Road to Armageddon

Core Rules
GAME DESIGNER: Phillip McGregor

Text © 2015 by Phillip McGregor

Cover Art by Ricky Hunter, © by PGD/Phillip McGregor (2015)

http://misledtomisery.deviantart.com/gallery/

Graphics are mostly sourced from the Internet and are believed to be copyright free and/or in the public domain.
Some are from Wikimedia Commons, many are from US Government sources (especially the Department of Defense),
and a large number are from the Australian Defence Department, which allows free use as long as Commonwealth
Government copyright is acknowledged, which is freely done.

Some Graphics © Stephen Trustrum (military sidebars)

PHALANX GAMES DESIGN (PGD)

SNAIL MAIL: 2/41-43 Campbell Parade

Manly Vale NSW 2093
AUSTRALIA

EMAIL: aspqrz@tpg.com.au

DEDICATION:

These rules are dedicated to the memory of my parents, Bevan George (1913-1999) and Alice Lorna McGregor
(1919-2008) who never really understood what it was I did on my weekends and in much of my spare time (a lot of it
sitting before a computer screen, which they didn’t really understand either) for the last 35 years or so, but who was
always supportive of whatever it was I did. Great parents and really nice guys. I miss you both a lot.
KICKSTARTER
I’d like to thank all those who backed this project on Kickstarter and, therefore, helped to bring it to fruition – it is
greatly appreciated!

Recruit: adumbratas, Brian Kreuzinger, Eric Metcalf PhD, NCLanceman

Volunteer: Samuel J Hagadorn

Lance Corporal. Epelo, Boris Jjvc, Jason Weiser

Corporal. Charles Lawrie, Robert, Fabio Sgambuzzi, Peter Winter, Stuart Whitehouse, Zack

Sergeant. Bradley Clark, Derrick Cook, Amanda Kear, Jarkko Koskinen, Frank Magaw Jr, John Robertson, tunglashr

Company Sergeant Major. Francesco Antonelli, Stephane Boyer, Doug Grimes, Kurt McMahon, Brian Perlis, tommy
wolfs

Regimental Sergeant Major. Peter Edlin, Jennifer McGregor, Charles Myers, Markus Plötz, Redfuji6, Adrian
Runchel, Andrew Smith, Ewan Spence, Michael Wells

Special thanks are due to Esa Elo and Ewan Spence who took the time to read through the Core Rules and make
cogent observations that led to many changes to clarify and explain some things that were less than clear and to ask
cogent questions about other things that, on examination, needed correction, rewriting or additional rules.

Extra special thanks to Adrian Runchell and Michael Wells from the NSW Wargamers gang @ Burwood who have
participated in the development of the rules and background over a decade or more – the game is much better
because of your suggestions and assistance!
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Three Way War 1 Aptitude Based Skills 69
Campaigns 6 (Design, Literature, Musician, Performer, Survival, Tech-
The Road to Armageddon 9 nician)
Character Creation 23 Deduction Based Skills 70
Characters 24 (Electronics, Engineering, Environ Knowledge, Financ-
Backgrounds 26 ial, Humanities, Languages, Medical, Military Sciences,
Character Creation – Abilities 28 Science)
Health 28 Command Based Skills 72
(Athletics, Damage, Health) (Etiquette, Leadership, Seduction, Streetwise)
Cunning 29 Other Skills 72
(Spotting) (Concentration)
Aptitude 29 GM Created Skills 72
Deduction 29 Techniques 72
Command 29 Health Based 73
Luck 30 (Assasssin. Fire & Move, Ground Attack, Martial Arts
Abilities & Focuses 30 Combo, Melee Combo, Snap Shot, Sniper, Tanker)
(Health, Cunning, Aptitude, Deduction and Command Cunning Based 75
Focuses) 31 (Infiltrator, Saboteur)
Character Creation – Quirks 32 Aptitude Based 76
Purchase Costs & Basic Rules 32 (Artisan, McGuyver, Star)
Advantageous 32 Deduction Based 79
(Advanced Tech Possession, Ambidextrous, Authority, (Gadgeteer, Librarian)
Brick, Changed, Connections, Enhanced Immunity, Command Based 80
Flexibility, Hero, Internal Compass, Internal Clock, (Diplomat, Fixer)
Likeable, Lightning Reflexes, Major Possession, (Milit- GM Created Techniques 82
ary) Rank, Mutable, Natural Linguist, Reputation, Ro- Troupe Play 83
bust, Sidekick, Situational Awareness, Sixth Sense, Strik- Military Units/Troupes 83
ing Looks, Tolerance of Pain, Veteran/Child Prodigy, (PC Numbers and unit Size, Troupe/Unit Organisation,
Wealth) Troupe/Unit Skill Base)
Disadvantageous 43 Multinational Ranks 85
(Addiction, Arrogant, Bad Luck, Clumsy, Coward, (US, British, German, French, Canadian, ROK, PLA
Curiousity, Debt, Disfigured, Easily Distracted, Forget- (Chinese), Russian, Japanese and North Korean Armies;
ful, Fugitive, Honest, Illiterate, Infamous, Inflexible, US and Royal Navies, Royal Marines, Bundesmarine,
Mannerism, Minor Disability, Naïve, Obligation, Pacif- Marine Nationale; US, Royal Air Forces, Luftwaffe
ist, Poverty, Reduced Immunity, Sickly, Slow Reflexes, Armee de l’Air, Legion Etranger)
Thousand Yard Stare, Vulnerability) Character Creation Examples 87
A Final Note 52 Game System 91
Character Creation – Careers 54 Tasks & Task Checks 92
Careers as Skills 54 (What is a Task?, Terminology)
Quirks acquired during Careers 54 Task Resolution 93
Careers 54 (Overall Procedure)
(Academic, Air Force, Airline Crew, Armed Forces Res- What Failure Represents 94
erve, Army, Detective, Dilettante, Diplomat, Engineer, Success & Failure 95
Entrepreneur, Factory Hand, Jack of All Trades, Journ- (Automatic Success, Success, Additional Successes and
alist, Marines, Medical, Merchant Marine, Military Critical Successes, Failure, Success Shortfall and Critical
Academy, Navy, Office Worker, Performer, Pol- Failure)
ice/Security, Professional, Scientist, Special Forces, What Critical Failure Represents 96
Technician, Trucker) (Task Checks and Unskilled Task Use)
Character Creation – Skills 66 Task Types 97
Skills and Specialisations 66 (All Out Tasks, Combination Tasks, Concentration
Health Based 66 Tasks, Continuing Tasks, Opposed/Simultaneous Tasks,
(Archery, Athletics, Brawling, Driving, Firearms, Gym- Resisted Tasks)
nastics, Martial Arts, Melee, Missile, Piloting, Riding, Are Skills always Necessary? 98
ii Seamanship, Thrown Weapons) Combat Resolution 101
Cunning Based Skills 68 Time and Ground Scale 101
(Criminal, Detective, Observation, Subterfuge, Gambling) The Passage of Time 101
(Variable Combat Turn Length Option) Rough, Extreme, Game Effects)
Distance & Travel
Actions & Time
101
101
Abstract Nature of the Rules
The Physical World
138
139
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(Terminology) 102 Armour 139
Actions & The Action Pool
(The Action Pool, Maximum Number of Actions, Action
102 (Personal/Light, Structural, Heavy)
Asphyxiation 139
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Overhead by Career, Adding Dice, Determining Action
Length and Order, When Action Resolution Occurs,
(Asphyxiation & Slow Decompression, Catastrophic De-
compression)
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Trivial Actions, Boosting Reactions) Athletics 140
Ambush and Surprise
(Ambush, Surprise)
105 (Movement, Jumping, Weightlifting)
Burns 141
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Actions 106 Collisions 142
(Active, Reactive/Passive, Types of Actions – Aim Action, Combat Damage 143
Attack Action, Defense Action: Melee: Active, Defense (General Procedure – Generic Combat Effects, Inflicting
Action: Melee: Reactive, Defense Action: Missile: Active,
Defense Action: Missile: Reactive, Held Action, Interrupt
Damage, Healing Damage)
Diseases 144
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Action, Movement Action, Movement-Dodge Action,
Prepare Action, Quick Draw Action, Reload Action, Use
(Disease Data – Mode of Infection, Check Interval, Effect
Duration, Disease Strength; Procedure – Disease Effects,
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Skill Action) Symptomatic Effects)
Attack Types 110 Electric Shock 145
(Armour Piercing: Standard, Explosive, Armour Pierc- (Procedure)
ing; Autofire: Single Target, Multi-Target, Area, Contin-
uous Area, Suppressive; Burst Fire: Single Target, Mult-
Equipment Damage
(Armour, Structure)
146
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iple Targets; Explosions: Explosive Damage, Exposure 146
Fragmentation Attacks, Blast Only Attacks, Dodging
Explosions; Indirect Fire: Communications Links, Spot-
(Extremes of Cold – Procedure; Extremes of Heat –
Procedure)
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ting, Firing Sheaf, Suppression, Calling Fire, Time on
Target; Melee Attacks: Melee Attack Types; Multiple
Falls
Health
148
148
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Shots; Thrown Weapons; Unarmed Combat: Brawling, (Fatigue Points, Fatigue Recovery, Damage & Wounds –
Martial Arts)
Combat/Crisis Modifiers 119
Recovering from Wounds, Death, Stabilisation, Surgery,
Intensive Care, Final Recovery)
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(Environmental Factors – Close Spaces, Hard Cover, Soft
Cover, Firing into Melee, Range, Target Size, Visibility,
Movement (Strategic)
(Foot & Mounted Movement – Normal, Fast, Forced;
150
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Water Obstacles; Weapon Factors – Aim, Enhancements, Using the Terrain Effects Chart, Weather Effects)
Recoil, Stability; Situational Factors – Movement, Quick
Draw, Ready Weapon, Specific Target; Other Factors; A
Poisons
(Poison Data – Mode of Operation, Check Interval,
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Final Note …)
Combat Modifiers & Range Table 124
Effect Duration, Poison Strength; Procedure – Poison
Effects, Symptomatic Effects)
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Basic Combat Example 125 The Sensory World 155
Vehicular Rules
Vehicular Combat
127
127
Spotting
(Sight, Noise, Smell; Awareness)
155 d
Time and Ground Scale
Reaction Roll/Actions
127
127
Experience and Luck
Gaining Experience
157
157
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(Ambush & Surprise; Actions – Defend Missile; Attack (Experience & Skill Use, Experience & Role Playing)
Factors – Hard Cover, Soft Cover, Movement)
Hit Location 129
Spending Experience 158
(Experience and Skills, Experience and Abilities, The
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(Turretless Vehicles: Engine or Fuel, Crew-Control or Limits of Experience: Option – Realistic Character
Passengers, Running Gear-Suspension, Cargo Area, Growth)
Equipment; Turreted Vehicles – Vehicle Hull: Engine or Using & Abusing Experience I 158
Fuel, Crew-Control or Passengers, Running Gear-Suspen- Using & Abusing Experience II 159
sion, Cargo Area-Ammo, Special Equipment; Vehicle Luck 159
Turret: Main Weapon, Secondary/Other Weapon, Crew, Experience as Luck 159
Ammo, Special Equipment) (Expending Experience as Luck)
Chases 134 Using Luck Ability 160
(Procedure) NPCs and Luck 161
Operational Data 134 Regaining Luck Ability 161
(Fuel Consumption … and Speed, … and Load, … and Index 162
Terrain, … and Fuel Type; Handling – Defense, iii
Targeting; Structure – Procedure, Game Effects; Suspen-
sion: Terrain Types – Restricted, Standard, Off Road,
 ON THE ROAD AGAIN ...
So, what is RtA all about?
ORIGINS
Well, it’s based on one of the most enduring tropes of
SF – the “what if I was marooned in time or a parallel
dimension” theme. A trope that has proved particular-
ly popular over the last several decades. Clichéd?
Hackneyed? Possibly. Though I hope not.
The original, early 1980’s, background was very spec-
ific – 20th century warriors in the 12th century Byzan-
tine (or, more correctly, “Late East Roman” (1)) empire.
After having completed the main RtA sequence, I fully
intend to do a rewrite of that background – modern
warriors transported back to the 12th Century AD, as I
have more than enough material to do a whole extra
book for it as well, which may be more of interest who
prefer a more historical and less SF/Fantasy background.
However, over the course of a number of years of
tinkering with it (and running it with my local games
group), I decided that something different, something
really unusual, was needed.
The result was the most recent version (for EABA from
BTRC), with a background that places 20th and early
21st century characters in the far future – the 27th
millennium. A world facing dire threat from the ultim-
ate evil tm – one the characters can take a significant
part in vanquishing (or attempting to, anyway).
DEVELOPING A THEME
The development of other products for the PGD line,
supplements such as Farm, Forge and Steam (shame-
less commercial plug!), for example, led me to consider
some of the elements of RtA in a different light – as a
supplement for generic games in a one way parallel
dimension/alternate history/time travel vein.
Farm, Forge and Steam covers the entire span of human
history and looks, realistically, at the various constraints
that have shaped human progress over that period,
placing it in an easily digested form to allow GMs to
design believable campaign worlds and backgrounds.
The result?
Displaced (another shameless commercial plug!), which
deals specifically with the idea – providing all the tools
needed to create a campaign background based ar-
ound such an event – allowing GMs to reasonably
accurately represent their favourite fictional back-
iv ground and has proved to be quite successful
Such backgrounds include, for example, Jerry Pourn-
elle’s Janissaries series (the fourth book of which we are
promised will be available “real soon now” for a couple
of decades now), S. M. Stirling’s Island in the Sea of
Time trilogy, or Eric Flint’s 1632 cycle ... all of which
have enjoyed a significant amount of sales and a strong
fan base (the 1632 cycle currently being, by a huge and
increasing margin, the most successful of the three).
Thus, RtA is intended to be the basis of a series of
games and supplements setting up the background for
such a Displaced campaign – but one that can also be
the basis for a stand alone Third World War or imm-
ediate post nuclear campaign as well.
The Core Rules that you have in your hands can be
used, along with the Gear Book as a standalone “After
the Holocaust” style game, with no fantasy or science
fictional elements at all.
And it seems to me that this genre would stand the same
sort of treatment as the time travel/parallel dimension
genre was given in Displaced – so expect, “real soon
now” (like, probably 2016 or, more likely, 2017 … PGD
is a one man operation, after all), a supplement for such
“after the disaster” genre ... tentatively titled “After ...”
Of course, you don’t need to wait for After to appear –
the core RtA books can easily be used as they stand as
the basis for such a campaign – there are a number of
existing game backgrounds that set the scene and, of
course, as GM, you no doubt have your own ideas as
to what the “perfect” end of the world (as we know it)
scenario would be ... and you can run with that.
Alternately, these core RtA books (Core Rules, Gear
Book and Here & Now) could be used with historical
sourcebooks intended for Displaced as the basis for a
time travel/alternate history campaign with oomph.
When these eventually appear – “real soon now” as they
say in the computer vapour ... er software ... Industry.
And, as noted in the introduction to Displaced, there
are a large number of possible titles that I could easily
write in this vein, titles that could form the basis for
many stand alone campaign backgrounds!
Finally?
The F&SF 27th Millennium background could be done
for RtA as well ... and also as a stand alone F&SF
background.
Thus, these core books are intended for multiple uses,
and which use you will be putting them to will depend
on whether you have purchased them by themselves or
as part of a package deal with one of the background
titles that will eventually become available.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
The next title(s) to follow these core books will be a
preliminary campaign that could go either way – be
the precursor to a WW3 or post-WW3 “after the holo-
caust” campaign or be the precursor to a cross-time or
cross-dimension campaign. This has the working title
of “Biafra (2)” and will be at least two, probably three,
connected books of ~180 pages each.
Following on from that will be a Campaign book for
the 27th Millennium campaign that was the core of the
original RtA rules, tentatively titled “Thalassa! Thal-
assa! (3)” … as well as a Background book connected
with it, Here and Now (probably more than one book)
and, later, a stand alone Rulebook for the 27th Millen-
nium, tentatively titled “Ashes of the Apocalypse (4)”, all
... yep, you guessed it, “real soon now”).
Mixed in with all that, depending on a variety of
factors, will be versions of the background rejigged for
BTRC’s EABA rules and also, probably, a version for
Pinnacle Entertainment’s Savage Worlds – in both
cases some additional rules are needed, the Gear in
the Gear Book has to be reworked, and the stats for the
PCs and other things in the Encounters and Campaign
Books have to be changed over to fit the different
systems, though that should be relatively easy.
Which means that 2016 (and following years) will be
very busy for PGD.
After that? Well, there’s a whole lot of stuff – some,
further developments of RtA/Displaced, others not …
both rewrites or expansions of some existing products
and new ones as well – that I would like to get around
doing, but that’s too far off to generate anything even
vaguely resembling certain plans.
RULES AND RULES PHILOSOPHY
The D10 System is a fairly standard sort of D10 based
Dice Pool mechanic – which is then used to model
something that, hopefully, at least somewhat resem-
bles real life effects …
COMBAT
In real life normal human beings find it incredibly
hard to actively kill other human beings. Military (and
military style) training does the best it can to set up a
system of automatic reactions that will overcome this
… but evidence shows that it is, at best, minimally
successful.
Data from WW1, WW2 and more modern wars as well
as Police shootouts show that it is depressingly
common for all involved to shoot their weapons dry
and not hit anyone at all. And that’s for the ones
involved that actually fire their weapons at all – which
isn’t anywhere near a majority of those involved at
any given time (though the less than 20% figures given
by some authorities are … suspect).
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Most rounds seem to be fired blindly from behind
cover – or just blindly – and data shows several thous-
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and rounds of small arms ammo are typically fired for
a single casualty.
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In reality, the big killer in all modern wars has been
artillery and heavy weapons. And even they expend far
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more ammo than you might expect for each casualty
they cause.
Yet in all Role Playing Games PCs and NPCs fire their
personal weapons with incredibly bravery and accur-
t
acy at all stages of combat.
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Of course, applying the sort of reality factor that
would reduce their chances of acting or hitting things
to a realistic level would neither make the players
happy nor make for a fast playing game.
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So what can be done?
Well, you’ll notice that the number of Actions a PC
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(and NPC) can perform in a Combat Turn is based on
their Career Background – Civilian, Security and
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Military Characters with the same attribute values will
have a significantly different number of actions they
can perform with, as you might expect, Civilians being
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the slowest and most hobbled … in a relative sense.
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That’s on the PC side of things. On the NPC side, the
Morale rules in the Modern Encounters rulebook
hobbles them much more. Depending on their morale
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and training, a lot of what they do will be what can
loosely called ‘spray and pray’ … firing randomly in
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random directions at random times in the hope that
they will at least throw the other guy’s aim off. d
So, if the Players are careful, and follow reasonably
realistic modern battlefield tactics … fire and move,
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overwatch fire, moving from cover to cover etc. … they
will be able to deal with something mechanically
resembling elements of a real battlefield.
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CAREERS AND SKILLS
There are a fair few Skill areas in RtA, and each of
them has a fairly long list of Specialisations – and
Players and GMs are encouraged to add any others
they feel are needed.
Even so, short of a ridiculously over the top system –
or a ridiculously generic one – there probably aren’t
enough to represent what a real person can do.
There are a number of ways this can be handled, but v
in RtA there is one that, as far as I am aware, hasn’t
been used by anyone else before now – the idea that
 character Careers can, themselves, represent Skills.
It’s pretty generic as written, but could be developed
further by individual gaming groups – and certainly
should allow for well rounded characters without
being too generic.
So, in the chaos of the world of RtA it’s one of the hot
spots – Boko Haram fanatics control the North, the rump
Federal government controls the Southwest and a
resurgent Ibo-Igbo rebel state (backed by the USA, but
oh so covertly) controls much of the oil-rich Southeast.

RULE & DESIGN PHILOSOPHY http://www.biafraland.com/

As you will probably soon realise, as a designer I
prefer a lot of crunch. I don’t mind playing some of the
more fuzzy game systems out there (such as FUDGE
or FATE, for example) regularly, but they require a lot
more suspension of disbelief in a lot of situations than
I am generally happy with.
(3) The famous exclamation made by the 10,000 Greek
Mercenaries in Xenophon’s Anabasis (“The March Up-
country”), the story of their escape across a hostile Per-
sian empire after the death of their paymaster – “The
Sea! The Sea!” ... more or less “Home Free!” in context.

The D10 system does, however, include a fair bit of http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1170

cinematic action elements – the whole idea of Luck is
the obvious bit, but there are more that aren’t as
obvious (combat is, of course, as I have already
indicated) mostly things which, if modelled closely on
reality, would be far too deadly to make a fun game.
That said, like all designers, I encourage you and your
group to treat these rules as your own – anything you
don’t like, or don’t think makes for an interesting
game, or which you don’t think handles reality very
well … change it!
A true adventure story, well worth reading – and, when
you see the “Thalassa! Thalassa!” campaign you’ll
understand the reference much better!
(4) Apocalypse from the Greek apokalypsis “lifting the
veil” ... or revelation.
And not from “apokalypsis eschaton” ... “the end of the
world” ... though, of course, you could see it as a partic-
ularly obscure pun!

And feel free to do so!

– Phil McGregor, Sydney, Australia 2014-15

A final point – this is a work of Alternate History (or

Alternate Future History), just in case that isn’t clear.

While the events (except, admittedly, for the Russo-

Japanese alliance) depicted seem reasonably likely (or,
at least, not blindingly improbable or completely ridicu-
lous) as of writing, unexpected things can happen – so,
if they do, and <whatever> renders RtA more improb-
able than it already is (or if you don’t like it very much)
then, well, feel free to ignore it, rewrite it or … whatever.

Remember, its purpose is to get the Players, unexpect-

edly dumped in the world of the 27th Millennium …
which makes concerns about the historicity of how they
get there and what the past was like, well, moot in the
extreme. That’s my take on things for what it’s worth.

(1) Many people, even Historians, who should know

better, will tell you the Roman Empire collapsed c. 476
AD when Romulus Augustulus was deposed by Odoacer,
his Gothic “guardian” – but that was only the Western
part. The Eastern part continued to 1453 AD … and the
whole time they called themselves Rhomaioi (“Romans”).

What can I say. History teacher, see J

vi (2) If you’re old enough, you might remember the

Biafran Civil War (1967-70) – if not, well, it still isn’t
(entirely) over.
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 THE THREE WAY WAR
The collapse of the Russian Communist regime and its
replacement with a nominally democratic one in the
last decade of the 20th century led, counter intuitively,
to massive geopolitical economic instability through-
out the world.
No longer constrained by cold-war mandates, govern-
ments everywhere sought to express their own policies,
not merely those tolerated by the superpowers. Thus,
when the al Quaeda forces attacked the US on 11 SEP
2001, it was both unexpected and, in retrospect (20:20
hindsight is wonderful!), entirely logical within the
internal logic of the changed world balance of power.
Everyone expected the fallout of the attack to cause
problems but, just as the Balkan Wars of 1912 had not
resulted in a continent spanning war (that had to wait
for the relatively trivial assassination of one man in
Sarajevo in 1914), the US reaction to the “Attack on
America” was initially relatively limited.
However, the consequences of the US reaction rapidly
snowballed beyond all reasonably foreseeable expect-
ations (again, with the benefit of hindsight), actually
creating more regional and global instability.
JAPAN AND RUSSIA
Even though US actions set the scene, so to speak, the
proximate trigger was continuing governmental and
economic instability in the Far East, especially in
Japan, due to generations of economic mismanage-
ment, political corruption and incompetence.
“The Economic and Trade Recovery Act will
regain the jobs of thousands of American workers …
jobs taken … no, jobs stolen by the devious and
immoral actions of the Japanese government.
For decades we have let them do this to us …
believing that “fair play” would eventually enable
us to achieve a fair trading relationship.
We now realise this is never going to happen. The
Japanese never have had any intention of “playing
fair.”
On that basis I am glad to announce that the Senate
has approved the Bill and that the President has
indicated he will approve it within the hour.
Let the Japanese suffer the consequences of their
actions.”
2 triggering what became a devastating trade war bet-
– President pro tem, US Senate
Japanese politicians eventually sought to revitalize
their economy by a shift to authoritarianism which,
unexpectedly, led to a re-development of the militar-
istic and expansionistic environment of the 1930’s.
The first steps involved changing her “peace constitut-
ion” to allow her Self Defence Forces to become real
armed forces, symbolically ending,as Japanese comm-
entators stated at the time, the “ritual emasculation of
the Japanese state” by the West.
This was a popular move with the Japanese public –
especially attractive in the face of Chinese economic
resurgence, something the innately xenophobic ele-
ments in Japanese politics and society were unable to
come to intellectual or emotional grips with.
Drifting away from her US ties as a result of these
unexpected political developments, Japan increasing-
ly aligned herself with the struggling bureaucratic
pseudo-democracy that was Russia.
This move was necessary as the Chinese and Koreans,
and even the Americans, were increasingly perturbed
by Japanese militarism – the CIS increasingly became
Japan’s shield against such criticism.
Japanese investment and trade stabilised the Russian
economy, opening up an exclusive market for Japan-
ese goods, simultaneously undercutting US and Euro-
pean market penetration in the Former Soviet Union.
AN ALLIANCE IS FORMED
Russo-Japanese ties became closer as they came to
realise how much each could gain from a relationship
that would inevitably challenge what they both agreed
was “undesirable” western economic and political
dominance.
The Russians smarted under what they saw as arro-
gant US behaviour, claiming (and acting as if) it was
the “Last Superpower”, treating Russia as an irrelevan-
cy and trampling on her national pride – made espec-
ially demeaning because of her economic weakness.
Meanwhile, the Japanese were outraged by “racist” US
policies they believed were preventing free access to
US markets and the refusal to acknowledge what they
believed was their status as an economic superpower.
This common feeling led to the Russo-Japanese Milit-
ary and Economic Co-operation Acts in 20xx and the
fatal Economic and Trade Recovery Acts of 20xx,
ween the newly formed Russo-Japanese Bloc and trad-
itional allies of the US-NATO-Western alliance.
The Japanese and Russians had intended their allian-
ce to be mutually beneficial – allowing the CIS to
enhance and expand their military power back to
(and, perhaps, beyond) the levels of the old Soviet
Union, while allowing the Japanese to benefit from an
economic hegemony over the old Soviet client states in
somewhat less than blatant neo-colonialism.
THE ISLAMIC WORLD
Meanwhile, a series of fundamentalist Islamic instig-
ated actions triggered by the ineffective and ham-
handed US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan,
wracked and reshaped the Middle East.
In Egypt the last moderate President was murdered
and replaced by a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.
In Iraq Shi’ite fundamentalists finally overthrew the
last vestiges of the so-called “democracy” which had
crumbled in the face of a violent sectarian and ethnic
civil war and the withdrawal of US support for its
inherently corrupt and irretrievably ethnically and
religiously divided political structures. The resultant
theocratic dictatorship made the Iranian state look
moderate by comparison.
In neighbouring Kuwait, the ruling family was all but
exterminated by violent islamist coup which led to the
creation of an extremist theocratic state. An islamist
coup in Jordan at around the same time led to similar
developments there.
The Saudis and the smaller Gulf States, terrified they
would be overwhelmed by a rising tide of extremism
that was finding significant domestic support, could
not even turn to NATO or the US for help as it was
their incompetent and ineffective interventions in the
region that were seen to be the active cause of these
islamo–fascist movements.
FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS
The rhetoric of fundamentalism, with its emphasis on
the “Great Satan” (the US) and a general anti-western
slant, found wider currency than in the Middle East.
Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Libya, Tunisia and
“We declare a jihad against the apostates!
t
Allah will support us in this holy war to restore the
Holy sites to the control of the faithful. h
I call on all muslims to join with us in opposing the
corruptly westernized Saudi rulers – and to oppose
e
the Great Satan and the Lesser Satan if they attempt
to prevent cleansing the Holy Sites!”
– Mullah Omar bin Omar
t
Morocco all elected (or acquired via coup) fundament-
alist regimes which entrenched a totalitarian theo-
cratic power structure and virulent anti-westernism.
h
THE NEW CALIPHATE
r
These states joined to form the New Caliphate, and
used their economic power to enhance diplomatic and
military efforts to disrupt western interests, especially
e
playing off against the Russo-Japanese bloc.
e
They also put pressure on the “apostate” governments
of the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia to conform to
anti-western oil policies.
When the Saudis refused, the Caliphate claimed “con-
w
tamination ... [of] Islamic purity ... [with] decadent,
immoral and atheistic western culture.” a
CRISIS FOR THE WEST y
Faced with a sullen Russia, an ungrateful right wing
Japan, and fanatical Islamists, the US was at a loss.
It had already found its conventional military power
quite useless to oppose the fundamentalists!
w
Worse, the American people, so their leaders believed,
would not be prepared to stomach another disaster
such as the failed occupation of Iraq had been.
a
A strong cordon sanitaire was the only viable solution
r
– allowing the US to expand a network of allies
amongst previously non-aligned nations in regions
where Islamic fundamentalism was growing, and who
were increasingly nervous over the situation.
The Alliance’s greatest diplomatic coup was the exten-
sion of the Partnership for Peace program – allowing
China and India to join as “associates.”
This allowed them to save face and pretend to still be
“non-aligned” while providing them with the security
of knowing they had acquired a powerful ally.
The peoples of the “Western Alliance” demanded (and
got) a range of sanctions against the Russo-Japanese 3
and Islamists – triggering a devastating trade war in
20xx, following years of provocation.

None of the politicians involved saw where these
events were inevitably leading – along the “road to
Sarajevo”, as similar events had before the first “great
war” of 1914-1918.
Or, if they did see, they ignored the problem, just as
they had in the years leading up to that war.
THE END OF THE BEGINNING
Faced by what was, in all but name, a complete
Russo-Japanese boycott of all trade with the West, the
Western Alliance toughened anti-Japanese boycotts,
which forced any would-be neutrals to commit to one
side or another or face economic ruin.
This polarisation increased worldwide tensions to
levels not seen since the height of the Cold War and,
by the end of 20xx, international trade plummeted
95%, causing worldwide, dislocation and further
pushing the world to choose sides, as it was impossible
to remain neutral in an increasingly polarised world.
Economies hurting, all parties funded revolutionary
movements in opposition allies and pursued sabotage
to damage key elements of the opposition’s economy.
The resulting economic damage to the core nations of
the three alliances and forced remaining non-aligned
states to either choose a protector or collapse into the
economic, social, and military chaos that the three
blocs were prepared to inflict on anyone not of them.
“Whoever is not with us is against us” was increasingly
the watchword.
ESCALATION
These activities gradually escalated, spreading from
peripheries to the core. Targets also changed – from
sabotage aimed at “hard” (military-industrial) targets
to pure mass terrorism aimed at (civilian) “soft” targets.
The Caliphate suffered as both sides tried coercive
measures to control or sabotage their oil resources
(“terrorism” was what the other side did) to deny their
economic and infrastructure assets to the “other side.”
4 The Caliphate governments, however, were no inno-
cents, as they also took advantage of the situation to
increase their own sabotage (“terrorist”) activities, see-
ing the struggle as one aimed at the ultimate and total
victory of their fundamentalist variant of Islam.
According to their beliefs, such a struggle could only
be entirely without mercy as an Islamic world was
seen as the only outcome pre-ordained by God.
THE WAR BEGINS
Iranian agitators, backed by Iraqi insurgents, under-
took a terror campaign against Arabian Peninsula
states, supporting suppressed opposition forces.
The first to fall was Quatar (20xx) where a bloody coup
wiped out most of the ruling family (many executed on
air in Al Jazeera satellite broadcasts) and invited in
Iraqi and Iranian forces to help “defend the Islamic
revolution against the American infidels.”
THE SAUDI COUP
Token US forces stationed in the peninsula were
dithering over how to respond to the Qatari situation
when a pro-Iranian cabal seized power in a palace
coup supported by most of the National Guard, which
had always been thought to be absolutely loyal to the
House of Saud (a sad miscalculation).
The King was killed, but the Crown Prince escaped,
and rallied much of the army to his side, though its
response was disorganised by treachery.
The rebels invited in the Iranians and Iraqis – NATO
and the US were unable to fly in troops quickly
enough to prevent the loss of more than a third of the
country (including Riyadh) to the rebels.
A DISH BEST SERVED COLD
With the Western Alliance putting its attention on the
Saudi front, other New Caliphate members and sym-
pathisers chose the moment to settle “old scores.”
Pakistan moved first, launching a surprise assault
against Indian Kashmir (20xx), making considerable
initial gains; closely followed by a combined Egyptian-
“It is with great sadness that Crown Prince Abdullah
announces that his father, the King, died of wounds
inflicted by extremist terrorists who staged an attack
on the Palace in the early hours of this morning.
The Prince has assumed the Kingship and calls on
all loyal members of the armed forces and the civil
government to rally to him and oppose the Iranian
sponsored coup that has killed so many people.
The US President and the British Prime Minister
have offered their condolences and have committed
their forces to support the Prince.”
– Al Jazeera Satellite News
 “FLASH. 0447 ZULU.
Critic Traffic.
NORAD Spacewatch alert. Nuclear flash signature
– Mumbai, India (Bombay).
Estimated 30-40 kt range.
Probable delivery by Pakistani SRBM.
Spacewatch reports heavy activity at Indian
strategic force bases.”
Jordanian (and opportunistic Syrian) strike at Israel
(20xx), with limited initial successes due to heavy use
of chemical weapons against Israeli military targets.
GOING POSTAL
The first nukes were used by Pakistan against India
(20xx) when their initially successful assault was turn-
ed into a rout by the better led Indian forces.
The Indians replied with their own nukes, completely
destroying Pakistani nuclear bases, but not before the
Pakistanis managed to spirit a number of warheads to
the “safety” of the territory of their Caliphate allies.
With the government decapitated, the surviving Pakis-
tani nukes were used randomly, increasingly against
Indian population centers. The US then launched
strikes at Caliphate logistic hubs, fearing (correctly)
that Pakistani nukes had been transferred there.
The Iraqis (20xx) launched several missiles – hitting
Jaffa, Israel (with massive civilian casualties), a US
Brigade unloading at the port of Jiddah (Saudi Ara-
bia), and the important NATO airbase at Incirlik.
INSANITY SPREADS
The madness spread – Israel nuked Egyptian spear-
heads in the Negev (20xx) and logistical sites in and
around Cairo and Alexandria. Egypt replied with a
CBW strike against Jerusalem, killing 70% of the pop-
ulace and allowing the Jordanians to take the city.
The dying Israeli Defence Minister sent the urgent
message “The Temple has Fallen”, and the IDF launch-
ed nuclear strikes against Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Iran
– simultaneously seeding Mecca and Medina and the
pilgrimage sites with long-life isotopes to make them
unapproachable for millennia and blowing the Aswan
High dam with a series of dirty bombs designed to
make the whole lower Nile valley uninhabitable.
Russia retaliated, after some hesitation (cynics guess-
ed it was because even they regarded the DPRK with
contempt) by attacking China under its treaty with
t
North Korea – using tacnukes and advancing rapidly
into Manchuria, reaching Harbin in days. h
Simultaneous strikes against Chinese ICBM sites
caught the US “Star Wars” ABM shield short, limiting
e
the Chinese nuclear response.
The Western Alliance sent an ultimatum to the Russ-
ians to withdraw from China and cease all support for
North Korea (20xx), by then a rump of a small area up
t
against their mutual border (and entirely under
Russian administrative and military control). h
The fate of the last Kim dynast remains uncertain, but
it is thought she was executed by her own troops or by
r
victorious Chinese forces in the ruins of Pyongyang).
MADNESS
e
The Russians launched their remaining nuclear
arsenal against a variety of military, economic (which,
e
only coincidentally of course, also meant population),
and transport hubs throughout the Western Alliance
(mainly in US and Western Europe) in a desperate first
strike attempt to destroy their nuclear counterstrike.
w
While many of the Russian missiles were destroyed by
the US “Star Wars” ABM systems, more than expected
hit their targets – they had been retrofitted with imp-
a
roved Japanese electronics (which made the attempt
less obviously crazy than it seemed at first).
y
The US immediately launched their missiles (and
were soon followed in this by the French and British),
and inflicted equivalent damage against sites through-
out Russia and Japan (sparing neither Tokyo and the
w
Imperial Palace nor Kyoto this time around).
Again, cities were laid waste and tens of millions more
a
died. Many millions more would die in the following
months from radiation, exposure, disease and starvat-
r

Across Asia and the Middle East, cities lay devastated

by nuclear hellfire and tens of millions lay dead.

CHAOS THEORY
In the growing confusion, North Korea invaded the
South – with Japanese encouragement (20xx) – and
China, in accordance with her membership in the 5
Western Alliance, launched a crushing counter-invas-
ion, extinguishing the shadow regime of Kim Jong-il.

ion resulting from the destruction of the complex
economic web needed to support them.
The mutual wounds were critical, but not immediately
lethal, and neither side was ready to even consider
surrender (though internal rebellions became a real
threat) – so the war entered a phase of massive, but
ultimately pointless, conventional conflict.
Modern equipment and munitions were quickly ex-
hausted and the shattered economies and disrupted
transport and trade links simply could not keep up
with military demand (much less the need to rebuild
war related damage). so all sides found themselves
“barrel scraping” to keep their forces manned and
equipped – after a fashion.
Increasingly obsolete and obsolescent equipment was
scavenged or bought for front line use by scratch
forces of barely trained conscripts as governments
around the world became increasingly desperate.
The Russians had an edge, with stockpiles of obsolete
weapons dating back to the grim days of the Second
World War (even back to the Great War), while the
Allies used the remnants of their immense financial
clout to purchase the entire military production of
third tier non-aligned, nations that had not been
directly hit by the nuclear exchange.
Both sides simultaneously attempted to rebuild ele-
ments of the economy vital to the war effort – using
increasingly desperate and draconian applications of
“martial law” that rendered any remaining political
differences between the various opponents moot.
The New Caliphate, such as it was, became a marginal
player, at best, in this final conflict.
The combined hammer blows of the Israeli counter
strike (counter-population as much as military in
order to redraw the population map of the Middle
East) coupled with further strikes by both US-Allied
and Russian nuclear forces (each to deny the other
access to the region’s resources as much as anything
else) left the region little more than a smoking ruin.
6
It’s a really bad idea to piss off both international and
the major regional nuclear powers. Really, really bad ...
CAMPAIGNS
It is this blindly vicious and unpredictably chaotic
situation that is the background from which the play-
ers in your campaign will be drawing their characters.
Which leads us to ...
THE ROAD TO ARMAGEDDON
While the baseline campaign is about fighting through
the aftermath of World War Three – it’s also, event-
ually, going somewhere (actually sometime) else.
The players may start their game thinking that they
will be running through a stock-standard “after the
holocaust” campaign set in the immediate aftermath
of the Three Way War, but that’s not the case at all.
And that’s good enough for the original RtA release.
AFTER ARMAGEDDON … AND THEN SOME
RtA is, sure enough, an “after the holocaust” cam-
paign, just not anywhere near the sort that they will
expect – the campaign beyond the initial release(s) is
set some twenty-five THOUSAND years in the future.
Exactly how the characters end up time-travelling is
never explained, though there are hints, and the time
and place of transfer are at the GM’s discretion as well.
The new situation involves an inhuman enemy and a
very different human society has only just begun to
recover from a catastrophe many millennia in the past
– the (inconclusive) evidence suggesting it occurred
not far in the “future” that the characters could have
expected to have lived to experience.
Whatever happened, and there are no details beyond
old myths and legends, it was a global catastrophe
that killed off almost all the human race ... and it has
taken the last 25 millennia for them to rebuild as far
as they have (to the equivalent of the Bronze Age).
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN ...
So much the better if they actually think that they will
be campaigning in the Three Way War background –
and, perhaps, you could run a short, introductory,
campaign set there, acting as a double-blind intro-
duction to the real action of the Road to Armageddon.
Or, equally, if you have a long running modern military
based campaign from another genre you could use it as
the basis for an unexpected turn of events.
To supplement the core rulebook and the specific RtA
background book it is highly recommended that you
also acquire PGD’s Displaced supplement which
covers all the issues associated with a one-way time or
dimensional travel campaign which is, of course,
exactly what Road to Armageddon encompasses.
If you purchased the PDF (electronic) version of either
RtA or Displaced, discounts are available for purchase
of the companion product by simply contacting PGD at
– aspqrz@tpg.com.au for a discount coupon.
Of course, if you’ve purchased both as a bundle, in
you’ve already gained a substantial discount!
DIFFERENT HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS
Of course, you could also ignore the SF elements of the
game and adhere entirely to a conventional modern
military cum after the holocaust style of campaign if
that is what you and your players prefer.
To this end, this edition of the Road to Armageddon
rules offers expanded equipment lists and more
detailed background material to make this possible.
“After the holocaust” military style role playing games
have been quite popular over the years and this altern-
ative is a perfectly valid (if, in the opinion of the
author, a fairly boring) one.
A DARKER WORLD
There are, however, some differences between the
underlying assumptions between other, similar, pro-
ducts and RtA.
These differences are described in some detail in the
following section on Harsh Realities but, basically,
RtA assumes that a limited nuclear war is simply not
possible and that the only reason why a planet-wide
nuclear holocaust is avoided is simply because of the
draw down in the number of operational nuclear
weapons since the end of the Cold War.
t
h
e
t
h
r
e
e
Fewer nukes, and often ignored reliability and accur-
acy issues, mean that while severe damage is done, it
does not amount to the catastrophic population die
w
back from immediate and knock-on effects.
It seems as if the cold-war think tanks who desperately
a
tried to “prove” a nuclear war was “winnable” were at
least somewhat correct – if only in that respect.
y
Even so, The Exchange is terrible enough ... and
aftermath for the characters is much darker than most
older games of this type have presented.
w
Specialist military vehicles such as Tanks have been
mostly destroyed over several years of intense combat. a
Even ramped up “wartime” production rates never
did more than provide a relative trickle of replace-
r
ments for combat losses before The Exchange pro-
gressively destroyed the capacity to manufacture them
It took several years for the western allies to ramp up
production to high levels of useful wartime equipment
from a standing start (more or less) in 1937-1939.
And that was for much less complex weapon systems
than those in use today. Even modern management
techniques won’t do more than, possibly, balance things
– but, more likely, there’ll be very similar bottlenecks to
what occurred in WW1 and WW2 for pretty much any-
thing and everything military related.
The only (relative) upside is that the runup to the actual 7
outbreak of large scale fighting was scaled – it got worse,
but on a more geometric than exponential scale. This
 meant that the powers involved were already partly
retooling for increased production – so, when the ‘hot
war’ broke out they were more like at 1940 and the
‘Phoney War’ than 1938 and Munich.

Even basically civilian vehicles are often old and worn

– the capacity to produce them being disrupted or
destroyed by the nuclear counter value strikes that
each side aimed at the other(s).

Of course, since production rates were relatively so

much greater than for specialist military vehicles,
many, many more of them have survived through to
the “present.”
Other military and civilian “consumer” items are also
in short supply – much shorter than most similar
game backgrounds assume, though not to the point of
absolute desperation.
though it’s unlikely that there will be a Russian-Japanese
detente and alliance. Some literary license, please!
Or simply consider this to be a ‘parallel dimension’
where things have gone differently to how they pan out
in the ‘real world’ ™.

Of course, the assumption is that any campaign will
occur in Europe, which was less damaged than the
continental US or most of Russia and China – and
that the US and Russian governments, or what rem-
ains of them, are so fixated on “winning” the war that
they are supporting them far beyond any reasonable
level for the damage done to their homelands.
INEVITABLE CHANGES
While the “future history”, as described above, seems
not unreasonable as of the finalisation of the initial
books in the Road to Armageddon series, that’s only as
of the last half of 2014 and early 2015.
As other publishers of military themed RPGs found in
the past, with an assumption that the Cold War would
last forever, and that Russia would remain the prime
enemy of the west, par excellence, it is likely that the
background will increasingly skew things from the
“real world” (the events of the so-called “Arab Spring”
haven’t, yet … but they either make the rise of the
Caliphate more, or less, likely … take your pick!).
If this matters to you (and it would tend to for me, I
know), then, short of waiting for (and purchasing!) an
updated edition of the rules (please do!), then you can
either assume that the timeline of the “real world” has
diverged from that of the RtA background in the last
half of 2015 or do some quick rewrites yourself (just
please humour an Historian and try and make it
believable J).
Note: There are no actual dates (beyond 20xx) given for
any of the precursor events described herein. There were,
originally, but it was ultimately decided that it would be
best to allow individual GMs to decide when those events
happen, and, perhaps more importantly, how much time
passes between each one.
Originally, they were spread over several years, but it’s
equally possible (and likely, given it’s all speculation)
that the events could occur far more quickly – likely
months, possibly weeks. Regardless, it’s something you
get to decide!

Likewise, the ‘crisis’ in the Crimea and Ukraine may, or

may not, lead to a rebirth of ‘Cold War’ level tensions,

8
THE ROAD TO ARMAGEDDON
HARSH REALITIES
Despite the confident projections of power and com-
petence, modern armies, even those of the superpow-
ers, have little strategic resilience or depth.
The forces they field, while extremely powerful, are
equally fragile – the combat and support equipment
that provide that combat power are produced slowly
and/or in small quantities and/or their production is
spread over a long period of time.
Once a war starts, unless it is of extremely short durat-
ion, losses of all items of equipment will quickly
exceed new production and the inherent delays in
ramping up production to meet the demands of an
extended conflict will take considerable time. Years
rather than months.
One of the reasons why the Germans ran wild all over
Europe in the period 1939-41 was simply because they
started to re-arm in 1934-5 while the allies largely did
not start their re-armament programs until 1937-8.
Three years made a huge difference that it took the allies
until 1943-4 to redress. It took that long to ramp up
production to field the forces needed to take on the
Germans and win.
THE REAL WORLD
What does this mean for a RtA campaign? Well, for a
start, the chances of a long-drawn-out world-spanning
war in the nuclear era not going nuclear at some point
is, well, so close to nil as to not be worth considering.
And, if it does – and it will – only the stupidest sub-
geniuses in Pentagon think-tanks evidently believed
(and may still believe) that it won’t escalate.
These are the same analysts that managed the Vietnam
War (for the US) – and who still haven’t figured out why
t
they lost there (and are applying the same failed strateg-
ies in Iraq, having learned absolutely nothing at all).
h
D’ya think they just might be wrong?
e
The Soviet leadership had no such illusions and openly
regarded the conclusions of the American analysts as
crazed lunacy (and they didn’t much trust their own
analysts on the topic either) – they knew the reality of
war, having experienced it up front in 1941-45 and
t
suffered from no delusions that once the nuclear genie is
out of the bottle, it would be possible to stuff it back in. h
They were prepared to fight a nuclear war – given their
experiences with Germany during the Great Patriotic
r
War how could they not be – but weren’t any more likely
to start one than the Americans were. Except, of course,
if they believed they were being (or believed they already
e
had been) pushed into a corner.
e
A LOSER’S GAME
Nuclear weapons are, despite all the theories, losers
weapons. They are so terrible and destructive that,
given all major powers in a conflict have them, there
is no sane reason to use them – unless the consequen-
w
ces of not using them is worse.
In short, neither side will likely to use them until they feel
a
backed into a corner – and, if they manage to use them
effectively and redress that imbalance, then they’ve
y
already opened the Djinni’s bottle.
The other side will have much less compunction about
retaliation to redress the now teetering “balance” – the
idea that there can be a “limited” nuclear war is a
w
fantasy beloved mainly of ivory tower academics (and
mainly US ones at that). a
Escalation is highly likely and, given nukes are not
used if you think you’re winning conventionally,
r
probably as close to inevitable as you can get – and,
despite much touted ABM systems, defence against
them is likely to be of extremely limited value.
There’s no way of testing these defence systems – the so
called “tests” that have been carried out have been done
under optimal conditions (in layman’s terms: they were
rigged) and one cannot be confident that they would
work as well in an actual nuclear exchange.
In any case, they’re going to be swamped. It hardly
matters if they shoot down dozens of incoming bogies
(some of which will be decoys) if the attacker is firing
hundreds of the damn things more or less simultaneously.
9
One plus is that no-one really knows how well the
ICBMs will work, either (indeed, no-one really knows
 whether they will work or not). Few non-rigged tests of
them have been done and, when they were, the results
were not encouraging (which, one presumes, is why so
few of them have been done!).
Estimates (guesstimates, really) vary, but it is expected
that somewhere between 20-30% and 50-60% of all the
ICBMs launched by both sides will fail, either on launch
or in the air.
And it is not certain that those that manage to make it,
more or less, to the target area will actually hit the target
they are allegedly aimed at, either. Certainly not within
the CEP (“Circular Error Probable”) – their degree of
accuracy – claimed for them.
Military claims notwithstanding, tests to determine the
accuracy of ICBMs have been heavily optimised – rigg-
ed, if you will – just as has been the case with any other
test to do with ICBMs.
ATTACK SCENARIOS
According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
Agency – the Black Helicopter guys if you believe in
conspiracy theories) estimates (Nuclear Attack Plann-
ing Base, 1990) around 53% of the US population will
be directly affected by nuclear blasts (that is, they will
be within areas rated as Medium, High or Very High
for overpressure, which equates to Very High Fire Risk
areas where any survivors would likely die if they did
not flee) – and 50% of the US population would be
potentially exposed to 3000 Roentgens of fallout rad-
iation or more within a week or less.
A LIMITED EXCHANGE
The Office of Technology Assessment (Effects of Nuc-
lear War, 1979) estimated even a “limited” exchange
(ten missiles launched primarily against oil refineries)
would destroy 64% of US and 73% of Russian capacity
(and cause 5/1 million deaths respectively) and note
“while economic recovery would be possible, the econ-
omic damage and social dislocation could be immense.”
The reason for the considerable differences in populat-
ion percentages affected by nuclear attacks of various
10
sorts between the US and the USSR/Russia are because
the US has a larger urban population percentage due to
its more efficient agricultural sector – and that the Russ-
ians have fewer co-located military and civilian targets
(and weather patterns mean that much of the fallout
from US strikes would actually drift into sparsely popul-
ated areas of Russia or China).
COUNTERFORCE
A counterforce attack, that is, one limited to attempts
to hit the nuclear weapons belonging to the other side
to prevent retaliation, is estimated to be likely to kill
between 1-11% of the US population and 1-5% of the
Russian population. As the report says –
“There would be considerable economic damage and
disruption as a result of such attacks. Almost all areas
could, in principle, be decontaminated within a few
months, but the loss of so many people and the interrup-
tion of economic life would be staggering blows.
An imponderable, in thinking about the process of recov-
ery, is the extent of any lasting psychological impacts.”
THE BIG ONE – A COUNTER VALUE ATTACK
A full scale exchange, the report estimates, would have
killed 35-90% of the US population and 20-60% of the
Soviet population – and 70-90% (by capital replace-
ment cost) of both sides’ industrial and economic
infrastructure would be destroyed as well. However, as
the report warns –
“These calculations reflect only deaths during the first
30 days. Additional millions would be injured, and
many would eventually die from lack of adequate medic-
al care.
In addition, millions of people might starve or freeze
during the following winter, but it is not possible to
estimate how many.”
Then there are the ongoing deaths from immediate
and ongoing exposure to fallout and also from dam-
age to the ozone layer (which protects the surface of
the earth from much harmful radiation). The report
indicated –
“There would be a substantial number of deaths and
illness due to radiation among those who were lucky
enough to escape will be much greater than what is
considered tolerable today.
The number of deaths would be rather small compared
to the number of deaths resulting from the immediate
effects of the attack — millions compared to tens or
hundreds of millions.”
Oh joy! Oh bliss! “Only” millions (7½-10 in the US and
23 in Russia) instead of tens or hundreds of millions.
The report goes on to be even more pessimistic – much
more so than the crazy-genius analysts who claimed
that a nuclear war was “winnable” –
“What is clear is that from the day the survivors emerged
from their fallout shelters, a kind of race for survival
would begin.
One side of the race would be the restoration of product-
ion – production of food, of energy, of clothing, of the
means to repair damaged machinery, of goods that
might be used for trade ... and even of military weapons
and supplies.
The other side of the race would be consumption of
goods that had survived the attack, and the wearing out
of surviving machines.
If production rises to the rate of consumption before
stocks are exhausted, then viability has been achieved
and economic recovery has begun.
If not, then each postwar year would see a lower level of
economic activity than the year before, and the future of
civilization itself in the nations attacked would be in
doubt.
“In both Hiroshima and Nagasaki the tremendous
scale of the disaster largely destroyed the cities as
entities. Even the worst of all other previous
bombing attacks on Germany and Japan, such as
the incendiary raids on Hamburg in 1943 and on
Tokyo in 1945, were not comparable to the
paralyzing effect of the atomic bombs.
In addition to the huge number of persons who were
killed or injured so that their services in rehab-
ilitation were not available, a panic flight of the
population took place from both cities immediately
following the atomic explosions.
No significant reconstruction or repair work was
accomplished ... even the clearance of wreckage and
the burning of the many bodies trapped in it were
not well organized some weeks after the bombings.
As the British Mission stated, “the impression which
both cities make is of having sunk, in an instant and
without a struggle, to the most primitive level.”
– Manhattan Engineering District Report, 1946
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This report cannot predict whether this race for econom-
t
ic viability would be won. The answer would lie in the
effectiveness of postwar social and economic organizat-
ion as much as in the amount of actual physical damage.
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There is a controversy in the literature on the subject as
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to whether a post attack economy would be based on
centralized planning (in which case how would the
necessary data and planning time be obtained?), or to
e
individual initiative and decentralized decision making
(in which case who would feed the refugees, and what
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would serve for money and credit?)”
Depressed? It gets worse. The report doesn’t deal with
the long term environmental effects in detail – mainly
because there were deemed to be too many variables
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for any realistic assessment. However, it does state the
following – a
“It is possible that a large nuclear war would produce
irreversible adverse effects on the environment and the
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ecological system.
In particular, it would not require very large changes to
greatly diminish the production of food. The report notes
that it would be difficult to adapt to such changes in view
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of the likelihood that much of the world’s expertise in
agricultural technology might perish in the war. a
The physical and biological processes involved are not
understood well enough to say just how such irreversible
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damage, if it occurred, would take place. Therefore, it is
not possible to estimate the probability or the probable
magnitude of such damage.”
The report then speculates on the possibility of the
negative impact of mutations on the ecosystem –
“It is certain that the radiation derived from a nuclear
war would cause mutations in surviving plants and anim-
als; it is possible that some of these mutations might
change the ecosystem in unpredictable ways, but this
seems unlikely.”
And just to round things out –
11
“Furthermore, the possibility cannot be excluded of
major changes in human behaviour as a result of unprec-
 edented trauma. Science Fiction writers have speculated,
for example, that in the aftermath of a nuclear war, the
survivors would place the blame on ‘science’ or ‘scien-
tists’ and, through a combination of lynching and book
burning, eliminate scientific knowledge altogether.
There are cases in history (or, rather, archaeology) of
societies that simply stopped functioning (though people
survived biologically) after some shattering experience.
The full text of the report is available online at –
http://www.fas.org/nuke/intro/nuke/7906/ – and it
makes for some thought provoking reading.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE
The baseline assumption of the RtA background is of
a major exchange involving several hundred to a
thousand weapons launched by each of the two major
parties (the US and their allies on one side and the
Russians on the other side) side rather than several
thousand assumed by “The Big One” above.
A smaller number of nuclear weapons were launched
by the Chinese, British, French and Israelis (Western
Alliance); the Iranians and Pakistanis (Caliphate),
and the Indians (‘Non-aligned’).
It is assumed more missiles were launched than hit
their targets or, indeed, actually worked – and that
some were knocked out by ABM systems. Even so, the
consequences will be severe.
FOOD PRODUCTION
The major counterforce targets in the US are situated
in and around the nation’s major agricultural regions
– the midwest states.
These states produce 40-80% of the nation’s grain crops,
40% of its beef and 60% of its pigs – amounting to about
half of the national caloric production per annum.
The blast and fallout effects will have massive effects
on the basically unprotected farm animals and, dep-
ending on the time of year, will destroy or render
unusable any food crops that may be in the ground.
On a longer term basis, fallout will make some signif-
icant areas of farmland unusable for months, perhaps
years ... or even longer.
12
Even where the radiation level is not high enough to
make farming impossible, the background level will
likely be high enough to cause unacceptably risk levels
to farm workers (and the wider population).
There will major food production shortfalls – worsen-
ed by the knock on effects to the nation’s transport
infrastructure which will make it difficult to move any
food that is grown far from where it is grown.
The northeastern states, for example, produce only 15%
of their food requirements locally and it is not uncomm-
on for food to travel a thousand miles from where it is
produced to where it is consumed.
Assuming food is still grown/produced – a major
nuclear exchange would destroy 90% of US food
processing capacity, so turning the raw materials into
edible foodstuffs would become problematic.
Losses due to an inability to process foods into even
medium term storable forms would result in significant
wastage of what little could be produced.
Even assuming that the surviving elements of the
national government are able to attempt to organise
nationwide distribution of whatever food is available
or can be produced, it is unlikely that the surviving
infrastructure would be adequate to the task.
Malnutrition and starvation are likely – and to radiation
compromised immune systems, further weakening by
hunger will mean increased incidence of disease and
increased likelihood of epidemics killing many of those
who survive the initial attack.
ENERGY
The US could expect around 70% of its oil refining
capacity to be destroyed in a limited exchange – at the
level assumed in RtA this would likely be closer to 90%.
The US relies on fossil fuels for 93% of its energy needs.
Western style agriculture is so productive mainly bec-
ause of mechanisation – which requires fuel. Fuel that
will no longer be available in the quantities required
even if were possible to transport it effectively to
agricultural areas where it is most needed.
Another important productivity multiplier for agriculture
are petrochemical based fertilisers – which will also be in
short supply, or, more likely, nonexistent, in the immed-
iate post Exchange world.
It is likely many production fields will be damaged or
destroyed as a result of the strike and simply putting
out the wellhead fires may take many months even if
given a high priority.
The wellheads, at best, will have to be replaced – per-
haps the wells will have to be re-drilled – and this will
have to be done against a background where the heavy
industry that provides the parts required for such proces-
ses is literally decimated ... or worse.
Moving the fuel from the production centers to the
remaining refineries will also be a nontrivial task that
may simply be beyond the immediate reconstruction
capabilities of even a nationally organised and co-ord-
inated effort, if enough of a national government
remains effective enough to undertake such.
This will also likely apply to overseas sourced oil. Even
if the wells and refineries aren’t targetted simply to deny
the other side access to them even if the countries they
are in are not actively involved in the Three Way War
what will the US (or the Russians and Japanese) still have
to trade for the fuel in the aftermath of The Exchange?
Alternative fuels such as coal will suffer from the same
problems – the production sites will be either partly or
completely isolated from their normal transport net,
which runs on petrochemical fuel in any case, so
mining the coal and then moving it to where it is
needed will be at least as problematic as moving the
crude oil around will be.
Coal fired electric plants will also be rendered useless
because of the inability to mine the coal needed in the
quantities required and then move it from the mines to
the power plants.
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Hydroelectric plants may be targeted by missile strikes
and, even if they are not, will almost certainly be
badly damaged by the EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) of
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the many weapons making up The Exchange.
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Repairing them will require the services of heavy
industries that may have been all but wiped out, and a
functioning transport net to move the required spares
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and replacement parts to the sites.
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EMP will also have damaged, and probably destroyed,
much of the national electricity grid and the parts
needed for repairing it will need to be produced by the
much reduced manufacturing base and moved
around by the badly damaged transportation network.
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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
Wildly optimistic think tank estimates suggested that
a
a medium scale exchange of the sort proposed for the
RtA background would destroy 25-65% of US indust-
y
rial capacity which would take around a decade to
recover from.
Allegedly more “reasonable” estimates suggest a 40-50
year timespan. Of course, since both estimates also
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assume at least 20-45% of the US population would be
killed as well, and neither seems to seriously consider
knock-on effects, one wonders what they were smoking
a
when they came up with these conclusions!
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It does not seem analysts seriously considered knock on
effects from major damage across the country and all at
the same time. Severe bottlenecking, as described for the
Energy and Food sectors, would compound the problems
faced, and resources would have to be inefficiently used
... or simply not be able to be used at all ...
The problem is compounded because most of the
manufacturing capacity of the US is so concentrated.
It is likely, for example, that the manufacturing states
of the Northeast and East-Central US (from Massach-
usetts to Minnesota) would be so severely hit as to be
unlikely to be able continue to function at a signific-
ant fraction of their pre-Exchange output. 13
Studies show that, for example, that the damage to the
 energy sector would mean, at best (and these estimates
all seem to be wildly optimistic) would mean that no
more than 25% of surviving industry could actually be
fuelled for several years following the attack.
Russian industry is even more concentrated than US
industry and, in a counter-value strike (against industrial
as well as strategic weapon targets) they would actually
come out worse even though a larger percentage of their
population would survive (because more is rural, due to
their less efficient agricultural sector).
Consider this as well. A counter-value attack would effect-
ively destroy the US (and probably Russian) pharma-
ceutical industry – so during the inevitable plagues in the
aftermath there will be little or nothing surviving medical
personnel (estimates are that 70% will be killed, even if
only 50% of the population is, because of their concen-
tration in major urban centres) can do except tell them
what they are dying of.
TRANSPORT
Modern societies depend heavily on transport infra-
structure, as hinted at already in the previous sections
on Energy and Food – and this will be badly affected
by any major nuclear exchange.
The most important forms of transport within a nat-
ion will generally be railways and roads, in that order
– and, depending on the geography of the nation,
riverine and coastal shipping might also be significant.
All of these elements rely largely, if not completely, on
petrochemical fuels and will be badly hit by damage
to the energy sector.
Even with much reduced economic activity, there may
simply not be enough fuel to provide the amount of
transport needed by other competing elements of the
surviving portions of the national economy (which, as
detailed separately, will have their own competing
fuel needs).
Even allowing that the fuel issue may be resolvable
through severe rationing – which will certainly involve
the cessation of all forms of non-essential transport
14
requiring fossil fuels – the damage that any Exchange
will do to a nation’s transport infrastructure will be
debilitating at best and, more likely, crippling.
For example, most transportation infrastructure is
built around urban hubs – the same urban centers
that are likely to be subject to massive destruction.
Collateral damage effects are likely to completely
destroy much of this infrastructure.
For example, railroads are much reduced in efficiency
if they do not have switching yards – normally concen-
trated in urban centers – and, of course, a large
percentage of all locomotives and rolling stock will be
in those switching yards when the Exchange occurs,
and be destroyed as well.
In the last six months of WW2 the allied Strategic Bomb-
ing campaign had done so much damage to the German
rail net that the Germans were reduced to having to
simply push freight cars off the tracks in order to make
up new consists (i.e. the components that make up a train
– all goods, work and passenger cars plus the locomotive).
Even then, the Strategic Bombing Campaign found that
the average distance between one section of destroyed
track and the next on the German rail net was around
twelve (12) miles – in other words, no train could go more
than twelve miles before it could proceed no further until
repairs were made (if repairs were possible at all).
The campaign was so successful it shut down the entire
German War Economy by February-March 1945, and
the last battles of the war were fought with stocks of fuel,
ammunition and food that had already reached the front
line units, and then only until they were exhausted.
In a post Exchange situation, rail transport will be at
least as badly hit – and it may take months, perhaps
years, to reconnect otherwise isolated stretches of
track that ran between now destroyed urban hubs,
further complicating attempts at recovery.
For example, how do you “repair” a rail line without
rails? And where do you get the rails from if almost all of
your steel industry is destroyed or damaged (and, of
course, how do you move the fuel and ore to the steel
plants in the first place without a functioning rail net?).
Road transport will be even worse hit, simply because
it is so much less fuel efficient than rail and partly
because of damage to energy production infrastruct-
ure. Production of new vehicles will cease, probably
for years, and even the production of spares to keep
existing vehicles running will be problematic.
Of course, such pariah economies such as Cuba and
Burma have managed under such circumstances – keep-
ing superannuated vehicles going for forty or fifty years
after they cut themselves off from the rest of the world.
This was (and still is) achieved partly through cannibal-
isation but mainly through improvisation based on what
limited resources are available (or can be produced)
locally ... usually at considerable (relative) expense.
Internal waterways, riverine and coastal, will be some-
what more resilient as water transport requires far less
fuel than even rail ... though port facilities are likely
closely co-located to destroyed urban areas.
While the docks may be somewhat more resilient than
rail yards, they require as much in the way of onward
transport links which will have been destroyed.
Nuclear weapons are powerful enough such that a
ground burst can be expected to “excavate” a deep hole
– and, if in the proximity of a waterway or harbour, this
may dramatically alter the course of the waterway.
For example, some US government studies have suggest-
ed that a large scale nuclear exchange could result in
diverting the mouth of the Mississippi river by forty miles
or more from the current one.
The main limitation of coastal and riverine transport
is that it is not flexible – rivers go where they go, and
normally don’t change course. Since most of the ports
on them will be badly hit, if not destroyed, this will
have an obvious and major impact.
Oceanic transport has even worse problems – surviv-
ing vessels are often orders of magnitude larger than
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riverine and coastal vessels and, therefore, far more
restricted as to where they may be loaded or unloaded.
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Specialist Ro-Ro (Roll On – Roll Off) and Container ships
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are often able to be handled only at a few specialist
facilities in specific ports. If those facilities are destroyed,
or if the co-located infrastructure (the towns or cities they
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serve) is, then the ships become basically useless.
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However, even if significant numbers of ocean going
merchantmen survive (which may well be the case, if
the preceding conflict phase is short enough), and
even if suitable port facilities do (or can be impro-
vised) as well, and even if sufficient fuel can be found
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to keep them operational, this begs the question –
what will the war damaged economies of the (once)
major powers use to trade with any surviving and
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(relatively) unaffected regional powers?
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They’re not going to be exactly flush with surplus trade
goods – and what little production capacity they retain
will be desperately needed locally. Hard choices will
have to be made – as much by local authorities as by
whatever remains of the national government.
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COMMAND, CONTROL AND GOVERNMENT
Communications infrastructure as badly as everything
a
else – more so, perhaps, because of the vulnerability
of modern electronics to EMP.
r
Since modern economies and societies rely on high
bandwidth, speedy, communications, any interrupt-
ion to these services would have grave impacts on all
levels of the economy and society.
For example, all of the reports done for the US govern-
ment during the Cold War assume industry will have
large stocks of finished products or raw materials on
hand and, if these are not destroyed in the attack,
would greatly assist rebuilding even if the factories
and mines etc. that produce them were destroyed.
This was a realistic(ish) assumption for the days
before the Internet became such a major economic 15
multiplier – the problem is that this assumption no
longer applies.
 With higher bandwidth and more ubiquitous comm-
unications most manufacturing operations, and most
primary producers, operate on the “just in time”
principle and have little if any on hand stocks of
finished product or raw materials.
This means that when the factories are gone, there is no
“cushion” of stockpiled goods to help with reconstruct-
ion, a factor that will have significant negative effects on
any such attempts.
The wider issue of communications as command and
control – both military and civilian – will also have a
significant impact.
It will be much more difficult to co-ordinate military
operations and rebuilding efforts if it cannot rely on
the high bandwidth/ubiquitous electronic commun-
ications systems that we increasingly take for granted.
For example, it is unlikely that the Mobile Phone
network would remain operational except, perhaps, in
isolated pockets lucky enough not to have their towers
and switching operations not knocked out by EMP.
Even the standard copper wire (or optical fiber cable)
land line network will be likely to be severely damaged
– most of the key exchanges and communications hubs
are either in urban centers that are likely to be destroyed
in any attack, or are close enough such that EMP will
destroy or damage the switching gear.
Rebuilding the network will be difficult, if not impos-
sible, as the manufacturing plants with the machinery
to do that will mostly be destroyed or, as likely, their
electronic manufacturing equipment will have been
destroyed by the EMP of all those nukes even if the
plant remains physically intact.
It is likely that some sort of phone system, possibly
using scavenged or post-exchange manufactured tele-
graph or telex systems (which are feasible with even a
relatively low level of technology and manufacturing
infrastructure survival) would be cobbled together.
However, it is likely that access would be strictly limited
to government and industrial applications because of
16
limited capacity – at best the cost of private access would
skyrocket.
Broadcast radio and, perhaps, some TV stations might be
able to remain on air in areas not too close to the major
urban centers, but EMP damage and general mainten-
ance issues are likely to soon render them inoperative.
Military radio nets would probably survive, but the
problem with access to spares and maintenance with
all or most of the production facilities destroyed
would be an issue.
Field radios designed to be battery powered would be
especially vulnerable since the plants that manufactured
the batteries for them are likely to have been destroyed
– though ad hoc measures to hook them up to other
sources of current could keep them working, though
probably not mobile.
As for government, it would be hamstrung by the
destruction wreaked in general, and specifically on
the communication net it relies on. But it faces far
worse problems.
Simply put, modern governments rely on the consent
of the governed at some level. For example, most
people must be willing to pay taxes (representing a
portion of their labour or productive capacity) to the
government, something that hasn’t (and still isn’t in
some parts of the world) always been the case.
National governments will simply not be able to
assume that this will continue to be the case in a post
attack environment. The damage to the economy will
be so severe that it will need to redistribute goods and
services where it deems them to be necessary for the
“national good” – and this will, in a time of universal
uncertainty and widespread shortages of everything
and anything, inevitably means taking things from
people who will not be willing to give them up without
a struggle ... because they will see them as being vital
for their own personal survival (and it is very likely that
this belief will be true).
The government will have to rely on force to collect
and redistribute goods. Troops will have to be deploy-
ed to forcibly collect crops, for example, and make
sure that they are sent to the population in surviving
manufacturing centers rather than kept by the local
farm communities – and there isn’t likely to be
enough food in for this to be done without leaving the
farmers short.
You can expect resistance, possibly passive (farmers
attempting to hide their crops), possibly active ...
Rural “militias” facing off the government forces sent
to confiscate ... er, collect, the “taxes”.
Since the government isn’t likely to have much in the
way of forces available for such duties, this will be a real
problem. Possibly insurmountable in the short term.
It may simply come down to the government doing a
Stalin – sending in the troops to a resistant hinterland
and confiscating everything, and letting the rural pop-
ulace largely starve.
This wouldn’t be done everywhere, but enough local
examples would probably keep the rest of the farming
community in line – or, if the situation is really awful,
force them to unite in an attempt to overthrow the gov-
ernment, initially on a local basis.
And, when you get down to tin tacks, the reality is that,
in a post-Exchange environment, the difference between
the “government” and a “military dictatorship” will
probably be only a matter of semantics.
Note: This has nothing to do with the far-right, or far-left,
lunatic fringe of conspiracy theorists ... none of this will
happen in peacetime (certainly not in a major western
nation such as the US) ... but it is very likely (more or less
certain, in fact) to happen in the case of a conflict fought
on the scale of and doing the likely damage of a major
nuclear exchange.
Whether such regimes would outlast a restoration of
“stability” (whatever you might deem that to mean in a
devastated world) by much is debatable. One thing is
certain – any successor regimes, democratic or not, will
be very different to their pre-war predecessors. In fact, it
is likely that they will have only a passing resemblance,
in many ways, to those earlier states.
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THE REST OF THE WORLD
During the Three Way War major fighting, actual
ground and air combat, occurred on all of the contin-
e
ents except North and South America, Antarctica and
Australia, but the main theaters were Western, Cent-
e
ral and Southern Europe, the Middle East, the Indian
subcontinent and northern and far western China.
Naval combat was mainly limited to those sea areas
through which logistics for the major ground theaters
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passed, with lesser emphasis on general commerce raid-
ing to disrupt the closely integrated world economy in
other areas.
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The Exchange: When The Exchange was triggered, the
y
major portion of the US and Russian strategic arsen-
als were dumped on the continental US (including
parts of Canada) and Western Russia. Smaller numb-
ers of warheads were directed at Japan and Eastern
Russia (by the US), against Northern China and major
w
Chinese industrial and commercial centers elsewhere
and also against Western Europe, especially the UK
and France (by the Russians).
a
Strangely, Taiwan was not targetted by the Russians,
r
though she did suffer somewhat from fallout drifting
across from the mainland and, more so, from the EMP
resulting from those strikes, and, more so, from the
economic disruption caused by the destruction of so
much of the world’s trading infrastructure.
The Chinese launched their missiles and air-dropped
weapons against the Russian Far East and industrial
and population centers in Japan.
The British concentrated mainly on Russian targets
west of the Urals, adding overkill to the US strikes, but
also hitting Iranian and Caliphate targets (at extreme
range) in the Middle East.
17
France’s Force Océanique Stratégique launched their
missiles at population and industrial centers west of
 the Urals and, like the British, often further devastat-
ed targets already hit by US strikes.
Middle East: The Israelis were badly hurt, mostly by
Caliphate CBW attacks, but their infrastructure and
the bulk of their population survived – which is more
than can be said for their opposition.
Massive nuclear counter strikes against military, ind-
ustrial, and communications targets that were, of
course, only co-incidentally population centers, des-
troyed all semblance of order in Jordan, Syria, and the
muslim occupied portions of Lebanon.
This was followed up by ruthless sweeps by Israeli
forces driving out any survivors (including all the
inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza) and creating
free fire zones for hundreds of kilometers in all direct-
ions from their borders.
Israel also nuked Mecca and Medina, strewing the
areas around those sacred sites widely with long dur-
ation radio-isotopes that will render them uninhabit-
able and actively dangerous for thousands of years
(short of some sort of massive cleanup operation, only
possible after the rebuilding of something resembling
a modern civilised industrial state which then has the
resources to spare and wishes to do so).
Jordan is a sparsely inhabited wasteland, most of the
population dead or fled into Saudi Arabia or into
Syria and Iraq, scarcely better off than their homeland.
18
Syria maintains a shadow state in the coastal portions
of their territory, though this is threatened by Turkish
military forces who have begun to enter the region
with the tacit approval of the Israelis in order to
“restore order” – which usually means mass arrests
and deportations of anyone even suspected of having
links to the Ba’athist regime, the Caliphate, or any of
the fundamentalist terrorist organisations.
Deportation is an effective death sentence, as the Turks
are using the deportees for “decontamination” work in
the outskirts of Istanbul and some other major cities that
were targetted by Russian nukes.
The lives of their families, also deported, is the stick used
against them – if the deportees “co-operate” (and die)
then their families are resettled in small numbers
throughout the region, watched carefully, but otherwise
left alone. If the deportees do not co-operate, their famil-
ies take their places and die.
Iraq is largely a radioactive desert, and except for the
Kurds, who are in an armed standoff with the Turks,
few of the pre-war population remain in place.
The rest have either died or fled into Kuwait or Saudi
Arabia, which are little better off, or into Iran where
conditions are nominally better ... if you stay away
from the radioactive ruins of the cities and oil sites.
Iran no longer exists as a nation state. All of the major
cities were targetted by either the Russians or the
Western Alliance ... sometimes several times over ...
and the ruins are largely radioactive deathtraps.
Rural areas were swamped by the fleeing survivors of
these cities as well as fleeing Iraqis in the west, Paki-
stanis in the east, and survivors from the ‘Stans and
Caucasus in the north and northwest.
Fighting, often on a very primitive level (improvised
missile and melee weapons) continues in these areas
and nothing resembling a central government exists.
In fact, no administration at higher than the village
level seems to have survived in these free fire zones.
Things are somewhat better in the central regions,
where invaders have not (yet) arrived – local warlords
control some regions ... fighting against each other for
the control of the pathetic remnants of their nation.
“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk
has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield
grain, foreigners would swallow it up.” – Hosea 8:7
(Holy Bible, New International Version).
It is a really bad idea to piss off both superpowers at the
same time. Didn’t I mention that before?
North Africa: The Mediterranean tier of largely mus-
lim states were either members of or sympathetic to
the Caliphate and were targetted by the Western and
Russo-Japanese alliances for conventional and a few
nuclear strikes.
The latter were reserved for the oil production and
refining facilities, and any military target regarded as
being a possible threat – or a possible basing station
for the few Caliphate nukes, and were all tactical
weapons (less than a megaton – mostly greatly less).
The one exception was a strike, late in the exchange,
by an unidentified party against the Aswan High Dam
in Egypt – at least two, and perhaps as many as five,
nukes were targetted on the area, one (in the megaton
plus “strategic” range) on the dam itself, the rest
against the reservoir.
Some or all of these weapons were carefully designed
“dirty bombs” intended to enhance the output of long
life radioisotopes, with the obvious intent of making
the Nile valley below the dam largely uninhabitable
for generations, if not longer.
Those Egyptians who survived the initial nuclear con-
taminated floodwaters either died directly or indirect-
ly of radiation effects, starvation and disease (in Egypt
or on fruitless attempts to reach safety overland).
The survivors swamped, and largely exterminated, the
sparse population of Libya, and have largely dis-
placed the population of Northern Sudan ... none
survived the trek across the radioactive wastelands of
the Negev or, if they did, did not penetrate the Israeli
defences on the other side.
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The muslim states of the west Mediterranean littoral
maintain a shadow existence, local bandits and war-
lords fighting against the ruins for the basically worth-
h
less status of “national government” in the face of a
devastated world who could care less.
r
Libya, as noted elsewhere, has effectively ceased to
exist – as have those Libyans who did not flee in the
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face of the Egyptian hordes fleeing the radioactive
ruin of the Nile.
e
The Sudanese government are desperately attempting
to stem the flow of their erstwhile Egyptian ‘allies’,
and largely failing as the Egyptians have shown as
much compunction in exterminating civilians there as
w
the Sudanese themselves did in the south (the South
Sudanese are taking advantage of Sudan’s problems
and doing some ethnic cleansing of their own).
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With the effective destruction of any state or supra-
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national organisation who gives a damn about such
purely local disasters there is little to restrain the
absolute basest acts ... especially appropriate consider-
ing the incineration of hundreds of millions by those
self-same nation states.
w
As Cicero said, “As you have sown, so shall you reap.” a
Even these Egyptian advances are largely succeeding
because of sheer weight of numbers coupled with
r
absolute desperation more than any remnant of gov-
ernmental organisation, though surviving elements of
the Egyptian armed forces have formed a nucleus of a
shadow successor state in both occupied Libya and
Sudan, now both referred to as “Greater Egypt”, even
though there is precious little co-operation between
them and no real widespread control even within the
regions they nominally occupy and control.
Oceania: Australia and New Zealand survived the war
largely physically intact, the only nuclear strikes
against the region being against the US “communicat-
ions” facilities at NW Cape in Western Australia (dest-
roying the nearby town of Exmouth) and Pine Gap
near Darwin (causing significant damage and some 19
casualties to the latter, mainly from EMP and limited
fallout) in the Northern Territory.
 Even though physically intact, the pre-war disruption
of world trade hit the region heavily, and, the effective
destruction of most of its trade partners and disrupt-
ion of the connecting transport infrastructure has
caused severe economic problems, but at least it has a
functioning government and economy.
Trade continues between the Australasian Common-
wealth and the surviving SE Asian nations on a
limited basis, mainly in high technology and fuels.
The Commonwealth is one of the few real “superpow-
ers” remaining in the post Exchange and is in the
process of attempting to set up trade contacts with the
surviving Industrial powers of Brazil, Argentina and
South Africa.
Militarily, the Commonwealth has attracted the sur-
viving elements of much of the US Naval and Marine
forces from all over the Pacific, as well as evacuating
USAF and Army units from the Chinese theater.
Much of their equipment has been traded by the
surviving US government authorities for food and
industrial aid and this has considerably boosted the
Commonwealth’s military power.
A considerable number of the surviving US personnel
have also decided that they have nothing to return home
to, or for, and have volunteered to remain in Australia as
part of the Commonwealth armed forces, being incorpor-
ated as individuals, while some whole units have offered
to remain “indefinitely” but to maintain nominal loyalty
to the US Government on the understanding that their
services will buy further aid for their homeland (effective-
ly as mercenaries) until they are “eventually” repatriated
at some indefinite time in the future.
The Commonwealth has also been supplying limited
amounts of military aid to rebel groups in Indonesia
fighting against the remnants of the pro-Caliphate
government there and has been instrumental in prev-
enting the complete collapse of central authority in
Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya, which are occu-
pied by Commonwealth forces supporting local pro-
Australian militias.
20
South Asia: India and Pakistan largely launched their
missiles and other nukes against each other, at large
communications and industrial centers, causing mass-
ive civilian casualties collaterally and effectively wip-
ing out the Pakistani state at any level much above the
village and a few local warlords utilising the shattered
remnants of the Pakistani army as a power base.
The Indian government survived in, relatively, much
better shape – but with key industrial, communicat-
ions centers and infrastructure destroyed, has been
barely able to deal with the multiple crises of the
post-Exchange world.
Epidemics, some natural and some possibly of Caliph-
ate origins, have ravaged the survivors, assisted by the
infrastructure related famine – the resultant chaos
means most of the country, outside some of semi-
intact cities, is in a state of semi-chaos at best.
Ceylon/Sri Lanka is in the process of tearing itself
apart on ethnic lines, with the resurgent (previously
Indian and Western backed) LTTE (Liberation Tigers
of Tamil Elam) continuing their struggle against the
Russo-Japanese supported Sinhalese majority.
Only rumours are available about Burma/Myanmar –
but it seems as if the Military Dictatorship is under
siege from a number of previously Western and Chin-
ese supported, ethnically based, guerilla groups, cur-
rently receiving limited support from the rump Indian
government as well as from Thai authorities.
South and Central America: The only successful nuc-
lear strikes in the region destroyed the Lake Mar-
acaibo (Venezuela) oilfields and the Gatun Locks on
the Panama Canal. Strikes against the El Tigre fields
and the petroleum refining facilities in Puerto La
Cruz (also in Venezuela) failed as the Russian MIRVs
aimed at them suffered major weapon bus failures
that led to the warheads breaking up on re-entry.
The fallout from the Trade War, Caliphate and Russo-
Japanese support for guerilla and terrorist groups in
the region and the ongoing problems with the Drug
Cartels, however, had caused so much regional instab-
ility that the effects of The Exchange pushed many
countries over the edge into chaos.
Only Brazil and Argentina have maintained solid
government control and kept their economies run-
ning, if at a reduced level because of the devastation
of most actual and potential trade partners.
Some limited internal trade between the the two states
and their neighbours has continued and there have
been sporadic attempts to link up with South Africa
and the Australasian nations for mutual support.
Even more limited attempts have been made to pro-
vide aid to some of the more accessible regions of the
southern USA, mostly in the form of food and some
limited industrial spares and fuel.
South East Asia: Was largely spared during The Exch-
ange – the only nuclear strike against a land target in
the whole region was a Chinese one against the Russ-
ian naval facility at Cam Ranh Bay.
In the aftermath of this strike, the Vietnamese attack-
ed Chinese forces along their common border, but
were thrown back by weight of numbers initially –
until Russian nuclear strikes largely decapitated the
Chinese state, leaving their southern forces leaderless
and increasingly unsupplied.
The conflict continues, with the Vietnamese making
some slow progress against doggedly resistance by the
remaining PLA forces.
The rest of Southeast Asia has remained relatively
peaceful, except for Indonesia where the Caliphate
dominated military dictatorship is under increasing
pressure from freedom fighters supported by the AMS
(Australia-Malaysia-Singapore) alliance.
The Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean economies
have suffered severe downturns resulting from the
worldwide economic effects of having so many of their
suppliers and customers incinerated, but have main-
tained order with minimal resort to martial law.
Some trade continues between themselves and the few
surviving “large” economies – South Africa, some of
the South American nations (Argentina and Brazil
t
h
e
t
especially) and the Australasian Commonwealth (Aus-
tralia and New Zealand allied). h
Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa has survived largely
intact and has enabled its neighbours to maintain
r
some semblance of domestic order with their econom-
ic and military aid, despite the damage to all their
national economies resulting from the massive dis-
e
ruption to the wider world economies.
e
In sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria tore itself apart in a
vicious civil war between western supported, mainly
non-muslim, elements around the oil producing reg-
ions in the south of the country against Caliphate
supported extremist islamic elements which had dom-
w
inated the post independence state.
This ultimately resulting in the extermination of the
a
separatists when the West withdrew support to shore
up their efforts elsewhere.
y
It is always wise to remember the advice of Lord Palmer-
ston (1784-1865, twice UK Prime Minister), paraphrased
– “Great Powers [Britain] have [has] no permanent
friends, only permanent interests.”
w
When riding the tiger, it is best to understand that you’re
as likely to end up as dinner as anything else, if it suits
a
the tiger!
r
In any case, US nuclear strikes against the major refiner-
ies and other oil facilities rendered the Caliphate’s seem-
ing victory entirely moot, and the whole country’s badly
stressed “government” has broken apart into a dozen or
more regional warlords involved in an internecine and
completely pointless struggle for dominance of the burnt,
tattered and broken remains.
Most of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa is gripped in the
throes of bloodily ethnic violence exacerbated by fam-
ine and plague.
Few of these so-called nations were viable in any real
sense, relying on international aid to a greater or
lesser degree to maintain even a semblance of a mod- 21
ern civilisation in their capital cities and not much
further afield ... even to the extent that many were
 simply unable to feed their own populations on dom-
estically grown food crops.

Famine was inevitable, in the face of the destruction

of those areas and populations that grew most of the
world’s exportable food crops – and those food prod-
ucing areas that have survived untouched (or relative-
ly so) simply do not have the infrastructure to ship the
food in the quantities needed to the places needed ...
even if they had any economic incentive to do so.

THE STATE OF THE PLANET

No. The nuclear exchange was not anywhere near
enough to trigger a worldwide nuclear winter. Despite
scaremongering by trashy journalists and some pretty
shonky science that wasn’t possible even at the height
of the Cold War when nuclear arsenals were even
bigger than those loosed on the world during the
Three Way War.
In many places, medieval patterns of famine will
recur – that is, people might be starving in one prov-
ince because of crop failure, while next door, over a
major river or mountain range, there is relative plenty
… but there is no longer any economical way (or any
way at all) of transporting it to where it is needed.

Which isn’t to say that there weren’t localised effects

– the European and north Eurasian winter following
The Exchange did buck the general upward trend in
average temperatures due to global warming, and the
following Spring came later and was shorter. But
nothing outside of normal parameters.

The real ongoing problem is the long term radiation

effects – and they are localised and can be avoided for
the most part.

Whatever fallout was kicked into the atmosphere init-

ially has long since settled somewhere and, in any case,
usually consists of particles with extremely short half
lives … so, unless you’re really unlucky, it’s not likely
to have an impact.

So, while the weather wouldn’t normally, by itself, be

a major problem, when it is coupled with the massive
destruction/disruption of worldwide transport links it
becomes much worse.

22
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r
a
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e
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23
 CHARACTER CREATION – OVERVIEW
The character creation procedure used in Road to
Armageddon uses the D10 System. Using this system,
Characters can be designed in six easy steps.
C HARACTERS
S 1: D
TEP B ETERMINE ACKGROUND AND AGE
Determine Background and Age for – which will ind-
icate basic upbringing, education and social status.
Age determines how many Ability and Skill points they
have – and also limits the number of Quirks they may
take and also effects the Careers they can choose and
Skills they can learn.
The Base starting age for characters is Adult. They can
either choose to take a set 18 or roll 15+1d6 for a
random 15-21 Ability Points – plus either taking a set 40
or roll 35+1D (36-45) Skill Points.
Note: In the D10 system, 1D always = 1D10.
STEP 2: DETERMINE ABILITIES
There are six (6) Abilities but Characters have to spend
their base ability points (as modified by Quirks) only
on the first five – Health, Cunning, Aptitude, Deduction
and Command.
Characters do not allocate points to the sixth and last
Ability, Luck, which is rolled randomly – ½D-1 (1-4),
rounding fractions up but a minimum of 1.
Optional Rule: Characters may expend Luck Ability
(Permanent Luck) at this point to purchase more Ability
and/or Skill Points. Each point spent converts to either
one (1) Ability Point or three (3) Skill Points.
Luck expended this way must be purchased back as per
the Luck rules in the Game System chapter and is not
available for any part of the character creation process.
Each Attribute point costs 1 AP (except Luck, as noted
above). No Ability may normally be less than one (1) or
greater than six (6) at game start (these values may be
changed later, mainly due to external effects, such as
injury or use of performance enhancing drugs).
AGE ABILITY POINTS SKILL POINTS
14 (11+1d6)
Teenager (16-19) 20 (17+1D)
Young Adult (18-21) 16 (13+1d6) 30 (27+1D)
Adult (21-30) 18 (15+1d6) 40 (37+1D)
24 Experienced (31-40) 17 (10+2d6) 50 (47+1D)
Veteran (41+) 15 (8+2d6) 60 (57+1D)
Note: Characters may use Focuses (see later) to differ-
entiate between aspects of an Ability – and Focuses do
allow that area to exceed the normal limit of six (6).
STEP 3: CHOOSE QUIRKS
Quirks represent some defining characteristic about
the character – something that gives them character.
They may be physical, mental or social in nature and
are intended to be part of the long term “back story”
of the character – the advantages (or disadvantages)
they represent will provide ongoing role-playing opp-
ortunities in your campaign and should be chosen by
the players with this in mind.
Young Adult or older characters may choose up to three
(3) Advantageous Quirks; Teenagers may only choose
three (3) Quirks, total.
There is (apart from Teenagers) no limit to the number
of Disadvantageous Quirks one can take – though taking
more than a couple is … unwise. GMs should use quirks
against greedy players without fear or favour – they are
intended to be a serious drawback, after all.
Quirks that form part of a Background (automatic) or
Career (optional) do not necessarily count against this
limit – except for Teenagers, who may only take one
extra Advantageous Quirk from such a source (no
limit for the number of Disadvantageous Quirks for
Teenagers, however).
The younger the character the less likely they are to have
had a chance to acquire the sort of “back story” that
experienced, older, characters have. Hence the limit on
the number of Quirks they can acquire.
Advantageous Quirks cost a character one (1) Ability or
three (3) Skill points each, if chosen. Disadvantageous
Quirks give a character one (1) Ability or three (3) Skill
points extra for each taken.
STEP 4: DETERMINE CAREERS
Determine the Career the character wishes to pursue
(note Base Career Ability after the name), representing
the sum total of all their educational and work exper-
ience to the point of game entry.
Base Career Ability is used in Step #6 Determine Poss-
essions to help calculate starting wealth.
This is the career path the character has followed
before game start and shows the Skills (and Quirks –
however, see Step 2 above re Teenagers & Quirks) they
have spent the most time acquiring, and which may be
purchased at reduced cost.
Characters are not required to choose Career skills
and may purchase skills that are not part of their
Career, but they cost extra (see the Careers section).
c
A character normally chooses only one Career – those
of Experienced or Veteran Age, however, may choose a
h
second Career at a cost to them of either five (5) or 1D
(1-10) Skill Points.
a
If an Experienced or Veteran Character does purchase a
second career they are subject to both career “Additional
r
Quirks” if either or both are “must” roll.
a
If both Quirks are Advantageous, they keep only one; if
one is Advantageous and one is Money they keep the
Money; if one is Disadvantageous and one is Money,
c
they keep the Disadvantageous one; if both are Disad-
vantageous then they keep one of the disadvantages.
t
If neither of the Quirks are “must” roll, then the Player
may choose which, if either, to roll for.
e
The character may choose skills from either or both
r
Careers at the standard cost. Other skills are still at the
non-standard cost. SKILL LEVEL/SKILL ROLL DETERMINATION
A Character’s Check Number is the same as their Skill
If the character has taken the Veteran/Child Prodigy
Quirk they may take a second career at a cost to them
Level plus one (1).
c
of either three (3) or ½D (1-5) Skill Points. Check Number = (Purchased Skill Level + 1)

If they are already at Experienced or Veteran Age,
however, and take this Quirk, then cost for a second
career to them is ½d6 (1-3) Skill Points.
Characters with this Quirk may choose which, if either,
of the Additional Quirks sections to roll for. They may
choose to roll for both – and take the best of the two
outcomes if they do.
The character may spend skill points on any skill from
either career at standard cost. Skills not covered by those
careers, however, still cost at the non-standard rate.
Note: Even though you choose your Career at this step,
you don’t actually roll for Additional Quirks until after
you have chosen your Skills and Techniques, as the
process is modified using a character’s best skill level.
STEP 5: DETERMINE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
At this step the player allocates the Age-related Skill
Points amongst Skills, as modified by points gained or
lost to Quirks and any other relevant factors.
No Skill may be taken at a level less than one (1) or
greater than eight (8) at game start. Teenagers may take
no skill at greater than five (5).
Yes, that applies even to Child Prodigies. They may have
a wider base of skills, but they simply do not have the
experience to back it up.
A Character with only one (1) Skill Level has an actual
r
Check Number/2. Likewise, a character with Science
(Physics)/3 has a Check Number/4.
e
STANDARD SKILL COST
All Skills listed under the character’s chosen Career
a
cost one (1) point per level to purchase to a value equal
to the governing characteristic – for values exceeding
t
that, cost is two (2) points per level.
This cost differential applies even after game start.
i
A character with HLT/5 could take Firearms (Pistol)/5
o
for 5 points, but Firearms (Pistol)/6 would cost 5 + 2 =
7 points (5 for the first five levels, plus 2 for the sixth). n
NON-STANDARD COST
All other skills (i.e. those not listed as Career Skills)
cost double that (2/level up to the value of the govern-
ing Attribute, then 4/level), even after game start.
A character with DED/5 who followed a career that did
not include Science as one of the listed career skills could
still purchase it.
Purchasing Science (Physics)/5 would cost ten points
(five points, doubled because it isn’t a career skill).
25
Science (Physics)/6 would cost 14 points (10 points for
level 5, 4 extra for level 6 = 14).
 TECHNIQUES
Characters who meet the minimum skill requirements
may purchase Techniques at this point.
It costs two (2) Skill Points to purchase a Technique
before game start – and a character may purchase as
many as they meet the qualifications for.
STEP 6: DETERMINE POSSESSIONS
A character’s possessions are partly determined by the
character’s Career, partly by their Background and
Skills, and possibly by the Quirk(s) they have chosen.
There is also a random element – all characters gain
$(2D x Core Career Ability* x 250) in cash, bullion, or
convertible trade goods.
Some Quirks and Careers may allow a character to
increase the amount (or require them to decrease it)
and/or may allow them to possess some equipment
free of charge as part of a Mustering Out benefit.
* Core Career Ability equals Base Career Ability (for
any Career pursued, if more than one) + Highest Skill
Level. Alternatively, take the average of all Career Skills
possessed within one Career, rounding up.
STEP #7: DETERMINE AT START EXPERIENCE
All characters have “left over” experience at the start
of the game, partly representing intermediate progress
to the next level in one or more skills but, more
importantly, being immediately usable as expendable
Luck (see the Luck rules at the end of the book).
At Start Experience is based on the character’s base
Ability score in each Ability (except Luck, of course),
modified by Age and some Quirks (specifically Child
Prodigy/Veteran).
It may be distributed amongst any Skill or Skills the
character possesses that is based on that Ability, but
no more than double the Ability value may be distrib-
uted to a single skill.
· Teenage characters get (Ability Score)* experience.
A Child Prodigy gets (1½ x Ability Score)*.
· Young Adults, Adults and Experienced characters
get (2 x Ability Score)* experience. If they also have
the Veteran quirk, they get (3 x Ability Score)*.
· Veteran Age characters have (3 x Ability Score)*
experience. If they also have the Veteran quirk they
get (4 x Ability Score)*.
* Ability Score for these calculations is base Ability,
unaffected by positive or negative Focuses.
26
For example, a character with all five characteristics @ 3
would get 3 experience points to distribute amongst skills
based on that Ability (total, not per skill) if they are a
Teenager – ranging to 12 EPs (again, total, not per skill)
for Veteran characters who also have the Veteran Quirk.
The maximum they can put into a given skill is (2 x 3) =
6 experience (which, obviously, doesn’t apply to the
Teenager as they don’t have 6 EP in any Ability area!)
B ACKGROUNDS
These indicate the character’s family status, educat-
ion and general upbringing.
Backgrounds play an important role in determining
what Careers and Skills a character may pursue before
game start, so choose wisely!
UNEMPLOYED
The character was born and raised in a family where
the parent(s) or guardians were not in long-term full-
time employment as they had little education or few
saleable skills and subsisted on government benefits.
Unemployed characters add +1 to CUN (and a +1
CUN-based Focus) and add +1 level to HLT and
Streetwise Skills purchased at Character Creation.
Limited educational opportunities mean DED (except
appropriate Environ Knowledge) and APT (except
Survival) Skills are treated as non-Career (or 3 SP/level
to DED, then 6 SP/level if already non-Career) at
Character Creation.
Unemployed must take the Poverty Quirk but may buy
it off after game starts for twenty (20) Experience Points.
WORKING POOR
The character was born and raised in a family where
the parent(s) or guardian(s), though in regular employ-
ment, had in menial, unskilled, jobs and had to strug-
gle to make ends meet.
Bad luck? Bad judgement? Immigrant background?
Doesn’t matter – whatever it is, it’s been more than
enough to make your start in life ... Harder. It has had
a permanent developmental impact on the character
though, of course, they may overcome it.
Working Poor characters get +1 to either CUN or APT
Ability and add +1 to HLT based Skills and Streetwise,
at Character Creation.
Limited educational opportunities means DED Skills
(except appropriate Environ Knowledge) are treated as
non-Career (or pay 3 SP/level to DED, then 6 SP/level
if already non-Career) at Character Creation.
It costs working poor characters double normal to buy
their first level of Wealth Quirk. If they do not have the
Wealth Quirk, they take 20% off their Starting Wealth.
RURAL
The character has been raised in small rural town in
or on a farm or ranch and had a chance to gain skills
not easily available to “city slickers.”
(or pay 3 SP/level to DED, then 6 SP/level if already
non-Career) at Character Creation.
c
They tend to be better off than average, so they add

They get +1 APT or HLT (and a +1 Focus to either) and

+10% to their Starting Wealth even if they buy the
Wealth Quirk.
h
+1 Level to HLT based Skills (plus Technician and
Survival) purchased at Character Creation. ENTREPRENEURIAL a
The character was born into a wealthy family with
They’re not used to big cities or higher education, so
Streetwise Skill is treated as a non-Career (or 3 SP/level
wide influence and power in the realms of commerce,
industry and government.
r
to CMD, then 6 SP/level if already non-Career) as are
DED Skills at Character Creation. They get +1 CMD and +1 Level to CMD Skills except
a
Streetwise purchased at Character Creation.
They’re poor(ish) as well, so take 10% off their Starting
Wealth even if they buy the Wealth Quirk. Entrepreneurial characters are brought up in a shel-
c
BLUE COLLAR
tered environment and treat APT Skills as a non-Car-
eer (or pay 3 SP/level to DED, then 6 SP/level if
t
The character has been raised in a family where the already non-Career) at Character Creation.
parent(s) or guardian(s) have been in regular employ-
ment and in a skilled craft or trade. They also gains one level of the Wealth Quirk for free if
e
The character gets +1 APT or HLT (and a +1 Focus to
they purchase the first level. If they do not, they get
+20% to Starting Wealth.
r
either) and +1 Level to any APT or CUN Skills pur-
chased at Character Creation.

The family ethos works against the pursuit of intellect-

ual skills, so DED Skills (except Environ Knowledge)
c
are always treated as non-Career (or 3 SP/level to DED,
then 6 SP/level if already non-Career) at Character
Creation.
r
WHITE COLLAR e
The character was born and raised in a family where
the parent(s) were in regular full-time employment in
a skilled non-craft or trade job.
a
The character gets +1 DED or CMD and +1 Level to
t
any DED or CMD Skills except Streetwise purchased at
Character Creation. i
White Collar characters are brought up in a sheltered
environment and treat APT Skills (except Literature,
o
Musician and Performer) and Streetwise as non-Career
(or pay 3 SP/level to DED, then 6 SP/level if already
non-Career) at Character Creation.
n
PROFESSIONAL
The character was born and raised in a family where
the parent(s) were in regular full-time employment in
a professional (often, but not always, a university
college qualified) field.

The character gets +1 DED or CMD and +1 Level to

any DED or CMD Skills except Streetwise purchased at
Character Creation.

Professional characters are brought up in a sheltered 27

environment and treat APT Skills (except Literature,
Musician and Performer) and Streetwise as non-Career
 CHARACTER CREATION – ABILITIES
The six (6) Abilities – Health, Cunning, Aptitude, Deduc-
tion, Command and Luck – represent the potential
physical and mental talent enabling a character to be
described in mechanical terms for the D10 Game
System used in Road to Armageddon.
Each Ability is rated from zero (0) to ten (10), with
normal human ability in the range one (1) to six (6) and
the human average being three (3) or four (4).
The scale used is coarse enough, and the Abilities are
defined in such a way, as to not really require male-
female differentiation.
If it really concerns you that much, give males a free +1
Forte on (Health) Strength and females a free +1 Forte
on (Health) Health.
This does not remove the maximum +2 Forte allowable
for a given aspect. In effect, making Strength increases
cheaper for men, and Health cheaper for women.
If you care that much. Personally, as a designer, I feel
that any differences should be represented as part of
your overall character design process.
If you are creating a female character, then, perhaps,
your estimates of her abilities should be modified accord-
ingly – the same being true for a male character.
Or, putting it another way, is there really a reason to not
give a woman a 6 Strength? Or a man a 1? Women with
STR 6 would be much rarer than Men with the same level
– but so what?
The character design system isn’t trying to give an exact
replication of the percentage likelihood of any given
character having any given Ability rating when compar-
ed with the general population.
What its trying to allow is the creation of reasonably
believable, but sometimes exceptional, characters. Hope-
fully you will agree that it is successful in this.
ABILITY RATINGS
Weak 1
Below Average 2 (1+1), Minor (Stretched)/2 (1+1), Major (Winded)/2 (1+1),
Average (Low) 3
Average (High) 4 Minor (Stretched)/3 (1+1+1), Major (Winded)/2 (1+1),
Above Average 5
28 Exceptional (normal Human maximum) 6 Note: Other factors may also change a Character’s
Parahuman 7+
HEALTH (HLT)
Health represents all of a character’s physical char-
acteristics, including – strength (ability to lift weights,
do physical damage), agility (hand-eye co-ordination,
fine motor skills), reaction speed (speed of movement,
order of actions) and health (fatigue, resist disease and
poison, recovery from wounds and sickness).
ATHLETICS
Athletics (Movement, including Jumping; Weightlifting
and etc.) is covered in detail in the chapter on The
Physical World (page #132), but the relevant tables
are reproduced opposite for reference.
DAMAGE
Damage done by a character with melee or missile
weapons that rely on muscle power to do damage is
based on the damage rating of the weapon, with an
+1D for HLT/3-4, +2D for 5-6 and +3D for 7.
These bonuses are not cumulative. A HLT/6 character
will do +2D only – and not (+1D) + (+2D) = +3D.
HEALTH
Health (Fatigue Points, Fatigue Recovery; Damage &
Wounds, including Wound Point determination) rules
are detailed further in The Physical World chapter
(see page #140).
To summarise – all characters get one (1) point in each
of the five Wound and Fatigue grades (Flesh/Tired,
Minor/Stretched, Major/Winded, Serious/Exhausted,
Disabling/Prostrate) plus an additional number of
points equal to Health distributed to the first four
grades (Flesh to Serious/Tired to Prostrate).
One point is distributed per wound (or fatigue) grade
until all wound/fatigue grades have two points, then
repeat from top to bottom until all points are allocated.
Remember, no additional points from this process are
added to a character’s Disabling wound (or Prostrate
fatigue) level – all (human) characters have only one
point in this grade.
Therefore, HLT/3 gives a character – Flesh (Tired)/2
Serious (Exhausted)/1, Disabling (Prostrate)/1; while
HLT/6 would give a character – Flesh (Tired)/3 (1+1+1),
Serious (Exhausted)/2 (1+1) and Disabling (Prostrate)/1.
base Fatigue or Wound ratings. See the rules on Dam-
age & Wounds pg. #141
 ATHLETICS (MOVEMENT) TABLE
CUNNING (CUN) HLT/DIFF WALK RUN CRAWL/CLIMB SWIM c
Cunning represents intuitive abilities, including – obser-
vation (search and detection, native intuition, discern
connection) and senses (touch, taste, smell, sight, hear-
ing – and a “sixth sense” if the GM deems it approp-
1
2
2
3
15
20
1
2
2
4
h
riate, and which is not the same as the Quirk). 3
4
4
5
25
30
3
4
6
8
a
Cunning is not cognate with Wisdom. The player is the
one who must provide that. Cunning is a measure of
things the character can do if the player makes the
5 6 35 5 10 r
correct decisions. 6
7
7
8
40
45
6
7
12
14
a
Anyone with any experience knows the drill. Characters
with high Wisdom and, shall we say, careless players
tend to do worse in the game than characters with low
8
9
9
10
50
55
8
9
16
18
c
Wisdom and careful players.
ATHLETICS (WEIGHTLIFTING) TABLE
t
That’s life.

These rules only provide the tools. It’s up to the player’s

HEALTH/DIFF CARRY CAPACITY e
1 45 kg
natural rat cunning to use them effectively … or not.
2 60 kg r
SPOTTING 3 80 kg
Spotting (Sight, Noise, Smell and Awareness) is covered
in The Sensory World chapter. 4 105 kg

However, note that the ranges at which things can be

spotted don’t increase according to your Ability, only
your chance of spotting things in that range band does.
A small but significant difference, and something to be
aware of.
APTITUDE (APT)
This ability represents artistic and creative abilities,
including – technical ability (operate, repair and main-
tain), creativity (design, modify, improve and con-
struct) and fashion (create, perform, modify, or imp-
rove with panache and style).
No. Aptitude doesn’t cover manual dexterity, despite
what you might expect. That’s part of Health Ability,
and would have to be subject to a Forte to be differentiat-
ed from the base level.
DEDUCTION (DED)
Deduction represents intellectual abilities – logic (det-
ecting/following clues, theorising), rationality (know-
ledge vs belief), recall (deductions based on what the
character knows), intellect (mental capacity) and cultur-
al knowledge (social, cultural and technical knowledge
not covered by specific skills but possessed simply by
virtue of being brought up in a specific society).
Deduction is not cognate with Intelligence. As with
Cunning, the player must provide the intelligence.
Deduction measures things the character can deter-
5 140 kg c
6 185 kg
7 245 kg r
8
9
325 kg
435 kg
e
mine/do if the player gets them to act/ask the right
questions (or whatever is appropriate).
a
Similar drill as for Cunning. Characters may know
t
things about the world the Players don’t – or vice versa.
This Ability allows Players to garner information from
i
their character’s knowledge and experience – and may
also prevent the characters from benefiting from exper-
o
ience that the player does, but which they may not.
Regardless, it is up to the Players to provide the guid-
n
ance. Having a high Deduction does not mean the GM
must inform them of something they have missed – it is
possible for really smart people to make really dumb
mistakes. Happens all the time.
COMMAND (COM)
Command represents social and/or professional
standing (or how it is perceived), presence (their “look
of eagles” – the innate ability to exert authority over
others, not just in combat) and popularity (partly
looks, partly charisma, partly reputation). 29
If you want to be a leader of men, rather than a follower,
 then this Ability will help. However, it isn’t the only
factor – leadership is very situational.
For example, Rank and Authority Quirks (or Rank or
Authority gained through role play) will tend to out-
weigh unaided Command.
Command will allow differentiation between two charac-
ters of the same level or type of Authority or Rank, but it
will not necessarily allow a character without either
Quirk (or otherwise acquired Rank or Authority) to over-
ride those with them.
On the other hand, a character with a high Command
will be listened too carefully even by those of higher
Rank or Authority, and their “suggestions” given greater
weight, perhaps.
Remember, however, that Abilities are merely a frame-
work that allows a Character to attempt actions that the
Player running them thinks of.
So the Player must work Command effectively to get
what they want.
If they don’t, well, tough.
LUCK (LCK)
Luck is does not directly govern any skills. Instead, it
it is used to modify the objective “reality” of the game.
The Ability will rarely be used, but, when it is, can
have extremely powerful, game reality altering, effects
– and is very hard to regain.
Think of Luck Ability as being like a cat’s nine lives, but
for a character. It can save your hide by rewriting reality
in beneficial ways – but its power is limited by the
limited number of Ability points you’re likely to have
available, and by how difficult it is to actually recover a
Luck Ability point once spent.
More commonly, Experience points (see Experience)
may also be expended to increase the number of dice
rolled (Task Resolution) or reduce damage taken (The
Physical World) – representing a more commonly
available, but less widely impacting, form of Luck.
Experience as Luck must be used before the die roll that
the player wishes to modify.
For exceptional situations, Luck may be spent directly
to alter game reality in major ways beyond the scope
of rolling mere extra dice (see Using Luck).
Direct expenditure of Luck is normally done after a
failed roll, and is mostly an attempt to alter the conse-
30 quences of failure.
In some circumstances, the situation that the character is
attempting to alter is not the result of a roll that they or
their colleagues failed, but one failed by someone else,
or created by a situation that no-one specific had control
of. This is treated in the same way.
However, the GM and the GM alone will decide how
reality altering the effects will be. Generally, allow the
minimum possible change – which may pull the char-
acters from the fire, but place them in the frying pan –
but they’ll get another chance to attempt … whatever.
A BILITIES & FOCUSES
Abilities measure broad attributes so, to provide
greater differentiation, you can allow Focuses, which
divide the broad Ability areas up with finer strokes.
This section is entirely optional, as it can add con-
siderable complexity. It is highly recommended how-
ever, especially for experienced role players.
Focuses apply to a subset of an Ability, for a modifier
of +/–1 to base value – but must be balanced, so for
each +1 there must normally be a -1 Focus to match it
somewhere (not necessarily in the same Ability).
Focuses are normally limited to a maximum of +/– 2
each in Road to Armageddon (unless otherwise specif-
ied – for example, Changed or Mutable quirks).
At the GM’s option, they may allow a character to have
Focus greater than +/– 2. If they do, they should limit it
to one Ability – and, perhaps, only for characters who
have taken the Changed or Mutable Quirk.
Note: The use of Focuses can significantly advantage
characters over those characters who do not use them.
Focuses may not normally be applied if they would
lower the effective value of the Ability to zero (0) or less
or raise the effective value above six (6) – however, see
the Changed and Mutable Quirks for exceptions.
The 1-6 range is, of course, for Human characters.
Almost all of the characters in Road to Armageddon will,
initially, be standard Humans – with a tiny percentage
being possessors of the Changed or Mutable Quirks that
allow this rule to be subverted to allow values of 7+.
In other d10 system games, including expansions for
Road to Armageddon, there will be characters that
aren’t entirely (or even slightly) human, but which may
be playable – specific Ability ranges for such characters
will be introduced where and when they are.
Also note that these ranges do not, of course, apply to
animals and the like, though the scale will be used (and
also extrapolated below one (1) and above ten (10) to
represent their abilities, where necessary).

HEALTH FOCUSES
Agility: Reaction speed (Act first on ties) and fluidity of
movement. Reaction time (adds to Action Pool), walking
a tightrope or narrow ledge (Balance), broken field
running. Dodging attacks.
Dexterity: Hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills.
Aiming, parrying, controlling a remote vehicle, drawing
a perfect circle or straight line freehand.
Health: contracting/recovery from injury/disease (com-
bined or separate). Resistance to poisons, Long Term
Endurance. Pain Tolerance. Alcohol Tolerance.
stage presence, voice projection. Theatrical Trivia. Quote
from Play(s).
c
Literature: Aspects of the literary arts. Spin Doctor.
Oratory or Debate. Technical/Report Writing. Literary
allusion or Appropriate quotation. Literary trivia.
h
a
DEDUCTION FOCUSES
Calculation: Mathematical abilities. Lightning calcu-
lator, mental arithmetic, statistical pattern recognition.
r
Intuition: Investigation or Interpretation of a limited or
a
specific area, Spot hidden, Sense motive, Detect false-

Stamina: Short Term Endurance. Fatigue recovery.

hood, Uncover forgery. Subliminal warning. c
Strength: Applied muscle power (Arm wrestling,
Memory: Attempts to remember information. Eidetic
memory, Never Forget a Face (or Name), Retrace steps.
t
leverage). Climbing a free hanging rope, lifting weights,
doing chin-ups. Doing enhanced damage with a Melee
Weapon (or a specific Unarmed Combat attack). Muscle COMMAND FOCUSES
e
powered Missile range. Appearance: Character’s physical appearance. Cross
cultural/Cross species charisma.
r
CUNNING FOCUSES Charm: Ability to Command others. Seduction.
Empathy: Emotional reading. Detecting Lies. Predicting Convince. Fast Talk.
reactions (“Which way will they jump?” or “What will
they do if faced with situation X?”). Good Cop/Bad Cop. Culture: Standing within their native (or adopted) culture.
c
Hearing: Hearing and interpreting sounds. Determine
direction. Interpret multiple simultaneous conversations.
Family: Family standing – Command or the acquisition
of family Support (including financial support).
r
Instinct: Enhanced Reaction. “Bad Feeling” (non-Quirk Career: Character’s standing within their chosen Career.
e
“sixth sense” – a weak form). Detect subliminal clues.

Sight: Discerning and interpreting visual cues, Pattern

Nope. No Luck Focuses. Nice try. a
Recognition, Enhanced low light vision. Enhanced long
distance vision.
t
Smell: Detecting and interpreting smells. i
Taste: Discerning and interpreting tastes. Taste Poison
(or Drug).
o
Touch: Discerning and interpreting touch and sensation.
Sense movement/direction by vibration.
n
APTITUDE FOCUSES
Visual: Aspects of the visual arts. Drawing, Painting etc.
Fine colour sense. See through camouflage. Art trivia.

Musical: Aspects of the musical arts. Playing an instru-

ment, singing, composing musical works. Music trivia.
Perfect pitch. Enhanced audio range.

Physical: Aspects of the physical arts. Sculpting,

Weaving, Pottery etc. Mechanical affinity. Art trivia. 31
Thespian: Aspects of the theatrical arts. Confidence,
 CHARACTER CREATION – QUIRKS
Quirks are used to add variation and flavour to the
game by helping to make a character unique.
The following Quirks are those that are commonly
available in the world of Road to Armageddon – how-
ever, if you, as GM, feel some are inappropriate for the
style or feel of the campaign you intend to run, feel
free to modify or delete them … and feel equally free
to add ones that aren’t here (or from other PGD
products) and which you feel are appropriate.
If you do any or all of the above, it is strongly advised
that your additions follow the basic pattern that the
existing Quirks adhere to and/or that any changes you
make are internally consistent and equally applied
across all similarly functioning Quirks.
PURCHASE COSTS AND BASIC RULES
Each Advantageous Quirk costs one (1) Ability point or
three (3) Skill points.
Each Disadvantageous Quirk adds one (1) Ability point
or three (3) Skill points to a character’s total.
Young Adult or older characters may choose up to three
(3) Advantageous Quirks but may take more than this
by adding Disadvantageous Quirks; Teenagers may
only choose three (3) Quirks, total.
Quirks gained through Backgrounds or Careers do not
necessarily count against this limit.
Some Quirks may be purchased at two or more levels,
each level costs the same Ability or Skill points as the
first, and does not count as an “extra” Quirk.
Quirks may only be voluntarily purchased during the
Character Creation process – however, it is possible
that the equivalent effects/benefits to some may be
acquired through role play entirely at GM’s discretion.
Quirks should be purchased with great care as the intent
is that they are to as close to permanent as possible.
No arrangements are made for “buying off” disadvant-
ageous Quirks nor can characters voluntarily acquire
them after game start.
This does not mean that it would be completely imposs-
ible for characters to acquire or remove the effects of any
of the Quirks listed below, but it does mean that it would
be extremely Difficult to do so – and could only be done
through extended role playing efforts.
32
It is possible that a character may acquire the elements
of a Quirk through extended role play after the cam-
paign has started, but, generally speaking, they should
get no additional AP/SP for it and the elements may be
removed by circumstance, and these may or may not be
difficult to meet.
For example, a player whose character crosses the wrong
NPC might, effectively, acquire the elements of the Fug-
itive Quirk, but gain no AP/SP for such, and the ele-
ments acquired may be removed by something as simple
as eliminating the NPC that is hunting them
Unlike an actual “Fugitive” who will find family,
friends, business acquaintances etc. etc. of the person
hunting them coming back … again, and again, and
again and again …
UBIQUITY
With some Quirks, the GM, entirely at their discretion,
may decide that only one PC per group may possess it.
Which ones an individual GM chooses to treat in this
way, and their reasoning behind such choices, are
entirely up to them. It is not open to argument, though
the GM may discuss it … again, their decision is final.
ADVANTAGEOUS
ADVANCED TECH POSSESSION (2 TYPES)
This Quirk allows a character to take a single possess-
ion that is of higher tech than is normally available.
As with the Major Possession Quirk, this does not have
to be from the equipment lists herein – though it does
have to have quantifiable properties in game terms
(and the GM has to work out or approve any such).
There are two types – Civilian and Military.
Civilian items are rare items of cutting edge (or,
maybe, bleeding edge) technology but are perfectly
legal for a civilian to own in any reasonable jurisdict-
ion (and may include some non-military weapons).
Military items are equally rare, and equally cutting (or
bleeding) edge, but include weapons and other items
that it would be illegal for a civilian to own.
A civilian item might be, for example, a PDA with the
computing and storage capacity of a standard laptop
computer and which also functions as a mobile phone,
walkie-talkie radio, GPS unit and much more, all with a
full suite of civilian grade software.
A military item, on the other hand, could be a pre-prod-
uction model of your PC’s Army’s latest and greatest new
pre-production prototype infantry weapon)
The item, whatever it is, does not have to be purchased
with money – so it can be of any value. However, it is
not a Major Possession and should be something the
character could carry around on or about their person.
Yep. No vehicles. No artillery pieces. No Mainframe
computers. Something that they can carry in their hands
or in a backpack or suitcase.
It is allowable that it be broken down for transport as
long as all the components can be carried by the charac-
ter on or about their person at the same time.
On the other hand, a military grade (EMP shielded)
laptop computer is as rare as hen’s teeth in the post-holo-
caust world of Road to Armageddon, so it would make a
perfect Advanced Tech Possession.
If the Advanced Tech Possession is lost or destroyed
then the character will, eventually, be able to replace
it (or have it replaced by someone else) at no monetary
cost with something similar, if not exactly the same.
As with the Major Possession Quirk, the degree to which
the character was at fault in the loss or destruction of
their Advanced Tech should have a direct impact on how
long it takes to replace.
Location at the time of loss can have an impact as well –
if they’re in the middle of a covert intelligence gathering
operation in the slagged ruins of eastern Europe that
advanced PDA cum Laptop is not likely to be replaced
until they return to base.
Also, losing that weapon prototype in the middle of a
battle means that they’ll likely have to wait till it’s over
(or they’re withdrawn) before they can get a replacement.
AMBIDEXTROUS
This quirk allows a character to not only use either
hand to perform any task without the penalty normally
applying to off-hand use, it allows them to perform two
tasks simultaneously and at no penalty.
For example, an ambidextrous character can fire two
pistols simultaneously – treating the two attacks as one
action for reaction order and multiple action penalties.
Of course, the two attacks must still be resolved with two
separate task checks.
Or, say, they want to operate the vehicle radio with one
hand, searching for the emergency frequency, while
driving the vehicle evasively with the other.
No penalty would apply for the two actions performed
together, though, of course, separate penalties might
apply to each for operational reasons (the normal diffic-
ulty of finding the emergency frequency, and the normal
difficulty for driving evasively, for example).
c
h
a
r
Note: Being ambidextrous doesn’t give the character any
a
more bonus dice to distribute between the two task
resolution attempts, so their efforts to do both those
things will be naturally constrained anyway.
c
AUTHORITY (2 LEVELS) t
Indicates that the character has responsibilities which
permit him to exercise special rights under the law of
the state or territory where they normally operate.
e
At the base level, the Quirk is limited to a specific city
r
or state (depending on local political arrangements)
and does not extend beyond – except as a courtesy.
At second level, it extends wherever the authority of
the nation providing it also extends.
c
Teenagers may not purchase this Quirk (and may not
acquire it as part of a Career). Young Adults may only
r
purchase one (1) level – but they may purchase this in
addition to any level gained through a Career.
e
This is a specifically civilian power – characters with it
only have as much power on military reservations or over
a
military personnel as they would under the normal
political realities of their national political arrangements.
t
It is possible to transfer the power from one locale to
another, in time – representing secondment for training
i
and/or liaison purposes/as part of an inter-organisation-
al task force or for some other bureaucratic justification.
o
Of course, this would normally be done only to further
the needs of the Game Master and their campaign world.
n
BRICK (2 LEVELS)
Indicates that the character has greater strength than
would be expected from his Health score, and gains
+1D/level to all rolls dependent on Strength (including
Health Concentration Rolls).
This also affects Damage Rolls (see Determining Dam-
age in the Combat section).
CHANGED (MULTIPLE LEVELS)
Indicates that the character is different to the rest of 33
humanity ... in a limited way. Changed characters may
purchase base Abilities to a value of seven (7).
 A Changed character may use Focuses to increase their
effective Ability levels up to a value of nine (9) and
may buy off the negative counterpart that normally
applies at a cost of one Skill Point/point.
Focuses normally work by granting a +1 bonus in one
specific area of an Ability at the cost of a -1 DIFF to
another specific area. Changed characters can, in effect,
purchase an increase with no penalty.
In Road to Armageddon such people are very rare, and
each level of Changed allows only one (1) Ability to be
increased.
In other circumstances, and in other PGD products, this
may not always be the case.
Players and GMs who simply want to be part of a
post-holocaust military campaign will probably not want
to allow this – however, those that use the full RtA
background will face situations that make it viable.
Indeed, under certain exceptional circumstances they
may even allow characters who did not take this Quirk
to acquire its benefits during the course of play (at great
cost in experience and player effort, of course).
Changed is also a prerequisite for Mutable.
CONNECTIONS
The character has friends or associates in some sort of
criminal, political, community, religious, military or
other organization which he can call on for assistance.
These “connections” can be individuals rather than
organisations – perhaps students, followers or employ-
ees of the character; workmates or long term acquaint-
ances with whom they have a cordial relationship.
Assistance means some form of information or service
that the “connection” can acquire or provide at no (or
minimal) expense, inconvenience or danger (or is really
an extension of their basic job) on behalf of the character.
For example, your Librarian acquaintance can find out
all sorts of obscure information about the old Simpson
Estate – it’s not much different from what they normally
do and the library’s paying for their time anyhow.
It might cost tickets to the next Sheffield Shield cricket
match (or Cubs baseball game), or a nice bottle of per-
fume. Or a return favour to ask of you one day.
If there is a cost or risk involved, then the “connection”
is less likely to assist – though, if they have a long term
commercial arrangement with you about payment, they
still might. On credit. On the understanding that pay-
34 ment will be involved.
So, if Sam the cabbie normally provides information for
you and you suddenly need to move an unconscious
body, no questions asked, he’ll probably do it – on the
understanding that he’ll want payment for his time and
the risk (and to be bailed out if it all goes pear shaped!).
The degree of danger, difficulty, cost or inconvenience
will cause a “connected” character much less difficulty
in acquiring information or services than it would a
normal character.
This does not mean they won’t suffer difficulties – but
they will gain a +2D bonus to offset any penalties that
may be applicable to “normal” characters.
Normally this Quirk is only applicable to areas that
the character has a long association with – with time
to “make a connection” they can probably find a
“friend of a friend” who owes a favour and is prepared
to pay it off by performing a service anywhere.
This is an innate knack – even if the PC leaves home and
travels half a world away it will only be a matter of time
before they cultivate new “connections” there.
How much time it requires for them to get back up to
speed depends on the needs of the campaign and the role
playing skills of the player.
In the meantime, any penalties that may be applied can
be negated if the character is prepared to spend extra
time searching for just the support/info they need.
Only if they are in a hurry will penalties apply.
ENHANCED IMMUNITY (TWO TYPES)
The character has increased immunity against either
poisons or diseases. It reduces damage inflicted on a
character possessing it by half (round down), for a
minimum reduction of one (1) point.
Characters must have a Health Ability three (3) or
greater to take this Quirk and may not take it if they
already have Addiction.
Characters may purchase both types separately.
Yes. Alcohol is a poison for the purposes of this Quirk.
FLEXIBILITY
Indicates that the character has the innate ability to
pick up new skills (or find new ways of applying
existing ones), at least on a temporary basis.
Flexible characters may convert existing levels in a skill
into temporary levels in another for which they give a
(reasonably) convincing explanation of the connection.
To do this costs the character one Skill Point for each
application (consumed just as if it were being used as
a Luck Point).
In return, for every two levels of an existing skill they
take one level of the new skill which will apply for the
remainder of the session (or a game week for extended
sessions) or until the character desires to terminate its
use (to regain the full level of the base skill).
For example a character from an Army Career back-
ground has Driving/6 (the specialisation doesn’t matter)
but they need to acquire Seamanship temporarily.
been a long war, and both sides are scraping the bottom
of the barrel by the end?
c
If you do allow this, then the maximum rank they should
probably be allowed to take would be CR1 or CR2 at
most (2nd Lieutenant or Lieutenant in the US Army).
h
They also get $(2D x Core Career Ability x 375) in
a
starting cash.

They point out that most armies have some waterborne
vehicle training and argue that they should be able to
temporarily convert Driving/6 to Seamanship/3.
The GM listens carefully, and agrees that this is a reason-
able request and has a solid basis in reality, and allows
the character to go ahead.
The downside is that the levels they possess in the
parent skill are reduced by an amount equal to the
increase in the flexible skill.
This reduction represents the effects of the intense
training and concentration needed to convert action
routines from one area of training to another.
In the example above, the character would gain Seaman-
ship/3 but would have their Driving skill reduced to
Driving/3 for the duration.
Heroes have a lot to live up to – being recognised as one
r
is often a matter of luck, and the heroes mostly know it.
They’ve seen the same sorts of acts they are being award-
a
ed a medal for go unremarked and unrewarded.
Which in no way takes away from the bravery they
c
themselves display – except, perhaps, to them.
t
INTERNAL COMPASS (2 LEVELS)
Indicates that the character can never become lost in
either the wilderness or a city (any city). The character
e
can extrapolate their general location from signs in
the environment in general.
r
Characters may take this Quirk twice – once each for
wilderness and city environs.
A character who has either of these should be allowed at
c
a +1D bonus to rolls to determine location/direction in

HERO
The character has won a major medal (or equivalent
civilian award) for their bravery (or, perhaps, has won
a series of medals or awards?).
the other environment, compared to “ordinary” people. r
INTERNAL CLOCK
Indicates that the character possesses a knack for
e
always knowing the exact time and date (assuming no

All age groups, even Teenagers, may take this Quirk.

“lacunae” [missing blocks of time] caused by prolong- a
Whether this is because they were merely in the right
t
place at the right time (which is mostly the case), did
something they wouldn’t have if they’d had time to
think, or were merely suicidally stupid doesn’t really
i
matter – they have a reputation to live up to now!
o
They gets +1D to Command based skills when dealing
with someone who knows their background. n
If they are medal winners and the audience is from a
military background, they get +2D to Leadership rolls.

Heroes in the military get, free, one level of Military

Rank (if they’re a private soldier, they are promoted to
NCO; if they’re an NCO they’re promoted to Officer
rank) – and this does apply even to Teenagers, though
they may only take it to NCO level, and doesn’t count
against their reduced limit.

You may decide that, depending on how old the Teen-

ager actually is, to allow them to take a promotion to 35
officer rank. This would be believable for 18-19 year
olds, and, barely, for 17 year olds – did I mention it’s
 ed coma or some form of time distortion or time
travel) and exactly how much time has passed.
You know this innately. You need no time to make a
Check, it is instantaneous.
There is normally no need to make a Check, it is
normally going to be automatically successful.
If you’re drugged and knocked out, then knowing, in-
nately, how much time has passed while you’re drugged
or knocked out is perfectly believable.
Unless those who have rendered you unconscious have
gone to considerable lengths to conceal this, and maybe
not even that would be enough (allow a Check).
On the other hand, being placed in suspended animation
or passing through a time portal – all you’ll get is a
feeling that something is out of kilter at best.
And, though it probably will be of no particular use,
you’ll be able to determine how much time has passed
with that lacuna stripped out.
So, you step through a time gate and find yourself in the
future (or past). You will know that it’s been 30 minutes
since you entered the enemy Science Complex.
Not much help if you’re now 25 millennia in the future
– except that the CBW filters on your suits are good only
for another 90 minutes (which may be irrelevant – or not
– depending on the situation as it now exists).
LIKEABLE
You’re naturally likeable. Anyone and everyone treats
you better than you have any right to expect – even
your enemies.
People you encounter, as well as people who know you
well, tend to give you the benefit of the doubt in any
situation where you, your motives, or your actions are
called into question.
You really have to work hard to get people offside –
pretty much deliberately trying to kill (or seriously
injure, or steal from) them being the only way.
Or looking like you’re going to try and kill (or seriously
injure, or steal from) them.
This doesn’t add anything to any particular Skill or
Check, but it does mean that, regardless of whether you
succeed or fail in any relevant checks, you, personally,
are treated the best of all of those in your party by those
around you who do not belong to it … because you’re
likeable (or, at least, less unlikeable than your fellows).
36
The game implications of this quirk are extraordinarily
wide and really defy easy quantification.
For example, it means that in any sort of negotiation,
even with people or groups that are overt enemies of your
party, they’ll give you a chance to at least state your case
without shooting you down like a dog.
And if you can’t win them over, they’ll offer you a last
cigarette before the firing squad while your fellows are
simply dragged off to stand in front of the courtyard wall
kicking and screaming. Which may make a difference.
Or may not.
If you find the last, vital, supplies of .50 cal BMG ammo
in the whole eastern european settlement, and it’s a toss
up as to who they’ll sell it to – you or your competition
– they’ll offer you the chance to make a last offer and
tell you what the final offer by your opponents was.
Or the Highway Patrol officer has caught you speeding.
Maybe by a lot. But his radio check of your License
shows that you don’t have any recent tickets (or even any
recent warnings) … so they give you a lecture and let you
go on your way.
LIGHTNING REFLEXES (MULTIPLE LEVELS)
Indicate a character is faster to react than their Health
would otherwise indicate.
Each level taken adds +1D to the character’s Action
Pool – and, in the case of otherwise tied Actions, the
character with Lightning Reflexes gets to act first even
on the same second.
MAJOR POSSESSION (2 TYPES)
This allows the character to take any item from the
equipment lists (or which they can convince the GM to
run up the specs for) with the approval of the GM.
The two levels are actually separate, and one does not
need to be taken in order to acquire the other.
One is for Military, the other for Civilian items. Each
counts as one Quirk – you could take one Military and
one Civilian Major Possession if desired.
The cost of the item is irrelevant for purposes of
“possession” – the character has somehow managed to
acquire it over and above whatever money or other
goods they gain through the character creation process.
The item may even be, if it is military in nature, illegal
for an ordinary private individual to have – whether
the character has a legal license to allow possession
(and what restrictions might apply) is up to the GM.
Exactly what can a character get with this Quirk? Well,
pretty much anything within reason – but you, as GM,
have to decide what is reasonable.
Since RtA is a military oriented campaign, a character
could take a Main Battle Tank as their major possession
– which really only means that they are assigned a
specific tank and can ensure it is effectively theirs as long
as the campaign remains military in nature.
Or, perhaps, a wealthy character could take a Private
Jet – but unless they have a Sidekick who is a pilot, or
are one themselves, they don’t get a crew with it.
Perhaps, more realistically, they may take the Private
Jet as as part of a private air charter business they own
– which may be requisitioned, along with its crew, when
the Three Way War goes pear shaped.
On the other hand, in the civilian sphere there is little
chance (outside the US and some third world hellholes)
that a private individual would be allowed to own a tank
under any normal circumstances – and this quirk only
provides the goods, not the license to own/use.
In the US, it is barely possible that a collector might get
an insanely expensive and restrictive license from the
BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) to own
a functional obsolete tank as a “historical curio” – in
third world hellholes, well, anything might be possible.
The item must be something that one person could op-
erate, even though it might require a larger crew to be
fully operational (MBT, yes. Ballistic Missile Sub, no!).
However, a number of characters with this Quirk could
(at GM’s option) pool it to acquire a larger item as long
as it is minimally operable by the number of PCs who
have clubbed together to acquire it.
Note that the mere possession of the item does not mean
that the character is provided with the fuel, ammunition,
spare parts and maintenance gear to keep it running!
The cost of those additional items should be considered
when being chosen. Be careful what you wish for!
That Private Jet costs an awful lot to run, and its unlikely
the character is wealthy enough to keep it operational
unless they use it to earn its own keep.
If the Major Possession is lost or destroyed then the
character should, eventually, be able to replace it (or
have it replaced by someone else) at no monetary cost
with something similar, if not exactly the same.
If the character does possess an Abrams MBT and it is
destroyed – and they survive its destruction – then the
army will replace it. Eventually.
Of course, in Road to Armageddon that replacement will
be something functionally similar – a locally made Arm-
oured Car, fully equipped; or a M-113 Armoured Caval-
ry vehicle – as their are few or no MBTs available.
How long this will take is up to the GM, but it should
c
h
a
r
a
c
t
e
be balanced according to how much of the reason for
r
the item’s loss was negligence or poor decision making
by the character as opposed to bad luck.
If the player’s bad choices/negligence are the proximate
cause of loss then they should have to wait longer than if
c
expended in a good cause/with good reason.
Regardless of how/why it was lost, replacement time will
r
depend on local conditions – if you are way to hell and
gone off from your main base, your possession isn’t
e
likely to be replaced until they return to that base.
(MILITARY) RANK (2 LEVELS/TYPES)
a
Indicates the character is in the military (or an organ-
isation, such as the Merchant Marine which has a rank
t
structure not represented well by Authority) and holds,
at the first level, a Non-Commissioned rank (or very
junior commissioned rank) and, at the second, a Com-
i
missioned rank (or extremely senior NCO rank).
o
A character who has taken a Military Academy or
ROTC Career may take Commissioned Rank without
having to take Non-Commissioned Rank.
n
All other characters must take Non-Commissioned
Rank before purchasing Commissioned Rank.
Teenagers may not normally take this – and if they do,
only at NCO rank (however, see the Hero Quirk).
This is active military (or paramilitary) rank. The char-
acter will either be in the regular (full time) military or
will have an ongoing reserve commitment.
The exact rank a character holds will partly be a funct- 37
ion of their age, career (and nationality of that career)
and skill choices (NCOs are often technicians in modern
 militaries) and partly a function of discussion with the
GM (and may also be affected by other Quirks, eg
Hero). Read the later section(s) on Troupe Play and
Ranks for guidelines on how to handle the ranks chosen.
Rank means a character is able use the hierarchical
nature of the military or paramilitary group they
belong to to give orders to those of lesser rank within
that group (and, to a lesser extent, related groups of
the same or allied nationality) and, under most circ-
umstances, expect them to be obeyed.
Subordinate NPC characters will tend to follow any
orders given by someone with superior rank – though
this will depend on a wide range of factors too large to
be specifically detailed.
For example, if the character giving the orders has
shown a significant level of military incompetence or
behaviour that is seen as cowardly or self-serving, their
orders may not be fully, or even partly, complied with.
(Exactly how much their subordinates might ignore or
subvert their orders depends partly on the nature of the
nation and organisation they belong to. In the Soviet
Army during the Cold War, the presence of Military
Commissars and NKVD/KGB troops who could – and
would – shoot you out of hand for disobedience, real or
perceived, or for failure to successfully carry out orders,
for example, soldiers will tend to shut up and carry on.)
Likewise, if the soldier(s) being given the orders are not
in the order-giver’s specific unit or chain of command, or
not in their Branch of Service, or if they have specific
orders from someone of higher rank to not do or not
allow something the order-giver wants them to do/allow,
then they may well be reluctant – or outright refuse – to
follow any orders given them.
(A Lieutenant trying to leave a Base under lockdown as
a result of orders from the commanding General will
likely be ignored, even by those of lesser rank, for
example. Likewise, an Army Captain trying to give
orders to a Navy Lieutenant in charge of a shore party
may also be ignored. The exact nature of the orders
being given, the relationship between the organisations
(and/or nationalities) involved and a whole variety of
situational factors will have an impact).
Then there is the issue of Legal and Illegal orders. If the
order contravenes the relevant organisational code (the
Hague and/or Geneva Conventions, for example), then a
soldier may refuse to follow the order – or, at the very
least, formally complain to those higher in the hierarchy
after carrying it out under protest.
One “advantage” of having Rank is that the holder is,
38 theoretically, authorised to carry out field executions
for cowardice in the face of the enemy and/or com-
plete refusal to follow orders.
Which is why it is a good idea to actually commit War
Crimes, under protest, and kick the possibly illegal
orders upstairs after the fact. Won’t help the poor
bastards you’ve killed or mistreated, not immediately,
but it may make the order-giver pay, belatedly … and
even indicating that you’re acting under protest may
calm them down and make them rethink their orders.
This is not a license for an Officer or NCO to simply kill
anyone who hesitates or snaps at will – their actions will
(probably) be scrutinised. It’s like a Policeman killing
someone supposedly in the line of duty – there may be
an investigation, even if only by your immediate superior.
Obviously, Player Characters of lower rank than
another PC are, theoretically, under the same strict-
ures as NPCs. In reality, it would be a very unwise
Player who gave “orders” to their fellow PCs which
they would likely refuse to follow.
Killing them out of hand for such refusal? Do you
think the complete implosion of the campaign, and
probably gaming group, too, would be a good thing?
If not, well … let’s have a little common sense. Even in
military campaigns, PC co-operation should be the
reality – not blatant and outright coercion!
MUTABLE (PREREQUISITE = CHANGED)
Indicates that the character is somehow way beyond
normal human limits.
To possess this Quirk they must also possess the
Changed Quirk and, of course, gain the benefits that
that brings – and more besides.
You may decide that this is too much, and disallow it for
modern era characters ... and it would be unwise to allow
more than one character to take it in any case.
Firstly, a Mutable character can swap his Focus points
around. Improved night vision in one scene could
become improved sense of smell in another!
It costs 1 FAT point per +1D bonus to swap the Focus
between different aspects of an Ability and 2 FAT points
per +1D bonus moved to swap between different Abilities.
The base Focus application is fixed when first chosen
and changes are made from that base.
Secondly, Mutable characters have no limit to the
bonus they can purchase (except the availability of
Ability Points of course) or “swap around.”.
Any Focus that raises an Ability to ten (10) or greater
is, in effect, quasi-magical. It allows characters wield-
ing it to the seemingly impossible – within limits.
Exactly what this involves will need to be determined on
a case by case basis. It isn’t quite magical – there needs
to be some explanation for it, however.
For example, a character is in a pitch black deathtrap
maze with no light – if they raise their Cunning to 10
through allocating Focuses, the GM could allow them to
“see” in a limited way (through something like echo-loc-
ation – humans can’t normally do this – but Bats and
Dolphins can, so there is an explanation for it).
In this instance, since the Focus is four levels higher than
the normal human maximum, the GM could determine
that they can “see” up to four meters in any direction.
The cost of using such paranormal, quasi-magical abilit-
ies is equal to (Ability Level - 6) FAT per use (or per game
turn for ability use that isn’t simply instantaneous).
Thirdly, being Mutable allows a character to move
around Attribute Points.
This can only be done with Attributes that are greater
than seven (7) and takes an hour of preparation or the
expenditure of experience points equal to the number
of points to be moved instantaneously.
No attribute can be reduced below six (6), but any
number of points may be moved around.
Fourthly, Mutable allows characters to acquire Psionic
or Magic abilities and powers – in those situations
where such powers and abilities exist.
Neither Psionics nor Magic exist in the pre-game world
of Road to Armageddon – and if all you intend to do
with these rules is run a post-holocaust military camp-
aign, then they probably won’t ... ever.
However, if you take full advantage of the Road to
Armageddon background material, then something that
is very like Magic (or, maybe, Psionics) does exist ... but,
again, not for the character creation process!
NATURAL LINGUIST
Indicates that the character is able to pick up languag-
es far more easily and quickly than most people.
Firstly, for a Natural Linguist, all Language skills
(spoken and written) cost half normal cost for a char-
acter with this Quirk.
Secondly, a Natural Linguist can communicate with
anyone in a mix of sign language and pidgin as if they
had Skill Level/1 in the subject’s language.
This part of the Quirk does not confer any ability with a
specific language, but a generalised skill that working
across all spoken languages.
The GM may also allow, on a case by case basis, a
character with this Quirk to be able to decipher the
general gist of a short written passage in a language
that they do not otherwise know.
c
This means that they should be able to decipher the
equivalent of Road Signs, short Warning or Instructional
h
labels and any Informational Labels on devices (buttons,
switches, dials etc.) and the like. Anything longer than a
a
sentence is really beyond this Quirk.
Whether this is possible or not will depend on whether
r
they can read the alphabetic or ideogrammatic system
in which it is written. If they can, then they are
a
familiar enough with the language, or a related one,
to provide a general understanding of the passage. c
For most characters this will mean that they should be
able to decipher anything written in a Latin-Roman-
t
Western European alphabet initially.
They might be able to do the same with European
e
languages using a Cyrillic (Eastern European) alphabet,
especially if they have any military or intelligence exper-
r
ience before the game starts (or acquire it as it progresses).
The Greek alphabet? Not likely, though – unless, barely
possible, they have some knowledge of Maths or Science
and extrapolate from the Greek letters often used in such.
c
If they know Japanese, they can probably puzzle out
Chinese – though the reverse may not be true, as the
r
Chinese ideograms used in Japanese are only a part of
that language (it has two alphabetical scripts as well).
e
Most Eastern languages have unique scripts that make it
unlikely there will be any chance at all of deciphering
a
them – since there are no close equivalents to base a “by
guess and by god” interpretation on.
t
However, this all needs to be determined, as noted, on a
case by case basis by the GM.
i
REPUTATION (2 TYPES) o
The character has earned a reputation as reliable and
trustworthy within their chosen sphere, Civilian or
Military – and gains +2D to Command skills when
n
dealing with someone from the same background.
39
 They also have enough innate confidence and pres-
ence because of their reputation such that they get +1D
even if their audience is from the other background.
Civilian Reputation applies fully to interactions with
other Civilians, but is halved for interactions with the
military (i.e. they only get +1D to Command skills if
their audience knows them – and no bonus if they are
unknown to their audience).
A further +1D bonus applies to purely non-combat
interactions (raising the bonus to +3D if know and +2D
if unknown with civilians, and +2D/+1D if known/un-
known with the military).
A Reputation is not the same as having Authority or
Rank, but may have similar effects in some ways.
Military Reputation applies fully to interactions with
other Military personnel, but is halved for interactions
with Civilians (i.e. they only get +1D to Command skills
if their audience knows them – and no bonus if they
are unknown to their audience).
A further +1D bonus applies to purely combat interact-
ions (raising the bonus to +3D if know and +2D if
unknown with military personnel, and +2D/+1D if
known/unknown with civilians).
If you stay anywhere long enough, the locals will pick
up on a reputation. How long this takes is up to the GM,
and may be gradual, first to +1D then to full value.
ROBUST (2 LEVELS)
Indicates that the character has a more robust Health
ability than raw numbers would indicate.
Robust characters gain a bonus of +1D at first level
and +2D at second level to all rolls relating to Strength
and Endurance (including Health Concentration rolls).
They also heal FAT and DAM faster than normal – halve
base healing time (even if Changed or Mutable).
Robust also affects Damage Rolls (see Determining Dam-
age in the Combat section).
SIDEKICK
Indicates that the character has a colleague who ass-
ists them in their everyday work, either by accompany-
ing them in the field or in a behind the scenes role.
Sidekicks are built on 14 Ability and 25 Skill Points
but may not be Changed or Mutable.
The GM must approve all of a Sidekick’s Quirks
(which should be limited to one Advantage and one
40 Disadvantage).
Sidekicks can never really be lost – even if killed. They
do take time to replace – determined by the GM and the
needs of the campaign (if the character’s negligence
caused their demise, replacement should take longer, for
example).
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (2 LEVELS)
You are at one with the aura of the battle or the
surrounding environment – so you are able to sniff out
ambushes, detect booby traps, guess enemy moves in
advance with no clues and much more.
Characters with this gain a +1D bonus at first level
and +2D bonus at second to Observation or Detection
(and related) skill rolls used in a combat situation.
They also gain a +1D bonus at the first level and +2D
at the second to Military Science based skill rolls used
to determine enemy tactics or intentions in advance.
Attacks made against them never gain the normal -1
DIFF for Surprise against them personally (though this
does not apply to anyone else in their group).
Characters cannot choose this if they have already
taken the Thousand Yard Stare Quirk.
Think of this as being a highly tuned “sixth sense” that
operates at a subliminal, instinctual, level.
It is useful and effective not only in wartime for soldiers
but also in peacetime for people pursuing Careers such
as Police/Security, Bodyguard, or even Firemen (treat
the fire as the enemy!)
SIXTH SENSE
You often get “feelings” that give you, and only you,
barely enough time to attempt to avoid them (or, if you
feel like sacrificing such an advantage for the benefit
of others, barely enough time to shout a warning).
In effect, you get a free, one (1) second action (over and
above whatever your Action total for that turn might
be under normal circumstances) which you can spend
before whatever really bad thing that’s about to happ-
en actually happens.
Obviously this relies on the GM giving you such a
warning. So, what does he have to warn you of? How
often? And what sort of warning?
You should be warned of anything that is actually
going to be dangerous or life threatening to you person-
ally (even if it is the result of actions by another), but
only where said situation is immediately dangerous or
life threatening.
If you (or a colleague) inadvertently trigger a timer on a
bomb, say, one that will go off in 60 seconds, you don’t
get any sixth sense warning then, and you don’t get it in
59 seconds time, either.
On the other hand, if your colleague steps on the trigger
to an instantaneously fuzed booby trap, then you get the
Sixth Sense advantage.
The GM is obliged to give you warning of every situat-
ion where there is a proximate danger or likelihood of
threat to you.
Be sensible about this. If the party finds, for example,
that it’s in a minefield, then the character’s Sixth Sense
is triggered only for the first mine.
Thereafter, well, the character knows what a pile of
manure they’re in, and will, presumably, take active
precautions (which may, or may not, be effective) to
minimise the danger.
What sort of warning should be given? This depends.
However, the Sixth Sense quirk doesn’t provide details
– nor does it provide exact explanations. You just get a
really bad feeling and some idea of what you need to
do at that instant in order to avoid the worst.
The GM merely has to indicate that there is a “situat-
ion” that has triggered your sense, and that certain
response options are best. That’s all.
Of course, the very fact that the GM has told a Player
that their character’s Sixth Sense has been activated is a
warning to everyone in the party.
However, this occurs at the moment the event is triggered
for all the other party members – only the PC with Sixth
Sense gets that extra 1 second action before it.
And all you have to do is a hint at the action with the
highest likelihood of minimising bad effects (“run away”
or, perhaps, “turn the corner”; maybe “dive for cover”,
or “dive into the foxhole”; or “duck now”, or “duck
behind the truck”, or something of the same very general
nature).
Without in any way actively indicating what any “bad
effects” that are coming their way may actually be.
The character may attempt to add time to this free
action – the first extra second requires a Hard (DIFF 4)
Health Concentration Check.
Each additional second, to a maximum of four (4)
seconds (overall, 1 base + 3 additional) increases check
DIFF by +2 levels (+1 second Hard (DIFF 4); +2 seconds
= Unlikely [DIFF 6]; +3 seconds = Incredible [DIFF 8]).
This action may be taken as a single long action or a
number of actions equal to the number they could take
in a normal 5 second Combat Turn, with the minimum
length for each action being, of course, one (1) second.
Any such attempt at an extended Sixth Sense action
c
h
a
r
a
must be pre-planned … decided on before the roll. If
the check fails, then the character still gets their one
free one (1) second action … which, now won’t be
c
enough, depending on what was actually planned.
t
You pays your money and you takes your chances.
For example, the character gets a GM generated warn-
e
ing and realises that the nearest good cover is far too far
away to reach in a single second.
r
So they take the chance that they can reach it, and roll
for +1 second, at Hard DIFF. If they succeed, they get a
2 second action – but, if they fail, they get half of the two
second action … probably leaving them standing and
c
exposed where a 1 second action taken by itself would at
least have let them throw themselves prone, which may
have provided full, partial, or no protection at all.
r
If the character with Sixth Sense decides to share their
e
warning with the rest of the party nearby, they can do
this. But there is a cost, of course. a
They forego their automatic one second action by
shouting a warning/making a danger sign (something
t
that has been pre-arranged) and, in return, they, and
all those who understand the warning (what is being
signalled/said, though not necessarily what it means)
i
get the chance to make a Hard (Diff 4) Cunning Con-
centration Check to get a 1 second action with the same
o
parameters as the base sixth sense action.
Just shouting “Get down!” isn’t, by itself, enough. Those
n
hearing the warning would have to know that the person
shouting it really knows what they’re speaking about.
Which means that those in the character’s party, those
who have known them long enough to understand their
particular skill, are the ones who will “get” the warning.
Newbies (who haven’t been in the party long enough to
pick up on the character’s quirk), or the enemy (even if
they understand the language or signs being used), don’t
“get” it – they know lots of things get shouted or signal-
led in combat (and dangerous situations in general) that 41
really don’t specifically apply to them, and will tend to
ignore it as “background noise”.
 The character shouting or signalling the warning may
then attempt to take additional seconds, but the first
added second will require an Unlikely (DIFF 6) check
and the second will require an Incredible (DIFF 8) check.
All the rules for “normal” additional seconds also apply
to these (pre-planning the move, and being caught part
completed on failure being the most important).
Characters who are merely responding to a warning
from someone with Sixth Sense do not get the option of
adding additional seconds. They get a one second
action – and should think themselves lucky!.
STRIKING LOOKS
Indicates that the character is has great personal
presence and therefore receives a +1D bonus on all
Command based skills where they are personally pres-
ent to conduct the business involved.
This is not the same as being handsome/beautiful
(though you may be), it represents a combination of
factors making giving them a memorable personality.
To use this Quirk requires the character to be personally
present to get the bonus, though the GM may allow them
to use it over a visual communications link.
TOLERANCE TO PAIN
Indicates that the character is much more highly
tolerant to pain and related sensory overload than the
normal person and also has hidden reserves of energy
that enable them to keep on going long after others
seemingly as fit, or fitter, collapse into a heap.
A character with Tolerance to Pain ignores all penal-
ties to Task Checks caused by Fatigue and Injury alone.
Tolerance to Pain does not have any effect on Damage
rolls, only on penalties caused by Fatigue or Injury. The
character can keep fighting, at full effect, until they die
or are go unconscious – but if one of their limbs was
rendered unusable, that effect would still apply.
VETERAN/CHILD PRODIGY
The character is more experienced for their age than
expected, and so gains an extra twenty (20) Skill points.
Adults spend these points normally, acquiring skills,
or they may spend five (5) skill points to acquire an
additional Career – and then spend any or all of their
remaining Skill points on any skill from either Career.
Teenagers may take this Quirk, but only gain ten (10)
extra Skill Points – but have all age related limits to
their acquisition of Quirks (not Skill levels, however)
and entry into Careers lifted.
42
A Teenager would be a Child Prodigy – and probably a
right royal pain in the rear!
The downside is that they must take an additional
Disadvantageous Quirk (and no points are gained for
doing so) which must be taken even if it would increase
the character’s Quirk total to more than three (3).
WEALTH (2 LEVELS)
The character is wealthier than normal – perhaps
much wealthier. To gain the second level the character
must take the first level – so it is a big commitment.
At the first level, day to day expenses (food, shelter,
clothing, entertainment, transportation) are covered
by some sort of allowance or annuity – so they don’t
have to work for a middle class standard of living.
Food means that they don’t go hungry by choice – and
can eat out regularly at nice restaurants.
Shelter means that they either own or have a long term
lease (pre-paid or covered by other income) on a house
or apartment; when travelling they have enough to pay
for similar hotel or rental accommodation.
Clothing means that they have a wardrobe full – and
enough money to buy whatever whenever they need it.
Entertainment means that they can purchase books,
games, CDs and go to the movies and live shows when
they wish to.
Transportation means that they either own their own
transport or can pay to use taxis or hire limousines, or
travel on regular airline services as needed.
They also get starting goods/cash of – $(2D x Comm-
and2 x 1000)
They also receive a monthly stipend of – $(Command2
x 100)
The second level is more of the same – but the stand-
ard of living they can maintain without working is
equivalent to that of an upper class lifestyle.
They also get starting goods/cash of – $(2D x Comm-
and2 x 2500)
They also receive a monthly stipend of – $(Command2
x 250)
The exercise of this Quirk assumes that, when the char-
acter is away from their normal environs, they have had
time to make arrangements to apply during their absence.
Such arrangements may depend on having access to a
communications link that allows contact with a financial
organisation with which they have arrangements or
having actual physical documentation that can act as
money (Bank Drafts, Bearer Bonds etc.) or some form of
actual cash (banknotes, bullion coinage etc.).
If the character is separated from these facilities, they They must seek out, and challenge, the most worthy
can suffer from a “temporary financial embarrassment”
– but they will eventually manage to replace lost resour-
opponent in that area in where there is even a po-
tential for any sort of conflict or even competition.
c
ces (as quickly, or slowly, as the GM determines).

Of course, this may be at a level commensurate with the

local economy rather than the original value (that is, if
they’re stuck in some third world hellhole, they’ll be
relatively rich compared to everyone else)!
DISADVANTAGEOUS
ADDICTION
The PC has a physical or psychological addiction. It
may be a legal drug or an illegal one, but the character
has a craving they must fight to keep under control.
Whenever a character is stressed and/or faced with
temptation they must make a Concentration skill roll
(see Task Resolution) and suffer +1 DIFF penalty to the
number of dice rolled for the Check.
If they fail the roll, then the +1 DIFF penalty applies to
all further Task Checks until they get a “fix” of their
drug of choice or fail another Concentration Check.
The penalty is increased by a further -1 DIFF penalty
each additional time they fail a Concentration Check
to resist the cravings.
There’s no chance whatsoever of “friendly competition”
with them. They must always win, and always be seen to
h
be the best.
a
You may, if feeling generous, allow them to resist be-
having arrogantly if there is no-one to witness their
display of superiority – or, better, allow a small bonus to
r
their Concentration Check to resist their quirk.
a
It doesn’t matter if the “most worthy” is a “friendly”
or not – they must always be challenged. c
And put in their place … which is, of course, as the
second best compared to the character with this Quirk.
t
If they are a friendly, then this might be done with a
degree of condescension … if they are an opponent, then
e
they must be humiliated; if an enemy, then they must be
killed in the most egregious and showy way possible.
r
Arrogant characters must make a Hard (DIFF 4) Com-
mand Check to avoid targetting the toughest opponent,
individually, even if, tactically, this is unwise.
c
They must make a Difficult (DIFF 5) Command Check to

Addicts cannot have a Health ability rank of greater

maintain an ambush against a target known, or even
suspected, to be the toughest in a group being ambushed
r
than four (4) and may not choose Addiction if they
already have Enhanced Immunity (or vice versa).
– even if doing so would break the overall ambush.
e
If the character does not kill or defeat the toughest
If their usual drug of choice is not available, addicts can
be quite resourceful in finding replacements or altern-
opponent in a competition/combat then they gain no
experience points, even for successful Task or Combat
a
ative exhibiting real rat cunning in doing so. Checks. If they don’t manage it unaided, they halve the
amount of experience gained (round fractions down).
t
ARROGANT (TWO TYPES, SKILL DEFINED)
The character must always be seen to be “the best” at
… one or more … things. Typically this will be at
The Arrogant character not only has to show up the
opposition, they have to let even their friends know how
i
whatever their best Skill + Attribute is at the beginning
of the game.
great they are, and how much better than them they are.
o
Also, an Arrogant character must always maintain
There are two types – Non-Combat and Combat, and
these are further subdivided by Skill.
their chosen skill at a level at least one (1) level higher n
A character with Arrogance (Non-Combat) whose best
skill is, say, Sport (Cricket), will only attempt to take on
characters in that skill, or in some aspect of that skill. So,
if they encounter a skilled Baseball player, they’ll want
to see who can hit the furthest and smallest target with a
pitched or thrown ball.

A character with Arrogance (Combat) and Gun Combat

(Pistol) will, likewise, take on only similarly skilled
opponents … but, if faced with a Rifle armed opponent
at a range where a Pistol is at least as effective, they’ll 43
use their sidearm and Pistol Skill rather than shoot him
with their already equipped Rifle and their Rifle Skill.
 than any other skill that falls in the same category.
That is, Combat Skills with Combat Skills, and Non-Com-
bat Skills with Non-Combat Skills.
Finally, if an Arrogant character has, at start, two or
more skills tying for highest Attribute + Skill total in
the chosen category (i.e. Combat or Non-Combat), then
all those skills become the focus of their quirk in all
ways described above.
It is possible for a character to take both types (Combat
and Non-Combat) Arrogance, which would be … inadvis-
able … and, if they do, to have more than one Skill +
Attribute in each equal highest.
The latter would be … a … really … bad … thing … but,
strictly speaking, allowable under the rules.
BAD LUCK
This Quirk gives the GM an amount of “Bad Luck”
“dice” equal to the character’s LCK Ability. Each die
worth of Bad Luck may be used to cancel the roll of
one die made in any Task or Ability Check.
The cancellation is done after the character makes their
roll, giving the GM a major advantage in using the dice
at the worst possible time! It is bad luck after all.
These Bad Luck dice are regained at the rate of 1D for
every 2D of Luck that the character regains.
Bad Luck is intended to be a major hassle for the player,
but not an overwhelming one.
The GM will be encouraged to use the dice sparingly and
for the greatest effect possible – not every single session!
CLUMSY
Indicates that the character is not physically well
co-coordinated. Because of this they take a -1D penalty
to all Health based actions undertaken unprepared.
It’s not intended to be completely crippling. If they make
a Hard (DIFF 4) HLT Concentration Check beforehand,
then they avoid this penalty.
Worse, all Melee or Unarmed Combat attacks directed
at them are at -1 DIFF to the attacker (they’re easier to
hit) because they’re less able to dodge effectively.
If the character can prepare themselves before acting,
they can reduce this. They need to add 1 second (+1D) to
the action where they may be exposed to attack – with
the extra second negating the penalty.
Thus, a two (2) Second Action would take three (3)
44 Seconds if the penalty is to be avoided.
Only those with a HLT/1 or greater may take this quirk.
COWARD
The character has, at some time before the start of the
game, committed an act of cowardice in a crisis situat-
ion, either actively (running away, say) or passively
(freezing and letting something bad happen) of such a
degree that it colours all their relationships if and/or
when their behaviour is found out about.
Anyone can make a mistake. They might be brave as a
lion most of the time but, in one particular set of circum-
stances, they might do the wrong thing. Panic. Freeze.
Totally lose the plot.
When their mistake goes against what they are expected
to do as part of their job or training, or simply what is
expected of them by the cultural norms of their society,
this can all too easily be called cowardice.
It is assumed there is no inherent flaw in their character,
but they are subject to considerable suspicion as a result.
They may, eventually be able to win back respect of
those they have close contact with if they show no further
signs of what others could perceive as “cowardly.”
People differ in the way they handle stress/danger –
different “cowardice” thresholds, in effect. Most people
who are branded “cowards” are probably represented
by this Quirk – and any true cowards (people with an
inherent character flaw) are far too flawed to be worth-
while representing.
Cowards suffers a +1 DIFF penalty to all Command
based skills when interacting with anyone who knows
of their background.
On top of this, if the character they are attempting to
Command has personally observed them performing
an act that could be perceived to be cowardly, then the
penalty rises to +2 DIFF
What would be a “cowardly act”? Backing down from a
fight, no matter how justified; hesitating to go to the
rescue of a injured comrade, no matter how little the
chance of success (or how great the chance of personal
injury) – are two possible actions that could be perceived
to be “cowardly.”
The GM will inform the character with this Quirk when
they are faced with a situation where their actions could
be so misinterpreted.
The end result of this is that the “coward” will be faced
with the need to “prove” themselves over and over again
before the eyes of their fellows.
They will be continually tempted to perform acts of
greater than normal bravery – and yet get no credit for
being brave in the eyes of his observers (unless they do
not know of his status, of course).
Worse. It is perceived as a cowardly act to use Luck in
such a roll! Doing so will instantly raise the Command
penalty by a further +1 DIFF with all who observe it.
That’s right. They have to succeed on their own merits.
No Luck may be used.
Even worse. “Cowards” only regain Luck when they
perform an act that would be regarded as “brave” in
a normal person.
That is, for combat actions or for actions where they
actually risked their health or well being.
Ordinary characters can regain Luck by finding a smart,
safe, way to solve a problem. Cowards must take the
risky option. This is a disadvantage after all.
CURIOSITY
It killed the the cat, didn’t it? And the cat had nine
lives – you don’t, do you?
The character has to make a Concentration Check
versus Cunning at Hard (DIFF 4) or worse to avoid
doing the curious, but unwise, thing. Whatever that
may be in the specific circumstances.
They’re not suicidal, understand. They won’t do any-
thing that is obviously dangerous – and they probably
won’t do anything that is very likely dangerous.
It’s the things that seem innocent enough at first glance.
Even in an otherwise dicey situation, that tends to suck
them in … usually without thinking.
“I wonder if their’s any valuable intel on this enemy
corpse? I’ll just roll the body over … ” – and, well, BOOM!
“What does this red button do? I’ll press it and see!” …
activating the deathtrap.
“Sure, the mission sounds interesting. You want us to find
out what the enemy plans are, you say?” … and you find
that you’ve bitten off much more than you can chew.
You now just happen to be in the way of a major enemy
offensive. Running right through your current position.
Exactly what degree of difficulty it will be to act with
curiosity depends on the nature of the situation, of
course, but will always be a minimum of Hard.
Remember, things that are reasonably obviously danger-
ous or unwise aren’t triggers.
So, for example, if you’ve just cleared the Villain’s base
and noticed that there are demolition charges all over …
well, you’re unlikely to assuage your curiosity about that
red button until after you’ve traced the wiring, or
disabled the demo charges … or both.
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h
a
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a
And that temptingly laid out enemy body? If it’s the fifth
one today that, when searched by others in your
c
immediate vicinity that’s been boobytrapped … well,
you’ll turn it over looking for intel, OK, but in a way that
t
allows you to be protected.
Or, while accepting the recon mission, the increasing
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amount of enemy activity (including lots of active –
possibly recon – patrolling they’ve been doing in the
r
area) makes you carefully consider your route, and the
possible bug-out options in case it all goes pear shaped.
DEBT
Indicates the character is in debt to another person
c
(or, perhaps, to a group) and must somehow work it off
– but it is in the form of money, or something
functionally similar (for something like a Debt of
r
Honour, see the Obligation Quirk).
e
The amount/nature of the debt is determined by the
player in consultation with the GM – it will never be a
trivial amount or an easily ignored matter, however.
a
It will be, by its nature, huge, perhaps crippling, but
t
could, theoretically, be paid off … eventually …
But, in the meantime, the character’s creditor has
i
significant, perhaps overwhelming, input into what they
do and how they behave. Even what missions they have
o
to undertake.
It could be in the form of an amount owed to a Loan
n
Shark, where even the Vig is more than the character can
pay without the most extreme measures, most of the time.
Or it could be the College loans and the military service
requirements that had to be accepted to pay them off.
Which means, during the 3WW, that your life’s literally
not your own given that it seems to be a “war without
end” as much as a “war without mercy.”
Whatever it is, it does not represent an ordinary debt –
and it will take a lot of work, and role playing, to pay it 45
out, not just finding lots of treasure, winning the lottery,
robbing a bank or whatever.
 The player should carefully consult with the GM to
determine its exact nature so they get some idea of what
will be required to buy it off – if it can be bought off!
Note that it is not necessarily the case that the character
incurred the debt. Maybe they shouldered it to save a
parent or sibling or lover from retribution?
DISFIGURED (TWO LEVELS)
Indicates that the character suffers from something
that reduces their physical attractiveness, often (but
not always) the result of a war injury.
They take a +1 DIFF penalty per level of Disfigurement
(i.e. +1 or +2 DIFF) to all Command based skills in
which appearance takes a part (unless, of course, it has
been disguised in some way).
If it were easily corrected with plastic surgery or cosmet-
ics then it wouldn’t be worth a Quirk – at least in the
straightened circumstances of the 3WW.
At best, makeup or prosthetics may allow temporary
negation, but don’t work full time.
Those who have been in long association with the disfig-
ured character are not affected – and even newly enc-
ountered NPCs can eventually get used to it.
EASILY DISTRACTED
This Quirk indicates a character who is mentally
flighty – they have trouble keeping their attention on
anything other than a short term task or commitment.
An Easily Distracted character must make a Concentra-
tion Check for each extra bonus die that would be
gained under the Continuing Tasks rule.
A penalty of +1 DIFF applies for every second die of
bonus sought as part of a Continuing Task (so, at +2D
there is a +1 DIFF penalty to Concentration; at +4D
there is a +2D DIFF and so on).
Easily Distracted characters also suffer a +1/+2 DIFF
penalty (perhaps higher, depending on the specific
situation) when attempting to perform any skill under
conditions where the GM deems there are external
distractions that would distract them unless they make
a Concentration Check (which may be subject to simil-
ar penalties, depending on the GM’s assessment of the
degree of distraction inherent in the situation).
For example, searching for traps in a room full of treas-
ure would qualify. Or a searching for a specific suspect
in a room full of a mixture or ordinary people and buff
members of their preferred sex … J
46 Another example would be attempting to finish their
homework (or write an “After Action Report”) instead of
playing ball (or going drinking) with their buddies.
ENEMIES (MULTIPLE)
Indicates that someone doesn’t like the character and
either enjoys or is duty bound to thwart his efforts.
The enemy may even go so far as to actively hunt the
character or put a price on his head.
A character may, in consultation with the Game
Master, choose to have more than one Enemy – but
should be aware this will have a major impact on their
lives (and the GM will take ruthless advantage of it).
These are major enmities. They don’t simply “go away”
– you can’t even assume that, because you’ve killed the
current rep, that another won’t reappear down the track.
They may be individuals (in which case they likely have
someone who will avenge them if you do manage to kill
or permanently neutralise them), or they may be organ-
isations of varying size and resources (and organisations
aren’t easy to destroy, either, and often have successor
groups who will take over when they are destroyed).
If this was an easy sort of Quirk it wouldn’t be a Quirk.
It will take major role playing mojo to work this off – and
you should consult with the GM when to determine the
parameters of the problems it will be causing you.
Characters can take multiple enemies, more than a
couple is most unwise.
One enemy may turn up only infrequently – two may
mean that they appear every second “episode.”
More than this means they will be dogging your every
waking moment, constantly interfering with your mission
or plans, and at the worst possible moment, too.
Indeed, if you have more than two enemies they may,
from time to time, actually pool their efforts to take you
down – which can make for some really hairy situations.
Note that enemies aren’t automatically out to kill you.
They could merely want to embarrass (or discredit) you,
ruin you financially, destroy your personal happiness
and make your life seem like a living hell!
Indeed, they may well regard death as being too easy for
you and work, and work hard, to make you suffer.
Enemies are variably nasty and it is up to the Game
Master to make them so.
FORGETFUL
A Forgetful character often seems to find that, when he
needs something that they thought they had on them –
it isn’t. It’s on the bedside table, in the boot of the car
or somewhere other than with them.
Equally, Forgetful characters often seem to find that
they didn’t do something they thought they had done,
or simply “forgot” about the whole problem.
So the car runs out of petrol on the Freeway because they
didn’t fill it up, or they turn up for school the day after
it resumes after a holiday break.
Or maybe the find that they didn’t pack the First Aid kit
in their backpack – when they’re in the middle of their
three day wilderness hike!
At GM option, any time the Forgetful character could
be embarrassed by finding that the item that they
think is on their equipment list actually isn’t, they can
require a Concentration roll.
This may be at no penalty or, depending on the
circumstances, at a penalty of +1/+2 DIFF.
This shouldn’t be done more than once or twice a game
session – they’re forgetful, not brain damaged. However,
feel free to use it ruthlessly when you do choose to apply
it – it is a disadvantage after all!
FUGITIVE
The character is wanted – by someone – for something
serious. If they are caught then the consequences will
also be serious.
It might mean serious gaol time, or a spray of bullets
and a shallow, unmarked, grave depending on who is
after them, but the consequences won’t be pleasant.
The character is on the run. This isn’t likely to mean
that they’re currently being actively pursued in a
manhunt ... but their description is on the wire to the
local authorities (or the local mob!) and they have to
be on their toes all the time.
In effect, this is intermittent. It can be avoided ...to a
degree – as long as the character takes precautions.
At the very least they’ll have to take steps to disguise their
real identity – and avoid any publicity.
should be frequent enough to keep them on their toes.
And, in any case, then there’s the matter of Luck ...
c
Fugitives who spend any Luck points at all are, how-
ever, courting potential attention ... unless the act that
involved said expenditure was not observed by a single
h
living soul (or, for example, if any observer died before
passing on knowledge of what happened).
a
When a player chooses this Quirk, the GM secretly
rolls 1D and carefully notes down the result.
r
When the character has expended that much Luck
a
they must make a Concentration roll to avoid detection.
This Check is at a penalty equal to the difference
c
between the number of Luck Command Checks (not the
number of dice they expend to be forced to make this
t
roll) they had to make to that were successes and those
that were failures (it is the difference that counts – the
total difference is always a Penalty).
e
Say the character rolls five (5) – when they’ve spent five
r
Luck dice they will have to make a Concentration roll.
If they spent those five dice over three rolls, and two of
those rolls were failures (or successes) then the difference
between successes and failures is one. This would mean
c
that a Concentration roll suffers a -1 DIFF penalty.
Failing such a roll does not mean automatic detection
r
– there may be ways and means of throwing off sus-
picion by role playing or the use of other skills.
e
All this will be up to the GM – and it gives them a real
chance to “get creative!”
a
The fugitive could decide the solution is to eliminate the
t
witness(es). Or the witness(es) might decide they won’t
expose the fugitive, either for altruistic reasons or
because they expect something in return (“blackmail?”).
i
o

Game requirements range from “mere” roleplaying of

n
this sort of care being taken to the character being
required to make a Concentration Check to avoid acting
“out of character” or preventing them from coming “into
the public eye.”

Such Concentration Checks should vary from being no

base chance through a +1/+2 DIFF penalty, perhaps
also involving follow-on rolls in such areas as Forgery
or Disguise to see how well their constructed “legend”
manages to hold up under scrutiny (and these follow
on rolls may also be subject to similar penalties).
47
While the GM should probably not force the fugitive to
make Concentration rolls every single session, they
 HONEST
Why on earth is this a disadvantage? You might well
ask. The reason is simple – an honest character cannot
lie under any circumstances. Not even social lies.
Yep. When their SO (aka “Girlfriend” for the politically
incorrect) asks “Does this dress make me look fat” they’ll
tell the truth. Which is fine only if they don’t look fat in
the dress!
This doesn’t mean they go around blabbing to random
people – but if they are asked a direct question they
must tell the truth, to the best of their knowledge.
Nope. Sorry. They can’t lie by omission, either.
So if someone asks “Is the water shallow enough to
ford?” they can’t simply say “Yes” if, for example, the
land mines strewn across the ford aren’t technically
related to whether the water is shallow or not.
They have to say, “Sure. But the land mines make it
unwise!”
It might be possible, depending, for an answer to be
accurate, not knowing the purpose of the question, and
therefore be entirely correct … yet not telling the asker
what they really wanted to know.
So, if they’re asked “Is the Sheriff out of town” by
someone not obviously suspicious, then the perfectly true
answer “Won’t be back till a Thursday” is fine.
Even though they know that there is a Federal Marshall
in town till Wednesday. It’s not their fault the seemingly
law-abiding citizen is really a would-be bank-robber!
In short, it would be wise to never tell this character a
secret – they won’t deliberately blab it unless asked.
But can you count on them not being asked?
An honest character has some choice as to if they tell
the truth unasked.
If they see someone doing something potentially life-
threatening (or merely embarrassing), they must make
a Concentration check to see if they blurt out some-
thing along the lines of – “Don’t do that!”
Which, of course, is likely to prompt the question,
“Why?” – which they must, of course, answer!
Penalties ranging from +1/+4 DIFF may be applied to
such rolls, based entirely on the GM’s assessment of
how dangerous or embarrassing the event that the
honest person could prevent by speaking up might be.
48 There is no requirement that an honest person go out of
their way to provide such a warning. And certainly no
requirement that they risk their life!
So, for example, if they see someone reading the news-
paper while walking along the other side of a busy street
and about to fall into an open manhole they will prob-
ably yell out some warning – but they won’t dash blindly
across the street with no regard for the speeding traffic.
They’re honest, they’re not stupid.
ILLITERATE
Somehow the character never learned to read or write
– though they may be able to sign their name and read
street signs, they are functionally illiterate.
They can’t read a newspaper, book, or even read (or
fill in) the form to get unemployment benefits.
They can only choose to pursue the following Careers
– Criminal, Dilettante, Jack of All Trades, Merchant
Marine and Performer.
They may not take any Skill (or Specialisation of a skill)
that would require literacy to be functional – and this
is not limited to skills based on Deduction.
Many skills in Road to Armageddon either cannot be
learnt or cannot be performed without being literate –
and not just Deduction based skills, either.
For example, you might be able to get a Driver’s License
even if you are illiterate (barely), but there’s no way you
would ever be able to learn what is required to pass the
test for a Pilot’s license.
Also, while you might be quite capable of learning
Subterfuge (Fast Talk) there’s no way you’ll be able to
learn Subterfuge (Forgery). If in doubt, ask the GM.
INFAMOUS
Indicates that the character is well known in his field
of endeavour as a ruthless and untrustworthy person.
As a result they suffer +2 DIFF to all Command based
skills when interacting with anyone who knows of their
background unless they are attempting to intimidate
them, in which case they gain +2D to roll.
Characters with this Quirk may assume any lackeys they
employ either identify with their villainous aims and
aren’t affected, or they are routinely cowed/intimidated.
It does make a difference which is which.
INFLEXIBLE
The character must pay thirty experience points
(instead of the normal twenty) to gain SL/2 in a new
Skill not part of their Career(s) after game start.
There’s just something about the way they think, or
the way they learn, that makes it harder for them to
pick up unfamiliar skills.
This is a severely limiting Quirk, be warned. But it does
not make the character stupid. It simply means they’ll
tend to be very much focussed on their career specialty.
MANNERISM
The character has some persistent behaviour pattern
they are unable to avoid exhibiting (and may even be
unaware they display such behaviour!) which defines
them and (eventually) irritates everyone else.
To avoid this ... annoying ... behaviour requires the
character make a Concentration roll at +1 DIFF when
the GM says so.
Failure indicates the character’s social interactions
with those in the immediate vicinity suffer a +2 DIFF
penalty for the immediate future – or, alternatively,
gain a +1D bonus in attempting to track or recognize
the character (if they have known the character for an
extended period, then they may get a +2 DIFF as well).
Y’know the sort of thing – whistling off key and tuneless-
ly at the drop of a hat, not keeping it decently to within
the confines of their shower; leaving the toilet seat
up/down (or complaining about it being left up/down);
answering a question with a question.
Don’t get trapped in a confined space with these people
for an extended period of time unless you’re fairly
certain that the Judge and Jury know them and will be
sympathetic when you snap and kill them because of
their irritating habit(s).
MINOR DISABILITY (2 TYPES)
The character has some minor physical disability that
causes +1/+2 DIFF with some tasks.
One type covers Health based tasks and the other
Cunning based tasks – it would be possible (but un-
wise?) to take both.
Characters with with a Minor Disability may not have
whichever of Health or Cunning Ability they have
chosen (or both of them, if they chose both) to be
affected greater than rank five (5).
Health based disabilities include such things as a slight
limp, a partly crippled arm or hand, or a bad back.
Cunning based disabilities include such things as partial
deafness, blurred vision, nerve damage etc.
There’s a war on. It’s a bad war.
It’s been a long war.
Both sides are scraping the bottom of the barrel – and a
lot of people are being conscripted who normally never
would have gotten a second look at by the Draft Board,
and even more are being kept in the service who would
normally have been discharged.
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NAIVE
A Naïve character is not worldly-wise. It may be
because they are younger than others in the group, or
c
because they have led a more sheltered life; or it may
be because they are simply too trusting.
t
Regardless of the reason behind their naivete, they are
affected in two main ways – they have a problem with
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determining the truth of a complex situation and they
lack the level of knowledge of their locale and/or their
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society that one would expect of someone of their age.
When making a Task Check that involves interpreting
any Cunning-based Skill, using Environ Knowledge for
finding unofficial information, or when using Street-
c
wise to find anything other than an official contact for
official purposes, a naïve character applies a+2 DIFF
to the roll.
r
So, for example, the character has been ordered to keep
e
watch on suspicious premises (Observation) for anything
that smacks of illegal activities – they’re so clueless that
they’ll miss a lot of what is actually going on, either not
a
registering it at all (pickpocketing, for example), or not
catching its significance (the guy leaning against the
t
lamp post opposite all day … obviously a lookout).
Or, if they need to know the location of an illegal Rave
i
party (Streetwise), they wouldn’t know where to begin
asking questions (and probably won’t even know what a
o
Rave is in the first place), as they barely know anything
about even legal, but marginal, night life as it is. n
And if they have to find a source for acquiring some
Pistols on short notice, without the formality of a back-
ground check, License or cooling off period (Streetwise)
… they’ll be shocked that such a thing is even possible,
and that you are asking them about something that is so
obviously illegal.
When they are the subject of any attempt to interrogate
or question them, they are so gullible that the
questioner doing the questioning gains a -2/-4 DIFF to
their check depending on whether they are in a posit-
ion of authority or not. 49
If they’re being questioned by the Police, say, a -4 DIFF
 would apply to the Police check, since the naïve charac-
ter is predisposed to always trust authority figures!
On the other hand, if they’re just being questioned by
some random person, they’ll be somewhat less trusting (a
-2 DIFF would apply).
Finally, when they are purchasing anything at all in an
informal setting, they always end up paying too much
or otherwise getting taken advantage of. Typically they
pay 10-100% more (roll 1D x 10) and will find that its
Availability will be at +1 DIFF as well.
Alternately, you could allow the Opposed Task proced-
ure and apply +2 DIFF to the naïve Character’s rolls on
an item by item basis.
Being “taken advantage of” = caveat emptor (“let the
buyer beware”). They may not only be paying a prem-
ium, they may not be getting what they think they’re
paying for, either … they’re too naïve to check.
The crate of MREs they just traded for? Time Expired.
Stored at too high temperatures. A significant percentage
of the contents are inedible, perhaps even dangerous.
The “new” tyres they acquired? They’re retreads, and
not very well made ones, either. The treads will separate
after only a couple of hundred klicks, if that far.
OBLIGATION
This Quirk indicates that the character has an on-
going, unbreakable, obligation to another person (or,
perhaps, to a group) one that they cannot work off in
the normal sense (though they could be released from
it by the person/group to whom they owe it).
Think of this as, insofar as the term applies in a modern
setting, a debt of honour.
The level of the obligation is such that the character is
at the beck and call of their “master” 24/7 and cannot
really refuse any instructions they are given by them.
This is a major obligation. Perhaps you are a “made
man” and have to follow the orders of the Capo; or you
could be a “contractor” performing “black ops” for some
alphabet soup agency of one government or another.
Or maybe your very life and honour were saved by
whomever you owe this debt to – something that, in your
culture (or your personal belief system) you can never
repay.
It’s also possible the person/group to whom you are
obligated have a more sinister hold on you – they have
threatened the lives of your family or friends, perhaps?
50
Or, possibly they have some evidence, real or forged, that
would get you hunted down and killed like a mad dog
by all and sundry – every man’s hand, quite literally,
turned against you?
The player should carefully consult with the GM when
considering this Quirk to determine the exact nature of
the obligation and to allow both sides to get some idea of
what will be required to buy it off – if, indeed, it ever can
be bought off!
PACIFIST (2 TYPES)
The character who has taken this Quirk had better
consider its consequences carefully (especially if they
choose to be an Absolute Pacifist). Especially in a
campaign the likes of Road to Armageddon.
No, they’re not insurmountable obstacles. Even in a
military campaign.
Pacifists aren’t necessarily cowards – in fact, they may
be more courageous than someone who merely goes
along with the flow and becomes a soldier because they
don’t have the courage of their convictions.
The two types are Pacifists and Absolute Pacifists. A
Pacifist gets +1 AP or +3 SP. An Absolute Pacifists gets
+2 AP or +6 SP.
Pacifists are reluctant to kill. They have strong moral
qualms about it, but don’t object to the idea of milit-
ary service in a non-combat role, even if dangerous.
Just because they’re reluctant to kill doesn’t mean that
they are reluctant to risk their life.
Look at the medals for bravery won in WW1 and WW2
by Medics and Stretcher Bearers, who were often consc-
ientious objectors.
They don’t even object to learning to use weapons or
unarmed combat techniques (as a sport, for example)
they just object to having to use them to kill people.
They do not object totally to the idea of killing – in self
defence or the immediate defence of others, for exam-
ple, but would prefer not to have to do so.
Killing people simply because the government says so
is not a good enough reason.
Picking up a weapon, even if they are in immediate
danger, requires an act of will – a Concentration roll.
If the roll fails, then they cannot try again for a
number of game turns equal to the amount they failed
by (in terms of successes gained vs. successes needed).
The GM may determine that there are bonuses or penal-
ties applied to such rolls, depending on circumstances.
For example, if defending another, especially someone
who is defenceless and under their specific care, might
prompt the GM to grant bonus dice – on the other hand,
if the situation is morally ambiguous, then he might
apply an increased Difficulty to the roll.
No Pacifists can ever regain Luck points for any actual
combat activity – killing or attempting to kill someone
– even in self defence (doing non combat things during
combat is fine, however).
Likewise, they don’t gain experience for killing or
attempting to kill – unless, in the GM’s opinion, they
were doing it in self defence (and, then, rarely).
Doing things in combat isn’t included. For example,
applying First Aid to a wounded comrade is fine and
could regain those used Luck points.
Absolute Pacifists not only refuse to kill under any
circumstances, they refuse to be part of any military
force and will often refuse to follow orders from any
state authority that can compel obedience in combat.
They cannot learn any combat skill – they may not
learn to use weapons, nor may they learn any offensive
unarmed combat skill (and they must pay double skill
points to learn those that are defensive).
Attempting to pick up a weapon and use it is so
against their character that to even make an attempt
requires a Concentration roll at + 6 DIFF penalty.
If they fail they may not make a further attempt for a
further (6 + amount failed by) turns (in terms of
successes gained vs. successes needed).
Even if they are successful they will, of course, be using
the weapon unskilled and suffer the penalties for that
as well as the roll being +1 DIFF harder.
If they attempt to use a known defensive unarmed
combat skill offensively they still suffer the +1 DIFF to
their attempts to do so.
Absolute Pacifists not only don’t regain any Luck for
killing (or attempting to kill) others, they are so trau-
matised by their efforts that they cannot regain any
Luck for any reason for the remainder of the session!
Likewise, they cannot gain any experience for killing
or attempting to kill even in self defence.
None of this means that an Absolute Pacifist is a coward.
They can be personally quite brave (risking their lives to
save others, for example) and can be prepared to die
rather than kill.
They are no less likely to perform brave acts in combat
than anyone else – but only as a volunteer, not as part
of an organised military force.
POVERTY
Indicates that the character is extremely poor. They
have a hard time getting by – and may have to worry
c
about where their next meal is coming from or where
they will be sleeping that night. h
As a result they gain only half of the normal starting
cash and also must buy all starting equipment (rather
a
than acquiring some as “standard issue”).
Poverty is something innate to their character’s – even
r
if they found a million dollars they’d go through it like
greased lightning. They’re just no good with money.
a
How the character is separated from their new found,
but oh-so-fleeting, wealth is up to the GM. It’s likely, for
c
a start, that all sorts of people who they “owe” will turn
up and want repayment.
t
No matter how careful they are, they’re going to get
ripped off whenever they buy anything ... and it doesn’t
e
matter whether it is goods or services.
r
It may be that they’re unlucky – they lose things, or have
them stolen, or they break down (or simply break).
Maybe they are suckers for moneymaking scams. What-
ever it is, money just doesn’t stay in their pockets.
c
Characters with this Quirk cannot take Advanced Tech
Possession or Major Possession.
r
REDUCED IMMUNITY (2 TYPES) e
Indicates that the character has reduced immunity
against either poisons or diseases (each counts as a
separate type – theoretically you could take both).
a
Of course, you’d have to be a real glutton for punishment
t
to take reduced immunity to both diseases and poisons.
Characters with this Quirk take an extra +1D damage
i
(but with a maximum increase equal to the base un-
modified damage that would have been inflicted).
o
So, if the poison did 3 DAM, the additional roll can’t add
more than another 3 DAM.
n
51
 SICKLY
Indicates that the character has less robust Health
than the raw numbers would indicate. A character
must have a minimum Health of one (1) or greater to
take this Quirk.
As a result they suffer +1 DIFF to all rolls relating to
Strength and Endurance (including Health Concen-
tration rolls unless they undertake a All Out task).
Likewise, they are slower to heal Fatigue and Damage,
adding +1D3 time units to the base time required.
This Quirk also affects Damage Rolls (see Determining
Damage in the Combat section).
Some specific drugs or treatment regimes may be able to
keep these penalties under control, but require treatment
(or access to drugs) in a major medical facility (at least
the equivalent of a MASH) for 1D days of relief.
SLOW REFLEXES (MULTIPLE LEVELS)
Indicates that a character is not as fast to react as their
Health would otherwise indicate. They lose -1D from
their Action Pool for each level.
Normally a character with this problem should stay out
of combat or, if they’re inducted into the military, serve
in a support/technical arm – but needs must when the
devil drives. The Three Way War has forced many hands.
THOUSAND YARD STARE
In WW1 they called it Shell Shock. In WW2, Combat
Fatigue. Nowdays it’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Veterans of the Three Way War call it the Thousand
Yard Stare like their (great) grandfathers did during
the Second World War.
It’s the difference between caring whether you survive
– or not. It’s not a conscious decision, it’s simply the
sum total of too much combat stress for too long.
It eventually gets everyone.
A character with this Quirk takes +2 DIFF to all
Cunning based skills when in a high stress situation.
This penalty may be overcome by making it a All Out
task – once per separate skill (by area, and not by
specialisation), at the beginning of any period of stress.
Characters with this Quirk often have trouble sleeping
(nightmares) or getting to sleep (insomnia), and may
need sedatives/sleeping tablets for a good night’s rest.
You cannot choose this Quirk if you have already have
52 Situational Awareness.
Armies don’t like admitting it, but the proof is conclusive
and undeniable – anyone in a combat zone will become
a psychological casualty if they stay there long enough.
Combat soldiers may be more likely to succumb more
quickly (a lot of KIAs and WIAs are thought to be the
result of loss of concentration and situational aware-
ness), but even support elements will succumb eventually.
Its all about knowing that, any second, they can be
killed – no warning, no way to dodge. Alive one second,
splattered all over the landscape (often literally) the next.
It doesn’t matter how macho. It doesn’t matter how well
trained. It is inevitable. You will break – eventually.
VULNERABILITY
Indicates the character is extremely sensitive to a
specific substance or force (such as Psionics or Magic,
if they exist in your campaign world).
They take two (2) grades of Fatigue when directly
exposed and double normal Injury or Fatigue if and
when the contact is the result of an attack.
It is recommended that characters not take Addiction
to the same substance that they are Vulnerable to.
The substance/force a character is vulnerable to must be
chosen in consultation with the GM.
It should be something commonly encountered and not
completely avoidable – measures that will so limit the
character’s options as to make it impossible to practically
implement said them for any length of time.
A FINAL NOTE
Once again, there is no reason to consider the Quirks
described above as a definitive list.
Feel free to delete or modify any that you feel are
inappropriate. Also feel free to add any that you feel
would suit the style of campaign you intend to run.
There will, eventually, be a whole series of D10 System
based Campaign Books, and feel equally free to take
any Quirks from those books and add them to the ones
above, if you think that they are appropriate.
BREADTH OF COVERAGE
Or, if you prefer, Making Quirks Jump Through Hoops.
You may think (and you may be right) that there isn’t
a Quirk that models some character aspect that you
and/or your players feel should be in the game.
But are you right? Or merely not thinking laterally and
adding needless complication or duplication to the
game? Sometimes it will be the former. But sometimes
it will be the latter.
For example – “There’s no “Noble” quirk in the game!”,
one of your players complains. Well. Maybe. Or maybe
not. Let’s consider.
c
There’s not much call for Nobles in the modern world.
Lots of countries don’t have them at all, because
h
they’re illegal (the USA) or because they never had
them (most of post-Spanish South America) – in others
a
where they do (or did) exist they have very limited
powers (the UK), or none at all (Germany and France). r
So, why do you need to represent them? And how?
a
Well, they don’t, exactly, have Authority. Nor do they
really have (Military) Rank. They probably don’t
automatically qualify for Reputation. And they aren’t
c
necessarily Wealthy, either.
t
But a hypothetical modern world “Noble” (and that’s
what we’re trying to model, in RtA) may have aspects
of one or more of the above.
e
So, let’s consider things. It is most likely that even not
r
particularly wealthy modern “nobles” have a top level
education at the “right” schools, even if their parents
have to scrimp and save to manage this.

At these schools they will (as their parents did, before

them) make the right “contacts” that will get them
easier entry into a whole range of careers. Or they may
simply have contacts through their parentage that give
them such enhanced access.
So, they enter Law Enforcement or the Security Services
(MI5/MI6, CIA, FBI etc.) – and personal contacts
ensure that they get the Authority Quirk.
Or they decide to go to Sandhurst (or West Point, they
don’t have to have titles – they may simply be old
money, or from a good family) and pursue a Military
career. Since they’re from the “right” background,
they get (Military) Rank, as Officers, of course.
Or they pursue something in Business or Administrat-
ion or the Public Sector. Garnering a Reputation
(Civilian) … they’re seen to be a “high flyer.”
Or, possibly, they are wealthy Dilettantes. Surviving on
the income from an entailed estate, or a “trust fund
baby.” For one or two levels of the Wealthy quirk.
And, since, in the modern world, for the most part,
“nobility”, beyond being aspects of the Quirks men-
c
tioned, is really an illusion – why not allow it?
Of course, don’t go overboard. It’s unlikely every single
r
member of the PC troupe will be a Trust Fund Baby, a
member of a “Ritter” family (“Knight”, loosely) from
e
Germany, or a hereditary Baronet (“Sir”) from the UK.
But, if specific PCs can come up with a convincing
a
backstory, then, why not have Sergeant Chad Williams,
heir to some US Business or Financial dynasty’s
t
generations old (or more recent) trust fund.
Or maybe Captain Eugen Ritter von Nurheim, the latest
i
of a long line of members from an old Prussian milit-
ary family serving in the Bundeswehr?
o
It may be a fun diversion! n

Or, sometime during the 3WW they ended up in the

military and, even though they may not have managed
to get Military Rank or Authority, and Wealth was lost
as in the War, they get Reputation (Military).

Does any of the above specifically make you a Baronet

or Von/Von und zu? Or the heir to the Comte de Paris? 53
Or one of the “Tidewater Virginia” blue bloods? No.
But it doesn’t prohibit it, does it?
 CHARACTER CREATION – CAREERS
Careers represent the jobs that characters have pur-
sued before the start of the game.
Some Careers are dependent on specific Backgrounds
or Quirks and may not be pursued if the relevant
prerequisites are not possessed by a character.
For each Career there is a list of skills – these are
Career Skills associated with it, which cost less to buy
pre-game (encouraging preferential purchase, while
not prohibiting the acquisition of other skills not as
closely associated with the career).
Career Skill listings are not 100% comprehensive. If a
Player manages to provide a convincing argument for
the inclusion of another Skill in the list (or if you, as GM,
feel that an obvious or likely skill was left out), then,
entirely at the GM’s discretion, it may be added.
Likewise, if the GM determines that a Skill on the list
probably shouldn’t be, then they may delete it. However,
the overall number shouldn’t be increased by more than
one or two, and shouldn’t be decreased at all.
The Careers listed represent a wide variety of profess-
ions that characters in the military/action adventure
universe of RtA might pursue, but there is no pretence
that the list is comprehensive or complete.
If you find a Career is not listed, consult with your GM
and design it along the same lines as those that are
listed – or consult other D10 System games and use
professions from them.
The Careers listed are the designer’s idea of what is
likely to be important or might make for interesting role
play and character development in the RtA game world.
It may be that you and your players decide that some of
the included Careers aren’t appropriate or needed, or
that other Careers that should have been included. Feel
free to do both! With care, of course.
Eventually, other D10 System Campaign books will
appear and will likely include Careers that are not
included in RtA – you include those, as well.
ACTION STATUS
A Character’s initial Action Status (how many Actions
they may take in a given Combat Phase) depends on
whether their career is rated as Civilian, Paramilitary
or Military, which is detailed in the Skills Header.
54 CAREERS AS SKILLS
While there are many skills included in the Skills
section (following), there is a likelihood that charact-
ers may find themselves facing situations where no
existing skill quite covers the problem. Yet you deter-
mine it’s reasonable someone with that career would
be familiar with … whatever … and have some way of
dealing with it.
Information: If what is needed is information then use
Deduction ability doubled.
Action: If action is needed, then make a roll using the
character’s most appropriate Ability doubled, but
increase DIFF appropriately.
A PC from an Army Career needs to determine an NPC’s
unit based on unit patches. That is Information and uses
DED x 2 vs. Average DIFF. If the same PC wanted to use
Drive a Tank without the Skill, use HLT x 2 – but
increase DIFF from Average to Difficult or higher.
QUIRKS ACQUIRED DURING CAREERS
In most Careers, there is a chance of acquiring extra
Quirks, over and above what have already been chosen.
It is likely a Player will be able to choose one they
don’t already have – if they find that they cannot, they
can take any other Quirk they qualify for. This applies
to both Advantageous and Disadvantageous Quirks.
In effect, the Player gets the chance to swap around
things – as long as an additional Advantageous Quirk
replaces an existing Advantageous Quirk, and an addit-
ional Disadvantageous Quirk replaces a existing Disad-
vantageous Quirks.
It is also possible that, if several characters pursue the
same or similar Careers, they might find themselves
faced with having to choose the same Advantageous or
Disadvantageous Quirk.
If this is the case (and it should be rare), then you, as
GM, may rule that either they can or, perhaps, must
take different Quirks, even if it means taking one not
from the list.
A party full of characters with Sixth Sense, say, or
Addiction (Alcohol) is really, really, going to be a pain.
CAREERS
ACADEMIC (DEDUCTION)
The character has university level qualifications. They
pursue, discover and teach knowledge. Some spend
their whole career in an office while others spend time
in the field sometimes (much more rarely than Holly-
wood hints!) being involved in danger or adventure
(usually because of where they are, not anything else).
ACADEMIC SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Etiquette, Driving (Car or Motorcycle), Environ Know-
ledge (University) plus any specialisations chosen from
one of the following skills – Design, Languages, Liter-
ature, Musician, Electronics, Financial, Engineering,
Humanities, Medical and Science.
FIELD ACADEMIC (CIVILIAN)
Etiquette, Brawling or Martial Arts, Melee or Firearms
(Handguns, Longarms [Civilian]). Driving, Environ
Knowledge, Languages (Modern), Riding, Subterfuge
plus any specialisations chosen from one of the following
skills – Electronics, Engineering, Humanities and Lan-
guages (Ancient), Medical and Science.
SUPPORT PERSONNEL (PARAMILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Driving, Environ Knowledge, Fire-
arms, Languages (Modern), Leadership, Melee (Bayo-
c
net, Knife) and either Technician (one) or one of Elec-
tronics, Engineering and Military Sciences. h
Instead of the above skill selection, Air Force characters
may take the Combat Personnel selection from the Army
a
Career to represent the Airfield Defense personnel ( for
some militaries, they may take Special Forces selection). r
FLIGHT QUALIFIED PERSONNEL (MILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Concentration, Driving, Environ
a
Knowledge, Firearms, Leadership, Melee (Bayonet,

Field Academics are the base for “Indiana Jones”-style

characters – unlikely, not impossible, in the real world.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirks: Academics may choose to try for a free Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is less than their DED, they may
choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If they roll greater than their DED they must choose a
Disadvantageous quirk (from the list below), but gain
no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using DED + Highest Career Skill.
An Academic with DED/5 and Career Skill/5 roll five
dice and if they rolled five or less on more than three (3)
dice they gain a +1 to their roll for each extra success.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls DED exactly they either
take (2D + DED)% extra cash or re-roll or take either 1
AP or 3 SP. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Knife), Survival and Piloting plus one of Technician,
Electronics, Engineering and Military Sciences.
c
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
t
Quirk: Characters must roll for an additional Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is less than their CMD ability, they
may choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below
e
or take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
r
If they roll greater than their Command they must
choose a Disadvantageous quirk from the list below,
but gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
c
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using CMD + Highest Career Skill. r
Cash: If the Quirk Check, rolls CMD exactly, they
either take (2D + CMD)% extra cash or re-roll or take
e
either one 1 AP or 3 SP. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: Support personnel take a Field Kit, Toolbox and
a
Military Weapon Kit (Enlisted). Flight personnel take a
Field Kit and Military Weapon Kit (Officer).
t

Kit: Academics take a Professional Kit as part of their

benefits. Field Academics also include a Field Kit and
either a Pistol or a Rifle (Civilian).
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession,
Connections, Likeable or Reputation.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Arrogant or Infamous, En-
emy (Academic), Forgetful or Curious.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
i
Major Possession (Military), Authority or Connections,
Hero or Situational Awareness, Lightning Reflexes
o
(Flight Qualified personnel, or others who have taken
Combat or Special Forces from other careers, if allowed). n
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (legal), Arrogant,
Coward or Disfigured, Enemy, Obligation.

AIR FORCE (COMMAND)

The character is a serving member of their nation’s
Air Force. Most are technical and support personnel
who keep the flight qualified personnel (not all pilots)
in the air. Of the latter, most support operations of an
even smaller number involved in combat ops.
55
If you wish to be a part timer with a mainly civilian
Career, see Armed Forces Reserve.
 AIRLINE CREW (CUNNING)
The character is a commercial pilot or other airline
flight crew and flies the world’s skies moving people
and high value goods from place to place. Either that
or they’re the ground crew that keeps them in the air.
GROUND CREW (CIVILIAN)
Brawling, Driving (Car, Motorcycle, Truck), Technic-
ian (Avionics), Environ Knowledge and either Technic-
ian (one) or one of Electronics, Engineering (Mechanic-
al or Aeronautical) and Financial.
AIRCREW (PARAMILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Concentration, Driving, Environ
Knowledge, Etiquette. Firearms (Handgun), Leader-
ship, Melee (Taser, Baton) and one of Technician,
Electronics, Engineering (Mechanical or Aeronautical)
and Piloting.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Airline Crew may roll for a free Quirk. Roll 1D
– if the roll is less than their Cunning ability, they must
choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below or
take either an additional 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than their Cunning they must
choose a Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below),
but gain no benefit from it.
They may add a bonus to this equal to the number of
successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task Check
made using CUN + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls CUN exactly they take
(2D + CUN)% extra cash or re-roll or take either 1 AP or
3 SP. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: Ground Crew take a Toolbox. Aircrew take a
Professional Kit and a Pistol.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
Major Possession (Civilian), Connections.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (Alcohol or
Tobacco) or Coward, Debt, Enemy, Pacifist.
ARMED FORCES RESERVE *
This may be taken by any character (except those with
Quirks rendering them unfit for service) in addition to
their regular career! It represents service in the Reser-
ves (however constituted in their home nation) – allow-
ing a spend of up to 20% (round down) of pre-game SP
on skills from one of those Careers (except Special
Forces) as if they were Career Skills.
Reservists who come from Engineer, Medical (Doctor,
56 Dentist) or Scientist Careers – gain the Military Rank
(Commissioned Officer) Quirk free, but are not in line of
command (unless purchased separately).
This is a measure of their professional standing, not their
military ability – they can’t command combat troops.
Reservists from Academic or Professional Careers may
purchase the Military Rank (Commissioned Officer)
Quirk without first having to purchase it at Noncomm-
issioned level (paid for out of the 20% of skill points
they can spend on Armed Forces Career skills).
Reservists are, like most of a modern military force, most
likely to be support personnel, and their main “military”
value comes from their civilian skill(s). If they are from
combat units they are often (not always, though) less
trained and skilled on the military side of things than
their regular armed forces comrades.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Reservists may choose to take either the additional
quirks roll (which may result in a cash benefit) and the
available Kits from their primary, civilian, career or
the Air Force, Army, Marine or Navy career that forms
their reserve military background.
* For purposes of determining Wealth during character
creation is the Base Career Ability of whichever military
career the character has taken this reserve status in.
ARMY (HEALTH)
The character is a serving member of their nation’s
Ground Forces, usually a nation’s largest military
force with the largest percentage of combat personnel.
Still, modern armies do depend on technical and
support arms to remain effective and in the field.
SUPPORT PERSONNEL (PARAMILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Driving, Environ Knowledge, Fire-
arms, Languages (Modern), Leadership, Melee (Bayo-
net, Knife), Riding, Streetwise, Thrown Weapons
(Knife) and either Technician (one) or one of Electron-
ics, Engineering and Military Sciences.
COMBAT PERSONNEL (MILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Concentration, Technician (Para-
medic), Driving, Environ Knowledge, Firearms, Gym-
nastics, Languages (Modern), Leadership, Melee (Bay-
onet, Knife), Military Sciences, Observation (Sentry),
Riding, Streetwise, Survival, Thrown Weapons (Knife).
For those armies with integral aviation elements the GM
may allow characters to take the Flight Qualified Person-
nel list from the Air Force Career to represent this
(though they may be limited to certain types of aircraft).
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Army characters must roll for an additional
Quirk. Roll 1D – if the roll is less than their HLT, they
must take either an Advantageous quirk from the list
below or either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than their Health they must choose
a Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below), but
gain no benefit from it.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Check
made using HLT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls HLT exactly they take
(2D + HLT)% extra cash or they take either 1 AP or 3
SP, or they re-roll. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: Support Personnel take a Toolbox or Professional
Kit as appropriate. All military Personnel take a Field
Kit and Military Weapons Kit (Officer or Enlisted).
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Major Possession (either), Au-
thority or Connections, Hero, Lightning Reflexes (Com-
bat Personnel only) or Situational Awareness.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (Alcohol or Tob-
acco) or Arrogant or Coward, Disfigured or Thousand
Yard Stare, Enemy or Obligation.
CRIMINAL (LOWEST ABILITY)
The character is (or has been) involved in illegal
pursuits over a period of time (a career criminal),
whether they have been caught and convicted or not.
They may be “misunderstood” and really have a heart
of gold – or be a complete sociopath. Your choice.
If they haven’t actually been caught then, technically,
they aren’t criminals, but can still be criminal.
This covers the whole gamut of criminal activity –
from petty theft or running a numbers racket to large
scale racketeering and murder for hire. Whatever
might be illegal (if not always immoral) is on the cards.
CRIMINAL SKILLS (PARAMILITARY)
Driving, Brawling or Martial Arts, Criminal, Environ
Knowledge, Firearms (Handguns, Longarms [Civil-
ian]), Gambling, Leadership, Observation (Stakeout,
Sentry) or Melee and Thrown Weapons, Streetwise,
Subterfuge.
You don’t have to take this Career to be a criminal – this
represents career criminals – and not necessarily the
really bright ones, either. The brighter ones are likely
Entrepreneurs or other professionals “gone bad.”
There is no reason why a Detective or a Policeman can’t
be “dirty cop” – or why a Doctor (Medical Career) can’t
be a lawbreaker, and working without a license.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Criminals must roll for an additional Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than the lowest Ability, they
must choose an Advantageous quirk (list below) or take
either 1 AP or 3 SP.
c
h
a
r
a
If the roll is greater than their lowest Ability they must
choose a Disadvantageous quirk from the list below,
but gain no benefit from doing so.
c
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
t
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check using Lowest Ability + Highest Career Skill. e
Cash: If on the Quirk Check they roll their lowest
Ability exactly they take (2D + Lowest Ability)% extra
r
cash or either 1 AP or 3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies
to the re-roll.
Kit: Criminals take a Pistol or Knife and an Urban
Resident Kit.
c
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Ambidextrous or Brick, Conn-
r
ections or Likeable, Lightning Reflexes or Sixth Sense.
e
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction or Arrogant or
Poverty, Debt or Obligation, Enemies or Fugitive,
Illiterate or Infamous.
a
DETECTIVE (DEDUCTION) t
The character is a specialist investigator – they may
work for the Police, an Insurance or other Company,
or as a Private Investigator for hire (any or all of which
i
may be local, State, National or International).
o
They are tasked with examination of crimes or situat-
ions to determine who, what, where, how, why and
when with the intention of figuring out Whodunnit.
n
DETECTIVE SKILLS (PARAMILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling or Martial Arts, Concentration,
Detective, Drive (Car, Motorcycle), Environ Know-
ledge, Firearms (Handgun), Melee (Riot Stick), Obser-
vation, Streetwise, Subterfuge.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Detective characters may roll for an free Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than DED, they may
choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP. 57
If they roll greater than Deduction they must choose a
 Disadvantageous quirk (below), but gain no benefit.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using DED + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls DED exactly they either
take (2D + DED)% extra cash or take either 1 AP or 3
SP, or re-roll. No bonus applies to such a re-roll.
Kit: Detectives take a Pistol and Urban Resident kit. If
they have Environ Knowledge that also take a Rural
Resident or Field Kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Authority or Connections, Rep-
utation, Sixth Sense.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (Alcohol or Tob-
acco) or Debt, Curiosity or Enemies, Infamous.
DILETTANTE (ANY ABILITY, WEALTHY QUIRK)
The character comes from wealth – they’re so wealthy
they’ve never had to work and will likely never need to.
They can dabble in anything they want any time they
want – but may never go beyond dabbling (not having
the motivation to go beyond a limited skill level).
DILETTANTE SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Etiquette, Languages (Modern) and Seduction to any
level. Concentration and Criminal are non-Career.
Technician, Electronics, Engineering, Medical and
Science may be taken to a maximum of level four (4). All
other skills may be taken to a maximum of level five (5).
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
None. With Wealth already, you want more?
DIPLOMAT (CUNNING)
The character pursuing this Career serves their nation
in the field of international relations which can inc-
lude political, financial (trade), security and military
areas as well as assisting their nation’s citizens abroad.
DIPLOMAT SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Concentration, Driving (Car, Motorcycle), Environ
Knowledge, Etiquette, Financial, Humanities, Lang-
uages (Modern), Literature (Journalist, Publicist), Rid-
ing, Seduction, Streetwise, Subterfuge (Fast Talk).
Military Attachés or Police/Security Liaisons may take
Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines Careers for Attaché;
Detective or Police/Security for Liaison plus Etiquette
and Languages (Modern).
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Diplomat characters may roll for an free Quirk.
58 Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than their CUN, they may
choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If they roll greater than CUN they must choose a
Disadvantageous quirk (list below) for no benefit.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using CUN + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls CUN exactly they take
(2D + CUN)% extra cash or they take either 1 AP or 3
SP or re-roll. No bonus applies to such a re-roll.
Kit: They take an Urban Resident kit. If they have
Environ Knowledge they also take a Rural Resident kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Authority, Connections or
Likeable or Reputation, Natural Linguist.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (either) or Arro-
gant, Enemies, Coward or Pacifist, Debt or Obligation.
ENGINEER (APTITUDE)
Engineer characters design and/or build things, or are
involved in supervising the Technicians who do the
building and/or maintenance. Engineers keep mod-
ern societies running (from offices or the field) in both
peace and war.
Those involved in field operations may find themselves
in exotic (extremes of temperature and a complete lack
of civilised amenities) places and become involved in
“adventures” for the simple fact of where they are.
ENGINEERING SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Concentration, Driving (Car, Motorcycle, Truck),
Technician (one only, related to core Engineering skill),
Environ Knowledge, Languages (Modern) plus one of –
Electronics, Engineering, Military Sciences (Combat
Engineering, Weapon System Engineering only)
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Engineer characters may roll for an free Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than their APT, they may
choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If they roll greater than their APT they must choose a
Disadvantageous quirk (see list below), at no benefit.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using APT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls APT exactly they either
take (2D + APT)% extra cash or take either one 1 AP or
3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies to such a re-roll.
Kit: Engineers take a Professional Kit and, if they have
Technician, a Toolkit and either a Urban or Rural
Resident kit (with Environ Knowledge they take both).
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession,
Brick, Robust, Sixth Sense.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (legal) or Enem-
ies, Arrogant or Clumsy, Curious or Honest.
ENTREPRENEUR (COMMAND)
This Career covers running a business – from the
owner/manager of a small corner store through to the
CEO of a multi-national corporation.
These are the managers. They hire specialists to do the
detail work – accountants, lawyers, programmers etc. –
while they take care of the “big picture” and, hopefully,
make a profit to pay the staff their wages and benefits as
well as a return on investment to the stockholders.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Concentration, Etiquette, Driving (Car, Motorcycle),
Environ Knowledge, Financial, Languages, (Modern),
Streetwise.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Entrepreneurs must roll for an additional
Quirk. Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than their CMD,
they may choose an Advantageous quirk or take either
1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than their CMD they must choose
a Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below), but
gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using CMD + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls CMD exactly they either
take (2D + CMD)% extra cash or take either one 1 AP or
3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies to a re-roll.
Kit: Entrepreneurs take a Laptop/PDA and a Urban
Resident kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
Major Possession (Civilian), Reputation, Sidekick.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Arrogant, Debt, Enemies,
Honest or Infamous.
FACTORY HAND (HEALTH)
Factory workers may be semi-skilled to skilled people
who make things for a living. Their career covers
anything and everything from fitters and machinists
(or equivalent) who actually make the components
assembled into a finished product through assembly
line workers who assemble and/or finish those compon-
ents right down to the packers who take the final
product and ready it for shipping.
FACTORY SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Driving (Truck, Semi-Trailer), Design (one), Technic-
ian (one), Environ Knowledge, Language (Modern,
c
one), Streetwise, Concentration.
Note: A character pursuing this career may spend up to
h
thirty percent (30%) of their pre-game skill points on
skills from the Armed Forces Reserve career, but other-
a
wise conforming to that career’s rules.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
r
Quirk: Factory Hands may roll for an extra Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than their HLT, they may
a
choose an Advantageous quirk or take either one 1 AP
or 3 SP. c
If the roll is greater than their HLT they must choose
a Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below), but
t
gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
e
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using HLT + Highest Career Skill.
r
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls HLT exactly they either
take (2D + HLT)% extra cash or take either one 1 AP or
3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies to a re-roll.
c
Kit: Factory Workers take a Toolkit and, depending on
the factory location, an Urban or Rural Dweller kit. r
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Ambidextrous or Lightning
e
Reflexes, any two of Brick, Likeable, Robust or Toler-
ance to Pain. a
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction, Disfigured, Illit-
erate or Minor Disability, Poverty .
t
JACK OF ALL TRADES (ANY ABILITY)
Those with this background have learnt a moderate
i
level in a lot of skills in the school of hard knocks. They
have a wide variety of skills, often picked up informal-
o
ly, but have no formal qualifications and may lack the
depth of knowledge a trained practitioner has. n
59
 All skills are Career Skills for the character, but they may
take a maximum of level six (6) in any skill.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Jacks of All Trades may roll for an extra Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than any Ability they
choose, they may choose an Advantageous quirk or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is higher than their chosen Ability they must
choose a Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below),
but gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using Any Ability + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If they roll their chosen Ability exactly they get
nothing.
Kit: Either Urban or Rural Dweller kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Any except Advanced Tech
Possession or Major Possession.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Any.
JOURNALIST (CUNNING OR DEDUCTION)
Journalists work in the print or electronic media,
either in a “frontline” (reporter) or a “support” role
(researcher, cameraman or whatever). It also covers
those who work the “dark side” as spin doctors and
publicists whose job is not to report the news, but to
change the way it is reported – with the only purpose
being their client’s advantage.
JOURNALIST SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Brawling, Concentration, Detective (Analysis, Intelli-
gence, Interrogation), Driving (Car, Motorcycle,
Truck), Environ Knowledge, Etiquette, Humanities,
Literature, Observation (Stakeout), Performer (Cam-
eraman, Special Effects), Seduction, Streetwise, Sub-
terfuge.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Journalists may roll for an extra Quirk. Roll 1D
– if the roll is lower than one of either their CUN or
DED, they may choose an Advantageous quirk from the
list below or take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If they roll higher than one of either their CUN or DED
they must choose a Disadvantageous quirk (from the
lists below), but gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
60 Check made using CUN or DED + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If their Quirk Check rolls one of either their
CUN or DED exactly they either take (2D + Ability
Rolled)% extra cash or take either 1 AP or 3 SP or
re-roll. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: A journalist takes a Laptop/PDA and either Urban
or Rural Dweller kit. If they have Environ Knowledge
they may take both.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Likeable, Natural Linguist,
Reputation, Striking Looks, Sixth Sense.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (legal) or Debt,
Curious or Enemies, Honest or Infamous.
MARINES (HEALTH)
A Marine is a serving member of their nation’s naval
infantry. The forces may exist in its own right (US
Marines), though closely tied to the navy and relying
on it for support or it may be part of the navy (or in
between). Modern marine forces are somewhat elite –
almost as good as Special Forces (though they may
argue the toss!) – and may constitute what passes for
some nation’s Special Forces.
SUPPORT PERSONNEL (MILITARY)
Concentration, Athletics, Brawling or Martial Arts,
Driving, Environ Knowledge, Firearms, Gymnastics,
Languages (Modern), Leadership, Melee (Bayonet,
Knife), Riding, Seamanship (Seaman, Navigation),
Streetwise, Thrown Weapons (Knife) and either
Technician (one) or one of Electronics, Engineering or
Military Sciences.
COMBAT PERSONNEL (MILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Concentration, Technician (Para-
medic), Driving, Environ Knowledge, Firearms, Lang-
uages (Modern), Leadership, Melee (Bayonet, Knife),
Military Sciences, Observation (Sentry), Riding, Sea-
manship (Seaman, Navigation), Streetwise, Survival,
Thrown Weapons (Knife).
Marine forces which have their own air support may add
Aptitude (Avionics) and Pilot to either/both of the above.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Marine characters must roll for an additional
Quirk. Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than HLT ability,
they choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below
or take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than their HLT they must choose
a Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below), but
gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using HLT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls HLT exactly they either
take (2D + HLT)% extra cash or take either 1 AP or 3
SP or re-roll. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: Support Personnel take a Toolkit or Professional
Kit. All personnel take a Military Weapon Kit (Enlisted
or Officer, as appropriate) and a Field Kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Major Possession (Military),
Military Rank or Connections, Hero, Lightning Reflex-
es or Situational Awareness.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Arrogant, Coward or
Disfigured or Thousand Yard Stare, Enemy, Obligation.
MEDICAL (CUNNING, APTITUDE OR DEDUCTION)
This covers all health care professionals, whether
Technicians (Nurses and Paramedics) or Professionals
(Doctors, Veterinarians and Dentists).
MEDICAL SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Concentration, Driving (Car, Motorcycle, Truck),
Technician (Nurse, Paramedic), Environ Knowledge,
Languages (Modern), Medical, Sciences.
To qualify as an MD a character must have Diagnost-
ics/5 and Surgery/4. A Veterinarian requires Veterinar-
ian/5 and Surgery/4. A Dentist requires Dentist/5. In
emergencies, Vets can act as Doctors and vice versa.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Medical characters may roll for an extra Quirk.
Roll 1D – if they roll lower than CUN, APT or DED,
they must choose an Advantageous quirk or take either
1 AP or 3 SP.
If they roll greater than one of CUN or APT or DED
they must choose a Disadvantageous quirk (from the
lists below), but gain no benefit from it.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average Task Check made
using CUN or APT or DED + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls one of either CUN or
APT or DED exactly they take (2D + Ability rolled)%
extra cash or take either 1 AP or 3 SP or re-roll. No
bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: All medical personnel take a Doctor’s Black Bag
and either an Urban or Rural Dweller’s kit (if they have
Environ Knowledge, they take both).
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
Major Possession, Connections or Reputation, Like-
able, Striking Looks or Wealth.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Arrogant, Clumsy or For-
getful, Honest, Enemy, Pacifist or Poverty.
c
h
a
r
a
MERCHANT MARINE (HEALTH)
Merchant mariners sail the world’s oceans, shipping
goods and moving people from place to place, oiling
c
the wheels of international commerce while earning a
living. Many, especially the Offices and technicians,
t
are ex-Navy and/or Naval (or Coast Guard) reservists.
MERCHANT MARINE SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
e
Athletics, Brawling, Concentration, Tech (Paramedic),
Environ Knowledge, Financial, Languages (Modern),
r
Leadership, Seamanship, Seduction, Streetwise and
either Technician (one) or Electronics or Engineering.
Merchant Marine Officers/Petty Officers may also take
Firearms (Handgun, Longarm [Civilian]) if they travel in
c
pirate infested waters (mainly in Third World areas).
Most Merchant Mariners work for large shipping con-
r
cerns, but some still work for the modern equivalent of
Tramp Steamers. Likewise, the vast majority are ocean
e
going, but some ply riverine and lake routes.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
a
Quirk: Merchant Mariners may roll for an extra Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than HLT, they must
t
choose an Advantageous quirk (see below) or take either
1 AP or 3 SP. i
If the roll is greater than their HLT they must choose
a Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below), but
o
gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
n
of successes they exceed an Average Task Check made
using HLT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls HLT exactly they take
(2D + HLT)% extra cash or take either 1 AP or 3 SP or
re-roll. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: Seamen take either a Toolbox or a Professional Kit
and an Urban Dweller’s kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Connections, Internal Comp- 61
ass or Enhanced Immunity or Natural Linguist, (Milit-
ary) Rank, Sixth Sense.
 Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (legal), Enemies
or Fugitive, Reduced Immunity.
MILITARY ACADEMY *
The character is a graduate of their national military
academy (Army, Air Force or Navy/Marines) and may
choose an Army, Air Force, Marines or Navy career as
normal with the addition that they may purchase the
Military Rank Quirk at Commissioned level without the
need to purchase it at Non-Commissioned level.
They must spend a minimum of 25% of their SP on the
Career skills from one of the following careers – Aca-
demic, Diplomat, Engineer or Professional and must
also take Etiquette Skill (a Command based skill) at
least at SL/2 as if they were Career Skills.
They’re “officers and gentlemen” – expected to have at
least a basic grounding on how to behave in polite
society and are also expected to have a grounding in an
academic skill of use to their service (though, of course,
they may pursue a combat command in practise).
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Military Academy graduates must roll for an
extra Quirk as per their chosen military career.
* Base Career Ability for determining Wealth in char-
acter creation Step #7 is the Base Career Ability of the
military career they are pursuing.
NAVY (DEDUCTION)
The character is a serving member of their nation’s
waterborne forces. This may be a small coast guard,
riverine force or customs service (it may even be part
of the Army, especially in landlocked countries) – or it
may be a world-spanning power projection force.
SUPPORT PERSONNEL (PARAMILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Driving, Environ Knowledge, Fire-
arms, Languages (Modern), Leadership, Melee (Bayo-
net, Knife), Seamanship (Seaman, Navigation), Street-
wise, Thrown Weapons (Knife) and either Technician
(one) or one of Electronics, Engineering and Military
Sciences.
COMBAT PERSONNEL (MILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling, Concentration, Technician (Para-
medic), Driving, Environ Knowledge, Firearms, Lang-
uages (Modern), Leadership, Melee (Bayonet, Knife),
Military Sciences, Observation (Sentry), Riding, Sea-
manship (Seaman, Navigation), Streetwise, Survival,
Thrown Weapons (Knife).
Navies which have their own air support may add Tech-
nician (Avionics) and Pilot to either/both of the above.
62 MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Navy characters must roll for an additional
Quirk. Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than their DED,
they must choose an Advantageous quirk (list below) or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than their DED they must choose a
Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below), but gain
no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using DED + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls DED exactly they either
take (2D + DED)% extra cash or either 1 AP or 3 SP or
re-roll. No bonus applies.
Kit: Support personnel take either a Toolbox or a
Professional Kit. All personnel take a Field Kit and
Military Weapons Kit (Enlisted or Officer).
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
Major Possession (Military), Military Rank or Connec-
tions, Enhanced Immunity or Natural Linguist, Light-
ning Reflexes or Sixth Sense (Combat personnel only).
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (Alcohol or Tob-
acco), Coward or Enemies, Pacifist.
OFFICE WORKER (DEDUCTION OR APTITUDE)
An Office worker performs the paperwork (even if it is
mostly electronic these days) that commerce, industry,
the law and government ticking over. This can any-
thing from Data Entry operator to Legal Secretary,
from Accountant to Clerk, from Print Room Assistant
to Receptionist, from Research Assistant to Cashier.
OFFICE SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Driving (Car, Truck). Detective (Practical Research).
Literature (Copywriter, Publicist), Technician (Book-
keeper, Secretary or similar). Environ Knowledge.
Humanities (one). Language (Modern, one). Streetwise.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Office Workers may roll for an additional
Quirk. Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than one of either
their DED or APT ability, they may choose an Advant-
ageous quirk from the list below or take either one 1
AP or 3 SP.
If they roll is greater than their one of either DED or
APT they must choose a Disadvantageous quirk (from
the lists below), but gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using DED or APT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls DED or APT exactly
they take (2D + DED or APT)% extra cash or take either
one 1 AP or 3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies.
Kit: Office workers take an Urban Dweller’s Kit.
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession
(Civilian) or Major Possession, Authority (1 level),
Connections, Likeable, Natural Linguist.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Clumsy or Slow Reflexes.
Easily Distracted or Forgetful. One of Coward or
Pacifist or Honest. Sickly or Debt.
PERFORMER (COMMAND OR APTITUDE)
Someone has to work in the entertainment industry –
whether as a star, a bit player, or stage or tech crew.
They may be involved in live stage or musicals,
television or even movies – or, perhaps, as freelancers
whose only exposure is on webchannels or YouTube.
PERFORMANCE SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Athletics, Brawling, Technician (one), Design (Interior
Design, Photography), Driving, Environ Knowledge,
Etiquette, Gymnastics, Literature, Musician, Perfor-
mer, Seduction, Streetwise, Subterfuge.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Performers may roll for an additional Quirk.
Roll 1D – if they roll lower than one of CMD or APT,
they must choose an Advantageous quirk or take either
one 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater then they must choose a Disadvant-
ageous quirk (from the lists below), but gain no benefit
from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using CMD or APT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls CMD or APT exactly
they take (2D + Ability Chosen)% extra cash or either 1
AP or 3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies.
Kit: Performers take either a Toolbox or a Professional
kit and a Urban Dweller’s Kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Connections or Wealth, Natur-
al Linguist, Reputation or Striking Looks.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (any) or Debt,
Easily Distracted or Forgetful, Enemies or Sickly.
POLICE/SECURITY (DEDUCTION OR CUNNING)
Characters pursuing this Career are trained and em-
ployed as uniformed security personnel (if you want to
operate in “plain clothes” use the Detective Career)
enforcing the local, regional, or national laws and/or
acting as paramilitary security forces. They may, alter-
nately, be private security forces employed by many
corporations – anything from minimum wage rent-a-
cops to ex-military/police personnel.
POLICE & SECURITY SKILLS (PARAMILITARY)
Athletics, Brawling or Martial Arts, Concentration,
Technician (Paramedic), Driving (Car, Motorcycle,
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Truck), Environ Knowledge, Languages (Modern),
Leadership, Firearms (except Heavy Weapons), Gym-
nastics, Melee (Knife, Riot Stick), Observation, Street-
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wise, Subterfuge, Thrown Weapons (Knife), Survival.
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Security forces who have their own air wing may add
Technician (Avionics) and Pilot to either/both of these. r
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Police must roll for an additional Quirk. Roll 1D
a
– if the roll is lower than one of either DED or CUN,
they must choose an Advantageous quirk from the list
below or take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
c
If the roll is greater they must choose a Disadvantage-
t
ous quirk (lists below), but gain no benefit.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
e
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using CUN or DED + Highest Career Skill.
r
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls DED or CUN exactly
they either take (2D + Ability Chosen)% extra cash or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies to
the re-roll.
c
Kit: Police/Security characters take a Police/Security
kit and an Urban or Rural Dweller kit (or both if they
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have Environ Knowledge).
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AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Authority or Connections, Int-
ernal Compass or Internal Clock, Lightning Reflexes
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(one level only) or Reputation or Sidekick or Sixth Sense.
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Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (legal), Arrogant
or Curious, Enemies or Honest, Debt or Obligation. i
PROFESSIONAL (DEDUCTION OR COMMAND)
This covers the practical (or at least non-academic)
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pursuit and practise of academically acquired skills
not specifically covered by other Careers like Acad-
emic, Engineer, Journalist, Medical, or Scientist. Gener-
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ally speaking, they are specialists (not always technical
ones, though) rather than managers (see Entrepreneur).
63
 PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Driving (Car, Motorcycle), Environ Knowledge, Eti-
quette and any specialisations from one of the following
– Design, Financial, Humanities.
This wide ranging skill includes many things. Account-
ants (Financial), Couturiers (Design), Librarians (Infor-
mation Technology), Photographers (Design), Psycholo-
gists (Humanities), Personal Assistants (Etiquette),
Stockbrokers (Financial) and etc.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Professionals may roll for an additional Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than one of either DED or
CMD ability, they must choose an Advantageous quirk
from the list below or take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than one of either DED or CMD
they must choose a Disadvantageous quirk (from the
lists below), but gain no benefit from doing so.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using DED or CMD + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls DED or CMD exactly
they either take (2D + Ability Chosen)% extra cash or
either 1 AP or 3 SP. No bonus applies.
Kit: Professionals gain a Professional Kit plus either an
Urban or Rural Dweller’s kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
Major Possession (Civilian), Connections, Likeable or
Reputation or Wealth.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Arrogant, Debt, Enemies or
Infamous, Honest or Poverty.
SCIENTIST (DEDUCTION)
Scientists conduct research and/or build prototypes of
things that may be developed by engineers and built
by technicians. To make the world a better place – or
do a better job at destroying it! They may work from
offices or the field.
SCIENCE SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Concentration, Driving (Car, Motorcycle, Truck),
Technician (one only, complementary to the core
Science skill) or Engineering (one only, complementary
to the core Science skill) Environ Knowledge, Languag-
es (Modern) plus one Science specialisation (or related
specialisations)
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Scientists may roll for an additional Quirk. Roll
64 1D – if the roll is lower than their DED ability, they
must choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below
or take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than their DED they must choose a
Disadvantageous quirk (list below), with no benefit.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using DED + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls DED exactly they either
take (2D + DED)% extra cash or take 1 AP or 3 SP or
re-roll. No bonus applies.
Kit: Scientists take a Science/Professional Kit plus a
Toolbox if they have Technician or Engineering. Those
with Environ Knowledge take a Field Kit and all take
either Urban or Rural Dweller’s kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
Major Possession, Connections or Reputation, Natural
Linguist.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Arrogant or Clumsy, Cow-
ard or Pacifist, Debt or Enemies, Easily Distracted or
Forgetful.
SPECIAL FORCES (HEALTH)
This is an amalgam of all special forces – regardless of
whether military or paramilitary, which means their
degree of “eliteness” will vary somewhat). Special
Forces are special – they are not intended to be used in
regular situations, but for Hostage Rescue, Comm-
ando Raids, Intelligence ops behind enemy lines etc.
SPECIAL FORCES SKILLS (MILITARY)
Archery, Athletics, Concentration, Technician (Para-
medic), Design (Photography), Driving, Environ Kn-
owledge, Firearms, Gymnastics, Languages (Modern),
Leadership, Martial Arts, Melee, Military Sciences,
Missile, Observation, Subterfuge, Survival, Thrown
Weapons.
Where applicable, Special Forces may also have Sea-
manship or Piloting.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Special Forces must roll for an additional
Quirk. Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than HLT they must
choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below or
take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater they must choose a Disadvantage-
ous one (see lists below), but gain no benefit.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using HLT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls HLT exactly they either
take (2D + HLT)% extra cash or either 1 AP or 3 SP or
re-roll. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: Special Forces characters take a Field Kit and a
Military Weapons Kit (combine the different parts of
both the Enlisted and Officer variants).
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession or
Major Possession, Military Rank or Connections or
Hero, Enhanced Immunity or Natural Linguist or
Lightning Reflexes or Internal Compass or Internal
Clock or Situational Awarenesss.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Addiction (legal) or Arro-
gant or Debt, Coward or Fugitive or Thousand Yard
Stare, Enemies or Infamous or Obligation.
TECHNICIAN (APTITUDE)
This is also a wide-ranging Career – anyone pursuing
some a non-university technical qualification. They
work (and repair) the machines that keep the modern
world operating – keep books (or typeset or bind
them), wire (and build) houses, assemble (operate and
repair) computers, and many similar things.
TECHNICAL SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Brawling, Technician, Design, Driving, Environ
Knowledge, Gambling, Streetwise.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Technicians may roll for an additional Quirk.
Roll 1D – if the roll is lower than their APT ability, they
must choose an Advantageous quirk from the list below
or take either 1 AP or 3 SP.
If the roll is greater than their APT they must choose a
Disadvantageous quirk (from the lists below), from
which they gain no benefit.
They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
Check made using APT + Highest Career Skill.
Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls APT exactly they either
take (2D + APT)% extra cash or either 1 AP or 3 SP or
re-roll. No bonus applies to the re-roll.
Kit: Technicians take a Toolbox plus, if they have
Environ Knowledge, a Field Kit and either a Urban or
Rural Dweller’s kit.
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Advanced Tech Possession,
Connections, Reputation, Sixth Sense.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Arrogant or Clumsy, Debt
or Poverty, Easily Distracted or Forgetful, Minor Dis-
ability or Sickly or Pacifist.
TRUCKER (HEALTH OR APTITUDE)
A truckie can (and does) drive anything with an engine,
wheels, and which drives (at least most of the time) on
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roads. Anything from the big Container rigs through
to the ubiquitous Courier vans seen on city and sub-
urban streets throughout the world right down to
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Motorcycle Couriers. Sorta like a merchant mariner
on dry land, in effect.
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TRUCKER SKILLS (CIVILIAN)
Athletics, Brawling, Concentration, Technician (Mech-
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anic), Environ Knowledge, Financial, Languages
(Modern, one), Leadership, Driving (Truck, Semi-
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Trailer), Seduction, Streetwise.
MUSTERING OUT BENEFITS
Quirk: Truckers may roll for an additional Quirk. Roll
1D – if they roll lower than one of either HLT or APT
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they may choose an Advantageous quirk from the list
below or take either 1 AP or 3 SP. r
If the roll is greater they must choose a Disadvantage-
ous one (see the list below), but gain no benefit.
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They may add a bonus to this roll equal to the number
of successes they exceed an Average difficulty Task
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Check made using HLT or APT + Highest Career Skill.
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Cash: If the Quirk Check rolls HLT or APT exactly
they take (2D + Ability Chosen)% extra cash or either 1
AP or 3 SP or re-roll. No bonus applies.
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Kit: Truckers take a Toolbox plus, if they have Environ
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Knowledge, a Field Kit and either a Urban or Rural
Dweller’s kit. n
AVAILABLE QUIRKS
Advantageous Quirks: Brick or Robust, Major Poss-
ession (Civilian), Internal Compass or Internal Clock,
Connections, Lightning Reflexes.
Disadvantageous Quirks: Enemies, Debt, Honest,
Minor Disability.
65
 CHARACTER CREATION – SKILLS
Skills represent general knowledge, training, and
broad fields of study. Many (but not all) skills are
further divided into Specialisations. Each skill is
governed by a single Ability (or Special Ability) and
normally rated from two (2) to eight (8).
A Skill may be attempted Unskilled (see the Task
Resolution section) unless it is asterisked (*) – note that
some specific sub skills may also be so marked.
SKILLS AND SPECIALISATION
Most Skills are divided into Specialisations, represent-
ing the complexity of the modern world. When a
character chooses a Skill with Specialisations, they
gain a general knowledge of all these at level two (2).
Once they increase their rating to three (3) or above,
however, they must do so in a specific area.
A character may choose to increase their skill rating in
more than one specialisation within a single skill, but
the cost (over Rating 2) must be paid for each such
specialisation that is increased. The cost to increase
levels in a Specialisation is the same as it would be if
the skill had none.
A character has Archery (2) and wishes to increase to
rating (3) – they must choose a specialisation. Choosing
Crossbow, the skill becomes Archery (2)/Crossbow (3).
Thereafter, depending on how their SPs have been allo-
cated, they could either increasing their Crossbow skill
or on increasing a different Archery specialisation.
The basic skill never increases SL/2 – though there is no
limit to the number of Specialisations a character may
learn (depending on what’s available for the skill).
HEALTH BASED SKILLS
ARCHERY
Archery covers the use, maintenance and construction
of Bows and Arrows (including Crossbows/Bolts).
While the skill might seem useless in the modern
SKILL RATINGS
Basic 2 Construction vehicles include everything from Graders
Trained 3 Cherrypickers – but not tracked vehicles.
Experienced 4
Talented 5 Trailer Truck in the US. Tracked Vehicles includes
Gifted 6
66 Exceptional 7 Truck includes everything from Delivery Vans through
Unique 8 category and wheeled APCs.
world, it represents a a popular sport and is also an
excellent silent-kill technique for Special Forces units.
Specialisations: Arbalestier (Crossbow Construction)
Bowyer (Bow Construction) Composite Bow, Compound
Bow, Crossbow, Longbow, Short Bow.
Only those with Arbalestier or Bowyer specialisations
may make these weapons and bolts or arrows for them.
Characters with other specific weapon specialisations
may repair the weapons they have specialised in and
make bolts or arrows for them.
ATHLETICS
Athletics covers training to improve their basic ability
in a variety of sport based movement related activities.
See The Physical World for details of the various ways
in which this is used in the D10 system.
Specialisations: Climb, Jump, Run, Swim.
Movement based in that the character get from A to B.
BRAWLING
Brawling covers the generalised ability to punch, kick,
grapple, and parry in hand-to-hand combat in a gen-
erally untrained manner.
If you want a more specific hand to hand combat system,
use Martial Arts skill.
DRIVING
Driving covers the operation of automobiles, trucks,
and motorcycles. Mechanic covers repair and main-
tenance, but is used with Aptitude not Health.
Specialisations: Air Cushion Vehicle, Car, Construction
Vehicles, Mechanic, Motorcycle, Semi-Trailer, Tracked
Vehicle, Truck.
Air Cushion Vehicle = Hovercraft of all sorts, even when
used over water. Car = Sports Cars, Roadsters, Sedans
and Limousines. Motorcycle = powered two wheeled
vehicles.
through to Power Shovels and Mobile Cranes and
Semi-Trailer is what is called an Articulated Truck or
Bulldozers, Tanks and APCs.
Buses to Heavy Trucks not covered by the Semi-Trailer
FIREARMS MISSILE
Firearms covers the use of any pistol or rifle in combat
or simply in competition. Basic care is based on APT
Missile covers those ranged weapons that do not fit
into Archery, Firearms, or Thrown Weapons. These are
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not HLT. Gunsmith covers more advanced repair and mostly obsolete except for Special Forces where a
maintenance. silent kill at a distance is required. Basic care is based
on APT not HLT.
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Specialisations: Automatic Weapons, Gunsmith, Hand-
guns, Longarms (Civilian), Longarms (Military), Heavy Specialisations: Blowpipe, Staff Sling*, Sling, Slingshot,
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Weapons. Spear gun.

Handguns = all Pistols and SMGs. Civilian Longarms = PILOTING

rifles or shotguns not capable of full automatic or auto-
burst fire. Military Longarms = civilian rifles and shot-
guns plus military weapons capable of full automatic or
autoburst fire and Light machineguns.
Automatic Weapons include Medium and Heavy mach-
ineguns and Autocannon up to 23 mm caliber. Heavy
Weapons = Mortars, AT Guided Missiles, Recoilless
Rifles and lighter Direct Fire Artillery.
Characters with specific weapon skills can do basic
(preventative) maintenance. Gunsmiths do more comp-
licated repairs and maintenance and customisation for
superior performance (accuracy, reliability etc).
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Piloting covers the operation of rotary and fixed wing
aircraft (helicopters and planes). Avionics covers re-
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pair and maintenance, but is used with APT not HLT.
Specialisations: Avionics (Repair & Maintenance)*,
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Helicopter, Single Engine Jet, Single Engine Prop,
Lighter-than-Air, Multi-Engine Jet, Multi-Engine Prop,
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V/STOL Fixed Wing.
RIDING
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Riding is the knowledge of controlling horses and
steering horse-drawn wagons and carriages. Basic care
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of the riding animal or vehicle is based on the specific
skill but combined with APT not HLT.

GYMNASTICS
This covers training in a variety of sport based but
Specialisations: Buggy, Camel, Equine (Ass, Horse,
Mule, Donkey), Waggon.
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basically non-movement related activities. See the
chapter on The Physical World. SEAMANSHIP
Sailing is the art of crewing and commanding a ship
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Specialisations: Balance, Dodge, Juggle, Throw. and some basic maintenance. Shipwright covers more
advanced repair and maintenance, but is used with
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Non-movement based in that they do not get a character APT not HLT.
from A to B (which is covered by Athletics skill, see
above), though some movement may be involved. Navigation covers position finding and course plotting
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MARTIAL ARTS *
and is used with Deduction not Health.
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Martial Arts covers, generically, different schools of Specialisations: Helmsman, Master’s Certificate (Sail)*,
Unarmed Combat from around the world. Master’s Certificate (Steam)*, Navigation*, Pilot*, Sea-
man (Sail), Seaman (Steam), Shipwright.
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Specialisations: Block, Hold, Kick, Punch, Sweep,
Throw.
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Use them to re-create your own favourite Martial Art
Technique – Capoeira to Escrima, Judo to Tae-Kwon-Do.
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MELEE
Melee covers the ability to fight using hand-to-hand
weapons such as staves, knives, swords, and clubs.
These weapons still have their uses for a silent kill –
and when ammunition for regular firearms runs out!
Basic care is combined with APT not HLT.

Specialisations: Axe, Bayonet, Club, Fencing*, Knife,

Mace, Pole arm*, Shield, Spear, Sword, Quarterstaff.

Most specific weapons not listed above actually fit into 67

the specialisations that are listed. For example, Pikes,
Bills and Halberds are all Pole arms.
 Helmsmen are non-officer watch standers who are quali-
fied to steer the ship – they are not in line of command
except in smaller vessels. A Master’s Certificate indicates
a qualified watch stander in line of command in larger
vessels. A Pilot has intimate knowledge of a specific
harbour and its approaches.
A Seaman has practical ship crewing skills, which differ
considerable for sail and steam vessels. On sailing vessels
they have special skills relating to the operation and
maintenance of the sails/rigging while on a steam vessel
they have more mechanical related skills.
THROWN WEAPONS
Thrown Weapons covers the ability to use weapons
that are normally thrown at the target. Basic care is
based on APT not HLT.
Specialisations: Bolas*, Boomerang*, Grenadier, Jav-
elin, Knife, Lariat, Throwing Stars, War Dart, War Quoit.
CUNNING BASED SKILLS
CRIMINAL
Criminal skill covers a variety of extra-legal pursuits.
HLT is in place of CUN for physical maneuvers and
DED is used for the planning phase.
Specialisations: Black Marketeer, Break and Enter,
Confidence Artist, Cracksman, Fence, Forgery, Hit man,
Mastermind, Mugger, Pickpocket, Smuggler.
Black Marketeers can get (or try to get) anything a
character may want, even if illegal (always for a price,
of course). A Cracksman specialises in safecracking,
either with mechanical devices or with explosives. A
Fence buys “hot” property – for a considerable mark-
down on its actual value, but with no questions asked.
The Mastermind is the character that does the planning
and organisation of the gang’s criminal activities – esp-
ecially complex activities such as Prostitution, Extortion,
the Numbers game and selling “Protection.”
DETECTIVE
Detective skill covers a wide variety of legal pursuits
related to the detection, prevention, and solving of
criminal acts. HLT is used instead of CUN for physical
maneuvers and DED is used for the planning phase.
Specialisations: Analysis, Bodyguard, Intelligence, Int-
errogation, Physical Security, Practical Forensics, Pract-
ical Law, Practical Research.
Analysis is the examination and processing of all the
evidence that has been gathered and interpreting it.
68 Intelligence refers to gathering or possessing basic know-
ledge about the activities of criminal operations within
the character’s normal area of responsibility.
Practical Forensics is the careful gathering of evidence
so as not to contaminate or render it useless.
Practical Law is knowledge of the criminal code applic-
able to the character’s normal area of responsibility as
well as court procedure and evidentiary rules.
Practical Research indicates an ability to efficiently
access Public and Governmental records (though it does
not necessarily grant access to those records).
OBSERVATION
The art of keeping watch or being on a stakeout
effectively and being able to spot anything out of place
or out of the ordinary.
Specialisations: Forward Observer, Search, Spot, Track-
ing (Rural), Tracking (Urban), Sentry, Stakeout.
Tracking allows a character to follow signs left behind
by the (potential) quarry to follow their trail and must be
bought for Urban and Rural environs separately.
Sentry involves actively patrolling an area while Stake-
out involves passively watching an area.
SUBTERFUGE
Subterfuge is the art of concealing one’s true motives
in a variety of ways.
Specialisations: Concealment, Disguise, Fast Talk,
Forgery, Sabotage.
Concealment involves hiding objects/oneself “in plain
sight” and being able to find hiding places.
Fast Talk is misdirecting or confusing using verbal
trickery – usually only temporarily (eventually the trail
will be picked up or the falsehood discovered).
Forgery requires a character have a relevant Aptitude
based skill and the lower rank of the two skills applies to
any roll required.
Sabotage requires the character have a relevant repair,
maintenance, or design skill pertaining to the class of
item to be sabotaged at a minimum of rank two (2).
GAMBLING
Gambling allows a character to play games of chance
and deduce the odds of winning in a given situation –
and, for those of a dishonest bent, perhaps to cheat!
Specialisations: Bluff, Cheat, Calculate Odds, Rules,
Skill (Game), Sleight of Hand.
Bluff is normally used with Command. Cheat covers the
ability to boost the odds in your favour by immoral (and
probably illegal!) means other than Sleight of Hand
(which covers palming cards, playing pieces or whatever).
Skill (Game) indicates an ability to play the game so as
to legally improve your chances of winning more than
normal (each game type is a separate Specialisation).
APTITUDE BASED SKILLS
DESIGN
Design covers all forms of artistic training. It can be
used alone or with any appropriate Technician spec-
ialisation to create an objet d’art.
Specialisations: Carving, Ceramics, Couture, Drawing,
Engraving, Glassblowing, Graphic Design, Interior
Design, Landscaping, Metal Casting, Painting, Photo-
graphy, Sculpture.
The list of specialisations is not exhaustive.
When used to create an objet d’art from an existing item
you must also possess rank 2+ in the appropriate craft
skill – more to create the object from scratch.
LITERATURE
Literature is the art of expressing oneself in written or
spoken language with technique and wit. When creat-
ing or performing a spoken work you may use CMD
instead of APT. For the study foreign literature, you
must have the appropriate language skill and usable
skill level cannot exceed this.
Specialisations: Copywriter, Critic, Editor, Essayist,
Journalist, Novelist, Playwright, Publicist, Poet.
Copywriter writes advertising copy – or, in wartime,
writes propaganda and conducts psyops. Editors help
authors and journalists write tighter, more logical, and
better structured works.
Critics deconstruct/interpret works of literature so that
they can inform others whether to read them or not .
Essayists, Novelists, Playwrights and Poets informing
and/or entertaining their audiences.
Journalists report on and explain events. Publicists are
interested in putting a “spin” on events and misinforming
the press and the public in the interests of their client.
MUSICIAN
Musician is the ability to read and compose music, to
play a musical instrument and to lead (conduct) a
band or orchestra (it does not cover Singing, however).
Specialisations: Compose, Conduct, Play Instrument.
Compose is the ability to read and write musical scores.
Conduct is the ability to organise the playing of an
orchestra or choir to enhance its performance. Play
Instrument is by type, but possibly by family – such as
woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, piano etc.
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PERFORMER
A Performer has the ability to entertain an audience
by presenting a act of some sort in public and/or on
stage or screen, or has the technical ability to directly
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support such performers (and also covers Singing).
Performance: Actor, Cameraman, Comedian, Dancer,
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Director, Mime, Stagehand, Singing, Special Effects,
Stunt Man.
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Some of the other Specialisations – like Cosmetician or
Set Designer are Technician or Design skills but are
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listed here to allow them to be used for specific Careers.
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SURVIVAL
This covers knowledge of staying alive in adverse
situations – finding shelter, food and water, avoiding
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getting lost, remaining hidden when and as necessary,
tracking people or animals, and treating basic injuries.
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Specialisations: Escape and Evasion, First Aid,
Hunt/Trap/Gather Food, Navigation, Track.
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Survival is limited primarily to use in rural and wilder-
ness (natural) environs (Streetwise is for built environs).
The skill assumes the environment gives you something
to work with – finding water in the middle of a desert will
be harder than it in a temperate climate! Still, you have
a better chance than those without Survival.
TECHNICIAN * (VARIES)
Technician apply practical rather than theoretical
knowledge – technical rather than scientific (engineer- 69
ing would be partway between the two). Technicians
generally follow designs drafted by others (Engineers
 or Scientists) to build an item or are limited to repair
or modification of existing items.
Specialisations: Arbalestier, Avionics*, Baker, Black-
smith, Bookbinder, Bookkeeper, Bowyer, Carpenter,
Computer Tech*, Confectioner, Cosmetician, Dressmak-
er, Electrician, Electronics Tech*, Engraver, Farrier, Gas
fitter, Glazier, Goldsmith, Gunsmith, Hatter, Jeweller,
Machinist, Mason, Mechanic, Nurse, Optician*, Para-
medic, Pharmacist*, Physiotherapist*, Plumber, Secret-
ary, Shipwright, Tailor, Undertaker ... and many more.
These represent practical skills – not design or theory
(covered by Deduction based skills). The above list is not
meant to be exhaustive.
Paramedic/Nursing specialisations cover First Aid etc.
(but see Survival also, for a version of these skills).
Note: The GM is the final arbiter of whether a technical
skill can be used unskilled or not.
DEDUCTION BASED SKILLS
ELECTRONICS *
Covers the designing, building, and repairing electric-
al and electronic devices, including computers.
Specialisations: Electrical Engineering, Computer Eng-
ineering.
Deduction is used for design and construction, Aptitude
is used for repair/maintenance and for Computer Soft-
ware design/Programming.
ENGINEERING *
This covers a wide array of high level design and large
scale construction skills. Engineers design things, pro-
duce prototypes, or co-ordinate really big projects –
they don’t normally generate new principles.
Specialisations: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Comp-
uter Engineering (Hardware), Electrical Engineering,
Mechanical Engineering.
Unlike Technician, Engineering provides a wide theor-
etical knowledge base. Crafters (Technicians) may be
better at fixing (or even modifying) the technology at a
practical level, but Engineers can design (or redesign)
and construct (or supervise the construction process car-
ried out by technicians) to much greater effect.
ENVIRON KNOWLEDGE
Local or regional knowledge a long term inhabitant
(or well prepared tourist) might be expected to possess.
With this you know the best night spots and restaur-
ants, how to get scarce theatre tickets, how best to get
70 from A to B, and the basic local socio-political scene.
Specialisations: City, State, Region, Nation.
While this knowledge might initially represent long term
residency in (or careful study of) a particular area,
moving somewhere else does not mean the skill is wasted.
A character with this skill has an innate ability to pick up
this information far more quickly than normal, though
the speed at which it will be gained for a new area will
be affected by things such as language/cultural diff-
erences and is determined in consultation with the GM.
FINANCIAL
Financial covers all basic aspects of monetary, comm-
ercial and economic knowledge and practice includ-
ing the regulatory rules applicable.
Specialisations: Accounting, Commercial Law, Merch-
ant, Trading.
Accounting deals with the formal structuring of a
company’s financial operations and record keeping.
Commercial Law deals with contracts and the legal
requirements for running a company.
Merchant deals with the actual entrepreneurial matters
of operating a business for fun and profit. Trading deals
with make deals – not running a business – but share or
futures trading, for example or simply “facilitating.”
HUMANITIES *
Covers are wide array of non-science based academic
pursuits – those that are not covered by other skills.
When doing research in a specific sub skill, characters
should use use CUN instead of DED.
Specialisations: Anthropology, Archaeology, Govern-
ment, History, Information Technology, Law, Philos-
ophy, Psychology, Sociology, Theology.
The list is not meant to be prescriptive or exhaustive. If
it’s not a Science, Engineering, Computer or Medical
skill and isn’t covered by Technician, Design, Literature
or Performance, then it probably fits here!
Note: Humanities may not be used unskilled, because it
is specific academic knowledge.
LANGUAGES *
Covers the ability to read and write a foreign language.
Specialisations: Each Modern language is a separate
specialisation. Each Ancient (Dead) language is a
separate specialisation.
Literacy in languages written in an alphabetic script
applies to languages you speak that also use an alpha-
betic script (even if unrelated). Literacy in each language
written using ideograms must be purchased separately.
Ancient Languages that are written in syllabic scripts
count as alphabetic languages.
Note: Japanese is an alphabetic script. Latin is a mod- Strategy & Tactics allows planning a military operation
ern language. Egyptian Hieroglyphics and Hieratic
scripts, however count as ideograms for game purposes,
and gain a bonus that will apply to the skills of all those
involved who are under the character’s command.
c
but Demotic counts as alphabetic.

Note that the above listings are not exhaustive.

MEDICAL *
This covers practice and theory relating to the main-
tenance/restoration of good health as well as diag-
nostics, internal medicine, public health and surgery.
When doing research in a specific sub skill, characters
should use use CUN instead of DED.
Specialisations: Diagnostics, Dentist, Psychiatry, Sur-
gery, Veterinarian.
Diagnostics covers the diagnosis and non-surgical treat-
ment of medical problems. Surgery covers the ability to
physically intervene in them. Diagnostics normally used
Deduction while Surgery normally uses Aptitude.
Veterinarians combine both in the one specialty. In
emergencies they can treat or even operate on humans
but suffer a -1D penalty when doing so.
Note: First Aid is covered by Nurse or Paramedic spec-
ialties of Technician skill (and may be used unskilled).
MILITARY SCIENCES *
Military Science covers tactics and strategy (convent-
ional and unconventional), logistics, engineering and
any branch specific military knowledge of a specific-
ally theoretical nature and its practical application.
For each step achieved (the GM will determine the Diffic-
ulty of the task, based on unity size – see the Combat
h
rules for details) the NPCs and PCs in the character’s
unit gains +1D bonus they may spend on any combat
a
related roll for the remainder of that combat scene.
Strategy dice generally apply for the whole combat, or
r
until the enemy counter your strategic advantage; Tact-
ical dice generally apply for a limited number of Combat
a
Phases, and may be renewed by further Tactics checks
(see the Combat rules for details). c
Strategy & Tactics Skill is also used characters from
Civilian or Paramilitary rated Careers to (eventually)
t
increase the number of Actions they can undertake in a
Combat Turn (see the Combat rules for details) e
Unconventional Warfare covers guerilla and asymmet-
rical warfare techniques (aka terrorism or, if you’re on
r
the right side, counter terrorism).
Works much the same way as Strategy/Tactics but for
this specific field.
c
Weapon System Engineering deals with any sort of
“heavy” (generally vehicle mounted or fixed) weapon
not otherwise dealt with by a specific skill. Think ICBMs,
r
Or SDI. Or giant airborne Lasers. Or some such.
e
SCIENCE *

Specialisations: Combat Engineering, Indirect Fire Artil-

lery, Logistics, Military Law, Strategy & Tactics, Uncon-
ventional Warfare, Weapon System Engineering.
Combat Engineering covers the creation and destruction
of field fortifications, making/clearing minefields, plac-
ing/removing movement obstacles, demolition/repair of
bridges etc. (including basic Civil Engineering).
Indirect Fire Artillery includes either ground or naval
systems.
Logistics is about winning a war because your side
(“Amateurs discuss strategy, Professionals discuss log-
istics”) doesn’t run out of POL, Ammo, Vehicles or
Manpower. It involves making sure needed supplies get
to where they’re needed when they’re needed.
Science covers a wide array of studies where quantif-
iable and repeatable results can be gained from the
a
application of theories about how the universe works.
When doing research characters should use use CUN
t
instead of DED.
Specialisations: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Biology, Bio-
i
chemistry, Chemistry, Geology, Physics ... and more!
o
Science provides information on or theories as to how the
physical universe works – they can even use the skills to
design and build test rigs and prototypes after a fashion.
n
However, if you want something reliable or something
that can be mass produced, then you need an Engineer

Or, equally, it is about finding supplies (with Cunning),

or scrounging them (with Command).

Military Law not only covers the laws applicable to the

military forces of a specific nation state but also the Law 71
of Land Warfare (the Hague Treaty and Geneva Con-
ventions) and International Humanitarian Law.
 to take your theories and design it and, then, a Technic-
ian to take the Engineer’s design and run the production
line on which it is manufactured.
Note: Science skills may not be used unskilled.
COMMAND BASED SKILLS
ETIQUETTE
The art of “fitting in” with “high society” – everything
from knowing what all those forks are for at your place
setting to how to correctly address a foreign dignitary,
from gracious manners to fashion sense.
Nope. There are no specialisations. None.
If you really feel the need to split it more finely you
could divide by culture. What may be “high society” in
Europe may not be applicable in China, for example.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is the art of delegating responsibility and
gaining the trust and loyalty of one’s subordinates.
Again, no specialisations for this skill. Nada.
This is especially useful in combat and non-combat
crisis situations. See the Combat rules for details.
SEDUCTION
Seduction is the art of tempting others to do as you
wish, and not just members of the opposite sex You
have a knack for manipulating people into doing what
you want – even against their better judgement.
The title and description say it all – and, yet again, no
specialisations.
STREETWISE
This is the mechanical equivalent of the Contacts
Quirk, and allows a character to access all sorts of
services and/or information that would not be avail-
able to a regular joe who just walked in off the street.
These may be legal, illegal, or merely immoral – but
this skill will allow you to track them down.
This is an urban version of Survival, and is used in
primarily man-made and inhabited environs. And, no,
no specialisations either. You either have it or you don’t.
OTHER SKILLS
CONCENTRATION
Concentration allows a character to remain calm in
the face of danger, resist overwhelming temptation, or
avoid displaying an annoying (or defining) habit
72 It is extremely valuable (see Concentration tasks in
Task Resolution) for a character to have (and usually
missed most when they need it most!)
GM CREATED SKILLS
The skills listed are those deemed most likely to be
relevant for a modern military game milieu – which is
what Road to Armageddon is initially intended to be.
Therefore it is likely that the skillsets provided will not
meet all the possible styles of play that GMs and their
players may decide to explore.
This will be partly dealt with by other PGD products
covering different game milieu – skills from one can
easily transferred to another, as long as the GM agrees.
However, if the circumstance arises such that the GM
and his players find that neither RtA nor any other
PGD games have a skill that covers what they deem
absolutely necessary (or even just “really cool” or “nice
to have”, then it should be easy enough to determine
which of the Attributes should govern it and what, if
any, specialisations there should be for it.
In other words, feel free to add anything you deem
necessary – you have my blessing! And remember to add
it to any relevant Career Skill List as well!
Of course, as usual, all decisions as to what is, or isn’t,
appropriate or allowable is entirely at the GM’s discret-
ion – and their decision is final.
TECHNIQUES
(OPTIONAL)
Techniques are a way of further enhancing skills and
their game use – by allowing skills to be combined in
very specific ways to do very specific things.
Whereas Skills are wide ranging in their applicability,
Techniques are much more limited in scope, but pro-
vide considerable bonuses within their inherent limits.
Techniques cost two (2) points before game start and
five (5) points thereafter. They also require that a
character have the first listed Skill at level five (5) or
greater and all others at level four (4) or greater.
When using the Technique, the character may use the
skill level of the highest of the skills as the base skill for
Task Resolution as well as gaining any benefits listed
under the specific Technique descriptions.
The use of Techniques is entirely optional but highly
recommended. However, their use can add a great deal
to the game that the Skill system cannot and also gives
players something to aim at beyond mere “levelling up.”
The Techniques listed in the following pages are mostly
those deemed to be most useful for a modern military
cum action adventure campaign – extensive rules for the
creation of additional Techniques are provided at the
end of this Chapter.
HEALTH BASED
ASSASSIN
Martial Arts (any damage inflicting) or Melee (any
concealable) or Thrown Weapon (any concealable),
Observation (Stakeout), Subterfuge (Concealment) or
(may replace either Observation or Subterfuge)
Assassin technique allows a character to stalk, attack
and do enhanced damage to their target(s). As long as
they remain undetected they get four bonus points to
spend on First Shot, Attack or Damage Roll in any
combination (each BP is worth the following) –
· -1 DIFF to their first strike in an engagement, rep-
resenting their careful preparation.
· +1D to the Attack roll even when no time has been
spent in preparation, as long as they have not been
“pinned down” yet
· +1 DAM to their Damage roll
It is recommended that, even if the GM doesn’t use the
Critical Success (Overkill) rules for regular combat, that
Assassins use them as long as they are undetected.
The key to this technique is remaining undetected.
Performing an attack does not mean detection. Other
people may not even realise that they are there!
· If the target is killed in one blow then they die
silently and un-noticed.
To use this skill the assassin has to remain concealed. If
they use it successfully they are able to kill their target
silently and have the chance to move the body out of
immediate discovery making the kill undetectable.
For the moment. Until someone happens upon the body
or a search reveals it. But simply discovering a body isn’t
good enough to make the Assassin’s work impossible.
They must be tracked down by the opposition and news
of their presence spread to other unfriendlies in the
vicinity (killing the guy who’s just your victim before he
gets the alarm off = no loss of concealment).
Even if spotted, the Assassin may attempt to regain
concealment by moving from their current position, but
must roll to avoid the move itself being detected.
Finally, an Assassin gains +2D to their Skill Check for
each point of Luck (experience or full) spent to enhan-
ce an assassination roll and also gains an additional
+2D if they make it a All Out task.
FIRE AND MOVE
Archery (any one) or Firearms (Handgun) or Firearms
(Longarm [Civilian or Military]) or Missile Weapon
(any one) or Thrown Weapon (any one), Athletics (Run),
Gymnastics (Dodge)
c
h
a
r
Fire and Move technique allows a character to move,
dodge and fire at the same time – counting a combined
a
Move, Dodge and Attack as one action.
They take no penalty for firing, dodging and moving
c
at walking speed or slower, and only +1 DIFF if dodg-
ing and moving at running speed or faster.
t
Once this technique has been acquired for any one of the
initial three Skills, it applies for the others when a char-
e
acter reaches the level five (5) minimum.
r
For example, a character who acquires the technique
with Firearms (Handgun) does not have to purchase it
again when they reach level five in Archery (Crossbow).
Finally, a character utilising Fire and Move gains +2D
c
to their Skill Check for each point of Luck (experience
or full) spent to enhance it and gains an additional
+2D if they make it a All Out task.
r
GROUND ATTACK e
Piloting, Firearms (Automatic Weapons, Heavy Weapons)
Ground Attack technique is for a helicopter or fixed
a
wing pilot, allowing them to fly and fire at the same
time – counting Move and Attack as one action.
t
They take only a +1 DIFF for firing while moving (or at
moving targets) on the ground while piloting their
i
aircraft or helicopter regardless of speed.
o
Once this has been acquired for any Piloting specialisat-
ion, it applies for the others at level (5). n
For example, a character who acquires the technique
with Piloting (Helicopter) does not have to re-purchase it
when they reach L5 in Piloting (Single Engine Prop).
Finally, a Ground Attack pilot gains +2D for per point
of Luck spent to enhance a Ground Attack roll and also
gains +2D if they make it a All Out task.
MARTIAL ARTS COMBO
Martial Arts action, Martial Arts action and (optionally)
Martial Arts action
73
Martial Arts Combo technique allows a character to
combine two or three different Martial Arts specialis-
 ations into one fluid action with characteristics of all,
enabling creation of specialised Martial Arts moves.
For example, a character could do Block, Hold, Sweep
or Punch, Kick, performing them all as one action.
To represent specific Martial Arts the GM may allow a
character to choose a specified initial move and then
allow them to change the following moves from use to use.
A Karate-like art could be represented by taking Punch
coupled with any two other moves at the minimum level
and still gain the benefit of using this as a technique.
Finally, a Martial Artist gains +2D for each point of
Luck (experience or full) spent to enhance an Martial
Arts roll and gains +2D if they make it a All Out task.
MELEE COMBO
Melee Weapon (any), Melee Weapon (Shield), Athletics
(Run) or Gymnastics (Dodge), Brawling
Melee Combo technique allows the character to com-
bine weapon and shield use with movement and en-
abling them to use a shield offensively.
When using this Technique the character can count
Move, Dodge and Attack as one action.
The character using the technique takes no penalty for
melee attacks at walking speed or slower, and only +1
DIFF if dodging and moving at running speed or faster.
They may also use the shield offensively combined
with one handed melee weapons – two attacks as one
action, though separate Task Checks are required.
Once this has been taken for any Melee specialisation, it
applies for the others when they are gained at level (5).
For example, a character who acquires the technique
with Melee (Sword) does not have to purchase it again
when they reach level five in Melee (Axe).
Finally, a Melee Combo attack gains +2D for each
point of Luck (experience or full) spent to enhance it
and gains +2D if the attacker makes it a All Out task.
SNAP SHOT
Archery (any one) or Firearms (Handgun or Longarm
[any]) or Thrown Weapon (any one), Observation
(Sentry), Concentration
Snap Shot technique enables a character to draw (or
ready for firing), aim and fire a holstered or slung
weapon as one action – making it handy in surprise
situations where a “quick draw” is required.
74
Once this technique has been acquired for any one of the
initial three Skills, it applies for the others at level (5).
For example, a character who takes the technique with
Firearms (Longarm [Civilian]) doesn’t have to purchase
it again when they reach L5 in Archery (Longbow).
Finally, a Snap Shot attack gains +2D for each point of
Luck (experience or full) spent to enhance it and gains
+2D if the attacker makes it a All Out task.
SNIPER
Firearms (Longarm [either]), Observation (Stakeout),
Subterfuge (Concealment) or Concentration (may
replace either Observation or Subterfuge)
Sniper technique allows a character to stalk, attack
and do enhanced damage to their target(s).
As long as a Sniper remains undetected they get four
bonus points to spread amongst First Shot, Attack Roll
or Damage Roll in any combination (each bonus point
is worth one of the following) –
· -1 DIFF to their first shot in an engagement, rep-
resenting their careful preparation.
· +1D to the Attack roll even when no time has been
spent in preparation, as long as they have not been
“pinned down” yet
· +1 DAM to their Damage roll
It is recommended that the Critical Success (Overkill)
rules for damage be used for Sniper combat for the first
shot against each target.
The key to this technique is remaining undetected.
Attacks (even unsuccessful ones) do not automatically
mean the Sniper is detected. People will know that they
are there – somewhere – but that’s not good enough.
· If the target is killed in one shot then they die
silently and, unless in plain sight, un-noticed.
Knowing a Sniper is out there “somewhere” isn’t good
enough to change this. Their location must be pinned
down spread amongst the opposition (so shooting the
guy who’s just seen you is a good idea).
Even when spotted, the Sniper may attempt to regain
concealment by moving from their current position or
attempting to kill the spotter before the spread the word.
Snipers who are on the ball can be extremely nasty
TANKER
Driving, Firearms (Automatic Weapons, Heavy Weap-
ons) and/or Military Sciences (Indirect Fire Artillery)
Tanker technique is for armoured/combat ground
vehicle crews and allows them to move and fire at the
same time – counting Move and Attack as one action.
They also take only a +1 DIFF for firing (even at
moving targets) while their vehicle is moving.
Once this technique has been acquired for any Driving
specialisation, it applies for the others at level (5).
For example, a character who acquires the technique
with Driving (Truck) does not have to purchase it again
when they reach level five in Driving (Tracked).
Finally, a Tanker gains +2D for each point of Luck
(experience or full) spent to enhance it and gains +2D
if they make its use a All Out task.
CUNNING BASED
INFILTRATOR
Subterfuge (Concealment),
Observation (any)
Subterfuge (Disguise).
Infiltrator technique allows a character to gain covert
physical access to guarded facilities, pass through
cordons undetected and go where they really shouldn’t.
Infiltrators gain the special ability to win Opposed
tasks on a tied result (i.e. where both characters invol-
ved roll the same amount of successes) when they are
using this Technique.
If they are unlucky enough to suffer a Calamity (i.e.
fail their task check by four (4) steps or more) they may
immediately re-roll to misdirect any response.
The alarm still goes off/the sentry is still alerted – it’s just
that the Infiltrator gets an immediate chance to make the
response (the now alert sentry, for example) believe that
something else caused the problem.
Maybe the RRT sees the ever popular small furry animal
in the vicinity and assumes it triggered the alarm. Or the
sentry might be distracted from the actual position by a
thrown stone making a noise elsewhere.
Of course, all this means is that the infiltrator isn’t
detected now – it also means the RRT, sentry, or whom-
ever, is alerted and infiltration is now more Difficult.
An Infiltrator may choose to make the attempt a
Continuing task and gains +2D for each extra time
increment spent if they do.
They also get +2D for each point of Luck (experience or
full) they spend on an infiltration roll and +2D if they
make it a All Out task.
Finally, they gain +1D bonus to their ability to detect
an active infiltrator’s presence and can grant a +1D
bonus to any efforts by others to make it more difficult
for an infiltrator to gain access or pass un-noticed.
This bonus applies to the Observation attempts of any
sentries or alarms even if the Infiltrator who made the
improvements is not present.
c
Such improvements are, however, impermanent – the
bonus only remains valid for 1D days at a time (sentries
fall back into their old habits when the crisis is past).
h
SABOTEUR a
Subterfuge (Sabotage), Subterfuge (Concealment),
Military Sciences (Combat Engineering or Unconven-
tional Warfare)
r
A Saboteur is an expert in destroying or disabling
a
things, setting booby traps and improvising explosive
devices from common materials. They can also det-
ect/attempt to prevent sabotage by others and det-
c
ect/attempt to disarm booby traps.
t
A Saboteur gains a +2D bonus to their ability to con-
ceal booby traps or latent (untriggered) sabotage eff-
orts and a +2D bonus to attempts to determine key
e
points of any device or structure to sabotage.
r
Saboteurs get +2D for each point of Luck (experience or
full) expended on a sabotage roll – and a further +2D
if they make it a All Out task. If they are able to make
it a Continuing task they gain +2D for each extra time
period.
c
Finally, they gain a +1D bonus to their ability to detect
the presence of and to disarm booby traps or latent
r
sabotage attempts made or placed by others.
e
SCOUT
Observation (Tracking/Rural and/or Tracking/Urban),
Observation (Spot), Survival (Escape and Evasion),
a
Survival (Hunt/Track/Gather Food).
t
A Scout is a keen active observer of all that goes on
around them and is able to process a wide variety of
subliminal to enhance their conscious perception of
i
their surroundings.
o
They will mostly specialise in the rural environment,
n
75
 but can develop the same sort of skills in regards to
urban areas, though this is much less common.
Even more rare is a Scout who is at home in both an
urban and a rural environment.
Within their home environment they gain a +4D
bonus to simple tracking tasks (such as simply finding
and following a trail) and a +2D bonus to more
complex ones (such as identifying the creature who
made the tracks and other characteristics about them
such as age, sex, weight, general health etc.).
Even in an urban area (if Rural Scouts) or a rural area
(if Urban Scouts) they are able to undertake tracking
as if they had the appropriate Observation/Tracking
skill, but with no bonus,
Another forte is their ability to interpret signs – they
are able to holistically consider a scene and all avail-
able evidence and determine what happened there
within broad parameters (but, of course, not what the
motivations behind the actions they observe might be).
For example, they could examine a clearing where there
is a variety of evidence of recent(ish) military activity –
foxholes, trenches, discarded ration packs, vehicle tracks
etc. and determine the sequence in which the field works
were constructed, their intended (and actual) use, app-
roximately how many men and what equipment was
involved in the work, approximately how many men and
what weapons occupied/were emplaced in the the field
works and for how long, how many vehicles and of what
general type have passed through the area recently.
They would also be able to determine the identity of the
unit that occupied the works (at least to Division level,
and probably down to Battalion/Regiment level if it is a
unit known to be in the general area), the sequence of
any combat that took place there and the approximate
number of casualties that were inflicted on either side.
This aspect does not have to be military related – it can
just as easily be applied to looking at evidence of animal
(or peaceful human) activity and allows the Scout to
acquire as much information, but appropriate to what-
ever the specific situation they are examining.
This makes them especially valuable in the intelli-
gence gathering process and units will try to ensure
that at least one person with this sort “skill” is in-
volved in information gathering patrols they send out.
A Scout has an uncanny ability to sense danger,
including the most carefully prepared ambushes, and
always ignore any penalties that would normally be
applied to such rolls based on the actions of the
76 ambushers – with one exception.
If a Scout sets an ambush, then any other Scout
potentially subject to it is treated as if they were an
ordinary character in attempts to detect it (and the
process will normally be a Resisted Task).
A Scout-set ambush is inherently one grade more
difficult to detect and, if they desire, they may make it
one grade more difficult still by spending an point of
Luck (they may, however, add no more grades of
difficulty than the lowest skill level of any of the
required skills for the Technique).
Scouts, however, only suffer from the effects of being
surprised for the initial surprise phase that the success-
ful ambushers gain. No other penalties apply to them
for the remainder of that turn.
Of course, that doesn’t negate any physical features of
the ambush site. If they’re caught in the open, with no
cover, they can’t magically gain the benefit of such, but
they won’t be subjected to any penalties in their actions
in the way other characters are.
Scouts are also automatically able to determine the
safest route through an area (rural and/or urban as
appropriate). This is an innate ability.
“Safest” is, of course, a relative term – perhaps “least
unsafe” would be more accurate. Regardless, it is an
innate ability to assess natural and manmade risks.
APTITUDE BASED
ARTISAN
Technician (any appropriate), Design (any two approp-
riate), Concentration
An Artisan is a true master at combining technical and
artistic ability in the creation of practical creations
that are also works of art. In a very real sense they are
modern “wizards” – and are able to add significant
tweaks to anything they are involved in creating.
It allows an Artisan to increase the actual value of any
item that they work on.
A successful Difficult task check results in an increase
of 50% plus 10% per level of Critical Success (Overkill)
achieved; a successful Unlikely task check results in an
increase of 100% plus 25% per level of Critical Success
(Overkill) achieved, and a successful Impossible task
results in an increase of 200% plus 50% per level of of
Critical Success (Overkill) achieved.
An Artisan can only improve items appropriate to the
skills they have chosen to be a basis of this Technique.
A character with Tech (Mechanic) and Design (Metal
Casting) could modify sports car, but not a gun – which
would require Tech (Gunsmith) and a Design specialisat-
ion – say Engraving or Metal Casting.
Enhancements take time and cost money. At Difficult
they take a base of (1 day + 1 day/level of value
increase); at Unlikely, a base of (1 week + 1 week/level
of increase), and at Impossible a base of (1 month + 1
month/level of increase).
If it becomes an important fact, an Artisan can work
on up to (Aptitude + Technician) items simultaneously.
Time requirements must be rigidly enforced to ensure the
technique is not abused. The process also assumes the
Artisan is working an 8 hour day/40 hour week and that
time is not available for regular adventuring.
Actually, it isn’t likely that an Artisan character is work-
ing full time on a single project, but they are assumed to
be spending the rest of their time on their professional
work in related areas, not on “adventuring.”
The basic cost is equal to the basic cost of the item
being modified plus material cost equal to (100 -
[Technician Skill x 10])% of the value increase.
This basic cost may be reduced by 10% for each level
of Critical Success (Overkill) success that the artisan
achieves on a technique roll of +1 DIFF less than they
were required to make for the value increase roll (but
never to less than 110% of the basic cost).
Cost reduction skill needs to be closely watched to
prevent abuse. Note that you can’t really tell in advance
exactly how much the additional material will cost.
Say you wish to modify a .45 Automatic Pistol that costs
$250 new. You choose to go with just the minimum
improvement and a Difficult Check, which is successful
and gains an extra success.
So, the Automatic is now worth 60% more ($150), or
$400. The cost of the improvements are, for a minimal
Artisan (level 5 Tech), (100 - 50) = 50% of $150, or $75.
If the Artisan makes a Hard Task check with one extra
success, then this would be reduced by a further 10%, to
$67.50 – giving a profit of $82.50.
The process takes two days (base one day plus an extra
day for one level of value increase). An Artisan with CRE
(3) and Gunsmith (5) could work on 8 projects at a time.
The improvements achieved may be more than just
artistic – they may actually improve the effectiveness
of the item in practical ways.
Actual improvements possible depend on the nature
of the item being worked on but, in general, allow –
· a -1 DIFF (or a 10% improvement) in one area at
Difficult level
· a -2 DIFF (20% improvement) in one area or a -1
c
h
a
r
a
DIFF (10% improvement) in two at Unlikely level
· a -3 DIFF (30% improvement) in one area or -3 DIFF
(30%) spread between 2-3 areas at Impossible level.
c
It is possible (if the GM allows – because he believes the
t
improvements are possible in the “real world”) to “imp-
rove” an item several times over, with each attempt
costing more time/money and additional checks.
e
Cost for successive attempts is based on the modified cost
r
of the item after previous improvements, not on the
original base cost, so all of this can get quite expensive.
Note: The GM always has final approval as to what
aspects of an item or mechanism can be improved and
c
how much they may be improved.
When an Artisan spends Luck (experience or full) on
r
any artisan related roll, they get +2D for each point
expended – for a All Out task they also get +2D.
e
Finally, an Artisan gains a +2D bonus when repairing
or maintaining items within their normal competence.
a
When anyone is attempting to repair or maintain an
t
artisan-modified item or mechanism that they did not
modify themselves, a +2 DIFF penalty applies to all rolls
(putting non-artisans at a disadvantage but only neg-
i
ating the Artisan bonus above for Artisans).
o
MCGUYVER
Technician (Electrician and Mechanic), Survival
(Escape and Evasion), Military Sciences (Unconvention-
n
al Warfare).
This technique (named after the 1980’s TV series
McGyver, though spelled differently in military par-
lance) allows the character to take anything simply
laying about and turn it into an improvised weapon
or tool and use the tool/weapon in to their advantage,
regardless of the situation they’re facing.
McGuyvers are able to make improvised tools from
anything that will allow them to perform basic skill
functions at no penalty where the lack of tools would 77
normally attract such a penalty. Indeed, they can even
make the use of the skill in question where it would
 normally be impossible – as long as they can come up
with some bafflegab “explanation” that the GM finds
halfway believable.
McGuyvers can always find something on their person or
in their immediate vicinity even if they have been
carefully searched and left in a bare cell.
The worst possible outcome will be that the tools are not
as speedy to use as “regular” tools and task resolution
check will take longer as a result.
A MacGuyver gets a +2D bonus to task checks to create
more complex devices out of materials available close
at hand, though for extremely complex items they may
only be able to ensure that they work once.
McGuyver may also be used to improvise weapons –
· Melee weapons that can do +1 DAM
· Thrown Weapons that can do +1 DAM and which
have a range of (5/10/15/30)
· Missile Weapons that can do +1 FAT and have a
range of (5/10/20/40) or Firearms that do +1 DAM
and have a range of (5/10/40/75).
The amount and type of materials available determine
which of the above weapons might be constructed. In
order of Difficulty it would be – Melee (DIFF 4), Thrown
(DIFF 5), Missile (DIFF 6) and Firearm (DIFF 7).
When expending Luck points on a McGuyver roll, they
get a +2D bonus for each point of Luck (experience or
full) spent, if they make it a All Out task they get +2D.
Finally, a McGuyver can always find a way out of a
scrape – even certain doom. Always.
If it seems as if there isn’t a way out, its because its not
at all obvious. In such a “death trap” situation, the
McGuyver can personally escape at a cost of one (1)
FULL Luck point. They may find a way to save others
in their party at a like cost to each comrade.
Yes, McGuyver characters can spend more Luck points
than they currently have. Of course, there will be a
downside to doing so. See the Luck rules.
STAR
Performer (Actor or Comedian or Dance or Director or
Mime) or Musician (any), Seduction or Streetwise,
Concentration.
A Star is not merely a performer or musician, they
possess that indefinable something that is star quality
– and they know it!
78 Characters using this technique are able to use their
Star qualities instead of making Command rolls – and
if they are known to those they are attempting to
Command, they gain a +1D bonus to their attempt.
If they have recently performed before an audience (or
are currently doing so) that includes those they are
attempting to Command, then the gain a +2D bonus.
A Star draws a “regular” monthly income (in the sense
that they get an income every month, not that it will
be the same amount gained every month) equal to
either $(Number of Successes in a Star Technique Roll
x 1000) or double what they would get if they possess
the Wealthy Quirk, whichever is the greater.
This assumes that the Star character has the chance to
perform that month – or, if they have been settled in a
situation for long enough, are enjoying “royalties” or
deferred payments from previous months performances.
If they are currently short of funds, they can put on an
impromptu performance and gain $(Number of
Successes in a Star Technique Roll x 250).
Additionally, in a Road to Armageddon setting they
can parlay this performance into access to item(s) or
service(s) that are otherwise unobtainable.
This doesn’t mean that they can ask for and get an M-1
Abrams MBT unless there are actually some still avail-
able – but they would be offered a close equivalent.
They don’t get to keep it – they get the services of it, and
its crew (as needed) for a “reasonable” length of time
(GM’s determination) – though they may be able to
“renew” their access by further rolls down the track.
On the other hand, if all they want is a can of Coke,
someone will find one that they’ve been saving for a
“special occasion” and give it (or sell it, depending on the
success of their performance) to them.
Even though the last Coca-Cola bottling plant was closed
(or destroyed) years before. Stars get perks like that
because, well, they’re stars.
This does not give them access to items/services that
are illegal or highly restricted for civilians (or, per-
haps, for anyone without the correct “authorisation”).
If they want an unmodified AK-47 during peacetime in
the US and don’t have the right BATF paperwork or
licensing, no, they won’t get it through this skill.
On the other hand, if they’re in a war zone and they
make a good case for needing it for “self protection” then
they’ll probably get it – just remember, it wouldn’t be a
good idea to try and take it back to the States in their
luggage. Homeland Security will not be amused.
On the other hand, maybe BATF will accept that it was
“just a mistake” and not press charges – but they’ll
certainly confiscate it! As usual, the GM will have the
final determination as to what can or can’t be asked for
when this skill is used and what the consequences of
success and failure might be.
Finally, a Star gains +2D for each point of Luck (exper-
ience or full) spent to enhance a Star roll and also gains
+2D if they make it a All Out task.
DEDUCTION BASED
GADGETEER
Engineering (any), Technician (Electronic and
Mechanic), Concentration
A Gadgeteer is capable of doing amazing things with
machines – it’s almost as if they are capable of speak-
ing to them (and some of them do). If it’s broken, they
can fix it even if the nearest spares are hundreds of
klicks away; if it’s out of fuel, they can find some way
of getting it to run even so; if the batteries are flat, they
can manage to recharge them – or find another source
of power that’ll work the device.
Gadgeteers gain a +2D bonus to all repair rolls for
equipment or vehicles that they have the appropriate
skills to repair, and never suffer a penalty for lack of
spares or tools. They can always improvise something.
If the device is out of fuel or power, a Gadgeteer may
make a Concentration roll to get it to work anyway.
Enough for one last gasp of use.
The plane you need to escape is out of fuel? Well, no, the
Gadgeteer can’t magic enough for an intercontinental
flight – but he can find some way of getting it into the air
to give the characters a head start!
What if the radio’s battery is dead – destroyed by a stray
bullet in the last firefight? And it was the last battery!
And you’re surrounded and need to call in an artillery
strike – the Gadgeteer can, for example, take the batter-
ies from your flashlights and get enough power for that
one last transmission.
Gadgeteer can also stretch the operational parameters
of pretty much anything they can repair.
Items (whatever they are) have one aspect of their
operational characteristics improved by 5% on a
successful Difficult task check, 10% on a successful
Unlikely task check and 15% on a successful Impossible
task check.
For example, a Vehicle could have range or speed inc-
reased by 5-15%; a demolition charge could do 5-15%
more structural damage; a printing press could print
5-15% more broadsheets per hour, or a generator could
provide 5-15% more power than it is rated for.
The GM is the final arbiter of what can and cannot be
increased by this method.
c
Such increases last only for a single day, a single
session of your game, or a single “use”, as determined
by the Game Master.
h
Finally, a Gadgeteer gains +2D for each point of Luck
a
(experience or full) spent to enhance a Gadgeteer roll
and also gains +2D if they make it a All Out task. r
LIBRARIAN
Humanities (Information Technology) or Humanities
a
(any two), Language (Modern or Ancient), Detective
(Analysis, Intelligence or Practical Research) or Liter-
ature, Environ Knowledge
c
A Librarian is able to find out pretty much anything –
t
given time, and often a surprisingly short amount, too.
Often they have the information (even really obscure
stuff, too) at their fingertips. If they don’t have it on
e
call, they will know where to find it – more often than
not even if it really doesn’t want to be found.
r
Librarians gain a +2D bonus to all research and infor-
mation gathering rolls and never suffer a penalty for
lack of access to an actual library. They can always
improvise something.
c
Over the course of their careers (and training) Librarians
pick up all sorts of interesting information and tend to
r
mentally catalog it, so part of the reason for the bonus is
that they may have some relevant knowledge.
e
The other thing Librarians are good at is picking up
knowledge from local sources and adding it to what they
a
already know – so merely by talking to the locals (or
hearing the locals talk to each other) they can make
t
inferences that will assist their information gathering.
Of course, the quality of the information will be limited
i
by other factors – even with the bonus, if the information
is really obscure, or well hidden, or a carefully guarded
o
secret, all the Librarian may gain are clues to further
things they need to do to find the information they need. n
But those will be vital clues that other characters without
79
 their skills might never pick up – or take far longer to.
If the Librarian does have access to a library, then they
gain a +2D bonus for each time period they spend in
a Continuing task doing research on a topic.
The nature and size of the library will have an impact,
of course. If the Librarian is researching the location of,
say, King Solomon’s Mines, then the library at the Per-
forming Arts college probably won’t be help (but may
have really general information).
If they are unlucky enough to suffer a Disaster (i.e. fail
their task check by four (4) steps or more) then they
cannot gain any further information from that source.
However, they may make a further roll to determine
what their next step should be – in the form of a
Concentration roll at +2D added to any other modifiers.
If a Librarian doesn’t have access to a suitable library
then they may make a Librarianship roll at +2D (on top
of any other modifiers) to determine the next step they
need to take to find the information they need.
In other words, even on a disastrous failure Librarians
can research to find out where they can look next. At no
penalty, either!
Librarians gain a +2D bonus to all Command rolls
connected with accessing information sources or the
facilities that they are stored in ... even if they do not
have the right paperwork or security access (though, of
course, penalties to the roll would apply in such a case).
They also gain +2D in all Command rolls with Scholars
of any sort (Academics, Engineers, Medical Scientists
and Scientists amongst others).
It’s best not to piss off the person that who can make or
break your next research task. Not to mention that they
might, in passing and quite unintentionally, drop
new/interesting information at your feet in the course of
their conversation (or negotiation) with you. You quite
literally can never be entirely certain exactly what a
Librarian may know!
Finally, a Librarian gains +2D for each point of Luck
(experience or full) spent to enhance a librarianship roll
and also gains +2D if they make it a All Out task.
COMMAND BASED
DIPLOMAT
Etiquette, Humanities (Government or History or Law),
Leadership, Seduction
80 A Diplomat is a specialist in dealing with Bureau-
cracies (government, non-government and commercial)
and legal and administrative processes (including civil
and criminal courts). Whenever attempting CMD or
other rolls involving them in their normal operations,
not involving a significant risk for the organisation or
individual, a Diplomat gains a +4D bonus.
If they are asking for something that is not part of the
organisation’s normal operations, or if the “favour”
involves a significant risk for the organisation or indiv-
idual then the Diplomat’s bonus drops to +2D.
The scope of this ability is unlimited – they can attempt
to use it on government officials (and not just those of
their government), on police and court officials, NGOs
(Non Government Organisations) or commercial operat-
ions (especially with multinationals who usually have the
most to lose in any diplomatic conniption fits).
They can also bypass normal channels – do things that
normally need some sort of paper trail or official
permissions or licensing procedures without doing any
of that and gain a +2D bonus for such attempts.
This might mean entering (or leaving) a country without
going through immigration control – and, perhaps, on
an additional roll, without having luggage searched.
Or it might mean getting someone a “concealed carry”
permit, without a paper trail, for a handgun in a foreign
country, by knowing the phone number of a high level
official who will deal with any flunky who questions the
papers that the carrier has been provided.
This does not mean that they can break the law in major
ways – they are just “cutting through the red tape”, and
the limits on what can or cannot be asked for in this
process are determined by the GM.
Diplomats can also find friendly (they’ll listen before
shooting!) police, security, or armed forces people – or
someone “from the capital” who will force local
officials to listen first with a +2D bonus to the roll.
Finding local Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists and other
professional service providers willing to provide legal
services or information on a friendly basis is at a +4D
bonus – if the services required are illegal or quasi-
legal then the bonus to their search roll drops to +2D.
Need a Dentist willing to open up shop on a Sunday?
The Diplomat can make some phone calls and find one.
Maybe you need a consultant Anthropologist to identify
the origin of some cultural artefacts? No problems, the
Diplomat has some contacts in the National University!
Or maybe you have a security problem that needs some
armed guards with a license to kill, if necessary? Well,
Colonel <fill in the blank> is a “good friend” and will
provide the services of some of his Police either as a
favour or, perhaps, for a “small” fee.
If they can (or choose to) make any of their operations
a Continuing task they gain a +2D bonus for every
additional time period spent.
Finally, a Diplomat gains +2D for each point of Luck
(experience or full) spent to enhance a Diplomacy roll
and also gains +2D if they make it a All Out task.
FIXER
Streetwise, Environ Knowledge, Subterfuge (Fast Talk),
Concentration
A Fixer is the sort of person who knows people – or
knows people who “know” people – and he uses this
knack to provide all sorts of “special” services
He has contacts throughout the community and,
through them, he can get (or pass on) information,
gain access to items and services of limited (possibly
illegal) availability and generally put those who need
something in touch with those who can provide it. All
for a modest fee, of course!
The cost of doing business through a Fixer is not just
monetary – using their services means you have become
one of their “contacts”. This need not be more than an
obligation to simply listen to a request and indicate who
might be of help to them if you, personally, cannot be.
A “good” Fixer would never blackmail his clients, as
that’s a sure way to end their business permanently
(more permanently if they cross some clients than others).
If you need an item or service that is not easily
available, perhaps quasi-legal or even illegal, then a
Fixer gains a +2D bonus to any Streetwise or Command
(or other) roll to acquire it on your behalf.
Failure does not necessarily indicate that there is a
problem – beyond the item or service not being avail-
able, of course! However, see Disasters, below.
If all you want is a name of someone who is likely to
be able to help your search for whatever, then the Fixer
adds +4D to their roll to “make the connection” (and
will charge a lot less, too!).
If the Fixer makes the task a Continuing one, they gain
a bonus of +2D per extra time period expended.
Failure in this roll doesn’t mean that what is desired isn’t
available. It simply means that the Fixer hasn’t found a
source – yet. They may keep on trying, of course –
generally no more than once per day, however.
If the Fixer is unlucky enough to suffer a Disaster (i.e.
fail their task check by four (4) steps or more) then the
product or service simply isn’t available (perhaps not
available at all, perhaps merely not available through
any contacts they have access to).
c
h
a
r
a
They may make an attempt to gain a “connection” to
pass their clients on to – at only +2D if the item is legal
or quasi-legal, or at no bonus if it is illegal.
c
If the product or service is illegal, and they suffer a
t
Disaster, then there is a chance that they might have
been caught in a Police “sting” operation (or that their
customers might be when they turn up to take delivery
e
and/or pay for the goods). They need to make a Con-
centration roll to avoid such a problematic outcome.
r
Of course, the immediate results of a “sting” are not
necessarily calamitous – perhaps the cops are “dirty”
and merely want a “cut” of the action. Or, if the item(s)
aren’t that illegal, you might simply be fined and lose the
c
money involved – and gain a minor criminal record. Or
maybe you can manage to make an escape without
being identified (a roleplaying scenario!)
r
This is not all that a Fixer can do! Not only can they
e
find things (or services) that are hard to find, they can
also find things at reduced prices too. a
Once the availability of the item has been determined,
as noted above, then the Fixer needs to see if it can be
t
gained at a discount to “normal” cost – this requires a
second roll, and they gain a +2D bonus to the attempt. i
On a successful Hard Check, they get it at wholesale
(taken to be a 30% reduction in) if it is legal, otherwise
o
they get a price reduction equal to (5 + number of
extra successes)% off. n
On a successful Difficult Check, they get it at cost plus
(taken to be a 40% reduction in price) if it is legal,
otherwise they get a price reduction of (10 + number
of extra successes)% off.
On a successful Unlikely Check they get it at manu-
facturer’s cost (taken to be a 50% reduction in price) if
it is legal, otherwise they get a reduction equal to (15
+ number of successes)% off.
On a successful Impossible task check they get it as
bankrupt stock (taken to be a 60% reduction in price) 81
if it is legal, otherwise they get a reduction equal to (20
+ number of successes)% off.
 This assumes that the goods are new and unstolen,
regardless of whether they are legal or not. If they are
stolen, then the reduction is based on half the list price.
If they are used, then the reduction is based on how used
– but usually by no more than half the new price.
If they are used and stolen, then the reductions are
combined – so a used/stolen car would have a base price
of 25% of new list, and any discounts are off that price.
Finally, a Fixer gains +2D for each point of Luck
(experience or full) spent to enhance a Fixer roll and
also gains +2D if they make it a All Out task.
Some goods and services simply aren’t available – it’s not
that they are difficult to obtain (additionally, some will
be so difficult to acquire as to constitute a role playing
adventure) – there are simply none available. A Fixer
will know when that is the case if they succeed.
It may be that the item(s) aren’t available locally – in
which case maybe they Fixer can arrange to have them
brought in from outside, if the roll was successful How-
ever, as GM, feel free to simply say “no” to the outland-
ish requests your players will, eventually, make.
GM CREATED TECHNIQUES
You can probably see the pattern for most of the
included techniques –
· Three Skills: The first defines the Attribute the
Technique falls under. The rest are related to the
concept behind the Technique, whatever you
decide that might be.
· Bonus Dice: Normally the Technique will grant
the possessor a number of +2D or +4D bonus dice
for a number of specific skill rolls related to the use
of the Technique over and above those they gain
for the governing Attribute for the Skill in question.
Typically this will be a +2D bonus for things that
are relatively hard or dangerous and a +4D bonus
for things that are less so.
· Continuing Task Bonus: Characters with the
Technique who undertake a Continuing task
typically gain +2D for each additional time period
spent on the task beyond the minimum required.
· Luck Bonus: Expending Experience Luck for the
technique adds a +2D bonus for each point exp-
ended rather than the standard +1D bonus.
· All Out Task Bonus: The character gains a +2D
82 bonus if they make the technique an all out task.
· Special Circumstances: These bonuses are not
only good in and of themselves, they sometimes
apply to specific circumstances where ordinary
characters using a mere stand alone skill would
suffer severe penalties for attempting – or possibly
not be allowed to attempt the task at all.
Great care is needed to make sure that the Technique
doesn’t allow the outright impossible – though the
highly improbable is fine, as RtA works best as a
moderately cinematic game.
Exactly how improbable depends on how cinematic
you wish your campaign to be.
The default setting for RtA is for a somewhat cinemat-
ic situation – short of a full Hollywood “action ad-
venture” level (especially character level damage).
These are the most difficult part of designing a GM
introduced technique – getting the balance correct
without allowing characters to become too power-
ful and, potentially, damage anything resembling
game balance.
This last step requires special care and a great deal
of consideration of just how a player character may
abuse it ... and they will if you’re not very careful!
In general it is best to hedge the description of such
special circumstances with weasel words such as
“in consultation with the GM” and/or “as determin-
ed by the GM” and, of course, the ever-popular “the
GM’s decision is final!”
As noted elsewhere, the variety of Skills (and, therefore,
Techniques) made available in Road to Armageddon is
mainly pitched at an action-adventure genre, so there is
plenty of room for Techniques that would be more
suitable to other genres or styles of play.
Indeed, Techniques from other D10 system games can be
used quite happily if it suits the type of campaign you
and your players wish to pursue.
TROUPE PLAY
Even though efforts have been made to reduce the
level of lethality inherent in any game background
that involves the use of modern era weapon systems,
the hard fact is that player characters are very likely
to die at some point in the game.
Likewise, in a game covering an underlying military
background, issues of rank and authority become ...
Problematic.
Reality limits the number of Officers and NCOs
possible in a unit of a given size, yet groups of players
will often wish that an unrealistic number of their
characters possess such benefits.
MILITARY UNITS/TROUPES
To minimise the impact of the occasional, inevitable,
death on the flow of the game, and simultaneously
providing some level of flexibility in the availability of
rank and authority, it is strongly suggested that a
Player Character party be represented as a military
unit and no just as individual characters.
PC NUMBERS AND UNIT SIZE
The size of the unit that the PCs belong to needs to be
based on the GM’s estimate of how long the campaign
is likely to last and how lethal he intends it to be.
A good rule of thumb is to allow 2-3 additional char-
acters for each PC in the party.
For example, if there are 5 Players who have generated
characters for the game, the overall unit size would be 5
+ (5 x 3) = 20 men.
This allows a Player whose character has just died to
immediately generate one of these “filler” characters
in detail and start play at the same time and place as
the rest of the party, with no need to explain how their
replacement “joined up” out of the blue, so to speak.
Alternately, Players could generate 3-4 characters for a
troupe and play one as their major character and the
others as “backups” – the rules already allow requiring
characters to make task checks to see whether they would
do something crazy that their player wants them to, but
which a real person would be less than likely to attempt.
The assumption is that the PC’s unit is somehow tied
to a much larger unit which provides supplies replace-
ments for lost personnel, so a more or less constant
unit size is maintained between missions, ensuring
that a Player will always be likely to have access to an
alternative character unless the circumstances are
quite unusual.
c
TROUPE/UNIT ORGANISATION
The existence of a unit organisation into which the
h
player characters (and their potential replacements)
actually fit provides somewhat more flexibility in the
a
availability of ranks and authority.
In the example mentioned above, five players and, there-
r
fore, around 20 people in the larger unit, you have an
under strength Rifle Platoon – which should have a
a
junior officer (or senior NCO) in charge and two or three
Squads with at least one, probably two, NCOs in each. c
Of course, it is possible that it is a specialist unit –
perhaps it is the HQ Platoon of a Rifle (or other type of)
t
Company, in which case it will include a Captain or
Major, commanding, a slightly more junior Officer as
Adjutant, and other senior NCOs and private soldiers
e
with specialised skills.
r
In the chaos of the 3WW, of course, the organisational
charts might well be – munged. Stragglers attaching
themselves to the unit ... giving more Officers, though,
perhaps, not line officers (e.g. a Doctor, who is an officer
but who doesn’t normally command combat troops).
c
NCO AND OFFICER DISTRIBUTION
As much as the Players may like, not everyone can be
r
an NCO or Officer. As a rule of thumb, units have –
e
· 1 (Lance) Corporal and 1 Sergeant per 6 Privates.
· 1 Platoon Sergeant per 3-4 Sergeants.
a
· 1 Warrant Officer per 3-6 Platoon Sergeants.
t
· 1 Junior Officer (2nd Lieutenant/Lieutenant) per
Platoon Sergeant.
i
· 1 Field Grade Officer (Captain or Major) per 3-6
o
2nd Lieutenants/Lieutenants.
Your unit may have lower ranks ‘acting’ in a higher rank
n
due to losses (a Corporal and Lance Corporal and 6
Privates, for example).
83
 It is possible that you might have higher ranks in charge
of fewer soldiers than normal due to losses (a Lieutenant
in charge of 2-3 Sergeants, with no Platoon Sergeant or
a Captain in Charge of only two Platoon Sergeants.
The above applies to Combat (Line) as opposed to non-
Combat (Technical/Specialist) Ranks in Combat units.
So the presence of a Surgeon Captain is over and above
the normal rank structure for the unit, and isn’t in the
direct line of command.
SENIOR OFFICERS
TV shows such as Star Trek or Stargate SG-1 notwith-
standing, senior officers (Majors and above) do not
normally participate in day to day combat operations.
They are commanders and operate from behind the
lines (unless things have gone pear shaped in a really
major way!). They do not “beam down” or go on recon
patrols under normal circumstances.
Likewise, except in the most exceptional (and usually
disastrous) circumstances, you never get entirely of
officers. For most armies, you’re not likely to have
more than 1-2 officers in a Platoon of 20-40 men, tops.
During the opening weeks of Barbarossa, for example,
the Red Army did field whole units comprising only of
Officers – at the expense of crippling all the follow on
reserve units that they were stripped from in order to be
fielded.
The result?
The all-officer units performed quite well, but were
chewed up by the Germans anyway – and the units
which they were stripped from ... died. Usually wasted
completely.
Not a good trade off.
Keep this in mind when your players are designing
their characters – nudging them in the right direction.
TROUPE/UNIT SKILL BASE
One common problem is that Player preference often
means a group may not cover a wide skill base – and
this can limit the missions they can be easily handle.
One way to deal with this is through the use of NPC
hirelings (or personnel assigned by higher command),
but this has its own problems – players tend to use
such NPCs as cannon fodder.
A better way of providing for a wide skill base is, of
course, through the use of Troupe play. The Players
are encouraged to create their favoured character
“type” for initial play, and probably as a couple of
84 backups, but are also encouraged to create further
backup characters that have a variety of skills they do
not normally choose.
For example, some Players prefer to run combat-oriented
characters – but what if the whole party consists of such?
What happens when one of them is wounded and needs
more than First Aid? Or if their transport breaks down?
Or if they need to interrogate a prisoner or interpret some
captured documents and maps?
Since the D10 System does not have “character classes”
as do some other roleplaying games it allows for a degree
of flexibility. However, the reality is that a character
specialising on a specific concept will be more effective
in that area than one who possesses a wider skill set.
Troupe play allows for Players to have the best of all
possible worlds. They can play a Combat Rifleman MOS
character with a secondary speciality of, say, Scout as
their main character and have a Smallarms Artificer
MOS character with a secondary specialty of, say,
Rifleman as one of their secondary characters.
Of course, there will always be the potential problem of
what characters to choose for a particular mission –
taking along the character’s whole unit just to ensure
that the right mix of skills will more likely be available
simply won’t do if the mission demands a small group of
characters only. Still, at least the Players will have had
the chance to make the right choices.
SKILLS WITHIN A UNIT
While military units normally have a TO&E (Table of
Organisation & Equipment) specifying the skill mix of
units, things are never that simple in real life.
Soldiers assigned to a unit are likely to have a degree
of cross training – all military personnel will have
received some small arms training, for example.
However, they will also bring with them a variety of
skills from their pre-military civilian life as well as
“hobby” skills that can quite possibly be held at levels
as high as their expected military skills.
That plain Combat Rifleman with a secondary Scout
specialty could well have been a keen builder and
pilot of ultralight Aircraft in his spare time and may
have worked as a Carpenter in his civilian incarnation.
In a RtA campaign, he is most likely a conscript or
National Guardsman/TAVR (or equivalent) “part time”
soldier and has higher levels of skill in his hobby/civilian
career than he did (or does) in his military skills.
In short, having a Troupe based on a military unit allows
the players to have access to some really off the wall
skills in quite a reasonable way ... which, in turn, allows
the Players to have a considerable degree of flexibility in
the way in which they can handle a wide variety of
adventure scenario types.
MULTINATIONAL RANKS c
The following tables provide a simplified selection of
ranks for Private Soldiers, Non Commissioned and
while their Substantive (Peacetime) rank is much lower
– and yet others will simply be doing the job because
h
Commissioned Officers of the main Western Allied
and Russo-Japanese forces (or allies of the latter) likely
their superior(s) were all killed and there is no-one else
qualified.
a
to be encountered in the European and Far East
Theaters during the Three Way War. Note: Yes, it’s the British Army, not the Royal Army –
but it’s the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Likewise,
r
Because of wartime casualties, many military and
paramilitary forces will have positions being filled by
it’s the Canadian or Australian Armies, but Royal Can-
adian/Australian Air Forces/Navies (the British have
a
personnel of a much lower rank than would be normal historically mistrusted the Army as a potential force of
in peacetime. Some will have a formalised “Acting”
status, others Brevet (or “Hostilities Only”) promotions
repression, way back even before the Civil War [1642-51,
not 1861-65])
c
GRADE US ARMY BRITISH ARMY GERMAN ARMY FRENCH ARMY CANADIAN ARMY t
OR1 Private Private Soldat Soldat 2éme
Classe Private (Basic)
OR2 Private 1st Class Lance Corporal Gefreiter Soldat 1ére Classe Private e
OR3 Corporal Corporal Unteroffizier Brigadier ou Caporal (Master) Corporal
OR4 Sergeant Sergeant Unterfeldwebel Maréchal du Logis ou Sergent Sergeant r
OR5 Staff Sergeant Staff Sergeant Feldwebel Maréchal du Logis-chef Warrant Officer
OR6 Platoon Sergeant – Oberfeldwebel Adjutant Master WO
OR7 Master Sergeant CSM/WO2 Stabsfeledwebel Adjutant-chef Chief WO
OR8 Sergeant Major RSM/WO1 Hauptfeldwebel Major Formation/Command CWO c
GRADE US ARMY
CR1 2nd Lieutenant
BRITISH ARMY
2nd Lieutenant
GERMAN ARMY FRENCH ARMY
Leutnant Sous-lieutenant
CANADIAN ARMY
2nd Lieutenant
r
CR2
CR3
1st Lieutenant
Captain
Lieutenant
Captain
Oberleutnant
Hauptman
Lieutenant
Capitaine
Lieutenant
Captain
e
CR4
CR5
Major
Lt. Colonel
Major
Lt. Colonel
Major
Oberstleutnant
Chef de Battalion
Lt. Colonel
Major
Lt. Colonel
a
CR6
CR7
Colonel
Brigadier General
Colonel
Brigadier
Oberst
Generalmajor
Colonel
Général du Brigade
Colonel
Brigadier General
t
GRADE
OR1
ROK ARMY
Yi-byeong Private
PLA RUSSIAN ARMY JAPANESE ARMY
Ryadovoi Ittohei
KPA/KWPA
Chonsa
i
OR2
OR3
Il-byeong
Sang-byeong
Private 1st Class
Junior Sergeant
Yefreitor Heicho
Mladshiy Serzheant Gocho
Hagup-pyongsa
Chungup-pyongsa
o
OR4
OR5
Byeong-jang
Ha-sa
Sergeant
Senior Sergeant
Serzheant Gunso
Starshiy Serzheant Socho
Sanggup-pyongsa
Hasa
n
OR6 Jung-sa Sergeant 1st Class Starshina – Chungsa
OR7 Sang-Sa Master Sergeant Praporschik – Sangsa
OR8 Won-sa/Sun-im Won-sa Chief Sergeant 2nd/1st Class Starshiy Praporschik Jun-i Tukmu-sangsa
GRADE ROK ARMY PLA RUSSIAN ARMY JAPANESE ARMY KPA/KWPA
CR1 So-wi Second Lieutenant Mladshiy Leytenant Sho-i Sowi/Chungwi
CR2 Jung-wi First Lieutenant Starshiy Leytenant Chu-i Sangwi
CR3 Dae-wi Captain Kapitan Tai-i Taewi
CR4 So-ryeong Major Mayor Shosa Sofwa
CR5 Jung-ryeong Lt. Colonel Podpolkovnik Chusa Chungjwa
CR6 Dae-ryeong Colonel Polkovnik Taisa Sangjwa
85
CR7 Jun-jang Senior Colonel General Mayor Shosho Taejwa
 GRADE US NAVY ROYAL NAVY ROYAL MARINES BUNDESMARINE MARINE NATIONALE
OR1 Seaman Apprentice Able Seaman Marine Matrose Matelot (Brevete)
OR2 Seaman – Lance Corporal Gefreiter Quartier-maitre de 2e Classe
OR3 Petty Officer 3rd Leading Rate Corporal Ober/Hauptgefreitor Quartier-maitre de 1re Classe
OR4 Petty Officer 2nd – – Stabs/Oberstabsgefreitor Second Maitre
OR5 Petty Officer 1st Petty Officer Sergeant Maat/Obermaat Maitre
OR6 Chief Petty Officer Chief Petty Officer Colour Sergeant (Ober)Bootsmann Premiere-Maitre
OR7 Senior CPO WO2 WO2 Hauptbootsmann Maitre Principal
OR8 Master CPO WO1 WO1 (Ober)Stabsbootsmann Major

GRADE US NAVY ROYAL NAVY ROYAL MARINES BUNDESMARINE MARINE NATIONALE

CR1 Ensign Midshipman 2nd Lieutenant Leutnant zur See Aspirant
CR2 Lt. Junior Grade Sub-lieutenant Lieutenant Kapitanleutnant Enseigne de Vaisseau
CR3 Lieutenant Lieutenant Captain Korvettenkapitan Lt. de Vaisseau
CR4 Lt. Commander Lt. Commander Major Korvettenkapitan Capitaine de Corvette
CR5 Commander Commander Lt. Colonel Fregattenkapitan Capitaine de Fregate
CR6 Captain Captain Colonel Kapitan zur See Capitaine de Vaisseau
CR7 Rear Admiral Commodore Brigadier Flottillenadmiral –
GRADE US AIR FORCE ROYAL AIR FORCE LUFTWAFFE ARMEE DE L’AIR LÉGION ÉTRANGÈRE
OR1 Airman (Leading) Aircraftman Flieger Aviateur de 2e Classe Legionnaire 2e Classe
OR2 Airman 1st Class Snr. Aircraftman Gefreiter Aviateur de 1re Classe Legionnaire 1e Classe
OR3 Senior Airman Corporal Ober/Hauptgefreitor Caporal Caporal
OR4 Staff Sergeant – Stabs/Oberstabsgefreitor Caporal-Chef Caporal-Chef
OR5 Technical Sgt. Sergeant Unteroffizier Sergent Sergent
OR6 Master Sergeant Flight Sergeant (Ober)Feldwebel Sergent-Chef Sergent-Chef
OR7 Senior Mstr Sgt – Hauptfeldwebel Adjutant(Chef) Adjutant(Chef)
OR8 Chief Mstr Sgt Warrant Officer (Ober)Stabsfedwebel Major Major

GRADE US AIR FORCE ROYAL AIR FORCE LUFTWAFFE ARMEE DE L’AIR LÉGION ÉTRANGÈRE
CR1 2nd Lieutenant Pilot Officer Leutnant Sous-lieutenant Sous-lieutenant
CR2 1st Lieutenant Flying Officer Oberleutnant Lieutenant Lieutenant
CR3 Captain Flight Lieutenant Hauptman Capitaine Capitaine
CR4 Major Squadron Leader Major Commandant Commandant
CR5 Lt. Colonel Wing Commander Oberstleutnant Lt. Colonel Lt. Colonel
CR6 Colonel Group Captain Oberst Colonel Colonel
CR7 Brigadier General Air Commodore Generalmajor General de Brigade Aerienne General de Division

NOTES Saluting: Many armies follow the US practise saluting

CSM/WO2: Company Sergeant Major/Warrant Offic-
er 2nd Class. RSM/WO1: Regimental Sergeant Maj-
or/Warrant Oficer 1st Class. CSMs are WO2’s and
RSM’s are WO1’s.
Lieutenant: pronounced Lootenant in the US Army
and Leftenant in British and many British Common-
wealth armies (even in compound ranks – so it’s
Leftenant Colonel, Flight Leftenant and Leftenant Com-
mander, for example).
Brigadier/Brigadier General: In the British Army
86 (and some Commonwealth Armies) a Brigadier is not
a General Officer, and is referred to as Brigadier
rather than the (much later, historically) US practice.
with the palm down while the British and many Com-
monwealth armies salute with the palm outwards. The
French salute is almost identical to the British.
PLA = People’s Liberation Army: Army of the
People’s Republic of China (not Taiwan)
KPA (Korean People’s Army): Army of the Demoratic
People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). KWPA
(Korean Worker’s and People’s Army): Army of the
Democratic Worker’s and People’s Republic of Korea
(North Korea – post Coup successor to DPRK).
ROK Army: Army of the Republic of Korea (South
Korea).
CHARACTER CREATION EXAMPLES
To assist players and GMs understand how the mech-
anics of Character Creation works, the following work-
ed example is provided.
CORPORAL JANE SMITH, SAS
In this instance, the player has decided that he wishes
to run a Special Forces character (Australian SAS, for
example) and, if possible, a Sniper.
Wanting her to be in the peak of condition, and with
a good grounding of education and skills, he decides
that Jane Smith will be –
· Adult (23 years old). He rolls for 18 for her Attrib-
ute Points and 42 for her Skill Points.
c
The first will increase the number of Action Dice she has
to spend in a Combat Turn, while the second gives her
h
an NCO level rank (so she’ll be at least a Lance Corporal
or Pfc, depending on the size of her home Troupe – and
a
negotiation with the GM and the rest of the Troupe
makes her an attachment, not a regular member, and
allows her to be a Corporal, supernumerary).
r
He doesn’t give her any balancing Disadvantages, not
a
feeling the small expenditure of SP made will have a
negative impact on Skill purchase (and he can always
come back later and change his mind!).
c
He chooses, as noted above, to follow a Special Forces
t
Career. She has 36 Skill Points to spend on Skills and

· Blue Collar. Which means Jane adds +1 to APT or

Techniques, which she distributes as follows – e
HLT Abilities (and a +1 Focus on either), +1 level
to APT or CUN based Skills, choosing HLT Ability
· Firearms/5, HLT (5 SP)
· Martial Arts/3, HLT (3 SP)
r
and APT Skills. · Melee/3, HLT (3 SP)
· Athletics/3, HLT (3 SP)
The Player decides to distribute the 18 Ability Points · Driving/2, HLT (2 SP)
he rolled as follows, maximising HLT as this is the
governing Ability of the Special Forces Career –
· Concentration/4 (4 SP)
· Observation/4, CUN (5 SP)
c
· Survival/3, APT (4 SP)
HLT/5 (4 AP); Reaction Speed +1 (MNA/6)
· CUN/4 (4 AP), Interpret Visual Cues +1
· Gunsmith/2 (APT) (1 x 2, 1 Free = 2 SP)
· Environ Knowledge/3 (DED) (3 SP)
r
· APT/3 (3 AP), Mechanical Klutz (Vehicles) -1
· DED/3 (3 AP)
· Leadership/1 (CMD) (1 SP)
e
· CMD/4 (4 AP) All of the Skills she has chosen, except Gunsmith, are
· LCK/2 (1/2d+1, rolled 2) Career Skills and cost 1 SP/level to their governing
Attribute and 2 SP/level thereafter. Since many of the
a
She chooses to use the free +1 Focus for +1 Reaction
Speed and takes a +/-1 combination for Interpret Visual
Skills are at SL/2+, they must have Specialisations –
t
Cues off CUN and Mechanical Klutz (Vehicles) off APT. Firearms/2, Longarms (Military)/5

Speedy and visually alert, but Jane and motor vehicles

Martial Arts/2, Hold/3
Melee/2, Bayonet/3
i
do not have a friendly relationship. Athletics/2, Run/3
Driving/2
o
Next, he chooses Quirks (which are optional at this Concentration/4
stage), and decides Jane will take – Observation/2, Stakeout/4
Survival/2, Tropical Jungle/3
n
· Lightning Reflexes (3 SP) · Gunsmith/2
· Military Rank (3 SP) Environ Knowledge/2, Home City/3
Leadership/1

The Skills are appropriate for Career Military, which

Jane’s has decided she is, though her Firearms and
Stakeout skills could be parlayed into a SWAT or
general Police job). The total cost so far is 34 Skill
Points, leaving 2 SP – which the player uses to
purchase –

Sniper Technique (2 SP) 87

As the player has decided that she wants to be able to
 ‘reach out and touch someone’ as she has spent more
on ranged combat than close combat skills .
Jane has Firearms (Longarms)/5, Observation (Stake-
out)/4 and Concentration/4 – the minimum requirement
is Firearms (Longarms)/5 and the other two at Skill/4).
At this point, Jane is ready to Muster Out, and she can
add a bonus equal to the number of successes a (HLT
+ Highest Career Skill) Check against Average DIFF .
That is (6 + 5) = 11D vs DIFF 3. She rolls 4 Successes
(i.e. 8+), for a -1 DIFF to her Mustering Out roll.
For Mustering Out, she rolls 1D = (3-1) = 2, which is
way less than her HLT/5. This means she gains either
an additional Advantageous Quirk or 1 AP or 3 SP. She
chooses an added Quirk –
Situational Awareness.
This Quirk makes her much harder to surprise – an
excellent advantage for a Special Forces Sniper!
Even if she’d already taken 3 Advantageous Quirks, she
would get this one as the Retirement Check is a must roll.
He then determines her at start budget, rolling 11 on
2D, which gives him $(11 x HLT x 250) = $15000.
He also determines at start Experience in each Attrib-
ute, which must be distributed among the skills that
have that governing Attribute (if any) –
· HLT = 12 EP.
· CUN = 8 EP.
· APT = 10 EP
· DED = 6 EP
· COM = 8 EP
She gets a Military Weapon (OR + Officer – special deal
for Special Forces) and Field Kit free. She takes a Lee
Enfield L42a1 Sniper Rifle (8 Mags), Browning Hi-
Power Pistol (5 Mags) and a Combat Knife for the
weapons and leaves the Field Kit for the moment.
With her ‘retirement’ cash she purchases –
· FN P90 SMG. $1000, 6 x 50 round magazines.
· +4D Telescopic Sights. $3750 (for the L42a1)
· 4x Binoculars. $2500.
· PASGT Body Armour. $1250 (3 FAT, 6 DAM)
· PASGT Kevlar Helmet. $50 (3 FAT, 3 DAM)
For a total of $7550, leaving $7450 for other personal
equipment and, possibly, a vehicle (or a share in one
with one or more other PCs).
The GM determined that Jane’s particular SAS unit was
88 posted to West African and she managed to acquire the
P90 SMG from ex-Nigerian government sources while
there. The rest of the stuff is generically available.
SKILLS IN PRACTISE
So, how do Jane Smith’s skills stack up? Remember,
all Skill Levels add +1 to determine the Check Number.
Lets look at several –
· Firearms (Longarms)/5 becomes Skill Roll/6 +
HLT/5 = 11D. Using her L42a1, which is +2s, this
increases to 13D and +4D Scopesights make it 17D.
Base DIFF = Average (3 Successes)
Short Range = +0 DIFF = 3 DIFF. Medium Range =
+2 DIFF = 5 DIFF. Long Range = +4 DIFF = 7 DIFF.
Extreme Range = +8 DIFF = 11 DIFF.
On 17D you would expect to roll an average of 6-7
Successes, meaning that Jane should be able to hit
Targets out to Long Range pretty much all the time
and will have a fair chance of hitting them at
Extreme Range.
· Firearms/2 becomes Skill Roll/3 + HLT/5 = 8D.
Using his Browning Hi Power, which has +1s, this
increases to 9D.
Using the same Base Diff and Range Modifiers as
above, Jane should roll an average of 3-4 Successes,
meaning she can hit things with her Pistol out to
Short Range pretty much all the time, and has a
fair chance of hitting them at Medium Range.
Barring other modifiers being applied, of course.
· Survival, Temperate Woodlands/3 becomes Skill
Roll/4 + APT/5 = 9D.
Jane is looking for a a Sniper’s Nest with good field
of vision and secure escape route in a Tropical
Jungle environment.
The GM determines that finding cover is Easy
DIFF, finding an Escape Route is Average DIFF, but
that finding both together is Hard DIFF. He’s feel-
ing generous, and allows Jane to roll for all three
at once, taking the best result.
Rolling 9D normally generates 2-3 Successes, so
Jane will have no difficulty finding a Nest and is
very likely to find an Escape route, but not as likely
to find both together. Without modifiers.
The most obvious one is added. The GM decides
she’ll get +1d for each extra 5 minutes – but that
an enemy force is nearing and taking too much
time will mean they’ll arrive before she can finish.
Jane decides to spend 20 minutes, for +3D (the first
5 minutes is the base time period), for a total of
12D – which will probably generate 4-5 successes,
enough for her to find her Nest with escape route.
BRIAN JONES, WAR CORRESPONDENT
In this instance, the player has decided that he wishes
to run a Civilian character – a War Correspondent
c
who has been embedded with a front line unit.

Wanting him to be an experienced Correspondent,

h
with a lot of mileage behind him in the job and with
a good grounding of education and skills, he decides
a
that Brian Jones will be –

· Experienced (36 years old). He rolls for 20 for his

r
Attribute Points and 54 for his Skill Points.
a
· White Collar. Which means Brian gets +1 DED or · Driving/2, HLT (2 SP)
CMD Ability and +1 level to DED or CMD based
Skills. Brian chooses DED for Ability and CMD for
· Observation/4, CUN (4 SP)
Performer/3, APT (3 SP)
c
Skills. Streetwise Skill, however, will cost as if
non-Career (or higher).
· Seduction/3, CMD (3 SP)
· Streetwise/5, CMD (5 x 2 = 10 SP)
t
Firearms/2, HLT (2 x 2 = 4 SP)
The Player decides to distribute the 20 Ability Points
he rolled as follows, maximising DED as this is the
Seamanship/3, HLT (3 x 2 = 6 SP) e
governing Ability of the Journalist – All of the Skills he has chosen, except Firearms and
Seamanship (double cost), are Career Skills and cost 1
r
HLT/3 (3 AP), Balance -1, MNA/3* SP/level to their governing Attribute (none exceed this).
· CUN/5 (5 AP)
· APT/3 (3 AP) Firearms because he’s a War Correspondent embedded
· DED/5 (4 AP), Detect Falsehood +1
· CMD/4 (4 AP)
in a front line unit. Seamanship as his childhood hobby,
developed in adulthood to a Mate’s Certificate.
c
· LCK/3 (1/2d+1, rolled 4)

He chooses to have a Focus – +1 Detect Falsehood and

takes -1 Balance as a consequence.
He is a good investigator (DED), has great street smarts
(CUN) and above average CMD for the chutzpah to get
the latest Scoop! Pity about his poor balance and the *2
AD minimum spend and -1d penalty for each Action.
Next, he chooses Quirks (which are optional at this
stage), and decides Brian will take –
· Connections (3 SP)
· Reputation (Civilian) (3 SP)
· Curiosity (-3 SP)
· Minor Disability (-3 SP)
The two Advantageous Quirks are balanced by the two
Disadvantageous ones. For his Minor Disability Brian
chooses a HLT based one – a slight limp in his case,
from an old war wound (or so he claims!).
As noted above, he chooses to follow a Journalist
Career. He has 54 Skill Points to spend on Skills and
Techniques, which he distributes as follows –
· Environ Knowledge/4, DED (3 SP)
· Brawling/3, HLT (3 SP)
· Humanities/4, DED (3 SP)
· Concentration/4 (4 SP)
· Detective/5, CUN (4 SP)
Streetwise, however, costs extra because of Brian’s
pampered White Collar upbringing.
r
Environ Knowledge and Humanities cost is halved
e
because their governing Attribute is DED and skills
based on that Attribute are halved due to Brian’s
White Collar background.
a
All those skills account for 52 of his 54 Skill Points –
t
he has something in mind for the remaining 2 SP.
Since all except Seamanship are held at SL/3 or
i
greater, they must have Specialisations.
o
· Environ Knowledge/2, 3rd World War Zones/4
· Brawling/2, Punch/3
Humanities/2, Geopolitics/3, Modern History/3
n
· Concentration/4 (4 SP)
· Detective/2, Interrogation/4, Intelligence/3
· Driving/2
· Observation/2, Stakeout/4
Performer/2, Photography/3
Seduction/3
Streetwise/5
Firearms/2, Pistol/3
Seamanship/2, Mate’s Certificate (Sail)/3
The wide variety of Skills are an interesting accomp-
animent to a career spent reporting on small wars all 89
over the Third World and, more recently, in the West
African theater as the 3WW hots up.
 With his remaining 2 SP, the player has decided that
Brian is a ‘player’ as well, and purchased –
Fixer Technique
Brian has Streetwise/5, Environ Knowledge/4 and
Concentration/4 – the minimum requirement is Street-
wise)/5 and the other two at Skill/4).
At this point, Brian is ready to Muster Out, and he can
add a bonus equal to the number of successes a (DED
+ Highest Career Skill) Check against Average DIFF
makes. That is (6 + 6) = 12D vs DIFF 3. He rolls 3
Successes (i.e. 8+), for a -0 DIFF to Mustering Out.
For Mustering Out, he may roll for an Extra Quirk,
which he decides to do, and rolls 1D = 9 which is
higher than his DED/6. This means he must take a
Disadvantageous Quirk. Looking over the list, he
chooses to take –
Enemies (Boko Haram)
Which goes with the territory – somewhere along the
line, his coverage of ‘unrest’ in Nigeria/West Africa
really got up the nose of Boko Haram’s higher echel-
ons, and they have a ‘hit’ out on him … and their
connections with the Caliphate mean that Brian is not
necessarily safe even outside of Africa.
He also determines at start Experience in each Attrib-
ute, which must be distributed among the skills that
have that governing Attribute (if any) –
· HLT = 6 EP.
· CUN = 10 EP.
· APT = 6 EP
· DED = 10 EP
· COM = 8 EP
He then determines his starting Budget by rolling (2D
x DED x 250), rolling 8. This gives him $(8 x 6 x 250)
= $12000. He also gets a Laptop and either an Urban
or Rural Dweller Kit … he takes the Rural Dweller one
($1000 worth of camping and survival gear and a Bolt
Action Rifle/Double Barrel Shotgun or $500 off a
Semi-Auto Rifle or Pump Action Shotgun).
Brian’s player confers with the GM, arguing that his
Pistol specialisation should mean he gets a free or
subsidised Pistol … and the GM agrees. So he takes a
S&W Model 27 .357 Magnum Revolver ($250 with
discount) and 4 speedloaders.
Out of his remaining $11750 he purchases –
· Kevlar Tactical Armour, $750 (3 FAT, 5 DAM)
90 · Medium Ceramic Inserts, $1000 (+2 FAT, +2 DAM)
· PASGT Kevlar Helmet, $50 (3 FAT, 3 DAM)
· Small Solar Charger, $100
· 35mm SLR Camera, $3750
· 10 x 36 35mm Colour Film, $2500
Leaving him with $3000 for other gear and, possibly,
a share in a vehicle.
SKILLS IN PRACTISE
So, how do Brian Jones’s skills stack up? Remember,
all Skill Levels add +1 to determine the Check Number.
Lets look at several –
Observation/2, Stakeout/4. Brian has informat-
ion that this Port Harcourt Office Building is a
front for a Boko Haram espionage cell – but he
doesn’t know which one. Short of breaking in to all
of them, his best shot is to observe the comings and
goings from a concealed (or at least non-obvious)
spot – the very definition of a Stakeout.
The GM determines that doing so and remaining
successfully unnoticed is Hard DIFF. Brian’s
Stakeout has CN/4+1 = 5, to which he adds his
CUN/5 as the governing Ability, for a Task Code of
10D4. He has to roll 4 or more successes on 10D,
which will normally roll 3-4 Successes.
He takes a chance, and goes without any further
modifiers, and rolls 3, 4, 8, 9, 0, 2, 6, 8, 7, 1 for four
successes and a re-roll (for the ‘0’), which only
comes up as a 1.
That’s a normal success, so he waits several hours
and is able to put together a plot chart that finally
pinpoints the office the Cell is operating from.
· Environ Knowledge/2, 3rd World War Zones/4.
Brian needs to find someone capable of (and po-
tentially willing to) smuggling an associate of his
out of Makurdi, where Boko Haram are purging
(murdering) anyone with any ‘un-islamic’ connect-
ions, down to Port Harcourt.
He knows that there are smugglers who move oil
and other goods up and down the Niger and who
will be able to divert towards Makurdi and pick up
his friend – but only in the sense that he knows
that they existed before the Civil War and probably
still do. In order to find them, he will have to use
his Environ Knowledge.
The GM determines that this is actually Difficult
DIFF. With DED/5 + War Zones/4, this gives a Task
Code 9D5.
Brian’s 9D will normally roll 3-4 successes, which
is not enough to be certain, so he decides to spend
extra time – the GM decides that this will be in 1
hour increments. Each additional hour is -1 DIFF,
so he spends 3 hours for -2 DIFF, reducing TC to
9D3 which he should be able to finesse easily.
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91
 GAME SYSTEM
This chapter deals with the core element of the D10
Game System – the Task Resolution and the more
specialised Combat/Crisis Resolution mechanics.
TASKS & TASK CHECKS
The key element of any role playing game is a method
for determining what a character’s chance of succeed-
ing at a specific action might be. In the D10 System
his is done through the Task Check procedure.
WHAT IS A TASK?
A Task is any situation where one or more characters
needs to determine whether they are successful in
performing either a single discrete action or a closely
related set of actions.
WHEN IS TASK RESOLUTION NECESSARY?
Not all Tasks need to follow a mechanistic resolution
procedure – only those for which success is seen to be
problematic (i.e. uncertain).
Driving long the Interstate isn’t normally problematic,
regardless of skill level. Weaving in and out of traffic to
dodge maniacs firing automatic weapons at you – that is
problematic, and requires a Task Check.
Even where success may seem to be certain, if there is
deemed to be a chance that completion may be delay-
ed, and such delay could be problematic, then a mech-
anistic resolution process may also be necessary.
Fixing a tyre is so simple it is a certainty – but, if it needs
to be done at speed by an Indy 500 pit crew, then the
speed at which the change is finished is problematic!
Even for such tasks (with problematic outcomes or
delays), not all need be resolved mechanistically. Only
those where the consequences of failure or delay in
completion would be … unpleasant.
Changing a flat tyre will take a variable amount of time,
and so is potentially problematic. If you’re simply on
92
your way to work when you get a flat, at worst you will
be late – and that’s rarely fatal.
On the other hand, if fixing the flat quickly means
getting to the airport for the last plane out of town before
the Nuke left by al Quaeda explodes – that’s problematic!
TERMINOLOGY
(Base) Task Number (BTN or TN): A Dice Pool equal
to the Attribute connected to the Skill the Task Check
is based plus the Check Number (CN) of the Skill.
A character with Health/3 and Firearms CN/3 (i.e.
Skill/2) would have BTN/6. That is, you will roll 6D.
Check Number (CN): This is the character’s purch-
ased level in a skill plus one (+1).
Yes, that means the minimum Check Number = CN/2.
Modified BTN: The sum of the BTN and any modifiers
applicable to the specific Task. Modifiers are normally
for Time and Other factors (qv).
Other (Modifier): Any other modifier that adds dice to
the BTN to create the Modified BTN. These are norm-
ally the result of Situational factors relating to the
specific circumstance or because of bonuses resulting
from Quirks and/or Techniques.
Success/Successes: A Success is achieved when one of
the dice rolled in a Task Check shows a result of 8+
(that is, 8-9-0).
Any result of zero (0) may be re-rolled for a possible
additional success (on the usual 8+).
This applies even to additional dice resulting from such
rerolls – if you keep scoring zero, you keep rerolling!
For some Task Checks to be successful, more than one
Success must be scored (see Task Difficulty, below).
Task Code (TC): The TN and the Task Difficulty (DIFF)
in the format xDy, where “x” is the TN and “y” is the
relevant Task Difficulty. This is the format for all Task
Codes as Modifiers (for Time or Other) will vary from
situation to situation.
Thus, 5D2 indicates that BTN = 5D and DIFF = 2. This
means that the character needs to roll 8+ on at least two
(2) dice to succeed at the task in question.
Task Difficulty (TD): The number of Successes that
need to be rolled for a Task Check to achieve success.
Unless otherwise stated, Base DIFF is always Average.
Time (Modifier): All tasks requite Time to carry out.
Additional time gives additional modifiers.
Time Period (TP): For Combat checks, normally one
Pulse (1 second) of a 6 Pulse (6 second) Combat Phase.
For Non-Combat tasks, the period will vary – they may
fit within a 6 Pulse Combat Phase or, more likely, will
take considerably longer – typically between one (1)
and ten (10) minutes, perhaps as long as an hour
(longer tasks should use the Continuing Tasks process).
Spending additional time adds bonus dice to the Base
Task Number, typically +1D for each additional Time
Period of the base amount for that task, up to +6D.
See Actions & Time in the Combat Resolution section
and Continuing and Multi-Stage Tasks at the end of this
section for further details.
TASK RESOLUTION
Task Resolution involves determining the number of
Dice (D10) to be rolled and the Difficulty Level against
which the results are to be checked (the number of
Successes – rolls of 8+ – needed to overcome that DIFF).
OVERALL PROCEDURE
The following steps apply to all Task Resolution except
for Opposed, Resisted or Continuing Tasks (and Com-
bat/Crisis Resolution) –
· Determine Task Difficulty (DIFF).
· Determine Base Task Number (BTN) = Attribute +
Check Number.
· Determine Modifiers that apply – Time or Other –
and add to the (BTN) to determine Modified BTN.
· Roll dice equal to the Modified BTN. Those that
show a result of 8+ (8-9-0) are successes.
Remember, you get to re-roll results of zero (0) for
possible additional successes.
DIFFICULTY RATING
1 Simple
2 Easy
3 Average
4 Hard
5 Difficult
6 Unlikely
7 Extreme
8 Incredible
9 Impossible
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· If the number of Successes achieved equals or
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exceeds the Difficulty (DIFF), the Check is successful
(check for Additional/Critical effects).
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· If the number of Successes achieved are less than
the Difficulty (DIFF), the Check is failed (and check
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for Shortfall/Critical Failure effects).
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DETERMINE TASK DIFFICULTY (DIFF)
The GM determines the Task Difficulty using the Task
Difficulty Table, which gives some basic overall ratings
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which may be used as-is or modified by situational and
other factors (see Combat/Crisis Resolution).
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Unless otherwise noted, Base Task DIFF is Average.
Yes, it is possible to end up with a DIFF/9+ … which is not
necessarily impossible to achieve (with additional Time
and Other modifiers).
DETERMINE BASE TASK NUMBER
This is simply the Ability Rating plus (Skill Level +1)
of the character who is attempting the action.
This rating may be further modified by injury, disease or
situational factors affecting the character. Some Tech-
niques or Quirks may modify this, as may a variety of
situational modifiers.
DETERMINE TIME AND OTHER MODIFIERS
The GM determines the basic Time Period on which a
given Task will be based. This is both the minimum
period for the Task and also the additional time giving
a +1D bonus to the Task Check.
The maximum Time Bonus that can be gained by this
method is +6D. Beyond this, the Continuing Tasks rule
(following) should be used.
This will typically be a one (1) minute – if you decide a
smaller time period is needed, use the Combat/Crisis
Resolution system and its six (6) Pulses (each of 1 second).
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Under most circumstances, the maximum period should
be ten (10) minutes, as any Task that requires an addit-
 WHAT FAILURE REPRESENTS
A Task Check represents a situation where the
result isn’t certain. The Check roll is a represent-
ation of that uncertainty.
However, failure at a task whose outcome is prob-
lematic doesn’t always have dire consequences.
Sometimes the results will be (or will seem to be)
“black and white” – in combat, you either hit or
miss for example – but that’s not always the case.
If you’re searching a house for a hidden safe that
contains the document you need, failure means …
what? If the document is a necessity for progress,
then failure – total, complete, absolute and utter
lack of success – and the adventure grinds to a halt.
Possibly permanently (all too often in linear,
commercially available scenarios).
Is this what you want? More importantly, is it even
realistic?
Surely the most likely outcome of “failure” in
such a case is that the searchers simply tear the
house apart, spend more time, or get in a different
search team, or apply some technology …
something.
The real result of “failure,” so called, will, most
likely, be a delay in progress. Even in real life this
won’t always mean complete, total and utter failure
of the entire mission … and it certainly shouldn’t
in a role playing game, either!
What is more than likely is that the characters will
suffer a setback – or the next scene will find their
quarry/opponent(s) with an advantage (though
not one that means that they will be certainly, or
even ultimately, successful).
The PCs may have lost this round. But, somehow,
there will be the chance of a rematch … where
they will have another chance to take down the
seemingly invincible villains.
That may not be the case, always, in real life – but
a role playing game isn’t really about fully repre-
senting real life. For the most part, the “good
guys” win through in the end.
Though possibly (probably, if they are real klutzes
or hugely unlucky at key moments) at great cost!
Remember this both when writing up your
planned scenarios (or allow for it when using
94 commercial ones that don’t allow for it) and also
when considering the results of “failure.”
ional hour to get a +6D bonus (the base 10 minutes + 60
minutes, or 70 minutes, in this case) would better be
represented by the use of the Continuing Tasks rule.
Other Modifiers is as catch-all for, well, Other Modif-
iers. It includes anything that isn’t a Time Modifier and
which doesn’t modify Difficulty (DIFF) or Ability Rating.
These will be situational, eg you may have to perform a
mechanical repair on your Pickup – and, yes, you have
tools. However, if the repair really requires a garage –
there is a penalty for not having a full range of tools.
Other Modifiers will normally range from +6D to -6D, but
several may apply simultaneously.
Impossible Tasks. Sometimes resolving a situation is
more problematic than normal, which may be for a
variety of reasons, some of which include –
· It really is impossible to resolve by Skill Use.
· It is impossible to resolve as it is currently framed.
· It is impossible to resolve with the Skills available.
· It is impossible to resolve with the Gear available.
As currently framed. If you can’t get through a jammed
door or caved in corridor, perhaps you can backtrack or
find a way under, over or around or if you can’t defuse
the bomb, perhaps you can move it to where it won’t do
any (or as much) harm.
With the Skills available. You can’t do Brain Surgery
with Mechanical Engineering skill … or vice versa, for
that matter. Being an expert Electrical Tech won’t help
you doing Library Research. A Fighter Pilot isn’t necess-
arily a leader of men (Command).
With the Gear available. You can’t perform Brain Surg-
ery with your bare hands even if you are a Surgeon, or
access the Internet with a rotary dial Telephone. And
repairing a Fighter Jet’s flak damaged engine with a
Swiss Army Knife is a non-starter.
ROLL THE DICE AND CHECK SUCCESSES
Each Die rolling an 8+ (that is, an 8-9-0) counts as a
success – and the total number of successes is checked
against the Difficulty of the task.
Each die that rolls a zero (0) counts as a success, and
may be re-rolled for a possible additional success.
Dice may continue to be re-rolled as long as you keep
on rolling zeroes (there is no upper limit).
This makes it possible to succeed at tasks where the
DIFF is greater than the BTN (that is, greater than the
number of dice initially rolled).
If a character rolls 4D, and the results are 3, 4, 8, 0, then
they have scored two successes and a re-roll. If the
re-rolled die is 8+, it is another success - and if it is a zero
(0), then it counts as a success and allows another re-roll.
Note: This applies only to dice rolled for Task Checks,
and not for Damage Dice.
If the Check roll doesn’t generate enough “successes”
to equal/exceed the Difficulty (DIFF), it is a Failure.
If the roll fails to even a single success it is a Critical
Failure (see Shortfalls and Critical Failures, below).
If the Check roll generates enough “successes” to
equal/exceed the Difficulty (DIFF), it is a Success.
If the roll succeeds and rolls more successes than the
Difficulty (DIFF), then it is a Critical Success (see Addit-
ional Successes and Critical Successes, below).
SUCCESS AND FAILURE
A Success in a Task Check occurs the successes rolled
equals/exceeds Task Difficulty (DIFF). A Failure rolls
fewer successes than Task Difficulty (DIFF).
If the Success is great enough, it may generate Addition-
al Successes, greatly enhancing the result of the Check.
If the Failure is bad enough (rolls 1 on all dice), it may
be a Critical Failure, greatly worsening the results.
Under some circumstances, characters may not have
to roll dice at all to achieve a success.
Automatic Success means no possible Additional Success.
But no possibility of Critical Failure, either.
AUTOMATIC SUCCESS
Characters may trade four dice from their Modified
BTN for one Automatic Success. They may trade all or
part of their pool for such successes.
A PC with Health CN/3 and Drive (Car)/5 who sees a
child run onto the street in front of them has an Easy/2
Check to swerve and avoid them – for TN 8D2 – but may
trade all eight of their dice for two Automatic Successes.
An Automatic Success achieves the bare minimum level
of success possible.
For example, in an attack with a Pistol that does 3D
damage, an automatic success would do only 3D – while
rolling dice might give additional damage.
SUCCESS
If the number of successes achieved is equal to or
greater than the task difficulty, then the character has
succeeded in their actions.
If you roll 8+ on two dice for a 5D2 Check, this is two (2)
successes so the Check is a success.
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NORMAL, ADDITIONAL AND CRITICAL SUCCESSES
If a Task Check rolls exactly the number of Successes
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needed, it is a Normal Success. If it scores more, the
Additional Successes mean additional effects may apply. s
These “additional effects” encompass what other Role
Playing Games call “Critical Successes.”
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Unlike other Roleplaying games, the player who scored
the additional successes may choose exactly how to
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distribute them amongst the choices available.
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Combat Effects: Additional Successes can be used for
any combination of the following.
· Increase Standard Damage or Armour Penetration:
Weapons doing D damage either roll more Dice or
get an automatic penetration with existing Dice.
Additional successes are split between the two. It
costs +1 Success Die (SD) for each extra die up to the
Base Damage, +2SD for each die to twice that, and
+3SD for each die to triple that (the maximum).
A Pistol doing Base Damage 3D costs +1SD for each
added Die to +3D, +2SD for each Die from +4D to +6D
and +3SD for each Die from +7D to +9D.
A Rifle doing Base Damage 8D costs +1SD for each
added Damage Die to +8D, +2SD for each die from
+9D to +16D, +3SD for each die from +17D to +24D.
It costs +1SD for each existing (or additional) Die to
be converted to automatic penetration against
personal armour..
A 3D Pistol could convert each die to an automatic
penetration for +1SD each – or +3SD for all three dice.
To increase it to +4d costs +1SD for the extra die and
a +1SD for the automatic penetration.
· Increase Pure Armour Piercing Damage: For A type 95
damage it costs +1SD per +10% (round to nearest,
minimum +1A) added to base damage.
 A Browning M2HB SLAP round does 11A Damage –
each +1SD increases that by +1A (to +10SD to +11A).
· Increase Hybrid Standard/AP Damage: For dual
D/A damage you must choose one or the other.
Increasing the D rating is as for Standard Damage
(above). Increasing the A rating, however, costs the
D rating dice to get an increase equal to the A rating.
For example, a Rifle doing 8D (1A) would cost 8SD to
increase the 1A to 2A, while a Machinegun doing 17D
(8A) would cost 17d to increase the 8A to 16A.
These rounds are not intended for use against
Heavy Armour, and are harder to boost without
the bullet disintegrating.
Some weapons also have AP rounds, e.g. the M2HB
SLAP would use the more “pure” AP rules above.
· Increase Pure High Explosive Damage: For “E”
only Damage, +1SD gives +10% (round to nearest,
minimum of +1E) added to base damage.
A 60 mm HE Mortar Bomb (24E), for example, would
get +2E for +1SD, +5E for +2SD and so on.
· Increase Hybrid AP/HE Damage: For dual A/E
damage choose one of the two to increase. +1SD
gives either +10% to the A rating (round to nearest,
minimum +1A) or +5% to the E rating (round to
nearest, minimum of +1E).
WHAT CRITICAL FAILURE REPRESENTS
A Task Check that results in either a Shortfall or
Critical Failure is considerably worse than “just”
a Failure – but, unlike some RPGs, it won’t result
in you shooting your foot off … or even in you
shooting your friend’s foot off.
Likewise, you won’t drop your weapon – nor will
your weapon (mostly, anyway) break or jam irrep-
airably (or as near as damnit in the midst of a
combat).
Yes, random events do happen. In combat, the
shot that misses the target may well hit someone
miles away … someone unaware, even, that there’s
a combat going on … miles away.
S*** happens.
However, it doesn’t happen as frequently as it
seems to in some RPGs.
And in the D10 system, as noted elsewhere, the
96 characters are the “heroes” of the story – so they
get cut some real slack.
Rounds with dual AP/HE damage are designed to be
Armour Piercing using the Monroe effect shaped charge
principal – any HE effect is secondary.
· Convert Fatigue Damage to Lethal Damage (PCs
only): +1SD to convert half (round fractions down,
minimum of 1D) non-lethal damage to lethal; or
+2SD to convert all non-lethal to lethal damage.
Non-Combat Effects: Additional Successes can be used
for any combination of the following non-combat (or
not specifically combat) effects.
· Add to/Subtract from Skill Level for next Action
(PCs only): Add +1 to own Skill Level per each
additional success for the next Task Check using
the same skill or subtract -1D from a single oppo-
nent’s next skill roll in any Skill (+1SD).
This bonus/penalty “decays” by +/-1 per turn the
skill use is delayed (and is exhausted entirely on next
skill use by whomever it is applicable to).
· Add to/Subtract from Action Pool (PCs Only): Add
+1D to own Action Pool per +2SD. Or subtract -1D
from an opponent’s Action Pool (same cost).
The Bonus/Penalty applies to the BTN for the next
Combat Turn only – even if that is further modified.
Cost of all the above effects are doubled for NPCs, and
some are not available to them at all (though the GM
may allow them for ‘Star’ NPCs or ‘Boss’ Villains at their
discretion).
The PCs are the “heroes” (or at least the focus) of your
“story” so they get advantages their opponents don’t –
which is as it should be.
FAILURE
If the number of successes achieved is less than the
Difficulty, then the task has failed.
If the character rolling 5D managed to roll a 1-7 on all
dice, they have achieved no successes and fail all tasks.
If they rolled one success, they would be successful only
at a DIFF 1 task and fail those of higher difficulty. If they
rolled two successes, they would be successful at tasks up
to DIFF 2 and fail at those of DIFF 3 or higher.
Unless they can scare up some additional dice (for Time
expended, or for Other modifiers) or they manage to roll
some zero (0) results, allowing for additional dice to be
rolled, they cannot succeed at DIFF 6+ tasks.
It may still be worthwhile to attempt such tasks – where
even “failure” will reduce the effects of or slow down
something where not trying at all would be even worse
(see What Failure Represents elsewhere).
SUCCESS SHORTFALL AND CRITICAL FAILURE
Failing is one thing. The results may not be all that
bad – and you can, in most cases, try again and again
until you succeed, possibly with no particular penalty.
However, you can fail really badly – sometimes. There
are two grades of bad failure – Shortfall and Critical.
Shortfall Failure: Occurs on a failed Check Roll if all
the dice rolled 1-7.
A 5D3 task would score a Shortfall if all dice scored 1-7.
The penalty for a Shortfall equals the DIFF of the task
attempted. The character who failed the roll must
choose from amongst the following –
· Time Delay: Lose effective Time (and any relevant
bonus dice) immediately. The amount of DIFF
absorbed is equal to cumulative value of the time
lost. One Pulse absorbs 1 DIFF; 2 Pulses absorbs 1
+ 2 = 3 DIFF and so on.
This represents a gear glitch/distraction. It must be
taken immediately – pre-empting any action. No
action may be performed until the lost time is used.
Any that cannot be achieved in any time that remains
may be partially attempted (such as movement) but
must be converted into a Held Action if it would have
to spread across to another Combat Phase.
· Dodge Loss: Lose 1D from inherent Dodge for the
next action targetting them (within the next six
seconds, even if spread over two Combat Turns).
Absorption is cumulative, as above – the first point
absorbs 1 DIFF, the second absorbs 1 + 2 = 3 DIFF.
The character is caught somewhat flat-footed. But
only for one Action directed against them.
· Skill Loss: Lose 1D from the Skill used in the next
Action they take (regardless of how long until then,
unless Combat actually ends before the next
action). Absorption is cumulative, as above.
This reduction should, first and foremost, be in the
Skill that the character just failed the test in. Howev-
er, if the next action they take uses another Skill, that
should be affected instead …
· Odd DIFF: If one point of DIFF remains because of
the cumulative absorption to the three penalty
areas, it reduces one “success” in the next roll to a
failure and a zero (0) to a non-reroll success.
On a roll of 5D3, results of 3, 4, 9, 8 and 0 would
normally be two successes and a re-roll … but are
reduced to two normal successes, and a failed roll.
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Critical Failure: Occurs where the Check fails and all
the dice rolled turn ones (1). s
A 7D5 task scores a Critical if the Check failed and all
seven dice rolled a 1.
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Yes, that would be very rare. Extremely so. Critical
Failures are deliberately less likely in the D10 System as
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a design decision (explained elsewhere).
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The penalty for a Critical Failure depends Task DIFF.
The character at whom the failed roll was directed (or
a random character from the opposing side, if not
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directed specifically) chooses from amongst the possib-
ilities detailed for Shortfall (see above).
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The fact that the opposition gets to choose is the kicker
here, rather than increasing the amount of the effect.
TASK CHECKS AND UNSKILLED SKILL USE
Where a character does not have any skill at all in a
specific skill, they may still attempt to use it unless the
Skill Description is marked with an asterisk (*).
Skills marked with an asterisk (*) are so complex it is not
possible to use them without training.
If you don’t have Surgery, you can’t do surgery – but
you may allow a Medic/EMT to remove an appendix at
no Unskilled check. But Open Heart surgery? No way!
When making an unskilled Task Check they roll a test
against half the governing Attribute, rounding fractions
down … but a minimum value of 1 applies,
For Example, a PC wants to clear a Minefield (governing
Attribute = DED), but has no Military Science Skill. They
would roll half their DED, rounding fractions down. If
they had DED/3, that would mean a BTN/1 would apply.
TASK TYPES
ALL OUT TASKS
In some situations it is possible to put in a far more
intense level of physical or mental effort – at a cost. 97
Characters may put in such an effort for any Health,
Cunning, Aptitude, Command or Deduction based skill
 ARE SKILLS ALWAYS NECESSARY?
Given that the D10 System has an atypical
attitude towards Failure compared to most RPGs,
it won’t come as a surprise to find that it sees the
necessity of Skills somewhat differently as well.
As it says, in Unskilled Skill Use, opposite, for
some things, possessing the relevant Skill is a nec-
essity.
But does that always apply? Remember, Failure
doesn’t mean a complete dead end in D10.
So, are Skills always necessary?
Consider this – the party is searching an area and
has reason to believe that their enemy may be
there (that’s why they’re searching, after all!).
Naturally, they wish to be alert for possible
ambush. But nary a one has Subterfuge: Conceal-
ment to detect such and, likewise, none of them
have Military Science: Tactics.
But they have carefully detailed exactly what they
are going to do if they are attacked by surprise.
Does lack of relevant Skill completely trump their
detailed plans? Are they forced to rely only on the
Unskilled Skill Use rules?
Maybe not. If they’re up against a section of
Special Forces, well, they’re stuffed. If their enemy
doesn’t have military training either, maybe not.
Depending on the circumstances you might give
the plan a pseudo-Skill Level depending on how
well thought out it is (perhaps a +1/+2, making
the roll an xD1 or xD2) – or you might allow a
Whole Party Skill roll, adding +½ per character,
rounding up (or down, it’s your call as GM!).
Another common occurrence, searching for
hidden objects. As noted elsewhere, even a failure
here normally means only a delay. But what if the
party doesn’t have the requisite skill and yet
specifies, in a specific and detailed search plan,
an examination of the exact area where the
hidden safe is?
Unless there is something very special about the
safe in question, it really doesn’t matter whether
they have the relevant skill or not – they’re almost
certainly going to find it … given time.
You may give their plan a Skill Level, as noted
above, or simply tell them that, even if they fail,
98 they find the Safe in a shorter period of time than
they would have if they had had no plan at all.
and gain +2D to the check for each one (1) grade of FAT
they take – representing the massive extra effort.
Characters making an All Out effort in non-Health based
tasks represents an expenditure of mental and/or emo-
tional effort that creates a the same level of emotional or
mental “fatigue” that a Health based effort would.
Note: All Out Tasks can be made as long as the character
has any Fatigue left to spend. There is no roll required
to take the additional dice, only the Fatigue cost applies.
COMBINATION TASKS
Sometimes it is possible (perhaps required) for a task
to be performed by several characters acting together,
with one acting as the leader.
In such cases only the leader rolls for the Task Check
but may add +1D for each extra character (or, for
really big tasks, each extra group) with a relevant skill
at a level appropriate to task complexity.
For tasks that the GM rates as simple, a “helper” must
have a relevant Skill Level/2+ and for one rated as
complex they must have it at Skill Level/4+.
A simple task might be co-ordinating a group digging a
vehicle out of a bog.
A complex task might be repairing a badly damaged
vehicle (each individual involved could have different
skills) by co-ordinating them all.
In the latter case there would be mechanics working on
the engine, armourers on the weapons, welders on the
frame – but all will contribute to the effort).
The leader would normally be the character with the
highest skill level.
CONCENTRATION TASKS
There are occasions when a character needs to bring
some aspect of their behaviour or desires under more
rigorous control than is normally the case. This is
represented by completing a Concentration task.
When a player wants their character to act out of charac-
ter, this is when a Concentration check is required.
Likewise, when attempting something beyond normal
human limits, you need to make a Concentration check.
The DIFF of a check will need to be determined by the
Game Master (the table above has some suggestions).
They will also need to determine which Ability will be
most appropriate to make the check against.
HEALTH
A Health Concentration check is required where a
character is attempting to ignore pain or fatigue.
A wounded character can ignore Damage penalties by
making a HLT Concentration check per Combat Phase
in which they wish to act without penalty.
A fatigued character running for their life to escape a
ravenous carnivore ignores Fatigue penalties by making
a FAT Concentration check in the same way.
CUNNING
A Cunning check is required to forego/avoid what are
habitual/innate responses/mannerisms (or attempt to
imitate someone else’s), or (at GM’s discretion) where a
player is attempting to have their character behave in
a way they would normally regard as being immoral.
Situations that would require such a Check include –
· Speaking ‘Standard US English’ if you have a ‘good
‘ole boy’ Southern US twang and vocabulary.
· Emulating the body language or speech patterns of
another character.
· Attempting to avoid an outburst of Bad Temper.
· An alcoholic (Addiction Quirk) attempting to avoid
either having a drink or getting blind, stinking, drunk.
APTITUDE
An Aptitude Concentration check is required where a
character is attempting to make a creative effort that is
over and above their normal level of work.
A gunsmith repairing an “irreparable” weapon or a
Nurse or Paramedic attempting surgery would both need
to make an Aptitude Concentration check.
DEDUCTION
A Deduction Concentration check is required when a
character is attempting to get a handle on an intellect-
ual problem somewhat beyond their grasp.
Attempting to unravel a cryptic crossword they could use
a Deduction Concentration check to see if the character
can fathom what the clues provided mean.
Or if they have to try and decipher information at a
crime scene without any forensics skill, they would make
a Deduction Concentration check to boost their chances.
COMMAND
A Command Concentration check is required when a
character is attempting something through force of
character or by relying on their command presence –
and would not normally be able to manage.
Someone without Military Rank Quirk attempting to take
command of a military unit would need to make a
Command Concentration check to do so – probably at a
considerable penalty, depending on unit size.
CONCENTRATION DIFFICULTY SUGGESTED RATING
Pain 1 per grade of DAM g
Fatigue 1 per grade of FAT
Habits from Quirks 3 a
Temper 2-5
Moral Behaviour 1-4 m
Addictions
Overcome Failure
4-5
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Even if you have Military Rank, trying to command a
local official over whom you have no authority whatso-
ever would require a Command Concentration check as
well before you could even attempt the task. s
CONTINUING TASKS
Some tasks do not neatly fit into a single turn – they
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can take extended, possibly indefinite, periods of time
to complete. These are Continuing tasks. s
The Game Master will need to determine how long, on
average, they will take to complete – and this will vary
t
from task to task. It may be multiple game turns, or
minutes, or hours, or days – even weeks or months. e
Continuing tasks can represent anything from disarm-ing
a bomb (several combat turns to several minutes) to a
m
research project to develop a FTL star drive, requiring
months, or, more likely, many years (or even longer).
They will also need to determine at what incremental
amount of time the character(s) involved gain a bonus
for spending that extra time on the task.
Disarming an unexploded bomb might have an average
time requirement of (6) minutes. Taking that long gives
no bonus/inflicts no penalty for time constraints.
However, say they really need to do the disarm in three
(3) minutes. The GM may determine each minute less
than this causes a -1D penalty or adds +1 DIFF.
Of course, they may equally well be in a position where
they can spend more time in the process. The GM may
determine that for each extra three (3) minutes more time
that they spend, they get a +1D bonus or a -1 DIFF.
MULTI-STAGE TASKS
Some continuing tasks of more than normal complex-
ity (often representing extended research) may be
further complicated by being divided into more than
one stage – with each stage needing to be completed
separately before the next one can be attempted.
It may be possible to divide up such a multi-stage task
into separate stages, some or all of which may be
undertaken simultaneously with different teams. 99
This is entirely within the determination of the Game
 Master – and they may impose an additional task at the
end to represent the need to co-ordinate all the efforts.
In that case, each stage is treated as a Continuing Task.
Say the characters need to design add on armour and
weapons mounts to convert a truck into an Armoured Car.
This could be divided into separate tasks that could be
completed sequentially or simultaneously – at the end, if
they were done by four different teams there could be
co-ordination roll to make sure all they fit together!
Obviously this is best used to simulate major research or
construction tasks … and, while the PCs have an idea as
to what their desired outcome is, that won’t necessarily
be the outcome that is achieved … or, putting it another
way, the outcome may fail to achieve what the PCs want
regardless of whether they are successful with all the
steps or not.
In that sense, it is a learning experience – they now know
that that particular approach won’t work, or won’t work
with the equipment, personnel, plans and/or theories
that were underpinning it … though it may suggest
another line of enquiry, potential modification or design
change and even, possibly, make it somewhat easier to
pursue the initial stages thereof.
OPPOSED/SIMULTANEOUS TASKS
An Opposed task is a Task Check made directly against
the simultaneous actions of another character rather
than against a standard difficulty. The character with
the most successes wins the contest.
contest is a tie, it simply continues the next action.
However, if two characters are attempting to catch a
falling glass bottle and they tie, then the GM may deter-
mine that both fail and the bottle smashes on the ground.
RESISTED TASKS
A Resisted task is made against the effects of a pre-
vious (successful) Task Check.
This may either be for a Skill Check made by another
character in the past or in immediate response to an
action a character has just performed.
In both cases the player character is attempting to
overcome effects that have already been achieved.
The Difficulty level of the Resisted Task is equal to the
number of successes achieved by the previous character.
For example, if a player wishes to determine whether a
document is a forgery, they could roll Detective (Pract-
ical Forensics) skill against the number of successes the
Forger achieved with their Criminal (Forgery) roll.
Likewise, a character could attempt to dodge a punch
that was thrown at them. The attacker’s actual number
of successes in their Brawling task check would become
the defender’s difficulty in their Martial Arts (Block) roll.

If two characters tie then the result inconclusive and,

depending on circumstances, they contest continues to
the next action or (at the GM’s option) both fail.

For example, if two characters are arm wrestling and the

100
COMBAT RESOLUTION
Whenever a situation arises which calls for more
detail characters act turn by turn, utilising the rules
described below.
This will mostly, but not exclusively, apply for Combat
situations. Of course, for noncombat situations many
of the specialist rules will be irrelevant.
TIME & GROUND SCALE
THE PASSAGE OF TIME
Game time is measured in minutes for most things, or
hours (perhaps days) for travel time.
For stress situations, especially combat, where finer
gradations of time are needed, a minute is divided into
ten (10) Combat Turns (or Phases) – each nominally six
Pulses (each of 1 second) in length (but, see below).
VARIABLE COMBAT TURN LENGTH (OPTION)
The six Pulses of a Combat Turn represent six seconds
worth of action. However, one thing that all accounts
of combat seem to agree on is that perception of time
in combat does not match actual time passed.
Generally the perception is that less time has passed,
but sometimes the reverse is reported as true. In either
case, it is possible that misjudging actual passage of
time could have serious consequences.
For example, where actions are set to occur at a specific
time no matter what, then acting on the expectation of
them occurring when they are actually quite a way off
could be ... embarrassing, at the very least.
Equally, missing the deadline and/or being caught
unawares when it arrives can have serious implications
for the players or for their opponents – or for both.
Best to avoid both, if possible, eh?
Keeping track of the actual time that has passed in
combat requires an Action spent on taking a
Concentration Check (Cunning).
A Combat Turn will always equal six seconds of action
– and may seem as if it happens in six seconds of time,
but may actually take up from ten to sixty seconds – the
actual time passed is entirely at the GM’s discretion.
Use this optional rule sparingly – players either love it or
hate it, even though they generally agree it is realistic.
We all tend to forget the passage of time when they’re
hyped up just as do soldiers in real life!
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DISTANCE & TRAVEL
In most combat situations distance is measured in
meters. Outside of combat, distance may be measured
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in meters or, especially for travel, kilometers.
m
For most purposes, distance travelled will be a function
of time. A character (or vehicle) will be able to travel so
many meters per Pulse (Second) of a Combat Phase.
Likewise, where speeds warrant a longer period of time
– such as for vehicular (or animal riding) Chases – the
vehicle/mount will move so many meters (or, for really
fast vehicles, perhaps so many kilometers) per minute.
For “strategic” movement over long periods of time, not
involving combat or a direct chase, the vehicle, mount or
character will move so many kilometers per hour (or, for
really fast vehicles and/or really long distances, per day).
For convenience the ground and time scale is usually
chosen to allow representation on a hex grid (see the
Game System Chapter for details).
A CTIONS & TIME
A Combat Turn is a nominal six seconds (however, see
Variable Combat Turn Length, opposite) worth of time
– which is represented in game as six (6) Action Dice
Each Action (represented by a Task Check) requires the
expenditure of at least one (1) Action die representing the
effort/attention of the action.
However, this does not mean that a character will be
able to perform six actions in any given Combat Turn – 101
that is determined by a Character’s abilities and career
choices.
 TERMINOLOGY
Action. Occurs when a physical or mental task is
undertaken which may or may not take a measurable
amount of time, often involving a Task Check.
Action (Active). A deliberate Action that takes a
measured amount of time (at least a Pulse) and which
almost always involves (or modifies) a Task Check.
Action (Reactive). An Action performed in reaction to
another (N)PCs Action. They are instantaneous and
require no time (or Action Dice) spend by the target.
Action (Trivial). May be combined with another
activity at no penalty, is an automatic response to the
environment and requires no time to perform.
Action Die (AD). 1D representing a Pulse’s worth of
effort, attention or activity. More than one AD may be
spent on an Action, but each added AD will normally*
add 1P to Action duration (and will determine when
the Action is actually resolved).
* It is possible that a character may have more than six
Action Dice available – if that is the case, then any dice
over six may be added to actions without increasing
duration until all such additional AD have been spent.
For example, a character with 7 AD could spend 2 AD
on an Action that would still take only 1P to complete.
All other Actions in that Phase would revert to 1 AD =1
Pulse as the additional AD has been spent.
Action Pool. The number of additional Dice (normally
six [6]*) available to a PC or NPC to add to their
Checks representing their focus on a particular Action.
* As noted above, it is possible that a character may have
more than six (6) Action Dice in their Action Pool.
Combat Phase (CP). A period of time equal to six (6)
Pulses (each 1 second) – one of ten such in a minute
(the standard time period used for regularising acts in
stress situation). See also Combat Turn.
Combat Turn (CT). A period of time equal to six (6)
102
Pulses (each 1 second) – one of ten such in a minute
(the standard time period used for regularising acts in
stress situation). See also Combat Phase.
Maximum Number of Actions (MNA). The maximum
number of Active Actions a character can perform
during a Combat Turn. Under most circumstances this
will be a minimum of one (1) Action* and never be more
than six (6) Actions.
* Injury or other factors may prevent a PC or NPC from
performing even one Action.\
Pulse (P). An action that takes up one Pulse (second)
of actual time and/or a period of time equal to one
second and representing one Action Die (AD). There
are always 6P per Combat Turn (Combat Phase).
ACTIONS & THE ACTION POOL
An Action (except Reactive Actions) requires the com-
mitment of at least one (1) die from a character’s
Action Dice (see previous), which are then –
· Added to the number of Dice rolled for the Task
Check connected with the Action, and used to –
· Determine how long an Action takes and/or what
order it occurs at within a Combat Turn.
THE ACTION POOL
A character’s (any character’s) Base Action Dice is
normally equal to six (6) Action Dice as each die repre-
sents one of the six Pulses of a Combat Phase.
Under some circumstances a Character may find that
they may have dice added to the base number, increas-
ing it to more than six dice.
The number of Action Dice may be modified by some
Ability Focii (notably Reaction Speed, off Health), by
Quirks, by Shortfall/Critical Failure results or by other
game effects to be more or less than the basic six dice.
Note: These additional dice may be added as bonus dice
to Actions/Task Checks, but cannot give a character
more than 6 actions per CP or increase the Maximum
Number of Actions (MNA, see below), to greater than 6.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ACTIONS
All characters have 6P of action available to them
and, notionally, at least six Action Dice, this does not
mean that they can perform six Actions.
The Maximum Number of Actions (MNA) a normal char-
acter can perform in a Combat Phase is equal to their
Health (or their Reaction Speed Focus off Health).
A character with HLT/4 has a maximum of four Actions
in an Action Phase. They may divide their six (or more)
Action Dice amongst those four Actions as they see fit.
Regardless of a character’s Health or Reaction Speed,
the Maximum Number of Actions may never exceed six.
For example, a character with Reaction Speed/7 is still
limited to a maximum of six (6) Actions. However, they’ll
get seven Action Dice to spread amongst those actions.
ACTION OVERHEADS BY CAREER
The type of career that a Character has taken before
game start also has an impact on how well they react
in combat and crisis situations.
· Civilian Characters have a minimum Action spend
of two (2) dice, and a penalty to all Actions of -1D.
It takes them one Pulse longer to act and even then
they are sluggish compared to other professionals.
They may improve to Paramilitary status by ach-
ieving a combined Deduction + Military Science
(Tactics & Strategy) = 6+.
· Paramilitary Characters have a normal Action
spend, but take a penalty to all Actions of -1D.
They can act as quickly as their military brethren,
but not quite as effectively.
They may improve to Military status by achieving
a DED + Military Science (Tactics & Strategy) = 9+
· Military Characters take no Action penalties.
ADDING DICE
A character commits some or all of their effort to one
or more actions in a Combat Turn, by adding one or
more Action/Other Dice to the Task Check (qv).
Dice may also be added to Action-related Task Checks
from other Pools (see below) or because of the effects of
Skills, Quirks and/or Talents.
· The only limit on the number of Actions in a
Combat Phase is that each Action must include the
expenditure of a minimum of one (1) Action Die.
A character can attempt a maximum of six (6) actions
per Combat Phase.
Some Quirks may increase/decrease the number of
Actions possible or dice in a PCs Action Pool.
Characters with more than six AD may spend the
additional dice on Actions without adding time until the
AD in excess of six AD have been expended.
A PC with 8 AD could add +2D to a 1D (1P) action, giving
it +3 AD but keeping it a 1P action.
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DETERMINING ACTION LENGTH AND ORDER
Each die from the Action Pool is one (1) Pulse (second)
of time in a Combat Phase, the more dice added to a
s
specific Action, the longer the cumulative timing value.
y
A 1D action takes 1P, a 2D action takes 2P … and a 6D
action takes 6P. s
Note: If a character’s total Action dice are reduced to less
than six, or increased to more than six, then refer to the
t
specific rules/effects to find how this is implemented.
· Actions occurring in a given Pulse of a Combat
e
Phase take place in order from those with the
fewest Action dice to those with the most.
m
A character performing a one Action Die action will
act before another performing a two Action Die
action which will occur before someone performing a
three Action Die action … and so on.
· Characters performing more than one Action in a
CP may choose what order they occur in.
For example, a character performing a 1P, 2P and a
3P action could go in any order … 1, 2, 3 or 3, 2, 1
or 2, 1, 3 or whatever.
· Each Action die/Pulse after the first, however, has
a cumulative timing value equivalent to the total
number of Action Dice spent to that point.
A character performing three actions, in the order 2P,
1P and 3P acts on the second Pulse for the first
action, on the third Pulse for the second action and
on the sixth Pulse for the final action.
· Where one or more characters have spent the same
number of Pulses on an Action whose Check is
made that CP, order of action is from the highest
Health (or Reaction Speed Focus) to the lowest.
If the characters have identical Health/Reaction
Speed, order of action is highest Cunning to lowest.
103
If still tied, Actions are simultaneous if both are
PCs. If only one is a PC the PC acts first.
 Players, and the characters they run, are the Stars of the
D10 System, so they should get some advantages from
that focus! This is one of them.
WHEN ACTION (RESOLUTION) OCCURS
When the resolution of a Task Check required by an
Action takes place depends on how many Check Rolls
need to be made during the Action, as well as the type
of Action (Combat/Task or Movement)
· If the Action requires (or generates) only one
Check Roll, then the roll must be made at the end
of the Action, regardless of the length of the Action.
For example, a character does a 2 Action Die Attack:
Missile Action – the Task Check occurs during the
second Pulse of the Action (2 AD normally = 2P).
· If the Action requires (or generates) more than one
Check Roll, then the rolls must be spread across
more than one Pulse of the Action.
Each Pulse can only have one Check Roll until all
Pulses have had one allocated – only then can a
Pulse have more than one Check Roll.
For example, a character does a 3P Attack: Missile
with a weapon capable of three Auto-fire Bursts –
they would make one Check = one Burst) for each of
the three Pulses the Action represents.
· Movement not requiring a Task Check take place
on a Pulse by Pulse basis even if spread over
several Pulses. However, the direction of the move-
ment for each Pulse must be pre-planned.
A character doing a 2P Move at normal speed must
indicate the distance moved for each of the two
Pulses and the direction of the movement in advance.
If a character wishes to change direction or distance
from Pulse to Pulse they must normally use an
Interrupt Action (see below).
· Movement where an Athletics: Run (or similar)
Check is required to move faster than Health
would normally allow. The Check must be made at
104
the beginning of the Action, though the movement
(modified or not) still takes place Pulse-by-Pulse.
Yes. These rules do give characters who can perform six
1P Actions a real advantage against those who must
perform at least some multi-Pulse actions.
Of course, this can be partially countered by the judic-
ious use of Interrupt Actions.
Actions such as Aim, Prepare, Reload and Use Skill
often require more than one Pulse to allocated to be
fully effective, however (see Actions, following).
Think of all the decisions involved (and their interplay)
as being tactical role-playing – also consider a Combat
Turn to be fluid, and the rules to be an artificial
construct (!) to make the GM’s and Player’s lives easier.
TRIVIAL ACTIONS
Some task checks that will occur during a turn may be
trivial – that is, they do not take up any significant
amount of time and, thus, do not consume an Action
Die (the nominal one second each such represents).
Some things that might be classed as trivial actions
include (the list is not meant to be comprehensive, just
some exemplars) –
· Shouting a few words of warning or instruction
· Making hand gestures (assuming a free hand)
· Flicking a switch (say from Semi to Full Auto)
· Dropping something held in one’s hands
· Making a GM-required* Task Check
· Taking one step forwards or backwards
· Change facing by one hexside
* A GM-required Task Check would typically be a Spot
check to notice something that the character is, perhaps
literally, about to step right into.
Say that concealed wire connected to the Grenade
booby-trap, for example. Something that couldn’t have
been (or wasn’t) spotted until literally the last second.
If the GM decide an act is not Trivial, but could be
combined with an existing Action that would not
necessarily involve a penalty to the main action, they
should use the Concentration Task rules (in the prior
Tasks & Task Checks section).
BOOSTING REACTIONS
Players may add an additional +2D to their Action
Pool for each point of Health or Cunning sacrificed in
order to increase reaction speed.
This must be done before the first Action is committed to.
The downside is that each Attribute point converted
reduces the effective value of the Attribute for all Task
Checks based on it for the whole Combat Phase.
For example, Joe allocates one point from his Cunning
Ability/4 in order to increase reaction speed, so adds +2D
to his Action Dice for the turn. He may now only roll 3D
(4 - 1) for Cunning tasks for the remainder of the turn.
Obviously this is a tradeoff.
If you’re involved in a firefight and need to boost your
AD for combat (melee or fire), sacrificing Health Ability
is pointless … as all combat abilities are based on it.
However, sacrificing a point (or more) of Cunning may
be a viable option.
On the other hand, if you’re attempting to use some of
the Cunning based Skills (such as Criminal: Cracksman,
or Observation: Forward Observer, for example) during
a firefight while, presumably, other characters provide
cover fire, then sacrificing Health (or Reaction Speed)
may be a viable option for that.
HEALTH: REACTION SPEED FOCUS
If a character has chosen to take Reaction Speed as a
Focus off Health then the above rules are modified.
If Reaction Speed is higher than base Health, each die
of Reaction Speed may be converted to additional +2D
any time during a CP, but is subtracted from the
Ability for the next Combat Phase.
This cannot be combined with reducing Base Health.
It is an either/or proposition.
A Character with Health/3, Reaction Speed/4 can take
+2D by converting one point of the latter, losing 1D from
HLT for the next Combat Phase.
They couldn’t take it, however, if they’d already taken
+2D from Health at the beginning of the turn.
AMBUSH AND SURPRISE
Characters will often find themselves caught unawares
– or they may have caught other characters unaware.
That is, Ambush and/or Surprise will be involved.
Ambush and Surprise rules are very problematic. They
require considerable input from the GM. Seriously.
Consider the following rules to be guidelines only.
AMBUSH
This is a deliberate attempt by one person or group to
take another person or group by surprise. It is a
Resisted Task between the ambushers’ concealment and
ambushee’s detection skills.
If the targets fail their chance at detection, then they
suffer the effects of surprise (see below).
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However, not all ambushes will be detectable. If the
GM determines this is the case, then the targets are
automatically subject to the effects of surprise.
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What sort of circumstances preclude a detection roll?
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Long distance attacks – a Sniper (not necessarily one
with the Sniper technique) will get their first shot off with
automatic surprise if outside of normal visual range.
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If more than one Sniper is involved, firing from different
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positions, then they may all get Surprise, even if they do
not actually fire simultaneously.
Or visually impenetrable cover e.g. hiding behind a
concealed door. Unless specifically searching for such,
the moment it opens they will be automatically surprised.
Even if the door is obvious they might be surprised if it
opens unexpectedly – if they failed a Detection check,
for example, to sense anyone on the other side.
SURPRISE
There are four possible Surprise situations that might
be encountered during the course of an adventure –
· An Ambush is successfully sprung
· Automatic Surprise
· Both sides are taken unawares
· Both sides fail
SUCCESSFUL AMBUSH
Ambushing characters get a number of Ambush Dice
equal to their Cunning or Health (or Reaction Speed, if
differentiated as a Focus), whichever is highest.
Ambush Dice are then used in an Ambush Phase in
exactly the same way Action Dice are used in a Combat
Phase – but only ambushing characters may act.
If PCs scored Extra Success Dice in their Ambush roll, 105
they may convert these to additional Ambush Dice at the
rate of +1 Ambush Die/2 Extra Successes.
 It is possible to end up with 6+ Ambush Dice. These Dice
may add extra Dice to an Action without adding extra
time. For example, with 7 Ambush Dice you could per-
form one Action with +1d without adding 1 Pulse.
AUTOMATIC SURPRISE
The results are the same as for a Successful Ambush
for the side achieving it.
MUTUAL SURPRISE
This occurs when the GM deems it appropriate. Both
sides gain a number of free Ambush Dice dice equal to
their Health (or Reaction Speed, as a Focus).
These Ambush Dice may be combined with regular
Action Dice and the actions that result are simultaneous
(Yes. Both sides act at the same time!).
This can be extremely nasty when it happens – and it
may happen relatively frequently, no matter how careful
both parties may be in their attempts to avoid it!
BOTH FAIL
Uncommonly, both the ambushers and the ambush-
ees might fail. The ambushers fail to even notice the
passage of the potential ambushees, while the passing
ambushees also completely fail to detect the ambush-
ers. The blind leading the blind, so to speak.
Uncommonly, the party that has set up the ambush fails
to detect the party they would like to ambush because
they fail their detection roll (or their opponents are too
good at their sneak roll!) while the passing party fails to
detect the expertly concealed ambushers likewise!
ACTIONS
There are two types of Action a character can perform
during a Combat Turn (or during any period of time in
gameplay) – Active and Reactive (aka Passive).
ACTIVE ACTIONS
Active Actions consume time. This is what makes them
fundamentally different from Passive Actions.
· They require the expenditure of at least one Action
Die (nominally one second of time).
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· They are also limited to a maximum number equal
to the character’s Health (or Reaction Speed Focus
off Health) per Combat Turn.
Active Actions occur because the Player chooses to act,
and occur according to the guidelines in Determining
Action Length & Order above. They may be chosen
because of the actions of other characters, but are still an
individual choice.
REACTIVE/PASSIVE ACTIONS
Reactive Actions do not consume time. This is why they
are fundamentally different from Active Actions.
· They do not require Action Dice be spent.
· There is no limit to the number of Reactive Actions
a character may perform in a Combat Turn.
Reactive (Passive) Actions are done in response to other
actions. They are immediate responses, often automatic,
not done consciously, e.g. an Observation (Spot) check
to “notice” a hidden assassin.
The check results from something another character has
revealed (the result of their action/presence) ... the detect-
or is merely taking note (or failing to) of it.
TYPES OF (ACTIVE/REACTIVE) ACTIONS
The following Active and Reactive actions may be
attempted in a turn, within the limits described above:
AIM ACTION (ACTIVE)
An Aim Action must precede an Attack (Missile) Action.
An Aim Action gives a +1D bonus per Pulse* of the
Action duration in addition to any Action Dice spent –
and these bonus dice are added to the following Attack.
* This is in addition to bonus dice provided by of
technology or other factors, e.g. a Laser Pointer @ +1D
Aim would give 1 + 1 = 2D bonus dice per Pulse.
A character may add a Aim bonus dice equal to weap-
on Skill modified by stance and weapon stabilisation
(see Attack Modifiers at the end of this section).
A character with Pistol/3 would have a maximum of
three (3) bonus dice added for Aim before any modific-
ation for firing stance or weapon stabilisation.
ATTACK ACTION (ACTIVE)
This may be either a Melee or a Missile attack and the
rules are slightly different for each.
· Melee Attacks are made against either an Active or
Reactive defence – see the two Defend (Melee) Act-
ions, below, for details.
Other factors may affect the combat roll required,
see Attack Modifiers, below.
 · Missile Attacks are also made versus either an
Active or Reactive defence, but also have a base
DIFF based on Range to target.
Other factors may affect the combat roll required,
see Attack Modifiers, below.
DEFENCE ACTION: MELEE (ACTIVE)
An Active Defence against a Melee Attack requires the
spending of at least one (1) Action Die from the Action
Pool at the start of the Combat Phase or may be part of
an Interrupt Action from the end of the last Phase.
Each Action Die spent on an Active Defence (Melee)
Action adds +2 DIFF to any and all Melee attacks
against the character during the entire Combat Turn.
Spending 2 Action Dice adds +4 DIFF to any Melee
Attack against them in one complete Combat Turn.
Surprised characters cannot use any of these defensive
maneuvers, they use Passive Defence only.
DEFENCE ACTION: MELEE (REACTIVE)
A character’s Passive Defence against Melee attacks
equals to their (Cunning/2, down) or minimum DIFF/2.
A character with Cunning/3 would have a PD (3/2) =
1.5, rounded down to one (1) … but the minimum PD is
two (2), so it will be DIFF/2 for the attacker.
An Interrupt Action may be used to add DIFF to a
Reactive Defence action, see below.
DEFENCE ACTION: MISSILE (ACTIVE)
Missiles generally move far too fast for the Defence
(Melee) system to be realistically applied. A Defend
(Missile) action represents general evasive attempts by
a character (Vehicles use different rules).
By the time you hear the gunfire, you’re most likely
already seeing the bullets strike. The old saw that if you
hear the bullet, it hasn’t hit you, is mostly accurate
Dodging things you can’t see is very problematic.
Action Dice for this action must be spent at the
beginning of the CP – in your first Action. Each Action
Die adds +1 DIFF to any and all missile attacks aimed at
them for an entire Combat Phase.
Standard attack difficulties shown for weapon range
bands on the Missile Weapon Range Table are for firing
at targets that haven’t taken a Defend (Missile) or other
action that might affect the chance of hitting.
Active Defence: Missile actions generally only apply to
small arms and non-explosive rounds fired by light to
medium support weapons.
Against explosions? Dive for cover – but, normally, after
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the first attack or, if you can see a delayed action
explosive (like a Grenade, say), before it explodes (or,
say, if they hear a shouted warning). s
You can’t really dodge being in the Blast Radius of an
explosion – take an Interrupt action and dive for cover!
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Diving for cover (or dropping prone), before or after
an explosion, allows Active Defence DIFF to be used
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against any explosive and/or conventional missile
attacks for the remainder of the Combat Turn.
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Additional DIFF may apply against the explosive attack
through situational modifiers – mainly the type of cover
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available to them.
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Even on seemingly flat ground with no obvious cover
dropping prone usually allows full conversion of Active
Defence DIFF against Explosions.
However, after dropping prone and/or taking cover,
the defensive DIFF applies only if they remains prone
or behind cover for the remainder of the Combat Phase.
If a character uses an Interrupt Action against Missile
attacks, it is much less effective than if used against
Melee attacks.
Yes. Players will have to make important decisions based
on incomplete information (aka “guesswork”). Life’s
often like that.
Yes. Missile attacks are deadly. Especially if the attack-
ers get the drop on you. Was anyone out there expecting
otherwise?
So, how do combatants avoid being killed or wounded in
real life? I’ll tell you a not so secret “secret”: those who
depend only on body armour and blind luck ... die.
The smart ones (the survivors) depend on a mix of cover
and dodging (yes, backed up by body armour). They
move quickly from cover to cover. They attack by popp-
ing out from behind cover then popping right back, all
as the one action.
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This works surprisingly well for the most part – and body
armour makes up for a few “mistakes.”
 Heroes?
They stand up mano-a-mano and, unless they’re damn
good, fast, and/or lucky, they die very young … with
their body armour (and the body beneath it) full of holes.
You have been warned.
DEFENCE ACTION: MISSILE (REACTIVE)
A character’s Passive Defence against Missile attacks
equals to their (Cunning/2, down) or minimum DIFF/2
(the same as for Passive Defence: Melee).
A character with Cunning/3 would have a PD (3/2) =
1.5, rounded down to one (1) … but the minimum PD is
two (2), so it will be DIFF/2 for the attacker.
An Interrupt Action may be used to add DIFF to a
Reactive Defence action, see below.
HELD ACTION (ACTIVE)
A ‘Held’ Action allows a character to pre-design a
specific Action (or Action Type) that will be activated
by a trigger (or set of triggers) that may (or may not)
occur at some time during a Combat Turn. Such a
‘Hold’ may be set to either until the character’s next
action (Limited Duration) comes around or it may be
set to remain in force until the character chooses to
revoke it (Indefinite Duration).
· Limited Duration. The character allocates one of
their Actions to the task and specifies a maximum
duration. If the specified trigger event(s) activate it
at any time during that time frame, the action
takes place as if it were scheduled to occur in that
Pulse – and a bonus of +1 AD is added to the roll
for each Pulse of the duration that has passed.
For example, a PC decides to allocate 3P to a Limit-
ed Duration Hold – if the trigger occurs at 2P, they
get +2 AD and if it occurs at 3P they get +3 AD added
to their Task Check.
If the Held action is triggered and resolved before
its duration is up and the character has Actions
remaining and there is time left in the Combat
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Turn, then an immediate Interrupt Action is app-
lied after the Held Action is resolved.
In the above example, if the Character’s Hold was
triggered on 2P, then as soon as the action is resolved
they implement an Interrupt Action if they have
remaining unused Actions and there is any time left
in the Combat Turn.
· Indefinite Duration. A character may simply
indicate that they wish to remain ‘on hold’ either
until they declare otherwise or until the specified
trigger(s) occur and the Held Action is activated.
They gain a +1 AD bonus for each Pulse they have
been on hold to a maximum +6 AD – and this
carries over from one Combat Turn to another!
For example, a character decides to create an Indef-
inite Hold on their first action in a Combat Turn –
and nothing happens until the last Pulse of the CT,
at which point they get a +6 AD bonus to whatever
they choose to do.
Better yet, if nothing happens that entire CT, the
Hold rolls over to the next CT at +6 AD … which
would mean that if it were triggered in the first Pulse
of that next CT the character would still get the +6
AD bonus!
INTERRUPT ACTION (ACTIVE)
In combat or stress situations the interplay of actions
between “friendly” (PC) and “unfriendly” (NPC) part-
ies often leads to situations where you will want (or
even need) to change an incomplete Action for some-
thing else – an Interrupt Action.
For example, if several PCs attack an NPC and one
attack (or cumulative results) kill/disable them – PCs
whose attack is not complete at that point will probably
want to do something else.
To perform an Interrupt, a character must have both
of the following –
· An unspent Action (i.e. haven’t already performed
maximum number of actions for the Turn)
· At least one unspent Action Die.
Since each Pulse of an Action is equal to an Action
Die, then this will always be available, even on the
last Pulse of a Turn.
If the Action to be subject to an Interrupt is the charac-
ter’s last Action for the current Turn, no Interrupt is
possible – unless they commit their first Action from the
next Combat Turn and also spend two Action Dice (at
least one from the current Turn).
A character with HLT/3 wants to change their first or
second Action – that’s OK, as they will have one Action
in reserve, which is spent on the Interrupt. The Interrupt
also requires at least one Action Die to be spent on it.
However, if they want to change their third Action, they
can’t, as they wouldn’t have an Action in reserve – unless
they accept losing an Action from their next turn (reduc-
ing them to two Actions). In this instance, the Interrupt
requires a total of two Action Dice to be spent.
Note: Any Action Dice “spent” as part of a multi-Pulse
Action before the current Pulse are lost. That’s the
penalty for performing an Interrupt.
For example, a Character has committed to a 3P Aim
Action (committing 3 Action Dice) – but their target is
killed on the 2nd Pulse after they would normally act.
They choose an Interrupt – which takes place on the 3rd
Pulse. This means that the 2 Action Dice representing the
already past 2P are lost, and they have only one Action
Die to commit to the Interrupt Action from the Aim action
(they may have more Action Dice representing actions
not yet taken which can be committed).
Interrupt Actions may be single or multi-Pulse Actions.
They may happen instantly on commitment or they
may simply be the first Pulse of a several Pulse action
triggered by the Interrupt.
MOVEMENT ACTION (ACTIVE)
A character can walk, run, crawl, climb, or swim to get
from point “a” to point “b” in the quickest, most
direct, way. All distances are in meters per second.
A character’s maximum move per second in a Combat
Phase is based on Health Ability (see Athletics: Move-
ment in the Game System chapter).
For each Action Die (notional second/pulse) spent on
a Movement Action, a character may move the distance
indicated on the Table mentioned above or less.
If a character wishes to move faster than normal, this
requires a Task Check – the rules covering this are in
the Game System section mentioned above.
Movement Actions may not be combined with any
other type of Action, unless a character has an a Skill,
Technique or Quirk that would allow this.
MOVEMENT (DODGE) ACTION (ACTIVE)
Characters may run or swim (but not walk, crawl or
climb – see below) to get from point “a” to point “b”
while doing their best to be a difficult to hit (or spot)
target by dodging, weaving or other means.
Unlike Defence (Melee) or Defence (Missile) this Action
allows a character to spend dice on dodging/protective
actions in a more focussed manner.
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Instead of spending dice (and time) only at the beginning
of the Combat Turn (as with Defence Actions), which acts
as a delay to other Actions, they spend dice only if
movement leaves them exposed allowing instant Action
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at the beginning of the Combat Turn.
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Of course, unless the character has a Skill, Technique or
Quirk, such as Fire and Move, that allows them to
combine two Actions, they may only move/dodge.
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The penalty to Spot attempts applies only if the charac-
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ter has not already been spotted … and only where the
GM determines they would not be spotted automatically e
As with a straight Movement Action, all distances are
in meters per second (Pulse).
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Characters making a Movement (Dodge) Action may
only move at a maximum of half their Run or Swim
speed, but gain a defensive bonus of +2 DIFF against
any attack roll made against them (+1 DIFF to Spot) for
every Pulse committed to the Move (Dodge) Action but,
of course, only for the duration of the Action.
This bonus is added to the character’s Active or Pass-
ive Defence, whichever applies.
Committing 2P to a Move (Dodge) Action would add +4
DIFF to any Attack Check against them or +2 DIFF
against Spot checks.
For both an Active and a Passive Defence, +2 DIFF would
be added, for a total of +6 DIFF. These Defence modifiers
do not add to the DIFF of Spot checks.
PREPARE ACTION (ACTIVE)
A Prepare Action must precede an Attack (Melee) or
Active Defence (Melee) Action.
The Action adds +1D/Pulse* of the Action in addition
to any Action Dice – and these additional dice are
added to the following Attack or Active Defence Action.
* This is in addition to any bonus dice provided by the
use of technology or other means.
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So, for example, using a Cybernetic Computer with +1D
bonus would add +1D to +1D for +2D to the Prepare
 Action every Pulse – and this may be spent on the next
Attack (Melee) or Active Defence (Melee) action.
The maximum bonus achievable for a Prepare Action
is equal to (5 x Pulse bonus) – which must be spent in
the same Combat Turn as it is acquired.
This means that a 5P Prepare action is the longest you
can have, as the last Pulse of the Combat Turn is the
Attack/Active Defence Action using the bonus dice.
QUICK DRAW (ACTIVE)
Sometimes a character will need to ready an otherwise
unready weapon into action fast. This is, normally, a
special case of an Interrupt Action (even if it doesn’t
actually interrupt an action, such as in a gunfight or
a surprise situation at the beginning of a combat).
Pistols in quick draw holsters and Long Arms or SMGs
carried at the ready can be drawn and fired in a one
Pulse Action.
If the order of such is important, it is in the order of
the highest MNA* to the lowest (ties are simultaneous).
* This may have been modified by the character by
spending Action Dice for more Actions at the start of a
Combat Phase.
Slung Weapons and Pistols in standard Holsters with a
flap can be drawn/readied and fired in a two Pulse
Action. Order of action is as above.
RELOAD ACTION (ACTIVE)
The character reloads a weapon. This will normally be
a missile weapon, but it may include some melee
weapons (see weapon descriptions for details).
A Cattle Prod, for example, might need its battery pack
replaced if drained. It could still be used as a light Club,
but would have no electric shock effect until recharged.
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Depending on the weapon, ammunition and reload-
ing mechanism this may take several actions over more
than one turn, or may be fast enough to allow reload-
ing to be combined with an attack action.
Details are provided in the notes and technical data in
the Equipment chapter. The speed at which they reload
will depend mainly on whether the weapon is clip or
magazine fed or is reloaded with individual rounds.
USE SKILL ACTION (ACTIVE)
The character may attempt a non-combat related skill.
These may be tasks that can be completed with a
single Action Turn (requiring anything from a single
Pulse to multiple Pulses) or tasks that require several
(perhaps many) actions to complete.
The GM will, as usual, need to determine how long
any action will require.
This catch-all category covers anything not already
covered by other Actions. It relies entirely on GM judge-
ment and discretion for effective application.
ATTACK TYPES
Most Attack Actions simply use the rules as written.
· (Base) Task Number (BTN): The number of dice
rolled is based on Health plus (Skill) Check Number
plus Time (as Action Dice) committed to the action.
· Success: Each Die that rolls 8+ is a Success. Dice
that roll a zero (0) may be rerolled. There is no limit
to the number of re-rolls allowed as long as each
re-roll continues to roll a zero (0).
Though at some point it will probably make no
further practical difference.
· Task Difficulty (TD): The number of Successes that
need to be rolled to achieve a Hit. This is a combin-
ation of active and passive factors including Range
and any Defence or Dodge attempts by the target.
Some attack types, however, work slightly differently,
as detailed in the following sections –
ARMOUR PIERCING
Armour piercing attacks are the result of a cross
correlation between the type of damage a weapon does
and the type of armour that is hit.
STANDARD DAMAGE
Weapons/Rounds that do standard damage (indicated
by the notation xD (where “x” is the number of dice to
be rolled) and represent the overwhelming majority of
small arms in the game. They fire non-explosive, not
specifically armour piercing, rounds usually of less
than 20 mm caliber and must hit a target directly to
have a chance to penetrate armour/cause damage.
Note: A weapon’s Base Damage determines PEN(etrat-
ion) – not a value due to Autofire/Multiple Shots.
Firing many low PEN rounds doesn’t increase penetrat-
ion – but if an autofire/multiple round) attack penetrat-
es, the increased value does apply to damage.
VERSUS PERSONAL (LIGHT) ARMOUR
For a standard attack against Personal Armour, com-
pare the number of Damage Dice (Weapon DAM +
Additional Success DAM) to AV (FAT or DAM) –
· If the Damage Dice are less than both Armour
Values (AV), only FAT damage is done – each roll
greater than the AV does a point of FAT.
· If the Damage Dice are equal to the highest AV,
there is chance of physical damage – a roll greater
than the highest AV does 1 FAT, a roll of Zero (0)
does 1 FAT or 1 DAM on a reroll of (0).
· If the number of Damage Dice is greater than the
DAM AV, then physical damage occurs – a roll
greater than DAM AV does a point of DAM. A zero
(0) does two points of DAM (no re-rolls!).
· Dice that have been purchased as Armour Piercing
by sending Extra Successes ignore AV and do one
(1) point per die … but are rolled again, and do a
second point of damage on a result of zero (0).
Additional dice from the same attack not converted
follow the rule for the base number of dice (i.e. do
only FAT, or FAT with a some of DAM, or DAM)
· Personal Armour only works against type of dam-
age (FAT or DAM) specified in its description (some
types protect against both, often with different
ratings, so note carefully where it refers to ‘highest
of’ FAT/DAM or ‘greater than’ DAM AV above
A Pistol doing 3D with no extra successes hits a PC in a
Heavy Kevlar vest (2 FAT, 3 DAM), equal to the highest
AV of the two – so each roll of 3+ does a point of FAT,
and a roll of 0 does 1 FAT or 1 DAM on a reroll of 0.
If the same attack scored 2 extra successes it could have
3 + 2 = 5D against the same Heavy Kevlar vest, which is
higher than the DAM AV, a result of 3+ would do 1 DAM
and zero (0) would do 2 DAM.
Alternatively, the two success dice could convert 2D of the
3D base damage into armour piercing dice.
Those two dice would automatically do 2 DAM (1 each)
plus roll for +1 DAM (+2 on a result of zero) while the 3rd
die would do a 1 FAT on a 3+ and a 1 DAM on a zero (0).
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VERSUS STRUCTURAL AND HEAVY ARMOUR
To convert standard Damage (xD) to a PEN(etration)
value against anything heavier than Personal Armour
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simply divide the xD value by five (5) rounding down.
t
Weapons doing 1-4D damage = PEN of 0A (this can be
raised by Critical/Overkill successes) may still have an
effect – but not certainly. Of course, these weapons are
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often firing pistol rounds, so what did you expect?
m
You occasionally get a “golden BB” that unaccountably
knocks out something important, but, more often than
not, it simply pings off into the distance!
Once this has been done, use the Armour Piercing
Damage rules, below, to determine what happens.
EXPLOSIVE DAMAGE
Explosive damage has notation xE (“x” is the dice
rolled), penetrates armour incidentally and damages
things within their blast area, not just those they hit.
VERSUS PERSONAL (LIGHT) ARMOUR
Explosions do both Fatigue (FAT) and Injury (DAM).
Roll the damage dice (including extra successes) –
· If the result is equal to/less than AV, it does 1 FAT.
· If the roll is greater than AV, it does a 1 DAM. If the
roll zero (0), it alternates between FAT or DAM (DAM
first, then FAT).
For example, rolling three zeroes (0, 0, 0) – is DAM,
FAT, DAM = 2 DAM, 1 FAT on top of the base damage.
The main difference is that the explosion does not
have to be a direct hit what it is applied against.
VERSUS STRUCTURAL AND HEAVY ARMOUR
To convert (xE) to PEN(etration) against anything heav- 111
ier than Personal Armour, simply divide the xE value
by five (5) rounding down.
 Explosions doing 1-4E damage = PEN of 0A (though this
can be raised by Additional successes) – even if they do
not penetrate the armour, they may still have an effect.
What do you expect for such piddling small explosions
even though they might be lethal to flesh and blood?
Use the Armour Piercing Damage rules, below, to
determine what happens at this point.
ARMOUR PIERCING DAMAGE
Armour piercing damage is in the format xA (where “x”
is the number of dice rolled) and, mostly, a PEN(etrati-
on) value, are designed to work against Heavy Armour.
A PEN value is only given where it differs from the actual
damage the weapon does when it does penetrate.
Standard rounds (less than 20 mm) and explosions
convert to PEN according to their separate rules above.
PEN(etration) is increased by +5% for each success
achieved beyond the minimum required and also by
Critical and Overkill effects (see the relevant rules).
WHAT AUTOFIRE REPRESENTS
The rules for autofire presented here represent
long bursts of continuous fire directed at areas.
The “area” may constitute a single person, a
group of people who are relatively close to each
other and/or an area in which there may (or may
be in the future) one or more people standing
there or passing through.
Because the attacks are non-specific, the penalty
for recoil is built into the modifiers, but you can’t
target specific body parts or specific anything. You
just hit the “target” in a purely generic sense.
If you want to target specific body parts or specific
parts of an inanimate object while chewing
through ammo like it’s going out of fashion you
need to use Burst Fire.
112
VERSUS PERSONAL (LIGHT) ARMOUR
Ignore the PEN value, only the xA (for kinetic penetrat-
ors) or xE (for HEAT and similar) value applies, and it
is halved – and the normal armour effects apply
· 1 DAM per die, and a second point per die on a roll
of zero (0).
· Any dice from additional successes work taken as
XA damage are also halved.
· In the case of a left over half die, roll the die – and
it does one point of DAM on a zero (0).
AP rounds are designed for a hard armour – and need a
degree of armour in their target before they will work to
full effect. Hence, only the xA (for kinetic penetrators) or
xE value (for HEAT and similar explosive rounds) applies.
VERSUS STRUCTURAL ARMOUR
Since AP rounds are optimised for use against Heavy
Armour, they work less well against Structural armour.
This type of armour may simply not be heavy enough for
the rounds to work properly, though this will be less
likely than for Personal (Light) Armour.
Each point of Armour negates two points of PEN.
Remaining PEN = actual penetration. If this is greater
than the damage it can inflict, it does full damage – if
remaining PEN is less than the damage that it can
inflict, damage is limited to the lesser value.
If a round penetrates with 20 PEN remaining and does
20D damage, it does full damage. If it round did 30D
damage it is limited to 20D damage in this instance.
Structural armour is ablative (it wears away –
gradually). Every 20 PEN greater than base Armour
value reduces the value permanently by one (1) point.
The GM may do this one of two ways – either reduce
Armour value when a single attack causes more than 20
PEN of damage or when a total of 20 PEN is achieved.
VERSUS HEAVY ARMOUR
Armour piercing rounds are optimised to work against
Heavy Armour – each point negates one PEN. If PEN
exceeds AV, it penetrates – if the actual PEN is greater
than the xA value, full DAM applies internally.
A round of PEN 120 doing 30A versus 90H would have
PEN 30 excess, and would therefore do full 30A damage.
If the PEN value exceeds the armour by less than the
xA value, maximum damage is equal to the PEN value.
A round of PEN 100 doing 30A versus 90H would have
PEN 10 excess, and the maximum damage would be 10A.
AUTOFIRE
Weapons with a ROF (Rate of Fire) of A(x) may make
autofire attacks. The number in brackets (x) is the
maximum number of bursts (each ten rounds) that may
be fired in a combat turn (spread over all Actions taken).
A character may have more Actions than their weapon
has Autofire Bursts – but Burst fire or Multi-Shot ratings,
are in addition to Autofire capacity.
Firing all Autofire Bursts will likely use all the ammo in
a typical magazine.
Autofire bursts are area attacks, and may be used to
attack multiple hexes (and hit multiple targets) or may
be directed at a smaller number of hexes multiple
times (and hit fewer targets multiple times).
An “area” may be a single hex, and the occupant of that
hex would be targeted incidentally (so you cannot target
a specific body part – that would require Burst Fire).
PEN is based on the DAM of a single round, not the
Autofire increase. If it penetrates, however, the increased
Autofire damage does apply.
SINGLE TARGET AUTOFIRE
An autofire attack directed at a single target gains a
+5D bonus (for a single autofire burst) which may be
split any way desired between attack and damage dice.
The firer could split the bonus +2D to attack and +3D to
damage, for example.
Each additional autofire burst adds a further +2D to
attack or damage dice (and expends ten more rounds)
but subtracts the recoil of the weapon and the STR of
the firing character.
A character firing a weapon with ROF A(6) fires six
autofire bursts for a +16D bonus (+5D for the initial burst,
+2D for each of the additional five bursts).
For STR/3 and Recoil/3 they suffer no penalty for the
first burst, STR negates the penalty for the second, but
each additional burst attracts a cumulative -3D penalty,
for a total of -12D, reducing the bonus to +4D.
MULTI-TARGET AUTOFIRE
Autofire may be directed at more than one hex as long
as all targeted hexes are adjacent to at least one other.
Each burst allows two hexes to be targeted.
Note: A targeted hex does not have to contain a “target.”
You can spread the effect of fire through “empty” hexes.
A ROF A(6) weapon could target up to twelve (12) hexes
if all six bursts were committed to multi-target attack.
Multi-target attacks gain the standard +5D autofire
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bonus, but this is reduced by a cumulative -1D for
every two hexes targeted – and the final reduction
s
applies to the attacks made against all hexes.
y
The ROF A(6) weapon above could fire at 12 hexes – for
a +5D bonus for autofire, a -6D penalty (12 hexes/2 = -6D)
for a final penalty of -1D for all attacks.
s
AREA AUTOFIRE t
A character may designate an area of radius 2 meters
times the autofire burst rating of the firing weapon (or
that portion committed) to be subject to an area attack.
e
Technically, it should be an ellipse elongated on the axis
m
of fire twice as long (4m x bursts) as wide (2m x bursts).
All hexes within that radius are attacked, but none of
the attacks attract the autofire burst bonus.
Of course, with an A(6) rate of fire weapon you’re chew-
ing through sixty rounds to target that area.
While no penalties due to distance from the aiming point
of the area apply, all other penalties do. Thus, chances
of hitting specific targets in the area of effect will vary.
CONTINUOUS AREA AUTOFIRE
This targets an area in the same way as Area Autofire
(above), but for every following Pulse until the firing
character’s next action.
A character starting the Phase there or moving into or
through it during the intervening period is attacked
the moment they do. Attacks are at +2 DIFF.
In effect this allows a character to “interdict” an area
with (variably) deadly fire.
SUPPRESSIVE AUTOFIRE (“SPRAY ‘N PRAY”)
This targets an area with mainly to inhibit movement
rather than cause damage. It covers an area up to five
meters from the aiming point per burst committed and
adds +1 DIFF to movement for each hex moved through.
113
Characters ending a phase in the area are subject to an
attack at DIFF 9 (plus other non-Range mods).
 Such an attack consumes ten (10) rounds of ammo
each Pulse between the firer’s initiating Action and
their next Action (even if no-one actually triggers it).
There’s not much chance of a hit, even if a character gets
caught in the zone of effect, but that’s not the purpose.
The purpose is to inhibit movement rather than hit
specific targets. The downside is that it chews through
ammo at the same rate as continuous area autofire!
BURST FIRE
Weapons with ROF B(x) can Burst fire. The number
in brackets (x) is the number of bursts they may fire in
a combat turn (which can be spread amongst more
than one Action in the turn).
A Character may have more Actions than their weapon
has Bursts – if it also has Multi-Fire and Autofire values,
these may be used in addition to the Bursts … though in
many cases firing the maximum number of Bursts will
have emptied the magazine anyway.
It is similar to multiple shot attacks, but a “shot” is 3
rounds. The bonus is split between DAM and Hit but
may be made against specific body parts/targets.
The downside is that they are subject to recoil penal-
ties if more than one burst is fired (see the Recoil
section) and burst fire is not as versatile as Autofire.
SINGLE TARGETS
The first burst grants a +3D bonus, and each addition-
al burst adds +3D. Each burst after the first is subject
to recoil penalties, which are cumulative.
A weapon with a ROF of B(3) could fire all three bursts
at a single target for a +9D bonus – however, this would
be reduced by a variable amount by the weapon’s recoil.
For stronger characters it might be worthwhile, but for
average characters penalties might exceed the bonus.
MULTIPLE TARGETS
As many adjacent hexes may be targetted in a single
attack as the weapon has bursts. A +3D bonus applies
to such attacks, reduced by -1D per added hex. This
bonus applies to all hexes attacked.
114
This applies to the weapon’s base damage if its ROF
allows more than four bursts – so you need to balance
targetting multiple hexes with reduced damage potential.
Each burst after the first is also subject to recoil
penalties, which are cumulative.
A weapon with ROF B(5) could attack up to five adjacent
hexes – but the +3D burst fire bonus would be reduced
by -5D to -2D overall, which would apply to each hex
attacked, before any recoil penalties.
It is possible to “attack” empty hexes in order to link
targets not adjacent. Ammunition is expended and the
-1D penalty is still applied, but no roll is needed.
EXPLOSIONS
Explosive weapons have an “E” after their DAM and
inflict damage at a distance, not just where they
actually hit. They can also inflict more than one type
of damage – possibly fragmentation and blast damage.
EXPLOSIVE DAMAGE
Explosions do full damage in the target hex and (for
most explosive weapons or rounds) all adjacent hexes
(i.e. a range of 0-1 hexes). Each doubling of range
beyond this halves damage.
A weapon with a damage rating of 24E does 24D of
damage at a range of 0-1 hexes, 12D at 2-4 hexes, 6D at
4-8 hexes, 3D at 9-16 hexes and 1D at 17-32 hexes
Thus, a combination of dodge/cover and distance will
minimise the damage at all but point blank range.
EXPLOSIONS AND ARMOUR
The effect that explosions have on armour depends on
the type of armour that might be affected.
· Personal Armour provides somewhat random
protection (see Armour Piercing Attacks) with no
bonuses or penalties applicable.
· Structural Armour provides full protection – unless
the explosive damage is enough to penetrate, but it
is ablative in nature (see Armour Piercing Attacks).
· Heavy Armour provides full protection against all
but a direct hit (see Armour Piercing Attacks).
FRAGMENTATION ATTACKS
Most explosive weapons kick out a lot of fragments
along with the blast (these that don’t have an asterisk
after the “E”) – and it is both possible and likely that
a character will be hit by more than one fragment.
Each additional success counts as an +2D added to
base damage, limited to +100% of maximum.
A grenade of 4E damage would normally do only 4D
damage – if the attacker scored two added successes, so
the attack does +4D damage, for a total of 8D damage.
If the attacker had rolled three successes, they would not
be allowed to add +6D, as that would exceed the base
damage of 4D ... the maximum they can do is 8D.
BLAST ONLY ATTACKS
Weapons that rely on blast only to damage have an
asterisk (*) after their “E” and only ever do base dam-
age (no Additional Successes can be applied), and only
FAT rather than DAM.
A flash-bang grenade of damage 4E* does only 4D of
damage no matter how many extra successes are rolled.
Which can still hurt and, in the right circumstances, kill.
DODGING EXPLOSIONS
Just being in the blast radius does not mean you will
be hit (or hurt) by the blast/shrapnel. In the target hex
normal defensive dodge chances apply against blast
and fragmentation attacks, but for each doubling of
range, you add -1 DIFF to dodge/other defensive bonus.
A character with Dodge/3 would be -3 DIFF at 0-1 hexes,
-4 DIFF at 2-4, -5 DIFF at 4-8, -6 DIFF at 9-16 etc.
If they were behind cover that gave a -5 DIFF bonus to
their defence, then it would count as -5 DIFF at 0-1 hexes,
as -6 DIFF at 2-4, -7 DIFF at 4-8 etc.
Cover bonuses often have specific limitations – for ex-
ample, if the explosion was an air burst, being in a
foxhole directly below would provide no cover bonus.
INDIRECT FIRE
These are attacks made (often, but not always) by crew
served weapons against an area (individual targets
within the area are attacked more or less incidentally).
Some modern rounds made it possible to target specific
things – however, such smart munitions were quickly
expended early in the 3WW. Production was never able
to catch up – and the factories manufacturing the smart
rounds were largely destroyed during the Exchange.
If such rounds still exist, they are a closely held resource
used only in the most unusual and important instances –
that is, when the GM deems it appropriate (which should
be very rarely).
Those firing an indirect fire weapon generally cannot
see the target they are firing at – as it is often well
beyond any distance at which they could see anything
at (either because of distance or blocking terrain).
There are two sorts of Indirect Fire attacks – those
controlled by a spotter within visual range of the
target and also in communication with the firing unit
HITTING SPECIFIC TARGETS
It is far more difficult to hit specific targets with
artillery fire than it would seem if you base the
g
chances the example of Hollywood movies. It
really is somewhat random. Even extended and
heavy barrages can take hours and thousands of
a
shells to destroy most of the targets within a
defined are.
m
Sometimes, however, time simply is too short. The
next option is to increase the number of batteries
e
firing at the target. Each doubling of the number
of batteries, reduce the difficulty by one level.
Thus, if two batteries were firing at the one target
area, the chance of a specific target being hit in any
s
given turn would require an Incredible difficulty
task check. If four batteries were firing, the
y
difficulty would drop to Extreme, and so on.
Even this is not particularly realistic, but works well
s
enough for a role playing game level of somewhat
cinematic reality.
t
(or weapon crew) and those made by the crew of the
firing weapon by firing at map co-ordinates.
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This rule applies only to Indirect Fire called in and
m
controlled by an observer with some sort of commun-
ication link to the crew(s) of the firing weapon(s).
Even with modern technology, indirect fire at map refer-
ences is only slightly better than blind fire.
To have a useful effect beyond harassment requires huge
amounts of ordnance – way beyond the amounts likely
available to characters in a typical RtA campaign.
Details for handling the effects of such attacks are
provided elsewhere as part of the Encounter rules, since
they are treated mechanistically.
Indirect Fire called in by an observer (typically called
a Forward Observer, or FO) and has two components –
the skill of the observer (accuracy of fire) and the skill
of the crew (rate of fire and speed of response).
COMMUNICATIONS LINKS
For Indirect Fire to be possible the FO must have a
working commo link to the firing weapon(s).
Normally two-way, but if the FO has a working
transmitter (how would they know if they couldn’t
receive?) they could call fire and correct based on visual
observations. Dodgy but doable.
It doesn’t matter what sort of link they are using – but it
needs to be close to real time (GM’s discretion). Radio. 115
Telephone. Telegraph. Semaphore Flag. Heliograph.
Any or all of these.
 SPOTTING
A FO needs to be able to see a target or the area where
the target is known or suspected to be. That is, within
visual range (see The Sensory World).
Since you’re firing at an area it really doesn’t matter all
that much if you can see a specific target therein. If you
fire long enough, you’ll hit it by random chance.
Of course, the size of the targeted area compared to the
size of the target(s) within will have a bearing on how
long (and how many rounds – or tons of rounds) it will
take to be certain it is destroyed.
Being able to see the target enables you to call in target
corrections to reduce the size of the impact zone of the
shells and therefore increase the chance of one of them
actually hitting the specific target you are aiming at.
FIRING SHEAF
When a battery (typically 4-6 tubes) fires at an area the
fall of shell (the smallest achievable dispersion) is
often a rectangle longer than it is wide. This is called
a sheaf. Artillery can achieve sheaf sizes as follows –
· Light (75-105 mm): 50-75 x 100 meters.
· Medium (>105-155 mm): 100 x 100-150 meters.
· Heavy (> 155 mm): 130-150 x 100-150 meters.
These are the most compact areas that such weapons can
target. The shells could also be fired at larger areas, but
to lesser immediate effect.
SUPPRESSION
Within the firing sheaf, it takes a set amount of time,
depending on the caliber of the firing weapons, to
suppress any significant targets.
Suppression is not the same as destruction. It simply
means that, whatever the targets are – infantry in fox-
holes, pillboxes, tanks in the open or dug in – they will
be unable to function while the fire continues.
Assuming a standard battery, the time to suppress
targets (and the number of shells fired) within the
battery’s sheaf of fire varies by caliber –
116
Light: 1-2 minutes (15-20 rounds).
Medium: 1-4 minutes (8-12 rounds).
Heavy: 2-6 minutes (10-12 rounds).
The number of rounds fired is for the whole battery, not
per gun in the battery. Suppression is achieved only once
the minimum time period has passed. Artillery is not a
quick fix in role-playing level combat.
For Light Artillery suppression will take 10-20 combat
turns. Medium Artillery will require 10-40 combat turns
and Heavy Artillery will require 20-60 combat turns.
How many role playing level combats last that long? Not
many at all. Of course, RtA is somewhat different, and
long engagements could occur – and you can always
invoke the Variable Combat Turn Length optional rule!
The chance of actually hitting (randomly) a specific
target inside a sheaf using suppression fire is at Imposs-
ible DIFF unless the FO improves accuracy.
Unless the FO can see tangible result from a hit, they will
have no way of knowing whether the desired target has
actually been hit or not. This can have significant game
effects depending on the actual circumstances.
Within the sheaf, when suppression has been achiev-
ed, all movement is at a penalty of +2 DIFF, plus a
further +1 DIFF for each additional hex.
If a character begins or ends a turn in the open, there
is a chance they will be caught by the barrage – make
a Movement task check at Hard difficulty to avoid it.
At that point they roll dice equal to their Defence
(Missile) value. This is subtracted from the dice the
explosion does – the remainder is the amount they are
attacked with (armour might provide protection).
A character with Defence (Missile)/4 would roll four dice,
for an average result of 21. Against an artillery round
with of 24E damage, this would mean that they would be
subject to (24 - 21) = 3D worth of damage.
CALLING FIRE
The FO needs to know where the initial rounds fall.
This depends partly on their skill and partly on that
of the gun commander.
A FO makes a Forward Observer check vs. the range
from their position to the target’s centre at the DIFF in
the Spotting table (see The Sensory World). The Gun
commander makes an Indirect Fire Weapons check at
Extreme DIFF (the actual range doesn’t matter).
Both Successful: If both characters are successful, then
the sheaf is centered on the target point.
Only FO Successful: If only the FO is successful, extra
successes may be added to the gun/battery CO’s total.
If this brings his total up to a “success” level then the
sheaf is still centered on the target point.
Yes. The FO can hold the hand the gun commander to a
degree. Even the best gun commander isn’t very likely to
make their roll initially, not against Extreme DIFF, so the
role of a good Forward Observer is vital.
If the gun commander’s roll still fails, then the sheaf
hits randomly short/long and or left/right, by an
distance equal to the length or width of the sheaf size
multiplied by the successes it was short by.
A Light Artillery CO who fails the Indirect Fire check by
two would be off by 100-150 meters left/right and/or
100-200 meters short/long.
Mostly it won’t matter exactly where the rounds fall –
the important thing is that they’re not falling where they
are expected to. If it is important to determine exactly
where they fall, use a D6 roll against a hex grid to
determine direction and determine distance randomly as
a proportion of actual distance on by the roll of 1D.
Only Gun Commander Successful: The sheaf hits ran-
domly, short or long, left or right, by a distance equal
to double the length or width of the sheaf size multip-
lied by the number of successes it was short.
It doesn’t matter how good the gun/battery) commander
is, if they’re getting a bum steer from their FO they don’t
have much chance of hitting. Any successes they achieve
can’t be used to “buy up” the FO’s dud roll to a success.
Both Fail: Target? Where’s the target? The fall of shot
is way off and may, depending on the circumstances,
be invisible to the observer. Whatever, both need to try
again, but there is no penalty for doing so.
TIME ON TARGET
Because of the distances between the firing weapons
and the target there is a time delay between firing and
round(s) impacting. For high angle, relatively short
range, weapons such as mortars assume 3 seconds per
klick. For field artillery, assume 1½ seconds per klick.
These are averages. Short of consulting military range
tables (which provide a multitude of variables for to all
sorts of factors), your guess is as good as mine.
If fire needs to be corrected (it isn’t initially on target)
each “correction” requires at least the original “flight
time” plus a variable amount to re-target – a number
of Combat Turns equal to the successes the gun comm-
ander failed their initial roll by (at least one extra).
This is where having a skilled gun commander is of great
importance. The FO can get them on target (eventually),
the speed at which he can is limited by gun CO skill.
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MELEE ATTACKS
These are attacks using Melee weapons (commonly
Knives, Bayonets [attached to a Rifle or not], Riot
Sticks, Clubs and improvised weapons) and do a base of
1D + HLT Bonus + Weapon Damage Value + Attack
s
Type Bonus (or penalty).
y
A character with HLT/3 using a Knife in a Slashing
Attack would do 1D base + 1D HLT + 1D Weapon - 1D
Slashing = 2D Damage and add +2D to their attack roll.
s
Extra damage from Additional Successes may be added
t
as per the normal rules.
MELEE ATTACK TYPES
e
Melee weapons can attack and inflict damage in
several different ways, with differing effects –
m
· Entangling. -1d Skill, FAT Only*. With Whip skill.
Impaling. -2d Skill, +4D DAM. With Pole Arm Skill.
Piercing. -1d Skill, +2D DAM. With Fencing Skill.
· Slashing. +2d Skill, -1D DAM.
· Stabbing. +0d Skill, +1D DAM.
· Standard. +1d Skill, +0 DAM.
* Entangling attacks also subtract -1 from HLT for
Athletics/Move and -1D to Attack/Skill rolls for each
point inflicted for the next Action Phase.
MULTIPLE SHOTS
Weapons that do not have Autofire or Burst* fire capa-
bility and have a ROF (Rate of Fire) of M (Multi-fire)
may fire up to six rounds in a single Action (and this
may be in addition to Burst or Autofire).
* Weapons that have a Burst Fire value may also fire
Multiple (single) Shots even if they do not have a M
value. Weapons that have only an Autofire value may not
fire multiple single shots.
This sort of attack may be used in one of two ways –
MULTIPLE ROUNDS AT ONE TARGET
Each extra round fired at the same target in the same
action either increases the attack dice (+1D) or the
damage dice (+1D) for each pair of rounds. 117
A weapon with a M (Multi round) Rate of Fire gains up
 to +3D for either attack or damage dice (+1D for the
1st-2nd, +1D for the 3rd-4th and +1D for the 5th–6th rounds).
You can’t split the extra dice between attack and dam-
age, it’s all committed to one or the other.
The downside of this sort of attack is that the firing
character adds +1 to the weapon’s recoil for the next
attack they make for each extra +1D of bonus. The
firing character may negate this recoil penalty only by
foregoing an attack in their very next phase.
This addition to recoil will cause even weapons that do
not have a recoil rating to temporarily acquire one. A
weapon with Recoil/0 and a +3D bonus for multiple
shots, has Recoil/3 for a second attack.
The six round maximum applies for the whole combat
turn – so if a character fires off more than one round
a Pulse they need to take this into account.
MULTIPLE BULLETS AT MULTIPLE TARGETS
For every two rounds fired an additional target may
be attacked – for a maximum of three added targets.
No bonus is gained, merely the chance to attack more
than one target in a single action. An additional target
for the 1st-2nd , two targets for the 3rd-4th rounds and three
targets for the 5th-6th rounds.
However, +1 is added to Recoil for each additional
target attacked (even for weapons with Recoil/0).
The first target is attacked at Recoil/0, the second at
Recoil/1, the third at Recoil/2 and the fourth at Recoil/3.
THROWN WEAPONS
Thrown weapons that miss normally just miss – how-
ever, sometimes it is important to know exactly where
the thrown object has landed.
Think Grenades and other Explosive weapons – they
can still do damage even if they miss!
Roll 1d6 to determine the directionality of the miss
compared to a standard hex grid.
118
Distance depends on the distance it was intended to be
thrown and the amount the roll was failed by. For
each success less than required, it is 1 meter short, 2
meters long or 2 meters left or right of the target.
People throwing grenades are very careful to not throw
short – it is difficult to throw them far enough to be safely
outside the blast zone.
UNARMED COMBAT
This applies to characters using the Brawling or
Martial Arts Skills without weapons (if using weapons of
any sort they use the standard Melee Combat rules).
BRAWLING
Characters with the Brawling Skill may make several
different types of unarmed combat attacks –
· Grapple. +2 Skill. No damage. Special.
· Kick. -1 Skill. +1 DAM, +1 FAT.
· Parry. +0 Skill. No damage. Special.
· Punch. +0 Skill. +1 FAT.
Grapple. This is an Opposed action. If successful the
subject has been immobilised and the grappler may
inflict HLT (plus HLT Bonus) dice on a Brawling/+1
check each following Action until the target is uncon-
scious, dead or breaks free. The target is at -1 Skill
break free (which requires a Contested STR action).
Immobilised characters cannot move or attack, only
attempt to break free.
Parry. Parries block any Unarmed Combat attacks as
a Resisted Task. Successes vs. DIFF 4 are added to the
DIFF of any Brawling attack against them till their
next Action Phase – this is halved (round fractions
down) against Martial Arts attacks.
BRAWLING AND ATHLETICS
Characters with Athletics and an appropriate sub-skill
may use it to oppose a Grapple or to attempt a Parry.
Depending on the sub-skill this may be at no penalty
(Skill +/-0) or Skill/-1 to -2. It will never offer a bonus.
MARTIAL ARTS
Characters with Martial Arts Skill may make a variety
of attacks or moves –
· Block. +1 Skill. No Damage. Special.
· Hold. +2 Skill. No Damage. Special
· Kick. +0 Skill. +3 split between DAM/FAT.
· Punch. +0 Skill. +2 split between DAM/FAT.
· Sweep. +2 Skill. No Damage. Special.
· Throw. +2 Skill. +1 DAM, +1 FAT. Special.
Block. A character adds Skill (plus bonuses) to their
Active Defence against any Melee attack against them
until their next Action. May be an Interrupt action.
If the Block is successful, the character may make an
instant free Martial Arts move against the attacker but
with no bonus applying against a Martial Arts attack
(normal bonuses apply against a Brawling attack).
For example, a successful Block followed by a Throw
would not get the normal +2 Skill bonus for that attack
if the attack had been a Martial Arts attack. If the attack
had been a Brawling attack, the bonus would still apply.
Hold. This is an Opposed action. Success means the
subject is immobilised and the grappler may inflict
HLT (plus HLT Bonus) dice on a Martial Arts +1 check
each following Phase even if they do act on that phase
until the target is unconscious, dead or breaks free.
The target is at -1 Skill in all attempts to break free if
using Martial Arts, or -2 if using Brawling.
Immobilised characters cannot move or attack, only
attempt to break free.
Sweep. Against characters with no Brawling or Martial
Arts this is an attack against Active or Passive Defence.
Against Brawling it is an Opposed action vs Brawling -2
and against Martial Arts it is an Opposed action.
If successful, the target is knocked prone and the
attacker may make an immediate free Kick or Punch
Attack against the target’s Passive Defence.
Throw. Against characters with no Brawling or Martial
Arts this is an attack against Active or Passive Defence.
Against Brawling it is an Opposed action vs Brawling -2
and against Martial Arts it is an Opposed action.
If successful, the target is thrown* and knocked prone.
The attacker may choose to remain adjacent to the
target or stay where they are. If they move, they may
make an immediate free Kick or Punch Attack against
the target’s Passive Defence.
* The attacker may choose to have the target remain in
the hex they were attacked in or spend Additional Succ-
esses to throw them further … 1 meter for each AS applied.
C OMBAT/CRISIS MODIFIERS
These include environmental and weapon related fac-
tors plus situational modifiers the GM determines.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
These are factors inherent in some aspect of the phys-
ical environment of the battlefield. Those listed below
are merely a representative guide for the GM.
CLOSE SPACES
Combat in where the space for using melee weapons
(possibly some missile weapons – mostly rifles and
longarms) is restricted or where low ceilings interfere
with the firing arc of missile weapons.
g
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· Close: Wide corridors and spacious rooms, high
ceilings, +1 DIFF.
· Cramped: Narrow corridors, closet-like rooms, low
ceilings, +2 DIFF. Missile weapon range is halved.
s
Rounds fired by missile weapons travel in a ballistic arc
y
(indeed, Indirect Fire weapons are design to fire on
unseen targets by doing just that) – and to reach their
maximum range need to be aimed so that this drop is
s
taken into account.
t
Depending on the weapon and the range involved the
top of this arc may be higher than the ceiling of a long
tunnel or corridor – and this could easily apply to long
e
ranged direct fire weapons, not just indirect fire ones.
m
At GM discretion, some weapons (mostly those intended
for Indirect Fire) may not be able to fired at all under
some circumstances (being inside a large cavern, say,
would probably prevent a standard Mortar being used …
at least in the normal way).
COVER: HARD COVER (TARGET)
This is based on how much is behind hard cover
(AP/explosive rounds may penetrate and still hit!).
· ½ Cover: About half of the target’s body is covered
(from the waist, up or down), +1 DIFF.
· ¾ Cover: About ¾ of the target’s body is covered
(head, shoulders, upper chest), +2 DIFF.
· Head Only: Only the target’s head and neck are
visible, +3 DIFF.
COVER: SOFT COVER (TARGET)
This is based on how much of the target is behind
visual cover (no armour rating, but blocking vision).
· Half (½) Cover: Half of the target’s body is covered
(from the waist, up or down), no protection.
· Three Quarter (¾) Cover: ¾ of the target’s body is
covered (head, shoulders, upper chest), +1 DIFF.
· Head Only: Only the target’s head and neck are
visible, +2 DIFF.
Reduced penalties for soft cover assume the firer knows
it is soft cover – targeting where they believe the hidden 119
body part(s) actually are. If they don’t know, then they
suffer the Hard Cover penalty until they figure it out.
 FIRING INTO MELEE
A melee is any combat/situation where there is an
active confrontation going on between two or more
combatants/participants within Point Blank range (5
meters) of each other.
“Point Blank–5 meters” means that the participants are
within 5 meters of at least one other person. That is, a
group is regarded as “In Melee” if all are within at least
5 meters of at least one other participant.
An “active confrontation” simply means that there are at
least two opposing sides involved – and that one or more
of those involved have been attacked or have made an
attack against one or more others in the current situation
(the one that triggered the move into Combat time).
· Firing INTO Melee: -2 DIFF *.
· Firing IN Melee: –4 DIFF or x2 Range DIFF **.
* Firing INTO Melee is where the attacker is firing at a
target in Melee but is not themselves in melee, either
the same one or another unconnected one.
** Firing IN Melee is where the attacker is firing out of
Melee while they are in melee. -4 DIFF applies at Point
Blank and Short range while x2 Range DIFF applies at
Long and Extreme (or greater) range.
It doesn’t matter whether their target is meleed or not,
only whether they are.
Continual jockeying for advantage (or to avoid disad-
vantage) and are not predictable by anyone using a
ranged attack into such a situation.
The participants may (and do) move at any time, often
without the least warning or predictability – just enough
for even an aimed and ranged shot to miss completely.
Worse. That “missed” shot may well hit someone else in
the melee. A “friendly” target, even.
· Missed Shots: When an attack, either into or in
melee misses, there is a chance that an unintended
target will be hit. If using a hex grid for movement
and positioning, any target within (success short-
fall meters) is a potential target.
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Roll again at the same chance that applied to the
original target. If this alternative target is missed,
then the shot is not re-targetted per this rule (that
is, only one target shift applies).
Where the GM and players are using a looser representat-
ion of movement and positioning, the GM will need to
use their best judgement as to what may occur and when
and where a PC or NPC may or may not be in a melee.
RANGE
There are five range bands – Point Blank (PB), Short
(S), Medium (M), Long (L) and Extreme (E) – and these
vary according to weapon or attack type.
· Point Blank: -1/+2/+3 DIFF *.
· Short: +0 DIFF.
· Medium: +2 DIFF
· Long: +4 DIFF.
· Extreme: +8 DIFF.
* At Point Blank range, the modifier is -1 DIFF if the
attacker is un-meleed.
If the attacker is meleed (i.e. is being attacked by Hand
Weapons or similar), the modifier is +2 DIFF if the
weapon is a Pistol or PDW/Machine Pistol or +3 DIFF if
it is a SMG, Carbine or Longarm (Rifle, LMG or similar).
Firearm use in close combat is generally a very bad idea.
If an attacker is within PB range (5 meters) anything
larger than a Pistol or PDW/Machine Pistol goes way
down. SMGs, Carbines, Rifles, Shotguns and LMGs or
similar are worse than useless for aimed fire as they are
easily knocked off target by anyone in the vicinity.
If the target is within Point Blank range and they aren’t
meleeing the attacker, then the -1 DIFF modifier applies.
This will usually be when the target is non-reactive (an
inanimate object, or someone being attacked from be-
hind – which may attract further modifiers).
Note: Firing into Melee penalties also apply.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, Range Penalties apply
to all types of Attacks by all missile weapons that have a
Range Value in their data block.
SIZE (TARGET)
The combat rules assume attacks are being directed at
roughly human sized targets. If the target is actually
bigger or smaller, they will be easier or more difficulty
to hit, all things being equal.
Smaller Targets. Use the Cover (Hard) or Specific
Target DIFF values as the basis for determining what
DIFF applies.
For example, if the target is a large sized Dog (similar to
a Labrador or Alsatian), it is approximately the size left
unprotected by ½ Cover, so it is subject to +1 DIFF. On
the other hand, if it is a porthole only slightly bigger
than a human head, it counts as a Specific Target: Head
and is subject to +3 DIFF.
Larger Targets. Whether a bonus applies to attacks
against larger than human targets or not depends on
the purpose of the attack.
If it is to hit the target somewhere, then the full bonus
applies – on the other hand, to hit a specific part of the
target, only part of the bonus (or none at all) may apply.
· Horse. Roughly 2 x Human. -1 DIFF.
· Car. Standard sedan. -2 DIFF.
· Truck. Small-Medium-Large. -3 DIFF.
· Locomotive. Or Trailer-Truck. -4 DIFF.
Anything larger than a Locomotive and you’re almost
certainly aiming at a much smaller specific part of it.
Sometimes, depending on range and target size, the GM
may determine that you hit automatically … somewhere!
VISIBILITY
A variety of factors can reduce visibility and affect
chances of hitting – assuming the target can be seen in
the first place (see The Sensory World).
· Light Smoke/Mist/Heavy Rain: +1 DIFF.
· Heavy Smoke/Fog/Torrential Rain: +2 DIFF.
· Dawn/Dusk: +2 DIFF.
· Full Moon: +4 DIFF.
· Moonlight: +6 DIFF.
· Starlight: +8 DIFF.
· Total Darkness: +10 DIFF
These effects can be cumulative – during a Torrential
downpour at Dusk, the penalty would be +4 DIFF.
Technology can reduce penalties. A searchlight, where it
is pointing; or an IR Scope within its range (see the Gear
Book and any relevant item descriptions).
WATER OBSTACLES
Attacks made in or under water are at a disadvantage,
even for weapons designed to be used underwater.
· Waist Deep Water: +1 DIFF.
· Underwater: Missile weapon range is reduced to
20% of normal (if possible to fire at all), +2 DIFF.
WEAPON FACTORS
These are factors inherent to construction or design of
a weapon, usually superior materials or methods.
AIM (MISSILE WEAPONS)
One combat turn spent aiming at a specific target
gives a +1D bonus to the attack roll. More bonus dice
may be gained up to the weapon’s Stability Rating for
additional turns.
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Note (Alternative): The bonus is determined by length of
the Aim Action, character Stance (Upright, Kneeling,
Prone) and weapon Stabilisation (Braced, Improvised
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Mount/Bipod, Tripod, Gyroscopic or Computerised).
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ENHANCEMENT (ALL WEAPONS)
The weapon is so finely constructed it grants a bonus
to either the Skill Level (+N(s), where N is the bonus) or
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Damage Dice (+N(d), where N is the bonus – which
drop off at the rate of -1D per range band).
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Typically, the limit is +2, anything more is either
bleeding edge tech, extreme craftsmanship or magic.
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Missile weapons are normally limited to Skill Level bon-
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uses, the ammunition they fire, however, may have a
Damage Die bonus. This would mean that they could,
theoretically, have +2(s) and +2(d).
Melee weapons can combine both in the one weapon but
are normally limited to a total bonus of +2 (i.e. they
could have +2(s) or +2(d) or +1(s) and +1(d).
RECOIL (MISSILE WEAPONS)
Firing multiple rounds can cause a recoil penalty (see
Autofire, Burst Fire and Multiple Shot). The following
values are the most common for personal weapons –
· Recoil 1: Heavy caliber handguns or carbines
firing pistol caliber rounds, +1 DIFF.
· Recoil 2: Rifles, Assault rifles, and light/medium
machine guns, +2 DIFF.
· Recoil 3: Heavy machine guns, +3 DIFF.
· Strength. Subtract HLT from the recoil as well.
STABILITY (MISSILE WEAPONS)
This indicates how well stabilised a weapon is against
the recoil of firing it.
· Level One (+1): The weapon can be (or may have
to be) fired by bracing the firing hand/grasping it
with two hands, for -1 DIFF and recoil -1.
Typically be a handgun fired by bracing the firing
hand with the off hand, but could also be a machine 121
pistol or SMG fired by grasping it with two hands.
 · Level Two (+2): The weapon can be (or may have
to be) fired by bracing it against the shoulder, for
-2 DIFF and recoil -2.
Shoulder fired weapons are normally long arms
(rifles and the like) and generally require the use of
two hands as well as being shoulder braced.
· Level Three (+3): The weapon can be (or may have
to be) fired from a mount for -3 DIFF and recoil -3.
The weapon has an integral mount or is designed for
a tripod, fixed, or vehicle mount. The weapon may
require two hands and/or shoulder bracing to be used.
SITUATIONAL FACTORS
These are factors inherent in some aspect of what the
weapon’s user is doing or what the target is doing.
MOVEMENT (ATTACKER)
Firing a weapon while moving reduces accuracy in
proportion to the speed.
· Walk/Crawl movement adds +1 DIFF.
· Run movement adds +2 DIFF.
· Climb movement adds +3 DIFF.
QUICK DRAW
A weapon capable of being drawn and fired in the one
one Pulse Action of the Quick Draw Action, does so at
+2 DIFF for this first attack.
READY WEAPON
A weapon not capable of being drawn and fired as a
Quick Draw Action must be readied – firing in the same
action attracts a +4 DIFF for this first attack.
SPECIFIC TARGET
Attacks are normally non specific as to where they hit.
However, a character can target a specific body part –
· Arm or Leg: +2 DIFF. Instant difficult level HLT
check to see if anything held is dropped and -1
Skill using it; -1 to HLT for movement if hit in Leg.
The penalties are cumulative and in addition to any
that might apply because of the normal damage rules.
· Head: +3 DIFF. +3D to damage dice. Character
suffers an immediate -1 DIFF to all skill checks.
122
The penalties are cumulative and in addition to any
that might apply because of the normal damage rules.
· Hand or Foot: +4 DIFF. Instant impossible HLT
check to see if anything held is dropped and -2
Skill using it; -2 to HLT for movement if hit in Leg.
These penalties are cumulative and are additional to
normal damage or fatigue rules.
For Example, a PC decides to try to shoot the Pistol
out of an NPC’s hand (+4 DIFF) at Short Range (+0
DIFF) for an overall +4 DIFF. The same shot at
Extreme Range (+8 DIFF) would be at an overall +12
DIFF to hit.
Optional Rule (PCs Only): If such a roll isn’t success-
ful, but would have been if there was no specific
targeting, count as a successful normal hit).
If the target area is hit, and if it is not covered by the
body armour being worn, then the character gains no
protection at all from that armour.
· Armour Defeating Attack (Personal Amour): Aimed
at “defeating personal armour” is at +1 DIFF per
point of armour negated. If successful, the AV (FAT
and DAM) is reduced and penetrating damage is
doubled.
If the target is wearing Kirasa C Armour (3 FAT, 5
DAM) a PC can decide to try and hit a relatively less
armoured part of the body. If he chooses to negate 3
Armour, that would add +3 Diff to the attack Check,
but would negate all FAT and 3 of 5 DAM protection.
A weapon normally doing 6D DAM would do 12D
DAM if the attack were successful.
· Armour Defeating Attack (Structural and Heavy
Armour): Allows an increase of +10% PEN (a mini-
mum of +1 PEN) to the base PEN of the weapon for
each +1 DIFF applied to the attack roll.
This sort of modest increase can be the difference
between a marginal AP round penetrating or not.
It is based on the reality that even the strongest arm-
our is not strong everywhere – that it has flaws which
can be specifically targetted and exploited.
“A CUNNING PLAN …”
Players often come up with some particularly unex-
pected and/or off the wall idea that they wish to apply
to a combat (or other crisis) situation for which –
· No specific Skill covers the situation and/or no
other situational or non-Skill bonus applies, and
there is a reasonable chance of a benefit from
whatever the Player(s) have come up with.
 · A specific Skill and/or other situational or non-
Skill modifier does exist, but …
… the Player(s) have come up with something that
seems likely to bypass, undercut, ignore or get
around it and, despite not meeting all the formal,
rule driven, qualifications and limits that seem to
apply, is still likely to offer a reasonable benefit.
No matter how comprehensive a role playing game is, it
really doesn’t (and, realistically, can’t) cover all the
bases, and, if examined moderately closely, doesn’t fit
what is likely possible in the “Real World” ™ at anything
even vaguely close to a 1:1 correspondence.
It’s likely that there will be instances where there could
be modifiers applicable that aren’t even thought of in
any of the “official” rules.
And, of course, anyone who’s been a GM for any role
playing group for any length of time will be well and
truly aware that players (routinely, it seems) come up
with all sorts of suggestions that simply don’t … fit.
In both cases you can simply say “Nope. Not allowed
under the rules!” no matter how unrealistic …
As you’ll either know, or soon discover, Players are
damn good, and persistent, at coming up with Real Life
™ examples to support their contentions and make your
adherence to the “But. It’s. The. Rules.” line … silly).
Or you can accept it and go with the flow … within
broad limits.
If Player(s) do come up with some sort of plan that is
likely to have a real game effect, then there’s absolutely
no reason at all to automatically reject it.
That’s not the same as automatically accepting any-
thing they suggest. You are still the final arbiter. But –
be flexible.
Use DIFF codes to help determine what sort of modif-
ier should apply, based on your assessment, as a result
– typically this will be in the range of 1-6, either bonus
or penalty, rarely more than that … and mostly in the
1-3 range.
These don’t stack with other ‘cunning plans’ - you’re
being generous allowing one!
If the players have a series all aimed at modifying the
same event, then combine all of them into one effective
plan – and the 1-6 modifier range.
The idea is to reward ingenuity. But don’t let the players
run roughshod over you.
Also, this applies to one off situations or situations that
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
There is no possible way that these rules can cover
every possible situation that you, as GM, or your
g
players will be faced with.
In most cases you will be able to see that one of
a
the existing modifiers gives some idea of what
modifier should apply – but in other cases the
m
situation will be so off the wall that you’ll initially
be stumped. e
Don’t be. Simply use the task difficulty descript-
ors as a basis on which to estimate the stand alone
difficulty of that specific element of the task – that
is, how much difficulty it would add (or subtract)
if it were the only modifier ... and that’s your
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answer!
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are likely to occur rarely, or relatively so – if they are
likely to happen a lot then, hopefully, there is a specific
existing bonus/penalty that applies … and if there isn’t?
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Create it!
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OTHER FACTORS
The modifiers listed in the sections above are in no
way intended to be definitive or limiting – they are
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simply those that are most likely to be encountered by
characters during the course of regular combat.
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No, these modifiers are not the same thing as the ones
discussed in the above section, “A Cunning Plan …”,
though they may be suggested by the Players (and, if
they are, then the usual warning about the GM being the
final arbiter of what is or isn’t still applies, of course!
Other modifiers may, as needed, be applied to reflect
any specific circumstances not otherwise covered.
Non-combat Modifiers may be easily extrapolated from
these though, of course, the lack of life and death stress
and extreme time pressure in most noncombat circum-
stances should be taken into account, which will make
them considerably easier than may seem to be the case.
As a general guideline, you should probably at least
halve the difficulty for a non-combat task that is similar
to a combat one – unless it really has a similar potential
life-threatening cachet, of course!
A FINAL NOTE …
Real combat, whether melee or missile, is, based on
first hand accounts, very much different from the way
it is presented in the rules of any Role Playing Game
– and RtA is no exception.
The facts stack up – the chance of hitting anything you
actually aim at in missile combat, assuming you are
actually aiming at anything, are way lower than is 123
likely in these rules. Lots of rounds get fired down
range, for sure, but very very few hit.
 COMBAT MODIFIERS & RANGE TABLE Very few gamers would find a realistic Combat Hit
Chance rule to be acceptable, so all RPGs allow Hit
Basic DIFF (unless otherwise stated) Average (3) Chances on Combat to be closer to those achievable in
Firing INTO Melee -2 DIFF non-stress (competition or practice) situations.
Firing IN Melee -4 DIFF
Reality is that the chance of hitting is, depending on the
Point Blank Range -1/+2 DIFF exact circumstances, probably no more than 20% of
Short Range (all Ranged Attacks) +0 DIFF what is depicted, if that much.
Medium Range (all Ranged Attacks) +2 DIFF
Paradoxically, close range firefights tend to be just as
Long Range (all Ranged Attacks) +4 DIFF inaccurate as longer range ones, at least in the initial
exchange of fire – and it is not uncommon for everyone
Extreme Range (all Ranged Attacks) +8 DIFF
on both sides to fire off an entire weapon load and hit
Close Space/Cramped Space +1/+2 DIFF … no-one. And, as often as not, any hits that are achieved
½ Cover (Hard Cover) +1 DIFF are by accident and may not even be on the actual target
(assuming there was one).
¾ Cover (Hard Cover) +2 DIFF
Head Only (Hard Cover) +3 DIFF Another thing is the reality that most people, even
those with military or paramilitary training, don’t fire
¾ Cover (Soft Cover) +1 DIFF
a lot in a combat … they take cover and hold fire, or
Head Only (Soft Cover) +2 DIFF fire blindly and randomly from cover.
Light Smoke/Mist or Heavy Rain +1 DIFF
This is especially so after the first exchange of fire and
Heavy Smoke/Fog or Torrential Rain +2 DIFF where a character is not close (within a meter or two
Dawn/Dusk +2 DIFF at most, often less) to someone else – if they’re alone,
they may fire some random rounds blindly, if that, but
Full Moon +4 DIFF
mostly remain under cover. Only if they’re with
Starlight +8 DIFF someone else do they typically fire at every opportunity.
Total Darkness +10 DIFF
You can’t force PCs to behave like this. Some do, most
Waist Deep Water +1 DIFF don’t – and it’s usually up to GM discretion as to how
Underwater (Missile Weapons) +2 DIFF active any NPCs are. Mostly erring on the side of
insanely risk taking.
Aim (Missile) per Pulse -1 DIFF
Recoil 1 +1 DIFF That’s just two of the more (or less) obvious issues –
Recoil 2 +2 DIFF but, in general, keep in mind that all RPG combat is
much more heavily influenced by Hollywood than by
Recoil 3 +3 DIFF real life!
Stability 1 -1 DIFF
Stability 2 -2 DIFF
Stability 3 -3 DIFF
Attacker is Walking/Crawling +1 DIFF
Attacker is Running +2 DIFF
Attacker is Climbing +3 DIFF
Quick Draw +2 DIFF
Ready Weapon +4 DIFF
Specific Target: Arm/Leg +2 DIFF
Specific Target: Head +3 DIFF
Specific Target: Hand/Foot +4 DIFF
Horse/Car (Size) -1/-2 DIFF
Truck/Locomotive (Size) -3/-4 DIFF
Armour Defeating Attack +1 DIFF*
124 * +1 DIFF/point of armour to be negated for Personal or
per +10% PEN (min +1) for Heavy/Structural Armour
COMBAT EXAMPLES
The following examples hopefully make it clear how
the combat process works. They use the two sample
Characters, Jane Smith (the SAS Sniper) and Brian
Jones (the War Correspondent) going up against
various Cardboard Characters from Modern Encounters
(Core Rules, Book #3) –
BASIC COMBAT EXAMPLE
Jane and Brian have been separated from their
embedded unit and are, if not exactly lost, don’t know
exactly where they are in the jungle of the Niger Delta
region of Nigeria (where the Biafran Campaign is set).
As they move as carefully through the heavy foliage as
possible, Jane hears the sound of some voices ahead –
male voices, so she motions for Brian to take cover
behind a fallen log while she readies her P-90 SMG
(preferring it over her Lee Enfield Sniper Rifle in the
closer terrain of the Jungle).
About 50 meters ahead, she spots a local in a Nigerian
Army uniform, with a Boko Haram brassard, armed
with an AK-47 come into view around a corner of a
jungle trail.
Jane has a MNA/6 and, so she can perform 6 1P
Actions in a Combat Turn, if she so desires.
The Boko Haram Scout is ex-Nigerian Army (see Stat
Block below) and has a MNa/3, and so can perform
only three Actions per Combat Turn.
Surprise is a Resisted Task between the two – Jane
heard the Scout (or his fellows) coming, and so makes
an Observation (Stakeout) Check – CUN (4) + Check
Number (4 + 1 = 5) = 9D which is, as it is not otherwise
specified, vs Average DIFF, so the Task Code is 9d3.
Jane rolls 4 Successes, which means the BH Scout
must roll his Scout Check against DIFF 4. He has
Mental/3 + Scout/6 = 9D, for a Task Code 9D4 and
rolls only 3 Successes, failing … which means Jane has
taken him by surprise, which gives her CUN or HLT
Ambush Dice.
BOKO HARAM SCOUT
Mental 3 Phys/MNA 3 (3/2/2/2/1)
Primary Skills
Rifle/8; Bayonet/6, Scout/6; Survival/4, Environ
Knowledge (Tropical Jungle)/4, Concentration/4
Secondary Skills
Unarmed Combat/5; Fire & Move/3, Medic/3;
Drive/3, Streetwise/3, Sentry/3
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Since she has HLT/5 (Reaction Speed +1) vs CUN/4,
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the choice is easy – she takes 6AD, which are used as
regular Action Dice in a Surprise turn during which
the Scout cannot react.
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So, she opens fire using Firearms/2 (the P90 counts as
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a Pistol), HLT/5 (the governing Attribute) and +2s for
P90 = 2 + 5 + 2 = 9D. e
She decides to spend the whole 6P on one attack – so
she adds +6AD, bringing her total to 15D, but decides
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to expend only 1 Single Target Autofire Burst (and 10
rounds of ammo), for +5D bonus – bringing her total
to 20D!
The target is at 50 meters, which is Medium Range (+2
DIFF) and with basic Passive Dodge +2 DIFF added to
the base Average DIFF (3), for a total of DIFF/7, making
the Task Code 20D7.
Jane rolls 8 successes, which means she has scored a
hit – and has an Additional Success to spend.
The P90 does 4D + 1D at Medium Range and decides
to use the Additional Success she rolled to do +1D DAM
(few BH soldiers wear Body Armour in the heat and
humidity) which means her total damage dice = 6D.
Since the Scout has no armour, her attack does an
automatic 6 points of damage and a further point for
each roll of 8+. She rolls two successes, for +2 damage,
or a total of 8 points.
The Scout subtracts 2 points for his Passive Defence/2
– and takes 6 points, which wipes off all 3 points of
Flesh Wounds, the two points of Minor Wounds and one
point of the two Major Wounds.
This means that he will suffer from a +2 DIFF penalty
to all actions from that point, but is still in the fight.
125
The Surprise turn being over, things revert to normal
– and the BH Scout may now act (or try to) and
 chooses to perform a Defence (Missile) Action, spending
4 Action Dice/4P, which will add +4 DIFF to any
attacks directed at him for the entire turn and is
applicable immediately. The downside is that he will
not be able to take a second Action until the 5th Pulse
of the turn (4 AD = 4 seconds).
Jane can also act, and chooses to fire another burst at
the Scout – Firearms/2 + HLT/5 +2s for P90 = 2 + 5 +
2 = 9D, but only a 1P Action, for +1D = 10D.
Again, she uses a Single Target Autofire Burst (and 10
rounds of ammo), for +5D bonus – bringing her total
to 15D!
The target is at 50 meters, Medium Range (+2 DIFF)
with +4 DIFF from the Defence (Missile) Action added
to the base Average DIFF (3), for a total of DIFF/8,
making the Task Code 15D8.
Jane rolls 5 Successes, which isn’t enough to hit the
frantically dodging Scout.
For her next Action she decides to spend 3 AD (3P)
aiming, which adds +3D for the time and +3D for the
Aim, bringing her total to 21D, and making the Task
Code 21D8 and rolling on the 4th Pulse of the turn.
She rolls nine Successes, for +1 Additional Success.
Damage is 4D + 1D (Medium Range) for the P90 and
she (again) uses the Additional Success she rolled to do
+1D DAM = 6D total.
Since the Scout has no armour, her attack does an
automatic 6 points of damage and a further point for
each roll of 8+. She rolls two successes, for +2 damage,
or a total of 8 points.
The Scout subtracts 2 points for his Passive Defence/2
– and takes 6 points, which wipes off all the remaining
Major Wound, the next 2 Serious Wounds and the one
Disabling Wound, leaving 2 points of damage left –
which means the NPC Scout is dead.
All before he took a single shot!
126
But the action (or the part that we’re dealing with)
isn’t over yet. Remember Brian? He’s taken cover
behind a log, a pretty big one as it happens, which the
GM allows is Hard Cover (Head Only), or +3 DIFF to
target … which is fortunate, as another Boko Haram
Scout has appeared to one side, about 10 meters off!
Neither has surprise, but Brian, being a Civilian, has
a required minimum 2AD/2P spend, a -1d penalty to
any Action Dice spent, and an MNA/3 while the BH
Scout has MNA/3 but no other penalties.
The Scout decides to take a Defence (Missile) Action for
3AD, adding +3 DIFF to attempts to hit him and tying
him up for the first three Pulses of the Combat Turn.
Brian decides he will also take a Defence (Missile)
Action, in this case for 3 AD (Pulses) also, which will
add only +2 DIFF (remember the 1d penalty because
he’s a civilian).
This means that the BH Scout can act again before
Brian does – and he decides to take a careful shot,
aiming for +2 AD (2P) with his AK-47.
He has HLT/3, Rifle/8 and +2 AD for 13D, and
decides to do a Single Target Autofire Burst for +10D =
23D. He is at Short Range (+0 DIFF) for the AK, but, as
noted, Brian is behind Hard Cover so you add +3 DIFF
for that as well as +2 DIFF for his Defence (Missile)
Action to the basic Average DIFF of the shot, for DIFF/8
and a Task Code of 23D8 and acting on the 5th Pulse.
The Scout rolls 9 Successes, for +1 Additional Success.
The AK-47 does 6D Dam, and the Scout adds +1D for
his Additional Success for 7D. Brian, however, is
wearing Kevlar Tactical Armour with Medium Ceramic
Inserts (5 FAT, 7 DAM) and a PASGT Helmet (3 FAT, 3
DAM). The Scout didn’t take the additional Diff for
aiming specifically at the Head, so his shot actually
takes Brian in the Body Armour.
The 7D done by the shot is equal to 7 DAM AV, so the
Scout rolls 7D, and needs to roll 7+ to do 1 FAT, or a 0
to do an additional 1 FAT or 1 DAM on a reroll of 0.
His roll scores 3 x 7+ and one 0, which, amazingly,
rerolls as a 0 for 3 FAT, 1 DAM.
Remember, however, that Brian gets to subtract his
Passive Defence/2 from the attack, so it reduces to only
2 FAT damage, the rest being stopped by the Body
Armour and a little luck.
Brian better hope Jane comes to his aid, and soon!
VEHICLE RULES
VEHICULAR COMBAT
Vehicular Combat – combat situations where one or
both parties, attacker and/or defender, is a vehicle
works slightly differently to standard combat.
The important differences are modifiers applying to
the Combat Rolls and some clarification of basic
combat procedure as it relates to vehicles. The stand-
ard Combat Resolution procedure as described in the
Game System chapter is followed.
TIME AND GROUND SCALE
Turns are still 6 Pulses (Seconds) long (unless you use
the Variable Combat Turn Length optional rule).
Ground scale may need to be increased. Considerably.
If you’re mixing character and vehicular movement,
then ground scale becomes a major problem. If you
use the standard one meter character level scale, then
the vehicles will whizz across the map.
A vehicle travelling at 60 kph will move 100 meters in a
six Pulse combat turn – that’s likely right across the map
in one turn with the normal one meter ground scale.
If you’re using the suggested ten meter vehicle level
scale, then characters will rarely move more than four
hexes and, most likely, only move one or two.
Four hexes for a character is a four minute mile (24 kph)
and not sustainable for much more than four minutes –
40 Combat Turns – and not while carrying a nominal
combat load of weapon and ammo, for example.
It may be best, if combining character and vehicular
movement to use a more abstract system.
Most experienced players and GMs are used to running
abstract combat where they simply use modifiers and
mental imagery to keep track of what is happening.
One solution is to treat combat as a modified Opposed
Task – one that is both simultaneous (as Opposed Tasks
are normally) and also a Multi-Stage Task.
Instead of a series of many Combat Turns, each with
little character but, potentially, lots of vehicle move-
ment, treat the whole situation as a series of stages
with the character attempting their actions versus the
vehicle attempting to do what its crew wishes it to do.
This is a somewhat cinematic setup, but it makes the
completion of a relatively unusual situation quicker and
easier to handle for all involved.
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REACTION ROLL/ACTIONS y
Vehicle movement is based on the Driver’s (or Pilot’s)
Action/Reaction. s
Combat with a vehicle mounted weapon is done on
the basis of the Gunner’s (there may be more than one
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if there is more than one weapon) Action/Reaction.
This applies for PC run vehicles and will likely mean the
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vehicle moves and shoots on different phases. For NPC
vehicles, the following rule may be more appropriate
m
even if you don’t use it for the PCs.
Alternately, the vehicle crew may opt to all act together
on the Vehicle Commander’s phase.
Crew members still purchase their actions separately,
and may have a different amount to expend. The only
difference is that those that have actions left spend them
together.
AMBUSH AND SURPRISE
The standard rules apply – though circumstantial
modifiers will be different for vehicles attempting to
set/detect an ambush will obviously be much different
to modifiers for characters attempting the same thing.
ACTIONS
All are the same except for –
DEFEND (MISSILE)
This is based on the skill of the vehicle’s Driver. An
Active Defend (Missile) action is based on them immed-
iately spending an action to make a Driving check at
the beginning of the Combat Turn.
Drivers best keep Actions reserved for movement and
dodging – and nothing else. Leave the weapons to the
crew (unless the weapons are fixed facing or autonomous)
The number of successes that they make is the penalty 127
to any attack actions directed at the vehicle for the
whole of the combat turn!
 A Passive Defend (Missile) action adds +1 Diff to the
attack roll for each point of Drive Skill committed to
the defence for one attack only.
These points are subtracted from any other Driving
checks made by the driver for the rest of the Phase.
A character with Drive/3 commits two points of skill to a
Passive Defend, which adds +2 DIFF to the attack roll.
However, for the rest of the Combat Phase they make
Driving task checks as if of Drive/1 skill.
The vehicle’s Handling is an upper limit to the bonus
that can be applied, no matter what the Driver rolls.
A vehicle with Handling/3 can never have more than a
+3 Active Defend Missile Bonus regardless of how many
successes the Driver may achieve, for example.
ATTACK FACTORS
These remain mostly the same – with the differences
noted below.
HARD COVER
This normally applies only if Vehicles are firing at
Characters (and only for the PCs) or if Vehicles/crew
served weapons are firing on other Vehicles.
Vehicles are big. Characters aren’t. Even so, there are
modifiers for target size – but these are separate from
Cover modifiers.
Vehicle vs vehicle? Size penalties usually cancel out.
Crew Served Weapons? They’re generally fairly big, or
somewhat less accurate than personal weapons, so opp-
osing vehicles get the benefit of hard cover.
Where characters are firing on vehicles with personal
(i.e. non crew served) weapons it does not apply for the
vehicle under most circumstances.
Vehicles are big. For them to get a Hard Cover bonus
they would have to have the same proportion of their
body/hull under cover to qualify.
Note: Hard Cover can still be penetrated by weapons
with enough damage capacity. In fact, if the weapon
used can, then apply the Soft Cover modifiers instead.
128
· Half (½) Cover applies to vehicles that are only
half exposed. For turreted vehicles, that means
they are hull down with only the turret showing.
This is generally the best that Soviet/Russian tanks
can achieve (see below).
· Three Quarter (¾) Cover applies to vehicles that
are only ¼ exposed. For turreted vehicles, they
must be hull and turret down, with only the main
weapon and part of the turret showing.
Only western Main Battle Tanks can get this bonus
and still be combat ready – Soviet tanks are much
squatter and, if they wish to take this bonus, they
cannot also use their main gun (though they could
use the Commander’s or Gunner’s machinegun).
· Head Only Cover applies only if 90% of the vehicle
is covered. For turreted vehicles, and only those of
western design, it applies where they leave only the
Commander’s or Gunner’s external MG exposed.
SOFT COVER
The same changes apply as for Hard Cover, above.
MOVEMENT
Movement causes penalties to attack rolls made by
vehicular mounted weapons as well as to personal
weapons fired from within or on a moving vehicle.
Unlike character level combat, the speeds of both the
attacking vehicle and the defending vehicle are taken
into consideration.
Speeds are categorised by the GM as Very Slow, Slow,
Medium, Fast, or Very Fast based on their estimation
(see the Collisions rule).
· Very Slow: no penalty.
· Slow: add +1 DIFF.
· Medium: add +2 DIFF.
· Fast: add +3 DIFF.
· Very Fast: add +4 DIFF.
Penalties for movement are equal to the sum of the
penalties for the speeds of the attacking vehicle and
defending vehicle.
An M-1 Abrams moving at Medium speed (+2 DIFF) fires
at a Russian T-72 moving at Fast speed (+3 DIFF) – the
total penalty that applies to the M-1’s attack roll against
the T-72 (and vice versa) is +5 DIFF.
This is why you have Stabilised weapons – so you can
fire while on the move and, to a slightly lesser extent, fire
at targets that are moving. Note that, even if a vehicle is
noted as having stabilisation, that doesn’t necessarily
mean that it is working … especially as the 3WW contin-
ues and spares run short (or out).
H IT LOCATION
Unlike attacks directed against persons (or creatures) it
is important to know where the round hits.
This is represented by the AVs for Turret-Hull Front,
Side, Rear, Top and Bottom but further differentiat-
ion is needed to determine what might be hit extern-
ally or, if the attack penetrates, internally.
TURRETLESS VEHICLES
When a hit is scored roll on the table below to
determine where it hit. The effects of the hit will vary
according to whether it penetrates any Armour (of
whatever sort) the vehicle might or might not have.
· Armour Not Penetrated: Effects are limited to
externally carried cargo or passengers in the
location hit as per the standard damage rules.
· Armour Penetrated: The effects detailed in the
following subsections are applied.
ENGINE OR FUEL
Engine hits are from from Front or Side facings, Fuel
are from Side or Rear facings. From a purely Side
facing, there is a 50:50% chance of either being hit.
This assumes that the engine is front mounted, as it is in
most non-armoured vehicles and even in some non-turret-
ed armoured vehicles.
If the engine is rear mounted, then a Front Facing
Engine/Fuel hit will hit the Cargo Area instead. A Rear
Facing Engine/Fuel hit to a rear mounted engine will
have a 50% chance of being to either Engine or Fuel.
· Engine Hit: If the Engine is hit, it takes damage
separately from the vehicle according to its Struct-
ure. Effects directly on the Engine are assessed
separately from generic Structure effects.
If the damage inflicted exceeds the engine’s rated
structure, then the remainder will “blow through”
and and the weapon’s damage is applied to harm the
driver/passengers or controls, as appropriate.
· Fuel Hit: A Fuel hit does not necessarily mean a hit
on the fuel tank – it may be a hit on the engine’s
fuel feed (or the fuel pump etc.).
STANDARD (TURRETLESS) VEHICLE
1-2 Engine or Fuel
3-4 Crew/Controls/Passengers
5-6 Running Gear/Suspension
7-9 Cargo Area
10 Special Equipment
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If the hit is to the engine area, it is automatically a
feed hit, if it is to the tank area, there is a 50:50
chance of either being hit.
s
A hit on the fuel feed causes engine damage, but
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the “appropriate effect” will be for the engine to
stop running or, if the Driver makes a check at the
current engine damage penalty, to lose 20% of its
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speed capability per damage level for lack of fuel.
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A hit on the fuel tank causes fuel loss, 20% of the
base fuel capacity (not of the current fuel contents
– so, if it isn’t full, it will drain dry quicker) of the
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tank is lost over what the GM deems an approp-
riate time period (depending on the dramatic
m
needs of the scene, 1D liters every 1D time periods
randomly) for each level of damage.
The more damage the quicker the tank drains (the
rate may be increased to xD liters per xD time periods,
and length of the time periods reduced as desired).
Some vehicles may have more than one fuel tank
and, if so, then this has an effect on only one of them.
If the fuel tank is hit by an incendiary round there
is a chance that it will actually set the fuel alight!
Despite what Hollywood movies suggest, fuel doesn’t
automatically explode when the fuel tank is hit. In
fact, fuel tank explosions are quite rare (which is not
the same as impossible).
The chance of the Fuel Tank’s contents being set
alight is 20% + 1 % per damage point by incendiary
rounds (the chance is 5% + 1% per damage point
for an explosive round) but may be reduced by 10%
for each success made in a Driving task check at
Difficult level by the vehicle’s driver.
If the tank is set alight, it will continue to burn, doing
3D damage/liter to anyone caught inside and possib-
ly spreading to locations adjacent to the fuel tank
location every 1D time periods.
129
If the round does enough damage to destroy the
vehicle in one shot then there is a base 50% chance
 (increased by 10% for every extra success beyond
the minimum required) that a fuel tank containing
petrol or aviation fuel will catch alight and actually
explode “real soon” (at GM’s discretion, based on
the dramatic needs of the scene).
After a “suitable interval” such a fire will spread and
engulf the vehicle (based on the GM’s assessment of
the dramatic needs of the scene – 1D time periods).
For diesel, ethanol, or methanol, the chance of such
a catastrophic fire is a base 20%, increased by 5% for
each additional success beyond fuel tank destruction.
CREW/CONTROLS/PASSENGERS
If the hit was scored against the front, then either the
occupant(s) of the front seat (80%) or the vehicle
controls (20%) are hit.
Which of the front seat occupants are hit is determined
randomly, depending on number and round effect.
If the Vehicle Controls are hit (affecting Handling) –
and if there is a front/roof mount weapon there is a
50:50 chance the Weapon be hit instead. From Left or
Right facing who/what is hit will depend on the nat-
ionality of the vehicle.
The UK and Australia, for example, have the driver on
the Right, most other countries have them on the Left
(though foreign designed and/or manufactured military
vehicles mostly remain on the Left hand drive even so).
If it is the Driver’s side, there is a 60% chance the driver
is hit and a 40% chance that the Controls are. If it is
the Passenger’s side, there is an 80% chance a passeng-
er is hit and a 20% chance that the Controls are.
Note: In some vehicles the engine is front mounted and
may protect the passengers/driver. If so, treat a Crew or
Passenger (but not Control) hit as an Engine hit – unless
the damage inflicted is so much that it blows through.
If the Rear facing is rolled, the Cargo Area is hit.
If the engine is rear mounted it will come completely (or
almost) between the cargo and rear facing.
130
RUNNING GEAR/SUSPENSION
This is a hit on either the wheels or tracks (Running
Gear) of a vehicle or the mechanical arrangements on
which they are mounted (Suspension).
Both of these (Running Gear and Suspension) have
(like the vehicle’s Engine) a separate Structure rated
separately from overall Structure.
· Wheeled Vehicles: If hit from the front or rear, there
is a 60% chance that the wheels are hit and a 40%
chance that the suspension is.
If hit from the side, there is an 80% chance the
wheels are hit and a 20% chance the suspension is.
· Tracked Vehicles: If hit from the front or rear, there
is an 80% chance the tracks are hit (if they are,
there is a 60% chance the running gear is hit as
well) and a 20% chance that the running gear is.
If hit from the side, there is an 80% chance the
running gear is hit (if it is, there is a further 50%
chance the tracks are hit as well) and a 20% chance
that the tracks are hit.
· Damage to Wheels/Tyres (Standard Vehicles): If a
wheel suffers more damage than it is rated for,
then it is knocked out.
If the damage is less than twice the rated Structure,
it represents a flat tyre that may easily be changed
– more than twice the rated damage, however, has
a flat 50% chance of destroying the wheel itself,
which will require replacement of the whole unit.
Most vehicles carry a spare wheel/tyre unit which
makes the destruction of the wheel somewhat moot –
but spare tyres are more common than spare wheels
in the supply chain and destruction of the wheel is
much more problematic in the chaos of the 3WW.
If the wheel/tyre was destroyed by an explosion,
any excess damage (any damage in excess of the
amount that would destroy the wheel/tyre) blows
through to attack the rest of the vehicle.
For front tyres, this will be split, 50/50, between
engine and the driver or front passengers; for rear
tyres, it is split between the cargo and passengers
(for a vehicle with a front mounted engine – see
Engine/Fuel and Cargo Area for alternatives).
A four wheel vehicle which has a single tyre/wheel
knocked out suffers a mobility impairment.
For standard vehicles, knocking out either of the
powered wheels renders it immobile and hitting
the unpowered wheels limits maximum speed to
20 kph for short distances (at GM discretion).
 If a moving vehicle suffers such a hit, the driver needs
to make an immediate task check at +1 DIFF per 10
kph of speed over 20 kph that the vehicle is moving
at or lose control (though not forward momentum)
and, if they fail a second Driving check (at no
penalty due to speed, however), the vehicle crashes.
How far a vehicle can travel on its rims is entirely in
the gift of the GM – and should be based on the
dramatic needs of the situation. Not particularly far,
however – klicks rather than tens of klicks.
If two tyres/wheels are knocked out, the vehicle is
rendered completely immobile.
And an immediate Driver check at +1 DIFF per 10
kph of speed over 20 kph that the vehicle is moving
at – failure indicates the vehicle as crashed (though
not instantly lost all forward momentum, of course).
· Damage to Wheels/Tyres (4WD Vehicles): A four
wheel, 4WD, vehicle is rendered immobile only if
one tyre/wheel from each pair of powered pair is
knocked out, which would, otherwise it is able to
continue at a maximum speed of 20 kph for a
limited distance (at GM discretion).
· Damage to Wheeled Vehicles with More than Four
Wheels: Vehicles with more than four wheels/tyres
suffer variable effects.
Those with more than one tyre/wheel on the same
side of an axle (such as heavy trucks) treat the hit
as if it were to one combined wheel/tyre (the rated
damage is based on this assumption) and the
effects are as for a single wheel/tyre being destroy-
ed if enough damage is done for that to be the case.
Vehicles with 2+ axles and/or more than four
wheel/tyre units suffer slightly different effects dep-
ending on which axle is hit.
If on the frontmost or rearmost axle, effects are as
for a standard four wheel vehicle.
If on the middle axle(s), there is only a 20% reduct-
ion in speed and a loss of one level of effective
suspension regarding terrain effects and an addit-
ional one level of Handling.
The speed and suspension effects apply once, but
Handling reduction applies once per wheel/tyre
unit lost from such middle axles.
· Suspension Hits (Wheeled Vehicles): Hits on a
wheeled vehicle’s suspension which destroy it (that
is, which cause more Structure than it is rated for)
have the same effect as if the attack had knocked
out all wheels/tyres on that axle and, at the very
least, will require extensive repairs to correct.
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· Track Hits: If a track suffers more Structure than
it is rated for, some links are damaged and the
track is “thrown”, immobilising the vehicle. s
If one track is intact, the vehicle can, theoretically,
slew around in a circle, and go, effectively, nowhere.
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A generous GM might allow such movement to grant
a +1 DIFF to an attacker’s attempt to hit it. Or not. s
Tracks and tracked vehicles more vulnerable than
wheeled ones to mobility kills? On the face of it, yes!
t
But they can take more damage in the first place.
Of course, replacing those few damaged links on a
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track is one hell of a lot easier than finding a new tyre
or tyre/wheel combo if you don’t have one.
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To balance that, it is a lot harder and more physical
a job (and, not coincidentally, takes more time) than
simply replacing a wheel/tyre.
Of course, the sort of damage that a tracked vehicle
can likely take and still survive to be repairable is
also a hell of a lot more than the typical wheeled
vehicle can take! Swings. Roundabouts.
· Track & Running Gear Hits: If the running gear is
hit, and suffers more
Structure that it is rated for, then there is an 80%
chance that one of the roadwheel units is destroyed
and a 20% chance that either the drive sprocket or
the return wheel are destroyed (50:50 from the side
aspect; return wheel from the front aspect and
drive sprocket from the rear aspect) and, in any of
these instances, there is an 80% chance that the
track will be damaged and “thrown” as well.
Both the roadwheel (or return wheel, or drive
sprocket) and the track will need to be replaced for
the vehicle to be fully mobile.
Tracked vehicles normally carry at least one spare
road wheels – and, since they are intended for com-
bat, there tend to be more of these in the supply
chain, making availability slightly higher (compared 131
to scrapping the vehicle – since tracked vehicles,
especially armoured ones, are very expensive).
 How well can tracked vehicles run with one
roadwheel destroyed? It depends ...
On the actual placement of the road wheel ... but,
at best, don’t plan on going very fast (no more than
10 kph) or on maneuvering at even that speed.
If the return roller is destroyed, the track is auto-
matically thrown even if not also damaged, and
the vehicle simply cannot run.
The same applies to a disabled/destroyed drive
sprocket – the vehicle immobilised.
Replacing either of these is the job for an Engineer
Vehicle at the very least.
A very generous GM might allow a crew with the right
spares to improvise something – but it will be much
harder to do and will take a lot of extra time.
CARGO AREA
This may be an actual cargo area, a dual purpose
cargo/passenger area or the main passenger area of a
pure passenger vehicle (there is still a 20% chance that
the small cargo area in a passenger vehicle will be hit
instead of the main passenger area).
Who or what is hit depends on seating or cargo
stowage arrangements and should be determined ran-
domly based on the direction of attack.
EQUIPMENT
One item from the vehicle’s Special Equipment is hit.
If the vehicle’s armour is not penetrated, then which
item of equipment is damaged depends on which
facing, Front, Side, Rear, Top or Bottom is hit.
Any externally stowed gear/equipment at those locat-
ions will be hit randomly – from Front or Rear facings
there is a 20% and from the Side facings there is a 40%
chance that the vehicle’s Running Gear will be hit
directly, having an effect on Handling.
If the armour is penetrated, then there is a chance that
an item of internally mounted Special Equipment will
be damaged instead, randomly determined by the GM
(or based on the dramatic needs of the scene).
132
TURRETED VEHICLES
When a turreted vehicle is hit, roll on the table below
to determine where it is hit. The effects will vary
according to whether it penetrates any Armour (or
whatever sort) the vehicle might or might not have.
· Armour Not Penetrated: The effects of the round
are limited to externally carried cargo or passen-
gers in the area hit per the standard damage rules.
· Armour Penetrated: The effects detailed in the
following subsections are applied.
Hull: The Vehicle’s Hull is hit. Roll again on the Hull
Hit Table below.
Hull/Turret: There is a 50:50 chance of hitting either.
Turret: The Vehicle’s Turret is hit. Roll again on the
Turret Hit Table.
Equipment: One item from the vehicle’s Special
Equipment is hit.
VEHICLE HULL
ENGINE OR FUEL
See above.
CREW/CONTROLS/PASSENGERS
See above.
RUNNING GEAR/SUSPENSION
See above.
CARGO AREA/AMMUNITION
This may be an actual cargo area, a dual purpose area
or the main passenger area (there is still a 20% chance
the the small cargo area of even a pure passenger
vehicle will be hit).
Alternately, it may be the ammunition stowage in a
pure combat vehicle or passenger/combat vehicle with
a large caliber gun (or internally/externally mounted
ATGMs) in or on the turret.
There will be some large caliber rounds in the turret of
major combat vehicles, but most will be in the hull.
· Cargo/Passenger Area: Who or what is hit depends
on the seating/cargo stowage and should be deter-
mined semi-randomly depending on the direction
from which the attack comes.
· Ammunition Stowage: With an ammunition stow-
age area the effects will be potentially quite differ-
ent. A straight kinetic energy hit will simply destroy
some of the rounds.
However, an incendiary or explosive round has the
 potential to start a fire ... and, if this happens, then
there is the chance that some or all of the remain-
ing ammunition could explode.
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Again, Hollywood reality is much different from
actual reality – ammunition does not automatically
a
explode even when hit by incendiaries ... if anything,
they tend to burn and cook off other rounds.
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However, most modern combat vehicles have what is
called wet stowage for ammunition stored in the hull.
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The rounds are stored in slots that are surrounded by
fuel (normally diesel, and quite hard to set alight) · Large Caliber Weapons: If the weapon is 20 mm
and, if a hit there, the diesel douses any immediate caliber or larger, damage is done as if it had the
threat of it catching alight and exploding. vehicle’s structure and, if not destroyed, any
damage penalty applies to repair rolls on it.
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Even where a fire has gained hold, or if the vehicle
doesn’t have wet stowage (or they’re really low on · Small Caliber Weapons: A weapon smaller than 20
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fuel), there is usually a delay between hit and explos- mm caliber is automatically destroyed.
ion – 1D time periods if a random factor is desired.
· Crew Served Weapons: If the weapon has a gunner
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When an explosion occurs, it includes 1D x 10% of
remaining ammunition in the area and the damage
and/or loader then they are attacked as well.
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will be equal to 1D x 5% of the damage rating of the · Side Attack: then the Gunner is attacked if from
round multiplied by the number of exploding rounds. the left side and the Loader if from the right side. e
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
One item from the vehicle’s Special Equipment is hit
· Front Attack: there is a 50% chance that one or the
other is attacked and a 50% chance both will be.
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if it is stored/mounted/operated from inside the hull,
perhaps on the way through the armour (see above). · Rear Attack: the entire turret crew will be attacked.

VEHICLE TURRET SECONDARY/OTHER WEAPON

MAIN WEAPON A secondary weapon (chosen randomly if more than
The vehicle’s main weapon is hit. This will automatic- one) is hit. It will be damaged/destroyed as per Main
ally knock the weapon out, and may destroy it. Weapon above. If the weapon is currently manned, the
crewperson manning it will also be attacked.
STANDARD (TURRETED) VEHICLE
1-6 Hull CREW
The round explodes in the turret and attacks all of the
7 Hull/Turret
crew. In most vehicles the driver will be in the hull and
8-10 Turret won’t be directly affected.
10 Equipment
AMMUNITION
TURRETED VEHICLE HULL HIT TABLE Any ready ammunition stored in the turret will be hit.
Effects will be similar to the Hull area Ammo hit – but
1-3 Engine or Fuel
it isn’t wet stored (modern vehicles don’t store ammo
4-6 Running Gear/Suspension there ... or only with special provisions).
7 Crew/Controls/Passengers
· Small Caliber Rounds (i.e. rifle/machinegun): A hit
8-9 Cargo Area/Ammunition simply destroys some or all of the ammunition,
10 Equipment perhaps only the ready use stuff.

TURRETED VEHICLE TURRET HIT TABLE · Main gun rounds: As per Vehicle Hull. If there is
1-3 Main Weapon provision for a “blow off” cover on ammo storages
area the explosion, if any, will blow outwards,
4 Weapon
venting the force and ensuring that, at least, the
5-7 Crew vehicle survives even if the turret crew doesn’t!
8-9 Ammunition 133
Allow the crew to attempt to Bail Out before the
10 Equipment explosion on a Difficult Athletics Check.
 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
One item from the vehicle’s Special Equipment is hit
if it is stored/mounted/operated from inside the turret,
perhaps on the way through the armour (see above).
C The difference between the check results (as an abso-
HASES
Chases are handled abstractly – so it is easy enough to
modify the following rules to suit your take on what is
involved/needed in the process. The faster of the veh-
icles involved will win – if it were run in a straight line.
Of course, this is rarely the case – which is where other
factors has an impact.
PROCEDURE
The two parties to the chase gain one chase point for
each of the following factors –
· Per point of Vehicle Handling (as modified by
damage, load and other factors)
· Per full 10 kph of maximum speed (as modified by
damage, load and other factors)
· Per point of Suspension greater than that required
by the terrain in which the chase occurs
· Per point of skill the driver has in Driving skill.
From this they lose one chase point for the following –
· Per point of Suspension less than that required by
the terrain in which the chase occurs.
With this information you can determine whether a
chase is possible or not.
· If the difference is less than or equal to (10 +
Terrain Value), there is a chase.
· If the difference is greater than (10 + Terrain
Value), there is no chase – the vehicle with the
higher total escapes or catches its target.
Of course, “catching” the vehicle merely means the
pursuit vehicle gets as close as they want – ram it,
even – or stay within missile range. Their choice.
134
CHASE EFFECTS
The two vehicles involved in a chase use their chase
points as the start value – and each turn thereafter the
drivers make a Driving check as a Resisted task.
lute number) is added to the chase point total of the
“winning” driver for that turn as a cumulative total.
· If, at any time, the difference between the total
Chase Points of the two parties are reduced to zero
or less, then the chase is over – for 10 + 1D Combat
Turns – and the pursuing driver can get as close to
the target vehicle as they desire, as noted above.
After the 10 + 1D Combat Turns are up, assuming
that the target vehicle is still operational, add up the
Chase Points for each again and, if the difference is
within the parameters for starting a chase, start again.
· If, at any time, the difference between the total
Chase Points of the two parties exceed twenty
points, then the fleeing vehicle has managed to
escape. For the moment, anyway.
If the fleeing vehicle is absolutely faster than the
pursuing vehicle you have a “stern chase” – as long
as the purser wishes to continue, they can ... they just
can’t catch up. In effect, they are following the
fleeing vehicle’s dust (or can see it in the distance).
Only if some other factor(s) intervenes will there be a
chance to restart the chase, e.g. if the fleeing vehicle
is slowed down further by entering a different terrain
type that would not slow the pursuing vehicle.
Of course, the fleeing driver can attempt to lose the
pursuit by other means ... speed isn’t everything.
Getting temporarily out of view and then leaving the
pursuer at a crossroads where they have to make a
choice – perhaps the wrong one – is a classic ploy.
Note: Given the length of the Combat Turn, you may
decide that, to escape, the required difference bet-
ween the two parties be higher than twenty points.
O PERATIONAL DATA
Vehicle data in from the Vehicle Chapter is described
below in terms of procedure and game effects.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
These are averages (they vary according to speed, load,
terrain and other factors). These are optional rules –
… AND SPEED
If a vehicle is running at less than full speed, fuel
consumption is reduced.
 · At 80% of maximum speed it is 70% of base rate.
· At 40% of maximum speed it is 25% base rate.
· At 10% of maximum speed it is 5% of base rate
… AND LOAD
If a ground vehicle is running with up to half its rated
load fuel consumption is as listed, Otherwise –
· At 51-75% of maximum load, +10% consumption.
· At 76-100% of maximum load, +25% consumption.
· At 101+% of maximum load, +50% consumption.
… AND TERRAIN
If a ground vehicle is running on –
· Highway/Paved Road = basic fuel consumption.
· Graded Dirt or Gravel Road = +10%.
· Unimproved Dirt Road/Track = +20% (+30% if wet).
· Cross Country with 4WD = +20% (+40% if wet).
· Cross Country without 4WD = +50% (+100% if wet).
… AND FUEL TYPE
Using fuels other than Petrol/Gasoline, Diesel, or
Aviation Fuel has an effect on fuel consumption –
· Internal Combustion engine burning Ethanol
triples basic fuel consumption.
· Internal Combustion engine burning Methanol
quadruples basic fuel consumption.
· Steam Engines/Diesels burning Ethanol doubles
basic fuel consumption.
· Steam Engines/Diesels burning Methanol triples
basic fuel consumption.
· Steam Engines burning charcoal/coke use 1 kilo
per liter of petrol and takes up 50% more space.
· Steam Engines burning wood use 2 kilos per liter
of liquid fuel and takes up twice the storage space.
· Biodiesel is treated as diesel in all ways.
HANDLING
This is a measure of how responsive the vehicle is to
the control system installed under normal conditions.
This may be affected by other factors, including –
DEFENCE
· Handling is an absolute limit to the ability of the
driver to use a Defend (Missile) action while driving.
· Handling is the total levels of modification the
driver can apply to defending against any attacks,
either as an active or passive defensive action.
This is the total number of actions and dice the driver
can expend over an entire turn – there is only so
much the vehicle do, no matter how good the driver.
TARGETING
· Handling is an absolute limit to the ability of the
any crewperson on the vehicle to add bonuses to
their attack rolls while aboard.
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· Handling is the total number of bonuses they can
apply to any missile attack roll made by the vehicle.
This is the total number of characteristic dice and
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other bonus effects that the gunner (or other shooter)
can expend over the course of the entire turn – partly
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representing the vehicle’s stability and partly time.
Note: For stabilised weapons the limit is per attack.
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STRUCTURE
How destroyed is a destroyed vehicle? For a game
setting where the availability of spares for the maint-
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enance and repair of existing vehicles is problematic,
these questions are vitally important.
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In reality, most “destroyed” vehicles are actually rep-
airable. More often than not all “destroyed” means is
“not currently operational.”
So, how destroyed destroyed is is a vital question.
A vehicle’s structure is a rating of how much excess
damage it can take before it is ... well, really destroyed.
Not good for anything but scrap – and maybe not even
that if it’s not easy to move to the scrap merchant!
PROCEDURE
Allocating Structure: Vehicles allocate Structure
similarly to the way in which characters allocate HLT.
There are five grades – Scratched, Dinged, Battered,
Crunched and Disabled (see table opposite) and the
vehicle’s structure is allocated downwards from
Scratched to Dinged, one point per grade, until all
grades have at least one point.
If there are additional Structure left over, the
procedure is repeated until all the points are allocated.
A vehicle with 18 Structure has – Scratched/4, Ding-
ed/4, Battered/4, Crunched/3 and Disabled/3.
When all of a vehicle’s Structure has been crossed off, 135
it is totally destroyed – just a pile of twisted and
blackened metal (and other less pleasant things).
 Structure Damage: The amount of Structure damage
done two things. Firstly, the round has to penetrate the
vehicle’s armour for any effect to occur. Secondly, the
effect depends on the type of round –
· Explosive Rounds: Do (Damage)/20 (round fract-
ions nearest) dice of structure damage.
A HE round doing 36E damage would do 36/20 =
1.8, round to nearest = 2 points.
· Depleted Uranium Penetrators: Do (Damage)/10
(round fractions up) dice of structure damage.
An APFSDSDU round doing 80A does eight (8) points
of structure (depleted uranium is pyrophoric – it
spontaneously combusts at room temperature for a
secondary incendiary effect).
· Standard Penetrators: Do (Damage)/20 (round
fractions nearest) dice of structure damage.
A standard APFSDS round doing 60A does three (3)
points of structure.
The number of dice inflicted are then rolled, and each
die that exceeds the Structure value of the vehicle
inflicts one point of structure.
Vehicles that have a rated Structure of greater than
nine (9) are treated as if they have Structure/9 for the
purpose of this rule.
Yes, Structure acts just like Armour in this aspect.
GAME EFFECTS
There are several levels of game effects resulting from
Structure damage.
Crew Rolls: Any Driving roll made by the character
driving the vehicle is at a penalty for Dinged, Battered
and Crunched damage grades (see the table below).
Rolls made by other crew-members are at -1D less (no
penalty at Dinged, -1D at Battered and -2D at Crunched).
The assumption is that it is less difficult for other crew to
act inside the vehicle (eg firing its weapons) than it is for
the driver to wrestle with the effects on steering etc.
136
Performance: Roll for each 10% penalty to see
whether Speed is reduced or Fuel Consumption is inc-
reased (any reduction or increase is based on the base
value, not the currently modified value).
There is a 50:50 chance each 10% penalty will apply to
one or the other. For a Dinged vehicle a 20% penalty
applies – roll twice, once for each 10% unit.
Repair: Penalties listed apply to the DIFF of repairing
a vehicle under the Breakdown rules. They also modify
the chance of it breaking down (see Breakdown in the
Logistics section of the Gear Book/Section).
You not only have to repair specific damage, but the
overall level. You can get by repairing that bad transmis-
sion – but the twisted chassis means it’s under continuing
stress and will break down more frequently than it should.
Spares: When scavenging a “destroyed” vehicle for
spare parts, the amount that can be stripped is equal
to – (1D x Remaining Structure), round fractions down.
Vehicles which have a rated Structure of greater than
nine (9) are treated as if they have Structure/9 until
their remaining Structure is reduced to less than nine.
Just because a vehicle is heavily constructed does not
mean that it has more components! It mean those
components are more likely to survive it being damaged!
A Mechanic can strip out one unit of spares for each
success they make at Average Difficulty (however, this
is modified by the Repair Modifier from the Structure
Damage table, opposite).
A vehicle with 6 remaining structure points has 10-60
units of spares. A Mechanic who makes an Average check
with three successes could strip out three units of spares.
If the mechanic doing the stripping is using an Engin-
eer Vehicle or a workshop facility the base amount of
spares is multiplied by a factor of ten (10).
The same vehicle will yield 100-600 spares if stripped by
a mechanic using an engineer vehicle or workshop.
Suspension: At Dinged, Battered and Crunched dam-
age grades, there are penalties applied to the vehicle’s
Suspension (see the Table opposite).
SUSPENSION
This is a measure of how well a ground vehicle is
capable of travelling over specific types of terrain.
TERRAIN TYPES
There are five generic terrain types in the D10 system
– Extreme (5), Rough (4), Off Road (3), Standard (2) and
Restricted (1). These have the following game effects –
RESTRICTED (1)
Specialised running gear is required to operate on this
terrain – and, indeed, that the vehicle may not be able
to operate on any other sort of terrain.
A Locomotive’s suspension is designed to run on rails –
and rails of a specific gauge and weight.
Likewise, a Formula One racing car has such a specialis-
ed suspension it is limited to specially paved surfaces –
even normal urban roads limit its effectiveness.
STANDARD (2)
The vehicle has a ground based suspension, usually
wheeled, that allows it to travel on all types of roads as
well as allowing some limited off-road capability.
An example would be a standard Passenger Sedan. Such
a vehicle is optimised for travel on hard surfaced roads
but is capable of operating on gravel or unsurfaced
roads under normal conditions (in adverse conditions –
such as wet weather, this reduced – often considerably.
It even has a limited off-road capability as long as the
terrain is firm and relatively flat. However, if it attempts
to traverse any sort of rough off-road terrain, it generally
finds it difficult to travel far.
OFF ROAD (3)
The vehicle’s running gear, still normally wheels,
enables it to traverse gravel and unsurfaced roads
normally and also to travel off road into moderately
rough terrain, though at reduced speeds.
This is your typical SUV or Urban 4WD. Its suspension
is better than a Sedan’s, but is not intended for extended
rough terrain usage – especially in adverse conditions
where, at best, it will be able to crawl along at a very
slow speed and maneuver around significant obstacles
(as long as this is actually possible).
ROUGH (4)
This normally represents tracked vehicles, though a
few very specialised wheeled vehicles might fall into
this category.
STRUCTURE DAMAGE PENALTIES
Scratched +1 DIFF/-10%
Dinged -1D/+2 DIFF/-20%/-1S/+1W
Battered -2D/+3 DIFF/-30%/-2S/+1W
Crunched -3D/+4 DIFF/-40%/-3S/+1W
Disabled +5 DIFF/-50%
xD penalties apply to Crew Rolls. +x DIFF penalties
apply to Repair rolls. -xx% penalties apply to Perform-
ance. -xS penalties apply to Suspension. -xW penalties
apply to Wear (and are cumulative).
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This type of suspension allows the vehicle to traverse
quite rough terrain, even in adverse conditions, and
provides a limited capacity to go over (even through)
some obstacles at reduced speed.
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Most Tanks and APCs fall into this category. They can
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travel over, around, or even through quite rough, rocky,
broken or wet terrain with varying degrees of difficulty
– usually limited to being slowed down.
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EXTREME (5)
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Such vehicles are capable of going almost anywhere
that a pack or riding animal can, though not necessar-
ily at any great speed.
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These are usually specialised exploration vehicles and
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tend to be optimised for use in a single type of adverse
terrain ... though there can be some crossover. For
example, a Snowmobile could be used on sandy terrain
almost as well as on snow.
GAME EFFECTS
If a vehicle is traversing terrain that is of a higher
rating than its Suspension, then these effects apply –
· Handling: A penalty of +1 DIFF per point of
difference applies to all Handling checks made by
its driver, in addition to any other penalties.
· Combat: A penalty of +1 DIFF per point of differ-
ence applies to all Combat checks made by a crew
member in addition to any other penalties.
If the vehicle has a stabilised weapon system, then
this penalty does not apply. Otherwise it applies to
both weapons mounted on the vehicle as well as to
any personal weapons of the crew or passengers.
· Speed: The vehicle’s maximum speed is reduced by
a cumulative 50% per level of difference.
The driver may attempt to keep moving faster, but
must make a Driving check at a +1 DIFF per 10%
beyond that reduction they wish to keep moving at.
Such rolls need be made only every 10 Combat 137
Turns as long as the vehicle moves in basically a
straight line – with no real deviation.
 If the driver is attempting to maneuver as well, the
check will be required every 1D Combat Turns.
If the driver fails this roll or if the vehicle is driven
directly into a terrain type that would reduce its
speed by 100% or more, then they must make an
instantaneous check at the penalty noted above or
the vehicle uncontrollably decelerates to a stop.
Then, unless the Driver makes a second Driving
check (at no penalty due to speed), the vehicle
either bogs or crashes (at the GM’s discretion,
based on the actual situation).
If a vehicle is traversing terrain that is of a lower rating
than its Suspension, then the following game effects
apply.
· Handling: A straight penalty of +1 DIFF applies to
all Handling checks made by its driver, in addition
to any other penalties.
· Combat: A penalty of +1 DIFF applies to all Combat
checks made by a crew member in addition to any
other penalties.
These penalties do not change per level of difference
– they are flat rate penalties.
ABSTRACT NATURE OF THE RULES
Even more so than Personal Combat, Vehicular rules
are only meant to be an approximation of the real
world – not a Tank Crew or Driving and Servicing
MOS/Manual. So, if you know they don’t match up
well with the real world (or even if you only believe that
they don’t) feel free to modify them as you see fit.
Some things for you to consider, however –
The Last Cavalry Charge was in WW2, and wasn’t
really a Cavalry charge (depending on whether you
think it was the Poles or the Russians who staged
it) – they were really Mounted Infantry more than
Cavalry – and there’s several reasons for that.
Reasons that also applies to armoured (or any)
vehicles, too …
· Vehicles are BIG Targets. They have a much
harder time finding a place to hide or take cover
138
than infantry. Cavalry are somewhat less con-
strained, but still have it rough in comparison to
infantry … unless they ditch their horses somewhere
else (which is what Mounted Infantry does).
· Hitting a Moving Target is DIFFICULT. OK, it’s
somewhat easier if it is a big target like a vehicle,
or a horse and rider, but it is still difficult. Espec-
ially if you’re using heavy/artillery weapons and
they’re mounted on a vehicle themselves.
· Hitting a Target whole YOU are moving is Diff-
icult, too. Modern MBTs have main gun stabilisat-
ion to assist, which reduces, but doesn’t eliminate,
the problem; lighter combat vehicles may have
such systems – APCs and the like rarely do.
Regardless, as the 3WW progresses – and even
more so after ‘The Exchange’, such systems will
often be out of commission on many, perhaps
most, vehicles and increasingly difficult to find
spares for.
· Sitting inside a big, armoured, vehicle SEVERE-
LY restricts your visibility. So you may not see
that hiding infantry guy with the short range AT
weapon – or the firing of a longer range AT missile
(if any are left) – and only become aware of it when
it hits (or, if you’re really lucky, explodes nearby).
If you’re slightly less lucky, it hits, but the armour
does its job. After that it’s a slippery slope – it
causes a mobility or weapon kill, or it sets the
vehicle alight and you have barely enough time to
bail out and become infantry … or you have no
time and all and … well, you get the idea.
· Modern AT Weapons are very effective. They
may not always be able to penetrate the frontal
armour of your vehicle, but you can be damn sure
that they can penetrate it somewhere, or that they
can damage some of the exposed equipment.
Hell, even an incendiary weapon (even the time
honoured Molotov Cocktail) dropped on your
engine deck will cause, at the very least, nasty
problems and, possibly, a mobility kill.
In short – vehicles don’t make you invulnerable, reg-
ardless of the rules herein. So, as GM, if the PCs want
to play fast and loose with reality – drop it on them
from a great height and watch them cry when their
precious vehicle is turned into a blazing pile of scrap!
THE PHYSICAL WORLD
This section provides rules for all those aspects of the
physical world that occur from time to time and for
which more detail than provided elsewhere.
Most of the rules covered below are subjective and rely
on the GM’s estimation of factors not easily quantifiable.
The GM may consult with the players in relation to these
factors, or not, as they decide – but their decision is final.
ARMOUR
There are three basic types of armour that can be
encountered in RtA – Light, Structural and Heavy.
PERSONAL (LIGHT) ARMOUR
This is armour normally worn by characters – though
it may be incorporated in light vehicles, it is usually
treated as structural armour where that is the case.
It includes rigid armours that generally protect against
DAM and FAT, and flexible armours that may protect
against both, or only against FAT.
Personal Armour can be penetrated by any type of
damage except Blast Only explosions (see Explosions).
Armour Piercing rounds are generally less effective
against Personal Armour as it is too light to trigger the
main effect – though such rounds generally do so much
damage through simple kinetic effects (which is what
is represented by standard damage) that it is rather
moot that the “extra” is lost.
This is typical of body armour worn through the ages –
anything from tanned hides to ballistic vests, from metal
breastplates to ceramic inserts for ballistic cloth.
STRUCTURAL ARMOUR
This actually isn’t intended to be armour – it’s just that
the nature of the material (thickness, angle, whatever)
provides some protection.
It also tends to be ablative in nature – worn away by
until, eventually, it ceases to provide any protection
(see Armour in The Physical World for details).
Structural Armour ratings have the suffix “S” after
their numerical value e.g. 5S would indicate five
points of Structural armour.
This is the protection you get from a brick wall – sure,
it’ll provide some protection, but, Hollywood aside, don’t
expect it to remain intact in a full-on firefight.
It isn’t necessarily worn away physically, but the protect-
ive effect is gradually compromised.
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Structural Armour can be damaged/penetrated by
any type of damage except Blast Only explosions.
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HEAVY ARMOUR
This is the sort of armour carried by vehicles or
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applied to structures and which is specifically design-
ed to resist penetrating attacks.
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Heavy armour lasts. As long as it isn’t penetrated it
provides full protection. It doesn’t ablate in the way that
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structural armour does.
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Heavy Armour ratings have the suffix “H” after their
value e.g. 5H indicates 5 points of Heavy armour.
ASPHYXIATION
From time to time characters will be exposed to situat-
ions where the atmospheric pressure is too low to
allow normal oxygenation of the blood (Decompress-
ion) or where the supply of oxygen needed for normal
breathing is cut off (Asphyxiation).
The end result of both circumstances are identical –
unconsciousness followed by death, though the route
taken to get there varies.
ASPHYXIATION & SLOW DECOMPRESSION
This is normally a slow process, and the character will
need to make HLT checks on a regular basis and at a
gradually increasing penalty to avoid, firstly, losing
consciousness and, ultimately, death.
The time period between each such check will depend
on the speed with which pressure is lost or the relative
lack of oxygen in the atmosphere (or the degree to
which the character’s breathing is interfered with).
· A very slow leak may require a HLT check only
every minute or so while a very fast leak may
require one every Combat Turn (6P/6 seconds).
139
The initial check is at Easy difficulty, but +1 DIFF
applies cumulatively for every additional check.
 · A success indicates that there is no additional
effect, while a failure causes a cumulative +1 DIFF
to all other skill checks being made and a -1 to
either CUN, APT or DED, chosen randomly each
time.
· If any of these abilities is reduced to zero, then the
character must make an immediate Concentration
check at the current penalty to remain conscious.
· When all three abilities reach zero or less, then the
character automatically loses consciousness and
starts to take actual damage each further turn they
fail a HLT and Composure check until they die.
This rule can be used to represent such things as
drowning (unless the character has gills, of course) as
well as loss of pressure equally well.
Note: In some circumstances the low pressure will not be
enough to cause death but may be low enough to event-
ually cause brain damage.
This is not recommended as a rule for player characters!
Likewise, low pressure may simply mean that characters
will reach a certain GM specified penalty level and go no
further or, perhaps, simply lose consciousness for an
extended period of time – until their body becomes
accustomed to the lower partial pressure of oxygen .
CATASTROPHIC DECOMPRESSION
Sometimes characters will be subjected to a rapid and
complete loss of pressure/atmosphere – which works
rather differently from gradual decompression.
· An instant HLT check at Hard or worse difficulty.
· Success in that roll means the character uses the
Gradual Decompression rule, but with a time period
of one combat turn between checks.
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· An immediate Concentration check at the same
penalty is required to remain conscious. Immed-
iately lose one point of either CUN(ning), APT(it-
ude) or DED(uction), chosen randomly and make
further checks each following Combat Turn.
This will most commonly be when pressure is lost at high
altitude – access to Space vessels not being common even
before The Exchange ended manned space travel!
ATHLETICS
This covers the character’s ability to run, jump and
lift heavy weights – and anything else that might be
covered by this attribute rather than by specific skills.
All distances are in meters and all weights in kilo-
grams for the following.
MOVEMENT
A character can move the distances indicated in the
Athletics (Movement) Table over the page, depending
on the exact nature of the movement. Characters
move at a speed based on their current Health score
with no requirement for any task check.
Option: A character can attempt to move faster, but must
make a HLT Check (at current HLT) against the
difficulty indicated on the table.
Option: If player characters are competing with each
other or with NPCs, they should roll HLT dice and move
a number of meters equal to the number of successes.
JUMPING
Characters can jump a horizontal distance equal to
their walk movement rate from a standstill, or double
that with a running start as a base.
Characters may make a vertical jump equal to their
crawl/climb movement rate from a standstill or one
level higher with a run up.
In both cases, the distance a character can jump may
be increased by making a HLT task check.
Jump distance may be modified by a variety of factors –
for example, making a horizontal jump from a higher to
lower point is easier than one made from two points at
the same level or from a lower point to a higher one.
Likewise, Vertical jumps may be easier where there is a
surface with hand or footholds against which they are
made. The value of these factors are up to the GM.
ATHLETICS SUBSKILLS AND MOVEMENT
Characters may make an Athletics check (costing 1
FAT) and use Additional Successes to increase their
speed, +1 line per Additional Success.
A PC with HLT/4 and Athletics (Run) CN/4 will norm-
ally run 30m per Combat Turn (spread over 6P).
To run faster requires an Athletics (Run) Check (4 + 4) =
8D vs. DIFF 4, costing them 1 FAT for the attempt. Each
Additional Success adds +1 step to the character’s
effective running speed. So, if they roll +2 steps, they
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could run 40 meters for that turn. a
WEIGHTLIFTING
A character can lift the weights indicated on the
Athletics (Weightlifting) Table below automatically. The
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first value can be carried indefinitely at no FAT cost,
if this is exceeded they must spend 1 FAT for each hour
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(or part thereof) that they carry the greater weight.

Option. If the character rests for 10 minutes per hour

while carrying more than the lower weight, they may
make an Average DIFF HLT Check – if successful they do
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not spend the additional FAT point.

ATHLETICS SUBSKILLS AND WEIGHTLIFTING

Phase for +4 or more. After the Check ‘expires’, an-
other Check (and more FAT) must be spent.
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Characters may make appropriate Athletics check
(costing 1 FAT) and use Additional Successes to inc- A character of HLT/3 can lift and carry 80 kilos. If they
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rease the weight they can carry, +1 line per Additional
Success and at an additional 1 FAT per line.
wish to lift/carry 120 kilos that would be a DIFF/4 task
and would cost 1 FAT for the Check. If they have
Athletics (Weightlifting) CN/3 they would roll 3 + 3 = 6D
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A successful Check ‘lasts’ for 15 minutes for +1 Line,
5 minutes for +2 lines, 1 minute for +3 and 1 Combat
vs. Diff 4. Each Additional Success adds +1 step to their
Weight capacity and costs an additional 1 FAT.
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ATHLETICS (MOVEMENT) TABLE
If they rolled 1 Additional Success, they would be able
to carry the 120 kilos, but it would cost them 1 FAT for
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HLT/DIFF WALK RUN CRAWL/CLIMB SWIM
the Check, 1 FAT for carrying greater than half the new
1 2 15 1 2
weight line and 1 FAT for the +1 line adjustment = 3 FAT!
2 3 20 2 4
They would also have to roll again in 15 minutes if they
3 4 25 3 6
were still carrying the excess weight.
4 5 30 4 8
5 6 35 5 10
BURNS
6 7 40 6 12 Burns may be Superficial, Moderate or Deep depend-
ing size and intensity, exposure, and protection.
7 8 45 7 14
Classification is subjective and at the GM’s discretion
8 9 50 8 16
· Superficial Burns do 1D damage. Typically caus-
9 10 55 9 18
ed by short exposure to an ordinary wood/coal fire.

ATHLETICS (WEIGHTLIFTING) TABLE · Moderate Burns do 2D damage. Typically caused

HEALTH/DIFF CARRY CAPACITY
1 25/45 kg
2 30/60 kg
3 40/80 kg
4 55/105 kg
5 70/140 kg
6 95/185 kg
by extended exposure to an ordinary fire or shorter
exposure to a liquid or gas fuelled fire.
· Deep Burns does 3D damage. Typically caused by
long exposure to a liquid or gas fuelled fire.
If the wounding effect is continuing then the damage
progresses in degree – from Superficial to Moderate
after two consecutive turns and from Moderate to
Deep after two consecutive turns.

7 125/245 kg · White Phosphorous: Does superficial damage the

8 165/325 kg first two combat turns, moderate damage the next 141
four, and deep damage for succeeding turns until
9 220/435 kg the round’s burn time is exhausted.
 White phosphorous burns underwater and cannot be
extinguished by smothering it in sand – removing it
is the only sure way of stopping the damage.
· Flamethrower: Does superficial damage the first
combat turn, moderate damage for the next two
and deep damage for any succeeding turns until
the round’s burn time is exhausted.
Flamethrower fuel can be doused in water or smoth-
ered with sand unlike white phosphorous.
· Napalm: Does superficial damage the first combat
turn, moderate damage the next, and deep damage
each succeeding turn until burn time is exhausted.
Napalm cannot be doused with water, but can be
smothered with sand. Unfortunately, if the smother-
ing attempt is not done carefully, it can actually
spread the fuel and increase the damage done.
Such an attempt requires a Hard DIFF check and, if
failed, increases the damage done by one grade
instantly (or by +1D if already at deep burn level).
· Other Flame Weapons: A Welding Torch does
deep damage but is a single turn attack.
A “Dungeon” Torch or a flaming brand does moder-
ate damage but is also a single turn attack.
This determination is at GM discretion, as usual.
COLLISIONS
Collisions are rated as Very Slow, Slow, Medium, Fast
or Very Fast categorized by the GM based on his
judgement of the situation.
If the character is the Driver of the vehicle, they make
a Drive check to determine the success of all of those
on board to avoid or reduce damage.
Even though it may be their failure of driving skill that
resulted in the collision in the first place, a skilled (or
lucky) driver can do something to minimise the impact,
and this benefits all those aboard the vessel.
142
Passengers may, if they are aware of the upcoming
collision, make a HLT roll as well (or relevant skill roll,
such as Athletics) and take the best result of the two.
A character who is asleep, or facing the wrong direction,
or not otherwise aware of any impending collision has to
rely on the skill of the driver to minimise damage.
If a (character) passenger becomes aware of an impend-
ing crash, they may prepare on their own.
· Very Slow Collisions: Involve only a single vehicle
moving very slowly and hitting a stationary object.
Expected character damage is 2D. It is an easy task
to reduce this to zero. Failure increases the charac-
ter damage to 4D.
Expected vehicle damage is 1 Structure point. It is
an average task to reduce this to zero. Failure
increases this to ½D Structure.
This is basically a fender bender. The GM may rule
that the characters take no damage at all unless there
is some “unusual” circumstance.
· Slow collisions: Involve two very slow vehicles
moving in opposite directions or a single slow
vehicle hitting a stationary object.
Expected character damage is 4D, but it is an
average task check to halve this (extra successes
reduce by 1D each). Failure increases character
damage by +1D per success the roll is less than that
required.
Expected vehicle damage is ½D Structure. It is a
hard task to reduce this to one (1) point. Failure
increases this to 1D+1 Structure.
· Medium collisions: Involve two slow vehicles
moving in opposite directions or one at a medium
speed hitting a stationary object.
Expected character damage is 6D, it is a hard task
to halve this (extra successes reduce it by 1D each).
Failure increases the character damage by +2D per
success the roll is less than that required.
Expected vehicle damage is 1D+1 Structure. It is a
difficult task to reduce this to ½D points. Failure
increases this to 2D+1 Structure.
· Fast collisions: Involve two medium speed vehicles
moving in opposite directions or one moving at a
fast speed hitting a stationary object.
Expected character damage is 8D, and it is a diffic-
ult task to halve this (extra successes reduce this by
1D each). Failure increases the character damage
 by +3D per success the roll is less than that required.
Expected vehicle damage is 2D+1 Structure. It is
an unlikely task to reduce this to 1D points. Failure
increases vehicle damage to 3D+1 Structure.
· Very Fast collisions: Involve two fast vehicles mov-
ing in opposite directions or one moving at very
fast speed hitting a stationary object.
Expected character damage is 12D, but it is only a
difficult task to halve it (each extra success reduces
it by 1D). Failure increases the character damage
by +4D per success the roll is less than that required.
Expected vehicle damage is 3D+1 Structure. It is
an extreme task to reduce this to 2D+1 points.
Failure increases damage to 4D+1 Structure.
· Personal Armour: Rigid armour provides 1D of
protection, regardless of its value. Soft or Padded
Armour provides 2D regardless of its actual value.
· Vehicle Armour: Vehicles with Structural or no
armour suffer full Structure damage as indicated.
Vehicles with Heavy Armour suffer Structure
damage one grade less than that listed – two grades
less if hitting a vehicle without Heavy Armour.
Objects (especially big, stationary ones) if inher-
ently tough, are treated as Heavy Armour.
For example, a solid granite cliff wall or a steel
reinforced concrete pillbox would qualify – but a
standard wooden frame house, or even a standard
wooden framed brick house, would not. The GM is
the final determinant of whether it applies or not.
· Heavy and Light Vehicles: If one vehicle involved
in a collision is substantially heavier than the
other, the lighter of the two vehicles suffers from a
one grade increase in Structural damage.
The GM determines if the mass difference is “signific-
ant” or not, at his discretion.
· Other Factors: The GM may apply other modifiers
as he sees fit.
For example, airbags or seatbelts reduce damage by
-3D and reduce the difficulty of the task check to
halve damage by one level.
COMBAT DAMAGE
Characters (and other items in the game) may suffer
damage from many causes – This section applies
specifically to Combat-related Damage, which works
differently to Damage inflicted by other means. The
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main difference being that there is more uncertainty
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involved in Combat than for any other means.
In Combat an attack does Base DAM or FAT equal to the
Damage dice, but you also roll the Dice and do added
DAM or FAT, depending on the result.
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GENERAL PROCEDURE
The amount of damage dice rolled depends on exactly
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what type of attack inflicted it – s
GENERIC COMBAT EFFECTS
· Hand to Hand Combat (including Martial Arts)
does a base 1D, plus attack type, plus dice for HLT
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bonus (HLT/3-4 = +1D, 5-6 = +2D; 7 = +3D). Base
Damage is always FAT damage, with additional
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point of FAT on an 8-9 or a point of DAM on a 0.
For example, if a HtH attack does a total of 4D DAM
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this means it does 4 FAT as the base, and rolls 4D with
each die rolling 8-9 doing +1 FAT or +1 DAM on a 0.
· Melee, Archery and Thrown Weapon attacks use
dice equal to the weapon’s Damage Rating plus
HLT bonus (as above) for DAM or FAT (or both).
· Firearm attacks use the dice listed for the weapon
(see the Gear Book) as modified by attack type (see
the Combat section).
· Other Damage may be caused by a variety of
factors detailed The Physical World rules.
Damage Dice: Unless otherwise specified, 1D = 1
Damage Point with the possibility of more.
INFLICTING DAMAGE
Damage inflicted depends on four things … Armour,
Passive Defence, Health and Luck –
· Passive Defence: Subtract the character’s Passive
Defence value from any damage inflicted.
· Armour: See Armour Piercing Attacks in Combat.
· No Armour: If the character (or vehicle) is not
protected by armour, they automatically take one
point of DAM or FAT per die and also roll the dice, 143
for an additional point of DAM or FAT for each 8+
result (final DAM is reduced by Passive Defence).
 · Character Health: If the character has Health/4+,
subtract 1 from DAM and 2 points from FAT.
Changed characters subtract a further 1 DAM or 2
FAT and roll 1D for an added 1 DAM or FAT on 8+.
Mutable characters subtract a further 2 DAM or 3
FAT and roll 2D, and an added 1 DAM or FAT on 8+
on either dice.
Note: The Mutable bonus is instead of the Changed
bonus, not in addition to it.
· Luck: Each point reduces damage by one full
grade (not just one point).
If a character has more than one point in the damage
grade they have suffered, then all points are fully
“protected” by the expenditure of a Luck point.
For example, a character with Health/5 would have
wound points as follows – Flesh/3, Minor/2, Major/2,
Serious/2, Disabling/1. If they took five points of
damage, that would cross off Flesh/3 and Minor/2,
leaving a Minor wound.
If they expended a Luck Point they would wipe off
the Minor/2 leaving them with Flesh/3, for a Flesh
wound overall. Two Luck points would wipe out both
Minor/2 and Flesh/3 for “just a close shave!”
Note: Luck may only be spent on DAM just inflicted –
not already suffered, except for Minor/Flesh wounds
which may be wiped if no higher damage remains.
HEALING DAMAGE
See the Damage & Wounds section of the Health rules
below, for details on how this process works.
DISEASES
“Diseases” include all viruses, bacteria, fungal and
other infections – not just those that cause damage
and which may kill a character directly (even non-
lethal conditions can have interesting game effects).
144
DISEASE DATA
Diseases need to be rated in four areas – Mode of
Infection (how it infects you), Check Interval (how long
it takes to hurt you), Effect Duration (how long it sickens
you) and Disease Strength (how much damage it does).
MODE OF INFECTION
Disease causing agents may be ingested (swallowed
with food or drink), inhaled (breathed in as an aero-
sol), injected (piercing the skin through a bite, punct-
ure or cut) or contact (touching the bare skin).
Some are only effective in one mode, and protection
against that protects against them (aerosol diseases can
be protected against with a gas mask and suitable filters)
– but many diseases are effective in more than one way.
CHECK INTERVAL
This is the expected time delay between each HLT
task check against the onset of the disease’s effect(s).
Most diseases have a check interval of at least an hour,
perhaps several, and possibly a day ... or more (see
individual disease descriptions for specifics).
It is likely the Check Interval prior to onset of the disease
will be longer than it will be after its onset (this will be
detailed in disease descriptions). Once a crisis occurs a
character can go down much faster than they sickened
– pretty standard for most diseases.
EFFECT DURATION
Once the character has become infected (see Mode of
Infection) the effects of the disease have a finite durat-
ion during which they act against the character’s HLT.
· Mild Disease: (1D x 3) check intervals.
· Standard Disease: (1D x 6) check intervals.
· Infectious Disease: (1D x 12) check intervals.
· Plague & Bio agents: (2D x 12) check intervals.
Check Interval varies according to specific Disease.
DISEASE STRENGTH
Is the relative “effectiveness” of the disease applied
over the Effect Time for the Effect Duration.
· Common Diseases: Normally non-lethal even with
no treatment. DS/1-3.
· Uncommon Diseases: Can be lethal without
treatment. DS/4-6.
· Scarce Diseases: Often lethal without treatment.
DS/7-9.
· Rare Diseases: Commonly lethal without treat-
ment. DS/9-12.
· Artificial (Biowarfare) Diseases: Designed specif-
ically to be lethal even if treated. DS/13+.
PROCEDURE
Diseases initially work against HLT – and progress to
do damage or their special effects only when it is
overcome. Disease Strength is a cumulative penalty to
HLT checks each Check Interval for Effect Duration.
Failure: If task check fails, then application of dam-
age (if any) and special effects begin immediately.
If you feel nasty, add +1D to any damage for this first
application of damage for every success less than the
required amount the check was failed by – representing
unforeseeable natural factors.
Success: If the task check succeeds, nothing happens
until the next Check Interval (assuming there is still
time left in the Effect Duration).
If you feel generous, reduce disease strength (for the next
check only) by one (1) for every additional success.
DISEASE EFFECTS
Once a character has failed their HLT check they are
subject to listed damage and/or special effects that the
disease causes. This depends on the type of disease –
· Biowar Plagues: Acts on HLT for Effect Duration
– directly reducing (for purposes of the disease
process check as well as for all other purposes) it by
Disease Strength per Check Interval.
If a check is failed, or at HLT/0, the character goes
into a coma or delirium. At this point a HLT check
(at current HLT) is allowed to throw off the disease.
Success: The character falls into a healing sleep
that lasts (36 – Current HLT) hours. On waking
they are Exhausted and recover from that normally.
Failure: Each failed check results in damage equal
to the disease’s Disease Strength.
· Normal Plagues: Acts similarly to Biowar Plagues
except that the HLT check made to throw off the
disease after they have failed a check or reached
HLT zero (0) is at base HLT.
· Sub-lethal Diseases: Acts as Normal Plagues
except that the HLT check to throw off the disease
or reached HLT zero (0) is at base HLT + 3 and the
recovery sleep period is (12 - HLT) hours.
· Average Diseases: Acts against Fatigue initially –
when a character reaches Prostrated level they start
to act against HLT as per Sub-Lethal Diseases.
· Debilitating Diseases: Acts as Average Diseases
but do not progress to HLT DAM – they increase
FAT recovery +1 step for each step over Prostrated.
Personalising the effects can be done by changing
effect duration. A Debilitating disease could cause
FAT damage with an Duration of days not hours.
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SYMPTOMATIC EFFECTS
Most diseases have some special symptoms – the des-
s
cription will include any of relevance.
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For example – “Rashes: appear over upper chest and
back and itch abominably” or “Cough: a dry, wracking,
cough with bloody sputum in around 60% of cases.”
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ELECTRIC SHOCK
Electric Shock effects depend on strength of current –
divided into five Current Levels – Light Household (3),
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Heavy Household (4), Light Industrial (5), Medium
Industrial (6) and Heavy Industrial (7).
m
Characters may be wearing insulated armour or cloth-
ing, which has Insulation ratings (IR) on the same
scale as the Current Levels above.
Normal clothes provide IR/1-3 based on thickness etc.
Rubberised clothes provide IR/3-5. Fully insulated
clothes such as used by linesmen dealing with overhead
high tension lines provides IR/6-7 as long as it is earthed.
Metallic Armour generally provides no protection unless
insulated, but is normally worn over padded clothing
with IR/2-4 – which may be sweat soaked (for IR/1) if it
has been worn for any length of time.
Modern ballistic cloth or ceramic armour is non-cond-
uctive and provide IR/4-6 – except when wet or sweat
soaked, when IR/1-2 might apply at best.
PROCEDURE
An electric shock occurs when (CL - IR) is greater than
zero (0). A HLT task check must be made at a penalty
equal to (Current Level - Insulation Rating).
The GM needs to determine what factors might allow (or
prevent) an electric shock from being suffered – it is
pretty much an either/or thing.
Success means they are not hurt, but may be stunned.
Make a second check at the same base penalty at the 145
first, but reducing this penalty by one (1) for each
additional success. If they succeed, they aren’t stunned.
 A character with HLT/3 and wearing light clothing of
IR/1 is exposed to Heavy Household current (CR/4), he
rolls 3D vs the DIFF 3 and succeeds! They aren’t hurt.
Failing the stun check means they are stunned for a
number of combat turns equal to the shock rating.
For the first turn, a -3D penalty applies; for the second,
-2D, and for all following turns until it wears off, -1D.
Now they need to roll again to see if they are stunned.
This time they’re less lucky, and their 3D roll vs the DIFF
3 check fails. They are stunned for three combat turns.
Failing the check means the character suffers damage
equal to the modified numerical shock rating.
A character wearing clothing of IR/1 is hit by a Heavy
Household (4) shock. Shock/3 applies and they fail their
HLT check – so they take 3D damage.
Characters who are shocked are automatically stunned
for a turns equal to twice the numerical shock rating,
In the above example, the character would be stunned
for six combat turns.
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Equipment, like Characters and Vehicles, is not auto-
matically destroyed with one hit. To represent this,
they are rated for Armour and Structure.
ARMOUR
Equipment has an armour rating of 0-9, most often on
the personal armour scale,which protects the structure
in the same way personal armour protects HLT.
STRUCTURE
This is listed in the Equipment chapters. If an item
has more than Structure/1 this is distributed in the
same way as for human HLT.
Points are distributed one at a time, down, to all grades
except Disabled until all have the same number, then
start again and repeat until all points are allocated.
For example, Structure: 3 would give Scratched/2, Ding-
ed/2, Battered/2, Crunched/1, Disabled/1.
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EQUIPMENT DAMAGE PENALTIES
Scratched +1 DIFF/-10%
Dinged -1D/+2 DIFF/-20%/+1W
Battered -2D/+3 DIFF/-30%/+1W
Crunched -3D/+4 DIFF/-40%/+1W
Disabled +5 DIFF/-50%
+x DIFF apply to repair rolls. -xD apply to any roll
made using the item. -xx% apply to operational
performance. -xW apply to Wear (and are cumulative).
EXPOSURE
Characters may be exposed to the elements which can
directly (and indirectly) impact on their health. When
this is the case, consult the following rules –
EXTREMES OF COLD
Cold temperatures have one of eight Cold Ratings –
Cool Temperate (1), Cold Temperate (2), Winter (3),
Heavy Winter (4), Arctic (5), Arctic Winter (6), Blizzard
(7), Extreme Blizzard (8).
Clothing is rated for its Protection Level (PL), normal-
ly 1-7 – and this is subtracted from the actual Cold
Level to determine the effective Cold Level..
Clothing effective enough to protect against Extreme
Blizzard levels doesn’t exist as such – you actually need
physical barriers between you and the weather.
Other factors affect the Cold Level as well –
· Wetness: If the character or their protective cloth-
ing is wet, add +1 (unless it is resistant to wetness).
· Wind Speed: +1 For every 20 km/h of wind speed.
· Head Protection: If the Head/Face is not covered
with clothing of the same PL as Cold level, add +1.
· Wind Protection: If protected from the wind, even
if not inside a structure, subtract -1.
· Layering: If more than one layer of the same PL
of clothing is worn, subtract -1.
· Sleeping bags or tents: If of the same PL or one
PL higher than clothing worn inside, subtract -2.
PROCEDURE
When (Cold Level - Clothing PL) is greater than zero (0),
a HLT task check is required at variable time intervals
and difficulty levels listed on the table over.
Each time the task is failed, the character loses one
point of HLT to hypothermia.
 · Warmth: HLT may be regained moving to where
the effective Cold Level is zero or less – one point
of HLT is regained every 5 minutes of rest there.
Alternately, a sleeping bag of a Cold Rating sufficient
to prevent further hypothermia checks acts in the
same way for every 15 minutes spent inside.
· Hot Food: HLT is regained by eating hot food (a
mug of coffee/soup) – giving instant recovery of one
(1) HLT, but may only be utilised once every hour.
When HLT reaches zero (0), the character is dying –
but they may be revived by making a first aid task
check (at Hard difficulty) combined with placing them
in a warm environment and giving them hot food.
It is not enough to warm them and feed them hot food at
HLT/0 or less – they need medical care as well. The
reverse is true – medical care is fine, but unless hot food
and warmth is provided, it isn’t enough, either.
It is not only possible, but likely, that effective cold level
will be higher than Extreme Blizzard (8).
EXTREMES OF HEAT
Heat is divided into eight Heat Ratings – Warm Temp-
erate (1), Tropical (2), Hot Tropical (3), Arid (4), Hot
COLD LEVEL CHECK INTERVAL/DIFFICULTY
1 HLT x 30 minutes, Simple
2 HLT x 20 minutes, Easy
3 HLT x 15 minutes, Average
4 HLT x 10 minutes, Hard
5 HLT x 5 minutes, Difficult
6 HLT x 2 minutes, Unlikely
7 HLT minutes, Extreme
8 HLT/2 minutes, Incredible
9 1 minute, Impossible
HEAT LEVEL CHECK INTERVAL/WATER/DIFFICULTY
1 HLT x 60 minutes, Simple
2 HLT x 30 minutes, 2/4/6 Easy
3 HLT x 20 minutes, 4/6/10 Average
4 HLT x 15 minutes, 7/8/12 Hard
5 HLT x 10 minutes, 10/10/15 Difficult
6 HLT x 5 minutes, 15/15/20 Unlikely
7 HLT x 2 minutes, 20/20/20 Extreme
8 HLT minutes, Incredible
9 HLT/2 minutes, Impossible
Water consumption is in liters per day and the
format x/y/z where x = no exertion, y = normal
activity and z = strenuous activity
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Arid (5), Desert (6), Hot Desert (7) and Extreme Desert.
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Other conditions may modify effective Heat Rating –
· High Humidity: When the local environment is
humid, subtract -1 (to a minimum of HR/1). s
· Non-Desert, Non-Tropical: When the environ-
ment qualifies, subtract -1 (to a minimum of HL/1).
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· Clothing: Add the Cold Protection Level of any
heavy clothing to the heat level.
s
· Head Protection: If the character does not have a
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hat or other head protection, add +1.
· Winds: If caught in a dry desert wind/sandstorm,
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add +1. Otherwise, the Wind Chill effect (see Ext-
remes of Cold) applies, reducing Heat Level.
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· Shade: If there is no shade whatsoever, effective
Heat Level is +1.
PROCEDURE
When (Heat Level + Clothing PL) is greater than zero
(0), a HLT Check is required at the intervals and
modifiers listed unless the character has been able to
consume the amount of water listed (see table).
Each time the task is failed, the character loses one
point of HLT to heat stroke.
· Water: If less water is available than the minimum
(see table opposite) characters may work normally
for that portion of the day the amount represents.
When HLT reaches zero (0), the character is dying –
but may be revived by a First Aid task check (at Hard
difficulty) combined with giving them plenty of water.
Yep. Water is the prime treatment. If you have enough
you won’t have to check. If you don’t, then you’ll suffer.
You simply can’t live very long without water.
A character regains a point of HLT for each 1-3 liters
of water they are provided with and an hour of rest.
If you want to get nasty, you can have characters suffer
from heat stroke (gain levels of FAT instead of DAM until 147
they fall unconscious) if they don’t have salt tablets and
yet have plenty of water!

FALLS
Falling damage is rated as Low, Medium and High
based on the GM’s judgement. Rolls are against
Health or relevant skill (e.g. Athletics).
· Low Falls: Are those someone could expect to
jump without great or, possibly, any damage.
Expected damage is 2D, but it is an average task to
halve this (extra successes can reduce it to zero).
Failure (of any degree) increases the damage by
+1D per success the roll is less than that required.
· Medium Falls: Are those where serious (but not
certainly fatal) injuries are be expected.
Expected damage is 6D, and it is a difficult task to
halve this (extra successes reduce the damage by
-1D each). Failure increases the damage by +2D per
success the roll is less than that required.
· High Falls: Are those where almost certain death
would be expected.
Expected damage is 12D, and it is an extreme task
to halve this (extra successes reduce the damage by
-1D each). Failure increases the damage by +3D per
success the roll is less than that required.
· Armour: This normally provides no protection
against falls.
However, depending on the GM’s determination,
they may allow a character wearing cloth or
padded armour 1D of armour effect, but.
· Other Modifiers: It is possible to survive falls even
from great heights ... thousands of feet, in fact.
Onto/into something soft(ish) and – in game terms,
expending one hell of a lot of Luck! Still, it is possible.
HEALTH
Health is a measure of a character’s current current
physical condition. There are two types of Health
which are measured in these rules – Fatigue (FAT) and
Damage (DAM). Both have five grades of severity.
148
FATIGUE GRADE DAMAGE GRADE PENALTY
Tired Flesh Wound –
Stretched Minor Wound +1 DIFF
Winded Major Wound +2 DIFF
Exhausted Serious Wound +3 DIFF
Prostrate Disabling Wound –
The number of dice which a character can use for a
task roll is reduced when fatigued or injured (see above).
FATIGUE POINTS
Fatigue represents excessive effort which wears down
a character, causing them to tire. Fatigue can also
result from blunt trauma and physical strain.
A character has one point in each of the five grades
plus additional points equal to their Health distribut-
ed amongst the first four grades (Tired to Exhausted) –
one point per grade from Tired down, until all have
two points, then repeat until all points are allocated.
A character with HLT/3 would have Tired/2, Stretch-
ed/2, Winded/2, Exhausted/1, Prostrate/1.
Likewise, a character with HLT/6 would have Tired/3,
Stretched/3, Winded/2, Exhausted/2 and Prostrate/1.
As soon as one point from each grade is ticked off, any
penalties apply – but progression to the next grade
requires all the points for the current grade be ticked off.
When a character has sustained five grades of Fatigue
they fall unconscious. If they receive any more fatigue,
it is applied as Injury.
Fatigue has an effect on all die rolls and task checks a
character makes except in combat, where they are
pumping enough adrenaline to overcome fatigue eff-
ects – until after combat when it wears off!
FATIGUE RECOVERY
Fatigue recovers at a rate equal to a character’s Health
(Stamina) + 5 every day, with proper rest.
If a more graduated rate is required, recover one level of
Fatigue for each hour of sleep or two hours of rest (no
Fatigue inducing activity). Fatigue gets you in the end.
DAMAGE & WOUNDS
Damage represents the character’s physical well being
and can result from lacerations, breaks, and burns.
Characters get one point in each of the five grades plus
additional points equal to their Health distributed
amongst the first four grades (Flesh to Serious wound).
This is done as follows – 1 point/grade until all have
two points, then repeat until all points are allocated.
HLT/3 gives Flesh/2, Minor/2, Major/2, Serious/1,
Disabling/1; while HLT/6 would give Flesh/3, Minor/3,
Major/2, Serious/2 and Disabling/1.
As soon as all points for the current grade are ticked
off, the effects apply.
When a character has sustained five grades of Damage
(down to Disabling), they normally fall unconscious
and are disabled (some Quirks may modify this result).
GM’s may allow characters to make a Concentration roll
to remain conscious and semi-active on a turn by turn
basis if it suits the dramatic purposes of the plot.
If a character receives any more damage after being
reduced to Disabled, the character may die (see Death).
Damage only affects die rolls made relating to Health
and Cunning attributes.
RECOVERING FROM WOUNDS
Damage recovery is based on the level of damage taken.
Flesh Wounds: A character recovers Health (Tough-
ness) points per day.
Each success in a Technician (Paramedic or Nursing) or
Medical roll at Average Difficulty heals a point inst-
antly (but only one attempt may be made).
Minor Wounds: A character recovers half their Health
(Toughness) points per day (fractions are rounded up).
Each success in a Technician (Paramedic or Nursing) or
Medical roll at Hard Difficulty increases this by one
point, to a maximum of double Health (Toughness).
Such a roll may be made every [24 - (Healer’s Skill
Level + Wounded Character’s Health)] hours.
Major Wounds: A character recovers Health (Tough-
ness) points per week.
Each success in a Medical (Surgery or Veterinarian) roll
at Hard Difficulty will heal an extra point over the
week, up to double their Health (Toughness).
Serious Wounds: A character recovers half their
Health (Toughness) points per week.
Each success in a Medical (Surgery or Veterinarian) roll
at Hard Difficulty heals an extra point over the week,
up to the character’s Health (Toughness).
Disabling Wounds: Damage at this level may only be
recovered as a result of medical treatment by a char-
acter with Medical (Surgery or Veterinarian) skill. Each
success in a Medical (Surgery or Veterinarian) roll at
Hard difficulty heals one point per a week.
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The maximum number of points that may be recover-
ed in a single week is equal to the wounded character’s
Health (Toughness) attribute.
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Note: Points are recovered from the current wound level.
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A character with HLT/3 with a Major wound, and no
medical assistance will recover 3 points per week.
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Since they have Flesh/2, Minor/2, Major/2, Serious/1,
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Disabling/1 – in the first week they heal 2 Major and 1
Minor Wounds, leaving 1 Minor and 2 Flesh wounds. e
DEATH
When a character goes beyond the Disabling Wound
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level, they will eventually die – unless some form of
medical intervention is provided after a number of
minutes equal to (1D + HLT) – with each additional
wound they suffer beyond this point reducing their
remaining potential life span by one (1) minute.
STABILISATION
Someone with medical skill can attempt to stabilise the
“dead” character – which requires at least a Technic-
ian (Paramedic or Nursing) roll at Difficult level.
The penalty for being “dead” doesn’t get any worse –
you can’t be deader than “dead,” though, as noted, your
remaining life span can be shortened by further damage.
The stabilisation roll keeps them barely alive. If the roll
exceeds the minimum successes required, each extra
success increases “life” by one minute as long as the
Nurse or Paramedic remains in attendance
“Attendance” is defined as reasonably close proximity,
and with no more than their Skill Level in patients).
If the roll is a bare success (i.e. rolls exactly the req-
uired number), then the character’s life span remains
unchanged – and further rolls will be required every
turn to continue to work on them.
Even though stabilisation may be kept up indefinitely,
the GM may rule the process will require the expenditure 149
of medical supplies – which are almost certain to be in
finite supply.
 When such supplies run out, then further dice penalties
may apply, or the the Difficulty level of the task increases.
SURGERY
A stabilised character may only be returned to “life” –
to Disabled level health – by a successful Surgery roll.
This requires a Medical (Surgery or Veterinarian) roll at
Difficult level – and suffers from the same penalties
that a stabilisation roll would.
Failing the roll does not necessarily mean the patient
dies – however, it extends the surgery by a time period
and increases the Difficulty of the roll by one grade. A
disaster (failing the task check by four [4] steps or
greater) means the character dies on the operating table.
INTENSIVE CARE
Once a character has been successfully operated on,
they are still not out of the woods – they need to
remain in intensive care for a number of days equal to
([7 + Dice Penalty] - Health [Toughness]).
A character with HLT/4 and a -3D penalty would need
to be in intensive care for ([7 + 3] - 4) = six days.
This requires the attendance of a Paramedic or Nurse
making a Average task check each day – failure means
that the intensive care period is extended by a day.
A Disaster (i.e. failing the check by four (4) steps or
more) means more Surgery is required (as above) and
that the intensive care period is re-started again (and,
of course, the patient runs the risk of dying again).
The availability (or lack) of equipment or supplies, or
access to facilities will have a direct impact on the bonus
or penalty dice applicable to any of these rolls. \
It may also increase the Difficulty level – only very
unusual equipment would reduce the Difficulty level).
FINAL RECOVERY
Only once the character has managed to survive the
intensive care period do they start to recover normally
– at the rate of one (1) point of Health per day – and
slowly recover to full health through the previously
described mechanisms.
150
MOVEMENT (STRATEGIC)
Strategic movement is normally in kilometers/hour,
and is used to for travel times over long distances.
Terrain and vegetation will modify the base rate, as
will the type of suspension the vehicle has – and this
is determines how many hours of travel it takes to
cross a map hex (or map grid) rather than how many
kilometers are travelled in an hour.
FOOT AND MOUNTED MOVEMENT
Vehicle movement rates (in kph) are as listed in the
Gear Book. Foot and Mounted rates are shown below.
These rates assume 10 minutes rest per hour, 8 hours
sleep per day, and one full day of rest every week.
NORMAL
This is combined with hunting, foraging, or searching
with many rest periods. Travel will for 8 hours per day
(32 km/Foot, 48 km Mounted). This rate may be
maintained indefinitely.
FAST
Continual movement with little or no rest beyond the
standard ten minutes per hour, though for only 8
hours per day (40 km Foot or 64 km Mounted). This
cannot be maintained without loss – formed units
begin losing 2D% of their number every two (2) days
(these will catch up on the rest day).
PCs on foot must make a HLT check at +1 DIFF
(cumulative) every two (2) days to maintain this.
Mounted PCs make the check every four days if they
can obtain remounts at least every two days, otherwise
they make the check every two days but at no penalty
to the check for the first two days.
FORCED
Continual movement with little or no rest for at least
10-12 hours per day (60-72 km Foot or 120-144 km
Mounted), and may cut the rest day in a week as well.
This rate cannot be maintained without loss, either –
formed units lose 1D% on the first day, then (1D% +
1%) per six hours on the second, per four hours on the
third, per two hours on the fourth, and 1D% per hour
on the fifth and succeeding days.
If a weekly rest day is missed, the rate goes up by +1%
each period. Stragglers will catch up after half the
number of days that have passed since they have
fallen behind. PCs on foot make a HLT check at +½D
DIFF initially, with an additional +1 DIFF per day after
the first.
Success means that they are able to achieve the rate
for the whole day, while failure indicates that they can
maintain it only for 2D hours.
PCs who are riding and who can acquire remounts
every two days will reduce this penalty to that apply-
ing for Forced rate.
These rates are based on military manuals, which ass-
ume they apply to formed bodies of troops. Individuals
and small parties should be able to improve on these
rates considerably.
Rates may be doubled for short periods at the cost of an
immediate HLT check at the end of the period at an +1D
DIFF to whatever penalty currently applies.
USING THE TERRAIN EFFECTS CHART
Unlike a board game or computer game, which rate
how many hexes a unit or individual can move per
turn, in the D10 system the hexes are used simply to
indicate where specific terrain/vegetation types are.
ATV/Track represents a generic tracked vehicle. Wheel
indicates a wheeled vehicle (motor and animal drawn).
Half-tracked vehicles operate as Wheeled vehicles unless
their driver makes an appropriate Driving Check every
hour of movement.
Hexes represent time in the d10 System rather than
distance – so a party might take several turns (days,
hours, or whatever) to cross a single hex ... depending
on their current movement rate.
To use the TEC, cross-reference method of travel with
terrain and a multiplier is found – this is multiplied by
hex scale to give the effective distance, which indicates
the time a character or party will require to cross.
WEATHER EFFECTS
Weather also effects the movement rates in the TEC.
· Wet Weather: Wet weather tends to slow every
form of movement down. The effect on Tracks,
Roads and Highways is detailed in the table above.
Streams and Rivers become impassable except at
Fords (which take on the “No Ford” penalty) in
extended periods of Light or Medium rain, or a
single period of Heavy rain.
All other terrain adds +0.25 for Light, +0.5 for
Medium and +0.75 (or higher) for Heavy Rain.
· Snow: When cold enough, rain becomes snow.
Snow has the same effect as rain, but accumulates.
STRATEGIC MOVEMENT – FOOT AND HORSEBACK (KPH)
Normal Fast Forced
Foot 4 5 6 151
Mounted 6 8 12
g
a
m
Two days of Light = Medium, 4 days of Light or 2 of
e
Medium = Heavy. Each Heavy Snow day adds
+0.25 to the Heavy Snow penalty (no upper limit).
These effects subside to their minimum values
(until the thaw, whenever winter ends, mainly) at
s
the rate of -0.1 per day without snow.
y
POISONS
“Poisons” include all elements, chemicals and drugs
s
that have a negative effect on the human body – not
just those that cause damage and kill directly.
t
POISON DATA
Poisons are rated in four areas – Mode of Operation
e
(how it poisons you), Check Interval (how long it takes
to poison you), Effect Duration (how long it poisons you)
m
and Poison Strength (how much damage it does to you).
MODE OF OPERATION
Poisons may be ingested (i.e. swallowed with food or
drink), inhaled (breathed in as an aerosol or gas),
injected (piercing the skin through a bite, puncture or
cut) or may act on contact (touching the bare skin).
Some poisons are only effective in one mode, and pro-
tection against that can protect against them (a gas mask
vs inhaled poisons, for example).
However, many are effective in more than one way
(nerve poisons work in all the listed modes and Mustard
Gas is similar, though it works less well in some modes).
CHECK INTERVAL
This is the expected time delay between each HLT
task check against the onset of the poison’s effect(s).
· Natural poisons: One Minute.
· Synthetic poisons: One Combat Turn.
· Nerve poisons: One Phase.
Yes, every phase whether the poisoned character is
acting or not! Nerve poisons are nasty!
There can be considerable variation and medical
treatment can extend the duration.
For example, restricting blood flow for snake/spider bites
or using an atropine autoinjector against nerve agents.
 TERRAIN EFFECTS CHART

Terrain Type ATV/Track Wheel Foot Mounted

Clear/Flat x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.0

Clear/Rough x 1.0 x 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.0

Clear/Hills x 1.5 x 2.0 x 2.0 x 2.5

Clear/Mountains x 1.5 x 2.0 x 2.5 x 3.0

Light Vegetation/Flat x 1.25 x 1.5 x 1.25 x 1.25

Light Vegetation/Rough x 1.5 x 1.75 x 1.5 x 1.25

Light Vegetation/Hills x 1.75 x 2.25 x 1.75 x 1.5

Light Vegetation/Mountains x 2.0 x 2.5 x 3.0 x 3.5

Woods/Flat x 1.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 x 1.75

Woods/Rough x 1.75 x 2.5 x 1.75 x 2.0

Woods/Hills x 2.0 x 3.0 x 2.0 x 2.5

Woods/Mountains x 2.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 x 3.0

Forest/Flat x 2.0 x 3.5 x 2.0 x 2.5

Forest/Rough x 2.5 x 4.0 x 2.5 x 3.0

Forest/Hills x 3.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 x 3.5

Forest/Mountains x 3.5 x 5.0 x 3.5 x 4.0

Jungle/Flat x 3.0 x 5.0 x 3.0 x 4.5

Jungle/Rough x 3.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 x 4.0

Jungle/Hills x 4.0 x 6.0 x 4.0 x 4.5

Jungle/Mountains x 4.5 x 6.5 x 4.5 x 5.0

Dense Jungle/Flat x 4.0 x 6.5 x 3.5 x 5.5

Dense Jungle/Rough x 4.5 x 7.0 x 4.0 x 6.0

Dense Jungle/Hills x 5.0 x 7.5 x 4.5 x 6.5

Dense Jungle/Mountains x 6.0 x 8.0 x 5.0 x 7.0

Marsh/Flat x 1.5 x 3.0 x 2.0 x 4.0

Marsh/Rough x 2.0 x 4.0 x 2.5 x 5.0

Ice/Flat x 1.0 x 2.0 x 1.0 x 1.5

Ice/Rough x 1.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 x 2.0

Ice/Hills x 2.0 x 3.0 x 2.0 x 2.5

Stream/Ford +0.5 no effect +1.0 +0.5

152
Stream/No Ford +1.0 no effect +1.5 +2.0
TERRAIN EFFECTS CHART

Terrain Type ATV/Track Wheel Foot Mounted

g
Ferry (average Stream) (1) +2.5 no effect +2.0 +2.5 a
Stream/Bridge

River/Ford +2.0
as other terrain in hex

no effect +5.0 +2.5

m
River/No Ford +2.0 no effect prohibited +2.5 e
Ferry (average River) (1) +5.0 no effect +5.0 +5.0

River/Bridge as other terrain in hex

Track (2) -10% no effect -20% -30%

s
Road (3) as clear terrain with no vegetation y
Highway (4) as clear terrain with no vegetation halved
s
(1) This assumes an average width river or stream.
(2) Loses all benefits during wet weather and for a variable period after.
(3) If “All Weather”, keeps this bonus even in wet weather. Otherwise, treat as Track.
t
(4) Always “All Weather”, keeping bonus unless weather side-effects physically block the road.
EFFECT DURATION Success: If the task check succeeds, nothing happens
e
Once the character has been poisoned (see Mode of
Operation) the effects of the poison have a finite durat-
until till Check Interval (if any Effect Duration is left).
m
ion during which they act against a character’s HLT. If you feel generous, reduce strength (for the next check
There are three levels of persistence, which determine only) by one (1) for every additional success.
the likely duration of the negative effects –
POISON EFFECTS
· Low Persistence: (1D x 3) check intervals. Once a character has failed their HLT check they are
· Standard Persistence: (1D x 6) check intervals. subject to appropriate damage and/or special effects.
· High Persistence: (1D x 12) check intervals. This depends on the type of poison –

POISON STRENGTH · Standard Poisons: Act on HLT for the remaining

Is the relative “effectiveness” of the poison per dose
applied over the Effect Time for the Effect Duration.
· Natural poisons (most animal or plant toxins)
have a PS of 1-3, +1 for each extra dose.
· Synthetic poisons (most non-natural, non-nerve
agents) have a PS of 4-6, plus 1-3 for each extra
dose.
· Nerve agents are the most lethal, with a PS of
7-10, plus 3-7 for each extra dose.
Effect Duration – reducing it by Poison Strength per
Check Interval. When HLT reaches zero (0), the
character goes into a coma or delirium. At this
point a base HLT check is allowed to throw off the
effects of the poison.
Success: Recovery starts.
Failure: Poison strength becomes damage dice and
continues until the Effect Duration ends.

PROCEDURE If the character survives, they awaken from the

Poisons initially work against a character’s HLT – and
do damage/special effects only when it is overcome.
Poison Strength is a cumulative penalty to HLT checks
every Check Interval for Effect Duration.
Failure: If task check fails, then application of dam-
age (if any) and special effects begin immediately.
Coma (20 - HLT) minutes, but will be at Exhausted
fatigue levels (which will recover normally).
· Paralytic Poisons: Acts on FAT – Poison Strength
acting as FAT dice per Check Interval. When
reduced to Prostrate the PC is paralysed (but can
breathe), which lasts for Effect Duration minutes.

If you feel nasty, add +1D to any damage for this first Once this duration has passed, recovery will occur 153
application of damage for every success less than the as normal for Fatigue and the character will be
required amount the check was failed by. able to move again once they recover to Exhausted.
 · Soporific Poisons: Act on DED, treating it as if it
were fatigue for the purpose of this rule. When the
penalties accrue (per the equivalent Fatigue level),
they apply to all skill use, regardless of whether it is
physical or mental in nature.

When the character’s mental “fatigue” reaches

Prostrated levels, the lapse into a deep sleep. This
drug induced sleep will last for Effect Duration in
hours (initial, not reduced).

When the affected subject has slept for this period,

their sleep becomes normal, and they can be
woken (or wake of their own accord) normally.

· Corrosive Poisons: Cause wounds as a White Phos-

phorous Incendiary (see Burns) with a Burn Time
equal to Effect Duration.

· Catabolic Poisons: Act as Corrosive poisons and,

if they spreading, as a Standard poisons as well.

· Irritant Poisons: Act against Fatigue but prevent

the recovery of any fatigue lost as a result of their
effects for (Effect Duration x 10) minutes.

Personalising the effects can be done by increasing

(or reducing) duration of any effects they might have.
For example, a special Soporific could causes drugg-
ed sleep for Effect Duration minutes.

SYMPTOMATIC EFFECTS
Most poisons have some special symptoms – the des-
cription should include any of relevance.

An example might be – “Telltale pinpoint pupils, may be

accompanied by tremors or convulsions increasing in
strength till capable of breaking bones” or “Vomiting,
with bloody mucosa brought up in 60% of cases.”

154
THE SENSORY WORLD g
This section provides rules for all those aspects of the
sensory world (hearing, sight, smell, taste, touch) that
SIGHT DETECTION TABLE a
occur from time to time. Weather Day Dawn Night
or Dusk
Moonlight
Twilight m
Most of the rules covered below are somewhat subjective
and rely on the Game Master’s estimation of factors that
are not easily quantifiable. You have been warned!
Clear
Light Rain
2000
200
100
80
50
40
75
60 e
Heavy Rain 100 50 25 35
Mist 200 100 40 70
SPOTTING Fog 20 15 5 10
An important aspect of the game is determining what
the player characters can spot – that is, what they can
Light Snow 150 75 30 50 s
Heavy Snow 75 35 15 25
see, hear and smell.
Blizzard 35 15 5 10 y
SIGHT DETECTION Formed bodies of troops can be sighted at much greater
The tables indicate distances (in meters) at which an
Average DIFF task check could discern individuals as
ranges. s
individuals. NOISE DETECTION TABLE
Noise Level Wind . . .
t
· At between half and full listed range, the difficulty
is reduced to Easy.
Shout
With
300-600
Against
150-300
Fog
50-150
e
· At less than half listed range, difficulty is Simple. Talking
Normal Move
20-50 *
15-25 *
10-20 *
5-15 *
5-10
1-5
m
· At every 20% greater than listed range, add +1 DIFF.
Stealthy Move 5-15 * 1-5 * 1-2
Large groups (formed bodies of troops, for example) can * Strong winds may drown out these sounds or reduce
be discerned at longer ranges, though individuals within detection range further.
the group will not be recognisable as such,
SMELL DETECTION TABLE
VISUAL SPOTTING MODIFIERS
If the object being spotted is larger than an average Smell (1) Still Air Upwind (2) Downwind (2)
human being, they can be spotted at the same base Faint 2-20 10-20 Impossible
chances but at greater ranges – especially if moving.
Strong 20-50 75-100 1-10
A cavalryman would be visible at much greater range Pungent 50-150 100-200 10-20
than an infantryman because they are mounted on a Smoke 20-100 50-150 5-15
horse, typically 4-5 times bigger than a man by itself,
(1) These listed ranges may be increased, perhaps
Likewise, a Motorcyclist will be visible at much greater markedly, at the GM’s discretion.
distances than a standing or walking man because the (2) If the wind is strong enough, the smell may be
observer’s attention will be drawn to the movement. completely dispersed.
the dust cloud their movement kicks up, even if they are
If they are smaller than the average human being, then technically speaking not in a direct line of sight.
spotting range will be similarly reduced.
NOISE DETECTION
If the object is camouflaged or actively attempting to The ranges assume sounds within the normal human
remain concealed, then the ranges at which these base hearing range – though, with technological aids, it
chances will apply will be much reduced. may be possible to detect sounds not normally audible
to humans.
The absolute maximum spotting distance is, of course,
line of sight – which will be determined entirely by Sounds – loud ones – can be detected at very consider-
local conditions. able distances. For example, before the introduction of
counter-battery radar to detect the location of enemy 155
However, under some local conditions it may be possible artillery concentrations, armies used extremely sensitive
to determine the presence of groups of men or vehicles by sound sensors to detect the sounds of firing artillery and,
 through a process of triangulation, trace back where the
firing was coming from.
No, it wasn’t very accurate, but modern technological
aids allow for the detection of conversation at very
considerable distances through the combined use of
extremely sensitive microphones and digital signal pro-
cessing to clean up the sounds into recognisable speech.
SMELL DETECTION
The least expected method of detection – humans have
a poor sense of smell compared to most mammals, but
we can make use of it under limited circumstances.
For example, during the Vietnam war, communist forces
could often detect the presence of US forces because of
the slight scent to the soap they bathed with.
US Special Forces quickly learnt this, and stopped
bathing several days before going into the field – where
they were often able to detect the presence of communist
guerillas by the smell of the fish sauce they used to
flavour their boiled rice.
If more than one sense could be used, then the one
with the best chance of spotting should be used. The
GM may increase its base chance of detection.
Technology may also increase spotting range. A pair of
4x Binoculars increase visual spotting range by x4 – but
at the expense of a restricted arc of vision.
AWARENESS
Players would have their characters at full alert 24/7
if they were allowed – but characters have no reason to
behave this way.
Awareness deals with this problem in a realistic way by
156
limiting the effectiveness of their senses according to
realistic external factors.
Characters may be at one of four Awareness levels –
· Basic: Occupied performing another task. All
spotting is at +4 DIFF.
· Average: Not engaged in any specific activity. All
spotting is at +2 DIFF.
Most characters will be at this level of semi-oblivious-
ness most of the time unless there is a damn good
reason not to be (and ruthlessly resist player claims
that their character would be more alert than this!)
· High: The character is in a situation where they
would likely be more attentive than average.
If there is any doubt, require a Difficult Concen-
tration Task Check to activate (and, every (5 + CUN)
minutes) and maintain.
When activate, a character at this level of aware-
ness allows checks at unmodified DIFF.
This requires beyond normal concentration.
Players will want you to believe that their characters
are at this level of alertness all the time.
No. They’re not.
Not in anything like “real life.”
Require a Concentration check at significant
penalties whenever in doubt – most likely when the
players insist that one isn’t needed.
· Combat: If the character has very recently been in
combat, are currently in a combat, or it likely they
will be in a combat situation “real soon now” then
this level of awareness applies.
If there is any doubt whatsoever, require an
Extreme difficulty task check to activate this level
and require a further roll every (5 + CUN) Combat
Turns to maintain it.
When activated, this awareness level allows checks
at -1 or -2 DIFF.
This should be strictly limited to periods where the
character is involved in combat (and short periods
after it has ceased), otherwise you should be ruthless
in enforcing the task check requirement.
EXPERIENCE AND LUCK
Experience is the only way in which a character can
improve (or acquire new) Skills or acquire new Talents
– through Skill Use and through Role Playing.
GAINING EXPERIENCE
Characters gain experience in two main ways
EXPERIENCE & SKILL USE
Skill/Task Checks can result in gaining experience in
two ways –
· Whenever a character makes a successful Task
Check at Hard Difficulty (DIFF 4) or better they are
awarded one (1) experience point.
· A character also gains one (1) experience point for
any roll that scores four or more zero (0) results.
This total may be achieved with re-rolls of previous
zero results.
This occurs instantly such a Check is made or such a
success is scored and is applied only to the skill in
which it was made (space is provided on the character
sheets for this to be recorded).
EXPERIENCE & ROLE PLAYING
During each game session (a single night or after-
noon’s play), a character should be granted EPs for –
· Defeating an opponent in a one-on-one combat
gives zero to three (0-3) points which are applied to
any Combat Skill used in the process.
The amount of points awarded depends on the
how difficult it was (for a complete pushover, feel
free to award nothing at all) and, of course, how
entertainingly the player described their charact-
er’s role in the denouement.
This is not merely an award to the character who gets
in the killing blow. To get this award the character
must have done all the damage (Option: They must
have done more than 50% of the damage).
· Corporate Defeat of an opponent in a small scale
combat gives zero to one (0-1) points to any Combat
Skill used in the process.
All participants in the despatch of the chosen enemies
gain this award.
In general, there should have been at least one
enemy for each of the friendlies actively involved for
any award to apply at all and the award should only
g
a
m
e
s
y
s
be made for groups that make the combat process
and description entertaining.
t
· Avoiding combat by good role playing is worth one
or two (1-2) points, applied to any non-Combat Skill
e
(in any combination) used.
m
This is awarded for each discrete instance of such
good roleplaying – not for a single extended use.
So getting past the sentry on the camp’s outskirts by
bluffing and then avoiding detection by patrols in-
side are two discrete instances. Taking several turns
to bluff a sentry is only one instance.
· Entertaining Role Play during a game session is
worth one to three (1-3) points, which may be
applied to any Skill used in the session.
Any player action that brings a smile (even a wry one
as they thwart your careful plans) to your face or
which makes you think – “Hey! That was neat!” is
what you award this for.
It may be awarded more than once per character in
a session, but the maximum award over a whole
session remains three (3) points.
At the end of a completed scenario or mission (which
will often require several game sessions) characters can
be granted experience points for the following –
· Heroic Actions performed during the scenario are
worth one to three (1-3) points for any skills.
This does not mean the character has to have been
heroic every single second of the game – but that the 157
overall, overwhelming, thrust of their actions have
been heroic. GM’s determination as always, of course.
 · Success in achieving mission goals (which may be
either personal or corporate) is worth one to five
(1-5) points distributed between any skills. The
award depends on the DIFF of the success achieved.
Saving a small hamlet or single family would, all
other factors being equal, qualify for one point, while
saving an entire region would likely qualify for five.
Likewise, defeating an enemy patrol might be worth
one or two points, depending on strength.
On the other hand, blowing the bridge that denies
passage (or otherwise holding them up – think Ther-
mopylae and the 300 Spartans) to the entire enemy
army could be worth five points.
· Unusual Success in using skills or equipment in
unexpected (and entertaining!) ways to achieve the
mission’s goals can be worth one to three (1-3)
points distributed between any skills.
This is a surprising the hell out of the GM award.
USING AND ABUSING EXPERIENCE I
In more than thirty years of designing and playing
Role Playing Games, I have found that one of the key
problems for any game system can be the way it
handles of experience.
If you normally run one-shot adventures, it is not
normally a problem. Likewise, if your campaigns
tend to last no longer than a year or so, systems
generally work fine.
That doesn’t mean that there aren’t problems –
merely that they don’t raise their ugly head(s) until
you have a long running campaign world.
When you do, you rapidly find that the characters
that your players started out with all too rapidly
become ... Unbelievable.
They accrue (depending on the system) far more
ability/characteristic and skill increases than anyone
could be reasonably expected to achieve (or actually
has achieved) in several lifetimes.
158
Players often end up doing things that you, as GM,
despite all your careful planning, find so off the wall
that you never even considered them.
When they manage this successfully, reward them!
SPENDING EXPERIENCE
There are two ways that Experience may be spent in
the D10 system – to permanently increase skills or as
a temporary boost to any game roll in the form of Luck.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
The general rule for experience is that it costs twenty
(20) experience points to –
· increase Skill by one (1) level unless the new level
would exceed the Governing Attribute, in which
case the cost is doubled to 40 Experience Points.
· gain a new Skill at level two (2).
EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES
It is not normally possible to increase a character’s
Ability score – however, if the GM does allow it, it costs
[10 + (10 x New Ability level)] skill points.
That is, a character with CUN/4 wants to increase it to
CUN/5 – this would cost [10 + (10 x 5)] = 60 Skill Points.
Characters who have the Changed or Mutable Quirks are
the only characters who should ever be considered for
such an increase in Road to Armageddon.
THE LIMITS OF EXPERIENCE (OPTION)
One major problem with role playing games is that skill
advancement has become far too fast and easy.
Characters advance far quicker than anything normal
mortals could achieve in comparable amount of time.
This inevitably results in games that have to become
ridiculously high powered – to levels that are quite
simply fantastic simply to retain some challenge
Some games have had to create “epic” levels to do this –
but they aren’t the only ones with the problem.
In the D10 system, this is partly negated by the (likely)
heavy usage of experiential luck which, I believe, more
accurately represents real life. YMMV.
REALISTIC CHARACTER GROWTH
It is still possible characters will advance too quickly. It
is highly recommended advancement be limited by one
or more of the following mechanics –
Limit improvement to (DED) Levels of non-physical and
(HLT) Levels of physical skills per game year.
It is harder to increase one’s academic skills vs primarily
physical ones, so possibly reduce non-physical skills
advancement to (Deduction - 1) a year.
Characters are required to confirm any Level Up by
rolling (Desired Skill Level) or greater on 1D+2. Failure
means half the EPs are lost, and no increase.
Yes, this limits the maximum level to Level/8, though,
modifiers can increase this for practical purposes.
Characters are absolutely limited to a maximum Skill
Level equal to their underlying Ability Level.
If you have Ability/4, then you cannot advance beyond
Level/4 in a skill governed by that ability.
The EP cost of increasing a Skill Level beyond the
relevant Ability Rating is doubled to forty (40) points per
level for each additional level beyond.
This is common during an an extended campaign – and
can be safely ignored if you run linked adventures not
intended to last beyond a few months.
If none of the above “problems” seem problematic to
you, then feel free to completely ignore these suggestions
– you’ve paid the money, you get to make the choice!
L UCK
Luck does not govern any skills. Instead, you spend
Luck points in order to increase the success chances of
any Task (see Task Resolution) or to decrease Damage
(see Combat) from combat or other effects.
There are two different sources of Luck – the Ability,
rolled in character creation, and experience points.
Experience spent as Luck represents minor variations in
causality and is should be widely used during the game.
Ability Luck represents major changes in causality –
requiring expenditure of Luck Ability points!
EXPERIENCE AS LUCK
Characters may expend experience to buy additional
dice for Task Checks, buy off damage, gain a free
action or to modify the attack value of some weapons.
Each point of Luck purchases –
· +1D added to any roll before the check is made.
Note: some Quirks and Techniques count each
purchased die as +2D for a Task check.
· +1 DIFF to any attack roll directed at them or the
vehicle or structure that they occupy.
This may prevent an attack from hitting – sometimes
better than reducing damage done, eg if you’re inside
g
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USING AND ABUSING EXPERIENCE II
One popular game system has had to “solve” this
problem by creating “Epic” levels for characters who
s
can handily defeat demigods (maybe even gods)
without raising t a sweat. y
This is barely believable in a fantasy campaign – in
anything else, it is simply ... silly.
s
In real life there is a “topping out” effect – each t
measurable increment of improvement becomes
harder and harder (and takes more and more time) to
achieve – but few games manage to handle this
e
effectively.
m
This is one reason why the D10 system uses
Experience as Luck – beyond a certain point it is
simply more sensible to take experience and use it to
directly fuel die rolls rather than convert it to extra
level of skill or ability.
It is also one of the reasons why the “Limits of
Experience” optional rule has been provided.
Use it or not at your choice
a vehicle about to be totalled and you want to save
your precious hide!
· Reduce Damage, if spent immediately on the
damage being inflicted (see pg. # 128).
· One extra “free” action during their turn.
· Changes the damage rating of a standard damage
weapon to armour piercing damage for one attack.
Allows standard weapons to do full rated damage to
structural armour (but not vs Heavy Armour).
· Reduces the PEN(etration) Value of Armour Pierc-
ing or HEAT rounds by 1d x 5% of the base value.
Most modern AP and HEAT rounds can penetrate all
except the front hull armour of modern tanks at any 159
reasonable range – so this option allows the crew
(any/all) to increase their chance of surviving that
 surprise first shot – but they’ll soon run out of LCK
in an extended engagement unless they use cover and
overwatch just like modern tankers do.
EXPENDING EXPERIENCE AS LUCK
The amount of experience a character may expend on
a single die roll is determined by their Luck ability.
· A character may expend a number of experience
points up to their (Current Luck Ability x 2) over a
whole Combat Phase
A character with Current Luck/3 could spend up to
six (6) extra dice over their Combat Phase. If they can
perform only three (3) Actions, then those dice would
have to be split any way desired amongst those three
(and if they were all spent on the first Action, bad
luck if they’re needed later in the turn!)
· Any experience expended as Luck must come from
a skill which has the same governing attribute as the
skill it is used to modify.
If you want to increase hit chances with Firearms
(Handgun) while in combat situation, it is governed
by Health, so you can’t use experience from Science
(Physics), governed by Deduction.
Alternatively: Allow it to come from any Skill, but
charge two experience points per actual Luck Dice if
taken that way.
So, using Science (Physics) experience for a combat
application would cost 2 experience for 1 die of luck.
Note: for the limits to the amount of experience that
can be expended per Combat Turn, base it on the
number of dice if using this alternate rule, rather
than the number of experience points.
USING LUCK ABILITY
Characters may expend Luck Ability (Permanent Luck)
points to change causality in major ways, and this will
allow them to do one of the following –
160
· Lazarus (1): A character may negate completely
any combat or damage effects that would result in
their death.
They remain down and unconscious until combat is
over – everyone is sure they are dead – but are found
to be merely Disabled (as per the Wound). This may
also be used by a vehicle crew to seem to KO the
vehicle, while leaving it merely with a serious Break-
down (which may be repaired under the normal rules).
· Beans ‘n Bullets (1): A character finds more of the
vital resource (ammo, medicines, food ... whatever)
they thought they’d run out of – half of what they
had originally.
What counts as “originally” is up to the GM – mostly
it will be what the character had at the beginning of
the encounter during which they call on the ability.
If the encounter has been an extended one, the GM
may choose to take the amount available from a more
realistic point during the event (remembering that
spending Luck like this is a major commitment and
should get a commensurate reward).
If used again in the same situation (e.g. a few turns
later/same battle), they get half of what they got the
first time ... and so on. This isn’t a magic cornucopia!
· Golden BB (1): The weapon that a character is
using temporarily disables any one item (vehicle,
weapon ... whatever) being used by the enemy for a
variable time in a way that requires some risk by
the crew to fix.
This applies even if the weapon could not normally
do damage to the item.
Roll 1D, and add to LCK – the result is the number
of turns that the item will remain out of action.
The damage is not permanent. Somehow the weapon
has managed to jam or otherwise disable some key
system you would think could not be affected.
Depending on the weapon and circumstances, this
may have other effects decided by the GM.
For example, jamming your spear into the running
gear of a tracked vehicle might, barely conceivably,
jam the track ... but the spear would be destroyed.
· It Was Just A Flesh Wound, Honest! (2): A char-
acter may negate damage effects that would result
in their death.
They remain down and unconscious until combat is
over (possibly longer – perhaps until someone of their
party examines the “body” – everyone is sure they’re
are dead) and are found with a mere Flesh Wound.
 It may be used by a vehicle crew to seem to KO the
vehicle, while leaving it merely with a minor Break-
down (which may be repaired under the normal rules).
· Duh! Oh! (2): A character may “discover” that the
one vital item of equipment they don’t have with
them was actually packed with their gear (by
mistake, or they forgot).
This is limited to items that the character owns, but
didn’t bring with them (or, for military missions, items
that they could have been issued with, but didn’t
specifically ask for).
It should be an item that could fit, un-noticed (based
on the GM’s determination), into their backpack or
the cargo bay of their vehicle.
The GM has the final disposition as to whether what
they want is possible (remembering, always, that this
is a major commitment of the character’s resources).
· Murphy’s Law (2): The weapon a character is
using disables any one item (vehicle, weapon ...
whatever) used by the enemy.
Even if the weapon couldn’t normally damage it. The
effect lasts until combat ends or until fixed.
It’s out of action, not necessarily damaged. Perhaps
repairable – in time. Maybe it can be repaired on the
spot, but the repairs will involve exposure to enemy
fire. Or it may be that the repairs cannot be made
unless the item is removed from combat. GM’s choice!
All sounds pretty good, eh? Well, there is a downside –
the more you spend, the more you give the GM to use
against you! See NPCs and Luck, below.
NPCS AND LUCK
Non-Player characters mostly don’t get any Luck (see
the Non-Player Characters section), except …
When PCs expend any Luck Ability, then the GM takes
an equal amount of Luck. This is done on a 1:1 basis,
for each point of Ability Luck spent.
NPCS AND LUCK USE
What can NPC’s use Luck for? The same things as are
mentioned in Luck Ability, above.
However, since they generally don’t get experiential
Luck, a GM may (at their option) convert Ability Luck
to experience Luck at the rate of 10 experience point
equivalents per point converted and these may be used
by any of his NPCs (until expended or until the end of
the scenario, whichever comes first).
If you’re are in a big enough hole to need to use this,
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USING LUCK ABILITY
The possibilities described in this section are very
powerful – and are meant to be. After all, the player
s
is making what amounts to a long(ish) term reduction
to a key Ability.
y
You may decide, however, that this lends too much of
a cinematic feel to the game – and there is some
s
justification in feeling this way.
t
However, trust me when I say that realism in role
playing games is over-rated. At best, RPGs merely
attempt to seem real in areas players don’t have
e
much emotional involvement – how far you can
throw a grenade, how good a Researcher you are ...
m
they can live with bad odds, and bad die rolls here.
When it comes to the survival of their favourite
character? Then its different. Most RPGs either
overestimate the survivability of human bodies
against damage or underestimate the effects of even
small arms fire on their survival ... mostly both.
The d10 System tries to be not too obviously un-
realistic, and backs this up with Luck Ability as a
desperation last resort.
you’re presenting the GM with a monkey wrench for
later use against you.
Of course, avoiding death may well be worth it!
REGAINING LUCK ABILITY
Luck Ability (Permanent Luck) is regained at GM’s
discretion, granted any time for good role playing,
achieving goals, or positive reinforcement for selfless acts.
Note: Some Techniques modify the way in which Luck
may be used and/or regained, refer to the Character
Creation chapter for details).
Such awards may replenish a character’s Luck Ability,
but may not increase it beyond their starting level.
There are also other ways of getting it back to normal. 161
· A character can replenish one (1) point of Luck
 Ability by expending twenty (20) experience points
minus Current Luck Ability (20 - Current Luck).
This experience may come from any combination of
skills. Yes, it is easier to regain Luck if you’re lucky.
A FINAL NOTE
Experience based Luck and Permanent (Ability) Luck
is there to be used. It should not be hoarded – and GMs
should encourage players to use it by making it plain
that not using it will have serious consequences.

The more you’ve spent, the more costly to regain.
There has to be a down side to its wide utility that will
make characters very careful in making decisions as
to whether they need to use it or not.
Players who behave the way they usually do in Role
Playing Games in RtA and who don’t use that Luck –
well, they will die.
Don’t hesitate to let them die.

· A character can increase initial Luck Ability above
start level by spending twenty (20) experience and
rolling greater than (Current Luck + 1) on 1D.
The experience points are lost if the roll fails. Such a
roll is very risky the higher your Luck is. Which won’t
stop some players – especially if they rolled a low
initial Luck. It may even be worth it.
That’s the reason for the suggestions about Troupe
Play – if (when) the inevitable happens, the player can
simply pick up where they left off with another mem-
ber of the Troupe … who should be brought in at
approximately the same overall skill and experience
level as the deceased character was.

The maximum possible Luck is Luck/9 – requiring a

roll of ten (10) exactly on 1D. Risky. Like I said.

INCREASING LUCK ABILITY

It is not normally possible to increase a Character’s
Starting LCK – certainly not by any of the mechanistic
means described above.

Increases are entirely in the gift of the GM, and should

be exceedingly rare – they should represent the ach-
ievement of some major personal goal by a Character
or their participation in a major mission or series of
missions that successfully alter the outcome or flow of
the campaign.

Gaining +1 to initial LCK would be astonishing –

gaining +2 would be the result of something earth
shatteringly significant. Gaining +3 is unheard of.

162
i
n
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e
x

163
 INDEX
–D–
–A–
Deduction Ability 29
A Final Note 52 Deduction Based Skills 70
Abilities – Character Creation 28 Deduction Based Techniques 79
Abilities & Focuses 30 Disadvantageous Quirks 43
Abstract Nature of the Rules 138 Diseases 144
Actions 106 Distance & Travel 101
Actions & The Action Pool 102
Action Pool 102 –E–
Actions & Time 101
Advantageous Quirks 32 Electric Shock 145
Ambush and Surprise 105 Equipment Damage 146
Aptitude Ability 29 Exposure 146
Aptitude Based Skills 69 Experience and Luck 157
Aptitude Based Techniques 76 Experience as Luck 159
Are Skills always Necessary? 98 Experience (Gaining) 157
Armour 139 Experience (Spending) 158
Asphyxiation 139
Athletics 140
Attack Types 110 –F–

–B– Failure (and Success) 95

Falls 148
Backgrounds 26 Focuses (& Abilities) 30
Basic Combat Example 125
Burns 141 –G–

–C– Gaining Experience 157

Game System 91
Campaigns 6 GM Created Skills 72
Careers 54 GM Created Techniques 82
Careers as Skills 54 Ground Scale (and Time) 121, 127
Careers – Character Creation 54
Character Creation 23 –H–
Character Creation – Abilities 28
Character Creation – Careers 54 Health 148
Character Creation – Quirks 32 Health Ability 28
Character Creation – Skills 66 Health Based Skills 66
Character Creation Examples 87 Health Based Techniques 73
Characters 24 Hit Location 129
Chases 134
Collisions 142 –I–
Combat Damage 143
Combat Modifiers & Range Table 124 Index 162
Combat Resolution 101
Combat/Crisis Modifiers 119 –L–
Command Ability 29
Command Based Skills 72 Luck 159
Command Based Techniques 80 Luck Ability 30
Cunning Ability 29 Luck Ability (Regaining) 161
Cunning Based Skills 68 Luck (and Experience) 157
Cunning Based Techniques 75 Luck (and NPCs) 161
164 Luck (as Experience) 159
–M– Travel 101

Military Units/Troupes 83
Troupe Play
Troupes (Military Units)
83
83
i
Movement (Strategic) 150
Multinational Ranks 85 –U– n
–N– Using & Abusing Experience I
Using & Abusing Experience II
158
159
d
NPCs and Luck 161 Using Luck Ability 160

–O– –V–
e
Operational Data 134 Vehicular Combat 127
x
Other Skills 72 Vehicular Rules 127

–W–
–P –
What Critical Failure Represents 96
Passage of Time, The 101 What Failure Represents 94
Physical World, The 139
Poisons 151
Purchase Costs & Basic Rules 32

–Q–

Quirks acquired during Careers 54

Quirks – Character Creation 32

–R–

Ranks (Multinational) 85
Reaction Roll/Actions 127
Regaining Luck Ability 161
Road to Armageddon, The 9

–S–

Sensory World, The 155

Skills and Specialisations 66
Skills – Character Creation 66
Skills (GM created) 72
Specialisations (and Skills) 66
Spending Experience 158
Spotting 155
Success & Failure 95

–T–

Task Resolution 93
Task Types 97
Tasks & Task Checks 92
Techniques 72
The Passage of Time 101
The Physical World 139
The Road to Armageddon 9
The Sensory World 155
The Three Way War 1
Three Way Warm The 1 165
Time 101, 127
Techniques (GM Created) 82
 FARM, FORGE AND STEAM
Farm, Forge and Steam is a campaign design aid for GMs who want a realistic and
logical background. It provides information and guidelines for key areas of campaign
design including -

· Population distribution and growth

· Diseases and Demographics
· Food sources, productivity and supply
· Transport effects
· Technology effects
· Magic effects
· Common design faults and mistaken assumptions.

If you are designing a new campaign world, or overhauling an existing one (whether commercially published or
home brew), then you can't go far wrong by using FFnS to ensure that the whole creation hangs together.

Farm, Forge and Steam is usable with any game system, as it is a meta product ... it provides the underpinnings
for the campaign without affecting the actual game system.

The “rules” that are detailed in Farm, Forge and Steam are general ones, not universal mathematical formulae
(though some of them come with mathematically applicable data), and enable you to provide broad and
medium level application for your campaign.

Farm, Forge and Steam is available as an eBook download from RPGNow.com at www.rpgnow.com and is
currently an Electrum Pick for popularity.

RRP: eBook, US$9.99.

DISPLACED
What would you do if you found yourself suddenly – and permanently – cut off from
everyone and everything you ever knew? Thrust into an alien society lacking the
accoutrements of the modern world? Where you are faced with a potentially deadly
struggle to merely survive?

One of the more popular tropes of modern day Science Fiction deals with that very
question – moderns being displaced in time and, sometimes, in space (or dimension) as
well ... where they find that they are faced with the awful (and aweful) reality of the past
or, equally, an alternate dimension where history and technology has not progressed the
same way as it has in our version of reality.

Typically the displaced will find themselves faced with a need to change things – perhaps for their own comfort,
perhaps from a sense of altruism (or, more than likely, from a desire to become wealthy and powerful beyond
any dreams of avarice), or, most likely, because they find themselves faced with a threat to their very survival.

Displaced (Book #1: Lost in Time and Space and Book #2: Survival and Rebirth) is intended to provide a solid
structure for a GM and players to build their own campaign world on.

Using the tools and information provided herein you will be able to structure a realistic background in which
they can stage their adventures and get their chance to fight the good fight against tremendous odds ... and, of
course, also get a chance to become wealthy, respected, and powerful.

Road to Armageddon is available as an eBook download from RPGNow.com at www.rpgnow.com.

RRP: eBook, US$11.99

 ORBIS MUNDI: AN ANNOTATED GUIDE TO ASPECTS OF THE MEDIEVAL WORLD
Most fantasy role playing games use elements of the middle ages in their background ...
but provide little or nothing in the way of real background ... and what they do provide
is generally anachronistic or wrong. Orbis Mundi is intended to bridge that gap.

The first chapter, Hard Times, covers Medieval and Feudal Government, Law and
Justice. The second chapter, Hard Money, deals with Money, Coinage, Prices,
Economics and Guilds. The third chapter, Hard Knocks, provides information on
Medieval Life, Serfdom, Living Conditions, and Legal Status and Rights (including
Women's rights).

The last chapter, The Market, is an extensive annotated Price List for goods likely to be
available during the later middle ages, specifically the 14th and 15th centuries. From Alchemetical Supplies to
Missile Weapons, from Armour to Libraries ... and much, much, more.

If you think your favourite FRPG has a background that is the most accurate representation of the middle ages
since the Middle Ages, then Orbis Mundi is not for you. If you don’t care about historical accuracy in even the
slightest respect, then Orbis Mundi is not for you.

If you do care about historical accuracy, and historically accurate prices and, for example, wish to understand
why Longbows do not cost more than Longswords and much more, then Orbis Mundi is for you.

Orbis Mundi is available as an eBook download from RPGNow.com at www.rpgnow.com.

RRP: eBook, US$9.99.

AUDACE AD GLORIAM
Audace ad Gloriam – Boldly to Glory – is the sentiment expressed in the motto of the
Terran Federation’s Interstellar Scout & Survey Service, and is the premise for this
supplement.

Detailed in this book are a wide variety of items that may be of use to Explorers and to
anyone who finds themselves in a survival situation – which includes everything from
power sources through von Neumann Machines, from Clothing to Optics, from
Firefighting to Vacuum sealing equipment, from Tools to Weapons – Survival to Utility
Vehicles , and even transportable Bases.

All of the equipment is described in terms that makes its main uses obvious, and, where
necessary, basic rules keyed to the popular 2d6 based resolution system are provided ...

... Are YOU prepared to go Boldly to Glory?.

Audace ad Gloriam is available as an eBook download from RPGNow.com at www.rpgnow.com.

RRP: eBook, US$9.99

T he dogs of war have been loosed – the world is facing down nuclear and biological
Armageddon between the West and two ruthless power blocs aiming at nothing less
than total victory and the complete emasculation and/or destruction of anyone who
opposes their cultural dominance.

The struggle between these blocs has been going on for years, but has only recently become
a hot war ... normally called the Three Way War in the west, the Anti-Imperialist War in the
Russo-Japanese alliance and the New Jihad in the Islamic states ... and a nasty one.

Rationing is commonplace, consumer goods in short supply or, in some cases, completely
unavailable ... even the militaries of the nations involved have begun to suffer from the
inability of their damaged national economies to build the needed equipment for their
expanding war efforts (or, indeed, even to repair or replace damaged equipment).

I t is against this background that your campaign will be set, and in which your players
will be running the characters that they create using this rule booklet. They will have
the opportunity to defend their nation and its allies and to oppose the fanatical plans
of the opposition ...

Can they do enough to make a difference?

T his book covers the Core Rules – for Character creation, combat, and for almost all
the actions that Characters are likely (and unlikely) to be faced with during the
course of a game.

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