MYL40001 Entropy Open Beta v11

ENTROPY
Core Rulebook
OPEN BETA PLAYTEST
Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Open Beta V1.1 Playtest Packet
Welcome to the Entropy tabletop role-playing game open beta playtest. This
packet contains the core rules for the new Entropy system for the purpose of testing
the design and game mechanics before full publication.
By downloading a copy of this Open Beta Playtest, you are showing interest in the
Entropy RPG system and we truly appreciate it! However, if you follow through with
the playtest and offer feedback, we have a series of rewards available to you.
The rewards for following up to this playtest packet are sort of the like the
rewards to a Kickstarter campaign. The more you do, the more youll get back in
return. However, unlike Kickstarter, you dont need to pay anything for these
rewards, just communicate your feedback to us.
Before getting started with our reward tiers, Id like to note that all feedback for
the Entropy Open Beta Playtest should be e-mailed to:
aaron@mysticalthrone-ent.com
along with the subject line Entropy Open Beta Playtest. This way you can get
credit for what youve done and in turn earn your rewards! However, before getting
started, Id like to make the following notations regarding this playtest packet:
1. This is just a playtest packet. It has not been edited, it has not gone
through layout, and it doesnt have much artwork to speak of. Please
overlook any editing and grammatical mistakes and know that the final
product will be a full publication. However, if you notice drastic errors,
such as a mathematical error, feel free to put that in your feedback.
Otherwise, were not worried about the rest as it will be taking place in
parallel to the playtest.
2. Each playtest packet has a version number. Please note the version
number at the top and the change log at the end of the preface. This way
you can always be sure to have the most recent packet.
3. Honesty is the best policy. We value honest feedback and a game system
cant get any better when people dont provide their honest feedback.
Also, dont be afraid to be honest; feedback doesnt need to be glowing
with positive things for the system to get better.
4. Provide us with your information. If you wish to be credited as a
playtester, we need your name and the names of all other participants in
your gaming group that were a part of the playtest. You are welcome to
use nicknames instead of regular names.
5. Updates will be posted bi-weekly. When applicable, updates to the
Open Beta playtest packet will be posted every other Friday. If there are
no updates, then no new packet will be posted.

6. Entropy will be OGL. Although the Open Beta playtest doesnt fall under
the Open Game License, the final product will. However, no content from
the playtest is usable in an OGL fashion.
7. Dont keep it secret. You are welcome to tell the world about this Open
Beta playtest along with sending the PDF to whoever wants it. However, if
another recipient wishes to receive one of the reward tiers, they will need
to download it properly and follow-up with a feedback e-mail.
Here are the different reward tiers for this Open Beta Playtest:
WATCHER
As a watcher, you download the Open Beta playtest packet and spread the word
about its existence. You are rewarded with our esteemed thanks and updated
versions of the playtest packet as they come out (see the version number above).
INTERESTED PARTY
As an interested party, you have not only downloaded the Open Beta playtest
packet, but youve read through it. To fulfill this reward tier, all we ask is that you
provide feedback of what youve read to the e-mail address above. This feedback
needs to be constructive and have some type of value attached to it. Things like I
really like this, dont qualify, but telling us what mechanics you like the most, what
you dislike the most, what you dont think will work, and what you think works
really well is very helpful.
This feedback must be provided to the above e-mail address by August 31, 2014
to be eligible. After that time, well have moved on to the other reward tiers and
updated the packet according to the feedback received.
For fulfilling this reward tier, you are entitled to a free copy of the final Entropy
core rulebook PDF.
PLAYER
As a player, you have downloaded the Open Beta playtest packet, read through it,
and created a character. To fulfill this reward tier, we ask that you provide some
type of feedback along with a scanned or typed copy of the character you created.
Fully fleshed-out characters with short backgrounds even qualify for the NPC Guide
to be released at a later time for Pay What You Want. Your name will even be added
as a contributor to the book and a free copy will be sent to you.
This character must be provided to the above e-mail address by September 30,
2014 to be eligible. After that time, well have moved on to the other reward tiers
and updated the packet according to the feedback received.
core rulebook PDF plus one free PDF of your choice from Mystical Throne
Entertainments currently available products.
GAMEMASTER
As a Gamemaster, you have downloaded the Open Beta playtest packet, read
through it, assisted your players in creating characters, and run the introductory
adventure or an adventure of your own design. To fulfill this reward tier, we ask
that you provide feedback regarding the adventure you ran and the characters
involved in it. If you created your own adventure, we ask that you provide

information about it so that we can discern what type of genre and subgenre was
involved. This feedback needs to be detailed and should provide enough information
so that we can extract updates needed or gain an understanding of how well
something worked in the adventure style you chose.
This feedback must be provided to the above e-mail address by October 31, 2014
to be eligible. After that time, well have moved on to the other reward tiers and
updated the packet according to the feedback received.
core rulebook PDF plus three free PDFs of your choice from Mystical Throne
Entertainments currently available products.
GM REVIEWER
As a GM Reviewer, youve done everything a Gamemaster is required to do plus
youve posted a review of your experience on your blog or website or some other
location where RPG reviews are to be found.
In addition to the Gamemaster requirements, proof of the review being posted
must be provided to the above e-mail address by November 15, 2014 to be eligible.
After that time, the Open Beta playtest will have mostly ended and well be finishing
with clean-up.
For fulfilling this reward tier, you are entitled to everything the Gamemaster gets
plus a free printed copy of the final Entropy core rulebook. This can be substituted
with a free printed copy of any other product of comparable value from Mystical
Throne Entertainments currently available products.
PROMOTER
As a Promoter, youve done everything a Gamemaster is required to do plus
youve run at least one game at a gaming convention.
In addition to the Gamemaster requirements, proof of running Entropy at a
convention must be provided by December 31, 2014 to be eligible. After that time,
the core rulebook should be available for purchase.
For fulfilling this reward tier, you are entitled to a free PDF copy of any or all of
Mystical Throne Entertainments products plus a printed copy of the final Entropy
core rulebook or any other product of comparable value from our currently
available products.
Promoters wishing to run Entropy at conventions after the Open Beta playtest is
complete should contact us directly to inquire about rewards for doing so outside of
the playtest.
All dates listed above are subject to change. They will not be pulled in, but they
may be pushed out. This will be reflected in updated playtest packets and noted in
the Change Log.

CHANGE LOG
1.0 Initial release of the Open Beta playtest packet.
1.1 (1) Fixed the wording of Equipment > Armor as the entry was confusing;
previous entry was more for flavor and less for mechanical representation.
(2) Rolls on the Injury Table were moved from the Injured status to the
Incapacitated status; previous entry would force too many rolls on the
Injury Table. (3) Fixed a major error under Game Mecahnics > Fall; the
damage is doubled if the surface IS jagged, not isnt. (4) Boating was added
as a Suggested Skill to the Marine entry as marines should also understand
boating. (5) Added Add +2 to Damage as a Hero Point option. (6) Changed
Add +d6 to Damage Hero Point option to Add +d4 to Damage as +d6
seemed a bit too much. This same change was made to Mounted Combat
damage. (7) Added the opposed roll combination to the Dodge option in
combat (using Agility + Athletics) as a quick reference. (8) Added the
opposed roll combinations to the Parry option in Combat (using Agility +
Melee or Strength + Melee, depending on the weapon) as a quick reference.
(9) Repairing armor was changed to Mechanical Healing; this was the
original intent, but now its properly stated as such. (10) Game Mechanics >
Called Shots had a reference to the Dice Pool, but this should say the Skill
Roll. (11) Expanded the brief Qualities and Hero Point introduction under
Introduction > Characters to note that Qualities provide Hero Points which
can then be immediately spent to gain a bonus to the action being
performed. (12) Expanded some of the Attribute descriptions. (13)
Further clarified that a cooperative characters roll is done at the Average
difficulty to provide the +2 to the lead characters Skill Roll. (14) Modified
the Group Rolls so that spending a Hero Point increases that characters
skills die type. (15) Changed the Quality Hero Point relationship so that
negative Qualities allow the character to stockpile Hero Points while Hero
Points from positive Qualities must be spent immediately; further
clarification was given to neutral Qualities. (16) Reorganized the Blast Zone
entries under Equipment for easier referencing. (17) Expanded the sample
Qualities from playtest feedback. (18) Changed Target Number to 9 and all
modifiers only apply to the Skill Roll, not the Target Number. (19) Added
the option to Add +d6 to a Skill Roll as a Hero Point option. (20) Added
the option to Increase Initiative by +d6 as a Hero Point option. (21) Fixed
error under Game Mechanics > Travel that read a -4d6 penalty that should
have been a -4 penalty. (22) Fixed error under Game Mechanics > Prone
that read a -6d6 penalty that should have been a -6 penalty. (23) Fixed
some of the damage ratings in the Powers chapter.

Entropy
Open Beta Playtest Core Rulebook
BY
Aaron T. Huss
EDITING
Not Quite Yet
LAYOUT
Eventually
COVER ARTWORK
Algol
INTERIOR ARTWORK
Tams Baranya
CARTOGRAPHY
Tams Baranya, Steve Hood, Simon Powell

Table of Contents
Introduction 7
Character Creation 12
Equipment 30
Game Mechanics 41
Powers 67
Game Mastering 84
Bestiary 94
Midnight Marauders (Introductory Adventure) 107
Character Sheet 122

Introduction: Entropy
entropy [en-truh-pee]
noun
1. a statistical measure of the disorder of a closed system
2. lack of pattern or organization; disorder
3. a measure of the efficiency of a system in transmitting information
4. the design measurement of a tabletop role-playing game system to provide
more opportunities using fewer options
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. There are those who wield weapons of great
power, smiting their foes in close combat. Others use guns of incredible technology
to disintegrate their adversary as soon as they see the whites of their eyes. Or
maybe these heroes call upon the gifts of the arcane, throwing spells to set their
targets ablaze. No matter whom they are or what their weapon of choice is, these
heroes fight to save their people and bring order back to a chaotic world.
But what do these heroes look like? Are they simple humans? Maybe stout
dwarves. Maybe they come from far away planets. Or maybe they come from deep
inside the lands others inhabit, moving around underground without rousing the
suspicion of those on top. Whoever they are, whatever they look like, and whatever
tools they use, they all have a heroic story to tell. The Entropy gaming system
attempts to provide players and Gamemasters with the tools they need to tell those
heroic stories.
There are many ways to tell heroic tales through game systems. Entropy is one of
those game systems, presenting a tabletop role-playing experience where players
live heroic lives through the use of player characters within their imagination that
is. They gather around a table with their friends, creating a story of epic deeds,
near- misses, quick escapes, and possible failures. But all of this comes together as a
living story driven by the decisions of the players and the characters they control.
Like many tabletop role-playing games, Entropy focuses on the story and the
characters by providing them with the options necessary to keep the story moving
forward. Successful actions are meant to be heroic while failure can be horrific.
Characters can come alive through a simple yet powerful creation system that
provides the options players need to create the characters they truly want. Want to
create a spell slinging samurai? Done! Looking for a stealthy investigator with
shady contacts? Absolutely! How about a charismatic acrobat who specializes in
infiltration? Yes!
For players, Entropy not only provides the options for creating virtually any
character type, its modular enough that additional options can be added to simulate
the game world the player characters are in. For Gamemasters, it provides scaling
options for different setting genres along with modular and optional rules to better
represent that setting. The system can be ramped up to super heroic levels or
turned down to survival horror levels.
Why Entropy? Whats provided herein is a collection of options, creating a base
series of game mechanics, that can be mixed and matched to create the desired
outcome according to the users desires. Instead of creating definitive solutions for

every possible game action, Entropy provides the options, and players and
Gamemasters create the desired effect by combining those options in different
ways. We provide the basic mechanics, you determine how those mechanics are
organized to fit your game, setting, adventure, campaign, and characters. Whenever
a game mechanic is first mentioned, it appears in Bold lettering.
Players and Gamemasters

Entropy is best played with three or more people. One person takes on the role of
the Gamemaster (GM) while all others are referred to as players. Players are those
that take control of the Player Characters (PCs) that are the stars of the story being
told. While one would assume the PCs are the protagonists of the story, it is possible
for them to play the role of the antagonists too, depending on the game style chosen
by the group. The PCs are the focus of the game and the ones that drive the action of
the story. It is their actions and decisions that affect the games outcome.
GMs are the ones who take control of all other characters within the story called
Non-Player Characters (NPCs); this includes humanoids, villains, allies, contacts,
friends, family, monsters, aliens, deities, spirits, and every type of living obstacle the
PCs are requested to overcome. They are the keeper of the games secrets, the
arbiter of the games rules, and the controller of everything that happens behind the
scenes. Being a GM can be a daunting task, but it can also be very rewarding as you
watch the PCs explore the world or campaign youve created, telling an incredible
story.
There is only one dominating rule the GM needs to abide by: the rules are meant
as guidelines, not definitive answers. The GM is free to modify the rules at any time
to conform to a given situation or the setting she has created. If she doesnt like a
rule, she can throw it out and create a new one. Although players are encouraged to
be part of the rules decision, the GM is the final arbiter of how that rule is
implemented in the game shes running.
CHARACTERS
All PCs and NPCs are characters. Each one is constructed using a base set of trait
mechanics regardless of what they look like. These base mechanics start with
Attributes. Attributes are the core abilities of every character, defining their
inherent capabilities and capacity for performing certain deeds. Adding to these
Attributes are Skills. Skills define where a character excels in due to training or
education. PCs and NPCs have a trait called Qualities. Qualities are role-playing
opportunities for acquiring Hero Points which can then be immediately spent to
gain a bonus to the action being performed. These Qualities are defined by the player
or GM and are unique to that character although some characters can have the
same or similar Qualities. Hero Points are a characters way of performing truly
heroic deeds, changing the story in favorable ways, or modifying a Skill Roll.
Some characters have Powers. Powers are supernatural abilities that include
magical spells, super powers, technological gadgets, and gifts from the gods. Most
characters have Gear. Gear is the equipment one uses for combat and everyday
things including armor, weapons, and mundane items. Finally, for non-humanoid
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characters such as monsters and aliens there are Abilities. Abilities are inherent
features of a creatures race, composition, or physical and mental capabilities. These
are the features PCs often have to overcome during conflicts.
DICE
Entropy uses dice to add an element of randomness to all characters. Although all
characters are composed of traits, these traits translate to the dice used when
performing actions under stressful conditions. Entropy requires 4-sided, 6-sided, 8-
sided, 10-sided, and 12-sided dice, abbreviated as d4, d6, d8, d10, and d12
respectively. Each player should have at least two of each; the GM may want to have
twice that. These dice are rolled to determine the success or failure of the action
the character is attempting when success is uncertain and failure has consequences.
When required to roll two of the same dice, an entry will appear like 2d8 meaning
the player rolls two 8-sided dice. When required to roll two different dice, an entry
will appear like d6+d8 meaning the player rolls one 6-sided die plus one 8-sided die.
When a dice roll is required, Entropy uses a combination of a characters
Attributes and Skills, as defined by the action they are performing, rolling the
Attributes die and adding it to the Skills die. This is explained in much more detail
in Game Mechanics. The value of these rolls is summed and compared to the
Target Number. If the roll is equal to or higher than a Target Number, which for
most actions equals 9, after applying Difficulty Modifiers to the resulting dice roll
assessed by the GM, the roll is considered a success. During Opposed Rolls,
whoever rolls the highest is the winner. In case of a tie, the Defender always wins
as the Aggressors roll becomes the Defenders Target Number. During Unopposed
Rolls, the character must simply beat a static Target Number. Of course, this is only
when a roll is necessary as sometimes the GM simply claims an action is an
Automatic Success.
ON THE TABLETOP
Players and GMs spend most of their time constructing the games story through
interactive storytelling. During this time, the PCs surroundings and the actions of
those around them are retold verbally. Social interaction is role-played and much of
the story moves along through the words of the GM and the decisions of the PCs.
However, when it comes time to resolve a conflict using combat, it may be easier to
picture the scene using miniatures on the tabletop.
Entropy does not require the use of miniatures. Players and GMs that are
comfortable running combat through the minds eye are encouraged to do so,
allowing the PCs to make full use of their surroundings. If allowed, players may
even define objects near their PC that can be used to that PCs advantage. Those
who want a more visual display of combat and a static definition of the
environment are encouraged to draw out the scene, or use a battle mat, and resolve
the combat through the use of miniatures.
Entropy embraces both of these options by listing all ranges in feet. When
translating this to the tabletop for use with miniatures, five feet equals one inch [5
ft = 1 in.]. This is a very common scale for battle mats and miniatures most 25mm
and 28mm miniatures work well with this scale. Although this is a common scale for
battle mats, it translates the same way on freeform terrain (terrain without a square
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grid). Movement follows the natural movement of a character and should never be
tied down to a number of squares. However , when using a square grid, movement
ignores additional mechanics for moving diagonally. One square away is always
five feet away, no matter what direction it is.
PREPARATION
To finalize preparations for game play, players and GMs also need a Character
Sheet (for players), an Adversary Sheet (for GMs), a pencil (because erasing is
inevitable), and maybe some notebook paper for taking notes regarding the game.
Everyone will need the dice listed above and if using the tabletop for combat
resolution, everyone will need miniatures (plastic, metal, or paper). Additionally,
tabletop combat will require something to represent the scene such as a battle mat,
3d terrain, or a square grid with dry/wet erase markers.
Character and Adversary Sheets can be found in the back of this book or
downloaded from the Mystical Throne Website at mysticalthrone-ent.com.
Adventures, Campaigns, and Settings

The purpose of an Entropy game is to tell a compelling story. These stories are
told through single adventures or a collection of linked adventures called a
campaign. Adventures can be resolved in a single game night or across four or five
game nights. Campaigns can last many months or even years.
Adventures and campaigns can be presented to the GM in a number of ways and
include those written by the GM or taken from a published product. Short
publications that describe the basic framework of an adventure, providing the key
pieces the GM needs to run it, are called Entropic Tales. These Entropic Tales can
be linked together to form longer adventures, used to run one-shot adventures in a
single game night, or placed within a full campaign as part of the storyline or
utilized between major plot points. Entropic Tales only offer a minimum amount of
character experience, but still advance the characters as they reach higher levels.
Campaigns published by Mystical Throne Entertainment include the campaign,
source material, new adversaries, and often an accompanying fiction piece.
Adventures longer than Entropic Tales but shorter than campaigns will be
published periodically and follow their own format.
Because Entropy is published under the Open Game License (OGL), Third Party
Publishers may follow their own formats.
GAME SETTINGS
Entropy is a set of core mechanics written to accommodate any game genre,
setting, and play style. GMs can take these core mechanics and create their own
game setting or use a published setting. Under the use of the OGL, publishers and
GMs are encouraged to create their own settings powered by Entropy. The
Powered by Entropy logo can be acquired from Mystical Throne Entertainment by
those who demonstrate the ability to create high quality publications for
commercial purposes. The Fans of Entropy logo can be acquired from Mystical
10

Throne Entertainment for publications offered for free or general non-commercial
purposes.
CHOOSING A GENRE
With the ease of adding and removing Skills, Qualities, Powers, Gear, and
Abilities, Entropy allows you to create whatever game you want. This core rulebook
mainly presents options for modern and basic fantasy settings, due to their
prevalence across many settings, but dont feel tied down by these options. These
have been chosen to keep the book simple and affordable.
Any genre is possible including fantasy, horror, pulp, sci-fi, and super heroic. New
Skill Specialties can be added or removed for the setting being created. New
Qualities can be defined. New Gear can be spread throughout to give the PCs the
tools they need to succeed. Powers can be flavored for whatever type of magic is in
use. And of course, Abilities range widely according to the beasts of the world.
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Character Creation
Characters are more than just a bunch of values and traits written on a character
sheet. They have upbringings, back stories, and are an integral part of the games
setting. However, before their stories can be told, they have to be constructed to
interact with the core mechanics just like they interact with the setting. To make
your hero, copy the Entropy character sheet in the back of this book or download one
for free from our website.
STEP ONE: CHARACTER CONCEPT

Before building a character using the systems mechanics, it is advised to construct
a character concept. This character concept has no mechanical advantage, but it
helps to outline what your vision of that character is and what skills and abilities may
be important. Character concepts can be as simple as Arcane Sorcerer or as
detailed as Charismatic, Stealthy Investigator with a Shady Background. Whatever
that concept is, it can then be translated onto your character sheet using the
character creation process.
STEP TWO: RACE

Within Entropys core mechanics, humans are the basis for all modifiers,
Attributes, Skills, and Qualities. While this means humans are treated as the most
common race, it doesnt mean they have to be the only race. For purposes of
character creation, all steps are based on creating heroic humans. If non-humans
are available, GMs have the option to create a Racial Template that defines the
basics of that race, providing additional direction during character creation. These
races may vary in their available Qualities, but basic Attributes and Skills should
change very little.
STEP THREE: ATTRIBUTES

Attributes are the basic measurements of a characters abilities, defining how a
character is capable of applying their skills. They have a value between d4 and d12.
Each character has four d6s, two d8s, and two d10s to assign to their eight
Attributes as they please. Additionally, they may decrease one d6 to a d4 in order to
increase one d10 to a d12. (The average non-heroic human would have a d4 d6.)
There are eight Attributes:
Agility: Agility is a measurement of physical body movement.
Charisma: Charisma governs different types of interaction with other parties.
Intelligence: Intelligence represents a characters ability to think, remember,
recall, and apply mental knowledge. Its used for the understanding,
memorizing, and recollection of book-related knowledge.
Perception: Perception measures the use of the five senses and a general
understanding of those around the character.
Psyche: Psyche reflects a characters emotion, morale, and power of the mind
including applying advanced knowledge for particularly difficult tasks. Its
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used for creativity, engineering, and artistic forms of knowledge. Its also
used to overcome mental influences.
Spirit: Spirit represents a characters soul, faith, and essence. Its used to
gauge a persons beliefs in an organization, religion, or greater entity and as
a measurement of their dedication to those beliefs and their own morals. Its
also used to overcome moral or religious influences.
Strength: Strength represents a characters physical power and fitness.
Vitality: Vitality is a characters ability to overcome physical influences.
STEP FOUR: SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES

Secondary Attributes are those that do not have points assigned to them but
rather are standards for a characters race or calculated from one or more
Attributes.
Combat Actions: All characters have 3 Combat Actions.
Defense: Each character has a passive Defense score that must be overcome
during combat; its used as the Aggressors Target Number during combat.
This secondary attribute represents a characters natural affinity to shrug
off an attack or absorb it with armor. During combat, a character may opt to
use a Combat Action to make an Active Defense maneuver such as Dodge or
Parry should the Aggressors attack exceed their Defense. Defense is equal
to a characters Agility die type plus any armor theyre wearing. Example: A
character with Agility d8 and +1 armor has a Defense of 9.
Health: Health is a measurement of a characters mental and physical well-
being and their ability to stay alive during combat. It can be reduced through
physical damage, environmental stress, superficial wounds, and injuries. It is
equal to Vitality plus Strength. Example: A character with Vitality d8 and
Strength d6 has a Health of 14.
Hero Points: Hero Points are a type of currency players can use to modify
stories to favor their characters, reroll unfavorable dice results, increase their
Dice Pool size, move farther, or any number of possible bonuses. Hero Points
are detailed further in Game Mechanics. Each PC begins with 3 Hero Points
which refresh at the beginning of each game session.
Initiative: Initiative is how quickly a character responds during combat,
thus establishing an order of turns during each combat round. This static
Initiative allows for combat to run a little quicker and allows players to
create characters designed to strike first. Initiative is equal to Agility plus
Intelligence plus Athletics. Characters without the Athletics skill simply do
not add it, but still calculate Initiative using Agility and Intelligence.
Example: A character with Agility d8, Intelligence d6, and Athletics d8 has
an Initiative of 22.
Language: Each character is fluent in their native language. Characters do not
need to roll to interact with others who speak their native language as they
speak and understand each other. For most settings, reading and writing go
along with that fluency, but some settings incorporate mechanics for illiteracy.
Optionally, a character may also understand a number of languages equal to
half their Intelligence Value.
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Speed: All characters have a base speed of 30 ft.
STEP FIVE: SKILLS

Skills define a characters training and focused knowledge. They have a value
between 0 and d12, with each Skill starting at 0 (considered untrained). Each
character has 15 points to spend on Skills whereas purchasing a skill and
increasing the die by 1 step costs 1 point at d4, d6, and d8, 2 points at d10, and 3
points at d12.
STEP SIX: GEAR

Gear is essential to a characters ability to survive within their game world. It
allows them to perform their actions properly and is a critical component during
combat. At character creation, each character is given the following:
One free set of basic armor common to the setting.
One free weapon that best represents the characters concept, attributes, and
skills. This weapon should effectively represent what the character has been
trained to use.
One free adventuring kit to perform the most rudimentary actions within
their setting or provide the most basic survival needs. Example: In a fantasy
setting, this would include a water skin, bed roll, rope, and flint. In a modern
investigative setting, this would include a cell phone with camera, gloves,
fingerprinting kit, and maybe tweezers for picking up delicate items.
$200 to spend on additional gear or save for in-game use.
STEP SEVEN: QUALITIES

Qualities are role-playing hooks or character qualities and flaws for gaining
additional Hero Points. When a character is able to apply one of their Qualities, he
role-plays how that Quality is used and gains 1 Hero Point to be used immediately.
Only one Quality can be used at a time, but each one can be used multiple times
throughout the course of a game session if it applies to the situation. The GM is the
final arbiter if the Quality feasibly applies to the situation.
Each character chooses 5 Qualities which define role-playing aspects about
their character or special abilities they exhibit. They may or may not
completely follow the character concept. Qualities are explained further in
this chapter.
Qualities can be positive, negative, or neutral in design, but should somehow
be usable in-game.
Neutral qualities can be applied positively or negatively given different
situations.
Using positive Qualities provides Hero Points that must be spent
immediately.
Using negative Qualities provides Hero Points that can be spent later.
When using a neutral Quality, the GM must assess if the character is being
aided by the Quality or hindered. If hes being aided, the use of that Quality
is considered positive. If hes being hindered, the use of that Quality is
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considered negative.
STEP EIGHT: FINISHING TOUCHES

With the characters mechanical details defined, its time to define everything
else. Finishing touches include age, sex, motivations, home town or world, physical
features, and possibly mental and emotional features.
This is also a good time to bring together a group template that ties each
character together, giving them a purpose for being a part of the game setting and
the upcoming adventure or campaign.
CHARACTER TYPES
There are three basic types of characters. For purposes of character creation,
players always create PCs and thus follow the above steps. For GMs, the process is
the same with a couple minor modifications.
Player Characters (PCs) are controlled by the players and range from simple
folk to heroic figures. They are the main characters of the storyline and are
actively working against the NPCs and minions.
Non-Player Characters (NPCs) are controlled by the GM and encompass all
types of people and beings that interact with the world and the PCs. They are
constructed similar to PCs with Hero Points and Qualities, but can have
Attributes at 0 (because they dont possess that ability) or higher than d12
(e.g. d12+2).
Minions are low-level NPCs controlled by the GM and encompass the most
basic people, creatures, and beings that interact with the world and the PCs.
They are constructed similar to PCs except their Health is halved [(Vitality +
Agility)/2] and they do not have Hero Points or Qualities. Allies constructed
as minions may optionally have Qualities.
ARCHETYPES
Entropy does not use character classes. Instead, it allows players to create
whatever character concept desired that fits within their games setting. However,
some may wish for guidance or examples and the following basic concepts are
provided for that reason.
Cleric: Clerics are pillars of many religions and religious organizations. They are
the hardworking individuals that serve the priests and typically tend to the daily
lives of the religions followers. Suggested Skills: Awareness, Healing,
Knowledge, Performing
Commander: Commanders are leaders within many types of military
organizations. They give orders to subordinates and are responsible for the
overall tactics those subordinates take. Suggested Skills: Awareness, Diplomacy,
Firearms, Networking, Tracking
Diplomat: Diplomats are the political figures for governments and federally-
funded organizations. They are particularly skilled at speaking to audiences and
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always seem to know just the right words to say. Suggested Skills: Diplomacy,
Knowledge, Language, Networking, Streetwise
Engineer: Engineers are designers of incredible gadgets that can either be usable
by the general populace or specialized for sensitive applications. They know the
ins and outs of their particular field of knowledge and are always called upon to
determine whats gone wrong with that technology. Suggested Skills:
Investigation, Knowledge, Repair, Science Skills
Hunter: Hunters are experts with weapons and tracking prey. They can spot a
target from amazing distances and know just the right direction to follow when
searching for that target. Suggested Skills: Awareness, Firearms, Melee, Ranged,
Tracking
Investigator: Investigators are incredible when it comes to finding and decipher
clues. They always know the right questions to ask and seem to have an instinct
for knowing when someone is lying. Suggested Skills: Awareness, Interrogation,
Investigation, Networking, Streetwise
Marine: Marines are specially trained warriors within a military organization. They
are often called upon for delicate missions and are frequently placed in
dangerous situations. Suggested Skills: Athletics, Awareness, Boating, Firearms,
Melee, Stealth, Survival, Tracking
Merchant: Merchants are experts and buying, selling, negotiating, and identifying
goods and services. They know a great bargain when they see one and could
probably sell anything to anyone, even if they dont need it. Suggested Skills:
Awareness, Crafting, Deception, Diplomacy, Gambling, Networking, Streetwise
Pilot: Expert pilots can practically fly an air craft with their eyes closed. They fully
understand the cockpit and know the ins and outs of how their air craft function.
Flying is simply second nature to them. Suggested Skills: Awareness, Piloting,
Repair, Tracking
Scout: Scouts are often well ahead of the rest of the group, watching out for danger,
blazing a new trail, or following a target. They work hard to remain out of sight
while spotting everything they can. Suggested Skills: Awareness, Herding,
Ranged, Stealth, Survival, Tracking
Sorcerer: Sorcerers are masters of the magical arts. They can create extraordinary
feats with ease and awe even the greatest warriors with their supernatural
talents. Suggested Skills: Arcana, Performing, Resist, Streetwise
Thief: Thieves sneak in behind their targets to hit and run without being seen. They
are masters at stealth tactics and survive by being quicker than their opponent.
Suggested Skills: Acrobatics, Awareness, Deception, Gambling, Lock Picking,
Melee, Stealth, Streetwise
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Skills
Characters are defined by their Skills and how they apply them. How their skills
are applied is represented by combining them with different Attributes to perform
different actions. By allowing Skills to be combined with different Attributes,
Entropy can utilize fewer skills, still maintain a variety of actions, and allow
characters to feel different from one to another even though their Skill ratings may
be the same. When required to make a dice roll, the chosen Skill is combined with a
single Attribute to perform the desired action.
Each skill is provided below with a description of its general use. Following that is
a list of Attribute and Skill combinations that can be utilized for the given actions.
Although these define particular actions, they are not the only combinations
possible for those actions and many more combinations exist.
SPECIALTIES
Skills marked with a (*) contain specialties. Specialties are subsets of the given
skill that define what aspect of that skill has been trained. Skills with Specialties
cannot be taken without a Specialty. Specialties are written as Skill (Specialty) such
as Knowledge (Poisons).
Skill Specialties are typically setting dependent. Those provided herein are meant
as examples. GMs will determine what Specialties apply within their setting.
//sidebar//
DESIGN NOTE: SPECIALTIES
The skills listed herein are those designed as a baseline for Entropy and meant for
modern fantasy settings. If your setting is a blend of technologies that are not always
readily available, skills without Specialties can have Specialties added to
differentiate between the technology types and their difficulty of use.
Example: For a sci-fi setting with helicopters and star fighters that require
separate training, create specialties for the Piloting skill such as Air Craft and Space
Craft. This way a character skilled in helicopters and airplanes has no training in
starships. However, try to avoid adding so many options that the specialties become
overwhelming.//
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Skills require training to be properly attempted by all PCs and NPCs. Characters
that do receive training add the skills die type to the Attributes die type. Those
who do not have training (effectively a value of 0) use only the appropriate
Attribute. This represents the characters inability to perform the action without
proper training.
Skills that require Specialties cannot be performed untrained unless the character
already possesses a Specialty closely related to the action being attempted. The
character may then make an Attribute roll, essentially applying their Specialty
indirectly to the action being performed.
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ACROBATICS
Acrobatics is a measurement of a characters ability to perform acrobatic
maneuvers that require finesse and precision. While Agility covers all basic physical
movement, Acrobatics is used for specialized moves such as balancing on a beam,
leaping across buildings, and running on unstable platforms. Its typically combined
with Agility.
ATHLETICS
Athletics is a characters prowess in regards to performing physical activities. Its
used for sports-related activities and actions that require movement mostly
powered by the muscles. Athletic is also used for thrown weapons when combined
with Strength.
AWARENESS
Awareness is a characters ability to detect things, by using the five senses, or
understand the world around them, by interpreting others actions. It is used for
observation as an opposed roll to Stealth and Deception.
BOATING
Boating is a characters ability to drive and sail boats along with all tasks
necessary to operate a boat, such as tying knots and navigating the sea.
CRAFTING*
Specialties: Cartography, explosives, scrimshaw, weapons
Crafting is a characters ability to create common and uncommon items associated
with some type of art form or hand-crafting/forging. Items considered exotic to a
games setting can never be created by the PCs as the design is either foreign or
simply unknown.
DECEPTION
Deception is a characters ability to mislead others through lying, trickery, or
illusions. Success means the target believes what the character is saying or doing.
Failure means the target does not believe it. Deception is typically opposed by
Awareness.
DIPLOMACY
Diplomacy is used for all honest interaction between parties. As long as the
character truly believes what they are saying, then Diplomacy is used. Diplomacy is
typically combined with Charisma.
FIREARMS
Firearms is a characters ability to use projectile weapons that have some type of
bullet, superheated element, or explosive. One-handed firearms use Agility while
two-handed firearms use Strength.
GAMBLING
Gambling is used for all types of betting and gaming including cheating and
detecting if others are cheating. When a group of individuals are gambling, whoever
rolls highest using their Gambling skill is the winner.
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HEALING
Healing is used to apply first aid and treat damage and trauma. It aids natural
methods of healing, using medicine, and all other types of medical and psychological
healing (as opposed to magical healing). Healing is discussed further in Game
Mechanics.
HERDING
Herding allows a character to control and command animals, perform general
husbandry, and ride mounted animals. Those that are non-domesticated are
considered Hard (-4) while those that are domesticated but untrained are
considered Challenging (-2). Upon successful Herding rolls, the animal moves from
non-domesticated to untrained to trained. Herding exotic animals is considered
Difficult (-6).
INTIMIDATION
Intimidation is a characters ability to pressure others into admitting something
wrong or cracking under the pressure of the character. This can be used as a scare
tactic during combat to break the willpower of an opponent.
INVESTIGATION
Investigation is used for searching through physical objects, media, libraries, open
spaces, or electronic interfaces to gather information or clues and deciphering the
clues that have already been found. To gather information from people, use the
Streetwise skill.
KNOWLEDGE*
Specialties: Archaeology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, history, poisons, politics,
theology
Knowledge is a characters familiarity with specific scholarly subjects. It is used to
recollect facts and apply the characters understanding of the subject to the task at
hand. It can also be used for specific actions based on the specific subject such as
debating, teaching, and creating.
//sidebar//
DESIGN NOTE: KNOWLEDGE
The Knowledge Skill is for subjects that require additional education other than
what the characters regularly receive growing up or is not considered tribal
knowledge.
Common Knowledge is used for anything the character should know due to their
upbringing and doesnt require a knowledge skill or specialty. If a GM wishes for a
character to make a roll against their common knowledge, use Intelligence x 2 with
the standard Target Numbers.//
LANGUAGE*
Specialties: English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Mandarin, Spanish
Language is a characters knowledge of a language other than their native one. This
includes speaking, understanding, writing, and reading. Each value of the Language
skill represents how much the character has studied that language the higher the
value, the more they know.
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LOCK PICKING
Lock picking is a characters ability to bypass locks and security systems. This
requires use of proper tools or handheld devices. Performing a Lock Picking action
without proper tools is considered Hard (-4).
MELEE
Melee is a characters ability to use hand weapons for close combat (not throwing).
It encompasses all types of melee weapons including improvised ones. One-handed
melee weapons use Agility while two-handed weapons use Strength.
NETWORKING*
Specialties: Dockworkers, mafia, merchants, politicians, thieves
Networking is a characters ability to recall facts about or utilize persons within
specific organizations or generalized groups. It is a measurement of how well the
character can interact with the chosen organization considering standard protocols,
secret passwords, code words, hierarchy, and who the best contact is.
OPERATING
Operating is a characters ability to operate different types of land vehicles. For
operating vehicles that are common-place to the setting, Operating rolls should only
be used in stressful situations, such as during chase scenes. This can also be genre
dependent in relation to how accessible certain land vehicles are. For example,
driving a car in a modern setting is considered extremely accessible and common-
place, rarely requiring an Operating roll.
PERFORMING*
Specialties: Act, cook, dance, paint, scribe, sing
Performing is a characters ability to execute their familiarity of the performing
arts. The chosen Attribute for Dice Pool rolls should match the art being performed
in relation to what type of physical or mental requirements it has.
PILOTING
Piloting is a characters ability to operate different types of air and space craft. In
many settings, controls are similar enough among different air and space craft that
no specialties are required. However, the more extravagant a space craft becomes,
the more it deviates from the design of an air craft. Piloting also applies to the use of
mounted weapons on an air or space craft.
RANGED
Ranged is a characters ability to use simple missile weapons for combat such as
bows, slingshots, and other non-firearm weapons. It is combined with Agility for
weapons that operate on a trigger, such as a crossbow, and Strength for weapons that
require the user to provide the tension to fire the missile, such as bows and
slingshots.
REPAIR
Repair is a characters ability to fix anything common, mechanical, or simple,
especially those items not covered by another skill. However, it can be combined
with other skills, such as Operating, for more complicated repairs. Performing a
Repair action without proper tools is considered Hard (-4).
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RESIST
Resist is a characters ability to persevere through external stimuli that cause
fatigue or mental stress. Its used to gauge responses to ones mind and mental well-
being, faith and religion, and body due to environmental changes. These responses
include resistance to intimidation, fear, and extreme climates.
STEALTH
Stealth is the ability to hide, move silently, and perform acts without others
noticing. It is typically combined with Agility and opposed by Awareness. Stealth
always requires a dice roll to avoid making too much noise or becoming easily
visible. An unopposed roll is allowed until someone is actively watching for
suspicious movement. However, when within the hearing range of an opponent, an
opposed roll becomes required. During out-of-combat situations, a single Stealth
action covers five times the characters speed. During combat, it covers a single
round of movement. In out-of-combat group situations, only one Stealth roll is
required per like group of characters, but at the lowest Stealth Ranking.
Target numbers for Stealth actions depend on how the character is moving, what
they are moving through, and the general ability to be seen. Moving quietly versus
running makes a Stealth action easier as does moving through the dark versus out in
the open near a light source.
STREETWISE
Streetwise is a characters ability to speak with willing people for the purpose of
gathering information, following leads, or locating an individual. When appropriate,
offering a bribe may make the action easier. Streetwise is typically combined with
Charisma.
SURVIVAL
Survival is the ability to stay alive by locating food and shelter. Each Survival dice
roll provides enough food or ample shelter depending on how high the dice roll is. If
the roll meets the Average Target Number, only one character benefits from the roll.
If the roll meets the Challenging (-2) Target Number, two characters benefit from the
roll. With each increasingly difficult Target Number, one additional character
benefits from the Survival roll.
TRACKING
Tracking allows a character to follow anyone or anything through any type of
terrain or across vast distances. The amount of indication left behind by the quarry
alters the Target Number of the Tracking roll. Following someone through fresh
snow is much easier than while its raining. Following a group of individuals it much
easier than a single individual who is making an effort to hide his tracks.
LORE SKILLS
Lore Skills are related to the incorporation of a specific esoteric knowledge into
the setting. Due to the different applications of these types of lore, the GM must
decide what skills apply and whether they can be utilized Untrained. For settings
with magic and supernatural abilities, lore skills are also used to manifest applicable
powers. See Powers for further information on casting spells and manifesting
supernatural abilities.
21

Here are some Lore Skill examples:
ARCANA
Arcana is a catch-all term for scholarly lore or magic that is old, common, learned
from the study of books, hazardous, or any number of simple applications. Arcana is
effectively a broad category.
DEMONOLOGY
Demonology is the study and exploitation of demons or the realm they live in. This
includes interacting with demons or demonic beings for the sake of acquiring, and
subsequently using, dark powers. It is essentially a skill that covers multiple aspects
including: Knowledge, Networking, Performing, and possibly Language.
DIVINITY
Divinity is the study of gods and pantheons and the realm they live in. This
includes interacting with gods and godlike beings for the sake of acquiring, and
subsequently using, divine powers. It is essentially a skill that covers multiple
aspects including: Knowledge, Networking, Performing, and possibly Diplomacy.
OCCULT
Occult is similar to arcana, but it concentrates on forbidden lore rather than
scholarly lore. Occult lore can also be characterized by religious beliefs that are
considered heretical or just weird. It too is a broad category.
PSIONICS
Psionics is a characters ability to manipulate the world around them through the
use of their mind. It is typically combined with Psyche as it is an advanced use of the
mind for supernatural abilities, recognizing other psions, and resisting psionic
powers.
SHAMANISM
Shamanism is the study and understanding of spirits and ancestors along with the
realm they dwell in. This could include the ability to see and interact with spirits, but
is not a requirement depending on the implementation (such as a shaman versus a
medium).
//sidebar//
DESIGN NOTE: LORE
Lore does not have to be tied to magical abilities. It can simply be the study of
forbidden or esoteric subjects or the supernatural, but without the addition of
extraordinary abilities. It can then be defined as knowledge of horrific beings, such
as Cthulhu Mythos.//
SCIENCE SKILLS
Science Skills are related to the technology of the setting and the era the setting
resides. These skills are not meant to be used for simple, common uses of common
technology, but rather advanced use, design, or repair of technology. For settings
where the technology is readily available, but only to those trained in its use, skill
rolls are always required.
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Example: Using a television in a modern setting does not require the Electronics
skill. Designing a steam-powered Gatling gun requires the Steampunk skill.
Here are some Science Skill examples:
CLOCKWORK
Clockwork is the design and use of clockwork-powered devices. Clockwork
devices are characterized by the use of gears and winding mechanisms to function as
a power source.
COMPUTERS
Computers is the advanced use of computers and computer-powered devices. The
technology is characterized by a need for central processing and software for all
functions to be performed in unison.
CYBERNETICS
Cybernetics is the use and repair of cybernetic devices. Cybernetic devices are
typically implanted into or grafted on the body to provide extraordinary abilities.
ELECTRONICS
Electronics is the design and use of uncommon electronic devices. Electronics is
similar to Computers except that no central process or software is required for the
device to operate.
STEAMPUNK
Steampunk is the design and use of steam-powered devices. Steampunk devices
are as much an aesthetic design as they are a practical implementation of steam
serving as a power source.
Attribute and Skill Combinations

Although players and GMs are allowed to create their own Attribute and Skill
combinations to perform a given action, here is a listing of possible combinations to
perform some common actions. Although this list is extensive, and it is not
exhaustive and does not contain the only combinations for any given action. The final
decision of whether or not a combination matches the action being performed is at
the discretion of the GM.
Appraise Sword (Intelligence + Crafting (Weapons)) is the ability to understand
the value of a sword (or any melee weapon) for purpose of buying, selling, or
haggling.
Bluffing (Charisma + Deception) is a characters ability to convince someone of
what theyre saying through the use of deceit.
Climbing (Strength + Athletics) is a characters ability to ascend or descend
surfaces and objects. In ideal conditions, objects such as ladders do not require a
check. If the character is being chased, the GM may opt to ask for a check. When
using climbing equipment to assist the climber, the action can be Routine (+2). If
climbing a surface that has limited handholds or is slippery, the action can be
Challenging (-2). Success allows the character to move a number of feet equal to
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half their speed. Failure means the character makes no or very little progress.
Critical success allows the character to move a number of feet equal to their
speed. Critical failure means the character now risks falling.
Command (Charisma + Diplomacy) allows a character to give orders to their
subordinates. The target of these orders must be within hearing range of the
characters voice or communication device. Command should only be required
when the orders are given in a special code or the subordinates are not fully
beneath the characters direction.
Concert Performance (Psyche + Performing (Sing)) allows a character to
perform a given art in front of an audience.
Craft Sword (Psyche + Crafting (Weapons)) is the ability to create a crafted item
from a single element.
Create Poison (Psyche + Knowledge (Poisons)) is the ability to create an item
that requires combining different elements.
Crime Scene Investigation (Perception + Investigation) is the ability to gather
and decipher clues for the purpose of deciphering their meaning.
Dancing (Agility + Performing (Dance)) allows a character to perform a given art
that contains a movement component in front of an audience.
Disguise (Charisma + Deception) is a characters ability to convince others that
they are someone else while masking their appearance.
Dodge (Agility + Athletics) is a characters ability to get out of the way by either
ducking, side-stepping, or making some other maneuver . This is used in and out
of combat.
Domesticate Animal (Intelligence + Herding) is the ability to tame an animal,
moving them from wild to unfriendly to friendly before riding as capable. The
target number should be appropriate to how hostile the creature is.
Electronic Security System Hacking (Psyche + Lock Picking) is the ability to
bypass an electronic security system that contains some type of logic.
Engineering Design (Psyche + Electronics) is the ability to properly design, by
applying the engineering methodology, an electronic circuit, regardless of
intricacy.
Fighting (Agility + Athletics) is a characters ability to attack and defend during
unarmed hand-to-hand combat. This includes street brawling, martial arts, and
grappling.
Forensics (Psyche + Investigation) is the ability to examine and analyze objects
and information related to an event that occurred in the past. This includes
criminal investigations and studying the ancient world.
Insight (Psyche + Awareness) is a characters ability to read anothers body
language and words to determine what is real versus what is false. Insight can be
used to oppose Bluffing.
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Interrogation (Charisma + Intimidation) is a characters ability to use
intimidation tactics to elicit a response from an unwilling party.
Library Search (Intelligence + Investigation) is the ability to search for
information within a library or other media.
Marathon (Vitality + Athletics) is a characters ability to perform athletic actions
for an extended period of time as a measure of endurance.
Negotiation (Charisma + Diplomacy) is a characters ability to form an agreement
between themselves and one or more parties. Negotiation includes contracts,
haggling, and bartering.
Questioning (Charisma + Interrogation or Charisma + Streetwise) is used
while directly investigating willing parties, sometimes using misleading
questions, to elicit a desired response.
Ride Animal (Agility + Herding) is used for riding an animal while racing, chasing,
or during mounted combat.
Silent Moving (Agility + Stealth) is a characters ability to move around without
being noticed. This can be made easier or harder depending on environmental
factors such as darkness and background noise.
Sleight of Hand (Agility + Stealth) is a characters ability to steal objects without
anyone noticing.
Stellar Navigating (Intelligence + Piloting) is the ability to determine direction
and location while traveling through outer space.
Surgery (Psyche + Healing) is a characters ability to repair serious injuries above
and beyond simply applying first aid.
Swimming (Strength + Athletics) is a characters ability to swim through or float
in water and hold their breath. Success allows the character to move a number of
feet equal to half their speed. Failure means the character makes no or very little
progress. Critical success allows the character to move a number of equal to their
speed. Critical failure means the character begins to drown, requiring a second
roll to be made to recover. If that second roll succeeds, the character moves on
but gains one level of Fatigue. If they fail, they are still drowning and gain two
levels of Fatigue.
Taunt (Charisma + Deception) is a characters ability to lie to an opponent during
a conflict for the purpose of goading them into attacking or to throw off their
guard.
Throwing (Agility + Athletics) or (Strength + Athletics) is the ability to hurl an
object through the air and land on or near the desired target. This is used in and
out of combat.
Translate a Foreign Language (Charisma + Language (Spanish)) is the ability to
translate to and from a foreign language or simply interact with beings from a
foreign nation.
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Willpower (Psyche + Resist) is used to resist fear caused by a terrifying
experience.
Qualities
Each PC and NPC is allowed to choose up to five Qualities during character
creation (GMs may want to limit NPCs to only three). These Qualities are role-playing
hooks that allow the character to perform incredible feats by gaining 1 Hero Point to
be spent immediately, applying it to the action the character is attempting. The only
requirement for using a Quality is that it must somehow tie to the action being
performed to gain the Hero Point. Otherwise its simply ignored. Only one Quality
can be used per action being performed, but each Quality may be used multiple
times throughout a single gaming session.
What Qualities are available is truly dependent on the genre and setting of the
game. Some Qualities are applicable to all while others are limited to only a few.
However, there are few limitations on what Qualities are possible outside of them
being feasible within the setting and not breaking the settings overall design. (You
cant have super heroic abilities in a non-super hero setting.) Because Qualities can
be positive, neutral, or negative in nature, the possibilities are virtually endless.
Players and GMs are encouraged to create their own Qualities and benefits from
using them. However, here is a list of examples to get things started:
Ace Pilot: The character has a natural talent for flying and can perform maneuvers
that few are capable of. He can apply this Quality to Piloting during chases and
while performing maneuvers.
Acrobatic: The character has amazing balance and is extremely dexterous. She
could probably fold her body in half to move through a small opening if necessary.
She can apply this Quality to Acrobatics for moving through confined spaces or
when walking across unstable platforms.
Always Looks for Exits: The character is slightly paranoid. Whenever he walks into
a room, his first instinct is to determine how to quickly get out of that room. He
can apply this Quality to quickly exit any room upon spotting trouble, thus
avoiding certain danger.
Ambidextrous: The character is able to use her right and left hands equally. Shes
trained to use both her entire life and is a serious threat when wielding two
weapons. She can apply this Quality when one arm has become injured or pinned,
ignoring any penalties for offhand use.
Arrogant:
Assassin: The character has been known as a reliable source for getting rid of
bothersome people. He moves incredibly quiet and the shadows are his friend. He
can apply this Quality while making stealth maneuvers or to sneak up on an
unsuspecting victim.
Baseball Star: The character spent much of his youth playing baseball and was
considered an all-star. He was always picked first during tryouts and his stats are
26

still known to this day. He can apply this Quality when throwing an object or
sprinting from one place to another.
Charismatic: The character is cheery and always manages to put a smile on other
peoples faces. Her voice is soothing and she never shies away from speaking with
others. She can apply this Quality during social interactions or when attempting to
find information from people on the street.
Computer Geek: The character has always been interested in computers and
computer software and probably works in the technology industry. He can apply
this Quality when searching through or repairing computers and other electronic
devices.
Diver: The character loves to swim and dons scuba gear a couple times a month.
She can apply this Quality while swimming, searching through the water, or
holding her breath for long periods of time.
Empathetic: The character is very compassionate towards others. Maybe her life
has allowed her to better understand what others are experiencing or maybe she
has often helped others in similar situations. She can apply this Quality to heal the
minds and emotions of others or cater to ones emotions during investigations.
Enemy: The character has angered or hurt someone in the past, earning themselves
an enemy. That enemy either continually hunts down the character or serves as an
obstacle throughout his career. This Quality can be applied as a negative one.
Engineer: The character is learned in the ways of design and troubleshooting when
it comes to a selected technology. He can apply this Quality when designing or
repairing gadgets that utilize that technology.
Envious: The character is jealous or spiteful over another person, possibly another
character. When the source of her envy comes to fruition, it makes her angry and
possibly distracts her from what shes trying to do. This Quality can be applied as
a negative one.
Ex-Convict: The character was once convicted of a felony and served time in prison.
He made many contacts during that time and often dwells in the shadier sides of
town. If the character comes upon a police officer, he may be recognized and
chased. This Quality can be applied as a negative one.
Gluttonous: The character loves to overindulge. In fact, he often has a hard time
controlling himself when the source of his desires is near. If his desire is for food,
then maybe it leads to fatigue due to eating too much. This Quality can be applied
as a negative one.
Greedy: The character would rather take more than his fair share than share it
equally among his fellow characters. His greed may even get the best of him
during times of combat if he spots something shiny in a nearby corner. This
Quality can be applied as a negative one.
Historian: The character loves to learn about the worlds past including major
events, interesting cultures, and the diversity of language. She can apply this
27

Quality while researching historic subjects or attempting to contact others in that
industry.
Lazy: The character hates having to do more than is absolutely necessary and would
rather let someone else do it for her. This may draw the ire of her companions or
result in unforeseen delays with disastrous consequences. This Quality can be
applied as a negative one.
Lightning Quick Reflexes: The character reacts very quickly to physical stimuli and
is much harder to hit than he appears. He can apply this Quality to dodge attacks
and moving obstacles.
Loud Mouth: The character is excessively boisterous and has a hard time keeping a
secret; he always demands attention when talking. He can apply this Quality when
commanding subordinates or intimidating others to do his bidding.
Lustful: The character has a need to indulge in the sensuous side of life, possibly to
the point of excess. His lust for the opposite sex could bring him into perilous
situations or even put his friends in danger. This Quality can be applied as a
negative one.
Navigator: The character has spent most of her life on the sea or among the stars.
She knows how to navigate without maps and can always get from point A to B
through the safest and fastest routes. She can apply this Quality when traveling
across the oceans or the vastness of space.
Phobia: The character has a deep fear of something. Whenever that fear draws near,
his first instinct is to run or cower in a safe place. This Quality can be applied as a
negative one.
Quick Draw: The character would always win a duel simply because hes capable of
pulling his weapon faster than his opponents. He can apply this Quality by
reducing the number of Combat Actions required to draw a weapon.
Rapid Reload: The character is incredibly quick at reloading their weapon, due to
finesse with the weapons mechanisms or the quickness of his hands. He can
apply this Quality by reducing the number of Combat Actions required to load the
weapon.
Sharpshooter: The character has an eagle eye and can hit the smallest targets from
incredible distances. She can apply this Quality when aiming at a small target to
get the greatest damage effect.
Wizard: The character is known for his expertise with manipulating the arcane
weave. He can apply this Quality when utilizing powers hes learned through his
arcane mastery.
Wrath: The character has a difficult time controlling his rage. This anger often gets
the best of him and can bring about many unwanted consequences from
opponents and even friends. This Quality can be applied as a negative one.
28

Character Advancement
Characters grow in skill and technique as they advance through their career. This
translates to Experience Points (XP) awarded at the end of each game session for
the purpose of purchasing advancements to Skills and Attributes or purchasing new
Skills. At the end of each game session, each character is awarded a number of XP
depending on the difficulty of the game session and how quickly the GM wishes the
characters to advance. This is generally between 2 and 4 points with an average
session being awarded 3. Points can then be spent in the following manner when a
break in the game allows it. (A general rule is that XP shouldnt be spent during the
middle of an adventure, waiting until there is a natural break where the characters
can justify the increase to their Attribute or Skills.)
Increasing the Die Type of an Attribute. This can be done at a cost
equivalent to the new die type x 3. Thus, moving from Agility d10 to d12 costs
36 points. Attributes can be brought to a value of d12 during Character
Advancement, but humans cannot go beyond d12.
Training a new skill. It costs 4 points to train a new skill, gaining that skill at
a value of d4.
Increasing an already trained Skill. This can be done at a cost equivalent to
the new die type. Moving from Deception d6 to Deception d8 costs 8 points.
Each value must be paid for individually. Moving from Deception d6 to
Deception d10 costs 18 points (8 for moving to Deception d8 plus 10 for
moving to Deception d10). Skills can be brought to a value of d12 during
Character Advancement, but humans cannot go beyond d12.
Purchasing a new Quality (in addition to the ones already chosen, not to
replace one). Although this should be cleared by the GM, new Qualities can be
added for the cost of 15 points.
CHARACTER RANK
Characters are categorized by Rank according to how many experience points
theyve accumulated. This allows Rank to be used as a prerequisite and to help
balance combat. The Ranks are as follows:
Rank Experience Points
Novice 0-30
Seasoned 31-60
Veteran 61-90
Master 91-120
Hero 121+
29

Equipment
Entropy can be used across all types of settings and genre, which can equate to a
large listing of possible equipment. Instead of creating complicated mechanics for
each era and weapon type, Entropy uses mechanics that can be universally applied
across all equipment eras to keep things as simple as possible. What follows is a list
of terminology found throughout the equipment lists.
2 Hands (2H): Weapons denoted with 2H require two hands to be utilized
(attacking, not carrying). They cannot be used one-handed due to their size or
complexity.
Armor: This is the armor rating added to the characters passive Defense, which the
attacker must overcome to successfully hit them.
Blast Zone, Large (LBZ): The weapon has an explosive area-effect. This blast can
be centered anywhere within the weapons range. The radius of a Large Blast
Zone is 15 feet. Any targets within that zone are hit by the weapon, although each
one requires a separate attack roll.
Blast Zone, Medium (MBZ): The weapon has an explosive area-effect. This blast
can be centered anywhere within the weapons range. The radius of a Medium
Blast Zone is 10 feet. Any targets within that zone are hit by the weapon, although
each one requires a separate attack roll.
Blast Zone, Small (SBZ): The weapon has an explosive area-effect. This blast can be
centered anywhere within the weapons range. The radius of a Small Blast Zone is
5 feet. Any targets within that zone are hit by the weapon, although each one
requires a separate attack roll.
Bracing: The weapon is so large and powerful that it cannot be fired unless it is
first braced. The character cannot move during the same Combat Action as firing
the weapon.
Combat Actions to Load (CAL): Most weapons only require a single Combat
Action to load. Those that require two or more will be noted as such with a value
after CAL (such as CAL 2) equal to the number of Combat Actions required to load
the weapon.
Cone Template (CT): The weapon has an area-effect, rather than an effective
range, that can hit multiple targets. These weapons can hit everything within a
90 arc from the weapon up to 30 feet away. Each target requires a separate
attack roll.
Cost: Cost is the general value of a piece of equipment. It doesnt have to represent
the actual cost of a given piece of equipment within its most appropriate time
period, but instead reflects how its cost balances with a characters funds and a
settings technology level.
30
Damage (DMG): Damage is the base amount of damage a weapon is capable of
inflicting. Its a combination of that weapons ability to penetrate armor, flesh,
and bone.
Encumbrance (ENC): Encumbrance is the general weight and bulk of the
equipment. See below for more on encumbrance and its effects.
Fully Automatic (FA): The weapon is capable of firing in fully automatic mode.
Heavy Weapon (HW): The weapon is capable of inflicting damage on heavy armor.
Weapons without this rating do no damage to heavy armor.
Nonlethal (NL): The weapon can only inflict nonlethal damage that cannot
penetrate any armor. Any targets with armor are unaffected by the damage.
Targets without armor, or a called shot to an unarmored location, take damage as
normal, but are rendered unconscious and do not die. All unarmed attacks are
considered nonlethal.
Notes: Denotes the special properties or requirements of the equipment.
Parry +/-X: The weapon provides a bonus, or penalty, to parry actions using
Melee. This modifier affects the result of the parry roll per the denoted bonus or
penalty.
Range: The Effective Range of the weapon. A weapons maximum range is twice
the effective range. Attacking at half this range (Close Range) provides a +2 to
the attack roll while attacking above that range up to the maximum range (Long
Range) incurs a -2 penalty to the attack roll.
Rate of Fire (ROF): The number of shots fired from the weapon with a single,
standard attack. To fire at a rate higher or lower than ROF , the weapon must be
used in semi-automatic, fully automatic, or three-round burst mode. Weapons
with a ROF higher of 2 or more always dispense multiple projectiles with each
attack. Add +1 to the attack roll for each ROF above 1 (ROF 2 = +1, ROF 3 = +2,
ROF 4 = +3, etc.).
Reach: Most weapons only extend to the standard melee range of 5 ft. This weapon
is capable of extended past that to a length indicated by the entry (Reach 10 = 10
ft. melee range; Reach 15 = 15 ft. melee range). Those without this entry have the
standard 5 ft. melee range.
Requirements (REQ): The weapon has a Strength (STR) or Agility (AGI)
requirement to be used properly. Any character not meeting this requirement
suffers a -2 penalty to their attack roll. Additionally, the character cannot benefit
from any bonuses the weapon provides such as Parry +2 or Reach 10.
//sidebar//
Larger firearms, particularly automatic ones, have Strength requirements and use
the Strength attribute. This is because their rapid dispensing of ammunition
requires strength to be fired accurately. The better the character can control the
weapon, the more likely they are to hit their target in a critical area.//
Semiautomatic (SA): The weapon is capable of firing in semiautomatic mode.
31
Shots: The maximum number of shots a weapon is capable of holding. A value of (-)
means the weapon only holds a single shot at a time and must be reloaded with
each use.
Single-shot (SS): The weapon has two barrels that can be fired separately or at the
same time.
Snapfire: The weapon cannot be fired properly without some type of bracing. If the
character moves during the same Combat Action he fires this weapon, his attack
roll incurs a -2 penalty.
Three-round Burst (3RB): The weapon is capable of firing in three-round burst
mode.
Type: The type of the weapon, including its caliber where applicable.
Encumbrance
Encumbrance is a general measurement of how much equipment a character is
carrying. To avoid having to track the weight of every piece of equipment,
encumbrance is only associated with bulky or heavy items that can stifle a
characters movement.
Equipment denoted with ENC () do not add to the overall encumbrance of the
character. They are simply too small or inconsequential to worry about.
Equipment denoted with an encumbrance value (e.g. ENC 1) adds that value to the
overall encumbrance of a character. A characters encumbrance limit is equal to one
and a half times their Strength die type (i.e. Strength d12 = encumbrance limit of 18).
Exceeding this encumbrance limit imposes penalties to all physical activities as
follows:
Up to 2x encumbrance limit incurs a -4 penalty to Skill Rolls for all physical
activities.
Up to 3x encumbrance limit incurs a -6 penalty to Skill Rolls for all physical
activities.
Up to 4x encumbrance limit means the character can no longer perform
physical activities.
Automatic Weapons
In modern and sci-fi settings, many firearms are considered automatic. This means
they are capable of semi-automatic, fully automatic, or three-round burst firing. In-
game, these different firing modes have different mechanical properties as follows:
RATE OF FIRE
Every firearm discharges a number of shots equal to its rate of fire during a
standard attack. Unless setting the weapon to a different mode, it will always fire
that number of shots and thus use an equal number of bullets. For weapons with a
rate of fire greater than 1, the weapons ability to hit increases by adding a +1 to the
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attack roll for each increase beyond 1, as denoted above. Using a weapon at its rate
of fire requires a standard attack, costing 1 Combat Action.
SEMIAUTOMATIC
Weapons capable of semiautomatic fire can optionally be used to rapidly fire two
bullets. By changing the mode of fire, the weapon discharges two shots, thus adding
+1 to the attack roll. Weapons with a rate of fire of 1 are thus increasing the
number of shots fired while those with a rate of fire of 3 or more are decreasing the
number of shots fired. Weapons with a rate of fire of 2 are already firing the
equivalent of semi-automatic mode. Using a weapon in semi-automatic mode is a
standard attack, costing 1 Combat Action, but expends two rounds of ammunition.
SINGLE-SHOT
Weapons with two barrels are often capable of firing one or both barrels with a
single shot. When selecting single-shot mode, the standard two-barrel shot is
reduced to a single-barrel shot, thus losing the +1 to the attack roll, but only
expending a single round of ammunition. This is still considered a standard attack.
THREE-ROUND BURST
Weapons capable of three-round burst fire can optionally be used to rapidly fire
three bullets. By changing the mode of fire, the weapon discharges three shots,
adding +2 to the attack roll. Weapons with a rate of fire of 1 or 2 are thus increasing
the number of shots fired while those with a rate of fire of 4 or more are decreasing
the number of shots fired. Weapons with a rate of fire of 3 are already firing the
equivalent of three-round burst mode. Using a weapon in three-round burst mode
is a standard attack, costing 1 Combat Action, but expends three rounds of
ammunition.
FULL AUTOMATIC
Weapons with a rate of fire of 3 or more are capable of firing in full automatic,
laying down a large amount of shots in a single pull of the trigger. When in this
mode, the weapon discharges three times its rate of fire, expending three times the
normal rounds of ammunition. This is resolved as three separate attack rolls with
each one benefiting from the weapons normal rate of fire bonus. For example, a
weapon fire full automatic with a rate of fire of 3 makes three attack rolls, each with
a +2 bonus, and expends nine rounds of ammunition. Using a weapon in full
automatic mode requires 2 Combat Actions and one to three adjacent targets can be
chosen (within 5 ft. of each other). Each attack roll must be made separately,
regardless if its aimed at the same target or an adjacent one.
Fully automatic weapons may also be used for suppressive fire.
Accessories
BAYONET
Bayonets can be affixed to rifles, adding a blade to the weapon, thus creating a
combination melee and ranged weapon. A rifle affixed with a short bayonet gains
DMG 3, 2H, Reach 10 for melee combat. A rifle affixed with a long bayonet gains DMG
4, 2H, Reach 10 for melee combat.
33
BIPOD
Many large firearms come with a bipod mounted on them for proper bracing
when firing. This makes the weapon easier to aim and control, considering recoil,
especially when firing in full automatic mode. Using a bipod for two-handed
weapons allows the character to optionally combine Firearms with Agility instead of
Strength. This is because the bipod reduces the need for strength to control the
weapon.
SCOPE
Scopes can be affixed to all manner of firearms and crossbows, providing great
accuracy when used at longer range. When firing a weapon with a scope, receive a +1
bonus to the attack roll when firing greater than Close Range (half the Effective
Range). This bonus only applies if the wielder doesnt move during the same Combat
Action that they shoot the weapon.
Weapon Types
EXPLOSIVE
Projectiles and thrown weapons that explode, noted as a blast zone, have an
additional defensive maneuver that can be taken. Instead of dodging, the target may
attempt to pick-up the projectile or weapon and throw it away from them. This
requires a Hard (-4) Agility + Athletics roll. Failure means the explosion occurs in
the persons hand. Success means theyre able to throw the explosive a number of
feet equal to five times their Agility die type in a chosen direction.
FIRE
Projectiles that explode using fire or weapons that emit fire have a 50% chance of
starting the target and its surrounding area on fire. If the target is successfully hit
with the attack roll, theres a 50% chance of starting on fire. If the target is missed
with the attack roll, theres a 50% chance that the area around it starts on fire. This is
only applicable if the target or area around it is contains flammable material.
SPREAD
Weapons like shotguns and blunderbusses have a spreading shot like a cone
emitted from the barrel. This affects the attack roll and damage. First, the weapon
provides a +1 to the attack roll (+2 with a rate of fire of 2). Second, the damage is
dependent on the distance of the target: +2 to damage at less than half the effective
range and -2 to damage at the effective to maximum range.
//sidebar//
OPTIONAL MECHANIC: RANDOM WEAPON DAMAGE
Damage doesnt have to be static. The Entropy core rules attempt to keep combat
quick by utilizing static damage numbers so that each Combat Round takes less time.
However , to add a bit of randomness to damage, the GM may choose to instead allow
for random damage results in lieu of using this static value. Weapons with a damage
rating of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 roll d4, d6, d8, d10, or d12 respectively. Weapons with a
damage rating of 1 are set to a static of 1 and those above 6 use a combination of the
aforementioned dice to equal to damage rating. Example: DMG 9 = d10+d8.//
34
MELEE WEAPONS TABLE
Type DMG ENC Cost REQ Notes
Blades
Dagger 3 - 25
Great Sword 6 3 400 STR d10 2H
Long Knife 3 - 25
Long Sword (2H) 5 2 200 STR d8 2H
Long Sword 5 2 200 AGI d8
Rapier 3 1 125 Parry +2
Scimitar 4 1 200 AGI d8 Parry +2
Short Sword 4 1 100
Switchblade 2 10 -1 to Awareness to
spot it if hidden
Axes & Clubs
Hatchet 3 1 25
Battle Axe (2H) 4 2 200 STR d8 2H
Battle Axe 4 2 200 AGI d8
Club 2 NL 1 5 Parry -2, uses Strength
Flail 3 2 225 AGI d8 Cannot be parried
Broad Axe 6 3 300 STR d10 2H, Parry -2
Mace 3 1 50
War Hammer 4 2 250 STR d8 2H, +1 damage versus
(2H) rigid armor
War Hammer 3 1 150 +1 damage versus rigid
armor
Pole Arms
Bardiche 5 4 200 STR d8 2H, Reach 10
Halberd 4 3 100 STR d8 2H, Reach 10
Pike 3 4 125 STR d10 2H, Reach 15, Cannot
parry
Pole Axe 4 3 200 STR d8 2H, Reach 10
Spear 3 2 25 2H, Reach 10
Staff 1 1 50 NL, 2H, Reach 10,
Parry +2, uses Agility
RANGED WEAPONS TABLE

Type Range DMG ROF Shots ENC Cost
Simple
Bow 125ft 4 1 1 150
Crossbow 150ft 6 1 2 300
Notes: CAL 2
Dagger/Knife 50ft 3 1 - 25
Javelin 75ft 3 1 1 25
Tomahawk 50ft 3 1 1 25
Longbow 150ft 4 1 1 200
35
Notes: REQ STR d8
Sling 90ft 1 NL 1 1 5
Black Powder
Blunderbuss 250ft 4 1 2 400
Notes: REQ STR d6, 2H, CAL 3, Spread*
Flintlock Pistol 150ft 4 1 - 150
Notes: CAL 3
Kentucky Long Rifle 300ft 5 1 1 350
Notes: REQ STR d8, 2H, CAL 3
Pistols
.22 Pistol 125ft 4 1 9 - 200
Notes: SA
.44 Revolver 150ft 6 1 6 - 400
.45 Pistol 150ft 6 1 10 - 500
Notes: SA
.45 Machine Pistol 100ft 6 3 30 1 700
Notes: REQ AGI d8, FA
.50 Pistol 225ft 7 1 7 1 700
Notes: REQ AGI 3, SA
9mm Pistol 150ft 5 1 15 - 300
Notes: SA
Shotguns
12g Double-Barrel 150ft 4 2 2 2 300
Notes: 2H, SS, Spread*
12g Double-Barrel 150ft 7 2 2 2 300
Notes: 2H, SS, Loaded with slug shots
12g Pump Action 150ft 4 1 6 2 300
Notes: 2H, Spread*
12g Semiautomatic 150ft 4 1 4 2 350
Notes: 2H, SA, Spread*
Rifles
.50 Sniper 750ft 10 1 10 5 1.3k
Notes: REQ STR d8, 2H, HW, Snapfire
5.56 Marksman 600ft 7 1 30 3 750
Notes: REQ STR d8, 2H, SA
7.62 Battle 500ft 8 1 20 4 900
7.62 Sniper 750ft 8 1 10 5 900
Notes: REQ STR d8, 2H, Snapfire
7.62 Scout 400ft 8 1 5 2 700
7.92 Anti-material 1500ft 10 1 10 6 1.8k
Notes: REQ STR d10, 2H, HW, SA, Snapfire
Assault Rifles
5.56 Assault 500ft 6 3 30 2 500
Notes: REQ STR d8, FA, SA, 1H or 2H
7.62 Assault 300ft 7 3 30 2 600
36
Notes: REQ STR d8, 2H, FA, SA
7.92 Assault 300ft 8 3 30 3 750
Submachine Guns
9mm Submachine 200ft 5 3 25 2 300
.45 Submachine 175ft 6 3 30 3 400
5.56 Carbine 500ft 6 1 30 2 500
Notes: REQ STR d8, 2H, 3RB, SA
Machine Guns
.50 Machine Gun 6000ft 10 3 200 10 1.5k
Notes: REQ STR d10, 2H, FA, HW, Bracing
7.62 Minigun 1500ft 7 6 1500 12 2k
Notes: REQ STR d10, FA, HW, Bracing
Special
Flamethrower CT 5 1 30 6 750
Notes: REQ STR d8, Ignores cover
Frag Grenade 50ft 2 - 300
Notes: LBZ
Concussion Grenade 50ft 6 - 300
Notes: SBZ
Stun Grenade 50ft 3 NL - 150
Notes: LBZ
ARMOR TABLE
Type Armor ENC* Cost** Notes
Chain Mail 4 2/location 150 Torso, Arms, Legs, Head, -2
to Initiative per location
covered, to a minimum of 1
Flak Jacket 2 1 100 Torso, bullets do half
damage
Kevlar Vest 2 1 100 Torso, bullets do half
damage
Lamellar Armor 2 1 50 Torso, Arms, Legs
Laminar Armor 2 1 50 Torso, Arms, Legs
Leather Armor 1 1 25 Torso, Arms, Legs
Plate Mail 5 3/location 300 Torso, Arms, Legs, Head, -3
to Initiative per location
covered, to a minimum of 1
Pot Helm 3 - 75 Head, 50% chance versus
head called shot
Scale Armor 3 1/location 75 Torso, Arms, Legs, -1 to
Initiative per location
covered to a minimum of 1
Tactical Jacket 4 1 200 Torso, bullets do half
37
damage
Shields***
Small Shield - 25 Parry +2, may parry ranged
shots
Medium Shield 1 50 Parry +2, may parry ranged
shots with +1 Armor
Large Shield 2 150 Parry +4, may parry ranged
shots with +2 Armor
*Encumbrance shown is for worn armor. If carried, encumbrance is at least double.
**Cost is per location covered.
***Shields do not protect against called shots or attacks from the rear.
Mundane Equipment
Item ENC Cost
Adventuring Gear
Backpack 1 25
Bedroll 1 25
Blanket 1 10
Candle (6 hour, MBZ) - 1
Cellular Phone - 250
Chain, 6ft. 3 25
Color Dye - 1
Crowbar 2 10
Digital Camera 1 100
Disposable Camera - 10
First Aid Kit 1 10
Fishing Kit 1 25
Fishing Net 1 25
Flashlight (CT) 1 10
Flint and Steel - 5
Glass Bottle 1 1
Grappling Hook 2 100
Hammer 1 10
Handcuffs - 10
Lantern 1 25
Lantern Oil - 1
Lighter - 1
Lock Picks - 100
Magnifying Glass - 5
Mining Pick 3 40
Quiver 1 25
Rope 2 10
Rope Ladder 3 25
Shovel, Collapsible 2 15
38
Soap - 1
Tent, 4 person 2 100
Tool Kit 4 100
Torch (LBZ) 1 5
Umbrella 1 5
Waterskin - 5
Whetstone - 5
Whistle - 1
Ammunition
Arrow - 1/2
Arrow, Teflon (+2 DMG) - 5
Bullets, Small Caliber - 10/50
Bullets, Medium Caliber - 25/50
Bullets, Large Caliber 1 50/50
Crossbow Bolt - 2
Shot with Powder - 2
Sling Bullets - 1/25
Clothing
Boots, Climbing - 150
Boots, Hiking - 100
Boots, Winter - 100
Clothing, Average - 25
Clothing, Formal - 150
Gear, Camouflage - 25
Gear, Winter 2 150
Food & Lodging
Meal, Simple - 5
Meal, Average - 15
Meal, Hardy - 25
Trail Rations (5 days) 1 10
Lodging, Simple - 35
Lodging, Average - 75
Lodging, Luxury - 150
Riding Beasts
Camel - 300
Donkey - 150
Horse - 300
Saddle 2 25
War Horse - 750
Computers
Desktop 5 400
GPS 1 200
Laptop 2 500
Tablet 1 600
Surveillance
Binoculars 1 50
Bug Detector - 500
39
CCTV Receiver 3 500
Digital Audio Recorder - 25
Digital Video Recorder 1 100
Indoor Camera - 150
In-ear Receiver - 250
Mini Camera - 300
Night Vision Goggles 2 1000
(no penalties for Dim or Dark lighting)
Outdoor Camera - 200
Parabolic Microphone 1 500
(works up to 500ft)
Telephone Tap - 250
Two-way Radio - 200
(up to 250,000 sq. ft. and 20 floors of coverage)
40
Game Mechanics
The Entropy mechanics provide a baseline set of rules that can be applied
universally across all genres and settings to create memorable adventures and
campaigns. What follows is a look at how to make a skill roll, use hero points, and
perform combat.
//sidebar//
ROUNDING NUMBERS
Whenever youre forced to round numbers due to the games mechanics, always
round in favor of the character. If the character would benefit from rounding up,
then round up. If the character would benefit from rounding down, then round
down.//
Skill Rolls
Skill Rolls are required when an action being performed has a chance to fail and
failure has consequences. Both of these factors should exist for a Skill Roll to be
required, otherwise the character simply performs the action being defined. A
chance to fail could be because of the difficulty of the action being performed,
external stress factors, or the action is actively opposed by another character. This
applies in and out of combat.
Example: Simply driving a car doesnt require an Agility + Operating roll;
driving a car during a high-speed chase while weaving through traffic does.
Every time the GM calls for a dice roll, players use a combination of their
characters Attributes and Skills. Choose an applicable Attribute and Skill. Using
the die type for the chosen traits, roll both dice and add their values together. The
total is then compared to the Target Number and must meet or exceed it. (When
specific Skill Rolls are called for within Entropic Tales, adventures, and campaigns,
they are written as: Attribute + Skill.)
Example: Athletics is a Skill that measures physical activities; when performing a
dodge or throwing action, combine Agility + Athletics. However, when performing
a climb or swim action, combine Strength + Athletics. With this design, instead of
creating separate skills for dodge, throwing, climbing, and swimming, characters
have a single Athletics skill and combine it with the applicable Attribute to create
the desired action. If Strength has a value of d10 and Athletics has a value of d8, the
Skill Roll would equal d10+d8.
When performing any action, the focus is on the Skill, not the Attribute. The
Attribute is simply a measurement of how the character is applying the Skill they
are trained in or have a basic understanding of.
OPPOSED ROLLS
Actions actively opposed by someone or something are called Opposed Rolls.
Opposed Rolls are performed by the player and GM using Skill Rolls for opposing
41
actions (such as insight and lying). Whoever rolls the highest wins the Opposed
Roll.
The person declaring the action is called the Aggressor. The person or object
opposing the action is called the Defender. Ties always go to the Defender as the
Aggressor has to overcome the Defender to succeed in the action theyre
performing. The Aggressors roll becomes the Defenders Target Number.
UNOPPOSED ROLLS
Actions where there is no opposition, or the character is trying to overcome the
difficulty of a static Target Number, are called Unopposed Rolls. Unopposed Rolls
are a single Skill Roll by the character versus a Target Number. The character must
roll equal to or higher than the Target Number.
Most actions carry a Target Number of 9. This represents a fairly standard
action under stressful conditions and are an almost guarantee by the character.
Unopposed attack rolls have a Target Number equal to the Defenders Defense.
Optionally, GMs may decide that the higher the roll, the more amazing the
character performs his action, possibly leading to additional in-game bonuses.
Example: an Agility + Lock Picking roll of 9 means the character is able to open
the lock in 2 minutes. A roll of 11 means its done in 1 minute, while a roll of 13
means its done in 30 seconds. These are at the discretion of the GM.
SUCCESS
To succeed at an action, the Skill Roll must result in a sum equal to or greater than
the Target Number (Unopposed) or equal to or greater than the Aggressors roll
(Opposed).
FAILURE
Failing at an action simply means the character did not meet or exceed the Target
Number. Consequences of a failure can vary depending on the action being
performed, but are usually given as the character was unable to complete that
action plus any additional flavor text added by the GM.
CRITICAL SUCCESS
A Critical Success occurs when a character rolls at least twice the Target Number.
When this happens, the character gains a single Hero Point to be spent immediately
(equivalent to using a Quality) and the GM may optionally create other benefits
related to the action being performed.
CRITICAL FAILURE
A Critical Failure occurs when both dice roll a 1. When this occurs, something
truly detrimental happens to the character at the GMs discretion. Examples of this
are weapons jamming, drowning while swimming, or falling while climbing.
42
DIFFICULTY MODIFIERS
Not every action is equal to other actions. Some are simply easier or more
difficult than others. To represent this, the GM may adjust the difficulty of the action
by applying a modifier to the Skill Roll. The basics are as follows:
Difficulty Skill Roll Modifier Automatic Success
Trivial +4 2d6
Routine +2 2d8
Average 0 2d10
Challenging -2 2d12
Hard -4 2d12+2
Difficult -6 2d12+4
Daunting -8 None
Overwhelming -10 None
AUTOMATIC SUCCESS
As noted in the difficulty modifier chart, some difficulty levels have an Automatic
Success associated with them. This means that if the character possesses an
Attribute + Skill combination equal to or greater than that Automatic Success
number (including the +2 for spending a Hero Point for Hard or Difficult tasks), no
roll is needed and the character automatically succeeds. This is equivalent to rolling
equal to the Target Number. Automatic Success should only apply to Unopposed
Rolls, but the GM may rule otherwise.
Characters can spend a Hero Point to increase a die type by one step. This may
qualify them for an Automatic Success. Example: If a character has an Attribute +
Skill of d10+d8 and spends a Hero Point, they now have 2d10 and can automatically
succeed at any Skill Roll against the standard Target Number.
COOPERATIVE ROLLS
When a character chooses to aid another character instead of making a roll
themselves, he must choose an applicable Attribute and Skill and make Skill Roll
with no difficulty modifiers. If he succeeds, he adds +2 to the lead characters Skill
Roll; this is called a Cooperative Roll. When making a Cooperative Roll, the lead
character should be the one with the highest value in the applicable skill.
GROUP ROLLS
When performing an action with numerous characters, it may be imperative to
make a single Group Roll instead of many individual Skill Rolls. One Skill Roll is
required, using the average Skill value of the applicable skill amongst the chosen
characters (rounded up) and the average Attribute value of the applicable Attribute
amongst the chosen characters (rounded up). The result of this one roll is the result
for all individuals involved. If the Group Roll includes PCs, each one is allowed to
spend one of their Hero Points to increase their Skills die type which may increase
the resulting average die type. Example: A group of PCs is making a Group Roll to
move quietly passed a guard. Their Stealth skills are d4, d4, d6, d8, and d8 for an
average of d6. Their Agility attributes are d6, d8, d8, d6, and d10 for an average of
43
d8. Their Group Roll is formed with d8+d6 (Agility + Stealth) to determine if all PCs
pass the Stealth Skill Roll.
Extended Skill Tests

Extended Skill Tests are used for particularly difficult tasks that cannot feasibly be
performed within the time frame of a single Combat Action or it becomes more
dramatic for them to require several Combat Actions to perform. These types of
tests utilize a single skill, but the character is gauged on how many successful rolls
they can make out of a given number of opportunities that each requires a specific
amount of time. The standard for this is that to succeed on an Extended Skill Test,
the character must make five successful rolls out of six attempts. A critical success
counts as two successful rolls, a failure counts as zero, and a critical failure may
have dire consequences. Adjusting the difficulty of an Extended Skill Test includes
changing the number of successes needed and the number of attempts allowed.
Extended Skill Tests can be physical, mental, or social. They are usable across all
skills and are typically unopposed. The GM may assess difficulty modifiers to the
Skill Roll, but ultimately the difficulty of the Extended Skill Test is based on the
number of successes needed versus the number of possible attempts. Hero Points
are allowed, but typically, cooperative rolls are not as they fall under Skill
Challenges instead. The time required to perform an Extended Skill Test is solely
based on the action being performed.
Example: A character is attempting to hack into a computer mainframe. He must
succeed or be caught by the mainframes security software. Each roll takes five
seconds, but two failures means the security software locates the attempt and locks
out the user.
Skill Challenges
Skill Challenges are used for particularly difficult tasks that require multiple
actions to be performed simultaneously and do not necessarily conform to the time
frame of a single Combat Action. These types of tests utilize multiple skills across
multiple characters working together to solve a problem. To solve the problem, a
certain number of successes need to be achieved within a certain number of rounds.
However, the rolls can be done cooperatively or individually if there are enough
attempts available.
Each participant chooses a skill to use each round. No two participants can choose
the same skill unless they are performing a cooperative roll. Each participant then
makes a Skill Roll and determines if they succeed. The successes are tallied for that
round and added to the total number of successes for the Skill Challenge, leading up
to the number of rounds possible. Then the next round begins.
Because Skill Challenges involve multiple participants, their difficulty is based on
the number of participants. An example would be that a group of five characters
must achieve 16 successes within four rounds. Skill Challenges can be physical,
mental, or social, but can ultimately be solved by whatever means are feasible.
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Example: A group of PC is attempting to break into a tomb. One character is
holding off the mummy attempting to capture the group, another is searching the
room for traps, another is picking the lock into the room, and the last one is
performing a ritual to cleanse the area of evil spirits.
Hero Points
Hero Points are a type of currency that PCs and NPCs get to show that theyre a
larger part of the overall story compared to allies, acquaintances, and minions.
Villains get Hero Points just like the PCs do as a representation of their strength and
dominance of the adventure. They are essentially equivalent to a PC and thus get
the same type of bonuses. PCs and NPCs start with 3 Hero Points at the beginning of
every game session. These base 3 refresh but do not carry over from session to
session. However, they always start a new game session with 3.
More than one Hero Point may be spent at any given time, as long as the character
has enough Hero Points to spend. Although he can only gain 1 Hero Point at a time
through the use of a Quality, the character can spend one or more of his starting
Hero Points in addition to the one gained by using a Quality.
Gaining Hero Points is done through the use of Qualities or as a reward from the
GM for that game session. When gaining a Hero Point by applying a positive Quality
(a Quality that somehow benefits the character) to the action being performed, the
character gains one free Hero Point that must be spent on that action. When gaining
a Hero Point by applying a negative Quality (a Quality that somehow hinders the
character) to the action being performed, the character gains one free Hero Point
that can be stockpiled and spent at a later time. When gaining a Hero Point by
applying a neutral Quality, the GM must discern whether that character is benefiting
from the use of the Quality or if its hindering him. Then, apply the positive or
negative use accordingly.
There are no limits to how many times a Quality can be applied during the course
of a single gaming session, but only one Quality may be used at any given time (you
cant gain two Hero Points for the same action by applying two different Qualities,
only one can be chosen). Once a Hero Point is spent, it is gone from the characters
Hero Points total until gaining it back the next gaming session or by applying a
Quality on another action. If the action is being performed during combat, applying
a Quality to gain a Hero Point can only be done once per Combat Round.
Remember , Hero Points gained from using positive Qualities must be spent
immediately and the Quality must apply to the action being performed. If the
Quality doesnt truly apply, no Hero Point is gained. If the Hero Point isnt
spent on that action, it is lost. Only Hero Points gained from using negative
Qualities can be stockpiled for later use.
Hero Points can be spent in a number of different ways in and out of combat,
during Skill Rolls, and during narration. It costs 1 Hero Point to do one of the
following:
Add +2 to a Skill Roll.
Add +d6 to a Skill Roll
Add +d4 to Damage.
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Add +2 to Damage.
Increase Initiative by +d6.
Reroll a failed Skill Roll.
Increase a Skill die type by one step for one Combat Round.
Increase an Attribute die by one step (to a maximum of d12) for one
Combat Action.
Make an unarmed attack inflict lethal damage.
Change a small piece of the storyline to favor the character.
Roll Vitality and reduce damage about to be taken by half the amount rolled.
Ignore all Wound Penalties for one Combat Action.
Automatically succeed on one Combat Maneuver (without needing an
Opposed Roll).
Add +2d6ft to a run action.
Hero Points spent to affect a Skill Roll can be done before or after the dice are rolled.
If the result is still unfavorable, another Hero Point can be spent as long as it comes
from the base 3 Hero Points received at the beginning of a gaming session.
Combat
Combat is an inevitable part of role-playing games. It may be as simple as a
barroom brawl or as violent as open warfare. In Entropy, combat is meant to be
dangerous when the right tactics are applied or if the target is ill-prepared. The
following characteristics are an integral part of this combat:
Combat can be deadly. A called shot to the head can kill almost anyone.
Combat should be tactical. Characters should be given the option to spend
their Combat Actions as they please.
Character turns should be quick. Players shouldnt have to spend a lot of
time waiting for their next action.
Combat should be fun. Although its violence, combat can make a story
quite exciting and theres nothing like proving out a character design.
COMPONENTS OF COMBAT
Combat is broken into two major functions: Combat Actions and Combat Rounds.
These are meant to be simple and allow combat to move quickly without getting
bogged down.
COMBAT ROUNDS
Combat is broken down into rounds for simplicity. Each round is six seconds long.
This may not be an actual time, but it allows for simple math when utilizing Powers.
When a new Combat Round begins, each character (PCs, NPCs, and Minions) has 3
Combat Actions to spend. Once everyones Combat Actions are spent, the round ends
and a new round begins.
//sidebar//
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NARRATIVE TIME
Time outside of combat is referred to as Narrative Time. Narrative time is not
actually defined by seconds, minutes, hours, or days, but rather is defined by the
speed of role-playing. This means anything can happen during narrative time for
whatever period of time is required by the GM.//
INITIATIVE
Initiative is the order in which participants are allowed to act during combat,
from the highest value to the lowest. Initiative is equal to the characters Agility die
type plus their Intelligence die type plus their Athletics die type (if they dont have
the Athletics skill, then the value is 0). The highest result acts first, followed by the
next highest, and so on. If there is a tie, the participant with the highest Agility die
type goes first. If there is still a tie, the participant with the highest Athletics die
type goes first. If there is still a tie, the participants are considered to be acting
simultaneously.
//sidebar//
OPTIONAL MECHANIC: RANDOM INITIATIVE
Initiative doesnt have to be static. The Entropy rules attempt to make combat
quicker by utilizing static Initiative values. However, Initiative may instead be rolled
using Agility + Intelligence + Athletics. Initiative then goes from highest to lowest
of the resulting rolls.//
COMBAT ACTIONS
Combat Actions (CA) are the number of actions a character can perform during
combat. Some actions are complicated or time consuming and require 2 CA to
perform, but most actions only require 1 CA. When a characters Initiative comes
around, he chooses which action to perform by spending the required number of
Combat Actions. Once that action is performed, play moves to the next Initiative. If
anyone still has any Combat Actions remaining once every participant has had a
chance to perform an action, the cycle repeats until all available Combat Actions for
all available participants have been spent.
Combat Actions are offensive and defensive. Participants perform offensive
actions on their Initiative and defensive actions in response to another participant
performing an action. Here is a list of possible actions (those that require 2 Combat
Actions are denoted by 2CA in their entry, those that require no Combat Actions are
denoted by 0CA in their entry):
Offensive:
Aim: The participant properly sights his target, gaining +2 to his next
standard attack. If he moves before that next standard attack, the bonus is
lost.
Called Shot: The participant makes a called shot to a particular body part.
See Combat Situations for further details.
Charge (2CA): The participant moves up to twice his speed and ends it
with a standard attack. He gains a +2 bonus to his Attack Roll and +2 to
Damage.
Combat Maneuver: Attempt a special, non-attack maneuver as an Opposed
Roll.
47
Full Automatic (2CA): The participant uses a fully automatic weapon.
Ready Weapon: The participant readies their weapon by drawing,
unsheathing, or reloading it. This includes nocking an arrow on a bow.
Standard Attack: The participant makes an attack using their primary
weapon.
Suppressive Fire (2CA): The participant looses a volley of bullets using a
fully automatic weapon. He makes an opposed Strength + Firearms roll
versus Agility + Athletics (this roll costs no Combat Actions) against all
opponents in range within a 90 arc. Opponents that fail are forced prone
or behind cover and must spend a Combat Action to move before being
able to attack.
Utilize Power: The participant prepares or utilizes one of their powers.
Defensive:
Defensive Stance: The participant readies himself for defending, gaining
+4 to his next dodge or parry attempt.
Dodge: The participant attempts to evade an incoming melee or ranged
attack. This is considered an active defensive maneuver and the Aggressors
attack must overcome this Opposed Roll (using Agility + Athletics) instead
of using the Defenders Defense value. Dodge actions are performed as a
reaction to an attack and are thus performed on the Aggressors initiative.
Parry: The participant attempts to parry a melee attack (this is only
possible if the participant is wielding a melee weapon or shield). This is
considered an active defensive maneuver and the Aggressors attack must
overcome this Opposed Roll (using Agility + Melee or Strength + Melee,
depending on the weapon) instead of using the Defenders Defense value.
Parry actions are performed as a reaction to an attack and are thus
performed on the Aggressors initiative.
Outmaneuver: The participant makes an opposed Agility + Athletics roll
versus all adjacent opponents. Those that fail cannot attack him this
Combat Round.
Tactical:
Delay: The participant holds their action until a later initiative. If they
dont take their action before all other participants have, the Combat Action
is lost.
Disengage: The participant disengages from melee combat.
Do Nothing: The participant does nothing useful during his Combat Action.
Don Armor (3CA): The participant puts on their armor.
Drop Weapon (0CA): The participant drops a readied weapon.
Mount/Dismount: The participant mounts or dismounts a riding beast or
vehicle.
Move: The participant moves up to his speed.
Pick-up Item: The participant picks-up an item on the ground.
Retreat: The participant moves up to their speed away from their
opponent. Their opponent can optionally make a standard attack against
the fleeing participant, interrupting the retreat action. If a character moves
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more than 5ft. away from or around an opponent they are already engaged
in combat with, its considered a Retreat action. If they are not engaged in
combat, they can move regularly without having to take a Retreat action.
Run (2CA): The participant moves up to twice his speed. All attacks
targeting him suffer a -2 penalty, and he may only dodge the attack, that
Combat Round.
Sprint (3CA): The participant moves up to four times his speed. All attacks
targeting him suffer a -4 penalty, and he may not perform any other
actions, including Opposed Rolls, that Combat Round.
Talk (0CA): The participant can speak a handful of words to an ally or
opponent.
//Sidebar//
TWO WEAPONS
Characters wielding 2 one-handed weapons receive a free standard attack or
parry action each Combat Round.//
SHIELDS
Characters wielding shields receive a free shield bash Combat Maneuver (to move
a target out of melee range) or parry action each Combat Round.//
MOVEMENT
Every participant in combat may freely move up to their full speed during a single
Combat Round. This movement may be divided up as desired across all Combat
Actions, but may not exceed their speed in a given Combat Round without spending
a Combat Action. Additionally, if engaged in melee combat, no movement is allowed
without first disengaging or retreating.
Example: A character with speed 30ft. may move 5ft. and attack on his first
Combat Action, move 10ft. and attack on his second Combat Action, and move 15ft.
and attack on his third Combat Action.
Example: A character with speed 30ft. may move 10ft. and attack, engaging in
melee, on his first Combat Action, disengage on his second Combat Action, and move
20ft. and attack, engaging in melee again, on his third Combat Action.
When moving across difficult terrain, characters move at have their speed. The
character must still be able to move across the difficult terrain without having to
climb, crawl, jump, etc. Otherwise the character will have to use other movement
types to cross the terrain.
A character may optionally use half his speed to change his stance from standing,
to kneeling or prone and vice versa. However, he must first have at least half his
speed still available to change his stance. Example: A character with speed 30ft.
may move 15ft. and go prone. However, if he moves 20ft., he no longer has enough
movement left to go prone.
ATTACKING AND DEFENDING

When a participant decides to attack, they make an Attack Roll. Attack Rolls are
standard Skill Rolls using the applicable Attribute and Skill for the weapon they are
using. Two-handed weapons use Strength; one-handed weapons use Agility. Melee
weapons use Melee, guns and the like use Firearms, simple ranged weapons (like
49
bows) use Ranged, and thrown weapons use Athletics. These required Attributes
and Skills cannot be changed unless a weapons entry says so.
If the attack is being actively defended (i.e. the Defender spends a Combat Action
to dodge, parry, or make a combat maneuver), the Attack Roll becomes an Opposed
Roll. If the attack is not being actively defended, the Attack Roll is a standard
Unopposed Roll using the Defenders Defense value as the Target Number. Please
note that Automatic Success rules can apply on Unopposed Attack Rolls if the GM
desires. If the Attack Roll exceeds the Target Number, damage is assessed.
If an opponent has a Combat Action available, he may spend it to defend himself
by making a Defend Roll. Defend Rolls are standard Skill Rolls used as an Opposed
Roll to the Attack Roll. The Defenders Defend Roll must be equal to or higher than
the Aggressors Attack Roll. If it is, the attack is successfully avoided and no damage
is assessed. If the Attack Roll is higher, the attack is successful and damage is
assessed.
Actively defending an attack should be declared before the Aggressor makes an
Attack Roll. However, the GM has the option of allowing a character to declare he is
going to actively defend the Aggressor after the Attack Roll is made that exceeds the
characters Defense value.
If not allowing that option and a Defender fails the Opposed Roll, the Attack Roll is
always considered successful even if it doesnt exceed the Defenders Defense value.
This could be because the Defender exposed a weak spot in his armor or allowed the
aggressor to hit him in an unarmored location.
RANGE
When using a ranged or thrown weapon, the attack roll may receive a bonus or
suffer a penalty due to the distance between the Aggressor and the Defender. Close
Range is anything from adjacent to half the Effective Range of the weapon. Attacks
at Close Range gain a +2 bonus to the Attack Roll. Effective Range is the distance
denoted on the weapons entry and is considered as anywhere from half that
distance up to that distance. Attacks at Effective Range gain no bonuses nor do they
suffer any penalties. Long Range is anything greater than the Effective Range up to
twice the Effective Range. Attacks at Long Range incur a -2 penalty to the Attack
Roll. Anything beyond Long Range is an automatic failure.
ARMOR
Armor provides an extra layer of protection to the character. It increases the
characters passive Defense value, increasing the difficulty of hitting the character
when hes not actively defending. This number is equal to the characters torsos
armor rating, as denoted in the armor table. All other locations provide armor
against Called Shots. Only the torsos armor rating is added to Agility to get the
characters Defense value.
Armor ratings dont stack, even if the armor is layered; only one rating can be
used. Always choose the highest armor rating.
DAMAGE AND HEALTH

Whenever a character is successfully hit by an Attack Roll, he takes damage.
Damage is assessed according to the attackers weapon as indicated by their
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Damage entry in the weapon tables, reducing his Health. Health is tracked by the
Health Track and is assessed as follows:
1. Damage is removed from the targets Health Track by placing an X in the
first available circle at the top and to the left (see the Character Sheet).
Each character has a number of circles in their Health Track equal to their
Health value. As additional damage is taken, mark off the circles following
right and then down, always starting a new line at the leftmost circle.
2. When a targets Health drops to half its maximum value, hes considered
Wounded and incurs a -2 Wound Penalty to all actions until healing past
that Wounded mark. Additionally, his speed drops to 50% and he only has
two Combat Actions to spend each Combat Round.
3. When a targets Health drops to 25% of its maximum value, hes considered
Injured and incurs a -4 Wound Penalty to all action until healing past that
Injured mark. Additionally, his speed drops to 25% and he only has one
Combat Action to spend each Combat Round.
4. When a targets Health drops to 0, hes considered Incapacitated and can
no longer perform any actions until healing to at least 1 Health.
5. When a targets Health drops to a negative number equal to half its
maximum value, hes considered Dead and is removed from play.
6. Nonlethal damage that brings the targets Health to the Injured mark is still
considered Wounded and the target doesnt suffer any additional affects
other than those from being Wounded. Additionally, his Health can never
drop below 0 from nonlethal damage and no rolls on the Injury Table are
required.
//sidebar//
CHARACTER SHEET HEALTH TRACK
The character sheet has a Health Track with a number of circles equal to a
standard PCs maximum Health value. This should be modified according to the
characters actual Health value to use the Health Track properly. Completely fill-in
the unused circles so that the Health Track equals the characters Health. Feel free to
get creative on how you track the characters Wounded, Injured, and Incapacitated
values using the Health Track.//
WOUNDED
Wounded characters may be slowed down, but they are still actively participating
in combat (unless they retreat). Their ability to attack is reduced and Natural
Healing takes longer until the character is no longer considered Wounded.
INJURED
Injured characters have sustained an injury that requires medical treatment. Not
only is their ability to fight reduced, Natural Healing takes even longer until the
character is no longer considered Injured.
INCAPACITATED
When characters become Incapacitated, they are unconscious and can no longer
participate in combat. They are not dead, but they are bleeding out. The
Incapacitated character must make a Vitality + Resist roll. Success means the
character is stabilizing and doesnt lose any further Health. Failure means the
51
character continues to bleed out and loses one Health, and they must roll on the
Injuries Table. The Vitality + Resist roll must be made every Combat Round until
healing is received or the character dies, but the character only rolls once on the
injury table.
3d6 Roll Injury
3 Left Arm: The injury renders the left arm useless; he can no longer
wield weapons or shields with that hand or use two-handed weapons.
Additionally, if the character was holding anything in his left hand, he
drops it. This injury is permanent but can be healed with medical
care.
4 Right Arm: The injury renders the right arm useless; he can no longer
wield weapons or shields with that hand or use two-handed weapons.
Additionally, if the character was holding anything in his right hand,
he drops it. This injury is permanent but can be healed with medical
care.
5 Left Leg: The injury renders the left leg useless; he can no longer stand
without assistance or by holding a nearby object. Additionally, the
character can no longer walk or run but can crawl and shuffle on his
knees. This injury is permanent but can be healed with medical care.
6 Right Leg: The injury renders the right leg useless; he can no longer
stand without assistance or by holding a nearby object. Additionally,
the character can no longer walk or run but can crawl and shuffle on
his knees. This injury is permanent but can be healed with medical
care.
7-8 Torso: The injury hits somewhere on the characters torso, causing him
to double-over in pain. The injury slows him down, but doesnt cause
lasting pain. His Agility becomes d4 until healed.
9-10 Torso: The injury hits somewhere on the characters torso, knocking
the wind out and possibly more. His bruises and cuts are
accumulating, but he continues to fight on. His Vitality becomes d4
until healed.
11-12 Torso: The injury hits somewhere on the characters torso, causing his
body to spasm and become weakened. The injury affects his ability to
wield a weapon properly. His Strength becomes d4 until healed.
13-14 Broken: The continued wounds the character receives has a
detrimental effect on his mind. He begins to feel broken and the
stress from fighting is draining him mentally. His Psyche and
Intelligence become d4 until healed.
15-16 Infection: There are simply too many cuts and bruises to count and one
of them has become infected. The characters body begins to channel
energy into fighting the infection instead of given him the adrenaline
he needs. He gains one level of Fatigue until healed.
17 Head: The last blow hit the character in the head, causing possible
irrevocable damage. His head begins to spin with dizziness. His
Intelligence and Psyche become d4. This injury is permanent but can
be healed with medical care.
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18 Face: The character took a nasty cut to the face, causing a gaping
wound to appear. The wound has many side-effects that make
continuing difficult. His Perception becomes d4 until healed. His
Charisma becomes d4 and is permanent but can be healed with
medical care.
HEALING
There are three types of healing: magical, medical, and natural. Each type is
similar in nature, except natural health cannot heal an Incapacitated character.
MAGICAL HEALING
Magical healing comes from a power or supernatural ability. It works as is stated
in the powers entry and replenishes the characters Health (not armor). If the
character is Incapacitated or has dropped to a negative Health number, magical
healing always starts at 0 before replenishing Health. Thus, if the character is at
Health -2 and receives 5 points of healing, their Health becomes 5. Magical healing
can be performed at any time.
MEDICAL HEALING
Medical healing comes from first aid or surgery and uses the Healing skill. It
requires one Combat Action to perform and may be done within the first hour.
Using the Healing skill in this way works as follows:
Healing an Incapacitated character incurs a -6 penalty.
Healing an Injured character incurs a -4 penalty.
Healing a Wounded character incurs a -2 penalty.
Penalties are cumulative with any Wound Penalties the healing character
has incurred.
Healing a character that is not Wounded, Injured, or Incapacitated doesnt
incur any penalties.
Successfully healing a character provides them with a number of Health
points equal to half the Healing skills die type.
If the character is Incapacitated or has dropped to a negative Health
number, successful medical healing always starts at 0 before replenishing
Health.
Medical healing can only be performed within the first hour of losing
Health. After that, only Natural Healing applies or receiving advanced
medical care from a clinic or hospital.
Failure on a Healing roll doesnt carry any side-effects, even if the
character is Incapacitated.
NATURAL HEALING
All characters naturally heal over time, unless they are Incapacitated. This doesnt
require any skill rolls although it does require the character to sleep or avoid
physical activities. Natural healing works as follows:
Injured characters naturally heal at a rate of one Health point per day.
Wounded characters naturally heal at a rate of two Health points per day.
53
Characters that are neither Injured nor Wounded naturally heal at a rate of
three Health points per day.
Receiving medical care from a clinic or hospital doubles the natural healing
rate. It also allows for permanent injuries to heal.
Incapacitated characters do not benefit from natural healing and must seek
medical care to move from Incapacitated to Injured (taking one day to do
so).
MECHANICAL HEALING
If rolling to heal (or rather repair) a mechanical device, solid object, or armored
vehicle with some type of rating (toughness or armor rating is brought down to 0),
use the Repair skill. Each successful roll (there are no penalties from the items
condition) repairs the item by tw o p oi n ts up to its maximum value.
If playing in a setting with constructs, this same mechanic can be applied to
characters that dont heal and instead require repair.
ATTACK MODIFIERS
Not every attack is going to be made within ideal conditions. When this occurs,
modifiers apply to attacking, parrying, and dodging, directly to the Skill Roll. These
modifiers are cumulative.
Combat Situation Skill Roll Modifier
Behind light cover and obscured up to 25% -2
Behind medium cover and obscured up to 50% -4
Behind heavy cover and obscured up to 75% -6
Behind total cover and obscured up to 99% -8
Ranged firing into crowd -2
Illumination is dim (moonlight) -2
Illumination is dark (cloudy night) -4
Illumination is total darkness -6
Using an improvised weapon -2
Standing on unstable ground -4
Extreme weather conditions -4
//sidebar//
OPTIONAL MECHANIC: INNOCENT BYSTANDERS
Optionally, if a character misses their target due to any number of special
conditions, such as firing into a crowd of people, the attack may end up hitting
someone other than the target. This could be an ally, another opponent, or a
completely innocent bystander. Roll a d6 and on a 1 or 6, the attack hits someone
other than the intended target. On a 2-5, the attack simply misses. Choose the
unfortunate target randomly.//
COMBAT MANEUVERS
Instead of attacking, characters may wish to perform a combat maneuver. A
combat maneuver is basically anything other than attacking a target for the purpose
of wounding them. This is done through an Opposed Roll using an appropriate skill.
Athletics is a common one, but characters are free to determine which skill best fits
54
the maneuver they are attempting to perform. During the Opposed Roll, the
Aggressor spends one Combat Action to make the Combat Maneuver while the
Defender simply opposes it without spending a Combat Action. If the Aggressor is
successful, the Combat Maneuver occurs with appropriate ensuing results (at the
GMs discretion).
Here are some examples of Combat Maneuvers:
Disarm (Agility + Melee): instead of attacking, the character can declare that they
are attempting to disarm their target by using their weapon. This can be opposed
by a parry or dodge.
Feint (Agility + Deception vs. Perception + Awareness): the character tricks the
Defender into thinking his attacking is going left when its actually going right. If
successful, the Defender incurs a -2 to parry or dodge all attacks from that
character during this Combat Round.
Frighten (Strength + Interrogation vs. Spirit + Resist): the character attempts to
scare the Defender, forcing him to cower from an attack. If successful, the
Defender cannot parry or dodge the next attack this Combat Round.
Goad (Charisma + Deception vs. Psyche + Resist): the character taunts the
Defender, forcing him to concentrate only on the character. If successful, the
Defender can only attack that character this Combat Round.
Grappling (Strength + Athletics vs. Agility + Athletics): the character attempts to
grab their opponent and hold them until submission. If successful, maintaining
that hold allows the character to make an unarmed, nonlethal attack, most likely
to the face, ignoring armor if possible. The target may attempt a Combat
Maneuver on their Initiative to break the hold.
Push (Strength + Athletics vs. Agility + Athletics): the character attempts to
knock the target prone.
Trip (Agility + Athletics vs. Agility + Athletics): the character attempts to trip the
target, possibly while on the move, to knock them prone.
Tumble (Agility + Athletics): the character attempts to roll past the Defender ,
possibly to avoid a crushing blow from a large weapon.
COMBAT SITUATIONS
Here is a collection of simple mechanics to manage various situations that may
occur during combat.
BLIND FIGHTING
Blind fighting occurs when one cannot see their opponent. This could be due to
temporary blindness or invisibility. These mechanics only apply to the character
that cannot see the other character.
If the character is aware of where their opponent was before fighting blindly,
they are allowed a Hard (-4) Perception + Awareness roll to find the opponent. If
successful, their attack or defensive roll only incurs a -4 penalty. If they are
unaware of where the opponent was, or the Awareness roll failed, their attack or
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defensive roll incurs a -8 penalty. Blind fighting is always an Opposed Roll of the
undetectable opponents attack roll if they are the Aggressor or Stealth if they are
the Defender.
Characters are completely unaware, and thus unable to target, undetectable
opponents if theyve never attacked or were never visible. Once an opponent
attacks, the character gets the opportunity to make that Awareness roll to see if
they can spot where the opponent is.
CALLED SHOTS
Use the following mechanics when characters are targeting specific locations. The
number in parentheses is the modifier to the Skill Roll:
Limb (-4): Attacking a limb doesnt allow for extra damage, but it can
bypass armor (thus lowering a characters Defense value against that
attack). This includes called shots to disarm a Defender.
Head or Vitals (-6): If successful, the Aggressor gains +4 damage. If
attacking a vital area, the character must know where the Defenders vitals
are and the Defender must actually have vital areas.
Small Target (-6): Small targets could include an opening in someones
armor, a small weapon theyre holding or carrying, or an object stashed on
their person. On a success, the intended target is hit with whatever effect
the GM decides. If an opening in armor is the target, the attack bypasses the
armor rating.
Tiny Target (-8): Tiny targets include eye-slits on helmets, faraway murder
holes, or arrow-slits on a castle. The effects of this hit depend on what was
being targeted.
CAUGHT UNAWARE
When a Defender is caught unaware, they cannot participate in an Opposed Roll
to actively defend themselves. Thus, the Aggressors Attack Roll becomes
Unopposed against the Defenders Defense value.
HELPLESS
Helpless targets are those without weapons and completely unable to defend
themselves. Attacks against helpless Defenders results in an automatic Critical
Success.
IMPROVISED WEAPONS
Sometimes characters need to grab the nearest object to use as a weapon. When
doing so, the improvised weapon has a damage rating equal to its relative size and
integrity (1 for something small like a glass, 4 for something large like a chair) and
the wielder incurs a -2 penalty to attack and parry rolls.
INANIMATE OBJECTS
Inanimate objects serve as obstacles and those that are large enough can also be
used as cover. As a rule of thumb, only an object that covers 75% of a character can
be used as cover, otherwise standard cover rules apply. When attacking through an
object, use its Toughness Rating as an additional layer of armor to determine
damage dealt to the Defender. When only serving as an obstacle, use its Toughness
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Rating as Health to determine when the object falls apart. Nonlethal damage has no
effect on an objects Toughness Rating.
Note: Bullets cannot be used to reduce a large objects Toughness Rating when
serving as an obstacle (like a wall or door). To destroy the object, something larger
that can smash it must be used (like a hammer or axe).
Object Toughness Rating
Glass 1
Plate Glass 2
Sheetrock, rope 3
Wooden door, car door 4
Thick sheet metal 5
Cinder block, sword 6
Handcuffs, lock 7
Brick 8
Stone 9
Bulletproof glass 10
MOUNTED COMBAT
When a character is riding a mount during their attacks, they do not use their
standard Attack Roll. Instead, their Attack Roll is a measurement of their capability
to ride the mount and attack at the same time, using Agility + Herding.
While riding the mount, the beasts Speed becomes the rate of movement for the
character. Charging is applied as normal, but the character gains an additional +d4
to damage due to the momentum of the beast. Both the character and the beast can
be targeted by a Called Shot, but if a regular attack misses the character, the
Innocent Bystander rule applies to see if the horse is hit.
If the character falls of the beast, standard falling rules apply given the height of
the beast.
OUTNUMBERED
There are no bonuses or penalties for outnumbering a target or being
outnumbered. This is managed by running out of Combat Actions to use for actively
defending. However, Combat Maneuvers still allow for a free Opposed Roll as
normal and characters can use the Outmaneuver action when outnumbered.
PRONE
Going prone has its advantages and disadvantages as an attacker or defender.
When making a melee attack against a prone defender, the Aggressor gains a +2
bonus to their Attack Roll. When making a ranged attack against a prone defender
greater than 30ft. away, the Aggressor incurs a -4 penalty to their Attack Roll
(cumulative with range penalties). A prone defender behind light or medium cover
increases their cover rating to heavy (75%); the Aggressor instead incurs a -6
penalty to their Attack Roll.
Weapons with an area-effect (CT, SBZ, MBZ, and LBZ) ignore penalties for prone
defenders.
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SURPRISE
Characters can attempt to ambush their targets either by moving about quietly or
by sitting in wait, gaining some type of advantage over their incoming targets.
Targets should be allowed an Awareness roll to spot the ambush as long as they are
either looking for it or can feasibly be aware of its presence. If necessary, this could
be opposed by Stealth. Otherwise, the trap is sprung and those participating in the
surprise attack gain 1 Combat Action versus a group of targets all Caught Unaware.
After that, standard Combat Rounds and Initiative apply.
UNARMED
Fighting unarmed always uses Athletics instead of any weapon skill. Aggressors
dont incur any penalties for being unarmed, although their damage is considered
nonlethal. When both parties involved in combat are unarmed, neither side has a
bonus or penalty related to being unarmed. Additionally, when both parties are
unarmed, standard parry rules apply, except the Defender is blocking an attack with
his arm or leg instead of parrying it with a weapon. Unarmed attacks do an amount
of Damage equal to the characters Strength.
When an Aggressor is armed and the Defender is unarmed, the Aggressor gains a
+2 bonus to his Attack Roll and the Defender can only dodge. If the Defender
becomes trapped and can no longer dodge, they are considered helpless and the
Attack Roll automatically succeeds with a Critical Success.
NO CHANCE OF SUCCESS
If after all modifiers are assessed and the resulting Skill Roll has no chance of
succeeding (because they cannot possibly meet or exceed the Target Number), the
action automatically fails. No additional penalties apply, but the Combat Action is
spent.
Heroic Dice Pool

Entropy is meant to be a game of epic heroism and horrific defeat. When thrown
into fearful situations, the characters should have to fight their way through that
fear in addition to fighting the enemy. Its the internal struggle that complements
the external one. During periods of great heroism, the opposite should be true; the
fear should strike the enemy in that their opponents (the PCs) are surely going to
defeat them with ease.
When the PCs (and only the PCs are allowed to do this) find a way to demonstrate
their superiority over their adversaries, they are said to have Gained the
Advantage. Gaining the Advantage has one effect: the players get to utilize a Heroic
Dice Pool. This dice pool is a communal one usable by all the PCs. The only
requirement is that they have Gained the Advantage (which can only be done if they
stick together as a team and dont split-up). Once this happens, a dice pool is formed
at the beginning of the Combat Round using a single d8. At the beginning of each
subsequent Combat Round, permanently add an additional d8 to the Heroic Dice
Pool until reaching a number of dice equal to 3 x the number of players (this is equal
to the available Combat Actions in a single Combat Round across all PCs).
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When the Heroic Dice Pool is formed at the beginning of the Combat Round, roll it
and leave the resulting dice rolls for everyone to see. When a characters initiative
comes around and hes rolled his own dice and doesnt like the results, he may
temporarily remove one of the already-roll dice from the Heroic Dice Pool and use
its value instead of the value of either die from his resulting Skill Roll. He may only
remove a single die on his initiative, regardless of how many dice he rolled
and how many actions he performed. Dice temporarily removed from the Heroic
Dice Pool are added back in at the beginning of every new Combat Round.
PCs can Gain the Advantage by doing one of the following:
Outnumbering their opponents (unless the opponent is a single villain, then
outnumbering doesnt apply).
Fighting a group that only consists of Minions.
Using battle or group tactics against a force of even strength. (At the GMs
discretion, but a good set-up before an encounter warrants reward by
allowing the PCs to Gain the Advantage.)
Forcing their opponents into a position they cannot escape from.
Properly preparing for a battle before it begins (unless the opponent is a
single villain, then the villain is most likely prepared as well).
The PCs can thus Gain the Advantage at any time during combat given the
situations above. If they encounter a villain and his minions and kill the villain, they
automatically Gain the Advantage over the minions, regardless of how many there
are. If they face a group of NPCs of equal strength and kill one of them, they
automatically Gain the Advantage once they outnumber the NPCs.
When using the Heroic Dice Pool in conjunction with Hero Points, Hero Points can
be spent before or after choosing to remove one of the dice from the Heroic Dice
Pool.
Heroic Dice Pools cannot be formed against creatures with Fear ratings,
regardless if they have Gained the Advantage.
Aging
During character creation, characters are assumed to be at an optimal age for
adventuring. For humans, this could be somewhere between 18 and 28, while for
elves this may be between 100 and 150. The actual age can be used to flesh out the
background of a character, but most games end there. Chances are most adventures
and campaigns will end well before the character reaches middle-age. However, if
your campaign is long-term or you wish to create a character that is older or
younger than this optimal adventuring age, here are some simple mechanics to
follow:
Youth: The character is younger than the adventuring age, but still
capable of functioning on her own. She has five d6s and three d8s, but
gains an additional Quality.
Middle-age: The character has reached an age around 50% of their life
expectancy. After the character is created or advanced to this age, the die
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type of her Agility, Perception, Strength, and Vitality decreases by one
step, to a minimum of d4. Additionally, the die type of all physical skills
(like Athletics and Acrobatics) decreases by one step, to a minimum of d4.
However, upon reaching this age, she gains 15 free skill points that can be
spent in the same way as they are during character advancement on non-
physical skills (like Investigation and Knowledge). She can optionally
exchange those skill points for one additional Quality.
Elderly: The character has reached an age around 75% of their life
expectancy. After the character is created or advanced to this age, the die
type of her Agility, Perception, Strength, and Vitality decreases to d4.
Additionally, all physical skills decrease to d4. However, upon reaching
this age, she gains 20 free skill points that can be spent in the same way
as they are during character advancement on non-physical skills. She can
optionally exchange 15 of those skill points for on additional Quality.
What skills are physical and non-physical is at the GMs discretion, but it should be
generalized that anything requiring physical movement is going to suffer due to the
aging of the body.
Allies
Either due to Qualities, role-playing, or some form of empowerment, Allies may
become a part of the characters group. Although its feasible to become allied to a
fully fleshed out NPC, most Allies are Minions (with Qualities) and serve to aid the
characters on a regular basis, serving equally or as subordinates. However, unlike
NPCs and Minions, allies are typically controlled by the players, not the GM.
When creating an ally, instead of putting together a full character that requires
continued attention, simplify the creation process as follows:
Type: Is the ally an animal familiar, human, or something else?
Name: Choose the allys name.
Role: What role do they play within the characters group?
Subordinate: Is the ally functioning much like the characters or does he
take orders from one of the PCs?
Personality: How does he act around the characters?
Experience: What experience does he start at? When advancing, allies
gain half the XP of their controlling players character (rounded up).
When advancing, they advance the same way. However, instead of using
all the attribute and skill points, only use whats necessary. Allies should
not be quite the equivalent of a PC.
Gear: Outfit the ally with proper equipment and weapons to aid him in
survival.
Ammunition: Provide the ally with enough ammunition. Optionally,
instead of tracking ammunition like characters, assume the ally runs out
of ammunition at the end of every fourth combat encounter moving along
this track: full, high, low, and empty.
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SAMPLE ALLIES
Here are a few sample allies. Provide them with any additional skills applicable to
their role within the group or what they can provide to the group.
RANGER
Agility d10, Charisma d6, Intelligence d6, Perception d8, Psyche d6, Spirit d8,
Strength d8, Vitality d6
Defense 11 (1), Health 7, Initiative 22, Speed 30
Language: English
Skills: Athletics d6, Awareness d6, Melee d6, Ranged d8, Survival d6, Tracking d6
Qualities: Ambidextrous, Hunter, Marksman
Gear: Short sword (DMG 4), bow (125ft, DMG 3), leather armor (torso, arms, legs
+1)
SOLDIER
Defense 8, Health 8, Initiative 22, Speed 30
Language: English
Skills: Athletics d8, Awareness d8, Firearms d8, Melee d8
Qualities: Choose three
Gear: Choose weapons and one armor set
SPY
Language: English
Skills: Awareness d8, Deception d8, Gambling d6, Lock Picking d6, Melee d6, Stealth
d8, Streetwise d10
Qualities: Eavesdropping, Excellent Hearing, Snitch
Gear: Switchblade (DMG 2)
Chase
Either when someone decides to flee and another gives chase or a fight has broken
out using vehicles, the Chase mechanics apply. Chases are run in the same fashion as
combat except that each participant only has one Combat Action in each Combat
Round. Additionally, movement requires a roll to be made to determine if the
pursuer has gotten any closer to their quarry.
Each participant in the chase needs to declare their method of movement. By
doing this, the Attribute and Skill combination is defined that will be used during
each Combat Round. Here are some examples:
Running across open spaces on foot: Vitality + Athletics
Traversing a construction zone with many obstacles: Agility + Acrobatics
Driving a car: Agility + Operating
Riding a horse: Agility + Herding
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Standard initiative rules apply and on each characters initiative, they either
perform a movement action or choose some type of chase maneuver (whatever is
appropriate to the method of movement).
Chases are always based on each participants Speed. Unless stated otherwise, its
assumed that each participant is moving quickly, equivalent to running during
combat (2 x Speed on foot or the current speed of the vehicle or mount).
On each participants initiative, he declares an action to take and makes a Skill
Roll. If the action is to continue moving, the character rolls their previously
determined Attribute + Skill combination. On a success, the character moves at
twice his Speed. On a Critical Success, he moves at three times his Speed. On a
failure, he moves an amount equal to his Speed. On a Critical Failure, something
terrible happens, such as falling on the ground.
If a character decides to make a maneuver of some type, the standard Combat
Maneuver mechanics apply and the character rolls whatever Attribute and Skill are
applicable to the maneuver. The effects of that maneuver are then discerned by the
GM. If this maneuver is meant to throw off the pursuer, then the pursuer must either
use his Combat Action to react to the maneuver or continue his regular movement.
Hero Points can be spent as normal, including the ability to add 2d6ft to their
movement. Difficulty modifiers also apply if the participants are moving through
areas where obstacles reside. Example: Running through the prairie is Average, but
running through the woods could be Difficult (-6).
During a Chase scene, all participants are essentially acting at the same time. The
benefit of Initiative is the ability to act first or react second. If a character has a
higher Initiative, but wishes to react to their quarry or pursuer, they may delay their
Combat Action this round until after the other participant. However, the participant
with the lower Initiative must act on their turn and is unable to delay their Combat
Action. This is the only benefit of having a higher Initiative during a Chase scene.
Down Time
Down time is the time between adventures. Characters can do a number of things
during this time to either justify the skills they are increasing or purchasing or how
they are earning a living outside of adventuring. After all, there can be lots of time
between adventures and a character has to pay for the cost of living somehow.
There are no rules for governing down time as it can be whatever the players and
the GM wants. However, down time is an optimal place for training to justify new
powers and skills, attribute enhancements, or acquiring a new Quality. This time can
be hand-waved as simply occurring or the group can role-play through what their
character has accomplished.
Optionally, some GMs may request that character advancements may only occur
during down time and not during the middle of an adventure.
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Fear
In Entropy, fear is designed to strip away some of the heroism from the characters.
This is done using a Fear Dice Pool utilized by the GM. Like the Heroic Dice Pool,
the Fear Dice Pool acts as a tool for providing an advantage. Unlike the Heroic Dice
Pool, that advantage is in the hands of the GM instead of the players.
//sidebar//
The base mechanics for fear in Entropy are designed for use in fantasy, modern
action, pulp, and sci-fi settings. They have no ties to sanity nor do they cause any
phobias or disorders. Instead, they serve as an obstacle to hinder the characters
heroic abilities until they can fight through that horror and ultimately prevail.//
A Fear Dice Pool is only formed for adversaries with a Fear Rating (displayed as
Fear x as an Ability where x is the Fear Rating). As soon as the characters encounter
that adversary (at the beginning of the first Combat Round), the GM forms a Fear
Dice Pool using a number of d8s equal to the number of players + the adversarys
Fear Rating. For example, a group of five players coming across a creature with Fear
5 would result in a Fear Dice Pool starting at 10d8. The GM rolls the Fear Dice Pool
and can use the results against the characters. On each characters initiative, the GM
may choose to exchange the value of one die from the characters Skill Roll with the
value of one die from the already-rolled Fear Dice Pool. He then temporarily
removes that die from the Fear Dice Pool. Dice temporarily removed from the Fear
Dice Pool are added back in at the beginning of every new Combat Round.
At the beginning of each Combat Round after the first, the GM permanently
removes one die from the Fear Dice Pool and rolls the dice pool again, being able to
use the new results during that Combat Round. This continues until the Fear Dice
Pool has no more dice in it. At that time, the characters have fought their way
through the internal struggle against the horror they face and are no longer
hindered by it.
When using the Fear Dice Pool in conjunction with Hero Points. Hero Points
should be spent after the GM chooses to exchange one of the PCs dice with one from
the Fear Dice Pool.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a characters ability to overcome physical and mental stimuli that either
drains the body of the energy it needs to function or causes undo stress. There are a
number of sources that can cause fatigue, but they ultimately all have the same
effect: the body becomes weak.
Fatigue is measured in levels: tired, drained, exhausted, and incapacitated (in that
order). Each time a character gains a level of fatigue, they move along these levels,
suffering penalties for it as follows:
1. Tired: All Skill Rolls suffer a -2 penalty.
2. Drained: All Skill Rolls suffer a -4 penalty, speed drops to 50%, and he
only has two Combat Actions to spend each Combat Round.
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3. Exhausted: All Skill Rolls suffer a -6 penalty, speed drops to 25%, and he
only has one Combat Action to spend each Combat Round.
4. Incapacitated: The character drops to the ground and falls into a deep
sleep for a number of hours equal to 24 minus their Vitality die type.
Fatigue can be resisted according to what stimulus is causing it, typically calling
for a Skill Roll using Resist. This will be found in each stimuluss entry. Characters
recover from fatigue (unless Incapacitated) at a rate of one level per four hours of
relaxation (half that time if the character is sleeping). For each four hours of
relaxation, remove one level of fatigue and apply the new penalties accordingly.
Relaxation can range from doing almost nothing to performing very light activities
that wouldnt sap the body of energy or stress the mind.
Hazards
Hazards encompass many types of physical and mental stress sources that cause
fatigue or injuries. These can occur during or outside of combat and affect everyone
that isnt properly prepared. What follows is a list of common hazards and their in-
game effect.
DISEASE
Diseases include a number of ailments that affect a characters physical
capabilities. This includes viruses, bacteria, chronic illnesses, and rare lethal
diseases. Each one is assessed according to what it is, how quickly it sets in, and how
debilitating it is to the character.
Diseases can be contracted a number of ways with a number of short- or long-
term effects. They cause fatigue according to how debilitating they are and can only
be cured through proper medicinal treatment or magical healing. Resisting the
contraction of a disease requires a Vitality + Resist roll with a difficulty based on
the disease (such as fighting a cold versus resisting influenza).
Long-terms diseases can take months or years to set in while short-terms diseases
could take days or weeks (or even hours). The more debilitating the disease, the
more fatigue it causes, starting at Tired and running through Exhausted. Each
disease should be assessed separately and accordingly.
Need Examples! Playtesters feel free to send me your ideas!!
DROWNING
Characters that fail a roll for swimming risk drowning. Once a failure occurs, the
character must make an immediate Agility + Athletics roll to avoid drowning with a
difficulty based on the movement of the water (calm versus rough) and if they have
anything to aid them in swimming (such as a flotation device). If this roll is failed,
the character begins drowning and gains a level of fatigue. The character may
continue making Agility + Athletics rolls to recover, with each failure resulting in
an additional level of fatigue. Upon becoming Incapacitated, the character dies. If
they are saved or recover with a successful roll, the fatigue remains and recovers as
normal.
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ENVIRONMENT
Environmental hazards are those caused by extreme climate conditions (hot,
freezing, desert, tundra, etc.). For every 15 minutes spent in one of these
environments, each character must make a Vitality + Resist roll. Each failure causes
the character to gain a level of fatigue. If the character is properly prepared for the
environment, no roll is necessary. If they are only partially prepared, the roll must
be made every hour instead of every 15 minutes. Characters can only recover
fatigue from environmental hazards once theyve removed themselves from that
environment.
FALL
If a character falls onto a hard, flat surface, they take 2 damage, ignoring armor,
for every 10 ft. they fall. If the surface is soft, the damage is halved. If the surface is
jagged (such as from rocks), the damage is doubled. If the character falls onto snow
or into water, the damage is reduced by 2 for every foot of snow or water.
FIRE
Fire is deadly and has additional consequences for coming into contact with it.
Characters incur 2 damage, ignoring armor, for coming into contact with fire. More
intense fires increase this damage based on their source. For example, a campfire
causes 2 damage but an intense house fire may cause 6. Additionally, there is a 50%
chance that the fire will spread unless the character takes precautions to avoid the
fire spreading.
Inhaling smoke is another deadly consequence of fire. For every 5 minutes a
character inhales smoke, he must make a Vitality + Resist roll. Each failure causes
the character to gain a level of fatigue. However, Incapacitation results in death as
the lungs are exhausted of oxygen.
POISON
Poison is much like disease except that it comes from different sources and may
occur from the attack of a poison-wielding creature or weapon. When coming into
contact with a poison, the character must make a Vitality + Resist roll with a
difficulty based on the type of poison (deadlier poisons have much higher
difficulties). If failed, the character immediately gains a level of fatigue. This fatigue
increases or stays the same depending on the poison. Additionally, lethal poisons
cause death 2d6+3 hours after the character reaches Incapacitation.
Curing a poison requires medical or magical treatment and each poison should be
assessed separately and appropriately.
Need Examples! Playtesters feel free to send me your ideas!!
PHYSICAL EXERTION
Most characters can only push themselves for so long before theyve reached their
maximum level of physical exertion, causing their body to tire. This is based on the
characters Vitality and depends on the act being performed. For instance, a
character should be capable of walking for a number of hours equal to their Vitality
die type without needing to rest. They could then be capable of jogging for a number
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of hours equal to half their Vitality die type, and run for a number of hours equal to
one-tenth their Vitality die type. (These are just examples. The GM has the ultimate
say in whats feasible.)
When a character has reached their maximum physical exertion point, they gain a
level of fatigue. Continuing that act requires a Strength + Resist (fitness) or Vitality
+ Resist (endurance) roll every 30 minutes to avoid gaining additional levels of
fatigue.
SLEEP
Characters need sleep to replenish their body of much-needed energy. After being
awake for 18 hours, the character must make a Vitality + Resist roll every six hours
to continue functioning. (This can change depending on how much physical activity
the character is performing.) Each failure results in the character gaining a level of
fatigue. This fatigue can only be removed with restful sleep at a rate of one level of
fatigue for each four hours of sleep. Incapacitation results in the character falling
asleep for 2d6+6 hours.
STARVATION
Starvation only becomes a hazard when the characters cannot locate food or
water. This is typically associated with a Survival roll. If a character goes more than
24 hours without food and water, they must make a Vitality + Resist roll to fight off
hunger and their bodys need for sustenance. Each failure causes the character to
gain a level of fatigue. However, Incapacitation results in death 2d6+3 hours later as
the body becomes deprived of much-needed sustenance.
Each level of fatigue recovers after 2 hours of receiving an appropriate amount of
food and water. Rolls to fight hunger arent needed if a character can follow them up
with a successful Survival roll.
Travel
Speed is a general measurement of how quickly a character can move about
during a single Combat Round. Travel is a general measurement of how much
distance a character can cover within a given amount of time. This is an
accumulation of moving, stopping, resting, and eating.
To keep things simple, the average human can walk at a comfortable pace of 3
miles per hour. Given the need to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom, the average
human could cover around 20 30 miles per day. Traveling at this rate prevents
fatigue and thus doesnt require any rolls. Traveling at a rate higher than this
requires a Vitality + Resist roll once every hour to avoid gaining a level of fatigue.
Traveling at a rate double this requires that same roll, but with a -4 penalty for
pushing the body so much.
Traveling by beast or vehicle will obviously alter the distance anyone can cover
and is at the discretion of the GM in terms of what is feasible. The GM is also free to
adjust the distance a character can travel if they arent human or have a Quality that
can easily apply (such as long distance runner).
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Powers
Powers can manifest in different ways. Whether they are magical spells, scientific
gadgets, psionics, occult rituals, or super abilities, they are all governed the same
way. To make things easy, a manifestation of magic-like abilities in any form is
simply referred to as a Power. Where that power sources from, what its components
are, and what it looks like is at the creative discretion of the player in accordance to
their characters concept. These particular aspects of a power are called Flavor and
are role-playing means to represent a characters Power. They carry no additional
in-game effect, but can make encounters that much more memorable.
CREATING POWERED CHARACTERS

Before creating a character that utilizes powers, clear the character concept with
the GM to ensure those abilities are allowed and feasible within her setting,
adventure, or campaign. If the source of those powers doesnt fit, then the
characters concept will need to change.
To create a character that can utilize powers (or Powered Character), the player
needs to replace one Quality, or choose it during character creation, with the
Powers Quality. This particular Quality has no other in-game effects regarding
Hero Points other than it means the character has one less Quality to utilize. This
also means that during character advancement, the Powers Quality can be chosen
for the same price of purchasing a Quality.
There are an endless number of ways to manifest power across all the different
genres and subgenres. This book presents a handful of them as guidance, but dont
feel hampered by these designs. They are simply meant as options to choose or use
as inspiration. Each one uses the same basic mechanics with slight alterations to
differentiate them from one another. Here are the basic mechanics that govern all
Powered Characters.
POWERED ATTRIBUTE
When creating a Powered Character, the player chooses which Attribute governs
that characters manifestation of power. The most common ones are Intelligence,
Psyche, and Spirit. This Attribute needs to match how the character manifests their
powers. Which Attribute is possible is at the GMs discretion.
After choosing the Powered Attribute, write it down on the character sheet. This
becomes the Attribute used for all Skill Rolls relating to the use of the characters
powers.
POWERED SKILL
After the Powered Attribute is chosen, the player chooses which Skill governs that
characters manifestation of power. This skill must be a Lore or Science skill as it
cannot be used in conjunction with regular, non-powered actions unless the
character is attempting to identify a power. Additionally, this must be a skill they
already purchased during Character Creation or Character Advancement.
After choosing the Powered Skill, write it down on the character sheet. This
becomes the skill used for all Skill Rolls relating to the use of the characters powers.
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POWER POINTS
Every character has a number of Power Points equal to three times the die type
of their Powered Attribute. Using a power depletes this amount temporarily by the
number of Power Points required to use the power. Characters then recover Power
Points at a rate of 1 Power Point per hour, 2 if they are resting.
When a character increases their Powered Attribute, they also increase their
Power Points. Additionally, during character advancement, they may spend 5 XP to
increase their maximum Power Points by 5.
Example: A character that has chosen Psyche d10 as their Powered Attribute has
30 Power Points to start with.
STARTING POWERS
Powered Characters start with a number of powers equal to half the die type of
their Powered Skill. Example: If the character has Arcane d10, then he starts with
five powers.
ACQUIRING NEW POWERS
Powered Characters acquire a new power automatically when they increase the
Value of their Powered Skill. Additionally, during character advancement, they may
spend 5 XP to gain a new power.
Using Powers
As a standard action, typically costing one Combat Action, a character may utilize
one of their powers. This is done by declaring the power to be used, spending the
applicable number of Power Points to use and augment the power, and making a
standard Skill Roll using the Powered Attribute + Powered Skill. The Difficulty of
this roll is based on the Difficulty entry of the power.
If the roll is successful the power goes off as normal. If this is an attack, the
Defender may spend a Combat Action to evade the power, if they have a Combat
Action available, as an Opposed Roll. If the roll fails, the power has no effect and the
Power Points are spent.
CASTING CRITICAL SUCCESS
If the character scores a critical success on their roll to utilize a power, the power
goes off as normal and the spell costs no Power Points to be spent.
CASTING FAILURE
If the character fails their roll to utilize a power, the power doesnt go off at all and
one Power Point is expended.
CASTING CRITICAL FAILURE
If the characters roll results in a critical failure, the power doesnt go off at all and
the full Power Points cost of the power are expended.
MAINTAINING POWERS
Some powers last their full duration without the needing the character to
maintain it; those that do require Concentration to be maintained. Concentration
requires the character to expend 1 Power Point at the beginning of their first
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initiative in each Combat Round to maintain the power. Additionally, if they wish to
utilize additional powers, their Powered Attribute + Powered Skill roll suffers a
cumulative -2 penalty for each power being maintained.
ADDITIONAL FAILURE
Using powers can be quite dangerous. Powered Character Concepts should
contain an additional level of failure that causes an adverse side-effect due to the
improper or failed use of a power. These additional failure modes are listed in the
examples below, but players and GMs are encouraged to create additional failure
modes that match that Powered Characters Concept.
Powered Character Concepts

Although each player, along with the GM, is encouraged to create their own
Powered Character Concepts, here are some examples.
CLERIC
Powered Attribute: Spirit
Powered Skill: Divinity
Flavor: Bright light emitting from the hands, the skies parting to allow heavenly
energy through, bursts of lightning crash from seemingly nowhere, light protects the
cleric.
Clerics are followers of the gods and work diligently to spread the knowledge of
their pantheons wonderful deeds. Their powers come from the heavens (or
underworld if they are a cleric of an evil deity) and invoke these powers by
murmuring a prayer or performing a ritual as dictated by their deity.
Holy Alignment: Clerics are tied to the desires of the deity they worship. That
deitys desires then become the clerics desires and he should work diligently to
follow them at all times. Whenever the cleric violates the desires of his deity, he
suffers a -2 to all Spirit + Divinity rolls for one week. If he commits a major sin, the
cleric is stripped of his powers until repenting for his sins.
HIEROPHANT
Powered Attribute: Psyche
Powered Skill: Occult
Flavor: Dark light emanating from the hands, the eyes turn blood red while
energy builds within them, the shedding of blood delivers much needed strength, an
invisible force taunts the target.
Hierophants are occult leaders. Much like a cleric leads in the name of a divine
being, hierophants lead in the name of an esoteric or vile being. Their powers come
from the hands of the beings they worship and is often channeled through the
rituals they perform in front of their followers.
Retaliation: When hierophants roll a 1 on their Psyche die, regardless of their
Occult dice, they suffer retaliation as the vile being they worship has become angry
with their actions. The power is lost and the hierophant is thrown backwards 30 ft.
If they hit a wall when thrown backwards, they suffer 1d6 damage that ignores
armor.
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PSION
Powered Attribute: Psyche
Powered Skill: Psionics
Flavor: Hypnotic orbs form in the air, the mind probes that of an ally, a psychic
scream assaults the targets mind, random objects begin floating in the air.
Psions are masters of psionic abilities. They have mastered the power of the mind
and can manipulate the world around them with merely a thought. They have
managed to tap into areas of the brain no one understands and have an innate
ability to control their surroundings.
Psychic Scream: When psions roll a 1 on their Psyche die, regardless of their
Psionics die, their brain backlashes and lets out a psychic scream that causes 1d6
damage, ignoring armor, to the psion and anyone within a Large-Blast Zone
centered on the psion.
SCIENTIST (STEAMPUNK)
Powered Attribute: Intelligence
Powered Skill: Steampunk
Flavor: Robot, jetpack, experimental gun, remote control.
Scientists are masters with gadgets. Their powers dont manifest internally and
are instead engineered creations they control or command. Each of their inventions
is equivalent to a power.
For scientists, Intelligence + Steampunk is always used to create the invention
(with the given difficulty). Operating the invention uses an appropriate skill
depending on what the invention is (Firearms for guns, Piloting for jetpacks, etc.).
The invention has a number of Power Points equal to the scientists and is depleted
at the rate shown in the powers entry. However, inventions do not regain Power
Points as normal and instead require an external power source to be recharged (at a
rate of 1 Power Point per hour).
Inventions can be used by anyone with the applicable skill and the scientist can
have a number of inventions equal to the scientists maximum number of allowed
Powers. There are no penalties for Upkeep and instead powers with Upkeep are
considered to automatically dismiss once their Duration has ended (maintaining is
not possible).
If a scientist loses an invention, he may create a replica after one day as long as he
has access to his workshop and all necessary components. If he recovers the
original, it no longer works and the scientist must stick to his new version.
Explosion: When scientists roll a 1 on their Steampunk die, regardless of their
Intelligence die, the invention explodes, catches fire, or melts. He takes 2d6 damage
as does anyone else holding the invention.
Starting Powers: Scientists start with only one version of each power they
choose. They may create duplicates of those inventions when acquiring new powers.
SHAMAN
Powered Attribute: Spirit
Powered Skill: Shamanism
Flavor: Spirit emerging from the ether, the soul being sucked into a fetish,
entrancing eyes, floating orbs.
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Shamans are worshipers of spirits. They harness the power of those spirits by
trapping it inside a fetish or calling upon the spirits to offer aid. They often provide
aid through spiritual healing and seek advice from the spirits of their ancestors.
Backlash: When a shaman rolls a 1 on his Spirit die, regardless of his Shamanism
dice, the spirits revolt and lash out at the shaman instead. Whatever power was
being utilized instead attacks the shaman, taking only half damage.
SORCERER
Powered Attribute: Intelligence
Powered Skill: Arcane
Flavor: Reading an incantation from a grimoire, manipulating the elements,
controlling the arcane weave, tapping into the ley lines.
Sorcerers are incredible wielders of arcane energy that has existed since the dawn
of time. They learn their powers in a scholarly way but memorize everything needed
to cast their magic.
Feedback: When a sorcerer rolls a 1 on his Intelligence die, regardless of his
Arcane die, the arcane weave has rejected his manipulation and explodes in his face.
This causes 1d6 damage that ignores armor.
SUPER HERO
Powered Attribute: Strength
Powered Skill: Superhuman*
Flavor: Super human strength
Super heroes are unique in that their power is less a manifestation and more
something theyre just capable of doing. (*)Unlike other Powered Characters, super
heroes have a different Powered Skill for each power they possess (named however
the player pleases). Thus, Strength + Superhuman allows the character to use his
super human strength to life massive objects and throw incredible punches and is
tied to whatever power the player deems fit. If hes able to choose an additional
power later on, then he would have to purchase another skill and attack it as a
Powered Skill.
In addition, super heroes have twice as many Power Points, but only start with a
single power. At the GMs discretion, they may gain additional powers later on at the
normal Character Advancement cost, but always start with one. Super hero powers
can never be manipulated unless the super hero is some type of sorcerer. The drain
on his Power Points represents the additional strain on his body caused by using his
super powers.
WARLOCK
Powered Attribute: Charisma
Powered Skill: Demonology
Flavor: Making a deal with a devil, a favor from a demon, dark powers sourced
from chaotic beings, demonic possession.
Warlocks gain their powers by dealing with devils and demons (or any chaotic
being). Their magic is dark and chaotic and often times unstable. However, they
cannot manipulate that magic themselves and thus require intervention from an evil
being to provide it.
Deception: When a warlock rolls a 1 on his Charisma die, regardless of his
Demonology die, the evil being successfully deceived the warlock by supplying him
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with a false energy. The power doesnt work and the warlock is immediately drained
of all Power Points. These Power Points recover as normal.
Flavor
Flavor is just a way of describing how a power is manifested and what it looks like
to those around the character. For the sake of balance, flavor has no additional in-
game effects other than sounding cool and making the power more interesting. This
flavor can also be incorporated into the name of the power to make it seem unique
to that character. This is especially important for scientists as they would definitely
want to give their invention a cool name.
Although flavor has no additional in-game effect, it does allow the same powers to
be used across multiple genres, settings, and character concepts without needing an
exhaustively large listing of powers for each. It also alleviates the need to rename
powers that basically do the same thing.
//sidebar//
OPTIONAL MECHANIC: FLAVOR AND HERO POINTS
Players that are particularly good at flavoring their powers in unique ways could
be rewarded with a Hero Point to be spent immediately. This works the same as
utilizing a Quality and must apply to the current action being performed. This is
strictly at the GMs discretion and should only be allowed in particularly dramatic
moments.//
Manipulation
All powers, unless denoted otherwise, can be Manipulated so that they are
stronger than their basic entry. Manipulating a power is a Powered Characters way
of making that power stronger or more effective. However, if that isnt desired, the
character can instead utilize the power in its base form and spend the minimal
number of Power Points necessary.
Utilizing a power costs 1 Power Point. Each component of that power that is
Manipulated, according to the Power Manipulation Table, increases that cost by a
number of Power Points equal to the Points of Manipulation required to achieve that
change in the desired component. Multiple components can be Manipulated and the
cost to do so is cumulative with other component Manipulations.
For example, if it costs 2 Points of Manipulation to adjust the Range from Touch to
30ft. x Powered Attribute and 2 Points of Manipulation to adjust the Duration from 1
Combat Round to 3 Combat Rounds, the total cost to utilize that power is 5 (1 for the
base cost + 2 for Range + 2 for Duration).
Power components that cannot be Manipulated will be denoted in their entry as
static values.
MAGNITUDE
Magnitude is a general description of size or capacity for a particular power. For
many powers, it doesnt apply, for others it determines what the character can
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interact with when utilizing that power. The effects of Magnitude are noted within
each applicable powers description. All powers have a default Magnitude of 1. It
costs one Power Point for each incremental augmentation to Magnitude of a power.
RANGE
Most powers have a default Range of Touch. Manipulating this range allows the
character to affect a target at a greater distance. However, most powers still require
the character to see his target or know its location; if he cannot, the power
automatically fails. It costs one Power Point for each incremental augmentation to
the Range of a power. Range is typically based on the Powered Attribute (PA) and
given in feet (ft) or miles (M).
DURATION
Most powers have a default Duration of one Combat Round (1 CR). This means
the power occurs immediately and lasts until the beginning of the characters turn
during the next Combat Round. (Delaying occurs after the beginning of the
characters turn.) It costs one Power Point for each incremental augmentation to the
Duration of a power.
TARGETS
Most powers default to affecting only a single Target. Manipulating the number of
Targets increases the recipients of the power, but it doesnt change the potency of
the power. Each recipient receives the full brunt of the power although each one is
entitled to make an Opposed Roll if they have a Combat Action to evade the power. It
costs one Power Point for each additional Target added to the power.
POWER MANIPULATION TABLE
Points of Duration
Manipulation Magnitude Range (Combat Rounds) Targets
None 1 Touch 1 1
1 2 6 ft. x PA 2 2
2 3 30 ft. x PA 3 3
3 4 60 ft. x PA 4 4
4 5 120 ft. x PA 5 5
5 6 250 ft. x PA 6 6
6 7 500 ft. x PA 7 7
7 8 1000 ft. x PA 8 8
8 9 0.5 M x PA 9 9
9 10 1 M x PA 10 10
10 11 5 M x PA 11 11
Each point +1 Magnitude +2.5 M x PA +1 Combat Round +1
Powers
Listed below are the basic powers available for most settings and genres. Each
entry has the following statistics:
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Concentration: Some powers require continuous concentration to be
maintained throughout the duration of the power. Those that do are
denoted as such in their entry. Otherwise, no concentration is required.
Difficulty: Difficulty is the Skill Roll penalty the character incurs to
successfully utilize the power. Powers with no Difficulty listed have no
associated penalties to the Skill Roll.
Instant: A Duration of Instant indicates the power takes immediate effect
and then vanishes after it resolves. It cannot be maintained nor can its
Duration be manipulated.
Resistance: If a Defender can resist the effects of the power, Resistance
will be noted in the powers entry with the method of resistance shown in
parentheses afterward, such as Resistance (Vitality + Resist).
Static Values: Not all powers can be manipulated across every
component. If a component cannot be manipulated, it will appear as a
static value in that powers entry, such as Range (100 ft.).
Components: If a power doesnt list any components (Magnitude, Range,
Duration, or Targets), it follows the Power Manipulation Table, starting
with each component at its lowest value.
ABJURE
Duration (Special)
Abjure allows the recipient of the power to forgo a single substance or process
necessary to sustain life. This may include water, food, sleep, air, and so on. The
Magnitude of the power determines how long the power lasts with each level of
Magnitude allowing the power to last 1 hour x PA.
ANIMATE
Concentration, Difficulty (-2), Duration (Minutes)
Animate allows the character to control an object or group of objects that are
normally inanimate (such as the bones of a skeleton). Duration is measured in
minutes and the Magnitude of the power determines the size of the object that can
be animated. Each Magnitude increases the size of the object that can be animated,
starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power is capable of
animating an object of Size -2 and a Magnitude 3 power is capable of animating an
object of Size 0). Humans and most humanoids are size 0.
BANISH
Difficulty (-2), Duration (Instant), Resistance (Psyche + Resist)
Banish allows the character to dismiss a spiritual or demonic being according to the
Magnitude of the power. Each Magnitude increases the size of the being that can be
banished, starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power is
capable of banishing a being of Size -2 and a Magnitude 3 power is capable of
banishing a being of Size 0). This is an Opposed Roll of the banish power versus the
beings Psyche + Resist. If the character is successful, the being is sent back to the
Plane from whence it originates. The power cannot be used to exorcise a being; they
already have to be freed from their host.
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BARRIER
Targets (Special)
Barrier allows the character to create a solid, immobile wall, 6 ft. long with a
Toughness Rating equal to the powers Magnitude. The number of Targets of the
power determines how many 6 ft. sections are created. The thickness of the wall
depends on the substance its created of in relation to its Toughness Rating.
BOOST DAMAGE
Boost damage allows the character to increase the damage of a weapon or unarmed
attack by an amount equal to the powers Magnitude.
BURST
Duration (Instant), Range (CT), Resistance (Dodge), Targets (Special)
Burst sends a blast of energy out from the character, using the cone template against
a number of targets beneath the cone template (Targets cannot be manipulated).
Each target is allowed to dodge the attack as a normal Opposed Roll. Those that fail
take an amount of damage equal to the powers Magnitude, ignoring armor.
CONCEAL
Duration (Hours)
Conceal allows the character to prevent any object, effect, or being from being
detected. Duration is measured in hours instead of Combat Rounds and Magnitude
is used to overcome an opposing power.
CONFUSE
Difficulty (-2), Resistance (Perception + Resist)
Confuse attempts to distract or mesmerize a target. This is an Opposed Roll against
the targets Perception + Resist and Magnitude has no effect. If the target fails, they
suffer a -d6 penalty to all rolls throughout the duration of the power.
DARKVISION
Duration (Hours)
Darkvision allows the character to ignore lighting penalties in Dim and Dark Lighting
and half the penalty in Total Darkness. Duration is measured in hours instead of
Combat Rounds and Magnitude has no effect.
DEFLECT
Duration (Instant)
Deflect allows the character to block an incoming attack as if he had successfully
dodged or parried it. It cannot be used to resist another power, but it can be used to
evade one. The Magnitude of the deflect power is used to block incoming attacks
from another power (must be a power that causes damage). The Magnitude of the
deflect power must meet or exceed that of the other power. Simple melee and
ranged attacks are considered Magnitude 1.
DETECT
Concentration
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Detect allows a character to sense a hidden, concealed, or incorporeal object, effect,
or being with some type of power related to it. Magnitude is used to overcome an
opposing power.
DIMINISH
Difficulty (-4), Resistance (Spirit + Resist)
Diminish allows the character to temporarily weaken a target by reducing one of
their Attributes by a single die type (to a minimum of d4, this is cumulative with
multiple diminish powers). Targets can only choose additional targets, not
additional Attributes on a single target and Magnitude has no effect.
DISGUISE
Duration (Hours)
Disguise allows the character to disguise their face, voice, and general physique to
avoid being recognized. Duration is measured in hours and Magnitude is used to
overcome an opposing power.
DIVINATION
Difficulty (Special), Duration (Minutes)
Divination allows the character to speak to a spiritual, divine, or otherworldly being.
Duration is measured in minutes and Difficulty should correspond to the
importance of the being that the character wishes to speak to. Additionally, the
character can decrease the Difficulty by increasing the Magnitude of the power. This
may be absolutely necessary if the being is a god.
Example: A divine messenger is relatively easy to speak with and carries no
Difficulty modifier with a Magnitude of 1. Speaking to Zeus, the head of a pantheon,
may be extremely difficult and carries a Difficulty (-12) with a Magnitude of 10. With
powers like divination, group rituals can be utilized as a Cooperative Roll. Each
participant increases the Magnitude of the spell by +1, without the Powered
Character having to spend the extra Power Points, along with the +2 being added to
the Skill Roll.
DOMINATE
Concentration, Difficulty (-4), Resistance (Psyche + Resist)
Dominate allows the character to control a living creature or being. Magnitude
determines the size of the creature or being that can be dominated. Each Magnitude
increases the size of the creature or being that can be dominated, starting at Size -2
and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power is capable of dominating a
creature or being of Size -2 and a Magnitude 3 power is capable of dominating a
creature or being of Size 0). Humans and most humanoids are size 0.
EARTH
Duration (Instant)
Earth allows the character to create an object made from hardened sand, or some
other earthen material, without the element being present or needing to be
manipulated. Magnitude determines the size of the object, starting at Size -2 and
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ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power creates an object of Size -2 and a
Magnitude 3 power creates an object of Size 0). Small objects (Size -2) can be
thrown, doing 1 damage, and larger objects can be used as obstacles with a
Toughness Rating of 3. Large objects can be formed around another object or being,
but the inside would be hollow.
ELEMENTAL MANIPULATION
Duration (Instant)
Elemental manipulation allows the character to manipulate an already-present
element. The amount of manipulation is relative to the Magnitude of the power
whereas a higher Magnitude allows for more manipulation of the element. For
example, turning a stone of Size -2 into a Size 0 boulder requires a Magnitude 2
power.
ENHANCE
Difficulty (-2)
Enhance is the opposite of diminish and allows the character to temporarily increase
a single Attribute by one die type (to a maximum of d12, this is cumulative with
multiple enhance powers). Targets can only choose additional targets, not additional
Attributes on a single target and Magnitude has no effect.
EXORCISE
Difficulty (-2), Duration (Instant), Resistance (Spirit + Resist)
Exorcise allows the character to remove a spiritual or demonic being from a host
according to the Magnitude of the power. Each Magnitude increases the size of the
being that can be exorcised, starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a
Magnitude 1 power is capable of exorcising a being of Size -2 and a Magnitude 3
power is capable of exorcising a being of Size 0). This is an Opposed Roll of the
exorcise power versus the beings Spirit + Resist. If the character is successful, the
being is released from the host, but is now free to interact with the world around it
as it pleases.
EXPLODE
Difficulty (-2), Duration (Instant), Resistance (Dodge), Targets (Special)
Explode sends a blast of energy away from the character that explodes on impact,
using one of the Blast Zone templates. Each target within that zone is allowed to
dodge the attack as a normal Opposed Roll. Those that fail take an amount of
damage equal to the powers Magnitude, ignoring armor. The Targets component
alters the size of the explosion whereas Targets 1 uses the Small Blast Zone, Targets
2 uses the Medium Blast Zone, Targets 3 uses the Large Blast Zone, and no further
Manipulations can be made past Targets 3.
FARSIGHT
Farsight allows the character to see objects and beings at a distance dictated by the
powers Range. The characters cone of vision on the distant area is commensurate
to the number of Targets chosen when utilizing the power. If a single target is
chosen, the character can see in a cone of vision at the chosen range. If two targets
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are chosen, the character can see the combination of both targets cone of vision at
the chosen range. Multiple targets must be adjacent to each other.
Farsight can be combined with a ranged attack. While active, the character ignores
all range penalties.
FIRE
Duration (Instant)
Fire allows the character to create a flame, or cause something to start on fire,
without the element being present or needing to be manipulated. Magnitude
determines the size of the flame, starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a
Magnitude 1 power creates a flame of Size -2 and a Magnitude 3 power creates a
flame of Size 0). Small objects (Size -2) can be thrown, doing 1 damage, ignoring
armor, and larger objects can be used as obstacles with a Toughness Rating of 3.
Successfully casting fire means the intended flame appears on the intended object
and is now subject to the rules for fire. That object must be flammable for this to
occur. The flame must be at least Magnitude 2 to cause any damage to a character.
However, the character may attempt to put the fire out, after first sustaining
damage, to avoid taking continual damage. If the flame is not put out, there is a 50%
chance that it spreads.
FLY
Difficulty (-2), Duration (Minutes)
Fly allows the character to fly at a rate of 50% higher than their speed with a climb
rate of half their speed. Fly is capable of providing flight to a being with a Size equal
to or less than the powers Magnitude (a Magnitude 1 power can provide flight to
beings of Size -2 through Size 1) and Duration is measured in minutes.
FORM
Duration (Instant)
Form is the power-equivalent of the ability to craft. This power allows the character
to take material and mold it into a usable shape. This includes the ability to repair
solid objects like weapons. Magnitude determines the possible size of the final
object starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power molds
an object of Size -2 and a Magnitude 3 power molds an object of Size 0).
GLOW
Duration (Minutes)
Glow creates a soft light that is bright enough to read by and traverse a room with. A
character can illuminate an area with a 5ft. radius for each point of Magnitude and
Duration is measured in Minutes.
HASTE
Duration (Minutes)
Haste increases the characters Speed by 5ft. per point of Magnitude to a maximum
of three times their Speed. Duration is measured in minutes.
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HEAL
Duration (Instant)
Heal increases the characters current health by 1d6 per point of Magnitude, up to
their Maximum Health value.
HINDER
Duration (Minutes), Resistance (Dodge)
Hinder decreases the characters Speed by 5ft. per point of Magnitude to a minimum
of 5ft. Duration is measured in minutes.
ICE
Duration (Instant)
Ice allows the character to create an object made from hardened water, or some
other liquid material, without the element being present or needing to be
manipulated. Magnitude determines the size of the object, starting at Size -2 and
ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power creates an object of Size -2 and a
Magnitude 3 power creates an object of Size 0). Small objects (Size -2) can be
thrown, doing STR+1 damage, and larger objects can be used as obstacles with a
Toughness Rating of 3. Large objects can be formed around another object or being,
but the inside would be hollow.
ILLUSION
Resistance (Perception + Awareness)
Illusion allows the character to affect one of a targets senses by tricking that sense
into believing the illusion is real. This is an Opposed Roll of the targets Perception
+ Awareness versus the characters Powered Attribute + Powered Skill. If the
target fails, he believes the illusion is real and acts upon it accordingly. Magnitude is
only used to overcome an opposing power.
Illusion doesnt create an illusion seen by everyone. Only the target perceives the
illusion and thinks that its real. The resulting action of a target perceiving the
illusion can be used like
INSIGHT
Concentration, Difficulty (-2), Resistance (Psyche + Resist)
Insight allows the character to discern a targets emotions and motivations and
whether or not they are lying. This is an Opposed Roll of the targets Psyche +
Resist (or another applicable roll) versus the characters Powered Attribute +
Powered Skill. If the character succeeds, hes able to understand exactly what the
target is truly thinking and feeling. Magnitude is only used to overcome an opposing
power.
INVISIBLE
Difficulty (-2)
Invisible allows the character to become invisible, becoming subject to the Blind
Fighting rules. Hes not ethereal and cannot pass through walls or objects, but those
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around him are unable to see him. Magnitude is only used to overcome an opposing
power.
MISSILE
Duration (Instant), Resistance (Dodge)
Missile fires a blast of energy at a target, akin to a melee or ranged attack. The target
is allowed to dodge the attack as a normal Opposed Roll. If the target fails, he takes
an amount of damage equal to the half the characters Powered Attribute die type
plus the Magnitude of the power.
PROTECT
Duration (Minutes)
Protect allows the character to form a protective barrier around a target to avoid the
effects of the surrounding environment (such as swimming through water).
Duration is measured in minutes and Magnitude has no effect.
RAISE
Concentration, Difficulty (-2), Duration (Minutes)
Raise allows the character to control a recently deceased creature or being (basically
reanimating them as a zombie). Duration is measured in minutes and the Magnitude
of the power determines the size of the being that can be raised from the dead. Each
Magnitude increases the size of the being that can be raised from the dead, starting
at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power is capable of raising a
being of Size -2 and a Magnitude 3 power is capable of raising a being of Size 0).
Humans and most humanoids are size 0.
REGENERATE
Difficulty (-4), Duration (Instant)
Regenerate is essentially a companion to heal that allows the character to repair
limbs or injuries on living beings. If a character has sustained an injury, only
regenerate can repair that injury, heal cannot as it only increases current Health.
Magnitude has no effect.
REPEL
Difficulty (Special), Duration (Instant)
Repel is the powered form of rolling to resist an opposing power, such as dominate.
The repel power works in one of two ways: by casting and winning an Opposed Roll
or by casting an increasing the Magnitude. If the repel power is utilized at a
Magnitude equal to or less than the opposing power, the character may make their
Opposed Roll using their Powered Attribute + Powered Skill. If the repel power is
utilized at a Magnitude higher than the opposing power, no Opposed Roll is
necessary as the repel power cancels out the opposing power.
RESTORE
Difficulty (-2), Duration (Instant), Resistance (Spirit + Resist)
Restore allows a character to restore their attribute or speed to its original state
after being altered by another power, such as diminish, hinder, haste, or enhance,
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regardless of how many times its been altered. If used against an unwilling target, it
can be resisted as an Opposed Roll.
SENSE
Concentration
Whereas detect allows the character to find concealed items hidden by a power,
sense allows the character find concealed mundane items, such as gems, gold,
weapons, and explosives, as long as they are not concealed by another power. For
example, sense allows the character to find gold in the walls of a mine.
SHAPE CHANGE
Shape change allows the character to transform willing targets into animals. Only
mundane animals are allowed (no legendary or mythological creatures) and the
animal must be one known to the character. Magnitude determines the size of the
animal being changed into, starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a
Magnitude 1 power is capable of transforming the character into a Size -2 animal
and a Magnitude 3 power is capable of transforming him into a Size 0 animal).
Duration is measured in minutes and the target must be willing to transform.
Unwilling targets are unaffected by this power.
While the character is in animal form, he assumes the physical attributes of that
animal and cannot use weapons or armor.
SHIELD
Concentration
Shield creates armor around the character to protect him from incoming attacks.
Each point of Magnitude provides +1 point of Armor to a maximum of +4. This
stacks with what the character is already wearing.
SHROUD
Duration (Minutes)
Shroud creates an area of darkness, equivalent to total darkness. A character can
darken an area with a 5ft. radius for each point of Magnitude and Duration is
measured in Minutes.
SLEEP
Difficulty (-2), Duration (Minutes), Resistance (Psyche + Resist)
Sleep allows the character to put a target to sleep. This is an Opposed Roll of the
targets Psyche + Resist versus the characters Powered Attribute + Powered
Skill. Duration is measured in Minutes and Magnitude is only used to overcome an
opposing power.
SUMMON ALLY
Duration (Minutes), Range (Special)
Summon ally allows the character to summon an ally (that was previously
established as an ally) to fight alongside them. Range begins at 60ft. x PA instead of
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Touch and the ally arrives in an amount of time in relation to how far away they are,
but at a running pace (60ft. per round). The ally remains throughout the Duration of
the power, which is measured in minutes. Magnitude has no effect.
SUMMON ANIMAL
Duration (Minutes), Range (Special)
Summon animal allows the character to summon an indigenous animal (no
legendary or mythical creatures) to perform whatever actions the character
commands (no additional rolls are needed to provide those commands). Range
begins at 60ft. x PA instead of Touch and the animal arrives in an amount of time in
relation to how far away they are and how fast they move, but at a running pace
(Speed x 2). The animal remains throughout the Duration of the power, which is
measured in minutes. The size of the animal summoned is determined by the
Magnitude of the power, starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a
Magnitude 1 power is capable of summoning a Size -2 animal and a Magnitude 3
power is capable of summoning a Size 0 animal).
TELEKINESIS
Concentration
Telekinesis allows the character to control inanimate objects by lifting, throwing, or
moving them. The size of the controlled object is determined by the Magnitude of
the power, starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power is
capable of controlling a Size -2 object and a Magnitude 3 power is capable of
controlling a Size 0 object). If an object is thrown at another target, that target is
allowed to dodge as an Opposed Roll.
TELEPATHY
Range (Special)
Telepathy allows the character to speak directly into the mind of a target through a
link between their minds. Range starts at 60ft. x PA and if the target wishes to sever
the link, he may do so as an Opposed Roll using Psyche + Resist. Duration
determines how long the link remains active and Magnitude has no effect. While a
link is active, both the character and his target may speak to each other using only
their thoughts.
TELEPORT
Difficulty (-4), Duration (Instant)
Teleport allows the character to move an object to anywhere within the Range of the
power, as long as nothing impedes safe arrival at the new location. Magnitude
determines the size of the being or object being teleported, starting at Size 0 and
ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power is capable of teleporting a Size 0
being or object and a Magnitude 3 power is capable of teleporting a Size 2 being or
object).
TONGUES
Range (Speaking)
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Tongues allows the character to speak or understand a language other than their
native one with fluency. Range is within speaking distance of both the character and
the target and Magnitude has no effect.
TOPPLE
Duration (Instant), Resistance (Agility + Athletics)
Topple allows the character to knock the target prone. This is done as an Opposed
Roll of the targets Agility + Athletics versus the characters Powered Attribute +
Powered Skill. Magnitude is only used to overcome an opposing power.
WARD
Ward creates an area of protection around the character to deflect incoming attacks
from a chosen source. When the ward power is utilized, that source must be
properly defined; otherwise the power is ineffective (such as ward against spirits or
ward against fire). The protective circle must be inscribed into a solid surface, such
as rock or wooden planks. Once the protective circle is inscribed, it cannot be
moved, although the surface its inscribed upon can be. This creates a circle of
protection around the character with a radius equal to 5ft. per point of Magnitude.
Duration is measured in minutes.
When creating this protective circle, the source being warded against must be
specific. The character cannot choose sources like evil as its much too broad and
open for interpretation. Sources such as demons, spirits, fire, water, magic, and fear
are acceptable. This protective circle then prevents all attacks from that chosen
source from entering the perimeter of the protective circle, but has no effect on
those already inside the circles perimeter (this includes attacks originating within
the circle and targeting those outside it).
WATER
Duration (Instant)
Water allows the character to create water without the element being present or
needing to be manipulated. Magnitude determines the amount of the water, starting
at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power creates water
equivalent to Size -2 (about a gallon) and a Magnitude 3 power creates an object of
Size 0 (about six gallons)). If this is formed around a target (the target must be
smaller than the equivalent size of the water), he becomes subject to the drowning
mechanics.
WIND
Duration (Instant)
Wind allows the character to create a powerful gust of wind without the element
being present or needing to be manipulated. Magnitude determines the power of
that gust, starting at Size -2 and ending at Size 10 (whereas a Magnitude 1 power
creates enough wind to blow a Size -2 being 30ft. and a Magnitude 3 power creates
enough wind to blow a Size 0 being 30ft). If the target hits a surface before landing,
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they are subject to the falling mechanics with half the damage. Once the target stops
moving, hes prone.
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Game Mastering
Often times, the Gamemaster has the most difficult job. Not only does she have to
run the adventure or campaign, she also has to establish or interpret the setting, run
and keep track of all NPCs, and adjudicate the rules when necessary. Although it
sounds like a lot of work, it can also be extremely fun and rewarding. After all, the
GM is the keeper of all secrets and already knows what trap is about to be sprung on
the curious adventurer.
This chapter is all about providing guidance to the GM so that she can make her
games come alive, providing a memorable gaming experience to her players.
Nothing herein is definitive nor is it meant to be static; running a game often
requires GMs to react to the players, who always have a way of going a direction not
previously planned.
UNDERSTAND THE MECHANICS

Entropy is a set of mechanics. At its core, and within this core rulebook, there is no
predetermined setting nor does it attempt to favor one genre of another. Thus,
almost everything in this book is applicable across all genres, subgenres, settings,
and game types. Learning and understanding these mechanics is the first step to
being able to apply them appropriately to keep the game moving smoothly.
GMs need to know the various skills and how they can be combined with different
attributes to create different actions. These combinations arent set in stone,
although they should be feasible given what the skill and attribute are used for.
Players can be a great source for coming up with possible combinations to perform
the unique actions their characters are attempting.
Target numbers are another item to focus on. Although most unopposed rolls are
made versus the standard target number of 9, dont be afraid to modify the Skill Roll
accordingly for the action the character is attempting.
Dont forget to allow the characters to utilize their hero points every game
session. These points are their reward for being a PC and allow them to improve
their chances of succeeding, possibly making the game session that much
memorable. Hero points can even be used as rewards for good role-playing. In this
regard, GMs are allowed to use them as an incentive for exciting game sessions.
Talents are meant to be exploited! Both the players and the GM should be able to
utilize a characters talent depending on if its positive, negative, or neutral. These
are role-playing hooks and hero point gaining opportunities that, once again, can
make a game session that much memorable. The reason talents dont have an
inherent bonus or penalty is so that players actually use them instead of just placing
them on a character sheet. When a character uses their talent, thats when they get
the hero point that can be used as a bonus.
MAKE IT YOUR GAME

Adventures and campaigns dont come alive by themselves. The GM is there to
create or interpret the world and everything in it so that the characters can interact
with everything and everyone around them. What this looks like is up to the GM as
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she defines whats available, what it looks like, and why it exists. However, to create
a memorable gaming experience, the GM has to be excited about what shes placing
the characters into.
She starts by defining the setting in terms of genre, flavor, and theme with any
combination desired. Is the game epic fantasy with magic readily available and
hordes of fantastical creatures ready to stand in the characters way? Is it science
fiction with life being aboard a spacecraft that travels throughout the galaxy, coming
into contact with strange alien life forms? Or is the game pulp with high action and
adventure where the characters are seeking ancient relics guarded by incredible
traps?
The GM should also have a basic understand of who the antagonists are, who the
potential allies are, what the overall drive of the game is, and whats available for the
characters to utilize. Not everything has to be fully fleshed-out, but having an
understanding of the basic elements of the setting allows the players to know what
their characters can do along with allowing the GM to know what the characters will
potentially encounter.
Once all the basics are defined, or even the entire setting is defined, its time to get
the gaming group together during a gaming session, which could be one night or
many nights spanning a few years.
CHARACTER TYPES
Characters drive a storyline forward and give the game its purpose. When it
comes times to create those characters, the players need to know what types of
characters are feasible within a given setting. Are there multiple species or races? Is
magic available? Whats the technology level?
Because Entropy doesnt have character classes, characters can vary to the point
of ones imagination, as long as that character falls within the rules of the setting. In
addition to conforming to the setting, what character types the players create can
also help drive what type of gaming experience theyre looking for. If they all
created combat-oriented characters, then they may want a very military-styled
game. If they all created scholarly characters, then they may want an investigation-
heavy game. If the result is an assortment of character types, then a game with an
assortment of encounters and resolution types may be necessary.
Once all these elements are defined, its time to start playing the game!
GETTING THE CHARACTERS INVOLVED

Friends are gathered, characters are created, and a setting has been fleshed out.
The adventure is just about to begin, launching into a long-term campaign spanning
the ranks! The first question to ask is: How (or why) are the characters getting
involved in this adventure or campaign?
Characters have motivations for becoming heroes, adventurers, warriors, or
investigators, but what brings them together as a cohesive group to journey
throughout the world on this seemingly grand quest? Before launching into the first
(or only) adventure, think about how and possibly why the characters are coming
together.
Do the characters have some type of common grounds between them all? This
could be a relative, an employer, or just a desire to adventure and make money. Do
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the characters all come from the same place? Maybe theyre childhood friends,
neighbors, or have a mutual friend in the same city. Why would they choose to
accept this quest or mission? The characters could be seeking a reward, maybe their
families have been hurt by a common foe, or maybe theyve been conscripted into a
war. How do the characters know each other? Maybe theyve known each other for
years, or maybe theyve just met and are coming together under a common cause.
One thing to remember when getting the characters involved with the adventure
or campaign is to incorporate each characters background and motivation into the
factors that have driven them into getting involved in this quest or mission. Some
players spend many hours putting together a grand background and intricate
motivations for their character and dont want to be cheated out of all that work.
Besides, some of that information could even turn into adventure hooks down the
road and by incorporating them from the beginning, the overall storyline appears
more fluid as the events throughout are tied together, all the way back to when the
characters first got together.
KEEPING THE PARTY TOGETHER

If the characters arent friends or family, or sometimes if they are, what reasons
are there for keeping them together to continue on this mission? Do they form a
type of camaraderie that creates a cohesive group? Do they trudge along for the sake
of money? The party needs a driving force to keep them together; otherwise the
bond between them may seem forced or simply unnatural.
A party of characters needs to remain together through the good and bad for the
sake of the adventure or campaign. Thats not to say someone couldnt go solo for a
small amount of time as a vignette or side-adventure, but in general, the game
sessions could break down quite quickly if that bond between characters is broken.
When conflict occurs between characters, figuring out whether its the role of the
characters or the friction between friends is an important first step. Resolving
friction between friends is beyond the scope of this book, but friction created
between characters due to their roles could create some new adventuring hooks and
interesting story plotlines. This is especially true if the players are role-playing the
Qualities of their character, which may naturally clash with the Qualities of another
character.
GAME ATMOSPHERE
Every game is bound to have a different atmosphere from other games. This
includes genre, subgenre, style, setting, horror, conflicts, and goals. By
understanding these factors, GMs can better set the tone of the games atmosphere,
allowing the characters to better understand the road that lies ahead. Genre,
subgenre, and setting have already been determined, but the other factors can
change throughout the course of an adventure or campaign. Well take a look at each
one here.
STYLE
Not only can the style of each adventure or campaign be different, the style of each
game session and even encounter can be different. The style of a game defines its
overall design in fairly generic terms. Military-styled games are ones with lots of
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combat where the characters may end up grinding their way through treacherous
levels to finally arrive at the villain. This may include military sci-fi, hack-and-slash
fantasy, and old school dungeon delves. These types of games are great for players
who really like to show off their characters combat prowess and can take full
advantage of combat maneuvers.
Investigative-styled games are ones without much combat and instead focus on
the large amount of searching and analysis leading up to finding that villain and the
resulting big encounter. This may include exploration, crime investigation, horror
investigation, and treasure hunts. These types of games are great for players that
like to take an array of non-combat skills and find creative ways to use them.
Role-playing-styled games are ones where the characters social and physical
interaction with the world around them, without regard to skills or dice rolls,
dominates the bulk of the game time. This may include social interactions, making
connections with friends, family, or allies, and puzzle problem solving. These types
of games are great for players that enjoy improvisation or problem solving mentally
instead of with skill rolls.
Combination-styled games are simply ones that include all three styles and
possibly more. This allows each characters role and each players style to grab the
spotlight at some time without being relegated to a continuous support role (such as
an investigative character in a hack-and-slash game). GMs should remember to play
to the strengths of each character and each player.
HORROR
Most games have some type of horror element to them. Defining how that horror
manifests and how the characters view that horror can drastically change the
games atmosphere. For instance, horror in an epic fantasy game is viewed
considerably differently than one in an investigative horror game.
The important factor to remember when introducing horror into a game is to
understand what level of understanding the characters have of that source of
horror. If horrific creatures are commonplace throughout the setting and the
characters battle them all the time, the horror isnt actually very prominent and is
instead a flavoring of the overall gaming experience. Yes there is a demon standing
in front of the characters, but theyve bested demons that size in the past with no
problem.
If horrific creatures are very rare and the characters dont really possess the tools
to defend themselves, then the horror is a very prominent feature of the setting,
possibly part of its design (such as the Cthulhu Mythos). The players need to be
aware that their characters have never encountered a beast like this before and
when they do, they may possibly be driven to madness. Defeating it becomes more
like a puzzle and less of a taking-up of arms to drive the beast back to where it came.
Theres a lot of gray space between the above two extremes, with a lot of different
gaming experiences to be had. However, if horror is meant to have some type of
influencing factor throughout the setting, adventure, or campaign, then
encountering it should have some type of side-effect. This may include mental
exhaustion, sanity, corruption, or survivability (as in, if you dont run youll die).
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CONFLICTS
Games need conflicts to resolve. If there are no conflicts to resolve, or at least
connections to be made, then youre just sitting around a table with friends talking
about very mundane things. Although not every conflict needs to be resolved with a
roll of the dice, there should at least be some type of purpose of that conflict.
When creating encounters and the general conflicts defining the setting, its
imperative to give them a purpose. There doesnt always need to be a negative side-
effect if the characters fail, but there should always be a reason behind succeeding
with the conflict. If there isnt, then what was the point of the conflict in the first
place? Even random encounters serve as a means of slowing down the characters,
making a journey interesting, or weakening the characters before reaching their
destination.
Conflicts come in a multitude of types with a multitude of purposes. They may
affect the overall storyline, serve as part of a background storyline, allow the
characters to make new connections, prevent the characters from reaching a goal, or
just slow the characters down as they continue on their journey. Connecting the
dots between successful conflicts can be easy enough, because they drive the plot
forward, but dealing with failed conflicts can be a bit more difficult.
If a conflict is nothing more than a tool to hinder the characters overall movement
throughout the campaign, then failing those conflicts is a moot point. The characters
learn a valuable lesson against that foe and know they need to be better prepared
next time. But when a conflict is designed to drive the plot forward, what do you do
when the characters fail? You create a back-up plan or move the plot point to
another conflict. If the characters were meant to retrieve something with the
success of a particular conflict, move that item to a new conflict and allow the
characters to succeed (or rather hopefully theyll succeed). This isnt a repeat of the
previous conflict, but rather a reimplementation of the overall purpose of the
conflict: to retrieve the plot point. This allows the characters to recover from a failed
conflict without allowing the storyline to suffer.
GOALS
Games should have an overall purpose; especially long-term campaigns. To avoid
character, and player, boredom, adventures and campaigns should have a set of
properly defined goals. These goals dont have to encompass the entire adventure or
campaign as they can be periodic goals (such as plot points), but they should at least
define what drives the characters to continue through that quest. Without goals,
conflicts have less purpose, if any, and the characters are almost wasting their time.
The goals of an adventure or campaign can vary as much as the conflicts involved
in them, and should be somewhat catered to the style of the setting and the desires
of the characters. If the ultimate goal is for the characters to establish their own
kingdom with a standing army, then theyll need to do lots of treasure hunting to get
the fund necessary and possibly infiltrate the kingdoms around them. If the ultimate
goal is for the characters to save the world from a looming apocalypse, then theyll
need periodic villains to defeat to ruin the apocalyptic plans.
Goals are the pieces that tie all other aspects of the games atmosphere together.
These goals coincide with the genre, subgenre, and style and are often defined by
horror levels and the conflicts created. In the end, you want to create a memorable
gaming experience where everyone involved is having fun!
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Running the Game
At its core, Entropy is designed to be flexible and versatile. One of its goals is to
allow any type of character to be created without being hampered by the options
available in the core rulebook. Additionally, instead of loading the core rulebook
with options, Entropy allows the players and GM to determine what options are
available. This comes in the form of Qualities and Attribute + Skill combinations for
possible actions. Instead of attempting to predict what everyone wants to do, or
what the most common choices should be, every character should be given the
opportunity to be as unique and creative as the person that created them.
Entropy aims to give the GM the time she needs to prepare her games by
developing interesting stories, puzzles for the characters to overcome, NPCs to
interact with, and villains to defeat. The GM shouldnt have to spend hours creating
characters for the PCs to interact with and she shouldnt have to spend her time
fussing with combat logistics. The gaming experience and each part of the story are
much more important than a bunch of fiddly bits.
GETTING STARTED
Introducing players to a new gaming system can be a difficult task. Instead of
handing them a full rulebook, it may be easier to ease them in by running an
introductory adventure with pregenerated characters, or have them play around
with creating their own characters and see what direction the players take. This
core rulebook contains a few introductory adventures, called Entropic Tales, or you
can download the Entropy: Quick Start Guide (Not yet available) for free and let the
players read through it to grab a basic understanding of the system. If the players
enjoy the game system and the GM enjoys running it, grab one of our published
settings, create your own, or convert an existing setting.
CREATING ENCOUNTERS
There are no set rules for how encounters should be created. Each group of PCs is
going to be different in terms of characters count, capabilities, and the strength of
their weapons. This should then be matched by a group of NPCs for a weak, average,
or difficult encounter. This can typically be done by comparing damage and health
(including armor) to average how quickly a PC can defeat an NPC without being
defeated themselves.
Example: If a PC has an attack of 2d6, but the NPC has a Defense of 10, the PC will
rarely be able to damage the NPC as hes barely able to get past the NPCs passive
defense. If the PC has an attack of 2d10 and the NPC has a Defense of 8 with 6
Health, then with a single, successful attack, the PC could potentially kill the NPC.
Another factor to consider when creating combat encounters is the quantity of
NPCs versus PCs. If the PCs are considerably outnumbered, theyll run out of Combat
Actions before being able to strike back, or theyll have to succumb to attacks they
cant defend. Once quantities are balanced, keep in mind the potential for
succeeding at an Opposed Roll if either the PC or NPC is defending. A higher
Attribute and Skill combination stands a better chance at winning an Opposed Roll
than a smaller one does.
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If creating non-combat encounters, such as puzzles or traps, it becomes
imperative to compare a characters potential for succeeding at their Dice Pool rolls
versus the difficulty of getting through the encounter. This may include forcing the
characters to spend their Hero Points.
EXPERIENCE
Experience is how characters get better as they progress through their career.
With experience, the player is able to increase their characters Attributes and Skills
and purchase new Qualities. During game play, its recommended that each player
earns 3 XP each gaming session, plus a bonus of 1 or 2 XP for exceptional gameplay.
This way they can increase their stats once every two or three game sessions. For
particularly important milestones during a campaign, additional bonus XP can be
rewarded to mark the importance of achieving that milestone.
If starting a game with experienced characters (those that already have XP), they
should be created as though theyve progressed through a campaign using the
standard character advancement mechanics. Thus, create the characters as normal
and use the available XP to advance them using the standard character advancement
costs. This is a more natural way of advancing a character and helps to balance their
stats against those of equivalent NPCs.
HERO POINTS
Experience should be limited in how its handed out. Dont reward characters with
additional XP unless theyve truly earned it, and even this should be rare. If rewards
during gameplay are desired, Hero Points can be instead be awarded. Being a type of
role-playing currency, Hero Points allow the characters to perform incredible feats
of heroism. The more Hero Points they have, the more often they can perform these
feats, or at least the more often they can succeed at them. Not only does rewarding
Hero Points give the characters more opportunities to succeed, it also places the
overall direction of the storyline in the hands of the players by allowing their
characters to succeed or make small changes to the storyline.
MINIONS AND ALLIES

Worlds arent filled with heroes; they also arent filled with villains. NPCs are
meant to be villains or something close to it; just like PCs are meant to be heroes or
at least the main characters within a story. This means that during the course of an
adventure or campaign, the PCs will most likely not encounter nearly as many NPCs
as they do minions and allies.
During encounters, PCs will most likely deal with minions. For comparison,
soldiers in an army would be considered minions while their heroic, veteran soldier
captains, whove seen many wars, would be a full NPC. PCs may have to sift through
miles of minions before encountering that single NPC.
When creating minions, dont create them using the same methods as a PC, or
even an NPC; give them whatever Attributes and Skills are desired and supplement
that with any Abilities that pertain to their race, culture, environment, or home land.
This is especially true when creating non-humanoid minions that would feasibly
have a given Attribute (such as Spirit). If thats the case, make the Attribute 0 and
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dont think about it any further. If the creature is extremely large and can pick-up a
semi-truck without a thought, give them Strength beyond 6 as its simply part of
what they are.
Allies, on the other hand, should follow some simple creation rules as you dont
want them to outshine the PCs. Besides having a Health value equal to a minions,
they should have Attributes and Skills lower than or comparable to the PCs current
stats. In other words, dont create an ally equivalent to a Heroic PC if the PCs are all
at Novice.
When creating minions and allies, dont forget to give them a personality. They
should have a purpose for existing within the setting; otherwise their existence may
seem forced and disconnected. This personality can be a simple one-line statement
or it could consume 2-pages and include the environment they come from and what
motivates them to attack the PCs.
Creating Your World

When a GM decides to create their own setting, or convert one from another
system, the base rules may not be enough. These new settings may have fantastical
races for players to choose from, utilize different equipment, incorporate lots of
magic, allow for mechanized armor, or require skills that arent already available. To
do this, break down each piece of your new setting and compare it to whats already
available in this core rulebook or a published OGL setting.
CHARACTER RACES
Entropy is written with the basic human in mind. For settings with other races
available for the players to choose from, it may be pertinent to distinguish one from
another. This can come in the form of changes to Attributes and Skills, unique
Qualities, or even the incorporation of Abilities that no other race has access to.
Although there are no definitive rules for this, here are some examples.
Dwarves: Dwarves are hardy (start with Resist d6), short (Speed is 25ft.), and can
see well in the dark (gain the Low Light Vision Ability). They start with only 4
Qualities.
Elves: Elves are athletic (start with Athletics d6), quick (Speed is 35ft.), and can see
well in the dark (gain the Low Light Vision Ability). They start with only 2
Qualities.
Gnomes: Gnomes are crafty (start with Repair d6 and one chosen Science skill at
d6), very short (Speed is 20ft., Health is -1), and like to play tricks (start with
Deception d6). They start with only 4 Qualities.
Halfling: Halflings are particularly in-tune with their surroundings (gain +1 die type
to Psyche or Spirit during character creation), short (Speed is 25ft., Health is -1),
and can hide easily (start with Stealth d6). They start with 5 Qualities.
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Orcs: Orcs are aggressive (suffer a -1 die type to Charisma or Intelligence during
character creation), violent (start with Melee d6), and have an incredible sense of
smell (gain the Acute (Smell) Ability). They start with only 4 Qualities.
ATTRIBUTES AND SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES

The base Attributes and Secondary Attributes of Entropy should be all you need.
However, there are occasions when something is missing (such as Sanity) that needs
to be added. Instead of adding another Attribute, it may be easier to create a
Secondary Attribute based on a combination of Attributes or an Attribute and a Skill.
This could then serve as a standalone Skill Roll, using only that new Secondary
Attribute, representing how its an integral part of the setting, but isnt needed for
standard character actions. Or it could be used in conjunction with a skill to
represent its dominance within the setting.
SKILLS
Outside of Lore and Science skills and skill specialties, most settings will only ever
need the core skill selection. If your setting is unique and definitely needs a new
skill, add it appropriately remembering that skill points are already spread thin.
Instead of new skills, it may be easiest to add new specialties to existing skills or
expand on the Common Knowledge mechanics. New specialties distinguish the
difficulty of each subject matter and Common Knowledge allows the characters to
have some type of inherent knowledge that doesnt require an additional skill or
specialty.
GEAR
Gear should always match the setting its placed in. Characters should always have
the right technology level, weapons that can actually damage their opponents, and
armor that can provide ample protection during combat. Prices are meant to be
simplified and not necessarily representing actual cost. Its allowable to translate
equipment into actual cost, but then a characters starting funds should be adjusted
as should their monthly income (if they have one).
QUALITIES
Qualities are where a setting can truly be identified. There is any number of
Qualities common to all settings, but the unique ones are what define your setting
apart from another setting. Although players should be allowed to create their own
Qualities to define their characters, come up with a list of those that are unique to
the setting and define its purpose.
Example: If creating a modern monster hunting setting, a possible Quality could
be advanced scholarly knowledge of a particular monster type, such as Demon
Hunter. This Quality defines the character as having in-depth knowledge of demons
and how to properly defeat them. If creating a pulp setting, a character may have a
Catch Phrase they always shout out when fleeing from the bad guys.
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KEEP IT SIMPLE
Avoid adding layers of difficulty to the base Entropy mechanics. The game is
designed to offer a multitude of opportunities without being hampered by options.
This is why Skills can be combined with any Attribute to create a possible action and
Qualities have no restraints, other than feasibility. As long as that character concept
fits in your setting, let the player roll with it and see how the character progresses
throughout the adventure or campaign. Having fun should always be the highest
priority of any role-playing game and this can be achieved through flexibility and
imagination. This includes the core mechanics; if something doesnt quite fit in your
adventure or campaign, change it so that it does! The rules are a guideline, not the
solution to every complication imaginable.
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Bestiary
While humans and humanoid beings have Characteristics, creatures have Abilities.
These abilities are part of the creatures nature and is representing as an inherent
bonus or penalty when being encountered. Although Abilities can vary dramatically
from creature to creature, there are some common ones found throughout.
The bestiary collection in this chapter is not exhaustive, but does present a variety
of possible encounters and should be used as a reference for creating new creatures,
NPCs, and minions.
//sidebar//
Most creatures are considered to be minions. Thus, their Health is calculated at
half the sum of Strength and Vitality. If they are Size -1 or -2, this is subtracted from
the resulting Sum (half that resulting sum for a minion). If they are Size +1 or higher,
its not added to the resulting sum as this is reflected in the creatures Strength
value.//
Abilities
ACUTE (SENSE)
The creature has some type of sense that is considered acute compared to the
standard human. They gain a +2 to Perception when using the chosen sense. (The
chosen sense appears in parentheses.)
AQUATIC
Water is the creatures native environment. It swims very well and cannot drown.
Its Speed reflects its land speed and a swimming speed will be denoted next to the
Aquatic ability.
DEMON
The creature is considered a demon or has demonic features. All creatures with
the Demon ability gain the following:
Demons are Fearless.
Demons are immune to disease, poison, and the environment.
Demons take half damage from non-magical attacks.
Demons are weak to cold iron weapons, which do full damage.
ETHEREAL
The creature is intangible and has no form in the physical world. All creatures
with the Ethereal ability gain the following:
Ethereal creatures are immune to disease, poison, and the environment.
Ethereal creatures are immune to non-magical attacks.
Ethereal creatures cannot be seen unless they choose to be seen.
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FEAR
Horrific creatures cause Fear. When around a creature such as this, the GM gets to
forms a Fear Dice Pool (see page 63). A creature with the Fear ability will have a
Fear Rating after the ability, such as Fear 5. This Fear Rating augments the Fear Dice
Pool.
FEARLESS
The creature is immune to fear and fear tactics. They cannot be intimidated and
are immune to fear-based psychological effects.
FLEET-FOOTED
The creature is particularly fast and is able to run much faster than others.
Besides an increase to Speed, the creature is able to add +2d6ft when running.
FLYING
The creature is able to fly or hover above the ground. Their Speed reflects their
ability to move about on the ground and a flying speed will be denoted next to the
Flying ability. Additionally, when flying, they are immune to the effects of difficult
terrain.
IMMUNITY
The creature is immune to the denoted source. When coming into contact with
that source, they suffer no ill effects nor do they lose health from it. The source of
their immunity must be denoted next to the Immunity ability.
LOW LIGHT VISION
The creature is particularly good at seeing in the dark. It ignores penalties for Dim
and Dark lighting, although suffers regular penalties in total darkness.
POISON
The creature is capable of injecting poison into their victims with a successful
attack. See page 65 for more about the effects of poison.
REGENERATION
The creature is able to regenerate damage caused to them. This comes in the form
of replenishing their Health at the beginning of every Combat Round. The amount of
Health regenerated will be denoted next to the Regeneration ability.
SMALL/LARGE/HUGE
Creatures come in a variety of sizes, and attacking ones much smaller or bigger
than the characters can change how easily they are to hit. Creatures with Size -2 are
considered Small and attacking them incurs a -2 penalty to all attack rolls. Creatures
at least Size +4 are considered Large and attacking them provides a +2 bonus to all
attack rolls. Creatures at least Size +8 are considered Huge and attacking them
provides a +4 bonus to all attack rolls.
This bonus is in relation to how large the Aggressor is versus the Defender and is
based on a Size 0 creature. Large creatures attacking other Large creatures dont
gain a bonus and Small creatures attacking Large creatures would get a double
bonus (going from Size -2 to Size +4).
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SWARM
Small creatures often swarm together. Although they are quite weak individually,
as a group they can be a formidable force. All creatures with the Swarm ability gain
the following:
Swarms are the size of a Medium Blast Zone attacking everyone within
this zone.
Swarms gain +2 to Health.
Swarms are immune to slashing and piercing weapons and can only be
damaged by blunt or area-effect weapons. If on the ground, they can also
be damaged by stomping on (as an unarmed attack doing lethal damage).
Swarms can divide into two smaller swarms the size of a Small Blast
Zone. Each one has Health -2 compared to the larger swarm.
Swarms do not roll to attack, they automatically hit their targets.
TRAMPLE
The creature is so large that its able to trample a human with ease. The creature
must be at least Size +6, but it gets to add its Strength to all damage incurred from a
trample attack after subtracting the Size rating of the target.
UNDEAD
The creature is considered undead, like zombies and animated skeletons. All
creatures with the Undead ability gain the following:
Undead do not suffer additional damage from Called Shots.
Undead are immune to magical healing.
Undead gain a +2 bonus to Health.
Undead ignore penalties for being Wounded or Injured.
Undead are immune to disease and poison.
WEAKNESS
The creature is particularly vulnerable to the denoted source. When coming into
contact with that source, they either suffer normal damage (if they are immune to
everything else) or suffer additional damage. The source of their weakness must be
denoted next to the Weakness ability as are the effects of coming into contact with
that source.
Size
A creatures size is a representation of their overall mass (height and weight). It
doesnt reflect their Vitality, but can be used to judge strength and overall
toughness. A creatures Size Rating is added to the damage they inflict (positive only
and is reflected in each creatures entry). Additionally, it can be used to gauge their
Strength, allowing them to increase their Strength Value above d12 which increases
their Health. If Size is a negative number, its subtracted from the creatures Health
after calculating it based on Strength and Vitality.
Size is an average consideration of creatures of that particular type. Not every
creature of that type is going to be the exact same size as variances exist between
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youth and adults and sometimes males and females. Use these mechanics as a
reference for determining the relative size of a creature.
SIZE TABLE
Rating Equivalent to Strength Value
-2 Cat, dog, rabbit, fairy, squirrel
-1 Wolf, lynx, halfling, human child, goblin, pony
0 Human, dwarf, elf
+1 Orc, very tall human, donkey, lion d12 to +1
+2 Bear, gorilla, horse, camel, tiger d12+1 to +2
+3 Polar bear, Kodiak bear, ogre, hippopotamus d12+2 to +4
+4 White rhinoceros, great white shark d12+3 to +5
+5 Asian elephant d12+4 to +6
+6 African bush elephant d12+6 to +9
+7 Killer whale, tyrannosaurus rex d12+8 to +11
+8 Humpback whale, dragon d12+9 to +12
+9 Blue whale d12+10 to +14
+10 Diplodocus d12+12 to +16
Bestiary
ALLIGATOR/CROCODILE
Agility d6, Charisma 0, Intelligence d4 (A), Perception d10, Psyche 0, Spirit 0,
Skills: Athletics d4, Awareness d6, Melee d6
Abilities:
Aquatic: Speed 30
Bite: DMG (2)
Scaly Hide: Armor +2 (All)
BEAR, BROWN
Strength d12+1, Vitality d12
Abilities:
Bear Hug: On a successful claw attack, a bear may attempt to grapple the
target in hopes of knocking him down. This is an opposed roll of the targets
Defend Roll versus the bears Strength + Athletics. If successful, the target
is knocked prone with the bear on top of it. Additionally the bear may
attempt to maintain the grapple each Combat Round as an opposed
Strength + Athletics roll.
Bite/Claws: DMG (4)
Run: Bears run on all fours. They cannot attack during the same Combat
Round in which they ran.
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Size +2: Brown bears weigh 800lbs.
Thick Fur: Armor +1 (All)
BEAR, GRIZZLY
Strength d12+2, Vitality d12+1
Abilities:
Bear Hug: On a successful claw attack, a bear may attempt to grapple the
target in hopes of knocking him down. This is an opposed roll of the targets
Defend Roll versus the bears Strength + Athletics. If successful, the target
is knocked prone with the bear on top of it. Additionally the bear may
attempt to maintain the grapple each Combat Round as an opposed
Strength + Athletics roll.
Bite/Claws: DMG (5)
Run: Bears run on all fours. They cannot attack during the same Combat
Round in which they ran.
Size +3: Grizzly bears weigh 1,500lbs.
Thick Fur: Armor +1 (All)
BULL
Agility d8, Charisma 0, Intelligence d4 (A), Perception d6, Psyche 0, Spirit 0, Strength
d12+2, Vitality d10
Skills: Awareness d6, Melee d6
Abilities:
Charge: If a bull charges a target by moving at least half its speed and then
attacking, it adds its Size bonus to its horns attack.
Horns: DMG (5)
Leathery Skin: Armor +1 (All)
Size +3: Bulls weigh 1,500lbs.
CHEETAH
Agility d12+2, Charisma 0, Intelligence d4 (A), Perception d10, Psyche 0, Spirit 0,
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (2)
Fleet-Footed: Cheetahs add an additional +2d6ft to their speed when
running.
Size -1: Cheetahs are 3ft. tall and weigh 125lbs.
COUGAR
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Abilities:
Bite/Claws: DMG (2)
COYOTE
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (2)
Size -1: Coyotes are 30in. tall and weigh 40lbs.
CULTIST
Skills: Awareness d6, Firearms d6, Melee d6, Resist d6
Gear: Dagger (DMG 3), .22 pistol (125ft, DMG 4, ROF 1, Shots 9, SA)
ELEPHANT
d12+6, Vitality d12
Abilities:
Large: Attackers gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls against it.
Size +6: Elephants are 12ft. tall and weigh 6 tons.
Trample: Elephants can attempt to trample a target as a melee attack.
Damage is equal to Strength minus the size of the target.
Tusks: DMG (8)
GOBLIN
Skills: Athletics d4, Awareness d6, Melee d6, Ranged d6, Tracking d4
Gear: Dagger (DMG 3), small bow (100ft, DMG 3)
Abilities:
Low Light Vision: Ignore penalties for Dim and Dark lighting.
Size -1: Goblins are 3ft. tall.
GORILLA, SILVERBACK
Agility d6, Charisma d6, Intelligence d6 (A), Perception d6, Psyche d4, Spirit d4,
Skills: Athletics d6, Awareness d6, Melee d6, Survival d6, Tracking d4
Abilities:
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Long Arms: Gorillas use their arms when traveling long distances and
running. When they run, they incur a -2 penalty to perform any physical
actions during the same Combat Round.
Size +2: Silverback gorillas weigh 500lbs. and have an arm span that
stretches more than 8ft.
Unarmed: DMG (4 NL)
GUERILLA SOLDIER
Skills: Athletics d8, Awareness d8, Melee d8, Ranged 3, Survival 3, Tracking 3
Gear: Long knife (DMG 3), 5.56 assault rifle (500ft, DMG 6, ROF 3, Shots 30, ENC 2,
FA, SA)
HORSE
d12+1, Vitality d10
Abilities:
Fleet-Footed: Horses add an additional +2d6ft to their speed when
running.
Kick: DMG (5)
Size +2: Horses weigh 1,200lbs.
HYENA
d6, Vitality d6
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (4)
Size -1: Hyenas are about the size of a large dog.
IMP
Abilities:
Bite/Claws: DMG (2)
Demon: Fearless; immune to disease, poison, and the environment; half
damage from non-magical attacks.
Size -1: Imps are the size of a young human.
Weakness (Cold Iron): Imps take full damage from cold iron weapons.
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JAGUAR
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (2)
KOBOLD
Gear: Short sword (DMG 4), small bow (100ft, DMG 3)
Abilities:
Immunity (Poison): Kobolds are immune to poison.
Size -1: Kobolds are the size of a young human.
LION
d12, Vitality d8
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (3)
Size +1: Lions weigh 500lbs.
LYNX
d6, Vitality d6
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (2)
Size -1: Lynx are 2ft. tall and weigh 30lbs.
MINOTAUR
Skills: Athletics d8, Awareness d6, Melee d10, Ranged d8, Survival d6, Tracking d6
Gear: Battle axe (DMG 5, 2H), leather armor (torso, legs +1)
Abilities:
Horns: DMG (3); minotaurs add +3 to damage for charging instead of +2.
Size +1: Minotaurs are the size of very tall humans.
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ORC
Defense 6/7, Health 10, Initiative 10, Speed 30
Skills: Awareness d6, Melee d8, Ranged d8, Survival d6, Tracking d6
Gear: Long sword (DMG 6), medium shield (Parry +2, may parry ranged shots with
+1 Armor)
Abilities:
Size +1: Orcs are the size of large humans.
POLTERGEIST
Agility d6, Charisma 0, Intelligence d6, Perception d6, Psyche d6, Spirit d6, Strength
d8, Vitality d6
Abilities:
Ethereal: Immune to disease, poison, and the environment; immune to
non-magical attacks; cannot be seen unless they choose to be seen.
Throwing: Poltergeists are capable of throwing objects at an effective
range of 30ft. Blunt objects do DMG (1 NL); sharp objects to DMG (2).
SHARK, GREAT WHITE
d12+3, Vitality d12
Defense 9, Health 14, Initiative 18, Speed -
Abilities:
Aquatic: Speed 40
Bite: DMG (6)
Large: Attackers gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls against it.
Size +4: Great white sharks are 21ft long and weigh 7,000 lbs.
SKELETON
Agility d6, Charisma 0, Intelligence d6, Perception d6, Psyche 0, Spirit d4, Strength
d6, Vitality d6
Defense 6/7, Health 8, Initiative 18, Speed 30
Skills: Athletics d6, Awareness d6, Melee d6, Ranged d6
Gear: Long sword (DMG 5), medium shield (Parry +2, may parry ranged shots with
+1 Armor)
Abilities:
Fearless: Immune to fear and fear tactics.
Undead: Do not suffer additional damage from Called Shots; immune to
magical healing, disease, and poison; ignore Wounded and Injured
penalties.
SNAKE, BOA CONSTRICTOR
d10, Vitality d6
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Skills: Athletics d6, Awareness d6, Tracking d6
Abilities:
Constrictor: With a successful grapple as an Opposed Roll, using Strength
+ Athletics, the boa constrictor can constrict around its target, doing its
Strength in damage. If the target is wearing rigid armor (e.g. plate mail), this
reduces the armors protection by one with each successful grapple.
SNAKE, COBRA (NAJA)
d6, Vitality d6
Abilities:
Bite: STR+1
Size -1: Cobras are 6ft long, but very narrow.
Poison: There is a 50% chance that a cobra will inject venom on a
successful bite attack (damage must exceed the targets armor). If
successful, the neurotoxins shut down the targets nervous system after
3d6+10 minutes. Death occurs in 3d6+20 minutes after that. The target can
resist the toxin with a successful Hard (-4) Vitality + Resist roll.
SORCERER
Defense 6, Initiative 6, Speed 30
Skills: Arcana d10, Awareness d6, Deception d6, Melee d6, Resist d8, Streetwise d6
Gear: Staff (DMG 1 NL, 2H, Reach 10, Parry +2, uses Agility)
Power Points: 30
Powers: Intelligence + Arcana; abjure, confuse, elemental manipulation, missile
SWARM, BAT
d4, Vitality d4
Abilities:
Echolocation: Bats sense the world around them using echolocation. They
are immune to all lighting penalties.
Fly: Speed 45
Bite: DMG (2)
Swarm: MBZ; auto hit everyone within the zone; immune to slashing and
piercing weapons; only damaged by blunt and area-effect weapons; can
divide into two SBZ swarms with each at Health 4.
SWARM, RAT
d4, Vitality d6
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Abilities:
Bite: DMG (2)
Swarm: MBZ; auto hit everyone within the zone; immune to slashing and
piercing weapons; only damaged by blunt and area-effect weapons; can
divide into two SBZ swarms with each at Health 5.
TIGER
d12+1, Vitality d8
Abilities:
Bite: DM (4)
Size +2: Tigers weigh 800lbs.
TROLL
Skills: Athletics d4, Awareness d6, Melee d8, Tracking d4
Gear: Spiked club (DMG 4, Parry -2, uses Strength)
Abilities:
Size +2: Trolls are 8ft tall.
VAMPIRE
Skills: Athletics d12, Awareness d12, Melee d10, Resist d10, Tracking d10
Power Points: 30
Powers: Charisma + Spirit; dominate
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (1)
Claws: DMG (1)
Fleet-Footed: Vampires add an additional +2d6ft to their speed when
running.
Immunity (All): Vampires are immune to all attacks that do not include
one of their weaknesses. All damage incurred otherwise is considered
nonlethal. If they are reduced to 0 Health, they fall unconscious and rise
again 1d6 hours later.
Shapeshifter: Vampires are able to shift between humanoid and bat by
spending 1 Combat Action.
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penalties.
Vampiric Bite: Anyone bitten by a vampire has a 50% chance of rising as a
vampire 2d6 days later.
Weakness (Decapitation): If a vampire is decapitated while unconscious,
they do not rise again and die instantly.
Weakness (Holy Symbol): Vampires must succeed on an Opposed Spirit +
Resist Roll to attack anyone displaying a holy symbol.
Weakness (Holy Water): Vampires sprinkled with holy water gain 1 level
of Fatigue.
Weakness (Invitation Only): Vampires must be invited into a private
dwelling; they may not enter otherwise. They can enter public spaces
without issue.
Weakness (Wooden Stake): Vampires hit with a called shot to the heart
with a wooden stake die instantly.
WEREWOLF
Skills: Athletics d12, Awareness d12, Melee d12, Survival d10, Tracking d12+1
Power Points: 30
Powers: Psyche + Spirit; summon animal (wolf only)
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (3)
Claws: DMG (2)
Immunity (All): Werewolves are immune to all attacks, except for those
from silver weapons. All damage incurred otherwise is considered
nonlethal. If they are reduced to 0 Health, they succumb to the full effects of
Fatigue, falling unconscious until they recover at the normal rate.
Shapeshifter: Werewolves are able to shift between human, wolf, and
werewolf forms by spending 1 Combat Action.
Weakness (Silver): Werewolves take normal damage from silver weapons.
Werewolf Curse: Anyone successfully bitten by a werewolf has a 50%
chance of turning into a werewolf on the next full moon.
WITCH
Skills: Arcana d10, Awareness d6, Melee d6
Power Points: 36
Powers: Psyche + Arcana; barrier, deflect, diminish, disguise, elemental manipulation,
explode, shape change
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Gear: Familiar (black cat)
WOLF
Abilities:
Bite: DMG (2)
Size -1: Wolves are 34in. tall and weigh 100lbs.
ZOMBIE
Agility d6, Charisma 0, Intelligence d6, Perception d6, Psyche d4, Spirit d4, Strength
d8, Vitality d6
Skills: Awareness d6, Melee d6, Tracking d6
Abilities:
Claws: STR+2
penalties.
Weakness (Head Shot): Called shots to the head do an additional +2
damage.
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Midnight Marauders
Midnight Marauders is an introductory adventure for 4-6 Novice characters that
allows the players to get wholly absorbed into the Entropy mechanics through
investigation, role-playing, and combat. Its set in the fantasy city Westeroak, named
for the large oak forest that surrounds it. GMs are free to allow the characters to be
non-human and are allowed to wield magic.
Skill rolls are rarely defined in this adventure as the GM is free to request them
when necessary, the players and GM are free to choose which Attribute + Skill
combination is most appropriate, and target numbers always default to Average (9).
If a specific Attribute + Skill roll is required, it will be referred to. Additionally, if a
Skill Roll is possible, but should be more difficult, the difficulty will be noted as a
reference. However, role-playing can always trump dice rolling.
BACKGROUND
Westeroak sits astride the Green River and is surrounded by a large oak forest. A
bustling city with numerous districts, Westeroak is a place of opportunity for those
looking to exploit the desires of others during their search for wealth. There are
many wealthy merchants, faraway traders, nobles, and thieves within the walls that
protect Westeroak. And although tensions can run high between the guilds and
many wealthy individuals are forced to restrain themselves from pilfering their
competition, the latest attack in the Merchant District came from outside the citys
walls.
Beneath the protection of a cloudy night, a group of goblins snuck into the
Merchant District through the northwestern gate, vandalized the open market, and
broke into the Whole Boar tavern. The owner of the tavern, a human named Roddie
Fellson, was killed and his secret cache was pilfered. The goblins, a clan known as
the Scything Sun, were after a jade gem Fellson had secreted away in his hidden
room. Fellson had originally recovered the jade gem from the oak forest, known
colloquially as the Green Forest, while hunting. Fellson is known for his boar roasts
and he was out in Green Forest hunting a boar for the next days celebration.
The goblins became panicked once they learned their sacred jade gem had been
lost (although they thought someone had stolen it). Their shaman, Snagrot,
performed a divination ritual to locate the jade gem. The spirits whispered that the
jade gem was now hidden in a secret room of the Whole Boar in Westeroak. Waiting
until the time was right, due to the cloudy night, the Scything Sun goblins made their
attack and recovered the gem. However, during their attack, they killed Fellson,
destroyed the open market and the Whole Boar tavern, and killed a number of other
humans that got in their way (a few watchmen and a few farmers).
After recovering the gem, the goblins returned to their cave home, an hour
northwest of Westeroak through the Green Forest, near the Green River (the Green
River bends northwest shortly after leaving the confines of Westeroak). A tributary
of the Green River runs through the Scything Sun goblins cave.
This is the first time the goblins have ever attacked Westeroak. Until now, the
humans werent even aware of a goblin tribe near their city. This is partially because
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their cave is well off the nearest path and the Green Forest is filled with many
dangerous creatures that the humans avoid.
1
2
108

GETTING THE CHARACTERS INVOLVED
There are a few ways the characters could get involved in the investigation. Here
are a few examples.
1. One of the characters is a member of the Watch and has been assigned with
investigating the robbery and murder from the night before.
2. The Whole Boar is a favored hang-out of the characters and they considered
Roddie Fellson a good friend. With his death, they immediately inquire into
what happened.
3. One of the characters is known for her ability to track down criminals. Her
and her team volunteer for the investigation or are commissioned to do so.
4. The characters are residents of Westeroak and appalled by the tragedy.
They immediately join the investigation and only seek revenge.
MERCHANT DISTRICT
The Merchant District, within the yellow lines on the map above, is located in the
northwest section of Westeroak. There are two major locations of interest during
this investigation and several other minor ones. The two major ones are numbered
while the minor locations are denoted by their position in relation to one of the
major locations.
1. OPEN MARKET
The open market is a series of stands and carts where people can purchase fruit,
vegetables, fresh meat, and various other food-related items. At night, most of the
food is removed with whatevers left behind, possibly because its too cumbersome
to move every day, secured within closed boxes with a locking top. Watchmen that
patrol the Merchant District are required to keep an eye on the open market to
ensure no one steals whatever is left from day to day.
When the goblins entered the city, they rifled through the open market,
attempting to steal whatever they could. One dead watchman can be found on the
north side of the market, apparently killed while making his rounds through the
market. Two of the stands have sustained damage to their sides while two carts
have been toppled, spilling their contents onto the street. With additional scrutiny,
an apple can be found with a single bite mark from a mouth slightly smaller than an
adult human (about the size of a childs mouth). Discovering this apple should be at
least a Challenging (-2) Skill Roll. This apple was bitten by a goblin, who then
discarded it after reeling from the taste.
Searching around, a couple watermelons can be found several feet from a toppled
cart; much too far to have rolled from the cart to where they now sit. These
watermelons proved too heavy for the goblins to carry during their hasty retreat
and were instead discarded on the street.
The watchman clearly died from the large wound in his back. This wound was
caused by a slashing weapon. Closer inspection, a Challenging (-2) Skill Roll, shows
that the weapon used to make the wound was jagged and possibly rusty as the cut is
not very clean (such as if it was made from a high quality sword). A character with
medical knowledge can further inspect the body, a Hard (-4) Skill Roll, and see a
puncture mark at the top of the cut. This mark was caused by the gut hook at the
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end of the goblins blade, causing the skin to rip instead of being cut like it did with
the edge of the blade.
Inspection of the watchmans body and the street around him shows that blood
probably spurted out while he was still standing and the wound rendered him
unconscious, or instantly dead, causing him to fall to the ground. This is prevalent
from the fact that his nose is broken and his face appears to have additional injuries.
However, blood spatter can be found well behind his feet even though the majority
of the blood has pooled around his torso. Closer inspection, a Challenging (-2) Skill
Roll, shows that there are no footprints in the blood nor are there any bloody
footprints leading away from the body. This is because the goblins jumped onto the
watchman, stabbed him, and then jumped away. Their feet never touched the blood.
Scrutinizing the stands or carts, a Hard (-4) Skill Roll, shows the remnants of a
bloody fingerprint, although little can be discerned from it. There simply isnt
enough to prove the size or origin of the finger that made that print.
//sidebar//
The map for the Whole Boar tavern was constructed using the Basic Tavern, Wine
Cellar, and Secret Cache maps available for free from DramaScape, used with
permission. To download these maps and print them for tabletop use, visit
DramaScape on DriveThruRPG at:
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/browse.php?manufacturers_id=4491//
2. WHOLE BOAR TAVERN
The Whole Boar tavern faces north with its door opening up to the open market
and the northwest gate beyond it. Its optimally situated to attract crowds visiting
the market and those entering Westeroak from the northwest gate. Roddie Fellson
opened the tavern 25 years ago when the city was first building the Merchant
District. He paid handsomely for the prime location and has reaped the reward of
his efforts every year since. His tavern is the most profitable in the entire city and
some say its the most profitable in the entire kingdom.
Many of Fellsons regular patrons, who are probably milling about during the
investigation, believe the Whole Boar was the victim of a robbery because its so
profitable. They all believe that Fellson must have kept bags of silver and copper
somewhere in the tavern, ultimately leading to his demise. Unfortunately, they are
all wrong, but discovering this may prove difficult.
The characters can search high and low throughout the tavern and will find no
signs of any bags of copper, silver, or even gold pieces. Either the bags were truly
stolen or they never existed in the first place. The truth is that Fellson never kept
bags of coins at the tavern and only had enough lying around to make change. The
majority of his money was always kept at his house. Inspection of his house proves
that fact.
Fellson is lying dead in the middle of his tavern. Asking around, his patrons claim
that Fellson often stayed after for many hours after closing to clean the tavern and
prepare for the next day. This only slightly true as Fellson spent the latest hours of
his day rummaging through what he kept within his secret cache. If a character
spends enough time in the tavern, they can discern that it would only take an hour
or so to clean-up and get ready for the next day. Without fully knowing when the
murder happen, its not completely clear how long Fellson was at the tavern when
he died, but its definitely clear that he shouldnt have been there long enough for
110

the streets to get dark enough for someone to sneak into the city (or through the city
if they were already there) and commit these heinous acts.
Fellson has a wound on his back similar to the one the watchman has. Information
about his wound is the same and the characters can draw the same conclusions.
If the characters as or look around behind the bar, they find a set of stairs below a
movable section of the bar that lead to a closed door. If asked, the patrons inform
them that the door leads to Fellsons wine cellar where he kept wine and bottles of
liquor. The lock can be picked or the door can be chopped down with an axe. Once
inside, the characters find nothing out of the ordinary. There are just barrels of wine
and racks of liquor bottles down there; nothing else.
After examining the inside of the tavern and possibly the wine cellar, the
111

characters might find it odd that the inside seems smaller than the outside. By
comparing the two, the characters find that the exterior walls clearly extend farther
than the interior walls. The characters must then search throughout the interior to
find the hidden door in the back of the fireplace. The hearth is actually quite tall, an
average human only has to stoop to pass through, but the door in the back of it is
quite well hidden. Opening the door requires the character to press a keystone in
the upper right-hand corner of the door to release the lock mechanism. The door is
actually on a hinge and simply opens like a regular door. Finding this should be a
Challenging (-2) or Hard (-4) Skill Roll.
Once the door is open, the characters can walk into Fellsons secret cache. Looking
around, the characters find all sorts of antiquities, rare weapons, and crude gems
throughout. Fellson also kept a stash of usable weapons that he could grab to defend
the city if necessary, although none have ever been used. All of these items are kept
in various barrels so that if one were to open the door, they would see only barrels
and would have to look inside the barrels to see everything else. A grate is located
on the far side of the cache. By opening the grate, the characters find a short tunnel
that leads to the stables next door (also owned by Fellson).
Inspecting the room leads to the discovery of blood drips and the signs of
pilfering. Three of the barrels have been tipped over with their contents spilling
onto the floor. When the goblins entered the tavern, Fellson had the door open to his
secret cache and was inspecting some of his latest finds. After killing him, the
goblins searched three of the barrels, by tipping them over, and found their jade
gem in the third barrel. While doing this, the blood on their weapons dripped onto
the floor, leaving evidence behind. One of the goblins was smart enough to close the
door, hoping to keep the room secret so that they could return another day and steal
everything else inside (they had already wasted too much time that night and
couldnt pilfer anymore).
STABLES
There are stables that attach to the eastern wall of the Whole Boar tavern. Roddie
Fellson owned these stables that were available for his patrons and any merchants
in the open market that required a horse or donkey to pull their cart. The tunnel
from the secret cache leads to a small grate adjacent to the wall between the stables
and the tavern. Appearing as a drain for water that builds up in the stables, its
actually a route for Fellson to take should he need to grab his horse while holed-up
in his tavern. Either by following the tunnel or searching the stables, this grate can
be found.
Inspecting the grate shows that it was dislodged and not properly put back quite
recently. One of the goblins came through the tunnel and out into the stables. After
checking the stable nearest the grate, Fellsons horse can be found dead with a
wound similar to Fellson and the watchman. No other horses were in the stables at
the time.
BLACKSMITH
Along the Whole Boars southern wall is the local blacksmith, a dwarf named Nigel
the Hammer. Nigel was away from his shop when the robbery occurred, although he
does recall Fellson spending many late hours at the tavern. He is unaware of the
secret room, but does know about the wine cellar. Nigel is a regular at the tavern.
112

ANTIQUITIES
Along the blacksmiths eastern wall is an antiquities shop called Gastons Fineries.
Gaston is considered a dandy and loves to talk about the treasures he keeps in his
shop. Although no one else knows it, and Gaston may try to hide it, he has frequently
purchased rare items from Fellson and Fellson is a regular customer at Gastons
Fineries. The two of them share a bit of a passion for antiquities, although Gastons
passion is much more colorful than Fellsons.
Gaston was in his shop the night the robbery occurred. He didnt hear a
commotion from the tavern, but he did hear a loud banging noise from the stables.
Gaston assumed one of the horses had kicked the wall and thought nothing more of
it. The truth is that one of the horses kicked the wall because a goblin had jumped on
its back and stabbed it. Gaston often spends late nights at his shop straightening up
and admiring his collection. He doesnt open his store until lunch and closes before
nightfall. He can inform the characters that the banging noise was heard around
midnight, although it was hard to tell due to the thick cloud covering.
APOTHECARY
Along Gastons Fineries eastern wall, and at the end of the row of shops, is the
apothecary. The owner of the apothecary is unknown although many speculate its
owned by an elven alchemist named Augustus. The shop has a difficult time keeping
workers there as they never get to meet the owner and the shop never seems busy
enough. Most workers give up due to boredom or are caught stealing (the watchmen
patrol the apothecary regularly). The store has actually been closed for the past
three days while a new employee is found to run it.
WATCH TOWER
Directly west of the open market is the large Watch Tower that overlooks the
Merchant District. Either from the Open Market or by traveling to the top of the
tower, the characters can discern that the watchmen can see into the heart of the
Merchant District, including the area in front of the Whole Boars door. They also
have clear vision of the northwest gate the areas outside the gate.
The night of the robbery and murder, there were three watchmen on duty in the
Merchant District. None of them have reported in and none of them are to be found,
except the dead one in the Open Market, within the confines of the city. Either the
characters or the on-duty watchmen are free to look, but the other two are simply
not inside the city (this is because theyre both dead and lying outside the city).
From the vantage point at the top of the watch tower, a character with good vision
can see what appear to be two bodies lying in two different fields outside the
northwest gate.
NORTHWEST GATE
From the northwest gate, one could practically draw a straight line from the gate
to the door of the Whole Boar tavern. If one were to come into the city without being
seen and then rob the tavern and kill its owner, it would have to be done starting
from this gate. If one were already in the city, then another route could be chosen.
However, the goblins came from the forest and used the northwest gate.
With close inspection, drops of blood can be seen going from the Whole Boar
tavern and through the northwest gate. These are blood drops from the goblins
weapons, so it should be difficult to spot.
113

Following this trail or after spotting the dead bodies in the fields leads the
characters out the northwest gate and along the Plantation Road. The field on the
right, just outside the northwest gate has a dead farmer lying in it as does the field
on the left. As the characters travel farther down Plantation Road, the bodies of the
two other watchmen can be found. It appears as though they chased the bandits for
a short distance until meeting their demise. Both watchmen show signs of being
involved in a struggle with multiple cuts, bruises, and wounds along with a slash
across the throat that finally ended their lives.
PLANTATION ROAD
Plantation Road is named as such for the plantations that line it just outside the
northwest gate. The road continues northwest past the outlying farms and cuts a
narrow swath through the Green Forest. Many perils wait along Plantation Road and
thus few ever venture past the last farms of Westeroak using this road. Its much
safer to travel the Northern Road which parallels the river and crosses at one point.
That road takes travelers away from the Green Forest.
Due to its lack of use, Plantation Road begins to breakdown as an easily traversed
road about half an hour past the last farm. Although the road can clearly be seen, its
more of a foot and horse trail now and less of a road for carts and wagons. This also
marks the point where the dangers surrounding the road are likely to be seen.
The characters should follow some type of trail down Plantation Road, eventually
leading them to a point where they leave the road and head into the Green Forest.
This could be a very faint trail of blood drips, recently disturbed dirt on the road, or
just the general direction of potential mayhem that is sure to be ahead. At some
point, a faint rustling sound can be heard in the distance, east of the Road inside the
Green Forest. As the characters continue down the road, the noise gets louder as
twigs are snapped and low-hanging branches are moved aside. Emerging onto the
road is a pair of trolls. The trolls immediately attack the characters as they are
clearly invading the trolls territory.
Trolls (two) see page 103
After the trolls are taken care of, the characters can either search them or notice
that one has dropped a peculiar item. Upon closer inspection, the characters note
that the peculiar item is a uniquely shaped bottle of liquor. With a Challenging (-2)
Skill Roll, one of the characters may recall seeing that same bottle in the Whole
Boars wine cellar. The bottle, stolen by the goblins, was used to bargain safe
passage past the trolls after they stopped the goblins on their way back to their cave.
The bottle is now empty and came from the stock Fellson kept behind the bar.
Searching the Green Forest around this location produces no further clues, nor do
the characters run into anymore trolls. There were only two in this area.
As the characters travel farther down Plantation Road, about 45 minutes out of
Westeroak, they reach a point where the road has become so grown over by
vegetation that few would ever travel down it. At this point, they discover that
whatever they were following to this point shows signs of leaving the road and
entering the Green Forest. This could be a set of footprints or even discarded food
scraps from those stolen from the Open Market. Regardless of the indication, the
characters must now leave Plantation Road and enter the Green Forest.
114

At this point on the road, characters can make a Challenging (-2) Perception +
Awareness roll to hear the faint sound of a waterfall. This waterfall is adjacent to
the Scything Sun goblins cave and marks the point where the river splits with a
small tributary traveling through the bluffs to form the cave. If the characters dont
put the pieces together after hearing the sound of the waterfall, they can make a
Survival Skill Roll to determine that the sound is a waterfall and that the Green
River, after it bends and begins traveling northwest, is nearby. If the thieves are
humanoid, they are probably near the river as there are no other sources of fresh
water within the immediate region.
GREEN FOREST
The characters must step cautiously once inside the Green Forest. Many animals
call it home as do many poisonous plants. Plantation Road is about a 15 minute walk
through the Green Forest before reaching the Scything Sun goblins den. During this
time, roll a d6 for every four minutes of walking. The characters encounter the
following on the given d6 roll:
1. Black Widow Leaf plant
2. Wolf pack (two wolves per character) see page 105
3. Small footprints in the mud.
4. A group of hunting lynx (two lynx per character) see page 100
5. A pool of stagnant water.
6. A goblin scurrying off in the distance.
BLACK WIDOW LEAF
Black widow leaf plants are mildly poisonous plants with large, broad leaves
containing streaks of black.
Effect: Anyone contacting the black widow leaf plant must make an immediate
Vitality + Resist roll. On a failure, gain one level of Fatigue (see Fatigue page 62)
due to a fever being brought on by the plant. On a success, the plant doesnt affect
them.
STAGNANT WATER
The stagnant water appears to have accumulated dirt, debris, and possibly fungus.
Effect: Anyone drinking the stagnant water immediately begins throwing up due to
the fungus within. Additionally, they must make a Vitality + Resist roll to avoid
gaining two levels of Fatigue due to feeling sick to the stomach. Both levels of
Fatigue go away after four hours regardless of activity.
SCYTHING SUN GOBLIN DEN

After walking through the Green Forest for 15 minutes, the characters reach a
large opening to a cave. At the mouth of the cave is a wooden sign with a picture on
it depicting a scythe over a sun shining on a field of wheat. This is the lair of the
Scything Sun goblins. Descriptions for each section of the cave are detailed below
and refer to the number denoted on the map.
115

1. CAVE OPENING
The opening to the cave is quite large (approximately 60ft). Coming out of the
cave is a river about 10ft across and moving at a slow pace. If the characters search
the area around the cave they find that its surrounded by bluffs and the Green River
116

is nearby. If they follow a path to the top of
the bluffs, they find a tributary of the Green
River that breaks off and goes into the bluffs
(coming out at the cave opening).
Signs of recent activity can be seen
scattered about the mouth of the cave; this
may include footprints, discarded broken
weapons, or an empty bottle from the
Whole Boar tavern. The first 25ft of the cave
is lit by the sun shining through, but after
that the cave gets darker. Starting in
location 2, the cave is considered Dim
Illumination.
2. RAVINE
As the characters travel into the cave,
they find a small ravine cut into the floor.
Past the ravine is a pool that has formed
from the Green River tributary with a
phosphorescent fungus growing along its
edges. This fungus provides illumination
throughout the cave and its abundance on
the walls and along the banks of the water
makes it much easier to see and traverse.
The pool is only 3ft deep while the river is
around 4ft deep. Walking through the pool
doesnt introduce any additional penalties,
but walking through the river requires a
Strength + Athletics roll to avoid being
pushed 5ft downstream. This is the same
throughout the entire cave.
3. FIRE PIT
South of the ravine is a small outcropping
that forms a natural wall around a fire pit.
The fire pit hasnt been used in a very long
time as only ashes remain and the dirt
around it doesnt show signs of being
disturbed. This fire pit isnt used by the
goblins but instead was used by passers-by
many months before that didnt know the
cave was occupied by goblins.
4. CAVE MAZE
North of the ravine, across the river, is a
pair of openings that lead to a short maze of
caves. This is one of the areas where goblins
make their home. The characters encounter
the goblins if they enter the maze or if they
117

make enough noise around the pool (such as another goblin encounter). The walls of
the cave maze are quite close and most passageways are only 3ft. wide. The goblins
here dont partake in the raids abroad dont wear armor like the others do.
Goblins (two per character) see page 98
5. ALCOVE
On the other side of the outcropping from the fire pit is an alcove. The alcove is
used to store food. There are five crates with food in them, slowly rotting, and a trail
of food debris leading out of the alcove.
6. FISSURE PAIR
Along the southern banks of the pool is a pair of fissures. One is long while the
other is short, but both are only 5ft deep. These fissures help to slow people
traveling through the caves should they need to make a hasty retreat.
7. SHRINE
Around the corner from the fissures is an alcove with a very high ceiling. Its
eastern half contains a series of steps that rise to 40ft at the top. At the top of these
steps is a small shrine depicting the sun with a scythe atop it. A group of goblins are
there worshiping as the characters walk past.
Goblin warriors (one per character)
Goblins (one per character) see page 98
8. WALKWAY
The banks of the river give way to walls east of the pool. Three steps, each 10ft
high and around 5ft deep, take the characters up 30ft to a narrow ledge walkway.
The characters must move cautiously along this walkway to avoid falling into the
river. Although theyd be falling into water, the water is not very deep and is filled
with jagged rocks.
9. WESTERN BANKS
Across the river and down from the walkway is a trio of stalactites with an
opening behind them. This opening leads to a smaller section of cave where a bat
swarm currently resides.
Bat swarm (two) see page 102
10. ALCOVE
Halfway along the ledge walkway is an opening that leads up into another alcove.
This alcove can provide a safe place to hide as the goblins rarely use it.
11. WALKWAY
At this point, the walkway descends gradually back to a level even with the banks
of the river. The cave then opens to a larger area with many large stalactites flanking
the river and a small bridge going across to area 13. This area starts where most of
the goblins are typically found. The characters can encounter the following goblin
force here or in area 13 (as theyre connected by the bridge).
Goblin champion (one)
118

12. WESTERN BANKS
The western banks of the river stretch around a large part of the cave. Although
the area is not frequented by goblins, as it requires crossing the river, bats and rats
are frequent guests. Anywhere along this stretch a large swarm of rats can be
encountered.
Rat swarm (two) see page 102
13. GATHERING AREA
Area 13 is the main gathering area for the goblins. This is where they spend most
of their time while inside the caves. They can reach their shaman along the narrow
northern walkway and most of them sleep in area 14. The closer the characters get
to area 14, the greater the chances of encountering more goblins. The shaman can
optionally be encountered here as well, speaking to the goblins about the gem they
recovered.
14. SLEEPING AREA
This is where many of the goblins sleep. Signs of that can be found along with
many of the times theyve stolen from their raids on towns and villages. Evidence of
being at the Whole Boar tavern can be found, such as liquor bottles, and food from
the open market, such as what the characters already identified at the open market.
Goblin slingers (two per character)
15. GATHERING AREA
This is an extension of the goblins gathering areas. They can be encountered here
instead of other areas. A large ravine, 10ft deep, sits in the middle of this area,
flanked by many stalactites. Two alcoves along the southern wall can be found, but
neither leads to anything in particular.
16. END OF THE LAIR
The alcove at the end of the Scything Sun goblins lair gradually rises up to meet
the upper level of the river tributary. The alcove has become a bit of a treasure trove
as the goblins have stashed many of their findings in this area to keep them far from
those who may wish to steal them. Theres little that the characters would care
about, although they may find additional evidence of the goblins time in Westeroak.
17. SHAMANS DEN
The goblin shaman lives in an alcove at the rear of the lair. It can only be reached
by a narrow walkway along the northern wall as the current of the river is slightly
faster than at the mouth of the cave. Crossing this part of the river requires a Hard
(13) Strength + Athletics roll to avoid being pushed downstream and slammed
into rocks. The shaman will most likely hear any disturbances in the gathering areas
and run to aid his fellow goblins.
Goblin shaman (one)
WHY THE GOBLINS CARE
The Scything Sun goblins are a superstitious lot thanks to their shaman. He
believes the jade gem, which fits into one of the eye sockets of a green mask, holds
119

mystical powers that protect the goblins lair. The truth is that the green mask is
nothing more than a ceramic religious symbol and used as a decorative piece (which
the goblins stole long ago). The only reason the goblins lair has avoided detection
for so long is because of the dangers of traveling down the Plantation Road and
through Green Forest.
Up until now, the goblins have enjoyed raiding not-too-distant villages, towns, and
cities at night and escaping to their cave lair. Theyre able to escape the town watch
due to their violent tendencies and the fact that the watch (at any location) is afraid
to venture into the Green Forest. Threats like wolves, trolls, and possibly much more
are too much for the watch and the goblins are always let go. However, the
characters may change this now that they know what they face!
SCYTHING SUN GOBLINS

GOBLIN CHAMPION
Skills: Athletics d8, Awareness d8, Melee d8, Tracking d6
Gear: Shamshir (DMG 5), flanged mace (DMG 4), scale armor (all +3)
Abilities:
Two One-Handed Weapons: Goblin champions wield 2 one-handed
weapons and thus receive a free standard attack or parry action each
Combat Round.
GOBLIN SHAMAN
Skills: Awareness d10, Melee d6, Spiritualism d10, Tracking d8
Gear: staff (DMG 1 NL, 2H, Reach 10, Parry +2, uses Agility), leather armor (torso,
legs, arms +1)
Power Points: 24
Powers: Spirit + Spiritualism; confuse, sense, shield, topple, wind
Abilities:
GOBLIN SLINGERS
Gear: Bone knife (DMG 2), slingshot (90ft, DMG 1 NL), leather armor (all +1)
Abilities:
120

GOBLIN WARRIORS
Skills: Athletics d6, Awareness d6, Melee d6, Stealth d4, Tracking d8
Gear: Shortsword with gut hook (DMG 4), leather armor (all +1)
Abilities:
121

player
character
race
age
homeland gender
concept family
background
8 8 8 8
6 10 6 10 6 10 6 10
4 12 4 12 4 12 4 12
Agility Charisma Intelligence Perception

8 8 8 8
6 10 6 6 10 6 10
10
4 12 4 12 4 12 4 12
Psyche Spirit Strength Vitality
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
4 6 8 10 12 4 6 8 10 12
AMMO
5
10
15
Maximum
Wounded 20
Injured 25
30
35
1 2 3 Bonus Fatigue -2 -4 -6 Incapacitated

Weapon Range DMG ROF Shots ENC Notes
Equipment ENC
Head:
Torso:
Arms:
Legs:
Special:
Total Weight Carried:
Weight Limit:
Encumbrance Penalty:
Attribute 4 6 8 10 12
Skill 4 6 8 10 12
Power Difficulty Notes

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ENTROPY

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Players and Gamemasters

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Adventures, Campaigns, and Settings

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

STEP ONE: CHARACTER CONCEPT

STEP TWO: RACE

STEP THREE: ATTRIBUTES

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

STEP FOUR: SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

STEP FIVE: SKILLS

STEP SIX: GEAR

STEP SEVEN: QUALITIES

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

STEP EIGHT: FINISHING TOUCHES

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Attribute and Skill Combinations

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

RANGED WEAPONS TABLE

Extended Skill Tests

ATTACKING AND DEFENDING

DAMAGE AND HEALTH

Heroic Dice Pool

CREATING POWERED CHARACTERS

Powered Character Concepts

UNDERSTAND THE MECHANICS

MAKE IT YOUR GAME

GETTING THE CHARACTERS INVOLVED

KEEPING THE PARTY TOGETHER

MINIONS AND ALLIES

Creating Your World

ATTRIBUTES AND SECONDARY ATTRIBUTES

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)

Eric Rodriguez (order #6197005)