Liber Fanatica III

Liber Fanatica - Volume III : The Game Master’s Guide
Foreword
T his third volume of the Liber Fanatica consists of three parts: In the Articles section you will find
contributions on various aspects of gamesmastering WFRP, with topics ranging from an in-depth
look at designing campaigns to expanded skill rules for WFRP2. The Tool Shed houses a selection of
hopefully useful tools for designing and running WFRP scenarios. The Appendices consists of a
collection of material on using the Internet in different ways for playing WFRP: Email, Online Chat and
Message Board.
Apart from thanking all the writers for their individual contributions, James Walkerdine deserves
special recognition for once again stepping forward to do the layout. Jude Hornborg has added new
energy (and a website!) to our ongoing project, and Wim van Gruisen proved yet again to be a candid
and constructive commenter. John F Foody and Robin Low did a thorough job with the quality control.
Last but not least I would like to extend my gratitude to the persons who have made the Liber Fanatica
available from their websites, enabling the success of the first two volumes.
The worldwide WFRP community also deserves recognition for all the encouragement and kind
comments since the release of the first two volumes. In fact, the international nature of this hobby
repeatedly comes to my mind: the collaborators on this volume come from five different countries, and
the readers of the previous volumes hail from many more. When writing this, the French translations
alone of the first two Liber Fanatica have each been downloaded well over 1,000 times!
Well, before I add another page I better let you go enjoy this volume. The beers are in the fridge, the
table is set, and the guys are here any minute now. It is going to be another great night of WFRP.
Henrik Grönberg, December 2005

Editor Liber Fanatica III – The Game Master’s Guide
Disclaimer Table of Contents

This compendium is
completely unofficial Articles
and in no way Writing a Campaign.............................................................................3
endorsed by Games by Wim van Gruisen
Workshop Limited. Handling Horror and Insanity.............................................................12
by James Walkerdine
Chaos, the Chaos
device, the Chaos logo,
Convention Scenarios ..........................................................................16
Citadel, Citadel Device, by Alfred Nuñez Jr.
Darkblade, the On the Table........................................................................................19
Double- by Jude Hornborg
Headed/Imperial Eagle Win, Lose or Draw...............................................................................23
device, 'Eavy Metal, by Jude Hornborg
Forge World, Games
Workshop, Games
Workshop logo, Golden Tool Shed
Demon, Great Unclean Character Traits...................................................................................38
One, GW, the Hammer by Henrik Grönberg
of Sigmar logo, Horned Settlements of Sigmar .........................................................................49
Rat logo, Keeper of
Secrets, Khemri,
by Henrik Grönberg
Khorne, the Khorne Changing Seasons ................................................................................51
logo, Lord of Change, by Henrik Grönberg
Nurgle, the Nurgle Inns of the Empire................................................................................53
logo, Skaven, the by Henrik Grönberg
Skaven symbol
devices, Slaanesh, the
Ex Libris Imperialis .............................................................................57
Slaanesh logo, Tomb by Henrik Grönberg
Kings, Trio of Warriors, Tales of the Rover ................................................................................66
Twin Tailed Comet by Henrik Grönberg
Logo, Tzeentch, the
Tzeentch logo,
Warhammer,
Appendices
Warhammer Online, Playing WFRP by Email ......................................................................75
Warhammer World by David Hatch
logo, White Dwarf, the Playing WFRP Online .........................................................................79
White Dwarf logo, and by Jude Hornborg
all associated marks, Playing WFRP by Message Board........................................................81
names, races, race
by Philip Hamilton
insignia, characters,
vehicles, locations,
units, illustrations and Credits
images from the Editor/Layout: Henrik Grönberg, James Walkerdine
Warhammer world are Feedback and Proofreading: John F Foody, Henrik Grönberg, Wim van Gruisen,
either ®, TM and/or © David Hatch, Jude Hornborg, Robin Low, Dave Keville, Adrian Maddocks, Martin
Copyright Games Oliver, Dorothy Rachovides.
Workshop Ltd 2000-
The Liber Fanatica is a compendium of articles dedicated to the Warhammer
2005, variably
Fantasy Role-Playing Game. Published December 2005.
registered in the UK
and other countries The work is offered free of charge to all interested parties and is not to be sold in
around the world. any form. It may be printed or offered for download if distributed free of charge. All
Used without the documents comprising the Liber Fanatica, including the cover and contents
permission. No page, belong together and are to be kept that way. Individual articles from this
challenge to their compendium cannot be published or distributed separate from the other parts of
status intended. All Liber Fanatica without the explicit permission of the article’s author.
Rights Reserved to
All original material is copyright to the respective author.
their respective
owners. Email the Liber Fanatica guild at Liber.Fanatica@gmail.com
Visit the Liber Fanatica website at http://www.liberfanatica.net
1
Articles
2
Writing a Campaign
by Wim van Gruisen
T his article is about creating RPG campaigns.

The focus is on Warhammer Fantasy
Roleplay (any edition), but the topic is generic
WFRP Campaign’s
The Enemy Within
enough to be of value for other RPGs as well. A - The Enemy Within
campaign is nothing more or less than a series of - Shadows over Bogenhafen
adventures, in the same setting and usually with - Death on the Reik
the same group of characters. A good campaign, - Power behind the Throne
however, is quite a bit more than that. This - Something Rotten in Kislev
- Empire in Flames
article intends to give you some instruments with
which you can make your campaign better. This is the quintessential WFRP campaign,
widely recognised as one of the best roleplaying
WFRP is a good game for running a campaign – campaigns ever written. The PCs become deeper
for one thing, campaigns were, and are, and deeper involved in a plot to have the Empire
published for the game. The The Enemy Within descend in a civil war, and deal with those Chaos
campaign for WFRP’s first edition is generally cults to profit from it.
known as one of the best fantasy campaigns ever The last volume is both very difficult to get your
published for a roleplaying game. Other hands on, and seen as one of the weakest parts
campaigns were the Doomstones campaign and of the campaign. Further, it does not fit with the
the privately published A Private War by Tim world in WFRP2. For all these reasons, Alfred
Eccles. They are out of print now, but with a bit Nunez has taken it upon him to write an
of luck you can find them on Ebay. For the new alternative ending, Empire at War.
edition, Black Industries has published The
Ashes of Middenheim the first part of their new Doomstones
Paths of the Damned campaign. The sidebar - Crossing the Border (a small introductory
mentions all published WFRP campaigns that the adventure published in Hogswash)
LF team knows of. - Fire in the Mountains
- Blood in Darkness
We can distinguish between different kinds of - Death Rock
campaigns. The simplest one is the episodic - Dwarf Wars
campaign, in which the PCs face a different - Heart of Chaos
problem every session. They fight beastmen on The Doomstones campaign is rather atypical in
Backerstag, are opposed by mutants on Marktag that it is set far from the civilised world. It is also
and discover cultists on Konigstag, all without more high-powered than the standard WFRP
one encounter being related to the other. It is sort setting, with the PCs getting their hands on a
of the A-team approach to adventuring; every number of insanely powerful artefacts, the
session a new adventure, and rarely is one Doomstones.
related to the other.
A Private War
The rambling campaign is a bit more structured; - A Private War
this one is characterised by longer story arcs, - All Quiet in Kislev
and different adventures are related to each - Homeward Bound
other, the ending of one often leading into the - Wheatland Colonies: A Pass Too Far
next one. There is no clear end, however, with no
single goal which the stories lead to. This Not part of the official canon, this campaign was
campaign can go on forever. A comparable TV published privately by Tim Eccles. The tone is
much more down to earth, and magic and
program would be your average soap.
monsters are noted by their absence. The stress
A step above the rambling campaign is the is much on the evil that men do.
structured one; here we have a campaign that
has a definite beginning, middle and end. Mini campaigns for WFRP1 can be found in
Adventures during the campaign are in the - The Restless Dead
service of this structure. - Return of the Lichemaster
- Dying of the Light
Each type of campaign above adds some
complexity to the previous one. This article Paths of the Damned
concentrates on structured campaigns, as they - The Ashes of Middenheim
are the most comprehensive. Simpler types of - The Spires of Altdorf
campaigns are automatically covered. - The Forges of Nuln
This is the first campaign written for WFRP
second edition. As this is still being in
development, we’ll refrain from discussing it.
3
Phases in a Campaign mind and write down everything that you think
works with that idea or belongs in such a
Preparation campaign.
A structured campaign needs a continuing plot,
or a number of them intertwining. Take some Once you have the central ideas for your
time to find it. The Warhammer world is a rich campaign you can start building it further. You
setting, and you won’t be spoiled for ideas. If can create more detail for the different episodes
there is a standard WFRP campaign, it would be of the campaign. You could create a timeline or a
the one where the PCs find traces of a secret flowchart of events to structure this. Also, design
organisation threatening the safety of the Empire, NPCs that the characters will encounter,
follow those traces and end up destroying that locations that will come up frequently in the
organisation in a climactic event, just as the story, and write down rumours and legends that
organisation is ready to deliver the coup de grace. the PCs will need to hear. You can then link them
But that has been done already, and the world to the timeline or flowchart.
has so much more to offer. The threat of Chaos is An important part of preparation is character
one of the defining characteristics of the creation. Think about your campaign and what
Warhammer world, and good for many types of characters would fit. If you’ve discussed
adventures, but the world is rich enough to offer the general thrust of the campaign with your
many other campaign themes. Revolution may be players (always a good idea), you should also
brewing in Bretonnia, or the forests of the Empire have discussed the type of characters they would
might hide an ancient danger. Overseas we have like to play in the campaign. Consequently, you
the Lustrian colonies, the secrets and fabled shouldn’t just let players roll on the big career
treasures of ancient Khemri and the frozen lands table in the rulebook. Adapt this table, offer one
of Norsca. with fewer choices, created to fit the campaign, or
Inspiration can come from plots in books and at least the starting adventure (see below).
films as well. The Lord of the Rings has served as Alternatively, you could use selected
inspiration for many RPG campaigns, but isn’t backgrounds from Liber Fanatica I – for instance,
the only book with a stealable plot. Just imagine if the game starts in Marienburg, you could limit
a group of apprentice wizard PCs in the same PC backgrounds to only the urban, waterline,
college who learn that an ancient enemy, long bourgeois and mercantile backgrounds. Or you
believed dead, is gaining power again. Each year could make up your own table. If you asked the
in school that power is getting stronger, and the players before what advanced career they aspire
PCs will have to battle its deranged followers, to, make sure there are some starting careers
discovering and foiling their plans, all the while which lead to those careers.
worrying about classes and exams. The campaign Characters are more than just a bunch of stats.
ends in a climax at the end of their Have your players flesh out the character by
apprenticeship, when the enemy finally comes to considering a backstory, have them think about
life again and engages the PCs in a head-to-head the goals for the character. The Ten Questions in
confrontation. While J.K. Rowling may not like the rulebook help with that, as do the Ten
your running such a campaign, you’re pretty safe Questions and Motivations articles in Liber
from her lawyers as long as you don’t use names Fanatica I.
like Harry Potter, Voldemort or Hogwarts.
One final important source of inspiration is your
players. Ask yourself (or better, ask them) what
sort of campaign they want to play. With WFRP,
you can also ask what sort of advanced career
they aspire to. If a player wants to be a sea
captain, and another would like to be a famous
explorer, it seems that your campaign theme is
close to being set.
There are two good ways to begin constructing a
campaign. A first one is to take a blank piece of
paper and making a list about what you would
like to do in a campaign, and what elements of
the setting you want in there. Just write
everything that you think is cool. Get places,
persons, events, and so on; the more the merrier.
When you’ve done, there’s the more difficult part
– scrapping. Look through your list and mark Beginning
those ideas that particularly appeal to you. Find The start of a campaign is always important. You
a way to combine them in a theme, then run should spend some time on this. This covers not
through the other items in the list to see if they only the first session, but the ones that follow as
fit in. If they don’t, scrap them. The second well. Generally, the beginning of a campaign lasts
method is to start with a theme. Keep this idea in as long as the first story arc.
4
This phase has to accomplish a few things. First, Third, the starting adventure should show the
it has to introduce the themes of the campaign, setting – or at least those parts of the setting
the big ideas, what it will all be about. Second, it which are important to the game. Ancient Khemri
has to bring the PCs together, and give them a is part of the Warhammer world, but if the
reason to stick with together for the rest of the campaign never gets near that place, don’t bother
adventure. Then it has to give a glimpse of the showing it that much. Instead, introduce some
setting and introduce some of the recurring story elements which will be important later.
elements – organisations, characters, rumours, Have the PCs meet or at least hear of NPCs who
legends, the main villain if you use someone like they will encounter regularly throughout the
that. Last, if some of your players have never campaign. Feed them rumours and let them
played WFRP before, or have never played a know legends which will be important during the
roleplaying game at all, the start of the campaign story. If the PCs hear about it now, their
will have to give them a crash course on the rules appearance or importance much later, will have
of the game. much more impact than if you only introduce
them when they are needed.
The plot of the campaign is what you came up
with in the preparation – the adventure that will
be the red line throughout the campaign. Ideally,
this comes to the fore in the beginning. This does Middle
not have to be in an in-your-face kind of way, but This phase is usually the most substantial phase
the campaign looks better if things seem to hang of the story. This is where plots evolve. The plot
together from the start. The campaign I am that started in the beginning gets more
GMing now started in a small village, where a complicated here; new plotlines may be
travelling entertainer showed his collection of introduced. The setting deepens as characters
fierce beastmen. Now, several adventures later, find out there is more in the world, and deeper
the PCs are travelling (or rather, running for their secrets, than they expected.
dear lives) through a beastmen-infested forest.
The Lord of the Rings is again a good example.
One way to introduce the theme is to present the The story starts in the sleepy Shire, in the quiet,
absolute opposite. If your campaign will take the parochial Hobbiton. The plot seems
characters through war and chaos-infested straightforward; the hobbits are to bring a ring to
lands, you could start in a small, peaceful village. Rivendell, and make sure to keep it out of the
Throughout the adventure, while the PCs are hands of the Black Riders. However, the plot gets
combating the vile hordes of Chaos, the peace of more complicated and the setting expands
their home village will remind them why they are greatly, and before they know it, the hobbits are
doing it. Likewise, if the campaign revolves involved in full-scale war against the forces of evil
around a treasure hunt, you may start the PCs in and are on first name terms with the most
abject poverty, their friends and family being powerful people of Middle Earth, while travelling
oppressed by a local baron who squeezes every through wondrous lands they’ve only heard of in
last penny out of them. campfire stories. And they see oliphaunts.
The beginning is also the place where the PCs In this part of the campaign the GM has his work
meet and where they decide to stay together cut out for him. This is the part where everything
throughout the adventure. There are different grows. The PCs meet new friends, lose old ones,
ways of doing this. There is the old, but and accumulate enemies. Meanwhile, the world
unsatisfying, “you all meet in a inn” (with all its evolves with them. Threats of war may grow
variants). A more believable way is to have all stronger, technology may increase, and new
characters be related in some way. Perhaps they inventions may have an impact on society (a
already know each other and already being a printing press, perhaps?). New laws are passed.
group. Perhaps they are friends, all living in the People grow ill or die – sometimes those are
same village, or sharing rooms in the same house important people, like electors or the Emperor.
in the city. Or they could be working together – Quite often, these changes will have some to a lot
all for the same patron, or as a group of of influence on the story. Ideally, you will have
mercenaries, or travelling entertainers, or a noble thought about these developments while
and his retinue, and so on. preparing the campaign, and made notes about
what changes occur when.
One important element in WFRP is the career
system. Make use of it. The standard approach to Show the PCs (and the players) that time passes.
starting a new campaign (the rulebook approach, For example, have a cathedral being built in a
at least) is that the PCs have enough of their city that is important to the campaign. Every
careers and will start adventuring. The approach time they are there, tell them how more parts of
has its disadvantages however (see Liber Fanatica the cathedral are ready now. Likewise, show
I, “Career Guidance”). A better way is to design a changes in the lives of NPCs. If early in the game
starting adventure that takes those careers into the PCs became involved in a forbidden romance
account, or to allow players only to play careers between two NPCs, show later on how this
that fit the starting adventure. romance ended – have the NPCs marry, and still
5
later get children, or have them killed by their based on the idea that the characters steadily
families. become more powerful and get more influence in
the Warhammer world. Actually, this is one of the
Change also occurs to the PCs. The WFRP career
game’s strengths: seeing characters gradually
scheme is meant for characters to grow in
becoming important in society; growing from
society. Their status will change with each career
lowly Rat Catchers to Noble Lords. At a certain
switch, and with this, the type of adventure will
moment that growth comes to an end, however –
have to change as well. A rat catcher will get
or at least, the PCs’ lives are at such high levels
involved in a different kind of adventure than a
that their adventures are not gritty and perilous
cat burglar, and a crime lord will face still other
enough anymore to be real Warhammer
challenges. Another consequence of the career
adventures anymore. A Noble Lord, Guild Master,
system is that the character will need to change
High Priest or someone in a similar function
careers from time to time. Since you hand out
won’t descend into the sewers to find a runaway
XPs, the pacing of this is much in your hands. By
goblin, or go on a quest to find a holy hammer;
the time that a PC is ready to get into a new
they have their people for that, or at least the
career, be sure that the story has offered him
money and power to hire those people.
opportunities to do so; the PC should have met
some prospective employers by now or Most campaigns benefit from an ending, though.
encountered other opportunities to enter a new An ending gives closure to the story, a sense of
career. accomplishment for the players and it prevents
the campaign from going stale by endless
repetition. The main jobs for the GM at this
phase are:
End
- Getting the plot lines together and resolving
The end of a campaign is the place where all
them;
unresolved plotlines come together and (most of
- Getting the PCs where their players want
them) come to a close in a big climax. Ideally,
them to be;
from the start the campaign has been built with
- Gearing things up to a climax.
this ending in sight – it should have campaign
plots and story elements built in with a clear aim If everything has gone well in the previous stages,
at them being used or resolved in this phase of these points have been prepared in advance and
the campaign. If timed well, the end also sees the this is not as much work as it seems. In
PCs in the careers they had been aiming for since roleplaying campaigns things rarely go as
the start (or equivalent ones if they changed planned, though.
directions somewhere during the campaign) and
when their personal goals are met. Bringing together and resolving plot lines is the
main function of the ending. In preparation for it,
Does a campaign need an end? Some do, and the GM must have an idea what will happen
some don’t. Certainly with structured campaigns, here, an idea that gets more detailed the closer
at a certain moment the story is told, the foes the ending comes. Then he can have a look at the
have been vanquished, the good guys have still open plotlines and think how to fit them in
married the beautiful princesses and everyone that ending. Another thing that needs to be done
lives happily ever after. What is more, a well is to check whether the PCs need information,
planned campaign leads to a climax and a good special items or other stuff in order to succeed in
wrapping up of plot threads. Once that climax is the ending, and provide it to them. Certain plot
over, what happens afterward usually does not developments might need to be sped up or slowed
reach the same heights anymore. The TEW down in order to let everything fall together at the
campaign ends in Empire in Flames with an right time.
Empire torn apart in civil war, and the PCs sent
off to find a relic of Sigmar in order to repair it. It During the game, PCs have had personal goals,
is a grandiose spectacle (and if you cannot find it, either defined at character creation or developed
Alfred Nunez’ freely downloadable replacement through the campaign. In WFRP, some goals are
Empire at War promises to be even grander), set by the career system, while other goals are
which closes off the continuing Purple Hand plot less system-related. In preparation of the ending,
thread and several other ones that ran the GM should make a quick check of those
throughout the campaign. It would be difficult to character goals, and more important, player
top that without making it look artificial. goals, and make sure that they are fulfilled when
Campaigns sometimes go on after such a final the campaign ends.
climax, and a prime reason for that is often The ending itself should lead up to a climax. Most
inertia. The group is used to the schedule of people take this to mean a gigantic combat or
meeting once a week and playing WFRP, players action scene, but while that is certain a
(and sometimes the GM as well) cannot say possibility, it is not the only one. In Perry Mason
goodbye to their characters. mysteries and movies like A Few Good Men the
While this problem is specific for structured climax of the story is a court scene, which can be
campaigns, another one touches on all WFRP as exciting as an action scene. In movies like
campaigns. The career mechanics of WFRP are Angel Heart, The Usual Suspects and certainly
6
The Sixth Sense, the climax is a final piece of that fit in this new world, perhaps twenty years
information that reverses the meaning of later. One possibility is to have the players play
everything that has happened until then. While a their former characters’ children – it is a trick
well-prepared action scene is in most cases a that is used in other sources as well, from Star
worthy climax to the campaign, it may be Wars (in reverse) to Zelazny’s Amber series. It
worthwhile to look at other options. works well there, so why not in your RPG?
Sometimes the climax of the plot is followed by
an aftermath, which is part of the end phase as Structuring a campaign
well. An aftermath allows the players to see how Looking at a campaign, first from a distance and
the climax, and their actions, have changed the then closely, is a bit like looking at the recursive
world, or at least their PCs’ lives. This is also the borders of the Mandelbrot set; the closer you
final chance to resolve plot lines that did not find look, the more you see repeating structures come
their way in the climax, and to have in-story back at lower levels. A campaign is one big story,
explanations of certain mysteries that cropped up with a beginning, middle and an end, but if you
during the campaign. look a bit closer you see that that story is made
up of smaller stories that follow up on each other,
But eventually it will be over. As mentioned and those smaller stories are made of still smaller
before, though, players might be reluctant to stories ... and each of those stories consists of a
leave the story and the world they have created. A beginning, middle and an end.
possible way to resolve this, while not dragging
the campaign on and on, is to start a new A simple way of structuring the campaign is to
campaign in the world the previous one has left put one such story after another, going for a
behind. The former PCs have become powerful rather linear plot. However, if you plan just a
NPCs, and the players can make new characters little ahead, you can make things much more
interesting for your players. It is not difficult to
Slowing Character Advancement have a few stories running at the same time. A tip
There are ways around the problem of characters from Over the Edge: at any time, offer the PCs
growing too large to fit into adventures. They all leads to at least three different adventures. The
have consequences for the campaign you are characters will take one lead, leading to one
running, though. While this article doesn’t delve adventure. When they have finished it, the other
into them in depth, some solutions are mentioned two leads will still be waiting for them (but things
below. may have evolved in the meantime) and this is
when you add a lead to a new adventure. In this
No advancement. This is the reason that many way the world becomes more real for players and
stories in books, comics or on TV go on it does look like things happen independent of
indefinitely. The characters hardly change. the player characters.
Captain Picard was as competent in the first
episode of Star Trek: The New Generation as he Another trick is one used with much success in
was when the final episode was broadcast. Asterix television soaps. Yes, I know your opinion of soap
doesn’t change or grow more powerful between operas, but it is hard to deny that they have a
several issues of the comic series with his name, formula which captivates their audience, so
and neither do a lot of other characters of timeless perhaps there is something to learn from them.
series. If you are thinking about a continuing As the Old World Turns ... Ostlanders ...
campaign, without clear goals for the players, you
might reconsider the role of experience points and Anyway, at any moment soap operas have a
advancement. number of story arcs going. These last for a few
months, and are chopped up into smaller stories
High mortality rate. A rather blunt way to that run for a week of two, three – the recursive
prevent characters from growing too powerful is to pattern mentioned above for RPG campaigns. The
kill them early, and often, and replace them with writers of soap operas compose the story arcs so
new characters. In a group which likes lots of that when one arc ends, at least one or two other
combat and other peril and has no problems with
ones are in full action. In that way, viewers are
the absence of plot immunity for PCs, this works
tempted to stay on and keep following the series.
well.
They don’t get a moment at which to say: “OK, so
Revolutions, or other things that bring down all the stories I have been watching are ending
characters from time to time. Those who had now – I can now stop watching the series and do
climbed to the top are now at the bottom once something useful instead.” The soap way of
more. The Guild Master can be set up or shown as structuring a series can rather easily be used in a
a fraud, and as he loses his position in society, he roleplaying campaign. While there is much less
has to start from the gutter again. The Crime Lord risk that players of a campaign want to leave, it is
finds his organisation corrupted, and then never a bad idea to make the campaign more
destroyed, by another organisation. Time to go attractive to them.
back to picking pockets. This only helps partially;
a character’s social position is destroyed, but Structuring the campaign also means that you
stats and skills don’t disappear. There’s also the should take care to have a variety of scenarios to
question of how often a GM can do this before run; vary combat-oriented scenarios with those
players get annoyed by it. where the focus is on investigation or roleplaying;
7
Ideas for Scenarios thin air, and don’t suddenly disappear either. By
Some unusual types of scenario that can be used foreshadowing those elements, bringing them up
during a campaign: repeatedly, and mentioning their effects long after
• The players play the role of NPCs they are dealt with, they become a more natural
This works well in cases where the PCs don’t part of the story, and the story feels more real.
have the qualifications or necessary skills to Some story elements are continuous and
act. They all get assigned a role, together with unchanging, while others have a life cycle of their
character motivations and character sheet.
own, with a beginning, middle and end. It helps
Used sparingly, this can add greatly to a
to prepare, to think of how to bring these
campaign.
I used it at the end of a session in which the
elements into your story, and at what instant in
PCs were in prison, waiting to be judged. the campaign, and when to have them reappear
During the session, the PCs were interrogated again. On the other hand, sometimes plot
about certain crimes. I noted down their elements just show up and only in playing do you
answers and at the end of the session I handed find out that this NPC you made up on the spur
them to the players and let them take on the of the moment, is going to be a continuing
roles of prosecutor and defence, in a trial about influence.
the fate of the PCs.
Foreshadowing
• Flashback scenarios There are different ways to introduce plot
These are used to show what happened long elements that will become important later in the
ago. If (some of the) PCs are involved in the story. Rumours are a favourite one. If the PCs are
scenarios, they can be played by their players, travelling toward a town, on their way they can
but other players take NPC roles. The same meet people who are travelling away from that
technique can be used not with flashbacks, but town and can provide all sorts of news about it. If
with a “meanwhile, in another part of the they are about to meet someone important, they
country” kind of story, showing for instance an can hear about that person in advance. They can
orc attack that will have consequences months
hear about the theft of a painting from a museum
later for the PCs and the main plot.
early in the campaign if that painting is going to
play an important role later on. In the TEW
switch the tone every so often; after having run
campaign, the PCs will at some time travel to
some horror-based ones, bring something
Middenheim at the time the Carnival there is
comedic or light. Also, try to vary storylines. You
about to begin. The Carnival being an event that
should have several; different aspects of the main
draws people from all over the Empire, it is not
plot, side plots, stories which are personal to one
difficult to have the PCs meet fellow travellers
of the PCs – try to give attention to each of them
who are going to Middenheim to participate in the
(although they don’t all require equal attention).
festivities, and who can tell the PCs all sorts of
Also keep in mind that not every scenario has to stories about it.
further the main plotline. It is nice if they do, but
Of course, these rumours don’t have to be true.
on the other hand it can sometimes be refreshing
Quite often it is much more interesting if they are
to make a sidestep to an adventure that is only
false; that way the introduction of the actual plot
vaguely connected to the main structure. Or such
element will still be a surprise for the PCs, whose
side stories can have a function in the campaign.
expectations may be very different from the
A common one is to liven up long stretches where
actual situation. Or several rumours may
nothing plot-related happens. Another function is
contradict each other, so that the PCs won’t
the introduction of one thing or another; this can
know what to believe.
go from background elements in the setting to
career opportunities for PCs who are near the Another way of foreshadowing plot elements is to
end of their careers. A third possible function is show them briefly. Have the PCs talk to someone
the management of the adventure; you might who will turn out to be their worst enemy later in
want to slow the adventure down so that you the adventure. Or have them stay in a town on
don’t have to start the new big story arc right their way to somewhere else, only to have them
before the holidays, or you might want to give the find out later that that town is the hub of a web
players the chance to earn some XP, so that they of cultists.
can switch to new careers before the next stage in
the campaign. Foreshadowing makes the players familiar with
plot elements when those plot elements become
important. This makes those elements seem more
Continuity real, and with them the campaign.
One principle that makes a campaign seem more
than just a series of unrelated events, is Repetition
continuity. It is at once simple and hard: the Once plot elements are introduced, try to make
concept is simple, but applying it takes some them reappear from time to time. This creates
work. This applies to a variety of story elements; familiarity with the setting. It can be as simple as
characters, places, events, rumours, items, and having a certain brand of beer appear time and
so on. A story, and likewise a campaign, is much time again, in different inns. At a certain
stronger if these plot elements don’t appear out of moment, the characters won’t just order “a mug
8
of beer” but will ask the innkeeper for “A bottle of the Throne for TEW is an adventure where the
Green Oak Beer, if you have that, sir.” Likewise, PCs have to talk to a lot of important people to
have minor characters pop up several times find out what a cult is planning, and stopping
during the campaign, allowing players to become this before it’s too late. In anticipation of that
friends with them - or enemies, if desired. If the adventure, I inserted plot elements in earlier
campaign takes place in one city, or area, inform scenarios which, if approached rightly, would
the players about some specific places in that help the PCs to approach these important people.
area and the characters that are connected to. An
inn with its staff, the local shop with the two Planning ahead vs. winging it
sisters who manage the place, the Guild Hall with There are two extreme styles when it comes to
its droning, boring civil servant ... Have the planning a campaign. One is to plan ahead and
characters visit those places repeatedly, and they lay out every part of the plot in extreme detail,
will get a life of their own. Even if nothing the other is to start an epic campaign with
happens there, those places and those people will nothing more than half a page of loose notes, and
become anchor points in the campaign. take everything from there. Both styles have their
The repeating of plot elements is also a good way advantages and disadvantages, and in reality
to show the passage of time. Rumours about the GMs take a middle position, having planned the
Crown Prince’s health will change every so often, campaign to some extent but leaving some things
vaguely mirroring the development of his illness. up to improvisation. Neither will they have
If the players visit the local shop every so often, planned every aspect to the same extent, by for
have them witness how the younger sister falls in instance having gone quite specific about the
love, gets married in a later scenario, and still main plot but just having noted down some
later has children running around in the shop. vague words about NPC stats. Different GMs will
do things differently, according to their style and
Making those plot elements familiar also makes experience.
the players care about them, and you can use
this to give more impact to scenarios. If the PCs Planning ahead can be lots of work before the
were witness to the lives of the shopkeeper campaign or adventure starts, but allows you to
sisters, and you start one scenario with them spend less time once the game is afoot. Knowing
being killed during a robbery, it will make more what story elements are required in the future,
impact than if the same had happened with some you can already introduce them early in the
unknown shopkeepers in another part of town. game. You can take elements forward when
players do something unexpected, for instance,
running an encounter some time before you had
thought it would occur. In complicated stories
(like investigative scenarios), a detailed plan
Aftermath assures you that you can present a coherent set
Once a plot element has run its course, try not to of clues to the PCs before they take action.
make it disappear without a trace. Show the
aftermath. After the corner shop robbery, show At the same time, planning ahead does mean that
the effects of the sisters being dead. There will be you sacrifice flexibility. It is not easy to
a grieving widower and some half-orphans incorporate new ideas into the story, as you have
littering the streets. The shop may be closed now, to check how this new thing affects all the plots
so that the people living there will have to buy and aspects that are currently running and will
their stuff elsewhere. Or, if it reopens under new be introduced in the future. Lack of flexibility
management, have people mutter how the service becomes more of a hindrance when something
and the quality of the goods were much better serious happens; for instance if the players don’t
when the sisters were still running the shop. If particularly like the plot that you want to take
the PCs managed to find the thief, the people will them on and ask you to not go further on this
know this and still compliment the PCs for it for way, or if the player whose PC is the main lead
months after the robbery. for an important part of the plot, is not able to
attend anymore.
PCs’ actions reverberate throughout the
campaign in more significant ways than through Maintenance will be required. At the end of a
their reputations alone. In the TEW campaign it session, or of a story arc, record what happened
is the characters’ actions which determine and think about how it will affect future
whether Bögenhafen is a thriving market town on scenarios. Sometimes these will have to be
the way from Altdorf to Bretonnia or a rewritten to some extent in order to make
sulphorous, demon-spouting pit of Chaos. On a everything fit.
smaller scale, if the characters meet people they Winging it takes away these problems and allows
have met before, the reactions of those people you to do much less work. You stay more flexible
may depend on how the characters behaved the and can deal with major changes. It also allows
first time. You can design PC’s actions have you to devote more attention to the players,
consequences later on; the way that one giving their PCs more room to do what they like
encounter is solved can then have a direct effect without being constrained by what you planned.
on a later adventure. For example Power behind However, it has disadvantages of its own. Lack of
9
plotting ahead makes it more difficult to run items, or scenarios are necessary to get to the
complicated scenarios or campaigns, where a ending.
party needs a number of clues presented to them
However, as I said, the best laid plans of mice
in order to reach certain conclusions which lead
and GMs ... No matter how much you prepare,
them to the next part of the plot. By winging it
sometimes the players manage to artfully avoid
you thus restrict yourself to less complicated
all the traps that you placed to get them on the
scenarios.
right track. This might be a time to panic. Which
Foreshadowing is a bit more difficult, as you is fine. But after you’ve finished doing so, take a
don’t know what you should be foreshadowing. look at your campaign structure again – if this
However, it can still be done – nothing stops you structure is solid enough, you will find a solution.
from having the party see a glimpse every now Some questions that you may ask yourself are:
and then of that enigmatic stranger that seems to
- Are there other ways leading to B? Now that
be following them, or to have them hear rumours
the PCs missed the path that you had in
about goblin raids in the east country, and only
mind, are there other paths that would lead
later decide how to use those elements in your
them there?
game. Even if you don’t have a clear idea where
- How important is B? What happens if that
the campaign is going to, use foreshadowing
part of the campaign is skipped? Can you
anyway. Inform the PCs about some rumours, let
afford to lead the PCs directly to the next part
them meet a mysterious character ... and decide
of the plot?
later what those rumours mean, and who that
- What was supposed to happen in B? What
character actually is. It will seem like you’ve
information or items would the PCs get that
thought out everything long beforehand
is important for the rest of the campaign?
Again, maintenance is important. Good notes of How will the campaign suffer if they miss
what happened during a session are essential, as that information? Is there another place
the backlog allows you to combine elements where you can offer it?
introduced in previous sessions and to deduce - Is there a way to have B happen later in the
plot threads from them. If you want to take the campaign?
plot thread of that enigmatic stranger a bit
further, then you’ll have to get back and see what
has happened in earlier encounters with that
stranger, in order to avoid contradictions.
As I said before, most GMs will not take one of
these extremes but get somewhere in the middle,
planning to a certain extent but allowing for room
to wing it. Planning will generally be tighter for
sessions in the near future than for the end of
the campaign. It is useful to have some ideas
about the main plot structure, though, as it
allows you to react to it all the time.
The best laid plans of mice and GMs are not
always followed by the players. Despite all your
clues and careful preparation, the players’
actions sometimes manage to throw a campaign
completely off the rails. You set up a scenario A
that, you assumed, would automatically lead to
scenario B, but instead the players chose to go in
a different direction. Or they fail to solve the
problem and that means that the way to B is
Managing the PCs
blocked. This is something that you should take Most RPG rulebooks remind you that you have to
into account when setting up your campaign. At treat all PCs equally, that you have to give them
each step, you should wonder what the possible all the same opportunities. It is an age-old RPG
outcomes are, and what this means for the wisdom and it is wrong as Nurgle’s hell. Different
campaign. A good campaign structure offers a lot players around your table will like different
of redundancy. First by offering several ways to aspects of the game. Nigel might want a chance
get from one place to another, so that if one is to roleplay his character while Katrina is more
blocked or not chosen, the PCs can still get there, interested in just having a good fight scene every
or in a functionally similar place, in another way. session, to allow her to relieve work-related
Second by offering different ways to get tension. Zoe appreciates references to Tolkien in
information, or items, or whatever. If the PCs fail scenarios, as well as romantic sub-plots, and
to discover the clue in one place, offer them Jason is just happy to hang around (as long as
chances to find it somewhere else. A final type of he can be near Katrina). The rulebook (on p. 192)
redundancy is to make sure that not all clues, tells you that you should give them all equal
screen time and to make sure that they all get an
equal chance at treasure and special items. The
10
point, however, is that they are not all interested Different Kinds of Campaign
in that, not to the same extent anyway. You Up to now we have been looking at fairly standard
should be fair to your players and keep the game campaigns, where the PCs follow a more or less pre-
interesting to them, but that is different from written script. In the thirty years that roleplaying has
treating them all equally. Rather, spend some exist as a hobby, however, many more forms have
time finding out what each player wants from the been tried out. Some of the more successful ideas are
game and make sure to add that in appropriate presented here. They can be more or less
amounts. When planning your sessions, your successfully combined with the tools and techniques
mentioned before to create some excellent
plots and your story elements, make sure that
campaigns.
there is something in them for each player. When
considering PC-focused plots, be sure to know Troupe-style play
what the player concerned likes and bring that to This style is promoted by, and linked to, the Ars
the fore. Magica RPG, but there is no reason to use it only
there. Very succinctly, the idea is that every player
A story plot doesn’t exist independently of creates a number of characters, and the GM decides
characters’ goals and motivations (see Character which characters are going to be involved in the plot
Motivations in LF I). Next to knowing what your line, which ones will be playing in a session. In this
system one can even have the role of GM rotating,
players want, it is important to know what their
with each GM having his own plotlines and with
PCs want in life. Pay attention to that when characters having different PCs for each GM.
preparing your plots and allow PCs to act
according to their motivations and to reach, or Having the players create different sets of PCs allows
come closer to, their goals. Also appreciate that you to run stories in different parts of the world, all
advancing to the same ending. For a book and movie
those goals and motivations may change – for the
example, look (again) at The Lord of the Rings,
player it is all part of playing a three-dimensional especially the second and third volume when the
character. A PC may set out as a greedy and fellowship is split into two or three groups.
power-hungry character, but it is the player’s
intent to have him learn the values of love and Character driven
The idea here is that the GM doesn’t write a scenario
unselfishness during the story. Try to see if you
in advance. In doing this, he doesn’t force their
can introduce a plot regarding that in your story. players to go into directions that they don’t want to
Character advancement is another part of go. Instead, he listens to what each player wants to
do and then at the moment invents what is going to
managing the characters, and in WFRP this is
happen.
closely linked to the career system. Be sure to
know what the wishes of the characters are (and Although no scenario is written, many of the
the wishes of their players, which are not always elements written before can still be used. They just
the same), and see how they fit in the plot, or have to be more character-focused. The end of a
campaign, for instance, would have to be the part
how you can manipulate the plot to
where the characters reach (or fail in) their goals.
accommodate to those wishes. The timing of Those goals would not be of the kind “we stop the evil
character advancement is another part of this. As necromancer from conquering the Empire with his
the GM, you hand out XPs and thus determine army of undead”, but much more personal. “My
how fast PCs advance. In particular, you know character will be knighted by the Emperor”, “My
when they have enough XP to switch to other character will become a famous explorer” or “My
careers. When that time comes, make sure to character is going to marry the prettiest girl in the
offer them opportunities to enter those new kingdom” are the kind of goals that go with a
careers (they can even cause entire side plots in character-driven campaign. The WFRP career system
supports this kind of campaign very well.
the campaign – see the Career Guidance article in
LF I). Characters are not the main focus
Sometimes individual PCs are not really the focus of
Conclusion the story. In long Ars Magica campaigns, for
example, PCs may come and go, but the main focus
With its detailed, varied and realistic setting, its is the Covenant, a group of mages (where those
possibilities for career planning and the growth mages are played by the PCs) working together to
potential in character attributes, WFRP is a game study and to become powerful. This combines well
well suited for setting up a long campaign. To with troupe style play. The covenant will endure even
make good use of the game’s potential in this if individual PCs die and are replaced.
regard, though, such a campaign should be well In WFRP this idea could for instance be used in a
prepared. This article discussed some tools and campaign where the PCs build a settlement in
techniques that help the GM in that preparation. Lustria, or rebuild a village after the Storm of Chaos.
Though it may seem like more work initially, a The story would then focus on the settlement, rather
good campaign foundation will actually save the than the individuals who are its parts.
GM work later on, will allow him to keep the Another example where individual PCs are not the
campaign focused and make it easier to manage main focus is Pendragon. In this game, where
the campaign’s different aspects. All of which will campaigns typically span a number of decades, when
eventually result in players and GM getting more a player character dies, the player will take his son
fun out of their game. as a new character. In this way, players really play a
dynasty instead of individual characters.
11
Handling Horror and Insanity

by James Walkerdine
S ome players and GM’s like their WFRP games

to have a strong dose of horror. Indeed the
published material seeks to encourage this with
These little descriptions help to set the tone,
allow the players to jump to conclusions, and
most importantly sow the seeds of fear. Obviously
the notion of Sanity points and the long list of there is a fine line on how far you can push this.
possible mental disorders. Horror can be fun; it’s Just as an encounter can be ruined by not
human nature to get a kick out of being scared building up enough atmosphere, the same can be
(as long as it’s not real!) which is why horror true if it is stretched out for too long. Keep the
stories and films are always popular. Horror momentum going and if it looks like the players
within roleplaying can bring other dimensions of are starting to get complacent or bored, bring the
enjoyment to a game. encounter to its peak.
This article discusses ways in which a GM can Example: A group of adventurers are on the track
bring horror into their games, and shows how to of a fearsome creature that has been terrorising
handle one of the side-effects of experiencing the surrounding area. They have managed to
such horror - insanity. discover its lair and have begun to explore. The
GM wants to make this a scary experience for the
Handling Horror players, so as they explore the lair he provides
The key to successfully presenting horror within small descriptions of the environment around them
a roleplaying game is in building up the right every so often.
atmosphere. If the GM manages to pull this off “As you approach the corner you can faintly make
then the players’ imaginations will do the rest – out a strange gurgling sound from beyond.”
hearts will pound, brows will sweat and genuine “You rest your hand against the wall and find that
fear will start to develop. Those who have played it’s cold and clammy, sticky to touch.”
games like Call of Cthulhu will probably be “On closer inspection the corpse looks like it has
already familiar with this style of play. In fact the been mauled but, perhaps more disturbingly, the
various stories concerning the Cthulhu Mythos1 hole in the head gives the impression that
can provide a good source of ideas on how to something burst out from within…”
create the right atmosphere as well as offering
ideas for plots and cultists. For those without Exploit the senses – characters possess a range
access to this material, a number of ideas are of perceptions; make sure you feed information to
presented here2. Simple examples are provided to all of them! As well as what they can see,
illustrate the various points. describe what they can hear, smell and touch,
senses that often get underused within a
It should be noted, however, that GMing horror roleplaying game. GM’s can take this even further
doesn’t have to be solely based around using and exploit a character’s dreams. Horrific
shock and awe techniques, but can be much nightmares that foreshadow events or a location
more subtle and long term. Rather than a the characters are set to visit can act as powerful
fearsome creature that rips off player character means for stoking up fear within the players!
limbs for fun, it can equally be as horrific for a
character to discover that he is slowly mutating Example: The adventurers are making their way
over a couple of months. If anything, combining deeper into the lair. The GM is still having fun…
or fluctuating between different horror styles is “As you make your way down the passageway
often the best way to create a more complete you are all suddenly overcome by the sickly
horror atmosphere and one that never becomes stench that seems to emanate from up ahead.
too repetitive. Everyone make Toughness tests, those who fail
find their stomachs go into spasms as they wretch
Slow but steady – it’s much more dramatic to uncontrollably.”
build up the atmosphere gradually, rather than “Okay Jack, you stop to listen – it is silent apart
having the horrific encounter happening all at from your own breathing. Slowly you become
once. Start the encounter off slowly and lay the aware of a second breathing sound, close by and
foundations by providing small descriptions of matching your own. As you strain to hear where
what the characters experience around them. exactly it’s coming from you feel breath cold as the
tomb on the back of your neck…”
1
There are various collections of Lovcraft’s stories in
existence, and also collections of Mythos stories written
by other authors such as Ramsey Campbell and
Stephen King.
2
Another good reference is "Nightmares of mine", a
book on roleplaying horror RPGs, written by Ken Hite.
12
Exploit the player’s imagination (and Optional Rule – ‘Fear Factor’

paranoia!) – the biggest weapon in your arsenal Sometimes just being somewhere can sow the
is your players’ imagination. If you provide them initial seeds of fear; being in a graveyard late at
with details of what their characters are night, being in an empty house creaking with
experiencing, then their minds will race to try the wind, or within a roleplaying game being in
and envision what they are about to encounter. a creature’s lair. In such situations the fear is
Keep descriptions abstract and alien, allowing always there, lingering in the back of your
their imaginations to interpret what you say, mind, making you jumpy and easier to scare.
instead of relating them to things they are
familiar with. You can pretty much guarantee Within WFRP one way to represent this is to
that each player will be picturing in their heads assign a penalty to all rolls made by characters
their own twisted version of what is to come! who fail a Fear check (WP test). This penalty
Remember, that the fear of the unknown is the continues until the cause of the fear is no
greatest fear of all. longer around (i.e. killing the creature or
leaving the lair). The level of penalty that is
Example: The GM decides it’s time to introduce assigned should be dependent on the fear level.
their quarry. As the adventurers turn the corner he Possible suggestions include:
describes what they can see.
“In the gloom you think you make out its head. It Fear Example Penalty
seems dark coloured but the texture could mean Factor
thick hair? Its head is angular with what seem to Low A location where there -5
be pointed, almost rodent like features. In the has recently been an
flickering torchlight you think you can see drool (or unnatural killing.
blood?) dripping from a row of sharp teeth and the Medium A known ‘disturbed’ -10
glint of its red eyes gives the impression that their area (e.g. graveyard,
owner possesses an eerie intelligence. It raises land twisted by
what appears to be a claw and then makes a deep warpstone, haunted
gurgling sound…” house).
High Necromancers abode, -15
Pervert the familiar – people naturally react fearsome creatures lair.
with fear when they find that an environment or
Very In the presence of a -20
person they are normally comfortable with has
High Chaos god.
become twisted or changed in some manner
(especially if it is being caused by something they
don’t really understand). Notable examples to discover that there was no threat after all.
include people who are being slowly transformed However it is best not to over do this as it can
by some alien force (e.g. a mutant who is being result in a dampening of the atmosphere when
affected by warpstone), or a once friendly town there really is a horrific encounter to be had.
that has somehow become much more sinister When the culmination does arrive, don’t hold
(e.g. Wittgendorf from The Enemy Within back from being ruthless. After all, there needs to
Campaign). Twisting the norm in this way is a be a reason for the players to be afraid in the first
good technique to make players uneasy or even place. If one of the players decides to do
horrified, and the outcome can form the basis of something foolish (heroic they might say!), then
an adventure in its own right. However, it can don’t be afraid to be harsh in return. Not only
also be done on a much smaller scale and still would this be a lesson for the player, but it will
have quite a dramatic effect. also scare the rest of the group witless! On the
other hand don’t eliminate players just because
Example: The adventurers have just made contact you can. It is very frustrating for players if they
with the creature and seem to be slightly stunned think they will die no matter what they do. Try
by it. The GM decides now would be a good time and keep it fair, and just simply react based on
to crank up the fear… how the players act and what the situation allows
“Clem, your guide, upon seeing the creature for.
screams, crumbles into a heap and starts sobbing
wildly. The torch he was carrying falls to the floor, Example: One of the players decides that his
splutters and dies. Suddenly you find yourself in character can take on this creature on his own.
total darkness. You hear another deep gurgling “Stay back,” he shouts, “I’ll deal with this. I’ll
sound. This time much closer…” advance towards the sound”.
The GM smiles to himself as he watches his The GM raises an eyebrow but continues…
players panic! “Okay, Jack, your character steps towards where
you last heard the sound. {Roll of dice}. Suddenly
Be ruthless when required – obviously, building you hear another gurgling sound, this time much
up the atmosphere is a key part to creating good louder and from above. You feel a sharp pain on
horror. However at some point the threat should your left arm and you find yourself being slammed
either come to a head or be avoided altogether. into the passageway wall. You pass out.”
Sometimes it can be fun to ‘cry wolf’ with the “That’s it, I’m running!” says one of the other
players – build up an atmosphere only for them players.
13
Bend the rules – horror roleplaying is Horror: A Player’s Perspective

predominantly about building up atmosphere. Of By Dave Keville
course sometimes doing everything by the book
can hinder this – if the situation warrants it and The WFRP world is largely about a society in
it isn’t going to be unnecessarily unfair to the decay. There is a continuing breakdown in
players, then don’t be afraid to bend the rules! simple trust between Humans. As Humans we
Players want to enjoy themselves and they expect share similar goals – security, comfort,
to be scared, and they will also expect their GM fulfilment – but those serving Chaos don’t seek
to use ‘underhand’ methods in order to achieve these anymore and confronting things that
this. should be like us but clearly aren’t should be
unsettling at best and horrifying at worst. This
Playing Environment – some GM’s find that is appropriate for Elves and Dwarfs also.
creating the right atmosphere out of game can
also help to set the tone within the game. There’s also the horror that severe tragedy
Common techniques for achieving this include: brings – when Chaos affects the lives of
• Atmospheric music – this can range from innocents:
moody film soundtracks 3through to
recordings of Gregorian chants. In a village corrupted by warpstone our group
• Atmospheric lighting – possibilities here met a young woman who’d given birth to a
include dimming the lights, making use of mutant – a cross between a hairy spider and
candles, etc. human baby (The Enemy Within campaign).
Our GM placed equal stress on the physical
Handling Insanity horror of the appearance of the thing and the
When the horror gets too much, the mind can desperation of the mother to believe that her
snap. Although it may recover over time, a baby will be okay. This forced a debate on
permanent mental scar can remain. Within what to do – obviously it’s a Chaos creature
WFRP this is represented by Insanity Points (IP’s) and we should destroy all such things,
and mental disorders. Should a character gain 6 shouldn’t we? But it’s a baby that’s loved and
or more IP’s and fail a WP test, they gain a that might help it overcome its chaotic nature –
mental disorder. is it not a fundamental human belief that we
can rise above the circumstances of our birth?
Mental disorders can be fun and bring an extra And what about the mother? Can we in all
element to roleplaying a character. However, conscience kill her baby before her eyes? But if
some of them can also be quite ‘fatal’, often we don’t it might grow to kill the mother, the
requiring the character to be retired. For a villagers and many more. Is there a
character to suddenly pick up a terminal mental compromise? Can we guard it until we can find
disorder can be a bit frustrating for the player, a cure – if there is one?
especially if the situation was unavoidable.
Obviously the characters all had different
However, terminal mental disorders don’t have to stances on this and not everyone did see this
kick in instantly and generally it is more fun if as a complex issue – but they were carried
they develop over time. When a player’s character along in the debate with those who did see it as
develops a disorder take them aside and discuss such. (Which created another dilemma – if we
how best to handle it. If the player wishes to can solve the above issue easily, without any
roleplay the disorder rather than retiring his moral questioning, then are we losing our
character, think of a potential timeline over humanity? Have we become as empty as the
which the disorder will develop, whilst Chaotic servant we’re pursuing?). This was a
considering aspects such as: very strong session in the campaign in terms of
character development, leaving us with a real
• How long will it take for the full effects of and lasting reason to be fighting against Chaos.
the disorder to kick in? A period of three
months is perhaps a good starting point, but So to my mind there are three strands of
lengthen or shorten this as you see fit. horror:
Example: it would be a bit strange for the 1. Tentacles and Pentacles – the yuk factor of
mental disorder ‘The Beast Within’ (page 202 the things we’ll face, strange creatures and
of rulebook) to come into full effect straight the stranger rituals that call them into
away. It would be more sensible if the being.
character’s mental deterioration was spread 2. No, not my legs!! – when Chaos encroaches
over, say, a longer period. on us through wounds, disease, torture
(physical and/or mental) and even offers
and bargains.
3. The ties that bind – when we see the effects
of Chaos on the innocents that we protect;
3
Possible suitable soundtracks include The Exorcist, as innocent as we were once.
Alien, Aliens, Dark City and The Abyss
14
• What are the stages involved in this Insanity-Inducing Situations

disorder? Break the disorder down into three Within WFRP there are a number of ways in
or four stages which represent the gradual which a character can gain IP’s, with Critical Hits
worsening of the character’s mental state. and failure of Terror rolls being the more
Within each stage identify the key common. However, characters can also gain IP’s
characteristics. from experiencing a terrible event (and then
failing a WP roll). By and large the amount of
Example: ‘The Beast Within’ disorder could be points gained is down to GM discretion; however
broken down into three stages. In stage 1 (the the following table provides some suggestions.
first month), the character will occasionally
behave irrationally, but will recognise this if it Event IP’s
is pointed out by others. By stage 2 (months 2 Seeing Chaos imagery 1
and 3) the irrational behaviour is almost the Being trapped within a confined space 1
norm, he finds it hard to control and denies for many days
that there is a problem. By stage 3 (after 3 Witnessing the violent death of a 2
months) the disorder is in full effect. companion
Witnessing a corpse coming back to life 3
• Think of modifiers that may apply as a Undergoing severe torture 4
result of the disorder. For each stage think Seeing a person mutate before you 4
about whether the disorder will impose some Having a prolonged encounter with 3-6
form of modifier on the character or require Chaos
tests to be made (for example, Willpower). If
the disorder is one that will have an effect on Minor Disorders
the character’s abilities then a good guideline The WFRP1 rulebook also included a selection of
would be to apply a cumulative -5/-1 penalty minor disorders that could be used. For GM’s
to any relevant characteristic as the who may prefer to occasionally use these, rather
character goes through each stage. than the more severe ones provided in WFRP,
they are summarised in the table below. One way
Example: In stage 1 of the disorder the to integrate this is to say that when a double is
character must make a WP test whenever he rolled on the Insanities table within the WFRP
is in a social or stressful situation. Failure rulebook (i.e., 33, 88, etc), this means the
results in the character performing an character has instead developed a minor
irrational action befitting his disorder. In stage disorder. A roll should then be made on the
2 the WP test is now taken with a -20 penalty. minor disorder table. More detailed descriptions
At this stage the character also receives a of these disorders can be found on page 86 of the
permanent -5 penalty to his Fel. By stage 3 WFRP1 rulebook.
the full effects of the disorder take place. The
character also receives an additional -5 Roll Name Comments
penalty to his Fel. 01- Absent- Limited spell / research /
09 Mindedness planning ability
By making the development of a mental disorder 10- Allergy Coughing and sneezing, -
a gradual process, not only can the character still 18 D10 to stealth tests
be played but it can also be fun for the affected Biting Looking nervous, -5 to Fel
19-
player and GM to watch as the rest group try to Fingernails (appearance / charisma
27
work out why the character is starting to behave tests)
oddly! 28- Headaches Random. -5 to Int, Fel
36 and WP for D100 minutes
37- Narcissism Vain, +5 Fel, -5 Int and
45 WP; roleplay it!
46- Nightmares Unable to sleep through, -
54 5 S or T
55- Shaking Uncontrollable shakes.
63 -5 to BS or Ag
Skin Uncomfortable rash, -5
64-
Complaint Fel or Ag depending
72
where it is!
73- Stammer -5 to all Fel tests involving
81 speech
82- Talking to WP test to stop muttering
90 Self for D10 minutes, -5 to Fel
91- Talking in Subconscious ramblings
00 Sleep give -5 to WP
15
Convention Scenarios
by Alfred Nuñez Jr.
W riting and running convention scenarios is

much like managing one-off adventures but
with a few additional challenges.
Most of my scenarios tend to start off as
investigations. I do this because such stories are
more likely to bring out the role-player aspect of
the players. A good convention scenario should
The Basics not be written with the assumption that the
Depending upon a GM’s depth of understanding players will carry the scenario by role-playing it
of the rules, there are a few basic items needed to to the hilt. Sadly, I have had scenarios run too
run a convention scenario. The first is the GM quickly as players are more keen on solving the
screen, which provides a nice summary of the mystery than role-playing the characters they
rules for the GM who is comfortable that his get. There’s no good way to overcome this that
knowledge is fairly extensive. If the GM prefers to doesn’t require a GM to play the heavy. I’d
err on the side of caution, then he should also recommend going with the players’ preference in
bring the rulebook. In addition, the GM should such cases.
bring paper (to keep his records), pencil, and lots
of dice.
Since it is very unlikely that the GM will know

anything about the players and their experience
with WFRP, the GM should be prepared to
explain the rules and mechanics as needed. For
example, when combat occurs, the GM should
instruct the player to roll percentile dice and
compare the results to the character’s WS score
to determine if a hit was made, reverse the dice to
determine hit location, and so forth.
The Plot
First, the convention scenario has to have a
pretty tight plot, which means a rather linear
adventure. This is due to the fact that most
conventions generally put a time limit on the
game slot one gets. At GenCon, these tend to be
four-hour slots, which really means one gets
about three and a half hours since players have
to read up on their characters.
This also means that the plot should be The plot should have elements of confrontation,
consistent with the rules as written and should though not all should be a combat situation.
not involve house rules. The inclusion of the Given the deadliness of WFRP combat, I suggest
latter means that GMs would need to provide leaving the big battle as the climax to a scenario.
additional material explaining the house rules, Other confrontations could lead to quick
which of course means less time to play. skirmishes, but these should be used with
expendable and unimportant hirelings so their
Now a linear adventure shouldn’t be one that passing away does not significantly alter the
overtly pushes the PCs along from one set-up to ending. In most cases, I have these NPCs flee as
another. Within the overall structure, the plot soon as possible since they don’t get paid if they
can have several different approaches to get to a die too early.
certain point in the story. Given players’
tendency to do whatever a GM has not scripted, The climax of the scenario should be one where
it’s usually best to consider two or three the PCs do have a real chance of being killed in
approaches to a given situation. For example, if some fashion or doing something utterly
the PCs are expected to break up an important repulsive in order to achieve their goal. WFRP
meeting of cultists, then there should be two or thrives on the dark and gritty, so the final scene
three different ways for the players to gain should have these elements as well. I have also
information about the meeting. In this manner, found this type of ending the most satisfying.
the GM doesn’t have to get bogged down into too
many improvisations. One thing to always Another element I like using is an epilogue, which
consider is that if the GM does get bogged down is a nice way to wrap up the scenario in whatever
for too long, the distraction might lessen the fashion seems appropriate to the adventure. It
players’ interest in the game. can also be used as a means to convey the grim
and perilous world of Warhammer. One way to
16
do this is have the text convey the idea that the these descriptions from the point of view of the
great deed accomplished by the PCs was only a character, which allows me to imbue the
temporary respite in the greater struggle against character’s personality into this without being
evil or Chaos. overt. As an example, I could mention how
Character X’s “family was dominated by a strong
If the scenario calls for using maps and handouts mother who routinely berated her spineless
as aids, I would recommend having extra copies father” instead of saying that “Character X
made beforehand. This would allow these items disliked her weakling father.” In this manner,
to be handed out when needed without slowing the player could decide whether her character: (1)
play. If the GM plans to run the scenario in disliked her father; (2) pitied her father while
multiple slots, then there should be an entire set resenting her mother; (3) believed that strong
available for each session. This will allow the women should stand up to weak men; or (4)
players to make whatever notations they deem whatever other interpretation the player wishes.
necessary. The same technique could be used to suggest the
short-term goal of the character (“escape from the
Player Character Descriptions dreary village.”).
A very critical element of a convention scenario is
the characters the players get to play. The If one were inclined to use fortune points, I would
restrictive time slot prevents players from limit such to no more than one per day.
creating their own characters. I would also
recommend against allowing players to bring I also recommend that character descriptions
their own characters as many of these may well give the players a short narrative of what the
create balance problems with the scenario. characters think of their fellow PCs. These could
be simply first impressions if they just met or
For convention play, I believe scenarios should more developed opinions if they have known one
include six player characters of whatever mix and another for some time. Such descriptions can be
career level the writer thinks works best for the used to provide further information on a
adventure. I typically use the opportunity to character’s viewpoints and prejudices. What I
show the possibilities that exist in WFRP. In most stay away from is having two PCs with loving and
cases, I make two of the characters female secret attractions to one another. I’ve played in
(usually in potentially strong leadership scenarios such as these and can’t recall one
positions, such as Mercenary Sergeant or Noble) where this approach added anything to players’
and the rest male. I normally include one Dwarf enjoyment.
since most of my scenarios take place in the
Empire, but this character might be given a When writing PC descriptions, the writer should
career that one doesn’t traditionally associate try to have some redundancy in skills. The
with Dwarfs such as (in WFRPv1) Herdsman. I reason for this is two-fold. One, it prevents a
tend not to have Elven or Halfling characters as I situation where a character critical for the
see the two races as rare in terms of characters. success of a given situation has an uninvolved (or
uncooperative) player in control. Second, and
For ease of play, most scenarios should use more common, a game will not get the number of
characters in their first careers with no more than players equal to the number of characters. In the
one fate point. This makes it easier to introduce latter situation, the GM should decide
new players to WFRP as well as remind veterans beforehand which characters are less critical to
what it was like when they first started out. The the success of the scenario. This will reduce any
descriptions of the characters should give two or last minute scrambling that could eat into the
three paragraphs of text, briefly describing each time allocated for play.
character’s history and how they got to the
starting point of the scenario. I tend to write One last thing: Make sure that at least one
character has the Heal skill.
17
Playtest out. Or, they could ignore having the players

If there is time before the convention, I strongly make a Listen test if the players have already
recommend that the scenario be playtested. If declared that they are creeping along the forest
possible, one should use one’s own gaming group floor listening for noises (or lack of same) that are
to play the pre-generated PCs in order to give the out of place. In other words, the GM should not
scenario a thorough run. Such effort should be a slave to the text of the scenario if the players
bring forth any holes in the plot and give the are having an unusually hard time with it. In
writer time to address these before convention essence, the GM should allow good roleplaying to
play. If there is no opportunity for such, then I trump crappy dice rolls.
recommend having another GM read through it
and provide some feedback. If the GM wishes to improve their skills as either
a writer (assuming he is running his own
Conventions scenario) or GM, then it would be valuable to
have some sort of survey prepared ahead of time
Getting a scenario a time slot in a convention is to give the players a chance to comment on the
the easy part. If a convention offers pre- scenario or GM skills. These should be short and
registration, then they are also looking for GMs take no longer than five minutes to fill out.
with games to run. One simply has to fill out the
form with a description of the game and all the
other requirements (such as number of players,
Conclusion
game system, etc.). The description is the most Writing and running convention scenarios can be
important aspect as one has a limited number of very challenging and rewarding. It gives a GM a
words that can be used to entice players into chance to test his skills as both a GM and writer
one’s game. Be creative with the pitch, make it a and learn what areas he needs to improve on. A
bit mysterious, but don’t be misleading. good portion of feedback comes from how well the
players enjoy the game (and most will tell a GM
One of the things I like to do when setting up for when they’ve enjoyed the game). Feedback also
the sessions is to have the players select their comes from a GM’s reflection of how well he
characters blindly. To accomplish this, I thought the game went. In the heat of running a
generally place all character sheets face down game, it is natural for GMs to have played some
and have the players roll to see who goes first. parts less well than they had hoped to do.
Highest roll selects the first character (and all Perhaps, the GM allowed some parts to drag
choices are final), and then the next highest goes. longer than they should or he didn’t rule a
Another way would be to list the careers of the particular PC action as fairly as he would have
characters and let the player with the highest roll liked. Or, it could be that the players found an
choose based on that fact. The goal here is to not overlooked flaw in the plotline that short-
let players trade characters once selected. Who circuited the scenario. Basically, there’s a
knows? A character might have a dark secret number of lessons a GM could learn from
that she doesn’t want the others to know about. running a game at a convention that they may
not get in a setting with just friends.
Once this part is done, I have the players create a
name “tent” so they can have their character’s The main point is to make sure the writer/GM is
name in big letters up top with the player’s name having as much fun in the entire process as the
in smaller print on the bottom. In this manner, players will have playing it.
players will know that heavily bearded Tom is
actually playing a character named “Gerta.” For examples of WFRP1 scenarios written for
GenCon, one can go to www.MadAlfred.com and
When running the game, the important thing is click on the Scenarios link. The scenarios at that
for the GM and players to have fun. If the site range from urban to rural and combinations
players are having a hard time making their dice in-between.
rolls, the GM could add some modifiers to help
18
On the Table
Position, Terrain and Miniatures in WFRP
by Jude Hornborg
M iniatures, floorplans and model terrain can

enhance any WFRP scenario, from courtly
intrigues to bloody battles. Here are some tips for
Structural Damage
Every object has a TB value which reduces
damage (WFRP pg. 129). In addition, both
using miniatures in a variety of roleplay weapons and materials have a “Hardness Value”
situations. Note that most of the rules contained (HV). A weapon must equal or exceed the target
in this article are useful even without miniatures, material’s HV, or else it bounces off harmlessly.
but may require positional tracking of some other For example, you can’t use a sword to damage a
sort (e.g. paper map, chalkboard). In many cases, castle wall.
only approximate positions need to be recorded.
Hardness
1. Take your time setting up. When shifting Value (HV) Object Weapon
from full narrative to miniatures mode, give 1-2 - Straw, dried - Fist
mud (e.g. hovel
the players a 5 minute washroom/snack roof)
break while you set up. 3 - Softwood (e.g. - Staff, arrow
2. Describe the scene verbally first. Before interior door)
the players see your terrain setup or NPC 4 - Hardwood (e.g. - Heavy club, sword,
models, describe them verbally. The mind’s exterior door) torch
eye often produces a more vivid image than 5 - Stucco, plaster - Axe, warhammer,
toys are capable of, and it’s useful to register (e.g. house wall) mace, bolt thrower
that image prior to seeing the model. Think of 6-7 - Stone (e.g. - Pickaxe, chisel,
castle wall) sledge hammer
it like reading a book before watching the 8-9 - Normal metals - Stonethrower,
movie adaptation. (e.g. iron, steel) hacksaw, volcanic
3. Keep the action moving. Once you’ve fire
described the initial scene, the pace should 10 - Special metals - Diamond-tipped
be brisk, and it should remain that way until (e.g. Gromril, tool, cannon,
switching back into full narrative mode. Mithril) magical fire
4. Maintain eye contact with the players. It’s
easy to become distracted by slick paint jobs Weapon and armour damage: see OWA pg. 24 &
and measuring tapes. Remember to continue 42
describing the action and playing NPC’s as Battering doors: If the attacker’s SB equals or
normal, even when using minis. exceeds the door’s HV, a successful S test will
5. Mask unexplored areas: To simulate a Fog smash it down unarmed. One re-roll per minute,
of War effect, cover unexplored table sections with failure by 60+ causing 1d5 Wounds to the
with black construction paper or cloth. Floor attacker (and no further attempts allowed). The
plans can be placed section-by-section, GM may permit a single smash attempt against
corresponding to what the characters see. doors that are 1 HV category higher, but with
You may remove previous sections as they severe penalties.
become obscured by darkness or line-of-
sight. Obstacles TB W
6. Distinguish between tactical and strategic Furniture (chair, table, desk) 2-3 8-20
time: combat scenes use 10 second rounds, Interior door 3 10
while stake-outs or social events might use Exterior door 4 15
turns lasting 5 minutes or more (see below). Hovel wall 5 20
7. Consider using grid-less floor plans: Interior house wall 6 30
squares are less accurate than using a ruler, Exterior house wall 8 50
and they feel more “boardgamey”. Most Castle wall 9 100
mapping software (e.g. Dundjinni) allows
users to toggle gridlines off. Vehicles (OWA pg. 86-87) TB W
8. Use substitutes: you don’t need to have the Rowboat 4 10
perfect miniature for every character, as long River Boat 5 70
as it’s close. River Barge 8 100
Ship 10 150
Cart 4 20
Wagon 4 30
Coach 5 60
19
Terrain, Cover and Weather

Surfaces To-hit Movement Hide Other Effects
Penalty Bonus
Muddy Road - 10 Hampered - Horses and wagons get stuck on a failed
Ride/Drive test. Roll once and then repeat
every 4 hours spent in mud
Deep Snow - 10 Hampered - -10 to Movement-related tests (e.g. Dodge).
Impassable by wheeled wagons. Horses may get
stuck on a failed Ride/Drive test, repeated
again every 4 hours spent in snow
Ice - Special* - *Models moving faster than Hampered must
test vs Agi or fall down
Jagged rocks & Debris - Special* - *Models may move faster than Hampered, but if
so must test vs Agi or fall down, taking 1
Wound. Failure by 50+ causes ankle sprain
Stairs - Special* - *Running models must test vs Agi or fall down.
Failure by 50+ causes 1d5 Wounds plus tumble
Water (waist deep) - 10 Hampered +/- 10* -10 to Movement-related tests (e.g. Dodge).
*Concealment requires submersion and holding
breath (WFRP pg. 136)
Water (deep) - 30 Swim only +/- 30* -30 to Movement-related tests (e.g. Dodge).
*Concealment/cover requires submersion and
holding breath (WFRP pg. 136)
Steep slope +10* Special** - *Only high ground model gains to-hit bonus.
**Moving uphill is Hampered. Moving downhill
adds +1 M
Obstacles
Hedge - 1 round to +/- 10 4-5 feet high. Horses may only cross by
climb jumping
Woods & Trees - Special* +/- 20 *Models Running in woods without Rover talent
must test vs Agi or fall down
Wall (low) +10* 1 round to +/- 30 4-5 feet. Horses may only cross by jumping.
climb *Models standing on a low wall receive +10 high
ground bonus
Furniture, small - Special* - *Each obstructing item reduces M by 2 yards (1
(chair, low table) square)
Furniture, large +10* 1 round to +/-10 *Models standing on furniture receive +10 high
(banquet table, organ) climb ground bonus
Weather
Snowfall (heavy) & - 10* - - -10 on all Perception tests. *To-hit penalty is for
Rain (normal) missiles only
Hail & Rain (heavy) - 20* - - -10 Vision tests, -20 Listen tests. *To-hit
penalty is for missiles only
Wind, strong - 10 Special* - *Moving upwind is Hampered. Moving
downwind adds +1 M
Darkness, night sky - 30 Special* - -30 Perception tests. *Running models must
test vs Agi or fall down, unless the surface is
smooth
Darkness, Special* Special** - *Attacks are at -30 if the target can be heard;
underground auto-miss otherwise. **Models moving faster
than Hampered must test vs Agi or fall down.
Use Navigation skill to follow noises.
To-hit Penalty: models standing in this terrain may suffer a WS or BS penalty

Movement: Terrain may Hamper movement (WFRP pg. 137) or otherwise affect mobility. This may be mitigated
with sleds, snowshoes, spiked boots, skis etc.
Hide Bonus: Models may gain a Concealment bonus or Take Cover from missile attacks (see below) while in this
terrain
20
Perception & Searching

You may wish to modify Perception & Search tests according to the size, direction and distance of the
object being noticed or sought.
Vision Based Hearing Based

Size of Object and Spotting Distance Loudness and Distance Carried
Difficulty Vision Spotting Difficulty Hearing Noise
Distance Carries
Very Easy House fire, windmill, 1 mile Very Easy Pistol shot, scream, large 500 yards
+30 sailing ship, forest’s +30 waterfall, pitched battle
edge Easy or Standard movement or 8 yards
Easy or Person or animal 100 yards Routine running, conversation,
Routine moving, cave entrance, +10 or +20 door closing
+10 or +20 row boat Average Cautious movement, 4 yards
Average Blood stain, trap door, 10 yards +/- 0 whispering, key turning,
+/- 0 sleight of hand, secret heavy breathing
sign
Situational Modifiers Situational Modifiers

Starlight or moonlight only: -30 Sleeping: -30
Fog or dusk: -20 Blather victim: -20
Rain or snowfall: -10 Listening through a thin wall: -20
Running, reading, Blather victim: -20 Listening through a door: -10
Running: -10
Telescope: +10 to +30 (depending on quality) Heavy Rain or hail: -20
Elevation: +10 Normal Rain: -10
Spotting lights at night: +10 to +30 (variable,
OWA pg. 60 for distances) Echoing room or canyon: +10
Directional Modifiers Directional Modifiers
All modifiers are cumulative. Example: Klaus has a total

Perception modifier of -10 to hear a pistol shot (+30) behind
him (-10) by 700 yards (-10) in heavy rain (-20).
Characters may notice sights and sounds out to double

the listed distance with a suitable penalty to their
Perception test. Objects at half the listed distance – and
which aren’t deliberately concealed – may be noticed
automatically under non-stressful circumstances. Hearing
tests should be penalized for background noise. See OWA
pg. 60 for lighting.
21
Strategic Time
Combat in WFRP uses Tactical time (10-second The decision to switch time scales is up to the
rounds). Other positional encounters like stake- GM, and is based on common sense and story
outs and costume balls use Strategic time requirements alone. As a guideline, 5-minute
(between 5-minute to 1-hour rounds). Even if rounds are most useful when tracking positions
you’re not tracking exact positions, it can be during a social encounter (e.g. Rough Night at the
useful to divide the game into rounds so that Three Feathers) and 1-hour rounds are most
every player has an equal chance to act. When useful during stakeouts (e.g. With a Little Help
using Strategic time, Initiative may be determined From my Friends) or city adventures where a
by seating order around the table, or another poster map is provided (e.g. Power Behind the
method besides the normal procedure (WRFP pg. Throne). During Strategic time, miniatures are
125) used to mark approximate positions only – a few
extra yards here and there won’t ruin the game.
5-minute round 1-hour round

Activity Half Action Full Action Half Action Full Action
Walk M x 30 yards M x 60 yards M x 360 yards M x 720 yards
Run M x 90 yards M x 180 yards NA (fatigue) NA (fatigue)
Jog M x 60 yards M x 120 yards M x 720 yards M x 1440 yards
Search 4x10 yard room 8x10 yard room 24x30 yard area 48x60 yard area
e.g. Small library e.g. Inn dormitory e.g. Large warehouse e.g. Ruined keep
Tracking Position in Non-combat Encounters New Advanced Actions

(see WFRP pg 126-128)
Before you bother using miniatures for a non-
combat encounter, you should ask yourself “will Take Cover (Half Action)
this scene be easier to manage, or more The character takes cover behind terrain with a
entertaining, with miniatures?” If the answer to Hide Bonus (see terrain chart). All missile
both questions is “no”, then don’t bother. On the weapons fired at the character are penalized until
other hand, there are many situations where he moves. He may fire missiles from behind cover
positional tracking is useful: without penalty.
Social: Silent Sprint (Full Action)

• Large numbers of NPC’s introduced in a short The character runs from one point of hiding to
period of time can be difficult to keep track of another, making an immediate Conceal test at -
without a visual aid. 10. Failure to reach cover in a single round forces
• Important information or contacts might be a -30 Conceal test. A character who is spotted
gained by joining in (or eavesdropping on) the can not Conceal again.
right conversations. Positional tracking is only
necessary if there’s a lot of information flying Going Prone (Half Action)
about all at once, from multiple sources. The character drops onto his stomach, or all
• Tense negotiations may deteriorate into combat fours, to evade enemies. Prone targets count as
at any moment, and it’s helpful to know where Helpless (WFRP p.133) but receive +10 on
everyone’s standing when that happens. Or in Conceal tests. Prone characters may crawl at
some cases, perhaps positioning could even Hampered rate. Getting up is a Half Action. A
influence the outcome of the negotiations. prone model behind terrain is automatically
counted as Taking Cover (see above).
Stealth:
• If there are multiple NPC’s to be avoided, then Rear Guard (Half Action)
certain angles of approach may conceal the The character is moving forward while looking
rogue from one person, while revealing them to behind him. Rotate the Vision template 180°. The
another. character may not run.
• An area featuring many different types of
terrain or buildings can offer interesting Flank Guard (Free Action)
possibilities for concealment, but can also be The character watches a flank while moving
difficult to visualize. forward. Rotate the Vision template 90°. The
character may not run.
22
Win, Lose or Draw

Expanded Skill Rules for WFRP
By Jude Hornborg
S kills in WFRP 2nd edition were streamlined to

use a universal mechanic. This made the skill
rules easier to memorize, at the expense of
Note that in some cases, “minor failure” has been
interpreted as “almost success”, and the
possibility of Perfect Success is a good incentive
certain details. In some cases, competency levels for players to use the DoS system. On the other
were lowered significantly from 1st edition, hand, many of the Fumble results will have dire
resulting in higher overall failure rates. consequences for characters, allowing the GM to
Fortunately, the test results and difficulty penalize failure while blaming the dice for their
modifiers were left open-ended, enabling misfortune. Of course, some cases won’t warrant
individual GM’s to customise the results to their such extreme outcomes, and the GM should use
own vision of the Warhammer world. This article common sense when deciding whether to ignore
restores some of the details that were removed bizarre results (keeping in mind WFRP’s grim
from the skill rules in WFRP1, while keeping physics…). These tables can be downloaded, in
intact the new edition’s universal mechanics. Word format, from the Liber Fanatica website in
case you wish to modify them.
Test Difficulty
The following tables offer some guidance for The DoS system is just one of many ways to
determining Test Difficulty (WFRP pg. 89), by calculate levels of success and failure. See the
listing 2 examples of Average Tasks for each skill. sidebar for alternate methods.
Note: Average Tasks award no modifier to a base
skill roll. You may adjust the listed Average Tasks Additional Information
to suit your own tastes. Bear in mind however, Related talents are listed with either a +10, +20
that the outcomes listed in the Degrees of or *(special), depending on their effect. Keep in
Success & Failure tables assume the following mind that talent bonuses are often conditional,
baselines. so the official rulebook should be consulted when
in doubt. Some of the additional rules
Perfect Passed by 30+ 3+ DoS accompanying these tables were adapted from
Success Passed by 0-29 0-2 DoS WFRP1, and some are new. As always, use the
Failure Missed by 1-29 0-2 DoF ones you like and ignore the res
Botch Missed by 30-59 3-5 DoF
Fumble Missed by 60+ 6+ DoF
Degrees of Success and Failure

After rolling a skill test, calculate the Degree of
Success or Failure (WFRP pg. 89) and consult the
appropriate table. If you find this to be overly
time-consuming, you may decide to reserve DoS
only for particularly important rolls. Once players
get in the habit of calculating DoS – and it
doesn’t take long – you’ll likely discover that it’s
not as cumbersome as it first sounds. You may
even wish to print the players a copy of these
tables for reference.
23
Academic Knowledge (Intelligence - Advanced) Blather (Fellowship - Advanced)

Related talents: None Related talents: None
Average Tasks: Average Tasks:
Calculate the lifting capacity of a pulley system Distract watchman with a nonsensical street
(Engineering) direction inquiry
Recall an obscure loophole in Altdorf’s death row Stall muggers with absurd comments about their
provisions (Law) wardrobes
Perfect Information known. Additional obscure Perfect Subject is inactive for a number of
but relevant facts will also be recalled rounds equal to DoS (WP test to save), or
(e.g. Scholar’s View in Old World 1 round automatically (no WP test
Bestiary) allowed)
Success Information known Success Subject is inactive for 1 round if WP test
Failure Rough approximation, but no details is failed
Botch No information known Failure No effect
Fumble Information is erroneous, with Botch Subject thinks blatherer is eccentric (-10
potentially embarrassing or dangerous to all future Fel-based tests)
consequences Fumble Subject is frightened or offended by
blatherer; attacks immediately, runs
The GM may wish to make Academic Knowledge away or reports to authorities for
tests in secret. deviance
Subjects of Blather suffer -20 to Perception Tests.
One subject is affected for each 10 points of Fel
Animal Care (Intelligence - Basic) (WFRP pg. 92)
Related talents: None
Average Tasks:
Diagnose a rare disease Channelling (Will Power - Advanced)
Advanced grooming techniques
Perfect Diagnose: obscure but effective Related talents: Aethyric Attunement +10
treatment known Average Tasks: N/A
Groom: animal is “best in show”
Success Diagnose: common treatment known Perfect Mastery of the Winds: gain 3 x Mag
Groom: +10 to Perform tests bonus to next casting roll
Failure Diagnose: no treatment known Success Control of the Winds: gain 1 x Mag bonus
Groom: -10 to Perform tests to next casting roll
Botch As above, plus animal develops digestive Failure No effect, casting proceeds as normal
problems, hair loss, or suffers 1 Wound Botch Distracted by the colours: channelling
Fumble Animal is accidentally injured and requires a full action, then casting
suffers 1d10 Wounds; no Perform test proceeds as normal
possible Fumble A bitter Wind: channelling attempt
requires a full action, produces a Minor
Chaos manifestation (WFRP pg. 143), and
then casting proceeds as normal
Animal Training (Fellowship – Advanced)
Channelling normally requires a half action, and
Related talents: None the next action must be casting.
Simple Task: Train a dog to sit
Moderate Task: Train pigeons to carry messages
between two points
Difficult Task: Train a griffon to carry a rider
Perfect Fast progress – reduce training time by 2
weeks (simple tricks require only 1 day)
Success Steady progress – reduce training time by
1 week
Failure Slow progress – do not reduce training
time
Botch Bad habits develop – add 1 week to
training time
Fumble Animal flees, attacks/injures trainer, or
becomes seriously injured itself
Time & Trick Difficulty: roll once per week: 1
success is required for simple tricks, 3 for
moderate, 10 for difficult (WFRP pg.91)
The GM may require at least one degree of
Mastery for training disobedient animals (e.g.
cats) or monsters (e.g. griffons). Only animals
with Int 6 or greater can be trained.
24
Charm (Fellowship - Basic) Command (Fellowship - Basic)

Related talents: Etiquette +10, Schemer +10,
Average Tasks:
Streetwise +10; Master Orator*, Public Speaking* Order henchmen to spy on a minor NPC
Average Tasks: Instruct mercenary to hold a bridge during battle
Convince watchman to overlook a minor crime Perfect Henchmen attempt to perform above-
Seduce the farmer’s daughter and-beyond the call of duty. +10 to
Perfect No WP test to resist. Speaker may gain further Command tests
additional benefits from subject. Success Henchmen attempt to perform the task
Success Charm or Bluff succeeded, possible WP as instructed
test to resist Failure Henchmen fail to perform the task due to
Failure Charm: request denied, further attempts laziness or misunderstanding, and lie to
possible at -10 Fel if a different approach cover themselves
is used Botch Henchmen fail as above, flee or return
Bluff: subject disbelieves, no further later than expected, and may have “lost”
attempts possible items entrusted to their possession. -10
Botch Charm: request flatly denied, no further to further Command tests
attempts possible Fumble Henchmen rebel violently or betray the
Bluff: subject disbelieves, and might characters to their rivals / authorities
report PC as a troublemaker or attempt and do not return
to counter-bluff
Fumble Charm: subject is offended by the For Loyalty modifiers, see OWA pg. 102. The GM
request; -20 to further Fel tests may wish to make Command tests in secret.
Bluff: subject reacts violently or attempts
to have the PC arrested
Note that results will vary depending on whether Common Knowledge (Intelligence - Advanced)
the character is trying to Charm or Bluff. Related talents: Seasoned Traveller +10
Average Tasks:
Recall appropriate etiquette during a traditional
Charm Animal (Fellowship - Advanced) Ogre burial ritual (Ogres)
Know the names and locations of villages around
Related talents: None Altdorf (Empire)
Average Tasks: Perfect Information known. Additional obscure
Prevent a guard dog from barking but relevant facts will also be recalled
Calm a frightened stag Success Information known
Perfect Animal befriends PC and will obey simple Failure Rough approximation, but no details
commands expressed through body Botch No information known
language (e.g. ‘follow’, ‘halt’, ‘go away’) Fumble Information is erroneous or misguided,
Success Animal obeys initial request with embarrassing or misleading
Failure Animal is unaffected by the charm consequences
attempt, but will not attack the PC
Botch Animal is unaffected, and may attack the The GM may wish to make Common
PC if naturally inclined to do so Knowledge tests in secret.
Fumble Animal attacks PC ferociously,
barks/roars/squeals louder than before,
or flees at maximum speed
Tests are only required for ornery or wild
animals. Domestic animals are charmed
automatically as per the Critical Success result.
Bribery
Characters may sweeten their Charm tests (Bluffs excluded) or Gossip tests with gold. An appropriate bribe
adds +20 to Charm tests, and a cheap bribe adds +10 (see below). Bribes of less than half the suggested
amount have no effect, and may even offend the would-be recipient. Characters may give themselves a +30
modifier by doubling the suggested bribe. Remember that some NPC’s can not be bribed with money.
Act Example Effective Bribe
Passive Task Overlooking minor discrepancy, looking the other way, etc. 1 GC
Minor Active Task Leaving a Gate Open, Revealing the personal habits, routine or 4 GC
location of someone
Minor Criminal Act Stealing from an employer or confidant, revealing information of 20 GC
minor value, permitting entry to a restricted area
Criminal Act Stealing articles or revealing information of obvious value 40 GC
Major Criminal Act Revealing information of national importance, conspiracy to murder 80 GC or more
or worse
Class Multipliers
Peasantry/Beggars: ¼ or ½ Burghers/Military: as listed above Merchants/Nobility: x2 or x4
25
Concealment (Agility - Basic) Dodge Blow (Agility - Advanced)

Related talents: Alley Cat +10, Rover +10, Related talents: None
Tunnel Rat +10 Average Tasks: NA
Average tasks: Success
Hide behind a sparse hedge WFRP pg. 129
Failure
Remove traces of passage (footprints, scents)
Success Opposed Test (Concealment vs
Perception). Compare Degrees of
Failure Success to break stalemates. Tie goes to
Drive (Strength - Basic)
concealed character
Groups: for group concealment and detection,
Average Tasks:
test against the lowest Concealment skill in the
Turn a wagon more than 90° in a single round
hiding group, and use the highest Perception skill Negotiate a heavily rutted road
in the spotting group. Perfect Control is maintained, and driver is free
Movement: results in a -20 penalty to to perform other simultaneous actions,
Concealment tests. or gains +1M temporarily
Success Control is maintained with some effort
See “On the Table” for more about this skill. Failure Wagon wobbles, causing unsecured
items to slip loose. Passengers must
make an Ag test or miss 1 round.
Standing PC’s who fail this test will fall
off the wagon.
Botch As above, plus a random wheel takes
1d10 Wounds with no TB modifier (see
WFRP pg. 120). Wagon’s M score is
reduced by 1 until repaired.
Fumble Wagon crashes (see WFRP pg. 120)
Overrun attack: When performing a full move
action, use Drive skill instead of WS to Overrun
Consume Alcohol (Toughness - Basic) opponents in your path. A successful hit causes
Related talents: None damage at the leading beast’s SB value, and if
See WFRP pg. 115 or OWA pg. 61 there are two pairs of beasts, roll for a second
attack. If all pairs of animals hit, the opponent
takes an additional, automatic hit with the
Impact quality, using the wagon’s TB as a
Disguise (Fellowship - Basic) damage modifier (see WFRP pg. 120). Overrun
attacks may be avoided with an Ag test, but not
Related talents: Mimic +10 parried. Movement during an Overrun attack
Average Tasks:
must be in a straight line.
Pose as a cripple or Noble of the same gender
Avoid recognition by bounty hunter who’s using a Manoeuvre: Wagons may not turn more than 90°
good composite sketch for identification during a single round without a Drive test.
Perfect No Perception test will uncover disguise, Driving normally requires both hands.
unless physical inspection is conducted
Success Disguise succeeds but Opposed For vehicles, see OWA pg 86-87
Perception test may uncover it
Failure Extended contact (2+ rounds) within 4
yards exposes automatically, and even Evaluate (Intelligence - Basic)
fleeting contact permits an Opposed
Perception test Related talents: Artistic +10, Dealmaker +10
Botch Disguise fails automatically against Average Tasks:
anyone within 4 yards, and enemies 5- Gauge the price of grain based on harvest yields
20 yards away receive an Opposed Estimate value of clothing with casual observation
Perception test Perfect Exact value determined, and additional
Fumble Disguise falls apart at the worst possible information about the item may be
moment, exposing the character gleaned
instantly Success Value determined within 10%
Failure Value determined within 50%
Detection: Close proximity (<4 yards) may allow Botch Value misjudged, may be off by 95%
an Opposed Perception Test to detect the disguise Fumble Value grossly misjudged at 95% under,
(see above). Physical inspection usually reveals a or 500% over actual value
disguise automatically.
The GM may wish to make Evaluate tests in
The GM may wish to make Disguise tests in secret.
secret.
26
Follow Trail (Intelligence - Advanced) Gossip (Fellowship - Basic)

Related talents: None Related talents: Etiquette +10, Streetwise +10
Track single quarry over hard, dry tundra Obtain information about a major NPC
Determine the specific race of a bare humanoid Learn the whereabouts of the local Thieves’ Guild
footprint Perfect All the latest news and rumours, plus
Perfect Skip the next Follow Trail test, or learn any specific questions will be answered
something unexpected about the quarry as accurately as possible
Success Trail followed or information gained Success All the latest news and rumours, plus
Failure Trail is difficult, and can only be followed answers to one specific question
at half movement. No additional Failure One piece of news, which may be a
information is gained, but later attempts deliberate lie or completely irrelevant
may be possible Botch Character is ignored rudely, threatened,
Botch Trail is lost, but can be reacquired by or deceived if NPC is already hostile
back-tracking and passing a second test. Fumble Character is reported to the authorities
No additional information is gained, and or enemies for snooping, or is even
no further attempts are possible attacked outright
Fumble Trail is lost irretrievably. Information
gained may be inaccurate or misleading Bribery may be used to influence Gossip tests
(see rules under Charm). One test is made for
Terrain: Tracking in snow, mud or loose sand every 4 hours of interaction.
does not normally require a test.
Re-rolls: A re-roll is required whenever
conditions change, or at regular intervals Haggle (Fellowship - Basic)
depending on the rate of pursuit:
Related talents: Dealmaker +10
Running or jogging: 1 test per hour Average Tasks:
Standard: 1 test every 4 hours Haggle over price of common, legal, non-magical
goods
The GM may wish to make Follow Trail tests in
Haggleover service fees for standard hirelings
secret.
Perfect 5% off normal price, +5% for every
additional DoS. Seller will offer a bonus
item or incentive to complete the sale
Gamble (Intelligence - Basic) Success 5% off normal price, +5% for every
additional DoS
Related talents: Super Numerate +10 Failure Normal price is offered
Average Tasks: NA Botch Seller takes advantage of the character
by overpricing the item slightly, or
Success Opposed Test (Gamble vs Gamble). selling a flawed/damaged piece.
Compare Degrees of Success to break Fumble Seller is offended – no deal.
Failure stalemates, conducting a tie-break round
if necessary. Major purchases: Bulk cargo or exceptionally
valuable items may require an Opposed Haggle
The House: in a casino or gambling hall, the
test, comparing DoS and either adding or
house adds 1d5x10 to its Gamble skill (or 10-50,
subtracting Nx10% from the price, depending on
depending on the ownership).
the result.
Cheating: characters with Gamble skill may
Bartering: Opposed Haggle test. Winner may
attempt to cheat. When cheating, add +20 to the
shift availability by one column (see OWA pg. 10)
skill. Opponents
may spot a cheater Selling: returns
with an Opposed 100% of listed value
Perception test normally, or 50% of
against the cheater’s value for a quick
unmodified sale. If more is
Gambling roll (i.e. desired, make an
not including the Opposed Haggle test
+20). Ties go to the (see OWA pg. 3)
cheater. Gambling
skill adds +10 to
Perception tests to
detect cheating.
27
Heal (Intelligence - Advanced)

Related talents: Surgery +10*
Average Tasks:
Bind a sword cut and keep the injury clean
Ensure a proper diet and rest schedule is
maintained for recovery
Perfect Lightly injured: recover 1d10 W
Heavily injured: recover 1 W
Success Lightly injured: recover 1d5 W
Heavily injured: recover 1 W
Failure Lightly injured: recover 1 W
Heavily injured: no effect
Botch No effect
Fumble Injury becomes aggravated or Intimidate (Strength or Fellowship - Basic)
infected. Immediately lose 1 W or
halve healing rates until full recovery Related talents: Menacing +10
is achieved Average Tasks:
Intimidate someone of equal combat power (Str)
Lightly Injured: more than 3 Wounds remaining Threaten to inform authorities of a minor
Heavily Injured: 3 Wounds or less mutation (Fel)
Critical Hits: see OWA pg. 99-100 Perfect Opponent obeys commands, and weaker
opponents offer additional gifts or
Wounds recovered from Healing are in addition favours in supplication
to natural recovery rates (WFRP pg. 133). Success Opponent does not attack, and weaker
opponents obey commands
Failure Weaker opponents pause for 1 round (or
up to 1 day in a non-combat situation)
Hypnotism (Will Power - Advanced) Botch Opponent is unaffected
Fumble Opponent is angered, and either attacks
Related talents: None immediately or attempts to deceive the
Average Tasks: intimidator
Hypnotize a subject without any focal objects
A successful WP test negates the effect of
(i.e. voice and eye contact only)
Hypnotize a subject during a one-on-one
Intimidation. Roll for each opponent individually.
conversation in a noisy restaurant Opponents who resist Intimidation can only be
Perfect Subject may be influenced to carry influenced by Torture (see below).
out an order, even after the hypnosis Blackmail: when intimidating during a non-
ends. In addition, one question may combat encounter, use Fel instead of Str, and
be asked per 10 points of the compare social standing & credibility to
hypnotist’s WP
determine relevant modifiers.
Success One question may be asked per 10
points of the hypnotist’s WP
Failure One question may be asked
Botch Hypnosis fails Lip Reading (Intelligence - Advanced)
Fumble Hypnosis fails, but subject is aware
Related talents: Excellent Vision +10
of the attempt and may use the
Average Tasks:
opportunity for deception. Subjects
Follow a whispered conversation from a distance
with a low Int are likely to become
of 10 yards or less
openly hostile instead
Understand the dying mumblings of a feeble
plague victim
Unwilling subjects may resist hypnosis with a Perfect Every single word is clearly understood,
successful WP test. and accents or nuances may be detected
The GM may wish to make Hypnotism tests in Success About 75% of the words are understood
secret. Failure Only a few scattered words are
understood
Botch None of the words are understood
Fumble A few words are completely
misinterpreted, leading to a tragic
misunderstanding
The GM may wish to make Lip Reading tests in
secret.
28
Magical Sense (Will Power - Advanced) Touching the object or person confers a +20 or
+30 modifier, depending on the strength of the
Related talents: Aethyric Attunement +10 enchantment. The exact nature of the magic is
Average Tasks: not revealed; merely that magical properties are
Detect which colour of Wind is dominant (see present. Further information requires prolonged
below) research.
Identify a wizards’ magical nature within 4 yards
Success Magic detected, if present The GM may wish to make Magical Sense tests in
secret.
Failure Magic undetected
Winds of Magic Table

Roll one die at the beginning of each encounter to determine the Dominant Wind (bolded). The relative
strengths of other colours are also determined by this roll. Note that some colours tend to wane when
others are strong. The Winds of Magic change every 1d10 minutes.
1d10 Roll:
Lore / Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Terrain
Light / White +3 -2 -1 -1 - +1 +1 +2 -2 -1 Plains, Fields
Metal / Gold +2 +3 -3 -2 -1 - - +1 - - Underground, Rock
Life / Jade +1 +2 +3 -2 -1 -1 - +1 -1 -2 Rivers, Oceans
The Heavens / Celestial - +1 +2 +3 -3 -2 -1 - - - Mountains, Open sky
Shadow / Grey - - +1 +2 +3 -3 -2 -1 - - Valleys, Clouded Sky
Death / Amethyst -2 -1 - +1 +1 +3 -3 -2 +1 +2 Graveyards, Battlefields
Fire / Bright -2 -1 - - +1 +2 +3 -3 - - Deserts, Volcanoes
Beasts / Amber -3 -2 -1 - - +1 +2 +3 - - Forests, Wild Places
Chaos -3 -1 -2 - - +1 -1 +1 +3 +2 Chaos Wastes, Portals
Necromancy -2 - -3 -1 - +2 -1 - +2 +3 Nehakhara, Sylvania
+/-N: modifier to each die of the Casting Roll
Bold: dominant colour
Terrain: in the favoured terrain of a given Lore, a caster who Channels successfully may gain an extra
Casting die when using the native type of magic, at GM’s discretion
Navigation (Intelligence - Advanced)

Related talents: Orientation +10, Super Deviation table: Roll for direction: 1-5 = left, 6-
Numerate +10 10 = right, then roll for deviation:
Average Tasks: 1-4: 15° off course
Maintain course on open sea using an astrolabe 5-7: 30° off course
or similar device 8-9: 60° off course
Estimate travel time to Praag by ski in late winter 10: 90° off course
Perfect Clear sailing. Skip the next day’s
Navigation Test, or arrive ahead of
schedule
Success Normal progress
Failure Slight deviation. Roll on the deviation
table using 1d5, or add 1d10 hours to
travel time
Botch Major deviation. Roll on the deviation
table using 1d10, or add 1 day to travel
time
Fumble Totally lost. Roll on the deviation table
using 1d5+5, or add 1d5 days to travel
time
You may photocopy and cut out this template
One Navigation test is made per day.
PC’s will only discover than they’re off course
once a successful Navigation test is made, and
may then begin correcting their error.
29
Outdoor Survival (Intelligence - Basic) Perception (Intelligence - Basic)

Related talents: None Related talents: Excellent Vision +10, Trapfinder
Average Tasks: +10; Acute Hearing +10, Super Numerate +20
Build a warm, waterproof shelter for three people Average Tasks:
Hunt, fish or forage in lightly-wooded, temperate Notice the small bloodstain on a jacket
lowlands Hear someone unlocking a door
Perfect Sufficient food gathered for 1d10 people Success A discrete item is spotted. One extra
Shelter constructed will last 1d10 weeks detail is noticed for each additional
Success Sufficient food gathered for 1d5 people DoS (if applicable)
Shelter constructed will last 1d10 days Failure The character is completely
Failure Sufficient food gathered for 1 person oblivious
Shelter will collapse after 1d10 hours
Botch A few scraps of food found The GM may wish to make Perception tests in
Shelter will collapse after 1d5 hours secret. See “On the Table” for more about this
Fumble Sufficient poisonous plants, berries or skill.
mushrooms gathered for 1 person, or
character is attacked by wild animal or
character is injured while foraging. Performer (Fellowship - Advanced)
Shelter collapses after the last branch is
added Related talents: Contortionist +10, Mimic +10
Average Tasks:
Gathering food: each attempt requires 6 hours Impress the fickle Baroness with a poem
of hunting, fishing or foraging. See WFRP pg. 114 Juggle batons in a busy marketplace
for starvation effects. See WFRP pg. 122 for Perfect Busking: earn 1d10 shillings
Poisonous berry and mushroom effects. See Entertaining: add +20 to subsequent
WFRP pg 232 for Wild Animal stats. Fel tests with the audience
Success Busking: earn 1d5 shillings
Building shelters: requires 1 hour of
Entertaining: add +10 to subsequent
construction per person capacity, testing upon Fel tests with the audience
completion. Failure Busking: earn 1d10 pennies
Exposure: Entertaining: no effect
Heat: temperatures above 30°C (86°F) require a T Botch Busking: no earnings, and watchman
test for every 4 hours of travelling, exertion, or will move busker along or locals will pelt
lack of water. with rotten food
1st failure: -10 to Int tests Entertaining: audience thinks the
performer is an untalented hack, -10 to
2nd failure: -10 to all tests and possible sunburn
Fel tests
3rd and subsequent failures: lose 1d5 W
Fumble Busking: watchman will arrest busker
Cold & Dampness: dry temperatures below 0°C for disturbing the peace or locals will
(32°F) or wet temperatures below 10°C (50°F) attack / break busker’s instruments or
require a T test for every 4 hours spent without tools
proper clothing. Entertaining: audience thinks the
1st failure: -10 to Ag tests performer is pretentious or subversive,
and will ignore or report to authorities
2nd failure: -10 to all tests and possible frostbite
3rd and subsequent failures: Busking: one Perform test may
lose 1d5 W be made every day in cities and
Exposure effects are towns to earn coin.
cumulative, and the GM may Entertaining: the performer is
demand T tests more often trying to impress a specific
under extreme conditions. A individual or group for later
successful Outdoor Survival favours.
test may forestall level 3
effects, both for oneself and for
others. Exposure effects are
removed with rest. Sunburn
and frostbite may cause
disfigurement or even
amputation unless a Heal test
is passed.
The GM may wish to make
Outdoor Survival tests in
secret.
30
Pick Lock (Agility - Advanced) Read/Write (Intelligence - Advanced)

Related talents: Trapfinder +10 Related talents: Linguistics +10
Skeleton keyhole on a common door Write a letter under time pressure with poor tools
Simple deadbolt on a barn door Interpret the scribbled handwriting of a madman
Perfect Simple lock is opened immediately; Perfect Read: every single word is clearly
complex lock is reduced by 2 difficulty understood
levels Write: elegant font, grammatically correct
Success Simple lock takes one minute to open; with no typos
complex lock is reduced by 1 difficulty Success The overall gist of the message is
level understood, but a few words are
Failure Unsuccessful but may try again incomprehensible
Botch Unsuccessful; no further attempts are Failure A few words are understood, but the
possible on this lock overall gist of the message is
Fumble Unsuccessful; no further attempts are incomprehensible
possible and lock pick is broken or Botch Read: none of the words are understood
lodged in mechanism. Any traps are Write: spelling and grammatical errors
sprung and additional noise is made. abound; illegible font
Fumble Read: some words may be understood but
One attempt may be made per minute. The are taken completely out of context,
difficulty level of a lock determines the number of distorting their meaning
successful rolls required to pick it: Write: the few passages that are legible
have a different meaning from the
Simple lock (see above examples): Difficulty 1
author’s intent
Tricky lock (Noble’s bed chamber): Difficulty 2
Devious lock (treasure chest): Difficulty 3 Under normal conditions, no roll is required to
Brilliant lock (Dwarven treasure room): Difficulty read or write a language familiar to the PC. The
4 GM may wish to make Read/Write tests in secret.
Prepare Poison (Intelligence - Advanced) Ride (Agility - Basic)

Related talents: None Related talents: Trick Riding +10
Recognize the type of poison on an assassin’s Jump the mount over a fence
dagger within 2 yards Fire a bow while maintaining control of the steed
Extract resin from the Black Lotus plant Perfect Manoeuvre successful, and rider is free
Perfect Manufacture: 1d10 doses made to perform other simultaneous actions,
Detect: success or gains +1M temporarily
Apply: +1W or enhanced effect Success Manoeuvre successful
Success Manufacture: 1d5 doses made Failure Manoeuvre failed. Steed refuses to jump
Detect or Apply: success or gallop. No further actions this round
Failure Manufacture: 1 dose made Botch Manoeuvre failed, and steed bolts in
Detect or Apply: failure random direction for one round. Easy
Botch Manufacture: ingredients ruined +20 Ride test to remain mounted (see
Detect: failure below for falling)
Apply: poison ruined Fumble Manoeuvre failed, and steed bolts in
Fumble Manufacture or Apply: user poisons random direction for 1d10 rounds. Rider
himself is thrown from saddle (see below).
Detect: failure; victim finds the poisoned Alternately, steed goes lame or breaks a
food delicious leg
Manufacture & Apply: Separate rolls must be Trample attack: When performing a full move
made to first manufacture poison, and then apply action, use Ride skill instead of WS to Trample
it to a blade or food item (WFRP pg 122 or OWA opponents in your path. A successful hit causes
pg 71-73). damage at the steed’s SB value. Trample attacks
may be avoided with an Ag test, but not parried.
Detect: Perception tests are required to notice
Movement during a Trample attack must be in a
poison, and Prepare Poison tests are required to
straight line.
identify it. The victim’s Perception test may be
modified by -10 for every DoS the poisoner Falling: Riders taking critical hits require a Ride
achieved while applying it. test to remain mounted. Falling from a standing
horse causes no damage, but falling from a
moving horse causes 1d10 Wounds, modified
only by TB.
For mounts, see OWB pg 121-123
31
Row (Strength - Basic) with the Impact quality, using the boat’s TB as a
damage modifier (WFRP pg. 119). Movement
Related talents: None during a Ram attack must be in a straight line.
Average Tasks:
Negotiate moderate rapids Manoeuvre: Ships may not turn more than 45°
Make a sudden 180 turn during a single round (and they require 1d5
Perfect Manoeuvre successful, and rower is free rounds to stop) unless a Sail test is passed.
to perform other simultaneous actions,
Hull breach: If a single blow causes more than
or gains +1M temporarily
10 Wounds to a boat’s hull, it is breached and
Success Manoeuvre successful
will sink in 2d10 rounds.
Failure Manoeuvre failed. Boat does not move,
or else continues in a straight line if For vehicles, see OWA pg. 86-87
velocity is sufficient. No actions may be
taken by the rower this round.
Botch Boat collides with a nearby obstacle and Scale Sheer Surface (Strength - Basic)
suffers 1d10 damage minus TB. If no
obstacles are nearby, boat takes on Related talents: None
water and is reduced to half M until Average Tasks:
bailed out. Climb a half-timbered wall without rope
Fumble Hull is breached by a nearby obstacle Cling to underside of a moving carriage
and boat will sink in 2d10 rounds. If no Perfect Good progress; next round’s climb test is
obstacles are nearby, boat capsizes but an auto-success, or climber gains +1M
remains afloat. temporarily
Ram attack: When performing a full move Success Surface climbed successfully this round
action, use Row skill instead of WS to Ram boats Failure No progress this round. Any handheld or
in your path. A successful hit causes damage unsecured items may be dropped
with the Impact quality, using the boat’s TB as a Botch Climber slips. Make a Hard -20 Climb
test or fall. If successful, slide down 1
damage modifier (WFRP pg. 119). Movement
yard and drop any handheld or
during a Ram attack must be in a straight line.
unsecured items
Hull breach: If a single blow causes more than Fumble Climber falls – hard – and makes a lot of
10 Wounds to a boat’s hull, it is breached and noise in the process
will sink in 2d10 rounds. Climbing under stress or time pressure requires
Manoeuvre: Rowboats may only turn more than a re-roll every round. Otherwise, test once and
90° in a single round if they’re standing still. Two then re-roll every hour.
hands are normally required to row.
For vehicles, see OWA pg. 86-87
Search (Intelligence - Basic)
Sail (Agility - Advanced) Average Tasks:
Find a concealed trap door
Related talents: None Locate a single book on a shelf of hundreds
Average Tasks: Success One item is found, plus one for each
Weather a moderate storm additional DoS (if applicable)
Turn more than 45° in a single round Failure Nothing is found
Perfect Manoeuvre successful, and sailor is free
to perform other simultaneous actions, Searching a small (4x4) room takes 1 minute.
or gains +1M temporarily This time may be halved at the expense of
Success Manoeuvre successful making a lot of mess and noise. Multiple
Failure Manoeuvre fails. Boat does not move, or attempts are possible.
continues in a straight line if velocity is
sufficient. No additional actions may be The GM may wish to make Search tests in secret.
taken. See “On the Table” for more on this skill.
Botch Boat collides with a nearby obstacle and
suffers 2d10 damage minus TB. If no
obstacles are nearby, boat takes on
water and is reduced to half M until
bailed out
Fumble Hull is breached by a nearby obstacle
and boat will sink in 2d10 rounds. If no
obstacles are nearby, boat capsizes but
remains afloat.
Ram attack: When performing a full move
action, use Sail skill instead of WS to Ram boats
in your path. A successful hit causes damage
32
Secret Language (Intelligence - Advanced) Under normal conditions, no roll is necessary if

the reader understands the Secret Sign, and if
Related talents: None the sign was left in an obvious fashion. To place a
Average Tasks: Secret Sign discreetly (i.e. so that only a
Communicate in the din of battle Perception test or Secret Signs test will spot it), a
Convey a message while remaining discreet roll is required. A roll is also required to
Perfect Message is conveyed quickly and clearly, understand a Secret Sign that’s been placed
and no Perception test will intercept it discreetly by someone else.
Success The overall gist of the message is
understood, but a few words are The GM may wish to make Secret Signs tests in
incomprehensible secret.
Failure A few words are understood, but the
overall gist of the message is Set Trap (Agility - Advanced)
incomprehensible
Botch Message is missed entirely Related talents: None
Average Tasks:
Fumble Message is misunderstood with Rig a falling block trap
embarrassing or disastrous Snare a large animal (e.g. bear)
consequences Perfect Perfect placement. -30 Perception or Dodge
tests vs trap
Under normal conditions, no roll is necessary if Trapping: 2d10 GC worth in hides
the listener understands the Secret Language. A Success Good placement. -10 Perception or Dodge
casual observer will realize they are tests vs trap
communicating, but will not understand what’s Trapping: 1d10 GC worth in hides
being said. Someone who wishes to speak Failure Decent placement. No Perception/Dodge
discreetly must make a Secret Language roll to modifier
communicate, and casual observers must then Trapping: raccoon, squirrel or other
undesirable animal caught
make a Perception test to notice the dialogue.
Botch Poor placement. Trap fails to trigger or
The GM may wish to make Secret Language tests activates too early
in secret. Trapping: no animal caught
Fumble Trap activates against PC, or is damaged
Secret Signs (Intelligence - Advanced) Trapping: animal destroys trap and
escapes; may attack PC if nearby
Related talents: None Spotting: requires a Perception test (or Search
Average Tasks: test +20). A character Searching for traps may
Carve a discreet but legible warning on a tree only move at Hampered rate (half move). Spotted
Recognize a warning that’s been carved discreetly traps can be deactivated with a successful Set
on a tree trunk Trap roll.
Perfect Additional information may be imparted
or gleaned from the sign
Activating: traps activate when someone trips
Success Sign is conveyed/interpreted the trigger (e.g. stone slab, tripwire, echo
successfully chamber, weighted floor). Movement within 1-2
Failure Only the basic gist of the sign is yards of the trigger generally has a 50% chance of
understood or conveyed, but not its activating the trap. Traps activated require either
exact nature an Ag test, T test, or Dodge Blow skill to avoid
Botch Sign is completely illegible (see below).
Fumble Sign is misinterpreted or conveyed with Trapping: this skill may be used to hunt for food
embarrassing or unintended (use Outdoor Survival table) or to gather pelts
consequences (OWA pg. 14 for prices). One roll is made per day.
Trap types
• Deadfall ceiling block – S5 hit with Impact quality to head or shoulders – Ag test to avoid (1 block may hit 2
characters)
• Spear or arrow trap – single S4 Armour Piercing spear, or 1d5 S3 arrows – Dodge Blow to avoid (2 arrows max
per character)
• Swinging pendulum blade – single S4 attack, continues to swing for 1d5 rounds, or until it hits – Ag test to
avoid (second character may be struck if the leading PC dodges)
• Toothed Mantrap – S6 attack to victim’s leg, and victim is ensnared (WFRP pg. 106) with -20 to escape rolls –
Dodge Blow test to avoid
• Gas cloud – Gas spreads into 2x2 cloud, and spreads 1 yard/round for 1d5 rounds – Poisonous gas: 1d5
wounds regardless of T or armour, Knock-out gas: T test or unconscious, Blinding gas: blind for 1 hour – T
test to avoid
• Ceiling Lowers – crushes anyone in the room after 1d5+1 rounds – no test to avoid (only quick exit or Fate
Point will save)
• Covered Pit – apply falling damage (WFRP pg 138), with additional S3 attack if pit is spiked – Ag test to avoid
falling, Dodge Blow test to avoid spikes
• Cave-in – passageway is blocked by rubble – Ag test to dodge on either side of cave-in (pick one), with failure
resulting in ceiling block damage (see above)
• Chute – sloped passageway leads to lower level; sliding PC’s may lose possessions – Ag test to avoid
33
Shadowing (Agility - Advanced) Speak Arcane Lang. (Intelligence - Advanced)

Related talents: None Related talents: None
Follow target in a dark street Read a damaged or poorly preserved document
Track target discreetly in a crowded marketplace Cast a spell of casting number 10, using original
Success Opposed Test (Shadowing vs Perception). text for reference (see below)
Compare Degrees of Success to break Perfect Reading: every single word is clearly
Failure stalemates. Tie goes to shadowed character. understood
Casting from the Book: ignore all Chaos
Groups: for group shadowing and spotting, test Manifestations and Wrath of Gods for this
against the lowest Shadowing skill in the spell
pursuing group, and use the highest Perception Success Reading: about 75% of the words are
skill in the spotting group. understood
Casting from the Book: Ignore the first “1”
Following: targets may be Shadowed openly in a for Chaos Manifestations and Wrath of
busy street if the pursuer is unrecognizable. In Gods
these cases, the Shadower uses Fel instead of Ag Failure Reading: only about 25% of the words are
understood
to mingle inconspicuously with the crowd.
Casting from the Book: spell is cast with
the restrictions listed below, and no
Silent Move (Agility - Basic) benefits
Botch Reading: none of the words are understood
Related talents: Alley Cat +10, Rover +10, Casting from the Book: spell
Tunnel Rat +10 automatically fails due to sticky page or
Average Tasks: smudged writing.
Sneak up behind a guard Fumble Reading: some words may be understood
Muffle a fall but are taken completely out of context,
Success Opposed Test (Silent Move vs Perception). distorting their meaning
Compare Degrees of Success to break Casting from the Book: the page flutters
Failure stalemates. Tie goes to sneaker. just as the Winds are harnessed,
disrupting the spell. Roll for Chaos
Groups: For silent group movement, test against Manifestations and insanity as normal, but
the lowest Silent Move skill in the sneaking the spell takes no effect.
group, and use the highest Perception skill in the
Arcane Languages include Magick, Old Slann,
listening group. See “On the Table” for more about
Arcane Dwarf, Arcane Elf, Druidic, and Demonic
this skill.
Casting from the Book: Wizards and Priests
Sleight of Hand (Agility - Advanced) with spell scrolls or prayer books may use them
for reference while casting. This is slower and
Related talents: None less effective than casting “off book”, but it’s
Average Tasks: safer, and thus reduces the risk of Chaos
Pilfer a document from the table with a watcher
nearby
Manifestations or Wrath of the Gods. The
Clip purses in a busy marketplace over the course of decision to Cast from the Book must be made
a day (Picking Pockets – see below) before attempting a Channelling roll.
Perfect Single object palmed automatically or 1d5
One hand is needed to hold the book or scroll.
items palmed with Opposed Sleight of Hand
vs Perception test Remember that complex spells may demand
Pick Pocket: 1D10 GC stolen over the day having two hands free for casting, and some
Success Single object palmed successfully, but books are too heavy to lift with one hand. In
subject notices with Opposed Perception vs these cases, the volume must be placed on the
Sleight of Hand test ground or in a book stand (certain sacred
Pick Pocket: 2d10 shillings stolen over the volumes must not touch the ground). Spell
day Ingredients (WFRP pg. 141) are difficult to
Failure Object not retrieved, and subject notices manipulate while holding a book or scroll, but
attempt with Opposed Perception vs Sleight
of Hand test
may be used in conjunction with a book stand.
Pick Pocket: no money stolen over the day Effects of Casting from the Book:
Botch Object not retrieved, and subject notices the adds a half action to total casting time
attempt automatically
characters suffer -20 on Perception and Dodge
Pick Pocket: no money stolen that day,
plus character is chased and/or assaulted Blow tests while Casting from the Book
Fumble Object not retrieved, and subject notices the Reduce the character’s Casting Roll by 4, due to
attempt easily, while also gaining surprise the awkwardness of casting and the monotony of
(WFRPpg. 125) recited verse
Pick Pocket: character caught red-handed Casting from the Book cannot prevent Chaos
by the authorities and arrested Manifestations caused by Catastrophic
Channelling Failures (see “Channelling” entry
Picking Pockets: Characters in a town or city
above)
may attempt to earn money between adventures
by rolling one Pick Pocket test per day.
34
Speak Language (Intelligence - Advanced) Torture (Fellowship - Advanced)

Related talents: Linguistics +10, Mimic +10, Related talents: Menacing +10
Seasoned Traveller +10 Average Tasks:
Average Tasks: Learn location of bandit camp from a captive
Imitate an obscure regional sub-dialect Extract confession of heresy from a hedge wizard
Convey a complex message under stress in a Perfect All requested information is extracted
non-native tongue without seriously injuring the captive.
Perfect Perfect communication. All social tests No WP test to resist.
can be made normally Success All requested information is extracted if
Success Accent is only barely noticeable. Average captive fails a WP test and survives 1d5-
(+/-0) or easier Disguise, Charm, Gossip 1 Wounds (no T modifier) or IP’s,
and Command tests may be attempted depending on mode of torture
Failure Accent is apparent and grammar is Failure One piece of information may be
awkward. Average (+/-0) or easier extracted if captive fails a WP test and
Disguise, Charm, Gossip and Command survives 1d5-1 Wounds (no T modifier)
tests may be attempted, but at -20 or IP’s, depending on mode of torture
Botch Speech is broken and barely coherent. Botch No information gathered, and captive is
Basic information can be conveyed, but injured. Inflict 1d10 Wounds (no T
no Disguise, Charm, Gossip or modifier) or IP’s, depending on mode of
Command tests are possible. torture
Fumble Character sputters and fumbles on Fumble No information gathered, and captive is
words. No information is conveyed / no accidentally killed, or becomes catatonic
social tests possible for 1 day and gains an instant insanity
(WFRP pg. 201)
A character is assumed to be fluent in his/her
mother tongue (usually the racial or regional Mode of torture: may cause Wound loss, IP gain,
language), and no roll is required for or a combination of the two at GM discretion.
communication. Any additional languages are • Physical: flogging, suffocation, cutting &
considered non-native, and characters may need bludgeoning
to make Speak Language tests occasionally. • Psychological: sensory deprivation, harming
or threatening loved ones, humiliation
• Psychophysical: disfigurement, starvation &
Swim (Strength - Basic) exposure, rape
Related talents: None Ethics: Characters who perform or witness

Average Tasks: torture must roll vs WP or gain 1 IP.
Swim across a cold, choppy canal Multiple Torture tests may be attempted on a
Swim more than 100 yards on calm water captive who is still capable of speech.
Perfect Swimmer succeeds, and is free to
perform other simultaneous actions, or
gains +1M temporarily
Success Swimmer succeeds
Failure No progress. Make another Swim test or
begin drowning (WFRP pg. 136)
Botch No progress. Swimmer begins drowning
immediately (WFRP pg. 136)
Fumble Swimmer inhales a lungful of water, falls
unconscious, and will die in 2 minutes if
not rescued.
Once a swimmer has begun drowning, he may
only flail about in the water. Every minute, in
addition to his Suffocation Test (WFRP pg. 136),
he may attempt a Hard -20 Swim test to recover.
Movement is halved when swimming.
35
Trade (Varies - Advanced) Manufacture: For explanations of item quality,

Related talents: Dwarfcraft +10; Artistic +20 see WFRP pg. 105. A tradesperson’s capability
Average Tasks: depends on the number of skill mastery levels:
Sew a leather jerkin using poor tools under time Skilled: Common quality items
pressure Mastery +10: Good quality items
Hold a strenuous new farm job through Mastery +20: Best quality items
harvesting season
(For detailed manufacturing rules, download
Perfect Manufacture: may add +1 to item
Daniel White’s Trade article available from the
quality
Liber Fanatica website.)
Labour: high productivity (2-3 times
normal), employer will take notice Labour: A Labour test may be made once/day or
Success Manufacture: see below for item quality once/week at GM’s discretion. Under normal
Labour: good productivity, gets the job conditions labourers should receive a +20 or +30
done bonus when working within their trade. A test is
Failure Manufacture: -1 from item quality not necessary if the worker is very familiar with
Labour: mediocre productivity; not bad his/her job (e.g. same farm for 2+ years, making
enough to warrant firing, but
clothing from a familiar pattern etc.)
performance is expected to improve
Botch Manufacture: -2 from item quality and a
tool may break
Labour: poor productivity and numerous Ventriloquism (Fellowship - Advanced)
errors will lead to dismissal if not
corrected immediately Related talents: None
Fumble Manufacture: nothing is produced, a Average Tasks:
tool may break, and materials are ruined Speak without moving lips during a conversation
Labour: terrible performance and big Project voice across a small room
mistakes lead to immediate dismissal, Success Opposed Test (Ventriloquism vs
and possible injury if job is dangerous Perception). Compare Degrees of
Failure
Success to break stalemates. Tie
goes to ventriloquist
36
The Tool Shed
37
Introduction
by Henrik Grönberg
T his part of the guide contains several tools

for GMs running WFRP. Although the GM is
free to use these in any way imaginable, a few
notes are provided in order to help in doing so. It
should be noted that the scope of these tools is
limited in several ways. Firstly, they are written
with the Empire and Humans in mind. Although
this doesn’t mean you can’t use them for
characters of other races and nationalities, or for
scenarios set outside the Empire, you’ll have to
tweak or re-roll the results a lot more often.
Secondly, most tables come with a random
generation (“dice decision”) option. If this is used,
far from all results will be grammatically correct,
make sense or be of any help. Thirdly, all tables
represent only a limited selection of possible
entries. However, if they spur your imagination to
come up with alternatives, they still serve a
purpose!
Character Traits
T his tool consists of ten sets of ten tables each
listing ten entries. Each set of tables is
loosely linked to one of the Ten Questions on
and 1d10 for the entry) a few, say three, traits
may be a good idea.
Scenario Creation GMs can use the tables when
pages 21-22 of WFRP. Each table can be read as
creating NPCs for scenarios and campaigns
offering fragments of answers to one of these
(homemade or others), much in the same ways as
questions and can be used during character
described above.
generation to help players come up with a
background for their PCs (see above). Character Generation This material is also useful
for GMs and players generating player
The entries in these tables are intended to serve characters. For instance, players can roll once on
several purposes: each set of tables, 1d10 traits as above, or simply
use the tables in any other way as they and the
Improving Improvisations GMs can keep these
GM see fit. The result won’t be a cohesive and
tables handy while at the table for coming up
complete personality–you still have to connect
with a few defining attributes for improvised
these dots–but may provide a few starting ideas
NPCs. In this case, picking or rolling (1d10 for
for creating a personality and background.
the set of tables, another 1d10 for which table
Ten Hundred Answers:

Question Set of Tables
1: Where are you from? Character Background
2: What is your family like? Family & Heritage
3: What is your social class? Social Status
4: What did you do before you became an adventurer? Personal History
5: Why did you become an adventurer? Personality
6: How religious are you? Religiosity
7: Who are your best friends and worst enemies? Friends & Enemies
8: What are your prized possessions? Peculiar Possessions
9: Who are you loyal to? Loyalties
10: Who do you love/hate? Loves & Hates
38
Character Background
1 CHILDHOOD MISFORTUNES 6 HAS TRACES OF THE ACCENT OF
1 Character was abused as a child 1 Averland
2 Orphaned early, raised by distant relatives 2 Hochland
3 Sickly and weak as a child 3 Middenland
4 Mocked and teased by other children 4 Nordland
5 Parents had to move a lot, never rooted 5 Ostermark
6 Resents parents and upbringing to this day 6 Ostland
7 Always felt out of place as a child 7 Reikland
8 Mistreated by stepmother or father 8 Stirland
9 As a child regarded as weird by everyone 9 Talabecland
10 Resented schooling or similar education 10 Wissenland
2 AS A CHILD, CHARACTER WAS 7 ONCE SPENT 1D10 MONTHS IN

1 known as a dreamer 1 another province in the Empire
2 quite bright and was considered for schooling 2 Bretonnia, visiting distant family
3 cold and deliberate 3 Kislev, in the line of work
4 Known for his good manners and politeness 4 Tillea, to find someone who fled there
5 sometimes running away for days 5 Border Princes, to hide out for a while
6 prematurely adult and conscientious 6 Estalia, visiting the temple of Myrmidia
7 proficient in some sport or art 7 Marienburg, working off a debt
8 disobedient and rude to his parents 8 Nuln, seeking a scholar’s advice
9 a good child: helpful, loving and sweet 9 Altdorf, to address the Emperor!
10 religious and had an early awakened piety 10 prison, mental asylum or slavery
3 WHILE GROWING UP, CHARACTER 8 NURTURES A LIFELONG DREAM TO

1 spent summers with relatives in the countryside 1 live in a another country
2 spent winters in a city with friends of his parents 2 marry someone “untouchable” due to class
3 Intermittently worked for a distant relative 3 move to another town, city or province
4 was sent to a nearby village during the harvest 4 live on the sea / in the mountains
5 always tried to impress a neighbour but failed 5 take up a different profession
6 often found a reason to visit the next village 6 buy a certain farm or townhouse
7 ran away and spent the evening in a close-by inn 7 reacquire some family estate or heirloom
8 often hid from mother – sometimes for days 8 visit friends or relatives that live far, far away
9 was considered somewhat slow 9 visit a settlement of Elves, Dwarfs or Halflings
10 never felt he really could talk to either parent 10 say “I’m sorry” to someone he hurt years ago
4 FAMILY’S ROOTS IN COMMUNITY 9 FOND MEMORIES OF A NEARBY

1 Recently driven from ancestral home 1 Lake
2 Has always moved around throughout province 2 River
3 Moved there 1d10 years ago 3 Town
4 Lived in community for 1d10 generations 4 Village
5 Family recently moved to another province 5 Forest
6 Entire extended family lives elsewhere 6 farmstead
7 Extended family lives in same community 7 Ruin
8 Parents recently moved back to ancestral home 8 Field
9 Parents alternated between two homes 9 Temple
10 Family never had a steady home 10 Shrine
5 FEELINGS ON HOME COMMUNITY 10 USE TABLE 1:9 TO DETERMINE

1 Feels people there care for each other 1 a place the character has very bad memories of
2 Proud of a famous figure or feature 2 where the character was born
3 Constantly felt estranged 3 where the character used to hide from everyone
4 People back home are insular and bigoted 4 what left an unforgettable impression as it burned
5 Something goes on behind the scenes 5 where he had his first real experience of death
6 Always felt the wrong people had authority 6 a place the character knew to be haunted
7 The community is hiding a sinister secret 7 a place the character returns to in his dreams
8 Lately treated as an outsider back home 8 where a loved one wanted to be buried
9 Family has never felt part of community 9 where he was almost killed 10+1d10 years old
10 Gets a special feeling treading those streets 10 where the character had his first brush with love
39
Family and Heritage

1 CHARACTER IS VERY FOND OF HIS 6 HERITAGE & ANCESTRY: CHARACTER
1 mother 1 is ashamed of his ancestry
2 Father 2 feels insignificant compared to ancestors
3 grandmother 3 is something of a genealogist
4 grandfather 4 is unduly boastful of his blood-line
5 Sister 5 mourns his lineage’s greater days
6 brother 6 thinks his family deserves a better reputation
7 aunt 7 has sworn to give own children a better start in life
8 Uncle 8 frequently goes to family cemetery to pay respect
9 Niece 9 dreams of being knighted
10 Nephew 10 has illicitly adopted some sort of title or heraldry
2 ROLL ON TABLE 2:1 TO SEE WHO 7 CENTRAL RELATIVE GROWING UP

1 was killed and eaten by Beastmen 1 Very young when mother died
2 was hunted through the forest by Mutants 2 Always afraid of father
3 was robbed and killed by Outlaws 3 Never met his father, thinks about him a lot
4 is rumoured to have had dealings with smugglers 4 Recently learnt who was his real father
5 was raped or beaten and left for dead 5 Secretly related to local Noble
6 once stumbled upon a Goblin lair 6 Often turned to an aunt for advice and guidance
7 Claimed to have seen a Ghost once 7 Looked up to and loved an older sibling
8 saw all he/she ever owned burnt by Orcs 8 Was great friends with a cousin of same age
9 once saw a Troll distressingly close to home 9 Family reveres memory of a great grandparent
10 spread rumours of Dragons or such 10 Family terrorized by a distant relative
3 USE TABLE 2:1 TO SEE WHO 8 CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS FAMILY

1 the character has an ongoing conflict with 1 Never talks about his family
2 who is never talked about in the family 2 Isn’t truthful when talking about family
3 was considered weak, but surprised everyone 3 Favourite son or daughter
4 in the family has an influential position 4 Is the black/white sheep of the family
5 is an important figure in another town 5 Seems to be fond of a sister or brother
6 is quite an accomplished entertainer 6 Seems proud of his family and upbringing
7 the character particularly wants to impress 7 Full of stories about various relatives
8 is the true leader in the family 8 Always trying to keep in touch with family
9 was quite successful in some kind of sport 9 Obsessed with birthdays of extended family
10 is (in)famous for his/her cooking 10 Seems to do relatives favours all the time
4 USE TABLE 2:1 TO DECIDE WHO 9 VIEWS ON CHILDBIRTH AND REARING

1 moved after accusations of witchcraft 1 Upbringing is the domain of the father alone
2 the character mourns death of 2 Pregnancy is a holy state
3 is an Agitator to the dismay of the family 3 The mother–daughter bond is holy
4 died in the Storm of Chaos 4 Children should be educated by Priests of Sigmar
5 was murdered 1d10 months ago 5 Parents are forever responsible for their children
6 was punished by a local noble for disobedience 6 Begetting heirs is the most important thing in life
7 is the black sheep of the family 7 The child’s name says a lot about the parents
8 Returned changed from the siege of Middenheim 8 The Dooming ritual is extremely important
9 suffers from some incurable wasting disease 9 Corporal punishment is a valuable instrument
10 introduced the character to present walk of life 10 Children should learn early on how hard life is
5 CHARACTER’S FAMILY 10 FAMILY NEEDS CHARACTER TO FIND

1 originates from another part of the Empire 1 the means to continuously support family
2 is often turned to for advice and help 2 medicine/cure for parent (or other relative)
3 is anonymous in their community 3 out what happened to a missing sibling
4 and home sees a lot of visitors and friends 4 an heirloom stolen 1d10 months ago
5 is known for generations of piety 5 father before it’s too late
6 owes a lot of money to various people 6 a close friend of character’s parents
7 is generally well seen in their community 7 1d100 gc to pay a debt within 1d10 weeks
8 is considered something of an upstart 8 a way do a favour to a local potentate
9 Suffered a major blow 1d10 years ago 9 a deed proving the right to something
10 has economically been on the decline of late 10 the means to clear the family name
40
Social Class
1 THE EMPEROR MUST RESTRAIN THE 6 DESPISES THE BACKGROUND OF
1 Grand County of Averland 1 Bourgeois
2 Barony of Hochland 2 Mercantile
3 Grand Duchy of Middenland 3 Military
4 Barony of Nordland 4 Rural
5 League of Ostermark 5 Urban
6 Grand Principality of Ostland 6 Wanderer
7 Grand County of Stirland 7 Waterline
8 County of Sylvania 8 Wilderness
9 Grand Duchy of Talabecland 9 Rural, Wanderer, and Wilderness
10 County of Wissenland 10 Bourgeois, Mercantile, and Urban
2 VIEWS ON EXISTING CLASS SYSTEM 7 OPINION ON WIZARDS AND MAGIC

1 Your birth shouldn’t decide your life 1 Once had his life saved by a wizard
2 The nobility exists to help and protect us 2 Heretics and Chaos cultist–burn them all!
3 Your parents moved up in society 3 It’s the Hedge magicians one must fear
4 Your parents lost in wealth and influence 4 Only Priests should be allowed to use magic
5 The lower classes should keep in their place 5 Colleges of Magic attract the Chaos hordes
6 The peasantry is the backbone of society 6 They should be sacrificed fighting Chaos
7 Burghers are the true rulers in the Empire 7 Someone close was burned for witchcraft
8 Guilds and societies need to be checked 8 All wizards cause dangerous phenomena
9 Religious cults and orders are too influential 9 You should never look directly at a Wizard
10 The Empire needs a revolution! 10 All wizards fear garlic and silver
3 THE EMPEROR 8 POWER IN THE EMPIRE SHOULD

1 has lost too much power to the Electors 1 be in the hands of the taxpaying burghers
2 should look to the needs of the little people 2 be accorded relative to wealth
3 is a demi-god who should be worshipped 3 emanate from the villages and towns
4 doesn’t care about us normal folks 4 be a matter for all citizens
5 must unite the Empire against external threats 5 lie less in the hands of those with money
6 should be restrained by the Electors 6 be withdrawn from the Church of Sigmar
7 is probably the target of a vast conspiracy 7 be collected in the hand of the Emperor
8 should take steps to ensure his successors 8 be completely held by the Electors
9 should be replaced with a theocracy 9 Belong to the major cults
10 needs to think twice about this griffon thing 10 Belong to landowners, they own the Empire
4 PARTICULARLY DISTRUSTS 9 OPINIONS ON MARRIAGE

1 Physicians 1 It is the only licit union of man and woman
2 Merchants 2 Thinks marriage is a form of slavery–for all
3 Politicians and Agitators 3 Finds monogamy unnatural and unrealistic
4 Lawyers and Bureaucrats 4 Hopes to marry well
5 Burghers 5 Has a sweetheart he never dared to approach
6 Beggars and Bone Pickers 6 Family tells him to marry someone he loathes
7 Priests of all kinds (Zealots, Friars) 7 Parents worry because he still hasn’t married
8 Scholars, Students and Scribes 8 Children born out of wedlock are aberrations
9 Watchmen and Roadwardens 9 Thinks the dowry is the essence of marriage
10 Peasants 10 Loathes this formalization of love
5 PARTICULARLY LOATHES A CRIME 10 HABITS & QUIRKS

1 Arson, especially in villages and towns 1 Constantly picks nose
2 Blackmail and extortion 2 Should change clothes a bit more often
3 Embezzlement and fraud 3 Worries incessantly about his hair
4 Murder 4 Continuously scratches arse
5 Rape and other violations of women 5 Hypochondriac – always thinks he is ill
6 Misuse of power and political corruption 6 Has a… peculiar smell
7 Thievery, pickpockets, burglary, shoplifting 7 Draws attention due to loud voice
8 Treason 8 Can’t leave scabs alone
9 Uncalled-for beatings and physical abuse 9 Overuses colourful language
10 Worship of the Ruinous Powers 10 Borderline compulsive pedantic
41
Personal History
1 HAS BAD MEMORIES OF A NEARBY 6 MENTAL HEALTH: RECENTLY
1 coaching Inn 1 suffered a major loss and is grieving
2 Brothel 2 felt harmonic and spiritually refreshed
3 Yradesman 3 been moody and disharmonic
4 Garrison 4 been reminded of own mortality
5 court of law 5 experienced how cruel the world is
6 toll gate 6 felt the attraction of the Ruinous Powers
7 Temple 7 been melancholic without knowing why
8 town Gate 8 missed family and home so much it hurt
9 Graveyard 9 pondered the swift passing of time
10 guild house 10 suffered from Fear and is still a bit shaky
2 CURRENT PHYSICAL HEALTH 7 SWORE A FEW DAYS AGO TO

1 Suffers from haemorrhoids (prefers to stand) 1 never have another drink – ever!
2 Some sort of skin disease (rash, itch) 2 stay away from the opposite sex – for now
3 Recovering from the Galloping Trots 3 keep mouth shut and eyes open
4 Lice or fleas 4 choose friends with more care
5 Fits of violent coughing 5 get even – for the umpteenth time
6 Venereal disease (darn that brothel!) 6 get back in shape – physically and mentally
7 Almost died of pneumonia 1d10 months ago 7 one day have more money than that other guy
8 Limps due to a stupid accident 8 never again pay in advance – for anything
9 Suffers from the mother of all hangovers 9 let family know character is doing alright
10 Has a wound still needing regular attention 10 somehow make the best of the situation
3 TOUCH OF DISORDER 8 LAST EMPLOYER WAS A

1 Blasted Brain 1 local noble
2 Beast Within 2 friend of the family
3 Blasphemous Rage 3 Inn-Keeper
4 Desperate & Doomed 4 Merchant
5 Firebug 5 trade guild
6 Heart of Despair 6 military body (mercenary unit, army)
7 Knives of Memory 7 religious order
8 Lost Heart 8 law enforcement agency (Town Watch etc)
9 Restless Fingers 9 coaching house (Four Seasons Coaches etc)
10 Venomous Thoughts 10 a criminal (Smuggler, Outlaw Chief etc)
4 EAGERLY LONGS FOR 9 PREVIOUSLY CROSSED A PC’S PATH

1 Hexensnacht 1 because he holds a grudge against the family
2 Year Blessing 2 because he once hired one of the PC’s friends
3 Start Growth 3 as were travel companions 1d10 days ago
4 First Day of Summer 4 when injured in an accident caused by the PC
5 Sun Still 5 in the form of a name in a document
6 Geheimnistag 6 during a drinking binge that ended gloriously
7 Less Growth 7 many years ago in the character’s childhood
8 World Still 8 when the PC did him a small favour
9 Own Birthday 9 although the PC doesn’t remember it at all
10 Other special day 10 but went under another name back then
5 SLEEP HAS RECENTLY BEEN 10 MANIFEST TRAIT OF HIS CAREER

1 filled with dreams of the end of the world 1 Form of dress
2 onset by sad dreams from his childhood 2 Some sort of mannerism
3 troubled by a face character can’t place 3 Very specialised jargon
4 particularly sound and restive 4 Default choice of employer
5 in short supply and character is very tired 5 Outward respect for deity
6 full of horrible nightmares 6 Strict adherence to professional code
7 disturbed with visions of his own death 7 Views on importance of social class
8 bad due to much tossing and turning 8 Favoured form of lodging
9 wakeful and restless 9 Choice of weapon, armour and combat style
10 haunted by a recurring dream 10 View on magic and wizards
42
Personality
1 PHILOSOPHY, MORALS OR ATTITUDE 6 PRIMARY MOTIVATION – CHARACTER
1 Conceited and judgemental 1 is exceedingly greedy
2 Conformist and law-abiding, law equals morals 2 is honour bound
3 Conservative 3 will protect his bloodline at all costs
4 Liberal and open minded 4 will satisfy his bloodlust no matter what
5 Rebellious 5 is driven by ambition to excel in his profession
6 Righteous 6 wants to bring anarchy to the world
7 Unorthodox 7 is a gambler in all aspects of life
8 Dignified 8 is a stalwart and chauvinistic patriot
9 Charitable and generous 9 is a hopeless romantic and dreamer
10 Dreamer, otherwordly 10 lives to have his revenge
2 CHARACTER’S SPIRIT IS SAID TO BE 7 CHARACTER HAS A SOFT SPOT FOR

1 manic 1 furry little animals
2 feisty 2 toddlers and small children
3 lively 3 the opposite sex
4 animated 4 artists and musicians
5 enthusiastic 5 the elderly
6 forceful 6 outcasts, beggars and other unfortunate people
7 pptimistic 7 military veterans, war-wounded amputees
8 dwindling 8 Dwarves, and everything about this stout race
9 pessimistic 9 Elves, and things associated with this fair people
10 dull 10 Halflings, and things related to this merry race
3 CHARACTER IS SOCIALLY KNOWN AS 8 WITH OPPOSITE SEX CHARACTER IS

1 compromising 1 extremely conservative and conventional
2 proud 2 gracious, courtly and chivalrous
3 pmpious 3 flirty, even seductive
4 stubborn 4 indifferent, considers gender unimportant
5 inquisitive 5 uneasy, innocent and inexperienced
6 humble 6 constantly falling in love…
7 confident 7 promiscuous to the point of compulsive
8 irresolute 8 romantic and idealistic
9 compassionate 9 insightful, through seedy books, poems & songs
10 shrewd 10 completely uninterested
4 EATING HABITS – CHARACTER 9 PERSONALITY FLAWS

1 is a strict vegetarian 1 Spendthrift – has never been good with money
2 has particularly disgusting table manners 2 Can’t adapt according to social context
3 doesn’t like eating in public 3 Compulsively honest – can’t lie
4 is very choosy when it comes to drinks 4 Outspoken – can’t hold his mouth
5 will eat anything without complaint 5 Mysterious and secretive, likes talking in riddles
6 doesn’t drink alcohol 6 Loathes one trait described in table 5:1
7 always complains about his meals 7 Despises one trait described in table 5:2
8 Thinks fruits and veggetables are for sissies! 8 Detests one trait described in table 5:3
9 doesn’t like foreign food 9 Abhors one trait described in table 5:4
10 likes his meal hot 10 Dislikes one trait described in table 5:5
5 DEFAULT MODUS OPERANDI 10 WHEN DRUNK CHARACTER GETS

1 Deceitful, selfish and scheming 1 emotional and sentimental
2 Merciful and humble 2 aggressive and bullying
3 Honest, trustworthy and upright 3 disoriented
4 Mentally unstable and violent, likes using force 4 loud
5 Merciless and uncaring to the point of sadistic 5 silent and introspective
6 Squeamish - doesn’t like doing the dirty work 6 boastful and reckless
7 Righteous – always lets the end justify the means 7 regretful and brooding
8 Always does things in big style 8 frequent blackouts
9 Puppet master – likes using others like pawns 9 flirty, even abusive
10 “If you want something done well, do it yourself” 10 horrible hangovers next day
43
Religiosity
1 PARTICULARLY DEVOTED TO 6 RECENTLY UNDERTOOK PILGRIMAGE
1 Verena 1 to repent for a very real sin
2 Ulric 2 as a cover to do something far less pious
3 Morr 3 that ended in personal disaster
4 Myrmidia 4 during which he made a spiritual discovery
5 Manaan 5 hoping to get some peace of mind
6 Sigmar 6 to the cathedral of Sigmar in Altdorf
7 Ranald 7 to the temple of Manaan in Marienburg
8 Shallya 8 to the temple of Ulric in Middenheim
9 Taal 9 to the temple of Myrmidia in Magritta
10 Rhya 10 to the temple of Shallya in Couronne
2 RELIGIOUSNESS 7 ONCE SUFFERED CONTRITION

1 Pious – adamantly devoted and righteous 1 Bagging
2 Religious – believes in the power of gods 2 Fine
3 Conformist – trusts in creed rather than faith 3 Fast
4 Monotheistic – only worships one deity 4 Whipping
5 Worships no deity in particular 5 Leeching
6 Unorthodox – worships in a peculiar fashion 6 Blood Tithe
7 Hypocritical – shows only outward respect 7 The Anvil
8 Profane – doesn’t care much for religion 8 Pilgrimage
9 Irreverent – impious of all deities 9 Incarceration
10 Heretical – thinks religion is a thing of evil 10 Other
3 PREDOMINANTLY PRAYS 8 CHARACTER DISLIKES CULT OF

1 before every meal 1 Verena
2 when waking in the morning 2 Ulric
3 only when protocol calls for it 3 Morr
4 before going to bed 4 Myrmidia
5 at regular intervals during the day 5 Manaan
6 during religious festivals and celebrations 6 Sigmar
7 when it doesn’t impair his daily life 7 Ranald
8 before, during and after combat 8 Shallya
9 when somebody dies 9 Taal & Rhya
10 when alone, thinks religion is a private matter 10 Other (minor/local deity or aspect of deity)
4 FATE & SUPERSTITION 9 CHARACTER WAS ONCE LURED BY

1 Worries constantly about his dooming 1 an aesthetic cult
2 Thinks star sign is key to peoples’ personalities 2 a blood cult
3 Has lost his birth coin 3 a corruption cult
4 Don’t like crossing open water 4 a death cult
5 Black cats are heralds of doom and defeat 5 a pleasure cult
6 Never passes a shrine without an offering 6 a political cult
7 Thinks killing someone you know is bad luck 7 a cult of Khorne
8 Seeing a dead person brings ill fortune 8 a cult of Tzeentch
9 A woman brings bad luck during her period 9 a cult of Slaanesh
10 Looking a stranger into eyes brings bad luck 10 a cult of Nurgle
5 CULTIST CONNECTIONS 10 STRICTLY OBSERVES A CREED

1 Knows the care-taker of local shrine 1 related to eating or drinking
2 Friends with a Priest in nearby temple 2 dictating the roles of men and women
3 Has a childhood friend turned crazed Zealot 3 regarding sacrifices and offerings
4 Used to be friends with an Initiate 4 that concerns a religious holiday
5 Is quite close with a wandering Friar 5 concerning dress
6 Close family member is a Priest 6 governing the relations with another cult
7 Character once considered becoming an Initiate 7 deciding what is Chaotic and evil
8 Asked an oracle for guidance but got none 8 concerning the role of Priests in the cult
9 Frequently visits the tomb of a saint or cleric 9 stressing the importance of class in worship
10 Listens to an unorthodox Priest 10 dictating the use of violence
44
Friends & Enemies

1 CONTACT IN THE TRADE GUILD OF 6 RACIST WHEN IT COMES TO
1 Merchants 1 Elves, particularly the wood-dwelling kind
2 Stevedores 2 Dwarves, especially from outside the Empire
3 Scriveners 3 Halflings, above all those from the Moot
4 Carpenter 4 Humans from Border Princes
5 Teamsters 5 “ ” Bretonnia
6 Tanner 6 “ ” Kislev
7 Metalworkers 7 “ ” Marienburg
8 Bookbinders 8 “ ” Norsca
9 Builders 9 None of the above – racially tolerant
10 Masons 10 All of the above – very racist indeed
2 RECENTLY BEFRIENDED A 7 JUDGMENTAL OF PEOPLE FROM

1 jittery Messenger from a nearby town 1 Averland (“Inbred hillbillies”)
2 fat and messy but capable Barber-Surgeon 2 Sudenland (“No respect for law and order”)
3 keen and correct Bodyguard 3 Middenland (“They had it coming”)
4 sophisticated but progressive Burgher 4 Nordland (“Who?”)
5 Widely-travelled but insular Coachman 5 Ostermark (“Let the hordes just walk through”)
6 ruthless and yet strangely mild Mercenary 6 Ostland (“Ignorant country bumpkins”)
7 Dwarven Miner from the Grey Mountains 7 Reikland (“Arrogant and self-important bullies”)
8 silent, mysterious and aged Outrider 8 Stirland (“Halfling-loving half-wits”)
9 young and already rather eccentric Scribe 9 Talabecland (“Greedy upstarts”)
10 corrupt but benevolent Bailiff 10 Wissenland (“Nuln’s lapdog”)
3 HAD A GOOD FRIEND WHO IS NOW 8 A CHILDHOOD RIVAL IS NOW

1 held captive, charged with theft 1 an aging Militiaman
2 held in loving memory from childhood days 2 (allegedly) a Grave Robber
3 a pile of ashes and charred bones 3 a disillusioned Soldier
4 an outlaw against his/her will 4 accused of heinous crimes
5 a bit of a boss in the streets of a nearby town 5 leading a small revolt or uprising somewhere
6 the character’s sweetheart 6 someone to go to for news and gossip
7 someone important in a town not far away 7 rumoured to be somewhere around here
8 incarcerated and treated for insanity 8 dying from some incurable disease
9 training to become an Initiate 9 a celebrated entertainer, author or poet
10 on a romantic escapade with character’s sister 10 carefully watched by the authorities
4 HAS A PLACE OF REFUGE IN A 9 RECENTLY MADE AN ENEMY OF A

1 coaching inn, friends with the inn-keeper 1 browbeaten Road Warden
2 Temple 2 lenient Tax Collector
3 deserted or condemned house 3 corrupt Bailiff
4 Noble’s household where he knows a cook 4 humane Jailer who got fired for leniency
5 farmstead owned by a friend of parents 5 drunken Lawyer that used to be sharp
6 woods outside the town 6 retired Sergeant of the Watch
7 cottage or cabin hidden in the hills 7 bossy Guildsman in a local chapter
8 stable where there is this small crawl space 8 broke Tradesman
9 brothel, run by someone with a good heart 9 Scribe who works in a public office
10 town house that belongs to a relative 10 Noble who could care less about him
5 CHARACTER’S FRIENDSHIP IS 10 REGARDING ENEMIES CHARACTER’S

1 worth little if required to do something 1 contempt is scalding hot and very explicit
2 strong if he can rely on his friend in turn 2 hate simmers, but rarely boils
3 fleeting, makes new friends and forgets old 3 respectful and courteous
4 fraught with confusion and preconceptions 4 hate shows in the little things
5 absolute, does anything for his friends 5 fearful of his enemies, looking the other way
6 lifelong, never forgets a friend 6 quite good-natured; suffers fools gladly
7 unwanted at times, gets overzealous at times 7 borderline psychopathic; beware of his rage!
8 reserved for those who’ve proven themselves 8 compelled to pray to a deity
9 hearty, warm and cheerful 9 inclined to avoid things he dislikes
10 rather formal, indifferent and dispassionate 10 hatred is reserved for battle
45
Peculiar Possessions
1 FOODSTUFFS 6 RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS AND TRAPPINGS
1 Sack of 2d10 sour apples 1 Religious symbol worth 1d10 ss
2 1d10 trail rations 2 As above, but not for preferred deity
3 Two spicy sausages 3 Medallion portraying local saint or hero
4 One small keg of rather watery ale 4 Pictogram woven into seem of clothes
5 Sandwich (ham & mustard) wrapped in cloth 5 Symbol of deity of another pantheon
6 Large sack of potatoes 6 Beautiful symbol worth 1d10 gc
7 Half a bottle of poor quality spirits 7 Treasured religious relic
8 Two large loafs of rye bread 8 Neatly folded religious robes
9 Bottle of decent red wine 9 Book of religious tenets (thin and leafed)
10 Large piece of very smelly (but tasty) cheese 10 Lucky charm (WFRP p. 123)
2 COINS, CASH & CURRENCY 7 CLOTHING (other than worn)

1 1d10 gcs of foreign coinage 1 Two good quality shirts wrapped in cloth
2 1d10 counterfeited silver shillings 2 Pair of rather nice leather shoes
3 1d10 archaic-looking pennies 3 Nicely clad (considered social status)
4 Someone owes 2d10 gcs, due in 1d10 weeks 4 Set of torn and blood clothes
5 Recently won at cards, has an extra 1d10 gcs 5 Attire is wrinkled, worn and dirty
6 Owes a friend or relative 4d10 ss 6 Garments of other career (roll on WFRP p. 21)
7 Bar or brothel tab (1d10 ss) to settle next day 7 Old uniform that doesn’t fit character
8 Steady income of 2d10 gcs/month 8 Warm and sturdy but worn overcoat
9 Yesterday, character found 1d10 gcs 9 Richly embroidered traveller’s mantle
10 Was robbed 1d10 days ago, lost 1d10 ss 10 A pair of very smelly but sturdy boots
3 PET 8 TRAVEL & SERVICES

1 Small but vicious dog 1 Paid for passage on coach or boat
2 Tame bird that can’t fly 2 Has paid for a bath he never had time to take
3 Proud but quite fat tomcat 3 An artisan is repairing one of his trappings
4 Impossibly big rat 4 Some labourers owe him a favour
5 Almost deaf, smelly and very old mutt 5 A Barber-Surgeon owes him a treatment
6 Two small birds and ornate cage 6 Has recently befriended a decent Entertainer
7 Keeps collar or leash as memory of dead dog 7 Has the trust of a local Merchant’s Servant
8 “Pet” cow, sheep, pig, or rabbit back home 8 1d10x5% discount at one skilled Artisan
9 Old and sagging pony or horse (poor quality) 9 Knows a cheap dealer in various items
10 Good saddle, harness and 2 saddlebags 10 Knows of a Tradesman who is also a Fence
4 DEEDS, BOOKS & DOCUMENTS 9 LODGINGS: CHARACTER

1 Letter of recommendation from former boss 1 has paid for three days in a private room
2 Permit to carry arms in a town where required 2 has paid for 1d10 days in a common room
3 Deed of partnership with Tradesman (1d10 %) 3 owns a tiny but cosy hunting cottage
4 Letter of introduction from home town 4 has a small apartment paid for 1d10 weeks
5 Written invitation to market, festival or fair 5 rents a room in a house, paid for two weeks
6 “Wanted” poster, a few days old 6 a isolated cottage just outside of town
7 1d10 letters from lover, relative or friend 7 owns a neglected house in/near home town
8 Book of Tillean poetry (poor quality-lousy) 8 has lived with relatives for 1d10 weeks
9 Cooking book (“100 Precious Pies”) 9 has camped out during the last 1d10 days
10 Book of Averland history 10 frequently gets free beers at favourite inn
5 WEAPONS & ARMOUR 10 MISCELLANEOUS TRAPPINGS

1 A rusty shortsword 1 2d10 yards of strong rope
2 Short bow with 1d10 arrows 2 1d10 tallow candles
3 Ornate, balanced and sharp (good) dagger 3 A tarnished copper lantern
4 Worn leather jerkin 4 1d10 sheets of paper
5 Dented pot helmet 5 A rather nice, embroidered blanket
6 Nice (but empty) scabbard for longsword 6 A healing draught
7 Warhammer with the insignia of military unit 7 A pair of ornate (good quality) metal flasks
8 Old wooden shield with fading coat of arms 8 Pewter tankard which is actually an antique
9 Rusty and torn mail shirt (poor quality) 9 1d10 matches
10 Pistol balls and powder for 1d10 shots 10 Three treated torches
46
Loyalties
1 CHARACTER IS LOYAL TO 6 CHARACTER ONCE BETRAYED
1 each and everyone according to his pay 1 favoured cult
2 Himself 2 home province, town or village
3 his family; blood and ancestry 3 close family
4 his country, a true patriot 4 employer, colleague or business associate
5 his close friends 5 a good friend
6 influential allies and people of power 6 his love, fiancée or spouse
7 the nobility 7 his country
8 a foreign power 8 someone wanting him to betray someone else
9 a company (trading, coaching, mining, etc) 9 the memory of his ancestors
10 a military 10 himself: plans for the future, wants, wishes
2 CHARACTER IS DEVOTED TO THE 7 BLACKMAILED OR EXTORTED BY

1 Grand County of Averland 1 law agency (Roadwardens, Town Watch)
2 Barony of Hochland 2 a merchant with whom he has illicit business
3 Grand Duchy of Middenland 3 a prosperous farmer who saw something
4 Barony of Nordland 4 a Witch Hunter to look for deviants
5 League of Ostermark 5 a Crime Lord for information
6 Grand Principality of Ostland 6 a lowly fellow who saw something he did
7 Grand County of Stirland 7 a relative or friend using love as leverage
8 County of Sylvania 8 a Priest who knows something about his faith
9 Grand Duchy of Talabecland 9 a Noble who uses the leverage for fun
10 County of Wissenland 10 a foreign power who uses character as spy
3 LOYAL TO THE TRADE GUILD OF 8 CHARACTER’S LEADERSHIP IS

1 Merchants 1 reluctant
2 Stevedores 2 manipulative and scheming
3 Scriveners 3 Charismatic
4 Carpenter 4 physically brutal
5 Teamsters 5 well-liked
6 Tanner 6 Ruthless
7 Metalworkers 7 purely based on rank (military, noble, other)
8 Bookbinders 8 secretive and indirect
9 Builders 9 the continuation of character’s parents
10 Masons 10 Nonexistent (weak indeed)…
4 LOYAL TO THE LOCAL CULT OF 9 IF BETRAYED, CHARACTER LIKELY

1 Verena 1 plans and plots in order to have his revenge
2 Ulric 2 attacks right out, verbally and/or physically
3 Morr 3 swallows his anger, which festers for ages
4 Myrmidia 4 spares no means to restore his honour
5 Manaan 5 strikes back at betrayer’s family or friends
6 Sigmar 6 breaks down, cursing the unfairness of life
7 Ranald 7 has a hard time accepting he’s been betrayed
8 Shallya 8 accredits all disloyalty to own shortcomings
9 Taal/Rhya 9 runs and hides (literarily or figuratively)
10 Other 10 cuddles up with mommy or ole’ teddy
5 ONCE HAD HIS TRUST BROKEN BY A 10 FERVENTLY DISLOYAL TO

1 person he believed a faithful friend 1 Table 9:1
2 member of his closest family 2 Table 9:2
3 former employer who never paid 3 Table 9:3
4 Stranger who promised greatness 4 Table 9:4
5 Religious authority in whom he confided 5 Table 7:1
6 Political leader who changed his mind 6 Those of the same trade (career)
7 lover who didn’t feel anything after all 7 Those of same background (Liber Fanatica I)
8 person he had sworn never to trust again 8 Those of other social standing
9 witness who suddenly remembered nothing 9 People of the same social class
10 colleague, whom had promised a 50-50 split 10 Pretty much everyone…
47
Loves & Hates

1 EXCEPTIONAL FEAR OF 6 FASCINATED BY
1 heights 1 the mechanics of clocks
2 open spaces 2 the engineering behind bridges and domes
3 Confined spaces 3 gun powder and gunpowder weapons
4 ghosts and undead (and rumours thereof) 4 forts, castles and fortifications
5 Outlaws (and being robbed) 5 siege machinery
6 Failure 6 locks all of kinds
7 lightning and thunderstorms 7 pottery, stoneware and chinaware
8 darkness 8 book printing
9 cold, snow & ice 9 painting (one particular theme, origin, painter)
10 Cultural and social change 10 magic
2 LIFE TAUGHT CHARACTER TO AVOID 7 KNOWS TO APPRECIATE THE

1 bogs & marshes 1 handiwork of good carpenters
2 burial grounds 2 efforts of skilled masons
3 Crowded streets and squares 3 brains and experience of sharp lawyers
4 deep forests 4 zeal and zest of devoted agitators
5 lakes and oceans 5 piety of fervent priests
6 mountains 6 precision of capable engineers
7 plains and vast open spaces 7 labours of bakers, cooks and brewers
8 rivers and rapids 8 precise work of illuminators
9 the outdoors at night 9 administrative capabilities of innkeepers
10 underground locations (cellars, mines) 10 shows of acrobats, jugglers and fire eaters
3 FAVOURITE FOOD 8 DISLIKES AN INSTITUTION

1 all kinds of fish 1 Banks and moneylenders
2 juicy steaks 2 Large merchant houses
3 kidney pie 3 Organized worship (religious cults)
4 meaty sausages 4 Bureaucracy involved in census
5 roast lamb 5 Bailiffs and other tax-collectors
6 mushroom stew 6 Trade guilds
7 fresh salads and fruits 7 Professional military or mercenary outfits
8 foreign cuisine (in general or one specific) 8 Road and/or River Wardens
9 pretty much anything spicy and hot 9 City watch and sheriffs of larger towns
10 never cared about what he eats 10 Colleges of magic
4 FAVOURITE ENTERTAINMENT 9 FINDS INNER PEACE & HARMONY IN

1 Juggling and similar jests 1 solitude
2 A good fist-fight 2 woods and forests
3 Public executions & punishments 3 rain, soft and warm if possible
4 Board and/or card games 4 sunbathing, relies in the sun’s healing effect
5 A beer or two with the guys 5 sleeping
6 Going for nature-walks, pick-nicks, camping 6 sunsets, that magic marriage of day and night
7 Eating out and eating well 7 drunkenness
8 Storytelling 8 bed, preferably not alone
9 Music (in general or one particular type) 9 taking long walks alone
10 Dancing (in general or one particular style) 10 Meditation
5 FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR OR DAY 10 CHARACTER LOVES SOMEONE

1 Revels in winter, snow and cold weather 1 he has known his entire life
2 Adores first signs of spring (chicks, buds) 2 for a few weeks, then finds somebody else
3 Bit of a hibernator–lives for the summer 3 he recently met for one night at an inn
4 Storms, foods, smells and colours of autumn 4 who can’t return love due to religious calling
5 Strangely enticed when Mannslieb is full 5 Married, but returning his love at great risk
6 Creature of the night, sleeps late 6 who he secretly betrothed 1d10 weeks ago
7 Loves mornings–at least when in bed 7 he can’t marry until he has saved 1d10x100 gc
8 Worships daylight and basking in the sun 8 who is already expecting his heir…
9 Evenings, when people come together 9 who died 1d10 years ago and he can’t let go
10 Loves storms and thunder 10 who hasn’t got a clue
48
Settlements of Sigmar
G erman speaking readers are likely to laugh
out loud at this attempt to provide GMs with
Farms & Towns
Villages & Cities
Second Element of
Settlement’s Name
the means of quickly coming up with names for 01–03 01–02 -acker [field]
villages and towns in the Empire and a few 04–06 03–04 -bach [brook]
notable features of these settlements. 07–08 05–07 -berg [mountain]
09–10 08–09 -brücke [bridge]
11–13 10–12 -brunnen [well]
- 13–20 -burg [town]
Name of Settlement 14–16 21 -chen [~small]
Roll 1d100 for the first part of the name and 17–29 22–25 -dorf [village]
consult the table below. Then roll another 1d100 30–34 26–27 -feld [field]
- 28–30 -fort [fort]
and look up the result in the next table. You may
35–36 31–32 -galgen [gallows]
have to re-roll the second element if you feel that 37–39 33–35 -haus [house]
it implies a geographical feature not present in 40–42 36–39 -hausen [~retreat]
the settlement. 43–45 40–41 -heide [moor]
46–48 42–43 -heim [home]
First Element of Settlement Name 49 44–47 -hof [court]
1 All- 35 Hall- 69 Salz- 50–52 48–51 -holz [woods]
2 Als- 36 Hart- 70 Schaf- 53 52–53 -horst [nest]
3 Alt- 37 Hauzen- 71 Schroben- 54–57 54–55 -hügel [hill]
4 Ammer- 38 Hech- 72 Schwab- 58–60 56–58 -hut [hat]
5 Arn- 39 Herbst- 73 Schwan- 61–64 59–61 -hütte [cottage]
6 Aschen- 40 Herz- 74 Schwarz- 65 62–63 -ingen
7 Ascher- 41 Hohen- 75 Schöne- 66–68 64–66 -leben [life]
8 Bens- 42 Holz- 76 Semmen- 69–71 67–69 -münde [river mouth]
9 Birn- 43 Ilmen- 77 Sim- 72 70–71 -nau
10 Blanken- 44 Kall- 78 Sommer- 73 72–73 -schweig [~silence]
11 Blau- 45 Klage- 79 Sonder- - 74–78 -stadt [town]
12 Blut- 46 Klein- 80 Speeger- 74–76 79–80 -stedt
13 Borken- 47 Lauffen- 81 Starn- 77–80 81–82 -stein [stone]
14 Braun- 48 Lauter- 82 Stein- 81–83 83–85 -stätte [site, place]
15 Büche- 49 Lipp- 83 Süd- 84–85 86–88 -tür [door]
16 Bögen- 50 Main- 84 Tauber- 86–90 89–91 -wald [forest]
17 Diep - 51 Marien- 85 Taufel- 91–94 92–94 -wasser [water]
18 Dunkel- 52 Merse- 86 Thurin- 95 “Alte” [Old] and re-roll
19 Eis- 53 Mess- 87 Tier- 96 “Bad” [Bath] and re-roll
20 Ell- 54 Moos- 88 Tränen- 97 “Grosse” [Big] and re-roll
21 Eschen- 55 Naum- 89 Trost- 98 “Heilige” [Holy] and re-roll
22 Fried- 56 Nenn- 90 Upfen- 99 “Neue” [New] and re-roll
23 Fürsten- 57 Nieder- 91 Wall- 00 2nd roll +“an der” [on]+1st roll
24 Geis- 58 Nord- 92 Waren-
25 Gelb- 59 Ober- 93 Vater-
26 Giessen- 60 Ost- 94 Vecker-
Population
27 Grau- 61 Oster- 95 Wein- This number can denote various things: the real
28 Grab- 62 Otters- 96 Weiss- number of people in the settlement, the number
29 Gros- 63 Pfaffen- 97 West- of registered/taxed citizens, number of (heads of)
30 Grün- 64 Pfarr- 98 Winter- households, etc.
31 Gräten- 65 Pfeffen- [Female
99 Population
32 Gruft- 66 Rain- Name]*
33 Günz- 67 Riesen-
00
[Male Farmstead 2d10
34 Hagel- 68 Saal- Name]* Village 1d10 x 10
* You can use the tables in WFRP (p. 26) or Small Town 1d10 x 100
Character Pack (p. 4-5). Town 1d10 x 1,000
City 1d10 x 500 + 10 000
49
Notable Features
This table presents notable features for
settlements (geographical feature, main trade or
other noteworthy characteristic). The GM can roll
a number of results equal to 1d5 and modify the
roll depending on the size of the settlement: -3 for
villages, -2 for small towns and -1 for towns.
These entries should be read as relative: a hamlet
is quite likely to boast fewer horses than a city
even it is famous for breeding them. In the same
way, the reach of a settlement’s renown typically
depends on its size.
1d100 Notable Feature
01–02 Large library
03–04 Centre of learning (school, temple)
05–06 Crumbling ramparts or palisade
07–08 Eerie ruin on the edge of the settlement
09–10 Famous for a yearly feast or festival
11–12 Famous/notorious coaching inn(s)
13–14 Government (provincial court, office etc)
15–16 Home of a famous artist, actor, or author
Wealth 17–18 Imposing bridge or other construction
This shows the general wealth of the settlement 19–20 Impressive shrine, statue or memorial
and its inhabitants, but says nothing about the 21–22 Impressive temple to major deity
23–24 Inhabitants are ostracized by outsiders
relative wealth of the settlement’s inhabitants;
25–26 Known as a lawless place
wealth in the Empire is extremely unevenly 27–28 Large Dwarven community (2d10 %)
distributed. 29–30 Location makes settlement a natural fort
31–32 Lush park, gardens or commons
1d100 Wealth Modifiers: 33–34 Major Road/River Warden station
< 15 Impoverished Town, city: +5 35–36 Mentioned in famous song, saga or poem
Village, small town: -5 37–38 Mighty watch tower or beacon
16–35 Poor
Talabecland: +5 39–40 Military strongpoint (double garrison)
36–75 Average Reikland: +5 41–42 Notorious for its corrupt officials
76–85 Thriving Ostland, Ostermark: -5 43–44 On the decline (economically, politically)
86 < Very Rich 45–46 Part of the settlement is in ruins
47–48 Recently under attack (by Greenskins etc)
49–50 Rumoured to be a site of unnatural events
Garrison 51–52 Settlement has recently been prospering
This table indicates the size and quality of the 53–54 Settlement is geographically isolated
settlement’s garrison. ‘A’ quality troops are 55–56 Settlement of historical importance
excellent troops; usually Templars or the elite 57–58 Significant center of trade
59–60 Significant fortification (‘B’ troops x1,5)
guards of prominent Nobles. ‘B’ quality troops
61–62 Site of major prison or labour camp
can be soldiers, mercenaries, members of the 63–64 Site of recent unrest (riots, insurrections)
Town Watch or other average troops. ‘C’ quality 65–66 Sizable Halfling community (2d10 %)
troops are typically poorly trained and equipped 67–68 Tradesmen are regarded as greedy
militia. Settlement is famous for a trade or export:
69–70 Trapping (fur and skin)
The percentages in the table indicate how large 71–72 Sheep (meat, cheese and fur)
portion of the settlement’s population that can be 73–74 Mining (metal or mineral)
75–76 Preserves (conserved foods)
found in each troop category. Roll 1d10 for each
77–78 Foodstuffs (pies, bread, pickles, etc)
category and add the appropriate modifier (a 79–80 Goats (meat, cheese and furs)
negative result, or a natural roll of ‘1’, means that 81–82 Wine (type depends on soil & tradition)
no such troops are present). 83–84 Books (printing and/or illumination)
85–86 Brewing (beers, ales or ciders)
Garrison A B C 87–88 Arms (weapon-, armour or gunsmiths)
Village N/A N/A +10% 89–90 Illicit services (strong thieves guild etc)
91–92 Horse breeding
Small Town N/A -5% +10%
93–94 Important agricultural producer
Town -5% ±0% +5% 95–96 Large producer of charcoal
City -5% ±0% +5% 97–98 Glass or pottery crafters
99–00 Logging, timber and sawing
50
Changing Seasons
T his tool gives you the means to quickly come
up with the weather for the location the PCs
are presently in. It should be noted that it is not <
Precipitation & Cloud Cover
Drought: No precipitation for another
firmly founded in meteorology; GMs requiring 01 10+1d10 days.
more realistic results need to look elsewhere for Clear Day: A roll of 11 means that a beautiful
02
satisfaction. However, these tables mainly serve rainbow appears for about 1d10 minutes. In
–
three purposes: many parts of the Old World a rainbow is a
15
1) It aids the GM in adding colour to the setting good omen.
(describe the weather each morning and if it Partially Overcast: A roll of 22 indicates
16
changes during the day); strange cloud formations: for 1d10 hours
–
some rather peculiar, beautiful or ominous
2) It can be used to add a twist to an encounter 50
cloud formations are visible in the sky.
or to a whole scenario (try shooting a bow in
51 Heavy Clouds, But No Rain: A roll of 55
a gale force wind or climbing a bare cliff – indicates that a distant rolling thunder can be
during heavy rain!); 60 heard lasting 2d10 minutes.
3) Weather can itself be a source of plots (like 61 Fog: Visibility drops to one-quarter for 1d10
aiding villagers to save their homes from a – hours. Ignore this result unless “Wind
flood or having the town struck by lightning). 65 Conditions” table indicates “Calm” day.
Drizzle or Snowfall: Roll 2d10 for the
Application 66 approximate hour when it starts. The drizzle
Roll once on all tables at dawn. Other ways of – (temperatures above zero) or snowfall
using this document include: picking results, 75 (temperatures below zero) lasts 2d10
rolling only when players ask for weather minutes.
conditions or you just need inspiration. Intermittent Showers: 1d10 light showers
or snowfall (as appropriate depending on
temperature) throughout the day, each
Changing Weather: A double-digit roll (‘11’, ‘22’,
lasting about 2d10 minutes. Roll 2d10 for the
etc.) on any table indicates changing weather 76 approximate hour when each shower or
conditions (in addition to any other effect): re-roll – snowfall starts. A roll of 77 indicates thunder
the result on that table after 2d10 hours. 85 and lightning during summer and sleet in
winter-time (sleet is frozen raindrops that
Wind Condition bounce on impact with the ground. Very
Calm: Wind speeds less than 1 mph. If sailing similar to freezing rain below but is clearly
< you’d better get the oars out. Due to the absence visible).
40 of a cooling breeze temperatures may be Heavy Showers or Snowfall: Reduces
perceived as higher than they actually are. visibility, rain prevents use of strung
41 Breeze: < 5 mph, wind motion is felt on exposed
weapons and makes climbing difficult. Lasts
– skin, leaves rustle, grass sways. On a hot day
1d10 hours. A roll of 88 also indicates a
70 it’s quite a relief!
Windy: < 15 mph, leaves and smaller twigs in 86 fierce thunderstorm in summer and freezing
constant motion and small branches begin to – rain in winter (rain that freezes on impact
71 95 with a cold surface can be the most
move, limits use of strung weapons. A roll of 77
– devastating of winter weather phenomena. Ice
indicates wind sheering; wind suddenly changes
85 storms result from the accumulation of rain
direction throughout day. Quite a nuisance if
sailing. that becomes supercooled and freezes upon
Strong Wind: < 30 mph, large branches in impact with cold surfaces).
86
motion and smaller trees sway, use of strung Hail Storm: For 2d10 minutes the area is
–
weapons becomes difficult. A roll of 88 also pummelled by small chunks of ice.
95
indicates wind sheer as above. Depending on the size of the hailstones, this
Gale: < 45 mph, whole trees in motion and twigs can cause property damage, loss of crops,
96 are broken from trees. It’s an effort to walk 96 and injured livestock or people (unless
– against the wind and impossible to pitch a tent, wearing a helmet). For each round a
97 missile fire becomes nigh impossible. Untreated character lingers outdoors suffers a 10% risk
torches are extinguished. Trim sails if sailing.
of being hit by a chunk for 1d10 points of
Storm: < 70 mph, trees uprooted, considerable
98 and widespread structural damage, even treated
damage.
– torches are extinguished A roll of 99 indicates a Torrential Rains or Blizzard: Tracks and
99 thunderstorm. If aboard a boat you better get out then roads become impassable and even the
97
of the water. most weathered of travellers seeks shelter.
<
Hurricane: > 70 mph, massive and widespread Lasts 1d10 hours. If rain, a roll of 99 or 00
00 indicates a fierce thunderstorm.
damage to buildings, people and animals thrown
<
about, 60 % risk of thunder and lightning. Summer: -10 Hochland and Kislev: +10
Autumn: Add 10 to roll Autumn: +10 Mountainous Region: +10
Mountainous or Coastal Region: add 10 to roll
51
Temperature
The temperatures in this table refer to the chart Temperature
below. If the roll on this table shows a higher or < Extremely low: More than 15 degrees
lower temperature than the previous day, 01 colder than average.
temperature changes one step in that direction. Cold Front: Temperatures remain “very
Otherwise temperature stays (roughly) the same. 02 low” during 10+1d10 days. Sky is filled by
More often than not, it is enough to state that “it flocks of emigrating birds…
is unusually cold for the month”, rather than 03 Very low: Daytime temperatures are about
saying that “it is 10 degrees”. – 10 degrees colder than average.
10
Wind Chill: Strong winds cause temperatures to 11 Low: About 5 degrees colder than average.
be perceived as lower than they actually are. This –
is illustrated by letting the result on the Wind 25
Conditions table above may have an impact (in Average for month and region. However, a
the form of a modifier) on this table: roll of 33 indicates a cold night (about 15
26
degrees or lower than during the day) while
–
Windy or Strong Wind -5 a roll of 66 indicates a warm night (only
75
Gale force wind or worse -10 about 5 degrees cooler than during the
day).
Average Temperatures: The chart below 76 High: About 5 degrees warmer than
indicates average day temperature (Celsius) per - average.
province and month. Nightly temperatures are 90
roughly ten degrees lower than the daytime 91 Very high: Daytime temperatures are
temperatures and typically it is hottest at noon – about 10 degrees warmer than average.
and coldest just before the sun rises. The chart 98
does not account for differences within regions Heat Wave: Temperature remain “very
caused by nearby geographical features like vast 99 high” during 10+1d10 days. Both in
open fields, hills or large bodies of water. Also, summer and winter this can be disastrous.
the temperature in larger towns and cities is 00 Extremely High: Temperatures are more
typically a couple of degrees higher than in the < than 15 degrees higher than average.
countryside. Mountainous or Coastal Region: -10
MONTH
(After-Witching)
(Fore-Witching)
(After-Mystery)
(Fore-Mystery)
(Summer-tide)
(Harvest-tide)
Nachgeheim
(Brewmonth)
Sommerzeit
(Chillmonth)
(Sigmartide)
(Ploughtide)
Sigmarzeit
(Year-Turn)
Vorgeheim
Jahrdrung
(Ulric-tide)
Nachexen
Vorhexen
Kaldezeit
Erntezeit
Ulriczeit
Brauzeit
Plugzeit
PROVINCE
Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Nordland 2 6 10 16 20 20 18 14 6 4 -4 -2
Ostland 2 8 12 18 22 20 16 12 8 2 -6 -4
Middenland -2 4 8 16 22 24 22 18 10 2 -8 -4
Hochland 2 6 14 18 24 24 22 16 8 2 -6 -6
Reikland 2 6 12 16 22 22 20 14 8 4 -2 -4
Talabecland -2 6 14 22 24 24 20 18 8 6 -6 -6
Ostermark -4 4 8 14 18 20 18 12 8 2 -10 -6
Stirland -2 4 12 18 24 24 22 18 12 10 2 -2
Sylvania -4 6 10 16 20 20 18 14 10 4 -6 -8
Wissenland -2 6 10 16 20 20 18 14 8 2 -6 -8
Averland 2 8 14 20 24 22 20 16 10 4 -4 -6
Solland 2 6 12 18 20 22 18 16 8 2 -6 -4
Kislev -4 -2 4 10 16 18 14 10 4 -4 -10 -8
Wasteland 6 10 12 18 20 18 16 14 10 8 4 4
Border Princes 2 4 14 18 22 24 18 16 12 6 4 2
Those of you who prefer Fahrenheit can multiply the degrees above with 9/5 and add 32.
52
Inns of the Empire

T hese tables can be used to quickly generate
names and a few characteristics for all kinds
of inns, taverns, brothels and clubs.
1d100
01–02
First Element
Black
Second
Element
Anchorage
03–04 Blessed Arms
Types of Establishments 05–06 Blue Bucket
In this article, a hostel is an inn providing food 07–08 Broken Castle
and lodging, while coaching inns (or riverside 09–10 Brown Chalice
inns) are larger (and often fortified) 11–12 Cheerful Club
establishments serving many other functions as 13–14 Cheery Corner
well. A tavern is primarily a drinking 15–16 Cosy Cup
establishment located in a settlement, sometimes 17–18 Earnest Dog
offerings food and rooms as well. You can read 19–20 Eastern Dragon
more about coaching inns, hostels and taverns in 21–22 Four Dwelling
the Old World Armoury, pages 88-89. The club is 23–24 Friendly End
the tavern’s more fashionable cousin. In clubs, 25–26 Gilded Feather
the clientele is restricted in some way, either to 27–28 Golden Garden
members (and their guests) or to a certain social 29–30 Good Gate
group (like the nobility or the merchant class) 31–32 Green Goblet
and they almost always have dress codes. Brothel 33–34 Grey Griffin
should be quite self-explanatory. 35–36 Half-way Harbour
37–38 Happy Haven
Names of Inns 39–40 Harvester[’s] Head
It is not always the most luxurious inns that 41–42 Hearty Hearth
have the most grandiose names, while many 43–44 Leaning Heaven
smaller taverns are simply referred to by the 45–46 Lost Homestead
owners’ names. Moreover, there is a tendency 47–48 Merry Hoof
among the proprietors of cheaper establishments 49–50 Northern Horse
to name their joints with a good portion of 51–52 Reaver[’s] House
humour. 53–54 Roamer[’s] Inn
55–56 Rover[’s] Lodge
To use this table, roll 1d100 for a result in the 57–58 Shining Mansion
left column and another for a result in the right. 59–60 Silver Mare
If the second roll is even, put that entry in plural. 61–62 Southern Moon
Or just pick a couple of entries. 63–64 Sovereign Pint
65–66 Thirsty Place
67–68 Three Pony
69–70 Thriving Quarter
71–72 Tilted Rat
73–74 Traveller[’s] Resthouse
75–76 Two Retreat
77–78 Wanderer[’s] Return
79–80 Weary Rooms
81–82 Western Shelter
83–84 White Sign
85–86 Voyager[’s] Snug
87–88 Yellow Stallion
89–90 [Nation] Steed
91–92 [Foreign name] Table
93–94 [Local first name] Tankard
95–96 [Settlement name] Unicorn
97–98 ’The’ + [2nd result] Well
99–00 Roll two ‘second’ results
53
Room for the Night
Gambling
Service
Stabling*
W.o.I.R.
Baths
Snug
The table below is intended for GMs who want to
randomly generate the number of rooms in an Type of
Establishment
inn. A single room sleeps one, a double two and a
large room up to four people. Innkeepers have an Brothel 80% 50% 50% 20% All
uncanny gift of spotting guests trying to squeeze Club N/A 50% All 80% 20%
more people into the room than they pay for. A Coaching Inn 80% 20% 50% All 20%
dorm houses up to a dozen people (1d5 + 7). In
addition, many poor or common establishments Hostel 80% 20% 50% All 20%
allow their guests to sleep in the canteen (or Tavern 20% 50% 50% 20% 20%
wherever there’s room!) if the dorm is full (at a *Very much depends on where the inn is located
small or no fee).
Establishment Sngl Dbl Lrg Dorm
Brothel +6 N/A N/A N/A Size of Establishment
Club -2 -2 N/A -2* Multiply the number of rooms by the number in
Coaching Inn +2 +2 +2 +4 this table, and modify the availability of service
Hostel ±0 ±0 ±0 ±0
Tavern ±0 -2 -2 -2
by the modifier provided.
*For the guests’ servants and body guards Size Small Medium Large
Services x0.5/ -25% x1 x2/ +25%
Room for One More?: If you want to randomly
decide how many of the rooms or beds in the
dorm that are disposable at any one time, roll Standard Costs
1d100 and add the modifiers below. The sum
The prices below roughly correspond to the prices
indicates the approximate portion of rooms and
in WFRP (p. 114-116) and Old World Armoury (p.
beds available (in that establishment–not to be
88-89).
confused with Availability as described in the
Equipment chapter). Results of 100+ indicate that Sustenance Services
the establishment is completely empty, which Breakfast 2 p Stabling 10 p
may serve as inspiration for an encounter (“why Lunch 3 p Bath 1 ss
is it empty?”). Conversely, results of less than 1 Dinner (1 beer) 5 p W.o.I.R. 10p+
indicate a busy evening or even that the inn is Packed Lunch 3 p Lodging
“overbooked” with guest being asked–even urged– Ale 2 p Common Room 5p
to share rooms or sleep on the floor (or in the Beer 1 p Single Room 5 ss
stable). Spirits (shot) 2 p Double Room 10 ss
Wine (glass) 3 p Large Room 15 ss
Establishment has a good reputation -10
Inn with a particularly bad reputation +10
Arrives before noon +20
Arrives late in the evening -20
Special event in settlement (festival,
-30
merchant caravan just arrived, execution)
Additional Amenities
This table gives the presence of services like
baths or Women of Ill Repute (which sometimes
includes men of questionable reputation) or a the
presence of a snug (a small private dining or
sitting room) It should be noted that, here,
‘service’ means the inn-keeper himself employs a
person to provide the service or otherwise
encourages it: there’s nothing stopping two
guests from playing cards just because there’s no
croupier employed.
Coaching Inns: In addition to the services in the

table below, coaching inns often has a
blacksmith employed to repair coaches and shoe
horses (say 80% chance). Many coaching inns
also serve as bases for Road or River Wardens (50
% chance). In those cases there’s often some sort
of look-up or oubliette where prisoners can be
stored until transported to the nearest town.
54
Quality of Establishment Inn-cidents

Although an establishment normally falls entirely Here are a few encounters you can throw at the
within one category, exceptions do exist (e.g. PCs while staying at the newly created inn.
Common quality lodging but Good food). 1d100 Inn-cident
Quality Poor Common Good Best 01–10 Bar Brawl
All prices x0.5 x1 x3 x10 11–20 Bet
21–30 Cook For a Day, Food for a lifetime
31–40 Damsel in Distress
Inn Is Known For Its … 41–50 Drinking Contest
51–60 Galloping Trots
Use this table if you want to come up with a few 61–70 Rumours Abound
notable characteristics for an inn. You might 71–80 The Thing on the Plate
have to re-roll or adjust results depending on 81–90 Things That Go ‘BANG’ in the Night
previous results. Percentages (where given) refer 91–00 Ulman Under Cover
to price.
1d100 First Roll Second Roll Bar Brawl. A good old-fashioned slugfest breaks
01–05 Cheap (-25%) Breakfast out over spilled ale or harsh words, and after only
06–10 Overrated (+10%) Supper a few seconds pretty much everyone is involved.
Ales, beers or The air fills with bottles and jugs, and don’t
11–15 Expensive (+25%) forget the effects of alcohol (WFRP p. 115). The
ciders
16–20 Affordable (-10%) Wines fight lasts 1d10 rounds, after which the ones still
21–25 Huge Common room standing help clean up the mess.
26–30 Small Private rooms
31–35 Lousy Baths Bet. Someone at the inn challenges one of the
36–40 Peculiar Gambling PCs to a wager that could be amusing,
41–45 Shady Stabling unfriendly, high-stake, life-or-death or - why not?
Women of Ill - all at once! The bet can be about pretty
46–50 Good anything from a drinking contest, game of cards,
Repute
51–55 Foreign Innkeeper disagreement over some fact or a duel.
56–60 Old-fashioned Waitresses
61–65 Excellent Bouncer Cook For a Day, Food For A Lifetime. The PCs
66–70 Luxurious Baths overhear a quarrel in the kitchen and sees a very
71–75 Patriotic Cutlery and china angry cook throwing a stained apron in the
76–80 Local style Privy Innkeeper’s face. The cook takes his two
Sign above daughters who also work there, with him and
81–85 Impressive
entrance leaves immediately. The Innkeeper is miserable
Dwarven- and turns to the PCs for help with running the
86–90 Entrance
influenced inn until he can hire a new staff. He can offer
91–95 Halfling-style Furnishing some pay, but also free food and boarding for
96–00 Elven-influenced Atmosphere some time. If they accept, for a night they will
have to face the nasty things in the cupboard,
disappointed guests demanding refunds (or
A Mug of Your [Insert roll], Please! ‘refillsch’!), quarrels between guests and all the
Many inns in the Empire are known for their beer charm of running an inn. (Innkeeper: WFRP p.
or locally produced hard cider (and ‘known’ does 73)
not always imply ‘famous’…). Roll a couple of
Damsel in Distress. The PCs hear a scream from
times on this table to see what you inn has to
one of the rooms, and a few seconds later a half-
offer.
dressed woman in her early 20s comes running
1d100 First Roll Second Roll down the corridor or stairs. After her comes a
01-20 Locally produced Ale likewise half-dressed man in his late forties. He
21-40 Sweet Beer catches up with her and slaps her so hard across
41-50 Musty Hard cider the face that she falls to the floor, dazed. She is
51-60 Strong (x1.5) White wine Klara, an orphaned girl from another village who
61-70 Dry Mead ekes out a miserable living as a prostitute. Unless
71-80 Light Red wine the PCs intervene (no one else will) she can offer
81-85 Dark Fruit wine little resistance as he grabs her and starts
86-90 Weak (x0.75) Brandy carrying her back to his room. Whether the PCs
91-95 Oaked or matured Vodka intervene or not this is quite likely to have
96-00 Foreign (imported) Panaché* consequences.
*This is a blend of beer and some other
beverage
55
Galloping Trots. Some time after dinner it The Thing on the Plate. The Innkeeper is very
becomes clear that pretty much all the guests in pleased with a new dish he has prepared and is
the inn suffer from food poisoning. As the queue anxious that all his visitors get at least one large
to the privy grows longer, more urgent and less serving. Quite happy with himself he walks
civil, the Innkeeper and cook swears they did around serving everyone personally.
nothing wrong. If the PCs investigate they will Unfortunately it is quite horrible. In fact,
notice that the lock to the pantry has been swallowing even a mouthful requires a successful
picked. (Galloping Trots: WFRP p. 136) WP-test (with a +10% bonus for Resistance to
Poison) to swallow. Failure–or declining
Drinking Contest. One of the PCs is challenged
altogether–might have consequences.
to a drinking contest by a slim looking fellow who
presents himself as Adelbert. Drinks are on
Things that go ‘BANG’ in the night. The PCs
Adelbert, but last man standing receives 1 gc. As
are awakened in the middle of the night by a loud
the ales go down the gathering crowd starts
noise. It can be a door slamming shut, gunshot, a
cheering the two contestants along. Adelbert has
brawl, a dispute, a shout for help or something
a Toughness score of 56 and Consume Alcohol
more unnatural. May very well be a false alarm–
+10%. (The Effects of Alcohol: WFRP p. 115)
or even a dream–but there’s always a chance it
Rumours Abound. Like every other inn this one isn’t.
is brewing with rumours, gossip and hearsay.
Whether there’s any truth to them is hard to say, Ulman under Cover. Also staying at the inn is a
but for the inhabitants of the Old World it is far nicely dressed middle-aged man with a local
from unlikely (1d10): dialect who presents himself as ‘Ulman’.
Articulate and inquisitive, ‘Ulman’ engages in
1 - Outlaws are currently troubling the area, conversations with pretty much anyone and
but you can be safe because they only seem to seems very keen on getting people to reveal their
attack people with money. view on religious matters and the local
2 - Someone allegedly made a strange leadership. In fact, he is the nobleman (or senior
observation in the next village, where all the official, or cleric) Freiherr Erich von Regensburg,
inhabitants were behaving very strangely. who likes to skulk around his subjects in
3 - A notorious criminal just escaped, and the disguise. He then uses the information to his own
authorities are searching the vicinity. Watch ends. He has two bodyguards with him, who sit
out, because he is desperate and prone to at another table. The PCs, likely being a rather
violence! conspicuous bunch, soon attract his attention –
4 - An inappropriate love affair is much talked for better or worse.
about, between a noble or merchant or senior
official and a peasant girl, waitress or
handmaiden.
5 - The settlement has a serious rat problem,
and Rat Catchers are currently being
summoned to do something about it.
6 - A merchant was gruesomely murdered
yesterday. However, the perpetrator was
caught and it was the poor merchant’s heir. He
must have been the only one who didn’t know
the victim was broke!
7 - An attack on the settlement is imminent,
but the authorities refuse to issue a warning.
The militia is armed, the watch is doubled and
mercenaries are hired.
8 - A large quantity of beer is missing, stolen
from a local brewery. And then, at the next inn
or tavern the beers are strangely cheap…
9 - A well-liked inn was recently closed for
reasons untold, but there seemed to have been
something wrong with the sausages served
there.
10 - A local tradesman cheats his customers,
selling products of lousy quality. He is
protected by a trade guild, so there’s no point
in complaining.
56
Ex Libris Imperialis
L ike many of my fellow hobbyists, I’m
something of a bibliophile; few things make
my imagination tick like the feel and smell of an
Randomly Generating Books
As is the case throughout this section, you will
not get grammatically or otherwise satisfying
old leather-bound tome. This article is intended
results through random generation, so GMs need
to help GMs to quickly generate a few details of
to apply some common sense. Moreover, if you
books.
have decided on some of the attributes described
Caveat: It should perhaps be noted that in the in these tables (like language or topic) just skip
author’s version of the Old World, books are a bit the table in question.
more common (or at least less expensive), than
the view presented in WFRP and the Old World Quality of Writing
Armoury (although the ability to read is not more Conditional on the GM’s will, quality books may
prevalent!). However, for reasons of compatibility, bestow a bonus on some Skill Tests. The skill is
price and availability in this article are consistent typically an Advanced skill, like Common or
with said books. Academic Knowledge, or a Trade, and the
character must already possess the skill in
Reading Books question. In order for this bonus to be applicable,
Reading a book requires–not surprisingly–that two conditions must be met. The character must
the character can read (has the Read/Write skill) have
knows the appropriate language (Language skill) • read the entire book once (see above), and
and has some time on his hands to do the actual • the Test must fall within the scope of the
reading. Reading a book takes about one hour book, as decided by its topic (but to some
per ten pages, and a character can read for no extent also by its title).
more than 8 hours per day. After the book is read If these criteria are met the book bestows a (non-
once, the character makes a Read/Write Test: cumulative) bonus on relevant Skill Tests: A Best
Failure indicates that the character must re-read quality book bestows +10% and a Good quality
1d100% of the book, success indicates that the book +5%. Poor penmanship, however, incurs a –
character has absorbed the information within. 10% penalty due to false, confusing or illegible
The GM can apply modifiers to the Read/Write content, unless the reader identifies it for what it
Tests according to the situation: reading a book is by passing the Read/Write Test! This is done
in a tranquil library with the assistance of a automatically unless the reader fumbled one of
skilled librarian is quite another thing than trying the Read/Write Tests.
to read the same book while thrown back and
forth in the back of a carriage travelling over a 1d100 Quality of Writing Worth
bumpy road. At night. Hungry. With Goblins 01–03 Best +900%
attacking and the Dwarf snoring next to you. 04–10 Good +200%
11–80 Common ±0%
Skimming: Quickly browsing a book in order to 81–00 Poor (increase Avail. one step) -25%
get a grasp its content and quality takes about
one hour per 50 pages. After the book has been
skimmed the character makes a Read/Write Test: Classification of Writing
Failure indicates that the character has only Roll 1d100 to determine what type of book it is.
grasped the title and topic. Success indicates
1d100 Classification of Writing
that the reader has a fair understanding of the
01–25 Biography
basics of the book (basically, the information
26–30 Bestiary
found in the tables in this article like quality of 31–50 Cook Book
writing and any peculiarities of penmanship). 51–60 Fiction
61–70 Guidebook or Travel Account
71–90 Religious Doctrine
81–98 Scholarship
99–00 Forbidden, Exotic or Heretical Topic
Author
You can use the tables in either WFRP p. 26 or
Character Pack to roll the name of the author of
the book (at least if the author is from the Empire
or is an Elf or Dwarf)
57
Type of Book There are broadly two types of bindings: glued

Three basic types of books are covered by this and stitched. However, some books aren’t bound
article: Printed, illuminated and illustrated. The at all but the pages come in a box or are simply
first two are described in WFRP p. 118 and the wrapped in cloth. Below you find a few
Old World Armoury p. 66. An illustrated book is suggestions on features for binding (in a very
basically a book where the bulk of the text is wide sense).
printed, but an illuminator adds colour, details
and pictures by hand. 1d100 Notable Features
01–05 Lengthy foreword or dedication
Page Count: As a rule of thumb, a book has Starts with a prayer to appropriate
1d10x50 pages. A roll of 1 indicates some sort of 06–10
deity
glued booklet; a roll of 10 is a magnificent (and 11–15 First page has a portrait of the author
probably bulky!) tome. 16–20 Book unfinished, ends abruptly after ¾
21–25 Contains 1d10 magnificent pictures
1d100 Type Enc. Worth*
26–30 Title does not match content
01–30 Printed 35 100 gc
31–90 Illuminated 50 350 gc
31–35 Part of a series of 2d10 volumes
91–00 Illustrated 40 300 gc 36–40 Bound in ornate leather
*This is modified by condition, quality etc. A final 41–45 Colourful first page
result of 0 or less indicates a worthless copy. 46–50 Binding is plain and unadorned
51–55 Very ornate lettering throughout
56–60 Metal hinges and clasps (Enc. x2)
Age & Condition
61–65 As entry above, but book is also locked
You may have to disregard the result from this
Bound in heavy wooden frames (Enc.
table in those instances when the topic doesn’t 66–70
x2)
match the age. The age of the book confers a
71–75 The book’s pages smell funky
modifier on the Condition table below.
76–80 Title embossed in large letters on cover
1d100 Age Condition 81–85 No binding–pages are in a box or cloth
01–10 New (1d10 months) -10% 86–90 Richly decorated pages
11–60 Contemporary (1d10 years) ±0% Something is found between two
61–95 Recent (1d10x5 years) +10%
91–95
pages…
96–99 Old (1d10x25 years) +20% 96–00 Combine any two (or more) results
00 Ancient (1d10x100 years) +30%
Unless you already have a decided on the Peculiarities of Penmanship
condition of the copy in question, you can roll These are not evident until the book has been
1d100 and consult this table. read (or at least skimmed). Roll 1d100 to see if
the book displays any linguistic peculiarities.
Condition
Mint condition: Book is as new or has only a 1d100 Peculiarities of Penmanship
< 01–25 No particular peculiarity
few creased pages. Worth is increased by
20
100%. Tone of author is haughty and
26–30
Used: Leafed but otherwise OK. A roll of 22 authoritative
21
means that the book has an odd smell and a 31–35 Constant misuses of words and idioms
–
roll of 33 indicates that there are notes Obviously not written in the author’s
70 36–40
scribbled on some of the pages. mother tongue
71 Poor: Pages are torn and/or stained. A roll of 41–45 Horrible spelling
– 77 indicates that 1d10 pages are missing the Synthetically archaic grammar,
80 spine is broken Worth is reduced by 50%. 46–50
wording and spelling
Crumbled: Copy is stained, torn and/or
Simple, straightforward and
charred and consequently 1d100 % of the 51–55
unadorned language (R/W Tests +10%)
book is illegible. A roll of 88 indicates that
81 Unnecessarily convoluted grammar
the spine is broken. A roll of 99 means that 56–60
< and vocabulary (R/W Tests -10%)
3d10 pages are missing, and a roll of 00
indicates a missing cover. Worth is reduced Text shows evidence of being the work
61–65
by 90%. of more than one author
Add the modification from the Age table above Book is a compilation or anthology
66–70
(author = editor)
Binding Language is cryptic and archaic
71–75
Far from all copies of a certain work are bound in (R/W Tests -10%)
the same way. Countless editions, versions and The dialect or social standing of the
76–80
forgeries exist of popular works, and copies of author is very obvious from the text
precious or well-liked books are rebound time Interesting notes are scribbled here
81–85
after time. Occasionally, this even means that a and there throughout the book
certain book “inherits” the binding of another Lettering or handwriting is
86–90
tome, so the reader may get a surprise when exceptionally ornate (R/W Tests –10%)
opening it for the first time! 91–00 Combine any two (or more) results
58
Origin Table Language

Many of the topics and titles in the tables below Roll on this table to see what language the book
are linked to some part of the Old World, like a is written in. If the roll is a double (e.g. 22) the
province in the Empire, a major city or perhaps a book has been translated to Reikspiel from
mountain range. If so, roll on this table and use another language (roll 1d10 to see which).
the result in the appropriate context.
1d100 Language Worth
1d100 Geographical Origin 01–02 Breton ±0%
01–25 Empire (as a nation) 03 Estalian ±0%
26–28 Averland 04 Kislevian ±0%
29–31 Hochland 05 Tilean ±0%
32–34 Middenland 06 Norse ±0%
35–36 Nordland 07 Classical +50%
37–38 Ostermark 08 Khazalid (Dwarfish)) +100%
39–40 Ostland 09 Eltharin (Elvish) +100%
41–44 Reikland 10 Other +200%
45–48 Stirland 11–00 Reikspiel ±0%
49–53 Talabecland
54–56 Wissenland Names in this article
57 Sylvania In several instances throughout this article it is
58–59 The Moot mentioned that you should include a name in the
60–64 Altdorf title (or otherwise). In those instances you can
65–68 Nuln use the tables in either WFRP p. 26 or Character
69–72 Middenheim Pack p. 3-9
73–76 Marienburg
77–80 Bretonnia
81 Border Princes
82 Estalia
83–84 Kislev
85–86 Norsca
87–88 Tilea
89 Wasteland
90 Grey Mountains
91 Black Mountains
92 The Vaults
93 World’s Edge Mountains
94 Middle Mountains
95 The River Reik
96 The River Sol
97 The River Talabec
98 The River Stir
99 Drakwald
00 Great Forest
59
Biographies
1d100 1st Element 2nd Element 3rd Element (Topic)
01–03 – Accomplishments of Emperor Karl Franz
04–06 Admirable Accounts of Magnus the Pious
07–09 Blood-dimmed Achievements of Sigmar Heldenhammer
10–12 Celebrated Ambition of the Todbringers of Middenheim
13–15 Classical Annals of the Ludenhofs of Hochland
16–18 Collected Archives of the Gaussers of Nordland
19–21 Compiled Aspirations of the Hertwigs of Ostermark
22–24 Complete Chronicles of von Raukovs of Ostland
25–27 Comprehensive Confessions of the Haupt-Anderssens of Stirland
28–30 Empirical Conundrums of the von Krieglitz-Unterns of Talabheim
31–33 Exposed Deeds of the von Krieglitz’ of Talabecland
34–36 Faithful Deliberations of the von Liebewitz’ of Wissenland
37–39 Final Desires of the Leitdörfers of Averland
40–42 Finest Digest Basic Career [use the table on WFRP p. 21]
and origin using the Origin Table above. Profession is noted

43–45 Gallant Efforts Artisan
+“of” and roll the name using the tables in WFRP or the
46–48 Gathered Endeavour Captain
49–51 Gilded Enquiry Champion
52–54 Glorious Essays Crime Lord
55–57 Grandiose Existence Demagogue
58–60 Great Exploits Duellist
61–63 Heretical Feats Engineer
64–66 Honest Findings (on) Exorcist
67–68 Ill-Fated History Explorer
Character Pack,
69–70 Illuminative Labours Friar

on the right.
71–72 Laudable Life Guild Master

73–74 Misunderstood Notes Highwayman
75–76 Noble Opus Knight
77–78 Perfect Prophecies Merchant
79–80 Proven Records Minstrel
81–82 Revealed Revelations Noble
83–84 Fine Study Outlaw Chief
85–86 Splendid Tales Physician
87–88 Tempting Testimonies Politician
89–90 Traitorous Transcripts Priest
91–92 Truthful Treatise (on) Scholar
93–94 Unambiguous Triumphs Sea Captain
95–96 Uncovered Visions Veteran
95–96 Unearthed Vocation Witch Hunter
97–00 Re-roll and reverse wording of title Wizard
1d100 4th Element (Subtitle) Author’s sentiments towards person(s) covered
01–07 For Which He Was Burnt Slightly disapproving, thinks subject should have done better
08–14 Second Printing Biased, lauding, and flattering: a commissioned work?
15–21 Third Printing Ill-kept contempt and scorn: definitely no admirer of subject
22–28 A True Heir of Sigmar Believes subject is or was an agent of the Ruinous Powers
29–35 Now Edited and Enlarged Seems to believe subject is a direct descendant of Sigmar
36–42 Previously Unpublished Uninterested and uncaring, but also quite unbiased
43–49 The Complete Volume Author seems more interested in the time-period than the subject
50–57 Recorded After His Death Belittles and demeans subject rather ingeniously
58–65 Published in Interest of All Written as if subject was a personal acquaintance
66–72 True and Honest Accounts It is evident that author disapproves of subject’s religiosity
73–80 A Fate Forfeit Constantly questions and mistrusts the subject’s acts
81–87 A Dangerous Mind Conspiracy-theorist; looks for ties to Outlaws (and worse)
88–93 Published by [+ name] Written from a matter-of-fact and unemotional perspective
94–00 Edited by [+ name] Author seems to be a follower of the Ruinous Power…
60
Bestiaries
1st Element 2nd
1d100 3rd 4th Element (Topic)
Element
01–07 - Animals Manaan (aquatic creatures; fish, crayfish, squid)
08–14 Detestable Beasts the Tooth (rodents; mice, rats, squirrels, beavers)
15–21 Enquiries on the Beings the Farm (domestic animals; cows, goats, dogs, chicken)
22–28 Essays on the Childer the Swamps (amphibians; lizards, snakes, frogs)
29–35 Facts of the Children the Woods (wild mammals; bears, elk, rabbits, deer)
36–42 Findings on the Creatures the Saddle (mounts; including horses, donkeys, mules)
43–49 Horrifying Denizens the Swarm (insects including ants, flies, butterflies etc)
50–56 Ideas on the Dwellers the Skies (wild birds)
57–63 Lectures on the Inhabitants the Hive (bees and wasps)
+ “of “
64–70 Lessons on the Lords Ulric (wolves)
71–73 Loathsome Masters Hunger (all kinds of Trolls)
74–76 Opinions on the Minds Myth (mythical beast like Dragons, probably a hoax)
77–79 Reports on the Natives the Tomb (incorporeal undead like Ghosts and Spectres)
80–82 Seminars on the Residents the Grave (material undead like Skeletons and Ghouls)
83–85 Study on the Servants Savagery (Goblinoid races; Orcs and Goblins)
86–88 Survey of the Sons Ruin (Beastmen, Minotaurs and Mutants)
89–91 Theories on the Souls Blood (Vampires)
92–94 Thesis on the Spirits the Horned Rat (Skaven)
95–97 Treatise on the Tenants Chaos (Chaos Warriors, Marauders and Dwarfs)
98–00 Roll two elements and combine Multidisciplinary study: roll again and combine
1d100 4th Element (Subtitle) Principal Field or Aspect Studied
01–10 – None, overview of all aspects of the creatures
11–20 The Lore of Beasts Usage as food (not necessarily for Humans…)
21–30 Servants of Taal? On how to train or interact with the beasts in question
31–40 Call of the Wild How the creature can be used as medicine (or poison)
41–50 The Erudite Colloquia of Nuln Feeding habits and preferred foods
51–60 Wonderful Wild Mating rituals, selection of mates, rearing of the young
61–70 Magnificent Creatures A study of the creatures typical lairs and habitats
71–80 A Study of Creatures Fair and Foul Methods of defence and attack (where applicable)
81–90 A Hypothesis Most Remarkable Social status and interaction within a group or horde
91–00 A Natural Philosophy Primarily deals with the creatures typical environment
Cook Books
1d100 1st Element 2nd Element (Topic) 3rd 4th Element (Subtitles and Similar)
01–05 Appetizing Beers The Bounty of Esmeralda
06–10 Customary Breads & Biscuits The Bretonnian’s Choice
11–15 Delicious Cookery The Forgotten Fare
+ “From” + Element from Origin Table
16–20 Delightful Delicacies The Garnet Guide

21–25 Enticing Desserts A Horn of Plenty
26–30 Fabulous Fare Contemporary Cuisine
31–35 Favourite Foods An Essential Guide to the Kitchen
36–40 Forgotten Hostels Secrets of the Hearth Revealed
41–45 Innovative Kitchen Prestigious Pots and Platters
46–50 Marvellous Meals A Seductive Selection
51–55 Overlooked Menus [4d10] Mouth-watering Recipes
56–60 Precious Pies Roll 3d10 and add the result before title
61–65 Quickening Repasts By [+ name], Chef Appointed to the Court
66–70 Scrumptious Sausages By the Famous Cook [+ name]
71–75 Splendid Soups The Cuisine of [+ result from Origin Table,
76–80 Tantalizing Stews instead of in title]
81–85 Tempting Tables The Tastes of [+ result from Origin Table,
86–90 Time-honoured Treats instead of in title]
91–95 Traditional Wines The Kitchen of [+ result from Origin Table,
96–00 Roll two elements and combine instead of in title]
61
Guidebooks and Travel Accounts

1d100 1st Element 2nd Element 3rd 4th Optional Element (Subtitle)
01–04 Amazing Accounts (from) A Guidebook
05–08 Astonishing Adventures (from) A Life on the Road Recalled
09–12 Beaten Annals (from) A Walkabout in the Wild
13–16 Classic Chronicles (from) A Voyage Remembered
17–20 Contemplative Crossings (of) Alleys & Aqueducts
21–24 Dangerous Domains (of) Being the True and Honest Accounts
25–28 Distant Footpaths (of) Castles & Cul de sacs
+ Element from Origin Table

29–32 Dusty Footprints (of) Country of Boon and Bounty
33–36 Evocative Inns (of) Crossroads of a Courier
37–40 Faraway Journals (from) In the Footsteps of Our Most Revered Fathers
41–44 Lovely Journey (in) Inroads of the Outback
45–48 Memorable Lands (of) Journals of a Journey
49–52 My Notes (from) Manors & Mansions
53–56 Mysterious Paths (of) On the Road
57–60 Noble Promenades (of) Perilous Paths of an Empire in Flames
61–64 Noteworthy Roads (of) Perspectives on the Paths of the Damned
65–68 Perilous Steps (of) Rivers and Rendezvous
69–72 Remarkable Streets (of) Rumours & Reports
73–76 Strange Sunrises (of) Tales of a Rover
77–80 Treacherous Sunsets (of) The Road to Redemption Revealed
81–84 Unknown Tracks (of) There and Back Again
85–88 Weathered Tracts (of) Troubled Trails of a Tract Most Terrible
89–92 Wild Travels (in) Roads of [+ Origin, instead of in main title]
93–96 [None] Voyages (in) Journeys in [+ Origin, instead of in main title]
97–00 Roll two elements and combine the results Perils of [+ Origin, instead of in main title]
Fiction
1d100 1st Element 2nd Element† Synopsis
01–04 Black Autumn Sleazy “love stories” (borderline pornographic)
05–08 Colour of Awakening Instructive moral stories for young lovers
09–12 Dying Crown Traditional fable or fairytale
13–16 First Dawn Ghost or horror story
17–20 Glorious Evening Classical novel by famous writer
21–24 Golden Flower First part of an epic (and rather dry) love story
25–28 Her Hand Struggle of a emerging Marienburg merchant family
29–32 His Heart A family feud that has gone on for generations
33–36 Last Legend A sad tale of the life of a destitute maiden
37–40 Laudable Light Conformist story of a righteous baron and his reign
41–44 Ominous Memory A glamorous ball recalled by ten different people
45–48 Penultimate Morning Recollection of a plague that afflicted a small town
49–52 Persistent Prize Dark folktale of a woman who was burnt as a witch
53–56 Red Saga Unblushing appraisal of Emperor Karl Franz
57–60 Silent Shadow Collection of love poems on common theme‡
61–64 Soft Spring Stage Play (comedy)
65–68 Splendid Story “ (tragedy)
69–72 White Summer “ (drama)
73–76 Wondrous Tale Songbook‡ (lullabies and children’s songs)
77–80 Year of (the) Tear “ (traditional tunes)
81–84 The Time “ (religious hymns)
85–89 [1d10] Water Book on art‡ (painting)
90–95 [Name]’s Wind “ (calligraphy or illumination)
96–00 [Career*]’s Winter “ (pottery or glassblowing)
* You can use the table in WFRP p.21 † It the roll is even, use the element in its plural
form.
‡ If roll is odd the work covers a single artist; if even, combine with element from the Origin Table.
62
Religious Doctrine
1d100 1st Element 2nd Element 3rd 4th Element (Topic)
01–02 - Addresses Divinity (religion in general)
03–04 The Articles Manaan (Lord of the Seas and King of Storms)
05–06 A Study of the Commandments Camille Dauphina (Matriarch of Manaan)
07–08 Absolute Commands On the Question of Stromfels (Aspect of Manaan?)
09–10 Ardent Condition Manhavok (weird Stirlander doomsday cult)
11–12 Blessed Contradictions Morr (God of Death and Dreams)
13–14 Categorical Course Order of the Shroud
15–16 Collected Decrees the Augurs
17–18 Comprehensive Deliberations Fellowship of the Shroud (or Forsagh)
19–20 Conclusive Demands Paul von Soleck (notable Augur in the Cult of Morr)
21–22 Consecrated Demonstrations Myrmydia (Goddess of the Art and Science of War)
23–24 Constant Dicta the Order of the Eagle
25–26 Essential Direction the Order of the Righteous Spear
27–28 Established Directives the Knights of the Blazing sun
29–30 Extreme Discourses Isabella Giovanni (Chief Prist of Myrmydia)
31–32 Faithful Elements Juan Franco (leader, Order of the Righteous Spear)
33–34 Fervent Errors Ranald (God of Tricksters, Thieves and Luck)
35–36 Gathered Exigencies Ranald the Dealer (or other aspect like the Prowler)
37–38 Golden Expositions Hans von Kleptor (powerful priest in Marienburg)
39–40 Hallowed Fundamentals Rhya and Taal (Lord of Nature, Mother of the Earth)
41–42 Holy Fundaments Karog (or other aspect like Karnos or Haleth)
43–44 Humble Imperatives Katrinelya (Hierarch of Rhya)
45–46 Orthodox Inconsistencies Niav (Hierarch of Taal)
47–48 Pious Instructions Shallya (Goddess of Healing and Mercy)
+ “of “
49–50 Potent Lectures Order of the Bleeding Heart

51–52 Primary Mandates Shallya the Purifier (or other aspect like Salyak)
53–54 Prime Miracles Anja Gustavsson (High Priestess of Shallya)
55–56 Principal Mysteries Sigmar (God of the Empire)
57–58 Revered Papers Order of the Silver Hammer
59–60 Reverent Paths Order of the Torch
61–62 Righteous Preaching Order of the Cleansing Flame
63–64 Rigorous Procedures Order of the Anvil
65–66 Sacred Proof Volkmar the Grim (previous Grand Theogonist)
67–68 Sacrosanct Prophecies Johann Esmer (Grand Theogonist)
69–70 Sanctified Questions Luthor Huss (a prophet of Sigmar?)
71–72 Sanctimonious Requests Valten (Sigmar reborn?)
73–74 Scruplous Requirements Ulric (Lord of Wolves, Winter and Battle)
75–76 Stringent Revelations Order of the Howling Wolf
77–78 Summative Rudiments Knights of the White Wolf
79–80 Superlative Salvation Sons of Ulric
81–82 Supreme Sermons Ursash (or other sub-cult, like The Snow King)
83–84 Thoughts on the Stipulations Emil Valgeir (Ar-Ulric, High Priest of Ulric)
85–86 Time-Honoured Tablet Verena (Goddess of Wisdom and Justice)
87–88 Treatise on the Teachings Order of Mysteries
89–90 True Testimonies Clio (or other sub-cult like Renbaeth or Scriptsisti)
91–92 Ultimate Transcripts Manfred Arcibald (High Priest of Verena)
93–94 Unconditional Treatises the Elves (Elven religion and pantheon)
95–96 Virtuous Truths the Dwarfs (Dwarven religion and pantheon)
97–98 Most [+ re-roll] Visions the Halflings (Halfling “religion” and “pantheon”)
99–00 Roll two elements and combine (e.g. “Reverent Thoughts on the Rudiments of Ulric”)
63
Scholarship
1D100 1st Element 2nd Element 3rd Element (Topic)
01–02 – Colloquia on the Contemporary Culture of the Dwarfs
03–04 Accumulated Accounts of the History of the Dwarfs
05–06 Admirable Arguments on the Contemporary Culture of the Halflings
07–08 Assembled Conceptions on the History of the Halflings
09–10 Auspicious Considerations on the History of the Moot and the Halfling Elector
11–12 Celebrated Demonstrations of the Contemporary Culture of the Elves
13–14 Collected Discourse on the History of the Elves
15–16 Compiled Dissertation on the Recent History of the Empire
17–18 Complete Elucidation of the Ancient History of the Empire
19–20 Comprehensive Enquiries on the Pre-Sigmarite History of the Empire
21–22 Compulsory Erudition on the Schism Between the Cults of Ulric and Sigmar
23–24 Elemental Essays on How to Raise Children
25–26 Empirical Examinations of the Imperial Electoral System
27–28 Essential Exposé of Lexicon, roll a Language table and include in title
29–30 Esteemed Expositions of Cartography
31–32 Experiential Findings on Mining Engineering
33–34 Exposed Foresights of Astronomy
35–36 Faithful Hypothesis on Engineering
37–38 Final Insights into Military Strategy
39–40 Finest Knowledge of Shipbuilding
41–42 First Labours on Embalming
43–44 Fundamental Laws of Candle making
45–46 Gallant Learning on Fishing
47–48 Gathered Lectures on Bowing
49–50 Gilded Lessons on Calligraphy
51–52 Glorious Notes on Cooping
53–54 Golden Observations on Stoneworking
55–56 Grandiose Papers on Tanning
57–58 Great Perceptions of Goldsmithing
59–60 Honest Perspectives on Smithing
61–62 Illuminative Procedures on Apothecary
rolled on the Origin Table. If even, it is a more

63–64 Indispensable Properties of Architecture
If the roll is odd, combine with an element

65–66 Laudable Proposals on Art (in general)
67–68 Noble Records of Brewer
69–70 Obligatory Research on Carpentry
71–72 Perfect Revelations on Dancing
73–74 Primary Rudiments of Etiquette of the Bourgeoisie
75–76 Principals Scholarship on Farming
general study
77–78 Required Studies on Foreign Relations and Trade
79–80 Respected Suggestions on Genealogy and Heraldry
81–82 Revealed Teachings on Haute Couture
83–84 Revered Testimonies of Herbalism
85–86 Rudimentary Theorems on History
87–88 Splendid Theories on Law
89–90 Tempting Thesis on Music (in general)
91–92 Truthful Treatise on Prospecting
93–94 Unambiguous Understanding of Trade
95–96 Uncovered Wisdom of Weather and Climate
97–98 Unearthed Visions of Weaving and Sewing
99–00 Valuable Writings on Multidisciplinary work: roll again and combine
64
Forbidden, Exotic and/or Heretic Topics

1d100 1st Element 2nd Element Topic
01–04 The Aethyr Daemonology†
05–08 Absolute Bane Necromancy†
09–12 Auspicious Chronicles Ruinous Powers (Chaos in general)†
13–16 Baneful Confession Tzeentch (The Changer of the Ways†
17–20 Black Dawn Nurgle (Lord of All Fevers and Plague†
21–24 Crimson Fang Khorne (The Angry Blood God)†
25–28 Dark Heart Slaneesh (Lord of Pleasures)†
29–32 Essential Horn Horned Rat†
33–36 Final Light Khaine (God of Murder, or an Aspect of Khorne?)†
37–40 Gilded Maelstrom Malal (Renegade Chaos deity)†
41–44 Golden Moon Stromfels (God of Wrecks and Piracy)†
45–48 Grey Mysteries Study of the fundamentals of Arcane Magic
49–52 Luminous Omen Study of the basic conceptions of Divine Magic
53–56 Magic Passion Book describes a magic ritual (see WFRP p. 168-169)
57–60 My Liege’s Principles Lesser Magic Suggestions For
61–64 My Lord’s Shadow Lore of Beasts Grimoires:
65–68 Ominous Souls Lore of Death Roll 1d10 to decide the
69–72 Portentous Sun Lore of Fire
Grimoires number of spells of the
73–76 Primal Supremacy Lore of the Heavens Lore the grimoire contains:
77–80 Purple Tide Lore of Life 1-4= 1 spell; 5-7= 2 spells;
81–84 Red Time Lore of Life 8-9= 3 spells, and 10= 4
85–88 Shining Ultimatum Lore of Metal spells (GM:s choice as to
89–92 Ultimate Wake Lore of Shadow which ones). When casting
93–96 White Wind Lore of Chaos† a spell (which the caster
must already know) using
97–00 Yellow Words Lore of Necromancy†
the grimoire, casting rolls
are made with a modifier
†At the GMs choice, the knowledge in the tome is so terrifying that the depending on its Quality:
reader gains an Insanity Point (2 if a WP Test is failed)! Poor -2; Common +1; Good
+2; Best +3
65
Tales of the Rover

S ometimes it’s hard to come up with
interesting encounters for the PCs while
travelling or enjoying some downtime in town
Twists & Turns
This is a collection of suggestions on how to
twist and turn a scenario in an unexpected
between scenarios. In those cases, this table may direction (unexpected even for the GM if the
help. random generation option is used). These ideas
can also serve as red herrings, random
Cameo or Colour? encounters or even ideas for plots. Roll 1d10
These ideas can be used in a number of ways. and see what you come up with.
You can use them to paint the background, to get
an idea for a cameo or whole encounter, to twist 1 – Betrayal: A character the PCs counted
a previously prepared scenario, use them as red as an ally, friend (or perhaps one of the
herrings or simply to stall things when PCs!) betrays them to their enemies, a
improvising the session to come up with the plot. religious cult or the authorities.
You can also try picking a few results (2-4) and 2 – Disease: One of the PCs is stricken by
combining them into a chain of encounters or disease. Are his/her strange ramblings
whole scenario. For instance, the PCs’ first merely an effect of the fever or is he/she
encounter a horse without rider [Lone Ranger], a more susceptible to visions of the path
little later come across the remains of the rider ahead in his/her weakened state?
[Roadkill] only to find out what - or rather whom 3 – Ghost: The PCs meet, see or hear of
- actually happened to him [Incoming!]. someone they thought to be dead–and it
seems the person’s return is of immediate
Types of Locations importance.
Although most of these entries are written with
4 – Hearsay: One of the PCs picks up a
road travel through wild or rural areas in mind,
disturbing rumor with a bearing on the PCs'
most of them can easily be adapted for other
current dealings.
locations.
Rural: A rural location is somewhere in the 5 – Refuge: As a token of gratitude or
outback, but not too far from civilization: the admiration, the PCs are offered a place of
outskirts of towns and villages, fields, well- refuge or hiding for the present or in the
travelled roads, etc. Here, one is quite likely to future.
encounter other humans – or even fouler things.
6 – Sign: One of the PCs sees a pamphlet,
Urban: Encounters and incidents for the streets
poster or sign that he finds of particular
of any large village, town or city.
interest, as it mentions something with
Waterline: Waterline typically means the
direct bearing on the plot.
characters are travelling on or along a river.
Either way, in most cases the word “road” can 7 – Third Party: A new character shows up
simply be replaced by “river”. Some of the in the scenario, someone with power and a
encounters have do be adapted according to hidden agenda. Whose side is he on and
whether the PCs are controlling their own boat or what are his motives?
along for the ride, aboard a larger river boat for
instance. 8 – Truce?: An enemy comes forth with a
Wilderness: This column is used whenever the proposal for the PCs or their employers.
PCs are travelling through true wilderness, far 9 – Turncoat: An agent of the opposition
from civilization and probably even roads. Here, betrays his employer to the PCs. But can he
the word “road” in the entries below can be be trusted, is what he can offer of any use
replaced by “path” or “track”. and what are his motives?
10 – Now, things are getting busy: Roll two
results and combine!
66
Incident Rural Urban Waterline Wilderness

A Bridge Too Few 01 – 02 - - 01 – 02
A Cold Welcome - 01 – 04 - -
A Prayer for the Damned? 03 05 – 08 - -
A Warm Reception 04 – 06 - - 03 – 04
Abattoir Blues 07 – 09 - 01 – 03 05 – 06
Aid the Pigeon 10 09 – 11 04 – 05 07 – 08
All the Fun 11 12 – 15 - -
A Simple Life 12 – 13 16 – 17 06 – 07 09 – 10
Bad Moon Rising 14 18 – 19 08 – 09 11 – 12
Banquet - 20 – 22 - -
Beggar - 23 – 27 - -
Benshof is Burning 15 - 10 – 11 13 – 14
Broken Equipment 16 – 18 28 – 31 12 – 15 15 – 17
Child Errand 19 – 20 32 – 33 - 18 – 19
Collateral Damage 21 – 22 - - 20 – 21
Colossal Rain 23 – 24 - 16 – 18 22 – 23
Crowd 25 34 – 38 - -
Debt - 39 – 40 - -
Dogs of War 26 – 28 41 – 44 19 – 21 24 – 25
Driving Home for Mass 29 – 30 - 22 – 24 26 – 27
En Route to Perdition 31 – 32 45 – 47 25 – 27 28 – 29
Face-Off 33 48 – 52 28 – 29 -
Feast of Crows 34 – 35 - - 30 – 31
Flash Flood 36 - - 32 – 33
Flirt - 53 – 55 - -
Frediger’s Farm 37 – 38 - - 34 – 35
From Eve to Mourning 19 - - -
Fugitives 40 – 41 56 30 – 32 36 – 37
Galloping Trots 42 – 43 57 – 58 33 – 34 38 – 39
Garden of Morr 44 - - -
Handover 45 59 – 60 35 – 36 40 – 41
Here be Monsters. Really. - - - 42 – 43
Hilltop Holler 46 – 47 - 37 – 39 44 – 45
In the Name of 48 – 49 61 – 63 - 46 – 47
Incoming! 50 – 51 - 40 – 41 48 – 49
Injunction - 64 – 65 - -
It Doesn’t Rain… 52 66 42 50 – 51
Lost and Found 53 – 54 - 43 – 44 52 – 53
Love’s Labours Now 55 – 56 67 45 – 46 54 – 55
Lone Ranger 57 – 58 - - 56 – 57
Man Overboard! - - 47 – 55 -
Marshlands - - - 58 – 59
Merchant Caravan 59 – 61 68 – 71 56 – 58 60 – 62
News From Home - 72 – 75 - -
Nightly Excursions 62 - - 63 – 64
Noble’s Cause 63 – 64 76 – 77 59 – 61 -
Noise Conspiracy 65 – 67 - - 65 – 67
Of Wolves and Men - - - 68 – 70
Out of Control - - 62 – 67 -
Overturned Coach 68 – 69 - - 71 – 72
Party Time - 78 – 81 - -
Path of Left Hands 70 – 71 - - -
Pocket Pick - 82 – 85 - -
Ramming Speed - - 68 – 71 -
Raucous on the Road 72 – 74 - - 73 – 74
Reckless Driver 75 86 – 88 - -
Roadkill 76 - 72 – 73 75 – 76
Roadwardens 77 – 79 - 74 – 76 -
Something Rotten 80 – 82 - 77 – 79 77 – 79
Taal’s Fury 83 89 80 80 – 81
Taking a Leak - - 81 – 84 -
The Golden Hour 84 – 85 - 85 – 86 82 – 83
The Tempest 86 – 87 90 87 – 90 84 – 87
The Village 88 - - 88 – 90
Toll Gate 89 – 90 - 91 – 93 -
Troubled by the Law - 91 – 94 - -
Trader 91 – 94 - 94 – 96 91 – 93
Wayside Shrine 95 – 96 - 97 – 99 94 – 97
Windfall 97 95 – 96 - 98
Witness 98 97 – 00 00 99
Writing on the Walnut Tree 99 – 00 - - 00
67
A Bridge Too Few. If travelling by coach or cart, Suddenly one of them cries out in dismay, pain
crossing this broken wooden bridge can be a or horror. Perhaps one of the dead animals is
severe hindrance. But depending on the hideously mutated (or not dead at all!), or the
geography this may also impede travellers on foot scent might have drawn other “visitors”… (If this
or horseback. Either way they may encounter a Waterline encounter the Hunters are Fishermen
someone at the bridge who needs the PCs’ instead) (Hunter: WFRP p. 41, Fisherman: p. 39)
assistance.
Aid the Pigeon. The PCs meet a Messenger
A Cold Welcome. When entering the settlement carrying a dispatch to the next town, village or
the PCs are subjected to rigorous control: the coaching inn which happens to be on the PCs’
Watchmen note their names, hometown, route. The Messenger is injured, has a lame
province, liege, occupation, intended duration horse, or is preoccupied with matters elsewhere
and purpose of stay, where they can be reached and asks the PCs to carry the dispatch for him,
during the stay, etc. They are forced to pay claiming it is extremely urgent. He offers his
applicable taxes and tolls. All paperwork is thanks and a few gc’s. Unfortunately, there
duplicated, stamped and copies are sent to the seems to be some danger attached to the task
central registrar. that he conveniently forgot to mention. Either the
dispatch will not receive a friendly reception
A Prayer for the Damned? By the road (or in the
when delivered, or someone is out to intercept it.
courtyard of an inn, toll gate or village) there is a
(Messenger: WFRP p. 44)
small crowd gathering around an armoured man
dressed in black and yellow clothes. The man, All the Fun. A circus or travelling fair is visiting
Ulrich, is a Witch Hunter who has just secured and has set up camp just outside the settlement
the catch of the day. In chains he has an elderly for a few days. These wandering entertainers are
woman whom he claims is a rogue sorcerer and a strange bunch, including fire-eaters and
the cause of miscarriages and accidents in the jugglers, as well as strange animals and people.
area. His flaming speech (including assertions of In their wake follows quacks, prostitutes and the
how sorry he is to reveal that a woman of such ever-present pickpockets. The commoners are
esteem and healing skills owes her abilities to the thrilled, but the authorities are less happy and
Ruinous Power) enrages the audience and soon keep a vigilant eye over the fair.
there are shouts for the ubiquitous burning. The
A Simple Life. A few yards off the road (or in a
woman, although unbowed, is clearly in trouble.
boat) and surrounded by playing children, empty
Will the PCs intervene? Whether they do or not,
bottles and jars and a gigantic picnic basket, a
the decision will have repercussions. Is the
family of affable Halflings (Dramfast and
woman innocent – or exactly what she’s being
Bomflower Millpond) is resting, waiting for
accused of? (Witch Hunter: WFRP p. 87)
someone or simply enjoying a day off. A source of
A Warm Reception. Not far from the road the gossip, a couple of apples or just a reason to put
PCs see a group of Charcoal-Burners hauling your feet up for a few minutes?
logs, chopping wood, and tending to their
Bad Moon Rising. People stay indoors and say
charcoal stacks. These weathered individuals are
prayers of protection since Morrslieb is almost
suspicious (one could say they have a dark
full. This lasts 2d10 hours. All Tests based on
outlook on life!) and used to the dangers of the
Fellowship are Challenging (-10%) during the
wild. Unless the PCs seem like a dangerous,
following day, as this is a very bad omen for all
haughty or boring lot they will be invited to their
Old Worlders. All kinds of terrible prophecies are
dirty camp. Besides coal smudges they have an
rumoured to become true.
endless supply of rumours, rotgut liquor and
black humour. (Charcoal-Burner: WFRP p. 36) Banquet. The PCs participate in a sumptuous
meal, perhaps provided by an ally or friend, their
Abattoir Blues. Not far from the road a party of
current employer or the local inn. (Ideas for food
hunters and trappers have made camp and are
and drink: WFRP p. 114-116)
currently gutting and skinning today’s catch. It’s
a scene of sweat, blood and crude humour. Beggar. One of the PCs encounters a dirt-poor
beggar, bone picker or urchin who stirs his pity,
perhaps because the poor creature reminds the
PC of someone, or something. (Beggar: WFRP p.
233)
Benshof is Burning. A few hundred yards ahead
the PCs can see thick smoke rising above the
trees or hills. As they draw nearer they can see
the blazing houses of a small village, and a few
villagers desperately trying to fight the flames. Is
there something the PCs can do to help? What
caused the fire? Are there any injured villagers
that need immediate attention? Is it related in
any way to the PCs current dealings?
68
Broken Equipment. One of the PCs breaks or the direction of a nearby town. The wretched
loses something vital for travelling or their souls in the cage are a sorry collection of whores,
current task: a boot, blanket, weapon, paddle or urchins and beggars and are escorted by several
horseshoe, for example. Acquiring a substitute Watchmen or Bounty Hunters. Suddenly, one of
may prove as urgent as it is difficult. the PCs recognizes one of the prisoners: a friend,
relative, other acquaintance–or perhaps even one
Child Errand. The PCs see a small boy, two or
of the other PCs? Do the PCs try to avoid
maybe three years old, standing in the middle of
recognition, or do they try to liberate the poor
the road, sitting by the roadside or scampering
creature, and using what means? (Bounty
through the bushes. The boy has spotted them
Hunter: WFRP p. 34; Watchman: p.59, Law,
and is wobbling in their direction, arms
Justice, and Criminals: Sigmar’s Heirs p. 27-32)
outstretched and a smile on the dirty face. He’s
dirty and hungry but otherwise seems fine, and Face-off. The PCs are suddenly confronted by a
he immediately takes a liking to one of the PCs. high-strung nobleman, an irritated innkeeper, an
Where are his parents? Who is he? What are the orthodox priest, a corrupt official or any other
PCs going to do with him? And what’s that smell? Old Worlder with a grudge against him or her.
Collateral Damage. All of a sudden, a troop (say Feast of Crows. The PCs suddenly come upon a
2d10+5) of armed Soldiers break from cover by small but gruesome field of battle: on the road
one side of the road and charges in the direction ahead, a flock of crows audibly feasts on the flesh
of the PCs. Weapons are drawn, orders are of 1d10+2 recently slain travellers. Whether they
shouted and arrows start flying. While still were robbed and killed by Outlaws, ambushed by
dumbstruck, the PCs find themselves in the thick Greenskins or succumbed to the schemes of
of things as another force reveals itself on the fellow travellers is up to the GM.
opposite side of the road and counterattack. The
Fire. The settlement, house or area is suddenly
PCs are between a rock and a hard place and
plagued by a devastating fire. It’s a scene of
must seek shelter. Even if they survive the
smoke, flames and panic. The blaze is caused by
fighting, the winning side dislikes witnesses as
lightning, an accident, neglect or perhaps an
they are raiding another province and they are
arsonist at large?
unconvinced that the PCs were not with the other
side after all. (Soldier: WFRP p. 54) Flash Flood. The PCs spot a good place for camp
next to a small stream. However, upstream it has
Colossal Rain. The area through which the PCs
been raining heavily (or perhaps a dam breaks or
are travelling is drowned in heavy rains lasting
the stream changes course because of a
1d10 hours. Roads turn to mud, rivers overflow,
landslide) and suddenly the stream becomes a
and vision drops to a few yards. The PCs must
fierce river, ten times wider than normal. Some
seek shelter unless they are adequately equipped,
time during the night the raging water floods the
highly motivated or hard-pressed for time.
PCs’ campsite. Unless they’ve taken precautions
Crowd. The PCs are caught up in an unruly like posting a guard who passes a Perception test
crowd that calls for a hanging, lower prices on (you can make one test per round starting when
bread or the release of a prisoner. Suddenly, the the water is 5 rounds away, and reduce the
crowd’s attention turns to the PCs (because of a difficulty by one step for each test until passed),
character’s race, dress, actions or words. In the they may be in serious trouble, and most of their
Old World, there’s always a good reason for a equipment is washed miles downstream.
lynching).
Flirt. One of the PCs is flirted with by an
Debt. One of the PCs is unexpectedly called upon attractive member of the opposite sex, which can
to repay an unknown debt in the form of a be a set-up, a one-nighter, or – why not – True
service, favour, money or other, owed by the Love. Maybe the PC just can’t stop thinking
character himself or close family. about him or her, or someone notices the flirt
who shouldn’t.
Dogs of War. The PCs bump into a company of
3d10 hardened and heavily armed Mercenaries Frediger’s Farm. In a straightforward attack, a
lead by a scarred and gnarled Sergeant. These band of Goblins breaks from cover about 50
are drunk, bored and offensive and may cause yards away and charges towards the PCs. The
the PCs some serious trouble. (Mercenary: WFRP PCs just passed a roadside farmstead and should
p. 44; Sergeant: p. 84) be able to retreat to it before the Greenskins are
upon them. Do the farmers let them in, has the
Driving Home for Mass. Some carriages bar the
farm already been sacked or do the assailants’
road ahead and figures in cloaks are trying to
arrows stop them from retreating in that
pull one of the carriages up from the ditch. These
direction? The Goblins are about twice the
virtuous but inexperienced pilgrims are on their
number of the PCs +1d10 and are led by a Black
way back from (or to) a holy site a couple of days
Orc. They will continue their attack for 1d10
journey away and obviously need all kinds of
minutes and then move on to hunt easier meat.
help, and they humbly ask for it.
(Goblin: WFRP p. 229, Bestiary p. 97; Farmstead:
En Route to Perdition. The PCs meet an open GM Pack p. 24)
cart on which a sturdy cage is fixed, moving in
69
From Eve to Morning. On the road lies a drifting towards them. Is it an entertainer
fortified coaching inn, one of those palaces where practising some new piece, a priest performing a
travellers from everywhere - and those who prey ritual, someone trying to attract the PCs
upon them - come together for a night. But this attention – or a diversion?
particular inn is currently run by less agreeable
guests. Too late do the PCs realize that a rather
sizeable band of Outlaws has taken over the inn.
They pillage the inn, harass its guests (including
the PCs) and won’t let anyone leave until they do
(early morning), all while getting very drunk on
the inn’s tap.
Fugitives. The PCs encounter a train (10+3d10)
of swearing, shocked and injured villagers
carrying the few possessions they managed to
save when their village was burnt to the ground.
Last night they were attacked without warning by
Greenskins, Beastmen or perhaps troops from
another province Although their stories differ as
to the purpose, numbers and origin of the
assailants, they agree on one thing: they are
coming this way. Soon. (Peasant: WFRP p. 48)
Galloping Trots. One of the PCs (you can decide
who by making a Toughness test and pick the
one with the worst result) is stricken by the
Galloping Trots. This reduces the group’s
Movement score by one point as the PC has to
make urgent and frequent stops. His current
Fellowship is reduced by as many points as you
feel to be appropriate. (Galloping Trots: WFRP p.
136)
In the Name of… Vociferously announcing the
Garden of Morr. About 50 yards from the road end of the world, denouncing the modern ways of
the PCs see a cemetery with about 1d10x10 living or renouncing some deity, this crazed Friar
graves, a few crypts and a chapel surrounded by may require the PCs to take up arms and follow
a low wall. Milling about is a handful of figures, him, hold a spontaneous sermon or attack them
and a couple of wagons are waiting by the gates. outright. Possibly all three.
Are they Grave or Tomb Robbers, mourning
relatives burying a loved one, or something Incoming! From out of nowhere an arrow is shot
worse? (Grave Robber: WFRP p. 40, Tomb Robber and lands pretty darn close to one of the PCs. On
p. 57, Zombie p. 231 or Bestiary p. 120) a successful Perception test another PC can point
out the approximate spot from whence it was
Handover. One of the PCs is given an object shot. But was the arrow fired by someone
wrapped in cloth by a darkly dressed man and is deliberately aiming for that (or another) PC, did
told to hang on to it until further notice. He will the shooter mistake him or her for someone else
pick it up in a few days and they will be richly or was it just a young Peasant who hasn’t quite
recompensed. He then disappears before any gotten his act together?
questions can be asked. Unfortunately it seems
someone else is out to get the object and they will Injunction. A page delivers an order to one or
stop at nothing. several of the PCs to appear before a local
magistrate to testify about something they might
Here be Monsters. Really. While travelling over have seen or heard. This summons may come at
a small bridge in the wilderness the PCs a bad time, but not showing up at the appointed
(Perception–Listen tests) may hear something hour may be a very bad idea. Likely enough, the
moving under the bridge. It’s a filthy troll and characters have absolutely no idea what the case
bellowing “fooody, meeaties” it quickly scrambles concerns or what is going on in the courtroom
up the short slope! The PCs have one round (two unless they have the Academic Knowledge (Law)
if someone heard the noise) to draw weapons (or skill. The questions asked are borderline
flee!) before it attacks. It won’t fight to the death ridiculous (“did you have one or two eggs for
if the PCs prove tough meat. (Troll: Bestiary p. breakfast did you say?” “And you are absolutely
111) sure that the man stepped with the right or the
left foot over the threshold?”), but the parties and
Hilltop Holler. The PCs notice a person standing
the magistrate listens with great interest. The
on the top of a small hill about 100 yards off the
episode takes a few hours, and afterwards
road. The person, clad in some sort or robe or
someone (a servant of one of the parties) thanks
cape, seems to be dancing or waving, and
the PCs with a few gcs.
occasionally the PCs can hear chanting or singing
70
It Doesn’t Rain But It Pours. Roll two new informing the PC of some event, good or bad
results and combine them into one probably (death, marriage, starvation, need of money).
quite memorable episode.
Nightly Excursions. One of the PCs has a
Lost and Found. On a stretch of road, trappings strange and vivid dream during the next night
are spread all over: clothes, food items, sacks or (roll 1d10 on the table below.
broken boxes and a few other belongings.
Perhaps they fell off a carriage, are the result of 1 - The PC finds himself standing on a
marauding goblins going through the loot, or deserted stretch of road in the twilight of dusk
came from someone needing to ditch extra weight or dawn. The PC senses something drawing
in a hurry? Do the PCs find something of interest nearer…
among the remains? What if the PCs pick 2 - The PC “awakes” and the room or camp is
something up and later on are accused of theft? ablaze! He can feel the heat from the flames
Love’s Labours Now. The PCs encounter a lonely and see how his skin starts to turn black…
young woman who is about to give birth. She 3 - The PC falls of a tower, roof or cliff and
looks barely 18 and if asked, she says her name desperately tries to catch on to something
is Carlott and that she is from a village a few while the ground rushes up to meet him…
days away, but since she’s already in labour she
cannot say anything further. Carlott is obviously 4 - In the dream, the PC has a fierce argument
in no condition to travel and the baby arrives in with one of the other PCs, and is still very
3d10 minutes – can the PCs be of any angry with him or her when he wakes…
assistance? Childbirth is dangerous business in 5 - The PC dreams that he finds a (relatively)
the Old World – what if the baby survives but she large treasure (like a purse of Goldcrowns),
doesn’t? What if the baby is mutated in some which isn’t there when he wakes up…
way? And what of the young woman’s family and
the baby’s father? 6 - The PC dreams that something very bad
has happened to a loved one like a sibling,
Lone Ranger. The PCs can hear hoofs against parent or lover…
the paving coming around the next bend, and
soon after the steed appears. But the saddle is 7 - In the dream the PC meets a son or
empty and as the horse approaches, the PCs can daughter – either an existing child or a
clearly see the blood on its side. What happened coming…
to the rider, who was he, and can the horse be 8 - It’s a terrible nightmare of teeth and
sold at the next village provided they catch it tentacles and inescapable terror, and the PC
(Charm Animal or a lasso should do the trick)? wakes sweating and screaming!
(Mounts: WFRP p. 232-233)
9 - Roll two results: The dream starts like the
Man Overboard! One of the PCs falls overboard! first one and then changes into the second
Can he swim, is he worth saving and can the PCs result.
turn the boat around to pick him or her up? And
what – or who – caused the unexpected bath? 10 - Roll again, but the dream is a recurring
(Suffocation: WFRP p. 136) one and visits the PC during 1d10 consecutive
nights.
Marshlands. For about half a mile the road
winds through a bog that partly swallows the Noble’s Cause. The PCs are hailed by a local
road in places. Veils of mist rise from the putrid Noble, Walbrecht Nachtmann von Dünnsberg,
water, and through the haze the PCs can see and his entourage consisting of a couple of
vague shapes of ruins and trees. Suddenly, one of Servants, a Valet, and a handful of Bodyguards.
the PCs can see lights moving in the mist, as if He demands the PCs services for a while, as
people are moving around in the marsh. The guides, guards or for some special skill (trade,
lights are slightly compelling – anyone who sees language, etc.) that he believes they possess. This
them must make an Easy (+20%) Will Power likely takes the PCs in an unwanted direction
check. If the character fails, he must follow the doing unwelcome things for an unwelcome
lights into the marsh, where the lights will lead employer, but the PCs may be in serious trouble
him to a patch of quick sand. if they (try to) decline. (Noble: WFRP p. 46;
Servant: p. 52; Bodyguard: p. 33; Valet: p. 59)
Merchant Caravan. Half a dozen heavy carriages
(or barges) protected by Mercenaries and Noise Conspiracy. A loud noise in the bushes by
accompanied by a coach (or boat) bars the PCs’ the side of the road (branches cracking, pebbles
way. Does the Merchant ask the PCs for help, clattering) is followed by a chilling cry. However,
directions or protection, does the caravan come it’s only a deer that, halfway across the road, is
under attack from Outlaws or are the PCs treated startled by the PCs presence and stops to stare at
as hostile by the Mercenaries? (Mercenary: WFRP them for a few seconds. A source of amusement,
p. 44; Merchant: p. 77) food, or perhaps a sign from Taal?
(Taal: WFRP p. 179)
News From Home. One of the PCs receives a
letter from home or other form of notification,
71
Of Wolves and Men. While travelling through the Raucous on the Road. The PCs find themselves
wilds, the PCs are stalked by a pack (roughly watching a brawl. The combatants (say 1d10+2
twice the PCs’ numbers) of wolves. The pack on either side) seem to be ordinary folk, fighting
follows the party for 1d10 hours and the PCs are with sticks, knives or their bare fists. The rumble
allowed one Hard (-20%) Perception test per hour can be caused by a religious dispute, family
to realise this. Then the pack closes in, at which rivalry, or a lost game of cards. Do the PCs
point one of the PCs must pass a Charm Animal intervene on either side, act as mediators or turn
test (or come up with some clever strategy like their back on it all?
lighting several torches) lest they are considered
Reckless Driver. The PCs are almost overrun by
dog food and the wolves attack. (Wolf: WFRP p.
a large dark blue coach with polished coats of
233)
arms on the doors. Each PC present must make
Out of Control. Some piece of equipment or an Agility test to successfully make it out of the
device necessary for manoeuvring the vessel way. Failure means that the PC suffers 1d10
(rudder, sail, oar, paddle) malfunctions or is lost wounds (modified by armour and Toughness
and the vessel starts drifting downstream. This Bonus) as the PC is either hit directly by the
condition engenders all kinds of dangers: coach, trampled by one of the horses or hurts
collisions with other boats, running aground, himself on something by the side of the road or
listing so heavily that the vessel takes in water, street. PCs with Sixth Sense may feel a tingling
or falling overboard. just before the coach hits, and get a +20% on the
test. It’s hard to tell whether the driver actually
Overturned Coach. The PCs come across a aimed for the PCs or just didn’t care. Things may
coach lying on its side. They can see a few figures
get worse if the PCs voice any opinions on the
milling about the wreck and a few items strewn
driver’s skill.
about. This can be the result of an accident,
assault, or an ambush. Roadkill. The PCs stumble upon a body lying on
the road, in the ditch or hanging from a tree
Party Time. The settlement is about to celebrate
beside it. Who was he, how and why was he
a religious festival, related to some local deity,
killed, and is there any loot? Is it infected by
saint, or major god. People are dressing up in
some contagious disease? Do the PCs bury the
their best clothes, the streets are swept and the
body, bring it with them to the next village or
best draughts are up from the cellars. The
leave it there on the road? If one of the PCs is a
settlement is generally in a good mood (all Gossip
devotee of Morr then leaving the body is not an
and Haggle Tests are made with +10% bonus). Of
option. (Burial Customs: WFRP p. 173)
course, this also means that inns are crowded,
pickpockets are prosperous and potential Roadwardens. A group of Roadwardens (or
troublemakers are expelled from the settlement. Riverwardens) led by a weathered Sergeant
(Religious Festivals: WFRP p. 173) intercepts the PCs. Do they warn the PCs of some
danger ahead, demand the road toll (a shilling
Path of Left Hands. The PCs are hailed by a
per leg) or harass them in some other manner
man walking out from the trees or shadows by
(accusations, questions, force them to provide
the side of the road and onto it. He is in his
assistance)? (Roadwarden: WFRP p. 50, Law,
twenties, wearing wilderness apparel and is quite
friendly, enough so to have attracted a following
of 5+1d10 less friendly Outlaws for whom he acts Something Rotten. When sitting down for lunch
as leader and scout, and he is evaluating the PCs’ or dinner the PCs are dismayed as they realize
fighting skills and wealth. If everything is to his that most or all of their food and water is spoiled:
liking, he will make a silent signal to his rotten, mouldy, infested by maggots or eaten by
comrades who will challenge the PCs to put down rats (or, more likely, the Halfling in the group!). If
any weapons and move off the road. (Outlaw: far from civilization this can be a nuisance and
WFRP p. 47) delay them on their journey, as they have to hunt
or scrounge for food. But if the PCs lack the skills
Pocket Pick. One of the characters finds a hand
to find food on their own, and it’s the middle of
in his pocket – and it ain’t his! The pursuit that
winter, they may be in dire peril. Furthermore,
follows to catch the starving young thief may or
what if the only consumable intact is the alcohol
may not have anything to do with the current
– and we all know that lack of water and too
adventure.
much alcohol is a bad combination. (Starvation,
Ramming Speed. The PCs observes a boat WFRP p. 114)
coming directly for their own vessel! They can see
Taal’s Fury. The area is hit by an earthquake.
several hunched figures aboard the other boat,
Houses crumble, fires break out, screams for
but no markings or flags. Depending on whether
help and dust rising above it all. The
the PCs are in control of their vessel or not, they
ramifications – political, economical and religious
can try to evade the incoming boat, alert their
– are farreaching.
own ships’ crew or prepare for impact. But is the
other boat full of sinister pirates, sickly villagers
or eager traders? (Boat & Ship Statistics: WFRP
p. 119)
72
Taking a Leak. One PC finds himself in a couple Troubled by the Law. PCs are harassed by the
of inches of water and realizes that their vessel is town guard, either at the town gate upon arrival
leaking - badly! Depending on the size of the boat or on the streets. The Watchmen, lead by the
it’s all hands to the pumps or buckets. This can Sergeant Hans Kloob, are either generally in a
be played as a stressful situation, as it is not bad mood, looking for bribes, have a bone to pick
clear whether they’ll make it or not. Or maybe it’s with one of the PC’s, are about to arrest them for
clear they’re sinking and must make it to one of some minor or imagined offence, are looking for
the riverbanks before it’s too late. But even if the somebody to beat up – or all at once. A quick
leak is plugged the question remains: what – or tongue, stern look or a few shillings may be
who – caused it? required to keep them off their backs – for now…
(Watchmen: WFRP p. 59, Sergeant p. 84, Law,
The Golden Hour. The PCs hear a weak cry for
“Help, in the name of Shallya”. The wretched soul
(Hans, a middle-aged farmer from a village a Trader. The PCs meet a young, travelling
day’s journey away) may have been injured in an salesman, Reinolt, who sells mundane items like
accident, attacked by Greenskins or suffers from cutlery, blankets, or bottles of spirits from his
some deteriorating (and contagious?) disease. Do cart (or boat) at slightly (+10%) increased prices.
the PCs possess the skills to heal him (successful He offers a fair deal if the PCs agree to
Heal skill test) or can they bring him to someone accompany him to the next coaching inn, and
possessing such skills before he expires (in about can also be a source of rumours, tips and
one hour). Or do they just leave him there, directions.
assuming it’s an ambush or a waste of time?
Wayside Shrine. By the side of the PCs’ path
The Tempest. The sky has been darkening there is a shrine dedicated to a major god or
during the last few hours, and there’s an perhaps a local deity or saint. But there is
ominous freshness in the air. Then, the wind something awry with the otherwise pristine
picks up speed. At first, this is merely amusing picture: has the shrine been defaced, do the PCs
as the gusts make it hard to stand upright and stumble upon robbers stealing the offerings in
the odd hat rolls a few yards. Then, it gets the shrine, or is something heinously out-of-place
annoying as this impedes travel, delaying the PCs with the entire structure? (Shrine: WFRP p. 171)
by 1d10 minutes as an important trapping is
Windfall. One of the PCs quite unexpectedly
blown far, far away. But the wind keeps
receives or finds a substantial sum of money (say
gathering strength, and soon trees start falling,
1d100 gc) lying there on the street or road or as
carriages overturn and people are knocked to the
an inheritance, gift, advance payment, dividend,
ground. The storm lasts 1d10 hours, and leaves
loan or similar. And along comes trouble…
the countryside much changed.
Witness. In the street (or on the banks of the
The Village. The PCs come upon a small village
river, or in the woods), one of the PCs sees a
situated just by the side of the road. The villagers
person stabbing someone several times.
are absolutely terrified of something outside the
Unfortunately the perpetrator sees the PC and
settlement’s palisade or defensive ditch. The PCs
comes after him, either physically with dagger
are told a story of a young man who recently
drawn or in some other way.
ventured outside at night and hasn’t come back
(this allegedly happened 2d10 days ago). Others Writing on the Walnut Tree. One of the PCs
fill in with stories of strange sounds and notices a piece of paper nailed to a roadside tree.
sightings. Is there something out there preying This can be an invitation to a festival in the next
on the villagers, is the young man’s town, a wanted poster or a public announcement
disappearance caused by accident, or did he just of some kind. 1d10 hours later, remembering
grow bored of his superstitious neighbours and what that note said becomes of direct
leave for the big city? (Sample Village: GM Pack p. importance…
22-23)
Toll Gate. These are typically situated on a
stretch of road (or river) where circumvention is
more or less impossible, like on a bridge or a
mountain pass (or river lock in the case of rivers).
Although some “join palisades” with other
roadside institutions like way temples, coaching
inns or hamlets, this one is a freestanding
structure. Actually, it seems quite deserted as
no one opens the gate when the PCs demand
entry. Do they come at the wrong time, are they
being watched or has something happened to
the Toll Keepers within? (Sample Toll Houses:
GM Pack, p. 19; (Toll Keeper: WFRP p. 56)
73
Appendices
74
Playing WFRP by Email

by David Hatch
P
mail.
BEM or ‘Play By E-Mail’ describes any game
which is being played by way of electronic
can throw a much anticipated game night into
total chaos.
PBEM games have no such problems, players are
For example, you can play chess by E-Mail, able to chose a suitable time to read and respond
taking turns to exchange moves with your to a GM Note and as long as the GM can spare
opponent in alternate mail messages. Many the time every day or two to process the incoming
games are designed to be played by email and mail then there is no need for everyone to be
many boardgames and wargames can be modified available at the same time.
to allow it.
Encourages Characterisation
This guide is specifically aimed at people who are A player who wants to embrace the full character
interested in playing WFRP via e-mail, but most of his role will find it much easier to do so in
of the content would be equally valid for other writing than trying to act in front of an audience.
PBEM games. Most PBEM players submit their game replies ‘in
character’ and make sure that any dialogue
I ran my own PBEM game, Fragile Alliances, for
involved is written with the appropriate accent
seven years with hardly a break and only stopped
and style. An added advantage is that both the
in November 2004. But, Fragile Alliances was
players and GM have much more time to
not my first attempt at this type of gaming. My
consider their replies and to research an
first attempt was a true Play-by-Mail game (with
appropriate response. It is not unknown to
real envelopes and stamps) and was an historical
receive a reply with the dialogue in fluent elvish.
game which explored the question ‘What if Nelson
had lost the Battle of Trafalgar?’, and sought to The Fog of War
explore the possibility of a full Napoleonic naval One problem with any round table game is that
and military invasion of Great Britain players tend to have far too much access to
information. This does not have to be the case
A PBEM can easily become the most frustrating
with a PBEM game.
gaming experience you have ever suffered, or one
of the most rewarding. The key to success is In a PBEM game the GM can restrict the
understanding both its limitations and its information provided to any or all the players as
advantages, and at the same time recognising much as he likes and so there is a lot of potential
just how much effort is involved in exploiting to enhance the challenges that players face
them. I have seen many PBEM games start with a during play.
flourish only to founder very quickly as the full
Plot Development
impact of what is involved in running one
In a roundtable game a GM really has to think on
becomes apparent to the GM.
his feet and be able to react rapidly to any
unexpected player decision. The situation is
The Pro’s and Con’s much easier in a PBEM game as the GM can
This section provides a quick summary of the afford to take the time to ponder the implications
main benefits and pitfalls of PBEM gaming. of a players action and even construct a new plot
around it if necessary.
Benefits
Plot Innovation
It’s Global Because of the nature of a PBEM game it is
Perhaps the most important benefit of PBEM possible to work concepts into plots which would
gaming is that there is no shortage of players. be very difficult to manage in a roundtable game.
Literally anyone in the world can join the game as
Example: It is quite easy to allow a group of PC’s
long as they have access to a computer and an
in a PBEM game to split up and go off alone to
email account. My own game involved players
complete separate tasks. Whilst this can cause
from the UK, Denmark, Holland, South America,
continuity problems that have to be managed, it is
Singapore, USA and Australia. So, if there are no
far easier than trying to manage four or five
local gaming groups in your area then a PBEM
separate plot threads in real time during a round
game could be your best option.
table game.
It’s Time Lite
It’s a Casual Environment
For many people getting a group together round a
One area of PBEM gaming worth exploiting is its
table for an evening can be a problem. Work and
inherent lack of commitment and personal risk.
family commitments can make it almost
There are a great many people who would like to
impossible to organise and a last minute crisis
get involved in an RPG but cannot spare the time
75
to commit an entire evening every week or month their military academies.

to do so.
However, they quickly tired of it when they
There are also a lot of people who are intrigued realised that the rules did not allow them to use
by roleplaying but are too shy, old, young or dice to determine the outcomes. Players joining a
nervous to plunge cold turkey into a roundtable PBEM may be equally disappointed as there is
game with a bunch of people they have never little one can do in practical terms to allow
met. A PBEM can provide a perfect opportunity to players to roll their own dice and for some this
play or just try out a game without a major may take away a major part of the fun of playing.
commitment or time or courage.
Accurate location detail
Pitfalls One of the biggest challenges for a GM running a
PBEM is making sure the players know exactly
It’s slow where their characters are standing and where
Nobody can claim that PBEM games are fast everything else is in relation to them.
paced. The actual pace is determined partly by
the GM, and partly by the players. But a PBEM is In a round table game a GM can resort to quick
never going to be able to match that of a group of sketch maps, the use of miniature figurines and
players and a GM sitting together round a table. even use the salt and pepper pot, if all else fails.
It’s also worth noting that just as the speed of a But unless the PBEM game being played comes
convoy is determined by that of the slowest ship with a purpose built electronic mapping system,
so the speed of a PBEM is determined by that of the GM of a PBEM is left with nothing but words
its slowest player. to describe where everything and everyone is
located, and sometimes words are just not
It’s not very sociable enough.
If one of the reasons you play a game is to make
new friends or meet with your mates then a Finding Players
PBEM can be disappointing. Drinking a beer If you were planning to play a roundtable game it
whilst typing in a player response is just not the is likely you would already have a group of
same as sitting round a table with six friends. players in mind. In most cases a group of friends
There is nothing to stop players from exist before the game itself. This is much less
communicating directly by email or even phone likely with PBEM game and the chances are you
but I find most social interaction between players have already decided to run a game and are now
actually takes place ‘in game’ via their looking for players to join it.
characters. Most players refer to other players by
their character names and very often don’t even Players are the most important part of any game
know what their real names are. and to be a success the game needs to match the
expectations of its players. Unfortunately, what
It lacks dice makes a good tabletop game player does not
It is said that when Austrian Army Officers first necessarily make a good PBEM player, and
heard of the new Kriegspiel being played by their players who enjoy a tabletop game don’t always
Prussian counterparts they were very enjoy its PBEM equivalent.
enthusiastic and put a lot of pressure on the
Austrian government to introduce the game at A bored or frustrated player can be a major
headache both for you as the GM and for the
76
other players in the game and so finding and into it so that you have a full and complete
selecting the right players for your game can history of recent events in the game.
make the difference between it being a success or
Formulating a response.
a failure.
Many new PBEM players have difficult
The best way to attract players is to advertise formulating their responses, so I thought I would
your game on the appropriate forums. Some provide a checklist of things to consider.
game sites actually have databases of players
Who are you?
looking for games.
It may sound obvious but one of the most
My own WFRP PBEM is still advertised on the common errors in player responses is not making
WFRP Directory run by Glen Sharman it clear who you are, both in real life and in the
(http://wfrpdb.shargl.net/intro.php) and has game.
obtained a number of new players as a result.
Always put the name of your Character at the
I also used a simple online player application start of your reply and when writing to the GM
form on my sons WFRP website, which ‘out of character’ use your real name but remind
prospective players can fill in and submit. the GM which character you are playing in the
game.
PBEM Player Guide e.g. David (aka Drachenfels)
Although this is a GM Guide I thought it would Read the GM Note…Again
be incomplete if I did not include some tips and It is always worth reading the GM Note again just
guidance for those who join PBEM games as before you send your response. Just to make
players. sure you haven’t misread or overlooked
Reasonable Expectations something.
The first point to make is that PBEM games are Dealing with ‘What If’s’
not for everyone. Read the Pro’s and Con’s Before you send your response give some thought
section of the GM guide and you will see that to what you want your character to do if things
PBEM games have both advantages and don’t go as planned. It’s impossible to cover
disadvantages. every eventuality but think about the most likely
Most notably, they are slow paced and they lack things that may happen during the next game
the excitement of rolling large numbers of dice. turn and let the GM know how you want your
character to react if they do.
So, don’t expect to see your PBEM character rise
rapidly up the development tree to become a Stay in Character
super-hero and don’t expect to wade rapidly Try to keep your reply ‘in character’. Many player
through an entire scenario in a few weeks. responses include both ‘in character’ instructions
and amusing personal asides aimed at the GM. If
PBEM gamers need to recognise that they are in you decide to do this make sure it is clear which
for a long-haul which might take years to are which, particularly if you are writing in the
complete and modify their expectations first person. ‘Out of Character’ comments can be
accordingly. very confusing for a GM, particularly if they are
That said PBEM games still offer a lot of mixed in with character instructions.
advantages in terms of roleplay and Make your intentions clear
characterisation. They provide players with Whilst, in postal chess it’s normal practice just to
plenty of time to consider their responses and send your opponent your next move, in an RPG
research their characters background. Make the game it helps the GM understand your intentions
most of that time and you will get a lot of fun and if you explain why you are making that move and
enjoyment out of your PBEM experience. what you hope to achieve as a result. Some
Message Management (from a players players do this as an extension of their
perspective) characterisation and a good GM will use your
It a good idea to keep your game Emails in a intentions as a guide on how to carry your
separate mail folder. instructions out.
If your GM is using a standard subject line Talking to the GM

format then a simple Email rule can be devised There will be times when you wish to talk directly
that will automatically spot an incoming game to the GM. Either to ask a question or to let him
message and redirect it to your Game Folder. know you are going away from a few days. Try to
keep these messages separate from your player
Remember to move your replies from your sent responses. If you send them as a separate Email
folder to your game folder so that you have a remember to mention who your character is in
record of all your responses. the game, but there is nothing wrong with
tacking such messages on the bottom of a game
If you are using Web Based Email or multiple
response as long as you make it clear that they
Email accounts consider keeping a journal of GM
are not part of the response itself.
Notes and Responses and copying their content
77
Memory Management It is also a good idea to inform the GM what your

I know I keep saying this but, PBEM games are intentions are for your character over the period
slow. It might take weeks, months or even years you are away. It’s unlikely that your character
for a plot to develop to the final showdown. A few will be allowed to sit and do nothing and the GM
days in game time might be weeks in real life, will probably take personal control of it until you
during which period you may have been to work, return. So, any instructions you wish to give the
been on holiday and perhaps even been involved GM on how to look after your character in your
in other games. absence will be useful in making sure that you
don’t have a nasty shock waiting for you when
Over that time you will probably have received up
you get back.
to three GM Notes a week containing all sorts of
information from NPC names, clues, locations,
maps, notes and background detail. And finally…
The biggest problem players have is trying to PBEM gaming can be one of the most rewarding
remember everything that has happened in the types of roleplaying, or one of the most
game. Little wonder then, that most PC’s in my frustrating. My advice to anyone is that if it
game seemed to have very bad memories. starts to becoming more like work than fun, then
the best thing you can do is take a break from it.
My advice is simple…..Keep a Game Journal. A GM who is tired and bored will make the whole
This might seem a bit bureaucratic but it will pay game unpleasant and tedious for everyone
dividends in the long run. Such a journal should involved.
not contain a complete record of everything, but Also, if you are playing in a PBEM game and you
should just be used to record any thing which are unhappy with how things are going, then
you think might be important and might be write to the GM and discuss why you are not
needed later in the game. It can be sub-divided having fun. A good GM will want to hear
however you wish with sections for Maps, NPC’s, constructive criticism and may be able to adjust
Clues etc. and will provide a quick aide memoir his style to meet your expectations.
over the weeks and months to come. If your GM
is using the numbering system suggested in the But most of all have fun, isn’t that the whole
GM Guide you can use this to cross-reference point of why you’re gaming!
your notes back to the full message.
Away from your computer? Want more?
If you know you are going to be away from your
computer for a few days or weeks it’s a good idea The full-length version of this article
to let your GM know. That way they will not can be found online at the
expect a response from you over that period and Liber Fanatica webpage!
so your absence will not slow down the game.
78
Playing WFRP using Online Chat

by Jude Hornborg
R oleplaying online in real-time is quite a

different experience from sitting around your
Pros and Cons
living room table. There are no dedicated WFRP Advantages of RPG by Chat:
play-by-chat utilities (yet), but a number of • From the comfort of your own home, you can
generic software programs can be used to play play with people all over the world.
WFRP over the internet: • Text-only communication can sometimes be
more “immersive” than face-to-face (FtF),
MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) or especially when the player’s real-life physical
ICQ: common messenger services can be appearance is very different from the
downloaded for free, and have the advantage of character being portrayed.
being widely used. Although they lack the die • If necessary, players and GMs can
rollers and advanced commands of IRC, they are communicate privately outside of the main
easy for computer-challenged players to use. chat room without the other players even
knowing.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC): websites like RPG.net • Descriptions and dialogue can be polished
have IRC servers that can be used for real-time before submitting, since a certain amount of
role playing, and software like MIRC can be delay is both expected and tolerated.
downloaded for free. IRC offers the advantage of
built-in die rollers, emotes and changeable screen
• The anonymity of online chat may enable shy
players to express themselves more freely.
names.
Drawbacks of RPG by Chat:
Specialized RPG utilities: dedicated roleplaying
software such as OpenRPG, ondaksportal, • Play is slower than face-to-face, and rules
Fantasy Grounds, Ghostorb, GRiP, Kloogewerks, complexities are exaggerated.
Screen Monkey and WebRPG can be downloaded • Participants must be capable of decent typing
either for free or for a small fee. These programs speed to keep the game moving.
include mapping utilities, detailed movement • Participants should have good, spontaneous
tracking, image-sharing capability, and die creative writing skills to compensate for the
rollers. They’re a good choice for more involved less interactive quality of online play.
games demanding a visual component. • Time zones and computer problems will
inevitably create delays and scheduling
problems. If you’re prone to impatience, you
should reconsider.
• Detailed position tracking is difficult without
a dedicated program like OpenRPG, and even
then it demands considerable extra effort
from the GM.
Tips and tricks for improving your Online WFRP

experience
Hurry up and take your time
As a general guideline, plan to accomplish about
1/3 to 1/2 as much as you would in the
equivalent time allotment of face-to-face play. Set
low expectations for campaign progress, but
always keep the game moving. Excessive delays
in a chat game can put players to sleep…fast.
Rules-light is your friend

Rules discussions by chat can become tedious.
Fortunately, WFRP’s rules are fairly quick and
easy. Consider eliminating Advanced Actions
(except perhaps Parrying Stance and Run) if
combat’s moving too slowly for your tastes. Think
twice before challenging the GM’s rules
interpretations; oftentimes it’s best for the game
pace if mistakes are allowed to slide.
79
Think ahead based emotes (/me commands using IRC) are a

While the other players and GM are interacting, valuable substitute for facial expressions and
anticipate what your character will do next and vocal cues. Here are some examples of how a
prepare the order in your dialogue box. Then, player running Waldo the Outlaw might use
when the time is right, you only need to hit various notations in play:
ENTER. It may be beneficial for the GM to pre-
write descriptions of key NPCs and locations in 1. IC Dialogue: Waldo: “Oy…I needs to rest me
advance of the session (using MS Word or feet after dis long walk!”
Notepad). These can be quickly relayed to the 2. OOC Planning: Waldo: (so guys, should we
chat room via copy & paste. However, also stop at this inn or keep going?)
remember that details can change drastically 3. Emote: *Waldo flops down by the roadside and
depending on the characters’ actions, so pre- removes his smelly shoes
scripting too much of the scenario may give the 4. Status Reports: brb = I’ll be right back, afk 5
impression of “railroading”. min = away from keyboard for 5 minutes
Encourage kibitzing Talk about the game

Play-by-chat can aggravate boredom caused by At the end of every session, the GM should set
character inactivity. If someone’s character is aside 5 minutes for discussion about the game. If
absent from a particular scene, they should be a player was unhappy about something, it may
allowed to contribute ideas and commentary. not have been apparent during the chat session
Private messages can create a nice Fog of War and it’s unwise to let bad feelings go unchecked.
effect, but should be sent sparingly to minimize Conversely, the fun moments should be
player idleness. Oftentimes, players will chat recounted, because smiles and laughter may
amongst themselves while planning or role have gone unnoticed over the internet. The
playing. The GM should use this time to handle occasional “lol” (laugh out loud) or “;-)” (winking
personal business (e.g. equipment questions or smilie) during the game can let others know when
side stories) via private messages, rather than their role playing is appreciated, and it keeps the
trying to do it while everyone’s anxiously waiting atmosphere positive. Like any RPG, online games
for the next plot turn. are best when the players and GM are constantly
responding to – and building upon – each others’
OOC vs IC notations ideas.
In-character (IC) dialogue should be
distinguished from Out of character (OOC)
dialogue by use of “quotes”. OOC dialogue may
be further isolated using (parentheses). This is
particularly helpful if someone plans to edit the
chat log later for their campaign journal. Text-
80
Playing WFRP by Message Board

by Philip Hamilton
P lay By Message Board (PBMB) is a close

cousin of Play By Email, using the same
electronic media to enable participation in a
twenty is something of a “white dwarf”, and will
probably implode within three to nine months,
due to lack of activity. Activity is something I’ll go
roleplaying game. It’s considerably younger, what into in more detail later.
with PBEM having sprung up out of Play By Post
and PBMB having branched off from the initial
ideas, but it has some key differences that can Finding Players
make it very much preferable to other forms of Anyway, provided you haven’t created a board
internet roleplaying, depending on your exclusively for the use of you and your friends,
circumstances and preferences. the PBMB method offers an “open” RP setup:
rather than organising it by inviting/pressurising
For those who don’t know, a Message Board is a people to join, you simply set up a “recruitment
public discussion area on the internet, where thread”, in which you ask who wants to join in.
running discussions called “threads” are People reading the RP section will be able to see
categorised in named forums. There are probably your recruitment thread, to have a look at any
millions of such communities now extant on the taster text you’ve put in there, and to decide
web, with thousands being dedicated to whether they like the look of your RP: rather than
Warhammer: new ones sprout all the time, as the sending out emails to gather people in as in
companies that host these discussion areas tend PBEM, or talking some friends into doing a
to provide free “basic services” with the option to normal RP, people actually apply to join your
pay for an advanced, ad-free and enhanced game: not only people you know, but people from
service. Many established Warhammer boards all over the world, with whom you might be
already have roleplaying forums; there are also speaking for the first time when you receive their
completely RP-dedicated boards, and boards application. This is a great way to get to know
created by small groups of friends exclusively to some new people, and also takes a lot of the
run their own RPs. Should you wish to pursue pressure out of the RPing situation: no-one is
this last option, invisionfree.com is a very good going to be meeting with strangers, everything is
community host. Visit their website, register, and done in a group situation with everyone able to
you should be able to create your own board with see what everyone’s saying, and you are shielded
the minimum of fuss: most hosts provide forum- behind the persona of your username. It also
creation controls that even the most ignorant of gives you a fast and easy way to gather up people
the world of computers (such as myself) can for an RP should you live somewhere where
figure out easily. roleplayers are thin on the ground, and allows
you great choice: I generally receive somewhere in
PBMB Basics the region of 10 to 15 applications when I start a
new RP.
On to the meat, then: how a forum-based RP
works. In essence, the idea is the same as that of
PBEM: people who are far apart or do not have Getting the Game Going
the time to meet regularly are able to play their The advantage of this openness continues once
favourite roleplaying games with each other via the game gets rolling: because everyone can see
the medium of the ‘net. Much of the same pros what everyone else is doing instantly, PBMB is
and cons apply: you’re able to think your significantly swifter than PBEM, and cuts around
descriptions and responses through fully, but it’s all the troublesome filing and meticulous
far slower, etc, etc. However, already the first key organisation necessary to keep the different
difference creeps in at this basic level: a forum players on the same timescale; since posts are
RP on anything but an exclusively-established displayed in chronological order, things are much
board is “open”, whereas an email-based RP is more easy and casual to arrange. Most boards
“closed”. also incorporate a Private Message system,
Allow me to explain: on any established board, allowing you to communicate with other board
there will be a community: to survive more than a members without giving away your email
year or so, most boards will have a registered address; this allows you to split off certain
membership of greater than or equal to 200, with members of the group should you so wish,
a far smaller “core membership” – those who are keeping their actions screened from the others.
consistently active, posting regularly and taking Similarly, you are able to read back across your
an interest in the well-being and continued RP as a simple, story-style linear timeline rather
existence of the board. This core membership can than a series of numbered files, and thus the
equal just about any number over thirty or so; a amount you need to store and save is drastically
board with a core membership of less than reduced, plus great nostalgia value is added since
81
you and others can easily read back over your generous helping of gurning emoticons into their
own work. I know at least a couple of people on text to break it down into inane expressions in
the relatively small board in which I roleplay who case you find their chunks of unpunctuated
avidly read roleplays they are not actually (…save for the occasional horde of exclamation
involved in, and budding GMs can often gain marks) code incomprehensible. These are people
helpful, constructive criticism from fellow GMs you do not want in your roleplay. You don’t want
and players, since their work is open to all and to make them angry or upset, but it’s best to
easy to read. introduce some sort of quality control: as I
mentioned earlier, you will probably receive more
applications than you have space to use,
Disadvantages of PBMB especially if your roleplays turn out to be
Of course, there are disadvantages: like PBEM, popular. I myself use a “marking sheet,” which
PBMB is significantly slower than real-time evaluates the originality, realistic-ness and
roleplaying. My PBMB roleplays tend to last general quality of character background and
around a year (although I use quite sweeping assigns a quantitative value by which character
story arcs): this pales in contrast with the seven entries can be compared: by releasing the marks
year “Fragile Alliances” mentioned earlier, but only privately and by request, and offering advice
also is extremely long compared to real-world and pointers on where those who missed being in
roleplaying, where even the most convoluted of the roleplay lost ‘marks’, you can make sure that
adventures will probably last less than half that the process of selection and rejection is as
time. PBMB also has its own unique problem, in friendly and civil as possible. It is important,
that with impersonal, remote players, activity is however, to remember that many on the boards
much harder to control: chivvying via personal may not have English as a first language, and
message and out-of-character discussion is all that people will get irritated if you begin to
that is achievable, and people can drop out or develop a set ‘clique’ of players to the exclusion of
lose interest without a great degree of warning. If everyone else: if others drift away, you may,
their computers crash, players will be unable to ironically, get stuck with that clique, even if some
communicate with the GM, even to say how long of them disappear/become inactive or the quality
they’ll be absent for; players could even be run of their roleplaying begins to degrade.
down in the street outside their home and you’d
never know, save that they stopped posting. A
million and one personal circumstances can slow Assorted Advice
down post rates and pull players out of the game So, I hope I’ve outlined the pros and cons of
altogether with minimal notice: thus PBMB PBMB without making your eyes bleed from the
games suffer from the two flaws of inactivity, reading so far; what remains is the how. Most of
where post rates decline at an exponential rate as the stuff that has been or will be said about
other people see the roleplay as ‘dead’ when the PBEM applies: you can’t break down decision-
first slowdown begins and slow down themselves, making as much due to time restraints, and
and autopiloted characters, where players on minor railroading is necessary in places to keep
holidays or with intervening personal things going, especially if inactivity looms.
circumstances voluntarily or through necessity
Don’t trouble characters with tiny, irritating
have their PCs put under the control of the GM
decisions that you know they’d take anyway: let
until the player can return or the PC can be
them do what they want when working on a low
quietly disposed of.
level, and keep intervening tests to a minimum,
Another, less important but noticeable blight on since you want to keep the flow running.
PBMB is quality of roleplaying: while those who
Similarly, I would advise that chopping up
invite/persuade their groups will usually have a
fights into more than one or two segments
relatively good idea of the roleplaying capacities
can be fatal: you will lose the sense of pace that
of the people they ask, you cannot control who
should be instilled in good fight-writing, and you
applies. Those who already use message boards
will also make even the simplest encounters drag
will be all too aware that many people on boards
on for weeks. My standard practice is simply to
post in a manner somewhat like this:
obtain a plan/plans from the players before an
“i think yu shud drop teh unit of pikemen, cos i encounter, generally with a time limit before I will
dont think that iz gud in a dow army. but then initiate it, and then run through the entire fight
dow suxx, buy CHAOS WARRIORS khorn according to that/those plan/s. Should major
ROXXORZZ!!!!!!!!!!!” new developments arise, the fight can then be
broken off in mid-swing to allow a second round
of urgent decision-making, heightening the
A note on language in PBMB tension, but generally two segments is as much
Even worse is the dreaded “l33t sp34k”, where as I would consider. After all, if you make your
bad posters seem to revel in just how horribly encounters too tactical, your players may begin
they can abuse the English language by inserting to see the game as more of a strategy exercise
absolutely unnecessary abbreviations (3s for Es, than a roleplaying game, and treat it as such.
4s for As, u for “you”, 4 for “for”, and so forth) at
every possible opportunity, generally spraying a
82
Keep activity high by gently prodding people the walls, etc, etc, etc. Finally, OOC threads also
whose post rates drop off (using private allow your players to vent any silliness/humour
messages, OOC discussion and sometimes email) to do with the RP completely freely, without
and by keeping things exciting: PBMB roleplays endangering the feel of the game thread at all: I’m
need to be fast-paced, since the slowed rate at sure many GMs know the horror of the good
which investigations and subtleties can occur gaming-session going down the drain as the joker
makes it important to convey information quickly of the group decides that a half-hour of hysterical
and emphatically before investigations and such guffaws and lewd puns will greatly enhance the
like can become boring: intersperse your plotline atmosphere.
liberally with encounters, as a well-written fight
can inject a lot of life into a floundering RP.
PBMB Links
Don’t let things get stale, keep things fluid and So… well, I hope this has been helpful. For
dynamic: a lot of PBMB is a balancing-act on the people looking for the specifics I think I
part of the GM, not going overboard on the mentioned earlier, here are a few links:
battles and explosions while keeping his or her
players interested, involved and excited about
where the plot might go next. The key cause of Board Hosts
inactivity is simply people deciding they’re not www.invisionfree.com
happy with the commitment of the GM/the www.ezboard.com
quality of the roleplay game and stepping their
characters down a gear so that they require Warhammer Boards with flourishing Roleplay
minimal input while not being rude and dropping Sections
out: you need to treat your players a tad less like www.druchii.net
powerless pawns (however fun that may be) and a www.invisionfree.com/forums/warhammer_palace
tad more like customers, whose expectations you (where I post mine)
have to fulfil in order to keep them subscribing to I’m sure there are many more in both categories:
your ‘product’. Just a tad, mind you. Don’t let these are merely the ones I can think of off the
them forget who’s boss. top of my head. If you speak to Luc_Arkhame on
Open an OOC thread, to run parallel to the Warhammer Palace, he will happily direct you to
game thread: this will stop large OOC passages a site which I do not have the address of, called
cluttering your game thread, which should be the Blood Soaked Ruins (lovely name, eh?): quite
mainly in character (OOC means Out Of a large and established board, entirely dedicated
Character – I probably should have mentioned to roleplaying (although not by any means
that before). This will allow you to answer exclusively warhammer-based roleplaying).
questions about situations in-game without
posting contrived and cumbersome in-character Conclusion
creative writing, and will also allow you to convey
Thanks for reading my ramble, and I hope that as
large masses of important information should
a result of doing so a few people will have a try at
you need to without having ridiculous IC
the old PBMB: I would certainly be delighted to
passages: recently I had some warriors searching
see an influx of new GMs at the Warhammer
a large room, and it is in this kind of situation
Palace (where I’m moderator for the roleplay
where the OOC thread is invaluable: it would
section, so will definitely notice new arrivals).
have taken me for ever and set the whole group
yawning were I to describe the cellar IC, so I
simply described the most striking bits IC and
then conveyed the more mundane info on my
OOC thread, saying how many chests there were,
which were locked, the relative positions of
everything in the room, where the bookcases
where, whether there was anything hanging on
83

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Liber Fanatica - Volume III : The Game Master’s Guide

Henrik Grönberg, December 2005

Disclaimer Table of Contents

T his article is about creating RPG campaigns.

Handling Horror and Insanity

S ome players and GM’s like their WFRP games

Exploit the player’s imagination (and Optional Rule – ‘Fear Factor’

Bend the rules – horror roleplaying is Horror: A Player’s Perspective

• What are the stages involved in this Insanity-Inducing Situations

W riting and running convention scenarios is

Since it is very unlikely that the GM will know

Playtest out. Or, they could ignore having the players

M iniatures, floorplans and model terrain can

Terrain, Cover and Weather

To-hit Penalty: models standing in this terrain may suffer a WS or BS penalty

Perception & Searching

Vision Based Hearing Based

Situational Modifiers Situational Modifiers

Directional Modifiers Directional Modifiers

All modifiers are cumulative. Example: Klaus has a total

Characters may notice sights and sounds out to double

5-minute round 1-hour round

Tracking Position in Non-combat Encounters New Advanced Actions

Social: Silent Sprint (Full Action)

Win, Lose or Draw

S kills in WFRP 2nd edition were streamlined to

Degrees of Success and Failure

Academic Knowledge (Intelligence - Advanced) Blather (Fellowship - Advanced)

Charm (Fellowship - Basic) Command (Fellowship - Basic)

Concealment (Agility - Basic) Dodge Blow (Agility - Advanced)

Follow Trail (Intelligence - Advanced) Gossip (Fellowship - Basic)

Heal (Intelligence - Advanced)

Winds of Magic Table

Navigation (Intelligence - Advanced)

Outdoor Survival (Intelligence - Basic) Perception (Intelligence - Basic)

Pick Lock (Agility - Advanced) Read/Write (Intelligence - Advanced)

Prepare Poison (Intelligence - Advanced) Ride (Agility - Basic)

Secret Language (Intelligence - Advanced) Under normal conditions, no roll is necessary if

Shadowing (Agility - Advanced) Speak Arcane Lang. (Intelligence - Advanced)

Speak Language (Intelligence - Advanced) Torture (Fellowship - Advanced)

Related talents: None Ethics: Characters who perform or witness

Trade (Varies - Advanced) Manufacture: For explanations of item quality,

The Tool Shed

T his part of the guide contains several tools

Ten Hundred Answers:

2 AS A CHILD, CHARACTER WAS 7 ONCE SPENT 1D10 MONTHS IN

3 WHILE GROWING UP, CHARACTER 8 NURTURES A LIFELONG DREAM TO

4 FAMILY’S ROOTS IN COMMUNITY 9 FOND MEMORIES OF A NEARBY

5 FEELINGS ON HOME COMMUNITY 10 USE TABLE 1:9 TO DETERMINE

Family and Heritage

2 ROLL ON TABLE 2:1 TO SEE WHO 7 CENTRAL RELATIVE GROWING UP

3 USE TABLE 2:1 TO SEE WHO 8 CHARACTER’S OPINION OF HIS FAMILY

4 USE TABLE 2:1 TO DECIDE WHO 9 VIEWS ON CHILDBIRTH AND REARING

5 CHARACTER’S FAMILY 10 FAMILY NEEDS CHARACTER TO FIND

2 VIEWS ON EXISTING CLASS SYSTEM 7 OPINION ON WIZARDS AND MAGIC

3 THE EMPEROR 8 POWER IN THE EMPIRE SHOULD

4 PARTICULARLY DISTRUSTS 9 OPINIONS ON MARRIAGE

5 PARTICULARLY LOATHES A CRIME 10 HABITS & QUIRKS

2 CURRENT PHYSICAL HEALTH 7 SWORE A FEW DAYS AGO TO

3 TOUCH OF DISORDER 8 LAST EMPLOYER WAS A