tales from the wild blue yonder: chapter i

Lady Blackbird is on the run from an arranged marriage to Count Carlowe.

She hired a smuggler skyship, The Owl, to take her from her
palace on the Imperial world of Ilysium to the far reaches of the
Remnants, so she could be with her once secret lover, the pirate
king Uriah Flint.
writing, layout & art
John Harper however—Just before reaching the halfway point of Haven,
influences The Owl was pursued and captured by the Imperial cruiser
Clinton R. Nixon, James V. West, Luke Hand of Sorrow, under charges of flying a false flag.
Crane, Vincent Baker, Jonathan Walton, Judd
Karlman, Jason Morningstar, Fred Hicks, Rob even now Lady Blackbird, her bodyguard, and the crew of
Donoghue, Leonard Balsera, Ben Lehman, The Owl are detained in the brig, while the commander of the
Mark Causey, Brandon Amancio, Claudio cruiser, Captain Hollas, runs the smuggler ship’s registry over
Cipolla, Mike Riverso, Joss Whedon, George
the wireless. It’s only a matter of time before they discover the
Lucas, Hayao Miyazaki, Reiko Kodama
outstanding warrants and learn that The Owl is owned by
playtesters none other than the infamous outcast Cyrus Vance.
Adam Chevrier, Shannon East, Naydanka
Huamani, Sage LaTorra, Paul Riddle how will lady blackbird and the others escape
the hand of sorrow?

contact what dangers lie in their path?

oneseven@gmail.com will they be able to find the secret lair of the
This document is licensed under a Creative Commons pirate king? if they do, will uriah flint accept
Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 3.0 license. lady blackbird as his bride? by the time they get
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ there, will she want him to?

version 03.14.10
 • The Wild Blue •
Shattered worlds circling a dimming star

the remnants

n
io
ns
xpa
le
ria

free worlds
impe

nightport
imperi

olympia haven
al

ilysium
wo
rl
ds

Adrift in the Blue Ilysium

The worlds of the Wild Blue float in a sky of breathable gases The capitol world of the Empire, home to the great noble houses.
circling a small, cold star. Scholars believe that the star is made from Ilysium is rich and decadent, attended by servants, slaves, and the elite
pure Essence—the strange energy that sorcerers channel for their magic. bodyguards of the nobility.
This “solar system” is much smaller than you might think—it takes about
six weeks to cross from one side to the other on a standard sky ship. Most Olympia
of the worlds of the Empire are so closely positioned that it takes only a The staging world of the Imperial Sky Fleet. From here, expeditions are
day or two to travel from one to another. launched into the colonial expanse and all across the Wild Blue. Olympia
is also home to the finest brewers and distillers in the Empire.
The Lower Depths
The heavier gases form a dense layer of fog below the “sky” of the Wild Haven
Blue. This fog is corrosive —people need to wear gas-masks to breathe The most prominent of the Free Worlds. Here, in the sprawling city hubs,
and most airship hulls will start to corrode after a single exposure. the Trade Union tries to impose some order on the bickering clans and
Pirates and other criminals sometimes use the lower depths to evade factions of the Free Peoples. Slavery is outlawed here, so many ex-slaves
Imperial patrols and launch raids from hiding. Unfortunately, the depths make Haven their home.
are home to sky squid and other monstrous things....
Nightport
Names Unlike other worlds, Nightport does not rotate, which means one face is
Male: Abel, Artemis, August, Eli, Giovanni, Ivan, Jack, Jefferson, Jonas, always in darkness. It is on this side that pirates and smugglers have built
Leo, Logan, Malachi, Mario, Micah, Nahum, Noah, Orlence, Oscar, a hidden port city in which to carry out their nefarious dealings. This
Samuel, Silas, Victor, Vlad, Wester hive of scum and villainy is a dangerous place, but almost anything may
Female: Alice, Ardent, Ashlyn, Caess, Clare, Elena, Eveline, Fiona, be bought or sold there, including secrets.
Grace, Hannah, Hazel, Hester, Isabel, Krista, Jezebel, Leah, Lucile,
Lydia, Seraphina, Sonya, Sophie, Veronica, Violet The Remnants
Surnames: Bell, Bowen, Canter, Carson, Cross, Harwood, Hollas, A swirling maelstrom of spinning world-shards. The Remnants are
Hunter, Kalra, Keel, Moreau, Morgan, Porter, Pickett, Quinn, Sidhu, almost impossible to navigate, even for the best airship pilots. It’s said
Soto, Torrez, Vakharia, Walker, Winter, Wright that the pirate king, Uriah Flint, keeps his secret fortress somewhere
Noble Houses: Ash, Blackbird, Firefly, Mooncloud, Nightsong, Snow, deep within the Remnants and only those who know the secret of
Twilight, Whitethorn. the true course can ever reach it.
 Natasha Syri • Lady Blackbird
An Imperial noble, in disguise, escaping an arranged marriage so she can be with her lover

TRAITS Key of the Paragon

As a noble, you’re a cut above the common man. Hit your key
Imperial Noble when you demonstrate your superiority or when your noble traits
Etiquette, Dance, Educated, History, Science, Wealth, Connections, overcome a problem. Buyoff: Disown your noble heritage.
House Blackbird
Key of the Mission
Master Sorcerer You must escape the Empire and rendezvous with your once secret
Spellcaster, Channeling, Stormblood, Wind, Lightning, [Fly], lover, the Pirate King Uriah Flint, whom you haven’t seen in six
[Blast], [Sense] years. Hit your key when you take action to complete the mission.
Athletic Buyoff: Give up on your mission.
Run, Fencing, Rapier, Duels, Shooting, [Pistol], [Acrobatics] Key of the Impostor
Charm You are in disguise, passing yourself off as commoner. Hit your key
Charisma, Presence, Command, Nobles, Servants, [Soldiers] when you perform well enough to fool someone with your disguise.
Buyoff: Reveal your true identity to someone you fooled.
Cunning
Deception, Misdirection, Disguise, Codes, [Sneak], [Hide] Secret of Stormblood
As long as you can speak, you can channel magical power and do
Sorcery. You have the Master Sorcerer trait and the Stormblood tag.

Secret of Inner Focus

Tags in [brackets] are qualities you don’t have yet. You can buy them with Once per session, you can re-roll a failure when doing Sorcery.
advances. See the Rules Summary below, under Keys.

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 • Naomi Bishop •
Former pit-fighter and bodyguard to Lady Blackbird
TRAITS Key of the Guardian
You are Lady Blackbird’s loyal defender. Hit your key when you
Pit-Fighter make a decision influenced by Lady Blackbird or protect her from
Combat Tested, Brutal, Living Weapon, Fast, Hard, [Strong], harm. Buyoff: Sever your relationship with the Lady.
[Bone-breaking], [Scary Look]
Key of Vengeance
Bodyguard The Empire enslaved you and made you kill for sport. You will have
Awareness, Threats, Defend, Disarm, Restrain, Carry, Delay, your revenge on them and watch their cities burn. Hit your key
[Security], [First Aid] when you strike a blow against the Empire (especially by killing an
Ex-Slave Imperial). Buyoff: Forgive them for what they did to you.
Sneak, Hide, Run, Tough, Endure, Scrounge, Nobles, [Hatred], Key of the Warrior
[Iron Will] You crave the crash and roar of battle, the tougher the better. Hit
Keen your key when you do battle with worthy or superior foes.
Insightful, Aware, Coiled, Liars, Traps, [Danger], [Sense Buyoff: Pass up an opportunity for a good fight.
Motives] Secret of Destruction
You can break things with your bare hands as if you were swinging
a sledgehammer. It’s scary.

Secret of the Bodyguard

Tags in [brackets] are qualities you don’t have yet. You can buy them with Once per session, you can re-roll a failure when protecting someone.
advances. See the Rules Summary below, under Keys.

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 • Cyrus Vance •
An ex-Imperial soldier turned smuggler and soldier-of-fortune, Captain of The Owl
TRAITS Key of the Commander
You are accustomed to giving orders and having them obeyed. Hit
Ex-Imperial Soldier your trait when you come up with a plan and give orders to make it
Tactics, Command, Soldiers, Rank, Connections, Maps, Imperial happen. Buyoff: Acknowledge someone else as the leader.
War Ships
Key of Hidden Longing
Smuggler You are completely enthralled by Lady Blackbird, but you don’t
Haggle, Deception, Sneak, Hide, Camouflage, Forgery, Pilot, want her to know it. Hit your key when you make a decision based
Navigation, [Repair], [Gunnery] on this secret affection or when you somehow show it indirectly.
Survivor Buyoff: Give up on your secret desire or make it public.
Tough, Run, Scrounge, Endure, Creepy Stare, Intimidate, [Medic] Key of the Outcast
Warrior You got exiled from the Empire. Hit your key when your outcast
Battle-Hardened, Shooting, Two-Gun Style, Pistol, Fencing, Sword, status causes you trouble or is important in a scene.
[Brawl], [Hail of Lead] Buyoff: Regain your former standing or join a new group.

Secret of Leadership
Once per session, you can give someone else a chance to re-roll a failed
roll, by giving them orders, advice, or setting a good example.

Secret of Warpblood
Tags in [brackets] are qualities you don’t have yet. You can buy them with Once per session, you can teleport yourself or someone you’re
advances. See the Rules Summary below, under Keys. touching.

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 • Kale Arkam •
A burglar and petty sorcerer, first mate and mechanic of The Owl
TRAITS Key of Greed
You like the shiny things. Hit your key when you steal something
Burglar cool or score a big payoff. Buyoff: Swear off stealing forever.
Quiet, Sneak, Hide, Dextrous, Locks, Perceptive, Traps, Darkness,
[Alarms] , [Distractions] Key of the Mission
You must safely deliver Lady Blackbird to the Pirate King Uriah
Tricky Flint, so she can marry him. Hit your key when you take action to
Quick, Dirty Fighting, Tumbler, Escape, Contortionist, [Sleight of complete the mission. Buyoff: Give up the mission.
Hand], [Acrobatics], [Dagger]
Key of Fraternity
Petty Magic (use one spell tag at a time) You are sworn to Captain Vance in a bond of brotherhood. Hit your
Light spell, Dark spell, Jump spell, Shatter Spell, [Channeling], key when your character is influenced by Vance or when you show
[Spellcaster] how deep your bond is. Buyoff: Sever the relationship
Mechanic Secret of Concealment
Repair, Engines, Efficiency, Spare Parts, Sabotage, [Enhancements], No matter how thoroughly you’re searched, you always have a few
[Ship Weapons] key items with you. You can produce any common, simple item at
a moment’s notice.

Secret of Reflexes
Once per session, you can re-roll a failure when doing anything
Tags in [brackets] are qualities you don’t have yet. You can buy them with involving grace, dexterity, or quick reflexes.
advances. See the Rules Summary below, under Keys.

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 • Snargle •
A goblin sky-sailor and pilot of The Owl
TRAITS Key of the Daredevil
You thrive in dangerous situations. Hit your key when you do
Pilot something cool that is risky or reckless (especially piloting stunts).
Daring, Steady, Maneuvering, Evasion, Tricky flying, Navigation, Buyoff: Be very very careful.
Maps, Atmospherics. [The Owl], [Battle], [Ramming]
Key of Conscience
Sky Sailor You don’t like to see anyone suffer, even enemies. Hit your key when
Gunnery, Aim, Maintenance, Observation, Signals, Empire, you help someone who is in trouble or when you change someone’s
Pirates, Free Worlds, Haven, [Repair], [Connections] life for the better Buyoff: Ignore a request for help.
Goblin Key of Banter
Warp shape, Glide, Nightvision, Agile, Quick, Tumbler, Teeth & You have a knack for snappy comments. Hit your key when Snargle
Claws, [Mimic Shape], [Reckless], [Connections] says something that makes the other players laugh or when you
Sly explain something using your pilot techno jargon.
Crafty, Sneaky, Distractions, Bluff, Languages, Trade Speak, Buyoff: Everyone groans at one of your comments.
[Sharp], [Disguise] Secret of Shape Warping
As a goblin, you can change your shape, growing shorter, taller,
fatter, thinner, or changing your skin color, at will.

Secret of the Lucky Break

Tags in [brackets] are qualities you don’t have yet. You can buy them with Once per session, you can keep your pool dice when you succeed (so
advances. See the Rules Summary below, under Keys. go ahead and use ‘em all).

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 • The Owl •
An old but reliable skyship, outfitted for smuggling

relative size comparison

the owl • 48m sky squid • 139m

hand of sorrow • 550m

Sky Hauler C9 Refit Statistics

The Owl was once a Sky Hauler C9 cargo ship but has since Length: 48 meters
been extensively customized by Cyrus and Kale. It has a smaller Crew: 2–3
cargo area and four passenger berths in the reclaimed space. It
also has hidden smuggling compartments scattered throughout Berths: 6 (2 crew, 4 passenger)
the vessel. Cargo Capacity: 30,000 pounds (6 cargo pods)
The Owl is an old ship, but it can hold its own with more modern Powerplant:
vessels thanks to its custom engines and supercharged steam ❖❖ Tri-Valve Reciprocal Steam Drive
drive. Snargle has also made several unique adjustments to the ❖❖ (2) Twin-Coil Induction Thrusters
controls to allow the large ship to maneuver like a much smaller
Cruise Speed: 160 knots
craft.
Flank Speed: 310 knots under boost
Unfortunately, all of these modifications put a lot of strain on the
old girl. Kale keeps the ship running day to day, but when it’s put Weapons: Top-mounted external gun turret
under a lot of stress (as it often is) things can go awry—broken Wireless: Midrange Multi-Band with Signal Mask
pipes, vented steam, leaking fluids, and worse.
Sensors:
Still, The Owl is not just a skyship, it’s a home to its crew. They ❖❖ Short-Range Sonar
gather around the beat-up old wooden dinner table in the galley ❖❖ Atmosphere/Pressure Analyzer
every night and thank the four winds that fortune saw fit to bless
them with such a fine craft. Hull: Treated to resist corrosion in the lower depths for up to 4
hours.
[GM: You can inflict conditions on The Owl as events warrant. It begins
play with the Need Fuel condition marked.]

need fuel need supplies busted & leaking slowed crippled

 • Running the Game •
Tips, tricks, and advice for the GM
Listen & Ask Questions, Don’t Plan Say Yes, Look For the Obstacles
When you’re the GM, don’t try to plan what will happen. Instead, ask By default, characters can accomplish anything covered by their traits.
questions—lots and lots and make them pointed toward the things They’re competent and effective people, in other words. It’s no fun to
you’re interested in. Like, Cyrus gives Naomi an order within earshot ask for a roll when there’s no cool obstacle in the way. Just say yes to the
of Lady Blackbird, but the Lady’s player doesn’t register it right away. action, listen, and ask questions as usual. But also, be on the look out for
Naomi goes to follow the order. So I ask Lady Blackbird’s player, “How the opportunity to create obstacles as the action develops. Because you’re
asking leading questions and listening closely, they’ll be all over the place,
do you react when the Captain orders your bodyguard around? Is that
so it won’t be too hard to spot them.
okay with you?” And then, when it’s totally not okay, “What do you say to
him? What do you say to Naomi?” and a few more like that and everyone Obstacles can be people (pirates, goblins, imperials, citizens, nobles),
is yelling at each other and rolling dice to impose their will. weather, monsters (sky squid, flying eels), situations (fires, falling, being
shot at, chases, escapes) or anything else you can imagine.
Also ask questions like:
If a character tries something not covered by their traits, that’s an
“Does anything break when you do this crazy maneuver?” obstacle right there: lack of experience and training. Lots of fun things
“The fire probably spreads out of control doesn’t it?” can go wrong when you don’t know what you’re doing! Also, players will
sometimes try things they’re bad at so they can fail and add dice to their
“That sounds like a bold plan. What’s the first step?” pool. It’s a fine move for them and it gives you the chance to create more
“Do the two of you end up somewhere quiet together? Does something trouble, so everyone wins.
happen between you?”
Conditions
“Do you know anything about the Crimson Sky rebels? What are they A condition constrains what the player should say about their character.
like? Is it normal for them to be this far into the Empire?” It’s a cue to tell the GM and players to pay attention to that thing and
use it as material for the developing fiction. Gaming is just us saying stuff
Keep that going at a steady pace and the game flies along pretty well. to each other, right? So you’re like, “What do I say now?” and you look
Part of the job of the GM is listening to what the players say, catching it, down and go, “Oh, I’m angry. I’ll go be angry at someone then. ‘Snargle!
turning it around and looking at it, and seeing if there’s anything else to Why aren’t we at Nightport yet, you shiftless layabout?!’” For the GM,
be done with it. the conditions can create opportunities or give permissions. “You’re
The GM’s jobs: listen and reincorporate, play the NPCs with gusto, Injured, right? The Void Spiders can smell blood. They swarm right
create interesting obstacles, and impose conditions as events at you, ignoring the others.” Sometimes a condition will become
warrant (especially when rolls fail). an Obstacle in its own right, calling for a roll to deal with it.

• obstacles & difficulties •

Escape the Brig Skyship Battle Sky Squid Attack
The cells in the Hand of Sorrow brig are walled You always want to be above your enemy in a While passing through the lower depths, your
in steel with heavy iron locks on the doors. skyship battle—unless your vessel is equipped to engines attract a hungry sky squid. Its tentacles
Obstacles: Pick the lock: 3. Trick a marine go into the Lower Depths.... close around The Owl....
guard: 3. (Bishop only­—Smash the door Obstacles: Maneuver for a clear shot: 3. Obstacles: Escape from tentacles: 5.
open: Automatic. Smash the door open Maneuver against a smaller, faster ship: 4. Attack Squid: 3. Maneuver in squid ink: 4.
quietly: 5) Sneak through the ship: 4. Fight Maneuver to boarding action: 4. Fire on enemy Avoid harm from squid attacks (crushing,
crew: 3. Fight marines: 4. Fight a lot of ship: 3. Fire on a smaller, faster ship: 4. Avoid smashing, biting, thunderous song): 3.
marines: 5 (or higher). enemy fire: 3. Avoid a lot of enemy fire: 4-5. Escalation: Squid calls other squid
Escalation: Alarm goes off. More marines Escalation: The Owl is hit and loses control with its song. Squid blood attracts other
appear. The Owl is jettisoned to stop your (Busted & Leaking, Slowed). More enemy monster(s). Pulled further into the depths
escape. Someone gets separated from the ships appear. You’re driven into a storm by (Lost). Crash into rocks/debris/hidden
group (Lost and/or Trapped). enemy action. The fight attracts a sky squid. world (Busted & Leaking or Crippled).

Bounty Hunter Ambush Parlay with Scoundrels Fight a Sorcerer

Unless they keep a low profile, the actions of The To find the secret path to the lair of the Pirate Uriah Flint is a flameblood and a master
Owl will eventually draw attention from bounty King in the remnants, you’ll have to deal with a sorcerer. Not that anyone would need to fight
hunters looking to cash in on the warrants for whole host of unsavory characters. him, though. I mean, why would that happen?
Vance or the reward for Lady Blackbird. Obstacles: Find an underworld den: 3. Obstacles: Dodge blasts of magical fire: 3.
Obstacles: Fight back when ambushed: 5. Show you’re not someone to mess with: 3. Attack Flint through his magical defenses: 5.
Flee: 3. Try to bargain with them: 4. Pull a Arrange a fair deal: 4. Arrange a deal that goes Endure the heat and smoke as the fight
dirty trick to turn the tables: 3. in your favor: 5. Spot their devious lies: 4. wears on: 3.
Escalation: Someone is grabbed and held Escalation: The scoundrels decide to Escalation: The fires spread out of control.
at gunpoint (Trapped). simply take what they want from you. You’re You drop your weapons when they get too
sold out. You were followed to the meet! hot to hold.
 • new traits & tags •
Reputation Ghostblood
Trustworthy, Reliable, Fearless, Reckless, Ruthless, Underhanded, Fly, Possess, Insubstantial, Control Technology, Electrical,
Dangerous, Deadly, Cruel, Unpredictable, Heroic, Honorable, Dominate, Terrify, Sneak, Overload
Compassionate
Stoneblood
Crew Harden, Make Heavy, Meld Into Stone, Petrify, Immovable,
Gunnery, Aim, Maintenance, Damage Control, Observation, Mauler, Move Through Stone, Shape Rock, Tough
Signals, The Owl, Cargo, Supplies, First Aid, Boarding Action
Voidblood
Sky Pirate Invisibility, Vacuum, Make Weightless, Pass Through, Erase
Vicious, Hack & Slash, Cutlass, Knife, Shooting, Boomstick, Mind, Counterspell, Disintegrate
Gunner, Boarding Action, Crew, Loot, Capture, Drink, Hardy,
Treacherous, Intimidating, Contacts, Underworld Dreamblood
Sedate, Manipulate Dream, Enter Dream, Hallucination, Blind
Explorer Fighting, Read Mind
Curious, Aware, Nimble, Hardy, Ancient Lore, Languages, Ruins,
Monsters, Myths, Maps Bloodhunter
Gather Information, Interrogate, Intimidate, Incognito, Recognize
Investigator Blood, Reflexes, Authority, Firefights
Search, Deduction, Perceptive, Seduce, Interrogate, Bribe, Coerce,
Contacts, Sneak, Deception, Insight, Logic, Fisticuffs, Pistol Bold
Brave, Daring, Heroic, Rescue, Falling, Fire, Reckless, Explosions,
Miner Escapes, Outnumbered, Underdog
Tunnels, Labor, Strong, Pickaxe, Dim Light, Hold Breath, Ores,
Resist Cold, Endure

Note: when you buy a new trait, you don’t start with any tags. you need to buy them with advances.

• new keys & secrets •

The Key of the Traveler The Secret of the True Course
You love exploring new places and meeting new people. Hit your You know how to navigate the Remnants. Requires: You need to
key when you share an interesting detail about a person, place, or learn the navigation codes from someone who has the secret.
thing or when you go somewhere exciting and new.
Buyoff: Pass up the opportunity to see something new. The Secret of the Explorer
You’ve been all over the Blue, seen a lot of strange things. Once
The Key of the Broker per session, you can re-roll a failure when you’re dealing with local
You like to make deals and trade favors. Hit your key when you customs or strange places. Requires: You’ve traveled from one
bargain, make a new contact, or exchange a favor. Buyoff: Cut side of the Blue to the other.
yourself off from your network of contacts.
The Secret of the Sky Song
The Key of the Tinkerer You know how to call sky squid and can attempt to communicate with
You just can’t leave it alone. Hit your key when you modify, improve, them when they appear. Requires: You’ve trained with a master of
repair, or patch some tech. Buyoff: Pass up the opportunity to the Sky Song or have been dream-linked to a sky squid.
mess around with technology.
The Secret of the Shootist
The Key of the Pirate You’re deadly with a firearm (or two). Once per session, you can
You pillage, raid, and terrorize the Wild Blue. Hit your key when you re-roll a failure when you’re shooting. Requires: You’ve been in a
impress someone with your piratical nature or do something to add to lot of gunfights or are learning from someone who has.
your reputation. Buyoff: Turn over a new leaf and go straight.
The Secret of Experience
The Key of the Vow Once per session, you can use tags from more than one trait when
You have a vow of personal behavior that you have sworn not to you make a roll. Requires: Experience in a wide variety of
break. Hit your key when your vow significantly impacts your dangerous situations.
decisions. Buyoff: Break your vow.
 Lady Blackbird unspent
advances Imperial Noble
Player: ➻➻ Etiquette, Dance, Educated, History, Science, Wealth, Connections
➻➻ House Blackbird
Key of the Paragon
Master Sorcerer
➻➻ Spellcaster, Channeling, Stormblood, Wind, Lightning
Key of the Mission
➻➻

Key of the Impostor Athletic

➻➻ Run, Fencing, Rapier, Duels, Shooting
Key of ➻➻

Charm
Key of ➻➻ Charisma, Presence, Command, Nobles, Servants
➻➻
Secret of Stormblood
Cunning
Secret of Inner Focus ➻➻ Deception, Misdirection, Disguise, Codes
➻➻

Secret of
➻➻
Secret of ➻➻

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 Naomi Bishop unspent
advances Pit-Fighter
Player: ➻➻ Combat Tested, Brutal, Living Weapon, Fast, Hard
➻➻
Key of the Guardian
Bodyguard
➻➻ Awareness, Threats, Defend, Disarm, Restrain, Carry, Delay
Key of Vengeance
➻➻

Key of the Warrior Ex-Slave

➻➻ Sneak, Hide, Run, Tough, Endure, Scrounge, Nobles
Key of ➻➻

Keen
Key of ➻➻ Insightful, Aware, Coiled, Liars, Traps
➻➻
Secret of Destruction

Secret of the Bodyguard ➻➻

➻➻

Secret of
➻➻
Secret of ➻➻

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 Cyrus Vance unspent
advances Ex-Imperial Soldier
Player: ➻➻ Tactics, Command, Soldiers, Rank, Connections, Imperial War Ships
➻➻ Maps
Key of the Commander
Smuggler
➻➻ Haggle, Deception, Sneak, Hide, Camouflage, Forgery, Pilot, Navigation
Key of Hidden Longing
➻➻

Key of the Outcast Survivor

➻➻ Tough, Run, Scrounge, Endure, Creepy Stare, Intimidate
Key of ➻➻

Warrior
Key of ➻➻ Battle-Hardened, Shooting, Two-Gun Style, Pistol, Fencing, Sword
➻➻
Secret of Leadership

Secret of Warpblood ➻➻
➻➻

Secret of
➻➻
Secret of ➻➻

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 Kale Arkam unspent
advances Burglar
Player: ➻➻ Quiet, Sneak, Hide, Dextrous, Locks, Perceptive, Traps, Darkness
➻➻
Key of Greed
Tricky
➻➻ Quick, Dirty Fighting, Tumbler, Escape, Contortionist
Key of the Mission
➻➻

Key of the Fraternity Petty Magic (only one spell tag at a time)
➻➻ Light spell, Dark spell, Jump spell, Shatter Spell
Key of ➻➻

Mechanic
Key of ➻➻ Repair, Engines, Efficiency, Spare Parts, Sabotage
➻➻
Secret of Concealment

Secret of Reflexes ➻➻
➻➻

Secret of
➻➻
Secret of ➻➻

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 Snargle unspent
advances Pilot
Player: ➻➻ Daring, Steady, Maneuvering, Evasion, Tricky flying, Navigation, Maps
➻➻ Atmospherics
Key of the Daredevil
Sky Sailor
➻➻ Gunnery, Aim, Maintenance, Observation, Signals, Empire, Pirates
Key of Conscience
➻➻ Free Worlds, Haven

Key of Banter Goblin

➻➻ Warp shape, Glide, Nightvision, Agile, Quick, Tumbler, Teeth & Claws
Key of ➻➻

Sly
Key of ➻➻ Crafty, Sneaky, Distractions, Bluff, Languages, Trade Speak
➻➻
Secret of Shape Warping

Secret of the Lucky Break ➻➻

➻➻

Secret of
➻➻
Secret of ➻➻

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.
 unspent
name: advances trait:
Player: ➻➻
➻➻
Key of
trait:
➻➻
Key of
➻➻

Key of trait:
➻➻
Key of ➻➻

trait:
Key of ➻➻
➻➻
Secret of
trait:
➻➻
Secret of
➻➻

Secret of trait:
➻➻
Secret of ➻➻

injured dead tired angry lost hunted trapped

• rules summary •
Rolling the Dice Keys
When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Start with one die. When you hit a Key, you can do one of two things:
Add a die if you have a trait that can help you. If that trait has any tags ❖❖ Take an experience point (XP)
that apply, add another die for each tag. Finally, add any number of dice ❖❖ Add a die to your pool (up to a max of 10)
from your personal pool of dice (your pool starts with 7 dice).
If you go into danger because of your key, you get 2 XP or 2 pool dice
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. Each die that shows 4 or higher is a hit. (or 1 XP and 1 pool die). When you have accumulated 5 XP, you earn an
You need hits equal to the difficulty level (usually 3) to pass the obstacle. advance. You can spend an advance on one of the following:
levels: 2 easy—3 difficult—4 challenging—5 extreme ❖❖ Add a new Trait (based on something you learned during play or
If you pass, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool dice you on some past experience that has come to light)
used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back. ❖❖ Add a tag to an existing trait
❖❖ Add a new Key (you can never have the same key twice)
If you don’t pass, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep
❖❖ Learn a Secret (if you have the means to)
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool. The GM will
escalate the situation in some way and you might be able to try again. You can hold on to advances if you want, and spend them at any time,
even in the middle of a battle!
Conditions Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you have the
When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the GM may
option of removing the Key and earning two advances.
impose a condition on your character: Injured, Dead, Tired, Angry,
Lost, Hunted, or Trapped. When you take a condition, mark its box Refresh
and say how it comes about. [Note: The “dead” condition just means You can refresh your pool back to 7 dice by having a refreshment scene
“presumed dead” unless you say otherwise.] with another character. You may also remove a condition or regain the
use of a Secret, depending on the details of the scene. A refreshment
Helping scene is a good time to ask questions (in character) so the other player
If your character is in a position to help another character, you can give them can show off aspects of his or her PC—“Why did you choose this
a die from your pool. Say what your character does to help. If the roll life?”—“What do you think of the Lady?”—“Why did you take this
fails, you get your pool die back. If it succeeds, your die is lost. job?” etc. Refreshment scenes can be flashbacks, too.