Fantasy Adventurers is the light, fun strategy game where you explore dungeons, kill things, take their stuff, return to town, heal your party, gain some levels, then start all over again with an even harder dungeon. Sound familiar? As a strategy game, rather than a RPG, in Fantasy Adventurers you manage a party of four characters rather than a single character.
What you need to play: Fantasy Adventurers is designed to be a light, simple and fun two-player game that can be played almost anywhere. All you need to play is a sheet of paper, something to write with and a single d20. It’s that easy.
Fire Ooze, Small (Tank 1): HD 1d12+3; HP 9; Init +0; Spd 10 ft; Defense 11, flatfooted 11 (+0 Dex, +0 Class, +1 Size); BAB +0; Atk -2 melee (3d6+0, Fire Aura); SQ Resilience, DR 3 vs. Blunt, Immune to Fire, Vulnerable to Cold; AL none; SV Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +2, Rec +5; Rep NA; Str 4, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 2
Skills (perks): Magic 4 (+6); Black Magic (Magic)
Feats: Elemental Aura (fire only), Fire Adaptation, Natural Resistance (Blunt), Ooze PhysiologyB, Size Decrease (Small)
Character Disadvantages: Mild Disability (-20 ft. ground movement), Severe Disability (Cannot manipulate objects)
Fire Ooze, Medium (Tank 1): HD 1d12+4; HP 10; Init -1; Spd 10 ft; Defense 9, flatfooted 9 (-1 Dex, +0 Class); BAB +0; Atk -1 melee (3d6+0, Fire Aura), or ranged (3d4+0, Fire Bolt); SQ Resilience, DR 4 vs. Blunt, Immune to Fire, Vulnerable to Cold; AL none; SV Fort +6, Ref +0, Will +2, Rec +6; Rep NA; Str 8, Dex 8, Con 18, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 2
Skills: Magic 4 (+6); Black Magic (Magic)
Feats: Elemental Aura (fire only), Elemental Bolt (fire only), Fire Adaptation, Natural Resistance (Blunt), Ooze PhysiologyB
Character Disadvantages: Mild Disability (-20 ft. ground movement), Severe Disability (Cannot manipulate objects)
Here's some more monsters from the upcoming science fantasy setting, Fantasci, the elemental oozes.Martial Arts Style
Pentjak Silat, which literally translates to “choreographed fighting,” is one of over two-hundred martial arts styles found in Indonesia. Pentjak Silat has a mystical side to its teachings, and it uses movements seen in Indonesian dance, as well as animal movements, to create an acrobatic style of kicking and punching. Many Pentjak Silat styles employ what are known as “Binuntang Empat,” which means “animal fighting mannerisms.” These styles mimic the fighting movements of the monkey, the tiger, the crane, the snake, the python, and the eagle. If you wish to mimic these substyles of Silat, you should “cross-train” in two or more of these styles. Pentjak Silat practitioners call their training halls Kendang. Students are either Pelajarn (Student), or for the slightly more advanced Murid (Disciple). They call their teachers Gurus, Pendekhar (Spiritual Grandmaster), or Dukun (Mystic).
Prerequisite: Combat Martial Arts or Defensive Martial Arts
Style Maneuvers
Unarmed 4 ranks: Pressure Point attack: when making called shots with the Precision Strike perk, you inflict +4 points of damage on a successful hit.
Unarmed 8 ranks: Improved Trip: DC of the trip check for the free trip granted by this feat is Unarmed or Acrobatics +5
Unarmed 12 ranks: Vital lore: +4 damage when making called shots with the Precision Strike perk, cumulative with Pressure Point Attack
Unarmed 16 ranks: Contemplative Master: your Wisdom is considered +2 higher for purposes of this feat.
Unarmed 20 ranks: Self-Help: +2 Wisdom
You cause your bow to shoot arrows infused with elemental energy.
Prerequisite: Magic 8 ranks, Weapons 8 ranks, Black Magic perk
Effect: One missile weapon of your choice fires missiles infused with elemental energy. These missiles inflict +1d4 extra elemental damage. The type of damage of this attack is either air, cold, earth, fire or water and you must declare with before launching this attack. If the creature struck is vulnerable to elemental damage only this bonus damage is increased.
This use of the magic skill is a free action that may be performed once per round.
This feat lasts for 10 rounds, you make your saving throw (see special below) at the end of that time.
Special: Each time you use this feat you must make a Will save (DC 10) or become fatigued until you rest for one hour. While fatigued, the Will save of all your spells is increased by +5. If you fail a saving throw while fatigued, you become exhausted. In addition to the usual penalties for being exhausted, this renders you incapable of casting spells until you are able to rest for 8 hours.
You damage anyone near you with an aura of the elements.
Prerequisite: Magic 4 ranks, Black Magic perk
Effect: Anyone who touches or is touched by you (this is a standard attack and the target’s Defense applies normally) suffers 2d6 points of damage. The type of damage of this aura is either air, cold, earth, fire or water and you must declare with before activating this ability.
This feat lasts for 10 rounds, you make your saving throw (see special below) at the end of that time.
Special: Each time you use this feat you must make a Will save (DC 10) or become fatigued until you rest for one hour. While fatigued, the Will save of all your spells is increased by +5. If you fail a saving throw while fatigued, you become exhausted. In addition to the usual penalties for being exhausted, this renders you incapable of casting spells until you are able to rest for 8 hours.
You infuse your weapon with the elements, adding to their damage.
Prerequisite: Magic 8 ranks, Weapons 8 ranks, Black Magic perk
Effect: Your weapon inflicts +1d6 elemental damage in addition to its usual damage. The type of damage of this attack is either air, cold, earth, fire or water and you must declare with before launching this attack. If the creature struck is vulnerable to elemental damage only this bonus damage is increased.
This use of the magic skill is a free action that may be performed once per round.
This feat lasts for 10 rounds, you make your saving throw (see special below) at the end of that time.
Special: Each time you use this feat you must make a Will save (DC 10) or become fatigued until you rest for one hour. While fatigued, the Will save of all your spells is increased by +5. If you fail a saving throw while fatigued, you become exhausted. In addition to the usual penalties for being exhausted, this renders you incapable of casting spells until you are able to rest for 8 hours.
Here's some spells from the first Modern20 setting, the science fantasy setting in the style of JRPGS (that's Japanese RPGs) like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Phantasy Star.
Horse, Draft (Tank 2): HD 2d12+10; HP 23; Init -1; Spd 30 ft; Defense 9, flatfooted 9 (-1 Dex, +1 Class, -1 Size); BAB +1; Atk +5 melee (1d2+8, Hooves); SQ Resilience; AL none; SV Fort +8, Ref +1, Will +2, Rec +8; Rep; Str 27, Dex 9, Con 20, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills: Athletics 5 (+13); Endurance Athletics x2 (Athletics)
Feats: Natural Weapons (Blunt), Night Vision, Size Increase x3 (Large+ size)
Character Disadvantages: Mild Disability (Cannot climb), Severe Disability (Cannot manipulate objects)
Horse, Riding (Speedfreak 3): HD 3d8+12; HP 25; Init +0; Spd 75 ft; Defense 12, flatfooted 12 (+0 Dex, +3 Class, -1 Size); BAB +2; Atk +3 melee (1d2+6, Hooves); SQ Need for Speed, 2 DR/Ballistic; AL none; SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +3, Rec +5; Rep NA; Str 23, Dex 11, Con 18, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills (perks): Athletics 6 (+12); Perks: Endurance Athletics x2 (Athletics)
Feats: Natural Weapons (Blunt), Night Vision, Runner x2, Size Increase x2 (Large size)
Character Disadvantages: Mild Disability (Cannot climb), Severe Disability (Cannot manipulate objects)
Horse, War (Powerhouse 4): HD 4d10+16; HP 38; Init +0; Spd 50 ft; Defense 12, flatfooted 12 (+0 Dex, +3 Class, -1 Size); BAB +4; Atk +10 melee (1d6+8, Hooves); SQ Melee Master, 2 DR/Ballistic; AL Rider; SV Fort +8, Ref +1, Will +3, Rec +6; Rep NA; Str 23, Dex 11, Con 18, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills (perks): Athletics 1 (+7), Unarmed 6 (+12); Endurance Athletics (Athletics), Power Punch (Unarmed)
Feats: Attack Focus (Hooves), Attack Specialization (Hooves), Natural Weapons (Blunt), Night Vision, Runner, Size Increase x2 (Large size)
Character Disadvantages: Mild Disability (Cannot climb), Severe Disability (Cannot manipulate objects)
Since I decided to let creatures of all types use roles like everyone else, I decided a good test case would be an animal that serves in multiple roles in the real world.(Speedfreak 13): HD 13d8+26; HP 88; Init +9; Spd 40 ft; Defense 28, flatfooted 23 (+5 Dex, +13 Class); BAB +9; Atk +14 melee (2d8+5, Hapkido), or +14 ranged (by weapon); SQ Need for Speed; AL Max; SV Fort +8, Ref +13, Will +6, Rec +6; Rep +7; Str 10, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 8.
Background: Adventurer
Occupation: Reporter (Influence, Perception, Streetwise) Perks
Hobby: Vehicles
Skills: Acrobatics 16 (+21), Athletics 16 (+16), Firearms 4 (+9), Influence 8 (+7), Perception 16 (+35), Read Language (English, Japanese, Korean), Speak Language (English, Japanese, Korean), Streetwise 8 (+10), Unarmed 16 (+16), Vehicles 4 (+9), Weapons 4 (+4)
Feats: Acrobatic Feint, Agility Training 1, Agility Training 2, Awareness: Will save +2 from Reporter, Attack Focus (Unarmed), Career Advancement, Combat Martial Arts, Defensive Roll, Expert in your field: +2 Reputation bonus from Reporter, Hapkido, Improved Initiative, Improved Trip, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Self-Help: +2 Wisdom from Reporter, Uncanny Dodge, Weapon Finesse (Unarmed)
Access/Contacts/Followers: Confidential Access, Favors (5 points)
Wealth: 20
Possessions: Mini Digital Voice and Video Recorder
Martial Arts Maneuvers: Low Kick: hits below waist penalize movement for 1-4 rounds, Flying Kick: +2 damage, +1 per 5 ft. of jump on charging unarmed attack
Character Disadvantages: None
Background: By the time she entered college at the University of Georgia, Brianna had seen more of the world than most people see in a lifetime. She had been to diplomatic functions in Seoul, watched Kabuki in Tokyo, and met three U.S. Presidents. Having worked her way through the ranks of several major newspapers, Brianna sees the Hanmei as the perfect story to launch her into a career as a Foreign Correspondent.
Quote: “Sugar, I know y’all can hit harder than that.”
Role: Brianna is a martial artist through and through, blending power with speed, beauty with grace.
Adventure Hooks: A male PC might take Max’s place, helping Ishinomori find his ex-girlfriend.
Terry's Tells: It's like watching greased lightning! Only better looking. She just might win this thing!(Tank 13): HD 15d12+75; HP 178; Init +1; Spd 30 ft; Defense 20, flatfooted 19 (+1 Dex, +9 Class); BAB +9; Atk +11 melee (2d8+2, Commando Training), or +10 ranged (2d6+3, Colt M-1911); SQ Resilience; AL Brianna; SV Fort +13, Ref +7, Will +4, Rec +13; Rep +6; Str 14, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 8.
Background: Military
Occupation: Bodyguard (Influence, Legal, Perception) Perks: Flurry (Unarmed), Power Punch (Unarmed)
Hobby: Weapons
Skills: Athletics 16 (+18), Firearms 16 (+17), Outdoorsman 4 (+4), Perception 12 (+12), Read Language (English, Korean, Spanish), Speak Language (English, Korean, Spanish), Stealth 16 (+17), Unarmed 16 (+18), Vehicles 4 (+5), Weapons 8 (+10)
Feats: All-Out Attack: +1.5 attack per –1 Defense from Commando Training, Attack Focus (Unarmed): +2 to attack rolls from School of Hard Knocks, Combat Martial Arts, Commando Training, Cross Training: Stealth, Damage Reduction x3, Die Hard, Diesel 1, Diesel 2, Endurance Training 1, Endurance Training 2, High Pain Threshold, Human Shield, School of Hard Knocks
Access/Contacts/Followers: Supply Contact (Wealth +20 and military equipment)
Wealth: 16
Possessions: Colt M-1911 (Max will have this almost anywhere- he has friends in supply rooms around the world who are willing to “lose” equipment for him)
Martial Arts Maneuvers: Pressure Point Attack: +4 damage on Precision Strikes, Body Blow: On a successful attack to your opponent’s stomach or chest, your opponent must make a Fortitude save equal to your attack roll +10 or be flat-footed for the next 1-4 rounds
Character Disadvantages: None
Background: Max met Brianna while both were attending the University of Georgia. Max was in ROTC and eventually dropped out to join the Army full time. He has served in the Special Forces and as a hand-to-hand combat instructor. Always looking for something more exciting, Max decided to become a mercenary, and when that became boring, he gravitated to long-haul trucking.
Quote: “My style? I’m a dedicated shitkicker. You?”
Role: Max is the fish out of water. Though surrounded by Eastern Philosophy and lotus flowers, he remains the same as he ever was—former Army Ranger, mercenary, and long-haul trucker.
Adventure Hooks: If a female PC takes Brianna’s place, Max might be helping Katsumoto look for her. However, the GM could just as easily make Max a villain, an absolute terror, working with Marcel to become one of Lin Qi’s assassins.
Terry's Tells: Well, he isn't graceful, or pretty, or even particularly skilled if you ask me, but his ability to bull through fights might just land him in the finals!(Empath 13): HD 13d8+26; HP 88; Init +0; Spd 30 ft; Defense 26, flatfooted 19 (+0 Dex, +9 Class, +7 Poise); BAB +9; Atk +14 melee (2d8+0, Aikido), or +9 ranged (by weapon); SQ Resolute; AL Family, Non-Violence; SV Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13, Rec +13; Rep +7; Str 8, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 20, Cha 13.
Background: Military
Occupation: Martial Arts Instructor (Influence, Perception, Unarmed) Perks: Reactive Stance (Unarmed)
Hobby: Firearms
Skills: Athletics 4 (+3), Firearms 4 (+4), Legal 8 (+9), Medicine 16 (+21), Outdoorsman 8 (+13), Perception 16 (+34), Read/Write Language (Cantonese, English, Farsi, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish), Speak Language (Cantonese, English, Farsi, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish), Stealth 16 (+16), Streetwise 16 (+21), Unarmed 16 (+15), Vehicles 4 (+4), Weapons 4 (+3)
Feats: Aikido, Awareness, Career Advancement, Combat Martial Arts, Contemplative Master, Cross Training: Stealth, Defensive Attack: +1.5 Defense per –1 attack from Aikido, Dedicated (family), Defensive Martial Arts: +2 Unarmed from Martial Arts Instructor, Empathy, Improved Disarm, Mind Over Body: +2 Wisdom modifier from Martial Arts Instructor, Ninjutsu, Poise: +2 Wisdom modifier from Aikido, Self-Help 1, Self-Help 2
Access/Contacts/Followers: Complete Access (former diplomat with many ties in governments around the world, owed many favors in intelligence circles), Skill Contact (Chemistry 10 ranks)
Wealth: 18
Possessions: Medical Kit
Martial Arts Maneuvers: +2 Defense with Reactive Stance, free Trip attempt on attacks that miss with Reactive Stance, Shuriken-jutsu: range penalties with thrown weapons reduced by 2, Shinobi-jutsu: Stealth check DC reduced by 5
Character Disadvantages: None
Background: A professional diplomat, Katsumoto has served as a Japanese Ambassador to both Korea and the United States. While in America, he met and married an American woman, who died five years ago. His wife’s death drove a wedge between Katsumoto and his daughter Brianna, who blamed her mother’s early death on the family’s moves and the isolation caused by language barriers in foreign lands. In an attempt to both protect his daughter and heal the rift between them, Katsumoto has joined the Hanmei, a use of the martial arts that he finds particularly abhorrent.
Unknown to anyone, even his daughter, Katsumoto was in fact a spy for the Japanese government. His ability to make others trust him and use that trust to open up to him, as well as a natural gift for stealth and subterfuge are all areas of his former life Katsumoto attempts to atone for today.
Quote: “The way of the warrior is the way of love.”
Role: Katsumoto is the Sensei, always attempting to teach the “true meaning” of the martial arts. He will attempt to use his persuasiveness (which is considerable) to convince younger characters to drop out of the tournament. For the student seeking a master, Katsumoto makes an excellent choice.
Adventure Hooks: If a female PC joins the Hanmei, the GM could substitute her for Brianna, making her the unwilling target of the “Little One Lost” campaign theme. A PC seeking to train with Katsumoto might join the Hanmei to make contact with him in the “Legendary Master” campaign theme.
Terry's Tells: Wow! What drama! What excitement! A 50 year old father and his 25 year old daughter in the same tournament! Will youth or experience come out on top! Will they face each other! It's almost too much.(Powerhouse 10): HD 10d10+10; HP 69; Init +2; Spd 40 ft; Defense 19, flatfooted 17 (+2 Dex, +7 Class); BAB +10; Atk +15 melee (2d6+6, Shao-Lin Kung Fu), or +15 melee (1d6+9, Hook Sword) or +12 ranged (1d8+4, Compound Bow); SQ Melee Master; AL Excitement; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +2, Rec +6; Rep +6; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 12
Background: Adventurer
Occupation: Martial Arts Master (Acrobatics, Athletics, Unarmed) Perks: Flurry (Unarmed), Precision Strike (Unarmed), Two-Weapon Fighting (Weapons)
Hobby: Influence
Skills: Acrobatics 13, Athletics 13, Influence 4, Perception 4, Stealth 4, Streetwise 4, Unarmed 13, Weapons 13
Feats: Armed Defense, Attack Focus (Hook Sword), Attack Focus (Unarmed): +2 to attack rolls from Martial Arts Master, Attack Specialization (Hook Sword), Attack Specialization (Unarmed), Career Advancement, Combat Martial Arts, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Shao-Lin Kung Fu, Strength Training, Two-Weapon Defense, White Crane
Access/Contacts/Followers: Favors (6 points)
Wealth: 14
Possessions: 2 Hook Swords, Butterfly Swords (pair)
Character Disadvantages: None
Background: Jing Choi, which means fantastic, is what he calls himself. No one knows if that’s his real name or not, because his Cantonese is almost incomprehensible at the speed he speaks it, and he speaks no other language. However, most people would call him that anyway, as he yells it all the time after a good move in a fight, and it sums up his manic, optimistic outlook perfectly. Jing Choi likes nothing more than a good fight. He is not a bully, and prefers fights against opponents of his skill level or higher. However, anyone seen being a bully, or disrespectful to a woman, will also attract Jing Choi’s attention. In short, if there’s any trouble around, Jing Choi will get in the middle of it, happily shouting his name while flooring opponents.
Quote: “Jing Choi!”
Terry's Tells: What can you say about this guy? He's got power, he's got speed and he's got the moves, both with weapons and with his fists. Still, he's a little skinny, and he's going to take some shots in the later rounds. If can find a way to take that punishment and get through it, he has the skill to go all the way.(Speedfreak 8/Powerhouse 2): HD 2d10+4 plus 8d8+16; HP 71; Init +10; Spd 40 ft; Defense 23, flatfooted 19 (+4 Dex, +9 Class); BAB +8; Atk +8 melee (2d6+0, Jujutsu), or +15 melee (2d6+9, Katana), or +12 ranged (1d6+3, Javelin); SQ Melee Master; AL Bushido; SV Fort +9, Ref +10, Will +3, Rec +6; Rep +6; Str 10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 8
Background: Rural
Occupation: Weapon Master (Influence, Perception, Weapons) Perks:
Flurry (Weapons), Precision Strike (Unarmed), Precision Strike (Weapons)
Hobby: Weapons
Skills: Acrobatics 10 (+14), Athletics 12 (+12), Outdoorsman 5 (+6), Perception 11 (+12), Read/Write Language (English, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin), Speak Language (English, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin), Stealth 13 (+17), Unarmed 13 (+13), Weapons 13 (+13)
Feats: Agility Training, Armed Defense (25 defense against melee attacks), Attack Focus (Katana): +2 to attack rolls from Weapon Master, Attack Specialization (Katana), Career Advancement, Combat Martial Arts, Improved Initiative: +6 Initiative from Kenjutsu, Improved Trip: DC of free trip +5 from Jujutsu, Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, Quick Draw, Uncanny Dodge, Weapon Finesse (Katana)
Access/Contacts/Followers: Skill Contact: Medicine 9 ranks, Supply Contact (Wealth +20)
Wealth: 14
Possessions: Masterwork Katana (attack), 6 Javelins, Nunchaku, Tonfa
Character Disadvantages: Code: Bushido (DSR 5)
Background: Kimmy has always rebelled against her culture and traditional Japanese upbringing. She always felt her father, who traces his line back to medieval Samurai, wanted a son, and she chafes against his expectations for her. However, in many ways, Kimmy is the ideal son for her father; swift and dangerous, steeped in the history of her country, she is the soul of a samurai in the body of a woman barely five feet tall. Many opponents have failed to realize this about her until it is too late.
Quote: “Atashi Samuraikatagi!”
Terry's Tells: This reporter thinks Kimiko is something of a longshot to reach the finals. But if she does, watch out! Remember, weapons are allowed during the final round and her profile in that area is off the charts!(Tank 7): HD 8d12 +24; HP 81; Init +2; Spd 35 ft; Defense 17, flatfooted 17 (+2 Dex, +5 Class); BAB +5; Atk +10 melee (1d10+3, Boxing), or +7 ranged (by weapon); SQ Resilience; AL none; SV Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +3, Rec +8; Rep +4; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Background: Blue Collar
Occupation: Boxer (Athletics, Perception, Unarmed) Perks: Fast Punch (Unarmed), Power Punch (Unarmed), Flurry (Unarmed)
Hobby: Weapons
Skills: Athletics 10 (+13), Outdoorsman 10 (+11), Perception 10 (+11), Streetwise 10 (+11), Unarmed 10 (+13) and Weapons 6 (+9)
Feats: All-Out Attack: +1.5 attack per –1 Def from Boxing, Attack Focus (unarmed): +2 attack rolls from Boxer, Boxing, Career Advancement, Combat Martial Arts, Defensive Attack: +1.5 Def per –1 attack from Boxer, Defensive Martial Arts (23 Defense against melee attacks with Move action), Diesel, Endurance Training, Strength Training: +2 Str from Boxer
Access/Contacts/Followers: Skill Contact: Doc Marlowe (Medicine 11 ranks)
Wealth: 17
Possessions: Cell Phone
Martial Arts Maneuvers: Lightning Jab (once per encounter opponent is flat-footed when using Fast Punch feat)
Character Disadvantages: None
Background: Roy feels he never got a “real” shot at boxing. He didn’t kiss the asses of the right promoters, and very few of the big-name fighters wanted to fight the tough, cagey slugger. He was offered jobs as a sparring partner, but Roy finds being a human punching bag boring. He overheard some guys in a bar talking about some organized streetfight, and after knocking them out, showed up at the appointment they paid for.
Quote: “C’mon, boy. I know you can hit harder than that. Hell, I barely felt it.”
Comments: Roy is a cagey veteran who knows the value of patience. Early in a fight he will use Defensive Martial Arts and Defensive Attack, coupled with Fast Punches and Lightning Jabs to protect himself while he wears down his opponent. Once his opponent is in trouble, he switches entirely, abandoning his Defensive Martial Arts for Multi-Attack (with the Flurry perk), mixing in All-Out Attacks and Power Punches as necessary until he finishes his opponent off.
This is Terry McMannis, broadcasting from an undisclosed location. I’m in week three of a grueling, life or death struggle known as the Hanmei, or “the Proving”. Yet despite the hardships and death, my opponents and I have grown to respect one another, as true warriors of honor. Check out the excerpt of Chapter 1 of “Warriors of Honor” that I just uploaded to my blog, and be sure to go to the store on the site for a “Warriors of Honor, Fighters of Blood” t-shirt, now available in XXXXL! That’s all for now fellow warriors, I’ll post more when I have the chance. If I survive, that is.
Advanced Qualities: To add more flavor to melee combat, Martial Arts20 adds the concept of advanced qualities to weapons. Advanced Qualities are only available to wielders who possess certain feats or perks and represent the ability of a wielder to use his advanced training in combination with the unique qualities of a melee weapon to even greater effect.
Block (Armed Defense, Two-Weapon Defense): The weapon has qualities that make it ideal defensively. If a wielder has the Armed Defense feat, his Weapons skill is considered +2 higher for purposes of that feat.
If a wielder has the Two-Weapon Defense feat and is using a weapon with this quality in his off hand, his Defense bonus is improved by +2.
Bruising (Attack Specialization): A bruising weapon is functionally identical to a penetrating weapon, except it causes bruising rather than bleeding (see below and the Condition Summary in the Modern20 core rules).
Brutal (Attack Focus): A brutal weapon can inflict tremendous damage in the hands of a skilled wielder with the Attack Specialization feat. When making a called shot with a brutal weapon using the Precision Strike perk, the damage multiplier is increased by one-half. So for example, if the damage modifier of a location was one-half, with a brutal weapon it would be one (normal damage). A location with a damage modifier of 1.5 would have its damage modifier increased to 2 and so on.
The brutal advanced quality is meant to simulate a weapon that can take a limb off entirely in as “gameable” a way as possible.
Disarm (Improved Disarm): The DC of the free disarm check granted by the Improved Disarm feat is reduced by 5.
Grappling (Improved Grab): The DC of the free grab check granted by the Improved Grab feat is reduced by 5.
Penetrating (Attack Specialization): A penetrating weapon causes tremendous blood loss on hits to the throat, chest and stomach for wielders who possess the Attack Specialization feat. A hit to one of these locations (whether determined randomly or through a called shot made with the Precision Strike perk) causes mild bleeding. A second hit to one of these locations increases the bleeding to serious and a third hit increases the bleeding to severe (see the Condition Summary on page 84 of the Modern20 core rules for more information on bleeding).
A penetrating weapon can cause bleeding even if the optional injury rules are not being used. If the injury rules are being used, a hit with a penetrating weapon to the proper locations as described above always causes bleeding, and if an injury calls for bleeding, that bleeding is one category more severe (mild becomes serious, serious becomes severe).
Precise (Weapon Finesse): A precise weapon handles well and aids a wielder with the Weapon Finesse feat in landing carefully targeted blows. Reduce the penalty of a called shot made with the Precision Strike perk by 2.
Set (Attack Focus): A weapon with this quality allows a wielder with the Attack Focus feat to make a free attack whenever anyone comes within 10 ft. of his location. If the wielder of this weapon is charged, he inflicts double damage on this free attack.
Now you might be asking yourself, do these take the place of weapon martial arts? And the answer is no. Meaning, you will be able to combine these with a weapon martial art.Fan: The seemingly simple fan, like the chain, is a deadly weapon in the hands of a master. This weapon can serve to deflect attacks, disarm an attacker and even inflict damage, usually in conjunction with precise strikes to nerve clusters.
Advanced Qualities: Block, Disarm, Precise
I'm almost more excited about this aspect of the book, which was a relatively late stage of design, than the unarmed stuff.Weapon Style
The Naginata is the traditional weapon of the Samurai daughters, and the fluid, spinning footwork taught by this style for both attack and defense were considered the epitome of beauty, grace, and femininity in medieval Japan. Practice of this art by women dates back to Japan’s Tokugawa Period (1600-1867), but the form continues today in a Kenjutsu-like sport, still dominated by women. This style, however, represents the older combative form of the art.
Prerequisite: Attack Focus (naginata)
Style Maneuvers
Weapons 4 ranks: After a successful attack with a Naginata, you may make a free Push attempt against your opponent, using the Weapons skill in place of the Unarmed skill. Consult the Unarmed skill for more information on the Push skill use.
Weapons 8 ranks: Defensive Attack: +1.5 Defense per –1 attack penalty, rounded down (+1 Defense for –1 attack, +3 Defense for –2 attack and so forth)
Weapons 12 ranks: Vital lore: when making called shots with the Precision Strike perk, your penalty to hit is reduced by 2.
Weapons 16 ranks: Weapon Finesse (naginata): your Dexterity modifier is considered +2 higher for purposes of this feat.
Weapons 20 ranks: Agility Training: +2 Dexterity
Animal Style
You use an acrobatic animal style, characterized by rolling around on the ground like an angry monkey. Conventional opponents find it difficult to fight you. Variants of this style exist in both Africa and the Orient.
Prerequisite: Combat Martial Arts or Defensive Martial Arts
Style Maneuvers
Unarmed 4 ranks: +2 Defense when using the Reactive Stance perk
Unarmed 8 ranks: Dodge Focus: +2 Defense bonus once (taking this feat additional times only grants the normal +1 bonus per feat).
Unarmed 12 ranks: If an opponent attacks and misses you while you are using the Reactive Stance perk, you may make a free Trip attempt against that attacker
Unarmed 16 ranks: Defensive Attack: +1.5 Defense per –1 attack penalty, rounded down (+1 Defense for –1 attack, +3 Defense for –2 attack and so forth)
Unarmed 20 ranks: Agility Training: +2 Dexterity
Also, in case it's not clear, anything listed that's an improved feat, you still have to take the feat. The style just makes it improved for you.Martial Arts Style
A martial art that believes mystery is the key to victory, masks are worn during combat to protect the fighter’s identity and give him added ferocity in battle. Like many pure wrestling traditions Mexican Masked Wrestling has made its way into Professional Wrestling… at least the masks have.
Prerequisite: Combat Martial Arts or Defensive Martial Arts
Style Maneuvers
Unarmed 4 ranks: Immovable: the DC of trip attempts against you is your Unarmed or Acrobatics +15
Unarmed 8 ranks: Low Profile: once per encounter if you are masked you gain a bonus to a single attack roll equal to the difference between your Reputation and your opponent’s Reputation.
You may use this ability additional times per encounter if you spend an Action Point.
Unarmed 12 ranks: Aura of Mystery: while wearing a mask, your unarmed attacks are modified by your Charisma rather than your Strength.
Unarmed 16 ranks: Banter: your Charisma modifier is considered +2 higher for purposes of this feat
Unarmed 20 ranks: Public Speaking: +2 Charisma
(Powerhouse 3/Tank 3): HD 3d10+6 plus 3d12+6; HP 52; Init +7; Spd 35 ft; Defense 15, flatfooted 14 (+1 Dex, +4 Class); BAB +5; Atk +10 melee (2d6+11, Katana wielded two-handed), or +7 ranged (2d4+2, Glock 20); SQ Melee Master; AL Yakuza Oyabun; SV Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +3, Rec +7; Rep +7; Str 16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Background: Criminal
Occupation: Mobster (Crime, Firearms, Streetwise) Perks: Aggressive Stance (Weapons), Power Punch (Unarmed), Professional Reputation
Hobby: Streetwise
Skills: Athletics 6 (+9), Firearms 9 (+10), Perception 4 (+5), Stealth 4 (+5), Streetwise 7 (+8), Unarmed 9 (+12), Vehicles 4 (+5), Weapons 9 (+12)
Feats: Armed Defense (22 Defense against melee attacks), Attack Focus (Katana), Attack Specialization (Katana), Career Advancement, Combat Martial Arts, Enemy (Rival Family), Improved Initiative, Kenjutsu, Shotokan Karate
Access/Contacts/Followers: Supply Contact (Wealth 23 and Military equipment)
Wealth: 9
Possessions: Glock 20, Katana (Masterwork- attack and damage)
Martial Arts Maneuvers: +2 Initiative when using Aggressive Stance Weapons perk; +2 attack bonus when using Power Punch Unarmed perk
Description: As an Oyabun’s “bullet”, this loyal enforcer will seek out any enemies marked for death by his master and attempt to kill him. This particular Teppodama prefers the old ways, and will gladly engage an opponent in armed or unarmed combat, using his pistol only if an opponent runs. As part of his samurai honor, this combatant will not wear armor under any circumstances.
2d6+11 damage with a Katana means never, ever, under any circumstances, having to say you're sorry.(Also Called Kempo)
Martial Arts Style
Kenpo’s origins are shrouded in mystery, but this art seems to be Chuan Fa, transplanted to Okinawa and then Japan via wandering Chinese monks. This inference is largely made because the Shaolin martial art Chuan Fa translates to “fist art” and Kenpo translates to “law of the fist”. Regardless of its ancient origins the modern era of Kenpo begins when James Mitose opens the “Official Self Defense Club” in Honolulu in 1936. Mitose taught William Chow, who in turn taught Ed Parker, who brought Kenpo to the United States. Parker, a greatly influential teacher, is often credited with “discovering” Bruce Lee at a Kenpo tournament, and was a martial arts instructor to the stars, including Steve McQueen and Elvis Presley. However, Parker also taught police self-defense, lending credibility to his style’s combat effectiveness.
Prerequisites: Combat Martial Arts or Defensive Martial Arts
Style Maneuvers
Unarmed 4 ranks: Low Kick: when using the Precision Strike perk to target an opponent’s Foot, Calf, Knee, Thigh or Groin, your penalties to target these locations are reduced by 2.
Unarmed 8 ranks: Attack Focus (unarmed): +2 to attack rolls
Unarmed 12 ranks: Body Blow: On a successful attack to your opponent’s stomach or chest, your opponent must make a Fortitude save equal to your attack roll +10 or be flat-footed for the next 1-4 rounds. If you are using the injury rules, this is in addition to any effects from a stomach or chest hit due to injuries.
Unarmed 16 ranks: Weapon Finesse (unarmed): your Dexterity modifier is considered +2 higher for purposes of this feat.
Unarmed 20 ranks: Agility Training +2 Dexterity
