Anime 5e - PDFCOFFEE.COM (2024)

In the myriad realms of imagination, there are many dungeons to explore, dragons to tame, and paths to find.

Anime 5E helps you unlock the realms of fantasy to experience them all. Welcome to Anime 5E – the fantasy role-playing game for all your anime and manga adventures, which builds upon the Fifth Edition rules of “the world’s most popular storytelling game”. This stand-alone role-playing game brings a point-based balance to the standard Fifth Edition offerings, and then layers a wide selection of new races, classes, skills, features, powers, game mechanics, and combat options on top of this foundation. Anime 5E is the beginning of a journey, so hold on tight as we welcome you to your next great fantasy adventure!

Explore, learn, and connect at

Anime5E.com ISBN 978-1-989695-12-8

DYSKAMI Publishing Company

9 781989 695128

dyskami.ca

[emailprotected]

Writing

Mark MacKinnon

Additional Writing

L. B. Bryant and Sean D. Francis

Foundational Writing Contributions David L. Pulver with Emily K. Dresner-Thorner and Jude McLaughlin

Artwork

Chabibit, Desti, Julie Dillon, Marion Gale Gaelon, Niko Geyer, KAGE Productions, Ed Northcott, Shilin, Strike Boogie, Ariel Tan, Michelle Tan, Zearyu, Low Zi Rong

Graphic Production Mark MacKinnon

Special Thanks To

Michael Bioly, Magavarico “The Magpie”

DYSKAMI Publishing Company

© 2021 Dyskami Publishing Company Production #JPG815 Printed in China. First Printing – July 2021 All rights reserved under international law. No part of this book may be reproduced in part or in whole, in any form or by any means, without permission from the publisher, except for personal copies of the character sheet, or brief quotes for use in reviews. [emailprotected]

dyskami.ca

FOREWORD Over twenty years ago when Wizards of the Coast opened the opportunity for other companies to publish products that were compatible with their juggernaut fantasy role-playing game – either through the Open Game License (OGL) or their morerestrictive d20 System Trademark license – the role-playing industry changed. My original anime RPG, Big Eyes, Small Mouth or BESM, and its universal Tri-Stat System was on its way to establishing itself as the go-to destination for anime gaming action and drama. Sure, I played the world’s most popular fantasy RPG too, but I scoffed at the idea of abandoning my beloved Tri-Stat System in favour of the dominant d20 System. BESM was a better game, I told myself. Everyone should recognise that. Yet the financial draw of playing in the d20 sandbox was undeniable. And it wasn’t just the money, but the gaming mindshare as well. I remember so clearly a 2002 convention road trip, driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles with some publishing peers. The incredibly brilliant John Zinser challenged my way of thinking about embracing the OGL community: If you don’t publish an anime d20 game, someone else will. That single statement was the inception of the BESM d20 RPG. Ego has its benefits, but it can also place nasty constraints on the creative process. My ego needed to continue reigning as the King of Anime RPGs, and I tackled the process of converting BESM Tri-Stat to BESM d20 with impure creative intentions. I steadfastly believed that Tri-Stat was better than d20, and I made my thoughts abundantly clear while converting between the systems. I forcibly shoehorned most elements of Tri-Stat into d20 with no regard to the reasons why the system was so popular and played by millions. I’ll give you BESM d20, but I’m going to force you to play it my way. The right way. The better way. Although I look back at my approach to BESM d20 with creative disdain, it proved to be a popular product that offered numerous innovative options to standard d20 gameplay. Many gamers have expressed their appreciation to me; BESM d20 helped them merge their love of anime with their enjoyment of d20 games. I am thankful for the opportunities that BESM d20 provided to me and to others, even if I know that I made creative design compromises rooted in ego and arrogance. Fast forward nearly 20 years. I had re-emerged into the role-playing field with BESM Fourth Edition – powered by the latest and greatest version of my cherished Tri-Stat System. I had planned to devote my game development time exclusively to BESM, when suddenly the world came to a halt with a global pandemic. Like many people, I found myself isolated at home with far too much time on my hands. I had the creative itch to revisit my work on BESM d20, and 2002-Mark had a very different perspective on game design and life choices than 2020-Mark. During those two decades, I had come to the (now obvious) realisation that it wasn’t my place to tell others how they should be enjoying their games, or that my game preferences were better than theirs. I was confident in my new mindset that if I tackled making an anime version of Fifth Edition, that I could fully embrace the system that made Fifth Edition so popular. This wouldn’t be simply an updated BESM d20; I would make the Anime Fifth Edition role-playing game. Respect the game, I thought, and the right design paths will open. I am extremely proud of my Anime 5E design work. My love of role-playing started in grade seven with the basic red boxed set (and, later, the rest of BECMI), and I believe Anime 5E expands on the Fifth Edition game framework in all the right ways. This book is 5E, but it’s Anime 5E. Some rules aspects are tweaked or massaged in ways that enhance the foundations of Fifth Edition, of course, as I have wrapped it within a balanced, points-based, and effects-based framework that evokes the sheer awesomeness of anime action and drama. As I completed the design and playtesting, and prepared to launch a crowdfunding campaign to gauge interest, I had no idea if the Fifth Edition crowd would embrace what I was trying to accomplish with the game. I had modest hopes as I pressed Kickstarter’s launch button. Expectations blown. $608,702 was pledged by 8,073 backers, making Anime 5E the #21 most funded (by dollars) and #13 most popular (by backers) role-playing game Kickstarter of all time. Backers unlocked a whopping 40 stretch goals and have positioned Anime 5E as a significant player in the third-party Fifth Edition landscape. I had put out a general question to backers, asking them why they pledged their support for Anime 5E. The majority of the responses could be distilled to a simple answer: they love Fifth Edition and they love anime, and so supporting a game that blends these two elements together is an obvious choice. To everyone who first picked up BESM d20 so long ago. To all the BESM fans who have supported the game through four editions. To all the 8,073+ Anime 5E Kickstarter backers, who took a chance on a small company with modest dreams. To everyone who purchased this book online, or at a game convention, or from a retail store. To everyone who plays Anime 5E but isn’t ready or in the position to buy the game. And to everyone who realises how fortunate we are to be welcomed into an amazing community of like-minded gamers that can not only survive, but thrive, during a global pandemic. THANK YOU.

Mark MacKinnon May 2021

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

DYSKAMI Publishing Company

ROLE-PLAYING GAME MANIFESTO

Follow the rules. Or don’t. I’m a game manifesto, not a cop. Always strive towards maximising inclusion, diversity, and sensitivity. You can’t be playing wrong when creating enjoyment for the entire group. Should dice rolls conflict with great story development, the story always wins. Moving beyond the rules with creativity and innovation is encouraged. Your interpretation of the game rules is as official as the designer’s intent. Role-playing intensity increases with honest and respectful communication. Trust is an essential ingredient for an amazing game experience. The Game Master works against the characters, but never against the players. If you are no longer having fun playing the game: stop, regroup, and evaluate. The game book contains the answers to all things. When the above does not apply, make it up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 8

CHAPTER 4: CLASSES 48

Big Eyes, Small Mouth.................................8

Class Progression.......................................48

Anime Origins..................................................8 Anime Evolution..............................................9

Anime Fantasy Gaming..............................10 What is a Role-Playing Game?.....................10 What do you Want in an RPG?....................10 Recording Game Info....................................10

Exploring Anime 5E...................................12 Anime 5E Objectives.....................................12 Navigating Anime 5E.....................................13 Anime 5E vs. BESM d20................................13

Creation Example......................................14 Example Character: Jingoro.........................15

Anime 5E Glossary.....................................16

CHAPTER 2: CHARACTER BASICS

Session Zero...............................................18 Collective Creation........................................18 Starting Level.................................................18 Discretionary Points......................................20 Character Benchmarks.................................20 Table 01: Character Benchmarks.................20 Establishing Boundaries...............................20

Your Character’s Framework.....................21 Balance and Uniqueness..............................22

Multiclassing.............................................51 Table 09: Proficiency Values.........................51

Anime 5E Classes.......................................54 Adventurer....................................................54 Bender...........................................................56 Broker............................................................58 Dynamic Spellbinder.....................................60 Hunter............................................................62 Isekai Student................................................64 Magical Girl/Guy...........................................66 Ninja ..............................................................68 Pet Monster Trainer......................................70 Psionicist........................................................72 Samurai..........................................................74 Shadow Warrior............................................76 Techknight.....................................................78 Warder...........................................................80

Deconstructing Traditional Classes............82 Table 10: 1st-Level Base Points....................82

Structure of the Game Mechanics.............23

CHAPTER 5: ATTRIBUTES 90

Ability Scores.............................................24

Adding Attributes......................................90

Dice and Notations.......................................23 Rolling Dice....................................................23 Ability Score Definitions...............................24 Table 02: Ability Score Modifiers.................24

Anime 5E Character Quiz...........................26

CHAPTER 3: RACES 28 Costing Races.............................................28 Building a Raceless Character......................28 Table 03: Race Cost Summary.....................28 Table 04: Race Cost Breakdown...................29

Anime 5E Races.........................................30

Archfiend.......................................................30 Asrai .............................................................31 Blinkbeast......................................................32 Demonaga.....................................................33 Fairy ...............................................................34 Grey ...............................................................35 Half-Dragon...................................................36 Half-Troll........................................................37 Haud..............................................................38 Kodama..........................................................39 Nekojin...........................................................40 Parasite..........................................................41 Satyr ..............................................................42 Slime..............................................................43

Size Templates...........................................44 Example: Small Size Template......................44 Example: Huge Size Template......................44 Assigning Size................................................44 Fitting In.........................................................45 Table 05: Size Modifiers................................45 Hitting Modifiers...........................................45

Race/Class Combinations..........................46

Table 06: Commonality of Combinations...45

1st Level Foundation....................................48 Levelling Benefits..........................................48 Table 07: Classes...........................................49 Experience Points.........................................50 Table 08: Level Advancement......................50 Classless and NPCs........................................50

Attribute Entries............................................90 Table 11: Attributes.......................................91 AC Bonus.......................................................92 Alternate Identity..........................................92 Armour Proficiency.......................................92 Augmented....................................................92 Change State.................................................92 Cognition.......................................................93 Combat Mastery...........................................93 Combat Technique........................................94 Companion....................................................95 Connected.....................................................98 Control Environment....................................98 Conversion.....................................................98 Dynamic Powers...........................................99 Edge ...........................................................100 Elasticity.......................................................100 Energised.....................................................101 Enhanced Proficiency.................................101 Extra Actions...............................................101 Fast ............................................................101 Features.......................................................101 Table 12: Example Features.......................101 Flight............................................................102 Forced Disadvantage..................................102 Healing.........................................................102 Heightened Senses.....................................102 Immunity.....................................................103 Immutable...................................................104 Inspire..........................................................104 Item ............................................................105 Jumping.......................................................105 Language.....................................................105 Massive Damage.........................................106 Mimic...........................................................106 Mind Control...............................................106 Mind Shield.................................................108 Minions........................................................108 Monster Training.........................................108

Mulligan.......................................................110 Nullify...........................................................110 Pocket Dimension.......................................110 Portal............................................................111 Protected.....................................................111 Regeneration...............................................112 Resilient.......................................................112 Saving Throw Proficiency...........................112 Sixth Sense..................................................112 Size Change.................................................112 Skill Proficiency...........................................113 Table 13: Skill Proficiencies.........................113 Special Movement......................................116 Spell Amplification......................................116 Spell-Like Ability..........................................117 Supersense..................................................118 Telepathy.....................................................118 Teleport........................................................119 Tool Proficiency...........................................119 Tough...........................................................120 Transfer........................................................120 Tunnelling....................................................120 Undetectable..............................................120 Unique Attribute.........................................120 Unknown Power.........................................121 Water Speed................................................121 Wealth.........................................................121 Weapon.......................................................124 Table 14: Weapon Damage Dice................124 Table 15: Weapon Enhancements.............125 Table 16: Weapon Limiters.........................129 Weapon Proficiency...................................130

CHAPTER 6: DEFECTS 132 Defect Ranks............................................132

Table 17:: Defects........................................132 AC Penalty...................................................133 Accountability.............................................133 Bane ............................................................133 Blind Fury.....................................................133 Cursed..........................................................133 Degraded.....................................................134 Diminished Proficiency...............................134 Easily Distracted..........................................134 Fragile..........................................................134 Hounded......................................................134 Impaired Manipulation..............................134 Impaired Speech.........................................135 Inept Attack.................................................135 Ism ............................................................135 Limited Damage..........................................135 Magnet........................................................136 Marked........................................................136 Nemesis.......................................................136 Nightmares..................................................136 Obligated.....................................................137 Obstacle.......................................................137 Opposing Advantage..................................137 Phobia..........................................................137 Physical Impairment...................................137 Reduced Damage........................................138 Secret...........................................................138 Sensory Impairment...................................138 Significant Other.........................................138 Slow ............................................................ 138 Social Fault...................................................139 Special Requirement...................................139 Susceptible..................................................140 Unique Defect.............................................140 Vulnerability................................................140 Wanted........................................................140 Weak Point..................................................140

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 7: CUSTOMISATION 142 Enhancements.........................................142 Table 18: Allowed Enhancements.............142 Area ............................................................143 Duration.......................................................143 Potent..........................................................143 Range...........................................................143 Targets.........................................................143

Limiters....................................................145

Table 19: Limiters........................................145 Activation....................................................145 Assisted........................................................145 Backlash.......................................................145 Charges........................................................145 Concentration.............................................146 Consumable................................................146 Dependent..................................................146 Deplete........................................................146 Detectable...................................................146 Emotional....................................................146 Environmental.............................................147 Equipment...................................................147 Imbue...........................................................147 Irreversible...................................................147 Maximum....................................................148 Object..........................................................148 Permanent...................................................148 Recovery......................................................148 Semi-Permanent.........................................148 Unique Limiter............................................148 Unpredictable.............................................148

CHAPTER 8: ACTION 150 The Story Begins......................................150 Describing Actions......................................150

Game Time..............................................151 Scene, Round, and Initiative......................151

Dice Rolls.................................................151 Difficulty Class.............................................152 Table 20: Difficulty Class.............................152 Contests.......................................................152

Roll Types................................................153

Mounted Attacks........................................168 Attributes in Combat..................................169

Combat Modifiers...................................170 Margin of Success.......................................170 Table 21: Margin of Success.......................170 Critical Hits..................................................170 Critical Failures............................................170 Table 22: Critical Failure.............................170 Range Penalties...........................................171 Table 23: Range Penalties..........................171 Cover............................................................171 Table 24: Attack Roll Advantages...............171 Table 25: Attack Roll Disadvantages..........171

Damage...................................................172 Weapon Damage........................................172 Damage Types.............................................173 Effects of Damage.......................................173 Pain and Hit Points......................................173

Resting and Recovery..............................175 Energy......................................................176 Dramatic Feats............................................176 Player Retcon..............................................176

CHAPTER 9: ADVENTURING 178 Health Risks.............................................178

Poisons.........................................................178 Disease.........................................................179 Environmental Damage..............................179 Deprivation..................................................180 Table 26: Deprivation..................................180

Character Advancement..........................181 Overcoming Conflict...................................181 Exceptional Role-Playing............................181 Engagement Bonus.....................................182 Allocating Points and Other Benefits........182 Crafting Items..............................................182

Challenge Ratings....................................184 Table 27: Challenge Rating XP....................184 Calculating CR.............................................184 Encounter Threat Score..............................185 Table 28: Encounter Threat........................186

Game Currency........................................187

Attack Roll....................................................160 Melee vs. Ranged Attacks..........................160 Flanking an Opponent................................161 Grappling.....................................................161

Weapons.................................................191

Combat Manoeuvres...............................166

Ready (Hold Actions)..................................166 Called Shots.................................................166 Two-Weapon Fighting................................167 Multiple Targets With One Attack.............167 Striking to Wound.......................................167 Total Attack..................................................167 Surprise Attack............................................168 Touching a Target........................................168

Size and Monsters.......................................214 Base Points..................................................214 Table 32: Monsters by CR...........................215 Monsters in Anime 5E vs. Fifth Edition.....215 Comparing Challenge Ratings....................215 Kobold..........................................................216 Goblin..........................................................217 Orc ............................................................218 Bugbear.......................................................219 Ogre ............................................................220 Hell Hound...................................................221 Mummy.......................................................222 Troll .............................................................223 Wyvern........................................................224 Giant, Stone.................................................225 Succubus.....................................................226 Dragon, Young White..................................227 Purple Worm...............................................228 Dragon, Adult Red.......................................229

Neomorphs.............................................230 Cabbit...........................................................230 Elephox........................................................231 Gryphon.......................................................232 Jackalope.....................................................233 Nue .............................................................234 Wolverpotamus..........................................235

Allies and Enemies...................................236 Table 33: Allies and Enemies......................236

CHAPTER 12: GAMING 238

Player Advice...........................................240 Hosting Adventures.................................242

Adventuring Items...................................190

Character Movement.................................163 Jumping Distance........................................163

Monsters.................................................214

Creature Alignment....................................188 Alignment in the Anime Multiverse..........188

Determining Initiative.................................159 Character Action.........................................159

Tactical Actions........................................162 General Actions.......................................163

214

The Anime 5E Foundation.......................238

Alignment in Anime 5E............................188

Attack Actions..........................................160

CHAPTER 11: MONSTERS & NPCS

Money.........................................................187 In-Game Point Changes..............................187

Advantages and Disadvantages.................153 Ability Checks..............................................153 Skill Checks..................................................154 Saving Throws.............................................155 Initiative Rolls..............................................155

Anime 5E Combat Flowchart...................157 Anime 5E Combat....................................158

Item Attributes........................................199 Adventuring Gear....................................200 Daily Devices...........................................204 Items of Power........................................205 Protective Devices...................................209 Armaments..............................................210

CHAPTER 10: ITEMS 190 Point Costs...................................................190 Mundane Items..........................................190 Simple Melee Weapons.............................191 Simple Ranged Weapons...........................191 Martial Melee Weapons............................191 Martial Ranged Weapons..........................192 Simple Splash Weapons.............................192 Martial Siege Weapons..............................192

Armour....................................................193

Light Armour...............................................193 Medium Armour.........................................193 Heavy Armour.............................................193 Table 29: Melee Weapons.........................196 Table 30: Ranged, Splash, and Siege.........197 Table 31: Armour and Shields....................198

Shields.....................................................199 Shield Sizes..................................................199 Shield Materials..........................................199

Effects-Based System..................................238 Min/Maxing.................................................239 DM Basics....................................................242 Campaigns, Mini-Campaigns, One-Shots..243 Categorising the Game...............................243 Concept and Theme...................................244

World Building.........................................244 The Supporting Cast...................................244 Designing Adventures.................................245

Navigating Gameplay..............................248 Rules Questions..........................................248 House Rules.................................................248 Changing the Rules.....................................248 Damage Control..........................................249

Advice for the DM...................................250 Example Settings.....................................254 The Anime Multiverse................................254 Aradia...........................................................255 Bazaroth......................................................256 Ikaris ............................................................257

Appendix A: Gedanken............................260 Table A1: Revised Ability Scores ................260 Table A2: Revised Difficulty Class ..............260

Appendix B: Conversion Notes................262 Index........................................................264 Character Sheets......................................270

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION In the myriad realms of imagination, there are many dungeons to explore, dragons to tame, and paths to find. Anime 5E helps you unlock the realms of fantasy to experience them all. Welcome to Anime 5E – the fantasy role-playing game for all your anime and manga adventures, which builds upon the Fifth Edition rules of the world’s most popular storytelling game. Mark MacKinnon, creator of the critically acclaimed Big Eyes, Small Mouth anime role-playing game, has adapted the best of anime dynamics to Fifth Edition to give players and DMs unlimited control over their creations. Anime 5E brings a Point-based balance to the standard Fifth Edition offerings, and then layers a wide selection of new Races, Classes, Skills, features, powers, game mechanics, and combat options on top of this foundation. What you hold in your hands is the beginning of a journey, so hold on tight as we welcome you to your next great fantasy adventure.

Big Eyes, Small Mouth

“Anime” is the accepted term for animation from Japan. It has garnered much more respect in its native country than North American cartoons have in Canada and the United States. One reason for the popularity of anime is its diverse subject matter, ranging from fantasy and science fiction to romantic comedy and horror. While North American cartoons tend to be written for younger audiences (with a few exceptions), anime includes many shows aimed explicitly at teenagers or older viewers, and this in turn permits more sophisticated storylines and a wider array of genres. Another factor in the appeal of anime is the ongoing multiepisode story arcs that are a common feature of many liveaction TV dramas. A show can tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end rather than simply present a series of disconnected episodes that lurch onward until cancellation. Science fiction and fantasy fare very well in anime. Freed from the budgetary constraints imposed by the high cost of live-action special effects, coupled with a willingness to tackle stories that appeal to older viewers, many shows bring fantastic visions to vivid life. Alien invasions, world-shaking sorcery, transforming robots, super-powered heroes, demonic monsters, obsessively detailed military hardware, and realistic depictions of life in space are all a part of anime. Characters in these shows are often larger than life: angst-ridden, utterly clueless, burning for revenge, or hopelessly in love. “Manga” can simply be defined as comics from Japan, though the offerings are once again much more accepted and widespread than their Western counterparts, with millions of issues sold each week. With on-going plot lines, engaging characters, and a vast diversity of settings, genres, and topics, manga has gained popularity in North America over the years. With manga achieving mainstream respectability, bookstore shelves often have a separate manga section, sometimes with hundreds of titles available for purchase.

ANIME ORIGINS The first anime series produced in Japan was Tetsuwan Atom (1963), created by Osamu Tezuka and his animation studio, Mushi Productions. Later, this series became popular in the West as Astro Boy. From the 1980s through the 1990s, anime improved in both sophistication and quality, with series like Space Battleship Yamato (1975, space opera), Urusei Yatsura (1981, alien girlfriend comedy), Mobile Suit Gundam (1979, military drama), Macross (1983, science fiction soap opera), Bishojo Senshi Sailormoon (1992, magical girl drama) and Ranma 1/2 (1994, martial arts comedy) exemplifying particular genres. A major breakthrough came in the early 1980s, when direct-to-video (OVA; Original Video Animation) anime releases caught on, allowing production studios to produce shows aimed at smaller niche audiences or older viewers in a much greater diversity of genres. The legacy of this “OVA boom” (and the rise of speciality cable TV) was a renaissance in original television anime in the late 1990s, of which the most influential series was the mecha-conspiracy saga, Neon Genesis Evangelion (1996). In North America, relatively few anime-derived series were translated and adapted for television in the 1970s and 1980s. Most that did appear were heavily altered, often losing those Japanese elements (such as a continuing story arc) that made them interesting and so engaging. Notable exceptions were Star Blazers (1979, the U.S. version of Space Battleship Yamato) and Robotech (1985, a compilation of Macross and two other series), whose adaptations left their story arcs largely intact. The fandom that developed around these shows was sustained by comics, books, and fan activities that helped fuel the first anime-inspired giant robot board games and RPGs. In 1986, the first American anime magazines appeared. More and more Westerners became active in the distribution of Japaneselanguage or fan-subtitled tapes, as fans became aware of the “OVA boom” taking place in Japan. Successful comic book translations of high-quality Japanese manga (such as Akira, Lone Wolf and Cub, and Appleseed) and the theatrical release of Akira captured new fans. In the late 1980s, a number of American companies began releasing quality subtitled and dubbed translations of anime releases, including some of the best of the then-new science fiction OVA series like Gunbuster (1988) and Bubblegum Crisis

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

INTRODUCTION CH-1

(1988). In the 1990s, the growing popularity of anime allowed companies to release longer TV series (notably amongst them was Ranma 1/2, one of the first successful non-mecha series in America) direct to video. In 1995, the “impossible” happened when the magical girl show, Sailor Moon, began appearing on North American television – the first shojo (young girl) anime to do so. Its success has added a new generation of young female (and male) fans. The end of the millennium and the transition into the new century saw an explosion in anime with TV series being translated and released on video within months of their appearance in Japan. This is in addition to anime returning to mainstream American television. Series such as Dragon Ball Z, Gundam Wing, Tenchi Muyo!, Cardcaptor Sakura, Digimon, Escaflowne, and Pokémon were broadcasting on network television to high ratings. It seemed as though the high times would continue for years to come.

ANIME EVOLUTION All good things must come to an end however and around the end of the decade, the bubble burst on the North American anime market. This left doubts in people’s minds whether anime in the West would even survive the large scale changes that were looming. With the advent and popularisation of the streaming service Crunchyroll in 2008, fans were able to access anime faster than ever before. While some criticised the streaming site for allowing illegal uploads of Asian entertainment on their site at first, Crunchyroll began obtaining legal anime licenses and grew dramatically over the coming years. With streaming becoming more and more popular in the second half of this decade, multiple companies couldn’t keep up with the changing marketplace and either went out of business (ADV and Central Park Media), or closed up shop in the west entirely (Bandai Entertainment and Geneon). Luckily for fans in North America, more companies followed Crunchyroll’s lead by opening their own streaming services, including Funimation and Netflix – both of which have recently engaged the market more heavily by helping to finance original productions. Despite this new hurdle that had to be overcome, the indomitable spirit of anime lived on in Japan with hundreds of new series being released every single year. Giant robot series, which included Code Geass (2006) and Gurren Lagann (2007), continued to be popular. However, series that adapted the story of Japanese dating-sim games such as Fate/Stay Night (2006) and Clannad (2008) also started to increase in prominence. While this was happening, a new art style began to gain popularity in the form of bishojo (pretty girl) or moe, a style that would become the calling card of studios like Kyoto Animation. This style of art was well represented throughout the next few years with Lucky Star (2007), Toradora (2008), and K-ON! (2009) leading the charge, and soon began appearing in overseas markets as well. One thing that remained the same throughout the transition into the new millennium was the popularity of shonen (young male) and seinen (adult male) anime. Series like Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) and the subsequent (more faithful to the manga source) retelling in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009), Death Note (2006), Fairy Tail (2009), Attack on Titan (2013), Dragon Ball Super (2015), Black Clover (2017), and Demon Slayer (2019) all took the world by storm and made anime even more mainstream.

As the years progressed, however, more anime aimed at a female demographic started to emerge and grew in popularity in North America and beyond. Such shows included the worldwide figure skating hit, Yuri!!! on Ice (2016), and the resurrection of the beloved magical girl series, Sailor Moon. The new streaming series, Sailor Moon Crystal (2014), rebooted the global anime phenomenon that more closely followed creator Naoko Takeuchi’s original manga stories. In 2012, Sword Art Online recaptured imaginations and became arguably one of the most popular series of the decade, helping to usher in a new era of fantasy isekai (different world) anime. While the concept of heroes being transported to different worlds, lands, or dimensions was not new to the anime landscape, the success of SAO and its spinoffs paved the way for many others of its kind, including Re:Zero (2016) and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018). This genre ended up becoming so popular among manga and novel authors by the latter half of the decade that multiple publishing contests in Japan banned entries that fell into the category. By 2015, anime had reached a fevered pitch with over three hundred new series being aired in Japan in one year alone. Animation studios were becoming overworked and understaffed with the productions being scheduled years in advance. In 2019, these conditions were brought forward by a worker for famed animation studio Madhouse who claimed to have been forced to work a shocking 400 hours of unpaid overtime in a single month. Now more than a year into the 2020s, Japanese anime is on the horizon of a new era – and what will come from the future is anyone’s guess. Certainly, quality streaming services have changed the anime landscape. Whether we will see good times or bad, one thing remains the same: anime will continue to be a worldwide phenomenon for all ages for many years to come. Anime 5E will be your companion for the journey.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CH-1

INTRODUCTION

Anime Fantasy Gaming

Watching anime movies or reading a manga series doesn’t quite provide the immersive experience that some people crave. These inspired individuals don’t just want to passively watch fantasy anime – they want to live it and experience it and be consumed by it. Even playing anime-themed video games doesn’t provide the creative outlet whereby players can live the adventures of their favourite anime characters. An anime and manga role-playing game – just like the one you’re reading – fills this dramatic need perfectly.

WHAT IS A ROLE-PLAYING GAME? For many people, a role-playing game (RPG) is the logical evolution of the games we used to play as children: “House”, “Cops and Robbers”, and “Superheroes”. A rule system assists in settling conflicts and resolving actions, often with the use of a random generator (dice, cards, etc.) to add an unpredictable element to the game. A game typically involves a handful of players (2-10) and one person to act as the master of the dungeon (DM) – alternatively known as game master, storyteller, referee, keeper, director, moderator, or by numerous other titles. The players tell the DM what their anime alter-egos would like to do, and the DM describes the results of their actions. The DM is also responsible for creating the plot and the setting for the game adventures and works closely with the players to keep the game interesting and fun for all. In Anime 5E, players assume the roles of fantasy anime characters. The game system helps players assign some strengths and weaknesses to their characters using numbers to indicate relative ability. The remaining elements of a character’s background, family, knowledge, hobbies, and interests are not covered by the rules and are described by each player according to their choice of character personality. As a player, you control your character’s actions in the game. They can be likened to one of the major characters in an anime movie or series, working through the unexpected twists and turns of the plot with the help of other major characters (ie. personalities controlled by the other players). Your character’s actions can greatly affect the outcome of the adventure, but you must keep in mind that every action has a consequence that could be revisited upon your character in a future game session. Role-playing is a group effort, and positive interactions between your character and those of the other players are vital to everyone’s enjoyment of the game. As a DM, your contribution will be much greater than that from any one player. You must establish the setting, conflicts, and plot of the adventure, as well as all the non-player characters (NPCs) your group of players will meet during the game. Additionally, you must be able to project your imagination to the players by describing in vivid detail the world in which they live. Then, after all that, your game plot must remain sufficiently flexible to allow the characters’ actions to make a definite impact on the adventure. A plot that is too rigid may 10

leave players feeling their characters have lost the free will to affect their own destinies. Should you assume the role of DM, you must possess creativity, good judgement, and the ability to improvise in unexpected situations. It takes extra time and effort, but the reward of a well-played adventure is certainly worth it. Each role-playing adventure or episode will require one or two game sessions, each several hours in length. A number of episodes using the same characters can be linked together to form an anime campaign. Campaigns require more commitment from everyone involved, but watching the characters grow as the greater plot unfolds makes the extra effort worthwhile. The most engaging campaigns can last years or even decades, but keeping a campaign running for several months to a few years is a significant accomplishment given the busy schedules we find ourselves living. For additional details about playing in and running Anime 5E adventures, see Chapters 9 (page 178) and 12 (page 238).

WHAT DO YOU WANT IN AN RPG? If you ask a dozen gamers what is the most important aspect of a role-playing adventure, you’ll likely hear a dozen different answers. Diversity in role-playing is one of the hobby’s strengths, though establishing a common ground for your game’s focus is essential to help meet everyone’s expectations. Anime 5E was designed to create exciting anime and manga fantasy adventures, accommodating nearly any setting, time period, and player power ranking. The rules are straightforward to use and thus do not include an overwhelming amount of specific detail. In particular, the task resolution and combat system is designed be compatible with other Fifth Edition (5E) RPGs, yet customised to capture the fast-moving nature of anime and manga action. This system’s commonality with “the world’s most popular role-playing game” makes it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced players. Nevertheless, the role-playing interactions between the DM and the players, as well as between the players themselves, are the primary focus of Anime 5E. To this end, the core mechanisms of the game are merely a tool to accomplish this goal.

RECORDING GAME INFO At the end of this book, you’ll find a simple character sheet on which you will record your creation. Document your character’s important game stats as you progress through Chapters 2-7, including Ability Scores and modifiers, Experience Points, Race, Class, Levels, Proficiency Bonus and proficiencies, Hit Dice and Hit Points, features, Attributes, and Defects. As you and your gaming group undertake adventures, make notations of changes to your character details.

Throughout this book, examples are presented in blue boxes, while designer insights and important notes are presented in pink.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

INTRODUCTION CH-1

CH-1

INTRODUCTION

Exploring Anime 5E

Since Anime 5E was created as a hybrid approach between the traditional Fifth Edition fantasy RPG and dramatic anime and manga adventures, our role-playing game design focussed on several distinct objectives.

Although Anime 5E can be integrated with any standard high-fantasy Fifth Edition gaming campaign, the Races, Classes, options, and new rules present a game that evokes the best in fantasy anime and manga series. The artwork sets a strong visual tone, of course, and this book features some spectacular pieces by extremely talented illustrators. Also, some story and character elements that are common in anime and manga – but are not as common in Tolkien-esque high-fantasy settings – provide additional flavour, such as pet monster duels (the Monster Training Attribute), characters that attract a swarm of admirers (Magnet Defect), and more. Finally, Anime 5E provides excellent guidance for playing and running campaigns to help you create an evocative anime-style flavour in your adventures (see Chapters 9 and 12).

Provide Effects-Based Rules For Fifth Edition

Purposefully Omitted From Anime 5E

This single rulebook volume contains everything you need to start creating and playing anime and manga RPG adventures. It works as an excellent expansion and companion to other Fifth Edition books as well, offering a unique perspective on traditional fantasy tabletop gaming.

ANIME 5E OBJECTIVES

The 5E fantasy RPG is a powers-based system – character abilities are prescribed as stemming from a particular power sources such as magical ability, racial heritage, or Class training. Conversely, Anime 5E introduces an effects-based system to the game. This means that the game rules provides the effects or outcome of an Attribute, and the players and DM define the specific application of those effects. For example, a character might achieve the capabilities of Flight (page 102) using: wings, magic, anti-gravity fields, psionics, force of will, realitywarping techniques, thermal riding, or many other methods. Similarly, a Weapon (page 124) inflicts damage that could take the form of a near-infinite number of sources, such as physical trauma, fire, electricity, cold, acid, mental, poison, etc. Adding an effects-based lens to character abilities in 5E provides a new and dynamic perspective to the game.

Offer Point-Based Character Options

Traditional 5E fantasy RPG Races and Classes acquire specific benefits as they gain Experience Points and progress through character Levels. Some benefits offer a meagre selection of options from which to choose, though the range is tightly controlled. Conversely, Anime 5E layers a Point-based system of benefits and hindrances on top of the Fifth Edition foundation that give characters exceptional diversity regarding their special abilities, talents, and flaws. Points provide balance between characters of different Races and Classes, and empower the players to direct the creation and growth of their fantasy alter egos in exciting directions with unique combinations. Constructing characters from Points unshackles the players’ imaginations to progress beyond the Level-based approach to character advancement.

Explore Rule Alternatives

Over three core books (PHB, DMG, MM), the Fifth Edition RPG provides a solid rules foundation for playing and running fantasy RPG adventures. Anime 5E expands on this ruleset by providing alternatives and options to enhance gameplay. A few of the new sections you’ll find in Anime 5E include discussions concerning: called shots, tactical actions, combined attacks, critical hits and failures, wound difficulty penalties, and much more. Use what you like, modify ideas as appropriate for your gaming group, and discard what you don’t like.

Not Just Fantasy – Anime Fantasy

Of course, it’s impossible to replicate the incredibly vast amount of information from all other 5E game books in this single volume. Anime 5E is a complete game unto itself, though there are aspects that were intentionally omitted.

Details on Fifth Edition Races and Classes

Anime 5E provides a Point-based rebalancing of the standard Fifth Edition Races (ie. Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, etc.) and Classes (ie. Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Wizard, etc.) for use in your Anime 5E adventures, but does not reproduce the information readily available in the PHB. Instead, this book details the new Race and Class options.

Spells and Magic System

Fifth Edition includes a robust magic system with hundreds of spells that works well for their included Races and Classes. Anime 5E explores an alternative system for magical and paranormal effects (see Dynamic Powers Attribute, page 99) that can be used on its own or integrated with the existing Fifth Edition spells presented in the PHB and other 5E sourcebooks. Consequently, Anime 5E does not include any spells details.

Minor Rule Details

Anime 5E’s action and combat chapter (page 150) provides the essential information for undertaking role-playing adventures. There are hundreds of rules and detailed minutia not reproduced from the PHB and other 5E sourcebooks, since they are not critical to the core elements of running anime adventures. This includes such sections as controlling a mount, underwater combat, spellcasting elements, map/grid-based combat, and more. Of course, gaming groups are welcome to integrate these materials into Anime 5E adventures as desired. Since Anime 5E approaches role-playing as a narrative framework for storytelling – rather than a tactical combat game – much of these small additional details are left to the discretion of the DM and players.

Campaign Setting and In-Depth World Building

The Fifth Edition DMG provides exceptional advice about building fantasy worlds and creating campaign settings. Much of what is written also applies to an Anime 5E game, and consequently those sections are not repeated in this book.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

INTRODUCTION CH-1

Monsters and Magical Items

Anime 5E includes a modest selection of companions, monsters, objects, and weapons that DMs can integrate into their games directly, or use for inspiration to create their own. The Fifth Edition core books contain hundreds of additional entries that easily integrate with Anime 5E campaigns.

NAVIGATING ANIME 5E Whether you’re a Fifth Edition fantasy veteran or new to d20 role-playing, knowing where to start with Anime 5E can be daunting. We have organised the chapter flow in this book to align with the information you need to know to get started. As you progress through this guide, refer back to the terms in the glossary (page 16) if you are unfamiliar with a game term. Chapter 2: Character Basics outlines the essentials you need as your gaming group start their journey to adventure. The DM will need to determine the characters’ starting Level, which will set benchmarks to consider as you progress through character creation. During the all-important session zero, players will work collectively on their characters’ framework, including their strengths, weaknesses, and background details. This is where you’ll be introduced to the concept of Pointbased creation, where every character feature – whether a base capability, magical talent, paranormal power, learned skill, innate trait, or specific flaw – is assigned a Point value. Points are not used in the traditional Fifth Edition RPG, so this may be a new aspect to your game. Once you read the brief section about game mechanics structure (page 23), you’ll move onto statting out your character. Ability Scores come first. Once you generate these values and assign them to the six Abilities, it will help you focus on the two most important components of your character: their Race (Chapter 3) and their Class (Chapter 4). Both Ability Scores and Race assignments require you to assign Points from your pool of Discretionary Points awarded by the DM, while your choice of Class outlines its character benefits. You can select from options exclusive to Anime 5E, or with DM permission, you can use any traditional Race and Class from the Fifth Edition PHB or other third-party Fifth Edition publications. Next, you can acquire various features and benefits for your character, called Attributes (Chapter 5), by allocating any remaining Discretionary Points. Each Class Level also indicates the Attributes your character unlocks, which are cumulative with the Ranks you have assigned with Points. Some Attributes can be customised with modifiers (Chapter 7), or you can use them as they are written instead. If you assign Defects to your character (Chapter 6), you’ll gain some extra Points to spend on even more Ability Score values or Attribute Ranks. With character creation finished, the rest of Anime 5E focusses on gameplay and adventuring. Chapter 8 details the dice-rolling rules and combat game mechanics, providing context to your Race, Class, Attribute, and Defect choices. Adventuring is covered in Chapter 9, including gaining Experience Points and advancing character Levels. Chapter 10 provides a robust section of items, equipment, and weapons, followed by monster and NPC stats in Chapter 11. Finally, Chapter 12 wraps up the book with sections that address both creating and playing the game – including three sample world settings – and provides valuable advice for players and DMs.

ANIME 5E VS. BESM D20 In 2004, Anime 5E designer, Mark MacKinnon, adapted his Big Eyes, Small Mouth game system to the d20 System under the Open Gaming License (OGL) and called it BESM d20. Many players familiar with BESM d20 may view Anime 5E as its follow-up edition, and they aren’t completely wrong. When physically comparing the two games, though, it’s clear that they are quite different. Anime 5E has nearly twice the page count as BESM d20, and thus substantially more material. The list below outlines the significant differences between Anime 5E and BESM d20: » As implied by the name, Anime 5E is based on the Fifth Edition ruleset under the OGL, whereas BESM d20 is based on the 3e/3.5e OGL. The foundational differences between Fifth Edition and 3e are significant, and so Anime 5E and BESM d20 are not directly compatible. Point costs are balanced differently between the games. » Since it was released under the d20 Trademark License, BESM d20 is not a stand-alone game; it required the PHB to play and did not provide full rules for character creation. Conversely, Anime 5E is a complete core system that integrates with the Fifth Edition PHB, DMG, and MM, but stands alone and does not require them. » BESM d20 was presented as a multi-genre d20 System game that detailed technology and modern-day elements, rather than a fantasy RPG. Anime 5E is an extension of the fantasy setting and genre from Fifth Edition, and consequently only addresses rules and game guidance from a fantasy RPG perspective. » Anime 5E introduces 14 new fantasy Races, whereas BESM d20 only referenced the original PHB Races. » BESM d20 shoehorned standard Big Eyes, Small Mouth rules onto a d20 System framework, and thus ignored many mechanistic elements of the d20 System. Anime 5E instead preserves all the core elements of the Fifth Edition and instead offers an additional set of rules and options that layer on top of the Fifth Edition game. » Regarding Race Point cost determinations, Anime 5E does not take the position that Human is the base form – unlike BESM d20. Each Race is built independently starting from 0 Points. » Anime 5E presents customisation through Enhancements and Limiters – modifiers that players can assign multiple times to their Attributes to reshape how they function. » Anime 5E provides numerous examples of Items and monsters that players can either use directly or as inspiration to create their own. BESM d20 did not include these details, and instead pointed players to the PHB and MM. » Anime 5E includes valuable DM guidance for creating adventures, deconstructing opponent Challenge Ratings, and creating encounter threats. BESM d20 did not. » There are many more examples and sidebars in Anime 5E compared to BESM d20, providing additional guidance and suggestions to gaming groups. » Three brief example fantasy world settings from the Anime Multiverse are explored in Anime 5E, whereas BESM d20 did not contain any setting information. » In the designer’s personal opinion, Anime 5E is objectively a stronger and better-designed game than BESM d20.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CH-1

INTRODUCTION

Creation Example

To provide context for what comes next, we create an Anime 5E character below, from start to finish, as detailed in Chapters 2-7. As you progress through this book, you’ll gain a detailed understanding of the character choices presented in this extended example.

Session Zero

2nd Level Bender Features

Upon reaching 2nd Level, Jingoro gains 2 Bonus Points. Since none of his fellow teammates seem to be creating a healer – which would leave a big gap in their range of powers – Morgan assigns two Ranks of the Healing Attribute for 2 Points (page 102).

Morgan is one of five players in a new Anime 5E mini-campaign that his friend, Jordan, is organising as the DM. During session zero, the group agrees that the game will be set on a standard highfantasy anime world in a tyrannical kingdom ruled by a half-demon overlord. To reflect the experience of the seasoned adventurers, characters will each begin the game at 5th Level with 6,500 Experience Points.

Jingoro also gains 1d8 Hit Points, with a +1 Constitution modifier. With a roll of 6, his Hit Point maximum increases by +7 to 16 HP.

Morgan determines his character’s name now, which he bases loosely on one of his favourite anime portrayals: Jingoro.

Multiclassing at 4th Level

Discretionary Points

Morgan has 84 Discretionary Points (80 base + 4 for starting at 5th Level) with which to assign his character Ability Scores and Race, as well as additional Attributes and Defects (page 20).

Ability Scores Jordan indicates that the players should roll their Ability Scores using the standard Fifth Edition method (page 24): rolling four sixsided dice (4d6), discarding the lowest number, and repeating the process to generate six values from 3-18. Morgan will then assign the six values to the Ability Scores of his choice.

3rd Level Bender Features

Jingoro gains another 1d8+1 Hit Points. With a roll of 4, his Hit Point maximum increases by +5 to 21 HP. Rather than advance the Bender Class to 4th Level at 2,700 Experience Points, Morgan begins Multiclassing Jingoro and assigns the 1st Level of the Shadow Warrior Class instead. Since the new Class has d12 Hit Dice (+1 Constitution modifier) instead of d8 Hit Dice, Morgan rolls 11 and increases Jingoro’s current 21 Hit Point maximum by +12 to 33 HP total. The Shadow Warrior Class also adds the Strength Saving Throw Proficiency to Jingoro’s existing Constitution and Wisdom proficiencies. The Class also provides one extra Skill proficiency, and Morgan selects Culture to reflect the character’s extensive adventuring interactions with diverse communities.

Envisioning his character as durable and tough, yet also smart, he assigns the largest value, 17, to Strength, and the next value, 14, to Intelligence. He then assigns the remaining scores: Dexterity 10, Constitution 11, Wisdom 8, Charisma 10.

Since the Shadow Warrior Class is proficient in all amour and shields, as well as all simple and martial weapons, there is a duplication with the Bender’s more limited armour and weapon proficiencies. Following Multiclassing guidelines (page 51), Jingoro is granted Bonus Points equivalent to one-quarter the summed values of the duplicated proficiencies. The Bender Class’s armour proficiencies are worth 2 Points and weapon proficiencies are worth another 2 Points, for a total of 4 Points in duplicated proficiencies. One-quarter of this value equals 1 Point, which Jingoro gains as an extra Bonus Point.

Race

2nd Level Shadow Warrior Features

Morgan generates the following values: 10, 8, 11, 10, 17, 14. These Ability Score numbers sum to 70, which he deducts from the 84 Discretionary Points, leaving 14 remaining.

Looking over the 14 available Races (page 28), Morgan takes a liking to the Half-Dragon. This provides a number of dynamic features that are worth a total of 13 Points, including +1 bumps to both Strength (now 18) and Constitution (now 12). The 13 Points are deducted from the remaining 14 Discretionary Points, leaving just a single Point to spend later on Attributes.

Class Morgan sees a change in Jingoro’s direction after he had embarked on several adventures, and decides that Multiclassing (page 51) is the way to go. With his Half-Dragon’s connection to a fire breath attack, Morgan decides that Jingoro started out as a fire Bender Class at 1st Level, but then diversified his training after completing 3rd Level. He selects Shadow Warrior as the new Class upon reaching the 4th Character Level, and continued on the path into the 5th Character Level as well, advancing to a 2nd Level Shadow Warrior.

1st Level Bender Features

At 1st Level, Bender Jingoro has d8 Hit Dice and a Hit Point maximum of 8 + 1 Constitution modifier = 9 HP. He also gains light armour, shield, and simple weapon proficiencies, and both Constitution and Wisdom Saving Throw proficiencies. For the four martial weapon proficiencies, Morgan selects the following options to demonstrate a range of combat training techniques: crossbow,

longsword, warhammer, and whip. For his two Skill proficiencies, Morgan chooses Engineering and Nature to reflect Jingoro’s insight into how things grow and are built. Finally, Morgan selects the domain of fire as a focus for Jingoro’s first Rank in Dynamic Powers – Lesser.

Upon reaching the 2nd Shadow Warrior Level, Jingoro gains 1d12+1 Hit Points. With a roll of 8, his Hit Point maximum increases by +9 to 42 HP total. Since Jingoro has reached his 5th character Level (Bender 3rd and Shadow Warrior 2nd), his Proficiency Bonus increases to +3.

Attributes When his 1 remaining Discretionary Point is added to his 1 Bonus Point from duplicated proficiencies, Jingoro has 2 extra Points to spend on Attributes. Morgan adds 2 Ranks of the Combat Technique Attribute (page 94), and selects Blackout and Lightning Reflexes.

Defects With his fire dragon heritage, Morgan envisions Jingoro as having a weakness to cold-based attacks. He assigns the Vulnerability Defect at Rank 2 (-4 Points; page 140), indicating an uncommon attack form.

Customisation Morgan spends the extra 4 Points improve Jingoro’s Healing Attribute to Rank 5 with Enhancements (page 143): Area x2 and Targets x2. Jingoro can now heal 1d8 Hit Points (effective Rank 1) for up to 5 targets within 30 feet simultaneously, rather than only one touched target as permitted by the standard Healing Attribute.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

Half-Dragon, Medium Impulsive redhead

PLAYER NAME

CONSTITUTION

INTELLIGENCE

WISDOM

MODIFIER

DEXTERITY

PROFICIENCY BONUS

6,500

HIT DICE

DISCRETIONARY / EXPERIENCE POINTS

MODIFIER

3 d8 2 d12

LEVEL

Shadow Warrior

ALIGNMENT AND NOTES

Morgan

Bender

Honourable, curious

CHARACTER NAME

STRENGTH

CLASS

DESCRIPTION

Jingoro

CHARACTER LEVEL

RACE AND SIZE

MAXIMUM

ARMOUR CLASS

CURRENT

HIT POINTS

MAXIMUM

CHARISMA

MODIFIER

30 MOVEMENT SPEED

CURRENT

ENERGY POINTS

PROFICIENCIES SAVING THROWS

Constitution

ARMOUR

All Armour

WEAPONS

Wisdom

Shields

Martial

Simple

Strength

TOOLS

SKILLS AND LANGUAGES

Common, Draconic Engineering Nature Culture

WEAPONS, EQUIPMENT, TREASURE, BACKGROUND, AND ADVENTURING NOTES Change State (Gaseous) – Rank 2 Dynamic Powers – Lesser (Fire) – Rank 2 Flight (30 feet/round) – Rank 1 Immunity – Lesser (Fire) – Rank 3 Immutable – Rank 1 Regeneration (1 HP/round) – Rank 1 Healing (Area: 30 feet -2; Targets: 5 targets -2) – Rank 5 (1)

Vulnerability (Cold) – Rank 2 (-4 Points) Chain Mail (AC 16) Bastard Sword (1d10 slashing damage) 2 Daggers (1d4 piercing damage) 200 gold

Weapon – Rank 4 (3) – Fire Breath (2d6 fire damage; Continuing -1; Range: 30 feet -2; Spreading -2; Save DC 13 +4) ANIME 5E © 2021 Dyskami Publishing Company • Permission granted to make copies of this page for personal use only

CH-1

INTRODUCTION

Anime 5E Glossary

Ability Score (or Ability): Numerical assignments that reflect your character’s basic capabilities, with higher Ability Score values indicating advanced accomplishment. The six Abilities are: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. The values of these abilities range from 0 to 30, with a normal Human range from 3 to 18. The normal Human maximum is 24, but legendary characters or supernatural characters may have higher ratings up to 30. Advantage: A positive modifier that provides a benefit to the character when rolling a d20 die to determine the outcome of a task. When an advantage is applied to a roll, instead of the normal single d20 die roll, the player rolls two d20 dice simultaneously and uses the higher of the two rolls for the d20 die value. An advantage is the opposite of a disadvantage. Armour Class (AC): A numerical measure of how hard it is to hit a target with sufficient force to inflict damage. A standard Medium-sized naked Human has a 10 AC. Attribute: Specialised aspects of your character that represent innate talents, learned skills, racial traits, magical or psychic abilities, paranormal powers, and more. Class Level: When a character attains a Level, they select a Class assignment for that Level. Characters may attain Levels in more than one Class. Character Level: This is a measure of the character’s total advancement, rather than advancement in each Class Level. Character Level equals the sum of all the character’s Class Levels. Check: An alternative word for roll, used when determining if a character is successful at a specific task. Commonly used when making an Ability check or Skill check. Defect: Flaws, penalties, and drawbacks through which a character must suffer in order to overcome the hardships of day-to-day life. They can be considered “negative Attributes” that return Points for allocation elsewhere. Disadvantage: A negative modifier that imposes a penalty on the character when rolling a d20 die to determine the outcome of a task. When a disadvantage is applied to a roll, instead of the normal single d20 die roll, the player rolls two d20 dice simultaneously and uses the lower of the two rolls for the d20 die value. A disadvantage is the opposite of an advantage. DM: The DM is the “master of the dungeon”, sometimes called a Game Master (or GM) more generally. They are the one who organises and oversees the role-playing game implementation by narrating the details of the story that are not controlled by the players. DMG: This is a short form that refers to the guide the master of the dungeon (DM) uses in traditional Fifth Edition RPG games. Enhancement: A positive modifier that enhances the usage of a character’s Attribute beyond its baseline description, providing an additional benefit or otherwise improving the Attribute. In exchange for this benefit, adding an Enhancement to an Attribute decreases its effective functioning Rank by one Rank. An Enhancement is the opposite of a Limiter. Experience Points (XP): Experience Points are a numerical measure of the knowledge, maturity, and training the character gains through adventuring. When a character reaches specific XP totals, they gain a Character Level. 16

Fifth Edition: The rules set used by the world’s most popular fantasy role-playing game, published in 2014. Hit Dice (HD): Each Class has a specific Hit Die type, ranging from d4 to d20, which determines a character’s Hit Point total. Hit Points (HP): A character’s Hit Points are a numerical measure that defines how tough and resilient they are in combat and other dangerous situations. HP are temporarily lowered when the character receives damage. A character’s maximum HP total increases as they advance Levels. Hit Points are determined by the character’s Hit Dice. Initiative: This determines the order in which characters will act during a particular scene (often involving combat). Initiative rolls are made by participants using a d20 die and adding appropriate modifiers, with characters obtaining higher generated Initiative values acting before lower ones. Level: A character who reaches a specified Experience Point total advances in capability and unlocks new features. This advancement is measured in discreet rankings called Levels, which typically range from 1-20, but can progress as high as 30. Limiter: A negative modifier that decreases the usage of a character’s Attribute below its baseline description, imposing an additional drawback or otherwise weakening the Attribute. In exchange for this drawback, adding a Limiter to an Attribute increases its effective functioning Rank by one Rank. A Limiter is the opposite of an Enhancement. MM: This is a short form that refers to the manual of monsters used in traditional Fifth Edition RPG games. Multiclassing: If a character attains Levels in more than a single Class, they are Multiclassing. Multiverse: The optional multi-dimensional background setting for Anime 5E that features an infinite number of worlds connected by waylines across the vast cosmic web of all creation. NPC: A non-player character whose actions in the game are usually controlled by the DM rather than a player. Every major, minor, and background entity that appears in a game scenario that is not one of the players’ characters is an NPC. PHB: This is a short form that refers to the handbook that players use in traditional Fifth Edition RPG games. Points: These are collectively a numerical measure of the relative capability of characters. Those with higher Point totals are typically at higher Level as well, and are more powerful or competent than those with lower Point totals. Players construct the various starting aspects of their characters using starting Discretionary Points assigned by the DM during character creation, or with those granted by the first Class Level. As the character advances in Levels, their selected Class may provide extra Bonus Points to spent on additional Attributes. Point value assignments often follow feature entries in bold brackets for characters and monsters (for example, “+1 Weapon [2]”). Proficiency: If a character is knowledgeable in the use of specific armour, weapons, tools, Skills, or Saving Throws, they are said to have proficiency in it. When making certain d20 die rolls, characters add their Proficiency Bonus (based on Character Level) if they are proficient with the object or technique they are using. Saving Throw (Save): A Saving Throw represents an attempt to resist a spell, trap, poison, disease, or similar threat. Character’s don’t normally decide to make a Save; they are forced to make one because they are at risk of harm. Each Saving Throw is tied to a specific Ability Score.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CHAPTER 2

Character Basics

CHAPTER 2

CHARACTER BASICS And so, it begins. Designing new characters for an Anime 5E game should involve a thoughtful collaboration between you, the other players, and the DM. Your objective is to create a character who is fun to play and has a strong motivation to undertake adventures, while simultaneously ensuring a good fit with the DM’s plans for the dynamic anime fantasy stories that will unfold. In Anime 5E, you can choose to spend as little as a few minutes or upwards of an hour designing a character. The difference lies in the amount of detail and individuality you build into your character. At no time during a role-playing campaign do you have more control over the destiny of your character than during the creation process, because that’s when you establish their adventuring foundation. As questions arise concerning specific game mechanics or special character abilities, the discussions you have with your DM and fellow players are of paramount importance.

Session Zero

Session zero of your game establishes the essential baseline of what comes next and takes a broad perspective of your upcoming adventures. This is the time to answer big-picture questions, such as: What is the setting, sub-genre, and tone? Will we be having adventures in an existing anime or manga series (and perhaps taking on the roles of those main characters), or are we playing in an original creation? What sorts of things will our characters be doing? What are our characters’ roles in the adventures? With how much money and gear will they start? Your group will also need to discuss the practical, reallife aspects of the upcoming game as well. How often are we meeting to play (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or on some other schedule)? Is there a fixed number of sessions until we finish, or are we playing an open-ended campaign? What is the ideal number of players for the game storyline? Where are we playing and who is hosting the game nights? Or are we playing online instead? Your group may not have all the answers at this point, but discussing such parameters now ensures everyone is on the same page about the time commitment expected. Now is the ideal time to also discuss your preferences involving game issues such as: theme and story maturity; combat intensity and frequency; drama versus comedy ratio; and the roles that players can take to co-create the adventures. When you establish the foundation for your game together, you’ll discover and actualise an amazing experience that you all want to play.

COLLECTIVE CREATION When preparing for the launch of a new role-playing campaign, players typically create their characters in isolation based on the setting information the DM provides. This tendency may not produce the best results for a strong start to the adventures, though, since both the characters and the players lack cohesion for this innately social activity. Consider the benefits that a group character creation session provides to the team. Discussing the nature and roles of everyone’s character ideas together ensures that the group dynamic is balanced and that every character has unique benefits that will allow them to shine during the game. 18

Establishing character connections is also easier in this initial group meeting, since you can co-develop resonant backstories to provide friendship contexts in the game setting. Finally, group character creation reduces the chances of missed opportunities when designing your team (ie. having a hole in your party). Traditional dungeon-crawling adventures may be significantly more challenging if your group is missing a spell caster, healer, warrior, or thief! After scoping the game, spend the rest of session zero talking about the ideal composition of your character team and the strengths and individuality that each character member can bring to the group. Everyone should ideally be open to concepts they may not have considered earlier, and look at their character’s role in the larger context of the game. Spending additional time with the players and DM at this stage of character creation will yield great benefits compared to the typical isolated development tendency.

STARTING LEVEL Once the DM and players together have outlined the general framework of the upcoming adventures, it’s time to discuss your group’s starting character Level. A character typically starts at 1st Level with zero Experience Points, which is the launching point for their adventuring life. Alternatively, your group may want to play more accomplished heroes that start at 2nd Level or higher. Consider the six Level groupings described herein and how they align with the players’ visions for their characters.

Novice (1st Level)

The characters are just starting their new lives as brave and heroic adventurers, and are eager to embark on their first quest. The character may have known each other for a long time – or perhaps they could be recently associated companions – but they have never adventured together before.

Capable (2nd to 4th Level)

The characters have some previous experience working as heroes (or even villains!), though they are still rough around the edges. They have been learning the traits and abilities that define their chosen Class, and feel more comfortable extending themselves in slightly dangerous situations. They may be starting to build their reputation if they have been journeying

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together as a party during this time, or they may be applying their individual adventuring experiences collectively in a new group dynamic.

Seasoned (5th to 10th Level)

The characters now have a solid understanding of their roles – and responsibilities – as adventurers. They are unlocking mid-ranged powers and abilities, crossing into new areas of competence and effectiveness. Wealth and magical items are no longer seemingly unreachable goals, and the characters now have a firm reputation – individually, collectively, or both. They have expanded the scope of their quests, and are comfortable confronting dangers that threaten cities, kingdoms, organisations, and influential nobles.

Veteran (11th to 16th Level)

The characters have achieved status that few adventurers ever reach, since by this milestone most have retired comfortably, stopped adventuring due to grievous injury, or perished along the way. Their fame has certainly expanded across multiple kingdoms and their talents and abilities are sought after by numerous nobles, guilds, and prospective apprentices. Wealth and resources are available to the characters in abundance, and thus it’s clear that the adventuring life itself – rather than the potential awards that can be gained – continues to drive the characters towards larger and more dangerous achievements.

Mythical (17th to 20th Level)

The characters have advanced so far in their adventuring lives that they are now considered mythical archetypes of their Class and masters of their respective domains. Stories about the characters’ brave (or perhaps infernal!) exploits are told across the world, expanding with each telling. It’s not uncommon for the fate of the world, or even the cross-dimensional multiverse, to lie in the hands of the characters and their legendary actions.

Epic (Above 20th Level)

With this challenging power tier, the character’s abilities are potentially forceful enough to single-handedly change the world (or even worlds). Few obstacles can stand in the characters’ way and pose a significant threat. Players and the DM should be cautious about starting their adventures at this extreme degree of ability, since with great power comes great responsibility – and certainly great complications! Nevertheless, this seemingly godlike character range does reflect the power intensity of some popular anime shows.

Starting Experience Points Novice characters that begin the game 1st Level start with zero Experience Points (XP). Otherwise, characters start the game with the minimum amount of XP needed to attain their starting Level (see Table 08, page 50). For example, characters created to start at 3rd Level being their adventures with 900 XP, while those that start at 9th Level are granted 48,000 XP.

Starting Level-Based Benefits

If the characters are starting the game at a Level beyond 1st, they will also gain the features and benefits of every skipped Level up to their starting Level. For example, if the players start their characters’ adventures at 6th Level, their characters also start with all the benefits of Levels 1st through 5th from their choice of Classes.

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CHARACTER BASICS

DISCRETIONARY POINTS In addition to benefits a character receives from their starting Level and Class (page 48) – and every Level beneath their starting Level – they also start with a fixed number of Discretionary Points that they use to assign a Race, Ability Scores, and additional Attributes. A player can increase their character’s pool of Discretionary Points by also burdening their creations with one or more Defects. Details concerning these options are provided later in this chapter and in Chapters 3 through 7. Character have 80 Discretionary Points to allocate during character creation. If a character begins the game above 1st Level, the DM can also award additional 1 Point for each Level above 1st as a bonus. These extra Points reflect the treasure items the characters would have found and special abilities the characters would have unlocked while adventuring through those missing Levels. Such extra Points are in addition to the normal starting Level-based benefits described earlier.

CHARACTER BENCHMARKS

collectively decide to modify or ignore specific benchmarks (or all benchmarks), or permit appropriate exceptions where desired.

Maximum Ability Scores

Two values are listed here, limiting the character’s highest and second highest scores.

Maximum Attribute Ranks (Effective Rank)

These benchmarks are for Attributes that increase linear bonuses (such as the +1 Hit Point/Rank for the Regeneration Attribute, or +1 Check bonus/Rank for the Inspire Attribute) or have descriptive Rank benefits (such as those for the Connected or Mind Control Attributes). Attributes related to size (page 44) may exceed these limits. The benchmarks also do not apply to Attributes that offer one choice per Rank from a selection of discreet and unconnected benefits, such as the Combat Technique, Sixth Sense, and Special Movement Attributes. Furthermore, the Weapon Attribute Rank limit is determined by the maximum normal damage benchmark column instead.

Maximum Proficiency Bonus

A bonus ceiling is imposed in games that allow access to the Enhanced Proficiency Attribute.

Anime 5E offers nearly endless possibilities when spending Points on your creation. Problems relating to balance and suitable challenges could arise if players focus their Point allocations in only a few options, when compared to players that have created less-optimised characters. For example, if all the characters in a fantasy story are only protected by modest protective armour (such as chain mail), but one character has complete immunity to all weapon damage (Rank 6 of the Immunity Attribute, page 103), it is difficult to confront the group with an opponent that can threaten the highly protected character without being a vastly overpowered enemy to the majority. Unlike the strictly Levelling-based enhancements provided to characters that only use the base Fifth Edition rules – in which character abilities are prescribed with numerous restrictions – Anime 5E’s options can present challenges to players and DMs unfamiliar with the flexibility of Point-based games. In short, it’s possible to create “broken” characters in Anime 5E without helpful benchmarks. Table 01 presents a list of optional, but suggested, minimums and maximums when creating your character to avoid widely varying character abilities in your group. As you build your character and progress through Chapters 3-7 of the creation process, refer back to this section to ensure you aren’t straying outside the recommendations. Players and the DM can

Maximum Armour Class

A characters’ maximum AC includes all aspects available to them, including physical armour and shields, Dexterity bonus, Class features, spells, the AC Bonus Attribute, etc.

Maximum Normal Damage

The typical maximum damage includes all base sources of normal damage – including mundane weapons, the Weapon Attribute, other Attributes, Race features, Ability bonuses, spells, etc. – but before considering additional damage from critical hits, called shots, Defects, etc.

ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES No, not character boundaries – real-life boundaries. Although Anime 5E is a wonderfully social game, it’s incumbent upon us all to ensure that the sensitivities of the DM, the players, and even bystanders and passers-by, are all considered during the game. We don’t know everyone’s real-life history and story, and consequently the care and compassion we show to each other during character creation and gameplay is of paramount importance. Not everyone will share the same perspective concerning sensitive concepts, and thus having both advanced and ongoing conversations with the group is the best approach.

TABLE 01 • CHARACTER BENCHMARKS CHARACTER LEVEL Novice (1st Level) Capable (2nd - 4th Level) Seasoned (5th - 10th Level) Veteran (11th - 16th Level) Mythical (17th - 20th Level) Epic (Above 20th Level)

MAXIMUM ABILITY SCORES 1 @ 18 | 1 @ 17 1 @ 19 | 1 @ 18 1 @ 20 | 1 @ 19 1 @ 22 | 2 @ 20 1 @ 24 | 2 @ 22 No maximums

MAXIMUM ATTRIBUTE RANKS 4 5 6 8 10 No maximums

MAXIMUM PROFICIENCY BONUS +3 +4 +5 +7 +10 No maximums

MAXIMUM ARMOUR CLASS 20 22 24 26 30 No maximums

MAXIMUM NORMAL DAMAGE 25 40 60 100 200 No maximums

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Social Sensitivity It is impossible to create an exhaustive list of every topic that might evoke sensitivities in your group. The few topics listed below can serve as a reminder and starting point for your considered thoughts, and perhaps might generate insightful conversations that guide your role-playing: » The role of LGBTQ+ in your game and how the tone (serious vs. comedy) impacts the participants » Character gender identity and orientation » Gender roles and associated power structures » Nudity, sexuality, violence, and consent » Race, minority rights, inequality and oppression, and stereotypes – even in a make-believe fantasy setting » Mental health and addiction, as well as differing physical and mental abilities » Poverty, class, tribalism, and privilege » Religion, faith, spirituality, ideology, and dogma » Politics across the entire left/right/centre spectrum » Law and order, and how it touches upon many of the above topics both positively and negatively

Your Character’s Framework

A character outline is a broad concept that provides you with a frame on which to build your character. It is not fully detailed; there is no need to concern yourself with the character’s specific skills, powers, or background details at this stage. Use the game scope established in your earlier discussions as the starting point for your character, and build your outline on that foundation. Continue discussing your character ideas with your group to ensure your creation works well with the concepts of the other players and with the overall themes and focus of the upcoming game.

Character Strengths In many campaigns, the players may find it advantageous to create complementary characters with unique sets of abilities. For example, a team fighting supernatural evil in dungeons across the kingdom might include a combat specialist or two for bashing monsters, a spiritualist for dealing with ghosts and the undead, a psychic or sorcerer for handling magical opponents, and an information broker for digging up background information. A degree of specialisation helps players enjoy their characters by giving them a unique identity. At the same time, it is equally important that the characters not be too specialised, or the group will lack cohesion and other players will sit around bored while each specialist has their own little adventure within the game. It is a good idea to identify a minimum set of capabilities that everyone should have. For example, in a campaign that will focus on fantasy martial arts, perhaps everyone will be competent warrior, but individual characters may possess different fighting styles and unique backgrounds – which could be reflective of different fighting Classes such as Hunter, Ninja, Samurai, Shadow Warrior, etc.

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The group of characters may be independent fantasy adventurers. In other game concepts, the characters may be part of a larger organisation and would logically have helpers in supporting roles. An example of this scenario is an elite infiltration force in a thieves’ guild. A guild leader, information specialist, tools and weapons expert, healers, cooks, and other personnel may support the rogues on their missions. A few of these roles may make worthwhile player characters, but often this “supporting cast” is best filled by background characters created and controlled by the DM. These characters may become the group’s friends, colleagues, love interests, or rivals as the game progresses, but they also free the characters to take on roles that let them share in the same story action.

Character Weaknesses Game characters may be larger than life – sometimes even figures of myth and legend – but usually they still have one or more weaknesses. Is the character vulnerable to some forms of magic? Does it take a while for the character’s powers to activate or can they be negated by a special substance? Does the character struggle with a particular life aspect? Providing weaknesses to a character adds greater depth and potential for role-playing opportunities, but be sure to consider aspects of social discomfort concerning your choices (page 134).

Defining Your Character You should decide on your character’s Race, age, and sex or gender, determine a broad archetype for their personality, and sketch an idea of ethnic and social background. Of course, it is equally important that a character has room to grow beyond your initial concept. A character that you have spent hours perfecting and detailing may quickly become stagnant and uninteresting once play begins. A good character outline usually focuses on one or two main personality traits and leaves plenty of room for you to explore and develop the character into a fully rounded individual over time. Although the starting archetype should be an integral part of the character, it should not rule all of their actions. At some point during the game, your pacifistic martial artist may be driven to an act of vengeance, or your angst-ridden rogue may finally discover a cause in which to believe. As long as these developments proceed naturally from events in the game, they should be a welcome part of the roleplaying experience.

Background Details One of the most effective ways to better visualise your character is to provide detail through your creation of a background history, a character story, a character drawing, or other unique creation (perhaps using a website, video camera, music collection, etc.). Spending time to develop your character without rules will enhance your role-playing greatly, and can give the DM a window into your character’s motivations. This step in character creation gives you a chance to answer important character questions before gameplay begins. What formed their outlook on life? Where do they live? Work? Earn money? What are your character’s likes? Dislikes? What about family? Friends? Romantic interests? Enemies? These details add depth to your character, but you should not become obsessed with them. Leaving room for growth can provide development opportunities during the course of the adventures.

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CHARACTER BASICS Character Quiz

To help spark creative inspiration for your character’s background, answer the 30 questions listed on the character quiz (page 26). If you have the time and desire, write and answer your own additional questions, too.

Group Connections Work with the other players to establish background connections between your characters before the game adventures begin. Perhaps some of your team grew up together and have been friends for their entire lives. Or instead they could have worked together in the past and have maintained a professional relationship (or rivalry!) ever since. The characters can even be related by blood or marriage, though this revelation might have been a recent surprise rather than a longestablished situation. Furthermore, don’t neglect establishing group connections with background organisations and cabals as well, since they can provide excellent future hooks.

What’s in a Name? You have the freedom to name your character whatever you like, but the DM may have some ideas for character names that fit a particular setting. Anime series are often notorious for employing odd, but plausible, fictional names for fantasy characters. Sometimes these are actually borrowed from Western or Asian mythology or named after objects such as cars, gemstones, motorcycles, or rock stars, making them sound suitably exotic without being totally unfamiliar. Unless your campaign is a comedy, however, avoid a silly name since it may ruin the suspension of disbelief for the other players.

BALANCE AND UNIQUENESS There’s good reason why the traditional dungeon exploration party consists of a group of adventurers that fill the roles of Fighter, Rogue, Cleric, and Wizard. Each character has a unique set of features they bring to the party, which provide a balanced approach to the game table. Anime 5E’s Point-based buffet-style approach breaks down some of these imposed areas of expertise. In standard fantasy gaming, only a Fighter has enhanced toughness, only a Cleric casts healing spells, and only a thief can move stealthily and check for traps – but in Anime 5E, all characters can allocate Points to any feature they want to acquire. When a Wizard has just as many Hit Points as the Fighter and can still cast spells, some players may be left wondering how they fit into the party. It’s important that each player create their character with an eye on both balance and uniqueness. This is why collective character creation with the whole gaming group is so important. If you want a particular aspect of your character to be their central strength that offers an exclusive contribution to the party, discuss your ideas with the other players. Your group will not only want to ensure that all important adventuring aspects are covered – someone tough in battle, someone who is stealthy and highly skilled, someone who has mystical ability, etc. – but also make each character’s contribution to the party important and valued. You can even use backgrounds from the Fifth Edition PHB.

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Structure of the Game Mechanics

With the foundational basics of character creation nearly complete, you’ll soon move onto the construction of your adventuring hero. Of course, it’s somewhat challenging to create a character properly without understanding the context of the rules. Although you could jump ahead to Chapter 8 (page 150) for a more detailed explanation of the Anime 5E system, the brief summary presented herein provides the essential knowledge you need to understand the next steps. Of course, if you are already experienced with other Fifth Edition games, these rules will be quite familiar.

DICE AND NOTATIONS Like all Fifth Edition games, Anime 5E uses polyhedral (multi-sided) dice at various points in the game. This typically includes dice with the following number of sides: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 20. When a random number needs to be generated through a dice roll, the exact dice to be rolled will be indicated by the formula XdY+Z, where: » X is the number of dice rolled » d represents the word “dice” » Y is the type of die rolled (number of sides) » Z is a fixed value added to the roll (omitted for a zero) For example, 2d8+4 indicates you should roll two eightsided dice and add 4 to the generated value. Similarly, 2d10-2 means roll two 10-sided dice and subtract 2 from the result.

ROLLING DICE When using dice to resolve the outcome of unknown events, you usually roll one twenty-sided die (d20). You’ll roll other polyhedral dice with different numbers of sides to determine attack damage, Hit Points, spell effects, and more. Depending on the task you are attempting, one or more game values are added to your die roll result and then this “check total” is compared to a Difficulty Class (or DC) to determine if your character was successful. When attempting to hit someone in combat, the check total is instead compared to the target’s Armour Class (AC). If someone is opposing your action, though – such as in a contest of Strength or Skill – you instead compare your check total to the opponent’s check total, with the higher value winning the contest.

Difficulty Class (DC) Range

The Difficulty Class (DC) against which check totals are compared range from DC 5 (Very Easy) to DC 30 (Nearly Impossible). DC 15 is considered Medium Difficulty. See Table 20 (page 152) for a complete list of DC values.

Ability Check

An Ability check is used when innate talent in one of the six abilities – Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma – is more important than learned expertise or combat capability to resolve the action.

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Skill Check

A Skill check a subset of an Ability check, except it is used when the task is governed by both an ability and a particular Skill (page 154). If the character is proficient with the Skill involved (page 113), they add their Proficiency Bonus to the roll when determine the Skill check result.

Skill Check Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient with Skill)

Saving Throw

A Saving Throw (or Save) represents an attempt to resist a spell, a trap, a poison, a disease, or a similar threat. You don’t normally decide to make a Saving Throw; you are forced to make one because your character is at risk of harm. Each Save is tied to a specific ability (such as a Dexterity Saving Throw to avoid a trap). If the character is proficient with the Saving Throw Ability Score required – linked to their Class or modified by Attributes – they add their Proficiency Bonus to the roll when determine the Saving Throw result.

Saving Throw Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient with Saving Throw)

Initiative Roll

All characters make an Initiative roll at the beginning of combat to determine the order of character action. An Initiative roll is the same as a Dexterity check.

Initiative Roll Total = d20 die roll + Dexterity modifier

Attack Roll

An attack roll is made when attacking with a melee or ranged weapon (and some spells) during combat. The Ability Score modifier is usually Strength for melee attacks and Dexterity for ranged attacks. If the character is proficient with the weapon used in combat – or if a character is making an attack roll using a spell or Weapon Attribute – they add their Proficiency Bonus to the roll when determine the attack roll total.

Attack Roll Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient with Weapon)

Damage Roll

Each weapon and spell specifies the damage it inflicts upon a successful hit. You roll the damage die or dice (such as 1d6, 1d8, 2d6, etc.), add any modifiers, and subtract the damage inflicted from the target’s remaining Hit Points. When attacking with a weapon or while unarmed, you add your Strength or Dexterity ability modifier – the same modifier used for the attack roll – to the damage.

Damage Roll Total = Dice Roll + Ability Score modifier

WHAT ARE HIT POINTS? Hit Points, or HP, are an abstracted game value that represents a combination of physical resilience, mental durability, and will to live, as well as overall luck during physical conflict. A painful dagger slash or piercing spear thrust will lower a character’s HP, as will poison, searing fire, an exhaustively long forced march, etc. Characters and creatures that have many Hit Points are more difficult to overcome, injure, and kill than those with few HP.

Ability Check Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier

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CHARACTER BASICS

Ability Scores

A character’s core, base abilities are determined by six values known as Ability Scores. These values describe the character’s innate, natural aptitude at interacting with the world. The six Ability Scores are: » Strength (STR) » Dexterity (DEX) » Constitution (CON) » Intelligence (INT) » Wisdom (WIS) » Charisma (CHA) The values of these abilities range from 0 to 30, with a normal Human range from 3 to 18. The normal Human maximum is 24, but legendary characters or supernatural characters may have higher ratings up to 30. A character’s starting Ability Scores can be later modified by their choice of Race, Class features, special abilities, Attributes, and Defects.

Establishing Ability Scores Players have several options for establishing their characters’ Ability Scores, which they record on their character sheet (page 270). Consult the DM to determine which method you’ll use.

Randomly With 4d6

Roll 4d6 and sum the total of the three highest die values to generate an Ability Score between 3 and 18. Repeat this process five times, and then assign the six numbers to the six Ability Scores in the order of your choice.

Randomly With Excess 3d6

Roll 3d6 and sum the die values to generate an Ability Score between 3 and 18. Repeat this process seven times to create a list of eight numbers. Discard the lowest two of these numbers, and then assign the remaining six numbers to the six Ability Scores in the order of your choice.

Strict 3d6 in Order

Beginning with Strength and moving through the six Abilities until Charisma, roll 3d6 and sum the die values to generate an Ability Score between 3 and 18 for each. The generated values must stay with their assigned Abilities; do not assign the six numbers to the six Abilities in the order of your choice (as recommended in the earlier two suggestions).

Random Variant: Re-Roll 1s

As a variant to any of the above three methods, re-roll any 1s. Then follow the remaining instructions as described.

Fixed Numbers

Rather than generating random by rolling dice, each character will start with the following six values: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8. Assign these six numbers to the six Ability Scores in the order of your choice.

Players’ Choice

Assign a number of your choice from 3-18 to each of the six Ability Scores. Check with the DM for limitation they are placing on this assignment method (such as “maximum of one 18” or “nothing higher than 17”). 24

TABLE 02 • ABILITY SCORE MODIFIERS SCORE MODIFIER

DESCRIPTION

1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30

Inept Infant Child Significantly below adult human; youth Below adult human average; teenager Adult human average Above adult human average Significantly above adult human average Highly capable Extremely capable; normal maximum Best in the region; adventurer maximum Best in the country World-class capability; human maximum Excessive capability Legendary capability Cosmic capability

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 +6 +7 +8 +9 +10

Ability Score Cost Abilities cost a number of Points equal to the Ability Score, which are paid for with the character’s starting Discretionary Points. Consequently, a character with high Ability Scores will spend more of their Discretionary Points and have fewer remaining to select a Race and assign Attributes. If a character has insufficient Discretionary Points to pay for the Ability Scores generated, you can either reduce one or more Ability Scores to (or below) an affordable value or you can burden the character with one or more Defects (page 132).

ABILITY SCORE DEFINITIONS Every task that a character attempts in the game is covered by one of the six Abilities. This section explains in brief detail what those Abilities mean and the ways they are used in the game.

Ability Modifiers

Each Ability has a modifier that is the number you add to or subtract from dice rolls when your character tries to accomplish something related to that Ability (see Table 02).

Strength (STR) Strength measures bodily power, athletic training, and the extent to which you can exert raw physical force. Strength provides a modifier to: » Strength checks » Strength-based Skill checks, if proficient » Strength-based Saving Throws, if proficient » Melee attack and damage rolls, if proficient Any creature that can physically manipulate objects has at least 1 point of Strength. A character with no Strength score can’t exert force, usually because it has no physical body or because it doesn’t move. Such a creature automatically fails Strength checks.

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CHARACTER BASICS Lifting and Carrying

A Medium-sized character can push, drag, or lift 30 lb times their Strength Score. They can freely manoeuvre and comfortably carry one-half that amount (15 lb times Strength). For each size category (page 44) away from Medium, multiply (for larger than Medium) or divide (for smaller than Medium) the character’s lift and carry capacities values by 5.

Jumping Distance

A Medium character can typically jump forward with a running start a distance in feet equal to their Strength (or half that distance from standing). For vertical leaps, a character can jump up to 3 + their Strength modifier in feet (1 foot minimum).

Strength Skill Example Athletics

Dexterity (DEX) Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance, and hand-eye co-ordination. Dexterity provides modifiers to: » Dexterity checks » Dexterity-based Skill checks, if proficient » Dexterity-based Saving Throws, if proficient » Ranged attack and damage rolls, if proficient » Armour Class, if proficient » Initiative rolls Any creature that can move has at least 1 Point of Dexterity. A creature with no Dexterity score can’t move, but if it can act through magical means, it applies its Intelligence modifier to Initiative rolls instead of a Dexterity modifier.

Dexterity Skill Examples

Acrobatics, Artisan, Climbing, Sleight of Hand, Stealth

Constitution (CON) Constitution measures health, stamina, and vital force. Constitution provides modifiers to: » Constitution checks » Constitution-based Skill checks, if proficient » Constitution-based Saving Throws, if proficient » Hit Point maximum at each Level, determined by Class Any living creature has at least 1 point of Constitution. A creature with no Constitution has no body or no metabolism. It is immune to any effect that requires a Constitution Save unless the effect works on objects.

Constitution Skill Example

Controlled Breathing, Swimming When a character’s Constitution modifier increases by 1, their Hit Point maximum increases by 1 for each Level moving forward as well as for each Level previously attained. For example, if a 7th Level character has a Constitution score of 17 (highly capable; a +3 modifier) and increases it to 18 (extremely capable; a +4 modifier) upon reaching 8th Level, their Hit Point maximum immediately increases by 8 – one for their current Level plus one for each of the earlier seven Levels.

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Intelligence (INT) Intelligence measures mental acuity, accuracy of recall, and the ability to reason. Intelligence provides modifiers to: » Intelligence checks » Intelligence-based Skill checks, if proficient » Intelligence-based Saving Throws, if proficient » The number of prepared spells for Wizards » The Saving Throw DCs of spells that Wizards and Psionicists cast » Spell attack rolls for Wizards Any creature that can think, learn, or remember has at least 1 point of Intelligence. A creature with no Intelligence score is an automaton, operating on simple instincts or programmed instructions. It is immune to all mind-influencing effects (charms, compulsions, phantasms, patterns, and morale effects).

Intelligence Skill Examples

Arcana, Alchemy, History, Investigation, Nature, Religion

Wisdom (WIS) Wisdom reflects how attuned you are to the world around you and represents perceptiveness and intuition. Wisdom provides modifiers to: » Wisdom checks » Wisdom-based Skill checks, if proficient » Wisdom-based Saving Throws, if proficient » The number of prepared spells for Clerics/Druids/Rangers » The Saving Throw DCs of spells Clerics/Druids/Rangers cast » Spell attack rolls for Clerics/Druids/Rangers Any creature that can perceive its environment in any fashion has at least 1 point of Wisdom. Anything without a Wisdom score is an object, not a creature. Additionally, anything without a Wisdom score also has no Charisma score, and vice versa.

Wisdom Skill Examples

Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival

Charisma (CHA) Charisma measures your ability to interact effectively with others. It includes such factors as confidence and eloquence, and it can represent a charming or commanding personality. Charisma provides modifiers to: » Charisma checks » Charisma-based Skill checks, if proficient » Charisma-based Saving Throws, if proficient » The number of prepared spells for other spellcasters (including Bards, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Warlocks) » The Saving Throw DCs of spells other spellcasters cast » Spell attack rolls for other spellcasters Any creature capable of telling the difference between itself and things that are not itself has at least 1 Point of Charisma. Additionally, anything without a Charisma score also has no Wisdom score, and vice versa.

Charisma Skill Examples

Deception, Intimidation, Leadership, Performance, Persuasion

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CHARACTER QUIZ

* What are your character’s central strengths and weaknesses? * What * What * What is your character’s primary emotional state? * What * What role does your character fill in a group? * Describe * Describe your character’s family or tribe. * Who * Who are your character’s three most valuable contacts? * What * What personal values and beliefs does your character hold? * To * To whom is your character closest and why? * What * What does your character need the most? * What * What are your character’s life goals? * What * What does your character fear the most? * Describe * Describe your character’s appearance. * How * How does your character define “heroism”? * Describe * Describe your character’s hobbies, interests, desires, and likes. * What * What would your character do if they killed an innocent bystander? * For * For what does your character have little patience and tolerance? * Does * Does your character hide any emotions in public? * How * How does your character view death and beyond? * What * What does your character dislike about themselves? * Describe * Describe your character’s bedroom or rest location. * Describe * Describe a perfect date night or other enjoyable outing. * Describe * Describe your character’s relationship with money. * Describe * Describe your character’s views on authority and the law. * Who * Who has impacted your character’s life direction the most? * How * How does your character view forgiveness and revenge? * What * What are the origins of your character’s special abilities? * What * What is the prime motivation behind your character’s actions? * In * In which way does your character focus their personal growth? * Describe * Describe the accomplishment of which your character is most proud. * How * How does your character think they might die? * How would your character describe themselves in a single sentence?

CHAPTER 3

Races

CHAPTER 3

RACES Anime 5E Races are archetypes for humanoid and part-humanoid species. The Fifth Edition PHB includes standard high-fantasy Races such as a Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and Halflings, as well as less-common Races such as Gnomes and Dragonborn. Anime 5E provides an additional selection of 14 Races that evoke an intangible anime essence, including demonic Archfiends, sylvan Fairies, playful Nekojin, and slippery Slimes. Races provide a set of proficiencies and Attributes (and sometimes Defects) that reflect the baseline capabilities for the majority of characters belonging to those Races. Since there are a near infinite number of possible fantasy worlds in an anime multiverse, the Races outlined herein simply represent a small sampling of concepts that can be used in your adventures. With your DM’s permission, you may design your own Race package by combining different characteristics and determining the appropriate Point cost.

Costing Races

When determining the Point cost of the Fifth Edition Races’ special abilities and talents, each one was examined closely. If the ability has a reasonable comparison to an Attribute in Anime 5E, that value is used For example, a +1 bonus to an Ability costs 1 Point; an advantage on a particular type of Saving Throw (poison, charm, fright, etc.) costs 1 Point; darkvision (a Feature Attribute, page 101) cost 1 Point; etc. Some Race abilities are not worth any Points, since its utility is worth less than a full Point, such as slightly increased or decreased speeds, or an Elf ’s sleepless trance. Movement speed of 30 feet (+/- 5 feet), being Medium-sized, and speaking one language costs 0 Points.

Race Sizes Other than Medium One of the significant differences between Anime 5E and the standard Fifth Edition rules involves the benefits/drawbacks and costs of a Race that’s bigger or smaller than Medium. None of the nine Races in the PHB are larger than Medium, but two are Small: Halflings and Gnomes. Being Small has net unfavourable modifiers that return 5 Points to the character, and this hindrance is reflected in the -5 Point allocation to both Halflings and Gnomes. Note that Anime 5E speed for Small Races is one-half the normal 30’ speed of Medium-sized Races and consequently those two Races each have a 15’ speed instead of the 25’ speed presented in the Fifth Edition PHB. For more information about Anime 5E character sizes, see page 44.

Race and Discretionary Points The cost for each Race is paid from the character’s pool of Discretionary Points that remain after assigning Ability Scores. If a character has insufficient Discretionary Points left to pay for their selected Race, you can either choose a different Race with a lower Point cost, or you can burden the character with one or more Defects (page 132).

Raceless Characters

Every character is part of a Race, even if it’s simply Human. A player can forego the selection of a Race, though, and avoid any associated Race cost. They still may be Human or Fairy or Slime, but considered “Raceless” when allocating Points to Race. 28

TABLE 03 • RACE COST SUMMARY ANIME 5E RACE POINTS

PHB RACE

Archfiend Asrai Blinkbeast Demonaga Fairy Grey Half-Dragon Half-Troll Haud Kodama Nekojin Parasite Satyr Slime

Dragonborn Dwarf - Hill Dwarf - Mountain Elf - Dark Elf - High Elf - Wood Gnome - Forest Gnome - Rock Half-Elf Half-Orc Halfling - Lightfoot Halfling - Stout Human Tiefling

15 11 10 14 4 12 13 9 12 10 8 16 7 11

POINTS 9 12 14 13 12 11 4 4 10 8 3 5 7 12

BUILDING A RACELESS CHARACTER Selecting a pre-existing Race is a simple way to get started with species-specific abilities, but sometimes the package of Race features doesn’t match with the vision for your character. For example, instead of a standard Nekojin build, you may envision an aquatic version that possesses numerous waterrelated features. Alternatively, you may plan to play a Human, but want to save your Discretionary Points to acquire 7 Points in Attributes rather than allocate them to the Human’s six +1 Ability Score bonuses and one choice of language. In these instances, you can either craft a new set of features and assign them to a Race template of your own design (with DM input), or designate your character as “Raceless”. Of course, Raceless characters still identify with a Race (even if it’s unique), but that identity is not associated with a specific set of Attributes acquired with Points. Instead, Raceless characters skip this chapter and save their Discretionary Points to spend on Attributes they desire. Companions (page 95) and monsters (page 214) are Raceless creations.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

TABLE 04 • RACE COST BREAKDOWN

POINTS

RACE

POINTS

RACE

+2 0 +1 +1 +2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +2 0 +1 +1 +1 +1 0 +1 +1 +2 +1 +1 +1 +2 0 +1 +1 +1 -2 +4 +2 -5 +2 – +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2

Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Hill Dwarf Hill Dwarf Mountain Dwarf Mountain Dwarf Elf Elf Elf Elf Elf Elf Elf Elf High Elf High Elf High Elf High Elf Wood Elf Wood Elf Wood Elf Wood Elf Dark Elf Dark Elf Dark Elf Dark Elf Dark Elf Halfling Halfling Halfling Halfling Halfling Halfling Halfling Lightfoot Halfling Lightfoot Halfling Stout Halfling Stout Halfling Stout Halfling

+6 0 +1 +2 +1 0 +2 +3 +1 -5 +2 – +1 +2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 0 +1 +1 +1 +2 +1 +2 +1 0 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 0 +1 +3 +4 +1

Human Human Human Dragonborn Dragonborn Dragonborn Dragonborn Dragonborn Dragonborn Gnome Gnome Gnome Gnome Gnome Gnome Forest Gnome Forest Gnome Forest Gnome Rock Gnome Rock Gnome Rock Gnome Half-Elf Half-Elf Half-Elf Half-Elf Half-Elf Half-Elf Half-Elf Half-Elf Half-Orc Half-Orc Half-Orc Half-Orc Half-Orc Half-Orc Half-Orc Half-Orc Tiefling Tiefling Tiefling Tiefling Tiefling Tiefling Tiefling

FEATURES Constitution +2 Speed: 25’ Darkvision 60’ Advantage on Save vs. poison Resistance against poison Weapon proficiency: 2 martial Tool proficiency: one artisan Stonecunning Languages: Common + Dwarvish Wisdom +1 +1 Hit Point/Level Strength +2 Armour proficiency: light + medium Dexterity +2 Speed: 30’ Darkvision 60’ Skill Proficiency: perception Advantage on Save vs. charm Resilient to sleep Trance Languages: Common + Elvish Intelligence +1 Weapon proficiency: 3 martial 1 cantrip Languages: one choice Wisdom +1 Weapon proficiency: 3 martial Speed: 35’ Mask of the Wild Charisma +1 Superior darkvision 120’ Disadvantages in sunlight Drow magic (cantrip + spells) Weapon proficiency: 3 martial Small Size (page 44) Dexterity +2 Speed: 15’ Lucky Advantage on Save vs. fright Nimbleness Languages: Common + Halfling Charisma +1 Stealthy Constitution +1 Advantage on Save vs. poison Resistance against poison

Some Race and Class combinations may exceed the benchmark maximums listed in Table 01 (page 20), especially when creating low-Level characters. DMs are encouraged to allow such exceptions when appropriate for the gaming group.

FEATURES +1 to each Ability Score Speed: 30’ Languages: Common + one choice Strength +2 Charisma +1 Speed: 30’ Breath weapon Resistance against breath weapon Languages: Common + Draconic Small Size (page 44) Intelligence +2 Speed: 15 feet Darkvision 60’ Advantage on Save vs. some magic Languages: Common + Gnomish Dexterity +1 Minor illusion cantrip Languages: small beasts Constitution +1 Artificer’s lore Tool proficiency: tinker’s tools Charisma +2 2 Abilities +1 each Speed: 30’ Darkvision 60’ Advantage on Save vs. charm Resilient to sleep Skill Proficiency: 2 of choice Languages: Common + Elvish Strength +2 Constitution +1 Speed: 30’ Darkvision 60’ Skill Proficiency: Intimidation Relentless endurance Savage attacks Languages: Common + Orc Intelligence +1 Charisma +2 Speed: 30’ Darkvision 60’ Resistance against fire Infernal Legacy (cantrip + spells) Languages: Common + Infernal

Note that the Point assignments in Table 04 consider both the base ability plus additional advantages that accumulate at higher character Levels. For example, the 4-Point Tiefling Infernal Legacy ability includes the cantrip known at 1st Level, plus the additional spells gained at 3rd and 5th Levels.

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RACES

Archfiend

“We have been travelling with Kaernak for a little over a year now, so yeah, I’ve got something to say about his value to us while exploring these unclaimed lands. I’ve seen a tribe of over 100 goblins throw down their weapons and run away from us in terror once they glimpse his stature. Those few that are stupid enough to fight him soon discover their spears and swords just bounce off his tough skin. Kaernak is brave and loyal and fearsome, and seems to actually enjoy pain because it feeds his rage and his power. Have you ever seen an Archfiend wrestle a dragon to the ground? I have, and it’s the most amazing thing I have ever seen!”

Towering up to 30 feet tall and weighing up to an incredible 15 tons, an Archfiend can be a terrifying sight to behold for those unaccustomed to their harsh appearance. Their thick, leathery skin ranges in hues on the blue-black-brown spectrum and is pull taught over rippling muscles that emphasises their incredible power. Many Archfiends carve out their subterranean homes themselves using their innate tunnelling abilities. As a greater demon from the Material Plane, Archfiends can exert minor magical control over their minor brethren to carry out their bidding.

ARCHFIEND

Size: Huge RANK

POINTS

4 1 4 2 2 1

4 3 4 2 2 1

1 4 1

4 4

-1 -4 -4

-2

Augmented (Strength) Conversion (1 Point per 10 damage) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Fast (x4 speed; 120 feet/round) Features (Darkvision 120’ x2) Language (Common, Infernal) Massive Damage – Lesser (+4 Strength Impacts) Mind Control – Lesser (Demons) Protected (-4 Standard damage) Tunnelling (1 foot/round) Unique Attribute (x4 Thrown Weapon Distance) Charisma -1 AC Penalty (-4 AC) Inept Attack (-4 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, Heavy, and Obvious) Vulnerability (Lightning)

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Archfiends use their size and strength to great advantage while adventuring, and typically lean towards physical Classes such as Hunter, Shadow Warrior, and Warder. Their exploration and social options are limited, though, since they are too big to fit into cramped dungeons, and few villages and cities have the facilities to accommodate them.

Base Speed

Huge – an Archfiend’s base speed is 120 feet/round.

Conversion

Archfiends grow in power when injured, gaining 1 Point to spend on Attributes for every 10 damage received (ie. when Hit Points are reduced by 10). Damage that is avoided due to the Archfiend’s Protected Attribute – and thus the damage does not reduce Hit Points – is ignored and not considered by the Conversion Attribute. Archfiends usually allocate these Points during combat to Attributes that augment their Class features.

Tunnelling

Powerful muscles and an intimate connection with the earth allows the Archfiend to excavate tunnels up to 1 foot/round, which is equivalent to 600 feet/hour. They aren’t known for their craftsmanship, though; their tunnel designs are crude and functional, rather than carefully sculpted.

Subrace Variation Members of the most common Archfiend Subrace do not have wings and thus cannot fly. Massive, leathery wings sprout from the backs of the Subrace known as Aerial Archfiends, allowing them to fly up to 90 feet/round (Flight Rank 2) – though they typically lose the Conversion Attribute. 30

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

Asrai

“The Wood Elven Kingdom has always co-existed peacefully with the Asrai and we welcome them with open arms as our forest neighbours. Our two nations complement each other: we provide stealth and wisdom in the bush and grass, while they keep watch for trouble from the skies. They do have the strange habit of wandering off unexpectedly in seemingly random directions, claiming that nature is guiding them. They are children of the forest like us, though, so who are we to judge their eccentricities?”

ASRAI

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS

1 2 1 1

1 1 2 3 2 1 1

Dexterity +1 Intelligence +1 Charisma +2 Flight (30 feet/round) Language (Common, Elvish, Sylvan) Sixth Sense (Danger) Special Movement (Zen Direction)

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

TOTAL

Asrai resemble beautiful Humans in most ways, except for their small feathered wings that causes many people who see one to believe they are angelic creatures. They have an inherent connection to the natural world that guides their daily life, and were created by the planet goddess itself to serve as stewards of the land and leaders of the peoples. Asrai typically live in pastoral forest societies alongside Elves and other woodland creatures, and are a peaceful folk that are always eager to help those in need. Those Asrai that decide on a life of adventure instead are sometimes shunned by their tiny community for acting violently and out of character, though there has always been a role for Asrai with martial talents.

Adventuring Notes Their gentle nature and modest demeanour often results in many adventurers underestimating the Asrai. Well-rounded and adaptable, Asrai favour Classes that use a diversity of talents, including Bender, Dynamic Spellbinder, and Magical Girl/Guy, and Pet Monster Trainer.

Base Speed

Medium – an Asrai’s base speed is 30 feet/round for both ground movement and flying.

Flight

With their small and agile wings, Asrai do not need much room to manoeuvre during flight.

Sixth Sense

Whenever Asrai are in the presence of a creature, condition, or environment that may cause them harm, their feathered wings encourage alertness by vibrating intensely with a faint hum.

Special Movement

Their connection with the land will lead an Asrai’s movements in the right direction when they are open to receiving such guidance. This can sometimes lead them to unexpected destinations, but the earth is rarely wrong.

Subrace Variation A rare Subrace known as the Blessed Asrai have an even deeper link with nature that allows them to gently reshape their native lands. The Blessed have Rank 1 Dynamic Power (Nature).

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RACES

Blinkbeast

“Oh, you Elves think that the trees and the bushes are your ally. But you merely adopted the forest. We are born in it, moulded by it. We are one with it, and I can feel every step you take, hear every breath you exhale, while you think you are hiding so cleverly in the leaves. Blinkbeasts may not be as pretty or elegant as you and your Asrai cousins, but we are a prideful race and we demand the respect we deserve as forest protectors.”

Blinkbeasts are often feared and misunderstood, but they are rarely respected. They are natives of the Bloom – an insidious realm of fierce trees and murderous beasts – and survive on their rapid teleportation and mastery of plant life. In spite of their power, Blinkbeasts elicit contempt from many sylvan and demonic woodland creatures due to their binary nature – they are both beast and Human. Their skin tones range across the rainbow spectrum from purple to red, and shift in patches from flesh to wood.

BLINKBEAST

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS

1 2

1 6 -2 -1

Alternate Identity (Human Form) Dynamic Powers – Lesser (Vegetation; Area: 30’ -2; Concentration +1; Unpredictable +1) Language (Common, Sylvan) Teleport (100’) Dexterity -2 Charisma -1

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Though often clumsy and lacking the elegant presence of most woodland creatures, Blinkbeasts are a crafty Race with a dual identity that helps them blend into society. They are drawn to Classes that integrate well with their forest origins, including Hunter, Ninja, and Warder.

Base Speed

Medium – a Blinkbeast’s base speed is 30 feet/round.

Alternate Identity

In addition to their natural form, all Blinkbeasts have a second identity as a Human (or occasionally, a different humanoid). Their Human form shares none of their wooden features and are normally indistinguishable from other Humans.

Dynamic Powers – Lesser

From birth, Blinkbeasts have a deep spiritual connection with the trees, bushes, grasses, and flowers in their immediate area (30’ radius). They can tap into the vegetation’s life energy and manipulate it in many ways, though their control is rudimentary unless practiced and perfected. Their use of Dynamic Powers can produce unpredictable results should they not establish sufficient control.

Teleport

The “blink” in Blinkbeast is rooted in their teleportation talents that allows them to instantly disappear and translocate to any perceived or known destination up to 100 feet away.

Subrace Variation Instead of only one Human identity, the Multi Blinkbeast Subrace have a total of six wildly varying humanoid forms that manifest upon puberty (Alternate Identity Rank 6 total). These forms often resemble familiar sylvan creatures (Elves, Satyr, goblins), though further-ranging Races are not impossible.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

Demonaga

“Yeah, Flaergon took some getting used to, no doubt. We Dwarves tend not to trust those we can’t see eye-to-eye with, and Demonaga are so bloody huge! I can’t deny that she has an extensive network of merchants and collectors that helps us track down valuable artefacts, though – connections that are worth her weight in gold. Well, maybe just my weight. She holds her own in battle, too, and I’ve come to trust her guarding my back where my axe can’t reach. And she has literally pulled our party’s arses from the fire on several occasions, if you can believe it. Neither of us are the hugging type, but I gladly call her a friend.”

Created as a magical fusion between a naga serpent and a summoned flame demon over a millennium ago, Demonaga can measure up to 16 feet from horns to tail. They comfortably project a height of to seven to eight feet, with their tail trailing behind for balance and attacks. Their scaly hide, fearsome horns, and chiselled features make for an impressive sight. The lines of flame that radiate from their torso, eyes, and mouth complete their terrifying visage. A Demonaga’s hairless skin tones tend towards the muted browns and greens, though red and purple hues are also possible.

DEMONAGA

Size: Large RANK

POINTS

2 4 1 3

2 4 1 9

2 2

-2 -2 -2 -2

-1 14

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT Edge (Saving Throws vs. magic) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Fast (x2 speed; 60 feet/round) Immunity (Fire) Language (Common, Draconic, Primordial) Massive Damage – Lesser (+2 Strength Impacts) Protected (-2 Standard damage) Unique Attribute (x2 Thrown Weapon Distance) Wisdom -2 Charisma -2 AC Penalty (-2 AC) Inept Attack (-2 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, Heavy, and Obvious) TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Once a solitary mountain Race, Demonaga have been expanding their range over the past hundred years and have limited success integrating into humanoid society. They enjoy challenging assumptions about their nature, and often select Classes that align with this goal, including Broker, Pet Monster Trainer, and Psionicist.

Base Speed

Large – a Demonaga’s base speed is 60 feet/round.

Edge – Saving Throw

Demonaga are naturally resistant to the mystical arts and gain an advantage to all Saving Throws vs. magic.

Immunity

With their demonic origins from a hellscape plane, they are immune to fire and heat.

Language

Demonaga have retained their native Primordial elemental language throughout the centuries (with Ignan speciality), and have also learned Draconic from their mountain dragon allies.

Subrace Variation Aqua Demonaga are a rare hybrid variation that combined a naga with a water demon rather than a flame demon. Aquas are not immune to fire, but instead can breathe and live underwater (Rank 1 Resilient: Underwater). Additionally, they can detect nearby sources of water (Rank 1 Sixth Sense) and swim at incredible speeds (Water Speed Rank 3 – 300 feet/round). Aqua Demonaga are Fire Demonaga are mortal enemies.

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RACES

Fairy

“Halflings have always had good relations with Fairies because we enjoy their playful approach to life. No need to take everything so seriously! I’ve been on several adventures with them and they put on quite a light show. It confuses those stupid kobolds and goblins so easily it was effortless sneaking into their camp and steal–, I mean liberating, the ill-gotten treasure. It’s difficult to land a punch on a fairy – they are so fast, flittering across the sky – but they can be knocked flat by only a single hit since they are so delicate. You know what they say about it all being fun and games....”

Fairies are minute, pixie-like sprites that maintain a psychic connection to the wild. They are usually no more than eight inches tall but are surprisingly proud and charismatic for their stature. They fly rather quickly for their size on shimmering wings, which they vastly prefer to walking. Many are skilled at weaving webs of deception using their control of light to fool unsuspecting targets, and they sometimes have animal companions as well. Most Fairies are good and honourable by nature, but dark forces have corrupted some; mankind’s despoiling of their wilderness lairs has angered others.

Adventuring Notes

FAIRY

Size: Diminutive RANK

POINTS

6 6 1 2 2 1 2 4

1 2 6 6 1 2 6 1 2 4

-8

-6

4 3 6

-4 -3 -6

-3 4

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT Wisdom +1 Charisma +2 AC Bonus (+6 AC) Combat Mastery (+6 attack rolls) Control Environment (Lights) Features (Direction Sense, Scentless) Flight (90 feet/round) Heightened Senses (Smell) Language (Common, Elvish, Sylvan) Spell-Like Ability (Major Image) Unique Attribute (Small, Light, and Unobtrusive) Degraded (-8 Strength) Limited Damage (-6 Strength Impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷8 speed; 4 feet/round) Susceptible (+6 Standard damage) Unique Defect (Thrown Weapon Distance ÷8) TOTAL

Fairies frequently have positive relations with other fey and woodland denizens, though their mischievous nature often annoys their forest neighbours. As befitting their small stature, Fairies often select less physically aggressive Classes, including Adventurer, Dynamic Spellbinder, and Psionicist.

Base Speed

Diminutive – a Fairy’s base speed is 4 feet/round, though they fly at 90 feet/round.

Control Environment

Fairies have rudimentary control over light in their immediate area (10’ radius) that they typically use to confuse territorial invaders, search for missing objects, or assist lost travellers. They also set small light spheres dancing throughout the area during celebrations and mating displays.

Features

Fairies have exceptional direction sense and thus rarely lose their way. They also emit no scent and are difficult to track.

Spell-Like Ability

Fairies can cast Major Image illusion from Fifth Edition PHB: a 20’ diameter multi-sensory illusion with a 120’ range and 10 minute duration. Fairies ignore the spell’s Level restriction.

Subrace Variation Making their homes in mountain ranges, Rock Fairies are cousins of the Woodland Fairies that are so large (up to 2-feet tall) they are often called Giant Fairies. They are Tiny instead of Diminutive, and also gain +1 Constitution as well.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

Grey

GREY

Size: Medium

“When our party entered the inn we froze in our tracks. Hundreds of bulging black orb eyes turned in our direction, seemingly staring into our very souls. We had heard rumours of these bizarre Grey tribes, but had never encountered one in our dozen years of adventuring. Suddenly, we had entered one of their hive gatherings. A large cloth banner hung from the inn’s rafters with the phrase ‘Leadership Conclave’ and it was clear we needed to find another place to bed down for the night.”

RANK

POINTS 2

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

2 1 2

2 3 2

Intelligence +2 Features (Ambidexterity, Darkvision 60’, Ultrasonic Communication) Heightened Senses (Hearing, Taste) Mind Control (Basic, non-aggressive) Sell-Like Ability (Cure Wounds)

TOTAL

The Grey are an advanced space-faring Race who expand their knowledge by travelling between planets and gathering both information and samples. They vary in height from four to six feet tall, with large almond eyes, inverted teardrop head, and hairless grey skin. Over two centuries ago, a Grey science vessel encountered a space-time anomaly that transported them to the fantasy world they now inhabit, leaving them stranded with none of their ship equipment. Over numerous decades, the Grey have settled into their new home world and spread throughout many civilisations across several continents. None of the original stranded Grey are still alive, though their galactic legacy is remembered by their descendants.

Adventuring Notes The Grey are a hard-working Race that have a unique perspective regarding the boundaries between science and magic. The favour Classes that make use of their intellect, including Dynamic Spellbinder, Psionicist, and Techknight.

Base Speed

Medium – a Grey’s base speed is 30 feet/round.

Features

Though they prefer the surface, Grey share the Darkvision trait common amongst subterranean Races. They are also naturally ambidextrous. In addition to speaking the Common tongue, they can communicate with a sonar pulses in the ultrasonic range.

Heightened Senses

Grey have an extreme hearing advantage compared to most Races, and have thousands of discriminating receptors on their tongues that enhances their sense of taste as well.

Mind Control

Millennia of genetic enhancement has allowed the Grey to exert minor psychic control over touched creatures.

Spell-Like Ability

Grey can cast Cure Wounds from Fifth Edition PHB, restoring 1d8 + Proficiency Bonus Hit Points to a touched target.

Subrace Variation The rare Elite Grey Subrace – traditionally leaders amongst their kind – has expanded Mind Control abilities: Rank 3 with the Area Enhancement -2 (one target in a 30’ radius).

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RACES

Half-Dragon

“When I decided to form an adventuring party to discover fame and fortune, I specifically chose to recruit a HalfDragon for the team. Laisera has been worth her wait in gold, if you’ll excuse the pun, and after travelling with her for three years, I certainly count her as one of my few friends. Her fire breath has saved us more than once when we’ve been backed into a corner while dungeon crawling – especially when she scorches monsters from above. Laisera has quite a temper, though, so don’t piss her off, okay? So ... are you ready to sign on with us?”

Some shapeshifting gold dragons are occasionally impressed enough with a humanoid (usually a great mage or hero) to take them as a mate. The coupling may produce a Half-Dragon offspring. The typical Half-Dragon is humanoid with small wings, curving horns, and a reptilian tail. They tend to be feisty individuals – thematically suited to their fire-based breath weapon – but often have trouble fitting in with either of their parents. Consequently, they typically either live in exceptionally cosmopolitan areas or spend their time wandering the wilds.

HALF-DRAGON

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS

1 3 1

1 1 3 3 1

4 (3)

4 13

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT Strength +1 Constitution +1 Flight (30 feet/round) Immunity – Lesser (Fire) Language (Common, Draconic) Weapon: Fire Breath (2d6 damage; Continuing -1; Range: 30’ -2; Spreading: 3 targets -2; Save +4) TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Half-Dragons make formidable opponents while adventuring, and even better allies; most are fiercely loyal to their friends. They prefer action and thus have an affinity for aggressive Classes, including Ninja, Samurai, and Shadow Warrior. HalfDragons also fit well with the Isekai Student Class – their Human body gaining draconic properties when they cross over.

Base Speed

Medium – a Half-Dragon’s base speed is 30 feet/round for both ground movement and flying.

Flight

Possessing only small leathery wings means a Half-Dragon does not require much space to manoeuvre during flight.

Immunity – Lesser

Since they share traits with both parents, Half-Dragons have inherited partial resistance to fire rather than full immunity. Any fire- or heat-related damage is reduced by half.

Weapon

Half-Dragons can breathe a 30-foot cone of flame that can target up to three opponents in a line or tight formation. The fire inflicts 2d6 damage upon a successful hit, plus one-quarter that damage the next round as the flames continue to scorch the targets’ skin. Targets caught in the flame cone can avoid or reduce damage with a successful Dexterity Saving Throw against DC 10 + Half-Dragon’s Proficiency Bonus.

Subrace Variation Though Gold Half-Dragons are the most common type, other metallic dragons have also been known to take humanoid mates and have children as well. The Half-Dragon’s Lesser Immunity and breath Weapon change according to the dragon type: lightning for Bronze, acid for Copper, and cold for Silver. 36

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

Half-Troll

“I met Isbjorn in a city alleyway one night when he saved me from a gang of cutpurses who were anxious to take advantage of my drunken stupor. He could have just left me at their mercy – he had nothing to gain by interfering. Yet, interfere he did. He gently carried me to his room and stayed with me until I slept off the ale by the next afternoon. Isbjorn was kind and gentle, but shy and so unsure of himself. Trying to get him to talk was like convincing a dragon to let you borrow some coins! I kept at him over the next several days, though, and I hired him to guard me on my next caravan. That was six years ago, and we’ve been happily married for the last five.”

HALF-TROLL

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS

1 1

1 1 1

4 -1

Wisdom +1 Features (Darkvision 60’) Heightened Senses (Smell) Language (Common, Draconic, Goblin, Orc) Regeneration (4 HP/round) Constitution -1

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

TOTAL

On those rare occasions when a troll mates with a humanoid, the resulting offspring takes on few monster traits; they retain much of their humanoid sensibilities and physical appearance. A Half-Troll’s skin usually has a pale green or brown tone, allowing them to pass as a half-goblin or even a Half-Orc – and thus avoiding the inevitable glares and probing questions from strangers. Their most significant tie to their troll origins lies in their incredible regenerative ability.

Adventuring Notes Usually searching for companionship and their place in the world, Half-Trolls can make an excellent addition to an exploration party due to their ability to quickly recover from injury and keep going. They typically prefer to serve as support for the team, and thus favour Classes like Bender, Dynamic Spellbinder, and Magical Girl/Guy.

Base Speed

Medium – a Half-Troll’s base speed is 30 feet/round.

Heightened Senses

Like their troll parent, Half-Trolls have an exceptionally keen sense of smell, with both enhanced range and precision.

Language

Most Half-Trolls have picked up multiple languages to help them integrate with various societies. These usually include Draconic, Goblin, and Orc.

Regeneration

Half-Trolls regenerate up to an astounding 4 Hit Point each round. Their bodies will even naturally repair traumatic injuries within several days, including severed limbs and severe organ damage. Unlike their troll parent, though, their regeneration ability is not negatively impacted by acid or fire damage; all bodily trauma is regenerated in the same manner.

Subrace Variation When the parent is a member of the water troll Subrace, the child is similarly part of the uncommon Water Half-Troll Subrace. Such characters can breathe for extended time underwater (Rank 1 Resilient: Underwater) and can also swim quickly (Water Speed Rank 2 – 90 feet/round). They lose their darkvision feature, but instead gain Heightened Senses: Taste.

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Haud

“We didn’t have a chance against the invaders. One of them looked like a giant lizard but struck with the speed of a cobra. I know Gralx and his archers hit it in the face with two poisoned arrows, but it didn’t slow down. It just licked the blood off its face with a long black tongue and kept on coming. So we had to run, see? Mercy!”

The Haud are an intelligent and aggressive Race with both reptilian and serpentine traits. They favour warm, swampy habitats that they build into comfortable homes and gathering grounds. They are less primitive than their lizardfolk cousins, and tend to congregate in small societal pockets based on democracy and rationality – not “might makes right”. Their sharp claws and balancing tails help them react quickly in combat, which they use to their deadly advantage.

HAUD

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS

2 1 1 2 2

1 2 4 1 2 2

2 -1 -2 -1

Intelligence +1 Edge (Initiative) Extra Actions (1 Bonus Action/round) Features (Darkvision 60’) Heightened Senses (Taste, Vision) Immunity – Lesser (Poison) Language (Common, Draconic, Goblin) Special Movement (Wall-Crawling 2) Charisma -1 Bane (Cold) Obstacle (Saving Throws vs cold)

TOTAL

1 1

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

Adventuring Notes Though a steamy swamp provides the ultimate in comfort, some Haud leave their boggy homes and venture into larger humanoid societies to explore, learn, and battle for riches. They typically select Classes that complements their natural physical advantages, including Adventurer, Hunter, and Warder.

Base Speed

Medium – a Haud’s base speed is 30 feet/round.

Edge

Haud rapidly assess combat situations, granting them an advantage on Initiative rolls.

Extra Actions

Precise reflexes and quick minds further assists the Haud in combat, granting them an extra Bonus Action each round.

Heightened Senses

A Haud’s long tongue and huge eyes have heightened their sense of taste and sight.

Immunity – Lesser

Their constant exposure to noxious swamp fumes and harsh diet gives the Haud partial resistance to poison rather than full immunity. Damage from poison is reduced by half.

Special Movement

Haud can use their claws for gripping and tail for balancing to crawl along all but the smoothest vertical surfaces.

Bane and Obstacle

The Haud’s body cannot withstand the cold. Exposure to temperatures below freezing inflicts 1d8 damage/round and they suffer disadvantages when making Saving Throws vs. cold.

Subrace Variation The Leaping Haud Subrace have increased musculature (Strength +2) that helps them jump great distances – up to 10 times that of a normal Haud (Jumping Rank 2).

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Kodama

“So there I was clearing the tables just before closing when in walked a half-dozen foot-tall ghosts! I nearly dropped the empty ale mugs on the floor they gave me such a fright. Turns out they weren’t ghosts at all, but a race of forest spirits called Kodama. So polite and charming! These Kodama came to the tavern looking for a place to stay the night because they were tired from sending a demon back to hell. It’s the truth, that’s what they told me. After I saw them walk right through the walls heading to the water closet, I believed it, too.”

Kodama are tiny natural tree spirits that stand just over a foot tall, with humanoid bodies, pale white skin, enlarged heads, and bulbous (rather than delicate) features. Their connection with the natural environment grants them numerous talents, including the ability to change into liquid, gas, or incorporeal states at will. Kodama can also peer briefly into the past, cure wounds, and banish beings to other dimensions. In the natural wilds, they form small tribal groups with other Kodama for mutual companionship.

Adventuring Notes Kodama usually don’t engage in the politics of their worlds, but some curious individuals have been known to venture beyond their natural homes and into more urban settings to explore and learn about other societies. They tend not to wear amour or carry complex weapons, and thus favour Classes such as Broker, Magical Girl/Guy, and Pet Monster Trainer.

KODAMA

Size: Tiny RANK

POINTS

1 4

2 4 1 5 2

-4

4 2 4

-4 -2 -4

-2 10

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT Wisdom +1 AC Bonus (+4 AC) Change State (Liquid, gaseous, and incorporeal) Cognition (Postcognition) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Language (Common, Sylvan) Spell-Like Ability (Banishment) Sell-Like Ability (Cure Wounds) Unique Attribute (Small, Light, and Unobtrusive) Degraded (-4 Strength) Limited Damage (-4 Strength Impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷4 speed; 8 feet/round) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage) Unique Defect (Thrown Weapon Distance ÷4) TOTAL

Base Speed

Tiny – a Kodama’s base speed is 8 feet/round.

Change State

Over the course of one round, Kodama can change their body into multiple states of matter – liquid, gaseous, or incorporeal. This allows them to blend into any environment to hide and observe, escape, or travel.

Postcognition

With a brief thought, Kodama can see events that occurred in their immediate area up to one hour into the past.

Spell-Like Abilities

Kodama have access to two spells from Fifth Edition PHB. Cure Wounds restores 1d8 + Proficiency Bonus Hit Points to a touched target. Banishment can send one target to another plane of existence – either to a harmless demiplane (for creatures native to the Kodama’s current plane) from where they will return in one minute, or to the banished target’s native plane permanently. Kodama ignore the spell Level restriction for Banishment.

Subrace Variation The powerful Void Kodama Subrace do not possess the ability to cure wounds. Instead, they can negate up to two Ranks of a touched target’s Attributes that derive their source of power from magic (Nullify Rank 2).

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Nekojin

“Katra is the life of the party – literally, as in our dungeon adventuring party. She’s always go, go go. She picks up sounds that none of us can hear, giving us ample warning of the monsters we can expect to meet around the corner. And that girl is luck incarnate! I’ve seen her run through a trap-filled corridor without a scratch while we all struggle to avoid getting impaled or squashed!”

A Nekojin is a humanoid with large cat ears, a tail, and some feline facial features and behavioural traits. Some have some fur as well – with colours and textures as diverse as actual felines – though it might only cover a portion of the body. It is unclear if a Human and a cat were genetically fused in a laboratory, if they mixed during an evolutionary process, or if they are simply a separate species. The majority of scholars support the last supposition. Most cat people in anime tend to be female, very genki (highly energetic and cheerful), and extremely agile.

NEKOJIN

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS

2 1 1 2 1

2 2 1 1 2 1

-1 8

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT Dexterity +2 Edge (Initiative) Features (Darkvision 60’) Heightened Senses (Hearing) Mulligan (4 re-rolls/session) Special Movement (Cat-Like) Easily Distracted (Things that distract cats) TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Nekojin typically love to explore as part of an adventuring group, and they keep teammates on their toes with enthusiasm. Nekojin fit well with the Isekai Student Class – their Human body gaining feline properties during their interdimensional exile. The Bender, Broker, and Techknight Classes are also common.

Base Speed

Medium – a Nekojin’s base speed is 30 feet/round.

Edge

A Nekojin’s natural energy and high Dexterity grants them an advantage on Initiative rolls.

Heightened Senses

Their feline ears have evolved to pick up sounds beyond a range that is audible to other humanoids.

Mulligan

Nekojin are blessed with good fortune and outright luck. They can re-roll dice up to four times each game session.

Special Movement

Quick reflexes and a flexible body help the Nekojin to always land on their feet after a fall. They usually only suffer half damage from impact when landing (see page 179).

Easily Distracted

Balls of yarn, the smell of meat, light beams, and small rodents instinctively capture a Nekojin’s attention.

Subrace Variation Panthera are a stronger, more fearsome Nekojin Subrace, with black skin and sharp teeth. They gain +1 Strength, +1 Constitution, and Rank 2 Weapon: Fangs that inflict 1d6 + Strength Bonus damage. They do not possess Mulligan.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

Parasite

“I’ve come to terms with this thing living inside me. It acts on instinct. It isn’t evil or good because it’s just an animal. My choices determine my morality. Of course, I wish I didn’t fall into that underground crypt lake where it was waiting – but it isn’t all bad. I react more quickly and you’ve seen the damage that my arm blades can do. But yeah, I’d have this Parasite extracted if I could.”

These form-changing species require host bodies with which to bond and consequently a second Race is assigned to reflect this dual identity. These oily-black Parasites live within their host, and constantly struggle for dominance and control of its body. Once bonded, a Parasite grants several combat and survival abilities to its host, including stretching and reforming limbs into deadly sharp weapons. Parasites are immune to electricity but have a weakness to loud sounds, which disrupts their malleability and control over their host. Parasites reproduce through asexual binary fission independently from their hosts’ procreation methods.

PARASITE

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

-2

Elasticity (Two limbs stretch 5x; +4 grappling checks) Extra Actions – Lesser (1 Bonus Action/round; not attacks) Immunity (Lightning) Massive Damage – Lesser (+1d8 unarmed attacks) Weapon: Extending Blades (1d8 slashing damage) Bane (Loud Sounds)

TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Parasites have the neutral morality of an animal, and coexist with their host once a balance is established after bonding. Consequently, their demeanour and team contributions can vary as widely as that for any humanoid. Parasite hosts are typically attracted to physically aggressive Classes such as Hunter, Ninja, and Samurai.

Base Speed

Medium – a Parasite’s base speed is 30 feet/round.

Elasticity

A Parasite grants significant elasticity to two limbs (often arms) of a host’s body, allowing stretching up to five times their normal dimensions.

Extra Actions – Lesser

With two bodies in a single unit, a Parasite gains an additional action each round. The Bonus Action cannot be used to attack or cast spells, but is otherwise unrestricted.

Immunity

A Parasite’s body composition provides immunity to lighting and electrical damage to their host.

Massive Damage – Lesser

Parasites have a natural understand of how bodies function, allowing them to inflict an additional 1d8 unarmed attack damage.

Weapon

Sharp blades can project from their host’s body that inflict unarmed damage similar to a longsword (1d8 + Strength Bonus).

Subrace Variation Parasites do not have Subraces. Since they bond to a host body, though, such characters often have two Races assigned (such as Parasite and Human, Parasite and Fairy, etc.).

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Satyr

“Why would I take myself too seriously? Life is about exploring and having fun. We beat up monsters, take their stuff, and move onto the next dungeon. It’s that awesome! You should see me go, I’m like voom-gone! No one can catch up with me. I’ll jump behind them – stab, stab, stab – and let my party get in some shots too. Then I get to – hey, look how cute that bunny is!”

Playful Satyrs, with their Human torsos and goat lower halves, make their traditional homelands in isolated mountainous regions. Their natural speed, heartiness, and leaping prowess helps them thrive in peace where other folk would struggle. While they are a fun-loving people, most Satyrs have learned to keep to themselves to avoid conflict with goblins and Humans.

SATYR

Size: Medium RANK

POINTS 1 1

1 1

-1 7

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT Constitution +1 Charisma +1 Extra Actions – Lesser (1 Bonus Action/round; not attacks) Fast (x2 speed; 60 feet/round) Jumping (3x normal distance) Language (Common, Elvish, Sylvan) Easily Distracted (Things that distract children) TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Retaining their childlike enthusiasm throughout their lives, Satyr make for interesting adventuring companions. They jump into new experiences – sometimes with reckless abandon – yet work well as part of a larger team. They are typically quick to form bonds with the rest of their party with their infectious positive attitude. They prefer the more active Classes such as Dynamic Spellbinder, Magical Girl/Guy, and Pet Monster Trainer.

Base Speed

Medium – a Satyr’s base speed is 60 feet/round (Fast Rank 1).

Extra Actions – Lesser

Fast on their hooves, Satyrs gains an additional action each round. The Bonus Action cannot be used to attack or cast spells, but is otherwise unrestricted.

Fast

Satyrs are natural runners. They have an enhanced movement speed twice as fast as would be normal for their size.

Jumping

Their powerful goat haunches propel Satyrs through the air with incredible leaps up to three times their normal distance.

Easily Distracted

Whether only a few years old or many decades into their lives, Satyrs are still distracted by shiny, fun, and playful things that hold a child’s interest. This includes sweets, toys, music, laughter, cute animals, and dramatic action.

Subrace Variation In addition to the normal Mountain Satyr, two Subraces may be encountered: Forest Satyr and Under Satyr. As their name implies, Forest Satyr make their homes in woodlands. They have significantly larger horns that they use to impale targets during a charge (a Weapon Rank 2 that inflicts 2d4 + Strength Bonus damage). Under Satyr live most of their lives underground in caves and tunnels. They have Rank 1 Features (Darkvision 60’) and partial resistance to acid damage (Immunity – Lesser Rank 2). 42

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

Slime

“Skootch is, by far, the most interesting companion I’ve ever had. They tend to shy away from cities when we travel, so we stay in smaller villages or camp under the stars. I think they find dealing with too many humanoids tiresome. When we come across abandoned ruins or an ancient crypt, though, Skootch is always up for exploring and knocking some heads. They’re a shrewd negotiator, both with our party and with town merchants when we barter our found treasures for travel goods. They bring a new definition to the term ‘slimy bastard’. I’m not sure we would call ourselves ‘friends’ yet, but we are close.”

These intelligent drops of dense goo are typically the size of a wine cask and the shape of a teardrop or onion – though some unusual Slimes are as small as a thimble or as large as a tavern. Although some Slimes have small wings and can fly, most are wingless and scoot merrily along the ground. Slimes are not as fluid as they seem; they can be caged if the bars are packed close together. There are dozens of Slime varieties, and each Subrace has a distinct magical ability according to its colour. Most Slime civilisations of villages and towns are composed of a monochromatic population (all blue, all red, all copper, etc.), though “polychrome” towns are not unique.

SLIME

Size: Small RANK

POINTS

1 2 2

2 1 2 1

-2

4 1 1 2

-4 -1 -1 -2

-1 11

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT Constitution +1 Charisma +2 AC Bonus (+2 AC) Elasticity (Entire body stretches 5x; +10 grappling checks) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Language (Common, Undercommon) Regeneration (2 HP/round) Special Movement (Slithering) Unique Attribute (Small, Light, and Unobtrusive) Limited Damage (-2 Strength Impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Unique Defect (Leaves Slime Trail) Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage) Unique Defect (Thrown Weapon Distance ÷2) TOTAL

Adventuring Notes Much to their frustration, Slimes are often disregarded as unintelligent monsters. They are typically well aware of their limitations in humanoid societies, though, and approach such interactions accordingly. They select Classes that accommodate their physicality, including Adventurer, Broker, and Warder.

Base Speed

Small – a Slime’s base speed is 15 feet/round.

Elasticity

Slimes have great control over their physical dimensions and can distort their body up to five times their normal size.

Regeneration

Their highly malleable bodies allow Slimes to regenerate two Hit Points each round.

Special Movement

Slimes effortlessly maintain a low profile while slithering across land.

Unique Defect

To the frustration of tavern servers and the cleaning staff at inns, Slimes leave a thin yet slippery slime trail behind them.

Subrace Variation The stats provided here are for the most common Blue Slime, though dozens of other Slime colours and sizes can be found across the world. Such variant Slimes exhibit Attributes such as Features, Flight, Healing, Immunity, Mimic, and Mind Control, Size Change, Supersense, Telepathy, and Weapon.

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Size Templates

Size templates help describe the modifiers your character receives for being any size other than Medium (i.e. Human-sized). Anime 5E sizes are shown in Table 05 along with a summary of effects. In brief, larger characters gain the following modifiers compared to smaller characters: taller, heavier, stronger, faster, enhanced throwing distance, more damaging, less susceptible to standard types of damage (including bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing; see page 173), easier to hit, have difficulty hitting targets, and have restrictions on spaces in which they can fit. The Attributes and Defects associated with Size Templates cross all Race boundaries and are created to have the widest application possible. Each size larger than Medium consists of a package of Attributes and Defects that costs a total of 5 Points: Large = 5, Huge = 10, Gargantuan = 15. Conversely, each size smaller than Medium returns 5 Points to the character (ie. the value of Defects exceed the value of the Attributes by 5 Points): Small = -5, Tiny = -10, Diminutive = -15. If your character is approximately the same size as a Medium Human – ranging from 4’ to 8’ tall, which applies to most Races in Anime 5E – you can ignore this size template section.

EXAMPLE: SMALL SIZE TEMPLATE RANK

POINTS

2 2

2 4 1 2

-2 -4 -1 -2

-1 -5

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT AC Bonus (+2 AC) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Limited Damage (-2 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷2 speed) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage) Unique Defect (Thrown weapon distance ÷2) TOTAL

EXAMPLE: HUGE SIZE TEMPLATE

RANK

POINTS

ATTRIBUTE / DEFECT

4 4 2

-4 -4 -2

Augmented (Strength) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Fast (x4 speed) Massive Damage – Lesser (+4 Strength impacts) Protected (-4 Standard damage) Unique Attribute (x4 Thrown weapon distance) AC Penalty (-4 AC) Inept Attack (-4 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious)

TOTAL

ASSIGNING SIZE Look at Table 05 and select the size associated with your character’s Race. Then select an appropriate weight for that size. Record the size modifiers in terms of the Attributes and Defects detailed below (larger sizes in red; smaller sizes in blue):

Height and Weight Modifier

Each x2 Height and x8 Weight adds a Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) [-1 Point] Each ÷2 Height and ÷8 Weight imposes a Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) [+1 Point]

Strength Bonus

Each increase in bulk multiplies lifting and carrying capacity by x5 (that’s x5/x25/x125) and adds 4 Strength [+4 Points] Each decrease in bulk divides lifting and carrying capacity by ÷5 (that’s ÷5/÷25/÷125) and removes 4 Strength [-4 Points] Large and Small sizes do not gain +4/-4 Strength modifier, but lifting/carrying capacity is changed. [+0 Points for Large/Small]

Strength Check Dice

An advantage on Strength-related checks for all sizes above Medium adds 4 Ranks of the Edge Attribute [+4 Points] A disadvantage on Strength-related checks for all sizes below Medium imposes 4 Ranks of the Obstacle Defect [-4 Points]

Strength Damage Inflicted Modifier

Each +2 Strength-related damage modifier adds 2 Ranks of the Massive Damage – Lesser Attribute [+2 Points] Each -2 Strength-related damage modifier imposes 2 Ranks of the Limited Damage Defect [-2 Points]

Strength Damage Received Modifier

Each -2 resilience modifier to Standard type damage (page 173) adds 2 Ranks of the Protected Attribute [+2 Points] Each +2 vulnerability modifier to Standard type damage (page 173) imposes 2 Ranks of the Susceptible Defect [-2 Points]

Armour Class Modifier

Each -2 Armour Class detriment imposes 2 Ranks of the AC Penalty Defect [-2 Points] Each +2 Armour Class benefit adds 2 Ranks of the AC Bonus Attribute [+2 Points]

Attack Modifier

Each -2 attack penalty imposes 2 Rank of the Inept Attack Defect [-2 Points] Each +2 attack bonus adds 2 Ranks of the Combat Mastery Attribute [+2 Points]

Throwing Distance Modifier

Each x2 distance adds a Unique Attribute (x2 Thrown weapon distance) [+1 Point] Each ÷2 distance imposes a Unique Defect (÷2 Thrown weapon distance) [-1 Point]

Speed Modifier

Each x2 speed adds 1 Rank of the Fast Attribute [+1 Point] Each ÷2 speed imposes 1 Rank of the Slow Defect [-1 Point]

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

RACES CH-3

FITTING IN Assigning a size template larger than Medium may greatly restrict the character’s ability to fit in with society and embark on standard fantasy RPG adventures. It’s difficult to join your teammates on a dungeon crawl when you’re 30 feet tall and can’t even fit in the front door at the dungeon entrance! Similarly, if the fantasy setting is dominated by more common Mediumsized Races such as Humans, Dwarves, and Asrai, most community amenities like inns, taverns, shoppes, academies, and temples won’t easily accommodate Large characters – and are off-limits completely to Huge and Gargantuan adventurers.

Wee Folk Although playing characters smaller than Medium may not limit adventuring options the same way as playing someone larger, a character’s modest proportions will present their own unique challenges. Children are often Small-sized (as are numerous humanoid Races, such as Halflings and Gnomes), and thus most fantasy settings can accommodate Small size easily enough. Tiny and Diminutive characters may have a difficult time finding appropriately sized clothing, armour, weapons, and adventuring gear, and they have limited carrying capacity. And of course, their heavy damage penalties and susceptibility to physical injury poses significant combat and adventuring risks.

TABLE 05 • SIZE MODIFIERS TYPICAL LIFT & DAMAGE DAMAGE AC & RANGE & TYPICAL STRENGTH STRENGTH HEIGHT/ CARRY INFLICTED RECEIVED ATTACK SPEED WEIGHT BONUS CHECK LENGTH CAPACITY MODIFIER MODIFIER MODIFIER MULTIPLIER Diminutive 6” to 1’ Up to 1 lb ÷125 -8 Disadvantage -6 +6 +6 ÷8 Tiny 1’ to 2’ 1 - 8 lb ÷25 -4 Disadvantage -4 +4 +4 ÷4 Small 2’ to 4’ 8 - 60 lb ÷5 0 Disadvantage -2 +2 +2 ÷2 Medium 4’ to 8’ 60 - 500 lb — — — — — — — Large 8’ to 16’ 500 lb - 2 tons x5 0 Advantage +2 -2 -2 x2 Huge 16’ to 32’ 2 - 16 tons x25 +4 Advantage +4 -4 -4 x4 Gargantuan 32’ to 64’ 16 - 125 tons x125 +8 Advantage +6 -6 -6 x8 SIZE

HITTING MODIFIERS While many of the effects of size make intuitive sense (for example, having larger characters with greater lifting capacities), the combat modifiers to AC and attack rolls might seem odd. The example below illustrates the logic of the rules. Consider firing a bow at three targets – a coin, a wagon, and a tavern – from across a field. Clearly, the coin would be the most difficult to hit, and the tavern the easiest. A similar analogy can be made with a melee attack. Thus it makes sense that if a Huge character (a giant) was fighting with a Diminutive opponent (a Fairy), the giant would suffer a penalty to hit the Fairy, and the Fairy would gain a bonus to hit the giant. Now consider two opponents the same size – two Humans, two giants, two fairies, etc. Since they are the same size relative to each other, no modifiers should apply. That is, any bonuses they receive to hit should balance with any penalties they receive to be hit. Since Anime 5E involves the attacker rolling a d20, adding modifiers, and comparing the final value to the target’s Armour Class, a penalty on the attack roll is functionally the same as a bonus to the target’s AC. Similarly, a bonus on the attack has the same effect as an AC penalty. Consequently, a larger-than-Medium character receives a penalty to both their AC and their attack rolls against all opponents. A smaller-than-Medium character receives a corresponding bonus to AC and attack roll against all opponents. If two combatants the same size clash – whether Medium, Small, Large, etc. – the bonuses and penalties cancel each other out. Similarly, the bonuses/penalties cancelling also applies to the damage-inflicted and damage-received modifiers for each Size Rank. As you can see, the size combat modifiers might not be intuitive, but they work well across all size categories.

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RACES

Race/Class Combinations

Of course, some Race/Class combinations are more common than others for a variety of reasons. » They physicality of some Races – especially sizes other than Medium – make some pairings more or less common. » Some Race bonuses synergistically align with particular Classes making them more optimal choices. » Narratively, some Races are naturally drawn to certain Classes, such as woodland Races selecting the Druid Class. Table 06 categorises Race/Class combinations in one of three commonalities: RARE , COMMON , or PREFERRED .

There are no Race or Class prerequisites in Anime 5E that preclude specific combinations. Players can select any Race and Class they desire from Anime 5E and standard Fifth Edition books, provided they have sufficient Points to pay for their selection, and the DM approves their choices.

OR C LFL ING HU MA N TIE FLI NG

ELF

L F-

Bender

Broker

Dynamic Spellbinder

Hunter

Isekai Student

Magical Girl/Guy

Ninja

Pet Monster Trainer

Psionicist

Samurai

Shadow Warrior

Techknight

Warder

Barbarian

Bard

Cleric

Druid

Fighter

Monk

Paladin

Ranger

Rogue

Sorcerer

Warlock

Wizard

AG ON BO DW RN AR F ELF

AG ON T RO LL HA UD KO DA MA NE KO JIN PA R ASI TE SAT YR SLI ME L F-

Adventurer

CLASS

L F-

CH FIE ND ASR AI BLI NK B EA ST DE MO NA GA FA I RY GR EY

TABLE 06 • COMMONALITY OF RACE/CLASS COMBINATIONS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CHAPTER 4

Classes

CHAPTER 4

CLASSES Classes frame the archetypal roles that a character plays, or life paths that a character follows. They include occupations, lifestyles, callings, and status. Each Class provides a starting set of Hit Dice (Hit Points for each character Level), proficiencies (including armour, weapons, Skills, tools, and Saving Throws), Attributes, and other abilities that you use as a framework on which to grow your character. The Fifth Edition PHB includes 12 Classes that cover the standard fantasy tropes, such as Fighters, Wizards, Clerics, and Rogues. You can use all of these Classes with Anime 5E, which have modified features and abilities from the PHB to provide balanced Point totals across all Classes. Anime 5E broadens the Class list with 14 new character options that take advantage of the game’s expansive selection of Attributes. These new Classes are outlined in Table 07, with full descriptions and details provided later in this chapter.

Class Progression

As briefly discussed in Chapter 2, Classes progress through Levels (from 1st to 20th) that unlock a selection of increasingly powerful features as a character gains adventuring experience. Each Class presents its own progression chart that indicates what new Abilities, proficiencies, Attributes, spells, talents, and Bonus Points your character gains as they advance through their Class Levels. Unlike when assigning a Race, Class selection does not require the allocation of Discretionary Points (page 20).

Selecting a Class If starting the game at 1st Level, players can select from any one Class that marks the beginning of their characters’ adventuring life – whether it’s a new Class in Anime 5E, or a rebalanced Class from the PHB. If creating characters at 2nd Level or higher, players can select multiple Levels of one Class or instead spread their characters’ Levels over multiple Classes. See Multiclassing for more information (page 51).

1ST LEVEL FOUNDATION The 1st Class Level provides the character with an expanded set of features and benefits compared to those offered at higher Levels. This establishes the character with a foundation for Hit Dice and numerous proficiencies.

Proficiency Bonus

Each Class grants the character a +2 Proficiency Bonus at 1st Level (worth 4 Points; see Table 10, page 82). This modifier is added to d20 dice rolls if the character is proficient certain areas: » Attack rolls, when using spells or proficient weapons » Skill checks, when related to proficient Skills » Ability checks, when using proficient tools » Saving Throws, when related to proficient Ability Scores

Hit Dice and Hit Points

Each Class grants the character a number of Hit Points (or HP) at each Level that are determined by the Class’s Hit Dice, which range from d4 to d12. At 1st Level, the character’s Hit Points equals the maximum possible die roll value (ie. 4 for d4, 6 for d6, etc.), plus their Constitution modifier. 48

Proficiencies

Each Class lists character proficiencies at 1st Level, including: armour, weapons, tools, Saving Throws, and Skills. When making d20 dice rolls for circ*mstances that involve the character’s proficiencies, the character adds their Proficiency Bonus to the roll. If a character wears armour with which they lack proficiency, they suffer a disadvantage (page 153) on Ability Checks, Saving Throws, and attack rolls that involves Strength or Dexterity, and they can’t cast spells.

LEVELLING BENEFITS All Classes gain various character bonuses at each Level, with the exact type and frequency depending on each specific Class. Most benefits are granted in the form of one or more Attribute Ranks. The bonuses granted to each Class are presented in a chart in their respective sections. Benefits that share commonality across multiple Classes are described below.

Proficiency Bonus

All Classes begin with a +2 Proficiency Bonus at 1st Level, increasing to +3 at 5th Level, +4 at 9th Level, +5 at 13th Level, and +6 at 17th Level. Each increase is equivalent to Rank 1 Enhanced Proficiency Attribute [2 Points].

Bonus Points

Rather than assigning specific features to a Level advancement, some Classes provide flexible Bonus Points. Players can spend these extra Points immediately to acquire Attributes for their characters or eliminate Defects, or save them for future use.

Ability Score Improvement

Players can either increase one Ability Score of their choice by +2, or two Ability Scores of their choice by +1. Unless granted DM permission, characters can’t increase an Ability Score above 20. Equivalent to Rank 2 Augmented Attribute [2 Points].

Attribute Ranks

When an Attribute is listed in a Class progression chart – which is the most common benefit when gaining Levels – your character gains one or more Ranks in that Attribute upon achieving that Class Level. If the character already possesses one or more Ranks in that Attribute, their Rank increases; otherwise, the character gains the Attribute for the first time.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CLASSES CH-4

TABLE 07 • CLASSES CLASS

DESCRIPTION

HIT DIE

PRIMARY ABILITY

Adventurer

The most flexible of all characters with the ultimate freedom to become anything.

Dexterity

Dexterity & Constitution & Wisdom

Bender

A master of their specific element who can bend forces of nature to their will.

Constitution

Constitution & Wisdom

Broker

A character who thrives on connections to find the obscure and obtain the desired.

Wisdom

Simple weapons

Dynamic Spellbinder

A magical manipulator who has extensive control over a chosen sphere of influence.

Intelligence

Simple weapons

Hunter

A cunning professional who seeks out their d10 prey for bounties, thrill, justice, and more.

Strength

Strength & Intelligence

Light and medium armour; shields; simple weapons; martial weapons

Isekai Student

An enigma who was suddenly transported d4 from Earth and now has wondrous abilities.

Charisma

Simple weapons

Magical Girl/Guy

A champion for love and justice who fights for the forces of light and goodness.

Wisdom

Wisdom & Charisma

Light armour; shields; simple weapons; select 2 martial weapons

Ninja

A master warrior of the shadow arts who is d8 wrapped in mystery and traditions.

Dexterity

Light armour; shields; simple weapons; martial weapons

Pet Monster Trainer

A collector of (and loyal friend to) cute pets d4 that serve as companions and weapons.

Charisma

Dexterity & Charisma

Psionicist

A character who expands their humanoid d4 evolution to unlock amazing mental powers.

Intelligence

Intelligence & Charisma

Samurai

A deadly, yet honourable fighter who follows the ancient Code of the Warrior.

d10

Strength

Strength & Wisdom

Shadow Warrior

A champion knight who achieves harmony with the negative dimensional planes.

d12

Strength

Techknight

A member of the martial Order of the Techknights who protect the innocent.

d10

Dexterity

Dexterity & Constitution

Warder

A free-spirited warrior who has learned the d6 mystical arts of inscribing wards on flesh.

Constitution

Some Attributes – including Combat Technique, Monster Training, Sixth Sense, Special Movement, Undetectable, and more – provide a choice of options. Unless the sub-category is specifically mentioned for these Attributes in the Levelling chart, the player may select an option of choice for their character.

Duplicate Benefits Once you reach a specific Class Level, you may get undesirable duplicate Attribute entries due to the character’s Race abilities or alternate earlier Class Levels. In these situations, remove the excess Ranks, and instead convert their associated cost to Points that can be allocated to different Attributes.

SAVING THROW ARMOUR AND PROFICIENCIES WEAPON PROFICIENCIES Light and medium armour; simple weapons; select 2 martial weapons Light armour; shields; simple weapons; select 4 martial weapons

Simple weapons Light armour; shields; simple weapons; select 2 martial weapon Light, medium, and heavy armour; shields; simple weapons; martial weapons Light, medium, and heavy armour; shields; simple weapons; martial weapons Light, medium, and heavy armour; shields; simple weapons; martial weapons Shields; simple weapons

For example, a Half-Troll (page 37) has the Regeneration Attribute at Rank 4. If the player assigns the Shadow Warrior Class, the character would normally also gain +1 Rank of Regeneration at 1st Level. If the player prefers to keep their Half-Troll Shadow Warrior at Rank 4 Regeneration – rather than increasing it to Rank 5 – the 1 Point normally assigned to that extra 1 Rank of Regeneration can instead be reallocated to to the cost of acquiring a Rank of a different Attribute. Of course, if the player is satisfied adding the Race and Class benefits together and increasing their character to Rank 5 Regeneration, then no changes or reallocations are needed.

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EXPERIENCE POINTS Table 08 summarises the Experience Points (XP) a character needs to advance between Levels from 1st through 20th, as well as the Proficiency Bonus granted at each Level. For information about earning XP, see page 181.

TABLE 08 • LEVEL ADVANCEMENT EXPERIENCE POINTS 0 300 900 2,700 6,500 14,000 23,000 34,000 48,000 64,000 85,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 165,000 195,000 225,000 265,000 305,000 355,000

LEVEL

PROFICIENCY BONUS

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th

+2 +2 +2 +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +5 +5 +5 +5 +6 +6 +6 +6

CLASSLESS AND NPCS All player characters belong to one or more Classes, but variation exists with NPCs – some identify with a Class, while others are Classless. More individualised and powerful NPCs are assigned Classes, whether it’s the standard Fighter for city guard or a hired sword, Cleric for a temple healer, Ninja for an efficient member of the Assassins’ Guild, or Broker for the local shopkeeper who specialises in magical artefacts. These NPCs are treated the same way as player characters. Conversely, weaker background NPCs may be Classless. This includes the multitude of farmers, merchants, labourers, etc. who focus more on everyday living than on adventuring. Any character benefits, features, or drawbacks they have are constructed from Points. All their game stats are assigned individually with Points, including Ability Scores, Hit Dice, Proficiency Bonus, all proficiencies, Attributes, and Defects. If these NPCs expand their scope and gain additional benefits during their lives, they don’t advance in Level like characters do; rather, they gain Points to spend on Attributes directly. Though villainous characters may be important NPCs that are assigned a Class, typical monsters are Classless and acquire all game stats through Points directly. See page 214 for examples.

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CLASSES CH-4

Multiclassing

Multiclassing allows characters to gain Levels in more than a single Class. The player can mix the abilities of selected Classes to realise a character concept that might not be reflected in only one of the Class options. Characters may gain a Level in any Class whenever they advance in Level, instead of being required to gain a Level in their current Class. The Levels of all Classes are added together to determine the character Level. For example, a character with 3rd Level Ninja, 2nd Level Magical Girl, and 1st Level Adventurer is a 6th Level character (3+2+1=6). As a character advances in Levels, they might primarily remain a member of their original Class with just a few Levels in different Classes, or they might change course entirely and never look back at the Classes left behind. Compared to a single-Class character of the same character Level, they’ll sacrifice some focus in exchange for versatility.

Prerequisites

Unless otherwise indicated by the DM, there are no minimum Ability Score prerequisites needed to obtain Levels in multiple Classes.

Multiclassing XP The Experience Point cost to gain a Class Level is always based on the character’s total Level (Table 08, page 50) and not their Level in a particular Class. For example, a 6th Level Psionicist/1st Level Hunter – 7th character Level – requires 34,000 XP to reach 8th character Level before they can take their 7th Level as a Psionicist or 2nd Level as a Hunter.

Hit Points and Hit Dice A character gains a random number of Hit Points from their new Class, as determined by the Class’s Hit Dice – plus Constitution modifier as normal (alternatively, players can instead assign a mid-ranged fixed value, as indicated in the Class descriptions). They only automatically gain the maximum possible die roll value if their 1st Class Level is also their 1st character Level (ie. brand new characters). Characters add together the Hit Dice granted by all their Classes to form their pool of Hit Dice. If the Hit Dice are the same die type, the dice are simply pooled together. For example, both the Samurai and the Techknight have d10 Hit Dice, and thus a Samurai 3/Techknight 6, has nine d10 Hit Dice. If the Classes provide Hit Dice of different types, keep track of them separately. For example, a Broker 7/Bender 3 has seven d6 Hit Dice and three d8 Hit Dice. The types and sizes of Hit Dice are important not only when randomly rolling new Levellingbased Hit Points, but also when spending and regaining Hit Dice during short and long rests (page 175).

Proficiency Bonus A character’s Proficiency Bonus is always based on their total character Level (see Table 08, page 50), and not their Levels in a particular Class. For example, a Warder 3/Wizard 2 has the Proficiency Bonus of a 5th-Level character, which is +3.

TABLE 09 • PROFICIENCY VALUES PROFICIENCY

POINT VALUE

Shields Light Armour Medium Armour (Pre-requisite: Light Armour) Heavy Armour (Pre-requisite: Medium Armour) All Martial Weapons 5-6 Martial Weapons 3-4 Martial Weapons 1-2 Martial Weapons Saving Throw for a Specific Ability Score (each)

1 1 1 1 4 3 2 1 2

Duplicate Proficiencies Some Class combinations will result in duplicate proficiencies for the character when a new Class is added – armour, weapons, or Saving Throws. In these situations, ignore the duplicate proficiencies. The character is instead immediately granted a number of Bonus Points equal to one-quarter the summed value of the duplicated proficiencies (round down), according to the values in Table 09. For example, a 3rd-Level Shadow Warrior is proficient in all armour, shields, and martial weapons, and is also proficient in Strength-based Saving Throws. If they advance a Level and want to gain 1st Level in a new Hunter Class, several of the Hunter’s proficiencies are duplicates of what the Shadow Warrior Class already possesses: light amour [1 Point], medium armour [1 Point], shields [1 Point], all martial weapons [4 Points], and Strength-based Saving Throws [2 Points]. The total of these duplicate proficiencies equals 9 Points, and thus the new 1st-Level Hunter immediately receives 2 Bonus Points (9÷4, round down) in lieu of the duplicated proficiencies.

Since Anime 5E Skill and tool proficiencies offer the character their choice from a selection, such proficiencies can always be unique and are never duplicated. If encountering duplicated Skill or tool proficiencies when Multiclassing with other Fifth Edition Classes, the player can select alternate Skill or tool proficiencies for their character instead. See pages 113 and 119 for a list of such proficiencies. For example, a new 1st-Level Psionicist begins their adventuring career with two Skill proficiencies; let’s assume the player selects Medicine and Survival. If the character Levels up and decides to Multiclass into the 1st-Level Druid Class, they also gain two Skill proficiencies from a list of 8 choices – but cannot select Medicine or Survival, since they are already proficient.

Duplicate Attributes Though not as common, some Multiclassing combinations may also create duplicate or excessive Attribute entries. In these situations, remove the duplicated or excess Ranks, and instead convert their associated cost to Points that can be allocated to different Attributes.

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CLASSES

Adventurer

“You know that feeling, when your heart is pounding so hard that you can actually hear it? I live for that! I’ve been diving to lake bottoms and crawling through ancient tombs for over a decade now and the excitement never fades. Dungeon traps have nearly killed me countless times, but I won’t stop until I retrieve that treasure! Unfortunately, I’ve travelled with many companions that don’t have talents that are quite as flexible as mine – I’m on my, what, eighth party now? – and their narrow focus is almost always the end of them. Why just concentrate on learning one or two tricks when there’s a world of hidden talents to explore?”

Abandoned ruins, secured locations, and tales of lost or hard-to-get treasure are like a siren’s call for the Adventurer, whose penchant for getting into trouble gives them endless opportunities to develop potential that would otherwise remain untapped. Adventurers are a varied lot, as likely to find themselves exchanging witticisms in a social gathering as they are swinging from a dangling chain in a crumbling crypt. Depending on their personal preferences, they can specialise in particular areas, but one thing will always remain true: wherever they are, Adventurers can expect to run into trouble, even if they are not actively seeking it out. Preferred Races: Fairy, Haud, Slime Rare Races: None – Adventurers are common for all Races

CHARACTERISTICS Adventurers are flexibility personified. With no particular feature to distinguish them, they have the freedom to become whatever they want to be. They are not particularly strong or innately talented, but they make up for it with dedication and courage. They can learn any trade they want and become increasingly better at it as they grow in experience. During their adventures, they discover many things about themselves and can awaken abilities that lay dormant until then, surprising friends and foes alike with each new development. They have few limits except those that they set for themselves.

CATEGORY

POINTS

PAGE

Lesser Lesser Greater Greater Greater Lesser Greater Lesser Lesser Greater Serious Serious Lesser Greater Lesser Lesser Lesser Lesser Lesser Greater Lesser Lesser Lesser Serious Serious Greater Serious Lesser Lesser Lesser Serious Lesser Variable Greater Greater Greater

-1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -2/-4/-6 -2/-4/-6 -2/-4/-6 -1/-2/-3 -2/-4/-6 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -2/-4/-6 -3/-6/-9 -3/-6/-9 -1/-2/-3 -2/-4/-6 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -2/-4/-6 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -3/-6/-9 -3/-6/-9 -2/-4/-6 -3/-6/-9 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -1/-2/-3 -3/-6/-9 -1/-2/-3 Special -2/-4/-6 -2/-4/-6 -2/-4/-6

133 133 133 133 133 134 134 134 134 134 134 135 135 135 135 136 136 136 136 137 137 137 137 137 138 138 138 138 138 139 139 140 140 140 140 140

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DEFECTS CH-6

AC PENALTY Category: Progression:

Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] -1 Armour Class/Rank

Each Rank the character suffers a -1 penalty to their Armour Class. This penalty may result from thin or fragile skin (easier to damage), slow reflexes (easier to hit), an innate or supernatural fault that increases an enemy’s chance of landing a successful attack (easier to target), or a combination of such elements.

ACCOUNTABILITY Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character must negotiate their way through a complicated bureaucracy in order to accomplish tasks. This Defect is often associated with characters who are members of law enforcement organisations or similar government agencies that require paperwork. A large criminal organisation, however, may also require a character to receive permission from several tiers of bosses before undertaking certain high-profile jobs. Accountability also includes whatever measures the character must take “after the fact” to appease the organisation to which they belong. For example, a special envoy for a kingdom may need to fill out a report every time they engage with hostiles from other regions, or may have to follow a complicated series of steps to obtain authority to conduct an investigation. Similarly, a minor noble may be required to pay a percentage of their taxes – along with detailed reports of local commerce activity – to the regional noble or face some very strict penalties. The Accountability Defect is usually inappropriate for allies created with the Companion Attribute. -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

Accountability impedes the character before or after a major action (but not both) and is generally easy to manage Accountability impedes the character before and after a major action and it is moderately difficult to manage Accountability impedes the character before, after, and during a major action and it is difficult to manage

BANE Category: Progression:

Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] 1d8 Damage/Rank Per Round of Exposure

A character with the Bane Defect is vulnerable to an otherwise non-damaging substance such as water or sunlight, or a specific element, material, or object. The character suffers damage if their skin is physically touched by the Bane. If the Bane does not require direct physical contact (such as sunlight, seeing one’s reflection, hearing the noise of a temple bell, or having the Bane in close proximity), the exposure damage is halved. Alternatively, if the Bane only affects the character when ingested, the damage is doubled. Finally, the damage inflicted assumes that the Bane is common, such as water, sunlight, steel, or wood. If it is less common, such as a holy symbol, religious scripture, or rare element, the damage is also doubled. If it is even more rare such as one particular artefact, the damage may be tripled or quadrupled as determined by the DM.

For example, Haud (page 38) thrive in warm and swampy habitats. They do not survive well in arctic areas because they have a -2 Point Bane to cold; the DM decides that “cold” means freezing temperatures below 32 ˚F (0 ˚C). Since the Haud’s exposure to cold air does not require physical contact, such freezing temperatures inflict 1d4 damage each round – half of Bane’s normal 1d8 damage for the -2 Point Defect. If a Haud dresses warmly from head to claws while venturing out in cold temperatures, they may avoid Bane damage or reduce the amount inflicted, as determined by the DM.

BLIND FURY Category: Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Under specific conditions selected by the player (and approved by the DM), the character will enter a state of unbridled anger. While enraged, the character will furiously attack the closest person, whether that individual is a friend or foe. Once that person is defeated or flees, the berserk character will attack the next closest “threat”. Examples of conditions that might initiate Blind Fury include: receiving a certain amount of damage, sight of blood, a specific sound or smell, being outnumbered in combat, seeing a friend in danger, confrontation with a specific opponent, etc. The character can only return to a normal emotional state under another specific condition. This return could involve a Wisdom check, or could be an automatic reversion over time. Examples of return conditions include: no targets in the vicinity, a specific calming technique performed by an ally, solitude, exposure to a particular herb, being knocked unconscious, etc. -2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

Initiating the Blind Fury is difficult; reverting to a normal emotional state is easy Initiating the Blind Fury and reverting to a normal emotional state are both moderately difficult Initiating the Blind Fury is easy; reverting to a normal emotional state is difficult

CURSED Category: Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

A Cursed character has likely offended a great being of power in their past or is the direct descendent of someone who did (since Curses often pass through bloodlines). A Curse may also be assigned to an entire species that have fallen into disfavour with a god. The Curse can take a near limitless number of forms but should not provide a character with an obvious advantage (remember, it’s a curse!). The exact nature, background, and limitations of the Curse should be discussed with the DM. -2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

Curse imposes a slight disadvantage on the character Curse imposes a moderate disadvantage on the character Curse imposes a severe disadvantage on the character

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CH-6

DEFECTS

DEGRADED

HOUNDED

Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Category: Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

This Defect is useful when a character should have one or more lower Ability Scores, but the player wants to indicate that the reduced Scores are derived from one particular source (such as magic or paranormal ability, or size-related) instead of being part of the character’s innate nature. It’s also an ideal Defect for Items that degrade the user’s Ability Scores. When this Defect is assigned, the player must specify which of the six Abilities is Degraded. In most instances, gaining Points from the Degraded Defect or lowering an Ability directly results in the same drawback. For example, a character with Strength 6 and a character with Strength 9 plus the Degraded (Strength) Defect at Rank 3 both have an effective Strength of 6.

The character is recognisable by many people, and thus it is difficult for them to keep secrets or maintain a private life during adventures. Hounded is a particularly significant disadvantage for someone who wants to keep hidden from organisations actively seeking them out.

DIMINISHED PROFICIENCY Category: Progression:

Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] -1 Proficiency Bonus/Rank

The character has a reduced capacity for focussing their knowledge and training across multiple areas. For each Defect Rank, the character suffers a -1 penalty to their Proficiency Bonus – which normally starts at +2 at 1st-4th Levels and then progressively increases to +6 at 17th-20th Levels. Since modifying a character’s standardised Proficiency Bonus can have dramatic impacts on game balance, players must have their DM’s permission before selecting this Defect.

-2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

IMPAIRED MANIPULATION Category: Serious Defect [-3 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The ability to manipulate objects with hands or other appendages is one of the major advantages that humanoids have over other species. If a character lacks these abilities, due to natural design or an unfortunate accident, they will be at a significant disadvantage. -3 Points

-6 Points

EASILY DISTRACTED Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Some characters are Easily Distracted by events, objects, people, or ideas, which are collectively known as triggers. Notable examples of triggers include attractive members of the opposite/same/any sex, wealth, food, famous adventurers, hobbies, gossip, cute animals, music, one’s own looks, books or scrolls of ancient lore, magical items, etc. A character with this Defect will become enthralled with the trigger until it can no longer influence them. Many characters have interests in a variety of triggers but do not possess this Defect because their interest is moderated by their sense of judgement and decorum. -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

Easily Distracted by a trigger that is encountered infrequently Easily Distracted by a trigger that is encountered frequently, or by a few infrequent triggers Easily Distracted by a trigger that is encountered constantly, or by a several infrequent triggers

FRAGILE Category: Progression:

Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Hit Point Maximum Decreased By -10%/Rank

The character is less durable than their Class and character Level would otherwise suggest. Possessing this Defect decreases the character’s Hit Point maximum by -10%/Rank (round up; minimum -1 Hit Point reduction). 134

The constant attention the character receives is slightly inconvenient The constant attention the character receives is moderately inconvenient The constant attention the character receives is severely inconvenient

-9 Points

The character only has one usable arm. They cannot easily hold objects during unarmed combat, and cannot use weapons that require two hands to wield. The character has rudimentary manipulative ability using paws or talons, such as that possessed by a bear, octopus, wyvern, or bird. The character can grapple and lift things but cannot perform tasks that require fine manipulation (such as use tools, weapons, or hand-held artefacts). The character has no usable arms. They cannot carry or grab objects, nor can they easily engage in physical combat. This Rank includes animals with no manipulative ability, such as horses, fish, and snakes.

DEFECTS AND SOCIAL AWARENESS Assigning Defects can align the game mechanics of Anime 5E to your vision for your character, as well as create excellent opportunities for engaging role-playing beyond hack-and-slash combat. It’s important to approach the portrayal of Defects with maturity and sensitivity when touching upon many real-life physical and social issues that have far-reaching implications and impacts on others. Anime stereotypes can provide many laughs around the gaming table, but being mindful of the emotions and sensitivities of others should always take priority. Role-playing is about having fun with friends. No one should ever feel marginalised, ridiculed, or targetted because a character’s portrayal fails to consider how it may impact others. Consideration and compassion always come first.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

DEFECTS CH-6

IMPAIRED SPEECH

LIMITED DAMAGE

Category: Serious Defect [-3 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Category: Progression:

The ability to communicate through language is a major advantage that humanoid civilisations have over other animals. If a character lacks these abilities, due to natural design or serious injury, they will be at a significant disadvantage. This ability does not refer to comprehension of speech, but rather the ability to produce it. A hearing-impaired individual will instead have the Sensory Impairment Defect (page 138).

The character inflicts reduced damage to their targets under a specific condition. Examples of conditions include: sneak attacks (when the attacker already has an advantage on the roll), melee weapon attacks, unarmed attacks, ranged attacks, spell damage, Strength-related impacts (due to the character’s size; see page 44) against a category of opponents (such as giants, undead, extraplanar creatures, magi, etc.). This damage penalty may result from lack of combat training (not knowing where to hit), minimised attacking force (hitting with less power), magical meddling, or a combination of elements.

-3 Points

-6 Points

-9 Points

The character either has a severe speech impediment, or speaks clearly with their own species but on an unusual wavelength or using a mode that prevents easy communication with other beings The character can communicate with a range of sounds that carry emotional content but which are not a language, such as the sounds made by most normal animals The character is completely mute with no way to verbally communicate

Lesser Defect [-1 Points/Rank] -1 Attack Damage Reduction/Rank

Alternative: Random Damage Reduction

Instead of a fixed amount of reduced damage, the character may instead generate reduced damage randomly through a die roll: -1 or -1d2; -2 or -1d4; -3 or -1d6; -4 or -1d8; -5 or -1d10; -6 or -1d12.

INEPT ATTACK Category: Progression:

Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] -1 Attack Penalty/Rank

This Defect reflects a character’s poor judgement or talent in offensive combat situations, which makes it much more difficult to strike an opponent successfully. The character suffers a -1/Rank penalty to each of their attack rolls.

ISM Category: Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Ism is discrimination based solely on one particular aspect of a character that is often outside their control. Examples of Ism include: ableism, ageism, classism, cisgenderism, ethnocentrism, racism, or sexism, or discrimination based on affiliations, calling, education, species, genetics, sexual preference, planar origin, occupation, religion, physical features, etc. Since most cosmopolitan fantasy adventures feature a wide variety of Races and Classes – and competition between them is common, such as the eternal Elves vs. Dwarves conflict – discrimination based on those character traits would need to be extreme to qualify for this Defect. The players and DM are strongly encouraged to discuss any contentious discrimination issues and their role in the game before play begins to ensure no one will be uncomfortable roleplaying a character subject to them. -2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

Experiences slight discrimination Experiences moderate discrimination Experiences severe discrimination

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CH-6

DEFECTS

MAGNET Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character attracts susceptible girls or guys (or even both sexes, or non-binary genders) like bees to nectar. For some reason, individuals are simply drawn to the character, fall helplessly in love (or lust) with them, and cannot stop thinking of them. Even worse, they will fight each other over the character to keep one another from advancing any relationship. This Defect should only be assigned if the character would be bothered by such attention but lacks the will to take extreme measures to drive away the admirers. The Magnet Defect does not represent some unusual charisma on the part of the character, but rather their fate to constantly meet obsessed people.

The character has someone in their life that actively interferes with goal achievement on a regular basis. This Nemesis can take several forms. They could be a professional rival such as someone competing for the favour of the character’s boss. The Nemesis could also be personal, such as a criminal that is pursued by a specific law enforcement officer who devotes their existence to putting the character in shackles. The Nemesis may even be a romantic rival, such as someone chasing the same person the character is currently pursuing. The Nemesis should be someone who makes the character’s life difficult (and cannot easily be removed), but the Nemesis does not need to be a mortal enemy. It might be someone the character loves very much but one whom they cannot avoid, such as an overbearing parent who lives at home with the character. If for any reason the Nemesis is defeated or goes away, the DM should create another Nemesis unless the player also wishes to use Points awarded through character Level advancement to eliminate the Defect permanently.

-1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

At any specific time, only a few adoring fans are actively chasing the character A handful of adoring fans are regularly chasing the character and new ones may appear infrequently Swarms of adoring fans are regularly chasing the character and new ones typically appear frequently

MARKED Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

A character is considered Marked if their body hosts a permanent and distinguishing design that may be difficult to conceal. The design may be a family symbol, an identifying birthmark, a permanent scar, or a unique tattoo. If the mark is interesting but not considered out of the ordinary (such as freckles, an uncommon hair colour, or an unremarkable tattoo), this Defect does not apply. When considering assigning the Marked Defect, consider what would seem out of the ordinary and the focus of attention. Most creatures, for example, would not have Marked since it’s normal for them to be creatures. A rare fluorescent pink dragon would certainly qualify for Marked, though, since its colour is quite out of the ordinary. In a traditional cosmopolitan fantasy setting, most of the standard Races (Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, etc.) would not have Marked based on their Race alone since these Races are usually common enough to avoid attracting attention – though exceptions can apply in some settings, such as an Elf living in the Dwarven homelands. -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

136

NEMESIS

Mark is easily concealable because it is small or in an inconspicuous location Mark can be concealed with moderate difficulty because it is large or in an obvious location Mark cannot be concealed in most circ*mstances because it affects the character’s entire body (or the character’s species is the mark itself)

-1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

The Nemesis is merely annoying or interferes infrequently The Nemesis occasionally tries to harm the character or interferes frequently The Nemesis always tries to harm the character or interferes constantly

NIGHTMARES Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

When the Nightmare Defect haunts a character, they have trouble sleeping at night and functions at less-than-optimum performance during the day. The nightmare can be a memory of a tragic event or traumatic experience or it might be something else such as a prophetic vision or warning. The nightmare may not occur every night but it will haunt the character regularly. Additionally, the nightmares do not need to portray the exact same events repeatedly but the visions should be related in some way. The details concerning the subject matter of the nightmares and why they occur is the responsibility of the DM and the player to create. -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

Nightmares occur infrequently and have a slight effect on the character’s daily life Nightmares occur frequently and have a moderate effect on the character’s daily life Nightmares occur constantly and have a severe effect on the character’s daily life

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DEFECTS CH-6

OBLIGATED Category: Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Free will has little meaning for a character who is Obligated to a business, guild, government, crime ring, or other organisation or individual. Control over the character can be exerted through a variety of methods including blackmail, brainwashing, legal contract, magical or psionic bindings, or just highly effective propaganda. Dire consequences await a character whose actions conflict with the mandate of the organisation. Obligated should not normally be assigned to Companions directly and is only applicable to Items if that Item itself impedes the freedom of the character who possesses it. -2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

Small obligation to the organisation and subject to slight punishment for opposing it Moderate obligation to the organisation and subject to moderate punishment for opposing it Large obligation to the organisation and subject to severe punishment for opposing it

OBSTACLE Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character gains a disadvantage (see page 153) when making certain types of dice rolls, depending on the Obstacle Defect Rank. -1 Point

-2 Points

-3 Points -4 Points

-5 Points -6 Points

Moderate Obstacle – one category of Saving Throw (poison, acid, charm, body alteration, etc.); one type of Skill check; when using a specific identified Attribute; contest rolls when defending against an Attribute’s use Significant Obstacle – checks with one Ability Score; Saving Throws against magic; Saving Throws for one Ability Score; Initiative rolls; one type of attack roll; one or more types of rolls under one environmental condition (such as sunlight, cold, water, etc.) Major Obstacle – many types of attack rolls; many forms of magic rolls Exceptional Obstacle – all attack rolls; all magic rolls; all Saving Throws; all dice rolls relating to one Ability Score (ie. Ability checks, Skill checks, and Saving Throws, etc. for one Ability) Extreme Obstacle – many types of dice rolls Legendary Obstacle – all dice rolls

OPPOSING ADVANTAGE Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Enemies gain an advantage (see page 153) when making certain types of dice rolls that directly oppose the character or their efforts, depending on the Defect Rank. These dice rolls may be a contest with the character (such as an opposed Skill check) or an independent dice roll (such as attack rolls or Ability checks).

-1 Point -2 Points

-3 Points

-4 Points -5 Points -6 Points

Moderate Advantage – One type of Skill contest; contest rolls when defending against the character’s Attribute use Significant Advantage – Ability and Skill contests that use one specific Ability Score; Saving Throws against the character’s Attributes or use of magic; one type of attack roll against the character Major Advantage – Many types of attack rolls against the character; all Skill contests; all dice roll contests relating to one Ability Score (ie. both Ability contest checks and Saving Throws made due to the character’s actions for one Ability) Exceptional Advantage – All attack rolls against the character; all Saving Throws made due to the character’s actions Extreme Advantage – Many types of dice rolls that directly opposed the character or their efforts Legendary Advantage – All dice rolls that directly opposed the character or their efforts

PHOBIA Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

A Phobia is a fear (often irrational) of an event, object, or person that can limit a character’s choice of actions. Avoiding situations that could trigger the phobia may take a high priority in the character’s life. Note that a Phobia that effectively cripples the character with fear does not add constructively to the role-playing experience. -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

Slight Phobia or one that is encountered infrequently Moderate Phobia or one that is encountered frequently Severe Phobia or one that is encountered constantly

PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT Category: Serious Defect [-3 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character has a physical impairment that makes aspects of daily life more challenging. Possible impairments include: one or more missing (or unusable) legs, amnesia, constant sickness, nagging injury, severe headaches, etc. The player and DM should discuss the problems and limitations associated with the impairment. See also the more specific Impaired Manipulation (page 134), Impaired Speech (page 135), and Sensory Impairment (page 138) Defects. -3 Points -6 Points -9 Points

Physical Impairment is a slight inconvenience to the character Physical Impairment is a moderate inconvenience to the character Physical Impairment is a severe inconvenience to the character

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REDUCED DAMAGE Category: Progression:

Serious Defect [-3 Points/Rank] -1 Attack Damage Reduction/Rank

The character inflicts reduced damage to their targets under all aggressive condition. This damage penalty may result from lack of combat training (not knowing where to hit), minimised attacking force (hitting with less power), magical meddling, or a combination of such elements. For reduced damage under a specific condition, see the Limited Damage Defect (page 135).

Alternative: Random Damage Reduction

Instead of a fixed amount of reduced damage, the character may instead generate reduced damage randomly through a die roll: -1 or -1d2; -2 or -1d4; -3 or -1d6; -4 or -1d8; -5 or -1d10; -6 or -1d12.

SECRET Category: Greater Defect [-2 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character has a dark secret. Exposure of this secret could cause harm to the character in the form of public humiliation, loss of a job, arrest, injury, or even death. The Point Rank of this Defect is based on the severity of the consequences if the secret is revealed. The secret must be important enough that the character will actively take steps to keep others from learning of it. If the Secret is ever revealed, the character will suffer the associated consequences and the DM should replace it with other appropriate Defects worth at least as many Points as Secret. Secret is only appropriate for Companions if their allied character is aware of the secret and must strive to protect it, since its exposure would be harmful to the character as well through “guilt by association” and the loss of an important ally or friend. -2 Points -4 Points

-6 Points

Secret is difficult to discover and/or the consequences of discovery are slight and/or the character’s reputation will be impacted slightly Secret is moderately easy to discover and/or the consequences of discovery are moderate and/ or the character’s reputation will be impacted moderately Secret is easy to discover and/or the consequences of discovery are severe and/or the character’s reputation will be impacted severely

SENSORY IMPAIRMENT Category: Serious Defect [-3 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

One or more of the character’s senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell) are either diminished or lost. An example of a diminished sense is being near-sighted or hard of hearing. An example of a lost sense is blindness or deafness. Any diminishment or loss is based on the character’s status after benefiting from appropriate aids, such as eyeglasses negating diminished sight. Ability and Skill checks that relate to a character’s diminished sense usually receive a disadvantage on the roll. -3 Points -6 Points -9 Points

SIGNIFICANT OTHER Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

A character with this Defect has someone for whom they will go to any lengths to keep safe from harm – even at the risk of their own life. The S.O. should be a regular fixture in the campaign. A one-night stand or a cousin visiting for two weeks is a plot complication and not an appropriate S.O. The character’s sense of obligation towards the S.O. is enough that the character will take great pains to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Examples include spouses and steady romantic partners, teammates (though usually not other player characters), immediate relatives (parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters, perhaps very close cousins), and close allies (such as an apprentice). With the DM’s permission, it is acceptable for a character to take another character as an S.O. provided the players role-play this relationship appropriately. In this case, the S.O. relationship is always worth just -1 Point but is treated as a -3 Points Defect by the DM in terms of the frequency with which it affects the game. The S.O. Defect is inappropriate for most Companions and almost all Items. -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

For example, most criminals have a -2 Point Secret – they have committed crimes that could send them to jail or worse, but usually there is no easily available evidence. If their secret is discovered, they will usually have Secret replaced by an equal or higher value of the Wanted Defect (page 140). A -6 Point Secret is usually reserved for characters who face destruction or death if their secret is discovered, such as a flesh-eating creature living among humanoids or an undercover royal agent that has infiltrated a terrorist cult organisation.

Significant Other is rarely placed in great danger and appears infrequently Significant Other is often placed in great danger and appears frequently Significant Other is regularly placed in great danger and appears constantly

SLOW Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Medium-sized characters normally have a base movement speed of 30 feet (+/-5 feet; see page 28). The character’s speed is halved for each Rank of this Defect when calculating jogging, dashing, and sprinting speeds (see page 163). -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

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Diminished primary sense (such as shortsightedness or being hard of hearing) or a lost secondary sense (such as taste or smell) Lost primary sense (sight or hearing) or multiple lost secondary senses Lost primary sense (sight or hearing) and multiple lost secondary senses

÷2 speed ÷4 speed ÷8 speed

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DEFECTS CH-6

SOCIAL FAULT Category: Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character exhibits a Social Fault that produces hardship for either the character or their companions and allies (or both). Social Faults are primarily role-playing opportunities rather than strict mechanistic rules that provides a framework for character action based on a background story or plot hook – but they are not intended to cripple your character’s participation. When an Ability or Skill check is required in circ*mstances that touch upon the Social Fault, the DM can impose a disadvantage to the roll, raise the Difficulty Class, or impose other penalties. For most characters, assigning more than one or two Social Faults is not recommended and requires DM permission. A non-exhaustive list of Social Faults include: abusive, aimless, antisocial, anxious, arrogant, bigoted, borderline, boring, cowardly, demanding, depressed, envious, greedy, histrionic, honour code, impulsive, inflexible, loquacious, narcissistic, nihilistic, obnoxious, obsessive, overconfident, overly sensitive, pacifistic, passive-aggressive, perfectionist, puritanical, sad*stic, shy. -1 Point -2 Points -3 Points

Imposes a slight disadvantage on the character and/or their allies Imposes a moderate disadvantage on the character and/or their allies Imposes a severe disadvantage on the character and/or their allies

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT Category: Serious Defect [-3 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

This Defect means the character has a Special Requirement that must be fulfilled in order for them to continue to function normally. This might include: an undead’s thirst for blood, a chronically ill patient’s requirement for herbs, a god’s need for worship, a boogeyman’s need for belief in its existence, an addict’s need for a fix, or a baby’s need for constant attention. The Special Requirement may involve a physical object, an event, an action, an environmental condition, or even a state of mind. Everyday activities, such as eating and sleeping, are not considered to be Special Requirements unless they must be carried out under unusual conditions or more frequently for some reason. For example, if a vampire requires blood to drink on a schedule similar to a normal person’s need for food, this is not a Special Requirement unless the blood type is much more difficult to obtain than ordinary food would be. This Defect covers a wide range of possibilities and the details should be discussed with the DM. -3 Points -6 Points -9 Points

Easy to obtain and/or is needed infrequently Moderately difficult to obtain and/or is needed frequently Difficult to obtain and/or is needed constantly

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DEFECTS

SUSCEPTIBLE Category: Progression:

Lesser Defect [-1 Point/Rank] +1 Attack Damage Received/Rank

The character is sometimes easier to damage due to their susceptibility to one type of injury or condition. Example conditions include: sneak attacks (when the attacker already has an advantage on the roll), melee weapon attacks, unarmed attacks, ranged attacks, spell damage, or against a category of opponents (such as giants, undead, extraplanar creatures, magi, etc.). This flaw may be the result of size, thin skin, lack of bodily awareness or combat training, a curse, paranormal punishment, or a combination of such elements. When this Defect is assigned as part of a Size Template (page 44), the susceptibility applies to all injury from the Standard damage type grouping (which includes bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage; see page 173).

Alternative: Random Damage Susceptibility

Instead of experiencing a fixed amount of increased damage, the character may instead generate the extra damage received randomly through a die roll: +1 or +1d2; +2 or +1d4; +3 or +1d6; +4 or +1d8; +5 or +1d10; +6 or +1d12.

UNIQUE DEFECT Category: Variable Defect [-1 or -2 or -3 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

This section covers any and all possible Defects that a character might possess but are not detailed in the rules. The boundaries and limitations of the Defect should be discussed with the DM. Below, the variable X may be 1 (Lesser Defect), 2 (Greater Defect), or 3 (Serious Defect), as determined by the severity of the Defect. -X Points

Unique Defect occurs infrequently and/or has a slight effect on the character -2X Points Unique Defect occurs frequently and/or has a moderate effect on the character -3X Points Unique Defect occurs constantly and/or has a severe effect on the character For example, the Slime Race (page 43) has a Unique Defect: Leaves Slime Trail. Although Slimes constantly ooze a thin layer of gel when they move, it’s more of a general hindrance than a major inconvenience or hazard. Consequently, this is considered a Lesser Defect that is aligned with the -1 Point Rank. The energy well Item (page 205) includes a Unique Defect: Benefits only last while in the energy well. This refers to all the Attributes (Energised, Mind Shield, Mulligan, and Perception Skill proficiency) that only affect the character while they are in the energy well. Withdrawing these benefits would have a moderate effect on the character, and the scope of this Defect would classify it as a Lesser Defect at the -2 Point Rank. The coveted Ring of Power Item (page 206) includes a Unique Defect: Destroyed in Lava. Although this has an incredible impact on the Item, it is an exceptionally rare threat that could take effect only once and consequently has an overall slight impact on the Item. This is therefore a Lesser Defect at the -1 Point Rank.

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VULNERABILITY Category: Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character loses twice as many Hit Points as normal from a particular attack form, which must fit with the character concept. It might be something with appropriate mystic resonance, such as wooden stakes for vampires or silver weapons for werewolves. It could also reflect the character’s nature, such as a fire-based character taking extra damage from water attacks. -2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

The attack form is rare The attack form is uncommon The attack form is common

For example, Archfiends (page 30) have a -2 Point Vulnerability to lightning – a rare attack form that’s encountered infrequently. Such attacks inflict double damage against them.

WANTED Category: Greater Defect [-2 Points/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

The character is Wanted by the law, a powerful criminal, or private guild or organisation that has placed a price on their head. Being Wanted is different from having a Nemesis, since there is no single person devoting their life to annoying or hunting down the character. With Wanted, the character needs to conceal their identity or move around regularly to avoid having strangers calling the city guard or pursuing the character (depending on the circ*mstances). -2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

The reward, contract, or other incentive offered is slight The reward, contract, or other incentive offered is moderate The reward, contract, or other incentive offered is extreme

WEAK POINT Category: Greater Defect [-2 Point/Rank] Progression: Descriptive

Weak Point is usually applied to non-humanoids or Items, but can represent a character’s old injury or wound that an opponent can exploit. The character or Item possesses an abnormal weak point that, if targetted and hit during combat (see called shots, page 166), it inflicts double damage. If the DM deems the attack has been wildly successful – perhaps succeeding with an extreme or outrageous margin of success of 11+ (see page 170) – the target is instead immediately reduced to 0 Hit Points and falls unconscious (or perhaps the Item is destroyed). The opponent, or even the character, may not be aware the Weak Point exists, however, until its presence is discovered by accident or through careful study. -2 Points -4 Points -6 Points

Weak Point is tiny and difficult to hit Weak Point is small and moderately easy to hit Weak Point is large and easy to hit

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CHAPTER 7

Customisation

CHAPTER 7

CUSTOMISATION As you design your character, you may find that some Attributes don’t function exactly the way you envision them. Perhaps they’re too limited in scope – not offering enough options or alternatives – or maybe they’re too broad and need to be scaled back. Fortunately, Anime 5E Attributes are easy to customise using Enhancements and Limiters to increase or decrease an Attribute’s effect. You may have already assigned some Weapon-specific customisations in Chapter 5, but there are also Enhancements and Limiters described in this chapter that have broader application across a wide range of Attributes. Changing the way Attributes function from their baseline abilities can have unintended consequences on character balance and gameplay. Consequently, adding additional Enhancements and Limiters from this chapter is only allowed with your DM’s approval.

Enhancements

Modifications that provide an additional benefit or otherwise improve an Attribute are called Enhancements. Adding an Enhancement to an Attribute does not change its Point cost, but rather it decreases the effective functioning Rank of the Attribute by 1 Rank. As detailed for the Weapon Attribute (page 124), this meant reducing the Weapon’s damage by -1d4 per Enhancement. You cannot add Enhancements if the effective Rank of an Attribute would drop below Rank 1. For example, the Healing Attribute (page 102) costs 1 Point per Rank and restores 1d8 Hit Points/Rank to a single target. Assigning the Healing Attribute at Rank 4 therefore costs 4 Points and restores to one target a substantial 4d8 HP. If you add one assignment of the Range Enhancement to allow Healing of a target within 10 feet instead of through touch only, the Attribute still costs 4 Points (since it is still a Rank 4 Attribute) but it functions 1 Rank lower due to the extra advantage provided by the Range Enhancement (and is designated as “Range -1”). Consequently, your Healing Attribute now functions as though it was Rank 3 and restores 3d8 HP instead of 4d8.

The four Enhancements described herein – Area, Duration, Range, and Targets – offer creative ways to make your Attributes unique and function differently from those of the other characters. Not every Attribute can have all four of these Enhancements assigned to them, however, and some Attributes cannot take any Enhancements at all. Even if a particular Enhancement can be assigned to an Attribute, give serious consideration to the story and game balance if you plan to make more than one or two assignments of an Enhancement. Table 18 lists which of these four Enhancements are appropriate for the Attributes your character may have, though this list may be modified or ignored with DM permission. If the effect of an Attribute already exceeds one Assignment of an Enhancement, you’ll need to assign the Enhancement enough times to improve the Attribute’s function or there will be no effective change. For example, the baseline Sixth Sense Attribute (page 112) already functions within a 30-foot proximity to the character – equivalent to two assignments of the Area 142

TABLE 18: ALLOWABLE ENHANCEMENTS ATTRIBUTE NAME

ALLOWABLE ENHANCEMENTS

Cognition Control Environment Dynamic Powers Healing Mimic Mind Control Nullify Pocket Dimension Portal Sixth Sense Size Change Telepathy Teleport Transfer Unique Attribute Unknown Power

Area Area (2+), Duration, Range Area, Duration, Range, Targets Area, Range, Targets Duration, Range Area, Duration, Range, Targets Area, Duration, Range, Targets Duration Area, Duration, Range, Targets Area (3+) Duration Area (2+), Duration, Range, Targets Area, Range, Targets Duration, Range, Targets Area, Duration, Range, Targets Area, Duration, Range, Targets

Enhancement. To improve this Attribute further and widen the Area, you must make a minimum of three assignments of the Enhancement to extend the effectiveness to a 100-foot radius. Characters can typically use the Attribute Enhancements at less than their maximum effectiveness as desired – anywhere up to the value indicated by the number of assignments.

DESIGNATING MODIFIERS When reading a stat block for an Item or character, the effective Rank of an Attribute may be provided in parentheses after the actual Attribute Rank if it has Enhancements and Limiters assigned to it. For example, the Animal Control Flute Item (page 200) includes the Mind Control – Lesser Attribute with a Rank of “10 (2)”. This means that the actual Attribute Rank is 10 (and, at a cost of 1 Point/Rank, costs 10 Points total), but the effective Rank is only 2 (to account for the 3 assignments of the Area Enhancement, 6 assignments of the Targets Enhancement, and 1 assignment of the Detectable: Hearing Limiter).

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CUSTOMISATION CH-7

AREA Area defines the radius of influence of the Attribute, which is usually centred on the character unless the Attribute also has the Range Enhancement. If the Targets Enhancement is not also assigned to an Attribute along with the Area Enhancement, it usually means the Attribute can affect only a single individual person or object within the Area of effect. 0 Assignments 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments 4 Assignments 5 Assignments 6 Assignments

Single individual person/object Affects a small Area within quick reach (10-foot radius) Affects a medium Area within a short jogging distance (30-foot radius) Affects a moderate Area within a short sprinting distance (100-foot radius) Affects a district-sized Area (1,000-foot radius) Affects a village-sized Area (1-mile radius) Affects a city-sized Area (10-mile radius)

DURATION Duration determines the maximum period of time that the Attribute’s effect will influence a target (requires no concentration to maintain after it is activated). Most Attributes indicate in their descriptions how long it operates normally, which is frequently one minute or dramatic scene; adding the Duration Enhancement will increase this time. Duration does not usually apply when using the Attribute when affecting themselves (with the exception of the Mimic Attribute), since the character can simply reactivate the Attribute at will. At the end of an Attribute’s Duration, its effects will cease. In circ*mstances where a desired Attribute’s effects would most accurately be described as permanent, 10 assignments of Duration can be applied with DM permission (10 assignments is equivalent to 1,000 years, which can be considered permanent). 0 Assignments 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments 4 Assignments 5 Assignments 6 Assignments 10 Assignments

Inn effect as long as the Attribute indicates In effect for 10 minutes In effect for 1 hour In effect for 1 day In effect for 1 week (5-10 days) In effect for 1 month (20-40 days) In effect for 1 season (100-150 days) Permanent (with DM permission)

POTENT Potent is a special Enhancement that is usually only assigned to Rank 1 Attributes. To design an Attribute’s functionality to match a specific vision for your character, it’s sometimes necessary to assign more Limiters than Enhancements. Doing so increases the effective Rank of an Attribute beyond the assigned Rank. Potent reduces the effective Attribute Rank back to where you want it to function. For example, a player might want their character to have a version of Flight that requires slight concentration while flying (one assignment of the Concentration Limiter) and burns 10 Energy for every minute of use (one assignment of the Deplete Limiter). An Attribute with two Limiters functions at two

Ranks higher than the actual Attribute Rank, so the player would only need to purchase Flight at Rank 1 (30 feet/round) to gain the effective benefits Flight Rank 3 (300 feet/round). But what if the player only wants their character to fly at a top speed of 30 feet/round (Rank 1 Flight) or 90 feet/round (Rank 2 Flight)? With the two Limiters assigned, the slowest speed from a Rank 1 Flight is 300 feet/round (Rank 1 Attribute + 2 Limiters = effective Rank 3 ability). Assigning Potent once or twice solves this problem by bringing the effective Flight Rank back to 2 or 1.

The above example illustrates where the Potent Enhancement comes in, which provides a more robust application of the Attribute but reigns in the effective Rank to match your character vision. The intended function of this Limiter is why you usually only assign Potent to Rank 1 Attributes (unless the DM permits otherwise). For details on advantages, see page 153. 0 Assignments 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Functions as indicated in the description The character receives an advantage on Ability checks and Skill checks in circ*mstances involving the Attribute’s use Similar to 1 Assignment, plus the player can also re-roll one of their d20 dice if desired Similar to 1 Assignment, plus the player can also re-roll both of their d20 dice if desired (dice must be re-rolled simultaneously)

RANGE Range is a measure of how far away from the character the centre of an Attribute can be manifested, and should not be confused with the Area Enhancement. If the Attribute also has Area assigned, characters may centre the Area effect on any location within the Range. Without assigning the Range Enhancement, an Attribute can only be used on the character directly or when touching a target. 0 Assignments 1 Assignment 2 Assignment 3 Assignments 4 Assignments 5 Assignments 6 Assignments

Activated through touch Short Range (10 feet) Medium Range (30 feet) Moderate Range (100 feet) District-sized Range (1,000 feet) Village-sized Range (1 mile) City-sized Range (10 miles)

TARGETS Targets refers to the maximum number of people that the Attribute can affect. If the Targets Enhancement is not assigned, the Attribute usually only affects the character directly or one other person as indicated in the Attribute description. If the Area Enhancement is not also assigned, all Targets must be touching the character; otherwise Targets must all be within the Area Enhancement radius. 0 Assignments 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments 4 Assignments 5 Assignments 6 Assignments

Affects the character directly or one target Affect up to 2 Targets simultaneously Affect up to 5 Targets simultaneously Affect up to 10 Targets simultaneously Affect up to 25 Targets simultaneously Affect up to 50 Targets simultaneously Affect up to 100 Targets simultaneously

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Limiters

Modifications that restrict the scope or functionality of an Attribute are called Limiters. Adding a Limiter to an Attribute does not change its Point cost, but rather it increases the effective functioning Rank of the Attribute by 1 Rank. As detailed for the Weapon Attribute (page 124), this meant increasing the Weapon’s damage by +1d4 per Limiter. You do not usually apply Limiters directly to the Companion (page 95) or Item (page 105) Attributes, but you can apply Limiters to individual Attributes that are assigned to the Companion or Item. To ensure characters are balanced for the role-playing adventures, DM permission is required when allocating more than three Limiter assignments total to non-Weapon Attributes. For example, Rank 1 Flight costs 3 Points total and allows flying speeds up to 30 feet/round. If you add one assignment of the Activation Limiter (requiring a round of preparation before flying) as well as one assignment of the Concentration Limiter (the character cannot attack while flying), the Attribute still costs 1 Point (since it is still a Rank 1 Attribute) but functions at 2 Ranks higher as though it was a Rank 3 Attribute – which increases the flying speed to 300 feet/round instead of only 30 feet/round (designated as “Activation +1, Concentration +1”).

Cumulative Modifiers The Rank effectiveness of adding Enhancements and Limiters is cumulative. For example, a Rank 2 Mind Control Attribute with two Enhancement assignments (Duration 1 and Range 1) and three Limiter assignments (Backlash 2 and Environmental 1) functions as an effective Rank 3 Mind Control (since Rank 2 - 2 Enhancements + 3 Limiters = Rank 3).

ACTIVATION The Attribute requires a high degree of concentration, such as chanting an incantation, focussing personal energies, preparing ingredients, etc. The character cannot move or defend themselves on the same round that they use or activate the Attribute. Activation is appropriate for Attributes that produce instantaneous effects, such as Healing or Weapon. It is also appropriate for ongoing Attributes such as Flight or Water Speed – but normally only if they were assigned the Deplete, Detectable, Irreversible, or Recovery Limiters as well. Activation is not usually assigned to Attributes that can be kept on indefinitely without inconveniencing the user. Wearable Items are normally assumed to take an appropriate time to put on or remove, so do not assign Activation to Attributes embodied in such Items unless the individual Attributes requires further Activation once the Item is ready to use. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Spend one round preparing the Attribute before it is used Spend one minute preparing the Attribute before it is used Spend one hour preparing the Attribute before it is used

TABLE 19: LIMITERS Activation Assisted Backlash Charges Concentration Consumable Dependent

Deplete Detectable Emotional Environmental Equipment Imbue Irreversible

Maximum Object Permanent Recovery Semi-Permanent Unique Limiter Unpredictable

ASSISTED The Attribute requires supporting individuals who must be present for its ongoing function or activation. These assistants cannot be just anyone, since they must fulfil a special requirement appropriate to the Attribute. This could be assigned to represent a major magical ritual that requires an entire congregation of chanting acolytes or true believers, or an Attribute built into an Item that requires humanoid or animal power (such as Water Speed requiring rowers or a carriage requiring a horse). 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

A single assistant is required for the Attribute to function A small group of assistants (2-10) is required for the Attribute to function A large group of assistants (11-100) is required for the Attribute to function

BACKLASH The character suffers an unfortunate side effect whenever the Attribute fails to work. If the character fails their appropriate Ability check when using the Attribute, or badly misses their target when attacking with a Weapon, the character is hit with the energy or essence that would have powered the Attribute’s use. The Backlash could be physical damage, memory loss, aging, Ability drain, disorientation, or many other effects that make the character’s life more difficult. The player and DM should determine the game effect of the Backlash together. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

The Backlash occurs if the character fails their roll by a significant margin (5 or more) The Backlash occurs if the character fails their roll by a moderate margin (3 or more) The Backlash occurs if the character fails their roll

CHARGES The character can only use the specific Attribute occasionally. This may result from a need to recharge the Attribute (or a device), an incredible drain on the character’s internal reserves, or a different form of limitation. Charges are normally applied to Attributes with instantaneous effects, such as Jumping or Teleport, or those that have a finite duration per use (such as Mimic). The Recovery Limiter (page 148) is instead assigned to Attributes with an ongoing effect, such as Flight or Water Speed. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Only use the Attribute four to six times a day (or session) Only use the Attribute two or three times a day (or session) Only use the Attribute once a day (or session)

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CONCENTRATION The character must concentrate while using the ongoing Attribute (it does not apply to Attributes with an instantaneous effect; see the Activation Limiter instead on page 145). If the character’s concentration is interrupted voluntarily or by an outside event, the Attribute ceases to function. 1 Assignment

2 Assignments

3 Assignments

Requires slight Concentration – The character can still perform other general actions but cannot perform any combat-related actions (attacking or defending) or use other Attributes that also require Concentration Requires intense Concentration – The character can move at slow speeds and talk with others while using the Attribute but cannot perform any complex actions (including attacking or defending) or use any other Attribute Requires full Concentration – The character cannot do anything else while using the Attribute and must remain still to devote their full attention to the Attribute

CONSUMABLE The Attribute requires some form of focus to use properly, which is destroyed when the Attribute is activated. This focus could be anything from burning candles and incense, to consuming special herbs, to the sacrifice of an animal. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Focus is easy to replace Focus is hard to replace Focus is very difficult to replace

DEPENDENT The character cannot use this Attribute unless one or more other Attributes are used at the same time. Dependent is only a Limiter if this use is a significant disadvantage. For example, a character might have Immunity that is Dependent upon Flight (the Immunity ceases to function when the character is on the ground) but not Flight that is Dependent on Immunity (since there is rarely a compelling reason to turn off the Immunity Attribute). Dependent is also a valid if one Attribute requires the other to succeed, provided that a roll is required. For example, Mind Control might be Dependent on Telepathy – the character can only take control of people after they have established a telepathic link. The player must justify the Dependent Limiter to the DM to avoid inappropriate combinations. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Dependent Attribute does not take effect until one other Attribute is activated Dependent Attribute does not take effect until two other Attributes are activated Dependent Attribute does not take effect until three other Attributes are activated

For example, a Vengeance Gem (page 208) has its AC Bonus and Combat Mastery Attributes Dependent on the Cognition Attribute. Since the precognition’s Deplete Limiter burns 10 Energy each use, the gem’s wielder uses that ability rarely. Only when precognition is in effect and showing glimpses of the future do the AC Bonus and Combat Mastery Attributes also function.

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DEPLETE Only assign this Limiter in games using the optional Energy rules (see page 176). The character’s Energy is used to power a particular Attribute. The Energy will either be reduced after the Attributes use (for Attributes for immediate effects, such as Teleport and Weapon), or while the Attribute is being used (for Attributes that are ongoing, such as Flight and Undetectable). 1 Assignment

2 Assignments

3 Assignments

Attributes with immediate effects burn 10 Energy for each use (or attempted use); ongoing Attributes burn 10 Energy each minute of use Attributes with immediate effects burn 20 Energy for each use (or attempted use); ongoing Attributes burn 5 Energy each round of use Attributes with immediate effects burn 30 Energy for each use (or attempted use); ongoing Attributes burn 20 Energy each round of use

DETECTABLE While using the Attribute, the character can be pinpointed and possibly identified by others who have specific detection techniques. For example, the Attribute’s use may create a loud noise or a bright flash, send vibrations through the ground, or emanate mental shock waves. Detection techniques that can pinpoint the Attribute’s use include: astral, ethereal, standard sight/hearing/smell, infrared, mental, sonar, spiritual, ultraviolet, vibration, and others. The Weapon Attribute is Detectable by default and therefore cannot have this Limiter assigned. Detectable only applies if the Attribute calls attention to itself in a noticeable fashion, and thus is often not appropriate for Items (which can normally be seen and identified). 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Detectable using 1-2 methods Detectable using 3-5 methods Detectable using 6-10 methods

EMOTIONAL The Attribute only manifests in situations where the character is experiencing a very strong emotional trigger that calls for the use of the Attribute. For example, a character’s Healing Attribute with this Limiter might only be able to restore Hit Points to someone with whom the character had a strong emotional tie (such as a friend or family member). Similarly, a Weapon may only function if the character was striking to avenge a loved one, reverse a humiliation, or save the world. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Use requires significant Emotional investment Use requires strong Emotional investment Use requires extreme Emotional investment

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CUSTOMISATION CH-7

ENVIRONMENTAL The Attribute only functions in a particular limited setting or condition. For example Weapon (Environmental: Water) can represent an aquatic attack that only functions in lakes and rivers, while Teleport (Environmental: Forests) could represent a sylvan ability that allows magical movement through trees but no where else. This Limiter can also apply to non-physical “environment” situations, such as “When life is in danger” or “When fighting goblins” or “Activates automatically under X specific condition”. The environment can be common (one assignment), but should not be one characters will always encounter during the campaign. For example, “only on the Material Plane” is not a valid setting unless much of the game action takes place in an alternate dimension. This Limiter is also inappropriate if an environment is implicit in the Attribute, such as Water Speed being limited to travel through liquids. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

It takes several hours of work or special circ*mstances to enable the character to transform back to an earlier form As above, but the process also requires expensive or rare replacement components, ingredients, or prerequisites As above, but it takes several days

Adventures often take place in or near the specific environment Adventures occasionally take place in or near the specific environment Adventures rarely take place in or near the specific environment

EQUIPMENT The Attribute requires specific materials, tools, furnishings, or accessories to properly use. Unlike an Item, the required Equipment does not embody the Attribute but rather helps the character activate effects. The Equipment can be reused unless it is destroyed by the Attribute’s Consumable Limiter. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Equipment is easily portable, such as a wagon, toolkit, or mystical tome Equipment is awkward to move, such as a statue, portable altar, or large furniture Equipment is static, such as workshop, laboratory, or shrine

IMBUE Imbue is usually assigned with the Charges Limiter. The character does not use the Attribute themselves, but instead grants its use (excluding Imbue effect) to others for the duration of one dramatic scene. Imbue can represent blessings performed by the character for protection, inspirational speeches that encourage others, a special wish-granting ability, anatomical upgrades performed by the character, etc. To maintain adventure balance, the DM must approve all Imbue assignments. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Imbue 3 people simultaneously Imbue 2 people simultaneously Imbue 1 person

IRREVERSIBLE This Limiter can only be taken in conjunction with Attributes that change the physical appearance or structure of the character, such as Alternate Identity, Change State, Elasticity, or Undetectable. Once the character has transformed from their normal state, they cannot transform back to a prior form without meeting certain conditions. This might include a magical ritual, work by an alchemist, consuming a specific substance, or simply the passage of time.

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CUSTOMISATION

MAXIMUM The character cannot use the specific Attribute at the lower end of its power range and always functions at its Maximum strength (consider effective Rank, not actual Rank). This could represent a character who is too talented for their own good, an Item that only functions within certain maximum parameters, a powerful character who pushes the Attribute’s limits so often that they have forgotten how to use it at a lower Ranks, etc. This Limiter is usually assigned to the following Attributes: Change State, Dynamic Powers, Elasticity, Flight, Jumping, Teleport, or Water Speed. The DM must approve its exact application to ensure the Attribute is sufficiently limited. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

The character’s Attribute is at Rank 2 and always functions at its Maximum effectiveness The character’s Attribute is at Rank 3 or 4 and always functions at its Maximum effectiveness The character’s Attribute is at Rank 5+ and always functions at its Maximum effectiveness

OBJECT Object is usually assigned to Attributes contained within Items that are contrary to the Item’s “normal use” and are only useful for the benefit of the Item itself and not the character who uses it. For example, a cloak with Flight and the Object Limiter might be able to fly to the wearer upon command but the character could not actually fly while wearing it (which would be the normal use of an Item with Flight). When in doubt what “normal use” for an Item is, consult the DM. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

The Item’s Attribute still provides moderate benefit to the character The Item’s Attribute still provides slight benefit to the character The Item’s Attribute hardly provides any benefit to the character

PERMANENT The Attribute is always functioning and the character cannot turn it off. This Limiter only applies to Attributes that would inconvenience the character if the Attribute is always active, such as Change State, Nullify, Undetectable, etc. The player and DM should discuss the problems and limitations associated with an eternally active Attribute. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Permanence is a slight inconvenience Permanence is a minor inconvenience Permanence is a moderate inconvenience

RECOVERY After the character uses the ongoing (not instantaneous) Attribute, they cannot use it again for a specific period of time. The longer the Attribute is used, the longer the rest period must be. For example, the mental capacity of a character with Mind Control may need time to recuperate after use, or an Item that grants Flight may need to be recharged between uses. Only under exceptional circ*mstances (and at a great sacrifice, 148

as determined by the DM) can the character use the Attribute again before the waiting period has elapsed. This Limiter is usually incompatible with the Deplete and Charges Limiter. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

For every 1 minute the character uses the Attribute, the Recovery time is 1 minute before the Attribute functions again. For every 1 minute the character uses the Attribute, the Recovery time is 10 minutes before the Attribute functions again. For every 1 minute the character uses the Attribute, the Recovery time is 1 hour before the Attribute functions again.

SEMI-PERMANENT The Attribute is always functioning, though the character can turn it off for short periods by expending Energy (and thus enjoy a normal life for brief periods). This Limiter only applies to Attributes that would inconvenience the character if the Attribute is always active, such as Change State, Nullify, Undetectable, etc. The player and DM should discuss the problems and limitations associated with an eternally active Attribute. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Semi-Permanent Attribute is a minor inconvenience to the character; can be turned off at a cost of 1 Energy/minute Semi-Permanent Attribute is a moderate inconvenience to the character; can be turned off at a cost of 10 Energy/minute Semi-Permanent Attribute is a major inconvenience to the character; can be turned off at a cost of 10 Energy/round

UNIQUE LIMITER This covers any and all possible Limiters that an Attribute might possess but are not detailed in the rules. This offers a nearendless number of restrictions and consequently the player and DM should discuss the ramifications of the Unique Limiter. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Unique Limiter imposes minor restrictions on the Attribute Unique Limiter imposes moderate restrictions on the Attribute Unique Limiter imposes major restrictions on the Attribute

UNPREDICTABLE The character’s Attribute frequently does not function when desired and requires a successful Ability check to use. If the Attribute does not list a Relevant Ability, use Constitution. At the DM’s and player’s discretion, Unpredictable can also represent an Attribute that does not always function in the manner desired. For example, a character with Mind Control might dominate the wrong targets, or Control Environment might not always generate desired results. For this alternative, the Ability check determines if the Attribute operates properly; a failed roll indicates that it activates in an unexpected manner. 1 Assignment 2 Assignments 3 Assignments

Must make a successful easy Ability check (DC 10) to use the Attribute Must make a successful medium Ability check (DC 15) to use the Attribute Must make a successful hard Ability check (DC 20) to use the Attribute

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CHAPTER 8

Action

CHAPTER 8

ACTION In a role-playing game like Anime 5E, most character or NPC actions do not require any particular rules. A player simply states that their character walks across the tavern, picks up an object, rides their mount, talks to someone, etc., and if the DM agrees that the action is possible and can be performed without much difficulty, this simply happens. Personal interaction between characters or NPCs is at the heart of role-playing games, and this is what sets them apart from other tabletop games (board, miniature, party, etc.). The players and DM will spend most of their role-playing time talking “in character” and describing what their alter egos are doing from scene to scene. In addition to speaking with the voice of all the background and supporting characters they control, the DM also describes what the player characters are seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting to provide context and understanding for the characters’ actions.

The Story Begins

Throughout the course of a game, circ*mstances may arise where specific rules can help determine what happens. This is usually the case when the outcome of an action or event is uncertain and the result is important to the story. If a character needs to unlock the dungeon door to rescue to the prince before the orc captors arrive, can they do it in time? If a spooked mount careens off a cliff, can the character jump clear in time, and if not, how badly will the fall injure the character? If a Half-Dragon and a Half-Troll get into a fight, who wins? A character’s Abilities, Attributes, Skills, and proficiencies help resolve these dramatic questions. In many cases, dice rolls can add additional hazard and drama to the action. The dice rolls represent elements beyond the direct control of the character or the uncertainty that results when opposing characters interact. In some situations, the DM may elect to determine the results without rolling dice (see Should You Roll The Dice?, page 153). The DM may do so if they think a particular outcome is certain (whether a success or a failure), or a particular outcome is dramatically necessary to the game. One situation the rules cover in greater detail is combat. The game mechanics for physical conflict are explicit to give players greater control over their characters’ actions when engaged in a mortal struggle. If they lose, they will know the DM has not arbitrarily injured or killed their characters. The DM can also follow a similar procedure with any other actions that affect a character’s fate: treat routine activities in passing and delve into more detail whenever an action impacts the characters physically or emotionally.

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DESCRIBING ACTIONS Characters can perform or attempt a nearly endless list of actions. These can be mundane activities (talking, breathing, thinking, etc.), skilled activities (forging a weapon, researching into arcane spells, moving silently, climbing the side of an inn, etc.), or combat activities (brawling, escaping, slashing, etc.). Every DM has a preferred method for having players describe their characters’ actions. Usually this involves the DM moving from player to player and asking, “What is your character doing?” Experienced DMs try to give each person equal roleplaying time so that everyone is an important facet of the story (switching between characters as necessary). Players are responsible for relating their characters’ intended actions to the DM, who describes the results of those actions or requests an Ability or Skill check (or other roll) to determine the outcome. Consider the three action descriptions below: » “My character, Uthrae, is searching for the missing sword.” » “My character, Uthrae, is searching for the missing sword in the lower floor of the crypt.” » “My character, Uthrae, is going to quickly search for the missing sword in the lower floor of the crypt. He will knock down doors if necessary in order to find it as quickly as possible, and I’ll summon my flying lemur to help.” All three accounts involve Uthrae looking for a lost sword, but the degree of detail is quite different. You should not be overly concerned with detail if it is irrelevant to your character’s actions (such as exactly how Uthrae is forcing open the doors in the final description), but sometimes a little detail can greatly alter the DM’s interpretation of the event.

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Game Time

The “in game” passage of time in a role-playing game is fluid, just as it is in a story. In some situations, such as a conversation between two characters, the flow of game time normally matches real world time. More often, the amount of time that passes depends on the characters’ activities as set by the players’ actions – things happen as soon as dramatically appropriate. Climbing a high mountain may just takes a few short minutes of description, or a few die rolls, to resolve. It does not take the many hours or days that climbing a mountain would actually take. The DM should telescope time until something interesting happens: “Two weeks pass while you investigate the assassination. Then the culprit secretly nails a poster to the gallows in the town square, announcing their plans to kill another noble if their demands are not met.” DMs may go back in time as well to employ flashback scenes, which are useful tools to establish the background for a story without simply recounting the information in dry fashion. Finally, in very dramatic situations such as combat, the DM may keep very precise track of time by using individual “combat rounds” (see Anime 5E Combat, page 158).

SCENE, ROUND, AND INITIATIVE Three common measures of game time are a dramatic scene, a round, and an Initiative. A dramatic scene is any situation where the events remain linked, moment-to-moment. Think of it in anime terms – a scene lasts until the animation cuts to an entirely new setting, potentially with new characters. For example, if a player character is speaking with an informant in a tavern about the shift changes and guard rotations for the city watch, the entire conversation constitutes a scene. Once the DM switches scenes to the character entering a back alley, following up on the informant’s lead, the tavern scene ends and a new dramatic scene begins in the back alley. If the conversation was instead interrupted by a hired assassin attacking the informant – intent on shutting them up before they could reveal any important information that jeopardised the Assassin Guild’s position with the city regent – the tavern scene would not yet end when the character chased the assassin down a back alleyway. Since the events are still linked momentto-moment, it is still a part of a singular dramatic scene even if the setting has changed.

A round is a measure of time of approximately six seconds in length, while an Initiative is one specific moment in time. A round is primarily used for combat situations and is the amount of time in which an average person can react to a situation, make a decision, and perform a significant action during a battle or other stressful situation. When combat occurs, characters roll Initiative (page 155) and each character is allowed to act in order of their Initiative (with those characters with higher Initiative numbers acting earlier in the round than those with lower Initiative numbers).

Dice Rolls

Anime 5E uses the entire range of polyhedral dice – d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. The lower dice (d4 through d12) are primarily used for Hit Points and damage calculations, while d20 is the most common die size rolled during gameplay and is used in many situations. When a player or the DM needs to generate a random number to determine the outcome of an unknown event, one d20 is usually rolled (see Advantages and Disadvantages, page 153, for exceptions to this). Rolls are made during a game to determine the success or failure of important actions performed by the player characters, and by NPCs interacting with them. Rolls are only needed for actions where the character’s success is uncertain. The DM can also simply decide that an action succeeds or fails without a roll, and many routine or minor actions should be resolved this way. See the Should You Roll The Dice? sidebar on page 153. If the DM decides a dice roll is required, the player rolls a d20 and adds the relevant Ability Score modifier and appropriate Proficiency Bonus to the number rolled. They may also add any appropriate situational bonuses to the roll, or subtract any situational penalties. The resulting sum is called the “check total” or “total roll”. The higher the check total, the better the character’s attempt. The check total is compared to either a Difficulty Class or an opponent’s check total (a situation called a contest) to determine if the task was successful.

Who Rolls The Dice?

In most cases, a player rolls dice to determine the success of an action their character performs, while the DM rolls the dice to determine the results of NPC actions when they impact the characters. In situations where NPCs are only involved with other NPCs, the DM should simply decide what happens rather than rolling dice. In some circ*mstances, the DM may roll the dice to determine the results of a character’s action instead of having a player roll to keep the actual dice roll – and the reason for rolling – secret. This is normally done if having the player roll would give away an event that should remain unknown to the character. For example, if there is something hidden that the character may or may not notice, the DM can secretly roll dice to see if the character spots it. If the DM allowed the player to roll the dice, the player would know that a clue existed even if the character did not succeed in noticing it.

PLAYERS ROLLING FOR NPCS One alternative the DM could explore is having players roll the dice for NPCs and monsters, rather than the DM. This is particularly effective during prolonged periods of dice rolling that only involves some of the player characters, such as when the party splits up and one team enters combat. Since combat can take a while – and everyone know that sitting around watching the other players roll dice can be boring – the DM can better engage the idle players by having them take over the DM’s dice rolling tasks for the NPCs. This frees up the DM to focus on narrative storytelling, and keeps all players busy.

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DIFFICULTY CLASS The success of most non-combat rolls is determined by comparing them to a Difficulty Class or DC (see Table 20). The DM assigns the task under consideration a DC before the roll is made. If the check total is equal to or higher than the DC, the task succeeds. If it is lower, the task fails. DMs should assign DCs based on how easy or difficult the task is to perform. When in doubt, assign a medium DC 15; this is also the default DC to activate an Attribute using its Relevant Ability, unless the DM decides otherwise. For example, riding a horse along a busy road would not normally require any dice rolls for most adventurers, since riding is usually a routine activity. Doing so while lacking sleep, though, may be an easy task (DC 10). Galloping at high speeds during inclement weather might be a medium task (DC 15). Racing along the same route on a spooked horse may become a hard task (DC 20) or perhaps very hard task (DC 25) instead. Attempting to do so while blindfolded – and using sounds in the area to guide the horse when possible – is a nearly impossible task (DC 30).

TABLE 20: DIFFICULTY CLASS DESCRIPTION

Very Easy

Easy

Medium

Hard

Very Hard

Nearly Impossible

INTERPRETATION Characters will very rarely fail Success often requires moderate talent or training Success often requires aboveaverage talent or training Success often requires significant talent or training Success requires exceptional talent or training Success requires unparalleled talent or training

The DM usually tells the player the task’s DC before the player rolls, giving the player a target for which to aim (“Ash, your Nekojin needs to make a DC 15 Wisdom check to succeed.”). In some instances, though, the DM can keep the DC a secret to create dramatic tension and only reveal it after the character’s check total resulted in success or failure.

Armour Class as Difficulty Class A special type of Difficulty Class is in combat: an Armour Class or AC. See page 160 for additional details about comparing attack rolls against Armour Class.

CONTESTS Instead of setting a specific DC, the DM may decide that a task requires an opposed roll – known as a contest – against another player or NPC. This is appropriate for any situation that involves a direct competition between opponents, such as arm wrestling, a board game, or interrogation. In a contest, the two (or more) characters involved each roll their own dice. The character with the higher check total (for example, a dice roll + Ability modifier + Skill Proficiency Bonus) succeeds. If the contest results in a tie, the situation remains the same as it was before the contest. Thus, one contestant might win the contest by default. If two characters tie in a contest to snatch a ring off the floor, neither character grabs it. In a contest between a monster trying to open a door and an adventurer trying to keep the door closed, a tie means that the door remains shut.

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Roll Types

There are six primary types of dice rolls used during Anime 5E gameplay: an Ability check, a Skill check, a Saving Throw, an Initiative roll, an attack roll, and a damage roll. Each of these rolls test a particular facet of a character’s competencies. When a player announces the intended actions of their character, the DM decides if a dice roll is necessary. If yes, the DM chooses which type of roll is most appropriate, based on these guidelines. Attack and damage rolls are described in additional detail in the combat section (page 158). The other types of rolls are explored in this section.

Advantages and Disadvantages Sometimes an Attribute, spell, or special situation grants an advantage or imposes a disadvantage on an Ability or Skill check, a Saving Throw, or an attack roll. In these situations, the player rolls two d20s simultaneously when making the roll for their character. The player uses the higher (advantage) or lower (disadvantage) of the two rolls when determining the check total. For example, if the two d20s show a 17 and a 5, the die roll result is a 17 for an advantage and 5 for a disadvantage.

Multiple Modifiers

If multiple situations affect a roll and each one grants an advantage or imposes a disadvantage, the player still doesn’t roll more than one additional d20. If circ*mstances cause a roll to have both advantages and disadvantages, the modifiers cancel and the player only rolls one d20 as normal. This is true even if multiple circ*mstances impose disadvantages and only one grants an advantage (or vice versa). At the GM’s discretion, multiple disadvantages applied to a single roll results in an automatic failure instead.

Passive Checks At the DM’s discretion, a player may eliminate the random element of a die roll for their character by assuming an automatic result of 10 instead of rolling the dice (known as a passive check). Any Attribute bonuses or penalties, as well as Ability and Proficiency modifiers, still apply as normal, adding to or subtracting from the 10 result. A character can use passive checks on any rolls that the DM permits, including Ability and Skill checks, Saving Throws, Initiative rolls, and attack rolls.

Passive Checks with 2d20

The passive check die value of 10 is increased to 15 in situations that grant an advantage and decreased to 5 for situations that impose a disadvantage.

ABILITY CHECKS An Ability check is used when the DM believes that innate talent is more important than any learned expertise in resolving an action’s success. An example of an Ability check could be a Strength check to force open a locked door using muscle alone. The DM decides which of the six Abilities is being tested by the action or situation. See the Ability Score descriptions in Chapter 2 (page 24) for a list of activities that are associated with particular Abilities. For Ability checks that relate to an

Attribute’s use, the relevant Ability is usually suggested in the Attribute description. The success of an Ability check is determined by rolling a d20 and adding the relevant Ability modifier. The result is the check roll. This is compared to either the task’s DC (page 152) or to an opponent’s check total in a contest (page 152) to determine if the task was successful.

Ability Check Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier The DM must decide whether an Ability check is made against a DC or is a contest. If it is a contest, the DM must decide what type of roll opposes it. This may be the same type of roll – for example, Strength versus Strength in an arm wrestling match. It could also be a different Ability, such as opposing Charisma versus Wisdom when seducing an innocent. In some situations, the DM may also decide that an Ability check is opposed by another type of roll, such as a Skill check. A character’s Attributes can sometimes modify certain Ability checks. For example, the Mind Shield Attribute (page 108) adds a +2 check bonus per Rank to any Ability checks when resisting psychic intrusion.

SHOULD YOU ROLL THE DICE? Not all actions require a dice roll. Obviously many mundane character activities, such as hammering a nail, riding a horse down a road, or eating lunch, should never need dice rolls unless there are exceptional circ*mstances surrounding the character’s actions. In other situations, the necessity to roll dice is less obvious. If a character is virtually guaranteed to succeed at a task, then the DM should consider whether the roll is necessary. While it is true that the character might fail, having the player roll the dice will slow the game down. Consequently, DMs should recognise when a character is almost certainly going to succeed at an unopposed task and not request a dice roll. Game play can then continue uninterrupted. The following is a list of suggestions when the dice should and should not be rolled. If a roll is unnecessary, the character should gain an automatic success for the action. Roll dice when... » The unpredictability of dice adds to the game’s excitement » The action is foreign to the character » The action has been a past weakness for the character » The character is somewhat distracted or cannot concentrate » An opponent is working directly against the character » The action is not of trivial difficulty » Outside forces influence the actions » The player wants to roll the dice Do not roll dice when... » Rolling dice would reduce the enjoyment of the game » The action is routine for the character » The action requires a trivial amount of talent compared to the character’s Level, Attribute Rank, or competency » The character is using a passive check on a roll (left column) » Story flow is more important than the roll

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ACTION Combining Ability Checks

When more than one character applies the same Ability in a manner that would be additive, one character is considered the leader of the effort – often the character with the highest Ability Score – and the other characters are helpers. The leader receives an advantage (page 153) on their Ability check and can re-roll either of the two d20s a number of times equal to the number of helpers until they are satisfied with the dice roll result. For example, three characters work together to lift a heavy wagon off a trapped child – a task the DM considers a DC 20. The lead character is Slize, a brawny Half-Troll Samurai with a Strength of 16 (+3 modifier). With the check advantage, Slize rolls 2d20 and get a 5 and 4 – a failure. The three characters strain to lift the cart, but can’t get proper handholds in the rain. They refuse to give up, though, and keep struggling. Since Slize has two helpers for his Strength check, he gain two dice re-rolls. He re-rolls the 4 and gets a 9, which still isn’t high enough. He then re-rolls the 5 and gets an 18. With the 2d20 showing an 18 and a 9, his die roll equals 18. Adding his +3 Strength modifier, Slize’s final Strength check total is 21 – narrowly exceeding the DC 20. With a final heroic effort, the characters raise the wagon high enough for the child’s mother to pull them free to safety!

Using Attributes If an Attribute does not specifically require an Ability check, DMs can assume they function automatically in most situations. Of course, the DM may decide that a roll is necessary in unusual circ*mstances. For example, a character with the Tournament Encyclopaedia Combat Technique Attribute (page 95) may need to make an Intelligence check when trying to recall obscure details about an opponent. Certain Attributes occasionally require Ability checks (or other rolls) to properly use the Attribute, while other Attributes provide modifiers to existing rolls, as noted in their descriptions in Chapter 5.

SKILL CHECKS A Skill check is similar to an Ability check, except it is used when the task is one that the DM decides would be governed by both an Ability and a particular Skill (page 113). In addition to adding the relevant Ability modifier to the d20 roll, the character also adds their Skill Proficiency Bonus, when appropriate.

Skill Check Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient with Skill) For example, if a task requires general intellectual ability (such as remembering the name of a person the character had met), the character normally makes a simple Intelligence check. Deciphering a scroll written in a rare language would also require an Intelligence check, but this task falls under the umbrella of the History Skill (or perhaps the Culture or Religion Skill, depending on the situation). In game terminology, this task would require a “Intelligence-Based History Skill check” – shortened to a “History Skill Check”. For such Skill checks, add both the appropriate Ability modifier and the Skill Proficiency Bonus (if proficient) to the die roll to determine the check total.

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The DM is responsible for deciding which Ability and Skill proficiencies are relevant to a particular task. Of course, the DM should listen to the player’s reasoning why a particular Skill would apply to their roll, but the final decision belongs to the DM. The DM should select the DC before the player rolls. In a contest, the DM also decides whether the Skill check is opposed by an Ability check or Skill check (or other type of roll), and what Abilities or Skills are involved. This may depend on a character’s actions. Sometimes the contest will involve the same Skill, but often a different Skill or an Ability check is more appropriate. For example, during a tense interrogation scene, a Wisdombased Interrogation Skill check could be opposed by: a Charisma check (if someone tries to resist by sheer determination); an Intelligence check (if the character tries to trick the interrogator); a Constitution check (to tough out any physical abuse); a Persuasion Skill check (if the character tries to make a deal to stop the interrogation); a Performance Skill check (if the character pretends to pass out during the interrogation); etc. The DM decides which Abilities or Skills are valid, and there is plenty of opportunity for creativity when role-playing.

Skill Synergy

It is possible for a character to have two or more Skill proficiencies that work well together during a specific task, such as the Acrobatics, Engineering, and Trap Skills when trying to bypass a complex series of mechanical traps. If the DM allows multiple synergistic Skill proficiencies to assist in the task, the character gains an advantage (page 153) on their Skill check.

Combining Skill Checks

When more than one character simultaneously applies the same Skill towards the same goal, their efforts may overlap and they can work together. For example, multiple characters with the Culture Skill proficiency may pool their academic talents to research facts about a specific civilisation. In this case, one character is considered the leader of the effort and the other characters are helpers. The leader receives an advantage (page 153) to their Skill check. The DM may limit co-operation in any situation where it would be inappropriate.

Group Skill Checks

When a number of individuals are trying to accomplish something independently but still as a group, the DM might ask for a group Skill check. Fortunately, the characters who are skilled at a particular task help cover those who are not. In these situations, everyone in the group makes the same Skill check (or Ability check, if the DM does not think Skills apply to the situation). If at least half the group succeeds, the whole group succeeds. Otherwise, the group fails. Group checks don’t come up very often, and they’re most useful when all the characters succeed or fail as a group. For example, when adventurers are navigating a swamp, the DM might call for a group Wisdom (Survival) check to see if the characters can avoid the quicksand, sinkholes, and other natural hazards of the environment. If at least half the group succeeds, the successful characters are able to guide their companions out of danger. Otherwise, the group may run into some trouble!

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Unskilled Attempts Often, a character will attempt an action for which they do not possess the relative Skill proficiency. The approach in these situations is dependent on the nature of the action.

Familiar Action

If the character is undertaking a familiar action, yet lacks a relevant Skill proficiency, make an Ability check instead of a Skill check (ie. no Proficiency Bonus). The familiarity should have been established previously, such as in the character’s background story, or should be consistent with the character’s role within the setting. The player should explain to the DM why their character is familiar with the current task, with the DM having final say whether the character is sufficiently familiar with the task to avoid an unfamiliar action penalty. For example, a Dynamic Spellbinder who attended magic university to study The Art undoubtedly has at least a cursory familiarity with many academic fields. Similarly, almost all characters living in a rural farm setting would be familiar with the process of wilderness survival, even if they do not possess the Survival Skill proficiency. A wealthy noble who has benefited from a pampered life, however, is likely not familiar with wilderness survival techniques; consequently, fending for themselves in a forest would be an unfamiliar action.

Unfamiliar Action

If the character is undertaking an action with which they are unfamiliar, the task should be treated as a normal Ability check but with a disadvantage (page 153) applied to the roll.

Required Skill

The DM may decide certain tasks automatically fail when performed by characters lacking the required Skill proficiency. Examples of required Skill activities include: performing delicate surgery, deciphering ancient scripts, concocting an antidote for a poison, estimating the value of a rare piece of art, etc.

SAVING THROWS A Saving Throw (or Save) represents an attempt to resist a spell, a trap, a poison, a disease, or a similar threat. Characters don’t normally decide to make a Saving Throw; they are forced to make one because they are at risk of harm. Each Save is tied to a specific Ability (such as a Dexterity Saving Throw to avoid a trap, or Constitution Saving Throw to resist the effects of poison). If the character is proficient with the Saving Throw Ability Score required – usually linked to their choice of Class, though a proficiency may have been added through an Attribute – they add their Proficiency Bonus to the Ability check when determining the Saving Throw’s check total.

Saving Throw Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient with Saving Throw) The DC for a Saving Throw is determined by the effect that forced the roll (for example, a Fifth Edition spell or an opponent’s Weapon Attribute), or determined by the DM based on the situational specifics. A Saving Throw can be modified by a situational bonus or penalty, and can also be affected by an advantage or disadvantage, as determined by the DM. The result of a successful or failed Saving Throw is also detailed in the effect that allows the Save. Usually, a successful Save means that a character suffers no harm, or reduced harm, from an effect.

INITIATIVE ROLLS Initiative rolls are a special type of roll made by participants at the start of a combat scene to determine the order in which they will act throughout the battle. Each participant in the battle makes an Initiative roll, which is the same as a Dexterity check. In addition, the Lightning Reflexes Combat Technique (page 94) gives the character a +2 bonus on their check total. Initiative rolls determine the Initiative order, from the highest to the lowest check total. Details concerning Initiative is expanded in the next section on Combat, page 158.

Initiative Roll Total = d20 die roll + Dexterity modifier

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ACTION Anime 5E optional rules are in blue boxes Ready Action

START COMBAT

General Action

Determine Initiative order. Attacker acts on their Initiative.

READY ACTION

GENERAL ACTION

Attack Action

Character acts on a lower Initiative in response to a specific condition.

The player describes their character’s action to the DM.

Tactical Action

ATTACK ACTION

Attack Action

Attacker’s total roll equals sum of: d20 die + Ability Score modifier + Weapon Proficiency Bonus (if proficient).

TACTICAL ACTION Character can either aim, wait for an opening, or take a total defence.

Attack roll may be subject to an advantage or disadvantage, as situationally appropriate. Compare attack’s total roll to target’s Armour Class.

Attack Succeeds

End of Action

If attack roll is equal to or greater than target’s AC, the attack succeeds.

ATTACK SUCCEEDS

Attack Fails

Attack damage inflicted is equal to: the attacker’s weapon dice roll, plus the same Ability Score modifier used for the attack roll, plus any Attribute modifiers and appropriate size damage modifiers (see page 172). For unarmed attacks, damage equals 1 + Strength modifier. After calculating the total damage inflicted by the attack, subtract the amount from the target’s remaining Hit Points.

Death Saving Throw

ATTACK FAILS Attack does not inflict any damage. The attack is over.

End of Action

CRITICAL HIT Extra Damage

If the attacker’s total roll is significantly higher than the defender’s Armour Class, damage inflicted may be doubled or tripled. See page 170. Successful called shots may also inflict additional damage. See page 166.

Death Saving Throw

DEATH SAVE If target starts their next turn with 0 Hit Points or fewer, they must make a special Saving Throw, called a Death Saving Throw, to determine whether they creep closer to death or hang onto life. See page 173.

END OF ACTION End of Action

The character’s action is over. If they have the Extra Actions Attribute, they take their additional actions now, or spread them throughout the round. Proceed to the next Initiative.

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Anime 5E Combat

Conflict is an essential component of nearly all role-playing games. Physical conflict, or combat, is an important element of Anime 5E – but important need not be the same as frequent. Combat should be a vital element of a scene and not just a distraction that the DM uses to pass the time. Whenever a character enters physical conflict with another character or NPC, combat begins. At the beginning of any new combat scene, the characters all make Initiative rolls (page 159). This determines the order they can act during the combat: the Initiative order. This remains constant for the duration of the combat and under normal circ*mstances does not change round to round. After the Initiative order has been determined, combat proceeds through a series of one or more rounds. Each round of combat covers approximately six seconds of time. DMs can have rounds represent more time if it would be dramatically appropriate – for example, a huge army battle that unfolds over days or weeks instead of six-second rounds. A round is simply the period of time in which an ordinary character can perform one significant action. Characters are normally permitted to take one action per round, though characters with the Extra Actions Attribute (page 101) can act multiple times in a single round – as can some Classes from the Fifth Edition PHB (such as Fighters). An action is a major activity, such as attacking an opponent (an attack action) or doing something else significant like performing magical ritual, using a special ability, or running away with no thought to doing anything else (a general action). An action can typically also incorporate limited movement while carrying out the activity. Each round of combat is subdivided into two parts: Initiative and character action. The DM resolves Initiative first, then all the participants in a combat get to perform a character action. After they have done so, the round ends and if combat is still ongoing, a new combat round begins.

FANTASY MECHA BATTLES Although a character’s Armour Class, Hit Points, Abilities, and Attributes are the primary consideration during combat, the parameters change when they use an Item to battle instead. This situation is most frequently encountered while fighting from inside a fantasy mecha, when the character’s base combat resistances and Ability Score modifiers may not come into play. Each fighting Item may have its own AC, HP, STR, and DEX values, which are based on its size and material composition. When adding combat Attributes to such a fighting mecha through the Item Attribute (page 105), consider the following: » Augmented (page 92) adds Strength and Dexterity (and not normally any other Ability Score), starting from a base of 10. Each Rank adds +1 to the Item’s Ability Score. » The Item’s base Armour Class is 10. AC Bonus (page 92) adds and AC Penalty (page 133) subtracts 1/Rank from this base 10 to determine the Item’s final AC. » The Item has 0 Hit Points as its base. Tough (page 120) adds 10 HP for each Rank instead of a percentage.

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DETERMINING INITIATIVE Initiative regulates the order in which characters act. It is checked only once, at the beginning of the combat scene, and remains constant for the entire fight. Each participant in the battle makes an Initiative roll, which is the same as a Dexterity check. In addition, the Lightning Reflexes Combat Technique (page 94) gives the character a +2 bonus on their check total. The DM does the same for any NPCs engaged in the conflict, usually making only one roll for an entire group of similar NPCs, such as monstrous creatures or loyal minions. Consequently, each member of the NPC group acts at the same time – though exceptions can be made for important NPCs who may act on their own Initiative.

Initiative Roll Total = d20 die roll + Dexterity modifier The DM should make a note of the Initiative check total of each character and NPC and rank them from highest to lowest (ties remain as ties). This is the Initiative order. The character with the highest total roll has “gained Initiative” and acts first (using all actions, if they has the Extra Actions Attribute), followed by others in descending order. Alternatively, characters can decide to hold their Initiative and delay their action until some time later in the round (page 166). Should two or more characters or NPCs have the same Initiative, the character with the highest Dexterity acts before the others. In the event of another tie, the tied characters act simultaneously or the DM can break the tie using another method. Should additional characters enter the scene mid-way through the combat, roll Initiative for them and assign them a place in the Initiative order based on their rolls.

Dynamic Initiative Some game groups may prefer a more unpredictable and dynamic action order that varies more frequently. To accommodate this preference, Initiative could instead be determined at the beginning of each combat round instead of just once each battle. Using dynamic Initiative will slow down combat scenes, but allows the battle to unfold more randomly with less certainty about when characters can act.

Spreading Extra Actions Across Initiative Rather than have characters with the Extra Actions Attribute take all of their additional Bonus Actions on the character’s single Initiative, the DM and players could collectively decide to spread the actions roughly evenly over the character’s Initiative range instead. For example, if a character had the Extra Actions Attribute at Level 2 (three actions total – one primary and two unrestricted bonus actions) and rolled an Initiative of 18, they could alternatively take action on Initiative numbers 18, 12, and 6 – evenly spread out between their rolled Initiative number of 18 and zero. This option has the advantage that it spreads actions over the combat round – keeping the pace moving quickly and other players constantly engaged – but it requires that the players pay closer attention to the descending Initiative numbers as each round progresses.

CHARACTER ACTION When it is time for a character to act according to their Initiative order, they may take their single action. As mentioned previously, if the character has the Extra Actions Attribute (page 101), they may take additional Bonus Actions at this time.

Types of Actions There are three categories of action: attack actions, tactical actions, and general actions. A character who can perform multiple actions may perform the same or different types of action. For example, a character with one Extra Action could choose to take two attack actions, a general action and a tactical action, two general actions, etc. Furthermore, decisions concerning the specifics of the subsequent actions can be made after the results of the previous action is known, such as a character using an attack action against an opponent and then switching to a general action for their second action once they see their attack was a fatal strike. The DM should encourage players to give broad incharacter descriptions of what their characters do, and simply use these rules as guidelines for adjudicating game effects. Back-and-forth communication during combat is essential to keep players engaged.

Attack Actions

An offensive attack action – whether it’s a melee or ranged assault – can combine an attack with limited movement, such as charging towards a foe or a description of a colourful combat manoeuvre. For example, “I grab the chandelier and swing down to kick my opponent” is considered a single attack action, even though it involves an acrobatic manoeuvre as well. See page 160.

Tactical Actions

Rather than attacking outright, a character can optionally perform a tactical action that will assist in future attacks (aim or wait for an opening) or help them avoid future damage (total defence). See page 162.

General Actions

This includes all other types of actions, such as using an Attribute, picking up a dropped object, performing a ritual, unlocking a door, performing first aid on a friend, running full tilt, or doing nothing except screaming for help. The effects of general actions are normally adjudicated by the DM. General actions may include movement, unless it would be incompatible with the action. For example, one can run forward while drawing a sword, but not usually while performing first aid unless the character is highly skilled. See page 163.

Bonus Actions Some traditional Fifth Edition Class features, spells, and other abilities let characters and monsters take an additional action on their turn called a Bonus Action. The Cunning Action feature, for example, allows a Rogue to take a bonus dash, disengage, or hide action. Characters can take a Bonus Action only when specifically indicated, and can take only one Bonus Action per turn unless they have the Extra Actions Attribute (page 101). Characters can choose when to take a Bonus Action during their turn, unless the Bonus Action’s timing is specified.

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Attack Actions

An attack is an attempt to strike a target, either physically or with an Attribute or other special feature. It can also be used for similar non-violent actions that involve hitting a target, such as passing a sports ball or throwing a stolen artefact to an ally.

ATTACK ROLL An attack roll is used to resolve the success of an attack action in combat, such as an attempt to strike a melee blow or fire a ranged weapon at an opponent. The attacking character rolls a d20 and adds their Strength modifier for melee attacks or Dexterity modifier for ranged attacks. If the character is proficient with the specific weapon used in combat (or the entire range of martial weapons; see the Weapon Proficiency Attribute, page 130), they add their Proficiency Bonus to the roll when determining the attack’s roll total. Furthermore, spells and special attacks created with the Weapon Attribute (page 124) are considered simple weapons, and thus characters also add their Proficiency Bonus when attacking with them.

Attack Roll Total = d20 die roll + Ability Score modifier + Proficiency Bonus (if proficient with Weapon) Before rolling the die, the player should clearly describe the method of attack, the weapon their character uses (if any), and the target. If the character is trying something unusual, they should specify this beforehand. If attacking at a distance, they must also be within range (see page 160). An attack roll is checked against the target’s Armour Class. If the attack roll total is equal to or higher than the AC, the attack succeeds. If it is lower, the attack fails and has no effect – though a miss with a ranged weapon may cause collateral damage if the shot strikes somewhere else instead (DM discretion) or if it has the Area or Spreading Weapon Enhancement (page 125/128).

Unopposed Attack Rolls

An unopposed attack against an inanimate target usually succeeds automatically. Inanimate targets includes buildings, areas of ground, unconscious or restrained foes, etc. Additionally, attacking an adjacent inanimate opponent typically results in an outrageous margin of success critical hit (see page 170).

EXECUTIONS IN ANIME 5E Some players and DMs believe its important that a game system allows for one shot kills of restrained foes. Here’s how Anime 5E approaches this topic. Short Resolution: The fast way to handle this is to use a rule that states “if a character targets an opponent who is unconscious, restrained, or otherwise unable to defend themselves, the target is automatically killed provided damage can bypass their toughness or magical/paranormal defences”. This guideline works well for a variety of campaigns. Long Resolution: When you consider the damage stacking effects of a called shots to vitals (double damage; page 166) and an outrageous margin of success critical hit (triple damage; page 170), the character inflicts 6x damage – which is usually enough to drop most lower-Level opponents below 0 Hit Points.

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MELEE VS. RANGED ATTACKS Some attacks can be initiated at a distance, while others are limited to close-ranged hand-to-hand fighting known as a melee attack. It is up to the DM to decide whether they wish to track accurate ranges and distances, or simply approximate them.

Melee Attacks A Weapon without a Range Enhancement (page 128) is a melee attack. It is only usable against adjacent opponents within touching distance (approximately five feet). This is the range for swords, punches, bites, etc. and is the default range for all attacks if no range is listed. Weapons with the Reach Enhancement (page 128) are also considered melee attacks, but their effective distance is further (10-20 feet) due to their size.

Throwing Melee Weapons

Weapon Items with Range 0 may optionally be thrown out to a range of 5-15 feet. The character loses the thrown Item and it will take at least one general action to recover it. The character suffers a disadvantage (page 153) on the attack roll when throwing such weapons, unless it is also balanced for throwing (such as a throwing knife). Of course, characters can throw pretty much anything they can lift, including objects from their surroundings (such as chairs, tables, rocks, food, tools, etc.) or their own personal equipment (adventuring gear, armour, coins and other treasure, etc.). Exceptionally heavy or awkward items, or even objects with low densities and high wind resistance, may only travel a few feet before falling to the ground.

Ranged Attacks A Weapon or offensive Attribute with a Range Enhancement is considered a ranged attack. A ranged attack may be made against a target as far away as the Range Enhancement’s maximum range (see page 128): 10 feet for one assignment, 30 feet for two assignments, 100 feet for three assignments, or 1,000 feet for four assignments. In many situations, a ranged weapon can still be used against an immediately adjacent opponent in melee range (for example, firing a crossbow at an immediately adjacent enemy), though it depends on the weapon.

Range 1 (10 feet)

Since most physical Weapons and Items can be thrown longer distances, this Range category is usually reserved for special attacks that require close proximity like hypnotic or petrifying gazes, minor breath weapons, ki-powered blasts, etc.

Range 2 (30 feet)

Most hurled weapons such as thrown knives, shuriken, and spears fall into this category, as well as slings and hand crossbows.

Range 3 (100 feet)

Most paranormal attacks such as fireballs and lightning bolts are in this category, as are shortbows and crossbows.

Range 4 (1,000 feet)

Longbows are in this category, as well as large catapults and some far-reaching Weapon Attributes.

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FLANKING AN OPPONENT When multiple melee attackers move in on a single opponent, they may attempt to flank the defender if the terrain permits approaching from different sides. Flanking requires a minimum space between the attackers to allow for multiple attack angles (minimum 120-degree arc), and consequently no more than two additional attackers may attempt to flank a target. As many attackers may assault the defender as reasonable for the characters’ sizes and surrounding terrain, but only one or two attackers may attempt to flank. The defender designates up to two attackers of choice each round as flanking attackers (with DM guidance), while the remaining are considered primary attackers. The primary attackers do not receive any combat modifiers, but each flanking attacker gain an advantage on their attack roll.

GRAPPLING Instead of striking to inflict melee damage in melee combat, a character can attempt to grab someone instead. This is a grappling attack, and a character must have at least one empty hand or equivalent appendage free to grapple. Grabbing a small, inanimate object not in an individual’s sphere of control (page 169) does not usually require an action. Resolve a grappling attempt like a normal unarmed attack. A successful grapple inflicts no damage, but the attacker can hold a grabbed character relatively stationary. The target suffers disadvantages on all attack rolls while grabbed, as well as when attempting to perform other tasks requiring freedom of movement, such as using hand-held equipment. If the grabbed character is much stronger (or more agile, at the DM’s discretion) than the opponent, though, their disadvantage is eliminated. Conversely, if the grabbed character is much weaker (or perhaps less agile), they not only suffer disadvantages on attack rolls, but they also do not add their Ability modifier or Proficiency Bonus to such d20 rolls while grabbed. A character is considered much stronger than an opponent if their Strength is at least 4 values higher. It is, of course, possible for one character to grab an opponent who then attempts to grabs the character back in return; this is what often happens when grappling.

Grappling Attack Manoeuvres Once a character grabs an opponent, they can attempt a grappling manoeuvre (lock, throw, or pin) as their next attack.

Lock

Instead of attacking normally, a character who (on a previous attack) successfully grabbed their opponent can choke, crush, or strangle that foe. This attack automatically hits and inflicts normal unarmed damage.

Throw

Instead of attacking normally, a standing character who has already grabbed an opponent can hurl the foe to the ground. This is resolved as a normal unarmed attack. A successful hit releases the foe from the grapple, but inflicts an extra 1d6 damage, plus any additional falling damage (page 179) if the character was in a position to be thrown out a window, off a

cliff, etc. If the attacker throws the opponent at another enemy, the receiving enemy can make a successful Dexterity (Acrobatics) Skill check against DC 10 to avoid getting hit by the body.

A character who has grabbed someone may attempt to improve their hold during the next attack by completely immobilising the opponent in a pin. DMs may treat this manoeuvre the same as the first grab attack. If the attack succeeds, then the foe is pinned under the weight and pressure of the attacker’s body. Attackers may not attempt a pin if the opponent is much stronger (see earlier). Once a character pins an opponent, the target suffers a disadvantage on rolls when attempting to escape (see below). A pinned character cannot attack or defend.

Other Grappling Events In addition to attack manoeuvres, both people engaged in a grapple have a few more combat options.

Biting

Since biting does not require the use of hands, it is an effective tactic when a character has either grabbed or been grabbed by an opponent. DMs should treat this as a normal unarmed combat attack suffering a disadvantage on the roll – unless the aggressor has a Weapon Attribute defined as a bite, in which case, the disadvantage may not apply.

Escaping

A grabbed character may attempt to struggle free. On the character’s Initiative to act, they can attempt to escape instead of attack. This is a contest, with each character making either a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check – whichever is most advantageous for that character. The character with the highest total roll wins. If the grabbed character wins, they escape – and may also attack or take another action. If the characters tie, the grabbed character escapes, but forfeits their current action. If the grabbed character loses, they are immobilised and forfeits their next action (whether the same round, or the next). If a grabbed character chooses to attack the person who grabbed them (with appropriate penalties) and inflicts damage equal to or greater than one-half their foe’s Hit Point maximum, they escape the grab automatically (since their opponent is suffering in pain) without having to make a specific attempt.

Ground Fighting

Combatants thrown to the ground or who are otherwise forced to fight from a prone position suffer disadvantages while making all melee attack rolls. Depending on the circ*mstances, the DM may require one general action for a character to rise up from a prone position.

Disarming via Grappling

A character can try grabbing an opponent’s weapon (instead of the opponent’s body) to wrench it free or knock it away. They suffer a disadvantage when attempting this type of attack roll. A successful attack usually dislodges the weapon, but if the defender makes a difficult Strength (Athletics) check against DC 15, they can instead maintain their grip and suffer a disadvantage when attacking with the weapon until the end of their next action.

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Tactical Actions

A tactical action is an additional (and optional) type of action technique that will directly aid an upcoming attack or defence roll, rather that immediately impact the combat. The three standard tactical actions are aim, wait for an opening, and total defence. Regardless of how many Bonus Actions the character has each round from the Extra Actions Attribute (page 101), they can only perform one tactical action in a round.

Aim A character who intends to make a ranged attack may deliberately take extra time to aim. If a character aims a ranged weapon at a particular target for an entire round – and does not move or defend during that period – the next ranged attack on that opponent the following round gains an advantage (page 153) on the attack roll. Aiming for a second consecutive round allows the character to add their Proficiency Bonus to the damage that a successful attack inflicts as well. Aiming for additional rounds has no effect. The Extra Actions Attribute does not reduce the time a character must spend aiming.

Wait for an Opening An attacker who is at melee range may use a tactical action to study their foe for one round, and wait for an opening instead of attacking. This works much like aim: the next melee attack on that opponent the following round gains an advantage on the attack roll; waiting for a second consecutive round adds the character’s Proficiency Bonus to damage as well, but waiting for additional rounds has no effect. This action is especially useful if the character is planning a called shot (page 166). Unlike aiming with ranged weapon, though, the benefit gained while waiting for an opening is unaffected by defending, receiving damage, or moving normally during combat. The Extra Actions Attribute does not reduce the time a character must spend waiting for the opening.

Total Defence A character taking this defensive tactical action (alternatively known as a dodge action in standard Fifth Edition) is concentrating completely on defence instead of attacking or engaging in another activity. They may still move normally, but may not take other attack or tactical actions – regardless how many actions they have each round – since the character is dodging and weaving, parrying frantically, or simply ducking and hiding. Any opponents attacking the character suffer a disadvantage on these attack rolls made during the round that the character is concentrating on defence, plus the character gains an advantage on combatrelated Dexterity Saving Throws. Consequently, the decision to use this tactical action can be made anytime during a round on, or even before, their Initiative. Once a character decides to take a total defence, they are prevented from changing their mind later in the same round to attack or perform a different tactical action. 162

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General Actions

Rather than taking an attack action during a combat round, a character may instead use a general action on their Initiative. Such general actions include using an Attribute (such as Change State, Dynamic Powers, Mind Control, Nullify, Teleport, etc.), using a Skill (to hide, examine something, undertake a task, etc.), casting a spell, untying a rescued captive, moving quickly (dashing or sprinting speed), changing weapons, climbing into or out of a carriage, writing a note, changing clothes, etc. A general action may succeed automatically or the DM can require an Ability or Skill check to determine whether it succeeds, depending on the situation. Some general actions may also require several rounds to perform if the action would reasonably take more than six seconds (at the DM’s discretion).

Disengage

Players may also use general actions to run away or safely withdraw from melee combat, provided the opposition does not attack at a later Initiative number in the same round. If the opponent presses the attack on a later Initiative number and thus refuses to let the character leave their engagement, the character’s attempt to withdraw fails. To ensure a safe and successful withdrawal from melee combat, the character should instead hold their Initiative until after their opponent has acted, and then take their disengage action (see Ready, page 166).

Free Actions Some activities require an insignificant amount of time and concentration to perform, and thus do not count as attack or general actions. A character can perform each of the following example activities (within reason) in addition to an attack or general action during a round, though this list is not exhaustive: » Move a short distance (up to the character’s speed) » Climb an easy surface at one-half normal speed or a difficult surface at one-quarter normal speed » Automatically defend in response to an attack » Manoeuvre a mount » Say anything that fits within the span of a few seconds » Draw or sheathe a sword or other weapon » Blow a horn or play an instrument » Open or close a door » Withdraw a potion or other object from a backpack » Pickup a dropped weapon or other object » Take a bauble from a table » Remove a ring from their own finger » Gobble down some food or drink, or quaff a potion » Fish a few coins from their own belt pouch » Throw a lever or a switch » Pull a torch from a sconce » Take a book from a shelf within reach » Extinguish a small flame » Don a mask » Pull the hood of a cloak over their head » Insert and turn a key in a lock » Tap the floor with a pole or weapon » Hand an item to another character » Take one Fifth Edition Bonus Action, as appropriate

CHARACTER MOVEMENT The DM decides whether they wish to keep detailed track of movement, ranges, and distances. In most close-in combat situations, DMs should not worry about exact speeds and distances since a general idea of the overall situation is sufficient. Alternatively, DMs can measure ranges in a more abstract fashion: “you’re behind them and in melee range” or “you can reach them in three rounds, if you hurry”. The DM should judge how quickly range shifts from relative speeds to dramatic necessity. For example, in a race between two opponents with equal speeds, the DM can allow the character who keeps winning Initiative (perhaps rolled every round instead of only once at the beginning) to increase or decrease the gap gradually between them and the other runner. A good way to resolve long distance chases is for the DM to establish a certain number of combat rounds between the starting point and the goal – it then becomes a simple matter of reaching the target first.

Movement Speed If the DM wishes to keep precise track of movement and distances, assume an average Medium-sized adult character can: » Walk approximately 30 feet/round for great distances » Jog approximately 45 feet/round for extended distances » Dash approximately 60 feet/round for moderate distances » Sprint approximately 150 feet/round for short distances » Swim or crawl approximately 15 feet/round for extended distances, or 30 feet/round for short distances

Converting Feet/Round to Miles Per Hour

To calculate a character’s approximate rounded speed in miles per hour from their speed in feet per round, divide by 10. For example, 30 feet/round = 3 mph; 150 feet/round = 15 mph. This calculation isn’t exact – it calculates a mph speed that is almost 14% too fast – but it’s a quick, rough measurement.

Attacking While Moving Quickly

Characters suffer disadvantages on attack rolls while executing a dash movement (the Steady Hand Combat Technique eliminates this penalty; page 95). Characters cannot attack while sprinting; they must slow to at least a dash before attacking.

Difficult Terrain The provided movement speeds assume relatively simple terrain: roads, paths, open plains, clear dungeon corridors, or still waters. Adventurers often face dense forests, deep swamps, rubble-filled ruins, steep mountains, ice-covered ground, and swift-flowing currents – which are considered difficult terrains. Characters move at half speed in difficult terrain, with each foot of movement equivalent to two feet of regular speed.

JUMPING DISTANCE DMs can allow characters to jump as far as seems dramatically appropriate. A Medium character can typically jump forward with a running start a distance in feet equal to their Strength (or half that distance from standing). For vertical leaps, a character can jump up to 3 + their Strength modifier in feet (1 foot minimum).

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Combat Manoeuvres

The following are particular manoeuvres that characters can perform in combat as part of their attack actions. These are optional, but recommended, rules that require DM permission to use in a game.

READY (HOLD ACTIONS) The ready manoeuvre lets an attacker take an action later in the round, after the character’s Initiative is over but before they start the next one. On their Initiative, the player specifies the action their character will take and the conditions under which the character will take it. Any time before the character’s next Initiative, they may then take the readied action in response to that condition. The character’s readied reaction occurs just before the action that triggers it. If the triggered action is part of an opponent’s activities (for example, an attack or movement), the character interrupts the opponent’s action because it takes place beforehand. If still capable of doing so, the opponent continues their own action once the character completes the readied action. If the character comes to their next action and has not yet performed the readied action, the readied action is lost (though the character can ready the same action again, if desired). If the character activates their readied action in the next round before their regular Initiative, the character’s Initiative count rises to that new point in the order of battle, and they do not get an additional regular action that round.

Initiative Consequences of Readying

An attacking character may elect to suffer a disadvantage on their attack roll when attempting to hit a target in exchange for a called shot that provides some special advantage. For example, a called shot may strike a vital point (inflicting increased damage), or cause the target to drop their weapon in surprise (called shot to disarm). These disadvantages can be eliminated with the Precise Aim Combat Technique (page 94) – except for a called shot to knockout, which requires the Blackout Combat Technique (page 94). Players must specify their chosen called shot before the attack roll.

Called Shot to Disarm A character may attempt to shoot or knock a weapon or object out of another person’s hand instead of inflicting damage with their attack. The character suffers a disadvantage on their attack rolls. If the attack hits, the target must make an immediate Dexterity check (DC 15) to retain control of their weapon. If the check fails, the character successfully knocks away the weapon. Otherwise, the target will suffer a disadvantage on their next action with that weapon (since it is off balance), but they still retain control of it.

Called Shot to Vital Spot A character attacking a living being that has an identifiable anatomy can specify they are aiming for a vital spot (heart, brain, spine, etc.) rather than simply targeting the centre of mass. The attack roll suffers a disadvantage. If successful, the target loses double the normal number of Hit Points as a result of this vital spot damage.

Called Shot to Weak Point

The holding character’s Initiative value changes after a ready action. Since each character’s Initiative is determined only once at the beginning of a combat, for the rest of the encounter, their Initiative result is the count on which the character took the readied action. The character would therefore act in future rounds at the same time as their opponent, should the opponent’s action have triggered the character’s readied action.

If the character knows their target has a Weak Point Defect (page 140), a called shot can be made to hit it in combat to inflict double damage. The attack suffers a disadvantage on the roll, but the target’s AC is also reduced during such a called shot: -3 AC for a large Weak Point; -2 AC for a small Weak Point; and -1 AC for a tiny Weak Point.

For example, assume combat begins with three participants: a Warder, his Hunter companion, and their Dynamic Spellbinder opponent. After rolling Initiative, the results are Hunter 18, Spellbinder 12, Warder 10.

If the character for some reason wants to target a particular area on their opponent that isn’t specifically a vital or Weak Point (such as the shoulder or hip or foot), the attack is resolved as though the character is targetting a Weak Point (see above). The target’s AC penalty depends on the pinpointed area’s size. Successful attacks to these specific locations do not inflict any additional damage compared to a regular attack, though.

The Hunter acts first on 18, but decides to hold their action until they see what the Spellbinder will do. Consequently, at Initiative 18 nothing happens and the DM moves down the Initiative order. At Initiative 12, it’s time for the Spellbinder to act – and, as expected, they begin waiving their hands towards the Warder and speaking an arcane language. Because the Hunter readied their action earlier, they can act just before the Spellbinder does. The Hunter throws a dagger at the Spellbinder at the beginning of Initiative 12 to interrupt the spellcasting and (after rolling dice) lands a successful hit. The damage breaks the Spellbinder’s concentration and their magic fizzles. In round two and later combat rounds until the battle ends, the Hunter and Spellbinder now both act on Initiative 12.

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CALLED SHOTS

Called Shot to Specific Location

Called Shot to Knock Out Rather than attacking with the intent to inflict injury upon the opponent, a character can instead attempt to knock their target unconscious with a called shot – perhaps by hitting with the flat of a sword blade, or with a blunt object. The attack roll suffers a disadvantage. If successful, the target must make a successful Constitution Saving Throw against DC 10 or will immediately fall unconscious. The attack only inflicts onequarter regular damage (minimum of 1 damage).

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TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING A character with a one-handed melee or ranged weapon in each hand may use both at once against the same target on their Initiative (even if they do not have the Extra Actions Attribute), but they suffer disadvantages on both attack rolls. If a character has the Extra Actions Attribute, they can only use this manoeuvre with one attack each round and not additional attacks. This attack disadvantage can be eliminated with the Two Weapons Combat Technique (page 95).

MULTIPLE TARGETS WITH ONE ATTACK When a character needs to take down a number of targets but they do not have enough Extra Actions to do so, the character may attempt to use one attack to strike multiple targets: » Two targets: the character suffers a disadvantage on their attack roll » Three targets: the character suffers a disadvantage on their attack roll and does not gain the benefit of adding their Ability modifier to the attack damage. » Four targets: the character suffers a disadvantage on their attack roll and damage is reduced by half (round down) Characters cannot usually target more than four opponents with a single attack. Should the DM decide that it possible, though, use the modifiers for four targets. These penalties can be reduced with the Multiple Targets Combat Technique Attribute (page 94). Unless the DM indicates otherwise, all targets must be within melee range and the attacker must be using a melee weapon. The initiating character only makes one attack roll (not one per target), which is compared to the ACs of each individual target to determine which targets were successfully hit.

STRIKING TO WOUND A character in combat can elect to reduce their delivered attack damage below the normal damage value to a minimum of 1 point (known as striking to wound). This could represent: a character slapping with the flat of their sword blade instead of slicing with the sharp edge; an attacker choosing to hit glancing blows with a mace or sling instead of with a centre-ofmass attacks; a character pulling back the string of a bow only marginally to fire their arrow with minimal force; etc. Except with DM approval, characters may not normally attempt this manoeuvre with Weapons possessing the Area or Spreading Enhancements, unless it also has the Selective Enhancement too.

TOTAL ATTACK A character can take this manoeuvre in conjunction with one single attack. It means they focus completely on an offensive action with no thought given to defence. Enemies attacking the character gain an advantage on all such attacks for the remainder of the round, and in return the character also gains an advantage on one attack roll that round. If the character has the Extra Actions Attribute, all other attack actions in the same round are unmodified by this manoeuvre.

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SURPRISE ATTACK Surprise attack situations – in which the target is completely unaware of the incoming attack, yet would otherwise be capable of defending had they known about the attack – grants the character an advantage on their attack roll. Furthermore, the target does not gain the advantage of a positive Dexterity bonus to their AC (a negative Dexterity penalty would still apply, though). A hidden crossbow sniper firing at a distant enemy would be an example of a surprise attack. If the target is made aware of the incoming attack at the last moment, though – and thus the attack isn’t a complete surprise – the attack roll still gains an advantage, but the target retains their AC Dexterity bonus. Most melee attacks in which the attacker is hiding and suddenly jumps out at the target to surprise them would fall under this situation, though stealthy close-quarters attacks from behind may still qualify as full surprise attacks that provide no warning to targets.

TOUCHING A TARGET Some Attributes simply require a character to touch their target. It is much easier to just reach out and touch a person than it is to physically strike them with sufficient force and skill to cause damage. Consequently, any character who is merely attempting to touch an opponent and establish skin-to-skin contact without inflicting damage – which may include a grab, slap, punch, or full-body tackle – gains an advantage on their attack roll during combat.

Casual Touch Of course, characters don’t need to start a fight to openly reach out and touch someone. Casual touching happens in everyday life, from handing over coins to a local merchant to jovially slapping a drinking companion on the shoulder to shaking hands with a business partner to seal an important trade deal. These direct skin-to-skin examples, amongst countless others, present ideal opportunities to initiate touch-based Attributes outside combat, such as Healing, Mind Control, Nullify, Transfer, etc. Under normal circ*mstances, an attack roll is not required for a casual touch action, since the movement is not aggressive and the target therefore is not defending against the character’s touch. This guideline holds true even if the target usually would be unwilling to accept the character’s intended use of an Attribute, such as a city guard not relishing the idea of a character attempting to dominate them with Mind Control, but no detecting anything wrong with a casual bump in a crowded street market. Should the target be wary of the character’s motives, though, and watchful of attempts at deceit – such as an offer for opposing army commanders to shake hands during a white-flag parley – the DM may decide that rolling for Initiative is warranted since a conflict is beginning.

MOUNTED ATTACKS Mounted characters (on a horse, camel, giant eagle, etc.) suffer a disadvantage when attacking while moving faster than the mount’s normal movement speed – whether it’s walking, swimming, flying, tunnelling, etc. This disadvantage can be eliminated with the Steady Hand Combat Technique (page 95). 168

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ATTRIBUTES IN COMBAT In some situations, players will want to use various Attributes in innovative ways during a fight. The rules in this section outline the use of such Attributes during combat.

Offensive Attribute Use Creative characters can use a number of seemingly inoffensive Attributes in very effective ways while engaged in battle. Weapon is obviously designed for offensive use against an opponent, but what about Teleport? Could a character not teleport an opponent in front of a charging mount or simply out of a fight entirely? Expanding this further, Dynamic Powers, Mind Control, Nullify, Telepathy, Teleport, and Undetectable can be used against one person or their possessions (depending on the Attribute) to influence the course of battle. When a character wishes to use a normally inoffensive Attribute against an unwilling opponent, the character must use a general action and win an Ability check contest using the Attribute’s listed Relevant Ability (as opposed to making an check against a DC). Otherwise, the target resists the Attribute’s effects entirely. Other Attribute rules apply as normal. If the Attribute doesn’t have the Area or Range Enhancement assigned and thus requires that the character touch the target, they must also make a successful touch attack (page 168). This touch action occurs simultaneously as the general action to activate the Attribute, though, and is considered a bonus free action (page 163).

Sphere of Control

If a character attempts to offensively use a non-Weapon Attribute on an object within the sphere of control of another person, the target is still allowed to engage the character in the Ability check contest using Attribute’s listed Relevant Ability to resist the effect, as though they were the target of the attack and not the object. For example, a Magical Guy wishes to use his Teleport Attribute to remove the bolts out of an opponent’s crossbow. Teleport’s Relevant Ability is Intelligence, and thus the Magical Guy must use a general action and win an Intelligence Ability check contest with the opponent to overcome their resistance to the Teleport effect (since the crossbow is under their sphere of control).

Common objects usually in a target’s sphere of control include: the ground beneath the target, air around the target, weapons or objects the target holds or carries, clothes and accessories the target wears, Items to which the target assigned Points, etc. The DM determines what objects are under the defender’s sphere of control, as dramatically appropriate.

Affecting Groups

When a non-Weapon Attribute is used offensively against a group of unwilling targets – which may require Enhancements, such as Targets, assigned to the Attribute – the DM only makes one resisting die roll for the Ability check contest. Since all targets have the same d20 roll, those with high modifiers in the group may win the contest and successfully resist the Attribute’s effects, while characters with low modifiers may lose the contest.

Defending with an Offensive NonWeapon Attribute By holding an action until attacked by an opponent (see Ready, page 166), a character can attempt to defend themselves with the offensive use of a non-Weapon Attribute that is used on others. To succeed, the character must use their held general action and win an Ability check contest using the Attribute’s listed Relevant Ability. For example, if a heroic character attacks a dastardly villain who has a readied action remaining, the villain might attempt to use their Teleport Attribute to place a bystander peasant between themselves and the heroic character’s longbow attack. The villain must use a general action and win an Intelligence Ability check contest against the bystander – who is the one being directly affected by the Attribute – rather than against the heroic character. If the villain wins the contest, the unfortunate bystander suddenly appears front of the heroic character’s attack and possibly takes the full force of the longbow damage (depending on the hero’s reaction to the bystander’s appearance).

Using Attributes Defensively Just as characters can find imaginative ways to use their Attributes against opponents, they are just as likely to think of ways to use certain Attributes to defend themselves or others from harm during battle. For example, Attributes such as Pocket Dimension or Teleport can suddenly move someone out of the way of a foe; Change State could be defensively used to turn non-corporeal quickly; or the Weapon Attribute can be used to target an incoming offensive, effectively nullifying the attack to provide a defence. Such sudden use of an Attribute requires a readied general action (page 166) and the character must win an Ability check contest against the attacking character. The defender activating the Attribute makes the contest check using the Attribute’s listed Relevant Ability; the attacker makes the contest check using the most appropriate Ability as determine by the DM, which is often Dexterity. For example, Loray the 9th-Level Void Kodama Warder is precariously low on Hit Points and simply can’t take another hit from the huge boulders that the stone giants are tossing at his party. He cautiously stays in the background, using his Cure Wounds power to keep his allies alive. Sensing an incoming assault of rocks, Loray readies his action to determine if a giant will be targetting him before he casts another healing spell. Loray’s intuition pays off when he spies a boulder falling from the sky towards him. His only way to avoid getting squashed is to use his Change State Attribute to turn incorporeal quickly. Fortunately, Loray has a readied action that gives him a chance to react to his impending doom – but he must win an Ability check contest against his stone giant attacker. Since Change State doesn’t list a Relevant Ability, the DM decides that the contest will involve Loray making a Wisdom check vs. the stone giant making a Dexterity check. If Loray wins the contest, he activates Change State in time and avoids the giant’s attack.

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Combat Modifiers

Like the earlier section on Combat Manoeuvres, Combat Modifiers details optional, but recommended, rules that require DM permission to use in a game.

MARGIN OF SUCCESS Most dice rolls in the core Anime 5E rules produce binary results: success or failure. Sometimes it can be useful to the DM and players to know the degree or margin of success or failure as well. If the task was successfully completed, how successful was it? Conversely, if the task failed, how severe was the failure? The greater the difference between the character’s dice roll and the DC (or opposed roll, for contests), the greater the margin of success or failure, as listed in Table 21.

TABLE 21: MARGIN OF SUCCESS TOTAL ROLL RESULT VS. DC OR AC Roll exceeds target by 15+ Roll exceeds target by 11-14 Roll exceeds target by 8-10 Roll exceeds target by 5-7 Roll exceeds target by 3-4 Roll exceeds target by 1-2 Roll equals target Roll misses target by 1-2 Roll misses target by 3-4 Roll misses target by 5-7 Roll misses target by 8-10 Roll misses target by 11-14 Roll misses target by 15+

MARGIN OF SUCCESS Outrageous success Extreme success Major success Significant success Moderate success Slight success Tie or slim success Slight failure Moderate failure Significant failure Major failure Extreme failure Outrageous failure

CRITICAL HITS In some instances, the attacker’s strike is so powerful or overwhelming that it delivers damage greater than its normal maximum amount – known as a critical hit. If the attacker’s total roll is significantly higher than the defender’s Armour Class, the attacker scores a critical hit (see Table 21). If the attack roll exceeds the AC by at least 11 (an extreme margin of success), the final damage delivered is doubled – after Ability modifiers, Attributes, Defects, and combat maneouvres are all applied. If the roll exceeds the AC at least 15 (an outrageous margin of success), the final damage is tripled instead.

Unopposed Critical Hits

An unopposed attack against an adjacent unconscious or restrained opponent typically results in an outrageous margin of success critical hit (DM’s discretion).

Alternative Critical: Natural 20

Rather than using difference between the attacker’s roll and the target’s AC to determine whether a critical hit occurs, the DM and players may collectively decide that any attack die roll of 20 results in a double-damage critical hit. 170

CRITICAL FAILURES Groups applying the rules for critical hits in their games, may also want to consider a framework for critical failures. After all, some anime attack attempts are so wildly ineffective that they actually cause harm to the aggressor and their allies! If the attacker’s total roll is significantly lower than the defender’s AC, the result is a critical failure (alternatively known as a critical fumble). If the attacker’s roll is lower than the AC by at least 11 (an extreme margin of failure), the DM applies one of the consequences in Table 22 – either by selecting one that they believe best reflects the circ*mstances, or by rolling 2d6 to randomly choose one. If the attacker’s roll is lower than the AC by at least 15 (an outrageous margin of failure), two consequences are applied instead. Adjust the table entries as appropriate for magical, unarmed, ranged, or paranormal attacks.

Alternative Fumble: Natural 1

Rather than using difference between the attacker roll and the target’s AC to determine whether a critical failure occurs, the DM and players may collectively decide that any attack die roll of 1 results in a critical failure.

SIZE-RELATED AC MODIFIERS Game groups may decide to remove the 2/4/6 size-related AC bonuses and penalties when calculating margins of success or failure for crits, since they make critical hits against larger targets much easier and against smaller targets much harder.

TABLE 22: CRITICAL FAILURE DICE ROLL 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

CRITICAL FAILURE DESCRIPTION Character overextends their reach and rips their clothing (perhaps even in a compromising location) Character loses focus in combat and drops to Initiative 1 for the remainder of the battle Character overexerts themselves and pulls a muscle, suffering a disadvantage on all Strength-related dice rolls during the next 24 hours Character is off balance; opponents gain an advantage when attacking the character until the character’s Initiative next round Character stumbles and twists their ankle, cutting their movement speed in half until they rest for several hours or are otherwise healed Character drops their weapon Character’s grip on their weapon weakens and they suffer a disadvantage on attack rolls during the next round Character hits a nearby solid surface and damages or breaks their weapon (DM discretion) Character hits a nearby ally instead of their intended target, automatically inflicting half damage Character hits themselves instead, automatically inflicting half damage Character trips and falls; opponents gain an advantage when attacking the character until the character’s Initiative next round (character doesn’t gain any positive Dexterity modifiers on their AC either)

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RANGE PENALTIES

COVER

To reflect a more realistic portrayal of ranged engagements, optional attack roll penalties may apply when Weapons with the Range Enhancement exceeding two assignments target opponents at the extremes of their maximum ranges. Effective Range: This is up to approximately one-third the Weapon’s maximum range. If a target is within effective range, no modifiers apply to the attack rolls. Intermediate Range: This is between the effective range and one-half the Weapon’s maximum range. Attacks rolls at this distance suffer a disadvantage. Remote Range: This is between intermediate range up to the Weapon’s maximum range. Attacks rolls at this distance suffer a disadvantage and the attacker does not add their Dexterity modifier to the Weapon damage. While some Weapons could be fired out to even longer ranges that slightly exceed their Range Enhancement distances (DM discretion), accuracy is often exceptionally poor. In addition to the penalties for firing at remote range, the attacker does not add their Dexterity modifier to the attack roll. Table 23 indicates distance category increments for the Range Enhancement assignments at Rank 3 and above (no penalties apply for Range Ranks 1 and 2). Attack disadvantages are eliminated with the Far Shot Combat Technique (page 94).

Modifying Ranges for Large Weapons The firing range and other specifications for standard weapons in Table 30 (page 197) assume that the weapons are sized for Medium characters (4 to 8 feet). Of course, an appropriately sized longbow wielded by a 50-foot-tall character would reasonably have a Range greater than 4 assignments (1,000 feet)! Scaling such weapons up is easy: simply use the x2/x4/x8 thrown weapon distance modifiers from Table 05 (page 45) for Large/Huge/Gargantuan characters.

Non-Physical Weapon Attribute Sizes

Conversely, attacks created with the Weapon Attribute that aren’t physical objects (like a sword or bow) do not typically scale with the character’s size. Rather, such Weapons have their maximum distances set through the Range Enhancement. This includes such attacks as breath weapons, psionic blasts, balls of fire or bolts of lighting, ki-based energy beams, etc.

TABLE 23: RANGE PENALTIES RANGE RANK

EFFECTIVE RANGE

INTERMEDIATE RANGE

REMOTE RANGE

1 2 3 4 5 6

— — Up to 30’ Up to 300’ Up to 1,500’ Up to 3 miles

— — 30’ - 50’ 300’ - 500’ 1,500’ - 2,500’ 3 - 5 miles

— — 50’ - 100’ 500’ - 1,000’ 2,500’ - 1 mile 5 - 10 miles

NO MODIFIER

DISADVANTAGE

NO DEXTERITY DAMAGE

Walls, trees, creatures, and other obstacles can provide cover during combat, making a target more difficult to harm. A target can benefit from cover only when an attack or other effect originates on the opposite side of the cover. There are three degrees of cover. If a target is behind multiple sources of cover, only the most protective cover applies; the degrees aren’t added together. For example, if a target is behind a creature that gives half cover and a tree trunk that gives threequarters cover, the target has three-quarters cover.

Half Cover

A target with half cover has a +2 bonus to AC and Dexterity Saving Throws. A target has half cover if an obstacle obscures at least half of its body. The obstacle might be a low wall, a large piece of furniture, a narrow tree trunk, or a creature (whether that creature is an enemy or ally).

Three-Quarters Cover

A target with three-quarters cover has a +5 bonus to AC and Dexterity Saving Throws. A target has three-quarters cover if a large portion of them is obscured by an obstacle. The obstacle might be a portcullis, an arrow slit, or a thick tree trunk.

Total Cover

A target with total cover can’t be targeted directly by most attacks or spells, although some can reach such a target by including it in an area of effect (or through Indirect Weapon fire; see page 127). A target has total cover if it is completely concealed by an obstacle.

TABLE 24: ATTACK ROLL ADVANTAGES Attacker has aimed a ranged weapon (page 162) Attacker has been waiting for an opening in melee (page 162) Attacker is flanking the opponent (page 161) Attacker is only attempting to touch the target (page 168) Attacker is Undetectable to sight (page 120) Attacker or their opponent is using a total attack (page 167) Attacker’s Weapon has the Accurate Enhancement (page 125) Opponent is surprised by the attack (page 168)

TABLE 25: ATTACK ROLL DISADVANTAGES Attacker has been Tangled by a Weapon (page 128) Attacker has been grabbed while grappling (page 161) Attacker is prone or fighting from the ground (page 161) Attacker has fewer than ¼ max Hit Points remaining (page 173) Attacker is fighting with two weapons (each roll; page 167) Attacker is firing a weapon beyond its effective range (page 171) Attacker is moving at dash speed (page 163) Attacker is on a fast-moving mount (page 168) Attacker is throwing an unbalanced melee weapon (page 160) Attacker is using a called shot (page 166) Attacker is using one attack against multiple targets (page 167) Attacker’s Weapon has the Inaccurate Limiter (page 130) Opponent is Undetectable to sight (page 120) Opponent is using a total defence (page 162)

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Damage

Successful attacks, accidents, and other hazards can all inflict damage, which measures the degree of physical injury inflicted by blows, burns, broken bones, lacerations, toxins, penetrations, and other physical trauma. Damage is subtracted from the current Hit Points (or HP) of the victim.

WEAPON DAMAGE The Weapon Attribute is used to define most Attacks that are innate to the character (such as paranormal or magical assaults, ki powers, or fiery breaths) or which are built into Items (like swords or crossbows). A large number of Weapon Items are detailed in the Items Chapter (page 190). Each weapon and spell specifies the damage it inflicts upon a successful hit. Players roll the relevant damage die or dice (such as 1d6, 1d8, 2d6, etc.), add any modifiers, and subtract the damage inflicted from the target’s remaining Hit Points. When attacking with a weapon, characters add their Strength or Dexterity Ability modifier – the same modifier used for the attack roll – to the damage. The Weapon Attribute inflicts 1d4 damage for each Rank (its effective Rank, which may be different than the Attribute’s actual Rank if Enhancements or Limiters are assigned). Most negative modifiers cannot normally reduce an attack’s damage below 1, except as indicated by the DM.

Attack Damage = dice roll + Ability Score modifier

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Size Damage Modifiers

If a character is any Size Rank other than Medium (see page 44), the appropriate damage modifier (+2/-2 for each Rank away from Medium) is also added to the attack damage formula. Unlike most other negative modifiers, damage inflicted upon characters and creatures larger than Medium may be reduced to zero by their size-related damage modifier.

Attack Damage = dice roll + Ability Score modifier + size damage modifier

Unarmed Damage

An unarmed character can strike an opponent using fists, feet, teeth, head, etc. This is a free Weapon Attribute (page 125) that all characters have. Such attacks are Level 0 Weapons that inflict a flat 1 damage + Strength modifier upon a successful hit, though Size Rank modifiers may also apply.

Unarmed Damage = 1 + Strength modifier

Missing Ability Score Modifier

Not every successful attack will have its damage modifier by the character’s Strength (for melee) or Dexterity (for ranged) Ability modifier. Such modifiers only apply when the character’s talents and skills would reasonably apply – which isn’t the case for damage inflicted outside the attacker’s influence. For example, Weapons with the Trap Enhancement (such as caltrops) don’t usually depend on the attacker’s Abilities. Similarly, a liquid poison injected into a target doesn’t benefit from a character’s Strength, and mould spores ejected from a plant monster’s skin doesn’t benefit from the creature’s Dexterity.

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DAMAGE TYPES Various attacks, damaging spells, and other harmful effects deal different types of damage. Damage types have no specific rules of their own, but other gameplay rules, such as damage resistance, rely on identifying the types. A non-exhaustive list of damage types is included below, with several traditional fantasy RPG examples to help the DM assign a damage type to a new effect or Weapon Attribute. Acid: The corrosive spray of a black dragon’s breath; the dissolving enzymes secreted by a black pudding Bludgeoning: Blunt force attacks, such as from a hammer, mace, falling, or constriction. Cold: The infernal chill radiating from an ice devil’s spear; the frigid blast of a white dragon’s breath Fire: A red dragon’s fire breath; many fire-based spells Force: Force is magical energy focused into a damaging form, such as that from magic missile and spiritual weapon spells Lightning: A lightning bolt spell; a blue dragon’s breath Necrotic: Withering damage that is inflicted by certain undead and spells such as chill touch Piercing: Puncturing and impaling attacks, such as from spears, arrows, and monster bites Poison: Venomous stings; toxic gas of a green dragon’s breath Psychic: Mental abilities, such as a flayer’s psionic blast Radiant: Radiant damage sears flesh like fire and overloads the spirit with power, such as from a Cleric’s flame strike spell or an angel’s smiting weapon Slashing: Cutting attacks, such as from swords, axes, and claws Standard: A grouping of bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing Thunder: A concussive burst of sound, such as the effect of the thunderwave spell

EFFECTS OF DAMAGE Suffering damage in combat or through other actions results in the loss of Hit Points. Total loss of Hit Points can cause a character to pass out or die. Should a player character’s or NPC’s Hit Points ever drop to zero or below, they have suffered a severe wound and are rendered unconscious from the trauma. If a character is reduced to the negative value of their normal Hit Points maximum (for example, to -20 if the character’s Hit Point maximum is 20), they have suffered a mortal wound and will soon die – or possibly fall into a coma, depending on the tone of the game – unless medical attention arrives promptly. The DM may allow a dying character to linger long enough to say a few last words or perform some other final, heroic action.

Character Death Death in a game adventure can occur often, rarely, or never, depending on the tone and theme of the campaign. The default rule position in Anime 5E is that character death is a real consequence of extreme actions; it happens rarely, but is the result of deadly force or careless negligence. Characters are responsible for keeping their powers in check and not laying waste to their targets haphazardly if they wish to avoid the potential for killing indiscriminately.

Not all anime stories should have the possibility for combat death or the chance of accidental death, however. In these games, characters may hit an enemy full force and be comfortable that the DM won’t announce they’ve unwittingly decapitated their opponent. Wounds may require medical attention, and knockouts, concussions, and comas are all possible, but death only occurs when a player announces that their character has had enough and is seeking to inflict mortal injury. Flexibility with this rule gives players the freedom to let loose a little, but still maintains the option for intense role-playing.

Death Saving Throws

Whenever a character starts their turn with 0 Hit Points or fewer, the DM may optionally decide they must make a special Saving Throw, called a death Saving Throw, to determine whether they creep closer to death or hang onto life. Unlike other Saving Throws, this one isn’t tied to any specific Ability Score. The player rolls a d20. If the roll is 10 or higher, the character succeeds. Otherwise, they fail. A success or failure has no effect by itself. On their third success, they become stable. On their third failure, the character normally dies. The successes and failures don’t need to be consecutive, though; keep track of both until the character rolls three of one kind.

Wound Difficulty Penalties The DM may wish to assign optional difficulty penalties to characters who have been badly injured. When the character’s Hit Points are reduced to one-quarter their normal maximum, rounding down (for example, falling to 8 Hit Points or less for a character with a Hit Point maximum of 32), all of their d20 rolls suffer disadvantages until their Hit Points are healed above the one-quarter threshold.

PAIN AND HIT POINTS Hit Points have been abstracted in Anime 5E and are normally only decreased as a result of Weapon attacks, environmental damage, and special non-combat situations. It’s also possible to inflict Hit Point damage that results from bodily pain due to less obvious injuries, such as pinched nerves, overexertion, suboptimal organ function, and more. Chronic pain can continue for extended periods of time, from days to years (sadly, even for the character’s entire lifespan). The amount of Hit Point damage that the pain inflicts each hour depends on its severity, ranging from 1d2 or 1d4 for minor pain to 1d6 or 1d8 for major pain to 1d10 to 1d12 for excruciating pain. Pain damage can recovery after a short or long rest (see below), but the pain may continue to inflict new damage until the cause is resolved – thus creating a seemingly never-ending cycle of damage and recovery.

COMBINING DAMAGE DICE Damage dice can optionally be added and simplified by ensuring an attack’s maximum potential damage is equivalent. For example, a dagger attack (1d4) from a character with a +1d4 bonus from Rank 2 Massive Damage can be expressed as a 2d4 damage roll – or simplified to 1d8, since both rolls produce the same upper limit of 8 damage. See Table 14 for examples of equivalent Weapon damage dice (page 124).

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Resting and Recovery

Heroic though they might be, adventurers can’t spend every hour of the day in the thick of exploration, social interaction, and combat. They need rest – time to sleep and eat, tend their wounds, refresh their minds and spirits for spellcasting, and brace themselves for further exploration. Characters can take short rests in the midst of an adventuring day and a long rest to end the day.

Short Rest

Recovering Drained Abilities Ability Scores lost as a result of a Weapon Attribute with the Drain Enhancement (page 126) return at a rate of one Point every hour, whether resting or not.

Repairing Equipment Items, such as weapons, vehicles, or other gadgets can become damaged in the course of adventures. Characters can repair damage to equipment by making an appropriate Skill check as best suited to the work. If the object has Hit Points, each successful Skill check repairs 10 Hit Points. Each Skill check should take approximately one day of work (approximately six to nine hours), depending on the extent of the repairs required.

A short rest is a period of brief relaxation, at least one hour long, during which time a character does nothing more strenuous than eating, drinking, reading, lounging, and tending to wounds. A character can spend one or more Hit Dice at the end of a short rest, up to their maximum number of Hit Dice equal to the character’s Level. For each Hit Die spent in this way, the player rolls the appropriate die (d4, d6, d8, etc.) and adds the character’s Constitution modifier to roll. The character regains Hit Points equal to the total. The player can decide to spend an additional Hit Die after each roll. A character regains some spent Hit Dice upon finishing a long rest, as explained below.

Long Rest A long rest is a period of extended downtime, at least eight hours long, during which time a character sleeps or performs light activity: reading, talking, eating, or standing watch for no more than two hours. If the rest is interrupted by a period of strenuous activity – for example, at least one hour of walking, fighting, casting spells, or similar adventuring activity – the characters must begin the rest again to gain any benefit from it. At the end of a long rest, a character regains all lost Hit Points. The character also regains spent Hit Dice, up to a number of dice equal to half of the character’s total number of them (minimum of one die). For example, if a character has eight Hit Dice, they can regain up to four spent Hit Dice upon finishing a long rest. A character can’t benefit from more than one long rest in a 24-hour period, and a character must have at least 1 Hit Point at the start of the rest to gain its benefits.

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Energy

Energy represents a character’s reserve of personal stamina, luck, and spiritual power. They are used to power the Dynamic Powers and Spell-Like Ability Attributes, as well as other Attributes that have the Deplete Limiter (page 146). Additionally, Energy may be drained as a result of attacks by Weapons with the Enervation Enhancement (page 126), or by general fatigue. Since Energy is only used for specific applications during gameplay, this section is considered optional for campaigns that do not have any characters with the aforementioned Attributes.

Character Energy Pool All characters can have an Energy pool that they can tap as an internal power source. A character’s maximum Energy is equal to a base of 10, plus 5 times their character Level (15 at 1st Level, 20 at 2nd Level, 25 at 3rd Level, etc.). This number can be increased by the Energised Attribute (page 101), which adds an additional 10 Energy/Rank. Creatures have max Energy equal to 10 plus 5 times their Challenge Rating (page 184).

Fatigue The DM may rule that a character will lose Energy if they are travelling or working without taking any time to rest. As a guideline, every 5-10 minutes of hard work or tiring travel (dashing, swimming, etc.) can result in a loss of one Energy. In most situations, this is too much trouble to worry about tracking precisely, but the DM may wish to impose it during a situation where characters balance their exhaustion with a race against time.

Out of Energy If a character’s Energy pool is ever reduced to zero or below, they will collapse due to exhaustion until their Energy is sufficiently recovered after a period of rest.

Recovering Energy Characters recover 1d8 Energy after each short rest. After a long rest, a character regains all expended Energy.

DRAMATIC FEATS A character’s Energy can also represent a character’s reserve of luck or karma that can be used in moments of high drama or extreme emotion to transcend a character’s normal limits. Only player characters and significant NPCs may use Energy in this way. A moment of high drama is one in which something the character holds dear is at risk. This could be the character’s own life, of course, but should usually be something that transcends that, such as the safety of a loved one or close friend, or the success of an important cause (including revenge against a hated nemesis). In such circ*mstances, Energy can be spent to temporarily provide a bonus to any d20 dice roll the character makes. The character may spend this Energy after rolling the dice. Each +1 bonus to a d20 die roll burns 5 Energy. Energy spent activating a dramatic feat returns to their pool at the character’s normal recovery rate. 176

PLAYER RETCON Retroactive continuity, or “retcon”, can be a helpful roleplaying device in which established plots or actions in a game are changed or ignored for the betterment of the unfolding adventure. With DM permission, players can expend Energy to alter the story plot details in some way.

Minor Plot Changes By expending 10 Energy, a player can make a minor change to the adventure, which allows for a slight alteration in the game environment that works in their character’s favour. Examples of minor changes include: finding a weapon conveniently located under a table, modifying an NPCs reaction to the character’s activities, gaining a burst of inspiration (ie. a DM hint), etc.

Major Plot Changes Alternatively, a player can burn 50 Energy from their character to change drastically an action or event that occurred in the game – and can retell the plot from a new perspective! With such a high Energy cost, this option is only open to higher-Level characters (Level 8 and above), or those with the Energised Attribute. DMs may limit a player with excess Energy or fast Energy rejuvenation from initiating major plot changes too frequently by restricting its use to once or a few times each character Level. Alternatively, the DM can actively encourage players to become co-narrators of the game, and enact major plot changes as often as desired – or even reduce the 50 Energy cost to place this story option within reach more frequently. Example: The heroic characters return to their pastoral village after a successful quest to reclaim the sacred Moloch Diamond from the hands of the barbaric invaders. As they emerge from the forest surrounding their home, they discover that the entire village has been burned to the ground and all the citizens with it! Rebecca – the player assuming the role of young Maerlin, the blacksmith’s feisty daughter who is an apprentice Dynamic Spellbinder – had previously invested significant role-playing time and emotion establishing a romantic relationship with a young fellow named Robin, one of the local farmer’s sons. Not wanting that engaging role-playing relationship to come to an end, Rebecca expends 50 of Maerlin’s Energy Points and declares that Robin was actually saved from the disaster when he took refuge from the marauders in the cellar of the mill, saving six young children playing nearby when the fires began. The DM takes their cues from Rebecca and runs with this unexpected turn of events. Robin describes to the characters the vicious and unprovoked attack against the village, and provides enough detail that the characters have suspicions who is behind this cowardly attack. The campaign continues as the characters seek revenge and retribution!

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Adventuring

CHAPTER 9

ADVENTURING You may have created the most wonderful character imaginable, but their greatness has no impact unless they get out into the world for an adventure. This chapter explores situations and topics that may appear during a role-playing scenario. First, we provide details on health challenges that characters will likely encounter during Anime 5E games, such as poison, disease, environmental damage, and deprivation from life-sustaining necessities. Advancement is up next, which addresses awarding Experience Points from conflict and player engagement. A follow-up exploration of Challenge Ratings outlines how DMs can determine the appropriate threat level for a character group’s NPC and monster opponents, and what XP awards are reasonable. Finally, we wrap up the chapter with a brief discussion on currency – both money and Points – before addressing the option of using character alignment.

Health Risks

Though cuts from sword swings, impalements from arrows, and crushing blows from warhammers may represent the most common forms of adventuring injuries, there are many other hazards that can befall characters as well.

POISONS A character may be poisoned in several ways, such as damage from a poisoned weapon or venomous monster or plant, touching contact poison, consuming poisoned food or drink, etc. Poisons are designed as Weapons (page 124), with most having the Blight Enhancement to represent a chance of resistance and the Toxic Limiter to restrict its effects to living beings only. One dose of poison smeared on a weapon or other object affects just a single target. A poisoned object retains its venom until the weapon scores a hit or the object is touched (unless the poison is wiped off before a target comes in contact with it). A poisoned object exposed to the elements such as rain, snow, or even wind may suffer a degradation of the poison’s strength, depending on the circ*mstances; in other situations, the poison remains potent. Poisons can be divided into four categories according to the method by which their effect is delivered:

Contact Blight and Contact Enhancements; Toxic Limiter Merely touching this type of poison necessitates a Constitution Saving Throw. It can be actively delivered via a weapon or a touch attack. An armoured character is only affected if the poison can be delivered to their bare skin. Even if a target a sufficient high Armour Class to avoid taking any damage from the attack (such as a martial artist’s ability to roll with a punch or an animal’s tough hide), the poison may still affect them upon direct contact. An object can also be smeared with contact poison as part of a trap. Contact poisons have the same effects if they are ingested, unless otherwise noted.

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Ingested Blight Enhancement; Ingest and Toxic Limiters The poison is often applied to food or drink that the target must then consume. This may be done in advance – possibly even cooked into a meal without impacting the poison’s efficacy – or the poison may be slipped into the target’s food at the last minute instead. Consuming the poison necessitates a Constitution Saving Throw.

Inhaled Area and Blight Enhancements; Save and Toxic Limiters Inhaled poisons are usually the result of noxious and toxic fumes. They may be the result of natural hazards (such as swamps or in mines) or a monster’s natural defence mechanism, or the poison may be purposefully mixed through alchemy. Inhaled poisons may be used as a form of siege weapon to smoke an enemy out of their fortification. Each target within the affected Area must make a Dexterity check for the Save Limiter, plus a Constitution Saving Throw for the Blight effect.

Injury Blight and Linked Enhancements; Toxic Limiter This poison must be delivered through a wound (ie. Linked to an attack). If the opponent’s attack roll misses, the poison is not delivered and has no effect. Traps that cause damage from weapons, needles, etc. sometimes use injury poisons; most venomous monsters use injury points as well. Poisons that cause damage through injury are also ingested poisons by default, unless otherwise noted. Delivery of the poison through injury or ingestion necessitates a Constitution Saving Throw.

Treating Poison If a healer or skilled practitioner is able to diagnose the poison, that character may make a Wisdom (Medicine) Skill check in order to halt the toxin’s effects, with a DC equal to that associated with the poison’s Blight Enhancement – DC 10 for one assignment; DC 15 for two assignments; or DC 20 for three assignments. Of course, having the precise antitoxin for a poison makes it much easier to treat – DC 10 with an advantage on the Skill check.

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DISEASE Although diseases often play a background narrative role in game adventures – rather than an active, player-centric event – they are handled in much the same way as poisons, especially if the diseases are intentionally weaponised. Communicable diseases can be passed through direct or indirect contact.

Direct Contact

This type of transmission includes person-to-person contact – through direct skin contact or the exchange of bodily fluids – or through the spray of droplets from coughing, sneezing, and even speaking moistly.

Indirect Contact

Infectious diseases can also spread indirectly through the air (inhaled) and other mechanism, such as on contaminated objects (contact), in food or drink (ingest), and through animal-to-person (injury).

Genetic Diseases

Though commonly called “genetic diseases”, “genetic disorders” is more accurate terminology to classify abnormalities that are formed in the genome. Such disorders are often passed to children through their parents’ genes, or caused by genetic mutations or phenotype alterations. Unlike poisons and regular diseases, genetic disorders are not usually associated with the Weapon Attribute; rather, the expressed disadvantages are best represented by various Defects.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE Characters can suffer damage from the surrounding environment, or special attacks from enemies not covered by the Weapon Attribute. Since the conditions under which this damage is inflicted varies greatly between scenes, strict damage values cannot be listed for each event. See Deprivation (page 180) for alternate damage rules, too. The entries in this section should help DMs and players determine the appropriate damage range inflicted, but are only general guidelines. The important question to ask when determining damage is “how quickly do I think an average humanoid would be knocked unconscious or die under this condition?” An average Human commoner only has 4 Hit Points, but since Anime 5E is a Levelling-based game with rules that primarily focuses on fighting (and thus damage), the range of Hit Points for an average person varies tremendously.

Acids and Bases Whether from alchemical concoctions, plants, or creatures, acids (such as sulphuric acid, and hydrochloric or stomach acid) and bases (such as sodium/potassium hydroxide or lye, and sodium hypochlorite or bleach) can cause severe damage or burning to skin and organ tissue – even sometimes penetrating to the bone. Most chemical exposure is limited in scope, causing localised damage that will scar flesh but is unlikely to kill a healthy creature. Full-body exposure to chemicals or complete immersion in an alchemical reagent vat can cause extreme burning and kill within several rounds. Since many chemicals are viscous, they will stick to the body and continue to burn until washed away thoroughly.

An average chemical exposure localised to a small area will inflict 1d2 to 1d10 damage each round until washed away. Extreme exposure will inflict significantly greater damage each round, depending on the chemical strength.

Cold Under normal circ*mstances, a Human body can survive in cold environments for extended periods before severe damage (including frostbite – the freezing of body tissue) or death occurs. Damage will depend on the air temperature: for every 18 ˚F (10 ˚C) below 32 ˚F (0 ˚C), the character suffers 1 point of damage every 10 minutes. For example, a character exposed to -40 ˚F (-40 ˚C) temperatures will suffer 4 damage every 10 minutes, or 24 points an hour. Strong wind-chill factors can double or triple this damage, while warm clothing or shelter can reduce it significantly or eliminate it completely. Exposure to cold liquids will result in even greater damage: for every 18 ˚F (10 ˚C) below 32 ˚F (0 ˚C), the character suffers 2 damage every round and may experience severe hypothermia.

Fire Like acid/base damage, fire can burn and scar a character’s skin very quickly, but death is only likely after long exposure. The damage values listed in this section relates only to heat damage, either through direct skin contact or heated air. Secondary damage, such as smoke inhalation or lack of oxygen, can inflict additional damage – sometimes even exceeding the heat damage. Small fires with localised damage can rarely exceed 20 damage total. Approximate damage inflicted each round: candle flame (1d2); small fire (1d4); medium fire (1d6); large fire (1d8); blazing inferno (1d10).

Impact Damage Impact damage occurs during accidents or disasters such as falls, avalanches, collapsing buildings, and similar hazards. Depending on the cause of the injury, a character’s armour may not protect them. A character who falls a great distance will suffer damage depending on the height they plummeted: 1d6 bludgeoning damage for every 10 feet, to a maximum of 20d6. At the DM’s discretion, they may also make an appropriate Dexterity (Acrobatics) Saving Throw, with success halving the sustained damage to indicate a proper break fall.

Suffocation The body’s lungs, heart, and brain need a constant supply of air (specifically, oxygen) to continue functioning. Should that supply be removed, the body will quickly die. A character can hold their breath, without suffering damage, for a number of minutes equal to 1 + Constitution modifier (minimum of 30 seconds). After that point, the body will be starved for oxygen and the character will suffer damage. Should the character’s lungs fill with a gas or liquid other than air, such as water or chemicals, they will not only be deprived of oxygen, but also cannot breath again until the offending substance is removed. When a character runs out of breath or is choking, they can survive for a number of rounds equal to their Constitution modifier (minimum of 1 round). At the start of their next turn, they drop to 0 Hit Points and are dying; they can’t regain Hit Points or be stabilised until they can breathe again.

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Pressure The Human body can withstand a wide range of pressures (often measured in “atmospheres”), though bones will break, skin will separate, and lungs will collapse under extreme conditions. The amount of pressure applied to the body is difficult to intuitively estimate unless the character is underwater: pressure increases about one atmosphere for approximately every 30 feet of water depth. Characters do not suffer any significant pressure damage up to 10 atmospheres, provided the pressure is gradually increased and its not a sudden shock. Additional atmospheres of pressure beyond the first 10 inflict 1 point of damage each round. For example, at 1,200 feet underwater (40 atmospheres), a character will suffer 30 damage each round (40-10=30).

TABLE 26: DEPRIVATION TYPE OF DEPRIVATION

HIT POINT LOSS INTERVAL

Starvation Hunger (minimal food) Inadequate Nutrition Total Dehydration Partial Dehydration Overheating Freezing Cold Freezing Water Drowning

1 per 8 hours 1 per day 1 per week 1 per 2 hours 1 per 8 hours 1 per 4 hours 1 per hour 1 per minute 1 per second

Radiation Harmful radiation, such as that emitted by obscure radioactive alchemical reagents or perhaps natural element deposits, causes extreme damage to the Human body – though such exposure is rare in traditional fantasy games. Exposure to extreme radiation has very little immediate effect upon a character. Within hours or days, however, the cellular damage becomes painfully clear; humanoids will usually die within a several days as the body shuts down. Low amounts of radiation exposure will eventually cause radiation sickness, cancer, and death, but these effects can take months or years to develop.

Vacuum A vacuum is a low-pressure area with little or no air to breathe, such as the vast infinite of space – though again, such exposure is rare in traditional fantasy games. In anime and manga reality, the following damage can be experienced by a character in a vacuum: unconsciousness, frozen eyeballs, frostbite, boiling blood, and even exploding limbs. In partial vacuums that are artificially created by magic or paranormal abilities, characters suffer 1d6 damage each round. In nearcomplete or strong vacuums, characters suffer 2d8 damage each round.

DEPRIVATION Deprivation is the lack of life-sustaining essentials, such as food, sleep, rest, shelter, water, and air. It results in a deterioration of the character’s health and in some situations can eventually be fatal if it continues for an extended period. But unlike normal damage, deprivation is often easily reversed provided it has not gone too far. The appropriate Features, Immunity, or Resilient Attribute may prevent specific deprivations from occurring. Otherwise, a character who is suffering deprivation loses one Hit Point every interval, as described in Table 26. All deprivation-incurred Hit Point loss is considered incurable and will not recover until the deprivation is ended. For example, a character cannot regain Hit Points lost due to hunger without eating or being fed (if they are too weak to eat independently). 180

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Character Advancement

Character advancement (ie. progressing through additional Class Levels) is unnecessary in a short adventure, but during a lengthy campaign, players will want to improve their characters and unlock new features and powers. Advancement is not a requirement, but it can reflect the characters’ learned knowledge through conflicts with the environment, with opponents such as creatures and NPCs, or even with themselves. The DM is encouraged to award all characters Experience Points (XP) at the end of each game session. Experience Points are a numerical measure of the knowledge, maturity, and training the character gains through adventuring. Often this will include XP for defeating or destroying creatures and NPCs, but not every game session may involve this type of direct conflict. The amount of the XP award should depend on the creature challenges overcome and the events of the game session, and perhaps even the quality of the role-playing.

OVERCOMING CONFLICT When determining the XP awards for conflict, DMs must remember that conflict does not necessarily mean combat. While combat is a type of conflict, it is not the only form. Solving a mystery, saving someone from a raging fire, escaping a mage’s death trap, negotiating the release of hostages, or other similar situations where the character is pitted against an opposing force, is considered conflict as well. Any situation where there is a consequence for the character failing their attempted course of action can be considered conflict. The term is “Experience Points” and not “Killing Points” or “Destroying Points”, nor is it “Beating-Things-Up-and-Stealing-Their-Stuff Points”. For challenges of note, DMs should award sufficient XP to represent knowledge the characters gained from the events. All characters involved in a conflict – typically every player character, and any significant NPC allies or retainers – earn an equivalent share of the XP, regardless of their specific involvement. Each character played a role in successfully resolving the situation, even if their contributions take different forms. Earned XP is added to the character’s current running XP total. If the they cross the minimum XP required to advance to their next character Level (see Table 08, page 50), they gain one Class Level of choice. For example, if three player characters and their NPC ally are hired by a nearby village council to storm a dungeon, vanquish the minor creatures therein, and negotiate a peace between the boss monster and the village, the group will earn XP. If the dispatched creatures were worth a collective 800 XP, and the DM decides that negotiating with the boss monster is worth an additional 1,200 XP, the total experience awarded to the group for the conflict is 2,000 XP. That total is divided equally amongst the four participating characters, gaining each of them 500 XP for a job well done.

Awarding Experience Points The quantity of the award depends on how much of a challenge it was for the characters to overcome. The following represent several XP award categories to consider.

Defeating Creatures

Monsters, creatures, and NPC opponents are assigned XP based on how powerful they are. See the later section on Challenge Ratings (page 184) and Table 27 for additional details.

Succeeding at a Task

Conquering the task at hand is a rewarding event that can provides the character with insight, knowledge, and perspective. The XP rewarded for such successes depends on the scope of the challenge the characters faced, and is based on the participants’ average Character Level: Minor Challenge: From one-quarter to one-half the number of XP required to advance to the next character Level. Moderate Challenge: From one-half to three-quarters the number of XP required to advance to the next character Level. Major Challenge: From three-quarters to the full number of XP required to advance to the next character Level. Extreme Challenge: A number of XP up to that required to advance one or two character Levels.

Failing at a Task

Characters can still learn valuable (and future-transferable) lessons even when they fail at their task. DMs can award onetenth to one-quarter the number of XP that the characters would have earned had they been successful.

SHORTCUTTING CONFLICTS The above guidelines for awarding XP assume more traditional conflict resolutions, such as slaying or driving away monsters through battle, or undertaking challenging quests. With the vast number of character Attribute options in Anime 5E compared to standard Fifth Edition rules, characters may shortcut conflicts with creative resolutions. For example, rather than fight a wyvern, a character could open a Portal (page 111) to send it to another dimension quickly. For such situations, DMs may decide to reduce XP rewards – reflecting that the characters don’t learn as much from the short conflict.

EXCEPTIONAL ROLE-PLAYING In addition to a share of group XP rewards for overcoming challenges, individual characters can potentially earn bonus XP at the DM’s discretion as well. Exceptionally talented or active players (those who remain true to their character, encourage other players to participate, help advance the game plot, etc.) can earn these bonus XP awards. When a player performs exceptionally at role-playing their character, the DM can provide a bonus equal up to one-quarter the character’s share of the group XP award during that session. DMs should not feel obliged to provide this award regularly, though; it should be reserved for rare role-playing interactions that stand out.

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ENGAGEMENT BONUS A great way to encourage on-going participation with the campaign adventures is to offer players direct engagement Bonus Points for their contributions (rather than XP). Every player can participate in these engagements, since they are not dependent on any single talent or ability. Of course, engagements are best when shared with the entire gaming group. The number of Bonus Points you assign to players who provide engagements should depend on the amount of work, effort, and/or resources devoted to the task – but they shouldn’t reduce the spotlight on Levelling up their characters through Experience Points. One or two Bonus Points for an engagement should be reasonable. Players that undertake several engagements should earn additional Bonus Points as appropriate. Some engagements, such as a diary or game log, require regular participation that aligns with the game sessions; others, such as a character sketch or special engagement, may be single efforts. Several players may wish to rotate responsibility – and thus share in the Bonus Points awarded – for regular engagements. A non-exhaustive list of example engagements include:

First-Person Diary

The player recounts the events of each session in a firstperson narrative from their character’s perspective.

Game Log

The player records an ongoing third-person narrative description of each session’s events.

Character Sketch

The player draws one or more pictures of the player characters, NPCs, or scenes from the adventures.

Campaign Manga

The player creates a manga related to the campaign characters and events. A manga is an ideal engagement for several players, with each person responsible for one part: pencils, inks, writing, colouring, layout/typesetting, etc.

Video Presentation

The player directs and records a short film of a scene from the adventures, or perhaps some interesting background information. Many players can contribute to an engagement of this scope.

Social Media Updating

The player is responsible for maintaining and updating a social media presence for the campaign, which may be done through a private Facebook group, Discord server, website, or other platform.

Munchies

A player who has more money than time could provide snacks and/or drinks for the gaming group. This engagement can easily be rotated amongst several players to avoid too much financial burden on just one person.

Special Engagement

The nature of an engagement is only limited by the players’ imaginations. Players could sculpt images of the characters, provide props for the game, organise special events for the group, and more. The options are limitless! 182

ALLOCATING POINTS AND OTHER BENEFITS Players can spend engagement Bonus Points, or Bonus Points earned through Levelling (page 48), immediately to acquire Attributes for their characters or eliminate Defects, or save them for future use. Other Level-based benefits can be saved up as well instead of being allocated immediately, such as a Ninja keeping their +1 Rank Special Movement Attribute benefit in reserve upon reaching 4th Level. Once the Ninja reaches 5th Level, they gain another +1 Rank – allowing them to acquire the Wall-Crawling Special Movement, which counts as two Attribute Ranks.

Attributes Opposing Defects

Some Attributes and Defects directly contrast each other with opposite effects, such as the AC Bonus Attribute and AC Penalty Defect, or Tough Attribute and Fragile Defect. When a character has both opposing aspects assigned, the Attribute or Defect with the greater number of Ranks will cancel all the Ranks of its opposition and only retain the remaining Ranks. For example, if a character with 2 Ranks of Reduced Damage suddenly gains 5 Ranks of its opposite Massive Damage, the Reduced Damage Defect is completely eliminated and the character only retains the remaining 3 Massive Damage Attribute Ranks.

Gaining Features Through the Story

Characters may also receive benefits or drawbacks during the course of a narrative story that do not count as Levelling advancement. This includes finding (or stealing) equipment and potions, learning information, gaining allies, receiving bumps to Ability Scores, and earning royal or divine boons.

CRAFTING ITEMS Making mundane objects or magical artefacts in Anime 5E’s Point-based system isn’t usually of great concern, since the game has a built-in balancing mechanism with Points. The DM can set the parameters involved when player characters want to create weapons, equipment, artefacts, and other items, that will likely consider: » The character’s Class, Level, Ability Scores, and Skills » The materials and resources used in the Item’s construction » The time and number of helpers required to craft the Item » Whether the Item is mundane, or is to be infused with magical, psionic, or paranormal properties Common and relatively inexpensive objects that the player characters can purchase in a local market – such as adventuring gear, boats and vehicles, weapons, and armour – are often granted without Points and are considered background details. Characters should allocate Bonus Points to powerful Items that may be used regularly – though the characters actually using the Items pays the Point costs, rather than the characters crafting them. The DM may decide that single use Items like potions and scrolls require Points allocated to them, which are returned to the character for respending after use.

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Challenge Ratings

One of the most difficult aspects facing the DM in many role-playing games is presenting opposition creatures and NPCs that are scaled appropriately for the group. Too strong, and the player characters will be outmatched and the players will become frustrated. Too weak, and the adventures risk becoming boring and routine. This challenge is magnified in Anime 5E since it is a diverse, open-ended, Point-based system that allows for near-endless possibilities for both player characters, creatures, and NPCs. Anime 5E expands upon the concept of Challenge Ratings (CR) from the Fifth Edition fantasy system to assist DMs in the creation and presentation of NPC opponents. A monster’s Challenge Rating indicates how great a threat the monster is to the characters, with higher-CR monsters granting more Experience Points than lower-CR monsters. An appropriately equipped and well-rested party of four adventurers should be able to defeat a creature that has a Challenge Rating equal to the average character Level without suffering any deaths. For example, a party of four 3rd-Level characters should find a creature with a Challenge Rating of 3 to be a worthy threat, but not a deadly one. Monsters that are significantly weaker than 1st-Level characters have a Challenge Rating lower than 1. Monsters with a Challenge Rating of 0 are insignificant except in large numbers; those with no effective attacks are worth no XP, while those that have attacks are worth 10 XP each. Some creatures present a greater challenge than even a typical 20th-Level party can handle. These creatures have a Challenge Rating of 21 or higher and are specifically designed to test player skill. Table 27 provides a list of XP awarded for each CR.

TABLE 27: CHALLENGE RATING XP

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POINTS

0 ⅛ ¼ ½ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Up to 50 51-65 66-80 81-95 96-110 111-120 121-130 131-140 141-150 151-160 161-170 171-180 181-190 191-200 201-220 221-240 241-260

0 or 10 25 50 100 200 450 700 1,100 1,800 2,300 2,900 3,900 5,000 5,900 7,200 8,400 10,000

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

261-280 281-300 301-320 321-340 341-360 361-380 381-400 401-425 426-450 451-475 475-500 501-525 526-550 551-575 575-500 501-550 551-600

11,500 13,000 15,000 18,000 20,000 22,000 25,000 33,000 41,000 50,000 62,000 75,000 90,000 105,000 120,000 135,000 155,000

CALCULATING CR It’s difficult to develop a strict method of calculating an opponent’s Challenge Rating that accounts for all possible abilities and talents for that opponent. Furthermore, a CR is relating to “defeating” the opponent, which is often synonymous to “killing” or “destroying”, but not always; some encounters may best be resolved through non-violent means through role-playing, subterfuge, negotiation, and wit. For games that will primarily use the default Fifth Edition monsters from the MM and other monster books, calculating a CR is not necessary since it is provided for such opponents. Determining a CR for an NPC character or creature that is created using the Anime 5E Point-based system is more challenging – whether it’s a completely original design or a recreation of a monster from the Fifth Edition MM. Such calculations are based on the Points assigned to the opponent.

Opponent’s Total Points Calculate an opponent’s Point total by summing Points allocated to all aspects of the creature – including Ability Scores, Attributes, and Defects – whether they originate from a Size template, Race, Class, or other special feature. The Point costs indicated by Table 05: Size Modifiers (page 45), Table 10: 1st-Level Base Points (page 82), Table 11: Attributes (page 91), and Table 17: Defects (page 132) provide quick references to ensure all Points are considered. Rather than determining the individual Point costs for all benefits provided by a Class for an opponent that’s better described as a character (as opposed to a monster), their CR equals their Character Level. Alternatively, use this simple calculation: sum 10 + all Class Levels x10 + 85 (or use their actual Ability Score total), and then compare this Point total on Table 27 to determine the character’s CR. For unique opponent features that aren’t created using the Anime 5E rules, assign them Points that are associated with Attributes or Defects that mostly closely align with their function. Then adjust the estimated Point values as appropriate to account for the scope, power, and benefit of the feature compared to the functioning of the Attribute or Defect. Once the opponent’s Point total is calculated, compare it to the Points in Table 27 to determine their Challenge Rating. For example, consider the stats of an Anime 5E troll (page 223) that is heavily based on the Fifth Edition MM version. A troll’s base features – eight d10 Hit Dice and +3 Proficiency Bonus – is worth 46 Points. The troll’s six Ability Scores sum to another 74 Points. Adding to the benefits and drawbacks of its Large size are numerous Attributes, such as Extra Action, natural Weapons, Regeneration, and more; Attributes and Defects contribute another 36 Point. The various aspects of a troll are therefore worth a total of 156 Points. This is equivalent to CR 6 (from Table 27) and so a troll is worth 2,300 XP. Calculating the CR of a 7th-Level Hunter / 4th-Level Bender Demonaga opponent is handled differently than for monsters. A character’s Challenge Rating is simply equal to their Character Level, and thus the 11th-Level Demonaga is CR 11.

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ENCOUNTER THREAT SCORE When determining the appropriate confrontation intensity for an adventuring player character group, an individual creature’s Challenge Rating is an important value – but it’s only the foundation. A more holistic approach to conflict introduces the concept of Threat Scores to assist DMs in the creation and presentation of NPC opponents. An encounter’s Threat Score is a measure of the opponents’ average Challenge Rating that would reasonably present a medium difficulty for the player characters during a typical adventure, which considers both combat and non-combat situations. Overcoming encounters with higher Threat Scores rewards the characters with a greater number of Experience Points – and characters can never have too many XP!

Baseline Threat Score An encounter’s baseline Threat Score equals the Challenge Rating that aligns with the average player character total Points on Table 27. For the earlier example, Llewella’s adventuring party average Point total is 180 Points, which is associated with a CR 8 in Table 27.

Moving Up and Down

The terminology below for adjusting Threat Scores involves “moving up” and “moving down” the Challenge Rating spectrum. Moving up refers to the next CR with an increasing Point total. For example, moving up from CR 8 refers to CR 9. Conversely, moving down indicates the reverse: CR 8 to CR 7. Threat Scores cannot be lower than the bottom of the spectrum (CR 0), nor higher than top of the spectrum (CR 30). Threat Score modification beyond these ranges are ignored.

Average Player Character Total Points

Adjusting the Baseline

Before calculating the encounter’s Threat Score, it’s necessary to determine the average Point totals for the player characters in the adventuring group, rounded to the nearest 10 Points. The Point total for an individual character might be known exactly if the players track all Points accurately during Level advancement. Otherwise, an approximate (and quick to calculate) Point total equals 10 plus their starting Discretionary Points (page 20), plus additional Bonus Points awarded throughout the game (such as from an engagement bonus, page 182, or other reasons such as in-game adventuring boons), plus 10 times the character’s Level.

The DM then considers the following factors to determine the encounter’s final Threat Score.

Point Total = 10+ starting Discretionary Points + Bonus Points + Character Level x10 For example, Llewella the Fairy is currently a 6th Level Pet Monster Trainer and 2nd Level Bender. The DM started the game a few months earlier with all characters at 3rd Level, and thus Llewella started with a pool of 82 Discretionary Points (80 base + 2 for starting at 3rd Level; see page 20). Arun, Llewella’s player, has been doing character sketches since the campaign began and the DM has so far awarded him with 5 Bonus Points for his engagement with the game. Additionally, a grateful quasi-deity previously granted Llewella and each of her party allies 3 Bonus Points for completing a quest a halfdozen sessions into the game. Considering everything that has happened since beginning her wondrous adventures, Llewella’s approximate Point total currently equals 180: 10 + 82 starting Points + 5 engagement Bonus Points + 3 quest Bonus Points + 80 Level-based Points (6 Levels x10 = 60 for Pet Monster Trainer; 2 Levels x10 = 20 for Bender). Llewella’s four companions have been with her from the beginning of the game, though none of the other players have been granted engagement Points. Consequently, the allies each currently have 175 Points, which provides a rounded average of 180 Points for the five player characters.

Move Up for These Conditions: » » » » »

Five player characters Six player characters (two moves up) Seven or eight player characters (three moves up) Nine or more player characters (four or more moves up) Characters have game values that exceed recommended benchmarks (Table 01, page 20) » Characters have a significant location or setting advantage against the encountered opponents (move up one to three)

Move Down for These Conditions: » » » » » » » »

Three player characters Two player characters (two moves down) Single player character (three moves down) Two to four opponents Five to seven opponents (two moves down) Eight to 10 opponents (three moves down) More than 10 opponents (four or more moves down) Opponents have a significant location or setting advantage against the player characters (move down one to three) » Opponents are optimised for conflict with the characters Continuing the earlier example, the DM is establishing an encounter for Llewella’s party in an ancient crypt and needs to determine the appropriate Threat Score for an encounter with a tribe of nine monster opponents. With an average player character Point total of 180, the baseline Threat Score is CR 8. The DM adjusts this baseline as follows: there are five player characters (one move up), there are seven monsters (two moves down), the monsters will have trapped the crypt and have a significant setting advantage (one move down). After considering the entire encounter, the adjusted Threat Score is CR 6 (CR 8 + 1 - 2 - 1). If the DM wants the crypt encounter to pose a medium difficulty to the player characters, the nine monsters should each have a Challenge Rating of 6 – or an average of 6 for the monster group, if they are not all the same.

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Measuring the Threat The Threat Score provides the CR for an encounter of medium difficulty, but the scenario may call for one other than a medium threat. Table 28 provides a sliding scale of Challenge Ratings to help measure the overall encounter threat. Trivial: The opponents pose no threat to the characters, who should emerge from the encounter without any effort. The characters will find the challenge uninspired and pedestrian. Simple: Other than losing a few Hit Points, the characters will likely emerge victorious from the encounter only using a fraction of their capabilities. Easy: If the characters use their full range of abilities, the encounter does not pose a substantial threat. Holding back their talents may make the encounter more interesting for them. Medium: The characters will find the encounter worthy of their capabilities, and may even struggle at a few challenging points. Some will probably become injured during the conflict, though character death is extremely unlikely. Hard: Overcoming the threat before them without significant injury will take a co-ordinated effort on the characters’ part. The encounter will likely bring pain and suffering, though character death should only occur when significant mistakes are made. Excessive: The characters are against a capable opponent, and the threat of death is ever-present. The encounter may prove to be too much for the characters to endure, requiring withdrawal and evaluation of their strategies and options. Deadly: The characters are at a substantial risk of defeat because they are evenly match with the opposition; the outcome of the conflict could go either way, depending on many factors. Death for some characters is possible, or even likely, with the encounter pushing them to their limits – and well beyond.

IT’S NOT A FAIR FIGHT If you’re unfamiliar with how Challenge Ratings work, it might be an obvious question to ask why a CR X monster is considered a balanced challenge for a party of four characters with an average of X Level. Looking at it another way, if a character is Level 4 (and is thus CR 4), then they’d need an entire party of 4th-Level characters if they wanted to fight their clone in a balanced challenge. One 4th-Level character against four? How is that balanced? Balanced encounters aren’t fair fights, though, and they are purposefully designed to favour the player characters. In the above example, the CR 4 clone is considered a medium threat to a party of four 4th-Level characters. Reading the description of medium threat, the player characters are pretty much destined to win a four-on-one battle without suffering any casualties – which is far from a fair contest. Flipping it around, a battle between one 4th-Level character and their CR 4 clone could go either way; either participant should have a 50% chance of winning, and the victor is unlikely to emerge without substantial injury. Following the baseline adjustment guidelines, a single player character “party” adjusts the CR three moves down to a CR 1 for a medium Threat Score. A CR 4 opponent is three CR higher than this Threat Score, resulting in a deadly encounter difficulty that places the character in as much risk as their CR 4 clone opponent. The description of a deadly threat difficulty clearly indicates that the encounter could go either way. In short, CRs are not about a fair fight. A medium difficulty encounter will most likely be resolved in the party’s favour, but a truly balanced deadly conflict is impossible to predict.

Continuing the earlier example, the nine monsters would pose a medium threat if they were CR 6 (constructed from 151160 Points, such as trolls; page 223). If the DM created the monsters from 111-120 Points each instead (such as CR 2 ogres; page 220), the encounter would be of a trivial threat since the monster CR is four lower than the Threat Score CR. Alternatively, if the DM created the monsters from 181 or more Points each (such as CR 10 stone giants), the encounter would pose a deadly threat since the monster CR is at least three higher than the Threat Score CR of 6.

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ENCOUNTER THREAT DIFFICULTY

AVERAGE CR DEVIATION FROM THREAT SCORE

Trivial Simple Easy Medium Hard Excessive Deadly

3+ CR lower than Threat Score 2 CR lower than Threat Score 1 CR lower than Threat Score CR equal to Threat Score 1 CR higher than Threat Score 2 CR higher than Threat Score 3+ CR higher than Threat Score

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Game Currency

The term “currency” is usually only associated with money. In Anime 5E, both coins and Points can be exchanged for useful character advantages.

MONEY Common coins come in several different denominations based on the relative worth of the metal from which they are made. The three most common coins are the gold piece (gp), the silver piece (sp), and the copper piece (cp). With one gold piece, a character can buy a bedroll, 50 feet of good rope, or a goat. A skilled (but not exceptional) artisan can earn one gold piece a day. The gold piece is the standard unit of measure for wealth, even if the coin itself is not commonly used. When merchants discuss deals that involve goods or services worth hundreds or thousands of gold pieces, the transactions don’t usually involve the exchange of individual coins. Rather, the gold piece is a standard measure of value, and the actual exchange is in gold bars, letters of credit, or valuable goods. One gold piece is worth ten silver pieces, the most prevalent coin among commoners. A silver piece buys a labourer’s work for half a day, a flask of lamp oil, or a night’s rest in a poor inn. One silver piece is worth ten copper pieces, which are common among labourers and beggars. A single copper piece buys a candle, a torch, or a piece of chalk. In addition, unusual coins made of other precious metals sometimes appear in treasure hoards. The electrum piece (ep) and the platinum piece (pp) originate from fallen empires and lost kingdoms, and they sometimes arouse suspicion and scepticism when used in transactions. An electrum piece is worth five silver pieces (or half a gold piece), and a platinum piece is worth ten gold pieces. A standard coin weighs about a third of an ounce, and so fifty coins weigh a pound.

1 pp = 10 gp = 20 ep = 100 sp = 1,000 cp

Converting Between Coins and Points With such a diverse range of Attribute options for Items and Weapons, it’s nearly impossible to set a standard framework conversion between coins and Points. For example, declaring that X money is worth Y Points is too simplistic for Anime 5E’s robust game system. Though all Points are considered equal, their fantasy world applications are not – especially when one considers both mundane or common Points vs. magical or paranormal Points, as well as common vs. rare Point allocations. For example, consider two suits of armour created with the Item Attribute. One set may be made from quality material with superb craftsmanship, offering exceptional protection – such as that provided by the Rank 6 AC Bonus Attribute (6 Points). The other could be common leather armour that doesn’t offer much physical protection, but grants Rank 2 Flight for 6 Points that allows the character to fly at 90 feet/round. Both Items contain 6 Points worth of Attributes, but the magical leather armour would likely sell for a much higher price at a city market.

IN-GAME POINT CHANGES If a player spends Points on an Attribute, they should expect some degree of protection from the ravages of the DM. After all, the player has invested part of their character into the particular Attribute. If the player does not spend the Points on elements acquired while adventuring, however, they gain no protection. The DM may steal, destroy, alter, or manipulate the objects or situations however they desire. For example, a player spends 3 Discretionary Points during creation to gain Rank 3 Connected (see page 98) for their character – representing the character being a minor knight. The player should feel secure knowing that their character will remain a knight for the duration of the campaign. Should the character’s knighthood be stripped away for some reason during an engaging narrative, they should gain something of similar value worth 3 Points. Perhaps the character might earn a new Attribute during their adventures worth a similar number of Points, such as Rank 1 Flight. The character alternatively could be knighted during the course of the campaign due to their heroic deeds. If the character does not spend Points acquiring the Connected Attribute reasonably quickly after receiving the benefit (such as with Bonus Points earned while Levelling up) then the DM may strip the character of their position as appropriate for the adventure storyline. Since the character has not invested Points in the Attribute, it is not protected from the DM’s plots and machinations. Conversely, the Connected Attribute may be granted during gameplay, but in connection with Defects that returns sufficient Points to pay for the new Attribute, such as Accountability, Nemesis, Obligated, etc. In this case, the character has effectively paid for the Attribute via the Defects – which, in turn, are an alternate expression of Points. The character must contend with the ongoing disadvantages imposed by the Defects, though. The player may choose to eliminate such Defects during the game by allocating future Bonus Points. Should the character lose their knighthood during their adventures, the associated Defects that paid for the Connected Points could perhaps disappear as well as appropriate, or the Defects could remain in effect and the character granted the withdrawn Points from losing Connected. In-game Point changes run most smoothly when players and the DM work together to settle upon a reasonable outcome.

The latter option is an excellent choice for dynamic character advancement. That is, the DM may give the character an Attribute benefit even if they do not yet have sufficient Points to pay for it. The character gains the applicable Attribute, but also earns appropriate Defects to offset its Point cost. DMs should not do this with every advantage the characters gain in their adventures, though, or the characters will quickly find themselves laden with a host of Defects. DMs should only enforce new Defects for important elements that should stay with the character throughout the campaign. Other “free” Attributes or Items should be left to the player’s choice – they can either spend Points to protect the benefit, or allow it to suffer the whims and fancies of the DM.

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Alignment in Anime 5E

ALIGNMENT IN THE ANIME MULTIVERSE

Players familiar with traditional Fifth Edition rules may notice that Anime 5E does not address the concept of character alignment. Its Attribute framework, and absence of a focus on standard spellcasting, means that declarations of alignment isn’t necessary. Gaming groups that are integrating Anime 5E with Fifth Edition may wish to assign alignments, though, and so this section is included for the sake of completion.

CREATURE ALIGNMENT A typical creature in the game world has an alignment, which broadly describes its moral and personal attitudes. Alignment is a combination of two factors: one identifies morality (good, evil, or neutral), and the other describes attitudes toward society and order (lawful, chaotic, or neutral). Thus, nine distinct alignments define the possible combinations. These brief summaries of the nine alignments describe the typical behaviour of a creature with that alignment. Individuals might vary significantly from that typical behaviour, and few people are perfectly and consistently faithful to the precepts of their alignment.

For many thinking creatures, alignment is a moral choice. Humans, Asrai, Nekojin, and other humanoid (or not) Races can choose whether to follow the paths of good or evil, law or chaos. According to myth, the good-aligned gods who created these Races gave them free will to choose their moral paths, knowing that good without free will is akin to slavery. The evil deities who created other Races, though, made those Races to serve them. Those Races have strong inborn tendencies that match the nature of their gods. Most orcs share the violent, savage nature of the orc gods, and are thus inclined toward evil. Even if an orc chooses a good alignment, it struggles against its innate tendencies for its entire life. Even Half-Orcs feel the lingering pull of the orc god’s influence. Alignment is an essential part of the nature of celestials and fiends. A devil does not choose to be lawful evil, and it doesn’t tend toward lawful evil, but rather it’s essence is lawful evil. If it somehow ceased to be lawful evil, it would cease to be a devil. Most creatures that lack the capacity for rational thought do not have alignments – they are unaligned. Such a creature is incapable of making a moral or ethical choice and acts according to its bestial nature. Sharks are savage predators, for example, but they are not evil; they have no alignment.

LG NG CG

Lawful good creatures can be counted on to do the right thing as expected by society

Neutral good folk do the best they can to help others according to their needs

Chaotic good creatures act as their conscience directs, with little regard for what others expect

Lawful neutral individuals act in accordance with law, tradition, and personal codes

True neutrals steer clear of moral questions and don’t take sides, doing what seems best at the time

Chaotic neutral creatures follow their whims and hold their personal freedom above all else

Lawful evil creatures methodically take what they want, within the limits of tradition, loyalty, and order

Neutral evil creatures do whatever they can get away with, without compassion or moral qualms

Chaotic evil creatures act with arbitrary violence, spurred by their greed, hatred, and bloodlust

LN LE

188

CN CE

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CHAPTER 10

Items

CHAPTER 10

ITEMS What would an anime fantasy game be without the sleek weapons, impressive armour, magical artefacts, and adventuring gear that so many characters wield in their adventures? This chapter provides further context for the Item Attribute (page 105), which you may have assigned to your character during their creation. You’ll find a wide range of example Items that can either be used as they are, or used as templates to assist you in creating a plethora of weapons and artefacts for use in your game. Of course, these listed examples aren’t exhaustive; you can find an extensive array of equipment in the Fifth Edition PHB and DMG. Additionally, many fantasy variations exist for the generic gear provided herein. Remember that getting the right feel for your Items is more important than ensuring the Point costs are perfect, since the narrative story and compelling characterisations are the heart of a role-playing campaign.

Adventuring Items

When designing an Item for your character, there are numerous guidelines you need to consider. Since your vision for your Item may be different than the DM’s vision, it’s important to discuss the Item specifics with them during character creation to ensure you’re on the same page in advance of the game adventures.

POINT COSTS Anime 5E is an effects-based game. This means that if one character has a custom-made hand crossbow and the other can shoot an equally damaging magical energy bolt out of their hands, it would make sense that both characters should pay the same Point cost for the ability to inflict equivalent damage on their enemies. However, Items can be lost, dropped, stolen, misplaced, or destroyed – and consequently receive a slight Point break on their cost. The Item Attribute provides a character with 5 Points/Rank with which to create objects, yet the Attribute only costs 4 Points/Rank to account for the inherent disadvantages they impose.

Shared Items The DM may allow a group of characters to own a single important Item – for example, a base of operations, seafaring galleon, clockwork mecha, or unique artefact – in common and evenly split the Points amongst themselves. Companions (page 95) may not contribute to the shared Item costs, though. Record a total shared Item Rank in a character’s description and clearly indicate their ownership Rank share and Point cost (for example, “one-fifth of the OceanFly = 2 of 10 Item Ranks”).

Item Defects In most instances, Defects associated with an Item only affect the character if they are using it (considered the normal use for the Item). For example, if a mask artefact restricts peripheral vision and is assigned one Rank of the Sensory Impairment Defect at -3 Points, the character’s vision is obviously only impaired while they are wearing the mask. Additionally, Defects that are implied by the Item’s status as an 190

inanimate object – such as Impaired Manipulation, Impaired Speech, Marked, Physical Impairment, Sensory Impairment, etc. – should not be assigned unless they indicate specific deficiencies. For example, a rickety sea galleon with important equipment (such as rudders and sails) that sometimes fails to work properly might have the Physical Impairment Defect.

Damaging and Breaking Items Creating a realistic and internally consistent set of rules for damaging and breaking Items and equipment is difficult at best and unnecessary at worst. Consideration would need to be quantified regarding the object’s material composition, quality of craftsmanship, intended use, situational circ*mstances, and more. Consequently, Anime 5E relegates damage to (and repair of ) objects and equipment to the realm of narrative storytelling and role-playing dynamics. For Items such as fantasy mecha that are used directly in battle, read the sidebar on page 158.

MUNDANE ITEMS Mundane Items are Items that are so unimportant, everyday, or ubiquitous for the purpose of an adventure that the DM decides that they are free (ie. cost no Points to acquire). In a high-fantasy world, things like clothes, common weapons, lodgings, basic adventuring gear, etc. can be categorised as mundane Items. The DM may instead decide that some Items are best acquired through adventuring or role-playing through the story.

Point Protection Rule All Items benefit from the Point protection rule, while mundane Items do not. Point protection means that if an Item is sufficiently important enough to cost Points, it’s part of the character’s concept. The DM should ensure the Item is replaced within the next game session if the Item is lost, stolen, or broken (provided this will not totally upset the logic of the story, naturally). Mundane Items do not benefit from this replacement guideline and they may be taken from the characters as appropriate for the story. Players may use Points to acquire otherwise mundane Items should they wish to benefit from such Point protection if the mundane Items are important to the character’s concept.

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Starting Adventuring Gear Characters start their adventuring lives with whatever weapons, armour, gear, and coins the DM indicates is appropriate. This could means that characters are each provided with an amount of coin and a price list of gear for shopping (perhaps from the Fifth Edition PHB), or the players could submit their characters’ starting equipment lists to the DM for approval.

Starting Point Allotment

Alternatively, the DM could grant each character (or the entire adventuring group as a whole) a pool of Bonus Points before the game begins that they can spend on weapons, armour, artefacts, and more. The Point cost of such Items and their coin costs don’t always align; providing Points instead of money to characters aims for game balance over narrative realism.

Weapons

The Weapons listed in this chapter are described briefly so that players may either assign them to their characters directly or use them as templates when creating other similar Weapons. For example, by simply increasing the Weapon Rank (and thus damage) of a longsword, it is possible to create various magical swords, or simply swords made from more durable and damaging materials or with exceptional craftsmanship.

SIMPLE MELEE WEAPONS Caltrops: Caltrops resemble large metal game jacks with sharpened points on the ends of their arms rather than balls. They are essentially small, multi-pronged iron spikes designed so that one point is always facing up. A character can scatter them on the ground so enemies will step on them or are at least forced to slow down to avoid them. Club: A wooden or metal club, such as a thick stick or pipe. Dagger or Knife: A short, bladed weapon with a pointed end. Gauntlet, Spiked: This is a metal glove strategically adorned with assorted spikes and blades. Greatclub: This larger, heavier club can only be wielded with two hands. Handaxe: A short axe similar to a hatchet but designed primarily to chop armour and flesh rather than wood. They are balanced for throwing but are not the most accurate weapon. Light Hammer: This is a 1-2’ shaft topped by a small metal head. Can be thrown at opponents, but are not very accurate. Mace: A club topped with a flanged metal head used to crush armour and bones. Quarterstaff: A staff made from a length of wood or metal, which can be deadly in skilled hands. Sap: This is a short, flexible shaft made from or wrapped in a nonlethal material, primarily used to knock opponents unconscious with a called shot (page 166). Scythe: While it resembles the standard farm implement of the same name, this two-handed scythe is honed for war. The design of the scythe focuses force on the sharp point, as well as allowing devastating slashes with the blade edge.

Spear or Javelin: A simple weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharpened tip (most often of iron), favoured by militias and city guards. Usually balanced for throwing as well. Wooden Stake: The favourite weapon of vampire slayers, this pointy wooden shaft is dangerous to anyone.

SIMPLE RANGED WEAPONS Arrows: A straight and slender shaft with a pointed tip on one end and stabilising vanes on the other, typically fired from a bow. An arrow can be used as an improvised dagger melee weapon as well. Bolts, Crossbow: Similar to an arrow, these shafts are shorter and designed to be fired from a crossbow. A crossbow bolt can be used as an improvised dagger melee weapon as well. Bullets, Sling: Bullets are lead spheres that are similar to stones of the same size but are significantly heavier. Crossbow, Light: A light crossbow is a bow affixed to a wooden stock to aid in accuracy of firing. It is drawn by turning pulling a lever and fires bolts. Lasso: This loop in a rope is thrown around an enemy, tightening when it is pulled. Rocks: A rock weapon can be used to represent any large and bulky thrown object, whether it is made of stone or not. A character can hurl a rock a maximum of one size smaller than they are (for example, a Medium-sized Human can hurl Tiny and Small rocks, but not Medium rocks or larger). Shortbow: A two-handed weapon that fires arrows. Shuriken: Often termed “throwing stars”, the word shuriken actually means “hidden hand blade”. Thus, any thrown object small enough to conceal in the palm is classified as a shuriken. Their design ranges from stars to triangles to needles or darts. Attackers usually carry dozens of them at a time and sometimes tip them with poison. Sling: The sling is a looped strap used to hurl lead bullets or stones. While neither as easy to use as the crossbow nor as powerful as a bow, it is cheap and easy to improvise from common materials.

MARTIAL MELEE WEAPONS Battleaxe: This is a heavy, broad-headed axe that can be wielded with one hand. Most are single bladed, but doublebladed axes are not uncommon. Bokken: A martial arts wooden practise sword. Garrotte Wire: A length of wire – or sometimes chain, rope, or vegetation – used to strangle someone (requires a called shot to the throat; see page 166). Greataxe: This is a large battleaxe that can only be wielded with two hands – unless the character is much larger than the normal Medium size. Greatsword: This is a large sword that can only be wielded with two hands – unless the character is much larger than the normal Medium size. Katana: The Japanese equivalent to the longsword.

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ITEMS Lance, Tournament: This light lance is designed specifically for tournament jousts that inflicts reduced damage. Such lances are not banded with metal and thus are designed to shatter on impact. Typically 12-20’ long, it consequently cannot be used against an adjacent foe. Lance, War: This is a long spear designed for attacking from a mount. They are typically 12-20’ in length (ie. cannot be used against an adjacent foe), made of ash wood, banded with metal against splitting, and tipped with a steel point. Longsword: Also known as a broadsword or simply a sword, this is a 3-4’ blade set into a hilt. Maul: A heavy, long-handled warhammer that can only be wielded with two hands – unless the character is much larger than the normal Medium size. Morningstar Flail: This is a spiked metal ball connected to a short rod by a length of chain. Nunchaku: A martial arts weapon made from two short shafts connected together with a short chain or rope. Polearm: A long two-handed spear with a great reach. A polearm ends in a variety of sharp ends and is thus called many different names: bardiche, fauchard, glave, guisarme, halberd, longspear, partisan, pike, ranseur, spetum, voulge, etc. Rapier: A thin 4’ sword used for piercing and quick cuts. Scimitar: A 3’ sword with a curved blade that broadens towards the point. Shield (Bash): Although not designed as an offensive weapon, a shield can still inflict significant damage when bashing someone in combat. Sword, Bastard: A bastard sword is a sword that has a larger blade and a more elongated grip than a longsword. This allows for a second hand to be used in swinging it for more accuracy and power. Shortsword: Shortswords are roughly a 2’ long and primarily designed for thrusting. This sword is popular as an off-hand weapon when using two weapons. Trident: This tall weapon resembles a spear with a sharp three-pronged fork on the end instead of a single tip. Simple, non-military tridents are often used for spear fishing. Wakizashi: The Japanese equivalent to the shortsword, often paired with a katana. Warhammer: This is a 3’ shaft topped by a metal head with a short spike on one side and a blunt hammer on the other. War Pick: This is a 4’ shaft attached to a sharp metal spike. Useful for tearing into both masonry and opponents. Weighted Chain: A heavy ball or weight at the end of a long thin chain, also known as a manrikigusari. By holding the unweighted end, a character can swing the chain rapidly above their head to deliver a crushing blow when it strikes the enemy. Alternatively, the chain can be used to entangle limbs or disarm an opponent. Used improperly, it can be dangerous to the wielder. Whip: The standard whip consists of a long, flexible thong (usually leather) attached to a handle. Although the whip is held in the hand, it can strike with Range 1. It’s a favourite weapon of bad girls/guys, infernal villains, and swashbucklers.

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MARTIAL RANGED WEAPONS Arrows: A straight and slender shaft with a pointed tip on one end and stabilising vanes on the other, typically fired from a bow. An arrow can be used as an improvised dagger melee weapon as well. Blowgun: A long tube or reed used to blow a dart at a foe. Commonly used by primitive hunters and classic Ninja. The dart is often tipped with poison to kill or render unconscious. Bolas: A throwing weapon consisting of heavy balls at the ends of three or four connected cords, typically used to entangle animals. Bolts, Crossbow: Similar to an arrow, these shafts are shorter and designed to be fired from a crossbow. A crossbow bolt can be used as an improvised dagger melee weapon as well. Crossbow, Hand: A hand crossbow is a small bow affixed to a hand-held wooden stock. It is drawn by pulling back the crossbow string. It fires miniature bolts (similar to a large dart) that are often tipped in poison. Crossbow, Heavy: A heavy crossbow is a bow affixed to a solid wooden stock to aid in accuracy of firing. It is drawn by turning a winch and fires bolts. Longbow: A two-handed ranged weapon that fires arrows. Net: A webbing, usually made of rope, that is designed to tangle and control opponents. Fighting nets have small barbs in the weave as well. Nets are thrown ranged weapons used primarily against very close opponents.

SIMPLE SPLASH WEAPONS Acid: A flask of acid can be thrown at opponents, damaging the target and those in the vicinity (and often equipment, too). Boiling Oil (Barrel): Boiling oil is most frequently used in the defence of a fortification by pouring it onto aggressors that get too close to the fortress walls. It is deadly painful and thus extremely effective. Molotov co*cktail: A crude explosive made by filling a glass bottle with flammable liquid (usually petrol-based) and fitting a rag wick in the neck. The wick is lit before throwing and the liquid bursts into flames when the bottle shatters upon impact.

MARTIAL SIEGE WEAPONS Ballista: A projectile siege engine similar to a massive crossbow that uses torsion springs made of horsehair, animal sinew, or rare fibres to launch large bolts. Bolts, Ballista: More like a spear than an arrow or crossbow bolt, these large, usually blunted shafts are designed to be fired from a ballista. A bolt may also be used as an improvised spear if sharpened instead of blunted. Catapult: A projectile siege engine that uses counterweights to propel huge stones or flaming pitch at opponents. In addition to specially prepared loads, a catapult can also launch improvised ammunition such as animals or diseased bodies. Ram: A heavy shaft – either made from a tree limb or trunk, or cast from metal – primarily used to batter down doors and walls. They require several people to gain sufficient momentum to inflict damage.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

ITEMS CH-10

Armour

Fantasy gaming worlds are a vast tapestry made up of many different cultures, each with its own technology familiarity. For this reason, adventurers have access to a variety of armour types, ranging from leather armour to chain mail to costly plate armour, with several other kinds of armour in between. Table 31 (page 198) collects the most commonly available types of armour found in the game and separates them into three categories: light armour, medium armour, and heavy armour. Many warriors supplement their armour with a shield. The armour table shows the cost, weight, and other properties of the common types of armour worn in fantasy gaming worlds. Additionally, the base Armour Class provided by each type of armour is listed.

Armour Proficiency

Anyone can put on a suit of armour or strap a shield to an arm. Only those proficient in the armour’s use know how to wear it effectively, however. The character’s Class and Attributes indicates with which armour types they are proficient. When lacking proficiency with the armour they are wearing, the character has a disadvantage on any Ability check, Skill check, Saving Throw, or attack roll that involves Strength or Dexterity, and the character can’t usually cast spells.

Strength and Dexterity With Armour

Heavier armour interferes with the wearer’s ability to move quickly, stealthily, and freely. If the armour table shows the number 13 or 15 in the Strength column for an armour type, the armour reduces the wearer’s speed by 10 feet, unless the wearer has a Strength score equal to or higher than the listed score. Additionally, if the armour table shows “Disadvantage” in the Stealth column, the wearer has disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks whether proficient or not.

Workmanship The armour values listed in Table 31 represent averagequality construction and materials. Shoddy workmanship, poor construction techniques, or weak materials can penalise the given Armour Class by -1 to -4 (see the AC Penalty Defect, page 133). Conversely, exceptional workmanship, advanced construction techniques, or resilient finishings can increase the given Armour Ratings by +1 or +2 (see the AC Bonus Attribute, page 92).

LIGHT ARMOUR Made from supple or thin materials, light armour favours agile adventurers since it offers some protection without sacrificing mobility. A character wearing light armour adds their Dexterity modifier to the base number from their armour type to determine their final Armour Class. Padded: Padded armour features quilted layers of cloth and batting that provides minimal protection. Leather: The breastplate and shoulder protectors of this armour are made of leather that has been stiffened by boiling in water. The rest of the armour is made of softer and more flexible leather.

Studded Leather. Made from tough but flexible leather, studded leather is reinforced with close-set rivets or spikes.

MEDIUM ARMOUR Medium armour offers more protection than light armour, but it also impairs movement more. A character wearing medium armour adds their Dexterity modifier, to a maximum of +2, to the base number from their armour type to determine their final Armour Class. Hide: Thicker animal skin can provide enhanced protection, though the Armour Rating is usually less than hide armour worn by characters since those hides have been boiled and stiffened. Chain Shirt: Made of interlocking metal rings, a chain shirt is worn between layers of clothing or leather. This armour offers modest protection to the wearer’s upper body and allows the sound of the rings rubbing against one another to be muffled by outer layers. Scale Mail: This armour consists of a coat and leggings (and perhaps a separate skirt) of leather covered with overlapping pieces of metal, much like the scales of a fish. The suit usually includes gauntlets as well. Breastplate: This armour consists of a fitted metal chest piece worn with supple leather. Although it leaves the legs and arms relatively unprotected, this armour provides good protection for the wearer’s vital organs while leaving the wearer relatively unencumbered. Half Plate: Half plate consists of shaped metal plates that cover most of the wearer’s body. It does not include leg protection beyond simple greaves that are attached with leather straps.

HEAVY ARMOUR Of all the armour categories, heavy armour offers the best protection. These suits of armour cover the entire body and are designed to stop a wide range of attacks. Only proficient warriors can manage their weight and bulk. Heavy armour doesn’t let characters add their Dexterity modifier to their Armour Class, but it also doesn’t penalise them if their modifier is negative. Ring Mail: This armour is leather armour with heavy rings sewn into it. The rings help reinforce the armour against blows from swords and axes. Ring mail is inferior to chain mail, and it’s usually worn only by those who can’t afford better armour. Chain Mail: Made of interlocking metal rings, chain mail includes a layer of quilted fabric worn underneath the mail to prevent chafing and to cushion the impact of blows. The suit includes gauntlets. Splint: This armour is made of narrow vertical strips of metal riveted to a backing of leather that is worn over cloth padding. Flexible chain mail protects the joints. Plate: Plate consists of shaped, interlocking metal plates to cover the entire body. A suit of plate includes gauntlets, heavy leather boots, a visored helmet, and thick layers of padding underneath the armour. Buckles and straps distribute the weight over the body. Each suit of full plate must be individually fitted to its owner by a master armourer, although a captured suit can be resized to fit a new owner at a reasonable cost.

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ITEMS * Denotes light finesse-style weapons. Characters have a choice of using either their Strength or Dexterity modifiers when adding to attack rolls and damage rolls

TABLE 29: MELEE WEAPONS SIMPLE MELEE WEAPONS

COST DAMAGE

TYPE

RANK

ENHANCEMENTS

LIMITERS

POINTS

Caltrops (Bag) Club Dagger or Knife* Greatclub Handaxe Light Hammer Mace Quarterstaff Sap Scythe Spear or Javelin Unarmed Punch or Kick + Spiked Gauntlet Wooden Stake

1 gp 1 sp 2 gp 2 sp 5 sp 2 gp 5 gp 2 gp 3 sp 1 gp 1 gp — 5 gp 2 sp

Piercing Bludgeoning Piercing Bludgeoning Slashing Bludgeoning Bludgeoning Bludgeoning Bludgeoning Slashing Piercing Bludgeoning Piercing Piercing

1 1 1 1 (2) 2 1 2 1 (2) 1 1 (2) 2 0 1 1

Area 1, Trap 1 — — — — — — — — — — — —

Save 2 — — Hands — — — Hands — Hands — — — —

1 — 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 — 1 1

MARTIAL MELEE WEAPONS

COST DAMAGE

TYPE

RANK

ENHANCEMENTS

LIMITERS

POINTS

Battleaxe Bastard Sword (One-Hand) Bastard Sword (Two-Hands) Bokken (Wooden Sword)* Garrotte Wire Greataxe Greatsword Katana

10 gp 25 gp 25 gp 1 gp 1 gp 30 gp 50 gp 100 gp

1d8 1d10 1d10 1d6 2d6 1d12 2d6 2d4

Slashing Slashing Slashing Bludgeoning Slashing Slashing Slashing Slashing

2 3 3 2 1 (3) 2 (3) 2 (3) 2

— — Accurate — — — — —

2 3 3 2 1 2 2 2

5 gp

1d8

Bludgeoning

1 (2)

Reach

10 gp 15 gp 10 gp 15 gp 2 gp 10 gp 25 gp 25 gp 10 gp 10 gp 5 gp 20 gp 5 gp 15 gp 5 gp 2 gp

1d12 1d8 2d6 1d8 1d6 1d10 1d8 1d6 2d4 1d6 1d6 1d6 1d8 1d8 1d6 1d4

Piercing Slashing Bludgeoning Piercing Bludgeoning Piercing Piercing Slashing Bludgeoning Piercing Piercing Slashing Piercing Bludgeoning Bludgeoning Slashing

4 (3) 2 2 (3) 2 2 3 2 2 1 (2) 2 2 2 2 2 1 (2) 2 (1)

Reach — — — — Reach — — — — — — — — Flexible Flexible, Range 1

— — Hands — Hands, Non-Penetrating Hands Hands — Non-Penetrating, Unreliable — — Hands — — Hands — — Inaccurate — — — — — Backlash, Inaccurate Non-Penetrating

Lance, Tournament Lance, War Longsword Maul Morningstar Flail Nunchaku* Polearm Rapier* Scimitar* Shield (Bash) Shortsword* Trident Wakizashi* War Pick Warhammer Weighted Chain Whip*

1d4 1d4 1d4 1d8 1d6 1d4 1d6 1d6 1d2 1d6 1d6 1 1d4 1d4

1 4 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2

THROWN WEAPONS AND AMMO LIMITER The Ammo Limiter (page 129) represents the total ammunition typically carried relative to the Weapon’s rate of fire. Bows, crossbows, slings, and blowguns don’t usually have Ammo assigned since characters often carry quivers or other pouches with many projectiles, and thus they rarely run out during combat (and they are easily collected or replenished after battle). Similarly, characters usually carry a supply of small thrown weapons such as shuriken, rather than just a few. Individual thrown weapons such as spears, daggers, nets, bolas, light hammers, and handaxes would have the equivalent of three assignments of the Ammo Limiter, though, representing their single use; once such a weapon is thrown, the character must retrieve it before throwing it again. Ammo x3 is effectively still applied to their ranged use, even if the character is carrying a couple of spears or a small quantity of daggers.

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TABLE 30: RANGED, SPLASH, AND SIEGE WEAPONS SIMPLE RANGED WEAPONS

COST DAMAGE

Crossbow, Light Lasso Rock or Object, Huge Rock or Object, Large Rock or Object, Medium Rock or Object, Small Rock or Object, Tiny Shortbow Shuriken or Dart*

25 gp 1 gp — — — — — 25 gp 5 sp

1d8 0d4 10d4 6d4 4d4 2d4 1d4 1d6 1d4

Piercing 4 (2) Penetrating, Range 3 — 1 (0) Range 2, Tangle Bludgeoning 11 (10) Range 2 Bludgeoning 7 (6) Range 2 Bludgeoning 5 (4) Range 2 Bludgeoning 3 (2) Range 2 Bludgeoning 2 (1) Range 2 Piercing 4 (2) Range 3 Piercing 2 (1) Range 2

Sling

1 sp

1d4

Bludgeoning

Range 2

Spear or Javelin

1 gp

1d6

Piercing

TYPE

MARTIAL RANGED WEAPONS COST DAMAGE

TYPE

RANK

ENHANCEMENTS

LIMITERS

POINTS 4 1 11 7 5 3 2 4 2

Accurate, Range 2

Activation 1, Hands Inaccurate 2 Inaccurate Inaccurate Inaccurate Inaccurate Inaccurate Hands Non-Penetrating Inaccurate, Non-Penetrating Ammo 3

RANK

ENHANCEMENTS

LIMITERS

POINTS

Range 2 Accurate, Potent, Range 2, Tangle Range 2 Penetrating, Range 3 Range 4 Potent 3, Range 1, Tangle Potent 3, Range 1, Tangle

Non-Penetrating Ammo 3, Non-Penetrating — Activation 1, Hands Hands

4 5 5

Ammo 3, Hands

Ammo 3, Hands, Non-Penetrating

1 2

Blowgun

10 gp

Piercing

1 (0)

Bolas

5 gp

0d4

—

1 (0)

Crossbow, Hand Crossbow, Heavy Longbow

75 gp 50 gp 50 gp

1d6 1d10 1d8

Piercing Piercing Piercing

4 (2) 5 (3) 5 (2)

Net

1 gp

0d4

—

1 (0)

Net, Fighting

5 gp

1d4

Piercing

SPLASH WEAPONS (SIMPLE)

COST DAMAGE

TYPE

RANK

ENHANCEMENTS

LIMITERS

POINTS

Acid (Flask)

25 gp

1d8

Acid

6 (2)

Area 1, Contact 2, Continuing 3, Range 2

Ammo 3, Inaccurate

Boiling Oil (Barrel)

10 gp

2d10

Fire

6 (5)

Area 2, Contact 2, Continuing 5

Molotov co*cktail

1 sp

2d8

Fire

6 (4)

Area 2, Continuing 3, Range 2

Activation 2, Ammo 3, Assisted 1, Inaccurate, Hands Activation 1, Ammo 3, Inaccurate

TYPE

RANK

ENHANCEMENTS

LIMITERS

SIEGE WEAPONS (MARTIAL)

COST DAMAGE

Ballista, Large

300 gp

4d6

Bludgeoning

Range 4

Ballista, Medium

200 gp

3d6

Bludgeoning

3 (4)

Range 3

Ballista, Small

100 gp

2d6

Bludgeoning

Range 3

Activation 2, Hands

Catapult, Large

1,000 gp

5d8

Bludgeoning 11 (10)

Catapult, Medium

800 gp

4d8

Bludgeoning

7 (8)

Area 2, Indirect, Range 4 Area 1, Indirect, Range 3

Catapult, Small

500 gp

3d8

Bludgeoning

4 (6)

Ram, Large

100 gp

10d4

Bludgeoning 5 (10)

Ram, Medium

50 gp

6d4

Bludgeoning

3 (6)

Potent 2

Activation 2, Assisted 2, Hands, Inaccurate Activation 2, Assisted 2, Hands, Inaccurate Activation 2, Assisted 2, Hands, Inaccurate Activation 1, Assisted 3, Hands Activation 1, Assisted 3, Hands

Ram, Small

25 gp

4d4

Bludgeoning

2 (4)

—

Indirect, Range 3 —

Activation 2, Hands, Inaccurate Activation 2, Hands, Inaccurate

Assisted 1, Hands

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

6 6 POINTS 6 3 3 11 7 4 5 3 2

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ITEMS

TABLE 31: ARMOUR AND SHIELDS

198

LIGHT ARMOUR

COST

ARMOUR CLASS (AC)

STRENGTH

STEALTH

WEIGHT

Padded Leather Studded Leather

5 gp 10 gp 45 gp

11 + Dexterity modifier 11 + Dexterity modifier 12 + Dexterity modifier

— — —

Disadvantage — —

8 lb 10 lb 13 lb

MEDIUM ARMOUR

COST

ARMOUR CLASS (AC)

STRENGTH

STEALTH

WEIGHT

Hide Chain shirt Scale Mail Breastplate Half Plate

10 gp 50 gp 50 gp 400 gp 750 gp

12 + Dexterity modifier (max +2) 13 + Dexterity modifier (max +2) 14 + Dexterity modifier (max +2) 14 + Dexterity modifier (max +2) 15 + Dexterity modifier (max +2)

— — — — —

— — Disadvantage — Disadvantage

12 lb 20 lb 45 lb 20 lb 40 lb

HEAVY ARMOUR

COST

ARMOUR CLASS (AC)

STRENGTH

STEALTH

WEIGHT

Ring Mail Chain Mail Splint Plate

30 gp 75 gp 200 gp 1,500 gp

14 16 17 18

— 13 15 15

Disadvantage Disadvantage Disadvantage Disadvantage

40 lb 55 lb 60 lb 65 lb

SHIELDS

COST

ARMOUR CLASS (AC)

FREE HANDS

DEXTERITY

WEIGHT

Buckler Small Large

3 gp 10 gp 20 gp

+1 +2 +3

2 (Disadvantage) — 1 — 1 Disadvantage

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

4 lb 6 lb 10 lb

ITEMS CH-10

Shields

Shields are designed to deflect blows and turn them aside when possible, but can also absorb the impact of blows when interposed between the character and an attack. Shields are rarely seen in many fantasy anime shows, perhaps because they are not historically a large part of Japanese martial arts tradition.

Hands and Dexterity With Shields

Small and large shields are secured to the character’s arm and hand, preventing them from using two-handed weapons. Bucklers keep both hands free, but impose a disadvantage when performing attacks and other mobility actions with the shield arm. Large shields provide the best protection to the character but are cumbersome to wield. Even if the character is proficient with shields, large shields may still impose a disadvantage on some rolls that involves Dexterity while strapped to the character’s arm (DM’s discretion).

SHIELD SIZES Buckler Shield: A buckler is approximately 1’ in diameter – small enough to be strapped to an arm while still leaving the hand free to grasp and hold objects. Bucklers are often used by duellists or individuals seeking a lighter shield option. Small Shield: A small shield is approximately 1-3’ in diameter (though it may be oblong), and requires one arm to hold it secure – often with the aid of a leather strap. It is small enough that it doesn’t hinder the actions of the warrior to any significant extent, though it does provide decent protection. Large Shield: Due to its bulky size, a large shield is usually oblong with the largest dimension measuring up to 3-4’. Since they are quite heavy, large shields are strapped to the arm and wrist to assist in carrying it.

SHIELD MATERIALS A shield can be constructed from many different materials without impacting its protective quality greatly, but the most common ones are listed below. The DM may allow the material and crafting quality to raise or lower a shield’s AC by +1 or -1. Plant: Leaves, vines, and even roots can be lashed together and strung over a wooden frame to provide a decent protection. Leather: After boiling, layering, and binding animal hide to a frame, warriors are afforded extra protection in battle. Animal Scales: Though scales lose some durability after they have been removed from the original animal (usually a dragon or similar large creature), they still make solid shields. Scales from specific beasts may even provide additional protection optimised against a specific type of attack, such as lightning, fire, or acid. Wood: Hardwood is banded with metal strips to make these shields as durable as many suits of armour. Metal: Usually forged from steel, bronze, or other alloys, metal shields offer ideal protection on the battlefield. Unfortunately, large metal shields are quite heavy, and thus cannot be carried for extended periods in combat unless the character is quite strong.

Item Attributes

Two special Attributes are available exclusively to Items, since they are inappropriate for living creatures. These options otherwise function as normal Attributes and may take on Limiters as appropriate.

CAPACITY Attribute Cost: 1 Point/Rank Relevant Ability: — Progression: Descriptive

The Capacity Attribute is a common feature for vehicle and location Items. The listed capacity is in addition to the one person that is assumed to fit normally inside or on the vehicle or location. For carrying cargo instead of people, substitute up to 200 lb for each person. Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3 Rank 4 Rank 5 Rank 6

Can carry an extra 1 person (or 500 lb) Can carry +2 people (or 1,000 lb) Can carry +5 people (or 1 ton) Can carry +10 people (or 2 tons) Can carry +25 people (or 5 tons) Can carry +50 people (or 10 tons)

GROUND SPEED Attribute Cost: 1 Point/Rank Relevant Ability: — Progression: Descriptive

This Attribute is assigned to land vehicles such as carriages, since they have no base movement speed (unlike characters). If the vehicle must be pulled by work animals – rather than autonomously move under an otherwise independent power such as magic – also assign the Assisted Limiter (page 145). Rank 1 Ground speed up to 30 feet/round (approximately 3 mph) Rank 2 Ground speed up to 90 feet/round (approximately 10 mph) Rank 3 Ground speed up to 300 feet/round (approximately 30 mph) Rank 4 Ground speed up to 100 mph Rank 5 Ground speed up to 300 mph Rank 6 Ground speed up to 1,000 mph

TEMPORARY ITEMS Although characters are expected to pay Points or money to acquire Items they use on a regular basis, it would be unrealistic for a character to be prohibited from picking up an opponent’s dropped sword and attacking them with it. As a campaign guideline, though, characters should stick with the Items to which they have allocated Points or purchased (see page 105). If players seem to be abusing the spirit of this rule regulating temporary character Items, DMs may insist that any Bonus Points earned during Level advancement be applied to acquiring Items that the characters use regularly.

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ITEMS

Adventuring Gear

Characters need useful and entertaining gear while exploring the world on their daring adventures. Don’t let the word “gear” fool you though, since many of these entries are quite powerful and are normally acquired through the Item Attribute.

3D MANOEUVRING GEAR RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

RANK 1

Combat Technique (Lightning Reflexes, Steady Hand) Fast (x4 speed) Special Movement (Balance, Cat-Like, Swinging, Wall-Bouncing)

POINTS DEFECT -3

Special Requirement (Buildings, trees, or other structures for grappling hooks)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

3D Manoeuvring Gear This harness is worn over clothing by elite combat rangers to provide exceptional movement capabilities during wilderness and urban battles. The harness alternatively shoots out and reels in grappling hooks using compressed air, which helps propel the character along all three axes of aeriel movement. Exhaust jets are distributed along the harness to provide additional momentum and help stabilise the character’s movements. To function properly, the harness requires structures onto which the grappling hooks can temporarily attach – buildings, trees, rock formations, flying vehicles, gigantic opponents, etc.

Animal Control Flute The character gains rudimentary mind control over nearby woodland animals (up to 100 animals in a 100-foot radius) that hear the flute’s musical notes. Alternative version of this flute can affect different animal groups instead (such as one type of animal, or animals from a specific habitat).

ANIMAL CONTROL FLUTE RANK 10 (2)

200

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 10

Mind Control – Lesser (Woodland Animals; Area: 100’ -3; Targets: 100 creatures -6; Detectable: Hearing +1)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

ITEMS CH-10

Bag of Holding

Distance Quills

This classic adventuring staple appears to be a simple medium-sized cloth or leather satchel, but is actually a portal to a pocket dimension with a 1,000-foot radius. Consequently, hundreds or thousands of objects can be stored in the bag at the same time and transported with ease. The bag can detect which object the character wishes to retrieve when they reach inside, and ensures the desired object is easily accessible.

Though texting and instant messaging across the globe are everyday occurrences in worlds with modern-day technology, enchanted ink quills that perform the same function are marvellous creations in fantasy civilisations. The quills can be linked to up to five other similar quills to receive the sent messages. If a character writes a message on any parchment or surface using one of the quills, one or more of the linked quills will automatically and immediately transcribe the message on a nearby writing surface up to 1,000 miles away, if possible.

BAG OF HOLDING RANK 4 1

DISTANCE QUILLS

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 4 1

Pocket Dimension (1,000’) Sixth Sense (Desired Objects in Bag)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

RANK 10 (1)

Belt of Giant Strength The character gains incredible Strength when they are wearing this belt. These Items have been known to take the form of a variety of belt shapes – or even other articles of clothing – depending on the inclinations of the belt’s crafter.

BELT OF GIANT STRENGTH RANK 10

Augmented (+10 Strength)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

Dimensional Story Book This story book isn’t just an engaging narrative that tells an imaginative tale of adventure – it is an actual two-way portal to another dimension somewhere in the anime multiverse! Why just read about such a faraway place when you can visit it instead? Variations of this Item may contain a trap that pulls the reader through the dimensional gate involuntarily.

DIMENSIONAL STORY BOOK RANK 2

Portal (To Specific Dimension of the Story Book and Back)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

This Y-shaped wooden rod directs the holder to water sources it detects in the nearby area (within 1,000-foot radius).

DIVINING ROD RANK 5 (1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 5

Sixth Sense (Water; Area: 1,000’ -4)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

Love Potion Once a target drinks this love potion, they will seemingly fall in love with the first person they encounter and act accordingly to attract the attention of their heart’s desire. The effects of the elixir last for up to one week (5-10 days) unless broken earlier by special circ*mstances, as determined by the DM. Assigning Points to this Item assumes that the potion is refilled or otherwise made available once again (instead of being destroyed after a single use).

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 10

Unique Attribute (Instant scribing; Range: 1,000 miles -8; Targets: 5 links -2; Equipment: up to 5 linked receiving quills +1)

Divining Rod

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 10

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

LOVE POTION RANK 5

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 15

Mind Control (Duration: 1 week -4; Ingest +1; Unique Limiter: Romantic emotions only, directed at first person target encounters +3)

TOTAL (RANK 3 ITEM – 12 POINTS)

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ITEMS

Magical Cloth

Map Moth

If an object or person is wrapped in this self-healing fabric, it is rendered undetectable by magical and spiritual scrying.

Special moths are created or bred to seek out and fly to any nearby object, person, or concept the character desires. For example, a moth could locate a secret entrance to a castle, find a specific type of flower in the forest, fly to a missing child, or detect the largest source of evil in the city. The moth flutters to their destination slowly, allowing the character to follow along.

MAGICAL CLOTH RANK 1 (2) 2

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 1 4

Regeneration (2 HP/round; Object +1) Undetectable (Magic, Spiritual)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

MAP MOTH RANK 1

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 10

Dynamic Powers (Detection; Potent -1; Detectable: Sight +1)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

Master Key The mysterious master key can unlock not only most physical locks, but also metaphysical ones as well, such as barriers between planes of existence, magical passwords, and sometimes even emotional locks.

MASTER KEY RANK 3

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 15

Dynamic Powers – Lesser (Keys)

TOTAL (RANK 3 ITEM – 12 POINTS)

Menagerie Ball This softball-sized hollow ball has a hinged opening that functions as a two-way portal to a city-sized, forested pocket dimension. The character can attempt to trap Neomorphs (see page 230) and other creatures inside the ball for easy storage and transportation using a general action. On command, the character can selectively call forth a particular creature stored within the ball, ending its dimensional captivity earlier than the maximum duration (normally up to one week, or 5-10 days).

MENAGERIE BALL RANK 10 (6)

202

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 20

Pocket Dimension (10 miles; Duration: 1 week -4)

TOTAL (RANK 4 ITEM – 16 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

ITEMS CH-10

Portable Hole

Terradigger

When a character needs to get to the other side of a wall, locked door, or other such barrier, nothing beats a portable hole for effectiveness. The hole resembles a tiny, foldable, paper-thin black circle that can be stretched up to five feet in diameter. Once placed on a the side of a barrier, it creates a hole through and provides an immediate passage way for up to 10 characters and objects to the other side before it collapses back to its unstretched size. The maximum thickness of the barrier is limited to three feet, so the portable hole can’t be used to pass through super-thick structures such as mountains, planets, or large bodies of water.

The terradigger is a clockwork metal suit of armour on wheels, attached to a rotating drill cone on the front. It is magically enhanced to move slowly (and noisily!) on its own across the ground using a system of levers. More importantly it can impressively bore through sand and packed earth at up to 30 feet/round, rocky ground at 10 feet/round, and solid rock at 3 feet/round. The tunnel it leaves behind can either be made permanent or collapsed immediately behind the terradigger, depending on the drill setting. To resist the extreme pressure of the surrounding earth, the terradigger is constructed from durable metal with reinforced plating along key locations. A formidable crossbow can be deployed should the terradigger come under attack from burrowing creatures.

PORTABLE HOLE RANK

TERRADIGGER

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

3 (1)

Teleport (Targets: 10 people -3; Unique Limiter: Only walk 3’ through hole on other side of wall or obstacle +1) Unique Attribute (Highly foldable)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

Scrying Mirror Whether it’s an actual mirror hanging in a sorcerer’s chambers or a reflective pool of water in a sacred forest glade, the scrying mirror is a rare and powerful artefact. By peering into the mirror, the character can catch a glimpse of an object or person of desire to discern its approximate location and situation. The mirror can also reveal details about the past or future, though the visions displayed don’t always reveal the complete or accurate story.

RANK 6

1 (2)

3 (4)

5 (3)

5 15

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

5 (6)

2 (4)

1 1

10 1

Cognition (Postcognition; up to 1 year into the past; Unpredictable +1) Cognition (Precognition; up to 1 hour into the future; Unpredictable +2) Dynamic Powers (Detection) Sixth Sense (Users true intent and desire)

TOTAL (RANK 5 ITEM – 20 POINTS)

AC Bonus (+6 AC) Ground Speed (90 feet/round; Detectable: Hearing +1) Tunnelling (30 feet/round; Detectable: Hearing and Vibrations +1) Weapon: Crossbow (1d10 piercing damage; Penetrating -1; Range: 30’ -2; Activation: 1 round +1) TOTAL (RANK 3 ITEM – 12 POINTS)

True-Sight Glasses These eyeglasses allow the wearer to see through illusions, projections, and physical obfuscations to reveal the underlying truth of the situation and environment.

TRUE-SIGHT GLASSES

SCRYING MIRROR RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

RANK 4

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 20

Dynamic Powers – Lesser (Visual Truths)

TOTAL (RANK 4 ITEM – 16 POINTS)

Winged Boots Small, feathered wings attached to the side of leather boots beat rapidly to fly the character across the sky incredibly quickly (up to 300 mph). Fortunately, the boots also provide protection against the cold and lack of air at high altitudes.

WINGED BOOTS RANK 5 3 1

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 15 9 1

Flight (300 mph) Immunity (Cold) Resilient (Lack of Air)

TOTAL (RANK 5 ITEM – 20 POINTS)

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CH-10

ITEMS

Daily Devices

Although they can be powerful in their own right, many objects created with the Item Attribute form part of daily life, and are not considered special within that specific society.

Cleaning Drones When tidying up around the house becomes too much of a chore, these magical flying cleaning drones can pick up the slack and handle the dirty work for you.

Skill Pills Swallow one of these pills, and for a full day you’ll gain enhanced knowledge and practical experience associated with one specific Skill proficiency.

SKILL PILLS RANK

4 (1)

CLEANING DRONES RANK 1 2

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 3 2

Flight (30 feet/round) Unique Attribute (Autonomous Cleaning)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

Grub Carriage This luxurious and spacious carriage is reserved for use by elite nobles and their families. Rather than pulled by draft animals, four large grubs (each with a thick carapace) function as the wheels and provide propulsion. The grubs require frequent feeding to keep them happy and coax them into their ball shape, after which they attach themselves to the carriage wheel axles. The grubs are spiritually tied to the lifeforce of the lands and emit a soothing regenerative aura that replenishes the exhausted Energy of anyone riding in or standing near the carriage. Additionally, the grubs extend a minor protective barrier around the minds and thoughts of the carriage passengers.

GRUB CARRIAGE RANK

1 (3)

204

Capacity (6 people) Ground Speed (30 mph; Assisted: Wheel Grubs +1; Unique Limiter: Road-Bound +1) Mind Shield (+4 check bonus to resist mental intrusion) Regeneration (2 Energy/round)

Edge (Selected Skill Proficiency) Skill Proficiency: Select one (Duration: 1 day -3)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

Universal Translator Magical adventuring societies often engage with Races that speak different languages, and thus were in need of a device that made communication easier. Dynamic Spellbinders eventually developed a universal translator, which seamlessly provides audio translation of nearly any possible spoken language into the user’s native tongue.

UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR RANK 2

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 10

Dynamic Powers – Lesser (Languages)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

Water Shoes Water shoes are useful accessories in remote island nations that allow the wearer to walk or run across any liquid surface as though it were as solid as land. Additionally, the shoes provide magical propulsion while the wearer is swimming.

WATER SHOES

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

RANK 2 3

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 2 3

Special Movement (Water-Walking 2) Water Speed (300 feet/round)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

POINTS DEFECT -3

Special Requirement (Frequent grub feeding)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

ITEMS CH-10

Items of Power

In contrast to adventuring gear and devices that are commonplace in daily lives, some Items stand out as things of great power. These include magic artefacts and paranormal accessories that may play an important role in your game.

Binding Contract

Liquidsuit This form-fitting body suit can stretch to accommodate a wide range of character sizes. It allows the wearer to transmute their body into a liquid form within a single round and back into regular form when desired. When concentrating while in liquid form, the character can move rapidly through other any other fluids such as rivers and lakes or even lava flows and reservoirs of alchemical reagents – though the character potentially suffers damage from such harsh surroundings.

Some magical contracts and oaths are sufficiently powerful that breaking them is nearly impossible.

BINDING CONTRACT RANK 1 14 (4)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 1 14

Features (Perfect memory of contract) Mind Control – Lesser (People Under Contract; Duration: Permanent until contract is fulfilled -10; Targets: Up to 5 people -2; Unique Limiter: Only enforce conditions of contract +2) TOTAL (RANK 3 ITEM – 12 POINTS)

Energy Well An energy well can be any fixed nexus point of mystical energy (with size up to 100-feet in radius), whether its origins are magical or divine or psychic. A character visiting the nexus point who taps into the well’s raw Energy reserve receives numerous enhancements: gains an immediate boost to their Energy; benefits from its healing properties; heightens their perception; strengthens their mental defences; and increases their luck. Other than healed Hit Points, the character loses all benefits once they leave the presence of the energy well.

LIQUID SUIT RANK 1

2 (3)

2 5

5 3

1 1

RANK 1

Energised (+50 Energy) Healing (3d8 HP) Mind Shield (+4 check bonus to resist mental intrusion) Mulligan (2 re-rolls/session) Skill Proficiency (Perception)

POINTS DEFECT -2

Unique Defect (Benefits only lasts while in the energy well)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

If a character needs an individual or small crowd to forget their most recent experiences, the memory neutraliser is the tool they desire. A quick pulse of divine light from the neutraliser can permanently erase the immediate short-term memory of up to five targets within the surrounding 10-foot radius area.

MEMORY NEUTRALISER RANK 5

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

5 3

Change State (Liquid; Potent -1; Activation: 1 round +1) Water Speed (300 feet/round; Potent -1; Concentration +1, Dependent: Change State +1)

Memory Neutraliser

ENERGY WELL RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 15

Mind Control (Area: 10’ -1; Targets: 5 targets -2; Unique Limiter: Erase recent memories only +3)

TOTAL (RANK 3 ITEM – 12 POINTS)

Perception Enhancer While wearing this helmet, the character perceives the world around them in slow motion, allowing them to perform more actions in the same time span. Such additional actions can be used both during combat to attack and prepare, or for everyday life activities. This altered insight is taxing on the character’s Energy reserves, though, and can only be used for a short period of time.

PERCEPTION ENHANCER RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 (3)

Extra Actions (3 Bonus Actions/round; Deplete: 5 Energy/Round +2) Mulligan (2 re-rolls/session)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

205

CH-10

ITEMS

Pixie Glove

RING OF POWER

Once a Medium-sized character dons the sparkling pixie glove, they are reduced by 3 Size Ranks to Diminutive size (six inches tall) and sprout tiny wings from their backs that grant the power of flight.

RANK 8

PIXIE GLOVE

4 (7)

Flight (90 feet/round) Size Change – Lesser (-3 Size Ranks; Maximum +2)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 (3)

4 10

RANK

Connected (Command over evil minions while possessing the ring) Immunity (Nearly All Damage; Object +3) Inspire – Greater (+4 on dice rolls for one scene: Ability and Skill checks, attack rolls, and Saving Throws) Skill Proficiency (Perception) Sixth Sense (Extraplanar Beings; Potent -1; Dependent: Undetectable +1) Undetectable (Sight 2)

POINTS DEFECT

Plasma Gel

-6

After slathering the mystical plasma gel over the character’s skin, they can create mini singularities, or micro black holes. This grants localised control over gravitational forces, though the process is incredibly draining on the body.

-6

-1

Cursed (Character falls into suspicion and eventually turns into a wraith with repeated use and exposure) Hounded (Dark powers who wish to possess the ring) Unique Defect (Destroyed in lava)

TOTAL (RANK 5 ITEM – 20 POINTS)

PLASMA GEL RANK 6

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 60

Dynamic Powers (Gravity; Area: 10’ -1; Range: 30’ -2; Deplete: 30 Energy/use +3)

TOTAL (RANK 12 ITEM – 48 POINTS)

Ring of Power This precioius Ring of Power is an ancient artefact that a dark demon lord forged during a terrible conflict between its minions of evil and the invading champions of light. The nearly indestructible ring is a symbol of dominion over malevolent forces, and grants special infernal powers to the wearer, including a fearful aura, heightened awareness of their surroundings, and invisibility on command. The ring also allows the wearer to see beyond the physical realm while invisible, perceiving beings that exist on alternate nearby dimensions. All that incredible strength comes at a steep price, though. The Ring of Power is a cursed artefact, and wearing it for too long rots the mind and poisons the soul of the wearer. The character starts suspecting everyone around them, including their allies, of betrayal and nefarious motivation. The wearer’s soul eventually succumbs to the stress, and the character forever turns into a formless wraith. Furthermore, the strong allure of the ring attracts the attention of dark powers, who all want to possess the ring for themselves and will hunt the wearer until they possess it. The Ring of Power has one significant flaw: is can be destroyed should it ever be immersed in lava.

206

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

Summoning Keys Once the character has come to a mutually beneficial contractual agreement with an entity Companion from a different dimension – the details of which are left to the player and DM – the character can use a linked key to summon the Companion as needed. There’s no limit to the number of Companions with which the character has contracts. With the Dynamic Powers Attribute at an effective Level 8 – approximating Level 8 of the Companion Attribute – each Companion may be constructed from up to 130 Points. If two or more companions are summoned at the same time, these Points are divided amongst the entities.

SUMMONING KEYS RANK 3 (8)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE Dynamic Powers (Dimensional Companions; Deplete 30 20 Energy/use +2; Unique Limiter: Must have contractual agreement with Companions to summon regularly +3) 30

TOTAL (RANK 6 ITEM – 24 POINTS)

Teleportation Network A network of linked teleportation pods allows a small group of up to five characters to instantly translocate from one pod to another – even crossing dimensional boundaries. The maximum teleporation range is 1,000 miles, which is enough to translocate between kingdoms and continents. The physical design and appearance of the teleporation pods usually resonate with its creator’s origins, such as fireplaces, caves, clothing wardrobes, ring gates, pools of water, and more.

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CH-10

ITEMS

TELEPORTATION NETWORK RANK 8 (7)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 24

Teleport (Targets: 5 people -2; Unique Enhancement: Can traverse dimensional boundaries -2; Equipment: Existing fixed destination pod +3)

TOTAL (RANK 5 ITEM – 20 POINTS)

Vengeance Gem A mighty archmage crafted these powerful gems to use against their guilds’ rivals. It boosts the user’s Constitution once placed on their forehead, and can reveal what may come to pass – possible events up to three combat rounds (18 seconds) in the future. This insight provides substantial benefits in combat. Additionally, the gem unlocks a diverse array of psionic powers.

VENGEANCE GEM RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

5 (6) 4

5 4

1 (2)

4 (5)

AC Bonus (+6 AC Dependent: Cognition +1) Augmented (+4 Constitution) Cognition (Precognition; three combat rounds into the future; Deplete: 10 Energy/use +1) Combat Mastery (+5 attack rolls; Dependent: Cognition +1) Dynamic Powers (Psionics)

TOTAL (RANK 7 ITEM – 28 POINTS)

World Gate World gates are places where characters can enter an Anime Multiverse wayline and travel between worlds. Each wayline connecting two dimensions usually has a few gates that open to it, scattered around the world (and often guarded or kept secret). If the wayline is an extradimensional highway, gates are their exit and entrance ramps. Common forms for gates include: a ring of toadstools in a forest grove; a large painting; an actual door; an ancient stone circle; an enchanted mirror; a painting of a distant place; a clear mountain pool; a deep well; a tomb; the mouth of a giant idol; etc. A gate connects to a corresponding gate at the other side, which is considered a distinct and separate Item.

WORLD GATE RANK 10 (2)

208

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 50

Portal (Two-way door between two worlds; Duration: Permanent -10; Activation: 1 minute +2)

TOTAL (RANK 10 ITEM – 40 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

ITEMS CH-10

Protective Devices

Personal protection devices comes in a wide variety of forms besides armour, since not all threats originate from impacting weapons. The capacity to avoid and heal damage (or even death) is an impressive advantage for adventuring characters, as is the ability to evade attacks, dull pain, conceal identities, move dynamically, and reroll unfavourable dice results.

Animal Multisuit Once a character dons this enchanted form-fitting bodysuit, they gain numerous innate animal abilities, including Armour Class, movement, weapons, perception, communication, defence, and survival.

ANIMAL MULTISUIT RANK 2

Sacred Chalice Scholars and mystics have long sought the sacred healing chalice, which promises long life and healing to those who drink water from its cup. Miraculously, pouring water from the chalice into the mouth of a deceased character will resurrect them within an hour.

SACRED CHALICE RANK 10 (1)

7 (8) 8

7 8

Features (Longevity; Duration: Permanent -10; Equipment: Water to drink +1) Healing (Equipment: Water to drink +1) Spell-Like Ability (Resurrection)

TOTAL (RANK 5 ITEM – 20 POINTS)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 2

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Features (Camouflage, Darkvision 60’, Direction Sense, Gills, Long Tongue, Mimic Sound, Nictitating Membrane, Retractable Claws, Spatial Sense, Weather Sense, Webbed Feat) Jumping (x10 normal)

TOTAL (RANK 3 ITEM – 12 POINTS)

Cloak of Displacement This durable cloak casts an illusion of the character a short distance away from their actual position, which imposes a disadvantage to attack rolls against the character.

Shaed Cloak This beautiful and resistant cloak can disguise the wearer by transforming their appearance into any one of six predetermined identities. It can also heal the wearer’s injuries and render them invisible at a distance (adjacent people can perceive the wearer as normal).

SHAED CLOAK RANK

1 1

6 2

1 (2)

1 4

AC Bonus (+1 AC) Forced Disadvantage (All Attack Rolls)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

The stories about a rabbit’s foot being lucky are true! It also augments the possessing characters Wisdom Ability, too.

LUCKY RABBIT’S FOOT 2 3

Alternate Identity (6 identities) Healing (2d8 HP) Undetectable (Sight 2; Unique Limiter: Nonadjacent +1) TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

Lucky Rabbit’s Foot

RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

6 2

CLOAK OF DISPLACEMENT RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 2 3

Augmented (+2 Wisdom) Mulligan (6 re-rolls/session)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

Tin Helm When folded into the proper geometric form, a tin helm will protect the character from magical, psionic, and paranormal forces that attempt to invade their mind or body. Belief in the power of the tin helm is essential, though, since its protective functions will not work at all unless the character has unwavering faith.

TIN HELM RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 (4)

3 (5)

3 5

Immutable (Emotional: Unwavering belief in helm +2) Mind Shield (Emotional: Unwavering belief in helm +2) TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

209

CH-10

ITEMS

Armaments

The Weapon Attribute provides more customisation options than any other, allowing for a seemingly endless number of possibilities. The example Weapons provided in this section present a variation of that Attribute on its own, or paired with others to create unique combinations.

Fireball Collar These magical collars are often placed around the necks of powerful criminals to deter their escape and ensure compliance. If the wearer attempts to remove the collar, the fireball trap within detonates instantly in a nasty explosion that often ends in death. The collar can also be detonated though a magically paired remote controller when necessary.

Beastly Spear Only someone deemed worthy by the beastly spear can wield it properly through a special bonding. They gain the power of flight while engaged in combat and cannot be tracked by demons while bonded. The weapon is optimised for combat against demons on any dimensional plane.

BEASTLY SPEAR RANK 1 2 (4)

1 6 15

2 25

Energised (+10 Energy) Flight (100 mph; Object +2) Weapon: Spear (2d10 damage; Accurate -1; Drain: -4 Endurance -2; Homing -1; Multidimensional -1; Penetrating -2; Range: 100’ -3; Targetted: Demons -1; Hands +1) Undetectable (Demon Tracking) Unique Attribute (Bonds to one worthy individual)

By writing the true name of a target on a page in this mysterious leather-bound book, the character can inflict an overwhelming amount of damage from anywhere in the world. This powerful psychic attack damages instantaneously and bypasses all armour and magical protection, affecting both physical and incorporeal targets. The extreme damage is fatal to all but the heartiest targets.

BOOK OF DEATH

210

POINTS ATTRIBUTE Weapon: Fireball Explosion (8d10 damage; Aura -1; Unique Enhancement: Attempting to remove 20 collar triggers fireball -1; Unique Enhancement: Can be activated by magical remote controller -1; Ammo: 1 use +3) 20

This wand emits a pulse towards a target that is effective at bypassing armour. The pulse drains Hit Points from the target and transfers them back to the attacker. Damage from the wand cannot be healed by Attributes and must be recovered naturally.

LEACHING WAND RANK 10 (2)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 10

Weapon: Invading Pulse (1d8 damage; Incurable -1; Penetrating -2; Range: 30’ -2; Vampiric -4; Toxic +1)

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

Mindeater This unadorned golden circlet allows the wearer to launch a beam of psychic energy at a target to drain their Intelligence. Once infected, the target may automatically transfer this minddraining effect to anyone they touch.

MINDEATER

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

Weapon: Death’s Caress (6d12 damage; Accurate -1; Indirect -1; Inconspicuous -3; Incurable -1; Multidimensional -1; Range: 10,000 miles -9; Targetted -2; Toxic +1; Unique Limiter: Single use requires the target’s true name to be written in book +5)

TOTAL (RANK 6 ITEM – 24 POINTS)

TOTAL (RANK 4 ITEM – 16 POINTS)

Leaching Wand

TOTAL (RANK 5 ITEM – 20 POINTS)

Book of Death

30 (18)

RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

15 (5)

RANK

FIREBALL COLLAR

RANK 5 (0)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE 5

Weapon: Infection (0d4 damage; Contagious -2; Drain: -4 Intelligence -2; Penetrating -2; Toxic +1)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

ITEMS CH-10

Mobius Blade The mystical mobius blade is a legendary weapon that augments the wielder’s body to be faster, stronger, and more flexible. It also gives control over the character’s stature, allowing them to grow by one or two Size Ranks (from Medium to Huge, for example) to an imposing height. While in possession of the sword, the character gains environmental domination over cold and humidity – a power infused within the blade during its forging over a thousand years ago in the wintry mountains. On each combat stroke, the blade generates a powerful wind that can assault multiple targets (up to four) in melee range or at a distance (up to 30’). This attack can cross spacial boundaries as well to assault enemies in adjacent dimensional realms.

MOBIUS BLADE RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 2 2

4 2 8

11 (5)

11 25

Augmented (+4 Dexterity) Control Environment (Cold, Humidity) Size Change – Lesser (+2 Size Ranks) Weapon: Wind Stroke (2d10 damage; Multidimensional -1; Range: 30’ -2; Spreading: 4 targets -3) TOTAL (RANK 5 ITEM – 20 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

211

CH-10

ITEMS

Pain Doll This small doll serves as an effigy of the desired target, who can be anywhere in the world or nearby dimensional plane. By poking the doll with needles and blades, pain and damage will be inflicted upon the target as well – unless that area poked is protected by a sufficiently high Armour Class.

PAIN DOLL RANK 10 (2)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE Weapon: Pain (1d8 damage; Accurate -1; Indirect -1; Multidimensional -1; 10 Range: 10,000 miles -9; Exclusive: Target into whose likeness the doll was made +3; Toxic +1) 10

TOTAL (RANK 2 ITEM – 8 POINTS)

Sword of Detection While this sword is expertly crafted, it is imbued with the imprint of one specific Race or enemy identity. Thereafter, when the sword comes within 30’ of the imprinted target, it glows with a bright blue light. Additionally, the sword grants the wielder proficiency in the language spoken by the enemy.

SWORD OF DETECTION RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

Language (Select One Race or Enemy) Sixth Sense (Select One Race or Enemy; Potent -1; Detectable: Sight +1) Weapon: Longsword (2d6 damage)

TOTAL (RANK 1 ITEM – 4 POINTS)

Thunder Mace This unique weapon can only be wielded by someone the mace deems worthy. It gives the wielder control over darkness and storms, and will return to the owner’s grasp under its own power of flight. The mace can be used in melee combat or thrown up to 1,000’, offering two types of attack: a resounding smash that can pound an opponent and open a large fissure in the ground, and a lightning call from the sky that bypasses armour and can strike multiple targets hidden behind cover.

THUNDER MACE RANK

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 (5)

12 (6)

13 (4)

2 35

212

Control Environment (Darkness, Storms) Flight (300 mph; Object +2; Unique Limiter: Fly to owner only +1) Weapon: Pounding Smash (2d12 damage; Quake -3; Range: 100’ -3) Weapon: Call the Lightning (3d6 damage; Indirect -1; Penetrating -2; Range: 100’ -3; Spreading: 4 targets -3) Unique Attribute (Bonds to one worthy individual) TOTAL (RANK 7 ITEM – 28 POINTS)

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CHAPTER 11

Monsters & NPCs

CHAPTER 11

MONSTERS & NPCS Anime 5E adventures are filled with a plethora of creatures and people besides the player characters. From monsters that lurk deep in dungeons and crypts, to pet familiars who explore and fight alongside their trainers, to background allies and regular adventuring associates – non-player characters or NPCs are vital components of the rich tapestry of your game world. This chapter includes a small sampling of monsters and NPCs that you may encounter during a game session. These examples can be used as they are written, or they can be modified to better fit the setting and storyline. Creatures and NPCs are created from Points using the same guidelines in Chapters 2 through 7 that apply to the player characters, though monsters are usually Classless (page 50). For details about NPCs acquired with Points, see the Companion (page 95) and Minions (page 108) Attributes.

Monsters

Whether they make their homes in dungeons, swamps, mountains, or forests, monsters are an important element in many Fifth Edition fantasy RPGs. The MM and game books from other companies provide thousands of monsters that gaming groups can use in their Anime 5E adventures, either as they are or with minor adjustments. This chapter presents a small selection of popular Fifth Edition fantasy monsters across the Challenge Rating spectrum, adjusted and re-evaluated for Anime 5E’s Point-based approach to game stats. Fifth Edition feature names may also be included in italics for reference.

SIZE AND MONSTERS Size Templates (page 44) can be widely applied to monsters, though the specific Attribute and Defect entries primarily considered humanoid bodily proportions and functions. Consequently, some allowances need to be made when applying Size to monsters and their stat blocks.

Strength Bonus

Attributes and Defects that change the Strength Ability (such as Augmented) are recorded in the monsters’ stat blocks, but do not include their Point cost (simply listed as “–”) since the costs are instead subsumed in the total cost of the Abilities.

Strength Damage

Monsters smaller than Medium inflict reduced damage with Strength-related attacks such as melee weapon swings, unarmed punches, claws, and bites. A monster usually inflicts a minimum of 1 damage by a successful attack – even after the Strength deduction – though the DM may impose no minimum if the opponent is at least two Sizes larger than the attacker.

Throwing Distance Modifier

These entries are omitted for non-humanoid monsters if they do not typically throw weapons.

Speed Modifier

Some monsters do not follow the normal size-related speed progression, either because they are clumsy when walking vs. a typical humanoid (such as a wyvern or dragon) or because they are exceptionally agile (and may have more than two legs). 214

Anime 5E Size-Based Armour Class That most pronounced difference between monster stats in Anime 5E vs. the traditional Fifth Edition fantasy MM is the Armour Class for monsters that vary from Medium. As explained in Chapter 2, Anime 5E’s approach to larger creatures reduces their AC, since they make substantial targets – though weapons damage them less due to the creature’s size resiliency. Of course, some larger creatures also have natural Armour Class bonuses that offset their size penalties. Conversely, attacking smaller creatures require greater accuracy since they have less area to hit (ie. they have increased ACs) – but successful attacks inflict additional damage due to the creature’s size fragility. For example, the massive and ferocious purple worm (page 228) has AC 18 in the Fifth Edition MM, yet only AC 12 in Anime 5E. The creature is reasonably difficult to hit from the MM, but successful attacks inflict full damage. In Anime 5E, it’s difficult to miss hitting the 80-foot-long monstrosity, but damage delivered by successful attacks is reduced by 6 each – resulting in many attacks inflicting minimal or no damage due to the worm’s thick hide.

The Anime 5E approach to monster size is vastly different than Fifth Edition rules, yet provides a robust and balanced application of penalties and bonuses that works well within the existing d20 rules framework.

BASE POINTS Each monster has two base components that require Point assignments outside the Attribute structure: Hit Points (related to the monster’s Hit Dice) and Proficiency Bonus. These Point costs are the same as those provided in Table 10: 1st-Level Base Points (page 82) and summarised as follows: » 2 to 10 Points for each Hit Die, ranging from d4 to d20 (Points equals half the Hit Die size – 2 for d4, 3 for d6, etc.) » 2 Points for each +1 Proficiency Bonus Consequently, monsters are rarely assigned the Enhanced Proficiency or Tough Attributes. The Proficiency Bonus for each monster closely aligns it’s CR with the Character Levels listed in Table 08: Level Advancement (page 50).

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

TABLE 32: MONSTERS BY CR MONSTER

MONSTER

Kobold Goblin Orc Bugbear Ogre Hell Hound Mummy

⅛ ¼ ½ 1 2 3 4

Troll Wyvern Giant, Stone Succubus Dragon, Young White Purple Worm Dragon, Adult Red

6 8 10 11 12 15 19

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COMPARING CHALLENGE RATINGS BETWEEN GAMES

The languages spoken by a monster are listed as an Attribute. Sentient creatures gains one base language without Point cost, which is either Common or a racial language.

The assignment of Challenge Ratings for the same monster vary wildly between Anime 5E and standard Fifth Edition. Some monsters are identical or closely aligned – such as ogres having CR 2 in both systems, or mummies having CR 3 in Fifth Edition and CR 4 in Anime 5E – while others are quite far apart – such as succubi having CR 11 in Anime 5E but only CR 4 in Fifth Edition. The source of any differences lie in the essence of what a “Challenge Rating” means in each game. Challenge Ratings in Fifth Edition are primarily about fighting and physical conflict, and is therefore highly dependent on a monster’s HP (and thus Constitution), AC (and thus Dexterity), damage (and thus Strength), Saving Throws, and battle competency. The DMG even presents a table called “Monster Statistics by Challenge Rating” that specifically focuses on the aforementioned creature’s defensive and offensive capabilities. Conversely, Anime 5E Challenge Ratings take a more holistic approach to a monster’s threat that considers its capabilities in battle, but also it’s scope of talents and options in everyday living outside combat as well. After all, a monster can pose a significant threat outside the dungeon, too, that may depend on its non-combat Attributes.

Speed and Movement

Case Study: Succubus

A monster’s speed varies from Fifth Edition in several ways. As presented in the MM, Large, Huge, and Gargantuan creatures move significantly slower compared to Medium creatures based on their size proportionality. For example, stone giants (page 225) are Huge monsters that stand 20-30 feet tall, yet their speed is only 40 feet/round. This would equate to a Medium-sized humanoid only having a speed in the 9-12 feet/round range! In Anime 5E, a creature’s ground speed is proportionately aligned with their size, as listed in Table 05 (page 45). The same stone giant moves at 120 feet/round in Anime 5E – four times faster than a Medium-sized humanoid, due to their 4x height. Similarly, Small 3-foot-tall kobolds – half a Medium humanoid’s height – have a proportionate base speed of 15 feet/round.

Examining the succubus (page 226) demonstrates the starkly different considerations between the two game systems.

MONSTER IN ANIME 5E VS. FIFTH EDITION Although many monster aspects in Anime 5E are easy to grasp, there are several distinct differences compared to traditional Fifth Edition monsters that require explanation.

Language Entries

Flight, Tunnelling, and Water Speed Increments

Categories of creature movement other than surface-based are granted by the Flight (page 102), Tunnelling (page 120), and Water Speed (page 121) Attributes. The progression of all three Attributes follow a x3 geometric sequence, and jump from 30 feet/round to 90 feet/round without intermediate granularity. Consequently, the Fifth Edition flight/tunnelling/swimming movement rates that progress in 10s (40/50/60/etc.) are replaced in Anime 5E by either 30 feet/round or 90 feet/round.

Monsters are Classless Monsters in Anime 5E are Classless (just like in Fifth Edition), and thus their Point totals and associated CRs are calculated by adding together the cost of all stat components. All creatures must therefore pay for their Proficiency Bonus and Hit Points, as well as their Ability Scores, Attributes, and Defects. Innate Weapons (like a red dragon’s fire breath, or succubus’s Draining Kiss) require Points, but items (clubs, bows, javelins, etc.) do not.

SUCCUBUS SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 8 (-1)

Medium 30’ 11 7,200 DEX 17 (+3)

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS CON 13 (+1)

INT 15 (+2)

15 66 (12d8+12) [48] +4 [8] 220

WIS 12 (+1)

CHA 20 (+5)

With 66 HP (12d8 Hit Dice), the succubus has Hit Points equivalent to a 12th-Level character, which also aligns with its +4 Proficiency Bonus. With little focus on its Strength and Constitution, though, its ability to withstand or inflict damage is limited. A high Charisma does wonders outside the dungeon, but offers little benefit in a straight-up fight. Under Fifth Edition, the succubus’s CR is penalised for having weaker offensive and defensive capabilities, and thus is assigned CR 4. In Anime 5E though, a significant portion of the succubus’s 220 Points associate with its powerful non-combat capabilities such as Rank 6 Lesser Immunity (6 Points), Rank 6 Mind Control (18 Points), Rank 2 Portal to the Ethereal Plane (10 Points), Rank 5 Telepathy (15 Points), and Rank 9 Draining Kiss Weapon (9 Points). Additionally, although the succubus may have lower combat-related Ability Scores, it does have an exceptional Charisma (20), athletic Dexterity (17) and high Intelligence (15). When examining all facets of a succubus and it’s 220 Points, it’s clear why Anime 5E assigns the creature a CR 11.

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MONSTERS & NPCS

KOBOLD Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Small (2’-3’); Humanoid; Reptilian Ground (15’) Underground dungeons and crypts Large tribal colonies Lawful Evil

“It was clear from the stench and piles of bones that the dungeon was home to a kobold nest as the villagers had claimed. We weren’t even 50 feet down the first corridor, though, when Alarak detected a trip wire attached to a spear trap. And then immediately after, a covered pit with crude spikes at the bottom. And then another trip wire that dropped an acid pot! Our thief had to disarm a dozen traps in just the first corridor.”

As one of the weakest common humanoid Races, the reptilian kobolds form substantial tribal communities for mutual defence against more powerful predators. Some kobold bands serve a more powerful boss monster, such as a dragon or mage, and act as minions, informants, and loot gatherers. Others engage in hostile skirmishes with rival kobold tribes, fighting over food, resources, shelter, and territory. Kobold are skilled tunnellers and builders. They frequently riddle their underground lairs with dozens or hundreds of traps to capture or kill invaders, favouring sneak attacks over direct confrontation. From trip wires to deadfalls, spiked pits to poisoned needles – kobold traps aren’t the most difficult to detect or disarm, but their numbers are an effective deterrence against others searching for easy prey.

Subrace Variation Winged kobolds are a sturdier Subrace with increased Strength and Constitution, and Rank 1 Flight Attribute.

KOBOLD SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 7 (-2)

Small 15’ ⅛ 25 DEX 15 (+2)

WEAPON Dagger (Dexterity)

2 2

1 1

WIS 7 (-2)

CHA 8 (-1)

TYPE

1d4+2

Melee; Piercing

1d4+2

Range 2 (30’) Bludgeoning

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Edge (Pack Tactics – Attack rolls when allies nearby) Features (Darkvision 60’) Language (Common, Draconic) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon Proficiency (Shortsword)

POINTS DEFECT

-2

4 1 2

-4 -1 -2

-1 -2

216

INT 8 (-1)

14 5 (2d6-2) [6] +2 [4] 62

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 2

RANK

CON 9 (-1)

TO HIT DAMAGE

Sling RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Limited Damage (-2 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Sunlight Sensitivity – Attack rolls and Perception Skill checks) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage) Unique Defect (Thrown weapon distance ÷2) + 10 Base + 54 Abilities = 62 POINTS

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MONSTERS & NPCS

GOBLIN Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Small (3’-4’); Humanoid; Mammalian Ground (15’) Shallow caves and deep mines Medium to large tribal colonies Neutral Evil

“Someone must have been pushing the goblins to continue running through the night, because they can rarely focus for that long. And the lack of bones along their trail gave us hope that the captured Asrai were still alive. ‘But why?’, we thought. ‘Why take captives instead of just killing the family?’ The reason eventually became clear as we reached their caves and laid eyes upon their goblin king, the goblin shaman, and the bloody alter.”

CH-11

The smaller cousins of hobgoblins and bugbears, goblins are inherently lazy, selfish, greedy, and unfocussed. They crave power, yet lack the will to act on their desire. Though they are individually weak, goblins band together in substantial gangs to take what they want and destroy what they don’t. Goblins form strict hierarchies based on strength and power. Might makes right, though sometimes cleverness and guile can overcome mere muscles when convincing a band of followers. They enjoy the pain and suffering of other humanoids (including members of rival goblin tribes), and frequently torture their captives before eating them. Goblin lairs are simple and unadorned, with few furnishings. If their homes attracts too many invaders and thus become too dangerous, goblins will simply soon move to another location.

Subrace Variation Swamp goblins make their homes in bogs and ponds. They have increased Wisdom and Rank 1 Water Speed Attribute.

GOBLIN SIZE SPEED CR XP

Small 15’ ¼ 50

STR 8 (-1)

DEX 14 (+2)

WEAPON Scimitar (Dexterity)

INT 11 (+0)

Leather; shield 17 7 (2d6) [6] +2 [4] 72

WIS 8 (-1)

CHA 8 (-1)

TYPE

1d6+2

Melee; Slashing

1d6+2

Range 3 (100’) Piercing

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 1

RANK

CON 11 (+0)

TO HIT DAMAGE

Shortbow RANK

ARMOUR ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Armour Proficiency (Light armour, shields) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Extra Actions – Lesser (Nimble Escape – Disengage, Hide) Features (Darkvision 60’) Language (Common, Goblin) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon Proficiency (Scimitar)

POINTS DEFECT

2 4 1 2

-2 -4 -1 -2

-1 2

Limited Damage (-2 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage) Unique Defect (Thrown weapon distance ÷2) + 10 Base + 60 Abilities = 72 POINTS

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MONSTERS & NPCS

ORC Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Medium (5’-6’); Humanoid; Mammalian Ground (30’) Ranges across all non-aquatic lands Small to medium tribes Chaotic Evil

“...and thus, the Elven rangers followed their queen’s command to extract revenge for the bespoiled forest maidens. Tracking the orc tribe was trivial, since they left a path of destruction in their wake, with half-eaten herds and farmsteads burned to the ground. Little did the Elves know that the orcs were mercenary servants of a powerful necromancer, and were merely leading the sylvan rangers into a deadly, unforgettable trap.”

With a head similar to that of a boar and core capabilities that match or exceed an average Human (Intelligence excepted), the orc is one of the most common humanoid monsters found across the world. They are well-known and feared for their reputation as raiders, pillagers, slave traders, and great devourers. Orcs have an intense hatred for Elves and Half-Elves, as well as similarly aligned Races such as Dwarves, Gnomes, Asrai, Faries, and Satyrs. Orcs have a bloodlust that isn’t easily sated, and so they gather in tribes to march across kingdoms to kill and destroy. These wandering predators rarely settle in caverns, ruins, and forest glades for too long before they strike camp and continue their rampage. Occasionally, a strong leader commands the orcs to build lair fortifications with the intent to remain for an extended period – though this is only possible when the surrounding lands are rich with food to hunt (preferably humanoid) and resources to exploit. Orc tribes are also willing to serve as mercenaries for conquering warlords of nearly any identity when pay is offered in both coin and flesh.

Subrace Variation Orog are powered-up orc, with many increased Ability Scores (Strength, Constitution, Intelligence, Charisma) and enhanced combat talents that allow them to make two attacks each round.

ORC SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 16 (+3)

Medium 30’ ½ 100 DEX 13 (+1)

WEAPON Greataxe

218

CON 16 (+3)

INT 7 (-2)

TO HIT DAMAGE +5 1d12+3

Javelin RANK

ARMOUR ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

1d6+1

Hide 13 15 (2d8+6) [8] +2 [4] 92

WIS 11 (+0)

CHA 10 (+0)

TYPE Melee; Slashing Range 2 (30’) Piercing

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 1 1 1

Armour Proficiency (Light and medium armour) Extra Actions – Lesser (Aggressive – Move towards seen enemy) Features (Darkvision 60’) Language (Common, Orc) Skill Proficiency (Intimidation) Weapon Proficiency (Greataxe)

+ 13 Base + 72 Abilities = 92 POINTS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

BUGBEAR Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Medium (5’-7’); Humanoid; Mammalian Ground (30’) Underground caves and dense forests Small clans and as goblinoid leaders Chaotic Evil

“The hunting party was triumphantly returning to the village with two large stags in tow. Suddenly and with ferocious roars, three hairy bugbears jumped from the undergrowth – seemingly appearing out of nowhere! Those bushes are scarcely large enough to hide children, and yet those monsters used them to their full advantage. Abe and Leema fell in seconds to the bugbears’ onslaught, while the other hunters scattered in terror.”

CH-11

Bugbears share heritage with their smaller goblinoid cousins, goblins and hobgoblins. They are ideally suited for combat mayhem, and live for the chance to dominate weaker opponents. They congregate in small clans that usually comprise a handful of families, or command individually as goblinoid leaders of tribes and armies. Sometimes, clever bugbears “negotiate” with these tribes, demanding food and treasure in return for serving as scouts and muscle; such negotiations always end in their favour. They are notoriously unreliable allies, though, who will flee rather than fight if threatened by more-powerful opponents. Despite their bulk, bugbears are surprisingly stealthy and regularly set ambushes for their foes to catch them unaware. They are also brutally vicious in combat, inflicting additional damage during surprise attacks – whether they are throwing ranged weapons or engaged in close-quarters combat – and whenever they bash their foes in melee combat.

Subrace Variation Arctic bugbears are a heartier and hairier northern stock, with increased Constitution. They also have Lesser Immunity to cold (Rank 3) and the Light-Footed Special Movement.

BUGBEAR SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 15 (+2)

Medium 30’ 1 200 DEX 14 (+2)

ARMOUR ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS CON 13 (+1)

INT 8 (-1)

WEAPON TO HIT DAMAGE Morningstar Flail +4 2d8+2 Javelin RANK

1d6+2

Hide; shield 16 27 (5d8+5) [20] +2 [4] 110

WIS 10 (+0)

CHA 8 (-1)

TYPE Melee; Piercing Range 2 (30’) Piercing

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 1

2 1

Armour Proficiency (Light and medium armour, shields) Features (Darkvision 60’) Language (Common, Goblin) Massive Damage – Lesser (Surprise Attack – +2d6 surprise attacks) Massive Damage – Lesser (Brute – +1d8 melee attacks) Skill Proficiency (Stealth, Survival) Weapon Proficiency (Morningstar Flail)

+ 24 Base + 68 Abilities = 110 POINTS

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MONSTERS & NPCS

OGRE Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Large (9’-11’); Humanoid; Giant Ground (60’) Caves and abandoned ruins/farmholds Solitary, or family units Chaotic Evil

“When we came upon the farmhouse, savaged livestock and halfling carcasses were strewn about haphazardly. And the stench! We peaked through the window and spied an enormous ogre snoring away on four broken beds that he had crammed together. We quickly fled the scene before the monstrosity could awaken.”

Known for their stupidity as much as their strength, ogres are brutal raiders and scavengers. They kill and destroy for food and for pleasure, and will frequently take up residence in the homes of humanoids they have vanquished. They have short tempers, and can become truly enraged when seriously injured or repeatedly taunted or insulted. Ogres are greedy, which makes them easy to manipulate. Weaker groups often hire ogres as tribal protectors, offering shiny treasure and abundant meat in exchange for their muscle. Ogres practically worship giants of all types, respecting their awe and might, and will happily serve as their minions without compensation; the opportunity to associate with such powerful beings is intoxicating.

Subrace Variation With dark, leathery skin, sun ogres are considerably thinner than their brethren, with higher Dexterity and average Intelligence. They make their homes in deserts and tropical climates.

OGRE SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 19 (+4)

Large 60’ 2 450 DEX 8 (-1)

ARMOUR ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS CON 16 (+3)

INT 5 (-3)

WEAPON TO HIT DAMAGE Greatclub, Large +4 2d8+6 (One-Handed) Javelin, Large RANK

4 1 1 1 2 2

4 1 1 1 6 2

2 1 2 1

CHA 7 (-2)

TYPE Melee; Bludgeoning Range 2 (30’) Piercing

Armour Proficiency (Light and medium armour) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Fast (x2 speed; 60 feet/round) Features (Darkvision 60’) Language (Common, Giant) Massive Damage (+2 damage) Protected (-2 Standard damage) Unique Attribute (x2 Thrown weapon distance)

POINTS DEFECT -2 -2 -2 -1 11

220

2d6+1

WIS 7 (-2)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

RANK

-1

Hide 9 59 (7d10+21) [35] +2 [4] 112

AC Penalty (-2 AC) Blind Fury (Extreme injury or taunting) Inept Attack (-2 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) + 39 Base + 62 Abilities = 112 POINTS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

HELL HOUND Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Medium (4’-5’); Canine Quadruped; Fiend Ground (60’) Lower planes; Summoned locations Medium packs, or solitary when summoned Lawful Evil

“We knew that we overstayed our welcome in Xanthra’s castle when we heard a guttural growl coming from around the corner as we exited the treasury. A giant hound from our worst nightmares stalked towards us, with glowing red eyes and a flaming maw. That’s when we saw the other two emerge from around the opposite corridor. Not wanting to face the inevitable fire breath that I was sure was coming next, I activated the Ring of Teleportation to return us all immediately to the inn.”

CH-11

Though they normally call the various Lower Planes their home, hell hounds may be summoned to the Material Plane to serve as companions and guard animals for powerful magi and extraplanar beings. Their powerful bodies, fiendish instincts, and infernal breath makes them formidable opponents. Hell hounds naturally hunt in packs on their home plane, though they are often only summoned singly or in pairs to the Material Plane. They can comprehend language and instruction better than simple animals, which makes them highly trainable and good at following orders – if they respect or fear their master. They are far from domesticated beasts, though, with evil inclinations towards hunting, killing, and feasting. Their leathery hides are extremely durable, and can be worked into magical shields and armour with fire-resistant properties.

Subrace Variation Hell toms are feline variations on hell hounds that breath a spray of acid or cloud of noxious gas instead of fire, with the corresponding Immunity Attribute to match. Hell toms also usually have higher Charisma and lower Constitution.

HELL HOUND SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 17 (+3) RANK

Medium 60’ 3 700 DEX 12 (+1)

1 1

3 – 1

9 – 1

2 2

CON 14 (+2)

INT 6 (-2)

15 45 (7d8+14) [28] +2 [4] 122

WIS 13 (+1)

CHA 6 (-2)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Edge (Pack Tactics – Attack rolls when allies nearby) Features (Darkvision 60’) Fast (x2 speed; 60 feet/round) Heightened Senses (Keen Hearing and Smell) Immunity (Fire) Language (Infernal) Skill Proficiency (Perception) Weapon: Bite (1d8+3 piercing +2d6 fire damage) Weapon: Fire Breath (6d6 fire damage; Range : 10’ -1; Spreading: 5 targets -4; Charges: 6 times/day +1; Save +4 [Dexterity vs DC 12])

POINTS DEFECT -6 -6 22

Impaired Manipulation (Paws only) Impaired Speech (No language) + 32 Base + 68 Abilities = 122 POINTS

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MONSTERS & NPCS

MUMMY Size and Type: Medium (5’-6’); Humanoid; Undead Movement: Ground (15’) Habitat: Tombs and crypts Communities: Solitary Alignment: Lawful Evil

“We should never have entered the crypt from the ancient human civilisation, but our greed pushed us forward. Their emperor’s remains were guarded by four servants, cursed to protect him as undead. When one of the mummies looked at me, it froze my soul. I was paralysed with fear and couldn’t move, yet I also couldn’t drown out the screams of my allies as the undead pummelled them repeatedly. Our team eventually overcame the horrors of our encounter and we rallied to burn them all to ashes – but the mummy’s putrid touch left the three half-elven brothers with a necrotic rot that continuesd to eat them alive. I don’t know how much time we have to find a cure until death takes them, but I fear it’s not long.”

Some humanoid cultures embalm and entomb their dead to send them into the afterlife, often wrapping them in linen bandages during the process. Necromancers and other dark art practitioners can raise mummified bodies as undead corpses by infusing them with negative planar energies during rituals. Mummies can speak in languages they knew while alive, though they often prefer to remain silent. The magic that animated them may bind them with conditions to follow as undead, or they may be given a wider range of free will. Mummies are most often found protecting crypts and temples under the guidance of those who cursed them awake. Fear and death are the tools of mummies. They can instil fear into the souls of nearby individuals with its dreadful glare unless successfully resisted. Their powerful fists inflicts substantial damage, both bludgeoning and necrotic. Their touch has a chance of infecting its victims with a necrotic rot that lingers within for days until they succumb to death or are magically cured.

MUMMY SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 16 (+3) RANK

Medium 15’ 4 1,100 DEX 8 (-1)

2 2 1 6

5 (4)

1 2

INT 6 (-2)

WIS 10 (+0)

CHA 12 (+1)

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Extra Actions – Lesser (Mind Control) Features (Darkvision 60’) Immunity (Poison) Immunity – Lesser (Non-magical weapons) Language (Common, one of choice) Mind Control (Dreadful Glare – Potent -1; Range: 30’ -2; Unique Limiter: One round only +1; Unique Limiter: Fear only +2) Resilient (Disease, exhaustion, fear, paralysis) Saving Throw Proficiency (Wisdom) Weapon: Rotting Fist (2d6+3 bludgeoning +3d6 necrotic damage) Weapon: Necrotic Rot (3d6 necrotic damage; Continuing: Daily -1; Linked: Rotting Fist Weapon -1; Unique Enhancement: Can’t regain Hit Points until magically cured of the disease -3; Save +4 [Constitution vs DC 12])

POINTS DEFECT -1 -4 33

222

CON 15 (+2)

11 58 (9d8+18) [36] +2 [4] 140

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 1 1 2

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Vulnerability (Fire) + 40 Base + 67 Abilities = 140 POINTS

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MONSTERS & NPCS

TROLL Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Large (10’-14’); Humanoid; Giant Ground (60’) Swamps, forest, and subterranean caves Small clans Chaotic Evil

“It erupted with a snarl from the boggy water as we walked along the bank. Our elven guide was ready for an attack, though, and with the deft stroke of his katana sliced off one of the troll’s arms. Within seconds, we could see its body began to grow a new arm – and its severed arm a new body! But rather than attacking back at the elf, the troll ran screaming towards the two torchcarrying satyr and prepared to eviscerate them.”

CH-11

Trolls are widely known for two things: their tremendous ability to regenerate, and their ferocious appetite for flesh. They will eat nearly any creature they can capture and kill, though they prefer the taste (and screams) of intelligent humanoids over wild animals and aquatic creatures. These capable giantkin will occasionally hire themselves out as mercenaries to other Races in exchange for meat and treasure, though they are notoriously difficult to control. Trolls regenerate quickly from any injury, though healing damage sustained from fire and acid attacks is delayed slightly. Even decapitation won’t kill a troll; full dismemberment and burning the pieces is usually required to end their lives permanently. With their freakish rejuvenation, trolls are even capable of regrowing entire bodies from severed limbs.

Subrace Variation Snow trolls are a broader and shorter variant that is covered in white fur. They have reduced Regeneration (Rank 4) that is unaffected by acid and fire, and full Immunity to cold (Rank 3).

TROLL SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 18 (+4) RANK

Large 60’ 6 2,300 DEX 13 (+1)

2 4 8 1 1 1 – 6 2

8 (10)

2 2

2 1

CON 20 (+5)

INT 7 (-2)

13 84 (8d10+40) [40] +3 [6] 156

WIS 9 (-1)

CHA 7 (-2)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 4 2 1 1 1 – 2 2

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Extra Actions (2 Bonus Actions/round) Fast (x2 speed; 60 feet/round) Features (Darkvision 60’) Heightened Senses (Keen Smell) Language (Giant) Massive Damage (+2 damage) Protected (-2 Standard damage) Regeneration (10 HP/Round – Unique Limiter: Does not function for one round after suffering acid or fire damage +2) Skill Proficiency (Perception) Unique Attribute (x2 Thrown weapon distance) Weapon: Bite (1d6+6 piercing damage) Weapon: Claw (2d4+6 slashing damage)

POINTS DEFECT -2 -1 36

Inept Attack (-2 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) + 46 Base + 74 Abilities = 156 POINTS

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MONSTERS & NPCS

WYVERN Size and Type: Large (12’-16’); Winged Biped; Draconic Movement: Ground (25’); Flight (90’) Habitat: Rocky mountains Communities: Solitary, or family units Alignment: Unaligned

“Before today, we had only heard of the infamous Haud Wyvern Cavalry unit. I guess your race’s natural resistance to poison takes some of the sting out of their tail – no pun intended. And you both speak the same dragon language, right? Those beasts certainly are graceful in the air, and they dive with tremendous speed and precision. We didn’t know how we’d defend our fort against the orc army and their ogre muscle, so we thank you profusely for coming to our rescue!”

Many people who have never seen these giant flying reptiles may mistake wyverns for dragons; while they are related, the two fearsome beast are distinct. Wyvern range up to a length of 16 feet as adults – the size of a young dragon – and have only two scaly legs, rather than a dragon’s four. Additionally, they lack the refined intelligence of dragons, and act on instinct instead of reason. Most strikingly, a wyvern’s tail is tipped with a deadly poisoned stinger that can kill many humanoids with a single injection. Their poison sack is a prized ingredient in alchemical compounds, and makes for a deadly venom to coat bladed weapons. Wyvern are graceful aerial hunters who swoop down upon their prey from above to rend with its claws. Their hunting style relies more on brute force and speed, rather than guile and planned ambushes. Wyvern are ferocious but slow and awkward while on the ground, and are forced to rely on their bite and tail stinger during combat.

WYVERN SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 19 (+4) RANK

Large 25’ 8 3,900 DEX 10 (+0)

1 4 4 1 6 – 6 2 1 3 4

9 (10)

2 2 1

INT 5 (-3)

WIS 12 (+1)

CHA 6 (-2)

AC Bonus (+1 AC) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Extra Actions (1 Bonus Action/round) Features (Darkvision 60’) Flight (90 feet/round) Language (Draconic) Massive Damage (+2 damage) Protected (-2 Standard damage) Skill Proficiency (Perception) Weapon: Bite (2d6+6 piercing damage) Weapon: Claw (2d8+6 slashing damage) Weapon: Tail Stinger (2d6+6 piercing damage) Weapon: Tail Stinger Poison (7d6 poison damage; Linked: Tail Stinger Weapon -1; Save +2 [Poison vs DC 18])

POINTS DEFECT -6 -2 -1 35

224

CON 16 (+3)

11 110 (13d10+39) [65] +3 [6] 174

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 4 1 1 2 – 2 2 1 3 4

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Impaired Manipulation (Claws only) Inept Attack (-2 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) + 71 Base + 68 Abilities = 174 POINTS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

GIANT, STONE Size and Type: Huge (20’-30’); Humanoid; Giant Movement: Ground (120’) Habitat: Subterranean caverns; Mountains Communities: Small clans Alignment: Neutral

“It was an honour to be chosen for the mission to trade with the Helamite’s clan – a tradition our tribe has been continuing for decades. We were invited into the stone giant’s home and marvelled at the beauty and detail of the landscapes carved into the cavern walls. He explained that his family has been working on that single expansive scene for over 40 years! How can a race with such power also demonstrate such grace and artistry?”

CH-11

Stone giants prefer living their lives in sprawling cavern networks, away from other Races. They are peaceful neighbours unless provoked. They tend to spend their days carving intricate works of art across their cavern walls – a testament to their love of the elegance and beautiful of stone and crystal. When enraged or defending their home, stone giants prefer to pepper their targets with large thrown rocks, rather than fight with clubs.

Subrace Variation The elusive and majestic crystal giants have high Intelligence and Wisdom, as well as one or more Spell-Like Abilities.

STONE GIANT SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 23 (+6)

Huge 120’ 10 5,900 DEX 15 (+2)

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS CON 20 (+5)

INT 10 (+0)

WEAPON TO HIT DAMAGE Greatclub, Huge +6 2d8+10 (One-Handed) Rock, Large

RANK

1 –

4 1 2 1 1

4 4 2 1 1

2 1

4 2

WIS 12 (+1)

CHA 9 (-1)

TYPE Melee; Bludgeoning Range 2 (30’) Bludgeoning; Gains Massive Damage

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 4

RANK

6d4+6

13 126 (11d12+55) [66] +4 [8] 192

AC Bonus (+1 AC) Augmented (Strength) Edge (Stone Camouflage – Stealth Skill checks to hide in rocky terrain) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Extra Actions (1 Bonus Action/round) Fast (x4 speed; 120 feet/round) Features (Darkvision 60’) Language (Common, Giant) Massive Damage – Lesser (+4 Strength impacts) Protected (-4 Standard damage) Saving Throw Proficiency (Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom) Skill Proficiency (Athletics, Perception) Tool Proficiency (Carving tools) Unique Attribute (x4 Thrown weapon distance) Unique Attribute (Catch rocks and large objects thrown at giant with Dexterity Save vs DC 10)

POINTS DEFECT -4 -2 29

Inept Attack (-4 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) + 74 Base + 89 Abilities = 192 POINTS

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CH-11

MONSTERS & NPCS

SUCCUBUS Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Medium (5’-6’); Humanoid; Fiend Ground (30’) Lower planes; Various humanoid civilisations Solitary, or family units Neutral Evil

“That woman – or what we thought of at the time as a woman – was the very definition of sex. Every male in the tavern, and even some of the woman, were fully captivated by the way she looked, the way she talked, and the way she moved. I assumed she was a mistress of the night; to an extent, I guess she was. It wasn’t until we found the dead bodies in her room the next morning, with desiccated lips and enormous grins on their faces, that we realised she was probably a succubus.”

Succubi are native fiends of the Lower Planes who serve demon lords and higher beings in their quests for domination. Once they cross over to the Material Plane – through a summoning, magical transport, or other means – they can move freely between the Material and Ethereal Planes. Succubi are the embodiment of sexuality, lust, and desire. They can assume the shape of one specific comely female humanoid form, and then use their allure to charm one nearby intelligent creature at a time. Once their target is charmed, a Succubus gains major control over their mind that includes the option of commanding aggressive actions against the target’s allies. A succubus has a strong telepathic bond with this charmed individual as well. Their deadly Draining Kiss corrupts the soul of their thrall, and inflicts incredibly painful magical damage. Succubi are lovers, not fighters. They know they’re not much of a challenge to a party of adventurers in straight-up combat, and thus use their sexuality, charm, wit, and guile to manipulate the situations to their advantage.

Subrace Variation Succubus is a fiend that takes a female form on the Material Plane, while incubus refers to those who take a male form.

SUCCUBUS SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 8 (-1) RANK

Medium 30’ 11 7,200 DEX 17 (+3)

CON 13 (+1)

INT 15 (+2)

15 66 (12d8+12) [48] +4 [8] 220

WIS 13 (+1)

CHA 20 (+5)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

1 2

1 6

6 (4)

5 (2)

9 (14)

9 78

226

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Alternate Identity (Shapechanger – One Humanoid Form) Features (Darkvision 60’) Flight (90 feet/round) Immunity – Lesser (Cold, fire, lightning, poison, non-magical weapons) Language (Common, Abyssal, Infernal) Mind Control (Charm – Duration: 1 day -3; Range: 30’ -2; Unique Limiter: Charm limited to one target at a time +3) Portal (Ethereal Plane and back) Skill Proficiency (Deception, Insight, Perception, Persuasion, Stealth) Telepathy (Telepathic Bond – Area: 30’ -2; Unique Enhancement: Unlimited area if target is under Mind Control already -1) Weapon: Claw (1d10-1 slashing damage) Weapon: Draining Kiss (6d10 psychic damage; Dependent: Mind Control +1; Save +4 [Constitution Magic vs DC 14]) + 56 Base + 86 Abilities = 220 POINTS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

DRAGON, YOUNG WHITE Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Large (10’-14’); Winged Quadruped; Draconic Ground (30’); Flight (90’); Water (30’) Arctic mountain caverns Solitary, or paired while mating Chaotic Evil

“Our ice elf tribe has successfully shared our hunting grounds with Alathar the Young White since she ate the yeti family and took over their mountain cave five years ago. We don’t see her often, and so assume she sleeps much of the time. After losing several members of our clan in unexpected encounters with Alathar while hunting, we quickly learned what she will and will not tolerate from us. We keep our distance and leave small tributes of gems and jewellery when we sense her displeasure. Fortunately, we think she prefers the thrill of killing larger prey than our small elven bodies.”

CH-11

White dragons are the smallest, least intelligent, and most bestial of the chromatic dragons. They are also the only dragons that prefer making their lairs in arctic regions. What they lack in cunning and wit, though, they make up for with ferocity and single-mindedness; a white dragon on the hunt is a predator to avoid. As befitting their habitat, their bite and breath weapon inflicts deadly cold-based damage. The lair of a white dragon may not have as much treasure as other dragonkind, but they like keeping other trophies as well; the bodies of many defeated victims are entombed in translucent ice shards formed by their frozen breath.

Subrace Variation Eastern white dragons (though actually blue and white) are a rare Subrace from a distant continent. Their long serpent-like bodies lack two legs and they don’t have wings, but the Eastern whites can still fly quickly (300 feet/round; Rank 3) with magic.

YOUNG WHITE DRAGON SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 18 (+4) RANK

Large 30’ 12 8,400 DEX 10 (+0)

5 4 8

2 3 1

6 9 1

3 1

2 1

CON 18 (+4)

INT 6 (-2)

15 133 (14d10+56) [70] +4 [8] 235

WIS 11 (+0)

CHA 12 (+1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

5 4 2

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+5 AC) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Extra Actions (2 Bonus Actions/round) Features (Blindsight 30’, Darkvision 120’ x2) Flight (90 feet/round) Immunity (Cold) Language (Common, Draconic) Massive Damage – Lesser (+2 Strength impacts) Protected (-2 Standard damage) Saving Throw Proficiency (Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom, Charisma) Skill Proficiency (Perception, Stealth) Special Movement (Ice Walk – Light-Footed) Tunelling (10 feet/round) Water Speed (30 feet/round) Weapon: Bite (2d10+6 piercing +1d8 cold damage) Weapon: Claw (2d6+6 slashing damage) Weapon: Cold Breath (10d8 cold damage; Range: 30’ -2; Spreading: 4 targets -3; Charges: 6 times/day +1; Save +4 [Dexterity vs DC 14])

POINTS DEFECT -2 -1 82

Inept Attack (-2 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) + 78 Base + 75 Abilities = 235 POINTS

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CH-11

MONSTERS & NPCS

PURPLE WORM Size and Type: Gargantuan (50’-60’); Invertebrate Worm Movement: Ground (120’); Tunnelling (30’) Habitat: Subterranean Communities: Solitary, or in small pods Alignment: Unaligned

“Calm down, everyone! Yes, the shriekers have sounded which means that a purple worm has been detected in the area. Our distraction wards should send it on its way before it gets too close to the city, but we are also dispatching archers with piercing arrows as backup. It’s nearly impossible to miss hitting the beast, but it’s hide is thick and resistance to damage. We’re also sending our spellbinders several miles away to cause minor earth tremors and draw its attention if needed. Let’s not worry.”

Purple worms are feared by all creatures big and small that dwell in subterranean caves and cities. These massive burrowing monstrosities can effortlessly munch through earth and solid rock as they search for prey. Purple worms are attracted to loud noises and intense vibrations, which they can detect at great distances. Consequently, many underground civilisations have developed early warning systems and magical wards to protect against worm invasions. Fortunately, there are few purple worms in existence and their reproduction cycle is slow. These near-mindless creatures have a range of natural weaponry. Their powerful bites may swallow targets whole, subjecting their meals to an intense stomach acid bath. Purple worms can also sting with their poisoned tail, painfully piercing their targets before inflicting toxic poison damage as well. Few choose to stand and fight when a purple worm comes their way.

PURPLE WORM SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 28 (+9) RANK

Gargantuan ARMOUR CLASS

120’ 15 13,000

DEX 7 (-2)

4 — 4 1 2 1

1 4

10 (6)

12 (9)

17 (18)

3 2 6 3

INT 1 (-5)

WIS 8 (-1)

CHA 4 (-3)

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Augmented (Strength) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Extra Actions (1 Bonus Action/round) Fast (x4 speed; 120 feet/round) Features (Blindsight 30’) Massive Damage – Lesser (+6 Strength impacts) Protected (-6 Standard damage) Saving Throw Proficiency (Constitution, Wisdom) Supersense (Vibration detection) Tunnelling (30 feet/round; permanent) Weapon: Bite (3d8+15 piercing; Unique Enhancement: Swallows up to Large targets if they fail DC 20 Dexterity Save -4) Weapon: Stomach Acid (6d6 acid damage; Unique Enhancement: Automatically hits swallowed target each round until target escapes from stomach by inflicting 30+ damage internally in a single round -3) Weapon: Tail Stinger (3d6+15 piercing) Weapon: Tail Stinger Poison (12d6 poison damage; Linked: Tail Stinger Weapon -1; Save +2 [Poison vs DC 20])

POINTS DEFECT -9 -6 -6 -3 52

228

CON 22 (+6)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 8 4 1 2 1

RANK

12 HIT POINTS 247 (15d20+90) [150] PROFICIENCY BONUS +5 [20] TOTAL POINTS 292

Impaired Manipulation (No arms) Impaired Speech (No language) Inept Attack (-6 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) + 170 Base + 70 Abilities = 292 POINTS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

DRAGON, ADULT RED Size and Type: Movement: Habitat: Communities: Alignment:

Huge (25’-30’); Winged Quadruped; Draconic Ground (60’); Flight (90’) Rocky mountains and mines; Volcanic caves Solitary, or paired while mating Chaotic Evil

“Orcs of the Black Fist are a proud tribe. We bow before no one. Until today. Umithigarack the Red has awakened from its decade-long sleep in the abandoned mine and it demands tribute. Or it will eat us. Oorok the Elder sometimes spoke of the time of the Red, and how we gave one half of all our treasure to the great dragon to please it so it wouldn’t eat our tribe. That time has come again. Umithigarack can be a great protector of our lands, too, and the Black Fist will rise in power. Now, you five grab those bags and go to the mine. NOW!”

CH-11

Greedy red dragons are amongst the most respected and feared of all chromatic dragons. Their primary concern is the size of their treasure hoard, which they covet proudly as much as life itself. Adults are vicious hunters, arrogant tyrants, and obsessive collectors. They demand loyalty and service from all humanoid tribes in the expansive domain surrounding their mountain lairs – or they will rain down fire on those who refuse to bend the knee and serve up appropriate tribute.

ADULT RED DRAGON SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 27 (+8) RANK

Huge 60’ 19 22,000 DEX 10 (+0)

5 – 4 12 2 1

2 3 1

6 9 1

6 (1)

31 (27)

4 2

CON 25 (+7)

INT 16 (+3)

15 256 (19d12+133) [114] +6 [12] 364

WIS 13 (+1)

CHA 21 (+5)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

5 4 4 3 1 1

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+5 AC) Augmented (Strength) Edge (Strength dice rolls) Extra Actions (3 Bonus Actions/round) Extra Actions – Lesser (Mind Control) Fast (x2 speed; 60 feet/round) Features (Blindsight 60’ x2, Darkvision 120’ x2) Flight (90 feet/round) Immunity (Fire) Language (Common, Draconic) Massive Damage – Lesser (+4 Strength impacts) Mind Control (Frightful Presence – Range: 100’ -3; Targets: 25 targets -4; Unique Limiter: Fear only +2) Protected (-4 Standard damage) Saving Throw Proficiency (Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom, Charisma) Skill Proficiency (Perception, Stealth) Unique Attribute (Legendary Resistance – Can automatically succeed on a failed Saving Throw 3 times/day) Weapon: Bite (2d10+12 piercing +2d6 fire damage) Weapon: Claw (2d6+12 slashing damage) Weapon: Fire Breath (18d6 fire damage; Range: 100’ -3; Spreading: 5 targets -4; Charges: 6 times/day +1; Save +2 [Dexterity vs DC 21]) Weapon: Tail (2d8+12 blunt damage) Weapon: Wing Attack (2d6+8 damage; Area -1; Unique Enhancement: Knocks prone -1; Save +2 [Dexterity vs DC 21])

POINTS DEFECT -4 -2 126

Inept Attack (-4 attack rolls) Unique Defect (Big, heavy, and obvious) + 126 Base + 112 Abilities = 364 POINTS

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CH-11

MONSTERS & NPCS

Neomorphs

Neomorphs are friendly hybrid mini-monsters that live, play, and reproduce in the wild. They are often adopted by children and teens, who may find Neogenesis eggs and incubate them over the course of several weeks until they hatch and start growing. Some Neomorph owners participate in organised play battles, on the city, regional, continental, and world stage. Prizes sometimes include ultra-rare limited edition Neomorphs created by talented magi, or trips to special training areas.

Bred for Competition Breeds of Neomorphs that are bred for competitive arena battles are usually assigned additional combat capabilities not seen in their domestic pet cousins. These talents usually focus on either ranged attacks or melee attacks, but rarely both since that could unbalance a competition. Creating mini-monsters for co*ckfighting arena combat is supposed to entertaining, after all, and not too devastating. Some advanced Neomorphs can even evolve into new forms during their lifespan, gaining different capabilities and slightly modified appearances. These evolution triggers are sometimes magically implanted during incubation.

CABBIT – PET SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 3 (-4) RANK

DEX 15 (+2)

4 4 2

RANK

Cabbits are a cute hybrid of a domestic cat and a bunny rabbit. They maintain the athletic agility and overall traits of both parent species, making them excellent pets for younger children. Cabbits are naturally empathetic, and are distracted by the sad emotions they detect in nearby creatures.

Battle Cabbit

Cabbits bred specifically for organised play arena events have enhanced jumping abilities. Their primary weapon is their Sonic Meow, which drains the spirit and willpower of other Neomorphs caught in its sound wave.

WIS 12 (+1)

CHA 9 (+0)

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Heightened Senses (Hearing, Smell) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive)

– -1 -4 -4 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Easily Distracted (Sadness) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

-1

+ 5 Base + 54 Abilities = 58 POINTS

CABBIT – BATTLE SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 3 (-4) RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 30’ ¼ 100 DEX 15 (+2)

4 4 2 1

6 (2)

4 1 4 4 4

CON 12 (+1)

INT 7 (-2)

16 9 (2d6+2) [6] +2 [4] 76

WIS 12 (+1)

CHA 10 (+0)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 4 2 1

RANK

230

INT 5 (-3)

POINTS DEFECT

4 1 4 4 4

None of the Neomorph stats include typical animal Defects like Impaired Manipulation and Impaired Speech, since they can talk and manipulate objects much like humanoids can.

CON 10 (+0)

16 3 (1d6) [3] +1 [2] 58

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

Neomorph Defects

CABBIT

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 30’ ⅛ 25

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Heightened Senses (Hearing, Smell) Jumping (x3 normal; 9/3 feet forward/up) Special Movement (Speedburst: x2 sprint) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon: Sonic Meow (1d6 force damage; Drain: -2 Wisdom -1; Penetrating -1; Range: 10’ -1; Spreading: 2 targets -1)

POINTS DEFECT – -1 -4 -4 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Easily Distracted (Sadness) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

+ 10 Base + 59 Abilities = 76 POINTS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

ELEPHOX The hybrid of an elephant and a red fox, most stocky elephox stand nearly four feet tall. They are naturally tough with thick fur, and maintain the playfulness of their fox parent. Elephox are surprisingly agile and dexterous for their size and shape.

Battle Elephox

Battle Elephox have thick armoured skin and enhanced attack traits. They execute their Scamper Trample attack by playfully bounding across the arena floor and smashing into any opponents in their path.

ELEPHOX – PET SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 12 (+1) RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Small 15’ ⅛ 25 DEX 7 (-2)

2 2 1

2 4 1 2

INT 7 (-2)

WIS 7 (-2)

CHA 8 (-1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 2 1

RANK

CON 12 (+1)

10 6 (1d8+2) [4] +1 [2] 56

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Heightened Senses (Smell) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive)

CH-11

ELEPHOX – BATTLE SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 14 (+2) RANK

Small 15’ ¼ 50 DEX 7 (-2)

2 2 1

6 (3)

2 4 1 2

CON 13 (+1)

INT 8 (-1)

10 11 (2d8+2) [8] +2 [4] 72

WIS 7 (-2)

CHA 8 (-1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 2 1

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Heightened Senses (Smell) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon: Scamper Trample (2d6 damage; Spreading: 4 targets -3)

POINTS DEFECT -2 -4 -1 -2

Limited Damage (-2 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage)

+ 12 Base + 57 Abilities = 72 POINTS

POINTS DEFECT -2 -4 -1 -2

Limited Damage (-2 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage)

-3

+ 6 Base + 53 Abilities = 56 POINTS

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MONSTERS & NPCS

GRYPHON

GRYPHON – BATTLE SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 9 (-1) RANK

Small 15’ ½ 100 DEX 13 (+1)

2 2 1 6 2

8 (2)

2 4 1 2

CON 10 (+0)

INT 12 (+1)

13 10 (3d6) [9] +2 [4] 90

WIS 10 (+0)

CHA 8 (-1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 2 1 2 2

RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Features (Mimic Sound) Flight (90 feet/round) Heightened Senses (Smell, Taste) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon: Talons/Beak (1d6-3 piercing damage) Weapon: Wing Buffet (2d4+1 bludgeoning damage; Range: 30’ -2; Spreading: 4 targets -3; Unique Enhancement: Knocks back target -1)

POINTS DEFECT -2 -4 -1 -2

Limited Damage (-2 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage)

+ 13 Base + 62 Abilities = 90 POINTS

Griffons are traditionally huge chimera hybrids between a lion and eagle, but smaller gryphons evolved as elegant pets. All gryphons can fly and have dangerously sharp talons and beak, which are often capped by owners for safety around children.

Battle Gryphon

Their natural weapons are effective in battle when unblunted, but battle gryphon prefer using their powerful Wing Buffet attack in the area. It exerts a tremendous force, and knocks back opponents to keep them off balance.

GRYPHON – PET SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 7 (-2) RANK

DEX 12 (+1)

2 2 1 3 2

2 4 1 2

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS CON 10 (+0)

INT 11 (+0)

13 7 (2d6) [6] +1 [2] 68

WIS 10 (+0)

CHA 8 (-1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

2 2 1 1 2

RANK

232

Small 15’ ¼ 50

AC Bonus (+2 AC) Combat Mastery (+2 attack rolls) Features (Mimic Sound) Flight (30 feet/round) Heightened Senses (Smell, Taste) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon: Talons/Beak (1d6-4 piercing damage)

POINTS DEFECT -2 -4 -1 -2

Limited Damage (-2 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷2 speed; 15 feet/round) Susceptible (+2 Standard damage)

+ 8 Base + 58 Abilities = 68 POINTS

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

MONSTERS & NPCS

JACKALOPE Long thought to be an urban legend, the jackalope is a hybrid between a desert hare (or jackrabbit) and an antelope. Though small in stature, it can jump great distances. Jackalope can detect even small vibrations in the ground that helps them avoid predators and unruly children.

Battle Jackalope

With many natural instincts and abilities, jackalope are difficult to catch unaware in the arena. Their primary Antler Slap attack offers no surprises, yet is part of an effective jumpand-jab technique given the battle jackalope’s enhanced leaping range (10 times normal distance, or 60 feet).

JACKALOPE – BATTLE SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 6 (-2) RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 30’ ¼ 100 DEX 14 (+2)

4 4 4

4 4 4 4

INT 12 (+1)

WIS 7 (-2)

CHA 8 (-1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 4 1

RANK

CON 8 (-1)

16 5 (2d6-2) [6] +2 [4] 76

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Extra Actions (1 Bonus Action/round) Jumping (x10 normal; 60/10 feet forward/up) Special Movement (Speedburst: x5 sprint 2, Wall-Bouncing) Supersense (Vibration Detection) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon: Antler Slap (1d10-6 bludgeoning damage)

CH-11

JACKALOPE – PET SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 5 (-3) RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 30’ ⅛ 25 DEX 12 (+1)

4 4

1 1

4 4 4 4

INT 10 (+0)

WIS 7 (-2)

CHA 8 (-1)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 4

RANK

CON 8 (-1)

15 2 (1d6-2) [3] +1 [2] 56

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Jumping (x3 normal; 15/3 feet forward/up) Special Movement (Wall-Bouncing) Supersense (Vibration Detection) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive)

POINTS DEFECT – -4 -4 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

+ 5 Base + 50 Abilities = 56 POINTS

POINTS DEFECT – -4 -4 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

+ 10 Base + 55 Abilities = 76 POINTS

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NUE Nue are a curious hybrid that combine a monkey head, raccoon body, tiger legs, and snake tail. They seem more “human” than most Neomorphs and have an intellectual range that exceeds some owners. Thanks to dexterous fingers and sharp nails, nue can scale walls and other surfaces with ease.

Battle Nue

The snake tail of battle nue can inflict a powerful Tail Sting attack that not only injects an enduring poison into the opponent, but also heals the nue’s injuries. The best defence against the Tail Sting is a thick hide, since the snake tail does not penetrate armour effectively.

NUE – PET SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 7 (-2) RANK

DEX 12 (+1)

4 4 2

4 4 4 4

CON 9 (-1)

INT 10 (+0)

15 5 (2d6-2) [6] +1 [2] 60

WIS 7 (-2)

CHA 7 (-2)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 4 2

RANK

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ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 30’ ⅛ 25

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Special Movement (Wall-Crawling 2) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive)

NUE – BATTLE SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 9 (-1) RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 30’ ¼ 100 DEX 17 (+3)

4 4

9 (4)

4 4 4 4

INT 10 (+0)

WIS 7 (-2)

AC Bonus (+4 AC) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Special Movement (Light-Footed, Wall-Crawling 2) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon: Tail Sting (3d6-5 piercing damage; Blight -2; Continuing -4; Vampiric -2; Non-Penetrating +2; Toxic +1)

POINTS DEFECT – -4 -4 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

+ 10 Base + 60 Abilities = 80 POINTS

POINTS DEFECT – -4 -4 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

+ 8 Base + 52 Abilities = 60 POINTS

CHA 7 (-2)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 4

RANK

CON 10 (+0)

17 7 (2d6) [6] +2 [4] 80

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MONSTERS & NPCS

WOLVERPOTAMUS A tiny hybrid of a wolverine and hippopotamus, the wolverpotamus is both cute and ferocious. It has the thick skin and body proportions of a hippo and the keen senses and natural weapons of a wolverine. Its pungent scent glands discourages many potential owners, though.

Battle Wolverpotamus

In the arena, wolverpotamus tend to close on their enemy to attack with sharp claws and fang. When feeling vulnerable, it unleashes its smelly Musk Spray attack, which physically exhausts and distracts opponents caught in the fine mist.

WOLVERPOTAMUS – PET SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 10 (+0) RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 8’ ¼ 50 DEX 6 (-2)

4 4

4 4 4 2 4

INT 7 (-2)

WIS 7 (-2)

CHA 16 (+3)

WOLVERPOTAMUS – BATTLE SIZE SPEED CR XP STR 10 (+0) RANK

ARMOUR CLASS HIT POINTS PROFICIENCY BONUS TOTAL POINTS

Tiny 8’ ½ 100 DEX 6 (-2)

4 4

9 (4)

RANK 4 4 4 2 4

CON 15 (+2)

INT 8 (-1)

12 13 (3d4+6) [6] +2 [4] 84

WIS 8 (-1)

CHA 16 (+3)

POINTS ATTRIBUTE

4 4

RANK

CON 13 (+1)

12 7 (2d4+2) [4] +1 [2] 66

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AC Bonus (+4 AC) Combat Mastery (+4 attack rolls) Features (Retractable Claws, Scent Glands) Heightened Senses (Smell, Taste) Unique Attribute (Small, light, and unobtrusive) Weapon: Fangs/Claws (1d6-4 piercing damage) Weapon: Musk (2d8 poison damage; Blight -2; Drain: -4 Constitution -2; Irritant -1; Spreading: 3 targets -2; Range: 10’ +1; Toxic +1)

POINTS DEFECT – -4 -4 -2 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷4 speed; 8 feet/round) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

+ 10 Base + 63 Abilities = 84 POINTS

POINTS DEFECT – -4 -4 -2 -4

Degraded (-4 Strength) Limited Damage (-4 Strength impacts) Obstacle (Strength dice rolls) Slow (÷4 speed; 8 feet/round) Susceptible (+4 Standard damage)

+ 6 Base + 59 Abilities = 66 POINTS

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Allies and Enemies

Not all opponents are vile monsters, and not all Companions are cute Neomorphs. Character groups will often encounter a wide range of NPCs during their adventures, whether they take place along a countryside road, deep in an abandoned catacomb, or in the market square of a bustling city. Casual NPC encounters with allies and enemies can be more focussed than those with boss monsters and major background plot characters, since the NPCs’ interactions with the party members may be brief. Consequently, only limited information is necessary to frame the encounter, rather than a complete Race and Class profile associated with player characters. Table 33 below provides specific stat details for 20 common humanoids that may come across the player characters’ path.

Vital Stats and Info

DM should have a brief summary of important stats ready to go for allies and enemies. The NPC’s Class and Level – along with their six Ability Scores – provides context for their Proficiency Bonus (PROF), HP, AC, damage (DAM), and Saves. Common weapon damages are found in Table 29/30 (pages 196-197), or could be approximated based on the typical types of weapons the NPC may use: 1d4 for small common simple weapons like clubs and daggers; 1d6 for more forceful simple or martial weapons like spears and shortswords; 1d8 for common martial weapons like longswords and longbows; and 1d10 or 1d12 for powerful martial weapons like polearms and greataxes. Additionally, ACs before considering Dexterity modifiers will range from 10 (unarmoured) to 11-12 (lightly armoured) to 13-14 (moderately armoured) to 15+ (heavily armoured).

TABLE 33: ALLIES AND ENEMIES NPC Apprentice Assassin Commoner Cultist Elementalist Guard

CLASS

Wizard 1 Rogue 3 — — Spellbinder 1 Fighter 1 Fighter 1, Highway Bandit Rogue 1 Hired Sword Fighter 3 Informant — Knight Samurai 4 Merchant Broker 1 Mind Spy Psionicist 1 Noble Adventurer 2 Protector Magical Girl 1 Scout Hunter 1 Soldier Fighter 3 Street Urchin — Thug Adventurer 3 Village Guardian Warder 2 Zombie —

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STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2)

10 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 12 (+1)

11 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 12 (+1)

15 (+2) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)

13 (+1) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 12 (+1)

10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0)

PROF SAVES +2 +2 +1 +1 +2 +2

INT, WIS DEX, INT – WIS INT STR, CON

DAM

10 15 10 11 11 16

6 22 4 8 6 11

1d6 1d6 1d4 1d6 1d6 1d6+2

1 3 ¼ ½ 1 1

14 (+2)

13 (+1)

10 (+0)

STR, CON 13

1d8+2

14 (+2) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+1) 14 (+2) 6 (-2) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 13 (+1)

10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 13 (+1) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 6 (-2)

14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 6 (-2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)

12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 9 (-1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 3 (-4)

10 (+0) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 6 (-2)

12 (+1) 13 (+1) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 16 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (-1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 5 (-3)

+2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +1 +2 +2 +2

STR, CON CHA STR, WIS WIS INT, CHA

26 1d10+2 3 6 1d6 1 25 1d8+3 4 6 1d4 1 6 1d6 1 10 1d8 2 10 1d6 1 10 1d6+2 1 26 1d10+2 3 2 1d4-2 ⅛ 18 1d6+2 3 9 1d8+2 2 22 1d4+1 ¼

15 12 16 10 11 DEX, CON, WIS 12 WIS, CHA 8 STR, INT 13 STR, CON 16 – 11 DEX, CON, WIS 12 CON 13 WIS 8

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

CHAPTER 12

Gaming

CHAPTER 12

GAMING The earlier chapters provide you with the tools to create the anime and manga characters of your heart’s desire, as well as the perspective to understand their place amongst the monsters and NPCs of the world, and the rules to set them all into action. Soon it will be time to pull those creations from the static page and into the fantasy realm of dynamic anime adventures. This chapter addresses the effects-based system in Anime 5E, briefly explores hosting adventures and world building from the DM’s perspective, and then discusses navigating several hazards that could arise during gameplay. It also provides relevant advice for both players and DMs to help make campaigns flow more smoothly before ending with three example Anime Multiverse settings for your fantasy adventures: the angelic living world of Aradia, the demonic hellscape of Bazaroth, and the magical high-fantasy world of Ikaris.

The Anime 5E Foundation

As you will have concluded by now, the game system mechanics behind Anime 5E are easy to comprehend, as they were build upon the long-standing fantasy RPG groundwork that’s currently in its Fifth Edition. Although you can play through adventures with only brief consideration given to the alternate structure that provides Anime 5E’s foundation, having a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind the system design decisions – and how they differ from the mechanics from the PHB and DMG – can guide your character creation in innovative ways. Furthermore, recognising early in the process which Attributes most closely align with the vision you have for your character, and how such Attribute choices affect game balance, can avoid awkward future situations that will need to be addressed once gameplay begins.

EFFECTS-BASED SYSTEM As mentioned several times previously, Anime 5E is an effects-based system. This means that the game rules provide the effects or outcome of an Attribute and you define the specific application of those effects. For example, a character might achieve the capabilities of the Flight Attribute using: wings, magic, anti-gravity fields, psionics, force of will, realitywarping techniques, thermal riding, divine or demonic gifts, or many other methods. Similarly, a Rank 2 Weapon inflicts 2d4 damage that could take the form of a near-infinite number of sources, such as physical trauma, fire, electricity, cold, acid, mental, poison, etc. A power-based system defines both the effects and application of an Attribute. The traditional Fifth Edition game, for example, details magic attack spells such as burning hands, fireball, lightning bolt, and magic missile. They all inflict damage, but the way in which they deliver damage is determined by the rules, not the players. As an effects-based game, what Anime 5E contains in a single Weapon Attribute can require many distinct ability options in a power-based game.

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Details Don’t Change The Effect Since Anime 5E’s effects-based system is highly flexible, the broad rules do not account for the specific way an Attribute functions in each game campaign, since it can vary from group to group. By decoupling associations between a feature’s game effect and the description of the ability, players can build the functionality as they see fit. The possibilities are only limited by the player’s imagination and the DM’s guidance. For example, the Flight Attribute at Rank 3 allows a character to fly at speeds up to 300 feet/round (or 30 mph). Exactly how the flyer executes their flight is not important to the results of assigning the Attribute: 300 feet/round top speed when flying. This base assignment could represent magical power, psionics, high-tech, willpower, and more. It could also represent using wings to fly, and thus the player could optionally assign a Unique Limiter to the Attribute to reflect the ample space that the large wingspan may require. Assigning a Limiter is not necessary to reflect the use of wings when flying, since it’s the players choice whether that game mechanism applies to their character’s Flight. The effect of the Attribute (flying) and the description of how it functions (wings needing space) are not linked in Anime 5E’s effects-based system unless the player chooses to describe the details through game mechanics. Meanwhile, a different player may also decide that wings power their character’s Flight Attribute, but decides to not assign a Defect associated with needing space. Neither version of winged Flight is more correct than the other, since the players are in control of the mechanistic expressions of their characters’ Attributes.

Weapons, in particular, often have Enhancements and Limiters assigned to the base Attribute to provide additional details. For example, that Rank 2 Weapon described earlier may have the Continuing Enhancement to reflect the ongoing damage inflicted from an acid attack; or a cold attack could have the Incapacitating Enhancement that freezes opponents; or it could have both the Blight and Ingest Limiters to reflect the damage that a poison inflicts. Without assigning Enhancements and Limiters, all Rank 2 Weapons inflict the same 2d4 damage in the same way, regardless of how that attack is expressed.

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MIN/MAXING As most Fifth Edition players already know, it’s certainly possible to min/max a game system. With its Point-based creation system, Anime 5E makes this extreme character focus even easier to accomplish. Briefly, min/maxing involves concentrating the majority of Points on a small pool of Abilities and Attributes, whether individually or in devastating combinations, to create a highly optimised and unbalanced character. The resulting character can be excessively powerful in certain ways – usually in combat, though it’s also possible with a particular Ability Score, or with a specific Attribute – and incredibly weak in other areas. In some games, this weakness creation is known as having a “dump stat”, which has frequently been relegated to the often under-utilised Charisma. This is not inherently a problem with Anime 5E or with any Point-buy system. Focussed or specialised characters are common in many anime and manga series (and movies, and superhero comics, and, and, and…), and naturally Anime 5E can emulate this as a benefit rather than a detriment. Rather, the challenge usually lies in the perspective of the players who believe that the goal of role-playing adventures is to “win”. Anime 5E supports the position that the enjoyment derived from playing though a character’s challenges and conflicts – and not a scenario’s success – is the actual winning condition.

Difficulties Min/Maxing Creates The DM may encounter several challenges with min/maxed characters when building adventures, since they can unbalance the scenario somewhat. It can be stressful attempting to create a challenge that provides engagement with all characters relatively equally if one (or possibly more) of the characters is exceedingly adept or incompetent at the presented task. This obviously applies to combats – when one character is massively more capable at fighting – but also applies to any Ability Score or Attribute, such as a genius with a 20 Intelligence, or a speedy hero with Rank 6 Fast.

Benchmarks Help

Table 01: Character Benchmarks (page 20) provide players and DMs with guidelines that can help avoid wildly divergent player abilities, since Anime 5E’s flexibility can present challenges to players and DMs unfamiliar with the game. “Help avoid” is not the same as “completely eliminate”, though; ongoing communication and careful consideration is necessary to contain overly optimised characters (if that is, in fact, a desired goal). Of course, players and the DM can collectively decide to modify or ignore these benchmarks, as desired.

Balance Is a Myth Alternatively, a gaming group can take the (entirely reasonable) position that game balance is a myth, and that optimised and focussed characters provide excellent roleplaying opportunities for everyone. When the combat expert needs to diplomatically talk their way out of a confrontation, the mage needs to pick up a sword and defend a helpless family, or the puppet master needs to turn off their mind control and trust the stranger before them – well, that’s where the roleplaying takes over and everyone wins.

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Player Advice

The following 12 suggestions provide some kernels of player wisdom to consider during your Anime 5E adventures. The most notable game moments occur when players all share the same understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Consume Great Content

You and the other players are working together to weave incredible role-playing stories, even when your characters are in conflict. Intra-party competition adds an exciting dynamic to your group, though most character conflicts are best maintained at reasonable intensities. Characters killing other player characters for real or imagined slights during the game usually falls outside the realm of a healthy rivalry.

Emotion is Real

If you’re going to be playing an fantasy game set in an anime world, it only makes sense for you to seek out a diverse range of anime series and movies to watch for inspiration. Anime has never been more accessible to audiences worldwide, with dozens of free and pay-to-play streaming services offering up hundreds of dynamic titles. A quick internet search will provide ample suggestions to help narrow the field. Additionally, reading quality manga, fantasy novels, and RPGs can encourage your creativity – even if they aren’t exclusively focused on anime.

Playing through an engaging adventure – especially those of a long-running campaign with the same characters – may invoke surprisingly raw emotions as the events unfold. Everyone expresses emotions differently, and although some players may view a game with a sense of third-person detachment, others may be much more invested and sensitive to the storyline. Unexpected emotions are real, and should be treated by all players with compassion and understanding should they arise.

Be Innovative in Character Design

Embrace Failure

Anime 5E was designed to be flexible, allowing you to create the anime character of your desire. Do not hesitate to develop Attributes, Defects, Races, and Classes not listed in these rules, talking with the DM about your ideas and co-creating with them. Playing an original character of your design is much more enjoyable than limiting yourself to someone else’s ideas.

Go Beyond a Clone

It’s fun to play a character who is perhaps inspired by a particular anime series or movie in your group’s original setting, but do not simply clone a well-established media character. It is quite difficult to accurately portray a character created by someone else, yet easy to be disappointed should you be unable to role-play them “correctly”. Develop your own character and give them their unique voice in the adventures ahead. Naturally, if the DM plans to run a scenario based directly on an established anime series, this suggestion does not apply.

Assign Defects

Your purpose is not to create a perfect character, but a character that is fun to play. Defects not only generate laughter and levity during each session, but can also expand your roleplaying opportunities. Besides, you will find that you never have enough Points to satisfy your desire for Attributes, so assign some Defects and you’ll get a few more precious Points to spend on goodies.

Avoid the Lone Wolf

Do not create a character with a brooding backstory who prefers sealing themselves away from society to be alone. Roleplaying is primarily about connections – DM/player and player/ player interaction. Deny yourself one of those opportunities, and the enjoyment of the game is diminished for everyone.

Don’t Obsess about the Rules

Every DM has their own individual style when running a game. If your DM wants to play fast and loose with the system, go with the flow. The rules should only be used when the structure and guidance they provide benefits the game. If you and your group can thrive on fewer rules (or without any), do not let this book hold you back.

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It’s Co-operative, not Competitive

Your character need not always succeed at the tasks they are undertaking to create a satisfying game adventure. Character failure – whether instigated by bad dice rolls or outmanoeuvring opponents – provides excellent opportunities for character growth, story engagement, and exciting memories. Your mindset about how events unfold during a storyline have a direct and immediate impact on your degree of enjoyment. Embrace your character’s missteps and go with the flow.

Trust the DM

Good DMs realise that player needs come before the story, and that it is their obligation to make the game enjoyable for everyone. The DM is always your ally, always has your back, and always works to evoke maximum enjoyment during the game. Trust their judgement, and the game will flow more smoothly.

Give the DM Constant Feedback

Both positive and negative feedback is essential to create an exceptional gaming experience. On a regular basis – perhaps after each session or every few sessions – let the DM know what you like and dislike about the direction and momentum of the game. Without player input, the DM may not realise in which areas they need improvement or expansion. Be polite and courteous, but also be honest. The game can only get better, not worse, when you voice your comments and concerns.

Join the Community

A substantial gamer benefit of a globally connected world is the ability to effortlessly connect with a limitless number of players, DMs, and anime fans. The number of Fifth Edition RPG communities are vast, and incredibly easy to locate with an internet search. Although Anime 5E can certainly be considered a new game product – and consequently, the number of online Anime 5E-specific resources are limited in comparison – there is an active community on the official Facebook group and Discords server. Furthermore, many BESM anime RPG players also engage with the traditional fantasy Fifth Edition game, and joining some BESM communities may provide you with inspiration. Connecting and sharing with groups of likeminded gamers is a great way expand your player creativity. Visit dyskami.ca for links to our official Anime 5E communities.

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Hosting Adventures

Everything presented in Anime 5E prior to this chapter provides ample ingredients to create amazing anime and manga adventures at your gaming table. The final component needed to blend everything together deliciously is the actual chef – also known as a master of the dungeon or DM (or described more generically in RPGs as a game master, or GM). As DM, you create the opponents, plots, and situations that challenge the player character heroes. You take on the roles of all of the other characters in the story, resolve actions using the rules system, and adjudicate questions that arise during play. This section provides essential suggestions, guidelines, and advice you need to be a great Anime 5E DM, so you can start hosting dynamic and exciting anime and manga adventures that you co-create with your player group.

DM BASICS As DM, you fill many roles and handle all the parts of the game that the players do not. These roles can be broken down into four main areas: creator, narrator, actor, and referee.

Creator You are responsible for creating the world in which the player characters have adventures, from the opponents and supporting characters, to history, geography, and current events. It requires great effort, but many anime and manga fantasy worlds share commonalities with those in the collective societal consciousness, and consequently a lot of the setting information would be familiar to the players. Fortunately, there are also many published RPG world settings available for purchase for traditional Fifth Edition games, and you can modify most of them relatively easily to add the right amount of anime styling. You can alternatively use one of the three example worlds from the Anime Multiverse setting (page 254) as the basis for your game adventures as you create your own story background.

Narrator You also narrate events in the game, describing to the players everything that their characters see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. A good DM provides players with enough descriptive information for them to understand their characters’ surroundings, but not so much that it slows down the game and turns it into a droning monologue of “flavour text”. For example, you might say to the players: “Your midnight patrol has been uneventful. The forest glade is peaceful, with twinkling starlight shining down on your homeland. You all pause for a moment on a tall tree branch, watching the distant lantern glow of your village. Will it really be soon time for you all to depart again? Suddenly, the ancient warning horn of your ancestors trumpets, and you hear the faint sound of hoofbeats galloping through the night.”

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You have explained to the players where they are and what they are doing – and even what they are perhaps expected to do in the future – and have placed them in an active situation. The players may ask for clarification about your description. How many horses do they hear? Where exactly in the forest are they? Under what conditions would the sentries blow the ancient horn? Answer their questions to the best of your ability, while encouraging them to take action. As you provide narration to the players, its important to avoid assuming actions or feelings on the part of their characters. For example, in the earlier description, do not end with “… the sound chills your blood with anticipated dread, so you leap into action, rushing toward the commotion!” Each player must decide their own character’s actions. Similarly, do not tell players how their characters feel about a particular NPC unless there is some outside force imposing those feelings. Rather than saying, “you take an instant dislike to them”, when a character is dealing with an unpleasant NPC, you might try “they just do not seem very likeable”. Better yet, simply play the NPC as unpleasant and rude, and the characters will start to dislike them naturally, without any prompting from you.

Actor You play the roles of the various non-player characters (or NPCs) in the game, including the major opponents and enemies, the characters’ love interests and other allies, and anyone else the player characters might encounter. Keep these background characters’ goals and motivations in mind when crafting stories, but also focus on keeping the game fun for all.

Referee Finally, you’ll apply and interpret the game system and answer all the rules questions that arise during gameplay. You make the necessary dice rolls for NPCs, apply the effects of characters’ Attributes and actions, and use the rules presented in Chapter 8 (and other sections, too) to resolve character conflicts that arise during game adventures.

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CAMPAIGNS, MINI-CAMPAIGNS, AND ONE-SHOTS A role-playing game can range from a brief one-shot adventure that takes a few hours to play to a lengthy campaign that can run over many sessions for a period of months or years. The story pacing and plot depth of a campaign is different from that of a mini-campaign, which in turn differs from that of a one-shot adventure.

Campaigns A campaign usually has a vast or epic scope with a number of shorter plot arcs that weave together to reveal the greater story. The characters have time to develop unique personalities as they are faced with challenges to their bodies, minds, and souls. The characters can also learn new proficiencies and Attributes, and establish lasting relationships with NPCs. In a campaign, the players have ample time to explore the various aspects of the world that the DM has created. Additionally, antagonists will come and go over the course of a campaign as they are defeated, destroyed, or reformed by the characters. The DM should establish the outline of a plot for the beginning of the campaign before play begins, but the middle and the end of the story will largely be determined by the interests and actions of the characters.

Mini-Campaigns A mini-campaign is a single story arc that usually takes place over 4-8 gaming sessions. The characters may not develop much over the course of a mini-campaign, since the plot only spans a few days to a few weeks. Antagonists are often present in every session, with the major villain, if any, usually surviving at least until the final climactic conclusion to the story arc. Minicampaigns require a greater plot structure than an open-ended campaign, and thus the players are required to focus more on the story and less on their own characters. The DM should know where the characters will start (the beginning) and where they should go (the middle), but the closure at the end of the story is heavily dependent on the choices made by the player characters during the game.

One-Shot Adventures A one-shot adventure covers one single story idea in a 3-8 hour gaming session. These adventures are frequently run at conventions and for demonstrations at game stores. The characters are unlikely to grow much during an adventure because the story only spans a few hours to a few days. To maintain a high degree of intensity during the game, the roleplaying of character personalities is often sacrificed for dramatic action and conflict. In order to finish the adventure in one session, one-shots are typically highly structured and only offer the characters a limited number of choices for each dilemma that they face. Most DMs usually script the plot to establish the beginning and middle of the story, and have a rough outline of the story endings that can be influenced by the players’ actions (for example, will the villain win, lose, or escape?)

Consider the following factors when deciding whether to run a campaign, mini-campaign, or one-shot adventure: » Does the scope of the DM’s ideas require a minimum number of game sessions to complete? » How much time are the players willing to commit to playing the game? » Is the game introductory in nature, or is it for experienced players? Will it involve people who have never met before, or players and a DM who are familiar with each other? » How much dramatic role-playing and characterisation is desired for the game?

CATEGORISING THE GAME What is the feel and tone of your game, and under which broad category would you place it? Consider the few brief possibilities below.

Action An action game highlights the exploits of heroic characters. Comedic and dramatic moments provide character insight, but the story is primarily concerned with the main characters moving from one battle or adventure to another. The traditional “dungeon crawler” scenario usually fits into this category.

Drama The characters face challenges where things that they value (life, liberty, happiness, wealth, friendship, the lives of others, etc.) are at stake, and their actions affect the lives of others. There may be comedic moments, but failure has serious consequences for the characters and their life environment.

Comedy Amusing, incongruous, or wacky things happen. Comedy is often a parody of a more serious traditional fantasy genre, provoking laughs by: exaggerating its clichés (such as the overthe-top religious warrior or the angst-ridden thief ); adding anachronistic bits (like a rock star or a tank in a high-fantasy world); and/or inserting contradictory elements (such as a hero who is really greedy, clueless, lecherous, or destructive).

Romance The characters will have a chance to fall into or out of love. To make things interesting, the DM should create NPC love interests and rivals, since many players are not entirely comfortable with romancing each other’s characters. Elements in romances include love triangles, mysterious strangers, childhood vows, many romantic partners chasing one target, and mistaken identity. A powerful element is forbidden love, where a romance appears doomed by family or societal disapproval of the relationship, such as an affair with a married person, someone of different social status, or someone who belongs to the other side in a war or enduring family conflict.

Mixed A mix of two or three different themes such as action-comedy or drama-romance can often be more fun than maintaining a single tone. Experiment until you find the right combination.

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CONCEPT AND THEME The game concept is the basic idea of who the characters are and what they are doing that brings them together as a group and gets them involved with adventures. The DM should develop it in concert with their ideas on specific genre, period, and category, and always in conjunction with the players. The DM should develop a game concept that integrates the desired fantasy sub-genre, period, category, and game length into an interesting concept. The DM can imagine they are creating the basic concept of a new anime movie, TV series, or video game. Associated with the game concept is the theme – an underlying idea that pervades the individual arcs of a plot or even the entire story itself. The game’s theme should be one that will give players a good idea regarding what kinds of characters to create. A theme may be as straightforward as a quest for someone or something, as specific as “are monsters people?” or as abstract as “dark forces rising” or “love conquers all”. Themes give the campaign a certain sense of narrative cohesion. The DM should come up with a name for the campaign or adventure that conveys an appropriate animesque feel.

World Building

After the DM comes up with the scenario concept and theme, the players can begin creating their characters using the guidelines from Chapter 2. While they are doing that, the DM should work out the details of their campaign world setting that needs to be established before play begins. The first thing to do is to narrow down exactly where the campaign will take place. The DM should consider both the overall environment where the game will be set (such as a village, countryside, kingdom, continent, planet, or even dimension) and the individual locations where day-to-day events will occur. The campaign will often have a number of “home base” locations where the characters will spend a lot of time such as homes, work, or places they go to train or hang out. This can include their guild, training hall, tavern, military barracks, shop, etc. There is no need to go into great detail here. The DM can usually get by with a line or two of description. For example, the DM might write down: The player characters and their close friends attend Cicada Spellbinding Academy – an older and slightly decrepit mage training facility located in a large ocean port city. Their new magus teacher this year is Professor Yamasaki, a short-sighted and handsome (but scatterbrained) monster-summoning teacher who loves butterfly collecting. The characters are often hanging out at the Blue Wave tavern or exploring the (seemingly empty) countryside crypts.

If the DM has set the game in a familiar fantasy world, there is usually no need to go into a great amount of geographical detail since references are readily available. In a completely made-up world, though, the DM may wish to add some details of the surrounding environment to help orient everyone. This could be done by drawing a rough map, but often a simple map-in-prose is enough to get by, listing the names of a few places that can be dropped into the game. DMs who like lots of detail can add plenty of description, but it is a good idea not to get too wrapped up in preparing the setting, or the game may never get started!

THE SUPPORTING CAST There is no need to populate the entire universe, but the DM may wish to come up with a starting group of 2-5 supporting NPCs who can act as continuing characters in addition to any villains or victims that the first adventure might also require. Of course, NPCs related to the Nemesis or Significant Other Defects must also be developed. The DM can usually assume the player characters’ friends and comrades are the other characters themselves. Most members of the supporting cast only need a name and a very brief description (“Azuko, the grizzled veteran with eye-patch” or “Pae, the spoiled rich girl and her flunkies who rule the academy”). The characters can also accumulate more supporting cast as adventures continue, like the pretty Fairy idol singer they rescued from orc raiders, who later becomes their regular travelling companion.

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Organisations

Plot Elements

If the characters or their enemies are part of an organisation (like the magical defence team, thieves’ guild, or 22nd Forest Battle Squadron), the DM should spend some time working out details that include “What is their purpose?”, “What kind of resources do they have?”, and “What is cool about them?” The latter might include possession of mystical artefacts, paranormal powers, or just really sweet uniforms.

Now it is time to get down to the details of the plot. This is where the DM should work out a rough idea of what plot complications will develop, and the order that the characters may encounter them. It is wise to consider this from the perspective of “here is the villain’s plan” rather than “this is what the characters must do to make the plot work”. It is usually more rewarding as a DM to set up situations that engage and challenge the characters to make decisions or use their abilities, rather than creating a complex puzzle box that they must solve in a certain way to progress to the next plot point. If a villain drives the story, take some time to consider their back-up plan if the characters thwart “Plan A” early on. In a game where a main antagonist risks death or capture, they should not be introduced directly (as the characters may defeat them right away, ruining the suspense). Instead, introduce the villain through their henchmen and works (“we destroy this temple in the name of Lord Nobunaga!”), or in situations where combat is impossible. It is wise to have the initial enemies the characters encounter be henchmen, introducing the main villain in situations without fighting (like on a crystal ball, or at a diplomatic dinner party). This way, the adventure will not go “off the rails” should the characters do the unexpected. An adventure intended to come to some sort of resolution in one or two sessions should have four to six distinct plot elements, which can be thought of as various complications, encounters with interesting or hostile NPCs, or clues that will lead the characters forward. As DM, give some thought to making an interesting climax to the adventure. However, remember that this is a set of notes for a game, rather than the script for a play. The players will decide what their characters will do. Plot elements come in two broad categories. First, there are those that tempt the characters into doing something, such as the sea pirate characters discovering a clue to a lost treasure ship, or a soldier on leave stumbling into their long-lost love. Second, there are complications that add difficulty, such as rival pirates attacking the characters on the way to the treasure, or the old flame turning out to be an enemy spy. A mix of both carrot and stick helps keep the story interesting without letting the characters feel railroaded. In a one-shot adventure, the DM should keeps things simple with clear objectives. In a continuing campaign, plot elements can be ambiguous or mysterious; if the characters do not pursue them during one session, they can be reintroduced at a later date. DMs should usually make a few notes of what they plan to happen. The simplest way to prepare is to list the plot elements in point form and rely on one’s own imagination to translate this into descriptions of encounters or events during the game session. It is a good idea to prepare some notes on the NPCs that will appear in the adventure, especially their appearances and goals. Some DMs also like to make detailed maps or diagrams of places where any chases or battles might take place. The abstract nature of the Anime 5E combat system means this is usually unnecessary, though players of Fifth Edition may wish to incorporate tabletop grid mechanics into their game. However, if a new locale is introduced (like a haunted forest they must cross, a crime scene the characters will investigate, or a villain’s fortress that they may have to capture), scribbling down a few lines of description in advance can pay dividends in helping describe a scene during the game.

DESIGNING ADVENTURES Creating an interesting adventure is an art, not a science, and the following guidelines reflect only one way to proceed. An experienced DM can create adventures with almost no advance preparation, especially if they are familiar with character motivations and have NPCs and situations established as part of a continuing campaign. On the other hand, it is a good idea for a novice DM to take at least a few hours to plan ahead when creating an adventure. Having a binder or computer full of notes can greatly increase one’s confidence when sitting across the table (or video chat screen) from a group of expectant players. Some advanced preparation goes a long way.

Story Line The first thing to do is to work out the backstory behind the adventure. This may follow naturally from earlier sessions, or it might be a completely new story arc. For instance, if the adventure involves a villain, decide what their goals are and the way that their plot will work itself out if the characters do not stop it. At this point, it is also a good idea to decide which major NPCs will play an important role in the adventure and what their goals are. In some cases, such as villains the characters will fight or allies who will work closely with the characters, the NPCs should be created as though they were player characters (with Points, Ability Scores, Race, Class, Levels, etc.). One technique that can help spark a story line is to think of one evocative image or idea that will help make this adventure different from the last, and then use this as a seed to inspire the story. For example, the image of a clockwork dragon, or the characters disguised in academy uniforms as part of an undercover operation, or a castle floating in the clouds above the city. Sometimes an idea will not work immediately, and so just make a note of it for a future adventure.

Character Goals Next, the DM should think about the adventure from the player characters’ perspectives. How will they get involved and what actions are they likely to want to take? Does someone ask them for help, or is the adventure something that revolves around them from the beginning? Will the characters even want to become involved? Consider the steps the characters will likely have to follow to resolve the situation and (if necessary) make a few notes of how they might succeed. It is all very well to craft a really cunning plan for a villain, but if it is so foolproof the characters will never even learn of it, there won’t be an adventure!

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GAMING One way to create an engaging adventure is to set situations where the characters must make tough decisions. These may be emotional ones: “Do I date cute Maki or sexy Keiko – and what if Keiko catches me two-timing her?” They may be strategic ones: “Do we send everyone against the fortress entrance, or should some of us create a diversion while the others sneak round the back way?” They may be heroic: “Do I let the magical power core melt down, or do I brave the energy and shut it down with my psionic powers?” They may be heart-rending: “We’ve only got a limited amount of room in the rescue boat; we can dump our cargo and take all the refugees, or we can rescue the kids but leave enough weapons aboard to protect ourselves on the journey home.” Ideally, the decisions will not be arbitrary, but will flow naturally from the adventure and choices the characters make.

Important NPCs The guidelines for character creation apply to NPCs, although the DM will rarely need to go into as much detail about character backgrounds as the players do. If the characters will be fighting with or against any NPCs, the DM should take time to work out their basic characteristics before the adventure: Ability Scores, Proficiency Bonus and when they apply, Attributes, Defects, Armour Class, Hit Dice and Hit Points, and attack damage. The same is true of NPCs with whom they may be closely interacting on a regular basis, such as a prospective lover. Otherwise, it is often enough to just make a note of a name and position (“Grallick, the handsome man who runs the White Stag tavern that will be robbed by the thugs”) and maybe something that the characters can remember (“he has long hair; he was once an elite city guardsman but was hurt in an accident, and now he walks with a cane”). Many minor NPCs need even less description, and the DM can simply make them up during the game if details are needed or (for minor villains like a henchman’s thugs) just have a single list of game characteristics that apply collectively to an entire batch of them (see Table 33 on page 236 for some options). It can be handy to make a short list of names that are ready to apply to NPCs that are invented on the spot, as “real-sounding” names are sometimes hard to improvise. In a mini-campaign or campaign, a good technique is to introduce an NPC in passing in one session and then promote them to a major role in a subsequent session. This gives the characters the sense they are living in a “real” universe and, since they are used to having that character around, makes the players care about their fate. For example, having the teenage magic club rescue an academy teacher kidnapped by demons is fine, but it becomes a more powerful story line if the teacher involved is their own healing teacher that has already appeared by name in several prior adventures.

Presenting the Villains The presentation of the antagonists (also known as villains or “bad guys”) is crucial. The villains should be among the most notable and distinctive NPCs in a campaign to emphasise the threat they pose to the player characters. If the central antagonist rarely opposes the characters directly, it is possible to still make their presence known to the players by introducing appropriate henchmen or monster minions. Consider each of the following details before presenting the villains to the characters: 246

Exactly who are the Antagonists?

Establish the villains’ names, physical appearances, origins, and hierarchical ranking (if applicable). If you have a detailed visualisation of the villains’ personalities, speech patterns, postures, and tones, it will be much easier to convey that depth to the players. Of course, a villain could be a powerful boss monster as well, rather than a common humanoid.

Understand Their Motivations

Villains who do nasty things simply because they are evil make very uninteresting NPCs. Villains do not typically view themselves as bad guys either, but often believe that they are the only ones who can see the bigger picture. Ask yourself why these villains are plotting against the characters or working against the values of humanity. Do they want power or revenge? Are they merely delusional? Are they working for a cause they believe is right? Do their ends justify the means? The villains’ motivations may never be perfectly clear to the players, but it is imperative that you understand what they are. In many cases, a villain is a matter of perception. Honourable antagonists (who may later ally with the characters against worse villains) are a common theme in anime, and one well worth developing.

Give Villains Distinct Personalities

Important NPCs will only stand out as individuals if you have spent the time to properly develop their personality. The more clearly you construct the antagonists’ identities, the more real they will become to your players. Some villains will taunt the characters while others will try to convert them to their cause, yet they should all come across as distinct individuals with a spectrum of emotions and behaviours.

Understand the Henchmen Role

Do the villains work alone, or do they rely on henchmen or minions do their dirty work? How is their organisation structured, and what role do secondary and tertiary commanders play? Low-Level monsters and ordinary grunts need not be as well developed as their employers, but should still possess some identifying traits such as physical appearances, weapons, or talents, and perhaps even a few names.

Weaknesses are Important

What are the villains’ weaknesses that may eventually lead to their fall from power? Keep a few options in the back of your mind that can be explored in detail as the adventure progresses. Giving a villain weaknesses that the characters can exploit allows the players to use tactics other than brute force.

Villains Must Match the Theme

Decide how the heinous acts that the villains perpetrate fit your chosen theme and tone. In a role-playing situation, if villains kill innocent victims, the player characters may not feel obliged to capture them alive. This means creating new villains every few adventures. The reverse is also true: to make a hated enemy, make sure the villains commit truly evil crimes and not simply petty misdemeanours. For greater motivation, introduce a likeable and virtuous NPC over several gaming sessions, and then make them the villain’s next victim. When important villains speak, they should command attention. When the villains fight, they should fight with passion. And if they die, they should be remembered forever.

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Navigating Gameplay

Part of the DM’s job is adjudicating and interpreting the various Anime 5E rules. The game system is fairly simple and light, but players have a way of putting their characters in situations that the game rules may not contemplate explicitly. No rules system can take every possible situation into account, and Anime 5E purposely leaves many aspects of the rules open for interpretation to allow for creative character exploration. As DM, you ultimately make the calls.

RULES QUESTIONS Questions about the rules will arise during games and you must resolve them. They may be questions about how a rule works, what rule applies in a particular situation, or how to handle an unusual situation or application of a rule. Anime 5E rules may also conflict with a few traditional Fifth Edition rules, and players may look to you for guidance. When a rules question arises, take a moment to handle it and make your answer as clear as possible to the players. When you first play the game, you are likely going to need to consult the rules more often, until you and the players understand Anime 5E’s underlying system and its nuances. You may prefer to ask one of the players to look up rules for you during the game so you can focus on the story. Most game situations that arise during adventures can be adjudicated without dice, or with a simple Ability or Skill check. Sometimes during the game you will make a “DM call”, where you say, “this is how I want to handle it for now”. Ask the players to respect your ruling and move on with the game. If necessary, you can talk after the game about the ruling, and how to best handle similar situations when they arise in the future.

HOUSE RULES Every gaming group tends to develop its own set of “house rules” over time. These are modifications (or clarifications) of the game’s rules or specific rules about conduct at the gaming table. House rules should make the game a more pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone, and the players and the DM should agree upon them in advance. Let the players know if you have changed any of the game’s rules during your campaign. If the players have any concerns about these rules changes, discuss them and come to a compromise, if necessary. Record any rule changes and make a handout for the players, so everyone knows the rules; this will minimise disputes. Rules of conduct, or “table rules” as they are sometimes known, vary from group to group. Some groups prefer to limit side conversations, inappropriate movie and television quotes, or jokes while the game is in progress. Others have no such rules. One example is the “you said it” rule: if a player says something at the table while the game is in play, then their character says it, too. This naturally limits the out-of-character conversation during the game, but some players may find it too restraining or frustrating. 248

Other table rules may cover: » Making die rolls in clear view or not rolling until it is your turn. Alternatively, your group may prefer to make rolls for their actions in advance so they can have the results ready when the DM calls for them. Both methods can work well. » Appropriate language and discussion content around the gaming table. This may be particularly important for groups that include younger players, or for games that are played in public spaces (such as a game store). » Secret communication between players and the DM, whether it’s passing notes, side conversations in the next room, or something similar. » Any other rules about how the game is conducted, such as: “we always start at 6 o’clock sharp” or “new players have to run an NPC ‘guest star’ character for at least two games before creating a character of their own” or “if your character dies, you can create a new one right away and jump in the adventure as soon as you are done”.

CHANGING THE RULES Gaming groups may want to change the Anime 5E rules to better suit their own games and style of play, or to more closely align the Anime 5E rules with their application in traditional Fifth Edition games. If you find that a particular rule does not work for you, then change it. Of course, you may want to consider carefully how any changes will affect Point balance and other rules in the game. Test a rules change for a session or two to see how it works, since you can always change it back or modify it further as necessary. A particular openness or vagueness in the rules does not necessarily require a rules change, but rather discussion and agreement amongst the players. Anime 5E characters can have tremendous powers, and those powers can be unintentionally abused by inexperienced players. Rather than changing the rules to restrict the characters, consider talking to the players and asking them to voluntarily modify their characters’ behaviour to eliminate the abuse. Never change the rules arbitrarily or without informing the players in advance of the change, and your reasons for it. This ensures there will be fewer rules disputes and confusion during the game.

CHEATING: JUST DO IT! If you want your players to worship you and think you are the best DM in the world, you only have one option: cheat, and cheat often. Never make a single die roll without thinking to yourself, “Hmmm … if I cheat and change the result of this roll, will I make it a better game?” In DMing, there are no rules about “being fair”, or “sticking to the dice roll”, or “being honest with the players”. There is only one primary rule: make your game the best it can be for everyone. Dice are only a tool to suggest how you should make up your mind. You make the decisions, not the dice. Whether you ask your players to also follow this advice is up to you, of course.

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DAMAGE CONTROL Even the best gaming groups and DMs encounter difficult situations. When problems arise, you must resolve them. The following are some of the more common troubleshooting techniques you can use to help keep your anime and manga adventures running smoothly.

Making Mistakes Sometimes you may make a mistake, whether it is misinterpreting a rule or not recalling an important fact about an NPC. If the mistake occurs during the game, own up to it, do what you can to correct it, and move on. It is much better to tell your players, “oops, I made a mistake”, than to try and cover it up or, even worse, refuse to admit it and allow the game to suffer because of it. Most mistakes are not likely to make much difference in the game. If a mistake does result in serious consequences (such as the death of a player character), you can either choose to reverse the problem – changing history and saying it never happened – or you can redress it in a future adventure. Perhaps the characters get an opportunity to fix the mistake, or even to travel back in time and change history themselves, in order to “right the cosmic balance” by preventing an event that should not have happened.

Conflict Between Players Although Anime 5E is a game about teamwork and cooperation, conflict may arise between players in your group. Note this is not conflict between characters, which can be interesting and fun, but a conflict between the players that threatens to spoil everyone’s enjoyment of the game. If a conflict develops between two or more of your players, discover what it is and settle it through some mutually agreeable compromise. Make it clear to the players that they should keep their personal disputes out of the game. If they are incapable of doing so, or settling matters, then consider asking one or more of the difficult players to leave the game. Most problems can be solved long before that becomes necessary, however. In the case of conflicts over events happening in the game, remind the players that it is just a game, and that the goal is for everyone to have fun. If an in-game conflict is not enjoyable for a player, try modifying or eliminating it. If there is conflict in the group about the game, find out what it is and settle it by changing the campaign’s plot or adding some house rules that address the issue.

Power Abuse Characters in Anime 5E can have tremendous powers. Oftentimes, they can literally move mountains and change the course of history. In many anime and manga series, heroes almost always act with the utmost responsibility and restraint, but there is no guarantee that players will do the same. Sooner or later, someone may decide to see just how far they can go with their character’s abilities. While you should encourage player creativity, there are some uses of powers that are either inappropriate to the genre, style, and tone of game you are running, or likely to ruin everyone’s

enjoyment of the game if permitted. In those cases, you need to step in and politely, but firmly, refuse to allow them. A gentle reminder is usually enough to dissuade most players, especially if it is for the good of the story as a whole. In cases where players create abusive powers or characters – intentional or accidental, with or without the use of benchmarks (page 20) – you can simply ask them to drop or redesign them to fit the campaign. There is nothing wrong with saying, “your interpretation of that Attribute is simply too powerful for this game” and setting limits on what the characters are capable of accomplishing. Alternatively, when an abuse of power happens in the game, you can confront the players with the consequences of their actions. How do the background NPCs in the game react to a character who uses their powers for personal gain, or who murder villainous opponents in cold blood? The open hostility of respected NPCs may encourage players to alter the way they portray their characters.

Getting Back on Track No adventure plan survives unchanged after contact with the players, who can do the most unexpected things and derail a planned adventure. Sometimes all you can do is go with the flow and follow where the players lead you. If you have a good grasp of the setting and characters for your game, you should be able to improvise and deal with most digressions from your plot. The players may even provide you with some ideas and opportunities you had not originally considered. Other times, when an adventure is diverting wildly from the story, you may need to nudge things towards the best direction. The trick is to do this without the players realising, since the ideal adventure leads the players as little as possible. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to guide wayward players back in the right direction:

Give Them a Clue

Anime villains are notorious for taunting heroes with clues about their fiendish master plans. If the characters wander away from the plot, have the villain drop them a hint like a riddle, a sudden attack, or a threatening message. A decent clue can put the heroes hot on their enemy’s trail again.

Sudden Insight

Provide a more direct clue using the characters’ abilities. A Psionicist or Dynamic Spellbinder might have a vision or flash of insight, or a skilled Hunter might piece together certain clues. Characters with Heightened Senses may pick up on clues others failed to notice, while a telepath might sense critical stray thoughts or psychic impression of nearby bystanders.

NPC Leads

If all else fails, you can have an NPC guide the characters in the right direction. The best way to enact this is to have the characters come to the NPC’s rescue, rather than the supporting character solving the problem. For example, one of the group’s reporter friends follows up on some leads and stumbles across a vital part of the villain’s plan. They have just enough time to send a panicked note via pigeon to the group before being captured by the villain’s goblin minions. Suddenly, the heroes are off to the rescue and the adventure is running smoothly again.

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Advice for the DM

The following 21 suggestions are a collection of ideas for consideration as you embark on the role of Anime 5E DM, though they have universal application for any RPG. This advice is certainly not exhaustive – that amount of detail could be a complete book unto itself!– and is intended to provide a starting framework for your games.

Names are Important

Giving your NPCs memorable names will make them more interesting to the players. Every background character, no matter how minor, is an opportunity to enrich your world and story. Towns, regions, rivers, and other key terrain feature also deserve rich and fun names. In your game notes, have a list of five or six extra names for NPCs and places you may need to create on the fly. Keep track of them once you use them for future adventure reference.

Players Love Familiarity

Reuse previous settings from earlier storylines to build a larger world. Revisiting the inn or guild from the first adventure in the seventh adventure, for example, will create a sense of nostalgia for the players and provide a larger context to your game setting. The NPCs they briefly encountered before are now part of their history and can create a new layer of intrigue to a standard scene. Players will love seeing the character they rescued in the dungeon or woods reappear later as a merchant, mayor, or skulking thief in the town. Don’t overdo the references, though, because it will make your world feel too coincidental and staged. Rather, sprinkle these moments into your campaign and watch the joy unfold at your gaming table.

Create a Safe Space

Everyone needs to feel respected and safe while role-playing, free from judgment and triggers. Establish game boundaries well before play begins, including which lines shouldn’t be crossed and which world elements should not be explored in detail. Ensure players know that they each have an absolute veto at any time to end the content of a scene if they don’t feel comfortable in that situation. The needs of your players (and your own needs, too!) always take priority over everything else.

Dice Rolling is Boring

Dice rolling seemingly provides great fun during a game. When one player is rolling the dice, though, everyone else is waiting – and waiting is not fun. Keep dice rolling to the minimum to keep the narrative moving along. If a dice roll is not necessary or does not constructively add to the game, do not ask players to toss the dice. Start encounters quickly and end them quickly; don’t make the players chase down every last critter to finish the scene. Save big combat scenes for achieving plot goals. In role-playing games, rolling dice is the work part, not the fun part.

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Offer Players Options

Your game world is filled with endless possibilities which can lead to lots of time spent deciding what to do. You need to help define paths that the players can take while making it clear they can come up with their own as well. Be clear on the type of action choices the players have, and the general consequences of taking those actions to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Reward Player Cleverness

DMs often feel they are playing against the PCs because they are developing obstacles during the adventure. This dynamic sometimes translates into the DM being overly loyal to the story challenges and trying to be more clever than the players. If the players have discovered a loophole in your carefully constructed encounter or obstacle, don’t try to fix the scenario in spite of the players. Give them the creative win when they deserve it.

Don’t Add Crazy for Crazy’s Sake

Make sure there is a reason for crazy characters and not just an excuse for an NPC or player to act irrationally. No doubt, zany behaviour has a place in good anime and manga stories, but not every unhinged character is going to come across as authentic. Such characters mostly add excitement to an interesting encounter, but should the players have to rely on this crazy character, you’ve added a vital component to the game. Add such elements purposefully.

Be Consistent

Randomness in dice is expected, of course. Randomness in rule interpretations can be frustrating for players, since you are their game compass. When you make a dynamic game ruling during a scenario, write it down. Unless you discover a reason not to, stick with it for the future as well. If you need to alter your decision later, make a point to explain why it is being altered to the players to avoid confusion and mistrust. If a dagger was able to reflect the a particular spell during one session, for example, but not able to reflect a similar spell in another, you need to convey solid reasoning.

Admit Misdirection as Soon as You Can

All DMs make errors. An NPC may say something or do something that sends the players into a whirlwind of tangential speculation. If your intended actions were not as the players have interpreted – and as a result it sends the players down an unproductive path – own the misdirection by letting them know your phrasing wasn’t actually a clue or anything more than a casual comment or device to move the story to a different point. That is, unless of course the player speculation has given you an idea for a future plot line, which you can develop more fully as part of a divergent story. Make sure player time isn’t wasted going down unintended dead-ends.

Plan Significance

Develop and execute one significant character moment several times in each adventure session. Players are in the game to be entertained, and rewarding them with the spotlight creates a memorable experience. Rewards can come from character development or interesting story events and milestones. For their time, players expect to earn these small rewards frequently. Should these highlights not appear regularly, players can grow frustrated and bored and possibly disruptive.

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Make Each Character a Hero

Time is a Precious Element

It is critical to give each character their chance to shine. The players must seize opportunities presented to make something great for their characters, but you need to provide the hook for the players to grasp. Make the moment meaningful, make it shorten the path to victory, or make it epic enough that player will talk about the moment for months, years, or even decades later. Even if their characters fail spectacularly, spotlight moments are always a memorable event. This advice applies equally when the characters are the villains of the story too.

Everyone’s time is valuable and everyone wants to spend their time in different ways. Unfortunately, some players don’t perceive wasting other people’s time as a problem. As DM, you are not only the arbiter of the game but also the keeper of time because you control the narrative flow. If you halt the game to read game rules or your adventure notes too frequently, the players’ inactivity can devolve into personal conversations which can then impede gameplay.

Mundane Belongs Behind the Scenes

Don’t force yourself to run a game plot, setting, or style you don’t like. Players will sometimes want to play specific types of characters that reflect their favourite characters from anime or manga – yet such characters may lead to some types of stories that you don’t enjoy telling. You may perform adequately running these types of games, but you probably won’t have much fun and may start dreading each session instead of looking forward to it. If you will spend less time planning, plotting, and developing your adventures, players will notice and everyone’s enjoyment will be reduced. Having honest conversations with the players during the initial conceptions for the game will help ensure maximum gratification for all.

Let the mundane events that are a necessary part of every story take place “off stage”. For example, unless there will be an enhancement to the story by having the players role-play purchasing equipment from the shopkeeper, don’t spend valuable table time doing it. There are numerous moments like this in every game, where the players are trying to assemble the plot fundamentals (equipment, food, information, etc.) to get to the fun parts.

The DM Sets the Game Tone

You must take the game as seriously as you want the players to take it. If you are frequently distracted by digital devices, or break the in-game adventure time by going off on personal tangents, then you have given implied consent for the players to do the same. As the DM, you set the standard of behaviour at the table.

Let Character Strength Shine

Not everyone knows how to survive in the wilderness or extract information from a hostage, and so you shouldn’t expect the players to describe precisely how their capable characters will accomplish such tasks. Feed players the information they need to make their characters look good in appropriate situations. Gamers usually immerse themselves in role-playing games to engage the imagination and escape the confines of regular life. Even intellectual challenges, such as riddles and puzzles should have a mechanism that allows the amazingly smart character to solve it even if the player can’t figure it out. Clues, different configurations, group participation, or extra attempts can all be used to let the characters’ strengths compensate for the players’ weaknesses.

Character Weaknesses as Strengths

Use character Defects to the benefit of the game. Though they penalise the characters, Defects should not penalise the players by hindering their role-playing efforts. Be sure to map out how you plan to implement all Defects before the adventures begin to avoid forgetting about them during play. Using them effectively will add excitement and a touch of paranoia to your game.

Keep Player Character Sheets

Inevitably, players will forget to bring their character sheets to a session and may attempt to recreate it with bad results and a lot of lost time. Although each players should keep a copy of their own character sheet, having a DM duplicate is handy for such instances. With the current digital technology, of course, it is nearly effortless to keep a backup within easy reach.

Have Fun, or the Players Won’t

You Can’t Make Everyone Happy

Don’t even try to be everything for everyone because your effort to appease one player may alienate the others. When you accept that, despite your best efforts, the unfolding action may not be equally enjoyable to all players during each game session, you can improve the game for those players who are fully engaged with the adventures. Of course, you should always try to advance the game from session to session in a way that addresses the needs of every player when feasible. If the same player continues struggling with game satisfaction, though, perhaps a conversation between sessions about what the player needs to have fun once again is needed.

Go Outside the Rules

If you dislike a rule presented in Anime 5E, you are encouraged to modify it to suit your needs or simply discard it completely. Do not let your vision of how anime and manga adventures should unfold be suppressed by anything you read in this book. These pages are filled with guidelines and suggestions, but they certainly do not reflect the One True Way to fantasy role-playing success. Use what you like, discard what you do not, and fill in the blanks with your own ideas.

Consume Great Content

This advice is a repeat from the player’s advice list. If you’re going to be hosting a fantasy game set in an anime world of your own creation, it only makes sense for you to seek out a diverse range of anime series and movies to watch for inspiration. Anime has never been more accessible to audiences worldwide, with dozens of free and pay-to-play streaming services offering up hundreds of dynamic titles. A quick internet search will provide ample suggestions to help narrow the field. Additionally, reading quality manga, fantasy novels and RPGs can encourage your creativity – even if they aren’t exclusively focused on anime. Hosting viewing parties of a series with your players before or after game sessions is sure to be a hit.

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Example Settings

To help introduce new players to the game and provide a conduit by which we can provide examples, Anime 5E presents three possible fantasy settings as part of a larger multi-dimensional backdrop called the Anime Multiverse. The Multiverse is an incredibly powerful tool gaming groups can use whole-cloth, or in select pieces.

THE ANIME MULTIVERSE There are a nearly infinite number of worlds existing within an ever-shifting sphere of reality. All one has to do is find them. Some of these worlds are linked together, making travel between them possible. This set of tied realms is the Cosmic Web, also known as the Multiverse.

Waylines and the Cosmic Web Waylines are the interdimensional connections between worlds – lines of energy that cross space, time, and even dimensions. These connections can be visualised as a “Cosmic Web” whose strands connect these worlds. The formation of the Cosmic Web appears to have been deliberate. Sometime in the past, a being or organisation, usually personified as “the Weaver”, connected all the strands of the Cosmic Web. Some tribes believe the Weaver to have been a god, while others believe he, she, it, or they were powerful archmagi or other beings of less-than-divine stature. The completion of the Cosmic Web as it is known today probably dates back at least 10,000 years. Some “Weaver relics” – artefacts of power that exert control over the Cosmic Web – still exist. The most common of these relics are the world gates. Worlds in the Cosmic Web usually have between one and six waylines. The more waylines a world has, the more important it is from an interdimensional perspective.

World Gates World gates, or simply “gates”, are places where a wayline can be entered by those with the power to access them. Each wayline connecting two worlds usually has several gates that open to it. If the wayline is an extradimensional highway, gates are their exit and entrance ramps. Each gate is associated with a specific wayline, and has a matching gate on the “other side” of that wayline. Gates can take many forms, including such common designs as: a ring of toadstools in a forest grove; an actual door; an ancient stone circle; an enchanted mirror; a painting of a mysterious place; a clear mountain pool; a deep well; a tomb; the mouth of a giant idol; etc. Typically, anyone who touches a gate and expresses a wish to be elsewhere will be transported by it. Thus, if a gate existed within a closet of an old house, a child playing in that closet would not be transported. But if the child ran into the closet to hide from someone, and wished they were elsewhere, the child could actually activate the gate! 254

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The Way-Bound Certain individuals are “Way-Bound” – their souls are linked to the Cosmic Web. This means that they can be summoned by anyone performing an appropriate ritual at a gate that leads to the Way-Bound’s home world. If a Way-Bound is already on the summoner’s world, the ritual has no effect. The only way to summon a Way-Bound individual is with that entity’s true name. In most cases, the individual will simply hear a call and will have the ability to decide whether or not to come. In some cases the Way-Bound may be compelled, although this usually requires some other link (such as a feather from an angel’s wing, a talisman of a demon, etc.). Powerful demons and angels are Way-Bound, as are select gatekeepers of each world.

ARADIA Aradia is sometimes called the “Living Heaven”. It is an Earth-like world, with two-thirds of it ocean and six continents, most of which are covered with dense sylvan forests. The land is unspoiled by sprawling cities or mines, and breathtaking in its natural beauty. The air is clear, and a billion stars glitter in the night sky. Surrounding the planet is a ring, which is visible as a great arch from much of the surface (except in high winter, where it is a dark band that partially eclipses the sun, leading to a long twilight), or as a shimmering halo from space. This is the Tiara of Aradia, a shattered moon of ice and rock. Four tiny “shepherd moons” also orbit the planet, and are visible from the surface as moving sparks of light. The flora and fauna are common to many fantasy worlds, but Aradia is also home to many exalted mythical creatures. There are unicorns, winged horses, griffons, and sea serpents, for example. Some are fierce beasts that think little of snacking on an unwary native or traveller, but none are innately evil. Aradia is not just a beautiful planet, though – it is a living being. The natives of Aradia believe it is a manifestation of the Weaver and call it the Womb of Life. In turn, the planet communicates its desires and wishes – the Wisdom of Aradia – through the movement of clouds and storms upon its surface. These patterns form a unique language of symbols that its priests, the Oracles of the Wind, interpret. The dominant species on Aradia are the Asrai (page 31). They resemble Humans, except for their small feathered wings that can expand out to full size. The Asrai are highly magical, but some are more talented than others. They are born “from the dreams of Aradia”. When two Asrai mate, the female does not become pregnant; instead, their passion triggers a lightning storm in the clouds, and eventually an egg forms in the sky. The egg will fall into the ocean, wash ashore, and eventually hatch. Asrai civilisation is largely pastoral. Guided by the Oracles of the Wind, the Asrai farm, build, herd, hunt, and so on, but do not do much mining. Most Asrai live in small villages or isolated houses scattered across the world. There is no economy as such, just exchanges of goods for mutual benefit. Other sentient beings also live on Aradia. The Elarad is a collective term for animals that can speak (Elarad means “wild companions”). About one in 10,000 animals on Aradia are Elarad. They protect their own interests, but some go to live with the Asrai, and study in their schools or even work as emissaries for the Asrai.

Fairies (page 34) are not native to Aradia, but there are now as many living there as there are Asrai. Fairies are tiny insectwinged pixies. They were rescued from Arcadia, an Outer World which was being transformed and corrupted by the Bane, a demonic power that sucked away its life. The surviving Fairy are now allied with the Asrai. There are about half a million fairies on Aradia, most of them living in the woods. They are typically good folk, though somewhat mischievous, but a few of these were tainted by the Bane and turned to evil. The Asrai and the Fairy’s Bane Hunters deal with these problems as they occur. Directing the Asrai are two powerful institutions. The Council of Aeons is the ruling body. It meets in the Chamber of Aeons in the Vale of Thorns. Its 101 members are elected at the Festival of the Arch, which is held on the first day of spring each year. The College of Emissaries is another major body. Part of the Wisdom of Aradia is the knowledge that there are many worlds, some of them not “awakened’ like Aradia is. This, according to their belief, is because the world-spirits are frightened by the evil that exists in those worlds, and are sleeping, trapped in nightmares, and afraid to awaken. In order to fix this, it is the responsibility of the Asrai to help overcome evil in those worlds. Here, specially selected Asrai go to school, where they are carefully trained in the role of Emissary. There they may be sent to other kingdoms or even worlds to further the cause of good. Often an Emissary will be sent to act as a mentor, partner, or guardian to a particularly promising individual identified by the College. The Sabaoth was constituted recently, about 600 years ago, after the world of Aradia was faced by a demonic incursion known as the Bane. It is the armed Host of the Asrai, a fighting order of “warrior angels” that have undergone extensive military training. They report directly to the Council of Aeons, but also instruct other Emissaries in fighting. Asrai of the Sabaoth are also Emissaries, and are trusted with difficult and dangerous missions such as fighting demons. The unique “living planet” nature of Aradia means there are dozens of unusual places on the world. Here are two examples: The Whirl is a natural dimensional gate that leads to many other dimensions. It is a whirlpool that sometimes appears in the ocean. Every so often an Asrai egg will fall into the Whirl instead of landing in open sea. When this occurs, the egg will be carried through the gate and reappear somewhere on another world, washing ashore. Often the egg will drift for some time before being found. Once touched, it usually dissolves into nothing, leaving a baby who can easily be mistaken for a Human or other humanoid, since away from Aradia it takes the wings a long time to form (usually not manifesting until adolescence). One of the jobs of Emissaries visiting such other dimensions is to search for the occasional “lost angel” but often they do not find them until years or even decades later. Wormwood Blight is part of the price that Aradia paid to rescue the fairies. It is a cosmic cancer that inadvertently “crossed over”, an entire forested mountain valley that has become infected and corrupted by the evil Bane. The area is small, and the energies of Aradia have been able to contain it. Evil forces do exist within it – terrible illusions, dark fairies, cannibal unicorns, wyverns, and other creatures of evil. The Asrai and others have only managed to contain it, not destroy it. Wayward seeds of Wormwood Blight have occasionally sprung up elsewhere, but the Asrai have always managed to destroy these.

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BAZAROTH Bazaroth is a dying world in a close orbit around a dim red dwarf star – the Demon Sun. The planet does not rotate in relation to the sun. Instead, one side is in perpetual daylight called the bloodlight by its denizens. The other is locked in eternal darkness and cold. The proximity to its star also causes tidal effects that shake the world: the land ripples with massive quakes, chasms regularly open with geysers of hot steam or molten lava, and chains of volcanoes spew molten lava that runs in rivers and stream across the land. On the Darkside, the fitful glow of the volcanoes and lava pools supports life. The denizens of this hellish land are the hellspawn, often called demons by those who encounter them. Hellspawn come in many tribes, which, thanks to the hellish environment of Bazaroth, have diverged greatly. Most are humanoid, or even centauroid or serpentine, and have a monstrous appearance, although many more powerful archdemons can also change their shape or size. All are predators, and many are psychic vampires to some degree, and gain nourishment not merely from eating things, but also from extinguishing the life force of a being itself. The more sophisticated demons can feed on other raw emotions as well, and some powerful entities amongst them have even learned to create magical artefact items or places that can tap into the energy from large groups. Such raw energy can be transferred across the dimensional waylines. Some hellspawn may also possess the rare ability to transform and interbreed with other species, and this has led to many hybrids.

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Over the last thousand years, such breeding programs have been deliberately sustained by the demon lords. Some of these programs are aimed at creating and nurturing especially powerful entities (“dark lords” or “harbingers of the apocalypse”) on other worlds, and nourishing them with evil. One such entity was the terrible Bane that destroyed the Fairy world of Arcadia. The Dark Side of Bazaroth forever hides its face from the sun. In the centre of the Dark Side is Moloch, a half-frozen continent that thrusts itself out of the ice – a wasteland of fire and cold, with endless plains of ice and rock, and enormous volcanoes belching clouds of soot and rivers of lava. Only the most hardy hellspawn dwell on the surface, but the continent is riddled with ancient lava tubes, great subterranean vaults, and tunnel complexes heated by pools of lava and geysers of steam. All manner of strange fungi, slimes, and oozes grow there – some naturally, others cultivated by slaves in bubbling vats. Much of the Dark Side is an ocean called the Sea of Tears, whose surface is largely frozen, and whose depths conceal great leviathans (island-sized horrors of teeth and writhing tentacles), their smaller spawn, beautiful flesh-eating mermaids, and similar terrors. Some of these monsters are amphibious and crawl ashore or break through the ice to hunt, or seek mates on the surface. The frozen sea is thawed in places by occasional volcanic islands that erupt from the ocean, both active and extinct. The larger islands are often shrouded by steam as rivers of lava flow into the icy waters. The islands, warmed by the fires of the deep, are also home to demonic citadels, built of black obsidian or from the shells and bones of the creatures of the deep. The majority of hellspawn like Archfiend (page 30) and Demonaga (page 33) live on the Dark Side, in citadels in the Sea of Tears and in the Underworld of Moloch. The ruler of the Dark Side is known as the Infernal King, and rules from the Citadel of Fire – a black glass city carved from obsidian that resembles a hellish Venice with canals of molten lava and bridges of red hot iron. In the chilly centre of Moloch is the Palace of Frozen Screams, where dwells the medusa-like Faceless Queen of the tribe of snow-demons. She is one of the 12 demon princes or princesses who owe fealty to the Infernal King, along with countless lesser demon lords, each of whom rules their own slice of hell (usually an island or a subterranean vault). All of the infernal aristocracy will usually visit the Citadel of Fire to pay court or bring tribute. The Infernal King’s subjects constantly scheme and backstab to sabotage one another in the hopes of winning the favour of their overlord. Each of the demon lords has their own legion composed of powerful aristocratic warriors. Hellspawn vie for positions in the most powerful and notorious legions as warriors, sergeants, knights, or centurions, captains, etc. Promotions are earned by blood; when a leader dies, is executed or exiled for failure, or assassinated for perceived weaknesses by their underlings, duels are fought between all those who feel strong enough to rise in ranks. The winner is promoted. The Shadowlands lie on the borders between the Day and the Night Sides, or as the hellspawn say, between Blood and Ice. They are a narrow (a few hundred kilometres) band of perpetual cool twilight. These lands are feared, for they are filled with wraiths – energy draining ghosts, banshees, and cannibal spirits. Some of the demon lords know rituals that can bind these creatures and bring them back as servants.

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Dayside lies across the Shadowlands. The blood-red sun hangs overhead, and the sky is purple and orange. The omnipresent volcanoes are still there, the smoke rising. Most of Dayside is also ocean; the Sea of Tears breaks up into drifting icebergs, which melt as they cross the Shadowland and drift to Dayside. There are many large and small islands in the vast ocean, some volcanic and others barren rock. In the centre of dayside is the continent of Antaris, directly facing the eye of the sun and thus the temperature is stifling. It is here that vegetation grows on the surface, although their leaves are not the bright green of healthy plants but rather black, crimson, or the sickly purple of a fresh bruise. The islands of Dayside and the continent of Antaris are dominated by the Bloom – endless jungles and swamp, teeming with life and death. The unstable, flaring radiation from the red star causes rapid mutations, and species are constantly changing, evolving, and becoming more deadly. The Bloom is alive with monstrous and occasionally gargantuan hellbeasts. There are enormous three-headed worms the size of dragons, carnivorous trees, herds of armoured and spiked behemoths, and floating air-jellyfish. Thanks to the radiation of the Demon Sun and the active geology, evolution is out of control and beasts are locked into a constant cycle of mutation. Even the most comely hellbeasts can be deadly, including swarms of flesh-eating butterflies, clouds of tiny vampire pixies … or the cute floppyeared and horned hell-bunny whose mouth may suddenly open wide to reveal flesh-rending tentacles or needle-sharp fangs! Even the demons fear the Bloom, but some desperate exiles, escaped slaves, and rebels against the Infernal King dwell here. Toward the centre of Antaris, the temperature increases. There lies a massive ring of volcanic mountains called the Knives of the Sun, and beyond them looms the Plain of Despair. This red desert stretches hundreds of leagues across the land, and is said to be a place where the hellspawn of Bazaroth defeated an army of invaders from Beyond. Scattered about the Plain of Despair are the remains of these entities: the dismembered corpses of weirdly beautiful giants, some hundreds of feet tall, decaying with preternatural slowness. The half-insectoid barbaric maggot-brood of Antaris dwell within the corpses; these hellspawn are said to practice strange magics, feared even by the darksiders. In the centre of the Plain is the Cauldron of Bazaroth, the hottest place on the world – a sea of bubbling blood that feeds the rivers that run through the Pain Forest. Rising from the sea are the Trees of Death, 13 gigantic trees, hundreds of metres high, whose roots drink the blood and upon whose thorns are traditionally impaled the worst enemies of the demon lords (captured Asrai, for example). Death Tree fruit is said to have powerful necromantic and alchemical properties. Nesting in the tree branches are hell drakes – fearsome hybrids of insect, vampire, and dragon, who often take wing to hunt the maggot-brood (and anyone else) venturing across the Cauldron or upon the Plain of Despair. In some Darkside tribes, it is the custom to send young hellspawn into the Day Side to perform a quest, such as retrieving one of the Fruits of the Trees of Death, or the skulls of 13 other demons. This is the Pilgrimage of Bloods, and is a common rite of passage and required to enter one of the greater Legions. Many adventuring parties from Bazaroth have formed when a group of hellspawn youths work together to conquer their Pilgrimage as a team.

IKARIS Ikaris is a more-traditional world of swords and sorcery. The land is dominated by an immense supercontinent, also called Ikaris. This is bisected by an immense mountain range, the Dragonspine, that runs roughly east to west. Due to the size of the supercontinent, conditions in the interior are very harsh, with arctic winters and blazing hot summers. As a result, most civilisation is along the east, south, and west coasts.

The Shards of Azar On the west coast are the Shards of Azar. These are successor states of the once-great Empire of Azar, which long ago ruled the entire coast – only to break up 300 years ago during a great civil war. The Shards are divided into nine squabbling principalities, each one is ruled by a powerful Legate. Once these were provinces of Imperial Azar, and the Imperial Legates were bound by oath to serve and advise the Emperor. Now they are absolute rulers, equivalent to kings. The empire has never been reunified, although every so often an Archmagus tries to conquer one or more neighbours, leading to war. At various times the Nine Shards have dwindled to seven or eight, although it is more common for a single border province located within one of the shards to be conquered than for an entire Shard to fall. The Shards of Azar’s society mirrors a medieval feudal system with one big difference. Magic works on Ikaris, and a mage’s fireball, not the mounted knight in shining armour, is the ultimate weapon. Thus, each Legate is served by several archmagi, each of them a mighty wizard. In exchange for a grant of land, the archmagi agree to provide the Legate with a force of powerful sorcerers (for up to 40 days) and also “hold, protect, and bless” their lands. Each archmage’s province is divided into a few dozen mage-holds, each controlled by a sorcerer who has sworn allegiance, and who also owes 40 days service to the archmage. Typically, the sorcerers and archmagi loyally follow their respective vows, but treachery and rebellions are not uncommon, and are often fomented by rival Legates. Each sorcerer has a tower or other fastness that protects a village or town, which in turn supports them. In addition, every sorcerer usually has an apprentice adept or two – a mageborn boy or girl who is studying the magical arts, and who will become their heir after death or retirement. Sometimes a Legate or archmage will grant the title of sorcerer to an apprentice adept, usually giving them land of a follower who was killed (or turned traitor), or in other cases, permission to carve new territory from the wilderness or a conquered land and take that as their holding. Not every mage is part of the feudal aristocracy. “Wizards” and “witches” are terms used for any mage who does not have a grant of land. Some are mercenaries; others never received formal training, or specialised in something other than the battle magic that is the stock-in-trade of the sorcerer, archmage, and Legates. They are usually regarded as dangerous troublemakers by the establishment. “Warlocks” (“oath breakers”) are ex-sorcerers who have been expelled by their feudal lord, or forsaken their vows. Their staff is broken, and they are reviled as without honour, and often accused of all manner of evil deeds, sometimes wrongly (much like Japanese ronin). Many become leaders of bandit or goblin

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GAMING gangs; others leave the province and travel to another province, or even a different Shard, where they serve as wandering mercenaries, monster-killers, or bounty-hunters. Some archmagi hire warlocks to swell their forces in time of war or rebellion, but this is considered rather sinister. Some sorcerers become warlocks for good reasons (for example, their archmage is evil and their Legate won’t listen, and so they forswear their vows) and may lead a band of “good” outlaws, as a kind of magical Robin Hood. Occasionally a situation will arise where a warlock can swear a new allegiance if any archmage or Legate pardons them, but this is rare and would require a great deed. Magic in Ikaris is not something anyone can learn; it requires a gift, said to come from the Weaver. Some people are mageborn while others are not. The gift is not heredity and mage parents usually have normal children. The gift of magic can usually be detected in infancy, however, as mageborn children instinctively perform simple spells or otherwise release their powers. For this reason, sorcerers adopt a gifted child, whether born of peasant or noble blood, as their heirapprentice. Ultimately, the heir-apprentice will “win their staff ” and be dubbed a sorcerer. Similarly, the titles of archmage or Legate are also not hereditary. An archmage will have one of their sorcerers chosen as heir-apparent; a Legate will select an archmage. If the archmage dies without specifying one, a vote, acclamation, duel, or force of arms may be used to choose a new lord. The ancient Vows of Azar are a magical code to which all true sorcerers, archmagi, and Legates are expected to adhere. It forbids use of magic to harm the innocent, and encourages magi to protect the weak and mundane. However, magi are also proud, and they will not brook challenge to their authority and dignity by mere mundanes. A sorcerer holds the power of life and death over all serfs within their holding. Archmagi and Legates hold regular tournaments for all the sorcerers of the area (and sometimes these are open to warlocks, wizards, and witches, as well). The prize is usually a valuable artefact in the archmage’s possession that is lent to the winner until the next tourney. Most tournament battles are single duels, although in some the sorcerer is aided by the apprentice. There are matches between apprentices alone, and often a grand duel of powers. Tourneys also include games for the wizard’s spearmen, monster-baiting contests, summoning competitions, music, etc. In war, or while policing their domains, sorcerers do not work alone. There are warriors as well as magi. Most sorcerers have some skill with a blade or staff (although they mainly use them for rituals). Sorcerers usually have a personal guard of spearman, archers, or swordsmen. In the Shards of Azar, the arts of the warrior are not highly developed; it’s mostly “stick them with the pointy end”. True swordsmen, like the blademasters of the Seven Stars, are regarded with almost supernatural awe and their fighting prowess is seen as magical. The majority of the population are farmers (or fisherfolk on the coasts, and sheep or goat herders in hilly areas) and those craftsfolk that support them, such as carpenters and blacksmiths. Most are bound to the land, though a few Shards in the north have freeholders. Their lives are reasonably prosperous since the magi are good at curing disease and controlling weather to prevent killing frost or lengthy droughts. Conversely, wars tend to be more devastating, and some sorcerers think nothing of

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turning an offending peasant into a draft horse or pig. Perhaps worse is the scourge of monsters that plague the border areas: dragons, ogres, trolls, undead, goblins, and other horrors. It is the sorcerer’s sworn duty to put their life on the line to ward against such threats. There are no large cities in the Shards, although each of them has at least one major town with a population of 5,000-15,000. The towns are also home to several craft guilds and merchant houses. Notable among the many guilds are the Alchemist’s Guild and the College of Harpers, who traditionally appoint a learned harper to advise each Legate. The Alchemist’s Guild, a relatively young organisation, is the leading “scientific” community on Ikaris, and possess knowledge of arcane potions of many sorts. Alchemical potions are magical but the sorcerers disdain them because they require only skill, not the Gift of Power. Even so, most Legates employ a court alchemist.

The Anvil of God A vast steppe and desert lies in the centre of Ikaris, known as the Anvil of God. Parts of it are inhabited by tribes of beast nomads who migrate around the edges, and also raid the more settled nations. The Dragonspine acts as a barrier to the nomads, limiting their ability to attack into the west (where the passes are guarded). Nomad raids are common against the Land of the Seven Stars, though. The major nomad tribes are the Wyvern, Griffon, and Manticore. The Dragonspine Mountains are a borderland between the North and the South. They get their name, obviously enough, from the winged firedrakes that dwell there. The dragons prey on the various migratory herds that cross the steppes, and also sometimes travel into the Shards or the Seven Stars. Tophet is a massive underground labyrinth and ruined city near the eastern spur of the Dragonspine Mountains. It is mostly underground as it was designed as shelter to protect the population from dragon raids. It was once the capital of the Magerealm of Tophet, a rival to the Empire of Azar, but is now is a ruin. The Archmage of Tophet had taken control of many monsters. When he was slain during a magical duel the monsters escaped and overran the city. Most of the population were killed or fled.

The Land of Seven Stars Across on the eastern side of the continent from the Shards of Azar is the Land of Seven Stars, also called the Heavenly Coast. The name comes from the legend that the land was blessed by seven celestial angels who founded the seven villages that grew into the seven coastal cities. There is also a legend of parallel shadowy demon clans that counterbalance them, and seven secret “undercities” beneath each city. The land is temperate, more so than the Shards thanks to a warm ocean current. Fishing is good, and there are hundreds of fishing villages along the coast and the offshore islands. Four of the Seven Stars are port cities on the coast or on islands (three more are located on inland rivers), and they have large fleets of galleys and much sea trade. The culture is somewhat reminiscent of a cross between Ancient Greece and medieval Japan. There are four main castes: the “heaven-born” lords, their warriors, the priests, and commoners (farmers, artisans, and merchants).

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Mages are rare in the Seven Stars since the practice of magic is forbidden by the teachings of the great prophet Achmed as corrupting the soul. It is said that those who perform magic will be reincarnated as rats or insects, for they have burned up all their spiritual energy. There are several orders of fighting monks and nuns, who possess exotic powers, however, primarily having to do with spirits, exorcism, and personal perfection. Some also have potent martial arts abilities from focusing spiritual energy. All must swear vows of poverty and obedience to their orders. A few western magi (mostly wandering warlocks) and some nomad witches and wizards do set up shop in the Seven Stars, where they have little competition, but they are often feared and distrusted. Each of the cities has a tradition that in each generation, the spirit of their founding angel will manifest again with divine powers as that city’s protector. Six of the Seven Celestial Angels manifested most recently during the Ghoul Invasions, but they were all killed while preventing the Ghouls from resurrecting the great Kraken of the Deep. It is likely their spirits have been reborn again. Until recently, all seven cities were independent, occasionally feuding with one another or fighting seasonal wars. They would sometimes combine together to fight off nomads or reavers, but often by the time a combined force could be mustered, the raiders had retreated, carrying off prisoners into slavery and leaving burned and looted villagers. After a particularly strong raid by the Wyvern Riders terrorised the northern borders, three cities joined to form the Northern League. Their strength was enough to force a peace treaty on the Wyvern Riders, and an exchange of hostages. The plans of its founding father, Tezra the Just, to expand the league met with suspicion and jealousy, and he was assassinated. The League collapsed into chaos and successive raids of the Ghoul Pirates and Manticore People ravaged the land. It become obvious that the situation could not endure. Unification came from Tenrai the Conqueror, the halfblooded son of Tezra the Just and a hostage-princess of the Wyvern Riders. When he came of age – after spending some time fostered with the nomads learning their ways – the combined alliance of his city and his mother’s tribe allowed him to dominate the other cities. He reformed and expanded the old Northern League, and with the aid of the Wyvern Riders, won the bloody Battle of Fallingstar Mountain against the combined forces of three holdout cities. He then showed magnanimity in pardoning those who had stood against him, provided they swore allegiance to him, not as head of his city, but as the Celestial Warlord of the Seven Stars. While the Seven Stars was established under one ruler, it is by no means secure. Not all of the country has been fully unified and there are still provinces that are rebellious. There are also border regions that were lost to the Ghoul Pirates or the Manticore Nomads during the fighting, and there are tensions between the barbarian Wyvern Riders and the more civilised city-folk. A rash of mysterious disappearances in one city is rumoured to be connected to the legendary undercities. One of the biggest disputes is over the succession. Tenrai has yet to marry, and some are advising him to choose a bride from one of the defeated cities (to help reunify them) while the Wyvern Riders expect him to take one of their own as his queen.

Despite the magnanimity of the Celestial Warlord, the fighting has also created a large contingent of exiles, including one order of fighting monks that refused to support the new regime and several hundred warriors who would not take the Warlord’s pardon and instead chose to become outlaws. Some of these have travelled as far as the Shards of Azar, where they are welcomed for their near-magical martial skills, often serving as merchant caravan guards, master-at-arms for an archmage, or bodyguards of a guildmaster. Various humanoid Races, such as Dwarves, Elves, Halflings, Gnomes, Nekojin, Satyrs, and Haud form pocket communities and kingdoms across Ikaris, and are known to disseminate from their lands to make homes throughout the world.

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APPENDIX A

Gedanken

A thought experiment by Anime 5E designer, Mark MacKinnon

Gedanken, short form for the German gedankenerfahrung or “thought experiment”, is a way to consider a problem by thinking through its ramifications. I first encountered this expression during my first year physics classes at the University of Guelph, and it has stuck with me ever since as a conceptual way to approach a troubling issue. While writing Anime 5E, this issue became the inelegance of the current structure of Ability Scores and their modifiers.

RETHINKING THE SCALE Like many middle-aged gamers, I began my love of RPGs with the Basic Set red boxed set in the mid ‘80s before moving onto 2nd edition Advanced in high school. The concept of Abilities with 18 being awesome and 10 being average has therefore been ingrained in my gaming DNA for decades. My perspective changed when I started examining the Fifth Edition ruleset, though – a viewpoint that I attribute to my years of RPG and board game designing experience becoming increasingly focused on elegance and efficiency. I noticed that nearly every aspect involving Ability Scores ignores the actual numbers themselves, and instead relies on their derived Ability Score modifier. Yes, there are a few minor rules that use the raw Scores – such as long jumping distance equalling a character’s Strength Score – but those rules are the exception. This trend isn’t new to Fifth Edition, but the presentation of the rules made it stand out for me. It’s clear that the 3-18 range is a legacy concept in fantasy role-playing. Rolling 3d6 for Ability Scores has been around for decades. Discarding it in favour of a more streamlined and elegant modern approach may not sit well with seasoned gamers. The game experienced a huge disruption between 2nd Edition Advanced and 3e (THACO, anyone?), so there is precedent for implementing massive changes to the fantasy gaming tradition with an eye on improvement. It is in this space that I undertake my thought experiment.

The Approach Since Ability Score modifiers are used most frequently, I want to convert the Scores into modifiers instead. So instead of a Strength of 15, it would be Strength 2; and instead of an Intelligence of 2, it would be Intelligence -4. But why stop there? Negatives are messy and unintuitive numbers that don’t play well with other positive numbers. I propose resetting the numbers to start at 0 instead of -5, which means that every Ability Score would be an easy-to-grasp positive integer. So instead of a Strength 15 being changed to 2, it would now be Strength 7; similarly, Intelligence of 2 wouldn’t be -4, but rather 1. To convert from old Fifth Edition Ability Scores to this new scale, subtract 10 from the Ability Score, divide the total by 2 (round down, or towards 0 if negative), and add 6. Table A1 contrasts the normal Fifth Edition Ability Scores with the new scale. Several other changes must accompany such a dramatic numerical shift; this revision has consequences. 260

TABLE A1 • REVISED ABILITY SCORES OLD GEDANKEN DESCRIPTION SCORE SCORE 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Adjusted Difficulty Classes If Ability Score modifiers are adjusted as suggested, the new modifiers will be 6 higher than those from Fifth Edition and DCs must also be raised accordingly. Working with a change of 5 is more elegant than 6 though – and it only reflects a small 5% difference on a d20 check – and so raising all DCs by 5 is the recommended solution (see Table A2). Contests don’t need to change, since the opposing modifier adjustments cancel.

TABLE A2: REVISED DIFFICULTY CLASS OLD DC

NEW DC

Very Easy

Easy

Medium

Hard

Very Hard

Nearly Impossible

DESCRIPTION

Other Adjustments Required » The price of each Ability Score raises to 2 Points each » Armour Classes need to all increase by 5, with AC 15 now representing the unarmoured base (previously AC 10) » To avoid changing Hit Points or weapon damage dice, the damage of a successful attack is modified by 5 less than a character’s Strength or Dexterity Score when it would normally apply (which could be a negative number) » Other minor adjustments to game rules may be necessary to account for the revised Ability Score range

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

APPENDIX B

Game Conversions Considerations for integrating Anime 5E with Fifth Edition

Since Anime 5E uses the central rules framework presented in Fifth Edition, importing characters and aspects to and from both games can be accomplished without significant effort (with a few exceptions). The lower complexity and reduced selection of options in Fifth Edition means integrating those game elements into Anime 5E is certainly easier than the reverse. These guidelines apply to the standard Fifth Edition options from the PHB/DMG/MM. Rules expansions from independent third-party publishers may pose other incompatibilities, and consequently those rule conversions should be approached with special attention.

BALANCING WITH POINTS You can import Fifth Edition characters into Anime 5E directly without worrying about Points by simply using their Race and Class features as presented in the PHB. This may result with these imported characters being slightly stronger or weaker than Anime 5E creations, but the differences are slight.

Races Anime 5E Races can be easily used in Fifth Edition games by treating their descriptive list of Attributes and Defects as features. Their scope of abilities are within a similar range as Races in the PHB, and thus are reasonably balanced. The exception is the Fairy; due to their Diminutive size penalties, Fairies are significantly weaker. Fairies are better balanced if they have -4 Degraded Strength instead of -8 when integrating them with Fifth Edition adventurers (ie. increase an Anime 5E’s Fairy by +4 Strength when it becomes a Fifth Edition Fairy). Integrating Fifth Edition Races into Anime 5E should not presents many problems, since their listed Race aspects are either easily mapped onto Anime 5E Attributes (such as Darkvision slotted in as a Feature, or an Elf ’s advantage on Saving Throws vs. charm equalling Edge Rank 1), or can be treated as Unique Attributes worth Points as indicated in Table 04 (page 29). Once again, complications may arise with Races smaller than Medium. To offset the lost Points due to the newly imposed Small size templates (page 44) for Halflings and Gnomes, grant them each 5 Bonus Points to spend on additional Attributes.

Classes To reduce potential Point imbalances during integration into Anime 5E, consider granting the Fifth Edition characters additional Bonus Points associated with their current Class Levels, as presented in the Deconstructing Traditional Classes section of Chapter 4 (pages 82-88). If you want to introduce a 6th Level Fighter / 4rd Level Rogue into an Anime 5E game, the character would have 6 Bonus Points for spending on Attributes to provide balance with other 10th Level Anime 5E characters – 2 Points over the first six Fighter Levels and 4 Points over the first four Rogue Levels.

ATTRIBUTES Although most Anime 5E Attributes can be read as features that apply across a range of Races and Classes – perhaps expressing their power through magical or racial sources – a few of them may present challenges when integrating into Fifth Edition.

Dynamic Powers This Attribute is an ideal tool for creating engaging and flexible narratives that focus on a single sphere of influence, but is poorly suited for integration into the standard Fifth Edition mindset of magic rigidity and structure. Characters that are intimately tied with the Dynamic Powers Attribute (such as the Dynamic Spellbinder Class) may need to be reconstructed as a traditional spellcasting Class (Sorcerer, Warlock, or Wizard) when making the jump from Anime 5E to Fifth Edition. Other characters with only one or two Ranks of Dynamic Powers should instead reallocate those 10 Points/Rank to the Spell-Like Ability or other Attributes for use in Fifth Edition adventures.

Enhanced Proficiency The progression of a character’s Proficiency Bonus is strictly tied to their total Level in Fifth Edition, and consequently this Attribute is a rule-breaker. Points spent on Enhanced Proficiency should be reassigned to other Attributes during conversion. Of course, the Diminished Proficiency Defect and associated Points should similarly be eliminated from character sheets.

Extra Actions Several Fifth Edition Classes already grant additional actions, and consequently this Attribute can reasonably be applied in adventures – but only at Ranks 1, 2, or 3. Extra Actions Ranks exceeding three should be removed and the Points reallocated.

Skill Proficiency The limited Skill list in Fifth Edition is more tightly controlled and focussed on traditional adventuring and dungeon-crawling activities than the significantly more comprehensive Anime 5E offerings. Characters with Skills specific to Anime 5E should instead reselect from the standard choices when transitioning to a Fifth Edition game, maintaining their overall story concept.

INDIVIDUAL RULES The modular aspects of the two rules systems allows gaming groups to incorporate select elements they want from the other game. For example, it’s easy to add Anime 5E’s called shots or tactical actions to Fifth Edition games, or to add traditional gridbased movement or encumbrance rules to Anime 5E games.

Monsters and CR Anime 5E provides stats and Challenge Ratings for a small set of example monsters, but it doesn’t come close to the vast number available in the MM. Unless a DM stats out all of their monster threats from scratch, it is far easier to integrate enemies from the MM into Anime 5E game as they are presented. Groups can use Fifth Edition Challenge Ratings as well – even if the CR values are calculated differently in Anime 5E (see page 184).

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APPENDIX C

Legal Information OPEN GAME License Version 1.0a

The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, LLC. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved. 1. Definitions: (a)”Contributors” means the copyright and/ or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)”Derivative Material” means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) “Distribute” means to reproduce, License, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)”Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) “Product Identity” means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, Spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and Special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, Equipment, magical or supernatural Abilities or Effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the OPEN Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to Identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) “You” or “Your” means the licensee in terms of this agreement. 2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms or Conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License. 3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License. 4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, nonexclusive License with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content. 5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original Creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License. 6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder’s name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute. 7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability

with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a Challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity. 8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content. 9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License. 10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute. 11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so. 12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected. 13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License. 14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable. 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, LLC. System Reference Document 5.1 Copyright 2016, Wizards of the Coast, LLC.; Authors Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford, Chris Perkins, Rodney Thompson, Peter Lee, James Wyatt, Robert J. Schwalb, Bruce R. Cordell, Chris Sims, and Steve Townshend, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. BESM d20 Copyright 2003, Guardians of Order, Inc. Author Mark C. MacKinnon Anime 5E: Fifth Edition Fantasy Role-Playing Adventures Copyright 2021, Dyskami Publishing Company. Author Mark MacKinnon.

16. ANIME 5E OPEN CONTENT & PRODUCT IDENTITY The following items are designated Product Identity, as defined in Section 1(e) of the Open Game License Version 1.0a, and are subject to the conditions set forth in Section 7 of the OGL, and are not Open Content: Dyskami Publishing names, logos, identifying marks, and trade dress; all game and product titles; all character and place names; all examples (blue boxes), all designer notes (pink boxes), all artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, illustrations, likenesses, poses, and graphic designs; all stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, and dialogue; pages 1-19; pages 21-22; page 26; Attribute descriptions on pages 92-130 (but not Attribute names, cost, relevant ability, scope, progression, or Rank 1-10 descriptions); Defect descriptions on pages 133-140 (but not Defect names, category, progression, or negative Point effect descriptions); Enhancement and Limiter descriptions on pages 143-148 (but not Enhancement and Limiter names, or 0-6 assignment descriptions); page 157; pages 238-272. Subject to the Product Identity designation above, the remainder of this publication is designated as Open Game Content.

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INDEX 1st Level Foundation............................................ 48 1st-Level Base Points, Table 10............................ 82 3D Manoeuvring Gear........................................200

Abilities, Recovering Drained.............................175 Ability Checks......................................................153 Ability Checks, Combining..................................154 Ability Modifiers, Weapons and........................123 Ability Score Definitions....................................... 24 Ability Score Modifiers, Missing........................172 Ability Scores......................................................... 24 Ability Scores, Revised, Table A1........................260 Ability, Spell-Like Attribute.................................117 Ableism (see Ism Defect)....................................135 Abuse, Power......................................................249 Abusive (see Social Fault Defect).......................139 AC as Difficulty Class...........................................152 AC Bonus Attribute............................................... 92 AC Penalty Defect...............................................133 Academia Skill.....................................................113 Accountability Defect.........................................133 Accurate, Enhancement, Weapon....................125 Acid, Damage Type.............................................173 Acids and Bases...................................................179 Acrobatics Skill....................................................113 Action Types........................................................159 Action, Bonus......................................................159 Action, Chapter 8................................................150 Action, Character................................................159 Actions, Attack....................................................160 Actions, Describing.............................................150 Actions, Extra Attribute......................................101 Actions, Free.......................................................163 Actions, General..................................................163 Actions, Hold (Ready).........................................166 Actions, Tactical..................................................162 Activation Limiter................................................145 Actor ...................................................................242 Adaptation (see Resilient Attribute)..................112 Adding Attributes.................................................. 90 Advancement, Character...................................181 Advancement, Level, Table 08............................. 50 Advantage, Opposing Defect.............................137 Advantages and Disadvantages.........................153 Advantages, Attack Roll, Table 24......................171 Adventurer............................................................ 54 Adventures, Designing........................................245 Adventures, Hosting...........................................242 Adventuring Gear...............................................200 Adventuring Gear, Starting.................................191 Adventuring Items..............................................190 Adventuring, Chapter 9......................................178 Advice for the DM...............................................250 Advice, Player......................................................240 Affecting Groups.................................................169 Ageism (see Ism Defect).....................................135 Agriculture Skill...................................................113 Aim ...................................................................162 Aim, Precise, Combat Technique......................... 94 Aimless (see Social Fault Defect).......................139 Alchemy Skill.......................................................113 Alignment in Anime 5E.......................................188 Allies and Enemies..............................................236 Allocating Points and Other Benefits................182 Allowable Enhancements, Table 18..................142 Ally (see Companion Attribute)........................... 95 Alternate Identity Attribute.................................. 92 Ammo Limiter and Thrown Weapons...............196 Ammo, Limiter, Weapon....................................129

264

Amplification, Spell Attribute.............................116 Analyse Monster, Monster Training..................108 Animal Control Flute...........................................200 Animal Handling Skill..........................................113 Animal Multisuit.................................................209 Anime 5E Alignment...........................................188 Anime 5E Character Quiz..................................... 26 Anime 5E Combat...............................................158 Anime 5E Executions..........................................160 Anime 5E Foundation.........................................238 Anime 5E Glossary................................................ 16 Anime 5E Objectives............................................. 12 Anime 5E vs. BESM d20........................................ 13 Anime 5E vs. Fifth Edition Monsters.................215 Anime 5E, Converting to/from Fifth Edition..... 261 Anime 5E, Exploring.............................................. 12 Anime 5E, Navigating........................................... 13 Anime Evolution...................................................... 9 Anime Fantasy Gaming......................................... 10 Anime Multiverse...............................................254 Anime Multiverse, Alignment in........................188 Anime Origins.......................................................... 8 Antisocial (see Social Fault Defect)....................139 Anxious (see Social Fault Defect).......................139 Aradia – Romantic Fantasy.................................255 Arcana Skill..........................................................113 Archfiend............................................................... 30 Architecture Skill.................................................113 Area Enhancement.............................................143 Area Knowledge Skill..........................................113 Area, Enhancement, Weapon............................125 Armaments.........................................................210 Armour................................................................193 Armour and Shields, Table 31............................198 Armour Class as Difficulty Class.........................152 Armour Class Bonus Attribute............................. 92 Armour Class Penalty Defect.............................133 Armour Class, Size-Based in Anime 5E..............214 Armour Proficiency Attribute............................... 92 Arrogant (see Social Fault Defect).....................139 Artisan Skill..........................................................113 Arts, Domestic Skill.............................................114 Arts, Visual Skill...................................................115 Asrai ..................................................................... 31 Assigning Size........................................................ 44 Assisted Limiter...................................................145 Athletics Skill.......................................................114 Attack Actions.....................................................160 Attack Roll............................................................160 Attack Roll Advantages, Table 24.......................171 Attack Roll Disadvantages, Table 25..................171 Attack, Inept Defect............................................135 Attack, Surprise...................................................168 Attack, Total.........................................................167 Attacks, Melee....................................................160 Attacks, Melee vs. Ranged.................................160 Attacks, Mounted...............................................168 Attacks, Multiple Targets at Once......................167 Attacks, Ranged...................................................160 Attempts, Unskilled............................................155 Attribute Use, Offensive.....................................169 Attributes in Combat..........................................169 Attributes Opposing Defects..............................182 Attributes, Chapter 5............................................ 90 Attributes, Item...................................................199 Attributes, Table 11............................................... 91 Attributes, Using.................................................154 Attributes, Using Defensively.............................169 Augmented Attribute........................................... 92 Aura, Enhancement, Weapon...........................125 Awarding Experience Points..............................181

Background Details............................................... 21 Backlash Limiter..................................................145 Bag of Holding.....................................................201 Balance and Uniqueness...................................... 22 Balance is a Myth................................................239 Balance, Special Movement...............................116 Bane Defect.........................................................133 Bank Points for the Future.................................132 Barbarian............................................................... 83 Bard ..................................................................... 83 Base Points, 1st-Level, Table 10........................... 82 Baseline Threat Score.........................................185 Bases and Acids...................................................179 Basics, Character, Chapter 2................................. 18 Basics, DM...........................................................242 Battle Motto, Monster Training.........................108 Bazaroth – Horror Fantasy.................................256 Beastly Spear.......................................................210 Begins, The Story................................................150 Belt of Giant Strength.........................................201 Bender................................................................... 56 Benefits, Duplicate................................................ 49 Benefits, Levelling................................................. 48 BESM d20 vs. Anime 5E........................................ 13 Between Ranks, Attribute..................................102 Big Eyes, Small Mouth............................................ 8 Bigoted (see Social Fault Defect).......................139 Binding Contract.................................................205 Biting ...................................................................161 Blackout, Combat Technique............................... 94 Blight, Enhancement, Weapon..........................125 Blind (see Physical Impairment)........................137 Blind Fighting, Combat Technique....................... 94 Blind Fury Defect.................................................133 Blind Shooting, Combat Technique..................... 94 Blindsight, Feature..............................................102 Blinkbeast.............................................................. 32 Bludgeoning, Damage Type...............................173 Bonus Action.......................................................159 Bonus, AC Attribute.............................................. 92 Bonus, Engagement............................................182 Bonus, Proficiency................................................ 48 Book of Death.....................................................210 Borderline (see Social Fault Defect)...................139 Boring (see Social Fault Defect).........................139 Boundaries, Establishing...................................... 20 Brachiating (see Special Movement: Swinging)..116 Breaking and Damaging Items...........................190 Breathing, Controlled Skill..................................114 Breed Monster, Monster Training.....................108 Broker.................................................................... 58 Buckler (see Shield)............................................199 Bugbear...............................................................219 Building a Raceless Character.............................. 28 Building Worlds...................................................244 Business Skill.......................................................114

Cabbit..................................................................230 Calculating CR.....................................................184 Called Shots.........................................................166 Campaigns, Mini-Campaigns, and One-Shots....243 Cannot Talk (see Impaired Speech Defect).......135 Capable (2nd to 4th Level)................................... 18 Capacity Attribute...............................................199 Cast, Supporting..................................................244 Casting Spells (see Dynamic Powers Attribute)... 99

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

INDEX Casual Touch.......................................................168 Cat-Like, Special Movement...............................116 Categorising the Game.......................................243 Challenge Ratings (CR).......................................184 Challenge Ratings, Comparing Games..............215 Challenges, Categories.......................................181 Change State Attribute......................................... 92 Change, Size Attribute........................................112 Changes to In-Game Points................................187 Changes, Plot......................................................176 Changing the Rules.............................................248 Chapter 1: Introduction.......................................... 8 Chapter 2: Character Basics................................. 18 Chapter 3: Races................................................... 28 Chapter 4: Classes................................................. 48 Chapter 5: Attributes............................................ 90 Chapter 6: Defects..............................................132 Chapter 7: Customisation..................................142 Chapter 8: Action................................................150 Chapter 9: Adventuring......................................178 Chapter 10: Items...............................................190 Chapter 11: Monster and NPCs.........................214 Chapter 12: Gaming...........................................238 Character Action.................................................159 Character Advancement....................................181 Character Basics, Chapter 2................................. 18 Character Benchmarks......................................... 20 Character Death..................................................173 Character Goals...................................................245 Character Movement.........................................163 Character Quiz, Anime 5E.................................... 26 Character, Building a Raceless............................. 28 Character’s Framework........................................ 21 Charges Limiter...................................................145 Charisma (CHA)..................................................... 25 Cheating: Just Do It!...........................................248 Checks, Ability.....................................................153 Checks, Passive....................................................153 Checks, Skill.........................................................154 Choosing a Race (see Races)................................ 28 Cisgenderism (see Ism Defect)..........................135 Clairvoyance (see Cognition Attribute)............... 93 Class Progression.................................................. 48 Class/Race Combinations..................................... 46 Classes, Chapter 4................................................. 48 Classes, Deconstructing Traditional..................... 82 Classes, Table 07................................................... 49 Classism (see Ism Defect)...................................135 Classless and NPCs................................................ 50 Cleaning Drones..................................................204 Cleric ..................................................................... 84 Climbing Skill.......................................................114 Cloak of Displacement........................................209 Code, Honour (see Social Fault Defect).............139 Cognition Attribute............................................... 93 Coins and Points, Converting.............................187 Cold ...................................................................179 Cold, Damage Type.............................................173 Collective Creation................................................ 18 Combat Flowchart..............................................157 Combat Manoeuvres..........................................166 Combat Mastery Attribute................................... 93 Combat Modifiers...............................................170 Combat Technique Attribute............................... 94 Combat, Anime 5E..............................................158 Combat, Attributes in.........................................169 Combat Order (see Determining Initiative)......159 Combinations, Race/Class.................................... 46 Combining Ability Checks...................................154 Combining Damage Dice....................................173 Combining Skill Checks.......................................154 Companion Attribute............................................ 95

Comparing CRs Between Games.......................215 Concealment, Combat Technique....................... 94 Concentration Limiter........................................146 Concept and Theme...........................................244 Conflict, Overcoming..........................................181 Conflicts Between Players..................................249 Conflicts, Shortcutting........................................181 Connected Attribute............................................. 98 Constitution (CON)............................................... 25 Consumable Limiter...........................................146 Contact, Enhancement, Weapon......................126 Contagious, Enhancement, Weapon................126 Contests...............................................................152 Continuing, Enhancement, Weapon.................126 Control Environment Attribute............................ 98 Control Sphere....................................................169 Control, Damage.................................................249 Control, Mind Attribute......................................106 Controlled Breathing Skill...................................114 Conversion Attribute............................................ 98 Converting Between Coins and Points..............187 Cosmic Web and Waylines.................................254 Cost, Ability Scores................................................ 24 Costing Races........................................................ 28 Costs, Point for Items..........................................190 Cover ...................................................................171 Cowardly (see Social Fault Defect)....................139 CR (Challenge Rating).........................................184 CR of Monsters, Table 32...................................215 Crafting Items......................................................182 Creation Example.................................................. 14 Creation, Collective............................................... 18 Creator.................................................................242 Creature Alignment............................................188 Creatures, Defeating...........................................181 Critical Failures....................................................170 Critical Hits..........................................................170 Critical Strike, Combat Technique........................ 94 Culture Skill..........................................................114 Cumulative Modifiers.........................................145 Currency, Game..................................................187 Cursed Defect......................................................133 Customisation, Chapter 7...................................142 Customising Weapons........................................124

Daily Devices.......................................................204 Damage...............................................................172 Damage Control..................................................249 Damage Conversion (see Conversion Attribute).. 98 Damage Dice, Combining...................................173 Damage Dice, Weapon, Table 14.......................124 Damage Types.....................................................173 Damage, Effects..................................................173 Damage, Environmental.....................................179 Damage, Impact..................................................179 Damage, Limited Defect.....................................135 Damage, Massive Attribute................................106 Damage, Reduced Defect...................................138 Damage, Standard Type.....................................173 Damage, Zero, Weapon......................................124 Damaging and Breaking Items...........................190 Damn Healthy! (see Tough Attribute)...............120 Darkvision Feature..............................................102 DC (Difficulty Class).............................................152 Deadly Threat......................................................186 Deaf (see Physical Impairment).........................137 Death Saving Throws..........................................173 Death, Character.................................................173 Deception Skill....................................................114

Deconstructing Traditional Classes...................... 82 Defeating Creatures............................................181 Defect Ranks........................................................132 Defects and Social Awareness...........................134 Defects Opposing Attributes..............................182 Defects, Chapter 6..............................................132 Defects, Items.....................................................190 Defence, Flanking, Combat Technique................ 94 Defence, Total.....................................................162 Defending with an Offensive Attribute.............169 Definitions, Ability Score...................................... 24 Degraded Defect.................................................134 Demanding (see Social Fault Defect).................139 Demonaga............................................................. 33 Dependent Limiter..............................................146 Deplete Limiter...................................................146 Depressed (see Social Fault Defect)..................139 Deprivation..........................................................180 Describing Actions..............................................150 Designating Modifiers........................................142 Designing Adventures.........................................245 Details, Background.............................................. 21 Detectable Limiter..............................................146 Detection (see Sixth Sense Attribute)...............112 Determining Initiative.........................................159 Devices, Daily......................................................204 Devices, Protective.............................................209 Dexterity (DEX)...................................................... 25 Dexterity and Shields..........................................199 Dice and Notations............................................... 23 Dice Rolls.............................................................151 Difficult Terrain....................................................163 Difficulty Class (DC).............................................152 Difficulty Class, Revised, Table A2......................260 Difficulty Penalties, Wound................................173 Dimension, Pocket Attribute..............................110 Dimensional Portal (see Portal Attribute).........111 Dimensional Story Book.....................................201 Diminished Proficiency Defect...........................134 Diminutive (see Size Templates).......................... 44 Disadvantage, Forced Attribute.........................102 Disadvantages and Advantages.........................153 Disadvantages, Attack Roll, Table 25.................171 Disarm, Called Shot............................................166 Disarming via Grappling.....................................161 Discretionary Points.............................................. 20 Discrimination (see Ism Defect).........................135 Disease.................................................................179 Disengage............................................................163 Disguise Skill........................................................114 Distance Quills.....................................................201 Distance, Jumping...............................................163 Distracted, Easily Defect.....................................134 Divine Relationship (see Mulligan Attribute).....110 Divining Rod........................................................201 DM Advice...........................................................250 DM Basics............................................................242 Domestic Arts Skill..............................................114 Dragon, Adult Red...............................................229 Dragon, Young White..........................................227 Dragonborn........................................................... 29 Drain, Enhancement, Weapon..........................126 Drained Abilities, Recovering.............................175 Dramatic Feats....................................................176 Druid ..................................................................... 84 Duplicate Benefits................................................. 49 Duplicate Proficiencies......................................... 51 Duration Enhancement......................................143 Dwarf..................................................................... 29 Dynamic Initiative...............................................159 Dynamic Powers Attribute................................... 99 Dynamic Spellbinder............................................. 60

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

265

INDEX

Easily Distracted Defect......................................134 Easy Threat..........................................................186 Edge Attribute.....................................................100 Effective Range....................................................171 Effects of Damage...............................................173 Effects-Based System..........................................238 Elasticity Attribute...............................................100 Elements, Plot.....................................................245 Elephox................................................................231 Elf ..................................................................... 29 Emotional Limiter...............................................146 Empathy Skill.......................................................114 Encounter Threat Score......................................185 Enemies and Allies..............................................236 Energised Attribute.............................................101 Energy..................................................................176 Energy Cost, Dynamic Powers............................. 99 Energy Regeneration Attribute..........................112 Energy State.......................................................... 92 Energy Well.........................................................205 Energy, Recovering.............................................176 Enervation, Enhancement, Weapon.................126 Engagement Bonus.............................................182 Engineering Skill..................................................114 Enhanced Ability (see Augmented Attribute)...... 92 Enhanced Proficiency Attribute.........................101 Enhancement, Weapons, Table 15....................125 Enhancements....................................................142 Envious (see Social Fault Defect).......................139 Environment, Control Attribute........................... 98 Environmental Damage......................................179 Environmental Limiter........................................147 Epic (Above 20th Level)........................................ 19 Equipment Limiter..............................................147 Equipment, Repairing.........................................175 Escaping...............................................................161 Establishing Ability Scores.................................... 24 Establishing Boundaries....................................... 20 Ethnocentrism (see Ism Defect)........................135 Etiquette Skill......................................................114 Evolution, Anime..................................................... 9 Example Settings.................................................254 Example Size Templates....................................... 44 Example, Creation................................................. 14 Exceptional Role-Playing....................................181 Excessive Threat..................................................186 Exclusive, Limiter, Weapon.................................130 Executions in Anime 5E......................................160 Experience Points (XP).......................................... 50 Experience Points, Awarding.............................181 Experience Points, Starting.................................. 19 Exploring Anime 5E............................................... 12 Extended Range, Combat Technique.................. 94 Extra Actions Attribute.......................................101 Extreme Challenge..............................................181

Failing at a Task...................................................181 Failures, Critical...................................................170 Fair Fight, It’s not a..............................................186 Fairy ..................................................................... 34 Familiar Action, Skill Checks...............................155 Fantasy Gaming, Anime........................................ 10 Far Shot, Combat Technique................................ 94 Fast Attribute.......................................................101 Fatigue.................................................................176 Fault, Social Defect.............................................139

266

Feats, Dramatic...................................................176 Features Attribute...............................................101 Features, Gaining Through the Story................182 Feed Monster, Monster Training.......................109 Fifth Edition, Converting to/from Anime 5E..... 261 Fifth Edition vs. Anime 5E Monsters.................215 Fighter.................................................................... 85 Fighting, Two-Weapon.......................................167 Finesse (see Weapons and Ability Modifiers)...124 Fire ...................................................................179 Fire, Damage Type..............................................173 Fireball Collar......................................................210 Fitting In................................................................. 45 Flanking an Opponent........................................161 Flanking Defence, Combat Technique................. 94 Flare, Enhancement, Weapon...........................127 Flexible, Enhancement, Weapon.......................127 Flight Attribute....................................................102 Flighting Blind, Combat Technique...................... 94 Flowchart, Combat.............................................157 Flunkies (see Minions Attribute)........................108 Focus Skill............................................................114 Force, Damage Type...........................................173 Forced Disadvantage Attribute..........................102 Forgery Skill.........................................................114 Foundation of Anime 5E....................................238 Foundation, 1st Level........................................... 48 Fragile Defect......................................................134 Framework, Your Character’s............................... 21 Free Actions........................................................163 Fury, Blind Defect................................................133

Gaining Features Through the Story.................182 Game Conversion...............................................261 Game Currency...................................................187 Game Mechanics, Structure................................ 23 Game Time..........................................................151 Game, Categorising............................................243 Gameplay, Navigating.........................................248 Gaming Skill.........................................................114 Gaming, Chapter 12...........................................238 Gargantuan (see Size Templates)......................... 44 Gaseous State....................................................... 92 Gates, World.......................................................254 Gear, Adventuring...............................................200 Gear, Starting......................................................191 Gedanken............................................................260 General Actions...................................................163 Giant, Stone.........................................................225 Girl/Guy Magnet (see Magnet Defect).............136 Girl/Guy, Magical.................................................. 66 Glossary, Anime 5E............................................... 16 Gnome................................................................... 29 Goals, Character..................................................245 Goblin..................................................................217 Grappling.............................................................161 Greater and Lesser Variations, Attributes........... 90 Greedy (see Social Fault Defect)........................139 Grey ..................................................................... 35 Ground Fighting..................................................161 Ground Speed Attribute.....................................199 Group Skill Checks...............................................154 Groupies (see Minions Attribute)......................108 Groups, Affecting................................................169 Grow (see Size Change Attribute)......................112 Grub Carriage......................................................204 Gryphon...............................................................232 Guy/Girl, Magical.................................................. 66

Half Cover............................................................171 Half-Dragon........................................................... 36 Half-Elf................................................................... 29 Half-Orc.................................................................. 29 Half-Troll................................................................ 37 Halfling................................................................... 29 Hand, Steady, Combat Technique........................ 95 Handling Animal Skill..........................................113 Hands, Limiter, Weapon.....................................130 Hard Threat.........................................................186 Haud ..................................................................... 38 Healing Attribute.................................................102 Health Risks.........................................................178 Heavy Armour.....................................................193 Heightened Senses Attribute.............................102 Hell Hound..........................................................221 Helming Skill........................................................114 Henchmen (see Minions Attribute)...................108 High Fantasy – Ikaris...........................................257 History Skill..........................................................114 Histrionic (see Social Fault Defect)....................139 Hit Points, What are.............................................. 23 Hit Points and Pain..............................................173 Hits, Critical.........................................................170 Hitting Modifiers................................................... 45 Hold Actions (Ready)..........................................166 Homing, Enhancement, Weapon......................127 Honour Code (see Social Fault Defect)..............139 Horror Fantasy – Bazaroth.................................256 Hosting Adventures............................................242 Hounded Defect..................................................134 House Rules.........................................................248 Huge (see Size Templates).................................... 44 Human................................................................... 29 Hunter.................................................................... 62

Identity, Alternate Attribute................................. 92 Ikaris – High Fantasy...........................................257 Imbue Limiter......................................................147 Immunity Attribute.............................................103 Immutable Attribute...........................................104 Impact Damage...................................................179 Impaired Manipulation Defect..........................134 Impaired Speech Defect.....................................135 Impairment, Physical Defect..............................137 Impairment, Sensory Defect..............................138 Important NPCs...................................................246 Impulsive (see Social Fault Defect)....................139 In-Game Point Changes......................................187 Inaccurate, Limiter, Weapon..............................130 Incapacitating, Enhancement, Weapon............127 Inconspicuous, Enhancement, Weapon...........127 Incorporeal State.................................................. 92 Incurable, Enhancement, Weapon....................127 Indirect, Enhancement, Weapon......................127 Inept Attack Defect.............................................135 Inflexible (see Social Fault Defect).....................139 Ingest, Limiter, Weapon.....................................130 Initiative Rolls......................................................155 Initiative, Determining........................................159 Initiative, Round, and Scene..............................151 Insight Skill...........................................................114 Inspire Attribute..................................................104 Inspire Monster, Monster Training....................109 Instil Discipline, Monster Training......................109 Instil Ferocity, Monster Training.........................109 Insubstantial (see Change State Attribute)......... 92

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

INDEX Intelligence (INT)................................................... 25 Intermediate Range............................................171 Interrogation Skill................................................114 Intimidation Skill.................................................114 Introduction, Chapter 1.......................................... 8 Investigation Skill................................................114 Invisibility (see Undetectable Attribute)............120 Irreversible Limiter..............................................147 Irritant, Enhancement, Weapon........................127 Isekai Student........................................................ 64 Ism Defect...........................................................135 Item Attribute.....................................................105 Item Attributes....................................................199 Items of Power....................................................205 Items, Adventuring.............................................190 Items, Chapter 10...............................................190 Items, Crafting.....................................................182 Items, Mundane.................................................190 Items, Temporary................................................199

J-L

Jackalope.............................................................233 Judge Opponent, Combat Technique.................. 94 Jumping Attribute...............................................105 Jumping Distance................................................163 Knock Out, Called Shot.......................................166 Knowledge, Area Skill.........................................113 Kobold..................................................................216 Kodama.................................................................. 39 Language Attribute.............................................105 Large (see Size Templates)................................... 44 Law Skill...............................................................114 Leaching Wand...................................................210 Leadership Skill....................................................114 Lesser and Greater Variations, Attributes........... 90 Level Advancement, Table 08.............................. 50 Level, Starting........................................................ 18 Levelling Benefits.................................................. 48 Light Armour.......................................................193 Light-Footed, Special Movement.......................116 Lightning Reflexes, Combat Technique............... 94 Lightning, Damage Type.....................................173 Limited Damage Defect......................................135 Limiters................................................................145 Limiters, Weapon, Table 16................................129 Linked, Enhancement, Weapon........................127 Liquid State............................................................ 92 Liquid Suit............................................................205 Location, Specific, Called Shot...........................166 Lock ...................................................................161 Long Rest.............................................................175 Love Potion..........................................................201 Lucky Rabbit’s Foot.............................................209

Magic (see Dynamic Powers Attribute)............... 99 Magical Cloth......................................................202 Magical Girl/Guy................................................... 66 Magnet Defect....................................................136 Making an Attack (see Attack Actions)..............160 Making Mistakes.................................................249 Manipulation, Impaired Defect.........................134 Manoeuvres, Combat.........................................166 Map Moth...........................................................202 Margin of Success...............................................170 Marked Defect....................................................136 Martial Melee Weapons....................................191 Martial Ranged Weapons..................................192 Martial Siege Weapons......................................192 Massive Damage Attribute.................................106

Master Key..........................................................202 Mastery, Combat Attribute.................................. 93 Materials, Shield.................................................199 Maximum Limiter...............................................148 Maximums, Character Benchmarks.................... 20 Measuring the Threat.........................................186 Mecha, Fantasy Battles.......................................158 Medicine Skill......................................................114 Medium Armour.................................................193 Medium Threat...................................................186 Medium, Race Sizes Other than.......................... 28 Melee Attacks.....................................................160 Melee vs. Ranged Attacks..................................160 Melee Weapons, Martial...................................191 Melee Weapons, Simple....................................191 Melee Weapons, Table 29.................................196 Melee Weapons, Throwing................................160 Memory Neutraliser...........................................205 Menagerie Ball....................................................202 Mimic Attribute...................................................106 Min/Maxing.........................................................239 Mind Control Attribute.......................................106 Mind Eater...........................................................210 Mind Shield Attribute.........................................108 Mini-Campaigns, Campaigns, and One-Shots....243 Mining Skill..........................................................114 Minions Attribute................................................108 Minor Challenge.................................................181 Missing Ability Score Modifier...........................172 Mistakes, Making................................................249 Mobius Blade......................................................211 Moderate Challenge...........................................181 Modifiers, Ability Score, Table 02........................ 24 Modifiers, Combat..............................................170 Modifiers, Cumulative........................................145 Modifiers, Designating.......................................142 Modifiers, Hitting.................................................. 45 Modifiers, Size Damage......................................172 Modifiers, Size, Table 05....................................... 45 Modifying Ranges for Large Weapons..............171 Monk ..................................................................... 85 Monster Tactics, Monster Training....................109 Monster Training Attribute................................108 Monster, Pet Trainer............................................. 70 Monsters.............................................................214 Monsters and NPCs, Chapter 11.......................214 Monsters and Size...............................................214 Monsters by CR, Table 32...................................215 Monsters in Anime 5E vs. Fifth Edition.............215 Mounted Attacks................................................168 Movement Speed...............................................163 Movement, Character........................................163 Movement, Special Attribute.............................116 Mulligan Attribute...............................................110 Multiclassing......................................................... 51 Multidimensional, Enhancement, Weapon......127 Multiple Companions........................................... 95 Multiple Targets with One Attack......................167 Multiple Targets, Combat Technique.................. 94 Multiverse, Anime..............................................254 Mummy...............................................................222 Mundane Items..................................................190 Mute (see Impaired Speech).............................135 Myth of Balance..................................................239 Mythical (17th to 20th Level)............................... 19

Narcissistic (see Social Fault Defect)..................139 Narrator...............................................................242 Natural 1, Alternate Fumble..............................170 Natural 20, Alternate Critical.............................170

Nature Skill..........................................................114 Navigating Anime 5E............................................ 13 Navigating Gameplay..........................................248 Navigation Skill....................................................114 Necrotic, Damage Type......................................173 Nekojin................................................................... 40 Nemesis Defect...................................................136 Neomorphs.........................................................230 Nightmares Defect..............................................136 Nihilistic (see Social Fault Defect)......................139 Ninja ..................................................................... 68 Non-Penetrating, Limiter, Weapon...................130 Non-Physical Weapon Attribute Sizes...............171 Notations, Dice..................................................... 23 Novice (1st Level).................................................. 18 NPCs and Classless................................................ 50 NPCs and Monsters, Chapter 11.......................214 NPCs, Important..................................................246 Nue ...................................................................234 Nullify Attribute...................................................110 Nurse Monster, Monster Training......................109

Object Limiter.....................................................148 Objective, Anime 5E............................................. 12 Obligated Defect.................................................137 Obnoxious (see Social Fault Defect)..................139 Obsessive (see Social Fault Defect)...................139 Obstacle Defect...................................................137 Offensive Attribute Use......................................169 Ogre ...................................................................220 Omitted from Anime 5E Purposefully................. 12 One-Shots, Campaigns, and Mini-Campaigns....243 One-Way Transformation (see Irreversible)...... 147 Opening, Wait for an..........................................162 Opponent, Flanking............................................161 Opponent, Judge, Combat Technique................. 94 Opponent’s Total Points.....................................184 Opposing Advantage Defect..............................137 Orc ...................................................................218 Order of Combat (see Initiative)........................159 Organisational Ties (see Connected)................... 98 Organisations......................................................245 Origins, Anime......................................................... 8 Out of Energy......................................................176 Overcoming Conflict...........................................181 Overconfident (see Social Fault Defect)............139 Overly Sensitive (see Social Fault Defect).........139 Owned (see Obligated Defect)...........................137 Oxygen Deprivation (see Suffocation)...............179

P-Q

Pacificistic (see Social Fault Defect)...................139 Pain and Hit Points..............................................173 Pain Doll...............................................................212 Paladin................................................................... 86 Parasite.................................................................. 41 Passive Checks.....................................................153 Passive-Aggressive (see Social Fault Defect).....139 Penalties, Range..................................................171 Penalties, Wound Difficulty................................173 Penalty, AC Defect...............................................133 Penetrating, Enhancement, Weapon................128 Perception Skill....................................................115 Perceptional Enhancer.......................................205 Perfectionist (see Social Fault Defect)...............139 Performance Skill................................................115 Permanent Limiter..............................................148 Persuasion Skill....................................................115 Pet Monster Trainer.............................................. 70

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

267

INDEX Phobia Defect......................................................137 Physical Impairment Defect...............................137 Physics Skill..........................................................115 Piercing, Damage Type.......................................173 Pin ...................................................................161 Pixie Glove...........................................................206 Plasma Gel...........................................................206 Player Advice.......................................................240 Player Conflict.....................................................249 Player Retcon......................................................176 Plot Changes.......................................................176 Plot Elements......................................................245 Pocket Dimension Attribute...............................110 Point Changes, In-Game.....................................187 Point Costs for Items...........................................190 Point Protection Rule..........................................190 Points and Coins, Converting.............................187 Points, Allocating................................................182 Points, Discretionary............................................. 20 Poison, Damage Type.........................................173 Poisons.................................................................178 Portable Hole......................................................203 Portal Attribute...................................................111 Postcognition (see Cognition Attribute).............. 93 Potent Enhancement..........................................143 Power Abuse.......................................................249 Power, Items of...................................................205 Power, Unknown Attribute.................................121 Powers, Dynamic Attribute.................................. 99 Precise Aim, Combat Technique.......................... 94 Precognition (see Cognition Attribute)............... 93 Prerequisites, Spell-Like Ability..........................117 Presenting the Villains........................................246 Pressure...............................................................180 Proficiencies, Duplicate........................................ 51 Proficiency Bonus................................................. 48 Proficiency Values, Table 09................................. 51 Proficiency, Armour Attribute.............................. 92 Proficiency, Diminished Defect..........................134 Proficiency, Enhanced Attribute........................101 Proficiency, Saving Throw Attribute..................112 Proficiency, Skill Attribute...................................113 Proficiency, Tool Attribute..................................119 Proficiency, Weapon Attribute...........................130 Progressing Attribute Ranks................................. 90 Progression, Class................................................. 48 Protected Attribute.............................................111 Protection of Points Rule....................................190 Protective Devices..............................................209 Psionicist................................................................ 72 Psychic, Damage Type........................................173 Pulling Punches (see Striking to Wound)..........167 Puritanical (see Social Fault Defect)..................139 Purple Worm.......................................................228 Purposefully Omitted from Anime 5E................. 12 Quake, Enhancement, Weapon........................128 Questions, Rules.................................................248 Quiet, Special Movement..................................116 Quiz, Character, Anime 5E.................................... 26

Race Cost Breakdown, Table 04........................... 29 Race Cost Summary, Table 03.............................. 28 Race/Class Combinations..................................... 46 Raceless Character, Building................................ 28 Races, Chapter 3................................................... 28 Races, Costing....................................................... 28 Racism (see Ism Defect).....................................135 Radiant, Damage Type........................................173 Radiation.............................................................180 Range Enhancement..........................................143

268

Range Penalties...................................................171 Range, Enhancement, Weapon.........................128 Range, Extended, Combat Technique................. 94 Ranged Attacks....................................................160 Ranged vs. Melee Attacks..................................160 Ranged Weapons, Martial.................................192 Ranged Weapons, Simple..................................191 Ranged, Splash, Siege Weapons, Table 30........197 Ranger................................................................... 86 Ranks, Defects.....................................................132 Ratings, Challenge (CR)......................................184 Reach, Enhancement, Weapon.........................128 Ready (Hold Actions)..........................................166 Recording Game Info............................................ 10 Recovering Drained Abilities..............................175 Recovering Energy..............................................176 Recovery and Resting.........................................175 Recovery Limiter.................................................148 Recurring Nightmares (see Nightmares)...........136 Red Dragon, Adult...............................................229 Reduced Damage Defect....................................138 Referee................................................................242 Reflexes, Lightning, Combat Technique.............. 94 Regeneration Attribute.......................................112 Regeneration, Energy Attribute.........................112 Religion Skill.........................................................115 Remote Range.....................................................171 Repairing Equipment..........................................175 Required Skill.......................................................155 Requirement, Special Defect.............................139 Resilient Attribute...............................................112 Rest, Short and Long...........................................175 Resting and Recovery.........................................175 Retcon, Player.....................................................176 Rethinking the Scale...........................................260 Revised Ability Scores, Table A1.........................260 Revised Difficulty Class, Table A2.......................260 Riding Skill............................................................115 Ring of Power......................................................206 Risks, Health........................................................178 Rogue..................................................................... 87 Role-Playing Game, What is it?............................ 10 Role-Playing, Exceptional...................................181 Roll the Dice, Should You?..................................153 Roll Types.............................................................153 Roll, Attack...........................................................160 Rolls, Dice............................................................151 Rolls, Initiative.....................................................155 Romantic Fantasy – Aradia.................................255 Round, Scene, and Initiative..............................151 Rule, Point Protection.........................................190 Rules Questions..................................................248 Rules, Changing the............................................248 Rules, House........................................................248

Sacred Chalice.....................................................209 sad*stic (see Social Fault Defect)........................139 Samurai.................................................................. 74 Satyr ..................................................................... 42 Save, Limiter, Weapon........................................130 Saving Throw Proficiency Attribute...................112 Saving Throws.....................................................155 Saving Throws, Death.........................................173 Scale, Rethinking.................................................260 Scene, Round, and Initiative..............................151 Score, Encounter Threat.....................................185 Scores, Ability........................................................ 24 Scrying Mirror.....................................................203 Seasoned (5th to 10th Level)............................... 19 Secret Defect.......................................................138

Seduction Skill.....................................................115 Selecting a Class.................................................... 48 Selective, Enhancement, Weapon....................128 Semi-Permanent Limiter....................................148 Sense, Sixth Attribute.........................................112 Sense, Street Skill................................................115 Senses, Heightened Attribute............................102 Sensitive, Overly (see Social Fault Defect)........139 Sensitivity, Social................................................... 21 Sensory Impairment Defect...............................138 Servant (see Companion Attribute)..................... 95 Session Zero.......................................................... 18 Setting Examples.................................................254 Sexism (see Ism Defect)......................................135 Shadow Warrior.................................................... 76 Shaed Cloak.........................................................209 Shapechanging (see Dynamic Powers)............... 99 Shared Items.......................................................190 Shield Materials..................................................199 Shield Sizes..........................................................199 Shield, Mind Attribute........................................108 Shields..................................................................199 Shields and Armour, Table 31............................198 Shooting Blind, Combat Technique..................... 94 Short Rest............................................................175 Shortcutting Conflicts.........................................181 Shots, Called........................................................166 Should You Roll the Dice?...................................153 Shrink (see Size Change Attribute)....................112 Shy (see Social Fault Defect)..............................139 Siege Weapons, Martial.....................................192 Significant Other Defect.....................................138 Silent (see Undetectable Attribute)...................120 Simple Melee Weapons.....................................191 Simple Ranged Weapons...................................191 Simple Splash Weapons.....................................192 Simple Threat......................................................186 Sixth Sense Attribute..........................................112 Size and Monsters...............................................214 Size Change Attribute.........................................112 Size Damage Modifiers.......................................172 Size Modifiers, Table 05........................................ 45 Size Templates....................................................... 44 Size-Based Amour Class in Anime 5E................214 Size, Assigning....................................................... 44 Sizes, Shields........................................................199 Skeleton in the Closet (see Secret)....................138 Skill Checks..........................................................154 Skill Checks, Combining......................................154 Skill Checks, Group..............................................154 Skill Pills................................................................204 Skill Proficiency Attribute...................................113 Skill Synergy.........................................................154 Slashing, Damage Type.......................................173 Sleight of Hand Skill............................................115 Slime ..................................................................... 43 Slithering, Special Movement............................116 Slow Defect.........................................................138 Small (see Size Templates)................................... 44 Social Awareness and Defects...........................134 Social Fault Defect..............................................139 Social Sensitivity.................................................... 21 Sorcerer................................................................. 87 Sorcery (see Dynamic Powers Attribute)............ 99 Special Movement Attribute..............................116 Special Requirement Defect..............................139 Speech, Impaired Defect....................................135 Speed, Ground Attribute....................................199 Speed, Movement..............................................163 Speed, Water Attribute......................................121 Speedburst, Special Movement.........................116 Spell Amplification Attribute..............................116 Spell-Like Ability Attribute..................................117

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

INDEX Spellbinder, Dynamic............................................ 60 Spells (see Dynamic Powers Attribute)............... 99 Sphere of Control................................................169 Sphere of Influence (see Dynamic Powers)........ 99 Spirit Ward (see Weapon: Trap Attribute)........128 Splash Weapons, Simple....................................192 Spreading, Enhancement, Weapon..................128 Standard Damage Type......................................173 Staring Adventuring Gear...................................191 Starting Adventuring Gear.................................191 Starting Experience Points................................... 19 Starting Level......................................................... 18 Stat Master, Monster Training...........................109 State, Change Attribute........................................ 92 Steady Hand, Combat Technique........................ 95 Stealth Skill..........................................................115 Stone Giant..........................................................225 Story Begins, The................................................150 Street Sense Skill.................................................115 Strength (STR)....................................................... 24 Strike, Critical, Combat Technique....................... 94 Striking to Wound...............................................167 Structure of the Game Mechanics...................... 23 Succeeding at a Task...........................................181 Success, Margin of..............................................170 Succubus.............................................................226 Suffocation..........................................................179 Summoning Keys................................................206 Supersense Attribute..........................................118 Supporting Cast...................................................244 Surprise Attack....................................................168 Survival Skill.........................................................115 Susceptible Defect..............................................140 Swimming Skill....................................................115 Swinging, Special Movement.............................116 Sword of Detection.............................................212 Synergy, Skill........................................................154 System, Effects-Based.........................................238

Table 01: Character Benchmarks......................... 20 Table 02: Ability Score Modifiers......................... 24 Table 03: Race Cost Summary............................. 28 Table 04: Race Cost Breakdown........................... 29 Table 05: Size Modifiers........................................ 45 Table 06: Race/Class Commonality..................... 46 Table 07: Classes................................................... 49 Table 08: Level Advancement.............................. 50 Table 09: Proficiency Values................................. 51 Table 10: 1st-Level Base Points............................ 82 Table 11: Attributes.............................................. 91 Table 12: Example Features...............................101 Table 13: Skill Proficiencies................................113 Table 14: Weapon Damage Dice.......................124 Table 15: Weapon Enhancements.....................125 Table 16: Weapon Limiters................................129 Table 17: Defects.................................................132 Table 18: Allowable Enhancements..................142 Table 19: Limiters................................................145 Table 20: Difficulty Class.....................................152 Table 21: Margin of Success...............................170 Table 22: Critical Failure.....................................170 Table 23: Range Penalties..................................171 Table 24: Attack Roll Advantages.......................171 Table 25: Attack Roll Disadvantages..................171 Table 26: Deprivation.........................................180 Table 27: Challenge Rating XP............................184 Table 28: Encounter Threat................................186 Table 29: Melee Weapons.................................196 Table 30: Ranged, Splash, Siege Weapons........197 Table 31: Armour and Shields............................198

Table 32: Monsters by CR...................................215 Table 33: Allies and Enemies..............................236 Table A1: Revised Ability Scores.........................260 Table A2: Revised Difficulty Class.......................260 Tactical Actions...................................................162 Tactics, Monster, Monster Training...................109 Taking 10 (see Passive Checks)..........................153 Tangle, Enhancement, Weapon........................128 Target, Touching..................................................168 Targets Enhancement.........................................143 Targets, Multiple, Combat Technique................. 94 Targetted, Enhancement, Weapon...................128 Task, Failing..........................................................181 Task, Succeeding at.............................................181 Techknight............................................................. 78 Telepathy Attribute.............................................118 Teleport Attribute...............................................119 Teleportation Network.......................................208 Templates, Size...................................................... 44 Temporary Items.................................................199 Terradigger..........................................................203 Terrain, Difficult...................................................163 The Story Begins.................................................150 Theme and Concept...........................................244 Though Experiment (see Gedanken)................260 Threat Score, Encounter.....................................185 Threat, Measuring..............................................186 Three-Quarters Cover.........................................171 Throw...................................................................161 Throwing Melee Weapons.................................160 Thrown Weapons with Ammo Limiter..............196 Throws, Saving....................................................155 Thunder Mace....................................................212 Thunder, Damage Type......................................173 Tiefling................................................................... 29 Time, Game.........................................................151 Tin Helm..............................................................209 Tiny (see Size Templates)...................................... 44 Tool Proficiency Attribute...................................119 Total Attack..........................................................167 Total Cover...........................................................171 Total Defence......................................................162 Total Points, Opponent’s....................................184 Touching a Target................................................168 Tough Attribute...................................................120 Tournament Encyclopaedia................................. 95 Toxic, Limiter, Weapon.......................................130 Traditional Classes, Deconstructing..................... 82 Trainer, Pet Monster............................................. 70 Training, Monster Attribute...............................108 Transfer Attribute................................................120 Trap, Enhancement, Weapon............................128 Traps Skill.............................................................115 Treating Poison....................................................178 Trivial Threat........................................................186 Troll ...................................................................223 True-Sight Glasses...............................................203 Tunnelling Attribute............................................120 Two Weapons, Combat Technique...................... 95 Two-Weapon Fighting........................................167 Types of Actions..................................................159 Types, Damage....................................................173 Types, Roll............................................................153

U-V

Unarmed Damage..............................................172 Unarmed: The Free Weapon.............................125 Unbalanced Weapons........................................125 Undetectable Attribute......................................120 Unfamiliar Action, Skill Checks...........................155 Unique Attribute.................................................120

Unique Defect.....................................................140 Unique Limiter....................................................148 Unique, Enhancement, Weapon.......................129 Unique, Limiter, Weapon...................................130 Uniqueness and Balance...................................... 22 Universal Translator............................................204 Unknown Power Attribute.................................121 Unopposed Attack Rolls.....................................160 Unopposed Critical Hits......................................170 Unpredictable Limiter.........................................148 Unreliable, Limiter, Weapon..............................130 Unskilled Attempts.............................................155 Untrackable, Special Movement.......................116 Unused Points from Defects..............................132 Uses Energy (see Deplete Limiter)....................146 Using Attributes..................................................154 Using Attributes Defensively..............................169 Vacuum................................................................180 Values, Proficiency, Table 09................................ 51 Vampiric, Enhancement, Weapon.....................129 Vengeance Gem..................................................208 Veteran (11th to 16th Level)................................ 19 Villains, Presenting..............................................246 Visual Arts Skill....................................................115 Vital Spot, Called Shot........................................166 Vulnerability Defect............................................140

W- Z

Wait for an Opening...........................................162 Wall-Bouncing, Special Movement...................116 Wall-Crawling, Special Movement....................116 Wanted Defect....................................................140 Warder................................................................... 80 Warfare Skill........................................................115 Warlock.................................................................. 88 Warrior, Shadow................................................... 76 Water Shoes........................................................204 Water Speed Attribute.......................................121 Water-Walking, Special Movement...................116 Waylines and the Cosmic Web..........................254 Weak Point Defect..............................................140 Wealth Attribute.................................................121 Weapon Attribute...............................................124 Weapon Damage................................................712 Weapon Damage Dice, Table 14........................124 Weapon Proficiency Attribute...........................130 Weapons.............................................................191 Weapons, Modifying Ranges for Large.............171 Weapons, Thrown and Ammo Limiter..............196 Weapons, Two, Combat Technique..................... 95 What Do You Want in an RPG?............................ 10 What is a Role-Playing Game?............................. 10 White Dragon, Young..........................................227 Who Rolls the Dice?............................................151 Winged Boots......................................................203 Wisdom (Wis)....................................................... 25 Wizard.................................................................... 88 Wolverpotamus..................................................235 Workmanship, Armour.......................................193 World Building.....................................................244 World Gate..........................................................208 World Gates........................................................254 Worm, Purple......................................................228 Wound Difficulty Penalties.................................173 Wound, Striking to..............................................167 Wyvern................................................................224 XP (Experience Points).......................................... 50 XP, Multiclassing.................................................... 51 Your Character’s Framework................................ 21 Zen Direction, Special Movement.....................116 Zero Damage Weapon.......................................124

ANIME 5E | FIFTH EDITION FANTASY ROLE-PLAYING ADVENTURES

269

CHARACTER LEVEL

RACE AND SIZE

CLASS

LEVEL

HIT DICE

DESCRIPTION

ALIGNMENT AND NOTES

CHARACTER NAME

PLAYER NAME

DISCRETIONARY / EXPERIENCE POINTS

STRENGTH

DEXTERITY

CONSTITUTION

INTELLIGENCE

WISDOM

CHARISMA

MODIFIER

PROFICIENCY BONUS

ARMOUR CLASS MAXIMUM

MOVEMENT SPEED

CURRENT

MAXIMUM

HIT POINTS

CURRENT

ENERGY POINTS

PROFICIENCIES SAVING THROWS

ARMOUR

WEAPONS

TOOLS

SKILLS AND LANGUAGES

WEAPONS, EQUIPMENT, TREASURE, BACKGROUND, AND ADVENTURING NOTES

CHARACTER NAME

PLAYER NAME

ATTRIBUTES RANK

POINTS

DEFECTS

ATTRIBUTE

RANK

POINTS

DEFECT

MAGIC, PSIONICS, AND SPELLCASTING Cantrips 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

COMMON ATTACK DAMAGE WEAPON

MODIFIER

TYPE

DAMAGE

ABILITY SCORE USED

SAVE DC

ATTACK BONUS

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References