Copyright (c) 2004, Samuel Penn.
This document can be redistributed and/or modified under the terms of the GNU Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation version 2.
Brytish | Version 1.16 ( 2006/07/10 ) |
| Bryteland |
The people of Brytish are a hardy, independent folk, with little patience for those who are lazy or incompetent. All men in Bryteland are free and equal, though some are more equal than others. Nobility and royalty exist, though movement between classes is fairly common. The quickest way into the nobility is to become a respected warrior. The quickest way out, is to loose the trust of those you claim to rule.
Slavery exists, though it is uncommon, and tends to be more due to a temporary financial setback, than a social class. Any slave may purchase their freedom at any time, often for an agreed upon amount when the person entered slavery.
The following skills are common amongst the Brytish. Unless otherwise noted, anyone can learn them as long as they have had a reasonable opportunity to.
Brytish borrows from the Rornic language, but originally split from it many centuries ago. A Rornic or Brytish speaker is at -4 to their skill when trying to communicate with a speaker of the other tongue.
Brytish is quite similar to Tannish, and speakers are at -1 to their skill when trying to communicate.
Many Brytish follow the god Ashek, or at least have a passing familiarity with his ideals and traditions. Basic knowledge of Ashek will also be gained from the Area Lore (Bryteland) skill.
Knowledge of the Brytish pantheon of gods. The principle god is Voltan, and all nearly all worship is directed at him. Knowledge of the skill gives knowledge of the ceremonies of the Cult of Voltan, as well as general knowledge of the other gods of the Pantheon.
Brytish characters may choose from the following advantages at the start of the game. These advantages cannot be obtained later.
Berserker (5):
You are a Berserker, one of an elite few in Brytish society who has been touched by the madness of the god Voltan. Your life may be short, but many long stories will undoubtably be told about it. Berserkers are born, not made, so this advantage cannot be taken after character creation.
When in combat, you may choose to go berserk. This is automatic, and no roll is required. Whilst berserk, you may only ever use the aggressive stance, and may only make a single defence. You must also only attack your nearest foe, unless there is a clear route to a hero or leader worthy of your bloodlust.
You gain a bonus to certain rolls and checks equal to your Brawl score. What this bonus applies to depends on the total of your Valour and Ferocity traits, plus the lowest of Lust and Gluttony. All bonuses are cumulative.
| Total | Bonus to... |
|---|---|
| 3 or less | No bonuses. |
| 4-5 | Fear and health checks. Reduce all wound, stun and fatigue penalties by one level. |
| 6-7 | Initiative and attack. Reduce penalties by three levels. |
| 8-9 | Damage rolls. Ignore all wound, stun and fatigue penalties. |
| 10+ | All skill checks. Ignore unconsciousness results. |
In order to leave the berserk state, a will check is required (modified by ferocity) at the following difficulties.
| Target | Circumstances |
|---|---|
| 10 | No one in sight. |
| 15 | No enemies. |
| 20 | Good reason. The battle is almost over, and there is a very good reason to leave the fight (such as needing to save someone important, or an important mission to accomplish). |
| 25 | Moderate reason. Either the battle is almost over or there is a good reason. |
| 30 |
Fearless (1):
You are a fearless, descended from the ancient warriors of old. You gain +1 to your Valorous trait (or gain it at 1, if you don't already have it). May not be combined with Cowardice. It stacks with Valorous.
Hatred (shapechangers) (-3):
All Brytish have a strong dislike of shapechangers, especially those who follow the Animal Powers. You have a particularly strong hatred which drives them into a fury against their foe.
When knowingly encountering a shapechanger, you must make a trait check against restraint at a target of 20. Failure means your actions are clouded by hate and a desire for violence.
Male, age 21
A brytish lore master and poet.
Talents: Ath-2; Awa-2; Bra-2; Cha-3; Gui-2; Sle-2; Ste-2; Thr-2;
Knowledges: Area lore-4; Faerie lore-3; Law-4; Legend lore-3; Speak own-4;
Social: Etiquette-2; Perform-4;
Magic: Spirit-2;
Good attribute (Intelligence), Poor attribute (Agility)
You are a Skald, one of the loremasters of the Brytish people. Your knowledge of the old histories and laws earns you great respect wherever you go. As well as being a master of lore, you have some knowledge of the mysteries of magic, and are capable of entertaining and educating people.
The profession of Skald is limited only to men. Women who wish to take up such pursuits join the Sisterhood of Jorda.
age 16
Half crazed warriors.
Talents: Ath-3; Awa-3; Bra-4; Cha-2; Gui-2; Sle-2; Ste-2; Thr-4;
Knowledges: Area lore-4; Speak own-4;
Combat: Great weapon-4; Single weapon-2; Weapon and shield-4;
Combat reflexes [Melee] (2)
Good attribute (Strength), Poor attrite (Will), Berserker (5) , Valorous (3) , Bloodlust (-3) , Lustful (-1) , Gluttony (-1)
The berserkers are a feared breed of warrior found in Bryteland.
age 16
Sea raider.
Talents: Ath-2; Awa-3; Bra-3; Cha-2; Gui-2; Sle-2; Ste-3; Thr-4;
Knowledges: Area lore-4; Speak own-4;
Combat: Longshaft weapon-2; Weapon and shield-4;
Viking: Boating-4; Navigation-2; Survival (Coastal)-2; Swim-2;
Good attribute (Strength), Poor attribute (Empathy), Valorous (3) , Lustful (-1) , Gluttony (-1)
The coastal settlements of Bryteland, especially the western isles, are a source of raiders and pirates who make a living plundering the coast and ships of southern lands.
As a Viking, you have a reputation of being a fearless warrior who believes that might is right.
Copyright (c) 2004, Samuel Penn.
This document can be redistributed and/or modified under the terms of the GNU Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation version 2.