Class Warrior Zealot Rogue Arcanist
Arms Martial Simple Simple Simple
Armor Medium Medium Light Light
Saves Fortitude Will Reflex Will
Skills 3 2 4 2
Toolsets 2 1 2 1
Level Warrior Zealot Rogue Arcanist Stat Boost Mana [Maj/Min]/ [Dabbler] Spells [Major] Spells [Minor] Spells [Dabbler]
1 Duelist, Styles [2] Divinity Ambush, Backstab, Expert, Trickery Focus none [8]/[8] 4 [1st] 3 [1st] 3 [1st]
2 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [10]/[8] 5 [1st] 4 [1st] 4 [1st]
3 Style Attunement Reactive Wards none [15]/[10] 6 [2nd] 4 [1st] 4 [1st]
4 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [18]/[10] 7 [2nd] 5 [2nd] 5 [1st]
5 PRO +3 PRO +3 PRO +3 PRO +3 none [22]/[15] 8 [3rd] 6 [2nd] 5 [1st]
6 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [27]/[15] 9 [3rd] 7 [3rd] 6 [2nd]
7 Extra Attack Embody Elusive Mastery 1 none [33]/[18] 10 [4th] 7 [3rd] 6 [2nd]
8 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [39]/[18] 11 [4th] 8 [4th] 7 [2nd]
9 PRO +4 PRO +4 PRO +4 PRO +4 none [49]/[22] 12 [5th] 9 [4th] 7 [2nd]
10 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [58]/[22] 13 [5th] 10 [5th] 8 [3rd]
11 Style Exalted Reactive Alacrity none [65]/[27] 14 [6th] 10 [5th] 8 [3rd]
12 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [65]/[27] 15 [6th] 11 [6th] 9 [3rd]
13 PRO +5 PRO +5 PRO +5 PRO +5 none [78]/[33] 16 [7th] 12 [6th] 9 [3rd]
14 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [78]/[33] 17 [7th] 13 [7th] 10 [4th]
15 Extra Attack Ascension Reactive Mastery 2 none [87]/[39] 18 [8th] 13 [7th] 10 [4th]
16 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [87]/[39] 19 [8th] 14 [8th] 11 [4th]
17 PRO +6 PRO +6 PRO +6 PRO +6 none [101]/[49] 20 [9th] 15 [8th] 11 [4th]
18 Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 [101]/[49] 21 [9th] 16 [9th] 12 [5th]
19 Style Favored Reactive Mastery 3 none [128]/[58] 22 [9th] 16 [9th] 12 [5th]
20 Epic Epic Epic Epic +1 [141]/[58] 23 [9th] 17 [9th] 13 [5th]
21+ Perk Perk Perk Perk +1 +5 9th [13] +1 +1

Warriors

Warriors are martial characters who excel in combat. In battle their role is to fight directly and draw hostile attention away from weaker or more vulnerable characters. There are six core warrior archetypes. 

Bonus. At 1st level, the warrior gains a +1 bonus to might, agility, or endurance (player's choice). 

Styles. As they gain experience, all warriors learn fighting styles that allow them to get the most out of their weapons. Each fighting style confers a series of abilities and advantages which only apply under certain conditions. It is possible to gain the benefits of multiple fighting styles at once if a warrior meets the criteria for each style. For example, a ranger wielding two daggers could benefit from the brawler and double fighting styles simultaneously.

Duelist. While unarmored and unsurprised, a warrior may add their PROF to their defense score.  This bonus stacks with the benefits of a shield. 

Extra Attack. When a high-level warrior takes a basic attack action they roll for attack and damage more than once. At 7th level the warrior makes two attacks, and at 15th level the warrior makes three attacks. Warriors can move between attacks if they wish, up to their maximum speed.

Barbarians

Barbarians are primal warriors defined by feral rage and raw combat prowess. They are fast, brutal, and can withstand tremendous amounts of punishment. Most come from primitive cultures or backgrounds where a lack of civilization forces people to become exceedingly tough. High level barbarians often go on to form their own warbands or join berserker lodges. Characters like Conan the Barbarian, Tarzan King of the Jungle, Fafhrd of Cold Corner, Red Sonja, John Carter of Mars, and Khal Drogo of Westeros are all good examples of this class. 

Barbarians gain the following traits.

  • Hit Dice: d12

  • Slayer. Barbarians score melee critical hits on a natural 19-20 and gain advantage on initiative.

  • Swiftness. Barbarians gain +10 speed and +2 to Athletics and Intimidate. While unarmored they also gain +2 defense.

  • Belligerent. As a reaction, barbarians can gain resistance to a single source of incoming damage or force an attack made against an ally within 10 feet to target them instead. 

  • Berserker. Once per combat a barbarian can go berserk as a bonus action. This adds their PROF to damage, soak, and saves. While berserk a barbarian can only move or make melee and/or throwing attacks. Barbarians must use an action to end their rage any round they are unable or unwilling to move or attack.

Authors Note. Barbarians are supposed to feel fast, deadly, and uncomplicated. They have a simple and direct playstyle that revolves around the berserker mechanic, which is self-explanatory. Their unarmored defense bonus stacks with the Duellist ability all warriors possess, offering extra protection for players who wish to play a character thematically similar to Conan or Red Sonja. 

Fighters

Fighters are disciplined soldiers with a professional understanding of war. In addition to their combat prowess, they are commanders and tacticians who protect their allies from aggression. Most come from armies or cultures with a tradition of military service. Characters like Achilles, Sir Lancelot, Charlamagne, and Eowyn of Rohan are all good examples of this class. 

Fighters gain the following traits. 

  • Hit Dice: d10

  • Fortified. Fighters gain proficiency in heavy armor, one extra fighting style, and one additional save.

  • Valorous. Fighters gain +2 to Initiative, Athletics, Perception, Tactics, and weapon damage. 

  • Expertise. Fighters gain +2 to two skills of choice.

  • Counter. As a reaction, fighters can counter a single melee attack against themselves or an ally within reach. The protected individual adds the fighter's PROF to their defense against that attack. If the attack hits anyway, the fighter can immediately counterattack the attacker. If this counterattack hits, it deals an additional graduating die of damage.

  • Officer. As a bonus action, fighters can allow one ally within 60 feet who has not acted yet to take their initiative immediately after theirs. This does not alter the ally’s initiative in following rounds. Alternately, the fighter can boost their own initiative by a graduating die for the remainder of the combat.

Authors Note.  Fighters are supposed to feel savvy, resilient, and tactical. Getting the most out of this class requires good initiative and a firm grasp of the officer ability, which can be used to allow tactics that an unfavorable initiative roll might otherwise make impossible. The counter ability is extremely useful in battle, because wherever it fails to protect allies it dishes out heavy punishment to end fights faster.  This gives the fighter a strong "weapon master" feel that is satisfying to play. 

Magi

Magi are elite mystical warriors with arcane training. They are commonly called eldritch knights, arcane archers, war mages, and similar. Most come from advanced cultures with a strong tradition of wizardry, or planar realms where military knowledge and magical training go hand in hand. Magi are partially affected by arcane rigor, and roll d8’s for health.

Magi gain the following traits.

  • Hit Dice: d8 

  • Dabbler. Magi cast wizard spells using dabbler progression. They learn PROF+1 arcane cantrips.

  • Armament. Magi gain a single focus item, just as arcanists do. It must be a weapon.

  • Virtuoso. Magi gain +2 to Athletics and Arcana.

  • Fade. Once per round as a movement OR bonus action, a Magi can teleport up to 20 feet to a spot they can see. This ability is quiet and does not cause a manifestation. 

  • Spellshield. As a reaction, a Magi can reduce the damage of an effect they can see originating within 60 feet by half. This ability cannot mitigate slashing, piercing, crushing, or poison damage. This power does not confer resistance; it reduces the damage sustained by ALL targets of the effect.

  • Spellstrike. As a bonus action, a Magi can charge their weapon with arcane power until it successfully strikes a target or the magi charges a new weapon. The weapon deals an extra graduating die of elemental damage. The magi can choose what type of damage this is: fire, lightning, sonic, cold, or acid. 

Authors Note. Magi are supposed to feel bombastic and cool. Magic is normally a limited resource, but the abilities of a Magi can be used every round. Teleporting around the battlefield, dampening incoming energy damage, and dishing out powerful blows charged with seething energy give the impression of a truly magical fighting style. But players of this class must beware. They cannot mitigate basic melee damage, and their reduced health makes them vulnerable. The fade ability can be used judiciously to get in and out of trouble, but it isn't perfect. 

Paladins

Paladins are elite soldiers who combine military training with divine magic. They are also champions who use blessings to empower themselves and destroy otherworldly beings. They must remain faithful to their ethos to regain spells. Failure to do so causes them to fall out of sync with their alignment plane, losing access to divine magic until they atone. Most are trained by religious sects, but they may also be chosen by otherworldly powers or elevated in dream visions. Characters like Sir Galahad, Rostam, Momotaro, and Lemminkainen are all good examples of this class. 

Paladins gain the following traits. 

  • Hit Dice: d10 

  • Dabbler. Paladins cast cleric spells using dabbler progression. They learn PROF divine cantrips.

  • Bulwark. Paladins are proficient in heavy armor and gain +2 to all saves.

  • Inquisition. Paladins gain +2 to Empathy and Theology. 

  • Cheirotonia. Paladins have a pool of healing energy equal to 5x their class level. They can distribute it by touch in any quantity as a bonus action, or heal themselves as a reaction when taking damage. For 5 pts they can cure diseases or poisoning. This pool replenishes after a full rest.

  • Salvation. Paladins project an invisible aura of protection, granting allies within 10 feet advantage on saves against magic. As a reaction, they can allow one ally within 20 feet to reroll a failed save. The target must use the second roll. 

  • Smiting. As a bonus action a paladin can charge their weapon with divine magic. This effect persists until the weapon successfully strikes a target or the paladin charges a new weapon. The weapon deals an extra graduating die of radiant or necrotic damage. Fey, fiends, qlippoth and undead suffer an additional graduating die of damage. 

Authors Note. Paladins are supposed to feel like bastions of strength. Their ability to wear heavy armor and self-heal as a reaction make them obnoxiously difficult to kill, and they wreck "supernatural evil" beings with extra radiant damage.  Although they can heal and bolster quite well, paladins have no damage mitigation mechanic. Every paladin player must choose how much healing energy they wish to dole out to others and how much they want to keep in reserve for personal use to "offset" a potential killing blow in combat. 

Cyphers

Cyphers are expert warriors who use psionic power to augment their prowess, projecting a telekinetic field usable for both attack and defense. Most come from cultures where the martial arts mix with esoteric mysticism. Unlike psions the power of their kinetic abilities is a direct expression of their raw physicality, not intellect or spirit.

  • Hit Dice: d10

  • Discipline. Cyphers gain +2 to Alertness and Empathy. They also gain proficiency in Will saves and two bonus intellect skills. 

  • Barrier. Cyphers gain a pool of 3x their level in temporary health. This pool renews after each full rest. 

  • Quehn. Every round the cypher can use a reaction to add a graduating die to ONE of the following traits for the rest of that round: initiative, defense, soak, damage, or one type of save. This die MUST be rolled, and this ability cannot be used more than once a round.

  • Kinesis. As a bonus action the cypher can dash or leap up to half their foot speed in any direction. Alternately, they can perform a combat maneuver against an opponent up to 20 feet distant using telekinesis. They know the telekinesis cantrip, and can use it subtly without causing a manifestation.

Rangers

Rangers are elite warriors trained in an ancient druidic tradition emphasizing guerilla warfare and primal magic. They are stealthy hunters with an almost supernatural aptitude for finding and eliminating targets. Most come from cultures near dangerous wilderness, where monsters and fey are common. Much like druids, they must be grandfathered into ancient pacts with nature spirits or chosen directly by such spirits and granted their power in dream visions. Characters like Legolas, Geralt of Rivia, Hiawatha and Orion are all good examples of this class. 

Rangers gain the following traits. 

  • Hit Dice: d10

  • Dabbler. Rangers cast primal spells using dabbler progression. They learn PROF primal cantrips.

  • Rover. Rangers gain +10 speed and +2 to Stealth, Survival, and Nature.

  • Beastmaster. Rangers can speak to animals at will and influence them with the survival skill.

  • Camouflage. Rangers can use stealth in any situation as long as they remain motionless. They can also hide, dash, or disengage as a bonus action.

  • Predator. Rangers can make one melee or missile attack against an enemy within 60 feet when they roll a natural 1 on an attack roll. This uses no actions, but cannot happen more than PROF times per round.

  • Quarry. As a bonus action, Rangers can mark one creature within 60 feet as a quarry. This mark lasts until the target dies or the ranger marks a new quarry. They add a graduating die to damage rolls against this target and gain advantage on skill checks to track or influence it.

Authors Note. Rangers are supposed to feel like Batman. The ability to vanish, hunt targets, and burn through individual quarries quickly give them a predator vibe. Players who enjoy stealth but still want to play a warrior will enjoy them. Getting the most out of a ranger requires a firm grasp of primal spells, because rangers have no damage mitigation mechanic. Their abilities favor ambush and overwhelming opponents quickly, so they thrive in parties with good teamwork. 

Fighting Styles

Fighting Styles

Fighting styles in GSS represent the specialized techniques and approaches characters use in combat. Whether you prefer the brute force of two-handed weapons, the precision of archery, the finesse of dual-wielding, or the defensive prowess of sword and shield, your chosen fighting style influences your tactics and effectiveness in battle. By mastering a specific fighting style, characters gain unique advantages and bonuses, allowing them to excel in their chosen role as frontline warriors, ranged attackers, or versatile combatants. Understanding and harnessing the nuances of different fighting styles is essential for maximizing your character's potential on the battlefield.

Brawler. While wearing light or no armor and using your bare hands, fist weapons, or daggers you gain the following benefits. 

  • +10 speed 

  • Make one attack as a bonus action. 

  • Your attacks deal d8 damage plus your might or agility modifier.

Cavalier. While mounted, you gain the following benefits. 

  • Your speed becomes equal to your mount's speed.

  • Melee attacks you make against medium size unmounted enemies have advantage. 

  • If you charge with a polearm and hit, it is automatically a critical hit. 

  • You can redirect spells or attacks made against your mount to you instead. 

Double. While wielding a weapon in each hand, you gain the following benefits. 

  • +1 defense

  • Make one attack with either weapon as a bonus action.

  • If you land a critical hit, you deal extra damage equal to your PROF modifier. 

Guardian. You gain the following benefits while fighting within 10 feet of your allies. 

  • You can use a reaction to give one attack made against an ally within 10 feet disadvantage. 

  • You can use a reaction to grant one ally within 10 feet advantage on a saving throw. 

  • You can use a bonus action to instantly trade places with one ally within 10 feet. 

Heavy. While wielding a weapon with the heavy or versatile trait in both hands you gain the following benefits. 

  • You deal extra damage equal to your PROF modifier. 

  • If you land a critical hit, you deal extra damage equal to twice your PROF modifier. 

  • Once per round when you kill an opponent with a melee attack you can move up to 10 feet and make another melee attack with the same weapon for free. 

Marksman. While wielding a weapon with the shooting trait you gain the following benefits. 

  • +2 initiative 

  • You can make one shooting attack as a bonus action. 

  • Your weapon damage dice is one size higher to a maximum of d12. 

Mixed. You have mastered the art of seamlessly switching between weapons in combat. 

  • Weapons you carry encumber you half as much.  

  • You may switch weapons between attacks once a round for free. This does not use an action. 

  • If you are carrying a shield on your back but it is not equipped, you can still use a reaction to apply its bonus to your defense score against one incoming attack. 

  • You can attune to one magical weapon without it counting against your attunement maximum. 

Pikeman. While wielding weapons with the polearm trait you gain the following benefits. 

  • +1 defense

  • +5’ additional reach

  • You can make one attack against a creature moving into your reach as a reaction.

Shieldman. While using a shield you gain the following benefits. 

  • +1 defense

  • Missile attacks against you have disadvantage.

  • You can make a shield bash as a bonus action, dealing 1d6+MIGHT/AGILITY (base) plus the defense bonus of the shield.

  • Damage you take from area effects is reduced by twice your PROF modifier. This replaces (does not stack with) any soak you may already have against the effect.

Spellblade. While using a magical weapon you are attuned to, you gain the following benefits. 

  • You can use INTELLECT, SPIRIT, or CHARISMA in lieu of MIGHT or AGILITY when calculating attack and damage bonuses. 

  • You do not need a free hand to cast spells, instead using your weapon as an arcane focus.

Thrower. When wielding weapons with the thrown trait you gain the following benefits. 

  • +10 foot missile range 

  • Catch one missile thrown at you or a target within 5’ of you as a reaction.

  • You can make a thrown weapon attacks as a bonus action.  

Zealots

Zealots are religious characters who channel divine magic. In battle they can adopt several possible roles, and they are the main providers of enhancement and healing magic. There are four core zealot archetypes.

Bonus. At 1st level the zealot gains a +1 bonus to might, spirit, or charisma (players choice).

Divinity. Once per combat a Zealot can choose to gain advantage on a saving throw before it is rolled. 

Attunement. The Zealot gains resistance to one form of damage, determined by their faith. 

Embodiment. The Zealot gains the ability to cast divine spells that only target themselves as a bonus action.

Exaltation. The damage resistance granted by the Attunement ability becomes immunity. 

Ascension. Zealots no longer keep a list of prepared spells. They count as having ALL divine spells they are capable of casting prepared. Oracles do not gain this ability; instead, they gain a third domain. 

Favored. The Zealot can call upon higher powers they serve for divine intervention when their need is great. This uses an action, and the zealot must describe the type of assistance they seek before rolling percentile dice. There is a 50% chance the deity hears and responds. If this ability is used successfully, the zealot cannot petition for divine intervention again for 10 days. If it fails, the petition may be attempted again after a full rest.

Clerics

Clerics are emissaries of a deity’s power in the mortal world. Their covenant infuses them with a piece of their god’s vast soul, allowing them to draw magic directly from the outer planes. Failure to remain faithful to their ethos causes them to fall out of sync with their alignment plane until they atone. Clerics come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are educated and ordained in organized religions, while others are privately mentored or even chosen by the gods themselves in dream visions. Their primary magic statistic is Spirit. 

Clerics gain the following traits.

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Emissary. Clerics cast divine spells using major progression. They learn PROF+1 divine cantrips.

  • Theologist. Clerics gain one domain and +2 to Theology and one intellect skill of choice. 

  • Invocation. As an action, a cleric can use their holy symbol to unleash a blast of divine power in a 30-foot radius. Enemy undead, fiends, fey, qlippoth, and spirits must make a will save or take PROF d12’s of damage (save for half), of a type determined by the cleric’s deity. Alternately, allies sympathetic to the clerics’ deity receive a comparable amount of healing. Clerics may do this a number of times equal to 1 plus half their PROF. This ability recharges after a full rest.

Druids

Druids are shamans empowered by a primordial covenant with ancient nature spirits dwelling in the ethereal plane. This covenant grants them formidable mystic powers and shapeshifting abilities in exchange for their agreement to prevent substantial (not minor) imbalances to the natural order. Apart from their obligation to uphold this covenant, and maintain a neutral element in their moral alignment, druids are free to use their powers as they choose. Some are grandfathered into their spiritual pacts by old hierophants, while others are chosen by nature spirits and offered this covenant in dream visions. Their primary magic statistic is Spirit.

Druids gain the following traits. 

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Shaman. Druids cast primal spells using minor progression. They learn PROF+1 primal cantrips.

  • Vitality. Druids gain proficiency ini one additional save, immunity to poison, and do not physically age unless they choose to do so. They still die normally at the end of their natural lifespan. During their last year, they can feel it approaching. 

  • Naturalist. Druids gain +2 to Nature and Survival. They automatically succeed on survival rolls to forage enough food and water to sustain just themselves.

  • Shapeshifter. As a bonus action druids can transform into beast shapes (and back) ranging in size from tiny to large. Equipment they carry merges into the new form, reappearing when they revert to their natural form. Druids can speak in any form, but they can only cast spells in humanoid form. In beast shape a druid gains the physical statistics of a typical animal of its type. Their health, mental statistics, and PROF modifier remain the same. They cannot assume forms of a higher tier than their PROF modifier.

Inquisitors

Inquisitors are zealous hunters, devoted to the task of rooting out and destroying enemies of their faith using espionage and divine magic. Most inquisitors belong to organized religions or secret societies, joining adventuring parties for the chance to persecute enemies of their faith. Because an inquisitor is devoted to hunting supernatural heresy, they have the special ability to counter enemy magic they witness being cast. 

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Dabbler. Inquisitors cast divine spells using minor progression. They learn PROF divine cantrips.

  • Domain. Inquisitors gain one domain. If its boons influence invocation, the inquisitor instead gains +2 to a single statistic of choice. 

  • Seeker. Inquisitors gain 1 bonus skill and +2 to Investigate, Intimidate, Empathy, Stealth, and Will saves.

  • Opportunist. If an inquisitor lands an attack meeting the criteria for a backstab, it deals an additional graduating die of radiant or necrotic damage.

  • Bane. As a bonus action, Inquisitors can mark one creature within 60 feet for destruction. This mark lasts until the target dies or the inquisitor marks a new target. The inquisitors attacks and spells deal an additional graduating die of damage to this target.

  • Purge. As a reaction, Inquisitors can roll arete to counter a single spell they witness being cast within 60 feet. The difficulty is the base DC to resist the opposing mystics magic.  

Oracles

Oracles are individuals who are born, cursed, or infused with innate divine power. Because their magic comes from within, they do not lose access to it if they commit ethos violations. Most oracles are imbued with divine power at birth, descended from a deity, or born in the shadow of destiny under rare or prophesied conditions. The divine power that suffuses an oracle makes them charismatic and attuned to the feelings of others, though this does not always manifest in an obvious fashion. Their primary magic statistic is Spirit or Charisma. 

Clerics gain the following traits.

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Demiurgic. Oracles cast divine and primal spells using minor progression. They learn PROF+2 cantrips from these lists.

  • Luminous. +2 to diplomacy and empathy.

  • Portfolio. Oracles gain two divine domains, but cannot use invocation. If an Oracle takes a domain that influences invocation, instead of the invocation-related benefit they add 2 points to one statistic of their choice. At 15th instead of the Ascention ability oracles gain a third domain.

Authors Note. Oracles are supposed to feel a bit janky because they are people who have had divine power thrust upon them. More than any other class, oracle players must be deliberate about their domain and spell selection. Having access to both the divine and primal lists is great, but the number of spells they can prepare is limited. Two domains provide a lot of special abilities, some of which synergize very well. But you must read carefully.  

Divine Domains

Divine Domains

In GSS, domains represent the divine powers and spheres of influence granted to clerics and oracles. Each domain embodies a specific aspect of the divine, and grants unique spells, abilities, and blessings. Your chosen domain shapes your character's role within the party and their relationship with their deity. By aligning with a domain, clerics dedicate themselves to serving their god's will and spreading their influence.

Life

  • You can cast healing spells as a bonus action. Such spells have a minimum range of 30 feet.

  • You add a graduating die to medicine rolls and health you restore with spells.  

  • You gain immunity to poisons and diseases. 

  • Cast triage and diagnosis at will. 

Light

  • You gain +1 use of invocation. Your invocations create true sunlight for 1 round.

  • You add radiant resistance and a graduating die to radiant damage you deal with spells.   

  • You can empower one weapon within 60’ as a bonus action. Attacks with this weapon deal an extra graduating die of radiant damage until your next turn.

  • Cast light and smite at will. 

Knowledge

  • You gain divine proficiency in one intellect skill. You may change this skill after each full rest. 

  • You learn 2 bonus spells from the arcane list. You can change them once every 10 days.

  • Cast guidance and identify at will. 

Protection

  • You gain +1 to defense and soak. Your defense is never less than Arete +8. 

  • As a reaction, you can grant one creature within 30 feet resistance to a single source of damage. 

  • Cast deflection and apotropaism at will.

Justice

  • Creatures must make a will save to answer a question you ask with a lie.

  • You add a graduating die to empathy, investigate, and intimidate rolls.

  • Cast aurasight and command at will. 

Trickery

  • You gain the backstab ability of a rogue your level. You backstab deals d6’s of damage. 

  • You add a graduating die to stealth and subterfuge rolls.

  • Cast beguile and disguise at will.

War

  • Your invocation can harm any creature you wish. 

  • You can attack as a bonus action. 

  • You gain proficiency in all weapons, armor, and shields. You ignore the might requirements for these items, and their load is 0 while equipped.

  • Cast scythe and courage at will.

Death

  • Your invocation can charm undead for 1 hour on a failed will save instead of dealing damage.

  • You gain necrotic resistance and add a graduating die to necrotic damage you deal with spells.

  • Undead are neutral toward you unless antagonized. 

  • Cast decompose and ruin at will. 

Rogues

Rogues are agile skill-oriented heroes who emphasize precision over brute force when solving problems. In battle their role is to exploit opportunities to deal burst damage while avoiding direct attack. Outside of battle they rely on trickery and mundane skills to contribute, particularly in matters of stealth. All possess the following core abilities. 

Bonus. At 1st level the rogue gains a +1 bonus to agility, intellect, or charisma. 

Trickery. At 1st level, the rogue can dash, disengage, hide, aim, or use an item as a bonus action. 

Expert. At 1st level and 7th level the rogue gains a +2 bonus to two skills or toolsets they are proficient in. 

Backstab. Once per round, an attack the rogue makes with advantage deals PROF extra d8's in bonus damage. 

Ambush. The rogue scores a critical hit on a natural 18+ when attacking from stealth. 

Elusive. At 7th level the rogue can gain resistance to a single source of incoming damage as a reaction. 

Reactive. At 3rd, 9th, 15th, and 19th level the maximum number of reactions a rogue can take in a round increases by 1.

Assassins

Assassins are killers who use stealth and subterfuge to defeat their enemies with great precision. Most are trained by an order of some sort: crime syndicates, dark cults, government or military agencies, etc. Occasionally an assassin will use their skills for adventuring activities. 

Assassins gain the following traits.

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Quietus. An assassin's backstab deals d12’s. They are resistant to poison, proficient with all finesse and missile weapons, learn 1 warrior fighting style, and can attack as a bonus action.

  • Stalker. Assassins gain +10 speed and +2 to Alertness, Initiative, Stealth, and Subterfuge.

  • Reflexes. As a reaction, an Assassin can apply a reflex save they have just rolled to one willing target within 10 feet. Alternately, when using the elusive ability they may also apply its effects to a willing target within 10 feet suffering damage from the same effect.

  • Vanish. Assassins can use stealth to hide by breaking the line of sight in combat. Creatures attempting to locate an assassin never count as being on high alert. If an Assassin makes a successful pickpocket or backstab roll, they can immediately move up to half their speed without provoking attacks of opportunity. If this is done during a surprise round and the move takes them behind cover or obscurement, they can try to hide as part of that action. If successful, the targets don’t realize where the Assassin went.

Authors Note. Assassins are supposed to feel invisible and deadly. Their mechanics are satisfyingly simple, centering around the use of vanish to hide and quietus to dish out lots of backstab damage.  They benefit from teamwork in situations where allies can distract their targets and take attention away from them. They are also vulnerable, so they must be selective in their actions. Assassins with multiple reactions a round have nothing to use them on but the elusive ability, and this is intentional. Given their violent skillset, they will need it. 

Bards

Bards are charismatic rogues with social skills and magical training, grounded in the ancient words of power used to sing the universe into being at the dawn of time. Some come from bardic colleges, while others are trained in dream visions by spiritual entities called “muses” or “lillendi” who choose them via divination. Their primary magic statistic is Charisma.

Bards gain the following traits. 

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Dabbler. Bards cast arcane, divine, and primal spells using dabbler progression. They learn PROF+1 cantrips from these lists.

  • Resist​ant. Bards gain proficiency in one additional save. 

  • Storyteller. Bards gain +2 to Diplomacy, History, and Performance. 

  • Ambassador. Bards learn bonus languages equal to their PROF. With 10 minutes of effort, they can reliably communicate with any creature that has a language and an intelligence of 8 or higher. 

  • Muse. As a reaction, bards can grant one ally within 60 feet a bonus graduating die to a failed attack, save, or non-intellect skill check. If this roll allows the ally to meet the DC, the failure becomes a basic success.

Authors Note. Bards are supposed to feel supremely versatile. They get a handful of spells from any class, they can bolster allies with muse, they have the backstab ability, and they are good in social situations. As long as they are built correctly, bards can do just about anything somewhat well. Playing a satisfying bard requires a firm grasp of spells and an opportunistic mindset. They rarely win the day alone, but everyone benefits greatly from their presence. 

Monks

Monks practice a monastic tradition of unarmed combat emphasizing trickery and quickness. They cultivate a form of inner spiritual power (which has many names) that can be tapped to perform magical feats of martial arts prowess. Most come from remote monasteries, assassin orders, gangs, families, or villages with a long history of martial arts practice. 

Monks gain the following traits.

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Drifting. Monks gain PROF+2 defense while unarmored and not using a shield.

  • Acrobatics. Monks gain +10 speed and +2 to Acrobatics, Athletics, and Perception.

  • Tranquil. Attacks against a monk suffer disadvantage if the monk has not yet attacked that round.

  • Khimorii. Monks learn PROF techniques from the list below. 

  • Wuxia. Monks can attack twice as a bonus action. While unarmed or using finesse weapons, their attacks deal a graduating die of damage. Their backstab ability deals d6’s (instead of d8’s). They can apply this damage once per round without meeting normal requirements for a backstab.

Techniques

All monk techniques require reactions to implement. This is done DURING the action.

  • Bolt. Melee attacks gain a range of 60 for the round and deal force damage.

  • Charge. Gain an additional +10 speed for the round. 

  • Deflect. Negate one missile attack (of manageable size) against a creature within 5 feet. 

  • Infuse. Unarmed attacks deal +1d6 radiant or necrotic damage for the round. 

  • Leap. Leap PROF*10 feet as a move action and land on non-damaging surfaces safely. 

  • Resist. Gain advantage on one saving throw before rolling it. 

  • Stun. Force a target to make a fortitude save or be stunned for 1 round (DC = 8+Arete).

Authors Note. Monks are great fun to play,  but their abilities require reactions to use. Because they are rogues, this means every round they must decide whether to forego potential damage mitigation or trickery actions to get extra attacks or perform pseudo-magical feats. Monks have the backstab ability, but it is simply a bonus they can add to one attack they make each round. Combined with flurry, they can potentially dish out three attacks on their turn.  Their tranquil ability is there to help them avoid trouble and act with precision. 

Swashbucklers

Swashbucklers are flashy duelists who wield finesse weapons and use wit, precision, and mobility to overcome enemies. This martial philosophy often compliments a dashing and adventurous lifestyle, and many swashbucklers are renowned for gallantry.

  • Hit Dice: d10

  • Precision. The swashbuckler’s backstab ability deals d6’s (instead of d8’s). They can apply this damage to one successful attack per round without meeting normal requirements for a backstab.

  • Gallantry. Swashbucklers gain +2 to Initiative, Acrobatics, and Diplomacy. 

  • Swordplay. Swashbucklers add PROF+2 to defense while unarmored and not using a shield. At 7th level they gains the extra attack ability. They are proficient with all light and finesse weapons.

  • Deflect. Swashbucklers can use a reaction to increase their defense against a single attack by their PROF+1. If the attack misses, they can move up to 10 feet without provoking attacks of opportunity. 

  • Riposte. Swashbucklers can use a reaction to make a melee attack against an opponent who has just missed them with a melee attack.

Thieves

Thieves are cunning professionals blessed with an auspicious mix of talent and dumb luck. They apply themselves to the time-honored pursuits of treasure hunting, espionage, exploration, and crime. Many become adventurers to seek fortune, or keep one step ahead of the law.

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Hustler. Thieves gain +10 speed and +2 to Alertness, Initiative, Stealth, Thievery, and Reflex saves. They can attune to one extra magic item and carry 10 extra points of load before they are encumbered.

  • Bugout. Thieves can move up to 10 feet and hide as a reaction if not being actively observed outside of combat. They gain advantage on stealth checks to hide in dim lighting or light obscurement.

  • Setup. Thieves can use a reaction to give one ally within 10 feet advantage on an attack roll. They can also add their backstab damage to that ally’s attack, if desired. If they do the latter, it counts as their use of the backstab ability that turn.

  • Shrewd. Thieves gain advantage on all rolls that directly involve disarming traps, appraisal, and haggling.

Arcanists

Arcanists are mystics who channel arcane magic. In battle their role is to unleash spells that cause devastation or tip the tide in their ally’s favor while avoiding direct attack. Outside of battle they have a wide variety of utility spells and knowledge skills they use to contribute. All arcanists develop the following abilities as they level up. 

Bonus. At 1st level the arcanist gains a +1 bonus to agility, intellect, or charisma. 

Focus. At 1st level the arcanist gains a magic item that only works in their possession. This item does not count against the characters’ attunement maximum, and cannot be of a higher tier than their PROF. The arcanist can change their focus into a new magical item every time they level up. Doing so requires a lengthy period of ritecraft lasting 1 month and costing a variable amount of silver (game masters discretion). 

Warding. The arcanist can alter the duration of one self-affecting spell of 1st or 2nd level. The altered spell ends once the spell discharges or the arcanist takes a full rest.

Mastery. At 7th (1st), 15th (2nd), and 19th (3rd) level the arcanist can pick one spell they know of the given level. They can cast this spell at its base level without using energy.

Alacrity. At 11th level an arcanist can cast cantrips that normally require an action as a bonus action.

Artificers

Artificers are inventors who dabble in the mystic arts. They are also renaissance-people with a natural talent for engineering, alchemy, and various academic and pseudo-scientific disciplines. Such people often use their inventions for adventuring, or to obtain money or special materials to finance their creations. 

  • Dabbler. Artificers cast arcane spells using dabbler progression. They learn PROF+1 cantrips from this list.

  • Bombardier. Artificers deal an extra graduating damage die with grenade-like weapons. 

  • Resistant. Artificers gain proficiency in one additional save of your choice. 

  • Craftsman. Artificers gain proficiency in 3 extra toolsets.

  • Inventions. Artificers gain a # of inventions equal to their PROF+1. These inventions may be used by others, but quickly begin to malfunction if not regularly tuned and maintained by the artificer. If an artificer takes a full rest and one of their inventions is not in their possession, that invention stops working properly. Creating permanent inventions that can be used by anyone follows the normal process of magical item creation. 

Inventions

  • Ascender. This device resembles a gun or crossbow. As a standard action it fires a powerful grapnel with a magically-augmented reel out to a maximum range of 100 feet. As a bonus action the reel can be activated to safely haul the user and one additional medium-size creature to the anchor point at speeds of up to 30 km/hr. If this would result in the user falling or striking objects or creatures en route, falling damage is taken normally. 

  • Auspex. This device resembles goggles or a helmet. As a reaction the user can switch between darkvision, infravision, ultravision, and binocular vision to a maximum range of 90 feet.

  • Bombs. The artificer can use alchemy tools to produce PROF+1 alchemical grenade-like weapons during each full rest. These bombs can be thrown up to 60 feet as a standard action, and deal PROF d8’s of force damage in a 10’ radius (Reflex save for half). If additional grenades are crafted beyond the artificers limit, the older ones denature and become inert.

  • Cutter. This device looks like a drill, chainsaw, or similar. The artificer can use it to make arete-based melee attacks. It deals a graduating die of damage plus arete, and ignores PROF points of soak.

  • Fusilader. This device looks like a mechanized two-handed gun, crossbow, or similar. The artificer can use it to make arete-based ranged attacks. It deals a graduating die of damage plus arete, and has the missile (100/400), trigger, and storm (10’ radius) properties. Firing this weapon for 1 round costs 2 points of mana. 

  • Homunculus. This creation looks like an alchemical gremlin or clockwork creature. It serves the artificer faithfully, using the statistics of a warlock’s familiar. 

  • Injector. This device looks like a mounted syringe of some sort. The artificer can use it to make arete-based melee attacks, or to inject potions or medicines into creatures. Any poison or potion injected this way has its duration doubled, and numeric effects (such as damage or healing) are increased by a graduating die.  

  • Laser. This device looks like a tube or cylinder fitted with tempered glass lenses. The artificer can use it to make one arete-based spell attack as a standard action, or deal continuous fire damage to objects it is focused on. The laser deals PROF d8’s of fire damage and has the missile (200/800) trait. 

  • Luminator. This device looks like a glorified steampunk flashlight. The artificer can use it to emit light in a 5’ beam or 120’ cone. Brightness is variable, and can be made ultraviolet if desired (to expose bloodstains or similar). If used to blind enemies, all targets within the beam must make a Perception check against the artificer's spell-difficulty or be blinded for 1 round. 

  • Multitool. This device looks like a glorified mechanical folding tool fixed to a short bar. The artificer can use it in lieu of any other toolset requiring metal implements (woodwork, metalwork, etc.) Toolset checks made using this device gain a +2 bonus. 

  • Projector. This device looks like a pressurized two-handed squirt gun. The artificer can use it to spray liquids in a 60’ stream or cone (by waving the stream). Firing this weapon for one round consumes 1 flask or pint of the given substance (acid, napalm, sacred water, etc.). If the substance would do damage, it deals PROF+1 d6’s of the weapons given damage type (Reflex save for half) to all viable targets in that area. The substance is mixed with a special solution that amplifies its potency while causing it to burn off and disintegrate after 1 round. 

  • Techsuit. This device looks like a suit of mechanized armor with a chassis and extendable metal arms. It increases reach to 10 feet, and grants the artificer two extra arms for holding tools. It also increases the wearers might, defense, and soak by the artificers PROF modifier.

  • Vehicle. This device looks like a steampunk version of a vehicle from the equipment section. It does not require an animal to power it, and has double the load, speed, and durability of a vehicle of its type. Other inventions can be mounted to the vehicle if desired. If this is done, passengers may use them freely.

Wizards

Wizards learn magic academically after many long years of frustrating study. They are intellectuals who steep themselves in arcane lore, seeking out ancient grimoires and libraries to improve their knowledge. They pay the price for this power in the form of arcane rigor. Many take up adventuring to sharpen their skills and acquire the funds needed to fuel their research. Their primary magic statistic is Intellect. 

Wizards gain the following traits.

  • Hit Dice: d6

  • Wizardry. Wizards cast arcane spells using major progression. They learn PROF+2 cantrips from this list.

  • Disciplined. Wizards gain +2 to arcana, occult, and will saves.

  • Grammarie. To prepare new spells, a wizard must study a personal grimoire of arcane formulae. Transcribing a new spell into this grimoire takes 2 days and 100 silver per level. No arcane formulae is completely uniform: the mental process of each must be personalized and practiced using noetic techniques before it can be used. Because of this, copying down and personalizing magic spells written by others is a lengthy research process. While it remains in their possession, a wizard can cast any spell written in their grimoire once for free. This ability recharges after a full rest.

  • Thesis. Every wizard has a single field of specialized study known as a thesis. Within their specialization, they gain additional special abilities listed below. ​

Thesis

Abjurer

  • Abjurers gain +1 defense, +1 soak, and resistance to one form of damage. The damage type is changeable after each full rest.

  • Abjurers gain temporary health equal to triple their level. This pool refreshes after each full rest.

​Conjurer

  • As a move action, a conjurer can teleport to a single spot they could reach normally in one round using natural movement. Using this ability consumes all of the conjurers available movement that round.

  • As an action, a conjurer can create one non-magical object worth 100 silver or less. It cannot be made of special materials or weigh no more than five times the casters level in lbs. If they create a new object, the last one vanishes. 

​Diviner

  • Diviners can cast identify and aurasight at will. 

  • Diviners can remotely tap into the senses of any creature under the effects of a spell they have cast. Doing so is a standard action requiring concentration. While doing this they are disabled and their own senses are suppressed. 

  • Diviners can add or subtract 1d4 from a single attack, save, or skill check made by a creature they can see within 60 feet as a reaction.

​Enchanter

  • Enchanters can cast command at will.

  • Enchanters gain telepathy out to a range of 100 feet and +3 to will saves.  

  • Enchanters can give one charm spell they cast an indefinite duration. If they prolong a new charm spell using this ability, the last one ends. 

​Evoker​

  • Evokers can change the damage of any spell they cast to fire, cold, lightning, acid, or thunder. They also add +1d6 to elemental spell damage. 

  • Evokers can grant other creatures immunity to any spell they cast dealing elemental damage.

​Illusionist

  • Illusionists can cast disguise and phantasm at will as their base level of ability. 

  • All spells an illusionist casts have the Subtle Metamagic quality. This means an illusionist does not need to speak or gesture to cast spells, and working magic does not cause a personal manifestation. Spells with visible effects or a point of origin still appear to originate from the illusionist, however.

​Necromancer

  • Necromancers enjoy necrotic resistance and deal +1d6 necrotic spell damage.

  • During each interlude or full rest a necromancer can use ritecraft to animate PROF undead servitors using available corpses (or trapped souls). These servitors cannot be of higher tier than the necromancers PROF (so 2 of Tier 1-2, then 3 of Tier 1-3, then 4 of Tier 1-4, etc.). Undead created this way do not limit the necromancers mana pool, and if the necromancer loses or relinquishes control of them they are immediately destroyed. The necromancer can communicate telepathically and exert mental control over these servitors out to a range of 1 kilometer.

  • Necromancers can control any number of Tier 1-2 undead they have personally created using the undeath spell. Undead of Tier 3+ reduce their maximum mana by a number of points equal to the creatures hit dice. If this control is relinquished, the mana penalty is removed and the undead become free willed.

​Transmuter

  • Transmuters can alter their features and gender during a full rest. They can modify their height and weight by up to 50%, but abilities and statistics do not change.

  • After each full rest a transmuter gains three potions of Tier 1-2. They can only administer these potions by hand, and the potions denature if the transmuter takes a full rest or they leave their possession.

Authors Note. There’s no such thing as a “lousy” or “mediocre” thesis. A wizards thesis is meant to provide serious tangible benefits which define how they play and differentiate them from other wizards.

Sorcerers

Sorcerers are individuals naturally gifted with arcane powers. Each one is a walking nexus connected directly to the astral sea, making them innately charismatic and afflicting them with arcane rigor. They are figures of awe and envy, often joining adventuring parties to fulfill their destinies. Their primary magic statistic is Intellect or Charisma. 

Sorcerers gain the following traits. 

  • Hit Dice: d6

  • Sorcery.  Sorcerers cast arcane, divine, and primal spells using minor progression. They learn PROF+2 cantrips from these lists.

  • Dynamic. Sorcerers gain +2 to diplomacy and arcana skills. 

  • Bloodline. Select one bloodline from the bloodline list and gain its associated powers. 

  • Metamagic. The sorcerer gains a number of Metamagic talents from the Metamagic list equal to their PROF. These talents are usable a number of times equal to their PROF+1. They recharge after a full rest. 

Bloodlines

  • Aberration.  +1 to intellect, telepathy to a range of 60 feet, and resistance to acid and psychic damage. 

  • Celestial. +1 to spirit, knowledge of the heal spell, and resistance to fire and radiant damage. 

  • Chaos. +1 to one statistic, +1 spell known, and advantage on saves against magic. 

  • Djinn. +1 to spirit, resistance to one element, and add PROF to spell damage dealt with that element. 

  • Dragon. +1 endurance, resistance to one element, and scales granting soak equal to PROF.  

  • Fated. +1 to one statistic, +1 spell known, and three rerolls per day. 

  • Fiendish. +1 to spirit, and resistance to fire, necrotic, and poison damage. 

  • Titan. +1 endurance, and proficiency in all saves.

Metamagic

  • Bolster. Increase spell damage by 2x PROF modifier. 

  • Empower. Increase save DC by 1/2 PROF modifier.

  • Fork. The spell affects a second target. 

  • Project. Double the range or area of the spell. 

  • Prolong. Double the duration of the spell. 

  • Quicken. Cast the spell as a bonus action. 

  • Substitute. Change the damage type to fire, lightning, cold, acid, thunder, radiant, or necrotic. 

  • Subtle. The spell requires no components or reagents (worth less than 5 silver) and has no manifestation.

Warlocks

Warlocks forge pacts with otherworldly beings for power. They are shamans, genie-binders, infernalists, occultists, and more. Some warlocks extort their patrons for power using goetia, bribery, or sacrifice. Once a pact is made, the warlock’s soul is permanently endowed with investments, supplementing their arcane dabbling with unnatural powers. Unlike sorcerers and wizards, they do not suffer the full effects of arcane rigor. Their primary magic statistic can be Intellect, Spirit, or Charisma. 

Warlocks gain the following traits. 

  • Hit Dice: d8

  • Arcanum. Warlocks cast arcane spells using minor progression. They learn PROF+1 cantrips from this list.

  • Investments. Warlocks gain a number of investments from their patron equal to their PROF+1. 

  • Mysticism. Warlocks gain +2 to occult and theology, and proficiency in one additional save.

  • Servitor. Warlocks gain the service of an otherworldly minion that advises and obeys them unerringly. This servitor is resummoned at full strength after each full rest, even if it was previously destroyed. 

Investments

  • Armor. The warlock's defense score is never less than 10+ Arete, and their soak is never less than PROF. 

  • Blast. The warlock can shoot blasts of energy up to 100 feet as an action and/or a bonus action, using their Arete bonus for the attack roll. These bolts take whatever appearance the warlock chooses and deal 1d10+Arete force damage on a hit. 

  • Council. One per full rest, a warlock can meditate for 1 minute to solicit advice from spirits in service to their patron for 10 minutes. 

  • Enhancement. The warlock gains 2 points to distribute to their statistics. This investment cannot raise any statistic above 22. This investment can be taken multiple times.

  • Flight. The warlock gains a fly speed equal to their foot speed while lightly encumbered or less. Flying causes a manifestation of supernatural power. 

  • Militancy. The warlock gains proficiency in martial weapons, medium armor, shields, the spellblade fighting style, and one extra attack at 7th level (as a warrior).

  • Relic. The warlock gains a second focus. If this focus is a weapon, the warlock gains proficiency with it and the ability to make an attack with the weapon as a bonus action. 

  • Sorcery. The warlock gains knowledge of two spells of a level they can cast from any class's spell list.  This investment can be taken multiple times. 

  • Sight. The warlock gains darkvision, infravision, and the ability to cast aurasight at will. 

  • Thorns. Creatures striking the warlock in melee take piercing damage equal to the warlock’s PROF. 

  • Tongues. The warlock gains the ability to speak the language of any creature in their immediate presence. This fluency fades if no such target is available.

Servitors

Servitors act on the warlock’s initiative. They use the warlocks' saving throw values and cannot take bonus actions in combat. If a servitor must make an ability check, its bonus is equal to the warlocks CHARISMA modifier. A servitor’s base stats are given below, but each type of servitor has additional traits. Please note that very small servitors also use these stats: they are deceptively potent for their size.

*Health = 7 times the warlock’s level.  Defense = 13 plus the warlock’s PROF.  Soak = 0  Speed = 30. Attack = The warlocks Arete bonus.  Damage = d8 plus the warlocks Arete bonus. 

  • Artifact. The warlocks’ primary focus becomes a sentient magical item. This item is always helpful. The Tier of the item cannot be higher than the warlocks PROF.

  • Djinn. The servitor is a medium humanoid of some sort with an otherworldly appearance. The djinn can use humanoid equipment and attune up to 3 of its own magical items. 

  • Elemental. The servitor is a tiny or small elemental spirit with mutable form. The elemental can manipulate or reshape matter of its own type in a 5’ cube as an action. 

  • Familiar. The servitor is a tiny or fine flying creature of some sort. The familiar can cast any of your level 1-2 spells utilizing your mana pool. 

  • Hound. The servitor is an otherworldly quadruped. The hound has the scent ability, resistance to all elements, and a ranged attack up to 60 feet. 

  • Steed. The servitor is a mount with the mass and strength of a warhorse. It grants the warlock the cavalier fighting style while mounted. It has 3 soak, it never tires, and its saddlebags are equal to a bag of holding. 

  • Thug. The servitor is a robust medium humanoid with exotic arms and armor. The thug has martial weapon proficiency, +3 defense, and 3 soak. It gains the extra attack ability (as a warrior) when its master hits 7th level.