Abilities

Introduction

This chapter starts with a detailed description of History Points (HP). It then sets out how to invent and grade abilities. Then it explains how to use abilities in the game. It is vital that you understand these concepts.

Player Section: Abilities and History PointsPip Cost for a Level Increase

In order to play a character you will need to keep track of four kinds of numbers. These numbers are the ability scores for your character.

1. The attributes of the character. Physical Fitness (PF), Mechanical Aptitude (MA), Intellect (IN), Intuition (IU), Psychic Prowess (PY), and Mystical Prowess (MP).

2. Skills based on attributes. These are divided into Mundane Skills (based on PF, MA, IN, or IU), and Powers (based on PY, or MP).
3. Conditions.
4. History Points (HP), these are an abstract measure of experience.
5. Derived quantities (Damage Capacity, Speed Factor, and Carrying Capacity).
6. Power deteriments due to using powers.

The purpose of all of these numbers is to allow your character to perform actions in the game.

The least effective means of performing an action is to use an attribute score. This is what is used if no other option is available.

The most effective means to perform an action is to use an ability based on an attribute, but one that is specific to the action being taken. That kind of ability is called a skill. There are three broad categories of skills in ascending grades of difficulty: basic, difficult, and extreme. Skills are further classified as either mundane or powers. Skills always begin at the number of the associated attribute. There are mundane skills, those based on PF, MA, IN, or IU. There are psychic powers based on PY. There are supernatural powers based on MP.

The means to perform a specific kind of action not based on an attribute is a condition. Conditions always begin at a level of 1.

All increases in scores, what we call levels, require you to purchase one of more pips in that score with HP. The pip system is based on multiples of five, that is if your level in something will be up to five then an increase will cost one pip, from six to ten it will cost two pips, and so forth. See the tables entitled Pip Cost for a Level Increase and HP Costs for Pips.

Of course that leads to the question, "How do I purchase a pip?" That is a little bit complicated and is summarized in the table HP Cost for Pips.

Pip Cost for a Level Increase

Player Section: Attributes, Skills, and Conditions

We now get into the formalities of the ability system. At its core you will be inventing the abilities of your character. This begins with your character's attributes, introduced in the first chapter. We will say little about the attributes, as there is little to add.

As stated previously in this chapter, abilities are what allow your character to function in the game system. To that end we have the following definitions:

• Mundane Skills are based on the PF, MA, IN, or IU of the character. The starting number of the skill is the attribute that it is based on. Some abilities are composite skills that have several abilities listed, say (PF + MA), in this case it is the average of the listed abilities rounded up.
• Psychic Powers are based on the PY of the character. The starting number of a psychic power is the PY of the character.
• Supernatural Powers are based on the MP of the character. The starting number of a supernatural power is the MP of the character.
• Mundane Conditions are abilities not associated with an attribute. The starting number of a mundane condition is 1. Conditions that are favorable are termed advantages. Those that are unfavorable, or in some way constrain the character, are called disadvantages.
• Power Conditions are abilities that are psychic or supernatural in origin, but they are not based on PY or MP. Such conditions start at 1.

Starting numbers can be modified if there is a destiny in place.

So how do you go about getting an ability for your character? You begin by defining what the ability allows the character to do, and then you give it a name. The GM will then tell you how hard it is to get. In game terms there are three grades of difficulty:

1. Basic.
2. Difficult.
3. Extreme.

You can see what these mean on the chart HP Cost for Pips

HP Cost for Pips

Examples of Abilities

Here are some examples of abilities:

• Swimming (PF): The ability to move in the water without drowning.
• Strength (PF): The ability to apply physical force.
• Drive Auto (MA): The ability to safely operate an automobile.
• Computer Use (IN or IU): The ability to use a computer for day-to-day things.
• Higher Mathematics (IN or IU): The character has an in-depth knowledge of the principles of mathematics and practice in their techniques.
• Danger Sense (IU): The ability to know when there is danger to the character so that they may act just before it occurs.
• Jet Pilot (PF + MA + IN + IU): The character can operate and fly a jet.
• Commando (PF + MA + IN + IU): The character can perform all the abilities of a commando.

Examples of Advantages

Here are two examples of advantages:

• Night Vision: The ability to see at night.
• Fame: The character is well-known.

Examples of Disadvantages

Here are two examples of disadvantages:

• Afflicted: The character has suffered a disease or injury that hinders them physically. This condition is a negative modifier to any PF-based skill attempt.
• Phobia: The character has an unreasoning fear of something. Whenever confronted with the object of their fear a roll must be made on this condition. If the roll is successful the character is unable to act so long as the object of their fear is present.

Examples of Power Conditions

Here are two examples of psychic conditions:

• Psychic Leader: This advantage allows a character to combine a single power from several psychic characters to perform a single act.
• Psychic Allergy: This detriment forces the character to get sick whenever a psychic power is used in their presence (suffering the result of a roll on the allergy as a detriment to all skill attempts so long as the psychic skill is in use).

Here are two examples of supernatural conditions:

• Power Source: This advantage makes the character into a supernatural source of power. All power detriments are reduced as they occur by the amount of this condition.
• Cursed: This detriment is the result of a spell placed upon the character. The curse must be specified along with any means of escaping the curse (every curse has a way out, but the character may not know it).

GM Section: Attributes, Skills, and Conditions

Encourage your players to be creative and invent their own skills and conditions whenever possible. It is likely that there may be several skills or conditions of the same name, but with different definitions. This is fine. It is even possible that a condition may have the same definition as a skill.

You must judge how hard an ability is to learn. An ability is basic when it meets any of the following criteria:

• It is simple to perform.
• It is a natural amplification of a normal bodily function.
• It is focused on a single object or subject.
• It is very commonplace in society.

An ability is difficult when it meets any of the following criteria:

• It is complicated.
• It is not focused, but is general.
• It takes a normal bodily function and makes it unusual.
• It performs several basic-level abilities at once.
• It does something unusual, but not unheard-of in the society.

An ability is extreme when it meets any of the following criteria:

• It is among the most difficult to learn.
• It is all-encompassing in scope.
• It takes a normal bodily function and makes it seem wondrous.
• It performs several basic- and difficult-level abilities.
• It is something almost unheard of or considered legendary in the society.

For the examples given above:

• Swimming is basic since it is simple to perform.
• Strength is basic as it is a natural extension of the body.
• Drive Auto is basic since it focuses on a single item.
• Computer Use (IN) is basic as it focuses on a single item.
• Higher Mathematics is difficult as it combines knowledge and technique for a variety of subjects..
• Danger Sense is basic since it is commonplace.
• Jet Pilot is difficult as it is unusual.
• Commando is extreme because it combines several basic and difficult abilities into one.
• Night Vision is difficult as it makes vision unusual.
• Fame is basic since it is common.
• Psychic Leader is difficult since it is unusual.
• Psychic Allergy is difficult as it is unusual.
• Power Source is extreme since it is legendary.
• Cursed is extreme since it is legendary.

Some abilities take time to learn. Basic abilities that take time should take a few weeks to learn. Difficult abilities that take time should take three times as long as a basic ability. Extreme abilities that take time should take about a year to learn. You always reduce this learning time by the number of pips you have in the attribute the skill or power is based on, in days. Thus a 3 in an attribute reduces the time by 3 days; a 7 in an attribute (9 pips) reduces the time by 9 days. Bear in mind that this reduction assumes that a character is working for only a couple of hours a day; this level of study does not impact the role-play of the character at all. If the player states in role-play, that their character is spending half a day each day required to gain the ability, that learning time will be halved; should a character be involved in strenuous activity for most of the day during role-play, that day will be lost in terms of study. If the player states, in role-play, that their character is spending an entire day working at gaining a specific ability for the period of time required to gain it, that learning time will be reduced to a third of the normal time (six months becomes two months); this level of study prevents the character from role-play activities beyond this study.

You may also use up to two abilities that are deemed appropriate by the GM to reduce the number of days to acquire an ability, this allows you to use abilities you already have to assist in learning new abilities.

While learning an ability you may use it, but at reduced capabilities. During the learning process you get no bonus for using a difficult of extreme ability.

Should you expend HP you can reduce the learning time by half of the current learning time by purchasing the ability again, with fractions rounding up. You can do this over time, and need not spend all of the HP at once (though you cannot split up the cost of each additional reduction in time, you must pay the cost for the ability each time).

Example 1: Basic Skill or Condition: You have spent 1 HP and must now wait 30 days to get the skill. If you purchase the skill again, thus expending more effort (2 HP), you will get it after 15 days. If you purchase it again, then you pay 3 HP will spend 8 days learning it. A third time (4 HP) reduces this to 4 days.

Example 2: Basic Power: You have spent 2HP and must now wait 30 days to get the power. If you purchase the skill again, thus expending more effort (4 HP), you will get it after 15 days. If you purchase it again, spending 6 HP, then you will spend 8 days. A third time (8 HP) reduces this to 4 days.

Example 3: Difficult Skill or Condition: You have spent 2 HP and must now wait 180 days to get the skill. If you purchase the skill again, thus expending more effort (4 HP), you will get it after 90 days. If you purchase it again, then you pay 6 HP and will spend 45 days learning it. A third time (8 HP) reduces this to 23 days. A fourth time (10 HP) reduces this to 12 days.

Example 4: Difficult Power: You have spent 4 HP and must now wait 180 days to get the power. If you purchase the skill again, thus expending more effort (8 HP), you will get it after 90 days. If you purchase it again, then you pay 12 HP and will spend 45 days learning it. A third time (16 HP) reduces this to 23 days. A fourth time (20 HP) reduces this to 12 days.

Example 5: Extreme Skill or Condition: You have spent 3 HP and must now wait 365 days to get the skill. If you purchase the skill again, thus expending more effort (6 HP), you will get it after 183 days. If you purchase it again, then you pay 9 HP and will spend 92 days learning it. A third time (12 HP) reduces this to 46 days. A fourth time (15 HP) reduces this to 23 days.

Example 6: Extreme Power: You have spent 6 HP and must now wait 365 days to get the power. If you purchase the skill again, thus expending more effort (12 HP), you will get it after 183 days. If you purchase it again, then you pay 18 HP and will spend 92 days learning it. A third time (24 HP) reduces this to 46 days. A fourth time (30 HP) reduces this to 23 days.

Player Section: Specials

With every new level gained in an ability the character can add to that ability so long as the player of the character has something specific in mind (the GM should allow only a few seconds for the player to decide on such an addition). Be sure to think these up in advance. This extension of a definition is called a special. A special adds a sentence to the existing definition of the ability, thus enhancing it in some way. Whenever an ability score reaches a level of 5, or a multiple of 5, the resulting special can be exceptional. Note that acquiring a new ability never gives you a special.

You may also research specials, without increasing their level. You may also use HP to purchase such a special, in this case you spend the HP required to purchase a pip in the ability, but instead of gaining a level you gain the special instead. Researched specials can involve plusses to perform the ability under specific circumstances. Inform the GM of the special you want to research. The GM will ask you to make a roll based on the skill you are extending. Inform the GM of the result of your roll. The GM will tell you whether or not it is successful and, if it is successful, how long the research will take.

GM Section: Specials

Specials can be hard to grasp. Not all abilities will have specials, at least not due to level increases. A special due to a level increase is something that qualitatively adds to the description of the ability. No level increase-based special may add to the ability in a numerical way. It is possible for a supportive ability (such as a knowledge skill) to add to some kind of activity. For example, a Knowledge of Physics skill may develop a special allowing a +1 to hit with melee weapons when Knowledge of Physics is used as a modifier.

Researching specials requires a research roll (see the Player Section and GM Section: Using Skills and Conditions in the Game below). The result of the research roll will determine how long it will take to acquire the special. If the ability is difficult, there is a -1 research modifier. If the ability is extreme, there is a -2 research modifier. If the ability is a power there is an additional -5 research modifier. If the special is judged to be a modifier of 5 style special, then there is an additional -5 modifier. If it is judged to be a modifier of 10 style special, then there is an additional -10 research modifier. The same is true for any factor of 5 requirement for a special, the modifier will be the level requirement.

If the result is not a 1 or more, then it fails—there are no partial successes in research. If the research fails, then another research roll can be made after a few weeks for a basic ability, three times as long for a difficult ability, and a year for an extreme ability.

On a result of 1-4, the research will take a full year. On a result of 5-9, the research will take a half-year. On a result of 10-14, the research will take a season. On a result of 15-19, the research will take a few weeks. On a result of 20-24, the research will take a week. On a result of 25-29, the research will take a day. On a result of 30-34, the research will take several hours. On a result of 35-39, the research will take an hour. On a result of more than 39, the research is immediate.

Examples: Specials Acquired Through Gaining Levels

Here are some examples of specials gained through level increases:

• Swimming: The ability to move in the water without drowning. The character can also rescue others in the water.
• Strength: The ability to apply physical force. The character can increase their Carrying Capacity by their Strength score.
• Drive Auto: The ability to safely operate an auto. The character can evade pursuit on the road.
• Computer Use: The ability to use a computer for day-to-day things. The character can program a computer for simple tasks.
• Higher Mathematics: The character has an in-depth knowledge of the principles of mathematics and practice in their techniques. The character can invent conjectures about mathematics.
• Danger Sense: The ability to know when there is danger to the character. The character knows the general direction a danger is coming from.
• Jet Pilot: Jet Pilot: The character can operate and fly a jet. Use the aircraft computer more effectively, the character gains the ability to use their Computer Use skill as a modifier.
• Commando: The character can perform all the abilities of a commando. The character is also trained to fly helicopters.

Examples: Specials Gained Through Research

Here are some examples of specials gained through research:

• Swimming: The ability to move in the water without drowning. The character can also rescue others in the water. The character is more effect at using their innate physical fitness for breath control, the character gets a +1 to swimming when using PF as a modifier.
• Strength: The ability to apply physical force. The character can increase their Carrying Capacity by their Strength score. The character has learned to focus their strength into a more damaging punch and gets to add their Strength level to the damage done by a punch when using Strength as a modifier, but it does not add to the die roll.
• Drive Auto: The ability to safely operate an auto. The character can evade pursuit on the road. The character has extensive practice in driving on ice.
• Computer Use: The ability to use a computer for day-to-day things. The character can program a computer for simple tasks. The character is focused on PC-style computers, and thus gets a +1 to use a PC-style computer.
• Higher Mathematics: The character has an in-depth knowledge of the principles of mathematics and practice in their techniques. The character can invent conjectures about mathematics. The character has learned to identify patterns based on their mathematics study, thus the character gets a +1 to use the skill to identify patterns.
• Danger Sense: The ability to know when there is danger to the character. The character knows the general direction a danger is coming from. The character has developed an attunement to supernatural forces, thus the character gains a +1 to sense supernatural danger.
• Commando: The character can perform all the abilities of a commando. The character is also trained to fly helicopters. The character has spent a significant time in using submachine guns, thus the character gets a +1 when using a submachine gun.
• Jet Pilot: Jet Pilot: The character can operate and fly a jet. Use the aircraft computer more effectively, the character gains the ability to use their Computer Use skill as a modifier. The character has spent a lot of time training for bad weather, thus the character gets a +1 to fly in instrument flight conditions.

Examples: Multiple-of-5 Specials

Here are some examples of specials gained at a multiple of 5 levels:

• Swimming: The ability to move in the water without drowning. The character can also rescue others in the water. The character is more effect at using their innate physical fitness for breath control, the character gets a +1 to swimming when using PF as a modifier. The character can free dive to a depth of ten times their swimming score.
• Strength: The ability to apply physical force. The character can increase their Carrying Capacity by their Strength score. The character gets a +1 to the damage done by a punch when using Strength as a modifier. The character can add their carrying capacity by their strength score again.
• Drive Auto: The ability to safely operate an auto. The character can evade pursuit on the road. The character has extensive practice in driving on ice. The character can treat a car chase as an easy task.
• Computer Use: The ability to use a computer for day-to-day things. The character can program a computer for simple tasks. The character is focused on PC-style computers, and thus gets a +1 to use a PC-style computer. The character can crack a computer network over the Internet.
• Higher Mathematics: The character has an in-depth knowledge of the principles of mathematics and practice in their techniques. The character can invent conjectures about mathematics. The character has learned to identify patterns based on their mathematics study, thus the character gets a +1 to use the skill to identify patterns. The character has develiop their ability to napply mathematics generally, thus gaining a +1 when using higher mathematics as a general modifier.
• Danger Sense: The ability to know when there is danger to the character. The character knows the general direction a danger is coming from. The character gets a +1 to sense supernatural danger. The character will know the nature of any sensed danger.
• Commando: The character can perform all the abilities of a commando. The character is also trained to fly helicopters. The character has spent a significant time in using submachine guns, thus the character gets a +1 when using a submachine gun. The character makes any combat task one stage easier (see GM Section: Using Skills and Conditions in the Game for details on the difficulty of ability attempts).
• Jet Pilot: The character can operate and fly a jet. Use the aircraft computer more effectively, the character gains a +1 when using Computer Use as a modifier. The character has spent a lot of time training for bad weather, thus the character gets a +1 to fly in instrument flight conditions. The character makes any jet pilot task one stage easier (see GM Section: Using Skills and Conditions in the Game for details on the difficulty of ability attempts).

Player Section: Psychic Powers

Psychic powers are powers that come from within the character. These are the only powers that the character has control of. They are invented just like any ability. There is one additional factor, the type of power it is.

• Internal powers are the most basic; they effect only the individual. Internal powers incur no power detriment and take less than a second to activate.
• Powers of thought either read, interpret, or project thoughts. Such powers require at least a second to perform. For each minute of additional concentration before making the attempt, there will be a 1 point favorable modifier.
• Powers of perception allow the psychic to learn and sense using thoughts. Such powers require at least five seconds to perform. For each minute of concentration before making the attempt, there will be a 1 point favorable modifier.
• Powers of emotion either read, interpret, or project emotions. Such powers require at least five seconds to perform. For each minute of concentration before making the attempt, there will be a 1 point favorable modifier.
• Powers of dream either read, interpret, or project dreams. Such powers require at least ten minutes to perform. For each hour of concentration before making the attempt, there will be a 1 point favorable modifier.

Except for internal powers every use of a psychic power causes a psychic power detriment. This is a special kind of condition that decreases with time Psychic Detriment (b). The condition is a negative modifier for all attempts to use psychic powers as the primary ability. This does not apply to psychic powers used as modifiers. The use of basic powers increases the power detriment by 1 pip, difficult powers increase the detriment by 2 pips, and extreme powers increase the detriment by 3 pips. A character can recover from the detriment at a rate of 1 pip per hour, or 2 pips per hour when resting.

GM Section: Psychic Powers

If you allow psychic powers in your world, then consult the chapter Psychic Powers for details. For now you will have to decide if psychic powers occur in the brain of the character, or if there is a psychic world that people can become attuned to.

In any case, here is the method of determining the grade of psychic powers. A psychic power is basic if:

• It is an internal power.
• It works only on the character using it.
• It can only be used by touch.
• It can be used at any range, but only with active cooperation of the target.
• It can be used at any range, but only if the character knows exactly where the target is.
• It is focused on a single object or subject.

A psychic power is difficult if:

• It can be used at any range, and it does not require cooperation.
• It can be used at any range, but the psychic needs to know who/what the target is.
• The power is stored somehow.
• The power combines several basic powers.
• The power is more general.

A psychic power is extreme if:

• It can be used at any range without knowing anything about the target.
• It allows the psychic to grant power to another.
• The power is dangerous to use.
• The power is all encompassing in scope.
• The power combines several difficult powers.

Examples of Psychic Powers

Here are some examples of psychic powers.

• Bodily Control: A basic internal power allowing the psychic to control their body.
• Clairvoyance: A basic power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place known to the character.
• Clairvoyance: A difficult power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place or the location of a person or thing whose name is known to the psychic.
• Clairvoyance: An extreme power of perception allowing the psychic to see things they would not otherwise be able to see.
• Read Thoughts: A difficult power of thought allowing the psychic to read the thoughts of another.
• ESP: An extreme psychic power of thought allowing the character to know things.

Here are some examples of specials due to level increases.

• Bodily Control: A basic internal power allowing the psychic to control their body. The ability to ignore pain.
• Clairvoyance: A basic power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place known to the character. The character can also hear what is happening.
• Clairvoyance: A difficult power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place or the location of a person or thing whose name is known to the psychic. The character can also hear what is happening.
• Clairvoyance: An extreme power of perception allowing the psychic to see things they would not otherwise be able to see. The character can also hear what is happening.
• Read Thoughts: A difficult power of thought allowing the psychic to read the thoughts of another. The psychic can use this to identify enemies.
• ESP: An extreme psychic power of thought allowing the character to know things. The character has learned to use their ESP in enhancing other abilities, the character thus gains a +1 modifier in any attempt to know something when using ESP as a modifier.

Here are some examples of specials due to research.

• Bodily Control: A basic internal power allowing the psychic to control their body. The ability to ignore pain. The character has gained a +1 to their ability use Bodily Control to climb.
• Clairvoyance: A basic power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place known to the character. The character can also hear what is happening. Gain a +1 when a person known to the psychic is present at the target.
• Clairvoyance: A difficult power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place or the location of a person or thing whose name is known to the psychic. The character can also hear what is happening. Gain a +1 when a person known to the psychic is present at the target.
• Clairvoyance: An extreme power of perception allowing the psychic to see things they would not otherwise be able to see. The character can also hear what is happening. Gain a +1 when a person known to the psychic is present at the target.
• Read Thoughts: A difficult power of thought allowing the psychic to read the thoughts of another. The psychic can use this to identify enemies. Gain a +1 when the target is known to the psychic.
• ESP: An extreme psychic power of thought allowing the character to know things. The character can gain a +1 modifier in any attempt to know something when using ESP as a modifier. Gain a +1 when the information being sought relates to a friend of the psychic.

Here are some examples of level 5 specials.

• Bodily Control: A basic internal power allowing the psychic to control their body. The ability to ignore pain. The character has gained a +1 to their ability use Bodily Control to climb. The character makes any unarmed combat task one grade easier (see GM Section: Using Skills and Conditions in the Game for details on the difficulty of ability attempts).
• Clairvoyance: A basic power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place known to the character. The character can also hear what is happening. Gain a +1 when a person known to the psychic is present at the target. Sense supernatural forces.
• Clairvoyance: A difficult power of perception allowing the character to see what is happening at a place or the location of a person or thing whose name is known to the psychic. The character can also hear what is happening. Gain a +1 when a person known to the psychic is present at the target. Sense supernatural forces.
• Clairvoyance: An extreme power of perception allowing the psychic to see things they would not otherwise be able to see. The character can also hear what is happening. Gain a +1 when a person known to the psychic is present at the target. Sense supernatural forces.
• Read Thoughts: A difficult power of thought allowing the psychic to read the thoughts of another. The psychic can use this to identify enemies. Gain a +1 when the target is known to the psychic. Gain the ability to communicate mind-to-mind with another being.
• ESP: An extreme psychic power of thought allowing the character to know things. The character has learned to use their ESP in enhancing other abilities, the character thus gains a +1 modifier in any attempt to know something when using ESP as a modifier. Gain a +1 when the information being sought relates to a friend of the psychic. Gain a +1 to Speed Factor due to knowing what the immediate future brings.

Player Section: Supernatural Powers

Supernatural powers are powers that come from beyond the character. These are powers that the character has limited or no control over. They are invented just like any other ability. As with psychic powers there is an additional factor, the style of power it is.

• Low Magic: These are supernatural powers that are designed to be practical. They are designed to allow the character to exert an influence to compel magical spirits to grant a power to the character. The purpose of the power granted is called the magical intention. The application of the power to the magical intention is called a spell. Note that low magic in no way implies low power, many of the most powerful magics are low magic. If you want to effect the psychic or mundane worlds then you first apply a +80 to the results, then you subtract 10 for crossing the veil from the astral to the psychic world, or subtract 20 to cross the veil from the astral plane to the mundane world. The GM may assign other detriments depending on the situation. It is important to realize that unless a specific special exists, or the ability is specifically designed to help with magic, no mundane or psychic ability may be used to assist with low magic without incurring a -80 detriment (this is not a power detriment).
• Spirit Magic: These are supernatural powers that are designed to allow the character to interact directly with a spirit in the spirit world. Both the benefits, costs, and dangers are substantially greater than with low magic. If you want to effect the astral plane (magical world) then you first apply a +80 to the results, then you subtract 40 to cross the veil from the spirit world to the magical (astral) world. If you want to effect the psychic or mundane worlds then you first apply a +160 to the results, then you subtract 50 for crossing the veil from the spirit world to the psychic world, or 60 to cross the veil from the spirit world to the mundane world. The GM may assign other detriments depending on the situation. It is important to realize that unless a specific special exists, or the ability to specifically designed to help with spirit-level magic, no mundane, or psychic ability may be used to assist with spirit magic without incurring a -160 detriment, and no low magic power can be used with incxurring a -80 detriment (this is not a power detriment).
• High Magic: These are supernatural powers that allow the character to awaken parts of themselves that are in tune with magical, spiritual, and even divine realms. Often the magic is not practical in a day-to-day sort of way, but the purpose of such magics is to eventually become a living god. If you want to effect the spirit world then you first apply a +80 to the results, then you subtract 40 to cross the veil from the divine world to the spiritual world. If you want to effect the astral plane (magical world) then you first apply a +160 to the results, then you subtract 80 to cross the veil from the divine world to the magical (astral) world. If you want to effect the psychic or mundane worlds then you first apply a +240 to the results, then you subtract 130 for crossing the veil from the spirit world to the psychic world, or 140 to cross the veil from the spirit world to the mundane world. The GM may assign other detriments depending on the situation. It is important to realize that unless a specific special exists, or the ability to specifically designed to help with high magic, no mundane, or psychic ability may be used to assist with spirit magic without incurring a -240 detriment, no low magic power can be used with incurring a -160 detriment, and no spirit power can be used with incurring a -80 detriment (this is not a power detriment).
• Religious Magic: These are supernatural powers granted by divine powers in return for devotion and worship. There are no magics more powerful than this, though the character has the least control over them of any of the styles. If you want to effect the spirit world then you first apply a +80 to the results, then you subtract 40 to cross the veil from the divine world to the spiritual world. If you want to effect the astral plane (magical world) then you first apply a +160 to the results, then you subtract 80 to cross the veil from the divine world to the magical (astral) world. If you want to effect the psychic or mundane worlds then you first apply a +240 to the results, then you subtract 130 for crossing the veil from the spirit world to the psychic world, or 140 to cross the veil from the spirit world to the mundane world. The GM may assign other detriments depending on the situation. It is important to realize that unless a specific special exists, or the ability to specifically designed to help with religious magic, no mundane, or psychic ability may be used to assist with spirit magic without incurring a -240 detriment, no low magic power can be used with incurring a -160 detriment, and no spirit power can be used with incurring a -80 detriment (this is not a power detriment).

In addition to the style of magic there are also several types of magic:

• Natural Magic: This type of magic utilizes natural ingredients, processes, and places as a basis for the casting of spells. You attune yourself to the ingredients, processes, or places until you are one with them. Then you discover the magic within, and awaken it either within you, or within the ingredient, process, or place.
• Ritual Magic: This type of magic utilizes layers of symbolism, postures, chants, prayers, songs, items, and the like to build up lengthy procedures for the casting of spells. Rituals will have a formula: they begin with a consecration step (where the character holds the magical intention in mind), gathering the power to compel the forces, calling out to the forces, compelling the forces to grant the spell, and then dismissing the forces and returning to a normal state.
• Constructive Magic: This type of magic builds up the elements of a spell step by step, piece by pieces, until it is completed. To accomplish this you begin by magically reforming an object or individual so that they can accept the magic. Then you build the intended magic within them to the intention you wish.
• Internal Magic: This type of magic requires changes in the state of consciousness (trances, astral projection, etc.) of the character in order to cast spells. You begin by mastering the change in consciousness. Then you discover the magic you intend within your new state of consciousness. Then you become one with that new magic.

The thing to remember here is that all of these powers are designed to be the basis for a kind of spell casting. Without a magical intention, the goal of using a power to accomplish a specific task, they are nothing. A magical intention without a power is nothing. Together they form a spell.

When defining these powers make sure to include all relevant steps as details that will bring it alive for the character

GM Section: Supernatural Powers

If you allow supernatural powers in your world, then consult the chapter The Supernatural World for details. For now you will have to decide if supernatural powers occur in the physical world of the character, or in a separate Supernatural World.

In any case, here is the method of determining the grade of supernatural powers. A supernatural power is basic if:

• It is low magic or spirit magic that takes at least a week of preparation and hours to execute.
• It is a religious internal or natural magic for the faithful masses.
• It is a religious internal, natural, or ritual magic for invested clergy.
• It is a low, spirit, or religious magic perception.

A supernatural power is difficult if:

• It is low magic or spirit magic that takes at least a day of preparation and an hour to execute.
• It is a religious ritual magic for the faithful masses.
• It is a religious constructive magic for invested clergy.

A supernatural power is extreme if:

• It is a high magic style.
• It is a low magic or spirit magic that requires little time to prepare and execute.

Examples of Supernatural Powers

Here are some examples of supernatural powers.

• Herbal Powers: This is a basic low natural magic allowing the character to cast a spell based on a specific magical intention. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The first intention was a healing herb, with a spell for healing wounds.

1. The first step is to find and harvest the herb you want (an herb that fits your magical intention). This requires an Herbal Powers roll to not ruin the herb.
2. You then spend a week in daily meditation on the herb while fasting. You must then make a successful Herbal Powers roll to be attuned to the herb (this must be modified by either PF or Endurance or some similar skill to offset fatigue).
3. You have a week to perform the next step before the herb is wasted. You then spend a day to discover the power within the attuned herb. You must make an Herbal powers roll, using the score of the herb as a free modifier. The result is the spell.
4. There are two options of how it is cast. The first is to make the herb into a kind of talisman that has its magical power available to anyone who owns the herb—when the duration of the effect is over the herb crumbles to dust. The second is to draw the power into the character as a power—when you have done this the herb crumbles to dust.

• Magical Senses: This is a basic internal magic power allowing the character to be aware of the presence of supernatural beings or spells.
• Planetary Ritual: This is a difficult low magic ritual allowing the character to cast a spell based on what planetary influences are currently in force. This will require a Planetary Ritual roll in order to time the ritual correctly. The ritual must be performed at a particular hour of the day. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The character must have a brazier for consecration, a crystal for gathering the power, a gong for calling our to the spirit, a dagger for compelling the spirit, and a wand for dismissal. These items must be made prior to the ritual, by making a Planetary Ritual roll. The inital intention is knowledge, and the first spell is to identify magical effects.

1. The first step is to spend ten minutes performing the consecration. This requires a Planetary Ritual roll, and the character may use the score for the brazier as a free modifier. The character acquires a difficult power detriment.
2. The second step is to spend five minutes performing the gathering of the power that you will use in compelling the spirit. Here you collect the astral light into the crystal. This requires a Planetary Ritual roll, using the previous result as one modifier, and the character may use the score from both the brazier and the crystal as a free modifier. The character acquires another difficult power detriment.
3. The third step is to spend ten minutes performing the calling out to the spirit. This requires a Planetary Ritual roll, using the previous result as one modifier, and the character may use the score from the brazier and the gong as free modifiers. The character acquires another difficult power detriment. There is a -5 modifier for the spirit.
4. The fourth step is to spend thirty minutes performing the compelling of the spirit. This requires a Planetary Ritual roll, using the previous result as one modifier, and the character may use the score from the brazier, the crystal, and the dagger as free modifiers. The character acquires another difficult power detriment. There is a -5 modifier for the spirit.
5. The final step is the dismissal of the forces, and a return to normality. This requires a Planetary Ritual roll, the character may use the score from the brazier, the crystal, and the wand as free modifiers. The character acquires another difficult power detriment. There is a -5 modifier for the spirit.

• Personal Religious Ceremony: This is a difficult religious magic ritual allowing a character initiated into a religion to cast a spell of worship after an hour long ritual. The character needs a holy symbol created by a priest. The result of the ritual is split between duration and a number of HP. The HP purchase a condition called Sanctity. Sanctity is the level of holiness, a character has.
• Gestures of Power: This is an extreme low magic internal power allowing the character to use a magical gesture to cast a spell. When this power is first purchased the magician knows how to perform one spell within a specific magical intention. This is very fast style of spell-casting, within a couple of seconds, but has a -8 modifier due to difficulty. The first intention is protection and the gesture is protection from physical harm (this will need to be brought down to the mundane level for a net +60 to the effect if the roll is successful).
• Smith Magic: This is an extreme high construction magic allowing the character to use the construction of magic items to bring about mystical connections to their astral forms, then spirit forms, and then their souls. When this power is first acquired the character gains the skill Knowledge (Smith Magic) (IN) (d). The character will need to make their magical workshop consisting of a forge, anvil, hammer, tongs, and quench. Formulas for each of these items will need to be developed, along with their innate capabilities. Begin with the quench, this requires daily meditation where the smith-mage immerses their hands in the quench and expends power, this goes on for a week until the water and the container have been washed in the smith-mage's power—at which point this becomes the Quench of the Art and soaking a metal object in iot five times produces the effect Durable, making an object more able to resist being damaged. The tongs are washed in the Quebnch of the Art for a week, after which they are called the Tongs of the Art, they prevent the smith-mage from being cursed by any object they work with through Protection from Curses. Using the tongs to soak the hammer in the Quench daily for a week converts the hammer to the Hammer of the Art, granting it the ability to Alter Form of anything being worked on. The Hammer is used to alter the form of the anvil, which is then saoked in the Quench with the Tongs each day for a week to Produce the Anvil of the Art with the ability to Shape Form of the object being worked. You use the hammer and avil to produce the components of the forges, each of which are washed in the quench with the tongs daily; then another week is required to assemble the Forge of the Art with the power to Break Down Magical Opposition and effectively rewrites the magical identity of an object placed in it. You can work with any metal to produce magic items requiring a day of effort per kilogram of the item (no less than a day can pass).

Here are some examples of level specials.

• Herbal Powers: This is a basic low natural magic allowing the character to cast a spell based on a specific magical intention. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The first intention was a healing herb, with a spell for healing wounds. The second spell will be done under the same intention, this time the spell is cure disease.
• Magical Senses: This is a basic internal magic power allowing the character to be aware of the presence of supernatural beings or spells. The special is the ability to indentify magical effects when using Knowledge (Magic) as a modifier.
• Planetary Ritual: This is a difficult low magic ritual allowing the character to cast a spell based on what planetary influences are currently in force. This will require a Planetary Ritual roll in order to time the ritual correctly. The ritual must be performed at a particular hour of the day. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The character must have a brazier for consecration, a crystal for gathering the power, a gong for calling our to the spirit, a dagger for compelling the spirit, and a wand for dismissal. These items must be made prior to the ritual, by making a Planetary Ritual roll. The inital intention is knowledge, and the first spell is to identify magical effects. The second spell is also under knowledge, it is the ability to teach.
• Personal Religious Ceremony: This is a difficult religious magic ritual allowing a character initiated into a religion to cast a spell of worship after an hour long ritual. The character needs a holy symbol created by a priest. The result of the ritual is split between duration and a number of HP. The HP purchase a condition called Sanctity. Sanctity is the level of holiness, a character has. As a special, the character can use sancitity as a modifier for any ability attempt within the powers of their god.
• Gestures of Power: This is an extreme low magic internal power allowing the character to use a magical gesture to cast a spell. When this power is first purchased the magician knows how to perform one spell within a specific magical intention. This is very fast style of spell-casting, within a couple of seconds, but has a -8 modifier due to difficulty. The first intention is protection and the gesture is protection from physical harm (this will need to be brought down to the mundane level for a net +60 to the effect if the roll is successful). The second gesture is the gesture of protection from magical harm.
• Smith Magic: This is an extreme high construction magic allowing the character to use the construction of magic items to bring about mystical connections to their astral forms, then spirit forms, and then their souls. When this power is first acquired the character gains the skill Knowledge (Smith Magic) (IN) (d). The character will need to make their magical workshop consisting of a forge, anvil, hammer, tongs, and quench. Formulas for each of these items will need to be developed, along with their innate capabilities. Begin with the quench, this requires daily meditation where the smith-mage immerses their hands in the quench and expends power, this goes on for a week until the water and the container have been washed in the smith-mage's power—at which point this becomes the Quench of the Art and soaking a metal object in iot five times produces the effect Durable, making an object more able to resist being damaged. The tongs are washed in the Quebnch of the Art for a week, after which they are called the Tongs of the Art, they prevent the smith-mage from being cursed by any object they work with through Protection from Curses. Using the tongs to soak the hammer in the Quench daily for a week converts the hammer to the Hammer of the Art, granting it the ability to Alter Form of anything being worked on. The Hammer is used to alter the form of the anvil, which is then saoked in the Quench with the Tongs each day for a week to Produce the Anvil of the Art with the ability to Shape Form of the object being worked. You use the hammer and avil to produce the components of the forges, each of which are washed in the quench with the tongs daily; then another week is required to assemble the Forge of the Art with the power to Break Down Magical Opposition and effectively rewrites the magical identity of an object placed in it. You can work with any metal to produce magic items requiring a day of effort per kilogram of the item (no less than a day can pass). A special will be to create a magical focus device for smith magic in the shape of a ring.

Here are some examples of researched specials.

• Herbal Powers: This is a basic low natural magic allowing the character to cast a spell based on a specific magical intention. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The first intention was a healing herb, with a spell for healing wounds. The second spell will be done under the same intention, this time the spell is cure disease. Then you research a new herb with invisibility as a power, and that is the new spell.
• Magical Senses: This is a basic internal magic power allowing the character to be aware of the presence of supernatural beings or spells. The special is the ability to indentify magical effects when using Knowledge (Magic) as a modifier. A researched special is a +1 to any magical operation using magical senses as a modifier due to the ability to sense the flow of magical power.
• Planetary Ritual: This is a difficult low magic ritual allowing the character to cast a spell based on what planetary influences are currently in force. This will require a Planetary Ritual roll in order to time the ritual correctly. The ritual must be performed at a particular hour of the day. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The character must have a brazier for consecration, a crystal for gathering the power, a gong for calling our to the spirit, a dagger for compelling the spirit, and a wand for dismissal. These items must be made prior to the ritual, by making a Planetary Ritual roll. The inital intention is knowledge, and the first spell is to identify magical effects. The second spell is also under knowledge, it is the ability to teach. A researched special is due to special study for timing rituals, thus gaining a +1 to correctly time a planetary ritual.
• Personal Religious Ceremony: This is a difficult religious magic ritual allowing a character initiated into a religion to cast a spell of worship after an hour long ritual. The character needs a holy symbol created by a priest. The result of the ritual is split between duration and a number of HP. The HP purchase a condition called Sanctity. Sanctity is the level of holiness, a character has. As a special, the character can use sancitity as a modifier for any ability attempt within the powers of their god. A researched special is to gain a +1 to the personal religious certemony when using a holy symbol of the god.

Here are some examples of specials-at-five for supernatural powers.

• Herbal Powers: This is a basic low natural magic allowing the character to cast a spell based on a specific magical intention. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The first intention was a healing herb, with a spell for healing wounds. The second spell will be done under the same intention, this time the spell is cure disease. Then you research a new herb with invisibility as a power, and that is the new spell. Herbal powers are one leave easier to perform.
• Magical Senses: This is a basic internal magic power allowing the character to be aware of the presence of supernatural beings or spells. The special is the ability to indentify magical effects when using Knowledge (Magic) as a modifier. A researched special is a +1 to any magical operation using magical senses as a modifier due to the ability to sense the flow of magical power. The character can perceive the astral plane directly.
• Planetary Ritual: This is a difficult low magic ritual allowing the character to cast a spell based on what planetary influences are currently in force. This will require a Planetary Ritual roll in order to time the ritual correctly. The ritual must be performed at a particular hour of the day. When first learned, the character learns one magical intention and one spell for that intention. The character must have a brazier for consecration, a crystal for gathering the power, a gong for calling our to the spirit, a dagger for compelling the spirit, and a wand for dismissal. These items must be made prior to the ritual, by making a Planetary Ritual roll. The inital intention is knowledge, and the first spell is to identify magical effects. The second spell is also under knowledge, it is the ability to teach. A researched special is due to special study for timing rituals, thus gaining a +1 to correctly time a planetary ritual. Planetary rituals are one step easier than normal.
• Personal Religious Ceremony: This is a difficult religious magic ritual allowing a character initiated into a religion to cast a spell of worship after an hour long ritual. The character needs a holy symbol created by a priest. The result of the ritual is split between duration and a number of HP. The HP purchase a condition called Sanctity. Sanctity is the level of holiness, a character has. As a special, the character can use sancitity as a modifier for any ability attempt within the powers of their god. A researched special is to gain a +1 to the personal religious certemony when using a holy symbol of the god. The character may call upon a lesser spiritual servant of the god for assistance.
• Gestures of Power: This is an extreme low magic internal power allowing the character to use a magical gesture to cast a spell. When this power is first purchased the magician knows how to perform one spell within a specific magical intention. This is very fast style of spell-casting, within a couple of seconds, but has a -8 modifier due to difficulty. The first intention is protection and the gesture is protection from physical harm (this will need to be brought down to the mundane level for a net +60 to the effect if the roll is successful). The second gesture is the gesture of protection from magical harm. A researched special is the gain a +1 when using Dexterity as a modifier for gestures of power. Gestures of power are one step easier than normal.
• Smith Magic: This is an extreme high construction magic allowing the character to use the construction of magic items to bring about mystical connections to their astral forms, then spirit forms, and then their souls. When this power is first acquired the character gains the skill Knowledge (Smith Magic) (IN) (d). The character will need to make their magical workshop consisting of a forge, anvil, hammer, tongs, and quench. Formulas for each of these items will need to be developed, along with their innate capabilities. Begin with the quench, this requires daily meditation where the smith-mage immerses their hands in the quench and expends power, this goes on for a week until the water and the container have been washed in the smith-mage's power—at which point this becomes the Quench of the Art and soaking a metal object in iot five times produces the effect Durable, making an object more able to resist being damaged. The tongs are washed in the Quebnch of the Art for a week, after which they are called the Tongs of the Art, they prevent the smith-mage from being cursed by any object they work with through Protection from Curses. Using the tongs to soak the hammer in the Quench daily for a week converts the hammer to the Hammer of the Art, granting it the ability to Alter Form of anything being worked on. The Hammer is used to alter the form of the anvil, which is then saoked in the Quench with the Tongs each day for a week to Produce the Anvil of the Art with the ability to Shape Form of the object being worked. You use the hammer and avil to produce the components of the forges, each of which are washed in the quench with the tongs daily; then another week is required to assemble the Forge of the Art with the power to Break Down Magical Opposition and effectively rewrites the magical identity of an object placed in it. You can work with any metal to produce magic items requiring a day of effort per kilogram of the item (no less than a day can pass). A special will be to create a magical focus device for smith magic in the shape of a ring. A researched special is to use Smith-Magic to duplicate Knowledge (Metals). The Smith-Mage may alter an existing magic item by adding to its current abilities by one pip per level of success after working on it for one kilogram per day (with a minimum of one day).

GM Section: Abilities for Units, Habitations, Nations, and Societies

Groups of people, such as military units, factory workers, or any other group that shares similar training and experience, may develop abilities just like characters can. In this way you can determine how well a group performs as a single unit. For example, a military unit might have skill in a common weapon, to see how well the unit uses the weapon you roll once on the weapon skill, just like you would for a character.

Habitations, such as villages or cities, nations, and secret societies can also develop abilities. For example, if a place is known for its furniture, then you may make a roll on that ability to determine if any furniture is available should a character want it.

Player Section: Using Skills and Conditions in the Game

During game play, situations will arise where a character must take action. There are two possible methods for resolving the outcome of specific actions. For simple tasks where the character has a skill that applies the GM will usually just assume success. When the results of a success are important, or when there is doubt as the whether an action is successful (such as when the attempt is being resisted), an ability roll must be made.

An ability roll is handled according to the steps below.

1. Choose the ability that best matches what you want the character to do. If worse comes to worse use the attribute closest to what you want. Make sure the GM approves of your choice, and be ready to justify this choice with a role play reason. You may use a single special from the ability you choose. If the primary ability is a power, you may gaurantee success. This ensures that result will be a complete and total result of 1 (even after detriments and the cost of HP equivalents).
2. Add to this your first modifier. This is an ability that seems supportive of the attempt. If nothing else, use an attribute. It is possible that nothing will be appropriate, in which case there will be no modifiers. Make sure the GM approves of your choice, and be ready to justify this choice with a role play reason. You may use a single special from the ability you choose.
3. Add your second modifier if there is one. Make sure the GM approves of your choice, and be ready to justify this choice with a role play reason. You may use a single special from the ability you choose.
4. Add any additional modifiers due to items or hung effects. Make sure the GM approves of all of your choices, and be ready to justify them with role play reasons. You may use any item you are holding or wearing.
5. Subtract the roll of a d10 from the result.
6. If you have previously guaranteed success, then any negative result is adjusted to make the result a full success. The number of points of adjustment result in a number of pips in power detriment.

GM Section: Using Skills and Conditions in the Game

From the GM point-of-view an ability roll is handled according to the steps below.

1. Make sure that the character chooses the best ability in terms of role-play, and not just to get a big number. Make sure the player is thinking in terms of primary ability then modifiers. Does their role play reason make sense?
2. Make sure that the reasons for the first and second modifiers are good ones.
3. Make sure the modifiers for items and hung effects are good ones.
4. When possible, observe the d10 roll. Or have another player observe it.
5. The GM then applies a modifier to the result of step 4 based upon applicability of the choice in step 1 and the difficulty of the choice. Applicability ranges from 0 for a perfectly applicable choice, to -10 for something barely applicable. If a choice for the primary ability is applicable and difficult then the GM should grant a favorable modifier of +1 up to +4. If a primary ability is applicable and extreme then the GM should grant a favorable modifier of +5 up to +9.
6. The GM applies modifiers for the difficulty of the task:

• Easy task for someone with skill (sweeping the floor with a really good broom) +10 or more.
• Simple task for someone with skill (riding a bicycle after practicing for weeks) +5 to +9.
• Normal task for someone with skill, +4 to -4.
• Challenging task (playing chess with someone better than you) -5 to -9.
• Hard task (recalling every word of a conversation you participated in days ago) -10 to -19.
• Master-level task (climbing a rope with a broken arm) -20 to -39.
• Legendary task (creating a painting that makes those who view it weep at its beauty) -40 to -79.
• Impossible task (forcing a demon possessing you from your body by force of will alone) -80 or worse.

The result of a skill roll is called the level of success. If the level of success is a 0 we call that a ¾ success. If the level of success is -1 the result is a ½ success. If the level of success is -2 the result is a ¼ success. Partial success have results determined by the GM as appropriate to the skill being attempted; it is entirely possible that only a full success will result in anything useful.

If the d10 roll is an unmodified 10 then we have an unexpected result. Unexpected results can occur, even if the skill attempt is a success. Roll the d10 again to determine the results:

1: You have done exactly the right thing and succeeded, even for an impossible task! It is possible for miraculous things to occur. A demon is slain by a punch, a fall from a high building is survived, etc.
2-3: You have had a favorable result. Some additional effect has worked in your favor (most often this will be the acquisition of a new skill related to what is being done, or an increase in an existing skill).
4: The effort takes twice as long as expected, or requires twice the effort. This could result in a double power detriment.
5: The effort takes three times as long as expected, or requires three times the effort. This could result in a triple power detriment.
6: The effort takes four times as long as expected, or requires four times the effort. This could result in a quadruple power detriment.
7: The effort takes eight times as long as expected, or requires eight times the effort. This could result in an octuple power detriment.
8-9: The effort has resulted in some unfortunate effect. Equipment might be broken, information might be garbled, something was done wrongly, there might be minor injuries. You have had a minor accident (you spilled ink all over the book you are studying, you poked a friend in the arm with your sword as you swing at an enemy doing light damage, you are distracted while casting a spell by a creaking noise that reminds you of something hunting you, etc.) A sudden storm strikes without warning. The bad thing need not be related to the die roll, only that the character is effected by it.
10: The effort has resulted in a really bad accident! Equipment used might be destroyed, you might have learned exactly the wrong thing, there might be severe injuries, you might have killed yourself. Death should be a rare result here, but if the situation fits it is possible. For example, you set fire to the library where you are studying by candlelight; as you fire a machine gun at the enemy a friend is bumped into your line of fire before you can react doing extreme damage; a magical spell that would transport you and your friends to safety has backfired and transported you all into the hands of your enemy, a tsunami has struck the area and widespread destruction has resulted. It is possible that the result has nothing to do with the attempted action by the character, just that the character is effected by it.

Example: Ability Use

The character decides to attempt to land an airplane. The player chooses to use their Jet Pilot 3 (d) (the ability to operate a jet airplane), Reaction Time 3 (the ability to react quickly), and Dexterity 3 (eye-hand-coordination). The GM decides this is a normal task and gives it a 0 modifier, and +1 due to the modifier for a difficult ability. The player rolls a 10, followed by a 2. This results in a 0, a 3/4 success. And it is a favorable accident on top of that. The GM rules that the character's Reaction Time has increased by 1 and the passengers of the plane suffer a rough landing.

Player Section: Using Items for Modifiers

Most items are pretty average. It is possible that an item is particularly well made (what we will call an Item of Quality), or it is an item of power. In such cases there will be a +number associated with it. This plus can be used as an additional modifier. It is possible to base your effort on this number, as if it were an ability.

GM Section: Using Items for Modifiers

Plusses to an item should be based upon the abilities of those who made it. Should you decide it is important, or that the item is above average, make a d10 roll against the three abilities of the crafter who made the item. The result is the number of HP that the item can use to buy its plusses. A result of eight difficult HP becomes a +4 difficult modifier.

Example: Using Items for Modifiers

In the previous example, say the jet has an ILS (Instrument Landing System) that gives a +1 to the roll. This changes the result to a 1, a successful landing, despite the accident. This is a perfect landing.

Player Section: Hung Effects

It is possible to have effects last for a period of time. For example, the character needs to keep watch for several hours and the character makes a die roll for it. Since this is to last so long, one modifier must be an ability that allows the character to stay alert for a time. For this duration there is a -1 modifier.

Longer durations are possible if the character makes a good story for it. For example, the character is studying every day so they have a hung effect of knowledge

In any case after the duration modifier, any remainder will be converted into HP to pay for the hung effect. You can call the effect by any name appropriate to what you want to do.

GM Section: Hung Effects

The modifier for durations is as follows:

For durations longer than a day, if there is not a good story behind the attempt, make it a challenging task. For more than a month, make it a hard task. For a year make it a master-level task, and so on.

Examples: Hung Effects

A character wants to be able to react faster than normal, in effect increasing their Speed Factor of 2. They have the skill Reaction Time 3 (giving the character the ability to react to the unknown), Endurance 3 (the ability to resist fatigue), and PF of 2. The character wants this to go on for the next six hours, gaining a -1 modifier. The GM assigns a -2 for average difficulty. The roll is a 4, for a total of 3 + 3 + 2 - 1 -2 - 4 = 1. So for the next six hours the character has a Speed Factor of 3.

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