Combat!

: A Military Action Game

By William Andersen

Wed like to thank the following people for their hard work on this project:

Author: Cover Artist:

William Andersen Jack Reynolds

Lead Line Developer: Interior Artists:

Interior artwork provided by
William Andersen The United States Department of Defense
Editor: Layout and Design:

Carl Dailey Jack Reynolds

Other Thanks:

I would like to offer a very special thanks to my

Action! System rules created by Mark Arsenault wife, Jennifer, for her support as this project was
& Patrick Sweeney being put together.
Action! System Core Rules written by Mark
Arsenault, Patrick Sweeney & Ross Winn

This ComStar Games product is copyright 2005 to ComStar Media, LLC. Only the portions of this work that contains
Open Game Content may be reproduced in compliance with the Open Game License. For identification of what is designated
Open Game Content, please refer to the Legal Information section at the back of the book. The full text of the Open Gaming
License can be found in the Legal Information at the back of this book. Other than the Open Game Content, all other work is
protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ComStar Media, LLC.
The ComStar Games logo was designed by Jack Reynolds and is a trademark of ComStar Media, LLC.

ISBN 0-9769960-5-7
SKU: CSR4900
ComStar Media, LLC

Look for free web enhancements for this game at our website. ComStar also
plans a full line of products for the Action! System to build on our
existing Action line. These series, called Adventures Digest, will provide
enhancements to any Action game.

Thanks!
William
 ComBat!
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my granfather, Ruben James Bass, who served aboard the USS Mississippi
during the Second World War. I also dedicate this book to his entire generation. Whether they served in
the armed forces of the US or any allied nation, or made sacrifices at home, they truly saved the world.
God Bless them All!

Table of Contents
Chapter One: Action! System Core Rules Danger Sense . ..............................................10
.........................................................................1
The Basics......................................................... 1
Dice.................................................................... 1
The GM............................................................... 1
Players and Characters............................. 1
Attributes & Skills........................................ 1
Attributes.....................................................1
Skills.............................................................1
Skill Rolls....................................................1
Attribute + Skill..........................................1
Difficulty Levels and Target Numbers... 1
Making the Roll............................................. 1
Attribute Rolls.............................................. 1
Damage.............................................................. 2
Campaign Level............................................... 2
Realistic........................................................2
Cinematic........................................................2
Chapter Two: Characters.......................3
Attributes........................................................ 3
Body Group...................................................... 3
Strength (STR)..............................................3
Reflexes (REF)..............................................3
Health (HLT)..................................................3
Mind Group...................................................... 3
Presence (PRE)..............................................3
Intellect (INT)..............................................3
Will (WIL)......................................................3
Attribute Scores........................................... 3
Buying Attributes.......................................... 3
Realistic Campaign: 230................................3
Cinematic Campaign: 315................................3
Maximum Attribute Scores.......................... 3
Derived Attributes........................................ 4
Defensive Target Number (DEF)...................4
Initiative (INI)................................................4
Toughness (TGH)...........................................4
Life (LIF)........................................................4
Move (MOV).....................................................5
ALLEGIANCES..................................................... 5
Pledging Allegiance..................................... 5
Allegiances and Influence...........................5
Traits................................................................. 6
Advantages...................................................... 6
Disadvantages................................................. 7
Control Rolls............................................... 7
Buying Traits................................................... 7
Advantages...................................................... 7
Acute Sense .................................................... 7
Air Traffic Control Expert .........................7
Ally ..............................................................8
Ambidextrous ................................................8
Antithesis . ...................................................8
Athletic ........................................................8
Attractive . ...................................................8
Block ............................................................8
Box Ears . ......................................................9
Choke Hold....................................................9
Combat Pilot .................................................9
Commando Training .......................................9
Con Artist . ...................................................9
Conviction .....................................................9
Cool Headed . ................................................9
Cover Fire .....................................................9
Desk Jockey ..................................................9
Drill Instructor ..........................................10
Eidetic Memory . ............................................10
Electronic Warfare .....................................10
Enemy - one Allegiance ................................10
Esprit de Corps ............................................11
Evasive Maneuvers .......................................11
Eye Gouge .....................................................11
Famous . .........................................................11
Fast Learner (Skill Group) .........................11
Fast Reflexes . .............................................11
Fast Track ....................................................11
Fighter Escort .............................................12
Fixed-Wing Vehicle Weapons . .................... 12
Formation Flying ..........................................12
Good Sense of Direction ..............................12
Good Sense of Time .......................................12
Grenadier . ....................................................12
Hard to Kill .................................................12
Heart Punch .................................................13
Helicopter Vehicle Weapons .................... 13
High Pain Threshold ....................................13
Immunity ........................................................13
Indistinct . ....................................................13
Interrogation ...............................................13
Knows a Secret ............................................13
Leadership ....................................................13
Life Experience ............................................13
Light Sleeper ...............................................14
Lucky .............................................................14
Marksman ......................................................14
Military Police Powers ................................14
Mortar/Indirect Fire weapons .....................14
Mountaineer .................................................14
NBC ...............................................................14
Paratrooper ..................................................14
Perk ..............................................................14
Physical Advantage ......................................15
Psychological Advantage .............................15
Psychotherapy ..............................................15
Security Clearance, Secret..........................16
Security Clearance, Top Secret...................16
Sharpshooter ...............................................16
Social Advantage ..........................................16
Speed Reader ................................................16
Strong Willed ..............................................16
Tactician .......................................................16
Tank/APC Weapons ........................................17
Voice of Command ..........................................17
Teamwork, Specific Team ..............................17
Weapon Focus ...............................................17
Well Rested .................................................17
Wingman ........................................................17
Disadvantages................................................. 17
Addiction . .....................................................17
Bad Hands .....................................................17
Bad Tempered . ..............................................17
Dependent . ...................................................18
Distinctive Features ....................................18
Duty ..............................................................18
Easy to Kill ..................................................18
Enemy ............................................................19
Forgetful .....................................................19
Heavy Sleeper . .............................................19
Honest ..........................................................19
 Illiterate .....................................................19
Impaired Sense ..............................................19
Infamous . ......................................................20
Insomnia ........................................................20
Low Pain Threshold .....................................20
Minor .............................................................20
Nave .............................................................20
Oblivious to Danger .....................................20
Out of Shape .................................................21
Outsider .......................................................21
Physical Disadvantage ................................21
Poor Sense of Direction . .............................21
Poor Sense of Time .......................................22
Primitive . ......................................................22
Psychological Disadvantage ........................22
Secret............................................................22
Senior.............................................................22
Short..............................................................23
Slow Healer .................................................23
Slow Learner ...............................................23
Slow Reflexes ..............................................23
Social Disadvantage .....................................23
Unattractive ................................................24
Unlucky .........................................................24
Weak Willed .................................................24
Creating New Traits..................................... 24
What Will it Do?............................................. 24
What Values Should I Assign?................... 24
Advantages...................................................... 24
Convenience...................................................24
Edge...............................................................24
Gift................................................................24
Disadvantages................................................. 24
Inconvenience................................................25
Hardship........................................................25
Peril...............................................................25
Dreamer.........................................................25
Skills.................................................................. 25
Skill Groups................................................... 25
Why Skill Groups?.........................................25
Skill Group Scores.......................................25
Skill Levels..................................................25
Specialties.....................................................26
Types..............................................................27
See Skill Levels Table 7..............................27
Buying Skills.................................................27
Skill List.......................................................27
Skill Descriptions......................................... 28
Arts & Crafts Skill Group............................28
Athletics Skill Group..................................28
Rappelling.....................................................29
Communication Skill Group...........................30
Covert Skill Group.......................................32
Education Skill Group..................................33
Enterprise Skill Group................................34
Focus Skill Group.........................................35
Heavy Weapons Skill Group..........................37
Investigation Skill Group.............................37
Medical Skill Group......................................38
Melee Weapon Skill Group...........................39
Military Science Skill Group........................39
Nature/Outdoor Skill Group........................40
Performance Skills.......................................41
Sciences Skill Group....................................42
Simple Missile Weapon Skill Group..............43
Small Arms Skill Group................................43
Social Skill Group........................................44
Sense Deception/Motive................................44
Social Sciences Skill Group.........................45
Technical Skills...........................................46
Transportation Skills..................................47
Action Points.................................................... 48
When To Use Action Points......................... 48
Dramatic or Heroic Actions..........................48
After the Dice Are Rolled............................48
What Action Points Do................................ 48
Boost a Skill Roll........................................48
Boost a Control Roll...................................48
Boost an Attribute.......................................48
Reduce Damage..............................................48
Increase Damage............................................48
Gaining Action Points................................... 49
When to Award an Action Point....................49
Wealth...........................................................50
The Wealth Roll...........................................50
Chapter Three: Character Advancement
.........................................................................51
Rank.................................................................... 51
Rank and the Game........................................ 51
Promotion.......................................................51
Enlisted Ranks . ...........................................51
Advancing Wealth.......................................... 55
Regaining Wealth.......................................... 55
Wealth Awards............................................... 55
Selling Stuff.................................................. 55
Advanced Training......................................... 55
Air Assault Training......................................55
Amphibious Assault Training . ......................55
Arctic Warfare College . .............................55
Defense Language Institute .......................55
Desert Warfare College . ............................56
Jump School ..................................................56
Jungle/Swamp Warfare College...................56
MOS Armor ....................................................56
MOS Aviation .................................................56
MOS Combat Engineering . ............................56
MOS Diver .....................................................56
MOS Field Artillery .....................................56
MOS Infantryman/Rifleman . .........................56
MOS Intelligence .........................................56
MOS Law Enforcement .................................56
MOS Maintenance .........................................57
MOS Medical .................................................57
MOS NBC . ......................................................57
MOS Pilot ......................................................57
MOS Signals . ................................................57
Mountain Warfare College ..........................57
NCO School ...................................................57
Officer Candidate School.............................57
SERE . ............................................................57
Urban Warfare College ...............................57
Chapter Four: Equipment.........................58
Personal Equipment....................................... 58
Hazmat Suit ..................................................58
JST Suit.........................................................58
M-9 Multipurpose Bayonet System................58
M-40 Protective Mask....................................58
Modular Lightweight .................................. 58
Load-carrying Equipment System.............. 58
Modular Sleeping Bag System......................58
NBC Suit .......................................................58
Night Vision Goggles, AN/PVS7D...................58
Soldier Intercom...........................................58
 Weapons........................................................... 58
Claymore .......................................................59
Flash-Bang Grenade . ...................................59
M-120 Mortar.................................................59
M-1014 Joint Services Combat Shotgun.......59
M-203 Grenade Launcher..............................61
M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)..........61
Stinger Missile..............................................61
New Vehicles..................................................... 61
Vehicle Speed Conversion Table.............. 63
Fixed Wing........................................................ 63
A-10 Thunderbolt .........................................63
AC-130H Gunship ..........................................63
Air Force One . ..............................................63
B-2 Spirit.......................................................63
B-52 Stratofortress.....................................63
C-2A Greyhound.............................................63
F-14 Tomcat....................................................63
F-15 Eagle......................................................64
F-16 Fighting Falcon.....................................64
F-18 SuperHornet..........................................64
SR-71 Blackbird............................................64
Helicopters .................................................... 64
AH-1F Cobra Attack Helicopter . .................64
AH-6 Little Bird............................................65
AH-64A Apache ..............................................65
AH-64D Apache Longbow . .............................65
CH-47 Chinook................................................65
MH-6 Little Bird............................................65
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior...................................65
SH-60 Seahawk...............................................66
UH-60 Black Hawk.........................................66
V-22A Osprey..................................................66
Submersible Ships.......................................... 67
Los Angeles Class .......................................67
Seawolf..........................................................67
Surface Ships.................................................. 67
41 ft. Utility Boat .......................................67
Cyclone Class ...............................................67
Landing Craft, Air Cushioned .................. 67
Landing Craft, Mechanized 6 .......................68
Landing Craft, Mechanized 8........................68
Mark 5 Special Operations Craft ................68
Stalwart........................................................68
Tracked Vehicles........................................... 68
Linebacker (M-6 Bradley)..............................69
M-2/A3 Bradley Armored Fighting Vehicle...69
BMP-2.............................................................69
M1A2 Abrams..................................................69
M2A2 Bradley................................................69
M113A1 Gavin.................................................69
M-9 Armored Combat Earthmover..................70
M-60A1 Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge . 70
Multiple Launch Rocket System............... 70
Paladin M-109A6 Howitzer............................70
Avenger..........................................................71
M-998a2 .........................................................72
New Vehicle Weapons.................................. 72
.50 Caliber Machinegun................................72
20 mm Cannon.................................................72
30 mm Cannon.................................................72
40mm Cannon..................................................72
70 mm Rockets...............................................72
105mm Cannon................................................72
AMRAAM..........................................................72
Harpoon..........................................................72
Hellfire.........................................................72
JDAM...............................................................72
Maverick Anti-Tank Missile...........................72
Minigun...........................................................72
Mk.40 Torpedo................................................72
Mk 46 Torpedo................................................72
Mk-83 Bomb....................................................72
Mk-84 Bomb....................................................72
Phoenix Long Range Air-to-Air Missile.........72
Sidewinder.....................................................72
Sonar Buoys ..................................................73
Sparrow Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile....73
Stinger Air-to-Air missile.............................73
Tomahawk Cruise Missile...............................73
TOW................................................................73
Requisition.....................................................73
Requisitioning Information........................ 73
Chapter Five: Actions and Combat.......75
Character Level Actions............................ 75
Taking Actions................................................ 75
What Can I Do?............................................... 75
What Is An Action?........................................ 75
Limitations on Taking Actions.................... 75
Two Actions (Maximum) Per Turn..................75
No Impossible Actions...................................75
Declaring Actions.........................................75
Available Actions.......................................... 75
Defensive Actions.........................................75
Movement Actions..........................................76
Offensive Actions..........................................76
Special Actions.............................................78
Using Skills..................................................... 78
When to Roll.................................................78
Difficulty Levels and Target Numbers........78
Which Attribute to Use?...............................80
Making the Roll............................................81
Effect Numbers.............................................81
Contested Skill Rolls..................................81
Skill Roll Modifiers.....................................81
Which Skills to Use?..................................... 82
A Word about Maps and Figures....................83
Figures ..................................................83
Maps...............................................................83
Combat.............................................................. 83
Combat Turns.................................................84
Initiative........................................................84
Modifying Target Numbers............................84
Autofire.........................................................84
Explosions.....................................................86
New Combat options......................................87
Air Support ...................................................88
Combat Fatigue..............................................88
Common Injuries ...........................................88
Cover Fire .....................................................88
Crossfire.......................................................88
Deadly Firearms . ..........................................88
Friendly Fire . ...............................................89
Horrors of War ............................................89
Injuries .........................................................89
Suppression Fire ..........................................89
Damage.............................................................. 89
Types of Damage............................................89
Forms of Damage............................................89
Wounds and Effects of Damage....................89
Recording Damage..........................................90
Healing..........................................................91
New Conditions..............................................92
The Environment............................................ 94
Falling...........................................................94
 Asphyxiation and Drowning...........................94 Intelligence .................................................109
The Elements.................................................94 Jungle/Swamp.................................................109
Mechanized ...................................................109
Chapter Six: Vehicle Movement and Medical..........................................................109
Combat...........................................................96 Mountain Warfare ........................................110
Characters in Vehicles............................... 96 Signals...........................................................110
Scale................................................................. 96 Urban Warfare .............................................110
Vehicle Sizes................................................... 96 Experience....................................................... 110
Facing and Firing Arcs................................. 96 Gaining Experience for Small Units............110
Getting Started............................................. 96 Experience from Unit vs. Unit Combat..........110
Vehicle Speed.................................................. 96 Requisitioning Units.....................................110
Declaring Speed............................................97 Combat Example............................................. 110
The Effects of Speed....................................97 Some Elite Units............................................. 111
Driving a Vehicle............................................ 97 Open Content.................................................114
Simple Maneuvers..........................................97 Product identity............................................114
Stunts............................................................97 OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a ......... 114
Driver Options............................................... 99
Collisions and Ramming.............................. 99
Resolving Collisions.....................................99
Damage to Vehicle Occupants.......................100
Losing Control..............................................100
Hide and Seek.................................................101
Fighting from Vehicles.................................. 101
Vehicle Combat Actions.............................. 101
Crew Quality..................................................101
Attack Options..............................................102
Targeting Occupants.....................................102
Damaging Vehicles.........................................102
Repairing Damage...........................................102
Dogfighting ..................................................102
Indirect Fire .................................................103
Submarine Warfare . .....................................103
Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat) 105
Unit Combat..................................................... 105
Unit Quality..................................................... 105
Raw.................................................................105
Green.............................................................105
Inexperienced................................................105
Average..........................................................105
Experienced...................................................105
Elite...............................................................105
Legendary......................................................106
Unit Equipment..............................................106
Special Cases.................................................. 106
Pinned Down . ................................................106
Momentum.......................................................107
Damaging and Destroying Units....................107
Dug In.............................................................107
Strength in numbers.....................................107
Outnumbered.................................................107
Surprise ........................................................107
Mobile............................................................107
Healing Unit Damage ....................................108
Joining a Unit................................................108
Orders............................................................108
Unit Specialties.............................................. 108
Airborne . ......................................................108
Amphibious ....................................................108
Arctic . ..........................................................108
Armor ............................................................108
Aviation .........................................................108
Combat Engineering .....................................108
Field Artillery .............................................109
Flight ...........................................................109
Guerilla.........................................................109
Heavy..............................................................109
Infantry ........................................................109
 Combat!

A Military Action Game

 Chapter One: Action! System Core Rules
Chapter One: Action!
System Core Rules
The Basics
In this section we present a quick overview of the most basic
rules of the game.
Dice
The game rules use three six-sided dice. Its traditional
to abbreviate three six-sided dice by writing 3d6. In this Mind Group, whereas the Swords skill is associated
custom, the first number is the number of dice being used (in this
case 3) and the second number represents the type of dice being
used (specifically, number of sides they possess), so d6 means
six-sided dice.
Six-sided dice are the common, square-shaped dice that can
be found in many board games. They can also be purchased in
many general department stores, but chances are you have at least
three of these dice somewhere in your house, in other games.
There are options to use other numbers and kinds of dice,
which are discussed later and in other optional rules. For now all
you need to play the game using the core rules are 3d6three
six-sided dice.
The GM
One member of the group assumes the role of moderator
and controls the Non-Player Characters (NPCs for short). This
player is known as the Game Master, or GM.
In situations when the rules are unclear or need to be applied
in a new or unique way, the GM uses his or her best judgment.
The GM also constructs the basics of the game. Basics include
the setting, theme, NPCs and some goals for the players group,
normally called a Team, but also referred to as a Unit, Troupe, or
Group. Well talk more about what makes a good Game Master
later in this book.
Players and Characters
Each player has a fictional character, called a Player
Character (or PC), a made-up person that the player will use
during the game. The player chooses what his character does and
says during the game.
Think of the player as an actor, and the PC as a role that the
actor is playing in a movie or play.
Attributes & Skills
Each character has attributes and skills that represent the
characters personal ability or aptitude in various areas or for
performing certain tasks.
Each attribute and skill has a numerical score. This score
tells you how strong or proficient the character is in that area.
Most characters will have scores from 1 to 10, which represents
the normal human range of ability. While some military games
will include specially augmented characters or aliens that could
go higher than 10, the GM should consider 10 to the maximum
for a normal human character (even with superior training from
their military service).
Attributes
There are six attributes, which are arranged in two groups:
Body and Mind.
Each group contains a Power Attribute, an Aptitude Attribute
and a Resistance Attribute.
Combat!
Skills
Each character also has skills, which represent the
characters general ability or aptitude in various tasks.
There are skills for arts and crafts, using weapons, and
even diplomacy. Skills reflect how good your character
is at what he knows.
Skills are also arranged into groups.
Each skill is associated with a specific Attribute
Group. Persuasion, for example, is associated with the
with the Body Group.
When a character attempts a simple task, such as
walking or opening an unlocked door, the player doesnt
need to roll dice. When a character attempts an action
that has a chance of failure, however, such as attacking
an opponent or maneuvering a vehicle through an
obstacle course, the player must make a skill roll.
Skill Rolls
Skill rolls are used to determine if a character is successful
at some attempted action or task.
Players decide if they want their character to perform an
action. An action can be as simple as walking through a door,
which would not require a skill roll. Sometimes there is a level
of skill involved in performing the action, however, so the player
may need to make a skill roll for his character. The GM decides
whether or not an action requires a skill roll.
Attribute + Skill
If the GM determines that a players chosen action requires
a skill roll, the GM determines which Skill and which Attribute
(from the Attribute Group associated with the skill) apply to the
task.
If a character attempts to shoot an opponent with a handgun,
the player must make a Pistols skill roll. Because the Pistols skill
is associated with the Body Group, the GM must choose Strength,
Reflexes, or Health as the attribute that the player uses with the
Pistols skill. The logical choice is Reflexes, the Aptitude Attribute
for the Body Group.
Difficulty Levels and Target
Numbers
The GM then determines the Difficulty Level (or DL)
of the action being attempted. Each Difficulty Level has an
associated Target Number (abbreviated as TN; see the Difficulty
and Target Number Chart). The more difficult the action being
attempted is, the greater the Difficulty Level and the higher the
Target Number.
The Target Number is the number that the player must
meet or beat when making a dice roll in order for the task to
be successful. A Target Number of 18 would be shown as (TN
18).
Making the Roll
To make a skill roll, a player rolls 3d6 and adds his
characters attribute and skill scores to the number rolled on the
dice. If this new total is equal to or more than the Target Number,
the attempted action is successful. If the total is lower than the
Target Number, the attempt fails.
Attribute Rolls
Attribute rolls are made much the same as skill rolls, with

 Chapter One: Action! System Core Rules
Combat! the GM determining a Difficulty Level and assigning a
Target Number. The difference is that instead of adding
an attribute score to a skill score, the player simply
doubles the characters attribute score and then adds
that number to the dice roll.
Johns character has a Reflexes score of 4. The GM
tells John to make a Difficult attribute roll (TN 21) using
his characters Reflexes. John doubles his characters
Reflexes score (4) for a total of 8. He then rolls 3d6, and
gets 13. Because 13 plus 8 equals 21, Johns characters
attribute roll is successful.
Damage
If a character suffers injury, such as from being
hit by a weapon or falling into a pit, damage points
represent the injury. Damage points are subtracted from
the characters Life Points. When a characters Life
Points are reduced to 0, the character is dying.
Campaign Level
This game is based upon the portrayal of military characters;
the two levels of a campaign for this genre are Realistic and
Cinematic.
Realistic
Realistic games are those in which the player characters are
life-like, everyday heroes. For example, the characters may be
street cops, investigators of the occult or otherworldly horrors, or
soldiers in World War II.
Realistic games typically involve real-world situations (and
their aftereffects) faced by everyday heroes. Because characters
are not as capable of physically handling devastating encounters
and traumatic events as cinematic or heroic characters, Realistic
games tend to involve more roleplaying than combat and action,
though this neednt be the case for all games. If elements of the
fantastic are present in the game setting, they are usually obscure
and mysterious and beyond the grasp of the PCs. For example,
while many people may believe that magic and miracles are real,
there is generally no way to scientifically prove so.
Cinematic
Cinematic games are those in which the player characters
are larger-than-life action heroes such as those found in fantasy,
science fiction and action stories. The characters may be
maverick cops (such as the characters portrayed in many police-
oriented dramatic and action films and television programs),
unlikely but capable heroes, avenging do-gooders and battlers of
evil, Japanese chanbara (sword fight film) heroes, or heroes in a
science fiction setting or fantasy setting.
Cinematic games typically involve lots of high-action and
plausible, albeit unlikely, situations. The heroes tend to be highly
capable, as do the major antagonists. Minor enemies (henchmen,
flunkies, goons, mooks, etc.) are dangerous and numerous, but
not as skilled as the heroes. Cinematic games tend to involve as
much role-playing as they do combat and action.


 Chapter Two: Characters
Chapter Two: Characters
Character creation consists of spending Character Points
(CP) amongst Attributes, Traits and Skills, and selecting what
(if any) allegiances your character holds. All of these aspects
together will greatly determine the characters abilities and how
others will interact with the character in the game world.
Attributes
Attributes are scores that reflect the characters basic
physical and mental abilities. In short, the core attributes define
the characters body and mind.
Body Group
The three attributes that define a characters body or
physical being are Health, Strength, and Reflexes.
Strength (STR)
Strength (abbreviated STR) is the Power attribute for the
Body Group. STR represents raw physical prowess, including
the ability to lift, push and otherwise exert force.
The total weight that a character can lift to waist level
without moving (i.e., dead lift) is shown on the Basic STR Table.
A character is able to carry (lift and move) weight equal to half his
lift capacity. A character can drag or pull twice his lift capacity.
Toms character has a STR of 7 (he is very strong). He can
dead lift 250 kilograms (about 550 pounds), he can carry 125
kilograms (275 pounds), and he can drag or pull up to 500
kilograms (1,100 pounds)!
Reflexes (REF)
Reflexes (abbreviated REF) is the Aptitude attribute for
the Body Group. REF covers the characters agility, coordination,
reaction, and overall speed. The higher a characters REF, the
more dexterous and agile he is, and the better his sense of balance
is. A REF of 0 represents total lack of control over ones muscles
and movement (e.g., severe palsy or total paralysis).
Health (HLT)
Health (abbreviated HLT) is the Resistance attribute for
the Body Group. HLT reflects the characters overall constitution,
general health, resistance to disease, and overall fitness. The
higher a characters health, the more resistant he is to illness and
physiological degradation and injury. A HLT of 0 represents an
absence of life (i.e., death).
Mind Group
The three attributes that define the characters mind or
mental and emotional being are Presence, Intellect, and Will.
Presence (PRE)
Presence (abbreviated PRE) is the Power attribute
for the Mind Group. PRE represents the characters general
personality, charm, charisma, and innate persuasiveness. The
higher a characters PRE, the more influential he can be. A PRE
of 0 represents a total lack of personality, charisma, and emotion
(e.g., a brick or a wall). This attribute is important to a characters
ability to instill confidence in others (very important while in
command of troops).
Intellect (INT)
Intellect (abbreviated INT) is the Aptitude attribute for
the Mind Group. INT represents the sharpness of the characters
mind, clarity of thought and overall alertness. The higher a
Combat!
characters INT, the brighter and more perceptive he is.
An INT of 0 represents a complete lack of intelligence
and thought (e.g., brain death or an inanimate object).
Will (WIL)
Will (abbreviated WIL) is the Resistance attribute
for the Mind Group. WIL reflects the characters mental
strength, ego, and force of conviction. The higher a
characters Will, the greater his resolve, focus, and level
of concentration. A WIL of 0 represents no resistance
to emotional influence and/or a complete lack of self-
awareness (e.g., an automaton, robot or zombie).
Attribute Scores
All attributes are based on a scale of one to ten (1-
10), denoting the normal human levels of possibility.
The higher an attribute score the better the character
is in that area. For example, a character with a Strength
of 3 is average, whereas a character with a Strength of 1
is roughly equivalent to an infant or small animal.
A score of 9 or 10 represents the pinnacle of human
achievement. It should be rare to encounter someone with an
attribute or skill at this level (at least among NPCs), and such a
person may be well-known for his ability.
For example, a strength score of 9 could represent the
strength of an Olympic weight-lifter and an Intellect of 10 could
represent Hawking-like genius.
It is assumed that in a military campaign, that no human
character will have any attribute scores above 10 (it is rare to
even have a single score of 10).
A score of 0 means the character has absolutely no capability
in that area. Generally, if a characters attribute drops to 0 for any
reason, the character is completely impotent in that area.
Buying Attributes
Each player gets Character Points to build his character.
While each GM can determine the amount of Character Points
is appropriate for a specific campaign, the recommended starting
Character Points are as follows:
Realistic Campaign: 230
Cinematic Campaign: 315
Players spend these points on the attributes, traits, benefits
and skills.
Characters have numerical scores that define their basic
capabilities, called Attributes. Each character can also have
traits, benefits, and skills. These are described in detail later in
their own sections.
Attributes cost 10 Character Points for each level in an
attribute. Buying a STR of 5 for a starting character, for instance,
has a cost of 50 Character Points.
Attributes can be improved after character creation by
spending Experience Points (see the section on Experience). To
increase an attribute by one level costs 5 times the new level in
experience points.
Tom wants to increase his characters current STR from 3
to 4. It will cost 4 x 5 = 20 experience points to increase Toms
characters STR to 4.
Maximum Attribute Scores
The recommended maximum score for any attribute depends
on the campaign level of the game (See the Maximum Attribute

 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Score Table). Players may purchase up to the maximum
score for any primary attribute.
Jim is creating a character for a Realistic level
game, with a maximum characteristic score of76. Jim
buys a REF score of 5 for his character and also buys
the Physical Advantage trait and defines it as providing
a +2 REF bonus to his character. This makes the
characters effective REF score a 7 (the maximum for
the campaign). See Table 1
Table 1
Campaign Level Suggested Attribute Maximum
Realistic 7 A characters starting TGH equals (STR + WIL)/2, rounding
Cinematic 10
Derived Attributes
There are also a few special attributes. They are not assigned
points during character creation like the Mind and Body attributes.
Instead, the following attributes are derived from attributes in the
Body or Mind Group.
Derived attributes are Defensive Target Number, Initiative,
Toughness, Life, and Move.
Some special attributes can have scores higher than 10;
derived attributes are not necessarily scaled the same as a
characters attributes, such as STR, INT or REF.
Derived attributes can be increased using Character Points.
The cost for increasing each Derived Attribute above its base
score is given in the description.
Defensive Target Number (DEF)
A characters Defensive Target Number (abbreviated DEF)
represents how difficult it is to successfully hit the character in
combat. DEF becomes the base Target Number (TN) needed for
any skill rolls made to hit the character in combat, for hand-to-
hand, melee and ranged attacks. A characters DEF score may be
modified up or down for variables such as distance, armor (heavy
armor lowers a characters effective REF) and so on.
A characters DEF equals his REF + 10.
For example, Mikes character, Arelius, has a REF of 7. His
REF+10 gives him a DEF of 17, so any characters that attempt
to attack Arelius must roll against a Target Number of 17.
The Defensive Target Number may be increased at a cost of
5 Character Points for each additional point of DEF. A characters
DEF score may not exceed 20 in Realistic-level games, though it
may be as high as 30 in Cinematic level games.
If a character is caught off guard (by surprise), then that
characters DEF is 10 (they lose their REF) for the surprise
attack.
Initiative (INI)
Initiative (abbreviated INI) represents how quickly a
character can act in a turn.
A characters Initiative equals his (REF + INT)/2, rounding
up. At the beginning of each turn of combat (or any other time the
GM calls for the players to determine initiative), each player rolls
1d6 and adds the number rolled to his characters INI score.
The character with the highest INI total acts first in a turn.
In cases of a tie, the character with the higher INT goes first.
If both characters have the same INT, then the characters act
simultaneously.
For more information about how Initiative works, see the
section on Combat.
Initiative may be increased at a cost of 3 Character Points
for each additional point of Initiative. A characters Initiative
score may not exceed 10 in Realistic-level games, though it may
be as high as 15 in Cinematic level games.
Toughness (TGH)
Toughness (abbreviated as TGH) represents a characters
resistance to blunt force damage, such as from a punch, a baseball
bat, or auto collision.
up.
When a character suffers damage from a pummeling,
bashing, or blunt attack, subtract the characters TGH score from
the damage, and then subtract the remaining damage (if any)
from the characters Life points (see Life, below). If a character
suffers an amount of damage that does not exceed his TGH
score, he suffers no loss of Life; he has completely shrugged off
the attack.
For example, Sergeant Nelson has a Health of 4 and a
Toughness of 8. In a fist-fight with a bad guy, Sgt. Nelson is hit
by his opponent, and the GM rolls 19 points of damage. Player
Albert subtracts Sgt. Nelsons Toughness of 8 from the damage,
leaving 11 points of damage.
Toughness may also be used to decrease the damage suffered
from some forms of Special Damage at the GMs discretion (see
Damage).
Toughness may be increased at a cost of 5 Character Points
for each additional point of Toughness. A characters Toughness
score may not exceed 10 in Realistic level games, though it may
reach 15 in Cinematic level games.
Life (LIF)
Life (abbreviated as LIF) points are used to keep track of
damage a character suffers during an adventure. Any time a
character suffers damage, he temporarily loses a number of Life
points equal to the points of damage inflicted.
A characters LIF points equal (HLT x 3) + (WIL x 2).
Continuing from the example above, Sgt. Nelson has a Health
of 3 and a Willpower of 5, so he has 9 + 10 = 19 Life points.
Albert subtracts the 11 points of damage from his characters
Life points. After getting punched, Sgt. Nelson has 8 Life points
left.
Stunning and deadly damage are both subtracted from a
characters LIF (see Damage). When a character reaches 0 LIF
from lethal damage, they are dying. If a character suffers combined
stunning and deadly damage that exceeds the characters LIF, the
character is unconscious but not dying.
Sgt. Nelson has 19 LIF points. He has suffered 11 points of
stunning damage from a punch and then a short time later he
is shot (Sams had a hard day) and suffers 8 points of deadly
damage. Nelson has suffered 11 points of stunning damage and
8 points of deadly damage, for a total of 19 points of damage,
bringing his current LIF points to 0. He is unconscious. Until he
regains some of his LIF points back (either from healing, medical
aid or other means) he will remain unconscious.

 Chapter Two: Characters
A character may also be stunned or knocked unconscious
by one mighty blow. Any time characters suffer an amount of
damage from a single event or attack that exceeds half their LIF
score (round up), after subtracting TGH (if applicable), they are
stunned. A stunned characters STR, REF, PRE, and INT all drop
to 0 for as long as the character is stunned. In addition, stunned
characters lose their next action, which is spent recovering
from being stunned. On the subsequent turn, the character has
recovered and may act normally.
If a character has not yet acted in the turn in which he is
stunned, he loses his action for that turn but may act normally
on the next (second) turn. If a character has acted in the turn in
which he is stunned, he loses his action for the next (second) turn
and may act normally on the following (third) turn.
Kyles character has 20 LIF points and a TGH of 5. He is
hit by a punch for 17 points of blunt damage. Kyle subtracts his
characters TGH from the damage, leaving 12 points of damage.
Because 12 is more than half his characters LIF, Kyles character
is stunned for one turn.
At the GMs discretion, a stunned character may go
completely limp, fall down, or otherwise lose the ability to
maintain his current action (for example, hold a rope, stay in the
saddle, etc). A stunned character has a base DEF of 10, with no
bonus for REF.
Life may be increased at a cost of 2 Character Points for
each additional point of Life. A characters Life score may not
exceed 50 in Realistic-level games, though it may be as high as
75 Cinematic level games.
Move (MOV)
Move (abbreviated as MOV) represents the distance a
character can move in a single action. A character may move up
to his MOV in meters each turn, as a normal Move action or, if
running, up to 2x his MOV in meters per turn. A character may
also sprint, moving up to 3x his MOV in meters per turn, but a
character can only sprint for a maximum number of turns equal
to his HLT, after which time he must rest for one minute for each
turn spent sprinting (see Taking Actions).
A characters MOV is REF + (STR+HLT)/2, rounding up.
Albert is playing in a Special Tactical Assault Team (STAT)
game. His character, Sgt. Nelson, a tough-guy NCO with a
propensity to get into fights while in town, has a REF of 6, a
HLT of 5 and a STR of 4. Albert averages his characters STR
+ HLT and gets 5. Then he adds his REF of 6, for a total MOV
of 11. Sgt. Nelson can move up to 11 meters each turn normally
(the equivalent of 13.2 kph or 7.8 mph) or 22 meters per turn
when running (26.4 kph or 15.5 mph), and he can sprint for up
to 6 turns at a speed of 33 meters per turn (about 40 kph or 23
mph)!
Move may be increased at a cost of 5 Character Points for
each additional point of MOV. A characters MOV score may
not exceed 10 in Realistic-level games, though it may reach 15
Cinematic level games. See Table 2
ALLEGIANCES
A character may have up to three allegiances, listed in order
from most important to least important. These allegiances are
indications of what the character values in life, and may encompass
people, organizations, or ideals (for example, the Security
Clearance advantages require an allegiance to ones country). A
Combat!
character may have no allegiances (being either a free
spirit or a lone wolf) or may change allegiances as he or
she goes through life. Also, just because the character
fits into a certain category of people doesnt mean the
character has to have that category as an allegiance.
If the character acts in a way that is detrimental
to his or her allegiance, the GM may choose to strip
the character of that allegiance (and all its benefits) and
assign an allegiance more suitable to those actions.
Pledging Allegiance
A heros allegiance can take the form of loyalty
to a person, to an organization, to a belief system, to a
nation, or to an ethical or moral philosophy. In general, a
character can discard an allegiance at any time, but may
only gain a new allegiance with GM approval. Taking a
new allegiance should not be trivial and should be role-
played out in the choices a character makes.
Allegiances include, but are not limited to, the
following examples.
Person or Group: This includes a leader or superior, a family,
a group of linked individuals (such as a cell of secret agents), or
a discrete unit within a larger organization (such as members of
the characters squad or platoon, or individuals whose safety the
character is responsible for).
Organization: This may be a company or corporation, a
gathering of like-minded individuals, a fraternal brotherhood, a
secret society, a branch of the armed forces, a local, state, or
national government, a university, an employer, or an otherwise
established authority.
Nation: This may or may not be the nation that the hero
currently resides in. It may be where the individual was born, or
where the hero resides after emigrating to a new home.
Belief System: This is usually a particular faith or religion,
but can also be a specific philosophy or school of thought. Belief
systems could also include political beliefs or philosophical
outlooks.
Ethical Philosophy: This describes how one feels about
order, as represented by law and chaos. An individual with a
lawful outlook tends to tell the truth, keep his or her word, respect
authority, and honor tradition, and he or she expects others to do
likewise. An individual with a chaotic outlook tends to follow his
or her instincts and whims, favor new ideas and experiences, and
behave in a subjective and open manner in dealings with others.
Moral Philosophy: This describes ones attitude toward
others, as represented by good and evil. An individual with a
good allegiance tends to protect innocent life. This belief implies
altruism, respect for life, and a concern for the dignity of other
creatures. An evil allegiance shows a willingness to hurt, oppress,
and kill others, and to debase or destroy innocent life.
Allegiances and Influence
An allegiance can create an empathic bond with others of
the same allegiance. With the GMs permission, the character
gains a +2 bonus on Presence-based skill rolls when dealing with
someone of the same allegianceas long as the character has
had some interaction with the other character to discover the
connections that would bring the bonus into play.
The GM may also restrict some advantages or professions/
MOSs to people of certain allegiances (such as the requirement

 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! of allegiance to ones nation for a security clearance).
Traits
Mov KPH
Table 2
MPH Example
Any time a situation occurs in a game that is
covered by a characters trait, it automatically comes 1 1.2 0.7
into play and will affect the character, influencing his 2 2.4 1.4 Leisurely walk
behavior or actions, or otherwise limiting or expanding 3 3.6 2.1
that characters choice of actions. 4 4.8 2.8 Average Walk
There are two basic types of traits: Advantages and
5 6.0 3.5 M113 Water Speed
Disadvantages.
6 7.2 4.2 Brisk Walk
Advantages 7 8.4 4.9 Power Walk
Advantages provide some benefit to the character
8 9.6 5.6 Jog
in the game and thus cost points to purchase when the
9 10.8 6.3 Run 9 minute mile
character is created.
10 12.0 7.0
Most Advantages have a related and opposite
Disadvantage. A player may not buy an Advantage that is 11 13.2 7.7
the opposite of a Disadvantage that his character already 12 14.4 8.4
possesses without special permission from the GM. 13 15.6 9.1
Many Advantages have a mixture of positive and 14 16.8 9.8 Run 6 minute mile
negative effects on the character, and this should be reflected 15 18.0 10.5
in game play. For example, a character that is well connected 16 19.2 11.2
can enjoy those benefits easily enough, but he is likely to raise
17 20.4 11.9 Run 5 minute mile
suspicion if he advances in rank too quickly or seems to get
18 21.6 12.6
preferential treatment. It is up to the GM to weigh the pros and
cons of each benefit and, in the appropriate game circumstances, 19 22.8 13.3
introduce them to the game. 20 24.0 14.0
21 25.2 14.7
22 26.4 15.4 Run 4 minute mile
23 27.6 16.1
24 28.8 16.8
25 30.0 17.5
26 31.2 18.2
27 32.4 18.9
28 33.6 19.6
29 34.8 20.3
30 36.0 21.0
31 37.2 21.7
32 38.4 22.4
33 39.6 23.1
34 40.8 23.8 Attack Submarine
35 42.0 24.5
36 43.2 25.2

An important consideration to remember is that normally

skills have a maximum level of 10. This does not include the
bonus from Advantages. So, if a character has a skill of 7 and
purchases an Advantage that grants a +5 to it, then their effective
skill level is 12 when the Advantage is in effect.
Advantages cost 2, 5, or 10 points. These are bought
during character creation when an Advantage is selected, using
Character Points. The point cost of an Advantage is determined
by its usefulness or level of benefit to the character in the game.
A convenience, impacting or benefiting the character slightly or
providing a bonus of +3 to one or more skill rolls (see Using
Skills), costs 2 points. An edge, having a moderate to strong
impact on a character or providing a bonus of +6 to one or more
skill rolls, costs 5 points. A gift, which has a significant positive


 Chapter Two: Characters

Combat!
impact on the character or provides a bonus of +9 to one or more (or CS) for the trait. This is the target number that the
skill rolls, costs 10 points. See Table 3 player must match for the character to overcome the
trait if/when it comes up during play. If a player wants
his character to do something that contradicts the limits
Table 3 described for the trait, the player must make a control
roll for the trait. The higher the control number, the more
Description Cost Effect difficult it is for the character to control or overcome the
Convenience 2 Points
Slight; +3 on one or more skill trait.
rolls To make a control roll, the player rolls 3d6. The
Edge 5 Points
Moderate-strong; +6 on one or roll must be equal to or greater than the control score
more skill rolls for the trait.
Significant; +9 to one or more The control score for inconveniences is 5. The
Gift 10 Points
skill rolls control score for hardships is 10. The control score for
perils is 15.

Disadvantages
Disadvantages are situations or conditionspsychological,
physical, social or spiritualthat present obstacles or hindrances
to the character. Most Disadvantages have a related and opposite
Advantage. A player may not take a Disadvantage that is the
opposite of an Advantage that his character already possesses
without special permission from the GM.
Like Advantages, many Disadvantages have a mixture of
positive and negative effects on the character, and this should
be reflected in game play. It is up to the GM to weigh the pros
and cons of each Disadvantage and, under the appropriate game
circumstances, introduce them to the game.
Because Disadvantages provide obstacles or hindrances to
the character during play, they provide points rather than costing
points. Disadvantages are worth 2, 5 or 10 points to the character.
These are gained during character creation when a challenging
trait is selected. These extra points may be spent just like regular
character pointsto buy or increase skills, buy Advantages or to
increase an attribute (as long as the rules for maximum starting
levels are adhered to).
Severity or impact on the character in the game determines
the number of points gained for a challenging trait. An
inconvenience, impacting or hindering the character slightly or
incurring a penalty of -3 to one or more skill rolls (see Using
Skills), is worth 2 points. A hardship, having a moderate to strong
impact on a character or incurring a penalty of -6 to one or more
skill rolls, is worth 5 points. A peril, which has a significant or
severe impact on the character or incurs a penalty of -9 to one or
more skill rolls, is worth 10 points. See Table 4
Table 4
Description Value Effect
Slight; CS 5; -3 to one or more
Inconvenience 2 Points
skill rolls
Moderate-strong; CS 10; -6 to
Hardship 5 Points
one or more skill rolls
Significant; CS 15; -9 to one or
Peril 10 Points
more skill rolls
Control Rolls
Some Disadvantages (such as mental and some social traits)
have a score associated with them. This is the Control Score
Table 5
Level of Disadvantage Control Score
Inconvenience 5
Hardship 10
Peril 15
Buying Traits
Advantages are purchased with the pool of Character Points
available for skills (see Buying Skills) or with Experience Points
(for traits the GM rules are developed traits). The cost (for
Advantages) or the value (points gained for Disadvantages) is
listed in the description of each.
Characters can buy innate traits only during character
creation, except with the permission of the GM.
Detailed descriptions of each trait are listed below.
Advantages
Acute Sense
One of the characters senses is sharper than normal and
receives a bonus on all Awareness skill rolls, as well as other
skill rolls involving that sense (GMs discretion). This Trait may
be purchased for each of the following senseshearing, sight,
smell/taste (counts as one sense), and touch.
The opposite of this trait is the Impaired Sense
disadvantage.
The characters bonus to skill rolls involving the acute sense
is:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Air Traffic Control Expert
Your character is a trained aviation specialist. Your character
automatically gains an understanding of terminology and policies
(of your characters service) governing air traffic control
Convenience: Your character gains a +1 bonus on Air Traffic
Control and Communications Operation skill rolls.
Edge: Your character gains a +3 bonus on Air Traffic Control,
and a +2 bonus to Communications Operations skill rolls.
Gift: Your character gains a +5 bonus on Air Traffic Control,
and a +3 bonus to Communications Operations Skill.


 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Ally
Allies are people or forces that are willing to aid,
defend or otherwise assist the character. An ally can be
an individual (such as a contact within an organization,
confidential informant, and so on), a small group,
or even an entire nation. The ally should make sense
for the game campaign or story, however. The player
should also define the origin or basis for the ally, even
if the character himself is unaware of it (role-playing a
surprise discovery of ones ally and/or the reasons for
them being the characters ally can make for a dramatic
moment in a game).
An ally should show up only when requested or
when needed (GMs discretion). If the character calls
upon the ally in advance, the ally will provide whatever
assistance he can. No roll is necessary; if aid is requested
and the ally can provide it, he generally will. Of course,
there are circumstances when an ally would not supply
the requested aid, but this should not be the norm and
is at GM discretion. This aid may be in the form of financial
assistance, special equipment, or direct assistance from the ally
personally.
The opposite of this trait is the Enemy disadvantage.
Overall, your ally is:
Convenience (2): Less powerful than you, able to
provide minor assistance, or is limited to a relatively small
geographic area
Edge (5): As powerful as you, able to provide moderate
assistance, or is limited to a county, province, or region
Gift (10): More powerful than you, able to provide
major assistance, or has access to powerful weapons, or other
resources
Ambidextrous
Using your off hand normally incurs a -3 penalty to the
characters skill roll (see Off Handed). Ambidextrous characters
can use the off hand with a reduced penalty or no penalty at all,
depending on the level of the trait.
The opposite of this trait is the Bad Hands disadvantage.
The character is able to use his off hand at:
Convenience (2): Only a -1 penalty
Edge (5): No penalty
Antithesis
Your character has a deep hatred for one group. GM
permission is required before taking this advantage more than
once.
Convenience: When your character is combating your
characters antithesis, your character gain an additional +1 to
hit and damage. Your character will not willingly deal with your
characters antithesis, and when your character must deal with
forces friendly to them, your character is at a 2 on all Presence
based skill rolls (except Intimidation).
Edge: When your character is combating your characters
antithesis, your character gain a +2 to hit and damage. Your
character will not willingly deal with your characters antithesis,
and when your character must deal with forces friendly to them,
your character is at a 3 on all Presence based skill rolls (except
Intimidation).
Gift: When your character is combating your characters
antithesis, your character gain a +3 to hit and damage, and a +1 to
any skill roll that deals with opposing your characters antithesis.
Your character gain a +2 to knowledge of your characters
antithesis group. Your character will not willingly deal with your
characters antithesis, and when your character must deal with
forces friendly to them, your character is at a 4 on all Presence
based skill rolls (except Intimidation).
Athletic
The character is a natural athlete, gaining a bonus to all
skill rolls involving sports, athletic pursuits, or personal physical
exertion (GMs discretion).
The opposite of this trait is the Out of Shape disadvantage.
The characters bonus to skill rolls involving sports or
athletic pursuits is:
Convenience (2): +3 with all Athletic Group skills
Edge (5): +6 with all Athletic Group skills
Gift (10): +9 with all Athletic Group skills
Attractive
The character is exceptionally attractive and others take
notice, to the characters advantage. An attractive person receives
a bonus on all skill rolls involving situations in which his or her
feature is important (GMs discretion).
This is a developed trait by default, because people can
alter their features through their life (losing weight if obese,
undergoing cosmetic surgery, chemically altering their smell,
getting rid of a bad skin condition, and the like), either through
surgery, hard work or other mutation. In addition, this trait
could impose a penalty to skill rolls in certain situations, such
as attempting to persuade someone that might be turned off or
threatened by the good looks.
The opposite of this trait is the Unattractive disadvantage.
The characters bonus to skill rolls involving situations in
which his/her appearance is important is:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Block
Your character has mastered the basic art of intercepting
incoming melee attacks.
Prerequisite: Character must have Commando Training
Advantage.
Convenience: If your character is hit in melee combat,
your character may make an attack roll of your characters own
to attempt to block the attack. If your characters attack roll is
higher than the attack that hit your character, the attack is treated
as a miss. Your character may only use this ability against melee
weapons if your character is armed. This ability does not grant
your character more attacks than your character is normally
entitled to.
Edge: Same as Convenience, except that your character is at
+1 to block, and can block once per turn without it costing your
character an attack
Gift: Same as Convenience, except that your character is
at +2 to block, and can attempt two blocks per turn without it
costing your character an attack.
Normal: Any character may attempt to Block attacks, as above,
at 2 to hit for the opposed attacks roll.

 Chapter Two: Characters
Box Ears
A dirty tactic, your character slaps your characters targets
ears, causing damage by forcing air into the fragile inner ear.
Prerequisite: Commando Training
Convenience: The attack does damage equal to your
characters STR score. The target of this attack must then make
a HLT Roll (TN 12). If the roll is successful, the target is dazed,
otherwise the target is deafened for 1 round.
Edge: The attack does damage equal to STR of attacker +1.
The target must then make a HLT Roll (TN 15). If the roll is
successful, the target is dazed, otherwise the target is deafened
for 2 rounds.
Gift: The attack does damage equal to STR of attacker +2.
The target must then make a HLT Roll (TN 18). If the roll is
successful, the target is dazed, otherwise the target is deafened
for 4 rounds.
Choke Hold
Your character has received advanced training in choking
your characters target, either as a means of subduing him, or
quietly eliminating him.
Prerequisite: Commando Training.
Convenience: Your character can temporarily cut off the
airflow of the target. Target must make a HLT Roll (TN 10 plus
attackers STR score) or pass out for one round.
Edge: Your character can temporarily cut off airflow of the
target. Target must make a HLT Roll (TN 13 plus attackers STR
score) or pass out for 2 rounds.
Gift: Your character can temporarily cut off airflow of the
target. Target must make a HLT Roll (TN 16 plus attackers STR
score) or pass out for 3 rounds.
Combat Pilot
Your character has been taught how to fly aircraft for the
purpose of combat.
Convenience: Your character gains a +1 on Pilot and +1
Tactics (Air Combat) skill rolls.
Edge: Your character gains a +2 to Pilot and Tactics (Air)
skill rolls, and +1 Initiative in Air Combat.
Gift: Your character gains a +3 to Pilot and Tactics (Air)
skill rolls, and a +2 Initiative in Air Combat.
Commando Training
This fighting style represents the advanced combat training
given to Special Forces personnel around the world. There are as
many variations on this style as there are militaries to teach it.
Convenience: Access to skills requiring Commando
Training (your character can now purchase those martial arts
maneuvers requiring Commando Training).
Edge: Access to skills requiring Commando Training. +1 to
Hide and Stealth Skill rolls. +1 to Initiative in unarmed or melee
combat.
Gift: Access to skills requiring Command Training. +2 to
Hide and Stealth Skill Rolls. +2 to Initiative in unarmed or melee
combat.
Con Artist
The character is very believable and is an effective confidence
man, gaining a bonus to all skill rolls involving persuasion,
misleading, bluffing, or convincing others of something (whether
true or not). It does not provide a bonus for forgery or other
Combat!
similar acts.
The opposite of this trait is the Honest
disadvantage.
The characters skill rolls are at:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Conviction
Your character has a cause that your character feels
strongly about, and would sacrifice greatly to see that
cause protected. Honor, Loyalty to Country, and Loyalty
to Unit are all popular convictions. The conviction must
be specified when this is taken.
Convenience: When your character is working to
support your characters conviction, your character gain
a +1 to hit and a +1 to all Attribute Rolls.
Edge: When your character is working to support
your characters conviction, your character gain a +2 to
hit and a +1 to all Attribute Rolls.
Gift: When your character is working to support your
characters conviction, your character gain a +2 to hit, a +2 to
Attribute Rolls, and a +1 to Skill Rolls.
Cool Headed
The character keeps a cool head under moments of stress
or intense emotion. Under such circumstances, the character
receives a bonus to offset any penalties or increased difficulty
for any skill rolls due to stress, distraction, or intense emotions
such as anger or fear. The level of the trait dictates the bonus
provided the character.
The opposite of this trait is the Bad Tempered
disadvantage.
The bonus the character receives is:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Cover Fire
Your character is highly skilled at providing cover fire.
Convenience: Your character is +2 to hit when providing
cover fire
Edge: Your character is +4 to hit when providing cover fire
Gifted: Your character is +6 to hit when providing cover
fire
Cryptographer
Your character is skilled in electronic and physical methods
of keeping secrets secret.
Convenience: When your character is sending a message
that someone else is attempting to intercept, the TN on their skill
roll is increased by 2.
Edge: When your character is sending a message that
someone else is attempting to intercept, the TN on their skill roll
is increased by 4.
Gift: When your character is sending a message that
someone else is attempting to intercept, the TN on their skill roll
is increased by 6.
Desk Jockey
Your character hasnt seen a lot of combat (not yet anyway),

 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! but know the ins and outs of the military way. Regular
military personnel tend to refer to characters with this
advantage as REMFs (Rear Echelon Mother Fucker).
Convenience: Your character gains a +1 on
Requisition checks.
Edge: Your character gains a +3 on Requisition
checks.
Gift: Your character gains a +5 on Requisition
checks
Danger Sense
The character has a preternatural sense of danger
to themselves only. This can represent a mystic sense,
street smarts, zanshin, or whatever the player wants it
to represent. Whenever that character is in immediate
danger (such as walking into an ambush), the GM
makes a secret WIL + Intuition roll for that character.
The difficulty of the roll depends on the level of the trait.
If the roll is successful, the character becomes aware of
the danger, though some details may remain a mystery. Once
aware of the danger, the character gets one free turn to perform
one or more actions and has no penalty for surprise.
If the effect number of the characters WIL+ Intuition roll
is 6 or higher, the character knows the precise direction and
the general distance of the threat. If the effect number is 12 or
more, the character knows the precise distance and nature of the
threat.
The opposite of this trait is the Oblivious to Danger
disadvantage.
The difficulty and target number needed for the character to
sense danger is:
Convenience (2): Challenging (TN 18)
Edge (5): Tricky (TN 15)
Gift (10): Average (TN 12)
Drill Instructor
Your character is adept at winning friends and influencing
people. All who meet your character, especially those who study
under your characters gentle tutelage, will love your character.
Convenience: Your character gains a +1 bonus to all
Intimidate skill rolls. Units trained by your character gain 1 XP
per month.
Edge: Your character gains a +2 bonus to all Intimidate skill
rolls. Units trained by your character gain 2 XP per month.
Gift: Your character gains a +3 bonus to all Intimidate skill
rolls. Units trained by your character gain 3 XP per month.
Eidetic Memory
The character has a near-photographic memory and retains
much more information than the average person. The character
rarely forgets anything he sees, hears, or reads. In addition, the
character receives a bonus on any skill rolls involving memory
(at GMs discretion).
The opposite of this trait is the Forgetful disadvantage.
The character can recall:
Convenience (2): Important details; +3 bonus to appropriate
skill rolls
Edge (5): Minor details; +6 bonus to appropriate skill rolls
Gift (10): Trivial details; +9 bonus to appropriate skill rolls
Electronic Warfare
Your character is an expert in the most sophisticated modern
warfare techniques.
Convenience: Your character gain a +1 on Jamming, Signal
Interception, and Signal Triangulation skill rolls.
Edge: Your character gain a +2 on Jamming, Signal
Interception, and Signal Triangulation skill rolls.
Gift: Your character gain a +4 on Jamming, Signal
Interception, and Signal Triangulation skill rolls
Enemy - one Allegiance
Your character has one allegiance or group that your character
detests. Enemy must be identified when this Advantage is taken.
Convenience: Your character gain +1 to hit and skill rolls
when combating your characters Enemy. When your character
must deal with your characters enemy peacefully, or when your
character deals with groups allied with your characters enemy,
your character take a 2 to all Presence based skills.
Edge: Your character gain +2 to attack and skill checks
when combating your characters Enemy. When your character
must deal with your characters enemy peacefully, or when your
character deal with groups allied with your characters enemy,
your character take a 3 to all Presence based skills (except
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Intimidate).
Gift: Your character gain +3 to attack and skill checks
when combating your characters Enemy. When your character
must deal with your characters enemy peacefully, or when your
character deal with groups allied with your characters enemy,
your character take a 4 to all Presence based skills (except
Intimidate).
Esprit de Corps
Your character eats, lives, breaths, and would die for your
characters team.
Convenience: Your character gain +1 to all skill rolls when
working with your characters team.
Edge: Your character gain +2 to all skill rolls when working
with your characters team. Your character gains a +1 bonus on
all Promotion rolls.
Gift: Your character gain +3 to all skill rolls when working
with your characters team. Your character gains a +2 bonus on
all Promotion rolls.
Evasive Maneuvers
Your character is a hard target to latch onto in aerial
dogfights.
Prerequisite: Combat Pilot.
Convenience: Your character gain +2 to your characters
skill roll and +1 to Initiative when evading an enemy in aerial
combat.
Edge: Your character gains a +3 to skill roll and +2 to
Initiative when evading an enemy in aerial combat.
Gift: Your character gains a +5 to skill roll and a +3 to
Initiative when evading an enemy in aerial combat.
Eye Gouge
Your character goes after your characters targets eyes.
Prerequisite: Commando Training
Convenience: The target must make a HLT Roll (TN 10 +
attackers Strength) or be blinded for 2 rounds.
Edge: The target must make a HLT Roll (TN 13 + attackers
Strength) or be blinded for 3 rounds.
Gift: The target of this attack suffers normal punch damage,
and must make a HLT roll (TN 15 + attackers Strength) or be
blinded for 4 rounds.
Famous
The character has gained fame for some notable deed or
deeds. People tend to recognize any famous person when they
see him or when they hear the name. Most people go out of their
way to curry favor with the famous or to avoid getting on their
bad side.
A character may be famous for something he did or did not
do. A reputation, once earned, can be difficult to shed, regardless
of its accuracy.
The level and effects of the characters fame depend on the
level of the trait. The chance of someone not recognizing the
character on sight (or upon hearing his name) is equal to the
Control Score.
Note that this is a reputation for the individual character, not
for their association with a notable group.
While the Kings Musketeers in France are always recognized
as such when they wear the uniform, they are not known as
individuals unless they gain a reputation for particularly notable
Combat!
deeds as individuals (e.g., this man is a Musketeer but
that man is Athos!).
The player should jot down (or at least have in
mind) the reason for the characters fame. The specific
effects of Famous are open to interpretation by the GM,
and require some discretion.
The Famous trait can be a double-edged sword, but
as a rule it is predominantly positive.
The opposite of this trait is the Infamous
disadvantage.
The character is:
Convenience (2): A local celebrity, famous in
his unit or military base, gaining a +3 bonus (or a -3
penalty, depending on the circumstances) to Social skill
rolls when he is recognized
Edge (5): Known throughout the service (with GM
permission, this can extend to throughout the military)
gaining a +6 bonus (or a -6 penalty) to Social skill
rolls when he is recognized. An example could be a
Congressional Medal of Honor winner.
Gift (10): A national or international celebrity (known
outside of the military), gaining a +9 bonus (or a -9 penalty) to
Social skill rolls when he is recognized. An example could be
General Colin Powell.
Fast Learner (Skill Group)
The character is a quick learner, and is able to retain
knowledge more readily than the average person. A fast learner
can improve any skills from a specific skill group at -1 CP from
the normal cost, and also receives a bonus to skill rolls involving
research, study or instruction on a topic relating to that skill
group.
The player must choose the skill group to which this
advantage applies when the trait is purchased. This trait may be
purchased multiple times, once for each skill group.
The opposite of this trait is the Slow Learner disadvantage.
The characters bonuses to skill rolls involving research,
study or instruction are:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Fast Reflexes
The character has a natural gift for reacting quickly and
gains a bonus to INI (see Initiative) and to any Awareness rolls
to avoid surprise. Characters with a low REF score may take this
trait, to reflect generally poor coordination and agility but a fast
response time to unexpected events.
The opposite of this trait is the Slow Reflexes disadvantage.
The character receives:
Convenience (2): +2 to INI and +3 to Awareness rolls to
avoid surprise.
Edge (5): +4 to INI and +6 to Awareness rolls to avoid
surprise.
Gift (10): +6 to INI and +9 to Awareness rolls to avoid
surprise.
Fast Track
Your character has gained the notice of your characters
superiors and is marked for rapid promotion, either through
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! demonstrating your characters ability to lead, or your
characters ability to brown-nose.
Convenience: Your character may immediately
make a Promotion check roll upon getting this
Advantage. Your character receives a +2 on this and all
future Promotion check rolls.
Edge: Your character may immediately make a
Promotion check roll upon getting this Advantage. Your
character receives a +3 on this and all future Promotion
check rolls.
Gift: Your character may immediately make a
Promotion check roll upon getting this Advantage. Your
character receives a +5 on this and all future Promotion
check rolls.
Fighter Escort
As their ability to protect each other in air combat
became apparent, strategists also recognized the fighters
ability to protect larger, more valuable craft. Although
a vital necessity at times due to the strategic value of larger
ships, flying escort with a larger ship is one of the most dangerous
jobs a fighter pilot can have.
Convenience: When leading a fighter escort to protect
another aircraft, the protected aircraft gains a +1 Defense bonus
for each fighter performing the escort under this characters
command.
Edge: When leading a fighter escort to protect another
aircraft, the protected aircraft gains a +2 Defense bonus for each
fighter performing the escort under this characters command.
Gift: When leading a fighter escort to protect another aircraft,
the protected aircraft gains a +3 Defense bonus for each fighter
performing the escort under this characters command.
Fixed-Wing Vehicle Weapons
Your character is proficient in fixed-wing mounted vehicle
weapons. The character has a good understanding of various
weapons systems for Fixed-wing aircraft.
Convenience: +3 to hit with all Fixed-wing aircraft weapons
systems
Edge: +6 to hit with all Fixed-wing aircraft weapons
systems.
Gift: +9 to hit with all Fixed-wing aircraft weapons
systems
Formation Flying
As long as aircraft have been shooting each other down pilots
have known the advantages of flying in formation. One craft
covers for the other, and your characters wingman is usually the
person your character trust most in the world.
Prerequisites: Combat Pilot
Convenience: All fighters on the same side of a battle who
are flying in formation with this Advantage gain a +2 Defense
bonus in vehicle combat by protecting one another. They also
gain a +2 bonus to any roll to Clear Your characters Six
piloting rolls.
Edge: All fighters on the same side of a battle who are flying
in formation with this Advantage gain a +4 Defense bonus in
vehicle combat by protecting one another. They also gain a +4
bonus to any roll to Clear Your Six piloting rolls.
Gift: All fighters on the same side of a battle who are flying
in formation with this Advantage gain a +6 Defense bonus in
vehicle combat by protecting one another. They also gain a +6
bonus to any roll to Clear Your characters Six piloting rolls.
Good Sense of Direction
The character has an instinctive ability to tell direction, even
if he cannot see. In addition, the character receives a bonus to all
Athletics, Focus, and Education skill rolls involving navigation
or direction (GMs discretion).
The opposite of this trait is the Poor Sense of Direction
disadvantage.
The character always knows:
Convenience (2): General Direction (e.g., North) and a +3
to skill rolls involving direction
Edge (5): Specific direction (e.g., magnetic North by
Northwest) and +6 to skill rolls involving direction
Good Sense of Time
The character has an innate ability to tell time, even without a
clock. The character always knows what time it is with incredible
accuracy.
The opposite of this trait is the Poor Sense of Time
disadvantage.
The character can innately sense the time of day or night
to:
Convenience (2): The hour
Edge (5): The half-hour
Gift (10): Minute
Grenadier
Your character is skilled at using grenades and grenade
launchers in combat.
Convenience: Your character gain a +1 bonus to hit and a
+25% range bonus to all grenade attacks, whether thrown or with
a grenade launcher.
Edge: Your character gain a +2 bonus to hit and a 50% range
bonus to all grenade attacks, whether thrown or with a grenade
launcher.
Gift: Your character gain a +3 bonus to hit and a 75% range
bonus to all grenade attacks, whether thrown or with a grenade
launcher.
Hard to Kill
The character is extremely hard to kill. This can represent
the characters exceptional will to survive, dedication to a cause,
use of chi (or ki), a tough body, resistance to wounds, or anything
else that the player wishes. The character can apply some of his
Toughness to piercing damage (such as from an arrow, gunshot,
or sword wound). The amount of TGH that is resistant to lethal
damage depends on the level of the trait. The amount of resistant
TGH cannot exceed the characters normal TGH score. The
characters resistant TGH cannot reduce piercing damage below
1 point. That is, a character that suffers piercing damage and who
has the Hard to Kill advantage but who has no other armor, will
suffer a minimum of 1 point of damage from piercing attacks.
The opposite of this trait is the Easy to Kill disadvantage.
The amount of TGH the applies to piercing damage is:
Convenience (2): 2 TGH
Edge (5): 4 TGH
Gift (10): 6 TGH
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Heart Punch
Your character strikes your characters target right over the
heart, an attack that inflicts a great deal of pain and shock.
Prerequisite: Commando Training.
Convenience: +2 damage from punches to right over the
heart. Target must make a HLT roll (TN 10) or be stunned for
one round.
Edge: +4 damage from punches to right over the heart. Target
must make a HLT roll (TN 13) or be stunned for one round.
Gift: +6 damage from punches to right over the heart. Target
must make a HLT roll (TN 16) or be stunned for 3 rounds.
Helicopter Vehicle Weapons
Your character is proficient in helicopter mounted vehicle
weapons. The character has a good understanding of various
weapons systems for rotor aircraft (helicopter).
Convenience: +3 to hit with all helicopter weapons
Edge: +6 to hit with all helicopter weapons
Gift: +9 to hit with all helicopter weapons.
High Pain Threshold
The character is able to withstand pain exceptionally well,
and receives a bonus to skill rolls to resist torture or extreme
pain, and suffers reduced penalties due to wounds (see Wounds
and Effects of Damage). The opposite of this trait is Low Pain
Threshold.
The character has:
Convenience (2): +3 to Concentration skill rolls to resist
pain and to offset penalties due to wounds.
Edge (5): +6 to Concentration skill rolls to resist pain and to
offset penalties due to wounds.
Gift (10): +9 to Concentration skill rolls to resist pain and to
offset penalties due to wounds.
Immunity
The character has immunity to some substance, disease,
or condition. The player defines the immunity when the trait is
taken and must be for one specific substance (e.g., a character
can have an immunity to spider venom but not an immunity to
fire or bullets). Characters may take this trait multiple times, each
time for a different immunity.
The level of the trait is based on how common and how
dangerous the substance is in the game setting. Check with your
GM to make sure that you purchase the appropriate level of the
trait for the concept.
The opposite of this trait is the Addiction disadvantage. Note
that characters can take both the Immunity and Addiction traits,
as long as the condition or substance is not the same for both.
The character is immune to:
Convenience (2): A rare and/or extremely dangerous
substance (Iocane Powder).
Edge (5): An uncommon, moderately dangerous legal or
mildly dangerous illegal substance.
Gift (10): A common or mildly dangerous legal substance
(alcohol, tobacco).
Indistinct
The character has a plain or average appearance and is
completely unremarkable in most respects. A character with
this trait is not easily remembered (e.g., witnesses have a hard
time providing a detailed description or provide conflicting
Combat!
information). As a result, any skill rolls involving
identification of the character is at a penalty and the
character receives a +3 bonus to any Stealth rolls to
avoid being shadowed and to Awareness rolls to spot
someone shadowing him. This trait is particularly useful
for covert operatives and anyone else desiring to remain
anonymous.
The opposite of this trait is Distinctive Features.
Skill rolls involving identification of the character
is at:
Convenience (2): -3
Edge (5): -6
Gift (10): -9
Interrogation
Your character is skilled at getting information from
forces friendly or hostile, by a variety of means. When
making skill rolls to gain information from people, the
character is at:
Convenience: +3 at getting information from people
Edge: +6 at getting information from people
Gift: +9 at getting information from people.
Knows a Secret
The character knows a secret that, if revealed, would cause
problems for the person (or people) whom the secret involves.
The higher the point value the more dire the consequences of
the secrets exposure. A secret may be a criminal past, a secret
life or double life, a love affair, or anything that would be poorly
received by others if discovered.
The subject of the secret may or may not know that the
character knows the secret (players option). If the subject
knows, it may be that the character is blackmailing the person,
protecting him, or simply that they share a common (but
unknown) history.
If someone other than the character exposes the secret, then
the character should receive another advantage of equal value.
The opposite of this trait is the Secret disadvantage. Note
that characters may have both the Secret and Knows a Secret
traits, as long as they do not logically contradict each other.
If revealed, the secret would expose the person or group to:
Convenience (2): Ostracism or embarrassment
Edge (5): Arrest, harm or financial or social ruin
Gift (10): Death
Leadership
Your character is able to engender personal loyalty among
those who follow your character.
Convenience: Units commanded by a character with this
Advantage ignore the first Morale Hit (see the Small Unit Combat
section for more information on unit hits) they suffer in combat.
Edge: Units can ignore the first 3 Morale Hits
Gift: Units can ignore the first 5 Morale Hits
Life Experience
The character has a broad and varied background and has
accumulated a wealth of personal knowledge and experience. As
a result of this life experience, the character gains a bonus to all
skill rolls involving information that can be likely recalled from
literature, cultural knowledge, or personal experience (GMs
discretion).
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! The opposite of this trait is the Nave disadvantage.
The characters bonus to appropriate skill rolls is:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Light Sleeper
The character is able to awaken from even a deep
sleep, with no skill roll required. The slightest noise
may awaken the character, at the players option.
Any attempts to sneak up on or past a character with
this trait must make a contested Stealth roll, as normal,
against the sleeping characters Awareness roll; if the
effect number of the sleeping characters Awareness
roll is greater than the other characters Stealth roll, the
sleeping character has been awakened by a sound.
The sleeping character gains a bonus to his
Awareness roll to awaken, based on the level of the
trait.
The opposite of this trait is the Heavy Sleeper
disadvantage.
The characters bonus to Awareness rolls to awaken is:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Lucky
The character is luckier than most. Even small misfortunes
have a way of turning into advantages for the character. This trait
can reflect a divine blessing, good karma, plain old-fashioned
luck, or anything the player wishes.
In game terms, the character receives extra Action Points at
the start of each game session. These extra Action Points do not
count against the normal 3 AP starting limit for game sessions
(see Action Points).
The opposite of this trait is the Unlucky disadvantage.
At the start of each game session, the character receives:
Edge (5): 1 extra Action Point
Gift (10): 2 extra Action Points
Marksman
Your character is skilled at long-distance accuracy with
personal firearms.
Convenience: +3 to hit with firearms
Edge: +6 to hit with firearms
Gift: +9 to hit with firearms
Military Police Powers
Your character has a limited power to enforce military rules
and regulations.
Prerequisites: MOS Law-Enforcement.
Edge: Your character has the authority to detain, question,
and arrest those who have broken the military regulations of your
characters branch of service.
Mortar/Indirect Fire weapons
Convenience: +3 to hit with Indirect Fire weapons
Edge: +6 to hit with Indirect Fire weapons
Gift: +9 to hit with Indirect Fire weapons
Mountaineer
Your character is an extremely competent climber, including
the use of ropes and rigs to assist other climbers.
Convenience: Your character gain +2 on skill rolls for
climbing, tracking and surviving in the mountains
Edge: Your character gain a +4 on skill rolls for climbing,
tracking, surviving and detecting ambushes in the mountains
Gift: Your character gain a +6 on skill rolls for climbing,
tracking, surviving, detecting ambushes and Tactics in the
mountains.
NBC
Your character is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of
nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks. Characters with this
Advantage also teach courses in the use of basic preventive
gear such as gas masks and Geiger counters, and are skilled at
disarming weapons that deliver chemical, biological, or nuclear
attacks.
Convenience: Your character is +2 on skill rolls to detect
and disarm/disable NBC weapons and treat injuries from such
weapons.
Edge: Your character is +4 on skill rolls to detect and disarm/
disable NBC weapons and treat injuries from such weapons.
Gift: Your character is +6 on skill rolls to detect and disarm/
disable NBC weapons and treat injuries from such weapons.
Paratrooper
Your character is an extremely competent parachutist.
Prerequisites: Jump School.
Convenience: +3 on Acrobatics and Paradrop skill rolls
Edge: +6 on Acrobatics and Paradrop skill rolls
Gift: +9 on Acrobatics and Paradrop skill rolls
Perk
The character has some minor perk, such as an employee
discount, free legal advice, or a license to do something that
would normally be considered illegal (a right to collect taxes,
hunt criminals, fire upon and loot foreign merchant ships and
colonies, etc.). The exact nature of the perk is up to the player
and subject to GMs approval.
Perks that are conferred to members of a group are given to
those with the Membership advantage, and need not be purchased
separately. For example, a police officer has powers of arrest,
the right to carry a badge and gun, and so on, all as part of his
Membership in the police department. Similarly, a member of
STAT (Special Tactical Assault Team) has the right to wear the
insignia of the team, carry a firearm, and other licenses that go
with being a member of the Team.
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 Chapter Two: Characters
The cost for a Perk depends on its importance or significance
in the campaign (GMs discretion).
The opposite of this trait is the Duty disadvantage. Note that
a character may have both a Perk and a Duty and they may be
related or not.
The perk is of:
Convenience (2): Minor importance (e.g., a press pass,
Confidential security clearance).
Edge (5): Moderate importance (e.g., concealed weapon
permit, Secret security clearance).
Gift (10): Major importance (Letters of Marquee, Top Secret
security clearance).
Physical Advantage
The character has some physical condition or enhancement
that enhances his life or otherwise provides a benefit to his
ability to function. The condition or enhancement may be minor,
moderate, or extreme. The player defines the condition or benefit
when the trait is bought. Characters may take this trait multiple
times, each time for a different condition or benefit.
The level of the trait is based on the frequency and intensity
of the condition.
At Convenience level, this advantage benefits the character
infrequently (once every two game sessions, on average) or in a
minor way (provides a +3 bonus on related skill rolls, partially
boosts a primary attribute by 1 point, or provides some other
minor benefit).
At Edge level, this advantage benefits the character
frequently (once per game session, on average) or in a moderate
way (provides a +6 bonus on related skill rolls, boosts a primary
attribute by 2 points, or provides some other moderate benefit).
At Gift level, this advantage benefits the character constantly
or in a major way (provides a +9 bonus on related skill rolls,
boosts a primary attribute by 3 points, or provides some other
extreme benefit).
The positive effects of the trait may be countered or lessened
with the application of medicine, a ritual or some other means, at
the GMs discretion.
The opposite of this trait is the Physical Disadvantage trait.
Note that characters can take both the Physical Advantage and
Physical Disadvantage traits, as long as the condition is not the
same for both.
The characters condition affects the character:
Convenience (2): Infrequently or benefits the character in a
minor way (e.g., +3 to skill rolls).
Edge (5): Frequently and benefits the character in a moderate
way (e.g., +6 to skill rolls).
Gift (10): Very frequently or constantly and benefits the
character in a major way (e.g., +9 to skill rolls).
Sample Physical Advantages
Listed below are a number of suggested Physical Advantages.
You are free to make up your own, use these, or both for your
game.
Booming (command) Voice; Double-Jointed; Flexible;
Increased Flexibility
Psychological Advantage
This is some psychological condition or strength that benefits
the character or enhances his abilities in some way during the
Combat!
game. The player defines the condition as well as the
circumstances that will trigger the condition (if any).
Psychological advantages always come into play
in the appropriate situation. If a situation occurs that
triggers the condition, the character receives the benefit
of the advantage immediately.
The opposite of this trait is the Psychological
Disadvantage trait. Note that characters can take
both the Psychological Advantage and Psychological
Disadvantage traits, as long as the condition or subject
of the trait is not the same for both.
The level of the trait is based on the frequency
and intensity of the condition, and how difficult the
condition is to overcome.
Convenience (2): The condition affects the
character infrequently (once every two game sessions,
on average) and benefits the character in a minor way
(the condition may influence the characters choice of
actions, provides a bonus of +3 on related skill rolls).
Examples include a slight affinity for a certain class or group of
skills (such as animal-related skills, outdoor skills, or education
and research-based skills), a mild resistance to fear or shock, or a
mild passion that, when triggered, provides a bonus to skill rolls
for actions that reinforce or support the characters passion.
Edge (5): The condition affects the character frequently
(once per game session, on average) and benefits the character in
a moderate way (the condition may limit the characters choice of
actions, provides a bonus of +6 on related skill rolls). Examples
include a moderate affinity for a certain class or group of skills
(such as animal-related skills, outdoor skills, or education and
research-based skills), a moderate resistance to fear or shock, or
a strong passion that, when triggered, provides a bonus to skill
rolls for appropriate actions.
Gift (10): The condition affects the character very frequently
(twice or more per game session) and benefits the character in
a major way (the condition may dictate the characters actions,
provides a bonus of +9 on related skill rolls). Examples include
an extreme affinity for a certain class or group of skills (such as
animal-related skills, outdoor skills, or education and research-
based skills), a strong resistance to fear or shock, or an extreme
passion that, when triggered, provides a bonus to skill rolls for
appropriate actions.
Sample Psychological Advantages
Artistic; Calculating (or Methodical); Compassionate;
Control of Emotions; Cooperative; Courage; Creative; Decisive;
Focused Attention; Generous; Good Memory; Head for Numbers
(Good at Math); Loves Someone; Motivated/Energetic; Outgoing;
Patriotic; Pessimist; Realistic; Subtle/Low Profile.
Psychotherapy
Your character is skilled in the treatment of mental illness.
Convenience: Your character is +3 to skill rolls to identify,
alleviate and eventually remove any conditions associated with
mental illness, including those caused by Mental Breakdowns.
Edge: Your character is +6 to skill rolls to identify, alleviate
and eventually remove any conditions associated with mental
illness, including those caused by Mental Breakdowns.
Gift: Your character is +9 to skill rolls to identify,
alleviate and eventually remove any conditions associated
15
 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! with mental illness, including those caused by Mental
Breakdowns.
Security Clearance, Secret
Your character has a clearance granting access to
sensitive information. This security clearance is not
only needed in some Military positions, but also many
civilian contractors with the military require this security
clearance. Since the private company is required to pay
for these security background checks (which can run in
the tens of thousands of dollars), characters with an active
security clearance can gain the Wealthy Advantage at
Convenience level when working in the civilian world
(provided their job in the civilian sector requires such a
security clearance). The bonus for this and the Security
Clearance, Top Secret stack (your character can add the
bonuses together if they both apply).
Prerequisite: Allegiance: Love of Country
Convenience: +4 bonus to Requisition information
at Secret or below security
Edge: +7 bonus to Requisition information at Secret or
below security
Gift: +12 bonus to Requisition information at Secret or
below security
Security Clearance, Top Secret
Your character has a clearance granting access to the most
sensitive information. This security clearance is not only needed
in some Military positions, but also many civilian contractors
with the military require this security clearance. Since the private
company is required to pay for these security background checks
(which can run in the tens of thousands of dollars), characters
with an active security clearance can gain the Wealthy Advantage
at Edge level when working in the civilian world (provided their
job in the civilian sector requires such a security clearance).
Prerequisite: Allegiance: Love of Country
Convenience: +3 bonus to Requisition information at Top
Secret or below security
Edge: +6 bonus to Requisition information at Top Secret or
below security.
Gift: +9 bonus to Requisition information at Top Secret or
below security.
Sharpshooter
Your character is an expert shot with personal firearms.
Convenience: Your character gain +2 to hit and damage
with personal firearms.
Edge: Your character gain +4 to hit and damage with
personal firearms
Gift: Your character gain +6 to hit and damage with personal
firearms.
Social Advantage
The character is at an advantage in social situations and
dealings with other people. This trait may be defined as the
character being charming, smooth-tongued, exceptionally
considerate, chivalrous, well-bred, courteous, or well-mannered.
Alternatively, the advantage may be due to a particularly
disarming personal habit that the character has, a gift for gab,
general charisma, or any other explanation that the player thinks
up (with the GMs permission).
While it might seem minor at first glance, this trait can
have very positive or beneficial consequences, depending on
the culture. Gaining the trust of a local indigenous population
or even a captured POW, and gaining the favor of an influential
member of an organization are all good examples of where this
trait might come into play.
The opposite of this trait is the Social Disadvantage trait.
Skill rolls involving social interaction are at:
Convenience (2): +3
Edge (5): +6
Gift (10): +9
Speed Reader
The character can read at a faster than normal rate and retain
as much information as someone who reads at a normal rate.
The opposite of this trait is the Illiterate disadvantage.
The character reads:
Convenience (2): 10x normal speed (e.g., can read a novel
in an hour)
Edge (5): 50x normal speed (e.g., can read a novel in 30
minutes)
Strong Willed
The character has a stronger than normal will and is very
capable of asserting himself. He is less easily influenced by
others. This may represent high self-esteem or a desire for
confrontation. The character receives a bonus to skill rolls to
resist temptation, overcome fear, and the like.
The opposite of this trait is the Weak Willed disadvantage.
The character is:
Convenience (2): Very self-assured; attempts to persuade
him are at -3
Edge (5): Extremely self-assured; attempts to persuade him
are at -6
Gift (10): Virtually unshakeable; attempts to persuade him
are 9
Tactician
Your character is a skilled leader, with a strong grasp of
tactics and an ability to make those around your character better
in combat.
Special: Having this Advantage also grants your character a
+2 bonus on all Promotion checks.
Convenience: Your character has mastered the art of large-
scale maneuvers. For ground combat, this Advantage covers
Squad tactics. For fighters this Advantage covers Squadron
tactics. Your character may lead a number of Units (see the Small
Unit Combat section for more information) equal to twice your
characters Presence Score, granting those units a bonus in crew
contests equal to his Intellect.
Edge: The character has the logistical knowledge and
command experience to effectively command extremely large
groups into battle. He is able to command a number of Units
equal to twice his Presence Score, granting those units a bonus in
crew contests equal to his Intelligence modifier.
Gift: He is able to command a number of Units equal to four
times his Presence Score, granting those units a bonus in crew
contests equal to his Intellect. This bonus stacks with the bonuses
granted to specific units by individual commanders.
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Tank/APC Weapons
Your character is proficient with large vehicle-mounted
weapons found on tanks and APCs (Armor Personnel Carriers).
Convenience: +3 to hit with Tank and APC mounted
weapons.
Edge: +6 to hit with Tank and APC mounted weapons
Gift: +9 to hit with Tank and APC mounted weapons
Voice of Command
Your character is used to being obeyed, and when your
character gives an Order, your character usually is.
Convenience: +1 to Intimidation Rolls
Edge: +3 to Intimidation Rolls; Unit gains +1 to any skills
when following this characters order
Gift: +5 to Intimidation Rolls; Unit gains +2 to any skills
when following this characters order
Teamwork, Specific Team
This Advantage represents extensive training in small unit
tactics. When your character takes this Advantage, your character
chooses one group for it to work with, such as the SEALs, the
Rangers, the 82nd Airborne, and so forth.
Prerequisite: Allegiance (Specific Team).
Convenience: Whenever your character is working together
with members of your characters team, your character gains a
+1 to hit and skill rolls. Characters with this Advantage are able
to communicate simple information using hand signals, such as
Your character and Johnson go left and keep your characters
eyes open, I will go right. The character also gains +2 to
Promotion check rolls.
Edge: Whenever your character is working together with
members of your characters team, your character gain a +2
to hit and skill rolls. Characters with this Advantage are able
to communicate simple information using hand signals. The
character gains a +3 to Promotion check rolls.
Gift: Whenever your character is working together with
members of your characters team, your character gains a +4
to hit and skill rolls. Characters with this Advantage are able
to communicate simple information using hand signals. The
character gains a +4 to Promotion check rolls.
Weapon Focus
Your character is good at using a specific type of weapon
(specific weapon, such as M16, must be specified).
Convenience: +3 to hit with specified weapon.
Edge: +6 to hit with specified weapon, +2 to damage with
specified weapon
Gift: +9 to hit with specified weapon, +4 to damage with
specified weapon
Well Rested
The character can get to sleep more quickly and easily
than the average person, even in adverse or unusual conditions.
In addition, any rest the character gets is deep and refreshing,
allowing the character to avoid the effects of fatigue from lack
of rest. Characters with this trait can get the equivalent of a full
nights rest in a much shorter time than normal (normally 12
HLT hours of sleep). Any time that the character spends in deep
rest or sleep throughout a day is added together for purposes of
determining if the character is well rested.
The opposite of this trait is the Insomnia disadvantage.
Combat!
The character can get the equivalent of a full nights
rest with:
Convenience (2): 5 total hours or more of sleep in
a day.
Edge (5): 2 total hours or more of sleep in a day.
Wingman
Your character is a most valuable commodity: an
expert wingman.
Convenience: Your character grants your characters
partner a +2 Defense bonus in vehicle combat.
Edge: Your character grants your characters
partner a +4 Defense bonus in vehicle combat.
Gift: Your character grants your characters partner
a +6 Defense bonus in vehicle combat.
Disadvantages
Addiction
The character must have a particular substance or
situation or he will suffer severe mental or physical
distress. The exact effects vary widely depending on the
addiction, but should result in a -3 to one or more Skill Groups
or -1 to one or more attributes per level. For example, a character
addicted to tobacco might suffer jitters, and -1 REF, after going
too long without a smoke.
The opposite of this trait is the Immunity advantage.
The substance or situation the character needs is:
Inconvenience (-2): Common (e.g., tobacco, Catholic
Mass)
Hardship (-5): Uncommon (e.g., an herb, imported food,
illegal drug)
Peril (-10): Rare (e.g., feather of a mystical bird)
Bad Hands
Using your off hand normally incurs a -3 penalty to the
characters skill roll (see Off Handed). Characters with this Trait
suffer a greater penalty than normal or cannot make any skill roll
at all when using their off hand.
The opposite of this trait is the Ambidextrous advantage.
Any skill rolls made when the character uses his off hand
are:
Inconvenience (-2): A -6 penalty
Hardship (-5): A -9 penalty
Peril (-10): Impossible (not allowed)
Bad Tempered
The character has an extremely bad temper. Little things can
set the character off, especially when things seem to go against
the characters wants or desires. Disagreements over policy
may be perceived as personal attacks, good-natured kidding
as infuriating insults, sincere appeals for aid as self-righteous
mocking and so on. The character may become verbally abusive,
flail about, and even break things.
The opposite of this trait is the Cool Headed advantage.
When his temper flares, he will carry on, even at the risk
of:
Inconvenience (-2): Ostracism or embarrassment
Hardship (-5): Arrest, harm or financial or social ruin
Peril (-10): Death
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Dependent
A dependent is someone who needs the characters
protection and help, and whom the character feels
obligated to look after. The character will go out of his
way to protect or nurture the dependent, and must make a
control roll to overcome such compulsions. Dependents
can include children, family, friends and comrades, or
even strangers.
Compared to the character, the dependent:
Inconvenience (-2): Is roughly equal in ability and
skill
Hardship (-5): Is challenged or otherwise weaker
in ability and skill (e.g., a child, a member of the team
that isnt quite up to muster,)
Peril (-10): Has special problems, requirements or
associated dangers (e.g., dying relative, very demanding
spouse)
Distinctive Features
The character stands out and is noticed in a crowd because
of some distinctive feature, be it some aspect of his appearance,
a style of dress, accent, or a combination. A distinctive feature
should be role-played by the character and can be an important,
fun (and even humorous) aspect of the character.
The opposite of this trait is the Indistinct advantage.
His distinctive features are:
Inconvenience (-2): Easily concealed (e.g., a scar, tattoo or
attire)
Hardship (-5): Concealed only with some effort, such as
using Disguise or performance skills (e.g., mannerism, hair color,
speech impediment or accent)
Peril (-10): Not possible to conceal (such as the race of the
character).
Duty
The character has an obligation to some person or organization.
Such an obligation is usually undertaken voluntarily, though it
may be involuntary. Examples of duties include: service in the
U.S. Armed Forces, a vocation as a full-time priest, etc. The
character must meet this obligations or risk censure, expulsion,
or even imprisonment, depending on the nature of the Duty (as
defined by the player, with the GMs permission).
A Duty can be used to represent any job, but it is
recommended that GMs not allow it for trivial obligations or
duties which the character (or player) doesnt mind losing. A
voluntary Duty should involve something the character wants or
needs to maintain (e.g., the character needs the job to pay bills
and rent) rather than something selected merely for the point
value. Involuntary Duties or those requiring a term of service
(such as U.S. military service) should involve some type of
punishment if violated by the character (e.g., an Article 15 non-
judicial punishment for a service member violating the Uniform
Code of Military Justice).
The opposite of this trait is the Perk advantage. Note that
a character may have both a Perk and a Duty and they may be
related or not.
The characters duty affects his life:
Inconvenience (-2): Rarely (once a month or less; e.g., a
military reservist)
Hardship (-5): Occasionally (once a week or more; e.g.,
active duty military service, a police officer)
Peril (-10): Constantly (every day, once or more times a
day; e.g., an undercover operative or a soldier in a combat zone)
Easy to Kill
The character has little ability to resist the effects of deadly
damage. This can represent the characters lack of will to survive,
apathy, use of chi (or ki), a weakened body, or anything else that
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 Chapter Two: Characters
the player wishes. The character suffers additional damage from
piercing attacks (such as wounds from gunshots or knives). The
amount of extra damage suffered depends on the level of the trait.
The amount of total damage cannot exceed two times the initial
damage rolled for the injury. This trait is appropriate for minor
NPCs, such as henchmen, mooks and other cannon fodder.
The opposite of this trait is the Hard to Kill advantage.
The amount of additional damage the character suffers from
deadly attacks is:
Inconvenience (-2): +1 point per wound
Hardship (-5): Double (2x) any lethal damage
Peril (-10): 1 point of lethal damage causes death
Enemy
Enemies are forces that are actively seeking to harm,
imprison, or otherwise plague the character. An enemy should
show up in some way in most, if not all, adventures in which the
character participates. An Enemy can be a single person, a small
group, or even an entire nation. The enemy should make sense
for the game campaign or story, however. The player should also
define the origin or basis for the enemy, even if the character
himself is unaware of it (roleplaying a surprise discovery of
ones enemy and/or the reasons for him being the characters
enemy can make for a dramatic encounter). It is assumed that
being a member of a national military will make the enemies of
that nation the characters enemy by extension. This disadvantage
is more personal (they are hunting you and/or your team). It is
very possible that a characters enemy will also be the enemy of
the characters nation.
For example, a STAT (Special Tactical Assault Team) of
the US military that has done numerous raids against al Qaeda
terrorists may be particularly targeted or hunted by al Qaeda
operatives. This would make al Qaeda an Enemy. The fact that
someone is in the US military, and the US military is the enemy
of al Qaeda, does not qualify ever member of the US military for
the Enemy: al Qaeda disadvantage.
The opposite of this trait is the Ally advantage.
Overall, your enemy is:
Inconvenience (-2): Less powerful than you, merely
watching you, or limited to a relatively small geographic area
Hardship (-5): As powerful as you, seeking to capture you,
or limited to a county, province, or region
Peril (-10): More powerful than you, wants to kill you, able
to hound you to the corners of the Earth, or has access to powerful
weapons, or other resources
Forgetful
The character has trouble remembering things. The severity
of the characters memory loss is dependent upon the level of
the trait.
The opposite of this trait is the Eidetic Memory advantage.
The character:
Inconvenience (-2): Has difficulty remembering names and
faces and generally known facts (-3 to relevant skill rolls).
Hardship (-5): Has very poor memory and forgets details
easily, even friends and family; skill rolls involving recollection
are at -6.
Peril (-10): Is suffering from bouts of virtual senility with
inability to recall simple facts, including his own identity, and
any skill rolls involving recollection are at -9.
Combat!
Heavy Sleeper
The character has a hard time awakening from
even a short nap, requiring an Awareness roll to do so.
Even very loud noises may not awaken the character,
at the GMs option. The difficulty level of the sleeping
characters Awareness roll depends on the level of the
trait. The sleeping character may use one or more free
Action Points to boost the Awareness roll in appropriate
circumstances (GMs discretion).
The opposite of this trait is the Light Sleeper
advantage.
The character must make a successful:
Inconvenience (-2): Challenging Awareness
roll (TN 18) to awaken from loud noises (shouting,
slamming door, etc.).
Hardship (-5): Demanding Awareness roll (TN
24) to awaken from very loud noises (car horn, gunshot,
loud stereo, etc.).
Peril (-10): Legendary Awareness roll (TN 30) to awaken
from extremely loud noises (jet flying overhead, explosion,
concert, etc.).
Honest
The character is compelled to tell the truth, even in situations
that will result in negative consequences.
The opposite of this trait is the Con Artist advantage.
The character:
Inconvenience (-2): Is uncomfortable being dishonest (CS
5).
Hardship (-5): Must struggle even to exaggerate or omit an
important detail (CS 10).
Peril (-10): Must tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth, even in the most extreme of circumstances (CS
15).
Illiterate
The character is not as well-schooled in reading and writing
as some. (This may be normal in some cultures.)
The opposite of this trait is the Speed Reader advantage.
The character:
Inconvenience (-2): Reads and writes half as fast as the
average person
Hardship (-5): Cannot read or write at all
Impaired Sense
One of the characters senses is duller than normal and
receives a penalty on all Awareness skill rolls, as well as other
skill rolls involving that sense (GMs discretion). This Trait may
be purchased for each of the following senseshearing, sight,
smell/taste (counts as one sense), and touch.
The opposite of this trait is the Acute Sense advantage.
The character:
Inconvenience (-2): Suffers -3 to any skill rolls based on
this sense.
Hardship (-5): Requires medicinal or technological aid
to use this sense and suffers -6 to any skill rolls based on this
sense.
Peril (-10): Has no use of this sense whatsoever (e.g., totally
deaf or blind); no skill rolls based on this sense are allowed (or
are at -9, with GMs permission).
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Infamous
The character has gained infamy for some deed or
deeds. People tend to recognize any infamous person
when they see him or when they hear his name. Most
people go out of their way to curry favor with the
infamous and to avoid getting on their bad side.
A character may be known for something he did or
didnt do. A reputation, once earned, can be difficult to
shed, regardless of its accuracy.
The level and effects of the characters infamy
depend on the level of the trait. The chance of someone
not recognizing the character on sight (or upon hearing
his name) is equal to the Control Score.
Like Famous, this is a reputation for the individual
character, not for his association with a notable group.
While the Iga ninja in feudal Japan are recognized
as such when they claim affiliation or are discovered,
they are not known as individuals unless they gain a
reputation for particularly notable deeds as individuals
(this man is a shinobi, but that man is Hattori Hanzo!).
The player should jot down (or at last have in mind) the reason
for the characters infamy. The specific effects of Infamous are
open to interpretation by the GM, and require some discretion.
A character who is infamous for oppressing the weak (such
as a local crime lord or a tyrannical leader) will receive a penalty
to Social skill rolls when dealing with most people but may get
a bonus when dealing with his henchmen, corrupt officials, or
other bad guys. On the other hand, such a villains infamy could
also result in a penalty to Social skill rolls when dealing with
leaders of free nations, police officials, or the public at large if
the infamous character is trying to sweet talk them because they
despise him! Once again, application of this trait requires a dose
of common sense.
Infamy can be a double-edged sword, but as a rule it is
predominantly negative.
The opposite of this trait is the Famous advantage. The
character is:
Inconvenience (-2): A local figure, incurring a -3 penalty (or
+3 bonus, depending on the circumstances) to social skill rolls
when he is recognized
Hardship (-5): A national figure, incurring a -6 penalty (or
+6 bonus) to social skill rolls when he is recognized
Peril (-10): An international figure, incurring a -9 penalty
(or +9 bonus) to social skill rolls when he is recognized
Insomnia
The character is unable to get a good nights rest. This may
be due to a chemical imbalance, frequent nightmares, or some
other reason. Characters without adequate rest (normally 12HLT
hours of sleep) each night suffers a penalty (-3 or -6) to all skill
rolls requiring concentration and alertness (GMs discretion) due
to fatigue.
The opposite of this trait is the Well Rested advantage.
The character:
Inconvenience (-2): Has difficulty sleeping and getting to
sleep (loses an average of 1 hour of sleep each night)
Hardship (-5): Cant sleep without some form of natural
aid, such as wine or sleeping powder (loses an average of 2 hour
of sleep each night)
Peril (-10): Cannot sleep around any noise or movement
whatsoever (loses an average of 4 hours of sleep each night)
Low Pain Threshold
The character has a low tolerance for pain. He has a penalty
to Concentration rolls to resist torture or extreme pain, and suffers
increased penalties due to wounds (see Wounds and Effects of
Damage). The opposite of this trait is the High Pain Threshold
advantage.
The character has:
Inconvenience (-2): -3 to skill rolls to resist pain and an
additional -1 penalty from wounds.
Hardship (-5): -6 to skill rolls to resist pain and an additional
-2 penalty from wounds.
Peril (-10): -9 to skill rolls to resist pain and an additional -3
penalty from wounds.
Minor
The character is not yet an adult (at least legally), which
poses a variety of physical, social, and legal problems. His parents
or guardians still bear legal responsibility and authority for him.
Most adults treat him as an inferior, and he may face restrictions
such as curfews, drinking ages, and driving limitations. He also
grapples with various physical difficulties; a young child has
problems reaching countertops, for example, while a teenager
may experience trouble with acne or embarrassing voice changes.
Note that the age at which a character becomes an adult, at least
socially and legally if not physically, varies from place to place
(culture to culture).
While most disadvantages have an Advantage as
their opposing trait, the opposite of this trait is the Senior
disadvantage.
The character is a:
Inconvenience (-2): Semi-Minor(18-20 years old, so not
able to drink in most places)
Hardship (-5): Teenager (17 years old unable to vote,
smoke, drink and other rights depending on location)
Nave
The character has led a sheltered life, is generally gullible,
and easily misled or fooled. Skill rolls made by others to persuade
or convince the character with this disadvantage receive a bonus
due the characters navet. The bonus is dependent on the level
of the trait.
The opposite of this trait is the Life Experience advantage.
The character is:
Inconvenience (-2): Mildly nave and disbelieving of
really bad things (+3 bonus to any skill roll made by others to
persuade the character)
Hardship (-5): Generally nave and disbelieving of bad
things (+6 bonus to any skill roll made by others to persuade
the character)
Peril (-10): Severely nave and disbelieving of anything
bad (attempts by others automatically succeed against the
character, or are at +9, at GMs option)
Oblivious to Danger
The character has little or no sense of danger. This can
represent ignorance, a death wish, or whatever the player wants
it to represent. Whenever that character is allowed an Awareness
roll to detect a threat (such as a booby trap, ambush, and the
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 Chapter Two: Characters
like), the character suffers a penalty to the roll. The severity of
the penalty depends on the level of the trait. If a character does
become aware of a threat, how the character reacts is still up to
the player.
The opposite of this trait is the Danger Sense advantage.
Any skill rolls to perceive or otherwise detect a threat are
at:
Inconvenience (-2): -3
Hardship (-5): -6
Peril (-10): -9
Out of Shape
The character is not in good physical shape. Due to the
characters relatively poor fitness he gains a penalty to all skill
rolls involving sports, athletic pursuits, or personal physical
exertion (GMs discretion).
The opposite of this trait is the Athletic advantage.
The characters penalty to skill rolls involving sports or
athletic pursuits is:
Inconvenience (-2): -3 to all Athletic Group skills
Hardship (-5): -6 to all skill rolls involving physical
exertion.
Peril (-10): -9 to all skill rolls involving physical exertion.
Outsider
The character is not part of the dominant group, culture or
organization in the campaign and, as a result, is treated differently.
The character may be merely distrusted by most people, snubbed
in social situations, ignored altogether, subject to restrictive laws
(mandating where the character may or may not live, how he
travels, civil rights, and so on), or even hunted, threatened with
imprisonment or death.
The opposite of this trait is the Membership advantage.
An outsider is subject to:
Inconvenience (-2): Mild prejudice with few or no
legal restrictions; -3 penalty to all skill rolls involving social
interaction
Hardship (-5): Strong prejudice with numerous or severe
legal restrictions; -6 penalty to all skill rolls involving social
interaction
Peril (-10): Extreme prejudice or treated as inferior with few
or no legal rights; -9 penalty to all skill rolls involving social
interaction
Physical Disadvantage
The character has some physiological illness or condition
that impacts his life or otherwise limits his ability to function.
The condition may be mild, moderate or severe. The player
defines the ailment when the trait is taken. Characters may take
this trait multiple times, each time for a different ailment.
The level of the trait is based on the frequency and intensity
of the condition.
At Inconvenience level, this disadvantage affects the
character infrequently (once every two game sessions, on
average) and impacts the character in a minor way (the condition
slightly affects the characters actions, causes -3 on related skill
rolls, partially incapacitates the character for hours at a time or
completely incapacitates the character for minutes at a time).
Examples include a moderate allergy that causes a bad rash
or sneezing, severe dyslexia, muteness, a missing finger, arthritis,
Combat!
a petit mal seizure that causes loss of muscle control or
mild paralysis.
At Hardship level, affects the character frequently
(once per game session, on average) and impacts the
character in a moderate way (the condition moderately
affects the characters actions, causes -6 to related skill
rolls, partially incapacitates the character for days at a
time or completely incapacitates the character for hours
at a time).
Examples include Type I (insulin-dependent)
Diabetes resulting in insulin shock if taken without
food or unconsciousness if food is eaten without taking
insulin, a missing limb, an early case of Cerebral Palsy
or Parkinsons Disease causing mild tremors or a severe
allergic reactions to common substances.
At the Peril level, the condition severely affects
the characters actions, causes -9 penalty on related
skill rolls or prohibits skill rolls altogether at the GMs
discretion, or completely incapacitates the character for
days at a time or permanently.
Examples include grand mal epileptic seizures, advanced
cases of Cerebral Palsy, two or more missing limbs, or paralysis
below the waist.
The negative effects of the trait may be curtailed or lessened
with the application of medicine, a ritual or some other means,
reflecting an addiction or need for regular medication. No Control
Roll is allowed for physical disadvantages.
The opposite of this trait is the Physical Advantage trait.
Note that characters can take both the Physical Advantage and
Physical Disadvantage traits, as long as the condition is not the
same for both traits.
The characters condition:
Inconvenience (-2): Affects the character infrequently and
impacts the character in a minor way.
Hardship (-5): Affects the character frequently and impacts
the character in a moderate way.
Peril (-10): Affects the character very frequently or
constantly and impacts the character in a major way.
Sample Physical Disadvantages
Listed below are a number of suggested Physical
Disadvantages. You are free to make up your own, use these, or
both for your game.
Diabetes; Dyslexia; Epilepsy; Illness; Inflexible (Stiff);
Lame; Mute; Overweight; Vertigo.
Poor Sense of Direction
The character has a poor sense of direction, even to the
point of doubting a compass. As a result, the character incurs
a penalty to skill rolls involving navigation or direction (GMs
discretion).
The opposite of this trait is the Good Sense of Direction
advantage.
On skill rolls involving direction or navigation, the character
suffers a penalty of:
Inconvenience (-2): -3
Hardship (-5): -6
Peril (-10): -9
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat!
Poor Sense of Time
The character has a poor sense of time. The character
never knows what time it is with any accuracy without
a clock.
The opposite of this trait is the Good Sense of Time
advantage.
Without a watch or some other obvious clues, the character
can barely distinguish:
Inconvenience (-2): The time more accurately than the
hour
Hardship (-5): Morning from evening
Primitive
The character hails from a primitive society by the standards
of the dominant civilizations of the setting. He is unfamiliar with
modern technology and starts the game with no technology-
related skills beyond those used by his home societyeven
untrained skills. The character also suffers a penalty to any skill
rolls involving the use of advanced technology.
Examples of characters with this trait include a Native
American from a tribe that rejects the technology available in the
US, a member of an African tribe, a member of a religious group
that rejects technology.
The character is:
Inconvenience (-2): Unused to modern technology;
appropriate skill rolls at -3
Hardship (-5): Uncomfortable with modern technology;
appropriate skill rolls at 6
Peril (-10): Terrified by modern technology; appropriate
skill rolls are impossible or at -9 (GMs discretion)
Psychological Disadvantage
There is some psychological condition or disorder that affects
the character and limits his abilities in some way during the game.
The player defines the condition as well as the circumstances that
will trigger the condition (if any).
Psychological disadvantages always come into play in
the appropriate situation. If a situation occurs that triggers the
condition, the character must endure the effects for at least
one turn. On a successful Control Roll, however, the character
may act normally on the next turn and thereafter, until another
situation occurs that triggers the condition.
The opposite of this trait is the Psychological Advantage trait.
Note that characters can take both the Psychological Advantage
and Psychological Disadvantage traits, as long as the condition
or subject of the trait is not the same for both.
The level of the trait is based on the frequency and intensity
of the condition, and how difficult the condition is to overcome.
Inconvenience (-2): The condition affects the character
infrequently (once every two game sessions, on average) and
impacts the character in a minor way (the condition influences
the characters choice of actions, causes -3 on related skill
rolls). Examples include a mild phobia resulting in anxiety, a
dislike for someone resulting in irritation or tension when he is
encountered, or a code of conduct that the character prefers but
is not compelled to follow. (CS 5)
Hardship (-5): The condition affects the character
frequently (once per game session, on average) and impacts the
character in a moderate way (the condition limits the characters
choice of actions, causes -6 TN on related skill rolls). Examples
include a strong phobia resulting in avoidance of the object of the
characters fear, a mild hatred for someone resulting in threats or
hostility when he is encountered, or a code of conduct that the
character will risk much to follow. (CS 10)
Peril (-10): The condition affects the character very
frequently (twice or more per game session) and impacts the
character in a major way (the condition dictates the characters
actions, causes -9 to related skill rolls). Examples include a
severe phobia resulting in catatonic shock, a severe hatred for
someone resulting in a fit of rage when he is encountered, or a
code of conduct that the character will choose even over death.
(CS 15)
Sample Psychological Disadvantages
Listed below are a number of suggested Psychological
Disadvantages. You are free to make up your own, use these, or
both for your game.
Battle Lust; Bipolar; Code of Honor; Compulsive; Coward;
Credit Seeker; Cruel; Decadent; Delusional; Dishonest;
Flashbacks; Greedy; Hopeless Romantic; Humorless; Impatient;
Impulsive; Indecisive; Intimidating; Jealous; Lazy; Lecherous;
Miserly; Obsessed; Optimist; Paranoid; Patriot; Pessimist;
Phobia; Power-hungry; Prejudiced; Reckless; Schizophrenia;
Sense of Duty; Shy; Stubborn; Uncreative; Uninspiring; Vain;
Vow.
Secret
The character has a secret that, if revealed, would cause
problems for him. The higher the point value the more dire the
consequences of the secrets exposure. A secret may be a criminal
past, a double life, a love affair, or anything that would be poorly
received by others if discovered.
The opposite of this trait is the Knows a Secret advantage.
Note that characters may have both the Secret and Knows a Secret
traits, as long as they do not logically contradict each other.
If revealed, the secret would expose the character to:
Inconvenience (-2): Ostracism or embarrassment
Hardship (-5): Arrest, bodily harm. Financial or social ruin
Peril (-10): Death
Senior
The character is advanced in years, which poses a variety of
physical, social and legal problems. His children or other relatives
may bear legal responsibility and authority for him. Some adults
may treat him as an inferior, and he may face restrictions such
as driving limitations. He also grapples with various physical
difficulties; an elderly person may have arthritis, for example.
22
 Chapter Two: Characters
The ages may be adjusted for other periods, such as if you
were playing a military game set during the Mexican-American
War where a senior would be 40-55, elderly 55-70, and venerable
70+.
While most disadvantages have an Advantage as
their opposing trait, the opposite of this trait is the Minor
disadvantage
The character is a:
Inconvenience (-2): Senior adult (45-55 years old); Body
attributes may not exceed 7.
Hardship (-5): Elderly (55-65 years old); Body attributes
may not exceed 5.
Peril (-10): Venerable (65+ years old); Body attributes may
not exceed 3.
Short
The character is noticeably shorter than the average human.
This trait has benefits as well as drawbacks, but should only be
used in a campaign in which it is more the latter than the former.
The effects of this trait are explained below.
Being short can also be a Distinctive Feature (in the right
setting). It may not be purchased with the Indistinct advantage
without the GMs permission.
The character is:
Inconvenience (-2): Short, about 5 feet tall (e.g., adolescent),
with a maximum MOV of 7.
Hardship (-5): A dwarf, about 4 feet tall (e.g., child) with a
maximum MOV of 6.
Short Lived
The character has a shorter-than-average life-span. This
might represent a terminal illness or other medical problem, such
as a congenital heart defect, incurable cancer, or the final stages
of AIDS.
The opposite of this trait is the Long Lived advantage.
Barring a miracle, the character will only live for:
Inconvenience (-2): 50% shorter than average, or less than
50 years
Hardship (-5): 75% shorter than average, or less than 10
years
Peril (-10): 90% shorter than average, or less than 1 year
Slow Healer
The character heals damage caused by physical injuries more
slowly than normal and skill rolls involving attempts to heal the
character suffer a penalty. Determine the normal rate of healing
for the game (see Healing), and then apply the modifier listed
for the appropriate level of the trait. For example, if characters
normally heal a number of points of damage equal to their HLT
each day, then a character with this trait at the Inconvenience
level would heal the same amount of damage each month.
This trait can represent a condition or illness, such as
hemophilia, complications from diabetes, or some other effect.
The opposite of this trait is the Fast Healer advantage.
The character heals:
Inconvenience (-2): One step slower on the time chart and
skill rolls made to heal him are at -3
Hardship (-5): Two steps slower on the time chart and skill
rolls made to heal him are at -6
Peril (-10): Three steps slower on the time chart and skill
Combat!
rolls made to heal him are at -9
Slow Learner
The character must work harder than or learns
more slowly than the average person. A slow learner
may improve any skills at double the normal cost. In
addition, the character receives a penalty to all skill
rolls involving research, study, or instruction. The
disadvantage may be defined as the character having
a mental block, a learning disability, or whatever the
player wishes (with GMs approval).
The opposite of this trait is the Fast Learner
advantage.
The characters penalty to skill rolls involving
research, study or instruction is:
Inconvenience (-2): -3
Hardship (-5): -6
Peril (-10): -9
Slow Reflexes
The character is slow to react and incurs a penalty to his
Initiative in combat (see Initiative) and to Awareness rolls to
avoid surprise. Characters with a high REF score may take this
trait, to reflect good coordination and agility but poor response
time to unexpected events.
The opposite of this trait is the Fast Reflexes advantage.
The character suffers:
Inconvenience (-2): -2 to INI and -3 to Awareness rolls to
avoid surprise.
Hardship (-5): -4 to INI and -6 to Awareness rolls to avoid
surprise.
Peril (-10): -6 to INI and -9 to Awareness rolls to avoid
surprise.
Social Disadvantage
The character lacks social graces is at a disadvantage in
social situations and dealings with other people. This trait may
be defined as the character being pompous, whiny, opinionated,
bossy, discourteous, crude, tongue-tied, air-headed, or childish.
Alternatively, the disadvantage may be due to a distasteful
personal habit that the character has (such as picking his nose,
belching, or flatulence at inappropriate moments), a speech
impediment (stuttering, a bad lisp) or any other explanation that
the player thinks up (with the GMs permission).
While it might seem minor at first glance, this trait can
have potentially serious consequences, depending on the rules
governing behavior in the culture in which the character is
interacting. In feudal Japan, for example, a samurai who rudely
lectures his daimy risks extreme dishonor or, more likely,
death!
The opposite of this trait is the Social Advantage trait.
The characters slip-ups risk:
Inconvenience (-2): Minor embarrassment; skill rolls
involving social interaction are at -3
Hardship (-5): Major embarrassment, ostracism or injury;
skill rolls involving social interaction are at -6
Peril (-10): Arrest, severe injury (or death), or financial ruin;
skill rolls involving social interaction are at -9
Sample Social Disadvantages
Antisocial; Bad Reputation; Offensive Habit; Oppressed;
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Poor hygiene; Socially Inept; Unapproachable.
Unattractive
The character is exceptionally unattractive and
others take notice, to the characters disadvantage. An
unattractive person receives a penalty on all skill rolls
involving situations in which his or her appearance is
important (GMs discretion).
This is a developed trait by default, because ones
features can be altered through life (gaining weight,
suffering severe burns, developing stone-like skin,
and the like), either through an accident or intentional
behavior. This Trait may also be ruled an innate trait in
some situations (just the genetic make up of the individual
causes him to be generally considered unattractive), at
the GMs discretion. In addition, this trait could allow
a bonus to skill rolls in certain situations, such as
interaction with cultures that find the feature attractive
(such as cultures that value a wider girth), at the GMs
discretion.
The opposite of this trait is the Attractive advantage.
The characters penalty to skill rolls to which his/her
appearance is important is:
Inconvenience (-2): -3
Hardship (-5): -6
Peril (-10): -9
Unlucky
Accidents and freak mishaps plague the character for some
reason. Things just seem to go wrong for him, regardless of any
precautions he may take (from carrying a lucky charm to making
thorough preparations far in advance). The trait might reflect
a character who is inattentive, reckless, or just plain, well
unlucky.
The opposite of this trait is the Lucky advantage.
The character is prone to:
Inconvenience (-2): Inconvenient misfortunes in unusual
circumstances (e.g., trivial accidents, spilling a drink on
someone)
Hardship (-5): A costly or dangerous misfortune in common
circumstances (e.g., he misses his flight, or its late)
Peril (-10): Deadly, life-threatening dangers often and
seemingly everywhere (e.g., a blown tire during a high-speed
chase)
Weak Willed
The character is reluctant to assert himself. He tends to
follow the instructions and advice of others. This may stem from
lack of self-esteem or fear of confrontation.
The opposite of this trait is the Strong Willed advantage.
The character is:
Inconvenience (-2): Reluctant to assert himself (max WIL:
3; attempts to persuade him are at +3)
Hardship (-5): Easily persuaded (max WIL: 2; attempts to
persuade him are at +6)
Peril (-10): Putty in the hands of others (max WIL: 1; attempts
to persuade him are automatic, or at +9 at GMs discretion)
Creating New Traits
While a number of Traits are described in the rest of this
section, GMs and players are free to create new Traits for their
game. Use the Advantages and Disadvantages in this chapter as
a guideline when creating new Traits.
What Will it Do?
When creating a new Trait, decide what problem or
advantage you wish to represent. Every trait must provide some
advantage or create a problem for the character. Situations that
everyone faces at one time or another, such as catching the flu,
are not acceptable Disadvantages, whereas a weakened immune
system that makes the character extremely susceptible to ordinary
illnesses might be a worthwhile Disadvantages.
It is up to you to define the special effects of the Trait.
That is, how the Trait is described in real life terms is up to
you. The effect of the Trait in game rule terms determines the
cost or value of the Trait.
What Values Should I Assign?
When creating a new Trait, use the following guidelines for
determining the effects of the Trait for each level. You should
also examine similar traits presented earlier in this chapter to
help determine the values and effects of your new Trait.
Advantages
Advantages provide the character with some bonus or
advantage over characters without the Trait.
Convenience
A Convenience-level Advantage provides a +3 bonus to skill
rolls in a limited situation. The bonus should apply to one to
three skills in different Skill Groups or to all skills within one
Skill Group. The situation should be one that occurs less than
once per game session on average.
Alternatively, the Advantage may slightly enhance an
Attribute, by +1, or provide some permanent, minor special
ability to the character (GMs discretion) or a temporary,
moderate special ability that lasts up to one minute.
A Convenience costs 2 character points.
Edge
An Edge-level Advantage provides a +6 bonus to skill rolls
in a limited situation. The bonus should apply to one to three
skills in different Skill Groups or to all skills within one Skill
Group. The situation should be one that occurs once per game
session on average.
Alternatively, the Advantage may moderately enhance an
Attribute, by up to +2, or provide some permanent, moderate
special ability or benefit (GMs discretion), or provide a
temporary, major special ability to the character that lasts up to
one day.
An Edge costs 5 character points.
Gift
A Gift-level Advantage provides a +9 bonus to skill rolls in
a limited situation. The bonus should apply to one to three skills
in different Skill Groups or to all skills within one Skill Group.
The situation should be one that occurs twice or more per game
session.
Alternatively, the Advantage may greatly enhance an
Attribute, by up to +3, or provide some permanent, tremendous
special ability or benefit (GMs discretion).
A Gift costs 10 character points.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages saddle the character with some hindrance
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 Chapter Two: Characters
or handicap that characters without the Trait dont have to deal
with.
Inconvenience
An Inconvenience-level Disadvantage provides a -3
penalty to skill rolls in a limited situation. The penalty should
apply to one to three skills in different Skill Groups or to all
skills within one Skill Group. The situation should be one that
occurs once every other game session on average.
Alternatively, the Disadvantage may slightly restrict an
Attribute, by -1, or provide some permanent, minor handicap
to the character (GMs discretion) or a temporary, moderate
handicap that lasts up to one minute when the situation arises.
An Inconvenience is relatively easy to overcome and has
a Control Score of 5.
An Inconvenience is worth 2 character points.
Hardship
A Hardship-level Disadvantage provides a -6 penalty to skill
rolls in a limited situation. The penalty should apply to one to
three skills in different Skill Groups or to all skills within one
Skill Group. The situation should be one that occurs twice or
more per game session.
Alternatively, the Disadvantage may moderately restrict
an Attribute, by up to -2, or provide some permanent, moderate
handicap (GMs discretion), or provide a temporary, major
handicap to the character that lasts up to one day at a time when
the situation arises.
A Hardship is relatively difficult to overcome and has a
Control Score of 10.
A Hardship is worth 5 character points.
Peril
A Peril-level Disadvantage provides a -9 penalty to skill
rolls in a limited situation. The penalty should apply to one to
three skills in different Skill Groups or to all skills within one
Skill Group. The situation should be one that occurs continually
(three or more times per game session) or constantly.
Alternatively, the Disadvantage may greatly restrict an
Attribute, by up to -3, or provide some permanent, tremendous
handicap (GMs discretion).
A Peril is very difficult to overcome and has a Control
Score of 15.
A Peril is worth 10 character points.
Example: Cathy tells her GM that she wants her character
to be a daydreamer, whiling away the hours lost in her own
fantasies. Her GM looks at similar traits and comes up with a
new trait.
Dreamer
The character frequently becomes lost in daydreams and
fantasies.
Daydreaming occupies the character for:
Inconvenience (-2): a few minutes at a time
Hardship (-5): a few hours at a time
Peril (-10): days at a time
Later, Roger tells his GM that he wants his character to
constantly have a five oclock shadow. The GM decides that,
while a few people might find this unattractive, its not really
enough of a problem to be worth any points. He declines to
create the new trait.
Combat!
Skills
Skill Groups
Skills are organized into Skill Groups, representing
collections of skills with a logical common theme. Think
of it in terms of a skill tree, in which Groups are the
branches, with individual Skills being the leaves.
In simpler, rules-light games, only Groups are
used. In many games, however, Groups and specific
Skills (as well as sub-categories, called Specialties and
Types) are used. Whether you use some or all of these in
your game is up to you. See Table 6
Table 6
Game Type Groups Skills Spec/Type
Very simple X
Moderate X
Detailed X X
Very detailed X X X
Why Skill Groups?
Buying levels in Skill Groups is a cost-effective way of
increasing the characters proficiency with all the skills in the
Skill Group. The cost is generally less (and at most the same) as
buying levels with each individual skill, presenting a discount
to players who wish to increase their characters scores for a
group of related skills.
Skill Group Scores
A score in one level is applied to the score for all other levels
below it, but does not add to the score of any higher level. So,
a score of 1 in a Group adds +1 to the score for any Skill or
Specialty in that Group. This is called a cascade bonus, and
is written as a second score, with any cascade bonus added in,
in parenthesis after the basic score for that level. A score of 4
in a Skill does not add +4 to the score of the governing Group,
however; Cascade bonuses only apply downward, not upward.
Tom of the US Army has a score of 2 in the Melee Combat
Group, and he has the Knife Skill at +4. He would record the
skills like this: Melee Weapons +2, Knives +4 (+6).
When a character buys levels in a Skill Group, any skills
within that group that require a Type must be defined when the
groups levels are purchased. Skill Group levels apply only to the
specific Skill Type selected by the character, not to all possible
Types for that skill.
Mike buys two levels in the Arts & Craft Skill Group. Because
the specific skills Art and Craft both require a Type, Mike selects
Art (Painting) and Craft (Silk-screening).
Skill Levels
The score reflects the level of competence or knowledge a
character possesses for that skill. Skills are listed on the character
25
 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! sheet only if the character has levels in them. These are
written on the character sheet as Skill +#, where #
is the level of skill.
Marge is playing a member of the Naval
Investigative Service. Her character, Special Agent
Glenn, has the Driving skill at level 3, so Marge writes
it on her character sheet as Driving +3.
The definitions below are not absolute, but meant as
a guideline for players and GMs. To see the proficiency
each level of skill represents, comparatively speaking,
consult the Skill Levels table.
Specialties
Some skill names are followed by (Spec). These
skills include a number of related specialties within the
skill.
Players may buy additional levels with one of the specialties
when purchasing the skill (see Buying Skills). The character pays
1 point for every 2 levels in a specialty. These levels are added
to the basic skill score when making skill rolls involving the
specialty.
Specialties are listed on the character sheet only if the
character has levels in them. These are written on the character
sheet as Skill +# (Specialty +#), where # is the level of the
skill or the bonus in that specialty. Otherwise, only the base skill
is listed.
From the previous example, Special Agent Glenn, has the
Writing skill with a specialty of Reports. Special Agent Glenn has
a score of 4 in the base skill and she has two extra levels in the
specialty Reports, so Marge records it on her character sheet
as Writing +4 (Reports +2).

Table 7

Score Description
Clueless (Non-existent): Characters with a rating of 0 in a skill have absolutely no idea about that skill or how it works. They may
0 have never even heard of it before, much less know where to begin trying to accomplish an action with that skill. All skills are rated
0 until the player uses Character Points or Experience Points to purchase at least 1 level in that skill (except for universal skills)

Novice: The character is familiar with the field, having done moderate reading on the subject or watched the skill being performed
1 by others, but has no actually hands-on experience of any significance. The character is new to the particular field or activity,
essentially an apprentice or beginner (e.g., a hobby, a soldier in boot camp, etc).

Amateur: This level of knowledge indicates the character has become more familiar with the field, having read extensively on the
2
subject with little or no format training (e.g., an apprentice, soldier fresh out of basic training, rookie, etc).

Trained: This level of knowledge indicates the character has a general working understanding of that field, having received
3 instruction from someone of Experienced level (skill of 5) or above. The character has obtained hands-on experience and practiced
extensively under the tutelage of his mentor (e.g., Associates degree, an experienced cadet, AIT or Tech School graduate, etc)

Competent: This level of knowledge indicates the character possesses a good grasp on the details and theories of his chosen field
4 or is capable of performing the action on his own without supervision (e.g., a Bachelors degree, 2-year cop, junior NCO, college
athlete, etc).

Experienced: This level of knowledge indicates the character is well qualified and informed in his chosen field, having used his
5 knowledge or completed the action on several occasions in actual situations (e.g., a veteran professional, senior NCO, veteran cop,
professional athlete, a Masters degree)

Specialist: This level of knowledge indicates the character has become highly trained or informed in his chosen field or skill to the
6 point he practices his skills on a regular or daily basis, even able to earn his living using skills in an occupation. Others may come
to the character for training (e.g., Army Ranger, black belt, Olympic athlete, a Doctorate degree).

Expert: This level of knowledge indicates the character has become an authority in his chosen field or skill, having honed his skills
7 to perfection after continuous practice and use (e.g., a 10-year Special Forces veteran). Without regular training and active use of
the skill it is nigh impossible for a character to exceed a score of 7 in most skills.

Master: This level of knowledge indicates the character has excelled in his field, surpassing others of lesser dedication to become
8 superior in quality, skill or achievement. There is very little the character does not know about this skill (e.g., a pioneer in the
field).

Genius: This level of knowledge indicates the character has risen to a level where he is using his great mental capacity, physical
9 prowess, and inventive ability to make unique breakthroughs in his field, creating his own original styles and theories and setting
new standards (e.g., Nobel Prize winning scientist).
Legendary: This level of knowledge indicates the character has achieved the most rare and highest level of skill or knowledge
possible, becoming a revolutionary figure in his field. He has become so talented that he inspires wonder, and is capable of creating,
10
theorizing or performing any most related action with minimum effort (e.g., noted physicist Stephen Hawking, martial arts master
Bruce Lee, child prodigy chess master). (Normal human max.)

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 Chapter Two: Characters
Types
Some skill names are followed by (Type). These skills
cover several sub-categories that may or may not be inter-
related.
Players must select a specific type or category when
purchasing the skill. The characters score for that skill applies
only to skill rolls involving that specific category or Type (i.e.,
each Type represents a separate skill).
Group Skill levels apply only to those Types that the
character possesses, which must be chosen by the player when
the Skill Group levels are purchased.
Types are listed in parenthesis following the skill name, as
Skill (Type) +#, where # is the level of the skill.
Paradise wants to buy the Craft skill for her character.
Because Craft requires the selection of a specific type of craft,
Paradise selects Sculpting, and buys 2 levels in the skill. Paradise
writes the skill on her character sheet as Craft (Sculpting)
+2.
See Skill Levels Table 7
Buying Skills
The player spends Character Points to purchase skills.
The maximum score that a skill can have is 10 (this can be
modified upwards with bonuses gained from AdvantagesSEE
Advantages).
Groups cost 5 points per level. Skills (including Skills
requiring a specific Type) cost 1 point per level. A Specialty
costs 1 point for 2 levels. Levels in a specialty may only be
purchased in pairs (i.e., a character cannot purchase 1 level in a
Specialty).
The cost for each level of skill is shown in Table 8.
Table 8
Level Cost
Group 5 Pts/Lvl
Skill 1 Pt./Lvl
Skill (Type) 1 Pt./ Lvl
Skill (Specialty) 2 Lvl/1 Pt.
Skill List
Italicized skill names indicate a universal skill. All characters
receive universal skills at +2 for no cost. Characters with no
points spent on a universal skill still receive the +2 bonus. Any
points spent on a universal skill add to this default level.
Combat!
Arts & Crafts: Art (Type), Cooking (Spec), Craft
(Type), Jeweler, Photography, Smith (Spec).
Athletics: Acrobatics, Balance, Climbing,
Contortionist, Para (Spec), Paradrop, Sport (Type),
Swimming, Throwing (Spec), Unarmed Combat (Type),
Rappelling
Communication: Instruction, Negotiation (Spec),
Orate (Spec), Persuasion (Spec), Poetry, Writing
(Spec)
Covert Skills: Camouflage, Disguise, Forgery
(Spec), Gambling, Lockpicking, Shadowing, Sleight of
Hand, Stealth
Education: Geography (Spec), History (Spec),
Knowledge (Type), Language (Type), Religion (Type),
Research (Spec)
Enterprise: Accounting, Appraisal, Bureaucracy,
Business, Economics (Spec), Professional (Type),
Trading
Focus: Area Knowledge (Type), Awareness (Spec),
Concentration, Intuition, Lip Reading
Heavy Weapons: Artillery (Spec), Machine Guns (Spec),
Missile Launchers (Spec), Portable Launchers (Spec), Vehicle
Weapons (Spec)
Investigation: Cryptography, Deduction, Forensics, Intel
Analysis, Interrogation, Plea Bargain, Surveillance (Spec)
Medicine: Dentistry, Treat Injury * (Spec), Physician
(Spec), Pharmacology, Surgery (Spec)
Melee Weapons: Axes (Spec), Bayonets, Flexible Weapons
(Spec), Knives, Maces/Clubs (Spec), Polearms (Spec),
Swords
Military Sciences: Combat Engineer (Spec), Demolitions
(Spec), Gunsmith (Type), Strategy (Spec), Tactics (Spec)
Nature/Outdoor: Animal Handling (Spec), Fish and Game
(Spec), Navigation (Spec), Riding (Spec), Survival (Spec),
Teamster (Spec), Tracking
Performance: Acting, Dancing (Spec), Instrument (Type),
Juggling, Mimicry, Singing, Slight of Hand
Sciences: Astronomy, Biology (Spec), Chemistry (Spec),
Mathematics, Physics (Spec)
Simple Missile Weapons: Boomerangs, Bows (Spec),
Crossbows (Spec), Sling Weapons (Spec), Slingshots
Small Arms: Black Powder Weapon (Spec), Pistols, Rifles,
Shotguns, Sub-machineguns
Social: Bluff, Conversation*, Intrigue, Philosophy, Sense
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Deception/Motive, Society (Type), Style, Symbols
Social Sciences: Anthropology (Spec), Archaeology
(Spec), Criminology, Politics, Psychology (Spec)
Technical: Communication Operations, Computers
* (Spec), Electrician, Electronics (Spec), Engineering
(Type), Mechanic (Spec), Operate Electronics (Spec),
Air Traffic Control
Transportation: Driving (Spec)*, Piloting (Spec),
Sailing (Spec), Watercraft (Spec)
* Indicates a universal skill
Skill Descriptions
The following section provides descriptions for
the skills listed on the Sample Skill List in the previous
section.
Arts & Crafts Skill Group
Arts & Crafts skills are those primarily concerned
with the creation of tools and knickknacks, entertainment
and pleasurable pursuits.
Art (Type)
Characters with this skill are adept at creating works of art in
a particular medium (REF). They also understand the finer points
of artistic expression (INT) and can appreciate works of art more
than the average person (PRE).
A type must be selected when this skill is bought. This skill
may be purchased more than once, each time for a different type
of Art.
Successful use of this skill means the character creates
a quality work of art, recognizes the creator of the work, or
appraises the quality or value of such works created by others.
The effect number of the roll determines the quality of the work;
the higher the effect number the better the quality, and, thus, the
better the viewers impression of the work.
This skill may also be used as a complementary skill to Social
skills in the appropriate circumstances, such as if the character is
giving a work of art as a gift (at the GMs discretion).
Types: Painting, Pottery, Sculpting, Sketching.
Cooking (Spec)
The skill of creating meals, from simple edible dishes
to elaborate, gourmet meals (INT) including even artistic
presentations of food (PRE).
Specialties: Cuisine, Ethnicity (e.g., Chinese, Italian), Fast
Food, Gourmet.
Craft (Type)
Characters with this skill are adept at some craft, as defined
by the player, and understand the finer points of their craft,
including common tools, patterns, and methods associated with it
(INT). The character is able to create attractive and/or functional
items (depending upon the defined craft) and earn a living with
his craft (REF).
Types: Candle-making, Glazing (i.e., lacquering), Cobbling,
Shipwright, Tanning, or any other reasonable craft that the player
and GM agree upon.
Jeweler
The skill of crafting fine jewelry from precious metals
(silver, gold, platinum, etc.), stones and gems (REF). Characters
can also appraise the quality and value of such items, create rings,
necklaces, brooches, set stones, and so on (INT).
Photography
The skill of taking photographs of various subjects (REF)
and developing them from film to print (INT). Use of this skill
to take pictures requires a camera, and developing film requires
access to a film lab, with the proper chemicals, photosensitive
paper, and possibly other equipment.
Smith (Spec)
The skill of forging and crafting items from metal (bronze,
iron or steel, depending on the period and technology level of the
setting or culture).
Weaponsmith is the skill of creating bladed weapons, such
as knives, swords, spearheads, arrowheads, and the like. The
creation of handles and shafts requires woodworking (a specialty
of the Craft skill), although if the character has access to these
finished items he can complete the weapon in question.
Blacksmith is the skill of creating metal tools (such as
hammers), blunt weapons, horseshoes and the like.
Specialties: Armorer, Blacksmith, Weaponsmith.
Athletics Skill Group
Athletic skills are those involving physical pursuits, exertion,
and sport. The Athletic Skills group includes the following
skills.
Acrobatics
Characters with this skill are very agile and able to perform
flips, tumble, and swing in exciting, swashbuckling fashion
(REF). Acrobatics is very useful for sailors who spend a lot of
time up in the rigging, balancing on swaying masts, and so on.
While any character can attempt such actions by making a REF
check (see Attribute Rolls), characters with this skill do so in a
much more flamboyant and impressive manner.
A successful use of this skill also allows a prone character to
regain his feet as a free action, to roll with a punch (halving any
damage received from a blunt blow), reduce damage from a fall
(subtract the skill level in meters from the distance fallen before
determining damage) or impose a -3 to skill rolls for attacks made
against him that phase, due to his incredible dodging ability (may
be added to any bonuses for the Dodge maneuver).
Acrobatics may be used as a complementary skill to
Climbing and Jumping (GMs discretion).
Balance
Roll: The character can walk on a precarious surface. A
successful roll lets the character move at half his or her speed
along the surface as a move action. A failure indicates that
the character spends his or her move action keeping his or her
balance and does not move. A failure by 5 or more indicates that
the character falls. The difficulty varies with the conditions of
the surface.
Being Attacked While Balancing: While balancing, the
character loses his or her Reflexes bonus to Defense, unless the
character has 4 or more levels in Balance. If the character takes
damage, he or she must make a Balance roll again to remain
standing.
Time: Balancing while moving one-half the characters
speed is a move action.
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Table 9
Narrow Surface TN* Difficult Surface TN
712 in. wide 12 Uneven or angled 12
26 in. wide 15 Slippery surface 12
Less than 2 in. wide 18
*Add +4 to the TN if the narrow surface is slippery or angled; add
+8 if it is both slippery and angled.
Accelerated Movement: The character can try to cross a
precarious surface more quickly than normal. The character can
move his or her full speed, but the character takes a 5 penalty on
his or her Balance check. (Moving twice the characters speed in
a round requires two checks, one for each move action.)
Accelerated movement, allowing the character to balance
while moving his or her full speed, is also a move action.
Climbing
Characters use this skill when climbing difficult surfaces or
items, such as cliffs, walls, or ropes (STR). A successful check
allows the character to move a number of meters equal to one
half his MOV score or equal to his Climbing score (whichever
is greater). Failure means the character has lost but regained his
grip or footing, and has made no progress that turn. A serious
failure (two or more levels below the difficulty of the roll) means
the character has fallen (see Falling).
Climbing is a Universal Skill; all characters receive it at
level 2 at no cost.
Contortionist
Characters with this skill can contort their body into difficult
or unusual positions (REF), and remain in such positions for
long periods of time (HLT). Contortionists often also have a
complementary Physical Advantage, such as double-jointed.
Para (Spec)
Characters with this skill can use various types of paraflight
apparatus, including hang gliders and paragliders (REF). This
skill excludes Paradroping (using a parachute) as it is its own
skill.
Specialties: Hang Glider, Paraglider.
Paradrop
Airborne insertions are a powerful military tool for inserting
soldiers behind enemy lines for scouting, surprise raids, and
special operations. In modern warfare, heavily fortified positions
can be bypassed, encircled, and defeated with far less casualties
than were taken in past conflicts. This skill allows a character to
land precisely where she wishes to, and also allows parachuting
under less than ideal conditions (from a very fast-moving craft,
a low-flying craft and so forth). This skill also covers preparing
equipment to be dropped.
Failing this check means the character lands 100 yards off
target for every two points by which his roll missed the TN.
Failing a check by more than 5 means the character has landed
somewhere dangerous (depending on the situation, a dangerous
landing could be in proximity to enemy soldiers, power lines,
dense foliage, etc).
Failing the check to safely land in dense foliage such as a
Combat!
forest means the character has become fouled in the
brush 10-100 feet above the ground. Getting down
usually involves climbing or simply cutting yourself
free and falling the remaining distance.
Failing the check from a high speed or low altitude
insertion results in 1-4 points of damage per 2 points
by which the character missed the TN (in addition to
possibly landing off target, and landing somewhere
dangerous). The character may attempt either a Reflex
Roll (TN 18), or an Acrobatics roll (TN 15) to reduce
this damage by half.
Forces on the ground need to roll an Awareness
roll (TN 12) to detect incoming paratroopers 1-6 rounds
(50-300 ft) before landing. Paratroopers in the air are
extremely vulnerable to enemy fire, being treated as
flat-footed both while in the air, and for 1-4 rounds after
they land (while the soldiers get free of their heavy
parachute riggings). A successful Paradrop skill (TN
15) will allow a character to get clear of his riggings in
the minimum time (1 round).
For these reasons, soldiers will only be dropped into a
hostile landing zone when absolutely necessary. Often Special
Operations forces will be sent in first, to make sure an area is
secure (neutralizing any enemy forces encountered) before more
conventional troops are paradropped in.
For special operations, the HALO, or High Altitude Low
Opening method of deployment is considered the ideal. Troops
are dropped from extreme altitude, making the presence of
aircraft harder to detect. The soldiers so deployed then wait until
they are extremely low before deploying their parachutes. HALO
landings are only spotted by forces on the ground on a Awareness
roll of 18 or higher, and if a HALO drop is spotted, forces on the
ground only have 1-2 rounds at which to attack the incoming
paratroopers.
LALO, or Low Altitude Low Opening method of deployment
is also very popular, used when aircraft must come in under the
radar of a potentially hostile group, or to avoid a diplomatic
incident. LALO insertions are risky, as the soldiers are pulled
from the craft, their chute opens, and they hit the ground, all in
under a minute. On a LALO jump, characters receive 2d6 points
of subdual damage from the stress and impacts of the jump.
Table 10
Sample Actions TN
Land within 100 feet of target 15
Land within 100 yards of target 12
Land within one mile of target 5
Paradrop Safely through dense Foliage 21
HALO +5
LALO +5
Paradrop Equipment 18
Clear Riggings in 1 round 15
Rappelling
Rappelling is a special skill involving ropes rigged
specifically for this purpose. Special Forces use Rappelling to
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! quickly insert troops into a landing zone without the
landing craft (typically a helicopter) needing to land.
A character that makes a successful Rappelling check
can descend 100 feet per round by Rappelling. Each 100
feet descended by Rappelling requires a new skill roll.
If this roll is failed, the character has become fouled in
the ropes, and dangles helplessly, 10-60 feet above the
ground (add 100 feet for each skill roll the character has
not yet made if Rappelling more than 100 feet), exposed
to enemy fire. This roll can be retried each round, or
the character can cut himself free and fall the remaining
distance to the ground.
Sport (Type)
Characters with this skill are adept at organized
athletic activities not already covered by other skills.
Skills not covered by this ability include Archery
and Swimming. The character knows the rules of the
game (INT) and can compete in the sport. Some sports
involve primarily stamina, such as long distance running
(HLT), or strength, such as power lifting (STR). Most sports are
predominantly agility-based, however, such as bowling, baseball,
cricket, and similar sports (REF).
A Type must be selected when the skill is purchased. This
skill may be purchased more than once, each time for a different
type.
Types: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cricket, Football
(American), Hockey, Soccer (i.e., European football), or other
sports allowed by the GM.
Swimming
Characters with this skill are able to swim in water deeper
than waist-level (REF) and can stay afloat for long periods of time
(HLT). No skill roll is needed to tread calm water. Rough water,
however, requires the character to make a skill roll to keep his
head above water each turn (STR). Failure means the character
has gone under and may be subject to drowning if a character
cannot resurface on the subsequent turn by making a successful
Swimming roll (see Asphyxiation and Drowning).
This is an important skill for sailors, competition swimmers,
Navy SEALs, and the like.
Throwing (Spec)
Characters use this skill to throw objects, such as rocks and
stones, for accuracy (REF) or distance (STR). (See Combat for
rules on making attacks, damage, and so on). It can be used to
throw a grappling hook, toss a weapon to a friend, to play darts,
or to hurl a spear at an opponent.
Throwing is a Universal Skill; all characters receive it at
level 2 at no cost.
Specialties: Darts, Football, Javelin, Knives, Stones, et al.
Unarmed Combat (Type)
The skill of unarmed, hand-to-hand fighting. Characters
must choose a type or style of unarmed combat when this skill is
purchased. This skill may be purchased multiple times, each time
for a different type of unarmed combat.
Unarmed Combat (Brawling) is a Universal Skill; all
characters receive it at level 2 at no cost.
Types: Aikido, Brawling, Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, Sumo,
Wrestling, et al.
Communication Skill Group
Giving an Order
Your character wants it done, and your character wants it
done now. No questions. No thinking. Just do it. This use of the
Intimidate skill, in addition to the normal affects of the Intimidate
skill (which is useful for getting uncooperative troops to obey
your characters commands), allows a character to temporarily
remove the effects of combat fatigue and such being suffered by
those around him. See Table 11
Table 11
Condition TN Effect
Mental Fatigue 15 Condition removed
Character is mentally
Mental Exhaustion 15 fatigued for duration of
combat
Character is mentally
Mental Paralysis 18 exhausted for duration
of combat
Character is mentally
Mental
21 exhausted for duration
Breakdown
of combat
Characters without the Voice of Command Advantage suffer
4 on Intimidate skill checks for this purpose.
For purposes of giving Orders to Units (see the Small Unit
Combat section for more information), a character does not
need to check if he is the recognized commander of the unit in
question. The character simply uses an attack action and issues
the Order.
In a case where the character is not the recognized leader
(because that leader has been killed), the character must make an
Intimidate check (TN 15), in order to be recognized as the units
new leader. After that, the character may issue Orders normally.
In a case where two or more characters give a unit conflicting
Orders, roll skill vs. skill, using the Intimidate skill for all
characters issuing Orders. The character with the highest skill
check will be obeyed. If two character tie for the highest skill
check, the unit does nothing that round. This is one reason (of
many) why units strive to have a clear chain of command.
Instruction
Characters with this skill are able to teach others, imparting
wisdom and knowledge to their charges (PRE). Characters may
instruct others in those areas which the teacher himself is trained.
The maximum skill level a student may obtain from study is
equal to the average of the teachers Instruction skill and the skill
being taught.
Rourke has an Instruction skill of +4 and a Swords skill of
+6. The average score of these two skills is 5, so the highest level
he can train any student in Swords is a 5.
Instruction is a Universal Skill; all characters receive it at
level 2 at no cost.
Negotiation (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at reaching compromises
and relaying information without offending the recipient.
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Negotiation is an important skill for envoys, diplomats,
politicians, and police crisis negotiators.
When engaged in negotiations, the character states his
goal (or demand) and makes a Negotiation roll against a Target
Number set by the GM. The difficulty number is based on the
others partys general reaction to the characters stated goal (see
Table 12).
Table 12
Reaction to Demand/Goal Base Difficulty
Adamantly opposed (to the death) Legendary (TN 30)
Generally opposed Extreme (TN 27)
Somewhat opposed Demanding (TN 24)
Apathetic, unimpressed Difficult (TN 21)
Somewhat agreeable Challenging (TN 18)
Generally agreeable Tricky (TN 15)
Enthusiastically Agreeable Average (TN 12)
The target number represents the difficulty for the negotiator
to achieve his stated goal while also making several concessions
to the other party.
If the effect number of the Negotiation roll is 3 or higher,
then the negotiator need make only one concession. If the effect
number of the Negotiation roll is 6 or higher, the negotiator
achieves his goal without making any concessions. See Table 13
Tablr 13
Effect Number Agreement with
0-2 Several concessions
3-5 Only one concession
6+ No concessions
It is up to the negotiator (or perhaps his superior) to decide
if the final offer is acceptable. If so, the agreement is made and
the deal struck. If not, then the negotiations are called off, at least
for this round.
Negotiations may last from several minutes to several
months, depending on their nature and other factors, including
the method of communication, and so on. It is up to the GM
and the players to determine how much of the negotiations are
covered by the skill roll. A Negotiation skill roll can represent
the entirety of the negotiations, a single round of negotiations or
each individual point of a negotiation.
This resolution system is intentionally abstract. A
concession represents any reasonable demand or condition
made by the other party that the negotiator can meet. If it is
important to know the exact nature of the concessions, the GM
should consider forgoing the skill roll altogether and simply role-
play the negotiations in the game.
Diplomacy represents the skill of negotiation between
nations or large organizations, Hostage negotiation is the skill of
negotiating with hostage-takers, and Political negotiation is the
skill of negotiation among or between politicians.
Specialties: Diplomacy, Hostage, Political.
Orate (Spec)
This is the skill of effectively communicating ideas and
Combat!
inspiring or moving an audiences emotions with the
spoken word. Characters with the Orate skill know how
to tell stories, issue commands, present information
(such as news), give speeches, tell tales and otherwise
inform (INT), entertain or motivate (PRE) listeners.
Orate could also be used to kill time or bore someone
to death (WIL).
Orate can be used as a complementary skill to
Acting and Poetry (for monologues and one-person
performances), Strategy (for leading and inspiring
troops in battle) and Persuasion.
Specialties: Command (i.e., leadership), News
Reporter, Speeches.
Persuasion (Spec)
This is the skill of using ones voice, logic,
expression, body language, or some combination,
to influence others. Persuasion can be in the form of
an intimidating glare, a boastful challenge, batting
ones eyes (seduction), stroking a cheek (consolation),
grasping the handle of ones sword in a threatening manner, or
invoking the name of ones superior (or even God).
The character makes a contested Persuasion roll against
the subjects WIL + Concentration roll. If the characters roll
is higher than the person he is trying to persuade, then he is
successful. The other person sees things the persuaders way (at
least to some degree) and will act accordingly.
The GM should allow skills appropriate to the situation to
be used as complementary to the Persuasion roll. A character
may also add one half of his Fame or Infamy score to the roll, if
appropriate (GMs discretion). The GM may also award a bonus
of +1 to +3 to the players roll for good roleplaying.
Specialties: Bribery, Fast Talk, Intimidation, Propaganda,
Romance, Seduction.
Poetry
Characters with this skill are adept at composing (INT) and
reciting poetry (PRE). They also understand the finer points of
poetic expression and can appreciate poetic recitals more than
the average person (PRE).
Successful use of this skill means the character performs in
a manner that moves the audience (PRE), or appraises the quality
of such writing or performances by others (INT). The effect
number of the roll determines the quality of the performance; the
higher the effect number the better the performance, and, thus,
the better the audiences reaction.
This skill may also be used as a complementary skill
to Persuasion in the appropriate circumstances (at the GMs
discretion).
Writing (Spec)
Characters with this skill are capable of composing creative
written works (INT). They also understand the finer points of
written expression and can appreciate compositions within their
specialty more than the average person (PRE). It is an important
skill for bards and anyone wishing to create original songs. The
appropriate performance skill is required to actually perform the
composition.
A specialty must be selected when this skill is bought.
Successful use of this skill means the character composes
a quality work, or appraises the value or quality of such
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat!
compositions by others. The effect number of the
roll determines the quality of the composition; the higher
the effect number the better the writing, and, thus, the
better the audience or readers reaction and impression.
This skill may be used as a complementary skill to the
appropriate skill when the composition is performed. For
example, Writing (Music) is complementary to the Instrument
skill, Writing (Speeches) is complementary to Orate, and so on.
Specialties: Comedy, Journalist, Literature, Music,
Playwright, Screenwriter, Speeches.
Covert Skill Group
Camouflage
This skill can be used to hide stationary objects. In modern
warfare this is especially handy to protect artillery, armor and
other important material assets from air attack and satellite
observation. Simply make a contested Camouflage roll against
the Awareness (Sight) skill from someone attempting to locate
or see the object.
Disguise
This is the skill of assuming another identity. It is usually
accomplished by changing ones clothes, putting on a wig,
applying makeup, and so on (REF). The GM should make the
skill roll for the player in secret, noting the total of the roll and
using it as the difficulty number for Awareness rolls for anyone
who scrutinizes the disguise.
Forgery (Spec)
Characters with this skill are able to create remarkable
forgeries of documents, seals and the like (REF). The total of
the characters Forgery roll is used as the target number for
Awareness checks made by anyone scrutinizing the forgery to
detect its true nature.
The original being copied must be available to the character
for an accurate copy to be made. If the original is not available,
the character uses INT with the skill (because he is working from
memory) and suffers a -6 penalty to the skill roll.
Specialties: Crests & Seals, Documents, Handwriting
Gambling
Characters with this skill know how to play common games
of skill, such as cards, backgammon, and the like (INT). In
addition, characters can use this skill to cheat at games of chance
(REF), such as dice and roulette.
If used for games of skill, use a simple contested Gambling
roll for each player; the person with the best roll wins the game.
If used to cheat at a game of chance, the total of the characters
Gambling roll is used as the difficulty number for Awareness
checks made by the other players to spot the cheat (i.e., to catch
him in the act). If not caught, the cheater automatically wins. If
both players are cheating, use a simple contested Gambling roll
for each player; the person with the best roll wins the game), and
allow both players an Awareness roll to try to catch the other
cheating.
Lockpicking
Characters with this skill are proficient with picking locks
and bypassing other simple mechanical security measures (REF).
This skill requires a set of lock-picking tools to be effective; -3 if
only improvised tools are available.
Shadowing
The skill of following others without being seen (INT).
Characters with this skill are able to keep a target within site while
walking or driving behind him, while remaining inconspicuous
and remaining unnoticed. The GM should require characters
using this skill to make periodic skill checks, with the frequency
and difficulty based on the environment and the shadowing
characters chances of blending in.
Charlene is playing Veronica X, an international secret
agent. She is following her target through a crowded market in
Cairo. The GM decides that a busy market in Cairo is pretty
easy to hide in but Veronica X is a blonde and she is wearing
her trademark black latex jumpsuit (so she stands out just a tad).
The GM decides that Veronica must make a Difficult Shadowing
skill roll (TN 21).
If the skill roll fails, then the subject gets a Tricky Awareness
roll to notice the character. If the character being followed
is actively watching for anyone following him, have both
characters make a contested Shadowing versus Awareness roll.
The character with the higher effect number wins the contest.
Sleight of Hand
Characters with this skill can lift items from others,
misdirect viewers eyes, and conceal items and the like (REF).
When a character uses Sleight of Hand against another, use a
simple contested skill roll of the characters Sleight of Hand
versus the subjects Awareness. If the subjects Awareness roll
beats the Sleight of Hand roll, the other person has caught him
in the act, knows which shell the ball is under, or otherwise wins
the contest.
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Stealth
This skill is used to hide oneself in shadows and move
silently. The total of the Stealth roll is used as the difficulty
number for Awareness checks made by anyone who may spot
the character (whether actively searching or otherwise, as the
situation dictates).
Dianes character Renee is trying to follow a man through
the streets of London, without herself being seen by him. Diane
makes a Stealth roll, for a total of 18. When the GM makes an
Awareness roll for the man to notice Renee, his difficulty number
will be 18.
This skill can also be used to hide items up to and including
large animals, such as horses. The GM makes a single roll. The
effect number of the roll is used as the difficulty number for
Awareness checks made by anyone searching for it.
Renee has ridden her horse into the woods to escape several
pursuers. Thinking that she can escape notice if she hides her
horse, she rides into the brush, dismounts, and attempts to
conceal herself and her horse. The GM makes a Stealth check,
for a total of 20. When the GM makes Awareness rolls for the
pursuers to spot Renee, their difficulty number will be 20.
Stealth is a Universal Skill; all characters receive it at level
2 at no cost.
Education Skill Group
Education skills are those skills gained primarily from formal
study, whether at a university, monastery or other institute. Most
Education skills are associated with the Mind attribute group.
The Education skill group includes the following skills.
Geography (Spec)
This skill covers knowledge of natural features of the earth,
landmarks, climate, political, as well as cursory knowledge of the
borders and inhabitants of the nations of the world. Characters
with this skill can identify internationally known landmarks,
the location of major bodies of water, the average climate and
rainfall of a given country, and so on.
Specialties: Specific region or continent.
History (Spec)
Characters with this skill know a great deal about history and
can recall general or specific details with a successful skill check
(INT). The more obscure the detail or more distant the subject
from the characters locality, the higher the required difficulty
of the roll is.
Thomas, having recognized a tapestry as belonging to Lord
Culler, tries to recall information about the lords family from
history. The player makes a History skill check for Thomas and
succeeds, so the GM tells the player that Thomas recalls that
Lord Culler died on the battlefield 20 years ago.
Specialties: Locality, National, Organizational, World.
Knowledge (Type)
Characters with this skill are knowledgeable about some
specific subject. The player chooses the subject when the skill
is purchased. The subject can be trivial or important in its scope.
Most Knowledge skills are attached to the Mind group.
If knowledge skills involve the practical application of a
skill, the character is also able to perform the task associated with
it. A character may hold a job requiring the skill if the skill score
is 3 or higher. Skill rolls for such skills may be associated with
Combat!
the BODY group or both the Body and Mind groups.
Peter Parker has the Knowledge skill Photography
at 4. Peter understands how to use a camera, take
pictures, develop film, andbecause his skill is a 4can
even hold a job as a newspaper photographer. When
taking normal run-of-the-mill photos, the skill uses
Peters INT. If Peter is taking photos at a sports event
or in the middle of a fight, he might use his REF instead.
Then, when hes back in the photo lab, developing
the pictures, any skill rolls there would likely use INT
again.
The GM is encouraged to develop different
Knowledge skills, and to separate them as new, unique
skills for his game. Depending on the specific topic
covered, a Knowledge skill may be considered as being
a Type, a Specialty, or neither, at the GMs discretion.
Knowledge skills can be renamed and even moved to a
more appropriate Skill Group (or a newly created Skill
Group), based on the GMs discretion and the setting
(time period and culture). Knowledge skills should not be created
that duplicate other existing skills, however.
Suggested Types: Civil Science, Cuisine, Family History,
Humanities, Military Traditions, Mythology, Navy Ships, Wines,
or any other general or specific topic that the GM approves.
Language (Type)
Characters with this skill understand and can speak a foreign
language. If the character is literate he can also read and write
the language (does not apply to languages for which there is no
writing system, such as traditional Navaho).
This skill much be purchased separately for each language
that the character understands.
All characters start with a score of 3 in their native language
(unless they have a trait that limits their starting score). The
characters native language should be noted on the character
sheet.
In addition to being used in skill rolls, the skill score
represents the characters fluency with the language. See Table
14
Table 14
Level Fluency
Rudimentary; simple words and phrases only. Thick,
1
noticeable accent
Basic, simple conversations. Moderate accent (requires
2
Average Awareness roll to detect)
Conversational fluency. Minor accent or regional
3 dialect (requires Challenging Awareness roll to
detect)
4 Fluent, complex dialogue and expressions. No accent.
6 Expert. Speaks perfectly, better than most natives
Master, command of the language rivals the most
8
learned scholar (very rare)
Language (Type) is a Universal Skill; all characters receive it
at level 3 for their native language at no cost.
33
 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! The 20 most commonly used languages in the world
(in alphabetical order) are: Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese,
English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean,
Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malay / Indonesian, Mandarin,
Marathi, Punjabi, Urdu, Portuguese, Russian, and
Spanish.
Religion (Type)
Characters with this skill are knowledgeable in
the history, traditions, tenets and ceremony of major
religions (INT). When this skill is purchased, the
character must specify one primary religion to which
the skill score applies.
Steven has the skill Religion (Christianity) +5. He
has a skill of +5 with his specialty (Christianity) but no
practical knowledge of other major religions.
Religion may be used as a complementary skill
to other applicable skill rolls (GMs discretion). For
example, the GM should allow Religion to be used as
complementary to a Philosophy roll if the character is
involved in a religious debate.
Types: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Paganism, Wicca or any
other religion allowed by the GM.
Research (Spec)
The skill of researching a topic (a person, place or thing,
such as a rare artifact, an event or a ship) to discover clues,
evidence or general or detailed facts about it. Sometimes research
is simply a matter of locating where something is supposed to be,
such as when looking for a known book in the library (INT). In
other instances one must perform tedious research to find the
answer, such as when looking for an obscure passage in a huge
tome with no index (WIL).
Research can be accomplished on the Internet, in a library, a
laboratory, in a newspaper morgue, a corporate Human Resources
office, or wherever the GM thinks is reasonable and appropriate
for the character to conduct the research. Remember, too, that
sometimes getting into the place can be a task in and of itself!
The higher the effect number, the more information is
gleaned about the topic.
Specialties: Internet, Library, Medical, Publications,
Records, Scientific.
Enterprise Skill Group
Accounting
The skill of keeping track of the money in any venture. This
includes, but is not limited to, receipts, supply expense, rent, and
all other areas of a profit and loss statement.
Appraisal
Characters with this skill can appraise the approximate
value of items, including items for which the character does not
possess a relative skill. Appraising an item requires a Challenging
Appraisal skill roll (TN 18).
The skill roll may be modified depending on the following
conditions. All modifiers are cumulative.
-3 Character has no training in or knowledge of the item
-3 Item is a rare or obscure specimen
-3 Unable to inspect or examine the item closely
Characters may use appropriate skills as complementary to
Appraisal (GMs discretion). For instance, a character appraising
a sword could use Smith (Weaponsmith) as a complementary
skill to the Appraisal skill roll.
Bureaucracy
The skill of dealing with bureaucracies and cutting through
red tape. Characters with this skill know what to expect from
bureaucracies, how long things will take to get done and why
(INT). In addition (and more beneficially), they also know how
to get things done more quickly than normal, how to get in to see
the right people, and so on (PRE). Conversely, characters with
this skill also know how to and how to slow projects down and
impede requests to see people (WIL).
Business
The knowledge and skill of running a business, from a
lemonade stand to a multinational corporation. Business focuses
on the day-to-day running of the business, including inventory,
customer service, public relations and sales, but also covers
broader topics, such as supply and demand, marketing, taxes,
and business laws (INT). Business can also be used for skill rolls
involving customer service and public relations (PRE).
Specialties: Marketing, Operations, Personnel, Public
Relations.
Economics (Spec)
The study and knowledge of the production, distribution
and consumption of goods. Characters with this skill understand
the basics, such as the law of supply and demand, as well as
advanced economic theory. This skill is more the science of
economics than the knowledge of running a business. Characters
with the Economics skill can act as advisors, researchers, and
the like, though they may have no practical experience running a
company (that would require the Business skill, above).
Specialties: Business, National, World.
Professional (Type)
This skill represents a skill (or set of skills) for a specific
profession not otherwise represented in the skill list. Characters
with the Professional skill are able to do the job and operate any
equipment normally associated with the profession. As with all
skills, the higher the skill score the better the character is at his
job.
Some professions may require special tools or equipment
to perform adequately. The GM should determine if a given
profession requires tools or not.
Professional (Type) is a Universal Skill; all characters
receive it at level 2 at no cost. A Type must be selected for the
skill.
Types: Specific career (attorney, farmer, fire-fighter,
fisherman, page, police officer, rancher, soldier, student, weaver,
etc.)
Trading
Characters with this skill are adept at negotiating a mutually
agreeable price for a service or goods. Trading is an important
skill for merchants, traders, service providers, and business
owners of all kinds.
Either the buyer or seller can initiate a negotiation. When
negotiating a price, the buyer and the seller make contested
Trading rolls (use just WIL + 3d6 if a character does not possess
the Trading skill). The winner gains a 5% advantage to the base
(list) price for each point of difference between the winners and
34
 Chapter Two: Characters

Combat!
losers effect number. This represents the best, final offer. It city could use it as complementary to Driving skill rolls
is up to the loser to decide if this final offer is acceptable. If during a car chase through the city, a character with
so, the agreement is made and the sale made. If not, then the an Area Knowledge of a terrain type could use it as
transaction is called off. complementary to a Survival skill roll, and so on.
Lou is playing Corporal Darren Newman. Corporal Newman
is in foreign country browsing at a souvenir vendors stall and Table 15
finds a rug (which has a list price of 20 dollars) that he wants to
buy for his mother back home. But Corporal Newmans money Difficulty Level of Detail
is a little tight, so rather than paying tourist prices he decides -- Very Minor Detail
to try to haggle with the vendor. Corporal Newman doesnt have Minor Detail (e.g., location of
Average (TN 12)
the Trading skill so Lou rolls his WIL of 4 + 3d6, and gets a total convenience store)
of 17. The GM rolls the vendors PRE (4) + Trading (4) + 3d6, Moderate Detail (e.g., Names of
Tricky (TN 15)
for a total of 15. Because Corporal Newmans effect number was prominent citizens)
2 points higher than the vendors was, he gains a 2 x 5 = 10% Good Detail (e.g., names of local
Challenging (TN 18)
leaders)
advantage in the price. Corporal Newman can buy the rug for18
dollars. Difficult (TN 21) Much Detail
This resolution system is intentionally abstract. The base Demanding (TN 24) Great Detail
price is the standard list price for an item (as determined by the Extreme (TN 27) Incredible Detail
GM or published price list). The initial price from each person Legendary (TN 30) Down to the last detail
isnt actually stated, and the final price resulting from the
negotiations represents the best offer that the loser can get from
the winner.
Focus Skill Group Table 16
Area Knowledge (Type)
Size of Area Modifier
Characters with this skill are familiar with the geography Apartment Comples, Street +6
and popular culture of a certain area, be it a single street, a Neighborhood, Village, Town +3
neighborhood, a shire, a city, a terrain type (mountains, caverns) Large city (New York, Tokyo) +0
or an entire planet or star system. With a successful skill roll, State, Small country -3
characters with an Area Knowledge know the lay of the area, Large country, continent -6
and can locate major and minor landmarks, major businesses or Planet -9
organizations, utilities, transportation centers (e.g., bus stations,
ship ports and airports), and even knows notable people in the Types: Specific locale or terrain.
area, such as local celebrities and other popular folk. Awareness (Spec)
The level of detail sought by the character determines the This represents the characters ability to spot, smell, hear or
TN. On a successful roll, divide the effect number of the roll by taste things that may otherwise escape attention (INT). The GM
three, dropping any fractions. This is the number of additional should call for an Awareness check any time a character may
pieces of information the GM should provide to the player. encounter a potential clue, may spot a shadowy figure in an alley,
Conversely, if a character is trying to recall as much detail or any other appropriate situation. A success means the character
as possible but has no specific information he is seeking, simply has perceived the person or thing (a slight breeze, a shadowy
have the player attempt the skill roll and compare the total of the figure, a minor detail, or what have you). An effect number of 6
roll to the table below to determine how much detail the character or higher means the character has perceived the item in detail;
is able to recall about the area. the GM should provide additional information about the person
Max knows that his target likes to hang out in expensive or thing in question that will assist the character.
nightclubs frequented by local celebrities, so Ross asks the Awareness is a Universal Skill.
GM for a short list of likely places that fit the description. The Some new uses for this skill include:
GM decides that this information requires a Challenging Area Radar Operation: Even with modern advanced radar
Knowledge roll (TN 18). Because big city is the default area systems, the eye of the operator is still key in determining the
size for skill rolls, there is no modifier to the difficulty. Ross difference between a large cloudbank and a squadron of incoming
attempts his skill roll22! The GM gives him the names of three fighters. A successful Awareness roll will allow the operator to
nightclubs that match his criteria. Because Ross needed an 18 distinguish natural phenomena from aircraft at a range of several
but rolled high enough to achieve the next higher difficulty level miles. Characters without the Radar Operation skill take a 4
(with a corresponding Target Number of 21), the GM tells Ross penalty to awareness checks for Radar Operation.
that of the three nightclubs, the Neo-Matrix is currently the NBC Detection: Many Nuclear Biological and Chemical
hottest spot in town, since it changed owners last month. Ross weapons have subtle effects in their early stages, or in the case
takes the hint and Max gets on his motorcycle and heads for the of many biological weapons may be difficult to detect under any
Neo-Matrix club. He has someone to capture circumstances. A Awareness roll (TN 12 for a nuclear/radiological
Area Knowledge can be used as a complementary skill to any weapon, TN 15 for a chemical weapon, or TN 18 for a biological
appropriate skill rolls. A character with Area Knowledge of a weapon) will alert a character to the presence of dangerous

35
 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! materials in time to don protective gear without needing
to make an Attribute Roll (assuming the character has
the right NBC gear handy). This use of the Awareness
skill takes a 4 penalty unless the character has the NBC
advantage.
Reconnaissance: A key use for special operations
forces is reconnaissance. Knowing where your
characters enemy is, in what numbers, how he is
defended, and where he is going are crucial to formation
of a plan for attack or defense. Besides providing the
information above, a successful reconnaissance skill
check will grant the following bonus to Knowledge
(Tactics) if brought the attention of a friendly force
within 24 hours.
Table 17
Tactics Roll Bonus
15 +2
18 +3
21 +4
Special: If a character can requisition a satellite map
of an area, she gains a +4 bonus to her Awareness skill for
reconnaissance purposes. If a character can requisition a satellite
pass over an area, a Reconnaissance roll (Awareness Skill +20
against moving targets, Awareness Skill +10 against stationary
targets) can be made without ever setting foot in the area.
Sonar Operation: Sonar operators use what is known as
passive sonar to detect enemy vessels on most occasions. Passive
sonar gives the best of detecting your characters enemy without
aiding his efforts to detect your character. Sonar operators have
finely tuned senses of hearing capable of discerning minute
differences in pressure and motion in the waters around their
ship. These natural capabilities are backed up by computers
sophisticated enough to identify submarines by name by the
sound they make when moving through the water. This skill can
be opposed by either the Drive or Stealth skill (GM discretion) of
an enemy submarine in submarine warfare. See the new combat
rules section on submarine warfare for more information.
Active Sonar grants an operator a +10 to his skill check,
but grants the same bonus to any enemy in the area to detect
him. Thus, this method of sonar detection is often only used by
surface vessels and aircraft that have a clear advantage over any
submarine in terms of weaponry and speed.
Characters without the Sonar Operation advantage take a 4
penalty when making awareness rolls for Sonar Operation.
Specialties: Hearing, Sight, Smell/Taste, Touch.
Concentration
This is the characters ability to focus his concentration
on some task (WIL), as well as his general memory (INT).
Concentration rolls can be assigned by the GM when a character
is picking a lock in the middle of a huge brawl, laying still on a
battlefield while cannonballs explode around him, keeping an eye
on someone from hiding during a distraction, recalling the name
of the man who gave you some information two months ago, and
so on. Success means that the character is able to concentrate on
the task at hand, despite any distractions for that turn, including
skill roll penalties due to wounds (see Wounds and Effects of
Damage).
Concentration is a Universal Skill.
Intuition
This is the characters ability to know or understand
something without conscious reasoning. Intuition can tell a
character when someone is being dishonest or deceptive, whether
a door is safe to open or not, or whether to go out on a date with
someone hes just met. In short, Intuition can help a character
decide what choice to make when logic or perception fails him.
A successful roll should result in the player gleaning some
vague direction from the GM about the person or thing in
36
 Chapter Two: Characters
question. Responses such as Something doesnt feel right are
appropriate but responses such as You think the car will explode
if you turn the ignition are not. Intuition should not be used as a
replacement for the Danger Sense advantage.
The GM should prompt the player to make an Intuition roll
any time he must make a choice that could have detrimental
consequences. In addition, when the situation warrants it, the
player may ask the GM What does my characters intuition tell
him? The GM has the final discretion whether or not to allow
the Intuition roll.
Daves character is walking point for a unit traveling
through the woods in enemy territory. The GM has Dave make an
Awareness roll (not telling him that it is to see if Daves character
can see enemy troops waiting in ambush ahead). Unfortunately,
Dave fails his awareness roll and is not able to see the enemy.
The GM asks Dave to make an Intuition roll, on which Dave
succeeds. The GM tells Dave As you approach the bend, you get
a bad feeling about the situation. Dave is no dummy, and halts
his unit to take a closer look. Sure enough, Dave is then able to
see the waiting ambush and direct his unit accordingly.
Lip Reading
The ability to discern what someone is saying by watching
his mouth move, without hearing what he is saying (INT). A
successful Lip Reading roll means the character using this skill
understands most of what has been said, though not necessarily the
context nor any emotion (or sarcasm). The character will have to
determine the context of the message based on the circumstances
(who is speaking to whom, what is being discussed, and so on).
An effect number of 3 or higher than required, the character
understands everything said.
Heavy Weapons Skill Group
Artillery (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of land-based, crew-served, artillery weapons,
such as Howitzers, MLRS systems, and the like. This skill covers
both towed and self-propelled artillery.
Specialties: AAA, Cannon, Multiple Launch Rocket System
(MLRS)
Machine Guns (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of machine-guns and other automatic
weapons (REF). The character selects a specialty for which the
full skill level applies; all other types use the skill at one half
level (rounding up). Heavy machine-guns include the Browning
.30 cal., M2 .50 cal., and the Mk-19 grenade launcher. Light
machine-guns include squad support weapons such as the M60,
and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW).
Specialties: Anti-aircraft, Heavy, Medium, Light.
Missile Launchers (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of large guided missiles and missile launching
systems (INT). The character selects a specialty for which the
full skill level applies; all other types use the skill at one half
level (rounding up).
(Note: Although some modern anti-tank weapons are guided
by radio or wire controls, these are governed by the Portable
Launchers skill.)
Combat!
Specialties: Anti-aircraft, Cruise Missiles, ICBMs.
Portable Launchers (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF)
and maintenance (INT) of portable grenade, anti-tank
weapons (such as the TOW, Dragon, and M-72 LAW),
grenade launchers (such as the M-79, M-203) and
mortars (REF).
Types: Grenade launchers, Anti-tank Weapons,
Mortars.
Vehicle Weapons (Type)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF)
and maintenance (INT) of modern, heavy, vehicle-
mounted weapons. Characters using very simple
weapons that have no guidance or aiming systems
other than the aircraft itself, such as machine guns on a
WWI bi-plane, can use the Piloting skill instead.
Specialties: Bombs, Cannon, Missiles, Rockets.
Investigation Skill Group
Cryptography
The skill of ciphering and deciphering data, including text,
digital image files, and others (INT). The technology level of the
setting will determine the kinds of equipment available to the
character, if any, and the complexity of the ciphers and codes the
character is likely to deal with.
A number of skills can be used as a complementary to
Cryptography, depending on the circumstances and the GMs
discretion. Characters deciphering a code that uses or involves
a foreign language should be able to use their language skill as
complementary, for instance. Likewise, Computer Programming
could be used as complementary to Cryptography, for designing
and running decryption software.
Deduction
Characters with this skill are able to take a few known
facts and leap to a usually (at least partially) correct conclusion
(INT). Successful use of this skill can reveal the names of likely
conspirators, anticipate an ambush, or determine the likely
motivation behind any unexpected action.
The player may ask to make use of this skill at any time. If
granted, the GM should reward a successful Deduction check
with some bit of information about the current adventure that the
character does not currently have. Success means the character
has gained one answer or several potential right answers.
Failure means the character has gained no insight or possibly
bad insight, suspecting an innocent, or some other misleading
information that could result in an embarrassing (or deadly)
confrontation if acted upon.
The GM should make the skill roll for the player in secret,
telling the player only that which his character would know,
based on the outcome of the roll.
Forensics
The skill of handling (REF) and analyzing (INT) evidence.
Evidence can include fingerprints, hair, fibers from clothing and
carpet, and imprints (such as shoe and boot prints, tire tracks, and
the like). Characters with this skill are able to identify the nature
and origin of samples they analyze.
The higher the effect number of the skill roll the more
information is gleaned from the analysis. Consult the table below
37
 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! for suggested results of successful Forensics skill rolls:
Table 18
EN Results
Trivial details about the item (size and style of
0-2
footwear, content of a fiber, caliber of bullet, etc
Minor details about the item (manufacturer of
3-5
item, source of a fiber, make of weapon)
Important details about item (manufactured in
6-8
Japan, Custom made, made exclusively for Ford)
Crucial elements about item (date of manufacturer,
9-11 lot number, city where item was originally
purchased)
Every detail about the item (serial number, exact
12+
store where item was originally purchased, etc)
Pauls character is analyzing residue from an
explosion. Paul gets an effect number of 7 on his Forensics skill
roll, so the GM tells Paul that the residue is from an explosive
compound manufactured solely for the US Military by a
contractor based in Vermont. If Pauls effect number had been 9,
the GM might have told him the date of manufacture and delivery
point for the explosive, as well.
Intel Analysis
Characters with this skill are able to analyze intelligence
and determine the significance (if any) of details gleaned from
it (INT).
An agent could use Intel Analysis to examine a satellite
photograph of an air field to determine if any aircraft were
loaded with nuclear warheads or had been recently moved. A
soldier could examine a reconnaissance report from a scout to
determine the quality of troops at an enemy base.
The quality and quantity of the data that the character has to
work with determines the difficulty of the task.
A high-resolution satellite photo of a military base would
provide a relatively low difficulty to determine what sort of
base it was, whereas a smudged, rough sketch drawn by a child
overlooking the base from a nearby hill would provide a very
high difficulty for the skill roll.
Interrogation
The skill of obtaining information from an unwilling subject.
The interrogator may attempt to use subtlety, confusion, or mental
trickery (INT), sympathy or intimidation techniques (PRE), or
simply try to wear down the subject through repetition and
extended duration (WIL). Physically beating a confession out
of a subject is also possible (STR), though not legal in most
civilized nations.
When interrogating a subject, a contested roll is made
against the subjects WIL attribute roll. If the interrogators effect
number is greater than the subjects, then the subject has been
broken and reveals the desired information.
Plea Bargain
This represents the characters ability to use a plea bargain
in order to gain information from a captured subject, in lieu of
the normal bribe. The character could offer to free the subject in
return for information, or offer a reduced sentence to a captured
criminal, and so forth. Characters using the Gather Information
skill to Plea Bargain take a 4 penalty if the character does not
have the Interrogation advantage.
Surveillance (Spec)
The skill of watching and gathering information about
a target (INT). Characters with this skill know how to set up
an observation point, observe a subject and record information
concerning the subjects movements and actions, without being
themselves observed (it is similar to the Shadowing skill, but
does not involve moving and following the subject).
Police detectives, private investigators, covert intelligence
operatives, snipers and soldiers assigned to reconnaissance
missions or observation posts, most often possess this skill.
Can be used as complementary to Awareness skill rolls in
appropriate circumstances (GMs discretion).
Specialties: Bugging, Reconnaissance, Stakeouts, Stalking.
Medical Skill Group
Dentistry
Dentistry is the skill of cleaning and maintaining teeth.
Successful use of this skill allows the character to diagnose
symptoms (INT), treat minor and major dental problems (INT),
perform procedures such as filling cavities, root canals, and
the like (REF), and common procedures relating to dentistry,
such as teeth cleanings. Dentists cannot prescribe medications,
however.
Treat Injury (Spec)
Characters with this skill know the basics of treating
injuries, from scrapes and cuts to compound fractures (INT). The
character knows how to reduce pain, stabilize broken limbs, and
when not to move someone to avoid risk of paralysis, etc.
Note that this skill may reflect different knowledge, based
on the particular setting and technology level of the game. A
character in medieval Europe will not know CPR, for instance,
but he can still use herbal remedies to heal minor burns, leeches
to remove bad blood, and so on. GMs may wish to rename this
skill to better fit the setting (e.g., Chirurgery).
Successful use of this skill restores 1 Life point to the victim
and stabilizes him, so that no further Life points are lost due to
bleeding or other continued damage (see Stabilizing).
NBC Treatment: In modern warfare the presence of nuclear/
radiological, biological, and chemical weapons is an unfortunate
reality. Treating the effects of these weapons is often a difficult
task for medical personnel and requires specialized training.
The character may allow the victim of a NBC attack to reroll his
Attribute roll at +2 on a successful treat injury skill check (TN
18). Characters without the NBC advantage take a 4 penalty to
this use of the Treat Injury skill.
Specialties: Primitive, Modern.
Physician (Spec)
Characters with this skill are proficient in the arts of healing
the body. Successful use of this skill allows the character to
diagnose symptoms (INT), treat minor and major wounds
(INT), perform minor, out-patient surgeries (REF) and common
procedures relating to his specialty, as well as identify and
prescribe drugs and remedies available in the campaign (INT).
To perform complex and major surgeries the character
should buy the Surgery skill.
38
 Chapter Two: Characters
This skill is common among physicians, EMTs, combat
medics, and corpsmen.
Specialties: General, Neurology, Oncology, Pediatrics,
Podiatry, Psychiatry, or any other specialty approved by the
GM.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the science of drugs, especially as they
relate to medicinal use. Characters with this skill are able
to identify drugs and their medicinal effects, reactions, and
properties (INT).
Surgery (Spec)
Characters with this skill are able to perform surgical
procedures. It includes knowledge of barbery and chirurgery in
low-tech settings (INT). Successful use of this skill allows the
character to perform minor to complex surgeries.
This skill is common among surgeons and paramedics.
Specialties: Cosmetic, Emergency, Neuro/Brain, Oral, or
any other specialty approved by the GM.
Melee Weapon Skill Group
Axes (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use and care of
hand axes (includes tomahawks, hatchets, and other one-handed
axes) and battle axes (includes two-handed axes or great axes)
(REF). This skill is used when making attacks with such weapons
(REF). (See Combat for rules on making attacks, damage, and so
on).
Specialties: Battle Axes, Great Axes, Hand Axes.
Bayonets
Characters with this skill are adept at the use and care of
rifle-mounted blades (REF). This skill is used when making
attacks with such weapons. (See Combat for rules on making
attacks, damage, and so on).
Flexible Weapons (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use of chains,
ropes (including lassos), and whips (including cat-o-nine-tails)
as weapons. This skill is used when making attacks with such
weapons, with or without a weapon attached to the end (REF).
(See Combat for rules on making attacks, damage, and so on).
Specialties: Chains, Flails, Nunchaku, Ropes, Three-section
Staves, Whips.
Knives
Characters with this skill are adept at the use and care of
knives, dirks, and other small blades (REF). This skill is used
when making attacks with such weapons. (See Combat for rules
on making attacks, damage, and so on).
Maces/Clubs (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use and care of
maces and warhammers. This skill is used when making attacks
with such weapons (REF). (See Combat for rules on making
attacks, damage, and so on).
Maces/Clubs is a Universal Skill; all characters receive it at
level 2 at no cost.
Specialties: Clubs/Bats, Maces, Mauls, Tetsub,
Warhammers.
Polearms (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use and care of
Combat!
polearms, including spears, lances, halberds and glaives
(REF). This skill is used when making attacks with such
weapons. (See Combat for rules on making attacks,
damage, and so on).
Specialties: Halberds, Pikes, Lance/Great Spear.
Specialties: Glaives/Halberds, Spears, Lances,
no, Pikes, Staves.
Swords (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use and
care of swords, including cutlasses, sabers, epee, foils,
and other medium-length bladed weapons (REF). This
skill is used when making attacks with such weapons.
(See Combat for rules on making attacks, damage, and
so on).
Specialties: Foils/Epee, Long swords, Kenjutsu,
Machetes, Rapiers, Sabers, Short swords, Two-handed
Swords
Military Science Skill Group
Combat Engineering (Spec)
Characters with this skill know how to construct buildings,
make fortified defenses, dig foxholes, lay (and remove) anti-
personnel and anti-vehicle mines, breach barriers, etc., in a
military environment or operation.
Specialties include the following:
Constructing Anti Mobility Obstructions: This skill is
useful to deny an enemy use of its vehicles in a certain area or
from a certain direction in accordance with the following table:
Table 19
Name TN Time Effect
Road Break 12 hrs per 4 Ditch (see vehicle
5
(shallow) feet rules for gaps)
Road Break 18 hrs per 4 Culvert (see vehicle
12
(deep) feet rules for gaps)
Constructing Mobility Enhancement: The opposite of
anti-mobility, allows your character to get where your character
is going faster, land aircraft safely, and cross raging rivers.
Again the right equipment (such as a Bridgelayer) can reduce
construction times substantially.
Craft Fortifications (Military Science): Characters can
make fortifications to aid them in combat, from the simple (yet
effective) foxhole, to the bunkers described in the Modern Core
Rulebook. Hasty fortifications can be constructed more quickly.
For each five points by which the characters skill check exceeds
the TN, reduce the construction time by one hour. Vehicles in
the new vehicles section can reduce many of these times to
minutes.
Demolitions (Spec)
The skill of assembling explosive devices, placing them for
best effect, and also disassembling and defusing them (INT).
Characters with this skill can also identify types of explosive
compounds, triggers and other related devices on inspection.
With a successful Demolitions skill roll, characters may
increase the effectiveness of an explosive. For every 2 levels
with the skill, the character may opt not to roll 1d6 of damage,
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! instead making that die an automatic 6 for purposes
of calculating damage. Alternatively, a character may
instead convert each such die to an automatic 1,
the best place to establish a defense or execute an ambush, and
so on (INT). Successful use of this skill by the leader of a group
of combatants also affords an Initiative bonus to that side for the
reducing the overall effectiveness of the explosive, if duration of the battle (PRE). GMs may also wish to use this skill
he is able to tamper with or move the device without as an opposed test between commanders.
triggering it. Specialties: Ambushes, Close Quarter Battle (CQB),
Specialties: Bombs, C4, Mines, Primitive, Defensive Positions, Patrolling, Skirmishes.
Warheads. Nature/Outdoor Skill Group
Animal Handling (Spec)
Table 20 Characters with this skill are proficient at working with
animals, including care, feeding and grooming (INT), as well as
Name TN Time Effect training (WIL) and controlling them (PRE).
Specialties: Birds, Camels, Dogs, Horses, Reptiles, et al.
Dug In
5 24 hrs. 14 Cover
(Small Vehicle)
Table 21
Deep 5 36 hrs. 12 Cover
Dug In Name TN Time Effect
5 36 hrs. 14 Cover
(Med. Vehicle)
12/hrs Wheeled Vehicles
Improvised Road 15
Deep 5 48 hrs. 12 Cover per mile move 34 speed.
Dug In Improvised Aircraft may land
5 48 hrs. 14 Cover 15 8 hrs.
(Lg. Vehicle) Runway (as opposed to crash)

Deep 5 72 hrs. 12 Cover Aircraft may land

Short Runway 17 12 hrs.
more safely
Foxhole (shallow) 5 8 hrs. per man 14 Cover
Aircraft may land
Runway 18 24 hrs.
Foxhole (deep) 5 12 hrs. per man 12 Cover more safely
Pontoon Bridge Vehicles may cross at
15 12 hrs.
(small river) 12 speed.
Gunsmith (Type)
Pontoon Bridge Vehicles may cross at
Characters with this skill are able properly maintain and 15 18 hrs.
(med. River) 12 speed.
effect repairs to firearms. In addition, the character can make
minor modifications to the weapon, such as installing a custom Pontoon Bridge Vehicles may cross at
15 24 hrs.
(lg. River) 12 speed.
mount or modifying the capacity of an ammunition magazine.
The player must select a specialty when this skill is purchased. Sectional Bridge
18 18 hrs.
Vehicles may cross at
Knowledge of energy weapons allows the character to effect (small river) full speed.
repairs to various energy weapons, including blasters, lasers, Sectional Bridge Vehicles may cross at
18 24 hrs.
energy swords, and other high-tech or sci-fi weapons (Electronics (med. River) full speed.
may be used as complementary to this skill). Heavy weapons
Sectional Bridge Vehicles may cross at
include all of the weapons in the Heavy Weapons skill group. 18 36 hrs.
(lg. River) full speed.
Small arms include all of the weapons in the Small Arms skill
group.
Types: Energy Weapons, Heavy Weapons, Small Arms. Fish and Game (Spec)
Strategy (Spec) Characters with this skill are able to track and catch game
Characters with this skill are skilled at managing multiple and fowl, fish, and set traps. Depending on the prey, Fish and
units in large, battle-sized engagements (usually of more than 100 Game may involve cunning and wits to locate and trap ones prey
soldiers per side). They can assess a battle, locate advantageous (INT) or simple patience to wait for a bite (WIL).
routes of advance (or retreat), determine the best place to Specialties: Hunting, Fishing, Trapping.
establish a defense, and so on (INT). Successful use of this skill Navigation (Spec)
by the leader of an army gives his side an Initiative bonus of +1 Characters with this skill are able to determine their
for every two points of Effect Number. The bonus lasts for the approximate position on a map, tell the time of day or night (by the
duration of the battle (PRE). GMs may also wish to use this skill sun or stars), and plot a course between two known points (INT).
as a contested skill roll between commanders. Navigation may be used as a complementary skill to Survival,
Specialties: Land Battles, Logistics, Sea Battles, Sieges. Fish and Game, Sailing, Water Craft and other skills with GMs
Tactics (Spec) permission. For navigating in space, between and within star
Characters with this skill are skilled tacticians and are able systems, see the Astrogation skill. This skill is common among
to lead small units with 100 soldiers or fewer. The character can professional trackers, rangers, scouts, soldiers and sailors.
assess an engagement, locate advantageous positions, determine Specialties: Land, Sea.

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 Chapter Two: Characters
Riding (Spec)
Characters with this skill are able to ride domesticated beasts,
manage tack and bridle, and perform simple care and grooming
of their animals. A specialty must be selected when the skill is
purchased. This skill may be purchased more than once, each
time for a different specialty.
Specialties: Camels, Horses, or other animals allowed by the
GM.
Survival (Spec)
Characters with this skill are able to survive off the land
(INT). They know which plants are edible, how to construct
shelter, where to find fresh water, and the like. Even recreational
campers may have some measure of this skill (e.g., a score of 1
or 2, or even higher for an avid camper).
A successful check means the character is able to survive
in the wilds for a day, with food, water and shelter. A critical
success extends this time to a week. A failed check means the
characters efforts are insufficient for the day; he goes hungry
and thirsty, is exposed to the elements, or what have you. A roll
that fails by 6 points worse (i.e., an EN of -6 or lower) means
the character has suffered some mishap. The mishap could be an
accidental poisoning, an injury inflicting 1d6 damage, frostbite,
or any other situation at the GMs discretion.
Specialties: Arctic, Desert, Temperate, Tropical, Water.
Teamster (Spec)
The skill of driving teams of domestic beasts, usually to pull
a wagon. The character also knows how to manage harness and
bridle, and so on. A specialty must be selected when the skill is
purchased. This skill may be purchased more than once, each
time for a different specialty.
Specialties: Camels, Horses, or other beasts allowed by the
Combat!
GM (such as dragons, wolves, giant bugs, and so on).
Tracking
Characters with this skill are able to track both man
and beast (INT). Unlike Fish and Game, which allows
one to locate fresh game and fowl, Tracking is used to
follow prints made by man or beast, either fresh or old.
Successful use of the skill means the character is able
to identify the maker of the tracks and to follow them
for one day or to a point at which the conditions have
changed (e.g., tracks leading through a forest and to a
river). If at this point the subject has not been found,
then a new Tracking roll must be made to continue.
Performance Skills
Acting
Characters with this skill are adept at actingmore
simply, feigning emotion and portraying roles that
differ significantly from themselves (PRE). Actors also
understand the finer points of dramatic expression and
can appreciate theatrical performances from a more scholarly
viewpoint than the average spectator (INT).
Successful use of this skill means the character performs
in a manner that moves the audience, or appraises the quality
of theatrical performances by others. The effect number of
the roll determines the quality of the performance; the higher
the effect number the better the performance, and, thus, the
better the audiences reaction. This skill may also be used as a
complementary skill to Persuasion or Orate in the appropriate
circumstances (at the GMs discretion).
This skill is an important one for stage and screen actors,
undercover police officers, infiltrators, shinobi (ninja), and any
character to whom misleading others is important.
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Dancing (Spec)
This is the skill of dancing with grace and/or style
(REF). Ballroom dancing is performed at large, formal
balls, such as those thrown by royalty or the wealthy,
and (in some cultures) is one of the skills expected of
any cultured gentleman or lady. Dancing can also be part
of important ceremonies, contests and other situations
calling for stamina more than style or skill (HLT).
Successful use of this skill means the character
is able to dance competently, following the steps and
keeping time with the music. The character may be
noticed as an accomplished and graceful dancer that
evening, perhaps gaining the special attention of his
partner, another suitor, or another person of note or
repute.
Dancing may be used as a complementary skill
for all appropriate Social skill checks, at the GMs
discretion.
Specialties: Ballet, Ballroom, Break, Disco, Popular,
Tap, Tribal, or any other reasonable kind of dance that the player
and GM agree upon.
Instrument (Type)
Characters with this skill are adept at playing a musical
instrument (REF). They also understand the finer points of
musical expression (INT) and can appreciate instrumental
performances more than the average person (PRE).
The specific instrument (or family of instruments, with the
GMs permission) must be chosen when the skill is purchased.
Successful use of this skill means the character performs
in a manner that moves or entertains the audience, or appraises
the quality of instrumental performances by others. The effect
number of the roll determines the quality of the performance; the
higher the effect number the better the performance, and, thus,
the better the audiences reaction.
This skill may also be used as a complementary skill
to Persuasion in the appropriate circumstances (at the GMs
discretion).
Types: Drums, Banjos, Flutes, Guitars, Harps, Horns,
Keyboards, Violins, etc.
Juggling
Characters with this skill are adept at juggling and balancing
objects (REF), including heavy and unbalanced objects (STR).
They also understand the finer points of these physical forms of
entertainment (INT) and can appreciate such performances more
than the average person (PRE).
Successful use of this skill means the character performs in a
manner that wows the audience, or appraises the quality of such
performances by others. The effect number of the roll determines
the quality of a performance; the higher the effect number the
better the performance, and, thus, the better the audiences
reaction.
Examples of people with this skill include: Chinese acrobats,
street entertainers and James Ernest.
Mimicry
With this skill, characters can mimic voices and other
sounds (PRE). Some common applications of this skill include
impersonating another persons voice, making non-human
sounds (such as bird songs, cars or machine-gun fire), and so on.
Mimicry can be used either as a ruse or for entertainment.
Mimicry can be used as a complementary skill to Acting (for
impersonating a specific person) and to other Social skills (at
GMs discretion).
Singing
Characters with this skill are adept at singing (HLT). They
also understand the finer points of artistic expression (INT) and
can appreciate singing performances more than the average
person (PRE).
Successful use of this skill means the character performs
in a manner that moves or entertains the audience (HLT), or
appraises the value of song writing or performances by others
(INT). The effect number of the roll determines the quality of
the performance; the higher the effect number the better the
performance, and, thus, the better the audiences reaction.
This skill may also be used as a complementary skill
to Persuasion in the appropriate circumstances (at the GMs
discretion).
Slight of Hand
The skill of palming an object, or hiding an object.
Sciences Skill Group
Astronomy
The character has knowledge of the study of stars and
planetary bodies (INT), and includes knowledge of astrometrics,
black holes, and the like. The extent of the characters knowledge
will depend on the era in which the game is set (e.g., an
astronomer in 2005 would know a lot more about outer space,
as a rule, than one in 1805). The skill score reflects the depth of
knowledge possessed by the character relative to the whole body
of knowledge available in the current era.
Biology (Spec)
The character has knowledge of biology (INT). The extent
of the characters knowledge will depend on the era in which
the game is set (e.g., a biologist in 2005 would know a lot more
about biology, as a rule, than one in 1805). The skill score reflects
the depth of knowledge possessed by the character relative to the
whole body of knowledge available in the current era.
Specialties: Marine, Micro, or any other specialties approved
by the GM.
Chemistry (Spec)
The character has knowledge of chemistry (INT). The extent
of the characters knowledge will depend on the era in which the
game is set (e.g., a chemist in 2005 would know a lot more about
chemistry, as a rule, than one in 1805). The skill score reflects
the depth of knowledge possessed by the character relative to the
whole body of knowledge available in the current era.
Mathematics is usually a complimentary skill to Chemistry.
Specialties: Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, or any other
specialties approved by the GM.
Mathematics
The character has knowledge of mathematics (INT),
including calculus, geometry, statistics, trigonometry and so on.
The character is able to calculate mathematical formulae without
the aid of a calculator or computer, given enough time (and,
typically, something to notations, such as a pen and paper or
chalk and a chalkboard). The use of a calculator, abacus, or other
calculating device will provide a +3 to +9 bonus to the skill roll.
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Mathematics is usually a complimentary skill to Physics and
Chemistry.
Physics (Spec)
The character has knowledge of physics and the laws of
nature, including kinetic energy, the effects of gravity on mass,
and so on (INT). The extent of the characters knowledge will
depend on the era in which the game is set. The skill score reflects
the depth of knowledge possessed by the character relative to the
whole body of knowledge available in the current era.
Mathematics is usually a complimentary skill to Physics.
A specialty must be selected for this skill when it is bought.
This skill may be bought more than once, each time for a different
science.
Specialties: Astrophysics, General, Nuclear, Quantum, or
any other specialty approved by the GM.
Simple Missile Weapon Skill Group
Boomerangs
Characters with this skill are adept at the use and care of
boomerangs (REF). This skill is used when making attacks with
such weapons (see Combat for rules on making attacks, damage,
and so on). Some boomerangs are designed to return to the
thrower if they miss their intended target (takes 1d3 turns). Some
boomerangs are heavy weapons with one arm longer than
the other, that are designed to deliver a deadly blow. The latter,
heavy variety do not return in the same manner as their smaller,
symmetrical cousins.
Bows (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of bows. This skill is used when making
attacks with such weapons (see Combat for rules on making
attacks, damage, and so on), or to string a bow in a hurry (STR).
Specialties: Longbows, Short bows, Composite bows.
Crossbows (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of crossbows. This skill is used when making
attacks with such weapons (see Combat for rules on making
attacks, damage, and so on), or to cock a crossbow in a hurry
(STR).
Specialties: Hand crossbows, Heavy Crossbows, Light
Crossbows, Spearguns.
Sling Weapons (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of sling weapons. This skill is used when
making attacks with such weapons (see Combat for rules on
making attacks, damage, and so on), or to hurl missiles great
distances (STR).
Specialties: Bolas, Simple Slings.
Slingshots
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and care
(INT) of slingshots. This skill is used when making attacks with
such weapons (see Combat for rules on making attacks, damage,
and so on), or to fire small missiles great distances (STR).
Small Arms Skill Group
Black Powder Weapons (Spec)
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of primitive or low-tech firearms. This skill
Combat!
is used when making attacks with such weapons. (See
Combat for rules on making attacks, damage, and so
on).
In addition to firing a weapon, this skill can be used
to reduce the time needed to reload one. The normal
time required to reload a black powder weapon is 10
turns (about 1 minute). With a successful Challenging
REF attribute roll (TN 18), the time required is reduced
to 10 - EN turns (minimum time required is 1 turn).
Specialties: Blunderbuss, Pistols, Long Rifles.
Pistols
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF)
and maintenance (INT) of modern handguns, regardless
of the type of action of the weapon (i.e., revolver, semi-
automatic). This skill is used when making attacks with
such weapons. (See Combat for rules on making attacks,
damage, and so on).
In addition to firing a weapon, this skill can be used
to reduce the time needed to reload one or to clear a jam. The
normal rate for reloading a revolver cylinder with loose rounds
is 2 rounds per turn. Reloading a semi-automatic pistol (i.e.,
exchanging an empty magazine for a full one) or reloading a
revolver using a speed-loader takes 1 turn. The standard rate
for reloading an empty magazine is 1 round per turn. With a
successful Challenging REF attribute roll (TN 18), the character
can load a number of rounds into a magazine or cylinder per turn
equal to his REF, or reload a semi-automatic weapon with a fresh
magazine (or a revolver with a speed-loader) and fire the weapon
in the same turn.
Rifles
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of modern rifles, regardless of the type
of action of the weapon (i.e., lever-action, semi-automatic,
bolt action). This skill is used when making attacks with such
weapons. (See Combat for rules on making attacks, damage, and
so on).
In addition to firing a weapon, this skill can be used to reduce
the time needed to reload one or to clear a jam. The normal
rate for reloading a bolt action or lever action rifle is 1 round
per turn. Reloading a semi-automatic rifle (i.e., exchanging an
empty magazine for a full one) takes 1 turn. The standard rate
for reloading an empty magazine is 1 round per turn. With a
successful Challenging REF attribute roll (TN 18), the character
can load a number of rounds into a magazine or weapon per turn
equal to his REF, or reload a semi-automatic weapon with a fresh
magazine and fire the weapon in the same turn.
Shotguns
Characters with this skill are adept at the use (REF) and
maintenance (INT) of modern smoothbore shotguns, regardless
of the type of action of the weapon (i.e., breech-loaded, pump-
action, semi-automatic). This skill is used when making attacks
with such weapons. (See Combat for rules on making attacks,
damage, and so on).
In addition to firing a weapon, this skill can be used to reduce
the time needed to reload one or to clear a jam. The normal rate
for reloading a shotgun is 1 round per turn. With a successful
Challenging REF attribute roll (TN 18), the character can load 2
rounds into a magazine per turn.
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Sub-machineguns
Characters with this skill are adept at the use
(REF) and maintenance (INT) of modern submachine-
guns. This skill is used when making attacks with such
weapons. (See Combat for rules on making attacks,
damage, and so on).
In addition to firing a weapon, this skill can be used
to reduce the time needed to reload one or to clear a
jam. The normal rate for reloading a submachine-gun
(i.e., exchanging an empty magazine for a full one) is 1
turn. The standard rate for reloading an empty magazine
is 1 round per turn. With a successful Challenging REF
attribute roll (TN 18), the character can load a number
of rounds into a magazine or cylinder per turn equal to
his REF, or reload a weapon with a fresh magazine and
fire the weapon in the same turn.
Social Skill Group
Social skills are those relating primarily to social
interaction with and the influencing of others. The Mind group
generally governs Social Skills, though some can be assisted by
physical appearance or ability. The Social skill group includes
the following skills.
Bluff
The character has a natural ability to deceive while keeping
a straight face. When a character attempts to deceive a target,
the character should make a contest skill roll using Bluff against
the Sense Motive/Deception of the target. This skill represents
the verbal and non-verbal way someone deceives. The GM
should offer a modifier to the skill roll for things like the general
believability of what is being said, and what would happen to the
target if the target does believe the character (we are far more
likely to believe something that we are better off believing than
if we will be severely punished for believing it).
Conversation
The skill of obtaining information from someone through
conversation, without raising suspicion or, perhaps, without
the subject even knowing he has been manipulated (INT).
Conversation can also be used to make small talk, to gain
someones trust or build a rapport with him (PRE). The difficulty
of the skill roll depends on the reluctance or inability of the
individual to provide the information and the circumstances
under which the conversation takes place.
Intrigue
This skill is the art of uncovering (or covering up) secrets.
A secret could be a love affair, a disreputable past, or a plot to
overthrow the king. Intrigue can be used to oppose Deduction
(but not Intuition) when trying to effect a cover up or otherwise
conceal important or sensitive information from others, especially
in a social setting (such as at the Royal Court, a meeting of
Parliament or a formal ball or dinner thrown at an embassy).
This skill may also be used as complementary to Conversation,
Persuasion or other social skills (GMs discretion).
Philosophy
This is the skill of philosophical theories, discussion and
debate, covering such topics as What is the meaning of life?
Is there a God? What is mankinds greatest error? and the
like (INT). Philosophy also includes knowledge of theology and
thus can be complementary to the Religion skill.
Sense Deception/Motive
This represents the characters ability to detect the true
intentions of the other character, and to determine when the other
character is attempting to deceive her. When someone attempts
to deceive this character, that character should make a Bluff skill
roll. The resulting number becomes the TN for this characters
Sense Deception/Motive roll to determine if this character is
able to detect the deception or true intentions. This roll can be
modified for circumstances (for such things as how familiar this
character is with the other, use of alcohol or drugs, etc) at GM
discretion.
Society (Type)
Characters with this skill are familiar with a particular sub-
culture, whether through direct interaction or some vicarious
experience. This knowledge extends to important or well-known
personalities, tastes in music and fashion, language (slang
and/or dialects), as well as popular social spots and important
businesses, and the like. For example, characters with Society
(Courtier) know the finer points of court etiquette and the proper
behavior for ladies and gentlemen. This is a critical skill among
courtiers, diplomats and nobility.
A specific sub-culture must be chosen when this skill is
purchased. This skill may be bought more than once, each time
for a different sub-culture.
A success means the character acts appropriately (+3
all social skill checks for the rest of the event) or gains one
important piece of information from interaction with one or more
members of the group. An effect number of 6 or higher means
the character is noticed and gains the special attention of one or
more important figures in the group (+3 to all social skill checks
for the rest of the event, or the GM may role-play some special
result at his discretion).
A failed roll means the character has failed to gain any useful
information or has made some simple, but forgivable, mistake (-
3 to all social skill checks for the rest of the event). A roll that
fails by 6 or more (i.e., a skill roll total that is less than TN-6)
means the character has made some major gaffe, insulting the
host or other dignitary at the function. The GM should determine
an appropriate consequence of the characters faux pas. The
character may have gained an enemy, been challenged to a duel,
been captured by a press gang, or been mugged in an alley. In
cases of a very low roll resulting in failure (e.g., 9 less than the
TN), the GM can simply assign an amount of injury for the mishap
(e.g., 1d6 B/S damage) or run the event as an encounter; perhaps
with the intervention of the other PCs. The latter approach could
easily lead to an adventure unto itself.
The GM is encouraged to modify the Target Number of the
roll based on circumstances.
Society may be used as a complementary skill to most,
if not all, social skills, including Persuasion, Politics, and
Conversation.
Types: Corporate, Courtier, High Society, Military,
Streetwise.
Style
This skill covers knowledge of the latest styles and fashions,
fashion design, and presentation. Characters with this skill can
keep up with the latest fashion trends, identify the origin (region
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 Chapter Two: Characters
or designer) of fashion styles, design new fashions and coordinate
fashion shows.
Style can be used as complementary to certain social skill
rolls (GMs discretion).
Symbols (Type)
This skill represents the study and recognition of symbols.
Characters with this skill are familiar with the various family,
governmental and corporate crests, banners and devices (INT). A
character making a successful Symbols skill roll will recognize
the owner (individual, family, organization or nation) to which a
symbol or other device belongs. The GM may subject the roll to
a +3 to -3 modifier, depending on how well-known or obscure the
symbol is in the local area.
Sir Thomas sees a regal crest on a tapestry in the market. Sir
Thomas player wishes to identify the owner of the crest and tells
the GM so. The GM has the player make a Symbols (Heraldry)
check for Sir Thomas, with a +3 to the skill roll because the GM
knows the crest is that of a lord who lives some distance away.
Types: Occult Symbols, Corporate Logos, Heraldry, Naval
Flags, Runes.
Social Sciences Skill Group
Anthropology (Spec)
Characters with this skill are familiar with the customs,
traditions, and myth about a culture, nation, or region (INT).
Skill checks are not needed for common knowledge, such
as local holidays, the names of important local people, and so
on.
A successful Anthropology roll provides the character with
more obscure facts, such as the names of important persons or
deities, methods of food preparation, and other details about the
subject.
Note that this skill does not convey information about the
local underworld or seedier side of the area. For that information
the character will need the Society (Streetwise) skill.
Specialties: Specific culture or civilization.
Combat!
Archaeology (Spec)
Characters with this skill are trained in the systematic
study of past (even prehistoric) human life and culture
by the recovery and examination of remaining material
evidence, such as graves, buildings, tools, and pottery.
Characters also have knowledge of the science or study
of antiquities (especially prehistoric antiquities), such
as the remains of buildings or monuments of an early
epoch, inscriptions, implements, and other relics, written
manuscripts, and so on.
Specialties: Artifacts, Early Civilizations,
Excavation, Paleobotany, Paleontology, Prehistoric
Civilizations.
Criminology
The skill of crime-scene investigation. Characters
with this skill can identify a crime scene (INT), as well
as identify, preserve (INT), and collect (REF) evidence.
Some common procedures include collecting samples
of latent fingerprints, taking photographs, taking measurements,
and preparing evidentiary diagrams. Characters also understand
the basics of criminal behavior and modus operandi of suspects
(INT).
This skill can be used as complementary to Awareness (for
knowing what to look for as well as likely places to look for
them) and Deduction (figuring out who did it and why).
Politics
Politics is the study of the processes, principles, and
structure of government and of political institutions. Characters
with this skill are familiar with government and the governing
of a political entity, such as a nation or municipality, as well as
the administration and control of its internal and external affairs
(INT). Characters with this skill understand the procedures and
rules of government, how to conduct a government meeting,
draft bills and pass them into law, and how to engage in political
debate (PRE). Characters also know how to garner and maintain
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 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! public support, how to manipulate public opinion (PRE)
and how to present information in the best possible
light or to misrepresent information to avoid a scandal
(INT).
Politics is an important skill for members of
government (politicians), lobbyists, and some special
operations forces (such as counter-insurgents) and CIA
operatives.
Orate can be used as complementary to this skill.
Psychology (Spec)
The character has knowledge of human behavior
and the conscious and subconscious mind, including
effects of abuse, the effects of mood disorders, and so
on (INT). The extent of the characters knowledge will
depend on the era in which the game is set. The skill
score reflects the depth of knowledge possessed by the
character relative to the whole of knowledge available
in the current era.
A specialty must be selected for this skill when it is
bought. This skill may be bought more than once, each time for
a different science.
Specialties: Alien (species), Animal, Behavioral, Criminal,
Counseling, Profiling, or any other specialty approved by the
GM.
Technical Skills
Air Traffic Control
The character knows how to aid an aircraft in landing safely,
especially handy during adverse or crowded conditions.
A successful Air Traffic Control (ATC) roll grants a pilot a
bonus to any piloting roll needed to safely land an aircraft (see the
Pilot skill for more information). For every two points by which
the character makes his ATC roll, the pilot gains a +1 bonus to a
piloting roll to land under adverse conditions.
Special: If a character cannot communicate directly with a
landing aircraft (via radio), the character must make a Signaling
roll (TN 15) to successfully use this skill.
Try Again?: If the landing crafts pilot successfully aborts a
landing (see the Pilot skill for more information), then both the
pilot and the ATC rolls may be rolled again.
Communication Operations
This skill represents familiarity with communications
systems, from backpack sized satellite radios to the satellites
themselves.
Roll: Unless there is severe weather, the characters
transmitter is damaged, or an enemy is actively jamming his
signal, there is usually no need to make a roll. If the characters
transmitter is damaged, then the TN of her skill check is 10
+ the amount of damage the system has suffered. If there is
a storm, the TN could be anywhere from 15 for an extremely
heavy thunderstorm to 30 for hurricane conditions. If the PC is
attempting to overcome enemy Electronic Warfare, then the TN
is usually a skill vs. skill contest.
Table 22
Sample Actions TN
Carrier Deck 18
Improvised Runway 18
Short Runway 15
Normal Runway 12
Mildly Adverse Weather (Thunderstorm) +5
Adverse Weather (High Winds, Fog,
+12
Extreme Cold)
Seriously Adverse Weather (Hurricane,
+15
Blizzard)
Mildly Crowded Airspace (Medium
+5
Airport)
Crowded Airspace (Large Airport, Medium
+12
Airport at Peak)
If the character rolls the TN needed exactly, then a partial,
garbled message gets through.
Signaling: This skill also covers non-electronic methods of
communication, such as Semaphore, and can allow a character
to perform the Air Traffic Control skill without a radio by using
lights, flares, flags, and other improvised methods.
Jamming: Most of the time, this skill is not rolled against a
static TN, but rather rolled as a skill vs. skill contest against the
Communications Operations of the characters opponent. The
character engaging in active jamming rolls her skill roll first,
which sets the TN for her opponents Communications skill to
successfully get a signal through. This use of the Communications
Operation skill takes a 4 penalty unless the character also has
the Electronic Warfare Advantage.
Signal Interception: As with Jamming, this is a skill vs.
skill contest against an opponents Communications Operations
skill. Success allows the character to intercept an enemy
transmission. Understanding that transmission is usually a
function of the characters language skills and/or Decipher Script
(for transmissions in code). This use of the Communications
Operation skill takes a 4 penalty unless the character also has
the Electronic Warfare Advantage.
Signal Triangulation: Once a signal has been intercepted,
a character with this skill may make another skill check (TN 5
higher than the check required to intercept a signal) to determine
where that signal was broadcast. This use of the Communications
Operation skill takes a 4 penalty unless the character also has
the Electronic Warfare advantage.
Cryptography: When a document is prepared using
Cryptography, the person encoding that document makes a skill
check, which becomes the TN for any future skill roll to decode
the document. This skill also includes burst transmissions, and
other forms of electronic coding. This use of the Communications
Operation skill takes a 4 penalty unless the character also has
the Cryptography advantage.
Retry: The character may retry the skill whenever conditions
improve. If the storm lessens, or if her transmitter is repaired
(even partially), the character may try again. If the character is
46
 Chapter Two: Characters
trying to pierce enemy Jamming, she may try every round. In the
case of documents coded with Cryptography, the character may
try again, but disposing of the original becomes a serious security
issue in such a case.
Computers (Spec)
The knowledge and use of computer language code to create
or alter software programs. Characters with this skill can create
programs, hack computer networks, and so on (INT).
Specialties: Hacking, Programming, Use*.
Electrician
Electrician is the skill of building, installing, maintaining,
and repairing electrical devices and systems, such as those in
computers, vehicles, environmental systems, buildings, and
the like. Characters with this skill are able to effect repairs on,
maintain and even rebuild items within their specialty (INT).
The types of devices or equipment that a specialty will apply to
depend on the technology level available in the campaign.
Electronics (Spec)
Electronics is the skill of building, repairing and, maintaining
electronic devices and equipment. Characters with this skill
understand the principles of electronics and are able to diagnose
problems occurring in electronic devices and fix them.
Specialties: Appliances, Communications Systems, Security
Systems, Weapons.
Engineering (Type)
Engineering is the skill of designing, building, maintaining,
and repairing systems. Characters with this skill are able to effect
repairs on, maintain, and even rebuild items within their specialty
(INT). The kinds of devices or equipment that a specialty applies
to depends on the technology level available in the campaign.
This skill must be purchased separately for each type of
engineering the player wishes his character to possess. Note that
this is not the same skill as Combat Engineering.
Specialties: Architectural, Propulsion, Structural,
Transportation.
Mechanics (Spec)
Mechanics is the skill of repairing and maintaining
mechanical devices (INT), as well as diagnosing problems. When
the skill is bought the player must select a specialty. Characters
with this skill can repair axles, motors, brakes, and so on. (INT).
Specialties: Specific part or system (e.g., brakes, transmission,
jet engines).
Operate Electronics (Spec)
Characters with this skill can operate electronic
communication and sensor equipment, including both military
and civilian versions, and those aboard vessels, portable and
stationary devices, and so on. Characters can also maintain and
make minor, emergency repairs to such devices, though any
complex repairs will require the Electronics skill.
A successful skill roll also allows the user to detect objects
using sensor equipment, such as sonar and radar. Operate
Electronics can also be used to try to jam sensors as with jamming
communications.
Specialties: Communications Operations, Sonar Operation,
Radar Operation
Attempts to jam communication equipment requires a
contested skill roll, with both sides using the Operate Electronics
Combat!
skill. If one side has more advanced or powerful
technology, the GM may allow a bonus of +1 to +5
to that sides skill roll. The side with the higher Effect
Number wins the contest.
Specialties: Communication, Sensors.
Transportation Skills
Driving (Spec)
Characters with this skill have practical experience
operating ground vehicles, including performing
maneuvers in difficult conditions, avoiding obstacles,
performing routing maintenance and operating all
common equipment normally associated with them
(such as climate control, radio, checking gauges, and
filling the gas tank).
Specialties: Cars, Motorcycles, Tracked Vehicles,
Tractors/Semis.
Piloting (Spec)
Characters with this skill have practical experience
piloting aircraft, including performing maneuvers in difficult
conditions, dog fighting, aerial acrobatics, performing routing
maintenance and pre-flight checks, and operating all common
equipment normally associated with them (such as climate
control, radio, radar, and so on).
Under most normal circumstances, there is no need to make
a skill check to land an aircraft. However, pilots conducting
special operations rarely land at well-lit airports during the day.
Table 22 a
Landing in Adverse Conditions TN
Carrier Deck 18
Improvised Runway 18
Short Runway 15
Normal Runway 12
Mildly Adverse Weather (Thunderstorm) +5
Adverse Weather (High Winds, Fog, Extreme Cold) +12
Seriously Adverse Weather (Hurricane, Blizzard) +15
Mildly Crowded Airspace (Medium Airport) +5
Crowded Airspace (Large Airport, Medium Airport
+12
at Peak)
Specialties: Helicopters, Jets, Planes.
Sailing (Spec)
Characters with this skill have practical experience piloting
sailing vessels, including performing maneuvers in difficult
conditions, performing inspections for fitness and sea-worthiness,
and operating all common equipment normally associated with
them (such as securing sails and rigging, radio [if appropriate],
signaling with flags, and so on). Any characters with this skill
can perform as a crewman on a sailing ship. Seamanship is also
important for ships captains and masters, who must issue orders
to the crew.
Specialties: Sailboats, Tall Ships.
Watercraft (Spec)
Characters with this skill have practical experience piloting
powered, sea-going vessels, including performing maneuvers in
difficult conditions, maneuvering and formations, performing
47
 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! inspections for fitness and sea-worthiness, and operating
all common equipment normally associated with them
(such as climate control, radio, radar or sonar, signaling
with flags, and so on). Characters with this skill also
know the basic workings of powered sea-going vessels
and can perform as a crewman on one.
Specialties: Hovercraft, Large Vessels, Motorboats,
Submarines.
Action Points
Action Points (abbreviated as AP) allow player
characters (and important NPCs) to receive bonuses
when performing dramatic or heroic actions (see Using
Skills). By using Action Points, players can have their
characters pull off amazing stunts and heroic feats,
such as jumping off of a cliff, avoiding an explosion, or
even dodging a gunshot or arrow! Rather than relying
on a random chance as dictated by the dice, players can
create their characters successes when they need them
most!
A character begins each game session with one free Action
Point. A character can gain more Action Points by attempting
dramatic and heroic actions. Players can be awarded additional
Action Points by the GM at any time during a game. Generally,
Action Points are awarded for attempting dramatic and heroic
actions. GMs can also award additional Action Points for role-
playing and anything else they deem appropriate. Action Points
are not the only award that players will receive (there are
improvements in Rank if the character is in the military, medals/
ribbons, experience to invest in the character, etc).
A character can save Action Points from one game session to
the next, but never more than 10. GMs should not be stingy with
Action Points, and players should use them as often as possible,
especially in cinematic style games.
When To Use Action Points
Dramatic or Heroic Actions
Action Points may be used for any dramatic or heroic action
with GMs permission.
A dramatic action is any action or moment in the game that
is especially exciting, tense, suspenseful, or is very important to
the story. Think of it in terms of an action movie; if something
happens that scares you, has you on the edge of your seat, makes
you want to jump up and yell, Yes! or clap really loud, it was
probably a dramatic moment in the movie.
Examples of dramatic moments include jumping from a
high-rise office window to a helicopter hovering outside, an
escaped prisoner of war narrowly avoiding enemy soldiers who
are searching for him, a showdown or duel between two long-
time rivals or arch enemies, and disarming an explosive with
seconds to spare.
After the Dice Are Rolled
Action Points may be used after the dice have been rolled
but must be used before the GM describes the outcome of the
events for that turn. A player may not use more Action Points in
a single game session than the character has, and no more than
three Action Points can be used with any single action or skill
roll.
What Action Points Do
Action Points may be used in one of several ways to enhance
a characters performance in a game.
A player may use up to three available Action Points in any
single turn. These may be split up and used on different actions,
events or dice rolls, as long as they all take place in the same
turn.
Boost a Skill Roll
Each Action Point used to boost a skill roll adds a bonus of
+5 to the roll.
Should the GM deem it appropriate, using Action Points to
fulfill a heroic or important plot or goal may be reason enough to
award an additional Action Point!
Boost a Control Roll
Action Points may also be used to add to the Control Roll
of a Disadvantage (see Control Rolls). Each Action Point used
to boost a Control Roll adds a bonus of +5 and is calculated the
same as the skill roll boost.
Tims character has the psychological disadvantage
Phobia (Claustrophobia) at the Hardship level. During a game,
Tims character enters an elevator. Because psychological
disadvantages kick in automatically, the GM tells Tim that his
character begins to experience extreme anxiety and that Tim must
make a Control Roll to avoid mild panic and the accompanying
+6 TN to all his skill rolls. The Control Roll is 10 for a Hardship,
so Tim rolls 3d6 and gets an 8. Failure! But Tim tells the GM
that he really needs to make this roll and spends an Action Point
to boost the roll. Tim adds 5 to his roll, making it a 13, turning
the failed roll into a successful one. Tims character gains his
composure and is able to control his phobia for the elevator
ride.
Boost an Attribute
Each Action Point spent will temporarily increase a primary
attribute by 1, or a derived attribute by 5.
Attributes increased in this way do not also increase derived
attributes, although this may be used to increase the attribute for
use with a skill roll.
This increase lasts for the duration of one event within the
game, not merely one skill roll.
Reduce Damage
Each Action Point spent reduces the damage from a single
attack or event by 5 points. If the damage is effectively reduced
to less than 0, treat it as 0 points of damage. This can simulate
a stroke of luck in which an attack completely misses the
character, a glancing blow, a miracle, or any other explanation
agreed upon by the player and the GM.
During the fight with the Nazi soldier, Lou gets hit with a
haymaker punch for 17 points of damage! Lous TGH is only 3,
so he will suffer 14 points of damage from the punch. Because
this exceeds half his LIF, Lou will be knocked unconscious! Ryan
decides to spend his last remaining Action Point to reduce the
damage of the attack. By spending an Action Point, the damage
is reduced from 14 to 9 points. Lou reels from the blow but he is
still up and fighting!
Increase Damage
Action Points may be spent to increase the damage inflicted
by one of the characters own attacks. It may not be used to
48
 Chapter Two: Characters
increase the damage caused by another players character.
Each Action Point spent in this manner increases the damage
done by a single attack or event by 5 points. Damage may be
increased up to 2x the maximum damage normally possible. This
can simulate a stroke of luck in which a the opponent moves
into a punch, a lucky blow, a miracle, or any other explanation
agreed upon by the player and the GM.
Lou needs to finish the Nazi off, and Ryan tries for one
mighty punch to the Nazis head in an attempt to knock him out.
Ryan makes his attack rollsuccess! Normally Lou would do
2d6 damage with a punch, but Ryan spends an Action Point to
boost the damage.. Wham! The Nazi is hit, and Ryan rolls his
damage (2d6) and gets 6. Then he adds 5 points for the Action
Point for a total of 11, knocking the Nazi out.
Gaining Action Points
Characters can gain Action Points during the game. When
a character fulfills one of the following criteria, the GM should
award an Action Point to the character.
When to Award an Action Point
Dramatic or Heroic Actions
The GM should award one Action Point for any particularly
dramatic and heroic action attempted by the characters during the
game, at the GMs discretion, this can be awarded whether it is
successful or not (see Dramatic or Heroic Actions).
Meet a Goal
If a character manages to fulfill the in-game goal for his
character, he should receive an Action Point. The fulfillment
of the goal must be in a way that logically fits into the current
adventure or story.
Lou Smith narrowly defeats the Nazi guard in a tough fist
fight and climbs aboard the Flying Wing to escape with the
artifact he came for. The GM decides that defeating the guard
so that Lou could use the plane to escape with the artifact is a
worthy goal and awards an Action Point to Ryan. Ryan notes the
new Action Point on his character sheet.
Memorable Game Moments
GMs can award Action Points to players for especially
good role-playing. Any time a player performs a particularly
memorable moment within the game, portraying his or her
character, or does something to improve or propel the story or
that entertains the rest of the group in a significant way (GMs
discretion), that player deserves an Action Point.
The young Samurai Tateno towered over Hideo, his older,
more experienced foe. The older man looked up from his broken
sword with wet eyes. You have shamed me with your skills.
No, replied Tateno, you have shamed yourself with your lack
of them. Turning his back, Tateno walks quietly away, refusing
to give Hideo even the death of a Warrior.
Give the GM a Plot Hook
If a player manages to role-play some aspect of his or her
character in a way that allows the GM to work it into the main
plot of the adventureespecially if it allows the GM to make a
complication for the PCs out of itthe player should receive
an Action Point. Many Disadvantages provide great plot hooks
for the GM, such as Dependent, Enemy and Secret.
Other Circumstances
GMs can create additional circumstances under which a
Combat!
character gains an Action Point, and some published
products will include additional guidelines for awarding
Action Points, based on the setting or genre. For
example, in a pulp adventure game, characters might
gain an Action Point for incorporating their characters
tag line into normal dialogue during the course of the
adventure, for role-playing a scene exceptionally well
and in-character, or any situation in the game that the
GM feels is deserving of an Action Point award to one
or more of the players.
How Many AP to Award
The GM should carefully consider how many
Action Points to give out to any single character in a
game session, however. Because characters cannot save
more than three Action Points from one game session to
the next, players will likely spend them freely. If a GM
awards 10 Action Points to a character in a single game
session, thats effectively the same as giving the player
five automatic successes to use during the adventure.
This is perfectly acceptable, if this is what the GM wants, but it
also diminishes the usefulness of points spent on each characters
attributes and skills, and some players may feel cheated.
As a guideline, GMs should award an average of one Action
Point to each character in Realistic level games and 2 Action
Points to each character in Cinematic level games.
A player can save Action Points from one game to the next,
but never more than 10. If a character has more than 10 AP but
doesnt use them during the game, the extra points are lost.
Starting Rank
A very important aspect of a character in a military game
is that of Rank. Promotion is covered in the next chapter on
Character Advancement. The cost for each starting rank is the
same for all the services, and is as follows:
Table 22
Starting Rank CP Cost
E-1 1
E-2 3
E-3 6
E-4 10
E-5 15
E-6 21
E-7 28
E-8 36
E-9 45
For officer ranks, the character requires GM permission.
The character must have the Officer Candidate School (SEE
the Advance Training section in the Character Advancement
chapter), and pay the CP cost for the desired rank in accordance
to the following table:
49
 Chapter Two: Characters
Combat! Table 23
If the character succeeds on the Wealth roll, the character
gains the object. If the character fails, he or she cant afford the
object at the time.
Starting Rank CP Cost
If the characters current Wealth score is equal to or greater
O-1 1 than the TN, the character automatically succeeds.
O-2 3 If the character successfully purchases an object or service
O-3 6 with a purchase TN thats higher than his or her current Wealth
O-4 10 score, the characters Wealth score decreases.
O-5 15 Shopping and Time
O-6 21 Buying less common objects generally takes a number of
O-7 28 hours equal to the purchase TN of the object or service, reflecting
O-8 36 the time needed to locate the wanted materials and close the deal.
O-9 45 Getting a license or buying an object with a restriction rating
increases the time needed to make purchases.
Try Again?
Wealth
A character can try again if he or she fails a Wealth roll, but
Every character has a Wealth score that acts as the not until the character has spent an additional number of hours
basis to Wealth rolls/checks, which is used to purchase shopping equal to the purchase TN of the object or service.
goods and services in the game. This score reflects his
or her buying powera composite of income, credit rating, and Aid Another
savings. One other character can make an aid another attempt to
help a character purchase an object or service. If the attempt is
Wealth Score
successful, that character provides the purchaser with a +2 bonus
A characters starting Wealth score is equal to 2 + their on his or her Wealth roll. The character that provides the aid
Pay Grade Modifier (see Rank in the Character Advancement reduces his or her Wealth score by +1.
chapter). Players can increase the starting rank of their character
for 2 Character Points per point of Wealth. Losing Wealth
Over the course of play, the heros Wealth score will Any time a character purchases an object or service with a
decrease as the hero purchases expensive items and increase as purchase TN higher than his or her current Wealth score, or one
the character gains rank (or spends Experience Points). with a purchase TN of 15 or higher, the characters Wealth score
A characters Wealth score can never fall below +0, and goes down. How much the Wealth score is reduced depends on
there is no limit to how high the Wealth score can climb. how expensive the object is.
Since Wealth is an abstract concept, its sometimes difficult Along with this loss, any time a character buys an object or
to determine how financially well off a character is. To get a service with a purchase TN of 15 or higher, the character reduces
general sense of how financially solvent a character is at any his or her current Wealth score by an additional 1 point.
given time, check the table below. A characters Wealth score only goes down if he or she
successfully buys an object or service. If the character attempts
Table 24 to buy something and the roll fails, his or her Wealth score is
unaffected.
Wealth score Financial Condition
Wealth score of +0
+0 Impoverished or in debt
A characters Wealth score can never decrease to less than
+1 to +4 Struggling
+0. If a characters Wealth score is +0, the character doesnt have
+5 to +10 Middle class the buying power to purchase any object or service that has a
+11 to +15 Affluent purchase TN of 10 or higher. Also, it always takes a number of
+16 to +20 Wealthy hours equal to the purchase TN of the object or service.
+21 to +30 Rich
+31 or higher Very rich
Table 25

Purchasing Goods and Services Object or Service Purchase TN Wealth score Decrease
Wealth rolls are used to determine what characters can afford 15 or higher +1 point1
to purchase. Every character has a Wealth score that reflects his
110 points higher than current
or her buying power. Every object and service has a purchase TN. 1 point
Wealth score
To purchase an object, make a Wealth roll against the purchase
TN. 1115 points higher than current
1d6 points
Wealth score
The Wealth Roll
A Wealth roll is a 3d6 roll plus a characters current Wealth 16 or more points higher than
2d6 points
current Wealth score.
score. The Wealth score is fluid. It increases as a character gains
Wealth and decreases as the character makes purchases.

50
 Chapter Three: Character Advancement

Combat!
Misc. Bonus
Chapter Three: Character Enlisted Ranks
Advancement Enlisted Ranks require the character to have either
the Active Duty or Reserve Duty Allegiances
Rank
Promotion TN: This is the TN required to achieve
As characters progress in the military campaign, Rank
Promotion to the listed rank.
offers them another avenue for character advancement and
Requisition TN: This is the bonus to any checks the
development in addition to gaining of skills and Advantages. In
character makes to requisition equipment, manpower,
general, a character will have the opportunity to gain rank as they
or information (see Requisitioning below).
earn Experience Points (see Promotion below), with higher rank
Pay Grade: This is the Wealth Award a character
bringing more authority, and the ability to requisition more gear
receives, in pensions, job placement assistance, and
from the characters branch of service.
college aid when he or she leaves the service (gives
Rank and the Game up the Active Duty Allegiance). Characters who have
The Game Master in any game involving military personnel only had the Reserve Duty Allegiance receive half this
must handle rank with utmost care. Two factors must be balanced amount. A character may only receive this award once.
at all times when dealing with rank: the realism of the game and Plus Ranks: Within some grades there is more
the fun of the game. than one rank, designated in game terms as a plus rank.
Realistically, rank is not as linear as most outside the military These ranks must be achieved before the character can
tend to believe. It is technically true that a First Lieutenant ten achieve the next higher rank. So a character who was a Master
minutes out of OCS outranks a Command Sergeant Major with Sergeant in the Army, would have to achieve the rank of First
thirty years combat experience. In reality, when the bullets Sergeant (E-8+) before being allowed to roll for promotion to
start flying, whom would your character listen to? In the chain E-9 (Sergeant Major). The character would likewise have to
of command, most units have a very experienced NCO (Staff achieve the rank of Sergeant Major before being allowed to roll
Sergeant or above, depending on the size of the command) who for Promotion to E-9+ (Command Sergeant Major). One person
is second in command. may only hold the Rank of E-10 at a time. This character, the
Fun must take precedence, even over reality, in any activity highest-ranking Non-Commissioned Officer for his entire branch
for enjoyment, like a role-playing game. No one shows up at his of service, is the representative of the enlisted personnel for his
or her weekly game to be ordered around by someone else. We entire branch of service.
all get enough of that in our real lives, obeying traffic laws, filling
out our taxes, toeing the line for our bosses, etc. Fortunately,
special ops groups work almost identically to adventuring parties,
with each character taking a role in leadership when the situation
better fits his expertise.
Promotion
The basic mechanic for gaining Rank in Combat! is the
Promotion check. Promotion checks are made whenever a
character gains 25 + 5 times the next Pay Grade in EP since
the last Promotion, or whenever some other quality entitles the
character to a Promotion check (such as the Fast Track Advantage,
or a GM award for some exceptional circumstance in game, such
as possibly earning a Medal as the result of a mission). Often
a character will be entitled to make more than one Promotion
check per (25 + 5 x Next Pay Grade) EP earned (for instance a
character would make a Promotion roll for gaining the required
EP since the last promotion, then if spending EP got the character
the Fast Track Advantage the character would get to roll his free
promotion check as well). However, regardless of how many
Promotion checks a character is entitled to make, a character may
not advance more than one Rank per (25 + 5 x Next Pay Grade)
EP under normal circumstances.
Whenever a character is entitled to a Promotion check,
roll 3d6 plus the characters Presence attribute score plus any
miscellaneous bonuses. The TN the character needs to roll
depends on the rank the character is trying to achieve. If the
roll succeeds, the character is advanced to the next rank. If the
roll fails, then the character must earn half of the EP normally
required to try again.
Promotion Check = 3d6 + Presence Attribute Score +

51
 Chapter Three: Character Advancement
Combat!
Table 26

Army Ranks
Rank Name Promotion TN Requisition Modifier Pay Grade
E-1 Private --- +0 +1
E-2 Private 15 +1 +2
E-3 Private First Class 16 +2 +3
E-4 Specialist 16 +4 +4
E-4+ Corporal 17 +5 +4
E-5 Sergeant 18 +6 +5
E-6 Staff Sergeant 18 +8 +6
E-7 Sergeant 1st Class 19 +10 +7
E-8 Master Sergeant 20 +12 +8
E-8+ First Sergeant 21 +14 +8
E-9 Sergeant Major 21 +16 +9
E-9+ Command Sgt. Major 22 +18 +9
E-10 Sgt. Major of the Army 26 +20 +10
Warrant Officer Ranks (Requires 5 Skill levels in two skills)
WO-1 Warrant Officer 1 18 +6 +6
WO-2 Warrant Officer 2 19 +9 +7
WO-3 Warrant Officer 3 20 +12 +8
WO-4 Warrant Officer 4 21 +15 +9
WO-5 Chief Warrant Officer 22 +18 +10
Officer Ranks (Requires Officer Candidate School)
O-1 2nd Lieutenant 18 +6 +6
O-2 1st Lieutenant 19 +9 +8
O-3 Captain 20 +12 +10
O-4 Major 22 +15 +12
O-5 Lieutenant Colonel 23 +18 +14
O-6 Colonel 24 +21 +16
O-7 Brigadier General 26 +24 +18
O-8 Major General 27 +27 +20
O-9 Lieutenant General 28 +30 +22
O-10 General 29 +33 +24

52
 Chapter Three: Character Advancement

Combat!
Table 27

Marine Ranks

Rank Name Promotion TN Requisition Modifier Pay Grade

E-1 Private -- +0 +1

E-2 Private First Class 15 +1 +2

E-3 Lance Corporal 16 +2 +3

E-4 Corporal 16 +4 +4

E-5 Sergeant 17 +6 +5

E-6 Staff Sergeant 18 +8 +6

E-7 Gunnery Sergeant 19 +10 +7

E-8 Master Sergeant 20 +12 +8

E-8+ First Sergeant 21 +14 +8

E-9 Master Gunnery Sergeant 21 +16 +9

E-9+ Sergeant Major 22 +18 +9

E-10 Sgt. Maj. of the Marines 26 +20 +10

Warrant Officer Ranks (Requires 5 Skill levels in two skills)

WO-1 Warrant Officer 1 18 +6 +6

WO-2 Warrant Officer 2 19 +9 +7

WO-3 Warrant Officer 3 20 +12 +8

WO-4 Warrant Officer 4 21 +15 +9

WO-5 Chief Warrant Officer 22 +18 +10

Officer Ranks (Requires Officer Candidate School)

O-1 2nd Lieutenant 18 +6 +6

O-2 1st Lieutenant 19 +9 +8

O-3 Captain 20 +12 +10

O-4 Major 22 +15 +12

O-5 Lieutenant Colonel 23 +18 +14

O-6 Colonel 24 +21 +16

O-7 Brigadier General 26 +24 +18

O-8 Major General 27 +27 +20

O-9 Lieutenant General 28 +30 +22

O-10 General 29 +33 +24

53
 Chapter Three: Character Advancement
Combat! Table 28

Navy Ranks

Rank Name Promotion TN Requisition Modifier Pay Grade

E-1 Seaman Recruit --- +0 +1

E-2 Seaman Apprentice 15 +1 +2

E-3 Seaman 16 +2 +3

E-4 Petty Officer 3rd Class 16 +4 +4

E-5 Petty Officer 2nd Class 17 +6 +5

E-6 Petty Officer 1st Class 18 +8 +6

E-7 Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 19 +10 +7

E-8 Senior CPO 20 +12 +8

E-9 Master CPO 21 +18 +9

E-10 Master CPO of the Navy 26 +20 +10

Warrant Officer Ranks (Requires 5 Skill levels in two skills)

WO-1 Warrant Officer 1 18 +6 +6

WO-2 Warrant Officer 2 19 +9 +7

WO-3 Warrant Officer 3 20 +12 +8

WO-4 Warrant Officer 4 21 +15 +9

WO-5 Chief Warrant Officer 22 +18 +10

Officer Ranks (Requires Officer Candidate School)

O-1 Ensign 18 +6 +6

O-2 Lieutenant Junior Grade 19 +9 +8

O-3 Lieutenant 20 +12 +10

O-4 Lieutenant Commander 22 +15 +12

O-5 Commander 23 +18 +14

O-6 Captain 24 +21 +16

O-7 Rear Admiral, Lower 26 +24 +18

O-8 Rear Admiral, Upper 27 +27 +20

O-9 Vice Admiral 28 +30 +22

O-10 Admiral 29 +33 +24

Table 29

Above O-10

Name Promotion TN Requisition Modifier Pay Grade

Joint Chiefs 35 +40 +28

Chairman Joint Chiefs 40 +46 +32

54
 Chapter Three: Character Advancement
Advancing Wealth
Regaining Wealth
A characters Wealth score recovers as the character advances.
When the character gains Rank, their pay grade modifier to
the Wealth score increases (and therefore their Wealth score
increases). The character can also increase their Wealth score
by saving. Anytime a character makes a Promotion roll/check
(regardless of whether they succeed or fail in the Promotion
check) without making a purchase that requires a Wealth roll (so
all purchases are done of items with TN below the Wealth score
of the character) they can make a roll to gain wealth. The roll
is 3d6 + Current Wealth + Willpower VS TN. The TN for this
roll is equal to 15. If the roll succeeds, then the character gains
+1 Wealth, if the roll fails then there is no effect to their Wealth
score.
Wealth Awards
The GM may award Wealth points to a PC if applicable for
the story (the character works part time at a second job when not
on duty, assistance from charitable organizations, etc).
Selling Stuff
To sell something, a character first needs to determine its
sale value. Assuming the object is undamaged and in working
condition, the sale value is equal to the objects purchase TN (as
if purchased new) minus 3.
Selling an object can provide an increase to a characters
Wealth score. The increase is the same amount as the Wealth score
loss the character would experience if the character purchased an
object with a purchase TN equal to the sale value.
Regardless of the characters current Wealth score, he or she
gains a Wealth score increase of 1 whenever the character sells
an object with a sale value of 15 or higher. If a character sells an
object with a sale value less than or equal to his or her current
Wealth score, and that sale value is 14 or lower, the character
gains nothing.
A character cannot legally sell restricted objects unless
the character is licensed to own them. A character also cannot
legally sell objects that have been reported as stolen. Selling
objects illegally usually requires that the character has contacts
in the black market, and reduces the sale value by an additional
3. Selling takes a number of hours equal to the normal purchase
TN of the item.
Advanced Training
Military Occupational Specialties (MOS): To coin a
phrase: being in the military is not just an adventure, its an
occupation. Being in the military is not just one occupation,
Combat!
and characters will have the opportunity to learn many
different skills during their time in the military. The
different branches of the service have a different name
for this, but for ease we will use the Armys Military
Occupational Specialty (or MOS). MOS packages
represent the advanced training provided to people going
into a particular MOS, and provide skill bonuses and
highly skill characters bonuses to Promotion checks.
Each school has its own cost in Experience Points
(cost noted with the school description). Most enlisted
men and women spend their entire military careers in
a single MOS. Bouncing around from MOS to MOS is
inefficient, and is highly discouraged for most soldiers.
Special operations characters, however, are expected to
have a high degree of self-sufficiency, and cross training
in a number of different areas.
Terminology Note: Each branch of service has its
own language. Each MOS below that is offered by more
than one branch of service has a different name for each
different military organization. What the Army calls Signals,
the Air Force calls the Communications Career Field, and
the Marine Corps calls Operational Communications. In
general, however, each MOS is given only one name, for ease
of reference.
Air Assault Training
Cost: 4 EP
Your character is trained to deploy rapidly by rappelling
from helicopters into combat.
Skills: Your character gains a +2 bonus on Climb and
Acrobatic skill rolls. Your character is also eligible to be sent on
missions where rappelling out of a helicopter is necessary. Your
character also gains a +2 bonus on all Promotion check rolls.
Amphibious Assault Training
Cost: 9 EP
Your character has learned how to fight and survive in
amphibious conditions (including beach areas, but excluding
shipboard combat).
Skills: Your character gain a +1 bonus on to hit and damage
rolls, and a +2 bonus to the following skills in amphibious
terrain: Balance, Climb, Demolitions, Drive, Navigation, Tactics,
Awareness, Survival, Swim. Your character also gains a +2 bonus
on all Promotion check rolls.
Arctic Warfare College
Cost: 9 EP
Your character has learned how to fight and survive in arctic
terrain.
Skills: Your character gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls, and a
+2 bonus to the following skills in arctic terrain: Balance, Climb,
Demolitions (for rigging avalanches, landslides, and cave-
ins), Navigation, Drive, Track, Tactics, Awareness, Survival.
Characters with this training are also proficient in the use of
skis, which negate any movement penalties due to snow/arctic
conditions. Your character also gains a +2 bonus on all Promotion
check rolls.
Defense Language Institute
Cost: 6 EP
Your character has attended the elite joint military language-
55
 Chapter Three: Character Advancement
Combat! training course, taught at the Presidio, in Monterey
California.
Skills: Character gains a +4 skill in any one
language. Character learns new languages easier,
gaining a +2 skill in any language the character learns
to speak, read or write. Your character also gains a +2
bonus on all Promotion check rolls.
Desert Warfare College
Cost: 9 EP
Your character has learned how to fight and survive
in desert terrain, most commonly at the National
Training Center at Fort Erwin, California.
Skills: Your character gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls,
and a +2 bonus to the following skills in desert terrain:
Balance, Climb, Demolitions (for rigging avalanches,
landslides, and cave-ins), Drive, Navigation, Track,
Tactics, Awareness, Survival. Your character also gains
a +2 bonus on all Promotion check rolls.
Jump School
Cost: 6 EP
Description: Your character has volunteered for the honor to
jump out of a perfectly good aircraft. Jump School is available
to every soldier who meets the physical requirements, and is
required for participation in any special operations unit, including
the Green Berets and the Rangers.
Skills: Your character gain a +2 to the following skills:
Balance, Paradrop, and Acrobatics. Your character also gains a
+2 bonus on all Promotion check rolls.
Jungle/Swamp Warfare College
Cost: 9 EP
Your character has learned how to fight and survive in
jungle/swamp terrain.
Skills: Your character gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls, and
a +2 bonus to the following skills in jungle/swamp terrain:
Balance, Climb, Demolitions (for rigging avalanches, landslides,
and cave-ins), Drive, Stealth, Tactics, Awareness, Survival. Your
character also gains a +2 bonus on all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Armor
Cost: 7 EP
Army, Marine Corps
Your character is trained to operate as either a driver or a
crewman on a large wheeled or tracked vehicle, such as the M-1
Abrams, Paladin, or Avenger.
Skills: Gain a +1 to skill rolls in all of the following when
operating a large wheeled or tracked vehicle: Communication
Operations, Drive, Stealth, Tactics, Knowledge (technology),
Navigate, Repair. Gain a +2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Aviation
Cost: 6 EP
Your character is trained in aviation support techniques,
including Air Traffic Control duties. At higher skill levels, your
character will be trained to construct air traffic control facilities,
and to command them.
Skills: Gain a +1 to skill rolls in all of the following when
dealing with Aviation: Air Traffic Control, Communications
Operation, Craft (Electronic), Craft (Mechanical), Craft
(Structural), Knowledge (Technology), Repair. Gain +2 to
Promotion check rolls.
MOS Combat Engineering
Cost: 10 EP
Your character is trained in combat construction and bridge
laying, as well as mine laying and mine removal.
Skills: Gain a +1 to skill rolls in the following skills:
Craft (Chemical), Craft (Electronic), Craft (Mechanical), Craft
(Structural), Demolitions, Disable Device, Drive, Knowledge
(Technology), navigate, Repair, Survival. Gain a +2 bonus to all
Promotion check rolls.
MOS Diver
Cost: 8 EP
Your character is trained in underwater repair, demolition,
and salvage.
Skills: Gain a +1 to the following skills: Craft (Chemical),
Craft (Electronic), Demolitions, Disable Device, Knowledge
(Technology), Profession (Diver), Repair, Search, and Swim.
Gain a +2 bonus to Promotion check rolls.
MOS Field Artillery
Cost: 8 EP
Your character is trained to fire indirect fire weapons, from
the smallest mortar to the largest howitzers. This MOS also covers
especially large indirect fire weapons such as ship cannons when
used for indirect fire (bombardment).
Skills: Gain +4 to accuracy in the firing of indirect weapons,
and +2 to Tactics, stealth/hide and repairing of such weapons.
Gain a +2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Infantryman/Rifleman
Cost: 10 EP
Army, Marines
Your character is trained to perform offensive and defensive
combat operations, including placement and removal of mines,
reconnaissance, and leading of combat units.
Skills: Gain a +1 to the following skills: Climb, Craft
(Structural), Demolitions, Disable Device, Drive, Stealth,
Intimidate, Tactics, Navigate, Awareness, Survival. Gain a +2 to
Small Arms Skill Group. Gain a +2 bonus to all Promotion check
rolls.
MOS Intelligence
Cost: 11 EP
Your character is trained in information gathering. Depending
on your characters specialty, this could involve using satellites,
binoculars, or a bribe slipped under a table. Characters with the
MOS Signal Intelligence will have the Signals MOS, as well
as the Intelligence MOS, and select either the Cryptography or
Electronic Warfare advantages.
Skills: Gain a +1 to each of the following skills:
Communications Operation, Computer Use, Cryptography,
Diplomacy, Electronic Warfare, Forgery, Gather Information,
Interrogation, Intimidate, Intrigue, Research, Awareness. Gain a
+2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Law Enforcement
Cost: 11 EP
Law Enforcement characters provide security for critical
military bases and resources, guard prisoners of war, and act as
military police.
Skills: Gain a +1 to each of the following skills: Investigation
56
 Chapter Three: Character Advancement
Skill Group, Diplomacy, Drive, Handle Animal, Intimidate,
Knowledge (Civics), Intrigue, and Awareness. Gain a +2 bonus
to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Maintenance
Cost: 7 EP
Your character performs a vital, if less than glamorous job:
the care, maintenance, and repair of the numerous vehicles,
tanks, missiles systems, and electronic equipment fielded by the
military.
Skills: Gain a +1 bonus to each of the following skills:
Communication Operations, Craft (electronic), Craft
(mechanical), Craft (structural), Drive, Knowledge (technology),
Repair. Gain a +2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Medical
Cost: 7 EP
Performs duties as a field medic to combat units, and provides
support to nursing and medical staff at military hospitals.
Skills: Gain the NBC Advantage at Convenience level.
Gain +1 to each of the following skills: Craft (Pharmaceutical),
Knowledge (Behavioral Sciences), Knowledge (Technology),
Knowledge (NBC), Repair (Medical Equipment), Research,
Treat Injury. Gain +2 to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS NBC
Cost: 8 EP
Identifies nuclear, biological and chemical weaponry based
on limited data, observations, or effects. The MOS NBC is also in
charge of caring for their units NBC equipment, training soldiers
in NBC countermeasures and survival, and ensuring that a unit is
prepared to operate in a NBC environment.
Skills: Gain +2 to the following skills as they relate to NBC:
Craft (Electronic), Craft (Chemical), Diplomacy, Disable Device,
Knowledge (Technology), Repair, Research, Treat Injury. Gain
+2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Pilot
Cost: 12 EP
Your character is trained to pilot various types of aircraft for
the following purposes: air superiority, reconnaissance, combined
arms, and rescue operations.
Skills: Gain +2 in the following skills: Air Traffic Control,
Craft (Electronics), Craft (Mechanical), Knowledge (Tactics),
Pilot, Repair. Gain a +2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
MOS Signals
Cost: 6 EP
Your character is trained to install, maintain, repair, and
operate communications systems. Characters wishing to be
MOS Signal Intelligence will have this MOS and the Intelligence
MOS, and select either the Cryptography or Electronic Warfare
Advantages.
Skills: Gain +1 to the following skills: Operate Electronics
(Communication Equipment), Craft (Electronic), Craft
(Mechanical), Diplomacy, Knowledge (Technology), Repair.
Gain a +2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
Mountain Warfare College
Cost: 9 EP
Your character has learned how to fight and survive in
mountainous terrain.
Benefit: Your character gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls, and a
Combat!
+2 bonus to the following skills in mountainous terrain:
Balance, Climb, Demolitions (for rigging avalanches,
landslides, and cave-ins), Navigation, Drive, Stealth,
Tactics, Awareness, Survival. Gain +2 bonus to all
Promotion check rolls.
NCO School
Cost: 5 EP
Your character has been given instruction in
command.
Prerequisite: Rank E-4 or higher.
Skills: Gain +2 bonus to the skill Tactics. Your
character gains a +2 bonus to all Promotion check
rolls. All units led by your character in combat (see
the Small Unit Combat section for more information)
ignore the first morale hit they take, cumulative with the
Leadership Advantage. Units trained by your character
gain 1 Experience Point each month.
Officer Candidate School
Cost: 16 EP
Your character has graduated from an elite officer-training
program.
Skills: Gain a skill bonus of +4 in Tactics. All units lead by
your character in combat (see the Small Unit Combat section
for more information) ignore the first morale hit they take,
cumulative with the Leadership advantage. Units trained by
your character receive 1 XP per month. Your characters rank is
immediately improved to O-1, and your character receives a +2
bonus to all future Promotion check rolls.
SERE
Cost: 5 EP
SERE stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape,
and is the military training program to prepare soldiers for
surviving in hostile territory, withstand interrogation and torture,
and escape or survive to reach home. The SERE motto is return
with honor. Although SERE training is offered to all branches
of service (especially special operations forces), many regular
Air Force and Navy Pilots and Navigators receive this training,
since they are at high risk of being shot down behind enemy lines
and captured.
Benefit: Characters with this training gain a +2 bonus
on Stealth and Survival checks, and a +2 on all Willpower
Attribute Rolls to resist intimidation, interrogation, torture,
and brainwashing. Characters also gain a +1 bonus to all future
Promotion check rolls.
Urban Warfare College
Cost: 9 EP
Description: Your character has learned how to fight and
survive in urban terrain.
Benefit: Your character gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls, and a
+2 bonus to the following skills in urban terrain: Balance, Climb,
Demolitions, Drive, Stealth, Tactics, Awareness, Survival. Your
character also gains a +2 bonus to all Promotion check rolls.
57
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat! Chapter Four:
Equipment
Special operations characters are defined by more
than just their training (although that training is second
to none). The specialized equipment used by special
operations forces compliments their training, allowing
them to pack the punch of a rifle company into a
small group of elite soldiers. This superior weaponry
and training combine to make the special operations
forces feared and respected around the world. Many
of the weapons listed below are next generation
firearms. Meaning, they are slowly making their way
into the regular ranks, replacing older weapons. The M-
4 Carbine, for example, began its military career as a
special operations weapon, then made its way into elite
units such as the 82nd Airborne. Slowly, this weapon
will replace the older M-16 for most frontline units, as
it is smaller, lighter, and better adapted to close quarters fighting,
something the military sees itself doing more and more in the
years ahead.
Personal Equipment
Personal equipment is gear used by soldiers for comfort (such
as the modular sleeping bag), to protect against NBC attack, to
see at night, and to communicate on the battlefield.
Hazmat Suit
This suit renders the character completely immune to
chemical and biological attack. These suits are bulky, imposing
a 2 DEF penalty over and above any penalty the character gets
from armor she is wearing (these suits are loose and can be worn
over armor). These suits are also hot and cumbersome, imposing
a 2 penalty on any Attribute rolls to avoid taking damage due
to hot weather or dehydration. If a character takes 10 points of
damage while wearing this suit, it has been punctured to the point
that he loses its benefits.
JST Suit
Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology
Ensemble
This ensemble is a lightweight, flexible clothing system that
provides protection against chemical and biological agents. The
components, when combined with standard CB protective butyl
gloves and masks for respiratory protection, allow for complete
mission-oriented protective posture flexibility.
Weight: 9.6 pounds
M-9 Multipurpose Bayonet System
The M-9 multipurpose bayonet system is used as a bayonet
on the M-16- series rifle and the M-4-series carbine, as a hand
weapon, as a general field and utility knife, as a wire cutter
together with its scabbard, and as a saw.
Damage: 1d6
M-40 Protective Mask
The M-40 mask protects soldiers against nuclear, biological
and chemical threats by filtering air through an externally
mounted filter canister. The canister is easy to replace and can be
mounted on the left or right side of the mask. The M-40 is used
in conjunction with the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit
Technology Ensemble to allow for complete mission-oriented
protective posture. (Provides immunity to inhaled chemical
attacks)Weight: 4.5 pounds
Modular Lightweight
Load-carrying Equipment System
The MOLLE system consists of a modular rucksack with
removable compartments and components, and a fighting load
vest that accepts removable pockets for rifle, pistol, squad
automatic weapon and grenadier configurations. It also includes
an On-the-Move Hydration System.
Weight: 16.8 pounds
Modular Sleeping Bag System
The MSBS is a bag-within-a-bag concept. An intermediate
sleeping bag fits into a patrol warm-weather bag to form
an extreme cold-weather sleeping bag. The MSBS consists
of a camouflage, water resistant, breathable bivouac cover; a
lightweight patrol sleeping bag; an intermediate cold-weather
sleeping bag; and a compression stuff sack (to store and carry
the system).
Protection: Patrol Bag: 35 to 50 degrees.
Intermediate CW Bag: -5 to 35 degrees.
Patrol, ICW and ECWCS: Down to -50 degrees.
Weight: 10.6 pounds
NBC Suit
This suit renders the character completely immune to
chemical, biological, and low-level radiation damage (in other
words, fallout radiation and such). Close proximity to active
radiation is heat damage, and this suit offers no protection
against heat, only strong radiation sources. These suits are
bulky, imposing a 2 DEF penalty over and above any penalty
the character gets from armor she is wearing (these suits are
loose and can be worn over armor). These suits are also hot and
cumbersome, imposing a 2 penalty on Attribute rolls to avoid
taking damage due to hot weather or dehydration. If a character
takes 20 points of damage while wearing this suit, it has been
punctured to the point that he loses its benefits.
Night Vision Goggles, AN/PVS7D
This helmet-mounted image-intensification system is used
for such nighttime operations as driving, walking, map reading
and performing maintenance. The system is designed for use
in conjunction with rifle mounted aiming lights. This system
provides its wearer with the ability to see in the dark out to a
range of 150 feet.
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Soldier Intercom
The Soldier Intercom allows soldiers to talk to each other
from up to 700 meters without giving away their positions.
Squad leaders can talk to the entire squad simultaneously on a
discreet channel heard only by them. Each Soldier Intercom unit
includes a receiver/transmitter, rechargeable battery pack and
headset with boom microphone.
Weight: 1.4 pounds
Weapons
This section introduces some new weapons in use by the military
today, such as the M-203 grenade launcher, newer sniper rifles,
dedicated hybrid assault rifle/grenade launcher combos and so
forth.
58
 Chapter Four: Equipment

Combat!
Claymore firing mechanism to the scope used, to the ammunition
An anti-personnel weapon, the Claymore fires 700 steel balls was optimized to increase this weapons range. Like the
and 682 grams of C-4 in a cone from the weapon on command counterpart sniper rifle used by the Army (the M-24),
from a detonator. The Claymore is very useful for protecting this weapon is also a heavily modified Remington 700
defensive positions against infantry attacks, and is also useful hunting rifle.
against light vehicles. This weapon requires 3 levels of the M-120 Mortar
Demolitions skill to use safely (TN 15 to set the weapon up). The M-120 is a bridge between mortar and full-
Flash-Bang Grenade fledged artillery pieces such as the howitzer. This
These weapons are favorites of Special Forces units, weapon can be carried, but almost never is, except in
especially hostage rescue units. The weapon, also known as a emergencies. Normally trucks tow these weapons.
stun grenade emits a blinding flash and deafening boom, but The M-120 has a sophisticated site that provides
inflicts no other damage. Anyone in the weapons blast radius the gunner of the weapon a +2 to hit.
must make a Reflex roll (TN 18) or be Blinded for 2d6 rounds, M-224 Mortar
and another Reflex roll (also TN 18) or be deafened for 2d6 The M-224 is a light mortar, optimally used with a
rounds. 2-man crew; this weapon may be carried and used by a
M-4/203 single soldier under duress (firing every other round).
Every rifleman becomes a grenadier with this weapon With 2 men, this weapon may be fired every round.
combination. A M-203 grenade launcher is affixed to the bottom These weapons are included in each unit of platoon
of a M-4 carbine. Both weapons use the same stock. This potent size or higher, allowing individual infantry units the punch of
combination is now in the hands of almost every American artillery when needed.
soldier. Of the two combo weapons, this weapon is preferred The M-224 has a sophisticated site that provides the gunner of
over the M-16/203 because it weighs less. the weapon a +1 to hit.
M-16/203 M-252 Mortar
A slightly older combination weapon, this effective power- A skilled crew can fire this potent weapon once per round,
enhancer is still in widespread use in todays military. This delivering sustainable fire (especially when used in groups) on
weapon is slowly being replaced by the M-4/203 combination forward targets. Since this weapon may be disassembled, its
because of that weapons lighter weight and better close quarters weight may be divided between the three-man crew that operates
fighting ability. it. A skilled crew (5 levels in the Artillery skill) may assemble
this weapon taking a
Table 30 full turn to do so. A
common tactic with this
Personal Equipment weapon is to position
several mortar behind a
Name Size Weight Purchase TN Restriction hill to gain cover from
direct fire (the mortar
Hazmat Suit Large 50 lb. 18 Res.
can fire over the hill at
JSL Suit Medium 9.6 lb. 15 Res. no penalty).
The M-252 has a
M-9 Bayonet Tiny 1 lb. 15 ---
sophisticated site that
M-40 Protective Mask Small 4.4 lb. 15 --- provides the gunner of
the weapon a +2 to hit.
Modular Load-Carrying System Medium 16.8 lb. 15 ---
M-1014 Joint
Modular Sleeping Bag Medium 10.6 lb. 15 ---
Services Combat
NBC Suit Large 50 lb. 21 Mil. Shotgun
Night-Vision Goggles Small 1.5 lb. 18 Res.
Although the M-
1014 was primarily
Soldier Intercom Tiny 1.4 lb. 18 Res. tested by the U.S.
Marine Corps, the
weapon, as its name
M-24 Sniper suggests, was designed to be the ultimate military shotgun, and
The M-24 is the current preferred sniper rifle of the U.S replace the different models that were currently being used by
Army. This weapon is superior to older sniper rifles because of its various police, special operations, and military forces. The M-
lighter weight and box-fed magazine. This weapon is essentially 1014 is a superior, box-fed shotgun, and was approved in 2001 to
a heavily modified Remington 700 hunting rifle. be the shotgun of all the armed forces of the United States. Police
M-40A1 Sniper and special operations forces primarily use this weapon.
The M-40A1 is the current preferred sniper rifle of the U.S.
Marine Corps. This weapon is superior to almost any weapon in
the world in its range, and every aspect of the weapon, from the

59
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat!

Table 31

Firearms

Weapon Damage Type Range ROF Magazine Size Weight Purchase TN Restriction

Longarms

M-4/203 3d6/* Ball./* 60 ft. S,A 30 box Large 10 lbs. 18 Mil.

M-16/203 3d6/* Ball./* 80 ft. S,A 30 box Large 13 lbs. 18 Mil.

M-24 Sniper (7.62 mm) 4d6 Ballistic 140 ft. S 5 box Large 12 lbs. 20 Mil.

M-40A1 Sniper (7.62 mm) 7d6 Ballistic 160 ft. S 5 box Large 15 lbs. 21 Mil.

M-1014 (12-guage Shotgun) 3d6 Ballistic 40 ft. S 6 box Large 9 lbs. 16 Res.

Heavy Weapons

M-203 Varies -- 80 ft. 1 1 int. Large 6 lbs. 16 Mil.

M-249 SAW (5.56 mm) 7d6 Ballistic 90 ft. A 100 box Large 16 lbs. 21 Mil.

M-240 (7.62 mm) 8d6 Ballistic 120 ft. A Linked Huge 28 lbs. 24 Mil.

Stinger 10d6 Ballistic 150 ft. 1 Varies Large 15 lbs 15 Mil.

.
* Weapon has a M-203 Grenade Launcher attached, and may use that weapons stats to fire grenades.
S: Semi-Automatic; A: Automatic

60
 Chapter Four: Equipment

Combat!
M-203 Grenade Launcher action as powerful force projectors. Some of these
This weapon is a new version of the M-79, and has almost vehicles will be essential to special operations forces,
completely replaced that older weapon in military service some are used by the larger military.
because of its greater range and Defense and Maneuver:
lighter weight. This weapon is Many of the vehicles in this
Table 32
commonly used in tandem with the section have exceptional
M-4 and the M-16 to provide the MPH KPH FPR (Chase Scale) ** Defense and Maneuver
infantryman even greater flexibility. ratings relative to their size.
Special Operations forces always 10 16 18 (1) This is because military
use this weapon in the M-4/203 20 32 36 (3) vehicles, being designed
combination. for combat, have profiles
30 48 54 (5) (the side meant to face the
M-249 Squad Automatic
40 64 72 (7) enemy when they fight) that
Weapon (SAW)
are narrow and hard to hit
The M-249 Squad Automatic 50 80 90 (9) as well as state of the art
Weapon is a man-portable version
60 96 108 (10) maneuverability systems.
light machine gun. This weapon,
Vehicles are described
which first saw action in special 70 112 126 (12) by a number of statistics, as
operations units, is slowly being
80 128 144 (14) shown on Table: Vehicles.
issued force wide in the Army
Crew: The standard number of
and Marine Corps, and will soon 90 144 162 (16) crew. In most cases, only one person
completely replace the M-60.
100 160 180 (18) is needed to drive the vehicle; other
Although heavy, this weapon can
crewmembers serve as gunners or
be carried and used by one man. 120 192 216 (21) copilots.
Each special operations unit will try
to have at least one member with 140 224 252 (25) Passengers: The number of
a SAW, for those times when your passengers (in addition to the crew)
160 256 288 (28) the vehicle is designed to carry.
character just needs to punch his
way through. 180 288 324 (32) Vehicles that carry passengers can
use that space to carry additional
M-240 Machine Gun 200 320 360 (36) cargo when passengers arent present.
Although not a man-portable Each unused passenger slot allows
225 360 405 (40)
weapon (this weapon must be fired the vehicle to carry an additional 100
from a bipod or pintle mount), this 250 400 450 (45) pounds of cargo.
weapon is very popular with special Cargo Capacity: The amount
275 440 495 (49)
operations forces because of its of cargo the vehicle is designed to
flexibility and power. These weapons 300 480 540 (54)
carry. Many vehicles can carry extra
are built to be modified, and if pintle passengers instead of cargo, but doing
350 560 630 (63)
mounted in a helicopter, the weapon so is usually a cramped, uncomfortable,
can be modified to fire from a tripod 400 640 720 (72)
and often unsafe experience for those
or bipod in minutes (especially passengers. As a rule of thumb, one
450 720 810 (81)
handy when that helicopter goes additional passenger can be carried
down and your character has to 500 800 900 (90)
for each 250 pounds of unused cargo
leave it behind, but dont want to capacity.
550 880 990 (99)
leave the machine gun behind).
Initiative: The modifier added
Stinger Missile 600 960 1080 (108)
to the drivers or pilots initiative roll
This shoulder fired anti-aircraft 650 1040 1170 (117) when operating the vehicle.
weapon ignores the first 10 points Maneuver: The modifier added
of protection of a vehicle or object 700 1120 1260 (126)
to any Drive or Pilot roll attempted
struck, and gains a +1 to hit against 750 1200 1350 (135) with the vehicle.
airborne targets. Top Speed: The maximum
800 1280 1440 (144)
New Vehicles number of squares the vehicle can
Military vehicles are not just 850 1360 1530 (153) cover in 1 round at character scale
a means of getting around. Many 900 1440 1620 (162)
(with the number of squares at chase
military vehicles are complex scale in parentheses). This is the
fighting machines capable of 950 1520 1710 (171) fastest the vehicle can move.
dominating any battle they take part 1000 1600 1800 (180) Defense: The vehicles Defense.
in. Helicopters, jets, tracked and Hardness: The vehicles
wheeled vehicles, mighty warships, hardness. Subtract this number from
and even powerboats have all seen ** FPR = Feet Per Round any damage dealt to the vehicle.

61
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat! Table 33

Personal Munitions

Weapon Damage Type Radius Range Size Weight Purchase TN Restriction

Claymore 6d6 Slashing 20 ft. 0 Small 3 lbs. 18 Mil.

Flash-Bang * * 10 ft. 10ft. Tiny 1 lb 14 Mil.

Table 34

Indirect Fire Weapons

Weapon Damage Crew Type Range ROF Size Weight Purchase TN Restriction

M-120 Mortar 10d6 4/1 Ballistic 4.5 mi. 5 rds. Huge 320 lbs. 26 Mil.

M-224 Mortar 8d6 2/1 Ballistic 2.2 mi. 1 rd. Huge 47 lbs 18 Mil.

M-252 Mortar 9d6 3/1 Ballistic 3.5 mi 2 rds. Huge 91 lbs. 21 Mil.

Table 35

Fixed Wing

Name Crew Pass Cargo Init Man. Top Speed Def Hard LIF Size Purchase TN Restriction

A-10 (jet fighter) 1 0 0 -2 -2 900 (90) 8 10 40 G 40 Mil.

AC-130H (heavy
14 0 0 -4 -4 480 (48) 6 10 40 G 40 Mil.
aircraft)
Air Force One
26 100 0 -4 -4 980 (98) 6 15 50 G * *
(heavy aircraft)
B-2 (heavy
2 * * -2 -2 1250 (125) 8 15 50 G 90 Mil.
aircraft)
B-52 (heavy
5 * * -4 -4 1220 (122) 6 15 50 G 45 Mil.
aircraft)
C-2A (heavy
4 * * -2 -2 650 (65) 8 8 40 G 33 Mil.
aircraft)
C-130H (heavy
5 * * -4 -4 715 (75) 6 12 50 G 40 Mil.
aircraft)
F-14 (jet fighter) 2 0 0 +2 +0 1400 (140) 10 6 30 G 55 Mil.

F-15 (jet fighter) 1 0 0 +2 +0 1400 (140) 10 6 35 G 60 Mil.

F-16 (jet fighter) 1 0 0 +0 +0 1400 (140) 10 6 35 G 40 Mil.

F-18 (jet fighter) 1 0 0 +0 +0 1300 (130) 10 10 45 G 58 Mil.

SR-71 (heavy
2 0 0 +2 +2 3200 (320) 10 8 40 G 65 Mil.
aircraft)

62
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Hit Points: The vehicles full normal hit points.
Size: Vehicle size categories are defined differently from the
size categories for weapons and other objects.
Purchase TN: This is the purchase TN for a Wealth roll
to acquire the vehicle. This number reflects the base price and
doesnt include any modifier for purchasing the vehicle on the
black market. This will rarely come into play during most military
games (the US military does not require troops to purchase their
equipment), however it is provided here in case the game is
more of a guerilla war game (where the PCs are playing guerilla
fighters and do need to acquire their own equipment).
Restriction: The restriction rating for the vehicle, if any,
and the appropriate black market purchase TN modifier. This
modifier should be applied to the Purchase TN when this item is
being acquired on the black market.
Vehicle Speed Conversion Table
To aid the Game Master in designing his own vehicles, and
also for coming up with the dreaded how fast does it move on
the fly, the following table provides a rough conversion of miles
per hour (mph) to feet per round (fpr). For those not in America,
kilometers per hour (kph) is included for convenience.
Fixed Wing
Fixed wing aircraft are used by the military both for attack
and transport purposes. Most of these aircraft require a runway to
take off and land, though some are capable of landing in extremely
cramped conditions such as the deck of an aircraft carrier.
A-10 Thunderbolt
The Thunderbolt is a twin-engine aircraft designed specifically
for close air support of ground forces and the destruction of
targets on the ground. Equipped with night vision technology,
granting pilots full range of vision at night, the Thunderbolt can
carry 6 Maverick anti-tank missiles or 6 Sidewinder missiles, 1
Mk 84 bomb, or 2 Mk 83 bombs. The Thunderbolt also has a 30
mm cannon with 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
The A-10 is 11 squares long, and 11 squares wide (wingspan).
AC-130H Gunship
The AC-130H is a 4-engine turboprop aircraft designed for
close air support for ground forces. The AC-130H has 4 weapons,
which fire to the port(left) side of the aircraft, and will fly low,
saturating enemy ground forces as it flies in a slow circle around
them with fire from these weapons.
The AC-130H has one 105mm cannon, and 1 40 mm cannon,
and 2 30mm cannons. These weapons fire to the left with a 180-
degree arc of fire.
The AC-130H is 20 squares long, and 26 squares wide
(wingspan).
Air Force One
Since the Eisenhower administration, special aircraft have
been used to carry the President and the Vice President. These
planes are designated as Air Force One (when the President is
on board), or Air Force Two (when the Vice President is aboard).
Capable of hosting 100 guests at lavish dinners, Air Force one is
a fast, secure, mobile headquarters for the President to conduct
business or from which he could run the country in wartime.
The most historically important Air Force One, 26000,
transported John Kennedy to Dallas, and his body to Washington
after his assassination. Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as President
Combat!
on board 26000.
Air Force One cannot be requisitioned under any
circumstances. If the PCs are extremely lucky they
might get to ride in it a time or two.
Air Force One is 46 squares long, and 13 squares
wide (wingspan).
B-2 Spirit
A dramatic leap forward in technology, the B-2 was
first introduced in 1993, when the Spirit of Missouri
was delivered to Whiteman AFB, in Missouri, the only
base to field the B-2 (whose numbers are unknown, but
estimated at 19).
The B-2 can carry a payload of 40,000 lbs, including
bombs and missiles of all varieties. Like the B-52, this
aircraft is a strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear
weaponry.
The B-2 is 14 Squares long and 34 squares wide
(wingspan).
The B-2 is completely undetectable by current radar
technology.
B-52 Stratofortress
One of the most successful aircraft ever designed, the B-
52 was introduced into service in 1954, and has an estimated
lifespan extending to 2045.
The B-52 is a strategic bomber, capable of carrying a weapons
payload of 70,000 lbs. that may include bombs, missiles (of all
kinds), and nuclear weapons.
The B-52 is 32 squares long, and 37 squares wide
(wingspan).
C-2A Greyhound
The C-2A is the primary aircraft carrier supply transport.
This craft can carry 10,000 lbs of cargo, and is capable of landing
on an aircraft carrier.
The C-2A is 11 Squares long, and 14 squares wide (wingspan),
with wings deployed for flight, takeoff, and landing. The C-2A
can fold its wings for storage, reducing the width of the aircraft
to 7 squares.
C-130 Hercules
In service for more than 40 years, the C-130 remains the
backbone of American airlift capability. Capable of operating in
weather from arctic to desert conditions, and capable of landing
effectively on dirt runways, the C-130 has proven itself a hardy
combat air transport since its introduction. Variants of the C-130
are used in roles ranging from medical evacuation (the HC-130),
to special operations insertion and extraction (the MC-130), to
weather flights into hurricanes and cyclones (the WC-130), to
combat against ground forces (the AC-130, detailed in Table 4-
5).
The C-130 is capable of carrying 92 soldiers, 64 fully equipped
paratroopers (who sit facing one another and are deployed from
doors on either side of the aircraft), 74 stretchers with a 2 man
medical crew, or 45,000 lbs. of cargo.
The C-130 is 19 squares long, and 26 squares wide
(wingspan).
F-14 Tomcat
First introduced in 1973, when it replaced the F-4 Phantom,
the F-14 Tomcat provides air superiority, fleet defense, and
63
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat! precision ground strike capabilities to the armed forces.
In 1995 the Tomcat underwent a series of upgrades
incorporating new technology, including improved night
vision and smart targeting for ground attack munitions.
The F-14 is also equipped with tactical air
reconnaissance technology allowing it to serve in a
scout role. The LANTIRN system grants pilots a +6 on
Awareness rolls for aerial reconnaissance.
The F-14 is 12 squares long, and 13 squares wide with
wings deployed for flight, takeoff, and landing. The F-
14 can fold its wings for storage, reducing the width of
the aircraft to 7 squares.
All Tomcats have one 20 mm cannon installed (500
rds).
The Tomcat has full night vision capability, and the
JDAM installed. The Tomcat may carry a weapons
payload of up to up to 4 bombs, and up to 8 missiles, 4 of
which can be Phoenix missiles. Armament will depend
on the aircrafts mission.
F-15 Eagle
First introduced in 1972, the F-15 proved that it still was
a capable combat aircraft in Desert Storm, where these aircraft
were victorious in all but three air superiority fights.
The F-15 is also equipped with tactical air reconnaissance
technology allowing it to serve in a scout role. The LANTIRN
system grants pilots a +6 on Awareness rolls for aerial
reconnaissance.
The F-15 is 13 squares long, and 9 Squares wide (wingspan).
The Eagle has a 20mm cannon installed, with 940 rds. of
ammunition.
The aircraft may either carry 4 Sidewinders and 4 Sparrows,
or 8 AMRAAMS.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 was introduced in 1979, and is in use by the
United States, but production assistance is provided by Belgium,
Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. In a unique NATO
program, these nations provide manufacturing support for many
of the F-16s parts, allowing them to share in the aircrafts
technology, but also insuring that repair parts for F-16s can be
manufactured in Europe in the event of a world war.
The F-16 is 10 squares long, and 6 squares wide.
The F-16 has a 20mm cannon installed, with 500 rds of
ammunition.
The F-16 can carry 6 missiles of any type.
F-18 SuperHornet
A sturdy, reliable fighter, the SuperHornet is a ground
attack fighter capable of launching from land or carrier. The
SuperHornet is renowned for its toughness, having survived hits
from missiles in the past and survived to fight again.
The F-18 is 11 squares long, and 8 squares wide (wingspan).
All SuperHornets have one 20 mm cannon installed (1,000
rds).
The SuperHornet carries a weapons payload of up to 4 JDAM
bombs, and up to 9 missiles, which may be of any kind except
the Phoenix missile. However, the SuperHornet can mount air-
to-ground missiles, bombs, and air-to-air missiles, making this
the ultimate in mission-variability combat aircraft.
SR-71 Blackbird
A reconnaissance aircraft, the SR-71 flies faster (Mach 3.2)
and higher (operational ceiling 85,000 feet) than any aircraft in
the world. With this speed, and the most advanced electronic
equipment in the world, the SR-71 is capable of mapping 100,000
miles in an hour. Thats eight minutes for an up to date map of
Italy.
The SR-71 is nearly invisible to conventional radar (-6 to radar
operators Awareness roll to detect).
Helicopters
Originally helicopters were used for transport, a function
they are still ideally suited to because of their ability to take off
and land with very little space and in almost any terrain. However,
more and more helicopters are being designed to attack targets
on the ground, provide air support, and undertake air superiority
missions.

Table 36
HELICOPTERS

Name Crew Pass Cargo Init Man. Top Speed Def Hard HP Size Purchase TN Restriction

AH-1F 1 0 0 -2 -2 330 (33) 12 8 40 G 27 Mil.

AH-6 2 0 250 lb. -4 -4 325 (32) 6 8 40 G 31 Mil.

AH-64A 2 0 0 -2 -2 300 (30) 8 10 50 G 36 Mil.

AH-64D 2 0 0 -2 -2 320 (32) 8 10 50 G 38 Mil.

CH-47D 3 24 10K lbs -4 -4 340 (34) 6 8 60 G 30 Mil.

MH-6 2 6 700 lb. -2 -2 330 (33) 8 5 40 G 27 Mil.

OH-58D 2 0 0 -2 -2 320 (32) 8 5 40 G 30 Mil.

SH-60 4 0 0 -4 -4 390 (39) 6 6 40 G 30 Mil.

V-22A 2 24 14K lbs. -4 -4 585 (58) 6 6 55 G 31 Mil

64
 Chapter Four: Equipment
AH-1F Cobra Attack Helicopter
The Cobra was the first true attack helicopter in the world,
and entered service in Viet Nam in 1967. These 38-inch wide
aircraft are extremely difficult targets (gaining a +4 Defense
bonus), and are still in service today, although current models are
far superior in weaponry and night vision capabilities to the craft
that served so admirably in Viet Nam. These craft are armed with
a 20mm Cannon (500 rounds), 70 mm rockets (76 rounds), and
8 TOW wire guided missiles (if the craft carries TOW missiles,
it can only carry 38 rounds of 70mm rocket ammunition). This
craft provides 34 cover for crew.
The Cobra Attack Helicopter is 12 squares long and 10
squares wide.
AH-6 Little Bird
The AH-6 is a modified MH-6, with the passenger facilities
removed and replaced with 2 miniguns and 1200 rounds of
ammunition (600 each). Alternately, the AH-6 can carry 2 7-shot
70mm rocket pods instead. This craft provides 34 cover for crew
and (possibly) one passenger.
The AH-6 Little Bird is 6 squares long and 4 squares wide.
AH-64A Apache
Attack Helicopter
The primary attack helicopter of the United States Army, the
Apache is regarded by many as the finest combat helicopter in
military history. The Apache has full night vision capabilities,
allowing its two-man crew to see as well in darkness or adverse
weather conditions as they can during the day. This craft provides
34 Cover for crew.
The Apaches weapon systems can be configured for a
variety of combat assignments as follows:
Anti-Armor: 8 Hellfire missiles, 320 rounds 30 mm cannon;
+2 Initiative and Maneuverability; +10 Top Speed.
Ground Support: 76 rounds 70 mm rockets, 1200 rounds 20
mm cannon; -2 Initiative and Maneuverability; -20 Top Speed .
Multi-Purpose: 8 rounds Hellfire missiles, 38 rounds 70
mm rockets, 1200 rounds 30 mm Cannon; -2 Initiative and
Maneuverability.
The AH-64 is 12 squares long, and 10 squares wide (rotor
diameter). The fuselage (including wings and weapon mounts)
is 3 squares wide.
AH-64D Apache Longbow
Attack Helicopter
This improvement of the Apache, which debuted in 1995, is at
least four times as survivable as the Apache A, due to the addition
of the Longbow target acquisition system. This technology
allows the helicopter to fire Hellfire missiles with no range
penalties. Because of this huge advantage, the Apache D carries
16 Hellfire missiles and no 70 mm ROCKETS when outfitted for
Table 37
Submersible Ships
Name Crew Pass Cargo Init Man. Top Speed
Los Angeles 134 10 1,000lbs.-2 -2 40 (4)
Seawolf 134 10 1,000lbs.+0 +0 50(5) 10/10/50
Combat!
multi-purpose operations. This craft provides 34 cover
for crew. Like the AH-64A, the Apache Longbow is 12
squares long and 10 squares wide.
CH-47 Chinook
The Chinook is the armys primary cargo helicopter,
capable of carrying 50 fully armed soldiers and
deploying them via ground exit, rappelling, or airborne
insertion. The Chinook can also carry vastly different
forms of cargo, such as vehicles and artillery, or serve
as a med-evac copter capable of transporting 24 patients
with 2 medics. Door mounted .50 caliber machineguns
can be added as well. The Chinook provides 34 cover
for crew and total cover for passengers when the cargo
doors are closed. If they are open (which allows the
Chinook to fire door mounted machine guns or debark
soldiers carried inside), the Chinook provides no cover
for passengers.
The Chinook is 20 squares long and 12 squares
wide.
MH-6 Little Bird
The MH-6 is a utility helicopter designed to insert or extract
small forces quickly and efficiently. This aircraft sees extensive
use in special operations missions. In place of the weapon pods,
two planks are fitted allowing up to six people to stand outside
the helicopter (passengers receive no cover from the MH-
6). However, all 6 passengers may leave the MH-6 as a move
action (they are simply walking off the planks). This helicopter
is unarmed. This craft provides 34 cover for crew, but, as noted
above, none for passengers.
Like the AH-6, the MH-6 Little Bird is 6 squares long and
4 squares wide.
OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
The Kiowa Warrior is a lightly armed attack helicopter
with excellent night vision and radar capabilities, as well as
sophisticated computer imaging that allows it to see the whole
battlefield. In addition, Kiowas can be outfitted with various
weapon loads, which can be quickly changed by ground crews,
allowing the craft to perform roles from ground support, to
reconnaissance, to ship defense. In fact, during the Gulf War,
small, fast gunboats, and minelayers that were coming out at
night were harrying American ships. After two encounters with
the Kiowa, these boats refused to leave port. This craft provides
34 cover for crew.
The Kiowa has two weapons mounts, which may carry one
weapon system per mount, and may be outfitted as follows, with
weapons systems varying based on the crafts mission: 50 caliber
machine gun (left weapons pod only), 500 rounds ammunition;
70 mm rockets, 7 per side; Stinger ATA missiles, 2 per side;
Hellfire missiles, 2 per side.
Def Hard HP Size Purchase TN Restriction
8/8/40 8 8 40 G+ 32 Mil
10 10 50 G+ 37 Mil
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 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat! The Kiowa Warrior is 10 squares long and 8 squares
wide.
SH-60 Seahawk
The Navy uses the Seahawk as an anti-submarine
combat helicopter. These craft carry up to 20 sonar
buoys and 3 Mk 46 torpedoes. The Coast Guard also
uses these craft as search and rescue helicopters, with a
retractable cable system, used for retrieving men down
in the water, replacing the weaponry. A variation of this
craft, the UH-60 Blackhawk, is also used by the Army.
The Seahawk is 13 squares long and 11 squares
wide.
UH-60 Black Hawk
Introduced in the 1980s to replace the aging UH-
1, the Black Hawk is the U.S. Armys primary utility
helicopter. The UH-60 is three squares wide and twelve
squares long. It provides three-quarters cover to crew
and passengers (one-quarter cover to passengers if the cargo
doors are open).
V-22A Osprey
A radical tilt-rotor design, the Osprey is an aircraft with all
the advantages of a helicopter and a turbo-prop. The blades of the
aircraft can pivot, allowing it VTOL capabilities like a helicopter.
Once the craft is airborne, the rotors tilt forward, granting it the
speed and fuel-efficiency of a turbo-prop aircraft. The Osprey
carries two .50 Caliber machineguns, with 1,000 rounds each.
Capable of operating from traditional runways or ships, V-
22As are entering service for the Air Force, where they will
serve as long-range deployment craft for special operations, and
the Navy, where they will serve as combat search and rescue,
special operations insertion and extraction, and fleet supply
vehicles. The Marine Corps have ordered the vast majority of
these craft, however, as they see the Osprey as an ideal troop
transport, capable of carrying 18 soldiers.
The Osprey is 11 squares wide and 4 squares long.

Table 38

Surface Ships
Name Crew Pass Cargo Init Man. Top Speed Def Hard HP Size Purchase TN Restriction
41 ft. UTB
3 0 1,000lbs -2 -2 55 (5) 8 10 40 G 30 Mil
(powerboat)
Cyclone (ship) 28 8 500lbs. -4 -4 64 (6) 6 12 45 G 37 Mil

LCAC (ship) 5 * * -4 -4 90 (9) 6 15 50 G 37 Mil

LCM 6 (ship) 5 * * -6 -6 23 (2) 4 15 50 G 37 Mil

LCM 8 (ship) 5 * * -6 -6 23 (2) 4 20 60 G 42 Mil

Mark 5 SOC
2 12 0 +0 +0 110 (11) 10 8 30 G 24 Mil
(powerboat)
Stalwart (ship) 38 10 500lbs. -4 -4 20 (2) 8 12 45 G 32 Mil

66
 Chapter Four: Equipment

Submersible Ships
The submarine has seen the most change of perhaps any
type of craft in the twentieth century. From the Monitor, which
was a battleship partially submerged to reduce its vulnerability to
attack, to the completely submerged warships of the First World
War, to the U-Boats that choked off trade in the Second World
War, to todays invisible ballistic nuclear missile platforms. One
common theme has not changed: run silent, run deep.
Los Angeles Class
Attack Submarine
The Los Angeles class is the backbone of the American attack
submarine fleet, with at least 50 in service. These craft perform
duties ranging from reconnaissance, to SEAL team delivery for
special operations, to anti-submarine warfare.
The Los Angeles carries the Mk. 48 torpedo, and has four
torpedo tubes. Each ship carries 60 torpedoes.
The Los Angeles class also carries 10 Tomahawk cruise
missiles.
The Los Angeles Class is 72 squares long and 7 squares
wide.
Seawolf
The Seawolf is the next generation attack submarine in the
American Navy. Only two of these submarines currently exist,
the USS Seawolf, and the USS Connecticut. The USS Jimmy
Carter is currently under construction.
Faster than the Los Angeles class, the Seawolf is also extremely
quiet, with state of the art Sonar systems. The Seawolf gains a +4
on Stealth rolls, and Sonar operators on board the Seawolf gain a
+4 to Awareness rolls to detect enemy submarines.
The Seawolf class carries the Mk. 48 torpedo, and has eight
torpedo tubes. Each ship carries 75 torpedoes.
The Seawolf class carries 10 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The Seawolf is 71 squares long and 8 squares wide.
Surface Ships
Surface ships serve a variety of functions, from coastal
patrol craft, to heavily armed landing craft, to small boats that
allow special operations forces to come ashore unnoticed.
41 ft. Utility Boat
These versatile, fast ships are in service by the coast guard,
but are also used as river/coastline patrol and attack craft by
SEALs and SBU when subtlety is not required. In that role they
usually have a .50 caliber machinegun or a MK-19 grenade
Combat!
launcher installed.
Crew receive 14 cover, passengers below deck
receive total cover.
The 41 foot Utility Boat measures 8 squares long
and 2 squares wide.
Cyclone Class
Patrol Coastal Boats
There are 13 of these ships, all assigned to Naval
Special Warfare. These craft are used to transport
SEALs, and by the Special Boat Unit in a situation where
the 41 Utility or Mark V SOC would be outgunned. The
8 passengers on a Cyclone class vessel are typically an
eight-man SEAL team.
The Cyclone Class is armed with 2 25mm cannons
(500 rounds), 2 .50 caliber machineguns (1,000 rds), and
2 Mk 19 grenade launchers (200 rds Fragmentation),
and 6 Stinger missiles (vehicle mounted).
The Cyclone provides 14 cover for crew, and total
cover for passengers below deck.
The Cyclone is 34 squares long and 5 squares wide.
Landing Craft, Air Cushioned
The LCAC is the next generation of landing craft, being far
faster and more versatile than older craft, the LCAC provides
amphibious landing forces with a much greater range of options,
removing many of the disadvantages older amphibious forces
had to work around. Traditional landing craft can only be landed
on 17% of the worlds beaches, due to water depth, shoreline
conditions, weather, etc. By contrast, the LCAC can land on
80% of the worlds beaches. Also, the problem of equipment and
personnel having to move very slowly inland after an amphibious
landing is solved by the LCAC, which can go inland on existing
roads and favorable terrain, carrying its cargo far inland. Lastly,
traditional landing craft were one way vehicles, requiring
extensive time and manpower to retrieve before they could be
used again. The LCAC, after offloading cargo, can immediately
return to a vessel for another load of troops.
Each LCAC is capable of carrying 180 fully equipped troops
ashore.
Each LCAC has two weapon mounts capable of mounting a
M-60 machinegun, .50 caliber machinegun, or a Mk-19 grenade
launcher.
Troops and crew about the LCAC receive 12 Cover.

Table 39
Tracked Vehicles

Name Crew Pass Cargo Init Man. Top Speed Def Hard HP Size Purchase TN Restriction

Linebacker 5 0 0 -4 -4 75 (7) 6 15 50 G 37 Mil.

M-2A3 Bradley 3 6 0/1500 -4 -4 80 (8) 6 15 60 G 36 Mil.

M-9 ACE 1 0 0 -6 -6 55 (5) 4 10 50 G 27 Mil.

M60A1-AVLB 2 0 0 -4 -4 55 (5) 6 15 50 G 30 Mil.

MLRS 3 0 0 -4 -4 75 (7) 6 15 60 G 37 Mil.

Paladin 4 0 0 -4 -4 70 (7) 6 15 50 G 34 Mil.

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 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat! Landing Craft, Mechanized 6
These are slightly smaller (though still enormous)
landing craft used by Marine Expeditionary Units for
amphibious landings.
Each LCM 6 is capable of carrying 80 fully
equipped troops ashore.
Troops and crew inside the LCM 6 receive total
cover.
This craft measures 11 squares long and 3 squares
wide.
Landing Craft, Mechanized 8
These massive amphibious assault craft are capable
of landing on either a beach or a pier, and are one of the
primary landing craft used by the Marine Expeditionary
Units.
Each LCM 8 is capable of carrying 1 tank, or 200
fully equipped troops ashore.
Troops and crew inside the LCM 8 receive total
cover.
This craft measures 15 squares long by 4 squares wide.
Mark 5 Special Operations Craft
The Mark 5 is a fast, versatile craft used by SEALs and the
Special Boat Unit. Capable of operating on the open sea or rivers,
and with five weapon hardpoints capable of mounting .50 caliber
machine guns, or Mk-19 Grenade Launchers, the Mark 5 gives
special operations forces the ability to airlift a light, armed, boat
anywhere in the world in 48-72 hours.
The only weakness to the Mark 5 is its light weaponry and
armor, so this craft is typically deployed to areas thought to be
relatively safe.
The Mark 5 is 16 squares long and 3 squares wide.
Stalwart
Counter Drug Operations/Ocean Surveillance ships
The Stalwart was originally designed to monitor underwater,
to detect a possible submarine approach to the United States
during the cold war. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and
the end of hostilities, these vessels were to be decommissioned.
However, the commander of the Atlantic Fleet decided to take
three vessels, the Stalwart, the Indomitable, and the Capable, take
out their Sonar arrays and replace them with Radar and Radio
equipment, to make them capable of detecting drug smugglers in
the air or on the water.
In addition to full Radar, providing +6 to Awareness rolls
for Radar Operation, the Stalwart-class also has sophisticated
Radio equipment that provides a +4 to any Electronic Warfare
skill rolls. The Radio operator must have the Electronic Warfare
Advantage to gain this bonus.
Too slow to catch drug traffickers itself, the Stalwart will
usually function as the eyes and ears for a sleek craft, such as a
Mark V SOC or a 41 Utility Boat, or even aircraft engaged in
drug interdiction.
The Stalwart is 45 squares long and 9 squares wide.
Tracked Vehicles
Providing protection and mobility at high speed across any

Table 40

Vehicles
Top Hit Purchase
Name Crew Pass Cargo Init Maneuver Defense Hardness Size Restriction
Speed Points TN
BMP-2 (tracked
3 7 250 lb. 2 2 70 (7) 8 10 52 H 40 Mil (+3)
APC)
M1A2 Abrams
4 0 425 lb. 4 4 80 (8) 6 20 64 G 47 Mil (+3)
(tracked tank)
M2A2 Bradley
3 7 425 lb. 4 4 70 (7) 6 15 58 G 45 Mil (+3)
(tracked APC)
M113A1 Gavin
2 11 200 lb. 2 2 62 (6) 8 10 48 H 39 Mil (+3)
(tracked APC)
UH-60 Black
2 14 9,000 lb. 4 4 325 (32) 6 5 46 G 47 Mil (+3)
Hawk (helicopter)

Table 41

Damage Range Rate of Purchase

Weapon Damage Magazine Size Weight Restriction
Type Increment Fire TN
BMP-2 30mm
8d6 Ballistic 300 ft. A Linked Huge * * *
cannon
M1A2 Abrams
20d6 Ballistic 400 ft. Single 1 Huge * * *
tank cannon

68
 Chapter Four: Equipment
terrain, tracked vehicles are used for attack, defense, and cargo
transport. Equipped with powerful engines, these vehicles can
be heavily armored, providing superior protection regardless of
their mission.
Linebacker (M-6 Bradley)
The Linebacker is an anti-aircraft vehicle. The Linebacker
has three weapon systems: Stinger missiles, 25 mm cannon, and
a heavy machinegun. The Stinger missiles are the crafts main
anti-aircraft armament, and the Linebacker has a four-missile
launcher, allowing it to fire the missiles at semi-automatic speed.
Once these four rounds are expended, the craft carries 6 more
rounds, which can be reloaded at four rounds each (Teamwork
reduces this time as for Artillery Crews). The Linebacker also
carries a 25 mm cannon (600 rounds), and a heavy machinegun
(3,000 rounds). Like the M-2/A3, the Linebacker has a defensive
grenade launcher with 4 smoke grenades as a defensive weapon.
The crew of the Linebacker sees through periscopes, which
are fitted with night vision equipment, granting the ability to see
in the dark to a range of 200 feet, and the vehicle is equipped
with a sophisticated communications system granting a +3 on all
Communication Operations skill rolls.
All Linebackers are amphibious, capable of reaching speeds
of 25(2) in water. The Linebacker provides full cover for crew.
The Linebacker is 4 squares long and 3 squares wide.
M-2/A3 Bradley Armored Fighting Vehicle
A fast armored personnel carrier, the M-2/A3 provides
cover, transportation, and suppression fire for small units of
ground troops. Capable of carrying six soldiers (or 1,500 lbs of
other cargo), the M-2 has three main weapon systems: a 25 mm
cannon, with 500 rounds of ammunition, 2 TOW missiles (for
taking out enemy armor), a heavy machinegun with 3,000 rds.,
and a grenade launcher with 4 smoke grenades (for escape and
defensive purposes if the vehicle is outmatched- may also be
used to screen ground forces). The engine of the Bradley may
also be set to emit heavy smoke at will to deter pursuit.
The crew of the M-2/A3 sees through periscopes, which are
fitted with night vision equipment, granting the ability to see
in the dark to a range of 200 feet, and the vehicle is equipped
with a sophisticated communications system granting a +3 on all
Communication Operations skill rolls.
All M-2/A3s are amphibious, capable of reaching speeds
of 25(2) in water. The M-2/A3 provides full cover for crew and
passengers.
The Bradley is 4 squares long and 3 squares wide.
Table 42
Damage Range Rate of
Weapon Damage
Type Increment Fire
BMP-2 30mm
8d6 Ballistic 300 ft. A Linked
cannon
M1A2 Abrams
20d6 Ballistic 400 ft. Single
tank cannon
* Note that these items are part of the restriction and Purchase TN of the base vehicle that they are part of.
69
Combat!
BMP-2
A Soviet-era armored personnel carrier, the BMP
is used by the Russian army and more than twenty
ex-Soviet states or clients. It is crewed by a driver, a
gunner, and a commander. It has three top hatches, one
above each crew position, and a large door in back for
infantry soldiers to load or disembark. It takes a full-
round action to enter the vehicle through a top hatch and
another full-round action to start it moving. The BMP-2
is three squares wide and four squares long. It provides
full cover to its occupants.
This vehicle comes equipped with a 30mm cannon
(see Table: Vehicle Weapons) mounted in a full turret.
M1A2 Abrams
This is the U.S. Armys main battle tank, probably
the most advanced and powerful tank in the world. It
is crewed by a driver, a gunner, a gun loader, and a
commander. It has three top hatches, one for the driver
and two on the turret. (The drivers position cannot be
reached from the other positions, which are all in the turret.) It
takes a full-round action to enter a tank and another full-round
action to start it moving. The Abrams is three squares wide and
six squares long. It provides full cover to its occupants.
This vehicle comes equipped with a tank cannon (see Table:
Vehicle Weapons) and an M2HB heavy machine gun (see Table:
Ranged Weapons), both mounted in full turrets.
M2A2 Bradley
This is the U.S. Armys principal armored personnel carrier.
It is crewed by a driver, a gunner, and a commander. It has three
top hatches, one above each crew position, and a large door
in back for infantry soldiers to load or disembark. It takes a
full-round action to enter the vehicle through a top hatch, and
another full-round action to start it moving. In addition to its own
armament, the Bradleys passenger compartment has ports that
allow passengers to fire their personal weapons from within the
vehicle. The Bradley is three squares wide and four squares long.
It provides full cover to its occupants.
This vehicle comes equipped with a 25mm cannon (see Table:
Vehicle Weapons) mounted in a full turret.
M113A1 Gavin
Introduced in 1960s and for many years a mainstay of the
U.S. Army, this tracked armored personnel carrier is now in
use by more than fifty countries. It is crewed by a driver and a
Purchase
Magazine Size Weight Restriction
TN
Huge * * *
1 Huge * * *
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat!

commander, and features a top hatch above each position as well
as a rear door. It takes a full-round action to enter the vehicle
through a top hatch and another full-round action to start it
moving. The Gavin is three squares wide and four squares long.
It provides full cover to its occupants.
M-9 Armored Combat Earthmover
Heavily armored, and very powerful, the M-9 is the combat
engineers best friend when operating in forward areas. The M-
9 is equipped with a bulldozer blade, and can be used to clear
mines, or for general combat engineering.
The M-9 is amphibious, with a water speed of 3 ft./round.
The M-9 grants a +6 to all Craft (structural) skill rolls, and
decreases all construction times by half.
The M-9 is 4 squares long and 2 squares wide.
M-60A1 Armored Vehicle-Launched Bridge
Built on the M-60A1 Tank Chassis, the AVLB provides
superior mobility to forces for bridging rivers when time is of the
essence, while providing the vehicles 2-man crew the protection
of armor plate under fire.
The vehicle carries a 60-foot bridge, which may be deployed
in 2-5 minutes. The vehicle may retrieve this bridge from either
end, in 10 minutes. Once in place, this bridge can support every
type of land vehicle up to and including the M1A1 Abrams
tank.
The M-60A1 is 5 squares long and 2 squares wide.
Multiple Launch Rocket System
The Multiple Launch Rocket System is a fast, heavily
armored rocket-launching platform mounted on a Bradley
chassis. The MLRS carries 12 missiles, which may be either
anti-aircraft or anti-armor missiles (use the stats for the Stinger
and Hellfire missiles for these). The automated launch system
allows these missiles to be fired at semi-automatic speed.
The onboard computer grants the crew a +3 bonus to hit
with all missile attacks.
The crew of the MLRS sees through periscopes, which are
fitted with night vision equipment, granting the ability to see
in the dark to a range of 200 feet, and the vehicle is equipped
with a sophisticated communications system granting a +3 on all
Communication Operations skill rolls.
All MLRS are amphibious, capable of reaching speeds of
25(2) in water. The MLRS provides full cover for crew and
passengers.
The MLRS is 4 squares long, and 3 squares wide.
Paladin M-109A6 Howitzer
A self-propelled howitzer, the Paladin is essentially a mobile
platform for the massive cannon, and a means of protection for
its crew. The vehicle has two weapons systems, the Howitzer
itself (40 rounds), and a machinegun for self-protection that
carries 1,000 rounds.
The crew of the Paladin is insulated against all forms of
attack, gaining a +6 to any attribute roll to resist the effects of an

Table 43

Wheeled Vehicles

Name Crew Pass Cargo Init Man. Top Speed Def Hard HP Size Purchase TN Restriction

Avenger 2 0 0 -2 -2 100 (10) 8 8 40 H 31 Mil.

M-998A2 1 8 2Klbs. -2 -2 120 (12) 8 8 40 H 24 Mil.

70
 Chapter Four: Equipment

NBC (Nuclear, Bilogical or Chemical) attack.
The computer assisted targeting of the Howitzer system
grants the crew a +4 to hit the target.
The crew of the Paladin sees through periscopes, which are
fitted with night vision equipment, granting the ability to see
in the dark to a range of 200 feet, and the vehicle is equipped
with a sophisticated communications system granting a +3 on all
Communication Operations skill rolls.
In addition to their role in the American military, the Kuwaiti
and Israeli armies have ordered Paladin Howitzers.
The M-109A6 is 11 squares long, and 2 squares wide.
Combat!
Wheeled Vehicles
Although wheeled vehicles lack many of the
advantages of tracked vehicles, their speed and ease
of repair keep them in use among the militaries of the
world.
Avenger
The Avenger is an anti-aircraft vehicle like the
Linebacker. The main difference between the two
vehicles is that the Avenger, being a modified Humvee
(HMMWV for High Mobility, Multipurpose Wheeled
Vehicle), is lighter, faster, and less heavily armored than

Table 44

Weapon Damage Type Range ROF Magazine Size Weight Purchase TN Restriction

.50 Machinegun 5d6+2 20 150 ft. A Linked Huge * * *

20 mm Cannon 7d6+2 Ballistic 150 ft. A Linked Huge * * *

25 mm Cannon 8d6+2 20 150 ft. A Linked Huge * * *

30 mm Cannon 8d6+2 Ballistic 150 ft. A Linked Huge * * *

40mm Cannon 10d6+2 Ballistic 150 ft. S Linked Huge * * *

70 mm Rockets 12d6 Ballistic 150 ft. S 7 or 19 Huge * * *

105mm Cannon 17d6 Ballistic 150 ft. 1 1 Huge * * *

AMRAAM 12d6 Ballistic 200 ft. S Varies Huge * * *

Harpoon 20d6 Ballistic 200 ft. S Varies Huge * * *

Hellfire 18d6 Ballistic 150 ft. S Varies Huge * * *

JDAM * * * * * Huge * * *

Maverick 18d6 Ballistic 300 ft. S Varies Huge * * *

Minigun 6d6 Ballistic 150 ft. A Linked Huge * * *

Mk-19 * * 150 ft. S Linked Huge * * *

Mk 46 Torpedo 8d6 Ballistic 150 ft. 1 Varies Huge * * *

Mk 48 Torpedo 10d6 Ballistic 200 ft. Varies Varies Huge * * *

Mk-83 Bomb 16d6 Ballistic 300 ft. 1 Varies Huge * * *

Mk-84 Bomb 24d6 Ballistic 300 ft. 1 Varies Huge * * *

Phoenix 12d6 Ballistic 500 ft. S Varies Huge * * *

Sidewinder 12d6 Ballistic 150 ft. S Varies Huge * * *

Sonar Buoys * * 150 ft. 1 Varies Huge * * *

Sparrow 14d6+2 Ballistic 250 ft. S Varies Huge * * *

Stinger 10d6 20 150 ft. 1 Varies Huge * * *

Tomahawk 12d12 Ballistic 1k mi. Varies Varies Huge * * *

TOW 8d12 20 150 ft. 1 Varies Huge * * *

Weapon Damage Crew Type Range ROF Size Weight TN Restriction
14.5
Howitzer 15d6+2 4 Ballistic 1/6 rds. Huge * * *
mi.

71
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat! the Linebacker. The Avenger carries 8 stinger missiles
in an 8-tube launcher, which allows them to be fired at
semi-automatic speed. The Avenger also carries a heavy
machinegun with 200 rounds of ammunition.
The Avenger also possesses night vision capabilities,
granting its crew the ability to see in the dark out to
a 180-foot range, and a sophisticated communications
system granting a +3 bonus on Communication
Operations checks.
The Avenger is 3 squares long, and 2 squares
wide.
M-998a2
This modified Humvee is slightly better armored
than the standard variety, and serves as a fast, wheeled
troop/cargo carrier. While not heavily armored, and not
armed, this vehicle provides basic protection against
small arms fire. The M-998 can carry 8 soldiers, or 2,000
lbs of cargo, or be converted into an ambulance capable
of carrying four stretchers and a two-man medical crew.
The M-998 is 3 squares long, and 2 squares wide.
New Vehicle Weapons
Its weapons will define a military vehicles purpose. A
vehicle loaded down with torpedoes is not going to be sent to
attack a bunker a hundred miles inland. Many vehicles can be
configured for a completely different form of combat by changing
the weapons theyre armed with.
.50 Caliber Machinegun
This weapon is mounted on vehicles to provide attack
capabilities against soldiers and lightly armored vehicles.
20 mm Cannon
This weapon provides a vehicle with potent firepower against
ground or air targets, with power and an excellent rate of fire.
30 mm Cannon
The 30 mm Cannon fills the same role as the 20mm cannon,
only providing more punch.
40mm Cannon
Even more punch than the 30mm cannon, but with a slower
firing rate, used against more heavily armored targets.
70 mm Rockets
Versatile and with a heavy punch, these rockets provide
vehicles with the ability to take out any moderately armed target
on the ground or in the air.
105mm Cannon
The 105mm CANNON is an Abrams tank cannon, that is
used by the AC-130 to attack armored targets.
AMRAAM
A medium range missile, the AMRAAM negates a targets
entire defense bonus due to speed. This weapon suffers no range
penalties. This missile provides +10 attack roll (instead of using
the skill of the character).
Harpoon
The Harpoon is the primary anti-ship missile in the
American arsenal. This missile is radar guided, skims the ocean
surface (making it difficult to detect), and is capable of locking
a target over the horizon (suffering no range penalties out to the
weapons maximum range). This weapon provides a +10 as the
attack skill (use this instead of the characters skill).
Hellfire
Also known as the tank killer, the Hellfire is designed
to pack a tremendous punch against a heavily armored ground
target. These weapons are +2 to hit against targets on the ground,
but 4 to hit against targets in the air. This missile attacks with
the skill of the firing character, and ignores the first 20 Hardness
of an object attacked. Against live ground targets, this weapon
has a blast radius of 20 feet.
JDAM
Joint Direct Attack Munitions systems allow every bomb an
aircraft drops to be targeted like a smart bomb, through laser
painting of the target, or, even more accurately, GPS satellite
location of targets. Any bomb dropped from an aircraft with the
JDAM installed suffers no range penalties to bomb attacks, and
gains a +6 to hit if GPS tracking is used to guide the bombs
(this requires the targets to be selected before the aircraft begins
its mission- the removal of range penalties can still be used by
targets selected on the fly by the aircraft crew).
Maverick Anti-Tank Missile
The Maverick is an air-to-ground guided missile designed
for air support of ground troops, particularly the destruction of
armored ground targets. The Maverick takes no penalties due to
range, making it a much better long-range tank killer than the
Hellfire.
Minigun
These oversized descendants of the Gatling gun fill the
same role as the .50 caliber machine gun, but provide even more
firepower.
Mk.40 Torpedo
The most advanced torpedo currently in service, the Mk. 40
attacks with a +6 bonus to hit against submarines and surface
ships. Torpedoes completely negate the concealment bonus of a
submarine when attacking. See Submarine Warfare in the combat
section for more information on these weapons.
Mk 46 Torpedo
A fast, high-performance torpedo used by attack submarines,
surface vessels, and helicopters to take out enemy submarines.
Mk 46 torpedoes attack with a bonus of +8 to hit, rather than
using the skill of the character firing the weapon. Torpedoes
completely negate the concealment bonus of a submarine when
attacking. See Submarine Warfare in the combat section for more
information on these weapons.
Mk-83 Bomb
This 1,000 lb. warhead bomb can be carried by a wide
variety of aircraft. Weight 1,100 lbs.
Mk-84 Bomb
This bomb sports a 2,000 lb. warhead. 2,200 lbs.
Phoenix Long Range Air-to-Air Missile
The AIM 54 Phoenix suffers no range penalties, and negates
any defense bonus gained by an airborne targets speed. This
missile attacks with a bonus of +10 (instead of the characters
skill).
Sidewinder
The Sidewinder is a short-range air-to-air missile, and is one
of the cheapest, oldest, most widely used missiles in the world.
72
 Chapter Four: Equipment
The Sidewinder is a heat-seeker, which locks in on the engine of
an opposing aircraft. The Sidewinder suffers full range penalties
to hit, but negates any of an aircrafts defense bonus gained from
speed. This missile attacks with the skill of the character firing
it.
Sonar Buoys
These buoys automatically bang away with sonar pings,
which can be used by surface, air, and submersible craft to better
find enemies in the water. Each of these pods in the water grants
a +1 to the Awareness roll for each friendly sonar operator within
5 range increments.
Sparrow Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile
The AIM 7 Sparrow suffers no range penalties, and negates
12 of any defense bonus gained by an airborne targets speed.
This missile attacks with a skill of +10 (instead of using the
characters skill).
Stinger Air-to-Air missile
These weapons provide defense capabilities against other
aircraft. These weapons are +4 to hit against aircraft, and ignore
the first 10 Hardness of an object attacked. Against live targets on
the ground, these weapons have a blast radius of 10 feet. While
they may be fired at targets on the ground without penalty, pilots
are very reluctant to leave themselves with no defense to attack
from the air.
Tomahawk Cruise Missile
The Tomahawk flies below radar, at a fast, subsonic speed
(over 500 mph). This makes these weapons extremely difficult
to defend against or detect before they strike their targets. The
Tomahawk attacks with a +12 skill (instead of the characters
skill), and suffers no range penalties out to its full range of 1,000
miles.
TOW
These wire guided missiles are a slightly older, slightly
less powerful, anti-armor weapon than the Hellfire, designed to
take out heavily armored ground targets (tanks). These weapons
ignore the first 15 Hardness of an object, and against live targets
have a blast radius of 15 feet
Requisition
Each character, based on his MOS will have a certain amount
of basic equipment (at least a weapon, night vision goggles,
and body armor), plus any basic items needed to complete his
assigned duties (a medical kit for a medic, and so forth).
Beyond these basic items, what the characters have access to
will depend on what they can requisition.
Requisition requires a Presence roll. This roll is 3d6 + PRE
+ Rank Modifier + Situation Modifiers (Table 4.2) VS Target
Number (for information, see discussion below. The Requisition
of equipment requires a TN determined by GM based upon cost
of equipment requested and story modifiers).
Combat!
Table 4-2
Situation Modifier
Object is necessary for assignment +6
Object has obvious application for assignment +4
Object has peripheral application for assignment +2
Object used in characters MOS. +2
Soldier returned all gear undamaged on previous
+2
mission
Object has no obvious application for assignment 2
Object is rare 2
Object restriction
Licensed 2
Restricted 4
Military 6
Illegal 8
Requisitioning Information
Knowledge is power, but characters seeking to gain that
power will have to prove to their superiors that they need it to
complete their assignment and that they can be trusted. Having
a Secret or Top Secret security clearance (see Advantages) goes
a long way to answering the second question. The nature of the
characters mission will usually determine the first (apply the
modifiers listed above). In no case should a character without a
Secret or Top Secret security clearance be allowed access to such
information.
This brings up a question many GMs will encounter in their
games: what information do I label Secret or Top Secret?
Confidential Information (TN 15): Confidential information
is the lowest level of secured information, and entails information
or material whose unauthorized disclosure could cause damage
to the National Security. Characters do not need a Security
Clearance Advantage for this information, they only make a
Requisition check. If a character makes his Requisition roll,
this level of information can be accessed instantly from a secure
military network terminal.
Secret Information (TN 18): Secret information requires a
substantial degree of protection, and its unauthorized disclosure
could cause serious damage to the National Security. Serious
damage is defined as: disruption of foreign relations vital to
the national security, revelation of significant military plans or
intelligence operations, and compromise of significant scientific
or technological developments relating to national security.
This is an important clearance for the PCs, because without this
clearance, they will frequently not know what their mission is
going to be until they get there. This makes requisitioning the
right equipment to prepare on the difficult side.
A successful Requisition roll means the character can gain
access to the information. It usually still takes 8d6 hours for
the information to arrive. Even if the character has the proper
clearance but fails his roll, he does not have a need to know
73
 Chapter Four: Equipment
Combat! for that information (in the military mindset) and will be
denied access.
Top Secret Information (TN 21): Top Secret
ability of the Stealth skill to camouflage objects however. Still,
this type of intelligence can give a lot of help to a unit.

information requires the highest degree of security and

its unauthorized disclosure could cause grave damage
to the national security. Grave damage is defined as:
armed hostility against the United States or its allies,
disruption of foreign relations vital to the national
security, the compromise of vital intelligence plans, the
compromise of complex crypto logic systems (encoding
devices designed to keep information secure).
A successful Requisition roll means the character
can gain access to the information. It usually still takes
16d6 hours for the information to arrive (information
this sensitive is almost never stored electronically,
so the character
must wait for a
courier to deliver
the information).
Even if the character has the
proper clearance but fails
his Requisition roll, he does
not have a need to know
for that information (in the
military mindset) and will be
denied access.
There are several levels
of clearance above Top
Secret, such as Eyes Only,
but these are not included
in Combat!. Anything the
GM does not want the
characters to know under
any circumstances he can
simply designate at above
Top Secret, stating that the
information is not available
to the PCs no matter their
security clearance or how
high they roll.
Satellite Map (TN
12): These are prepared in
advance, and are readily
available if the character
makes his Requisition roll.
These maps are extremely
accurate, and provide a +2 to
Navigation checks.
Satellite Pass (TN
18): Satellites can make
Awareness rolls for the PCs
to aid in reconnaissance and
give them an idea of where
to train artillery fire and other
handy information. A satellite
grants an Awareness roll of
+12 against moving objects,
and +7 against stationary
objects. Remember the

74
 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
Chapter Five:
Actions and Combat
Character Level Actions
Taking Actions
Throughout the game each player declares to the GM, one at
a time, the actions his or her character is performing each turn.
A turn varies in length. There is no set amount of time for a
turn; a turn can be a month, a day, an hour or a few seconds. The
GM during play determines the length of a turn, except during
combat (see Combat).
What Can I Do?
The GM can allow characters to perform any action that the
GM thinks is reasonable, as long as the story continues.
What Is An Action?
An action can be something as simple as opening a door,
talking to another character, or even waiting for something to
happen. Actions can also be more complex, such as firing a gun
at something (or someone), trying to solve a puzzle or riddle, or
performing calculations on a computer.
If a character performs or attempts a complex action, the
player may be required to make a skill roll. The GMs job is to
decide when a player needs to make a skill roll for something the
character is trying to do (see Using Skills).
Limitations on Taking Actions
Two Actions (Maximum) Per Turn
Characters may perform two actions per turn without
penalty. One of these actions is a Move Action, while the other
is a Combat Action. Note that characters can do two Move
Actions instead of one of each, but can only do multiple combat
actions in a turn at a penalty. Characters may push themselves by
doing more actions in a turn, but are at a 4 to all skill rolls during
the turn for each additional action they do (so, if the character
does three actions, they are doing one extra action so they are 4
on all skill rolls for the turn, including the first two and also any
skill rolls that are for opposed skill rolls such as dodge).
Note that some actions are declared as move equivalent,
this means the character can use his or her move action to perform
that task.
Jim is playing Private Stewart, a soldier in a World War
II action game. Private Stewart is walking across a field when
he comes under enemy fire. For his characters next action,
Jim tells the GM that Private Stewart is going to run for cover
while firing a few shots in the direction of the enemy. Because
Private Stewart is running (a Move Action) and firing (a combat
action), Private Stewart can perform both actions in the same
turn without penalty.
Private Stewart cant make it to cover in one turn and he is
taking serious fire, so on the next turn Jim decides to have his
character fire two shots in addition to running. Private Stewart
is now doing one Movement Action and two Combat Actions (for
one extra action). This means that Private Stewart is at a 4 for
any skill rolls he makes during this turn.
No Impossible Actions
A character cannot perform an action that is physically
Combat!
impossible given the circumstances.
A character swimming in a river cannot suddenly
appear in the middle of a desert. The character could
get to the desert eventually, but its impossible to do
so in one turn. Likewise, a sword smith cannot forge a
sword in a single turn; it is simply impossible to heat the
steel, hammer and shape it, and so on, in a single turn.
Declaring Actions
When declaring their characters actions, the
players can simply describe what their characters say
and do (called narrative style) or they may talk in
character, talking the way they think their characters
would (called, appropriately, in character style).
Either way is fine. Most players of role-playing games
use a combination of styles.
Heres an example of narrative style.
Player: My character tells the guy hes starting to
annoy my character.
Heres an example of in character style.
Player (in his characters voice): Youre starting to annoy
me.
Heres an example of using a combination of the two
styles.
Player: My character stands up. (Then, in his characters
voice) Youre starting to annoy me.
See? Theres nothing to it.
Players who make especially good tries at role-playing and
characterization should receive bonuses of +1 to +3 (added to
the characters dice roll). GMs can also award Action Points to
players for especially good play (see Gaining Action Points).
Available Actions
The following is a list of actions available to characters. This
list is not exhaustive. There may be moments in your game when
the players want to do something that is not specifically covered
by the actions presented here. In these cases, GMs should make a
ruling as to the appropriateness for that particular game.
Indeed, if some rule or modifier strikes you as inappropriate
or just plain wrong, then go ahead and change it for your game.
This game is designed to be fun, so if you feel that any rule is
getting in the way of you having fun, toss it out!
Defensive Actions
Defensive actions are those designed to protect a character
from injury and harm. If a player has a held action, he may abort
the held action in order to declare and use a defensive action (see
Wait, below).
Characters may abort to a defensive action at any time
during a turn, even if it means acting before their INI would
indicate. If a character is attacked (or if a player otherwise
feels her character is in danger), the player may declare that
their character is aborting their normal action that turn in order
to perform a defensive action. This is particularly useful if a
character is ambushed or attacked unexpectedly.
Pat is playing in a modern military game and his character
is getting ready to fire his weapon at a bad guy. Before Pats turn
comes around, however, the GM tells him that a grenade lands
at his characters feet! Pat tells the GM that his character aborts
his action that turn and instead dives for cover.
75
 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
Combat! Block Melee Attack
Block can be used to thwart an attack. The character
must have something sufficiently durable with which
to deflect the incoming the attack. A plastic fork, for
example, cannot block a sword blow. Edged weapons
may not be blocked using the Unarmed Combat
(Brawling) skill, though they may be blocked using
other styles, such as Karate or Aikido, at the GMs
option.
To Block a HTH or melee attack, the character must
make a successful skill roll, using his REF + appropriate
combat skill +1. If the effect number of the Block roll
is equal to or greater than the effect number of the
attackers skill roll, the attack has been blocked and
the blocking character gains a +4 to his INI against his
attacker on the next turn. This INI bonus does not apply
to actions against characters other than the attacker
whose attack was blocked.
Characters who are blocking a melee attack receive
a bonus of +2 to their DEF against melee attacks, but no bonus
against ranged attacks. This bonus lasts until their next action.
Dodge
With this action, the character can avoid damage from a
blow or other attack. The character must have an action available
to use in the turn he is being attacked. No skill roll is required.
When a character is dodging, the character receives a bonus
of +3 to his DEF. This bonus lasts until his next action. The
character may also move up to one half his MOV in meters.
The player must declare he is dodging before the attack roll
is made against the character. A character may use a held action
to perform a Dodge.
Roll With the Blow
With this action, a character that has been struck by a melee
or hand-to-hand attack can Roll With the Blow to avoid some of
the damage. The character must have an action available to use
in Acrobatics skill). If the effect number for the skill roll exceeds
the attack roll, the character suffers only half of the damage
rolled, before subtracting his TGH.
Characters who are rolling with the blow receive a bonus
of +2 to their DEF. This the same turn he was attacked. The
character makes a skill roll using REF + (Unarmed Combat or
bonus lasts until their next action.
A player may declare this action after the attack roll is made
but it must be declared before the damage is rolled for the attack.
A character may abort a held action to roll with the blow.
Movement Actions
Crawl
With this action, the character may crawl along the ground
or any surface he could normally walk on. The character moves a
distance of up to one half his MOV (rounding up) in meters each
turn spent crawling.
Crawling characters are treating as if they are prone and do
not add their REF to their DEF while crawling.
Climb
With this action, the character may climb a distance of up
to one half his MOV (rounding up) in meters each turn. Some
surfaces may require the character to make a Climbing roll, at the
GMs discretion (see Climbing).
Dive
With this action, the character can attempt to leap out
of harms way, avoiding the effects of an explosion, a hail of
gunfire, or simply dive across some distance, such as an open pit.
The player declares the spot (i.e., the target hex) where he wants
to land and makes a STR + Leaping roll. The base TN for the roll
is equal to 10, plus 2 for every meter of distance.
If the roll is successful, the character clears the distance and
lands safely. If diving to avoid an area attack, a successful roll
means the character avoids the attack altogether. A failed roll
means the character was caught in the area of effect in mid leap,
suffering normal damage or effect of the attack.
A character may dive up to one half his STR score in meters.
Characters receive a bonus of +3 to their DEF while diving. This
bonus lasts until their next action.
Roll
With this action, the character may roll over an object, along
the ground, or on any surface he could normally walk on. The
character moves a distance up to his MOV in meters each turn.
Difficult obstacles may require a REF attribute roll or Acrobatics
roll to successfully pass over, at the GMs discretion.
Characters receive a bonus of +2 to their DEF while rolling.
This bonus lasts until their next action.
Run
With this action, the character can jog or run across the
ground or any surface he could normally walk on. The character
moves a distance up to 2x his MOV in meters and may take one
additional non-movement action at -3.
Characters receive a bonus to their DEF based on their total
MOV velocity (see Combat Modifiers).
Sprint
With this action, the character can sprint across the ground
or any surface he could normally walk on. The character moves a
distance up to 4x his MOV in meters and may perform one other
non-Movement action at -6.
Characters do not receive their REF bonus to their DEF while
sprinting. This restriction lasts until their next action. Sprinting
characters still receive a bonus to their DEF based on their total
MOV velocity, however (see Combat Modifiers).
Walk
With this action, the character can walk across the ground
or any surface he could normally walk on. The character moves
a distance up to his MOV in meters and may take one additional
action at no penalty.
Walking characters may receive a bonus to their DEF based
on their speed (see Combat Modifiers).
Offensive Actions
Aim
When firing a missile weapon (such as a bow, crossbow,
firearm, and so on) at more than short range, the skill roll becomes
more difficult. By taking time to aim, characters can offset some
or all of these range penalties. For each full turn spent aiming a
weapon (and nothing else), the character receives a bonus of +2
to his skill roll. The maximum bonus is +6.
While aiming, the character must remain focused and his
DEF for any attack rolls against him do not receive the benefit of
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his REF. Any attempt to react to an attack (i.e., to gain the REF
bonus to his DEF) or to perform any other action ruins his aim
and any bonus gained for it. The character must spend another
turn aiming for any benefit, essentially starting from scratch.
Sean is playing in a Marine sniper in a modern covert ops
game, Sergeant Mace Silverhawk. Maces target is 400 meters
away, imposing a -12 penalty, requiring Sean to make a Rifles
skill roll with an effective TN of 22. Sean decides that Mace,
who is hidden, is going to spend two turns aiming, reducing the
effective TN from 22 to 18. Mace squeezes the trigger and Sean
rolls the dice
Bind Weapon
With this action, the character uses a melee weapon to
bind or pin an opponents weapon. With a successful combat
skill roll at -1 (using Unarmed Combat or applicable weapon
skill), the opponents weapons are rendered immobile (e.g., the
opponents weapon arm is held, the two characters weapons are
locked together, etc.) and neither character can strike the other or
otherwise use the pinned weapon.
To break out of a bind, a character must win a contested
STR roll. Both characters roll STR + applicable combat skill +
3d6. The character with the higher total may either Shove his
opponent, breaking the bind, or maintain the bind, at the winners
option.
Disarm
With this action, the character can disarm an opponent,
causing him to drop a weapon, such as a sword or gun. The
character must make a contested attack roll at -2. If the effect
number of the disarm roll exceeds the effect number of the
defenders roll, the opponent drops the weapon and is disarmed.
Alternatively, the character may attempt a take-away, with a
successful Disarm indicating that the character has taken the
opponents weapon away and now has it in his possession and
may be used against the opponent!
Characters attempting a Disarm receive a +1 bonus to their
DEF. This bonus lasts until their next action.
Drag
A character that has successfully grabbed an opponent
may drag or pull him. The maximum distance in meters that
a resisting opponent can be dragged each turn is equal to the
dragging characters STR + 1 minus the opponents STR, up to a
maximum distance equal to the draggers MOV.
Jim has a STR 5 and Bob has STR 3. Jim has grabbed Bob
and tries to forcefully pull him through a doorway, but Bob is
resisting. Jim can drag Bob (5 -3 -1 = 1) meter for each action
spent dragging him.
The distance a character can drag an unresisting object (such
as an unconscious person) is equal to the draggers STR +1 minus
the STR required to pull the person or object, in meters, up to a
maximum distance equal to the draggers MOV.
A soldier is trying to drag an unconscious victim out of a
burning building. The victim weighs 100 kilograms and requires
a STR of 3 to drag. The soldier has a MOV of 8 and a STR of 4, so
the soldier can drag the unconscious victim (4+1-3) = 2 meters
per turn. The farthest the soldier could possibly drag an item
each turn is 8 meters.
Drop
A character that has successfully Grabbed or Restrained
Combat!
an opponent may drop with him to the ground. Both
character and opponent will fall to the ground in a pile.
Each character suffers 2d6 damage from the fall, and the
opponent remains Grabbed or Restrained.
Grab
With this action, the character uses one or both
hands to grab hold of the opponent. The grabbing
character specifies an item (such as an article of clothing,
a belt, etc.) or one limb that he will grab. The player
rolls for the attack, using the Unarmed Combat skill, at
-2. In addition, the grabbing character suffers a -2 DEF
penalty.
If successful, the opponent is grabbed, and skill
rolls for all actions attempted by the grabbed character
is at -3. Once a character has an opponent grabbed, he
may perform one of the following maneuvers: Drag,
Drop, Restrain or Throw.
To break free from a Grab, the defender must
overcome the grabbers strength with his own by making
a contested STR + Unarmed Combat skill roll. If the grabbers
total is higher than the defenders, then the defender remains
grabbed.
Restrain
A character that has successfully grabbed an opponent may
restrain him by expanding his Grab to restrain two limbs (either
both arms or both legs). To successfully restrain an opponent, the
character must succeed at a contested REF + Unarmed Combat
skill roll against the opponents REF + Unarmed Combat skill at
-2. If the offensive characters total is higher than the defenders,
the opponent is fully restrained and cannot use the restrained
limbs, and any other actions attempted by the grabbed character
is at -5. Once a character has an opponent restrained, he may
only perform a Drag, Drop, or Throw, or he may release the
opponent.
To break free from being restrained, the defender must
overcome the restraining characters strength with his own by
making a contested STR + Unarmed Combat skill roll. If the
restraining characters total is higher than the defenders, then
the defender remains restrained.
Take-away
This action is similar to the Disarm action, except that with
this action, the character attempts to maintain possession of
the weapon that he is taking out of his opponents hands. The
character must make a contested attack roll at -3. If the effect
number of the disarm roll exceeds the effect number of the
defenders roll, the character has taken the opponents weapon
away and now has it in his possession. The weapon may be used
against his opponent on the next turn.
Characters attempting a Take-away receive a +1 bonus to
their DEF. This bonus lasts until their next action.
Throw
A character that has successfully Grabbed or Restrained an
opponent may throw him to the ground. The opponent falls to
the ground and suffers B/S damage equal to the throwers STR
in dice. The opponent may reduce the damage suffered from the
Throw by making a successful Acrobatics roll (see Acrobatics).
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Combat! Unarmed Strike
With this action, the character can strike an
opponent with a fist, elbow, kick, etc., to inflict damage.
The character makes an attack roll using his REF +
Unarmed Combat + 3d6. A successful attack inflicts
B/S damage for the attackers STR, as shown on the
STR Table. For determining damage for a kick, treat the
attackers STR as +1.
Weapon Strike
With this action, the character attacks an opponent
or object with a readied weapon. The character makes
an attack roll using his REF + (appropriate weapon
skill) + 3d6. If successful, the attack inflicts damage as
per the weapon listing (see Weapons.)
Special Actions
Fast Draw
Fast draw is taken in conjunction with a weapon
attack, such as drawing and firing a gun or unsheathing
and throwing a knife. When performing a fast draw, the character
receives a +2 INI bonus for that attack on that turn but the attack
roll is at -3. The penalty lasts only for one turn.
Load Weapon
The character is spending the turn reloading a weapon.
Reloading a weapon may take multiple turns to accomplish. As a
rule of thumb, sling weapons and bows require 1 turn to reload,
crossbows require 2 turns, and black powder weapons require 10
turns. Modern firearms may be reloaded at a rate of 1 loose round
or one magazine (or clip or cylinder/speed-loader) per turn.
Mount/Dismount
The character is able to mount or dismount a steed (usually a
horse) or vehicle. This action does not require a skill roll except
in extreme circumstances (e.g., when the horse is running or the
vehicle moving).
Characters who are mounting or dismounting do not receive
their REF bonus to DEF. This penalty lasts until their next
action.
Wait
With this action, the character is waiting to act. The player
may either declare a specific intended action and a circumstance
that will trigger the action (e.g., My character is holding his
action and will shoot the first person who walks through that
door,) or simply declare that his character is waiting and will
act later.
If the player declares a specific condition and a specific
action, the character automatically acts first if the condition
occurs.
If the player is simply waiting to act later in the turn but with
no specific intent (as yet), the character can take an action at any
point in the same turn. If a character does not use his held action
by the end of the turn, the held action is lost and the character
must wait to act until the next turn.
Characters who are waiting are still alert and able to defend
themselves, and receive a REF bonus to their DEF, as well as any
other applicable DEF modifiers (GMs discretion).
A character may always abort (that is, give up) a held action
in order to use a defensive action.
Using Skills
Skills are used in conjunction with attributes to resolve
actions. When characters attempt an action in the game that has
an uncertain outcome, the player tells the GM which skill his
character is using and how he is using it. The GM sets a difficulty
level for the task (see Difficulty Levels and Target Numbers,
below).
When to Roll
The most important thing to remember is that no skill rolls
are needed for characters to accomplish everyday tasks related
to their skill. Rolls are required only for tasks that are out of the
ordinary for characters with that skillno matter how hard they
might seem to those without the skill.
Obviously, if everyone had to make a Driving skill roll
just to drive to work, no one would survive the commute! Also,
excess skill rolls only slow down the game. Save the rolls for
amazing tasks or exciting action sequences involving great risks
and daring acts.
Bens character does not have the Piloting (Helicopters)
skill. Trying to fly a helicopter will be very difficult for him, and
will require Ben to make a number of Attribute rolls at high
penalties.
Jennys character, however, has the Piloting (Helicopters)
skill. She does not need to roll her skill at all to perform ordinary
piloting tasks, such as taking off, flying and landing under
normal conditions. But Jenny will have to make a skill roll for
her character to land her chopper after it has been damaged
by a SAM fired by terrorists, for example, because this is an
extraordinary task even for a trained pilot.
Heres another example..
Andy is playing the character of Dr. Raul Wayland, an
emergency room physician aboard a Naval Hospital Ship. Dr.
Wayland has the skill of Medicine, along with various Science
and Specialist skills representing his medical knowledge. Andy
does not have to roll at all for Dr. Wayland to successfully
diagnose ailments, suture lacerations, perform routine surgeries,
and so forth. All these are everyday tasks for a trained physician,
even though they might be impossible for a person without the
skill of Physician to accomplish.
But when Peggys character, Officer Becky West, is rushed
to the ER on the verge of death after being riddled with bullet
wounds from a shootout, the GM tells Andy to make a Medical
skill roll for Dr. Wayland as he tries to save her life. The extent
of her wounds makes this an extraordinary task even for a
trained physician. Also, the dramatic tension of treating another
character that has been severely injured makes this an exciting
time for a skill roll.
Difficulty Levels and Target Numbers
If the task or action that the character is attempting is a simple
one (such as opening a door, climbing a ladder, starting a car, and
so on), no skill roll is requiredthe character simply succeeds
at the action. If the action has a real possibility of failure, the
GM should require the player to make a skill roll and set the
appropriate difficulty level for the task.
As a rule, only tasks of average difficulty or higher (i.e.,
more difficult) require a skill roll.
The GM assigns a difficulty level based on how difficult
he believes the task would be for an average person. Use the
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Difficulty Levels & Target Numbers table, below, to help you
decide what kind of difficulty level to assign the task, if any. The
Target Number (TN) is the difficulty target of a task that must
be beaten by Attribute + Skill + 3d6, taking into account any
modifiers.
Difficulty Levels & Target Numbers
Description TN
Average/Easy 12
Tricky 15
Challenging 18
Difficult 21
Demanding 24
Extreme 27
Legendary 30
Target Numbers in Combat
In cases where a character is trying to attack another
character, such as in melee or ranged combat, use the targets
DEF as the base TN instead of the table above. If the character
is actively defending himself, add the appropriate skill to the
targets DEF score. In addition, the GM can then add any other
modifiers, as appropriate. (see Combat Modifiers).
Pat is playing Jake, an infantryman. Jake has a DEF of 15
and is pretty good at barehanded fighting, with an Unarmed
Combat skill of +5. During the game, an enemy soldier tries to
grapple with Jake. The GM decides that because they are both
using the Unarmed Combat skill that Jakes Unarmed Combat
score can be added to his DEF. The final TN that the attacker
needs to hit Jake is therefore 15 + 5 = 20.
Making Sense of Difficulty Levels
While this may seem a little confusing, its really very
simple. Heres an example.
Pat is playing in a Revolutionary War (American War
of Independence) game. Pats character, Nathan Greene, an
idealistic young infantryman in the Continental Army, is walking
Combat!
alone down a dirt road when he spots a group of British
Redcoats coming his way! Pat tells the GM, Mark, that
his character dashes off the road and dives into the woods
to hide. Mark decides that diving into the woods quickly,
before the British troops can spot Nathan, requires a
skill roll. Mark isnt sure just how difficult a task it is,
however, so he looks on the Generic Difficulty Levels
table. Looking at the table, Mark figures the level to
be one of the following: Average, Tricky, Challenging,
Difficult, or Demanding. Mark thinks that diving into
the woods, which includes avoiding rocks and such, is
more than average or tricky difficulty, but is less
than difficult and certainly not demanding, so he
assigns it a rating of challenging. Mark tells Pat to
make a Challenging Leaping roll. Challenging difficulty
has a Target Number (TN) of 18. Pat rolls the dice and
gets a total of 19a success! Nathan Greene leaps into
the woods unseen, moments before the British soldiers
pass.
Automatic Success & Failure
If the Target Number for any task is lower than the characters
combined (attribute + skill score + 3), no skill roll is required
its an automatic success for the character.
If the Target Number (TN) is greater than the characters
combined attribute + skill score + 18, the player may still make
a skill roll. In such cases, a natural roll of 18 on the dice (i.e.,
three sixes) indicates success.
Characters can also use Action Points to turn a failed roll into
a successful one, allowing even untrained characters to succeed
at nigh-impossible tasks, thus reflecting a more cinematic
approach. The player characters are assumed to be heroes in
most settingsthere should always be some chance for heroes to
succeed, no matter how difficult the task. (See Action Points.)
Expanded Target Number Table
The following table indicates the modified target number
based on the assigned difficulty of the task.
To use the table, simply add the characters attribute + skill
scores (for skill rolls) or use 2x the attribute (for attribute rolls).
Find that number on the left column, then read across until you
find the number in the column for the assigned difficulty level of
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Combat! the task. For a skill roll to be successful, the player must
roll the indicated number or higher on the dice.
No roll indicates that the player does not need to
assign the groups Aptitude attribute (INT for the Mind group,
REF for the Body group). If the task involves endurance, stamina
or resistance, the GM should assign the groups Resistance
roll the dice; the task is automatically successful. attribute (WIL for the Mind group, HLT for the Body group).

Target Numbers (Roll needed, or more)

Attribute Avg Tricky Chall Diff Deman Extr Leg

+Skill (TN 12) (TN 15) (TN 18) (TN 21) (TN 24) (TN 27) (TN 30)

1 11 14 17 20 23 26 29

2 10 13 16 19 22 25 28

3 9 12 15 18 21 24 27

4 8 11 14 17 20 23 26

5 7 10 13 16 19 22 25

6 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

7 5 8 11 14 17 20 23

8 4 7 10 13 16 19 22

9 No roll 6 9 12 15 18 21

10 No roll 5 8 11 14 17 20

11 No roll 4 7 10 13 16 19

12 No roll No roll 6 9 12 15 18

13 No roll No roll 5 8 11 14 17

14 No roll No roll 4 7 10 13 16

15 No roll No roll No roll 6 9 12 15

16 No roll No roll No roll 5 8 11 14

17 No roll No roll No roll 4 7 10 13

18 No roll No roll No roll No roll 6 9 12

19 No roll No roll No roll No roll 5 8 11

20 No roll No roll No roll No roll 4 7 10

Which Attribute to Use? Unusual Applications of Skills

All skills are associated with a primary attribute group
either the Body or Mind group. This is the group that contains the
attributes associated with the common applications of the skill.
The primary attribute group is indicated for each skill after the
skill name.
In addition, suggested uses of specific attributes are also
given (in parenthesis) in the skill description.
Governing Attribute
Which attribute is used with the skill (called the governing
attribute) depends on how the skill is being used. The most
appropriate attribute used depends upon what the player says he
wants to do. If the task involves exerting force, overbearing, or
general power, the GM should assign the groups Power attribute
(PRE for the Mind group, STR for the Body group). If the task
involves subtlety, finesse, accuracy, or aptitude, the GM should
In most cases the logical governing attribute will be obvious.
For instance, knowledge- and memory-based skills will most
often use the INT attribute.
Occasionally, however, characters will use skills in such a
way that using a different attribute makes sense. The GM should
consider which attribute is the most applicable and assign it as
the governing attribute for the skill roll. Which attribute from the
primary group is used with the skill to resolve actions depends on
how the skill is used, as described by the player.
Example 1: a player tells the GM My character is going to
stay awake and drive all night if he has to. The GM decides that
this requires the Driving skill. Ordinarily, a Driving roll would
use REF, but using the REF attribute just doesnt make as much
sense as using HLT in this case. HLT deals with stamina and
fatigue, whereas REF deals with reaction and coordination. The

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GM decides to require the player to make a skill roll using the
characters HLT + Driving, and decides that driving all night
is a Challenging task. The player must make a Challenging
Driving roll using HLT (HLT + Driving + 3d6).
Example 2: Seans character has the Conversation skill,
allowing him to unobtrusively gain information in casual
discussion. If the character tries to gain information by flattering
or charming someone, he uses PRE + Conversation. If he
tries to trick someone into revealing information, he uses INT
+ Conversation. And if he tries to keep a woman talking until
she doesnt know what she is saying anymore, he uses WIL +
Conversation.
Both Body and Mind
Some skills can be used with both groups, depending on the
specific application of the skill. This is perfectly acceptable, as
long as it is plausible and the GM agrees to it.
Making the Roll
The player rolls three six-sided dice (3d6) and adds the result
to his characters skill score plus the governing attribute score.
If the total meets or exceeds the target number (as indicated by
difficulty level), the character has successfully used the skill.
Here is a summary of the steps of using a skill in the game.
Using a SkillSummary
1. [Player, Note that GM can overrule and assign a different
skill] Choose a skill for the task
2. [Player] Tell the GM how the skill is being used
3. [GM] Determine difficulty level (and Target Number) for
the task
4. [GM] Determine governing attribute for the skill roll
5. [Player] Roll 3d6 + attribute score + skill score
6. If total meets or exceeds the Target Number, task is
successful
Pats character, Nathan Greene, is a Minuteman in a
Revolutionary War game. Pat tells the GM at one point that
his character, Nathan, is throwing his tomahawk at a rope to
try to sever it. The GM tells Pat that Nathan will need to make
a Difficult Axes skill roll, using Reflexes (as the governing
attribute). Nathan has Reflexes 5 and the Axes skill at +4. Pat
rolls 3d6 (three six-sided dice) and adds Nathans REF and Axes
scores. Pat rolls 13 + 5 + 4 = 22.
Any time a skill roll is required or suggested, it is written as
a [Difficulty] [Skill name] roll (TN). For instance, if Nathans
earlier escape into the trees were presented as part of a published
scenario, it might read diving off the road into the woods
requires a Challenging Leaping roll (TN 18).
Effect Numbers
The Effect Number (EN) of a roll is simply the number of
points by which a skill roll (i.e., attribute + skill + 3d6) exceeds
the Target Number. If the dice roll is exactly the target number,
the effect number is 0. If the TN is 14 and the skill roll total is 19,
the Effect Number is 5.
Effect numbers can be used in several helpful ways in the
game. They are used to determine the outcome of contested skill
rolls, to determine the winner of a contest (whose shot is closest
to the bullseye?), to determine the progress of a long task (such
as complex repairs, a masterful work of art, ongoing research),
and so on.
Combat!
Contested Skill Rolls
When two characters are attempting to outdo
each other using skills, its called a contested roll. In
a contested roll, both characters make their skill rolls,
using any difficulty modifiers assigned by the GM. The
character whose player achieves the higher adjusted
skill roll total is the winner. Examples of contested
skill rolls include trying to sneak past a guard unseen
(Stealth versus the guards Awareness), an arm wrestling
contest, and so on.
In situations in which each character must achieve
a minimum level of effect in order to be partially
successful (e.g., an archery contest to see who can hit
the target closest to the center), the GM may assign a
TN to each players skill roll. The player who achieves
the higher effect number succeeds. In effect, the total of
the first characters roll becomes the TN for the second
characters skill roll. If both players effect number is
0 (i.e., if the rolls are tied) there is no winner, because
both characters failed at their respective attempts. (see Effect
Numbers, above).
Mike is playing Richard, an archer in the British military in
a historical military game, who has entered an archery contest.
The TN to hit the target is 15. In the contest, each character
makes a Simple Missile Weapons (Bows) skill roll against TN
15. That target number indicates merely hitting the target. The
higher the effect number of the roll, the closer to the center the
shooters arrow lands. Thus, the character with the highest effect
number wins the round. One contestant rolled a total of 13, for
an effect number of -2. The other contestants effect numbers are
1, 2, 2, 4 and 6. Mike makes his Simple Missile Weapons (Bows)
skill roll for Richard and gets a total of 27an effect number of
12! Richard has won the round!
Skill Roll Modifiers
Complementary Skills
Sometimes a characters knowledge of a particular subject
can help with a skill roll for another skill. For instance, any
character with the Appraisal skill can appraise an antique vase.
But a character with specific knowledge of antique vases,
knowledge of the culture from which the vase originated, of
glazing techniques, or of the family that owned the vase may
have particular insights into the history of the vase, thus allowing
the character to more accurately determine its value.
When one skill can be used to help with a task that uses a
different skill, it is called a Complementary Skill. When a skill
is Complementary to another skill, the player receives a bonus
to the skill roll equal to one half of the Complementary Skills
score, rounding down.
Mikes character has the skills Tactics (Ambushes) +5 and
Sub-machineguns +4. He is laying an ambush for some enemy
soldiers. The GM tells Mike that he can use his characters Tactics
(Ambushes) skill as complementary to his Sub-machineguns skill
for the first turn of combat, due to his characters knowledge
of launching effective ambushes. Because one half Mikes
characters Tactics (Ambushes) score is 2, Mike adds +2 to his
Sub-machineguns score, raising it from +4 to +6, for the first
turn of combat.
At the GMs option, the bonus from a complementary skill
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Combat! can remain in effect for the duration of an event or task.
Off-handed
Characters are either right- or left-hand dominant
(players choice) by default. The characters non-
dominant hand is his off hand. Using your off hand
incurs a -3 penalty to any skill rolls requiring manual
dexterity, such as shooting a gun, throwing, writing, and
so on.
Characters with the Ambidexterity trait suffer a
reduced penalty or no penalty at all, depending on the
level of the trait.
Time
Every task requires a certain amount of time to
complete, as determined by the GM. If a character
takes more or less time than usual to perform a task,
he receives a bonus or penalty to the Target Number,
respectively.
When determining the bonus or penalty for more or
less time taken on a task, refer to the Time Chart, below. Simply
find the level on the Time Chart that is closest to the amount
of time the task normally takes. The GM should determine the
average length of time normally required to perform the task,
and then consult the Time Chart. If the time required to perform
a task is longer than the closest level on the Time Chart, then use
the next greater time increment as the default level.
Pats character is picking a lock. The GM feels that picking
a lock should take an average person about 20 seconds. 20
seconds is more than 1 turn but less than the 30 seconds
level, so the base time level for Pats characters lockpicking
attempt is 30 seconds for purposes of determining any bonus
or penalty for taking extra time or rushing the task.
Time Chart
1 turn (3 seconds)
30 seconds
5 minutes
1 hour
1 day
1 week
1 month
1 quarter (3 mos.)
1 year
1 decade
1 century
1 millennium
Taking Extra Time
Characters can take more time than normal to perform a task
in order to improve their chance of success. By taking more time
than normal, the task becomes easier. For each lower level down
the Time Chart (i.e., for each larger period of time taken), the
skill roll receives a +3 bonus.
Pats character needs to pick a lock that he knows to
be very tough. The GM has decided that picking the lock is a
Challenging task (TN 18). Since there is no immediate danger
and his companions are watching the passageway, Pat decides
to take his time and concentrate. The GM decides that If Pat
spends 1 hour on the task he will get a +6 bonus to his skill roll
because 1 hour is two steps lower on the Time Chart than 30
seconds. Not wanting to take quite that long Pat decides to take 5
minutes and gets a bonus of +3, making it equivalent to a Tricky
task (TN 15).
Rushing
Characters can attempt to perform a task more quickly than
normal. By taking less time than the base time for a task, the
task becomes more difficult. For each higher level up the Time
Chart (i.e., for each smaller period of time taken), the skill roll
incurs a -3 penalty.
Pats character picks the lock and makes his way into a
stable where he finds a horse. Pat decides his character is going
to try to ride the horse out of the city. Unfortunately for Pat the
horse is not saddled and his character is not very knowledgeable
about horses and riding gear, so the GM tells Pat that he will
need to spend 5 minutes and make a Challenging Riding roll (18)
using INT in order to properly saddle the horse.
The city guards can also be heard nearby. Pat does not
want his character to be found and captured, so he decided his
character will rush the saddling of the horse, taking only 30
seconds to throw the saddle on and secure it as well as he can
before riding off. Pat will suffer a -3 penalty for rushing, making
the task a Difficult one (TN 21)!
Repeated Attempts
Characters who fail at a skill roll may make another attempt,
with conditions.
A character who attempts a task again after failing it once
may make a new skill roll, but is at -3 for each successive
attempt. This penalty is cumulative and is in addition to any
other modifiers for taking extra time or rushing (see Taking Extra
Time).
Pat fails his skill roll to saddle the horse. But he really wants
to get the task accomplished and soon, so Pat tells the GM that
even though his character failed the first time, he is going to try
again. The GM tells Pat that he can try another skill roll but this
time at a -3 penalty. Pat decides to go for it, and he chooses to
rush yet again. His character spends another 30 seconds on the
task, the same as last time. Pat can make another skill roll, but this
time with a -3 penalty for a repeated attempt, plus an additional
-3 penalty for rushing, making the normally Challenging (TN 18)
skill roll equivalent to a Demanding one (TN 24)!
Tools & Equipment
Some skills do not require equipment for their use. The use
of specialized equipment with these skills may provide a +3
bonus to the skill roll, at the GMs discretion.
Some skills, on the other hand, require the character to
have access to specific equipment in order to use the skill at all.
Examples include a forge, for Blacksmith, or a weapon, for a
weapon skill. If the character doesnt have the necessary items
he cannot use the skill.
Other skills normally require tools of some kind but can be
used with improvised tools. If a skill can be used with improvised
tools, at GMs discretion, the character may attempt the task but
suffers a -3 penalty.
Which Skills to Use?
Keep in mind the two basic rules:
1. The GM has final authority on what skill should be used,
although the player typically identifies what skill he or
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Combat!
she is usingthe GM can overrule the player.
Combat Modifiers Table 2. Common Sense is needed in assigning what
skill to use.
Target Size Modifier A Word about Maps and Figures
Gargantuan, 32m or more (ship, bridge) +12 Keeping track of where all of the player characters
Huge, 16m or more (whale, house) +6 and bad guys are can be a little difficult. This is especially
Very large, 8m or more (city bus, Large Tank) +4 true if there are a lot of bad guys for the characters to
Large, 4m or more (horse, car, tree, Tank) +2 deal with.
Medium, 2m (human) 0 Using figures and maps makes things much easier,
Small, 1m or less (dog, barrel) -2 and can add a great visual element to the game. Its much
Very small, 1/2m or less (cat, head, limb) -4 easier to look at a map and see where your character is
Tiny, 1/4m or less (mouse, bullseye) -6 than to try to remember from turn to turn.
Target Visibility Modifier
Figures
Completely obscured/invisible -5
We recommend using action figures or metal
Mostly obscured (heavy fog, good cover) -3
(pewter, not lead) miniature figures (usually an inch
Partly obscured (light fog, poor cover) -1
or so tall), which can be purchased at most game and
Target Behind Cover Modifier
hobby stores. If you dont have any plastic or metal
Half body visible -1
figures, you can substitute plastic counters or tokens
Head and shoulders only visible -2
from any game, or even small cardboard or paper markers. Just
Head only visible -3
make sure you can tell which marker or counter represents which
Target silhouetted +2
character.
Elevation Modifier
Target higher than attacker (uphill, mounted) +2 Maps
Target lower than attacker (downhill, prone) +1 A map can be as simple as a piece of paper with buildings
Aiming Modifier and trees drawn on it, or even a bare tabletop with erasers and
Aiming +2 per turn (+6 max) tissue boxes set on it to represent buildings and trees and such.
Braced (stable base, bipod, pintle mount) +2 We recommend using a scale of one inch to represent one
Hip shot -2 yard on your map. You can use a ruler to measure the distance or
Miscellaneous Conditions Modifier just let the GM estimate the distance.
Surprise Attack -REF If you need help drawing your maps, you can ask a friend
Improvised weapon (rock, bottle, small girder) -2 who draws well. The map doesnt have to be perfect. As long as
Distance (ranged attacks only; offset by ACC) Modifier everyone can tell a building from a tree, youre all set.
1 meter 0 You can also buy preprinted maps, like posters, for different
2-3 meters -1 games at your local hobby store. Some use hexes while others
4-5 meters -2 use grids or squares. They may be of different scales, but as long
6-15 meters -3 as the GM and the players agree on the scale (how much distance
16-25 meters -4 each square or hex represents) they will work fine.
26-35 meters -5 Another option is to use a vinyl hex or grid mat. This is a
36-50 meters -6 vinyl or plastic rollout mat with hexes or squares printed on it.
51-100 meters -7 These mats are available with different sizes of squares or hexes.
101-150 meters -8 We recommend a mat with 1-inch-wide hexes on it.
151-200 meters -9 The great thing about these vinyl mats is that you can write
201-300 meters -10 on them with water-based colored markers and then wipe them
301-400 meters -11 off with a wet paper towel when youre done with your map.
401-600 meters -12 Note: dont use a dry erase marker, as these will permanently
601-800 meters -13 mark your mat!
801-1,000 meters -14 It can be helpful if the map hexes are numbered. As a GM,
Target Moving Modifier you may want to have notes that certain hexes have landmines,
3-4 m/turn (walking) -1 or other booby traps. Hex numbers provide an easy way to keep
5-8 m/turn (jog) -2 track of which hexes are affected.
9-16 m/turn (running) -4
Combat
17-32 m/turn (sprinting) -6
Combat is handled in more detail than most other situations.
33-64 m/turn (24-42 mph) -8
When any character enters a combat situationby either
65-128 m/turn (highway speeds, train) -10
attacking another character or non-player character or being
129-256 m/turn (small plane, helicopter) -12
attackedgame time slows down.
257-512 m/turn (racing car) -14
The following rules are provided to allow players and GMs
513-1024m (1km) /turn (passenger jet) -16
to determine the outcome of combat encounters in their game.
1025-2048m (2km) /turn (F-18, sound barrier) -18
And lets face it, there is likely to be a lot of combator potential
2049+ /turn (F-15 on afterburners) -20

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 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
Combat!
combatin any military game.
Combat Turns
Each turn lasts for 3 seconds of game time. Each character
may perform one action per turn (see Taking Actions).
Initiative
During combat, characters act in order of Initiative (INI). To
determine initiative, each player rolls 1d6 and adds the number
rolled to his characters INI score. The GM rolls once, for the
leader (usually the bad guy with the highest PRE or Persuasion),
using the leaders INI +1d6 to determine the Initiative for all of
the bad guys. The character with the highest initiative score acts
first that turn, the character with the next highest initiative score
acts second, and so on.
In the case of ties, the character with the highest Intellect
acts first. If both characters have the same Intellect scores, then
the actions are simultaneous (see Initiative).
Characters with a different length weapon than their opponent
may receive a bonus to their INI when at the optimal distance for
their weapon (see Weapon Size).
Modifying Target Numbers
In combat, the Target Numbers listed in the Difficulty and
TN Table do not take into account the opponents abilities. Rather
than using the generic difficulty modifiers in melee combat, the
Target Number for attacks against other characters is equal to the
targets DEF (see Defensive Target Number). The targets base
DEF is 10, to which modifiers may be applied.
DEF Modifiers
There are a number of situations that affect a characters
DEF score and, therefore, an attackers TN. Some examples and
suggested DEF modifiers are listed below. All listed modifiers
are applied to the target characters DEF score.
Character/target is DEF Modifier
Aware of attack......................................................... + REF
Using a combat skill to defend....................... + Skill score
At optimal distance for his weapon and
fighting an opponent with a different
length weapon............................................................. +3
Diving or Dodging.......................................................... +3
Blocking or Rolling........................................................ +2
Grabbing another character....................................
-2
Armor & Encumbrance
Unencumbered (< STR kg) No modifier
Partially encumbered (< Carry wt.) -1
Greatly encumbered (> Carry wt.) -3
Combat Modifiers
A variety of situations can affect a skill roll made to hit a
target in combat. For example, skill rolls for ranged attacks are
modified by the distance, size, and speed of the target. If a target
is close, it will be fairly easy to hit. If a target is far away and
moving quickly, it will be much harder to hit.
Some examples and suggested modifiers are listed below.
All listed modifiers are applied to the skill roll for the attack.
Ranged Combat Example
A character with REF 5 is standing 40 meters away. His
base DEF is 10 + REF (5), or 15. If someone 40 meters away
shoots at our character, the GM applies the -6 range modifier to
his attack roll against the 15 DEF, making the total TN for the
shot 21!
Action Modifiers
A number of actions that are available to characters impose
a modifier to a skill roll, the characters DEF or both. Below is a
condensed list of available actions and their modifiers.
For a more detailed description of each action, see Available
Actions. Note: Skill Mod represents the modifier to the
attackers skill roll to perform that action.
Autofire
A weapon with autofire puts a lot of lead downrange, as
they say.
When making an autofire attack, the player makes a single
attack roll using his REF + Weapon Skill + 3d6 against the
targets TN. To determine how many rounds hit the target, the
effect number is divided by a number based on the type of attack
being made.
Burst
A burst autofire (or autoburst) attack consists of firing
a short, controlled burst of fire at a single target. The shooter
makes an attack roll against the target , with any modifiers for
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Combat!
Larry has a REF 6 and Submachine-gun
Table 50 skill +6. He is carrying a submachine-
gun with a RoF of 20. During a drug raid,
Defensive Actions DEF Skill Mod Notes
Mikes character spots a gunman and fires
+4 INI vs. melee attacks next turn if a burst of four rounds, with a TN of 18.
Block +2 +1
block is successful
Mike makes his skill roll and gets a total of
Dodge +3 +0 Up to MOV in meters 24. Because Mikes effect number is 6 (24
Roll with the blow +2 +0 damage 18=6), his target is hit by 3 rounds of the
burst. Mike rolls the damage separately for
Movement Actions DEF Skill Mod Notes each round that hits his target.
Crawl +1 +0 No REF bonus to DEF Stream
A stream autofire attack consists of
Climb +0 +0 Up to MOV
aiming the weapon at a single target and
Up to STR; req. Leaping roll (TN releasing a stream of rounds or projectiles
Dive +3 +0
10 +2/ meter) at it. This is sometimes referred to as
Roll along ground or over obstacle;
Roll +2 +0 hosing a target. The shooter makes an
up to MOV
Up to 2x MOV plus one non-
attack roll against the target at a 1 penalty
Run Var. +0 movement action at -3; DEF bonus for every 10 rounds (or fraction) in the
for velocity attack, plus any modifiers for size, distance,
Up to 4x MOV; plus one non- and so on. On a successful attack roll, the target is
Sprint Var. +0 movement action at -6; DEF bonus hit by one projectile plus an additional projectile for
for velocity every 2 full points of effect number. The maximum
Up to MOV plus one other non- number of rounds that may hit a target is equal to
Walk +0 +0
movement action the RoF for the weapon.
Offensive Actions DEF Skill Mod Notes Sergeant Craft spots another gunman. Mikes
+2 per turn (+6 max); No REF bonus character fires a stream of 10 bullets at the gunman,
Aim +0 +2/turn
to DEF with a base TN of 18. Because Mikes character is
Opponents weapon immobilized; firing more than a burst, he suffers an additional 1
Bind Weapon +0 -1 requires contested (STR + combat penalty to his skill roll. Mike gets a 26, minus 1 for
skill + 3d6) to break. the stream penalty, for a total of 25. Because Mikes
Disarm +1 -2 Disarms opponent effect number is 7 (2518=7), his target is hit by
Drag resisting person (STR+1 3 rounds from the burst. Mike rolls the damage
Drag +0 +0 - opponents STR) meters; max separately for each round that hits his target.
distance = MOV.
Fall with Grabbed or Restrained
Spray
Drop +0 +0 With a spray autofire attack, the shooter can
opponent; 2d6 dmg
attempt to hit multiple targets at once. The width of
Grab -2 -2 Grab one item or limb.
the area (in meters) must be defined by the player
Fully restrains a Grabbed character; before the attack roll is made. This area is called the
Restrain +0 +0
-2 to overcome. fire zone.
Take-away +1 -3 Takes opponents weapon away. The maximum number of rounds that can hit
Inflicts normal STR dmg as B/S; a given target in the fire zone is equal to the total
Throw +1 -1
victim thrown to ground width (in meters) in the fire zone divided by the
Unarmed Strike +0 +0 Does STR damage as B/S number of rounds being fired, rounding down.
The attacker makes a skill roll for each target,
Weapon Strike +0 +0 Does dmg as per weapon with a -1 penalty for every 10 rounds (or fraction) in
Special Actions DEF Skill Mod Notes the attack, plus any modifiers for size, distance, and
so on. On a successful attack roll, the target is hit by
Fast Draw +0 -3 +2 INI one projectile plus an additional projectile for every
Load Weapon +0 +0 Load a weapon & make ready 3 full points of effect number.
Sergeant Craft spots three gunmen spread out
Mount +0 +0 No REF bonus to DEF
in a warehouse, and fires a full 20 rounds into a 10-
Wait +0 +0 Wait to act later in same turn meter-wide area, hoping to hit them all. Each target
can be hit by a maximum of 2 rounds (20 divided
size, distance, and so on. On a successful attack roll, the target is by 10 = 2). The adjusted Target Number (after
hit by one projectile plus an additional projectile for every 2 full counting all modifiers) for each target is 15. Jim (Sgt. Crafts
points of effect number. The maximum number of rounds that player) makes a skill roll for each target, and gets a 14, 19, and
may be fired in a burst is 4. 25, respectively. The first target is missed, the second is hit by 2
Mike is playing Sergeant Larry Craft, a SWAT team member. rounds, and the third is hit by 2 rounds (Jims effect number was

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Combat! high enough to score 3 hits, but only 2 rounds entered
his area in the fire zone).
REF bonus), and add any other applicable modifiers to the skill
roll, such as modifiers for range, obscured visibility, and so on.
If the attack roll is successful, the attack lands in the intended
spot.
Table 47
If the attack roll fails, the attack misses the target. To see
Divide Max rounds per where the attack hits, roll 1d6 to determine the direction from
Method Modifier the target, then roll another 1d6 to determine the distance the
EN by target
attack lands from the target (see the Direction Missed Attack
Burst 0 2 4
Lands table below). The distance an attack misses the target by
Stream -1 per 10 rds 2 RoF is equal to the number of points the attack roll missed by for
thrown, simple missile weapon and small arms attacks. Multiply
Spray -1 per 10 rds 3 RoF/Fire zone (m)
this number times 2 for heavy weapons.
The maximum distance the attack can miss the target by
Explosions is one half the total distance from the attacker to the intended
target.
Explosive attacks cause damage in an area.
Any targets in the area of effect of the explosion are
automatically hit by the attack. The type and form of Table 49
damage depends on the type of explosive attack (see the
table below). Direction Missed 1d6 Attack lands

1 Left (attack lands to left of target)

Table 48 2-3 Long (attack lands beyond target)

4-5 Short (attack lands short of target)

Type/Form Example
6 Right (attack lands to right of target)
Blunt/Stunning Rubber pellet grenade

Blunt/Lethal HE grenade or artillery round

Damage Reduced by Range
Flash grenade, stun energy grenade,
Penetrating/Stunning The farther a target from the center of the explosion, the
sound/kinetic wave
less damage is done to it. An explosive attack does the listed
Anti-personnel mine, HEAP artillery amount of damage in a 1 meter radius. For every additional
Penetrating/Lethal
round
meter of distance from the center, the damage is reduced by 3
points. Treat damage below 1 point as 0. The maximum distance
Targeting Explosive Attacks at which 1 point of damage is caused indicates the maximum
effect radius of the blast. The blast radius of an attack is defined
Explosive attacks may be targeted at a person or object
as the number of meters equal to one third of the total damage
(such as a vehicle), using the normal rules for combat. Because
points done by the attack. (Damage points/3 (round down) =
explosive attacks do damage over an area, however, its simpler to
Blast radius in meters)
use a point on the ground (or a specific hex, if using a hex map)
An anti-personnel grenade explodes doing 25 points of
as the target.
penetrating lethal (P/L) damage. Any targets within 1 meter of
Treat a 1 square meter area (or a 1 meter hex) as having a TN
the grenade when it explodes are hit by a 25 point piercing lethal
of 10 (similar to attacking a person with a base DEF of 10 but no

Table 51

Cover

Degree of Cover (Example) Cover Bonus to Defense Reflex Rolls

One-quarter (standing behind a 3-ft. high wall) +2 +1

One-half (fighting from around a corner or a tree; standing at an open
+4 +2
window; behind a creature of same size)
Three-quarters (peering around a corner or a big tree) +7 +3

Nine-tenths (standing at an arrow slit; behind a door thats slightly ajar) +10 +4 1

Total (on the other side of a solid wall)

1 Half damage if roll fails; no damage if successful.

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 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
attack; targets 2 meters away suffer a 22 point attack; targets 3
meters away suffer 19 points, and so on, up to 8 meters away,
where targets suffer a 2 point attack. Eight meters is the effective
blast radius. Targets nine or more meters away from the
explosions center suffer no effect from the blast.
Average Blast Radius
Rather than calculating the bast radius of the grenade based
on the actual damage rolled, GMs can determine the average
blast radius for an attack by adding the number of dice of damage
for the explosion +1. The resulting number is the maximum blast
radius for the explosion, in meters.
The GM decides to use the average blast radius of the
grenade. Because the grenades listed damage is 6d6, the average
blast radius of the grenade (when it goes off) is 6+1=7 meters.
Using the average blast radius of an explosion can save
the GM a lot of time during the game. For instance, if a 6d6
explosion goes off, the GM knows that the average blast radius
of the explosion is only 7 meters. If the closest character is 10
meters away from the explosion, the GM doesnt need to roll
any damage dice at all; none of the characters are close enough
to suffer any damage from the explosion. Instead of rolling the
damage dice to determine the blast radius, the GM can simply
describe the explosion and move on to the next characters
action.
Cover
Cover provides a bonus to Defense. The more cover a
character has, the bigger the bonus. In a melee, if a character
has cover against an opponent, that opponent probably has cover
against the character, too. With ranged weapons, however, its
easy to have better cover than the opponent.
The GM may impose other penalties or restrictions on
attacks depending on the details of the cover.
Degree of Cover
Cover is assessed in subjective measurements of how much
protection it offers. The GM determines the value of cover.
This measure is not a strict mathematical calculation, because
a character gains more value from covering the parts of his or
her body that are more likely to be struck. If the bottom half of
a characters body is covered, that only gives one-quarter cover,
because most vital areas are still fully exposed. If one side or the
other of a characters body is covered, the character gets one-half
cover.
Cover Defense Bonus
Table: Cover gives the Defense bonuses for different degrees
of cover. Add the relevant number to the characters Defense.
This cover bonus overlaps (does not stack) with certain other
bonuses.
Cover Reflex Roll Bonus
Table: Cover gives the Reflex roll bonuses for different
degrees of cover. Add this bonus to Reflex rolls against attacks
that affect an area. This bonus only applies to attacks that originate
or burst out from a point on the other side of the cover.
Striking the Cover Instead of a Missed
Target
If it ever becomes important to know whether the cover was
actually struck by an incoming attack that misses the intended
target, the GM should determine if the attack roll would have hit
Combat!
the protected target without the cover. If the attack roll
falls within a range low enough to miss the target with
cover but high enough to strike the target if there had
been no cover, the object used for cover was struck. This
can be particularly important to know in cases when a
character uses another character as cover. In such a
case, if the cover is struck and the attack roll exceeds
the Defense of the covering character, the covering
character takes the damage intended for the target.
If the covering character has a REF bonus to
Defense (is not caught by surprise), and this bonus
keeps the covering character from being hit, then the
original target is hit instead. The covering character has
dodged out of the way and didnt provide cover after all.
A covering character can choose not to apply his or her
Reflex bonus to Defense and/or his or her dodge bonus,
if the character so desires (can choose to take the hit
himself).
Concealment
Concealment includes all circumstances in which nothing
physically blocks a blow or shot, but something interferes with
an attackers accuracy.
Degree of Concealment
Concealment is subjectively measured as to how well
concealed the defender is. Examples of what might qualify as
concealment of various degrees are given in Table: Concealment.
Concealment always depends on the point of view of the
attacker.
Concealment Miss Chance
Concealment gives the subject of a successful attack a
chance that the attacker missed because of the concealment. If
the attacker hits, the defender must make a miss chance percentile
roll to avoid being struck. (Actually, it doesnt matter who makes
the roll or whether its rolled before or after the attack roll. When
multiple concealment conditions apply to a defender, use the one
that would produce the highest miss chance. Do not add the miss
chances together.
Table 52
Concealment
Concealment (Example) Miss Chance
One-quarter (light fog; light foliage) 10%
One-half (shadows; dense fog at 5 ft.) 20%
Three-quarters (dense foliage) 30%
Nine-tenths (near total darkness) 40%
Total (attacker blind; total darkness; smoke 50% and must guess
grenade; dense fog at 10 ft.) targets location
New Combat options
The combat rules in the Action System are rock solid rules
for those who want combat that is fun, not necessarily too
realistic, and geared toward quick resolution. However, for the
GM who desires a little more detail, or perhaps a little deadlier
game, some alternate rules are presented. These are meant as
options to the GM, and each one should be chosen or left at the
GM discretion. To help the GM select the level of realism she
wants for her game, the rules are rated.
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 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
Combat! Modern is for rules that dont really change combat,
just provide a little more detail.
Gritty rules make combat a little dicier for the
characters.
True Grit make combat flat out rough.
Air Support
Modern
If land forces have aircraft actively supporting
them in an engagement, all soldiers on that side of the
battle gain +2 to hit and defense. Note that if both sides
of a battle have air support, both sides gain this bonus,
effectively negating it.
Air Superiority: If one side of a battle completely
controls the skies, then this bonus rises to +3 to hit and
defense.
Combat Fatigue
Gritty
A firefight may only last a minute, usually less, but when
its over, soldiers are as tired as if they had been marching all day.
Anytime a character is involved in combat, the character must
make a Willpower (WIL) Roll (TN 15) or be Mentally Fatigued
(see New Conditions below) for one hour. If a character engages
in combat again in this time, the character must make another
WIL Roll (TN 15) or become Mentally Exhausted (see new
Conditions below).
Common Injuries
True Grit
A character must make an HLT roll (TN 15) to avoid being
injured any time an attack from an enemy is a natural 18 (enemy
rolls 18 on 3d6 on the roll to hit character). If the character fails
the HLT roll, then roll on the Injuries table below to determine
the injury.
Cover Fire
Modern
One of the key advantages of a gun is to make the other guy
duck. One character armed with a weapon capable of firing on
automatic may grant characters a Defense bonus of +2.
Crossfire
Gritty
This rule is designed to make combat a little dicier for the
PCs, and a lot dicier for Ordinaries. Thus, this rule makes hostage
rescue operations particularly difficult. This rule is based on an
unfortunate reality of modern combat: modern firearms have so
much power, that even when they hit, they pass through targets,
ricochet off objects, pass through walls, and so forth.
Any Ordinary within one range increment of a firefight
(based on the shortest range of any weapon being used) has to
make a Reflex Roll every round to avoid taking 3d6 points of
Crossfire damage (this damage represents that bullets can lose
velocity, strike at odd angles, or that the character is being hit
by a shell casing or chunk of debris). The TN of this Attribute
Roll is determined by the conditions of the battle, as shown on
table 53.
Table 53
Battle Conditions Reflex Roll
Two sides involved in firefight 12
Three sides involved in firefight 15
Four or more sides involved in firefight 18
Each attack that misses its target this round +1
Each attack that is a Natural 1 this round +5
Deadly Firearms
True Grit
This rule makes massive damage a much more dangerous
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 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
condition for a character. Anytime a character takes damage
equal to half of their starting LIF, the character must succeed at a
HLT Roll equal to half of the damage inflicted or die.
For example: Sgt. Wilson is struck by a sniper bullet and
takes 28 points of damage. If the Deadly Firearms rule is being
used, the character would have to make a HLT Roll (TN 14) or
die.
Friendly Fire
True Grit
This rule makes player characters (and hero NPCs) as
vulnerable to Crossfires as Ordinaries.
Horrors of War
True Grit
If this rule is in effect, characters may lapse into Mental
Paralysis immediately (without first suffering from Mental
Fatigue or Exhaustion) upon seeing the death of someone they
know, if they fail a Willpower Roll (TN 18).
Injuries
Gritty
Any time a character takes damage equal to half their starting
LIF, they must make a HLT roll (TN is equal to the damage
taken) or be injured. If the character fails the HLT roll, then the
player should roll on the Injuries table to determine the injury.
All injuries are treatable by the Treat Injury skill, at a TN listed
on the table below. Some will heal naturally even if a character
has no medical attention, and if this is the case a time is listed on
the table below after the treat injury TN.
Suppression Fire
Modern
A character with a weapon capable of automatic fire may
attack a square, instead of a target. Anyone in that is allowed a
REF roll (TN 12) to avoid getting hit (and thus taking damage
from the weapon).
Damage
Damage is categorized by its method of delivery (i.e., the
form) and its effect (i.e., the type). There are three types a fall from a great height, the effects of high doses of radiation,
and three forms of damage. All damage effects in the core rules
use one descriptor from each category. For example, damage
from a knife wound is considered Penetrating Lethal damage
(abbreviated as P/L). Each is explained below.
Types of Damage
The three basic Types of damage are Blunt (B), Penetrating
(P), and Special (Sp).
Blunt
Blunt damage represents damage caused by blunt force
(known as blunt trauma in the medical world). Examples of
blunt damage include damage caused by punches and kicks,
falling, collisions, clubs, and the like.
When a character suffers blunt damage, subtract the value
of any armor the character is wearing and the characters TGH
score from the damage, then subtract any remaining damage
points from the characters LIF.
Penetrating
Penetrating damage represents damage from an injury that
penetrates the body, such as damage cause by bladed and pointed
Combat!
weapons, arrows, fast-moving projectiles, and the like.
When a character suffers penetrating damage,
subtract the value of any armor the character is wearing,
then subtract any remaining damage points from the
characters LIF.
Special
Special damage represents damage or other effects
from unusual attacks, such as gas, drugs (e.g., stimulants
or anesthesia), radiation, and the like. Generally
speaking, any effect that does not reduce a characters
LIF points is considered a Special Attack.
Forms of Damage
The three basic Forms of damage are Stunning (S),
Lethal (L), and Special (Sp).
Stunning Damage
Stunning damage is damage that temporarily
weakens or incapacitates the character. Stunning
damage can render a character unconscious but cannot
kill him. It reflects the non-lethal and temporary effects of special
substances and substances, such as pepper spray (oleoresin
capsicum or OC), sleep gas, flash-bang grenades, depressants
(such as alcohol or barbiturates), the dazing effects of a punch
or mild concussion, sedation, general weakening from fatigue,
and so on.
When a characters LIF is reduced to 0 because of stunning
damage, the character immediately falls unconscious. An
unconscious character will not regain consciousness until his
LIF is raised to a score of 1 or higher, whether through healing,
natural recovery, or medical aid.
Stunning damage is healed more quickly than lethal damage
(see Recovery).
Lethal Damage
Lethal damage is that damage that can kill a character.
Lethal damage can render a character unconscious as well as kill
him. Lethal damage can reflect the effects of a trauma or injury
caused by weapon, a collision such as from an auto accident or
extreme weakening from illness, and so on.
When a character suffers a number of points of lethal damage
that exceeds his LIF, the character is dying. A dying character
will lose 1 additional LIF point each turn until he reaches 10.
Medical intervention is necessary to prevent the character from
dying (see Stabilizing). If a characters LIF score reaches 10,
the character is dead.
Lethal damage is healed more slowly than stunning
damage.
Special Damage
Special damage is damage to some aspect of the character
other than the characters LIF. Examples include the reduction
of an attribute, medical symptoms (such as hallucinations or
nausea) and so on.
This category is a catch-all, for any effects that cant be
clearly defined as either stunning or lethal.
Wounds and Effects of Damage
Wounds come in progressive levels of severity, from
Superficial to Fatal. The description for each level of wound
severity and its effects are explained below.
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 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
Combat! Superficial Wounds
Any wound from which a character suffers up to
1x HLT in damage points (after subtracting any damage
for armor or TGH) is a superficial wound. Superficial
wounds include minor cuts, scrapes and bumps.
Superficial wounds do not restrict or reduce the
characters movement, attributes or skills, although they
may be painful.
In medical terms, characters suffering from
superficial wounds are conscious and comfortable (at
least as far as the injury goes), their vital signs are stable
and within normal limits, and indicators point toward an
excellent recovery. Medical patients suffering from one
or more superficial wounds are generally considered in
good condition.
Light Wounds
Any wound that causes up to 2x HLT in damage
points (after subtracting any damage for armor or TGH)
is a light wound.
Not exactly superficial damage, but there is little if any
chance a character will die from light wounds. The character will
lose 1 additional LIF point each day for 1d6 days until stabilized
(see Stabilizing).
All Body-based skill rolls are at -1 until the character
receives medical aid. This penalty may be ignored for one turn
with a successful Tricky WIL attribute roll (TN 15).
In medical terms, characters suffering from superficial
wounds are conscious but generally uncomfortable, though
their vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Indicators
point toward a favorable recovery. Medical patients suffering
from one or more light wounds are generally considered in fair
condition.
Serious Wounds
Any wound that causes up to 3x HLT in damage points (after
subtracting any damage for armor or TGH) is a serious wound.
Serious wounds are just that. The character is wounded in
such a way that seriously impedes his ability to do anything.
Serious wounds include some gunshots, broken limbs, and major
burns.
Left untreated, serious wounds can pose a serious health
risk from infection, bleeding, and other serious complications.
The character will lose 1 additional LIF point each hour until
stabilized (see Healing, below).
All Body-based skill rolls are at -3 until the wound is
stabilized and then -1 until treated. Any Mind-based skill rolls
are at -3 until treated. These penalties may be ignored for one
turn with a successful Challenging WIL attribute roll (TN 18).
In medical terms, characters suffering from serious wounds
are acutely ill. They may not be conscious, their vital signs are
unstable and not within normal limits. Indicators are questionable.
Medical patients suffering from a serious wound are generally
considered in serious condition.
Critical Wounds
Any single wound causing up to 4x HLT in damage points
(after subtracting any damage for armor or TGH) is a critical
wound. Critical wounds do not close and will not just stop
bleeding. Critical wounds include torn limbs, deep punctures,
and lacerations, severe head trauma, and so on.
Critical wounds can be fatal without immediate stabilization
and fairly quick medical treatment. A character with a critical
wound will lose one additional point of LIF per minute until he
is stabilized.
All Body skills are at -6 until stabilized and -3 until treated.
Any Mind-based skill rolls are at -6 until treated. These penalties
may be ignored for one turn with a successful Challenging WIL
attribute roll (TN 18).
In medical terms, characters suffering from critical wounds
may not be conscious, their vital signs are unstable and not
within normal limits, and indicators are unfavorable. Medical
patients suffering from a critical wound are generally considered
in critical condition.
Fatal Wounds
Any wound from which a character suffers more than 4x the
victims HLT in damage points (after subtracting any damage for
armor or TGH) is a fatal wound. The character will die without
immediate aid. Characters suffering from a fatal wound will lose
1 additional LIF point each turn unless stabilized (see Healing,
below). Otherwise, treat this as a Critical Wound.
Wound Effects Table
Wound Effects
Superficial None
-1 to Body-based skill rolls until medical aid
Light received; -1 LIF per day for 1d6 days unless
stabilized
-3 to Body-based skill rolls until stabilized, then
Serious 1 until treated; -3 to Mind-based skills until
treated; -1 LIF per hour until stabilized
-6 to Body-based skill rolls until stabilized, then
Critical 3 until treated; -6 to Mind-based skill rolls until
treated; -1 LIF per minute until stabilized
-1 LIF per turn until stabilized; otherwise treat
Fatal
as Critical
Recording Damage
Damage that a character suffers should be marked on the
character sheet in the boxes provided. Stunning damage is
marked as a slash (/) and lethal damage is marked as an X.
A character suffers 2 points of lethal damage from a knife
cut to the arm and 6 points of stunning damage from a kick to
the chest. The damage from the knife wound is recorded on the
character sheet as two Xs and the wound from the kick as six
slashes.
If a character has suffered a total amount of combined
stunning and lethal damage to bring his LIF to 0, any subsequent
lethal damage should be recorded over (i.e., replacing) any
stunning damage on the character sheet. Any subsequent stunning
damage is treated as lethal damage.
Mikes character has 20 LIF. During a fight he suffers
12 points of stunning damage and 8 points of lethal damage.
Because the combined total of damage is 20, he is unconscious.
He is then hit again for 5 points of lethal damage. Mike changes
5 of the slash marks (that indicate stunning damage) to Xs
(indicating lethal damage).
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Combat!
Healing
There are three basic parts to healing damage sustained by Stabilization Table
your character. Stabilization prevents the wound from becoming
worse; Treatment repairs the damage sustained; Recovery heals Wound Difficulty Roll required
the body. Superficial No roll required No roll required
For GMs who want simpler rules for healing, simply ignore Light Average (TN 12) Every day
the rules for Stabilization and make Treatment optional, relying Serious Tricky (TN 15) Every hour
primarily on Recovery to determine a characters healing rate.
Critical Challenging (TN 18) Every minute
This has the effect of lowering the mortality rate for characters
who are seriously injured. Fatal Difficult (TN 21) Every turn
For all Treat Injury and Physician skill rolls, the following
situational modifiers apply. Note that in some settings, some of Stabilization allows a patient to be moved to a
these situations will not apply (e.g., ample medical supplies medical facility, whether by ambulance or some other
are simply not available in a medieval setting). conveyance, for treatment.
Treatment
Situational Modifiers Table Treatment is the active part of medicine. The
doctor or medic will suture, medicate and repair some
Condition Modifier of the damage caused by an accident or violent event.
Very dirty or unsanitary condition -2 This may include surgery to remove foreign objects, pin broken
Makeshift sick bay (a bedroom or office) -1 bones, remove dead tissue or toxins, and so on.
Treatment usually occurs within 24 hours; although some
Improvised equipment and supplies -1
types of treatment may take longer, these will not usually have
Adequate medical supplies (First Aid kit) +1
a doctor as an active participant. These include long-term
Ample medical supplies (hospital) +3 antibiotics, chemotherapy treatments, and the like.
Successful treatment can remove or heal up to one half the
damage caused by a wound. The time required to properly treat
Stabilizing
the patient is shown on the Treatment Table below, based on the
Stabilizing a patient is the immediate treatment of an injury to severity of the wound. At the end of the time period indicated, the
prevent worsening of the injury or condition. This could involve treating character makes a Physician or Surgery skill roll (GMs
setting a compression bandage, immobilizing an extremity (such discretion), using the target number indicated. Success indicates
as putting a splint on a limb with a broken bone), or tightening the patient has been completely stabilized and will not lose any
a tourniquet. more LIF due to the wound. In addition, for every 2 points of the
A successful Treat Injury or Physician roll will stabilize the effect number for the skill roll (rounding up), the patient regains
wound, preventing the loss of any additional LIF, for a period 10% of the lost LIF from the wound, up to a maximum of 50%.
of time. The difficulty of the skill roll is based on the severity Nicks character, Doctor Barrett, is working feverishly to
of the wound (see the Stabilization Table, below). At the end of save a patient thats just been brought to the emergency room.
this time a new skill roll is required. A failed roll means that the The patient has suffered 24 points of Special/Lethal damage from
character suffers additional damage, as per the severity of the an explosion. Because the wound is a critical wound, Dr. Barrett
injury (see Wounds and the Effects of Damage). must spend 2d6 hours working on the patient before Nick can
Jims character has suffered a serious gunshot wound and make a Physician roll. The GM rolls 2d6 and gets 5. After 5 hours
has already suffered 23 points of damage, reducing his LIF to of game time, Nick must make a Difficult Physician skill roll (TN
2. He will continue to lose LIF points at the rate of 1 point per 21). Nick rolls a total of 24! The patient has been stabilized and
minute unless he receives medical aid. Luckily Tonys character will lose no more LIF points due to his injury. In addition, the
has the Treat Injury skill. Tony makes his Treat Injury roll, so patient regains 20% of the LIF lost due to that wound.
Jims character will not lose any more LIF for that minute. Tony
then makes another Treat Injury roll for the second minute but
fails. Jims character loses another point of LIF, lowering his Treatment Table
score to 1. Tony rolls again for the third minute and succeeds!
Fortunately for Tony the paramedics have arrived, who have Wound Difficulty Time Required
better Treat Injury scores and can transport Jims character to Superficial No roll required No roll required
the hospital for treatment. Light Average (TN 12) 1d6 Minutes
Serious Challenging (TN 18) 1d6 hours
Critical Difficult (TN 21) 2d6 hours
Fatal Demanding (TN 24) 2d6 hours

Recovery
Recovery is the type of healing that the body does on its
own. Characters heal a number of LIF points each healing period

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 Chapter Five: Actions and Combat
Combat! equal to their HLT. The rate at which a
character heals depends on the reality level
of the game or campaign.
Falling and Velocity Table

Recovery Rate Distance Velocity Random Flat Rate Time

Damage Type fallen(m) (m/sec) Damage Damage (Seconds) Notes/Examples
Campaign level Stunning Lethal 1-2 2m/s 1d6 3 1 6-foot ladder
Special 3-4 4m/s 2d6 6 1-story building
Realistic Hour Week 5-6 6m/s 3d6 9 2-story building
Month 7-8 8m/s 4d6 12
Cinematic Minute Day
9-10 10m/s 5d6 15 5-story building
Week
11-14 12m/s 6d6 18 2
New Conditions
15-18 14m/s 7d6 21 Mature Oak tree
Concussion 19-22 16m/s 8d6 24
This condition persists for 2-12 23-26 18m/s 9d6 27
days, after which it will heal naturally.
27-30 20m/s 10d6 30 10-story building
A character with a concussion will often
31-36 22m/s 11d6 33 3
appear perfectly fine, but will occasionally
suffer dizziness, see spots, and in rare 37-42 24m/s 12d6 36
cases may even believe he is somewhere else, or 43-48 26m/s 13d6 39
become extremely confused. A character with this 49-54 28m/s 14d6 42
condition can only use half his levels in any skill. 55-60 30m/s 15d6 45 20-story building
A character who succeeds at a WIL roll (TN 15) 61-68 32m/s 16d6 48 4
may make a skill check with his full number of skill 69-76 34m/s 17d6 51
levels, but the character must make this Attribute
77-84 36m/s 18d6 54
Roll again each time he makes a skill roll as long as
this condition persists. 85-92 38m/s 19d6 57
93-100 40m/s 20d6 60 Statue of Liberty
Broken Arm
101-110 42m/s 21d6 63 5
This condition persists for 1-6 weeks, minus
one week per point of the characters HLT score, 111-120 44m/s 22d6 66 Giant Redwood tree
minimum 1 week. If a character has a broken 121-130 46m/s 23d6 69
arm that is not set, the character may use that arm 131-140 48m/s 24d6 72
normally, but suffers a 2 to all actions performed 141-150 50m/s 25d6 75
with that arm, and must make a HLT (TN 15) or 151-162 52m/s 26d6 78 6
suffer 1d6 points of damage when using that arm. 163-174 54m/s 27d6 81
A character with a Treat Injury kit may make a
175-186 56m/s 28d6 84
Treat Injury Roll (TN 15) to set a broken arm. This
187-198 58m/s 29d6 87
reduces the penalty to 1, and the character suffers
no damage from using the limb. Once an arm is set, 199-210 60m/s * 30d6 90 Terminal velocity.*
only the 1 penalty applies until the condition is
healed. * Terminal velocity (maximum velocity when falling). Increase time by 1
second for each additional 60 meters (or fraction) fallen, but do not increase
Broken Leg damage. For objects other than falling objects (e.g., thrown objects, vehicles,
This condition persists for 1-6 months, minus etc.), add +1d6 for each additional 2m/s of velocity.
one month per point of the characters HLT score,
minimum 2 months. If a character has a broken leg that is not
set, the character may stand on that leg, but suffers a 4 penalty
to Defense, and must make a Health Roll (TN 15) or suffer 1d6
points of damage each round the character stands on that leg. A
character standing on one leg (the unbroken one) is still 4 to
defense, but does not suffer damage. A character standing on one
foot or on a broken leg that is hit in combat must make a Reflex
Roll (TN 15 if the character is placing weight on the broken leg,
or TN 18 if the character is standing on one leg) or be knocked
prone. A character with a Treat Injury kit may make a Treat Injury
check (TN 15) to set a broken leg. Once a leg is set, a character
suffers a 2 penalty to Defense as long as the conditionpersists.

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Combat!
Table 54
Injuries
Roll Location Effect Treat Injury TN
1-2 Head Character is Blinded 21
3-4 Head Character is Deafened 21
Character has suffered a Concussion (see new
5-6 Head 18 (2-12 days)
Conditions)
7-8 Chest Character loses 1-6 points of Constitution 18 (1 per day)
9-10 Stomach Character acts as if Fatigued (rest will not remove this) 18 (1 day/die of damage)
11-12 Arm Character suffers a broken arm (see new Conditions) 15
13-14 Leg The character suffers 2 Defense 15 (1 day)
15-16 Knee The character loses 1-6 points of Dexterity 18 (1 per day)
17-18 Leg The character suffers a broken leg (see new Conditions) 18

treatment per week) of the Knowledge (Behavioral

Mental Breakdown
The characters experiences have caused the character to
develop a mental illness, usually Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(see that condition for more information), though some other well-
known examples of combat breakdowns, such as the Thousand
Yard Stare are presented as well. Although no information on
other forms of mental illness is provided here (such concerns
are outside the scope of this book), combat breakdowns have
resulted in every form of neurosis and psychosis that exists,
and any of these could affect a character. This condition may
only be removed by long-term application (2-24 months, one
Sciences) skill.
Mental Exhaustion
The character suffers a 2 penalty to Strength and Reflexes,
moves at half speed, and cannot charge or run. What makes this
condition different from normal exhaustion is that it is caused
by mental and emotional stress, rather than physical exertion.
One hour of rest, free from stress or combat, will heal mental
exhaustion, leaving a character mentally fatigued. If a character
suffering from mental exhaustion performs another activity that
causes mental fatigue, the character may suffer mental paralysis,

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 Chapter Six: Vehicle Movement and Combat
Combat! become panicked, or even suffer a mental breakdown
(see those conditions for more information). An Order
(see the Intimidate skill for more information) may
temporarily allow a character to act as if mentally
fatigued.
Mental Fatigue
The character suffers a 1 penalty to Strength
and Reflexes as normal for Fatigue. What makes this
condition different is that it is caused by stress, rather
than physical exertion. One hour of rest, free from stress
or combat, will heal mental fatigue. If a character
suffering from mental fatigue performs another
activity that causes mental fatigue, the character may
suffer mental exhaustion (see that condition for more
information). An Order (see the Intimidate skill for more
information) may remove this condition.
Mental Paralysis
A character suffering from mental paralysis either
stands stock still, staring around him, or simply sits down on the
ground, ignoring what is going on around him. If attacked, the
character may make a WIL Roll (TN 15) to become mentally
exhausted again. If the character fails this Roll, the character
will suffer a Mental Breakdown (see that condition for more
information). A character suffering from mental paralysis has an
effective Strength of 0 and Reflexes of 0, and is helpless. One day
of rest, free from stress or combat will heal mental paralysis,
leaving the character mentally exhausted. What makes this
condition different from normal Paralysis is that this condition
is caused by extreme stress and mental duress. An Order (see the
Intimidate skill for more information) may temporarily allow a
character to act as if mentally exhausted.
Post-Traumatic Stress
PTS is an illness that affects those who have been exposed to
extreme stress, especially those who have suffered extreme stress
over a long period of time, such as war veterans, prisoners of
war, or concentration camp survivors. Characters with this illness
may suffer nightmares (rendering the character fatigued), or even
flashbacks. These conditions can cause a character to be Fatigued
on any given day (on a roll of 3 on 3d6). Should a character
suffering this condition be placed under extreme stress again, the
character must make a WIL Roll (TN 18) or immediately suffer
mental exhaustion.
The Thousand Yard Stare
This mental illness has rendered the character so numb
that he is actually better suited to stressful situations, including
combat. The character gains +2 to attack and damage rolls in
combat. However, out of combat, the character suffers a 3 to
all skill checks except Awareness. This mental illness can only
be removed through long-term therapy as described under the
Mental Breakdown new condition.
The Environment
Falling
The amount of damage suffered from a fall depends on the
falling objects velocity when it hits the ground. Damage suffered
from a fall is 1d6 for every 2 meters of velocity.
Falling objects gain 10 meters of velocity per second. This
is broken down on the chart as an increase of 2 meters/second for
every 2 meters fallen. The maximum velocity of a falling object
in the Earths gravity is 60 meters per second. This is referred to
as terminal velocity.
Falling damage is Blunt/Lethal damage. Characters may
subtract their TGH from any damage sustained before subtracting
it from their LIF.
To determine the amount of damage suffered from a fall,
simply find the total distance fallen on the first column of the
Falling and Velocity Table, and then read across that row to the
Random Damage column. Alternatively, GMs may use flat
rate damage for falls to speed things up a bit.
Marys character has fallen off the roof of a 6-story building.
The GM determines that 6 stories is roughly equal to 24 meters.
The GM consults the Falling and Velocity Table and looks at the
Distance Fallen column until he finds 23-26. Then he reads
across that row to the Random Damage column and sees that
a 24-meter fall will inflict 9d6 of damage on Marys character,
who will hit the ground after falling for two seconds (less than a
full turn). The GM picks up nine dice and suggests to Mary that
she review the rules for using Action Points to avoid damage.
A quick way to estimate damage from a fall is to determine
how many seconds long the character is falling and multiply
that number by 5, with a maximum of 30. This is the number
of dice of damage that the character will suffer when he hits the
ground.
Asphyxiation and Drowning
Conscious characters can hold their breath for (10 x HLT)
turns before suffering any negative effects. This number is halved
for characters performing even moderately strenuous activity,
such as swimming, fighting or otherwise exerting strength. After
this time has elapsed, however, the character suffers stunning
damage each turn.
Mikes character has 5 HLT and 32 LIF and has fallen into a
lake. Sadly, Mikes character cannot swim and sinks under water.
He can hold his breath for 50 turns before suffering damage,
unless hes panicking and exerting himself, in which case he can
hold his breath for only 25 turns.
The amount of stunning damage sustained depends on the
characters level of activity. A passive or calm character suffers
1 point of stunning damage per turn. A character exerting
himself suffers 2 points of stunning damage per turn. TGH is not
subtracted from this damage.
If a characters LIF is reduced to 0 due to stunning damage,
he is unconscious. If an unconscious character continues being
deprived of breathable air, he suffers 1d6 Sp/L damage per turn.
Characters who lose all their LIF to lethal damage due to the
lack of breathable air have suffocated or drowned. Treat death
from drowning as one single Serious wound, with successful
stabilization (i.e., a successful Treat Injury or Physician skill
roll) restoring the characters LIF to one-half its previous level
(prior to the death).
The Elements
Exposure to the elements can inflict damage on an unprotected
character, and prolonged exposure can kill a character.
To determine how much damage an element inflicts,
determine its severity, then consult the table below.
All damaging elements can use the same table, as it abstract
in nature. The effects of harsh elements is the same, in game
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Combat!
Table 55

Vehicle Speeds and Modifiers

Character Scale Chase Scale
Defense Check/Roll
Speed Category Turn Turn
Movement1 Movement1 Modifier Modifier
Number2 Number2
Stationary3 0 0 +0
Alley speed 120 1 12 1 +0 +0
Street speed 2150 2 35 1 +1 1
Highway speed 51150 4 615 2 +2 2
All-out 151+ 8 16+ 2 +4 4
1 The number of squares a vehicle can move at this speed.
2 The number of squares a vehicle must move at this speed before making a turn.
3 A stationary vehicle cannot move or maneuver.

terms; only the special effect differs.

Element Damage Table
Severity Damage Examples
Mild 1d6 per day Stranded in desert
Moderate 1d6 per hour Sandstorm, blizzard
Strong 1d6 per minute Extreme cold
Severe 1d6 per turn Fire, mild radiation
Extreme 1d6 per second Strong radiation

Element Damage Type

Wind Blunt/Stunning
Fire Blunt/Lethal
Electricity Penetrating/Lethal
Radiation Special/Lethal

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 Chapter Six: Vehicle Movement and Combat
Combat! Chapter Six: Vehicle
Movement and Combat
For simply traveling from point to point, the
vehicle used is largely a matter of personal style and
finances. Skill rolls are only required in extraordinary
circumstances. These rules are primarily focused
on ground vehiclescars, trucks, and light military
vehicles. The rules can be modified for boats, heavier
armored vehicles, and aircraft.
Characters in Vehicles
A character in a vehicle fills one of several possible
roles, which determines what the character can do.
Driver: The driver of the vehicle controls its
movement. Most vehicles have only one position from
where the vehicle can be driven, so the person seated
there is the driver. Driving a vehicle is, at a minimum,
a move action, which means that the driver may be able to do
something else with his or her combat action. There can be only
one driver in a vehicle at one time.
Copilot: A copilot can help the driver by taking an aid
another action. The copilot must be seated in a location where
he or she can see the road and advise the driver (in a car, this
generally means the front passenger seat). Aiding the driver is
a move action, leaving the copilot with an combat action each
round to do something else. A vehicle can have only one copilot
at a time. A copilot can also drive the vehicle if the driver cannot
or chooses not to, provided there is a second set of controls at the
copilots seat (usually true in aircraft, but not ground vehicles).
Gunner: Some vehicles have built-in weapons. If such
a weapon is controlled from a location other than the drivers
position, a character can man that position and become the
gunner. A vehicle can have as many gunners as it has gunner
positions.
Passenger: All other personnel aboard the vehicle are
considered passengers. Passengers have no specific role in the
vehicles operation, but may be able to fire weapons from the
vehicle or take other actions.
Scale
These rules use two scales. If the encounter involves both
vehicles and characters on foot, use character scale. If the scene
involves only vehicles, and theyre likely to move at much higher
speeds than characters or creatures on foot, use chase scale.
Character Scale: Character scale is identical to the standard
movement scale: Its carried out on a grid in which each square
equals 5 feet. In character scale, most vehicles are large enough
to occupy multiple squares on the map grid. How many squares a
vehicle occupies is specified in the vehicles description.
When moving a vehicle, count the squares from the vehicles
rear. When turning, pivot the vehicle on the rear square toward
which it is turning. When firing weapons, count squares from the
location of the weapon.
In character scale, more than one ground vehicle cannot
occupy the same square.
Chase Scale: In chase scale, each square of the grid
represents 50 feet.
In chase scale, most commonly encountered vehicles occupy
only one square. (Some especially large vehicles, such as ships or
jumbo jets, might occupy more than one square.) More than one
vehicle can occupy the same square. Vehicles in the same square
are considered to be 20 feet apart for the purposes of determining
range for attacks.
Vehicle Sizes
Vehicles use the same size categories as characters and
creatures, as shown on Table: Vehicle Sizes. The vehicles size
modifier applies to its initiative modifier, maneuver modifier, and
Defense. (The size modifier is already included in the vehicle
statistics on Table: Vehicles)
Table 54
Vehicle Sizes
Vehicle Size Size Modifier Examples
Colossal 8 Yacht, semi with trailer
Gargantuan 4 Tank, limousine
Huge 2 Luxury car, SUV, armored car
Large 1 Economy car, Harley
Medium-size +0 Racing bike, dirt bike
Facing and Firing Arcs
Unlike with characters, when dealing with vehicles, the
vehicles facing (the direction its pointing) is important. Facing
indicates the direction in which the vehicle is traveling (assuming
its not moving in reverse). It can also determine which weapons
aboard the vehicle can be brought to bear on a target.
A weapon built into a vehicle can by mounted to fire in one
of four directionsforward, aft (rear), right, or leftor be built
into a partial or full turret. A partial turret lets a weapon fire into
three adjacent fire arcs (such as forward, left, and right), while a
full turret lets it fire in any direction. For vehicles with weapons,
a weapons arc of fire is given in the vehicles description.
Getting Started
Most vehicles can be entered with a move action and started
with a second move action. An exception is noted in a vehicles
description when it applies.
Initiative: There are two options for determining initiative
in vehicle combat. First, is individual initiative just as in normal
combat, where each character rolls separately. This is probably
the best method if most or all characters are aboard the same
vehicle, but it can result in a lot of delayed or readied actions as
passengers wait for drivers to perform maneuvers. An alternative
is to roll initiative for each vehicle, using the vehicles initiative
modifier. This is particularly appropriate when characters are
in separate vehicles, since it allows everyone aboard the same
vehicle to act more or less simultaneously.
Vehicle Speed
Vehicle speed is expressed in five categories: stationary,
alley speed, street speed, highway speed, and all-out. Each of
these speed categories represents a range of possible movement
(see Table: Vehicle Speeds and Modifiers). Each round, a vehicle
moves according to its current speed category.
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Declaring Speed
At the beginning of his or her action, a driver must declare
his or her speed category for the round. The driver can choose to
go one category faster or slower than the vehicles speed category
at the end of the previous round. A stationary vehicle can change
to alley speed in either forward or reverse. Most vehicles cannot
go faster than alley speed in reverse.
Stationary: The vehicle is motionless.
Alley Speed: This speed is used for safely maneuvering a
vehicle in tight spaces, such as alleys and parking garages. It tops
out at about the speed a typical person can run.
Street Speed: The vehicle is traveling at a moderate speed,
up to about 35 miles per hour.
Highway Speed: The vehicle is moving at a typical highway
speed, from about 35 to 80 miles per hour.
All-Out: The vehicle is traveling extremely fast, more than
80 miles per hour.
Moving
On his or her action, the driver moves the vehicle a number
of squares that falls within the vehicles speed category.
Unlike characters, a vehicle cannot double move, run, or
otherwise extend its movement (except by changing to a higher
speed category).
Every vehicle has a top speed, included in its statistics on
Table: Vehicles. A vehicle cannot move more squares than its
top speed. This means that some vehicles cannot move at all-out
speed, or even highway speed.
Count squares for vehicles just as for characters. Vehicles can
move diagonally; remember that when moving diagonally, every
second square costs two squares worth of movement. Unlike
with moving characters, a vehicles facing is important; unless it
changes direction, a vehicle always moves in the direction of its
facing (or in the opposite direction, if its moving in reverse).
The Effects of Speed
A fast-moving vehicle is harder to hit than a stationary
onebut its also harder to control, and to attack from.
As shown on Table: Vehicle Speeds and Modifiers, when
a vehicle travels at street speed or faster, it gains a bonus to
Defense. However, that speed brings along with it a penalty
on all skill rolls and attack rolls made by characters aboard the
vehicleincluding Drive rolls to control the vehicle and attacks
made from it.
Driving a Vehicle
Driving a vehicle is a move action, taken by the vehicles
driver. During his or her move action, the driver moves the
vehicle a number of squares that falls within its speed category.
The driver can attempt maneuvers to change the vehicles course
or speed. These maneuvers can be attempted at any point along
the vehicles route. The driver can choose to use his or her combat
action to attempt additional maneuvers.
The two kinds of vehicle movement are simple maneuvers
and stunts.
Simple Maneuvers: A simple maneuver, such as a 45-degree
turn, is easy to perform. Each is a free action and can be taken as
many times as the driver likes while he or she moves the vehicle.
However, simple maneuvers do cost movementso a vehicle
Combat!
that makes a lot of simple maneuvers will not get as far
as one going in a straight line. Simple maneuvers do not
require the driver to make skill rolls.
Stunts: Stunts are difficult and sometimes daring
maneuvers that enable a driver to change his or her
vehicles speed or heading more radically than a simple
maneuver allows. A stunt is a move action. It can be
taken as part of a move action to control the vehicle, and
a second stunt can be attempted in lieu of the drivers
combat action. Stunts always require Drive rolls.
Simple Maneuvers
During a vehicles movement, the driver can
perform any one of the following maneuvers.
45-Degree Turn: Any vehicle can make a simple
45-degree turn as part of its movement. The vehicle
must move forward at least a number of squares equal
to its turn number (shown on Table: Vehicle Speeds and
Modifiers) before it can turn. Making a 45-degree turn
costs 1 square of movement.
Ram: At character scale, a driver does not have to perform a
maneuver to ram another vehiclehe or she only needs to drive
his or her vehicle into the other vehicles square, and a collision
occurs (see Collisions and Ramming).
At chase scale, however, more than one vehicle can occupy
the same square and not collideso ramming another vehicle
requires a simple maneuver. The driver moves his or her vehicle
into the other vehicles square and states that he or she is
attempting to ram. Resolve the ram as a collision, except that
the driver of the target vehicle can make a Reflex roll (TN 15) to
reduce the damage to both vehicles by half.
Sideslip: A driver might wish to move to the side without
changing the vehicles facing, for instance to change lanes. This
simple maneuver, called a sideslip, allows a vehicle to avoid
obstacles or weave in and out of traffic without changing facing.
A sideslip moves a vehicle 1 square forward and 1 square to the
right or left, and costs 3 squares of movement.
Stunts
Stunts are maneuvers that require a Drive roll to perform
successfully. Unsuccessful stunts often result in the vehicle
ending up someplace other than where the driver intended.
When this happens, the vehicle collides with any objects in its
path. Remember that the check/roll modifier from Table: Vehicle
Speeds and Modifiers affects all Drive rolls made by the driver
and attack rolls made by all occupants of the vehicle.
Avoid Hazard: Vehicle combat rarely occurs on a perfectly
flat, featureless plain. When a vehicle tries to move through a
square occupied by a hazard, the driver must succeed on a Drive
roll to avoid the hazard and continue moving.
Structures simply cannot be avoided. Also, if a driver cannot
make a roll (if he or she has used all his or her actions for the
round in performing other stunts), he or she automatically fails to
avoid the hazard. In such cases, a collision occurs.
The TN to avoid a hazard varies with the nature of the
hazard.
On a failed roll, the vehicle hits the obstacle. For caltrops,
this means the caltrops make an attack against the vehicle (see
Caltrops). An oil slick forces the drive to make a Drive roll (TN
15) to retain control of the vehicle (see Losing Control). Failing
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 Chapter Six: Vehicle Movement and Combat
Combat! to avoid an object results in a collision with the object
(see Collisions and Ramming).
at one hard break per round.
On a failed roll, the vehicle does not change speed
categories. Make a Drive roll (TN 15) to retain control (see
Table 56 Losing Control).
Hazard TN Hard Turn: A hard turn allows a vehicle to make a turn in a
Caltrops 15 short distance without losing speed.
Oil slick 15 A hard turn functions like a 45-degree turn simple maneuver,
Object
except that the vehicle only needs to move forward a number of
squares equal to half its turn number (rounded down).
Small (tire, light debris) 5
The TN for a hard turn is 15.
Medium-size (crate) 12
On a failed roll, the vehicle continues to move forward a
Large (pile of wreckage) 15 number of squares equal to its turn number before turning, just as
Structure Cannot be avoided with a simple 45-degree turn. Make a Drive roll (TN 15) to retain
control (see Losing Control).
Bootleg Turn: By making a bootleg turn, a driver Jump: A driver can attempt to jump his or her vehicle across
can radically change direction without turning in a loop. a gap in his or her path.
However, in so doing, the vehicle comes to a stop. To make a jump, the vehicle must move in a straight line a
Before a vehicle can make a bootleg turn, it must number of squares equal to its turn number. If the vehicle doesnt
move in a straight line at least a number of squares equal have enough movement left to clear the gap, it must complete the
to its turn number. To make a bootleg turn, simply change the jump at the start of its next turn.
vehicles facing to the desired direction. The vehicle ends its The TN for a jump depends on the width of the gap, modified
movement in that location, at stationary speed. by the vehicles speed category.
The TN for a bootleg turn depends on the change in facing. On a failed roll, the vehicle fails to clear the gap, and instead
On a failed roll, instead of facing the desired direction, the falls into it (or collides with the far side). Determine damage as
vehicle only changes facing by 45 degrees. Make a Drive roll to for a collision (see Collisions and Ramming).
retain control against a TN equal to the TN for the bootleg turn
attempted (see Losing Control). Table 57

Table 57
Gap Width TN
Facing Change TN 13 ft. (ditch) 15
45 degrees 5 48 ft. (culvert) 18
90 degrees 12 815 ft. (creek, small ravine) 21
135 degrees 15 1625 ft. (narrow road, small pond) 27
180 degrees 18 2640 ft. (wide road, small river) 33

Dash: With a dash stunt, a driver can increase the vehicles

speed by one category. (This increase is in addition to any speed
change made at the beginning of the drivers action; if the driver Table 58
increased speed at that time, he or she can accelerate a total of
two categories in the same round.) The vehicles total movement Vehicle Speed Category TN Modifier
for the round cannot exceed the maximum number of squares for
Alley speed +12
its new speed category. (The squares it has already moved before
attempting the dash count against this total.) Street speed +5
The TN for a dash is 15. The driver can only succeed at one Highway speed +0
dash per round.
All-out 5
On a failed roll, the vehicle does not change speed
categories.
Hard Brake: With a hard brake stunt, a driver can reduce A shallow gap (1 to 3 feet deep) is equivalent to a Medium-
the vehicles speed by up to two categories. (This is in addition size object; the vehicle may be able to avoid taking collision
to any speed change made at the beginning of his action; if the damage from the failed jump by treating the far side as a hazard
driver reduced speed at that time, he or she can drop a total of and then continue moving (see Avoid Hazard, above).
three categories in the same round.) The vehicles movement for A moderately deep gap (4 to 10 feet deep) is equivalent to
the round ends as soon as it has moved the minimum number a Huge object. The vehicle can only drive out of the gap if the
of squares for its new speed category. (If it has already moved walls are not too steep.
that far before attempting the hard brake, it ends its movement A deeper gap (11 feet or deeper) is equivalent to a Colossal
immediately.) object. The vehicle can only drive out of the gap if the walls are
The TN for a hard brake is 15. The driver can only succeed not too steep.

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Combat!
If the gap is filled with water, the vehicle takes only half Resolving Collisions
damage from the collision with the ground. However, if the water The base damage dealt by a vehicle collision
is too deep or the bottom is too soft (GMs discretion), the vehicle depends on the speed and size of the objects involved.
might not be able to move. Use the highest speed and the smallest size of the two
Sideswipe: During a vehicles movement, a driver can colliding objects and refer to Table: Collision Damage.
attempt to sideswipe a vehicle or other target, either to deal
damage without fully ramming it or to cause another driver to
Table 59
lose control of his or her vehicle.
At character scale, a vehicle must be side by side with its Collision Damage
target (that is, occupying the square or squares directly to its Highest Speed Multiply Number of Dice by
side) and moving in the same direction. Attempting a sideswipe
Alley speed 1 Point
costs 1 square of movement.
Street speed 2 points
At chase scale, the vehicle must be in the same square as its
target and moving in the same direction. There is no movement Highway speed 1d6
cost. All-out 2d6
If the stunt is successful, the sideswiping vehicle and the
target both take damage as if they had collided (see Collisions
and Ramming), except that the collision multiplier is 1/4, and the Table 60
target (or driver of the target vehicle) can make a Reflex roll (TN
Smallest Object or Creature Size Number of Dice
15) to reduce the damage to both by half. If the target is another
vehicle the driver must succeed at a Drive roll (TN 15) at the Colossal 20
beginning of his or her next action or lose control of the vehicle. Gargantuan 16
The TN for a sideswipe is 15. Its modified by the relative Huge 12
size and speed of the target. Large 8
Medium-size 4
Table 59
Small 2
Target Condition TN Modifier Tiny 1
Each size category larger 5 Smaller than Tiny 0
Each size category smaller +5
Each speed category of difference 2 After finding the base damage, determine the collisions
damage multiplier based on how the colliding vehicle struck
On a failed roll, both vehicles take damage as though the the other vehicle or object. (For vehicles moving in reverse,
sideswipe attempt was a success. However, the other driver does consider the back end to be the vehicles front for determining
not need to make a roll to retain control. the collision multiplier.) Consult Table: Collision Direction for
Driver Options a multiplier.
Here is what a vehicle driver can do in a single round: Once the damage has been determined, apply it to both
Choose the Vehicles Speed: The driver may increase or vehicles (or objects or creatures) involved in the collision.
decrease his or her vehicles speed category by one (or keep it Both vehicles reduce their speed by two speed categories. If the
the same). colliding vehicle moved the minimum number of squares for its
Optional Combat Action: If the driver wants, he or she can new speed category before the collision, it ends its movement
use his or her combat action before moving the vehicle. If the immediately. If not, it pushes the other vehicle or object aside, if
driver does so, however, he or she will be limited to a single stunt possible, and continues until it has moved the minimum number
during movement. of squares for its new speed category.
Movement: Move the vehicle any number of squares within
the vehicles speed category. Along the way, perform any number Table 61
of simple maneuvers (limited only by their movement cost). The Collision Direction
driver may also attempt a single stunt as part of the movement
(or two, if the driver didnt take his or her combat action before Colliding Vehicles Target Multiplier
moving). A stationary object x1
Optional Combat Action: If the driver did not take a combat
action before moving, and performed one or fewer stunts, the A moving vehicle, striking head-on or 45
x2
driver has a combat action left. degrees from head-on

Collisions and Ramming A moving vehicle, striking perpendicular x1

A collision occurs when a vehicle strikes another vehicle or A moving vehicle, striking from the rear or 45
x 1/2
a solid object. Generally, when a vehicle collides with a creature degrees from the rear
or other moving vehicle, the target can attempt a Reflex roll (TN A vehicle being sideswiped (see Sideswipe) x 1/4
15) to reduce the damage by half.

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Combat! The driver of the vehicle that caused the collision
must immediately make a Drive roll (TN 15) or lose
control of the vehicle (see Losing Control, below). The Table 64
driver of the other vehicle must succeed on a Drive roll
(TN 15) at the beginning of his or her next action or lose Table: Crewed Vehicles
control of his or her vehicle. Name Crew Initiative Maneuver
Damage to Vehicle Occupants Civilian Aircraft
When a vehicle takes damage from a collision, its Bell Jet Ranger 2 (Skilled +4) +0 +0
occupants may take damage as well. The base amount Bell Model 212 2 (Skilled +4) +0 +0
of damage depends on the cover offered by the vehicle. Cessna 172 Skyhawk 1 (Normal +2) 2 2
Learjet Model 45 2 (Skilled +4) +0 +0
Table 62
Civilian Cars
Acura 3.2 TL 1 (Normal +2) +0 +1
Cover Damage
Aston-Martin Vanquish 1 (Normal +2) +0 +2
Same as damage taken by
None BMW M3 1 (Normal +2) +0 +3
vehicle
One-half damage taken by Chevrolet Cavalier 1 (Normal +2) +1 +1
One-quarter
vehicle Chevrolet Corvette 1 (Normal +2) +0 +2
One-quarter damage taken by
One-half Dodge Neon 1 (Normal +2) +1 +1
vehicle
Three-quarters or Ford Crown Victoria 1 (Normal +2) +0 +1
None
more Jaguar XJS 1 (Normal +2) +0 +1
Lamborghini Diablo 1 (Normal +2) +0 +3
Each of the occupants may make a Reflex roll (TN 15) to Mercedes E55 AMG 1 (Normal +2) +0 +2
take half damage. Volkswagen Jetta 1 (Normal +2) +0 +2
Losing Control
A collision or a failed stunt can cause a driver to lose control Civilian Motorcycles
of his vehicle. In these cases, the driver must make a Drive roll Ducati 998R 1 (Normal +2) +2 +5
to retain control of the vehicle. If this roll is successful, the driver Harley Davidson FLSTF 1 (Normal +2) +1 +3
maintains control of the vehicle. If it fails, the vehicle goes into Yamaha YZ250F 1 (Normal +2) +2 +4
a spin. If it fails by 10 or more, the vehicle rolls. Remember that
the check/roll modifier from Table: Vehicle Speeds and Modifiers Civilian Trucks
applies to all Drive rolls. AM General Hummer 1 (Normal +2) +0 +0
An out-of-control vehicle may strike an object or other Chevrolet Suburban 1 (Normal +2) +0 +0
vehicle. When that happens, a collision occurs (see Collisions Dodge Caravan 1 (Normal +2) +0 +0
and Ramming, above). Ford Escape XLT 1 (Normal +2) +0 +0
Spin: The vehicle skids, spinning wildly. Ford F-150 XL 1 (Normal +2) +0 +0
At character scale, the vehicle moves in its current direction Toyota Tacoma Xtracab 1 (Normal +2) +0 +0
a number of squares equal to the turn number for its speed, then
ends its movement. Once it stops, roll 1d8 to determine its new Civilian Water Vehicles
facing: 1, no change; 2, right 45 degrees; 3, right 90 degrees; 4, Bayliner 1802 Capri 1 (Normal +2) +0 +0
right 135 degrees; 5, 180 degrees; 6, left 135 degrees; 7, left 90 Fairline Targa 30 1 (Normal +2) 2 2
degrees; 8, left 45 degrees. Reorient the vehicle accordingly. Sea-Doo XP 1 (Normal +2) +1 +3
At chase scale, the vehicle moves 1 square and ends its
movement. Roll to determine its new facing as indicated above. Other Vehicles
Roll: The vehicle tumbles, taking damage. Armored truck 2 (Skilled +4) +2 +2
At character scale, the vehicle rolls in a straight line in Honda TRX400FW 1 (Normal +2) +1 +3
its current direction for a number of squares equal to the turn Limousine 1 (Skilled +4) +0 +0
number for its speed, then ends its movement. At the end of the Moving truck 1 (Normal +2) 2 2
vehicles roll, reorient the vehicle perpendicular to its original NABI Model 40LFW 1 (Skilled +4) +0 +0
direction of travel (determine left or right randomly).
At chase scale, the vehicle rolls one square before stopping Military Vehicles
and reorienting. BMP-2 3 (Skilled +4) +2 +2
M1A2 Abrams 4 (Skilled +4) +0 +0
M2A2 Bradley 3 (Skilled +4) +0 +0
M113A1 Gavin 2 (Skilled +4) +2 +2
UH-60 Black Hawk 2 (Skilled +4) +0 +0

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At either scale, a vehicle takes damage equal to 2d6 x the
character scale turn number for its speed (use the turn number
from character scale even at chase scale). The vehicles occupants
take damage equal to 2d4 x the character scale turn number for
its speed (Reflex roll, TN 15, if successful the character only
takes half damage).
Hide and Seek
When being pursued, a driver can attempt a Stealth roll to
lose the pursuer in heavy traffic, or a Bluff roll to misdirect the
pursuer before turning onto an off-ramp or a side street.
To make a Stealth roll, use the normal rules for stealth
(contested skill roll vs other characters Awareness skill). The
normal size modifiers apply, but because the driver is hiding
among other vehicles, most of which are size Large or Huge, he
or she gains a +8 bonus on the roll. This use of the Hide skill can
only be attempted in fairly heavy traffic; in lighter traffic, the GM
might not allow it or might apply a penalty to the roll.
A driver can use Bluff to make a pursuer think he or she
is going a different direction from what the driver intends. Just
before making a turn onto an off-ramp or side street, make a Bluff
roll opposed by the pursuers Sense Motive roll. If the driver
is successful, the pursuer takes a 5 penalty on any Drive roll
needed to make the turn to follow the driver. If the other driver
can make the turn using only simple maneuvers and does not
have to make a Drive roll, the Bluff attempt has no effect.
Fighting from Vehicles
The following rules provide a further framework for combat
involving vehicles.
Vehicle Combat Actions
Actions during vehicle combat are handled the same way as
actions during personal combat. In general, a character can take
two move actions, one move action and one combat action, or
one full-round action in a round. Free actions can be performed
normally, in conjunction with another action.
Free Actions: Communicating orders is a free action.
Characters can perform as many free actions as the GM permits
in a single round.
Move Actions: Changing position within a vehicle is usually
a move action, especially if the character has to trade places
with another character. If the characters movement is short and
unobstructed, the character can do it as the equivalent of a 5-foot
step. Otherwise, it requires a move action.
Combat!
Combat Actions: Anyone aboard a vehicle can
make an attack with a personal weapon, and drivers and
gunners can make attacks with any vehicle-mounted
weapons controlled from their positions.
Full-Round Actions: Since the driver must use
a move action to control the vehicle, he or she cant
take a full-round action unless he or she starts it in one
round and completes it on his or her next turn (see Start/
Complete Full-Round Action).
Crew Quality
Rather than force the GM to create, or remember,
statistics for everyone aboard a vehicle, vehicle statistics
include a general crew quality descriptor. This
indicates a typical crews aptitude with the vehicles
systems.
Table: Vehicle Crew Quality shows the five levels
of crew quality for GM-controlled vehicle crews, along
with the appropriate roll modifier. Use the roll modifier
for all skill rolls related to the operation of the vehicle
(including Drive and Repair rolls). Use the attack bonus for all
attack rolls performed by the crew. For quick reference, Table:
Crewed Vehicles shows the typical crew quality, and the crews
total initiative and maneuver modifiers, for the vehicles covered
in this book.
This by no means restricts the GM from creating unique
vehicles where the crews statistics are included, or from using
GM characters abilities when they drive or attack from vehicles.
Its merely a shortcut to save time if the GM doesnt have
particular characters behind the wheel.
Table 63
Vehicle Crew Quality
Crew Quality Roll Modifier Attack Bonus
Untrained 4 2
Normal +2 +0
Skilled +4 +2
Expert +8 +4
Ace +12 +8/+3

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Combat! Attack Options
Firing a vehicles weapon requires an combat
action and uses the drivers or gunners ranged attack
modifier.
A driver with 5 or more ranks in the Drive skill
gains a +2 synergy bonus when firing vehicle-mounted
weapons while driving.
Some military vehicles are equipped with fire-
control computers. These systems grant equipment
bonuses on attack rolls with the vehicle-mounted
weapons to which they apply.
Driving Defensively: Just as in melee combat, one
can fight defensively while driving a vehicle, which
grants a +2 dodge bonus to the vehicles Defense and
applies a 4 penalty on attack rolls made by occupants
of the vehicle.
Total Defense: A driver can choose the total defense,
action which grants a +4 dodge bonus to Defense but
does not allow the driver to attack (gunners or passengers
take a 8 penalty on attack rolls). These modifiers last until the
drivers next round of actions.
Full Combat Action: Gunners or passengers can take full
combat actions, since they dont have to use a move action
(except, perhaps, to change positions in the vehicle). In general,
taking a full combat action is useful only if a character has a base
attack bonus high enough to get multiple attacks. A passenger
can make multiple attacks with his or her own weapon. A gunner
can make multiple attacks with one or more weapons controlled
from his or her position.
Targeting Occupants
An attack made against a vehicle uses the vehicles Defense,
modified by its speed category. Attackers can choose instead to
target specific vehicle occupants.
An attack against a vehicle occupant is made like any other
attack. Remember, however, that a character in a vehicle gains
bonuses to Defense from both the vehicles speed and any cover
it provides.
When a character fires from a vehicle, objects or other
vehicles in the way can provide cover for the target.
Damaging Vehicles
All vehicles have hit points, which are roughly equivalent
to a characters hit points. Like most inanimate objects, vehicles
also have hardness. Whenever a vehicle takes damage, subtract
the vehicles hardness from the damage dealt.
When a vehicle is reduced to 0 hit points, it is disabled.
Although it might be repairable, it ceases functioning. A vehicle
that is disabled while moving drops one speed category each
round until it comes to a stop. The driver cannot attempt any
maneuvers except a 45-degree turn.
A vehicle is destroyed when it loses hit points equal to twice
its full normal total. A destroyed vehicle cannot be repaired.
Energy Attacks: Vehicles are treated as objects when
subjected to energy attacks (such as flamethrowers).
Exploding Vehicles: If the attack that disables a vehicle
deals damage equal to half its full normal hit points or more,
the vehicle explodes after 1d6 rounds. This explosion deals 10d6
points of fire damage to everyone within the vehicle (Reflex roll,
TN 18, to only take half damage), and half that much to everyone
and everything within 30 feet of the explosion (Reflex roll, TN
15, to only take half damage).
Repairing Damage
Repairing damage to a vehicle takes a full hour of work, a
mechanical tool kit, and a garage or some other suitable facility.
(Without the tool kit, a character takes a 4 penalty on his or her
Repair roll.) At the end of the hour, make a Repair roll (TN 18).
Success restores 2d6 hit points. If damage remains, the character
may continue to make repairs for as many hours as it takes to
restore all of the vehicles hit points.
Aerial Combat
Aircraft are excellent weapons platforms to attack targets on
the ground, and other targets in the air. One of the best methods
of stopping enemy aircraft from attacking your character on
the ground, or providing air support, is to use aircraft of your
characters own military to shoot them down. This is called
Dogfighting.
Dogfighting
Aerial combat is the true test of any fighter pilots abilities,
and requires him to be in peak mental and physical condition.
This is why jet pilots, especially those who qualify for elite top
gun style programs must be the best of an already elite group.
Aerial Stunts
Aerial stunts are maneuvers that require a Pilot skill roll
to perform successfully. Unsuccessful stunts often result in
the aircraft ending up someplace other than where the pilot
intended.
Trailing (TN skill vs. skill): Getting behind an enemy
fighter is the coup de grace of most aerial combats. This stunt
requires a pilot vs. pilot skill check. A trailing aircraft negates
an opponents Defense bonus from speed, and gains a +4 to all
attack rolls against that aircraft.
Clear Your 6 (TN skill vs. skill): The opposite of Trailing,
this is used both to resist being trailed, and for shaking an aircraft
loose. Aircraft with a Wingman or an Escort get a bonus to this
check.
Evasive Maneuvers (TN 18): An aircraft can make extreme
turns and loops to avoid enemy fire. This stunt gives an aircraft a
bonus to its defense equal to 12 the crafts current speed modifier,
or 1/3 the pilots Piloting skill, whichever is higher.
Brinkmanship (TN 18): This stunt involves putting your
characters own craft in danger, forcing your characters opponent
to follow your character if he wishes to continue attacking. The
pilot initiating this stunt performs a dangerous activity (such as
flying under a bridge or into a train tunnel), and makes a pilot
check. If the initiating pilot fails the check for this stunt (TN
18), his aircraft takes 1d6 damage for each point by which he
fails this check. If he succeeds, his check becomes the TN for an
aircraft to follow him (so if the character rolls a 23, an aircraft
trying to stay with him would also have to roll a 23 or better).
If an aircraft chooses not to follow the character, attacks
against the characters aircraft receive a 50% miss chance (as if
totally concealed) for the next 1-4 rounds.
Nap of Earth Flying (TN 18): A very dangerous way to
fly. By flying at extremely low altitudes, the character can avoid
being detected by radar. If any unexpected obstacle appears in
the characters path, this roll must be made again to avoid an
unintentional sudden landing (otherwise known as a crash).
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Wingover (TN 15): This maneuver allows an aircraft to
make an extra 90-degree turn.
Loop the Loop (TN 18): This maneuver allows the character
to turn the tables on a trailing opponent. A successful roll allows
the character to immediately roll a skill vs. skill roll to begin
trailing his pursuer. If this check fails, the other craft gets a bonus
attack against the character immediately.
Bombing Run (TN 15): By flying steady and still while
releasing bombs, an aircraft can greatly increase the accuracy
of those attacks, gaining a +1 to hit for each round it performs a
Bombing Run (so if the aircraft performed this stunt for 6 rounds
before releasing bombs, it would gain a +6 to hit). However, this
also makes the craft very vulnerable to incoming fire. The craft
loses all defense bonuses gained from speed, and cannot perform
any stunts while executing this maneuver.
Attacking aircraft from the ground
The rules presented below assume an aircraft is fighting other
aircraft for determination of Defense. A character on the ground
attacking an aircraft should take range modifiers into account.
The GM should also use his best judgment to determine the
feasibility of an attack from the ground succeeding (obviously,
using a Surface-to-Air missile would have a much better chance
of success than a black powder revolver in hitting a fighter jet).
Most aircraft use weapons with no range modifiers when
attacking targets on the ground, and use weapons whose range
is measured in miles, not feet (see the New Vehicle Weapons
section for more information on these weapons). If an aircraft
should be within range of a handheld weapon, because it is flying
extremely low, the GM should give the aircraft a +6 bonus to
defense (add 6 to the TN of trying to hit the aircraft) unless the
weapon was specifically designed to attack aircraft (a Stinger
missile for example).
Bombing
Bombs work much like conventional attacks, except that
they have no maximum range, and are unaffected by a characters
skill. Regardless of the attack skill of the character dropping the
bomb, the base skill level of a bomb is +0, and is modified by
things like Bombing Run (see aerial combat below), and smart
bomb technology. The bomb keeps falling until it hits the ground.
If an attack roll with a bomb is a natural 3 (you roll 3 on the 3d6),
that bomb is a dud, and does not explode. It will need to be found
and defused after the battle.
Bombs ignore all cover less than 90%, and all concealment.
Concealment might affect the ability to find the target and
recognize it as valuable enough to bomb, but once the bomb flies,
there is no miss chance from concealment.
A bomb does full damage to whatever it hits, and then
damage to everything around it. When a bomb strikes, it makes
separate ranged attack rolls on all targets within one range
increment at full damage as if it had an attack skill of +10. These
attacks continue out to additional range increments, with the
bomb losing 2 skill to hit and 2 dice of damage, and continue
until the bombs damage, modified for range, would be 0.
Indirect Fire
Weapons such as mortar and artillery have many unique
advantages, but require a special set of skills to use correctly.
Indirect Fire ignores all cover bonuses less than Full or 90%
cover. Since the rounds come from above, cover such as sandbags,
Combat!
foxholes, walls etc. provide no protection. Indirect Fire
attacks also suffer no range penalties, allowing these
weapons to be used at extremely great distance with
little loss in accuracy.
Range Finding
Indirect Fire attacks start at 10 to hit. Every round
that is fired decreases this penalty by one, until after 10
attacks, the operator is able to attack at his full attack
skill. Many factors can help the operator negate this
penalty more quickly:
Equipment: Modern artillery pieces, even those
as small as the mortar have very sophisticated sites and
range finders, granting a bonus to hit (which of course
negates some of the initial penalty). Reconnaissance:
Scouting can greatly increase artillery accuracy. Either
by land (forward observation), air, or satellite (requiring
a recent satellite pass), on a successful Awareness roll
(TN 18) the character receives a +2 to hit.
Computer Targeting: Very sophisticated artillery
pieces (such as the Paladin self-propelled howitzer) grant an
even greater reduction in Indirect Fire to hit penalties.
Artillery Crews
Equally vital to success of an artillery attack is the crew
loading the weapon. The base-firing rate of artillery pieces is
several rounds, but each character on the artillery crew with the
Teamwork Advantage reduces this loading time by one round to
a minimum of one round per attack.
Counter Artillery
If an area struck by indirect weapons fire has indirect
weapons of its own, an Awareness roll (TN 15) will allow those
forces to return fire at +2 to hit. This allows the initial attacker
to make his own Awareness skill roll to gain a +2 to hit, which
in turn allows further Awareness rolls for bonuses to hit from
the other side. This process is known as the artillery duel, and
is generally considered a very bad idea for the artillery crews
involved. Immunity from counter artillery (through firing from
a different position each time) is one of the key advantages of
mortar and self-propelled artillery (such as the Paladin) over
stationary Howitzers.
Minimum Range
Indirect fire weapons can only be used against targets one
range increment away or further.
Missile Attacks
These are a special form of attack. Missile attacks require
a character to activate them (using an action), but each type
of missile has its own to hit skill. See the individual missile
listings in the vehicle weapons for more information on each
missiles to hit skill (for ease of using something many gamers
are accustomed to, we will call it the missiles Base Attack
Bonus, from another popular OGL game system).
Submarine Warfare
Craft under the water have tremendous advantages, using
the waters to go undetected, waiting for the right moment to
strike. Against ordinary surface ships, a submerged submarine
has total concealment (all attacks have a 50% chance to miss
(roll 1d6, on a roll of 1-3 the shot automatically misses). and
attackers must guess the targets location). This concealment also
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 Chapter Six: Vehicle Movement and Combat
Combat! gives the craft a +10 Stealth bonus to avoid being seen
by surface ships. This advantage was so great, that in
WWII countries with large submarine fleets were able
enemy submarines.
The waters offer only the defense that the sub drivers skill
can grant. The Drive skill of a submarines driver becomes the
to choke off trade over the seas, requiring new tactics Stealth skill of that submarine. This is contested skill vs. skill
and technology to overcome. against the Awareness skill of an opposing submarines sonar
Aircraft vs. Submarine operator.
When a submarine is close to the surface, where it Surface vs. Submarine
can attack surface vessels, it is more visible from the air. Against a submarine in attack position, many surface vessels
Against an aircraft, a submarine in position to attack has have torpedoes of their own to fight back. Once a craft goes deep,
only one half concealment (a 20% chance for weapons to a surface vessels best option is depth charges. Unless the vessel
missroll 2d6, on a roll of 4 or 5 the shot automatically misses). has sonar buoys in the water, it will be attacking blind with its
The submarine can regain its concealment by going deep, but first depth charges. The trick is to use a lot of depth charges, look
cannot attack surface vessels at depth. for signs of damage (oil is a good indicator of a solid hit), then
Worse still for the submarine, many aircraft are equipped with slowly refine the depth settings of the explosives.
sonar buoys, which negate the submarines concealment against Depth Charges attack at the normal concealment chance (if
all attacks, including those from surface vessels. If aircraft start the submarines position is not known the attacks have a base
dropping buoys into the water, a submarine commander would 50% chance to miss). However, each hit can be detected by
be wise to run. surface sonar on the ship, and by signs of damage floating to the
As if the ability to spot the submarine, and render it visible surface. Each hit reduces the submarines concealment by 10%.
to ships on the surface werent bad enough, many helicopters are
also equipped with torpedoes and depth charges to take care of
enemy submarines themselves.
Because of this powerful ability to detect and destroy
submarines, many naval vessels now carry helicopters specially
equipped to detect and destroy submarines.
Submarine vs. Submarine
If a submarine goes deep, it has insulated itself from most
forms of surface attack (depth charges being an exception).
However, there is no defense except skill and guile in the cat and
mouse game that is the true test of all submarine commanders:

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 Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat)

Combat!
men and women caught in a combat zone, who grab a
Chapter Seven: gun (or whatever other implements are handy) and try to
defend themselves. When assisting, these units actually
ABUCS (Mass Combat) get in a characters way, imposing a penalty on die rolls.
Unit Combat These units cannot act alone without Orders, and any
The Action! system is an excellent system for handling Order given to a raw unit must be repeated every round
combat engagements involving less than twenty people. However, in combat. Raw units may not have Unit Specialties (see
what does the GM do when a combat situation involves hundreds Unit Specialties below for more information). All units
of people? There are a number of strategies that wily GMs have that do not have the Infantry Unit Specialty fight as a
adopted over the years to handle this, usually involving just a Raw unit.
tight focus on the PCs and their actions during a larger battle. For Green
a very good system for running unit sized combat, we include Green units are fresh out of basic training, but at
the Open Content Battlefield Unit Combat System (BUCS) least have been given a full course of physical training,
(Note: Name of original publisher of BUCS is Product Identity weapons instruction, and some very limited exposure to
and therefore can not be named here, but the name of the BUCS live fire. On their own, these units operate at 4. When
system is not Product Identity and is named here for ease of assisting another character, these units grant a +1 to the
your reference). The GM now has the tools to run this size of characters skill roll. Green crews may only act alone
battle like any other battle. Since this system is being modified if first given an Order. Green units may possess one
slightly to more closely match the Action! system, we will call Unit Specialty (usually the Infantry Unit Specialty). It
this variant ABUCS. is possible for certain characters (for example, characters who
In ABUCS, the Unit is the base size for independent action. have received drill instructor training and members of the special
A unit is usually around ten individuals, the size of a modern forces) to train a unit up to this level of ability. Otherwise, this
military squad. If individual characters wish to participate in an skill level may only be gained through experience.
ABUCS battle, they must join a unit (see Joining a Unit below). Inexperienced
Units undertake actions similar to how player characters do. Each Inexperienced units have either been extensively trained,
unit has a move action and an attack action each round, they or seen limited action in the field. When operating alone (but
may make skill rolls, and so forth similar to how characters do. under Orders), these units act at 2, but grant a +2 bonus to a
What actions a unit can undertake, and how well it can undertake character they are assisting. These units may act without Orders,
them, are governed by the units Specialties (see Unit Specialties but act at -4 (the same as a Green unit) when operating without
below). the support of their superiors. Inexperienced units may possess
Unit Quality one Unit Specialty. It is possible for certain characters (members
Unit Quality is rated in two ways: how that unit functions of the special forces, for example) to train a unit up to this level
when assisting more skilled personnel (a PC, named NPC, or of ability. Otherwise, this skill level may only be gained through
more highly skilled unit), and how that unit functions when experience.
operating alone. To act alone at full effectiveness, most units Average
must still be given an Order (see the Intimidate skill and the Average crews have either seen extensive action, or superior
Voice of Command Advantage for more information). training. When operating alone (but under Orders), these units
act at no penalty, and grant a +3 bonus to a character they are
Table 65 assisting. These units may act without Orders, but act at 2 (the
same as an Inexperienced unit). Average units may possess two
Unit Specialties. It is possible for certain characters (members of
Quality Alone Assisting
the special forces and those with the Drill Instructor Advantage,
Raw -6 -2 for example) to train a unit up to this level of ability. Otherwise,
this skill level may only be gained through experience.
Green -4 +1 Experienced
Experienced units have either seen lengthy combat duty, or
Inexperienced -2 +2 have been given the finest training available (this is the default
skill level of NATO forces). When operating alone (but under
Average 0 +3 Orders), these units act at +2, and grant a +4 bonus to a character
they are assisting. These units may act without Orders, but act at
Experienced +2 +4
no bonus (the same as an Average unit). Experienced units may
Elite +4 +4
possess two Unit Specialties. It is possible for certain characters
(members of the special forces, for example) to train a unit up
Legendary +6 +6 to this level of ability. Otherwise, this skill level may only be
gained through experience.
Elite
Raw Elite units combine extensive combat duty with the best
Raw units are largely untrained, and represent the bulk of training available and are some of the finest soldiers alive. These

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 Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat)
Combat! units assist another character as well as Experienced
units (granting a +4 bonus), but act just as well alone
but under Orders (+4), and are highly capable of
independent action as well (operating at +4 when
working without the guidance of a superior officer).
Elite units may possess 3 Unit Specialties. Only combat
experience (usually coupled with tremendous training,
to be sure) can make a unit Elite.
Legendary
Some units consistently rise above and beyond
the call of duty. Units like the Big Red One, whose
names have become synonymous with valor. These
units operate at a +6 bonus, whether assisting another,
acting alone with Orders, or operating without Orders.
Also, members of this unit possess such superior combat
experience that, if the need arises, a Legendary unit can
actually take over other units (those not commanded by
PCs or named NPCs), commanding up to 6 lesser units.
Legendary units may possess 4 Unit Specialties. Only
combat experience (usually coupled with tremendous training, to
be sure) can make a unit Legendary.
Unit Equipment
How well a unit is equipped will also affect its performance.
The modifiers in the table below will affect a unit according to
its Specialties (see Unit Specialties below for more information).
So, a unit with the Combat Engineering specialty, but not the
Infantry specialty, would gain its equipment bonus to Craft
(Structural) checks, but not to combat.
The Modifiers listed on the table below apply to all attack
rolls and skill rolls. If the units equipment rating is higher than
Poor and a unit is pressed into service in an area not covered by
its specialties, that unit functions as if it were poorly equipped.
Characters raising units by paying them, or requisitioning them
from a larger agency (including the military) will also apply the
modifier on the table below to the units cost of Requisition TN
(see Raising a Force below).
Quality Modifier
Poor -4
Barely Adequate -2
Adequate -0
Good +2
Excellent +4
Poor
The unit is not well equipped for the task it has been given.
A heavy unit with this equipment rating loses its ability to take an
extra hit. A mechanized or armor unit with this equipment rating
loses its mobility.
Should a unit be pressed into service for a task that is not
included in its specialties, that unit operates as if it is poorly
equipped, no matter what its normal Equipment rating would
be.
Barely Adequate
The unit is equipped for the task it has been given, just
not very well. A heavy unit with this equipment rating loses its
ability to take an extra hit. A mechanized or armor unit with this
106
equipment rating loses its mobility.
Adequate
The unit is equipped for the task it has been given. The unit
performs normally in every respect for a unit of its experience
and specialties.
Good
The unit is well equipped for the task it has been given.
Excellent
The unit has the best equipment money can buy. The unit
is so well equipped that it feels invincible. If the unit enters into
combat with a unit not as well equipped, the unit may ignore its
first Morale hit (see combat below).
Unit vs. Unit
Many times, the actions a unit wishes to take will be opposed
directly by units on the other side. Your character wishes to find
your characters enemy through aerial reconnaissance, while
your characters opponent seeks to hide valuable targets through
camouflage. In these cases, each unit rolls a 3d6, modified by
unit quality, and the higher total wins.
Unit Combat
Often, units will fight one another. This is what all combat
eventually comes down to, man vs. man. This is done like a
skill vs. skill contest, with each unit totaling all modifiers and
rolling 3d6. The winning unit has the chance to inflict damage on
their opponents, at the rate of 1 hit for each 5 points it wins the
round by. The unit that wins the round does one hit of damage
for winning the round, and then 1 additional point for each 5 full
points by which they win the round.
Unit Damage: Whenever units take damage, half of that
damage (rounded up) is a temporary loss of quality due to the
shock and fear of combat, and half (rounded down) is due to
actual injury and death. These two types of damage, Morale Hits
and Casualty Hits, are explained below.
Morale Hits: Morale hits are temporary losses of unit quality
due to shock and confusion. Morale hits are healed by Medical
crew, and by rest. As long as a unit is under stress, one Morale
hit can never be healed (the last Morale hit may only be healed
by R&R). Each day of R&R (rest and relaxation) a unit receives
restores one Morale Hit. Morale hits may also be instantly healed
through the use of some Advantages.
Casualty Hits: During the heat of battle, crew casualties are
treated like morale hits, except that Advantages cannot be used
to restore quality loss due to casualties. After a battle, medical
units will be able to save some soldiers, restoring quality. Any
casualties that cannot be restored within twenty-four hours after
a battle are dead. The unit that suffers deaths is permanently
reduced to its new level of quality, after which it can begin
gaining experience normally (representing new recruits taking
the place of fallen soldiers who are less experienced).
Special Cases
Pinned Down
A unit that is under fire from multiple directions, or is unable
to move freely because it is fighting from a doorway, elevator,
or narrow street is pinned down. If your characters opponent
is pinned down, your character gains a +2 on all unit combat
rolls. If your characters opponent is pinned down because it is
fighting from a doorway, it must only win a round (fighting its
 Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat)
way free from the enclosure) to no longer be pinned down. A unit
that is pinned down because it is outnumbered must successfully
destroy one of the units and even the odds in order to no longer
be considered pinned down. A unit that is Dug In may only be
Pinned Down if it is being attacked from multiple directions.
Momentum
If a unit wins round after round, it will seem invincible to its
opponent, regardless of the relative quality of the two units. Each
round a unit wins in a row gives it a cumulative +1 bonus in the
next round. So a unit that wins three rounds gains a +3 bonus.
However, if that unit loses a single round, it loses this bonus, and
its opponent gains a +1.
Damaging and Destroying Units
Each hit inflicted on a unit degrades its quality by one step.
This reflects either that units decreased willingness to fight (in
the case of morale damage), or its dwindling numbers (in the
case of casualty hits). If a unit is reduced below Raw status, its
fate is determined by what type of hit that last bit of damage was:
if a unit is reduced below Raw by a morale hit it retreats in poor
order and may be recovered after combat; if a casualty hit inflicts
the last bit of damage, the unit is destroyed utterly and is lost.
Dug In
Units that are dug in (using natural cover, foxholes,
sandbags, razor wire, and other constructions for cover) never
suffer penalties for Momentum or Driven Back. However, these
units may not benefit from these conditions either. Units that are
dug in also gain a +2 bonus on all crew combat rolls.
Strength in numbers
When units work together for a common goal, they gain a +2
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Combat!
bonus on all skill rolls for each unit over the first. Only
units that have skills in common may work together.
Outnumbered
Units may work together in combat as well. When
one side outnumbers the other, use the bonus on the
table below.
Factor Modifier
Outnumbered +2
X2 +4
X3 +6
X4 or more +8
Surprise
Surprise is a dangerous weapon in unit combat. At
the beginning of a battle, any unit may make a Stealth
roll (modified by Unit Quality) to attempt a surprise
attack. This check is opposed by an Awareness roll
(modified by Unit Quality). A unit that achieves surprise begins
combat with a +2 Momentum bonus (meaning if it wins the
first round this bonus will increase to +3 the next round and so
forth).
Mobile
A mobile unit is much faster than its opponent. This usually
results from one unit being mechanized while its opponent is on
foot, or a mechanized unit fighting an Armor unit. For each step
of mobility in a units favor (Foot, Mechanized, Armor), the unit
gains a +2 bonus to combat rolls. Also, a unit with a mobility
advantage may never be Pinned Down due to numbers, unless
 Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat)
Combat! the unit is fighting in cramped quarters.
Healing Unit Damage
There are two different kinds of damage that may
be inflicted on a unit: morale and casualty. Each of
these two types of damage are healed in different ways.
Morale damage is healed by leave time, or facilities that
serve to allow the unit to unwind on board ship, or at a
base, such as gymnasiums, arboretums, arcades and so
forth. This damage will recover with time, but if a unit
must fight several battles in a row, it will continue to
feel the effects of fatigue for some time. A medical crew,
augmented by medical facilities, heals casualty damage.
These hits are repaired immediately after combat. Any
casualty hits beyond the ability of a medical crew to
heal are marked off permanently and counted as unit
quality level decrease.
Joining a Unit
Characters have many options open to them to
become skilled commanders in these rules. Squad/Squadron
Tactics, the Leadership Advantage for example all allow the
PCs to lead troops into battle. What this does is allow a PC or
named NPC to join a unit, risking his life with them, but greatly
enhancing its effectiveness. Each of those advantages mentioned
above gives details for its effect on Unit vs. Unit contests. If a
Crew Unit commanded by a PC or named NPC suffers damage,
the character does as well. For each hit of actual (Casualty)
damage suffered by the unit (PCs are immune to morale hits),
the character suffers 3d6 damage. If the character is killed before
his unit (an unlikely scenario), that unit immediately suffers 2
Morale Hits, which will likely cause it to disperse.
Orders
While units can function perfectly well as assistants to their
superiors, there is a lot to do in combat, and sometimes the PCs
will need their unit to operate independently. In the description of
each Unit Specialty are a number of Orders. Giving an Order to a
unit is a move-equivalent action (meaning you can give an order
and attack in a single round), which will be performed by that
unit either for a specified amount of time (listed in the Orders
description), until the Order is cancelled by another Order (if no
time limit is given), or until the Order is completed.
Orders are listed with a time, in hours, that it takes to perform
the Order. Units always subtract half their quality from this time,
but the minimum time to perform an Order is always 1 hour (so
a Legendary Combat Engineering unit could bridge a river in 1
Hour, while a Raw unit would take 10 hours to perform the same
Order).
Unit Specialties
Units without a given specialty may sometimes be called
upon to perform an Order they are not suited for. If the Order
can be performed at all (GMs discretion on whether the unit
has the equipment to even attempt the Order), the unit performs
as if it were a Raw unit, regardless of its quality under normal
circumstances. Units without the Infantry specialty always fight
as a Raw unit.
Common Orders: Although many units have specialized
Orders only they can execute, there are some Orders that may be
performed by any unit.
Use Skill: Orders a unit to use one of its skills at unit quality
effectiveness.
Attack: The unit attacks other enemy units.
Airborne
Airborne units give a commander great flexibility, because
they may be placed anywhere on the battlefield, using their
ability to Paradrop to bypass enemy strongholds and allowing a
commander to surround his opponent almost at will.
Skills: Paradrop
Amphibious
Amphibious landings are a vital element in modern warfare.
Combat must always be won on the ground, and amphibious
landings are one way to get troops into enemy territory. Units with
this ability gain a +2 on all rolls in amphibious or beach terrain.
Units with this ability gain double Momentum bonuses when
fighting units without this ability in amphibious environments.
Units without this ability begin any combat begun from
landing craft Pinned Down, and must win two rounds of combat
to act without penalty (see Unit Combat Rules: Special Cases for
more information).
Establish Beachhead: This allows a unit to own a piece of
contested real estate, making amphibious landings there easier.
Units that have established a beachhead are effectively dug in.
This allows one unit per round without the amphibious ability to
be put ashore and not begin combat pinned down. Time: 1 hour.
Arctic
Arctic units have special equipment and training for sub-
zero movement and combat. These units never suffer movement
penalties due to cold weather. Units with this ability gain a +2 on
all rolls when in arctic terrain or sub-zero conditions. Units with
this ability gain double Momentum bonuses when fighting units
without this ability in arctic environments.
Armor
Requires Mechanized specialty
An Armored unit is comprised of heavy armored vehicles
(such as tanks). Armor units have two steps of Mobility (gaining
a +2 bonus against a Mechanized unit or a +4 bonus against an
Infantry unit, but no bonus against another Armor unit). Armor
units ignore the first two Casualty hits they suffer, and can never
be Pinned Down by Infantry or Mechanized units unless fighting
in cramped quarters. Armor units cannot go into amphibious,
arctic, jungle, or swamp terrain. Armor units with the Amphibious
ability may go into amphibious terrain.
Aviation
Aviation units comprise support personnel for friendly air
power. These units will man airports and repair and refuel aircraft
between sorties.
Skills: Air Traffic Control, Communication Operations,
Repair.
Combat Engineering
Units with this specialty aid other units by building facilities
to house and protect them. Due to the specialized equipment used
by these units, such as earthmovers, backhoes and bridgelayers,
they may perform work in much less time than units without this
specialty.
Skills: Craft (structural), Demolitions, Disable Device,
Repair, Search.
Dig In: A unit must be in an area where this Order has been
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 Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat)
performed to gain the benefits of being dug in. This Order must
be performed once per unit gaining a benefit from being dug in.
Time: 4 Hours.
Field Artillery
Units with this specialty are able to perform bombardment
attacks on enemy positions, using the rules for indirect fire. This
specialty can allow a unit to attack opponents who are miles
distant, weakening or destroying them. If a unit being attacked
with indirect fire has the Artillery specialty of its own, then
combat occurs normally. If no enemy units have Artillery, the
attacking unit suffers no damage from lost rounds. As normal for
indirect fire, units start at 10 (in addition to any penalties for
unit quality).
Skills: Artillerist, Demolitions, Disable Device, Hide.
Bombardment: This unit allows an artillery unit to attack at
a range equal to its Unit Quality in miles, minimum one mile,
using Indirect Fire (see the combat section for more information
on indirect fire). Time: 1 hour
Flight
Air power is critical to the success of any mission in modern
warfare. These units allow a commander to take control of the
skies, bomb distant enemies, and provide air support for ground
units. If a force does not have one Aviation unit for each Flight
unit to conduct service and support, that unit suffers one Morale
hit after each mission, that cannot be repaired until aircraft are
given proper support (these hits are not really morale hits, but
represent temporary damage as planes are not properly repaired
and maintained between sorties).
Skills: Pilot, Awareness
Air Reconnaissance: Conduct reconnaissance as a ground
unit, but at unit quality +2. Time: 10 miles/hour.
Air Superiority: Attack other air targets.
Air Support: Support ground units, providing a bonus
to ground units combat equal to unit quality. This Order is
obviously more effective if enemy aircraft have been eliminated
first through the air superiority Order.
Ground Attack: Seek out and attack ground targets, either
enemy forces, or enemy infrastructure.
Guerilla
Guerilla units attack when their opponents least expect them
to, using surprise and unconventional warfare techniques to gain
the edge. These units gain a +2 on all Stealth rolls.
Skills: Stealth
Heavy
Heavy units gain a +1 on all combat rolls and can suffer
one extra casualty hit (the first casualty hit they suffer does not
degrade the units quality).
Infantry
The most basic sort of unit, infantry involves training and
equipping a unit for combat. Most units have this specialty in
addition to any other specialty they may possess. Units without
this specialty fight as Raw units regardless of their actual
quality.
Skills: Craft (structural), Stealth, Tactics, Awareness
Dig In: This Order must be performed before a unit may
gain the benefits of being dug in. This Order must be performed
once for each unit gaining the benefits for being dug in. Time:
Combat!
16 hours
Recon Patrol: This allows a commander to
learn about an area without risking his entire force.
Information gained for later tactics rolls is as per the
reconnaissance ability, listed with the Awareness skill in
the skills section. Time: 4 hours/mile reconnoitered.
Intelligence
Units with this specialty are experts at cryptography
and interrogation, both vital skills as commanders
attempt to find out more about their enemies plans.
Intelligence units also conduct patrols into enemy
territory.
Skills: Cryptography, Decipher Script, Intimidate,
and Awareness
Recon Patrol: This allows a commander to
learn about an area without risking his entire force.
Information gained for later tactics rolls is as per the
reconnaissance ability, listed with the Awareness skill in
the skills section. Time: 4 hours/mile reconnoitered.
Jungle/Swamp
Combat does not always occur under ideal conditions.
Burma in WWII and Viet Nam saw frequent conflicts in jungle
environments. This unit specialty is vital for combat in those
areas. Units with this specialty gain +2 on all rolls in jungle and
swamp terrain. Units with this ability gain double Momentum
bonuses when fighting units without this ability in jungle
environments.
Mechanized
A Mechanized unit is a unit comprised of foot soldiers and
light vehicles (such as Hummvees). Mechanized units have one
step of Mobility. Mechanized units ignore the first Casualty hit
they suffer, and can never be Pinned Down by Infantry units
unless fighting in cramped quarters. Mechanized units lose their
attack bonus in cramped conditions, such as urban conditions,
and cannot go into amphibious, arctic, jungle, or swamp terrain.
Mechanized units with the Amphibious ability may go into
amphibious terrain.
Medical
Medical units see to the physical and mental well being of
their fellow units. They heal damage, in the form of casualty
hits, heal morale hits through the application of psychological
counseling, and inoculate units to prevent diseases. They also can
add to the Attribute Rolls of friendly units against NBC attack.
Skills: Craft (pharmaceutical), Knowledge (behavioral
sciences), NBC, Treat Injury
Quarantine Protocol: By inoculating friendly units, Medical
units can increase troop resistance to disease. Any unit treated
under this Order gains a +4 to HLT rolls to resist disease. Time:
1 hour/unit treated.
Prepare for Casualties: This Order may only be given before
combat commences. It allows the medical units to prepare for the
onslaught of wounded. This Order allows a medical crew to heal
one extra casualty hit. Time: 24 hours.
Combat Medicine: Medical units may heal a number of
casualty hits equal to 12 their quality, with a minimum of 1 hit
healed. Experienced or better Medical Units may also use this
ability to restore 1 Morale hit. Time: 24 hours.
109
 Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat)
Combat! Mountain Warfare
The unit gains a +2 bonus on all rolls in mountainous
terrain. Units with this ability gain double Momentum
bonuses when fighting units without this ability in
mountain environments.
Skills: Climb
Signals
Units with this specialty have advanced radio
equipment and electronic warfare capabilities. This
specialty also gives a unit the ability to code transmissions
so they are harder for enemies to intercept.
Skills: Communication Operations, Cryptography,
And Electronic Warfare.
Urban Warfare
The unit gains a +2 on all rolls in urban terrain.
Units with this ability gain double Momentum bonuses
when fighting units without this ability in urban
environments.
Experience
Gaining Experience for Small Units
As a unit faces encounters, it will gain experience just as the
PCs do. For each experience point earned by a PC member of a
unit for acts done as a unit, the unit gains one experience point.
So, for example, while concluding an adventure and awarding
experience points to the PCs, the GM would make a note that
the total XP for each PC of the adventure involving Small Unit
Combat equaled 3. Three experience points would be given to
the unit, and used to increase their standing according to the
following table.
Table 66
Quality XP
Raw: 0 XP
Green: 5 XP
Inexperienced: 10 XP
Average: 20 XP
Experienced: 40 XP
Crack: 100 XP
Legendary: 200 XP
Experience from Unit vs. Unit Combat
When one unit defeats another unit in combat, the victorious
unit gains experience points (XP) equal to the total combat
modifier of the vanquished foe (with a minimum of 1 XP per
unit). Since this only counts combat modifiers, all units without a
combat specialty (such as the Infantry specialty) are only worth 1
XP regardless of their experience and equipment ratings.
Requisitioning Units
Characters belonging to military or paramilitary organizations
can requisition units from their organization. The TN to requisition
a unit is: 10 + Unit Experience +Unit Equipment +2 per Unit
Specialty. Thus, requisitioning a unit of Seabees would have a
TN of 22: 10+ 4 (Unit Experience) +2 (Unit Equipment) +6 (three
Unit Specialties). If a character attempts to requisition more units
than he can effectively command himself (through Advantages
or his ability to command one unit for every 3 points of PRE),
110
each unit requisitioned beyond that will take a cumulative 2
penalty (-2 for the first unit, -4 for the second unit, and so forth).
The agency will understand a character taking additional forces
to act as a reserve, but will want forces to go where they can do
the most good as well.
Combat Example
A Guerilla unit (called the Guerillas hereafter) attacks a United
Nations Peacekeeping detachment (called the Peacekeepers
hereafter). The Peacekeepers have a huge technological advantage
over the Guerillas, but the Guerillas are an experienced unit that
has seen a lot of action in various skirmishes against their ethnic
rivals. The Guerillas seek to renew conflict with their rivals, and
decide to attack a village guarded by the Peacekeepers. Each
units statistics are detailed below:
Peacekeepers (Quality: Average, Equipment: Good) Unit
Specialties: Infantry (Trained and equipped for combat), Heavy
(Ignore first Casualty, +1 Attack)
Total Attack Bonus: +3 (+2 Good Equipment, +1 Heavy)
Total Hits: 5 (+4 Average, +1 Heavy)
Guerillas (Quality: Experienced, Equipment: Adequate)
Unit Specialties: Infantry (Trained and equipped for combat),
Guerilla (+2 Hide)
Total Attack Bonus: +2 (+2 Experienced)
Total Hits: 5 (+5 Experienced)
The Guerillas attack at dawn, and attempt to surprise the
Peacekeepers guarding the town. The Guerillas make a Stealth
roll at +4 (+2 for Experience, +2 for their Guerilla unit specialty),
and roll a 16, gaining a 20 total with modifiers. The Peacekeepers
make an Awareness roll to notice the approaching Guerillas
with no modifier (+0 Average Experience), and roll an 11. The
Guerillas start combat with a +2 Momentum bonus.
The Guerillas and the Peacekeepers each make simultaneous
attack rolls. The Guerillas roll a 5, +2 for Experienced, +2 for
Momentum, for a total of 9. The Peacekeepers roll a 10, +2 for
Equipment, +1 for Heavy, giving them a total of 13.
The Peacekeepers win the round and inflict one hit on the
Guerillas, a Morale hit. Even though they achieved surprise, the
pistols and Molotov cocktails wielded by the Guerillas inflicted
little damage on the body armor of the Peacekeepers, who
responded with a demoralizing barrage of automatic weapons
fire. Due to the hit they suffered, the Guerillas now fight as an
Average unit (+0).
In the second round of combat, the Guerillas roll an 11 (+0
for Average Quality- due to the Morale hit they suffered), and they
no longer receive any bonus for Momentum since they lost the
first round. The Peacekeepers roll a 5, +2 for Good Equipment,
+1 Heavy, +1 for Momentum (since they won the first round)
giving them a total of 9.
The Guerillas win the round, inflicting a Morale hit on the
Peacekeepers, reducing them to Inexperienced quality (-2).
In the third round of combat, the Guerillas roll a 9, +1 for
Momentum, for a total of 10, and the Peacekeepers roll a 6 (-
2 for Inexperienced due to the Morale hit they suffered, +2 for
Equipment, +1 for Heavy) for a total of 7.
The Guerillas win the round, inflicting a Casualty hit on the
Peacekeepers. Normally, this would degrade the Peacekeepers
effective quality to Green. However, the Peacekeepers are a
heavy unit, and ignore their first Casualty hit, so they remain at
 Chapter Seven: ABUCS (Mass Combat)

an effective quality of Inexperienced. The Guerillas, however,
having won a second round, will have an increased Momentum
bonus in the next round.
In the fourth round of combat, the Guerillas roll a 12 (+2 for
Momentum) for a total of 14, and the Peacekeepers roll a 9 (total
modifier +1) for a total of 10.
The Guerillas win their third consecutive round, inflicting
another Morale hit on the Peacekeepers (Morale and Casualty
hits alternate), reducing the Peacekeepers effective quality to
Green (-4 penalty to combat). Since the Guerillas won the round,
they increase their Momentum bonus.
In the fifth round, the Guerillas roll a 4, +3 for Momentum,
for a total of 7. The Peacekeepers roll an 9, -4 for their effective
quality of Green, +2 for Good Equipment, +1 for being Heavy,
giving them a total of 8.
The Peacekeepers win the round, inflicting a Casualty hit on
the Guerillas (Morale and Casualty hits alternate), and reducing
their effective quality to Inexperienced (-2). Also, since the
Peacekeepers won the round, the Momentum has shifted, instead
of the Guerillas gaining a +4 in the next round, the Peacekeepers
will gain a +1.
In the sixth round, the Guerillas roll a 6, -2 for their effective
quality of Inexperienced, for a total of 4. The Peacekeepers roll
a 2, -4 for their effective quality of Green, +2 for Equipment, +1
for Heavy, +1 for Momentum, for a total of 2.
The Guerillas win the round, inflicting a Casualty hit on the
Peacekeepers, and reducing their effective quality to Raw (-6).
In the seventh round, the Guerillas roll an 11, -2 for their
effective quality of Inexperienced, +1 for Momentum, for a total
of 10. The Peacekeepers roll a 12, -6 for their effective quality of
Raw, +2 for Equipment, +1 for Heavy, for a total of 9.
The Guerillas win the round, inflicting a Morale hit on the
Peacekeepers. Since this would reduce their effective quality
below Raw, the unit is dispersed. If this had been a Casualty
hit, rather than a Morale hit, the Peacekeepers would have been
destroyed rather than being routed (and it was their Heavy unit
specialty that saved them from this fate).
Twenty-four hours after the battle, the Peacekeepers may
reform, as a Raw unit. The unit will heal one hit per day, until it
becomes an Inexperienced unit (its new permanent quality with
the Casualty hit).
The Guerillas gain 3 XP (total combat modifier of the
Peacekeepers was +3).
Some Elite Units
The following are some units from the real world, broken
down into BUCS terms to give your character an idea of how it
all fits together. All units have their Unit Quality and Equipment
ratings listed in parenthesis after their name.
1st Cavalry Division (Legendary, Good) Requisition TN:
26
Unit Specialties: Airborne, Mechanized, Armor, Infantry
Total Attack Bonus: +8 (+6 Legendary, +2 Equipment), +4
Mobility
Total Hits: 9 (7 from Legendary, 2 from Armor)
3rd Infantry Division (Elite, Excellent) Requisition TN:
24
Unit Specialties: Mechanized, Infantry, Heavy
Total Attack Bonus: +9 (+4 Elite, +1 Heavy, +4 Equipment),
Combat!
+2 Mobility
Total Hits: 8 (6 from Elite, 1 from Mechanized, 1
from Heavy)
10th Mountain Division (Elite, Good) Requisition
TN: 22
Unit Specialties: Arctic, Infantry, Mountain
Total Attack Bonus: +6 (+4 Elite, +2 Equipment),
+8 in Arctic or Mountain conditions
Total Hits: 6 (6 from Elite)
82nd Airborne (Elite, Good) Requisition TN: 22
Unit Specialties: Airborne, Heavy, Infantry
Total Attack Bonus: +7 (+4 Elite, +1 Heavy, +2
Equipment)
Total Hits: 7 (6 Elite, +1 Heavy)
101st Airborne (Elite, Good) Requisition TN: 22
Unit Specialties: Airborne, Heavy, Infantry
Total Attack Bonus: +7 (+4 Elite, +1 Heavy, +2
Equipment)
Total Hits: 7 (6 Elite, +1 Heavy)
Marine Expeditionary Unit (Elite, Excellent) Requisition
TN: 24
Unit Specialties: Amphibious, Heavy, Infantry
Total Attack Bonus: +9 (+4 Elite, +1 Heavy, +4 Equipment),
+2 Mobility
Total Hits: 7 (6 from Elite, +1 from Heavy)
Seabees (Elite, Good) Requisition TN: 22
Unit Specialties: Amphibious, Combat Engineering,
Infantry
Total Attack Bonus: +6 (Elite, +2 Equipment), +8 in
Amphibious terrain
Total Hits: 6 (Elite)
Look for free web enhancements for this game at our
website. ComStar also plans a full line of products for
the Action! System to build on our existing Action line.
These series, called Adventures Digest, will provide
enhancements to any Action game.
Thanks!
William

111
 Legal Information
Action! System copyright 2001-2003 by Gold Rush
Games. All rights reserved.
This product contains derivative material based on the
Action! System Core Rules released under the Open Game
License. This product is not endorsed by Gold Rush Games.
Action! System and the Action! System logo are
trademarks of Gold Rush Games and are used under license in
accordance with the terms of the Action! System Trademark
License, available at www.action-system.com.
Some images obtained from the Department of Defense
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The text of the Legal Information section of this document and the Open
Game License version 1.0a itself are not Open Game Content. Instructions on
using the License are provided within the License itself. The product identity is
closed content. Other than that (the Legal Information and Product Identity), the
rest of the text of this document is Open Content.
Extensions and Variants
Extensions include: Optional Combat Rules, Allegiance, Advanced
Training.
Variants include: Vehicle Combat and Movement, Wealth, Rank and
Promotion
Product identity
Action! System is designated as Product identity and may not be used
without written permission from Gold Rush Games. STAT, Special Tactical
Assault Team, ComStar, all logos and graphics, Combat! are designated as
Product Identity and may not be used without written permission from ComStar
Media, LLC.
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15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
System Rules Document Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.;
Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on original material
by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson
Modern System Reference Document Copyright 2002, Wizards of the Coast,
Inc.; Authors Bill Slavicsek, Jeff Grubb, Rich Redman, Charles Ryan, based on
material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Richard Baker, Peter
Adkison, Bruce R. Cordell, John Tynes, Andy Collins, and JD Wiker.
Blood and Guts Copyright 2003, RPGObjects; Author Charles Rice
Action! System Core Rules version 1.1 copyright 2003 by Gold Rush
Games; Authors Mark Arsenault, Patrick Sweeney, Ross Winn.
Combat!: A Military Action Game Copyright 2005, ComStar Media, LLC;
Author William Andersen