Game DesiGn

RPGPUNDIT
Writer
RPGPUNDIT
eDitor
NICK “ZEPO” SEIDLER
Cover art
MICHAEL PRESCOTT
interior illustrations
FEDERICO PINTOS
BorDers
MICHAEL PRESCOTT
CharaCter sheets
GUILLERMO WALTER DREIER
(WITH EVAN ROSENFIELD)
layout, DesiGn anD art
RICHARD IORIO II
maps
ROBERT S. CONLEY
arroWs of inDra loGo
RICHARD IORIO II
BeDroCk Games loGo
JEFF GREENO

playtesters
DIEGO DECKER, GUILLERMO WALTER DREIER,
EDUARDO LIMA, CAMILO DE MELLO,
ALEJO MICHELENA, FEDERICO PINTOS
DeDiCation
DEDICATED TO LORD GANESH,
THE REMOVER OF OBSTACLES AND
EVER-MERCIFUL ELEPHANT-HEADED GOD,
WHO CARRIES THE UNIVERSE IN HIS BELLY;
AND TO SRI KRISHNA, AVATAR OF HIS AGE,
AND THE PERFECTION OF HUMANITY.

ISBN: 978-0-9883439-1-7
BED7001
Published by Bedrock Games.
Arrows of Indra Text, Character Sheet and Concepts are copyright 2012 RPGPundit
Arrows of Indra art, Logos and Layout are copyright 2012 Bedrock Games
All Rights reserved.
Printed in the USA
 Contents

INTRODUCTION 11 Enlightenment Powers 43

A Note on Religion 11 Rank 1 Enlightenment Powers 44
CREATING A CHARACTER 13 Rank 2 Enlightment Powers 46
Ability Scores 14 Rank 3 Enlightment Powers 49
Caste 14 Equipment and Money 53
Dalit Caste 15 CURRENCY AND STARTING WEALTH 54
Sudra Caste 15 Loans and Credit 54
Vaishya Caste 16 Selling valuables 54
Kshatriya Caste 16 Encumbrance 54
Brahmin Caste 17 Equipment: Armor 55
Family Background 17 Equipment: Weapons 55
Family Generation 17 Slaves 59
Barbarian and Non-Human Races 18 Hirelings 60
Bhils 18 GAME MASTER PROCEDURES 63
Gandharvas 18 Task Resolution 64
Rakshasas 19 Reaction Rolls 64
Vanaras 20 Morale Rules 65
Yakshas 20 Wilderness Travel 65
Names 20 Travel Times 66
Character Classes 23 Wilderness Orientation 66
Advancement in Levels 23 Wilderness Survival 66
Class Descriptions 23 Experience Point Awards 66
Priest 23 Level Advancement 68
Priest-Shamans 23 Combat 68
Fighters 24 Timing 68
Virakshatriya 24 Random Encounter Distance 68
Scout 25 Surprise attacks 68
Siddhis (magicians) 25 Initiative 69
Thief 26 Actions 69
Thugees 26 Attacks 69
Yogi 28 Natural 1 and 20 69
Alignment 32 Charging 69
Skills 33 Defensive combat 70
Lower-Caste Background Skill Descriptions 34 Missile Weapon Ranges 70
Middle-Caste Background Skill Descriptions 34 Multiple Shots 70
Upper-Caste Background Skill Descriptions 35 Aimed Shot 70
Obtaining additional background skills 36 Firing into Melee 70
Training in new background skills 36 Mounted Combat 70
Class Skills 36 Mounted Charge 71
Priest Skills 37 Firing from Horseback 71
Basic Priest Skills 37 Other Combat Modifiers: 71
Advanced Priest Skills 37 Visibility 71
Fighter Skill Tables 38 Protective Cover 71
Basic Fighter Skills 38 Morale Failure and Fleeing 71
Advanced Fighter Skills 39 Withdrawal 71
Siddhi Skill Tables 39 Helpless Opponents 71
Basic Siddhi Skills 39 Prone 71
Advanced Siddhi Skills 41 Wrestling 71
Thief and Thugee Skill Tables 42 Damage and Dying 72
Basic Thief and Thugee Skills 42 Injury 72
Advanced Thief and Thugee Skills 42 Saving Throws 72

7
 Healing and Recovery 72 Asura, Demon Prince 120
Aging and Illness 72 Asura, Demon King 120
Poisons 73 Bear, Common 120
Falling Damage 73 Bear, Dire 121
GAZETTEER OF THE LANDS OF BHARATA 75 Bee, Giant 121
Cultural Background: Beetle, Giant 121
ARROWS OF INDRA

Life in the Bharata Kingdoms 76 Boar, Wild 121

Traditions in the Bharata Kingdoms 76 Boar, Giant 121
Growing up in the Bharata Kingdoms 77 Centipede, Giant 122
Note: Gender Roles in the Bharata Setting 77 Crocodile 122
Warrior Culture, Adventurers and Epic Heroes 77 Crocodile, Giant River Crocodile 123
Bharata Kingdoms 78 Deva 123
The Western Lands 78 Deva, Minor 123
The Central Lands 80 Deva, Warrior 123
The Eastern Lands 83 Dog, wild 123
The Southern Lands 89 Earth Spirit (Deva) 124
Major Geographical Regions 89 Elephant, common 124
The Patala Underworld 93 Elephant, War 124
1st Underworld Realm: Atala 94 Elephant, Dire 124
2nd Underworld Realm: Vitala 95 Fire Spirit (Deva) 125
3rd Underworld Realm: Sutala 95 Fish; Giant River Fish 125
4th Underworld Realm: Talatala 95 Gana 125
5th Underworld Realm: Mahatala 95 Gandharva 126
6th Underworld Realm: Rasatala 95 Garuda, Small 126
7th Underworld Realm: Nagaloka 95 Garuda, Large 126
CAVERN GENERATION SYSTEM; Ghost, Aleya 127
PATALA UNDERWORLD 96 Ghost, Bhuta 127
Step 1: Cavern complex size 96 Giant 127
Step 2: Cavern complex exits Goblin 128
and lighting conditions 96 Horse, Draft/Common 128
Random Cave Lighting 96 Horse, Riding 128
Step 3: Random Cave Contents 97 Horse, Warhorse 128
Giant Cave Details 98 Horse, Mule/Donkey 128
Step 4: Tunnel Generation 98 Horse, Pony 128
6th Realm Tunnels 98 Humans, Common 129
Random Monster Tables, Patala Underworld 100 Humans, Bandits, Typical 129
Sutala (3rd Realm of the Patala Underworld) 100 Humans, Barbarian Raiders, Typical 129
OVERLAND TRAVEL RANDOM ENCOUNTERS 105 Kinnara 129
Encounters along the Road 106 Lion, Common 129
Caravanserais 106 Lions, Cave 130
Encounters in the City 106 Living Dead 130
Kalari Arenas 107 Living Dead, Preta 130
Encounters in the Wilderness 108 Living Dead, Skeletons 131
Living Dead, Vetala 131
MONSTER GUIDE 115
Living Statue 131
Monster Templates 116
Marut (Deva) 132
Air Deva (Vidyadhara Deva) 116
Mongoose, Giant 132
Ant, Giant 116
Monstrosities 133
Ape, Dire 117
Nagas 133
Apsara (air nymph) (Deva) 117
Rakshasa, Common 134
Asura Demons 117
Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasas 134
Asura Demon, Minor (class A) 117
Rat, Giant 134
Asura Demon, Minor 117
Scorpion, Giant 134
Asura Demon, Minor (class C) 118
Serpent, Cobra, Common 134
Asura Demon, Minor (class D) 118
Serpent, Giant Cobra 135
Asura Demon, Minor (class E/ Daityas) 118
Serpent, Giant 7-Headed Cobra 135
Asura Demon, Fire Demon 119
Sharabha 135
Asura Demon, Pishacha 119
Shark 136
Asura Demon, Succubus 119
Spider, Giant 136

8
 Tiger, Common 136 Taxes 175
Tiger, Dire 136 Royal Attention 175
Timingila (the sea monster) 137 Marriage, Children and Inheritance 176
Vanara (monkey-men), Common 137 Laws and Punishments 177
Vidyadhara, Minor (Deva) 137 APPENDIX II: IN THE FUTURE 179
Vyala 138 Future Events 179
Water Buffalo, Wild 138
Water Spirit (Deva) 139
Windhorse 139
Witch, Unholy 140
Wolf 140
Wolf, Dire 140
Yaksha, Common 141
Yeti 141
TREASURE AND ITEMS 143
“I loot the Body” 144
Treasure Tables 144
Gems and Jewelry 144
Special Treasure 145
Treasure Horde 145
Magic Items 145
Herbs/Potions 146
Sutras, Minor 147
Sutra, Major 148
Mala Beads 149
Staffs 150
Rings 151
Conch Shells 152
Wondrous Items 154
Magic Armor and Shields 156
Magic Arrows 158
Magic Bows 158
Miscellaneous Weapons 160
Celestial Weapons 161
Astras (Celestial Arrows) 161
Asura Astras (Demonic Celestial Arrows) 162
Other Celestial Weapons 162
THE GODS AND RELIGION 165
Divine Intervention 166
Brief Description of Some Gods 167
Old Gods 167
River Goddesses 168
Vaishnavite Family 168
Shaivite Family 168
Krishna 169
Religious Practices 169
Major Religious Rituals 170
APPENDIXES 171
APPENDIX 1: HIGHER LEVEL PLAY 172
Costs of Living 172
Housing 172
Profit from Lands 172
Mercenary Work 173
Temple Priesthood 173
Schools of Philosophy 173
Thief Gangs 173
Income from Professions 173
Big Business 174

9
INTRODUCTION ployments), and even information about the weather.

W
There is also a chapter on the Patala Underworld, the
hat you are reading presently massive “megadungeon” cavern complex that stretches
is the Arrows of Indra role-play- out beneath the entire world, through seven layers of the
ing game, an old-school RPG underground until reaching the gates of hell itself. The
inspired by the classic and original complete list of monsters typical to the setting are pro-
Role-Playing Game, and set in a vided, and lengthy tables for treasure and magic items.
world inspired by Epic Indian my- You will also note information about religion and the
thology, particularly the Mahabharata (an Epic Indian gods (including the possibility of receiving Divine Inter-
saga about heroes and gods, and a devastating war; In- vention), and finally rules and guidelines for high (9th+)
dia’s literary masterpiece equivalent to Europe’s Arthuri- level play, for when adventurers move on to become
an legends or China’s Romance of the Three Kingdoms). generals, temple Priests, founders of schools, or crime
I am going to assume that the vast majority of those lords; as well as information about marriage traditions,
reading this book are already at least marginally familiar taxation and business, and laws and punishments. There
with the concept of an RPG, and indeed with the classic is also an optional timeline detailing one possible course
RPG terminology that you will find in this game; things of future setting events, inspired by the accounts of the
like Hit Points, Saving Throws, levels, classes, skills, Mahabharata.
Armor Class, and other such things. I will not waste pre- It is my hope that you will find this game, as my own
cious space in what would amount to filler in the form players did, both immediately recognizable as classic Old
of a “what is role-playing” or “definition of terms” sec- School adventuring, and at the same time refreshingly ex-
tion. If by some chance you have come across this game otic without being unapproachable. May the setting and
and don’t have the slightest idea how to play an RPG, or its details serve to provide an exciting and novel atmo-
are not familiar with the classic and most popular RPG sphere to your classic play; use of it what works for you.
in the world and the terminology it created, I would rec-
ommend that you look it up online. In fact, make your A Note on Religion
way to my forum, theRPGsite (www.therpgsite.com) and While this game makes use of elements of Indian my-
I will be glad to explain it to you personally. thology, including the names and descriptions of Vedic
Instead, I will briefly explain to you what you will or Hindu deities, the material in this book should in
find in this game: namely, a complete role-playing game no way be interpreted as making authoritative or accu-
in a single book, requiring no outside material, that rate statements or descriptions of either classical Vedic
presents rules and a setting for “old school” play in the religion or the modern religion of Hinduism that is its
fantasy world of Jagat, and the region of the “Bharata distant descendent. This game does not intend in any
Kingdoms”, a set of lands that are very similar to the way to educate its readers or players on the subject of
depictions of ancient Indian kingdoms in the Indian ep- authentic Indian religion, nor is it meant to make any
ics of the Mahabharata. Just like you do not need any kind of negative (or for that matter, positive) statement
other RPG book in order to run Arrows of Indra, you on any religion.
also do not need to know anything else about Indian The designers and publishers of this game do not ad-
myth outside of the extensive setting material presented vocate any caste system or social ranking in any way, and
in this book; of course, this is not meant to discourage acknowledge the equality of all regardless of circumstance.
you from reading and learning more about these myths
if you so desire. In fact I would recommend it. You just
don’t need to be a Sanskrit linguist, anthropologist or
archeologist in order to play the game.
The rules contain all the material needed to create
a character, including interesting material about social
status (caste), alignments (how faithful you are to the
religious dictates of the setting), backgrounds and skills
based on caste and family, and a complete system of
magic based on priestly rituals, secret signs and words,
and powers gained as one grows in enlightened aware-
ness. There is a fairly thorough equipment list of armor,
weapons, provisions, slaves and hirelings, and even real
estate. The latter part of the book contains information
about each of the Bharata Kingdoms, and the wild plac-
es (jungles, mountains, hills, deserts and swamps) that
surround them, complete with random encounter tables
for city and wilderness, information about cultures and
traditions (including things like duels, or possible em-

11
Creating a Character
 T
o create a Player Character (pc), it is WISDOM BONUS: Is added or subtracted as a modifier
necessary to go through the following steps: to all Saving Throws versus spells. It also affects a num-
ber of skills that require common sense, or skills related
1. Roll for Ability Scores.
to spiritual matters. Wisdom also affects the possibility
2. Roll for Caste, or select non-human Race.
of obtaining Enlightenment Powers for Priest classes.
3. Select Class, roll hit points, note class
DEXTERITY BONUS: Is added to all ranged to-hit rolls,
abilities and bonuses.
ARROWS OF INDRA

to Armor Class, and to Initiative rolls. The Dexterity

4. Roll for initial background skills.
bonus is also to any checks of manual skill or agility
5. Roll for class skills.
(sneaking, picking pockets, acrobatics, etc).
6. Select Alignment, and details such as age, sex,
CONSTITUTION BONUS: Is added to all hit point rolls
family and appearance.
each level. Constitution also determines the probability of
7. Roll for initial wealth and obtain equipment.
“Resurrection Success”, the chance that a character being
ABILITY SCORES magically resurrected will successfully come back to life:

Ability Scores are determined by rolling 4d6 and Table 1.2 Resurrection Success Probability
removing the value of one of the four dice. Add the re- Resurrection Success
CON score
maining three values and note that number in the appro- Probability (roll a d100)
priate Ability Score. Unless the Game Master (gm) rules 3 (or less) 40%
otherwise, the ability scores should be determined in the 4-5 50%
order they appear on the character sheet. Optionally, the
6-8 65%
gm may allow players to put their scores in the order they
9-12 85%
wish, or may choose an intermediate option like allowing
players to switch the value of any two ability scores. 13-15 90%
Ability Scores determine the basic ability bonuses 16-17 95%
which are added to a number of values. If the sum of all 18 100%
the ability score bonuses put together is a negative value,
the player may choose to discard the character and roll STRENGTH BONUS: Bonus is added to all melee to-hit
the ability scores again. The final set of rolls will later be and damage rolls, as well as any checks related to phys-
modified by caste or race, and in the course of the actual ical strength or effort (lifting weights, forcing open a
game may in some cases change due to various effects, door, breaking an object, jumping a great distance).
temporarily or permanently. Any time that an ability SCORES ABOVE 18: note that it is possible, from race or
score is altered the bonus should immediately be recalcu- caste modifiers, or later on in the game due to magic, for
lated and if it has changed, the new bonus will apply in ability scores to be raised above 18; however, the ability
all cases it affects. modifier in those cases remains at +3. Having an ability
score of 19 or higher will be useful only in the sense of
Table 1.1 Ability Score Bonuses providing a “buffer” to protect against Ability Score loss
Ability Score Bonus in the future.
3
4-5
−3
−2
CASTE
6-8 −1 Caste in Jagat’s civilized human cultures (the “civ-
9-12 0 ilized society” of humans which they call Bharata, re-
ferring to all civilized human kingdoms of the world
13-15 +1
of Jagat) is an incredibly important setting concept. A
16-17 +2 caste is an extremely rigid social-class structure with
18 +3 religious overtones. The people of Jagat believe that a
person is born into a certain caste as a result of the ac-
I NTELLIGENCE BONUS: Is added to any skill checks tions they undertook in past lives, and that each caste
related to knowledge, learning or research (skills like has its own special and particular role to fulfill in society.
chronicler, astronomy, philosophy, mathematics, etc., as The mixing of caste, or performing actions outside your
well as checks for general knowledge or lore on differ- caste, is severely frowned-upon in the best of cases and
ent subjects). Intelligence also determines the maximum in some cases outright prohibited. Groups of different
number of Enlightenment Powers a Priest or Siddhi (ma- castes can generally work and travel together, or even
gician) class character may have. engage in friendships (the exception being the Dalits, or
CHARISMA BONUS: This value determines the modifier untouchables), but each individual is expected to remain
to reaction checks, to any skill check representing per- conscious of their caste and particular roles and duties
formance (oratory, poetry, music, dance, singing, etc), or therein. Romance between castes is generally forbidden.
other social skills, and to the base morale score of any A character’s caste determines their clan (another social
hirelings, henchmen or followers. structure of almost equal importance), their place in the

14
world, their background profession (sometimes the pro- rest of the inhabitants, and are not permitted to use the
fession of their entire clan), and in game terms provides same facilities as any of the other castes. Dalits are for-
modifiers to a human character’s base attributes. bidden from studying or hearing the sacred texts, and
Roll on TABLE 2.1 to determine a pc’s caste. they must avoid that even their shadow should touch
anyone of a different caste. If someone of any other
2.1 Caste Determination (3d6) caste touches or is touched by a Dalit, they must under-

CREATING A CHARACTER
Roll Caste go a cleansing ceremony.
3–4 Dalit (untouchable)† PROFESSIONS: Leatherworkers/tanners (“chamar”),
corpse handlers (“mahar”), clothes cleaners (“dhobi”),
5-8 Sudra (servant, farmer, slaves)
scavengers, and feces handlers (“bhangi” – these are the
9-11 Vaishya (merchant, artisan, landowner)
lowest of the caste, seen as untouchable even to other
12-14 Kshatriya (warriors, nobles) Dalits).
15-18 Brahmin (priests, nobles) It is not impossible for a Dalit to ascend in caste, but
it is very difficult. It is also possible for someone who
† Optionally, the GM might judge a result of 3-4 to in-
dicate Brahmin or Kshatriya caste as well, since it is
has committed a horrific religious atrocity (i.e. the killing
extremely difficult for an untouchable to be able to of a Holy person) to be punished by being demoted to
interact regularly with the rest of a party. the Dalit caste.
CLANS: Atolia, Bandarwal, Dhuriya, Dotania, Heria,
The caste system is the social structuring of the culture Jaggarwal, Jajoria, Jaluthria, Kankheria, Mauria, Mehra,
of Bharata, dividing all men along social lines. Within Rachoiya, Rathor, Tongaria, Vohra.
the culture there are five castes. Outside it, those who are
barbarians or foreigners are casteless or “pariahs”, until Sudra Caste (+1 CON, –1 INT)
they are adopted into a caste (either by the declaration of
a king or Holy person, or by adoption into a clan). Pari- The Sudras are the caste that slaves, serfs, and ser-
ahs are treated in much the same way as Dalits (untouch- vants belong to. However, they are not untouchables like
ables), but can more easily be integrated into any of the the Dalits. They are considered a respected caste, and
existing castes. In theory, one can only marry within one’s their own mythology (and even some of the teachings
caste, and each caste has certain professions that are gen- of the Brahminical texts) suggests that they are actu-
erally the only career options open to one of that caste. ally to be treated in very special ways. It is suggested
In practice, caste is determined by birth. However, that the Sudras were created from the mud of the river
the spiritual basis of caste is “aptitude, conduct, and Ganga, a sacred condition, and that they are pure but
nature”. This means that someone who commits acts in innocent; and must be well treated and respected by the
following with a caste different from that of their birth other castes, those same castes they are born to serve.
might eventually ascend or descend in official circles The word Sudra literally means “in suffering”, and the
and/or the public eye into that different caste. Note, spiritual understanding of this is that one who is born
however, that outright misrepresentation or fraudulent in the Sudra caste is atoning for misdeeds in a past life.
behavior of falsely claiming to belong to another (usu- That said, in practice the Sudras are not any more pure
ally higher) caste is a punishable crime. Details on how or innocent than anyone else, and some can end up in-
caste may change are provided in later chapters. volved in the schemes of their employers, rulers, or mas-
Each caste is detailed below, including modifiers to ters. Likewise, in practice the other castes tend to abuse
ability scores, details on the caste, the professions fol- the Sudras, either through over-work or mistreatments
lowed by the cast, and a list of clan names available to of other kinds. Sudras are generally darker-skinned than
each caste (in some cases with a description of the spe- those who belong to the higher castes, and it is probable
cific profession that clan is known for). Clan names are that they were in fact barbarian locals in the river lands
the equivalent of a last name, but in typical conversation who were conquered by the Bharata people when they
are not used in the same fashion, most people only us- migrated into what is now the Bharata Kingdoms, thou-
ing their given name except in particular circumstances sands and thousands of years ago.
where clan name is relevant. It is recommended that the Sudras can theoretically ascend to other castes, and
player select a clan only after determining not only class, some (particularly those who are soldiers) might find
but also background skills, as these particulars might themselves able to be adopted into a Kshatriya family.
help him to decide on the right clan to belong to. It is even possible some could be recognized as saints
and ascend to the Brahmin caste. However, since Sudras
Dalit Caste (+1 to CON, −1 CHA) are not permitted to participate in the Brahmin’s rites or
even read or hear the recitation of the Holy books, this
These are the “Untouchables”; they perform tasks is quite difficult. It is easier for them to go downward so-
that are taboo to the religious teachings of Bharata. cially, and become untouchables, if they find themselves
Generally, they live in the outskirts of town (usually forced to engage in Dalit activities.
on the western side of any settlement) or barring that P ROFESSIONS: Landless farmers, potters, weavers, fish-
in special parts of the settlement separated from the ermen, butcher, barber, cobblers, slaves, soldiers; some

15
ARROWS OF INDRA

very occasionally become Siddhis (magicians) or Yogis. (merchants and money-lenders), Nagal, Nirayan, Os-
CLANS: Ahir (shepherds and cowherds), Dasa (this is wal (shopkeepers and merchants), Parwar (lawyers and
the “family” name for anyone who is a slave), Dhangar scribes), Rawat, Sahu (teachers), Sangi (carriage-makers
(soldiers, farmers and shepherds), Kumbhar (potter), and vendors), Sarkar (poets and teachers), Singhal, Soho-
Mali (farmer), Nai (barbers), Paraiyan (landless labor- ria, Somani (bird-traders), Suvarna (jewelers), Tarkhan,
ers), Shanar (winemaker). Tayal, Thakuria (traders and merchants), Tunghal (large
landowers), Varnwal (merchants), Varshney (large land-
Vaishya Caste (+1 CHA, −1 WIS) owners and merchants).
The Vaishya caste is numerically the largest caste,
representing the majority of the population of Bharata.
Kshatriya Caste (+1 STR, −1 INT)
They range in level of profession and influence from The Kshatriya Caste is the caste of warriors and rul-
impoverished small-plot farmers to merchants with ers. They are soldiers, great fighters, and kings. They are
wealth beyond those of kings. They are shopkeepers and second in hierarchy after the Brahmins.
artisans; they are the vast majority of the city-dwelling It is not uncommon for the sons of Kshatriya, if they
population, and the educated professionals. They are the get involved in commerce or working the land and
lowest caste that is permitted to study the sacred texts neglect the duties of a warrior, to be demoted to the
and that undergo initiations at the temples. Vaishya caste. Likewise, Kings and other officials can
PROFESSIONS: Farmers (small and large landowners), ascend brave heroes to the Kshatriya caste if they have
artisans, shopkeepers, merchants; sometimes become proven themselves to have a true “warrior nature”, al-
Siddhis (magicians) or Yogis. though this happens only rarely.
CLANS: Baburiya, Bajargan, Bansal, Bindal, Birla (very Kshatriya youths must undergo rites of passage and
wealthy merchants), Biswal, Bohara, Chetti (grocers initiation, becoming “sanctified warriors”. Those who
and pottery-merchants), Dusad, Gahoi (slave-dealers), have undergone these rites receive a (purely ceremonial)
Gandha (spice-dealers), Godha, Goyal (large landowners staff made of banyan wood, a symbol of their status.
and merchants), Goyan, Gupta (merchants and apothe- P ROFESSION: Warriors, Holy warriors (“Virakshatri-
caries), Jhalani, Jindal, Kansal, Kharwal, Komati (small ya”), soldiers, rulers; may become Siddhis (magicians)
merchants), Kuchal, Kulwal, Labhi, Lahoti (shopkeepers, or Yogis.
textile merchants), Lohar (carpenters, smiths, and build- CLANS: The families of this caste are descended from
ers), Mahajan (money lenders), Maherwal, Meswari three dynasties: The Lunar Dynasty, the Solar Dynasty,
(shopkeepers and merchants), Methi, Mittal, Mudgal and the Fire Dynasty. They are, respectively, the descen-

16
dants of Chandra (the God of the Moon), Surya (the his father). Additionally, they must undergo a series of
God of the Sun) and Agni (the God of Fire). coming-of-age rituals, even from the time they are in
LUNAR DYNASTY FAMILIES: Bundela, Chandela (rul- their mothers’ womb, at birth, to mark their first steps,
ers), Haihayas (rulers and Holymen), Jadaun (rulers to initiate their studies, (for men) to mark their first
and warriors), Jadeja (rulers and sages), Jethwa (Vanara beard-trimming, and during marriage (a prolonged cere-
warriors, found in the southern Bharata Kingdoms), Ka- mony that lasts four days, culminating in their first sex-

CREATING A CHARACTER
lachuri (rulers and poets), Pathani (warriors and assas- ual intercourse). Brahmins must never touch dead bodies
sins), Pathania, Tomar (rulers), Varma (governors, sages, or unclean animals, or handle feces; nor can they touch
and Holymen). or even pass through the shadow of an untouchable. If
SOLAR DYNASTY FAMILIES: Badgujar, Gurjar, Jhala they do, they must undergo an extensive purification rit-
(warriors, musicians), Kachwaha (warriors, mon- ual lasting several hours, as soon as possible.
ster-slayers), Lohana (warriors, merchants), Minhas Marriage rules are particularly strict for Brahmins,
(horsemen, charioteers), Pundir, Raju (rulers), Ror who must marry within caste and usually within the
(warriors, governors, judges), Sengar (warriors), Siso- particular profession of their family; Brahmin girls in
dya (archers). particular must not marry below their caste or it socially
FIRE DYNASTY FAMILIES: Chauhan (governors, athletes), endangers the entire family.
Ghosh (rulers, judges), Paramara (warriors, bureaucrats),
Ponwar, Pratihara (rulers), Senas (landowners), Solanki Family Background
(temple-warriors), Sood (warriors, money-lenders).
NOTE: Some non-human races claim status as Kshatri- Once you have determined your caste, you must
ya: particularly the Vanara (monkey-men) and the Nagas choose a type of background for your family, and select
(serpent-men). Foreigners, barbarians or outsiders who what particular clan you come from within the caste. It
display aptitude as warriors are generally quickly accept- is advisable to base this selection on your initial back-
ed as Kshatriyas as well. ground skills, as these are likely skills learned in child-
hood in your family’s career.
Brahmin Caste (+1 WIS, −1 STR) Family Generation
The Brahmin caste is of the priests and philosophers
of Bharata. They can also be rulers. Not all forms of It is important for any Human Pc to know the current
Holymen need to be Brahmins, but temple priests must state of their family, and their place in that family. The
be Brahmin. Not all Brahmin, however, are temple Pc should come from a normal married family unless the
priests by profession; and usually in fact only those fam- player truly wishes to be born out of wedlock or under
ilies in the lower end of influence in this caste are temple other strange circumstances (the Gm should remind the
priests. Brahmins vary wildly in range of wealth and in- player about the social consequences of being illegit-
fluence; some Brahmins are extremely poor, while others imate or clanless). The player should roll to see if his
are very powerful and wealthy. parents are still alive: The Pc’s father will be deceased on
PROFESSIONS: Religious poets and writers of Holy texts, a 1-4 roll on 1d6. The mother will be deceased on a 1-3
Priests, Siddhis (magicians), Yogis, scholars, teachers, roll on 1d6.
landowners. The player should then roll for siblings: roll 1d12 to
CLANS: Achary, Acharya, Ambastha (traditional determine initial (potential) siblings; roll a second d12
doctors), Bhasri, Bhattacharya, Bhattamishra, Bishi, to determine how many of those siblings are dead; if the
Chaturvedi, Choudhury, Chakroborty, Dash, Dayama second number rolled was higher than the first, it means
(temple priests), Deshpande, Gantayat, Joshi (astrolo- that the Pc was an only child (or at least, the only child
gers), Kar, Kulkarni, Majumdar (landowners), Mishra that lived long enough to be named).
(scholars and philosophers), Mishrasharma, Mohapatra, When the number of surviving siblings have been
Pallava (rulers and warriors), Panchal, Pandey, Pani, determined, the Gm should roll randomly to determine
Panigrahi, Phadnavi (tax collectors or administrators), which point in the birth order that Pc is found; for ex-
Purohit (tutors and advisors to rulers), Ray, Roy, San- ample, if there are 5 surviving siblings, the Gm could roll
igrahi (temple priests), Sharma, Shastri, Shukla, Suta 1d6 (with a 1 indicating the Pc is the oldest, 2 the sec-
(storytellers and charioteers), Tiwari, Tripathi, Vishwa- ond oldest, etc). If the number of surviving siblings is less
karman (temple artisans, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, car- convenient for a simple die roll the Gm should pick the
penters, sculptors and brass workers). method that works best.
BRAHMIN TABOOS: Every day, Brahmins must perform The Pc must also determine the gender of each surviv-
ritual bathing, recite liturgical prayers, perform the fire ing child (1-3 male, 4-6 female on a d6).
sacrifice (“puja”), the milk sacrifice (pouring milk over If the Pc is the oldest surviving male child, he is ei-
the sacred fire to feed and preserve the sun at night), and ther the heir (if his father is still alive) or the head of the
maintenance of the family’s sacred fire (this last ritual family (if his father is deceased). In the latter case, the
is performed only after marriage, when the Brahmin re- Gm may determine that the Pc begins play with a hovel,
ceives his own receptacle of the family’s sacred fire from house or mansion of some kind in either the country or

17
 the city, something relatively humble by the standards barbarians, dark-skinned and with dread-locked hair,
of the pc’s caste without indicating extreme poverty. which live in the southern hills and jungles, and in other
The pc owns this property, his inheritance, but he is also peripheral areas of the Bharata culture. They are known
required to support all of his younger siblings (if the to be fierce warriors.
gm wishes to be generous, he could judge that the pc’s R ACIAL BONUSES AND P ENALTIES: +1 str, +1 con,
younger brothers have mostly been placed in good ca- −2 cha.
CLASSES: Can be Priest-Shamans (maximum level 4),
ARROWS OF INDRA

reers and his sisters have all been married off already as
of the start of the game). He must also support his moth- Fighters, Scouts, Thieves, or Thugees (maximum level 10).
er if she is still alive, and arrange for someone to take Bhils can speak Prakrit and the Bhil language (which
care of the household (possibly a younger brother) while has no written form).
the pc is off adventuring.
Gandharvas
BARBARIAN AND The Gandharvas are a race that are descended of
NON-HUMAN RACES the crossing of humans with divine and nature-spirits
(Devas and Apsaras). Physically, they appear as tall,
It is possible for a player to play a barbarian human, thin, light-skinned beautiful humans with feathers on
or select one of a number of non-human races for his the top of their head instead of hair. They are consid-
character. Note that this depends on the permission of ered children of the gods, and are often used as their
the gm; some gms may not wish for their campaign to messengers. Gandharvas live mainly in their own king-
allow non-human characters. Each non-human char- doms, in remote regions, mainly in the Kailas Moun-
acter race will have certain special abilities and often tains but also in other isolated hills, forests and jungles.
limitations as well. All non-humans (as well as the They are all natural musicians, singers and dancers.
Bhil, barbarian humans) are limited in their choice of Gandharvas are partially immortal; they do not age,
character class, and in the cases of some classes they but they can still die from injury or some forms of dis-
may have limitations of which character level they are ease. Gandharvas do not need to sleep, though they do
allowed to reach. Particularly in the latter case, the Gm require periods of rest to heal from injuries.
may wish to limit those level-restricted classes to Npcs The culture of the Gandharvas is very alien to normal
of that race only. human Bharata culture; the Gandharvas being so long-
Note also that playing a non-human character will lived they spend huge spans of time engaging in song,
usually involve certain social difficulties for the player dance and religious festivals. Gandharvas are profoundly
character; generally speaking in the human kingdoms spiritual, most of them being of Holy alignment, but
(the area/civilization known as Bharata) there is very their religious rituals are quite different to the practices
little regular interaction with non-humans. The Vanara performed in human societies, they are closer to the gods
live in the forests far to the south and are only com- because of their background, and tend to have a more in-
monly seen in the Bharata Kingdoms that are south formal style of ritual than human temple priests use. They
of the Vindhya mountains, Gandharvas and Yakshas also do not respect the social customs of Bharata. They
mostly live in the forbidding northern mountains or do not have a caste system (though any Gandharva trav-
hidden in small communities deep in jungles. Bhils and eling to human civilization will automatically be placed
Rakshasas likewise generally live far from civilized in either the Brahmin caste or the Kshatriya caste), and
lands, or in their own tribes, and will be treated as basi- they do not follow some of the other rigid social customs.
cally human but barbaric, and are thus pariahs (unless For example, Gandharvas only marry for love, something
they manage to be accepted into a caste). Any of these that is considered most unusual in human society. In spite
characters will stand out notably among the civilized of this oddness, Gandharvas tend to be well-treated when
human peoples, and will rarely go unnoticed, and may they are traveling in the Bharata Kingdoms, because hu-
be reacted to with fear or prejudice. mans know that they are close to the gods.
In any case, if a campaign is set in the Bharata King- Gandharvas in their own kingdoms will not necessarily
doms, the Gm and player of a non-human should mutu- be friendly to humans; they are likely to be friendly to
ally work out the reason why the non-human Pc has left human individuals who are of Holy alignment, but will be
his or her homelands to come visit the world of men. hostile to large parties or incursions. In particular, this is
The following races are available to player characters because the Gandharvas are known to horde vast quan-
(at the Gm’s option). tities of gold, which they use to power their cities with
light and other magic, through a process of alchemy. They
Bhils know that many humans lust for gold and may wish to
attack the Gandharvas for their gold or attempt to steal it.
Bhils are a race of barbarian humans, though many R ACIAL BONUSES AND P ENALTIES: +1 DEX , +1 cha,
of the prejudiced civilized people in the Bharata King- −1 str, −1 con.
doms believe them to be a non-human race, or a race CLASS LIMITATIONS: Can be Priests, Fighters, Scouts or
that is partly demonic. The Bhils are a race of savage Siddhis (magicians).

18
 SPECIAL A BILITIES: fashioned from human skulls. Their Asura-worshipping
priests are known for their magical power and for the
• Gandharvas do not age; nor do they sleep; they
ability to change shape. Rakshasa society also features
are thus immune to any forms of magic that
powerful Siddhis (magicians), particularly famed for
cause aging or magical sleeping effects.
their skills.
• Gandharvas are also immune to certain forms of
In spite of all this, Rakshasas are perhaps more com-

CREATING A CHARACTER
magic that control others (especially the Arcana
mon in human society than many other non-human
of Domination, the Mantra of Irresistible Pres-
races, second only to the barbarians like the Bhils in fre-
ence, and the Aura of Tranquility).
quency; they are often hired as mercenaries or servants
• Gandharvas have the natural ability to detect mag-
of other kind by less-than-Holy kings. They tend to be
ic; they will be able to sense if any item is magical,
mistrusted of course, but are not automatically persecut-
or any person, object or area is under a magical
ed in most human kingdoms and can sometimes rise to
effect; however they cannot necessarily identify the
high positions. Rakshasas are considered to be very wily,
specific qualities of the magic in question.
ruthless, and bloodthirsty; they make great magicians
• Gandharvas gain a +1 to hit with all ranged
because of their demonic blood, and excellent warriors
weapons, and an extra +1 to hit with Bows.
because of their fearless bloodlust in battle.
• Gandharvas gain a +2 to all perception checks
A BILITY MODIFIERS: None.
(usually Wisdom-based).
CLASS LIMITATIONS: Can be Priests of the Asuras (to a
• Gandharvas gain a +1 bonus to the “artist-musi-
maximum level of 7), Fighters, Scouts (to a maximum
cian” and “religious dancing” skills.
level of 8), Siddhis, or Thieves.
• Gandharvas all speak Prakrit, Yaksha and San-
SPECIAL A BILITIES:
skrit; Sanskrit is the divine language which is
also the language spoken in all Gandharva com- • Rakshasas can see perfectly in the dark.
munities. They also gain a special “musical” lan- • Rakshasas are immune to most forms of mun-
guage, expressed in song, that Gandharva some- dane poison, but can still be affected by magical
times use to communicate amongst themselves. poison or poison from supernatural monsters.
• Gain a +1 bonus to all saving throws versus
Rakshasas magical items or spells for every 4 points of con-
stitution, rounded up. So for example, a Raksha-
Rakshasas are a race of humans who were cross- sa with a 7 con gains a +2 bonus to his saving
bred with Asura demons. They are thus an Unholy race; throws, while a Rakshasa with 17 con gains a
though not all members of the race are malevolent, their +5 bonus.
culture as a whole venerates the demonic Asuras and • Rakshasas gain a +1 bonus to hit with all bladed
most Rakshasas have Unholy alignment. melee weapons.
Rakshasas appear taller than the average human, with • Gain a +1 bonus to unarmed damage due to
dark almost soot-black skin. Their canine teeth tend to their claw-like fingernails or fang-like teeth.
be longer than the average humans, looking almost like Rakshasa speak Prakrit and the Asura language; the
fangs; their eyes tend to be reddish in color, and they latter is the demonic language which is regularly spoken
have long hard nails. in Rakshasa lands.
Rakshasas have had many mighty kingdoms of their
own, most particularly the kingdom
ruled by the Asura demon Ravana
on the island of Lanka, thousands of
years ago in the time of the Avatara
Rama. It was Rama who destroyed
this kingdom; and since that time the
Rakshasas have been scattered to live
in jungles, hills and mountains in the
peripheral areas of the human Bhara-
ta-civilization, sometimes as barbar-
ians and sometimes in small king-
doms. Many of the latter are ruled by
full-blooded Asura demons.
Rakshasa society is Unholy by
nature. The Raskhasa priests who
govern it worship and make human
sacrifice to the Asuras, and the Rak-
shasas are said to be cannibals who
drink human blood out of ritual cups

19
 Vanaras Yakshas
The Vanara are a race of monkeys who are capable Yakshas are mountain-spirits, guardians of treasure hid-
of speech and have a human level of intelligence. They den in the earth. They appear as humans but stout and very
wear clothing, and have their own society, but are oth- short (about three quarters the size of a normal human),
erwise physically indistinguishable from relatively large with slightly golden-colored ruddy skin, and can be fear-
monkeys (about half the size of a normal human). The some warriors. They are entrusted by the Gods, with whom
ARROWS OF INDRA

Vanara are sacred to the monkey-god Hanuman, who they have a special relationship, to protect nature and sa-
was once their king before ascending to the Divine cred places, and sometimes to protect great treasures (both
realms (Hanuman is also worshiped by humans as the mundane and spiritual) that have been hidden in the earth
friend and helper of Rama). At one time, in the age of by the gods. The Yakshas live mainly in a mighty kingdom
Rama and Hanuman thousands of years ago, the Vanara in the Kailas Mountains, near to the Gandharva Kingdoms,
and the humans of Bharata were more connected and with whom they have very good relations.
friendlier to one another. They are still more likely to be Yaksha culture is by its nature very different from hu-
friendly to each other than many other races, but since man culture, due to the Yakshas’ longevity; they are great
that time trade and contact between the civilized nations scholars and thinkers, spending much time in religious
and the Vanara has decreased, the Vanara have declined ritual and also in studies, being great admirers of learning
in number and retreated deeper into the southern jun- (and teaching). Yakshas can rarely resist lecturing on any
gles. As such, it is very rare to see a Vanara in the north, subject they know anything about to humans and other
and people are not at all accustomed to it. lesser races. This does not mean, however, that Yakshas
Vanara as a race tend to be quite adventurous, some- are cold or purely cerebral; far from it; in fact they are
times childish, extremely brave and loyal to their allies. deeply romantic beings, often following their passions,
While Vanara are as capable of lies as a human, their and prone to depression and bouts of longing for the
culture does not practice the same kind of casual social sources of their affections. They can also be prone to pas-
lies and deceptions (including things like flattery, or the sionate wrath, making them extremely violent.
kind of little white lies or deceptions that are part of Yakshas effectively do not age, but they do require
good manners) as human society does. Thus, they will rest, and can be killed by injury or disease just like a
tend to be extremely bluntly honest in their everyday human might.
social dealings, to the point of sometimes inadvertently A BILITY MODIFIERS: +1 con, +1 int, −1 DEX , −1 cha.
seeming rude to humans. CLASS LIMITATIONS: Can be Fighters, Priests, Thieves,
R ACIAL BONUSES AND PENALTIES: +1 DEX , – 1 str. or Thugees (to a maximum level of 9).
CLASS: Can be Priest-Shamans (maximum level 6), SPECIAL ABILITIES:
Fighters, Scouts or Thieves.
• Yakshas do not age.
SPECIAL ABILITIES:
• Yakshas gain a +1 bonus to all saving throws
• Vanara gain a +1 bonus to saving throws versus versus poison, magical items, or magic for every
poisons, magic items, or spells for every 4 points 4 points of Constitution, rounded up. So for ex-
of Constitution, rounded up. So for example, a ample a Yaksha with 9 con gains a +3 bonus to
Vanara with 10 Constitution would gain a +3 his saving throws, while one with 14 con gains
bonus to all of these saving throws, a Vanara a +4 bonus.
with 15 Constitution would gain a +4 bonus. • Yakshas are particularly adept at fighting against
• Vanara gain a +2 bonus to all checks that in- giant creatures, they gain a +4 bonus to AC
volve sneaking, or acrobatics (this is in addition against attacks from Giant-sized creatures.
to their standard DEX bonus and any relevant • All Yakshas speak Prakrit and Yaksha languages.
skill bonuses).
• Vanara can speak Prakrit, their own language NAMES
(Vanara), and can also speak with non-intelli-
gent monkeys (this does not mean that non-in- Human clan names are listed above, according to caste.
telligent monkeys will automatically be friendly Non-humans will rarely have a clan name, using only a giv-
to them, however). en name (unless, for example, they are adopted into a human
Due to their size, Vanara cannot use any human clan). The following tables are provided in order to select
two-handed weapons. They must additionally wield axes, or randomly roll a male or female name; they are typically
khanda swords, maces, scimitars, spears or tridents (or human names, and barbarians and non-humans might have
other one-handed weapons of similar size) with both considerably different names but for conveniences sake, if
hands, and thus cannot use these weapons in conjunction the player of a non-human or a barbarian wishes they could
with a shield. Of all weapons, Vanaras greatly favor the simply use one of the names provided on Tables 2.2 or 2.3.
mace, as it is the weapon of their patron god, Hanuman.
Because of their small stature, Vanaras gain a +2 bo-
nus to ac vs. medium or large creatures.

20
Table 2.2 Male Names (d100)
Roll Name Meaning Roll Name Meaning
1 Abhay fearless 53 Krishna “blue-skinned”

2 Ajay unconquerable 54 Kumara prince

3 Ajit invincible 55 Lakshman “Lucky”, devoted of Lakshmi

CREATING A CHARACTER
4 Akhil total 56 Mandeep “light of the mind”

5 Amrit immortal nectar 57 Mani jewel

6 Anand bliss 58 Mohan attractive, charming

7 Anil “wind”, in service of the god of winds 59 Mukul blossom

8 Anish supreme 60 Murugan god of war

9 Arjuna white 61 Narayan son of man

10 Aruna named after the charioteer of the sun 62 Naveen news

11 Ashoka without sorrow 63 Nirav quiet

young/ “little”, often in conjunction with 64 Nishant dawn

12 Bala
another name
65 Pallav budding leaf
13 Baladeva “little god”
66 Prabhakar light-maker
14 Brahma named after the god Brahma
67 Prabhu creator
15 Chand bright or fierce
68 Prakash light
16 Chandra named after the moon god
69 Prasad offering to the gods
17 Chandrakant “lover of the moon god”
70 Pratap majestic
18 Damodara belt
71 Raghu swift
19 Darshan seeing
72 Rajan kingly
20 Dayaram “compassion of Rama”
73 Rajanikant king of the night
21 Deepak “little lamp”
74 Rajesh king of kings
22 Devdan “gift from the gods”
75 Rajiv striped
23 Devdas “servant of the gods”
76 Rakesh born on the day of the full moon
24 Devaraj “godly king”
77 Rama named after the god Rama
25 Dhaval pure
78 Ranjeet victorious in battle
26 Dinesh lord of the day
79 Ratna jewel
27 Ganesh named after the god Ganesha
80 Ravi sun
28 Gautam the great bull
81 Rishi a sage
29 Girish mountain lord
82 Rohan one who will rise high
30 Gopal “protector of sacred cows”
83 Sanjaya triumphant
31 Govind cowherd
84 Savitur named after the sun god
32 Hanuman named after the god Hanuman
85 Sekar mountain-peak
33 Harendra “he who stops the rain”
86 Shankar creates good luck
34 Hari divine, holy
87 Sharma protection
35 Harish lord of monkeys
88 Shesha he who endures
36 Ila literally “earth”, also “hermaphrodite”
89 Shiva named after the god Shiva
37 Indra named after the god Indra
90 Shyama “black-skinned”
38 Isha lord, master
91 Singh lion
39 Jagdish conqueror of Jagat (the world)
92 Subhash “well spoken”
40 Jaidev divine triumph
93 Sudhira “good and wise”
41 Jaya victory
94 Sundara beautiful
42 Jayant victorious
95 Sushil good conduct
43 Jayendra Indra’s victory
96 Uttama the ultimate
44 Jitendra he who has won Indra’s favor
97 Vasant springtime
45 Johar a salute
98 Vikram strider
46 Jyotish “the light”, also “astrologer”
99 Vishal large
47 Kalidas servant of Kali
00 Vishnu named after the god Vishnu
48 Kama lover

49 Kanja “born in water”

50 Kapila “red-skinned”

51 Kiran sun-beam

52 Kishora young stallion

21
 Table 2.3 Female Names (d100)
Roll Name Meaning Roll Name Meaning
1 Abha shining 53 Nisha the night
2 Aditi boundless 54 Nitya eternal
3 Akanshaqa wish 55 Padma lotus flower
ARROWS OF INDRA

4 Amita infinite 56 Padmavati like a lotus flower

5 Amrita immortal nectar 57 Parvati of the mountains
6 Anima tiny 58 Pratima statue
7 Anjali offering 59 Prema loving
8 Anoushka one who fulfills her dreams 60 Priya beloved
9 Arundati unrestrained 61 Purnima full moon
10 Avani earth 62 Radha successful
11 Avanti modest 63 Radhika fulfills desires
12 Chanda bright 64 Rajani night queen
13 Chandani sandalwood 65 Rani queen
14 Chetana alert 66 Rashmi ray of sunlight
15 Damayanti subduing 67 Ratmi pleasure
16 Deepti light 68 Reshmi silk
17 Devika “little goddess” 69 Rishima moonbeam
18 Dipali many lamps 70 Rithika a stream
19 Durga named after the goddess Durga 71 Riya singer
20 Esha desire 72 Rukmini adorned with gold
21 Gita song 73 Sarala straight
22 Gouri white 74 Saraswati named after the river-goddess
23 Ila “earth”, also “hermaphrodite” 75 Sati truthful
24 Indira beautiful 76 Savitri daughter of the sun
25 Indrani “holds a drop of rain” 77 Shakti feminine power
26 Indi the moon 78 Shakuntala bird
27 Jaya victorious 79 Shanti peace
28 Jyoti light 80 Sharmila comforter
29 Jyotsna moonlight 81 Shivali beloved by Shiva
30 Kala virtuous 82 Sita the name of the divine wife of Rama
31 Kali named after the goddess Kali 83 Sitara star
32 Kalyani “will have an auspicious wedding” 84 Sonali golden
33 Kanti beauty 85 Sudarshana right vision
34 Karishma miracle 86 Sulabha simple
35 Kashi luminous 87 Sumana good natured
36 Kiri amaranth flower 88 Sumati good minded
37 Kishori “filly”, a young female horse 89 Suniti well behaved
38 Kumari princess 90 Sushila good conduct
39 Kunti prayer 91 Swarna good color
40 Lakshmi named after the goddess Lakshmi 92 Tara star
41 Lalita playful 93 Trishna thirsty
42 Leela play 94 Uma flaxen
43 Leelavathi will of the gods 95 Usha dawn
44 Madhavi springtime 96 Valli a vine
45 Madhuri sweet 97 Vasanti springtime
46 Mala a rosary 98 Vidya knowledge
47 Malati jasmine 99 Vijaya victory
48 Manisha wisdom 00 Vimali clean
49 Manjul a pleasing, melodious

50 Meera prosperous

51 Mohini enchanting, bewitching

52 Nila sky blue

22
CHARACTER CLASSES Class Descriptions
A player must choose any one of the following Class- Each class is detailed below, along with a brief intro-
es for his character. The class represents the adventur- duction, ability score requirements, hit points (Hp), com-
ing career of the character, and determines the special bat bonuses, their saving throw values (the basic number
abilities a character will have, as well as things like you must roll equal or above on a d20 to succeed a sav-

CREATING A CHARACTER
their class-related skills. Note that most classes have a ing throw), and special abilities.
minimum requirement in certain attributes in order to Priest
take that class; and certain classes are only accessible to
certain castes (for example, a Priest MUST be of the Brah- These are Brahmin caste individuals who have trained
min caste, and a Virakshatriya (“Holy warrior”) must be as Holy men, Priests, in the formal setting of a temple.
of the Kshatriya caste). Note also that non-human races Like everyone else, they give worship to all the 330 mil-
have limitations as to which classes they can choose. lion gods, but they are also usually specifically dedicated
In some cases, a non-human character may be able to to a particular deity’s temple. Younger Priests will reg-
take a class but only up to a certain level of ability; in ularly travel from one temple to another, and to small
a longer campaign this can be an extremely serious dis- villages to officiate over important religious ceremonies.
advantage and the Gm may rule that such classes should They will seek to combat evil and ignorance. Priests per-
not be taken by players but restricted only to non-player form a variety of rituals (which are collectively termed
characters of that race. Civilized humans of the Bhara- “Arcana”), from daily prayers and purification, to mar-
ta lands can take any class that their caste and ability riages, rites of passage, and Holy celebrations of the
scores allow, and have no limits to how far they can ad- gods. They firmly believe that the path to enlightenment
vance in that class. is to be found in proper performance of ritual. Some
Priests, including all player character Priests, will gradu-
Advancement in Levels ally gain miraculous powers from their holiness.
R EQUIREMENTS: Minimum wis of 9. Priests with wis
Characters gain experience points (Xp) in order to under 12 may fail at performing arcana. Priests with
advance in level and gain new abilities. Player charac- wis of 15 or more gain a +10% bonus to their xp. A
ters can gain experience through defeating opponents in good Intelligence score is also recommended, though not
combat or other means and by obtaining riches and trea- absolutely required. Priests must be of Holy alignment.
sure. The details of how to assign experience points are Human Priests must be of the Brahmin caste.
presented in the section on Game Master Procedures. HP: d8 + con bonus until 9th level. +2 per level after
that. Priests of 1st level begin with a minimum of 6 Hp.
Table 3.1 Experience Points required COMBAT BONUS: Priests gain +1 to hit at level 4, and a
for level advancement +1 bonus to hit every 4th level.
Level XP needed
SAVING THROWS: Priests have a basic saving throw
score of 15 at level 1, and this reduces by 1 every 2nd
2 1500
level; to a minimum level of 4.
3 3000 A BILITIES: Arcana rituals (see the skill section for
4 6000 Priests), Enlightenment Powers. Priests have knowl-
5 12000 edge of a secret language. The Priests are the only class
6 24000
who always fluently speak and read Sanskrit, the Holy
tongue. Priests are forbidden to draw blood; they can
7 48000
use any kind of armor, but will only used blunt weapons.
8 75000
9 110000 Priest-Shamans
10 150000 Tribal societies have less organized religion, and their
11 200000 priests are called Shamans; these function the same in
12 300000 game terms but usually have a level limit (as their under-
standing and connection to the gods is inferior to that of
13+ +100000/lv
civilized men), and they are not recognized or honored
in the same way by the societies of civilized kingdoms,
nor will they be expected to perform rituals or other
services to the community outside their own tribes. Sha-
mans do not speak or read Sanskrit, but will speak a
secret language known only to the shamans of their par-
ticular race. Shamans can use any kind of weapon but
will only wear leather armor.
At 3rd level, Priest-Shamans gain the ability to iden-

23
 tify plants and animals (and know of the properties of Virakshatriya
plants), recognize pure or impure water, and to pass
through wilderness areas at their full movement and (Holy warrior) a fighter chosen by the gods. Always
without leaving any visible trail. of the Kshatriya caste, these fighters are blessed with
R AKSHASA P RIESTS: These Priests serve the Asuras, the divine gifts and usually dedicate themselves to a specific
demonic creatures of the hell-realms. They function iden- warrior-god; Rama, Durga, Indra, etc. These individuals
will show extremely devout spiritual qualities from an
ARROWS OF INDRA

tically to normal Priests, except that they are of Unholy

alignment, and are of course not welcome to practice early age. They will be likely chosen to receive special
any rituals in the kingdoms of men or other races who training from a Virakshatriya guru and will dedicate
worship the gods of good. They also have a level lim- their lives in the service of the gods to fight evil.
it, due to the comparatively lesser divine power of the R EQUIREMENTS: In addition to being of the Kshatriya
Asuras compared to the Gods. caste, this class requires 12+ str, and 13+ in wis and
At 7th level, the highest they can achieve, they gain cha. If both str and wis are 15+, the Virakshatriya
the ability to be immune to any charm or mental control gains +10% to his Xp.
magic, and can shape-shift into animal forms, up to 3 Virakshatriyas must be of Holy alignment, and follow
times a day. They can only change into a given animal the strict rules of the gods. If they should ever act against
once in a day, but can remain in that form for as long as the gods, particularly their chosen god, by failing to
they wish. Every time they change form, they recover 10- perform proper rituals or purification, by eating spoiled
60% (1d6×10%) of any damage they had taken. They food, touching feces, drinking blood or eating raw meat,
can change into any amphibian, reptile, bird or mammal by committing fornication outside of marriage, by using
as small as their chosen form would naturally appear or Unholy magic, by fighting for personal gain, theft, lying,
as large as twice their normal size. Rakshasa Priests in or (unholy) murder, or touching an untouchable, they
their shape-shifted form retain their own intelligence and will lose all of their spiritual powers until they have been
bonuses, but gain any natural abilities of the creature granted penance and performed a purification ritual with
(claws, flight, the ability to swim or breathe underwater, the help of a Priest of at least 7th level.
poison bites, etc). They cannot perform any Arcana in Virakshatriyas must give support to the temple of
their animal form, but may use Enlightenment Powers. their patron deity, donating 20% of all their earnings to
Additionally, all Rakshasa Priests of any level speak the a temple of that deity or a related deity if their own is
secret demonic language of their priesthood. Rakshasa not available.
Priests can use any kind of armor or weapons. HP: d10+con bonuses until 9th level. After 9th, they
gain +3 Hp per level. Virakshatriya begin with a mini-
Fighters mum of 10Hp at first level.
COMBAT BONUS: Virakshatriyas gain a +1 to hit at lev-
These are warriors of all kinds, from the Sudra,
el 1, and another +1 to hit every 2nd level.
Vaishya or Kshatriya caste. Those of the Kshatriya and
SAVING THROWS: 14 at level 1, with a reduction of 1
Vaishya caste will have been trained for it in special
point every 2nd level; to a minimum level of 3.
schools (gurukulas), where they were taught the no-
A BILITIES: Detect unholy-aligned creatures within
blest of arts: archery, spear-fighting, sword-fighting, and
60’. Requires concentration and takes one round. Vi-
horse-riding as well as chariot racing. Sudras are not
rakshatriya are immune to all diseases. They can cure
permitted to train in such schools, but may learn their
themselves or others by touch, up to a total of 2Hp/level,
skills as common soldiers. Some Brahmins are also Fight-
per day. The amount cured can be divided among several
ers, but this is not considered an honorable profession
people over the course of the day.
for them. Dalits are not meant to be Fighters, but some
They can cure diseases (also by touch) 1/week for ev-
of them might be anyways, though they will always be
ery 5 levels of experience.
treated as untouchables by all other castes.
Continually emanates a Holy Aura, gaining a +2 to
R EQUIREMENTS: Minimum 9 str and 7 con. A Fighter
saving throws from all attacks by demonic creatures or
with 15+con gains a +10% bonus to Xp.
Unholy individuals, and those creatures are – 2 to attack
HP: d10+con bonuses until 9th level. After 9th, they
him. At 6th level, this Holy aura begins to make it directly
gain +3 Hp per level. Fighters begin with a minimum of
impossible for demonic supernatural creatures of 1/3rd
10 Hp at first level.
his level to be able to touch him; though they could still
COMBAT BONUS: Fighters gain a +1 to hit at level 1,
try to attack him at a distance or with a weapon.
and another +1 to hit every 2nd level.
At 4th level, a Virakshatriya may call a 5Hd Garuda
SAVING THROWS: 16 at level 1, with a reduction of 1
(giant eagle) to act as his mount. If the Garuda should be
point every 2nd level; to a minimum level of 5.
slain, he can call on another but only after six years have
A BILITIES: Fighters can use any kind of weapon or
passed from the time he first called his previous mount.
armor. Fighters can make a number of attacks equal to
They gain a second attack at level 10, and third at
their level whenever facing opponents of 1 Hd or less.
level 15.
At level 9 they gain a second attack per round, and a
third at level 14.

24
Table 3.2 Priest Advancement Table 3.3 Fighter Advancement
Combat Saving Combat Saving
Level HP Level HP Special
Bonus Throws Bonus Throw
1 1d8† 0 15 1 Attack/lv
1 1d10† +1 16
vs 1HD foes
2 2d8 0 14

CREATING A CHARACTER
2 2d10 +2 15
3 3d8 0 14
3 3d10 +2 15
4 4d8 +1 13
4 4d10 +3 14
5 5d8 +1 13
5 5d10 +3 14
6 6d8 +1 12
6 6d10 +4 13
7 7d8 +1 12
7 7d10 +4 13
8 8d8 +2 11
8 8d10 +5 12
9 9d8 +2 11
9 9d10 +5 12 2nd Attack
10 9d8+2 +2 10
10 9d10+3 +6 11
11 9d8+4 +2 10
11 9d10+6 +6 11
12 9d8+6 +3 9
12 9d10+9 +7 10
13 9d8+8 +3 9
13 9d10+12 +7 10
14 9d8+10 +3 8
14 9d10+15 +8 9 3rd Attack
15 9d8+12 +3 8
15 9d10+18 +8 9
16 9d8+14 +4 7
16 9d10+21 +9 8
17 9d8+16 +4 7
17 9d10+24 +9 8
18 9d8+18 +4 6
18 9d10+27 +10 7
19 9d8+20 +4 6
19 9d10+30 +10 7
20 9d8+22 +5 5
20 9d10+33 +11 6
21 9d8+24 +5 5
21 9d10+36 +11 6
22 9d8+26 +5 4‡
22 9d10+39 +12 5‡
† Priests gain their CON bonus to their hit point
roll at each level up to and including level 9 † Fighters gain their CON bonus to their hit point roll at each level up to
‡ Priest saving throws do not continue to reduce and including level 9.
past this point ‡ Fighter saving throws do not continue to reduce past this point.

Scout Siddhis (magicians)

These fighters, often not of Kshatriya caste, are rough These are individuals who have studied secret tech-
men who live and know the wilderness. They are explor- niques of manipulating energy and the laws of nature
ers who dare to enter the wild places. in order to gain “Siddhis”, magical powers. Unlike the
R EQUIREMENTS: Str 13+, Int 13+, con 14+. If a Scout techniques of Priests, these do not strictly depend on
has Str and con of 15+ they gain +10% to their Xp. the favor of the gods, and a “Siddhi-yogin”, as they are
HP: 2d8 + con bonus at 1st level, minimum 10. They known, can gain magical powers through study alone;
gain +1d8+con bonus every level thereafter until level although many of these men are also deeply dedicated
10. From level 11+, they gain 2Hp per level. to the spiritual path to enlightenment. Others, however,
COMBAT BONUS: Scouts gain a +1 to hit at level 1, and are selfish and only interested in material power, while
another +1 to hit every 2nd level. yet others are evil and mainly interested in power over
Saving throws: 16 at level 1, with a reduction of 1 others.
point every 2nd level; to a minimum level of 5. Siddhis come in many varieties and schools: some live
A BILITIES: Scouts gain a +1/level to damage on all at- in the jungles or mountains as renunciates, called sadhus.
tacks versus Giant creatures of any kind, as well as against But others are “householder yogins” who live in the cities,
barbarians of any kind. They gain a +4 bonus to tracking do not practice extreme austerities, and often hold some
and orientation in the wilderness (these checks are usually regular career (be it cobbler, prince, or adventurer) at the
based on wisdom). They gain +3 to sneak checks. same time as they study the philosophies of enlighten-
At level 8 scouts gain another +4 to tracking and ori- ment. The magic of the Siddhis comes mainly through
entation in the wilderness. the practice of Mantra and Mudra. Mantras are divine
At level 9 Scouts gain another +3 to sneak checks. words of power, when properly vibrated through secret
Scouts gain a second attack at level 11, and a third techniques and concentration, they create incredible su-
at level 16. pernatural effects. Mudras are hand-gestures; again, when

25
 performed properly and with the right concentration they Thief
can create wondrous effects. These individuals are both
revered and feared by the common folk, and some are Any caste can be this class; however, it is highly dis-
taken on as advisers and sages to powerful rulers. reputable for any caste, particularly for the higher castes.
R EQUIREMENTS: Int 9+, DEX 6+. A Siddhi with 16+ Int Many Thieves therefore take pains to disguise their true
gains +10% to their Xp. A good Wisdom score is also very professions, posing as some kind of honest worker or as
ARROWS OF INDRA

highly recommended, though not absolutely required. common mercenaries, travelers, or adventurers.
HP: d4+con per level, until level 9, after that +1Hp R EQUIREMENTS: DEX 9+; a Thief with 15+ gains +10%
per level. 1st level Siddhis begin with a minimum of 2Hp. to their Xp bonus. Thieves can only be of neutral or Un-
Siddhis cannot use any armor and still use their spell holy alignment.
abilities. They can use any weapon but have no training HP: d6+con bonus per level, until level 10, then +2
in their use. Hp thereafter. Minimum 4 Hp at level 1.
COMBAT BONUS: Siddhis gain a +1 bonus to hit at level COMBAT BONUS: Thieves gain +1 to hit at level 3, and
5, and another +1 every 5 levels. another +1 every 3 levels.
SAVING THROWS: 15 at level one, reducing 1 point ev- SAVING THROWS: 15 at level one, reducing 1 point ev-
ery 2nd level; to a minimum level of 5. ery 2nd level; to a minimum level of 6.
A BILITIES: Mantras and mudras (see the skill sections A BILITIES: Thieves cannot use any armor other than
for Siddhis), Enlightenment Powers. leather without losing the use of most of their bonuses.
BACKSTAB (BSTAB): A Thief who attacks an opponent
who is unaware of his presence rolls double the usual
Table 3.3.1 Virakshatriya Advancement damage dice and adds double the regular damage bonus.
Saving This increases to ×3 at level 5, ×4 at level 9, and ×5 at
Level HP Combat Special level 13. Attacking a surprised opponent gives a Thief a
Throw
+4 bonus to hit, instead of the regular +2.
detect unholy,
I 1d10† +1 14 cure HP, P ICKING POCKETS (PP): Thieves gain a +2 bonus to pick
Holy aura pockets at level 1, and a +1 bonus every 2 levels thereafter.
2 2d10 +2 13 OPEN LOCKS (OL): Thieves gain a +2 bonus to open
locks at level 1, and a +1 bonus every 2 levels thereafter;
3 3d10 +2 13
they must have Thief tools to open locks.
4 4d10 +3 12 Garuda mount
FIND AND REMOVE TRAPS (FRT): Thieves gain a +2 bo-
cure disease nus to find or remove traps (requiring two separate rolls;
5 5d10 +3 12
1/week
the first also adds any relevant bonuses to perception),
improved Holy and a +1 bonus every 2 levels thereafter.
6 6d10 +4 11
aura
SNEAK (SN): Thieves gain a +2 bonus to sneaking and
7 7d10 +4 11 hiding at level 1, and a +1 bonus every 2 levels thereafter.
8 8d10 +5 10 LISTEN (LIS): Thieves gain a +1 bonus to listening at
9 9d10 +5 10 level 1, and a +1 bonus every 3 levels thereafter.
CLIMBING SHEER SURFACES (CLIMB): Thieves gain a +4
10 9d10+3 +6 9 2nd attack
bonus to climbing at level 1, and a +1 bonus every 5
11 9d10+6 +6 9
levels thereafter. Note that for a completely smooth and
12 9d10+9 +7 8 vertical surface, a Thief would still have to make use of
13 9d10+12 +7 8 climbing implements to assist him.
14 9d10+15 +8 7
Thugees
15 9d10+18 +8 7 3rd attack
16 9d10+21 +9 6 These are Holy murderers, dedicated to the worship
of the mother-goddess Kali in her aspect as the goddess
17 9d10+24 +9 6
of death. Unlike common Thieves, who of course can
18 9d10+27 +10 5 also be contracted to kill, Thugees are considered to
19 9d10+30 +10 5 be Holy men and it is not precisely dishonorable to be
20 9d10+33 +11 4 one, or to hire one; though for obvious reasons they
21 9d10+36 +11 4 are socially distrusted and marginalized in many ways.
Thugees will only seek to assassinate in the service of
22 9d10+39 +12 3‡
Kali-ma, and will refuse any task that they see as con-
† Virakshatriya gain their CON bonus to their hit point roll at trary to the wishes of the goddess. They will never assas-
each level up to and including level 9.
‡ Saving throws do not continue to reduce past this point. sinate women or children, excepting women who have in
some way committed blasphemy against Kali.
Thugees are members of a sacred order, which has
agents and secret safe-houses throughout the civilized

26
 Table 3.3.2 Scout Advancement
Level HP Combat Save Special
bonus damage vs. giants/barbarians,
1 2d8† +1 16
sneak +3, track +4
2 3d8 +2 15

CREATING A CHARACTER
3 4d8 +2 15
4 5d8 +3 14
5 6d8 +3 14
6 7d8 +4 13
7 8d8 +4 13
8 9d8 +5 12 track +8
9 10d8 +5 12 sneak +6
10 11d8 +6 11
11 11d8+2 +6 11 2nd attack
12 11d8+4 +7 10
13 11d8+6 +7 10
14 11d8+8 +8 9
15 11d8+10 +8 9
16 11d8+12 +9 8 3rd attack
17 11d8+14 +9 8
18 11d8+16 +10 7
19 11d8+18 +10 7
20 11d8+20 +11 6
21 11d8+22 +11 6
22 11d8+24 12 5‡
† Scouts gain their CON bonus to their hit point roll at each level up to and including level 10.
‡ Saving throws do not continue to reduce past this point.

world; their temples, however, are all found deep in trained in the use of poisons, being able to identify and
forests and mountains, away from areas of human hab- use any form of poison; they can purchase poisons from
itation. They cannot assassinate any target that the or- their order. Thugees gain all the other abilities of a Thief
der’s gurus have explicitly declared “forbidden to kill”. (pick pockets, open locks, find and remove traps, sneak,
Thugees must regularly perform rituals and purification listen and climb) but with only half the listed bonus that
in honor of Kali. They must dedicate one third of all first level Thieves would get (rounded up), and continue
their earnings to the order. to progress thereafter in those abilities as per normal.
R EQUIREMENTS: wis 12+, Int 11+, DEX 12+. Thugees A 9th level or beyond, a Thugee may be taught the se-
with 15+ WIS and 15+ DEX gain a +10% bonus to Xp. cret techniques of assassination from his Thugee-guru at
Thugees, being favored of Kali, are of Holy alignment; the nearest temple. He can thereafter attempt an assassi-
however, they do not lose this alignment for any acts nation attack against any opponent who is unaware, and
they perform within their duties as assassins, save for the who can theoretically take damage from his attack. A
killing or direct harm of innocent women or children. Thugee attempting an assassination attack will roll to-hit
HP: d6+con bonus per level, until level 10, then +2 normally, with the standard +4 bonus against unaware
Hp thereafter. Minimum 4 Hp at level 1. opponents. If he hits, he has a base chance of 50%, with
COMBAT BONUS: Thugees gain +1 to hit at level 3, and a +5% modifier for every level or hit die he has greater
another +1 every 3 levels. than his intended victim, or a – 5% penalty for every
SAVING THROWS: 15 at level one, reducing 1 point ev- level or hit die he has lesser than his opponent, of scor-
ery 2nd level; to a minimum level of 6. ing an instant kill. If he fails the assassination check, he
A BILITIES: Thugees backstab as Thieves do, however, still does normal backstabbing damage. In order to learn
they can perform a backstab against an individual who this secret technique he must pay between 4000-16000
knows they are present if the individual is not already rupya (2d4×2000) to the temple.
wary of the assassin or ready to defend himself; and they When a Thugee reaches the Xp necessary for 14th
may perform backstab against any opponent who has level he must successfully assassinate (or defeat in the
not yet acted in the first round of combat. Thugees are Kalari arena) the current 14th level temple guru before

27
 he can go up in level. If he succeeds, he will become the between levels 3-5, 20% of which are level 6-9, and
local Guru, ruling over the affairs of the cult and directly the remaining 5% of which are between levels 10-13).
commanding 7d8 of its members, of varying levels (each Upon becoming the new mahaguru, he is required to
being from 1-12th level). He will obtain profit from each pay 1000 rupya to each of these temple students as
of these which will be enough to maintain the order’s a traditional ritual gift; an amount that he must al-
business and his own lifestyle expenses, though any ad- ready possess in full before he can be initiated to his
ARROWS OF INDRA

ditional expenses must continue to come out of his own new rank and level. After that all of his expenses will
pocket. However, he will now also become the target of be provided for and he will control a large treasury;
any upstart Thugee who reaches the required experience however, he himself is expected to hoard no personal
to attempt to assassinate him. wealth. Additionally, he will still be beholden to both
When a Thugee reaches 16th level, he must likewise the Goddess Kali and her chosen priests; as well as liv-
assassinate or kill in single combat the current mahagu- ing under the risk of potential candidates for his posi-
ru at the Maha-Kali temple deep within the southern tion may try to assassinate him.
jungles of Dandaka. At this point, he will become (if At no point is a Thugee obliged to seek to assassinate
successful) the head of the Thugee cult, controlling his guru or the mahaguru; if he so wishes, he can remain
hundreds or thousands of Thugees indirectly and di- at his current level indefinitely rather than risk the at-
rectly controlling the temple and its 2d100 students tempt to replace his superior.
(50% of which are 1st or 2nd level, 25% of which are
Yogi
Table 3.4 Siddhi Advancement A Yogi is also known as a renunciate (“religious
Attack hermit”) or an ascetic. These are individuals who have
Level HP Saving Throw
Bonus renounced the world and worldly goods and practice
1 1d4† 0 15 spiritual disciplines and asceticism in order to seek out
2 2d4 0 14 enlightenment. In various groups and schools, or some-
times alone with a single Guru, they learn secret tech-
3 3d4 0 14
niques of the skills of “yoga”, the spiritual arts of union
4 4d4 0 13 with the divine. Some Yogis are deeply sincere in their
5 5d4 +1 13 quest for illumination or union with the godhead, but
6 6d4 +1 12 others are mainly hermits seeking to escape the respon-
7 7d4 +1 12 sibilities of the world, or men who seek out the secret
of physical immortality or the ability to impress others
8 8d4 +1 11
with great feats of physical or mental mastery. Their
9 9d4 +1 11 powers are granted not from outward energy manipula-
10 9d4+1 +2 10 tion (like the Siddhi) or complex ritual (like the Priest)
11 9d4+2 +2 10 but as a result of years of intense meditation practices to
12 9d4+3 +2 9 manipulate the inner energy of the body. The vast ma-
jority of Yogis have forsworn all violence in the world,
13 9d4+4 +2 9
and many are sworn to remain away from civilization in
14 9d4+5 +2 8 lonely hilltops, mountains, or jungles. However, the par-
15 9d4+6 +3 8 ticular sect of Yogi available to player characters are the
16 9d4+7 +3 7 practitioners of Mustiyuddha Yoga, a set of physical and
17 9d4+8 +3 7 spiritual disciplines to perfect the body, which include
training in the martial arts. Their particular teachings fo-
18 9d4+9 +3 6
cus on perfection of the body and physical immortality;
19 9d4+10 +3 6 they are trained to be peaceful and reject all anger, but
20 9d4+11 +4 5 are permitted to use their abilities to protect innocents
21 9d4+12 +4 5 or combat wrongdoing.
22 9d4+13 +4 5‡ R EQUIREMENTS: Str 15+, wis 15+, DEX 15+, con 11+.
Yogis do not gain bonus Xp. Yogis must be of Holy align-
† Siddhis gain their CON bonus to their hit point roll at each
level up to and including level 9. ment; if they ever lose their Holy alignment they will be
‡ Siddhi saving throws do not continue to reduce past this unable to practice any of their spiritual abilities, though
point. they will continue to have their more mundane abilities.
HP: Yogis begin with 2d4+con modifier in hit points,
minimum 4 at level 1. After that they gain 1d4+con per
level. Unlike other classes, they never stop rolling for hit
points.

28
Table 3.5 Thief Advancement Table 3.5.1 Thief Class Abilities
Attack Saving Level Bstab PP OL FRT Sn Lis Climb
Level HP
Bonus Throws 1 x2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +1 +4
1 1d6† 0 15 2 x2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +1 +4

CREATING A CHARACTER
2 2d6 0 14 3 x2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +2 +4
3 3d6 +1 14 4 x2 +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 +4
4 4d6 +1 13 5 x3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +2 +5
5 5d6 +1 13 6 x3 +5 +5 +5 +5 +3 +5
6 6d6 +2 12 7 x3 +5 +5 +5 +5 +3 +5
7 7d6 +2 12 8 x3 +6 +6 +6 +6 +3 +5
8 8d6 +2 11 9 x4 +6 +6 +6 +6 +4 +5
9 9d6 +3 11 10 x4 +7 +7 +7 +7 +4 +6
10 10d6 +3 10 11 x4 +7 +7 +7 +7 +4 +6
11 10d6+2 +3 10 12 x4 +8 +8 +8 +8 +5 +6
12 10d6+4 +4 9 13 x5† +8 +8 +8 +8 +5 +6
13 10d6+6 +4 9 14 x5 +9 +9 +9 +9 +5 +7
14 10d6+8 +4 8 15 x5 +9 +9 +9 +9 +6 +7
15 10d6+10 +5 8 16 x5 +10 +10 +10 +10 +6 +7
16 10d6+12 +5 7 17 x5 +10 +10 +10 +10 +6 +7
17 10d6+14 +5 7 18 x5 +11 +11 +11 +11 +7 +8
18 10d6+16 +6 6 19 x5 +11 +11 +11 +11 +7 +8
19 10d6+18 +6 6 20 x5 +12 +12 +12 +12 +7 +8
20 10d6+20 +6 6 21 x5 +12 +12 +12 +12 +8 +8
21 10d6+22 +7 6 22 x5 +13 +13 +13 +13 +8 +9
22 10d6+24 +7 6‡ † Backstabbing multiplier does not advance beyond this point.
† Thieves gain their CON bonus to their hit point roll at each
level up to and including level 9.
‡Thief saving throws do not continue to reduce past this
point.

29
 Table 3.5.2 Thugee Advancement Table 3.5.3 Thugee Class Abilities
Level HP Combat Save Special Level Bstab PP OL FRT Sn Lis Climb
Poison use, 1 x2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2
1 1d6† 0 15
special backstab
2 x2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +1 +2
2 2d6 0 14
3 x2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2
ARROWS OF INDRA

3 3d6 +1 14
4 x2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +2 +2
4 4d6 +1 13
5 x3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +2 +3
5 5d6 +1 13
6 x3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +3 +3
6 6d6 +2 12
7 x3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +3 +3
7 7d6 +2 12
8 x3 +5 +5 +5 +5 +3 +3
8 8d6 +2 11
9 x4 +5 +5 +5 +5 +4 +3
can learn
9 9d6 +3 11 10 x4 +6 +6 +6 +6 +4 +4
assassination
11 x4 +6 +6 +6 +6 +4 +4
10 10d6 +3 10
12 x4 +7 +7 +7 +7 +5 +4
11 10d6+2 +3 10
13 x5† +7 +7 +7 +7 +5 +4
12 10d6+4 +4 9
14 x5 +8 +8 +8 +8 +5 +4
13 10d6+6 +4 9
15 x5 +8 +8 +8 +8 +6 +5
can assassinate
14 10d6+8 +4 8
local guru 16 x5 +9 +9 +9 +9 +6 +5
15 10d6+10 +5 8 17 x5 +9 +9 +9 +9 +6 +5
can assassinate 18 x5 +10 +10 +10 +10 +7 +5
16 10d6+12 +5 7
mahaguru
19 x5 +10 +10 +10 +10 +7 +5
17 10d6+14 +5 7
20 x5 +11 +11 +11 +11 +7 +6
18 10d6+16 +6 6‡
21 x5 +11 +11 +11 +11 +8 +6
19 10d6+18 +6 6
22 x5 +12 +12 +12 +12 +8 +6
20 10d6+20 +6 6
† Backstabbing multiplier does not advance beyond this point.
21 10d6+22 +7 6
22 10d6+24 +7 6
† Thugees gain their CON bonus to their hit point roll at each
level up to and including level 9.
‡ Thugee saving throws do not continue to reduce past this point.

COMBAT: Yogis gain +2 to hit at level 3, and a +1 bo- Yogi of 16th level will do 4d6 base damage.
nus to hit every 3 levels thereafter. Yogis may also attack unarmed, but they do not then
SAVING THROWS: 15 at level 1, with a reduction of 1 gain their special bonus to damage. They do 1d3 damage
point every 2nd level; to a minimum level of 5. at level 1, 1d6 at level 3, 3d4 at level 9, and 2d10 at level
A BILITIES: Yogis are forbidden from wearing any 14. From 4th level onward, their unarmed attacks can af-
kind of armor. Their effective armor class in their robes fect creatures normally immune to non-magical weapons.
is only 12 at level 1, modified by Dexterity. However, Their unarmed attacks are capable of stunning as with the
their armor class goes up by +1 at 2nd level, and every 2 staff, above, but not of killing instantly. However, at 13th
levels thereafter. They may still make use of non-armor level the Yogi may choose to do an unarmed “death touch”
magic or (permitted) items that increase armor class. attack. He can only attempt this once a day, as it requires
Yogis attacking with their staff gain a bonus to damage a great tax on his own prana (life energy) to cut off the
equal to ½ their level. prana of another; using a death touch more than once in
If a Yogi hits an opponent by 5 or more points above a day will kill the Yogi. To perform a death touch, he must
the opponent’s ac, that opponent is left stunned for 1d6 declare he is doing so, and then roll to hit his opponent
rounds. A Yogi of 12th level of higher has a chance of normally, unarmed. He must hit the opponent by no later
killing any opponent he successfully stuns; any roll of than the 3rd round of his declaration, or the opportunity
natural 20 that would (after modifiers) also create a is lost and he may not repeat the attempt for one day. If he
“stunning” result will kill the Yogi’s target. touches his opponent, the opponent will die instantly if he
A Yogi of 6th level begins doing 2d4 damage with his has the same or less levels (or hit dice) than the Yogi; if he
staff. A Yogi of 8th level will do 2d6 base damage with his is of superior level or has more hit dice than the Yogi, the
staff. A Yogi of 12th level will do 2d8 base damage, and a attack will have no effect and do no damage.

30
 A Yogi may attempt to dodge ranged attacks; any
attack that would successfully hit a Yogi only deals
damage if the Yogi fails a saving throw modified by his Table 3.6 Yogi Powers Table
Dexterity bonus.
Level Powers
SAVING THROWS: Any attack that would deal ½ damage
to a normal character who makes a saving throw will deal +2 sneak, +2 perception, +4 climb, +1 listen, Staff

CREATING A CHARACTER
1 damage bonus: ½ level, unarmed: 1d3 damage, stun-
no damage to a Yogi if he makes his saving throw. ning, dodge ranged attacks, improved saving throw
Additionally, at 4th level a Yogi gains a +6 bonus
2 +1 to AC
to resist any kind of magical effect that would read his
mind or thoughts. This bonus increases by +2 every 4 +1 sneak, unarmed: 1d6 damage, can hit magical
3
creatures, speak with animals
levels thereafter. Starting at 9th level, If the Yogi fails his
saving throw, he will still only take ½ damage. +1 to AC, +1 listen, +4 acrobatics, +6 save vs. mind
4
reading
A 9th level Yogi also gains a +4 bonus to resist any
kind of mental control; this bonus increases by +1 per 2 5 +1 sneak
levels thereafter. A 12th level Yogi is immune to the ef- 6
+1 to AC, +1 perception, +1 climb, +2 acrobatics
fects of the enlightenment power known as the Curse of staff: 2d4 damage, death trance,
the Irresistible Mission. 7 +1 sneak, +1 listen, self-healing
Also, an 11th level Yogi becomes completely immune +1 to AC, +4 save vs. mind reading, staff: 2d6 dam-
8
to all forms of poisons. age, speak with plants
Sneak: Yogis gain a +2 bonus to sneaking and hiding +1 sneak, +4 to save vs mind control, 2 attacks per
at level 1, and a +1 bonus every 2 levels thereafter. 9 round, unarmed: 3d4 damage, takes ½ damage
LISTEN: Yogis gain a +1 bonus to listening at level 1, from all failed saves
and a +1 bonus every 3 levels thereafter. 10
+1 to AC, +1 listen, reduced damage from mental
P ERCEPTION: Yogis gain a +2 bonus to perception at attacks
level 1, and a +1 bonus every 5 levels thereafter. 11
+1 sneak, +1 perception, +1 climb, +1 save vs. mind
CLIMBING SHEER SURFACES: Yogis gain a +4 bonus to control, Immune to all Poisons
climbing at level 1, and a +1 bonus every 5 levels there- +1 to AC, +4 save vs. mind reading, staff: kills on
after. Note that for a completely smooth and vertical 12 “20”, staff: 2d8 damage, Immune to “curse of the
irresistible mission”, no longer ages
surface, a Thief would still have to make use of climbing
implements to assist him. +1 sneak, +1 listen, +4 acrobatics (reduced falling
13 damage), +1 save vs. mind control, unarmed: Death
A 3rd level Yogi gains the ability to speak with all touch
manner of natural animals. They will not necessarily be
14 +1 to AC, 3 attacks per round, unarmed: 2d10 damage
friendly to him, but he will have a +2 modifier to reac-
tions with them. 15 +1 sneak, +1 save vs. mind control
A Yogi gains great acrobatic skill at level 4, obtaining a +1 to AC, +1 listen, +1 perception, +1 climb, +4 save
+4 to all acrobatic actions (including things like jumping 16 vs. mind reading, 4 attacks per round, Staff: 4d6
damage, Union with the divine
from tree to tree with a graceful step, or reducing a fall).
At level 6 they gain another +2, and at level 13 they gain
another +4, as well as immunity from falling damage if
they are within 8 feet of any surface or solid object.

31
 DEATH TRANCE: A 6th level Yogi is able to enter the that remove Holy status are all the sinful acts: murder,
Yoga-nidra, a deathlike trance which to all intents ap- lying, stealing, contact with taboo substances (unclean
pears as though he is not breathing. He can remain in animals, feces, dead bodies, consuming human flesh
this trance for 20 minutes per level. He can enter this or blood, or contact with untouchables), intoxication,
trance multiple times a day but must wait at least an and sex outside of marriage (or formal concubinage).
hour between each occasion he enters the trance. There may be a few exceptions to this in certain cases
SELF-HEALING: A 7th level Yogi can heal damage to his
ARROWS OF INDRA

(for example, a Thugee committing an assassination in

body, equal to 1d4+level in hit points, once a day. He devotion to Kali-ma does not lose his Holy status; nor
must spend 10 minutes in meditation to do so. will anyone who is Holy lose their Holy status for killing
At 8th level, the Yogi gains the ability to communicate a dangerous animal, monstrosity, or demonic creature,
with plants. They will not necessarily be friendly to him or any creature or being who is Unholy). Someone who
but he gains a +1 modifier to reactions with them. is not Holy can achieve Holy status by performing
At 10th level, a Yogi takes one less point of damage purification rituals upon their person (usually requir-
from each die of damage done by purely mental or psy- ing donations at a temple at a cost of 10000 rupya, or
chic attacks. This includes all magical effects that based owning a household priest), or by ritual bathing at a
on prana attacks or nadi-restriction. “Mela” ceremony held at one of the sacred rivers (the
A Yogi gains a second melee attack per round at 9th Sindhu, Suraya, or Ganga river) once every 12 years, and
level, a 3rd melee attack per round at 14th level, and a in either case by renouncing all previous sinful actions.
4th melee attack per round at 16th level. A character can also achieve Holy status through direct
LIMITATIONS: A Yogi may carry only his staff, his Divine Intervention, usually if he performs some great
robes, his mala (rosary) and a begging bowl. He may act of devotion to a particular deity.
wear no armor and use no weapons other than a staff Most human individuals are neutral. They are not
(though he may choose to change the staff for another spiritual enough to be Holy, but not wicked enough to
if he wishes, as he can do with his mala, bowl or robes). be Unholy.
He may never own any other possessions. He must beg Unholy characters are actively disfavored by the
for his food which is given to him as charity. He may Gods, but have the favor of the Asura demons. To be-
not engage in any employment other than being a beg- come Unholy one must intentionally and willingly com-
gar and Holy man. He must practice meditation daily mit grossly sinful acts (small-scale lying, stealing, drunk-
for at least one hour a day. He is forbidden from eating enness or fornication do not cut it) on more than one
at night, drinking or eating any intoxicants, and must occasion. Any character who offers sacrifice or prayers
remain sexually abstinent. He is forbidden from killing of devotion to a demon will instantly become Unholy.
innocents or anyone who is defenseless, or anyone who Alignment can affect characters in various ways, as
is Holy. Failure to perform in any of these tasks leads certain spells and items have different effects on Holy,
to the loss of all special powers, though not his regular Neutral or Unholy characters. Additionally, in encoun-
combat abilities. ters with divine beings or the servants of divine beings,
Yogis do not gain any class skills (their special abili- as well as with demonic beings or their servants, one’s
ties substitute these skills entirely), nor can they engage alignment will have a very significant effect on their re-
in any income, except for what they gain by begging, or actions to you. Deities will never look favorably upon
attain any special titles or offices. A Yogi who attains 8th anyone who is Unholy. On the other hand, Asuras or
level will gain 1d4+1 1st level Yogis as disciples if he so Unholy creatures will not necessarily react favorably to-
wishes. These will remain his followers and accompany ward Unholy characters, but will always be particularly
him at all times until they die or obtain 8th level. When- aggressive toward Holy characters.
ever the Yogi goes up in level beyond 8th, he can obtain Finally, please note when it comes to alignment that
1d2 additional disciples. “Holy” and “Unholy” do not equate directly with “good”
A Yogi from 12th level onward does not suffer from or “evil” from the perspective of modern morality. They
the effects of aging. A Yogi from 16th level onward can are measurements of how well one sits with the gods (or
choose at any moment to dissolve his body and unite demons) of Jagat, how well one obeys the religious laws
forever with the divine godhead, Brahma. and taboos; and while certainly many of these connect to
moral concepts, a character who is “Holy” can certainly
ALIGNMENT do all kinds of things that would not in any way be “nice”
by modern conceptions. Consider that the avataras (Shiva,
There are three possible alignments in the campaign: Rama, and (in the present time of the setting) Krishna) are
Holy, Neutral, or Unholy. Alignment is not a strict reflec- all the epitome of Holiness, living incarnations of divinity,
tion of one’s outlook, but of one’s favor with the gods. and they did or do all kinds of things that modern western
A Holy person is someone who is well-looked upon by perspectives would consider questionable (for starters, they
the gods, has faithfully conducted the religious practices had a tendency to leave trails of bodies in their wake). Holy
needed for his caste and class (including any alignment alignment does not require that the person who has it be
strictures placed upon him by a particular class, like a particularly “nice”, and likewise someone who is Unholy
Virakshatriya or a Yogi), and avoiding sinfulness. Acts will not necessarily be a mustache-twirling villain.

32
SKILLS Table 4.1 Lower Caste Skills (d20)
Roll Lowers Caste Skill
Characters gain initial background skills, which can
1 baking
also be purchased/studied later, or gained with experience.
Additionally, they get a different set of skills by class. 2 barber
Background skills are divided into “lower caste”, 3 brickmaking†

CREATING A CHARACTER
“middle caste” and “high caste”: 4 butcher
• Dalits roll a single “lower caste” skill. 5 carpentry
• Sudras roll two “lower caste” skills. 6 cobbler

• Vaishyas roll one “lower caste” skill and two 7 cooking

“middle caste” skills; or roll one middle caste 8 farming
and one high-caste skill. 9 fishing
• Kshatriyas and Brahmins roll three times, and 10 laundry†
can choose to roll each time from either the 11 leather-working†
“middle” or “high” caste skills.
12 managing-corpses†
Non-humans gain background skills as follows:
13 masonry
• Bhils and other non-Bharata human barbarians
14 mining
roll a single lower caste skill.
15 perfuming
• Vanara roll one “lower caste” and one “middle
16 pottery
caste” skill.
17 rope-making
• Rakshasa gain any two skills.
18 tablet-making
• Gandharvas already begin with bonuses to mu-
19 tailor
sic and dancing; aside from this they may roll a
single “middle caste” or “high-caste” skill. 20 weaver

• Yaksha gain two “middle caste” or one high- (low-caste skills marked with a † are skills usually ex-
clusive to Dalits (Untouchables), anyone not of this
caste skills. caste has the choice to roll again anytime they roll
• All skills grant a base +2 to the skill check when this result).
chosen at 1st level.
• The same skill can be taken or rolled multiple Table 4.2 Middle Caste Skills (d12)
times, each time granting a further +1 to the Roll Middle Caste Skill
skill check. 1 accountant
2 animal-training
3 arrow-making
4 chariot-making
5 hunting
6 jewel-smithing
7 merchant
8 seamanship
9 scribe
10 slave-trading
11 swimming
12 weaponsmith-armorer

33
 Table 4.3 High Caste Skills (d12) Lower-Caste Background
Roll High Caste Skill
Skill Descriptions
1 artist-musician
BAKING (WIS): Used to make breads and sweets
2 artist-sculpting
BARBER (WIS): This skill is used both for the standard
3 astronomy
preparing of hair, and for crude surgery; a Dc15 check
ARROWS OF INDRA

4 chronicler-scribe can be made with this skill to stabilize someone who is

5 courtier at –3 or –4 Hp and bring them back to – 2 Hp.
6 herbalist-doctor (ayurvedin) BRICKMAKING (CON): Making bricks for construction
or fuel. A Dalit skill because it typically requires the use
7 mason-architect
of dung.
8 poet-orator
BUTCHER (DEX): Slaughtering and preparing meat.
9 religious dancing Characters with this skill will be able to recognize the
10 sage (pandit) quality of meat, and if it is spoiled.
11 spy CARPENTRY (DEX): Woodworking. Can be used to
make basic wooden weapons (clubs, staves).
12 translator
COBBLER (DEX): Shoe, boot and sandal-making.
COOKING(WIS): The skill of preparing meals of good
Explanation of skills:
quality and taste.
All regular skills (including special skills or actions
FARMING (CON): Working the land to grow crops; also
based on bonuses granted by class or race) are checked
includes basic animal husbandry for farm animals.
by rolling a d20 and adding an ability score bonus and
FISHING (WIS): The skill to catch fish.
the skill bonus, if applicable. The base difficulty check
LAUNDRY (CON): Cleaning filthy clothes; considered a
(Dc) number that must be equaled or surpassed for suc-
Dalit skill because of the potential contact with feces.
cess varies according to the difficulty of the task:
LEATHERWORKING (CON): Tannery, the curing of hides.
For simple activities with relatively unlimited time
Makes use of urine in the tanning process, making
the Dc is 10.
this a Dalit skill. This skill does not allow one to make
For tasks that are challenging or have to be done
leather armor.
within a time limit, the Dc is 15.
M ANAGING CORPSES (CHA): The ritual preparation of
For exceptionally difficult challenges, the Dc is 20.
corpses for the burning ghats. A Dalit skill.
Some skill checks might depend on oppositional
M ASONRY (CON): Basic construction work.
rolls, when two characters are at odds with each other,
M INING (VARIABLE, USUALLY CON FOR REGULAR WORK,
for example sneaking vs. perception. In such cases, both
BUT INT FOR PERCEPTIVE USES OF THE SKILL): Characters
characters roll and add their bonuses, with the higher
with this skill can use it to recognize the value of gems,
result succeeding.
note the relative safety of tunnels, and detect slopes or
Note that at the Gm’s discretion, most background
measure general depth in caverns.
skill checks can be attempted by characters who have no
P ERFUMING (CHA): Preparation of perfume and in-
actual skill bonus in the skill; if it would make sense that
cense; with raw materials equal to one-third the normal
such “untrained” efforts could be attempted. Characters
cost, a character with this skill can create either regular
making unopposed skill checks can choose to “take a
or high-quality incense with a standard check.
10” (simply assuming they rolled a 10) instead of rolling
POTTERY (DEX): Crafting simple clay vessels.
the die, if they have at least a +1 bonus from the relevant
ROPEMAKING (DEX): The preparation of ropes and nets.
background skill; characters attempting a check “un-
TABLET-MAKING (CON): The preparation of clay tablets
trained” must always roll the die.
with a reusable wax surface which are the most common
If multiple characters are attempting to perform a single
writing surfaces for ordinary record-keeping.
task, the skill check is only rolled by the character with the
TAILOR (DEX): The making of ordinary or fancy clothing.
highest skill bonus; for each other character who has at
WEAVER (DEX): Weaving cloth.
least a +1 bonus (be it from the relevant skill or from an
ability score or miscellaneous bonus) and is aiding the main
character, the character checking the skill gets an additional Middle-Caste Background
+1 bonus. The Gm decides just how many characters can Skill Descriptions
theoretically “help” in any given situation.
Ability scores in parentheses represent the typical ACCOUNTANT (INT): Keeping track of figures for inven-
ability score bonus added to the skill roll; there may be tory or merchant sales records. This skill can be added to
some variation depending on Gm judgment regarding any check requiring basic mathematics.
what attribute governs a specific skill check. A NIMAL TRAINING (CHA): Skill in raising and training
common and exotic animals, including birds. Successful
use of this skill can grant a bonus to reaction checks when
facing wild animals. Training animals to do tricks or fol-

34
low basic commands will vary in difficulty based on the right tools, to navigate by the stars. Characters may also
trainability and intelligence of the animal (as determined use this skill for checks requiring mathematics, and for
by the Gm), and will take 1d3 months per animal. knowledge of astrological data, though the skill does
A RROW-MAKING (CON): A standard check in this skill not include the actual ability to accurately use astrology.
will allow an individual to make a dozen arrows in a Characters with this skill are always literate.
one-hour period, paying one-third the cost of the arrows CHRONICLER-SCRIBE (INT): Characters with this skill are

CREATING A CHARACTER
in raw materials. The skill can also be used to make always literate in their native language, usually Prakrit; the
bows, taking about 3 months to make a bow, assuming skill involves the writing of stories, histories and chronicles,
that the character has access to properly prepared wood. or religious or political significance. This skill may some-
CHARIOT-MAKING (DEX): Skill in constructing both times be used for general historical knowledge.
regular and war-chariots; these take 3d4 weeks to build, COURTIER (CHA): A “professional” who specializes in
and cost one-third the price of the chariot, in materials. living in the court of a noble. Courtiers are sometimes
HUNTING (WIS): This skill can be used to hunt small administrators or advisors, but are more often aristocratic
or large game in wilderness areas. Hunters can also use yes-men and hangers-on with no real job to do other than
their skill bonus for tracking in the wilderness. to flatter the ruler and win his favor in the social events of
JEWEL-SMITHING (DEX): Skill at preparing jewelry from the court life. This skill can be checked to add a bonus to
raw gems and precious metals. Can be used to assess the reaction rolls in courtly circumstances, as well as to ob-
value of gems and jewelry. For making jewelry, a small tain rumors or gossip in the court environment.
forge is required. H ERBALIST-DOCTOR (AYURVEDIN) (INT): A character
M ERCHANT (CHA): The skill in general sales at mar- with this skill can find and prepare herbal potions, as
ket-stalls, or wholesaling. Can be used to estimate the well as (theoretically) poisons. He is likewise skilled in
market-price of common or rare items, and for knowl- the art of healing; if he makes a skill check (of a difficul-
edge of caravan-routes and local economies. ty dependent on the seriousness of the illness) a charac-
SEAMANSHIP (WIS): Skill in sailing in both small and ter under his treatment can add the doctor’s skill bonus
large vessels; typically river-vessels but in some regions to their saving throws against a disease. He can also
(particularly the island nation of Dwaraka) this would perform general treatment; anyone under the doctor’s
include sea-vessels. care will heal twice their regular Hp for a night or day of
SCRIBE (INT): Literacy in a language (usually Prakrit), rest if the doctor makes a Dc15 skill check to treat them
skill in copying texts and taking dictation. that day. An apothecary can likewise make healing herb
SLAVE-TRADING (CHA): Can be used to judge the val- preparations or produce poisons (either usually requir-
ue of slaves, and their general condition; as well as to ing the necessary herbal ingredients, and a Dc 15 check).
judge behaviors in slaves and knowledge of slave psy- Note that producing poisons is an Unholy act.
chology and culture. M ASON-ARCHITECT (INT): A character with this skill
SWIMMING (CON): Any Pc, with or without this skill, can knows how to construct large-scale buildings; he will
attempt to swim short distances on the water’s surface, but be able to make use of this skill to judge the quality
only those with this skill can effectively dive below the wa- and in some cases the antiquity of a building, and for
ter and make perception checks while underwater. certain checks requiring knowledge of mathematics,
WEAPONSMITH-ARMORER (DEX): For the making of particularly geometry.
weapons not covered by other classes, as well as all POET- ORATOR (CHA): A highly valued form of artist, po-
types of armor. Costs of construction are one-third of et-orators are skilled in public performance and speaking.
the regular cost of the item, and most objects will also A successful skill check after a performance can grant a
require a forge. Construction times vary according to bonus to reaction rolls. This skill can also be used to iden-
the size and complexity of the item, anywhere between tify epic stories or the quality or sources of poetry.
1 week to six months. R ELIGIOUS-DANCER(CHA): This religious skill represents
the knowledge and ability to perform sacred dances at
Upper-Caste Background religious events or festivals. Characters making success-
ful use of this skill under certain circumstances can gain
Skill Descriptions a bonus to their reaction rolls.
A RTIST-MUSICIAN (CHA): A religious skill, it is used for SAGE (PANDIT) (INT): This is a general skill which can
the performance of religious music at festivals, but can be taken for different specialties each time it is selected,
likewise be used for entertainment purposes. A character or cumulatively in the same specialty. “Pandit” is the
making a successful skill check after playing some impres- term for anyone who is erudite in a particular field of
sive piece on an instrument may receive a reaction bonus. knowledge. The most common skills that would fall
A RTIST-SCULPTING (DEX): A religious skill, it is primar- under this skill are religious knowledge, philosophy, his-
ily used for the correct sculpting of sacred statues of the tory, mathematics, art criticism, or area knowledge of a
gods for use in temples. particular kingdom or region. Pandits are also skilled at
ASTRONOMY (INT): Skill in determining the passage of public debate, not known for the beauty of their oration,
time through the stars, and can also be used, with the but for their capacity to engage in debate. Characters
making a successful charisma-based Pandit check can

35
 gain a bonus to reaction rolls based on their impressive Optionally, a Gm may allow a player to choose his
knowledge or debating skills. skills rather than roll them when he gains levels. Each
SPY (USUALLY CHA): Characters with this skill can use it time a Pc goes up in level, he may choose, from the basic
to disguise themselves, impersonate local dialects, hear skill table, any skill he does not yet have a level in; he
rumors or gossip, and effectively impersonate a false cannot choose an advanced skill (without opting to roll
identity (within reason). Spies impersonating another for it) until he has obtained at least one level in every ba-
ARROWS OF INDRA

caste while on an explicit mission for their ruler are sic skill; nor can he begin to choose a second level in any
exempt from legal consequences of acting outside their skill (without rolling) until he had obtained one level in
caste, but not from religious consequences (such as com- every skill from that table.
mitting Unholy acts). YOGIS AND CLASS SKILLS: Yogis do not gain Class skills,
TRANSLATOR: Each choice of this skill allows a charac- nor do they gain Enlightenment Powers. They are com-
ter to know one extra language (human or non-human) pletely dedicated to the study of the abilities they gain
besides Prakrit, and to be able to very quickly translate from their class.
the spoken language to or from Prakrit. This skill does Priest Skill Tables (including Shamans and Raskshasa Priests):
not automatically grant literacy. This skill does not grant A RCANAS: The time to cast all Arcana rituals is taken
a bonus as with other skills, but indicates fluency in a up mainly in the recitation of prayers; to cast an Arcana
single language every time it is taken. ritual, the Priest must be able to move freely in a space of
a few feet, must be able to speak and make gestures, and
Obtaining additional background skills requires the use of high-quality incense (1 stick per ritual).
Every 2 levels, characters will gain a new skill (or im- NOTE: If a Priest has a low Wisdom score, there is a
prove an existing one) that they may choose from any of chance of any arcana ritual failing each time he attempts
the tables the used to obtain their initial skills. This new to perform it. A Priest with Wisdom 9 will fail 20% of
skill will be rated at a +1 bonus; as before, the same skill the times that he attempts to perform an arcana ritual.
can be selected multiple times. Wisdom 10 will fail 15% of the time, Wisdom 11 will
fail 10% of the time, and Wisdom 12 will fail 5% of the
Training in new background skills time. A failed attempt at performing the arcana does not
count against that arcana’s use per day, but it does mean
Characters are also able to obtain new background that the time (and incense) used in the ritual was wasted.
skills outside of level advancement, by spending time and NOTE: In addition to their skills, Priests and Siddhis
money in the game to study. Receiving a single +2 bonus have a chance of gaining Enlightenment Powers every
in a new skill requires a payment of 1000 rupya and two time they go up in level. See “Enlightenment Powers.”
months of study for lower caste skills, 5000 rupya and
four months of study for middle caste skills, and 10000
rupya and six months of study for high-caste skills. In
each case, the character must find a guru (teacher) will-
ing to train them. Theoretically, there is no caste limits
to skills obtainable in this way, although effectively most
gurus would refuse to train someone outside the appro-
priate caste for the skill except in the most remarkable
of circumstances. You cannot train in a skill you already
have +2 or higher skill bonus; improvement in skills of
that level is only possible through level advancement.

CLASS SKILLS
Class skills are rolled on the appropriate class table.
At level one, each human character rolls twice on their
class table, while non-humans roll only once. From that
time onward, every time a player gains a level, he will
roll on his class’ basic table to gain a new skill. Any time
that a roll indicates a skill that was already obtained its
maximum number of times, the player should roll again
on the Advanced class table (a character who already
has all the basic table skills at their maximum should
just roll directly on the advanced table). If his roll on the
advanced class table is also a skill he has already taken
the maximum number of times, he should be given the
first skill on the list from the basic or advanced table
that he does not yet have at its maximum value.

36
Priest Skills Advanced Priest Skills
Table 4.4.2 Advanced Priest Skill Table (d6)
Basic Priest Skills Roll Advanced Priest Skill: Effect
Table 4.4.1 Basic Priest Skill Table (d6) 1 The Arcana of the Opened Mind

CREATING A CHARACTER
Roll Basic Priest Skill: Effect 2 The Arcana of the Voice in the Silence
1 Theology (INT) 3 The Arcana of the Aura of Holiness
2 Demonology (INT) 4 The Greater Arcana of Healing
3 Languages 5 The Arcana of Dominion
4 The Arcana of Light 6 The Arcana of Purification
5 The Arcana of Karma Vision
Advanced Priest Skill Descriptions:
6 The Arcana of Healing
THE A RCANA OF THE OPENED M IND: This ritual, which
takes 20 minutes to perform, allows the Priest to sense
Basic Priest Skill Descriptions:
the thoughts of all the beings within 20 feet of his per-
THEOLOGY (INT): Knowledge of the different gods; this
son. He can sense the most pressing thoughts of anyone
skill is used to identify deities as well as their symbols,
in this range, and their general intentions toward the
depictions, and other matters related to them. +2 bonus
Priest; in the case of animals he can sense their basic
each roll, can be taken twice.
instincts. He cannot detect the thoughts of any creature
DEMONOLOGY (INT): This skill allows the Priest to
who does not have a consciousness as such, such as an-
identify the different Asuras, as well as potentially iden-
imated statues; nor can he sense the thoughts of the liv-
tify supernatural creatures and non-human races and
ing dead. This magic lasts for 20 minutes. This ritual can
possibly know something about their abilities. +2 bonus
be used once per day. This skill can be taken up to three
each roll, can be taken twice.
times, each additional time it is taken it allows the ritual
LANGUAGES: Each time this skill is taken, the Priest
to be cast once more per day.
gains a new language other than Prakrit (the common
THE A RCANA OF THE VOICE IN THE SILENCE: This ritual,
language of Jagat) or Sanskrit (the Holy language). Sam-
which takes 30 minutes to perform, allows the Priest to
ple languages include the various barbarian languages
speak a message of pure thought with another individ-
(such as the language of the golden lands), the Bhil lan-
ual he must name. The chosen individual will be able to
guage, the musical language of the Gandharvas, the Yak-
hear the Priest’s words in his mind; and if he is of Holy
sha language, the demonic language of the Asuras, the
or Unholy alignment will be able to send a response.
Naga tongue etc. This skill can be taken up to 4 times.
Neither the Priest nor the person he is contacting need to
THE A RCANA OF LIGHT: A ten minute ritual, it will
actually talk for the communication to take place. The
make the Priest’s body shine with a Holy light that il-
communication can be sent to anyone up to 18 miles
luminates everything for 30 feet around him. This light
away, if the individual selected is further away than
lasts for 2 hours or until the Priest wills it to extinguish.
that, the ritual fails. The conversation can last up to 10
The ritual can be performed once per day. This skill can
minutes. This skill can be taken up to three times, each
be taken only once.
additional time allows the ritual to be performed once
THE A RCANA OF K ARMA VISION: This twenty minute
more per day.
ritual will give the Priest a true vision, to sense whether
THE A RCANA OF THE AURA OF HOLINESS: This ritual,
those he sees are of Holy, Unholy, or neutral alignment.
which takes 10 minutes to perform, grants the Priest a
It will also inform him if any objects in his line of sight
Holy aura around his person. The living dead, ghosts, and
are Holy or Unholy. It lasts for 20 minutes. This ritual
some minor demonic creatures will not be able to come
can be performed once per day. The second time this
within 10 feet of his person. Additionally, any other being
arcana is taken, the power of the arcana increases so
of Unholy alignment will suffer a – 2 penalty to hit him
that the Priest can sense the presence of Holy or Unholy
in combat. Also, the Priest gains a +1 to all saving throws
beings or objects within 60 feet even if they are hidden
for the duration of the effect. The magic lasts for 30 min-
from sight. This skill can be taken twice.
utes. This skill can only be taken once. Note: Raskshasa
THE A RCANA OF H EALING: This ritual, which takes 10
and other Unholy Priests who gain this skill will emanate
minutes to perform, allows the Priest to heal 1d6+1 hit
an aura of Unholiness, which has the exact same effect
points of damage on one person he touches; including
except that beings of Holy alignment (rather than Unholy
himself. It can be used once per day. This skill can be
alignment) will suffer the – 2 penalty to hit him.
taken up to three times, each subsequent time granting
THE GREATER A RCANA OF H EALING: This ritual, which
an additional use per day.
takes 20 minutes to perform, allows the Priest to heal
2d6+2 hit points of damage on one person he touches; in-
cluding himself. It can be used only once per day; but this
skill can be taken twice granting an additional use per day.

37
 THE A RCANA OF DOMINION: This ritual, which takes Basic Fighter Skill Descriptions:
10 minutes to perform, grants the Priest incredible A RCHERY P ROFICIENCY: The bow is considered the
power of influence over others. For 30 minutes after he noblest of warrior weapons. The first time this skill is
performs the ritual, everyone who is in his immediate taken, it grants a +1 bonus to hit with bows. The second
presence (within 50 feet), and is of 7th level (or 7 Hd) or time, it grants +2 to damage with bows. The third time
less must make a saving throw vs. magic to resist being it grants an additional +1 to hit and +1 to damage. The
ARROWS OF INDRA

so enchanted by the Priest’s spiritual power that they fourth time it is taken, it allows the archer to fire 3 ar-
will want to obey his commands. This power does not rows per attack (instead of the usual 2; the – 5 penalty
affect animals, non-living animated objects, or the liv- to hit for firing multiple arrows still applies). It can be
ing dead. The Priest cannot order them to do any harm taken up to 4 times.
to themselves (though he can order them to surrender SPEAR P ROFICIENCY: Inferior to the bow, but still con-
themselves or otherwise cease aggression or resistance), sidered more elegant than other melee weapons. This
nor can he order them to perform any act that would skill grants bonuses to the use of the common spear,
be Unholy (unless the Priest performing the arcana is a the long spear (used generally from the top of war-ele-
Rakshasa or other kind of Unholy Priest). Anyone under phants), or the trident spear. The first time this skill is
the Priest’s enchantment will return to their normal sens- taken, it grants a +1 bonus to hit with spears. The sec-
es if they leave his presence, or after the magic’s duration ond time, it grants +2 to damage with spears. The third
comes to an end. The ritual can be performed only once time it grants an additional +1 to hit and +1 to damage.
per day. This skill can only be taken once. It can be taken up to 3 times.
THE A RCANA OF P URIFICATION: This ritual takes one M ACE PROFICIENCY: The mace is likewise a noble
hour to perform. It will liberate a person or object of weapon, and is considered the standard weapon to use
any magical curse that has not been placed upon them in resolving any duel, as well as for fighting in the Kalari
by a God or greater Asura; removing the negative effects arenas. The first time this skill is taken, it grants a +1
of such curses. It will remove the Unholy quality of an bonus to hit with any kind of mace. The second time, it
object, and will make individuals of Unholy alignment grants +2 to damage with any kind of mace. The third
Neutral, or of Neutral alignment Holy. It will restore time it grants an additional +1 to hit and +1 to damage.
anyone who has been magically transformed into anoth- It can be taken up to 3 times.
er shape back to their original form. It will cure anyone LONG SWORD P ROFICIENCY: The sword is considered a
who has been driven mad of their insanity. This ritual less elegant weapon. This skill grants a bonus to using
can only be performed once a day, and will work on both the standard straight sword (the Kandha) or the
only one person or object each time it is performed. This scimitar. The first time this skill is taken, it grants a +1
skill can only be taken once. bonus to hit. The second time, it grants +2 to damage.
The third time it grants an additional +1 to hit and +1 to
Fighter Skill Tables (including damage. It can be taken up to 3 times.
HORSEMANSHIP (DEX): This skill allows the Fighter to
Virakshatriya and Scouts) gain superior control over his horse, granting him a +2
NOTE: If a Vanaran Fighter rolls a proficiency in a bonus to any complicated maneuver while riding, as well
weapon he cannot use (for example Archery) he does as a +1 morale bonus to the horse while fighting mount-
not roll on the advanced table, but rather selects a single ed. This skill can only be taken once.
skill of his choice from the basic table. CHARIOTEERING (DEX): This is considered by far the
superior means of riding in battle. Chariots used in the
Basic Fighter Skills Bharata Kingdoms are meant to be ridden by two peo-
ple: The charioteer who conducts the chariot,
Table 4.5.1 Basic Fighter Skill Table (d6) and the archer who fires from the chariot.
Roll Basic Fighter Skill: Effect The charioteering skill grants the user the
1 Archery Proficiency ability to conduct the chariot effective-
ly in order to allow the archer on
2 Spear Proficiency
board to fire without any penalty
3 Mace proficiency
to hit (anyone firing from a
4 Long Sword Proficiency chariot driven by someone
5 Horsemanship (DEX) without this skill suffers
6 Charioteering (DEX) a −5 penalty to hit).
This skill can only
NOTE: Any ranged weapon proficiency reduces the be taken once.
penalty for firing into melee by 1 for each time it is tak-
en; i.e. a fighter who’s taken Archery Proficiency three
times only suffers a -1 to fire into melee, rather than a
-4. This applies to Archery, Chakram, Daggers or Spears
(when thrown) or the Thief sling proficiency.

38
Advanced Fighter Skills of spear. The first time he takes this skill, the Fighter can
make two strikes per attack (one with each weapon),
Table 4.5.2 Advanced Fighter Skill Table (d6) with a −5 to-hit penalty with each weapon. The second
Roll Basic Fighter Skill: Effect time he takes this skill, this penalty is reduced to −4 with
each weapon, the third time the penalty is reduced to −3.
1 Chakram
This skill can be taken up to three times.

CREATING A CHARACTER
2 Combat maneuvers
WRESTLING: Unarmed fighting is generally considered
3 Command the most brutish form of combat. The first time this skill
4 Lesser Weapon Proficiency is taken it grants a +1 bonus to all wrestling checks (to
5 Two-weapon fighting grapple with or to disarm an opponent). The second
time it is taken it raises the unarmed combat damage to
6 Wrestling
1d3 (plus strength bonus). It can only be taken twice.
Advanced Fighter Skill Descriptions:
CHAKRAM: The most complex of weapons, the Siddhi Skill Tables
Chakram is a sharp steel disk which can be used both NOTE ON SIDDHI SKILLS, “MANTRA” AND “MUDRA”:
in melee and ranged combat. It can be truly deadly in A Siddhi’s magical skills depend on either “mantra”,
the hands of a master. The first time this skill is taken, it “mudra”, or in some cases both at once. Mantra is a
grants a +1 bonus to hit. The second time, it grants +2 to vibration of a series of words of power, like “Om ka-
damage. The third time it grants an additional +1 to hit lachandra namah”, “Hari Om Tat Sat”, etc. Mudra is
and +1 to damage. The fourth time it is taken it grants a hand position, a gesture performed with the hands
the ability to cause the Chakram to return when it is allowing the Siddhi to channel magical power. Any skill
thrown. The fifth time it is taken it doubles its base dam- requiring a “mantra” cannot be performed if the Siddhi
age from 1d6 to 2d6. It can be taken up to 5 times. cannot speak; any skill requiring “mudra” cannot be
COMBAT MANEUVERS: This skill represents advanced performed if the Siddhi cannot freely move his hands.
training in combat maneuvers; the first time it is chosen, NOTE: If a Siddhi has a low Wisdom score, there is
the Pc gains a reduction to his penalty when engaging in a chance of any mantra or mudra failing each time he
defensive combat so that he only suffers a −2 to hit rath- attempts to perform it. A Siddhi with Wisdom 9 will fail
er than the usual −4. The second time he selects this skill, 20% of the times that he attempts to use a mantra or
he gains a +1 bonus to his to-hit rolls when charging mudra. Wisdom 10 will fail 15% of the time, Wisdom
on foot (for a total of +2, rather than the usual +1). The 11 will fail 10% of the time, and Wisdom 12 will fail
third time he takes the skill, he can draw a weapon and 5% of the time. A failed attempt to use a mantra or
attack on the same round without the usual −2 penalty. mudra does not count against the uses per day.
This skill can be taken up to three times. NOTE: In addition to their skills, Priests and Siddhis
COMMAND: This is the skill of leading men into battle. have a chance of gaining Enlightenment Powers every
Each time it is taken it grants a +1 bonus to the morale time they go up in level. See “Enlightenment Powers.”
score of any troops under your command. It can be tak-
en up to 4 times. Basic Siddhi Skills
LESSER WEAPON P ROFICIENCY: “Lesser weapons” in this
case does not refer to size or quality, but to those weapons Table 4.6.1 Basic Siddhi Skills (d6)
that are considered less noble to the Kshatriya culture, but Roll Basic Siddhi Skill: Effect
which a warrior may wish to train in for various reasons, 1 Asana
if only for completion’s sake. Each time this skill is taken, 2 Demonology (INT)
the Pc must select with which group of weapons he is
3 The Mantra of Maya
gaining the skill. The three types of weapons are Axes (in-
cluding both one and two-handed axes), the Tulwar (the 4 The Clarity Eye
two handed great sword), or daggers (which includes both 5 Jyotish (Astrology) (INT)
kukris and katars). The first time this skill is taken with 6 The Mudra of Defying Gravity
a weapon group, it grants a +1 bonus to hit. The second
time, it grants +2 to damage. The third time it grants an Basic Siddhi Skill Descriptions:
additional +1 to hit and +1 to damage. It can be taken up ASANA: This skill is a fundamental training in
to 3 times in each weapon group. mudra-yoga, however it is unique in that it requires
TWO -WEAPON FIGHTING: A truly skilled warrior can neither mudra nor mantra to perform. It grants two
fight effectively with two weapons at a time (while any different abilities: The Siddhi can freeze his entire body
character can wield two weapons, this skill allows the in place, not moving a muscle, or he can hold his breath
Fighter to strike with both weapons in a single attack). for extremely long periods of time (to a theoretical limit
To fight with two weapons he must wield two weapons of a single breath per day). He can do one or both at
(which of course means he cannot use a shield), and nei- a time, but he must retain the option he chose (either
ther weapon can be a two-handed weapon or any kind breath-control, or body rigidity, or both) for the dura-

39
 tion; he cannot switch back and forth. If the Siddhi is ual’s birth. Making a successful general prediction of a
holding his body rigid, anything he holds in his hand is person’s overall fortunes (“Will I have good health in
held with a vice-like grip. His grip can only be defeated these coming months?”) is only a standard Dc10 check;
by a Dc 20 Strength check. A Siddhi can hold his asana but granting an effective general prediction of a specific
for as long as 24 hours, but he may only begin an asana fortune (“Will my caravan encounter dangers on the
once per day. This skill can be taken twice, the second road to Madra?”) requires a Dc15 check, and to answer
ARROWS OF INDRA

time granting another use per day. a very particular and specific question in a detailed way
DEMONOLOGY (INT): This skill allows the Siddhi to (“Will the Yaksha King receive me well, and what must
identify the different Asuras, as well as potentially identi- I do to gain his favor?”) or to make predictions over a
fy supernatural creatures and non-human races and pos- very specific date (“Will the battle tomorrow be won
sibly know something about their abilities. A Siddhi can and will I survive it?”) is Dc20. In all cases, the actual
additionally use this skill to attempt to identify mantras, predictions will be provided by the Gm; and they will
mudras or other magical effects (such as from magic represent the most likely course of events, and should
items) when they are being used. +2 bonus each roll, can grant good general or specific insights into future events,
be taken twice. but these things are not set in stone, and predictions
THE M ANTRA OF M AYA: “Maya” is illusion. Vibrating made can be avoided or changed. Creating a horoscope
this mantra in a low quiet tone, the Siddhi can create will take only 10 minutes if the astrologer has the re-
an illusion of a creature, person or thing, or change the quired data, but if he must calculate the positions of the
features of an area around him, up to 80 feet plus 10 stars himself it will take at least one hour, and then only
feet per level. Any creature witnessing the illusion is per- on a clear night (and again, he cannot cast an astrologi-
mitted to make a saving throw versus magic to attempt cal chart for anyone who’s birth date and place he does
to disbelieve the illusion but only if there is a reason for not accurately know). The first time this skill is taken it
them to do so (when they have had sufficient interaction grants no bonus, only the ability to perform astrology,
with the illusion). Non-living creatures including au- after that it may be taken up to 3 more times, each time
tomata and the living dead will never be affected by this granting a +1 bonus to the astrology check. Thus, it may
mantra. Anyone under the effect of the illusion can take be taken a total of 4 times.
damage from the illusion (if it is the illusion of a creature THE MUDRA OF DEFYING GRAVITY: This mudra allows
and they fight with it, or if it is the illusion of something the Siddhi to make objects float and move through the
dangerous like a fire). The Siddhi can only create illu- air around him. The Siddhi cannot perform fine manip-
sions of things he has personal familiarity with (so for ulation of the object, for example making a key open a
example, he could only create an illusion of a Naga if he lock; but he can move things toward or away from him
has actually seen a Naga with his own eyes). The illusion or in any direction around him with a distance of 10 feet
can be of a specific person, but again only if the Siddhi per level. The movement can last as long as the Siddhi
has seen them personally. The Siddhi can maintain this maintains concentration (taking up his entire action each
mantra for up to 30 minutes, but he must continue to round), or until the object either touches the ground or
concentrate to do so; he can direct the illusion’s move- strikes another object or person. The first time this skill
ments and actions. The illusion is only visual; people is taken, the Siddhi will only be able to lift very small ob-
under its effects will not realize the absence of noise or jects, the size of a coin, a pebble or a key; taken a second
smell (their minds might even read these things into the time, he will be able to lift a slightly larger object, up to
situation) but the Siddhi cannot make the illusion speak. the size of an arrow, a conch shell, or a large gem. The
This skill can only be taken once. third time, larger still; up to the size of a book, a pot, or
THE CLARITY EYE: This mantra and mudra grants the a shield. The Siddhi can never move anything that is at-
Siddhi the ability to see a vision (complete with sound) tached to the floor, wall, or another object, or something
of what is going on in a nearby place, up to 200 feet held by another person; nor can he move a living thing.
away. The Siddhi can maintain this vision for up to two If the object he is moving is hard enough, he can use it
minutes. This skill can be taken up to three times, each to launch an attack against an opponent (still requiring a
time granting one use per day. standard ranged attack roll), but the first time he hits the
JYOTISH (ASTROLOGY) (INT): This is not a mantra or mudra will be broken. The damage from such an attack
mudra skill; it is rather the knowledge of how to in- is 1d4, 2d4, or 3d4 depending on the number of times he
terpret the positions of the stars in order to foretell the has taken the skill. The skill can be taken a maximum of
future. In order to create an astrological chart, the Siddhi three times.
needs to reference a book of tables known as an Ephem-
eris (said books are different in each city or region,
based on the slight variations of the night sky due to
latitude and longitude; a typical ephemeris will cost 50
rupya). Failing that, he could make his own calculations
if he has the Astronomy skill. Astrology can be used for
judging the personal fortunes of an individual but only
if they know the precise date and place of that individ-

40
Advanced Siddhi Skills The Mantra of Irresistible Presence: This mantra
causes that over the next 30 minutes after reciting it, ev-
Table 4.6.2 Advanced Siddhi Skills (d6) eryone of 7th level (or 7 Hd) or less who is in the Siddhi’s
Roll Advanced Siddhi Skill: Effect immediate presence (within 50 feet) must make a saving
throw vs. magic to resist falling under the Siddhi’s domin-
1 The Spirit Vision
ion. Any who fails will have to obey his commands. This

CREATING A CHARACTER
2 The Mudra of Taming Beasts
power does not affect unintelligent animals, non-living
3 The Mantra of Irresistible Presence animated objects, or the living dead. If the Siddhi orders
4 Infernal Calling of the Yama Kings someone to injure themselves or to fight against allies or
5 The Sacred Shield-Mudra of Protection. their own kind, or act in direct violation of their align-
ment, that individual gains a second saving throw to at-
6 The Bhairava-Mudra
tempt to break free of control. Anyone under the effect of
this mantra will return to their normal senses if they leave
Advanced Siddhi Skill Descriptions:
the range of the Siddhi’s presence or after the magic’s
THE SPIRIT VISION: This mantra and mudra allows the
duration comes to an end. This mantra can be used only
Siddhi to enter an astral plane of existence, while his
once per day. This skill can only be taken once.
physical body remains sitting in a meditation posture
Infernal Calling of the Yama Kings: The Yama Kings
in a trance; while in this state he is completely unaware
are the Asuras who control ghosts and the living dead.
of his physical environment. In the astral plane, he may
Using this mantra and mudra for one round allows the
communicate with the spirits of the recently deceased
Siddhi to dominate any of the living dead or ghostly
(less than 10 days), or with entities such as Holy or Un-
entities within a 30 foot radius of his person. Any such
holy messengers, or even attempt to communicate with
creature with 4 or more Hit Dice is allowed a saving
the gods or Asuras themselves. He can also attempt to
throw versus magic to resist control. The control over
visit the dreams of the living and speak with them in
the creatures lasts for one hour. Additionally, at any time
their dreams (neither the Siddhi nor the dreamer can ac-
during the duration the Siddhi may touch the corpse of
tually harm each other in the dream, nor can the Siddhi
any once-living creature who has been dead for less than
by this means obtain any information that the dreamer
3 days, and bring the corpse to life as one of the living
does not give freely; the dreamer will remember hav-
dead. It cannot work on the remains of slain undead.
ing spoken to the Siddhi when he awakens, but might
These revivified ghouls will have a number of hit dice
think it was only a dream). He can only communicate
equal to the hit dice or levels they had in life, but will be
with living dreamers or the spirits of the recently dead
unintelligent and unable to speak or use any special abil-
if they are sleeping or died within 10 miles of where his
ities. They will obey the simple commands of the Siddhi
physical body is located. The change of being able to
who created it, following the Siddhi’s orders until it is
communicate with a lesser demon or divine messenger is
slain. If the living dead leaves the Siddhi’s presence, he
equal to 10%/level, the chance of a God or greater Asura
will follow the last order given to him (keeping in mind
responding to his call is 1%/level. None of the various
that it can only obey very simple commands, like “kill
beings he could communicate with are under any obli-
anyone who attempts to pass”); if no clear order was
gation to answer his questions, tell the truth, or do any
given to him, leaving the Siddhi’s presence will cause the
favors for the Siddhi unless they so desire it. Holy or
creature to wander aimlessly, slaying the living when it
Unholy messengers or deities will be extremely unlikely
encounters them. Animating the dead in this way is an
to assist the Siddhi in any way unless he is of the correct
Unholy act (it will immediately shift the Siddhi’s align-
alignment. This power may be used only once per day.
ment to “Unholy” if it was not so already).This magical
This skill may only be taken once.
skill can only be performed once a day. This skill may
THE MUDRA OF TAMING BEASTS: This mudra allows
only be taken once.
the Siddhi to control any number of non-intelligent crea-
THE SACRED SHIELD -MUDRA OF P ROTECTION: This
tures within 50 feet of his person for up to 30 minutes;
mudra will grant the Siddhi who uses it protection
during which time he must maintain the mudra, but can
against physical attacks of any kind; effectively raising
still move and converse (though he cannot himself fight,
his Armor Class to 19 (if it was lower than 19 previous-
use other mudras or mantras, or take any action that
ly), and reducing damage rolled against his person if he
would require him to break the mudra). Every creature
is hit, by 1 point for each damage die rolled (for exam-
that may be affected by this mudra gets to make a sav-
ple, an attack doing 3d4 would do 3d4-3), to a potential
ing throw versus magic to resist the effect. Any creature
minimum of zero damage. The mudra lasts for 20 min-
under the Siddhi’s control will obey any basic command
utes, and can be taken up to 3 times, each time granting
he gives it within the limits of its abilities. This mudra
one use per day.
does not affect any intelligent creatures, but will affect
THE BHAIRAVA-MUDRA: The most powerful mudra
non-intelligent magical monsters (though not animated
symbolizing the pure force of Shiva, greatest of the Sid-
objects or the living dead). Creatures that leave the range
dhis (the word Bhairava means “terrible” or “fearsome”,
of the mudra are freed of its effect. This skill may be tak-
and is a title of Lord Shiva), this mudra allows the Sid-
en twice, with each time granting one use per day.
dhi to channel the raw destructive force of Shiva as the

41
 Destroyer of Worlds. To use the Mudra, the Siddhi must in situations where he is dealing with intelligent beings
attempt to touch an intended victim (requiring a regu- who can understand him. In order to make use of this
lar unarmed melee attack roll in a combat situation). If bonus the player of the Thief must role-play the nature
he does, the victim must make a saving throw vs. spells of how he is attempting to charm or deceive his victims.
(with a – 2 penalty if he is Unholy, or a +2 bonus if he This skill can be taken up to three times.
is Holy). Failure means that the victim is literally dis- KUKRI TRAINING: The kukri is the curved dagger, a fa-
ARROWS OF INDRA

integrated into atoms. No mortal magic other than the vorite weapon of the Thief. The first time this skill is tak-
enlightenment power of the Wish-Fulfilling Inner Jewel en, it grants a +1 bonus to hit. The second time, it grants
can bring someone back to life who has been slain in +2 to damage. This skill can be taken twice.
this way, though a deity could choose to do so by acting URBAN SURVIVAL (WIS): The Thief is more comfort-
directly. This mudra can be used only once a day. This able in the large centers of human habitation, where he
skill can only be taken once. can move anonymously and make use of resources and
like-minded rascals. This skill allows the Thief to quickly
Thief and Thugee Skill Tables surmise the right places to find information, fence stolen
property, purchase forbidden equipment, hide from pur-
Basic Thief and Thugee Skills suit, and generally maneuver through the slums of a city.
It will likewise allow him to attempt to know or quickly
Table 4.7.1 Basic Thief and Thugee Skill Table (d6) ascertain who are the people of influence in a city’s un-
derworld, and where they may be found or contacted.
Roll Basic Thief Skill: Effect
Each time this skill is taken it grants a +2 bonus to relat-
1 Languages
ed checks. It can be taken twice.
2 Literacy
3 Poison Knowledge (INT) Advanced Thief and Thugee Skills
4 Manipulation
Table 4.7.2 Advanced Thief and Thugee Skill Table (d6)
5. Kukri Training
Roll Advanced Thief Skill: Effect
6 Urban Survival (WIS)
1 Sling Training
2 Appraisal (INT)
Basic Thief and Thugee Skill Descriptions:
LANGUAGES: Each time this skill is taken, the Thief 3 Sense motivation (WIS)
gains a new language other than Prakrit (the common 4 Katar Training
language of Jagat). Sample languages include Sanskrit 5 Disguise (CHA)
(the sacred language of the Brahmins, meant to be for- 6 Object Lore (INT)
bidden to non-Brahmins), the secret language of Thieves
(not really a language but a code that Thieves use to Advanced Thief and Thugee Skill Descriptions:
communicate amongst themselves so that others cannot Sling Training: The sling is not a weapon for a noble
understand what they are saying), the various barbarian warrior, but it is an ideal weapon for a Thief, as it is con-
languages (such as the language of the golden lands), the cealable and can make use of any stone for ammunition.
Bhil language, the musical language of the Gandharvas, The first time this skill is taken, it grants a +1 bonus to
the Yaksha language, the demonic language of the Asuras, hit. The second time, it grants +2 to damage. This skill
the Naga tongue etc. This skill can be taken up to 4 times. can be taken twice.
LITERACY: The first time this skill is taken, it means APPRAISAL (INT): This skill allows the Thief to attempt
that the Thief is able to read and write Prakrit, if he to determine the approximate resale value of any object.
could not already do so. If he could, or on subsequent Note that he will only be able to determine value based
occasions of taking this skill, it grants him the ability on what he actually knows about the object, if it has
to read or write in one other language he speaks of his some hidden quality or history that would make it more
choice, if said language has a written script. This skill or less valuable that he is not aware of, his appraisal will
can be taken only when the Thief has a language he can not take that into account. Each time this skill is taken it
speak but not yet read or write, and it can only be taken grants a +2 bonus to related checks. It can be taken twice.
up to a maximum of three times. SENSE MOTIVATION (WIS): This skill reflects the impor-
POISON K NOWLEDGE (INT): This skill grants a Thief the tance of being a good judge of character, vital for a Thief’s
ability to safely identify and know how to properly use long-term survival. It allows him to make a Wisdom check
poisons of all varieties. A Thief may take this skill once. to attempt to determine if a person is generally likely to
As Thugees already begin with this ability, they may not be friendly or unfriendly to his intended actions, whether
take this skill. or not a person is being honest with him, if someone is
M ANIPULATION: This skill allows a Thief to under- nervous or afraid or otherwise trying to hide an emotional
stand something of the psychology of manipulating state, or sometimes to get an idea of what a person wants.
others, through lies, flattery, or tact. Each time this skill Each time this skill is taken it grants a +2 bonus to related
is taken the Thief gains a +1 bonus to his reaction rolls checks. It can be taken twice.

42
 CREATING A CHARACTER
K ATAR TRAINING: The katar is a larger punching dag-
ger, less inconspicuous but potentially more deadly than ENLIGHTENMENT POWERS
the kukri. The first time this skill is taken, it grants a +1 Some of the greatest power for both Priests and Sid-
bonus to hit. The second time, it grants +2 to damage. dhis comes not from their study and interaction with the
This skill can be taken twice. gods, or their study of the techniques of rituals, mantras
DISGUISE (CHA): This skill allows the Thief to effectively or mudras, but from their increasing level of personal
disguise his appearance, not only physically but in terms enlightenment. As a Pc of either class gains in his levels,
of things like mannerism or personality, for the purposes it is likely he will gain a number of powers based on his
of infiltration and obfuscation; or even to attempt to im- level of awareness, becoming able to increasingly manip-
personate a specific individual. The result of the Thief’s ulate “maya”, the illusion of our everyday reality.
skill check roll is usually the difficulty number that any Priest or Siddhi Pcs begin to check for Enlightenment
person (paying sufficient attention) must make percep- Powers from 2nd level onwards. Each time one of these
tion checks against to see through the disguise. This skill Pcs gains a level, he should check for his percentage
grants a +2 bonus to related checks every time it is taken. chance of gaining one power (usable once a day) for
It can be taken a maximum of two times. each of the “ranks” of Enlightenment Powers he can po-
OBJECT LORE (INT): Some Thieves may become experts tentially obtain.
in learning about the qualities of all kinds of things, the (Example: A Pc at level two will roll twice for En-
better to ascertain their value. This skill allows a Thief lightenment Powers, first to see if he gains a Rank 1
to attempt to know something about the origin, histo- power (10% base chance) and then to see if he gains a
ry, and use of any mundane or magical object. He may Rank 2 power (5% chance). When that Pc reaches 5th
sometimes attempt to use this skill to actually utilize an level, he will make three rolls; first to see if he gains a
object whose abilities are not readily apparent or which rank 1 power (20% base chance), then to see if he gains
he would normally be unable to utilize. Each time this a new rank 2 power (15% chance), then to see if he
skill is taken it grants a +2 bonus to related checks. It gains a rank 3 power (base 10% chance); so at level 5
can be taken twice. it is possible that the player character will gain no new
powers at all, or gain up to 3 powers, one of each rank).

43
 The basic percentage chance to check for gaining a ual actions are needed to activate a power. Unless other-
new Enlightenment Power at each level is as follows: wise noted (such as if concentration is actively required),
it is possible to use other Enlightenment Powers or arca-
Table 5.1 Enlightenment Power Chance nas or mantras or mudras while an enlightenment power
is currently in effect.
Levels Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3
2-4 10% 5% —
Rank 1 Enlightenment Powers
ARROWS OF INDRA

5-10 20% 15% 10%

11+ 30% 25% 20% Table 5.4.1 Rank 1 Enlightenment Powers (d20)
Roll Rank 1 Enlightenment Power: Effect
However, the base chance is also modified by the Pc’s 1 Aura of Light
prime ability score (int for Siddhis, wis for Priests) in 2 Aura of Tranquility
the following way:
3 Aura of Warding
4 Banish Magical Effect
Table 5.2 Enlightenment Power Modifier
5 Blessing/Curse
Ability Modifier to all base chances
6 Blinding
9 or less -5%
7 Charm Monster
10-12 No modifier
8 Field of Warped Perception
13-14 +5%
9 Finding Object
15-16 +10%
10 Gaze of Insanity
17 +15%
11 Generate Food and Water
18+ +20%
12 Healing Touch
The Pc’s Intelligence score also causes a limit to the 13 Levitation
maximum number of Enlightenment Powers a Pc can 14 Open Portal
gain of each rank. If he reaches this limit at a given rank 15 Power of Overcoming Illusion
he cannot roll for the chance of gaining new powers of
16 Rotting Curse
that rank. If he should somehow raise his Intelligence
ability score, he can begin checking for Enlightenment 17 Seal Portal
Powers of that rank again in the normal fashion the next 18 Summon Minor Beings
time he goes up in level. 19 Terrible Gaze
20 Vision of the Unseen
Table 5.3 Maximum Enlightenment Powers
INT Score Maximum number of permitted Rank 1 Enlightenment Powers Descriptions:
powers per rank AURA OF LIGHT: The Pc creates an aura of illumina-
8 or less 3
tion around him that provides light (equivalent to clear
daylight) at a radius of 30 feet around him. It lasts for
9 4
one hour or until the Pc wishes to stop the effect.
10-12 5 AURA OF TRANQUILITY: Whenever this is used, the Pc
13-14 6 will radiate an aura of peace around him that will im-
15-16 7 mediately calm natural events, soothing a storm, putting
17 8
out a raging fire, halting an earthquake, etc., even if these
natural events were caused by magical means. It will also
18+ 10
cause any beings with 1Hd or less within 100 ft of his
person to become pacified, ceasing all hostility, unless they
Whenever a roll indicates the Pc has gained a new
are attacked after the aura takes effect. Note that any
enlightenment power, he should roll on the table for that
such creatures will not necessarily do what the Pc wishes,
Rank. If he rolls a result he had already obtained before,
but they will be unable to initiate any hostilities against
he can choose to keep the roll (and then use that power
the Pc or in the presence of the Pc for at least the next 30
an extra time per day), or roll again. Each time an en-
minutes from when the aura is activated.
lightenment power is taken it can be used a single time
AURA OF WARDING: This power allows the Pc to create
per day. There is no limit to the number of times the same
an aura that protects himself and up to 6 other people
power can be taken to allow for multiple uses per day.
within 10 feet of his person from a variety of effects. No
Unless otherwise indicated, it takes only one round to
supernatural creature that is either Holy or Unholy may
activate any enlightenment power. Also unless otherwise
enter within the radius of the aura for the duration, nor
noted (for example, in the case of healing powers that
may the living dead. Nor will the Mantra of Irresistible
require touch), no hand movements, words or other rit-

44
Presence or the Arcana of Dominion be able to affect general direction of where the object is to be found; if
anyone within this aura. The aura’s effect lasts for 20 the object moves while this power is in effect, the Pc will
minutes, but anyone who moves more than 10 feet away sense the newly-changed direction. The power lasts for
from the Pc will lose the benefits of its protection. one hour or until the desired object is touched.
BANISH M AGICAL EFFECT: This power allows the Pc to GAZE OF I NSANITY: This power allows the Pc to make
cancel any single ongoing magical effect from a priestly a single creature go insane. The intended victim must be

CREATING A CHARACTER
ritual, or Siddhi mantra or mudra; the effect must be within 30 feet of the Pc, and must fail a saving throw
within a range of 20 feet of the Pc. versus magic for the power to take effect. The power
BLESSING/CURSE: This power allows the Pc to grant cannot affect any creature that does not have a mind,
either a blessing or a curse to a maximum of 6 beings, nor can it affect Devas, Asuras, or the living dead. The
of the Pc’s choice (all the beings chosen must either be creature who fails becomes permanently insane (un-
blessed or cursed, the effect cannot be mingled). All be- less magically cured) and will act randomly as per the
ings must be within 50 feet of the Pc. Any being affected Gm’s direction (in a combat situation, there should be a
by this blessing gains a +1 to their morale score and a roughly equal chance on any given round that the crea-
+1 to hit for the next 24 hours; any being affected by a ture will attack an enemy, attack an ally, do nothing but
curse suffers a −1 penalty to their morale score and a −1 babble incoherently, or run away screaming madly).
to hit for the same period. GENERATE FOOD AND WATER: This power will cause
BLINDING: The Pc may attempt to strike another crea- the miraculous appearance of sufficient food and water
ture blind. The creature chosen must be within 30 feet to feed up to 10 people for one day.
of the Pc, and be subject to the effect (individuals who H EALING TOUCH: The Pc can cure wounds with his
are already blind, have no eyes, or do not require normal touch; he can use this effect on himself or any other sin-
eyesight are unaffected). The chosen victim may make a gle creature he touches. He heals 1d6+level in hit points.
saving throw vs. spells. If he fails, the creature is blind- LEVITATION: The Pc can levitate into the air, moving
ed, suffering a −6 to all melee attack rolls, a −12 to all vertically up or down at a rate of 10 feet per round, to a
ranged attack rolls, and is always considered “surprised” maximum height of 120 feet. He cannot move horizon-
for the purposes of being attacked (most Pcs gain a +2 tally, only vertically, however he can move himself along
to hit him, Thief classes gain +4 to hit and may back- a roof, with a rope or line, etc., if he can reach it. This
stab). This blindness lasts for one hour. power can only be used on the Pc himself, never anyone
CHARM MONSTER: This power allows the Pc to en- else; however, a Pc of sufficient strength might be able
chant a single monster (any non-human creature, includ- to carry another creature with him. The effect lasts up
ing other humanoid races excepting Gandharvas, but to 20 minutes, after which the Pc will float gently to the
not Asuras or Devas, artificially animated objects, or the ground at a rate of 10 feet per round.
living dead). The monster must be within 120 feet of the OPEN PORTAL: This power allows the Pc to magically
Pc, and of the same or less Hd as the Pc has levels; and open a portal (doorway, gate, window, etc.), even if it is
must fail a saving throw versus magic. If it fails the sav- magically sealed. The portal must be within line of sight
ing throw the creature will do whatever the Pc bids of it when the power is used, and will open of its own voli-
for up to 30 minutes, after which the effect wears off. tion without needing to be touched.
FIELD OF WARPED P ERCEPTION: This power will allow POWER OF OVERCOMING I LLUSION: This power allows
the Pc to affect any number of people within 30 feet of the Pc to dispel any illusion within 10 feet of the charac-
the Pc (and only those he chooses) at the time he acti- ter; it is possible to use this power even if the Pc failed a
vates the power, confusing their senses so that reality saving throw to disbelieve the illusion.
itself seems to warp around them. Each creature thus ROTTING CURSE: This power allows the Pc to inflict a
affected must make a saving throw versus magic or they rotting curse on a single opponent. The creature affected
will be completely unable to attack and will count as must be within 30 feet of the Pc, and this power cannot
“surprised” for the purposes of defense (most Pcs gain affect an artificial creature, an Asura or Deva, or the
a +2 to hit them, Thief classes gain +4 to hit and may living dead. If the chosen victim fails a saving throw vs.
backstab) for the duration of this effect. They will also poison, he begins to swiftly putrefy, losing one point of
be unable to perform any arcana, mantra or mudra. Constitution per round (the Gm should estimate the con-
However, Enlightenment Powers may still be used; and stitution score of monsters) until he reaches 0 con and
the victims of this effect can still move normally; if they dies. This rotting effect can be immediately cured by the
move out of the area of effect they are no longer affect- power of Curing Disease.
ed by the warped perceptions, but if they enter the area SEAL PORTAL: This power allows the Pc to magically
again subsequently they will automatically be affected seal a portal (doorway, gate, window or other type of en-
once more. The effect lasts for 30 minutes. trance), so that it is impossible to open (except through
FINDING OBJECT: This power allows the Pc to sense magic), for 30 minutes. The portal must be within line of
the direction of a specific object of his choice. The object site at the moment the power is used.
must be a particular object that the Pc has seen before, SUMMON M INOR BEINGS: This power will allow the Pc
and must be located within 20 miles of the Pc for the to instantly summon 1d3 creatures of any kind, of 1 Hd
power to function. The power will only indicate the each. All creatures summoned must be of the same kind,

45
 they will never be specific individuals of that race or spe- Powers, the powers of magic items and weapons, and
cies. The type of creature summoned must be one the Pc the effects of magic that has changed someone’s form,
has personally seen. They will serve the bidding of the Pc including petrification. It cannot affect the magic of the
for 30 minutes (or until slain), after which they vanish in Gods or the greater Asuras (magical effects made direct-
a puff of smoke. ly by one of these beings), or of divinely-created artifacts
TERRIBLE GAZE: This power allows the Pc to instill (such as Celestial Weapons, or any magic item directly
ARROWS OF INDRA

terror on a single opponent; the creature chosen must created by a God or Asura). In the case of permanent
be within 20 feet of the Pc, and able to see the Pc, and is magic items, the annulment is only temporary; the item’s
granted a saving throw versus spells to resist. If he fails he abilities and use is restored after 20 minutes.
will become terrified, and will drop whatever he is holding AURA OF INVISIBILITY: This power allows the Pc to
and attempt to flee in panic from the Pc’s presence; if he make himself invisible. He can also extend this aura to
cannot flee he will fall to the ground helpless in fear. The a 10-foot radius around his person, allowing up to six
effect of this supernatural fear lasts for 10 minutes. other people to likewise benefit from invisibility. His
VISION OF THE UNSEEN: This power allows the Pc to be companions must remain within the radius or they will
able to see invisible things, including creatures that are immediately become visible again. This power lasts for
invisible, portals to other planes that are not immediately up to one hour or until the Pc chooses to stop it. Note
recognizable as such, and to see an aura around all magi- that any magic that would allow someone to see invisi-
cal objects within range, including those blocked by other ble beings will detect someone with this aura normally.
objects within the Pc’s normal field of vision. He can also AURA OF WALKING UPON WATER: This power allows
see an aura around any creature or person who is Holy or the Pc to alter reality around himself so that he can walk
Unholy in alignment. This vision extends only for 20 feet not only on water but any liquid surface without sink-
around the Pc. The power lasts for 20 minutes. ing. He may choose to extend his aura so that anyone
within 20 feet of his person will likewise be able to do so
Rank 2 Enlightment Powers (he cannot specify only certain individuals in this case, if
he extends his aura, everyone within 20 feet of him can
Table 5.4.2 Rank 2 Enlightenment Powers (d20) walk, so long as they remain within that range). Extend-
Roll Rank 2 Enlightenment Power: Effect ing or retracting the aura takes one round. The power of
1 Aura of Annulling Magic this aura lasts for a maximum of two hours.
BREATH OF POISONOUS P RANA: “Prana” means breath
2 Aura of invisibility
(or life-force). With this power, the Pc can breathe out a
3 Aura of Walking upon Water cloud of prana that has been made toxic, so that all who
4 Breath of Poisonous Prana are in the cloud (which can be made to extend anywhere
5 Curing Disease up to a radius of 50 feet in front of the Pc) must make a
6 Greater Healing Touch saving throw versus poison; if they fail they will die from
poisoning within one round; even if they succeed the
7 Intangibility
saving throw they will still take 1d6 damage, and contin-
8 The Intellect-Stripping Curse ue to take 1d6 damage every round that they remain in
9 The Matter-Penetrating Vision the cloud. The toxic cloud will dissipate after 10 rounds
10 Nadi-disrupting Gaze (during that time, anyone who enters into the cloud who
11 Nirmita Phantasms has not already made a saving throw must do so, suffer-
ing the same effects as above). A strong wind may cause
12 Petrifying Gaze
the cloud to move in the direction of that wind, but the
13. The Power of Transformation cloud will then dissipate twice as fast.
14 The Prana-restricting Gaze CURING DISEASE: By laying his hands on a single crea-
15 Sleeping Curse ture, the Pc can cure that creature of any diseases, in-
16 Slowing cluding magically-induced disease. This power can cure
the Rotting Curse.
17 Summon Medium Beings
GREATER H EALING TOUCH: The Pc can cure wounds
18 Swiftness with his touch; he can use this effect on himself or any oth-
19 Wave of Cold er creature he touches. He heals 2d6+level in hit points.
20 Venom-removing Touch I NTANGIBILITY: This power moves the Pc’s body par-
tially out of phase with the rest of reality. It grants him
Rank 2 Enlightment Powers Descriptions: a +2 bonus to his Armor Class, and a +3 bonus to all
AURA OF A NNULLING M AGIC: More powerful than saving throws. On any round that he wishes, if he con-
“banish effect”, when this power is used it immediately centrates, allowing for no other action besides moving
cancels all magical effects within a 120 foot radius of the five feet per round, he can become completely intangible,
Pc. This includes all ongoing magical effects from rituals, immune to all attacks (though unable to attack anything
mudras or mantras, ongoing effects from Enlightenment himself) and able to walk through solid matter. This
power lasts for up to one hour.

46
 THE I NTELLECT-STRIPPING CURSE: This powerful curse in which case they are allowed a saving throw versus
can be cast on up to six creatures of the Pc’s choice with- spells to attempt to disbelieve. Anyone who does not
in a 30 foot radius of the Pc at the time of activation. successfully disbelieve in these creatures will take normal
Those targeted by the curse must make a saving throw damage from their attacks. The phantasms last for one
versus spells, or have their human-level of consciousness hour, at which point they vanish. These creatures can be
stripped away from them, reducing them to having the dispelled by the power of Overcoming Illusion or by the

CREATING A CHARACTER
minds of animals. They will act in every respect like they Aura of Annulling Magic; or they can be reduced to 0Hp
were non-intelligent simians. This curse does not grant in combat in which case they will dissipate immediately.
the Pc any power of control over his victims, and they P ETRIFYING GAZE: Directed at a single creature; the
may still attack the Pc or his allies (the Gm should make creature must make a saving throw versus magic or be
standard reaction checks, treating the victims in every turned to stone. The intended victim must be within 30 feet
respect as though they were animals). This curse is per- of the Pc. The effect is permanent unless reversed by magic.
manent unless removed by magic. THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION: This power allows
THE M ATTER-P ENETRATING VISION: This power allows the Pc to transform himself, or any other person within
the Pc to see through solid objects, as if he had “x-ray 30 feet of him, into almost any other form of creature
vision”, up to a distance of 240 feet. The effect lasts (as small as an insect, or as large as an elephant). He
for 30 minutes. can also transform himself or another into the same
NADI-DISRUPTING GAZE: “Nadi” literally means “river” type of creature as they already are but with a different
but here it refers to the channel of energy through which physical appearance, gender, age, etc. Anyone who is
life-force flows in the physical body. This powerful gaze an involuntary victim of this power is allowed to make
must be directed at a creature that has a nervous system a saving throw versus magic to resist its effect. Anyone
(artificial creatures or the living dead, for example, are affected by this transformation retains their own level,
unaffected). The victim of the gaze must be within 60 feet. hit dice, hit points, personality, memories and intellect. It
The victim immediately takes 2d6 points of damage (no does not grant any special powers a creature of this type
save), and must additionally make a saving throw versus would normally have, excepting its method of move-
magic or they will become paralyzed from the waist down, ment and its respiratory system (so for example, being
unable to walk or use their legs. The effect is permanent, transformed into a bird would allow one to fly, being
but can be removed with the “Curing Disease” power, the transformed into a fish would allow one to breathe un-
Arcana of Purification, or the Aura of Annulling Magic. derwater, but not on land), as well as the natural damage
NIRMITA P HANTASMS: This power allows the Pc to value of teeth, claws or stingers (but not special attacks
create up to 3 phantasms, the products of nirmita, like poison or breath weapons). The transformed person
“thought-formed beings”. They are extremely realistic will also suffer all the limitations of their new form; for
illusions capable of having real effects on the world. The example, someone turned into a dog would not be able
form of these phantasms can appear to be anything that to wield weapons or speak in a human language. Anyone
the Pc wishes, with the
only limitations being
that their total hit dice
cannot exceed the Pc’s
level, and that the form
must be of creatures or
beings the Pc has actu-
ally seen. They will fol-
low the Pc’s orders, can
operate independently
(not requiring the
Pc’s concentration
to maintain them or
direct them), but can
only move up to 240
feet away from the Pc.
Anyone encountering
one of these creatures
can only attempt to
disbelieve them if they
have good cause to
think that they are an
illusion (whether they
have cause to think
so is up to the Gm),

47
 who is transformed, even if they are transformed into a moving twice as fast as anyone around them. In combat
human, can no longer use any arcana, mudras or man- situations this means they can move twice as fast, and
tras even if they could previously. However, they can still make twice as many attacks as they normally would.
use Enlightenment Powers if they had them. The effect is This power lasts for 3 rounds + 1 round per level of the
permanent until reversed by magic. Pc using it. Multiple uses of this power do not have cu-
THE P RANA-RESTRICTING GAZE: “Prana” means breath mulative effects.
WAVE OF COLD: This allows the Pc to create a wave
ARROWS OF INDRA

(or life force), and refers to oxygen, but likewise to the

essential life-force of human beings. This gaze inflicted that alters reality in front of his extended palms, pushing
on a creature will cut off that victim’s ability to receive forward a sudden and chilling power in front of him. The
that life force. The power works on any creature that wave of cold extends in a 20 foot cone in front of him
needs to breathe. The intended victim must be within and any within that range must make a saving throw ver-
120 feet of the Pc. If he fails a saving throw versus mag- sus magic or take 1d6 points of damage per level of the
ic, he begins to suffer damage, taking 1d6 Hp of damage Pc. Creatures who are naturally resistant to cold may only
each round for 6 rounds. After the initial round of ac- take half that damage, at the Gm’s discretion.
tivating the gaze, the Pc does not need to concentrate VENOM-REMOVING TOUCH: This power allows the Pc to
on this power, the damage continues to be inflicted au- remove poison from himself or another person by touch;
tomatically, and the creature will continue to suffer the it does not cure damage already taken by poison but can
damage even if he moves out of the initial range. prevent any further harm; against a poison that would
SLEEPING CURSE: This power can affect 2d8 total hit dice normally kill instantly, this power can prevent death if
of creatures; the Pc may choose which creatures are affect- used within 1 round of the poison taking effect.
ed, all affected must be within 100 feet of the Pc. It cannot
affect any being that does not sleep, including the living
dead, constructs, or the Gandharva. Nor can it affect any
creature with 6 or more levels or hit dice. All those affected
by the power must make a saving throw versus magic or
fall into a deep sleep. They will remain unconscious for 8
hours, unless the magic is somehow canceled.
SLOWING: This power can be used on one creature per
level of the Pc. All those affected must be within 30 feet
of the Pc when the power is initially used, though they
will still be affected if they move out of that range after-
ward. Anyone under the effect of this spell experiences
time differently relative to the rest of reality, so that the
world appears to be moving twice as fast as they are. In
combat situations this means they can move only half
their normal movement in a round, and make only half
as many attacks as usual (a creature with only one at-
tack per round normally would now make only one at-
tack every two rounds). This power lasts for 3 rounds +
1 round per level of the Pc using it. Multiple uses of this
power do not have cumulative effects.
SUMMON M EDIUM BEINGS: This power will allow the
Pc to instantly summon 1d3 creatures of any kind, of
up to 3 Hd each. All creatures summoned must be of the
same kind, they will never be specific individuals of that
race or species. The type of creature summoned must be
one the Pc has personally seen. They will serve the bid-
ding of the Pc for 30 minutes (or until slain), after which
they vanish in a puff of smoke. Pcs must be of at least
3rd level to use this power, if they obtain it prior to third
level they must still take it but cannot actually use the
power until reaching 3rd level.
SWIFTNESS: This power can be used on one creature
per level of the Pc, the Pc may select himself as one of
those affected. All those affected must be within 30
feet of the Pc when the power is initially used, though
they may move out of that range afterward. Anyone
under the effect of this spell experiences time differently
relative to the rest of reality, so that they appear to be

48
Rank 3 Enlightment Powers of earthly weather), or clear skies and temperate climate.
The effects of this power last for about one day, but such
Table 5.4.3 Rank 3 Enlightenment Powers (d20) magically-directed climate can be magically annulled.
CURSE OF THE I RRESISTIBLE M ISSION: This power affects
Roll Rank 3 Enlightenment Power: Effect
up to 12 intelligent creatures, who must all be within 30
1 Atman-Sealing Gaze
feet of the Pc at the time he uses the power. They are al-

CREATING A CHARACTER
2 Aura of Pestilence lowed a saving throw versus spells. Any who fail the saving
3 Control Climate throw will be obliged to fulfill a task set out by the Pc, as
4 Curse of the Irresistible Mission though it was an irresistible compulsion. The task dictated
by the Pc must be theoretically possible to achieve but it
5 Directed Reincarnation
can be extremely difficult. The effect ends only if they suc-
6 Enchant Armor/Weapons
ceed in their task, or if they are liberated by magic.
7 Flight DIRECTED R EINCARNATION: This power must be used
8 Life-Giving Touch on someone who has been dead for less than 7 days.
9 Opening of the Infernal Realm The power must be used in the same place where the
person has died, though it is not relevant if the body
10 Prana Arrows
is there anymore. It can be used even on the spirits of
11 Rain of Spiritual Fire
people who have been completely disintegrated. Using
12 Shield of Enlightenment this power, the Pc may direct that person to their next
13 Shield of Purity incarnation, choosing in what form they will be reborn.
14 Summon Greater Being The limitations are that someone may not be reborn as
a Deva in the heavenly realms of Devaloka unless they
15 Summon Minor Deva/Asura
were of Holy alignment, nor can they be reborn as an
16 The Touch of Complete Restoration
Asura in the hell realms of Naraka unless they were of
17 Translocation Unholy alignment. Someone reborn as either of these
18 The Vajra Body will be “born” fully grown, and will immediately remem-
19 Vajra Thunder ber their previous incarnation and will be aware that it
was the Pc who directed their incarnation into a new
20 Wish-Fulfilling Inner Jewel
body (it is up to them whether they choose to do any-
thing about it, however). Other than these two choices,
Rank 3 Enlightenment Powers Descriptions:
the Pc may choose to direct the reincarnation into the
ATMAN-SEALING GAZE: “Atman” means “soul”, and
form of a Ghost (who will also be born “fully grown”,
this power allows the Pc to target one creature within
usually in the same spot he died, and aware of their past
30 feet of the Pc (it must be a creature who has a soul,
incarnation); or as a Naga or Raskshasa in the under-
therefore constructs or artificial creatures are immune);
world of Patala, or a Yaksha or Gandharva near Mount
that creature must make a saving throw versus magic, or
Kailash, as an animal of any kind (including a Vanara),
he will instantly have his Atman shut off from his physi-
or as a human being (including a Bhil or any kind of
cal body. He will be able to perform only the most basic
barbarian). In all of the latter cases (Naga, Rakshasa,
functions (continuing to breathe and eat, for example)
Yaksha, Gandharva, animal or human), the reincarnated
but will otherwise be completely catatonic. He will re-
soul will not remember his previous incarnation, and
main that way unless the effect is magically removed.
will have to grow up at the normal rate for his species.
AURA OF P ESTILENCE: This power will spread a con-
The Pc will know in all of these cases the specific body
tagious disease in an area of 240 feet around the Pc.
into which his target has reincarnated. This power can
Everyone in this area must save versus poison or be
also be used by the Pc on himself, when he is dying (in-
infected by a plague. The plague will then be contagious
cluding using it within 1 round after his own death), to
and spread as a normal illness. The Pc can choose for
direct his own reincarnation. Once reincarnation has
the plague to be debilitating (causing all those affected
been directed in this way, no form of resurrection is pos-
by it to become gravely ill and unable to perform stren-
sible on the deceased. NOTE: In all cases, unless the Gm
uous actions within 24 hours of infection, requiring a
decides otherwise, a dead Pc who is reincarnated in this
save vs. poison each day until successful to recover), or
way is not playable.
lethal (causing all those affected to become debilitated as
ENCHANT A RMOR /WEAPONS: This power allows the
before within 24 hours, remain debilitated for 1d4 days,
Pc to grant a permanent magical bonus to a weapon or
and afterward have to make a second saving throw ver-
a piece of armor (including a shield). The bonus granted
sus poison or die). Note that the spreading of pestilence
to a weapon gives a +1 to hit and damage; to a shield
is an Unholy act.
or armor grants a bonus that gives it +1 to armor class.
CONTROL CLIMATE: This power allows the Pc to con-
This effect is permanent. This power cannot be used to
trol weather effects up to 1 mile in radius around him. He
increase the bonus of a weapon or armor that is already
can cause light rains, intense thunderstorms, snow, intense
magical. In order to use this power, the Pc must touch
cold or a heat wave (but not beyond the normal extremes
the weapon or armor he wishes to enchant.

49
 FLIGHT: This power allows the Pc or a single other in- SUMMON GREATER BEING: This power will allow the
dividual he touches to gain the ability to fly, up to 120 feet Pc to instantly summon 1d3 creatures of any kind, of
per round, and to a maximum height of 200 feet in the air. up to 5 Hd each. All creatures summoned must be of the
The beneficiary of this spell can carry up to 250 pounds of same kind, they will never be specific individuals of that
weight with him. The power lasts for 30 minutes, after which race or species. The type of creature summoned must be
the beneficiary of the power (if flying at the time) will slowly one the Pc has personally seen. They will serve the bid-
ARROWS OF INDRA

begin to float to the ground at a rate of 20 feet per round. ding of the Pc for 30 minutes (or until slain), after which
LIFE-GIVING TOUCH: This power allows the Pc to they vanish in a puff of smoke. Pcs must be of at least
restore to life any dead creature that has been dead for 6th level to use this power, if they obtain it prior to sixth
7 days or less. They are restored to their body, which is level they must still take it but cannot actually use the
healed to the point of having 1 Hp, though further magical power until reaching 6th level.
healing can be applied after that. Certain forms of death SUMMON M INOR DEVA /ASURA: This power will sum-
(magical disintegration) can make it impossible to apply mon a 8Hd minor Deva (Holy divine servant) or Asura
this power, nor can this power be used if the deceased has
already been directed to a reincarnation. For a being to
be resurrected in this way it must make a “resurrection
success” check, failure means that revivification is impos-
sible. To use this power, the Pc must be at least 8th level.
Anyone who receives this power prior to 8th level should
still note it, but will be unable to use it until they obtain
8th level.
OPENING OF THE I NFERNAL R EALM: This power allows
the Pc to open the earth beneath one victim, wherein he
must make a saving throw versus magic or be sucked into
the earth and dragged down to the Hell Realms. Note
that this is not necessarily a death sentence; it is up to
the Asura lords what will become of the victim once he
arrives.
P RANA A RROWS: The Pc using this power directs his
own prana like a volley of arrows at his intended victims.
These arrows fly out striking truly against the particular
victims he has chosen. He can choose up to 6 victims, and
they must all be within 120 feet of the Pc. Each victim must
make a saving throw versus magic or suffer 1d6 points of
damage per level of the Pc; even if they make their saving
throw they still suffer half damage.
R AIN OF SPIRITUAL FIRE: This power causes a torrent
of flames to erupt from the Pc in a 10 foot wide line 90
feet long in front of the Pc; everyone in the range of the
blast must make a saving throw versus magic or suffer
1d6 damage per level of the Pc. Those who make the
saving throw still suffer half the damage.
SHIELD OF ENLIGHTENMENT: This power creates a
magical shielding force around the Pc and up to six al-
lies within 20 feet of him, with various positive effects.
It is completely impenetrable to normal (non magical)
missiles, as well as Prana Arrows, or attacks using the (Unholy demon). If the Pc uses this power and is not of
Mudra of Defying Gravity. It likewise grants immunity the appropriate alignment (Holy to summon a Deva,
to the effects of the Prana-Restricting Gaze. Further- Unholy to summon an Asura) the creature will not be
more, no creature of 3 Hd or less can pass this barrier. under any compunction to obey the summoner, and may
The Shield of Enlightenment moves with the Pc, and the choose to attack the one who summoned him (roll a re-
effect lasts for 20 minutes. action roll, with a – 4 penalty if the summoner is of the
SHIELD OF P URITY: This will create a force field made opposite alignment to the creature called). Otherwise, it
of light around the Pc; anyone wishing to attack him may simply choose to leave, or listen to what the sum-
must make a saving throw vs. magic to do so. This moner has to say or offer. If the being summoned is of
includes any kind of magical attack that has physical the same alignment as the summoner, then it will obey
characteristics (including attacks like the “Wave of the bidding of the summoner for 60 minutes (or until
Cold” power), but not other forms of magic. It lasts for slain) after which it will vanish in a roar of thunder. Pcs
3 rounds plus one round per level of the Pc. must be of at least 8th level to use this power, if they

50
obtain it prior to seventh level they must still take it but him. It likewise makes him immune to magical attacks
cannot actually use the power until reaching 8th level. that utilize ordinary matter (for example, attacks from
THE TOUCH OF COMPLETE R ESTORATION: This power the Mudra of Defying Gravity, the Rain of Spiritual Fire,
can affect the Pc or a single individual he touches. The or attacks from non-magical summoned monsters). Fi-
beneficiary of this power will be restored to full hit nally, because its power is of a like source, it makes the
points. This power can also be used, rather than for heal- Pc immune to the effect of the Vajra Thunder power.

CREATING A CHARACTER
ing of hit points, to restore a lost limb or faculty (curing This power lasts for twenty minutes.
blindness or deafness, for example). VAJRA THUNDER: This mighty power will call down
TRANSLOCATION: This power allows the Pc and up to a thunderbolt in an area of 30 foot radius, within 240
12 other people of his choice in a 20 foot radius around feet of the Pc. It is spiritual, not material lightning, thus
him to teleport instantly to another location. This location it will work just as effectively indoors as outside. Every-
must be on the same plane (it cannot be used to reach the one within the 30 foot radius must make a saving throw
versus magic or be instantly disintegrated.
Those who make the saving throw still take
2d6 damage. No mortal magic or power other
than a Wish can bring back someone who has
been disintegrated in this way, though a God
may do so if they choose to act directly.
WISH-FULFILLING I NNER JEWEL: This power,
the height of Enlightenment Power, can be
used to essentially manifest the pure will of
the individual who has gained it. Its use is
limited to the judgment of the Gm. However,
as a general guideline it should be usable to
imitate the effect of any Arcana ritual, mudra
or mantra, or any Enlightenment power of
the 1st or 2nd rank; or to be used to create a
gem of up to 10000 rupya in value, or to cre-
ate any single mundane object, or to create
any kind of food or water, or to restore a sin-
gle point of permanent ability score damage,
to bring someone back to life even if they
have been disintegrated (but not if they have
already been reincarnated), or to teleport the
Pc to another location (but only by himself),
or to reduce a person’s age by one year. There
could be any number of other uses if the Gm
approves. To use this power, the Pc must be
at least 13th level. Anyone who receives this
power prior to 13th level should still note it,
but will be unable to use it until they obtain
13th level. Because this power alters reality
itself, it can prove to be extremely taxing
on the user; whenever it is used the caster
temporarily loses 1d4 points of con (which
return at a rate of 1 per day). Additionally he
must make a saving throw modified by his
hell realms or the divine realms if on the mortal world, for WIS bonus, and if he fails the shock of using this power
example), and it will work without error if the location is leaves him unable to use ANY enlightenment power for
one that the Pc has previously been. If not, there is a 25% 2d4 days. Anyone known to have this power will quickly
chance that the teleportation will go wrong. If this happens, become famous, and will be likely to attract unwanted
roll percentile dice again: on a 1-10 all those teleporting are attention. Finally, the Gods will not look kindly on any-
killed instantly, on an 11-60 they will be somewhere on the one who alters reality for frivolous purposes.
surface world, on a 71-90 they are somewhere in the Patala
underworld, on a 91-95 they are in the Hell Realms, and
on a 96-00 they are in the divine realms.
THE VAJRA BODY: This power makes the Pc completely
immune to non-magical weapon attacks; a weapon must
have at least a +1 magical bonus in order to damage

51
Equipment and Money
 CURRENCY AND Selling valuables
STARTING WEALTH
Jewels, gems, and other non-currency valuables of
any kind can be sold at a market; the selling price will

T
generally be at 50% of the actual worth of the item;
he smallest unit of currency in is the
however the character may attempt to haggle (making a
dam, a tiny coin made out of copper. 10 dam
reaction roll modified by Charisma as usual), and a pos-
ARROWS OF INDRA

equals 1 silver “anna”. 10 anna equals one

itive reaction can lead to the item being sold for 60% its
gold rupya. For the purposes of the equip-
value, or an extremely positive reaction at 75% its value.
ment lists, rupya are abbreviated as “gp”
Additional role-playing or the context of a situation (an
(gold pieces), anna as “sp” (silver pieces), and dam as
item that is in great demand, for example) may lead to it
“cp” (copper pieces).
being sold at its full value or higher.
1 rupya (gp) = 10 anna (sp) = 100 dam (cp)
Encumbrance
Coins that are from distant lands or ancient king- Characters may generally carry up to 20 items on
doms, even if not strictly classifiable as rupya, anna or their person. Coins count as one item for every 1000
dams, will in most cases be accepted as tender of the val- coins carried. A quiver with up to 30 arrows counts as a
ue of the type of metal they are made of. single item. A quiver can also be modified to carry darts
Player characters begin the game with a base number or knives, and can carry up to 12 of these items without
of Rupya dependent on their caste: causing additional encumbrance. Heavy or very heavy
objects can count as five items for the purpose of weight,
• Dalits begin the game with 1d100 rupya (gp). while very light items can be said to be “non-encumber-
• Sudra begin the game with 2d6×10 rupya. ing”. Loose items will of course need to be carried in bags
• Vaishya begin the game with 3d6×10 rupya. or satchels, which do not change their encumbering value.
• Kshatriya begin the game with 4d6×10 rupya.
Any type of armor other than leather armor or shields
• Brahmins begin the game with 4d6×10 rupya.
counts as five items for the purpose of encumbrance.
• Non-humans begin the game with 1d100 rupya,
excepting Yaksha who begin the game with
A Priest who is carrying more than 10 encumbering
150+1d100 rupya. items cannot perform arcana rituals, nor use Enlighten-
• A Yogi, regardless of caste, begins the game ment Powers.
with no money whatsoever, only with his staff, A Siddhi who is wearing any kind of armor at all, or
his robes, his mala (rosary) and a begging bowl. carrying more than 10 encumbering items, cannot use
his mantras or mudras, nor use Enlightenment Powers.
A Thief or Thugee carrying more than 10 encumbering
Loans and Credit items cannot perform any special skill requiring move-
ment and Dexterity (for example, sneaking or climbing).
If a character belongs to a respectable Vaishya, Ksha- A Yogi is forbidden from carrying any items at all
triya or Brahmin clan, he may at any time request and other than his robe, staff, mala rosary and begging bowl.
receive money from his clan. They will give him up to
1000gp times his level, but will expect a repayment of Table 6.1 Sample encumbrance values
the original sum × 1.5 within one month, or double that Item Encumbrance Examples
within 3 months. If a character fails to pay his debt, it
Individual coins, gems, jew-
will lead to a total loss of respect within his clan, and els, sling stones, arrows, heal-
continued non-payment is likely to lead to a lawsuit Free 0
ing herbs, regular clothes,
which can bring as punishment confiscation of goods, leather armor
slavery or indentured servitude; or it may be settled by a All weapons, shields, conch
challenge of a duel in the Kalari arena. Regular 1
shell, lamp, musical instru-
Unpaid debts are also passed on to a person’s heirs, ment, thief tools, rope, bags
with small items, quivers
unless the person who accrued the debt was expelled
from his clan, a drunkard, or insane; as contracts of All metal armor, chests, a
Bulky 5
corpse
loans with such individuals cannot be enforced by law.
A character may also, when traveling to or from a
A bag, satchel or backpack can carry up to 5000
city, leave money with the local heads of his clan, and
coins, a few dozen very small items, or up to a dozen
then receive in exchange an adesha, a note that establish-
non-encumbering or encumbering items of larger size,
es that a given sum can be paid to a third party. In this
within reasonable limits.
way, characters may leave a large sum of money safely in
A mule with saddlebags can carry up to 30 items; a
one place, and receive the same value of money in anoth-
horse with saddlebags can carry up to 40 items. A small
er city. An adesha can also be issued through a temple.
cart can carry up to 100 items, a large cart pulled by two
horses can carry up to 250 items.

54
EQUIPMENT: ARMOR EQUIPMENT: WEAPONS
Armor determines a player character’s armor class. An Weapons have a base damage (in the case of melee
unarmored character has a base ac of 12, modified by weapons, this is modified by a strength bonus), a base
their Dexterity modifier. Worn armor substitutes that ac speed modifier to initiative rolls, and modifiers to hit

EQ UIPMENT AND MONEY

with a new base value, which is likewise modified by the particular armor classes. A description is also included,
Dexterity bonus or penalty. as well as any special features of the item. Ranged weap-
Some ancient suits of armor may be made of bronze. ons additionally have ranges and rates of fire (how many
Bronze scale, lamellar or breastplates have a –1 penalty can be shot in one round).
to their ac. All metallic weapons are by default made of iron.
Shields provide a +1 bonus to ac, or a +2 bonus Ancient weapons may be made of bronze. Bronze weap-
versus ranged weapons. ons have a –1 penalty to damage, and a –1 to all AC hit
Table 6.2 Armor Modifiers.
Some large cities have discovered the secret of forging
Armor Base AC or
Cost Encumbrance steel weapons; these weapons get a +1 bonus to damage,
Type bonus
and a +1 to all AC hit modifiers, but they cost ten times
None 12 none none
the listed price.
Leather 14 30gp none All weapons occupy one encumbrance slot. Sling
Scale 15 40gp 5 stones and arrows are non-encumbering, but require a
Lamellar† 16 60gp 5 bag or quiver to be carried (the bag or quiver counts as a
single encumbering item).
Breastplate‡ 17 80gp 5
Vanara cannot use two handed weapons, and use
Shields†† +1, +2 vs. 10gp 1
axes, khanda swords, maces, scimitars, spears or tridents
ranged
with both hands.
† Lamellar armor is made of longer heavier scales.
‡ Breastplates are made of a single plate of armor on the front
and back plus protective bracers for the arms and legs.
Weapon Details
A XE, PARASHU: A large two-handed axe.
†† Shields can be used as an improvised weapon, doing 1d3
points of damage. Bronze shields do 1d3-1 points of damage. BOW: The bow must be used two-handed, it cannot be
used with a shield.
CHAKRAM: A sharp steel disk, with a large hole in
the center, which can be used both in melee and ranged
combat. It is a complex weapon to use, and anyone who
does not have the “Chakram training” skill will suffer a
– 2 penalty to all attack rolls using it.
DART, THROWING: A heavy barbed dart. It is popular
in the southern kingdoms and Avanti, but rarely used
elsewhere. This weapon can only be used for ranged at-
tacks, not melee.
JAVELIN: An extremely thin well balanced type of throw-
ing spear, it cannot be used in melee. It is popular with bar-
barians and in the southern kingdoms, but not elsewhere.
K ATAR: A very large “punching” dagger, meant for thrusting.
KUKRI: A long curved dagger, favored of Thieves
and assassins.
SPEAR: The common spear can be used to attack op-
ponents from the second row of a battle; it can also be
set to receive a charge; any opponent doing a running or
mounted “charge” attack against a spearman must first
suffer a free attack from the defender; and if the defend-
er hits he will roll double his usual damage.
SPEAR, LONG: This is a two-handed weapon. The spear
can be used to attack opponents from the second row
of a battle. It is too cumbersome to receive a charge, or
to use it while mounted; however it is ideal as one of
the few melee weapons with sufficient reach, to be used
from the top of a War-Elephant’s “howdah” platform.

55
 Table 6.3.1 Melee Weapons
AC hit modifiers
Melee Weapon Damage Cost Speed 12- 13-14 15-17 18+
Unarmed 1d2 n/a +2 +1 0 −1 −5
Improvised weapon 1d3 n/a 0 0 0 −1 −5
ARROWS OF INDRA

Axe 1d8 12gp 0 0 0 0 −1

Axe, parashu† 1d10 25gp −2 0 +1 0 0
Axe, throwing 1d6 5gp +1 0 0 −1 −2
Bow† 1d8 50gp +1 +2 +1 0 0
Club 1d6 n/a −1 0 0 −2 −4
Chakram‡ 1d6 15gp +2 0 0 −2 −4
Dart, throwing 1d3 5sp +1 0 −1 −3 −4
Javelin 1d6 1gp +1 0 −1 −3 −4
Katar dagger 1d6 8gp +1 0 0 0 −2
Knife 1d3 2gp +1 0 0 −2 −4
Kukri dagger 1d4 5gp +2 +1 0 −1 −2
Mace 1d6 8gp 0 0 0 0 0
Mace, heavy† 1d8 10gp −1 +1 0 0 0
Sling 1d4 1gp 0 +1 0 0 −1
Spear 1d6 5gp 0 0 0 0 −1
Spear, long† 1d8 7gp −1 0 0 0 −1
Spear, trident 1d6 6gp 0 +1 0 0 −2
Staff† 1d6 1sp +1 0 0 −2 −4
Strangling cord† special‡ 5sp +1 +1 −1 −2 −5
Sword, khanda 1d8 15gp 0 0 0 0 −1
Sword, scimitar 1d8 15gp +1 +1 0 −1 −2
Sword, tulwar† 1d10 30gp −2 +1 +2 +1 +1
† Requires two hands, cannot be used in conjunction with a shield.
‡ See Weapon Details.

Table 6.3.2 Ranged Weapons

SPEAR, TRIDENT: This three-pronged spear can be set
Range (feet) to receive a charge; however it cannot be used from the
Rate second row of a battle.
Ranged
of Short Medium Long STAFF: The staff must be used two-handed, it cannot
Weapon
Fire be used with a shield.
Improvised STRANGLING CORD: An assassin’s weapon, it requires
1 10 20 30
(ex. rock) either a surprise attack, or that the attacker succeed in
Axe, throwing 1 10 20 30 a grappling check against his opponent. A successful
Bow 1† 50 300 450 attack means that the opponent is automatically consid-
ered grappled, and will take 1d6 damage per round for
Chakram 1 30 60 120
as long as the grapple is maintained.
Dart 3 15 30 45
SWORD, KHANDA: This is a medium length straight
Javelin 1 20 40 60 sword, as compared to the scimitar, a medium-length
Knife 2 10 20 30 curved sword.
Sling stone 1 40 200 350 SWORD, TULWAR: A two-handed curved sword.
Spear 1 10 20 30
† Two arrows may be shot in a single round, at a -5 penalty
to each attack.
Shots fired at targets between short and medium range
suffer a -2 penalty to hit; shots fired at targets between
medium and long range suffer a −4 penalty to hit.
Cost of arrows: A dozen arrows cost 1gp. Steel arrows
cost 1gp each.

56
 EQ UIPMENT AND MONEY

57
 Table 6.4.1 Equipment: Animals Table 6.4.5 Equipment: Housing and Transport
Animal Cost Housing or Transport Cost
Bird, common 5cp Caravanserai, common hall 5cp
Bird, exotic 10gp Caravanserai, average room 2sp
Donkey/mule 20gp Caravanserai, fancy room 2gp
ARROWS OF INDRA

Elephant 200gp Caravanserai, stabling, per steed 5cp

Elephant, war 600gp Cottage, countryside 30gp
Horse, draft 10gp Hovel, city 60gp
Horse, riding 100gp Modest house, city 600gp
Horse, war 500gp Manor house, country 30000gp
Livestock 10gp Mansion, city 50000gp+
Pony 50gp Palace, countryside 100000gp+
Note: Dogs considered unclean animals and would never be kept as Ferry crossing 5sp per person, 25cp
pets or companions. per animal†

Saddlebags cost 25sp. A saddle costs 10gp. A Howdah platform for

Riverboat hire, per day 2gp‡
a war-elephant costs 50gp. † Children are charged 25cp; pregnant women, Yogis, renun-
ciates and Priests are not charged.
‡ Civilized areas only
Table 6.4.2 Equipment: Clothing Note: See Appendix A for more information on rents, housing and
Clothing Item Cost landholding.

Cloak 15sp
Details:
Clothing, peasant 5cp+ H EALING OINTMENT: prevents infection and restores
Clothing, average 5sp+ 1d3Hp after one hour’s rest.
Clothing, wealthy 15gp+ H EALING HERBS, TEA: restores an extra 1+con Hp
Note: All are non-encumbering. (minimum 1 point) per night of rest.
H EALING HERBS, AGAINST PLAGUES: grants a +4 bonus
to saving throws versus infection for 3 days
Table 6.4.3 Equipment: Food A NTITOXIN: provides a +2 bonus to all saving throws
Food Cost versus injected poisons for one hour after taking it
Bhang (cannabis-based liquor), bottle 4sp
POISON CURE: provides a 2nd saving throw versus in-
gested poisons if taken immediately after intoxication; if
Bhang, cup 5cp
the character survives he is violently ill for 24 hours.
Elephant feed, per day 1sp
Horse-feed, per day 5cp Table 6.4.6 Equipment: Siege Weapons
Meal, caravanserai inn 12sp
Siege Weapon Cost
Meal, market stall 5cp
Battering ram 100gp
Palm wine, bottle† 2sp
Catapult, small 150gp
Tharra (sugarcane-based liquor), cup 1cp
Catapult, large 300gp
Travel rations, per day‡ 1sp
† Only available in Southern Kosala or among southern bar- The catapult is a heavy boulder-throwing weapon
barian or Vanara tribes; the drink does not travel well. usually used as a siege weapon against city walls. A
‡ Each ration counts as one encumbering item.
small catapult can hit up to 150 feet, a large catapult up
to 200 feet. A catapult fired at the area a character is in
Table 6.4.4 Equipment: Herbalism does not roll “to hit” but rather the character in question
rolls a saving throw (modified by his Dexterity and any
Cost
Herbal Treatment acrobatic bonuses) to attempt to avoid the boulder. All
(per dose)
characters within 15 feet of a small catapult’s boulder,
Healing ointment 20gp
or 30 feet of a large catapult’s boulder, must make this
Healing herbs, tea 10gp saving throw or take damage. Small catapults do 3d6
Healing herbs, against plagues 15sp damage, large catapults do 4d6 damage.
Antitoxin 30gp
Poison cure 20gp
Note: All herbal treatments are non-encumbering items.

58
Table 6.4.6 Miscellaneous Equipment born a slave, were sentenced to slavery by the local ruler,
or were sold into slavery by their own clan for non-pay-
Equipment Cost
ment of debts. Similarly, barbarians may be sold into
Bag or satchel/backpack 16cp slavery if they are captured in war. It is an offense punish-
Blanket or bedroll 15cp able by death to attempt to sell someone into slavery who
would not qualify to be a slave under these guidelines.

EQ UIPMENT AND MONEY

Boat, river 50gp
Boat, river, large 100gp
The children of a Kshatriya or Brahmin who is re-
duced to slavery will not be slaves themselves.
Boat, large river or seafaring 15000gp
A slave has the right to keep property or riches that
Candle 1cp† he earns by his own legal means. If he or his family or
Cart, hand-drawn 25sp friends pay a sum equal to the sale value of the slave to
Cart, horse or ox-drawn 10gp his owner, he must by law be set free. Forcing a slave to
Chariot (requires 2 horses to pull) 50gp
perform any of the acts restricted to the untouchables
(handling the dead, fecal matter, etc.) is strictly forbid-
Chest 15sp
den, and if a slave-owner is found guilty of the offense
Conch-shell 2gp he must pay a fine equal to the slave’s value to the slave
Incense, cheap 1cp‡ (which could then theoretically be used by the slave to
Incense, high-quality 1sp‡ buy his or her freedom). If a child is born to a female
Lamp 5sp
slave that is demonstrably the offspring of her owner,
both mother and child must be freed.
Lamp oil, flask 5cp
Concubines are a special class of slave, they are pur-
Mallet & 5 stakes 8cp chased but must be treated in a manner similar to wives,
Mirror, silver 30gp with the duties and protection inherent therein, and any
Musical instrument, flute 1sp offspring are born free and recognized as children of their
Musical instrument, stringed 20gp
father. It is also possible for a concubine to be a “kliba”
or member of the “third sex”; that is a male who dresses
Parchment paper 10gp
and acts as a female. The price listed above is for a con-
Pole (10ft) 5cp cubine of exceptional value (and usually, beauty), trained
Quiver (30 arrows capacity) 15sp in the arts (particularly singing and dance, which are im-
Rosary-beads (“mala”), wood 1sp portant courtly skills) and specifically intended to be sold
Rope (50ft) 4sp
as a concubine; but theoretically any female or “kliba”
slave may be taken as a concubine. It is not uncommon
Shovel 3sp
for wealthy members of the nobility to have multiple
Tent 2gp wife-concubines, for example the great hero (and divine
Thief tools 20gp avatara) Krishna has over sixteen thousand of them!
Tinderbox 5sp
Torch 1cp Table 6.5.1 Slaves
Water-skin 1sp Type Cost
Writing tablet 4cp Child, servant 150gp
† Provides illumination in a 10’ radius for 3 hours. Sudra caste slave 200gp
‡ Cheap incense is used for common religious worship and
Trained craftsman* 2000gp
prayer; high-quality incense is a necessary ingredient to
perform arcana rituals. Trained guard/Fighter* 5000gp
Provides illumination in a 30’ radius for 4 hours per flask of
Slave foreman or skilled administrator 8000gp
oil.
Provides illumination in a 30’ radius for 2 hours. Kshatriya caste slave 10000gp
Non-encumbering
Brahmin caste slave 20000gp
Skilled concubine† 20000gp

Slaves Slave with magical abilities +15000gp

Non-human slave +15000gp
All slaves cost a minimum of 2sp per month to main-
† Regardless of caste.
tain, though it would not be unusual for more valued
slaves to be maintained at a higher level (at least 1gp per
month); the basic cost is usually subsumed into the costs
of landholding if their owner has a landholding.
NOTE: The term “dasa” is used to refer to slaves in
Jagat. There are strict social laws regarding slavery; a
person can only be sold or bought as a slave if they were

59
ARROWS OF INDRA

Table 6.5.2 Hirelings

Monthly
Hireling Average Cost
Wage
Unskilled laborer 1-50sp 12gp
Craftsman, general 2-20gp 6gp
Craftsman, high-caste, general 3-30gp 12gp
Priest or Siddhi level 1 18-25gp 20gp
Priest or Siddhi level 2-4 25-60gp 40gp
Soldier, common 10-20gp 15gp
Soldier, Kshatriya 13-40gp 30gp
Accountant 3-30gp+ depends on business size
Animal trainer 10-15gp 12gp
Armorer/weaponsmith 5-30gp 12gp
Doctor/ “ayurvedin” 25-40gp 30gp
Musician/singer 4-40gp 12gp
Sailor, skilled 3-30gp 15gp
Scholar (pandit, astronomer, chronicler, etc) 10-40gp 20gp
Sculptor 10-40gp 20gp
Spy 20-40gp 30gp

HIRELINGS tensive and auspicious marriage ceremonies, or as much

as 10000gp for a purification rite to make one obtain
“Hirelings” refers to any type of employees or pro- “holy” alignment.
fessionals hired with a monthly wage. Such hirelings Thieves and Thugees are not included in this list of
must be sought out, usually in cities, and negotiations hirelings as their wages are usually extremely variable, de-
may result in their wages being higher or lower than the pending on the nature of the job being required of them.
indicated amount. Prices below list a typical range, and a Note that anyone who is hired in this manner to ac-
more standard kind of price an average member of that company adventurers in their travels will, if expected to
profession would normally get. be put into direct danger, demand a portion of any plun-
The cost of hiring a Priest does not include the cost der obtained in the adventure; in the case of non-com-
of special temple services for rituals. Temple services batant classes, this will be a half-share, while in the case
usually vary in range from 10gp for very simple cere- of Fighters, Priests, Siddhis, or Thieves, it will be a full
monies related to birth, coming of age, 100gp for ex- share of the treasure.

60
GAME MASTER
PROCEDURES
 TASK RESOLUTION The basic reaction roll is done by rolling and consult-

T
ing the following table:
he basic method of resolving any task
is by the “ability check”. To roll an ability Table 7.1 Reactions (2d6)
check the Gm must first determine which Roll Reaction
attribute you are basing your attempt on:
Extremely hostile (if applicable to the situation, the
ARROWS OF INDRA

Strength governs anything requiring brute 2-3

creature will attack the PCs).
force, Dexterity everything to do with manual agility or
Negative. The creature is likely to be hostile if al-
motion, Constitution governs one’s endurance and re- 4-5 ready inclined in that direction, and if not will cer-
sistance to effects, Intelligence one’s general intellectual tainly not be favorable in any way.
knowledge and education, Wisdom one’s senses includ- Neutral/undecided. The NPC is not strongly di-
ing common sense and spiritual senses, and Charisma rected favorably or unfavorably toward the PC. A
one’s attractiveness and social ease or grace. creature would attack if it tends to be aggressive
The ability check is resolved by rolling a d20, adding 6-8 by default; an NPC will act according to their own
nature unswayed by the PC’s attempt to influence
the ability score modifier, adding any special class bonus- them. A second roll is probably called for if the PC
es (for example, Thief bonuses to climbing or Scout bo- continues to try to influence the NPC.
nuses to tracking), adding any background or class skill Favorable. The NPC/creature is mildly favorable to
bonuses, and adding any miscellaneous modifiers due to the PC, will tend to think well of them, try to grant
the environment or other circumstances; and comparing them what they want if it is within reason, will not
the total of this result to a difficulty number. immediately attack unless provoked directly, and
9-10
will be swayed by the PC’s arguments. In particular-
The base difficulty check number that must be sur- ly complex social situations, a second reaction roll
passed for success varies according to the difficulty of the may be called for as the PCs continue to interact
task; for simple activities with relatively unlimited time with and try to influence the NPC.
the Dc is 10; for tasks that are challenging or have to Highly favorable. The NPC will be convinced by the
be done within a time limit, the Dc is 15; exceptionally PC’s argument, fooled by their manipulation, or will
difficult challenges are based on Dc20. Some skill checks tend to favor them in any social situation, will be
11-12 attracted to them, etc. A creature will certainly not
might depend on oppositional rolls when two characters attack unless given good cause to, and may even
are at odds with each other, for example sneaking vs. per- demonstrate friendliness to the PC if it is in the
ception. In such cases, both characters roll and add their creature’s nature to do so.
bonuses, with the higher result succeeding. Characters
making unopposed skill checks can choose to “take a 10” In some cases, the basic reaction check will be done
(assume they rolled a 10 instead of actually rolling the to gauge a being’s reaction to the player character party
die), If they have at least a +1 bonus from anything other as a whole. In that case, the Gm should feel free to apply
than their ability score modifier (that is, they have some modifiers of anywhere between – 4 to +4 depending on
kind of training or special talent). any number of mitigating factors he feels may apply to
the reaction check. A beast found in the jungle that is
Reaction Rolls by its nature fierce and savage will likely have a penalty
to reaction checks. A Priest of a god that at least
When the Gm needs to determine the basic impression one Pc is a sworn devotee of as well may have
an Npc has of a Pc, a reaction roll is called for. This kind a bonus to his reactions, and would have a
of roll should be done when the Gm wants to know higher bonus if said god had apparently
how the Npc reacts to the player character’s social granted boons to the Pc.
behavior; be it an initial encounter in the mid- In any case where an individual
dle of the wilderness, how an Npc reacts to a Pc is the one doing the social in-
character flirting with them, how a noble teraction with an Npc (or the bulk
Npc reacts to a speech intended to con- of the social interactions) then that
vince them to do something, or how Pc’s Charisma modifier should affect the
a guard reacts to a Pc’s attempt reaction check roll also. In situations where
to lie to them. Note that a re- multiple Pcs are trying to speak up and in-
action roll can be used also fluence the Gm may judge that “too many cooks
in the case of wild animals or spoil the broth” and not give any charisma-based
monsters, to determine whether modifier to the roll, unless the second or subsequent
in a random wilderness encounter Pcs are being very careful to co-operate in how they are
the creature automatically attacks a assisting the main Pc’s interaction. In some cases where
Pc or group of Pcs. various Pcs try to actively influence the situation and
use wildly different strategies, contradict each other, or
undermine each others’ positions, the Gm may choose to
add a negative modifier to the reaction check to repre-

64
sent this kind of bungled diplomacy. tire group. A group of monsters or creatures will make
If a Pc has charisma-based skills, and they use those a morale check collectively if they are operating as a
skills in a relevant way to affect reactions, the Pc should unit: a) on the occasion of losing their first team-mate,
roll a skill check; if they succeed at the skill check they b) when they are down to half their numbers, or c) when
should likewise gain a bonus to their reaction checks of they are down to one-third their numbers. Henchmen

GAME MASTER PROCEDURES

at least +1, if not more. Some skills or abilities indicate a and other followers of Player Characters will likewise
set bonus to reaction rolls in their description. have to do morale checks the first time a member of
Note that the reactions in the reaction table are their side is killed or incapacitated in a battle (regardless
broad outlines; the Gm should feel free to interpret of whether said member is a Pc or an Npc), when half
them how he feels based on the vagaries of the particu- the total party (Pcs and Npcs) have been taken out, or
lar situation. All reaction checks are deeply dependent when the party is reduced to one-third the numbers it
not only on the circumstances of the environment but had at the start of a fight.
also the quality of the role-playing done by the player Servants of all kinds may additionally make a mo-
in his expression of what his character is attempting to rale check if they are ordered to do something that goes
do and how his character acts. deeply against their nature (for example, a deeply vir-
tuous Npc being asked to do a wicked act, or a deeply
MORALE RULES cowardly Npc being asked to risk their lives); or anytime
that a Pc orders them to do something that would sig-
All monsters, animals and non-player character ser- nificantly and imminently endanger them and would
vants, hirelings, as well as certain other kinds of Npcs will not simultaneously endanger the Pc themselves. For ex-
have a “morale” score. This score indicates the general ample, a morale check would certainly be necessary for
courage and overall loyalty of that individual. Morale is a hireling Npc if a Pc ordered the servant to fight off a
generally used in two contexts: first, to determine whether group of Rakshasas while the Pc ran away.
an individual or group of beings will flee from combat, Monsters’ morale score varies wildly according to
and second to determine whether a servant or employee the race of monster; as a general rule most humanoids
will be obedient, trustworthy or loyal to their chief. will normally have a basic score of 7; extremely fierce
Morale scores are expressed as a number value, usual- or steadfast creatures may have 8 or 9. Religious fanat-
ly between 2-12. This is the number that a morale check ics or other forms of zealots could have 10 or even 11.
is based upon. The morale check is a 2d6 roll, where Non-intelligent constructs and the non-intelligent living
if the result of the roll is equal or less than the morale dead will always have a morale of 12. Creatures who are
score, the check is a success; but if the roll is higher than very powerful are likely to have a morale higher than the
the morale score, the roll fails and morale is broken. average for their species.
Creatures and monsters in combat (including animal The morale of servants, hirelings or followers is al-
companions of the Pcs) make a morale check as individ- ways 7 modified by the charisma modifier of the person
uals: a) when they have taken their first hit in a battle, hiring or leading them. This can be (at the Gm’s discre-
b) after a hit reduces them to less than half their total tion) further increased by significant rewards or offer-
hit points, and c) after a hit in a battle reduces them to ings of double pay, or by a series of generous actions on
less than one-third their total hit points. If they fail the the part of their employers. Likewise, failure to pay their
morale roll by 1-2 points (for example, a character with wages regularly or repeated mistreatment of the servant
morale 7 rolling an 8 or 9) then they will attempt to will reduce morale score.
make an ordered retreat or withdrawal; if they fail mo- For both monsters or allied Npcs, the morale score
rale by 3-4 points, they will directly flee (possibly grant- can be affected positively or negatively at the Gm’s dis-
ing opponents in a melee a free attack); and if they fail cretion if the conditions of a particular battle would
by 5 or more points, they will attempt to surrender and indicated it. Generally speaking, if the opponents of a
beg for mercy. If for some reason the action they would group are clearly vastly superior in power or numbers to
normally undertake is impossible (for example, if the the group, this should generate a penalty of – 2 to their
opponents have nowhere to flee), the character will still morale value; likewise if the group are vastly superior in
enter into a state of panic for one round during which power or numbers to their opponents, they could have a
they forfeit their action, and will afterward be continual- bonus of up to +2 to morale. Constructs and non-intelli-
ly seeking a chance to flee; also, any subsequent morale gent living dead would, of course, not have their morale
check failure will mean the character automatically at- affected by such considerations.
tempts to surrender regardless of the margin of failure.
Hirelings or followers of Player Characters do not
make a morale check after their first hit, but rather only
WILDERNESS TRAVEL
if they are reduced to one-half or one-third of their Hp. The wilderness is generally meant to describe travel
Other potential Npc companions of the Pcs that would outside of cities, towns, villages or the road system of the
not qualify as either hirelings or followers would still be Bharata Kingdoms. Thus, the mountains, forests, jungles,
required to make that initial morale check. the desert of Thar or any other wild or lonely place is
Morale can also fail in combat collectively for an en- considered “wilderness”.

65
 Travel Times NOTE: See “Overland Travel Random Encounters”
for information about encounters along roads and in
Characters traveling on foot can cover about 18 miles the wilderness.
per day of travel on a road; about 12 miles per day in
clear open grassland, about 9 miles per day in desert or
hills, and about 6 miles per day in forest or jungle.
EXPERIENCE POINT AWARDS
Traveling on horseback, one can cover about 36 miles Experience Points (Xp) are usually given at the end
ARROWS OF INDRA

per day on the road, 24 in clear grassland, 12 in desert of a night’s gaming session. If a session is only part of a
or hills, or 9 in forest or jungle. multi-part adventure, the Gm may wish to assign Xp at
Traveling by river on a riverboat, assuming the river some later period; likewise a Gm may wish to give out
is navigable, about 24 miles a day can be covered down- experience points at some appropriate moment during
stream, or 18 miles per day upstream. an adventure.
Traveling in open sea assuming calm weather allows Experience points are awarded for two significant
one to cover 48 miles, assuming average (favorable) causes: defeating opponents and obtaining treasure.
winds. This is reduced to 36 miles with unfavorable Opponents are considered to have been defeated if
winds, and no movement if there is no wind. they are killed, if they flee due to morale or other causes
(note that additional Xp are not granted in this case if
Wilderness Orientation the same opponents are subsequently encountered in
the same game session), or if they surrender in battle.
In the dense jungles, wild mountains or featureless It is also possible a Gm may wish to award experience
deserts, it is easy to get lost. Whenever a group of char- for creatures who are “defeated” in other ways: if they
acters enter wilderness terrain and travel through it for are circumvented, tricked, made harmless, or won over.
over an hour, a Dc 10 WIS check (modified by hunting The amount of Xp granted for each opponent defeated
or tracking bonuses) is required to retain a sense of di- is based on the number of hit dice or levels an opponent
rection and location. A new check of the same sort must had.
be made every 1d6 days of wilderness travel. If the Gm Creatures or opponents with special supernatural
feels that a given terrain is particularly dense, treacher- abilities (immunities, spell-like powers, supernatural poi-
ous or difficult, the Dc for avoiding getting lost can be son, death touch, spell-casting, regeneration, etc) count
elevated to Dc15. as being one Hit Die higher (for Xp purposes) for each
Characters with astronomy can likewise do a Dc10 special ability they have.
int check (modified by astronomy) to obtain a sense of Player characters also gain experience points for any
direction, but this requires observing the clear night sky treasures obtained: These treasures can be literal coins,
for at least 10 minutes. However, this will not necessarily or objects of value. They must, however, be obtained
help them figure out the best route to get to where they during the course of an adventure; from defeating mon-
are going, only a sense of where they are in proportion sters, war loot from defeated opponents, or as a reward
to their destination. for completing quests. Money given as profits from
business or work, or money granted from properties,
Wilderness Survival or from other means of “civilized business” never grant
experience points. The experience points granted by trea-
Characters who wish to find sufficient food to survive
sure are equal to 1Xp per each Rupya (gp) of value. Xp
in the wilderness must make a WIS check, modified by
from objects (gems, jewels, looted trade goods, weapons,
any skills in tracking, hunting, or fishing (if they have
magical items, etc) is ONLY granted if the players sell
access to a body of water). The Dc for this is general-
the objects and obtain monetary value for them. If they
ly 10 in most types of terrain, except in desert or high
keep them or give them away, these do not count toward
mountains, where the Dc is 15. Each success means that
the Xp total (though the Gm may wish in certain circum-
the Pc obtained enough sustenance to enable one person
stances to award Xp based on the value of an object that
to survive for 1d6 days.
is given as a gift if the gifting is a significant gesture; for
If characters go without food for 24 hours they must
example, an important gift to at temple, restoring a lost
make a saving throw modified by their constitution
jewel to a princess, or giving away valuable goods to an
to avoid losing one point of constitution temporarily;
impoverished village as charity).
each 24 hour period thereafter requires a similar saving
Participating in a battle during war may also grant
throw; once the character is able to eat again he will re-
experience points aside from the basic value of specific
cover all lost constitution points after one day.
opponents defeated. A battle could grant between 100-
If a character does not have access to water for 24
1000Xp to each player character who participated.
hours, he must make a saving throw each day thereafter,
Finally, a Gm may choose to grant Xp for any reason
modified by his constitution bonus; failure results in the
he wishes; some Gms grant Xp for exceptional role-play-
loss of one-third of their normal constitution score. If a
ing, for example, or for meeting specific campaign goals.
character is able to drink again, they recover all lost con-
stitution points after one day.

66
 GAME MASTER PROCEDURES

67
 When Xp are being assigned, the Gm should total the
value of Xp gained in that session, and divide this total COMBAT
by the number of player characters participating. This is
the Xp given to each player’s character.
If a party also included Npcs, the hirelings followers
Timing
or retainers of a Pc should gain Xp equal to a single Time in combat is measured in “rounds.” One round
lasts 6 seconds of approximate time.
ARROWS OF INDRA

share of only the combat Xp; treasure Xp should only be

given individually to an Npc based on money he was giv-
en or obtained above and beyond his normal wages. Random Encounter Distance
Npcs who are not retainers but characters in their
The Gm should use common sense with determining
own right and equal partners or companions to the Pcs
how far away an initial encounter might be from the Pcs
should gain the equivalent of one share of the total expe-
when they are first spotted. If there is no clear natural
rience points; that is, the same total amount that any of
indication of what the initial distance should be for a
the player characters received.
potentially hostile encounter, assume that it is a distance
of 4d6×10 feet in open wilderness, 2d6×10 feet in wil-
Level Advancement derness terrain that may limit line of sight (forests or
When a player character would advance in character mountains), or 1d6×10 feet in enclosed areas like caves,
level, he must first be able to spend some time in training buildings, or urban environments.
and personal improvement. The amount of time neces-
sary for this should be two days per level (of the new Surprise attacks
experience level obtained). Thus, characters who wish to
At times it may be possible to take opponents by sur-
benefit from a rise in experience must be between adven-
prise. In a given encounter where neither side is aware
tures, or intentionally rest or pause somewhere to engage
of the others’ presence until the initial encounter takes
in personal contemplation and self-improvement. Level
place, there is a 2/6 chance that either side may be taken
gains never happen in mid-adventure.
by surprise. If both would be taken by surprise the mu-
tual surprise cancels itself out. If one side is taken by sur-
Table 7.2 Experience Points prise, the other may choose to make a free attack, with
Hit Dice XP Granted only that side getting to roll initiative on the first round,
Less than 1 5 after which regular combat begins.
It is also possible to make a surprise attack in a situa-
1 10
tion where one side of an encounter is aware of an oppo-
2 25 nent’s presence but the other is not. Here, the side that is
3 50 not surprised may attempt to set up an ambush or sneak
4 100 up on their opponents to attack by surprise; this will
5 200 usually require a sneak check (which would be based on
DEX), opposed by the other side’s perception check (which
6 350
would be based on wis, to which Thief characters could
7 550 usually add their Listen bonus). Note that if an entire
8 775 group is trying to sneak up on an enemy unawares, the
9 1000 rules for multiple Pcs attempting the same task could ap-
10 1100 ply, and the Gm may inflict penalties for each member of
the group who is unskilled at sneaking or wearing heavy
11 1250
noisy armor or items. Likewise if a whole group is trying
12 1375 to listen, the group task resolutions would apply; and
13 1500 while unskilled characters would not penalize the attempt,
14 1650 there may be other conditions (cover, the dark of night,
15 1850 the advanced states of drunkenness of the watchmen, etc.)
that may cause penalties to the perception check. As soon
16 2000
as a character who is hidden attacks, his position becomes
17 2125 obvious to the victim and anyone adjacent to the victim,
18 2250 but others not adjacent might (at the Gm’s discretion) still
19 2375 need to make perception checks to try to confirm the loca-
20 2500† tion of the attacker.
Attacks against an opponent who is surprised grant
† For every Hit Dice level after the 20th add +250xp
a +2 bonus to hit, or a +4 bonus to hit for Thieves and
Thugees. Against opponents who are surprised and un-
aware, Thieves and Thugees can do “backstab” damage
(see Thief and Thugee class entries for backstabbing

68
rules). A Thugee additionally can make a backstab at- concentration to maintain, a character maintaining con-
tack against any opponent who has not yet acted in the centration can walk up to his regular movement of 30 ft
first round of combat. but cannot take any other action.
Change weapons: A character may put away a weapon
Initiative in his hand and draw a new weapon; he may also move

GAME MASTER PROCEDURES

up to 30 feet while doing so. A character can also choose
When an encounter turns into a battle, the first order to drop whatever is in his hand, draw a new weapon and
of business is to determine initiative. At the start of a attack; if he does this he cannot move more than 5 feet,
battle, all the participants must make an initiative roll to and his attack roll that round has a – 2 penalty.
determine when they get to act. In each following round, Other action: A character may use an object, try
initiative is rolled again. Optionally, the Gm may choose to use some kind of skill or take any number of other
to have all the Npc opponents or creatures of the same actions not covered by the above options; any special
type roll a single collective initiative, and resolve all their action depends on the Gm’s judgment as to whether the
actions at once at that “group initiative” value. action is permissible or not.
Initiative is determined by the following formula:

1d6 + Dexterity Modifier + weapon speed modifier

Attacks
OR + other action modifier To hit an opponent a character must make the follow-
ing rolls.
Weapon speed modifiers are listed in the equipment For melee attacks: 1d20 + Str bonus + attack bonus
section, in the “weapons” section. You only add weapon (by level, weapon skills, and weapon hit modifiers).
speed modifier if you are planning to have the Pc attack For ranged attacks: 1d20 + DEX bonus + attack bonus
an opponent in melee or ranged combat. If a character (by level, weapon skills, and weapon hit modifiers).
is planning to take no other action but movement in his In either case, there are various miscellaneous modifi-
round, he adds a +2 modifier to his initiative. If a char- ers that could add or subtract from the roll (such as visi-
acter is using some form of magic (a mantra, mudra, or bility, range penalties, penalties from drawing a weapon
enlightenment power, or the use of magical object) he and attacking in the same round, aiming bonuses, penal-
has a – 1 penalty to his initiative. If a character is taking ties from firing two arrows, bonuses from magic, etc).
any other kind of action he has no bonus or penalty to To score a hit against an opponent, the attack roll to-
his initiative aside from Dexterity. tal must be equal or greater than the target’s armor class.
Characters act in order from highest initiative score to
lowest in the round. Natural 1 and 20
A player may choose, on his initiative turn, to choose
to have his character “delay” his action; he can wait ei- If the roll on the d20 die is a “natural” (unmodified) 1, the
ther until another specific character with lower initiative attack roll always misses, regardless of any other modifiers.
has acted (in which case his action takes place after the A roll of a “natural” 20 always hits, regardless of an
other character), or he can wait to act at the very end of opponent’s armor class.
the round. If more than one character delays until the Additionally, if the natural 20 roll with all modifiers
end of the round, the character with the highest original would have hit the opponent’s armor class, it is a “criti-
initiative value gets to decide whether to act before or cal hit”, and the player who made the roll can immedi-
after any other character who delayed. ately make a free second attack. The second attack does
not have to be against the same opponent. The critical
Actions hit rule applies in all cases, so in theory a character who
rolls another natural 20 on his free second attack and
In a round of combat, characters may choose to take scores another “critical hit” can continue to make a third
the following actions: free attack, and so on. Thus a player who continues to
MOVEMENT: Characters may move their full move- roll natural 20s and surpass his opponent’s armor class
ment rate of up to 90 feet moving per round if they may continue rolling until they fail to do so.
take no other action.
COMBAT: Characters can choose to make a movement Charging
of up to 30 feet and also make a melee or ranged attack.
They can also do a charging attack of up to 60 feet. A character performing a melee attack can choose to
MULTIPLE ATTACKS: Characters who have multiple at- charge at his opponent. To do this he must be at least
tacks per round and wish to use them, or who choose to 20 feet away from his opponent, and can move up to 60
fire more than one arrow, cannot move during that round. feet to hit his opponent; his entire movement must be in
USE MAGIC: A mantra, mudra, or enlightenment power the direction of his opponent. A charging character gets
can be used during a combat round, a character who a +1 bonus to hit but suffers a −2 penalty to his armor
uses any of these cannot move more than 5 feet in the class until his next round’s action.
same round. If a spell has already been cast but requires Opponents who are the target of a charge and are
armed with a spear or trident (and are aware of the

69
 character’s presence) can “set their spear”; they gain a
free attack against the charging character that is resolved
Firing into Melee
before the character rolls his charge attack. If they hit, A character who fires at an opponent currently en-
they do double damage to the charging character. gaged in melee combat must take a −4 penalty to his
attack roll. If he fails to do so, then any shot missed by
Defensive combat less than a margin of 4 will hit the person his opponent
was in melee with. If there was more than one character
ARROWS OF INDRA

Any character can choose to enter a partial or total in melee with his intended target, roll randomly to deter-
defensive posture in their initiative turn. A character mine who suffers the hit. This penalty does not apply if
who enters into a partial defensive posture suffers a −4 his intended target is of Large size and all of the target’s
penalty to their attack rolls but gains +2 ac until their melee opponents are medium size or less.
next initiative turn. Characters who enter into a partial
defensive posture can still move up to 30 feet.
A character who enters into a totally defensive pos-
Mounted Combat
ture gains a +4 bonus to their ac, but can take no other Characters who are on horseback, on a chariot, or on
action; they cannot attack, use magic, or do anything an elephant with a howdah platform gain a +1 bonus to
else, except move 5 feet. hit opponents on foot in melee combat. They gain a +1
bonus to their ac against any attacks from opponents on
Missile Weapon Ranges foot. This bonus to ac also applies to the mounts.
Only war horses and war elephants can effectively
Any attack with a ranged weapon firing at a range be- be used to fight in combat. Any other types of these an-
tween its listed short range and listed medium range suf- imals will make a morale check every round that there
fers a −2 penalty. If the attack is against a target that is is combat, and if they fail will run off out of control of
at a distance between the weapon’s listed medium range their rider (requiring a Dc 15 riding check to avoid be-
and listed long range, the attack suffers a −4 penalty. ing thrown in the first round, and a second Dc 15 riding
To fire off a ranged attack, a Pc must be at least 5 feet check in the next round to regain control, and subjecting
away from his target, and cannot have any aggressive op- a Pc to the standard “free attack” from any opponent in
ponent in melee with him.

Multiple Shots
Characters armed with a bow, the noblest of
weapons in Kshatriya culture, may choose to make
two shots per attack rather than just one. If they do
so, they suffer a −5 penalty to hit with both shots.
Note that high level characters with multiple attacks
can take two shots for each attack they have. Charac-
ters who take multiple shots cannot move or take any
other action.
Characters who are throwing knives as ranged
attacks can throw two knives per attack without
any penalty to their attack roll; but only if they are
throwing them both at the same opponent; if they
throw them at two different opponents they suffer a
−5 penalty to their second throw. Likewise, charac-
ters throwing darts can throw up to three darts per
attack without penalty, but only if they are throwing
them at the same opponent; if not, they suffer a −5
penalty to each throw that is not to the same target
as their first throw of the round.

Aimed Shot
Characters armed with a ranged weapon can
choose to forgo their attack that turn and instead
spend the round aiming their weapon. They can take
no other action and cannot move while aiming. On
their next round they fire all their ranged attacks with
a +4 bonus to hit (this is still affected by penalties
from range or multiple attacks).

70
melee combat with them). War Horses or War elephants Protective Cover
only check morale in the usual circumstances listed in
the rules on Morale, and will not throw their riders but Characters who are partially covered behind a solid
only lose control and try to flee if they fail the check; re- object, like a wall, gain a +2 bonus to their ac.
quiring a Dc 15 riding check to avoid this.
Morale Failure and Fleeing

GAME MASTER PROCEDURES

Any mount that takes enough damage to be knocked
unconscious or killed will fall to the ground; any charac- An opponent who fails a morale check will either
ters on that steed will have to make a saving throw mod- make a withdrawal, flee, plead to surrender, or enter a
ified by their Dexterity bonus (and by any acrobatics bo- panicked state where they will not be able to take any
nus), to avoid taking 1d6 damage from the fall. Getting action for a round. A character who turns to flee from a
up after being thrown takes one round during which the melee opponent grants that opponent a free attack.
character can take no other action.
Withdrawal
Mounted Charge A character who moves away from or flees from a
Characters who are on horseback may choose to melee situation suffers a free attack from any opponent
charge at any opponent who is at least 20 feet away. in melee with him, unless he chooses to spend one round
They can charge up to 80 feet (assuming they are on where he makes an orderly withdrawal, moving back-
horseback, otherwise up to double the standard move- ward at up to half his regular movement rate (typically
ment of their mount), and gain a +2 bonus to their at- 15 feet) without making an attack.
tack roll. If they hit, they do double damage.
Opponents who are the target of a mounted charge
Helpless Opponents
and are armed with a spear or trident (and are aware Opponents who are completely helpless (either un-
of the character’s presence) can “set their spear”; they conscious, paralyzed, completely bound or pinned, or
gain a free attack against the charging character that is otherwise totally immobilized) can be hit automatically
resolved before the character rolls his charge attack. If by melee attacks; any melee strike against a helpless
they hit, they do double damage to the charging char- opponent will automatically do double the maximum
acter. The standard ac modifier for mounted characters usual damage against a helpless opponent. For exam-
being attacked by footmen still applies. ple, a character who’s melee attack does 1d8+1 damage
Characters cannot perform a mounted charge from an would do 18 points of damage against a totally helpless
elephant platform, but a war elephant may itself be ordered opponent (double the maximum roll and also double the
to charge, and do damage from its own attacks instead. modifier). Characters who have backstab do double their
usual maximum backstabbing damage against a com-
Firing from Horseback pletely helpless opponent.
Characters who are trying to fire ranged attacks from
horseback (or any other moving mount) suffer a –5 pen-
Prone
alty to hit. This penalty does not apply if the character is An opponent who has fallen to the ground or is oth-
firing from a chariot or howdah elephant platform driv- erwise prone suffers a −4 penalty to his Armor Class.
en by a skilled charioteer. Getting up from a prone position requires a full round
during which no other action can be taken.
Other Combat Modifiers:
Wrestling
Visibility Wrestling as a term describes a variety of unarmed
Characters who are in a situation of total darkness combat maneuvers. Using Wrestling one can grapple,
(and cannot see in darkness), or who have been struck trip, or disarm an opponent. The attacker must specify
blind, have a −6 penalty to all melee attack rolls, and a which kind of maneuver he is attempting before making
−12 penalty to all ranged attack rolls. Characters who the wrestling check.
have no visibility are always considered surprised for the A wrestling maneuver is done by rolling a d20 + Str
purposes of being attacked by any character who can see. bonus + basic attack bonus + any wrestling skill bonus.
Invisible opponents operate in much the same way: The target of the wrestling maneuver rolls the same but
all foes who cannot see the invisible have the same pen- may choose to substitute his Dexterity bonus for his
alties as listed above to strike them (and only stand a strength bonus. If the attacker rolls higher, he has suc-
chance of attacking at all if they have a vague idea of ceeded in affecting his opponent.
where the opponent might be), and invisible opponents Grappling: A successful grapple maneuver means that
can strike any foe they can see normally as if it was a both attacker and target are now grabbing each other,
surprise attack. neither can take any action in the next round other than
do a wrestling maneuver, and both count as though they
would be “surprised” against attacks from any other

71
 opponent. A character who is already in a grapple may Every character has a saving throw value (determined by
attempt, on a subsequent round, to make another grap- class and improving with level); said value represents the
pling maneuver to attempt to break free of the grapple, number that must be rolled equal to or higher than on
to strike at his opponent in the grapple, or to attempt a d20 in order to successfully “save” against the danger.
to pin his opponent (note that it does not matter if a Sample dangers that can be resolved by a saving throw
character was the victim or the instigator of the original include damage from sudden traps, poisons, trying to re-
ARROWS OF INDRA

grappling maneuver). A success at attempting to break duce damage from a fall, various forms of magic, magic
free releases the grapple status; a successful strike ma- items, special attacks from monsters, and attacks that
neuver deals unarmed damage, while a successful pin cause area damage (these are usually saved against to
means that the opponent becomes unable to move or reduce the damage taken by half, though in some cases a
take any action for however long the attacker chooses to saving throw might remove all damage taken).
dedicate his action each round to holding the pin.
Tripping: A successful “tripping” maneuver causes Healing and Recovery
the target to fall to the floor, up to five feet away in the
direction desired by the attacker (this maneuver can also Characters can recover lost hit points through magic
theoretically be used to trip someone off a ledge or into or special powers; otherwise they can recover lost hit
a pit, etc.). Getting up from a prone position on the floor points naturally through healing herbs or ointments,
takes a full round. through medical care, or rest.
Disarming: A character can attempt to use a wrestling A character who rests for a full night will recover
maneuver to disarm an opponent; if the defender of the his Level + Con modifier (minimum: 1 Hp). A character
maneuver has a weapon in their hand and the attacker resting for a full day can heal the same amount. Anyone
does not, the defender gets a free attack against his as- drinking a dose of herbal healing tea before resting will
sailant before the maneuver is executed. If the maneuver recover an extra amount equal to 1+ Con modifier (mini-
is successfully executed, the attacker has knocked his op- mum 1Hp) with a night of rest. Anyone under the care of
ponent’s weapon out of his hand, the weapon falling to someone with the apothecary/doctor skill will heal twice
the ground up to five feet away in the direction chosen their regular Hp for a night or day of rest if the doctor
by the attacker; if the maneuver succeeds by a margin makes a Dc15 skill check to treat them that day.
of 5 or more, and the attacker was unarmed, he may Anyone who took damage of any kind during a battle
choose instead to wield the weapon he disarmed from can apply a healing unguent; this will remove any risk
his opponent. Picking up an object from the floor takes a of infection from the wound, and will heal 1d3 points
full round. of damage after the character rests for at least an hour.
Healing ointments can be used a maximum of once per
DAMAGE AND DYING day per character.

Aging and Illness

Injury Yaksha and Gandharva characters do not age. Rak-
Characters who reach precisely 0 Hp are unconscious, shasas, humans (including barbarians like the Bhil), and
and will recover consciousness (and 1Hp) after 1d6 × Vanara all age normally. Characters who reach the age
10 minutes or if revived by a Dc10 healing check. Char- of 40 are middle-aged and suffer a −1 penalty to strength
acters at −1 or −2 Hp are gravely injured; they can be and constitution ability scores (noting any changes to
stabilized by any character making a Dc10 (wis) heal- bonuses or hit points). At the age of 50, they must be-
ing check; if they are not stabilized within 10 minutes, gin to make a saving throw each year; every year that
they will lose 1Hp, and will continue to do so every 10 they fail, they lose one point of a random ability score,
minutes until stabilized or killed. Stabilized characters with according modifiers to bonuses. If any ability score
remain at their current Hp level but are not at risk of los- should fall below 3, the character becomes bedridden;
ing more Hp. and when any ability score reaches 0 they will die.
Characters at −3 or −4 Hp are mortally wounded, and Illness can strike characters at any time that they are
can only be stabilized by a Dc15 (wis) check; if they are potentially exposed to a disease. Cities and towns tend
stabilized they are immediately brought back up to −2 to be ridden with disease due to poor hygiene. Swampy
Hp; until stabilized they will lose 1 Hp every 1d10 min- regions of jungles or riversides may be full of parasites,
utes. Characters at −5 Hp can only be saved by magic, which can be treated as diseases. Characters who suffer
and will lose another hit point after 1d10 rounds. If a serious wounds in battle may be exposed to infection. If
character drops to −6 Hp or less, they are dead. a Gm wishes to feature disease as a frequent problem in
his campaign, he should establish a risk of 3% chance of
Saving Throws exposure to disease, modified by a character’s Con modi-
fier, per month on any month that a character spent time
There are various situations of danger which are not in a crowded urban environment or in a particularly
necessarily covered by mechanics like armor class or hit insalubrious wilderness area (most notably swampland).
points. In these cases, a Saving Throw roll is made instead.

72
Likewise, if a Gm wishes for a particularly gritty game, at which point they will have to make a saving throw
he could rule a base 2% chance of potential infection versus poison or die. A character will begin to feel un-
(again, modified by the Con modifier) for any character well in half that duration, and may try to take an anti-
who took injury from a cutting weapon in a battle. A Gm toxin or use magic to mitigate the saving throw.
who does not wish to have disease act as such a common A typical injected poison is “Assassin’s Lotus”, fa-

GAME MASTER PROCEDURES

occurrence in their game can feel free to ignore this; like- vored by the Thugees. It functions exactly as described
wise, in situations where disease is particularly prevalent above, and costs 20gp per dose. It can only be purchased
(for example, in a city during a plague epidemic) the Gm in the black markets (Thugees will generally be able to
may simply wish to assume all characters have been ex- obtain it within their own organization, all other classes
posed. Note that Gandharvas and Yakshas are immune would have to carefully seek it out). A single dose is only
to most non-supernatural diseases. good for one hit with a bladed weapon.
A Gm should use make a Pc roll a saving throw ver- Some particularly dangerous monsters with supernat-
sus poison to determine if a character is infected with a ural poisons may require an immediate saving throw to
disease they were exposed to, modified by the character’s avoid instant death after being struck.
constitution modifier; particularly virulent diseases may Ingested poisons can vary tremendously in their
confer penalties to the roll. Likewise, any character who effects: most ingested poisons will require two saving
is over the age of 50 will have a penalty to his saving throws versus poison; a character who fails the first one
throw equal to −1 for every five-year interval above 50. will become ill and incapacitated (with nausea, weak-
Diseases often have a period of latency or incubation, ness, fever, intense pains, etc) for a certain period of time
during which the infected character may feel well, but depending on the severity of the poison (generally 1d6
may be capable of infecting others. rounds, hours, or days). After that period of time, the
After this, the Gm should determine the characteristics character must make a second saving throw; failing this
of the disease as being mild or severe, and whether it is save means that the character is dead. If the character
fatal. Mild diseases should have symptoms that will be makes the second saving throw, he will begin to recover,
incapacitating, temporarily reducing ability scores, or returning to full health after a period equal to the initial
causing penalties to combat bonuses and/or skill checks. period of affliction (1d6 rounds, hours or days).
These diseases should require new saving throws at Some sample ingested poisons include:
regular intervals (be it days or weeks, rarely longer) and A RSENIC (COST 20GP PER DOSE): 10-60 minutes after
the player character will recover fully after successfully ingesting the character begins to suffer nausea and may
making one of these saving throws. A severe disease experience vomiting or diarrhea; the victim must save
should have more significant effects, usually reducing vs. poison or become incapacitated for 1d6 days, after
ability score bonuses cumulatively over a certain period which he must make a second save vs. poison or die.
of intervals (for example, every day, or two days, or one NIGHTSHADE (COST 10GP PER DOSE): A few minutes af-
week), each time a Pc fails a saving throw. However, suc- ter ingestion the character will begin to feel drunk and
ceeding the saving throw does not remove the disease, must make a saving throw versus poison, if he fails he
but only avoids further increase in penalty. If the severe will become incapacitated with disorientation, and must
disease is not fatal, the number of intervals should be make a second save vs poison or die in 1d6 hours.
determined beforehand (for example, a saving throw ev- CYANIDE (COST 30GP PER DOSE): The character must
ery 2 days to avoid losing one point of constitution, for make a saving throw immediately after ingesting; failure
two weeks total); and after the duration of the disease is means that the character begins to experience respiratory
over the player character should recover gradually (at a distress and must make a second saving throw after 1d6
rate of one ability point per day) until fully cured. Thus rounds, to avoid death.
a severe disease may still kill someone who is very weak,
by cumulative ability score loss. If a disease is fatal, then Falling Damage
there is no end to the intervals requiring saving throws;
characters just continue to gradually or rapidly deterio- Characters generally suffer 1d6 hit points of damage
rate until they die. for every 10 feet they fall. Depending on the situation
that caused the fall, a character may be able to perform
Poisons an acrobatics check to grab onto something to stop his
plummet, or may be able to make a saving throw to try
There are a variety of poisons which can afflict char- to soften his landing (for half damage). Usually, neither
acters, both natural and supernatural, but these should of these will apply if the character is free-falling and has
generally be divided into injected poisons (poisons that nothing nearby to help him slow or stop his descent.
require a cut on the skin to kill) and ingested poisons
(poisons that must be put into food). Most venomous
creatures as well as some poisonous concoctions meant
to be put on an assassin’s blade are injected poisons; the
standard injected poison will take effect only 1d6 rounds
after the individual is struck by the poisoned implement;

73
Gazetteer of the
Lands of Bharata
 CULTURAL BACKGROUND: honor of the Avatara, the divine human born once every
age to protect humanity.

LIFE IN THE BHARATA Traditions in the Bharata

KINGDOMS Kingdoms

T
ARROWS OF INDRA

he “Bharata Kingdoms” is the term for all The Bharata Kingdoms are typically monarchies with
the civilized human lands that are found in considerable disparities in wealth and comfort of living
the area south of the Himayant mountains; among the different classes; in any city one can find
there are several kingdoms in this region but extreme poverty and extreme opulence. These social
they all share a relatively common culture, structures are enforced by the concept of Caste, the so-
distinct from barbarian tribes (and possibly, from other cial class every civilized human being is born into. Caste
far-off civilizations found across the seas or on the oth- is seen as a product of one’s karma, or actions in a past
er side of the Himayant or Kailas mountains, like the life; thus it is extremely difficult (though not impossible)
“Golden Lands”). The Bharata Kingdoms share a similar for a person to be elevated to a higher caste in their life
language, history, religion and traditions, though there time; it is also possible (but requires extreme violations
are considerable variations in regions and even from one of taboos) for a person to be demoted to a lower caste
neighboring kingdom to another. In particular, the hu- within their own lifetime; but the vast majority of hu-
mans of the central kingdoms will sometimes look down mans in the Bharata Kingdoms are born into a caste and
upon those of the western “Bahlika Kingdoms” as being die in the same caste.
not quite in keeping with Bharata culture (even though The rulers of most Kingdoms are of the Kshatriya or
technically they are probably the ones who follow the Brahmin caste, and rule in concord with the priesthood,
earlier traditions of the first civilizations of the regions). which are all by obligation members of the Brahmin
The Bharata lands consist mainly of fertile river val- caste. The King (“Raja”) and royal family have absolute
leys between the major rivers of the region, with rich authority but are bound by tradition, religious dictates,
farmland; the kingdoms stretch north to the hill-lands and ancient laws (particularly the ancient legal code, the
that border the Himayant mountains, and south to the Laws of Manu). Smaller kingdoms are governed directly
dryer plains; the climate is temperate to subtropical in by the monarch with the help of a public bureaucracy;
the area between the Vindhya and Himayant moun- larger kingdoms will often be divided into regions gov-
tains, and subtropical to tropical in the lands south of erned by regional administrators (“Rajpals”). Very large
the Vindhya mountains bordering the massive Dandaka kingdoms or empires will sometimes consist of several
Jungle, with weather nearer the mountain ranges being vassal states which have their own kings or princes.
generally colder and drier. There are three main sea- Within each caste there are several families or Clans.
sons in the Bharata Kingdoms, each lasting about four The clan is an incredibly important element of the social
months: The “Dry Season”, where there is very little structure; one’s Clan typically determines the family pro-
rainfall and climate gets progressively hotter (weddings fession, and acts as a support network for its members
often take place at the start of the dry season); the “Wet throughout a kingdom and even in foreign kingdoms
Season” (sometimes also called the monsoon season) where the clan is also found. In a city, the local Clan
where the temperature is extremely warm and humidity elder or elders will have a large clan house where family
soars with near-daily rainfall, the rivers flood and crops business is managed and where traveling members of a
are planted in the enriched soil; and the “Cool Season”, clan can find accommodations and assistance. Thus an
when rainfall begins to abate, temperatures drop, and individual can travel from one land to another and can
the crops are harvested. Temperatures range from as low (indeed, by social custom ought to) present himself to
as 10ºC in the coldest period of the “Cool Season” to the local clan heads or elders, and be likely to receive
as high as 50ºC in the hottest part of the “Wet Season”. hospitality and aid. Clans also act as enforcers of proper
The end of the Dry Season is celebrated with the festival social rules; the clan elders are in charge of determining
of Gurus, when the people honor their spiritual teachers important choices for their members, such as approving
with celebrations and gifts. The end of the Wet Season is marriage agreements, regulating internal disputes or ar-
marked by Dipavali, the Festival of Light, where people guments with other clans, making certain that its mem-
light lamps and fires in the night, and exchange gifts and bers maintain good relations with the law and fealty to
sweets, to honor the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. The the King, and that social taboos are not violated. They
end of the “Cool Season” is marked by Holi, the Festival have such social power that a clan can even sell one of
of Colors; where people light bonfires and throw colored its members into slavery for non-payment of debts. Being
powders and perfumes at each other, and social norms expelled from one’s clan is an extremely serious problem
are loosened; it is a festival in celebration of Brahma (in for any Bharata human, as that person no longer has
the Vaishnavite religious lands) and Shiva (in the Shaivi- a vital support network in which to operate in society.
te religious lands), marking the triumph of those deities Sometimes, a clan may also choose to adopt someone, by
against Asura demons; and more generally a festival in marriage or declaration, into the family.

76
Growing up in the Bharata can, to make up for high infant mortality rates. It is of
particular importance in most Bharata lands that fami-

GAZETTEER OF THE LANDS OF GHARATA

Kingdoms lies produce a male heir.
Bharata humans are considered “elders” from about
A typical human of the Bharata Kingdom will, before,
the age of 50 onwards, and it is not uncommon that this
during and after birth, go through a number of religious
decade of life marks a retirement from public life and
ceremonies meant to help insure an auspicious birth
affairs, sometimes gradually handing over the family’s
and life for them; with babies of higher caste having a
business and affairs to the eldest son of the family. The
greater quantity of more complex ceremonies. A child is
elderly are generally venerated in the Bharata culture,
typically not given a name until 10 days after their birth,
and it is considered a cultural and even legal requirement
possibly due to the high level of infant mortality. The
to honor and care for them. It is an old tradition that is
child, whether a boy or girl, will typically spend the first
still practiced (though no longer universally) that a man
7 years of their life under the care of either their mother
who reaches the age of 75 should renounce all worldly
or grandmother (or another close female relative if both
affairs, in preparation for the end of his life, and retire to
mother and grandmother are unavailable).
a forest hermitage to become a Yogi.
From the age of 7, a boy child will begin their edu-
cation; typically, they are handed over as students or
apprentices to a teacher (often of the same clan) that will
Note: Gender Roles in the
begin to instruct them in their future trade, whichever that Bharata Setting
may be. Thus Kshatriya boys might begin to study war-
fare or government, Brahmin boys might begin to serve in In the default setting, as in the historical/mythological
a temple, study philosophy, etc., Vaishya boys will learn period the setting is based upon, women are strictly rele-
business or a craft, and Sudras or Dalits the menial labor gated to very rigid social roles, and there’s little room for
they will be likely to perform the rest of their lives. Rarely, women to be able to operate as the kind of wandering
some child that shows a precocious level of wisdom or adventurers that would be typical of an Arrows of Indra
has certain supernatural events take place around them campaign. While the setting material is set up to describe
may be given over to the care of a Siddhi or Yogi guru. that form of culture, there is nothing to prevent a Gm
Most girls will begin to learn their trade as well, which for from deciding that in his campaign there is more flexibil-
higher-caste girls usually consists of the skills of house- ity for the roles of women in the setting.
keeping and preparation for marriage and motherhood, In the default setting, there are biological males who
while lower-caste girls may be required to learn menial take on the role of a “third gender”, the “kliba” gender,
labor as well. There are special coming-of-age ceremonies who from a relatively early age did not fit into the stan-
that take place around the age when a child is given over dard expectations of men in the culture, and instead are
to their apprenticeship, and others at the time of puberty, raised (and follow the standards of dress and behavior)
and still more when a student’s apprenticeship is complete as women. A Gm could thus certainly decide that for his
and they reach full adulthood. campaign, there could be a similar gender role for wom-
A Bharata human boy’s period of education will vary en who take on the roles of men; and there is at least one
depending on caste; with lower-caste humans usually contextual story (the legend of Shikhandi) that involves
beginning full work earlier, while higher castes require the daughter of a king being raised as a boy and becom-
more time to finish their studies. Lower-caste humans ing a formidable warrior.
will usually have completed their education sometime The “kliba” gender are, in any case, an accepted part
between the ages of 16 and 20, while Kshatriya or Brah- of Bharata society. In addition to being dancers and
mins (as well as most Siddhis or Yogis) will continue to concubines, it would not be uncommon for a Kliba to
study until the ages of 21 to 25. Most girls will be mar- become a Siddhi as the “third gender” were often consid-
ried in their early teens; though some are betrothed even ered graced with magic power.
earlier than that; it is quite rare for a girl to remain un-
married beyond the ages of 16 to 18. Men will typically Warrior Culture, Adventurers
marry for the first time sometime after the age of 25;
and it is common in most Bharata Kingdoms for men to
and Epic Heroes
be able to have multiple wives and concubines, though The age in which the Bharata Kingdoms find them-
in point of fact the majority of men can only afford to selves, according to the astrologers, is to be known as
have one wife. In some of the Bahlika Kingdoms it is the Age of Heroes; as opposed to the earlier Golden
also possible for women to have multiple husbands. The Age when the gods walked the earth (culminating in the
production of children is considered absolutely essential human incarnation of the Avatara Shiva), and the Silver
in a Bharata marriage, both for the maintaining of the Age of great Holy Kings when the Bharata Kingdoms
family lineage but in many cases to ensure the care of were first established (culminating in the human incar-
elderly parents later in life, and it is common for families nation of the Avatara Rama). This is an age where the
to attempt to have as many children as they possibly Gods have less direct action in the world than in the Sil-

77
 ver Age, and much less than in the Golden Age, though decisions by a process of voting. The Bahlika Kingdoms
their presence can still be very much felt, and where hu- are at present vassal to the Madra Kingdom and its king
man laws and rulers are not as ideal as they once were. Shalya, but they are granted extreme autonomy in the
It falls upon great heroes, from high-born noble war- running of their own affairs.
rior-kings to wise gurus and great devotees, as well as Madra Kingdom: This kingdom shares a common cul-
more lowly adventurers, to protect civilization, do great tural ancestry with the Bahlika Kingdom, but is slightly
ARROWS OF INDRA

deeds, and defeat Unholy forces. more advanced. It is situated to the north of the Bahlika
It is considered virtuous in this age for men to seek to lands, further up the “seven rivers” and close to the Hi-
do great deeds; to practice great religious devotion, to mayant mountains. Their land is a cold and hilly land,
demonstrate great bravery, skill in battle, to be passion- with a much less hospitable climate than the eastern
ate and competitive, but also to show great generosity, lands; its people thus tend to wear more clothing. The
be charitable, protect the weak, and make due sacrifice people of Madra are mainly herders rather than farmers.
to the gods. The people of Bharata will generally admire They do not use Elephants (except for those that may be
and encourage adventurers of all kind, as long as they especially bought from other lands for use by the high-
live up to those virtues. est ranking nobles), but use both horses and camels for
transport. Its capital city is Sakala, and they have a king
BHARATA KINGDOMS named Shalya, who is known as a formidable but rough
warrior and archer.
Like the Bahlika Kingdom, the people of the Madra
The Western Lands Kingdom follow very different customs from the king-
Bahlika Kingdom: The Bahlika Kingdom is found in doms of the east, leading the inhabitants of the latter to
the area of the seven rivers (the rivers that flow into the think of them as almost barbaric or degenerate. People
Sindhu river), and its lands are found on both the east and of all castes in this kingdom are allowed to eat beef, a
western side of the Sindhu river, a combination of the river meat that in the other kingdoms is restricted only to the
valleys and the hills that border the “Vanga Parvat” range Brahmin caste (and even then only for certain religious
of the Himayant mountains. The Bahlika, Madra and Gan- festivals). They likewise are known to drink alcohol in
dara Kingdoms are all closely connected by culture and his- great quantities, and the drinking of alcohol is not con-
tory, and are a peoples with traditions that separate them sidered to be a disreputable practice the way it is in the
from the kingdoms to the east; to the extent that all three eastern lands.
are referred to often as the “Bahlika people.” The Madra people also have unusual marriage
These kingdoms are somewhat more primitive than customs: They sell their daughters, demanding that a
their eastern neighbors, they have less cities, and these potential groom pay a bride-price for the privilege of
cities are less impressive; they are rougher and somewhat marriage; this price can vary from a few hundred to
more barbaric. many thousands of Rupya depending on the wealth and
The people of Bahlika Kingdom do not follow Holy social status of the family in question, and the beauty of
traditions, and are generally less religious than their the bride. Women of Madra are known throughout the
neighbors to the east. They cook with garlic, a food that Bharata lands for their exceptional beauty, and many
is considered unclean to the peoples to the east. They nobles from other lands are quite willing to submit to
also have far less restrictions in relationships than their this custom to obtain a Madran bride.
neighbors; women from Bahlika tend to be thought Like in the Bahlika lands, there is much less concern in
by people of other lands of as being of “loose morals.” the Madra Kingdom about sexual activity outside of mar-
Inheritance in Bahlika is along matrilineal lines; a man riage; and another custom that is considered very shock-
will inherit the wealth of his mother, not his father. The ing to people from the eastern lands is that in these lands
Bahlikas engage in this practice because they feel that certain herbs are commonly used by women, both unmar-
you can always be sure of who someone’s mother is, ried and wed, to induce abortion of unwanted children.
but not who someone’s father is. Among the Bahlikas, Sakala, the capital of Madra Kingdom, is not a par-
plural marriage is common, much like it is in the eastern ticularly beautiful city but is well known for its mighty
kingdoms; however, unlike the eastern kingdoms it is walls and excellent fortifications.
not only men who may have many wives, but powerful To the north of the Madra Kingdom, in the Himayant
women may also take more than one husband! mountains, there is a powerful Naga Kingdom, governed
Traders deeply value two exceptional products from from the Naga city of Anantanaga. It is said that buried
the Bahlika Kingdom: Their saffron and their horses. below this unbelievably ancient city are all the treasures
Bahlika horses are considered to be exceptionally strong that the god Shiva once possessed when he was incar-
and fast. nate in the world, treasures he abandoned on his path
The Bahlika “Kingdom” is not strictly speaking a to becoming the greatest of the Siddhis. These fearsome
kingdom, it is in fact a republic; the various chiefs of the monsters guard this treasure jealously beneath their city.
Bahlika lands meet together at a kind of council meeting Likewise, there is a kingdom of fearsome Pishacha de-
that they call a “Loya Jirga”, where they settle collective mons in the mountains north of Madra.

78
 Gandara Kingdom: The third of the Bahlika lands, the Island Republic of Dwaraka: The city state of Dwara-
Gandara Kingdom is situated even further to the west, ka is located on the volcanic island of the same name,
right on the western ridge of the Himayant mountains. just off the coast of the Anarta peninsula. This city state
It is an exceedingly cold, rough and forbidding land. is located very far from the rest of the lands of Bhara-
Gandara is so distant from the rest of Bharata both ta, and its powerful rulers lay claim to all the lands of
geographically and culturally that although they speak that swampy peninsula from their island fortress. The
ARROWS OF INDRA

Prakrit they do so with a thickly-accented dialect that city of Dwaraka is situated at the base of the island’s
can at times be very difficult for foreigners to under- mountain, which is called Govardhana and is worshiped
stand. It is not clear if there is any relation between the by the island’s inhabitants as a god. Once a year the
inhuman Gandharvas, and the people of the Gandara people of Dwaraka hold a great festival in honor of the
Kingdom; the Gandarans sometimes like to claim that mountain-god, during which time the whole side of the
they are the distant descendants of marriages between mountain is decked in lamp-lights hanging from poles,
Gandharvas and humans, but most other humans doubt and rich jeweled ornament-offerings are placed along the
this claim and see it as pretentiousness. mountainside; there are also great shows of dancing and
Its capital is the city of Purushapura, which is a very sacred music, and the poor are given rich gifts as char-
ancient city located in a valley in the mountains. Its ity. This festival is also the occasion of a grand market,
neighbor, the old capital of Pushkalavati, is considered where goods of all kinds are brought from the lands of
to be the oldest city in all of Jagat (or at least the oldest Bharata and from distant barbarian kingdoms across the
in all of the Bharata lands), having been inhabited for at seas, and many treasures are bought and sold.
least thirty thousand years, probably much longer than Dwaraka is governed as a republic, its various nobles
that. It is situated in a valley neighboring Purushapura, meeting in council to decide all matters by voting. Unlike
at a higher elevation. The city of Pushkalavati is con- any of the other lands of Bharata, the people of Dwaraka
sidered to be a sacred place, as it is built at the furthest are a sea-going people, and they have great boats capable
habitable source of the Sindhu river, and features many of following the coastlines or traveling along the major riv-
temples (particularly to the older gods like Indra, Surya ers. They engage in trade and exploration of all the coastal
(here called Savitur) and Chandra) with architectural lands including the coasts far to the south of the civilized
styles that look unusual in comparison to temples fur- kingdoms, and even to distant barbarian kingdoms.
ther east. Unlike the eastern kingdoms, where crema-
tion is the standard means of disposing of the dead, in The Central Lands
Gandara the dead are buried in the necropolis of Prang,
across the river from Pushkalavati. Western and Eastern Kuru Kingdoms: The Kuru
Also within the boundaries of this kingdom is the city Kingdom is one of the mightiest kingdoms in the cen-
of Takshasila which is ruled over by fierce Nagas. tral region of Bharata, the civilized human lands. It was
The ruler of Gandara Kingdom is Shakuni, a now ag- founded by the Kuru people, the descendants in ancient
ing monarch who was, as a child, a prisoner of the blind times of the union between the Bharata tribes (from
king of (eastern) Kuru, Dhirtarashtra. Shakuni’s sister which the very word meaning “civilized kingdoms”
was married to Dhirtarashtra after that king threatened comes from) and the Puru tribe. Their descendants not
to invade and conquer Gandara, but because Dhir- only formed the Kingdom of Kuru, but some also mixed
tarashtra had felt insulted by the Gandaran royal family with the Panchal tribes, bringing them civilization as
he imprisoned his new wife’s father and brothers, and well and leading to the founding of the Kingdom of Pan-
all of them starved to death during this imprisonment chala, as well as the city-state of Mathura; and accord-
except Shakuni. During this period of imprisonment he ing to Kuru chroniclers was said to have also founded
was also tortured and left permanently lame in one leg. the Kosalan city of Kausambi. According to ancient
He was eventually released but from that day forth has chronicles, while there were cities and cultures older
sworn that he would one day take revenge, and would than the Kurus, it was the Kurus who learned the secrets
not rest until the entire Kuru Kingdom was destroyed. of working iron, and this is what led to the growth of
Since he lacks the military power to do this by force, his modern civilization.
plan has generally involved sowing ongoing discontent Recently, however, the Kuru Kingdom has been faced
between the rulers of eastern Kuru (Dhirtarashtra and with considerable dynastic strife that has split this
his sons) and the line of the Kuru monarchy who are land into two. The conflict began decades ago when
now rulers of western Kuru (Yudishthira and his broth- the previous king of Kuru, Vichitravirya, had two sons
ers) in the hopes that the lands of Kuru will be plunged and potential heirs. His oldest son by his first wife was
into a devastating civil war. named Dhirtarashtra, and was born blind. His second
In the mountains to the north of Gandara live a fierce son by his second wife was named Pandu and was born
tribe of nomadic horsemen known as the Kamboja. They with extremely pale skin but otherwise healthy. Thus, on
are barbarians, but have some level of culture. The Kam- his deathbed Vichitravirya gave the kingdom to Pandu.
boja warriors are frequently employed by the Gandarans Dhirtarashtra proved to be a competent governor and
as mercenaries. politician, perhaps a better ruler than his brother the
king, in spite of his blindness. Both men had sons: Dhir-

80
tarashtra had 100 sons by his many wives; the eldest of tively and constantly scheming up plans to try to destabi-
his sons was Prince Duryodhana, who was healthy and lize Eastern Kuru and its Pandava rulers, and looking for
strong but of a wicked and Unholy disposition. As the ways to steal the kingdom from them by trickery.

GAZETTEER OF THE LANDS OF GHARATA

eldest son of an eldest son, he felt it was his right to rule The Confederacy of (Southern) Panchala: The older
the kingdom, and his father wished this for him. Pandu of the two Panchalas, this land is rules as a confederacy
had five sons (collectively known as the Pandavas, who of smaller kingdoms. Its capital is Kampilya. “Panchala”
were Yudishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and the twins Nakula means “the land of the descendants of Puru”. An older
and Sahadeva, all five were great and noble warriors). land than Kuru, Panchala has at several times gone to
To further complicate matters, Pandu died when his war with its neighbor, whose lands were once under
sons were still very young. After considerable political up- Panchalan rule. Up until recently, the land now known
heaval, Dhirtarashtra was crowned king after his brother’s as the Northern Kingdom of Panchala was a part of the
death, rather than Pandu’s immature heir Yudishthira. Panchalan Confederacy, united under the rule of King
However, the Pandavas went on to gain great popular Drupada. However, this land was split apart after a civil
support due to their nobility and heroism, and when they war, where the Brahmin-born warrior known as Drona,
came of age, the Kuru Kingdom was threatened with a a dear childhood friend of Drupada, rose up against him
potentially devastating civil war between the supporters in rebellion and took the northern part of Panchala as
of Yudishthira and those who supported Dhirtarashtra his own kingdom. Now, Drupada reigns over Southern
and his son Duryodhana. Finally, against Duryodhana’s Panchala and he and Drona are bitter enemies. On ac-
wishes, Dhirtarashtra decided to split the Kuru Kingdom count of both their ancient rivalries, and the fact that he
in two so as to avoid war; the more backward and poorer supported Drona, King Drupada is a bitter enemy of the
western half of Kuru (between the Saraswati and Yamuna current Eastern Kuru monarch Dhirtarashtra and some-
rivers) would be given to Yudishthira and his brothers to what favors the young Pandava rulers of Western Kuru.
be ruled as a separate kingdom; while the richer and more The core of Southern Panchala extends through a
central Eastern Kuru (between the Yamuna and the Gan- vast territory along the river Ganga, and claims all the
ga rivers) would be kept by Dhirtarashtra and eventually lands between the Naimisha jungle to the north and the
inherited by Duryodhana. Yamuna river to the south, until the border of the Kosala
At the present time, Yudishthira has only recently Kingdom to the east. It also controls the vassal Kingdom
gained the rule of Western Kuru, ruling this poorer land of Kichaka (capital: Vetrakiya) south of the Yamuna
from the city of Kurukshetra in the valley of the same river. Vetrakiya’s king is secretly a mindless puppet, con-
name. It is his plan to transform his kingdom into a trolled by an evil Rakshasa named Baka.
wealthy and prosperous one by invading the jungle of Kampilya, the capital of Southern Panchala, is a rich
Khandava, driving out the Naga tribes that dwell there, and beautiful city with powerful fortifications. It is also
cutting great parts of the forest down and constructing a known as a center of poetry.
new capital city there, in a key location suitable for trade Northern Panchala Kingdom: Until recently part of
and influence. the Confederacy of Panchala, this land rebelled and be-
Eastern Kuru is ruled by Dhirtarashtra, but as he is came independent under the rule of Drona, a Brahmin
exceedingly old now and somewhat infirm, Eastern Kuru by birth and a renowned military strategist. He had been
is in practice now ruled by the prince regent, Duryodhana. raised in the court of the previous Panchala King, and
He rules from the rich and opulent capital city of Hastina- was the dearest childhood friend of Drupada, who later
pura (which is also a great center of military learning), but became King. However, after Drupada’s ascent to the
he still seethes over the loss of half of the kingdom he feels throne their friendship soured, and Drona took revenge
should rightfully be his. The only thing that has thus far on his old friend by going to war and taking the north-
prevented him from going to war is his father’s authority, ern half of Panchala away from him.
and the concern that he might lose the conflict. He is ac-

81
 The Northern Panchala Kingdom extends from the Hi- known to almost anyone is that Kansa was not in fact
mayant Mountains in the north, to the river Ganga in the the previous king’s son; but rather the offspring of the
west and south, and the Sarayu river in the east. Its capital previous queen in her congress with an Asura Demon
is Ahichatra, which was built over the ruins of an ancient named Kalanemi. Thus Kansa is a profoundly powerful
Naga city (“Ahichatra” means “city of the serpents”). but also Unholy king.
Matsya Kingdom: Matsya means “fish” and this king- It was prophesied to Kansa that the god Vishnu
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dom’s name can be interpreted as “the Fisherman King- would bring forth a Chosen One into the world, an
dom”; according to legend it was founded by low-caste “Avatara”, who would kill him, and that this Avatara
fishermen who later became mighty kings. It is known would be born from Kansa’s sister (or rather, half-sister)
that in the ancient past, tens of thousands of years ago, Devaki. To avoid this fate, Kansa slew the first six of
it was part of the Ceda Empire. It is located south of the Devaki’s children, her seventh appeared to have miscar-
kingdoms of Kuru and Panchala, south of the Yamuna ried (though in fact she had secretly arranged to have
river, and north of the desert of Thar. Today it is a small it look that way and the son, Balarama, was spirited
but very prosperous kingdom. Its ruler is the Holy king away so that he might survive). At this point, Kansa had
Virata, who rules it from the capital of Viratapuri. The Devaki imprisoned, but she became pregnant again by
only other important city in the kingdom is Upaplavya. Miraculous Conception, and after this divine birth she
The people of this kingdom are simple and pious, and managed to smuggle the child away from her prison to
are particularly devoted to the god Brahma; his yearly be raised by cowherds in the forest village of Vrindaban.
festival being their most important celebration. This child was named Krishna, and he is the Avatara
City-state of Mathura: This small kingdom was found- who is destined to slay Kansa, and to go on to become
ed by ancient ancestors of the Kurus. It is a small but pros- the greatest hero and spiritual teacher of this age. Even
perous state surrounded by forests and a few villages, and as a child living as a cowherd, he already showed great
its population work primarily in agriculture and herding. and miraculous feats of skill and enlightenment power,
The current ruler of Mathura is king Kansa, who and slew various demons sent by Kansa to destroy him.
on the advice and with the support of the Magadhan As a young man he has gone off to become a great hero
emperor overthrew his own father to take the Mathu- earning himself great fame and fortune. Kansa has in
ran throne. Thus Mathura is currently a firm ally of the turn become more and more paranoid, and has ruled
ambitious Magadhan Emperor, Jarasandha. What is not with ever-greater oppression, terrified that soon Krishna

82
will come back to Mathura to destroy him. vicious war with the Empire of Magadha, victims of the
Kunti Kingdom: The Kingdom of Kunti is somewhat expansionist ambitions of its ruthless emperor.
to the south of the central region of the Bharata lands; The northern principality is based around the city of

GAZETTEER OF THE LANDS OF GHARATA

along the minor Charmanvati river that later flows into Sravasti, on the small Sadanira river south of the moun-
the Yamuna river. Its capital is Bhojapuri. It is a peaceful tains of Indra. Sravasti was the second ancient capital of
and prosperous though slightly “backwater” land. Its the united Kosala Kingdom (founded by one of the sons
main interaction with the kingdoms to the north of it of Rama) and is still the largest city in all of the Bhara-
is through trading caravans and other expeditions that ta lands, with a population of 275,000. It is the largest
pass through Kunti on the way to the Avanti Kingdom, trading city in Kosala, and has one of the largest if not
and later to cross the Vindya mountains to the south. the largest market in the world. It is said that “in the
The King of Kunti is an aged ruler name Kuntibhoja; his market of Sravasti can be found all things”.
oldest child was an adopted daughter; who was named The southernmost principality is based on the city of
Pritha but is better known now as Queen Kunti, the wife Kausambi, on the Yamuna river. It is perhaps the most
of Pandu and mother of three of the Pandavas (the noble powerful of the Kosala principalities, ruled over by the
Yudishthira, mighty Bhima, and the great archer Arjuna), mighty king Vrihadvala; who has also conquered the
who along with their half-brothers are the current rulers neighboring Kingdom of Kasi, which is now its vassal.
of Western Kuru. Thus the Kunti Kingdom and Western Vrihadvala’s military ambitions are based in part on a
Kuru are allies. desire to strengthen his lands against the potential ag-
The Kunti people are considered strong and energetic, gression of the Magadhan Empire.
if a bit rough around the edges; they are proud and in- Finally, the central principality of Kosala is based
dependent; but of late they have been threatened by the around the original capital of Ayodhya, the capital of
expanding Magadhan Empire, which may soon attempt Kosala Kingdom in the times of Rama, on the river
to invade them. Sarayu. Ayodhya is one of the oldest cities in Jagat, found-
Avanti Kingdom: South of Kunti, the Avanti Kingdom ed by the legendary ancient king Manu the Law-giver,
is found between the Charmanvati and Kshipra rivers, ancestor to Rama, and said to have been built up by the
both minor rivers that unite at the border with Kunti Gods themselves. It is one of the major religious centers of
and then flow into the Yamuna river. The Avanti King- Jagat, and the central Holy city of the cult of Rama (for
dom is geographically quite small, but it is tremendously obvious reasons). It is still a glorious city and a major cen-
wealthy through a combination of rich farmland and ter of commerce, but its glory days are thousands of years
being a key point of trade, as it is through Avanti that behind it; some parts of the city are now in considerable
the only roads pass through which connect the king- states of ruin as its population and fortune has declined. It
doms north of the Vindya mountains, with those south. is currently ruled by Prince Dirghayagna.
Its capital is Ujjayani, a significant boom town north of The Kosala Kingdom is separated and completely dis-
the Kshipra hills, on the river of the same name. The city tinct from the Southern Kosala Kingdom, founded by com-
of Ujjayani has an element of “frontier town” character mon ancestors, on the other side of the Riksha Mountains.
to it, but at the same time being a great center of trade it
has a tremendous level of culture and education; many The Eastern Lands
learned wise men can be found here (both scholarly
Pandits and spiritually developed Yogis who come down Magadha Empire: Currently one of the most power-
from the hills where they live as hermits), beautiful tem- ful states in Jagat; under its current ruler, Jarasandha, it
ples and art of all variety. has been elevated from the status of kingdom to that of
The rulers of Avanti Kingdom are a pair of brothers, Empire. The lands of Magadha are hilly and rough, and
Vinda and Anuvinda, both powerful warriors. When the Empire’s capital, Girivraja (“the house of the king”),
their father died, rather than split the country apart or is built on a group of tall hills. Jarasandha was said to
fight in a civil war, the brothers agreed to rule together, have been born as a miraculous gift to his aged parents
both taking the title of Prince and reigning as equals. after they had prayed fervently to Shiva; and Jarasandha
Kosala Kingdom: The Kosala Kingdom is notable for is one of the mightiest Virakshatriyas (Holy warriors)
having been, thousands of years ago,the mighty kingdom of Shiva in all the world. He has been blessed by Shiva
of the deity Rama during his incarnation as Avatara with the power of regeneration, able to swiftly recover
on Earth. At the present time, Kosala is in a state of from any injury and even reattach lost limbs, making
advanced decadence and is not really a centralized king- him a fearless warrior. With his power, Jarasandha has
dom anymore, but a group of several small principalities conquered dozens of smaller tribes, city-states and king-
ruled by descendants of Rama. As a whole, Kosala is doms around him, taking their kings as hostages. Other
one of the largest and most populous kingdoms of Jagat, kingdoms have willingly chosen to become his vassal
having as many as eighty thousand villages and a total states rather than face the Magadhan armies, most nota-
population in the hundreds of millions. bly the kingdom of Ceda, whose king Sisupala has been
The easternmost principality is called Kusa, based made the chief general of the Magadhan forces. Also, the
around the city of Kusavati on the Gomati river south of ruler of the lands of Karusa, a vassal tribe in the south of
the Naimisha jungle. It is currently on the losing end of a Ceda, has joined in alliance with Jarasandha; the ruler of

83
 the Karusas is Vaka, a powerful Siddhi. Jarasandha also dhana, as he hoped to use Karna as a weapon against
counts as an ally and vassal state the eastern kingdom of his enemies, while the Anga Kingdom itself was a small
Anga, ruled over by the hero Karna, possibly the great- land very far from the great Kuru Kingdom Duryodhana
est living warrior and said to be the son of the Sun-god that hoped to inherit. Later, after establishing himself
Surya. In exchange for his alliance, Jarasandha has given as king of Anga, Karna was made a similar offer by the
the rich city of Champapuri over to the Anga Kingdom. mighty Emperor Jarasandha, who granted him the city
ARROWS OF INDRA

In the wild hills of the central Magadha Empire there are of Champapuri in exchange for his vassalage. Karna
many tribes of mighty Naga warriors; they too are allies has proven himself extremely loyal to both men (and
of Jarasandha, knowing him to be a favorite of their pa- thus, inadvertently, an enemy of his own half-brothers,
tron god Shiva. the Pandava rulers of Western Kuru). In addition to his
His ambitions show no sign of slowing, either. He is astounding personal might as a warrior, Karna is blessed
currently at war with the Kosalan principality of Kusa, with a golden breastplate given to him by Surya himself;
and has also made an alliance with Kansa, the Unholy the breastplate is fused to his body, and as long as he has
ruler of the of the city-state of Mathura. When Kansa it, he is completely immune to all blows.
was still only the son of the old king of Mathura, Ja- The Anga Kingdom is situated on the eastern edge of
rasandha married two of his daughters to Kansa, and Jagat, along the Ganga river. The worship of both the
then advised Kansa to take the throne of Mathura by mother river Ganga and of course Surya is very preva-
force in a revolt against his own father, which he did. lent here. There are only two notable cities in the king-
Unbeknownst to all but a very few, the reason why Ja- dom: Malini, the small city that was the original capital,
rasandha takes the Kings and chiefs of the lands he con- and the much larger city of Champapuri, given to the
quers as prisoners is that he is aware of a secret ritual Anga Kingdom by the Emperor Jarasandha of Magadha.
sacrifice to Shiva: if he sacrifices 100 rulers to Shiva, he Champapuri is a prosperous if peripheral city of frontier
will become the invincible ruler of all the world. At pres- trade with the barbarian lands to the east, particularly
ent, the number of his regal hostages is approaching 90 famous for its incenses and perfumes. Merchants also
out of the 100 needed to accomplish this. travel to and from the “golden lands”, the exotic king-
The capital of the Empire, Girivraja, is built on the doms of the east, from Champapuri.
side of a series of five hills; it features two rings of mas- Ceda Kingdom: Ceda was said to have been a power-
sive city walls, the first around the outermost part of ful empire long before Rama’s birth, thus tens of thou-
the city found in the valley below the hills, the second sands of years in the past. However, nothing really re-
around the core of the city at the base of the hills. It is mains of that empire today. It is instead a relatively small
thus one of the most fortified of cities, and its walls are kingdom, south of the Yamuna river, between two of the
so enormous as to be a wonder of the world. It features Yamuna’s tributaries. Its capital is the city of Suktivaki.
spectacular parks and the greatest temples to Shiva in all The Ceda Kingdom has become a willing vassal state
the civilized world. and thus the western border of the Empire of Magad-
In the hill countries in the south of Magadha is a ha. The current king of Ceda, an Unholy ruler named
kingdom of Asuras, who rule from a city called Asura. Sisupala, is the general of the Magadhan armies. He is
They are governed by an Unholy Asura-king known as the cousin of both the current king of Mathura, Kansa
Danda, who has also made himself a vassal of Jarasand- (who is his ally) and the warrior-hero Krishna (whom
ha to avoid destruction. he hates). Few know this fact, but it was prophesied that
Anga Kingdom: This small kingdom, an eastern vas- Sisupala (like Kansa) would be slain by Krishna.
sal-state of the Magadhan Empire, is most notable for Videha Republic: The Videha republic, near the Hi-
its current ruler, Karna. He is the greatest warrior in the mayant mountains north of the Magadha Empire, is a
world, and said to be the son of Surya (the Sun-god). land of sages. It is ancient, having been founded before
For many years nothing was known of the true history the time of Rama; according to legend by a tribe of people
of Karna except that he was a great warrior, wandering who originally lived near the Saraswati river, but migrated
all across Jagat committing incredible feats. In time, the to their new mountainous abode during a drought. The
rumors spread that his father was Surya and his mother kingdom is said to have been named after the king of the
an unidentified Queen (in fact, Karna does not know it, tribe, who died childless during this exodus but through
but his mother is Queen Kunti, the mother of the Pan- strange rites performed on his corpse managed to im-
dava rulers of Western Kuru); he was the product of a pregnate his wives after his own death and produce the
virgin birth, and to spare herself the risk of shame or original Videha kings. The wife of Rama was said to have
infamy, his mother put him in a basket as a baby and been a princess of Videha Kingdom. Over time, however,
sent him floating down the Holy Ganga river, in the the Videhans abandoned monarchy and instead instituted
hopes that he would be raised by a good family (in fact a republic, a democracy where representatives are chosen
he was raised by a poor chariot-builder). After he rose from 8 different regions within the nation to govern over
to fame for his incredible feats of heroism, Karna was their affairs, advised by a spiritual council of Brahmin
made King of Anga by the Unholy Prince Duryodhana Priests known as Acharyas (“saintly ones”). Mithila, the
(who was king of Anga by inheritance), in exchange for capital of Videha is small but full of spiritual learning and
nothing but his loyalty. This was of great use to Duryo- religious devotion.

88
 GAZETTEER OF THE LANDS OF GHARATA
In recent years, Videha was invaded by the Magadha of Vidarbha, Kundinapuri, is the terminus of the one
Empire; unable to resist the power of the Magadhans, major highway that connects north and south, the high-
they agreed to become a province of that rising power. In way travels from Ujjayani in the Avanti Kingdom to this
exchange, they have been allowed to continue with their city. Kundinapuri is thus a great frontier market town,
internal governance. receiving trade from the north (as well as from southern
The region of the Himayant mountains to the north Kosala), and bringing in all forms of strange goods from
of Videha are known as the “mountains of Indra”, and expeditions to the south.
they are full of barbarian human tribes that tend to be The current king of Vidarbha is Rukmi, a young
extremely hostile to civilized people. brash ruler who inherited his kingdom only recently. He
has undertaken the construction of a new capital, Bho-
The Southern Lands jakata, which he hopes to make his own and to rival his
forefather’s city in every way.
Southern Kosala Kingdom: This kingdom, south of
the Riksha and Vindya mountains, was founded by set-
tlers from the northern Kosala Kingdom. Specifically,
Major Geographical Regions
by one of the sons of Rama, who founded its capital Dandaka jungle: This massive jungle covers all of the
Sripura. Its present ruler is King Shrutayu, a descendant lands south of the Vindya mountains. It is populated by
of Rama over 36 generations. Being separated from the Bhil tribesmen and kingdoms of Unholy Rakshasas; it is
bulk of Jagat’s human civilizations, it is somewhat of a filled with abandoned cities, hermitages, and lost tem-
backward land, with older styles and traditions, and has ples. In the northern areas of Dandaka there once stood
relatively little contact with the lands in the north a mighty empire of Asura demons whose land was de-
Vidarbha Kingdom: The Vidarbha Kingdom is south stroyed by the hero-god Rama; the ruins of their capital,
of the Vindya mountains and west of (southern) Kosala Janasthana, are still found in the jungle, and still filled
Kingdom. It is, like southern Kosala, a rough and back- with both treasure and terror. The great Thugee temple
ward land, surrounded by the mountains to the north of Kali-ma, secret headquarters of that sect of assassins,
and the mighty Dandaka Jungle to the south, but its is found somewhere in the northern area of Dandaka
people are known to be shrewd traders with the north- as well. Further south, the Dandaka jungle is also the
erners who travel here to sell and buy goods. The capital homeland of the Vanara, the race of intelligent monkeys

89
 who are the chosen people of the monkey-god Hanu- south. It is populated by a nation of hostile Nagas (ser-
man. They have their own kingdom in the jungle, called pent-men) ruled by a very powerful Naga king named
Kishkinda, where they live in cave-villages. The current Takshaka. The Nagas here have made a pact with the
monkey-king of the Vanaras is named Mainda, and these god Indra to avoid divine wrath, but they are generally
Vanaras are often mistrustful and even hostile to human hostile toward men, and interact with powerful Asura
visitors, but will be respectful of those who prove them- demons as well. Claimed as part of the territory of Kuru,
ARROWS OF INDRA

selves heroic or honorable. it is likely that the Western Kuru king Yudishthira would
Dwaita jungle: South of the Kamyaka jungle, along the grant fiefdoms in this territory to any brave enough to
Saraswati river, this forest is more isolated than Kamyaka, clear part of it of its dangers.
but otherwise similar. It is north of the desert of Thar. In Naimisha jungle: This jungle is found between the
the forest is found the Dwaita lake, a rich lake surround- kingdoms of Kosala and Southern Panchala Kingdom. It
ed by flowers. The jungle features abundant animal and is a relatively very safe jungle, blessed to Brahma and a
avian life, including large numbers of elephants. There are safe haven for Yogis and other renunciates.
also communities of Yakshas and Gandharvas, far from Madhu forest: This was once a dense, demon-infested
their usual mountain abodes, in the depths of this jungle; jungle, but in the time of Rama the Asura Kingdom that
the Gandharvas have a temple-city in the depths of the was found there was destroyed, and most of the forest
jungle, known as Gandharva Teertha, where they spend cleared; now it is only a small hunting forest around the
their days dancing and singing. city-state of Mathura.
Ganga river: The “Heart-river” of the central king- Riksha mountains: This eastern extension of the
doms, it is venerated by the inhabitants of its shores Vindya mountains separates the northern and southern
perhaps more than any other Holy river. “Holy Mother Kosala Kingdom. It is populated by the barbaric Bhil
Ganga” is a goddess that is said to purify you of all sins tribesmen, and a number of small kingdoms ruled by
if you perform the correct rites of ritual bathing. It is the Asura demons.
most important river of the Kuru, Panchala, Magadha Sarayu river: The central river of the Kosala Kingdom,
and Anga Kingdoms. it is considered to be a sacred river, and during the great
Himayant mountains: These massive peaks mark the festivals held every 12 years at Ayodhya, bathing in the
northern frontier of the lands of Jagat, and the northern river can allow one to wash away all sins and attain
border of both the Kuru and Panchala Kingdoms as Holy alignment.
well as others (Gandara Kingdoms, Madra, Kosala and Saraswati river: Marking the southern and eastern
Videha among others). There are several smaller ranges border of the Kuru Kingdoms, this river is surrounded
that form part of the Himayant mountains, such as the by the Kamyaka and Dwaita jungles. The region to the
mountains of Indra in the eastern end of the range, or south of the Saraswati river is the desert land of Thar.
the Kush mountains on the western edge. The Himayant Sindhu river: Along with the rivers that feed into it, this
mountains are filled with barbarian tribes of humans, marks the northern/western border of the Kuru lands. It
caves leading to the Patala Underworld, and monsters is a great and sacred mother river. The lands of Bahlika,
that emerge from the same. Madra, and Gandara are all bordered by this river, the
Kailas mountains: Known as the “white mountains”, Gandara lands the furthest north at the southern edge of
this range of mountains are north of the forbidding the Kush mountains. Because of the various rivers that
Himayant mountains. This mountain range is a land of feed into the Sindhu river, the lands of Bahlika and Madra
magic, home to kingdoms of the Gandharvas and the are known as the “Seven-River Kingdoms”.
Yakshas. The icy Lake Manasa is found here, around Thar desert: This region, south of the Saraswati riv-
which these kingdoms are located. The Gandharva King- er and the Kuru Kingdoms, was once a rich land with
dom is estimated to have a population of some eighty an inland sea; but it was utterly devastated in a battle
thousand, and the Yaksha Kingdom of some three-hun- between the god-hero Rama and an Asura king, when
dred and twenty thousand. The Yaksha King is named the former defeated the latter with a devastating divine
Kubera, and he is an immortal who appears to be made weapon, the agniyastra (“Fire Missile”). The water in
of pure gold. In Kubera’s kingdom are found massive the region was all evaporated, leaving only a salt lake at
gold mines that the Yakshas carefully guard. Here too the northern edge of the desert. Even now, thousands of
is found the legendary Holy Mountain, Mt. Kailash, years later, life is only beginning to return to this place.
earthly abode of the god Shiva (god of death, magic and Some barbaric human tribes live in the desert, managing
mystics). The areas around Mt. Kailash are full of hostile a meager subsistence.
Rakshasa tribes.Kamyaka jungle: A relatively peaceful Vindya mountains: This range of smaller mountains
jungle on the Saraswati river. It is home to many groups and tall forested hills forms a barrier between the civi-
of renunciates and Yogis, some hidden hermitages and lized lands in the north and the hot jungles of Dandaka
temples. Within the jungle is found the Kamyaka lake, a in the south.
particularly nice region abounding in deer and birds. Yamuna river: Considered the Ganga’s younger sister,
Khandava jungle: This large forest-jungle is found like the Sarayu it is a tributary to the Holy Mother. It is
along the Yamuna river, in the border between East- likewise Holy and along its banks are found the Western
ern Kuru to the north and the Matsya Kingdom in the Kuru, Matsya and Ceda Kingdoms, among others.

90
The Patala Underworld
 T
he universe in which Jagat is found consists
of a number of planes. The infinite planes of
1st Underworld Realm: Atala
the Gods and the finite planes of the Devas The 1st (highest) realm of the Patala underworld is
(divine spirits, or demigods), collectively called Atala. The nearest part of this realm to the sur-
known as “Devaloka”, are sometimes reach- face is populated by a powerful Naga Kingdom ruled
able from the high places (particularly Holy mountains). over by a mighty Naga king named Kaliya, whose very
breath is poison. Further down are found many varieties
ARROWS OF INDRA

The realm of mortals, and the animal realm, is in the

world in which the player characters themselves live. Far of monsters that are meant to be highly aggressive; they
beneath this plane are the Naraka Hell Realms of the also populate some of the higher-depth cavern complexes
Asura demons. But between the surface world and the that mark the entry into Atala, and often guard treasure
hell realms lies the Patala Underworld; or more accurate- hordes there. These monstrosities increase in power and
ly, the “Patala Underworlds”; for there are seven distinct ferocity as one approaches the epicenter of Atala, the city
layers to this underworld. of the demon-prince Bala. Bala is the son of Maya, the
The Patala underworld is accessible from a number of Asura demon of delusion, and master architect of the de-
places in Jagat, through caves in the earth that lead deep mon realm (who now rules in Talatala, the 4th realm of
underground until the topmost layer of the underworld Patala). In Bala’s city, designed for him by his father, there
is reached. Thus, people and creatures from the surface are treasures unimaginable to human beings, and despite
world can enter into the underworld intentionally or by being deep underground the whole cavern complex in
accident, and likewise creatures from the underworld which the city is found shines with intense light from the
can sometimes make their way out into the surface glowing gems that are indigenous to this realm. Bala has
world, usually to the regret of those they encounter. a vast harem of succubi demonesses who will attempt to
According to the sages, each layer of the Patala un- seduce and magically charm anyone who approaches the
derworld stretches out over 40,000 miles, and thus these city; if they succeed they will drive him into Unholy acts
realms are truly immense. of sensual lust until he dies of exhaustion. Otherwise, Bala
will try to charm visitors himself, and then poison them.

94
2nd Underworld Realm: Vitala courtyards, plazas and even guest-houses for visitors
that meet with Maya’s approval. The whole of the realm
Vitala is the 2nd underworld realm. It is populated is covered in treasures, and full of glowing gems that
by hungry ghosts, and also by tribes of goblins, short illuminate the realm perfectly. Maya for his part will be
hideous fanged humanoids who have great tribes here, likely to use any visitors for his temporary amusement;

THE PATALA UNDERWORLD

where they mine for gold, which exists in astounding he is the master of sorcery of illusion, and will use this
abundance in this realm. There is also a powerful and to try to torment any unfortunates who enter into this
wicked demon king who has a city here, his name is realm to drive them into corruption and insanity.
Haragrivya; his secret is that he cannot be slain by any
other being except for one that has his same name. 5th Underworld Realm: Mahatala
Somewhere deep in the epicenter of this realm is a pal-
ace of the god Shiva, where he is attended to by one of The 5th realm is Mahatala. It is ruled over by a vast
his goddess-consorts, Bhavani (an eight-armed goddess kingdom of many-hooded Nagas; their rulers are four
who is an incredibly fierce warrior, known as a slayer of brothers, the Sons of Kadru, who was the mother-goddess
demons). The palace is built by a river known as Hataki; of all Nagas. They are extremely powerful, and violent.
water taken from this river, when touched to fire, reacts There is also a kingdom of Asuras here ruled over by Hi-
by spitting out nuggets of pure gold. ranyaksha, a powerful Asura who once tried to sink the
entire world of Jagat into the cosmic ocean, and fought
3rd Underworld Realm: Sutala with Vishnu for one thousand years. There is also a lesser
kingdom of Rakshasas in this realm, wicked servants of
The 3rd realm is Sutala; this entire realm is a prison Hiranyaksha; their chief is Kirmira, a mighty Rakshasa
for a mighty demon named Bali. Unnamed ages ago, warrior who particularly loves to slay any Holy humans.
Bali almost conquered the entire universe, so immense
was his power. However, he was tricked into defeat by 6th Underworld Realm: Rasatala
the god Vishnu; and surrendering himself and all he had
conquered to Vishnu, his life was spared. He was placed The 6th realm is Rasatala; it is a realm full of tunnels
in Sutala, which is a pleasant warm realm complete with and warrens, with no really huge cavernous spaces as can
gardens that should not exist, lighting from glowing gems, sometimes be found in the other realms. It is entirely ruled
and a sumptuous palace, where immortal servants attend over by a tribe of Asura demons known as the Daityas,
to Bali’s every need. Bali himself has become a devotee of who are powerful and wicked. Their ruler is Puloman, who
Vishnu, seeking penance for his past evil nature. But Suta- governs from a small city in the largest cavern found here
la is still undoubtedly a prison, and it is unclear whether at the epicenter of the maze-like realm. The rest of the Da-
Bali’s penitent nature would continue should he ever man- ityas in this realm all live in small groups in tunnel-lairs.
age to escape or be freed. Inside Sutala there is very little
that could be considered dangerous; but all the entries 7th Underworld Realm: Nagaloka
into Sutala and all the exits, are guarded by mighty Devas The 7th and deepest realm is Nagaloka. This realm
(divine spirits), under the command of Prahlada, a mighty holds the largest kingdom of Nagas found anywhere in
Asura demon who is unique among the Asuras in that he the universe. The caverns in this realm are often gigantic,
has been Holy from childhood, and a devotee of Vishnu, as large as entire countries, and filled with forests and
who saved him from both the wrath of his demonic father lakes, abundant food and rich soil. The realm is lit by
and persecution by the Devas. Prahlada will generally re- a multitude of glowing gemstones, which many Nagas
fuse anyone to enter this realm, and will oppose anything wear on their hoods. The center of this realm is the city
that might allow for Bali’s escape. known as “Patala City”, which is ruled by the Naga king
Vasuki, it is a city of unspeakable opulence, a beautiful
4th Underworld Realm: Talatala fragrance and full of the sounds of sweet music. In the
The 4th realm is Talatala, ruled over by Maya, the center of this city is a lake of milk which grants those
Asura of delusion and master architect of hell. Maya was who drink from it daily immunity to disease and aging.
once ruler in the surface world of three immense flying Vasuki is the most powerful Naga in all existence, as
cities of his own design, which he used to subjugate the mighty as a deity himself, and immortal. The Nagas of
entire surface world of Jagat with his demonic followers. Nagaloka are not evil, but they will be wary and likely
Finally, the avatara Shiva destroyed these cities putting hostile to non-Naga intruders into their realm unless
an end to Maya’s oppression. Maya and his demonic they are quickly given motive not to be hostile. From
clan were subsequently imprisoned in Talatala, after Nagaloka, there are tunnels that lead down into the Hell
having offered devotion to Shiva in exchange for his life. Realms of the Asura demons.
In Talatala, architectural wonders unlike anything ever
built by man occupy almost the entire realm; there are
palaces and temples (both of the Asuras and to Shiva),
houses for the many demonic courtiers who serve Maya,

95
 CAVERN GENERATION SYSTEM; Step 2: Cavern complex exits
and lighting conditions
PATALA UNDERWORLD Roll in each cave, to see if there is a tunnel exiting
The Gm is free to create whatever kind of cavern toward another cavern complex, aside from the entrance
complexes he wishes in the Patala underworld; but the by which the Pcs would arrive.
ARROWS OF INDRA

following are some helpful tools to create small or large

sections of the immensely vast underworlds.
Table 8.2.1 Exits (d100)
Any cavern system generated below should include an
entryway (that either arrives from the surface in the case Roll Exits
of a 1st level cavern, or from another section of caverns 1-30 0
if the caverns being generated are part of an ongoing se- 31-45 1
ries of cave complexes in the underworld). 45-60 2
Note: In the 6th Realm there are no Cavern Complex-
61-75 1, hidden†
es, only Tunnels.
76-90 1, leading downward‡

Step 1: Cavern complex size 91-00 1, leading upward

† This passage is either hidden by natural features of the
First establish the basic size of the cavern complex itself. cave, or buried under rubble, or possibly intentionally con-
cealed.
‡ Leads down to the next level of the Patala Underworld.
Table 8.1 Basic Cavern Complex Size (d100)
Roll 1d6: on a 1-4 it is a very gentle slope, 5-6 a steeper
Roll Cavern Size slope requiring climbing implements, on a 6 it is a vertical
drop. If already at the lowest level of the underworld any
1-25 Cave 2d4×10 feet by 2d6×10 feet, roughly
downward exit leads into the Hell Realms.
26-35 Cave 2d6×10 feet by 2d10×10 feet, roughly Leads up to the previous level of the Patala Underworld.
Roll 1d6: on a 1-4 it is a very gentle slope, 5-6 a steeper
Two caves, adjacent, one 1d4x10 by 2d4×10, the
36-45 slope requiring climbing implements, on a 6 it is a vertical
other 2d6×10 by 2d12×10 feet
climb. If already at the highest level of the underworld, it
Three caves, adjacent (first two as above, third leads back to the surface world.
46-55
2d12×10 by 2d20×10 feet)
56-65 1d8 caves, adjacent, sizes as any above Random Cave Lighting
66-75 2d6 caves, adjacent, sizes as any above
(Note: Any area that contains a non-ruined settlement
Central cave 2d100×10 by 1d100×10 feet, with 1d10 will be lit by either glowing mold or Patala Gems)
76-85
adjacent caves*
Two central caves, 2d10×100 feet each, adjacent,
86-95
with 1d20 small adjacent caves†
Table 8.2.2 Lighting (d100)

Enormous central cave, 2d10 miles by 1d10 miles, Roll Light Source
96-00
with 1d100 small adjacent caves† 1-80 None
† Central caves of this side should check for the possibility 81-90 Phosphorescent fungus or mold
of magical lakes, underground forests, or underground
settlements. Glowing Patala Gems (1d4 per 100-foot incre-
91-00
ment along each wall)
Note: In the 7th Realm, all sizes for results from 56-95 will be ten
times the regular size, and any result of 96-00 will be 100 times
regular size. Patala Gems shine with an intense light that illumi-
nates everything within a 60-foot radius; they can be
covered but not turned off. These gems can be mined,
and if they are not shattered in the process will retain
their light. Intact Patala Gems have a base value of
5000gp each.

96
Step 3: Random Cave Contents
Table 8.3.1 Random Cave Contents (d100)
Roll Cave Contents

THE PATALA UNDERWORLD

1-40 Empty
Random monster (see encounter tables for
41-70
the appropriate underworld level)
Random monster plus Treasure Horde (see
71-90
“Treasure and Items”)
Toxic atmosphere (see Toxic Atmosphere
91-95
chart)
96-00 Magic Spring (see Magic Spring chart)

Table 8.3.2 Toxic Atmosphere (d100)

Roll Toxic Atmosphere
Smoke/steam, non-lethal but visibility is re-
1-35
duced to 10 feet
Extreme Fog: Non-lethal, but visibility is zero
36-45
without the aid of magic Table 8.3.3 Magic Spring (d100)
Mildly corrosive: PCs lose 1d3 hit points for Roll Magic Spring Effect
46-60
every 10 minutes they spend in the area
Anyone bathing in the waters will be cured of
Sleep inducing: After 10 minutes in the area, any diseases or curses, and healed of 1d6 hit
61-65 any beings that sleep must save vs. poison or 1-40 points of injury, but only if they are either of
fall unconscious until removed from the area Holy (50% chance) or Unholy (50% chance)
Heavily toxic: PCs must save vs. poison every alignment.
66-90
10 minutes, or die Anyone of the spring’s alignment (50/50
Lethal gas: PCs must save vs. poison each chance of either Holy or Unholy) who drinks
91-96 from the spring will have their full hit points
round, or die 41-75
restored; anyone of the direct opposite align-
Healing vapors: For each hour spent here, any ment who drinks from the spring must save vs.
97-99
injured character will recover 1d6 HP poison or die.
Holy Vapors: Any character spending a day Anyone of the spring’s alignment (50/50
here will gain +1 to a randomly determined chance of either Holy or Unholy) who bathes in
00
ability score; after this gain, the vapors have no its waters will gain a permanent +1 to a single
further effect randomly determined ability score. Anyone not
76-90 of the spring’s alignment who bathes in its wa-
ters will lose 1 point in a random ability score.
After this gain or loss the spring has no further
effect unless the character bathes in it again
after changing alignment.
This spring is a fountain of youth. Whoever
90-00 drinks from it will immediately become 1d10
years younger.
Note: Any spring that has “holy” or “unholy” properties will be de-
tectable as said alignment by magic. In all cases below, the water of
the spring is only normal water when transported, unless otherwise
dictated by the GM, its sacred qualities depend on its physical location.

97
 Giant Cave Details The width of a tunnel will vary every 500 feet:

This table should only be checked on for large Table 8.4.2 Random Tunnel Width (d100)
central caves. Roll Approximate Width
1-50 10 feet
Table 8.3.4 Giant Caves:
51-60 20 feet
Lakes, Forests, Settlements (d100)
ARROWS OF INDRA

61-70 30 feet
Roll Feature
71-80 5 feet
1-50 None
5 feet
51-70 Underground lake: 50% chance of additional 81-90
Narrowing to only 2 feet at the halfway mark.
random monster encounter in this cave, possi-
bly an aquatic monstrosity or marine creature 5 feet
91-95
Shortening to only 2 feet high at the halfway mark.
71-74 Magic lake†
10 feet
75-85 Underground forest: 50% chance of additional 96-98
Flooded for (up to) 1d20×10 feet of its length.
random monster encounters in this cave
10 feet
85-95 Settlement‡ 99
Bisected by a 1d6×10 foot long magma flow.
96-00 Roll twice on this table, treating any further 10 feet
result of 95-00 as a settlement 00 Bisected by a 1d4×10 foot long chasm
† A magic lake will be of either Holy or Unholy alignment that falls 2d10×10 feet down
(50% chance of either), and anyone who fully submerges
into the lake will be transported to the Deva Realms of the Additionally, at every 500 foot increment there is a
water-god Varuna (if a Holy lake) or to the Hell realms of
the demon queen Danu (if an Unholy lake). There is a 90% chance of a hazard:
chance that a magic lake will be guarded by either a Wa-
ter Deva (if Holy) or an Asura Demon Prince (son of Danu)
Table 8.4.3 Tunnel Hazards
(if Unholy).
‡ A settlement will have a 50% chance of being in ruins. If
(check each 500 feet) (d100)
it is not in ruins, it should be occupied by a creature ap- Roll Hazard
propriate to the level of the Patala Underworld where it is
found. If it is in ruins, there’s a 50% chance it will contain 1-40 None
a random monster encounter, and if so there’s also a 50% 41-50 A single grotto 2d6×10 by 2d6×10
chance it will contain a treasure horde. Roll 1d100 to deter- (roll for random cave contents)
mine the settlement type: 1-50: village/city 51-75: temple
76-00: palace. 51-59 Splits into two possible tunnel paths
Note: In the 7th Realm, roll twice when using this table, treating any (roll again for new tunnel length and width)
result of 95-00 as a settlement with a surrounding forest/garden.
60-69 Toxic atmosphere
(roll on toxic atmosphere table, above)
Step 4: Tunnel Generation 70-79 Unstable tunnel*
A tunnel will link one cavern complex to the next, or 80-90 Random monster encounter
to a higher or lower level of the Patala Underworld. Roll (roll on appropriate encounter table)
to determine the approximate total length of the tunnel: 91-00 (up to) 1d6×10 feet of
collapsed tunnel blocking path
† An unstable tunnel will require a perception check
Table 8.4.1 Random Tunnel Length (d100)
(Thieves may add their bonuses to “finding traps”) to
Roll Length maneuver without causing a tunnel collapse. In the
event of a tunnel collapse all characters must make
1-10 2d12 × 10 feet
a saving throw modified by their Dexterity bonus to
11-25 1d100 × 10 feet avoid suffering 4d6 points of damage.
26-50 1d6 × 100 feet
51-70 1d100 × 100 feet
6th Realm Tunnels
71-80 1d20 × 1000 feet
In the 6th Realm, there are no cavern complexes, only
81-90 1d100 miles
tunnels. At the end of each tunnel length there is not a
91-00 2d10 × 10 miles cavern complex, but rather a small grotto measuring
1d6×10 by 1d6 × 10 feet, which will have 1d3 new tun-
nel exits. On the “Hazards” table, a “tunnel grotto” will
be 4d6×10 by 4d6×10.

98
 THE PATALA UNDERWORLD

99
 RANDOM MONSTER TABLES, Table 8.5.2 Vitala
(2nd realm of the Patala Underworld) (d100)

PATALA UNDERWORLD Roll

1-3
Monster
Asura demon, class A
The following tables suppose that players are in a ran-
4-6 Asura demon, class B
dom region of each level. If they are in or heading toward
ARROWS OF INDRA

7-8 Asura demon, class C

a particular area (for example, the Naga Kingdom of the
1st realm; or Prince Bala’s city), then the Gm may wish to 9 Asura demon, class D
simply select monster encounters that are more consistent 10-11 Asura demon, fire demon
with the particular area of the Realm they are exploring. 12 Asura demon prince
13-14 Deva warrior†
Table 8.5.1 Atala 15-16 Fire spirit†
(1st realm of the Patala Underworld) (d100)
17-22 Gana*
Roll Monster
23-30 Ghost, aleya
1-4 Ant, giant
31-40 Ghost, bhuta
5-10 Asura demon; class A
41-65 Goblin
11-15 Asura demon, class B
66-67 Humans‡
16-18 Asura demon, class C
68-69 Living dead, preta
19 Asura demon, class D
70-73 Living dead, skeletons
20-21 Asura demon, fire demon
74 Living statue
22-23 Asura demon, pishacha
75-85 Monstrosities
24 Asura prince
86-90 Rakshasas
25-35 Asura demon, succubus
91 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa
36-37 Ghost, aleya
92-94 Rat, giant
38-39 Humans†
95 Serpent, giant 7-headed cobra†
40-43 Living dead, skeletons
96-97 Spider, giant
44-46 Living statue
98-99 Vidyadhara†
47-57 Monstrosities
00 Witch, Unholy
58-80 Naga
† Servants of Shiva
81-84 Rakshasa ‡ Encounter may be with adventurers, Holy servants of lord
85 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa Shiva, Unholy servants of the Asuras, or lost/escaped pris-
oners of the Rakshasas, Goblins, or Asuras.
86-87 Rat, giant
88-90 Serpent, cobra
Sutala (3rd Realm of the Patala Underworld)
91 Serpent, giant cobra
92 Serpent, giant 7-headed cobra All normal entrances to Sutala will be guarded by
93-94 Spider, giant
Deva Warriors of Vishnu under the command of Prahla-
da, a Holy Asura demon king! They will seek to refuse
95-96 Witch, unholy
anyone entry, either attacking intruders or possibly (if
97-00 Yaksha‡ there are Holy-aligned Pcs present) offering to transport
† Encounters can be with Holy adventurers, Unholy servants them either back to the surface world, back up to the
of the Asuras, mercenaries in the service of the Nagas, 3rd Patala Realm, or down to the 4th Realm.
escaped prisoners or possibly other types of humans who
are lost.
Characters who somehow find themselves inside the
‡ The Yaksha encountered are either on an expedition from 3rd realm itself will find that all monster encounters are
the surface to fight against the Nagas, Rakshasas or the either with Asuras (who may be surprisingly friendly if
Asuras; or they have set up a base in the region to guard they believe the Pcs might be able to help them escape
some divine treasure.
their beautiful prison) or with Deva Warriors who will
act precisely as they would at the entryways above.

100
Table 8.5.3 Talatala Table 8.5.4 Mahatala
(4th Realm of the Patala Underworld) (d100) (5th Realm of the Patala Underworld) (d100)
Roll Monster Roll Monster
1-20 Asura demon, class A 1-6 Asura demon, class A

THE PATALA UNDERWORLD

21-30 Asura demon, class B 7-12 Asura demon, class B
31-35 Asura demon, class C 13-18 Asura demon, class C
36-38 Asura demon, class D 19-22 Asura demon, class D
39-40 Asura demon prince 23 Asura demon, prince
41 Asura demon king, Maya† 24-25 Ghost, aleya
42-43 Humans‡ 26-28 Humans†
44-74 Monstrosities 29-33 Living dead, skeletons
75-95 Rakshasa 34-37 Living statue
96-98 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa 38-45 Monstrosities
99-00 Witch, Unholy 46-66 Nagas
† If encountered outside of his palace, Maya will be invis- 67 Naga king‡
ible, and will quickly teleport back to his palace, from
68-83 Rakshasa
which he will continue to observe the PCs with magic,
and use his demonic power to plague them with illu- 84-85 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa
sions, tricks meant to play on their fears, violate their
86-87 Serpent, cobra
beliefs, or turn on each other. He will keep the PCs alive
for however long they amuse him (however long the GM 88-93 Serpent, giant cobra
judges that might be), after which he will dispatch Asura
94-95 Serpent, giant 7-headed cobra
demons to exterminate them.
‡ Any humans encountered will be either Priests or Virak- 96-98 Spider, giant
shatriyas of Shiva; if at least some of the PCs are Holy in
99-00 Witch, Unholy
alignment and none of them Unholy, the Priests will seek
to protect the PCs from the other creatures of this realm † Humans will most likely be Unholy servants of the
and attempt to convince them to let the Priests call Rakshasas or Asuras, or possibly mercenary servants
upon Shiva at one of his temples to transport them back of the Nagas. There is also a slight chance they may
to the surface world. Even if there are Unholy PCs in the be adventurers questing in this realm.
group, the Priests will still attempt to make the same of- ‡ The Naga king will always be accompanied by at least
fer to any Holy PCs in the group, offering to spare them 2d10 common Naga attendants.
the fate their companions will be doomed to face.
NOTE: Any Asura Demons or Rakshasas encountered will be likely
to attempt to capture the PCs alive to take them before Maya. Table 8.5.5 Rasatala
If they fight with the PC party and are defeated, any Asuras or (6th Realm of the Patala Underworld) (d100)
Rakshasas who manage to flee will immediately alert Maya to the
PC’s presence in the Realm, after which Maya will use the strategy Roll Monster
detailed above.
1-4 Asura demon, class A
5-55 Asura demon, class E (Daityas)
56-60 Asura demon, prince
61-65 Asura demon, pishacha
66-68 Ghost, aleya
69-70 Humans†
71-75 Living dead, skeleton
76-85 Monstrosities
86-95 Rakshasa
96-98 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa
99-00 Spider, giant
† Will most likely be Unholy servants of the Daityas, or
slaves of the same; though they may also be a group
of adventurers questing in this realm.

101
 Table 8.5.6 Nagaloka
(7th Realm of the Patala Underworld) (d100)
Roll Monster
1-2 Asura demon, class A
3 Asura demon, class B
ARROWS OF INDRA

4 Asura demon, class C

5 Asura demon, class D
6 Asura demon, fire demon
7-12 Humans†
13-14 Living statue
15-35 Monstrosities
36-76 Naga, common
77-81 Naga champion‡
82-85 Naga sorcerer‡
86-89 Naga chief‡
90 Naga king
91-93 Serpent, cobra
94-96 Serpent, giant cobra
97-00 Serpent, giant 7-headed cobra
† Will most likely be an encounter with loyal servants, slaves, or mercenary
hirelings of the Naga Kingdom. May be with adventurers out to attack the
Nagas.
‡ These will always be accompanied by 2d4 common Nagas
The Naga king will always be accompanied by at least 2d10 common Naga
attendants, one champion, and possibly a sorcer.

102
 THE PATALA UNDERWORLD

103
 Overland Travel
Random Encounters
 ENCOUNTERS ALONG THE ROAD A caravanserai is technically an inn; but in fact most

O
caravanserais are fairly large complexes. They will have
n almost any road, there will be an en- surrounding farms, they will have considerable stabling
counter at least once a day; these encoun- facilities (since they can expect at any given time in the
ters may consist of nothing more than the dry seasons to have a number of merchant caravans
two groups passing each other; but it can staying there each night), a small market, a dining and
ARROWS OF INDRA

also lead to trade, exchange of informa- drinking hall, and shared and private quarters. In some
tion, offers of employment or aid, or conflict. areas a caravanserai may also have a small temple or
shrine with a priest, and other facilities (in some disrepu-
table cases, the services of prostitutes, for example). Car-
Table 9.1 Road Encounters (d100)
avanserais in frontier regions will actually have defensive
Roll Encounter walls, making them look like small fortresses.
01 Barbarian war band (1d100) Thus, Caravanserais will be important places for
Bureaucrats from local kingdom trade and gossip, to acquire news, to restock supplies,
02-07
(1 administrator, 1d6 secretaries, 1d100 guards) etc. Ample games of chance are played in the drinking
08 Gandharvas or Yakshas (1d20) hall, trades and deals are made in the dining hall, and
Merchant caravan
potential opportunities can be presented for employment
09-15 (the Gm can make use of the Employment/Mission table,
(4d6 wagons of goods, 2d6 guards)
Messenger
as in cities, see below).
16-17 Sleeping in the common hall is usually the cheapest
(1 riding swiftly with important message)
18 Monster encounter†
option for an overnight stay at a caravanserai, but charac-
ters that appear to be wealthier than the average peasant
19-24 Noble entourage (1d3 nobles, 1d100 guards)
or laborer will be at risk of being targeted for theft of
25-29 Party of adventurers (determined by GM) their possessions. Any character who does not appear to
30-49
Peasants, traveling to nearest market town (1d100, be very poor runs a 5% chance any night sleeping in the
50% chance with farm produce) common hall that a pickpocket will attempt to rob them
50-60 Priests (1d12) while they sleep (requiring a perception check vs. the pick-
61 Rakshasa brigands (1d20) pocket’s skill, usually between +2 to +6; the pickpocket
62-64 Secret agent/spy for a foreign kingdom (1)
usually gets an additional +4 bonus for the darkness and
the Pc being asleep when he attempts the theft).
65-67 Siddhi (1+1d6 students)

68-73
Slave caravan (1d100 slaves with 1d6×10 guards and
slave vendor)
Encounters in the City
Slaves, sold, in transport Characters will of course “encounter” thousands of
74-76 people every day, but in each day there is a chance of a
(1d20, guarded by 1d10 guards)
77-85 Soldiers of local ruler (1d10 or 1d100) significant encounter of some kind. Gms can roll at ran-
dom to determine if on a given day characters have an
Tax collector
86-92
(1+2d4 assistants and 2d20 guards) encounter of importance (it would be suggested a 1 in
6 chance in towns, 2 in 6 in cities, and 3 in 6 in major
Traveling musicians/dancers (1d12 musicians and
93-96
1d6 dancing girls, possibly with 1d12 bodyguards) cities), or he can simply roll on the encounter tables as
needed. To determine the encounter in either daytime or
97 Vanara monkey-men (1d20)
nighttime roll on Table 9.2 City Encounters.
98-00 Vicious barbarian bandits (1d20) Keep in mind also, that any encounter can potentially
† Choose from monster list, or roll from a surrounding wil- lead to combat, or to possible offers of employment (see
derness area Table 9.3 for more information).

Caravanserais
Along any road, there may be villages, farms, and
larger manor-holdings; but also (and of key importance
to travelers, be they merchants or adventurers) there will
be a Caravanserai in most places where there is more
than one day’s distance from one city to the next. Only
in more peripheral highways going in isolated directions
will these have a chance of being absent. In the core ar-
eas of the Bharata Kingdoms, you can assume that there
will be at least one caravanserai at roughly each day’s
distance of march when there is a long stretch of road.
In more isolated regions, the chance might be 5 in 6, 4 in
6 or occasionally 3 in 6.

106
Table 9.2 City Encounters (d100) Kalari Arenas

OVERLAND TRAVEL RANDOM ENCOUNTERS

Roll Roll Encounter The Kalari fighting arenas are used primarily for
(Day) (Night) (number appearing) training and contests in wrestling and unarmed fight-
01 01-03
Assassins, hired ing; they are a popular sport, as well as having religious
(may be Thugees) (1-3) implications in the worship of Shiva, in his form as the
02-12 04-08
Beggar warrior/dancer who is “Kalantaka”, the foe of death.
(may have useful information) (1-2) This does not stop considerable gambling from going on
13-20 09-19
City Guard (2d8 1st level guards and during Kalari fighting matches.
one 2nd-5th level commander) There is almost always at least one Kalari in any small
21-23 20
City public official town or city, and larger cities will have several, usually
(1 + 2d8 guards) belonging to different fighting schools; these schools will
24-25 21-22
City secret police often compete with one another. A Kalari arena is always
(1-6 agents, may be disguised) four feet deep, forty two feet long and twenty-one feet
— 23-24
Demon, Asura (choose Asura class, wide. It runs east-west along the course of the sun.
may be disguised)
Table 9.3 Possible Missions/Employment (d100)
26-27 25-28 Drunken ruffians (1d4+1)
Roll Mission
28-30 29-30 Foreign diplomat (1+1d12 guards)
01-03 Assassinate a noble
— 31 Ghost, bhuta (1)
04-09 Bodyguard for a noble
— 32-34 Ghost, vetala (1d4+1)
10-19 Fight in a duel for the employer in the Kalari arena
31 35-38 Giant rats (2d4)
20-22 Fight in the Kalari arena as a gladiator
Idle noble, Brahmin caste (1+1d4 ser-
32-34 39-40 23-28 Join a hunting party to find a specific animal/monster
vants/slaves)
Idle noble, Kshatriya caste (1+1d4 29-34 Join an army in a war or raiding party
35-38 41-44
guards and 1-2 slaves) 35-45 Join an expedition/raiding party to barbarian lands
39-42 45-49 Kshatriya sell-swords (3d4) 46-56 Political intrigue/spying/theft, in the same city
43-44 50-51 Kshatriya warrior (1d4+1) 57-67 Political intrigue/spying in a foreign country
— 52-54 Living dead, preta (4d4) 68-78 Travel with a trading caravan
45-54 55-57 Merchant (1d3, with 1d8 guards) 79-89 Travel to a foreigner’s home city to deliver a message
Merchant’s wife, respectable 90-97 Travel to find an artifact or person
55-59 58
(1, possibly in distress)
98-00 Travel to the Patala Underworld to obtain a treasure
60 59 Musicians/dancers (1d6)
Nonhuman (Gandharva, Vanara, Yak- The type of unarmed fighting that usually goes on
61-63 60-62 at Kalari arenas is not something that noble Kshatriya
sha) (1d3)
64-65 63-64 Pandit, scholar (1) warrior would engage in, as wrestling or bare-handed
fighting is considered one of the lowest forms of combat,
Pishacha (flesh eating Asura,
66-67 65
shape-shifter) (1d4+1) and certainly a Kshatriya would not engage in fights for
public sport, much less for money (instead, Kshatriya are
Priest
68-74 66-68
(1 higher level +1d4 1st level acolytes) expected to participate in more genteel tournaments in
archery, horse-riding, and chariot-racing). However, the
75-76 69-73 Prostitute (1)
Kalari arena is also where public duels are fought, and
77-78 74-76 Rakshasa (1d3) dueling is a common activity among the warrior caste.
79-81 77 Religious pilgrim (3d4) For a duel, a special platform is constructed within the
82 78 Scout (1) Kalari, called an Ankathattu, which is a raised platform
83-84 79-80 Siddhi (1+1d4 followers or students) six feet off the ground, measuring 20 feet by 20 feet,
without railings. The duel is traditionally fought with
85 81 Spy for a foreign nation (1)
maces. The duel is won when an opponent is either
86-89 82-85 Thief (1d3) killed, surrenders, or is thrown off the platform.
90 86-89 Town drunk (1d3) In addition to standard duels of honor, rulers of ev-
91 90 Virakshatriya (1) erything from clans to temples, cities, or countries may
92-99 91-98 Watchmen (city watch) (1d6) select champions to fight for them in the Kalari arena, to
resolve conflicts without having to resort to more bloody
-- 99 Witch, Unholy (1)
violence. The chosen champions of either side will fight,
00 00 Yogi (1) and all parties agree that the winner of the battle deter-
mines how the issue is resolved.
Player characters, particularly of the Fighter class,
might find themselves engaging in duels in the Kalari ei-

107
 ther due to conflicts they get themselves into, or on behalf Table 9.4.2 Forest, Madhu (d100)
of a patron. If a character wins such a duel, they gain full
Roll Encounter
standard Xp for defeating an opponent in battle.
Additionally, it is common for wagers to take place, and 1-10 Bear, common
player characters can of course participate in such wagers. 11-40 Boar, wild
The maximum amount of money that can possibly be wa- 41-55 Elephant, common
ARROWS OF INDRA

gered (and the wager accepted) on a fight is based on the 56-75 Humans, wanderers†
level of the combatant; more specifically, based on the level
76-80 Rats, giant
of the more experienced combatant if there is a disparity. To
determine how much can be wagered roll 1d100 × 10 × the 81-85 Tiger, common
level of the combatant. Of course, wagers smaller than the 86-00 Wolf
maximum are possible. Odds will be based on the disparity † Encounters are with peasant hunters, a Kshatriya hunting
of the combatants’ levels; for example, two characters of party, a nobleman’s hunting party with full entourage, or a
equal level fighting each other will have 1:1 odds, a level 6 lone individual (man, woman, child) lost in the woods.
character fighting a level 4 character will have 3:2 odds, etc.
Opponents defeated in duels generate experience Table 9.4.3 Jungle, Dandaka (d100)
points as usual, but gold won by betting in the arena
does not generate experience points. Roll Encounter
1-4 Ant, giant
Encounters in the Wilderness 5-8 Ape, dire
9-12 Asura demon, minor class A
When traveling away from civilized places, there is always
a chance of random encounters with intelligent beings, an- 13-14 Asura demon, minor class B
imals or monsters. Each day of travel, the Gm should check 15-18 Bee, giant
for a random encounter during both the day and the night (if 19 Beetle, giant
the Pcs are camping outside). During the daytime, encoun-
20-22 Boar, giant
ters are rolled on a d6, and at night on a d12. An encounter
23-28 Centipede, giant
happens if you roll a 1-2 on the die in most regions, except in
forest and jungle, where the chance increases to 1-3. 29-34 Elephant, common
The following encounter tables (rolled by d100) are 35 Elephant, dire
divided by areas, and should be used as guidelines, the 36-37 Ghost, aleya
Gm can substitute any kind of encounter he wishes. The
38-39 Humans, wanderers†
Gm should refer to the monster section to determine the
40-49 Humans, barbarian, local tribe
number of creatures encountered.
50-52 Humans, Thugees
Table 9.4.1 Desert, Thar (d100) 53-54 Mongoose, giant
Roll Encounter 55-64 Rakshasa, local tribe‡
1-15 Ant, giant 65-68 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa
16-18 Asura demon, minor class C 69-71 Rat, giant
19-21 Fire spirit 72-74 Serpent, cobra
22-28 Ghost, aleya 75-77 Serpent, giant cobra
29-35 Humans, wanderers† 78 Serpent, giant 7-headed cobra
36-65 Humans, barbarian raider tribe 79-80 Spider, giant
66-76 Living dead, skeletons 81-84 Tiger, common
77-85 Rakshasas‡ 85 Tiger, dire
86-90 Ruins 86-96 Vanara, local tribe
91-00 Scorpion, giant 97-98 Vyala
† Wanderers may include a solitary hermit, a group of ad- 99-00 Wolf
venturers seeking treasure, the survivors of a failed group
of adventurers, or a very lost person. † This encounter could be with an expedition from a civi-
‡ Rakshasas will be a group of 1d20 Rakshasas, who are in lized nation looking to hunt, explore ruins or trade with
the desert either because they are servants of a demon the Vanara; with a group of adventurers or sacred warriors
based here, or because they have come into the desert to hunting for Asura demons, with half-insane survivors of a
find treasure or magic lost in the desert ruins. failed expedition, or with a single ascetic Yogi.
The ruins of a village, city or temple that could contain ‡ This encounter can be with a group of 1d10 warriors, or
any of the above monsters or other monsters; it could be with a small tribe of 1d100 primitive Rakshasa barbarians,
the base for a barbarian tribe or an Asura demon or Brah- or with a semi-ruined Rakshasa city with several hundreds
marakshasa, or be filled with the living dead; as well as a or even thousands of Rakshasas led by a Brahmarakshasa
great deal of treasure. or an Asura demon.

108
 OVERLAND TRAVEL RANDOM ENCOUNTERS
Table 9.4.4 Jungle, Dwaita (d100) Table 9.4.5 Jungle, Kamyaka (d100)
Roll Encounter Roll Encounter
1-5 Ant, giant 1-5 Ant, giant
6-12 Bear, common 6-11 Bear, common
13-16 Bee, giant 12-15 Bee, giant
17-26 Boar, wild 16-23 Boar, wild
27-31 Centipede, giant 24-26 Centipede, giant
32-37 Crocodile 27-30 Crocodile
38-55 Elephant, common 31-35 Elephant, common
56-57 Elephant, dire 36-40 Fish, giant river fish
58-60 Fish, giant river fish 41-45 Gandharva (1d8, travelers from Dwaita forest)
61-72 Gandharvas (from Gandharva Teertha) 46-50 Human, Yogi (1)
73-76 Humans, wanderers† 51-52 Human, Siddhi (1)
77-81 Rat, giant 53-63 Human, priests + attendants†
82-90 Tiger, common 64-68 Human, wanderers‡
91 Tiger, dire 69-70 Mongoose, giant
92 Water spirit 71-75 Rakshasa brigands
93-96 Wolf 76-80 Rat, giant
97-00 Yakshas 81-83 Serpent, cobra
* This encounter may be with lone ascetic hermits, with a group of 84-85 Serpent, giant cobra
humans who live with the Yakshas or Gandharvas of the forest
86-93 Tiger, common
(probably including Priests and Scouts), with fugitives hiding from
the forces of some human kingdom (possibly criminals, or unjustly 94-00 Wolf
hunted), or with a group of raiders (barbarian or civilized) who are
† 1d3 Priests of level 1-6 plus 1d10 followers or guards, from a
here to try to steal treasures from the Yakshas or Gandharvas.
nearby hidden temple in the forest.
† Encounters may be with lost pilgrims, fugitives hiding from
the forces of some human kingdom (possibly criminals,
or unjustly hunted), or with a group of raiders (barbarian
or civilized) who are here to try to steal treasures from a
forest temple.
1d20 brigands, out to defile a Holy place.

109
 Table 9.4.6 Jungle, Khandava (d100) Table 9.4.7 Jungle, Naimisha (d100)
Roll Encounter Roll Encounter
1-3 Ant, giant 1-8 Bear, common
4-5 Asura demon, minor class A 9-11 Bee, giant
6-12 Bear, common 12-22 Boar, wild
ARROWS OF INDRA

13 Bear, dire 23-28 Centipede, giant

14-20 Boar, wild 29-33 Crocodile
21-22 Boar, giant 34-44 Dog, wild
23-30 Centipede, giant 45-55 Elephant, common
31-37 Elephant, common 56-60 Fish, giant river fish
38 Ghost, aleya 61-70 Humans, wanderers†
39-44 Humans, wanderers† 71-80 Humans, Yogis (1d4)
45-48 Mongoose, giant 81-85 Humans, bandits
49-65 Nagas (from the local Naga kingdom) 86-88 Rat, giant
66-73 Rakshasas‡ 89-90 Serpent, cobra
74-80 Rat, giant 91-93 Tiger, common
81-83 Serpent, cobra 94 Water spirit
84-86 Serpent, giant cobra 95-00 Wolf
87-90 Serpent, giant 7-headed cobra † May be pilgrims seeking out the wisdom of renunciates, a
Siddhi in meditation, a group of fugitives from a neighbor-
91-92 Spider, giant
ing kingdom, a lost traveler, a group of adventurers on a
93-98 Tiger, common mission, or a Priest of Brahma with attendants.
99 Vyala
00 Witch, Unholy
† May be adventurers hunting the Naga or other monsters
for rewards, or humans who are servants or agents of the
Naga, or escaped prisoners of the Naga kingdom.
‡ A group of 1d20 Rakshasas who are either mercenaries in
the service of the Nagas, or raiders out to steal treasure
from the Nagas.

110
Table 9.4.8 Mountains, Himayant (d100) Table 9.4.9 Mountains, Kailas (d100)

OVERLAND TRAVEL RANDOM ENCOUNTERS

Roll Encounter Roll Encounter
1 Air Deva 1 Air Deva
2-4 Apsara 2-5 Apsara
5-6 Asura demon, fire demon 6 Asura demon, fire demon
7-12 Asura demon, pishacha 7 Asura demon, succubus
13-14 Asura demon, succubus 8-13 Bear, common
15-22 Bear, common 14-15 Bear, dire
23-25 Bear, dire 16 Deva warrior
26 Earth spirit 17 Earth spirit
27-32 Gandharva, tribe 18 Fire spirit
33-35 Garuda, small 19-24 Ganas
36-37 Ghost, aleya 25-35 Gandharvas (from the Gandharva Kingdom)
38-42 Giant 36-40 Garuda, small
43-45 Goblin 41-42 Garuda, large
46-56 Humans, barbarian raiders 43-44 Ghost, aleya
57-60 Humans, wanderers† 45-46 Giant
61-65 Kinnara 47-48 Goblin
66-69 Lions, cave 49-50 Humans, wanderers†
70 Marut 51-55 Kinnara
71-72 Monstrosities 56-59 Lions, cave
73-82 Nagas 60 Marut
83-88 Rakshasa tribe‡ 61-62 Monstrosities
89-91 Sharabha 63-73 Rakshasas (tribe of Rakshasas, 2d100)
92 Windhorse 74 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa
93 Witch, Unholy 75-78 Sharabha
94-96 Wolf 79-80 Vidyadhara, minor
97-98 Yaksha, tribe 81-84 Windhorse
99-00 Yeti 85 Witch, Unholy
† This encounter can be with a lone hermit, a group of Yogis 86-87 Wolf
or Holy men, Priests in a mountain temple, adventurers
88-90 Wolf, dire
in search of monsters, or badly lost merchants or travelers.
‡ This encounter is with a group of 1d100 Rakshasa; possibly 91-98 Yaksha (from the Yaksha Kingdom)
governed over by either an Asura demon or a Brahmarak-
99-00 Yeti
shasa.
† Encounters can be with barbarian humans on a raiding
expedition from the Himayant mountains, with human
adventurers or soldiers or mystics from the Golden Lands
(the rich foreign kingdoms far to the east of the Bharata
lands, and to the northeast of the Kailas mountains), with
hermits, priests or other pilgrims from the Bharata lands,
or with escaped prisoners of the Rakshasa tribes.

111
 Table 9.4.10 Mountains, Riksha mountains Table 9.4.11 Mountains, Vindya (d100)
and hills (d100) Roll Encounter
Roll Encounter 1-4 Ape, dire
1-2 Ant, giant 5 Asura demon, minor class A
3-4 Ape, dire 6-10 Bear, common
ARROWS OF INDRA

5-8 Asura demon, minor class A 11-13 Bear, dire

9-11 Asura demon, minor class B 14-20 Bee, giant
12-13 Asura demon, minor class C 21-30 Boar, wild
14 Asura demon, minor class D 31-34 Ghost, aleya
15-16 Asura demon, fire demon 35-39 Giant
17-21 Bear, common 40-50 Horse, riding (wild)
22-23 Bear, dire 51-55 Humans, wanderers†
24-28 Bee, giant 56-75 Humans, barbarian raiders (Bhil)
29-33 Boar, wild 76-80 Lions, cave
34-35 Ghost, aleya 81-85 Rakshasa‡
36-38 Giant 86-90 Sharabha
39-40 Goblin 91-94 Vanara
41-47 Humans, wanderers† 95-98 Wolf
48-66 Humans, barbarians (Bhil) 99-00 Wolf, dire
67-70 Lion, cave † Encounters can include merchant caravans going to or
71-72 Monstrosities from the southern kingdoms, adventurers seeking trea-
sure, ascetic Yogis or Siddhis, or individual humans lost in
73-84 Rakshasas‡ the mountains.
85 Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasa ‡: Encounters are with 2d20 Rakshasa either going to or
returning from banditry in the northern kingdoms.
86-88 Sharabha Encounters are with 2d20 Vanara who are either traveling
89-91 Spider, giant to the northern kingdoms, or returning home to the Va-
nara Kingdoms.
92 Witch, Unholy
93-98 Wolf
99-00 Wolf, dire
† Encounters can be with troops from the Maghadan Empire
on patrol, with human servants of the Asuras, with ad-
venturers out to hunt monsters, with a trading expedition,
with escaped prisoners of the Bhil barbarians, or with indi-
viduals who are hopelessly lost.
‡ Encounters are typically with 2d20 Rakshasas, servants of
the Asura Kingdom.

112
Table 9.4.12 Plains, wild grassland (d100) Table 9.4.13 Swamps and marshy riverbanks, wild
(d100)

OVERLAND TRAVEL RANDOM ENCOUNTERS

Roll Encounter
1-9 Ant, giant Roll Encounter
10-25 Dog, wild 1-6 Bee, giant

26-29 Elephant, common 7 Beetle, giant

30-50 Horse, riding (wild) 8-19 Centipede, giant

51-55 Humans, wanderers† 20-29 Crocodile

56-60 Lion, common Crocodile, giant river

30-33
(Ganga river only, otherwise use regular crocodile)
61-69 Rat, giant
34-41 Fish, giant river
70 Serpent, cobra
42-45 Ghost, aleya
71-75 Scorpion, giant
46-49 Humans, wanderers†
76-90 Wolf
50-61 Humans, bandits
91-00 Herd animals‡
62 – 67 Rakshasa brigands‡
† This encounter can be with a lone Holy man, a group of
adventurers, a group of religious pilgrims, a military force, 68-78 Rats, giant
a rider taking a message in secret, or a caravan that has 79-82 Serpent, cobra
chosen to travel off-road for some reason.
‡ This encounter is with a group of non-dangerous herd ani- 83-85 Serpent, giant cobra
mals, like antelope. 86-91 Tiger
Water buffalo, wild
92-99
(eastern Ganga river only, otherwise use giant rats)
00 Water spirit
† This encounter could be with a single hermit ascetic, or a
group of adventurers, or a villager lost in the swamp.
‡ This encounter is with 1d10 Rakshasa brigands.

113
Monster Guide
 A
ll of the monsters depicted below XP: The amount of experience points awarded for slay-
are only a sampling of the creatures that ing or defeating one of these creatures when encountered.
can be found in the Bharata lands and the
surrounding wilderness, never mind the MONSTER TEMPLATES
whole of Jagat and the underworld. They
are described via a monster template, with the following
Air Deva (Vidyadhara Deva)
ARROWS OF INDRA

categories:
NUMBER A PPEARING: The number or dice to roll to NUMBER A PPEARING: 1
determine how many of the A RMOR CLASS: 17
creatures of this type are Table 10.1 Monster MOVEMENT: 120 feet, flying
present in a typical encoun- Saving Throws H IT DICE: 16
ter. TREASURE: None
Hit Saving
ARMOR CLASS: The typical Dice Throw SIZE: Medium
armor class of the creature. A LIGNMENT: Holy
1-3 16
MOVEMENT: Base combat MORALE: 8
movement per round, also 4-6 14
ATTACKS: 1, +10 to hit
noted any special movements 7-9 12 DAMAGE: 6d6 (air blast)
like flying or swimming. The 10-12 10 SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons, +4 to move si-
base movement is the amount 13-16 8 lent, can become Invisible at will.
the creature can move and XP: 2250
17-20 6
still make a regular attack. If
they charge (assuming they 21+ 4
These ephemeral spirits are one of many kinds of
are capable of it) they could messengers of the gods. They are particularly sacred to
move up to double the base movement. If they take no oth- the wind-god Vayu. On Jagat they are usually found
er action besides movement, they can move up to triple the high on mountaintops; but are also found in the Deva
rate listed. Realms.
H IT DICE: This is the number of d8s that the Gm should
roll to determine the creature’s hit points, it is also equivalent Ant, Giant
to the creature’s “level” in comparison to the player charac-
ters’ levels. The number of hit dice also determines the saving NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d10; 1d100 in mound
throw value of the creature using Table 10.1. A RMOR CLASS: 17
TREASURE: This is expressed in the form of a roman MOVEMENT: 45 feet
numeral, which is the “Treasure Rank” that must be H IT DICE: 2
used to randomly determine the treasure a creature may TREASURE: None; xvii + xix (in mound)
be carrying (see Treasure chart). SIZE: Large
SIZE: Descriptor of size, rated at small, medium, or A LIGNMENT: Neutral
large. Small creatures are generally any creatures less MORALE: 8
than half the size of an average human; while large ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit
creatures are anything more than one and a half times DAMAGE: 1d6+poison (bite)
the size of an average human. Medium is everything in SPECIAL: 10% of all giant ants encountered are poison-
between. Small creatures have a +2 AC bonus against ous (save vs. poison or suffer an extra 3d6 damage). The
medium or large opponents. Large creatures can usually number appearing indicate the number encountered in
be attacked by more opponents, and can be fired at into or around a giant ant mound; it is possible to have en-
melee without penalty if it is engaged in melee only by counters with individuals or smaller groups of giant ants
medium or small creatures. within a radius of a few miles around the mound. The
A LIGNMENT: Listed as Holy, Unholy or Neutral. The Ant mound is ruled by a queen who is a 4Hd creature
Gm should take alignment into serious consideration but is not herself capable of combat; if she is slain, the
when thinking of how the creatures will react to a Pc remaining ants will become erratic and then abandon
party in an encounter. their lair.
MORALE: The morale score of the creature (see the XP: 50
rules on Morale).
ATTACKS: The number of attacks, and its general bo- These terrifying insects look like normal ants, but are
nus to hit. If the creature fights with a weapon, use the the size of a small horse.
speed adjustments and adjustments vs. AC; otherwise
assume that they attack with +1 speed modifier and do
not have modifiers vs. AC.
DAMAGE: The damage done by each attack.
SPECIAL: This section contains any special informa-
tion, powers, etc. of a creature.

116
Ape, Dire Asura Demons
NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d4 This is a general category for the Asuras. In practice,
A RMOR CLASS: 14 Asuras vary wildly in their forms and powers, and the
MOVEMENT: 30 feet Gm can feel free to modify these to fit whatever style he
H IT DICE: 5 desires. Asuras are the demonic and evil deities who gov-
TREASURE: None; iii (in lair) ern over the Hell Realms, and exert their baleful influ-

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Large ence over the underworld and Jagat as well. They are the
A LIGNMENT: Neutral enemies of the Gods. They can take many forms, from
MORALE: 7 that of appearing as a human, to horrible many-headed
ATTACKS: 3, +4 to hit monsters, fanged humanoids with strange colored skin,
DAMAGE: 1d6/1d6/1d8 (fist/fist/bite) or giant snakes.
SPECIAL: None. These Apes are of animal intelligence, The following are some general statistics for various
though relatively clever. Vanara could theoretically commu- sample types of Asura Demons:
nicate with them, but they tend to be hostile and protective
of their territory against all other types of humanoids. Asura Demon, Minor (class A)
XP: 200 NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3
A RMOR CLASS: 20
Apsara (air nymph) (Deva) MOVEMENT: 30 feet on land, 50 feet flying
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4 H IT DICE: 8
A RMOR CLASS: 12 TREASURE: ii
MOVEMENT: 30 feet, on land or flying. SIZE: Large
H IT DICE: 3 A LIGNMENT: Unholy
TREASURE: xvii + xiv MORALE: 9
SIZE: Medium ATTACKS: 5, +7 to hit
A LIGNMENT: Holy DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/1d8/1d8/1d6 (claw/claw/claw/claw/
MORALE: 7 bite); or by weapons
ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons; can see the invisi-
DAMAGE: 1d3 (unarmed strike) ble and in darkness, familiar with the Mudra of Defying
SPECIAL: Apsaras are immune to non-magical weapons, Gravity (to the 3rd level), have a 10% chance of being
unless they are made out of steel. They are immortal and able to summon one more of their own kind.
do not age. They have the power to teleport at will, to any XP: 1375
location up to 3 miles away from their present location Class A Asura demons generally look similar to Rak-
(they cannot take anyone with them). They have the power shasas, but considerably larger; with four arms, massive
to shape-change into a bird. Any man who watches them fangs, and wings.
dance for one round must make a saving throw vs. magic
or will become enchanted by them, falling in love with their Asura Demon, Minor
beauty and having to obey their commands. There is also a
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3
20% chance that if endangered an Apsara may be able to
A RMOR CLASS: 22
summon an Air Deva to come to their assistance.
MOVEMENT: 15 feet on land, 30 feet flying
XP: 550
H IT DICE: 9
TREASURE: iii
A minor form of Deva (demigod), the Apsaras are also
SIZE: Large
known as “celestial maidens”. They are immortal nature
A LIGNMENT: Unholy
spirits of the clouds and waters, who appear as beautiful
MORALE: 9
young women. They are the court dancers to the Gods. It
ATTACKS: 3, +7 to hit
is incredibly rare that an Apsara would show any interest
DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/2d8 (claw/claw/bite); or by weapons
in a human (they would have to have Charisma 18, be of
SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons; can see in the dark
Holy alignment, and skilled in music or dancing); but they
and see the invisible, can cause fear (all in 15 foot radius
are frequently attracted to Gandharvas, particularly those
must save versus fear or run away), can cause darkness
with great skill in music (and decent Charisma), and there
(15 feet radius), have a 20% chance of being able to
are many stories of Gandharva musicians who seduced
summon one more of their own kind.
Apsaras into dancing for them, and then became lovers.
XP: 1650
Apsaras may accompany and aid a Gandharva (or one of
those rare humans) with whom she has fallen in love. By These Asura demons have wings, two arms, and their
their nature, Apsaras are timid and will often flee from head looks like one of a number of ferocious animals
battle (using their power of teleportation), but if obliged (boars, bears, lions, tigers, crocodiles, snakes, or dogs are
or driven to fight they are not without powers. all common).

117
 Asura Demon, Minor (class C) Asura Demon, Minor (class E/ Daityas)
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3 NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3
A RMOR CLASS: 24 A RMOR CLASS: 25
MOVEMENT: 25 feet MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: 10 H IT DICE: 7
TREASURE: iv TREASURE: viii
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Large SIZE: Large

A LIGNMENT: Unholy A LIGNMENT: Unholy
MORALE: 10 MORALE: 9
ATTACKS: 5, +8 to hit ATTACKS: 7, +6 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/2d6/2d6/1d4+1 (claw/claw/claw/claw/ DAMAGE: 1d6/2d4/2d4/2d4/2d4/2d4/2d4 (bite/claw/claw/
bite); or by weapons claw/claw/claw/claw); or by weapons
SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons, can see in the SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons, can see in the dark
dark, can cause fear and darkness as a Class B demon and see the invisible, can cause darkness as a Class B
above, can change shape to human or animal appear- demon above, knows the Mantra of Irresistible Presence,
ance, has a 30% chance of being able to summon a de- and the Mantra of Maya, can detect magic and speak
mon of their type or lesser. any language except Sanskrit, can change shape to any
XP: 2000 human or animal form. Have a 50% chance of summon-
ing a demon of their type.
These Asura demons have four arms (one pair usually XP: 1650
larger than the other), and a bestial face, occasionally
with more than one head, but no wings. Also known as “Daityas”, these Asura demons are
mainly found in the 6th realm of the Patala Underworld.
Asura Demon, Minor (class D) There, they live in small groups in the tunnels of that
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3 realm, and can sometimes be found in larger tribes of a
A RMOR CLASS: 21 few dozen; the small city where their king Puloman rules
MOVEMENT: 25 feet on land, 40 feet flying will have 2d100 Daityas there at any given time. They
H IT DICE: 11 look like giant humans with red skin and six arms.
TREASURE: v
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Unholy
MORALE: 10
ATTACKS: 3, +8 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/2d8 (claw/claw/tusks); or by weapons
SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons, can see in the
dark, can cause fear and darkness as a Class B demon
above, knows the Mantra of Maya, can detect magic and
speak any language except Sanskrit, can change shape
to any human or animal form. Have a 60% chance of
summoning a demon of their type or lesser. This class of
demon will be likely to hear out any offer of service giv-
en to it by an Unholy-aligned human.
XP: 2250

These demons have wings, two arms, and a horrifying

demonic visage with green, blue or black skin, bulging
eyes, and large tusk-like fangs.

118
Asura Demon, Fire Demon
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3
A RMOR CLASS: 22
MOVEMENT: 15 feet on land, 40 feet flying
H IT DICE: 8
TREASURE: vi
SIZE: Large

MONSTER GUIDE
A LIGNMENT: Unholy
MORALE: 10
ATTACKS: 2, +7 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d6+1/3d6 (flaming sword/flaming breath)
SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons and fire attacks,
can see in the dark, can cause fear and darkness as a
Class B demon above, knows the Mantra of Irresistible
Presence and has the Sleeping Curse enlightenment pow-
er, can detect magic and speak any language except San-
skrit. This type of demon is very likely to listen to any
offer of service from an Unholy character.
XP: 1500

These demons are usually found either in the Hell

Realms or in mountainous areas. They appear as fanged
winged humanoids with black skin that looks burnt.
They wield flaming swords (which are Unholy weapons)
and can breathe fire.

Asura Demon, Pishacha

NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4
A RMOR CLASS: 19
MOVEMENT: 50 feet
H IT DICE: 8 lands, hiding in burning ghats (crematory grounds where
TREASURE: vi the rites of the dead are performed) or in cemeteries
SIZE: Medium in those cities where cremation is not practiced. They
A LIGNMENT: Unholy appear naturally as darker-skinned humanoids with
MORALE: 10 red bulging eyes and fangs, but they are shape-shifters
ATTACKS: 1, +7 to hit capable of turning into animals or appearing as normal
DAMAGE: 1d6+4 (bite) humans; they can also become invisible. They feast on
SPECIAL: Pishachas are immune to non-magical weapons. the blood of humans.
Additionally, they are immune to any magical effects
that cause aging, sleep or mental control, and take only Asura Demon, Succubus
one-half damage from magical attacks. They are capable
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1
of shape-shifting into animals, having a preference for
A RMOR CLASS: 20
bats, wolves or rats. They also have the power to turn in-
MOVEMENT: 30 feet on land, 50 feet flying
visible at will. A Pishacha who bites an opponent has the
H IT DICE: 6
option to remain attached to his victim and drain 1d6+6
TREASURE: ix + xvii
Hp per round in blood; but if they do so they have a – 4
SIZE: Medium
to their armor class against all other opponents. Pisha-
A LIGNMENT: Unholy
chas have a gaze attack that causes drooling incapacitat-
MORALE: 8
ing insanity in a single victim if they fail a saving throw
ATTACKS: 2, +6 to hit
versus magic. Pishachas recover from injury at a very
DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4 (claw/claw); plus life draining bite
advanced rate, healing 3 hit points per round. They can
SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons, can see in the dark,
only be truly killed if decapitated.
can cause darkness as a class B demon, can attempt to
XP: 1650
magically seduce any male mortal (save vs. magic, Ho-
ly-aligned characters gain a +4 bonus). A victim of such
The Pishacha is a particular kind of minor Asura
seduction will be bitten by the succubus, wherein she will
demon, who have their own kingdom in the Himayant
begin to drain her victim’s life energy, causing the victim
mountains north of Bahlika. However, they also like to
to die after a number of rounds equal to their level. If
hunt for humans in urban areas throughout the Bharata

119
 the succubus is interrupted before the victim is killed, the
victim temporarily loses 1d6 points of Con, which heal
normally at a rate of 1 point of Con per day.
Succubi can become intangible (unable to be struck ex-
cept by certain magical attacks, but they cannot strike
or touch anyone else in this form), knows the Mantra
ARROWS OF INDRA

of the Clarity Eye and the Arcana of the Voice in the Si-
lence, can assume the form of any humanoid female, has
a 40% chance of being able to summon another demon
of their type.
XP: 1650

This demon is usually found in the 1st realm of the Pata-

la Underworld, as servants of the Demon Prince Bala. They
appear naturally as beautiful women (of any race they
wish) in seductive dress. They have leathery wings in their
natural state but can hide these by changing their form.

Asura, Demon Prince

NUMBER A PPEARING: 1
A RMOR CLASS: 27
MOVEMENT: 25 feet on land, 50 feet flying
H IT DICE: 20
TREASURE: xvi + xix + xx + xxi
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Unholy
MORALE: 12
ATTACKS: 4, +14 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d4+8/2d6+9/2d6+9 (bite/claw/claw); plus poison
sting (save vs. poison with – 4 penalty or die instantly)
SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons, has a bestial appear-
ance, has a disintegrating touch (if touched, save vs. magic
or be instantly disintegrated), can breathe lightning (120
feet in front of him, all in area of effect suffer 12d6 damage, all attacks and saving throws, and he can summon any
save vs. magic for half damage), can see in the dark and single type of demon once per round with 100% success.
see the invisible, can create darkness 20 feet around him,
knows the Mantra of Irresistible Presence, knows the Man- Bear, Common
tra of Maya, knows the Arcana of the Voice in the Silence, NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d6
has the “Rain of Spiritual Fire” and “Intellect-Stripping A RMOR CLASS: 14
Curse” Enlightenment Powers, knows the Infernal Calling MOVEMENT: 30 feet
of the Yama Kings, can change his appearance to any form, H IT DICE: 5
knows all languages except Sanskrit, has an 80% chance TREASURE: None
of summoning any minor Asura demon (usable twice per SIZE: Large
day), can summon 4d6 Bhuta Ghosts per day. A LIGNMENT: Neutral
XP: 6000 MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 3, +4 to hit
This is only a suggested template for a sample Asura Prince. DAMAGE: 1d6/1d6/1d8 (claw/claw/bite)
SPECIAL: Will continue to fight even at negative Hp, for up
Asura, Demon King to 4 rounds or until they are reduced to – 5Hp or more.
XP: 350
XP: 7500 minimum.
Found in forest, hills and mountains.
Truly powerful demon kings should each be totally
individual. Begin with a template similar to a demon
prince to begin with, but assume that these godlike be-
ings can use any mantra, mudra, or enlightenment power
the Gm wishes, his very presence requires a save vs. mag-
ic or any character of less than 6 Hd will flee his pres-
ence while those of higher level will have a – 5 penalty to

120
Bear, Dire Beetle, Giant
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d2 NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d6
A RMOR CLASS: 14 A RMOR CLASS: 18
MOVEMENT: 30 feet MOVEMENT: 15 feet
H IT DICE: 6 H IT DICE: 12
TREASURE: None TREASURE: None

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Large SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 8 MORALE: 8
ATTACKS: 3 +5 to hit ATTACKS: 2 +8 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d8/1d8/1d12 (claw/claw/bite) DAMAGE: 2d8/3d6 (bite/slam)
SPECIAL: Will continue to fight even at negative Hp, for up SPECIAL: None
to 4 rounds or until they are reduced to – 5Hp or more. XP: 1375
XP: 550
Found in Jungles or forest, these beetles are the size of
Generally found in mountains, far in the wilderness. an elephant.

Bee, Giant Boar, Wild

NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d10 NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d12
A RMOR CLASS: 14 A RMOR CLASS: 13
MOVEMENT: 60 feet, flying MOVEMENT: 40 feet
H IT DICE: 6 H IT DICE: 3
TREASURE: None TREASURE: None
SIZE: Large SIZE: Medium
A LIGNMENT: Neutral A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7 MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +5 to hit ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d6+poison (stinger) DAMAGE: 3d4 (tusks)
SPECIAL: Anyone struck by a bee’s sting will have to make SPECIAL: Half of those encountered will be harmless
a saving throw versus poison or suffer 5d6 points of extra young without tusks.
damage, making a second saving throw with a +2 bonus XP: 50
after 1d6 rounds to avoid death. In their hive, a giant bee
queen will be present, she has 8 Hd, her sting does 1d8 and Popular but dangerous game for hunting. Found in
her poison functions like the regular giant bee but does 5d8 most forests.
damage. A nest will also have several non-combatant larvae.
There is a 20% chance that a nest will hold 1d4+1 doses of Boar, Giant
royal jelly, which when consumed can heal 2d6+2 points of
damage per dose, and can be a cure for certain diseases. NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d4
XP: 550, 1000 for a queen. A RMOR CLASS: 14
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
These enormous bees are the size of a bull. H IT DICE: 7
TREASURE: None
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 8
ATTACKS: 3 +5 to hit
DAMAGE: 3d6 (tusks)
SPECIAL: One-quarter of those encountered will be
young, which have the statistics of a common wild boar.
XP: 550

Found in the dark recesses of forest and jungles.

121
ARROWS OF INDRA

Centipede, Giant Crocodile

NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d12 NUMBER A PPEARING: 3d6
A RMOR CLASS: 12 A RMOR CLASS: 15
MOVEMENT: 40 feet MOVEMENT: 15 feet on land, 30 feet swimming
H IT DICE: 1-1 (1d8-1) H IT DICE: 3
TREASURE: None TREASURE: None
SIZE: Small SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7 MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +1 to hit ATTACKS: 2, +3 to hit
DAMAGE: Poison bite (save versus poison after 1 round, DAMAGE: 2d4/1d12 (tail slap/bite)
or fall helpless; roll again after 1d4 rounds with a +4 bo- SPECIAL: +4 to hide or sneak
nus to avoid death) XP: 50
SPECIAL: None
XP: 10 Found in freshwater swamp on the banks of rivers.

These are centipedes of one to two feet in length,

found in jungles.

122
Crocodile, Giant River Crocodile Deva, Warrior
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1 NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3
A RMOR CLASS: 16 A RMOR CLASS: 26
MOVEMENT: 15 feet on land, 30 feet swimming MOVEMENT: 40 feet, 100 feet flying
H IT DICE: 7 H IT DICE: 16
TREASURE: None TREASURE: None
SIZE: Medium, sometimes Large

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral A LIGNMENT: Holy
MORALE: 8 MORALE: 10
ATTACKS: 3, +5 to hit ATTACKS: 2, +11 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d6/3d6/2d20 (bite/claws/tail slap) DAMAGE: 1d10+5/1d10+5 (fist/fist); or by weapon
SPECIAL: +4 to hide and sneak SPECIAL: Devas are immune to non-magical weapons. They
XP: 550 are also immune to all mantras, mudras, and arcana (but
not to Enlightenment Powers). Anyone struck by a De-
Called “makara” (“water monster”), this giant croc- va’s weapon (usually a giant mace, but sometimes taking
odile has a large horn on the center of its head, and it another form) must make a saving throw vs. magic or be
swims along the river Ganga. stunned (unable to take any actions) for 1d10 rounds.
Deva warriors can generate divine light for 40 feet radius
Deva around their body at will. Anyone of Unholy alignment
who attempts to attack them suffers a – 2 penalty to hit.
There are a wide variety of Devas, divine spirits or demi- Devas have the power to see the invisible; and are com-
gods, the servants of the gods; which range from relatively pletely immune to all illusions. Devas have the power to
weak but blessed creatures to mighty elemental spirits. remove any kind of curse (on themselves or others); and
they can also change their form to appear as a human,
Deva, Minor or any other kind of humanoid creature, or any kind of
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d3 animal. Deva warriors can use the Enlightenment Power
A RMOR CLASS: 20 “Shield of Purity” once a day. They can shift back and
MOVEMENT: 30 feet on land, 50 feet flying forth from the world of Jagat to the divine realm at will.
H IT DICE: 8 XP: 4000
TREASURE: None
SIZE: Large The Warrior Deva is a template for those Devas
A LIGNMENT: Holy who are essentially demigods, and part of the armies of
MORALE: 9 the gods. They are usually found in the divine realms,
ATTACKS: 2, +7 to hit but can be sent by a God (or sometimes of their own
DAMAGE: 1d8+2/1d8+2 (fist/fist); or by weapon accord) to act as an envoy, a messenger, to aid a great
SPECIAL: Devas are immune to non-magical weapons. They devotee, or to enact the wrath of a god against a mortal
are also immune to all mantras, mudras, and arcana (but who has crossed him.
not to Enlightenment Powers). Devas can generate divine
light for 30 feet radius around their body at will. Anyone of Dog, wild
Unholy alignment who attempts to attack them suffers a –
NUMBER A PPEARING: 3d6
2 penalty to hit. Devas have the power to see the invisible;
A RMOR CLASS: 13
and are completely immune to all illusions. Devas have the
MOVEMENT: 40 feet
power to remove any kind of curse (on themselves or oth-
H IT DICE: 1-1 (1d8-1)
ers); and they can also change their form to appear as a hu-
TREASURE: None
man, or any other kind of humanoid creature, or any kind
SIZE: Small
of animal. They can shift back and forth from the world of
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
Jagat to the divine realm at will.
MORALE: 7
XP: 1375
ATTACKS: 1, +1 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d4
A standard inhabitant of the Deva realms, these can
SPECIAL: None
be used as divine messengers, servants or warriors.
XP: 5

123
 Earth Spirit (Deva) an adult common elephant are worth 10 rupya (gp) each
XP: 1100
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1
A RMOR CLASS: 18 Elephant, War
MOVEMENT: 15 feet
H IT DICE: 16 NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable
TREASURE: None A RMOR CLASS: 14
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Large MOVEMENT: 40 feet

A LIGNMENT: Holy H IT DICE: 11
Morale: 10 TREASURE: None
ATTACKS: 1, +10 to hit SIZE: Large
DAMAGE: 4d8 (fist) A LIGNMENT: Neutral
SPECIAL: Can only be harmed by magic or magic weap- MORALE: 8
ons. They cannot enter bodies of water. ATTACKS: 3, +7 to hit
XP: 2125 DAMAGE: 2d8/2d8/4d6 (stomp/stomp/tusks)
SPECIAL: None; but if ridden with a howdah platform,
This Deva spirit is a servant of the Earth-goddess, the conductor can make a standard charioteering check
Prithvi. They are found in mountainous regions or in on any round to have the elephant attack rather than
the Deva realms. those on the platform attacking. The tusks of an adult
war elephant are worth 10 rupya (gp) each
XP: 1250

This is a standard elephant that has been

bred and trained for combat purposes.

Elephant, Dire
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d12
A RMOR CLASS: 15
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: 10
TREASURE: None
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 8
ATTACKS: 3, +7 to hit
DAMAGE: 3d6/3d6/4d12 (stomp/stomp/tusks)
SPECIAL: Anytime 10 or more elephants are
encountered in the wild, 1d4 of them will be
young, which are defenseless. The tusks of an
adult dire elephant are worth 1d6x150 rupya
(gp) each.
XP: 1100

These are wild creatures that are found only in dense

Elephant, common jungle; they are considerably larger than a standard
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, 1d20 in the wild elephant. They cannot be tamed; they are considerably
A RMOR CLASS: 14 more aggressive than standard wild elephants.
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: 10
TREASURE: None
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 3, +6 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d6/2d6/4d6 (stomp/stomp/tusks)
SPECIAL: Anytime 10 or more elephants are encountered in
the wild, 1d4 of them will be young, which are defenseless
and do not have tusks or the ability to stomp. The tusks of

124
Fire Spirit (Deva)
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1
A RMOR CLASS: 18
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: 16
TREASURE: None

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Holy
MORALE: 10
ATTACKS: 1, +10 to hit
DAMAGE: 3d8 (flaming fist)
SPECIAL: Immune to normal weapons. They automati-
cally do 1d6 fire damage per round to anyone in melee
range with them.
XP: 2250

These powerful spirits serve Agni, the god of fire.

They are found only rarely in the mortal world, but are
Gana
also found in the Deva Realms. NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d4; 2d100 on Mt. Kailash
A RMOR CLASS: 15
MOVEMENT: 50 feet
H IT DICE: 5
TREASURE: ix + xiv + xix
SIZE: Medium
A LIGNMENT: Holy
MORALE: 8
ATTACKS: 1, +5 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d4 (horns); or by weapon
Fish; Giant River Fish SPECIAL: Ganas will be familiar with all the Mantra skills
of a Siddhi. They have a +8 to sneaking and perception
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4 checks. There is a 20% chance that any group of Ganas
A RMOR CLASS: 16 will be armed with magic weapons. The unjust killing of
MOVEMENT: 30 feet, swimming a Gana may incur the wrath of Shiva.
H IT DICE: 4 XP: 550
TREASURE: None
SIZE: Large The Ganas are a race of humanoids with the lower
A LIGNMENT: Neutral bodies of goats, and goat horns, and the upper bodies
MORALE: 7 of humans. They have been servants and allies of the
ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit god Shiva since the time when Shiva roamed the earth
DAMAGE: 2d6 as a great hero, and aided him in avenging the death of
SPECIAL: None his wife Sati. The Ganas today are blessed by Lord Shi-
XP: 100 va, and the largest community of Ganas are found on
Mt. Kailash, where they act as his cohort of attendants
Found only rarely, in large freshwater rivers whenever he chooses to manifest in the world of Jagat
on the mountaintop. The Ganas are also the servants of
Shiva’s divine son, the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha.
However, both deities leave the Ganas to govern them-
selves, and they have an idyllic society where no one
rules over anyone else, and all things are agreed upon
by equal voting. The Ganas are capable of being fierce
fighters. They favor anyone who is Holy and particularly
anyone who is a devotee of Shiva. Occasionally, groups
of Ganas can be found at times in the cemeteries or
burning ghats (places used to conduct funerary rites and
cremations) of human cities; it is thought to protect and
guide great souls of recently departed devotees of Shiva
to Shiva’s divine realm.

125
 Gandharva The Garuda is a special kind of giant eagle, slightly
larger than a warhorse. It is semi-intelligent and Holy in
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, typical tribe is 2d100 alignment. Garudas are fierce animals in nature, but will
A RMOR CLASS: 15, but often wearing armor not harm anyone of Holy alignment unless first attacked.
MOVEMENT: 30 feet Being sacred to various deities, particularly Vishnu, they
H IT DICE: 1 can be summoned as mounts by Virakshatriyas of a
TREASURE: Variable, xiv (typical); vii + xix + xx (in a
ARROWS OF INDRA

certain level. Garudas also come in a larger variety, and

group) there is also a divine Deva Garuda, which is the mount
SIZE: Medium of Vishnu himself.
A LIGNMENT: Usually Holy
MORALE: 7 Garuda, Large
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit
DAMAGE: By weapon NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d2
SPECIAL: Gandharvas do not age or sleep and are im- A RMOR CLASS: 16
mune to magical effects that cause either. They gain a +2 MOVEMENT: 75 feet flying
to all perception checks. They are also immune to most H IT DICE: 18
magic meant to control or dominate minds. TREASURE: iii
SIZE: Large
The above is statistics for a typical Gandharva. Gand- A LIGNMENT: Holy
harvas can also be Priests, Fighters, Siddhis or Thieves. MORALE: 9
Any group of 20 or more Gandharvas will usually include ATTACKS: 3, +11 to hit
at least one 3rd level Fighter. Any group of 40 or more DAMAGE: 3d6/3d6/4d6 (talon/talon/beak)
will also include a 2nd level Siddhi. Any group of over SPECIAL: A Garuda that is swooping at an opponent can
100 will also include two 4th level Fighters, one 8th level only attack with both talon attacks (3d6 damage each)
Siddhi, and one 5th level Priest. Larger tribes will usually and if it hits with both claws it can attempt to lift its
also include one 6th-9th level Fighter chief, and one 6th- target with it, as long as the target is of equal or lesser
9th level Siddhi, as well as two more 3rd level Priests. size to the Garuda (any creature up to and including the
The Gandharvas are a race that are descended of the cross- size of an elephant) and not somehow attached to the
ing of humans with divine and nature-spirits (Devas and Apsar- ground. Anyone wishing to avoid being lifted in such a
as). They live in their own kingdoms in mountains and forests. way by a Garuda must make a saving throw versus pa-
ralysis. A victim being lifted into the air can continue to
Garuda, Small attack the Garuda, and the Garuda can only strike at it
with its beak attack; however, it can also choose to let go
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d2
of the victim, in which case he must make another sav-
A RMOR CLASS: 15
ing throw if he wishes to try to grab onto some part of
MOVEMENT: 75 feet flying
the Garuda; otherwise, he plummets to the ground from
H IT DICE: 5
whatever height the Garuda had achieved.
TREASURE: iii
XP: 2375
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Holy
A gargantuan version of the normal Garuda, about
MORALE: 8
60 feet tall.
ATTACKS: 3, +4 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d6/2d6/3d6 (talon/talon/beak)
SPECIAL: A Garuda that is swooping at an opponent can
only attack with both talon attacks (2d6 damage each)
and if it hits with both claws it can attempt to lift
its target with it, as long as the target is small or
medium in size and not somehow attached to the
ground. Anyone wishing to avoid being lifted in
such a way by a Garuda must make a saving
throw modified by their Dexterity modifier. A
victim being lifted into the air can continue to
attack the Garuda, and the Garuda can only
strike at it with its beak attack; however, it can
also choose to let go of the victim, in which
case he must make another saving throw if he
wishes to try to grab onto some part of the Garu-
da; otherwise, he plummets to the ground from
whatever height the Garuda had achieved.
XP: 350

126
Ghost, Aleya make a new saving throw once a day. If the possessed
character’s body is slain, the Bhuta is unharmed but im-
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1 mediately emerges from the body.
A RMOR CLASS: 28 XP: 1500
MOVEMENT: 50 feet flying
H IT DICE: 9 These are incorporeal ghosts, the spirits of the dead
TREASURE: xv who were so attached to something from their life that

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Small they reincarnated as a spirit, a hollow imitation of who
A LIGNMENT: Unholy they were in their previous human incarnation. Bhutas
MORALE: 12 generally appear as incorporeal versions of who they
ATTACKS: 1, +6 to hit were in life. Bhutas can appear male or female, old or
DAMAGE: 2d8 (touch) young. They feed upon the life-energies of the living.
SPECIAL: Aleya are living dead for the purposes of spell
effects. They are immune to all non-magical weapons. Giant
XP: 1100
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d10
This is the spirit of the dead who died alone and un- A RMOR CLASS: 16
loved in wild places, and were not given funerary rites. MOVEMENT: 30 feet
They died terrible deaths, and were full of desire to cling H IT DICE: 8
to life; as such they have reincarnated as incorporeal TREASURE: iv
phantoms that feed on the life energy of the living. They SIZE: Large
are usually only found in wild lonely places. They appear A LIGNMENT: Neutral or Unholy
as flickering pale lights, and only appear at night. MORALE: 9
ATTACKS: 1, +7 to hit
Ghost, Bhuta DAMAGE: 2d8 (fist)
SPECIAL: Giants are also able to throw large boulders at
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1 a distance of up to 200 feet away; the boulders do 2d8
A RMOR CLASS: 20 damage if they hit.
MOVEMENT: 25 feet XP: 1000
H IT DICE: 10
TREASURE: v + xix These are barbarian humans, generally living in moun-
SIZE: Medium tain ranges, who are twice the size of a normal human of
A LIGNMENT: Unholy Bharata. They are less intelligent than normal men, not
MORALE: 12 just uneducated like other barbarians might be. They are
ATTACKS: 1, +7 to hit also usually very aggressive and often Unholy. They live in
DAMAGE: Special, aging or possession (see below) small tribes; half of those encountered will be females and
SPECIAL: Bhutas count as the living dead for the purposes half of the total group will be young; but even the young
of all magical or power effects. Bhutas are semi-incor- are as tall as a normal adult man and incredibly strong,
poreal and can easily pass through solid objects (walls, and will join in an attack against outsiders. They are
doors, etc) but can still touch or manipulate matter as also often accompanied (50% chance overall) by either
they like, and can still be physically struck by magical or 2d4 dire wolves (70% chance) or 1d3 dire bears (30%
steel weapons. Bhutas are immune to non-magical iron chance), which they have trained as pets and guards.
or bronze weapons, however steel weapons will harm
them for one-half their usual damage. Any living being
who even sees a Bhuta must make a saving throw versus
magic or will instantly age 10 years and will turn and
flee at full speed for 2d6×10 minutes; any Holy-aligned
character gets a +4 to this saving throw, and Priests, Sid-
dhis or Yogis of 8th level or higher are immune to this
effect. A Bhuta who hits with an attack can choose to
either age the victim 1d4×10 years, or to attempt to pos-
sess the character’s body; in order to possess the body
the intended victim must fail a saving throw versus mag-
ic (with a +1 bonus for every character level higher than
10th). If the Bhuta possesses a character, he can act free-
ly within the character’s body and will retain any of the
special abilities of the character except Enlightenment
Powers. The Bhuta can continue to possess the character
for as long as he wishes, but the character is entitled to

127
 Goblin Horse, Riding
NUMBER A PPEARING: 6d6 NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable (wild horses: 5d6)
A RMOR CLASS: 15 A RMOR CLASS: 13
MOVEMENT: 25 feet MOVEMENT: 60 feet
H IT DICE: 3 H IT DICE: 2+2 (2d8+2)
TREASURE: x + xi + xii + xiii; ii (in lair) TREASURE: None
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Medium SIZE: Large

A LIGNMENT: Unholy A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7, 8 if with leader, 9 with chief MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit ATTACKS: 2, +2 to hit
DAMAGE: By weapon (typically Parashu great axes) DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4 (kick/kick)
SPECIAL: Can see in the dark. For every 12 encountered SPECIAL: None
there will be one 4Hd leader with AC 16. Any encounter XP: 25
with 15 or more will also include a 5Hd chief (with AC
17 and +2 to damage). Horse, Warhorse
XP: 100 (standard 3Hd goblin), 200 (4Hd goblin), 350
(5Hd goblin chief) NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable
A RMOR CLASS: 13
These creatures live mainly in the Patala Underworld, MOVEMENT: 40 feet
especially in Vitala, the 2nd realm of the underworld. H IT DICE: 3+3 (3d8+3)
However, they are sometimes found in mountain caves TREASURE: None
near the surface world. SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
Horse, Draft/Common MORALE: 8
ATTACKS: 2, +2 to hit
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable DAMAGE: 1d8/1d8 (kick/kick)
A RMOR CLASS: 13 SPECIAL: None
MOVEMENT: 30 feet XP: 50
H IT DICE: 3
TREASURE: None Horse, Mule/Donkey
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable
MORALE: 7 A RMOR CLASS: 13
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit MOVEMENT: 30 feet
DAMAGE: 1d4 (kick) H IT DICE: 2
SPECIAL: Being slower draft and common horses only TREASURE: None
kick once per round. SIZE: Large
XP: 50 A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d3 (kick)
SPECIAL: None
XP: 25

Horse, Pony
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable
A RMOR CLASS: 13
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: i
TREASURE: None
SIZE: Medium
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +1 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d3 (kick)
SPECIAL: None
XP: 10

128
Humans, Common flee while their men folk fight. If the barbarians in ques-
tion are cannibals, there is a 50% chance that 2d6 human
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable captives (either barbarians of another tribe or possibly
A RMOR CLASS: 12, unless armored civilized humans) will be present as captives waiting to be
MOVEMENT: 30 feet ritually sacrificed and eaten.
H IT DICE: 1-1 XP: 25
TREASURE: Variable
This template includes any barbarian groups or tribes,

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Medium
A LIGNMENT: Any, usually Neutral including Bhil tribesmen.
MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +1 to hit Kinnara
DAMAGE: Variable, by weapon NUMBER A PPEARING: 4d6
SPECIAL: None A RMOR CLASS: 16
XP: 5 MOVEMENT: 50 feet
The following statistics are for ordinary humans (peasants). H IT DICE: 4
TREASURE: xii + xvii; iv + ix + xx (in a tribe)
Humans, Bandits, Typical SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, usually 2d10; bandit MORALE: 8
camp: 2d100 ATTACKS: 3, +5 to hit
A RMOR CLASS: Typically 15 (leather + shield) DAMAGE: 1d6/1d6/1d6 (hoof/hoof/spear)
MOVEMENT: 30 feet SPECIAL: None
H IT DICE: 1 XP: 100
TREASURE: xiii; i (in a camp)
The Kinnara are a race that can be found in the val-
SIZE: Medium
leys between the Himayant and Kailas mountain ranges.
A LIGNMENT: Neutral or Unholy
They have the lower body of a horse, and the upper
MORALE: 7, 8 with leader
body of a human. They are rough soldiers, whose an-
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit
cestors were once humans, soldiers of Bahlika, but were
DAMAGE: By weapon
transformed into their current state by a Siddhi who was
SPECIAL: Any group of 20 or more bandits will be led by
a powerful devotee of Parvati, the divine wife of Shiva.
a 3rd to 6th level Fighter boss. A large camp of 100 or
They are allies of some of the Gandharva tribes.
more will be led by a bandit chief, a Fighter of 8th to
10th level, with a 7th level lieutenant, and six 2nd level
sergeants. Any group of 50 or more bandits may include Lion, Common
(50% chance) an Unholy Siddhi of 7th to 10th level. NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d6
XP: 10 A RMOR CLASS: 15
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
Humans, Barbarian H IT DICE: 5
Raiders, Typical TREASURE: None
SIZE: Large
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, typically 1d10; tribe A LIGNMENT: Neutral
1d10×10 MORALE: 7, 10 if defending cubs
A RMOR CLASS: 12 or 13 ATTACKS: 3, +4 to hit
MOVEMENT: 30 feet DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/1d10 (claw/claw/bite)
H IT DICE: 2 SPECIAL: Lions have a +4 bonus to sneaking. They can
TREASURE: None; i (in a tribe) make an initial pouncing attack, in which case they will
SIZE: Medium roll a single attack and do 2d6+2 damage if they hit.
A LIGNMENT: Neutral XP: 350
MORALE: 7, 8 with chief
ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit In Jagat, lions are commonly found in cooler forests
DAMAGE: By weapon and jungles (in the north), forested hills, and sometimes
SPECIAL: If 10 or more are encountered, one will be a 3rd on the plains but rarely very close to civilization. Encoun-
level Fighter. If a whole tribe of 50 or more are encoun- ters with lions will either be with groups of all young
tered, they will be led by a 5th level chief, and will also males, or in 30% of occasions with a pride of one male,
have two 4th level champions. There is also a 20% chance and the others all female. In the latter case there is a 60%
of a 3rd level Priest-Shaman being present. An equal chance that there will also be 1d10 lion cubs present,
number of female barbarians will be present, and half as which will not fight. Whenever a pride is encountered
many children as well; these will not fight but attempt to with cubs, the lionesses will immediately attack and will
fight with extra morale to defend their young.

129
 Lions, Cave
NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d4
A RMOR CLASS: 15
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: 6
TREASURE: None
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7, 10 if defending cubs
ATTACKS: 3, +5 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/1d12 (claw/claw/bite)
SPECIAL: Cave lions have a +4 bonus to sneaking.
They can make an initial pouncing attack, in
which case they will roll a single attack and do
4d4 damage if they hit.
XP: 550

These lions are larger than normal lions, and

live mainly in caves in the lower regions of mountains. Living Dead, Preta
Encounters with cave lions will either be with groups of NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d12
all young males, or in 30% of occasions with a pride of A RMOR CLASS: 14
one male, and the others are female. In the latter case MOVEMENT: 25 feet
there is a 60% chance that there will also be 1d6 lion H IT DICE: 2
cubs present, which will not fight. Whenever a pride is en- TREASURE: None; ii + xx (in their nests)
countered with cubs, the lionesses will immediately attack SIZE: Medium
and will fight with extra morale to defend their young. A LIGNMENT: Unholy
MORALE: 12
Living Dead ATTACKS: 3, +2 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/1d6 (claw/claw/bite)
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable
SPECIAL: These creatures are living dead, and as such
A RMOR CLASS: 13
are often immune or subject to particular magical ef-
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
fects. Anyone who is slain by a Preta, unless of Holy
H IT DICE: i
alignment, will become a Preta within 24 hours of their
TREASURE: None, but sometimes they guard treasure hordes
death; unless proper funerary rites are conducted over
SIZE: Medium
their body by a Priest. Certain powerful Pretas (25%
A LIGNMENT: Unholy
chance) have the ability to paralyze with their 1d4 dam-
MORALE: 12
age claw attacks; any creature struck by such an attack
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit
from one of these Pretas must make a saving throw vs.
DAMAGE: 1d6 (claw); or by weapon
paralysis or be frozen for 1d10 minutes.
SPECIAL: These creatures are living dead and as such are
XP: 25, 50 if they have paralysis strike
subject to particular magical effects (see descriptions of
arcanas, mantras, mudras or Enlightenment Powers).
The Preta are dangerous living dead, more powerful
XP: 10
and slightly more intelligent than the norm, who are
trapped in the rotting bodies of their former lives; they
A great number of creatures may fall under the cate-
were generally people who committed acts of Unholiness
gory of the Living Dead; including the incorporeal living
in life, and who were not given the proper funerary rites
dead (see the various entries on ghosts) and also corporeal
when they died. Preta are generally found hiding in tun-
living dead. The living dead can be created either inten-
nels underneath the “Burning Ghats” of a city (the place
tionally by dark magical powers, or due to the failure to
where the dead are brought to undergo the rites of death
perform proper funerary rites; people who were unholy,
and receive cremation), or in the necropolis of those cities
or died full of great unfulfilled desires or desperation can
in lands that do not follow the more typical crematory
be reborn in the realm of Ghosts. If the proper rites were
practices of the Bharata lands. Occasionally, however, they
not performed, these living dead can be reborn in the ma-
may be found in wilderness areas, in the case of travelers
terial world itself, rather than in the underworld.
or solitary hermits who died unnoticed. They will tend to
Living dead created by Siddhis’ powers will usually
hide during the day, and come out at night, to roam the
have a number of hit dice equal to those held in life. The
streets of the city (or wander the countryside); they will
above statistics for the typical case.
attack lone pedestrians or even small groups. They hunger
desperately, eternally, for the flesh of the living.

130
Living Dead, Skeletons A corpse possessed by a Vetala cannot be resurrected
unless the Vetala is removed. When a Vetala’s corpse is
NUMBER A PPEARING: 3d10 slain, it will fly in its incorporeal form to try to find a
A RMOR CLASS: 13 new host corpse. In its incorporeal form it may only be
MOVEMENT: 30 feet harmed by the Bhairava Mudra, the Vajra Thunder en-
H IT DICE: i lightenment power, or the Wish-fulfilling Jewel, any of
TREASURE: None, but sometimes they guard treasure hordes which can destroy it permanently. As soon as the Vetala

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Medium enters a corpse it can arise with full hit points (4d8) and
A LIGNMENT: Unholy all of its usual abilities.
MORALE: 12 XP: 775
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d6 (claw); or by weapon The Vetala is a spirit that must possess the corpse of
SPECIAL: These creatures are living dead and as such are sub- other beings. When it occupies a corpse, it will hunt liv-
ject to particular magical effects (see descriptions of arcanas, ing humans, draining them of their life energy. Anyone
mantras, mudras or Enlightenment Powers). Skeletons re- slain by a Vetala will become a Vetala. They will normal-
ceive only half damage from edged weapons of any kind. ly stalk the abandoned areas of cities, or the catacombs
XP: 25 or burning grounds.

The lowest form of the living dead, these creatures are Living Statue
the reincarnation of beings who were not given proper
funerary rites, and/or who were filled with extreme and NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4
base desires in life (gluttons, misers, addicts, etc). In their A RMOR CLASS: 18
new existence, they are nothing but animated bones. MOVEMENT: 25 feet
They are sometimes used by powerful (usually Unholy) H IT DICE: 4
magicians to act as guards or soldiers. TREASURE: None, but often they guard treasure hordes
SIZE: Medium, sometimes Large
Living Dead, Vetala A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 12
NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d8 ATTACKS: 2, +4 to hit
A RMOR CLASS: 15 DAMAGE: 1d8+1/1d8+1 (fist/fist)
MOVEMENT: 30 feet (50 feet flying incorporeal) SPECIAL: A living statue is not technically alive, and as such
H IT DICE: 4 is not affected by any magic that would require either ba-
TREASURE: ii sic life-functions or intelligence; they cannot be mentally
SIZE: Medium controlled. Any non-magical weapon used against a living
A LIGNMENT: Unholy statue will only do 1 point of damage per hit (modified
MORALE: 11 only by Strength bonus in the case of melee weapons). Liv-
ATTACKS: 1, +4 to hit ing statues also take only one-half the normal damage from
DAMAGE: 1d4+special (touch) fire, cold, or energy based attacks. However, any magic
SPECIAL: These creatures are living dead and as such are that transforms rock will destroy them immediately. These
subject to particular magical effects (see descriptions of creatures are often created alongside a ring or amulet, that
arcanas, mantras, mudras or Enlightenment Powers). their owner uses, which allows him or others he entrusts
They are immune to non-magical weapons, except for with the item to pass by the statues unmolested. This ring
steel weapons Every time a Vetala strikes someone, the or amulet will protect the wearer and anyone who remains
victim will lose 1 point of Str, DEX , and Con. This dam- within 10 feet of the wearer.
age will not heal normally, but can be fully healed by the XP: 350
Arcana of Purification or the Touch of Complete Resto-
ration enlightenment power. The Wish-Fulfilling Inner A living statue is a construct, a stone statue that has
Jewel enlightenment power can recover one lost point per been somehow animated to life by magic. These constructs
use. Certain other powerful forms of magic (or Divine are typically used to guard temples or burial chambers.
Intervention) can also restore the lost ability score points.
Vetalas also have the power drive a person to helpless
madness; to do so they must be able to see their target,
and the target must make a saving throw vs. magic to
avoid being driven mad. Vetalas are intelligent and often
have knowledge about the past, future, or other places. A
Vetala that is captured may agree to answer a question or
share such knowledge in exchange for its freedom.
When a Vetala inhabits a corpse, it must remain in
that corpse until the corpse is reduced to 0 Hp again.

131
 Mongoose, Giant
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d8
A RMOR CLASS: 14
MOVEMENT: 40 feet
H IT DICE: 3
TREASURE: None
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Medium
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 8, 10 vs. snakes and Nagas
ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d6 (bite)
SPECIAL: When a giant mongoose hits, it can choose to
bite down hard on an opponent, refusing to release its
jaws; this gives it a – 4 AC penalty against any opponent
other than its victim, but allows it to automatically do
its damage to its victim each round until slain.
XP: 50

The mongoose is a small mammal famous for its fear-

lessness in fighting cobras. Giant Mongooses are their
larger cousins (the size of very large dogs), who will par-
ticularly seek out and fight against not only snakes but
giant snakes and Nagas as well. They love the taste of
Naga flesh. Against humans and other non-snake crea-
Marut (Deva) tures, giant mongooses will usually only fight if they feel
threatened or are extremely hungry.
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4
A RMOR CLASS: 19
MOVEMENT: 40 feet, 40 feet flying
H IT DICE: 15
TREASURE: v + xvii + xix
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Holy
MORALE: 10
ATTACKS: 1, +10 to hit
DAMAGE: 7d6 (giant golden axe)
SPECIAL: Maruts are immune to non-magical weapons,
except steel weapons. Up to four times a day, a Marut
can summon a thunderbolt that will strike up to 3 tar-
gets at a time, doing 10d6 damage (save vs. magic for
one-half damage).
XP: 2250

The Maruts are servants of Indra, the god of thun-

der. They are storm-spirits, giant in size, capable of
splitting the clouds with their golden axes. They are
fierce and aggressive. They are likely to be hostile to
mortal beings, though they may show respect to those
of Holy alignment and to devotees of Indra. They are
found in the northern mountains.

132
Monstrosities Nagas
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1 or 1d8 NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, typically 1d4, tribes con-
A RMOR CLASS: 15 base AC, but modified by appearance sist of 2d100, civilizations can number into the hundreds
(see below). of thousands.
MOVEMENT: Anything from 30 to 90 feet, possibly swim- A RMOR CLASS: 16
ming or flying MOVEMENT: 40 feet (can also swim at a speed of 50 feet)

MONSTER GUIDE
H IT DICE: Randomly determined, 1d4+1d6 hit dice (av- H IT DICE: 7
erage 6Hd) TREASURE: iv; viii (in larger communities)
TREASURE: None personal, but sometimes guarding a SIZE: Large
treasure horde. A LIGNMENT: Any, usually either Neutral or Unholy
SIZE: Roll 1d6 (1=small, 2-4=medium 5-6=large; small MORALE: 8
gain a +2 bonus to AC, Large a – 2 penalty to AC) ATTACKS: 2, +5 to hit
ALIGNMENT: Neutral if unintelligent, or Unholy, if intelligent. DAMAGE: 1d6/1d10+poison (claws/bite); or by weapon
(roll 1d6: 1-3 is an unintelligent monstrosity, 4-6 is intelligent) SPECIAL: Naga poison is extremely venomous, anyone
MORALE: 8 bitten by a Naga must make a saving throw vs. poison
COMBAT: +2 initial, gain +1 to attack bonus for every 2 Hd. or die in 1 round. A significant group of Nagas is likely
ATTACKS: 1, but modified by appearance (see below) to have a Naga champion among them, who has 9Hd
DAMAGE: 1d6 damage (by bite or claw) basic, but modi- (and has +10 to hit). A Naga chief will have 12Hd (and
fied by appearance (see below) +11 to hit). Nagas are also very frequently users of mag-
SPECIAL: The form of the monstrosity is determined by ic, any group of Nagas may have a Naga sorcerer among
rolling on the below charts for each body part: them, who is capable of using Mantras and Mudras, and
may have Enlightenment Powers (the Gm should choose
Head (roll 1d6) their powers as though they were a Siddhi of levels
1 Bestial (+1 attack, 1d8 damage each) equivalent to their Hd). Nagas especially prefer magic of
Hideous humanoid illusion or mental control.
2
(causes immediate morale check if applicable) Naga Kings are a special breed of Nagas, who are
3 Human distinguished by their larger size and multiple hoods.
Insectoid (+1 attack, 1d6 damage plus save vs. poi-
They are far more powerful than regular Nagas; having
4 20Hd, +15 to hit, doing 2d6/2d8+poison attacks, having
son or die in 1d3 rounds)
5 Reptilian (+1 attack, 2d6 damage)
the power to shape-shift into giant snakes, and being
immune to non-magical weapons. Many Naga kings
Tentacle Mass (+1 attack, 1d8 damage + save vs pa-
6
ralysis for 1d6 rounds)
will also have magical power and enlightenment power
equivalent to a Siddhi of the same level.
XP: 775 (7 Hd Naga), 1100 (9 Hd Naga), 1500 (12 Hd
Body (roll 1d6)
Naga chief), 1000 (7 Hd Naga sorcerer), 3250 (Naga king)
Body of fire (anyone in melee range takes 1d6 fire
1
damage each round)
The Nagas are a fairly prolific race of serpent-men.
2 Insectoid exoskeleton (+3 armor class)
Their lower bodies have the form of snakes, their upper
3 Metallic (+4 armor class) bodies have a humanoid form, reminiscent of a human
4 Ooze (immune to normal weapons) being; however they have snake scales extending all
5 Scales (+2 armor class) along their back and the back of their head features a
cobra-style hood instead of hair. Nagas are not neces-
6 Thick bestial hide (+1 armor class)
sarily evil creatures, some are devotees of Shiva, who
among other attributes is the god of snakes, but many
Limbs (roll 1d6)
other groups of Nagas worship the Asuras. Their com-
Humanoid, multiple limbs, weapon-using munities vary in levels of culture from near-barbaric
1
(+1 attacks, damage is by weapon)
tribes, to sophisticated cities and civilizations that rival
2 Pincers (+1 attack, 2d8 damage each) or surpass the level of human Bharata civilization.
3 Savage Claws (+1 attacks, 1d8 damage each) Nagas are found in a variety of places, from forest
Sharp metal appendages and jungles to mountain cities, and they also inhabit sev-
4
(+1 attacks, 2d8 damage each) eral of the realms of the Patala underworld, where their
5 Tentacles (4 attacks, 1d6 damage each) greatest civilizations are based. Nagas are not always
Toxic Tendrils (+1 attack, 1d8 damage + save versus
enemies of men, but tend to be aggressive to humans
6 particularly if they enter unbidden into their realms.
poison or lose 1 point of CON per round until slain)
However, they are highly intelligent creatures and may
XP: Variable, by hit dice (typically 25-1100) at times be reasoned with (particularly the ones who are
These creatures are nightmarish beasts from the un- not worshipers of the Asuras).
derworld, and each is different from another.

133
 Rakshasa, Common Rat, Giant
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, tribe is 2d100 NUMBER A PPEARING: 5d10
A RMOR CLASS: 12, unless armored A RMOR CLASS: 13
MOVEMENT: 30 feet MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: 1 H IT DICE: Half (1d4 hit points)
TREASURE: Variable, x or xi or xii or xiii (typical) TREASURE: iii
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Medium SIZE: Small

A LIGNMENT: Almost always Unholy A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7 MORALE: 7 (6 if confronted with flames of any kind)
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit ATTACKS: 1, +1 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d2+1 (fist); or by weapon DAMAGE: 1d3 (bite)
SPECIAL: Will commonly have a +3 bonus to saving SPECIAL: There is a 5% chance that any random group of
throws versus magic items or magic. They are immune rats may be carriers of diseases.
to mundane poisons, but may still be affected by magical XP: 5
poisons or poison from supernatural creatures. They can
see perfectly in the dark. These rats are the size of small dogs, and are more
XP: 25 aggressive than the common rat.

Rakshasas are half-breed products of the breeding of Scorpion, Giant

humans and Asura demons. The following are statistics
for a typical Rakshasa of low power. However, Rak- NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4
shasas can be Fighters, Thieves, or Siddhis of any level, A RMOR CLASS: 17
and can be Priests of the Asuras of up to 7th level, or MOVEMENT: 40 feet
Thugees of up to 8th level. Rakshasas have their own H IT DICE: 6
kingdoms, where they are often ruled over by either Asu- TREASURE: iv
ra demons or Brahmarakshasas. SIZE: Medium
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
Rakshasa, Brahmarakshasas MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 3, +5 to hit
NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, typically 1d4. DAMAGE: 1d10/1d10/1d4+poison (pincer/pincer/stinger)
A RMOR CLASS: 24 SPECIAL: The scorpion’s stinger is extremely venomous,
MOVEMENT: 30 feet anyone struck by it must make a saving throw vs. poison
H IT DICE: 7 or die in 1d3 rounds.
TREASURE: vi XP: 550
SIZE: Medium
A LIGNMENT: Unholy These scorpions are the size of a large dog. They are
MORALE: 8 generally found in the desert of Thar, but can sometimes
ATTACKS: 1, +6 to hit be encountered elsewhere in warm regions.
DAMAGE: 1d4+1 (fist); or by weapon
SPECIAL: Brahmarakshasas are immune to non-magical Serpent, Cobra, Common
weapons. They have a +4 bonus to saving throws ver-
sus magic items or magic. They have priestly arcana, NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d6
abilities and Enlightenment Powers as though they were A RMOR CLASS: 13
a 7th level Priest of the Asuras (including immunity to MOVEMENT: 30 feet
magic that charms or mentally controls, and the power H IT DICE: 1/2 (1d4 hit points)
to shape-shift). They are completely immune to poisons, TREASURE: None
and can see perfectly in the dark. SIZE: Small
XP: 1100 A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 6
These are a special kind of Rakshasa, all born with ATTACKS: 1, +1 to hit
particularly mighty demonic powers. They were all DAMAGE: 1d3+poison (bite)
human Brahmins in a previous life, who betrayed their SPECIAL: Anyone struck by the venom of a giant serpent
caste or oath to the gods, and committed horrific acts of must make a saving throw versus poison or die in 2d10
Unholy impiety in their previous incarnation, and have minutes. The giant cobra can also spit its venom up to 6 feet
thus been reborn as lords among the Rakshasas. away at a single target, making an attack roll to hit, doing no
damage but requiring a saving throw to avoid being blinded.
The blinding effect is permanent unless cured by magic.
XP: 10

134
Serpent, Giant Cobra
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d2
A RMOR CLASS: 15
MOVEMENT: 40 feet
H IT DICE: 6
TREASURE: None

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 8
ATTACKS: 1, +5 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d8+poison (bite)
SPECIAL: Anyone struck by the venom of a
giant serpent must make a saving throw
versus poison or die in 1d3 rounds. The
giant cobra can also spit its venom up to
30 feet away at a single target, making an
attack roll to hit, doing no damage but
requiring a saving throw versus poison to
avoid death in 1d3 rounds.
XP: 550

A giant-sized 25 foot long version of a reg-

ular serpent (cobra), this creature is poisonous
and tends to be very aggressive in its territory.

Serpent, Giant 7-Headed

Cobra
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1
A RMOR CLASS: 15
MOVEMENT: 25 feet
H IT DICE: 7
TREASURE: ii Sharabha
SIZE: Large NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d6
A LIGNMENT: Neutral A RMOR CLASS: 17
MORALE: 9 MOVEMENT: 30 feet / 75 feet flying
ATTACKS: 7, +5 to hit H IT DICE: 7
DAMAGE: 1d8+poison/1d8+poison/1d8+poison/1d8+poi- TREASURE: iii + xix
son/1d8+poison/1d8+poison/1d8+poison (bite/bite/bite/ SIZE: Large
bite/bite/bite/bite) A LIGNMENT: Neutral
SPECIAL: Anyone struck by any of the seven heads must MORALE: 8
make a saving throw vs. poison or die in 1 round. Rath- ATTACKS: 3, +5 to hit
er than fighting in melee, the 7-headed cobra can also DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/2d8 (claw/claw/bite)
spit its venom up to 50 feet away (at a single target per SPECIAL: The egg of a Sharabha (75% chance of a lair
head), requiring an attack roll to hit; doing no Hp dam- having 1 egg for every 2 Sharabha encountered, rounded
age but requiring the same saving throw as above. down) is very valuable in the markets of Bharata, selling
XP: 775 for 2000 rupya (gp) each.
XP: 550
The rarest and most dangerous of giant serpents, this
is a magical creature, with one giant body but multiple A Sharabha is a rare monstrous creature, the size of a
heads and hoods. It is not always strictly speaking an large lion, with the front-half of a bird and the rear half of
evil creature, it will generally be aggressive but those es- a lion. Its feathers are bright green in color. These creatures
pecially favored of Shiva (his devotees, especially Priests are excellent fliers, and tend to live in high mountainous
or Siddhis) may find the giant creature friendly. regions, often making their lair in caves. They are bold and
vicious, and enjoy the flesh of humans and horses.

135
 Shark Tiger, Common
NUMBER A PPEARING: 3d4 NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4
A RMOR CLASS: 14 A RMOR CLASS: 14
MOVEMENT: 60 feet swimming MOVEMENT: 30 feet
H IT DICE: 5 H IT DICE: 6
TREASURE: None TREASURE: None
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Large SIZE: Large

A LIGNMENT: Medium A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 7 MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +4 to hit ATTACKS: 3, +5 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d4 (bite) DAMAGE: 1d6/1d6/1d10 (claw/claw/bite)
SPECIAL: None SPECIAL: Tigers have a +4 bonus to sneaking. They can
XP: 200 make an initial pouncing attack, in which case they will
roll a single attack and do 4d4 damage if they hit. Un-
Found only in the sea. They are attracted to the scent like lions, tigers are excellent climbers and may lurk in
of blood in the water, and can be drawn to it from up to tree-branches to pounce on unsuspecting travelers. Also
2 miles away. unlike lions, they are capable swimmers. If 2 or more ti-
gers are encountered, there is a 25% chance that they will
Spider, Giant be accompanied by 1d3 tiger cubs, which do not fight.
XP: 550
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d8
A RMOR CLASS: 16 Tigers are fierce large felines commonly found in the
MOVEMENT: 30 feet forests and jungles. They are predatory and while most
H IT DICE: 4 stay clear of the domains of humans, some are known to
TREASURE: iii develop a taste for flesh and may come out of their native
SIZE: Large habitats to prey on surrounding villages. In both barbar-
A LIGNMENT: Neutral ian and civilized human cultures, hunting for tigers
MORALE: 7 is a favored sport of warriors
ATTACKS: 1, +4 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d4+venom (bite)
SPECIAL: A spider’s venom is extremely poisonous, requir-
Tiger, Dire
ing a save vs. poison to avoid death in 1d3 rounds. Giant NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d2
spiders are capable of climbing up walls or on ceilings A RMOR CLASS: 14
and have a +4 bonus to sneaking, they will often hide MOVEMENT: 30 feet
in trees or on the ceilings of caves and drop down on H IT DICE: 7
their opponent for a surprise attack. These spiders will TREASURE: None
also build large webs, anyone who touches or stumbles SIZE: Large
or falls into a web must make a saving throw modified A LIGNMENT: Neu-
by their strength bonus or they will be stuck in the web tral
unable to move; if stuck they are unable to take any ac- MORALE: 8
tion and have a – 4 penalty to their armor class, but they ATTACKS: 3, +5 to hit
can make another saving throw each round to attempt DAMAGE: 1d6/1d6/2d6 (claw/claw/bite)
to break free. The giant spider’s webs are very difficult SPECIAL: Tigers have a +4 bonus to sneaking. They can
to cut through (requiring two full rounds of chopping to make an initial pouncing attack, in which case they will
cut away enough to allow a single trapped person to get roll a single attack and do 4d4 damage if they hit. Un-
free, or ten minutes to cut through a web completely). like lions, tigers are excellent climbers and may lurk in
However, the webs are highly flammable, burning away tree-branches to pounce on unsuspecting travelers. Also
completely in one round but doing 1d6 damage to any- unlike lions, they are capable swimmers. If 2 dire tigers
one who is stuck in the web. are encountered, there is a 25% chance that they will
XP: 350 be accompanied by 1d2 tiger cubs, which do not fight.
XP: 775
These are huge spiders, the size of a small horse, that
dwell primarily in deep jungles or in caves in hills, but A particularly large and ferocious breed of tiger, usu-
only in warmer climates. ally found only in deep jungles or forests.

136
Timingila (the sea monster)
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1
A RMOR CLASS: 20
MOVEMENT: 25 feet, swimming
H IT DICE: 14
TREASURE: ii + xviii + xix + xx + xxii (all in stomach)

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 10
ATTACKS: 3 +9 to hit
DAMAGE: 3d6/3d6/5d8+swallow whole (fin/fin/bite)
SPECIAL: A Timingila can, if it hits with a total attack roll
of 20 or more, swallow an opponent whole; to avoid
this a character must make a saving throw, modified by
Dexterity and any acrobatic bonuses. A character who is
inside the stomach of a Timingila will suffer 2d6 points
of damage per round automatically; they can only escape
if they or allies slay the beast. If a Timingila hits a sailing
vessel, it will swallow it if it is small, or else capsize it.
XP: 1850

This creature, whose name could be translated as a

“leviathan”, is a sea creature large enough to swallow a
blue whale whole. It can easily swallow small boats.
south of the main civilized human Bharata lands. How-
Vanara (monkey-men), Common ever, they could theoretically be encountered individually
or in smaller groups almost anywhere else. The statistics
NUMBER A PPEARING: 3d100
below are for a typical Vanara, but they can also be
A RMOR CLASS: 13 or by armor
Fighters or Thieves or any level, or Priest-Shamans (to a
MOVEMENT: 30 feet
maximum of level 6).
H IT DICE: 1
TREASURE: None
SIZE: Small Vidyadhara, Minor (Deva)
A LIGNMENT: Any, usually Neutral NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d10
MORALE: 7 A RMOR CLASS: 15
ATTACKS: 1, +2 to hit MOVEMENT: 30 feet, flying
DAMAGE: By weapon H IT DICE: 1d4 hit points
SPECIAL: Vanara typically have a +3 bonus to saving TREASURE: xiv + xviii + xix + xx
throws versus magic, magic items, or poison. Vanara also SIZE: Special, see below
have a +2 bonus to all sneaking and acrobatic checks. A LIGNMENT: Holy
They additionally gain a +2 bonus to their armor class MORALE: 7
against medium or large creatures. Generally, any group ATTACKS: 1, +1 to hit
of 30 or more Vanaras will have at least one 2nd level DAMAGE: 1d4 (air blast)
Fighter among them. If 90 or more are encountered there SPECIAL: Vidyadhara are immune to normal weapons,
will also be a 3rd level Fighter. If 150 or more are en- except steel weapons. They can make themselves as large
countered at least one will be a 4th level Fighter leader, as a human being, or as small as a microbe, at will (they
and there will also be three 3rd level and four 2nd level will often make themselves microscopic in order to es-
Fighters. Vanara encountered in their village will have an cape danger).
additional number of female Vanaras, equal in number XP: 25
to the number appearing roll, and another group equal
to half that roll in infant Vanaras. The female Vanaras The Vidyadhara are a race of minor Devas, who are
are capable of joining in the fight to defend their village, servants of the god Shiva; they are made of wisps of air
the infants are not. In a village, there is a 50% chance of and cloud. They live in the Kailas mountains, and a sig-
a 1st to 6th level Priest-Shaman being present as well. nificant community of them live in the Yaksha Kingdom
XP: 10 for a common Vanara as citizens there. They are shy but friendly Holy spirits
who do not have much to do with human beings, but
The Vanara are a race of intelligent talking monkeys, admire those who are heroic and Holy, and all devotees
whose main kingdom is in the Dandaka Jungle to the of Shiva, and may give these humans aid in some form.

137
 Vyala Water Buffalo, Wild
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d4 NUMBER A PPEARING: 4d6
A RMOR CLASS: 16 A RMOR CLASS: 13
MOVEMENT: 30 feet MOVEMENT: 40 feet
H IT DICE: 6 H IT DICE: 5
TREASURE: v TREASURE: None
ARROWS OF INDRA

SIZE: Large SIZE: Large

A LIGNMENT: Neutral A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 8 MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 4, +5 to hit ATTACKS: 2 +3 to hit
DAMAGE: 1d4/1d4/1d8/4d6 (claw/claw/bite/horns) DAMAGE: 1d8/1d8 (horns/horns)
SPECIAL: None SPECIAL: Can do a charge attack for 3d8 damage (treat
XP: 350 for combat purposes as though it were a mounted
charge).
The Vyala is a magical creature, it has the body and XP: 200
head of a lion, but its tail resembles a serpent’s, and it
has two large horns on its head. They usually inhabit the Found only in the eastern Ganga river delta
depths of wild forests and jungles. They enjoy the flesh
of humans.

138
Water Spirit (Deva) Windhorse
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1 NUMBER A PPEARING: Variable, 1d10 if in wild
A RMOR CLASS: 18 A RMOR CLASS: 14
MOVEMENT: 50 feet, on water or swimming. MOVEMENT: 60 feet on land, 120 feet flying.
H IT DICE: 16 H IT DICE: 4
TREASURE: None TREASURE: None

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Large SIZE: Large
A LIGNMENT: Holy A LIGNMENT: Neutral
MORALE: 10 MORALE: 7
ATTACKS: 1, +10 to hit ATTACKS: 2, +4 to hit
DAMAGE: 5d6 (water blast) DAMAGE: 1d8/1d8 (hooves/hooves)
SPECIAL: Can only be harmed by magic or magic weap- SPECIAL: In a nest of windhorses, there is a 20% chance
ons, cannot step on dry land. They are easily strong of there being a young, trainable windhorse for every 2
enough to capsize small water craft. adult windhorses encountered.
XP: 2125 XP: 100

These powerful spirits serve the various water-gods, Found high in the Kailas mountain range, and occa-
including the goddesses of the sacred rivers (Ganga, sionally in the Himayant mountains, the Windhorse is a
Saraswati, Sindhu) and the sea-god Varuna. They always mystical winged horse with the ability to fly. Windhorses
appear in bodies of water and cannot step on dry land. are used at times as mounts by barbarian chieftains in
They only manifest rarely in the world of Jagat, but are this region, and likewise by the Gandharvas. They are
also found in the Deva Realms. very wild, however, and difficult to tame.

139
 Witch, Unholy Wolf
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1 NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d10
A RMOR CLASS: 12 A RMOR CLASS: 13
MOVEMENT: 25 feet MOVEMENT: 40 feet
H IT DICE: Variable (typically not less than 8) H IT DICE: 2
TREASURE: None (may have an item of magic, 5% per TREASURE: None
ARROWS OF INDRA

Hd chance) SIZE: Small

SIZE: Medium A LIGNMENT: Neutral
A LIGNMENT: Unholy MORALE: 7
MORALE: 8 ATTACKS: 1, +3 to hit
ATTACKS: 1, +4 to hit DAMAGE: 1d4+1 (bite)
DAMAGE: 2d6 (claws) SPECIAL: There is a 30% chance a pack of wolves will
SPECIAL: Witches will always choose to attack the Ho- include 1d4 cubs.
ly-aligned members of a group over any others (they XP: 25
have the innate power to sense which individuals are
of Holy alignment). Witches are immune to non-mag- These savage relatives of dogs are found in almost all
ical weapons, except for steel weapons which harm wilderness areas of Jagat.
them normally. Witches can have a variety of magical
powers; a typical example would be: to induce a mag- Wolf, Dire
ical sleep, or a mental control, or to cause insanity in
any single individual with 12 or less levels/Hd (save vs. NUMBER A PPEARING: 2d6
magic to avoid); to change shape, become invisible, to A RMOR CLASS: 14
cause a slow wasting disease (save vs. magic to avoid), MOVEMENT: 50 feet
to create lethal poisons (which they will often apply in H IT DICE: 4
their claws, save vs. poison or die in one round), and all TREASURE: None
Witches should have a 50% chance at any given time SIZE: Small
of being able to summon their Asura master (usually a A LIGNMENT: Neutral
Class A minor Asura) to aid them in case of trouble. MORALE: 8
XP: 1850 for an 8Hd Witch ATTACKS: 1, +4 to hit
DAMAGE: 2d4 (bite)
Witches are powerful female human sorceresses who, SPECIAL: There is a 30% chance a pack of dire wolves
through service to the Asuras, have been granted dark will include 1d4 cubs.
powers. They are often the mothers of Rakshasas. They XP: 100
use their power to obtain revenge against all Holy people
A larger more vicious form of wolf, often found in
(usually having in some way been dishonored and margin-
mountains.
alized by human society). They will at times stalk the streets
at night seeking out good people to destroy them; at other
times they will plot secretly to cause strife and harm in a
community. They also are found at times deep in forests or
mountain caves, isolated from the rest of humanity. Even if
they were relatively beautiful once, the corruption of their
evil tends to leave them looking like hideous aged crones,
though as part of their pacts of service with the Asuras they
can often live for decades or even centuries beyond their
normal life span.

140
Yaksha, Common Yeti
NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d10 in a group, 4d100 in a tribe
A RMOR CLASS: By armor, default 16 NUMBER A PPEARING: 1d6
MOVEMENT: 15 feet A RMOR CLASS: 14
H IT DICE: 1 MOVEMENT: 40 feet
TREASURE: xiii (individual), vii, xvii, xviii (tribe) H IT DICE: 4

MONSTER GUIDE
SIZE: Medium TREASURE: iv
A LIGNMENT: Neutral or Holy SIZE: Large
MORALE: 8 A LIGNMENT: Neutral
ATTACKS: 1 +2 to hit MORALE: 7 (6 if attacked with fire)
DAMAGE: By weapon ATTACKS: 2 +4 to hit
SPECIAL: Typical Yakshas have a +3 to all saves vs. poi- DAMAGE: 1d8/1d8 (fist/fist)
son, magic items, or magic. SPECIAL: Yeti have a +8 to sneaking, but only in snowy
XP: 10 for a common Yaksha mountainous climates. If a Yeti lair is encountered there
is a 30% chance that they will have an additional 1d3
This is for a standard or common member of the females, who fight just like males. There is also a 15%
Yaksha race; however Yakshas may have levels in Fight- chance of 1d4 young, who do not fight.
er, Priest, Thief, or even Thugee. In every group of 40 XP: 100
Yakshas there should be one Fighter of level d4+2. For
every 100 Yakshas there should be an additional 6th lev- This creatures is also known as the “wild man of the
el chief, and a 4th level Fighter or Priest. For every 200 snows.” They are a race of large shaggy humanoids that
yakshas there should also be one 8th level Chief and 7th only inhabit the Himayant and Kailas mountains. They
level Priest, and two 4th level Priests. Yakshas generally are fairly shy, but if they are hungry will not hesitate to
live in cities on mountains and forests, sometimes guard- attack humans as they are quite fond of eating human
ing great subterranean treasures. Yakshas are deeply flesh.
learned and studious but also passionate and romantic.

141
Treasure and Items
 “I LOOT THE BODY”

T
here are certain taboos and limitations on
handling corpses in Bharata culture that make
the looting of bodies a complicated process.
Table 11.1 Treasure Types However, a person is not considered to be
ARROWS OF INDRA

fully dead in the first hour or so after their

Treasure
Treasure demise; in that time anyone not of the Brahmin caste may
Class
touch the body; the Brahmin may never intentionally han-
1d6K (25%) cp, 1d6K (30%) sp, 2d10K (35%)
dle a corpse or human blood, and must undergo purifica-
I gp, 4d10 (60%) gems, 3d10 (50%) jewelry, 3
magic items (30%), Special treasure (25%) tion as quickly as possible if they handle it accidentally.
After the body has been dead for more than an hour or
1d8K (50%) cp, 1d6K (25%) sp, 1d6K (25%)
II gp, 1d8 (30%) gems, 1d4 (20%) jewelry, 1 two, only a Dalit corpse-handler should touch it.
magic item (10%), special treasure (15%) Of course, anyone who is of Unholy alignment could
1d12K (20%) cp, 1d6K (30%) sp, 1d2K (20%) simply ignore this; however, if his act of corpse-touch-
III gp, 1d6 (25%) gems, 1d3 (20%) jewelry, 2 ing were made known to anyone not of his alignment
magic items (10%), special treasure (5%) it would be socially repugnant and he would be seen as
1d8K (10%) cp, 1d12K (15%) sp, 1d10K (35%) unclean until such time as he were purified.
IV gp, 1d10 (30%) gems, 1d6 (25%) jewelry, 3
magic items (15%), special treasure (5%)
1d10K (5%) cp, 1d12K (25%) sp, 1d10K (25%)
TREASURE TABLES
V gp, 1d12 (15%) gems, 1d8 (10%) jewelry, 4
Use TABLE 11.1 to refer to the treasure found with par-
magic items (25%), special treasure (10%) ticular monsters described in this section. For abbreviation
1d20K (20%) sp, 3d10K (30%) gp, 3d10
purposes, “K” here means thousands, so 1d6K means 1000-
VI (20%) gems, 1d10 (10%) jewelry, 5 magic 6000. The percentage number is the number that needs to be
items (30%), special treasure (15%) rolled on a d100 for that treasure to be present. If a treasure
3d10K (50%) gp, 2d10 (30%) gems, 1d10 has no percentile number, then it is always present.
VII (25%) jewelry, 5 magic items (35%),
special treasure (25%) Gems and Jewelry
3d10K (25%) cp, 1d100K (40%) sp, 1d100K Gems may vary in size and quality; if a Gm wishes he
(40%) gp, 1d100 (50%) gems, 1d4x10 (50%) can roll 1d6 for each (size, and quality) where a 1 indi-
VIII
jewelry, 6 magic items (15%), special trea-
cates the gem is of poor size or quality (halving its value)
sure (25%)
and a 6 indicates it is of great size or quality (doubling
1d100K (30%) gp, 2d10 (55%) gems, 1d12
its value). Any gems found will have a base value deter-
IX (50%) jewelry, 1 magic item (15%), spe-
cial treasure (15%) mined by the following table. The Gm can rule that all
the gems found will have the same value, or he can roll
X 3d8 cp
for each gem separately, or in groups:
XI 3d6sp
XII 1d6gp Table 11.2 Gems (d100)
XIII 2d4gp Roll Gem Value Sample
XIV 2 magic items (60%) 1-25 10gp quartz

1d3K (20%) cp, 1d4K (25%) sp, 1d20K (30%) 26-50 50gp apophylite
XV gp, 1d6x10 (55%) gems, 3d10 (50%) jewelry, 51-90 1d6×100gp jade, topaz
3 magic items (50%), special treasure (25%)
91-97 500gp emerald, sapphire
1d6K (30%) sp, 1d10x100 (25%) gp, spe-
XVI
cial treasure (10%) 98-99 1000gp ruby, diamond
XVII 1d4(50%) gems 00 5000gp patala glowing gem
1d100K (45%) gp, 4d8 (55%) gems, 1d12
XVIII Table 11.3 Jewelry (d100)
(45%) jewelry, special treasure (25%)
XIX 1d6 magic items (40%) Roll Jewelry Value
XX 1d3 magic items (50%) 1-10 1d10×100gp
1d8x10 (90%) gems, 5d6 (80%) jewelry, 1d12 11-20 2d6×100gp
XXI
magic items (70%)
21-40 3d6×100gp
41-50 3d10×100gp
51-70 1d6×1000gp
71-90 1d10×1000gp
91-100 2d10×1000gp

144
 Jewelry is crafted ornaments usually made of gold, cumstances the Gm may wish to have them.
silver and gemstones. These include such objects as neck- A treasure horde may be guarded by a monster that
laces, crowns, belts, brooches, rings, ornamental armor normally would not have treasure of its own (for exam-
or weapons, statuettes, bracelets, gemstone mala-rosa- ple, living statues, or skeletons), and there is a chance
ries, hairpins, and so forth. (25%, or Gm’s choice) that it may be either hidden (re-
quiring perception checks to find) or protected by some
Special Treasure form of trap (poison, spear traps, or even magic traps).

TREASURE AND ITEMS

To determine the contents of a treasure horde, it is
This treasure consists of objects of value that would first necessary to determine the approximate Level or Hit
not fall under any of the other categories, roll randomly Dice of the person who stored it, then roll on the follow-
to determine the type and value of treasure found: ing table. If the treasure is guarded, hidden or trapped,
make an additional roll for each circumstance that ap-
Table 11.4 Special Treasure (d100)
plies, adding a +10% bonus to each roll.
Roll Treasure
1-10 1 suit of armor, bronze Table 11.5 Treasure Hordes (d100)

11-13 1d20 tiger fur capes (100 gp each) Roll Treasure

14-18 1d3 rolls of fine cloth (10gp each) 1-25 1000cp/HD

19-25 3d6 rolls of dyed cloth (10gp each) 26-45 1000sp/HD

26-28 1d100 Garuda feathers (5gp each) 46-60 250gp/HD

29 1d4 crystal goblets (200gp each) 61-70 500gp/HD

30-35 2d6 doses of healing herbs 71-80 1000gp/HD

36-40 2d6 doses of healing ointments 81-90 1d4 gems/HD

1d100 sticks of rare high-quality incense 91-98 1d2 jewels/HD

41-42
(10gp each) 98-00 1 magic item
2d4 clay jars of lamp oil

MAGIC ITEMS
43-47
(equivalent to 20 flasks) (2sp each)
2d4 large jars of lamp oil
48-50
(equivalent to 200 flasks) (2gp each) The Gm can feel free to choose which magic items
51-54 2d6 bear pelts (15gp each) he feels are appropriate for his group, but he can also
55 1d3 vials of rare perfumes (75gp each) roll to determine the items randomly. Roll first on the
56-57 1d3 rolls of rare pigments (50gp each)
following table to determine the type of item, then on
the appropriate table for that item type to determine the
58-63 1d6 doses of poison
specific object found.
64-65 1d3 rolls of silk (40gp each)
66-67 1d3 samples of fine pottery (100gp each) Table 11.6 Random Magic Items (d100)
5d10 non-magic scrolls
Roll Random magic items
68 (philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, etc)
(150gp each) 1-25 Herb/potion
69-71 1d3 rugs (5gp each) 26-34 Sutra, minor
72-77 2d6 bricks of salt (7sp each) 35-37 Sutra, major
1 ancient statue of a god 38-42 Mala beads
78
(worth 1d10×100gp at a temple of that god) 43-46 Staff
79-84 1d3 jars of spices (8 gp each) 47-49 Ring
85 1d3 jars of rare spices (250gp each) 50-52 Conch shell
86 2d10 dire elephant tusks (450gp each) 53-62 Wondrous items
87-95 1d3 weapons, bronze 63-72 Armor/shield
96-98 Roll again, doubling the number found 73-83 Arrows
99-00 Roll twice 84-92 Bow

Treasure Horde
93-00 Miscellaneous weapon

In some cases, the Gm may wish to generate a random

treasure that will not be specifically connected to a type
of creature. Treasure hordes are sometimes encountered
in the Patala Underworld; but these tables can also be
used to determine the treasure found in any other cir-

145
 Herbs/Potions being able to spot small details and even search for hid-
den things from extreme distance. Grants a +10 to all
These are magical herbs that originally come from sight-based perception checks.
gardens in the Deva Realms. They are quite rare. When CURING H ERBS: These powerful healing herbs will re-
found 80% of the time they will be in their raw herb store 2d6+2 Hp immediately after being consumed.
form; they will be identifiable by an apothecary-doctor GREATER CURING H ERBS: These even stronger curing
who makes a Dc15 check. They can be prepared as a
ARROWS OF INDRA

herbs will restore up to 4d6+4 Hp immediately after be-

single dose of a simple infusion or tea (the other 20% ing consumed.
of the time they are already in the form of an infusion). DIAMOND BODY H ERB: Consuming these herbs will
Most of these magical herbs will take effect immediately, grant the user a +4 bonus to their AC and a +4 bonus to
and will either have an instantaneous effect (as in the all saving throws for the duration.
case of a magical healing herb), or an effect that lasts DREAM TRAVEL: When consumed, the user will fall
one hour + 1d6×10 minutes. Consult the following table unconscious, utterly unable to be awakened for the stan-
for the type of herb/potion found (d100): dard potion duration. During that time, the user may
travel astrally into the dreams of any other single living
Table 11.7 Magical Herbs/Potions (d100) being who is presently sleeping, and appear and speak to
them in the dream. The being does not need to answer
Roll Magic Herb/Potion: Affect
them, or answer truthfully; he is likely to remember the
1-4 Antidote
user’s presence in his dream, though there is a chance he
5-8 Agility will believe it to only have been a dream.
9-12 Amazing Hearing ENDURANCE H ERBS: Consuming these will give a Pc an
13-17 Amazing Sight extra +2 to their Constitution modifier, and temporarily
increasing their hit points to match the same (granting 2
18-27 Curing Herbs
temporary Hp per character level).
28-34 Greater Curing Herbs
GROWTH: These herbs will cause a being to grow to
35-38 Diamond Body Herb three times their normal size for the duration, and do
39-42 Dream Travel double their normal damage in melee combat.
43-46 Endurance Herbs H ERBS AGAINST H EAT: Consuming these will make one
immune to normal heat or fire, and grant a +2 bonus to
47-50 Growth
saving throws against supernatural fire for the duration.
51-54 Herbs Against Heat
H ERBS AGAINST COLD: Consuming these will make one
55-58 Herbs Against Cold immune to normal cold weather, and grants a +2 bonus to
59-62 Insanity saving throws against supernatural cold for the duration.
63-66 Invisibility I NSANITY: Whoever consumes these herbs will go mad,
unable to communicate or engage in any rational ac-
67-70 Herbs of Might
tions; it lasts until magically healed.
71-75 Poisoned Herbs
I NVISIBILITY: Whoever consumes these will become
76-79 Shrinking invisible for the duration.
80-83 Swiftness H ERBS OF M IGHT: Consuming these herbs will give a
84-87 True Seeing Pc a +3 bonus to their strength modifier, and in addition
to this bonus will roll double the normal dice of any
88-91 Soma
damage he does in melee combat.
92-95 Thought-Opening Herbs
POISONED H ERBS: These herbs will appear to be cura-
96-99 Transformation Potion tive herbs, unless someone with herbalist skill succeeds
00 True Soma at a Dc20 ability check to detect they are in fact poison.
If consumed, they will require a save vs. poison in 1d3
Magical Herbs/Potions Discritpions: rounds, or the user will die.
A NTIDOTE: Whoever consumes this will become com- SHRINKING: Whoever takes these herbs will become in-
pletely immune to poisons of any kind for the standard credibly small (under an inch) for the duration; they will
duration; if taken after being poisoned they will annul be able to move through very tight areas, and will have a
any further effects of the poison. +10 bonus to attempts to hide or avoid detection. They
AGILITY: Whoever consumes this will gain a +2 bonus will also have a +4 bonus to their Armor Class against
to their Dexterity modifier for the duration. regular small creatures, +8 against medium sized crea-
A MAZING H EARING: When consumed, the user will be tures, and +12 against large sized creatures. They will
able to hear any noise or speech up to 1000 feet away, not be able to physically harm any creature taller than 6
even through walls or other barriers. Grants a +10 to all inches in height.
hearing-based perception checks. SWIFTNESS: Whoever drinks this will have twice the
A MAZING SIGHT: When consumed, the user will be normal movement rate and be able to make double the
able to see with tremendous clarity as far as the horizon, normal attacks per round.

146
 TRUE SEEING: The imbiber of this herb will be able to
see all invisible things for the duration, as well as identi-
Sutras, Minor
fy any being or object of Holy or Unholy Alignment. These are small strips of parchment on which are
SOMA: The herb of immortality. Drinking Soma juice written sacred teachings (a “sutra” is a spiritual teach-
will cause a person to reduce 10 years in age, with all ing). Magical Sutras have been written by the hands of
corresponding restoration of physical health. great Holy sages, and contain within them a portion
THOUGHT-OPENING H ERBS: Consuming these will al- of their creator’s enlightened wisdom. To use a Minor

TREASURE AND ITEMS

low a person to read the surface thoughts of any being Sutra, a character must be able to read Sanskrit, and
within 60 feet of them for the duration. must hold the sutra while reading the words of its verse
TRANSFORMATION POTION: Consuming this will allow aloud, concentrating fully on this recitation for one
a Pc to alter his physical appearance, to look like an- round. When a verse from a Sutra is read in this way, its
other member of his own race or to appear as any kind magical power will take effect; there is a 90% chance
of animal or being. His chosen form must be one that each time it is read that after the reading the sacred
he has personally seen. He does not gain any special script will fade away from the parchment, essentially
abilities of his new form, only the physical semblance. draining the sutra of its magic.
The transformation lasts indefinitely, until the Pc wills to Any character who reads Sanskrit will be able to eas-
change back. ily identify the powers that sutra will have, without acti-
TRUE SOMA: The perfected nectar of immortality. Any vating it so long as he reads it silently or without intense
being who drinks this potion will cease to age; though concentration. The exception to this is a cursed sutra,
he may still die of other means. which will activate immediately when one begins to read
its words in any way.
Determine the number of sutra verses and type by the
following table:

Table 11.8.1 Minor Sutras (d12)

Roll Minor Sutra
1 Cursed Sutra
A single verse that creates the effect of one Rank 1
2
Enlightenment Power.
Two verses that each create the effect of a Rank 1
3
Enlightenment Power.
A single verse that creates the effect of a Rank 2
4
Enlightenment Power
Two verses that each create the effect of a Rank 2
5
Enlightenment Power
A single verse that creates the effect of a Rank 3
6
Enlightenment Power.
Two verses that each create the effect of a Rank 3
7
Enlightenment Power
Three verses that create one effect each of a Rank
8
1, 2, and 3 Enlightenment Power
A single verse that creates the effect of the
9
“Life-Giving Touch” power.
A single verse that heals 2d6+2 HP to everyone
10
who hears it.
A single verse that will heal all who hear it of any
11
diseases, curses, or insanity.
A single verse that will destroy all the Living Dead
12
within audible range of it.

Cursed sutras will take effect the moment someone

looks at the writing on the paper, whether or not they
are literate. A cursed sutra can have variable effects,
subject to the Gm’s preference. Suggested curses include
the reader taking 4d6 damage, the reader being afflicted
by a plague, the reader being aged 10 years, an Asura
Demon appearing before the reader, the reader being
driven helplessly insane, or the reader being trans-
formed into an animal.

147
 Individuals of Holy alignment who look at a cursed gain one full level of experience (gaining enough experi-
scroll should be allowed a save vs. magic to resist its ence points to just achieve his new level). It has no effect
effects; all other beings who activate a cursed scroll are only any other class or alignment.
not granted a saving throw. THE DAITYA UPANISHAD (UNHOLY): If any Rakshasa
Minor Sutras will always be gratefully accepted at character of at least 5th level reads this book, requiring
a temple; any temple would be willing to pay a fee of 1d12 days of study, they will gain a permanent +1 bonus
ARROWS OF INDRA

1d10x1000gp for any minor sutra that is not cursed. to all their melee damage. This sutra has no effect on
any other race; or on Rakshasas of less than 5th level,
Sutra, Major although the latter may study the book again after obtain-
ing 5th level to be granted its effect.
These are large parchment scrolls or books which THE SUTRA OF THE DEMONIC A RCHITECT (UNHOLY):
contain profound teachings of spiritual wisdom, of ei- This sutra requires 1d6 weeks of study; after which a
ther a Holy or Unholy nature. Like minor sutras, to be Siddhi character will obtain the secret knowledge of
used the reader must be able to read the language they how to construct and give life to Living Statues. Con-
are written in, which will usually be in Sanskrit if the structing a single Living Statue requires 4 weeks of work
book is Holy, or the demonic Asura language if Unholy; and 10000gp in expenditure, after which the chance of
unless otherwise indicated. Unlike minor sutras, they do the statue’s construction being successful is a percent-
not disappear if read, however any individual can only age chance equal to the creator’s Intelligence attribute
benefit from their study of a sutra once; this also means plus his level. A character will be able to create as many
that if a Pc should later find another copy of the same Living Statues as he wishes, and they will obey his very
major sutra, he will gain no further benefit from reading basic commands (usually to guard a room or entrance
that new copy. against all who approach; the statue will not be clever
Determine the type of Major Sutra found by the enough to distinguish specific exceptions aside from his
following table: creator). The character will also be able to create, for
Table 11.8.2 Major Sutras (d100) 5000gp, a magic ring that will allow whoever wears it
(and everyone within 10 feet of the wearer) to pass by
Roll Major Sutra: Effect Living Statues undisturbed.
1-10 The Supreme Bhakti Sutras (Holy) THE TANTRA OF K ALI-M A (HOLY): This devotional
11-15 The Brahmacharya Sutra (Holy) work of union to Kali is written in Prakrit, and requires
16-25 The Daitya Upanishad (Unholy) 2d6 weeks of study, after which any Thugee character
will gain one full level of experience (gaining enough
26-35 The Sutra of the Demonic Architect (Unholy)
experience points to just achieve his new level). It has no
36-40 The Tantra of Kali-Ma (Holy)
effect on any other class.
41-45 The Mahasiddha Sutra (Holy) THE M AHASIDDHA SUTRA (HOLY): This profound
46-55 The Natarajastra Sutra (Holy) teaching, written in Prakrit, requires 2d6 weeks of study;
The Sutra of the Sacred Refuge of after which any Siddhi who reads it will gain one full
56-65
the Three Jewels (Holy) level of experience (gaining enough experience points to
66-70 The Sutra of Shadows (Unholy) just achieve his new level). This effect will only work for
Siddhis, and only Siddhis of Holy or Neutral alignment.
71-79 The Sukracharya Sutra (Unholy)
Siddhis of Unholy alignment will not benefit from read-
The Sutra of the Treasure House of Lord Shiva
80-88 ing this sutra; however, if they later change alignment
(Holy)
they can read it again to gain its benefit.
89-94 The Yama-Bhakta Tantra (Unholy)
THE NATARAJASTRA SUTRA (HOLY): This instructional
95-99 The Virakshatriya Purana(Holy) text on sacred archery requires 1d10 weeks of study, af-
00 The Sutra of the Wish-fulfilling Lotus Jewel (Holy) ter which the reader will gain a permanent +1 bonus to
damage with arrows. There is a 75% chance the text is
Temples will always take a tremendous interest written in Sanskrit, otherwise it is written in Prakrit.
in obtaining Major Sutras, if they are of the temple’s THE SUTRA OF THE SACRED R EFUGE OF THE THREE
alignment. They will offer a payment of 1d10×5000 JEWELS (HOLY): This book requires 1d20 days of study,
rupya(gp) for any Sutra of the temple’s own alignment. instructing the reader on meditations and prayers he
can perform to gain divine protection from harm. Any
Major Sutras Discriptions:
character who reads this book will gain a permanent +1
THE SUPREME BHAKTI SUTRAS (HOLY): Studying this
bonus to all saving throws.
book requires 1d20 days; any character who has stud-
THE SUTRA OF SHADOWS (UNHOLY): This book requires
ied this sacred text will gain a permanent +5% bonus
2d6 weeks of study; any Thief character who reads it
to the possibility of successful Divine Intervention (see
will gain one full level of experience (gaining enough
“Divine Intervention”).
experience points to just achieve his new level). It has no
THE BRAHMACHARYA SUTRA (HOLY): Any Holy Priest
effect on any other class.
who reads this sutra, requiring 2d6 weeks of study, will

148
 THE SUKRACHARYA SUTRA (UNHOLY): The battle-teach-
ings of the great Asura strategist Sukracharya, this text
Mala Beads
is intended to instruct those who are not natural fighters A Mala is a rosary of 108 beads with a central larger
in the art of defeating superior opponents. Any Priest or “guru bead” or amulet. It is the symbol of both a Priest
Siddhi who reads this text, requiring 1d6 weeks of study, and a renunciate Yogi, and also used by members of
will gain a permanent +1 to their attack bonus. It has some other spiritual lay-orders. Magical Mala Beads can
no effect on other classes. However, any Holy character be worn by any class of character, but only one Mala

TREASURE AND ITEMS

who studies this text, regardless of class, loses their Holy may be worn at any one time (wearing more than one
alignment, becoming Neutral. mala at a time annuls the effects of all malas).
THE SUTRA OF THE TREASURE HOUSE OF LORD SHIVA Determine the type of mala by the following table (d12):
(HOLY): This sutra, which requires 1d6 weeks of study, is
a record of the accomplishments of Lord Shiva. Careful Table 11.9 Malas (d12)
study will allow the reader to intuitively ascertain the Roll Mala: Effect
location of 1d6 Holy sites in the Kailas mountain range 1 Brahma Shield Mala
where Shiva has hidden sacred treasures; these locations 2 Mala of Calming Beasts
will always contain at least one Treasure Horde and at
3 Crystal Mala
least one additional magic item, and will often be guard-
ed by either Yakshas or Devas of various kinds, who 4 Elemental Mala
may have additional treasures. 5 Mala of Intangibility
THE YAMA-BHAKTA TANTRA (UNHOLY): This manual 6 Mala of Protection from Afflictions
on the mysteries of death will require 2d6 weeks of study, 7 Mala of Protection from Ghosts
after which any Siddhi of Unholy alignment will gain one
8 Mala of Protection from the Living Dead
full level of experience (gaining enough experience points
to just achieve his new level), and gain 1d6 permanent 9 Shield-Mala
additional hit points. Any other class of character who is 10 Mala of Sensing Magic
Unholy in alignment will gain 1d6 permanent additional 11 Mala of Summoning Asuras
hit points. Any character that is of Holy alignment and 12 Sacred Mala of Warding off Demons
reads this Sutra will lose their Holy alignment and be-
come Neutral (but gain no other effects). This book will Malas Discriptions:
have no effect on Neutral-aligned characters. BRAHMA SHIELD M ALA: This protective mala grants a
THE VIRAKSHATRIYA P URANA(HOLY): Any Fighter, resistance to any kind of magical attack that would disin-
Virakshatriya or Scout who reads this sutra (written in tegrate the wearer. If the wearer is hit by such an attack,
Prakrit), requiring 2d6 weeks of study, will gain one full and fails any saving throw allowed by the attack, then the
level of experience (gaining enough experience points to Brahma Shield Mala absorbs the attack rather than hav-
just achieve his new level). It has no effect on any other ing it affect the wearer. Every time this occurs there is a
character class. 60% chance that the mala itself will be disintegrated.
THE SUTRA OF THE WISH-FULFILLING LOTUS JEWEL M ALA OF CALMING BEASTS: If the wearer concentrates
(HOLY): This Sutra requires 1d100 days of study, after for one round while wearing this mala, any normal
which the character who reads it will gain the ability to animals within 50 feet must make a saving throw vs.
make one wish that will be granted. This wish could in- magic item or immediately become calm and placid, and
clude any of the following: an increase in a single char- friendly toward the wearer. This power does not work if
acter level, a 1-point increase in any single attribute, the creature is being attacked, and it wears off immedi-
the restoration to life of one person, a treasure of up to ately if the creature is subsequently attacked.
100000 rupya(gp) in value, or any single magic item, CRYSTAL M ALA: This mala made of gemstones will
any effect which would imitate the effects of an arcana, create a slight “magnetic” pull toward any gemstones
mantra, mudra or enlightenment power, semi-immortal- that are within 300 feet of the wearer.
ity (the character no longer ages), the death or cursing ELEMENTAL M ALA: This mala contains within it a bound
of a single individual, immediate transportation to any elemental Deva spirit (roll randomly to determine if it is an
place in the universe, or any other effect of equivalent Earth, Air, Water or Fire spirit). Once per day, the wearer
or lesser power that the Gm considers acceptable. Any may concentrate for one round to summon forth this spirit.
subsequent reading of the text by the same Pc will have If the wearer of the mala is of Holy alignment, the spirit
no further effect. will attempt to help him fulfill a single task. If the wearer is
of Neutral alignment, the spirit would need to be convinced
of the holiness of the task in question, or may refuse to act.
If the wearer is Unholy, the summoned spirit will attack the
wearer. In all cases, the task cannot take longer than one
hour for the elemental spirit to fulfill, as this is the longest
the spirit can remain in the world before having to return

149
 inside the mala. If in the undertaking of a task (which can
obviously include fighting in a particular combat encoun-
Staffs
ter), the elemental spirit is slain, then the mala loses its A magic staff, when found, has a 50% chance of hav-
magical quality forever. ing the simple magical property of granting a +1 to hit
M ALA OF I NTANGIBILITY: The wearer, while concen- and to damage. However, the other 50% of staffs have
trating on this Mala, becomes intangible; he can walk special magical powers. Any character who is allowed
(by class or race) to wield a staff may use its power,
ARROWS OF INDRA

through any solid object; he cannot touch or be touched

by anything natural; however, he can still be struck by unless otherwise noted. These special magical staffs will
magical weapons or harmed by magic. While intangible, still have the magic +1 bonus to hit and damage when
the wearer can take no actions other than maintaining used as a weapon; but they will also have powers that
concentration and walking at a normal pace. must be used by activating charges. When found, a staff
M ALA OF P ROTECTION FROM A FFLICTIONS: A character will have 2d20 charges. Charges can be restored (up to
who wears this mala will be immune to any diseases, and 40 in total) only via a wish, or Divine Intervention.
will gain a +4 bonus to all saving throws against poisons. If a magic staff is not of the common variety, refer-
M ALA OF P ROTECTION FROM GHOSTS: A character that ence its special quality by the following table:
holds this Mala and concentrates on its central amulet
(unable to take any other action while doing so) creates Table 11.10 Magic Staffs (d10)
a field by which no ghost (incorporeal living dead) may Roll Magic Staff: Effect
approach within 20 feet of his person. While the ghost 1 Staff of Abundance
cannot physically approach him, it could still use other 2 Staff of Annulling Magic
effects.
3 Blessed Healing Staff
M ALA OF P ROTECTION FROM THE LIVING DEAD: A char-
acter that holds this Mala and concentrates on its central 4 Staff of Command
amulet (unable to take any other action while doing so) 5 Cursing Staff
creates a field by which no corporeal living dead (ghosts 6 Elemental Staff
are not affected, but Vetala are while they are occupying 7 Naga Staff
a corpse) may approach within 20 feet of his person.
8 Shadow Staff
While the living dead cannot physically approach him,
they could still make other attacks or actions. 9 Staff of True Seeing
SHIELD -M ALA: This mala, while worn, grants the 10 Vajra Staff
wearer a +1 bonus to their Armor Class and saving
throws. Magic Staff Discriptions:
Mala of Sensing Magic: This mala will glow softly STAFF OF A BUNDANCE: When the wielder strikes the
anytime that the wearer is within 30 feet of any kind of ground with his staff and expends a charge, the staff will
magical object or active magical effect. magically create food and fresh water, enough to feed up
M ALA OF SUMMONING ASURAS: The wearer of this to 12 people for one day.
mala may, once per day, summon a specific Asura demon STAFF OF A NNULLING M AGIC: Whenever the wielder
(almost always a Class A Asura demon) that is bound to touches another magic item with this staff, or a being
this amulet. The Asura, once summoned, need not auto- with an active magical effect, and expends a charge, the
matically obey the summoner, but he may not specifically object or being in question is drained of magic. Against
harm the wearer of the mala as long as the mala is worn; active magical effects this will cancel the effect, against
unless the wearer attacks the Asura first. The Asura de- herbs/potions or minor sutras the staff will permanently
mon may choose to do other harm, to negotiate with the remove their magical qualities. Against any other mag-
wearer, or to simply leave. The Asura can remain indefi- ical objects or against permanent magical effects, the
nitely if he so wishes, or depart whenever he chooses, but staff will annul the magic power for 1d4×10 minutes. If
can always be called back by whomever wears the mala. a being with an effect, or holding a magical object, does
SACRED M ALA OF WARDING OFF DEMONS: This Mala, not want to be touched by the staff, the wielder must
when concentrated upon (requiring the wearer to take succeed in a normal attack roll to successfully touch the
no other action while doing so) obliges any Asura de- staff to them; this attack will do no damage but allows
mons or Rakshasa to immediately make a morale check the staff to take effect.
with a – 1 penalty to their morale score, each round they BLESSED H EALING STAFF: This staff has no bonus to
are within 60 feet of the wearer. Any Unholy person hit or to damage (however, it can still be used in com-
who puts on this mala will immediately take 1d6 points bat, and still counts as a magic item for the purpose of
of damage, and will continue to take this damage each harming creatures immune to non-magical weapons).
round that it is worn; however, they could still theoreti- Whenever the tip of the staff is touched to a living be-
cally attempt to use its power. ing, and a charge is expended, the being touched by the
staff is restored 1d6+1 Hp of damage. Using 2 charges,
this staff can also cure any disease, remove blindness,
or cure insanity.

150
 STAFF OF COMMAND: Whenever a charge is used, the
wielder may attempt to take mental control of any single
Rings
intelligent or non-intelligent magical creature within 100 Magic rings can be used by any character capable of
feet of his person. The victim may attempt a saving throw wearing a ring on a finger. A character may use up to
versus magic item to avoid the effect. If it fails the saving two rings at a time, one on each hand.
throw the creature will do whatever the Pc bids of it for Determine the type of ring by the following table:
up to 30 minutes, after which the effect wears off.

TREASURE AND ITEMS

CURSING STAFF: When a victim is touched by the staff, Table 11.11 Magic Rings (d20)
and a charge is used, the wielder may choose to either Roll Magic Ring: Effect
cause the victim to age 10 years or to be driven helpless- 1 Cursed Ring, Minor
ly insane; the victim is allowed a saving throw versus 2 Cursed Ring, Forgetfulness
magic items. In order to use this staff against someone in
3 Cursed Ring, Magic-binding
combat, the wielder must still make a regular attack roll,
a hit from a charged staff will do no damage but will 4 Cursed Ring, Unholy Ring of Deceit
cause the desired effect instead. 5 Ring of the Ascetics
ELEMENTAL STAFF: These powerful magic staffs are 6 Ring of Cold Resistance
made of the solid form of one of the four elements (sol- 7 Ring of Demonic Intervention
id earth, solid air, solid water, or solid fire; determine
8 Ring of Divine Intervention
its type randomly). These staffs all grant a +2 bonus to
hit and damage (instead of the usual +1), and grant the 9 Ring of Fire Resistance
wielder a +4 bonus to saving throws against the element 10 Ring of Healing
of that type. Additionally, by expending a charge, the 11 Ring of Invisibility
wielder may fire an elemental blast of that type of ele- 12 Ring of Life
ment (rocks, wind, water/ice or fire) that have a 100 foot
13 Ring of Luck
range; they will always hit the intended target, who takes
8d6 points of damage (one-half that damage if they 14 Ring of Magic-Reflection
make a saving throw versus magic item). Additionally, if 15 Ring of Mental Clarity
the wielder is of Holy alignment, by expending 3 charges 16 Ring of Protection +1
at a time, the wielder may transform the staff into an el- 17 Ring of Protection +2
emental spirit of the same type as the staff (Earth spirit,
18 Ring of Protection +3
Air spirit, Water spirit, or fire spirit). The spirit will obey
the owner’s commands and remain for 30 minutes, after 19 Ring of True Vision
which he will turn back into a staff. 20 Sacred band of Vishnu
NAGA STAFF: This staff, when a charge is used and
the staff is tossed in the direction of a chosen victim, Magic Rings Discriptions:
will transform into a Giant Cobra; the Cobra will then CURSED R ING, M INOR: The ring once put on can never
attack the chosen target until either the Cobra or the tar- be removed, unless the magical effect is somehow annulled.
get is slain, reverting to staff form if the latter occurs. If It has no other effects, but this prevents any other magical
the Cobra is slain, the staff is lost. ring from being worn on that hand. This type of ring is
SHADOW STAFF: Using one charge, the wielder may be- sometimes used as a kind of mark of loyalty or allegiance,
come either invisible or intangible for up to 30 minutes. when one is bound to a person or group permanently.
He may choose to drop the effect earlier than the full CURSED R ING, FORGETFULNESS: This ring, once put on,
duration. While intangible he may not touch anything cannot be removed except by magic that annuls magic
nor can he be touched by anything, except magic weap- items or removes curses. The wearer of this ring will im-
ons or magical attacks which may still harm him. While mediately forget his identity. He will have no idea who
invisible, he may not engage in any kind of physical or he is, forgetting all of his past, his loved ones, even his
magical attack against another being or the invisibility is own name. He will not lose any training or abilities, but
immediately dispelled. will not be aware that he has these until he either stum-
STAFF OF TRUE SEEING: Using one charge, the wielder is bles upon them or has them explained to him.
able to see the invisible, detect magical objects or beings CURSED R ING, M AGIC-BINDING: This ring, once put on
(or beings under active magical effects) and determine if cannot be removed except by magic that annuls magic
any being in his line of sight is of Holy or Unholy align- items or removes curses. Any Priest or Siddhi who is wear-
ment; the effect lasts 20 minutes per charge. ing this ring cannot use any Arcana, Mantras, or Mudras.
VAJRA STAFF: This staff is charged with the power of CURSED R ING, UNHOLY R ING OF DECEIT: This ring, once
Indra’s thunder. In combat, any time the wielder makes put on, can never be removed except by magic that annuls
a successful hit against an opponent, he may choose to items or removes curses. The wearer of this ring will find
expend any number of charges to do extra damage. He himself unable to speak the truth; nor can he attempt to get
does 4d6 extra points of damage for every charge he around this through intentional lies; the words that come
chooses to spend. out of his mouth will always be inaccurate or deceitful.

151
 R ING OF THE ASCETICS: While worn, this ring allows long the ring is on his finger.
the wearer to survive without food or water. R ING OF LIFE: This incredibly valuable magic ring, when
R ING OF COLD R ESISTANCE: This ring, while worn, worn, will spare the wearer from death once. If while wear-
allows the wearer to ignore all the effects of intense ing the ring the wearer would die, he is instead brought
natural cold, and grants a +2 bonus to all saving throws back from the brink of death, healthy and with full hit
against magical cold. points. After this effect takes place, the ring vanishes.
R ING OF DEMONIC I NTERVENTION: This ring will allow R ING OF LUCK: This ring, when worn, will grant the
ARROWS OF INDRA

the wearer to summon forth an Asura Demon Prince, wearer a +1 bonus to all saving throws.
who in fulfilling the ancient pact that led to the ring’s R ING OF M AGIC-R EFLECTION: This ring is extremely
creation will assist the wearer in any one task. It can be powerful, and when worn it will cause up to three arca-
used by someone of any alignment, but calling upon an nas, mantras, mudras or Enlightenment Powers per day
Asura demon in this way will cause any Holy-aligned cast at the wearer to “bounce back”; their effect being
person to revert to Neutral alignment. Additionally, if felt instead by the caster. The wearer cannot choose
the wearer is not Unholy, the Asura demon will attempt which of these magics will bounce back, it will always
to trick, coerce, induce or seduce the wearer into com- be the first three in the day directed at the wearer; it can
mitting Unholy acts. The Asura Prince will complete the only be prevented by taking off the ring to receive bene-
requested task if within his power, but is not required to ficial magic and then put it on again.
do so in the way that the wearer would prefer, nor is he R ING OF M ENTAL CLARITY: Put on someone’s finger,
required to obey any particular commands. this ring will immediately remove insanity, and restore
R ING OF DIVINE I NTERVENTION: This ring, if worn any lost memories or amnesia. While worn on someone’s
by someone who is Holy, will allow the wearer to call finger, the wearer is completely immune to effects that
upon divine aid once; the aid will come in the form of a would cause either of the above.
Deva Warrior, who will assist the wearer through either R ING OF P ROTECTION +1: This ring, while worn, adds a
his power or divine knowledge; after which the ring will +1 bonus to the user’s Armor Class.
disappear. The ring will have no effect if worn by a Neu- RING OF PROTECTION +2: As above, but adds +2 to the
tral person; and if an Unholy person even touches the user’s Armor Class.
ring they will take 2d6 points of damage for each round R ING OF P ROTECTION +3: Again as above, but adds
they hold it; nor will its power work for them. The Deva +3 to the user’s Armor Class.
Warrior is not obliged to obey any specific orders or com- RING OF TRUE VISION: While worn, this ring allows the
mands given by the summoner; and he will simply refuse wearer to see the invisible, detect an aura around any
to perform any task that would be of an Unholy nature. magical items or effects, and likewise tell if any being is
R ING OF FIRE R ESISTANCE: This ring grants immunity Holy or Unholy in alignment.
to any damage from normal heat or flames, and a +2 bo- SACRED BAND OF VISHNU: This powerful ring can only
nus to saving throws versus magical fire. be used by a Priest of Holy alignment. Any Priest who
R ING OF H EALING: While worn, the wearer will recov- wears it will be able to make use of all his arcana rituals
er much faster from injuries. If injured, he heals 1 Hp double the normal amount of times per day.
every 10 minutes.
R ING OF I NVISIBILITY: Whenever the ring is worn, the Conch Shells
wearer becomes invisible. He remains so for however
Conch Shells, called “Shankha”,
are very important ritual and cultural
items in Bharata; used by blowing
into them to produce a great noise.
They are used for religious purposes,
both in personal and temple devotion.
Priests make use of them during the
performance of certain Holy rituals,
warriors will by tradition blow them
before the start of any battle. They
are sacred to the Gods. Magic conch
shells can be used by any class; cre-
ated by the Gods or Devas to have
incredible powers when blown. Like
staffs, magic Conch Shells have a cer-
tain number of charges; each use of
the shell takes up one charge (unless
otherwise indicated). A typical Conch
Shell when found will have 2d20 re-
maining charges. They could only be

152
recharged (up to a maximum of 20 charges) by a wish or 8d6 points of damage (save vs. magic item for ½ damage).
Divine Intervention. SHANKHA OF ENCHANTMENT: This conch shell will nor-
To determine the type of magic Shankha generated, mally only work on individuals of the opposite sex from
refer to the following table: the user; though there may be exceptions based on cer-
tain predispositions. When blown within earshot of the
Table Name: Table 11.12 Conch Shells (d20) intended subject, that target must make a saving throw
Roll Conch Shell: Effect vs. magic item or fall deeply in love with the user. This

TREASURE AND ITEMS

1 Deva-Summoning Shankha does not cause the subject to change their personality in
other respects, nor does it oblige them to obey the user.
2 Shankha of Confusion in Battle
The enchantment can be removed only by powers which
3 Shankha of Devastating Force
annul magic or remove curses.
4 Shankha of the Divine Flames of Agni SHANKHA OF GREAT H ASTE: When blown, this shell will
5 Shankha of Enchantment allow the user to gain great speed in action, moving at
6 Shankha of Great Haste twice his regular speed and attacking with twice the usual
number of attacks per round. It lasts for 10 minutes.
7 Shankha of the Healing Sound
SHANKHA OF THE H EALING SOUND: When blown this
8 Shankha of the Ice Winds of Kailash
conch shell causes all injured beings within 20 feet of the
9 Shankha of Illuminating Light user to heal 1d6+1 hit points.
10 Shankha of Indra SHANKHA OF THE ICE WINDS OF K AILASH: When blown,
11 Shankha of Instantaneous Translocation this conch shell will spray out a cone of icy cold air for
a range of 120 feet in front of the user, any being in the
12 Life-Giving Shankha
path of that blast will take 8d6 points of damage, with a
13 Shankha of madness
saving throw vs. magic item reducing the damage by half.
14 Shankha of Mighty Command SHANKHA OF I LLUMINATING LIGHT: When blown, this
16 Paralyzing Shankha conch shell will create light equivalent to daylight in an
16 Poison Fog Shankha area of 120 feet around the user; it will also make any
invisible being or object within that radius immediately
17 Prowess-granting Shankha
become visible within the area of effect! The light re-
18 The Shankha of Repressing Powers
mains for 10 minutes.
19 Shankha of Slowing Opponents SHANKHA OF I NDRA: This powerful conch shell, when
20 Terrifying Shankha blown, will fire out up to 10 lightning bolts (each must
be directed at a different individual) within a range of
Conch Shells Discriptions: up to 100 feet in front of the user. Each individual struck
DEVA-SUMMONING SHANKHA: When blown, this will take 6d6 points of damage, with a saving throw ver-
Shankha will summon an Air Spirit Deva that will obey sus magic item reducing the damage by half.
the user’s commands for 10 minutes. This conch shell SHANKHA OF I NSTANTANEOUS TRANSLOCATION: This
will only work for Holy-aligned characters. conch shell, when blown, will immediately transport the
SHANKHA OF CONFUSION IN BATTLE: When blown, this user and any being within 20 feet of his person (unwill-
shell will cause any number of beings within 200 feet in ing victims are allowed a saving throw vs. magic item)
front of the user to have to make a saving throw versus to a predetermined location; the Gm should decide the
magic items; if they fail they will be intensely befuddled location to which they are transported; it could be to a
for the next 1d20 rounds, during which time each round, temple of Vishnu or Brahma in any city of Bharata, to a
every victim will have to roll a d6: on a 1-2, they will be sacred grove in a forest or mountain, or even to a tem-
able to act normally; on a 3-4 they will be unable to take ple in the Gandharva or Yaksha realms. Extremely rare
any action, and on a 5-6 they will attack the being or versions of this conch shell may even transport the user
creature nearest to them (determined randomly if two or to the Deva realms of Vishnu himself! The location will
more creatures are equally near) regardless of whether always remain static, and there is no chance of failure or
they are friend or foe. any limit to the distance traveled.
SHANKHA OF DEVASTATING FORCE: When blown against LIFE-GIVING SHANKHA: This incredibly powerful conch
any wall made of stone, wood or metal, up to 10 feet shell, when blown, will restore to life one slain being,
away, the force of the sound will cause an area of up to whichever is nearest to the conch shell when blown.
10 feet of the wall to be blasted away. This shell can also For it to be able to take effect, the slain individual must
be blown at a specific opponent no more than 10 feet have died no more than 7 days earlier. They are restored
away, who will take 8d6 points of damage (save vs. mag- to their body, which is healed to the point of having 1
ic item for ½ damage). Hp, though further magical healing can be applied after
SHANKHA OF THE DIVINE FLAMES OF AGNI: When that. Certain forms of death (magical disintegration) can
blown, this shell will emit a blast of flame in a wave for make it impossible to apply this power, nor can will the
a range of 60 feet in front of the user. All beings who are Shankha work if the deceased has already been directed
within that range ahead of the user’s position will take to a reincarnation. For a being to be resurrected in this

153
 way it must make a “resurrection success” check, failure
means that revivification is impossible. This Conch shell
Wondrous Items
only ever has 1d10 charges when found, and can only be There are a number of magical artifacts that do not fall
recharged to a maximum of 10 charges. into any of the other categories. These are cataloged here:
SHANKHA OF MADNESS: Each time it is used, this conch
Table 11.13 Wondrous Items (d100)
shell will oblige a single individual of the user’s choice
Roll Wondrous Item: Effect
ARROWS OF INDRA

within 40 feet of the user to make a saving throw versus

magic item, or become helplessly insane. This effect will 1-3 The Magic Basket of Mayasura
only work on creatures who are capable of losing their 4-10 Bracelet of Strength
minds, and is permanent until cured through magic. 11-20 Climbing Rope
SHANKHA OF M IGHTY COMMAND: When blown, this
21-30 The Helmet of Thought Control
conch shell will cause any forces under the user’s com-
mand within earshot of the sound to gain a +2 bonus to 31-40 Kara of the Unbreakable Oath
their morale scores for the duration of a battle. 41 Laxshmi’s Wondrous Pot
PARALYZING SHANKHA: When blown, up to 6 oppo- 42-45 The Magic Mirror of King Videha
nents of the user who are no further than 50 feet away 46 Mirror of Vishnu
from him in a forward direction must make a saving
47-48 The Peacock Crown
throw versus magic item, or find themselves completely
paralyzed, unable to move. This state of paralysis will 49-50 Plentiful Cup
last for 10 minutes. 51-60 Purifying incense
POISON FOG SHANKHA: When blown, this conch shell 61-65 Quiver of Infinite Arrows
will emit a 60 foot long cone of gas in front of it, caus- 66-70 Sage’s Cap
ing all in the area of effect to have to make a saving
71-75 Sea-Emerald of Varuna
throw versus poison or die in one round. The fog dissi-
pates in one round. 76-80 Serpent box
P ROWESS- GRANTING SHANKHA: This conch shell will 81-83 Succubus Bottle
grant its user skill in battle. For 10 minutes after blowing 84-86 Vajra Rod
it, the user gains a +1 bonus to hit and damage in combat. 87-88 Veena of Shiva
THE SHANKHA OF R EPRESSING POWERS: When blown,
89-96 Vimana
this Shankha creates a field of 20 feet around the user
within which no arcana, mudra, mantra, enlightenment 97 Vimana, Grand
power, or activated power of any other magic item can 98-00 Yaksha Treasure Chest
function or take effect. This field lasts for 10 minutes. Wondrous Items Descriptions:
SHANKHA OF SLOWING OPPONENTS: When blown, all op- THE M AGIC BASKET OF M AYASURA: Created by the
ponents within 30 feet of the user must make a saving throw great Asura king Maya, famed demon architect, these
versus magic device; failure means that they are reduced to objects look on the outside like a large wicker basket,
one half their normal movement rate, and can only attack about four feet tall; they are as light to carry as a regular
once every second round. This effect lasts 10 minutes. basket that size would be when empty. Whoever goes
TERRIFYING SHANKHA: When blown, all opponents of into the basket, however, finds that inside there is a small
the user who are in an arc in front of him up to 40 feet and sumptuous palace, complete with magical lighting,
away must make a saving throw versus magic item or gardens that provide abundant food and a well that
flee in terror. If cornered or otherwise obliged to fight, provides fresh water. Anyone who enters into the basket
they will fight with a – 2 penalty to hit and to armor will be unable to hear or be heard by those outside. The
class. This magical fear will last for 10 minutes. basket is practically invulnerable to harm, it could only
be destroyed by magic with the power to completely dis-
integrate an object; but if it is destroyed in this way, then
the palace inside will be destroyed as well, along with
anyone inside at the time.
BRACELET OF STRENGTH: While worn, this plain-looking
iron bracelet will raise a character’s strength attribute to 18.
CLIMBING ROPE: This magical rope will, when pulled
a certain way, float straight up in the air its full 50 foot
length, it will remain taut without needing to be held by
anything; another pull done in the same way will cause
it to slacken again and drop, or a third to pull upward.
The rope is strong enough to lift or hold up to 1000
pounds of weight at a time.

154
 THE H ELMET OF THOUGHT CONTROL: While wearing SAGE’S CAP: This small red woolen cap, when worn
this helmet, the character is completely immune to all over the head, provides complete protection from one’s
forms of magic that manipulate his mind. thoughts being read by magic.
K ARA OF THE UNBREAKABLE OATH: A “kara” is a small SEA-EMERALD OF VARUNA: This small gemstone ap-
metal bracelet, usually worn for adornment or as a mark of pears like a normal gem (worth about 250gp if not iden-
rank, its use is common in the Bahlika Kingdoms. This magical tified as magical). In fact, if touched to the forehead it
Kara, when placed around one’s wrist while making an oath, grants the user the power to affect the strength and di-

TREASURE AND ITEMS

makes it impossible for the wearer to break that oath, nor can rection of winds; it can calm or increase wind or change
the Kara be removed. The wearer will be completely unable its direction, not sufficiently to be of much use in combat
to perform any act that would violate what he has sworn. The but certainly of great advantage on a sailing vessel.
Kara can only be removed by magic that annuls magical effects. SERPENT BOX: This small wicker box appears rather
LAXSHMI’S WONDROUS POT: This incredible artifact is sa- plain and nondescript, however when it is opened a reg-
cred to the goddess Laxshmi, the deity of prosperity. It appears ular cobra (with 4Hp) will emerge. The cobra will not
as an ornate pot with a lid. Once a day, a character may place be aggressive, but rather will obey the commands of the
a single coin or gemstone into the pot, and close the lid; when person who opens the box. It can be given instructions
the lid is removed again there will be an exact copy of that to travel up to 300 feet away from the box, and to at-
coin or gemstone added to the pot! The same coin or gem- tack a specific individual; after which it will return to the
stone (or their duplicates) may not be placed in the pot. Pcs do box. The cobra can remain in the box, without requiring
not gain experience points from the duplicated treasures. any sustenance or even air, indefinitely. If the cobra is
THE M AGIC M IRROR OF K ING VIDEHA: This appears to slain, the box ceases to have any special power.
be a small silver mirror, made to be worn around a neck- SUCCUBUS BOTTLE: This object is a small bottle that
lace. When someone gazes into it for 10 minutes with a contains a trapped Asura Succubus inside; when re-
question, they will receive a vision that will provide some leased, the succubus will be obliged to slay one person
kind of an augury (similar to that done by an astrologer) of her liberator’s choosing. However, after she has com-
granting advice on the answer. The vision granted will not pleted her task the succubus will be completely free, and
always be immediately understandable to the viewer (the may choose to attack her liberator or anyone else she
Gm is free to use whatever sort of vision he wishes). pleases, a fact that will not always be readily apparent to
M IRROR OF VISHNU: This object is a mirror about the the user of this item.
size of a small plate, made of silver. When anyone of VAJRA ROD: This copper object is about six inches in
Holy alignment concentrates upon it, they can obtain a length, in the stylized form of a diamond thunderbolt;
state of communion with Lord Vishnu. To do so, they not unlike similar objects used by temple Priests for their
must concentrate for 10 minutes, after which they will rituals. This rod, however, is charged with the power of
be allowed to ask one question which will be answered Indra, and three times a day can fire an unerring bolt
with a positive, negative, or neutral response (yes, no, or of lightning that has a range of up to 240 feet, doing
“ask again later”). The mirror may be used once a day. 10d6 damage to what it hits (beings are allowed a sav-
THE P EACOCK CROWN: An ornate crown with magical ing throw vs. magic item for half-damage). It is strong
peacock-feathers, this object grants its wearer a +2 bo- enough to blast a 20-foot diameter hole in stone walls.
nus to all reaction checks from intelligent creatures. VEENA OF SHIVA: The Veena is a stringed musical
P LENTIFUL CUP: This magic cup will always be full of instrument (similar to the sitar), played by temple musi-
sweet milk, water, or alcohol (determine which of the three at cians sacred to Shiva, who was a master of this instru-
the time of obtaining this object). If turned over, it will pour ment. The Shiva Veena, when played properly (requiring
out its contents at a slow but constant rate, stopping only if a Dc15 musician check), will allow the performer to
the liquid has occupied all available space. mentally control any kind of snake, serpent, giant snake
P URIFYING INCENSE: A stick of or Naga who fails a saving throw versus magic item.
this incense, when burned, will They will become enchanted by it, and will afterward
cure all diseases of anyone who obey the musician’s commands for the next hour; after
inhales its smoke. It burns for the effect passes, the creature will make a reaction roll
about 20 minutes. When obtained with a +4 bonus, a positive result indicating that it will
as part of a treasure, there will be be unable to feel any ill-will toward the musician and
1d4 sticks of incense present. will wish only to depart in peace.
QUIVER OF I NFINITE A RROWS: VIMANA: Known as a “flying chariot” or “Chariot of
This quiver appears to hold 20 the gods”, this object appears similar to a chariot but
normal arrows; however, the with a series of (usually 4) wheels, that rotate on their
quiver will always remain full and own accord, when certain levers are manipulated on the
never run out of normal arrows; chariot it will begin to fly through the air. It can cover
other arrows or magic arrows may a one mile distance in about one minute. It can fly to
be added to the quiver, but these any height. It is capable of carrying up to four people,
will not be multiplied and must be and someone with the charioteering skill can pilot it as
kept track of. smoothly as he could a normal chariot after about 10

155
 minutes of study. In the ancient times, these vehicles Next roll to determine modifier and chance of special
were incredibly common, as were other larger airships; powers (Note: If an armor and shield set are found, roll
today, they are rare. for each separately):
VIMANA, GRAND: As a regular Vimana flying chariot,
but this one is much larger than normal, the size of a Table 11.14.2 Armor Modifier and Powers (d100)
small house, and can carry up to 20 people. Roll Modifier Special Power
YAKSHA TREASURE CHEST: Originally belonging to
ARROWS OF INDRA

1-50 +1 10%
King Kubera of the Yakshas when he ruled his kingdom
51-85 +2 15%
in the isle of Lanka; his treasury was filled with these
86-98 +3 20%
magical chests. They appear as normal small chests, but
their magic allows that any amount of objects can be 99-00 +4 25%
stored inside, without adding anything to its weight, pro-
viding they can fit through the top of the chest (which If the armor or shield has a Special Powers roll here:
is 3 feet long and 2 feet wide). Many of these chests
Table 11.14.3 Special Powers (d8)
were lost to Kubera when his original kingdom was
conquered by the demon Ravana, and these are now Roll Special Power: Effect
scattered throughout Jagat. There is a 25% chance that 1 Akashik Armor
when found, they will already contain a treasure horde 2 Brahma Shield Armor
within them. King Kubera will richly reward anyone
3 Deva Armor
who brings one of his chests back to him.
4 Armor of Magical Reflection

Magic Armor and Shields 5 Armor of Reflecting Missiles

6 Shadow Armor
Magic armors and shields add a bonus to one’s armor
7 Armor of Surya
class; a few also have some other special qualities.
25% of all suits of Scale, Lamellar or Breastplate 8 Vajra Fury Armor
armor will be ancient pieces made of bronze, and will
still have the same penalty to their base ac as any other Special Powers Discriptions:
bronze armor (-1 to ac compared to regular base ac for A KASHIK A RMOR: This armor allows the wearer to be-
that armor). come intangible, once per day. While intangible he cannot
Most suits of armor are made for human-sized indi- touch anything nor can he be touched; he can pass through
viduals; there is a 1 in 10 chance that a suit of armor any solid object. He can only be struck by magical weapons
when found will be sized to fit Vanaras or Yakshas. or magic attacks. The effect lasts for up to 20 minutes, but
There is also a 1 in 20 chance when a suit of armor the wearer can cancel the effect earlier at will.
or a shield is found that it is a cursed item. This item BRAHMA SHIELD A RMOR: This Armor grants a resis-
will grant a penalty rather than a bonus to armor class tance to any kind of magical attack that would disinte-
when worn; and it cannot be taken off (unless removed grate the wearer. If the wearer is hit by such an attack,
through powers that annul magic or remove curses). A and fails any saving throw allowed by the attack, then
cursed suit of armor with special qualities will still have the Brahma Shield armor absorbs the attack rather than
those special qualities, however. having it affect the wearer. Every time this occurs the
Roll to determine the type of suit or shield found: armor loses 1 point of its magical bonus. If it reaches a 0
bonus, the armor is no longer magical.
Table 11.14.1 Magic Armor Type (d100) DEVA A RMOR: Perhaps the most powerful form of
Roll Magic Armor magic armor, Deva armor makes the wearer completely
1-10 Leather
immune to normal weapons; he can only be injured by
steel weapons or magic.
11-30 Scale
A RMOR OF M AGICAL R EFLECTION: This armor will
31-45 Lamellar cause up to three arcanas, mantras, mudras or Enlighten-
46-55 Breastplate ment Powers per day cast at the wearer to “bounce back”;
56-75 Shield their effect being felt instead by the caster. The wearer
76-85 Scale + Shield
cannot choose which of these magics will bounce back,
it will always be the first three in the day directed at the
86-90 Lamellar + Shield
wearer; it can only be prevented by taking off the armor
91-00 Breastplate + Shield to receive beneficial magic and then put it on again.
A RMOR OF R EFLECTING M ISSILES: This magical armor
grants an extra +2 bonus to Armor Class versus missiles.
SHADOW A RMOR: Once per day, the wearer of this ar-
mor can make himself invisible for up to 30 minutes.

156
 A RMOR OF SURYA: This armor makes the wearer VAJRA FURY A RMOR: Once per day, the wearer of this
completely immune to normal (non-magical) fire and armor can choose to make his armor discharge a powerful
grants a +2 bonus to all saving throws versus magical Vajra lightning-bolt at someone who has just hit him; this
fire. Once per day, the wearer can activate the armor’s must be declared immediately after being struck. The being
power shrouding himself in an aura of heat and light, that struck him will take 6d6 points of damage, but can
which illuminates an area of up to 60 feet away from the make a saving throw versus magic item for half-damage.
wearer, and does 1d6 points of damage per round to any

TREASURE AND ITEMS

individual within melee range of his person. This effect
lasts for 20 minutes.

157
 Magic Arrows avoid fleeing.
VISHNU ARROW: If this arrow strikes, it will dispel any
Magic arrows grant a bonus to both attack rolls and active magical effects on its victim.
damage. Some magic arrows have special powers aside
from this. These bonuses are added to any bonuses giv- Magic Bows
en by magic bows, so that a +1 bow firing a +1 arrow
would have a total of +2 to hit and damage. Magic ar- Magic bows are the most common of magical weapons
ARROWS OF INDRA

rows lose all bonuses when they strike a target; but if a because of their high esteem among both gods and men.
shot is missed the arrow could theoretically be retrieved Most bows provide a basic bonus to hit and damage; these
and re-fired. bonuses stack with magic arrows, so that a +2 bow firing a
Roll to determine the number of arrows found, their +1 arrow will do +3 to hit and to damage.
bonus, and the percentage chance of a special power: Whenever a bow is determined among magic items, it is
important to check to see if it is cursed. A bow will be a cursed
Table 11.15.1 Magic Arrow Types (d100) bow on a roll of 1 in 20. A cursed bow will subtract rather
Roll Number Bonus Chance of Power than add its bonus to hit and damage; and will be magically
enchanted so that the owner will not wish to use any other
1-60 2d10 +1 25%
weapon. The curse can only be lifted through magic.
61-87 2d8 +2 20% Many magic bows also have a specific alignment. Roll a
88-98 2d6 +3 15% d100: a bow will be Holy on a result of 1-30, Unholy on a
99-00 2d4 +4 10% result of 31-60, and will not have an alignment on a roll of
61-100. If a bow is of Holy or Unholy alignment, anyone
If a special power is determined, roll here: who picks it up that is of the opposite alignment will take
2d6 points of damage for each round that they touch it.
Table 11.15.2 Arrow Powers (d8)
Bows that have an alignment may also have specific Spiritual
Roll Arrow Power: Effect Powers. All bows will have a basic bonus, and may have an
1 Agni’s Fire Arrow additional bonus or Special powers. Roll on the following
2 Blinding arrow of Surya tables to determine the construction of a magic bow:
3 Demonic Poison Arrow
Table 11.16.1 Magic Bows (d100)
4 Far-reaching Arrow
Chance of
5 Paralysis Arrow Roll Bonus
Additional Bonus
6 All-penetrating arrow 1-70 +1 40%
7 Terrifying Arrow of Shiva 71-88 +2 35%
8 Vishnu Arrow 89-96 +3 30%
Arrow Power Descriptions: 97-99 +4 25%
AGNI’S FIRE ARROW: This arrow, when it hits a target, 00 +5 20%
will burst into flame doing an additional 1d6 fire damage.
BLINDING ARROW OF SURYA: If this arrow strikes its vic- If additional bonuses are determined, roll here:
tim, the victim must make a saving throw vs. magic item
or become blinded; a blinded victim will remain blind Table 11.16.2 Bow Additional Bonuses (d100)
until magically cured. Roll Bonus or Power
DEMONIC POISON ARROW: This arrow, if it hits a living 1-33 +1 additional bonus
target, requires a saving throw versus poison or the tar-
34-57 +2 additional bonus
get will be slain.
FAR-REACHING ARROW: These arrows will have triple 58-73 +3 additional bonus
their normal ranges. 74-82 +4 additional bonus
PARALYSIS ARROW: This arrow, if it strikes its target, 83-00 Special Power
will cause the target to have to make a saving throw ver-
sus magic item or become paralyzed, unable to move, for
1d10 rounds.
ALL-PENETRATING ARROW: This arrow will ignore any
barriers or cover between the archer and his prey, as well
as ignoring any armor class gained by wearing armor or
shields; only the natural armor class (modified by Dex-
terity or non-armor magic) of the target will apply.
TERRIFYING ARROW OF SHIVA: This arrow will let out
a terrifying sound as it travels through the air, causing
all opponents within earshot to make a morale check to

158
 Additional Bonuses are added to the basic bonus, but If a special power is determined, roll here:
only against a specific type of creature. So for example,
a Bow +1, with a +2 additional bonus vs. snakekind will Table 11.16.4 Bow Special Powers (d10)
be a “Bow +1, +3 vs. snakekind”, normally doing a +1 Roll Special Power: Effect
to hit and damage, but a +3 to hit and damage against 1 Alternate Form
snakes or Nagas. Determine the type of opponent the 2 Far-reaching
additional bonus applies to from the following table:

TREASURE AND ITEMS

3 Flamebow
Table 11.16.3 Additional Bonus Opponents 4 Ice Bow
(d100) 5 Bow of Good Fortune
Roll Opponent 6 Protective Aura
1-10 All giant creatures 7 Implacable Bow of Rama
11-15 All Holy beings† 8 Sunbow
16-20 All Unholy beings† 9 Vigilant Bow
21-25 Any type of magic-users 10 Bow of True Vision
26-30 Devas
Bow Special Power Discriptions:
31-40 Flying creatures A LTERNATE FORM: At will, the owner can cause the bow
41-50 Gandharvas or yakshas to change shape to appear like a common club, or back again.
51-60 Goblins or monstrosities FAR-REACHING: This bow will fire at triple the normal ranges.
61-65 All humans (civilized and barbarian) FLAMEBOW: This bow appears to burn with a spiritu-
al flame, though it is not consumed, nor is the wielder
66-75 Insects
harmed by it. Its arrows will turn into flaming missiles
76-85 Living dead (including ghosts) that will do an extra 1d6 magical fire damage when they
86-90 Rakshasas or Asuras hit an opponent.
91-95 Snakekind (Nagas and giant or common snakes) ICE BOW: This bow appears to be made of solid ice,
96-00 Vanara, apes, and yeti but will not melt. The weapon will do double damage
against any type of fire-based creature.
† Any bow with a specific alignment will never have its
own alignment-type as its opponent, substitute the BOW OF GOOD FORTUNE: This bow will add +2 to the
opposite alignment instead. For example, a Holy bow wielder’s saving throws while held.
would have additional bonuses against Unholy beings P ROTECTIVE AURA: The bonus of this type of bow does
only. not add to one’s bonus to attack or damage, but to one’s
armor class.
NOTE: Tables 11.16.2 and 11.16.3 should also be I MPLACABLE BOW OF R AMA: Blessed by Rama, any time
used for any Miscellaneous Weapons listed as having that this bow rolls a natural 20 to hit, its target must
“Additional Bonus”; see table 11.17.2 make a saving throw versus magic item or be instantly
slain. If the target saves, it will still take double the nor-
mal damage.
SUNBOW: This bow will glow with the light of the sun,
illuminating an area of up 60 feet around the wielder
whenever it is held.
VIGILANT BOW: This bow will glow whenever a crea-
ture with hostile intentions is within 60 feet of the wield-
er, only when the bow is being currently wielded.
BOW OF TRUE VISION: This bow will allow whoever
is holding it to see the invisible, detect magic, and sense
anyone of Holy or Unholy alignment.
Chance of Spiritual Powers (Holy or Unholy Bows only):

Table 11.16.5.1 Bow Spiritual Powers (d100)

Roll Powers
01-79 None
80-85 1 minor
86-90 2 minor
91-95 3 minor
96-00 3 minor + 1 Major

159
 Minor spiritual powers work only while the owner is hold-
ing the bow. If a Minor Spiritual Powers is selected, roll here:
Miscellaneous Weapons
This is the category for all other forms of magical
Table 11.16.5.2 Minor Spiritual Powers (d6) weapons. In all cases, the weapon in question adds its
Roll Minor Spiritual Power: Effect bonus to hit and to damage.
1 Enhance perception It is possible for these magic weapons to be cursed;
when a weapon is generated roll a d20, on a 1 the weap-
ARROWS OF INDRA

2 Detect Holy alignment: 60 foot range

on is a cursed weapon, and the listed bonus is in fact a
3 Detect Unholy alignment: 60 foot range penalty to hit and to damage. The weapon also dominates
4 Detect magic: 30 foot range the user in such a way that he will not wish to use any
5 Detect true form other weapon. The curse can be lifted through magic.
6 Detect the invisible: 40 foot range Note also that there is a 25% chance that any metallic
magic weapon found will be an ancient Bronze weapon.
Minor Spiritual Powers Discriptions: These will have the standard penalties for bronze weapons.
ENHANCE PERCEPTION: Grants a bonus equal to its Then roll to determine the type of weapon. Note that
combat bonus to all sight-based perception checks. certain weapons will have special qualities, these are includ-
DETECT TRUE FORM: Allows the wielder to tell if ed in the description and detailed in the notes following:
anyone within range has assumed a false appearance
through magic. 50 foot range. Table 11.17.2 Miscellaneous Weapon Types (d100)
Major spiritual powers work only while the owner is hold- Roll Weapon Type
ing the bow. If a Major Spiritual Powers is selected, roll here:
1-3 Axe

Table 11.16.5.3 Major Spiritual Powers (d6) 4-5 Axe, parashu

Roll Major Spiritual Power: Effect 6-8 Axe, throwing

1 Blinding 9-10 Axe, throwing, returning

2 Dispelling illusions 11-12 Club

3 See through barriers 13-17 Chakram

4 Sleep-inducing bow 18-19 Chakram, returning

5 Striking nemesis 20 Chakram, decapitator

6 Terror-causing bow 21-23 Dart

24-25 Javelin
Major Spiritual Powers Discriptions:
BLINDING: Any opponent hit by the bow must make a 26-31 Katar dagger
saving throw versus magic item or be blinded; the blind- 32-33 Knife
ness is permanent unless magically cured. 34-39 Kukri dagger
DISPELLING ILLUSIONS: This power allows the wielder 40 Kukri dagger, venomous
to detect any illusions within 30 feet, and to dispel them
41-46 Mace
completely with a single arrow-shot (to-hit roll is usually
still required). 47 Mace of Hanuman
SEE THROUGH BARRIERS: This power allows the wielder 48-53 Mace, heavy
to see even through solid objects, up to 60 foot range. 54-56 Sling
SLEEP-INDUCING BOW: Any opponent struck by this 57-63 Spear
bow must make a saving throw vs. magic item or fall
64-65 Spear, additional bonus
unconscious for a minimum of 10 minutes.
STRIKING NEMESIS: This 66-67 Spear, long
Table 11.17.1
power allows the wielder to Miscellaneous 68-71 Spear, trident
choose one specific opponent Weapon Bonus (d100) 72 Spear, Trident of Shiva
per day, against that oppo- Roll Bonus 73-78 Sword, khanda
nent all attacks do double
1-50 +1 79-80 Sword, khanda, additional bonus
damage. The selected op-
ponent can never be of the 51-85 +2 81 Sword, khanda, slayer
same alignment as the bow. 86-98 +3 82-87 Sword, scimitar
TERROR- CAUSING BOW: 99-00 +4 88-89 Sword, scimitar, additional bonus
Any opponent struck by an 90-95 Sword, tulwar
arrow from this bow must immediately make a morale
96-98 Sword, tulwar, additional bonus
check. A player character struck must make a saving
throw vs. magic item or flee in fear. 99-00 Asura tulwar

160
Miscellaneous Weapons Notes: be lost, the individual who uses it will lose Holy status,
R ETURNING: These weapons have double the normal and will almost certainly gain the enmity of the god in
listed ranges for their type, and when thrown will always question, who will seek to punish this betrayal of trust.
return to the wielder’s hand. In the description below, the weapon is listed along with
DECAPITATOR: This weapon, when its wielder rolls a nat- its owner deity and its effects, as well as any other notes.
ural 20 to hit, will decapitate its target killing them instant-
ly if the target does not make a save vs. magic item. Even if ASTRAS (CELESTIAL ARROWS)

TREASURE AND ITEMS

the save is made it does double the normal damage. These weapons are the most commonly gifted to mor-
KUKRI DAGGER, VENOMOUS: This dagger is a Holy tals, and will be usable only once, though they may after-
weapon of Kali, and can only be used safely by Thugees; ward be gifted again. These are not unique items, the gods
anyone else who touches one must make a saving throw can give as many of these as they wish. All celestial arrows
versus poison or die in one round. Every time this dagger have quadruple the normal ranges of a standard arrow.
strikes someone vulnerable to poison, they must likewise AGNEYASTRA: [PATRON GOD: AGNI] This arrow has a
make a saving throw versus poison or die in one round. +10 bonus to hit and damage. When it strikes it bursts
M ACE OF H ANUMAN: This powerful weapon is Holy. into flames, that will do 3d6 damage per round to the
Any Unholy character who touches it takes 2d6 damage victim. This magical fire cannot be put out by any nor-
each round they are in contact with it. The mace will mal means, only magic can annul it.
have an additional +2 to hit and damage against Rak- BRAHMASIRSHA: [PATRON GOD: BRAHMA] This powerful
shasas and Asuras, and every time one of these is struck arrow has a +10 to hit and damage normally. However,
by such a weapon they must make a morale check (Pcs against any Deva or Asura, a strike from this arrow will
must make a saving throw versus magic item) or flee in instantly disintegrate them, allowing no saving throw.
fear. Vanara gain a +1 additional bonus to hit and dam- BRAHMASTRA: [PATRON G OD: BRAHMA] This incred-
age while wielding it. ibly powerful arrow will create an explosion around
TRIDENT OF SHIVA: This powerful Holy weapon will where it strikes, instantly disintegrating all beings
do 2d6 points of damage each round to any Unholy with less than 9 levels or hit dice in an area of 2000
character who touches it. Shiva’s trident ignores all feet around the impact point.
armor bonuses to Armor Class, meaning it attacks an I NDRASTRA: [PATRON GOD: I NDRA] When fired, this ar-
opponent based only on their natural armor class (plus row will explode into a multiplicity of lightning arrows. It
Dexterity or magic bonuses). The damage this trident is impossible to avoid (no attack roll required). The show-
causes is so severe that the round after a character is er of arrows will do 20d6 points of damage in a 50 foot
struck by it they will take an additional d4 damage radius around the archer’s target; all within that area may
from blood loss. make a saving throw versus magic item for half damage.
SLAYER: This Asura weapon is Unholy. Any Holy NARAYANASTRA: [PATRON GOD: VISHNU] This arrow
character who touches it will take 2d6 points of damage can be aimed at any target location within line of sight;
each round. Anytime its wielder rolls a natural 20, their while in the air it will explode into hundreds or thou-
target must make a saving throw versus magic item or sands of arrows and chakram; all beings within a 2000
die instantly. Even if they make the saving throw they foot area of the target location will take damage. The
take double the normal damage. damage is greater the mightier the victim is: individuals
ASURA TULWAR: A sword forged in the Hell Realms by take 1d8 points of damage for every level or hit die they
the Asura fire demons, this mighty Tulwar lights up in have. A saving throw vs. magic items reduces the damage
flames when wielded, and will do an extra 1d6 magical by half. However, any target that does not attempt to
fire damage every time it hits. evade the attack, and instead drops his weapons and im-
mediately surrenders himself to the power of lord Vish-
Celestial Weapons nu, will be spared any damage from the attack.
There is a special class of magic weapons that cannot PASHUPATASTRA [PATRON GOD: SHIVA] This arrow will
be obtained in any normal treasure. These are Celestial have a +20 to hit. It will completely destroy its target
Weapons. They are the weapons of the gods themselves, if it hits, annihilating them completely with no saving
and they are given to mortals only directly by the gods. throw, and no possibility of being restored to life, except
This is something that will likely be granted as a reward by Shiva himself.
only to the greatest of devotees or those who commit the SURYASTRA: [PATRON GOD: SURYA] This arrow will cre-
most astounding acts of service. Each weapon can usually ate a blast of light as bright as the sun. It has a +10 bo-
only be obtained directly from the god that controls it; nus to hit and damage. If it hits, its target will be imme-
and in most cases there will be strict limits on its use; if diately blinded (permanently unless restored by magic)
anyone makes use of a Celestial Weapon against an un- and everyone for 100 feet around the target must make
worthy opponent (using it to attack common foes, rather a saving throw versus magic item to avoid being tempo-
than truly mighty enemies) then the weapon will be with- rarily blinded for 1d6 hours, unless they specifically had
drawn back to the gods. If it is used for purposes that go advance warning to shield their eyes.
against the sponsor deity’s wishes, then the weapon will VAISHNAVASTRA: [PATRON GOD: VISHNU] This arrow

161
 will have a +20 to hit. It will completely destroy its tar- area around the arrow’s target to have to save vs. magic
get if it hits, annihilating them completely with no saving item, or become befuddled, attacking their companions
throw, and no possibility of being restored to life, except rather than the enemy.
by Vishnu himself. MOUNTAIN ASTRA: So named because this arrow
VAJRASTRA: [PATRON GOD: I NDRA] This arrow has a transforms into a small mountain in mid air, it has a +10
+10 bonus to hit. If it strikes it will instantly disintegrate bonus to hit, landing on top of its target area. If its main
ARROWS OF INDRA

its target, no saving throw usually permitted. Only some- target is hit, he suffers the full brunt of the mountain’s
one with magic that protects against disintegration or impact, taking 20d6 damage (no saving throw allowed).
some kind of Divine Intervention may survive. Everyone within a 320 foot area of effect around the tar-
VARUNAYASTRA: [PATRON GOD: VARUNA] When this get (including the intended target himself if he was not
arrow strikes a spot (with a +10 bonus to hit), it releases hit directly by the arrow) will take 8d6 points of dam-
a flood of water that covers an area of 500 feet around age, with a saving throw for half-damage.
the target. All creatures in the area take 4d6 damage, a NAGASTRA: A relatively minor Astra, which can be
saving throw versus magic item reducing this damage by granted by the Naga King Vasuki, this arrow transforms
half. Additionally, all creatures in the area of effect must into a serpent when it hits. It has +10 to hit and damage,
make a second saving throw modified by their Strength and its bite requires a saving throw versus poison to
bonus (large creatures get a +4 bonus) to avoid being avoid death in one round.
swept right off their feet by the torrent. The water quick-
ly disperses unless it is in an enclosed or depressed area, Other Celestial Weapons
in which case it remains and those in the area may begin ASI: The Divine Khanda Sword of Brahma. This is in
to drown. Note: This weapon, fired at someone struck fact the first sword in all of creation, after which all oth-
by the Agneyastra or at any other kind of normal or er swords are modeled. It was used
magical flame will immediately extinguish that flame and by the gods to fight in wars against
cause no other effect. the Asuras at the dawn of time, and
VAYASTRA: [PATRON GOD: VAYU] This weapon will afterward given to great human sag-
create a mighty tornado of wind where it strikes (with es in all successive eras. The sword
a +10 bonus to hit), blasting everything around it and has a +10 bonus to hit and to dam-
tossing everyone within 500 feet of its target into the air. age, it is also a flaming sword, which
All individuals in the area of effect take 6d6 points of does 4d6 extra fire damage every
damage from the impact (saving throw vs. magic item time it hits an opponent. Against
for half damage), and are lifted into the air for a full Asuras, Rakshasas, Monstrosities,
round during which they are helpless. After that, assum- or any kind of giant creature, it will
ing they do not fly, they will fall back down to the earth do double damage. Whenever the
taking an additional 5d6 points of damage from the fall, wielder strikes with a natural 20 on
with a saving throw modified by Dexterity reducing the the attack roll, the target must save
damage by half. vs. magic item or be immediately
VISHNASTRA: [PATRON GOD: VISHNU] When this arrow slain; even if he succeeds in the sav-
strikes an area (+10 bonus to hit if applicable) it will ing throw he will still take triple the
annul absolutely all magic (including magic from items, normal damage (the creatures afore-
Enlightenment Powers, etc.) in an area of 1 mile around mentioned would thus take six times
where the target hit. For the next 18 days, no form of the normal damage!). The current
magic will function in that area. wielder of this weapon is Drona, the
great Brahmin general and king of
Asura Astras (Demonic Celestial Arrows) Northern Panchala Kingdom.
The Asura demon Kings also have their own Astras BRAHMADANDA: This is the Staff
which they can provide to their most valued servants. of Brahma, one of the most power-
BINDING ASTRA: This Astra has a +10 to hit an oppo- ful weapons in creation. Normally,
nent; when it strikes, rather than doing damage it will this weapon functions as a +5 staff,
wrap itself around an opponent, completely binding but the wielder can summon the
him; except by magical power, it cannot be escaped (nor full power of the Brahmadanda by
does it allow any kind of saving throw), until such time concentrating for three full rounds,
as the archer chooses to release his victim. while reciting a secret mantra that
DEMON ASTRA: A standard Asura Infernal Arrow, it can only be taught by Brahma. At
grants +10 to hit and to damage, and unlike any other this point, he may target a single
kind of Astra, it returns immediately to the archer’s quiv- individual or an entire force/army
er after being fired and can be used indefinitely. within his visual range, and his tar-
M AYASTRA: Granted by Maya, the demon architect, get or targets will be completely de-
when it is fired it will cause all beings within a 300 foot stroyed, wiped out completely from

162
all of creation with no possibility of restoration. When rolled (but a saving throw vs. magic item is permitted to
this weapon is used in such a way, all the ground around avoid this fate, though the target still suffers triple regu-
the target area will become an infertile desert for thou- lar damage). After making all of its attacks it will return
sands of years. This weapon is presently in possession of immediately to the wielder’s hand. This weapon has been
the great warrior Karna, king of Anga; however, due to a recently acquired by the Avatara of this age, Krishna.
divine curse he has lost the memory of the secret mantra TRISHUL: The Celestial Trident of Lord Shiva. This
which would be required to utilize its supreme power. weapon has a +10 bonus to hit and to damage, and does

TREASURE AND ITEMS

BRAHMASHIR: This weapon, the ultimate weapon of an additional 5d6 damage as well. Additionally, any op-
Brahma, has no physical form at all. Rather, it is a word. ponent struck by it is required to make a saving throw
This secret word once invoked has the power to turn the vs. magic item or they will immediately be slain.
entire universe to ashes. It has, of course, never been used. VAJRAYUDHA: The Thunderbolt of the god Indra. This
GANDIVA: A powerful celestial bow, originally used by weapon grants its wielder protection against the attack
Brahma but later passed down to other gods, until the wa- of any other Celestial Weapon. It also allows the wield-
ter-god Varuna gave it to the human prince Arjuna (one of er to fire divine lightning bolts at his opponents; these
the Pandavas, the brothers who rule Western Kuru). This always strike, and will slay any opponent who does not
weapon can only be wielded by someone who is of Holy make a saving throw versus magic item; even those who
alignment and has 18 strength. It has a +10 bonus to hit save will suffer 20d6 points of damage. As these bolts
and to damage, double the normal base damage die (2d8) shoot out in a ray, anyone in the line between the wield-
and four times the normal ranges of a bow. The quiver er and his target will also be struck as the bolt passes
that comes with it is inexhaustible, never running out through them, and must make the same saving throw.
of arrows. When the bow is fired, it makes a thundering The wielder can fire up to four lightning bolts per round.
noise causing any opponents of the archer within 100 feet VASAVI: The vasavis are the magical Darts of Lord
of him to make a morale check to avoid fleeing in terror. Indra. They can be thrown at an opponent (with quadru-
If the archer rolls a natural 20 to hit, his opponent must ple the normal ranges of a dart) with a +10 bonus to hit.
make a saving throw vs. magic item; if he fails he is slain; If they strike their target, the victim is completely disin-
otherwise he takes double the normal damage. tegrated, with no saving throw allowed. The Vasavi then
M AHAKALI’S BOW: Perhaps one of the most devastat- returns to the wielder’s hand. One of these celestial darts
ing weapon in creation, belonging to the death-goddess is in the possession of Karna, King of Anga; however,
Kali, it has the capacity to utterly annihilate anything this is not a unique weapon so Indra could grant another
that its wielder wishes. It never misses, and completely Vasavi to some other favorite.
destroys whatever its wielder desires when fired. It could VEL: The sacred Celestial Spear of the goddess Parva-
even be used to end all life on the entire world in an ti; this weapon was given by Parvati to her son Muru-
instant. This weapon is so powerful that if anyone even gan, the general of Shiva’s Deva Warrior armies. It has
tries to touch it who is unworthy of it in Kali’s eyes, that a +10 bonus to hit and to damage, and does 2d6 base
person will be instantly and irrevocably disintegrated damage. When thrown, it has quadruple the normal
(anyone not of Holy alignment is automatically judged ranges of a spear and returns to the wielder’s hand. Ad-
unworthy). Additionally, it can never be used for any ditionally, it allows its wielder to see the invisible, see
purpose that is contrary to the divine wishes of Kali’s through illusions, see the alignment of those who are
consort, Shiva; it will not work for anyone who attempts Holy or Unholy aligned, detect magic and magical ef-
to do so (and doing will result in the weapon being im- fects, and see the true forms of anyone who’s shape has
mediately revoked, and possibly in its wielder being de- been magically altered.
stroyed). Thus it is only appropriate as a weapon against
the greatest of foes. It is currently in the possession of
the Pandava archer, Arjuna (gifted to him by Shiva and
Kali); Arjuna has thus far never attempted to use it.
PARASHUDURGA: This great two handed axe is the
weapon of the warrior-goddess Durga. It has a +10 bo-
nus to hit and damage; it does 2d10 base damage instead
of 1d10. It allows the wielder to make four times his reg-
ular number of attacks per round.
SUDARSHANA CHAKRAM: The mightiest celestial
Chakram, with 108 spinning serrated edges, it belongs
to Vishnu. This weapon has a +10 bonus to hit and
damage. When thrown it spins through the air, striking
at all the targets within visual range that the wielder has
chosen, rolling attacks against all of them in a single
round. On a roll of a natural 20 it will decapitate its
victim instantly (no save permitted). Against any Asuras
or Rakshasas it will decapitate regardless of the attack

163
The Gods and Religion
 I
t is said that there are 330 million gods in who is of less than 9th level suffers a minus 10% (-10%)
Jagat and almost all of these are relatively minor modifier to that check. A character who is Holy gains a
deities, essentially unknown to the men of the +5% bonus, a character who is Unholy suffers a – 5%
Bharata lands. Some say this is more of a meta- penalty. The Gm may also assign modifiers if the cause
phorical idea than a real count; suggesting that ev- of the Pc is particularly relevant to the god being prayed
eryone has their own personal deity that represents their to; or a penalty if the cause of the player character’s goes
ARROWS OF INDRA

connection to the divine. against the god’s own agenda. A character may only
Even so, there are dozens or hundreds of gods that are attempt a Divine Intervention check once per character
worshiped at different times and in different regions of level, regardless of whether it succeeds or not. After a suc-
Bharata, and a long list of more significant gods that are cessful check, the character may not make another Divine
worshiped regularly and in all the human lands. Intervention check until he has successfully completed a
Humans in Bharata generally do not limit themselves divine quest; the nature of the quest required of him will
to the worship of a single deity. They certainly do not be revealed to him either by the God in person, his agents,
deny the existence of the multiplicity of gods. A few, how- through some Holy man, or in a dream, relatively soon
ever, are devotees of a specific god or goddess that they after the prior intervention takes place.
hold in higher esteem than all others, and turn to more
often. For the average human of the Bharata lands, divine Table 12.1 Divine Quests (d100)
worship is a more pragmatic thing, offering prayers and
Roll Quest
ritual to gods based on their necessities of the moment
and the specialties those gods are said to manage. The character is called upon to kill 2d100 Unholy
1-10
creatures as an act of sacrifice to the god.
There is some regional variance as to which of the
major gods hold the most prominence in a given country. The character must give away one of his children (a
firstborn son, or daughter, or a favorite child) either
In general, while every major god will have temples and to a temple, or to a specific old sage, or to Apsaras
shrines in every city of Bharata, there are two broad cat- or Gandharvas to be raised for some purpose suit-
11-20
egories of which gods have principality in a given land: able to the deity; if the PC has no children he may
there are the faithful who hold Vishnu above all others be directed to take a wife of the deity’s specific
choosing, which may require some effort to arrange
(called Vaishnavites) and those who hold Shiva above the marriage.
all others (called Shaivites). In the lands where Vishnu
The character must hunt down 1d6 specific and
is most prominent, the gods associated most closely 21-30 powerful Unholy individuals (evil humans, Raksha-
with Vishnu; Brahma and Rama (and Hanuman), are sas, Nagas, or Asura demons) and slay them.
given preeminence. These include most of Dwaraka, the The character must offer his services and oath of
Kosala Kingdom, the Kuru Kingdom, Matsya, Mathura, loyalty to a specific king or prince for a period of
Southern Panchala, Southern Kosala, and Virabha. 31-40 1d10 years, during which time the player will have to
In the lands where Shiva is most prominent, his do anything the ruler asks of them, so long as it is
not Unholy.
spiritual family of gods (in order of divine family rank:
Parvati, Kali, Durga, Ganesh, and Murugan) are given The character must seek out a specific Holy object
41-50 (usually a powerful Holy magic item), retrieve it from
preeminence. These include the Anga Kingdom, the Ceda wherever it is, and give it to a temple of the deity.
Kingdom, much of the lands that border the Himayant
The character must raise up an army of at least 100
mountains, parts of Kosala, the Maghadan empire, men, and fight in some specific conflict currently
Northern Panchala, and Videha. 51-60
going on in the Bharata Kingdoms, that the deity
The old gods of nature, of whom Indra the god of sky has clearly chosen sides in.
and thunder is the greatest, are worshiped everywhere but The character must seek out a specific Unholy ob-
are especially venerated by the barbarian tribes; other “old 61-70 ject (a powerful magic item), take it from its current
gods” include Agni, Chandra, Prithvi, Surya, and Varuna. owner and arrange for its destruction.
In any of the lands that are situated upon one of the The character must seek out the blessing of a spe-
Holy rivers, these rivers are also worshiped as goddesses, cific Holy renunciate, living in some isolated wilder-
71-80 ness region; the renunciate might refuse to give the
and sources of life itself, as they often literally are, for blessing until the PC has fulfilled some particular
the locals. task or a term of service or given him some gift.

DIVINE INTERVENTION 81-90

The character must construct a shrine worth at
least 10000 rupya to the deity, and arrange for the
permanent employment of at least one Priest of the
In this age of heroes, the gods are no longer as ap- deity; he may pay for all this himself, or raise funds
proachable as in the previous ages; but they are still with assistance.
reachable by those of great power, spiritual or sometimes The character is pointed in the general direction of
temporal. Anyone can at any time attempt to pray to one 91-00 a hidden Asura temple, or the desecrated ruins of
of the gods to help them in time of dire distress. the deity’s own temple, and must clear it of all evil.
The possibility of the god in question heeding these
prayers is based on a percentage check, with the base
percentage value being the character’s level. Any character

166
 A character may of course refuse to perform a quest, ligious ceremony, and it is through his fire that the other
but until he does so cannot successfully obtain Divine In- gods’ blessings are transmitted to the devout. He is also
tervention from any deity, as it will be clear his devotion the god who transports the dead (through the flames of
is not strong, and he may gain the enmity of the specific cremation) to the next life. He is the patron (and possibly
deity whose quest he has scorned. Note that the above the originator) of the Fire Dynasty of Kshatriya clans.
table may also be used in a modified fashion to represent CHANDRA: God of the moon. Just as Surya pulls the sun,

THE GODS AND RELIGION

the kind of tasks an Asura demon might demand of Un- Chandra pulls the moon on his great vimana-flying chariot.
holy individuals in exchange for some special favor. He is also the lord of the Soma; skilled with preparing this
The form in which a successful Divine Intervention may nectar of immortality. He is the patron (and possibly the
manifest can be quite variable; it would be exceedingly originator) of the Lunar Dynasty of Kshatriya clans.
rare for a god to make a personal appearance. Instead, it K AMADHENU: The Cow-goddess, she is the mother
is far more likely that they will send aid, either in the form of all cows, the cow being sacred to all the humans of
of a miraculous event that helps the player character, or in Bharata. She was born out of the churning of the cosmic
the form of a Deva Warrior or other divine servant being ocean shortly after Brahma created the universe, and in
summoned to aid them, or possibly in the form of an item her birth the ocean became an ocean of milk. In her hon-
of power the player character may use. The Gm is free to or, all cows are venerated as an aspect of her, and it is
make the Divine Intervention take any form he wishes; but for this reason that it is strictly forbidden to slay a cow,
of course this aid should be of extreme utility. except in certain very rare religious ceremonies; the cow
Note that the Gods themselves are not limitless in being vital to the agrarian life of the common people, as
their power. Some gods (particularly Brahma, Vishnu, they both plow the fields and provide life-sustaining milk
Shiva and Indra, who are ranked in order of power) are which is also turned into butter and butter-oil (ghee)
far more powerful than others; and all the gods work which is used to cook, light lamps, and is an important
within a set of rules they follow that mere mortals can part of temple rituals. She is not directly worshiped in
scarcely understand. The Gm should take care that Di- any temples, but rather through all living cows.
vine Intervention be thought out in a way appropriate to P RITHVI: The goddess of earth, she is also the literal
the god being invoked. goddess of the earth, of Jagat itself. She is considered to
be the mother of Indra, the sky-god, and later became
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF his consort. She is sometimes also called Bhumi.
SARAMA: The Bitch Goddess, she is the patron deity of
SOME GODS all wild animals. She has the form of a female dog, and
is said to be the mother of all dogs. She is worshiped to
seek protection from wild creatures, and she is also ven-
Old Gods erated as a protector of cows.
BRAHMA: This is the cre- SURYA: The Sun god. He rides on the celestial vima-
ator-god, the first god, born na-flying chariot, pulling the sun along its course. He is
of a golden egg; he created worshiped in all human lands, though in barbarian lands
the universe. He was the and the Bahlika Kingdoms he is often referred to as Sav-
father of Manu, the first itur. He is seen also a god who governs health and heal-
human. Thus he is wor- ing. He is also the patron (and possibly the originator) of
shiped in every kingdom the Solar Dynasty of Kshatriya clans.
and in all lands. Brahma’s VARUNA: He is the god of the sea and of water. He is
power was that of creation, also a life-giving god, and always present in religious
and he rarely plays a very ritual, as water, like fire, is always an essential part of
active role in the world temple ceremonies. He was the chief god in many human
now, acting instead as the lands after Indra, and he is also the god of laws and of
god-father to Vishnu; thus oaths; it is common when swearing a sacred oath to
he is particularly revered swear it by Varuna’s name, over water, and if such an
in Vaishnavite temples; but oath is broken it is said to incur Varuna’s wrath.
has few temples or devotees VAYU: The god of the wind, he is also the god of breath.
exclusive to his own being. YAMA: The Lord of the Dead. He is the ruler of the
I NDRA: The old chief of the Gods, still given highest Naraka Hell Realms, and also governs over all the Liv-
priority in barbarian lands and in the Bahlika Kingdoms. ing Dead and the hungry ghosts. Strictly speaking, he is a
He is the sky-god, and the god of lightning and thunder, god and not an Asura, but he has dominion over all the
and of storms. He commands great legions of giants in his Asuras of Naraka, the realm of the universe where most
service. His main weapon is the Vajra, the thunderbolt. Asuras are found. Yama is not worshiped by the people
AGNI: The god of fire. Of all the elemental gods he is of the Bharata lands, but is rather looked upon with fear.
the most venerated, for fire is a central part of all priestly However, he is also treated with respect; considered the
and temple rituals. The sacred flame is a vital part of re- governor of divine justice (for he determines who is rein-
carnated into which realm; whether the spirit of a dead

167
 person reincarnates in the Hell Realms, as a ghost, an the Vanara god-king Hanuman) the mighty Asura-king
animal, a human, or a Deva). Ravana, who ruled all of the lands south of the Vindhya
mountains from his island-realm of Lanka. His conflict
River Goddesses with Ravana was due to the latter having kidnapped his
wife, Sita; after Ravana’s defeat he rescued Sita, but was
Ganga, Sarayu, Saraswati, Sindhu, and Yamuna are all forced to abandon her to maintain peace in his king-
rivers that are also worshiped as goddesses, particularly
ARROWS OF INDRA

dom. Sita’s sons by Rama grew up under her care and

in the lands where they are located. Ganga, Saraswati, eventually, aided by Hanuman, made war with Rama,
and Sindhu are generally revered by peoples through- defeating his armies and revealing their identity. He
out all of Jagat, and on each of these sacred rivers there accepted them and gave them dominion over his lands,
are rituals performed once every 12 years known as retiring to ascend to the divine realms. Sita, seeing her
“Kumbh Melas”, where pilgrims can travel to bathe in sons enthroned, united with the earth. Rama is the god
the rivers and wash away all impurities, attaining Holy of virtues, morality, civilization, and also the patron of
alignment. Saraswati is also venerated as the goddess of archers, as the bow is his weapon. Rama is worshiped
knowledge, study, music, and poetry. In this regard she is throughout Bharata, but especially in the Kosala lands
worshiped in an anthropomorphic form throughout the where he once ruled.
Bharata lands.

Vaishnavite Family Shaivite Family

SHIVA: The god of death, magic, and meditation, as
VISHNU: The all-pervading god, he is the preserver of the well as of Yogis. Slayer of demons. Shiva is a new god,
universe, who works to maintain the world. He is consid- relatively speaking, though he dates back to thousands
ered the supreme god in all the of years before Rama. Like Rama, he was once a human,
Vaishnavite territories. It is be- incarnated with the spirit of the divine, as the Avatara of
lieved by the Vaishnavites that his age. He is the god of destruction, and transformation.
he became Chief of the Gods He is also the god of sex, having several divine consorts of
when Indra faced defeat at the immense power; one of them, Shakti, is not a goddess in
hands of the Asuras, and Vishnu the standard sense but the representation of the life force
intervened to vanquish them. of the universe itself. In his lifetime, he was a great medi-
H ANUMAN: The Vanara god, tator, both Siddhi and Yogi, and a rogue who surrounded
who also lived a mortal life in himself with monsters like the Ganas and the Nagas. He
the time when Rama was the is also today the god of the serpents. He is the god of
Avatara. He became a great sacred dances as well. In his incarnation as Avatara, he
hero, and Rama’s foremost defeated the great demonic armies of several Asura kings,
companion, fighting to liberate conquered the Patala Underworld, and made the world
the Vanara race from the rule safe for humanity to flourish. He retired to Mt. Kailash,
of the evil Asura king Rav- and later ascended to the realms of divinity; though he
ana. By the time he had met still has a court on Mt. Kailash and another in the Un-
Rama, Hanuman was already derworld, and sometimes manifests physically in both of
one of the greatest heroes those places. His most identifiable weapon is the Trident,
the world had ever known, being granted a number of which is also his symbol, along with the cobra.
divine boons and protections, and in particular being DURGA: One of Shiva’s consorts, Durga is a powerful
favored by the sun-god Surya. When Rama ascended warrior-goddess. She rides a lion into battles. She is also
to godhood, Hanuman did so as well, though the Va- the goddess of radiant light. She was created by Shiva to
nara Priests claim that Hanuman still frequently travels fight an army of Asuras, born from a beam of Shakti-ener-
through the world in disguise, both in their lands and in gy that emerged from his body. In that sense, she is both a
any of the lands where Rama is worshiped. part of Shakti itself and the daughter of Shakti (the female
LAXSHMI: The goddess of fortune and wealth. She is a embodiment of universal energy, Shiva’s lover).
favorite of businessmen, merchants, and gamblers alike. GANESH: Sometimes
She is Vishnu’s wife. called Ganesha, this ele-
R AMA: Born as a human, he was the incarnation of phant-headed god is the
the divine, or Avatara, of the previous age to the pres- son of Shiva and Parvati.
ent one. Although this was thousands of years before He is the god of door-
the present day, a great deal of information has been ways and portals, and
preserved in the Bharata Kingdoms about his age, much also the god who removes
more than that of the age of the previous Avatara, Shiva. all obstacles. He is the pa-
Rama was born in the Kosala Kingdom, and he and his tron god of learning and
family founded many of the great cities there. In his life- study, prayed to by all
time he was most famous for defeating (with the aid of students, and is likewise

168
the god who protects all temples. Every human temple to unite with Shiva near the end of his lifetime as Avatara;
any deity will also have a small shrine to Ganesh. he took her with him to Mt. Kailash and she was trans-
K ALI: The black-skinned goddess of death. She is formed into a goddess.
one of the fiercest warriors among the gods, created
out of the warrior-goddess Durga’s rage. But she is also Krishna
Kali-ma, the dark mother, who is the source of life and

THE GODS AND RELIGION

brings protection and comfort. Thus she is very beloved Krishna is the current Avatara, the divine incarnation
of the common people, especially mothers, and is a in human form. As of the present time of the setting,
protector of children. Her aspect as a war goddess and very few people in Bharata are aware that he is the Ava-
death goddess is that of an avenger. She is the patron tara; mainly sages and other powerful individuals.
goddess of the Thugees, the sacred assassins. She is one As the Avatara, Krishna is incredibly powerful; he
of Shiva’s consorts. would have access to all Enlightenment Powers and is
a high level Virakshatriya; he is also armed with the
Sudarshana Chakram, a mighty Celestial Weapon. Addi-
tionally, he would be able to call on most of the gods for
assistance. Thus, while not strictly invincible, and limited
by the restrictions of mortal incarnation, he would be
extremely difficult to defeat as an opponent.

Religious Practices
For the typical citizen of the Bharata lands, religious
practice consists of daily prayers and going to the temple
to worship in front of the idols of the gods, giving offer-
ings to the temple Priests to perform rituals of worship
in their name. Certain Yogis and renunciates engage in
practices of poverty, chastity and self-denial either for
personal illumination or to express devotion to the gods.
Religious festivals are common events, with several
occurring in the course of the year, dedicated to different
gods; during these festivals much of the regular activity
of a city or village will come to a halt as people gather to
sing devotions, attend the temple, participate in religious
parades and hold great feasts.
Marriage is an important religious ceremony, with
weddings typically lasting anywhere between three to ten
days; during which time huge crowds of guests are fed
and entertained by dancers; the total cost of a wedding
is often equal to or greater than the annual income of
the individual getting married.
There are numerous ceremonies that are rites of pas-
sage for children of different ages, which mark their
MURUGAN: One of Shiva’s sons by Parvati, the god spiritual development; these vary somewhat based on the
Murugan is the god of war and death. He is symbolized by caste of the child.
the peacock. He is the god of wily strategists and generals. Funerary rites are extremely important ceremonies as
PARVATI: First among Shiva’s wives, Parvati is the well; in most kingdoms in Bharata, the dead are cremated
loving mother goddess, the goddess of householders, in funeral grounds known as the Burning Ghats; it is con-
mothers, and respectable women. Like Shiva, she was sidered important that the correct funerary rites are per-
once a human being, a girl named Sati, who fell in love formed in order that the spirit of the deceased should not
with Shiva when he was the Avatara (divine incarnation return as a ghost or one of the living dead, and may instead
in the world). Shiva was eventually won over by the have the best possibility of reincarnating in an auspicious
girl, but her father despised Shiva and renounced her form (as a human into a good family, or as a Deva).
for marrying him against his wishes; Sati, torn between
her father’s wishes and her love for Shiva, incinerated
herself in ritual suicide. Shiva, in a furious rage, slew her
entire family in reprisal, and later carried her charred
dead body with him in mourning until her corpse had
completely rotted away. Because of her Holy nature, Sati
was reincarnated as the daughter of an Apsara and she
was eventually able to remember her past life and re-

169
ARROWS OF INDRA

Major Religious Rituals body. The next morning the horse is ceremonially butch-
ered along with 21 cows, and the meat is ritually offered
KUMBH M ELA: In the Holy cities along the sacred to the gods and then consumed. The performance of this
rivers, the Kumbh Mela festivals take place once every ritual cements the power of the king to rule and is meant to
12 years. During this festival pilgrims travel in immense guarantee his prosperity.
numbers to the sacred sites, camping in great tent cities R AJASUYA YAGNA (EMPEROR CEREMONY): This is a much
that can cause a city to double in size overnight. The fes- rarer religious ceremony, performed by kings who wish
tival takes place over several days, and the tent cities can to establish their authority throughout the Bharata
often be the site of fights between rival groups of Yogis lands. In this rite, a king must travel with his armies to
and their devotees, accidents, stampedes, and other haz- all the kingdoms of Bharata, obtaining recognition and
ards. On the final day of the Mela, whoever participates tribute from every single king, or else defeating them in
in the ritual bathing will be cleansed and granted Holy warfare or personal combat. It does not entail a literal
alignment; though they can subsequently lose this status conquest of the kingdoms themselves, however. When
from Unholy behavior as per usual. this ceremony is concluded the king must conduct a
ASHVAMEDHA (HORSE SACRIFICE): This important ritual great religious feast in his capital, to which all the oth-
takes place whenever a new king inherits a throne. A horse er kings must be invited; after this ceremony he has
(a stallion) is chosen to be set free to roam throughout the the right to style himself “King of Kings”. For obvious
kingdom, followed by 100 young men as its guardians and reasons, this ritual is only very rarely performed. At the
attendants, sworn to protect the horse at the cost of their present time the Emperor of Maghada is performing a
very lives. No one is permitted to stop the horse from wan- particular and sinister variant of this ceremony, where he
dering where it will throughout the land. Throughout the plans to literally sacrifice 100 kings, chiefs and princes in
one year period when the horse is wandering, important order to gain power that will make him the absolute and
rituals and sacrifices are performed by the kingdom’s Priest. invincible emperor of the world.
At the end of the year the horse returns to its point of ori- In a long campaign, characters will seek to make use
gin, is ritually bathed and other ceremonies performed with of some of their fame, fortune and treasure; they will
it, and then it and many other animals are ritually slaugh- also gain fame and/or notoriety, and the attention of
tered. The new king’s wives and consorts then walk around their Clan chiefs or of the monarchy of their lands, all of
the dead horse reciting religious mantras, while the king’s which will lead to new authority and responsibilities.
chief wife (the Queen) mimics copulation with the horse’s
corpse; she must spend the night sleeping by the horse’s

170
Appendixes
 Appendix 1:
ARROWS OF INDRA

Higher Level Play

COSTS OF LIVING can also stay in the clan house of the city, if one is to be

I
found there; however the clan elders or chiefs will expect
n any game lasting sufficiently long, there a monthly payment for the privilege; this payment will
will likely be periods of downtime as the campaign’s vary according to the caste and wealth level of the clan,
timeline progresses, and while the characters are en- but will usually be about 6 dam (cp) for a Dalit or Sudra
gaged in non-adventuring activities. This will require caste, 6 anna (sp) for a Vaishya caste, or 6 rupya (gp) for
that player characters engage in expenditures to a Kshatriya or Brahmin. If the clan is in good relations
maintain their basic living expenses. The following costs with the Pc they will always be willing to hold a tab for
of living are on a per-month basis, and assume the mini- the cost of the Pc’s stay, but they will expect this to be
mum necessary expenditure, not including housing; they paid within 3 months, with an additional interest worth
are arranged by caste: half the total bill.
Finally, a character could also choose to live full-time
• Dalit, Sudra, and all Yogis or ascetics living in in a traveler’s inn, known as a Caravanserai; this would
cities: 1 anna (sp) per month incur a minimum cost of 15sp per month for sleeping in
• Vaishya: 1 rupya (gp) per month the common (communal) hall (which always brings with
• Kshatriya or Brahmin: 10 rupya (gp) per month it the risk of sleepless nights and pickpockets), or at least
• Costs are doubled in any large city. 6gp per month for a private room.
Player characters can certainly choose to spend more
than that in order to live ostentatiously. Additionally, Profit from Lands
anyone who holds any kind of significant office (in- Any character (except Dalits) with sufficient funds
cluding officers in the guard or army, temple Priests, would be able to purchase land in the Bharata King-
administrators or advisers, or wealthy merchants or doms; the following are general average costs and in-
landowners with a reputation to uphold) must spend comes from land meant to be worked agriculturally.
at least ten times the listed amount. Any character who
does not spend the minimum required will be seen either
Table 13.1 Costs and Profit From Lands
as a pauper or a miser, neither of which are well-consid-
ered in the Bharata lands, and they will suffer a – 2 to all Cost Average Annual
Land
reaction rolls with civilized humans until they begin to to Buy Income
maintain themselves appropriately. Small farm 8,000gp 400gp
Wealthy Farm 20,000gp 1000gp
Housing Vast Noble
200,000gp 10,000gp
landholding
Characters need a place to stay, at least if they are in
civilized lands where vagrancy is not well looked-upon.
NOTE: The “cost to buy” does not include the value
Priests and Yogis are always able to live in a temple, if
of any building (cottage, manor house or palace) on the
one is available and as long as the characters are not
land, which must be paid for to buy or build in addition
obviously of Unholy alignment. Any character who has
to the land itself.
some kind of military or administrative rank may live
If these lands are worked by tenant farmers, there are
in barracks or the royal palace, though they are not re-
no additional costs but the annual income will only be
quired to do so. If they do, their accommodations are
20% of the listed amount. Lands worked by the land-
bound to be quite humble.
owner directly will require one person working it full
Characters may also buy housing for themselves in
time for every 10000gp of value of the land, and at least
the city, or landholdings (with land to farm) in the coun-
two livestock being maintained at a cost of 40gp per
tryside near a city. The cost of housing is found in the
year each. Otherwise, the annual income takes into ac-
“equipment” section above, and the costs of landhold-
count the costs of maintenance, housing and food for the
ings are detailed below.
people living on the farm, up to a maximum of one per-
Character who are on good terms with their clan
son for every 1000gp of the land’s worth. It would not

172
be uncommon in the case of a new landowner for im- Siddhi must have achieved at least 9th level, and must
poverished members of his extended clan to be brought be publicly known to have at least one enlightenment
in to work the farm, if the landowner is in good terms power. He must also have a house in the city, or a cot-
with his clan. tage in the countryside less than a day’s journey from a
city, from which to do his teaching. He must dedicate
Mercenary Work at least 5 days a month to engage in his teaching (any
month where he does not do so will mean he collects no
Common soldiers in armies are rarely paid more than income). Once he begins to teach, he will obtain income
housing, food, and a few anna (sp), if they are lucky.

APPENDIX 1
from donations given to him by interested students; the
However, elite forces are often hired on as special mer- income will be variable from month to month, deter-
cenary soldiers with a good pay. Fighters or Scouts and mined by rolling 2d6 + level + charisma modifier, multi-
occasionally Thieves and Assassins can be hired in this plied by 10 gp. After obtaining 12th level he will gain a
way (so long as they are not of the Dalit caste). In order number of apprentices equal to 1 + his charisma modifi-
to be considered for employment of this sort, the char- er (a negative total meaning no apprentices), who will be
acter must be of at least 6th level, and have gained some 1st level Siddhis that will accompany him on adventures
kind of reputation in the kingdom for his prior adven- if he so wishes. These will remain his loyal students un-
tures. The likelihood of employment should be based on til they attain 9th level (when they will go off to found
the result of a reaction roll, potentially modified due to their own schools). Every time the Pc Siddhi goes up in
the character’s fame, connections, etc. A mercenary char- level he will gain 1d2 new apprentices, but only if the Pc
acter will receive a monthly income of 50 rupya (gp) per gains at least one new enlightenment power.
month, 70 rupya per month if they are above 9th level,
or 100 rupya per month if they are above 12th level. The
character will be expected to spend at least five days per
Thief Gangs
month training with the local armed forces, and will be Any Thief of 10th level or higher may wish to form his
obliged to join the army and fight in times of war. He own gang, which he can do in any city. To do so he must
will be put in command of anything from one-hundred own a house of some kind in the city to act as the home
to ten-thousand soldiers, depending on his length of ser- base of the gang. He will immediately gain 4d6 1st level
vice and prestige, but he cannot use these soldiers for his Thieves as his followers; they will fight for the gang and
own adventuring. engage in criminal activity in the city, and each will be
It should be noted that this position brings them no required to pay a share of their earnings to the Pc of their
special prestige; on the contrary, working as a merce- own monthly earnings (which will amount to 1d6gp per
nary is usually looked upon as somewhat dishonorable month per follower). The Pc Thief will have to maintain
by those who extol the Kshatriya virtues. Any character his authority in the gang and his presence in the city; he
who receives a real military rank (which, incidentally, cannot spend more than two months away from the city
does not provide any income) will be expected to give up or his gang will leave him to follow some other Thief of
his mercenary status. equivalent level. Every 3 months the Pc Thief must make
a roll of 2d6 modified by his charisma; if he rolls less
Temple Priesthood than 7, one of his followers will either leave to join a ri-
val gang, or will attempt to assassinate him to take over
A Priest character of 9th level or higher will be likely to the Pc’s gang. Also, once every 6 months there is a 1 in 6
receive offers to become the head Priest of a temple. This chance that a rival gang of Thieves will attempt to engage
is a great honor, but it also requires that the Pc manage in a gang war with the Pc’s gang. Every time the Pc Thief
the affairs of the temple for at least five days a month, and goes up in level, he will gain 3d4 new followers, modified
also to officiate during all Holy festivals the temple partic- by his charisma bonus.
ipates in; and to be the one who officiates at any special
ceremonies or rituals requested by the King, the royal
family, or other prominent noble patrons of the temple.
Income from Professions
He will receive 2d10 acolytes (1st level Priests) who will Pcs with background skills may always attempt to
learn from him and serve him, though they would only earn money from their background skills. To do so they
join him on adventures outside the city in extremely un- must dedicate at least 20 days of the month to working
usual circumstances (for example, if the adventure directly this profession; at the end of which they must make
involved the temple’s interests). Any acolyte that reaches a Dc15 skill check. Success means they will gain the
6th level, or dies, will be replaced by a new acolyte. He appropriate wage for their job (using the section on
will also receive a monthly income of 500gp. Hireling wages in the Equipment chapter for reference),
whereas if they failed but obtained a result of at least
Schools of Philosophy 10, they earn only half that amount. Results of less than
10 mean no income was earned. Brahmins or Kshatriya
Siddhis of sufficient fame may choose to begin teach- who engage in professions of common craftsmen, mer-
ing as a guru, sharing their philosophy, knowledge, chants, public (non-religious) entertainers, or menial ser-
and esoteric wisdom. In order to open such a school, a

173
ARROWS OF INDRA

vants run the risk of being stripped of their higher caste ture. It will be assumed that his investment will include
(if they are accused of acting outside of caste and a suit the cost of any infrastructure involved in the activity
is brought against them in the courts). (horses, carts, employees, product, etc).
Once per month, the Pc will be required to make a mer-
Big Business chant skill check. He may then reference the following table
to determine what profit or loss will occur for that month:
Merchants (including slave-traders) may wish to in-
vest in a merchant business. Typically, it is only consid- Table 13.2 Merchant Venture Results (% profit made)
ered acceptable for members of the Vaishya caste to do
Check
this; characters of a lower caste will encounter fierce op- Stable Moderate Volatile
Result
position, including possible violence, from local Vaishya
15 (1d8+1d6)−4 (1d20+1d8)−10 (1d100+1d20)−50
merchants. Characters of higher castes will not be op-
posed, but will be looked down upon as acting outside 10+ (1d8+1d4)−4 (1d20+1d6)−10 (1d100+1d10)−50
of the dignity of their caste, gaining a – 2 penalty to all < 10 1d8−4 1d20-10 1d100−50
reaction rolls with any human character that is aware of 1 1d8−8 1d20-20 1d100−100
their merchant activities. In order to undertake merchant or less†
activity, the character must own some kind of house of † A natural 1 on this roll always counts as 1
at least modest size in a city.
If the Gm wishes, he may enter into specifics regarding A natural 1 on this roll always counts as one. Addi-
the merchant venture in question, arranging for all the tionally, any volatile investment has a 1 in 20 chance
costs of infrastructure and requiring the Pc to carefully per month of completely collapsing, causing a loss of
manage all of his business, and using the Gm’s judgment 70-100% (1d4+6 × 10%) of the character’s investment.
to determine the income generated. However, the follow- Any moderate investment has a 1 in 20 chance per year
ing rules may be used to determine abstract costs and of collapsing in a similar fashion.
profits from merchant ventures: The player character can add or remove money in-
In order to enter into a business as a merchant, the Pc vested into his business whenever he wishes, though it
must be able to invest at least 1000 rupya into his enter- will usually take 1d10 days to liquidate any of his invest-
prise. He must also choose whether the type of business ment. Also, if his investment ever falls below 1000gp he
he is engaging in is a Stable, Moderate or Volatile ven- must add additional funds to bring the investment back

174
up to a minimum level of 1000gp or he will be forced also within a king’s power to do), or may even be victims
to close up shop, losing 10-100% (1d10 × 10%) of the of violence at the hands of the King’s loyal warriors.
remaining money that was still invested.
Managing a business is a full-time job, requiring a Royal Attention
minimum of 20 days out of every month if the Pc is
handling all the business himself. However, he may At times, the king of the state where the Pc has based
choose to hire an administrator to act as his trusted himself (particularly if he has set himself up as a landown-
manager, running the business in his absence. Such er) may find himself hearing about the adventurer, and
wish to either reward him or make use of him in the ser-

APPENDIX 1
an administrator will cost 10gp per month for every
1000gp invested in the business. Alternately, he may vice of the Kingdom. Pcs who perform great feats of brav-
purchase a slave to do the same task (slave administra- ery, have notable (and publicized) adventures, or make
tors cost 8000gp). great shows of wealth, piety, generosity, or skill at arms or
magic may end up being called before the King of a land,
Taxes for some mark of favor or displeasure. The following
random table may be used to determine sample attention
The vast majority of citizens in a Bharata Kingdom (most of these results can occur more than once):
are not taxed; as the majority of them are too poor to
be taxed directly. Taxation in the kingdom usually takes Table 13.3 Attention (d100)
three forms: taxation on land ownership, taxation on Roll Attention: Effect
trade, and taxation in the form of tribute to the king. 01-05 Social Promotion
Land ownership tax is called “kara”, which means
06-15 National Income
“obligation”. Anyone who owns land will need to pay
16-25 Land Gift
annual taxes on its worth equal to about 15% of the
income it generates (so a land worth 8000 rupya, that 26-35 Present/Reward
generates an annual income of 400 rupya, would be 36-45 Courtier Service
taxed at 60 rupya). Note that the taxation rate would 46-55 Military/Temple/social title
apply whether or not any income was actually earned
56-65 Establish and defend a frontier landholding
that year. It is possible, however, to apply for a reduction
66-75 Royal visit
in taxes (usually dependent on getting a positive reaction
check from a royal administrator). Also, some landhold- 76-85 Loan requested
ings are exempt from taxation, either as an incentive for 86-95 Tribute demanded
settlers or as a reward for the landholding’s owner. 96-00 Removal of title, landholding or citizenship
Trade tax is called “hiranya” (meaning “gold tax”),
a tax on those who trade in monies. Anyone who has a Royal Attention Descriptions:
business investment will have to pay the trade tax, which SOCIAL P ROMOTION: The King rewards the Pc by a
is equal to 4% of the profits earned from the business; raise in status. Any Pc below Kshatriya caste is elevated
however, this is reduced to 2% of the profits earned if to the next higher caste (Sudra becomes Vaishya, Vaishya
the businessman has a skilled accountant on staff (an becomes Kshatriya), and a Kshatriya or Brahmin caste Pc
accountant generally costs 3gp per 1000gp of investment is given the noble title of “Rajpal”, or governor, a title of
value). This is an annual tax but the Gm may wish to ap- tremendous honor and influence. Characters who already
ply it on a monthly basis for simplicity’s sake. have that title are given the title of “Maharajpal”, who
Finally, there is “bali”, which literally means “a gift”. has the authority to act in the king’s name anywhere in
This is a one-time tribute which, according to ancient the kingdom. Characters who already have that title are
injunctions, is a voluntary gift from a loyal subject to the offered a position by marriage in the royal family.
king in exchange for the king’s services and protection. NATIONAL I NCOME: As a mark of favor, the Pc is given
However, in practice it is very far from voluntary; the some minor title that requires no particular work, but
king may request “bali” from any subject at any time, grants him an annual income of 1d6+4 × 100 rupya (gp).
and theoretically for any amount. Typically, the requests LAND GIFT: The Pc is given a landholding worth
are of two kinds: either a very large request (typically 20,000gp in a central part of the kingdom (usually in-
not less than 1000gp, sometimes much more) of a sin- cluding a manor house on the land), which he is expect-
gle individual (who is either known to be wealthy, or ed to maintain; selling or giving away this holding would
who the king wishes to test or punish), or a request of a be seen as an insult.
relatively small amount (anything from 1cp to 10gp) of P RESENT/R EWARD: The King wishes to reward the
a certain group of people (i.e. landowners, merchants, Pc with a “small” gift; which could be in the form of
Kshatriya, foreigners living in the kingdom, all the peo- a weapon or armor, a horse and/or carriage, fine silk
ple of a certain city or region, etc.). The “bali” is in theo- clothes, a mansion in the capital, or a magic item.
ry voluntary; however, it is not uncommon for a king to COURTIER SERVICE: The Pc is expected to remain in the
suggest that those who do not pay will find themselves capital, to act as an adviser to the ruler for a period of
exiled, or face the confiscation of their lands (which is no less than six months.

175
 M ILITARY/TEMPLE /SOCIAL TITLE: The Pc is given an By law, there are several ways a marriage can occur:
unpaid title of military commander (if a Fighter class) In the first place, it can be that a woman is freely given
or a temple priesthood (if a Priest) or a member of the by her family to a prospective husband; this is consid-
king’s council (if any other class), which brings honor ered the most proper form of marriage and is what is
and influence (though not so much as a courtier), and typically done as an act of uniting families. In this case,
also great responsibilities, requiring that he remain in the there is no dowry given, but a great wedding feast must
ARROWS OF INDRA

realm for at least 4 months of every year. If a military be arranged, usually lasting between 3-18 days, which
commander, he will also be expected to lead forces into will typically involve a cost roughly equivalent to the
battle if there is a conflict. groom’s annual income. In cases where the groom can-
ESTABLISH AND DEFEND A FRONTIER LANDHOLDING: The not afford this, it is not uncommon for friends and fam-
King asks the character to establish a landholding (grant- ily to help, and if one is in good standing with one’s clan
ed by the king) of at least 20000gp value in a frontier (and the clan chiefs approve of the union) part or all of
region of the state, either in the border with a hostile state the expenses of the feast.
or a wilderness area (this holding may or may not already Secondly, a bride can be bought, a prospective hus-
have a manor house upon it, which is included with the band paying a price to a girl’s father for her hand in
grant). The character will be expected to police this area. marriage. This occurs very rarely outside of the Bahlika
ROYAL VISIT: The King will visit the Pc’s home or lands; in the other Bharata Kingdoms it is not well
landholding, which will involve a cost to the Pc of looked-upon either for a man to sell his daughter or for
1d4×1000gp in order for the king to be satisfied by the a prospective husband to purchase a wife; nevertheless it
Pc’s hospitality. does sometimes occur in cases where the bride is either
LOAN REQUESTED: The King requests a loan of at extremely beautiful or extremely important, or where the
least 10000gp (more if the Pc is known to be extremely bride’s family would otherwise not approve of the union.
wealthy) to cover some dire personal or treasury ex- Among the lower castes, this price is typically one bull
pense; this “loan” will only have a 10% chance of being and one cow; but for higher castes the price can be far
paid back (without interest) each year. greater (in the case of royal weddings, it can sometimes
TRIBUTE DEMANDED: The King demands a tribute be entire cities). In this case, the wedding feast must also
(“bali”) as a show of loyalty; this tribute will be of a val- be paid for, as above.
ue of at least 1d20×1000 gp (more if the Pc is known to In the third place, a wedding can be a “Gandharva
be extremely wealthy). wedding”; a case where husband and bride elope, the
R EMOVAL OF TITLE, LANDHOLDING OR CITIZENSHIP: The bride voluntarily fleeing her father’s household out of
King feels distrust or dislike of the Pc (either for legit- love. By law and tradition, the wedding is valid (and no
imate reasons, out of personal paranoia, or because of other man would be likely to be interested in a woman
falsehoods, rumors or lies told to him by unfriendly or who has eloped and potentially been “spoiled” in her
jealous courtiers). If the king had previously given the Pc chastity at the hands of a man who seduced her); and any
a landholding, a place in his court, a gift of land or in- feast in this case is optional. This marriage runs the dan-
come, a title, or other honor, he will revoke one of these. ger of causing a permanent conflict with the bride’s clan
If not, and the Pc has lands or properties in the king- and possibly the groom’s as well if neither approved of
dom, the king will confiscate one (possibly as a test of said union. The married couple may find themselves with-
the Pc’s loyalty based on his reactions). If none of these out important social support. Additionally, a lawsuit may
apply the king may temporarily exile or permanently be brought against the groom to oblige him to pay a fine.
banish the Pc from his kingdom. Finally, a man may forcibly kidnap a bride, whether
she wishes it or not; by breaking into her family’s house-
Marriage, Children hold and stealing her away with him; if he flees with her
for more than a night, by law and tradition they must be
and Inheritance wed. This is called a “Rakshasa wedding”, and is seen
Marriage is a very important social function in the as a deplorable act. Any man who does this will lose
Bharata Kingdoms. Men of a certain age (older than 25) Holy status. He will also certainly gain the enmity of the
are expected to be married, unless they have taken a vow bride’s clan, who may seek to kill him, and may lose the
of chastity (which is required of Yogis, and is also prac- support of his own clan as well depending upon the cir-
ticed by a minority of Siddhis and Priests, and occasion- cumstances. There is of course some slim possibility that
ally a Virakshatriya or some other class may take this paying a bride-price may lead to an understanding with
vow known as the “terrible vow”). Girls are expected the bride’s family, but this is far more difficult than if the
to be married out of their household anytime between bride herself was a willing participant in her elopement.
the ages of 12-16; a girl who is unmarried at a later age Any time that a Pc who is married (or has concu-
is highly unusual, and it is not unheard of for marriage bines) is attempting to have children, the Gm should roll
agreements to be made earlier, although in all cases it is a d6 each month: on a 1-2 pregnancy has occurred (with
expected that consummation of a marriage must not oc- an equal chance of the child being a boy or a girl). 1 in
cur until a girl is capable of having children. 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth. 1 in 10
end with the death of the mother. Children have a 1 in

176
6 chance of dying each year in the first two years of life, Anyone accused of a crime will be brought either
and afterward have a 1 in 6 chance of dying sometime in directly before the king, or in front of a court consisting
the next ten years after that. of four judges, who will all be of the Brahmin caste (one
Inheritance in most of the Bharata Kingdoms involve of whom is the senior judge that actually rules on guilt
all the father’s possessions going to the eldest son. The ex- or innocence, the other three serving to advise him).
ception to this is the Bahlika lands in the west, where in- In all cases of law, the words of higher-caste witnesses
heritance is matrilineal, and a man’s inheritance passes to are considered to be more trustworthy than those of
his eldest maternal nephew. The eldest son is nonetheless the lower caste, men more trustworthy than women or

APPENDIX 1
bound by tradition to support his mother and any other children; and the word of witnesses who are known to
wives of his father (if they are still alive; occasionally, be senile, very ill, or of Unholy alignment are usually
particularly loving and grief-stricken wives may immolate not admissible in court. A Yogi or any other renunciate
themselves at their dead husband’s cremation, in a ritual cannot be obliged to testify in court as a witness. Anyone
called Sati), as well as all his siblings; whom he must see convicted of giving false witness before the court is given
get good placements and opportunities if they are boys, a fine of 1000 rupya, though the fine may be reduced
and are well-placed to 250 rupya if it
in marriage if they is shown that this
are girls. false testimony
If the heir to a was given due to
family is a minor, either coercion or
his property and some kind of Holy
household is put intentions. Addi-
under the steward- tionally, the King
ship of the King may choose to
(usually through flog and/or banish
the king’s chosen anyone who gives
administrators) false testimony
until he comes from his kingdom
of age. Likewise, (Brahmins may be
households where banished, but not
there are no sur- flogged). But as
viving male heirs, with all court cases,
or widows without influence, circum-
male children, are stance, opinion,
all administered and what happens
by the King who in the proceedings
is duty-bound to always influence
protect these in- the outcome.
nocents. Finally, The following
any household are guidelines for
where the owner of typical suits that can
properties has gone be brought before
missing must like- the court, and typi-
wise fall under the cal punishments:
administration of 1. A BANDON-
the king, who will MENT: Anyone who
care for the property for three years; if the rightful own- abandons (does not support) their elderly mother or
er is not found within three years, the property becomes father, or their wife, or their children, (unless these have
the King’s and is forfeit. If the rightful owner is found, been expelled from their clan for egregious acts) shall be
the king has a right to retain one-sixth of the value of fined 600 rupya.
the properties being cared for as a special tax. 2. ACCEPTING BRIBES: Any public official convicted of
accepting bribes will be fined 100 times the value of the
LAWS AND PUNISHMENTS bribe, and will lose his public office.
3. ACTING OUTSIDE OF CASTE: If proven, a Brahmin
The Bharata Kingdoms generally make use of a fairly or Kshatriya is punished by being reduced to Vaishya
uniform set of laws, the Laws of Manu (said to have or Sudra caste. A Vaishya or Sudra who impersonates
been given to the first human, Manu, by the gods). There someone of higher caste shall be put to death.
are variations from kingdom to kingdom based on tra- 4. A DULTERY: A man who commits adultery with an-
dition, and lands ruled by Unholy monarchs will tend other man’s wife will be castrated and banished. If the
abuse or ignore the rule of law. woman was of the Brahmin caste and the man was not,

177
 he shall be put to death. In a case where adultery cannot of duels in the Kalari arena, or the slaying of monsters
be absolutely proven but it is proven that a man was or barbarians.
inappropriately alone with another man’s wife, or has 13. NON-PAYMENT OF DEBTS: Confiscation of all proper-
sent her gifts, or touched her in public, he shall be fined ties of the debtor to the amount required to pay the debt;
250 rupya. None of these fines apply if the woman in if the debt cannot be paid even by confiscation, the debtor
question is known to be of loose morals or a prostitute. may be sentenced to indentured servitude or slavery. In
ARROWS OF INDRA

Anyone who commits adultery with another man’s slave cases where the conditions of the debt are under dispute,
shall be forced to pay a fine equal to the value of the the issue may be settled by a duel in the Kalari arena.
slave; if he is inappropriately alone with the slave, or 14. P ROSTITUTION: A man who forces a maiden into
sends her gifts, or touches her in public, he shall be fined prostitution will be tried as if for rape. A woman who
1 rupya. If the adulteress is of the royal family, she will forces a maiden into prostitution will be fined 200
be put to death by being devoured by hungry dogs; and rupya, given 10 lashes, have her head shaved, and be pa-
her lover will be burned alive. raded through the town on a donkey.
5. ASSAULT: Anyone of lower caste who assaults a 15. R APE: Anyone of the Brahmin or Kshatriya caste
Kshatriya or Brahmin with his hands or a club shall have who commits rape against an unwilling woman shall
his hands cut off. Anyone of any caste who assaults an- have two fingers cut off and must pay a fee of 600 rupya
other with a weapon that draws blood or breaks bones (1000 rupya if she was of the Brahmin caste). If the
shall be fined 100 rupya, or if the assault is judged to be rapist is a Sudra or a Dalit he shall either be castrated
egregious shall be banished. Note that one’s own wives, or sentenced to death. If the rapist is a Vaishya he shall
children, younger brothers, slaves, and students may be have all his property forfeit and will be sentenced to one
legally beaten without constituting assault, unless they year’s imprisonment. Anyone who commits rape against
are beaten on the face or genitals. a member of the royal family shall be put to death by
6. DEFAMATION: Whoever defames the reputation of a fire (unless he is of the Brahmin caste, in which case he
Brahmin shall pay a fine of 25 rupya if he is a Brahmin, shall have his head shaved and be exiled). In the case
100 rupya if he is a Kshatriya, 200 if he is a Vaishya; where someone copulates with a willing unmarried
and if he is of lower caste he shall be flogged. Whoever woman not of his caste he must pay a fee of 200 rupya
defames the character of a Kshatriya shall pay a fine of (if she is of the same caste it is resolved by marriage).
50 rupya if he is a Brahmin, 25 rupya if he is a Kshatriya Anyone accused of a repeat offense must suffer double
or Vaishya, or 12 rupya if he is of lower caste. A Sudra the previous punishment.
or Dalit who is convicted of “gross defamation” against 16. TAX EVASION AND SMUGGLING: Anyone who at-
anyone of higher caste shall have his tongue cut out. tempts to sell merchandise in the kingdom without
Anyone regardless of caste who defames his own mother, paying the proper tax or who attempts to bring into the
wife, brother, child or teacher shall be fined 100 rupya. kingdom any merchandise the king has forbidden will be
7. DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY: Anyone who destroys sentenced with confiscation of all their properties. Any-
another person’s property, intentionally or unintentional- one who falsifies information to pay less than the full
ly, must pay back the value of the property, and in egre- amount of tax must pay eight times the amount of the
gious cases may be charged an additional fine up to the difference.
value of the property. 17. THEFT: In the case of theft under 50 rupya in
8. FAILURE TO FULFILL A CONTRACT: Anyone who sells value, the Thief must pay a fine of ten times the value
a good or promises a service in exchange for money and of what he stole, or be flogged. Theft over 50 rupya in
then fails to provide the adequate good or service is fined value is sentenced by having the hands cut off. He who
the original value and an extra amount equal to the orig- steals from Brahmins in any amount shall additionally
inal value of the payment. A Priest who fails to perform have his feet cut off. He who steals any amount from
his priestly duties is fined 100 rupya. helpless women, or from the royal family, is sentenced
9. FAILURE TO PROVIDE HOSPITALITY TO A BRAHMIN: to death. Any Vaishya, Kshatriya or Brahmin who steals
Anyone who turns away a Brahmin in the night must food because of hunger will not be punished, if it is
pay a fine of 1 rupya. proved they had no food of their own available.
10. I MPUGNING THE HONOR OF A DAMSEL: Anyone false-
ly claiming that a maiden is not a virgin will, on failure to
provide adequate proof of his claim, be fined 100 rupya.
11. Marriage laws: Anyone arranging a marriage who
fails to disclose that the potential bride is not a virgin is
fined 100 rupya.
12. MURDER: A Vaishya, Kshatriya or Brahmin who
kills someone to defend a Priest or a woman, or any-
one who kills in proven self-defense, will receive no
punishment. In other cases, one convicted of murder is
sentenced to death. As common sense dictates, this law
does not apply in the cases of killing in war, the fighting

178
 Appendix II:
In the Future

T
here is nothing to prevent a gm from • Arjuna, one of the Pandava princes of Western
taking the basic setting of the Bharata lands Kuru, visits Dwaraka, and falls in love with Krish-
as they stand, and directing their future for na’s sister, Subhadra; they flee the city and elope in
himself, based partly on the choices of his marriage.
characters, however he sees fit. The cam-
• Jarasandha assails the island of Dwaraka us-
paign is not meant to be a lesson in mythological history,
ing magic and Celestial Weapons, but Krishna
and if the Gm wishes, he can have the overall timeline
resists him with his own divine power as the
play out any way he likes. Perhaps he wants the Magh-
Avatara.
adan Emperor to succeed in his conquest; perhaps he
wants some powerful Asura lord to unite the various • The Pandavas in Western Kuru seek to build
Asura and Rakshasa nations against humanity, providing a new capital, so they assault and destroy the
an alien menace to the human kingdoms. There are any Naga Kingdom in the Khandava jungle, taking
number of potential heroes (or villains) he may wish to advantage of a time when the Naga king Tak-
see try to rise up to become king of kings (Maharaja). shaka is not present, wiping out the Nagas and
The following time-line of events, however, is present- razing most of the jungle; and there build a new
ed as a brief general guideline for those Gms who may capital, Indraprastha.
wish to consider how the story of the Bharata lands may
• Yudishthira, the Western Kuru king, seeking to
play out based on the epic Indian myth that inspired this
establish his right as the legitimate ruler of the
setting (the Mahabharata). In that case, from the basic
Kuru Kingdom, seeks to perform the Rajasuya
initial situation described in the setting material above,
Yagna ceremony (wherein he must travel to all
the following events would come to pass. They are not
the other human kings of the Bharata lands and
listed with specific dates, but rather the Gm should have
have them either recognize his authority, or de-
the events play out at the pace suitable for his campaign
feat them in warfare or combat). Krishna travels
within reason.
to Yudishthira and convinces him that the Magh-
FUTURE EVENTS adan Empire must be defeated first and foremost.
The Western Kurus thus enter into a war of im-
In chronological order: possible odds against the much mightier forces
of Maghada; but they score great military suc-
• Krishna will return to Mathura, and slay Kansa, cesses; including the defeat of many of the Naga
liberating his imprisoned family in the process. and Asura armies under the Maghadan banner,
and the slaying of king Sisupala of Ceda (one
• The emperor Jarasandha, enraged at the death of Jarasandha’s chief commanders) by Krishna.
of Kansa, begins an assault against the central Even so, their forces are nearly overwhelmed by
Kuru Kingdoms. He overruns much of eastern the sheer numbers of the Maghadan army, until
Kosala, parts of southern Panchala, Kunti, and the Pandavas sneak into the Maghadan capital
the Matsya Kingdom, forcing the rulers of these in disguise, and the strongest of the Pandavas,
lands (who had been warned of Jarasandha’s Bhima, defeats and slays Jarasandha in personal
intentions of making a great sacrifice of kings) to combat. The Maghadan empire is dispersed, the
flee westward as refugees. He finally lays siege to exiled rulers of its conquered lands return to their
Mathura, attempting to storm the city 17 times; kingdoms, and the imprisoned chiefs set to be
but temporarily retreats when the two chief sacrificed are freed. Jarasandha’s son Sahdeva is
generals in charge of the assault are both tricked crowned the king of the much-diminished Magh-
into committing suicide. During the respite from adan Kingdom, after he submits to Yudishthira.
the invasion, Krishna leads the aristocracy and For his part, Krishna returns to Dwaraka to rule
a great part of the population of Mathura into there as king, leaving Mathura to be governed by
exile, fleeing to the island city-state of Dwaraka, his relatives.
where he is welcomed and made king.

179
ARROWS OF INDRA

• Yudishthira continues his Rajasuya ceremony, devastating conflict, creates a condition by which
where he or his brothers travel to every human the Pandavas may regain their half of the king-
kingdom in the region both north and south of dom: they must go into exile for 13 years, and if
the Vindhya mountains, gaining recognition from their location is not discovered in that time, they
all the human kings either by submission or by will have the kingdom restored to them. The Pan-
force. Yudishthira also obtains the service of the davas are forced to reluctantly agree.
demon king Maya from the Patala Underworld,
• For the next 13 years there is relative stability;
obliging this master magician and architect to
Kuru is united again under Dhirtarashtra and
construct the most magnificent palace in all the
Duryodhana’s rule, and the Pandavas are hidden
Bharata lands for him in his new capital of In-
in exile, spending their time of exile in the Hi-
draprastha. Duryodhana and his brothers (along
mayant mountains, in the lands of the Nishada
with king Dhirtarashtra and all the other Kuru
tribe of barbarians (near the Thar desert), in the
elders) are present at the Rajasuya ceremony,
Kamyaka and Dwaita jungles (including time
where they are greatly humiliated. However,
spent among the Gandharvas of Gandharva
during the long festivities, king Shakuni of Gan-
Teertha), in the lands of Vidarbha, and finally
dara (who had long hated all the Kurus) sows
spending their last year in secret in the court
discord by challenging Yudishthira to a game
of their great friend, King Virata of the Matsya
of dice; Yudishthira proceeds to lose ever larger
Kingdom. During this time they engage in a
amounts until he eventually gambles away the
variety of acts of religious austerity as well as
entire Western Kuru Kingdom, which Shakuni
heroism (for example, it is during this time that
gives over to Duryodhana, hoping to cause a civil
Bhima slays the Rakshasa Baka, who was men-
war in the Kuru Kingdom. Dhirtarashtra, realiz-
tally controlling the king of Kichaka). At the end
ing his old enemy’s tricks, and wishing to avoid a
of this period of time, the Kuru Kingdom and

180
 forces of northern barbarians invade the Mat- forest. After this, Krishna, now quite old, also
sya Kingdom, and the Pandavas fight against retires to the wild lands where he is accidentally
Duryodhana’s army to defend the Matsya King- mortally shot by a hunter’s arrow while meditat-
dom from the invasion. ing. At the moment of his death, the island-city
of Dwaraka sinks into the sea, marking the end
• The Pandavas demand that their half of the
of the age of this great Avatara.
Kuru Kingdom be restored, but Duryodhana
refuses, making war inevitable. The two sides • Parikshit rules over Kuru Kingdom as a benign
gather allies from almost all the armies of the and Holy ruler; but the deeds of his forefathers

APPENDIX 1
Bharata lands. The armies of the Southern comes back to haunt him when the Naga King
Panchala Kingdom, Dwaraka, Kasi, Maghada, Takshaka, seeking revenge for the destruction of
Ceda, Matsya, Mathura and others ally with his kingdom in the Khandava forest long ago,
the Pandavas under Yudishthira’s banner. On hunts down Parikshit and slays him with his
the other side, Duryodhana obtains the armies poison bite. Parikshit’s son Janamejaya inherits
of Northern Panchala, Anga, Madra, Gandara, the Kuru throne, and begins a massive campaign
Bahlika, and many barbarian tribes. In the end, of war against the Nagas. He has the Nagas
there are at least a million troops on each side, slaughtered wherever they can be found, and
which meet to do battle in the valley of Kuruk- travels to and destroys the Naga city of Tak-
shetra. The epic battle lasts for 18 days, at the shasila with his army, defeating Takshaka in per-
end of which out of all the troops who fought sonal combat. However, as he is about the slay
only 11 soldiers survive, including the Pandavas Takshaka, the great child-sage Astika stops him,
and Krishna (who was Arjuna’s charioteer). The convincing Janamejaya that he must surrender
entire armed forces of almost all the human his hatred. The humans make peace with the
kingdoms as well as the vast majority of the remaining Nagas, ending the last great conflict
human nobility are wiped out in the brief apoc- of the epic age.
alyptic war. Of Dhirtarashtra’s 100 sons, only
These are the major events of the Epic Indian age.
one (Yuyutsu, who at the last moment switched
But the Gm should make sure that what really matters
side to fight alongside the Pandavas) survives.
in the campaign is what the Player Characters choose
Yudishthira becomes king over the remains of
to do. Some groups might wish to involve themselves
the Kuru Kingdom, sparing Dhirtarashtra’s life
in these events, others to stay on the periphery; the Gm
(the blind and aged monarch is retired to a her-
should never reduce the Pcs to mere witnesses of histori-
mitage in the mountains), and making a final
cal events. As in any Old School game, the Pcs and their
peace by giving Yuyutsu vassal reign over the
choices should be the central focus of the campaign.
city of Indraprastha.
• The heir to Yudishthira’s throne is Arjuna’s grand-
son, Parikshit (all the Pandava’s sons died in the
war). When Parikshit comes of age, Yudishthira,
devastated by the destruction his generation has
caused, abdicates in favor of his grand-nephew,
and he and his brothers all leave to travel to the
Kailas mountains, where they either die or ascend Here ends Arrows of Indra.
to the heavens.
OM. Shanti shanti shanti.
• After the Kurukshetra war, one of Dhirtarash-
tra’s wives (wracked with grief over the death of
all her sons) cursed Krishna, since as the Avatara
he could have stopped the war, but he chose not
to do so. She curses him that he will witness his
entire family destroyed as well. Krishna contin-
ued to live and rule (and his surviving family
rule in Mathura) for many years after the war;
until finally the curse comes to pass at a great
religious festival in Mathura. All of Krishna’s
family are present, and drunken hostilities broke
out from long-held resentments between cous-
ins. This escalates into a war that ends in the
death of every single blood relative of Krishna,
culminating when his brother Balarama (a great
Yogi) willingly starves himself to death in the

181
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ARROWS OF INDRA

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