Jacuzzi Acel/Decel-2/2 Handling-Superb
on the back. Max Speed-150mph
Acel/Decel-6/6 Handling-Poor DAN-20 COST-2500
Max Speed-60mph
DAN-70 COST-75,000 Tank: Tanks are heavily armed and armored vehicles.
However they are slow and handle very poorly.
Transport Bus: Big, long, slow, and poor handling. Acel/Decel-8/8 Handling-Pathetic
However nothing gets in the way of one of these, for very Max Speed-40mph Armor-20
long. DAN-125 COST-500,000
Acel/Decel-7/7 Handling-Pathetic
Max Speed-70mph Train: Not normal land transport, trains can only travel
DAN-100 COST-100,000 on premade tracks, however they can be fast (like bullet
trains) and can take allot of damage.
Semi: Large powerful trucks are made to pull a heavy Acel/Decel-10/10 Handling-None
load. However they are slow and have poor acceleration Max Speed: 100mph
when pulling loads. DAN-150 COST-1,000,000
Max Speed-80mph Train Car: Not actually a vehicle, train cars can be added
DAN-85 COST-50,000 to a train. The more cars a train pulls the slower it will
become. How ever most cars can absorb allot of damage.
Optimus: These are large combat trucks of the dangerous DAN-100 COST-500,000
highways. They can go all most anywhere and pull
massive amounts of cargo. Aircraft
Acel/Decel-7/7 Handling-Normal Prop: These are old one or to engine planes. They can
Max Speed-120mph carry up to 3 people and fly fairly slowly. A props greatest
DAN-100 COST-100,000 advantage is itʼs cheap.
DAN- 50 Armor-None
Pedal Pusher: Small man powered bikes, very light Speed- Slow Altitude- Low
weight, quick acceleration, and super handling. However Handling- Excellent COST- 100,000
limited to strength for speed.
Acel/Decel-1/2 Handling-Superb Cargo Plane: These are your twin engine prop cargo
Max Speed-20mph planes. They can carry up to 10 people or 4 people
DAN-12 COST-200 and allot of cargo. They are made to last and are quite
durable.
Scooter: Small one man motor powered bikes DAN- 200 Armor-Medium
They handle good and have decent acceleration. Speed-Slow Altitude- V High
However they have a low speed and poor DAN. Handling- Standard COST- 250,000
Acel/Decel-2/2 Handling-Excellent
Max Speed-40mph Ancient Jet Fighter: These are your old jet fighters, built
DAN-15 COST-75 during the early days of jet technology. However they are
well built and can take allot of punishment. Ancient jet
Low Rider: Large powerful bikes built for the road. fighters are armed with a 20mm cannon
Always have an over abundance of power. Handling DAN-60 Armor-
and Acceleration are also good. Can have a side car Light
attachment. Speed-Fast Altitude-High
Acel/Decel-3/2 Handling-Excellent Handling-Good COST- 500,000
Max Speed-80mph
DAN-25 COST-1500 Jet Fighter: These are your new sleek fighter jets, hot off
the assembly line. They are fast, can take allot of damage
Street Bike: Fast sleek bikes made for quick acceleration and can dish it out fairly well too. A fighter is usually
and speed. However like the sports cars they are made of armed with a 30mm cannon plus a couple of heat seeking
mostly of fiber glass, which means low DAN. missiles.
Acel/Decel-2/2 Handling-Superb DAN-75 Armor-Light
Max Speed-100mph Speed-V Fast Altitude-High
DAN-20 COST-2500 Handling-Excellent COST- 5 mil
Jet Interceptor: A Interceptor is based on speed and Large Helicopter: Larger then the Attack Helicopter, it can
quickness, they are fast and can get from point A to point hold up to 8 people in itʼs hull, also has a sliding side door
B in no time. An Interceptor is armed with a 30mm cannon and can be equipped with a minigun.
plus a few heat seeking missiles. DAN-150 Armor-Heavy
DAN-100 Armor-Medium Speed-Fast Altitude-High
Speed- V Fast Altitude- V High Handling-Good COST- 25 mil
Handling- Good COST-
25 mil Transport Helicopter: These monster can hold up to 30
people and land them just about anywhere, and if the
Sleek Black Interceptor: These are your top of the line spy Helicopter canʼt land the people can jump out on ropes for
planes., they are fast, almost on undetectable, and can either side. Comes standard with a minigun.
handle a dog fight. A Sleek Black is armed with a 30mm DAN-200 Armor-Medium
cannon plus a few missiles. Speed-Slow Altitude-High
DAN-75 Armor- Handling-Standard COST- 40 mil
Light
Speed-Ludicrous Altitude V-High Blimp: A blimp is a slow lighter then air vehicle. However
Handling-Excellent COST- 75 mil they can travel anywhere and carry itʼs passengers in
style.
Passenger Jet: These Large aircraft are designed to ferry DAN-200 Armor- Light
passengers around Pangea. Each jet can hold around Speed- V Slow Altitude-High
100 people plus their luggage, per flight. However the Handling-Poor COST- 2 mil
seats are small and the food and service is lousy.
DAN-175 Armor- Light Zeppelin: Zeppelins are the pleasure ships of the skies,
Speed-Slow Altitude- V High they are slow but you travel in style. A Zeppelin has many
Handling-Standard COST- 10 mil decks, each set aside for rooms, diner, pool, etc...
DAN-250 Armor-Medium
Larger Passenger Jet: Theses jets can carry around 500 Speed-V Slow Altitude-High
people and their luggage around Pangea. The seats are a Handling-Poor COST- 5 mil
little better however itʼs still pretty cramped.
DAN-200 Armor- Light Super Zeppelin: These ships make Zeppelins look small.
Speed- Slow Altitude- V High They have everything you need to travel luxury, if you
Handling-Poor COST- 25 mil donʼt mind taking a week to get where youʼre going.
DAN-300 Armor-Heavy
Small VTOL: These are small very quick and agile planes, Speed-V Slow Altitude-High
plus it can take off and land with out a runway. The cockpit Handling-Poor COST- 50 mil
has enough room for two people, plus a small cargo area
in the back. Some models have a minigun. Air Fortress: An air fortress is an armor plated monster
DAN-50 Armor- of the sky. Most air fortresses are armed to the teeth and
Light can take more damage than a battleship.
Speed-V Fast Altitude-Low Super Cannon x5-
Handling-Excellent COST- 750,000 Cannons x10-
Anti Aircraft guns x15-
Large VTOL: These are large versions of the VTOL they DAN-600 Armor-Super Heavy
can carry up to 8 people plus cargo, and have the easy Speed- V Slow Altitude-High
access sliding side door. They can also be equipped with Handling-Poor COST- 150 mil
a minigun.
DAN-100 Armor-Medium
Speed-Fast Altitude-High
Handling-Good COST- 4 mil
Attack Helicopter: Small fast helicopters able to get in

and out of an area fast. Cockpit has enough room for two
people. Like the VTOL the helicopter can take off and land
with out a runway, however it needs room for its blades. A
minigun can be added.
DAN-75 Armor-
Light
Speed-Fast Altitude-Low
Handling-Excellent COST- 15 mil
Water Vehicle Weapons
Life Boat: A small inflatable boat, once inflated it can carry Melee Weapons
up to 5 people inside. Baseball Bat: Not really designed for combat it is still a
DAN-5 COST-175 favorite weapon of many. Light in weight, but still able to
deliver plenty of damage to an opponent.
Row Boat: This small boat can fit three people Damage- 3d6 DAN-6 COST-15
comfortably, and can be rowed a crossed a body of water.
DAN-25 COST- 100 Brass Knuckles: The punch is always dangerous in
combat, but add in some metal and the damage can be
Speed Boat: A speed boat is a fast 5 person boat. It even more deadly.
moves fairly quickly (for a boat) and handles good. Damage- 1d6 DAN-4 COST-20
DAN-35 COST- 5000
Chain: The chain is a simple weapon but it can deliver
Fishing Boat: A large boat that can carrier around 6 a good deal of damage in close quarters combat. The
people. Fairly slow boat handles good. chains main advantage is its ability to wrap around a block
DAN-60 COST- 1250 and hit an opponent, and entangle itself around a foes
weapon or limb.
Large Fishing Boat: Larger version of a fishing boat, Damage- 2d6 DAN-6 COST-12
it can carry up to 12 people. Still slow and average
handling. Commando Knife: Preferred by Special Forces units
DAN-100 COST- 4000 this dagger is always handy in a pinch, or close quarters
combat. It is also weighted to be thrown when needed.
Yacht: Large pleasure ship, a yacht can carry up to 12 Damage- 3d6+3 DAN-6 COST-60
people in comfort with bar, bed rooms, and dinning room.
DAN-120 COST- 200,000 Nightstick: Popular among law enforcement the nightstick
is short and compact making it easy to carry, but still very
Ferry: Large boat built to ferry vehicles over water. Top effective in combat.
deck allows passengers to get up and view the trip, lower Damage- 2d6 DAN-6 COST-45
decks for vehicles.
DAN-200 COST- 500,000 High Tech Materials: Many older weapons can now be
constructed with higher grad materials and be even more
Pleasure Ship: These large ships carry people over the lethal. Add 1d6 damage for improve materials.
ocean in style, if you donʼt mind the travel time.
DAN-500 COST- 7 mil Pistols
Automatic: Used by the military, police, and criminals
Battleship: Huge armored and massively armed ships. A alike, the automatic is a solid pistol with plenty of shots,
battleship is the most dangerous ship on the waves. up to 18 per clip depending on the model. The automatic
can be fired in single shot or short bursts.
Weapons Damage-3d6 DAN-10 COST-350
Super Cannon x3 5d10x10
Cannons x8 5d10x5 Hand Cannon: When your looking for the most powerful
Anti-Aircraft Gun x12 pistol you can find look no further then the hand cannon.
Missile x6 Itʼs limited 6 shots may turn some people off, but with the
DAN-750 COST- 300 mil damage it does 1 shot is typically all you need.
Revolver: Classic six shot pistol, old and very reliable. Still
the weapon of choice for many marksmen who believe
that one shot is all it should take.
Saturday Night Special: Small concealable pistol favored

by anyone needing a gun but donʼt want everyone to
know they are carrying a gun. Do to its size it typically
only carries 4 to 8 shots, very small models may only
have 2.
Submachine Gun: Allot of bullets in a small package, 4.7.3 Advanced Tech Level 7 and
the submachine gun is always a threat even in the most
unskilled hands. Clips carry plenty of bullets 20 to 30 and Beyond
it can fire single shot, short burst, or full auto.
Damage- 2d6 DAN-8 COST-500 Clothing and Armor
All Temperature Clothes: These clothes allow a character
Rifles to be at a comfortable 75 degrees no matter what the
Assault Rifle: The rifle of the military, the design is temperature is around them. Of course they come in all
lightweight, but able to delivery a high rate of fire and the latest fashions.
remains accurate. The assault rifle is able to fire a large DAN-4 COST-300
30 round clips at single shot, burst, or full auto.
Damage-2d10+3 DAN-14 COST-750 Cool Clothes: With advance technology or magic clothes
can do more then just protect you from the elements.
Gangsters Typewriter: This powerful automatic rifle is These Clothes are Guaranteed to make you look cooler
popular is very popular with the criminal element. It is able (gives a +2 to all cool rolls) However you must keep them
to fire bullets at a high rate of speed turning most things clean, too much dust, dirt, and grim will destroy the magic,
full of holes pretty damn fast. Clips will hold 40 bullets and and the clothes will start to fall apart.
is able to fire single shot, short bursts, and full auto. DAN-4 COST-350
Damage-2d10 DAN-12 COST-600
Fast Shoes: These items allow a person to run faster then
Sniper Rifle: These large bolt-action rifles can only deliver normal. Each pair of shoes has 5 charges which will allow
one shot at a time. A highly accurate shot at long range a character to double his speed for 1 round a charge.
with divesting results. Charges can be replaced at the cost of 50 a charge.
Damage-4d10 DAN-12 COST-1000 DAN-3 COST-175
Shotgun: Instead of a single shot, the shotgun fires a tight Armor

cluster of small pellets that are very effective at close Armor Woven Mesh: clothing and uniforms can be woven
range. Although the double barreled models are popular with special synthetic fibers, these fibers are strong
riot shotguns can hold around 10 shots. enough to reset penetration from most projectiles, the
Damage- 2d10 DAN- 10 COST-250 fibers also absorbs the kinetic energy of the hit and
spreads it out through out the rest of the armor.
Heavy Weapons DAN-8 COST-1000
Minigun: These are large multi barreled weapons that
spew massive amounts of damage. The minigun uses Personal Force Field: A small generator worn on a person,
belt fed ammunition, coming in various lengths averaging the PFF creates a kinetic energy field, which can ward
around 50. However, only someone of over 7 strength and off an incoming attack. The field only activates when
6 size can carry one into battle. an object enter s a personal space at a high velocity. A
Damage- 2d10x5 DAN-22 COST- 7,500 Person wearing a PFF has transducer placed over their
clothing or armor that emits the field when attacked.
Rocket Launcher: These are 3 shot weapons with heat These transducer are designed with a universal plug and
seeking rockets, great for hitting large moving objects. cable system so that any power unit can be used with a
Damage- 2d6x10 DAN-18 COST-7000 number of different outfits. The PFF will deflect up to 8
points of damage off an attack. A deflection will drain 4
Flame Thrower: These weapons throw out a stream of power points; a typical battery is 50 points.
flame catching anything in a 5 meter cone in front of the DAN-8 COST-1000
barrel.
Damage- 2d6x5 DAN-18 COST- 8000
Better Ammo
Armor Piercing: These are specially coated shells
designed to go through armor, 1⁄2 DAN of an object when
hit.
Hallow Point: Designed to expand and cause larger

wounds, Add a extra dice to damage.
Personal Items I/O Card- These small flat items are the chief recording
Communication Stones: These small products of Magical- medium in they can record up to 16 hours of high quality
Magic(c) allow two people or more to communication sight and sound. Data storage on these I/O cards is
between themselves. To work you most buy the stones immense.
together. Then each person carries a stone. When one DAN-2 COST-100
wants to talk to the other they pull out the stone and
concentrate. The person will receive a knock in their Laptop Computer: About the size of a notebook this
mind, at that point if they pick up the stone (or touch it in versatile computer has multiple I/O slots for inputting or
anyway) he can talk to the other person. exporting information or files, large internal storage, and
DAN-10 COST-200 holds many ready to use programs and comes with built
interface that can access computer networks.
DAN-8 COST-1250
Dimension Super Compass Computer: This all purpose
device not only tells you about this dimension but has
PDA: Small portable computer holding enough memory
information on other dimension as well. And if you are
to keep personal files and information in. The computer
swept up to a dimension it doesnʼt know it will show you
also holds a signal card slot for inputting or exporting
how to get to the nearest dimensional hole or weak area.
information or files plus internal storage. The PDA fits
DAN-6 COST-650
nicely into a pocket and can hold programs in ready use.
The computer also has built in interface with whatever
Grav Backpack- The grav backpack has foldable wings,
types of networks are available.
these short wings extend and are the grav elements
DAN-4 COST-250
that allow the user to fly. The pack also has a harness
that attaches to the upper arms which allows the user to
Smart System Server: These large units are usually
control his direction of flight.
located in an office or ship. They control local networks
DAN-10 COST-750
monitoring communications between many different types
of computers and machines.
Light Stone: This item will illuminate a small circle around
DAN-6 COST-2500
the character allowing the person to see.
DAN-6 COST-15
Espionage Equipment
Point to Point (PtP): These specialty design BinoGlass: High tech binoculars that enhance the
communicators do not use the normal communication characters vision, they can see a man size object 10
networks used by most other forms of communication. A kilometer away and read print 2000 meters away. For an
set of PtP are built to communicate between themselves. extra cost thermograph cab be added, and a minicam can
Range can be increased by the use of drone relays that be installed to photograph images.
will bounce the message back and further. PtP are used DAN-4 COST-300
largely by small military units, or covert mercenary groups.
PtP can be disguised as anything from a piece of jewelry Color Camouflage Clothes: These specialized clothing are
to a ordinary object. made with special fibers that are able to change colors.
DAN-3 COST-250 Located somewhere on the clothes is a color strip. To
adjust the color a person only needs select a color on the
Super Compass Computer: This device not only tells you strip, the clothes then change to that color. The clothes
where north is, but shows your location on a map. Plus can also be outfitted to produce different color patterns or
information on towns, cities, and tourist traps. symbols; however these have to be preprogrammed.
Holographic Cloak: The newest in espionage equipment,

Computer Systems the holocloak is able to produce a holographic image
Chips- Many items are designed to record on these little
of that ever is behind a person on the cloak. This effect
round chips. These chips fit in a socket and can record 3
makes a person harder to spot (But not impossible).
to 4 hour of high quality sight and sound information.
DAN-4 COST-2500
DAN-2 COST-20
Holographic Generator: This device allows the user to
Desk/Mini Computer: This unit has a signal card slot for
recreate preprogrammed holograms. Each unit can be
inputting or exporting information or files, large internal
kept on a person, but it must be programmed. The unit
storage, built in interface. Usually a Desk/Mini Computer
can hold 3 per-programmed images. Common programs
is automatically tied into a local computer network.
include; multi- image reproduction, or effects to distort the
DAN-8 COST-1000
person actual position.
DAN-2 COST-4000
Jammer: Can be used to jam any transmitters up to 15 Tracking Bugs: These devices are the ultimate in
meters away. security and infiltration, it transmits all itʼs information to
DAN-2 COST-100 a computer or PDA. Bugs come in three types; location,
listening, and camera. Location bugs are smaller then
Light Enhancement Contacts or Glasses: These contacts a penny it sends only a location beacon. Listening are
or give the wearer eyes protection plus increases the slightly bigger they also provide audio information.
lowest amount of light to the equivalent of noon day sun. Camera provides everything above, plus a picture, it is
DAN-2 COST-400 slightly large than a quarter.
Microcam: Small hand held video camera outputs to an I/ Tracking Bug Locators: These items will find bug devices
O Card or chip or transmitter. Can be hooked up to a grav in a room or if a search is conducted.
unit for independent flight. DAN-2 COST-50
DAN-4 COST-500
Thermograph Contacts or Glasses: These items
Micro-recorder: These small recorders are lightweight translates all visual information into heat forms blue for
and can fit nicely into a pocket. Each chip can record up cold and red for hot, good for looking in the dark and can
to 3 hours or can be set on a time loop up to 3 hours. A pick up heat traces through objects.
directional mic can pick up sounds 40 meters away; some DAN-2 COST-400
models can focus on a source and block out background
noise. Spy Stone: Instead of broadcasting a signal spy stones
DAN-4 COST-300 send telepathic message to the owner, allowing them to
listen in.
Minicam: Tiny camera for spy work these little items DAN-3 COST-90
automatically adjust for light they have available without
a flash. They record all pictures on to either a I/O card or Spy Stone Eater: These little fuzz balls, seem to be
chip. motionless, until it detects a spy stone. They will then hop
DAN-3 COST-400 to life seek out the stone and eat the magic, making the
stone useless (only works on spy stones).
Surveillance Kit: This Unit is about 1 foot by 2 foot. DAN-3 COST-150
It contains a computer system that can operate 12
remote drones. These drones work on pre-programmed Cone of Silence: This product allows the user to stand in a
commands or can be operated separately. The drones 3 meter radius of the device and talk in peace. No outside
scan the area for power source, deadly chemical noise can get in, and no noise can get out (not even
compounds and other threats to personal safety. They signals from bugs or spy stones).
can operate up to kilometer of the control box. The drones DAN-6 COST -750
report to the control box which translates the info and
sends it to the headgear. The headgear is worn over 1 Roaming Eye: This device has two parts. One is the base
ear and a small glass screen over 1 eye, also a small unit, which must be kept on the person. The second part
microphone is attached and hung in front of the mouth. is a small flying ball. The ball is controlled by whoever is
The Information is given over the eye, Highlighting and using the base unit, the ball will fly in the direction of the
giving tactical read outs. Audio and voice input can be users wish. It will send back telepathic pictures and sound
given through the microphone. to the user. It can be detected by a Spy stone eater.
Synth-Flesh Mask: A specially designed mask, the synth-

flesh mask attaches to the face and become like a second
skin. The mask is hard to spot and usually takes a close
look to spot one. Contacts that change eye color and false
teeth can also be applied to the mask.
COST-350
Medical Equipment Black Market Drugs
Med Scanner: A med scanner is a small hand held Black Lotus: This drug is sold on the black market mostly
computer with a library of almost every known injury or to warriors in the Galactic Underground. When injected a
disease. If the computer canʼt come up with a cause it can person become more resistant to pain, the body actually
access the Networks medical files for its information. A become stronger, and wounds donʼt slow them down.
diagnostic program will read data entered into the scanner However, Black Lotus is very addictive, those who use it
and identify the most probably causes and recommended to much become depends on it.
treatment. In addition to the readout screen on the top of COST-Depends
the medscanner, There is a cable & sensor attachment
which, when placed on the body, will monitor heartbeat, Truth Serum: This drug is found on the black market. A
temperature, respiration, blood sugar, and brain wave person under the effects of this drug loses will power and
functions. the ability to block thoughts. Heavy Dose could cause a
DAN-4 COST-2000 verity of mental problem including strokes.
COST-Depends
Medkit: High impact plastic “doctorʼs bag” contains: hypo,
surgical kit (scalps, forceps, etc..), 10 doses of pain killer, Tools
spray on flesh, speed heal, sleepdrug, stimulus, 5 doses Micro Tools: Set of small tools for working on micro
of multi spectrum antibiotic, poison neutralizer. circuits, (or picking locks), comes in small black bag with
DAN-8 COST-1250 circuit jumper cables, wire cutters/wrench tools.
DAN-4 COST-60
Multi Purpose Antibiotics: 1 dose helps cure must illness
and low level poisons. Again most people take a daily Nano Repair Bots: These small micro bots are able
dose in their diet to help fight of sickness. This is standard to crawl in and make repairs, or form components to
practice for anyone who travels from world to world. replaced ones that may have been damaged, a techieʼs
COST-50 best friend.
DAN-1 COST-750
Pain Killer: This quick drug is applied around a wound and
deadens the nerve endings and thus stopping the pain. 1 Techscanner: Your techies best friend being a digital multi
dose last 2 about hours, kills pain. meter, oscilloscope, frequency modulator, all rolled into
COST-100 one, and fits nicely on a belt too.
DAN-4 COST-400
Poison Neutralizer: Universal poison neutralizer for the
Human body. However it is not perfect, some poisons Tech Tool Kit: High impact plastic tool chest contains:
have been designed that deny this neutralizer. 3 adjustable combination wrenches to fit all sizes of
COST-250 nuts and bolts, Universal adjustable socket wrench, full
set pliers, screwdrivers, mini-tools for working on small
Sleep Drug: This drug is designed to help a person sleep. devices, combination hammer & pry bar, electrical tape,
The stronger the body the large dose that is needed. 40 meters of wire, spray lubricant, spray plastic insulation,
Overdoses of sleep drugs could have adverse effects on plastic filler putty, vise grips, assorted nuts, bolts, screws,
some people. fasteners.
COST-40 DAN-6 COST-250
Speed Heal: This drug will accelerate the healing ability in
a personʼs body. Although the drug does cause the body Weapons
to fatigue do to it working over time to heal the wound. Blaster Pistol: Designed to fire shots of energy at a target
COST-100 instead of a projectile. Highly effective in space where
recoil and risking a hole in the bulkhead is too great. Early
Spray on Bandage: This Bandage is sprayed on to an designs used external power units, attached by a cord,
open wound to stop blood lose and start the wound later models would have battery systems built in, and
healing. typically a blaster pistol will have 10 to 20 shots.
COST-80 Damage- 3d6+6 DAN-8 COST-750
Stimulus: Quick pick up after fatigue 1 dose last 6 hours Blaster Rifle: The larger version of the blaster pistol, it
but afterwards the person can do nothing but sleep. can deliver and more powerful blast and hold more shots.
COST-20 Early models typical came with backpack units, latter ones
used easy to replace battery clips.
Rail Gun: These large heavy weapon uses magnetism to Military: These vessels are built to protect their worlds
fire large solid slugs through the air. Although the power from hostile forces, or rule over them with an iron fist, and
requirements sometimes force the weapon to have a they are gleaming with weapons to do either job. Often
backpack power supply these weapons can be highly these ships will be equipped with the newest technology
effective. and have massive, but often untested, weapons and
Damage- 3d10x5 DAN-22 COST- capabilities.
2,500
Pirate: These ships are either crewed by the scum of
Stun Gun: This weapon fires a beam of energy that tries the universe that will try and steal from anyone unlucky
to overload the targets nervous center causing them to enough to cross their path. Or the last free men, of
collapse. If one shot doesnʼt do it repeated ones will. untouchable honor and integrity, that choose to leave
Damage- 5d6 DAN-8 COST- 1000 behind the shackles imposed by society and live free
in the sea of stars. Problem is you never know which is
High Tech Ammo: High tech ammo can be used to make which until it is to late. These ship are usually a match
earlier guns more dangerous. Things like APE (Armor for equal sized military vessels, however the scum type
Piercing Explosive), HEAP (High-Explosive Armor pirates ships are typical in disrepair and canʼt take much
Piercing), HEI (High Explosive Incendiary), etc… These punishment, while the ones run by the last free men are in
rounds will increase the damage by two dice. tip top shape, outclassing some military vessels.
Spaceage Materials: one molecule wide cutting edges, Starfighter: Small and maneuverable, these craft are
high impact materials that are almost unbreakable. almost all engines with just enough room for the pilot and
Weapons built with these materials will gain 2d6 damage a few weapon systems.
and 1.5 DAN. Handling- Superb Speed- V Fast
DAN- 75 COST- 10mil
Weapon Accessories
Gun Scope: Mounts on any rifle increases accuracy of a Personal Shuttle: When new these craft fill their needed
weapon at longer ranges. Most scopes are fully interactive role very well, but as they get older they start to suffer
giving distance to target, light meter, and inferred from performance issues, and it is sometime hard just to
selections. +4 to Hit with aim. get it to run at minimal levels.
DAN-2 COST-200 Handling- Speed- Fast
DAN- 50 COST- 250,000
Laser Scope: Mounts on any firearm increases accuracy
with no need to take a long aim. The scope projects a Cargo Shuttle: These are small ships are built to take
small red dot onto target up to 40 away. Other versions cargo back and forth between colonies and worlds. Being
are invisible and have special glasses for the user to mostly cargo space they can be kept running long past
focus with. +2 to Hit their prime by a talented crew.
DAN-2 COST-350 Handling- Good Speed- Quick
DAN- 150 COST- 500,000
Hidden Weapons: With advanced materials it is possible
to have weapons designed into pieces of his outfit. Star Freighter: These large vessels travel back and forth
Grenades can be buttons, knifes can be hidden in jewelry, bring large cargo shipments or raw materials through the
etc... sea of stars.
Handling- Good Speed- Slow
DAN- 300 COST- 1mil
Spacecraft
Spacecraft typically come in three types; Civilian, Military, Destroyer: Smaller military vessels used to support
and Pirate. The type will effect the over all performance the larger ships of the fleet, or sent out as scouts or
and capabilities of the spacecraft. explorers. Often out matched by ships they run into they
typically use maneuverability and speed as their greatest
Civilian: These craft and privately owned and operated, or weapons.
part of some corporations merchant fleet. They come in Handling- Good Speed- Quick
all types and condition, from vessels on their last leg, to DAN- 400 COST- 100 mil
brand new shiny ships with advanced prototype systems.
Cruiser: Not as large as the battleships these ship are still
very formidable and carry a nice array of weapons and
advance technology, while still being more maneuverable
then the larger battleship.
Handling- Poor Speed- Slow
DAN- 800 COST- 750 mil
Battleship: The largest of the vessels, these craft are often Tech Level
looked at as a symbol of who they represent. Often built 0- Before Civilization
with the most cutting edge technology of the time, even 1- Simple Stone tools
when they become dated they still are nothing to snare at. 2- Metal Working
Handling- Pathetic Speed- V Slow 3- Steam and Early Industrial
DAN- 1250 COST- 2 tril 4- Post Industrial
5- Electronic age
4.8 Technology Levels 6- Nuclear/Computer age
When designing a world it is important to work out 7- Post Nuclear
the level of advancements in technology. In Zen and the 8- Early Star Faring
Art of Mayhem it is not necessary to have everything pin 9- Advance Star Faring
pointed down to the pierce level of development, you can 10- Beyond Technology
work on a general scale. The scale for technology follows
the technology development of western civilization. Tech Level 0 Before Civilization
Some developments in each field may happen At this level of development it is hard to tell those
earlier or later, this can vary and can be decided by the bound for civilization and the rest of the animal kingdom.
Architect. The steam engine was almost developed Ground breaking world altering concepts like sharpened
during Roman times, and Charles Babbage had designs rocks and fire shake the foundation of life and may
for a steam powered computer in the mid 1800s. These guarantee the possibility of civilization.
inventions, if released and developed, would have shifted
advancement of other technologies. Under each tech Tech Level 1 Simple Stone Tools
level is listed the major developments for that time. A Not quite a true tech level, society has barely
Tech Level 3 society may come up with an early version begun, most peoples would be nomadic hunter gathers.
of a train or may even start to develop flight. Remember Later developments include simple farming and irrigation.
that many advancements spring from others. Medical Towns will begin to grow, with simple architecture building,
technology advances when science does for example. and a barter system for an economy. Simple laws are
Creating worlds where some technology has been laid down to keep order in the towns. Common weapons
advanced while other still lag behind is always interesting. include clubs and spears with sharpened ends, and the
However, do not let tech get out of hand a Tech Level 3 bow and sling are also developed for ranged attacks.
game with a few Level 4 developments and may be 1 Some trade between settlements, mostly foot travel is
Level 5 development which the game is based around is used with simple navigation using landmarks. No medical
fine. knowledge, simple mathematics and a base number
Early developments are also skipped over system.
at large rate, the Copper, Bronze, and Iron ages had
many developments and each was superior to the latter Nomadic Tribes
however it is listed on the Tech level chart as simply Metal Farming and Irrigation
Working. Small Trading Towns
In any world there will always be a number of tech Barter System
levels available depending on where the characters are. Simple Laws
One society will always have the highest level and a few Clubs, Spears, and Bows for weapons
places might be down one level. In remote areas the tech No Medical
level may drop 2 levels. And if the characters explore they Foot Travel
may discover a few tech level 1 or 2 societies in isolated Land Mark Navigation
areas. Simple Mathematics
Tech Level 2 Metal Working

Tech level two is marked by mining and metal Tech Level 4 Post Industrial
working of all sorts. Early metal working is done with Tech level four is developed with the
copper then advancing to Bronze then Iron. Windmills Standardized of parts and sizes, as well as powerful
and water wheels are developed. Cities grow in sizes combustion engines used in trains and ships. Miniaturized
and currency is invented although bartering is still a clockwork is developed as well as the telegraph and early
major part of trade. Language grows and become electronics. The periodic tables and atomic theory are
more standardized, written language also begins. Laws developed in science, along with the germ theory. Medical
advance to control human morality and behavior. Animals science also developed sterilization and amputation
have been trained for transportation, sea travel grows, techniques. Rifling and case ammo advance firearm
and trade develops. Navigation expands with the use of technology, ship carry turreted weapons and are Iron
the sun and the stars. The sword and other edge metal Clad. Early flight is developed with biplanes, balloons,
weapons are developed, organized armies are started and lighter then air ships. Governments expand and legal
as well. Medicine is start with herbal treatments and codes become more complex.
knowledge of healing wounds. Advance mathematics
including geometry are in use, as well as the development Trains
of philosophy. Standardized of Parts and Sizes
Periodic Table
Large Trading Cities Telegraph
Metal Working Miniaturized Clock Work
Wind Power Germ theory
Advance Moral and Behavior Laws Amputation
Edge Weapon Rifling
Wound Treatment and Herbal Medicine Case Ammo
Language and Writing Early Flight
Currency and Bartering Iron Clads
Animal transportation and Sea Travel Advance Legal System
Navigation based on the Sun and Stars
Advance Mathematics Tech Level 5 Electronic Age
Philosophy With the advancement of science and electronics
come many new inventions including plastics and the
Tech Level 3 Steam and Early Industrial transistor and vacuum tubes to be used with alternating
Early marks of tech level three include the current. These developments lead to broadcast
advancement of basic sciences like biology, chemistry, technology like radio and TV. Motorized vehicles with
and physics. Medical scienceʼs also expands with small internal combustion engines appear like cars
new discovery in the field of science understanding of and tanks as well as metal hull ships and submarines.
anatomy. Steam power and industrialization are started Flight advances with intercontinental flight capable
in major cities, the printing press expands the knowledge, aircraft. Radar and sonar technology are also developed.
and written language. Courts of law and justice codes are Automatic weapons and long range ballistic guns become
developed. Clockwork on a large scale is also begun. Gun more common in warfare as well as chemical weapons.
powder is developed as well as the cannon and muskets. Medical knowledge advances with surgery and antibiotics.
Navigation expands with the knowledge of latitude Government grow larger with huge bureaucracies and
and longitude, advance sailing ships, and armed naval very complex legal systems.
vessels.
Motorized Vehicles
Steam Power Automatic Weapons
Large Cities Ballistic Guns
Industrialization Radar & Sonar
Early Sciences Biology Physics & Chemistry Chemical Warfare
Gun Powder Weapons Alternating Current
Early Clock Work Surgery & Antibiotics
Early Medical Know and Anatomy Metal Ships & Submarines
Printing Advance Flight
Advance Sailing Ships Broadcast Technology
Advance Navigation Latitude and Longitude Plastic
Early Legal System Complex Legal System & Large Bureaucracies
Tech Level 6 Nuclear/Computer age from raw DNA.
With the development of nuclear power brings
in a new age of technology. Missile technology begins Anti Grav
to advance allowing orbital launches as well as the Antimatter
development of the jet engine. Computer are develop Cloning
with integrated circuits (or IC Chips) and miniaturized FTL Travel
electronics. Early robotics are also start to develop. Force Fields
Powerful Energy Weapons and Disruptors
Nuclear Power Matter to Energy Conversion
Jet Engine Genetic Engineering
Missile Technology
Organ Transplant Tech Level 9 Advance Star Faring
Computers Tech level 9 is ushered in with the development
Integrated Circuit and miniature electronics of the fold engine which allows ships to instantly move
Orbital Launches to the other side of the galaxy. Also full matter to energy
Early Robotics and vice verse is developed anything can be broken
down and reassembled into what ever is need. This
Tech Level 7 Post Nuclear advancement allows anything to be created from the
New super weapons are developed including proper material. Genetic engineering reaches a point
magnetic projection weapons like rail guns and gaos where they can create living sentient ships. Superior
rifles. Lasers are scaled down and orbital weapons are forms are also developed increasing the tolerance levels
used. Electronic and machine shrink inside down to for pain, eliminating disease, even lengthening life spans
nano circuits and molecular machines. Robotics and to centuries and beyond. Psi abilities start to develop and
cybernetics advance along with artificial intelligences even a shared conscience.
and genetic manipulation. Hologram projection becomes
possible as well. Power become easier to produce and Fold Technology
store as fusion power is developed and recycle power Advanced Matter to Energy Conversion
cells. Living Ships
Superior Forms
Magnetic Projection Weapons Psi Abilities
Laser Weapons Shared Conscience
Molecular machines
Nano Tech Tech Level 10 Beyond Technology
Cybernetics Technology has reached a point where a person
Advance Robotics genetic code bestows the power to rearrange matter at
Genetic Manipulation will. They are born with the sum of knowledge at their
Fusion command. They can even bend the laws of physics when
Artificial Intelligence needed. Just hope morality has advance to the point
Orbital Weapons where a person can use this power properly.
Holograms
Tech Level 8 Early Star Faring

At this level technology has advance to the point
of allowing travel between the stars. Spaceship can cross
a light year of space between a day to a couple hours
time. Antimatter reactions and miniature black holes
provides the power for ships to warp space and travel at
these speeds. Anti-grav has developed to allow hovercraft
and artificial gravity. Matter to energy conversion allow
transporting of people and objects over great distances.
The process can rearrange simple patterns into a
new patterns, however complex patterns can not be
rearranged. Force fields allow an energy protection fields
to ward off damage done by powerful energy weapon and
disruptors. Genetic Engineering is more common place
allowing cloning and entire new species to be created
5 Combat
The Combat system for Zen and the Art of
5.3 Range
Range is given in meters, a range of 5 is basically
5 meters, in Zen and the Art of Mayhem exact range
Mayhem is meant to be fast and fun. Combat is not the not that important just round up to the nearest meter.
heart of the game, it is meant to resolve physical events Characters can pretty much attack anyone within 2 meters
during the course of the game. With that out of the way, of them in melee combat, sometimes longer depending on
Combat in Zen and the Art of Mayhem is meant to be first the reach of their weapon. If they want to attack anyone
and foremost FUN, the system is not highly realistic, and further away then 2 they will have to spend an action
in fact it is downright unrealistic. Hollywoodisms abound. moving, or do a ranged attack.
In the system most characters can take a few bullets and Ranged combat is of course any gun, rifle, thrown
still remain standing. A martial arts character can send an knife, card, stone, etc... (See physical feats throwing 3.1.2
opponent flying through the air 10 meters with one well for more info). The range of guns and rifles are limited to
placed upper cut. While this stuff may not be realistic it is line of sight an unobstructed path. Pistols are accurate up
fun (unless youʼre the one flying 10 meters through the to 30, rifles 75.
air).
5.4 Turns & Actions
5.1 Steps of Combat A Turn is approximately 5 seconds long and is
1: All involved roll initiative the base unit of time in Zen and the Art of Mayhem. In
2: The character with the highest initiative describes one a turn you can do actions. Actions have to be basically
simple action to the GM (fire gun, punch opponent, dive simple, shoot gun, get an object, do a martial arts attack,
behind cover, run away, etc...) and roll to find result. run away, etc... Most characters will get two actions per
3: Architect rolls any necessary dice to determines what turn, possible three depending on their initiative rolls.
the action did, and describes the result to the players. Each action is 2 to 3 second long so the character should
4: The character that completed their action then subtracts tailor their actions around this time, if the action is fix the
10 from their Initiative score. car, it will take more than 5 seconds to do, so it wonʼt be
5: Go to 2 if there is no Initiative left go to 1 if there is no complete at the end of the turn.
opponents left combat is over.
5.4.1 Movement
A character can run half their movement in an
5.2 Initiative action (See 3.1.2 Physical Feats). It will take 2 actions
Combat is the same for ranged and melee, to move your full movement, if a character only has one
initiative is rolled Speed +1d10, the higher number goes action during an initiative they can be allowed to move
first. Then subtract 10 from the total, this is when the their full movement that action.
character takes their next action. This process is done
until the total is less then 1. The higher your base speed
the better chance of winning initiative. If more than one 5.4.2 Attacks
person has the same initiative number use base speed, An attack is when one character tries to hit
which ever has the higher speed wins. If it is still a tie roll someone or something else. Attacks are done by a roll off,
off on a d10, again higher number wins. the attacker Coordination+ Skill+ Bonuses+ 1d10, against
The open dice roll does not apply for initiative the Defenders Coordination+ Skill+ Bonuses+ 1d10, the
rolls, if the roll is a 10 do not roll again. Likewise fumbles higher roll wins. Many attacks receives plusʼs to hit from
do not occur a roll of a 1 is just that a 1. You can also use weapon accuracy, type of attack they are performing,
speed skills to quicken your initiative roll. One example is or other factors. If it is a stationary target that does not
fast draw; add your skill level to your Speed before rolling. have a defense counter roll, then a difficulty level will be
However do to jumping the gun to get a head start you assigned by the Architect (See Section 3.2.2)
must sacrifice your last action. If one or more people are
surprised by an attack, they will lose Initiative and will 5.4.3 Defense
not have any actions during that turn. This also goes for Everyone who is attacked will get a chance to
characters that have failed a Cool check do to intimidate, perform a defense, as long as they are aware of the
panty flash, or other effect. incoming attack. However, it takes actions to try and
defend. A character can defend once before their next
action. If the character has to defend more then once
before their next action they receive a -3 to the defense
roll, doubling each time until their next action. Defense
is a generic term to refereeing to avoiding an attack or
reducing the damage taken. Defenseʼs includes, but are
not limited to athletics, planting feet, blocking, martial arts,
etc...
When the character is attacked, and after the Attack
attack is described, the defender will then describe what Aim (Ranged) +4: Character spends an action aiming they
they are trying to do to defend themselves. Bonuses will get +4 to hit next action.
should be added on depending on what they are trying to
do. Certain types of defenses are going to give characters Called Shots: Even though there isnʼt a hit location table,
a better chance to avoid damage, such as rolling out of characters can still call shots. Called shots will have
the way, or blocking a blow. different effects than normal attacks.
5.4.4 Descriptions Of Actions Area to Hit Bonus

An attack should never be just “I attack my Head -4 x2 Damage
opponent” or “I swing my sword to hit the first guy in front Arm -2 Coord Check to see if they drop an item
of me”. The description should be a little more detailed. Leg -2 Coord Check to remain standing
Something that fits the approximate 2 second time frame Hand -4 1/2 Coord Check or drop item
the character has to act. The description should also fit Item -5 Damage Object
the type of attack the character is doing without going into
far too much detail and length. Consider any aimed shots to a characterʼs private areas a
“I use a quick attack to throw a fast punch at my head shot.
opponent”.
“My character does a feint at the opponents head to try Charge (Melee): If the opponent is out of the 2 meter
and open a hole in their defense”. range of the character they can do a charge which is
“My character is going to counter, and goes in a defense movement and attack at the same time. However the
stance, ready to counter my opponentʼs next move”. amount of movement it takes to reach an opponent will
Going too much into detail is bad; add a negative modifier to hit. -1 for every 5 meters the
“My character parries my opponents weapon, and drops character most travel.
down to do a sweep of their legs, as my opponent falls
I will spend my body around and land my elbow on their Counter (Melee): Character holds their action, waiting
chest, driving them into the ground”. for their opponent to describe their action. They can then
This description is about 3 actions and not one. They describe their defense and attack as one smooth action,
would have to start with the parry, and wait for their next gaining +3 to defense and +3 to their attack.
action before moving to the next action.
To simply attack a foe, wait to be hit, attack back, Extra Power (Melee) -4 To Hit: The character puts even
etc.. is never a good way to have a fight. Combat is an more power into their attack, making it slower and easier
active ever changing environment, and characters are to dodge but increasing the damage it does. Adding +2d6
hardly ever just stand around trading blows until one falls. damage.
The description should reflect this, the character using
their environment to their advantage, trying to coax their Knock Out: This attack is designed to knock an opponent
opponent into a trap, etc… out quickly without doing serious damage. The attack
Once both the attack and defense have been is rolled normally, however the damage total is doubled
describe then the dice are rolled and the higher roll will when checking for stun, and then halved when applied to
succeed in their action, and the Architect will describe how hit points.
everything played out.
Quick Attack (Melee) +4 To Hit: Character chooses speed
5.4.5 Types of Attack and Defense Bonusʼs over power to try and gain the upper hand. But it does
The actions taken by the attacker and defender come at a cost reducing the damage down up to half,
should modify their possible roll. Each description should depending on the situation.
be rated giving a character a certain modifier. Listed here
are some common modifiers to help an Architect to gauge Study: The character sacrifice one of their attacks to study
how to rate certain types of actions and their affects. the fighting techniques of their opponent, hoping to gain
insight and find a weakness. +2 to all future rolls against
the opponent during combat.
Sweep (Melee) +2 To Hit: This type of attack is not

designed to do damage, but to rather knock an opponent
over. If the attack succeeds the opponent will have to
make a coord check or fall. If they fall, all actions most
take that into account, meaning most of the time they
will have to spend their action getting up instead of
counterattacking.
Defense Psychological Attack
Block/Deflect (Melee): The character is using their This type of attack does not actually do any
weapon, armor, or body part to deflect the incoming physical damage, but it can be used to affect an
attack. This is often easier then trying to completely avoid opponentʼs state of mind, causing them to hesitate, jump
an attack, and leaves the character ready to deliver a the gun. throw off their timing, or even retreat. During the
counterattack. However if the attack canʼt be blocked characters action they can use a Presence skill to try and
or deflected by the character they will not be able to affect their opponent. The affect will be up to what the
use this defense. For example the character is fighting character is trying to do, and how successful the roll is.
an opponent with a sword and they have no armor, or Generally a successful psychological attack will cause an
weapon to counter with, doing a block will not help. opponent to lose an action or retreat.
Dodge: When the character has freedom of movement Using the Environment
to avoid incoming attacks, both hand to hand and range. The area in which a fight takes place can offer
They duck, roll, and spin out of the way of the incoming many bonuses and modifiers to a fight. Gaining the high
attack. They can use dodge as long as they have the ground, by going up stairs, or table. Or swinging from a
space to move. If backed into a corner, or tight area low hanging ledge, or other protrusion, too gain power
this type of defense cannot be used. Depending on the to a kick. Pushing objects like chairs in the path of you
situation the character may not be able to attack their opponent, etc… All these actions will add modifiers to
opponent next action if they use dodge. It depends on attack and defense rolls and should be used by the
the situation and how much the character was forced characters. It is important for players to understand the
to move. Characters can use either a fighting style or environment they are fighting in and how they can use it.
athletics skill to dodge.
Retreat (Melee) +5: Always a good option, the character 5.5 Damage
basically backs out of the range of their attacker. Good Each attack does a certain amount of damage,
against hand to hand and melee weapons. Useless depending on the skill of the character and the type of
against ranged weapons. Problem is when the character attack and weapons used. Weapons and attacks have
retreats they canʼt attack with their next action unless it is damage listed. The character will also add the difference
ranged, they charge, or their opponent enters their attack between the attackers roll and defenders roll to damage.
range. Characters can use fighting style or athletics skill to This reflects how successful the hit was.
retreat.
5.5.1 DAN
Taking Cover: If cover is available this is a great option. Each character can absorb so much damage,
The modifiers will varies depending on what the cover is a characterʼs DAN represent this. DAN is the amount of
available and the environment the character is fighting in. damage a character can shrug off with no effect. If the
damage is more than the characters DAN then the rest of
Catch: The character attempts to catch the attack, the damage is absorbed into hit points. (See 2.9 DAN for
grabbing a fist, arm, leg, or even a weapon. A catch more info.)
will change depending on the difficulty of what they are
trying to catch. Typical no bonus is applied unless the 5.5.2 Hit Points
character is using a weapon which allows it to catch an If the damage is more than the characters DAN
opponentʼs weapon. If the character is trying to catch an then the damage is taken to hit points. Subtract the
opponentʼs weapon with their bare hands they will mostly amount of damage over the DAN from the characters
likely receive a negative to the attempt (-2 to -5 depending hit points. The more hit points lost the more injured the
on the weapon). The bonus comes when they succeed, character is. If a characterʼs hit points reach zero they are
and they are now holding an opponents, fist, arm, leg, unconscious for the rest of battle and may actually die if
weapon, etc… not helped.
Plant Feet: With this defense the character does not try 5.5.3 Lowering the Damage from an Attack
and avoid the incoming attack at all, instead they basically The character can also spend luck points to lower
turtle up, covering the more vulnerable areas, and dig the amount of damage they take. 1 luck point lowers
their heels in to absorb the attack. Allow the character to damage by 1 point, up to twice the characters DAN. A
add skill level of their fighting style to DAN. Anything over character can use this to save their ass in a tight situation,
is damage as normal. used too much and they will run out of luck points.
5.5.4 Losing Actions it will be able to heal without serious outside help. How
When a character takes damage to their hit points often characters die will be up to the type of game being
there is a chance that they will lose an action or actions. If played. In a less serious game, characters reaching
the damage done to hit points is less then their DAN they zero hit points will be out for awhile, then the next day
do not have to make a stat check. If the damage is up to will pretty much be fine. In a more serious game any
twice their DAN then they have to make a size stat check, character reaching zero hit points and someone does not
if they fail they lose an action. If the damage is twice to come to their aid will have a good chance of dieing.
three times their DAN the body stat check is halved, and
so on. 5.6 Armor
Characters can wear armor to increase their
5.5.5 Stun DAN. Armor can be anything but must cover most of the
A character can be stunned or knocked out body to be effective. There are three basic types of armor,
before reaching zero hit points. If the character loses an full body armor, breastplates, or helms. Full body armor
action then there is a chance that they maybe stunned. covers everything, adding DAN to all attacks, however
Characters will roll a physical stat check to see if they it is more likely to restrict your speed and coordination.
are rendered unconscious or not. Same rules for losing Breastplates cover the torso area sometimes protecting
actions apply if the damage is up to twice their DAN then the arms. Breastplates will add DAN to all attacks, other
they have to make a normal stat check, if the damage is then called shots to areas that are not covered. The more
twice to three times their DAN the stat check is halved, heavy the Armor the more chance to restrict your speed
and so on. If the character did not lose an action they do and coordination. Helms cover the head area to protect
not need to make a stun check. against headshots only, The DAN is only added when a
head shot is called.
5.5.6 Knockback
If the damage in hit points is greater than Armor + to - to Speed & Coordination
twice the characters DAN, they have a chance of Level DAN Breast Plate Full Armor
taking knockback. The character will have to make a 1 4 -0 -0
coordination check, if the roll fails a character is knocked 2 8 -1 -2
back 1 meter for every 10 points of damage. If the 3 12 -2 -4
damage taken is more than four times the characters 4 16 -4 -5
DAN then they most make a 1/2 coordination check, if
they fail they are knocked back 1 meter for every 5 point Remember to roleplay armor, a character wearing
of damage. If the damage is more then a characters hit a Level 4 helm all the time will not be able to seduce
points they are knocked back with no coordination check, someone in a bar. When a character wears armor make
1 meter for every 5 points of damage. sure it is in character. Also armor does not raise hit points,
only DAN.
5.5.7 Knockback Flight Path
Now with this kind of knockback the character will 5.7 Metaphysical Attacks
probably hit something while recoiling through the air. The Anytime a character wishes to do a metaphysical
Architect will have to make a decision of what direction attack like a ki projection, ki punch, fireball, mental attack,
the character flies off in and whether there is anything etc… it takes an action to charge, and then an action to
in the flight path. If there is something in the flight path, release. The charge can be done with no negative with
they must decide whether the character will go through another non-attack defense. The release takes a full
it or will it stop the momentum. The best rule of thumb is action and cannot be combined with another attack.
if the amount of meters thrown back left when they hit is If a metaphysical attack has a character use stat
over the DAN of the object the character goes throw. A checks to defend, then for every 15 points on the attack
character hitting an object in flight can receive damage roll divided the stat check in half.
equal to the object DAN. The characters DAN will still
reduce the total damage taken.
5.5.8 Zero Hit Points

Once a character reaches zero hit points they are
out, not dead but out. They will be unconscious until they
have a chance to recover hit points either through rest or
healing. If the character takes more hit points of damage
while at zero hit points they have a chance to be killed.
This is up to the Architect to decided, typically a character
taking more then their hit points in negative damage will
be dead. The body will have taken more damage then
5.8 Other Damages The higher the strength of the poison the better
Characters in Zen and the art of Mayhem can be chance of knocking down a stat checks to half or lower.
damaged in more ways then just normal combat. Most poisons will only be strength 1 or normal stat checks.
A few poisons will be higher and drop a stat check in half,
Falling: Any character falling more then 3 meters (or a FEW actually cut the stat checks by 1/4. Also remember
approximately 1 story or 10 ft.) will take 1d10+1 point poisons arenʼt all colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so
of damage. So a character falling 15 meters (5 stories) characters can be warned ahead of time with small clues.
would take 5d10+5 points of damage. A character
can uses skills like acrobatics to slow a fall, Architect 5.9 Healing and First Aid
discretion. Hit point loss reflexes wounds; cuts, bruises,
bleeding, etc… The type of wound caused will depend
Fire/Burning: Any character hit with flame will take on how many hit points of damage where taken and what
damage normally, however the characters objects and caused the wound, it is up to the Architect to decide.
clothes take the chance of catching on fire. If the object Characters can apply first aid and medical skills to
takes more damage then its DAN, roll 1d6 for every point wounds to try to recover hit points. Depending on what is
over DAN, if the total roll is more then the objects DAN available to the character a typical first aid roll will recover
then it catches on fire. The fire will reduce the objects 1d6 hit points for every 10 points on the roll. The use
DAN by 1 point per turn. Also anything touching that of medical equipment like first aid kit, bandages, herbs,
object will take the burning objects DAN in damage plus etc… can augment the total. Often giving 1d6 for every 5
risk catching on fire itself. points. To apply first aid takes time, and cannot be done in
Covering a character or object with flammable a 5 second combat turn. How much time will be up to the
liquid and lighting it can also induce burning damage. Architect, the type of wound, and the equipment on hand.
Roll a 1d6 for small dose, or 1d10 for large, the die roll When a character has a chance to rest and
determines how many rounds the liquid will burn. recover they will start to gain back lost hit points. After
every 8 hours of sleep a character will recover their DAN
Freezing: Characters trapped in ice, or by freeze ray, or back in hit points. Characters under medical care can
just trapped in the cold risk taking damage. Typically the recover double DAN during 8 hours of rest.
character will have to be trapped in ice to take damage,
each turn doubling until they can break out. Characterʼs
which take damage from the cold, will fall unconscious
once they take twice their DAN. A character cannot wake
up from cold damage until they are removed and had a
chance to warm up.
Poison: Poison is different between characters, NPC, and

major villains. Poisons can kill most NPC on one dose,
however characters and major villains react differently.
For one poisons canʼt kill characters or major villains, itʼs
a cheap way to die, and to easy. So what can poisons
do? They can a knock someone out, or make them sick.
What a poison does depend on the strength, the Architect
determines strength.
Typical Poisons are:

Knock Out: Characters get a body stat check to resist if
they fail they will be knocked out. Typically if they are hit
with a dose again the stat check will be halved. Once they
pass out they will be out for an hour or so.
Sickness: Characters must make a body stat check to

stop from getting sick. Sickness will last until a character
can make a stat check. While sick the character will
receive negatives to actions.
Attacks and Weapon Damage Others Weapons Wrist Crossbow
Type Damage Arrow 2d6 Range +to Damage
Str 1-3 -- Quarrel 1d6 Coord 2d6
Str 4-6 1d6 Bola 2d6 Coordx2 1d6
Str 7-9 2d6 Boomerang 1d6 Coordx3 Effective Range
Str 10-12 2d6+3 Brass Knuckles 1d6
Str 13-15 3d6+3 Chain 2d6 Pistol
Clawed Gauntlet 2d6+3
Automatic 3d6
Punch 1d6 Fan 2d6
Hand Cannon 4d6+3
Kick 2d6 Jutte 2d6
Revolver 3d6
Kama 2d6+3
Saturday Night Special 2d6
Axes Kusarigama 3d6+3
Submachine Gun 2d6
Breaded Axe 4d6+3 Nunchaku 3d6
Blaster Pistol 3d6+6
Battle Axe 4d6+6 Quarter Staff 3d6
Stun Gun 5d6
Great Axe 5d6+6 Sai 3d6
Tomahawk 2d6+3 Shuriken 2d6 +3
Rifles
Clubs Staff 4d6
Assault Rifle 2d10+3
Large Spiked Club 4d6+3 Tiger Claw 3d6+3
Gangsters Typewriter 2d10
Small Fighting Sticks 1d6 Tonfa 3d6
Sniper Rifle 4d10
Baseball Bat 3d6 Tri-chucks 5d6
Shotgun 2d10
Nightstick 2d6 Whip 1d6
Blaster Rifle 4d6+6
Yoyo 2d6
Daggers Heavy Weapons
Dirk 2d6 Non Weapon
Minigun 2d10x5
Large Dagger 3d6+3 Chop Sticks 2
Rocket Launcher 2d6x10
Stiletto 2d6+3 Chair 2d6
Flame Thrower 2d6x5
Pen/Pencil 2
Rail Gun 3d10x5
Maces Butter Knife 1d6
Cavalry Mace: 3d6 Umbrella 2d6
Flail 4d6
Morning Star 5d6+3 Bow Types
Two handed Mace 6d6 Longbow
Warhammer 5d6+3 Range +to Damage
Str+Coordx2 +3d6
Pole Arms Str+Coordx4 +2d6
Pike 5d6 Str+Coordx8 +1d6
Spear 3d6 Str+Coordx16 Effective Range
Halberd 6d6
Nagamaki 5d6+3 Recurve Bow
Yari 6d6+3 Range +to Damage
Trident 3d6 Str+Coord +3d6
Str+Coordx2 +2d6
Swords Str+Coordx3 +1d6
Bastard Sword 5d6 Str+Coord Effective Range
Cavalry Sword 3d6+3
Claymore 7d6 Short Bow
Cutlass 3d6+6 Range +to Damage
Katana 5d6+6 Str+Coord +2d6
Long Sword 4d6 Str+Coordx2 +1d6
Rapier 4d6 Str+Coordx3 Effective Range
Scimitar 4d6+3
Short Sword 3d6 Crossbows
Compact Crossbow
Range +to Damage
Coord 3d6
Coordx2 2d6
Coordx4 1d6
Heavy Crossbow
Range +to Damage
Coordx2 4d6
Coordx4 3d6
Coordx8 2d6
Hunting Crossbow
Range +to Damage
Coord 4d6
Coordx2 3d6
Coordx4 2d6
6 Adding Cast of Thousands
An Architect will have to build up a cast of
thousands for any good Zen and the Art of Mayhem
Detail to the
game. These people include friends of the characters, and
people who just get in the way. The larger your supporting
cast, the more fun the game will be. There is almost an
unlimited amount of different types of characters you can
World
come up with to add fun to the game. The best way to
come up with characters is just watch TV and Movies,
or read books and stories. They are chucked full of
characters who are clichés, and clichéd characters are
The who, what, when, where, and why of the prefect for any game, but even better for Zen and the Art
world. No matter how clever the concept of a universe, of Mayhem.
without details it will not hold up. After the six major
factors for creating a world have been decided on (See
Chapter 1) the Architect must then add the details to flesh The Family
out the universe. These details are the heart of the world, The first part of the cast is the family. The family
the very essence of the game. They are what add the has many possibility, there is the over protective mother,
mood, the soul, the color, and the spirit for the characters the missing father, the kid brother that follows you
to become a part of. where ever you go, the possibilities are endless. Other
The who is the characters of the world, those techniques are the wise old zen master grandfather who
characters both major and minor. From the villains and taught the character everything he knows, but he was
heroes of the story to the man on the street, a major an old miser who expected 500%. The character hated
factor in all most any adventure. The what is the actual the hell training, but would follow their master to hell and
adventure, what the characters are actually trying to back. Of course thereʼs the possibility that one of the
accomplish when playing. The mysteries they have to villains is your parent, or siblings.
solve, the puzzles they run into, dilemmas they have to
deal with, and the obstacles they most over come. The Clueless Parent or Sibling: They never get it, things
when is the background, history, and timeline of the world. happen right in front of them but it doesnʼt register. Life is
For a world to truly come alive there must be a history, always normal and anything unusual can be explained.
what went on before the game actual starts. It is also
import to have an idea of what will happen to a world Over Protective: They always try and protect you
during a game. The where is the locations created for a from harm. Any type of harm physical, emotional,
world. Places the characters will travel to or come from. psychological, it doesnʼt matter they will always try and
These Places add a sense of substance to any world. shield you even if the harm isnʼt any danger to you.
They are places characters become familiar with. The why
is the goal of the game, what the characters are trying to Exceedingly Helpful: They are always trying to help out,
achieve, what they hope to get out of it. Without a goal and end up getting in the way at the same time. Even if
the characters have nothing to strive for, nothing to look you tell them to stay behind or not get in the way, they
forward to when itʼs over. follow you anyway.
Nagging: Nothing is ever right with what you do, no matter

“Who” how successful you are, or not. They are always finding
The who is all the Non Player Characters in the fault with something.
world. They are who the playerʼs characters interact with,
they provide them with clues, or try and stop them. An
Architect will have a variety of NPCʼs in any given game.
Some like the villains or major supporting characters will
require character sheets, listing stats, skills, talents, and
flaws. Other NPCʼs will drift in and out of games, or only
appear when needed. These characters will not need full
character sheets, but can use note sheets which just list
the important information. Then come the many NPCʼs
that populate the world, they donʼt play a major part in the
game, but they fill the cities, drive the cabs, tend the bars,
and work as cogs in huge bureaucracies. The character
will constantly be running into these NPCʼs, but only to
interact, no character sheet is needed, at most just a
quick description of their personality.
The Friends Detective: After a crime is committed and the perp got
Friends are another source of unlimited clichéd away, the detective is sent to investigate, find clues, and
characters. There is the best friend, the one person track down the wanted felons. More experience and better
who causes you the most trouble but is ready to throw trained a detective has more skills and better overall
himself on a live grenade to save your life. There is the combat abilities then a beat cop.
love interest who is either on the other side, or is always
getting you in trouble. The teacher a buddy who taught SWAT: The policeʼs special forces SWAT are highly
you everything you know, making you the person you are trained in group tactics. They have high combat abilities,
to day. These teachers usually get killed early on so you excellent equipment and weapons. They act in teams, and
can go on a quest to avenge their deaths. Other types are like to shot first and forget the questions all together.
the friends who mean well, but always seems to get you
in trouble, or the friend who is always willing to help (for a Street Criminals
price). The possibilities are endless The streets of the city are full of crime. The
underworld thrives off the lives of others. People are
Best Buddy: The best buddy is always ready to take a bought and sold on a daily basis, and all in the name of
bullet for you. They will do things you would never ask money. But even in the underworld there are rankings to
them to, only because it is what needs to be done. They move up through, or get caught in.
trust you even when you think you sound insane. They
are always ready to drop what ever they are doing to help Thug: The underworldʼs muscle, thugs can be found just
you out. about anywhere. They are big, mean, have a bad attitude,
and like to throw their weight around. Often not too bright
Connected Friend: This friend always seems to know a thug main ability is to hit things hard, really hard.
someone, or can get something. If you need that
something, they can get it for you, have to meet with Big Thug: Once a thug has been around the block a few
someone, they can arrange it for you. times and decides they like their line of work they become
a big thug. A big thug is a more experienced then a
Fair Weather Friend: They seem like a good and trusted common thug and can deliver even more damage. A big
friend, but when the going gets tough, they get going, thug may even have developed a fighting style.
away. As soon as things cool down they show back up
with some excuse. Bouncer: Ever place of business on the mean streets
needs a bouncer. A bouncer is trained at making people
Wise Cracker: A good friend all around, but they always leave who are not quite ready. Each bouncer develops
seem to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Which their own skills that help them achieve their goals. Some
always leads to trouble. bouncers work strictly for money, others do it because
they like kicking people out. Some do it out of honor,
Teacher: You were taken under their wing and taught you helping those who could not protect their own business on
more than you can learn in a book. Although training was the mean streets.
tough you know they have only your prosperity in mind.
And you would like to do them proud. Streetpunks: The streets are littered with punks, kids
proving theyʼre tough, bulling others, causing trouble.
The Police Most of the time itʼs just a short-term stop in life, other who
Most players will cause plenty of reason for the like it tends to become thugs. These kids that live on the
police to show up, and most of the time it wonʼt be to street often learn to fight just for survival. Although good in
help. The police will show up eventually to investigate, their own circles most could not hope to take on a trained
depending on the urgency of the situation. The more fighter, thatʼs why they like groups.
destruction caused the quicker, and larger, the force that
will show up. The police will send detectives to investigate The Conman: Always running some kind of con, they
a crime sense, so even if they escape the beat cops it live off the streets. It may be a simple shell game, or a
does not mean the heat will necessarily be off. blackmail scam they always make sure the odds are in
their favor. It is difficult to work with a con artist, because
Beat Cop: Your typical police officer, the beat cop. They you just may be getting coned yourself.
are sent to the scene of crimes in progress. One is usually
an experience officer ready for retirement the other a The Street Informant: Theyʼre crafty, theyʼre shifty, and
new rookie learning the ropes. When not rushing to the theyʼre full of important information, if you can pay the
scene of a crime, they usually can be found, at a food joint price. Informants listen to the whispers on the street; itʼs
grabbing a bite to eat. in their best interest to make sure the information they are
passing on is correct. Because if their information canʼt be
trusted, they would have to make an honest living.
The Assassin: Subtler then a thug, an assassin is trained Officer: The leaders of the military are the officers, trained
to do their job quietly and efficiently. Most assassins in many weapons, tactics, and combat styles. The officer
develop a calling card so everyone knows their work. is meant to be a leader of men able to take a group
The more famous they become, the higher price they can of soldiers and turn them into an unstoppable force.
demand. Young officers are full of vigor and youthful ambition.
As they grow older they become more complacent and
The Small Time Boss: They run protection rackets, loan disillusioned, some though still have dreams of becoming
sharking, drug operations, and gambling houses. But the brass.
nothing to big, they have to answer to the big boss after
all. If they get to major, the big boss will send a lieutenant The Brass: Once trained soldiers now the leaders of
to deal with them. The small time bosses all have a few the military. They have gained some weight and have
thugs for muscle. many stories. They talk about the good old days of the
“mans military” not like it is today. Theyʼre ready to prove
The Lieutenant: The legman for the big boss, the themselves and unleashed their war machine, send
lieutenant, is always enforcing his will. They always travel thousands to die for the cause, and hope that it is worthy.
with some big thugs, for taken care of business. The
lieutenant must keep the small time bosses in line, the Corporate Warriors
cops off their backs, and the politicians in their pockets. The business world should not be taken lightly,
Sometimes the lieutenant gets ambitious, and has to be intrigue, double crosses, backstabbing, deception, fraud,
dealt with. betrayal, treachery, disloyalty, infidelity, all go on. When
climbing the corporate ladder you most be aware of what
The Big Boss: In control of the underworld, or at least rung youʼre on. The people below want to remove you,
their part of it, is a big boss. There is always area of crime and the people of above want to make sure you donʼt go
they wonʼt touch, usually do to a loss of a loved one to any higher.
that crime. They are always worried about one of their
lieutenants getting to ambitious. So they keep a couple The Old Boss: They tend to be cranky, irritable, and never
of loyal experienced big thugs close to deal with the happy. No work is ever good enough for the old boss,
problem. they want more more more. If you ever do anything right,
they soon forget, do something wrong and they will never
Military Personal forget.
Some join the military for the adventure, some for
excitement, some for a new life, some for the cool toys, The young up and coming Backstabber: They see an
some for power, some just to kill and get away with it. But opportunity they take it, morals just get in the way. On
the military is rarely what someone is truly looking for. Red the ladder to success the ends justify the means. Taking
tape is the rule, and if itʼs logical and efficient, itʼs probably credit for others work, sabotage others projects, poison
not what is going to be done. coworkers, blackmail, financial ruin, itʼs all part of rising to
the top.
Enlisted Grunt or (E3 Enlisted Expendable Extra): The
Enlisted Grunts make up the bulk of the militaries fighting The Sexy Secretary: Theyʼre alluring, theyʼre desirable,
force. They are trained in weapons usage, group tactics, theyʼre seductive, and they know how to uses it to get
and basic defense technique. What do you expect for ahead. Everyone else in the secretary pool hates them
eight and a half weeks of basic training? Theyʼre young; because what they do. And if two sexy secretary meet
theyʼre brash, theyʼre foolhardy, and are ready to plunge look out all hell will break lose.
into battle.
The Brainy Secretary: The Brainy Secretary runs the
The Sarge: The experience enlisted grunt over the years office, they know whatʼs going on, what has to be done,
they have learned to survive past their expected life span, and know how to do it. If the job has to be done, the
as a reward they have to watch young enlisted grunts. brainy secretary will get it done, although someone else
The experience that got them the promotion, usually gets will take the credit.
them an attitude to go along with it. Theyʼre mean, theyʼre
cranky, theyʼre sadistic, and itʼs to toughen up the grunts The Cubical Legions: Inside the offices lurk the cubical
so they can survive also. legions. The force moves as a chaotic mass, gossiping
around water coolers, inspecting the latest piece of
Special Forces: When the job is too tough for grunts they hardware, ogling the sexy secretaries, and other non-
send in the special forces; trained military experts in the productive activities. It takes the whip and the threat of
fields of survival and combat. They are dangerous, highly finding a new job to get them to work.
cunning, and trained to kill. Most work in small units,
covering each other weakness, but not get in each otherʼs
way.
Temp: They are the contract workers, brought in to handle Old Spy / Grizzled Veteran: Saying an old spy has been
a heavy work load, ready to be thrown out on their ass around the block a few times is putting it lightly. They have
once it is done. Some are highly skilled and move from learned too much, the people they worked for want them
contract to contract like a mercenary working for the dead because of what they have learned, the other side
highest bidder. Others are desperate to get hired on full wants to capture them to find out what they know. The
time and work like mad to try and get the cushy job. Then only thing that keeps them alive is the fact they are well
there are the ones that know the end is near and try and integrated into the network and if anything did happen to
just do the minimum trying to stretch it out as long as them, information would leak out and people would pay.
possible. Of course this means they most still play the game on
some level to guarantee their safety.
Help Desk: These cocky people help run the infrastructure
of the office and help things to keep running. They make Double Agent: They work both sides, gathering
sure things are so complicated that no one else can come information for the enemies from inside their own agency.
in to replace them easily. They love annoying other works Itʼs dangerous work, and if theyʼre caught death would be
when they are called upon, acting very arrogant and the easy way out. But the pay off is big if they live long
annoyed that they have to be trouble with such a simple enough to collected.
issue.
Gadget Techie: The world of spies rely heavily on
The Lawyer: Shifty, crafty, disreputable, and unseemly gadgets and gizmos. The gadget techie provides weapon
are some of the nicer terms used to describe the lawyers. disguised as everyday items, gizmos that allow the user
There are many legends surrounding the truth about extra abilities, and improved security devices. Eccentric
what lawyers are. Some say they have no soul, it has to and more in touch with their inventions than the real
be removed before the title can be taken. Other speak of world, the gadget techie is sometimes called into the field
dark rituals and secret sects involved in expanding some to do their work, which is like a fish out of water.
dark goal. No one knows the truth, the lawyers always
claim their just normal people leading normal lives. That Master of Disguised: You can never tell who the master of
alone proves theyʼre up to something, right? disguised is, or even their gender. They can be practically
anyone at anytime, and not in just looks, mannerisms,
Espionage accents, everything.
The world of Espionage is about information and
who has it, who wants to know it, who wants to destroy Deep Cover Agent: Placed years ago deep in the
it, and who wants to expose it. There is no difference enemiesʼ domain, the deep cover agent lives and works
between Intelligence and Counter Intelligence they are as a normal citizen. They work their way into the enemiesʼ
just flip sides of the same coin. Working in the world of organization, until they can get into a position of power.
espionage is not a safe job people are more expendable
then the information. The Contact: The enemiesʼ territory is a dangerous place,
it would be almost impossible to survive without help.
The Spy: Sent out to infiltrate, gather information, and The Contact works inside the enemiesʼ establishment to
report back, yet it is never that simple. But the spy is provide support to agents. Itʼs a tough job, support the
confident they can do the job, this may make them a bit agents and risk blowing a careful cover.
cocky, but it comes with the territory. No matter how good
the spy they must rely on a network to help them in their The Media
task. The media is always around investigating
anything news worthy, strange events included. Of course
The Researchers: Usually in front of a computer or locked the media is not always after the truth just a good story.
away in a vault of records, the researchers process the The media is not an organized association they are
information retrieved by spies to check its authenticity. An constantly trying to one up the competition. Some believe
important part of the network, the researchers findings that the truth speaks for itself, report the news honestly
can be invaluable in times of need. They can also be with little opinion and the people will always believe you.
helpful in aiding the spy in their task of infiltrating enemiesʼ Other think that opinions is where itʼs at, the facts are
strongholds. not important only what they think. Still others are more
interested in spicing it up, shock, gore, horror, only then
will people watch and pay attention. The end comes down
to ratings, the higher the ratings the more people believe,
right?
The Hard Hitting Reporter: When thereʼs a story out there, The Ninja Trainees: The ninja trainees make up the bulk
they will find it. But not the easy ones, no way, the hard- of a ninja force. They are sent out in numbers to soften
hitting reporters most dig deep to find their stories. They up an opponent. They are not overly skilled but what they
most get beyond the false fronts and lies to get to the lack in personal skill is made up in numbers.
truth.
The Ninja Leader: A ninja trainee that has survived long
The Sleazy Tabloid Reporter: Itʼs not the truth the sleazy enough to become skilled, and become a threat by
tabloid reporter is after itʼs the dirt. Scandal can be found themselves, becomes a ninja leader. A ninja leader will
anywhere, you just need to point it out. Sensation is what wait until the trainees have soften up the target, and then
sells, if you want to keep an audience you have to keep attack to finish the job. The ninja leader is skilled enough
on giving them what they want. to have mastered many of the stealth and deception tricks
made famous by the ninjas.
The Photographer: A picture can say a thousand word,
but that doesnʼt mean it will be bought. The Photographer The Ninja Master: The ninja master is much older and
needs to get that special picture, the one that will wiser then most ninjas, they know when to pick a fight,
make the front page and bring in the cabbage. That when to pack it in, and what for another day. The Ninja
picture doesnʼt come to someone that plays it safe, the Master has perfected all the tricks of the trade and can
photographer must be willing to dive into the heart of use them practically at will.
danger to come out with that one of a kind photo.
The Swordsmen: The sword is an extension of their body,
The Chief: The news is a tough business, thereʼs a they train to prefect their skill, because strength counts for
thousand stories in the naked city and the Chief doesnʼt little with the blade, finesse is everything. A devotion to the
have enough reports to cover 10% of them. A reporters sword many times causes inner reflection, and may cause
job is never done, 24 hours a day news is happening and the apprentice to become distance.
the Chief has got to be sure their reporters are on the job.
Sleep is for the retried, as long as they work in the news The Weapons Master: Every weapon has its school, and
biz caffeine is their best friend. every school has its pupils. They say that every weapon
has its own personality, and the student of that weapon
The Anchor: People must trust the anchor, they go in develops that personality. Although not always true, it
front of the camera every day to tell people the news. If seems to be the case most of the time.
that news isnʼt truthfully they could lose creditability. The
Anchor also has to worry about their looks as well, they Magic Types
have to look good for people to trust them. In the circles of magic there are many different
schools. But inside those schools there always seems to
The Warriors be similar types of personalities.
They train, they fight, and they seek perfection
of their skills, that is the life of a warrior. There is a sense Old Wise One: Wisdom did not come easy to these
of competition in the spheres of the warriors, one is sorcerers, it was a long difficult road. Now giving advice in
almost required to prove their worth when they encounter riddles, and helping out only when absolutely necessary
another. As their reputation grows a warrior will find more must be some kind of retribution.
people challenging them, some just for the status, others
for the competition. Power Nut: Magic means power, power means control,
control means satisfaction, at least to the magic power
The Kung Fu Disciple: By training in the martial arts one nut. Nothing is out of bounds for these magician, power is
can learn to focus their energies, achieve inner peace, its own reward.
and reach their full potential. This is the goal of the kung
fu disciple. But inner peace does not come easy, they Manipulator: Magic is a tool best used in the shadows,
most travel the world to gain wisdom to accomplish their these mages orchestrate people and events to their
goals. advantage. Done mostly through illusions and other
manipulations they like to be in control, even if it is from
The Street Fighter: Training is the key to perfecting ones the shadows.
fighting style. Yet sometimes they do have to fight others
to make sure their moves are flawless. Every match is an
opportunity to increase their skill, find the flaws in their
style and fix them, to study the strengths of other styles
and incorporate them into their own style.
The Rouges Gallery Mad Scientist: They build all the neat inventions for the
In any Zen and the Art of Mayhem game the villain and his forces. Usually very smart, most of the time
players will run into non player characters whose goals they lack the muscles and looks to be a real villain so he
are in opposition with theirs. These scoundrels will cause becomes a lackey instead. The mad scientist is always
conflict in any adventure, which is a good thing. Nothing building some new device or robot army to help his
spices up an escapade like a good set of bad guys. masterʼs plan.
Villains Yesman: They run around arranging things for their

The most important non player character in the masters and they are never far from their masterʼs side.
game is the villain. The villainʼs purpose in the game is to Not particular strong or intelligent, the Yesman may only
make trouble for the players. But villainʼs come in many have one talent in their favor but they uses it well.
different forms, some have aspirations of conquering the
1000 Faceless Minions: The last thing every good villain
universe, other may just have the intent of being mean.
has is a 1000 faceless minions, these hordes of followers
Villains can come in many types, the most
are always out doing something for their master. Their
common type is the players equal, their rivals so to speak.
only strength is in numbers. Alone they are nothing, but
Theyʼre foil of the players; intelligent, good looking, highly
together they are a nuisance. All 1000 faceless minions
skilled, lots of talents, etc... These rivals are almost
are gullible and stupid, they will fall for “your shoes is
impossible to destroy, no matter how hard the characters
untied” and “look out behind you” every time.
try they always come back with bigger and better plans.
A good villain ill always have grand ambitions, but
sometimes the villainʼs other aims, like revenge against 1000 Faceless minions
the characters, may take over ever now and then. A 1000 faceless minions are a special case
There is also a possibility that the villain may set equipment. These mindless Hordes, are always at the
aside their difference and help the characters deal with beckoning call of some evil leader. Although they can
a problem that affects them both. A villain may even be never hurt a character they do slow them down a bit,
working for the same goal as the characters, but goes at it allowing the bad guy to get away. Their stats are all 3 and
in a way the characters might not agree with. have a Talent of Get in the Way.
Some villains might only be around for a A 1000 Faceless minions main goal in combat
few adventures, these villains have smaller goals is to delay the heroes. They never truly attack they
and sometime are even destroyed by the end of the just make it so the characters canʼt get anything done.
adventure. They donʼt have to be as tough as the They protect their boss (throwing themselves in the way
characters, but they usually have some trick or gimmick of attacks, so the boss can recover from an attack or
up their selves. Sometimes they will return with a new escape). Attacking a 1000 Faceless minions in combat is
plans in which to annoy the characters, but they still lack a little different from normal combat. First, minions always
that forte which makes a master villain. go last, second a character can hit more than one minion
at a time. Each attack will take care of a percentage of
the minions. At a 100% strength the minions have a base
Henchmen 30+1d10 to get in the way of on coming attacks they most
The villain usually relies on a bunch of henchmen
beat the attack roll. Each of the characters may take out a
to do their dirty work, these henchmen come in many
small percentage of the minionsʼ forces making them less
types. They are the forces which the villains rely on to
effective. Each attack will take out a small percentage of
help them achive their goals. The size of the villains
the minions, about 5% per 15 points of damage.
henchmen force will depend on their ultimate goals.
Some villains whose goals are relatively simple do not
Strength Base chance to stop an attack
like having any henchmen around at all. Others will keep
100%-91% 30
a small handful they can keep an eye on. Some have
90%-81% 28
vast bureaucracies where even the main villains does not
80%-71% 25
know everyone working for them.
70%-61% 23
60%-51% 20
Muscle Bound Thug: The muscle bound thug likes to
50%-41% 17
solve problems by beating it to a pulp. They run around
40%-31% 15
and try to carry out their masterʼs orders. Not as smart as
30%-21% 10
the main villain, thugs usually have one or two talents that
20%-11% 07
help them get their jobs done. A good villain likes to keep
10%-01% 05
a few thugs around for their dirty work, with the fact that a
number of thugs working together can some times add up
to a single brain.
Of Course there are other ways to take out 1000 The Setting: Each adventure needs a setting. The setting
faceless minions. They include uprooting trees and using is where the adventure takes place. You donʼt need fully
it to sweep them out of the way, Asking to see their official detailed maps of every inch of the locality. However, you
1000 faceless minion union card, you canʼt fight non-union should have some maps made in advance to help the
minions that would break your heroes union code, etc... players see what youʼre describing. You donʼt have to
These tricks will work once or twice and may only work on create the entire locale, if the adventure takes place in
some of the minions. a large city you only need to know about the important
Final note, the term 1000 faceless minion is just things in the city. Places the characters need to go to get
that a term. It doesnʼt mean there always must be a 1000 the adventure done. You should have an Idea what the
of them for full strength, just allot. rest of the city is like just in case the characters end up
there, however you donʼt need fully detailed maps in five
“What” different scales and colors.
The true heart of any game is in the Adventure. It
is the soul of the game, everything should revolve around Non Player Characters (NPCʼs): Each adventure will have
the adventures. The background, the locations, everything a number of different NPCʼs. Some are just filler, like the
for a world should be created to further the adventures the people on the streets, some are important to finishing
player characters are playing in. the adventure. The filler NPCʼs donʼt have to have much
information on, they can have a number of different
Creating An Adventure personalities. They are people like cab drivers, waitress,
There are a number of different ways to create bartenders, secretaries, used car salesmen, etc.. You
adventures for Zen and the Art of Mayhem. It all depends should be able to use some of the pre-made NPC for
on what kind of game you are looking to play. Some filler roles. You can also make them up on the spot itʼs
adventures are singles exploits that when finished is not all that hard. The other type of NPCʼs are the ones
done. Others lead into subsequent plots naturally. Or that are important to the adventure. They are people who
maybe the characters make an enemy by the end of the help the characters, or the ones that cause their troubles.
adventure that will probably want revenge sometime soon. These NPCʼs are more complicated then the filler ones.
Whatever it is the adventure should have some form and Most have some talents and flaws. A few are equal to the
follow a few rules. characters. These NPCʼs should be made in advance
before you start the adventure.
The Adventures Reason: One important factor in creating
an Adventure is the reason. You have to know the Puzzles
characters reasons for adventuring. Are they the local Puzzles are the meat of the adventure, puzzles
Earth Protection Force? Are they thieves (I mean treasure are why you should be playing Zen and the Art of
hunters)? Or are they just going to school and weird Mayhem. All adventures should have puzzles to solve,
thing just keep happening to them? The reason could this makes the players think and use their characters
be anything, but there must always be a reason. If there abilities in clever and new ways. You should start the
is no reason for the characters actions, everything gets adventure off with a few simple puzzles for the characters
chaotic, which is never a good thing. Further more each to solve, then build up to bigger ones. This keeps on
characters motivation should be furthered by this reason, going into the climax where the plot puzzle is solved.
so they have a reason to go through with the adventure. Simple puzzle could be how to locate and open
a secret door, or find where someone is staying. A
The Adventures Goal: Next, ever adventure needs a more difficult puzzle might be Identifying a murderer or
goal. The goal can be anything from finding a hidden uncovering stolen item (and you must solve a lot of little
treasure, seeking out forgotten knowledge, ridding the puzzles to be able to solve the big one).
planet of nasty invaders, or to just graduate. Whatever Traps are another type of puzzle that need to be
the goal of the game is, each character must be working solved by the characters. Traps can range from just a pit
towards it. The reason should have something to do with covered by branches. To a large death trap (a la Indiana
the characters motivation. If the character doesnʼt want Jones). A note to Architects; you donʼt always need to
to achieve the adventures goal they will just drag out the think of ways around traps the players can do that very
game, making it harder to play. well themselves.
Luck Points Types of Adventures for Gaming
At the end of a normal game session the Architect
should hand out a few luck points to the characters for
Groups
When designing an adventure you have some major
their action. Depending on how the character played the
chooses on how an adventure may flow. Each is different
game and the way they solve the puzzles the Architect
and can be used a number of different ways. What type of
should hand out extra luck points. Any character
adventure you plan to play should be geared around what
conquering a major puzzle will get extra luck points.
type of characters are going to be playing.
Any character that came up with a clever solution to a
puzzle should also be handed extra luck point. Clever
uses of talent should also be rewarded. Very important Follow the Orders
to remember to reward extra luck points to any character Characters are given an assignment to complete.
that plays a flaw even though itʼs obviously going to result It can be fairly simple and straight forward. “Go to this
in problems and further compactions. At the end of a long castle and bring back my kidnapped daughter”. Or more
adventure / campaign you should hand out extra luck difficult “My daughter has been kidnapped find her”.
points for completing. This bonus should be enough for Depending on the group of players, the type of characters
characters to raise skills. they are playing, and the time you have to play. This
type of adventure can range in complexity to simple and
straight forward, to infinitely complex. The common thread
Notes
is that the characters have a goal they know they are
Try to tailor your adventure to the characters. If
working towards.
the characters tend to try to solve everything with their
fists, give them things to beat up and blow up. If the
characters like to solve puzzles with clever tricks allow Bing Bang Boom What Hit Us??
them to do it. Donʼt force the characters to solve a puzzle This type of adventure is to throw the characters
a certain way, allow them to go at it in their own unique into a situation and things just keep happening to them.
way. The characters canʼt help but be caught up in the story.
Most puzzles can be solved one of two ways, This kind of plot works best when the characters are
physical or mentally. In a game there should be plenty located in one place like a mansion or small city. You want
of puzzles that need to be solved either one way or the the characters to be able to move around, but not to far.
other, plus a few that can be solved either way. However After all you want the adventure to keep them on their
try not to make things to easy for the characters either, toes.
remember to test their ability to solve things. This type of adventure lends itself to the stumble
One mistake an Architect can run into is leading through solution. If the characters are slow and donʼt pick
the characters through an adventure. This should be up on the clues the adventure will climax with them in the
avoided donʼt write every adventure as characters go to middle anyway. If the character are smart they will start to
A then must go to B then arrive a C and finish at D. Have figure out things early and find the solution before it finds
the adventure set up where the characters might skip over them.
B and go directly to C then must travel back to B and then A good example of Bing Bang Boom what
finish at D. happened adventuring is the following. The characters
Another important factor to remember is not to are in a small town bar, a beautiful curvaceous fantastic
always force players into following the plot. Leave them looking blonde runs in. After the characters get to know
some room to do what they want and to roleplay their her (and they will do it) mob enforcers types walk in a
characters. If the character wants to stop at a bar you try and take her away. The character either try and stop
didnʼt plan, donʼt stop them, and let them have some fun. them, or get mistaken for some who is with her. After the
Lastly try not to create too many paradoxes in the fight (and there will be a fight) the women will disappear,
plot. Donʼt forces characters to find an Item they might possibly leaving something with the characters. Later the
not know they need. If the character needs a special characters will be thought to be involved and the enforcer
password to break into a computer system, donʼt have types will be on them trying to get them. The women
them look for the password before they even know they will show up a few more times, with trouble following,
need it. Give them hints they may need the password and each time giving the character a small clue to what is
have them look for it. happening. By the end both sides will come together
for the final solution. This is where the characters piece
everything together and solve the plot. Or during the
climax everything is explained to them.
A Bing Bang Boom what hit us adventure
is perfect for new players and characters. It allows
characters to start to learn the game system and keep
them busy with the plot so they donʼt get board.
I Think He Went That Way! Grand: This games minor plots will have an effect on the
This type adventure starts much like a Bing Bang world, and even if the character succeed everything will
Boom What Hit Us?? However the plot wonʼt come the not necessarily end up the way they wanted. To start a
characters way, they have to go out and find it. This type grand plot the Architect must be sure they are ready for
of adventure can take place in a large city or over many the effects this game might produce.
locations. The characters are brought into the adventure
in a big way. The characters then have to run around and Epic: These games donʼt just affect the gaming world,
find leads and clues. In each place the characters find a their effect can reach out and affect the known universe.
lead that sends them to a new location. After a while of In an epic game things change, some good, some bad,
tracking down leads and clues, the characters will be able but changes will happen and everyone (including the
to solve the game. Architect most be ready for them).
In a “I Think He Went That Way” adventure the
characters are caught up in a every flowing plot. However Notes
if the characters miss too many clues they may not be Notice the words winning and losing donʼt appear
able to finish the adventure, the plot will move on without in the description of the scope, why??? Because the
them. If the character are trying to stop an assassination, adventure is not step up in terms of winning or losing, the
they may miss too many clues then miss the location and plot elements take on a life of their own, and the players
a time of the assassination. If so they fail. actions will set the game in motion.
This type of adventure is best for experienced The Higher the scope of the game the more
players and characters. If the characters spend too much consequence minor plots will make. In a minor scope
time fouling around they may never get a chance to finish game the adventure is played and ended. Effect from that
this type of game. adventure may not ever make much of a difference. In
a Grand Adventure, Troublesome Sub plot are involved
Campaigns and Minor subplots are involved in those. Then when you
Warning this type of Adventuring is not for every look at and Epic Plot, their a few Grand sub plots with
Architect, it works for some, and it is a complete disaster troublesome sub-sub plots, etc.... I think you are starting
for others. WHY??? Good question, itʼs a combination of to get the picture.
the right Architect attitude and the right group of players.
The wrong group of players will make this a horrible Detailing out the Adventure
game format. When I say wrong group of players I donʼt After you decide the scope, the who, what, and
mean bad, so donʼt get me wrong, these games must be why of the plot must be figured out in some detail. Who
handled in a certain way, the players game style must is behind the adventure, what are they using to cause
work with the adventure. With that warning out of the the trouble, why are they causing the troubles they are,
way............. and so on. These questions lead you to others and so on
Campaign adventures should start with adventure down the line. Once you are done you should have a fairly
idea, that idea should developed and thought out by detail plot.
the Architect. The Architect must figure out a few plot
questions before they can begin. The answer to these Plot Threads
questions define what the scope of the adventure is, why Ever hear of the three fates of Greek mythology,
the characters are involved, and other important queries. the three sisters that divide the length of a persons life,
weave it into the tapestry of the world, and cut it off in the
The Scope end? Well you are doing the same with plots and sub plots
The scope of the game details the complexity in a campaign adventure. The main adventure should be
of the campaign, the more majestic the scope the more maybe up of a number of sub plots, each sub plot forms
grandiose the game. Try to tailor the scope to the time you a plot thread, and the plot threads form together as an
want to play the campaign, the larger the scope the longer adventure. Each plot thread should have a life of its own,
it will take to finish. yet it will affect other plot threads in the game and they
affect others, and so on down the line.
Minor: After the game is done nothing will have changed Try and detail this out as much as possible, write
much, whether the characters succeed or not. down the information and add to it. Go back to the first
questions and see if you answer them the same way as
Troublesome: The effects of this adventure will change before. If you change a plot thread, make sure it doesnʼt
the world in someway, whether the characters succeed or affect any other plot threads you have made. This process
not things will be different. Or if the characters succeed should take some time to complete and shouldnʼt be fully
things will stay the same, if they are lucky (and they want finished in 1 night. The higher the scope the longer it
things to stay the same). should take to create. An epic scope game may take over
a month to developed may be even a year or more.
Creating the Background Running a Campaign Adventure
During this process it is a good time to come up Yes, let the characters take over from this point,
with villains, NPCs, places and events. Theses to can be where they lead you follow detailing the adventure out as
added, expanded on, changed, and detailed as your plot they go. If a clue leads them to a city, you should have an
advances. Your subplots should start too developed as Idea the size of the city and places of interest, but until
your adventure takes form. they go there you donʼt need to map out every street and
However since the plot is detailed enough you building (even when theyʼre in the city you donʼt need
donʼt have time to flesh out every little detail. Instead every street or building). If you play a game on a weekly
you come up with enough to expand on later when it is basis it is relatively easy to detail out the adventure
needed. In an Adventure the characters will not be able to information between games. Knowing which way the
chase down every clue, to explore every sub plot, hell half characters are headed and what they are planning on
the time they can stumble on a clue and can skip half the doing makes it easier to prepare.
adventure, or stumble around in the dark missing the most For this type of adventure to work your characters
basic clues that will allow them to move on. have to have a couple of reason to trudge through the
plot (other than the fun of it). They should feel that what
Background Sheet they are doing is important or they will get something out
Before starting the game you should have enough of it in the end. This stops the characters from just giving
information done to give the players a background sheet. up, saying itʼs too much for them to handle and fleeing
This sheet should be filled with the most basic information to a safe place. Although this may sound tempting to the
on the gaming world which the players are going to be in. characters sometimes, make sure they really canʼt afford
Inside should be a short history of the world, information too.
on where the character start location is, and some hints
to where the plot might lead. The information should be The Plot That Wouldnʼt Die
relative to the scope of the game. Another good plot type is the plot that wouldnʼt
In a minor game the sheet might be no bigger die. Every time the characters think that they are done
then one sheet. Say the characters are going to be with the plot it rears itʼs ugly head. For example the
looking for the lost city of gold, the background sheet characters are hired to find someone, the client is killed,
should Information on the legends about the city, where it then someone else hires the characters to find the same
is suppose to be, and maybe what they might find there. person. Then someone threatens to kill the characters if
Inside that information might be names of adventures and they stay on the case, and so on.
archeologist who have searched for the city in the past. If
the characters are smart enough to look up their notes, or Keeping the Adventure Rolling
find them they might have an easier time. Since the character are in charge of where the
In an epic game the background might be several adventure goes it is important to keep them interested
pages long as you detail out past history that ties into the in the plot without throwing clues and leads in their lap.
events that are about to begin. This gives the players a If the characters are having problems in the beginning it
good sense of history about the game allowing them to is sometimes useful to use “The Plot That Wouldnʼt Die”
get more involved. approach. But soon as the characters get into the swing of
thing they should be fully caught up in the plot.
Introducing the Characters into the However every action the characters do will have
Adventure an affect on the plot. Every time a game session ends the
Once you feel your plot is set up and you have Architect should have to make a discussion on what affect
enough background to work with itʼs time to get the that session will have on the over all plot. A characters
adventure rolling. It is sometimes useful to have the action could cause a villain to move up or delay a plan,
players create characters once you have started to or may have gotten them noticed by the villain and he will
develop the adventure. That way you can integrate the change his plans to deal with them.
characters with the adventure involving them with the
subplots.
If you have not done this it is necessary to
get the characters involved in the plot whether you
introduce the characters through one of the subplots you
have developed or leave them smack in the middle of
everything it is up to you. However you should start the
character off by getting them involved in someway. Then
you sit back and let the characters decide what to do.
Be Careful What you Plan Background
In this type of campaign game you must be Background is the information directly related
careful what you plan, and be ready for the results one to the game. It is the facts that will create the adventure
way or the other. If the characters get an NPC killed that the player characters will travel through. It forms the
before raveling important information, oh well to bad. If the mysteries, formulates the dilemmas, and devises the plot
villain plants a nuclear bomb underneath a major city and elements. How much background is need is based on the
the character flee instead of deactivating it, oh well the complexity of the game. A lighthearted situation based
city is now gone. game would need a lot less background developed, then
Donʼt be tempted to meagerly change events an elaborate campaign.
in a game because the players are missing important Background mostly deals with events related to
clues, thatʼs the beauty of a campaign game, anything the characters past, player characters and NPCʼs alike.
can happen once the plot gets moving. The characters These events are major decisions or happenings in a
should be sweep up and carried away by the plot threads, characters past that cause them to become who they
change events and causing problems with ever action and are today. Not every event in someoneʼs life needs to be
not even fully realizing it. detailed, just the ones that are related to an adventure
or campaign. Events like a death of a family member at
Success and the Campaign Game the hands of someone else, discovering some long lost
To have a successfully campaign adventure you secret, or designing a new type of technology. Any major
should sit back and let the characters roam free, donʼt event that deals with an adventure should be at least
slow them down if they are moving to fast, donʼt speed outlined.
them up if they are stuck. In a good campaign games if
the players are linger for to long other areas of the plot History
will advance, causing them to act or move on. Sometime A history is very important to the background of
an entire game session will be the players watching any world. It provides point of reference for character
the results of their actions, although it may look like the and explains what went on before. How detailed and
Architects doing from their point of view. Many of the how far back the history must go is up to the Architect.
actions where caused by the characters and they are Some worlds only need a few paragraphs as background.
watching the results. Just enough to cover the major points of an up coming
Each Campaign should start small, giving adventure or campaign. Other worlds will need detailed
characters a chance to build up. Then start introducing backgrounds explaining the long history leading up to an
them to the main story, through small adventures. By the adventure or campaign. This is especially true of fantasy
end they will be caught up in the climax. Campaign games epics, space operas, or a post apocalyptic saga. A game
always lead to the big pay off. In the climax it is either set in modern times at a high school or university would
the characters succeed, or big time failure. Failure might not need a great deal of history written for the game. But
result in the world being destroyed, evil gains ultimate in a fantasy epic, where kingdoms have fought each other
power, or other unthinkable end come about. for thousands of years and gods and dragons involve
themselves in the destiny of man. Then the players will
“When” need a great deal of history to play in the campaign
Having a background, a prehistory so to speak, How much of the history the player character
is important to developing any world. How much of a knows is entirely up to Architect. Yet, even if the player
prehistory, and how detailed, is up to the Architect and character are not privileged to all the information at the
the world they are designing. In some worlds the history start of a game. It should be developed before the game
only has to go back a few years, so characters know what starts. For example if a campaign is centered around
events to possible build their character histories from. the character discovering that the world is controlled by
Other games need the history to go back hundreds of the Illuminati. They would not know all about how the
years to explain the current world situation. It is also very Illuminati has been controlling the world and history. But
important to know in what direction the world is heading the Architect would have to have these details planned out
in. What affects the game will have on the history and how in advance, so as they player character discover more,
things may change. the Architect can reveal the information to them.
Important Events “Where”
Every game will have important events that An Architect should have an Idea of the important
happened in the past that affect the game or campaign. locations that the characters come from or may travel
These events some how effect the events that are the to during a game. These locations include; homes,
heart of an adventure. They could be simple tidbits, like hang outs, bars, enemy bases, even cities, countries,
how a villain actually decided to take the road towards dimensions depending on the type of world.
evil and world domination. Or major story elements like
changing how World War II ended. These Important Local Locations
events should be laid out in advances, even if they are To help flesh out the world the character are
not common knowledge, they should be written down and playing in, it helps to have common locale where they
fleshed out by the Architect. So when they are discovered can become familiar with. These sites are places the
by the player characters they mesh well with the rest of characters spend allot of time at, usually in down time.
the world. They can be bars, restaurants, homes, headquarters,
If the Architect does create a history altering etc... Where ever they are, and what ever they are,
event, it should be well thought out. Considering how its they should have a mapped out floor plan, some NPCʼs
effect will affect the rest of the world, and possible change that either work there or hang out. These NPCʼs should
other events in the world. be given some type of personality to help flesh out the
location.
Future Events As an Architect you may never know before hand
In every game there are going to be events that where the player characters will go to hang their hat.
are planned in advance by the Architect. These events You may design a neat apartment complex, with nutty
are major points in the plot of the game. However they are neighbors and annoying staff. But the players all ways
not set in stone. These events could be moved ahead or go down to a bar you set up for one tiny event in the
held back do to actions by characters in the game, player beginning of the game. If this happens go with it, if you
characters and non player characters alike. Characters like move some of the NPCʼs to this location, and detail it
that the Architect planned to have at the event fail to out. Donʼt force the players to go where you want. These
arrive, or where killed early in the adventure. All these locations are for their roleplaying benefit.
factors can change a planned event or even cancel
it. But the Architect should have an idea of where the Important Locations for Adventures
adventure is going, and what events may happen ahead Locations important to an adventure should be
of time. Each time a game session has ended they should detailed in advance as well. Floor plans always help the
evaluate the future events and modify them to fit what is Architect to keep things straight. Nothing is worse then
going on in the game now. the players making a map and you tell them information
that usually doesnʼt work. In some cases it is fitting to plan
Timeline out guard schedules and when and where NPCʼs maybe.
The timeline is set up to help the Architect keep It is always possible the characters will use this to their
track of events for an adventure or campaign. The timeline advantage, or just get lucky.
should stretch both forward and backward. It should list
important events that shaped the start of an adventure, Cities
and then list future events “if everything goes according If the player characters are going to be
to plan”. After every game session, reference the timeline adventuring allot in one city it to should be detailed. That
and review upcoming events. If you think change is does not mean every street named, every building given
warranted move events around, make new ones, or an address number, and a floor plan. However major
remove the ones that will no longer matter. You may want cross streets should be named. Areas of the city should
to reference events according to plots and sub plots, so be divided up and given catchy names, like hundred bar
if one event does change, it is easy enough to find and mile, or the suburb that is a mall. As the game grows,
change in future events that are related. always write notes and expand the city. If the characters
If you are keeping a timeline for a long running visit a part theyʼve never been in before, copy down the
game, you can put down events that may deal with a name of streets and places they go. So if they go back
future sub plot or adventure. So when one sub plot or you remember what you put there.
adventure is done, you have already laid the ground work
for the next one.
Countries A Visitors Guide to Pangea
If the game is on a grander scale and the
characters start to travel the world it is necessary to detail Background
at least the major powers. At first all that is required is a Pangea is a world made up of only one continent,
name, a generalized type of government, and some major it also sits on an area of dimensional shift. The walls
cities. As the game goes on, organizations, corporations, that separate this universe from others in the multiverse
and points of interest can be added to flesh out the is very thin and from time to time collapse. When they
country. collapse it allows travel between dimensions. Where,
when, how large, and for how long these collapsed walls
Dimensions and Other Planets will appear is never known. However, the extreme north
In some adventure the characters may travel in the Darklands and the south in the Ice Desert, are
between dimensions or even voyage to other worlds. If where the most cross dimensional rifts appear. These two
this is the case then locations and information will have areas are pretty much unsettled because entire city can
to be developed for these places too. Depending on fall through a rift and are never be seen again, plus some
the frequency of travel the detail will very. If the players nasty thing have been known to cross over into Pangea
only travel to the dimension once to recover some as well.
lost artifact, then the Architect wonʼt have to do much Pangeaʼs largest cities are very technically
work. If the players spend as much time there as their advanced with computer networks, flying vehicles, and
home dimension then a lot more work will have to be huge skyscrapers. Even airports capable of launching
accomplished. spacecraft and orbiting satellites. However as you move
further out the cities you seem to move backwards in
Making Things as You Go time. As you get into the country you may even see horse
It is impossible to plan everything for a game drawn carriage or gas lanterns.
ahead of time. The Architect must learn to add detail on
the fly. Yet, as detail is added it is important to write down Countries
what you have added and keep track of it. You never Pangea: The largest superpower on the planet, the nation
know when the information may be need again, and it covers just around 1/4 the continent. Its capital is the city
helps to add detail to a world. of Pangea. The nation rose from 7 small empires that
banded together 2148 years ago electing an Emperor
“Why” from their ranks. Through the years Pangea changed
The why is a goal, a ambition, and a purpose. and is now the largest democracy on the planet, and the
Every game needs a goal to drive the adventure. An over Emperor is only a figure head.
all quest, a question that need to be answered, an aim
that need to be achieved, a target thatʼs needed to be Arcadia: Second largest world power, Arcadia has a large
reached. This goal is the driving force behind the game. trading commerce and holds many powerful multi national
It is the reason it goes on, it what the players should be corporations. Capital City is Arcadiaʼs governmental seat
striving for. Even if itʼs only personal wealth, fame, or this sea port has been in uses for over 2 millennium. Most
power. of Arcadias cities are port towns, or fishing towns. The
A game without an overall goal will not run Mountains hold many old castles and estates used by
smoothly, the character will lack focus and direction. aristocrats.
There must be a driving force that makes the players
move forward, to strive to finish the game. Cathey: Third largest power on Pangea, Cathey is an
ancient empire that has gone through many densities.
The last dynasty in power, prior to the current one, closed
itʼs boarders after losing territories to independence
movements, and having to deal with internal strife. Cathey
borders were opened only 50 years ago. The trade
and commerce bloomed, Cathey quickly climbed to an
dominate economic power, as it had been military. Inside
of Cathey is the forbidden city. A strange place that only a
few foreigner are allowed enter.
Muscovi: This former superpower has fallen into disarray. The Third World: Many small nations across the globe
At one time it rivaled Pangea, Arcadia, and Cathey with make up the third world. These are small dictatorship
its military might. It claimed all territories around the ruled by tyrants, democracies that have been taken over
motherland included the Titan Mountains, the Nomad by militaries coups. There are small states trying to join
Lands, and the Darklands. Now its conquered lands are the industrialized worlds, others whose people work in
breaking off and declaring themselves independent. The large factories of huge multi national corporations for
Muscovians are trying to hold whatʼs left of their nation little to nothing. Still others are fighting their way out
together. They are still a proud people having a long of feudalism. These small nations scatter the globe,
history of hardship, they have survived, and will survive, numerous bordering the several powerful nations, and
and forged a place for themselves in the world of Pangea. spreading out into the more dangerous places in Pangea.
the 4 Kingdoms: Made up of Gaul, Musvak, Moldavia, Regions

and Dalmatia these four kingdoms have been allies for The Titan Mountains: A large Mountain range sitting north
over a century, banding together to fight off an invasion by of Arcadia and Muscovi. The peaks of the Titan Mountains
Pangea at that time. They are fairly powerful individually are some of the tallest peaks on Pangea. There are
and each have separate economies, but they have a few path through these mountains that lead into the
banded together as a military force and share free trade Darklands. The Titan Mountains are not really controlled
across their boarders. Being strong industrial producers by one nation however many have established bases in
the Four Kingdoms ship many products out to the rest of the mountains. Most are abandoned do to trouble from
the world. the dimensional shifts. Some are still used for covert
opportunities, other have been taken over by renegade
Argo Island Kingdoms: Located on the southeast coast and criminals.
of Pangea these islands have banned together and have
become fairly powerful sea traders. They have a large The Darklands: Lying on the north side of the Titan
trading fleet that trade with every other nation and ship mountains the Darklands are the unsettled unexplored
products all over the globe. The Argo Islands do not have regions to the north, they hold many small city states
much in the way of agriculture resources, save for the unexplored forest and steppes. Many nomadic people
sea. Since many metropolises have sprung up on these roam these untamed lands, while other actually have
tiny island, they most rely on agricultural trade to support started settlements and have establish trade routes
their population. through the Darklands and across the Titan mountains.
The interdimensional rifts are quite common in the
Freedom Islands: This is a group of island which are Darklands, they open up taking many of the lands
located off the northeast coast of Pangea. They are all residence away or dropping of visitors and strange
independently run yet linked by trade and commerce. creatures from other dimensions.
Each piece of land on these island is its own nation,
allowing many crackpots to set up their own govertments. The Nomad Lands: Lying west of Muscovi these lands
Conquering is no way to take land, only cash. There are are the cold wastes of the north. The southern areas of
numerous cities in the Freedom Islands that are hang the Nomad lands are temperate forest and swamps, yet
outs for many of the criminal elements of Pangea. Since the further north you go the colder it gets. Many nomadic
they own the city they are the law. Still other places are tribes roam these lands. Some small city states have
run by strange religious cults who buy land for their own formed trading with themselves and other nations. The
purposes. The Freedom Islands are far enough north they Nomad lands have many problems with the dimensional
do get hit by the dimensional rifts every so often. shifts and are mostly unsettled because of this.
Koolawn: A small city state built on a peninsula on the The Southern Jungles: Lying south of Pangea and
coast of Cathey, it was once a haven for pirates and Cathey, past the third world. These are vast jungles that
marauders. It was then conquered by Pangea to act as stretch over thousands of miles of land. Inside the jungle
a supply base for the war between the two empires at is teaming with all kinds of life, from huge thunderous
the time. After the war Koolawn was kept as a territory lizards, to exotic insects that can eat through anything.
of Pangea after the signing of the peace treaty. It then Much of the Jungle remains unexplored by civilization.
bloomed as a trade port. Now it is a free city and it is However there are always explores that travel all over the
one of the riches cities in all of Pangea. A place where vast jungle looking for lost civilizations and new surprises.
trade takes place at all times of the day, and not all of it It is not uncommon for dimensional rifts to open inside the
legal. Koolawnʼs underworld is infamous ruled by Outlaw jungles depositing the strange and unusual.
Princes. They can get anything, any place at anytime,
but it will cost. Many run operations all over Pangea, but
headquarter themselves out of Koolawn.
Ice Desert: Below the Jungles lies the vast Ice Desert, the Ogres. They came through a dimensional rift they had
northern regions of this land are fairly temperate but the open to try and conquer Pangea. A war was fought for
lack of moisture keeps vegetation from over taking much three years, finally a peace treaty was signed ending the
of the land. The further south you travel the colder in gets, war. Part of the treaty stated that the gate would remain
and the less life you see. Many nomadic people travel the open for 100 years. Now the metropolis is known as
edge of the Jungle and the Ice Desert cutting themselves Ogre City and is the center of trade between Pangea
a life out of what the can scavenge. The Ice Desert is a lot and the Ogre world. The Ogre people are allowed to
like the Darklands with dimensional rifts opening up and travel Pangea, and some Pangeains are allowed to
changing the shape of the land, leaving behind gifts from travel to their world. A special branch of the GLC works in
other dimensions conjunction with the Ogreʼs own law enforcement division
to keep the peace, they are refereed to as the Dark
Places of Interest Guard.
The Underground Realm: Somewhere in the Nomad
Lands there is the entrance to the great Underground Toyoh Tower: Located in the Capital of the Argo Island
Realm. Rumored to have been constructed over a Kingdom, Edo city, This ugly mass of steel girders seems
millennium ago by a long died race. Legends claim they to be a focal point of strange activity. Weird events always
where stranded on Pangea after a dimensional collapse, seem to happen around the tower. Many believe it was
other tales claim they were a colony from another constructed over a focal point of magic energies, or
dimension. The Underground Realm is proclaimed to perhaps it was designed to focus these energies, no one
stretch over five hundred miles out at verse depths and knows for sure.
levels. Some of the main chambers are rumored to be
over five square miles in size. Fables tell of riches beyond Utopiaʼs Gate: A research complex for the GLC, this
the imagination in the tunnels, but they also speak of traps center also acts as a school for gifted children. Located in
and other dangers awaiting anyone exploring this lost the bay outside of Cypruss city in Arcadia, Utopias Gate
domain. is always experimenting in technologies even weapons
research. The base has been the target of attacks,
Raputa the Citadel in the Sky: Many legends speak of espionage, sabotage, and other covert actives. As well
Raputa a magical citadel in the sky. Centuries ago it was as weird and bizarre events. The wisdom of keeping
launched to rule the lands below. Eventually the tyrant small children at Utopias Gate has been questioned, but
who ruled passed on and the citadel erupted into civil war. they claim itʼs easier to protect the kids if they are close
Many of the citizens of Raputa fled back to the ground. at hand. To date no kids have died, but many have been
The rest where rumored to kill each other off, leaving the held as hostages.
floating citadel wandering the skies of Pangea. Myths
still speak of treasures lost in the floating fortress and Ruins of Sayeah: This former temple was once a base
weapons of destruction waiting for someone to find them. of power for some long dead warriors. The broken pillars
and endless steps are now inhabited by strange creatures
Kukukamunga: A mysterious city rumored located in the which feed off the magic energies still emitted by this
Southern Jungles. The tales talk about a former asylum strange temple. Many tales speak of hidden treasures and
taken over by a group of mad scientist. The others were vast power stored away in the vast relics.
let out to form a town around the asylum. The mad
scientist now conduct experiments in the old asylum, Organizations on Pangea
coming up with many strange inventions, some useful Global Law-enforcement Council (GLC): The Global Law-
others truly bizarre. An explorer once stumbled into the enforcement Council, or GLC for short, was established
city, he came back with a couple of strange devices, as a worldʼs police force. The GLC officers have authority
that then made him rich. Since then many people have to work anywhere on Pangea. The GLC mostly hunt
gone looking for Kukukamunga, legends speak about the down international criminals or are called in to investigate
entire city being able to change locations, and travel to strange happenings. Local law enforcement and
other dimensions. Other tales talk about a cloaking field sometimes even the military may resent the involvement
surrounding the city, and other outlandish defenses. of the GLC. Located in the City of Pangea, the GLCʼs
Headquarter houses the council itself, plus many of
The Cursed Pools of Remorse: Myths talk about magical their top marshals, inspectors, and detectives. The most
pools located somewhere in Cathey, and how they can advanced forensics lab is located in the building as well
change anyone that is unlucky enough to fall into them. as the GLC super computer, and the Mystic Sphere for
Legends say anyone who falls into one of the pools will dealing with magical troubles.
be cursed with two forms. Why anyone in their right minds
would seek out such a place is not known. Really Big Force (RBF): The Really Big Force, or RBF for
short, is a special forces division of the Pangea Military.
Ogre City: Once a fairly normal metropolis for Pangea, They use experimental weapons and equipment. All
the city was invaded by a demon race calling themselves soldiers are highly trained, and work in small teams or
squadrons. The teams are sent out and special missions
that would be to dangerous for the normal military. In
times of war RBF teams and squadrons are banded
together into battalions for special missions. Although
each team works better alone they can be quite effective
as a spearhead force.
Arcane Society: An ancient association of wizards, the

Arcane Society is now a high society club. Anyone of
power is a member, and the Arcane Society has clubs all
over Pangea. The rich and powerful come to talk deals
and rub elbows. But tales still speak a secret wizards
council that still meets. They control from the shadows,
shaping the destiny of Pangea.
The Mechanical Carnival: This traveling festival is

well known all over Pangea. It travels from city to city,
putting up rides, doing show, etc, the usual carnival
stuff. However this is not a normal carnival, some of the
greatest minds in both magic and technology travel with
the show. The Mechanical Carnival is known to deal in
blackmarket technology and magic. They smuggle unique
items from city to city. They are suspected of stealing
items from research facilities and other illegal actives, but
nothing can be proven. For the right price, and if they like
you, maybe they will do a job for you.
Magica-Magic: Not the largest corporation on Pangea, or

the most powerful, but they have created a niche market
for themselves. Magica-magic makes some ingenious
products by combing magic and technology. Stores across
Pangea carry Magica-Magic products, they do carry hefty
price tag. But they are always well built and reliable.
Races on Pangea
Pangea is full of many races, most are
humanoid but not fully human. Some areas of
Pangea there are small humans that only grow to
three feet in height they are often called Halflings.
Elsewhere there are short, squat, dwarf humanoids,
some claim it was from many generations spent
mining and drinking ale. A long line of tall, slender, p

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Zen and the Art of Mayhem

Zen and the Art of Mayhem

Whacked 1.3 Types of Scope

Full Metal Alchemist A typical Ranma 1/2 story

The Enemy is the Pirate

Magic Transportation from...

Here is Greenwood Dragonball Z

Power levels will be discussed in more detail in section 6.

Never on the Ball: A character with this flaw has a hard

Under the Weather: Cough, running nose, headache,

Sleight of Hand: The art of canceling small objects,

Oratory: The art of speech making, manipulating the

Provoke: The art of motivating someone into action that

Smooth Talk: The skill of persuasion and manipulating

2.9 DAN 2.12.1 Character Points

To put characters on this chart added up all stats

5 Novice 3.3.1Open Ended Dice Rolls

3.4.3 Increasing Luck

Quality Cost Breakdown Fix

DAN Loss +to Repair Difficulty

Cutlass: Popular short sword which is commonly

Bows and Crossbows Compact Crossbow: Small crossbow designed to be

Range +to Damage

Input Cards: These allow your personal computer to Tools

Bath Tub: Big enough to hide in and can take a lot of

Attack Helicopter: Small fast helicopters able to get in

Saturday Night Special: Small concealable pistol favored

Shotgun: Instead of a single shot, the shotgun fires a tight Armor

Hallow Point: Designed to expand and cause larger

Holographic Cloak: The newest in espionage equipment,

Synth-Flesh Mask: A specially designed mask, the synth-

Tech Level 2 Metal Working

Tech Level 8 Early Star Faring

5.4.4 Descriptions Of Actions Area to Hit Bonus

Sweep (Melee) +2 To Hit: This type of attack is not

5.5.8 Zero Hit Points

Poison: Poison is different between characters, NPC, and

Typical Poisons are:

Sickness: Characters must make a body stat check to

Nagging: Nothing is ever right with what you do, no matter

Villains Yesman: They run around arranging things for their

the 4 Kingdoms: Made up of Gaul, Musvak, Moldavia, Regions

Arcane Society: An ancient association of wizards, the

The Mechanical Carnival: This traveling festival is

Magica-Magic: Not the largest corporation on Pangea, or

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