0.1. Save Time Reading

This book has 5 parts. For simplicity, the first 4 parts will address the Adventurers directly. The 5th part will then address the Game Master directly:

Part 1 - Core Mechanics - An overview of the basic rules of the game.
Part 2 - Basic Abilities - An overview of the shared, basic abilities that most characters have access to.
Part 3 - Character Sheet - A page-by-page look at the Character Sheet and explanations of the remaining rules of the game.
Part 4 - Character Creation - A guide for creating new and compelling characters.
Part 5 - Game Mastering - A guide for the GM that will be running the game to help them ensure balanced, creativity, and fun.

Glossary

The Glossary contains a full description and some examples of each term. If you are reading this book digitally, you can also click on a term to go to its Glossary definition.

Appendix

The Appendix contains lists of content for the game, such as Abilities, Conditions, map features (like Zones), and much more.

Callouts

These help save time while reading. Below are examples of each callout type:

Caution: ...

Cautionary notes on pitfalls or common mistakes. Caution Boxes are more important to read than other boxes.

Tip: ...

The "Tip" boxes point out strategies and rule implications that may help you avoid common pitfalls.

Novice Note: ...

The "Novice Note" boxes are mainly for those new to Table Top Roll Playing Games.

Veteran Note: ...

The "Veteran Note" boxes are for those familiar with TTRPGs. These often explain things more succinctly using other TTRPGs as examples.

GM Note: ...

GM Notes provide tips or rule details that the "Game Master" may need to know, but that the Adventurers can generally skip reading.

Example(s)

The "Example(s)" boxes show examples of the game in action.

Most examples will use the characters #Alice, #Bob, #Carol, and #David to describe situations. These characters also have complete character sheets found in the Appendix.

Blocks

These blocks look like callouts, but will contain a full description of an Ability, creature, Item, etc.

We will explore how to read these blocks more in future chapters, but as an example, the Melee Attack Ability from the Basic Ability List in the Appendix is as follows:

Melee Attack

Time: Action Target: any in Swinging Distance(1u)
Trigger: When the target leaves Swinging Distance(1u) of you and is not Hidden
Test: Might
Effect: Attack

Might Score:

[0!] Miss. No Effect.
[..6] Hit. Deal 0 Solid/Blunt Damage.
[7..9] Hit. Deal 1 Solid/Blunt Damage.
[10..] Hit. Deal 2 Solid/Blunt Damage.
[10!] Hit. Deal double your High Score Damage.

See Melee Weapon. Grants +1 Damage. Only one can be used per Melee Attack.

Bonuses:

Beat Down. Advantage if the target is Prone.

Penalties:

Forced Entry. This attack counts as Loud when attacking an object or attempting to force your way into a container, through a door, etc.
Improvised Maneuver. Disadvantage when attempting an improvised maneuver to trip or shove an opponent. The GM will describe what may be possible and if there will be a saving throw for your target before you commit to using this Ability.
Improvised Weapon. If you are using an improvised weapon, you can Wield it as a Melee Weapon that matches, but gain a Disadvantage on the Test.

Basic Ability or Fighter Upgrades:

Opportunity.
- You can use this Ability as a Reaction with the following Trigger:
  - Trigger: When a target starts to Move away from you or leaves cover
- Any Abilities that allow you to use this Ability as a part of them also gain the above Reaction Trigger.

Powerful(1).
- Increase the Damage dealt by 1 for Passing Scores.
Powerful(2). Requires Level 5.
- Further increase the Damage dealt by 1 for Passing Scores.
Powerful(3). Requires Level 10.
- Further increase the Damage dealt by 1 for Passing Scores.
Reliable. Requires Level 7.
- Increase the Damage dealt by 1 for Low Scores (not including Critical Failures.)

Next Up: 0.2. Why Play Kleptonomicon