Warrior
Fantasy/Fairy tale: Warrior, fighter, swordsman, knight, barbarian, soldier, myrmidon, valkyrie
Modern/Horror/Romance: police officer, soldier, watchman, detective, guard, brawler, tough, athlete
Science fiction: security officer, warrior, trooper, soldier, merc
Superhero/Post-Apocalyptic: hero, brick, bruiser
You’re a good ally to have in a fight. You know how to use weapons and defend yourself. Depending on the genre and setting in question, this might mean wielding a sword and shield in the gladiatorial arena, an AK-47 and a bandolier of grenades in a savage firefight, or a blaster rifle and powered armor when exploring an alien planet.
Individual Role: Warriors are physical, action-oriented people. They’re more likely to overcome a challenge using force than by other means, and they often take the most straightforward path toward their goals.
Group Role: Warriors usually take and deal the most punishment in a dangerous situation. Often it falls on them to protect the other group members from threats. This sometimes means that warriors take on leadership roles as well, at least in combat and other times of danger.
Societal Role: Warriors aren’t always soldiers or mercenaries. Anyone who is ready for violence, or even potential violence, might be a Warrior in the general sense. This includes guards, watchmen, police officers, sailors, or people in other roles or professions who know how to defend themselves with skill.
Advanced Warriors: As warriors advance, their skill in battle—whether defending themselves or dishing out damage—increases to impressive levels. At higher tiers, they can often take on groups of foes by themselves or stand toe to toe with anyone.
Warrior Player Intrusions
You can spend 1 XP to use one of the following player intrusions, provided the situation is appropriate and the GM agrees.
Perfect Setup: You’re fighting at least three foes and each one is standing in exactly the right spot for you to use a move you trained in long ago, allowing you to attack all three as a single action. Make a separate attack roll for each foe. You remain limited by the amount of Effort you can apply on one action.
Old Friend: A comrade in arms from your past shows up unexpectedly and provides aid in whatever you’re doing. They are on a mission of their own and can’t stay longer than it takes to help out, chat for a while after, and perhaps share a quick meal.
Weapon Break: Your foe’s weapon has a weak spot. In the course of the combat, it quickly becomes damaged and moves two steps down the object damage track.
Warrior Stat Pools
| Stat | Pool Starting Value |
|---|---|
| Might | 10 |
| Speed | 10 |
| Intellect | 8 |
You get 6 additional points to divide among your stat Pools however you wish.
First Tier Warrior
First-tier warriors have the following abilities:
Effort: Your Effort is 1.
Physical Nature: You have a Might Edge of 1 and a Speed Edge of 0, or you have a Might Edge of 0 and a Speed Edge of 1. Either way, you have an Intellect Edge of 0.
Cypher Use: You can bear two cyphers at a time.
Weapons: You become practiced with light, medium, and heavy weapons and suffer no penalty when using any kind of weapon. Enabler.
Starting Equipment: Appropriate clothing and two weapons of your choice, plus one expensive item, two moderately priced items, and up to four inexpensive items.
Special Abilities: Choose four of the abilities listed below. You can’t choose the same ability more than once unless its description says otherwise. The full description for each listed ability can be found in Abilities, which also has descriptions for flavor and focus abilities in a single vast catalog.
Bash
1 Might Point
This is a pummeling melee attack. Your attack inflicts 1 less point of damage than normal, but dazes your target for one round, during which time all tasks it performs are hindered.
Action.
Improved Edge
Choose one of your Edge stats that is 0. It increases to 1.
Enabler.
Swipe
1 Speed Point
This is a quick, agile melee attack. Your attack inflicts 1 less point of damage than normal but dazes your target for one round, during which time all tasks it performs are hindered.
Action.
Combat Prowess
You add +1 damage to one type of weapon attack of your choice: melee weapon attacks or ranged weapon attacks.
Enabler.
No Need for Weapons
When you make an unarmed attack (such as a punch or kick), it counts as a medium weapon instead of a light weapon.
Enabler.
Practiced in Armor
You can wear armor for long periods of time without tiring and can compensate for slowed reactions from wearing armor. You reduce the Speed cost for wearing armor by 1. You start the game with a type of armor of your choice.
Enabler.
Trained Without Armor
You are trained in Speed defense tasks when not wearing armor.
Enabler.
Control the Field
1 Might Point
This melee attack inflicts 1 less point of damage than normal, and regardless of whether you hit the target, you maneuver it into a position you desire within immediate range.
Action.
Quick Throw
2 Speed Points
After using a thrown light weapon, you draw another light weapon and make another thrown attack against the same target or a different one.
Action.
Overwatch
1 Intellect Point
You use a ranged weapon to target a limited area (such as a doorway, a hallway, or the eastern side of the clearing) and make an attack against the next viable target to enter that area.
This works like a wait action, but you also negate any benefit the target would have from cover, position, surprise, range, illumination, or visibility. Further, you inflict 1 additional point of damage with the attack. You can remain on overwatch as long as you wish, within reason.
Action.
Physical Skills
You are trained in two skills in which you are not already trained. Choose two of the following: balancing, climbing, jumping, running, or swimming.
You can select this ability multiple times. Each time you select it, you must choose two different skills.
Enabler.
Second Tier Warrior
Choose two of the abilities listed below (or from a lower tier) to add to your repertoire. In addition, you can replace one of your lower-tier abilities with a different one from a lower tier.
Crushing Blow
2 Might Points
When you use a bashing or bladed weapon in both hands and apply Effort on the attack, you get a free level of Effort on the damage. (If fighting unarmed, this attack is made with both fists or both feet together.)
Action.
Reload
1 Speed Point
When using a weapon that normally requires an action to reload, such as a heavy crossbow, you can reload and fire (or fire and reload) in the same action.
Enabler.
Skill With Defense
Choose one type of defense task in which you are not already trained: Might, Speed, or Intellect. You are trained in defense tasks of that type.
Action.
Hemorrhage
2+ Might Points
You make a powerful and precise strike that inflicts additional damage later. On your next turn, the target of this attack takes an additional 3 points of damage (ignores Armor). The target can prevent this additional damage by making a recovery roll, using any ability that heals it, or using its action to attend to the injury. In addition to the normal options for using Effort, you can choose to use Effort to increase this duration by one round.
Action.
Skill With Attacks
Choose one type of attack in which you are not already trained: light bashing, light bladed, light ranged, medium bashing, medium bladed, medium ranged, heavy bashing, heavy bladed, or heavy ranged. You are trained in attacks using that type of weapon. You can select this ability multiple times. Each time you select it, you must choose a different type of attack.
Enabler.
Successive Attack
2 Speed Points
If you take down a foe, you can immediately make another attack on that same turn against a new foe within your reach. The second attack is part of the same action. You can use this ability with melee attacks and ranged attacks.
Enabler.
Third Tier Warrior
Choose three of the abilities listed below (or from a lower tier) to add to your repertoire. In addition, you can replace one of your lower-tier abilities with a different one from a lower tier.
Deadly Aim
3 Speed Points
For the next minute, all ranged attacks you make inflict 2 additional points of damage.
Action to initiate.
Energy Resistance
Choose a discrete type of energy that you have experience with (such as heat, sonic, electricity, and so on). You gain +5 to Armor against damage from that type of energy. You must be familiar with the type of energy; for example, if you have no experience with a certain kind of extradimensional energy, you can’t protect against it. You can select this ability more than once. Each time you select it, you must choose a different kind of energy.
Enabler.
Experienced in Armor
The cost reduction from your Practiced in Armor ability improves. You now reduce the Speed cost by 2.
Enabler.
Expert Cypher Use
You can bear three cyphers at a time.
Enabler.
Fury
3 Might Points
For the next minute, all melee attacks you make inflict 2 additional points of damage.
Action to initiate.
Lunge
2 Might Points
This ability requires you to extend yourself for a powerful stab or smash. The awkward lunge hinders the attack roll. If your attack is successful, it inflicts 4 additional points of damage.
Action.
Reaction
If a creature you attacked on your last turn with a melee attack uses its action to move out of immediate range, you gain an action to attack the creature as a parting blow, even if you have already taken a turn in the round.
Enabler.
Seize the Moment
4+ Speed Points
If you succeed on a Speed defense roll to resist an attack, you gain an action. You can use the action immediately even if you have already taken a turn in the round. You don’t take an action during the next round, unless you apply a level of Effort when you use Seize the Moment.
Enabler.
Slice
2 Speed Points
This is a quick attack with a bladed or pointed weapon that is hard to defend against. You are trained in this task. If the attack is successful, it deals 1 less point of damage than normal.
Action.
Spray
2 Speed Points
If a weapon has the ability to fire rapid shots without reloading (usually called a rapid-fire weapon, such as a crank crossbow or submachine gun), you can spray multiple shots around your target to increase the chance of hitting. This ability uses 1d6 + 1 rounds of ammo (or all the ammo in the weapon, if it has less than the number rolled). You are trained in making this attack. If the attack is successful, it deals 1 less point of damage than normal. You can also use this ability on multiple thrown weapons (stones, shuriken, daggers, and so on) if you’re carrying them on your person or they are all within reach.
Action.
Trick Shot
2 Speed Points
As part of the same action, you make a ranged attack against two targets that are within immediate range of each other. Make a separate attack roll against each target. The attack rolls are hindered.
Action.
Vigilance
2 Intellect Points
You take a cautious approach to combat, focusing more on protecting yourself than on hurting your opponents. While this ability is active, you gain an asset on Speed defense rolls against melee and ranged attacks, and your melee and ranged attacks are hindered. This effect lasts for as long as you wish, but it ends if no combat is taking place within range of your senses.
Action to initiate.
Fourth Tier Warrior
Amazing Effort
When you apply at least one level of Effort to a noncombat task, you get a free level of Effort on that task. When you choose this ability, decide if it applies to Might Effort or Speed Effort.
Enabler.
Feint
2 Speed Points
If you use one action creating a misdirection or diversion, in the next round you can take advantage of your opponent’s lowered defenses. Make a melee attack roll against that opponent. You gain an asset on this attack. If your attack is successful, it inflicts 4 additional points of damage.
Action.
Pry Open
4 Intellect Points
You tear apart the defenses of a creature within long range. Any energy-based defenses it has (such as a force field or a Ward ability) are negated for 1d6 + 1 rounds. If the creature has no energy defenses, its Armor is reduced by 2 for one minute. If it has no energy-based defenses or Armor, attacks against it are eased for one minute.
Action.
Capable Warrior
Your attacks deal 1 additional point of damage.
Enabler.
Increased Effects
You treat rolls of natural 19 as rolls of natural 20 for either Might actions or Speed actions (your choice when you gain this ability). This allows you to gain a major effect on a natural 19 or 20.
Enabler.
Snipe
2 Speed Points
If you spend one action aiming, in the next round you can make a precise ranged attack. You have an asset on this attack. If your attack is successful, it inflicts 4 additional points of damage.
Action.
Experienced Defender
When wearing armor, you gain +1 to Armor.
Enabler.
Momentum
If you use an action to move, your next attack made using a melee weapon before the end of the next round inflicts 2 additional points of damage.
Enabler.
Tough As Nails
When you are impaired or debilitated on the damage track, Might-based tasks and defense rolls you attempt are eased. If you also have Ignore the Pain, make a difficulty 1 Might defense roll when you reach 0 points in all three of your Pools to immediately regain 1 Might point and avoid dying. Each time you attempt to save yourself with this ability before your next ten-hour recovery roll, the task is hindered.
Enabler.
Fifth Tier Warrior
Adroit Cypher Use
You can bear four cyphers at a time.
Enabler.
Arc Spray
3 Speed Points
If a weapon has the ability to fire rapid shots without reloading (usually called a rapid-fire weapon, such as a crank crossbow), you can fire your weapon at up to three targets (all next to one another) at once. Make a separate attack roll against each target. Each attack is hindered.
Action.
Improved Success
When you roll a 17 or higher on an attack roll that deals damage, you deal 1 additional point of damage. For instance, if you roll a natural 18, which normally deals 2 extra points of damage, you instead deal 3 extra points. If you roll a natural 20 and choose to deal damage instead of achieve a special major effect, you deal 5 extra points of damage.
Enabler.
Jump Attack
5+ Might Points
You attempt a difficulty 4 Might roll to jump high into the air as part of your melee attack action. If you succeed at the jump and your attack hits, you inflict 3 additional points of damage and knock the foe prone. If you fail at the jump, you still make your normal attack roll, but you don’t inflict the extra damage or knock down the opponent if you hit. In addition to the normal options for using Effort, you can choose to use Effort to enhance your jump; each level of Effort used in this way adds +2 feet to the height and +1 damage to the attack.
Action.
Mastery in Armor
The cost reduction from your Practiced in Armor ability improves. You now reduce the Speed Effort cost for wearing armor to 0.
Enabler.
Mastery With Attacks
Choose one type of attack in which you are trained: light bashing, light bladed, light ranged, medium bashing, medium bladed, medium ranged, heavy bashing, heavy bladed, or heavy ranged. You are specialized in attacks using that type of weapon.
Enabler.
Mastery With Defense
Choose one type of defense task in which you are trained: Might, Speed, or Intellect. You are specialized in defense tasks of that type. You can select this ability up to three times. Each time you select it, you must choose a different type of defense task.
Enabler.
Parry
5 Speed Points
You can deflect incoming attacks quickly. When you activate this ability, for the next ten rounds you ease all Speed defense rolls.
Enabler.
Sixth Tier Warrior
Again and Again
8 Speed Points
You can take an additional action in a round in which you have already acted.
Enabler.
Finishing Blow
5 Might Points
If your foe is prone, stunned, or somehow helpless or incapacitated when you strike, you inflict 7 additional points of damage on a successful hit.
Enabler.
Magnificent Moment
If you make an attack or attempt a task with the immediate action you gain by using Seize the Moment, the attack or task is eased.
Enabler.
Murderer
8+ Speed Points
With a swift and sudden attack, you strike a foe in a vital spot. If the target is level 4 or lower, it is killed outright. For each additional level of Effort you apply, you can increase the level of the target by 1.
Action.
Spin Attack
5+ Speed Points
You stand still and make attacks against up to five foes, all as part of the same action in one round. All of the attacks have to be the same sort of attack (melee or ranged). Make a separate attack roll for each foe. You remain limited by the amount of Effort you can apply on one action. Anything that modifies your attack or damage applies to all of these attacks. In addition to the normal options for using Effort, you can choose to use Effort to increase the number of foes you can attack with this ability (one additional foe per level of Effort used in this way).
Action.
Weapon and Body
5 Speed Points
After making a melee weapon or ranged weapon attack, you follow up with a punch or kick as an additional attack, all as part of the same action in one round. The two attacks can be directed at different foes. Make a separate attack roll for each attack. You remain limited by the amount of Effort you can apply on one action. Anything that modifies your attack or damage applies to both attacks, unless it is tied specifically to your weapon.