Pyramid. Dungeon Fantasy

37 Pages·2011·2.305 MB·English

by  Steve Jackson

Stock #37-2636
C
ONTENTS
COVER ART INTERIOR ART
JohnZeleznik GregHyland
FROM THE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 I T
N HIS
THE DEMOLISHER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
bySeanPunch
I
DUNGEON SAINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SSUE
byAntoniTenMonrós
THE MUSKETEER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
byMattRiggsby Youmeetanoldmanatatavern.Dispensingwithformali-
ties, he directs you to your latest gateway to adventure: this
EIDETIC MEMORY:
issue of Pyramid. This month is devoted to dungeon-delving
THE HORRIFIC DUNGEON . . . . . . . . . . 22 fun,withaspecialemphasisonGURPSDungeonFantasy.
byDavidL.Pulver Sean Punch – GURPS Line Editor and creator of the
DungeonFantasyseries–startstheissueoffwithabang...lit-
POWERING UP: IMBUEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . 24 erally!Whenyouwanttogetyourhandsdirtywiththingsthat
byW.A.Frick go boom, find The Demolisher. This feature includes GURPS
statsforthisdwarventemplateandhisexplosiveequipment.
HISTORICALLY RICH DUNGEONS. . . . . . . . 29
Insomedungeons,youmaythinkyoudon’thaveaprayer.
byJ.EdwardTremlett
Youmayberight...unlessyou’reoneoftheDungeonSaints.A
ALL CHARGED UP OVER MAGIC ITEMS. . . 33 workedexampleforintegratingGURPSPowers:DivineFavor
into a Dungeon Fantasy setting, this article includes GURPS
bySeanPunch
statsforfournewlenses,wellovertwodozennewmiracles,and
RANDOM THOUGHT TABLE: details on how to turn Divine Auras of Power (detailed in
Pyramid#3/19:ToolsofTrade–Clerics)intoprayers.
THE JOY OF HEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Those seeking to add a new heroic option might want to
byStevenMarsh,PyramidEditor
takeashotinthedark(ordaylight,or...)withTheMusketeer.
ODDS AND ENDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 WrittenbyMattRiggsby(authorofGURPSDungeonFantasy
8: Treasure Tables and GURPS Dungeon Fantasy 13:
featuringMurphy’sRules
Loadouts),thisGURPStemplateintroducesanearlymarks-
ABOUT GURPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 manplusstatsforplentyofweaponstoshootwith.
DavidL.Pulver,co-authorofGURPSBasicSet,takesyou
on a trip through The Horrific Dungeon in the latest install-
mentofEideticMemory.Inadditiontoasummaryofoneofhis
belovedcampaigns,thearticleofferstipsonmakingyourown
adventurestrulyscary.
What’sbetterthanonedungeon?Severaldungeons–righton
top of each other! Historically Rich Dungeons provides advice
applicabletoanygame,showingyouhowtogiveyouradventur-
inglocalesgreaterdepththanbysimplydiggingadeeperpit.
Article Colors SeanPunchwrapsupthefeaturesofthisissuewithadvice
onhowtogetAllChargedUpOverMagicItems.Powerupyour
Each article is color-coded to help you find your DungeonFantasygamewithanalternateuseforSpellStone
favoritesections. thatcanhaveyoucreatinglimited-useitemsinnotime.
Thisissueincludesalltheregularfeaturesthatareaswel-
PaleBlue:InThisIssue comeasanotherroundofgrogatatavern.RandomThought
Brown:InEveryIssue(letters,humor,editorial,etc.) Tableexaminessomeaspectsofwhatmakesadungeon-delving
DarkBlue:GURPSFeatures campaignunique,OddsandEndsoffersmorebitswecouldn’t
fit anywhere else, and Murphy’s Rules provides a fantasy-
Purple:SystemlessFeatures
themedchuckle.
Green:DistinguishedColumnists
With this month’s Pyramid, the time for action is now.
Thosedungeonswon’tlootthemselves!
Editor-in-Chief(cid:2)STEVEJACKSON GURPSLineEditor(cid:2)SEANPUNCH PageDesign(cid:2)PHILREEDand
ChiefOperatingOfficer(cid:2)PHILIPREED EditorialAssistant(cid:2)JASON“PK”LEVINE JUSTINDEWITT
ArtDirector(cid:2)SAMUELMITSCHKE ProductionArtist(cid:2)NIKOLAVRTIS MarketingDirector(cid:2)PAULCHAPMAN
e23Manager(cid:2)STEVENMARSH PrepressChecker(cid:2)MONICASTEPHENS DirectorofSales(cid:2)ROSSJEPSON
P M 2 O 2011
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
F
ROM THE
E
DITOR
D , P O thousandsofhoursoftestingorfocusgroupsorprecisionmar-
UNGEON ARTY OF NE
keting, but rather one person sharing his idea of fun with the
I’ve spoken a couple of times with GURPS Dungeon restoftheworld.(Heck,theDungeonFantasylineitselfstarted
Fantasy creator Sean Punch about the genesis of the line. with Sean Punch sitting at a computer and thinking, “What
(Imakeitsoundsoformal,butthediscussionprocessmakes wouldbecooltoincludehere?”)
moresenseifyourealizeittookplaceintheweehoursofcon- Inmanyways,Pyramidistheultimateextensionofthatidea.
ventions–usuallywithalcoholicbeveragesinhand.) Manyofthearticlesthatappearinourpagesaretheresultofan
I learned that, although some of the series’ genesis stems authorsharingwhat’sworkedinhiscampaign,oronegamer’s
fromtropesofclassicroleplayinggamesfromthebeginningof solution to a problem he saw, or one writer probing an unex-
thehobby,he’salsoemphaticthatthegamehasitsoriginsin ploredcornerofthegamesystem.Ifindthatdirectconnectivity
DiabloIIandNetHack. fromgamertogamertobeamazinglyenergizing,andit’salarge
Oneelementthattiestogetherbothearlyfantasyroleplaying portion of why the early years of RPG hobbies were such an
andNetHackisthe“anythinggoes”mentality(seepp.34-35); excitinggladiatorialpitofcompetingideas.
bothsourcesareknownfortheirflightsoffancy.Anotherfasci- Forthemostpart,wefansandpublishershavecalcifiedover
nating comparison is how many classic elements between the the years. In many ways, that’s good (game design is much
twoaresimplyaresultofoneperson’sideaof“Ithoughtitwould sharperandmoreconsistently“fun”thanmanyolderdesigns).
beneat.”WhydoheroesinNetHackstartwithapet?Because Other ways, it’s harder to achieve the same connectivity.
one programmer somewhere thought it would be fun, and he Hopefully, Pyramid is doing its part to bring back the crazed
codedit.Whydomagicmissilesautomaticallyhittheirtarget? ideasthatdefinedthefrontiersofgaming.Letusknowhowwe
Because one guy thought it would be more fun for the spell- did,[email protected],orviaourvirtualtown
caster.Inthisway,theseideashaveemergednotasaresultof squareatforums.sjgames.com.
Pyramid,GURPS,Warehouse23,andtheall-seeingpyramidareregisteredtrademarksofSteveJacksonGamesIncorporated.e23,DungeonFantasy,andthenamesofallproducts
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P M 3 O 2011
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
T
HE
D
EMOLISHER
S P
BY EAN UNCH
A time-honored fantasy RPG tradition is the profession [10/level],DX+1or+2[20/level],IQ+1or+2[20/level],HT
that’s reserved for members of certain races. GURPS +1to+4[10/level],HP+1to+3[2/level],AbsoluteDirection
Dungeon Fantasy hasn’t described any of these as yet. [5], Absolute Timing [2], Combat Reflexes [15], Daredevil
Instead,itcounselstheplayertoselectastandardarchetype, [15],EnhancedDefense1-3(Explosives)‡[5/level],Enhanced
skim off points for a racial template, and make choices on Dodge1[15],Fearlessness[2/level]orUnfazeable[15],Fit[5]
their character template that suit their race’s peculiarities. orVeryFit[15],Gizmos1-3[5/level],HardtoKill[2/level],
Thereareotheroptions,though. High Manual Dexterity 1-4 [5/level], High Pain Threshold
The demolisher plays on the classic RPG stereotype of [10], Rapid Healing [5], Signature Gear [Varies], improve
dwarveswhowieldadvancedtechnology.Hisprofessionisone racialLiftingSTby1-3[3/level]orPickaxePenchantby1-3
of tough, tattooed delvers who tinker with explosives. Their [5/level],improveLuck[15]toExtraordinaryLuck[30]for15
weaponry isn’t so powerful as to upset a campaign – a half- points,orraiseWealthtoWealthy[20]for10pointsorVery
competentwizardisabiggerthreattogamebalance.Butit’s Wealthy[30]for20points.
just the ticket for players who want to blow stuff up without Disadvantages: Distinctive Features (Explosives License Tat-
spellsorinplaceswheremagicdoesn’twork. too)[-1]andPyromania(15)[-2].• Another-15pointscho-
Ka-boom! sen from among Delusion (“Explosives are safe around
me!”) [-5], Hard of Hearing [-10], Impulsiveness [-10*],
MissingDigit[-2or-5],OntheEdge[-15*],Overconfidence
[-5*], Post-Combat Shakes [-5*], Wounded [-5], or worsen
All destruction, by violent Pyromaniafrom(15)[-2]to(12)[-5]for-3points,(9)[-7]
for-5points,or(6)[-10]for-8points.• Afurther-20points
revolution or however it be, is chosen from among the previous traits or Bad Temper
[-10*], Callous [-5], Compulsive Carousing [-5*], Curious
but new creation on a wider scale.
[-5*],Gluttony[-5*],Honesty[-10*],Miserliness[-10*],No
– Thomas Carlyle SenseofHumor[-10],OdiousPersonalHabits[-5to-15],
Sense of Duty (Adventuring companions) [-5], Trickster
[-15*],orworsenracialGreedfrom(12)[-15]to(9)[-22]for
-7pointsor(6)[-30]for-15points.
Primary Skills: Explosives(A)IQ+2[8]-14;ForcedEntry(E)
DEMOLISHER DX+2 [2]-15†; and Throwing (A) DX+2 [8]-15. • Two of
Crossbow,Guns(Boomstick),orLiquidProjector(Burner),
250points all (E) DX+2 [4]-15; or Thrown Weapon (Axe/Mace)
You’reoneofaselectfewdwarves–andonlydwarvesmay (E) DX+3 [4]-16†. • One of these three 12-point melee
bedemolishers!–trainedtoworkwithshattersand(p.5).You skillspackages:
knowhowtouseitformining,settingtraps,andevenlaunch-
1. Axe/Mace (A) DX+2 [4]-15†, Shield (E) DX+2 [4]-15, and
ingprojectiles.Thisisariskyprofession,butwhatdwarffears
Two-HandedAxe/Mace(A)DX+1[4]-15†.
beingtorninhalfbyablastwhenheknowsthesecretofcrack-
2.Axe/Mace(A)DX+3[8]-16†andShield(E)DX+2[4]-15.
ingopenveinsofgoldandblowingorcsintoitty-bittypieces?
3.Two-HandedAxe/Mace(A)DX+4[12]-17†.
(Truthbetold,mostdo,butthedrivetocrackopenrocksand
orcsisstrong.)Watchoutfordragonsandfireballs,though... SecondarySkills:Armoury(MissileWeapons)(A)IQ+1[4]-13;
Prospecting (A) IQ+1 [2]-13†; and Traps (A) IQ+1 [4]-13.
Attributes:ST13[30];DX13[60];IQ12[40];HT13†[20].
• Four of Brawling or Fast-Draw (Arrow or Bomb), both
SecondaryCharacteristics:Damage1d/2d-1;BL45lbs.†;HP
(E)DX+1[2]-14;StealthorWrestling,both(A)DX[2]-13;
13[0];Will12[0];Per12[0];FP16†[0];BasicSpeed6.00
ArchitectureorLockpicking,both(A)IQ[2]-12;Lifting(A)
[-10];BasicMove5†[0].
HT [2]-13; Intimidation (A) Will [2]-12; Scrounging (E)
Advantages:Dwarf(TheNextLevel,p.6)[20];Luck[15];Shtick
Per+1 [2]-13; 2 points to raise one of these skills, Forced
(Canstrikeaflameanywhere)[1];andWealth(Comfortable)
Entry,orProspectingbyalevel;or2pointsforanotherpri-
[10].• Afurther40pointschosenfromamongST+1to+4
maryranged-combatskillatonelevellower.
P M 4 O 2011
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
Shattersand
Shattersand is essentially gunpowder. Specifically, it is dungeon)canattemptanExplosivesrollat-4torecoverit.
serpentine: low-tech (TL3), low-powered (REF 0.3) black Anyfailuremeansit’strulylost.
powder. In Dungeon Fantasy, it’s available only to those If shattersand parked in the open is exposed to fire –
withtheDwarvenGearracialperk(thatis,dwarves)and8+ even1pointofburningdamage–itinflamesasiftriggered
points in the Explosives skill (taught by grizzled dwarven intentionally.Containedcharges(likeminesandbangers)
masters,whotattoothefaceoftrainedapprenticeswithan detonate,whileloosesandburns.Burningsandiscertain
“explosiveslicense”).However,itisn’tmadefromsaltpeter, toignitesupplycaches,wagons,inns,etc.
charcoal, and sulfur; those substances’ magical properties Ademolisheristrainedtoprotectshattersandhe’scar-
interact to create a granular fire suppressant. Dwarven ryingfromthesefates.Wheneverhe’sexposedtowateror
alchemists–whoteachnoonetheirsecrets,notevendemol- firethattheGMwouldcountasanattack,atrap,orahaz-
ishers–compounditfromsemipreciousstonesfounddeep ardtopassage,hegetsthestandardrolltododgeoravoid
underground, multiplying its cost fivefold. It’s an art more it.Ifthisfails,hemaytrya“defenseroll”against(Explo-
closelyguardedthanhowtoenchantmagicitems. sives/2)+3,adding+1forCombatReflexes.Successmeans
he keeps the fire or water away from his sand (or vice
Aqua et Ignis versa)–evenifheisaffected.Failuremeanswaterruinsall
ofhisshattersand,whilefiretriggersablast.Usethedam-
Beinggunpowderofsorts,shattersandhastroublewith
age dice of the single largest charge he’s carrying, and
waterand,worse,fire.
applymaximumdamagetohim!
Ifshattersandisleftsittingaround,dousingitwithwater
ruins it. A demolisher with a full day free (unlikely in the
Background Skills: Carousing(E)HT[1]-13.• FiveofKnife it.Thenchoosetraitsthatcomplementtheroledefinedbyskill
(E)DX[1]-13;Climbing(A)DX-1[1]-12;FirstAidorGes- choices. Warriors should consider extra ST and HT, Combat
ture, both (E) IQ [1]-12; Armoury (Body Armor or Melee Reflexes, High Pain Threshold, and Pickaxe Penchant. Dun-
Weapons), Cartography, Connoisseur (Weapons), Mer- geon experts need improved IQ to boost the relevant skills,
chant,orSmith(any),all(A)IQ-1[1]-11;Jeweler(H)IQ-2 AbsoluteDirectionfornavigatinglabyrinths,andHighManual
[1]-10; Alchemy (VH) IQ-3 [1]-9; Hiking or Running, both Dexterity for defeating traps. Gunners and bombardiers will
(A) HT-1 [1]-12; Observation or Search, both (A) Per-1 appreciate DX for aim, Enhanced Dodge for ducking return
[1]-11;or1pointtoraiseoneoftheseskillsbyalevel. fire (and dropped bombs!), and Gizmos for “free” bangers,
bombs,boomstickshots,firebolts,andnageteppos(anysingle-
*Multipliedforself-controlnumber;seep.B120.
useitemthatcosts$50orlessandweighsatmostBL/10lbs.is
†Includesracialmodifier.
fairgame).
‡Gives+1/leveltoExplosives-baseddefenserolls;seeAqua
Disadvantages mainly play up dwarf stereotypes, which
etIgnis(p.5)
range from the good-natured stalwart (with Compulsive
Carousing, Honesty, and Sense of Duty), through the amoral
Customization Notes
capitalist (pick Miserliness and worsen Greed), down to the
ReviewShattersandTechnology(below)andOtherDemolisher
infamous “evil dwarf” who likes setting traps (Bad Temper,
Gear(p.7),selectequipment,andthenchooseskillstomatch.
Callous, and Trickster fit; No Sense of Humor doesn’t; and
Fewdemolishersstartwithboomsticksandburners,soit’srare
severe Pyromania is likely). No demolisher is a milquetoast,
toneedbothGunsandLiquidProjector–andthosewithGuns
though–thoseintheprofessionlovefire,explosions,andale,
areunlikelytobotherwithCrossbow(andviceversa).Likewise,
and their attitudes start at “grimly competent” (Overconfi-
whileboomstickandburnerwieldersoftenlearnTwo-Handed
dence)anddescendto“psychoticwithadeathwish”(Delusion
Axe/Mace, some demolishers fight with axe and shield, saving
and/orOntheEdge).
shattersandfordemolitionandtraps.
Pointsfromquirksarebesttradedformoreandbettergear.
Secondary and background skill choices depend on the
The template specifies only -48 of the -50 points allowed for
demolisher’sroleintheparty.Ifhe’safront-linewarrior,he’ll
disadvantages, so the player can squeeze out a couple more
want good Brawling and Wrestling, and fair Armoury skills
pointsthatway,ifneeded.
forarmorandmeleeweapons.Ifheplanstobeanexperton
dungeons,hemightlookatArchitecture,Cartography,Lock-
S T
picking, and boosted Prospecting, plus a solid grasp of loot: HATTERSAND ECHNOLOGY
Connoisseur, Merchant, and Jeweler. And if he prefers to
Shattersand has many uses, all of them destructive. The
blast away from afar, he’ll want additional ranged combat
itemsbelowareonlyforsaletodemolishers–andonlyinareas
skills, supported by Climbing and Stealth for getting into
wheredwarvesarecommon.Delverstravelingawayfromciv-
positiontosnipe.
ilizationshouldstockupintown!Treatallofthisequipment
Think about advantages after skills. Demolisher gear is
as“dwarven”forthepurposeoftheDwarvenGearperk(10%
expensive and heavy, so buy sufficient Signature Gear and
off),althoughit’slistedatfullprice.
Wealthtoaffordeverything,andtheSTandLiftingSTtocarry
P M 5 O 2011
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
Explosives: Several items here cause crushing explosions boredorcsentries–mustrollvs.IQorbementallystunnedby
(“crex”).Victimshitbytheexplosivedevicetakefulldamage– thepop,rollingtorecoverasusualeachturnthereafter.$5,0.05
and if the thing is in a pocket, stuck in their chest on a bolt, lb.apiece,butsoldinstringsof20($100,1lb.).
etc., they suffer maximum damage! For everybody else, roll
damageanddividebythreetimesdistanceinyardsfromthe Bombs
explosive.UsehalftorsoDRagainstblastdamageifthetarget
Bombsarespheresofthin,low-qualityironfilledwithshat-
isn’t Sealed (no Dungeon Fantasy armor and few monsters
tersand and studded with alchemist’s matches. They’re
havethistrait).
designedtobetossedbyhand(useThrowing),andexplodeon
striking their target. Tossing one down a monster’s gaping
Bulk Shattersand
maw(onlyvs.acreatureofSM+2orlargerontheturnafterit
Loose shattersand in a cloth bag costs $50/pound. Roll bites,at-5tohit)inflictstriplerolleddamageinsteadofmaxi-
against Explosives to measure out and set a charge. Failure mumdamage!Otherwise,treatitasanyotherexplosive.
means the sand burns up or scatters uselessly on the first
Size Damage* Range Cost Weight
attempttotriggerit.Criticalfailuremeansitdetonateswhile
Small 1d[1d-4]crex 2.5¥ST $16 2.2lbs.
the demolisher is preparing it, causing him full (though not
Medium 2d[1d-2]crex 1.2¥ST $49 5.7lbs.
maximum) damage! Once set, the charge can be touched off
Large 3d[1d]crex 0.8¥ST $97 10.1lbs.
with fire (requires a Ready maneuver and a DX-based
Huge 4d[1d+1]crex 0.7¥ST $160 15.2lbs.
Explosivesroll),byshootingitwithafirebolt(p.7),bytossing
abanger(below)onit,orviaafuse(below).Damagedepends *Damageinbracketsisfragmentationfromtheironshell.
onweight: Anybody who takes any explosive damage, whether or not it
penetratesDR,isstruckby1d-3fragments,plusoneperfull+3
Damage Quantity Damage Quantity
SM(butalwaysatleastone).Rollhitlocationrandomly.Dam-
1d 0.025lb. 6d 0.8lb.
ageiscutting.DRprotectsnormally.
2d 0.1lb. 7d 1.2lbs.
3d 0.2lb. 8d 1.6lbs.
Boomsticks
4d 0.4lb. 9d 2lbs.
5d 0.6lb. 10d 2.4lbs. Theboomstickisaprimitivecannonmountedonapole–
alongpole,justincase.Itrequirestwohands.UsetheGuns
Forbiggerbooms,multiplydiceandweightbythedesired
(Boomstick) skill to hit and the Two-Handed Axe/Mace skill
factor,andweightbythatfactoragain(thus,weightincreases
toparry.
asthesquareofthedamagemultiple);e.g.,a100dchargehas
10timesthepowerofa10done,whichmultipliesweightby Bandoleer:Holds12shots,automaticallyprotectingagainst
100,for240lbs. waterandfire.$50,5lbs.
Loose sand is typically used to blow doors, supports, and Reloads: Reloading takes 30 seconds/shot. Each shot: $10,
oreveins.AsuccessfulArchitecture,ForcedEntry,orProspect- 0.17lb.
ingroll–forstructuralmembers,portals,andmineralforma- SpikyBits:Foraversionthatcanbewieldedasagreataxe
tions, respectively – places the charge in good contact, usingtheTwo-HandedAxe/Maceskill,add$30,1lb.Forone
meaningitdoesmaximumdamagetothetarget! thatworksasawarhammer,add$50,0.5lb.Ineithercase,the
STnecessarytouseitasaboomstickincreasesbyone.
Fuse: For safety, shattersand is often set off using a long
fuse.Fuseburnsat4yards/minute.Thisnecessitatesstrategic
Burners
planning when used for traps (Absolute Timing gets it right
everytime,though!).Peryard:$10,0.2lb. Halfway between a short polearm and a boomstick, this
devicespewsflamefor30seconds–30turnsincombat–once
Bangers ignited (takes a Ready maneuver). It cannot be shut off once
lit.Tohit,rollvs.LiquidProjector(Burner);toparry,useTwo-
Abangerisasmallshattersandnoisemaker,notaweapon.It
HandedAxe/Mace.
takesaReadymaneuvertoprepareandanAttacktotoss(upto
3.5¥ST yards). Anyone unfortunate enough to be touching it Reloads: Reloading calls for 10 minutes, 3 lbs. of shatter-
whenitburstssuffers1d-3burningdamage.Abangercanignite sand ($150), and a roll vs. Explosives. Failure simply wastes
shattersand,alchemist’sfire,oroilincontactwithit,makingit time;criticalfailuresgoboom.Thecostonthetableincludes
a useful detonator. Unsuspecting victims out of combat – e.g., oneloadofsand.
Shattersand Ranged Weapons
Weapon Damage Acc Range Weight RoF Shots ST Bulk Rcl Cost
Boomstick,Single-Barreled 2d+1pi++ 1 55/550 6.9 1 1(30) 10† -5 4 $240
Boomstick,Double-Barreled 2d+1pi++ 1 55/550 10.8 1 2(30i) 11† -6 2 $370
Boomstick,Triple-Barreled 2d+1pi++ 1 55/550 14.7 1 3(30i) 12† -7 2 $500
Weapon Damage Range Weight RoF Shots ST Bulk Cost
Burner 2dburn 2-4 10 Jet 1¥30s 11† -6 $300
P M 6 O 2011
YRAMID AGAZINE CTOBER
Spiky Bits: Like a boomstick (above), a burner can be
outfitted to work like a great axe or a warhammer. With
Other Demolisher Gear
eithermodification,theSTnecessarytouseitasaburner
increasesto12.Theusercanalternatebetweenswungand Demolishers favor weapons that benefit from Pickaxe
flameattacks! PenchantanddoubleasForcedEntrytools–thatis,those
wielded with Axe/Mace, Thrown Weapon (Axe/Mace), or
Firebolts Two-HandedAxe/Mace.Whenbuyingfromamerchantwho
can sell them shattersand, they can extend their Dwarven
A firebolt is a crossbow bolt fitted with a shattersand
Geardiscount(10%off)toseveraladditionalitemsfoundon
charge.Itcanbeshotfromanycrossbow,giving-1toAcc
pp. 23-30 of Adventurers: alchemist’s fire, alchemist’s
and subtracting 5 from both range multipliers (so a stan-
matches, bull’s-eye lantern, helmet lamp, nageteppo (either
dardcrossbowendsupwithAcc3andRange¥15/¥20).An
variety), necklace of fireballs, oil, salamander amulet, siege
alchemist’smatchinthenosesetsitoffonstrikingthetar-
stone,timedcandle,andtheFlamingWeaponenchantment.
get,causing1d-1crex.Thetargetsuffersmaximumdam-
age(5points)fromthecontactexplosion,inadditiontothe
bolt’simpalingdamage–andifit’sflammable(shattersand,
Likewise,thedemolishershouldbeallowedtotrytrickslike
alchemist’sfire,evenoilortinder),it’sautomaticallylit.Those
packing one shot from a boomstick into a keyhole to blast a
nearbysufferexplosivedamagenormally.$28,0.125lb.
lock. Rather than give complex rules for demolition, which
don’t suit dungeon fantasy, use this guideline: If the charge
Mines
seemsbigenoughtofillagap,hole,etc.aroundanobstacle,
Minesareintendedtobeburiedorhiddenindebrisonthe thenanExplosivesrollwilltampitdownandletthedoor,lock,
ground; roll against Traps to conceal one. They go off when orwhateverbeblownopen.Again,thisrollmaytakepenalties
steppedon.Damage,cost,andweightareasforbombs(p.6). –anythinguptotheobject’sDRisreasonable.
Whileaminecannotbeusefullyhurled,italwaysdoesmaxi- Remember that the demolisher only has a niche while he
mumdamage(6,12,18,or24points)tothevictimandshreds candosomethingthatotherPCscannot.Don’tletthemsteal
himwiththreefragments,eachdoingitsusualcuttingdamage his thunder! Shattersand merchants won’t sell to non-demol-
(1d-4,1d-2,1d,or1d+1)tohisfoot.Thosenearbysufferexplo- ishers, however high their reaction modifiers and Merchant
sive damage but no fragmentation – mines send their lethal skills.Doingsomeanscertaindeathatthehandsofwild-eyed
loadupward. dwarvensuicidebombers.
Regardless, this stuff is useless without training in Explo-
Demolisher Power-Ups sives,Guns,and/orLiquidProjector,whichisn’tofferedtonon-
dwarvesandtakesyearsevenfordwarves.Aswell,theartifacts
Demolishers may spend earned points on any ability from
listedearlierassumetheuserhastheShtick“Canstrikeaflame
theirtemplate,andbuyuptoEnhancedDefense6(Explosives)
anywhere,” to ignite burners with a Ready maneuver, shoot
[5/level] (for safe handling), Enhanced Dodge 3 [15/level] (for
boomstickswithanAttack,etc.,withoutafiresourceinhand.
escapingblasts),Gizmos6[5/level](forimprovisedexplosives),
Thisperkisthefinalstageoftrainingfordwarveswho’veearned
LiftingST6[3/level](beyondthetworaciallevels,forlugging
theirtattoobyrackingup8+pointsinExplosives.Delverswho
aroundbagsofsand),PickaxePenchant6[5/level](torepresent
lack it must fumble with fire for 1d seconds to get anywhere
theirknackforbreakingthings),andRidiculousLuck[60](to
withthistechnology.TheGMshouldenforcethismercilessly.
survive being a walking bomb). Best of all is Weapon Master
Interestinglootforthedemolisherisanythingmentionedin
(ShattersandWeapons)[30],giving+1/dietodamageifthegov-
Shattersand Technology (pp. 5-7) and Other Demolisher Gear
erningskillisatattribute+1,or+2/dieatattribute+2orbetter.
(above); fine and/or dwarven Axe/Mace and Two-handed
TheskillisCrossbowforfirebolts(onlyexplosivedamagebene-
Axe/Mace weapons; unusual explosives and incendiaries that
fits);Explosivesforbulkchargesandbangers;Gunsforboom-
defy analysis by Alchemy but submit to Explosives; and one-
sticks; Liquid Projector for burners; Throwing for bombs (for
offssuchasthrowingaxesthatworklikefireboltsbutdomuch
explosivedamage,notfragments);andTrapsformines(ditto).
moredamage.
Making the Demolisher Useful
A A
BOUT THE UTHOR
The demolisher is built around the premise that the
Explosives skill is as rare and unusual as, say, Hypnotism or Sean “Dr. Kromm” Punch set out to become a particle
PowerBlow.Learningitinvolvesinitiationintoasecretbroth- physicist in 1985, ended up the GURPS Line Editor in 1995,
erhood, as signified by the tattoo (Distinctive Features). It and has engineered rules for almost every GURPS product
grants near-supernatural control over shattersand, including since.Hedeveloped,edited,orwrotedozensofGURPSThird
thespecialdefenserolltokeepitsafe(AquaetIgnis,p.5). Editionprojectsbetween1995and2002.In2004,heproduced
ThrowingtheExplosivesskillontowhat’sotherwiseawar- theGURPSBasicSet,FourthEditionwithDavidPulver.Since
riortemplatemeansthatitandtheIQitdependsonsuckaway then, he has created GURPS Powers (with Phil Masters),
somecombateffectiveness.Inreturn,theGMshouldbegener- GURPS Martial Arts (with Peter Dell’Orto), and the GURPS
oustotheplayerwhereexplosivesareinvolved.Ifanykindof Action, GURPS Dungeon Fantasy, and GURPS Power-Ups
explosiveshowsupinthedungeon–frommysteriousalchem- series...andthelistkeepsgrowing.
icalelixirstoEvilRuneso’Blasting–thedemolishergetsaPer- Seanhasbeenagamersince1979.Hisnon-gaminginter-
based Explosives roll to recognize it and a DX-based roll to estsincludecinema,cooking,andwine.HelivesinMontréal,
defuseit.Aswithalltraps,theremaybepenalties. Québecwithhiswife,Bonnie.
P M 7 O 2011
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D
UNGEON
S
AINTS
A T M
BY NTONI EN ONRÓS
GURPSPowers:DivineFavoroffersanewsystemtorep- Powers. This article integrates Divine Favor into Dungeon
resent individuals who can channel the power of the divine Fantasy.YouwillneedDivineFavorforthenecessaryinsight
into miracles, using the powers framework from GURPS intohowmiracleswork.
Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. Properly
understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.
– Mohandas Gandhi
S L
AINTLY ENSES
In the same way that evil clerics and unholy warriors are Otherdelverswhowanttodabbleinthedivineshouldtake
variations of the cleric and holy warrior templates, saint theservant-of-the-divinelens(p.10),whileclericsanddruids
(below)isalensthatshouldbeappliedtotheclerictemplate, who want to supplement their spellcasting with divine mira-
andwarrior-sainttotheholywarriortemplate.Evilsaintsand clesshouldinsteadlookatthebeatifiedlens(p.10).
evil warrior-saints can be created by adding the appropriate
modificationstotheclericandholywarriortemplatespriorto S
AINT
applyingthelensespresentedhere,butthischangesthelistof
availablemiraclesalittle;seeEvilinDungeonFantasy,p.9. 0points
You’re touched by the gods, their hand on earth. When
youspeak,godslisten–andoftenanswer.Unlikethecleric,
New Advantages youdon’thaveaformalizedlistofspells;yousimplyask,and
godsdispose.It’snotalwaysexactlywhatyouaskedfor,but
it’s always helpful. You might have an understanding with
Faster Prayers your patron deity, to allow you to easily produce a certain
type of miracles, but unlike the warrior-saint (p. 9), your
10points
focusisonversatility.
You can ignore the -2 penalty to petition rolls when
Attributes:-2IQ[-40].
attemptingone-secondprayers.
Advantages: Replace all Power Investiture, basic or added,
with Power Investiture (Divine Favor), and add Divine
Repeated Petitioner
Favor10[70].•Insteadof25pointsinHolyabilities,take
5points/level 15 points in learned prayers (see pp. 10-15 and Divine
Each level of this trait allows you to, once per day, Favor), putting any leftovers into advantages. •In advan-
ignore the penalties to petition and reaction rolls for tageoptions,swapallpointsinHolyAbilitieswiththesame
multiplesuccessfulgeneralandspecificprayers.Itisrec- numberofpointsinlearnedprayers,andaddDivineFavor
ommendedthattheGMallownomorethanfourlevels 11[20],FasterPrayers(seeabove)[10],andRepeatedPeti-
forstartingadventurers. tioner1to4(seeabove)[5/level]totheavailableoptions.
Spells:Removeallspellsfromthetemplate.
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Customization Notes: SecondaryCharacteristics:-2Will[-10].
WithmostofyourpointstakenbytheDivineFavoradvan- Advantages: Replace Holiness 2 with Divine Favor 6
tage,itmightseemthatyoudon’thavemuchchoice,butlearned [+15]. • Instead of 25 points in Holy abilities, take 20
prayersareextremelycheapanddon’tleaveyouatthemercyof points into learned prayers (see pp. 10-15 and Divine
thedice.WithFasterPrayers,youcangetageneralorspecific Favor), putting any leftovers into advantages. •In advan-
prayerinasinglesecond.WithPowerInvestituregivingyoua tageoptions,swapallpointsinHolyabilitieswiththesame
bonustoreactionrolls,youcanoftenpullimpressivemiracles. numberofpointsinlearnedprayers,andaddDivineFavor
Repeated Petitioner allows you to do it multiple times before 7or8[10or20]totheavailableoptions.
incurring penalties to the petition roll. If you focus on Power
Investiture,youcangetitupto6,meaningthatyoucangetVery Customization Notes:
Goodreactionsona10orbetter,orExcellentreactionsona13 Unlikethesaint,youcannotcountongeneralandspecific
orbetter. prayers.ThismeansthatyoushouldtakeonlyasmuchDivine
Favorasneededtoqualifyforanylearnedprayersyouwantto
have. Divine Favor 6, opens, among other possibilities, Holy
W -S
ARRIOR AINT
Touch, Confidence, Protection From Evil, Flesh Wounds,
0points GhostShirt,SpiritWeapon,andStoicism.DivineFavor7adds
ProtectionFromEvil(Enhanced),RighteousFury(p.11),and
You’retouchedbythegods,theirfistonearth,todealwith
SenseTrueEvil.Finally,DivineFavor8allowsGuideMyHand
pesky creatures that offend their sight. Unlike the saint
(p.12),LayonHands,HolyGlory,andSmite.Eventually,you
(above),you’refocused.Yourrelationshipwiththegodsmight
will want to reach Divine Favor 9 for See Evil, and Divine
notbeascloseasthesaint’s...butitdoesn’tneedtobe.You
Favor 10 for Holy Fire (pp. 12-13) and Righteous Fury
have an understanding with them, and know a set of tricks
(Enhanced)(p.13).Finally,evenifit’snotyourfocus,don’tdis-
theyaren’tfussyaboutgrantingyou.
regardgeneralandspecificprayersforout-of-combatutility.
Evil in Dungeon Fantasy
EvilinDungeonFantasydoesnotfitthemoreserious SocialStigma(Excommunicated),andtherearenoother
treatment given in Good and Evil (Divine Favor, p. 12). optionsforthepactdisadvantage.
EvilinDungeonFantasyistheclichédevilofB-movies, The following effects are not available to good saints
andwhileit’snotnecessarilyweakerthangood,thereare andwarrior-saints:
somethingsitcannotdo.
• CorruptingTouch(p.11).
The following effects are verboten for evil saints and
• CorruptingTouch(Enhanced)(p.12).
evilwarrior-saints:
• DarkGlory(p.12).
• AvengingAngel(p.14). • DarkGlory(Enhanced)(p.14).
• ConsecrateGround. • DarkMetamorphosis(p.14).
• ConsecrateGround(Enhanced). • DesecrateGround(p.12).
• FeedtheMasses. • DesecrateGround(Enhanced)(p.14).
• FeedtheMasses(Enhanced). • DrainSoul(p.15).
• FinalRest. • EyesofHell(p.11).
• FleshWounds. • EyesofHell(Enhanced)(p.10).
• HolyFire. • MantleoftheGodofLies(p.10).
• HolyFire(Enhanced). • NoRestfortheWicked(p.13).
• HolyGlory. • PoweroftheAbyss(p.11).
• HolyGlory(Enhanced). • PoweroftheAbyss(Enhanced)(p.13).
• HolyTouch. • SeeGood(p.12).
• LayonHands. • SenseTrueGood(p.11).
• LayonHands(Enhanced). • ServantoftheGodofLies(p.10).
• ProtectionFromEvil. • VampiricTouch(p.13).
• ProtectionFromEvil(Enhanced). • ZombieSummoning(p.10).
• RaiseDead. • ZombieSummoning(Enhanced)(p.12).
• Resurrection.
WiththeGM’spermission,itmightbepossibletoplay
• RighteousFury(p.11).
asaintofadeitynotcompletelygoodorevil–eitherone
• RighteousFury(Enhanced)(p.13).
alignedwithnature(suchastheonethatdruidsaresaid
• SenseTrueEvil.
to revere), or one that sits in a gray area between good
• Sermonize.
andevil.Suchadeitywouldmayaccesstoalltheeffects,
• SmiteandSmite(Enhanced).
boththosepresentedhere,andthoseinGURPSPowers:
Also,anyunholywarriorwhobecomesaservantofthe DivineFavor.
divinemustpay10extrapointsforit,sincehealreadyhas
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S D Might abilities, and which one constitutes the pact for their
ERVANT OF THE IVINE
DivineFavorabilities(sincetheyshouldbedifferent).
50points
Alldelverspraytothegods,normallywhenthingsgosouth, B
EATIFIED
butgodsnotonlyhaveheardyourprayers,theyalsoanswered
them.You’restartingtodabbleintothedivine.Likethewar- Variable
rior-saint,youshouldfocusonlearnedprayers;onlypickthe Clerics and druids (and any who already possesses Power
onesthatsupplementyourabilities,notnecessarilythesame Investiture thanks to a Mixing Professions lens; see Dungeon
thanawarrior-saintwouldpick. Fantasy3:TheNextLevel,pp.17-36)shouldnottaketheser-
vant-of-the-divine lens, but instead should add this power-up.
SecondaryCharacteristics:+1Will[5].
ThedelvermustpurchaseatleastDivineFavor6.Afterthat,he
Advantages: Divine Favor 6 [25]. • 25 points chosen among
may buy Power Investiture (Divine Favor) at 2/level, but this
Divine Favor 7 or 8 [10 or 20] or learned prayers [varies]
PowerInvestiturecannotexceedhisoriginalPowerInvestiture.
(seepp.10-15andDivineFavor).
Druidswhofollowthispath(andwhodon’tuseanyofthevari-
Disadvantages*:Honesty[-10],SenseofDuty(Coreligionists
antoptionspresentedinDungeonFantasy7:Clericsthatmake
or Good Entities) [-10], or Vow (Own no more than your
themmoreakintoclerics)shouldexchangeoneormoredisad-
horsecancarry)[-10].
vantages,totaling-10points,foroneofHonesty[-10],Senseof
Skills: Esoteric Medicine (H) Per-2 [1]; Exorcism (H) Will-2
Duty(Coreligionists)[-10],orVow(Noedgedweapons)[-10].
[1];Meditation(H)Will-2[1];ReligiousRitual(H)IQ-2[1];
Theology(H)IQ-2[1]. Advantages: Divine Favor 6 [25]. • Add Power Investiture
(Divine Favor) [2/level] as an alternate ability (see
*Holywarriorsthatbecomeservantsofthedivineshould
description).
note which disadvantage constitutes the pact for their Holy
L P
EARNED RAYERS
This selection of new prayers includes a large number of Evil gods often raise corpses to act as servants of their
oneshelpfultoevilparagons,plusseveralsuitableforservitors devoted.BuildtheAllyasanimprovedzombie(Pyramid#3/1:
ofgood. Tools of Trade – Wizards, p. 16), and then add points until it
reaches15%oftheparagon’spointtotal.Asaspecificprayer,this
M B miraclelastsuntildawn;asalearnedprayer,itispermanent,but
INOR LESSINGS
thezombiewillreverttobeingacorpseifDivineFavororany
MinimumReaction:Neutral otherlearnedprayerisused.Ifthezombieisdestroyed,anyrel-
ativelyfreshcorpsecanbeusedtocreateareplacement,ablas-
phemous process that takes a day and a Religious Ritual skill
Eyes of Hell
roll.Itisobviouslyillegalinmostofthecivilizedworld.
LearnedPrerequisite:DivineFavor4. SeealsoZombieSummoning(Enhanced),p.12.
LearnedPrayerCost:1point.
Statistics: Ally (Zombie, Built on 15%; Constantly; Divine,
Youcanseeasclearlyunderthelightofthemoonasmost -10%;Minion,+50%;Summonable,Requiresabody,+50%)[5].
peopleseeunderthenoonsun.Ignoreupto-5worthofdark- Usesoptionallow-poweredAlliesrulesfromGURPSSupers.
nesspenalties,butyoustillcannotseeifthereisnolightatall.
SeealsoEyesofHell(Enhanced),p.11.
Statistics:NightVision5(Divine,-10%)[5]. You can’t pray a lie.
Servant of the God of Lies
– Mark Twain
LearnedPrerequisite:DivineFavor4.
LearnedPrayerCost:3points.
AsSermonize(DivineFavor,p.9),butinsteadofaliebyact
oromissionendingtheeffect,allyourassertionsmustbelies, Mantle of the God of Lies
or,iftheyhaveanypartoftruth,itmustbecompletelymislead-
LearnedPrerequisite:DivineFavor5.
ing,andthusequivalenttoalie.
LearnedPrayerCost:4points.
Statistics:Charisma5(Divine,-10%;TemporaryDisadvan-
Evilgodstakegreatdelightinsowingconfusionamongthe
tage,CompulsiveLying(CannotResist),-37%)[14].
servitors of good. This is one of their tools. The paragon can
chosetolooklikeanyonehesees,orhecantrytocreateanew
Zombie Summoning
look,gaining+4toDisguiserolls.
LearnedPrerequisite:DivineFavor4.
Statistics:ElasticSkin(Divine,-10%)[18].
LearnedPrayerCost:1point.
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