Aesthetics, Kao, and Piety

The following Extension in designed for a feudal Japan setting and introduces a new primary attribute (KAO) and a new derived attribute (Honor). The new attribute KAO (pronounced "cow," like the bovine) can be added by itself or as part of a new attribute group (e.g., the Spiritual Group, consisting of Kao or "face" (KAO), Piety (PIE) and Aesthetics (AES). Piety and Aesthetics are explained in another Extension.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics (abbreviated AES) represents the character's sense of style, appreciation of beauty, and sense of harmony with nature. AES may be used in place of TECH when designing or creating works of art; not from the technical standpoint of making an object, but from the artistic standpoint of creating a work that reflects natural beauty.

Piety

Piety (abbreviated PIE) or shinkô is a measure of the character's religious conviction. Whereas everyone in Japan believes in the existence of the kami and Buddhas, PIE measures the strength of the character's belief. PIE is used to call upon the spirits to intervene on behalf of a mortal and to allow a character to take advantage of divine magic (such as heavenly-created magic items and some spells). PIE also plays a role in the mystical abilities of Shintô and Buddhist priests. A character's PIE score reflects how strong his beliefs are for his chosen religion.

Kao

All people in Japan wear a face; not the literal meaning of a person's features, but rather the "face" of honor that is seen by others. Japan is a shame-based culture, in that loss of face, not guilt, is the primary factor that influences behavior in Japanese society.

A person with much honor has "great face" in the eyes of his peers, whereas a character who is shamed in some way is said to "lose face." The shamed character "has no face." Shame is gained (and honor lost) by characters who fail to live up to their various obligations and duties.

KAO represents the character's personal honor or face, as seen by others, and may be used in place of PRE for skill rolls made by the character in social situations, at the GM's discretion.

Honor (Derived Attribute)

In a feudal Japanese setting, characters maintain Honor points. A character may have a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 100 Honor points. For every 10 full points of Honor a character has, he gains 1 point of KAO; thus, characters start play with a KAO score equal to 10x their Honor. If a character's Honor points drop below a 10-point threshold the character instantly loses 1 KAO.

For example, a character with 20 Honor has a KAO score of 2. A character with 29 Honor points also has a Kao score of 2. A character with 30 Honor points, however, has a Kao of 3.

Honor may be increased at a cost of 1 CP for each 1 point increase over the base score.

Losing Honor

All Honor loss penalties are expressed as -mX. "X" represents the character's KAO (K), Membership Rank (MR), Skill Level (SL) or a combination (e.g. -2K/ML). Whenever a combination is listed, the penalty is based on the larger of the two numbers.

The base number is then modified by a "severity multiplier" (the "n" in the formula). The larger the multiplier, the more grievous the offense and more significant the loss of Honor. The multiplier will range from 1 (minor embarrassing error) to 5 (major offense). The more important the event or task, and the more witnesses there are, the higher the multiplier will be for failure. A table is provided below for guidelines in assigning Honor loss to the characters.

When Honor is Lost

The gain and loss of Honor points can only come from actions that are publicly known; those that are observed by or known to two or more people other than the character committing the act. Acts known only to the character himself do not qualify, per sé. While the secret commission of a wrongful act may gnaw at the character's soul and torment him, it will not be something that will cause him to lose face (i.e., lose Honor points).

For example: if a character becomes drunk and assaults a young woman, he risks losing Honor if she tells anyone else (like reporting it to her family or the authorities). If she doesn't tell anyone (for fear of losing Honor herself ) or if he kills the girl, then he will not lose any Honor points until such time as someone else becomes aware of the act. The act becomes a secret that the character will likely guard very closely. Note that if he kills her to keep his shameful act a secret, while he will not lose Honor (because no one besides him is aware of is deed), it may well affect his Karma.

Note that even if one is publicly accused of a bad act they did not commit, the accused character will lose Honor unless steps are immediately taken to avenge or correct the insult or otherwise change the public perception of him (inaction is typically associated with guilt).

A KAO score of 0 is possible, and most embarrassing. KAO may not drop below 0, however. A person without Honor and Kao is the lowest kind of person. Measuring below 0 is therefore pointless.

Sample Honor Loss

Example of Honor/Kao Loss

Jirô has 32 Honor points (for a Kao of 3) and a Membership Level of 2 in his samurai clan. Matashirô has a Membership Level of 1 in his clan, and 14 Honor points (his Kao equals 1). Jirô challenges Matashirô to a duel. They agree to meet at the gate of the Kitobara-ji at noon on the next day.

That next day, Matashirô does not show up at the shrine at the appointed place and time. Initially, Jirô is the only other person aware of Matashirô's deed, so Matashirô loses no Honor. But Jirô posts a sign in the town for all to see: "Matashirô avoided an honorable challenge and is a coward!" Now that Matashirô's actions are known by two or more people (in this case a whole town!), he immediately suffers -5K/ML Honor points, or the larger of 5x his Kao (5) or 5x his ML (also 5). Losing 5 Honor brings his total Honor to 9, which reduces his Kao to 0! The only way for Matashirô to regain face (i.e., to regain his lost Honor points and raise his Kao) now is to have the duel with Jirô. If he doesn't, the Honor loss stays.

Creating Items

Characters with the appropriate art, craft, or smith skill can create items. These include works of art, tools, ceramics, clothing, or any of a number of different kinds of items, including weapons.

What's Needed

Creating an item requires the appropriate skill, time, and raw materials.

Skill

Characters with the appropriate skill may create items, equipment, or artistic creations.

For example, characters with the Smith (Blacksmith) skill can create tools and simple metal items; those with Art (Calligraphy) can create fine artistic written works; those with Smith (Swordsmith) can create katana, wakizashi and no-dachi, and so on.

Time

The time it takes to create an item varies, depending on the type of item being created. As a rule of thumb, the GM can assume it takes one full day to create simple items (small artistic works, small articles of clothing or furniture, tools, most weapons, and the like). It takes one week to create items of moderate complexity (pottery, man-sized furniture or artistic works, large items of clothing, swords, and so on). Ultimately, the GM determines the time it takes to create an item.

Raw Materials

Raw materials must also be acquired by the artisan or craftsman. The cost of the raw materials equal one-tenth the listed cost for the item being created. The cost of the materials is based on the listed cost of an average quality item.

For example, a simple wooden bucket has a listed cost of 2 monme-ite (2 silver coins). The cost of the raw materials required to create a bucket equals one tenth of a monme-ita, or about 17 zeni (17 copper coins).

A character may spend two-and-one-half times this amount (or one quarter the listed cost of the item to be created) to receive a +2 to his skill roll when creating the item (or to the total if using the Routine Quality rules, below).

Routine Quality RULE

Artisans and craftsmen can create items of a given quality without requiring a skill check. It isn't realistic to assume that a craftsman with a skill level of 5 has an equal chance of creating an item of Poor, Average or Master quality. In other words, characters shouldn't have to rely on a random roll of the dice to create something that, for their character, should be a routine task. An artisan or craftsman of a given skill level should be able to count on creating items of a quality reflecting their skill level. This section addresses that issue.

The quality of item that a character can routinely create is based on the artist or craftsman's skill level. Use the following formula to determine the quality of item that the character can routinely create, without the need of a skill roll: (2x skill level) + 10. Then compare the total with the Level of Quality Table (see the Quality of Items Extension).

For example, Toshi has a Lacquer skill of 6. To determine the quality of item he can routinely create without requiring a die roll, he uses the formula above. Two times his skill level is 12, plus 10 gives a total of 22. Checking the Routine Quality Table, we see that Toshi can routinely create items of Above Average quality without requiring a skill check to do so.

Creating Items of Higher Than Routine Quality

Characters attempting to create items of a quality higher than their indicated "routine quality" must take extra time and then make a die roll. By moving down the Time Chart one step, the character may make a skill check using their Stat + Skill + 3d6 as normal, using the low number from the range of numbers for the desired quality of item from the Levels of Quality Table.

For example, if Toshi, who can routinely create items of Above Average quality, wished to try to create a Master quality item he will need to spend additional time (i.e., move one step down the Time Chart) and make a skill check with a DN of 27.

Success: If the skill roll is successful then the item is created and of the higher quality.

Failure: A failed roll indicates that the item is created, but is only of the character's routine quality; the quality of the item is not enhanced.

Critical Failure: If a roll fails by 6 or more (i.e., if the EN is -6 or lower) the item is created, but of one step lower quality.

Extended Distance Modifiers

Extended STRength Table

Extended STR Table

Hit Locations

When your character strikes an opponent in combat you may want to know precisely where the attack lands. To determine the "hit location," you simply roll dice and refer to the Hit Location Table, below. The exact combination of dice rolled depends on the kind of weapon used in the attack, if any. Consult the list below.

Random Hit Location Table

* Roll 1d6; 1-3 = left, 4-6 = right.

** After subtracting points for any armor

Targeting Specific Locations

If your character wants to attack a specific part of the opponent, you can use one of the two optional rules below.

Option 1: Aimed Shot Modifiers

Ignore the Random Hit Location Table, above. Apply the listed TN modifier to the TN for the attack roll. If the attack is successful, the character automatically hits the intended location; roll the damage for the attack as normal.

Option 2: Adjusting the Location

Once hit location is determined using the Random Hit Location Table, the character may still "move" the location. For every 2 points of effect number, the player may move the hit location up or down one location on the table (player's choice).

Fred is playing in a Wild West game. His character, Little Ironfinger, fires his bow at a U.S. Army soldier who is attacking his village. Fred must make a Simple Missile Weapons (Bows) skill roll against a TN 18. Fred rolls the dice and gets a total of 23, an effect number of 5. Fred rolls 3d6 for the hit location and gets a 14 -- thigh. Because his effect number is 5, Fred can adjust the hit location by two levels. Fred could move the hit location down two steps to "Foot," but he doesn't think this is a good idea. So Fred decides to move the hit location up two levels to "Stomach." His character, Little Ironfinger, has hit the soldier in the stomach with an arrow. Fred then rolls the damage for the attack.

Improving Membership Rank: Feudal Japan

Characters may improve their Membership Rank (i.e., their standing within their group) one of two ways. The first is by an instant reward from their master or group head. The second is by making a merit check at the end of each full year of game time (at the end of each campaign year). In both cases, once the increase has been approved by the GM, the character must still spend the Experience Points necessary for the increase.

Instant Rewards

Instant rewards are given at the discretion of the GM for actions "above and beyond the call of duty," that is, for acts beyond what is normally expected for that character given his caste and profession. (Instant rewards to a character's MR are in addition to any Honor Points that may be forthcoming.) This can be a serious test, indeed, for those characters in a profession whose demands are already high, like samurai. Instant rewards to a character's MR should not be for exemplary behavior alone, but rather for extreme cases of heroism, acts of great loyalty or sacrifice and so on.

For example, a samurai might be instantly promoted in status by saving his lord's life against great odds, giving his lord his own sword after his lord lost his in an earthquake, or making some other suitably impressive personal sacrifice for his lord.

Instant rewards should not exceed an increase of one level of MR, unless, of course, the GM feels it is particularly appropriate or it suits the story.

Merit Awards

Merit awards are slightly more complicated. To receive an increase in MR due to merit, the character must achieve a certain number of goals throughout the preceding year (measured in game time, not in real time). The minimum number of goals required to be eligible for a merit increase is equal to the character's current MR +1. Thus, if a character has a current MR 4, he must achieve a minimum of 5 goals to even be considered for a merit increase.

A character may only increase his MR by one point per game year using this method. In addition, the character must pay the appropriate number of Experience Points (EP) once the conditions are met in order to receive the promotion within the group and the accompanying increase to his MR.

Each profession should have an associated list of goals, created by the GM. Some of the goals listed should be mandatory for all members of that group, while other goals are left optional. This affords the player some discretion as to which goals he wishes his character to try to attain. The suggested goals for various groups in a feudal Japanese setting are given below. The GM is free to generate new goals that he feels are appropriate to his campaign and add them to the list.

Using Merit Awards

Merit awards should be encouraged by the GM. They are designed to promote roleplaying of the cultural and political aspects of Japanese society during the Sengoku-jidai (Period of Civil War). These should be taken as roleplaying opportunities as well as possible plot hooks. For instance, simply being invited to and attending an official clan court function seems simple enough, but what if the character is only of MR2? His chances of being invited out of the blue are pretty slim. Perhaps he can use that Contact with a clan councilor to get an invitation. Or maybe the character decides to try to impress his lord by entering the clan's yabusame (mounted archery) competition and winning first place.

Communicate Your Character's Goals

Players should provide the GM with a list of his character's goals for the coming year. The GM should use the character's declared goals as jumping-off points for roleplaying scenes, providing some "spotlight" for each character, or even as ideas for full-fledged adventures, involving the other characters in scenarios designed to achieve goals by one or more members of their party.

Goals by Profession or Group Type

Samurai Goals

• Increase your ken-jutsu (Swords), kyû-jutsu (Archery) or naginata-jutsu (Polearms: Naginata) skill score to MR+1
• Increase your ba-jutsu (Riding) skill score to MR+1
• Increase a classic art skill score to equal your MR
• Spend an amount of bu equal to 2x MR on social functions
• Be invited to a social function by a superior
• Be invited to and attend an official clan court function
• Have your advice solicited by your lord and followed successfully
• Act as kaishaku (second) for another clan member performing seppuku
• End the year with no outstanding debts or obligations
• Exposure a traitor in the clan (either real or fabricated)
• Donate a number of bu to a Buddhist temple equal to your MR
• Attend a Nô performance
• Hire a courtesan with a MR higher than your MR
• Equip and maintain 3 personal retainers for every 100 koku of land or 100 bu of stipend.
• Present a meaningful or expensive gift to your lord (but not too expensive!)
• Build or have built a shrine to a clan ancestor or clan kami
• Defeat a notorious threat in his clan's province or fief
• Win a formal contest or challenge (incl. duels) on behalf of the clan
• Defeat a samurai of higher MR than you in a sanctioned duel
• Manage a fief without any disruptive or successful ikki (uprisings) for one year
• Lead troops to victory in a battle
• Take a number of heads of minor samurai (MR4 or lower) in battle equal to your MR
• Take the head of an enemy with higher MR than your own in battle
• Enter into an arranged (i.e., political) marriage to benefit the clan
• Receive public praise or recognition from your lord

Ryû (School) Student Goals

• Win an organized contest or formal challenge (i.e., duel) on behalf of the ryû
• Increase your score in the ryû's primary skill to equal your MR+1
• Increase your score in one of the ryû's secondary skills to equal your MR
• Defeat a senior student in a sanctioned, non-lethal duel
• Win a public tournament while representing your ryû
• Win a duel (lethal or non-lethal) when publicly challenged
• Defeat a student from another (rival) ryû in a public fight
• Increase your Meditation (meiso) score by 1
• Receive public recognition from your soke (ryû head master)
• Win a sparring match against a fellow student of higher MR
• Perform a public service on behalf of your ryû
• Publicly defend your soke's honor
• Learn a new okuden
• Develop a new okuden

Buddhist Priest Goals

• Win a public religious debate (using contested INT+[Religion]+3D6 rolls)
• Solicit and receive donations totaling MR x 10 bu
• Convert someone to Buddhism
• Convert someone of another sect to your sect
• Convert someone of significant status to Buddhism
• Pray for someone at their time of death
• Perform a segaki rite
• Increase a Classics (Japanese or Chinese) skill score to MR+1
• Learn a new sutra ritual to increase ability
• End the year with less than 5-MR minor transgressions
• End the year with no major transgressions
• Sponsor a new initiate into the sect or temple
• Increase your Buddhism (Butsudô) score to equal your MR+1
• Supremely master Buddhism (i.e., obtain a skill level of 10)
• Complete a pilgrimage to a previously unvisited important or remote temple
• Sponsor or arrange a sumô tournament or Nô performance to raise money for your temple
• Heal or cure a number of people equal to your MRx10
• Save the life of any living creature at significant risk to yourself
• Perform a month of labor, free of charge, for another temple or peasant village
• Build or cause to be built a new temple for your sect
• Spread the teaching of Buddha (i.e., increase someone else's Buddhism skill score by 1)
• Exorcise an evil spirit
• Live in abject poverty for the entire year
• Make a significant sacrifice for a needy person (e.g., give your last coin to a beggar)
• "Overcome" an adversary without violence
• Increase your Meiso (Meditation) skill score to equal your MR+1
• Convince a daimyô to build a Buddhist temple within his castle
• Create a significant religious artwork
• Intercede with the local daimyô or bakufu (Shôgunate) on behalf of commoners (bonge or hinin)
• Intercede to the Buddhas or spirits on behalf of laymen
• Resolve a dispute between two (or more) enemies without violence
• Suffer punishment in place of or on behalf of another
• Deliver or pray for a newborn child

Yamabushi / Shugenja Goals

• Successfully perform a magical rite for the betterment (or downfall) of the community at large
• Complete a pilgrimage to the four sacred mountains of each direction
• Construct a Named Item or kami/spirit-inhabited item
• Perform ritual purification rite under mountain waterfall
• Contact a Bodhisattva
• Travel to another realm, plane or state of being; e.g., Jigoku (hells) or Ten (heaven)
• Perform an extraordinary feat that gains a number of followers or believers equal to your MRx2
• Befriend a supernatural ally (e.g., tengu, oni or yûrei)
• Exorcise an evil spirit
• Defeat a prominent enemy by use of magic
• Win a supernatural duel
• Supremely master a spell (i.e., obtain a skill level of 10)
• Increase your Shugendô skill to MR+1
• Supremely master Shugendô (i.e., obtain a skill level of 10)
• Increase your Buddhism skill to MR+1
• Supremely master Buddhism (i.e., obtain a skill level of 10)
• Create a new spell
• Increase your Meiso (Meditation) score to MR+1
• Sponsor an event to raise money for a local Buddhist temple
• Perform ritual purification on an influential person (e.g., someone with a MR higher than yours)
• Intercede to the Buddhas or spirits on behalf of laymen
• Resolve a dispute between two (or more) enemies without violence
• "Overcome" an adversary without violence
• Spread the teaching of Buddha (i.e., increase someone else's Buddhism skill score by 1)
• Sponsor a new initiate into the sect or temple
• Solicit and receive donations totaling MR x10 bu (gold coins)

Shintô Priestly Goals

• Solicit and receive donations equal to your MRx10 in bu
• Perform a public Shintô rite or ceremony
• End the year with less than 5-MR minor transgressions
• End the year with no major transgressions
• Sponsor a new initiate into the priesthood
• Increase your Shintô skill score to equal your MR+1
• Supremely master Shintô (i.e., obtain a skill level of 10)
• Complete a pilgrimage to a previously unvisited important or remote shrine (e.g., the Ise shrine)
• Sponsor an event to raise money for a local shrine
• Arrange or participate in a Shintô matsuri (religious festival)
• Perform ritual purification on an influential person (e.g., someone with a MR higher than yours)
• Conduct a wedding ceremony
• Build or cause to be built a new shrine (or a replacement for a 20 year old shrine)
• Spread the knowledge of the kami (increase someone's Shintô score by 1)
• Exorcise a mischievous kami
• Defeat a mischievous kami in spirit combat
• Convince a daimyô to build a Shintô shrine in his castle
• Create a significant Shintô religious artwork or artifact
• Intercede to the kami or spirits on behalf of laymen
• Invoke a kami to aid someone else

Shinobi (Ninja) Goals

• Maintain a "normal" life (i.e., Secret ID) without being discovered
• Increase Ninjutsu score to MR+1
• Successfully complete a solo mission
• Maintain a cell of a number of genin equal to your MR
• Defeat an enemy of the clan
• Escape from being captured
• Convince someone that your caste or profession is something other than what it truly is
• Provide misinformation to an enemy or target that they act on, leading to an advantage for your client or clan
• Complete a mission without taking a life
• Take the life of a fellow shinobi who is captured and cannot escape
• Convince someone (other than a shinobi) that you are of the same profession
• Obey an order from your Chûnin, which leads to great personal sacrifice, without question
• Infiltrate an organization and gain the trust of their leader
• Aid a member of your clan (or a friendly clan) in need at great personal risk
• Eliminate a rogue shinobi
• Expose a traitor in your clan (either real or fabricated)
• Increase your Meiso (Meditation) score to equal your MR
• Maintain a stash of supplies and equipment in a secret place away from your residence
• Maintain a public official "on the take" (i.e., bribed)
• Maintain a network of spies
• Befriend an intended target before killing them
• Convince someone that shinobi do not exist
• Complete a mission completely undetected

Karma

This Extension was written primarily for a feudal Japanese setting, though it can be adapted to any setting in which the rule makes sense, from a philosophical or social standpoint.

Karma is a concept borrowed from the Asian continent (China and India), not something that was a part of the earlier pure Japanese/Shintô philosophy. Ultimately, it refers to one's spiritual bank account. Good deeds build good karma; bad deeds build bad karma (or neutralize stores of good karma). Although it is often said that a person who suffers in this life must be enduring some bad karma earned in a previous life, this oversimplifies the concept somewhat.

Good Karma

One of the PC's goals is to get and have a store of good karma (or "Karma points"). Each new character starts with 0 Karma Points. Exception: Players may buy Good Karma points (an advantage, providing 1 point of Good Karma per level of the trait) during character creation.

Good Karma can be gained by spectacular events, such as extreme suffering (such as nearly dying in combat, being tortured, losing  of his family, losing samurai status, etc.) or particularly notable good deeds.

Anything that qualifies as a "serious loss" in the story qualifies one for a point of karma. Note that characters may voluntarily submit to suffering and still gain karma (e.g., jumping in front of a comrade to take an arrow meant for him). This does not mean a player can willingly submit his PC to senseless torture just to gain karma, however; there must be discretion on the part of the player and the GM.

The maximum number of Karma Points that can be accumulated is 10.

Some examples of acts that would cause good karma are shown below:

• Taking an arrow or other wound to save a friend
• Undertaking an arduous or dangerous quest for one's faith.
• Dying in great pain.
• Committing voluntary seppuku, or doing so with honor while under duress.
• Avenging the betrayal or murder of a lord by one of his own retainers.
• Avenging a patricide.
• Taking vows and entering a monastery. (Note: one need not stay in the monastery, although the vows and the adherence to the sect's teachings should be sincere, or there is no benefit.)
• Single-handedly saving your lord's life (e.g., in battle, during an earthquake, etc.).
• Suffering a debilitating wound in battle, or the effects of a long illness.
• Enduring unfair persecution with grace and honor.
• Fighting a knowingly lost cause that is nevertheless just.

Bad Karma

Characters start with 0 bad Karma; players may take some bad Karma as a Complication during character creation. Each new character starts with 0 Bad Karma Points. Exception: Players may take Bad Karma points (a disadvantage, providing 1 point of Bad Karma per level of the trait) during character creation.

In a like manner to gaining a store of good karma, characters can accumulate "bad" or "negative karma" by inflicting needless suffering on another. The key word is "needless." Any suffering which is considered justified (GM's discretion) does not cause a loss of karma. Cutting off a friend's badly mangled limb, for example, doesn't inflict bad karma.

A general who has committed his soldiers to war doesn't suffer bad karma from the deaths of his men. If you choose, however, a general callously throwing his army into the face of certain death with no thought to their wasted lives may suffer bad karma. A general marching his army into a small town, slaughtering everyone and burning it to the ground would definitely be visited with bad Karma, for causing so much suffering to innocent people.

It is important to weigh an act not by Western standards, however, but by the standards of feudal Japan and Buddhist and philosophy.

Some examples of acts that would cause bad karma include:

• Betraying one's lord to the enemy.
• Killing one's lord.
• Killing one's parent. (Note: exiling one's parent is perfectly acceptable.)
• Slaying an innocent for no reason. (If the "innocent" is socially lower than one and has been insulting or otherwise obstreperous, there's usually no onus in slaying him.)
• Robbing, looting, or burning a temple or shrine. (Note: doing the same to a nanban church would likely not bring about bad karma.)
• Killing the emperor or any member of his immediate family.
• Interfering with the proper exercise of a Japanese cleric's role.
• Cursing one of the kami, bodhisattva, or other deities.

Bad karma has the effect of not only negating good karma, but also of bringing about unfortunate circumstances upon the "holder" of the bad karma.

Using Karma in the Game

It's up to the GM whether or not the PCs shall reap any benefits for their goodly and heroic deeds during "this lifetime" or have to wait until the next one; in other words, it's up to the GM whether or not to use this optional rule.

Karma points may be spent during the game. Only one point may be spent at a time, and any karma spent during a game is gone; it does not "recharge" like ki. Positive karma can be obtained again, to be sure, but this would be the addition of a new point for a new action or suffering, not the replacement of one "temporarily exercised."

Note that one can't voluntarily take on a Bad Karma point to do this; if there is no positive karma (i.e., if the PC's Karma points are at zero) then he can't burn anything.

Benefits of Karma

How does one "use" karma? A single point of karma can be spent during a game session to allow the PC to either maximize or minimize one dice roll of the player's choosing. Instead of counting the numbers rolled on the dice, the player can opt to treat the roll as if the dice rolled a total of 3 or 18 (player's choice).

The player can apply a Karma point in this manner to one of his own die rolls or someone else's. If the player is affecting his own die roll, then no die roll is need actually be made; it automatically counts as the highest or lowest natural roll possible (player's choice), though without the added bonus of a critical success.

For example, a player may spend a point of his PC's Karma to maximize the character's own damage roll in combat, or to minimize an opponent's "to hit" roll. In this instance, special modifiers, such as the use of Action Points to boost a roll, do not count; the die roll is just "naturally" the highest or lowest, with no secondary results taking effect.

Players may also spend a point of Good Karma to remove a point of Bad Karma, but this requires the GM's permission.

One must remember that the character does not actually know he is "spending karma"; this is solely a decision by the player.

The spending of karma in this manner, and the manner in which it is accumulated, represents the great cosmic balance that characters are subject to; kind deeds beget good things, and evil deeds beget bad things for the character.

Suffering from Bad Karma

Any bad karma accumulated by the character should be recorded on the character sheet. At any time during the game, the GM may invoke the character's bad karma. Likewise, a player may invoke his character's bad Karma (with the GM's permission). In either case, the Bad Karma point is gone -- it is "used up."

Negative karma that characters accumulate are controlled by the GM. The GM is free to "invoke" a character's negative Karma point, using it in the same manner described above, but in this case modifying some die roll against the character. Players may not use a point of Good Karma to offset a point of bad Karma being so used by the GM. Characters must deal with the "fruits" of their despicable deeds. Karma is karma, neh?

Negative Karma should only be used to enhance a dramatic point of an adventure, however, and ideally in a way that relates to the reason for the gaining of the negative karma. Negative karma should never be used by the GM to "get back at" players; it is a story-telling aid revolving around the characters.

Shirato, a bandit, robbed an elderly woman on the highway, gaining a Bad Karma point. A short time later he runs into a local samurai. Shirato nods to the samurai as they pass each other, but the samurai feels he has not been paid proper respect, and a fight breaks out. As Shirato swings against his opponent, the GM decides to invoke the Bad Karma that Shirato gained for robbing the woman, and automatically makes Shirato's attack roll a 3 -- the lowest he could roll.

Optional Wealth Rules

The cost or value for Wealth depends on the level a character takes (see the table below). The default level is 4 for starting characters. Characters may purchase additional levels using the costs listed in the table below. Some suggested annual income levels (as well as alternate costs/values for those levels) are listed below. GMs are encouraged to determine the "average income" for their own campaign.

Characters may substitute their Wealth level for an attribute or skill in appropriate situations, at the GM's discretion. Such skill rolls could include those in social situations where the character's wealth is likely to influence the outcome or the opposing character's attitude or decision.

GMs may also use a simple skill roll to determine a character's ability to purchase an item, treating the character's Wealth as a sort of "credit rating" or "financial resource meter," of sorts. To make the roll, use the character's Wealth level in place of the normal Attribute + Skill. The GM should set the difficulty of the roll based on the value or cost of the item being sought, using the following guideline.

Jake Lockley is the majority shareholder of a multi-national corporation and has a Wealth level of 9. Jake's player tells the GM that Jake wants to buy a new small private jet. Using the guide above, the GM sets the difficulty of the roll at Difficult. Jake's player rolls 3d6 (he rolls 13) and adds Jake's Wealth of 9, for a total of 22. After a few phone calls and signing and faxing a few forms, Jake is the proud owner of a new jet, which will be delivered to his private hangar in a few days.

Wealth Table

Poison and Drugs

Poisons are described by their Mode of delivery, Speed (Spd), Damage Rating (DR), and Duration (Dur).

Mode

The mode is the manner in which a poison or drug is introduced to the victim. Whenever a poison is introduced to a person, the victim must make a HLT attribute roll using a target number based on the substance's mode (the TN for each mode is listed in parenthesis). This roll is made immediately upon successful introduction of the poison. If the roll is successful, then the poison's effects are halved. A failed roll means the poison is at full effect. This roll is made for poisons and drugs alike, including beneficial drugs; some substances just don't "take."

Topical (TN 15)

Topical poisons and drugs are introduced by contact with the victim's skin. They usually take the form of a cream or ointment. The poison is then absorbed into the victim's skin. Topical poisons are near useless in combat. Topical poisons can be mixed with makeup, perfume and even medicinal herbs. Topical poisons are generally the slowest type of poison.

Ingested (TN 24)

Ingested poisons must be eaten or drunk. They usually are in powder or liquid form. Ingested substances are usually mixed with food or drink, but may be introduced directly to the victim's mouth via water dropper, spit, blowpipe or any of a number of ingenious means. Ingested drugs and poisons are generally slow, though faster acting than topical ointments as a rule.

Inhaled (TN 21)

Inhaled poisons and drugs must be introduced to the lungs of the victim. This can be accomplished by use of a powder, vapors or smoke. Inhaled substances are generally faster acting than ingested ones, though not as fast as those introduced directly to the bloodstream.

Blood (TN 18)

Blood poisons and drugs must be introduced directly to the victim's bloodstream, through a cut or abrasion. Blood poisons may be put on a blade or needle, but such applications are only effective for one strike and the strike must penetrate any armor and deliver penetrating damage to the victim. Whether or not the strike delivers the poison, the dose of poison is "used up." Blood poisons are the fastest type of poison, as a rule.

Speed of Poisons and Drugs

Speed (abbreviated "Spd") measures how often the poison or drug's effects are applied. When a poison is introduced, it first takes affect as soon as an amount of time has passed, based on the poison's Speed. The poison's effect occurs again after each passing of this time.

A poison with a Speed rating of 10 minutes is introduced to a victim. After 10 minutes the victim will suffer the effects of the poison, and again after another 10 minutes have passed, and so on.

As a general rule of thumb, ingested poisons are faster than topical poisons, inhaled poisons are faster than ingested ones, and blood poisons are faster than inhaled poisons.

Effect

The Effect (abbreviated "Eff") represents the amount of damage or other effect caused by the substance. The effect is rolled once each time period (based on the Spd of the substance) for each dose that affects the victim. Being exposed to two doses of a substance doubles the Effect of that substance. All dice rolls for Effect are cumulative.

For harmful substances, this damage may be subtracted from a character's LIF or from an attribute, depending on the type of poison. A drug or poison need not be fatal; knock-out drugs also work by accumulation, with "damage" subtracted from different point pools depending on the type of effect.

For example, a sleeping drug rated at DR3 will cause 3d6 of stunning damage. Once the victim's LIF reaches zero, they are asleep.

Beneficial and medicinal drugs work by adding to an attribute or LIF.

For example, a stimulant rated at DR2 will add 2d6 to REF and LIF.

Duration of Poisons and Drugs

Duration (abbreviated "Dur") is the total amount of time that a poison can affect someone after it is introduced to the victim. The effect is applied to the victim (or patient, as the case may be) once each time period listed based on the drug or toxin's Spd, until the poison has either dissipated or "run its course," or (in extreme cases) until the affected person dies.

Chin-doku has Eff 2d6, a Spd rating of one minute and a Duration of 10 minutes. This means that the poison will cause 2d6 of effect every minute, for 10 consecutive minutes.

Treating Poison Victims

Characters suffering the effects of any poison may not heal, nor recover any lost LIF or attribute points, until the poison has run its course. They may recover LIF lost to stunning damage, unless the poison itself causes stunning damage, in which case the character doesn't recover any LIF points at all.

Once the poison has exceeded its duration, the character may begin to heal normally. Characters recover LIF and primary attribute points per the Core Rules (see Recovery in the Core Rules).

Torando was bitten by a sea snake and failed his HLT roll. Torando suffers 18 points of Sp/L damage and loses 3 points from REF. Luckily, Torando was quickly treated by a physician and survived the bite. Torando has a HLT of 7, and begins the healing process. Torando is in a Cinematic level campaign, so the recovery period is one day for lethal damage and one week for attribute points. Torando will recover 7 LIF per day and 1 point of REF per week.

Characters making a successful Physician (TN 21), First Aid or Herbalist (TN 18) skill roll can determine that a person has been poisoned. If the person treating the victim makes a second successful roll at -3, they will know which specific poison was used and how to counter it.

To stop a poison's progress, the victim must be given one dose of healing herbs or medicine, as prescribed by the attending doctor. This dose will immediately halt the progress of the poison; the person will suffer no additional damage. Any damage already suffered remains, but it may be healed normally, as the victim will begin the healing (i.e., Recovery) process.

Making Poisons

Characters with the appropriate skills can concoct healing and medicinal drugs.

To create a poison the character must first obtain one unit of the necessary raw materials. The materials and their weight will vary depending on the type of poison, but GMs can assume a basic weight of .1 kg of raw materials is needed to create one dose of poison. Some raw materials may be purchased in a market, while others will require the character to go to some effort to locate them. This could involve a trek into the mountains (possibly requiring a local guide), a quest or some other circumstances which can serve as the basis of an adventure itself.

Once the material components are gathered, the character must spend time preparing the materials, extracting the toxins and creating the final lethal product. The time it takes for this process is up to the GM, but should be no less than 1 hour for each dose of poison being created.

The final step is for the character to make a skill roll, with a target number determined by the GM, based on the skill being used. Recommended skills and target numbers are given below. Not all skills will be available in all settings.

 Success means that one dose of the desired poison is created. A critical success provides two doses or increases the Speed by one step up the time table (player's choice). A failed roll indicates that some mistake was made during the creation process, rendering the poison ineffective. A failure with an EN of -6 or more indicates the character has poisoned himself.

Quality of Items

The cost and function of the arms, armor and equipment described in this chapter are given for average specimens. Extremely well made (and poorly made) examples also exist. In fact, items may be graded as being one of several "levels" of quality.

Levels of Quality

There are six levels of quality used to describe items of all kinds, from weapons to works of art. The levels of quality correspond to the Difficulty Levels and Target Numbers (see the Core Rules). These levels are given below.

Level of Quality Table

Skill

Worthless Quality Items

Worthless items are completely non-functional and have no value whatsoever. Worthless items are incomplete, broken, or incorrectly assembled works, or otherwise have one or more obvious (and major) flaws.

Poor Quality Items

Extremely poor items function at a -3 (applied to any relevant skill rolls made when using the item). Each time a poor quality item is used in a stressful or physically demanding manner (such as a weapon used in combat), there is a one-in-six chance of the item breaking or suffering a catastrophic failure, rendering the item worthless (see Worthless Quality Items, above). Roll 1d6. If the result is a 1, at some point while the item is being used -- GM's discretion as to when -- the item will fail.

For example: A thief, Michinaga, has found a sword hidden in a treasure room. It is richly mounted, and he thinks it is therefore a good weapon. Unbeknownst to him, it is actually an extremely poor tachi in expensive furniture -- a dress piece. On his way out, he is challenged by two guards. He chooses to fight with the tachi, so the GM secretly rolls 1d6 and it comes out 2. The GM decides that the third time Michinaga strikes armor or parries with the weapon, it will snap at the guard. Michinaga scores a hit on the first guard's torso, protected by a hara ate, then parries a yari thrust. His third strike is parried by the guard, and the sword snaps. Michinaga is now unarmed and facing two armed opponents.

Below Average Quality Items

Below average items impose a -1 penalty to relevant skill rolls made when using the item.

Above Average Quality Items

Above average quality items provide a bonus of +1 to relevant skill rolls made when using the item. Above average quality armor may provide +1 AV and above average quality weapons may provide +1d6 damage in lieu of the +1 skill roll bonus.

Master Quality Items

Master quality items are those of the highest man-made quality. They are individual specimens of master quality workmanship. Master quality items fetch incredible prices on the open market, if they can be found for sale at all. In most cases, master quality items are handed down as heirlooms or given as gifts of incredible value. Such gifts are sometimes given to ensure the loyalty of the recipient to the giver.

Master quality items provide one of the following bonuses: +2 bonus to the skill roll with which the item is used; +2 to the AV (for armor); or +1d6 damage (for weapons). In the case of weapons, the bonus can be split between both the skill roll bonus and the extra damage done by the weapon. For example, a master quality sword could provide a +2 bonus to skill rolls, +1d6 damage, or both +1 to skill rolls and +2 points (1/2 d6) of damage.

Appraising Quality of Items

Characters with the skill required to create a similar item, the Appraisal skill or the appropriate Knowledge skill may attempt to appraise an item's quality. The character makes a skill roll using his INT + SKILL (TN 18). On a successful roll, the character determines the true quality of the item.

For example, to appraise a sword, a character could make a skill check using his INT + Swordsmith.

Sanity

An Action! System Extension

By Mark Arsenault

All characters have a Derived Attribute called Sanity (SAN). Sanity scores range from 1 to 100. A character's starting score in Sanity is equal to (WIL x 10) + PRE. So, for example, a character with a PRE 5 and WIL 6 would have a starting SAN of 65.

Option: Starting SAN is reduced by 5 points for each Psychological Disadvantage (or other Disadvantage deemed appropriate by the GM) the character possesses at Hardship level and 10 points for each one possessed at Peril level.

SAN can be reduced by exposure to particularly gruesome, violent, disturbing or mind-shattering events. Any time a character is exposed to something that could conceivably affect his Sanity, the player makes a WIL + PRE attribute roll (3d6 + WIL + PRE) against a Target Number based on the severity of the event:

If the character fails the WIL roll. he loses the noted amount of Sanity.

The loss of 5 points of Sanity at one time indicates the character has acquired a Hardship-level Psychological Disadvantage relating to the experience, which last for 3d6 time periods with each "time period" indicated on the Difficulty Table). A loss of 10 or more points of Sanity at one time indicates the character has acquired a Peril-level Psychological Disadvantage relating to the experience, which last for 3d6 time periods.

Scaling

At times you may wish to compare the relative scores of things that are vastly different in size. For example, how does a mouse's STR compare to the STR of an elephant? Is a mouse's LIF worth as much as the elephant's? Are small arms useless against battleships? What scale should we use for aerial combat?

Using these scaling rules, you can easily determine the relative scores of vastly different sized characters or objects.

The three basic scales used in the Core Rules are Micro Scale, Human Scale, and Mega Scale.

Human Scale is the default scale for the Core Rules. This is the scale that most games will use, whether the players realize it or not.

Annotating Scale

To indicate a score or statistic in Micro Scale, simply write "MS" after it, either in parenthesis or in superscript. To indicate a score or statistic in Mega Scale, simply write "MG" after it, either in parenthesis or in superscript.

For example, STR 5 (MS) or STR 5MS indicates a STR of 5 in Micro Scale. STR 5 (MG) or STR 5MG indicates a STR of 5 in Mega Scale

Attributes

Attributes in Human Scale have a value ten times greater than those in Micro Scale, and attributes in Mega Scale have a value ten times greater than those in Human Scale.

Primary Attributes

In Action! System, it is assumed that all living creatures have the six primary attributes that make up the Body and Mind Attribute Groups. That is, all living things have STR, REF, HLT, PRE, INT and WIL. They may have a score of 0 in one or more of the attributes, but for purposes of describing them, all creatures can be written to include all six attributes.

Of the primary attributes, only STR is scaled. That is, the relative values of all of the other attributes are on the same relative scale, regardless of the size of the creature. An elephant with a REF of 4 is roughly equal to a mouse that also has a REF of 4. The difference between the two comes in terms of their physical size, which is reflected in a DEF bonus for the mouse and a DEF penalty for the elephant (see the Combat Modifiers table in the Core Rules).

Strength (STR): Strength, on the other hand, is handled differently. STR is scaled in multiples of 10. For example, a mouse with a STR score of 5 in Micro Scale would have the equivalent of a STR of .5 in Human Scale. A human with a STR of 5 would have the equivalent of a STR of 50 in Micro Scale or a STR of .5 in Mega Scale. The Extended STR Table provides information for STR values ranging from .1 (1MS) to 120 (12MG).

Derived Attributes

Like primary attributes, all living creatures are assumed to have all of the basic Derived Attributes presented in the Core Rules -- Defensive Target Number (DEF), Initiative (INI), Toughness (TGH), Life (LIF), and Move (MOV). Of these, TGH and LIF are the only attributes that are affected by scaling.

Defensive Target Number (DEF): Differences between the DEF scores of creatures of different scales is handled by applying the DEF Modifier to each creature, based on its size (see Combat Modifiers).

Initiative (INI): Initiative remains the same.

Toughness (TGH): Toughness (TGH) may be scaled as for attributes. When calculating the TGH of a creature that has Mega Scale STR, convert the STR score to Human Scale and then calculate the TGH score normally. The resulting TGH score is still measured in Human Scale, however. GMs wishing to use a simplified Mega Scale TGH can simply divide the score by 10.

Creatures with Micro Scale STR should calculate their TGH as follows: (STRMS + WIL) /2.  The resulting TGH score is measured in Micro Scale. GMs wishing to convert it to Human Scale TGH can simply divide the score by 10. In most cases the result will be less than 1. We recommend that you allow even Micro Scale characters a minimum Human Scale TGH score of 1; even Micro Scale characters are supposed to be heroes, after all.

Life (LIF): Because LIF is derived from HLT and WIL, which are not themselves affected by scaling, a character's LIF score should be scaled. Each step up in scale represents a tenfold decrease in the relative value of the attribute, rounding up. For example, a mouse with a LIF score of 25 in Micro Scale would have the equivalent of a LIF of 3 (2.5 rounded up) in Human Scale. A human with a LIF of 30 would have the equivalent of a LIF of 300 in Micro Scale or a LIF of 3 in Mega Scale.

Move (MOV): This is perhaps the trickiest of attributes to deal with when it comes to scaling. Rather than assigning a straight conversion rule, we recommend using whichever scale is most convenient and dividing the score by the appropriate number. For example, in Human Scale, each hex on a map might represent 1 meter (the default measurement for a 1-inch scale map when using 25mm or 28mm figures). If you decide that during a scene in which the characters are participating in an aerial dogfight that each hex represents 100 meters, then you would simply divide the Human Scale MOV score by 100. So a human (let's say a superhero who can fly) with a flying MOV of 200 would have a scaled MOV of 2. Likewise, if in the same dogfight you decided that each hex on the map represents 200 meters, then an F-18 Hornet, which has a MOV of 1,800 in Human Scale, would have a scaled MOV of 9 when moving on the hex mat for the dogfight.

For the default (Human Scale) MOV values for various sample vehicles, see the Extended MOV Table below.

Extended MOV Table

Damage

Scaling damage is very simple. When converting randomly determined damage (i.e., when rolling damage dice), every 10 points of Micro Scale damage equals 1 point of Human Scale damage. Every 10 points of Human Scale damage equals 1 point of Mega Scale damage.

Be sure to apply damage to any TGH on the same scale. For example, if a tiny mouse warrior does 27 points of Micro Scale blunt damage to a human, be sure to convert that damage to Human Scale or convert the human's TGH to Micro Scale before subtracting the TGH from the damage.

Armor

All Armor Values for armor are given in Human Scale unless noted otherwise. Always convert armor to the same level as the damage that is applied to it, or vice versa.

Our tiny mouse warrior has 35 LIFMS (he's a stout little mouse!) and tree bark armor that affords him AV 10MS. But our brave mouse warrior has just been bitten by a dog for 4 points of Human Scale damage! Our hero's armor does not reduce the damage from the dog bite to 0. Instead, the bite is converted to Micro Scale damage (4 x 10 = 40 points!) and then the AV is subtracted from the damage. Our hero has taken 40 - 10 = 30 points of damage! Luckily he still has 5 LIF remaining, and an Action Point or two...

Skills

Skill scores are not scaled. A skill level of 4 for a Human Scale character has the same value as a skill level of 4 for a Mega Scale character.

Status In Feudal Japan

Status is important to everyone, but especially to the Japanese, for whom membership in a group might define their personality and attitudes.

Membership with a fire-fighting crew, or with a local builder's gang, define how others view one, as well. Is the group well thought of? Is it full of lazy ne'er do-wells? Is it known to be a hotbed of illegal activity? Within this group or organization, what is the position -- and hence the accountability -- of the person in question?

The same holds with samurai, of course. A low-ranking samurai of a powerful, wealthy clan is going to get a lot more respect than if he had the same rank in a no-name clan.

Invoking One's Status

In feudal Japan, one's status is typically determined by one's affiliation with a group. The more important an individual's group or group leader is, the more important one is in the social hierarchy. Status is determined by one's KAO (other's perception of his personal honor) and his Membership Rank (MR) within the group.

To attempt to influence someone with status, roll (KAO + MR + 3D6). The character you are trying to influence also rolls his own (KAO + MR + 3D6). The degree of success or failure determines the outcome of the attempt. Subtract the result of the subject's roll from the roll of the person making the attempt, resulting in the Effect Number (this number may be a negative) and consult the Status Effect Table (below).

When dealing with someone of a higher or lower caste, an adjustment is made to the roll. The person of the higher caste adds +5 for each "level" of difference in castes between the two characters (see Membership Ranks in Feudal Japan table below).

Membership Ranks in Feudal Japan

For example, suppose Kanta, a peasant farmer with a KAO of 3 and a MR of 2 in his village attempts to influence Morita, a high buke with a KAO of 3 and a MR of 4 in a major samurai clan. Kanta rolls KAO (3) + MR (2) + 3D6 (13), for a total of 18. Morita, however, rolls KAO (3) + MR (4) + 3D6 (10) plus he adds +10 to the roll because he is two levels higher in caste than poor Kanta, the farmer, making Morita's total 27. Morita is almost guaranteed to "win" such checks because he is a member of a higher caste.

As you can see, a character's Membership Level is nearly worthless when dealing with someone of a higher caste, and almost irrelevant when dealing with someone of a lower caste.

Nanbanjin are treated as one caste level lower than their Japanese counterpart for purposes of making Status rolls.

For example, a Spanish Jesuit priest of Portuguese soldier (i.e., warrior) would be treated the same as if he were of the bonge caste.

Status Effect Table

Modifiers to Status Roll

GM's desiring a bit more complexity (and historical accuracy) in their games may apply the following modifiers (as many as appropriate) to rolls involving attempts to influence others with status (Membership Level).

Status Roll Modifiers

* (Note: A person may be both at the same time)

Invoking a Superior's Status

PCs can invoke the name of their superior (e.g., samurai master, daimyô, a family or clan head, yoriki, or the head priest of a temple or sect) when the PC is performing official duties. In these situations the person acts with the full authority of their superior. The effective Membership Rank (MR) of the character becomes equal to their superior's MR -1 when invoking their master's name. This can be a significant jump if the superior's status is much higher than that of the character invoking his name. This is, in some ways, similar to intimidation, but in this context it is socially acceptable, if not expected, and can be quite effective.

Note that if of a higher caste than the person being cajoled, it is likely to result in abject kow-towing as the person on the receiving end trips over himself attempting to placate the speaker. If of a lower caste, it may gain the person making the attempt no advantage at all, but still conveys the "righteousness" of his actions. In game terms, this tactic is most advantageous when used with someone of the same caste.

Yoshii, a samurai with a KAO of 3 and a Membership Rank (MR) of 3, is guarding prisoners and has orders from his superior (MR 5) to allow no one inside the jail until the superior returns. Along comes Hondo, a samurai of the same clan with KAO 5 and MR 4, who asks to be allowed to enter the jail. Yoshii refuses to let Hondo in, apologizing and explaining that he is acting on orders from his superior. Hondo becomes angry and tries to throw his weight around, ordering Yoshii to let him in. Hondo rolls KAO (5) + MR (4) + 3d6 (8), for a total of 17. Yoshii rolls his KAO (3) and his superior's MR-1 (4) + 3d6 (11), for a total of 18. Yoshii stands his ground, despite Hondo's verbal assault. The only way Hondo will get into the stockade tonight is if he cuts Yoshii down.

Had Yoshii failed to beat Hondo's roll, Yoshii would have been convinced by Hondo's argument (or been sufficiently intimidated by it) to let Hondo enter.

This procedure is appropriate for role-playing situations between a PC and NPC(s). For situations in which a PC fails his roll, the GM should tell the player that his character is intimidated and must acquiesce, but that the decision of how the PC reacts is ultimately up to the player.

Characters may add both the +10 per level bonus for being of higher caste as well as the bonus for invoking a superior's status, creating a significant advantage. Of course, simply winning such a social contest doesn't necessarily exonerate one from wrongdoing, especially if the superior finds out about his name being invoked and doesn't like the reason it was invoked.

Instruction & Study

Finding a Teacher

This is the easiest way to learn. The teacher must be at least two levels higher than the character in the desired skill. In other words, a PC with a skill level of 5 in Swords must find a teacher with a Swords skill of at least 7.

There comes a point in studying where no more education will suffice, and one must simply practice, practice, practice, and do, do, do. This is why the level difference is required; at extremely high levels of skill (9 or higher) one cannot find more skilled teachers; one must become one's own master. In game terms, the character continues to study as normal, but he uses his INT alone to determine the length of study/training time required to improve a level.

A teacher must also have the time to teach and the student the time to learn, and even the most knowledgeable teachers may not be any good at transferring their knowledge. That's where the Instruction skill comes in. The teacher averages his score of the skill to be taught with his Instruction skill (skill being taught + Instruction, divided by 2); he may then teach the student up to that level of skill.

Study Hindrances

The simple gaining of ability (indicated by an increased skill level) from study is not automatic. There are several things that may make studying more difficult and may hinder the PC's ability to advance. Some of the hindrances are listed here, but the GM and players will have to decide what other matters might affect study. The problems are cumulative.

• Student undertakes other duties or activities, including studying other skills, in the period of study: required training time is multiplied by 1 plus 1 point per other activity (e.g., studying two skills takes three times as long to advance in each)
• Student is recovering from injuries or is ill: study of any physical skill is either totally impossible or his required training time is doubled (or even tripled; GM's discretion, based on the nature of the wounds or illness)
• Student is forced to interrupt his study (e.g., to perform some duty for his lord or undertake a mission): student resumes study from the point he left off with an effective loss of (10 - INT) weeks of study due to the interruption.
• Student has the Slow Learner complication: student's effective INT is halved (round up).

Study Benefits

There are a few issues that may bring benefits to study. Like hindrances, they are cumulative. The student gains the indicated bonus for that circumstance when calculating the required training time:

• Teacher has a score of 10 or greater in skill being taught
• Student studies at an institution devoted to teaching that skill (e.g., a dôjô or temple): +1 to student's effective INT
• Skill being studied is common for the character or is one of the skills in the profession template for that character (e.g., Swords for a samurai, or Buddhism for a Buddhist priest): +1 to student's effective INT
• Student is the only one for the teacher for the duration of study: +5 to teacher's effective TL
• Student has the Fast Learner advantage, add +2 to his effective INT for calculating training time
• If the student has the Natural advantage for the skill being taught: double student's effective INT for calculating the required training time.

Study Time

Consult the chart below to determine the number of weeks of study needed to increase the character's skill level (SL). Cross reference the desired skill level (the horizontal, bold numbers) and the student's INT + the teacher's Instruction Level (abbreviated "IL"; the vertical numbers). The resulting number is the number of weeks required for the student to gain 1 level in the skill. The teacher's IL is equal to the average of his Instruction skill score and the score in the skill being taught.

The required time must be spent by the student or no increase in the skill is gained. In other words, time must be spent as well as Experience Points in order for characters to improve a skill. The formula for determining how long a student must study in order to achieve a new skill level is:

Time in weeks = ((2 x DL) + 10) - (INT + IL)

In other words, the time in weeks it takes to achieve a new level equals two times the desired skill level (DL) plus 10, minus the sum of the student's INT plus the teacher's TL. For example, a student with an INT of 5 desiring to achieve a skill level of 6 in Driving by studying with a teacher who has a Instruction Level of 8 would be: (12 + 10) - (5 +8) = 9 weeks.

If there is no teacher available, then use 0 for TL in the formula.

Required Time to Improve SL

Tear Gas

Dmg: Special, Type: Special, Acc: -1, Rmod: -2, STR Min: 1, Max: 5, RoF: 1:5, Amm: 15, Wt: --, Notes: See Effects.

Description: Alphachloroacetaphenone gas, also know as "tear gas" or "CN", was widely used by law enforcement before pepper spray replaced it as the chemical weapon of choice. CN gas typically comes in a pressurized canister with a button "trigger" at the top of the canister. The CN itself is in crystalline form and is suspended in an inert liquid. When the trigger is depressed and the agent expelled from the canister, the crystals become exposed to air and they quickly vaporize. This vapor is an irritant to membrane tissues, causing stinging pain and tearing, but takes several seconds to become effective.

Effects: A successful hit causes the target to suffer a -3 penalty to both REF-based skill rolls and sight-based Awareness rolls. A hit in the face delays the effect for 1 Turn. Hit on chest delays effect for 2 Turns. Any other location results in no effect.

LEGAL INFORMATION

This material is Open Game Content, and is licensed for public use under the terms of the Open Game License v1.0a.

Permission to copy, modify and distribute this document is granted solely through the use of the Open Gaming License, Version 1.0a. This material is being released using the Open Gaming License Version 1.0a and you should read and understand the terms of that license before using this material. Instructions on using the License are provided within the License itself.

Open Content

All of the text in this document preceding the 'Legal Information" section is Open Game Content as described in Section 1(d) of the Open Game License.

Product identity

"Action! System" is designated as Product Identity and may not be used without written permission from Gold Rush Games.

Open Content

The text of the "Legal Information" section of this document and the "Open Game License version 1.0a" itself are not Open Game Content. Instructions on using the License are provided within the License itself.

All of the rest of the text in this document following the Open Game License, below, is Open Game Content as described in Section 1(d) of the License.

Product identity

"Action! System" is designated as Product identity and may not be used without written permission from Gold Rush Games.

OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a

The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc ("Wizards"). All Rights Reserved.

1. Definitions: (a)"Contributors" means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)"Derivative Material" means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) "Distribute" means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)"Open Game Content" means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) "Product Identity" means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) "Trademark" means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) "Use", "Used" or "Using" means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) "You" or "Your" means the licensee in terms of this agreement.

2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.

3.Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.

4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.

5.Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.

6.Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder's name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute.

7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.

8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.

9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any version of this License.

10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.

11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so.

12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected.

13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License.

14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.

15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

Action! System Core Rules version 1.1 copyright 2003 by Gold Rush Games; Authors Mark Arsenault, Patrick Sweeney, Ross Winn.

Aesthetics, Kao and Piety Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Quality of Items Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Creating Items Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Extended Distance Modifiers Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Extended Strength Table Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Hit Locations Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Improving Membership: Feudal Japan Rank Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Karma Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Optional Wealth Rules Variant copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Poisons and Drugs Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Quality of Items Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Sanity Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Scaling Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Status in Feudal Japan Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Instruction and Study Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.

Tear Gas Extension copyright © 2003 by Gold Rush Games. Author Mark Arsenault.