Savage Asmythe

Savage Worlds is a framework system from Pinnacle Entertainment. It is ideal for a lore heavy, narrative friendly world like Asmythe.

Any references to page numbers refer to the Savage Worlds Adventure Edition core book.

Characters

Savage Worlds character creation is designed to support archetypes, which are idealized character styles popularized by books, movies, and other kinds of fiction. For example, an elven druid with animal companions, a human paladin fighting for great good, a dwarven smith, a book and staff wizard, a tough barbarian, and many many more.

Consider what kind of character you want to play and the information below should help you create that character. At the bottom of this page is a list of sample archetypes and character builds.

Races

Humans Humans are the most common player race and form the baseline for used for other races. They are more sociable and adaptable than other races.

• Adaptable: Begin with a free novice edge of your choice.

Elves Elves are about half as tall as humans and spend most of their lives in natural surroundings. They are nomadic, stealthy, and fierce. Elves have a natural tendency toward dragon magic.

• Attribute Increase: Agility begins at d6
• Small (Size -1): Elves are child-sized by human standards.

Dwarves Dwarves are short and stout and spend most of their lives in large mountain strongholds. They have access to alchemy magic.

• Attribute Increase: Vigor begins at d6
• Reduced Pace: Due to short and stout stature Pace is -1 and running is reduced by one die type.

Other Humans, elves, and dwarves are the civilized races. All other races have, at most, a +0 total for racial abilities as described on page 18.

• Saurians (lizardfolk)
• Felinians (catfolk)
• Aquarian (seafolk)
• Avian (birdfolk)
• etc.

Traits

Traits are rated on the dice scale: 0, d4, d6, d8, d10, d12

Attributes

All begin at d4 and new characters have 5 points to raise attributes, one die type per point with a maximum of d12.

• Agility - Dexterity, coordination, reflexes
• Smarts - Intellect, perception, logic
• Spirit - Willpower, mental fortitude, charisma
• Strength - Physical fitness, muscle strength
• Vigor - Endurance, health, constitution

Skills

Every character begins with the four common skills and one knowledge skill at a base value of d4. All other skills begin at 0 and new characters have 12 points to gain and improve skills; 1 point will improve a skill one die up to the linked attribute. Untrained skill tests, skill level 0, are made at d4-2.

Common Skills

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• Athletics (strength) - Gross motor skills and skills based on physical strength: Climb, Swim, Run, Jump.
• Common Knowledge (smarts) - Local knowledge, local history, local geography, local politics, etc. Anything a typical resident could know.
• Notice (smarts) - The ability to perceive something out of place, somebody sneaking, or otherwise unexpected. Also use this skill to recognize that something not-obvious and non-hidden is significant.
• Profession (smarts) - Select a professional skill such as cooking, sailing, driving, mercantile, blacksmithing, coopering, cobbling, busking, cartwright, etc. Each professional skill represents the collection of knowledge and activities used to practice that profession.

General Skills

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• Adventuring (smarts) - The accumulated experience of adventuring in strange and dark places. This skill can be used to gauge how dangerous an unknown situation is and provide intuition about the unexplained.
• Animals (spirit) - Dealing with tame and wild animals. Training them, riding them, sensing their needs or intentions, etc.
• Battle (smarts) - Tactical and strategic planning for ambushes, large battles, siege warfare, etc.
• Coordination (agility) - Balance and fine motor skills: walking a tight-rope, juggling, legerdemain.
• Deduction (smarts) - Investigation and logical thinking, used to follow a trail of clues or solve puzzles. Use this skill any time the book references "Research".
• Engineering (smarts) - Knowledge of basic mechanical systems including construction and basic mechanisms. Use this to build or repair bridges, tunnels, siege engines, mechanical traps, etc. This is not modern engineering, is is classical medieval engineering.
• Healing (smarts) - Identify ailments, craft and apply healing ointments, set splints, cure poison, etc. Use this skill to deal with any non-magical physical damage or affliction.
• Intimidation (spirit) - Using insults, taunts, threats, and aggressive language to coerce another person to do or say something they don't want to do.
• Occult (smarts) - Knowledge of the cosmology, elder dragons, the ilthura, elementals, etc. Use this skill to decipher runes, recognize magical effects, and identify curses.
• Performance (spirit) - Performing for an audience: acting, singing, dancing, playing an instrument, etc.
• Persuasion (spirit) - The ability to convince others to agree to do or say something willingly through negotiation, politics, or deception.
• Philosophy (smarts) - Knowledge of other cultures, history, language, etc. Use this skill to translate mundane languages, understand foreign traditions, etc. This is most useful for humans who expect to encounter dwarves or elves or their culture.
• Stealth (agility) - Move silently, hide, camouflage, and other sneaking stealthy things.
• Survival (smarts) - The knowledge and practice of wilderness survival: navigation, hunting and gathering, build camps and shelters, predicting weather, etc.
• Thievery (agility) - Dishonest work: pickpocketing, lockpicking, etc.

Combat Skills

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• Archery (agility) - Ranged weapons such as bows, crossbows, and bolos. Use this whenever the book references "Shooting".
• Melee (agility) - Attack and defense in close quarters using any kind of weapon or improvised weapon. This includes punching, boxing, wrestling, and martial-arts.

Magic Skills

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Requires the appropriate Supernatural Background.

• Alchemy (smarts) - Dwarven arcane magic is the skill of creating magical devices and imbuing elemental energy into inanimate objects.
• Diva (spirit) - Human dragon magic affects thoughts and emotions and, to a lesser extend, living humans.
• Druid (spirit) - Elven dragon magic is the skill of creating potions and salves and changing the shape of nature.
• Sorcery (smarts/spirit) - Sorcery is untamed magic and can be almost any single kind of arcane or dragon magic. This skill is the ability to use a specific sorcery power. Use smarts as the linked attribute if the power is arcane and spirit if it is dragon magic.
• Wizardry (smarts) - Human arcane magic directly manipulates elemental energy. It can also summon and bind elementals.

Hindrances

You may and should take up to 4 points in hinderances. Roleplaying hinderances is a powerful way to get extra bennies; you should have one hinderance that directly affects traits and the remaining points in personality and role-playing hinderances.

• 2 points can raise an attribute one die or choose an edge.
• 1 point can improve a skill one die or gain additional starting equipment.

These hinderances are not available in this setting:

• All Thumbs

Edges

Characters get edges from Hinderance points or from advances, aka "leveling up".

Wealth

Asmythe uses an abstract wealth system, removing the need to count coins and inventory your inventory. This system assumes that characters have easy access to their wealth or are able to issue IOUs that will be honored by the Tridale Trade Company or local oligarch.

We also don't keep track of expendable items such as arrows, bolts, torches, rations, etc. But a critical failure or dramatic conditions could indicate that supplies have run out.

Wealth is a trait that ranges from 0 to d12, just like other traits. Most characters start with basic adventuring gear and d6 wealth, which is enough to have residence at a local inn or a room in a shared residence. Wealth tests use the wild die just like any other trait test.

Each level of wealth has two values, pocket and limit, that determine what purchases can be made. Any purchases less than pocket value can be made without a wealth check; the cost is too small to note. Any purchase above the limit is too expensive, the character can't afford this purchase without selling some property. A purchase that is more than pocket and less than limit, requires a wealth test. Sum all purchases in a short amount of time, usually a day or two, to find the total value of the shopping trip and use this value to determine if a wealth test is necessary.

Wealth tests are modified by the quality and rarity of the purchase and the prosperity of the local economy. These modifiers stack.

• A success means the purchase can be made, but it reduces the wealth trait one level. If wealth would be reduced below 0 then the purchase can't be made.
• A raise means the purchase can be made without reducing wealth.
• A failure means the purchase isn't possible. The item can't be found or you can't afford it at the offered price.

Wealth	Description	Pocket Value	Purchase Limit
0	Beggar	$0	$10
d4	Peasant	$10	$100
d6	Commoner	$50	$500
d8	Freeman	$150	$2000
d10	Lord	$450	$5000
d12	Noble	$1000	$10,000

Purchasing Modifiers

Economy	Quality	Rarity	Modifier
City	Low	Very Common	+1
Town	Standard	Common	+0
Village	High	Rare	-1

Whenever you gain a financial reward, such as from an adventure or bounty, you may either spend it on a shopping spree or increase your wealth, but not both.

• Shopping spree: Spend some or all of the reward on purchases. Any remaining after the shopping spree becomes part of your wealth without affecting the trait.
• Increase Wealth: If the amount of the reward is greater than the limit of the next higher wealth level then wealth increases. Wealth becomes the highest level that has a limit less than the reward. Increasing wealth does not confer any property or holdings, as you would get from Edges.

For example, after defeating Bullnose Bill and his band of ruffians the pair of adventurers each receive a reward worth $1000. Tom recently purchased a new set of armor and his current wealth is a d4; he chooses to use all of his reward to increase his wealth level back up to d6 ($1000 > $500). Jerry already has d6 wealth and goes on a shopping spree, she spends $750 and the remaining $250 becomes part of her existing d6 wealth.

Edges and Hinderances

• Poverty - wealth is d4 and the character lives day-to-day. They often sleep in the gutter, stables, or at a boarding house.
• Rich - increase wealth to d8 and the character has a house, a small farm, a small shop, or similar.
• Filthy Rich - increase wealth to d10 and the character has a small estate, trading house, noble title, or similar.

Equipment

Characters begin with basic adventure gear, basic equipment, and d6 wealth.

Basic Adventure Gear

• Backpack
• Bedroll: wool blanket wrapped in a waxed canvas tarp
• Casual clothes
• Mess kit: cup, cutlery, field knife
• Tinderbox
• Torches
• Travel boots and cloak
• Travel rations
• Twine
• Water canteen
• One weapon (sword, staff, axe, mace, bow, etc.)
• A light leather coat (armor +1).
• Appropriate professional gear such as a spell book, holy symbol, lockpicks, etc. (GM approval)

Supernatural Powers

Supernatural traits can be either arcane or dragon. The page on Magic describes each in great detail. Characters never have more than one supernatural background. Throughout this section powers are referred to as "spells".

Backgrounds

Alchemy This is an Arcane Supernatural Background common to dwarves. Dwarven alchemy is the ability to create magical devices by making pacts with elementals. These devices only work for the dwarf who created them.

• Starting Spells: 2
• Starting Spell Points: 10

Alchemy spellcasting works like Weird Science on page 148.

Diva This is a Dragon Supernatural Background common to humans. Divas use music and song to shape the dreams of the Elder Dragons and affect thoughts and emotions in a living creature. Diva magic can also create minor effects in the physical body, such as healing and boosting attributes, but not transformations.

• Starting Spells: 4
• Starting Spell Points: 15
• Slow casting: Diva spells require at least a full minute to cast and duration is 10x longer than listed in the spell description.

Druid This is a Dragon Supernatural Background common to elves. Druid use their knowledge of the natural world to brew potions and perform rituals, they are not skilled at fast and dramatic magic.

• Starting Spells: 3
• Starting Spell Points: 15
• Imbuing: Druids always have the imbuing edge.
• Ceremonies Only: Druids can not cast spells but can perform ritual ceremonies that amplify spell effects (Tomes and Prayers pg32).

Sorcery This Supernatural Background is most common to hobgoblins but may exist in any race. Sorcery is the untrained and undisciplined use of magic. Most sorcerers don't have the skill or knowledge to create more than a single magical effect. Spells have the same restrictions that any other spell of the same type has: arcane spells manipulate elemental energy and dragon magic affects living things.

• Starting Spells: 1
• Starting Spell Points: 15
• Sorcerers may not create arcane devices or have the Artificer edge.

Sorcery works like the Gifted arcane background on page 148.

Wizardry This is an Arcane Supernatural Background common to humans. Wizardry is the ability to use the Ilthura language to summon and manipulate elemental energy. Wizards must have access to their spell book to cast a spell but casting spells is a simple and silent action.

• Starting Spells: 4
• Starting Spell Points: 10
• Enabling tool: Wizards must be able to read from their spell book to cast a spell.
• All in the mind: Spells don't require gestures and may be "spoken" silently.

Spells

Spells are listed in the core book and are available to characters with the appropriate magic background, determined by effect. The Tomes and Prayers expansion is the preferred source for spells.

Additional Spells -- WIP --

• Bless (S, dragon) - [2+pp, instant] The subject gains one benny that may only be used to reroll their own rolls. If not used by the end of the scene it is lost. +1 spell point per additional target.
• Command (N, dragon) - [2pp, instant] Like Puppet, but subject can only be influenced to take one simple action. "Lay down", "Flee", "Come here", "Calm down", "Believe me", etc. Opposed by Spirit; Cone effect: +2pp

Spell Effects

In the core book these are described as "trappings". Whenever a spell is learned the effects of that spell are chosen and remain the same every time that spell is used.

Spell Modifiers

All those listed in the core book, page 152, in addition to those below. Spell modifiers, if any, are selected when a spell is cast.

• Mutate (+1) - Change the effect/trappings of the spell as it is cast.

Spell Edges

This list replaces those in the core book. Requirements are in parentheses, all require a supernatural background, obviously.

• Artificer (V, Imbuing) - Enables the wizard or diva to create permanent magical devices with a power point reserve of their own: wands, clothing, jewelry, etc.
• Advanced Artificer (L, Artificer) - Enables the wizard or diva to create permanent magical effects with an unlimited power point reserve. These major magical devices are very powerful and difficult to create.
• Channeling (S) - Recover 1 spell point if you get a raise on a spellcasting test.
• Desecrate (H) - Drain the life of all plants in a 3ft radius to recover 5 spell points. This is an action when used in combat.
• Drain Life (V) - Touch a dying creature and drain its life to recover 10 spell points. This is an action when used in combat and can not cause any wounds.
• Imbuing (S) - Enables the wizard or diva to imbue single-use items with a spell. These are potions, scrolls, magic arrows, etc.
• New Spells (N) - Learn two new spells.
• Prestige (S) - Learn a new spell which is a combination of two spells that can only be cast together as a single spell.
• Power Surge (N) - Recover 10 spell points when dealt a joker.
• Rapid Recharge (S) - Recover 10 spell points per hour.
• Signature Spell (S, d10) - Select one known spell. This arcane spell can be cast without a spell book; or dragon spell can be cast in one full round (use the aim action).
• Soul Drain (S, d10) - Recover 5 spell points and gain a level of Fatigue.
• Specialty (S, d8) - Select a specific effect/trapping; spells using that effect get +1 on all spellcasting tests.
• Spell Points (N) - Gain 5 additional spell points, increasing your maximum.
• Wanding Way (N, d8) - Your wizard has learned to inscribe the Ilthura language in the air using a wand. Any spell cast using a wand in the dominate hand gets +1 to the skill test.

Character Archetypes

Archetypes are similar to classes in other RPG systems, but instead of strictly defining character abilities they describes what characters are like. There are many more archetypes than I have listed here and players may create their own characters and backstory in whatever style they like.

Alchemist Dwarves have developed advanced metallurgy and alchemy, drawing on arcane energy to power their industry. Dwarven alchemists are able to create and use devices powered by arcane energy. Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d10, Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d6 Skills: Edges: Alchemy, Hard to Kill Hinderances: Greedy, Outsider, Stubborn, Quirk Gear: warhammer, light leather coat, basic adventure gear Example:

Barbarian The barbarian is a primitive and ferocious warrior from a land far from civilization. They are often brash and confident in their strength. They are accustomed to the wilds but lost in cities and towns. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d8, Vigor d8 Skills: Adventuring d6, Animals d4, Archery d6, Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d4, Intimidation d6, Melee d8, Notice d4, Profession: mercenary d4, Survival d6 Edges: Brawny, Berserk Hinderances: Illiterate, Outsider, Overconfident Gear: Greatsword or maul, light leather coat, basic adventure gear Example: Conan the Barbarian

Bard Bards are travelers, entertainers, and occasionally spies who use dragon magic to spread the vision of an elder dragon. They are often as comfortable in the king's hall as they are in the bustling markets. Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength d4, Vigor d4 Skills: Edges: Diva, Attractive Hinderances: Loyal, Driven (minor), Mild Mannered, Cautious Gear: Shortsword, dagger, light leather coat, basic adventure gear, lute (or other musical instrument) Example:

Crusader Crusaders are fighters driven by a purpose. They seek to change the world, making it a better place in the eyes of their elder dragon. Attributes: Agility d4, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength d6, Vigor d6 Skills: Edges: Diva, Danger Sense Hinderances: Driven (minor), Heroic, Vow (minor) Gear: Mace, light leather coat, basic adventure gear, religious trappings Example:

Druid Elven druids follow the old ways of nature and spirit. They are part of the wild lands, friend to plant and beast. They know which plants to use for potion and poison and often have animal companions. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d8, Spirit d8, Strength d4, Vigor d4 Skills: Edges: Druidic, Beast Master Hinderances: Outsider, Driven (minor), Quirk (vegetarian, won't kill animals), Illiterate Gear: Staff, bow, light leather coat, basic adventure gear Example:

Knight Younger sons and daughters who have no hope of an inheritance often seek a life of adventure under the patronage of the local ruler. Knights are trained in combat and tactics in case of orc raids or invasion from nearby realms. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d8, Vigor d8 Skills: Edges: Nerves of Steel, Combat Reflexes Hinderances: Vow (defend the kingdom), Quirk, Impulsive Gear: Longsword, shield, light leather coat, basic adventure gear Example:

Monk Many of the factions of The Hand of Sol have secluded monasteries where they take in the poor, sick, and rejected and give them food shelter and meaning. Most of these monks learn only basic defense or administration, a few with the gift of dragon magic are able to become formidable fighters. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d8, Vigor d8 Skills: Edges: Martial Artist, Brawler Hinderances: Poverty, Vow (serve the Hand of Sol), Quirk, Loyal Gear: Staff, sling, basic adventure gear, religious trappings Example: Kane from Kung Fu the Legend Continues

Ranger Rangers are scouts and hunters who spend most of their time in the wilderness. Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d4, Strength d6, Vigor d6 Skills: Edges: Free Runner, Marksman Hinderances: Habit (smokeleaf), Overconfident, Quirk Gear: Hand axe, bow, light leather coat, basic adventure gear Example: Strider from Lord of the Rings

Runeblade The runeblade is a wizard trained in combat by the Eye of Horus. They don't have the focused combat training of a knight or the depth of arcane expertise of wizards but combine the two into an elite combat style. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d4, Spirit d8, Strength d8, Vigor d4 Skills: Edges: Wizardry, Trademark Weapon Hinderances: Vow (serve the Eye of Horus), Code of Honor, Quirk Gear: Longsword, light leather coat, basic adventure gear Example:

Scoundrel The Scoundrel is a thief and swindler of the city who prospers by taking what belongs to others and making in their own. Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d6 Skills: Edges: Hinderances: Gear: Short sword, two daggers, rope, light leather coat, basic adventure gear Example:

Swashbuckler Swashbucklers are smart and agile duelists. They often enjoy taking risks and experiencing adventure as it is told in the stories. Attributes: Agility d8, Smarts d4, Spirit d4, Strength d8, Vigor d6 Skills: Edges: Ambidextrous, Two-Fisted Hinderances: Gear: Two short swords, two daggers, light leather coat, rope, basic adventure gear Example: Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean

Treasure Hunter Treasure hunters search for treasure and lost artifacts among the ruins of lost civilizations. They are experts at research and puzzle solving. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d8, Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d6 Skills: Edges: Hinderances: Curious Gear: Hand axe, bow, light leather coat, basic adventure gear, rope, lantern Example: Indiana Jones

Wizard Wizards have spent long hours studying and practicing arcane arts. They are experts at cosmology and magical theory, and little else. Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d10, Spirit d6, Strength d4, Vigor d4 Skills: Edges: Hinderances: Gear: Staff, heavy robes, basic adventure gear, spell book Example: Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter