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Wheel of Time RPG PDF
Wheel of Time RPG PDF
Robert Jordan
Charleston, SC
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The Wheel of Time novels by Robert Jordan depict a won- movie, except that the action and adventure takes place
drous fantasy realm filled with unusual and sophisticated in your imagination, not on a screen. There isn't even a
cultures, fearsome monsters, the awesome forces of evil, script, other than the notes or rough outline used by one
and world-shaping prophecies. Since the debut of Jor- of the people involved, the Gamemaster. The Gamemas-
dan's first novel, The Eye of the World, the stories of Rand, ter serves as tlie director and special effects designer. He
Egwene, Perrin, and the other denizens of this world have decides what sort of story to tell- a mission to rescue a
captivated millions, and the novels themselves have spent kidnapped noble, the search for a long-lost ter'angreal or
weeks on the bestseller lists. With the Wheel of Time Role- a battle against a tremendous horde of Trollocs, for ex-
playing Game, you can recre'ate the feelings of adventure ample-and then lets tl1e players place ilieir characters
and wonder that fill the novels by crafting your own sto- into ilie story and participate in it (perhaps in the process
ries set in Jordan's world. All you need are some dice, a changing it from what he had in mind). The Gamemaster
few friends, and your imagination. also takes on the roles of all characters not played by the
players- the villains, ilie extras, the special guest stars.
Last but not least, the Gamemaster lmows and keeps track
THIS IS THE of the rules, interprets what happens when a character
WHEEL OF TIME performs an action, and describes the events of the story
in light of what the characters do. By working together,
The terrifying and seductive might of the One Power, ilie players and the Gamemaster create a story, and every-
with which channelers can remake the very world around body has a great tin1e.
them .. .
Deadly subhuman Trollocs, am1ed with weapons
forged in Thakan'dar, and driven into battle against the THIS IS THE
forces of light by eyeless Myrddraal ...
The machinations of the Aes Sedai, the Children of
WHEEL OF TIME
the Light, the Seanchan, the Forsaken, the Aiel, and ROLEPLAYING
countless oilier groups as they seek to save the world- or
to conquer it ...
GAME
The destiny and anguish of Rand al'Thor, the Dragon When you combine the wondrous elements of ilie Wheel
Reborn himself . .. of Time setting with the imagination-powered engine of a
The Wheel of Time is modern epic fantasy at its finest, roleplaying game, you get your chance to have your own
full of drama, adventure, action, intrigue, magic, and that adventures in Jordan's world. Everything you need is in
sense of wonder and imagination that ties it all together. this book except ilie dice. To get started quickly, use one
The heroes, though larger than life and possessed of pow- of ilie Fast~Track methods of character creation (see pages
ers almost beyond comprehension, nevertheless feel all- 9- 15) and play the starting adventure (see Chapter 15:
too-human doubts and fears. The villains, as the very What Fo1lows in Shadow). That should give you a good
embodiments of utter evil, stand ready to take advantage feel for the game. After you've finished, you can look
of the heroes' weaknesses and cast tl1e entire world under ilirough ilie rest of the book and decide if you want to
the Shadow. The story is grand, the stakes are higb, the create your own characters and adventures, or keep on
world is lushly detailed. Plus, it's fun. The heroes get to playing the characters you used in the first game. This
destroy evil creatures wiili magic, outwit ilie conspirators book provides you with a wealth of options- you can play
in the Aes Sedai, experience new cultures, go on quests to just about any type of character you can think of, in any
find items of amazing power, and fall in love. It's the sort part of the Wheel ofTime world. The only limits are the ex-
of story we want to be a part of. tent of your imagination, and what the Gamemaster will
allow in his game.
When you play the Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game,
THIS IS A you create a unique fictional character who lives in your
imagination and the imaginations of your fellow players.
ROLE PLAYING One of the players, the Garnemaster (GM), controls the
GAME villains, ilie folk on the street, and other people who live
in the Wheel of Time world. He or she is ilie one who
A roleplaying game is a game of your imagination, in
comes up with ilie stories your group will tell, and who
which you use the rules and your own creativity to tell
places cframatic obstacles in ilie way of your success- as
stories and have adventures. You take on the role of a
players, you and your friends face the dangers and ex-
character you create- not a character from one of the nov-
plore the mysteries the GM presents as part of the story.
els, but one of your own devising. The game resembles a
The series of stories you and the GM create, and the ad- WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY: Here's what you
ventures your characters have, are referred to collectively need to start playing the Wheel of Time Ro/eplaying Game:
as you r campaign. • This book, which tells you how to create and play
Anything is possible in the Wheel efTime Roleplaying your character.
Game. Your character can attempt anything you can • A copy of the character sheet for your character; this
think of- leaping across a broad chasm, scaling a sheer is your record of what she can do and how well she
tower, fighting a duel with one of the Forsaken, or de- can do it.
stroying a group of Trollocs with the One Power, to • A pencil and some scratch paper; in some cases, yo u' ll
name just a few examples. If the GM lets you try it, and find graph paper useful, too.
the dice (represen ting the random factors of fate) roll in • One or two four-sided dice (d4), four or more six-
your favor, then your character succeeds. If you attempt sided dice (d6), an eight-sided die (d8), two ten-sided
something that's too difficult for you, or the dice don't dice (dlO), a twelve-sided die (dl2), and a twenty-
roll well, then you'll fail, with potentially serious conse- sided die (d20). If you don't have these already, you
quences. can buy them at your local hobby store.
This game uses a core mechanic for all actions, keep- • Tn some games, a miniature, an action figure, or some-
ing play fast and intuitive. Th is involves the use of a thing else that represents your character in the game.
twenty-sided die (or "d20"). Whenever the GM or the
rules require you to roll dice to see if your character suc-
ceeds with a task (such as an attack, the use of a skill o r
WHAT You NEED TO READ: If you're a player,
you only have to read the front sections of this book- the
an ability, or an attempt to save you rself from harm), you
parts describing character creation, skills, feats, and
do this:
equipment. If you're a Gamemaster, you will also need to
access the back sections, which provide advice for run-
• roll a d20.
ning the game, tell you how to create thrilling encoun-
• add any relevant modifiers.
ters, and describe some opponents you can use in the
• compare the result to a target number (set by the GM
adventures you create. Either way, yo u don't have to read
or the rules).
all of that material in depth. Scan over it, reading the
parts that interest you or are needed for your game. Much
If the roll equals, or is higher than, the target number,
of the rest is reference that you can refer to as needed. At
your character succeeds. Otherwise, he fails.
the very back of the book is a starting adventure, Whal
Now, get ready. The Wheel ofTime turns, weaving as il
Fo/101os in Shadow, that you can run if you like.
will, and it's bringing you adventure. Enjoy!
Of course, the rich and detailed world of The Wheel of
Time is too grand to be covered exhaustively in this
CHARACTERS: Your characters are the main charac- book. You have probably already read many or all of the
ters of your story-the "stars" of the "movie" you and Wheel ofTime novels. Tf not, reading them at your leisure
your friends create as you play the game. This book can help flesh out the details and atmosphere of this
sometimes refers to them as ''heroes"- meaning the main game's background.
protagonists of the story, not just the good guys. Each
character is different from every other character; having
his or her own background and unique combination of
DICE: To determine the outcome of events and actions
when a chance of failure exists, players roll dice as de-
profession, skills, and personality. Your character could
scribed above. For ease of reference, the rules abbreviate
be ...
dice rolls with phrases such as "3d6+1," which means
"three six-sided dice plus l" (generating a number be-
• A grizzled old Cairbienin noble, a veteran of the po-
tween 4 and 19). The first number tells you how many
litical Game of Houses.
dice to roll (you add all of them together), the number
• A young soldier, eager for his first taste of battle and
after the "d" tells you what type of dice to use, and any
glory.
number after that indicates a quantity you add to or sub-
• A roguish gambler, whose gruff and sarcastic nature
tract from the result.
conceals a heart of gold.
For example:
• A wilder desperately trying to hide her powers from
2d4: Two four-sided djce, generating a number from
the Aes Sedai
2 to 8. This is the amoun t of damage a boarspear deals.
• A member of the fanatical Children of the Light.
3d8: Three eight-sided dice, generating a number
• An Ogier scholar, traveling outside his mystical sled-
from 3 to 24. This is the amount of damage the create fire
ding to learn more about the world.
weave does when cast at 4th level.
• A fierce Aiel warrior of the desert, ready to dance the
dO/o: The "d%" (percentile dice) is a special case. You
spears with anyone who offends or challenges him.
generate a number between l and 100 by rolling two dif-
• An initiate of the Aes Sedai, eager to explore the ex-
ferent-colored ten-sided dice. One color (designated be-
tent of her newfound abilities.
fore you roll) is the tens digit. The other is the ones digit.
• Or anything else you can imagine.
A roll of 8 and 5, for example, gives you a result of 85. A
0 and 3 equals 3. Rolling 0 and 0 represents 100.
ERAS AND PLACES times, the GM has a little bit more leeway when it comes
to creating his own characters, places, and events.
OF PLAY On. the other hand, some Gamemasters may want to
engage _m even more speculation and create a campaign in
The Wheel of Time Rolep/aying Game allows you to set ad- the penod after the novels end. In this case, you have to
ventures and campaigns in any era or region of the Wheel
decide _what t~e ultimate outcome of the Wheel of Time
of Time world. Most campaigns will take place in the time saga will be-victory for Rand and the forces of Light, the
depicted in the novels: the period in which the turning of
triumph of the Dark One and a new age of torment for
the Wheel reveals Ra~d al'Thor as the Dragon Reborn,
the world, or something in between-and then describe to
and the fate of the entire world hangs in the balance as he
the players what has occurred. This option provides for
opposes the mind-numbing power of the Dark One.
the widest scope of GM creativity, since everything, right
That's where most of our material is centered, and where
down_ to the ve~ shape of t11e world, could change. How-
the adventures in this book and the Prophecies of the
e_ver, 1~ also requires more work to create the campaign set-
Dragon adventure book are set. ting, since the GM can't just rely on information from the
But you don't have to set your game during the novels
novels (he has to make up a lot of new material himself).
if you don't want to. Ifyou prefer, you can run a campaign you also have to decide where you will set your game.
that takes place twenty years earlier, during the Aiel War.
Agam, for most campaigns, the choice is obvious: the main
Characters in that campaign would either be Aiel, striving
part of the world, where all the action of the novels takes
to destroy the wetlander foes who have so grievously in-
place. The characters can search for adventure in Tarabon
sulted them, or typical denizens of the Wheel ofTime world,
Il_lian, Altara, Tear, Cairhien, Andor, Shienar, and othe;
trying to protect Cairhien, Tar Yalon, and the other king-
king?oms fami~ar to them from thousands of pages of
doms against the threat of the fierce desert spearmen.
reading. For a slightly different twist, the Gamemaster can
Gamemasters willing to do a little more work to set
run a campai?n set in the Aiel Waste, forcing the characters
up their campaigns can choose even earlier times for their
to confront issues such as dehydration and heatstroke in
games. A game set during the War of the Hundred Years
addition to Trollocs and other, more typical, threats.
the time of Artur Hawkwing, the Ten Nations period, o;
The world of the Wheel ofTime is large, so you don't have
the Age of Legends before the Breaking of the World
to play a game set on the main continent if you don't want
presents many intriguing possibilities for wondrous ad-
to. Imagine the possibilities in a game set in Seanchan
ventures and exciting storytelling. And since we don't
Shara, or the mysterious "Land of the Madmen" that onJ;
know as much about those eras as we do about modem
An armsman, Aes Sedai, 'lVanderer, and noble make their way through the Mountaim of Mist.
7
the Atha'an Miere have seen. Who knows what the charac- character : A fictional individual in the Wheel of Time
ters might encounter in such a place-new races of sentient game setting.
beings, remmnts from the Age of Legends, strange forms of character class: One of the following player character
magic, terrifying monsters and creatures, or wonderful treas- types: algai'd'siswai, armsman, initiate, noble, wanderer,
ures? As with a game set in earlier historical periods, a game wilder, or woodsman. Class defines a character's predom-
that features a relatively unknown geographical location of~ iJ1ant talents and general function within a group, and
fe.rs the Gamemaster a lot of freedom to create things on his sometimes his profession or calling as well.
own- but on the other hand, it also requires him to create check: A method of deciding the result of a character's
them, and not every GM wants to do that much work. action (other than attacking or making a saving throw)
Characters in any of these times or settings have cer- that has a chance of failu re. Checks depend on a relevant
tain aspects in common. They carry weapons such as character ability, skill, or other characteristic. To make a
swords and axes, using them to fight against terrible ene- check, roll l d20 and add any relevant modifiers. If the
niies. They manipulate the One Power, wielding it as the check result equals or exceeds the Difficulty Class of the
greatest weapon of all in their stmggles against evil (or, task or the result of an opponent's check, the character
sometimes, on behalf of evil). They interact with nobles succeeds.
and kings, innkeepers and peasants, wanderers and sol- critical hit (crit): A hit that strikes a vital area and
diers. But their world is more than this. No matter what therefore deals extra damage. To score a critical hit, an at-
time or place the Gamemaster chooses, neither he, nor tacker must first score a threat (usually a natural 20 on an
his players, can escape the effects of the Wheel of Time. attack roll, depending on the weapon he uses) and then
The Wheel always turns, bringing new ages, new oppor- succeed on a critical roll Gust like another attack roll).
tunities, and new dangers. The characters will need strong D C: Difficulty Class.
arms, clever minds, good friends, and perhaps the One damage: A decrease in hit points, an ability score, or
Power to see them through to victory. some otber aspect of a character, caused by injury, illness,
or the One Power.
deal damage : To cause damage to a target with a suc-
TERMS AND cessful attack.
Defense: A measure of how difficult a character is to
DEFINITIONS hit in combat.
The following terms appear throughout the Wheel of Time Difficulty Class (DC): The target number a player
Roleplaying Game. When you can't remember what a par- must equal or exceed on a check or saving throw to succeed.
ticular term means, you can always turn back to tliis glos- dying: Near death and unconscious. A dying charac-
sary and look it up. ter has run out of hit points and can take no actions.
ability: One of the six basic character qualities- experience points (XP): A numerical measure of a
Strength (Str), Dexterity (Dex), C011stitution (Con), Intel- character's personal achievement and advancement. The
ligence (Int), Wisdom (Wis), and Charisma (Cha). GM awards XP at the end of each adventure based on
action : A character activity. There are attack actions, what the characters have accomplished.
move actions, full-round actions, and free actions. fail: To achieve an unsuccessful result for a check, sav-
adventure: A story for characters to experience, ing throw, or other determination involving a die roll.
sometimes called a "scenario" or a "niission." The events flat-footed: Especially vulnerable to attack.s at the be-
depicted in a given Wheel of Time novel, such as The ginning of a battle. Ch a racter~ are flat-footed until their
Dragon Reborn, often make up one long adventure, some- fus t turns in the initiative cycle. Flat-footed characters
times broken down into a series of "subadventures." cannot use their Dexterity bonuses to Defense.
attack: Any of numerous actions intended to harm, free action: A minor activity that consumes very lit-
disable, or neutralize au opponent. tle time and effort.
attack action: A type of action that allows you to do full-round action : An action that uses all of your ef-
something, such as make an attack, or use a skill or feat. fort in a round. Some skills, feats, and weaves require full-
attack roll: A roll to determine whether an attack hits. round actions, as does making multiple attacks (if you are
To make an attack roll, roll ld20 and add the appropriate permitted to do so).
modifiers for the attack type. An attack hits if the result Gam emaster (GM): The player who portrays charac-
equals or exceeds the target's Defense. ters not controlled by the other players, makes up the
bonus : A positive modifier to a die roll. story setting for the game, and serves as the referee.
campaign : A series of linked adventures that form the Gamemaster character (GM character): A character
backdrop against which the characters interact and partic- controlled by the Gamemaster, as opposed to a character
ipate in the campaign world. The events depicted over the controlled by a player. Also referred to as an "NPC"
course of the Wheel of Time novels make up a campaign. (nonplayer character).
channel: To wield the One Power, a magiclike force hero: A character controlled by a player, one of the
open to those with a natural gift for it. main protagonists of an adventure or campaign. Also re-
chan neler class: A character class that represents the ferred to as a "player character."
ability to channel. The initiate and wilder classes, for ex- hit points: A measure of a character's ability to
ample, are channeler classes. withstand injury. When a character takes damage from
an attack, that damage reduces his threat range: All natural die
hit point total. When a character's roll results that constitute a threat
hit points reach zero, he is disabled when rnlled for an attad<. Most
(and thus near death). When his hit weapons have a threat range of
points reach -10, he is dead. 20. Some weapons have greater
melee attack: A physical attack threat ranges. However, any attack
used in close combat, such as that doesn't result in a hit does
punching someone, slashing at him not constitute a threat.
with a sword, or chopping at him trained: Having at least 1 rank
with an axe. in a skill.
melee weapon: A handheld unarmed attack: A melee at-
weapon designed for close combat, tack made without the use of a
such as a sword, spear, or axe. weapon.
modifier: Any bonus or penalty untrained: Having no ranks in
applied to a die roll. a skill. Some skills can be used
move action: This type of ac- untrained, others cannot.
tion allows you to move a nwnber weave: An magiclike effect
of feet equal to your speed, climb, constructed (or "woven") by a
draw a weapon, pick up an item, or channeler from the One Power.
perform some other similar activity. weave level: The magnitude of
natural: A natural result on a a weave. Beginning channelers
roll or check is the actual number cannot cast weaves as powerful as those of ex-
appearing on the die, not the modified re- perienced channelers. Many weaves can be
su It obtained by adding bonuses or sub- cast at varying levels, depending on the power
tracting penalties. level the channeler intends the effect to have.
One Power, the: The mystical source of
energy that channelers draw upon to create
their magical weaves. It actually consists of FAST-TRACK
two sources: saidi11, the male half usable only
by male channelers, and saidar, the female
CHARACTER
half accessible only to female channelers. CREATION
penalty: A negative modifier to a die
Tairen wanderer The Wheel turns ....
roll.
Once again, war and darkness threaten the world. The
range increment: Each full range increment of dis-
Dark One stirs fitfully in his prison in Shayol Ghu1,
tance between an attacker using a ranged weapon and a
struggling against the bonds the Creator set upon him at
target gives the attacker a cumulative -2 penalty on the
the moment of creation. If he, or his chief servants the
ranged attack roll. Thrown weapons have a maximum
Forsaken, break free, they could plunge the world into a
range of five range increments. Projectile weapons have a
new age of shadow and despair, when evil things oppress
maximum range of ten range increments.
and abuse good people.
ranged attack: Any attack made at a d istance using a
A time such as this demands heroes. Perhaps you are
ranged weapon.
such a hero-perhaps you have what it takes to protect
ranged weapon: A thrown or projectile weapon de-
your famiJy, friends, home, and the world from the threat
signed for attacking from a distance, such as a throwing
posed by the Dark One and his minions. Brave, daring,
knife, thrown spear, or bow.
and ready to prove yourself, you're prepared for whatever
round : A six-second unit of game time used to man-
fate the Wheel weaves for you ... or so you think. Ac-
age combat. Every character in combat may take at least
companied by friends as bold and adventurous as your-
one action every round.
self, armed with swords, determination, and perhaps the
saving throw (save): A roll made to avoid (at least
eerie might of rhe One Power itself, you stand ready to
partially) damage or harm. The three types of saving
face what lies ahead. This is your story....
rhrows are Fortitude, Reflex, and Will.
stack: To combine for a cumulative effect. In most
cases, modifiers to a given check or roll stack if they have USING A HERO TEMPLATE: In the Wheel ofTime
different descriptors, regardless of their sources. If the Roleplaying Game, the quickest way to create a character is
modifiers to a particu lar roll do not stad<, only the best to select a hero template. A template gives you a ready-to-
bonus or worst penalty applies. Dodge bonuses, circum- play character, complete with a background, class, ability
stance bonuses, and synergy bonuses, however, do stack scores, skills, feats, weapons, equipment, money, and a
with each other unless otherwise specified. colorful quotation. Once you provide a name and any
target: The intended recipient of an attack, action, or other details you'd like, and you're ready to take on any
One Power weave. adventure your Gamemaster comes up with. Tum to page
threat: A possible critical hit. 11 to check out che templates.
9
RANDOM CHARACTER CREATION: If you ate, noble, wanderer, wilder, and woodsman. Chapter 3:
don't have a specific type of character in mind, or you'd Classes describes each one in detail, including any re-
prefer to create your own 1st-level character from scratch strictions the class suffers from . After you select a class,
instead of using a hero template, all you have to do is fol- write it (and any relevant information from Chapter 3)
low these steps. You'll need a photocopy of the character down on your character sheet.
sheet (found on page 318-319), a pen or pencil, some
scra tch paper, and four six-sided dice. 4. Assign and Adjust Ability Scores: Now that
you know your character's bad<ground and class, assign
0. Check with Your Gamemaster and Fellow the scores you rolled in Step 1 to your character's six abil-
Players: First, consult with your GM. He may have es- ities: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wis-
tablished campaign basics (such as a time period, setting, dom, and Charisma.
or preferred type of player character) that you need to be Consider two things when deciding how to assign
aware of. For example, if the GM wants all characters to your scores. First, think about what sort of person your
come from the western or southern coastal kingdoms, character is. What are his strengths and weaknesses? What
you're just wasting your time if you create an Aiel charac- is he like, both physically and mentally? If he's strong and
ter. Additionally, your GM may have "house rules"-spe- tough, that means he has relatively high scores in Strength
cial m ies for his game that vary from the standard rules and Constitution. A character with a wily, ingratiating per-
p resented in this book (for instance, perhaps h e's changed sonaJity might have high Intelligence, Dexterity, and/or
the damage that longswords do). Charisma abilities. A wise old man who has survived
Last but nor least, you should also talk to the other play- many scrapes might have high Wisdom and Constitution.
ers. It will help you to know what character types they plan Second, think about you r character's class. It usually
to play, so that you can create a character who fits well into helps you in the game if you put high scores in abilities
the group. For example, if several other players have de- that accentuate your character's class. Each class descrip-
signed armsman characters, or other characters whose pri- tion explains which abilities are important for that class.
mary talents lie in combat, you might have more fun with a For example, armsmen benefit from high Strength. and
noble, wanderer, or channeler-someone different from the nobles from high Charisma. However, you should keep
rest of the group, so that you have your own special "niche." these class considerations seconda ry to your character
conception. Sometimes going against the stereotype-by,
1. Ability Scores: Determi ne your character's six for example., creating a highly intelligent armsman- .is
ability scores by rolling four six-sided dice for each one. more fun than obtaining some game-related benefit.
Ignore the lowest die and add up the other three. Write After you assign your scores, record the modifier for
down your six results on scratch paper. each ability, as shown on Table 1-1: Ability Modifiers.
lf you roll poorly and get low scores, you can roll This number tells you how far above (or below) average
again. Your scores are considered too low if your total your character is in that ability.
modifiers (before changes according to background) are 0
or less, or if your highest score is 13 or lower. (See Table 5. Record Background and Class Features:
1- 1: Ability Modifiers for ability score modifiers.) Your character's background and class grant certain fea-
tures- special powers, feats, skills, and other benefits (and
2. Choose Background: Where is your character d rawbacks). Most the character gets automatically, but
&om? Except for Ogier d1aracters, all of the character in a some require you to make choices. Look ahead in the
Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game campaign are human; what rules if you need more informatio n to make these
sets them apart is where they grew up-their social and cul- choices. And remember, you can always backtrack and do
tu ral background, in other words. Backgrounds you can something over if you get a better idea.
choose for play are : Aiel; Atha'an Miere (Sea Folk); Bor-
derlander; Cairhienin; Domani; Ebou Dari; Illianer; Mid- 6. Select Skills: Depending on your character's class
lander; Tairen; Taraboner; and Tar Valoner. You can also and Intelligence modifier, you receive a certain number
play an Ogier. Chapter 2: Backgrounds provide a complete of skill points. You spend these points to buy skills for
description of each of these options. After you select a your character.
background, write it down on your character sheet. The rules of the Wbeel ofTime Ro!eplaying Game measure
skiJls with ranks. Each rank adds + 1 to checks (rolls) you
3. Choose Class: In the next step, you ch oose your make to use a skill. Each rank costs 1 skill point. At 1st level,
character's class. A class represents the primary way of life you can buy up to 4 ranks in a class skill or up to 2 ranks in
your character has fully embraced-his profession, avoca- a cross-class skill (a skill from ano ther class's list of skills).
tion, and/or lifestyle. Since it's such an important part of See Chapter 3: Classes for a list of each class's skills, and
who he is, his class provides an excellent starting point Chapter 4: Skills for a complete description of all skills.
from which you can define your character- it's a hook on A quick tip: The process of buying skills goes faster if
which you can hang the character's abilities, personality, you simply spend 4 skill points (the maximum you can
skills, and other traits. spend at 1st level) on every skill you buy. You won't end
The seven classes you can choose from in the Wheel of up with as many skills as you might otherwise, but you'll
Time Roleplaying Grtme are: 11/gai'd'siswa1: armsman, initi- finish buying them in just a cou ple of minutes.
7. Select Feats: Feats are special features that grant a Gamemaster's permission to do so). Follow all the steps
character new capabilities, or improve capabilities he al- listed for random characater creation, but modify Step I
ready has. All 1st-level characters start with at least one as described below.
feat (in addition to fea ts gained due to background or
class). See Table 5-1: Feats for a list of available feats. 1. Ability Scores: Instead of rolling dice to deter-
mine your character's scores, you select them by spend-
8. Select Equipment: Next, you have to select ing points. This requires you to do more up-front
equipment for your character. You have two options. planning. You have to know exactly what kind of charac-
First, yo u can select the equipment listed with the hero ter you want to create, so you can select appropriate abil-
template most closely related to your d 1aracter. If you ity scores. Before proceeding, determine you r character's
choose this option, your character also has addjtional backgro1.md, the class he will belong to, and if necessary
spending money equal to one-fourth (25%) of the the type of career he will pursue within that class. (For
amount listed on the table below for his class. example, an armsmen built to become a mercenary sol-
Second, you can choose to buy all of your eqwpmenc dier will probably differ from one built to become a
piece by piece. Your character has a number of silver noble's bodyguard.)
marks randomly determined according to the Random With this method, all of your character's ability scores
Starting Money table. After he buys his equipment, any start at 8. You have 25 points to spend to increase these
money left over becomes his spending money for the scores. The table below shows how many points it costs
early part of the campaign. (Hopefully he'll earn some to increase a score.
more before he spends it all!).
~ Score Cost Score Cost
C lass Starting Silver Marks 8 0 14 6
Algai'd'siswai 3d4 x l O 9 1 15 8
Armsman 5d4 x l O 10 2 16 10
Initiate 3d4 x lO 11 3 17 13
Noble 5d6 x lO 12 4 18 16
Wanderer 4d4 x l O 13 5
Wilder 3d4 x lO
Woodsman 4d4 xlO The Standard Score Package: Alternatively, you
can use a balanced mix of ability scores, arranging them
9. Record Combat and Skill Numbers: Based any way you wish to design your hero character. This
on your character's background, class, ability modi- mix creates a character with mostly above-average
fiers, feats, and equipment, determine the fo llow- scores, but one score that entails a penalty. As with the
ing numbers: point-based method described above, you appl y back-
Attack bonus, Defense, hit points, saving ground modifiers after you assign the scores to specific
throws, and initiative modifier (Chapter 8: abilities.
Combat); skill modifiers (Chapter 4: Skills); The standard score mix is:
and weapon statistics (Chapter 7: Equip- 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8
ment).
AES SEDAI ACCEPTED
10. Finishing Touches: You're almost Domani Level 1 Initiate
done- just a few finishing touches left to Ability Scores
polish up the character and get hin1 ready Str 8, Dex 12, Con 10, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 13
to play. Come up with a name for your Hit Points: 4
character, and then devise a brief back- Defense: +3
ground. (Something as simple as "A wilder Reputation: 1
from an Andoran village who ran away from SkiJJs
home to seek her fo rtune" will do.) You can Bluff +5 Concentration +4
add as much detail as you like later, or even Decipher Script +6 Diplomacy +5
change some details after you get a better feel Gather Information +3 Heal +6
for your character- assuming your Gamemaster Intimidate +3 Knowledge (arcana) +6
permits the changes, of course! Sense Motive +6 Composure +6
Weavesight +6
Peats: Extra Talent, Persuasive, Street Smart
PLANNED CHARACTER CREATION:
Weapons: Dagger
If you want a little more control over the ry pe
Gear: Jeweled signet ring (70 mk), white Accepted's dress
of character you create- say, you have a spe-
Money: 78 mk
cific type of 1st-level character in mind-use
Description: You were just a simple villager or city girl until
this method of character creation instead of
an Aes Sedai detected in you the potential to channel
the random one (but make sure you have the
the One Power. She took you away with her to Tar
Z>omani Aes Sedai
11
Valen, where you became an Aes Sedai novice. For Description: AJJ your life, you've known how terrible
years you divided your time between hard labor in the the Aes Sedai, and the false Dragons, and anyone else
Tower, and harder labor in the classroom, as you who could channel the "One Power" could be. After
learned to touch the True Source. Eventually, after you all, they're the ones who Broke the World! There's no
had learned enough, you took and passed the test of the reason to believe that they're any less trustworthy
three-arched ter'angreal and became an Accepted. With now that the Dark One has had a few centuries to
the Great Serpent ring on your finger, you can already work his influence upon them. Anyone can see how
feel the shawl of a full Aes deep into His clutches they are, the way they use
Sedai on your shoulders. All their powers to manipulate, oppress, and harm true
you have to do is prove followers of the Light. Fortunately, you've found a
yourself to your way to fight back. The Children of the Light stand
superiors, and firm against these and all Darkfriends, and you stand
everything with them.
you want
will be FOREST PROTECTOR
yours. Ogier level 1 Woodsman
A bility Scores
Str 18, Dex 9, Con 15, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 8
Hit Points : 12
D efense: + I
Reputation: 0
Skills
Animal Empathy +3 Climb +8
Intuit Direction +4 Knowledge (geography)+4
Knowledge (nature) +5 Listen +6
Search +5 Wilderness Lore +4
Feats: Latent Treesinger, Track
Weapons: ~arterstaff, battleaxe
Gear: Flint and steel, backpack, tent, explorer's
outfit
Money: 87 mk
Description: The forests of the land are sacred and
precious. They must be protected from men who
would exploit them, fires that would destroy them-
and above all from the servants of the Dark One, who
would ravage and abuse them until their cries deafened
every Ogier. You have taken on the task of defending
them, and you're prepared to give your very life in the
performance of your duty if necessary. Fortunately,
you have found humans who share your convictions
and beliefs, giving you allies in your struggle. You even
have dreams of one day founding new stedding. ...
13
Description: Although Ogier law and custom say you SHIENARAN GUARDIAN OF THE BLIGHT
aren't yet old enough to leave your native stedding un- Bordedander Level 1 Armsman
accompanied, you simply couldn't resist the chance Ability Scores
to see the world you'd been reading about in books Str 15, Dex 13, Con 14, lnt 10, Wis 8, Cha 12
all of your life. You're not content simply to read Hit Points: 12
about things anymore; you want to experience them, Defense: +3
take part in them, and gather information with which Reputation: 0
to write your own books someday. Being separated Skills
from friends and family is difficult, especially know- Intimidate + 5 Jump +5
ing the punishments you're likely to face when you fi- Knowledge (the Blight)+4 Move Silently +4
nally return home, but for now you're enjoying Ride +5
youiself too much to even think about going back. Peats: Cleave, Power Attack, Shadowspawn Hunter
Weapons: Longsword
SEA FOLK MERCHANT Gear: Heavy horse, bit and bridle, military saddle, stud-
Atha' an Miere Level 1 Wanderer ded leather armor
Ability Scores Money: 135 rok
Str 12, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 15, Wis 13, Cha 8 D escription: As a Shienaran swordsman, you are one
Hjt Points: 6 of many brave warriors tasked with the deadly mis-
Defense: +5 sion of guarding the Blight and preventing Tro11ocs
Reputation: 0 and other servants of the Dark One from leaving it.
Skills Sometimes despair grips your heart, as you ponder
Appraise +6 Balance +6 the seemingly endless tide of evil in the Blight. But
Diplomacy +5 Escape Artist +6 then you think of h ow your family and friends- and
Intuit Direction +5 Listen +3 indeed, the whole world, though few outside
Profession (sailor) +5 Read Lips +6 Shienar know it- depend on your vigilance and
Search +6 Sense Motive +7 strength. And then you square your shoulders,
Spot +3 Swim +5 make sure you r blade is sharp, and continue your
Use Rope +6 worthy watch.
Feats: Alertness, Smooth Talk
Weapons: Rapier TAVERN CAROUSER
Gear: Hourglass, crowbar, backpack, traveler's outfit Tairen Level I Wanderer
Money: 107 mk Ability Scores
Description: Your mother and father were both Sea Folk Str 10, Dex 15, Con 8, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 12
traders, and you've followed in their footsteps. You Hit Points: 5
know the marketplaces in the Defense: +5
ports, the best way to get top Reputation: 0
coin for your wares, Sk ills
and bow to tell qual- Balance + 6 Escape Artist +8
ity goods from Gather Information +5 Innuendo +5
poor ones. The Move Silently +6 Open Lock +6
life of an Atba'an Perform +5 Pick Pocket +8
Miere merchant sat- Profession (gambler) + 7 Sense Motive +3
isfies your desire to Tumble + 6 Use Rope +6
see the world , but Feats: Gambler, Nimble
some thing about i t Weapons: Short sword
seems ... hollow. You Gear: Deck of playing caids, flint and steel, bedroll, trav-
lon g for the opportunity eler's outfit
to do some- Money: 144 mk
thing more Description: The high life is the life for you- even if you
than just con- don' t usually have the money to live a truly highborn
tribute to the lifestyle. You spend your days going from one tavern
prosperity of your to the next, gambling for money and then spending
ship and clan. Perhaps what you earn on good food, drink, and clothes. So
you will find the adven- far your luck hasn't deserted you, and you secretly
ture you crave, and the des- diead the day when it finally does, for you have
tiny you desire, on land instead of nothing in the way of a trade or a family to fall back
on. But in the meantime, you'll enjoy life while you
still can.
Wetlander Spearman
Two RIVERS ARCHER WETLANDER SPEARMAN
Midlander Levell Woodsman Midlander Level 1 Algai'd'sis111ai
Ability Scores AbiJjty Scores
Str 12, Dex 15, Con 14, Int IO, Wis 13, Cha 8 Str 14, Dex 15, Con 12, lot 13, Wis 10, Cha 8
Hit Points: 12 H it Points: 11
Defense: +5 D efense: +6
Reputation: 0 Reputation: 0
Skills Skills
Animal Empathy +3 Craft {blacksmithing) +4 Climb +6 Heal +4
Heal +5 Knowledge (nature) +4 Hide +6 Jump +6
Listen +5 Swim +5 Ride +6 Wilderness Lore +4
Wilderness Lore +5 Feats : Combat Expertise, Militia, Weapon Focus
Feats: Luck of Heroes, Point Blank Shot, Track (shortspear)
W eapon s: Two Rivers longbow, hafted axe Weapons: 3 Aiel spears, dagger
Gear: 20 arrows, backpack, hooded lantern, 6 Gear: Buckler, cadin'sor
days' rations, explorer's outfit Money: 65 mk
Money: 87 mk D escription : To escape an abusive situation at
Description: Yo u've spent most of your life home, you ran away, eventually ending up, tired
working on a farm . But your true talents and starved, in the Aiel Waste. The Aiel rescued
lie in your ability to lrack, hunt, and you, but then laughed at you when you asked
shoot. You're the best of your age in the to join their society. Ignoring their scorn, you
Two Rivers with a longbow. If it were up to stayed with them, learning their ways, and
you, you'd spend all your days out in the slowly but surely earning their respect. In
woods, bringing back fresh game to eat and to time they taught you their military arts, and
sell. Unfortunately, the Women's Circle does- you learned them well, eventually becom-
n't consider hunting a worthy full-time occu- ing an algai'd'siswai. Now you fight beside
pation for a healthy man, so you're stuck ... the brothers and sisters of your sept, though
unless, perhaps, you decide to leave the Two with your dark hair and short stature, no one
Rivers . . . . could ever mistake you for a true Aiel.
VILLAGE WISDOM
Midlander Level 1 Wilder
Ability Scores
Str 8, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 12, W is 15, Cha 13
Hit Points : 6
D efen se: +5
Reputation : 0
Skills
Concentration +4 Craft (pottery) Concentration +8 Heal +6
Handle Anim!ll + 7 Heal Intimidate +5 Knowledge (arcana) +5
Ride + 8 Wilderness Lore Sp ot +6 Composure +6
Feats: Animal Affinity, Strong Soul Weavesight +5
Weapons: Dagger Feats: Disciplined, Extra Affinity, Latent Dreamer
Gear: Healer's kit, light horse, bedroll, traveler's outfit Weapons : Dagger
Money: 87 mk G ear: Jewelry (60 mk), fl int and steel, tent, traveler's
Description : Men ! Burn them all, you thin k they'd real- outfit
ize that you're the Wisdom. You got that title for area- Money: 76 rnk
son- you're smarter, a better healer, and a better D escription: When you were still a young girl, trying to
leader than anyone else in the village ... particularly decide between the life of the spear and the life of a
any of the men. If only they had the sense to do what mother and wife, the Wise Ones of your sept recog-
you tell them without question , everything around nized in you the talent to channel the One Power. Al-
here would run a lot smoother. Aud so what if you r though you weren't entirely comfortable with the
healing abilities seem to stem from something more thought of becoming a Wise One yourself, for the
than just your knowledge of herbs and poultices? good of your clan you could not refuse. You made the
Healing is healing. Well, if this keeps up, maybe journey to Rhuidean and proved yourself worthy to
you'll just leave-you've always wanted to see the learn the wisdom of the Aiel channelers. Now you
world. That would teach them how poorly they get study d iligently at their feet . .. though you n ever
along without you. know when they'll find some quest or unusual task for
you to perform.
15
Your character's abilities will modify just about every
dice roll you make in a Wheel of Time campaign, A tough
character has a better chance of surviving a blood
snake's venomous bite. A perceptive character will
probably notice the Trollocs sneaking up b eh ind his
group before a character who d oesn 't pay as close at·
tentio n to his surro undings. A stup id character proba·
bly can't figure o ut how to work the Avendesora leaf lock
on a Waygate. Your character's ability scores tell you
what modifiers you can apply to the roils you make in
siruations such as these.
Every character has six abilities: Strength (abbreviated
Str), Dexterity (Dex), Constitution (Con), Intelligence
(Int), Wisdom (Wis), and Charisma (Cha). Monsters and
creatures also have ability ratings. Each above-average
ability your character has provides a positive modifier for ~
die rolls related to that ability, but each below-average 1,;"
ability imposes a p enalty on other d ie rolls. ~
You determine your character's scores randomly, by ~·
rolling d ice. (Alternatively, you can use the standard set of ~
ability scores, or the point-allocation system, covered in ~
the introduction.) Then you assign the scores the way you ~
;:,
want to (typically by placing higher scores in the abilities l:!
most important to your character, such as Strength for ~
armsmc:n), raise and lower them according to your char· ~
acter's background, and then raise them as your character
advances in experience.
YOUR ABILITY
SCORES
To create an ability score for your character, roll four six-
sided dice (4d6). Disregard the lowest die, and add up the
three highest dice.
This roll gives you a number berween 3 (horrible) and
18 (tremendous). The average ability score for the typical
inhabitant of the Wheel q(Time world is IO or 11- bur of
course, your d1aracter is far from typical. Among player
characters (PCs), the most common ability scores are 12
and 13. In other words, the average player character is an
above-average person. After all, the PCs are the heroes of
the story you're telling, so they should be special.
Roll the dice this way six tin1es, to generate six ability
scores, and write the results down on a piece of paper.
Once you have all six scores, assign each score to one of
your six abilities. To do this, you usually have to know
what sort of character you want to play- what bis back-
ground, class, and personality will be. That allows you to
arrange your scores to create the best possible character.
For example, if you want to p lay a young Aes Sedai
novice (an initiate), your character needs to have high In-
telligence and Wisdom scores so that she can manipulate
the One Power effectively. You'll probably also want a
high Charisma, since Aes Sedai usually have forceful per·
sonalities. Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution are less
useful to an Aes Sedai, so you can put the lower ability
scores there.
However, don't just think about the possible game
benefits when assigning your scores-a more important
consideration is your characteI concept. If you envision ABILITIES AND CHANNELERS: Different types
your Aes Sedai character as a young woman who has built of channelers use different abilities to determine the ex-
up her muscles and stamina through hard work on a tent of their ability to cast weaves (magiclike effects using
farm, then put some high scores in Strength and Consti- the mystical One Power). Initiates rely on Intelligence
tution, even though that doesn't help her wield the One and Wisdom (which reflects their emphasis on training
Power. She still gets benefits from having good scores in and learning); wilders use Charisma and Wisdom (which
those abilities, and you get to enjoy playing a character emphasizes the "self-taught" nature of their abilities and
who not only has some unusual talents (how many Aes their reliance on willpower).
Sedai do you know who have a good right hook?), but Having high scores in these abilities benefit a chan-
who's a better, more enjoyable character because she's neler in two ways. First, a channeler must have a suffi-
built with a solid concept in mind. ciently high score to cast certain weaves- an initiate must
have an Intelligence score of 10 + the weave's level,
whereas a wilder needs a Wisdom score of 10 + the
.ABILITY MODIFIERS: Each ability provides a weave's level. For example, a wilder with a Wisdom of 13
modifier ranging from - 5 to +5. The modifier represents
can only cast weaves of 3rd level or less (10 + 3); weaves
the number you add to or subtract from die rolls when
of 4th level and above are too complex and difficult for
your character tries to do something related to that abil-
her, at least until she finds a way to increase her Wisdom.
ity. For example, you add or subtract your Strength
Second, high scores in the relevant abili.ties provide clun-
modifier to your roll when you try tb hit another char-
nelers with bonus weaves. (See the class descriptions in
acter with a sword. Some modifiers also apply to num-
Chapter 3 for details.) For instance, the initiate Brehanna
bers other than die rolls, such as the way your
has a 16 Intelligence and a 15 Wisdom, which means
character's Dexterity modifier affects his Defense. A
she's so talented that she gets two bonus I st-level weaves
positive modifier is called a bonus, and a negative mod-
(one each for Intelligence and Wisdom), two bonus 2nd-
ifier is called a penalty.
level weaves (one each for Intelligence and Wisdom), and
To determine the modifiers for your character's abili-
one bonus 3rd-level weave (one for Intelligence) to cast
ties, consult Table 1- 1: Ability Modifiers and Bonus
each day. (Of course, she doesn't actually get the 2nd-
Weaves. For example, a Dexterity of 14 grants a +2 bonus,
and 3rd-level bonus weaves until she reaches the mini-
which applies to Defense, Reflex saves, and Dexteriry-
mum level to cast them.) Note that although channelers
based skills (such as Escape Artist and Open Lock). Table
can cast some weaves at very high levels (11, 12, or even
1- 1 also lists bonus weaves, which is important for char-
higher), bonuses from high ability scores do not extend
acters who can channel the One Power.
beyond 9th-level weaves.
21
The fields and forests of Andor are home to proud and up-
standing peasants and townsfolk who live their lives sim-
ply, without affectation or indulgence. The residents of
Arad Doman, on the other hand, are known throughout
the land for their sensual natures and scandalously reveal-
ing clothing. Someone who lives in a large, humid south-
ern coastal city, such as Ebou Dar or Illian, looks, acts, and
talks differently from a tall, stern northern person. And of
course a giant Ogier or a desert warrior of the Aiel sticks
out like a sore thumb anywhere in the westlands (the lands
west of the Spine of the World). Though all these people
are human {except the Ogier, of course), where they come
from influences what they're like, how they think and act,
and the way they develop as they grow up. A child raised
in Shienar typically becomes a very different sort of adult
than one from Tarabon, Tear, or Cairhien. In the Wheel of
Time Roleplaying Game, you reflect these sorts of differences
by choosing a background for your d1aracter.
CHOOSING A
BACKGROUND
After you roll your ability scores and before you write
them on your character sheet, select your character's back-
ground. "Background" is a broad term, generally referring
to the region or culture from which your character arises.
A character can only have 0ne homeland, so you cannot
enjoy the background benefits of both the midlands and
nearby Tear, even if you decide that your character was
raised in a peddler family and traveled throughout both
areas as a child. You must choose the one that be-s t fits
your concept of your character.
As you think about your background., you'll probably
also want to consider the class you have in mi.nd., as some
backgrounds lend themselves to particular classes more
than others. Aiel, for example, can be wanderers, but
their homeland and upbringing make them better suited
to being algai'd'sim1ai.
Human characters have eleven backgrounds to choose
from:
Aiel: A fierce, seminomadic desert people who value
honor above all else.
Atha'an Miere {Sea Folk): A dark-skinned seafaring
people who ply exotic seas in the most powerful ships the
world over.
Borderlander: Tough warrior folk &om the kingdoms
that border the Blight.
Cairhienin: A nation founded on order and driven
by the subtleties of the Great Game of Houses.
Domani: A sensuous an.cl exotic people famed for
their fierce tempers, cunning in negotiation, and m-
scrutable ways.
E bou Dari: A passionate people fiuned for -settling all
manner of offense with the dueling knife.
Illianer: The people of a powerful seafaring nation
that values justice and stability.
Midlander: The sturdy, stalwart folk of the central re-
gions of the westlands, known for their practical outlook
on life and modest country ways.
Tar Valoner: Citizens of the most beautiful, civilized, BACKGROUND FEATS: On Table 2- 1: Character
and learned city in the world, who live under the ever- Backgrounds, the first column contains several feats for
present shadow of the White Tower. each background. These special feats represent the com-
Taraboner: A people tom by civil strife but justly mon sorts of talents people &om that region learn.
proud of a heritage and learning that dates back to the Choose one of them for your character.
Age of Legends. Most of these special feats are described later in this
Tairen: A powerful nation renowned for its horses, chapter, and so they do not appear on the feat list in
the absolute grip of its nobles over the people, and its Chapter 5: Feats. That's because they aren't available to
tendency to war upon its neighbors. most characters- you can only have them due to your spe-
cific background. A few of the background feats, however,
Alternatively, you can choo.se to play an Ogier. Informa- are available to all characters, and these are described
tion on Ogier appears after the h uman backgrounds, at with all other standard feats in Chapter 5.
the end of this chapter. You can acquire mo.re of your background feats later
Your character's background gives you plenty of cues in your adventuring career. With a few exceptions, any
as to what sort of person he or she is, how be or she feels feats available for your backgrow1d that you don't select
about characters of otl1er backgrounds, and what might at 1st level are still available the next time you gain the
motivate him or her. Remember, however, that these de- ability to select a feat.
scriptions of backgrounds apply only to the majority of You may even learn feats from a new region alto-
people. In each background, some individuals diverge gether. After 1st level, each 2 ranks in Knowledge (local)
from the norm., and your character could be one of these. you have allow you to select feats from one other back-
Don't let a description of a background keep you from ground . Thus, if you have 4 ranks by the time you reach
detailing your character as you like. 3rd level (which is when you get to add another feat-see
Table 2- 1: Character Backgrounds lists all the back- Chapter 5 for details), the list of feats you can choose
grounds available to human characters (Ogier are dis- from includes all the standard feats from Chapter 5, all
cussed separately, later in this chapter), describing the background feats from your own background, and al l
dialects, bonus background feats, and bonus starting the background feats from up to two additional back-
equipment available to characters of each background. grounds of your choice.
Once you've selected your character's background
and class, assign your ability score rolls to particular abil-
BACKGROUND SKILLS: The next column on
ities and continue detailing your character.
Table 2- 1 gives several skills for each bad<ground. These
are skills commonly acquired by people from that back-
ground. Select one skill from your background for your
HUMAN character. You get four ranks in that skill. These ranks are
CHARACTERISTICS in addition to the ranks you get for your class (see Chap-
ter 3: Classes).
As a human, your character is Medium-size, and his or
The skills associated with your background a.re con-
her base speed is 30 feet. This is true of all human char-
sidered class skills for you, regardless of which class you
acters.
go on to choose for your character. See Chapter 4: Skills
Your d1aracter's background determines some of his
for information on class skills and cross-class skills.
or her qualities, including special feats unique to that
background, extra equipment, and the languages he or
she speaks. HOME LANGUAGE: Although everyone in the
westlands speaks the same language, which we'll call the
Common tongue for ease of reference, they all speak it a
HUMANS AND OGIER little d ifferently. A person from Falme has a different ac-
Most of the material that fol- cent than one from Arafel, and witty turns of phrase in
lows applies only to human Tear may meet with blank, uncomprehending looks if
characters. Being an Ogier is used in Cairhien or Caemlyn. The thick Illianer accent is
a background in and of it- the most notable of all; people from other kingdoms
self-but it's also a difference sometimes have trouble understanding lifelong residents
in species. For that reason, of Illian.
the Ogier background is Ogier have their own language, but any of their num-
given some special attention ber who leave the sledding to work or study learn Com-
later in this chapter. If you're playing an Ogier, mon first, so they can communicate with humans.
you might want to scan the human backgrounds Your home language or dialect is your native
section, but most of the info.rmation you need tongue- the language that you speal< and read. (Your
comes in the Ogier Background section at the character can read and write all the languages he or she
end of tbjs chapter. speaks; most inhabitants of the land of the Wheel efTime
enjoy books and reading.)
CHACHIN
•
KANDOR
·-· ·-·-- THE
AIEL
WASTE
BONUS LANGUAGE C HOICES: Smart characters Intelligence bonus for the total of all languages you learn.
(those with Intelligence scores of 12 or higher) might These class-related languages are as follows:
speak other languages or dialects as well. You are entitled Algai'd'siswai: All Aiel clans and warrior societies
to one extra dialect of the Common tongue per point of have their own hand-sign languages for tin1es when they
bonus, or a whole new language for 2 points. For exam- need to communicate in silence. The hand-language of
ple, if you have an intelligence of 14 (and thus an Int the Far Dareis Mai ("Maidens of the Spear") society is the
modifier of +2), you could choose to speak two addi- most highly developed. As an algai'd'siswai, you may take
tional dialects of Common or one completely different the hand language for your society and/or clan, even if
language. The bonus dialect(s) or languages you choose you are not of the Aiel background. A hand-sign language
must come from those listed for your background on counts as a whole new language (2 points), while a second
Table 2-1. such sign-language counts as a dialect (1 point).
Speaking additional dialects of Common is not Noble: The Old Tongue is an older, more elegant
strictly necessary for normal communication- a Tairen form of Common used long ago and still found in many
can communicate with a Borderlander with nothing more ancient documents and books. Nobles are supposed to
than a bit of inconvenience. However, the use of some learn it, but many only pick up a few words for the sake
skills, such as Diplomacy, Gather Information, Innuendo, of fashion and custom and then ignore the language. You
and Read Lips, incurs minor penalties if you don't speak may choose to pick up a smattering (1 point) or to mas-
the same dialect as the target. ter it (2 points).
Class-Related Languages: Algai'd'siswai and nobles
can choose certain languages as bonus languages even if
EQUIPMENT: Table 2- 1 gives several options for
they're not on the lists found in the background de-
equipment to arm your character with. Choose one of
scriptions (see Chapter 3: Classes). If you are going to
the packages associated with your background. For ex.-
choose one of these classes for your character, you can
ample, a Borderlander cou ld choose to start with heavy
choose from among these languages in addition to those
horse, bit and bridle, military saddle, and studded
listed for your background. You are still limited by your
leather armor, or she could instead choose a light horse,
Arha'an Miere Disciplined lmuit Direction Common (Atha'an Miere) Common (Arad Dornan) Rapier; hourglass
Mercantile Background Profession (Sailor) Common (Ebou Dar) 2 he;iler's balms; lanttrn, hooded; rope, silk {50 ft.)
Sea Legs Swim Common (Tlliao) Jewelry (I 00 mk)
Sil1<er Palm Use Rope Common (Tarabon)
Smooth Talk Common (Tairen)
Required Sklll: Profession (sailor)
Borderlander BIQOded Knowledge (Blight) Common (Borderlands) Comnion (Arad Doman) Hone, heavy; bit and bridle; saddle, military; studded leather annor
Saddleback Listen Common (Cairhien) Horse, light; bit and bridle1 s2ddle, ridmg; 2 healer's balms
Shadowspawn Hunter Move Silendy Common (Midlands) Mail shirt
Stealthy Ride Tmrloc
Strong Soul
Cair.bicoin Cosmopolitan Diplomacy Common (Cairhien) Common (Aiel) Saddle, military; longsword; mirror, small steel
tviilitia Forgery Common (Borderlands) Hourglass, 2healer's balms
Silver Palm Innuendo Common (Midlands) Noble's outfit; signet ring
Smooth Talk Sense Motive Common (Tairen)
Street Smart
Domani Cosmopolitan Bluff Common (Arad Doman) Common (Atha'an Miere) Jeweled signet ring (70 mk)
Militia Diplomacy Common (Borderlands) Courtier's outfit; wine, fine (2 bottles)
Seductive Gather Information Common (Midlands) Musical insrrumeot, mnsrerwork
Street Smart Perform Common (Tarabon)
26
bit and bridle, riding saddle, and two healer's balms, or increase on this skill to ensure that it exceeds the new
instead of either she could choose a mail shirt. level. The given skill is always a class skill for you, even if
This equipment is free; you get it in addition to the it is not normally a class skill for the class you choose.
starting money or equipment you'll get when you select
your character's class.
AIEL
RESTRICTIONS! Finally, some character back- Proud, fierce, strong, and deadJy, the Aiel live in the
grounds (specifically Aiel and Atha'an Miere) impose re- aptly named Aiel Waste, the vast rocky desert to the east
strictions upon your character. These are mentioned of the Spine of the World. They rarely interact with peo-
beneath each of the backgrounds in question. ple from the west- "wetlanders," in Aiel slang-except
Skill Restrict.ion: You may not buy the listed skill at 1st for the occasional peddler or trader. They implacably
level during character generation. Later, however, when oppose the Dark One and his minions; Trollocs refer to
you gain additional skill points by increasing your char- the Waste as Djevik K'Shar, "the Dying Ground," be-
acter's level, you may buy the skill just like any other cause very few of them who enter it ever escape with
character. their lives. But Aiel don 't limit their disdain to Shad-
weapon Restriction: You are restricted in the types of owspawn; they regard wetlanders as weak, foolish, and
weapon you may use. You cammt gain experience from generally contemptible.
any encounter in which you use a restricted weapon. See Personality: Aiel are driven by their code of honor
the background descriptions for more details. and obligation, ji'e'toh. Virtually every aspect of Aiel life
Required Skill: The given skill is required by your back- involves its own road to honor, and considerations of
ground. You must start with at least 2 ranks in this skill. personal honor play a part in every major decision an
Furthermore, your ranks in this skill must always exceed Aiel makes. Most important to an Aiel's honor is the
your level. To go up in level, you must either already have meeting of toh, or obligation. An Aiel who owes a debt of
more ranks in this skill than the new level you are attain- any kind to another person murt meet that obligation in
ing, or yo u must spend points gained by the level full. Because an Aiel's honor is so important, shame also
Ebou Dari Cosmopolitan Ap_praise Common (Ebou Dar) Common (Atha'an Miere) Jeweled dagger or mwia~e knife (60 mk)
Duelist Balance Common Qllian} Disguise kit: grapple ho0k; rope, hemp (SO ft.)
Gambler Hide Common (Midlands) Thieves' tools, masterwork
Mercantile Background Open Lock Common (fairen)
Street Smart Common (Tarabon)
Jlliaoer Cosmopolitan Craft (any one} Common (Tilian) Common (Atha'an Miere) Counier's outfit: crossbow, lighr
Mere11ntilc Background fntimidate Common (Eboa Dar) Sword, short; rations, trail (20 days); 2 healer's balms
Miliua Knowledge (anrone) Common (Midlands) Trade .goods (choose from Table 7-3)
Silver Palm Search Common (Tairen)
Street Sman Corrunoa {Tarabon)
Midlander Bullheaded Handle Animal Common (Midlands) Common (Arad Doman) Horse, lig)lt; healer's kit
Luck of Heroes Heal C-0rrunon (Borderlands) Spear, boar; longsword; leather armor; sbield, small, steel; tent
M1htia Ride Common (Cairhien) longbow, Two Ril'm
Strong Soul Wilderness Lore Common (Ebou Dar)
Common (Illian)
Common (Tairen)
Tairen Gambler Profession (any one) Common (Taire11) Common (Atha'an Miere) Horse, light; bit and bridle; saddle, riding; couttiet's oudit
Mercamile Background Ride Common (Cairl1ie11) Money a11d dice or cards
Militia Search Common (Ebou Dar) 35 mk; dice or deck of playing cards
Saddleback Sense Motive Common (Illian) Mail shirt
Common (Midlands)
Common (Tarabon)
Tar Valoner Cosmopolitan Concenuation Common (Midlands) Common (Borderlands) Sword, Warder's, studded leather armor
Education Craft (any one} Common (Cairhien) Crossbow, light; lwtem, hooded; mirror, small steel
Militia Knowledge (any one) Common Qllian} 65 mk
Smooth TaJ.k Profession (any one) Common (Tairen)
Taraboner Artist Appraise Common (farabon) Common (Arad Doman) Th'ieves' tools; lantern, hooded; crowbar;.mirror, small steel
Lh~ng Histoiy Hide Common (Aclu'an Mieie) Artisan's 1001~, masterwork
Mercantile Background Move Silently Common (Ebou Dar) Jlluminator's rocket
Open lock Common (Illian)
Common (Tairen)
27
plays an important part in the hair, and skin deeply tanned
Aiel personality; most Aiel by exposure to the fierce sun
would rather be hurt or killed of the Waste. All Aiel meu, as
than suffer shame. well as all female algai'd'siswai,
Aiel society is divided into cut their hair short except for a
twelve clans. Each clan is further "tail" that runs down the nape
divided into septs, of which of the neck; nonwarrior
there are many in each clan. A women have shoulder-length
given sept may have one or or longer hair, typically un-
more holds, or settlements- b.raided but sometimes pulled
some permanent, some occu- back from the face and bound
pied only seasonally. A hold can with a scarf.
have as many as two or three All Aiel men, and female
thousand Aiel, though very few algai'd'siswai, wear a distinctive
are so large. garb called the cadin'sor. It con-
Algai'd'siswai-the warrior sists of a coat and breeches in
class of the Aiel-are further gray, ochre, or brown to blend
aligned into warrior societies. into the desert background.
These twelve societies span the Each clan has a slightly differ-
clans and septs, so that any given ent cut to its cadin'sor, though
group of Aiel, even if they are wetlanders find the differences
from the same clan, may contain too subtle to notice. To protect
members of many societies. Con- their heads and necks from the
versely, each society has mem- sun, Aiel wear the shoufa, a
bers of many-if not ail-clans. sand-colored scarflike garment
Physical Description: Aiel are tall wrapped around the head. When an
and broad-shouldered, with fai r or red Aiel warrior is prepared to fight and
Algai'd'siswai
28
kill, sh e draws part of the shoufa across her lower face to Language: The Aiel speak a version of Common
veil it. Sometimes the veils are black instead of desert- heavily laced with words of the Old Ton gue (the lan-
colored. guage spoken during the Age of Legends). Additionally,
Nonwarrior women wear blouses, long skirts, and each clan and warrior society has its own form of band-
shawls, also in drab desert colors. Jewelry is common; speech, a language consisting of gestu res and hand-
high-ranking women often seem to drip with precious shapes that signify particular words and actions. Versions
metals and gems. Aiel men do not generally wear jewelry. of hand-speech range from sin1ple battle codes to the
Relations: The Aiel do not get along well with non- elaborate language of the Maidens of the Spear, which
Aiel. They kill most wetlanders found in the Waste, or at allows them to conduct entire conversations without
the very least send them back to the water-filled lands. uttering a word.
Only gleemen (see Chapter 10: Gamemastering) and cer- Adventurers: The harsh conditions of the Waste
tain peddlers may forge stron g folk, well prepared for
walk the Waste un- the rigors of adventuring. An Aiel
harmed and unhin- who chooses to leave the Three-fold
dered by the Aiel- in Land probably does so in response
~ fact, the Aiel actu- to orders from her clan chief or Wise
-~ ally look forward to Ones (though they may not explain
'"""
~ their presence most that command to her), as the pawn
..... of the time. of some prophecy, or out of an
~ Tuatha'an can also
-!:;? extreme curiosity about the world to
~ enter the Waste un- the west. Few Aiel leave their home-
~ hindered, since the land under ordinary circumstances.
Aiel avo id them
completely.
The Aiel bear a ATHA' AN
particular hatred for
the folk of Cairhien ,
MI ERE
who betrayed them (SEA FOLK)
two decades ago by
Exotic, mysterious, alluring, and
c utting down the
sometimes deadly, the Atha'an
precious Avendo-
Miere, or Sea Folk, rule the waves.
raldera tree, a gift
Born and raised on ships, they rarely
from the Aiel. This
leave their oceangoing homes, dislik-
act of desecration
ing the feel of unmoving land
precipitated the Aiel
beneath their feet. While most land-
War, and ever since
based merchants. won't dare sai l
the Aiel h ave had
beyond the sight of shore, the
nothing but hatred
Atha'an Miere go places no one else
and scorn for the
will, and thus control and exploit
"treekillers."
trade routes and resources no one
For that matter, Atha'an Miere Windfinder apprentice else can.
the Aiel do not even
Personality: Atha'an Miere take
get along particularly well among iliemselves. Claus have
their dangerous ocean-borne life seriously. Ship's busi-
fought one other since time immemorial over sources of
ness, particularly during times of crisis such as storms,
water, grazing lands for their herds, choice living space,
requires in tense focus . And if threatened or attacked in
and insults real or perceived. Indeed, the many clans and
any way, an Atha'an Miere responds in kind, using his
septs are linked by a spiderweb of feuds and alliances.
dagger and sword to protect himself and his shipmates.
Lands: The Aiel Waste, sometimes called the Three-
But when work concludes and no dangers threaten,
fo ld Land, is a harsh and unforgiving desert where shade
Atha'an Miere ships ring with the sounds of laughter and
is scarce and water is scarcer. The southern reaches- ilie
music. At these times, fine food and drink, songs, games,
Termool, or "Waterless Sands"- lack water altogether.
and the company of friends are what an Atha'an Miere
Aiel society is spread thin over tl1is harsh land. Holds
revels in.
are found in caves, cliffs, and canyons, often carved
Atha'an Miere are scrupulously honest. TI1ey bargain
deep into the rock to provide as much protection from
hard and well, but no westlander trader or sea captain can
the Waste's heat as possible. Rugs, wall hangings, tables,
claim to have been cheated or sold goods of dubious
shelves, mats, and carpets decorate the inside of an Aiel
quality. And when the Atha'an Miere reach an agreement
home,, creating surprisingly comfortable niches in the
with someone, they will sail through storm and fire to
midst of the harshest landscape in the world south of
keep their side of the deal.
the Blight.
Discipline and unhesitating loyalty are critical on any
29
ship facing the rigors of the sea, and the Atha' an Miere mouthed about their lands and customs around landsmen.
value both. Every Atha'an Miere knows her place within For the most part, the Atha' an Miere clans get along
her crew and clan, and she obeys the orders of those well together, finding ways to settle their minor differ-
above her without question. ences and thus present a united front to the rest of the
The Atha'an Miere organize themselves into clans, world. But occasional pofaical or social feuds do arise,
each clan led by a Wavemistress. One Wavemistress, cho- leading to trade disputes and other difficulties until the
sen by the others, becomes Mistress of the Ships, the Mistress of the Ships resolves the matter.
Atha'an Miere "Qyeen" (page 279). Each clan controls Lands: The Atha'an Miere control an archipelago far
various docks and harbors in the Isles, some trade routes, to the south of the Sea of Storms, known to landsmen as
and a fleet of ships. A Sailmistress conrrols each ship, ap- the Isles of the Sea Folk. They are warm, sunny places
pointing a Windfinder (navigator and weather interpreter, filled with brightly colored trees, plants, and creatures un-
often a channeler who can control wind and waves) and known on the mainland. Another people, the Arnayar,
a Cargomaster (a man in charge of all trade and defense also live there; they manufacture the fine, delicate porce-
matters). The rank of the rest of a crew depends upon ex- lain so beloved by mainland nobles.
perience, birth, and other factors. Adventurers: Atha'an Miere rarely become adven-
The Atha'an Miere have unusual naming customs. turers, since doing so requires them to leave their
Women do not take any form of their husband's name beloved ships and islands behind. However, if forced off
upon marriage. Boys take their father's surname, and girls his ship by circumstance or some strange desire, an
take their mother's surname. Later, a "salt name" is given, Atha'an Miere can make an excellent adventurer. While
such as "Running Wave" or "Wild Wi.nds," which typifies his seafaring skills won' t help him much on land, his
the person in some way. Thus, Caire, daughter of Juaire negotiating and fighting skills, not to mention his gen-
din Gelyn and Mared din Coine, given the salt name eral agility, will serve hin1 admirably in many dangerous
''Running Wave," then would be named Caire din Gelyn situations.
Running Wave.
Physical Description: Land folk regard the Atha'an
Miere, particularly the women, as beautiful, tempting, BORDERLANDER
sexy, and exotic. They have a much darker skin tone than In the far north, four kingdoms keep watch on the Blight,
even the Ebou Dari; it's the color of dark wood or choco-
preventing its creatures from pouring forth to ravage the
late. Their eyes and hair are likewise dark, and both gen-
entire known work!. Known to all as the Borderlands, this
ders typically wear theit hair short. They carry themselves
region includes Saldaea, Kandor, Arafel, and Shienar. A
with a poise and grace born of a Wetime of walking on a
fifth kingdom, proud and strong Malkier, once stood
moving deck.
against the Shadow with them; it fell to the Blight only ..i
Atha' an Miere men and women wear breeches of dark
generation ago. But even with the loss of this great com-
oiled cloth, belted with a brightly colored sash that usu-
panion kingdom heavy on their hearts, Bordedanders re-
ally holds at least a dagger, and sometimes a longer blade
main strong, ready to oppose the Dark One and his
as well. They go bared1ested, though in sight of land
minions to their dying breath. Although customs and
Atha'an Miere women wear loose white blouses. The
garb vary from kingdom to kingdom, a powerful code of
quality of an Atha'an Miere's clothing indicates his honor and fierce determination to triumph in their battle
wealth and status among his people. Aboard their ships,
against evil unite the Borderlands.
Atha'an Miere typically go barefoot, giving their feet a
Personality: Borderlanders have a reputation a:s hard-
hard, leathery quality.
bitten, fearsome warriors of dour mien and stern, unfor-
The Atha'an Miere love jewelry. Both genders wear
giving personality. To a certain extent, this is true; living
necklaces, bracelets, and multiple earrings, preferring
life on the defensive, so close to the Shadow, tends to af-
gold over silver. Most women also have the left sides of
fect people. The burden of protecting the southern lands
their noses pierced, with a delicately worked gold chain
and holding back the Blight is a heavy one, and many
running from the nose-ring to the left earrings. Tiny, ex-
Borderlanders feel it every day of their lives. Shienarans,
quisite medallions dangle from the nose-chain, indicat- in particular, have become accustoined to a life of con-
ing by their number and quality the wearer's clan, sept,
stant battle, for their kingdom lies nearest to Tarwin's
and rank.
Gap, through which the Trolloc hordes most often de-
Relations: The Atha'an Miere maintain extensive
scend upon mankind.
trading relations with every coastal nation. They will-
However, there's more to the Borderlander than a fa-
ingly trade with anyone who deals fairly and honestly.
talistic personality shaped by war and struggle. The
They gladly offer the gift of passage aboard their ships Shienarans have a saying- "Peace, Beauty, Life"- that
to landsmen offering correspondingly valuable gifts in
summarizes Borderlander attitudes well. Because they
return (except Aes Sedai, whom they rarely allow to
know so many battles, Borderlanders greatly value life's
board their ships).
few moments of peace. Living as they do so close to the
But the Sea Folk also value their privacy, keeping
ugliness of the Blight, Borderlanders appreciate beauty all
their homeland and many other details of their culture
the more-the beauty of a sunset, a child, a woman, a war-
hidden and dealing harshly with any attempt to pene-
rior, or a flower. W ith death ever present, Borderlanders
trate their veil of secrecy. They remain very close-
30
.
enjoy life as much as possible while they still have it. Saldaeans are known for their characteristically tilted
From the luxurious Shienaran baths to the blood-boiling almond-shaped eyes1 and for their boldness. Many peo-
sensuality of a Saldaean woman's sa'sara dance, Border- ple from the south regard Saldaean eyes as particularly
landers experience life to the fullest. alluring, exotic, and beautiful; in some circles, having a
Of course, the struggle against the Shadow cannot be Saldaean spouse confers social prestige. Saldaean men,
the only facet of Borderlands life. The Kandori and Sal- famed for their equestrian skills, often prefer lighter
daeans, in particular, are known as skilled merchants. armor and usually only cauy one sword worn at the hip,
Carrying furs, fine woods, ice peppers, and other com- balanced on the other hip by a dagger. When not riding
modities, they journey south down roads and .rivers to to war, they favor heavy breeches, light shirts, and heavy
trade at a profit and then return home with needed calf-length coats cut for rjding and decorated with col-
goods. ors and patterns that indicate the wearer's family, mili-
Physical Description: Although they have many be- tary unit, or other allegiance. Saldaean women, who
liefs and customs in common, Borderlanders display dif- learn to fight with knives and other small
ferent physical characteristics and garb from kingdom to weapons and often accompany their
kingdom. husbands to battle, wear long-sleeved,
In Shienar, men and women alike are tall and usually high-necked dresses. Embroidery in col-
have dark hair and eyes. Both wear their hair long, but ored or metallic threads, and sometimes
men tie it up in a topknot and shave other parts of their other small decorations, adorn the
heads. Shienaran warriors traditionally wear a distinc- dress.
cive variety of brigandine annor and usually carry two Relations: To southerners,
,t- 1ongswords worn on the back, plus another Borderlanders sometimes seem
-~ weapon (such as a short sword, axe, mace, or harsh, blunt, and unrefined. Border-
~ heavy dagger) at the belt. When not garbed landers, on the other hand, often see
.g for battle, men wear boots, breeches, and a southerners as weak, indulgent, and will-
;:::: distinctive robelike tunic (or sometimes ing to let someone else do their "dirty
just a robe); women wear elaborate robes work" for them. Fortunately, most south-
and gowns tied at the waist. emers appreciate the importance of the
Arafeliins, on the other hand, are Borderla11ders' constant vigilance.
of but average height. With pale skin Among themselves, Borderlanders get
and fair hair, their large eyes dominate along very well. Though people from dif-
their often delicate-looking faces ferent kingdoms may tease each other
(other Borderlanders say, "The eyes of good-naturedly or compete fiercely at vari-
an Arafellin can see danger a league ous sports or contests, deep down they're all
away"). Men wear their hair in two in the same basket together, taking on a task
long braids (either down the back or that southerners would shrink from.
on the sides of the head) and often Lands: The Borderlands are filled with
decorate their braids with a silver odd contrasts. Located far to the north, the
bell or other trinket on the end. winters are often so cold that sap freezes in
Women also wear their hair long but the trees, splitting and snapping them. Yet,
do not braid it. Arafellin warriors, located as it is just south of the Blight, the
renowned for their skills as swords- land often has extremely hot summers, as the
men, typically wear two longswords on oppressive heat of the Dark One's domain
their backs in a distinctive cross pattern rolls over the Mountains of Dhoom and lays
that allows one hilt to rise above each on the Borderlands like a thick blanket. The
shoulder. When not prepared for battle, northern kingdoms have thick forests, some-
both men and women favor .
long coats simi-
.
B d l d d
or er an er woo sman
times running right up to the.
barren plains of
lar to those worn by m1dlanders but cut m a the Blight. Many non-natives find these di-
different style (and, in winter, made of thick furs to keep chotomies disturbing, but the Borderlanders take them in
the wearer warm). stride.
Kandori are tall, though not as tali as Shiena.rans. Un- Along the entire edge of the Blight stand watchtow-
like Arafellins, the men favor short coats to go with their ers, keeping an eagle eye on the encroachments of the
breeches and long-sleeved shirts, while women wear sim- Dark One. These watchtowers use mirrors and fires co
pie dresses and gowns often decorated with elaborate em- communicate with each other quickly, thus allowing a
broidery (which they work on during long winter days king or noble to summon all the armies of the north if he
when cold weather keeps them inside). The men often detects a Trolloc invasion.
sport distinctively forked beards, usually well trimmed Most of the Borderlands kingdoms are small. Saldaea,
and groomed. Those of guild rank wear &om one to three stretching from the Plain of Lances to the western coasts
silver chains on their coats. Kandori of both genders like of the World's End, is not; it's so large that the ~een
to wear jewelry, particularly earrings; the more successful owns estates larger than tl1e entire realm of Mayene. This
or wealthy a Kandori, the more ostentatious rus earrings. abundance of land, much of which lies south of the other
31
...
Borderlands kingdoms, allows the Saldaeans to raise more many a Cairhienin noble has gritted his teeth in frustra-
crops and herds than the other three kingdoms com- tion at having to look up to someone he regarded as his
bined. social inferior.
Adventu rers: For many Borderlanders, daily life is an Cairhienin noblemen usuaUy wear their hair cut long
adventure. Many women and virtua!Jy all men receive and c~re~Uy styled, with flat or bell-shaped velvet caps to
tr~ning wi_th weapons, and skilled horsemanship is a hold 1t an place. However, in recent times, many have
pomt of pnde. These skills translate well to the adventur- begun to copy the fashion of the common soldier-either
ing life. Any parry with a strong annsman or wily wan- lett0g the hair ~ow long in back and shaving and pow-
derer from the Borderlands is already a few steps closer to dering the scalp an front or adopting a simple bowl cut.
success in any quest it undertakes. Noblewomen, on the other hand, have stuck to their tra-
dition~) practice of growing their hair long and having it
styled mto elaborate, carefully designed towers on top of
CAIRHIENIN their heads.
The people of Cairhien are justly proud of their rich so- Every Cairhienin noblewoman bas a servant on her
ciety, mighty nobles, and precise, flawlessly laid out city personal staff whose job it is to conceive and execute
of the Topless Towers. But in the past twenty years ever newer, more exotic hairstyles to inspire the jeal-
the Cairhienin have fa llen far fro m the height of ousy of her courtly competitors.
power and prestige they o nce enjoyed. The Cairhienin nobles d ress in silks and satins
foolish decision of King Laman to destrov of dark colors, such as black, dark blue, and
Avendoraldera, a descendant of the Tree of Life forest green, which contrast nicely with the
long ago presented to the Cairhienin people by pale Cairhienin skin. To offset the dark col-
the Aiel, precipitated the devastation of the ors, clothes have horizontal slashes of color
Aiel War. Furthermore, the war forever closed across the chest and body. The more slashes an
the Silk Path through the Waste, cutting off the outfit has, the higher the social and political
lucrative trade monopoly that had built Cairhien's rank of the person wearing it.
power and wealth. In the two decades since the Both men and women also wear dark
war, refugees from the countryside have crowded lace at cuff and collar. Noblemen wear silk
the cities, leaving Cairhien's productive farm- shirts and breeches covered by
lands to lie fallow. And throughout these diffi- thigh-length coats. Noblewomen's
culties, the so-called "Great Game" of political dresses have broad hoop skirts
maneuvering has held Cairhien's nobles in its ob- which often make it difficult to
sessive. grip, leaving the people to suffer in poverty walk and impossible to run. The
and misery. common folk, while not so
Personality: The most notable quality of , 1•"ii much the slave to conventions of fash-
the Cairhienin personality is the desire >,.. ,.i~'
111 ion, also prefer sober colors- ex-
for order, planning, and control. The r" cept for the inhabitants of the
Cairhienin, particularly the members Foregate area surrounding the
of the upper classes, rarely exhibit capital city. There, skirts,
spontaneity or do anything with- shirts, coats, and shawls fea-
out extensive planni ng. As the ture bold primary colors-often
straight lines of their city streets, contrasting or clashing ones, as if
palace walls, and works of art in defiance of the carefully selected
show, they prefer to impose their complementary colors worn by the city's more
rigid desire for orderliness and re- respectable inhabitants.
straint on the chaos of the natural Relations: Cairhien maintains mixed rela-
and political world around them. A d tions with neighboring Tear and Andor. Both
· h" · 1·k th" waTI erer are ·important rra cl.mg partners, but both are also
Cair 1enm 1 ·es no mg better than taking
an untidy, disorderly situation or place and bringing it rivals.
under control-her control. The noble houses of Cairhien and Andor have
~ut the Cairhi~nin predilection for planning and au- often intermarried, but this has done little to foster a
thonty also has its downside. Cairh.ienin, especially close relationship between the nations. Fortunately, the
~oble Ca!rhienin,. can't. resist an opportunity to engage Great Game keeps Cairhien's nobles preoccupied with in-
~n schem1?~· mampulauve, clever behavior, particularly ternal affairs, circumventing any potential flare-up be-
m the polit1.cal. arena. Constant p lotting and planning for tween that nation and her neighbors.
personal ga111 1s the rule of the day, as Cairhienin strug- Relations with the Aiel are much worse. The Cairh.ien
gle to ru.rn any .event, sit~ation, or asset inco a triumph loathe the savages that destroyed and looted their na-
over theu enemies (of which they invariably have many). ti?n-seemingly without cause-some twenty years ago.
Physical D escription: Cairhienin have fair skin with Aiel, on the other hand, view all Cairhienin as beneath
dark eyes and hair. Much t0 their aggravation, th~y are c~nt~mpt. Where once there was friendship, with Cair-
shorter, on the average, than midlanders or southcoasters; luenm mercha nts entering and crossing the Waste to
32
trade with distant Shara, now no Cairhienin dares cross
Jangai Pass into Aiel territory.
DOMAN I
Social and political relations among the Cairhienin Located far to the west, between the Mountains of Mist
are governed by the conventions of Daes Dae·'mar-che and the Aryth Ocean, Arad Doman is one of the most un-
"Great Game of Houses" of sd1eming machinations, usual kingdoms of the westlands, with customs and man-
court warfare, and general intrigue. neri sms that most o t her people find odd, even
The members of the noble houses, who learn the bafAing- and sometimes offensive. Although locked in
Great Game at their mother's knees, interpret every little ongoing war with Tarabon and struggling with internal
action, reaction, and event in light of this institution. strife, the Domani still value the pursuits of trade, poli-
Failing to attend a banquet, being seen talking wich a po- tics, and pleasure.
litical rival, taking an afternoon walk near a particular Personality: The Domani have a well-deserved repu-
palace, buying a new horse from a prominent merchant- tation for hedonism. They enjoy pleasure for its own
all are subject to the inevitable interpretations by sea- sake: falconry, luxurious hot baths, the company of
soned practitioners of Daes Dae'mnr. The Great Game lovers, gambling, sports, combat, and political conspir-
sometimes plays itself out in the physical arena, with as- acy. They also know how to turn an appetite for pleasure
sassination attempts, ambushes, and raids between noble to their advantage, and are known as cunning and ma-
houses. nipulative bargainers.
The Great Game holds less sway among the lower The seductive wiles of Dornani women are leg-
classes, but even there, in the guilds and consortiums of endary. Mothers teach daughters the ancient Domani
the merchants and tradesmen, it influences society more arts of seduction from a young age-the one hundred
than in other kingdoms. Shopkeepers and peasants alike and seven types of kisses, the ninety-three different
seek to trick or scheme their way to greater weaJth, better ways to touch a man's face, and so forch. Women learn
jobs, or nicer places to live. Manipulation and scheming to use beauty, movement, body language, and dress to
are facts of life on all levels of Cairhienin society. best advantage-and have a good rime doing it. Few
In fact, the Cairhienin have even exported che Game men can say no to a Domani woman once she turns her
of Houses. Where once it was a social institution peculiar attention to him, which is one reason why Domani
to them, it bas slowly spread throughout the souchem merchants- almost always women-achieve such success
lands until nobles in places such as Tear and Illian prac- in trades.
tice it themselves-though nowhere near as masterfully Domani men are also skilled at charm and seduc-
(or obsessively) as the Cairhienin. Andor, as yet, has not tion, but they don't enjoy the reputation of Domani
really adopted the Game. The Cairhienin sometimes find women. Instead, the reputation of Domani menfolk is
it difficult to deal with persons from other kingdoms who based on their ferocious tempers. According to an old
don't spend all cheir time engaged in intrigue, and visitors saying, dealing with a male Domani is like trying to ride
to Cairhien may end up caught in a Daes Dae'mar web a skittish horse-everything may go just fine, or you
without knowing it-or knowing what to do. may find the least mistake provokes a frenzy of bucking
Lands: The Cairhienin once controlled a vast portion and snorting. Some say this temper comes from having
of the westlands, from Shienar to Haddon Mirk. Today, to put up with Domani women, while others attribute
after many political changes and reversals, they hold but it to eating with the sursa, a utensil resembling two
a tiny part of those lands: roughly speaking, the lands thin, polished sticks, which Domani use to pick up the
drained by the River Gaelin, from the River Erinin to the bits and slivers of their food. (Most other westlanders
Spine of the World. The Jangai Pass leads straight through find sursa foolish, and Domani cuisine odd-looking and
the mountains into the Aiel Waste. overly spicy.)
Most of Cairhien consists of rolling fields and Physical Description: Domani are of average height.
meadows, light woods, and riverine plains. Fertile farm- They display a wide range of skin tones, from che pale
land, it could provide enough food to feed the Cairhie- skin common elsewhere in the westlands to an unusual
nin, with plenty left over to export, if the disasters of coppery-colored shade that some men find exotic and al-
the past two decades had not driven people off farms luring on women. Eye and hair colors likewise vary, and
and into cities and towns. As a result, much of Cairhien Domani of both genders often use dye to change the
lies empty and abandoned, with only birds and beasts shade of their hair. Hairstyles come and go like summer
to call it home. thunderstorms.
Adven turers: The desire for power and to impose Domani men favor sh irts and breeches (of silk or
order on the world drives some Cairhienin to become ad- other fine fabrics, if possible), covered by short coats that
venturers. Many nobles involve themselves in military or barely reach below the waist. Among nobles and che
adventuring careers as a way of earning prestige-an asset wealthy, the coats often feature puffed sleeves with
in the Great Game. Other Cairhienin find themselves slashes of color, embroidered house crests, and the like;
wanting to escape the manipulative atmosphere of Cair- the wealthy take pleasure in fine clothes as in all other
hienin society, preferring instead the simpler, surer way of luxuries and vices. They trim their mustaches to make
sword, weave, or personal skill. them distinctively long and thin.
Women's clothing is another story altogether. Al-
though Domani dresses cover che body from neck to
33
ankle, they are typically made to ding to every curve, giv-
ing an impression of nudity while actually exposing little.
EBOU DARI
Sheer materials are common. Other styles include deeply Residents of the chaotic, canal-filled capital of the kingdom
plunging necklines, or panels cut out of strategic areas. of Altara, the Ebou Dari are merchants, seam.en, and crafts-
Clothing of this sort would be considered scandalous- men of great skill. Other westlanders know them even bet-
even obscene-in many westland societies, but it is com- ter for tl1eir penchant for dueling. Anyone who visits Ebou
mon among Domani women. Dar had best take the time to learn tl1eir ways and customs,
In Arad Doman, both men and women wear jewelry, for the last thing a visitor wants to do is accidentally offend
as much as comports with good taste and they can af- an Ebou Dari and get involved in a deadly duel.
ford . Often they engrave these pieces with house crests, Personality: In general, the Ebou Dari are polite,
symbols, or coats of arms. The men wear unusual-look- friendly, and easygoing. Their cul-
ing earrings. tu re includes an elaborate code of
Relations: Arad Doman is fairly isolated, equidistant manners, conduct, and etiquette-
but geographically separated from Tarabon, Saldea, and not surprising, in a society that
Andor. All three of these na- uses duels to resolve disputes.
tions- along with the Sea Every Ebou Dari child learns how
Folk- are important trading to respond to questions without
partners. Domani tend to giving offense, how to pay respect
look favorably on nearly all to bis betters, and bow to use the
fore igners, altho ugh they proper forms of address for nobles,
have little patience for those craftsmen, and commoners alike. At
who balk at th eir exotic tin1es, Ebou Dari social relations seem
clothing or lifestyles. like an elaborate dance, with each
The major exception is person responding as he's supposed
Tarabon, located directly to at just the right time.
south of Arad Doman on the But that's not to say the Ebou Dari
other side of the Almoth are timid or meek; indeed, the oppo-
Plain. For three cen turies, the site holds true. When an Ebou Dari
two kingdoms have disputed perceives an insult, he reacts in-
ownership of the p lain, an stantly, challenging the offender to a
area of rich meadows and duel in accordance with ancient cus-
fertile land. Recently, as it tom. Anyone who refuses to give sat-
has so many times in the isfaction on the dueling grou nd
past, this dispute has led to exposes himself to the scorn of all
outright warfare- and as Ebou Dari, and often to a rash of
usual, with all the fighting reprisals as well.
going on, neither realm has By Ebou Dari law and custom,
actually put any effort into any offended person can challenge
settling or developing the - the insulter to a duel. legally sanc-
Almoth region. 'Domani armsman tioned duels take place on special du-
Lands: Arad Doman con- eling grounds at prearranged times
trols the land north of the River Akuum, west of the (though many Ebou Dari disregard sud1 formal ities, pre-
Moun tains of Mist, east o f the Aryth Ocean, and south fming to settle a difference right away). Any Ebou Dari
of one of rhe major tributaries of the River Arinelle. Al- can challenge and fight any other; a commoner has every
most uniformly flat (except near the mountains), with right to duel with a noble (though few do) and suffers no
occasional low hills and small forests, it p rovides both consequences for wounding or killing him. Duels are
resources for craftsmen and much arable fa rm land. This legally conclusive and rarely give rise to grudges or blood
wealth of natural resou rces has in turn led to other types feuds.
of wealth for nobles and traders. As noted above, the Ebou Dari regard scars as a sort of beauty mark and as
Domani also claim the Almoth Plain but have never a sign of maturity and responsibility. Ebou Dari law pre-
managed to exert effective control over it. sumes that any woman is justified in killing a man, unless
Adventurers: Adventuring is not to most Domanis' proven otherwise.
taste. After all, adventures are hot, sweaty, backbreaking Physical Description: The typical Ebou Dari (or Al-
work, and dangerous to boot. Why not just stay home taran in general, for that matter) has a dark, olivine com-
and enjoy yourself? But a few Domani take pleasure in plexion, with brown or black hair and dark eyes.
exploring the world, risking their lives in pursuit of Light-colored hair occurs rarely, though the merciless
noble goals, or seeking the answers to deep, d ark mys- summer sun sometimes lightens an E bou D ari's dark hair
teries. For these people, a career as an adventurer suits a little. Compared to other westlanders, Ebou Dari are
them perfectly. sh orter and less broad-shouldered.
To complement their olive skin tones, most Ebou
34
Dari favor clothing in light hues, such as white, tan, and The eastern half of the city, caLled the Rahad, is a
pale yellow. Women favor snug-bodied dresses with long filthy warren that houses the Ebou Dari lower class. In
skirts cut to show the brightly colored petticoats under- the Rahad, duels occur in the street every hour, and many
neath. Common women raise their skirts above one knee people eschew a formal fight for the simpler expedient of
only, while noblewomen raise them less high, but straight knifing an enemy in the back.
across both legs. Commoners' gowns have deep, narrow The Altaran backcountry does not adhere as closely
necklines, while noble ladies prefer a round or oval to Ebou Dari custom as the city does. In fact, Altarans
cutout in the bodice. Either arrangement allows a woman from some areas of the kingdom are better represented
to display her marriage knife (see below) to best effect-or, by the Midlander background than the Ebou Dari.
by not showing one, to advertise her unmarried status. Adventurers: With social and commercial intrigues,
Ebou Dari men wear long, elaborately sewn and em- strange visitors from foreign lands, and constant duels,
broidered vests, often without shfrts. When worn, shirts most Ebou Dari need not travel in search of excitement.
are usually white or pale in color, with wide sleeves. A But a few seek their fortune elsewhere. Their skill with
common addition for the noblemen is a small silk jacket, the knife often serves them well and leads them into an
slung abo ut the shoulders like a cape and held on •vith a adventuring career-usua ll y as wanderers of one stripe or
golden or silver chain. Both genders wear jewelry, includ- another, but sometimes as armsmen or woodsmen who
ing rings and hoop earrings. know how to move and hunt in marshland. Additionally,
The most distinctive item of Ebou Dari apparel, and there is a large wilder population in Altara; it has become
the mark by which one can identify an Ebou Dari when a traditional haven for channelers not wanting to join
he's away from home, is the dagger. Men, and many the White Tower.
women, wear curved daggers of Jistinctive shape and dec-
oration in their belt or sash; a nobleman might add a nar-
row-bladed longsword as well. Every married women ILLIANER
wears a special dagger called a marriage knife, hanging be-
Illian is a powerful nation on the Sea of Storms, made
tween her breasts from a choker. The marriage knife is a wealthy by centuries of trade with the Sea Folk, the other
gift from the woman's husband, who gives it to her on
coastal nations of the westlands, and even the distant
their wedding day with a solemn instruction to stab him
land of Shara, with whom few other nations can trade. 11-
with it should he ever displease her. A woman's marriage
lian's people take pride in a heritage that defies tyranny
knife tends to be altered throughout her life, decorated
and supports an ordered, civilized society.
with jewels and enamel that say much about the wearer: Personality: Illian's society and history are defined by
how many children she has (and how they died, if appro-
its distaste for tyranny. Although officially ruled by a
priate), for example, or if she is a widow (and whether she
King, Illian in face has three ruling bodies: the King, the
wants to remarry). Whether it's a commoner's blade of
Council of Nine, and the Assemblage. The Council is
brass and beads, or an expensive noblewoman's dagger set
made up of noblemen who technically advise the King on
with gold and gems, every Ebou Dari respecrs the mar-
matters of state. The Assemblage is a body of merchants
riage knife-and the injuries an enraged woman can inflict
and shipowners that advises both King and Council-on e
with it. of only a few powerfu l political bodies of commoners
Relations : Ebou Dar is a trading city that sees ships
anywhere in the westlands. The spl itting of power be-
from ports all aro und the westlands. As a kingdom, Altara
tween th ese three groups creates a set of checks and bal-
is highly decentralized- the Q.1een rules the city, but has ances, preventing any from achieving tyrannical rule.
little sway over the outlying lands and nobility. Because
Ano ther example of lllian's abhorrence of tyranny
of this, Altara has not built itself into a major power
appeared during the recent Whitecloak War. The Chil-
diplomatically or mi litarily and has few direct ties to its
dren of the Light invaded lllian's neighbor, Altara, and
neighbors. As a trading city, however, Ebou Dar con-
appeared likely to take over the weaker nation. fllian
stantly welcomes and influx of fore ign visitors. came to Altara's aid, risking its own army but eventually
Foreigners are given some leeway in matters of con-
driving the Whitecloaks back. After the war, when Illian
duct because of their presumed ignorance, but that only
might easily have asserted its own force over Altara, the
extends so far; no Ebou Dari would forgive a major insult
Illianers returned Altara's rightful rulers to their positions
(no matter how innocent), and a deliberate insult, big or
and withdrew from the neighboring nation.
small, can never be overlooked.
Although they despise tyranny, Illianers have no dis-
Lands: The city of Ebou Dar straddles the mouth of
taste for the pomp and circumstance that often accompa-
the River Eldar. The better part of the city lies on the west-
nies nobility. Wealthy merchants and petty noblemen
ern side. The city sits on low-lying, often swampy ground,
alike enjoy the luxuries wealth brings them. When the
and in places contains almost as many canals and bridges
city was first built, the Council elected to build its Great
as it does roads. The humidity and heat cause visitors to
Hall across the Square of Tammaz from the King's Palace.
wilt, but the Ebou Dari are extremely i11dustrious in both
Allowed a building of any design, so long as it was no big-
business and their many feast days and festivals. Most of
ger than the Palace, the Council built a structure identi-
the buildings in the city are made of white or pale stone,
cal in all ways to the beautiful, colon naded Palace except
or painted in light shades, to reflect as much heat away
one: It was two feet smaller in each dimension.
from the interior as possible.
Illian is the traditional starting point for the Great
Hunt of the Horn, which was recently launched with a
grand ceremony. Thousands from around rhe westlands
MIDLANDER
gathered in the Square ofTammaz to receive the blessing Midlanders come from the kingdoms, cities, and towns
and set out in search of the Horn of Val ere. at the heart of the westlands: Andor, Murandy, Far
Physical Description: lllianers tend to be a bit above Madding, Ghealdan, and the scattered villages along the
average in height and build. They are of moderate com- fringes of the Caralain Grass and the River Manetheren-
plexion, often with dark hair and eyes. Men both com- drelle and its tributaries. This includes the Two Rivers
mon and noble favor a distinctive beard that leaves the region, Emond's Field, and Baerlon. Characters from
upper lip bare. Tairen lords call this style "blackfish," Amadicia and the northern backcountry of Altara, Il-
since it remind them of the facial scale patterns of a type lian, and Tear could also claim the Midlander back-
of fish caught off southern shores. ground.
Noblemen wear boots decorated with gold and silver, Personality: Midlanders tend to be solid, dependable,
pants and light silk shirts, and calf-lengtl1 coats with char- adaptable, hard-working people. Even in the isolated parts
acteristic upturned collars. Com- of the midlands, sud1 as
moners wear pants, shirts, and the Two Rivers or the
similar coats, though made of Hills of Kintara, they are
fabrics much less fine and with open and friendly, willing
less embroidery. Illianer women to help a stranger in need.
wear long dresses with low-cut (The suspicious, even
necklines. Among noblewomen, xenophobic, Murandians
skirt hems are often high, to dis- are an exception to this
play beautifol slippers decorated rule.) But woe unto tlie
with gold and silver. Women of person who betrays their
both cla.sses wear wide-brimmed friendliness or attempts to
hats tied around the head with oppress or abuse them.
scarves to keep off the sun. Although slow to anger,
Relations: Illian is a major once they are roused mid-
trading nation and an exporter landers fight until they
of textiles, leather goods, olive achieve the victory they
oil, and fish. The nation main- seek. For many of them,
tains close relations with Mu- the ancient blood of
randy and Altara but has a Manetheren runs in their
distinctly chilly relationship with veins, providing a certain
Tear, a nation that has attacked it sheen of nobi lity to the
on several occasions over past personality and manners
years. Illian does not even trade of even the lowest-born
with Tear, and ships of tlle two peasant.
nations a.re not welcome in each Compared to the
other's ports. Likewise, Illian Doma.ni, the Ebou Dari,
does not share a friendly rela- or the inhab itants of
tionship with Amadicia, the some of the southern
home nation of the Whitedoaks. cities, midlanders seem
Lands: Illian occupies a low- conservative- even prud-
land region centered on the lower Jllianer noble ish-in their tastes. They
River Manetherendrelle; the capital, dislike gaudiness, ostenta-
the city oflllian proper, lies on the Manerherendrelle delta tion, arrogance, and the display of wealth-even in their
just shy of the Sea of Storms. Much of Illian is covered with nobles, who sometimes appear rather restrained or re-
the lush southern forests typical to the region. Other areas. fined next to their Cairhienin or Tairen counterparts.
especially around the ManetherendrelJe delta, are swampy. Physical Description: Midlai1ders are of average
ln fact, the city oflliian, unlike nearly every other major city, height and weight, though extreme variations are not un-
is not walled- it is protected from attack by miles of difficult common. Dark hair and eyes are the norm, though fair
marsh and connected to drier land by a pair of causeways. complexions and hair are also seen. The typical image of
Adventurers: Illian produces proud nobles, top-notch a midlander man is sturdy and hale, but with an aura of
armsmen, and its share of roguish wanderers. Wilders are quiet dependability ratlier tlian an aggressive or danger-
as common in Illian as they are elsewhere in the westlands, ous demeanor. Women generally have powerful personal-
and a fair share of initiates originate there as well. The vil- ities to accompany backs made strong through farm work
lages of rural Illian also produce woodsmen of fine caliber. or honest household chores.
Any of these adventuring types might leave their homes Midlanders usually dress moderately. Women wear
for greater opportunities elsewhere, to explore, or perhaps dresses with high or square-cut necks. Skirts reach to the
as Hunters for the Horn. ankles or below. They belt their dresses at the waist and
36
sometimes embroider them with light decorations. Wools peter out toward ilie south, where the lands become
are common, though noblewomen often enjoy silks em- somewhat lower (except near the Hills of Kintara) and,
broidered in metallic threads. Men wear simple trousers sometimes, swampier. Cities are rarer, but both Lugard
and shirts, with knee-length, long-sleeved coats (during and Par Madding serve as centers of commerce.
the summer and in the more southern regions, shorter Adventurers: Their strength of character and will, de-
coats are common). Turned-back cuffs and upstanding votion to the Light, and openness to learning about the
collars distinguish the midlander coat from similar gar- world around iliem stand midlanders in good stead on
ments worn elsewhere. Like their wives, noblemen prefer those rare occasions when they leave their homeland to
silk and metallic threads for their clothes. Cloaks are become adventurers. Though most midlanders don't care
common overgarments for rainy or cold weather. overmuch for wealth, fame, or glory, they understand ilie
Relations: Positioned at the center of the westlands, the importance of doing the right thing and preserving the
midlands are the crossroads of trade and travel for the in- good, and they remain ever willing to contend with evil
habitants of the entire land Though many midlands vil- and darkness.
lages are somewhat isolated,
others receive frequent traf-
fic from far-off lands. Travel- TAI REN
ers find more i 11 ns and Lyi11g along the southern
taverns along the highroads coast of the westlands just
of t11e m idlands than any- west of the Spine of the
where else in the westlands, World, Tear is home to the
~ and find that they are gener-
greatest seaport on the Sea of
·~ ally welcomed- though ex- Storms. Located on the River
~ otic customs or scandalous Erinin and guarded by the
~ dress may be looked upon huge and implacable fortress
:::::
....., with suspicion. called the Stone of Tear, the
Except in Murandy, city of Tear is the capital of
where suspicion of out- this proud nation and ilie
siders (particularly Ando- home of the High Lords iliat
rans) governs relations both rule it.
political and social, most Personality: The
midlanders get along weU Tairen people run the gamut
with strangers. Though slow of personalities, though all
to give their complete trust, but the poorest and weakest
they seem able to quickly seem possessed of a certain
size a person up and decide self-confidence and self-es-
just how far they can trust teem that guides them
him. Once you earn a mid- through life. Many, particu-
lander' s friendship, you larly among the nobility. have
usually have it for life- un- an air of assurance about
less you abuse it. them that borders on arro-
Lands: In the minds of gance. A Tairen smith will tell
most people, the bound- you, in a voice rich with con-
aries of the midlands are, viction, that he can easily do
roughly, the Mountains of the work yoi: ask, so quickly and so well that you'll never
Mist to the west, the River Erinin to the east, the River forget him. A Tairen lord speaks with a conviction born
Arinelle and the Black Hills to the north, and the Hills of from generations of unquestioned rule, knowing iliat his
Kintara to the south. This area displays a wide geographic authority over the commoner is absolute.
diversity. The northern plains and riverlands, including Indeed, the division between noble and commoner is
the Caralain Grass, are flat and open, with few forests or nowhere so pronounced as in Tear. Confident though a
hills to break ilie monotony of the endless, rolling fields. workman or craftsman may be, he knows full weH that he
Not many people live here- there are no roads, cities, or must respect and bow to any of the multitude of nobles
towns, just a few villages and the occasional lonesome that live in his kingdom. Taireu High Lords rarely bother
farmhouse. On the other hand, the central regions, pri- to enforce their will in the poorer quarters-provided that
marily the lands controlled by Andor, are among the the commoners maintain a sufficient level of respect for
most heavily populated in the entire westlands. Large, the authority and dignity of the upper classes- but wher-
prosperous towns and cities-such as Caemlyn, Four ever they go, they enjoy an unquestioned right to exploit
Kings, Whitebridge, and Baerlon- dot the land, providing and even abuse ilie common folk at their whim.
respite for travelers and havens for craftsmen and mer- This belief among the Tairen nobility, that they have
chants. Large tracts of forest break up the fields and offer the inherent right to take whatever they desire, extends
good bunting for nobles and woodsmen. The forests not just to the domains of Tear proper. Tear has often
37
warred with Illian and Cairhien and claims control over the World, and to the west by the open and sparsely set-
Mayene, its tiny neighbor to the east. tled Plains ofMaredo. It is renowned for its horses, which
Tear sees itself as something of a protector-not only are bred on sprawling estates owned by Tear's nobility.
of its own nation, but of the entire world-from the The Tairen countryside is fairly densely populated, but
prophesied ravages of che Dragon Reborn and the dan- has few large towns- Tairen High Lords levy taxes on set-
gers of the One Power. Channeling is forbidden in Tear, tlements that increase with their size, to discourage any
although the presence of Aes Sedai, and others who can town from growing to rival the capital city. Indeed, the
channel, is not. In addition, over scores of generations land between the city of Tear and che Sea of Storms in
the Tairen High Lords have locked away, deep in the particular has no large settlements, despite the prime
bowels of the impregnable Stone of Tear, all the an- location for fishing and trade, protecting the seaport
gm1!, sa'angreaf, and ter'angreal they have managed monopoly enjoyed by the capital. OnJy the town of
to gather, to keep them out of the hands of any Godan, on the Bay ofRemara at the far eastern end of
who might use them. Owning a copy of the Tear, has been allowed to grow to any size, primarily
Prophecies of the Dragon is illegal- not surprising, because of its strategic location in regards to
since one of the prophecies is the fall of the Mayene.
Stone of Tear. Adventure rs: Tairens make fine adventur-
Physical Description: Tairen men and ers. The nation produces fine armsmen, no-
women are of average height and build, though bles, and wande rers. Also, channelers from
more than a few grow up taller and stronger Tear often slip out of the coun try so that
than normal. The skin of most Tairens is paler they migh t practice their talents without
than that of tbe Ebou Dari, but duskier than fear of prosecution. Tairen adventurers
that of a midlander or Cairhienin. often sec themselves as natural leaders.
Nobles and commoners wear very differ-
ent clothing, the better to distinguish the no-
bility from the ruck. Tairen lords favor TAR VALONER
elaborately decorated, colorful short coats
Located on the River Erinin at the foot of
with puffed and padded sleeves, slashes of
the Dragonmount, halfway between
carefully chosen contrasting colors, brocades,
Cairhien and the Borderlands, Tar Yalon is
and the like; they wear their equally vividly col-
a unique cosmopolitan center and trade
ored breeches tight, to display their tightly mus-
hub. Although its people share many char-
cled legs to appreciative female eyes. Common
acteristics of the midlands, they add to the
men settle for drab, baggy breeches, bright sashes,
mix an urbane quality, a worldly sensitivity born
long coats that fit tightly around the chest and arms
of the trade that flows through the island city, the
but flare out below the waist, and cloth caps or
sense of grandeur among its beautiful towers and
wide conical straw hats; if they work outdoors
Ogier-wrought structures, and the presence of the
most of the day, they often go barechestecl
White Tower- the headquarters and home of the
Tairen noblewomen prefer long silk gowns that
Aes Sedai.
bare the shoulders and display the bosom to best
Personality: Tar Valoners are much like the people
effect, with lace ruffs and tiny caps in matching colors as
of the midlands: practical, forthright, hard-working,
decorative accessories; rhey carry smelling salts, with
and adaptable. Wh at they add beyond that is a
which to mask the omnipresent foul odors of parts of Tear
broader sense of the world- an acceptance of its
when necessary. Common women's dresses, made of
many and varied cultures, an educated outlook,
much coarser material and adorned only with light-col-
and an intense pride in their city and its place at the
ored aprons (and sometimes a matci1ing straw hat), have
Taire11 center of the known world.
chin-high collars and hems below the ankle.
wilder Tar Yaloners have great faith in the White Tower,
Relations: Relations between Tear and its neighbors
knowing it to be a center of diplomacy and a mighty
are anything but cordial. Tairens despise Illianers, with
force that protects them &om even the thought of attack.
whom they have fought and quarreled for more years
Aes Sedai, as well as novices and Accepted in training, can
than anyone now aJive can remember. Similarly, Tairen
often be seen on the streets. Though they are uniformly re-
nobles have long had designs upon Mayene, forcing the
spected, they are not greeted with the same trepidation or
First of Mayene (as that tiny nation's ruler is known) into
even suspicion tl1at Aes Sedai often face in other lands.
a constant game of political and economic maneuvering
The citizens of Tar Yalon are also justly proud of the
to maintain her realm's freedom. Cairhein has also been
city's great beauty. Built almost entirely by Ogier, Tar
subject to Tear's aggression. However, Tear maintains
Yalon is indisputably the most awe-inspiring city in the
solid relationships and strong ties of trade with kingdoms
known world. Striking buildings of white marble sit in the
elsewhere. Its posilion at the junction on the River Erinin
shadows of lofty towers, often with bridges running be-
and the sea makes Tear a mecca for traders from all over.
tween them dozens of stories above the streets. Tali white
Lands : Tear is a land of low-lying hills and light wood-
walls surround the island, which is entered via six graceful
lands, bordered to the north by the deep forest of the
arched bridges. Over all this stands the White Tower itself,
Haddon Mirk, to the east by the foothills of the Spine of
ever a reminder of the might and beauty of Tar Valon.
38
Many of the city's inhabitants are not native to Tar
Yalon-over the years, thousands of individuals have been
TARABONER
drawn to the city by business, politics, or diplomacy, and Subjects of one of the oldest monarchies in the westlands,
many of them have remained to make the city their Taraboners are an ancient people who take pride in their
home. No matter where they come from, however, resi- traditions, culture, and customs. Though locked in a war
dents quickly adopt the traditions of Tar Yalon and the with Arad Doman over possession of the Almoth Plain,
pride the citizens have for their great city. and suffering from other forms of societal turmoil,
Physical Description: Though somewhat more ur- Taraboners somehow find a way to carry on with their
bane, sophisticated, and wealthier than the typical mid- lives and preserve what they truly hold dear.
lander, Tar Yaloners display the same physical character- Personality: Among other inhabitants of the
istics, style of dress, and stolid, no-nonsense demeanor westlands, Taraboners are not known not so
as their counterparts in Andor or Ghealdan. They tend much for their personality traits as for their cus-
to be average in height and build, with fair hair and com- tom of concealing their faces. Taraboners regard
plexions, though variation is not uncommon. it as impolite to expose their faces, even in pri-
Moderate dress is the norm, though quality fabrics vate, except when eating or drinking. They
and intricate embroidery are preferred by those who wear veils, men and women alike-some-
can afford to show their wealth and taste. Women times heavy, but often thin and gauzy.
wear dresses with modest ned<lines and skirts that When they feel the need for greater pri-
reach near or to the ankles. Men wear simple vacy, they wear masks. A number of
trousers and shirts, with short coats in the summer Taraboner ho lidays revolve around
and long coats, often with cloaks in addition, dur- masked festivals, balls, or competitions.
ing the cooler months. Tar Yaloners tend to be ac- Taraboners are generally proud of
cepting of the ways of others, however, and it's their heritage. Their lords and rulers
not unusual for a native of the city to don dress trace their descent from the heroes of
that mimics or picks up elements of the clothing the Age of Legends, and many of the
of other regions. buildings in Tanchico, the capital city, are
Relations: Tar Yalon is the diplomatic center believed (falsely) to date from that period as
of the world. Although Aes Sedai are sometimes well. Their kingdom's banner and symbol,
viewed with suspicion, the wisdom, authority, the Golden Tree, reminds one and alJ of
and impartiality of the White Tower is gener- the Taraboner claim that their kingdom
ally respected across the westlands. This re- /,, once possessed a sapling of Avendesora, the
spect draws diplomats and august visitors Tree of Life.
to the city from around the known world. Although they pale in comparison to
A few nations-specifically Amadicia and their Domani neighbors, Taraboners have a
Tear-look on the White Tower with suspicion or reputation for hedonism and immodesty.
even hatred. These nations are far away, however, and The many entertainments featured in the
despite some bluff and bluster have never seriously "circles," or enormous arenas, on each of
threatened Tar Valon or its interests. On the other the peninsulas of Tanchico are boister-
hand, other countries, especially Andor, have tradition- ous by the standards of many other na-
ally had very close ties with Tar Yalon. Most nations tions but remain quite popular with
view rhe city with general respect. Taraboners. Horse races, nonlethal glad-
Its location-halfway between Cairhien and the iatorial competitions, illumination dis-
Borderlands along the River Erinin, and at the plays, athletic competitions, and
juncture of nearly all major roads between the many other events take place in the
Borderlands and the kingdoms to the south- Tar Va/011er wanderer circles every month, providing a
makes Tar Yalon a major trade hub. Every day, the nonstop source of entertainment for
north and south harbors see ships from all along the the Taraboner people.
Erinin and across the seas, while trade caravans from Lastly, Taraboners are reputed to enjoy political and
Andor, Cairhien, and the Borderlands cross her bridges. social intrigue. Their unusually complex government,
Tar Yalon's trade ties with tbe outside world are strong. with a King, a Panarch, and an Assembly of Lords all jock-
Lands: Tar Yalon sits on an island in the middle of eying for power, encourages behind-the-scenes political
the River Erinin, in a region not claimed by any other maneuvering and conspiracies. The maneuvers may not
kingdom. Technically, Tar Yalon is limited to the city that be as subtle as the Cairhienin Game of Houses, but
crowds t11e island itself, but a number of nearby villages they're just as effective.
and settlements come under its influence. Physical Description: Taraboners are of average
Adventurers: A worldly attitude and exposure to vis- height, though they tend toward a bulky build. They have
itors from around the world prepare Tar Yaloners for a life complexions darker than Domani, midlanders, and most
of adventure. Obviously, many Aes Sedai set out for parts other inhabitants of the westlands, though not as dark as
unknown from the city. But Tar Yalon also breeds excel- those of the Ebou Dari.
lent armsroen and wanderers as well. Under their veils, Taraboner men usually wear thick,
39
bushy mustaches, and on their heads they wear distinctive Adventurers: Taraboners are well suited to the life of
cylindrical caps of dark fdt or leather. Noblemen and an. adventurer. l11ey are strong-willed, versatile, and
commoners alike wear white baggy trousers (sometimes quick-thinking. Merchant wanderers, strong armsmen,
embroidered), baggy shirts with embroidered panels across and powerful channelers, among others, could all come
the chest, and thigh-length coats with embroidered scroll- from Tarabon.
work on the shoulders. The wealthier the man, the more
elaborate his clothes (and their embroidery), and the finer
che materials they are made from. OGIER
Taraboner women prefer dress that, while not as reveal-
Ogier (pronounced "OH-gear") are a race of nonhuman
ing as Domani styles, still leaves little to the imagination:
thin woolen or silk dresses cut to accentuate and cling to creatures. whose existence predates the Age of Legends.
Substanually larger than humans and known for their
the figure. Gowns come in a variety of bright colors that
complement the wearer's skin tone. artistic temperaments (many of the westlands' most beau-
Relations: Taraboners get tiful cities were originally
along well with everyone ex- built by Ogier stonemasons),
cept Doman i. They have Ogier are peaceful creatures
quarreled and fought with who live in isolated commu-
their northern neighbors re- nities and have little contact
garding the Almoth Plain for with human ity. As a resu lt of
three hundred years, and in this remoteness, many west-
that length of time grudges landers consider Ogier little
and hatreds have grown be- more than legends or chil-
dren's tales.
yond all reason. No Domani
would openly come to Person ality: Thanks to
Tarabon for fear of his life, their long lifespans- about
but traders and visitors from five times that of humans-
the rest of the westlands arrive Ogier tend co be slow, delib-
in the harbor of Tanchico erate, and careful. They think
practically every day. long and hard before taking
Among themselves, Ta- any serious action and often
raboners govern their conduct discuss and debate it with
with a fairly rigorous social their fellows. Their cautious
code. They do not reveal their movements only heighten
faces to anyone (even in pri- human perceptions that
vate) except their families, Ogier are ponderous and
and they use elaborate forms slow to act. What most hu-
of address for all but the most mans don't realize is that, to
informal occasions. Ogier, people and their struc-
Lands: Located in the tures are small and delicate,
southwestern corner of the and Ogier slowness is often
westlands, Tarabon nestles be- just a reasonable caution with
tween the Mountains of Mist human property and safety.
the Aryth Ocean, and th~ Taraboner woodsman Ogier are well known for
much-disputed Alrnoth Plain. Except near the: mountains never breaking oaths or prom-
ise~. Humans say "Ogier's oath" when describing just how
and in the Shadow Hills along the coast, its lands tend to
se:1ous they are about keeping their own promises. Jndeed,
be Aat and relatively featureless, with only the occasional
line of low hills or small, scrubby forest to break the mo- th1~ honest~ is just one indication of the courtesy of Ogier
soc1ety- Og1er are generally polite and kind to a faulc.
noton.y. Although the climate in the upper elevations can
Physical Description: Ogier have the san1e body type
be quite pleas~n.t, throughout the rest of the kingdom the
heat and hum1d1ty often become oppressive. For this rea- as humans, but the resemblance ends there. With an aver-
age height of eight to ten feet, and proportionately broad
son, most Taraboners prefer to live along the coast, where
shoulders to match, Ogier tower over their human counter-
cool sea breezes help to alleviate the heat.
Tanchico is one of the largest and oldest cities in the parts. They also have unusual faces, with bi:oad flat noses,
bushy drooping eyebrows, and long tufted ears that twitch
westlands. Due to general neglect, however, it often
shows its age. Built on three peninsulas that thrust east- and tum whenever they are nervous, alert, or disturbed.
ward into a large natural bay, it attracts commerce from C?gier prefer fine, heavily embroidered clothing. The
density of flowers and Aoral patterns on a Ogier woman's
across the known world. Though many say that the crafts-
men of Tarabon lack the skill they once possessed, the dress usual ly indicates her station among her people- the
more elaborate the embroidery, the higher her rank. A
market for Taraboner rugs, ceramics, woven goods, fire-
works, dyes, and papers remains strong. young girl's dress may only have embroidery along the
hem, whereas a female Eider's dress displays delicately
40
sewn flowers and leaves from hem to neck. Both genders others, the stedding might never have been occupied.
have long hair (long enough to cover their ea rs), but fe- Ogier who remain o utside the stedding for too long
males wear theirs longer than males. Females also like to begin to suffer from "the Longing," an intense desire to re-
adorn themselves with necklaces and bracelets (usuaUy turn home. If they do nor give in to this desire, they even-
with a botanical motif), but never wear earrings. tually sicken and die. (In game terms, an Ogier character
Unlike other types of intelligent nonhumans (Trol- must spend at least one week in any sledding per year or
locs, for instance), Ogier are not constructs- that is, they lose 1 point of Constitution for every month beyond that
were not artificially created. he remains away. If his Constitution reaches 0, he dies.
Relations: Ogier have relatively little contact with hu- Prior to that point, he recovers 1 point of lost Constitu-
manity. Sometimes groups of Ogier stonemasons journey tion for each day spent in the sledding.)
to the great cities to build, or to repair older Ogier con- Language: Ogier speak their own language, which they
structions, but the days when every major inn needed an keep secret from humans, though many learn Common
Ogier-sized room to accommodate frequent travelers or the Old Tongue as well.
from the sledding are long gone. This reflects no hos- Adventurers: Few Ogier become adventurers.
tility or ill will between Ogier and humans, just They prefer the quiet, comfort, and slow
a tendency in recent generations for Ogier pace of sledding life, which allows them
to become more withdrawn from human to study and practice their crafts in
society. To most humans, Ogier are the peace. However, n ot all Ogier fit so
subject of stories and legends, not a easily in the societal mold. Some pos-
facet of everyday life. sess a curiosity, a desire to see and ex-
Within their stedding, Ogier are perience the world beyond the
led by Councils of Elders, com- sledding, which may drive them to
posed of the oldest, wisest Ogier in become adventurers. As adven-
the sledding. Females dominate turers, their cop io us knowl-
Ogier culture and usually serve edge of history and esoterica,
as the Head of most Councils. combined with their great size
Female Ogier usually arrange and strength, make them valu-
their sons' marriages after able companions.
careful consultation with the Adventurers often break
potential bride and her stereotypes, and Ogier adventur-
mother- but without telling ers are no exception. An Ogier
the groom anything. He who leaves lUs sttdding to journey
finds out when he comes in human lands often thinks and
home and his mother tells acts more hastily than normal
him he's engaged. Ogier and takes risks most wou ld
Lands: Ogier reside in s1ed- never take. In essence, he is a sort
di11g- small, well-hidden enclaves of Ogier rebel, one who prefers
scattered throughout the west- to experience things directly in-
lands. Forty-one occupied sledding stead of just reading about them in
exist from the shores of the Aryth books.
Ocean to the Spine of the World. Exam-
Ogier wanderer
ples include Stedding Tsofu in Cairhien, Sled-
ding Shangtai in the Spine, Sledding Jongai in
OGIER BACKGROUND TRAITS:
Not being human, Ogier characters do not receive any of
Saldaea, and Stedding Chinden in the Mountains of Mist.
the free bonus feats, skills, or other benefits that human
The Ogier typically prefer mountainous or hilly regions
characters get from their backgrounds. However, they
for their sledding.
may choose to buy one of the following background feats
Sledding are special places with a unique nature. The
whenever they have a nom1al feat slot available: Artistic,
air within a sledding always seems fresh and sweet, trees
Education, Living History, or Smooth Talk. In addition,
and plants grow to huge heights and live for ages, and
Ogier characters gain the following traits:
a feeling of peace seems to pervade everything. More
• +4 Strength, -4 Dexterity. Ogier possess great
important, channelers cannot touch, use, or even sense
mength and resilience, but their large hands and gen-
che One Power while within a stedding, nor can persons
eral size sometimes make them clumsy.
in Tel'aran'rhiod enter a sledding in the dream world.
• Large size: As Large creatures, Ogier have a natural
Trollocs and Myrddraal will not enter a sledding unless
reach of 10 feet but arc slightly easier for Medium-size
forced to do so. It's not known how the sledding came
creatures to lUt iucombat (-1 size modifier to Defense).
to be, or exactly what their properties are, but they have
• Ogier base speed is 40 feet.
been in existence since before the Breaking of the
• Low-light Vision: Ogier can see twice as far as humans
World. There are known to be some sledding unoccu-
in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar condi-
pied by Ogier but that retain their mysrical properties.
tions of poor illumination.
In some cases, the Ogier who lived there died out; in
• Ogier automatically receive 4 ranks in one Knowledge
41
or Profession skill, or io Decipher Script. The chosen BULLHEADED
skill is automatically a class skill for the character. The stubbornness and determination of your kind is leg-
Common Knowledge skills include arcana, architec- endary. You are exceptionally headstrong and difficult to
ture and engineering, geography, history, local, and sway from your intended course.
nature; common Professions include architect, engi- Backgrounds: Aiel, Midlander.
neer, gardener, and stonemason. Benefit: You receive a + 1 bonus on Will saves and a
• +2 background bonus on Fortitude saves. +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.
• +2 background bonus on Listen checks. The large
ears of Ogier allow them to hear better than hu- COSMOPOLITAN
mans do. Your exposure to the thousand forking paths of the city
• +2 background bonus on Craft checks related to has taught you things you ordinarily would never have un-
working stone or constructing buildings. covered.
• Skill and Feat Restrictions: Ride, Armor Proficiency Backgrounds: Cairhienin, Domani, Ebou Dari, Il-
(light), Armor Proficiency (medium), Armor Profi- lianer, Tar Valoner.
ciency (heavy), Exotic Weapon Proficiency, Martial Benefit: Choose a nonexclusive skill you do not have
Weapon Proficiency. Ogier do not normally ride as a class skill. You gain a +2 bonus on all checks with that
horses and cannot purchase ranks in the Ride skill at skill, and that skill is always considered a class skill for you.
character creation. Ogier do not train with weapons Special: You may take this feat multiple times. Its ef-
and cannot have any armor proficiency feats or any fects do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies
weapon proficiency feats (except for simple weapons) to a new skill.
at character creation, even if such proficiencies would
normally be granted by their class. These skills and DISCIPLINED
feats can be gained normally as the Ogier character Your people are admired for their single-minded determi-
advances in level. nation and clarity of purpose. You are difficult to distract
• Nonchannelers. Ogier do not possess the abili ty to by weave or blow.
channel. They cannot gain any levels in any chan- Backgrounds: Aiel, Atha'an Miere.
neling class. Benefit: You gain a + 1 bonus on Will saves and a +2
• Home Language: Ogier, Common (choose dialect); bonus on Concentration checks.
not all Ogier speak Common, but all adventuring
Ogier do. Bonus Language Choices: any Common DUELIST
dialect, Old Tongue (see Bonus Language Choices, Among your people, bloody duels are a common way of
page 26). settling disputes or avenging imults. You have had to de-
velop a quick wit, a quick knife, or both to survive.
Backgrounds: Ebou Dari.
BACKGROUND Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy checks
and a +2 bonus on initiative checks.
FEATS
The following feats are available only to characters of cer- EDUCATION
tain backgrounds, as specified in the feat descriptions. For Some lands hold the pen in higher regard than the sword.
more information on feats and how they are acquired, see In your youth you received the benefit of several years of
Chapter 5: Feats. more or less fo rmal schooling.
Backgrounds: Tar Valoner, Ogier.
ARTIST Benefit: All Knowledge skills are class skills for you.
You come from a culcure in which the arts, philosophy, You get a +I bonus on all skill checks with any two
and music have a prominent place in society. Knowledge skills of your choosing.
Backgrounds: Taraboner, Ogier. Special: You may only take this feat as a 1st-level
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on all Perform checks character.
and to checks for one Craft skill that involves art (your
choice), such as calligraphy, painting, sculpture, or em- GAMBLER
broidery. Dice, cards, or horse races-whatever the game of chance,
your people have a love for it.
BLOODED Background: Ebou Dari, Tairen.
You know what it means to fight for your life, and the Benefit: Profession (gambler) is a class skill for you.
value of quick wits and quicker reactions when blades are You gain a +2 bonus on Profession (gambler) checks and
bared and deadly weaves fly. Enemies find it difficu lt to a + 2 bonus on Sense Motive checks.
catch you off guard.
Backgrounds: Aiel, Borderlander. LIVING HISTORY
Benefit: You get a +2 bonus on initiative checks and The past is not merely a coUection of stories to your peo-
a +2 bonus on Spot checks. ple. It is a part of the present, a lesson you carry with you
in everything you do.
42
Background: Taraboner, Ogier. Background: Borderlander.
Benefit: You receive a +2 bonus on all Knowledge Benefit: When fighting Trollocs, you gain a +1 com-
checks. petence bonus on damage rolls for melee attacks and for
ranged attacks al ranges of up to 30 feet. In addition, you
LUCK OF HEROES act as if you had the Improved Critical feat for the
Your land is known for producing heroes. Through re- weapon you are using. This benefit does not stack with
silience, determination, and plu ck, your people survive the Jmproved Critical feat.
when no one expects them to come through. Special: You may take this feat multiple times. Its ef-
Background: Midlander. fects do not stack. The second time you take the feat you
Benefit: You receive a +I luck bonus on all saving throws. may add one of the following types of Shadowspawn:
Draghkar, or Myrddraal. The third and each additional
M ERCANTILE BACKGROUND time, you may choose another from that list or from
Powerful merchants and tradesmen control the wealth among the fol lowing: Darkhound or Gray Man.
and commerce of much of the westlands. You come from
a family that excels at a particular trade and knows well SILVER PALM
the value of any kind of trade good or commodity. Your culture is based on haggling and tl1e art of the deal.
Background: Atha'an Miere, Ebou Dari, Iltianer, Background : Atha'an Miere, Cairhienin, Illianer.
Taraboner, Ta iren. Benefit: You get a + 2 bonus on Appraise and Bluff checks.
Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on aU Appraise checks
and a +2 bonus on checks for the Craft or Profession skill SMOOTH TALK
of your choice. Your people are accustomed to dealing with strangers and
foreigners without needing to draw weapons to make
MILITIA their point.
You served in Andor's O!icen's Guard, the Companions Background: Atha' an Miere, Cairhienin, Tar Valoner,
of Illian, Tear's Defenders of the Stone, the Tower Guard Ogier.
in Tar Yalon, or some similar military unit or local mili- Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and
tia. There, you trained with weapons suitable for use on Sense Motive checks.
the battlefield.
Background : Cairhienin, Domani, Tilianer, Midlan- STEALTHY
der, Tar Valoner, Tairen. Your people are known for their stealthiness.
Benefit: You get Martial Weapon Proficiency (cross- Background: Aiel, Borderlander.
bow) and Martial Weapon Proficiency (pike or halberd) as Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on Hide and Move
bonus feats. Silently checks.
43
Adventurers seek gold, glory, justice, fame, power, or
knowledge, or perhaps other goals-some noble and some
base. Each chooses a different way to achieve those goals,
from brutal combat power, to subtle skills, to the eerie
might of the One Power. Some adventurers prevail and
grow in experience, wealth, and power. Others die.
Your character's class is his or her profession or voca-
tion. 1t determines what he or she is able to do: combat
training, channeling ability, skills, and more. Class is
probably the first choice you make about your character
Gust ahead of background, or perhaps in conjunction
with that decision). The class you choose determines
where you should best place your character's ability
scores and suggests which backgrounds are best to sup-
port that class choice.
THE CLASSES
There are seven main classes, known as hero classes, in
the Wheel of Time Rokplaying Game:
Abilities: Strength is important for algai'd'siswai be- Weapon Focus: At 1st level the algai'd'siswrti gains
cause of its role in combat, and several algai'd'siswai skills the bonus feat Weapon Focus for the shortspear.
are based on Strength. Dexterity is almost as useful as Dance the Spears: The algai'd'siswai fighting style
Strength, particularly since the algai'd'siswai do not wear emphasizes speed, agility, maneuverability, and reflexes.
armor and rely so much on stealth and concealment. The At 2nd level, an algai'd'siswai receives a +2 bonus on ini-
lack of armor can also make Constitution important, tiative checks. This bonus increases to +4 at 8th level, +6
since it provides extra hit points, but most algai'd'siswai at 14th level, and +8 at 20th level.
rely on their combat skills to keep from getting hurt. Wis- Uncanny Dodge: Starting at 3rd level, the a!-
dom is importa nt for several a!gai'd'siswai skills. gai'd'siswai gains tl1e extraordinary ability to react to
Hit Die : cllO. danger before his senses would normally allow hin1 to. At
3rd level and above, he retains his Dexterity bonus to De-
Class Skills: The aigai'd'siswai's class skills (and the fense (if any) regardless of being caught flat-footed or
key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), struck by an invisible attacker. (He still loses his Dexterity
Craft (Int), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Intuit Direction bonus to Defense if immobilized.)
(Wis), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), and At 6th level, the algai'd'siswai can no longer be
Wilderness Lore (Wis). See Chapter 4: Skills for skill de- flanked; he can react to opponents on opposite sides of
scriptions. him as easily as he can react to a single attacker. This de-
fense denies a wanderer the ability to use a flank atlack to
Skill Points at lst Level: (4 + Int morufier) x 4. sneak attack the algai'd'siswai. The exception to this de-
Skill Points at Each Adrutional Level: 4 + Int modifier. fense is that a wanderer at least four levels higher than the
algai'd'siswai can flank him (and thus sneak attack him).
Class Features: All of the following are class features At 12th level, the algai'd'siswai gains an intuitive
of the algai'd'siswai. sense that alerts him to danger from traps, giving him a
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: An a/gai'd'siswai +2 bonus to Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +2
is proficient with all simple weapons except the short dodge bonus to Defense against attacks by traps.
sword. algai'd'siswai despise swords, and will not gener- Stealthy Movement: algai'd'siswai may add their Re-
ally even touch them. For this reason, algai'd'siswai gain flex save bonus to all Move Silently and Hide checks.
no experience points from encounters in which they
use swords.
Algai'd'siswai do not wear armor and do not start with ARMS MAN
armor proficiencies. When wearing armor, an a/gt1i'd'-
The conquering overlord, the Whitecloak lieutenant, the
siswai loses all class abilities and gains no experience
king's champion, the elite foot soldier, the hardened mer-
points.
cenary, and the bandit Icing- all are armsmen. Armsmen
Fast Movement: The a/gai'd'siswai has a speed faster
can be stalwart defenders of those in need, cruel maraud-
than the norm for his race by +10 feet (making it 40 for
ers, or gutsy adventurers. Some are among the land's best
human algai'd'siswa1) .
.-
souls, wiUing to face death for Lhe greater good. Others brotherhood. Those wbo bail from a particular academy,
are among the worst, those who have no qualms about mercenary company, or lord's regiment, however, share a
killing for private gain, or even for sport. Armsmen who certain camaraderie.
are not actively adventuring may be soldiers, guards, Background: Armsmen can have any background
bodyguards, champions, or criminal enforcers. An adven- (though Ogier armsmen are rare indeed, as are Aiel). Mid-
turing armsman might call himself a warrior, a mercenary, lander armsmen may be from the village militia or watch,
a thug, or simply an adventurer. the Queen's army in Andor, or the legions of the Chil-
Adventures: Most anusmen see adventures, military dren of the Light. Tn the Borderlands, anmmanship is a
service, raids, and dangerous missions as their job. Some way of li fe for much of the population. Tbe war between
have patrons or commanders who pay them regularly. the Domani and the Taraboners, the Tafrens and the fl.
Others prefer to live like prospectors, taking great risks in lianers, and the Cairh.ienin and the Aiel have bred many
hopes of the big haul. Some armsmen are more civic- armsmen.
minded, using their combat skills to protect those in dan- For arrosmen of common status, the weapons of
ger who cannot defend themselves. Whatever their initial choice are usually pikes and bows, axes (battle axes for
motivations, however, armsmen often wind up Living for horsemen, hafted axes for infantry), or spears. Noblemen,
the thrill of combat and adventure. experienced mercenaries, and members of standing
Characteristics: Of all classes, armsmen have the best armies such as the Children of the Light tend toward
all-around fighting capabilities. Annsmen are familiar longswords. Village militiamen often have to make do
with all the standard weapons and armors. In addition to with whatever weapons tbey can scrounge or quickly
general fighting prowess, each armsman develops particu- manufacture, such as boar pikes, scythes, pitchforks,
lar specialties of his or her own. A given armsman may be staffs, and clubs.
especially capable with certain weapons, another trained Examples of Arms men in the Wheel of Time Novels:
to execute specific fancy maneuvers. As armsmen gain ex- Gareth Bryne, Pedron Niall, Agelmar Jagad, Gawyn
perience, they get more opportunities to develop their Trakand, Galadedrid Damodred, Talmanes Delovinde,
fighting skills. Thanks to their focus on combat maneu- Nalesean Aldiaya, Uno.
vers, they can master the most difficult ones relatively
quickly.
GAME R ULE I NFORMATION: Armsmen have
Origin: Annsmen come to their profession in many
the fo llowing game statistics.
ways. Most have bad formal training in a noble's army or
Abilities: Strength is especi;1l ly important for arms-
at least in the local militia. Some have trained in formal
men because it improves their melee attack and damage
academies. Others are self-taught-unpolished but well
rolls. Constitution is important for giving armsmen lots
tested. An arrnsman may have taken up the sword as a
of hit points, which they'll need in their many battles.
way to escape the Limits oflife on the farm, or he may be
Dexterity is important for armsmen who want to be good
following a proud family tradition. Armsmen share no
archers or who want access to certain Dexterity-oriented
special identity. They do noc see themselves as a group or
-
and enjoy themselves. Many of them count on their luck derers are proficient with light armor but not with
shields. Note that some armor types incur aJmor check targets with discernible anatomies. Additionally, any target
penalties to the skills Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, that is immune to critical hits is also immune to sneak at-
Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Pick Pocket, and Tumble. tacks. The wanderer must be able to see the target well
Also, S\vim checks suffer a - 1 penalty for every 5 - - - .. enough to pick out a vital spot and
pounds of armor, eqwpment, or loot carried. , , must be able to reach a vital spot. The
Illicit Barter: Beginning at 1st level, the wanderer wanderer can't sneak attack while striking a
gains a +5 competence bonus on any Diplomacy target witl1 concealment (see Table 8-7: Con-
checks made to buy or sell illicit or illegal goods. cea.lment) or striking the limbs of a target
The Dark One's O wn Luck: At 2nd level, whose vitals are beyond reach.
the wanderer gains the bonus. feat The Dark Bonus Feat: At 10th level, the wanderer gains
One's Own Luck. a bonus feat. The frat must be selected from
Skill Em phasis : At 4th level, and every Alertness, Dodge, Fame, Heroic Surge, Improved
four levels thereafter (8th, 12th, 16th, and Initiative, Infamy, Low Profile, Weapon Finesse,
20th), the wanderer gains the bonus feat Skill or Weapon Focus.
Emphasis. This feat may be applied to any
class skill. The wanderer may not select the
same skill twice. WILDER
Sneak Attack: Starting at 5th level, if a wan-
The One Power isn't reserved for those who
derer can catch an opponent who is unable to
travel to the White Tower or seek out the guidance
defend himself effectively from the wan-
of Wise Ones. Some people are touched by the
~ derer's attack, she can strike a vital spot for
;: Power without the benefit of years of study or the
·~ extra damage. Basically, any time the wan-
help of those who have mastered it in the traditions
~ derer's target would be denied his Dex-
of the initiates. These wilders embrace the True
~ terity bonus to Defense (whether he
Source on their own, and, if they survive the experi-
~ actually has a Dexterity bonus or
ence, go on to become capable, or even quite pow-
not), or when the wanderer flanks the target, the
erfi.tl channelers. Though they lack access to the
wanderer's attack deals extra damage. The extra dam-
techniques and skills developed over the years by
age is + 2d6 at 5th level and an additional +2d6 at 14th
Aes Sedai, Aiel Wise Ones, and Atha'an Miere
level. See Table 8-5 : Attack Roll Modifiers for combat sit-
Windfinders, wilders are also free from the hide-
uations in which the wanderer flanks an opponent or the
bound rules and limitations that bind and restrict ini-
opponent Joses his Dexterity bonus to Defense.
tiates.
Ranged attacks only count as sneak attacks if the Andoran
Adventures : Many wilders become village Wis-
target is within 10 paces. The wanderer can't strike 1vanderer
doms or local healers, respected and admired in their
with deadly accuracy beyond that range.
comm.unities. Others (especially men) find themselves
A wanderer can only make sneak attacks against living
Weapon Specialization: On achieving 6th level or to Defense (but see Class and Level Features below), and 6
higher, as a feat the woodsman may take Weapon Special- skill points (4 for one annsman level and +2 for her Intelli-
ization. Weapon Specialization adds a +2 damage bonus gence bonus for an ability score of 14) to be spent as an arms-
with a chosen weapon. The woodsman must bave Weapon man. TI1ese benefits are added to the scores she already had
Focus with that weapon to take Weapon Specialization. 1f as a wanderer. Her Will save and Reputation do not increase
the weapon is a ranged weapon, the damage bonus only ap- because these numbers are + 0 for a 1st-level armsman. Also,
plies if the target is within 30 feet, because only at that range her wanderer skills do not improve and she does not gain the
can the woodsman strike precisely enough to hit more ef- 5th-level wanderer sneak attack ability, since she didn't go up
fectively. The woodsman may take this feat as a bonus feat in level as a wanderer. She could spend some of her 6 skill
or as a regular one. Other classes may not take Weapon Spe- points to improve her wanderer skills, but, since they would
cialization as a feat unless so noted in their descriptions. be b·eated as cross-class ski.Us for this purpose, these skill
points would each only buy half a rank.
On reaching 15,000 XP, Ese!Je becomes a 6th-level
MULTI CLASS character. She decides she'd like to continue along the
CHARACTERS armsman path, so she increases her armsman level instead
of her wanderer level. Again sire gains the armsman's ben-
A character may add new classes as he progresses in lev- efits for attaining a new level rather than the wanderer's. As
els. The class abilities from a character's different classes a 2nd-level armsman, she gains another dlO Hit Die; her
add together to determine the multiclass character's total base attack, Fortitude and Reflex saves, and Reputation all
abilities. Multiclassing improves a character's versatility at go up by + 1; and she gains 6 skill points. Additionally, as
the expense of focus. a 6th-level character overall she gets her third feat (as per
Table 3- 1: Experience and Level-Dependent Benefits).
At this point, Eselle is a 6th-level character: a 4th-level
How MULTICLASSING WORKS! Eselle, a 4th-
wanderer/2nd-level armsman. At each new level gained,
level wanderer, decides she wants to expand her repertoire by
Eselle decides whether to increase her wanderer level or
teaming the arts ofwar. She locates a men tor who teaches her
her armsman level. Of course, if she really wants to have
the ways of an armsman, and she spends a lot of time watch-
diverse abilities, she could even acquire a third class-
ing Caira, her party's best armsman, while Caira practices
maybe woodsman.
swordfighting each morning. When Eselle amasses 10,000
XP, she becomes a 5th-level character. Instead of becoming a
5th-level wanderer, however, she decides tO become a 4th- ADDING A SECOND CLASS: When a single-class
level wanderer/1st-level armsman. Now, instead of gaining character gains a level, he or she may choose to increase
the benefits of altaining a new level as a wanderer, she gains the level of his or her current class or pick up a new class
the benefits of becoming a 1st-level armsman. She gains an at I st level. The GM may restrict the choices available ac-
armsman's Hit Die (dlO), a 1st-level armsman's bonus feat, a cording to how he or she handles classes, skills, experi-
+2 bonus on Fort saves and + 1 on Reflex saves, a +2 bonus ence, and training. For instance, the character may need
to find a tutor to teach him the ways of the new class. Ad- Note that you do not have to subtract 2 when adding
ditionally, the GM may require the player to declare what a prestige class or an NPC class (these special classes are
class his or her character is "working on" before he or she covered in Chapter 10). Sub tract 2 from your defense
makes the jump to the next level, so the character has bonus only when adding an additional hero class.
time to practice new skills. Reputation: Add the Reputation scores for each class
The character gains all the I st-level base attack together.
bonuses, base save bonuses, class skills, and other class Skills: The character retains and can access skills from
features of the new class, as well as a Hit Die of the ap- all his or her classes. When a multidass hero gains a level
propriate type. In addition, the character gets the new in a class, he spends that level's skill points as a member
class's per-level skill points. of that class. For purposes of calculating maximum ranks,
Picking up a new class is not exactly the same as start- a skill is a class skill if at least one of the character's classes
ing a character in that class. Some of the benefits for a h as it as a class skill. The maximum rank for a class skill is
1st-level character represent the advantage of training 3 + the character level. For a 7th-level wanderer/4th-level
while young and fresh, with lots of time to practice. armsman (an 11th-level character), a wanderer skill or
When picking up a new class, a ch aracter does not receive annsman skill has a maximum rank of 14. For a cross-class
the following starting bonuses given to characters who skill, maximum rank is half the maximum for a class skill.
begin their careers in that class: If a skill is unavailable to a class (that is, if it's an ex-
clusive skill that a multiclass character's other class doesn't
• Maxin1um hit points from the first Hit Die. have access to), then levels in that class don't increase the
• ~adruple the per-level skill points. multiclass character's maximum ra11ks. For instance, a 7th-
• Starting equipment. level wanderer/4th-level armsman would have a maximum
• Starting gold. ra11k of 10 in Innuendo, an exclusive class skill for wan-
derers. The extra four levels in the armsman class do not
increase the character's maxinrnm rank with Inn uendo.
CLASS AND LEVEL FEATURES: The abilities of Starting Feats: The character gets all starting feats of
a multiclass character are the sum of the abilities of each
all classes (ignoring redundancy).
of the character's classes.
Class Features: The character gets all class features of
Level: "Character level" is the total level of the charac-
all classes but also suffers the consequences of alJ special re-
ter. It derives from overall XP earned and is used to deter-
strictions of all classes. Some class features don't work well
mine when feats and ability score boosts are gained, as per
with skills or class features of other classes. For example,
Table 3- 1: Experience and Level-Dependent Benefits.
armsman are proficient with heavy armor, but a wan-
"Channeler level" is the total levels rhe character has in all
derer/armsman still suffers skill penalties &om heavy armor.
classes able to charrnel. "Class level" is the level of the char-
Feats: For multidass characters, feats are received every
acter in a particular class, as per the individual class tables.
three character levels, regardless of individual class level
For a single-class character, character level equals class level;
(see Table 3-1: Experience and Level-Dependent Benefits).
for a multiclass character, it is the sum of all class levels.
Ability Increases: For multiclass characters, abilities
Hit Dice: The character gains Hit Dice from each
are increased every four character levels, regardless of in-
class, with the resulting hit points added together.
dividual class level (see Table 3- 1: Experience and Level-
Base Attack Bonus: Add the base attack bonuses for
Dependent Benefits).
each class to get the base attack bonus. If the resulting value
Weaves: Some weaves base their effect upon the caster
is +6 or higher, the character gets multiple attacks. Find the
level. In the case of multiclass characters, the caster level is
base attack value on each class table to see how many addi-
the swn of the character's cha1meling class levels. For exam-
tional attacks the character gets and at what bonuses. For in-
ple, a 3rd-level woodsman/4th-level wilder has a casting level
stance, a 6th-level wanderer/4th-level armsman would have
of 4th. If he later became a 3rd-level woodsman/4th-level
a base attack bonus of +8 (+4 for the wanderer class and +4
wilder/2nd-level initiate, his casting level would be 6th.
for the armsman class). A base attack bonus of +8 allows a
second attack with a bonus of +3 (listed as +8/+3 on each
table), even though neither the +4 rrom the wanderer nor ADVANCING A LEVEL: Each time a multiclass
the +4 from the armsman no.rmally allows an extra attack. character achieves a new level, he or she either increases
Saving Throws: Add the base save bonuses for each one of his or her current class levels by one or picks up a
class together. A 7th-level wanderer/4th-level annsman gets new class at 1st level. When a multiclass character in-
+6 on Fortitude saving throws (+2 as a 7th-level wanderer creases one of her classes by one level, she gets all the
and +4 as a 4th-level armsman), +7 on Reflex saving throws standard benefits that characters get for achieving that
(+ 5 and +2), and + 5 on Will saving throws (+4 and +l). level in that class: an extra Hit Die, possible bonuses in
Defense Bonus: Add the Defense bonuses for each attacks, Defense, and saving throws (depending on the
class together, then subtract 2 for each class after the first. class and the new level), possible new class features (as de-
A 4th -level noble/1st-level armsman has a Defense bonus fined by the class), new weaves, and new skill points.
of +3 plus + 2, minus 2 for having a second class, for a Skill points are spent according to the class that the
total of +3. Tf the same hero then picked up a level of multi.class character just advanced in (see Table 4- 1: Skill
wanderer, she would add +3 and subtract 2 (for having Points per Level). Skills purchased from Table 4- 2: Skills are
yet another class), for a total Defense bonus of +4. purchased at the cost appropriate for that class.
Eben Dad, a wanderer, can walk quietly up to a door, put
his ear to it, and hear a Myrddraal rasping orders to its
Trolloc followers . If Valara, an initiate, were to try the
same thing, she'd probably make so much noise that the
Trollocs would heat her. She, however, could set a ward
on the door and incapacitate any Trollocs passing
through it. These actions and many more are determined
by the skills that characters have (in this case, Move
Silently, Listen, and Concentration). This chapter shows
you how your character acquires skills and how they are
used duri.ng the course of an adventure or campaign.
SKILLS SUMMARY
Your character's skills represent a variety of abilities, and ....
you get better at them as you go up in level. :::
~
EARNING SKILL POINTS: At each level, you get ~
4, 6, or 8 skill points that you use to buy skills for your ~
character (your Intelligence modifier adds to this num- ~
ber). A lst-level character gets four times this number. If ~
you buy a class skill (such as Ride for an armsman or ~
Bluff for a noble), you get 1 rank (equal to a +1 bonus) t:i
for each skill point. If you buy other classes' skills (cross- ~~
cl.ass skills), you get a half rank per skill point. Your max- ~
imum rank in a class skill equals your level plus 3. Your
maximum rank i.n a cross-class skill is half of this number
(do not round up or down).
HOW DO SKILLS
WORK?
This extended example shows how skills work. Detailed
rules follow the example.
SKILLS AT lS'f LEVEL: Baran Ti.mere, a wanderer, SKILL CHECK: When Baran makes a skill check at
gets 8 skill points per level. Since his Intelligence score is 2nd level, his player rolls ld20 and adds his skill modi-
12, he gets +I point per level, for a total of 9 skill points. fier (rank + ability modifier + any miscellaneous modi-
As a 1st-level character, Baran gets four times this number, fier). The higher the result, the better Baran. does. On
or 36 skill points. At 1st level, his maximum rank in a skill average, Baran will roll a 10 or 11 on ld20, so he will get
is his level (1) plus 3, or 4. With 36 points, he can increase a check result of 18 or 19 with his Bluff checks. It's this
to his maximum rank (max out) nine class skills (the orig- total check result that matters, not the original roll A re-
inal number of skill points for Baran) at 4 ranks each. sult of 19 by an average citizen with no plusses or mi-
Baran chooses the skills Bluff, Di.sable Device, Dis- nuses who rolls it naturally is the same as a result of 19
guise, Escape Artist, Gather Wormation, Hide, Move by Baran (11 on ld20 with + 8 for his skill rank and
Silently, Perform, and Sense Motive, all class skills, at 4 Charisma modifier).
ranks each. The skill section on nis character sheet looks
like this:
OPPOSED CHECK: Baran meets an armsman, a
guardsman-lieutenant from a rival Cairhienin house, in a
Ability Misc. Skill
local inn and tries to bluff his way out of trouble ("No,
Skills Ranks Modifier Modifiers Modifier
I've never been to the Sun Palace"). Baran's player rolls
Bluff 4 +3 +0 +7
ld20+8 for his Bluff check and gets a 17. The GM secretly
Disable Device 4 +1 +0 +5
makes a Sense Motive check for the guardsman (since
Disguise 4 +3 +0 +7
Bluff is opposed by Sense Motive), and the result is 14.
Escape Artist 4 +1 +o +5
Since Baran's Bluff result is higher than the lieutenant's
Gather 4 +3 +o. +7
Sense Motive result, the GM tells Baran's player that the
Information
guardsman looked suspicious for a moment, then turned
Hide 4 +1 +0 = +5
and left the inn. Definitely a close call.
Move Silently 4 +1 +o = +s
Perform 4 +3 +o +7
Sense Motive 4 +1 +0 +5 CHECK AGAINsr A DIFFICUL1Y Cl.Ass (DC):
An accomplished player of the Game of Houses himself,
Bluff is a Charisma skill, so when Baran makes a Bluff Baran is concerned by the presence of the rival house's
check he adds his 4 ranks and his Charisma modifier (+ 3) lackeys. It could spell trouble for his employer. He de-
together for a skill mod ifier of+7. Hide is a Dexterity cides to remain in the inn's common room throughout
skill, so when he makes a Hide check he adds 4 for his the evening, playing songs and spinning wondrous tales
rank and + l for his Dexterity bonus, for a total skill mod- for the patrons. Actually, lie is trying to gather any in·
ifier of +5. For skills based on Intelligence and Wisdom, formation relating to the strange am1sman and his men.
be gets his 4 ranks and his + 1 Intelligence bonus or + 1 The GM checks the description for the Gather Informa·
Wisdom bonus, for skilJ modifiers of +5 in Sense Motive tion skill; since Baran is looking for some pretty specific
and Disable Device. information, the GM sets a DC of 20 for locating the
lieutenant and divining his purpose. Baran's player rolls
a 9 on ld20 for a final result of 17. This result is not
SKILLS AT 2ND LEVEL: When Baran reaches 2nd enough to learn anything of real value. The GM tells the
level, he gets another 9 skill points, the same as he will
player that Baran will need to try a different common
each level after that (unless his Intelligence score goes up,
room, or a different approach to learn more about his
increasing liis Intelligence bonus). He decides to use 1
potential enemies.
skill point to increase his Bluff, Sense Motive, and Gather
Information skills by 1 rank each, raising his ranks to 5
and his skill modifiers up to +8 for these three skills. He UNTRAINED CHECKS: Unsuccessful at learning
can't have more than 5 ranks in a class skill at 2nd level, anything of value in the common room, Baran instead
so he can't raise these skills any higher. He uses the re- tries to search the surrounding area in hopes of finding
maining 4 skill points to buy 2 ranks of Heal. (Heal is a some clue to the armsman's presence. Baran doesn't have
cross-class skill for wanderers since it's not on the wan- the Search skill (he has 0 ranks in Search), and his Intelli-
derer skill list, so his 4 skill points only buy 2 ranks.) Heal gence modifier is+ 1. The GM secretly sets the DC at 15,
is a Wisdom skill, and with our wanderer's Wisdom mod- and Baran's player rolls an 18 on ld20. After searching
ifier of+ 1, the skill modifier becomes +3. the area carefully, Baran finds a piece of a small wax seal
These skills on his character sheet now look lil{e this: bearing the crest of the Wind & Lion, an upscale inn on
the western edge of town. Patrons of sucb an establish-
Ability Misc. Sk.iH ment would never frequent an area like this- the lieu-
Skills Ranks Modifier Modifiers Moclifier tenant must have dropped it. Baran hopes his good
Bluff 5 +3 +0 +8 fortune holds as he quietly heads west.
Gather 5 +3 +o +8
Information
Heal 5 +1 +o
Sense Motive 5 +1 +O
1. Determine the number of skill points you get. See
ACQUIRING SKILL Table 4- 1: Skill Poin ts per Level.
RANKS A character gets at least 1 skill point even if he has
an Intelligence penalty.
Ranks indicate h ow much training or experience your
2. You can improve any class skill that you've previo usly
character h as with a given skill. Each of you r skills has a
maxed out by 1 rank or any cross-class skill that
rank, from 0 (for a skill in which you r character has no
you've previously maxed out by a half rank.
training at all) to 23 (for the 20th-level character who has
3. If you have not maxed out a skill, you can spend
increased a skill to its maximum rank). When making a
extra skill points on it and increase its rank to its
skill check, you add your skill ranks to the roll as part of
maximum.
the skill modifier, so the more ranks you have, the higher
First, find out what your maximum rank with the
you r skill check will be.
skill is. ff it's a class skill, you r maximum rank is your
new level plus 3. If it's a cross-class skill, your maxi-
ACQUIRING SKILLS AT lST LEVEL: Use the mum rank is one-half that number (do not rou nd up
followin g steps when picking skills for your 1st-level char- or down).
acter: You may spend as many skill points as it takes to
1. Determine the number of skill points you get. The max out the skill (provided that you have that many
number of skill points depends on your class and In- skill points to spend).
telligence modifier, as shown below on Table 4- 1: 4. If you want to pick up a new skill, you can spend up
Skill Points per Level. For example, Eben Dari is a lst- to you r level plus 3 skill points on it. Th ese skill
level wanderer with an Intelligence score of 14 (+2 In- points buy 1 rank each if the n ew skill is a class skill
telligen ce bonus). A t the start of play, h e has 40 skill or a half rank each if it's a cross-class skill.
points (8 + 2 = 10, 10 x 4 = 40).
A character gets at least 4 skill points (1 x 4 = 4)
even if h e has an Intelligence penalty. USING SKILLS
2. Spend the skill points. Each skill poin t you spend on When you use a skill, you make a skill check to see how
a class skill gets yo u l rank in that skill. C lass skills are
well you do. The higher the res ult on your skill check, the
the skills found on your character's class skill list.
better you do. Based on the circumstances, your result
Each skill point yo u spend on a cross-class skill
must match or beat a particular num ber to use th e skill
gets your character a h alf rank in that skill C ross-class
successfully. The harder the task, the high er the number
skills are skills not found on your character's class
you need to roll.
skill list. (Half ranks do not improve yoUl' skill check,
Circumstances can affect your check. If yo u're free to
but two half ran ks make 1 rank.)
work without distractions, you can make a careful at-
Your maximum rank in a class skill is 4. In a cross-
tempt and avoid simple mistakes. If you have lots of time,
class skill, it's 2. You will not be ab le to buy so me
you can try over and over again, ensuring that you do
skills because they are exclusive to certain classes.
s
~
and luck (the die roll). lt may also take into account your of 15 or better on a Climb check. A Climb check is ld20
character's particular knack for certain things (special plus Climb ranks (if any), plus Strength modifier, plus
bonuses) or what armor you are wearing (armor check
any other modifiers. Table 4-5: Difficulty Class Examples ~
penalty), among other things. shows example DCs for skill checks.
To make a skjJI check, roll ld20 and add your skill
Untrained: Yes: The skill can be used untrained. That
modifier for that skill. The skill modifier incorporates
is, a hero can have 0 ranks in this skill but can make skill
your rank with the skill, your ability modifier for that
checks normally. No: You can't use the skill unless you
skill's key abi lity, and any other miscellaneous modifiers
have at least 1 rank.
you have, including armor check penalties. The higher Class names are abbreviated as follows: Alg, algai'd'siswai;
the result, the better. Unlike the combat rules, a natural
Arm, annsman; Jni, initiate; Nb!, noble; Wan, wanderer;
20 is not an automatic success when making a skill check,
Wil, wilder, Wds, woodsman.
and a natural 1 is not an automatic failure.
Table 4- 2: Skills
Skill Key Ability Untrained Alg Arm Ini Nbl Wan WiJ Wds
Animal Empathy Cha No N N N N N N c
Appraise Lnt Yes x x x c c x x
Balance Dex» Yes c x x x c x x
Bluff Cha Yes x x x c c x x
Climb Str* Yes c c x x c x c
Concentration Con Yes x x c x x c x
Craft Int No c c x x c c c
Decipher Script Int No N N c N N N N
Diplomacy Cha Yes x x c c c x x
Disable Device lnt No x x x x c x x
Disguise Cha Yes x x x x c x x
Escape Artist Dex• Yes x x x x c x x
Forgery lnt Yes x x x x c x x
Gather Information Cha Yes x x c c c c x
Handle Animal Cha No x c x x x x c
Heal Wis Yes x x c x x c c
Hide Dex* Yes c x x x c x c
Innuendo Wis No x x x c c x x
Intimidate Cha Yes c c c c c c c
Intuit Direction Wis No c x x x c x c
Jump Str» Yes c c x x c x c
Knowledge (varies) Int No x x c c c c c
Listen Wis Yes c x x c c x c
Move Silently Dex" Yes c x x x c x c
Open Lock Dex No x x x x c x x
Perform Cha Yes x x x c c x x
Pick Pocket Dex* No x x x x c x x
Profession Wis No x x x x c c c
Read Lips lnt No N N N N c N N
Ride Dex Yes x c x c x x c
Search Int Yes x x x x c x c
Sense Motive Wis Yes x x c c c c x
Speak Language None No x x x c x x x
Spot Wis Yes x x x x c x c
Swim Str* Yes x c x x c x c
Tumble Dex* No x x x x c x x
Use Rope Dex Yes x x x x c x c
Wilderness Lore Wis Yes c x x x x x c
C=Class skill. X=Cross-class ski.II. N=Class cannot learn. ''Your armor check penalty, if any, also applies.
67
Table 4-3: Channeler Skills
Skill Key Ability Untrained Alg Arm Ini Nbl Wan Wil Wds
Composure Wis No x x c x x c x
Invert (lost) Int No N N c N N c N
Weavesight Int Yes N N c N N c N
C=Class skill. X= Cross-class skill. N=Class cannot learn. *Your armor check penalty, if any, also applies.
tempts, page 70), or possessing unusually accurate covertly listens to the guardsmen so that he can judge
information. their mood. Doing so improves his performance, giving
2. Give the skill user a - 2 circumstance penalty to rep- him a +2 to the skill modifier for his Perform check.
resent conditions that hamper performance, such as The GM sets the DC at 15. The guards are in a good
being forced to use improvised tools or possessing mood because they recently completed an important
misleading information. mission for their lord, so the GM reduces the DC to 13.
3. Reduce the DC by 2 to represent circumstances that Baran rolls a 6 and adds + 9 for his skill modifier (4
make the task easier, such as having a friendly aud ience ranks, + 3 Charisma modifier, and +2 fo r his im-
or performing work that doesn't have to be perfect. promptu research). His result is 15. (Baran's perform-
4. Increase the DC by 2 to represent circumstances that ance isn't better just because the guardsmen are in a
make the task harder, such as having a hostile audi- good mood, so he does not get a bonus to add into his
ence or performing work that must be flawless. skil l modifier. Instead, the DC goes down.) The Leader
of the group, the lieutenant, has been unable to locate
Conditions that affect your ability to perform the skill a rival house agent he's been tracking, and he's suspi-
change your skill modifier. Conditions that modify how cious of Baran. (Didn't his report suggest that the rival
well you have to perform the skill to succeed change the agent was often seen in the company of a wanderer?)
DC. A bonus to your skill modifier and a reduction in The D C to entertain him is higher than normal: 17 in-
the check's DC have the same result- they create a better stead of 15. The wanderer's skill check result (15) is high
chance that you will succeed. But they represent differ- enough to entertain the guards (D C 13) but not their
ent circumstances, and sometimes that difference be- leader (DC 17). TI1e guards applaud Saran's lute play-
comes important. ing and offer to buy him drinks, but the lieutenant con-
Baran Ti.mere, our wanderer, needs to stall a group tinues to eye him suspiciously.
of gu ardsmen he and his partner have been shadowing.
He finds the guardsman-lieutenant and his men in a Time and Skill Checks: Using a skill might take a
dim bar in the Wind & Lion Inn, where Baran occa- round, several rounds, or even longer. It might take no
sionally performs for the patrons to cover his real busi- time at all. Types of actions define how long activities
ness in the area (playing the Game of Houses and take to perform (see Action Types in Chapter 8: Combat).
sowing dissent for his employer, a wealthy Cairhienin Most skill uses are attack actions. If not, the skill descrip-
noble). Before beginning his performance, Baran tions specify how Jong a skill takes to use.
69
Checks without Rolls: A skill check represents an COMBINING SKILL ATTEMPTS: When more
attempt to accomplish some goal, usually with some sort than one character tries the same skill at the same time
of time p ressure o r distraction. Sometimes, tho ugh, you and for tl1e same purpose, their efforts may overlap.
can use a skill under more favorable condjtions and elim-
inate the luck factor. Individual Events: Often, several characters attempt
Taking 10: When you're not rushed, threatened, or some action and each succeeds or fails on bis or her own.
distracted, yo u may choose to "take IO." Instead of For example, Daracome and each of his friends need
rolling Id20 for the skill check, calculate you r result as if to climb a slope to get to the top. Regardless of Dara-
you had rolled a 10. For many routine tasks, taking 10 come's roll, the otl1er d1aracters need successful checks,
makes them automatically successful. D istractions or too. Each character makes a skill check.
tlueats make it impossible for a character to take 10. Lack-
ing ranks in a skill also p revents a character from taking Cooperation: Sometimes the individual heroes are es-
10, though the GM may allow exceptions for truly ro u- sentially reacting to the same situation, and they can
tine activities. work together and help each other ou t. In this case, one
For example, Baran Timere has a Decipher Script skiJl hero is considered th e leader of the effort and makes a
modifier o f + 5 (4 ranks, + 1 Intelligence modifier). The skill check while each helper makes a skill check against
ancient glyphs he's attempting to decode have a DC of
15. With a little care, be can take 10 and succeed auto-
matically. Bur partway through the process he and h is
companions come under attack by a Trolloc patrol. Baran
GM NOTES: DEGREES OF SUCCESS
needs to make another Decipher Script check to finish Sometimes determining suc-
quickly, and this time he can't sim ply take 10. If Baran's cess isn' t enough. Some·
player rolls 10 or higher on l d20, he succeeds. times the degree of success is
Taking 20: When you have p lenty of time (generally important to a task. For ex-
2 minutes for a skill that can normally be checked in 1 am pie, a stealthy assassin
round-one full-ro und action or one attack action), and sneaks up on a noble in the
when the skill being attempted carries no penalties for dead of night. The noble
fai lure, you can take 20. In other words, eventually you makes an opposed Listen check against the assas-
will get a 20 if you roll enough times. Instead of rolling sin'-s Move Silently check, and is successful The
l d20 for the skill check, calculate your result as if you had GM might say:
rolled a 20. Taking 20 means you are trying until you get
it right. Taking 20 takes abo ut 20 times as long as making 1. You heard a noise and know somethfog's out
a single check. there, but you don't see anything.
For example, D aracome, a wanderer, comes to a cliff 2. You heard a noise. It sounded like a person
face. He attempts to take I 0, fo r a result of 19 (10 plus his moving, and it came from over there.
+ 9 skill bo nus), but the DC is 20, and the GM tells him 3. You heard a noise. There's someone moving to-
that he fails to make progress up tl1e cliff. (His check is at ward you, currently about 20 feet northeast of
least high enough that he doesn't fall.) Daracome can't you and getting closer. You can target the in-
take 20 because there is a penalty associated with failure truder with an attack.
(falling, in this case). He can try over and over, and even-
tually he wilJ succeed, but h e migh t fall one o r more You can handle this by compar ing the rolls (or in
times in the process. unopposed rolls, the roll and the DC). In the ex-
Later, Daracome finds a small tomb in the cliff face ample above, success means that the GM gives the
and searches it. The GM sees in the Search skill descrip- first answer. If the noble beats the assassin's roll
tion that each 5-foot-square area takes a full -round action by 10 or more, she gets answer 2. lf she exceeds
to sea1ch (and she secretly assigns a DC of 15 to the at- the assassin' s roll by 20, she gets all the informa-
temp t). She esti mates that the floors, walls, and ceiling of tion-answer 3.
the tomb make up abo ut twenty 5-foot squares, so she In general, this means:
tells Daracome's player that it takes 2 minutes to search
the whole tomb. D aracome rolls l d20 and adds his +5 Roll Degree of Success
skill modifier. The result of 11 fai ls. Now he declares th at DC or above Success
he is going to search the tomb high and low, for as long DC+lO or above Greater success
as it takes. The GM takes the original time of 2 minutes DC+20 or above Perfect success
and multiplies it by 20, for 40 minu tes. That's how Jong
it rakes the wanderer to search the whole tom b in exact- Remember that this only applies when it's impor-
ing detail. Now Daracome's player treats his roll as if it tant. Most of the time, it only matters whether a
were 20, for a result of 25. That's more than enough to character succeeds or fails.
beat the DC of 15, and Daracome finds a small cache of
boo ty secreted against the tomb's rear walJ.
DC 10. (You can't take 10 on this check.) For each helper Here is the format for skill descriptions. Headings
who succeeds, the leader gets a +2 circumstance bonus that do not apply to a particular skill are omitted in that
(as per the rule for favorable conditions). In many cases, skill's description.
a character's help won't be beneficial, or only a limited
number of characters can help at the same time. The GM SKILL NAME (KEY ABILITY)
limits cooperation as she sees fit for the given conditions. Trained Onry; Armor Check Penalty
For instance, if Baran has been badly wounded, Calyth The skill name line and the line beneath it includes the
Dhartat1 can try a Treat Injury check to keep him from dying. following information:
One other character can help Calyth. If another character Key Ability: The abbreviation of the ability whose
makes a Treat Injury check against DC 10, then Calyth gets modifier applies to the skill check. Exception: Language
+2 on the Treat InjUJy check she makes to help Baran. (Tue has "None" listed as its key ability because the use of this
GM rules that two characters couldn't help Calyth at the skill never requires a check.
same time because a third person would just get in the way.) Trained Only: If "Trained Only" appears directly be-
neath the skill name, you must have at least 1 rank in the
Skill Synergy: It's also possible for a character to skill to use it. If it is omitted, tl1e skill can be used un-
have two skills that work well together, such as someone trained (with a rank of 0). If any special notes apply to
with the Jump skill also having the Tumble skill. In gen- trained or untrained use, they are covered in the Special
eral, having 5 or more ranks in one skill gives you a +2 section (see below).
synergy bonus on skill checks with its synergistic skills, as Armor Check Penalty: If "Armor Check Penalty" ap-
noted in the skill descriptions. pears directly beneath tl1e skill name, apply any armor
check penalty to skill checks for this skill. If it is omitted,
there are no penalties to use this skill.
ABILITY CHECKS: Sometimes you try to do some- [Class Name] Only: The skill is exclusive to a certain
thing to which no specific skill really applies. In these
class or classes. No character not of these classes can take
cases, you make an ability check. To make an ability
the skill. lf omitted, tl1e skill is not exclusive.
check, roll ld20 plus the appropriate ability modifier. Es-
The skill name line is followed by a general descrip-
sentially, you're making an untrained skill check. The GM
tion ofwhat using the skill represents. After the descrip-
assigns a Difficulty Class, or sets up an opposed check
tion are three other types of information:
when two characters are engaged in a contest using one
Check: What you can do with a successful skill
ability score or another. The initiative check in combat,
check, how much time it takes to make a check, and the
for example, is essentially a Dexterity check. The charac-
check's DC.
ter that rolls highest acts first.
Retry: Any conditions that apply to successive at-
tempts to use the skill successfully. If this paragraph is
Table 4- 6: Ability Check Examples omitted, the skill check can be tried again without any in-
Task Key Ability herent penalty other than consuming additional time.
Forcing open a jammed or locked door Strength Special: Any special notes that apply, such as rules re-
Tying a rope Dexierity garding untrained use or if this skill has a synergistic rela-
Holding one's breath. Constitution tionship with other skills.
Navigating a maze Intelligence
Remembering to lock a door Wisdom ANIMAL EMPATHY (CHA)
Getting yourself noticed in a crowd Charisma Trained Only; Woodsman Onb1
Use this skill to keep a guard dog from barking at you, to
In some cases, an action is just a test of one's ability with get a wild bird to .land on your outstretched hand, or to
no luck involved. Just as you wouldn't make a height keep a grolm calm while you back off.
check to see who is taller, you don't make a Strength check Check: You can improve the attitude of an animal
to see who is stronger. When two characters arm wrestle, with a successful check. To use the skill, you and the an-
for example, the stronger character simply wins. In the imal must be able to study each other, noting each
case of identical scores, make opposed Strength checks. other's body language, vocalizations, and general de-
meanor. This means that you must be within 30 feet
under norm.al conditions.
SKILL Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes I
minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take
DESCRIPTIONS more or less time.
This section describes each skill, including common uses This ski] works on animals (such as bears and giant
and typical modiflers. Characters can sometimes use skills lizards). You can use it with a -4 penalty on other beasts
for other purposes than those listed here. For example, (such as raken or t;,>rolm).
you might be able to impress the members of a foreign Retry: As with attempts to influence people, retries
merchants' guild by making an Appraise check. on the same animal generally don't work (or don't work
Regular skills are described fost, followed by a section any better), whether you have succeeded or not.
on channeler skills.
71
APPRAISE (INT) fense (if any) in the face of attacks. If you take damage,
Use this skill to estimate the value of an object, from an you must make a check again to stay on the tightrope.
ancient Tairen lute to a shipment of Sharan silks from the Accelerated Movement: You can try to walk a precarious
lands beyond the Aiel Waste. surface more quickly than normal. If
Check: You can appraise common or well-known ob- you accept a - 5 penalty, you can
jects with in 100/o of their value (DC 12). Failu re means move your full speed as a move ac-
yo u estimate the value at 500/o to 1500/o of actual value. tion. (Moving twice your speed in a
The GM secretly rolls 2d6+3, multiplies by round requires two checks.)
100/o, multiplies the actual value by that Sp ecial : If you have 5 or more
percentage, and tells you that value for ranks in Tumble, you get a +2 syn-
the item. (For a common or well-known ergy bonus on Balance checks.
item, your chance of estimating
the value within 100/o is fairly BLUFF (CHA)
high, even if you fail the You can make the outrageous or the
check-in such a case, consider it untrue seem plausible. This skill en-
a lucky guess.) compasses acting, conning, fast-talk-
Rare or exo tic items req uire ing, misdirection, prevarication, and
a successfu l check against DC misleading body language. Use a
15, 20, or h igher. If successfu l, bluff to sow temporary coufosion,
you estimate the value at 70% get someone to turn his head in the
to 1300/o of its actual value. The direction you point, or simply look
GM secretly rolls 2d4+5, multi- innocuous.
plies by 100/o, multiplies the ac- C h eck: A Bluff check is opposed
tual value by that percentage, by the target's Sense Motive check.
and tells you that value for the Favorable and unfavorable circum-
item. Failure means you can't es- stances weigh heavily on the outcome
timate the item's value. of a bluff. Two circumstances can
Appraising an item takes weigh against you: The blu ff is hard
minute. to believe or the action that the target
Retry: Not on the same is to take goes against the target's self-
object, regardless of success. interest, nature, personality, orders,
Special: If you are mak- etc. If it's important, the GM can dis-
ing the check untrained, for tinguish between a bluff that fails
common items, failure because the target doesn't believe
means no estimate, and for it and one that fails because it
rare items, success means an just asks too much of the target.
estimate ·of 500/o to 1500/o For instance, if the target gets a +I 0
An algahl'sinvai climbs a precarious cliff.
(2d6+3 x 10%). bonus because the bluff demands some-
thing risky of the target, and the Sense
BALANCE (DEX) Motive check succeeds by 10 or less, then the target did n't
Armor Check Penalty so much see through the bluff as prove reluctant to go
You can keep your balance while walking on a tightrope, along with it. 1f the target succeeds by 11 or more, he has
a narrow beam, a ledge, or an uneven floor. seen through the bluff (and would have done so even if it
C h eck: You can walk on a precarious surface as a had not entailed any demand on him).
move action. A successful check lets you move at half A successful Bluff check indicates that the target re-
your speed along the surface for l round. A failure means acts as you wish, at least for a short time (usually 1 round
that you can't move for l round. A failure by 5 or more or less) or believes something that you want him to be-
means that you fall. The difficulty varies with the surface: lieve. For example, you could use a bluff to put someone
off guard by telling him someone was behind him. At
Surface DC Surface DC best, such a bluff would make the target glance over his
7-12 inches wide 10 Uneven floor 10 shoulder. It would not cause the ta rget to ignore you and
2-6 inches wide 15 Surface angled +5* completely t.um around.
Less than 2 inches wide 20 Su rface sfippery +5* A bluff requires interaction between the character and
*Cumulative; if both apply, use both. the target. Targets unaware of the character can't be
bluffed. A bluff always takes at least l round (and is at
Being Attacked while Walking a Tightrope: Attacks least a full-round action) but can take much longer if you
against you are made as if you were off balance: They try something elaborate.
gain a +2 attack bonus, and you lose your Dexterity Feinting in Combat: You can also use Bluff to mislead
bonus to Defense, if any. If you have 5 or more ranks in an opponent in combat so that he can't dodge your attack
Balance, then you can retain your Dexterity bonus to De- effectively. Doing so counts as an attack action. If you are
successful, th e next attack you make against the target A failed Climb check means that yo u make no
does not allow him to add his Dexterity bonus to Defense progress, and a check that fa ils by 5 or more means that
(if any). Feinting in this way against a target of a different you fall from whatever height you have already attained.
species from you (such as a Myrddraal) is difficult because The DC of the check depends on the conditions of
it's harder to read a strange creature's body language; you the climb.
suffer a -4 penalty. Against a creature of animaJ Intelli-
gence (1 or 2) it's even harder; you suffer a - 8 penalty. DC Example Wall or Surface
Against a nonintelligent creature, it's impossible. 0 A slope too steep to walk up. A knotted rope
Creating a Diversion to Hide: You can use Bluff to with a walJ to brace against.
help you hide. A successful Bluff check can give you 5 A rope with a wall to brace against or a knotted
the momentary diversion you need to attempt a Hide rope, but not both.
check while people are aware of you. (See the Hide 10 A surface with ledges to hold on to and stand
skill, page 79.) on, such as a very rough wall.
Sense 15 Any surface with adequate handholds and
Motive footholds (natural or artificial), such as a very
Example C ircumstances Modifier rough natural rock surface or a tree. An unknot-
Tbe target wants to believe you. -5 ted rope.
"Of course the other High Lords know about this 20 An uneven surface with some narrow handholds
offer. Do you actually think I would act without their and foo tholds.
consent?" 25 A rough surface, such as a natural rock waJJ or a
The bluff is believable and doesn't affect the target much brick wall.
one way or the other. +O 25 Overhang or ceiling with handholds but no
"No, this is my first visit to Illian. You must have me footholds.
confused with someone else." A perfectly smooth, Aal, vertical surface cannot
The bluff is a little hard to believe or puts the ta rget at be climbed.
some kind of risk. +5 -1 0* Climbing inside an tunnel or other location
"Are you sure you want to fight me? After all, they where one can brace against two opposite walls
don't give a heron-mark blade to just anyone .. ." (reduces normal DC by 10).
The bluff is hard to believe o r entajls a large risk for the -5* Climbing a comer where you can brace against
target. +10 perpendicular walls (reduces norma l DC by 5).
"I may look like a ruffian, but I'm actually an agent of +5" Surface is slippery (increases D C by 5).
the White Tower. If you aid me, the Amyrlin Seat will ,.These modifiers are cumulative; use any that apply.
surely reward you."
The bluff is way out there; it's almost too incredible to Since you can't move to avoid an attack while climbing,
con sider. +20 opponents get a +2 bonus, and you lose any Dexterity
"Yes, I reaJly am the King's high :::hancellor. What, these? bonus to Defense.
Well, let's just say my robes don't fit like they used to." Any time you take damage while climbing, make a
Climb check against the DC of the slope or wall. Failure
Retry: Generally, a fai led Bluff check makes the target means you fall from your current height and sustam the
too suspicious for you to try another blu ff under the ap propriate falling damage. (See Falling, page 231.)
same circumstances. For feintiHg in combat, you may Acce lerated Climbing: You try to climb more
retry freely. quickly than normal. As a full-round action, you can at-
Special: Having 5 or more ranks in Bluff gives you a tempt to cover your full speed in climbing distance, but
+2 synergy bonus on Intimidate and Pick Pocket checks. you suffer a - 5 penalty on Climb checks and you must
Also, if you have 5 or more ranks in Blu ff, you get a +2 make two checks each round. Each successful check al-
synergy bonus o n Disguise checks when you know that lows you to climb a dista nce equal to one-half your
you're being observed and you try to act in character. speed. By accepting the - 5 penalty, you can move this far
as a move action rather than as a fu ll-round action.
CLIMB (STR) Making Your Own Handholds and Footholds: You
Armor Check Penalty can make your own handholds and footholds by pound-
Use this skill to scale a cliff, to get to a window on the sec- ing pitons into a wall. Doing so takes 1 minute per piton,
ond story of a tower, or to climb onto the back of a mas- and one piton is needed per pace. As with any surface
sive to'raken. with handholds and footholds, a wall with pitons in it has
Check: With each successful Climb check, you can a DC of 15. Jn the same way, a clin1ber with an ice axe or
advance up, down, or across a slope or a wall or other similar implement can cut holds in an ice wall.
steep incline (or even a cei ling with handholds) one-half Catching Yourself When Falling: It's practically im-
your speed as a full-round action. You can move half that possible to catch you rself on a wall wbile fa lling. Make a
far, one-fourth of your speed, as a move action. Climbillg check (DC= wall's DC+ 20) to do so. A slope
A slope is considered to be any incline of less than 60 is relatively easier to catch yourself on (DC = slope's DC
degrees; a wall is any incline of 60 degrees or steeper. + 10).
73
Special: Someone using a rope can haul a character allowed by his class, Level, and ability bonuses. See Chap·
upward (or lower the character) through sheer strength. ter 9: The One Power for details.
Use double your maximum heavy load (see Table 6-8, Unlace a Wt-ave: Unlacing a weave is dangerous and dif-
Carrying Capacity) to determin e how much we ight a ficult- so much so that unlacing is disco uraged and the
character can lift. Aes Sedai forbid it outright. Only weaves which are being
held or tied off can be unlaced- weaves that have instan·
CONCENTRATION (CON) taneous effects dissipate in1mediately, and cannot be un·
Channelers use this skill to cast weaves under difficult cir· woven. The DC to unlace a weave is 25 plus the casting
cumstances. It is also used to overchannel, to tie off level. Failure results in a random weave effect as the par·
weaves or multiweave (if you have the appropriate feats as tially-unlaced weave collapses into a new, unintended
well), and attempt unusual channeling actions such as weave-the GM can choose any known weave, exaggerat-
linking and unlacing weaves (see Chapter 9: The One ing or expanding the effects as he sees fit, or create entirely
Power for details). Members of other classes can also use new effects. Failure also requires a Fortitude save with a
this skill to maintain concentration in the face of other DC of 20, just as if you had failed in an overchanneling
distractions or on other things besides weaves, such as attempt (wilders do not get their +5 bonus when making
eavesdropping on a conversation despite distractions this save). See Chapter 9 for the effects of a failed over·
from other people. channeling Fortitude save. Unlacing a weave takes a num-
Check: You can make a Concentrat ion check to cast ber of full actions equal to the casting level.
a weave despite distractions, such as taking damage, get- Retry: General control rolls, linking, and overchan-
ting hit by an unfriendly weave, and so on. neling attempts may be retried, though a success doesn't
The table below summarizes various types of distrac- cancel the effects of a previous failure, which almost al-
tions that cause you to make a Concentration check wl1ile ways is the loss of the weave being cast or held. Unlacing
casting a weave. "Weave level" refers to the casting level attempts may not be retried-once the weave collapses, it
of the weave you're trying to cast. (See Distractions, page is gone.
162, for more information.) If a hero who is not a chan·
neler needs to use Concentration, the GM shou ld set a CRAFT (INT)
DC for the check using the table below as a general guide. You are trained in a craft, trade, or art, such as armor·
Link-Channelers: Creating a channeling link requires a smithing, basketweaving, bookbinding, bowmaking,
Concentration check from all participants. The leader blacksmithing, calligraphy, carpentry, cobbling, gemcut-
rolls against a DC of 20 + 114 the total number of par- ting, leatheiworking, locksmithing, painting, pottery,
ticipants; all other participants against a DC of 5 + 1/4 sculpting, shipmaking, stonemasonry, trapmaking, weap·
the total number of participants. For example, for a circle onsmithing, or weaving.
of 13 channelers, the DC is 23 for the leader and 8 for the Craft is actually a number of separate skills. For in-
other participants. Creating a link is a fuJJ-round action. stance, you could have the skill Craft (trapmaking). Your
Overchannel: Overchanneling allows an initiate or ranks in that skill don't affect any checks you happen to
wilder to cast additional weaves beyond those normally make for pottery or leatherworking. You could have sev-
Distraction DC
Damage or failed saving tluow du ring casting*" 10 + damage dealt + casting level
Damaged by channeled weave 10 +damage dealt+ casting level
Suffering continuous damage 10 +half of continuous damage
last dealt + casting level
Nondamaging weave* Distracting weave's save
DC + casting level
Casting defensively (avoiding attacks of opportunity) 15 + casting level
Motion:
Jostled or entangled 5 + castin g level
Vigorous (a moving mount, a bouncy wagon cide) I 0 + casting level
Violent (a galloping horse, on deck of a storm-tossed ship) 15 +casting level
Unnatural (riven earth weave, earthquake weave) 20 + casting level
Grappling or pinned 20 + casting level
Weather:
Rough (high wind, blinding sleet or rain) 5 + casting level
Extreme (wind-driven hail or debris) 10 + casting level
Unnatural (harness the wind weave cast at howl) Distracting weave's save
DC + casting level
*If the weave allows no save, use the save DC it would have if it did aUow a save.
**For weaves with a casting time of 1 fuU round or more or damage by an attack of opportunity or readied attack made
in response to the weave being cast (for weaves with a casting time of 1 action). See Distractions, page 162.
eral Craft skills, each with its own ranks, each purchased standard item. The masterwork component has its own
as a separate skill. price (300 silver marks for a weapon or 150 silver marks for
A Craft skill is specifically focused on creating some- a suit of armor) and DC (20). Once both the standard
thing; if it is not, it is a Profession skill (page 83). component and the masterwork component are com-
Check: You can practice your trade and make a de- pleted, the masterwork item is finished. (Note: The price
cent living, earning about half your check result in silver you pay for the masterwork component is one-third of the
marks per week of dedicated work. You know how to use given amount, just as it is for the price in raw materials.)
the tools of your trade, how to perform the craft's daily Repairing Items: Generally, you can repair an item at
tasks, bow to supervise untrained helpers, and how to the same DC that it takes to make it in the first place. The
handle common problems. (Untrained laborers and assis- cost of repairing an item is one-fifth the item's price.
ta nts earn an average of 1 silver mark per day.)
However, the basic function of the Craft skill is to Item Craft DC
allow you to make an item of the appropriate type. The Armor, srneld Armorsmith 10 +Defense bonus
DC depends on the difficulty of the item created. The Longbow, shortbow Bowrnaking 12
DC, your check results, and the price of the item deter- Two Rivers longbow, Bowmaking 15
mine how long it takes to make the item. The item's fin- Aiel shortbow
ished price also determines the cost of raw materials. (Jn Mighty bow Bowmaking 15 +2/Str bonus
the game world, it is the skill level required, the time re- Crossbow Weaponsmith 15
quired, and the raw materials required that determine an Simple melee or Weaponsrnith 12
item's price. That's why the item's price and DC deter- thrown weapon
mine how long it takes to make the item and the cost of Martial melee or Weaponsmith 15
the raw materials.) thrown weapon
All crafts require appropriate artisan's tools (which Exotic melee or
have an average cost of 5 silver marks) to give the best thrown weapon Weaponsmith 18
chance of success; if improvised tools are used instead, Very simple item Varies 5
the check is made with a - 2 circumstance penalty. On the (wooden spoon)
other hand, masterwork artisan's tools provide a +2 cir- Typica l item Varies 10
cumstance bonus. (iron pot)
To determine how much time and money it takes to High-quality item Varies 15
make an item: (bell)
Complex or superior Varies 20
1. Find the item's price in Chapter 7: Equipment or item (lock)
have the GM set the price for an item not listed. Put
the price in siJvcr pennies (p). Retry: Yes, but each time you miss by 5 or more, you
2. Find the DC listed here or have the GM set one. ruin half the raw materials and have to pay half the orig-
3. Pay one-third the item's price in raw materials. inal raw material cost again.
Make a skill check representing one week's work. D ECIPHER S CRIPT (I NT)
If the check succeeds, multiply the check result by the Trained Only; initiate only
DC. If the result times the DC equals the price of the Use this skill to piece together the meaning of ancient
item in silver marks, then you have completed the item. runes carved into the wall of an abandoned palace, to fol-
(If the result times the DC equals double or triple the low the directions on a treasure map written in an alpha-
price of the item in silver marks, then you've completed bet lost since the Age of Legends, or to interpret the
the task in one-half or one-third the time, and so on.) If mysterious glyphs painted on a cave wall.
the result times the DC doesn't equal the price, then it Check: You can decipher writing in an unfamiliar lan-
represents progress you've made this week. Record the re- guage or a message written in an incomplete or archaic
sult and make a check for the next week. Each week you form. The base DC is 20 for the simplest messages, 25 for
make more progress until your total reaches the price of standard texts, and 30 or higher for intricate, exotic, or
the item in silver marks. very old writing.
lf you fail the check, you make no progress this week. If the check succeeds, you understand the general
If you fail by 5 or more, you ruin half the raw materials content of a piece of writing, reading about one page of
and have to pay half the original raw material cost again. text (or its equivalent) in l minute. If the check fails, the
Progress b.Y the Day: You can make checks by the day in- GM makes a Wisdom check (DC 5) for you to see if you
stead of by the week, in which case your progress (result avoid drawing a false conclusion about the text. (Success
times DC) is in sliver pennies instead of marks. means that you do not draw a false conclusion; failure
Creating Masterwork Items: You can make a masterwork means that you do.)
item (an item that conveys a bonus to its use through its The GM secretly makes both the skill check and (if
exceptional craftsmanship). To create a masterwork version necessary) the Wisdom check so you can't telJ whether
of an item on the table below, you create the masterwork the conclusion you draw is true or false.
component as if it were a separate item in addition to the Retry: No.
75
DIPLOMACY (CHA) DISABLE DEVICE (INT)
Use this skill to arrange swift passage on an Atha'an Trained Only
Miere raker, to arbitrate a dispute between two riva l Use this skill to disarm a trap, jam a lock (in either the
Cairhienin houses, or to persuade the Children of open or dosed position), or rig a simple device to fail.
the Light to leave your manor peacefully. A skilled You can examine a fairly simple or fairly small me-
character knows the formal and informal rules of chanical device and disable it. The effort requires at
conduct, social expectations, proper forms of ad- least a simple tool of the appropriate sort (a pick,
dress, and so on. This skill represents the ability pry bar, saw, file, etc.). A set of quality thieves' tools
to give the right impression, to negotiate effec- gives the user a +2 circumstance bonus.
tively, and to influence others. Check: The GM makes the Disable Device
Check: You can change others' attitudes ' check so that you don't necessarily know whether
with a successful check. Diplomacy in- you've succeeded. The amount of time needed
cludes etiquette, social grace, tact, subtlety, to make a check and the DC for the check de-
and charismatic persuasion. During negotia- pend on how tricky the device is. Disabling a
tions, roll opposed Diplomacy checks to see simple device takes I round (and is at least a
who gains the advantage. Opposed checks full-round action). Tntricate or complex de-
also resolve cases where two advocates or vices require 2d4 rounds. You also can rig
diplomats plead opposite cases before a simple devices such as saddles or wagon
third party. wheels to work normally for a whlle and
When using Diplomacy to haggle a price, then fail or fall off some time later
each side rolls a Diplomacy check. For every (usually after Id4 rounds or minutes
five points that your check exceeds your op- of use).
ponent's, you can adjust the sale price by Disabling (or rigging or jamming)
5% up or down (your choice) from the a fairly simple device has a DC of
market value (established by the Gamemas- 10. More intricate and complex de-
ter). An GM character will almost always vices have a higher DC. The GM rolls
settle for the new price, but remember that a A Cairhienen player the check. lf the check succeeds, you disable
player's character is never required to buy or the device. If the check fails by up to 4, you
sell at a specific price, even if he or she fails
ef the Great Game have failed but can try again. If you fail by 5
the opposed Diplomacy check. or more, something goes wrong. If it's a trap, you spring
Diplomacy is at least a full-round action. The GM it. If it's some sort of sabotage, you think the device is dis-
may determine that some negotiations require a longer abled, but it still works normally.
period of time.
If you do not speak the same language as the target of Device Time DC* Example
your check, you suffer a - 4 penalty. If you speak the same Simple 1 round 10 Jam a lock
language, but not the same dialect (if you speak Common Tricky ld4 rounds 15 Sabotage a wagon wheel
(midlands) and the target speaks Common (Tairen), for Difficult 2d4 rounds 20 Disarm a trap, reset a Lrap
example), you suffer a - 2 penalty. Wicked 2d4 rounds 25 Disarm a complex trap,
A Note on Haggling: Remember that the prices for cleverly sabotage a clock-
standard items listed in Chapter 7: Equipment repre- work device.
sent the result of a reasonable negotiation. You ''If the character attempts to leave behind no trace of the
shouldn't haggle over mundane items. You should only tampering, add 5 to the DC.
haggle over prices when it's significant to the story- if
you' re arguing over the price of every meal, your GM Retry: Yes, though you must be aware that you have
can and should ask you to move on to more interest- failed in order to try again.
ing things. Special: A wanderer who beats a trap's DC by 10 or
Retry: Generally, retries don't work. Even if the ini- more can generally study a trap, figure out how it works,
tial check succeeds, the other character can only be per- and bypass it (along with his companions) without dis-
suaded so far, and a retry may do more harm than good. arming it.
If the initial check fails, the other character has probably
become more firmly committed to his position, and a DISGUISE (CHA)
retry becomes futile. Use this skill to change your appearance or someone
Special: Charisma checks to influence GM d1aracters else's. The effort requires at least a few props, some
are generally untrained Diplomacy checks. makeup, and ld4x10 minutes of work. A disguise can in-
If you have 5 or more ranks in Bluff or Sense Motive, clude an apparent change of height or weight of no more
you get a +2 synergy bonus on Diplomacy checks. These than one-tenth the original.
bonuses stack. You can also impersonate people, either individuals
or types. For example, you might make yourself seem like
a locaJ, even if you hail from a distant land, with little or
no actual disguise.
C h eck: Your Disguise check result determines how m inute of work. Escaping a net is a full-round action.
good the disguise is, and it is opposed by others' Spot Squeezing through a tight space takes at least 1 minute,
check results. Make one Disguise check even if several maybe longer, depending on the distance that must be
people make Spot checks. The GM makes your Disguise crossed.
check secretly so that you're not sure how good it is.
lf you don't draw any attention to yourself, however, Restraint DC
others do not get to make Spot checks. If you come to Ropes Opponent's Dex check at +10
the attention of people who are suspicious (such as a Net 20
guard checking travelers entering a city), the GM can as- Mana des 35
sume that such observers are taking 10 on their Spot Tight space 30
checks. Grappler Grappler's grapple check
The effectiveness of your djsguise depends in part on
how much you're attempting to change your appearance. Ropes: Your Escape Artist check is opposed by your
opponent's Dexterity check used to tie the bonds. Since
Disgwse Modifier it's easier ro tie someone up than to escape from being
Minor details only +5 tied up, the opponent gets a special + 10 bonus on her
Disguised as different sex -2 check.
Disgwsed as diffe ren t backgroun d -2 Manacles: These confine wrists or ankles, and may be
Disguised as different age category -2* secured to stationary objects.
Disguised as specific class -2 Net: Escaping from a net is a full-round action.
*Per step of difference between character's actual age cat- Tight Space: This is the DC for getting through a space
egory and disguised age category (young [younger than where one's head fits but one's shoulders don't. If the
your age], adulthood, middle age, old, venerable). space is long, such as in a tunnel or crawlspace, the GM
may call for multiple checks. You can't fit through a space
Tf you're impersonating a particular individual, those who that your head doesn't fit through.
know what that person looks like get a bonus on tl1eir Grappler: You can make an Escape Artist check op-
Spot checks (and are automatically suspicious of you, so posed by your opponent's grapple check to get out of a
your opposed checks are always invoked). grapple or out of a pinned condition (so that you 're just
being grappled). Doing so is an attack action, so if you es-
Familiarity Bonus cape the grapple you can move in the same round. See
Recognizes on sight +4 Grappling in Chapter 8: Combat.
Friends or associates +6 Retry: You can make another check after a failed
Close friends +8 check if you're squeezing your way through a tight space,
making multiple checks. If the situation permits, you can
Usually, an individual makes a check for detection imme- make additional checks or even take 20 as long as you're
diately upon meeting you and each hour thereafter. If you not being actively opposed.
casually meet many different people, each for a short
time, check once per day or hour, using an average Spot F ORGERY (INT)
bonus for the group. For example, if a character is trying Use trus skill to fake a document from the Lord Captain
to pass for a merchant in an open air Tairen marketplace, Commander of the Children of the Light instructing an
the GM can make one Spot check per hour for the peo- Amadician noble to alter his position in a heated border
ple the character encounters. The GM uses a +l bonus on djspute, create an autl1entic-looking map to a long-lost
the check to represent the average of the crowd (most ruin from the Age of Legends, falsify transport docu-
people with no Spot ranks and a few with good Spot ments to fool the harbormaster of lllian, or detect forger-
skills). ies that others try to pass off on you.
Retry: A character may try to redo a failed disguise, Check: Forgery req uires materials appropriate to the
but once otl1ers know that a disguise was attempted document being forged (the proper inks and sealing wax,
they'll be more suspicious. high-quality vellum, a House seal, etc.) and some time.
Sp ecial: If you have 5 or more ranks of Bluff, you Forging a very short and simple docun1ent takes about I
get a +2 synergy bonus on Disguise checks when you minute. Longer or more complex documents take 1d4
know that you're being observed and you try to act in mi nutes per page. To forge a document such as military or-
character. ders, a government decree, a business ledger, or the like,
the character needs only to have seen a similar document
ESCAPE ARTIST (DEX) before and gains a +8 bonus on the roll. Some documents
Armor Check Penalty reqwe special passwords or codes to be embedded in the
Use this skill to slip out of manacles, wriggle through a text, whether authentic ones or additional forgeries.
small tunnel or cave, or escape from a hold ing cell win- The GM makes your check secretly so you're not sure
dow in the Stone of Tear. how good your forgery is. As with Disguise, you don't
Check: Making a check to escape from being bound even need to make a check until someone examines the
up by ropes, manacles, or other restraints requires l work. Trus Forgery check is opposed by the person who
77
examines the document to check its authenticity. That Task Time DC
person makes a Forgery check opposed to the forger's. Handle a domestic
The reader gains bonuses or penalties to his or her check animal Varies 10
as described in the table below. "Push" a domestic
animal Varies 15
Reader's Teach an animal tasks 2 momhs 15
Con dition Check Modifier Teach an animal
Type of document unknown to reader -2 unusual tasks 2 months 20
Type of document somewhat known to reader +o Rear a wild animal 1 year 15 + HD of animal
Type of document well known to reader +2 Rear a beast 1 year 20 + HD of beast
Handwriting unknown to reader -2 Train a wild animal 2 months 20 + HD of animal
Handwriting somewhat known to reader +O Train a beast 2 months 25 + HD of beast
Handwriting intimately known to reader +2
Reader only casually reviews the document -2 Time: For a task with a specific time frame, you must
spend half this time (at the rate of3 hours per day per an-
As with Bluff, a document that contradicts procedure, imal being handled) working toward completion of the
orders, or previous knowledge, or one that requires sac- task before you make the skill check. If the check fails,
rifice on the part of the person checking the document, you can't teach, rear, or train that animal. If the check
can increase that character's suspicion (and thus create succeeds, you must invest the remainder of the time be-
favorab le circumstances for the checker's opposing fore the teaching, rearing, or training is complete. If the
Forgery check). time is interrupted or the task is not followed through to
Retry: Usually, no. A low roll generally means that completion, any further attempts to teach, rear, or train
the forger has made a mistake based on faulty knowledge, the same animal automaticalJy fail.
and repeated attempts would merely repeat that mistake. Handle a Domestic Animal: A character with this
Special: To forge documents and detect forgeries, one skill can drive beasts of labor, tend to tired horses, and
must be able to read and write the language in q uestion. so forth.
(The skill is language-dependent.) "Push" a Domestic Animal: An animal handler who
"pushes" a domestic animal can get more out of it than it
GAmER INFORMATION (CHA) usually gives. For example, the handler could command a
Use this skill to make contacts in an area, find out local poorly trained dog or drive draft animals to extra effort.
gossip, spread rumors, and colJect general information. Teach an Animal Tasks: With this skill, you can teach
Check: By succeeding at a skill check (DC 10) and a domestic an imal some tricks. You can train one type of
spending an even~ing passing out silver and buying drinks, animal per rank (chosen when the ran.ks are purchased)
you can get a general feel for the major news items in a to obey com mands and perform simple tricks. Animals
city or region. This assumes that no obvious reasons exist commonly trained include dogs, horses, mules, oxen,
why information would be withheld (such as if you can't falcons, and pigeons. You can work with up to three an-
speak the local language). The higher the check result, the imals at one time, and you can teach them general tasks
better the information. such as guarding, attacking, carrying riders, performing
If you want to find out about a specific rumor heavy labor, hunting and tracking, or fighting beside
("Which way to the hidden band it camp?"), or a spe- troops. An animal can be trained for one general pur-
cific person ("What can you tell me about the mysteri- pose only.
ous man who always stands next co the High Lord?"), Teach an Animal Unusual Tasks: This is similar to teach-
or do something else along those lines, the DC is 15 to ing an animal tasks, except that the tasks can be some-
25 or higher. thing unusual for that breed of animal, such as training a
If you do not speak the same language of the region, bear to be a riding animal. Alternatively, you can use this
you cannot use Gather Information. If you speak a dif- aspect of Handle Animal to train an animal to perform
ferent d ialect (if you're in lllian but you .speak Common specialized tricks, such as teaching a horse to rear on com-
(midlands), for example), you suffer a - 2 penalty. mand or come when whistled for, or teaching a falcon to
Retry: Yes, but it takes an evening or so for each pluck objects from someone's grasp.
check, and characters may draw attention to themselves if Rear a Wild Animal or a Bet1st: Rearing an animal or
they repeatedly pursue a certain type of information. beast involves raising a wild creature from infancy so that
it is domesticated. A handler can rear up to three crea-
H ANDLE ANIMAL (CHA) tures of the same type at once. A successfully domesti-
Trained Only cated animal or beast can be taught tricks at the same
Use this skill to drive a team of horses pulling a wagon time that it's being raised, or ca n be taught as a domesti-
over rough terrain, teach a dog to guard, raise a grolm as cated animal later.
a devoted pet, or teach a raken to "come" when you call. Train a Wild Animal or a Beast: The character can train
Ch eck: The time required to get an effect and the DC the wild creature to do certain tricks, but only at the
depend on what you are trying to do. character's command. The creature is still wild, though
usualJy controllable.
Retry: For handling and pushing domestic animals, o ther character, make a Heal check against the fo llowing
yes. for trai ning and rearing, no. table. The result of the check tells you how many addi-
Special: A character with 5 or more ranks of Animal tional hit points this application of healer's balm p ro-
Empathy gets a +2 synergy bonus on Handle Animal vides to the injured character. This check may also be
checks with animals. A character must have 9 or more made when stabilizing a character that is at negative hit
ranks of Animal Empathy to get th e same +2 synergy points (in addition to stabilizing, the injured character re-
bonus on Ha ndle Animal checks with beasts. A character gains the addition al hit points). This application of the
with 5 or more ranks of Handle Animal gets a +2 synergy H eal skill cannot be used untrained.
bonus on Ride checks. An untrained character can use a Special: If you have 5 or more ranks in Profession
Charisma check to handle and push animals. (herbalist), you get a +2 synergy bonus on Heal checks.
79
Check: You can get a message across to another tial check succeeds, the other character can only be in-
character with the Innuendo skill. The DC for a basic timidated so far, and a retry doesn't help. If the initial
message is 10. The DC is 15 or 20 for complex messages, check fa ils, the other character has probably become
especially those that rely on getting across new informa- more firmly resolved to resist the intimidator, and a retry
tion. Also, the character can try to discern the hidden is futile .
message in a conversation between two other characters Special: lf you have 5 or more ranks in Bluff, you get
that are using this skill. The DC is the skill check of the a +2 synergy bonus on Intimidate checks.
character using Innuendo, and for each piece of infor-
mation th.it the eavesdropper is missing, that character INTUIT DIRECTION (WIS)
suffers a -2 penalty on the check. For example, if a char- Trained Only
acter eavesdrops on people plann ing to assassinate a vis- You have an innate sense of direction.
iting diplomat, the eavesdropper suffers a -2 penalry if Check: By concentrating for 1 minute, you can de-
be doesn'L know about the diplomat. Whether trying to termine where true north lies in relation to yourself (DC
send or intercept a message, a failure by 5 or more points 15). If the check fails, you cannot determine direction.
means that some false infor- On a natural roll of 1, you
mation has been implied or err and mistakenly identify a
inferred. random diiection as true
The GM makes your In- north.
nuendo check secretly so that The GM makes your check
you don't necessarily know secretly so that you don't
whether you were successful. know whether you rolled a
You cannot use Innu- successful result or a l.
endo to communicate if you Retry: You can use Intuit
do not speak the same lan- Direction more than once
guage as the person with per day. The roll represents
whom you are communicat- how sensitive to direction
ing, or to listen in if you do you are that day. Use the
not speak the language being number you rolled for aU
spoken. If you speak the other checks in the same
same language, but not the day.
same dialect (if you speak Special: Untrained char-
Common (midlands) and the acters can't use an innate
conversation is in Common sense of direction, but they
(Tairen), for example), you could determine direction
suffer a -2 penalcy to Innu- by finding clues.
endo checks.
Retry: GeneraJly, retries jUMP (STR)
are allowed when trying to Armor Check Penalty
send a message, but not when Use this skill to leap over pits,
intercepting one. Each retry vault .low fences, or reach a
carries the chance of miscom- tree's lowest branches.
munication. Check: You jump a min-
Special: If you have 5 or imum distance plus an addi-
more ranks in Bluff, you get a tional distance depending
+2 synergy bonus on your An Illia11er armsmanfleesfor his life. on the amount by which
check to transmjt a message. your Jump check result ex-
If you have 5 or more ranks in Sense Motive, you get a ceeds 10. The maximum distance of any jump is a func-
+2 synergy bonus on your check to intercept (but not tion of your height.
transmit) a message.
Minimum Maximum
INTIMIDATE (CHA) Type ofJump Distance Additional Distance Distance
Use this skill to get a blustering guard to back down or Running jump* 5ft. +I ft.II poinr above IO Height x 6
make a prisoner give you the information you want. In- Standing iump 3ft. +l ft.12 points above 10 Height x2
timidation includes verbal threats and body language. Running 2ft. +l ft./4 points above 10 Height x l/2
Check: You can change others' behavior with a suc- high jump"
cessful check. The DC is typically 10 plus the target's Standing 2ft. +I ft./8 points above 10 Height
level. Any bonuses that a target may have on saving high jump
throws against fear increase the DC. Intimidate requires a Jump back 1 ft. +I ft.18 poinLS above I0 Height
full-round action. *You must move 20 feet before jumping. A character can't take a run-
Retry: Generally, retries don't work. Even if the ini- ning jump in heavy armor.
The distances listed are for characters with speeds of 30 Check: Answering a question within your field of
feet. If you have a lower speed (from armor, encum- study has a DC of 10 (for really easy questions), 15 (for
brance, or weight carried, for instance), reduce the dis- basic questions), or 20 to 30 (for really tough questions).
tance jumped proportionally. If you have a higher speed Retry: No. The cbeck represents what you know, and
(because you' re an algai'd'sfrwai, for instance), increase thinking about a topic a second time doesn't let you
the distance jumped proportionally, but not the maxi- know something you never learned in the first place.
mum d istance. Special: An untrained Knowledge check is simply an
For example, Andric, an algai'd'siswai, has a Jump skill Tntelligence check. Without actual training, a character
modifier of +2 (no ranks, +3 Strength bonus, -1 armor on ly knows common knowledge.
check penalty) and a base speed of 40 feet. He attempts a
running jump across a 10-foot wide chasm, and his player LISTEN (WIS)
rolls an 11 for a result of 13. That's 3 over I 0, so he clears Use this skill to bear approaching enemies, detect some-
3 feet more than the minimum distance, or 8 teeL. Also, one sneaking up on you from behind, or eavesdrop on
his base speed is one-third higher than normal (40 f"eet in- someone else's conversation.
stead of 30 feet), so his jumping distance is likewise one- Check: Make a Listen check against a DC that reflects
third greater. Adding one-third of 8 f"eet to 8 feet yields how quiet the noise is that you mighL hear or agajnst an
another 2 feet, 8 incbes, for a total of I 0 feet, 8 inches. opposed Move Silently check.
Andric clears the chasm by 8 ind1es. The GM may make the Listen check so that yo u don't
Distance moved by jumping is counted against maxi- know whether not hearing anything means that noth ing
mum movement in a round normally. For example, An- is there or that you rolled low.
dric runs 20 feet toward the chasm, leaps 10 feet over it,
and then moves an additional 10 feet to be next to a Trol- DC Sound
loc. He can now attack the Trolloc, since he can move 40 0 People talking
feet and make an attack in rhe same round. 5 A person in medium armor walking at a slow
It you intentionally jump down from a heighr, you pace, trying not to make noise
might take less damage than if you just fall. ff you suc- 10 An unarmored person walking at a slow pace,
ceed at a Jump check (DC 15), you take damage as if you trying not to make any noise
bad fallen 10 feet less than you actually did. 15 A 1st-level wanderer using Move Sjlently within
Sp ecial: If you have 5 or more ranks in Tumble, you 10 feet of the listener
get a +2 synergy bonus on Jump checks. 25 A draghkar stalking .its prey
A character who has the Ru11 feat and who makes a 30 A myrddraal moving over a smooth surface
running jump increases the distance or height be dears +I Per 10 feet from the listener
by one-fourth, but not past the maximum. +5 Through a door
+ 15 Through a stone wall
KNOWLEDGE (INT)
Trained Only In the case of people trying to be quiet, the listed DCs
Like the Craft and Profession skills, Knowledge actually could be replaced by Move Silently checks, in which
encompasses a number of unrelated skills. Knowledge case the listed DC would be the average result (or close
represents a study of some body of lore, possibly an aca- to it).
demic or even scientific discipline. Below are typical A Listen check is either a reaction or a full-round ac-
fields of study. With your GM's approval, you can invent tion if you actively attempt to hear something.
new areas of knowledge. Retry: You can make a Listen check every time you
have the opporrunity to hear something in a reactive
• Arcana (ancient mysteries, channeling traditions, ar- manner. As a full-round action, you may attempt to bear
cane symbols, cryptic phrases, World of Dreams, Aes something that you failed to hear previously.
Sedai traditions). Special: When several characters are listening to the
• Architecture and engineering (buildings, aqueducts, same thing, the GM can make a single 1d20 roll and use
bridges, fortifications). it for all the listeners' skill checks. A character with the
• Blight (denizens, geography, and dangers of the Alertness feat gets a +2 synergy bonus on Listen checks.
Blight).
• Geography (lands, terrain, climate, people, customs). MOVE SILENTLY (DEX)
• History (royalty, wars, colonies, migrations, founding Armor Check Penalty
of cities). You can use this skill to sneak up behind an enemy or
• Local 0egends, personalities, inhabitants, laws, traditions). slink away without being noticed.
• Nature (plants and animals, seasons and cycles, C h eck: Your Move Silently check is opposed by the
weather). Listen check of anyone who might hear you. You can
• Nobility and royalty (lineages, heraldry, customs, move up to one-half your normal speed at no penalty. At
family trees, mottoes, personalities, laws). more than one-half and up to your foll speed, you suffer
• The Age of Legends (personalities, history, Breaking a -5 penalty. It's practically impossible (-20 penalty) co
of the World). move silently while running or charging.
81
OPEN LOCK (DEX) C heck: You can impress audjences with your talent
Trained Only and skill. Performing requires dme, usually several min-
You can pick padlocks, fi nesse comb ination locks, and utes to an hour or more. A masterwork musical instru-
solve puzzle locks. The effort req uires at least a simple ment (page 126) gives a +2 circumstance bonus on
tool of the appropriate sort (a pick, pry bar, blank key, Perform checks that involve the use of the instrument.
wire, or similar implement). Attempting an Open Lock
check without a set of thieves' tools (page 126) carries a DC Performance
- 2 circumstance penalty, even if a simple tool is em- IO Routine performance. Trying to earn silver by
ployed. The use of masterwork thieves' tools enables you playing in public is essentially begging. You earn
to make the check with a +2 circumstance bonus. ldlO silver pennies per day.
C h eck: Opening a lock enta ils 1 ro und of work and a 15 E njoyable performance. In a prosperous loca le,
successfu l check. (lt is a full-round action.) you can earn 2dl0 sp per day.
20 Great performance. In a prosperous locale, you
Lock DC Lock DC can earn 3d l0 sp per day. With time, you may
Very simple lock 20 Good lock 30 be invited to join a professional troupe or band,
Average lock 25 Amazing lock 40 or become an entertainer-in-residence for a
minor house.
Sp ecial: Un.trained characters cannot pick locks, but 25 Memorable performance. In a prosperous locale,
they might successfully force them o pen. you can earn I d6 mk per day. With time, you
may come to the attention of wealthy noble or
PERFORM (CHA) house patrons.
You are skilled in some type of artistic expression and 30 Extraordinary performance. In a prosperous lo-
know how to put on a show. Perform is actually a num- cale, you can earn 3d6 mk per day. With time,
ber of separate skills. Possible Perform types include bal- you may draw attention from distant potential
lad, chant, comedy, dance, drama, drums, epic, Aute, patrons, perhaps even royalty.
harp, lute, mime, ode, singing, juggling, storytelling, and
h orn. (The GM may authorize other types.) You are ca- Retry: Retries are allowed, but they don't negate pre-
pable of one form of performance per rank. vious failures, and an audience that has been unim-
pressed in the past is going to be prejudiced against future
performances. (Increase the DC by 2 for each previous
failure.)
Special: In addition to using the Perform ski ll, a char-
acter cou ld entertain people with th e Tumble skill.
PI CK PO CKET (DEX)
Trained Only; Anttor Check Penalty
You can cut or lift a purse and hide it on your person, palm
an unattended object, or perform some feat oflegerdemain
with an object no larger than a hat or loaf of bread.
Check: A check against DC 10 lets you palm a coin-
sized, unattended object. Minor feats of legerdemai n,
such as making a coin disappear, are also DC 10 unless an
observer is determined to note where the item went.
When performing this skill under close observation, your
skill check is opposed by the observer's Spot check. The
observer's check doesn't prevent you from performing the
action, just from doing it unnoticed.
When you try to take something from another per-
son, your opponent makes a Spot check to detect the at-
tempt. To retrieve the item, you must roll a 20 or higher,
regardless of the opponent's check result. The opponent
detects the attempt if her check result beats your check re-
sult, regardless of whether or not you got the item.
Retry: A second Pick Pocket attempt against the same
target, or when being watched by the same o bserver, has
a DC+ 10 higher than the first skill check if the first check
failed or if the attempt was noticed.
Special : If you have 5 or more ranks in Bluff, you get
A sly Ebor' Vari wanderer pickpockets an arrogant a +2 synergy bonus on Pick Pocket checks.
T airen noble.
PROFESSION (WIS) If the check falls, you can't read the speaker's lips. If
Trained Only the check fails by 5 or more, you draw some incorrect
You are trained i11 a livelihood or a professional role, such conclusion about the speech.
as apothecary, boater, bookkeeper, brewer, cook, driver, The GM rolls your check so you don't know whether
farmer, fisher, gambler, guide, herbalist, herdsman, you succeeded or missed by 5.
innkeeper, lumberjack, miller, miner, porter, rancher, Retry: The skill can be used once per minute.
sailor, scribe, siege engineer, stable hand, tanner, team-
ster, woodcutter, and so forth. RIDE (DEX)
Like Craft, Profession is actually a number of separate You can ride a particular type of mount (usually a horse,
skills. For instance, you could have the ski ll Profession but possibly a different mount). When you select this
(cook). Your ranks in that skill don't affect any checks you skill, choose the type of mount you are familiar with. For
happen to make for milling or mining. You could have this purpose, "horses" includes mules, donkeys, and
several Profession skills, each with its own ranks, each ponies. If you use the skill with a different mount (such as
purchased as a separate skill. riding a Lonn when you're used to riding horses), your rank
While a Craft skill represents skill in creating or is reduced by 2 (but not below 0). If you use this skill with
making an item, a Profession skill represents an aptitude a very different mount (such as riding a raken when you're
in a vocation requiring a broader range of less specific used to riding horses), your rank is reduced by 5 (but not
knowledge. To draw a modem analogy, if an occupation below 0).
......, is a service industry, it's probably a Profession skill. If C heck: Typical riding actions don't require checks .
1:!
it's in the manufacturing sector, it's probably a Craft You can saddle, mount, ride, and dismount from a mount
~
~
skill.
Check: You can practice your trade and make a de-
without a problem. Mounting or dismounting is a move
action. Some tasks require checks:
cent living, earning about half your check result in silver
marks per week of dedicated work. You know bow to use Task DC Task DC
the tools of your trade, how to perform the profession's Guide with knees 5 Leap 15
daily tasks, how to supervise untrained helpers, and how Stay in saddle 5 Control mount in battle 20
to handle common problems. For example, a sailor Fight with warhorse 10 Fast mount or dismount 20"
knows how to tie several basic knots, how to tend and re- Cover 15 Soft fall 15
pair sails, and how to stand a deck watch at sea. The GM *Armor check penalty applies.
sets DCs for specialized tasks.
Retry: An attempt to use a Profession skill to earn
an income cannot be retried. You are stuck with what-
ever weekly wage your check result brought you. (An-
other check may be made after a week to determine a
new income for the next period of time.) An attempt
to accomplish some specific task can usually be re-
tried.
Special: Untrained laborers and assistants earn an av-
erage of 1 silver penny per day.
83
Guide with Knees: You can react instantly to guide SEARCH (INT)
your mount with your knees so that you can use both You can scour an area for lost items, find hidden com-
hands in combat. Make the check at the start of your partments, locate traps, and discern other details not
round. lf you fail, you can only use one hand this readily apparent to the casual observer. The Spot skill lets
round because you need to use the other to control you notice something, such as a hiding assassin. The
your mount. Search skill lets a character discern some small detail or ir-
Stay in Saddle: You can react instantly to try to avoid regularity through active effort.
falling when your mount rears or bolts unexpectedly or Check: You generally must be within 10 feet of the
when you take damage. object or surface to be searched. It takes 1 round to search
Fight with Warhorse: lf you direct your war-trained a 5-foot-by-5-foot area or a volume of goods 5 feet on a
mount to attack in battle, you can still make your own at- side; doing so is a full-round action.
rack or attacks nonnally.
Cover: You can react instantly to drop down and DC Task
hang alongside your mount, using it as one-half cover. 10 Ransack an area to find a certain item
You can't attack or cast weaves while using your mount 20 Notice a typical secret compartment, a simple
as cover. If you fail, you don't get the cover benefit. trap, or an obscure clue
Soft Fall: You react instantly to try to take no damage 25+ Find a complex or well-hidden secret compart-
when you fall off a mount, such as when it is killed or ment or trap; notice an extremely obscure clue
when it falls. If you fail, you take ld6 points of falling
damage. Special: A character that does not have the Track feat
Leap: You can get your mount to leap obstacles as can use the Search skill to find tracks, but can only follow
part of its movement. Use your Ride skill modifier or tracks if the DC is 10 or less.
the mount's Jump skill modifier (whichever is lower)
to see how far the mount SENSE MOTIVE
can jump. The DC (15) is
what you need to roll to
(Wis)
Use this skill to tell when
stay on the mount when it
someone is bluffing you.
leaps.
Control Mount in Btlttle:
This skill represents sensitiv-
As a move action, you can ity to the body language,
speech habits, and manner-
attempt to control a light
horse, pony, or heavy horse isms of others.
Check: A successful check
whi le in combat. If you fai l,
allows you to avoid being
you can do nothing else that
bluffed (see the Bluff skill,
round. You do not need to
page 72). You can also use
roll for warhorses.
the skill to tell when some-
Fast Mount or Dismount:
thing odd is going on that
You can mount or dis-
you were unaware of or assess
mount as a free action. Tf
someone's trustworthiness.
you fail the check, mount-
Trying to gain information
ing or dismounting is a
with this skill takes at least I
move action. (You can't at-
minute, and you cou ld
tempt a fast mount or dis-
spend a whole evening trying
mount unless you can
to get a sense of the people
perform the mount or dis-
around you.
mount as a move action
this round.) In addition, you can use
this skill to make a gut as-
Special: If you are rid-
sessment of the social situa-
ing bareback, you suffer a
tion. You can get the feeling
-5 penalty on Ride checks.
from another's behavior that
If you have 5 or more ranks
something is wrong, such as
in Handle Animal, you get
when you're talking to an im-
a +2 synergy bonus on Ride
postor. Alternatively, you
checks. The Ride skill is a A male Atha'an Miere 1vanderet· easily swims
can get the feeling that
prerequisite for the feats across a rushing river. someone is trustworthy. The
Mounted Combat, Moun-
DC for such a hunch is 20.
ted Archery, Trample, Ride-By Attack, and Spirited
Retry: No, though you may make a Sense Motive
Charge. See the feat descriptions in Chapter 5: Feats
check for each bluff made on you.
for details.
SPEAK LANGUAGE (NONE) The DC for the Swim check depends on the water:
Trained Only
The Language skill doesn't work like a standard skill. Water DC
Calm water 10
• You start at 1st level knowing how to read, write, and Rough water 15
speak in your primary language. (See Chapter 2: Back- Stormy water 20
grounds.)
• Instead of buying a rank in Speak Language, you Retry: A new check is allowed the round after a check
choose a new language in which you are profi- is failed.
cient. Special: Each hour that you swim, make a Swim
• You don' t make Speak Language checks. You ei- check against DC 20 or suffer ld6 points of subdual d am-
ther know how to use a specific language or you age from fatigue. Instead of an armor check penalty, you
don't. suffer a penalty of - 1 for every 5 pounds of gear you
• The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game assumes that carry.
characters with the appropriate Language skill can
speak, read, and write the language. If a language TUMBLE (D EX)
doesn't have a written fonu, a character obviously Trained On{y; Armor Check Penalt_y
can't write it. You can dive, roll, somersault, flip, and so on. You can't
use this skill if your speed has been reduced by armor or
Retry: Not applicable. excess equipment (see Encumbrance, page 110).
Check: You can land softly when you fall or tumble
SPOT (WIS) past opponents. You can also tumble to entertain an au-
Use this skill to notice opponents waiting in ambush, to dience (as with the Perform skill).
see an assassin lurking in the shadows, or to discern sol-
diers in the distance. DC Task
C heck: The Spot skill is used primarily to detect char- 15 Treat a fall as if it were 10 feet shorter when de-
acters or creatures that are hiding. Typically, Spot is op- termining damage.
posed by the Hide check of the character trying not to be 15 Tumble up to 20 feet (as part of normal move-
seen. Sometimes a creature isn't intentionally hiding but ment) past opponents as if they were not there.
is still difficult co see, so a successful Spot check is neces- Failure means you stop immediately upon mov-
sary to notice it. ing adjacent to the opponent.
Spot is also used to detect someone in disguise (see 25 Tu mble up to 20 feet (as part of normal move-
the Disguise skill, page 76). ment), moving through areas occupied by op-
Spot is either a reaction or a full-round action if you ponents (over, under, or around them as if
actively take the time to try to notice something. they weren't there). Failure means you stop
just before moving into the nearest oppo-
Condi tion Penalty nent's square.
Per 10 feet of distance -1
Spotter distracted -5 Retry: An audience, once it has judged a tumbler as
uninteresting, is not receptive to repeal performances.
Retry: You can make a Spot check every time you You can try to reduce damage from a fall as an instant re-
have the opportunity to notice something in a reactive action once per fall. You can attempt to tumble 2s part of
manner. As a full-round action, you may attempt to spot movement once per round.
something that you failed to spot previously. Special: A character with 5 or more ranks in Tum-
Special: A character with the Alertness feat gets a +2 ble gains a +3 dodge Defense bonus when executing
synergy bonus on Spot checks. the fight defensively standard or full-round action in-
stead of a +2 dodge Defense bonus (see Fighting De-
SWIM (STR) fensively, page 141).
Using this skill, a land-based creature can swim, dive, nav- A character with 5 or more ranks in Tumble gains a
igate underwater obstacles, and so on. +6 dodge Defense bonus when executing the total de-
C heck: A successful Swim check allows you to swim fense attack action instead of a +4 dodge Defense bonus
one-quarter of your speed as a move action or one-half (see Total Defense, page 140). Any untrained check in-
your speed as a full-round action. Roll once per round. If volving maintaining balance (such as on a narrow ledge)
you fail, you make no progress through the water. lf you that doesn't require special moves is simply a Dexterity
fail by 5 or more, you go underwater and start to drown check.
(see Suffocation and Drowning, page 230).
lf you are underwater (whether drowning or swim- USE ROPE (D EX)
ming underwater intenrionally), you suffer a cumulative With this skill, you can make firm knots, undo tricky
-1 penalty to your Swim check for each consecutive knots, and bind prisoners with ropes.
round you've been underwater. C h eck: Most tasks with a rope are relatively simple.
85
DC Task DC Task
10 Tie a firm knot. 10 Get along in the wild. Move up to one-half your
15 Tie a special knot, such as one that slips, slides overland speed while hunting and foraging (no
slowly, or loosens with a tug. food or water supplies needed). You can provide
15 Tie a rope around oneself one-handed. food and water for one other person for every 2
15 Splice two ropes together (takes 5 minutes). points by which your check result exceeds 10.
Extreme environments (such as the Aiel Waste)
When you bind another character with a rope, any Escape may increase the DC of your check.
Artist check that the bound character makes is opposed 15 Gain +2 on all Fortitude saves against severe
by your Use Rope check. You get a special +10 inherent weather while moving up to one-half your over-
bonus on the skill check because it is typically easier to land speed, or gain +4 if stationary. You may
bind someone than to escape from being tied up. You grant the same bonus to one other hero for every
don't even make your Use Rope check until someone 1 point by which the check result exceeds 15.
tries to escape. 15 Avoid getting lost and avoid natural hazards,
Special: A silk rope gives a +2 circumstance bonus on such as quicksand.
Use Rope checks. lf you have 5 or more ranks in Escape
Artist, you get a +2 synergy bonus o n checks to bind
someone. CHANNELER
WILDERNESS LORE {WIS) SKILLS
Use this skill to hunt wild game, guide a party safely
through frozen wastelands, identify signs of a Trolloc COMPOSURE {WIS)
unit's passage, or avoid natural hazards. With the Track Trained Only
feat, you can also use this skill to track foes through the You are particularly good at maintaining inner calm.
wilderness. Check: You can maintain your calm in the face of
Check: You can keep yourself and others safe and fed fear, stress, or trying emotional circumstances. With a
in the wild. successful check against DC 15, you gain a +2 bonus on
Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks made under
heated social circumstances for tbe next 10 minutes.
A successful check against DC 20 allows you to
quickly fall asleep, even if you are not particularly tired.
This is useful if your opportunities to rest are not regular,
or if you are a dreamwalker who wishes to enter the
dream realms without delay.
A successful check against DC 25 allows you to re-
main comfortable in moderate extremes of temperature.
Heat that might cause others to break out into a heavy
sweat-or cold that sends them into huddJed sbivers-
causes you only mild djscomfort. This use of the skill pro-
vides a +5 bonus on Concentration checks made for
distractions due to weather. It does not protect you
against the elements, however-conditions that might
damage your character (extreme heat or freezing cold) are
just as dangerous.
In combat situations, a successful check against DC
20 gives you a + 1 bonus on attack rolls for 5 rounds.
Composure checks are always full-round actions.
Each check must have a specific goal: A successful Com-
posure check to resist the discomfort of freezing temper-
atures would not automatica lly grant a +2 bonus on
Bluff, Diplomacy, and lntimidate checks, for example.
Retry: Normally, you can't retry a Composure chedc
INVERT (INT)
Lost; Trained Only; lnitiate, Wilder only
Using this skill, a channeler can conceal from the sight of
other channelers a weave that he or she has cast. Note
that only male channelers can see weaves cast by other
A midla11der woodsman uses his wilderness lore tofi11d male channelers, and only females can see those cast by
shelter i11 n blizzard. female channelers.
86
WEAVESIGHT (INT)
Initiate, Wiltler Only
Use this skill to identify weaves as they are cast or that
are held or tied off. Note that even with this skill, only
male channelers can see weaves cast by other male chan-
nelers, and only females can see those cast be fe male
channelers.
Ch eck: Yo u can identify a weave and its effects, and
learn to cast the weave.
DC Task
l0 Identify which of the Five Powers are used in the
weave.
15 Identify the weave. If you are familiar with the
weave, you know its name and effects; if not,
you sense its general effect.
20 Learn the weave, if it is of a level you are capa-
ble of casting without overchanneling.
25 learn the weave, if it is of a level you could cast
while overchanneling.
If your check result is less than 10, you can see the weave
but can't find out anything about it.
Retry: You can retry if the caster recasts the weave. If
the caster is holding or bas tied off the weave, you may
retry after studying it for 10 minutes. Residues are harder
to see; if retrying when using the Sense Residue feat, each
retry not only requires 10 minutes of study, but also in-
creases the DC by 5.
Ebou '])m·i Acs Sedai Special: You suffer a - 5 penalty to attempts to learn
a weave if it does not use any of the Five Powers for which
Check: The channeler may only use the Invert skill you have an Affinity.
on his or her own weaves. The Invert check must be made If you have the Sense Residue feal, you may attempt
immediately after the weave is cast. By succeeding at a to use Weavesight on a weave that was recently cast but
skill check (DC 10 +the weave's casting level), the weave which is no longer held or tied off. Make the check with
is successfully hidden from most other channelers. a -2 penalty if the weave was released within the past 2
Only the weave itself is hidden-all of its effects con- hours, a -5 penalty if released more than 2 hours ago but
tinue to occur as they normally would, and are visible as within 24 hours, a - 10 penalty if released more than one
usual. For example, a wilder might cast a create fire weave day ago but within a week, and a - 15 penalty if released
to light a fire. Initiates in the same room (as well as any- more than a week ago but within one month. You can-
one else there) would see firelight as normal-but they not use Weavesight on weaves released more than one
would not see the weave that caused it, and therefore month ago.
would not know who started it (though they would prob- If you have the Sense Residue feat, you may also at-
ably suspect that a spontaneously sparked fire was started tempt to recognize inverted weaves. lf you do not suc-
using the One Power). A particularly useful application of ceed at a DC of at least 10, you do not spot the weave at
chis skill is to disguise a person or item, inverting the all. Attempts to spot inverted weaves cannot be retried.
weave so that even other channelers could not easily tell
that its appearance isn't natural.
Initiates or wilders with the Sense Residue feat (and
of the same gender as the caster) have a chance of see-
ing the weave. Your Invert check is opposed by the
Weavesight check of any such person wbo might see
your weave.
Retry: You may only attempt to invert a weave once,
just as it is being cast. If the Invert cbeck is failed, that
casting of the weave cannot be inverted. Your only op-
tion is to release the weave and cast it again, or to leave
it uninverted.
87
A feat is a special feature that either gives your character
a new capability o r improves one he or she already has.
For example, Geral (a bordedander am1sman) chooses to
start with the Improved Initiative feat at lst level. That
feat adds a +4 circumstance bonus to his initiative check
results. At 3rd level (see Table 3- 1: Experience and Level-
Dependent Benefits, page 45), he gains a new feat and
chooses Dodge. This feat allows him to avoid the attacks
of an o pponent he selects, improving his Defense against
the attacker.
Unlike a skill, a feat has no ranks. A character either
has the feat or does not.
ACQUIRING FEATS
Unlike skills, feats are not bought with points. You simply
choose them for your character. Each character gets one
feat when the character is created plus additional feats de-
pending on his background or class (as noted in Chapters
2 and 3). At 3rd level and every three levels thereafter
(6th, 9th, 12th, etc.), he or she gains another feat. For
multiclass characters, the feats come according to totaJ
character level, regardless of individual class levels.
Additionally, some classes, sudJ as initiates, get extra
class-related feats chosen from special lists (see Types of
Feats below).
PREREQUISITES
Some feats have prerequisites. You must have the listed
ability score, feat, skill, or base attack bonus to select or
use that feat. A character can gain a feat at the same level
at which he or she gains the prerequisite. For example, at
3rd level, Geral could spend 1 skill point on the Ride skill
(gaining his first rank in Ride) and select the Mounred
Combat feat at the same time.
You can't use a feat if you've lost a prerequisite. For
example, if your Strength drops below 13 because of poi-
son, you can' t use the Power Attack feat.
TYPES OF FEATS
Some feats are general, meaning that no special rules gov-
ern them as a group . Others are channeling feats, which
allow channelers to use the One Power in unusual ways.
Still others are Los t Ability foats, which allow characters
to tap into rare and mysterious powers.
90
AMBIDEXTERITY BLIND-FIGHT
You are equally adept at using either hand. You know how to fight in mclee without being able to see
Prerequisite: Dex 15+. your foes.
Benefit: You ignore all penalties for using an off Ben efit : In melee, every time you miss because of
hand. You are neither left-handed nor right-handed. concealment, you can reroll your miss chance percentile
Normal : Without this feat, a character that uses his or roll one time to see if you actua lly hit (see Table 8-7:
her off hand suffers a - 4 pena lty to attack rolls, ability Concealment, page 148).
checks, and skill checks. For example, a right-handed char- An invisible attacker gets no bonus to hit you in
acter wielding a weapon with her left hand suffers a - 4 melee. That is, you don't lose your positive Dexterity
penalty to attack rolls with that weapon. bonus to Defense, and the attacker doesn't get the usual
Special : This feat helps offset the penalty for fighting +2 circumstance bonus (see Table 8-5: Attack Roll Mod-
with two weapons. See the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, ifiers, page 146). The invisible attacker's bonuses do still
page 96, and Table 8- 2: Two-Weapon Fighting Penalties, apply for ranged attacks, however.
page 143. You suffer onJy half the usual penalty to speed for
being unable to see. Darkness and poor visibility in general
ANIMAL AFFINITY reduces your speed to three-quarters of normal, instead of
You are good with animals. one-half (see Table 6- 5: Hampered Movement, page 109).
Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Handle Normal: Regular attack roll modifiers for invisible at-
Animal checks and Ride checks. tackers trying to h it you (see Table 8-5: Attack Roll Mod-
ifiers) apply, as does the speed reduction for darkness and
ARMOR PROFICIENCY (HEAVY) poor visibility (see Table 6-5: Hampered Movement).
You are proficient with heavy armor (see Table 7-5:
Armor, page 120). CLEAVE
Prerequisites: Armor Proficiency (light), Armor Pro- You can follow through with powerful blows.
ficiency (medium). Prerequisites: Str 13+, Power Attack.
Benefit: See Armor Proficiency (light). Benefit: If you deal a creature enough damage to
Normal: See Armor Proficiency (light). make it drop (typically by dropping it to below 0 hit
Special: Armsmen receive this feat for free. points), you get an immediate extra melee attack against
another creature in the immediate vicinity. You cannot
ARMOR PROFICIENCY (LIGHT) take a 5-foot step before malcing this extra attack. The
You are proficient with light armor (see Table 7-5: Armor, extra attack is with the same weapon and at the same
page 120). bonus as the attack that dropped the previous creature.
Ben efit: When you wear a type of armor with which You can use this ability once per round.
you are proficient, the armor check penalty applies only
to Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move COMBAT EXPERTISE
Silently, Pick Pocket, and Tumble checks. You are trained at using your combat skill for defense as
Normal: A character that is wearing armor with which well as offense.
she is not proficient suffers its armor check penalty on at- Prerequisite: Int 13+.
tad< rolls and on skill checks that involve moving, includ- Ben efit: When you use the attack action or full attack
ing Ride. action in melee, you can take a penalty of as much as - 5
Special: All classes except 11/gai'd'siswai, in itiates, and on your attack and add the same number (up to +5) to
wilders have this feat for free. your Defense. This number may not exceed your base at-
tack bonus. The changes to attack rolls and Defense last
ARMOR PROFICIENCY (MEDIUM) unriJ your next action. The bonus to your Defense is a
You are proficient with medium armor (see Table 7-5: dodge bonus.
Armor, page 120). Normal: A character not capable of the Combat Ex-
Prerequisite: Armor Proficiency (light) pertise feat can fight defensively while using the attack or
Ben efit: See Armor Proficiency (light). full attack action to take a -4 penalty on attacks and gain
N ormal: See Armor Proficiency (light). a +2 dodge bonus to Defense.
Sp ecial: Armsmen, nobles, and woodsmen have this
feat fo r free. Algai'd'siswai, initiates, wanders, and wilders COMBAT REFLEXES
do not. You can respond qu ickly and repeatedly to opponents
who let their defenses down.
ATHLETIC Benefit : When foes leave themselves open, you may
You have a knack for athletic endeavors. make a number of additional attacks of opportunity equal
Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Climb to your Dexterity modifier. For example, a character with
checks and Swim checks. a Dexterity of 15 can make a total of three attacks of op-
portunity in a round- the one attack of opportunity any
character is entitled to, plus two more attacks because of
his +2 Dexterity bonus. If four Trollocs move through
91
the character's threatened area, he can make attacks of op- Power. This ability is easier for male wilders to master
portunity against three of the four. You still only make than females. See the wilder class description, page 57.
one attack of opportunity per enemy.
With this feat, you may also make attacks of oppor- ENDURANCE
tunity while flat-footed. You are capable of amazing feats of stamina.
Normal: A character not capable of this feat can Benefit: Whenever you make a check for performing
make only one attack of opportunity per round and can't a physical action that extends over a period of time (run-
make attacks of opportunity while flat-footed. ning, swimming, holding your breath, and so on), you get
a +4 circumstance bonus on the check.
THE DARK ONE'S OWN LUCK
You have extraordinary-but unpredictable-luck. EXOTIC WEAPON PROFICIENCY
Benefit: Once per day, you may reroll any one die roll Choose a type of exotic weapon, such as an ashandarei or
you have just made, provided the issue being decided is pri- a hand crossbow (see Table 7-4: Weapons in Chapter 7:
marily or largely dependent Equipment for a list of exotic
upon luck rather than skill. For weapons). You understand
example, a Craft or Perform how to use that type of exotic
check is generally more a meas- weapon in combat.
ure of skill and style than pure Prerequisite: Base attack
luck, but a Spot check might be bonus + 1 or higher.
more luck-related. Will and Benefit: You make attack ..S
Fortitude saving throws are not rolls with the weapon normally. ~
generally luck-dependent, but Normal: A character who ~
Reflex saves are. Attack rolls uses a weapon without being 5
are always sufficiently luck-de- proficient with it suffers a -4
pendent to invoke this feat. penalty on attack rolls.
Sometimes an attempt can be Special: You can
framed in a manner that makes gain this feat multiple
it more luck-dependent, such times. Each time you
as choosing randomly take the feat, it applies
which direction to search to a new weapon. Profi-
in, rather than trying to ciency with the Trolloc
reason out the odds. scythesword requires
In short, if your GM Strength of 16 or higher.
agrees that luck is a pri-
mary factor in tl1e attempt, FAME
you can invoke this feat. Make You are particularly well
the roll over again. You may take known.
the higher of the two results. Benefit: You gain +3 to
Special: You can gain this your Reputation score (see
feat multiple times. Each time Chapter 6: Heroic Character-
you take the feat, it adds one istics).
to the number of times per day
you may rcroll. .A pr<tud Tairen armsman demomtrates his prO'tvess at FAR SHOT
mounted combat with a Sea11cha11 invader. You can get greater distance
DODGE out of a ranged weapon.
You are adept at dodging blows. Prerequisite: Point Blank Shot.
Prerequisite: Dex 13+. Benefit: When you use a projectile weapon, such as a
Ben efit : During your action, you designate an oppo- bow, its range increment increases by one-half (multiply
nent and receive a +I dodge bonus to Defense against at- by 1.5). When you use a thrown weapon, its range incre-
tacks from that opponent. You can select a new opponent ment is doubled.
on any action. Note: A condition that makes you lose
your Dexterity bonus ro Defense (if any) also makes you GREAT CLEAVE
lose dodge bonuses. Also, dodge bonuses stack with each You can wield a melee weapon with such power that you
other, unlike most other types of bonuses. can strike multiple times when you fell your foes.
Prerequisites: Str 13+, Power Attack, Cleave, base at-
ELIMINATE BLOCK [SPECIAL] tack bonus +4 or higher.
Prerequisite: Male wilder level 1+, female wilder Ben efit: As Cleave, except that you have no limit to
level 3+. the number of times you can use it per round.
Benefit: You can ignore the emotional block (such as
sorrow, terror, or lust) that allows you to access the One
GREAT FORTITUDE IMPROVED Two-WEAPON FIGHTING
You are tougher than normal. You are an expert at fighting two-handed.
Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Forti- Prerequisites: Two-Weapon Fighting, Ambidexterity,
tude saving throws. base attack bonus +9 or higher.
Benefit: In addition to the standard single extra attack
HEROIC SURGE you get with an off-hand weapon, you get a second attack
By drawing on hidden reserves, you can perform addi- with the off-hand weapon, albeit at a - 5 penalty (see
tional actions in a round. T;!ble 8- 2: Two-Weapon Fighting Penalties, page 143).
Benefit: You may take an extra move or attack action, Normal: Without this foat, you can only get a single
either before or after your regular actions. You may use extra attack with an off-hand weapon.
Heroic Surge once per day for every four character levels
you have attained, but never more than once per round. IMPROVED UNARMED STRIKE
You are skilled at fighting while unarmed.
IMPROVED BULL RUSH Benefit: You are considered to be armed even when
You know how to push opponents back. unarmed-that is, armed opponents do not get attacks of
Prerequisites: Str 13+, Power Attack. opportunity when you attack them while unarmed. How-
Benefit: When you perfonn a bull rnsh (page 150), you ever, you still get an attack of opportunity against any
do not draw an attack of opportunity from the defender. opponent who makes an unarmed attack on you.
93
MENTAL STABILITY POWER ATTACK
You have succeeded, at least in part, in staving off en- You can make exceptionally powerful melee attacks.
croaching madness. Prerequisite: Str 13+.
Benefit: When you gain this feat, youx Gamemaster Benefit: On your action, before making attack rolls for
reduces your Madness rating by 20 points (see Madness, a round, you may choose to subtract a number &om all
page 210). Generally, this feat is only useful for male chan- melee attack rolls and add the same number to all melee
nelers and wolfbrothers, but its benefa applies to any damage rolls. This number may not exceed your base at-
character who has begun to accumulate a Madness rating. tack bonus. The penalty on attacks and bonus on damage
Special: You can gain th is feat mu ltiple times. Each apply until your next action.
time, it reduces your Madness rating by 20.
PRECISE SHOT
MIMIC You are skilled at timing and aiming ranged attacks.
You have a gift for impersonation. Prerequisite: Point Blank Shot.
Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Dis- Benefit: You can shoot or throw ranged weapons at
guise checks and Perform checks. an opponent engaged in melee without suffering the stan-
dard - 4 penalty (see Shooting or Throwing into a Melee,
MOBILITY page 141).
You are skilled at dodging past opponents and avoiding
blows. QUICK DRAW
Prerequisites: Dex 13+, Dodge. You can dsaw weapons with startling speed.
Benefit: You get a +4 dodge bonus to Defense against Prerequisite: Base attack bonus +1 or higher.
attacks of opportunity caused when you move out of or Benefit: You can draw a weapon as a free action
within a threatened area. No te: A condition that makes instead of as a move action.
you lose your Dexterity bonus to Defense (if any) also
makes you lose dodge bonuses. Also, dodge bonuses RAPID SHOT
stack with each other, unlike most types of bonuses. You can use ranged weapons with exceptional speed.
Prerequisites: Point Blank Shot, Dex 13+.
MOUNTED ARCHERY Benefit: You can get one extra attack per round with
You are skilled at using ranged weapons while riding a ranged weapon. The attad< is at your highest base attack
a mount. bonus, but each attack (the extra one and the normal
Prerequisite: Ride skill, Mounted Combat. ones) suffers a - 2 penalty. You must use the foll attack ac-
Benefit: The penalty you suffer when using a ranged tion to use this feat.
weapon from horseback is halved: - 2 instead of - 4 if your
mount is taking a double move, and - 4 instead of - 8 if RIDE-BY ATTACK
your mount is running. (See Mounted Combat, page 152.) You are skilled at attacking quickly while riding a mount.
Prerequisites: Ride skill, Mounted Combat.
MOUNTED COMBAT Benefit: When you are mounted and making a charge,
You are skilled in mounted combat. you may move and attack as with a standard charge and
Prerequisite: Ride skill. then move again (continuing the straight line of the
Benefit: Once per rou nd when your mount is hit in charge). Your total movement for th.e round can't exceed
combat, you may make a Ride check to negate the hit. The double your mou nted speed. You do not provoke an at-
hit is negated if your Ride check is greater than the attack tack of opportunity from the opponent that you attack.
roll (essentially, the Ride ched< becomes the mount's De-
fense if it's higher than the mount's regular Defense). RUN
You are fleet of foot.
NIMBLE Benefit: When running, you move five times your
You have exceptional flexibility and manual dexterity. normal speed instead of four times the speed (see Run,
Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Escape page 143). If you make a running jump (see the Jump skill
Artist checks and Pick Pocket checks. description, page 80), increase the distance or height you
clear by one-fourth, but not past the maximum.
PERSUASIVE
You have a way with words and body language. SHARP- EYED
Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Bluff You have an eye for detail.
checks and Intimidate checks. Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Search
checks and Sense Motive checks.
POINT BLANK SHOT
You are skilled at making well-placed shots with ranged SHIELD PROFICIENCY
weapons at close range. You are proficient with shields.
Benefit: You get a +I circumstance bonus on attack and Benefit: You can use a shield and suffer only the stan·
damage rolls with ranged weapons at ranges of up to 30 feet. dard penalties (see Table 7- 5: Armor, page 120).
Norma]: A character that is using a shield with which TOUGHNESS
he or she is not p.roficient suffers the shield's armor check You are tougher than normal.
penalty on attack rolls and on skill rolls that involve mov- Benefit: You gain + 3 hit points.
ing, including Ride. Special: A character may gain this feat multiple
Special: Algai'd'siswai, armsmen, nobles, and woods- times. Its effects stack.
men have this feat for free. Initiates, wanderers, and
wilders do not. TRACK
You can follow the trails of creatures and characters across
SHOT ON THE RUN most types of terrain.
You are highJy trained in skirmish ranged weapon tactics. Benefit: To find tracks or to follow them for one mile
Prerequisit es: Point Blank Shot, Dex 13+, Dodge, requires a Wilderness Lore check. You must make another
Mobility. Wilderness Lore check every tin1e the tracks become dii:
Benefit: When using the attack action with a ranged ficult to follow, such as when other tracks cross them or
weapon, you can move both before and after the attack, when the tracks backtrack and diverge.
provided that your total distance moved is not greater than You move at half your normal speed (or at your nor-
your speed. mal speed with a - 5 penalty on the check). The DC de-
pends on the surface and the prevailing conditions:
SIMPLE WEAPON PROFICIENCY
You understand how to use all types of simple weapons in Surface DC Surface DC
combat (see Table 7- 4: Weapons, page 116, for a list of Very soft ground 5 Firm ground 15
simple weapons). Soft ground 10 Hard ground 20
Benefit: You make attack rolls with simple weapons veo1Soft Ground: Any surface (fresh snow, thick dust,
normally. wet mud) that holds deep, clear impressions of footprints.
Normal: A character who uses a weapon without So.fl Ground: Any surface soft enough to yield to pres-
being proficient with it suffers a -4 penalty on attack rolls. sure, but firmer than wet mud or fresh snow, in which the
Special: All characters except for initiates and wilders creature leaves frequent but shallow footprints.
are automaticaJly proficient with all simple weapons. Firm Ground: Most non11al outdoor surfaces (such as
lawns, fields, woods, and the like) or exceptionally soft or
SKILL EMPHASIS dirty indoor surfaces (thick rugs, very dirty or dusty floors).
Choose a skill, such as Move Silently. You have a special The creature might le.ave some traces (broken branches,
knack with that skill. tufts of hair) but leaves only occasional or partial footprints.
Benefit: You get a +3 bonus on skill checks with that Hard Ground: Any surface that doesn't hold foot-
skill. prints at all, such as bare rock or indoor floors. Most
Special: You can gain this feat multiple times. Its ef- streambeds fall into this category, since any footprints left
fects do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies behind are obscured or washed away. The creature leaves
to a new skill. only traces (scuff marks, displaced pebbles).
95
lf you fail a Wilderness Lore check, you can retry after 1 An algai'd'siswai or armsman must have Weapon
hour (outdoors) or 10 minutes (indoors) of searching. Focus with a weapon to gain the Weapon Specialization
Normal: A character without this feat can use the feat for that weapon.
Search skill to find tracks, but can only follow tracks if the
DC is 10 or less. WEAPON SPECIALIZATION (SPECIAL]
Weapon Specialization is available only to armsmen and
TRAMPLE woodsmen. It is described in the armsman section, page
You are trained in using your mount to knock down op- 48, and the woodsman section, page 60, in Chapter 3:
ponents. Classes.
Prereq uisites: Ride skill, Mounted Combat.
Benefit: When you attempt to overrun an opponent WHIRLWIND ATTACK
while mounted, the target may not choose to avoid you. You can strike nearby opponents in an amazing, spinning
ff you knock down the target, your mount may make one attack.
hoof attack against him or her, gaining the standard +4 Prerequisites: Int 13+, Combat Expertise, Dex 13+,
circumstance bonus on attack rolls against prone targets. Dodge, Mobility, base attack bonus +4 or higher, Spring
(See Overrun in Chapter 8: Combat.) Attack.
Benefit: When you perform the full attack action,
TRUSTWORTHY you can give up your regular attacks and instead make
You have a friend ly demeanor. one melee attack at your full base attack bonus against
Benefit: You get a +2 circumstance bonus on Diplo- each opponent within 5 feet.
macy checks and Gather Information checks.
97
tration check against D C 15. You gain a +5 bonus if you Relationship DC
are extremely familiar with the location or can see it from Intense love or hate between you 10
where you currently are in Te/'aran'rhiod. A well-known friend 15
To another person in Tel'aran'rbiod, someone dream An acquaintance 20
jumping seems to disappear in a blur. With a successful Someone you have seen or met once 25
Spot check against DC 20, you can tell where the person Someone you have only heard of 30
dream jumped to, and attempt to follow even if you have Total stranger 35
never seen or been to the target location.
Distan ce Mod ifier
DREAMWALK Within a few feet +5
You can enter the dream land of Tel'ara11'rhiod. Within 1 mile +o
Prerequisite: Latent Dreamer. Within 100 miles -5
Benefit: While asleep, you can bring yourself into the More than 100 miles - 10
dream realm of Tel'aran'rhiod. Tel'aran'rhiod is a parallel
world that mirrors ours nearly exactly (see Chapter 13: Once you have found the dream you seek, you can sim-
Other Worlds). ply observe it from the outside, or enter it. Entering an-
You arrive in Tel'aran 'rhiod dressed as you normally other person's dream is dangerous, because the dreamer's
dress and carrying the equipment that you normally psyche creates the very reality of the dream, and you risk
carry. By default, you appear at the location at whid1 you coming under its control. Once you enter the dream, you
are physically located in the real world. However, you can are a fixture of the dreamer's imagination, subject to his
attempt to appear in another location by making a Con- psyche's control as is everything else in the dream.
centration check. The DC varies according to how well Taking any action whatsoever, other than what the
you know that location, either from visiting it in the real dreamer dreams you doing, requires a Concentration
world or in Te/'aran'rhiod. check. Exiting the dream (back to the space between
dreanis) requires a check against DC 10. Simple actions,
Location Is DC such as talking, walking about, etc., also require a check
Very familiar to you 15 against DC 10; more complex actions- anything that sub-
Somewhat familiar to you 20 stantially alters the events occurring within the dream-
A place you have visited only briefly 25 have higher DCs. Fai lure indicates that you are unable to
A place you have never seen or been 30 do what you attempt. On a failure by 10 or more, you
lose all sense of your own identity, becoming a complete
While in Tel'aran'rhiod, you can move, act, and channel slave of the dreamer's psyche. You cannot exit the dream,
just as in the real world. Although Tel'aran'rhiod is a or attempt any voluntary action, until the dreamer wakes
dream world, things that affect you there also affect you up, or his dreams move on to other topics that don't in-
in the real world. lf you are injured-or killed-in clude you. lf there is an intense emotional relationship
Te/'aran'rhiod, your injury or death is just as real as if it oc- between yourself and the dreamer, make all Concentra-
curred in the real world. tion checks with a -10 penalty.
You may ex.it Tel'aran'rhiod at any time. With a Con- Fortunately, your "real" self cannot be harmed within
centration check (DC 15), yo u may awaken inm1ediately another's dream. The on ly thing you carry out of another
in th e real world; otherwise, you revert to a normal sleep, person's dream is your memory of the dream events.
to awaken as you normally would. Even if you are abused, injured, or killed in another per-
Special: Certain ter'angreal allow a character to mimic son's dream, you remain unharmed in the real world.
use of this feat. See Ter'angreal, page 293. The dreamer has no way of knowing that you entered
his dream. He may recall dreaming about you when he
DREAMWATCH awakes, but he cannot tell that you were anything more
You can observe and even enter the dreams of others. than a figment of his imagination. If you attempt to com-
Prerequisite: Latent Dreamer. municate a message to the dreamer, he must make an In-
Benefit: While asleep, you can enter the space be- telligence check (DC 15) upon awakening to recall the
tween dreanis. In this dark and empty realm, lit only by message and consider that it may be important. If he is
the tiny stars of thousands of sleeping, dreaming p eople expecting such a message, or simply knows that you have
all over the world, you can attempt to identify, observe, this ability, he gains a + 5 bonus on his roll.
and/or en ter the dream of a specific other person (who At any time that you are in the space between dreams,
must, of course, be asleep and dreaming at the time). To you can awaken yo urself to the real world at will.
find a specific person's dream, make a Concentration
check. The DC varies according to your relationship with FORETELLER
the person, as well as the person's physical proximity in You can prophesy future events.
the real world. If you have ever entered this person's Prerequisite: Latent Foreteller.
dreams before, you gain a +5 bonus on your check. Benefit: The Foretelling is an unreliable ability. Make
a Composure check against DC 20. If successful, you in-
voke the momentary trancelike state that accompanies
your prophesies. However, you may or may not actually Benefit: You may call upon the old blood for access
foretell-your GM will decide whether or not this abLlity to skills, ancient knowledge, or insight and ideas. Roll
actually manifests. ld6. If the result is a I, the old blood responds. If not,
lf it does, your character utters a short message, usu- yo u cam1ot call upon the old blood again this game ses-
ally no more than two or three sentences, on the subject sion for the same topic, though you can call upon it for
at hand (your GM makes up the message). Foretold state- other issues. The old blood only responds once per game
ments invariably prove true, but are usually open to mul- session, however- once you have rolled a 1 and success-
tiple interpretations, the truest of which is often the least fully called upon the old blood, you cannot do so again
obvious. They always speak of the future, not current until your next game session.
events elsewhere, though sometimes the events referred Skill: The old blood sometimes grants you the skills of
to are mere days away, and sometimes they are years off. your ancestors. You may call upon the old blood for any
You can only foretell once per game session; addi- skill that has Intelligence or Wisdom as its key ability. You
tional attempts invariably fail. gain 2d6 temporary ranks in the skill, regardless of
whether you are actually trained in the skill (if you already
LATENT DREAMER have more than 12 ranks in the skill, simply add 2 ranks).
You have an untapped ability to dreamwalk. You retain the temporary skill ranks for 10 minutes.
Benefit: This feat is a prerequisite for other feats as- Knowledge: The old blood often calls bits of esoteric
sociated with the lost ability of dreamwalking. It provides or long-lost knowledge to your mind. Calling for knowl-
no other benefits in and of itself. edge works identically to the gleeman's specialized lore
Special: Certain ter'angreal allow a character to mimic ability (see the gleeman prestige class, page 212), except
use of this feat. See Th-'angreal, page 293. that it only provides information on ancient topics
(events that occurred within the Third Age, but at least
LATENT FORETELLER three hundred years ago). Thus, the old blood might be
You have an untapped ability to foretell the future. able to tell you that Qyeen Mabriam of Aramaelle was
Benefit: This feat is a prerequisite for other feats as- an Aes Sedai, but not that Dyelin Taravin is the head of
sociated with the lost ability of foretelling. It provides no her House.
other benefits in and of itself. Insight: The old blood sometimes gives you clues to
connections you're having trouble making yourself. You
LATENT OLD BLOOD may ask the old blood one question; the answer may give
You have an untapped connection to the insigh t and abil- you a clue to something you're trying to figure out. Usu-
ities of your ancient ancestors. ally, this clue is based more upon facts you already know,
Benefit: This foat is a prerequisite for other feats as- rather than new facts. For instance, you may be havi11g
sociated with the lost ability old blood. It provides no trouble finding the Lair of a Trolloc band that has been
other benefits in and of itsel( raiding nearby towns. The old blood might remind you
that an ancient city lies in the nearby mountains, and that
LATENT SNIFFER Trollocs have been known to use the Ways.
You have an untapped ability to sniff violence.
Benefit: This feat is a prerequisite for other feats as- SNIFFER
sociated with the lost ability of sniffing. It provides no You can smell the psychic residue left by violent acts and
other benefits in and of itsel( follow the trails of the characters or creatures that com-
mitted them.
LATENT TREESINGER Prerequisite: Latent Sniffer.
You have an untapped ability to treesing. Benefit: To your nose, scenes of recent violence are
Benefit: This feat is a prerequisite for other feats as- imbued with a foul odor. The power and intensity of the
sociated with the lost ability of treesinging. It provides no odor give you some sense of the magnitude of the vio-
other benefits in and of itself. lence, how recently it occurred, or both. Torture and mur-
Special: This feat is only available to Ogier characters. der leave the strongest odors, especially when perpetrated
against helpless victims; assaults and beatings leave less
LATENT VIEWER powerful scents. Fair fights, or attacks by animals acting
You have an untapped ability to view auras and images according to their nature (such as a starving wolf attack-
around people. ing a shepherd), are weakest of all. Odors fade over time,
Benefit: This feat is a prerequ.isite for other feats as- usually disappearing in a week or so unless the attack was
sociated with the lost ability of viewing. It provides no extremely vicious.
other benefits in and of itself. The scent of violence clings to those who commit it.
To track a perpetrator from the scene of a violent act,
OLD BLOOD make a Search check (DC 15). Decrease the DC by 5 if
The blood of your forebears runs strongly in your veins, the act was especially heinous, but increase it by 3 for
occasionally granting you the insight and wisdom of every 24 hours that have passed since the act occurred.
countless generations. The scent of violence does not tell you exactly bow
Prerequisite: Latent Old Blood. an attack occurred, who was involved, or what form of
99
violence was used. It can, however, pinpoint the exact lo- T REESINGER
cation where it happened, and identify the perpetrator By singing to trees, you can shape their wood into useful
by the clinging scent and the trail leading to him. objects.
Prerequisite: Latent Treesinger.
TREE WARDEN Benefit: You can create objects out of wood by
By singing to trees, you can improve their health or cause singing to a tree, causing it to shape itself (or part of it-
them to grow to great size. self) into the object in question. To take maximum ad-
Prerequisite: Latent Treesinger. vantage of this feat, you probably want to purchase
Benefit: This feat allows you to heal damaged or ranks in the Craft (treesinging) skill, although this feat
diseased trees, or to cause trees to grow to enormous allows you to use it untrained. Without the Treesinger
size. feat, in fact, a character cannot purchase ranks in Craft
To heal a tree, touch the tree and make a Concentra- (tree singing).
tion check. For most diseases or damage the DC is 15, To create an item, make a Craft (treesinging) check.
though your GM may set a The DC, and the time required, vary according to the
higher DC for severe complexity of the item. With a successful check, at the
damage, a tree that is conclusion of the required time, the item comes away
nearly dead, or super- from the tree in your hands. Obviously, only items
natural effects. The made entirely of wood can be sung, although you can
standard time re- sing a wooden component for a larger item (the haft for
q u irem en t is an axe, for example). Also, only solid items can be
10 minutes, sung- you cannot create items with moving parts, al-
although, though you could create the parts separately and then
again, more assemble the item.
time may
Item DC Time
Board or plank 5 1 minute
Simple item (staff, club, bucket) 10 5 minutes
Modest item (stool, bow, llute) 15 10 minutes
Complex item (chair, rowboat) 20 20 minutes
Extremely complex item
(statue, ornate throne) 25 30 minutes
Masterwork item +10 + 15 minutes
VIEWING
be required An Ogier 1uandeier treesings a stump You see auras and sometimes prophetic images around
in unusual or se- .
vere circumstances. znto an ornate staff people.
Prerequisite: Latent Viewer.
To grow a tree, touch the tree and make a Concentra-
Benefit: Make a Spot check. The DC depends upon
tion check against a DC equal to 1/4 the tree's current
the person, as given on the table below. Modify the DC
height in feet. Making a 40-foot-tall oak grow, for ex-
by subtracting the subject's level from the given base
ample, has a DC of 10. The amount by which you can
DC.
grow it depends upon your level-you may increase its
size by up to 250/o per level. Thus, if you are 6th level, you
Viewing Subject Base DC
can grow a tree by up to 1500/o of its current size, causing
Average person 30
the 40-foot oak to grow to as tall as 100 feet. The time re-
Hero class 25
quired to grow a tree is 10 minutes for every 250/o in-
Prestige class 20
crease in size. Growing an oak from 40 feet to 100 feet,
Channeler or Warder 15
therefore, takes 60 minutes.
A tree that has been grown using this feat cannot be
With a successful result, you see a faint aura around the
grown again for a month.
subject that indicates one important, unknown, or un-
Special: This feat is available only to Ogier characters.
confirme? fact about the subject's personaLity or his role
FORETELLING m your life or the events that surround you. You might
AND VIEWING learn that the person holds a key to resolving a mystery
that he can be trusted with a secret, that he harbors ~
Viewing and foretelHng can unusual fear of the local lord, that he is in love with a
be problematic game abili-
friend of yours, or that he is vindictive and spiteful.
ties, because they require the If you succeed by 10 or more, you also receive a
Gamemaster to make cryptic prophetic image_ related to the person. Such images are
but truthful statements about usually_bard to interpret, and often entirely metaphoric.
future events in the game- You might see the person wrestling with a lion, for in-
events that might not occur stance. Does that mean that he will actually fight a lion?
exactly as you foresee them. For this reason, you T?at he will oppose ~ou.se Trakand? That be struggles
may choose not to include these abilities in your with courage? That he 1s simply destined to die a violent
game. H you do include them, here are a few tips death? The interpretation is yours to make. Such images
for their use. always prove true, but often in surprising ways.
For starters, think about the sorts of subjects You can only have one viewing of any given subject.
that are going to be important to your players,
Once y~u ha~e had such .a viewing, future attempts on
and about the nonplayer characters that are that subiect will always fa il. The viewing only works on
going to be important in your campaign. Before humans, not on creatures or Ogier.
play begins, think a little bit about the long
term; bow these issues arc going to play out, and WAKING DREAM
what role your foresee for these characters. Try You can enter the dream world of Tel'aran'rhiodwhile still
to single out a few facts about each that don't partially awake in the real world, interacting with both
depend too much on minor player decisions. For
realms simultaneously.
example, you might determine that an NPC glee- Prerequisite: Dreamwalk.
man is destined to become a famous bard, that a Ben~fit: With a Concentration check (DC 20), you
bor~erla~d kingdom will be devastated by Trol-
can fall into a sleeplike trance. While in this trance, you
loc invasions, or that a Seanchan invasion will may en ~er "f!L'aran'rhiod as if you were asleep. H owever,
be turned back when it reaches the ruins of an you mamtam a vague awareness of your surroundings in
ancient city. the real w~rl_d, and can conve.rse with people there, per-
Next, think of ways to say these things without haps ?escnbmg what you see m Tel'aran'rhiod, or passing
being too specific. You don't have to specify that questions and answers back and forth between the real
your borderl~d kingdom will be destroyed by world and someone you have met in Tel'aran'rhiod.
Trollocs, for instance. Instead, give it a more gen- You may nol take any actions in the real world other
eral threat: a "gathering evil" or even a "blanket of than conversing with those around you.
darkness." That way, if your campaign takes a dif-
ferent turn, you can ravage the kingdom with a dif-
ferent horror-the encroaching blight, internal
strife, the Seanchan, whatever.
Use metaphor, analogy, and mystery when
~rafting a vision of the future. In a viewing involv-
mg a gleeman, don't show him dressed in splendor
playing before an adoring crowd. Instead show
something like a golden harp with the ima~e of a
er.own overhead. This hints at a glorious future,
without committing you too tightly to that exact
outcome. It doesn't specify whether he'll achieve
fame while alive or posthumously, or whether the
fame will be for great performances or some other
deed.
Certainly never use specific names, dates, or
places in your prophecy. Not only does this tie
you down, but it also doesn't fit the mysterious na-
ture of these powers.
Thinking about these things a bit in advance,
and perhaps even jotting down a few notes on im-
~ges or potential futures for your big issues and
important NPCs, will make it much easier to han-
dle prophetic powers during play.
101
What does your character look like? How old is she?
SIX What sort of first impression does she make? What led
her to become a hero?
J~OJ[C
This chapter covers a miscellany of topics that help
you establish and develop your character's identity.
These details make your character more lifelike, like the
many well-developed characters in The Wheel ofTime nov-
els. For many players, this is the true expression of role-
CTERJSTICS playing; defining and growing the character you play.
When you first play a character, it's fine to leave many
of the details sketchy. As you play the character over time,
you will get a better sense of who you want her to be.
You'll develop her details in much the way that an author
develops a character over several novels in a series.
DETAILS
This section offers advice as you determine your charac-
ter's name, gender, and appearance. Start with some idea
of your character's background and personality, and use
that idea to help you add the details that bring your char-
acter to life.
Whitecloak Wilder
Does he stay in concacr with his family? What do they with a sword of exotic design (perhaps a relic from a dis-
think of him? tant land or ancient time) and just treat it like a master-
work longsword.
CUSTOMIZING YOUR CHARACTER: The
rules for creating your character provide a common GOALS: Your character might have a number of ob-
grow1d for players, but you can tweak the rules ro make jectives that he or she hopes to accomplish. These are
your character unique. Any substantive changes, however, the things that motivate your character. Does he seek
must be approved by your Gamemaster. wealth or love? Revenge or power? That's up to you and
Background: The rules for a character of a given back- your GM.
ground apply to most but not all people of that back- Goals can be immediate or long-term. They can also
ground. For example, yoll could create a lllianer change during play. And new goals can be added all the
descended from Atha'an Miere outcasts. Your Atha'an time. Think of goals as what's motivating your character
Miere would have grown up among Illianers. He'd have right now, though some long-term goals might fade to
the inborn qualities of an Atha'an Miere but show cul- the background until circumstances warrant.
tural influences-dress, language, and mannerisms-of his Chances are, especially if your GM is building a
adopted homeland. You could probably talk your campaign of epic scope, that the events of your story
Gamemaster inro giving your character some of the qual- will suggest epic goals-such as repelling a major Trolloc
ities of a Illianer to balance the loss of some Atha'an invasion and keeping a Borderlands kingdom from
Miere qualities. being swallowed by the Blight. That doesn't mean you
Class: Some classes already give you plenty of room should discard your character's personal goals, though.
to customize youI character. With your Gamemaster's Major story goals may dominate your chatacter's ac-
approval, however, you could change some of your tions, but the characters in The Wheel ofTime novels-like
class features. For instance, your armsman might harbor people in real life-rarely loose sight of their personal de-
diplomatic talent that lends him a few of the special sires completely.
skills of the noble in exchange fo r giving up a few
bonus feats .
Skills and Feats: You can call your skills, feats, and REPUTATION
class featu1es whatever your character would call them.
A character's Reputation score measures how famous {or
Markus, the Tairen wanderer, talks about "creepin'" rather
infamous) he or she is. A character with a high Reputa-
than about "moving silently," so his player writes
tion is generally well known and recognized in many
"Creepin"' down on her character sheet to stand for the
places, while a character with a low Reputation isn't (see
Move Silently skill. Fiona, the woodsman, calls her Move
Tab le 6-2: Examples of Reputation Scores).
Silently skill "S talking."
In general, a high Reputation score benefits a char-
Equipment: Your equipment can look the way you
acter. Those who recognize the character are more likely
want it to look to match your character's style. One al-
to help him (or do what he asks). However, a high
gai'd'siswat's buckler might be a plain disk of worn
Reputation makes it difficult for the character to mask
leather, while another's sports intricate patterns and de-
his identity, which can be a hindrance if someone is
signs in muted desert colors.
looking for him.
Your character might have some items you don't see
All player characters have starring Reputation scores
on the equipment list. Agree with your Gamemaster on
based on their class. Nobles start with a Reputation of 3,
what a new item would do and how much it would cost,
initiates with 1, and all other classes with 0. As a charac-
and then your character can have it.
ter gains levels, his Reputation score automatically in-
Sometimes you see a weapon in a movie or read
creases, as indicated on the class tables in Chapter 3.
about one in a book, and you want your character to use
In addition, a character can gain Reputation by per-
that weapon. If it's not on the weapon list in Chapter 7:
forming actions that attract attention. For instance, an act
Equipment, try to find a weapon on the list that seems
equivalent. A katana (samurai sword), for example, is not of dramatic heroism should automatically result in a gain
of 1 point of Reputation, unless the act was secret or oth-
on the weapon list, but you could equip your character
erwise had no witnesses to report it.
105
FAME AND INFAMY: Most characters with high
Reputation scores are considered "famous." That is, their
reputation is generally positive.
However, some characters are infamous, which results
in different reactions on a successful Reputation check.
As a general rule, a character who has picked up at least
half of his earned Reputation points th rough vicious or
malevolent acts is considered "infamous." Fame and in-
famy can also be acquired with the appropriate feats (see
Chapter 5: Feats).
doesn' t have to roll.) lf the ro ll succeeds, the hero attracts the four 1st-level warriors are worth 2 more levels, the
a number of fo llowers, who arrive over the next few two 1st-level commoners are worth another level, the 1st·
weeks. If the roll fails, the hero can't try again until she level noble is worth 1 level, and the 2nd-level wanderer
gains another level. is worth 2 levels, for a total of 9 levels.
The maximum total levels of a hero's followers can't After the first successful roll, a character can con·
exceed her Reputation score. (For purposes of this total, tinue to try to attract additional followers every level
professional characters count as one-half their level, and thereafter; however, the normal rules for maximum total
commoners count as one-half of a 1st-level character.) No follower levels apply. Thus, Tanya could only try to at·
single follower- heroic or not-can have a level higher than tract more followers at 11th level if she gained a poin t of
half the character's Reputation score (rounded down). Reputation.
For example, Tanya Eland, a 10th-level noble with a Follo wers remain loyal to the character unless treated
Reputation score of 9, decides it's time to build a power with extreme abuse or disdain (GM's d iscretion). Follow·
base of loyal protecto rs and servants. Her player rolls an ers who leave the character' s service (or d ie while serving)
18 o n l d20, which is modified to 27- a success. Going create "open space" under the total level cap. These open
for a mix of q uality and quantity, Tanya decides that she spaces can be filled with later successful Reputation
wants a single 3rd-level armsmen (as a personal body- checks made to attract additional followers.
guard), four 1st-level warriors (as a private retinue), two Note: Your Gamemaster is free to disallow the use of
1st-level commoners (as servants), a 1st-level noble (as followers, particularly during adventures when it simply
her aide), and a 2nd-level wanderer (as a general trou· wouldn't be feasible for a player to run both a main hero
blesbooter). The 3rd-level armsman is "worth" 3 levels, and an array of minor characters.
107
ADVENTURES MOVEMENT: Characters spend a lot of time getting
from one place to another. The GM moderates the pace of
Geral, Brehanna, and Ehreden prepare for a trip into the a game session, so he or she determines when movement
Mountains of Mist, following a fragile map fragment that is so important that it's worth measuring. During casual
Brehanna's mentor found in the Great Library at scenes, you usually won't have to worry about movement
Cairhien. They're looking for the ancient ruins of a lost rates. If your character arrives at a new city and takes a
city, and any ter'angrcal that might be there. They start stroll to get a foe! for the place, no one needs to know ex-
out by making sure they have all the supplies they need, actly how many rounds or minutes the circuit takes.
and perhaps by learning what more they might about the There are three movement scales in the game:
kingdom of Oman Dahar that ruled those environs • Tactical, for combat, measured in feet
in Artur Hawkwing's day. Then they ride their per round.
horses out from their home city, trav- • Local, for exploring an area,
eling from town to town until civiliza- measured in feet per minute.
tion runs out, and then striking • Overland, for getting from place
into the wilderness. to place, measured in miles per hour or
Along the way, they might run day.
into ruffians who try to rob them
as they sleep in an inn. In the of Movement: While moving at
wilderness, they might be as- the different movement scales, characters or
sailed by hungry wolves, or at- creatures generally walk, hustle, or run.
tacked by a band of Trollocs. They Walle A walk represents unhurried but pur-
might have difficulty crossing a rush- poseful movement at three miles per hour
ing river, or be caught in an early for an unencumbered human.
blizzard. Hustle: A hustle is a jog covering about six
Once they locate the ruins, the miles per hour for an unencumbered human.
band sets to exploring them, gingerly Taking two move actions in a round repre-
wandering through the broken remains sents a hustle.
of streets and into the dark recesses Run (x3): Moving three times
of ancient buildings. Perhaps a raid- your s tandard speed is a running
ing party of Sea.nchan has quietly trav- pace for a character in heavy
eled north, following rumors of ancient armor. Running is a full-
artifacts. Maybe the round action.
city has come to the at- Run (x4): Moving four
tention of the Dark times your standard speed is a
One or one of his For- running pace for a character
saken, and they've sent in light, medium, or no
a fist of Trollocs, led armor. Running is a full-
by a Myrddraal, to find round action.
the very same ter'an-
greal the heroes seek. Hampered Move-
There might even be ment: Obstructions, bad
some never-before-en- surface conditions, or poor
countered evil lurking visibility can hamper move-
among the shattered ment. The GM determines
buildings and monu- the category that a specific
ments. condition falls into (see
When the band - Table 6-5: Hampered Move-
has found what it came Rhttarc ment). When movement is
for, or is running low on supplies, or is simply in hampered, multiply the standard distance by the
too much danger to continue with the mission, movement penalty (a fraction) to determine the
they mount their steeds and head home. They have distance covered. For example, a character that could nor-
learned a lot about themselves and their capabilities, and mally cover 40 feet with a double move (hustle) can only
the mission bas made them all stronger, than.ks to the ex- cover 30 feet if moving through undergrowth.
perience they've earned. Maybe they have even found a If more than one condition applies, multiply the nor-
few additional items-some ancient gold, perhaps, a mal distance covered by all movement penalty fractions
weapon from the Age of Legends, or even an angreal of that apply. For instance, a character that could normalJy
some power. cover 60 feet with a double move (hustle) could only
The rest of this chapter deals with rules that aren't cover 15 feet moving through thick undergrowth in fog
necessarily combat-oriented but may come up during the (one-quarter as far as normal).
adventures your characters experience.
Table 6-4: Movement and Distance Table 6-5: Hampered Movement
Speed Condition Example Movement Penalty
15 feet 20 feet 30 feet 40 feet Obstruction
One Round (Tactical) Moderate Undergrowth x3/4
Walk 15 ft. 20 ft. 30 ft. 40 ft. Heavy Thick undergrowth xl/2
Hustle 30 ft. 40 ft. 60 ft. 80 ft. Surface
Run (x3) 45 ft. 60 ft. 90 ft. 120 ft. Bad Steep slope or mud xl/2
Run (x4) 60 ft. 80 ft. 120 ft. 160 ft. Very bad Deep snow xl/4
Poor visibility Darkness or fog xJ/2
One Minute (Local)
Walk 150 ft. 200 ft. 300 ft. 400 ft. how much distance you can cover in an hour or a day (see
Hustle 300 ft. 400 ft. 600 ft. 800 ft. Table 6-6: Terrain and Overland Movement). Travel is
Run (x3) 450 ft 600 ft. 900 ft. 1,200 ft. quickest on a highway, followed by on a road (or trail),
Run (x4) 600 ft. 800 ft. 1,200 ft. 1,600 ft. and least quick through trackless terrain. A highway is a
straight, major, well-established road. A road is typically a
One Hour (Overland) dirt track. A trail is like a road, except that it allows only
Walk 11/2 miles 2 miles 3 miles 4 miles single-file travel and does not benefit a party traveling
Hustle 3 miles 4 miles 6 miles 8 miles with vehicles. TrackJess terrain is a wild area with no paths.
Run Forced March: In a day of normal walking, you walk
for 8 hours. You spend the rest of daylight time ma.king
One Day (Overland) and breaking camp, resting, and eating.
Walk 12 miles 16 miles 24 miles 32 miles You can walk for more than 8 hours in a day by mak-
Hustle ing a forced march. For each hour of marching beyond 8
Run hours, you make a Constitution check (DC 10 + 1 per
extra hour). If the check fails, you take ld6 points of subd·
Tactical Movement: Use tactical speed for combat, ual damage. You can't recover this damage normally until
as detailed in Chapter 8: Combat. Characters generally you rest for at least 4 hours. A character can march into un·
don't walk during combat-they hustle or nm. A charac· consciousness by pushing himself or herself too hard.
ter that moves his or her speed and takes some action, Mounted Movement: A horse bearing a rider can
such as attacking, is bustling for about half the round and move at a hustle. The damage it takes, however, is nonnal
doing something else the other half.
109
damage, not subdual damage. It can also be force- ENCUMBRANCE: Encumbrance rules determine
marched, but its Constitution checks automatically fail, how much a character's armor and equipment slow him
and, again, the damage it takes is normal damage. or her down. Encumbrance comes in two parts: encum-
See Table 6-7: Mounts and Vehicles for mounted brance by armor and encumbrance by total weight.
speeds and speeds for vehicles pulled by draft animals.
Waterborne Movement: See Table 6-7: Mounts and Ve- Encumbrance by Armor: Your armor (as shown on
hides for speeds for water vehides. Rafts, barges, and keel- Table 7-5: Armor} defines your maximum Dexterity
boats are generally used only on lakes and rivers. Rowboats bonus to Defense, your armor check penalty, your speed,
are common wherever there is water. Larger classes of boats and how fast you move when you run. Unless your char-
can navigate the largest of rivers, but are more common at sea. acter is weak or carrying a lot of gear, that's all you need
For any vessel traveling on a river, take the current into to know. The extra gear your character carries, such as
account. If going downstream, add the speed of the current weapons and rope, won't slow your character down any
(typically 2 or 3 mph) to the speed of the vehicle; if going more than his or her armor already does.
upstream, subtract the current speed. Most rowed vessels If your character is weak or carrying a lot of gear, how-
can't be rowed against any signjficant current, but they can ever, then you'll need ro calculate encumbrance by
be pulled upstream by draft animals on the shores. weight. Doing so is most important when your character
A rowed or poled vessel can only be rowed for 10 is trying to carry some heavy object, such as a treasure
hours per day, unless there are additional shifts of oars- chest.
men. However, if there is no such shift, a rowed vessel can Weight: If you want to determine whether your char-
float the rema ining 14 hours, if headed downstream and acter's gear is heavy enough to slow him or her down
someone can guide it, so add an additional 42 miles (in a (more than the armor already does), total the weight of all
3 mph current) to the daily distance traveled. his or her armor, weapons, and gear. Compare this total
to the character's Strength on Table 6- 8: Carrying Ca-
Table 6-6: Terrain and Overland pacity. Depending on how the weight compares to your
Movement carrying capacity, you will be carrying a light, medium, or
Terrain Highway Road or Trail Trackless
Plains xl xl xl Table 6-8: Carrying Capacity
Scrub, rough xl xl x3/ 4
xl xl/2 Light Medium Heavy
Forest xl
Strength Load Load Load
Jungle xi x3/ 4 xl/4
l Slr up to 3 lb. 4- 6 lb. 7-10 lb.
Swamp X} x3/4 xl/2
2 Str up to 6 lb. 7-13 lb. 14-20 lb.
Hills X] x3/4 xl/2
3 Str up to JO lb. 11-20 lb. 21-30 lb.
Mountains x3/4 xl/2 xl /4
4 Str up to 13 lb. 14-26 lb. 27-40 lb.
Sandy desert xl xl/2
5 Str up to 16 lb. 17-33 lb. 34- 50 lb.
6 Str up tO 20 lb. 21-40 lb. 41- 60 lb.
Table 6-7: Mounts and Vehicles 7 Str up to 23 lb. 24-46 lb. 47- 70 lb.
Mount/Vehicle Per Hour Per Day 8 Str up to 26 lb. 27-53 lb. 54-80 lb.
Mount (carrying load, including rider) 9 Str up to 30 lb. 31-60 lb. 61-90 lb.
Light horse or light warhorse 6 miles 48 miles JO Str up to 33 lb. 34-66 lb. 67- 100 lb.
Light horse (15 1-450 lb.) 4 miles 32 miles 11 Str up to 38 lb. 39-76 lb. 77-115 lb.
Light warhorse (23 1-690 lb.) 4 miles 32 miles 12 Str up to 43 lb. 44-86 lb. 87-130 lb.
Heavy horse 5 miles 40 miles 13 Str up to 50 lb. 51- 100 lb. 101-150 lb.
Heavy horse (201-600 lb.) 3 112 miles 28 miles 14 Str up to 58 lb. 59-116 lb. 117- 175 lb.
Heavy warhorse 4 miles 32 miles 15 Str up to 66 lb. 67-133 lb. 134-200 lb.
Heavy warhorse (301-900 lb.) 3 miles 24 miles 16 Str up to 76 lb. 77-153 lb. 154-230 lb.
Pony 4 miles 32 miles 17 Str up to 86 lb. 87-173 lb. 174-260 lb.
Pony (76-225 lb.) 3 miles 24 miles 18 Str up to 100 lb. 101- 200 lb. 201-300 lb.
Donkey or mule 3 miles 24 miles 19 Str up to 116 lb. 117-233 lb. 234-350 lb.
Mule (231-690 lb.) 2 miles 16 miles 20 Str up to 133 lb. 134- 266 lb. 267-400 lb.
Can or wagon 2 miles 16 miles 21 Str up to 153 lb. 154-306 lb. 307-460 lb.
Snip 22 Str uptol73lb. 174-346 lb. 347-520 lb.
Raft or barge (poled or towedr 112 mile 5 miles 23 Str up to 200 lb. 201-400 lb. 401 - 600 lb.
Keelboat (rowed)• I mile 10 miles 24 Str up to 233 lb. 234- 466 lb. 467-700 lb.
Rowboat (rowed)• I 112 miles 15 miles 25 Str up to 266 lb. 267- 533 lb. 534-800 lb.
Mainland sailing ship (sailed) 3 miles 48 miles 26 Ser up to 306 lb. 307-613 lb. 614- 920 lb.
Atba'an Miere skimmer (sailed) 3 miles 72 miles 27 Str up to 346 lb. 347-693 lb. 694-1,040 lb.
Atba'an Miere darter or soarer (sailed) 4 miles 96 miles 28 Str up to 400 lb. 401-800 lb. 801-1,200 lb.
Atha'an Miere raker (sailed) 5 miles 120 miles 29 Str up to 466 lb. 467-933 lb. 934-1,400 lb.
*Assumes 011ly a single shift of rowers or polers. +10 Str x4 x4 x4
heavy load. Like armor, your load gives you a maximum A character can generally push or drag along the
Dexterity bonus to Defense, a check penalty (which works ground up to five times his maximum load. Favorable
like an armor check penalty), speed, and run factor, as conditions (smooth ground, dragging a slick object) can
shown on Table 6-9: Carrying Loads. A medium or heavy double these numbers, and bad circumstances (broken
load counts as medium or heavy armor for the purpose of ground, pushing an object that snags) can reduce them to
abilities that are restricted by armor. Carrying a light load one-half or less.
does not encumber a character. Bigger and Smaller Creatures: The figures on Table
6-8: Carrying Capacity are for Medium-size creatures.
Larger creatures can carry more weight depending on size
Table 6-9: Carrying Loads category: Large (x2), Huge (x4), Gargantuan (x8), and
Colossal {xl6). Smaller creatures can carry less weight de-
Max Check Speed
pending on size category: Small (3/4), Tiny (112),
Load Dex Penalty (30 ft.) (20 ft.) Run
Diminutive (114), and Fine (118). Thus, a human with a
Medium +3 -3 20 ft. 15 ft. x4
Strength score boosted to equal that of an Ogier would
Heavy +1 -6 20 ft. 15 ft. x3
still have a harder time lifting, say, a boulder than an
Ogier would.
If you are wearing armor, use the worse figure (from
~adrupeds can carry heavier loads than bipeds can. To
armor or from weight) for each catego1y. Do not stack
determine a quadruped's carrying capacity, use Table 6-8:
the penalties.
Carrying Capacity, multiplying by the appropriate modi-
For example, Geral the Borderlander is wearing scale
fier for tl1e creature size: Fine xl/4, Diminutive xl/2,
mail. As shown by Table 7-5: Armor, it cuts bis maxi-
Tiny x3/4, Small xl, Medium-size xl 112, Large x3, Huge
~ mum Dexterity bonus to Defense down to +3, gives him
x6, Gargantuan xl2, Colossal x24.
!:; a -4 armor check penalty, and cuts his speed to 15 feet.
Tremendous Strength: For Strength scores not listed,
·~ The total weight of his gear, including armor, is 71 1/2
find the Strength score between 20 and 29 that has the
~ pounds. With a Strength of 15, bis maximum carrying ca-
~ same ones digit as the creature's Strength score. Multiply
~ pacity (maximum load) is 200 pounds. A medium load
the load figures by 4 if the creature's Strength is in the
for him is 67 pounds or more, and a heavy load is 134
30s, by 16 if it's in the 40s, by 64 if it's in the 50s, and so
pounds or more, so he is carrying a medium load. Look-
on. For example, an exotic construct with a 31 Strength
ing at the medium load line on Table 6-9: Carrying
can carry four times what a creature with a. 21 Strength.
Loads, Matt sees that these figures are all as good as or
can carry, or 1,840 pounds.
better than the penalties that Geral is already incurring
for wearing scale mail, so he incurs no extra penalties.
Brehanna has a Strength of 10, and she's carrying 28
pounds of gear. Her light load capacity is 33, so she's car·
rying a light load (no penalties). She finds 500 gold marks
(weighing 10 pounds) and adds it to her load, so now
she's carrying a medium load. Doing so reduces her speed
from 30 feet to 20 feet, gives her a -3 check penalty, and
sets her maximum Dexterity bonus to Defense at +3
(which is okay with her, since that's higher than her Dex·
terity bonus anyway).
Then Brehanna is knocked unconscious in a fight,
and Geral wants to carry her out of the ruins. She weighs
128 pounds, and her gear weighs 28 pounds (or 38
pounds with the gold), so Geral can't quite manage to
carry her and her gear. (With his 71 112 pounds, it would
put him over his 200 pounds maximum load.) Ehreden
takes her gear (and the gold), Geral hoists Brehanna onto
his shoulders, and now he's carrying 199 112 pounds. He
can manage it vust barely!), but it's a heavy load. His
maximum Dexterity bonus to Defense drops to +l, his
check penalty increases from -4 (the armor check penalty
for scale mail) to -6 (the check penalty for a heavy load),
and now he runs at x3 speed instead ofx4.
Lifting and Dragging: A character can lift up to the
maximum load over his or her head.
A character can lift up to double the maximum load
off the ground, but he or she can only stagger around
with it. While overloaded in this way, the character loses
any Dexterity bonus to Defense and can onJy move 5 feet
per round (as a full-round action). Aes Sedai
In the markets of Caemlyn, Illian, Tear, and other cities,
merchants are ready to exchange their goods for gold.
Here you can find practical, sturdy swords and perhaps a
few blades of guality. Occasionally, renegade Illumina-
tors sell rockets and other fireworks for those who want
something flashier than a trusty blade.
This chapter covers the mundane and exotic things
that characters may want to ptuchase and how to go
about doing so. (Ter'angreal and other items infused with
aspects of the One Power are covered in Chapter 14.)
EQUIPPING A
CHARACTER
A beginning character generally has enough wealth to
start out with the basics: some weapons, some armor suit-
able to her class (if any), and some miscellaneous gear. As
the character undertakes adventures and amasses loot,
she can afford bigger and better gear. At first, however,
her options are limited by her budget.
You probably already have a little bit of equipment,
as determined by your character's background (see Chap-
ter 2: Backgrounds). Your next step is to determine the
amount of money you have, based on your class (see
Table 7- 1: Random Starting Money). With this money,
you can buy what you think you'll need from the equip-
ment lists in this chapter.
Note that buying beginning equipment this way is an
abstraction. Your character doesn't walk into a store with
handfuls of gold and buy every item one by one. Rather,
these items may have come the character's way as gifts
from family, equipment from patrons, gear granted dur-
ing military service, swag gained tluough duplicity, and
so on.
Assume your character owns at least one outfit of nor-
mal clothes. Pick any one of the following clothing out-
fits for free: artisan's outfit, cadin'sor (if you are playing
an Aiel), explorer's outfit, peasant's outfit, scholar's out-
fit, or traveler's outfit. (See Clothing, page 126.)
AVAILABILITY
All the items described in this chapter are assumed to be
available to PCs with the wherewithal to buy them.
Many of these items are very expensive and rare. You
won't find them on the rack in a store by a town's main
plaza. But a hero with the coin to buy an expensive item
can usually connect with a seller and get what she wants.
If you want to buy something not described in this chap-
ter, the general mle is that you can buy anything that
costs up to 300 gold crowns (see Coins, below). Buying
more expensive items, means either going to a big city provide power for mills, to conduct trade along certain
where rare things are for sale, making a special deal with routes, to send merchant ships to various ports, or to
someone who makes or can provide the item, or paying a buy or sell specific goods. Guilds set prices for the goods
premium price to a merchant who makes a special effort or services that they control and determine who may or
to get you what you want. may not offer those goods and services. Merchants
Depending on where you are, it might be possible to commonly exchange trade goods (commodities) without
buy more expensive items without a problem, or it might using currency. Some trade goods are detailed on Table
be more difficult to do so. In a small town, for example, 7-3: Trade Goods.
it's practically impossible to find someone who can make
a suit of full plate armor for you. The GM determines Table 7-3: Trade Goods
what is and is not available depending on where you are
Commodity Cost
and how he runs his world.
Chicken, 1 2 cp
Copper, I lb. 5 Sp
Cow, 1
WEALTH AND Dog, 1
10 mk
25 mk
MONEY Flour, I lb. 2 cp
Adventurers are in the small group of people who regu-
Ice peppers, 1 lb. s mk
Goat, 1 1 mk
larly buy things with coins. Members of the peasantry
Gold, l lb. 5 gc
trade mostly in goods, bartering for what they need and
Iron, 1 lb. l sp
paying taxes in foodstuffs or raw goods. Members of the
Ivory, 1 lb. 6 gc
nobility trade mostly in legal rights, such as the rights to
Kaf, 1 lb. 3 gc
a mine, a port, or farmland, or they trade in gold bars,
Linen, 1 lb. (sq. yard) 4 mk
measuring gold by the pound rather than by the coin.
Ox, 1 15 mk
Pig, 1 3 mk
COINS: The most common coin that adventurers use is Salt, l lb. 5 mk
the silver mark (mk). With a silver mark, you can buy a Sea folk porcelain (1 piece) 10 sm
belt pouch, 50 feet of hempen rope, or a goat. A skilled Sheep, 1 2mk
(but not exceptional) artisan can earn l silver mark a day. Silk, 1 lb. (2 sq. yards) 20 mk
The silver mark is the standard unit of measure for wealth. Silver, I lb. lOmk
Among nobles, wealthy adventurers, and bankers, the Exotic spices, I lb. 15 sm
standard is the gold crown (gc), occasionally known as the Tabac, 1 lb 2 gc
gold mark. A gold crown is worth 10 silver marks. Tea leaves, I lb. 2 Sp
l11e most prevalent coin among commoners is the sil- Wheat, 1 lb. l cp
ver penny (sp). A silver penny is worth a tenth of a silver
mark. One silver penny buys a laborer's work for a day, a
common lamp, or a poor meal of bread, baked turnips,
SELLING LOOT: In general, you can sell something
for half its listed price. Characters who want to upgrade
onions, and water.
to better armor or weaponry, for example, can sell their
E'<lch silver penny is worth 10 copper pennies (cp).
old equipment for half price.
With a copper penny, you can buy a candle, a torch, or
Commodities are the exception to the half-price rule.
a piece of chalk. Coppers are common among laborers
A commodity, in this sense, is a valuable good that can
and beggars.
be easily exchanged almost as if it were cash itself. Wheat,
The standard coin weighs about a third of an ounce
flour, clotl1, and valuable metals are commodities, and
(fifty to the pound).
merchants often trade in them directly without using cur-
rency (see Table 7- 3: Trade Goods). Obviously, mer-
Table 7-2: Exchange Value for Coins chants can sell these goods for slightly more than they
CP SP MK GC pay for them, but the difference is small enough that you
Copper penny (cp) 1 1110 1/100 1/1,000 don't have to worry about it.
SiJver penny (sp) 10 1 1/ 10 1/100
Silver mark (mk) = 100 10 1 1/10
Gold crown (gc) 1,000 100 10 1 WEAPONS
Your weapons help determine how capable you are in a va-
WEALTH OTHER THAN COINS: Most wealth is riety of combat situations. See Table 7-4: Weapons for the
not in coins. It is livestock, grain, land, taxation rights, or List of weapons. See Table 7-10: Grenadelike Weapons for
access to natural resources (such as a mine or a forest). a summary of grenadelike weapons (such as vials of acid).
Gems and jewelry also serve as portable wealth.
WEAPON CATEGORIES: Weapons are grouped
Trade: Guilds, nobles, and royalty regulate trade.
into several interlocking sets of categories. These categories
Chartered companies are granted rights to dam rivers to
pertain to what skill is needed to be proficient in their use WEAPON QyALITIES: The weapon you use says
(simple, martial, and exotic), usefulness in close combat something about who you are. You probably want both a
(melee) or at a distance (ranged, which includes both melee weapon and a ranged weapon. If you can't afford
thrown and projectile), and weapon size (Tmy, Small, both your melee weapon of choice and your ranged
Medium-size, and Large). weapon of choice, decide which is more important to you.
Simple, Martial, and Exotic Weapons: Anybody but Wh.a t size of weapon you choose determines how you
an initiate or a wanderer is proficient with all simple can choose to wield it (with one hand or two) and how
weapons. Arrnsmen, nobles, and woodsmen are profi- much damage you deal with it. A two-handed weapon
cient with all simple and all martial weapons. Characters deals more damage than a one-handed weapon, but it
of other classes are proficient with an assortment of keeps you from using a shield, so that's a trade-off. If you
mainly simple weapons and possibly also some martial or are Small, you need to choose smaller weapons.
even exotic weapons. If you use a weapon with which you Depending on your class, you are proficient with
are not proficient, you suffer a -4 penalty on attack rolls. more or fewer weapons. If you see a weapon that you
Melee and Ranged Weapons: Melee weapons are want to use but with which you're not proficient, you can
used for making melee attacks, though some of them can become proficient with it by selecting the right feat. See
be thrown as well. Ranged weapons are thrown weapons Exotic Weapon Proficiency, Martial Weapon Proficiency,
or projectile weapons that are not effective in melee. You and Simple Weapon Proficiency in Chapter 5: Feats.
apply your Strength bonus to damage dealt by thrown A better weapon is usually more expensive than an in·
weapons but not to damage dealt by projectile weapons. ferior one, but more expensive doesn't always mean bet-
Tiny, Small, Medium-Size, and Large Weapons: ter. For instance, a rapier is more expensive than a
The size of a weapon compared to your size determines longsword. For a dexterous wanderer with the Weapon
whether for you the weapon is light, one-handed, two- Finesse feat, a rapier is a terrific weapon. For a typical
handed, or too large to use. arrnsman, a longsword is better.
Light: If the weapon's size category is smaller than To choose your weapons, keep in mind these factors
yours (such as a human using a Small weapon), then the (given as column headings on Table 7-4: Weapons):
weapon is light for you. Light weapons are easier to use Cost: This is the weapon's cost in silver marks (mk) or
in your off hand, and you can use them while grappling. silver pennies (sp). The cost includes miscellaneous gear
You can use a light weapon in one hand. You get no spe- that goes with the weapon, such as a scabbard for a sword
cial. bonus when using it in two hands. or a quiver for arrows.
One-Handed: lf the weapon's size category is the same Damage: The Damage column gives the damage you
as yours (such as a human using a rapier), then the deal with a weapon when you score a hit. If the damage is
weapon is one-handed for you. If you use a one-handed designated "§," then the weapon deals subdual damage
melee weapon two-handed, you can apply one and a half rather than normal damage (see Subdual Damage, page
times your Strength bonus to damage (provided you have 148). If two damage ranges are given, such as "ld6/ ld6" for
a bonus). Thrown weapons can only be thrown one- the quarterstaff, then the weapon is a double weapon, and
handed, and you receive your Strength bonus to damage. you can use a full attack full-round action to make one
Two-Handed: If the weapon's size category is one step extra attack when using this weapon, as per the rwo-
larger than your own (such as a human using a hafted weapon rules (see Attacking with Two Weapons, page 142).
axe), then the weapon is two-handed for you. You can use Use the second damage figure given for the extra attack.
a two-handed melee weapon effectively in two hands, and Critical: The entry in this column notes how the
when you deal damage with it, you add one and a half weapon is used with the rules for critical hits. When you
times your Strength bonus to damage (provided you have score a critical hit, you roll the damage with all modifiers
a bonus). two, three, or four times, as indicated by its critical mul-
Thrown weapons can only be thrown one-handed. tiplier, and add all the results together.
You can throw a thrown weapon with one hand even if it Exception: Bonus damage represented as extra dice,
would be two-handed for you due to your size (such as a such as from a sneak attack or a flaming sword, is not
human throwing a hafted axe), but doing so counts as a multiplied when you score a critical hit.
full-round action because the weapon is bulkier and x2: The weapon deals double damage on a critical hit.
harder to handle than most thrown weapons. You receive x3: The weapon deals triple damage on a critical hit.
youI Strength bonus to damage. x4: The weapon deals quadruple damage on a critical hit.
You can use a two-handed projectile weapon (such as 19-20/x.2: The weapon scores a threat (a possible crit-
a bow or a crossbow) effectively in two hands. If you have ical hit) on a naturnl 19 or 20 (instead of just on a 20) and
a penalty for low Strength, apply it to damage rolls when deals double damage on a critical hit. (The weapon has a
you use a bow or a sling. You get no Strength bonus to threat range of 19-20.)
damage with a projectile weapon. Range Increment: Any attack at less than this dis-
Too Large to Use: If the weapon's size category is two tance is not penalized for range, so an arrow from a short-
or more steps larger than your own, the weapon is too bow (range increment 60 feet) can strike at enemies up to
large for you to use. 59 feet away with no penalty. However, each full range in-
Unanned Strikes: An unarmed strike is two size cate- crement causes a cumulative -2 penalty to the attack roll.
gories smaller than the character using it. A shortbow archer firing at a target 200 feet away suffers
a -6 attack penalty (because 200 feet is at least three range Bill: As a polearm, a bill has reach. You can strike op-
increments but not four increments). Thrown weapons, ponents 10 feet away with it, but you can't use it against
such as throwing axes, have a maximum range of five an adjacent foe.
range increments. Projectile weapons, such as bows, can Because of the bill's curved blade, you can also use it
shoot up to ten increments. to make trip attacks. If you are tripped during your own
T7Jro11Jn Weapons: Daggers, clubs, Aiel spears, Sean- trip attempt, you can drop the bill to avoid being
chan spears, throwing axes, light hammers, tridents, and tripped.
nets are thrown weapons. Bolts: A crossbow bolt used as a melee weapon is
Projectile Weapons: Light crossbows, slings, heavy Til.1y and deals ld4 points of piercing damage {x2 crit).
crossbows, shortbows, Aiel shortbows, longbows, Two Since it is not designed for this use, all characters are
Rivers longbows, hand crossbows, whips, and repeating treated as not proficient with it and thus suffer a -4
crossbows are projectile weapons. penalty on their attack rolls. Boles come in wooden
Improvised Thrown Weapons: Sometimes objects not cases that hold 10 bolts. A bolt chat hits its target is de-
crafted to be weapons get thrown: small rocks, small ani- stroyed; one chat misses has a 50% chance to be de-
mals, vases, pitchers, and so forth . Because they are not de- stroyed or lost.
signed for this use, all characters that use improvised Bullets, Sling: Bullets are lead spheres, much heavier
thrown weapons are treated as not proficient with them and than stones of the same size. They come in a leather
suffer a -4 penalty on their attack rolls. Improvised thrown pouch that holds 10 bullets. A bullet that hits its target is
weapons have a range increment of 10 feet. Their size and destroyed; one that misses has a 500/o chance to be de-
the damage they deal have to be adjudicated by the GM. stroyed or lost.
Weight: This column gives the weapon's weight. Club: A wooden dub is so easy to fmd and fashion
Type: Weapons are classified according to types: that it has no cost.
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing. Some monsters may C rossbow, Heavy: A heavy crossbow requires two
be partially or wholly immune to attacks with some types hands to use effectively. You draw a heavy crossbow back
of weapons. by turning a small winch. Loading a heavy crossbow is a
Special: Some weapons have special teatures, such as full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity.
reach. See the weapon descriptions. A character can shoot, but not load, a heavy crossbow
with one hand at a - 4 penalty. A character can shoot a
heavy crossbow with each hand at a -6 penalty, plus the
WEAPON DESCRIPTIONS: The weapons found
usua l - 4 penalty for the off-hand attack (-6 primary
on Table 7-4: Weapons are described below. Grenadelike
hand/- 10 off hand). The Two-Weapon Fighting feat does
weapons are summarized on Table 7-10: Grenadelike
not reduce these penalties because it represents skill witJ1
Weapons and described in the Special and Superior Items
melee weapons, not ranged weapons. The Ambidexterity
section later in this chapter.
feat lets someone avoid the -4 off-hand penalty (-6 pri-
Arrows: An arrow used as a melee weapon is Tiny and
mary band/-6 offhand).
deals ld4 points of piercing damage (x2 crit). Since it is
Crossbow, Light: A light crossbow requires two hands
not designed for this use, all characters are treated as not
to use, regardless of the user's size. You draw a light cross·
proficient with it and thus suffer a -4 penalty on their at-
bow back by pulling a lever. Loading a light crossbow is a
tack rolls. Arrows come in leather quivers that bold 20 ar-
move action that provokes attacks of opportunity.
rows. An arrow that hits its target is destroyed; one that
A character can shoot, but not Joad, a light crossbow
misses has a 500/o chance to be destroyed or lost.
with one hand at a - 4 penalty. A Small or larger charac-
A.rhandarei: This ancient weapon is essentially a quar-
ter can shoot a light crossbow with each hand as noted
tersraff with a curved short sword blade on one end. The
for heavy crossbows, above.
blade end can be used to slash, while the other is an ef-
Dagger: The dagger is a common secondary weapon.
fective bludgeoning tool. Ashandarei are rarely seen in re-
You can use the Weapon Finesse feat (see page 96) to
cent Limes, although Mat Cauthon uses one quite
apply your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength
effectively. A character with the Craft (weaponsrnithing)
modifier to attack rolls with a dagger.
skill and at least 5 ranks in Knowledge (arcana) may build
Gauntlet: These metal gloves protect your hands and
an ashandarei, but such a weapon is unlikely to be com-
let you deal normal damage with unarmed strikes rather
monly available for sale.
than subdual damage. A strike with a gauntlet is other-
The ashandarei is a double weapon. You can fight with
wise considered an unarmed attack. The cost and weight
it as if with two weapons, but if you do, you incur all the
given are for a single gauntlet. Medium and heavy armors
normal attack penalties associated with fighting with two
(except breastplate) come with gauntlets.
weapons as if you were using a one-handed weapon and
Greatclub: A greatclub is a two-handed version of a
a light weapon (see Attacking with Two Weapons, page
regular club. It is often studded with nails or spikes or
142). A Large creature using a double weapon in one
ringed by bands of iron.
hand cannot use it as a double weapon.
Hammer, Smith's: This is a one-handed sledge or
Axe, Hafted: This big, heavy axe is a favorite of any-
maul with a large, heavy bead.
body who wants to deal out incredible damage.
Handaxe: These axes are common as off-hand weapons.
Battleaxe: The battleaxe is a common and devastating
Lance, Heavy or Light: A lance deals double damage
melee weapon in the hands of even a semiskilled warrior.
Table 7-4: Weapons
Simple Weapons-Melee Range
Weapon Cost Damage Critical Increment Weight Type**
Unarmed Attacks
Gauntlet* 2 mk * * 2 lb. Bludgeoning
Strike, unarmed ld3§ x2 Bludgeoning
(Medium-size being)
Tiny
Dagger• 2mk ld4 19- 20/ XZ 10 ft. 1 lb. Piercing
Small
Mace, light 5 m.k ld6 x2 6 lb. Bludgeoning
Sickle 6 mk ld6 x2 3 lb. Slashing
Medium-size
Club ld6 x2 10 ft. 3 lb. Bludgeoning
Spear, Aiel • 5 rnk ld6 x3 20 ft. 3 lb. Piercing
Mace, heavy 12 mk ld8 x2 12 lb. Bludgeoning
Morningstar 8 mk 1d8 x2 8 lb. Bludgeoning and piercin g
Large
Qyarterstaff'':I: ld6/ ld6 x2 4 lb. Bludgeoning
Spear, Seanchana 00 10 mk ld8 x3 20 ft. 5 lb. Piercing
Boanpear
.. ~ Aiel spear
Shortbow - -•·
Hafted axe
CJ
Battleaxe
R b Light crossbow
~=::1!!:•·:1:1C: :_______-'-~
Martial Weapons-Melee Range
Weapon Cost Damage Critical Increment Weight Type 0
Small
Handaxe 6 mk ld6 x3 5 lb. Slashing
Lance, light* 6 mk ld6 x3 5 lb. Piercing
Sap 1 mk ld6§ x2 3 lb. Bludgeoning
Sword, short 10 mk Jd6 19-20/x2 3 lb. Piercing
Medium-size
Battleaxe 10 mk ld8 x3 7 lb. Slashing
Lance, heavy*t 10 mk ld8 x3 10 lb. Piercing
Longsword 15 mk ld8 19- 20/ x2 4 lb. Slashing
Rapier* 20 mk l d6 18- 20/ x2 3 lb. Piercing
Scimitar, Seanchan 15 mk l d6 18- 20/ x2 4 lb. Slashing
Trident• 15 mk ld8 x2 10 ft. 5 lb. Piercing
Hammer, smith's 12 mk l d8 x3 8 lb. Bludgeoning
Large
Axe, hafted 20 mk ldl2 x3 20 lb. Slashing
Bill*t 9 mk 2d4 x3 15 lb. Slashing
Greatclub 5 mk ldlO x2 10 lb. Bludgeoning
Pike••t• 5 mk l d8 x3 9 lb. Piercing
Poleaxe*" 10 mk ldlO x3 15 lb. Piercing and slashing
Scythe 18 mk 2d4 x4 12 lb. Piercing and slashing
Boarspear*t 10 mk 2d4 x3 15 lb. Piercing
Loo!.."ing glass
®G~:B
Vice
Tent Hatchet
Backpack
Healing
herbs
~- ~
~
Table 7-7: Goods and Services Sack (empty) 1 Sp 1/2 lb.
Sealing wax 1 mk I lb.
Adventuring Gear Sewing needle 5 Sp *
Item C ost Weight Signal whistle 8 sp *'t-
HOW COMBAT
WORKS
This extended example of combat demonstrates the most
commonly used combat rules.
ACTIONS: There are four types of actions: attack ATTACK OPTIONS: When attacking, you have
a.ctioos, move actions, full-round actions, and free ac- several basic options:
tions. lo each round, you may attempt an attack ac- Attack: A singJe attack is an attack action. You may
tio? and a move action (in either order), two move 1?ake your attack action before or after your move ac-
actions, or one full-round action. You may also take tlon.
one or mor~ fr~e actions in conjunction with any of Full Attack: Some characters can strike more than
those combmatJoos. Not all move actions actually in- once each melee round, but doing so counts as a fuJJ-
volve mo;ement (drawing a weapon, for example, is a rou~d action. Other than taking a 5-foot step, you
move achon). If none of your actions in a round in- can t move when you make a full attack.
volve movement, you can usually take a free 5-foot Charge: Charging is a full-round action. When
step. making a charge, you move in a straight line for up to
double your speed and then make one attack with a
ATTACK AND DEFENSE: To score a hit that +2 charge bonus on the attack rolL You suffer a -2
deals damage on your attack roll, your rolJ must equal charge penalty to your Defense until your next action.
or exceed the target's Defense. You must move at least 10 feet to charge.
Melee Attack Roll: ld20 + base attack bonus +
Strength modifier + size modifier CHANNELING: You can cast a single 1-action
Ranged Attack Roll: ld20 + base attack bonus + weave as an attack action. You can cast a full-round
Dexterity modilier + size modilier + range penalty action weave as a full-round action, but other than
Defense: 10 +class bonus (or equipment bonus)+
Dexterity modifier + size modifier continued on page 133
The Trolloc returns the atrack, missing. The Trolloc in ness and through a dimly lit doorway. Eben and Hemar
front of Eben also attacks Joran and misses. each can ~n as fast as the Trolloc, and they might be able
Hemar cannot get :in attack in between his friends so to catch him. But Joran can't keep up, and Baran is still
he holds his action. ' unconscious, so they let him go. After all, they still have
a g~od dea~ of exploring to do, and things have begun to
FO.URTH REGULAR ROUND: Eben swings again, get mrerestwg ....
gettmg an attack total of 18. With his short sword, he
does 5 polilts of damage. This is the Trolloc that had al-
ready been hit by Eben's crossbow bolt, so it has now COMBAT
taken a total of 11 bit points. "It staggers from the SEQUENCE
wound," the GM says, "but it does not yet falter."
Joran swings but misses. As s~en in ~he example, combat is cyclical. (Everybody
The Trollocs are in trouble. One has lost half its hit acts 10 turn to a regular cycle.) Generally, combat runs in
poin~s, and the other has only 5 left. They tum to flee, the following way:
runmng down the corridor. Eben and Joran both get at- l. Each combatant starts the battle flat-footed.
tacks of opportunity. Joran hits and does 9 points of Once a combatant acts, she or he is no longer flat-footed.
damage, felling the Trolloc in front of him. Eben misses. 2. The GM determines which characters are aware
The remaining Trolloc runs 80 feet back into the dark- of their opponents at the start of the battle. If some but
132
contimiedfrom page 132 SAVING THROWS: When you are subject to an
unusual attack or channeled weave, you generally get
taking a 5-foot step, you can't move. Either way, if a saving throw to negate or reduce its effect. To suc-
you cast while adjacent to an enemy, you may pro- ceed at a saving throw, you roll a result equal to or
voke an attack of opportunity (see below). higher than its Difficulty Class. There are three types
of saving throws: Fortitude, Reflex, and Will.
MOVEMENT: Each character bas a speed meas- Fortitude Saving Throw: ld20 + base save bonus +
ured in feet. You can move that distance as a move ac- Constitution modifier
tion, which you can take before or after your attack Reflex Saving Throw: 1d20 + base save bonus +
action. Dexterity modifier
If you don't want to attack, you have the option of Will Saving Throw: ld20 + base save bonus + Wis-
taking a second move action instead, allowing you to dom modifier
move up to double your speed during the round. If
your character runs all out, doing nothing but run- DEATH, DYING, AND HEALING: Your hit
ning that round, you can move up to quadruple your points represent how mud1 damage Y?U can ~e be-
speed. fore being disabled, knocked unconscious, or killed.
When you move within or out of an area that an O Hit Points: If your hit points drop to 0, you are
enemy threatens, you may provoke an attack of op- disabled. You can only take a single move or attack ac-
portunity (see below) from that enemy. tion (not a full-round action), and you take 1 point of
damage after completing an action.
ATTACKS OF 0PPORTIJNI1Y: You threaten the -1 to -9 Hit Points: If your hit points drop to from
area around you, even when it's not your turn to act. -1 to -9 hit points, you're unconscious and dying, and
An enemy that takes certain actions while in your
you lose 1 hit point per round. Each round, befor~
threatened area provokes an attack of opportunity losing that hit point, you have a 100/o chance to stabi-
from you (a free attack that doesn't count against your lize. While stabilized, you' re still unconscious. Each
actions). An attack of opportunity is a single attack, hour you have a 100/o chance to regain consciousness,
and you can only make one per round. and if you don't, you lose I hit point instead.
You provoke an attack of opportunity in ~ee -10 Hit Points: If your hit points fall to -10 or
ways: moving out of a thrcatc~cd area, _roovmg lower, you're dead.
within a threatened area, and taking an action that Healing: You can stop a dying character's loss of
distracts you from defending yourself while within a hit points with a successful Heal check (DC 15) or
threatened area (such as casting a weave or using a with even 1 point of healing by the One Power. If
projectile weapon). You can disengage (a special healing raises a character's bit points to 1 or more, he
full-round action) to move out of a threatened area can resume acting as normal.
without provoking an attack of opportunity. Also, if
you move only 5 feet, you can move within or out of MINIATURES: When you use miniatures to keep
a threatened area without provoking an attack of op- track of where the characters and monsters are, use a
portunity. scale of I inch = 5 feet.
133
A party camped in the woods is surprised by a band of Trollocs.
134
Strength Bonus: When you hit with a weapon, you nothing happens.) You lose your Dexterity bonus when,
also add your Strength modifier to damage with melee for example, an invisible opponent attacks you, you're
and thrown weapons. If you have a Strength penalty (not hanging on for dear life to the face of a crumbling cliff
a bonus), apply it to damage you deal with bows and high above a river of lava, or you're caught flat-footed at
slings. Apply neither a Strength bonus nor a Strength the beginning of a combat.
penalty to damage from a crossbow. If you have a Size Modifier: The bigger a creature is, the easier it is
Strength bonus (not a penalty), you sometimes add more to hit in combat. The smaller it is, the harder it is to hit.
than or less than the bonus. Since this same modifier applies to attack rolls, an Ogier,
Off-Hand Weapon: When you deal damage with a for example, doesn't have a hard time hitting another
weapon in your off hand, you add only one-half of your Ogier. Size modifiers are as follows: Colossal -8, Gargan-
Strength bonus. tuan -4, Huge -2, Large -1, Medium-size +0, Small +l,
Wielding a Weapon Two-Handed: When you deal dam- Tiny +2, Diminutive +4, Fine +8.
age with a weapon that you are wielding two-handed, you Other Modifiers: Many other factors add to your
add one and one half times your Strength bonus. Light Defense:
weapons don't get this higher Strength bonus when used Dodge Feat: The Dodge feat (page 92) improves your
two-handed (see Tiny, Small, Medium-size, and Large Defense by + 1 against a single opponent.
Weapons, page 114). Natural Armor: Natural am1or improves Defense.
MuJtiplying Damage: Sometimes you m ultiply dam- (Humans and Ogier don' t have natural armor, which usu-
age by some factor, such as when you score a critical hit. ally consists of scales, fur, or layers of huge muscles.)
Roll the damage (with all modifiers) multiple times and Dodge Bonuses: Some other Defense bonuses represent
total the results. Note: When you multiply damage more actively avoiding blows, such as the Defense bonus for
than once, each multiplier works off the original, unmul- fighting defensively. These bonuses are called dodge bo-
tiplied damage. nuses. Any situation that denies you your Dexterity
Exception: Bonus damage represented as extra dice, bonus also denies you dodge bonuses. (Wearing armor,
such as from a sneak attack, is not multiplied when you however, does not limit these bonuses the way it limits a
score a critical hit. Dexterity bonus to Defense.) Unlike most sorts of
bonuses, dodge bonuses stack with each other.
Touch Attacks: Some attacks disregard armor, includ-
DEFENSE: Your Defense represents how hard it is for
ing shields and natural armor. For example, a grappling
opponents to land a solid, damaging blow on you. It's the
opponent can grab you and inflict damage regardless of
attack roll result that an opponent needs to achieve to hit
what armor you're wearing or how thick your skin hap-
you. The average, unarmored peasant has an Defense of
pens to be. In these cases, the attacker makes a touch at-
10. Your Defense is equal to the following:
tack roll (either a ranged touch attack roU or a melee
touch attack roll). The attacker makes her attack roll as
10 + class bonus (or equipment bonus)+ Dexterity
normal, but your Defense does not include any equip-
modifier + size modifi er
ment bonus or natural armor bonus. Your size modifier
and Dexterity modifier apply normally.
Class Bonus: Your class and level grant an innate
bonus to Defense. This measures your combat savvy and
applies in all situations, even when you're £lat-footed or HIT POINTS: Your hit points tell you how much pun-
would lose you r Dexterity bonus. Your class bonus does ish ment you can take before dropping. Your hit points are
not stack with the equipment bonus granted by wearing based on your class and level and are modified by your
armor or carrying a shield; instead, you get whichever of Constitution modifier. Most creatures' hit points are
the two bonuses is higher. based on their type, though some creatures have class and
Equipment Bonus: Your armor and shield each pro- level, too.
vide a bonus to your Defense. This bonus represents their When your hit point total reaches 0, you're disabled.
ability to protect you from blows. Again, it does not stack When it reaches - 1, you're dying. When it gets to -10,
with your class bonus. your problems are over- you're dead (see Injury and
Dexterity Modifier: If your Dexterity is high, you are Death, page 143).
particularly adept at dodging blows. If your Dexterity is
low, you are particularly inept at it. That's why you apply
SPEED: Your speed tells you how far you can move in
your Dexterity modifier to your Defense.
a round and still do something, such as attack or cast a
Note that armor limits your Dexterity bonus, so if
weave. Your speed depends mostly on your race and what
you're wearing armor you might not be able to apply
armor you're wearing.
your whole Dexterity bonus to your Defense (see Table
Humans and other similiarly sized races move 30 feet,
7-5 : Armor).
or 20 feet when wearing medium or heavy armor.
Sometimes you can't use your Dexterity bonus (if you
have one). The Defense bonus you get for a high Dexter-
If you take a double move action in a round, you can
move up to double your normal speed. If you run all out,
ity represents your ability to dodge incoming attacks. If
you can move up to quadruple your normal speed (or
you can't react to a blow, you can't use your Dexterity
triple if you are in heavy armor).
bonus on Defense. (lf you don't have a Dexterity bonus,
135
SAVING THROWS: As an adventurer, you have writes the names of the characters down in initiative order
more to worry about than taking damage. You also have so that on subsequent rounds he can move quickly from
to face the venomous blade of the Myrddraal and the one character to the next. If two or more combatants
Draghkar's compelling song. Luckily, a tough adventurer have the same initiative check result, the combatants who
can survive these threats, too. are tied go in order of Dexterity (highest first). If there is
Generally, when you are subject to an unusua l attack still a tie, roll a die.
or channeled weave, you get a saving throw to avoid or Joining a Battle: lf characters enter a battle or
reduce the effect. Like an attad< roll, a saving throw is a me lee after it's begun, they roll initiative at that time
d20 roll p lus a bonus based on your class and level, and and act whenever their turn comes up in the existing
an ability score modifier. Your saving throw bonus is: order.
Opponent Initiative: Typi-
Base save bonus + ability modifier cally, the GM makes a single ini-
tiative check for any opponents.
Saving Throw Types: The three That way, each player gets a turn
different kinds of saving th rows are each round and the GM also
these: gets one turn. At the GM's op-
Fortitude: These saves measure tion, however, he can make sep-
your ability to stand up to massive arate initiative checks for
physical punishment or attacks differcnr groups of opponents or
against your vitality and health such even for ind ividual foes. For in-
as poison, paralysis, and weaves that stance, the GM may make one
cause instant death. Apply your initiative check for an evil Myrd-
Constitution modifier to your Forti- clraal and another
rude saving throws. Fortitude saves check for all seven of its
can be made against attacks or ef- Trolloc followers .
fects such as poison, disease, and Flat-Footed: At the start of a
paralysis. battle, before you have had a
Reflex: These saves test your abil- chance to act (specifically, be-
ity to dodge massive attacks such as fore your first regular turn in
an initiate's firebaU. Apply your the initiative order), you are
Dexterity modifier to your flat-footed. You can't use your
Reflex saving throws. Re- Dexterity bonus to Defense (if
flex saves can be made against at- any) while flat-footed. The un-
tacks or effects such as pit. ..~Siiiiiiiiji. canny dodge ability of the al-
craps, catching on _. gai'd'siswai allows them to
fire, or lightning avoid losing their Dexterity
bolts. bonus to Defense due co beir.g
Will: These saves reflect your Aat-footed.
resistance to mental influence and domjnation, as well as
many effects of the One Power. Apply your Wisdom
SURPRISE: When a combat starts, if you were not
modifier to your Wil l saving throws. Will saves can be
aware of your enemies and they were aware of you, you're
made against attacks or effects such as compulsion and
surprised. If you know about your opponents but they
most illusion weaves.
don't know about you, you surprise them.
Saving Throw Difficulty Class: The DC for a save is
determined by the attack itself.
How Surprise Works: Eben is scouting 40 feet in
advance of bis companions as they walk down a dark
INITIATIVE corridor. He hears something coming his way from
around a corner ahead of him, and his companions
Each round, each combatant gets to do something. The don't hear it. Before he can raise a hand to signal his
combatants' initiative checks determine the order in companions, a Trolloc co mes around the corner. The
which they act, from highest to lowest. As adventurers Trolloc and Eben 's friends are surprised, but Eben is
say, "Striking first is good, but striking last is better." not. He gets a single action before anyone else can do
Initiative Checks: At the start of a battle, each com- anything, and he lets loose a bolt from his light cross-
batant makes a single initiative check. An initiative check bow. Since the Trolloc is surprised, it does not get its +2
is a Dexterity check. The GM finds out what order char- Dexterity bonus to Defense. Eben's bolt strikes home.
acters are acting in, counting down from highest result to With that, the surprise round ends and the first regular
lowest, and each character acts in rum, with the check ap- round begins. If Eben's initiative result is better than the
plying to all rounds of the combat (unless a character Trolloc's, he gets to act again before it does (and it will
rakes an action that results in her initiative changing; see still be flat-footed).
Special Initiative Actions, page 148). Usually, the GM
••
137
pick up an item, or some equivalent action. In a combat Free Action: Free actions consume a very small amount
round, you can perform an attack action and a move ac- of time and effort, and over the span of a round their im-
tion, doing either one first. You can also perform two pact is so minor that they are considered to be free. You can
move actions in a round and no attack actions, using the perform one or more free actions while taking another ac-
second move action in place of an attack action. tion normally. However, the GM puts reasonable limits on
Move actions are used to perform actions equivalent what you can really do for free. Calling out to your friends
to moving. Using the Climb skill to climb a distance for help, for example, is free. Reciting the epic history of the
• equal to one-quarter of your speed, or using the Ride skill
to control a form during combat are move actions. If the
Shaarad Clan takes several minutes (or more).
»See Special Initiative Actions for more on ready. See Advanced Combat Maneuvers for more on strike an object, bull rush, disarm, grapple, and
trip. See the Bluff skill in Chapter 4: Skills for more on feint
..Regardlm of the action, if you move within or out of a threatened area, you usually provoke an attack of opportunity (AoO}. This column indi-
cates whether the action itself. not moving, provokes an attack of opponunicy.
tThis can be reduced to a free action with the proper feat.
ttlf the object is extremely large or aw~-ward (GM's call), this is a full-round action.
tThis attack form substitutes for a melee attack. As a melee attack, it can be used once as an attack action or one or more rimes in a full attack.
138
Threaten ed Area: You threaten the area into which Melee Attacks: With a normal melee weapon, you
you can make a melee attack, even when it is not your ac- can srrike any enemy within 5 feet. (Enemies within 5 feet
tion. GeneraJly, that's everyLhing within 5 feet of you in are considered adjacent to you.) Some melee weapons
any direction. An enemy that takes certain actions while have reach, as indicated in tJ1eir descriptions in Chapter
in a threatened area provokes an attack of opportunity 7: Equipment. You can strike opponents JO feet away
from you. with a reach weapon, but you cannot strike adjacent foes
Provoking an Attack of Opportunity: Three actions (those within 5 feet).
can provoke attacks of opportunity: moving out of a
threatened area, moving within a threatened area, and Ranged Attacks: With a ranged weapon, you can
taking an action that distracts you from defending your- shoot or throw at any target that is within the ranged
self while within a threatened area. weapon's maximum range and in line of sight. A target is
Moving out of a Threatened Area: Any time you move in line of sight if there are no obstructions (including
o ut of a threatened area, you provoke an attack of oppor- other characters) between you and the target. Maximum
tunity. There are two important exceptions to this. First, range for a thrown weapon is five range increments. For
if your only movement is a 5-foot step, you don't pro- projectile weapons, it's ten range increments. Some spe-
voke an attack of opportunity. Second, if you disengage cific ranged weapons have shorter maximum ranges as
(a full-round action), you do not provoke an attad< of specified in their descriptions.
opportunity. See Disengaging, below. You suffer a -4 penalty on ranged attack rolls against
Moving within a Threatened Area: When you enter a any opponent who is adjacent to you, unless that oppo-
threatened area, you must immediately stop or you pro- nent is helpless (see Helpless Defenders, page 148).
voke an attack of opportunity. However, if you start your Improvised Thrown Weapons: Sometimes objects
movement within a threatened area, you may move up to not crafted to be weapons get thrown: rocks, vases,
five feet without provoking an attack of opportunity. If pitchers, swords, and so forth. Because they are not de-
you move fUrther, you provoke an attack of opportu11ity. signed for this use, all characters who use improvised
Taking an Action that Distracts lOu: Some actions them- weapons are treated as not proficient with them and suf-
selves provoke attacks of opportunity because they re- fer a -4 penalty on their attack rolls. Improvised thrown
quire you to divert attention from the fight at hand. weapons have a range increment of 10 feet. Their size
These actions include casting a weave, healing a friend, and the damage they deal have to be adjudicated by the
an d attacking with a ranged weapon. Table 8-1: Actions Gamemaster.
in Combat notes many of the actions that provoke at-
tacks of opportunity. Casting 1-Action Weaves: Casting a weave with a
Disengaging: Disengaging is a full-round action that I-action casting time is an attack action. See Chapter 9:
lets you leave your opponent's threatened area and move The One Power for details on casting weaves, their effects,
up to twice your movemenr without provoking an attack saving throws, and so on. See Full-Round Actions for in-
of opportunity. To disengage, your first 5 feet of move- formation on casting weaves with longer casting times.
ment must take you out of the threatened area-if you Note: You retain your Dexterity bonus to Defense
must move more than 5 feet to escape the threatened while casting. However, casting a weave in a threatened
area, you cannot disengage. Also, disengaging only pro- area provokes an attack of opportunity unless you cast on
tects you from attacks of opportunity from the opponent the defensive (see below).
or opponents in whose threatened areas you started-it Con cen tration: You must concentrate to cast a
does not make you immune to additional attacks of op- weave. If you are distracted and can't concentrate, you
portunity that are provoked by the remainder of your can't cast a weave. If you start casting a weave but some-
movement. See Disengage, below, for more information. thing interferes with your concentration, you must
Making an Attack of Opportunity: An attack of op- make a Concentration check or lose the weave. The
portunity is a single melee attack, and you can o nly make check's DC depends on what is threatening your con-
one per round. You do not have to make an attack of op- centration (see the Concentration skill, page 74). If you
portunity if you don't want to. fail, the weave fizzles with no effect. It counts against
An experienced character gets additional regular your daily limit of weaves even though you did not cast
melee attacks (by using the full attack action), but at a it successfully.
lower attack bonus. You make your attack of opportu.nity, Concentrating to Maintain a Weave: Some weaves
however, at your normal attack bonus-even if you've al- reguire continued concentration to keep them going.
ready attacked this round. Concentrating to maintain a weave is a full-round action.
See Full-Round Actions, below.
Casting on the Defensive: You may attempt to cast a
ATIACK ACTIONS: These are the most common,
weave while on the defensive. This option means casting
straightforward actions that a character might take to at-
the weave while paying attention to threats and avoiding
tack. More specialized attack actions are covered in the
blows, and, as such, it docs not provoke an attack of op-
Special Attacks and Damage section.
portunity. lt does, however, require a Concentration
During a round, you can take an attack action and then
check (DC 15 + weave level) to pull off. Failure means
a move action, or a move action and then an attack action.
you Jose the weave.
139
Touch Weaves in Combat: Some weaves have a range comes up I) on the attack roll is always a miss. A natural 20
of touch. To use these weaves, you cast the weave and (the d20 comes up 20) is always a hit. A natural 20 is also
then touch the subject, either in the same round or any a threat-a possible critical h.it (see Critical Hits, below).
time later. In the same round that you cast the weave, you
may also touch (or attempt to touch) the target. You may Damage Rolls: If the attack roll result equals or ex-
take your move action before casting the weave, after ceeds the target's Defense, the attack is successful, and
RH USAN
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5 FEET
ELEE & RANGED
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5 FEET
the threat range for a critical hit on an attack roll is 20, enemies of each other and are adjacent to each other. (An
and the multiplier is x 2. (See Increased Threat Range and unconscious or otherwise immobilized character is not
increased Critical Multiplier, below.) considered engaged unless he is being attacked.)
Exception: Bonus damage represented as extra dice, Precise Shot: If you have the Precise Shot feat (see
such as from a sneak attack, is not multiplied when you Chapter 5: Feats), you don't suffer chis penalty.
score a critical hit.
Increased Threat Range: Sometimes your threat range is Fighting Defensively: You can choose to fight de-
greater than 20. That is, you can score a threat on a lower fensively when attacking. If you do so, you take a -4
number. longswords, for instance, give you a threat on a penalty on all attacks in a round to gain a +2 dodge
natural attack roll of 19 or 20. Even in such cases, only a bonus to your Defense for the same round.
natura l 20 results in an automatic hit- a natural 19 is not
an automatic hit. If the 19 is not a good enough result for Unarmed Attacks : Striking for damage with
a bit, it can't result in a critical. punches, kicks, and head butts is essentially like attacking
Increased Critical Multiplier: Some weapons, such as with a weapon, except that an unarmed strike cannot
battleaxes and arrows, deal better than double damage cause a critical hit.
with a critical hit. See Table 7-4: Weapons and the Criti- An unarmed strike from a Medium-size character deals
cal section of Weapon Qialities, page 114. Id3 points of damage (with your Strength modifier, as
~aves and Critical Hits: A weave that requires an at- normal). A Small character's unarmed strike deals ld2
tack roll can score a critical bit. A weave attack that re- points of damage. Unarmed strikes count as light weapons
quires no attack roll cannot score a critical hit. (for purposes of two-weapon attack penalties and so on).
Multiple Attacks: A character with more than one at- MOVE ACTIONS: With the exception of specific
tack per round must use a full attack action in order to get
movement-related skills, most move actions don't require
more than one attack. A full attack is a full-round action.
a skill check. Tn some cases (such as shouldering a stuck
door), ability checks might be required.
Shooting or Throwing into a Melee: If you
shoot or throw a ranged weapon at a target that is engaged
in melee with an ally, you suffer a -4 penalty on your at-
Move: The simplest move action is moving your char-
acter's speed. If you take this kind of move action during
tack roll because you have to aim carefully to avoid hitting
your turn, you can't take a 5-foot step.
your ally. Two characters are engaged in melee if they are
Many nonstandard modes of movement are also cov-
141
coupled with an attack or move action, though if it
SPEEDING UP COMBAT doesn't involve movement you can take a 5-foot step.
142
• If your off-band weapon is light, the penalties are re- Constitution check (DC 10) to continue running. You
duced by 2 each. A light weapon is one that's smaller must check again each round in which you continue to
than a weapon you could use in one hand. Its size run, and the DC of this check increases by 1 for each
category is smaller than yours. (An unarmed strike is check you have made. When you fail this check, you must
always considered light.) stop running. A character that has run to his limit must
• The Ambidexterity feat reduces the off-hand penalty rest for 1 mi1rnte (10 rounds) before running again. Dur-
by 4. ing a rest period, the character can move no faster than a
• The Two-Weapon Fighting feat reduces both penalties normal move.
by 2. A run represents a speed of about twelve miles per
hour for an unencumbered human.
Ta ble 8-2: Two-Weapon Fighting Penalties Casting Full-Round or Longer Weaves: Cast-
ing a weave with a full-round casting time is a full-round
Circumstances Primary Hand Off Hand
action. Casting a weave with a longer casting time re-
Normal penalties -6 - 10
quires two or more full-round actions. You can take a 5-
Off-hand weapon is light -4 -8 foot step at any point during your turn while casting, but
Ambidexterity feat 6 -6 cannot otherwise move. See Chapter 9: The One Power
Two-Weapon Fighting feat -4 -8
for details on casting weaves, their effects, saving throws,
Off-hand weapon is light -4 -4
and so on.
and Ambidexterity feat
A full-round weave comes into effect just before the
Off-hand weapon is light -2 -6 beginning of your tum in the round after you began the
and Two-Weapon Fighting feat
casting. You then act normally after the weave is com-
Ambidexterity feat and -4 -4
pleted. A weave that takes 1 minute to cast comes into ef-
Two-Weapon fighting feat
fect just before your tum 1 minute later (and for each of
Off-hand weapon is light and -2 -2 those 10 rounds, you are casting the weave as a full-round
Ambidexterity feat and
action).
Two-Weapon Fighting feat
When you begin a weave that takes a full round or
longer co cast, you must continue to concentrate from
one round to just before your rum to act in the next
Table 8-2: Two-Weapon Fighting Penalties swmnarizes
round (at least). If you lose concentration after starting
the interaction of all these factors.
the weave and before it is complete, you lose the
Double Weapons: You can use a double weapon to
weave. For more information on casting weaves, see At-
make an extra attack as if fighting with two weapons. The
tack Actions, above.
penalties apply as if the oft-_hand weapon were light.
Disengage: You can disengage from combat as a full- MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS: Some actions
round action. To disengage, the first five feet of your don't fit neatly into the above categories. For these, the
movement must take you out of the threatened area by GM must determine how long such an action takes to
the shortest possible route. (If you must move more perform.
than 5 feet to escape the threatened area, you cannot
disengage. You can, of course, move normally to get Using Feats or Skills: Certain feats, such as Whirl-
away from the opponent, but you provoke an attack of wind Attack, let you take special actions in combat. Oth-
opportunity according to the normal rules.) Once you ers are not actions themselves; instead, they give you a
clear the threatened area, you may continue to move, up bonus when attempting something you can already do.
to a total of twice your movement. You can disengage Some feats are not meant to be used within the frame-
from more than one opponent at once, but again, only work of combat. The individual feat descriptions tell you
if you can clear all threatened areas in your fust 5 feet what you need to know about them.
of movement. Likewise, the skill descriptions in Chapter 4: Skills
Disengaging protects you from attacks of opportunity note how long it takes to make a skill check. Unless it's a
from the opponent or opponents in whose threatened movement-related skill, you should be able to take a 5-
area you started, but your movement may provoke attacks foot step during the round you make the check.
of opportunity from other opponents if, for example, you
enter and move through their threatened areas.
INJURY AND
Run: You can run as a full-round action. (You do not
DEATH
get a 5-foot step.) When you run, you can move up to
four times your normal speed in a straight line (or three Your hit points measure how hard you are to kill. While
times your speed if you're in heavy armor). You lose any exotic monsters have a number of special ways to hurt,
Dexterity bonus to Defense since you can't avoid attacks. harm, or kill you, usually you just take damage and lose
You can run for a number of rounds equal to your hit points. The dan1age from each successful attack and
Constitution score, but after that you must succeed at a each fight accumulates, dropping your hit point total to
143
0 or below. Then you're in trouble. Luckily, you also have running, attacking, casting a weave, or using any ability
a n umber of ways to regain hit points. If you have a few that requires physical exertion or mental concentration.
days to rest, you can recover lost bit points on your own; Unless your activity increased your hit points, you are
the One Power can also be used to heal. now at - 1 hit points, and you're dying.
Healing that raises you above 0 makes you fully func-
tional again, just as if you'd never been reduced to 0 or
LOSS OF HIT POINTS: The most common way
less. A channeler retains the channeling capability she
that your character gets hurt is to take damage and lose
had before dropping co 0 hit points.
hit pojnts, whether from a TroUoc's battleaxe, a damane's
You can also become disabled when recovering from
lightning bolt, or a fall off a cliff You record your char-
dying. In this case, it's a step up along the road to recov·
acter's hit point total on your character sheet. As your
ery, and you can have fewer than 0 bit points (see Stable
character takes damage, you subtract that damage from
Characters and Recovery, below).
your hit points, leaving you with your current hit points.
Current hit points go down when you take damage and
go back up when you recover. DYING (-1 TO -9 HIT POINTS): When your
• What Hit Points Represent: Hit points mean two character's current hit points drop to between -1 and -9
things in the game world: the ability to take physical inclusive, he's dying.
punishment and keep go ing, and the ability to turn a se· He immediately falls unconscious and can take
rious blow into a less serious one. A 10th-level armsman no actions.
who has taken 40 points of damage is not as badly hurt At the end of each round (starting with the round in
as a 10th-level in itiate who has taken that much damage. which the character dropped below 0), roll d% to see
Indeed, unless the initiate has a high Constitution score, whether he stabilizes. He has a 100/o chance to become
she's probably dead or dying, while the armsman is bat· stable. If he doesn't, he loses 1 hit point.
tered but otherwise doing fine. Why the difference? If the character's hit points drop to -10 (or lower),
Partly because the armsman is better at rolling with the he's dead.
punches, protecting vital areas, and dodging just enough You can keep a dying character from losing any more
that a blow that would be fatal only wounds him. Partly bit points and make him stable with a successful Heal
because he's tough as nails. He can take damage that check (DC 15).
would drop a horse and still swing his sword with deadly lf any sort of healing cures the dying character of even
effect. 1 point of damage, be stops losing hit points and be-
Effects of Hit Poin t Damage: Damage gives you comes stable.
scars, bangs up your armor, and gets blood on your sur- Healing that raises the dying character's hit points to
coat, but it doesn't slow you down until your current hit 0 makes him conscious and disabled. Healing that raises
points reach 0 or lower. his hit points to 1 or more makes him fully functional
At 0 hit points, you're disabled (see below). again, just as if he'd never been reduced to 0 or less.
At from -1 to - 9 bit points, you're dying (see below).
At -10 or lower, you're dead (see below).
Damaging Helpless Defenders: Even if you have
DEAD (-10 HIT POINTS OR LOWER):
When your character's currenr hit points drop to -10
lots of hit points, a dagger through the eye is a dagger
or lower, or if be takes massive damage (see above),
through the eye. When a character can't avoid damage o r
he's dead. A cha racter can also die from taking abiljty
deflect blows somehow-when he's really helpless-he's in
damage or suffering an ab ility drain that reduces his
trouble (see Helpless Defenders, page 148).
Constitution to 0.
Massive Dam age: If you ever sustain damage so mas-
sive that a si ngle attack deals 50 points of damage or more
and it doesn't kilJ you outright, you must make a Forti- STABLE CHARACTERS AND RECOVERY: A
tude save (DC 15). If tltis saving throw fails, you die re- stable character who has been tended by a healer or who
gardless of your current hit points. This amount of has been healed with the One Power eventually regains
damage represents a single trauma so major that it has a consciousness and recovers hit points naturally. If the
chance to kill even the toughest creature. If, however, you character has no one to tend rum, however, his life is still
r • take 50 points of damage from multiple attacks, none of in danger, and he may yet slip away.
...
which dealt 50 or more points itself, the massive damage Recovering with Help: An hour after a tended, dying
.. rule does not apply. character becomes stable, roll d%. He has a 100/o chance
of becoming conscious, at which point he is disabled (as
if he had 0 hit points). If he remains unconscious, he has
DISABLED (0 HIT POINTS): When your cur- the same chance to revive and become disabled every
rent bit points drop to exactly 0, you're disabled. You're
hour. Even if unconscious, he recovers hit points natu·
not unconscious, but you're close to it. You can only
rally. He is back to normal when his hit points rise to 1
take a single action each round- one attack action or one
or hjgher.
move action, but not a full-round action-and if you
Recoveri ng without Help: A severely wounded
... perform any strenuous activity, you take 1 point of dam-
age after completing the act. Strenuous activities include
character left alone usual ly dies. He has a small chance,
however, of recovering on his own. Even if he seems as
144
•
though he's pulling through, he can still finally suc- at the dissipation of a specific weave, the character's hit
cumb to his wounds hours or days after originally taking points drop to that score. If the character's hit points are
damage . already below that score at that time, alJ the temporary
A character who stabilizes on h is own (by making the hit points have already been lost and the character's hit
10% roll while dying) and who has no one to tend for point score does not drop.
him still loses hit points, just at a slower rate. He has a When temporary hit points are lost, they cannot be
10% chance each hour of becoming conscious. Each time restored as real hit points can be, even through the
he misses his hourly roll to become conscious, he loses I One Power.
hit point. He also does not recover hit points through Increases in Constitution Score and Current Hit
natural healing. Points: Note that an increase in a character's Constitu-
Even once he becomes conscious and is disabled, an tion score, even a temporary one, can give hjm more hit
unaided character still does not recover hit points natu- points (an effective hit point increase), but these are not
rally. Instead, each day he bas a 100/o chance to start re- temporary hit points. They can be restored, such as with
covering hit points naturally (starting with that day); healing weaves, and they are not lost first as temporary
otherwise, he loses 1 hit point. hit points are.
Once an unaided character starts recovering hit points For example, Thearc (a 3rd-level algai'd'siswaz) is
naturally, he is no longer in danger of losing hit points given a rare ter'tmgreal that increases his Constitution
(even if his current hit point total is negative). score by +4, giving him +6 hit points to raise h is total
from 31 to 37. If Thearc takes damage dropping him ro
32 hit points, an initiate can heal him, returning him to
HEALING: After taking damage, you can recover hit
37 hit points. If Thearc is so wounded at the end of a
points through natural healing (over the coUise of
battle that he only has 5 hit points remaining, and then
days) or through channeled healing (nearly instantly).
somebody steals bis ler'angreal, be drops to -1 hit points
In any case, you can't regain hit points past your hit
and starts dying.
point total.
Natural Healing: You recover 1 hit point per charac-
ter level per day of rest. For example, a 5th-level wanderer
recovers 5 hit points per day of rest. You may engage in
MOVEMENT AND
light, nonstrenuous uavel or activity, but any combat or POSITION
use of the One Power prevents you from healing that day.
Few characters in a fight are likely to stand still for long.
If you undergo complete bed rest (doing nothing for
Enemies appear and charge the party. The heroes reply,
an entire day), you recover one and one half times your
advancing to take on new foes after they down their first
character level in hit points. A 5th-level armsman recov-
opponents. Initiates remain outside the fight, looking for
ers 7 hit points per day of bed rest.
the best opening for a powerful weave. Wanderers quietly
Higher-level characters recover lost hit points faster
skirt the fracas seeking a straggler or an unwary opponent
than lower-level characters because they're tougher, and
to strike with a sneak attack. Finally, if the fight is lost,
also because a given number of lost hit points represents
most characters find it to their advantage to remove
a lighter wound for a higher-level character. A 5th-level
themselves from the vicinity. Movement is just as impor-
armsman who has lost 10 hit points isn't seriously
tant as attack skill and armor in gaining the upper hand
wotmded, but a 1st-Level armsman who has taken 10
on the battlefield.
points of damage is.
Movement and position are most easily handled by
Medicinals and the O n e Power : Various weaves and
using miniature figures to represent the characters and
healers' balms convert hit point damage to subdual dam-
Lheir opponents. The standard scale equates 1 inch on the
age (see below). The amount of damage varies according
tabletop to 5 feer in the game world. Whenever possible,
to the weave or medicinal. Simply converr the hit points
use units of 5 feet for movement and position. Calculat-
of damage to an equal number of subdual damage hit
ing distance more precisely than that is more trouble
points. Subdual damage is recovered much faster than
than it's worth.
regular damage.
Healing Limits: You can never get back more hit
points than you lost. No form of healing ever raises your
Table 8- 3: Standard Scale
current hit points higher than your hit point total. One inch = 5 feet
Healing Ability Damage: Temporary ability damage "Next to~ or "adjacent» = l inch (5 feet) away
returns at the rate of 1 point per day of rest (light activ- 30 mm miniature= A human-size creature
ity, no combat or use of the One Power). Complete bed A human-size creature occupies an area 1 inch (5 feet) across
rest restores 2 points per day. One round= 6 seconds
TEMPORARY HIT POINTS: Certain effects and TACTICAL MOVEMENT: Where you can move
weaves can give a character temporary hit points. When a and how long it takes you to get there become key ques-
character gains temporary hit points, note bis current hit tions in combat.
points. When the temporary hit points go away, such as
145
How Far Can Your Character Move?: Your Table 8-5: Attack Roll Modifiers
speed is determined by your race and your armor (see
Circumstance Melee Ranged
Table 8-4: Tactical Speed). Your speed while unarmored
is sometimes called your base speed.
Attacker flanking defender• +2
Attacker on higher ground +I +0
Encumbrance: A character encumbered by carrying a
large amount of gear, treasure, or fallen comrades may
Attacker prone -4 **
move slower than normal (see Encumbrance, page 110).
Attacker invisible +zt +zt
Movement in Combat: Generally, you can move
Defender sitting or kneeling +2 -2
Defender prone +4 -4
your speed in a movement action and still have time in
the round for an attack action. If you don't take an attack
Defender stunned, cowering, or off balance +2t +2t
action, you can take a second move action to move your
Defender climbing (cannot use shield) +2t +2t
speed again. If you flat-out run (a full-round action), you
Defender surprised or flat-footed +ot +Ot
can move quadruple your rate. If you do something that
Defender running +Ot -2t
requires a full round, such as attacking more than once,
Defender grappling (attacker not) +Ot +Ott
you can only take a 5-foot step. Some specific actions
Defender pinned +4t -4t
Defender has cover - See Cover - -
don't allow you to move at all. See Action Types, page
Defender concealed or invisible - See Concealment -
137 and Table 8- 1: Actions in Combat to see how far you
Defender helpless See Helpless Defenders
can move with each action.
(such as paralyzed, sleeping, or bound)
Table 8- 4: Tactical Speed *You flank a defender when you have an ally on the opposite side of the
defender threatening him. Wanderers can sneak attack defenders they
No Armor or Medium or
flank.
Race Light Armor H eavy Armor
..Most ranged weapons can't be used while the attacker is prone, but
Human 30 ft. 20 ft.
you can use a crossbow while prone.
Ogier 40 ft. 30 ft.
tThe defender loses any Dexterity bonus to Defense.
ttRoll randomly to see which grappling combatant you strike. Tl1at de·
Passing Through: Sometimes you can pass through fender loses any Dexterity bonus to Defense.
an area occupied by another character or creature.
Friendly Creature: You can move through an area oc-
cupied by a friendly character.
position, either offensively or defensively. This section
Unfriendly Creature Not an Obstacle: You can also
covers the rules for when you can line up a particularly
move through an area occupied by an unfriendly character
good attack or are forced to make a disadvantageous one.
who doesn't present an obstacle, such as one who is dead,
unconscious, bound, held, stunned, or just cowering.
• Charging: As part of a charge, you can attempt to FAVORABLE AND U NFAVORABLE CoNDffiONS:
move through an area occupied by a resisting enemy (see Depending on the situation, you may gain bonuses or
Overrun, page 153). suffer penalties on your attack roll. Your GM judges what
Tumbling: A trained character can attempt to tumble bonuses and penalties apply, using Table 8- 5: Attack Roll
through an area occupied by an enemy. (See the Tumble Modifiers as a guide.
skil l, page 85.)
Very Small Creature: A Fine, Diminutive, or Tiny
COVER: One of the best defenses available is cover. By
creature can move into or through an occupied area.
taking cover behind a tree, a ruined wall, the side of a
Area O ccupied by Creature Three Sizes Larger or
wagon, or the battlements of a castle, you can protect
Smaller: Any creature can move through an area occupied
yourself from attacks, especially ranged attacks.
by a creature three size categories larger or smaller than it is.
Cover provides a bonus to your Defense. The more
cover you have, the bigger the bonus. In a melee, if you
FLANKING: If you are making a melee attack against have cover against an opponent, that opponent probably
a creature, and an ally directly opposite you is threaten- has cover against you, too. With ranged weapons, how-
ing the creature, you and your ally flank the creature. You ever, it's easy to have better cover than your opponent.
gain a +2 flanking bonus on your attack roll. A wanderer Jndeed, that's what arrow slits in castle walls are all about.
in this position can also sneak attack the target. The ally The GM may impose other penalties or restrictions to
must be on the other side of the defender, so that the de- attacks depending on the details of the cover. For exam-
fender is directly between you. ple, to strike effectively through a narrow opening, you
need to use a long piercing weapon, such as an arrow or
a spear. A battleaxe or a pick isn't going to get through an
COMBAT arrow slit to the person standing behind it.
Cover and Reach Weapons: If you're using a reach
MODIFIERS weapon, a character standing between you and your tar-
Sometimes you just have to go toe-to-toe in a fight, but get provides cover to your target. Generally, if both of the
you can usually gain some advantage by seeking a better other creatUies are the same size, the one in the back has
146
one-half cover {+4 Defense). If you hit the creature pro-
viding cover, it takes no damage because you strike it with
the haft of your weapon.
Degree of Cover: Cover is assessed in subjective
measurements of how much proceclion it offers you. Your
GM determines the value of cover. This measure is not a
strict mathematical calculation because you gain more
value from covering the parts of your body that are more
likely to be struck. If the bottom half of your body is cov-
ered (as when a human stands behind a 3-foot wall), that
only gives you one-quarter cover. If one side or the other
of your body is covered, as when you're partly behind a
corner, you get one-half cover.
Table 8-6: Cover gives examples of various situations
that usually produce certain degrees of cover. These exam-
ples might not hold true in exceptional circumstances. For
example, a 3-foot wall might provide a human one-half
~ cover in melee against wild dogs, who have a bard time
~ striking a human's upper body, but the same wall might
~ gram a human no cover in melee against an Ogier.
Cover Defense Bonus: Table 8-6: Cover lists the De-
fense bonuses for different degrees of cover. Add the rel-
evant number to your Defense. This cover bonus overlaps
(does not stack) with certain other bonuses. For example,
kneeling gives you a +2 bonus to your Defense against
ranged weapons. Kneeling behind a low wall could
change your cover from one-quarter (+2) to three-quar-
ters (+7). You would not get the +2 kneeling bonus on
top of the cover bonus. A woodsman slays a 1voif at n g1·eat distance.
Cover Reflex Save :Bonus: Table 8-6: Cover lists the
Reflex save bonuses for different degrees of cover. Add cended target, the GM should determine if the attack roll
this bonus to Reflex saves against attacks that affect an would have hit the protected target without the cover. If
area, such as fireballs or other weaves. For nine-tenths rbe attack roll falls within a range low enough to miss the
cover, you also effectively have improved evasion. These target with cover but high enough to strike the target if
bonuses, however, only apply to attacks that originate or there had been no cover, the object used for cover was
spread out from a point on the other side of the cover. struck. This can be particularly imporcant to know in
Striking the Cover Instead of a Missed Target: If it cases where a character uses another creature as cover. In
ever becomes important co know whether the cover was such a case, if the cover is struck and the attack roll ex-
actual ly struck by an incoming attack that misses the in- ceeds the Defense of the covering creature, the covering
creature takes the damage intended for the target.
Tf the covering creature has a Dextericy bonus to De-
Table 8- 6: Cover fense or a dodge bonus, and thjs bonus keeps the covering
creature from being hit, then tl1e original target is hit in-
Degree of Cover Defense Cover Reflex
stead. The covering creature bas dodged out of the way and
Cover Example Bonus Save Bonus didn't provide cover afcer all. A covering creature can
One-quarter A human standing behind +2 +l choose not to apply his Dextericy bonus to Defense and/or
a 3-foot-higb wall his dodge bonus, if his intent is to try to take the damage
One-half Fighting &om around a +4 +2 in order to keep the covered character from being hit.
corner or a tree; standing
at an open window; behind
CONCEALMENT: Besides cover, another way to
a creature of same size
avoid attacks is to make it hard for opponents to know
Three-quarters Peering around a corner +7 +3
where you are. Concealment includes all circumstances
or a tree
where nothing physically blocks a blow or shoe but where
Nine-tenths Standing at an arrow slit; +I 0 +4"
something interferes with an actacker's accuracy.
behind a door that's
Concealment: Concealment is subjectively measured
slightly ajar
as to how weU concealed the defender is. Examples of
Total On the other side of a
what might qualify as concealment of various degrees are
solid wall
given on Table 8- 7: Concealment. Concealment always
•Half damage if save is failed; no damage if successful.
depends on the point of view of the attacker. Moderate
darkness doesn't hamper a creature with low-light vision,
and near total darkness is only one-half concealment for How Readying Works: Hemar and Baran have just
such a creature. encountered three Trollocs in the wilds of western Andor.
Concealment Miss Chance: Concealment gives the On initiative count 14, Baran specifies that he is going to
subject of a successful attack a chance that the attacker fire his bow at the first Trolloc to raise its weapon. On
missed because of the concealment. If the attacker bits, count 10, Hemar moves next to Baran and readies an at-
the defender must make a miss chance percentile roll to tack with bis sword so that he can strike at any foe that
avoid being struck. When multiple concealment condi- comes within 5 feet. On count 7, the Trollocs charge,
tions apply Lo a defender (behind dense foliage and near brandishing their huge batcleaxes. As soon as the lead
total darkness, for example), use the one that would pro- Trolloc raises his weapon, Baran fires his arrow, but
duce the highest miss chance. Do not add the miss misses. Next Hemar swings at the first Trolloc to reach
chances together. him and hits. The Trollocs, however, reach Hemar and at-
tack him. From this point on, both Baran and Hemar act
Table 8-7: Concealmen t on initiative count 7 (and before the Trollocs).
Readying an Action: You can ready an attack action
Concealment Example Miss Chance
or a move action. To do so, specify the action you will
One-quarter Light fog; moderate darkness; 10%
take and the conditions under which you will take it.
light fol iage
Then, any time before your next action, you may take
One-half Channeling effect; dense fog at 5 ft. 200/o
the readied action in response to those conditions. The
Three-quarters Dense foliage 300/o
action comes before the action that triggers it. For the
Nine-tenths Near total darkness 400/o
rest of the fight, your initiative result is the count on
Total Invisibility~ attacker blind; 50%
which you took the readied action, and you act immedi-
total darkness; and must guess
ately ahead of the character whose action triggered your
dense fog al I 0 ft. target's l001cion
readied action.
Initiative Conseq uences of Readying: Your initia-
H ELPLESS D EFENDERS: A helpless foe-one who tive resu lt becomes the count on which you took the
is bound, held, sleeping, para lyzed, unconscious, or oth- readied action. If you come to your next action and have
erwise at your mercy-is an easy target. not yet performed your readied action, you don't get to
Regular Attack: A melee attack against a helpless take the readied action (though you can ready the same
character gets a +4 circumstance bonus on the attack roll. action again). If you take your readied action in the next
A ranged attack gets no special bonus. A helpless de- round, before your regular tum comes up, your initiative
fender (naturally) can't use any Dexterity bonus to De- rises to that new point in the order of battle, and you do
fense. Io fact, his Dexterity score is treated as if it were 0 not get your regular action that round.
149
weapon, you get a +4 bonus on your attack roll. If you Table 8- 9: Hardness and Hit Points
take a full-round action to line up a shot (as with the coup
Substance Hardness Hit Points
de grace against a helpless foe), you get an automatic hit
Paper 0 2/ incli of thickness
with a melee weapon, or a +5 attack bonus with a ranged
weapon. (Objects, however, are immune to critical hits.) Rope 0 2/incli of thickness
Glass 1 1/incli of thickness
Animated Objects: Animated objects count as creatures
Ice 0 3/inch of thickness
for Defense purposes.
Wood 5 1O/inch of thickness
Held, Carried, or Worn Objects: Objects that are held,
St0ne 8 IS/inch of thickness
carried, or worn by a creature are harder to hit. The ob-
• ject's Defense is the same as the creature's plus the ob- Iron 10 30/inch of thickness
ject's size modifier. Jf it's in the creature's hand (or claw,
or whatever), it gets a further +5 bonus to Defense be- Object Hardness Hit Points DC to Break
cause the creature can move it quickly out of harm's way. Rope (I in. diam.) 0 2 23
You don't get any special bonus for attacking the object. Simple wooden door 5 10 13
Damage to O bjects: The amount of damage that an Spear 5 2 14
object can withstand depends on what it's made out of Small chest 5 l 17
and how big it is. Weapon damage is rolled normally Good wooden door 5 15 18
against objects. Treasure chest 5 15 23
Immunities: Inanimate objects are immune to critical Strong wooden door 5 20 23
hits. Objects of all types are immune to subdual damage. Masonry wall (I ft. thick) 8 90 35
Ranged Weapon Damage: Objects take half damage Hewn stone (3 ft. thick) 8 540 50
from ranged weapons. Divide the damage by 2 before ap- Chain 10 5 26
plying the object's hardness. Manacles 10 10 26
Energy Attacks: Objects take half damage from fire, Masterwork manacles 10 10 28
lightning, and similar damage sources. Divide the damage Iron door (2 in. thick) IO 60 28
by 2 before applying the object's hardness.
Appropriate Weapons: The GM may determine that Breaking Items: When you try to break something
I. certain weapons just can't deal damage effectively to cer- with sudden force rather than by dealing regular damage,
-
tain objects. For example, you will have a hard time use a Strength check to see whether you succeed. The DC
chopping down a door by shooting arrows at it, or cut- depends more on the construction of the item than on
ting a rope with a club. Conversely, the GM may rule the material. For instance, an iron door with a weak lock
that certain attacks are especiaily successful against some can be forced open much more easily than it can be
objects. For example, it's easy to light a curtain on fire or hacked down.
rip up a scrol l. If an item has lost half or more of its hit points, the
Hardness: Each object bas hardness- a number DC to break it drops by 2.
that represents how well it resists damage. Whenever
an object takes damage, subtract its hardness from the Table 8-10: DCs to Break or Burst Items
damage. Only damage in excess of its hardness is de-
Strength Check to: DC
ducted from the object's hit points (see Table 8-9:
Hardness and Hit Poi1Hs).
Break down simple door 13
Hit Points: An object's hit point total depends on
Break down good door 18
Break down strong door 23
what it is made of and how big it is (see Table 8-9: Hard-
Burst rope bonds 23
ness and H it Points). When an object's bit points reach 0,
it's ruined.
Bend iron bars 24
Break down barred door 25
Very large objects have separate bit point totals for
different sections. For example, you can attack and ruin a
Burst chain bonds 26
Break down iron door 28
wagon wheel without destroying the whole wagon.
Saving Throws: Unattended items never make sav-
ing throws. They are considered to have failed their BULL RUSH : You can bull rush as an attack action
saving throws, so they always are affected by (for in- or as part of a charge. When you bull rush, you at-
stance) specific weaves. An item attended by a charac- tempt to push an opponent straight back instead of at-
ter (being grasped, touched, or worn) receives a saving tacking him. You can only bull rush an opponent who
throw just as if the character herself were making the is one size category larger than you, the same size, or
saving throw. smaller.
Ter'nngreal, 1111greal, and sa'angreal always get saving Initiating a Bu ll Rush: First, you move into the de-
throws. Such an item's Fortitude, Reflex, and Will save fender's space. Moving in this way provokes an attack
bonuses are equal to 2 + one-half its caster level. At- of opportunity from each foe that threatens you, prob-
tended One Power items either make saving throws as ably includi ng the defender. Second, you and the de-
their owner o r use their own saving throws, whichever are fender make opposed Strength checks. You each add a
better. +4 bonus for each size category you are above
150
Medium-size or a -4 penalty for each size category you Special Size Modifier: The special size modifier for
are below Medium-size. You get a +2 charge bonus if a grapple check is as follows: Colossal +16, Gargantuan
you were charging. The defender gets a +4 stability + 12, Huge +8, Large +4, Medium-size +O, Small - 4,
bonus if he has more than two legs or is otherwise ex- Tiny -8, Dinllnutive - 12, Fine -16. Use this number in
ceptionally stable. place of the normal size modifier you use when making
Bull Rush Results: If you beat the defender, you an attack roll.
push him back 5 feet. If you wish to move with the de-
fender, you can push hin1 back, up to a distance of an ad- Starting a Grapple: To start a grapple, you first
ditional I foot for each point by which you exceed the need to grab and hold your target. Attempting to start
defender's check result. You a grapple is the equivalent
can't, however, exceed your of making a melee attack.
normal movement limit. If you get multiple attacks
If you fail to beat the de- in a round, you can at-
fender's Strength check, you tempt to start a grapple
move 5 feet straight back to multip le times (at succes-
where you were before you sively lower base attack
moved into his space. If that b onuses).
space is occupied, you fall Grab: You m ake a melee
prone in that space (see touch attack to grab the tar-
Table 8-5: Attack Roll Mod- get, which provokes an at-
~ ifiers). tack of opportunity. If you
;:
·~ fail to hit the target, you fail
~
to start the grapple.
D ISARM: As a melee at-
..;:; H old: Once you grab the
..... tack, you may make a disarm
.... attempt. You and the de-
target, make an opposed
grapple check. If you suc-
fender make opposed attack
ceed, you have started the
ro lls with your respective
grapple, and you deal dam-
weapons. If the weapons are
age to the target as if with an
different sizes, the combat-
unarmed strike.
ant with the larger weapon
gets a bonus on the attack
If you lose, you fai l to start
the grapple. You automati-
roll of +4 per difference in
cally lose an attempt to
size category. If the defender
hold if the target is two or
is using a weapon in two
more size categories larger
hands, he gets an additional
than you arc (but you can
+4 bonus. If you beat the
still make an attempt to
defender, the defender is dis-
grab such a target, if that's
armed. [f you attempted the
all you want to do).
disarm ac tion unarmed, you
Move Jn: To maintain the
now have the weapon. Oth-
A 1uanderer sneak attacks. grapple, you must move
erwise, it's on the ground at
into the target's space.
the defender's feet. If you fail, the defender may imme-
Grappling: You and your target are now grappling.
diately react and make an attempt to disarm you with
the same sort of opposed melee attack roll.
Joining a Grapple: If your target is already grappling
someone else, you can use an attack to start a grapple, as
GRAPPLE: Grappling m eans wrestling and struggling above, and your grab automatically succeeds. You still
hand-to-hand. It's tricky to perform, but sometimes you have to make a successful opposed grapple check to deal
want to pin foes instead of killing them, and sometimes damage and move in to be part of the grapple.
you have no choice in the matter. For creatures, grap-
pling ca n mean trapping you in a toothy maw or hold- If You're Grappling: When you are grappling (re-
ing you down so it can bite and rend. gardless of who started the grapple), you can make an op-
posed grapple check as an attack. If you win, you can do
Grapple Checks: Repeatedly in a grapple, you need one of the following:
to make opposed grapple checks against an opponent. A Damage Your Opponent: You can deal damage as
grapple check is somethjng like a melee attack roll. Your with an unarmed strike (ld4 points for Large attackers,
attack bonus on a grapple check is: ld3 points for Medium-size attackers, or Id2 points for
Small attackers, plus Strength modifiers). If you want to
Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + s p ecial size deal normal damage, you suffer a -4 penalty on your
modifier grapple check.
151
Pin: You can hold your opponent immobile for l
ro und. (If you get multiple attacks, you can use subse-
quent attacks to damage your opponent. You can't use a
weapon on a pinned character or attempt to damage or
pin a second opponent while holding a pin on the first.)
While you're pinned, opponents other than the one pin-
ning you get a +4 bonus on attack rolls against you (but
you're not helpless).
Break Another's Pin : You can break the hold that an
opponent has over an ally.
Escape: You can escape the grapple. You can then
take your normal movement. If more than one opponent
is grappling you, your grapple check result has to beat all
their check results to escape. (Opponents don't have to
try to hold yo u if they don't want to.)
152
up more space on the battlefield than you do. A horse The defender chooses either to avoid you or to
takes up a 5-foot-by-l 0-foot space, and you take up a block you. If he avoids you, you keep moving. (You can
space 5 feet across. For simplicity, assume that you oc- always move through the space occupied by someone
cupy the back part of the horse. who lets you by.) If he blocks you, make a trip attack
Combat while Mounted: With a successful Ride check against him (see Trip, below). If you succeed in tripping
(DC 5), you can guide your mount with your knees so as to your opponent, you can continue your charge in a
use both hands to attack or defend yourself while mounted. straight line as normal.
lf your mount moves more than 5 feet, you cannot If you fail and are tripped in rum, you are prone in
make more than one melee attack against a single oppo- the defender's space (see Table 8-5: Attack Roll Modi-
nent-your mount is moving too fast to hit t11e same. tar· fiers). If you fail but are not tripped, you have to move 5
get twice. Thus, even if you have the ability to attack more feet back: the way you came. If that space is occupied, you
than once, you cannot make a full attack against only one fall prone in that space.
target. However, if your mount's path takes you past addi-
tional targets, you may use your extra attacks against them. TRIP: You can try to trip an opponent as a melee attack.
When you attack a Medium-size or smaller creature You can only trip an opponent who is one size category
that is on foot, you get the + J bonus on melee attacks for
larger than you, the same size, or smaller.
being on higher ground. Making a Trip Attack: Make a trip attack as a melee
When charging on horseback, you deal double dam-
touch attack:. If the attack succeeds, make a Strength
age with a lance. check opposed by the defender's Dexterity or Strength
You can use ranged weapons while your mount is tak- check (whichever ability score has the higher modifier). A
ing a double move, but at a -4 penalty on the attack roll. combatant gets a +4 bonus fo r every size category he is
You can use ranged weapons while your mount is running
larger than Medium-size or a -4 penalty for every size cat·
(quadruple speed), at a - 8 penalty. In either case, you
egory he is smaller. The defender gets a +4 stability bonus
make the attack roll when your mount has completed half
on his check if he has more than two legs or is otherwise
its movement. You can even exercise the fuJI attack action
more stable than a normal humanoid. If you win, you
while your mount is moving. trip the defender. If you lose, the defender may immedi-
\Vhile mounted, you can take move actions that don't ately react and make a Strength check opposed by your
involve actuaJJy moving- for instance, you can load and fire Dexterity or Strength check to try to trip you.
a light crossbow in a round while your mount is moving. Being Tripped (Prone): A tripped character is prone
Channeling while Mounted: You can cast a weave
(see Table 8-5: Attack Roll Modifiers). Standing up from
normally if your mount moves up to a normal move (its
prone is a move action.
speed) either before or after you cast. If you have your Tripping a Mounted Opponent: You may make a
mount move both before and after you cast a weave, then
trip attack against a mounted opponent. The defender
you're casting the weave while the mount is moving, and may use his Ride skill i.n place of his Dexterity or Strength
you have to make a Concentration check: due to the vig- check. If you succeed, you pull the rider &om his mount.
orous motion (DC 10 + casting level) or lose the weave.
If the mount is running (quadruple speed), you can cast a
weave when your mount has moved up to twice its move- UNARMED ATTACKS: Striking for damage with
ment, but your Concentration check is more difficult due punches, kicks, and head butts is like attacking with a
to the violent motion (DC 15 +casting level). weapon, except fo r the following:
If Your Mount Is Dropped in Battle: If your mount "Armed" Unarmed Attacks: Sometimes a character
falls while you're riding it, you have to succeed at a Ride or creature attacks unarmed but still counts as armed. A
check (DC 15) to make a soft fall. If the check fails, you character with the Improved Unarmed Strike feat (see
take ld6 points of damage. Chapter 5: Feats), a channeler delivering a touch attack
If You Are Dropped: If you are knocked uncon· weave, and a creature with claws, fangs, and similar natu·
scious, you have a 500/o chance to stay in the saddle (or raJ physical weapons all count as armed. Note that being
750/o if you're in a military saddle). Otherwise you fall and armed counts for both offense and defense.
take ld6 points of damage. Without you to guide it, the Unarmed Strike Damage: An unarmed strike from a
horse avoids combat. Medium-size character deals 1d3 points of damage (with
your Strength modifier, as normal). A Small character's
unarmed strike deals Jd2 points of damage. A Large char-
OvERRUN: You can try to overrun as part of a charge acter's unarmed strike deals Jd4 points of damage. All
action. You can only overrun an opponent who is one
damage is subdual damage. Unarmed strikes count as
size category larger than you, the same size, or smaller. light weapons (for purposes of two-weapon attack penal-
You can make only one overrun attempt per action.
ties and so on).
An overrun takes place during the movement portion
Dealing Normal Damage: You can specify that your
of a charge. With an overrun, you attempt to plow past or
unarmed strike will deal normal damage before you make
over your opponent (and move through his area). your attack roll, but you suffer a - 4 penalty on your at-
First, you must move at least 10 feet in a straight line
tack roll because you have to strike a particularly vulner-
into the defender's space (provoking attacks of opportu·
able spot to deal normal damage.
nity normally).
153
Brehanna, an accomplished initiate, sets out on a mission
with her companions. Geral carries his sharp longsword,
Ehreden his buckler and three short spears. Among these
rough and menacing fighters, Brehanna might appear an
unanned and fragile young woman, but she is not with-
out her own weapons. Indeed, she could be the most
dangerous of the group: With the One Power at her com-
mand, she might bind her enemies with invisible ropes
before they can even get near to her, strike them down
with balls of fire, or buckle the earth beneath their feet.
She might heal her companions when they are hurt, or
protect them from the elements when the wilds tum
against them. In short, she makes the One Power her
weapon, her shield, and her refuge.
For ages, Aes Sedai and other wielders of the One
Power have drawn upon its limitless energies, doing mys-
tical and awe-inspiring feats that have literally shaped the
world as it is now known. From performing minor acts of
healing to deeds of unimaginable destruction, the One
Power, drawn fi-om the True Source, is an awesome tool
in the hands of a skilled channeler.
A HISTORY OF
THE ONE POWER
The Wheel of Time turns, and ages come and pass. Many
believe that ages to come replay those that have gone be-
fore, that those of the distant past replay those that lie
before us. Perhaps that is the case, perhaps the One
Power has always been channeled, and always will be.
What we know for certain about the One Power, how-
ever, is limited to this, the Third Age, with a few frag-
ments of myth dating back to the Age of Legends.
Before the Breaking of the World, it is believed, men
and women wielded the One Power side by side, with no
fear of the taint that now poisons saidin, the male half of
the True Source. There were no wars in that Age, and
wonders unimagined today, fueled by great wieldings of
the One Power, were part of everyday life. People traveled
to and fro across the land in flying machines and vehicles
that sped along the ground. Great cities were filled with
all manner of glittering buildings, colleges for the study
of the One Power and other great pursuits, monuments
and works of art. Great works of power, including angreal
and sa'angreal (devices that allowed channelers to mag-
nify their abilities) and ter'angreal (devices that used the
One Power for magical feats) were commonplace.
In this idyllic time, those who could channel came to
be called Aes Sedai, which in the ancient tongue of that
day means "servants of all." They committed their gifts to
the betterment of their world, taking as their symbol a
circle divided into black and white halves by a sinuous
line. The two halves represent the equal and opposing
balance of saidin and saidar, the male and female halves
of the Tme Source.
As wonderful as th.is age was, like all ages, it was des-
tined to end. Somehow-the records are not clear- an
opening was created into the prison in which the Creator
had bound the Dark One at the moment of creation . The
Bore, as it has been known ever since, did not allow the
Dark One to escape, but it did allow his influence to leak
TRADITIONS OF
out into the world, to infect people with true evil such as THE ONE POWER
had not before been seen in the Age of Legends.
The Aes Sedai of the White Tower carry on the legacy of tile
Dreadlords emerged, powerful Aes Sedai who embraced
channelers of the Age of Legends. But tlley are not the only
the Dark One as a means wward their own personal power.
tradition; since the Breaking, other channelers scattered
Wars began, and society fractured. "The Collapse" led into
about the world lost couch with tile White Tower. Over
the War of the Shadow. For decades, the forces that allied
time, these channelers developed tl1eir own traditions.
themselves with the Dark grappled with those Aes Sedai
leaders who held the rest of humanity together.
Eventually, the leader of the defenders, Lews The1in, THE WHITE TOWER: The White Tower in Tar
proposed a risky plan to seal the Bore, to break off the Dark Yalon is the seat of the Aes Sedai, the most powerful tra-
One's direct influence and give the world a chance to re- dition of channelers in the world. Aes Sedai are feared
cover. Seven seals were created of the indestructible mate- and mistrusted, but the leaders of almost every civilized
rial cuendillar, to serve as focus points for this powerful nation also seek tllem out as counselors. Through cen-
weave. Lews Therin- called The Dragon- led a cadre of Aes turies of manipulation, Tar Yalon has come into unparal-
Sedai called the Hundred Companions to Shayol Ghul, the leled political might.
point at which the Bore most closely touches our world. The Ai;,s Sedai are bow1d by three oaths, each taken
No one knows exactly what happened. This much is witll the Oatll Rod (a ter'angreal that makes oaths binding)
certain, though: Thirteen of the most powerful Dreadlords, at their ascension from apprenticeship. They swear to
known as the Forsaken, were at Shayol Ghul, and they were speak no word that is not true; make no weapon with
trapped within when Lews Therin and tl1e Companions laid which one man may kill another; and never use the One
down the seal. Amid a dire battle, the Bore was closed off, Power as a weapon except against Shadowspawn, or in the
and the War of the Shadow was brought to an end. But last extreme defense of the Aes Sedai's life or that of her
something went wrong. Some act of the Dark One, or per- Warder or another Aes Sedai. Through these oaths, the Aes
haps a backblast from Lews Therin's sealing weave, lashed Sedai cling to their tradition of service that extends back to
back toward sazdin, tainting it with a maddening evil. the Age of Legends and prove to the world that despite
Lews Therin and those of the Hundred Companions their great power, they exercise no ambition to threaten or
who had survived the battle were driven instantly insane. enslave their neighbors. While the oaths certainly mitigate
Altho1.1gh the War of the Shadow was over, these im- the fears that many have of the One Power and tl1ose tlrnt
mensely powerfol Aes Sedai were now a greater threat wield it, most people suspect that the spirit of the oaths
than the Forsaken ever were. Armed with the One Power can be broken even if their letter cannot. A wise person lis-
and completely out of control, they ravaged the land, be- tens very carefully to the exact words uttered by an Aes
ginning the Time of Madness and the Breaking of the Sedai, searching for hidden meanings and loopholes.
World. The Age of Legends was over. In addition to their vows, many Aes Sedai also take
Over tl1e next two hundred years or so, every male Aes Warders- guardjans that tlley bind to themselves through
Sedai went horribly insane, and in their madness they re- the One Power. Through this binding, the Aes Sedai
drew the very face of the earth. In the throes of their in- shares a close, lifelong relationship with a man who swears
sanity, they lifted mountains from plains, drained seas, and to serve and protect her, acting as her agent and a shield
drowned lands in tl1e depths of the ocean. They ruined against the many dangers that she cannot easily overcome
cities, shattered nations, and sent the pathetic survivors of with the One Power. Warders are usually men, by tradition
their upheavals scattered to the corners of the earth. if not necessity, and most Aes Sedai take only one (though
The tradition of the Aes Sedai held throughout this de- members of the Green Ajah sometimes have two or more).
struction, though the form it grew into almost certainly Aside from their Warders, Aes Seda i rarely form close
bears little resemblance to the traditions of the Age of Leg- friendships with men, or indeed with any nonchannelers.
ends. Scartered clans of Aes Sedai- women only, of course- Few Aes Sedai marry- usually only members of the Green
dotted the lands. Eventually, maybe as much as a century Ajal1, and then only to their Warders.
after the end of tile Breaking, they gathered together. They Before the Breaking, it is believed, all channelers be-
built the ~lhite Tower and the city of Tar Yalon, within came Aes Sedai; there were no other traditions of initi-
sight of the Dragonmount, the smoking mountain that is ates. The Aes Sedai of this age feel the same- they view
said to be the site ofLews Therin's maddened death. all channelers who are not Aes Sedai as wilders. As a re-
Since then, Aes Sedai have been looked upon witll a sult, until recently the other traditions have kept their
mixture of awe and consternation.. Clearly, the White very existence secret from the White Tower, content to
Tower is a reservoir of wisdom and knowledge unparal- go about their business in the Waste, on the seas, or fur-
leled in tile world today. Aes Sedai are valuable coun- ther abroad without d rawing any attention to their abili-
selors, defenders of reason wise beyond tile u nderstanding ties. Even now, most Aes Sedai look upon the other
of most people. But they are also suspect- it was the power traditions with contempt.
they meddle with, after all, that brought about the Break- Young women who can channel come to the White
ing of the World, and who knows when it might be mis- Tower or are discovered and recruited by Aes Sedai during
used again. their travels. Once accepted into the Tower, they undergo
a lengthy apprenticeship, beginning as 1.10vices, eventually begins with a trip into the lost city of Rhuidean, where
being promoted to the rank of Accepted, and finally grad- the candidate's suitability is tested in an ancient ter'an-
uating as full-fledged Aes Sedai . Many cannot complete greal that confronts them with possible alternatives for
the foll course of study, because they lack ability with the their futures. If a candidate survives this test, she usually
011e Power or certain strength of character. Typical ap· studies for several years before entering Rhuidean again.
prenticesbips last ten to twenty years, depending on how On this second trip she enters a different ter'angreal, the
quickly the student develops. same one visited by AjeJ chiefs on their confirmation.
The White Tower is divided into seven Ajahs, organi- Surviving this test concludes the apprentice's course of
zations with specific interests and goals. The White Ajah study; she is now a Wise One.
concerns itself with matters of logic, the Gray with nego· Wise Ones are not formally organized and do not fol-
tiation and djplomacy, the Brown with study and aca- low a rigid line of authority. Rather, they defer by con-
demics, the Red with hunting down men who can sensus to whoever among them has the greatest
channel, the Yellow with healing, the Blue with causes and f. knowledge or experience with the issue at
tl1e betterment of the world, and the Green with battle l hand. Wise Ones belong to the septs and
and preparation for Tarmon Gai'don, the coming clans in which they were born (or into
Last Battle against the Dark One. which they marry). Despite this
Every Aes Sedai chooses an Ajah membership, however, they
at the end of her apprenticeship. hold themselves above inter-
Representatives from the clan conflict, never engaging
seven Ajahs, three from each, in warfare and often moving
form the Hall of Sitters; the between opposing camps
Hall elects the Amyrlin Seat. during times of strife to
The Arnyrlin, who serves for confer with one an·
life aided by a Keeper of the other. Aiel tradition
Chronicles that she appoints, holds Wise Ones free
shares the governance of the from harm or capture.
White Tower and Tar Yalon
with the Hall. Technically, a
"'
) Atha'an Miere Wmd-
myriad of rules and traditions finders: Aboard the ships of
separate the duties and juris- the Atha'an Miere, the Wind-
dictions of the Hall and the finders are second in command.
Amyrlin, but more fre- / Skilled at sensing the weather, they
quently the powers of the per- are the ships' chief navigators, charged
sonalities involved determines I with getting their vessels to their destina-
the real control within the Tower. lll§O..OOlll!!:V.L1 B- tions quickly and safely.
.;:.VJ, (~· Most Windfinders- though not all- can
-.-'})} channel. Those who can channel use their
OTHER USERS OF mE POWER:
Although the Aes Sedai see themselves as the
" ~ skills to summon winds, provide favorable cur-
only legitimate tradition of channelers,
"1'// [? ' rents, and avoid or fend off the fury of the
\ / ~ many tempests that traverse the aptly named
there are in fact several others.
Bt·idge Between Worlds Sea of Storms. Young Se.a Folk women who
show promise as navigat0rs or channelers are apprenticed
Aiel Wise Ones: The Aiel have a tradition of Wise to Windfinders and over several years hone their skills
Ones, women of strength, character, and wisdom who
until they are assigned to positions of their own.
lend their counsel and skills to the leaders of their septs
Women who can channel but are not well suited to
and clans. Wise Ones are chosen for their insight and po·
becoming Windfinders are often sent off to Tar Yalon to
tential, not just for their channeling abilities, and many of
become Aes Sedai. In this way, the Atha'an Miere have
them can't channel at all. All Aiel women who can chan-
for centuries kept the abilities of their Wind£nders a se·
nel, however, become Wise Ones-there are no female
cret from the White Tower, to avoid Aes Sedai meddling
Ai.el wilders.
in Sea Folk affairs. (To further allay Aes Sedai interest in
Young Ai.el women who show potential are asked to
channeling Windfinders, most Atha' an Miere shjps won't
serve as Wise Ones. Those who have the spark of the
carry Aes Sedai.) There are few Sea Folk wilders.
True Source within them are given no choice; they must
Like all Atha'an Miere, Windfinders adhere to a strict
drop their current occupations (even Maidens of the
chain of command. On any given ship, the Windfinder is
Spear) and dedicate themselves to their apprenticeships.
first mate, second only to the Sailmistress (the ship's cap·
Like all similar endeavors among the Aiel, apprentice·
tain). Each clan also has a clan Windfinder, who serves
ship with the Wise Ones is a harsh curriculum, replete
the clan Wavemistress, and a Windfinder also serves the
with lessons in humility, discipline, and labor in addi-
Mistress of Ships, the leader of all the Atha'an Miere.
tion to the crafts of healing, counseling, channeling, and
Each Windfinder answers not only to her ship or clan
dreamwalking (an ability "lost" to the rest of the world,
commander but also to the Windfinder above her.
but still retained among the Wise Ones). Apprenticeship
The Seanchan: The Seanchan tradition of tap.ping their plots to bring about the Dark One's return and en-
into the True Source is much harsher than any other sure their rulership of the world.
known. At an early age, all women are tested for two abil- The Forsaken are not a tradition- they don't even
ities: the inborn ability to channel, and the ability to con- work together, but instead plot and deceive one another
trol channelers through a type of ter'angteal know.n as an in their attempts to strengthen their own positions. But
a'dam. An a'dam is a sort of leash, which is strapped be- while they aren't a unified force, they have to their ad-
tween the wrist of the controller (called, among the Sean- vantage the lore of a forgotten age, the lost Talents and
chan, the sul'dam) and the throat of the channeler (called abilities of the Age of Legends. The Forsaken have tricks
the damane). Through it, the sul'dam can utterly control that modern channelers can't match, or, in some cases,
the damane, sensing the One Power as the channeler even conceive of.
senses it and directing the channeler to use her power as Fortunately, the Forsaken don't care to confront the
the sul'dam desires. world directly. For the most part, they like to work from
Little is known about how damane and sul'dam are the shadows. A few, such as Sammael in lllian and Rahvin
trained or organized. The Seanchan practice of slavery in Andor, seek to shape events to their liking by taking or
seems to apply- certainly all damane are property, but manipulating seats of earthly power. Others remain hid-
most sul'dam are not. What is known for certain is that den in protected lairs, spinning their machinations out
sul'dam enjoy some prestige, while damane are treated like into the world through agents and proxies.
animals- favored pets, if they behave, but animals
nonetheless. The harsh treatment they receive, and the WLlders: Although they are not a tradition in them-
total control they are subjected to, seems to reduce them selves, wilders are worth some discussion here. Wilders
rather effectively to an animallike mentality. have no association with one another and often don't
even know that others like them exist. There may be more
The Asha'man: The most recent of the channeling wilders walking the earth, plying their skills in secret or
traditions is the Asha'man. The name means "guardian" turnjng their backs on them, than there are members of
in the Old Tongue, and the tradition was formed by Rand any initiate tradition, or even of all of tl1em combined.
al'Thor to train a cadre of male channelers in his service. Put simply, wilders are channelers who have never
That makes the Asha'man unique: No other channeling joined the Aes Sedai or any other tradition but have in-
tradition includes men. stead learned to use their power on their own or with the
Unlike most of the other traditions, the Asha'man limited guidance of one or two others like them. Because
do not focus on counsel or healing. Instead, Asha'man many fear their talents, or aren' t even fully aware of what
are trained in the use of the One Power as a weapon, in they are doipg, few wilders attain truly powerful levels of
preparation for Tarman Gai'don, the Last Battle skill. Their potential exists, nevertheless, and some
against the Dark One and his forces. Although they wilders live Jong lives and eventually develop incredible
have only been training for a short while, the Black degrees of skill.
Tower (as the Asha'man cal1 the farm where they study)
is quickly growing in numbers to rival the White Tower
in Tar Yalon.
Training with the Asha'man is nearly as trying an ex-
HOW THE ONE
perience as being an apprentice with the Aiel Wise Ones. POWER WORKS
Trainees enter service as Soldiers, advance to Dedicated,
The One Power is as complex as it is powerful. Those who
and eventually graduate as fuJJ-fledged Asha'man. Along
master its mysterious abilities devote themselves to the
the way, they are pushed to their limits, using their power
True Source.
constantly even at the risk of madness, stilling (loss of the
ability to touch the One Power), or even death. Many
don't make it. Those who do learn to wield the One SAJDIN AND SAIDAR: The True Source is made up
Power at awesome levels in far less time than similar Aes of two complementary parts: saidin, the male half, and
Sedai students. saidar, the female half. Only women can touch and use
saidar, and only men can touch and use std.din. In fact, in
The Forsaken: Dreadlords from the Age of Legends, general women cannot even detect the presence or use of
the Forsaken are without a doubt the most powerful saidin, nor can men feel saidar. The methods by which the
channelers in the world-with the possible exception of two halves are manipulated in the casting of weaves is so
the Dragon Reborn himself. different that men and women cannot even teach each
When the Bore was sealed by Lews Therin and the other in the use or properties of each others' powers.
Hundred Companions just before the Breaking of the However, the same basics apply to each, as follows.
World, the thirteen highest Aes Sedai serving the Dark Saidin and saidar are visible forces to those who can
One were sealed up within it. Now, an entire Age later, channel. When a woman draws upon saidar, an aura of its
the seals have weakened, and the Forsaken have been re- power grows arou11d her, visible to other female channel-
leased. Several of them have confronted Rand al'Thor, ers. A male channeler cannot see saidin gathering around
and a few of those have apparently been destroyed. But another male channeler, but he can feel that the other
most of the Forsaken continue to walk the earth, working holds the Power (within 15 feet or less).
THE FIVE POWERS: The True Source consists of achieve and the limits of her capabilities. The level that
five different elemental energies: Air, Earth, Fire, Water, the channeler chooses is the "casting level" for that casting
and Spirit. When a channeler uses the One Power, he or of the weave. Harness the wind, for example, can be cast at
she gathers strands of these energies, sometimes drawing levels 0 through 7t11- at 0 level, it creates just enough wind
up just one of them, and sometimes (especially in power- to blow out a candle, while at 7th level it conjures power-
ful or intricate weaves) incorporating three, four, or even ful windstorms that can blow down buildings. A chan-
all five of them. The strands, invisible to normal people, neler who knows harness the wind can cast it at whichever
dance in the air before the chan neler, who weaves them level achieves the effect she desires, within the limjts of
together with her mind into a specific pattern she knows. her power. If she casts it at 4th level, the casting level for
When the weaving is com- that casting is 4th.
plete, the intended magical Generally speaking, a
effe.c t takes place. channeler can learn any we-
Not all channelers are ave within her Talents. She
equally adept with each of can only learn and cast rela-
the Five Powers. Every chan- tively low-level weaves in Tal-
neler has an affinity with one ents that she doesn't have,
or more of these elemental however. Wilders can cast
energies. A channeler who weaves at 0 level, 1st level,
has an affinity with Air and and 2nd .level in Talents they
Spirit, for example, works don't .have; initiates can only
most efficiently with weaves cast 0-level weaves outside of
that require only Air, Spirit, their Talents.
or both. When attempting a Saidin and saidar are dif-
weave that requires another ferent forces, and rnen and
affinity, she won't be quite as women handle the One
efficient. When attempting a Power d ifferently. For exam-
weave that doesn't use Air or ple, t11e way in which a man
Spirit at all, she'll be at an casts a false trail weave, using
even greater disadvantage. saidin, is different from how a
Like saidin and saidar, the woman casts the same weave
Five Powers are visible to using saidar. Nonetheless, the
those who can manipulate weaves are identical for all
them. A female channeler practical purposes- they have
can see strands of the Five the same requirements, limi-
Powers as they are drawn and tations, and effects. For that
woven by another fema le reason, only one version of
channeler, and a male chan- false trail (and every other
neler can see those manipu- weave) is described here, for
lated by another male chan- Riven Earth use by both men and women.
neler (see the Weavesight skill
description in Chapter 4). Lost and Rare Weaves: In the centuries that have
passed since the Breaking of the World, some weaves-and
even some entire Talents- have faded from the memories of
TALENTS AND WEAVES: ln addition to Affinities, most channelers. Most weaves are common- that is, they
channelers also develop Talents. A Talent, such as H eal-
are known by many channelers and can be easily learned
ing or Cloud Dancing (the ability to affect the weather),
or figured out by others. Some weaves are rare: They are
is a set of related weaves. Some Talents include many
all but forgotten, with only a few channelers knowing
weaves, covering hundreds of different magical effects.
how to cast them. Still others are lost. They have disap-
Others are very narrow, composed of only a few weaves
peared from use and are so complex or dangerous that no
very similar in effect.
one can figure out how to replicate them. However, the
Weave effects occur in levels, ranging from 0 (simple
return of the Forsaken and the rise of the Dragon Reborn
tasks even trainees can learn) to 9th (the highest-level
have returned some of these lost secrets to the world.
weave a single channeler can normally cast) and beyond
A channeler can learn any common weave (subject to
(with the help of an.greal, overchanneling, and linking).
the limitations of her level, ability bonuses, and Talents);
Some weaves do only a single specific thing, and thus
see the channeling class descriptions in Chapter 3:
have o nly one level. The bond "Warder weave, for instance,
Classes for more on how weaves are learned.
is a 5th-level weave. Most weaves, however, have va1ying
A channeler can only learn a rare weave by observing
effects, or varying levels of effect, that depend upon the
it cast by another channeler (see the Weavesight skill de-
power that the caster chooses to use. These weaves have
scription in Chapter 4)-wilders cannot learn rare weaves
multiple levels. A channeler may choose the level at which
by "figuring them out." Rare weaves are not commonly
she casts the weave, based on the effect she wants to
158
encountered or taught by any of the traditions, making it women circle, must always include more women than
hard to find another channeler who knows one. Those rr
men. the circle has thirteen or fewer members, it may
channelers who do know powerful rare weaves often be made up solely of women, but if more than thirteen
guard their secrets jealously. are to be involved, at least one must be a man. Table 9-1:
Lost weaves are just that: lost. Occasionally, a chan- Linking gives the minimum and maximum numbers of
neler survives an encounter with one of the Forsaken and men required for circles of up to seventy-two channelers,
comes away from the experience having observed and the absolute maximum.
learned a lost weave. Other than that-or perhaps learning In a one man/ one woman circle, any circle of thirteen
a lost weave from the Dragon Reborn himself-there is or fewer channelers that contains two or more men, or a
simply no way to learn a lost weave. circle of seventy-two channelers, the leader must be a man.
In all other cases, the leader may be a man or a woman.
Each member of the circle embraces the True Source
ANGREAL AND SA 'ANGREAL: Angreal and sa'an- (see Embracing the True Source, below) and makes a
greal are relics from the Age of Legends that magnify Concentration check (see the Concentration skill descrip-
channelers' abilities. They effectively allow a channeler to tion in Chapter 4). Tf all participants succeed, the group
overchannel with a greatly reduced penalty (see Over- is linked, and the caster can cast the intended weave or
channeling, page 162). weaves. If one or more participants fail, the group does
Angreal are rated on a scale of J to 3, sa'angreal on a not linl(. A linked circle remains linked unti l the leader
scale of 4 to 10 (.it's actua lly the same scale; the only dif- becomes distracted (see Distractions, page 162) or
ference between the cwo is their degrees of power). The chooses to break the link.
rating represents the number of weave levels the device Like angretd and sa'angreal, linking allows the circle's
adds to any given weave slot. For example, a caster using
caster to increase the level of a weave slot used to cast a
an angreal of power rating 2 can cast a 7th-level weave weave. For example, a caster in a link of seven channelers
using a 5th-level slot. can cast a 7th-level weave using a 5th-level weave slot.
Angreal and sa'angreal are attuned to either saidin or
saidar and can only be used with the appropriate half of
the One Power. Angreal tuned to saidar can only be used
by women, while those attuned to saidin are only useful CASTING WEAVES
to men-in fact, to a member of the opposite gender, it is An understanding of the True Source allows channelers to
impossible to even tell if an object is an angreal. grasp the immense potency of the One Power. Weaves let
To use an angrea/, a channeler need only be touching them put thal power to use. Weaves are like formulas, or
it while he casts. magic spells-methods by which the One Power is ma-
nipulated to create the often awesome effects that only
LINKING: Linking is another method by which chan- channelers can achieve.
nelers can magnify their abilities. Linking involves two or
more channelers working together, gathering their power EMBRACING THE TRUE S OURCE: The fust
for a single weave. One of the channelers leads the group, step in wielding the One Power is embracing the True
and one of them (often the same person, though not nec- Source. As a channeler, you open yourself to the One
essarily) casts the weave. Power, allowing it to flow into and through you. This is a
To li11k, the channelers gather in a circle, touching full-round action. Once you have embraced the True
their hands together so that each is in contact with the Source, you maintain it until you choose to let it go. You
group. Circle members can be of any level or class, so do not have to cast a weave immediately, and you do not
long as they can channel. The circle must always include
have to embrace the Source again after you cast. Until
women (men alone cannot link) and, with the exception you release it, you remain embraced to the True Source.
of a one man/one woman circle, or a l:Wo men/two
Table 9- 1: Linking
Circle Size Min Number of Men Max Number of Men Additional Levels
2- 3 0 1 +l
4 0 2 +l
5-6 0 Less than half of total +1
7-13 0 Less than half of total +2
14-27 1 Less than half of total +3
28- 36 2 Less than half of total +4
37-45 3 Less than half of total +5
46-54 4 Less than half of total +6
55-63 5 Less than half of total +7
64-72 6 Less than half of total +8
It may be tempting to hold the embrace permanently for the level you choose, or they may force you to use a
(.indeed, the sensation is very seductive), but there are some slot one level higher. For example, raise fog can be cast at
disadvantages. For starters, embracing the Source creates a levels 2nd through 8th. If you choose to raise fog over a
glow of saidar around female channelers. This is invisible 600-foot circle, you must cast it as a 4th-level weave. How-
to most people, but channelers of the same gender- and ever, if you have both of the weave's affinities-Air and
some Shadowspawn- can see this glow. They may be able Water- you can get the 4th-level effect when you cast it as
to sense you from a distance, and they know that you are a 3rd-level weave. Thus, you can cast raisejog as a 3rd-level
ready to channel at a moment's notice. weave but with a 600-foot circle area, or keep it at 4th level
Additionally, you cannot rest while embraced. You can- to get a 1,800-foot circle (the 5th-level effect).
not sleep, recover from fatigue, or heal subdual damage. To cast the weave, you must be able to see the target
Finally, it is addictive. Most channelers become ttn- of its effects, in most cases, or specify a line of effect (de-
comfortable if they find themselves embracing the Source scribed below). Additionally, you must concentrate to
too frequently, fearing to become dependent on their create your weave- and it's hard to concentrate in the
powers to the point of addiction. While this has no game beat of battle (see below for details).
effect for female channelers, male channelers may, at the Weaves are made out of strands of the Five Powers,
GM's discretion, increase their Madness rating if they em- drawing upon saidin or saidar. As such, they are visible to
brace the True Source excessively. you, and to other cha1melers of the same gender, although
they are invisible to nonchannelers or channelers of the
opposite gender. When you cast, hold, or tie off a weave,
CASTING THE WEAVE: Once you have embraced
other channelers of the same gender can see not only the
the True Source, choose a weave to cast. It must be a
weave's effects, but the ghostly image of the weave itselffor
weave that you know. You must also be able to cast weaves
its entire duration (and sometimes even after it's released,
of that level or higher (unless you overchannel; see
in the case of channelers with the Sense Residue feat). Oth-
below). And you must have a slot available at that level
ers see only the effects of the weave, if they are visible.
(again, unless you overchannel). The initiate and wilder
character class tables in Chapter 3: Classes show how
many weaves of each level you can cast per day. You al- CASTING TIME: You can cast a weave with a cast-
ways have the option to fil l a higher-level weave slot with ing time of l action as an attack action, just like making
a lower-level weave. For example, a 7th-level initiate has at an attack.
least one 4th-level weave slot and two 3rd-level slots {see A weave that takes 1 full round to cast is a full-round
Table 3-4: The Initiate, page 51). The d1aracter could action. It comes into effect just before the beginning of
choose to use the 4tb-level slot to cast a 3rd-level weave, if your turn in the round after you began casting the weave.
he had already used up his 3rd-level slots and wanted to You then act normally after tbe weave is completed. A
cast another 3rd-level weave. Note that a channeler who weave that takes 1 minute to cast comes into effect just be-
lacks a high enough ability score to cast weaves that would fore your tum 1 minute later (and for each of those 10
otherwise be his or her due still gets the slots, bur must fill rounds, you're a casting tl1at weave as a full-round action).
them with weaves of lower level. For example, a 9th-level You must mal<e all pertinent decisions about a weave
initiate who has an Intelligence of onJy 14 cannot cast a (range, area, effect, version) when you begin casting. For
5th~level weave- but she can use the 5th-level weave slot example, when casting riven (aJth, you must decide on a
to cast an extra lower-level weave in its place. point on the ground around which the weave rakes effect.
Next, check the Affinities associated with the weave.
In most cases, you will have one or perhaps more, but not
all, of the Affinities. If so, cast the weave according to its
RANGE: A weave's range indicates how far from you it
can reach, as defined on the Range line of the weave de-
listed level.
scription. A weave's range is the maximum distance from
If you have all of the listed Affinities, count the weave
you that the weave's effect can occur, as well as the max-
as being one level lower than its listed level. For example,
imum distance at which you can designate the weave's
the weave distant rye is 3rd level and has the Affinities Air
point of origin. If any portion of the weave's area would
and Spirit. If you have Affinities for both Air and Spirit,
extend beyond the range, that area is wasted. Standard
you may treat distant ~ye as a 2nd-level weave. Thus, you
ranges include tl1e following :
may use a 2nd-level slot to cast it, saving your 3rd-level
Personal: The weave affects only you.
slots for more difficult weaves. Of course, if you have no
Touch: You must touch a creature or object to affect it.
2nd-level slots available, you may always use a 3rd-level
Clo se: The weave reaches up to 25 feet away from
or other higher-level slot instead.
you. The maximum range increases by 5 feet for every
If you have none of the listed Affinities, count the
two full channeler levels.
weave as being one level higher than its listed level. If that
Medium: The weave reaches up to 100 feet+ 10 feet
makes it too high a level for you to cast, then you cannot
per channeler level.
cast the weave.
Lo ng: The weave reaches up to 400 feet + 40 feet per
Many weaves can be cast at a variety of levels, with dif-
channeler level.
fering effects at differing levels. You must decide on the
Unlimited : The weave reaches anywhere in the same
level of the weave before you cast it. Again, your Affinities
realm (the real world, tel'aran'rhiod, the Ways, etc.).
may alJow you to use a slot one level lower than that listed
Harness the Wind
and obstacles, however, can block your line of sight or
AIMING A WEAVE: You must make some choices provide cover for the creature at which you are aiming.
about whom the weave is to affect or where the effect is
The duration of the beam is the length of time the beam
to originate, depending on the type of weave.
exists. The effect caused by the beam is instantaneous.
Target or Targets: Some weaves, such as immolate,
Area: Some weaves affect an area. You select where
have a target or targets. You cast these weaves directly on
the weave starts, but otherwise you don't control which
creatures or objects, as defined by the weave itself You
creatures or objects the weave affects. The weave descrip-
must be able to see or touch the target, and you must
tion usually specifies the area it aftects.
specifically d1oose that target For example, you can't cast
Cone: When you cast a weave with a cone area, the
rend into a group of bandits with the intent to affect "the
cone shoots away from you in the direction you desig-
leader"-whoever that might be. To target the leader, you
nate. A cone starts as a point directly before you, and it
must be able to identify and see the leader (or guess which
widens out as it goes. A cone's width at a given distance
is the leader and get Jud)'). However, you do not have to
from you equals that distance. Its far end is as wide as the
select your target until you finish casting the weave.
effect is long. (A 25-foot-long cone is 5 feet wide at 5 feet
If you cast a targeted weave on the wrong sort of target,
from its starting point and 25 feet wide at its far end.)
such as casting polish on a dog, the weave has no effect.
Effect: Some weaves, such as lightning, create or sum-
mon things rather than affecting things that are a.Iready SAVING THROW: Many harmful weaves allow an af-
present. You must designate the location where these fected creature to make a saving throw to avoid some or all
things are to appear, either by seeing it or defining it of the effect. The Saving Throw entry in a weave descrip-
(such as "The lightning will strike twenty feet into the area tion defines which type of saving throw the weave allows
of darkness I saw the Myrddraal disappear into"). Range and describes how saving throws against the weave work.
determines how far away an effect can appear, but if the Negates: This term means that the weave has no ef-
effect is mobile (a light weave, for instance) it can move fect on an affected creature that makes a successful save.
regardless of the weave's range. Partial: The weave causes an effect on its subject, such
Beam: Some effects are beams, such as in the weave bale- as death. A successful saving throw means that some
.fire. You aim a beam as if using a ranged weapon, though lesser effect occurs (such as being dealt damage rather
typically you make a ranged touch attad< rather than a nor- than being killed).
mal ranged attack. As with a ranged weapon, you can fire Half: The weave deals damage, and a successful sav-
into the dark or at an invisible creature and hope you hit ing throw halves the damage taken (round down).
something. You don't have to see the creatw·e you're trying None: No saving throw is allowed.
to hit, as you do with a targeted weave. Intervening creatures (Object): The weave can be cast 011 objects, which
161
receive saving tluows only if they are attended (held, THE WEAVE'S RESULT: Once you know which
worn, grasped) by a creature resisting the weave, in which creatures (or objects or areas) are affected, and whether
case the object gets the creature's saving throw bonus. those creatures have made successfu.I saving throws (if
(This notation does not mean that a weave can only be any), you can apply whatever results a weave entails.
cast on objects. Some weaves of this sort can be cast on Many weaves affect particular sorts of creatures. Ward
creatures or objects.) against Shadowspawn keeps Shadowspawn away, for exam-
(Harmless) : TI1e weave is usually beneficial, not ple. These terms, and terms like iliem, refer to specilic
harmful, but a targeted creature can attempt a saving creature types that are given for each creature in Chapter
th.row if it wishes. 11: Encounters.
Saving Throw D ifficulty Class : A saving throw
against a weave has a DC of 10 + the level of the weave
HOLDING A WEAVE: Once you've determined
+ the caster's bonus for the relevant ability (Intelligence who's affected and how, you need to know for how long.
for an initiate, Wisdom for a wilder).
A weave's duration line tells you how long the effect of
Succeeding at a Saving T hrow: A nonchanneling
the weave lasts.
creature or person who successfully saves against a weave
Instantaneo us: The One Power works its effect the
without obvious p hysical effects feels nothing and has no
instant the weave is cast, though tl1e consequences of the
indication that the One Power has been used on h1m or
weave might be long-lasting. For example, false trail in-
her. Channelers of the same gender, however, do feel the
stantly creates a trail to mislead pursuers. The creation is
touch of the weave, as a slight force or a tingle, but can-
instantaneous; ilie effect lasts as long as it would nor-
not deduce the exact nature of ilie attack unless iliey see
mally take tl1e tracks and scents to dissipate.
the weave itself and succeed in a Weavesight check. Like-
Concentration : The weave lasts as long as you con-
wise, if a creature's saving throw succeeds against a tar-
centrate on holding it. Concentrating to maintain a weave
geted weave, such as shield, the caster has no sense iliat
does not provoke attacks of opportunity. Anything that
the weave has failed. Without seeing the result, you have
could brealc your concentration when casting a weave can
no way of knowing whether or not a weave had its desired
also break your concentration while you're holding one,
effect on the target.
causing the weave to end (see Distractions, below). You
Voluntarily Giving up a Savin g Throw: A creature
don't have to continue to see the weave to concentrate on
can voluntarily forego a saving throw and willingly accept
it. For example, if you cast create fire to create a flame in an
a wea.ve's result.
empty fireplace to heat a room, you could leave the room
Items Su rviving after a Saving T hrow: Unless the
while still concentrating to keep the fire burning.
descriptive text for the weave specifies otherwise, all items
The channeling feat Tie Off Weave allows you to stop
carried and worn. arc assumed to survive a magical attack.
concentrating on the weave, but to keep it in effect as if
If a character rolls a natural I on his saving th.row, how-
you were concentrating on it. See ilie Tie Off Weave feat
ever, an exposed item is also harmed (if the attack ca11
description in Chapter 5: Feats.
harm objects). Table 9-2: Items Affected by Channeling
You can't cast anoilier weave while holding the fast,
Attacks lists commonly carried items, ordered according
unless you have the Multiweave feat.
to how likely iliey are to be struck. Determine which four
objects are most likely to be struck and roll randomly
among th em. The randomly determined item suffers DISTRACTIONS: To cast a weave, you must concen-
whatever damage ilie attack deals (see Strike an Object, trate. If something interrupts your concentration while
page 149). For instance, Geral is hit by a fireball and gets you're casting, you must make a Concentration check or
a natural 1 on his save. The items most likely to have lose the weave. The more distracting the interruption and
been affected are his shield, armor, cloak, and battleaxe. the higher the level of the weave you are trying to cast,
Angreal, ter'angreal, and sa'angreal always get saves. the higher the DC is. (The DC depends partly on the
weave level because more powerful weaves require more
Table 9-2: mental effort.) If you fail tbe check while casting, you lose
Items Affected by Channeling Attacks ilie weave just as if you had cast it to no effect. If you fail
a check while holding a weave, the weave ends just as if
Order'' Item
you had voluntarily stopped concentrating on it. Some
lst Shield
types of distractions that require Concentration checks
2nd Armor
include motion (casting while riding a moving mount,
3rd Helmet
taking a bouncy ride in a wagon, in a boat in rough water,
4th Item in hand (including weapon, wand, .)
or simply being jostled), hostile weather, su ffering dam-
5th Cloak and clothing
age (from attacks or hostile weaves), being the subject of
6tl1 Stowed or sheathed weapon
a nondamaging weave, or casting defensively. For more
7th Backpack or script
information and DCs for many types of distractions, see
8th Coin purse
the Concentration skill description in Chapter 4.
9th Jewelry
10th Anything else
''In order of most likely to least likely to be affected. 0VERCHANNELING: TI1e limits to ilie number
and level of weaves a channeler may cast in a day are not
absolute. Any channeler may attempt to cast additional Overchanneling is difficult and risky, especially to ini-
weaves, or higher-level weaves, beyond those allowed by tiaces, but to wilders as well. It requires a Concentration
his or her level and bonuses. Using angrea/ or sa'angreal check, and failure may result in injury, incapacitation,
is one way of doing this, but more commonly channel- stilling, or even death. Mosr channelers only overchannel
ers try to overchannel. in extreme circumstances, and even then with reluctance.
To overchannel, make a Concentration check. The D C By overchanneling, you may cast a weave one, two, or
depends on what you are attempting to do (see the table three levels h igher th an your highest available weave slot.
below). If you succeed in the ched<, the overchanneled You could cast a 6th-level weave, for instance, even if you
weave goes off just as if you were normally capable of cast- can normally only cast 3rd-level weaves. Or you could
ing it. If you fail, the weave does not work, and you must cast a 3rd-level weave when you've already used all of
make a Fortitude saving throw (again, see the table below). your 3rd-level, 2nd-level, and 1st-level weave slots, and
only have 0-level slots left. You may also overchannel to
C o n cen tratio n Fortitude cast a 0-level, 1st-level, or 2nd-level weave even when you
C heck O verchanneling Save have no slots at all left open.
DC Attempt DC You may only overchannel if you cannot cast the
15 Cast a 0-level weave same weave without overchanneljng. For example, if you
with no slots left 15 want to cast a 3rd-level weave and you still have any 3rd-
20 Cast a 1st-level weave level (or higher) slots open, you m ust use those slots in-
with no slots left 25 stead of overchanneling. You must always use your
25 Cast a 2nd-level weave highest slot when overchanneling. If you have one 2nd-
wit11 no slots left 35 level and three 1st-level weave slots available, and you
20 Cast a weave I level want to cast a 3rd-level weave, you must use the 2nd-level
higher than slot 15 + weave level slot, overchanneling by one level, rather than use a lst-
25 Cast a weave 2 levels level slot to overchannel by two levels.
higher than slot 25 + weave level
30 Cast a weave 3 levels
35 + weJ.ve level WEAVE FAILURE: If you ever try to cast a weave in
higher than slot
conditions where the characteristics of the weave (range,
area, and so forth) cann ot be made to conform, the cast-
If you succeed at the Fortitude save, you are unharmed by
ing fai ls and the weave is wasted. For example, if you cast
your attempt to overchannel. If you fail, the resu lt de-
bond Warder on a horse, the weave fails because a horse is
pends on how badly you failed the roll. Subtract your
the wrong sort of target for the weave.
saving throw result from the DC and consult this table:
Weaves also fail if your concentration is broken (see
Distractions, above).
D C missed by R esult
1- 5 The channeler suffers a severe headache and over-
whelming fatigue. As a result, she suffers a - I
penalty on all skill and ability checks, attack roUs, WEAVE
and saves. She recovers when she is able to rest for
at least six hours.
DESCRIPTIONS
6-10 The channeler su ffers headache and fatigue re- Each weave description follows the same format. This sec-
sulting in a - 2 penalty on all rolls. She also takes tion d iscusses that format and some of the fine points of
I d6 points of damage and cannot overchannel how weaves work.
again until she gets six hours of rest. Name: This is the name by wbich the weave is gener-
11-15 The channeler suffers headache and fatigue re- ally known. Weaves might be known by otber names in
sulting in a -3 penalty on all rolls. She aJso takes some locales, and channelers (especially wilders) often
2d6 points of damage and cannot channel at all have different names for their weaves, such as comfort of
for 24 hours. the hearth instead of warmth.
16-20 The channeler suffers headache and fatigue re- Listed with the name are the Affinities related to the
sulting in a -4 penalty on all rolls. She also takes weave. Following that is a parenthetical note stating
3d6 points of damage and cannot channel at all whether the weave is common or rare. Common weaves
fo r 48 ho urs. a.re known by many channelers, and can be easily learned
21-25 The channeler su ffers headache and fatigue re- by interacting with other ch annelers or even figured out
sulting in a -5 penalty on all rolls. She also takes from scratch. Rare weaves are closely held secrets, which
4d6 points of damage and cannot channel at all can on ly be learned from those few who know them.
for two weeks. "There are also "lost" weaves-secrets from past ages lost to
25+ The channeler is stilled-completely unable to the modern traditions of channeling. They can only be
channel. In addition, she suffers headache and learned from a few master channelers, such as the For-
fatigue resulting in a -6 penalty on all rolls and saken or the Dragon Reborn himself.
takes 4d6 points of damage. Level: This is the relative power level of the weave,
ranging from 0 level through 1st level up to 9th level or
163
higher. Many weaves can be cast at mul.tip~e level~, hav-
ing different effects at each level (as illdicated ill the
BALE FIRE
weave description). Remember that if you have all of the Balefire is a lost Talent of extraordinary destructive power.
weave's Affinities (listed with the weave name), you may There is only a single weave in the Balefire Talent, but it is
treat the weave as if it were one level lower than it is. enough to grant a channeler enormous-and enormously
For example, the level entry for heal is "0-4." That dangerous- power.
means it can be cast as a 0-level, 1st-level, 2nd-level, 3rd-
level, or 4th-level weave. Its Affinities are Air, Spirit, and B ALEFIRE
Water. If your ca.ster bas Affinities for all three of these [Air, Earth, Fire, Spirit, Water) (Lost)
powers, the effective level of heal for y~u is actua~y 0-3: Level: 9
You can cast it as a 0-level weave for either the listed 0- Casting Time: 1 action
level effect or the 1st-level effect, cast it as a 2nd-level Range: See text
weave to get the listed 3rd-level effect, or cast it as a 3rd- Effect: Beam
level weave for the 4th-level effect. Duration: Instantaneous
Some weaves also list either special effects you can Saving Throw: Reflex negates
create by increasing the level of the weave or circum- Weave Resistance: No
stances that allow you to treat it as a lower-level weave.
These special issues are mentioned in the descriptive t~xt. You point your finger, and a pencil-thin beam of white-
For instance, light is a 0-level weave that creates a ~loWlllg hot light, so bright that it makes the sun seem dark, leaps
sphere of light, which you must normally hold ill your instantly forth. The balefire slices neatly and hotly
hand. But the description adds: "+ 1 Casting Level: You through any material or object (except.cuendil~ar, the only
create the globe of light in a fixed location : . ·~ ~ou can materia l impervious to bal~fire), out to its max1mwn range
set the location of the light, instead of holdmg tt m your or until it strikes a living creature. A creature struck by
hand as you normally must, by treating the weave as 1st this beam is utterly destroyed, vanishing in a fading haze
level instead of its normal 0 level. of motes.
A weave's casting level-the level at which you cast Balefire doesn't just destroy its target instantly- it ac-
it- affects the DC for any save allowed against the weave. tually destroys it back through time, as the creature's
Casting T ime: The time required to cast a weave. Sec thread is ljterally burned out of the Pattern. The "ba~
Casting Time, page 160. . burn" given on the table below indicates how far back m
Range: The maximum distance from you at which the time the creature is destroyed. Everything the creatu re
weave can affect a target. See Range, page 160. did over that period, and everything that resu lted from
Target or Targets/Effect/Area: This ent.ry lists the that crearure's actions, is undone, leaving only the mem-
number of creatures, dimensions, volume, weight, and so ories of those who witnessed the target's actions. For in-
on that the weave affects. The entry starts with one of stance, if a TroUoc were hit with balefire a few seconds
three headings : "Target," "Effect," or "Area." See Aiming after attacking an armsman, not only would rhe Trolloc
a Weave, page 161. lf the target of a w~ave is "You," ~ou be killed, but the armsman's wounds would disappear.
do not receive a saving throw. The savmg throw heading Because of this effect, which is extremely damaging to
is omitted from such weaves. the pattern, balefire is seen as so dangerous that th: Aes
Duration: How long the weave lam. See Holding a Sedai consider it criminal even to learn how to use it.
Weave, page 162. . +2 Casting Levels: You increase the duration to con-
Saving Throw: Whether a weave allows a savillg centration. You may sweep the beam, slicing through ob-
throw, what type of saving throw it is, and the effect of a jects and targeting one creature per round.
successful save. See Saving Throw, page 161. This weave may not be tied off.
Descriptive Text: This portion of the weave descrip-
tion details what the weave does and how it works. If one Casting Level Range Backbum
of the previous portions of the description included "(see 25 ft. 5 seconds
8
text)," this is where the explanation is found. 9 75 ft. 1 minute
If the weave can be cast at multiple levels, the de- 10 150 ft. 10 minutes
scription usually includes a table listing th7 effects at 11 300 ft. 2 hours
each level. The listed effects are not cumulative. For ex- 12 600 ft. 1 day
ample, at 1st level, the weave foretell weathu allows you to 13 1,200 ft. 10 days
sense the weather two days into the future. At 2nd level,
you can sense it up to two weeks into the future. These
do not add up: If you castforetell 111eather as a 2nd-level
weave, you sense two weeks into the future, not two CLOUD DANCING
weeks and two days. The Cloud Dancing Talent connects the channeler with
the primal forces of weather, allowing her to control
wind, rain, warmth, and even lightning.
Balefire
You can fee l upcoming changes in the weather. The farther You conjure a wind over the target area, choosing the
into the future you sense, the less distinct the information wind's direction. Although the weave takes effect imme-
you gather. You can sense a specific storm just a few hours diately, the wind builds over a brew time that can last up
away, but looking months into the future only gives you to several rounds, depending on the strength required.
general information- for example, that it will be much The wind affects an area that depends upon its strength.
colder than normal, that an early fTost is coming, that
there will be a bit more snow than usual, and the like. The Casting Wind Area Brew
changes you detect comprise the natural course for the Level Strength Affected Time
weather. You gain no sense of unnatural changes, such as 0 Puff (blow out candles) 5-ft. circle none
those wrought by channelers using the One Power. 1 Gust (flutter clothes,
Among the Wisdoms of the midlands, this ability is blow away light debris) 25-ft. circle 1 round
known as listening to the wind. 3 Blow {propel a boat
at good speed) 300-ft. circle 3 rounds
Casting Level How Far into the Future You Sense 5 Roar (knock over an
0 4 hours unprepared person) 1-mile circle 5 rounds
1 2 days 7 HowJ (uproot trees,
2 2 weeks destroy light buildings) 10-mile circle 7 rounds
3 1 season
+1 Casting Level: You may increase or decrease the
area affected by the wind by one step on the table above.
165
For example, casting this as a 4th-level weave, you could Casting Level Area
create a blow (normally 3rd level) that only affects a 25- 2 50-ft. circle
foot circle instead of the normal 300-foot circle. 3 200-ft. circle
4 600-ft. circle
5 1,800-ft. circle
LIGHTNING
6 2-mile circle
[Air, Fire] (Common)
7 6-mile circle
Level: 5- 9
8 20-mile circle
Casting Time: 1 full round
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Area: See text WARMm
Duration : Instantaneous [Air, Fire] (Common)
Saving T hrow: Reflex half Level: 0-3
Weave Resistance: No Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels)
You call lightning from the sky, targeting a specific Area: 15-ft.-rad ius circle
point on the ground. One or more bolts strike the Duration: Instantaneous
ground at that point or in an area around it. Any crea- Saving Throw: None
ture within the area takes damage from the lightning, Weave Resistance: No
the deafening roar of the thunder, and ren t earth
blasted from the ground by the lightning bolts. Two You cause the air arow1d you to warm (or cool) to a com-
damage rolls are given on the table below: The fi rst is fortable temperature. This effect occurs immediately but
th e damage taken by a creature standing on the exact only lingers a natural length of time. For example, if the
target point, the second for any other creatures within area around you is subject to a stiff breeze, the warmth
the area of effect. that you've created will probably be blown away in a mat-
Although the weave takes effect immediately, a brew ter of seconds. On the other hand, if you cast it within a
time may b e required for the lightning to build up (see tent, it might last longer-but if it's really cold outside, it
below). The lightning strikes at the end of the brew time. might still cool down inside within 20 or 30 minutes. Ob-
If you cast this weave again within 3 rounds, no addi- viously, this weave is most effective when cast in an en-
tional brew time is required for rhe lighting to gather. closed, insulated space.
Since the lightning comes from the sky, this weave can The casting level of this weave varies according to
only be effectively cast in an open-air area. Light structures how uncomfortable the temperature is to begin with.
can be targeted, damaged, or destroyed by this weave, but
heavier structures protect occupants effectively. Casting
Level Temperature
Casting Brew 0 Mildly uncomfortable (down to 55°F or up to
Level Effect Area Damage Time 95°f)
5 Single bolt 10-ft. circle SdlO/ld lO None 1 Dangerous (down to 35° or up to 115°)
7 Several bolts 25-ft. circle Sd10/2dl0 1 round 2 Deadly (down to 15° or up to 135°)
9 Lightning 3 Extreme (below 15° or above 135°)
storm 50-ft. circle 5dl0/3d10 3 rounds
167
+l Casting Level: The weave affects one additional becomes the future recipient of your bonded Warder.
person, as though you had cast the weave on two ta rgets When you die, your bond with your Warder does not au-
at once. This effect can be added multiple times (in other tomatically end. Instead, you r Warder makes a Will save.
words, at +2 casting levels, the weave affects two addi- If he succeeds, the bond terminates; if he fails, he is im-
tional people, and so forth.). mediately bonded to the target of this weave. All eflecrs
of the bond Warder weave apply as though it had been cast
Casting Level Magnitude on your Warder by the target of this weave.
3 Influence This weave affects only your bond to a single Warder.
5 Command If you have more than one bonded Warder, you must cast
this weave separately for each bond you wish to pass.
Your bond can only be passed on to a single person.
FALSE TRAIL Once you have passed your bond to another channeler,
[Air, Earth, Spirit] (Common)
this weave has no effect if you cast it on another target.
Level : 0-8
You must negate the original pass bond weave before you
Casting Time: 1 full round
can pass the bond to a different person.
Range : See text
Casting this weave in a special modified manner
Target: See text
n egates it. The target does not need to be touched (or even
Duration: Instanta neous
be present) for the negation to take effect.
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Weave Resistance: Yes
SENSE SHADOWSPA WN
Upon casting this weave, you create a diversionary trail (Spirit] (Common)
that misleads creatures following you or your party. As Level: 0
you cast, you point in any direction yo u choose, and your Casting T ime: 1 action
footprints and scent seem to extend from your current lo- Range: See text
cation into the direction you point for a distance deter- Effect: You sense evil creatures
mined by Lhe casting level. As you travel, you leave no Duration : Instantaneous
scent or foorprims for the same distance, making it im- Saving Throw: See text
possible for you to be tracked by nonsupernatural means. Weave Resis tan ce: No
The false trail extends in a straight line, through all in-
tervening terrain. Trackers who are aware of this power When you cast this weave, you feel a sense of discomfort
may become suspicious if your trail extends straight over that tells you that Shadowspawn are near, although it
rivers, cliffs, buildings, and the like. does not indicate the type, number, direction or location
The number of creatures affected (people, mounts, of the Shadowspawn (for a definition of Shadowspawn,
pack animals, and so forth), and the length that the fa lse see Chapter 11: Encounters). The range at which you
trail extends, vary with the casting level sense Shadowspawn is 50 feet per channeler level.
168
can sense him at two hw1dred times the given range. Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./ level)
Also, if the target has recently been at your location Area: See text
(within 25 feet of where you cast the weave) within the Duration: Instantaneous
time allowed by the casting level, you sense that he has Saving Throw: See text
been there and roughly how long ago. If the target was ex- Weave Resistance: No
periencing intense emotions at the time be was at your lo-
cation, you can sense him within double the listed time When you cast this weave, an intense but localized rremor
for your casting level. rips the ground. lt knocks creatures down, collapses struc-
Finally, if the target is carrying a gift given by you to tures, and opens cracks in the ground. The shock lasts 1
him, you sense whether be is alive or dead, and whether round, during which time creatures on the ground can't
he still has the gift, at any range. move or attack. Channelers on the ground must make
Concentration checks (DC 20 + weave level) or lose any
Casting Level Range Time weaves they are holding or trying to cast. The ea rthquake
0 75 fr. 3 hours affects all terrain, structures, and creatures in the area. The
I 300 fr. 12 hours exact effects depend on the terrain and its features.
2 600 ft. 1 day Cave, Cavern, or Tunnel: The earthquake collapses the
3 1,500 ft. 36 hours roof, dealing 8d6 points of damage to any creature caught
4 1 mile 2 days under the cave-in (Reflex half DC 15). An earthquake cast on
the roof of a very large cavern could also endanger those
outside the actual area but below the falling debris.
Cliffs: They crumble, causing a landslide that travels
EARTH SINGING horizontally as far as it fell vertically. An earthquake cast
This Talent connects the channeler with the earth. Its at the top of a 100-foot cliff would sweep 100 feet out-
weaves grant the chairneler the ability to sense minerals, ward from the base of the cl iff. Any creature in the path
split the earth open, and create land-shaking earthquakes. sustains 8d6 points of damage (Reflex half DC 15).
It is not a common talent among any of the female chan- Lake, Marsh, or River: Fissures open underneath the
neling traditions. water, draining it away from that area and leaving behind
muddy ground. Soggy marsh or swampland becomes
quicksand for the duration, sucking down creatures and
EARTH DELVING
structures. Creatures must make Reflex saving th rows (DC
[Earth] (Common)
15) or sink down in the mud a11d quicksand. At the end of
Level: 0-3
the weave, the rest of water rushes in to replace the drained
Casting Time: I action
water, possibly drowfilng those caught in the mud.
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Open Ground: All creatures standing in the area
Area: See text
must make Reflex saving tluows (DC 15) or fall down.
Duration: Concentration
Essures open in the ground, and every creature on the
Saving Throw: None
ground has a 250/o chance to fall into one (Reflex save DC
Weave Resistance: No
20 to avoid the fissure). At the end of Lhe weave, all fis-
sures grind shut, killing any creatures still trapped within.
You hold in your hand a sample of a metal or mineral, such
Structure: Most structures standing on open ground
as a gold ring, a piece of marble, or lump of copper ore. For
collapse, deallng 8d6 points of damage to those caught
the duration of the weave, you can sense other concentra-
within or beneath the rubble (Reflex half DC 15).
tions of the mineral within the weave radius, which varies
with casting level. This sensing radius extends into the
Casting Level Area
ground, allowing you to locate hidden deposits of the
7 50-ft.-radius circle
mineral. This weave does not tell you precisely how much
8 150-ft.-radius circle
of the mineral is present, but it does give you a general idea
9 300-ft.-radius circle
of the size of the deposit (Fine, Tiny, Small, Medium-size,
10 1,500-ft.-radius circle
and so on) according to the strength of the sensation.
11 1-mile circle
Casting Level Radius
u 5-mile circle
0 5 ft.
l 25 ft. GRENADE
2 150 ft. [Earth, Fire] (Common)
3 750 ft. Level: 0-4
Casting Time: 1 full round
Range: Touch
EARTHQUAKE
Target: One touched stone
[Earth] (Common)
Duration: Instantaneous
Level: 7-12
Saving Throw: Reflex half
Casting Time: I full round
Weave Resistance: Yes
169
A11 Aes Sedai creates a grenade
You imbue a stone with an explosive property. If the Tarnish, nlSl, and corrosion disappear from an item of
stone strikes a hard surface, it detonates, doing damage to metal you to uch, leaving the surface clean and shiny.
all creatures within its burst radius (Reflex save for half Heavy rust actually transmogrifies back into solid metal,
damage). You may throw the stone or use it as ammuni- so the weave can be used to strengthen items weakened
tion for an appropriate weapon (such as a sling or cata- by heavy corrosion. Weapons that have been heavily pit-
pult}. To hil a target with a thro,vn stone, you must make ted are repaired, and hinges caked solid with rust after
a ranged touch an:ack. The size of the stone, its burst area, years of disuse function easily with hardly a squeak. The
and the damage it does depend on the casting level. A degree of corrosion that can be polished varies with the
burst area of "contact" means that the stone only deals casting level.
damage ro the creature or item it hits.
+ l Casting Level : The weave affects one additional Casting Level Degree of Corrosion
stone, as though you had cast the weave on two targets at 0 Surface tarnished or lightly rusted
once. This effect can be added multiple times {in other 1 Surface crusted with corrosion or rust
words, at +2 casting levels, the weave affecls two addi- 2 Object crumbling, heavily rusted
tional stones, and so forth).
RlvEN EARTH
Castin g Rock Burst
(Earth, fire] (Common)
Level Size Radiu s Damage
Level : 4-6
0 Sling stone Contact ld8
Casting Time: 1 full round
2 Fist-sized rock 10 ft. 3d6
Range: See text
4 Catapulc stone 20 ft. 5d6
Area: See teicr
Duration: Instantaneous
POLISH Saving Throw: Reflex half
!Earth] (Common) Weave Resistan ce: No
Level: 0- 2
Casting Time: 1 action You point at a spot on the ground, and the earth at that
Range: Touch point erupts in a shower of rock, dirt, and fire. Creatures
Target: A metal item and objects with.in the aJea are thrown through the air or
D uration: Instantaneous knocked to the grow1d, taking 3d10 points of damage
Saving T hrow: No ne from the b last and impact. Both the area affected and the
Weave Resistan ce: Yes range of this weave vary with casting level.
This weave must target the ground. Light structures Violent Throw: Alternatively, you may hurl the item
can be damaged or destroyed by this weave, but it cannot at a target within 10 feet/level of the item's original loca-
be cast on the upper floors of buildings. tion. You must succeed at an attack roll to hit the target,
using your base attack bonus + your Intelligence modi-
Casting fier. Weapons cause standard damage (with no Strength
Level Range Area bonus). Other objects cause damage ranging from 1 point
4 C lose (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels) 10-ft.-radius circle per 25 pounds (for less dangerous objects such as a barrel)
5 Medium to 1d6 points of damage per 25 pounds (for hard, dense
(I 00 ft. + 10 ft./level) 25-ft.-radius circle objects such as a boulder). You may throw creatures in
6 long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level) 50-ft.-radius circle this manner; a creature thrown against a solid surface
takes damage as if it had fallen 10 feet (ld6 points).
171
This weave creates fire where there is none or increases the you create an upstream current. The flooding affects a
size ofan existing fire. Unfueled, the flames only last for the lengtl1 of shoreline equal to the affected length of river,
duration of the weave, but they ignite flammable objects beginning at the end of the affected length of river. The
that they touch. The damage listed is sustained each round depth of the flooding is 2 feet for every 10 mph of current
by every creature and object within the bu rning area. speed. Thus, a fast current (20 mph) causes a 4-foot-deep
Large fires take a little time to build up. The brew flood along 1,500 feet of shoreline, beginning at the end
time given in the table below is the time required for the of the length of river in which you created the currenc.
fire to reach full size, although a large fire ignites as a +1 Casting Level: You may increase or decrease the
smaller fire (torch flame size) and grows quickly. If the area affected by the current by one step on the table below.
weave ends before the fire reaches full size, the weave still For example, casting this as a 4th-level weave, you could
counts as having been cast at its intended casting level. create a cascade (normalJy 3rd-level) that only affects a 150-
For example, if you cast this weave at 5th casting level, foot length of river (instead of the normal 1,500 feet).
but only concentrate for 1 round, the fire only grows to
campfire size. Even though it never grew (magically, at Casting Current Area Length Brew
least) all the way to a conflagration, you have still cast a Level Speed (O pen Water) (River} Time
5th-Level weave and expended a 5th-level slot. 0 Lazy flow 5-ft.-radius
You can also use this weave to change the size of an (3 mph) circle 25 ft. none
existing fire. Each step changes the fire size by one cast- Swift current 25-ft.-radius
ing level. For example, at 1st casting level, you can in- (10 mph) circle I 50 ft. l round
crease an existing fire by two steps. You grow a candle 3 Cascade 300-ft.-radius
flame to the size of a campfire, or shrink a conflagration (20 mph) circle 1,500 ft. 3 rounds
to the size of a bonfire. Or you could extinguish a torch 5 Torrent !-mile-radius
flame. Changing a fire by three steps or more requires the (30 mph} circle 5 miles 5 rounds
same brew time as creating a fire at that casting level. 7 Cataract 10-mile-radius
(40 mph) circle 50 miles 7 rounds
Casting Damage Change Brew
Level Area per Round Fire By Time
J inch
CUTTING LINES OF FIRE
0
[Air, Fire) (Lost)
(candle flame) 1 1 step none
Level: 7-9
3 inches
Casting Time: l action
(torch flame) ld4 2 steps none
Range: See text
2 1 ft.
Area: Cone
(campfire) 1d8 3 steps 1 rou nd
Duration: instantaneous
3 3 ft.
Saving Throw: Reflex half
(bonfire) 2d8 4 steps 2 rounds
Weave Resistance: Yes
4 10 ft.
(house fire) 3d8 5 steps 3 rounds
You point your hand and cast out scores of thin, thread-
5 25 ft.
like lines of red, which cleanly cut and burn through crea-
(conflagration) 4d8 6 steps 4 rounds
tures and objects in their paths. The lines whip through a
6 50 ft.
cone-shaped area that extends from the pointing hand,
(frrestotm) 5d8 7 steps 5 rounds
slicing and damaging objects or creatures within the cone.
The wirelike lines neatly cut through stone, metal, wood,
CURRENT and other materials out to their maximum range. Where
(Spirit, Water] (Common) they strike flesh, they cleanly cut through that as well,
Level: 0- 7 doing 2dl2 points of damage to any person within their
Casting Time: 1 action area of effect.
Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Area: See text Casting Level Range
Duration: Concentration 7 30 feet
Saving T hrow: None 8 50 feet
Weave Resistance: No 9 70 feet
173
The fireball sets fire to combustibles and damages ob- choose to place it so that the heads of those caught are free
jects in the area. It can melt metals with a low melting from the hardened air. If that's the case, trapped creatures
point, such as lead, gold, copper, silver, or bronze. If the can breathe and talk normally. If their heads are encased in
damage caused to an interposing barrier shatters or breaks the hardened air, they will suffocate if held too long. A tar-
through it, tbefireball may continue beyond the barrier if get who makes his save either dodges free of the hardened
the area pem1its; otherwise it stops at the barrier. air or, if the sp ace is too confined, manages to get his head
The size of the burst area and the damage dealt to free and avoid suffocation . A willing target (such as some-
creatures and o bjects within that radius vary with the cast- one falling) can choose to forego the Reflex save.
ing level of the weave. Hardened air can be used to catch items in midair. If
cast in the space around a flying creature, the creature is
C asting Level Burst Radius Damage held, unable to flap its w111gs. It will not fall, however, so
2 5 ft. 2d6 + channeler level long as the ai.r about it remains hardened.
3 10 ft. 3d6 + channeler level Hardened air not only freezes items wirhin it but also
4 20 ft. 4d6 + channeler level creates an impervious barrier to items or physical attacks
5 35 ft. 5d6 + channeler level from without. Thus, a creature frozen in hardened air can-
6 50 ft. 6d6 + channeler level not be attacked. However, the air can be penetrated by
weaves of the One Power, so that weaves can be cast on
the creature. Hardened tlir can be used to create a ba rrie r
FLY or shield, or even a bridge across an open space. The
fAir, Spirit] (Lost)
space of hardened air is fixed and cannot be moved.
Level: 5
The size and shape of the affected space varies ac-
C asting Time: l action
cording to casting level.
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
Casting Radius of
Duration: Concentration
Level Sphere Typical Uses
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
0 1-ft. Catch a Small falling object, create
Weave Resistance: Yes
a shield-sized barrier, block a win-
dow-sized opening
The weave's subject can fly at a speed of 90 feet (60 foet if the
3-ft. Seal a Mediu m-size object (such as
creatme wears medium or heavy armor). The subject can as-
a chest), create a door-sized barrier,
cend at half speed and descend at double speed. The flying
seal a door-sized opening
subject's maneuverability is good. The act of flying requires
2 5-ft. Hold a Small creature
about as much concentration as walking, so the subject can
3 10-ft. Hold a Medium-size creature, seal a
attack or channel normally (unless the caster casts this weave
gate-sized opening
on herself, in which case she must concentrate on maintain-
4 15-ft. Hold a Large creature, create a
ing the weave as normal). The subject of a fly weave can
bridge S ft. wide by 25 ft. long
charge but not run. She cannot carry aloft more weight than
her maximwn load (page 110), plus any armor she wears.
5 20-ft. Create a bridge 10 ft. wide by 50 ft.
long
Should the weave expire while the subject is still aloft,
the effect fails slowly. The subject drops 60 feet per round
for l d6 rounds. If she reaches the groWld in that amo unt of IMMOLATE
ti me, she lands safely. If not, she falls the rest of the distance [Fire, Spirit] (Common)
(falling damage is ld6 per 10 feet of f.111). Since dispelling a Level: 4- 7
weave effectively ends it, the subject also has ld6 rounds to C asting Time: 1 action
reach the groWld safely if the.fly weave is dispelled. Ran ge: Medium (100 ft. + I 0 ft./level)
Target: One object or creature
Duration: Instantaneous
HARDEN AIR Saving T hrow: Will half
!Air] (Common)
Weave Resistance: Yes
Level: 0- 5
Casting Time: 1 action
You cause th e o bject o r creature to burst into flames. The
Range: Mediwn (100 ft. + 10 ft/level)
fire not only engulfs the target but is actually sparked
Effect : H ardens a space of air (volume varies)
within it as well, causing ld6 points of damage per chan-
Duration: Concentration
neler level (maximum 20d6). The size and type of target
Saving Throw: Reflex
affected varies with the casting level.
Weave Resistance : No
C asting Level Target
You make the air in a space harden. All items and creatures
4 Medium-size, flammable (chest, bush)
in that space freeze in place, helpless and unable to move.
5 Large, flammable (tree, shed)
Creatures remain aware but cannot take any physical ac-
6 Medium-size, nonflammable (person)
tions. You direct the placement of this weave effect and can
7 Large, nonflammable (horse)
LIGHT Effect: One invisible Small or Medium-size o bject
[Air, Fire] (Common) Duration: Concentration
Level: 0-3 Saving Throw: Will half
Casting T ime: l action Weave Resistance: Yes
Ran ge: Personal
Effect: Creates light You create one invisible simple tool, such as a blade,
Duration: Concentration bludgeon, wedge, or clamp. You can use and manipulate
Saving T hrow: See text this tool by mental command as though it were a real
Weave Resistance: No item of the same type. For example, you can create a
bludgeon to drive a tent stake into the ground, a dustrag
You extend your hand and create a fist-sized globe of cool to wipe a mantelpiece, or a clamp to hold a book shut so
wb_ite light, which hovers above your palm for the dura- that others can't open it. The tool cannot be used to pick
tion of the weave. The brightness of the light, and the ra- up objects, though it can knock them around. It operates
dius ro which it extends, depends on the casting level. as though wielded by a person with a Strength of 10 and,
At higher casting levels, the light becomes quite except for the fact that it does not tire, it cannot do any-
harsh. Ar 2nd level, looking directly at the light causes thing that a person with a Strength of 10 could not do
substantial discomfort, though no damage. At 3rd level, with a real tool of similar design.
the light is as bright as a lightning bolt, and anyone who At higher casting levels, the tool can be used as a
looks at it (including any w1suspecting creature within 50 weapon, according to the table below.
feet facing this weave as it is cast) must make a Reflex save
or become temporarily blinded. In addition to the obvi- Casting
ous effects, a blinded creature suffers a 500/o miss chance Level Type of Tool Damage
in combat (aJl opponents have fulJ concealment), loses 0 H and tool None (equivalent to a slap)
any Dexterity bonus to Defense, grants a +2 bonus to at- 1 Sap Id6 subdual
tackers' attack rolls {they are effectively invisible), moves 2 Knife ld4
at half speed, and suffers a -4 penalty on Search checks 3 Mace ld8
and most Strength- and D exterity-based skill checks. The 4 Sword l dlO
blindness lasts for a number of rounds equal to the
amo unt by which the creature missed its Reflex save. The
caster does not need to save to avoid blindness.
WAND OF FIRE
[Earth, Fire] (Common)
+ 1 Casting Level: You create the globe of light in a
Level: 1
fixed location, such as the corner of a room. It remains
Casting T ime: l action
there and does not move with you.
Range: Touch
Effect: Creates a fire weapon from a wand or branch
Casting Level Brightness Radius
Duratio n: Concentration
0 Torch 20 ft.
Saving T hrow: None
l Bonfire 30 ft.
Weave Resistance: Yes
2 rlluminator's flare 100 ft.
3 Lightning bolt 300 ft.
You imbue an otherwise harmless branch, wand, or swi tch
with a powerful charge of fire that you can use to damage
MOVE WATER an opponent. Although the wand does not appear to be
[Water] (Common) burning, your successful melee touch attack deals ld8
Level: 3 points of fire damage + 1 point per channeler level (max-
Casting Time: 1 action imum of +20), and flames spring up as the wand touches
Range: C lose (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels) combustible materials.
Target: Water
Duration: Concentration
Saving Throw: None
WHIRLPOOL
(Spirit, Water] (Common)
Weave Resistance: No
Level: 3-7
Casting T ime: 1 full round
You move up to fifty gailons of water per chan neler level.
Ra nge: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
You may lift the water through the air or fl ow it across a
Target: Sizable body of water
surface, even uphill. It moves at a speed of up to 20 feet.
Duration : Concentration
Saving Throw: None
TOOL OF AIR Weave Resistance: No
[Air] (Common)
Level : 0- 4 You create a swirling whirlpool in a sizable body of water,
Casting Time: I action which sweeps swimming creatures, ships, and similar ves-
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels) sels downward, preventing them from leaving by normal
means and perbaps drowning or sinking them. The size of course of action if the source of the target's problem is
the whirlpool depends on the casting level and the body unknown. It also gives you a +5 bonus on any Hea l skill
of water. checks made to aid the target.
Any creature caught in the wh irlpool is swept into its Delve can be cast upon a corpse (to learn the cause of
swirl. It cannot escape on its own until tbe weave ends, death, for instance), but only within 24 hours of death.
though it might be rescued. The creature must make a
Swim check (DC 15) every round. Success keeps its head Casting Level Affliction s D etected
above water. Failure leaves the creature sputtering, unable 0 Wounds or injuries
even to grab at ropes, outstrhed hands, or other attempts 1 Disease
at .rescue. Failure by more than 5 indicates that the crea- 2 Poison
tu.re is sucked under and begins to drown. 3 Supernatural effects
Vessels smaller than half the size of the whirlpool are
swept into its swirl, putting them at risk. Light or unsea-
HEAL
worthy craft may break up or be sucked under com-
[Air, Spirit, Water] (Common)
pletely. More solid craft are unlikely to sink but may be
Level : 0-8
damaged or even capsized if trapped in tbe whirlpool for
Casting Tim e : See text
a length of time.
Range: Touch
Vessels larger than half the size of the whirlpool are
Target: Creature touch ed
.held by its sucking waters, unable to break free but no t
Duration : Instantaneous
otherwise affected.
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
W eave Resistance: Yes
Casting M in imum Body
Level of Water Size
You lay your hands upon a living creature to convert its
3 Pond or small river 25-ft.-radius circle
wounds from standard damage to subdual damage. The
5 Lake or large river 300-ft.-radius circle
damage thus converted heals at the normal rate for subd-
7 Ocean or huge lake 1,500-ft.-radius ci rcle
ual damage. The amo unt of damage converted depends
upon the casting level and your class level. This weave
cannot be used to heal subdual damage.
HEALING This weave can only be cast once per target per day.
The Talent of Healing involves repairing damage done to
Casti ng Casting
tbe body and mind; the fine work of accelerating and as-
Level Time Recovered Hit Points
sisting the body's natuJal healing processes. Ironica lly,
0 l action l
though, the same skills apply to damaging the body and
1 full action ld8 + channeler level
mind-hence, a number of weaves within this Talent in-
2 l minute 2d8 + channeler level
volve inAicting pain, damage, and death. Fortunately,
3 10 minutes 3d8 + channeler level
most of these weaves a.re either rare or lost.
4 10 minutes 4d8 + channeler level
5 20 minutes 5d8 + channeler level
DELVE 6 20 minutes 6d8 + channeler level
[Spirit] (Common) 7 30 minutes 7cl8 +channeler level
Level: 0-3 8 30 minutes 8d8 + channeler level
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
HEAL THE MIND
[Air, Spi.rit, Water] (Common)
Duration : Instantaneous
Level: 1-4
Savin g T hrow: Will negates (harmless)
Casting Time: 1 minute
Weave R esistan ce: Yes
Range: Touch
Target: Creature touched
By touching your ta.rget, you learn what injuries, diseases,
Duxation: Instantaneous
poisons, or supernatu ral damage may be affecting him or
Saving T h row: Will negates (harmless)
her, either now or recently. Which sorts of ailments the
Weave Resistan ce: Yes
weave detects depend upon its casting level. If you cast
the weave at an insufficient level to detect an affliction,
With this weave you help heal a creature in the throes of
you can tell that there is something else wrong b ut not
madness recover his mind, if only for a time. At 1st level,
what it is. For exam ple, if you cast it at 1st casting level
this weave allows the target to make a Will save to end an
on a target that had been poisoned, you could tell that
ongoing attack of madness, regaining his or her self-con-
something beyond a wound or disease ailed the target but
trol. At higher levels, it temporarily reduces the target's
not its exact nature.
Madness rating-by how much and for bow long depends
Although treatment for most injuries or wounds is
on the casting level.
self-evident, this weave can indicate an appropriate
Casting Casting Length of
Level Effect Level Effect Additional Damage
1 Target may make a Will save to end an attack of 0 10 minutes 1 point of subdual damage
madness l I hour l d4 points of subdual damage
2 Target's Madness rating reduced by I d6 for 24 hours 2 2 hours ld6 points of subdual damage
3 Target's Madness rating reduced by 2d6 for 48 hours 3 4 hours ld8 points of subdual damage
4 Target's Madness rating reduced by 3d6 for one 4 8 hours ld 10 points of subdual damage
week
RESTORE THE POWER
REND [Air, Earrl1, Fire, Spirit, Water) (Lost)
[Air, Spirit, Water] (Rare) Level: 6- 12
Level: 0-4 Casting Time: 10 minutes
Casting Tim e: 1 action Range: Touch
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels) Target: Creature touched
Target: One creature Duration: Instantaneous
Duration: lnstantaneous Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Saving Throw: Fortitude half Weave Resistance: Yes
Weave Resistance: Yes
This weave heals a severed (stilled or gentled) channeler's con-
You channel the One Power to destroy flesh, wrenching nection to the True Source, restoring his or her ability to chan-
bones in rheir sockets and ripping gashes through meat nel. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to restore rbe severed
and muscle. The amo unt of damage done depends upon target to foll power; in most cases, the target loses several lev-
the casting level and your class level. els in channeling ability. This level loss applies only to the tar-
get's weaves, not to other aspects of the target's level (such as
Casting Level Points of Damage hit points, base attack modifier, and saves). For example, ifyou
0 1 were to cast this at 8rb level on a lOrh-level initiate who has
l ld8 + channeler level been stilled, she would regain her ability to dianncl, but would
2 2d8 +channeler level only have the weave slots of a 5th-level initiate (half of her ac-
3 3d8 + channeler level tual level). In all other ways, she would still be a 10th-level ini-
4 4d8 + channeler level tiate. Should she later advance to 1 lrh level, she would gain
the additional weaves available to 6th-level initiates. As always,
round &actions down, with a minimum result of I.
RENEW
This weave only affects channelers who have lost their
(Air, Spirit, Water] (Common)
ability to channel. It does not grant the abi li ty to channel
Level: 0- 4
to noncbannelers. It may be cast again at a higher level
Casting Time: Full round acLion
on a channeler who has already been restored, enabling
Range: Touch
her to regain more lost weave levels.
Target: Creature touched
Duration: See text
Casting
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Level Resul t
Weave Resistance: Yes
6 Casts weaves as if level is 1J3 of actual level
8 Casts weaves as if level is 112 of acnial level
You lay hands upon a living creature to relieve it of fa-
10 Casts weaves as if level is 3/4 of actual level
tigue and weariness. The target immediately feels fresh-
12 No loss to weaves
ened and able to continue with labors, travel, combat, or
other physical activities as if he or she were fully rested.
1n game terms, the weave suspends subdual damage for SEVER
its duration. This freedom from fatigue has its price, how- [Spirit] (Common)
ever; when the weave ends, the target's suspended subd- Level: 6
ual damage all returns, augmented by additional subdual Casting Time: 1 action
damage. The d uration of the effect- the extra time it al- Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
lows the target to continue to act without rest-and the Target: One person
amount of additional damage suffered when the weave Duration: Instantaneous
ends both depend on the casting level of the weave (see Saving Throw: Will negates
the table below). Weave Resistance: Yes
The rene-w weave is often used in conjunction wirb the
heal weave to enable seriously wounded characters to This weave severs a target of the same gender as the
reach safety. caster, removing his or h er ability to channel. This sever-
ing (caUed "gentling" when it happens to men, and "still-
ing" wben the target is a woman) is permanent. Its effects
177
can only be reversed with the lost restore the power weave. Minor changes (such as adding a birthmark or mus-
+6 Casting Levels: You can sever a target of the op- tache, or changing hair color) give you a +2 bonus on
posite gender. Disguise checks and are often effective for blending into
the crowd when you aren't interacting closely with peo-
ple. Major changes (creating a completely different ap-
TOUCH OF DEATH
pearance) give you a +10 bonus on Disguise checks.
[Earth, Fire, Spirit, Water] (Lost)
Creatures get Will saves to recognize illusions if they
Level: 5- 8
interact with them (in the case of this weave, touching the
Casting Time: 1 foll round
iJlusory mole on your nose and not feeling anything there).
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target: One creature
Casting Level Change
Duration: Concentration
1 Minor change to self
Saving Throw: See text
2 Major change to self
Weave Resistance: Yes
3 Minor change to other person
4 Major change to other person
While casting this weave, you send tendrils of the Five
Powers into the body of your target to manipulate it from
within, doing severe damage withou t apparent injury. At DISTANT EYE
its h ighest level, this weave simply stops the target's beart, [Air, Spirit] (Lost)
leaving no indication of the cause of death (except the Level: 3
residue of the weave). Even at lower levels, all of the Casting Time: 1 fuU round
damage is internal, leaving no external evidence of the Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
cause of death or damage. Target: You
Duration: Concentration
Casting Effects on D amage/ Weave Resistance: No
Level Target round Save
5 Chokes 4d8 Fortitude half You extend a narrow tendril of weave outward as far as the
6 Crushes extreme of medium range. You see as if your eye were at the
internal organs 6d8 Fortitude half end of the weave. You can move the tendril as you see fit,
7 Boils blood 8d8 Fortitude half even into areas that you cannot see from your casting loca-
8 Stops heart Target dies Fortitude, target tion. The tendril fits duough tiny spaces such as keyholes
loses half current hp and the gaps under doors, so long as they a.re at least 1/4
on successful save inch high or wide. You cannot move the tendril if you tie
off the weave, though you continue to see through it.
While this weave is in effect, you are only vaguely
aware of your nounal vision. To notice something in your
ILLUSION normal field of view but not visible through the weave,
Weaves of the Illusion Talent affect the minds and senses make a Spot check (DC 20).
of those who witness them, causing them to experience
often spectacular effects.
EAVESDROP
[Air, Spirit] (Common)
D ISGUISE Level: 1
(Air, Fire, Spirit] (Common) Casting Time: I full round
Level: 1-4 Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Casting Time: 1 full round Target: You
Range: Touch Duration: Concentration
Target: Person touched Weave Resistance: No
Duration: Concentration
Saving Throw: Will negates You extend a narrow tendril of weave outward as far as
Weave Resistance : Yes the extreme of medium range. You hear as if your ear
were at the end of the weave. So long as you concentrate
You cast a complex weave about the target, which alters on this weave, you can move the tendril as you see fit,
her appearance. You can make the ta.rget look different, though only where you can see it. The tendril fits through
though you cannot change the basic structure of the tar- tiny spaces such as keyholes, so long as they are at least
get-you cannot make a person look like a dog, or even 1/4 inch high or wide. You cannot move the tendril if you
make an exceptionally tall person short. tie off the weave, though you continue to hear through it.
This weave does not provide the abilities or manner- While this weave is in effect, you are only vaguely
isms of the chosen form. It does not alter the tactile or aware of your normal hearing. To notice a sound that you
audible p roperties of the target, nor does it alter clothing, would normally hear but that is not audible through the
weapons, equipment, or other items. weave, make a Spot check (DC 20).
FOLDED LIGHT
[Air, Fire] (Common)
Level: 1-4
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels)
Target: See text
Duration: Concentration
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Weave Resistance: Yes
179
Saving Throw: None Casting Max Gateway
Weave Resistance: No Level Size Gateway Stays Open Por
4 5 ft. wide by
You create a gateway between the real world and 10 ft. tall 2 rounds
lel'aran'rhiod, allowing you to physically enter or exit the 5 10 ft. wide by
dream world. The maximum size of the gateway, and the 15 ft. tall 1 round/chan neler level
maximum length of time it can remain open, depends 6 30 ft. wide by
upon the casting level. The caster may close it at will prior 20 ft tall 3 rounds/channeler level
to this limit. 7 100 ft. wide by
Your dream self in W'aran'rhiod cannot enter the real 25 ft. tall 5 rounds/channeler level
world. If you dreamwalk into 7Cl'aran'rhiod and cast this 8 300 ft. wide by
weave there, the gateway opens, but you cannot cross 30 ft.all 1 minute/channeler level
through it.
~
..:: Casting Level Platform Size Maximum Passengers
(such as people) are barely visible in this image; more per-
manent items appear more solid. People within the weave
~ 4 5-ft. square No ne see the same sort of image when looking out. Physical ob-
5 l 0-ft. square 4 jects, and people-even you-can pass through the bound-
6 15-ft. square 25 aries of the dome without affecting the weave.
7 25-ft. square 120 This weave typically appears as a dome, but its shape
8 35-ft. square 200 can be altered to any equivalent volume when cast. When
Casting Creatures
Level Taken
4 5
5 50
6 100
7 500 A wilder prepares to 1Jperate a portal stone.
181
cast within an enclosed area, such as a room or a cavern, You create a dome-shaped weave around an area. The
the weave tends to conform to the shape of the space. dome creates an invisible barrier that protects the dreams
of everyone who sleeps within it. Dreamwalkers cannot
Casting enter those dreams, and those who attempt to directly ob-
Level Arca serve the dreams of those within, by any method, see
1 5-ft.-radius circle onl y indistinct images at best.
2 10-ft.-radius circle or sm all room This weave typical ly appea rs as a dome, but its shape
3 25-ft.-radius circle or large room can be altered to any equivalent volume when cast. When
4 50-ft.-radius circle or moderate-sized building cast within an enclosed area, such as a room o.r cavern,
5 150-ft.-radius circle o r large building the weave tends to conform to the shape of the space.
6 300-ft.-radius circle or very large building The ward protects normal dreams only. It does not ex-
7 750-ft. -radius circle tend any protection to dreamwalkers who enter the space
8 1,500-ft. -radius circle between dreams, other people's dreams, or Tel'aran'rhiod.
9 1-mile circle This weave has a duration of concentration. It is im-
10 5-mile circle possible to hold a weave whjle falling asleep, or (with the
exception of dreamwalkers) to cast and/or hold a weave
in your dreams. To effectively ward you r own dreams,
CIRCLE OF SILENCE yo u must cast and tie off th is weave before going to sleep.
(Air, Fire, Water] (Com mon)
Level: 0- 9
Casting
C asting T ime: 1 full round
Level Area
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels)
1 Self
Area: See text
2 5-ft.-radius circle
Duration : Concentration
3 10-ft.-rad ius circle or small room
Saving Throw: None
4 25-ft.-radius circle or large room
Weave Resistance: No
5 50-ft.-radi us circle or moderate-sized building
6 150-ft.-radius circle or large building
You create a dome-shaped weave around an area, through
7 300-ft.-radius circle or very large building
which no sound passes. People outside the dome ca nnot
8 750-ft.-radius circle
heas you (or any other noise from within). Similarly, o ut-
side sounds cannot be heard within the dome. Physical
9 1,500-ft.-radius circle
10 1-mile circle
objects, and people-even you- can pass through the
11 5-mile circle
boundaries of the dome without affecting the weave.
This weave typically appears as a dome, but its shape
can be altered to any equivalent volume when cast. When FIRE TRAP
cast within an enclosed area, such as a room or cavern, (Air, Fire, Spirit] (Rare)
the weave tends to conform to the shape of the space. Level: 3- 5
Casting Time: l ful l round
Casting Range: Touch
Level Area Target: One object
0 5-ft.-radius circle Duration: Concentration
I 10-ft.-radius ci rcle or small room Saving Thr ow: See text
2 25-ft.-radius circle or large room Weave Resistance: Yes
3 50-ft.-radius circle or moderate-sized building
4 150-ft.-radius circle o r large b uilding You weave a ward that can be placed on an object, floor,
5 300-ft.-radius circle or very large building wall, or other item, which you must be touching. If any-
6 750-ft.-radius circle one but you touches the warded object or area, a blast of
7 1,500-ft. -radius circle fire explodes into the air around it. Characters in the
8 1-mile circle burst area are allowed a Reflex save for half damage.
9 5-mile circle The fire sets combustibles aflame and damages objects
in the area. It can melt metals with a low melting point,
such as lead, gold, copper, silver, or bronze. If the da mage
DREAM SHIELDING caused to an interposing barrier causes th e barrier to shat·
[Spirit] (Common)
rer or break, the blast may continue beyond the barrier if
Level: 1-11
the area permits; otherwise, it stops at the barrier.
C asting Time: 1 full round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels)
Casting
Area: See text
Level Burst Area D amage
D uration : Concentration
3 5-ft.-radius circle 1d6 + channeler level
Saving Throw: None
4 10-ft.-radius circle 2d6 + channeler level
Weave Resistance: No
5 15-ft.-radius circle 3d6 + channeler level
MAsTER WARD Your weave is within the area; it cannot be seen from
[Air, Earth, Fire, Spirit, Water] (Common) outside (unless the container is transparent).
Level: 4-12 +1 Casting Level: You may set a trigger word as you cast
Casting Time: 1 full round the weave. The ward will not be triggered by any person
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels) who says the trigger word as they open the warded space.
Area: See text
Duration: Concentration Casting Level Container Damage to Contents
Saving Throw: None 2 Box, barrel, or chest ld4
Weave Resistance: No 3 Small room ld6
4 Large room ld8
You create a dome-shaped weave around an area, through
which no physical object, nor the One Power, can pass. SHIELD
Tue weave is impervious to damage and cannot be cmsse~ [Spirit] (Common)
by any person or creature, including the caster. Even au Level: 3-7
does not flow through the dome, and those within could Casting Time: 1 action
conceivably suffocate eventually. Channelers out.side the Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
dome cannot cast weaves into it or directly affect tt or tar- Target: O ne channeler
gets within it via the One Power; channelers inside cannot Duration: Concentration
cast weaves out through it or directly affect targets outside Saving Throw: Will negates
via the One Power. The dome is nearly transparent to nor- Weave Resistance: Yes
mal viewing, visible only as a slightly darkened or ti~ted
area. Sounds are muted slightly as they pass through 1t. You cut a channeler of the same gender off from the True
This weave typically appears as a dome, but its shape Source, preventing him from channeling and immedi-
can be altered to any equivalent volume when cast. When ately ending any weaves he is maintaining through con-
cast within an enclosed area, such as a room or cavern, centration. Although the target cannot channel, he
the weave tends to conform to the shape of the space. remains embraced to the True Source and does not need
When the weave is cast, an opening of any size or loca- to embrace it again once this shield is dropped.
tion desired by the caster can be left in it. In determining the target's level relative to your~,
+ 1 Casting Level: T.he do.me is opaque and ca!111ot be total the levels on ly in channeling classes. For example,_if
seen or heard th rough. Its surface appears as a solid gray. you are a 5th-level wilder/3rd-level initiate, y~u.r .level for
this weave is 8th. If your target is a 5th-level trutlate/3rd-
Casting level woodsman, his level is 5th.
Level Area + 1 Casting Level: You may shield a target of the op-
4 5-ft.-radius circle posite gender. . .
5 10-ft.-radius circle or small room -2 Casting Levels: If the target 1s not channeling and
6 25-ft.-radius circle or large room has not embraced tbe True Source, reduce the level of
7 50-ft.-radius circle or moderate-sized building this weave by rwo casting levels.
8 150-ft.-radius circle or large building
9 300-ft.-radius circle or very large building Casting Level Target Level is
10 750-ft.-radius circle 3 Five or more levels lower than you
11 1,500-ft.-radius circle 4 O ne to fo ur levels lower than you
12 1-mile circle 5 The same channeler level as you
6 One to four levels higher than you
SEAL 7 Five or more levels higher than you
[Air, Fire, Spirit] (Common)
Level: 2-4 STRIKE OF DEATH
Casting Time: 1 full round [Air, fire, Spirit] (Common)
Range : Touch Level: 8- 12
Target: Enclosed space (see text) Casting Time: 1 full round
Duration: Concentration Range: See text . .
Saving Tbrow: None Effect: Ki lls all creatures of one type within range
Weave Resistance: No Duration: Tnstantaneous
Saving Throw: Will partial
You weave a ward within a closed container or space, Weave Resis tance: Yes
which you must either be within or touching (if outside).
If anyone except you opens the warded item or are~, a You name a particular type of Shadowspawn (such as Trol-
flash of flame ignites within it. If the space has multiple loc or Darkbound). Lightninglike bolts of power surge
openings (such as a room with doors and windows), .open- from your body and travel outward, unerringly striking
ing any of them triggers the ward. So does the creation of every creature of that type within range. Any targe t
any other opening, such as a hole bored through the wall.
183
I
Str·ike of 1>eath
creature struck dies instantly unless it succeeds at a Will WARD AGAINST PEOPLE
save, in which case it loses half its current hit points. You [Air, Fire, Spirit] (Common)
do not need line of sight to the target creatures; in fact, Level: 2- 11
you do not need to be aware of their locations or even Casting Time: 1 full round
that they are there. However, the bolts of power are Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels)
blocked by solid barriers, though if there is any way Area: See text
around the barrier within range, the bolts find it. Duration: Concentration
Strike of death does not harm creatures other than Saving Throw: None
those targeted. Weave Resistance: No
The range of this weave varies with casting level.
+2 Casting Levels: you can name an additional type You create a dome-shaped weave around an area. You,
of Shadowspawn; the weave strikes all creatures of both and anyone who is within the dome with you when you
types. This effect can be added multiple times (in other create it, can cross into and out of the dome. For all other
words, at +4 casting levels, you can name two additional people, the dome creates an invisible barrier that they
types of Shadowspawn, and so forth). cannot cross.
This weave typically appears as a dome, but its shape
Casting Level Range can be altered to any equivalent volume when cast. When
8 30 ft. cast within an enclosed area, such as a room or cavern,
9 300 ft. the weave tends to conform to the shape of the space.
10 1 mile The area of this weave cannot overlap, contain, or be
11 10 miles contained within another warding weave.
12 100 miles + l Casting Level: The barrier created by the dome is
intangible, and anyone can cross it. However, the barrier
acts as a trigger for another weave that you cast and tie off
within the dome. Any weave can be set in this manner,
but it must have an area effect (centered on the spot WARD AGAINST SHADOWSPAWN
where you place thjs second weave) or target an individ- [Air, Fire, Spirit] (Common)
ual person (in which case, it will target the person who Level: 1- 10
first enters the dome), and it must be of instantaneous Casting Time: 1 full ro und
duration. As with the normal casting of this weave, you Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft.12 levels)
and anyone within the dome area with you when you cast Area: See text
the weave can enter the dome without triggering this sec- Duration: Concentration
ond weave. Saving Throw: None
Weave Resistance: No
Casting
Level Area You create a dome-shaped weave around an area, which
2 5-ft.-radius circle must not contain any Shadowspawn at the time of cast-
3 10-ft. -radius circle or smaU room ing. The dome creates an inv1sible barrier that Shadow-
4 25-ft.-radius circle or large room spawn cannot enter.
5 50-fr.-radius circle or moderate-sized building This weave typically appears as a dome, but its shape
6 I 50-ft.-radius circle or large building can be altered to any equivalent volume when cast. When
7 300-ft.·radius circle or very large building cast within an enclosed area, such as a room or cavern,
8 750-ft.-radius circle the weave tends to conform to the shape of the space.
9 1,500-ft. -radius circle The area of this weave cannot overlap, contain, or be
10 1-mile circle contained w1thin another warding weave.
11 5-rnile circle + 1 Casting Level: The weave not only affects
Shadowspawn but also Shadow-linked vermin. Unlike the
normal version of this weave, it can be cast even with such
WARD AGAINST THE ONE POWER vermin within the weave area. When that happens, all
[Air, Earth, Fire, Spirit, Water] (Common)
Shadow-linked vermin immediately flee tbe area. (Again,
Level: 3-12
see Chapter 11 for a definition of Shadow-linked vermin.)
Casting Time: l full round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Casting
Area: See text
Level Area
Duration: Concentration
1 5-ft.-radius circle
Saving Throw: None
2 10-ft.-radius circle or small room
Weave Resistance: No
3 25-l:t.-radius circle or large room
4 50-ft.-radius circle or moderate-sized building
You create a dome-shaped weave around an area, through
5 150-ft.-radjus circle or large building
which the One Power cannot pass. Channelers outside
6 300-ft.-radius circle or very large building
the dome cannot cast weaves into it or directly affect it or
7 750-ft.-raruus circle
targets within it via Lhe One Power; channelers inside can-
8 1,500-ft. ·radius circle
not cast weaves out through it or directly affect targets
9 1-mile circle
outside via the One Power. Physical objects and people
10 5-mile circle
(including the caster) can pass through the bo undaries of
the dome without affecting the weave.
This weave typically appears as a dome, but its shape WARD BORE
can be altered to any equivalent volume when cast. When [Air, Earth, Fire, Spirit, Water] (Lost)
cast w1thin an enclosed area, such as a room or cavern, Level: 4
the weave tends to conform to the shape of the space. Casting Time: 5 minutes
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft.!level)
Casting Target: A Warding weave
Level Area Duration: Instantaneous
3 5-ft.-radius ci rcle Saving Throw: None
4 10-ft.-radius circle or small room Weave Resistance: No
5 25-ft.-radius circle or large room
6 50-ft.-radius circle or moderate-sized building You weave a probe of the Five Powers, with which you
7 150-ft.-radius circle or large building test the structure of a weave of the Warding Talent that
8 300-ft.-radius circle or very large building you have detected. You then make a Weavesight skill
9 750-ft.-radius cfrcle check. If successful, you open a hole in the weave. If you
10 1,500-ft.-radius circle fail, nothing happens, and your weave is wasted- though
11 1-mile circle you can try again. If you fail by more than 10, the caster
12 5-mile circle of the ward feels your tampering, although this feeling
alone does not tell her who is responsible. The DC for
the Weavesight check is 20 + the level of the target weave
+ the caster's ability bonus for channeling.
Gamemastering involves writing, planning, acting, refer-
eeing, arbitrating, and facilitating. When you're the
Gamemaster, you're the focus of the game. If the game's
fun, it will be to your credit. If it's a failure, you'll get the
blame. But don't worry- running a Wheel efTime game is
not as hard as it may seem at first. (But don't teU the
players that!)
Described below are the varied duties of the GM.
You'll like some more than others. As in any hobby,
focus on what you enjoy the most, but remember that
the other duties are also important.
PROVIDING
ADVENTURES
Your primary role in the game is creating and presenting
adventures in which the other players can play their char-
acters. To accomplish this, you need to spend some
amount of time outside the game preparing your stories.
This is true whether you create your own adventures or
use prepared adventures you've purchased.
Creating adventures can take a great deal of time.
Many GMs fu1d that they spend more time getting
ready for the game than they do actually playing at the
table. These same GMs usually find this creation time
the most fun and rewarding part of being a Gamemas-
ter. Creating interesting characters, settings, plots, and
challenges to present to your friends can be a great cre-
ative outlet.
Creating good adventures is so important that it re-
ceives its own section in this chapter. See Hmv to Build
an Adventure, starting on page 199.
TEACHING THE
GAME
Sometimes, but not always, it's going to be your respon-
sibility to teach newcomers how to play the game. Th is
isn't a burden; it's a wonderful opportunity. Teaching
other people how to play provides you with new players
and allows you to set them on the path to becoming top-
notch roleplayers. It's easier to learn to play with some-
one who already knows the game. Players who are taught
by a good teacher in a fun game are more likely to join
in the hobby for the long haul. Use this opportunity to
encourage new players to become the sort of gamers you
want to play games with.
Here are a few pointers on teaching the game:
188
TA'VEREN e A rule in The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game takes
precedence over any other published Wheel of Time
Ta•veren are individuals who product. This book is referred to as the core rulebook.
have far more impact on the It forms the basis of the whole game.
Pattern than average people. 9 A rule found in the core rulebook overrules one
It is believed that when the found in a published adventure unless the r~e
great Pattern needs major presented in the publ ished adventu re deals with
changes to keep its balance, so mething specific and limited to the adventure
ta•veren are spun out of the itself.
Pattern. ra•veren often cause e Choose the rule that you like the best, but stick with
extremely unlikely things to happen with greau eg- it for the rest of the campaign. Consistency is a very
ularity. Being around a ta'veren does not make peo- important aspect of rules adjudication.
ple do or say things they would never do under .any
circumstances. But it may make them do things
they would only have done once out of a hundred
similar circumstances. Not all ta'veren are of the
PROPELLING THE
same strength, and some people are only ta'veren GAME FORWARD
briefly while others bend the Pattern their entire While all the players are responsible for contributing to
lives. the game, the responsibility must ultii:iate_ly fall up?n
Players cannot choose to make thei.r characters the GM to keep the game moving, mamtam player _m-
ta •veren, since this status is not somethmg that can terest, and keep things fun. Remember that keepmg
be earned learned, or forced. Only the Gamemas- things moving is always more important than searching
ter can de~ide who the Pattern makes ta'veren. This through the rules or spending time in long debates over
should never be done lightly-ta'verm are rare and rules decisions.
can have a significant impact on a game. Of course, Even a well-run game can get bogged down some-
a character might only be ta•veren briefly, to further times. Perhaps the players have been at it a while and are
some specific need of the Pattern. growing a little tired of the same old thing. Maybe a ~lay
Characters who are ta'veren may earn bonus ing session falls flat for no apparent reason. Sometimes
ability points (especially Charisma), feats, and this just can't be helped- you're only human. ln fact, oc-
skills as part of being ta'veren. A Gamemaster casionally you may find that it's better to cancel a play-
should be very careful when passing out such ing session or cut it short rather than ha~e a poor
bonuses and remember they can be removed if a experience that may set back the whole campaign.
character stops being a ta'veren. The bonuses However, there. arc ways to make an average playing
should be subtle, representing the ta'veren 's ability session a memorable one, or to spice up a lackluster one.
to influence the outcome of the Pattern: extra Tal- One of the best visual aids is artwork. Pore through illus-
en ts and Affinities for channelers (representing trations in fantasy art books or trading card sets, or find
things they just happen to pick up easily, when other art sources that provide you with a picture that fits
others would have to study extensively), luck something that the characters will encounter. Then when
bonuses, and bonuses to skill checks are most they do, pull o ut the picture and say, "Y?u see ~his."
common. While player imaginations are fertile, som~t1mes seemg a
depiction of something they encou_nter rn the game-:--a
character, a vista, or a place- makes tt all the more ex.cit-
ing or real.
e Look to any similar situation that is covered in the Of course you can't always have a picture of some
rules. Try to extrapolate from what you see presented creature char~cter, or place that you have created. That's
there and apply it to the current circu~stan:e. . when y~u rely on the GM's best friend: evocative, excit-
• If you have to make something up, stick with 1t for ing descriptions. Pepper your descriptions of what the he-
the rest of the campaign. (This is called a "house roes see with adjectives and vivid verbs. Remember that
rule.") Consistency keeps players satisfied and gives you, and you alone, are the players' eyes and ears. "A
them the feeling that they adventure in a stable, J?re- cold, icy cave with water dripping slowly down the
dictable world, not in some random, nonsensical sparkling walls" is much more exciti11g than "a 20-foot-by-
place subject o nly to the GM's whims. 20-foot cave." Throughout the game, continually ask
e When in doubt, remember this handy little rule: Fa- yourself: What exactly do the characters see? Do they hear
vorable conditions add +2 to any d20 roll; unfavor- anything? Are there any noticeable ~dor~? An ur:ipleasa~t
able conditions penalize the roll by -2. You'll be tang in the air? Do they feel the chill wind agamst theu
surprised how often this "GM's secret rule" solves skin? Is their hair tousled by hot, damp gusts?
problems. No player will forget a tense battle on a crumbling
bridge in the middle of a thunderstorm. The ~est way _to
If you come upon an apparent contradiction in the rules, get the players' attention is with gripping acuon. Wlule
consider these factors when adjudicating:
189
not every encounter needs to be life-threatening or earth- Goon GM MANAGEMENT: A GM who care-
shaking, keep in mind how it would all seem in The Wheel fully watches all portions of the game so that nothing gets
ofTime novels. out of his or her control helps keep the game balanced.
It's often secondary, but some GMs enjoy creating Heroes and NPCs, victories and defeats, awards and af-
just the right atmosphere for their games. Music is often ilictions, items found and money spent- all these things
a good way to accomplish this. It's sort of like having a must be monitored. No one hero should ever become sig-
soundtrack for your story. Not surprisingly, those who nificantly greater than the others. If this does happen, the
enjoy using music in their games often use soundtracks others should have an opportunity to catch up in short
from adventure movies, although classical, ambient, or order. The heroes as a whole should never get so power-
other styles work well. Keep in mind, though, that some ful that all the challenges become trivial to them. Nor
people find music distracting. Be receptive to what your should they be constantly overwhelmed by what they
players like-au atmosphere in which the players can't must face. It's no fun to always lose, and always winning
hear, are distracted, or aren't enjoying themselves is never gets boring fast. When temporary imbalances do occur,
a good one. Other ways GMs can create an atmosphere it's easier to fix them by altering the challenges than by
rely on painted miniatures, tabletop scenery, specially ad- changing anything about the heroes and their powers or
justed lighting, or even sound effects. equipment. No one likes to get something, only to have
Another technique GMs employ and players enjoy is it taken away again because it was too unbalancing.
using different voices when speaking "in character." Prac-
ticing several different accents or ways of speaking and
assigning them to different NPCs can be a striking way
PLAYER/GM TRUST: Players should trust the
GM. Trust can be gained over time through consistent
to make a character stand out in the players' minds. Jor-
use of rules, by not taking sides (that is, not favoring one
dan provides a good start in the novels; any reader
player at another's expense), and by making it clear that
should immediately be able to tell an Illianer from a
you're not vindictive toward the players or their charac-
Tairen, for example.
ters. If the players trust the GM- and through you, the
Once in a while, a little miming of actions can sup-
game system- they will recognize that anything that en-
plement a game that otherwise exists only in your imagi-
ters the game has been carefully considered. If you adju-
nation. If a character is shriveled and stooped over when
dicate a situation, the players should be able to trust it as
she walks, stand up and show the players exactly what you
a fair call and not question or second-guess you. That
mean. When the ceiling above the heroes begins to col-
way, the players can focus their attention on playing their
lapse, slam your fists upon the table lil<e failing stone and
heroes, succeeding in the game, and having fun, trusting
masonry. If someone holds our his hand and offers some-
their GM to take care of matters of fairness and realism.
thing to a hero, mime the action-almost every time, the
They also trust that you will do whatever you can to make
player (assuming the hero takes what's offered) will follow
sure that they can enjoy playing their heroes, potentially
your cue instinctively and reach out. Keep in mind,
succeed in the game, and have fun. If this level of trust
though, that this sort of thing can guickly get out of hand.
can be achieved, you'll have greater freedom to add or
Don't act out your battles, or someone could get hurt!
change things in your game without worrying about the
Every once in a while, really surprise your players. The
players protesting or scrutinizing every decision.
NPC they thought was a villain turns out to be a good-
hearted wanderer who can be turned to the heroes' side.
The clue they thought led to a Darkfriend's secret enclave HANDLING UNBALANCED HEROES: Some-
turns out to be a red herring. Not all surprises are story- times, the unexpected happens. The heroes may defeat a
based. If the heroes are exploring a ruined city, and a villain, foil an unstoppable escape plan, and obtain a
Draghkar is about to swoop down from above, keep your powerful sa'angreal you never intended to fall into their
voice at a moderate or even soft level while describing the hands. Or, even more likely, the combination of some
ruins. Then, suddenly, raise your voice and Leap to your new acquisition with an item or power a hero already has
feet as the Draghkar attacks. That'll get their attention! will prove unbalancing in ways you didn't foresee.
Once a mistake has been made, and a hero ends up
too powerful, all is not lost. In fact, it's almost never dif-
KEEPING THE ficult to simply increase the challenges the hero faces to
GAME BALANCED keep him or her from breezing through encounters. How-
ever, this solution can be unsatisfying, since the encoun-
Game balance ensures that most hero d1oices are rela- ters can become too difficult for the other, more balanced
tively equal A balanced game is one where one hero heroes. At the same time, it's never fun to lose some as-
doesn't dominate the rest because o.f a choice that he or pect of your hero that turns out to be unbalancing. From
she made (background, class, skill, feat, weave, weapon, the player's point of view, it's not his or her fault.
etc.). It also reflects that the heroes aren't too powerful You have two options.
for the threats that they face, yet neit11er are they hope-
lessly ovennatched. Deal with the Problem In-Game: "In-game" is a
Two things drive game balance: good management term used to describe something that happens in the
and trust. story created by the play of the game. For example, sup-
pose a hero becomes unbalanced by acquiring a ler'an- • Why am I changing this?
grea/ that allows him to fight better chan any of the other • Am I clear on how the rule I'm going to change really
heroes in the group. (This is something that the GM works?
shouldn't have let happen to begin with, buc all GMs oc- • Have I considered why the rule existed as it did in the
casionally make mistakes.) An in-game solution might be first place?
to have a Darkfriend saboteur steal the object, or curious • How wiU the change impact other rules or situations?
Brown Ajah sisters might co11fiscate the ter'angreal the • Will the change favor one class, gender, skill, feat,
next time the characters visit Tar Yalon. Whatever you do, etc., more than the others?
try not to make it obvious that the situation is actually • Overall, is this change going to make more players
just a tool to balance the game. instead, make it seem just happy or unhappy? (lf the answer is "happy," make
a part of the adventure. (If you don't, indignant players sure that the change isn't unbalancing. 1f the answer
will get very, very angry.) is "unhappy," make sure thac the change is worth it.)
Deal with the Problem Out-of-Game: "Out-of- Often, players want to help redesign rules. This can be
game" means something that happens in the real world, important, since the game exists for the enjoyment of
but has an impact on the game itself. An out-of-game so- all its participants, and creative p layers can often find
lution to the problem described in the last paragraph ways to fine-tune a rule. Be receptive to player con-
would be to take the player aside between sessions and ex- cern s about mechanics. At the same time, however, be
plain that the game has become unbalanced because of wary of players who intentionally or unintentionally
her hero and that things need to change or the game may want to change the rules just for their own benefit. The
fall apart. A reasonable person will see the value in con- Wheel of Time game system is flexible, but it's also
tinuing che game, and she'll work with you either in-game meant to be a balanced game. Players may express a de-
(perhaps donating a too-powerful icem to an appropriate sire to have the rules always work in their favor, but the
allied organization) or out-of-game (perhaps by erasing reality is that if there were no challenges for the play-
the unbalancing power from her hero sheet and just pre- ers, the game would quickly grow dull. Resist the temp-
tending it was never there). Be warned, however, that not tation to change the rules just to please your players.
every gamer is reasonable. Many will hate this level of in- Make sure that a change genuinely improves your
trusion on your part and resent giving up a great ability campaign for everybody.
or item their hero "earned." Even if they don't tell you to
forget it, they'll begrudge the loss. What's worse, after an
unfortunate exchange of this type, it will seem obvious
ADDITIONS TO THE GAME: As GM, you get
to make up your own weaves, weapons, NPCs, and
and contrived if you try to balance things with an in-
creatures! Your campaign might have a real need for
game solution.
weaves that hearken back to the Age of Legends and
the War of Power, or intricate feats that simulate the
deadly but precise dance of an accomplished blade-
CHANGING THE master. Adding new elements to the game can be an
RULES entertain ing and rewarding experience; if done well,
such additions enhance the players' immersion in the
Beyond simply adjudicating, sometimes you are going to
world.
want to change things. That's okay. However, it's a chal-
On the downside, an addition to the game can spoil
lenge for a GM with only a little experience.
game balance. Maintaining balance is an important GM
responsibility. Most unbalancing factors are actually
ALTERJNG THE WAY THINGS WORK: Every hasty or ill-considered GM creations. Don't let that hap-
rule you see in this book was written for a reason. Thar pen to you.
does not mean that you can't change a rule for your own One way to judge whether a new skill, feat, or other
game. Perhaps your players don't Like cbe way initiative is option is balanced is to ask, "Ifl add this to the game, is
determined, or you find that the rules for learning new it so good that everyone will want to take it?" At the same
feats are too limiting. Rules that you change for your own time, ask, "Is this so limited that no one will be inter-
game are called house rnles. Given the creativity of ested?" Keep in mind that it's easier and more tempting
gamers, almost every can1paign develops its own house to create something that's too good rather than not good
rules in time. enough. Be careful.
The ability to use the mechanics as you wish is para-
mount to the way roleplaying games work-providing a
framework for you and the players to create a campaign.
MAKING MISTAKES: A new weave that allows the
heroes to move through walls unhindered, giving them
Still, changing the way the game does something
easy access to all sorts of places you do not want them to
shouldn't be taken lightly. You should always try to pic-
go (at least without great effort) is a mistake. A weapon
ture the implications for making changes before you
that automatically kills multiple foes with no attack roll
make the change.
or saving throw is a mistake. A new race with +4 Dexter-
Consider the following when you are changing a rule:
ity and +4 Intelligence bonuses is a mistake.
Usually, the mistakes that creep into a campaign • You run the hero as though he or she were a NPC.
are those that seem innocuous at first. But when This might actually be the best solution, but don't
t hings get unbalanced, you either need to fix them in- do it if running a hero and running the game at the
game or out-of-game, d epending on the situation. Un- same time is too much for you and hurts the whole
balanced hero abilities or items are best handled session.
in-game, but rules changes can only be handled out- • The hero, like the player, can't be present for this ad-
of-game. Sometimes it's best for you to admit to the venture. This only works in certain in-game situa-
players that you made a mistake, explaining that it tions, but if it makes sense for the hero to be absent,
needs to be fixed in order to keep the game fun, bal- that's a handy way to take him or her out of the ac-
anced, and running smoothly. The more reasonable tion for a game session. Ideally, the reason for the
you are, the more understanding your players are hero's absence is one that allows him or her to jump
li kely to be. back in with a minimum of fuss when the player is
available again. (The hero may have some other com-
mitment in the game world, for instance.)
RUNNING A GAME • The hero fades into the background fo r this session.
This is probably the least desirable solution, because
SESSION it strains everyone's suspension of disbelief.
After everything is prepared, and everyone sits down at
the table, you're on. It's your show. Here are some things Recognize that players come and go. Someone moves
you should consider, at the table and before you ever get away, another's regular life becomes busier, and yet an-
there, to help make the game run as smoothly as possible. other grows tired of the game. They'll quit. At the same
time, new players will want to join. Make sure to always
keep the group a size that you're comfortable with. The
KNOWING THE PLAYERS: Normally, but not al- normal-sized group is probably around four players (with
ways, the GM is in charge of inviting players to play in
the GM as the .fifth). However, some groups are as small
his or her game. If this is the case, it's your responsibil-
as two, and others as large as eight or even more. (Very
ity to know and understand each of these people well
large groups sometime use a GM assistant who helps
enough that you can be reasonably sure that they'll all
manage player actions, rules referencing, and characters
get along, work well together, and enjoy the sort of game
to help the GM keep things from getting bogged down.)
you run.
You can also play the game one-on-one, with just one
A lot of this has to do with playing style. Ultimately,
player and one GM, but that's a very different sort of play
you have to know the kind of game your players want to
experience.
play. With players new to the game or a newly formed
If you can, ti)' to find out from the players how long
group, this may take a while to define. Recognize that
they're interested in playing. Try to get a modest com-
while you're in charge, it's really everybody's game. The
mitment from them to show up on a regular basis during
players are all there, coming back session after session,
that time.
because they trnst that you'll help them have a fun and
rewarding experience.
Integrating New Players: When someone new
joins the campaign, his or her hero needs to be inte-
TABLE RULES: One thing that will help everyone, grated into the game. At the same time, the player needs
players and GM alike, to all get along will be establishing to be integrated into the group. Make sure that a new
a set of rules- rules that have nothing to do with the ac- player knows the house rules and table rules, as well as
tual game but that govern what happens with the people the game rules.
around the table.
The following are some "table rules" issues you'll Dice Conventions: When someone makes a roll
need to deal with eventually. It's best to come up with the and the die lands on the floor, do you reroll it or use the
answers before you start a regular campaign. You can es- die as it lies? What do you do with a die that lands
tablish these yourself, or you can work them out with "cocked" against a bo.ok? Are players required to make all
your players. die rolls where the GM can see them? There a.re no right
or wrong answers to these questions, but deciding your
No-Show Players : Sometimes a regular player can't group's answers ahead of time will save you from argi1-
show up for a game session. The GM and group are faced ments later.
with the question of what to do with his or her hero.
There are several possibilities: Rules Discussions: It's probably best if players
don't question your rulings or established rules, propose
• Someone dse runs that hero for the session (and th us new house rules, or conduct discussions on other aspects
runs two heroes at once). This is easiest on you, but of the game (aside from what's immediately at hand) dur-
sometimes the fill-in player resents the task or the re- ing the game itself Such matters are best addressed at the
placed player is unhappy with what happens to the beginning or end of the session.
hero in his or her absence.
192
Jokes and Off-Topic Discussions: There are al- him next time. Don't play the game with someone that
ways funny things to be said, movie quotes, good gossip, you wouldn't enjoy spending time with in another social
and other conversations that crop up during the game, setting.
whether they're inspired by what's going on in the session Decide how many players you want in your game and
or completely extraneous. Decide for yourself (and as a stick with it. If someone leaves, try to get a new p layer. If
group) how much is too much. Remember that this is a someone new wants to join an already full group, resist
game and people are there to have fun, yet at the same the urge to let him or her in unless you're sure you can
tinJe keep the focus on the action of the heroes so the handle the increased number of players. If there are too
whole session doesn' t pass many players, consider divid-
in id le chat. ing them into two groups that
play at different times. If there
are too few, you might want to
WORKING WITH recruit more or have each
THE PLAYERS: Two
player play more than one
players want the same new-
hero. (It's good to have at least
fo und item. Each thinks his
four heroes in a standard
character can use it best or
party.) Remember that the
deserves it for what he's
more players around the table,
done. If the players can't
the harder it will be for you to
find a way to decide who
keep track of everyone. Each
gets it, you will have to ar-
individual player gets less time
bitrate or impose a solu-
for his or her hero's actions.
tion. Or, worse, one player
If one player dominates the
is angry with another player
game and monopolizes your
for something that hap-
time with her hero's actions,
pened earlier that day out-
the other players will quickly
side the game, so now his
grow dissatisfied. Make sure
hero tries to harass or even
everyone gets his or her turn.
kill the other p layer's hero.
Also, make sure ead1 player
The GM shouldn't sit back
gets to make his or her own
and let this happen. It's up
decisions. Overeager or over-
to you to step in and help
bearing players sometimes tty
resolve conflicts like that.
to tell the others what to do.
As GM, you're both a mas-
If one player insists on con-
ter of ceremonies and an
trolling everything, talk to
umpire during the game.
her outside the game session
Talk with the arguing play-
and explain that her actions
ers together or separately
are making things less fun for
outside t11e game session
everyone.
and try to resolve the con· Whitecioak ff)_gestio11e1·
flict. Make it clear as nicely as you can that you can't let
anyone's arguments ruin the game for the other players, METAGAME THINKING: "There must be a secret
and you won't tolerate real-world hard feelings affecting door in this room somewhere," a player says to the oth-
the way heroes with.in the game react to each other. ers, "because the GM would never put us in a position
Another case is when a player gets really mad when like this without an escape route." That's metagame
you rule against her. Again, be firm but kind in telling her thinking. Any time the players base hero actions on logic
that you try your best to be fai.r. You can't have angry out- that depends on the fact that they're playing a game,
bursts spoiling everyone else's fun. Settle the matter out- they're "metagaming." This should always be discour-
side the game session. Listen to the player's complaints, aged, because it detracts from real roleplaying and spoils
but remember that you're the final arbiter. By agreeing to the suspension of disbelief.
play in your game, that player has also agreed to accept Surprise your players by foiling this mode of think-
your decisions as GM. (See When Bad Things Happen to ing. Maybe there was once a secret door here, but now it's
Good Heroes, later in this chapter.) blocked up by the Black Ajah sisters the heroes have been
Sometimes one player's actions ruin the fun for every- pursuing. Perhaps the Aes Sedai warded it. Maybe the real
one. An obnoxious, irresponsible, troublemaking player escape route involves the small window high on the west
can make the game really unpleasant. Sometimes he gets wall. Keep your players on their toes, and don't let them
others' heroes killed because of his actions. Other times second-guess you. Tell th em to think in terms of the game
he stops the game with arguments, tantrums, or off-topic world, not of you as the GM. In the game world, some-
conversations. Still other times he might keep everyone one secured this room for a purpose. Figure out the hows
from playing by being late or not showing up at all. Ulti- and whys for what they have done. The heroes will ueed
mately, you should get rid of this player. Just don't invite to do the same.
In short, where possible, encourage the players to em- don't. Because of this, if you' re aware of what the group
ploy in-game logic. Confronted with the situation given likes and what entices them, you're the best judge
ab.ove, an appropriate response from a clever hero is "There whether they will like and partake in a particular en-
ought to be some sort of secret entrance, because the sisters counter or adventure.
wouldn't want everyone in the Tower to know their evety For example, a GM might find that the lure of treas-
coming and going." In fact, this is wonderful- it shows ure motivates the heroes in her group to action. ln order
smart thinking as well as verisimilitude in the game world. to get them involved in the adventure she's designed, she
knows there's got to be some tangible reward involved,
and the heroes need to know about it ahead of time. An-
KNOWING THE HEROES: One advantage that other group, however, might be interested in epic deeds.
you as Gamemaster always have over a writer designing
They don't care about money, but if they hear that the
an adventure is that you know your p layers. You know
Dragon Reborn needs aid in his battle against the Dark
what they like, what they're likely to do, what their capa-
One, they're off in a flash to help him fulfill his destiny.
bilities are, and what's going on in your campaign right
Nothing's more fmstrating for a GM than to create an
now. That's why, even when you use a published adven-
adventure and provide the heroes with the hook that will
ture, you'll want to work to ensure those factors get inte-
bring them into the action, only to have them ignore or
grated into your campaign properly.
even consciously reject it. No one wants to see his or her
A good GM always knows the following about the he-
adventure go unplayed. Know what interests and moti-
roes in his or her game.
vates the group, and you'll be able to avoid this disheart-
ening possibility.
The Heroes' Basic Statistics: This includes
class, bad<ground, and level, as well as current hit
points, saves, attack bonuses, and special abilities. You
What's Going on in the Campaign?: This is an
easy one. Since you're managing the events in the game,
should be able to look at an opponent's hit points, De-
you need to keep track of what's going on anyway. In this
fense, and special attacks and defenses, and judge
case .it's important to always know what the heroes are
whether an encounter is a fitting challenge. Compare,
doing and a little about their plans. If rhey want to leave
for example, the opponent's Defense with the attack
Caemlyn and head to Tar Valon to find one of the he-
bonuses of the heroes in the group, particularly the roes' old mentors, you need to keep that in mind when
armsmen. When you figure average rolls, can the arms-
preparing that session's adventure and planning ahead to
men hit their opponents? Do they need above-average
future sessions.
rolls) (If so, then the challenge will be great.) Do they
Keep an up-to-date record of everything that's going
need a natural 20? (If so, then the challenge is almost
on in the game. A timeline can help you keep track of
certainly too difficult.)
when events happened in relation to each other (especially
Examine the attack b.onus of the opponent. Look at
handy in the case of monitoring the activities of recurring
the damage it can deal. When you compare this with the
villains), and how the events in your campaign relate to
Defense and hit points of the heroes, will the opponent
those chronicled in the novels. Above all, make sure you
be able to hit or seriously damage the heroes? Will it al-
always have a good grasp of characters' names (particularly
most certainly kill one? If the opponent's attad< bonus
ones you're forced to make up in the middle of the game)
added to a typical d20 roll hits the hero's Defense, and
so that the Aes Sedai's name doesn' t change abruptly from
the average damage dealt is more than the hero's total hit
session to session. And, of course, you should remember
points, the opponent will kill the hero. When you look at
what the heroes have accomplished, where they have
the sav.ing throw DCs of the opponent's special attacks,
been, enemies they have made, and so on.
are the heroes likely to successfully resist the attack? Will
it be very easy or extremely difficult? These sorts of ques-
tions and analyses allow you to judge opponents, en- KNOWING mE ADVENTURE AND 0rHER
counters, and adventures and determine whether they are MATERIALS: You're running the game, so you have
appropriate for your group. to know everything. Well, maybe not everything, but cer·
Keep an up-to-dare record of all the heroes, their abil- tainly enough to keep things moving. That means if you
ities, weaves, hit points, Defense, etc. One way to do this know the heroes want to head into the Aiel Waste, it's
is to require the players to give you a new copy of their helpful to do research in advance. You could look into
hero sheets whenever they change. This is helpful to you how desert travel affects their movement, what it's like to
for balancing encounters and monitoring resource deple- be in tl1e desert (possibly tluough some research into an
tion during play. It's also very handy if a player can't encyclopedia or travel book), and other considerations
make it to a session, enabling you to simply hand the (water needs, survival gear, desert encounters, etc.).
sheet to whoever is running the hero for that session. More to the point, however, you want to prepare as
much as you can for the adventure ahead of time. Figure
The Players' Likes and Dislikes: Some groups out what happens when, the layout of the area (both the
hate political intrigue and avoid it, preferring to charge large-scale landscape and individual encounter areas),
into action instead. Other groups are more likely to run what the heroes encounter if they go to a particular area,
from a serious combat challenge . Some groups like ad· how NPCs encountered will react, the events likely to
ventures with lots of ter'angreal and channeling. Some happen (such as a conversation or a fight), and more.
When running a published adventure, this often SEITING THE STAGE: Ir's worth stating again:
amounts to reading the material carefully and making Once the game starts, it's all up to you. The players are
noces where you need them. Useful things co note might likely to take their cues from you on how to act and react.
include any or all of the following: If you handle the game seriously, they'll more likely to
take it seriously. If you come across with a more relaxed,
• Page numbers for rules you know you'll need for a lighthearted tone, they will crack a few jokes and make
given encounter. side comments of their own. You make the game the way
• Changes needed to make the adventure fit into your you want [t to be.
campaign.
• Changes you want to make just to please your tastes Recapping: "Last time, you had just discovered these-
or those of your group. cret forest entrance to the old catacombs beneath Lord
• Preplanned actions you want the heroes to take in a Almanes's estate. We ended the game with you in a
given encounter (ambushes, combat sequences, im- nearby copse of trees overlooking the entrance. Eben had
passioned speeches, and so forth}. suffered a terrible wound while fighting the Trolloc
• Reminders to yourself on rules, adventure strncture, guards. Hemar wanted to go straight to the entrance and
events that might occur, or the consequences of cer- finish the battle, but the rest of you talked him into help-
tain actions. ing you frnd a suitable place to watch and plan. What do
you want to do?"
If you design an adventure on your own, your prepara- In the middle of an ongoing campaign, recapping ac-
tion requires (obviously) a lot more time. This prepara- tivity &om the previous session (or sessions) at the start
tion might include any or all of the following: of a new session often helps establish the mood and re-
minds everyone what was going on. In most games, he-
• Maps of the area (large scale) and of specific smaller roes continue what they're doing from day to day (or
areas where encounters are likely to occur. These can even hour to hour), but players (in the real world) have a
be as simple and sketchy or as detailed as you like. week of real time between game sessions. Some players
• A key to the map or maps detailing special areas and find this frustrating. They might forget important details
what might be encountered there, including foes, al- that will affect their decisions if they don't get reminders.
lies, environmental situations, and possibly even writ- Of course, that means that you, as the GM, need to
ten descriptions of what the heroes see, hear, and keep notes of what happens so you don't forget either. At
experience upon entering an area. the very least, jot down a few sentences about what's going
• N PC listings that include their statistics and notes on on at the end of each game session. Leave your notes where
their potential reactions. you can find them right away at the beginning of the next
• Bookmarks or notes listing page numbers for rules session. You'll probably find that, as the GM, you tend to
that might need to be referenced. think about the game between sessions more than the
• Notes on the overall story or plot of the adventure if other players do, and thus you'll remember more details.
it's complex. You'll quickly get to the point where you won't forget what
• Statistics for any new opponents you're introducing. happened in past sessions, especially if the adventures
you're currently working on buiJd off those events.
This can amount to a lot of work. Not every adventure is
going to require reams of notes in order to p lay. It varies Describing: Remember that while good description is
from adventure to adventure and even from GM to GM. a must for informing players, mood is as important as
Not every GM likes to prepare detailed notes ahead of scene. Emotion is as important as sensory data. Tell the
time. Some have more fun if they just "wing it." And players how everything feels. If they have a question, an-
sometimes a GM would like to be better prepared, but swer it. If their heroes don't know the answer, ask them
there just isn't time. Find the style of Gamemastering that how they're going to go about finding out.
suits you best. When only one hero experiences something, take that
player aside and describe it to him or her. If the hero's a
scout sent ahead, she'll have to come back and report in
KNOWING THE RULES: If you know that the
her own words what she saw. The other players will then
channeling rules will be needed to play out the battle be-
have to see it through her eyes, based on what she
tween the heroes and the sisters of the Black Ajah they've
chooses to tell them. Of course, it's okay to describe one
been fo llowing, review those mles before playing. When
hero's experience, particularly when it centers on minor
lesser-known rules come into play in the course of the ad-
details that can quickly be relayed to the other heroes in
venture, it slows things down if you have to read them in
front of the whole group.
the middle of a game. Looking over commonly used
Such minor detajJs are not inconsequential enough to
rules-such as descriptions for feats you know heroes or
ignore or forget. Don't only describe the important
NPCs use, or even the basic combat rules-before a game
things, or the players will quickly catch on. The very act
session is always a good idea.
of you describing something can give them clues of its
When a player has a rules question, you should be the
importance. Throw in a few trifling details here and there
one best able to answer it. Mastery of the rules is one rea-
for flavor, as well as to keep them guessing.
son why the GM is sometimes called the referee.
195
. Don't prompt their actions. Don't say, "Do you look Handling Hero Actions: When a player tells you
m the alcove?" At most, say, "Where do you look?" what her hero does, give her the result of that action as
Prompting can give away too much. quickly as possible. Once in a while, it adds tension to
leave a player hanging, but that's the exception, not the
SEITING THE PACE: The pace of the game deter- rule. If a hero wants to do something not covered in the
rules, ~o your best to extrapolate from the existing rules
mi~es how much time you spend on a given activity or
to decide how best to handle the unusual situation (see
acuon taken by the characters. Different players enjoy dif-
Adjudicating earlier in this chapter).
ferent paces. Some search every room, but some learn it's
Enc~urage the players to keep things moving. Taking
no~ worth the game time. Some roleplay every encounter,
while some want to skip on to the "good bits." a long time to decide what to do can slow things down.
Do your best to please the group, but when in doubt, A player who pauses too long when it's his tum slows
keep things moving. Don't feel that it's necessary to play down the game for everyone. Give him a time limit (such
as 30 seconds) when necessary.
ou.t rest periods,. replenishing supplies, or carrying out
daily tasks. Sometimes that level of detail is an opportunity The .mos~ important thing to remember regarding
to develop heroes, but most of the time it's unimportant. hero act10ns 1s that each player controls his or her own
hero. Don't force them to take actions (unless they're
You should decide ahead of time, if possible, how
long the playing session will last. This not only allows somehow compelled). Don't tell a player bow his or her
everyone to mal<e plans around the game, but also en- hero. feels about things. Even if an NPC with a high
Charisma attempts to persuade a hero no mere die roll
ab.les you to j~dge about how much time is left and pace
should force a hero's action. (It can, ho~ever, foil a Sense
thmgs accordingly. You should always end a session at a
~otive check). When running an NPC, feel free to lie,
good stoppi.ng point (see Ending Things, below). Three to
tnck, cajole, or malign a hero, but don't use your GM au-
four hours 1s a good length for an evening game. Some
thority to usurp character control from a player.
people like to play longer sessions, usually on a weekend.
~~en if you normally play for shorter periods, sometimes
1t s fun to run a longer "marathon" session. H~dling NPC Actions: In The Wheel of Time Role-
playmg Game, players portray heroic characters. The GM
controls all the non player characters (NPCs) they encounter.
Referencing Rules: Try to look at the rules as little
as possible during a game. While the rules are there to NonnaUy, NPCs should obey the same rules as heroes. Oc-
casionally, you might want to fudge the rules for them one
help you, paging through the book can slow things down.
way or another (see below), but in general, they should live
Look when necessary (and mark things you'll need to
and die-fail and succeed-by the dice, just like -heroes.
refer to again with a bookmark), but recall a rule from
mem~ry when you can. Even if you're wrong in your rec-
Be as quick as-or even quicker than-your players when
ollection, the game keeps moving. you .decide what their opponents will do. To keep things
i:iovmg, be ready ahead of time. Since you knew ahead of
ume that the encounter was coming, you can prepare for it
~slcing Q!ie~tions : Don't be afraid to stop and ask
better chan the players can. If you like, you can jot down
1mport~nt questions: If the players seem bored, ask if they
NPC strategies right alongside their game statistics.
would like you to skip ahead or pick up the pace. If you're
Also remember that NPCs are not just cardboard cut-
unsure how they want to handle a situation, ask.
outs. Don't let it be obvious that a particu lar character is
And make sure you ask what their goals are, both short
"just an NPC," so that he or she isn't as stnart or impor-
term and long term. The amwers to these questions help
tant as a hero. While that might be true, it shouldn't seem
you prepare adventures and encounters for next time. Re-
member that some players might want to keep their he- to be true. In order to make the game world seem real, the
people who populate it should act real.
roes' ~oals a secret from other heroes in the group, so it's
somet1m~s best to ask the players individually, outside the
play session or at least away from the table. DETERMINING OUTCOMES: You're the final ar-
biter of everything that happens in the game. Period.
Taking Breaks: When you finish up a lengthy com-
bat or a tension-filled scene, take a break. Particularly in Rolling Dice: Some rolls, when seen by a player, tell
long playing sessions, establish a few breaks for food too much. A character who rolls to spot an ambush, and
drinks, trips to the bathroom, or just a little time to relax'. sees that she has rolled very poorly, knows that the infor-
During ~his time, you can take your mind off things for m~tion you give her as a result of the roll is probably un-
~ few mmutes, or you can begin to prepare for the com- reliable. ("Nope. Nothing jumps our at you down that
mg encounter. way, so far as you can tell.") The game becomes much
n:ore interesting when a hero trying to hide or move
silently doesn't know whether she's succeeded.
PROVIDING THE ACTION: The players look to
you, the GM, for news of what's going on in the world In cases where the player shouldn't know the die result,
make the roll yourself, with the dice behind a screen or
around their heroes, as weU as for answers to what hap-
o~erwise out of sight. While this takes the fun of rolling
pens when their heroes take actions. You've got to pro-
vide all the answers. dice out of the hands of the players (and let's face it that
rea lly is a part of the fun of the game), it helps mai~tain
control over what the player knows and doesn't know.
Consider m aking the following checks for the player STACKING BONUSES
where he or she can't see the result:
Many skills, feats, character
abilities, weaves, and even
Bluff
ter'angreal provide bonuses
Diplomacy
(or penalties) on attack rolls,
Disable Device
Defense, damage rolls, saving
Disguise
throws, and the like. There
Hide
are various kinds of bonuses:
Listen
lo general, those with differ-
Move Silently
ent names can "stack" together to improve a
Search
given number, but those with the same name do
Spot
not-ify ou receive two bonuses with the same
name, you get the higher of the two, not the total.
Do this on a case-by-case basis. When possible, always let
Here is a summary of the most common sorts of
players make the rolJs themselves. When it would increase.
bonuses.
suspense to keep them in the dark, roll the dice yourself.
Armor: Manufactured armor provides an armor
bonus. Armor bonuses from a suit of armor and a
DCs, Defense, and Saving Throws: Don't tell a shield stack.
player what he needs to roll to succeed. Don't tell him what
Circumstance: A bonus or penalty based on sit-
all the modifiers are to the roll. Instead, tell the players that
uational factors, which may apply either to a check
keeping crack of all those things is your job. Then, when
or the DC for that check. Circumstance modifiers
they roll the dice, tell them whether they succeed or fail.
stack with each other unless they arise from essen-
This is important so that players foc us on what their
tially the same circumstance. Example: a Warder's
heroes are doing, not on the numbers. It's also a way to
cloak.
hide the occasional GM cheat (see below).
Competence: A character with a competence
bonus actually gets better at what she's doing. Ex-
GM Cheating and Player Perceptions: Terrible ample: a gleeman's inspire competence ability.
things can happen in the game because the dice just go Dodge: This enhances a character's ability to
awry. Everything might be going fine, when suddenly the get out of the way quickly. Dodge bonuses stack.
players have a run of bad luck. A round later, half the he- Example: Dodge feat.
roes are down for the count and the other half almost cer- Enhancement: An enhancement bonus repre-
tainly can't take on the foes that remain. If everyone dies, sents an increase in the strength or effectiveness of
the campaign might very welJ end then and there, and a character's weapon, as with a + 1 Power-wrought
that's bad for everyone. Should you stand by and watch blade, or a general bonus to an ability score, such
them get slaughtered? Or should you "cheat" and have as a torm's Strength and Constitution increase
the foes run off, or fudge the die rolls so that the heroes when frenzied.
still miraculously win in the end? There are really two is- Morale: A morale bonus repres ents the effects
sues at hand. of greater hope, courage, and determination. Ex-
Do you cheat? The answer: GMs rea lly can' t cheat. ample: a gleeman's inspire courage ability.
You're the umpire, and what you say goes. As such, it's Natural Armor: This is the type of bonus many
certainly within your right to sway things one way or an- creatures get to their Defense due to tough and
other to keep people happy or keep things running scaly hides or unnatural anatomy.
smoothly. It's no fun losing a long-term hero because he Racial: Some beings are particularly good at a
fel l down a flight of stairs. A good rule of thumb is that skill and receive a racial bonus on checks using
a hero shouldn't die in a minor way by some fl uke of the that skill. Example: a to'raken's +8 racial bonus on
dice unless he or she was doing something really stupid at Climb and Spot checks.
the time. Resistance: A resistance bonus is a general
However, you might not feel that it's right or even fu n bonus against weaves or harm, usually applied to
unless you obey the same rules the players do. Sometimes saving th.rows.
the heroes get lud-y and kill an NPC you had planned to Synergy: A bonus resulting from an unusually
have around for a long time. By the same token, some- beneficial interaction between two related skills,
times things go against the heroes and disaster befalls such as Handle Animal and Ride.
them. Both the GM and players take the bad with the
good. That's a perfectly acceptable way to play, and if
there's a default method of running a game, that's it. players in on this decision. It's important to the game
Just as important an issue, however, is whether the that they believe they're always in danger. Consciously
players realize that you bend the rules. Even if you de- or subconsciously, if they believe you'll never let bad
cide that sometimes it's okay to fudge a little to let the things happen to their heroes, they'll change the way
heroes survive so the game can continue, don't let the they act. With no element of risk, victory will seem less
197
sweet. And if thereafter something bad does happen to a ENDING THINGS: Try not to end a game session in
hero, the player may believe you're our to get him. If he the middle of an encounter. Leaving everything hanging
feels you saved other players when they were in trouble, in the midst of combat is a terrible way to end a session.
he might become disaffected with the game. It's difficult co keep track of things such as initiative
order, weaves being held, and other round-by-round de-
When Bad Things Happen to Good Heroes: tails between sessions. The only exception to this is end-
Heroes suffer setbacks, lose prized equipment, and some- ing with a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger ending is one in
times even die. It's all part of the game, almost as much which things end just as something monumental hap-
pens or some surprising tum of events occurs. The pur-
pose is keeping players intrigued and excited until the
next session.
GM ADVICE: SAVE OR CHECK? If someone was missing from that session, and you
had his hero leave for a while, make sure that there's a
A character slips and falls. way to work his hero back in next time. Sometimes, even
He tries to catch himself on in a cliffhanger, this can work out well. The hero might
a ledge, while another char- come racing into the thick of things to help out his be-
acter reaches forward, at- leaguered friends and save the day.
tempting to catch him. Are Allow some time-a few minutes will do-at the end
these Reflex saves or Dexter- of the session to have everyone discuss what happened.
ity checks? Listen to their reactions and secretly learn more of what
The answer to the above they like and don't like. Reinforce what you thought
question is " both." The character attempting to were good decisions and smart actions on their part (un-
save himself makes a Reflex save. The character less such information gives too much away for the ad-
trying to grab him makes a Dexterity check. venture). Always end things positively.
Key Concept #1: Checks are used to accom- You may want to award experience points at the
plish something, while saves are used to avoid end of each session, or you might wait until the end of
something. each adventure. That's up to you. However, the stan-
Key Concept # 2: C hecks don' t always reflect dard approach gives them out at the end of each ad-
level. Saves always do. This is a subtle but impor- venture, so players whose heroes go up a level have
tant point. If something seems like it should be time between stories to choose new skills, feats, and
easier fo r a high-level character, use a saving the like.
th row. If it seems like the task should be the
sam e for an yone, just based on an ability, use a
check. For example, forcing open a door is
GAME SESSION CHECKLIST:
m erely a refl ection of strength. Thus, it's a
Strength check. The middle ground is a skill J. Set up the play area. Even if the game's not occurring
check, such as a Climb check to get back up from at your house, you should set up things so that you're
the ledge. A Climb check reflects level only if the happy with where you're sitting, where the players are sit-
character has ranks in the skill. ti ng, whether you've got enough room to lay out your
notes and books, and so forth. Make su re everyone can
hear and see you.
as success, gain ing levels, earning rewards, and attaining 2. Make sure everyone is familiar with his or her hero
greatness. But players don't always take it so well when <tnd the current situation.
something bad happens to their hero. 3. Get a volunteer to take notes.
Remind players that bad things happen some- 4. Describe the injtial scene.
times. Challenges are what the game's all about. Men- 5. Ask the players what their heroes do.
tion that setbacks are an opportunity to succeed later. 6. Run through all the events and encounters of the ad-
Reassure the player of the dead hero that there are venture (or that session's portion of the adventure), tak-
lots of opportunities for new hero types she hasn't ing a few breaks as needed.
tried yet. The dead hero's surviving allies will tell 7. Bring things to a good stopping point or a suitable
tales of their fallen comrade for years to come. The diflhanger.
game goes on. 8. End the session.
It's rare (but possible) that an entire group of heroes 9. Ask the players what they plan to do next time.
can be wiped out. ln such a case, don't let it end the 10. Award experience points. Alternatively, this can
whole game. Encourage the players to try new heroes, be done at the beginning of the next session, or once
perhaps of a class or background they haven't played be- every few St'ssions- see Awarding Experience, page
fore. Even that's not really so bad-in fact, jt's an oppor- 202.
tunity for a dramatic change of pace. This new group of
heroes might even be charged with retrieving the bodies
of the fallen for honorable burial.
HOW TO BUILD AN two of these encounters should be simple, with a similar
number of challenging encounters. No more than one ~~-
ADVENTURE counter in a short adventure should be extreme, and IL s
not necessary to have an extreme encounter at all. A typi-
An adventure is a collection of related encounters de- cal short adventure shouldn't allow significant resting peri-
signed to fit together, creating a cogent storyline for the ods; if it does, consideJ replacing one of the challenging
game. Some adven tures are only sho rt chapters in the encounters with an extreme encounter. Short adventures
campaign or interludes between long~r ad~entures. Oth- are ideal for a single 3-4 hour playing session. .
ers represent significant missions, while Slll l others form Medium adventures represent significant missions for
the backbone of the campaign. the heroes, but generally don't encompass large-scale
Don't confuse an adventure with a campaign! Each events. An example of a medium adventure would be the
adventure, regardless of its length, should have a clearly events leading up to and during the fall of the Stone of
defined goal. For short adventures, this goal may.be. ve:r Tear. Medium adventures typically have six to ten encoun-
simple: find the kidnapped daughter of a Calrh1enm ters. Half of the encounters
noble along the Borderlands . .--llJl!I-----~~~·~~---, in a medium adventure
and bring her back safely. should be challenging, with
Longer adventures may have the remainder being evenly
more complex goals, or even distributed between simple
~ multiple goals within the and extreme encounters. A
~ same adventu re. A campaign, medium adventure should
~ ;:: on the other hand, might not last two or three sessions.
·~ have a clear goal (particularly Long adventures usually
~ when it begins), but should involve significant, even epic
: :;_ have a t heme or context.
..;:: storylines. The journey to the
>:::! When Rand, Mat, and Perrin Eye of the World and recov-
first meet Moiraine and Lan ery of the artifacts there
in Emond's Field, they (and would be a long adventure.
their "players," in this model) Long adventures have twelve
bad no idea that the ultimate to fifteen encounters. Some-
end of th eir "campaign" times a long adventure may
would be the ultimate defeat actually be a collection of
of the Dark One and the sal- short adventures or "chap-
vation of the world. How- ters" allowing the tension to
ever, the Gamemaster of this build through two or three
"campaign" probably had a "climactic" encounters (which
good idea that rhese heroes should be extreme encoun-
would become involved with ters). As with a medium
the Aes Sedai during the adventure, the typical long
campaign (after all, their des- adventure should be about
tinies as powerful ta'veren de- 500/o challenging encounters,
manded it) and the Dark One with the remainder split be-
would be their primary oppo- tween simple and extreme
sition. (See How to Build a encounters. Depending on
Campaign, page 202.) Tteatha'an the characters' ability to recu-
For more detailed informa- perate between encounters, this remainder might be evenly
tion on building and running individual encounters in distributed between these two types or slanted toward one
your adventures, and on the classification of encounters, or the other. The long adventure will usually last four or
see Chapter 11: Encounters. more playing sessions.
Of course, these are only guidelines, and the adventures
BUILDING AN ADVENTURE: The Wheel of Time of your campaign may not fit neatly. into these ~atego~ies.
Rolep!aying Game categorizes adventures as short, Still, it's important to have clear startm? and endmg pomts
medium, or long. This describes the average nu mber of within the larger storyline of the campa ign, as these provide
encounters in the adventure, the number of typical 3-4 clear markers for the heroes' progress and accomplishments.
hour sessions required to run the adventure, and the av-
erage experience point award for the adventure (see WHAT MAKES AN ADVENTURE ExCITING?:
Awarding Experience, page 202). Creating a memorable adventure requires more than ju.st
Shore adventures usually bave a simple, straightforward an interesting plot or a grand finish. Remember that rn
goal, such as traveling overland from Cairhien to Rhuidean most cases the heroes won't be able to see the behind-the-
through the high passes of the Spine of the World. A short scenes ma~hinarions of the villain or the clever plot twists
adventure generally has three to five encounters. One or that occur in far-off council chambers. While you want
199
your adventures to feel like they could come from a novel, Worthy Adversaries: While it's all well and good for
you can't always rely on the same cricks that the writer the heroes to mow through a few ranks ofTrollocs or ban-
uses. Here are a few tricks ro help you keep your adven- dits during an adventure, this type of encounter grows
tures memorable and exciting. tiresome quickly. Be sure to include competent adversaries
for the heroes to encounter, whether as common enemies,
Intriguing Interactions: Too often, players (and archvillains, or even occasionaI foi ls. Villains and Ene-
Gamemasters) can see an adventure as little more than a mies, page 203, has details on how to mn such characters,
string of battles separated by "talking." This shortchanges but you also must make sure that the adversaries stack up
one of the most compelling parts of a roleplaying game: well against the heroes.
playing a role. In addition to creating interesting charac- An easy mistake is making an adversary too powerful,
ters (see Incorporate Interesting NPCs, page 203), the believing that the heroes will have it "too easy" unless
GM must treat these NPCs as more than just cardboard their opponent is anolher Lanfear. Not every opponent
props to be interacted with and then discarded. has to be one of the Forsaken. An intelligently played
In general, the Gamemaster runs an NPC just as a enemy can often seem much more powerful than he ap-
player would run a hero-you take whatever actions the pears on paper.
character would take, assuming tl1e action is possible. ln tl1e same vein, nothing is more disappointing than
That's why it's important to determine an NPC's general a climactic battle with a vilJain who turns out to have a
outlook and characteristics ahead of time if possible, so glass jaw. If you know that you r villain will face the char-
you know how to play Lhe character properly. acters in combat, make sure he can stand up to them (or
When an NPC is dealing with heroes, the GM deter- has plenty of assistance from underlings).
mines the NPC's attitude, and a hero may try to use
Charisma to influence this attitude, as described in Table Exciting Combats: One reason that many of the
10-2: Influencing NPC Attitude. battles in The Wheel of Time novels are so exciting is that
The GM should choose the attitude of NPCs based they tend to take place in interesting locations. From a
on circumstances. Most people met by the heroes are in- desperate combat fought across the sky at Toman Head to
different. Most guards are indifferent but suspicious be- a life-and-death grapple in an artifact-strewn square in an-
cause that's what's expected of them. It is possible to alter cient Rhuidean, these elements add twists to traditional
another's attitude with a Diplomacy check (or a Charisma combat scenes.
check if the hero doesn't have any ranks of Diplomacy). Wh.ile any combat can be exci ting, you should oc-
Roll the result and consult the appropriate initial attitude casionally have the heroes face opponents in a nontra-
line on Table 10-1. The closer to the middle someone is, ditional setting. Sometimes mounted combat (o r aerial
the easier it is to improve their attitude. {It doesn't take a mounted combat, in the case of the Seanchan) can pro-
roll, just the right words and deeds, to tum someone vide a change of pace. Dream settings can be interest-
more hostile.) Note that a low roll can make the NPC less ing as well. A short list of other suggestions appears
favorably inclined toward the hero. ln general, a hero below; for even more ideas, look to The \flheel of Time
cannot repeat attempts to influence someone. novels, other fantasy novels and games, as well as to
Note also that should it come up, an NPC can use The Environment in Chapter 11: Encounters.
thjs co influence another NPC. Heroes, however, can
never use this rule to influence hero attitudes-tl1e players Captivating Descriptions: The players rake ,111
always decide those. their cues from you. If you describe something incom-
pletely or poorly, the players have no chance of under-
Table 10- 1: Initial NPC Attitude standing what's going on in the game world. While this is
important alJ the time that you're running a game, it's
Attitude Means Possible Actions
crucial that you do it well during combats.
Hostile Will take risks to hurt you Attack, interfere, berate, flee
Your descriptions of each action that occurs, the lo-
Unfriendly Wishes you ill Mislead, gossip, avoid, watch
cation of aU important objects and participants, and
suspiciously, insult
the general environment are all crucial to the players'
Indifferent Doesn't much care Socially expected interaction
abilities to make intelligent decisions for their heroes.
Friendly Wishes you well Chat, advise, offer limited
Thus, you need to be clear about everything. Allow the
help, advocate
players to ask questions and answer them as concisely
Helpful Will take risks to help you Protect, back up, heal, aid
as you can. Refer to each NPC they meet distinctly. If
201
This means that you need to think about what various level, then divided by 4 for the number of heroes partic-
actions look like while they're happening. If you were all ipating). Jf the same group of characters completed a long
watching the combat in a movie, what would you see adventure, they would each receive 2,000 XP (base award
when a character swings a sword, channels the One 4,000 XP multiplied by 2 and divided by 4).
Power, or does something else that none of you have ever On average, four short adventures, two medium ad-
seen a real person do? Be dramatic, and describe the ac- ventures, or a single long adventure should provide
tion fully. Avoid explaining too much, however-that sufficient XP to advance a group of four characters one
slows down the flow of the action. Be consistent as well, level.
because your words are not just description, they're cues If the Gamemaster tinkers with the basic guidelines
that the players will use to make game decisions. If the for encounters set out in Chapter 11: Encounters, he may
last time someo.ne channeled oearby, you said the char- also wish to alter the base XP award for the adventure. For
acters could feel "a slight tingle in the air," use that de- instance, a short adventure that substituted challenging
scription (or that same kind of description) again, encounters for the simple encounters suggested might be
possibly involving a simple check. Eventually the players worth up to 500/o more than the listed value. If you fLI1d
will learn your verbal cues to channeling Gust like the av- yourself doing this very often, however, it probably
erage movie audience). Not only does that allow them to means that your adventures are too difficult or that
make good decisions based on your description, but it you're awarding too many XP.
also lends an air of consistency and believability to the
fictional world you are creating.
Some actions, along with a sample, short, verbal de-
O THER R EWARDS: ln addition to experience
points, there are many other kinds of rewards a GM can
scription, are given below.
include in an adventure.
Action Description
Charging "He lunges forward at full speed, eyes
Treasure: Depending on the style of your campaign
and the mentality of the heroes, acquiring treasure may
full of violence."
or may not make up a significant part of the game. No-
Total defense "She raises her weapon and watches
bles may need silver much more than characters finan-
your attacks closely, attempting to
cially supported by the White Tower or the Children of
parry each one."
the light. Even the most selfless hero occasionally needs
Covering with "He's got his longbow trained on that
a bit of extra cash to replace broken equipment or recu-
ranged weapon area, and he's obviously waiting for v
perate in a comfortable inn.
something."
Casting a weave "With a furrowed brow, she takes hold
of the True Source, using her great will
Equipment: Depending on the nature of the ad-
venture, the heroes may acquire m undane items or
and inner strength."
ter'angreal that they can keep after the adventure is
Delaying "'She's looking around, sizing up the
over. For instance, heroes who thwart a member of the
situation, and waiting co react."
Black Ajah might be able to keep several of the li:r'an-
greal they captured. The Gamemaster should take care
AWARDING EXPERIENCE: Experience points to ensure that this doesn't get out of band. After all,
measure a hero's accomplishments. They aUow a hero to The Wheel of Time novels are about heroism and epic
gain levels and therefore become more powerful. destiny, not looting.
The Gamemaster awards each hero experience points
(XP) at the conclusion of each adventure. This represents Ranks, Titles, or Honors: Politicians, military of-
the fact that the heroes have learned from their adventure ficers, and royalty often acknowledge the services of pow-
and (probably) have time to reflect on their experiences erful heroes by granting them ranks, honors, or titles.
and train in their skills. These awards sometimes come with gifts of money or
The number of XP awarded is based on the length of land, memberships in elite orders, or with medals, signet
the adventure and the average level of the heroes who rings, diadems, and other symbolic items.
participated. Tn each case, the base XP award is multiplied
by the average hero level, then divided between all the
heroes who participated. HOW TO BUILD A
Adventure Length Base XP Award
CAMPAIGN
Short 1,000 XP The tenn "campaign" refers to the ongoing game created
Medium 2,000 XP by the Gamemaster, a linked set of adventures or missions
Long 4,000 XP that follow the escapades of a group of heroes. A ca m-
paign might have a single ongoing storyline- such as the
overthrow of the Dark One-or several, shorter plots. The
For instance, a group of four 2nd-level heroes who com-
Wheel of Time novels represent an example of a huge cam-
pleted a short adventure would gain 500 XP apiece (base
paign with a single ongoing storyline. In this "campaign"
award 1,000 XP, multiplied by 2 for the heroes' average
we follow the adventures of a central group of heroes-a
group that changes slightly over time as individual heroes rest of the world doesn't know the heroes are in fact ex-
come and go-who generally work together to accomplish ceptional individuals. It either treats them no differently
their goals. than anyone else, gives them no special breaks (or special
Building a good Wheel of Time campaign is more than penalties), or gives them no special attention whatsoever.
just stringing together a bunch of adventures, though. The heroes have to rely on their own actions. If they are
The guidelines below should help the Gamemaster create wise and kind, they make friends and garner respect. If
a rich, immersive campaign that is fun for both her and they are foolish or unruly, they make enemies and earn
the players. the enmity of all.
As you run your campaign, you need to portray all
sorts of characters. Use the following tips for creating and
CREATE A CONTEXT: Before any other campaign-
controlling interesting NPCs.
building task, you should decide the context in which the
players can place (and play) their heroes. Wh ile this con-
text doesn't have to be obvious to the players al the be-
Villains and Enemies: Villains and enemies pro-
vide an outlet for play that is unique to being a GM. Run-
ginning of the campaign (and indeed can change as play
ning the foes of the heroes is one of your main tasks, and
goes on), it greatly helps the Gamemaster in designing ad-
one of the most fun responsibilities. When creating ene-
ventures and goals for the game.
mies for the heroes, keep the following in mind:
Of course, this context will vary dramatically based
Plausible Villains: Flesh enemies out. Give a fair
on when and where you've chosen to set your campaign.
amount of thought toward why enemies are doing what
A plotline appropriate to heroes adventuring after the
they do, why they are where they are, and how they inter-
Dragon has been reborn may well be out of place in the
act with all things around them. If you think of' them as
days of the Aiel War. A variety of concext options exist for
just bad guys for the heroes to kill, so will your players.
The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game, a few of which are
Intelligence: Bad guys don't have to be stupid. Make
listed below:
the enemies as smart as they reaUy would be-no more, no
less. An average Tairen High Lord might not be the best
• Dragonswom plotting the overthrow of a nation strategist, but Borderlanders are cunning tacticians and
• Friends of the Dark plotting the defeat of the Dragon usually have schemes and contingency plans.
Reborn and preparing for the Day of Return Don't Be Afraid to Make Them Evil: Evil is evil.
• Loyal followers and companions of the Dragon Re- Don't hesitate to make the villains truly nasty. Betrayal,
born preparing the world for Tarmon Gai'don devious lies, and hideous acts all make them more re-
• Envoys of the White Tower searching for evidence of warding to defeat. In Jordan's world, this facet of villains
the Black Ajah often takes care of itself, since many serve the Dark One
• Nobles attempting to foster peace and cooperation and are thoroughly corrupt.
throughout the world in preparation for Tarmon Evil Is Not All-Pervasive: Not all foes are evil. Some-
Gai'don times even well-meaning Nl'Cs might oppose whatever
• Represenratives of the Lord Dragon charged with the heroes are doing, since not all good people agree on
hunting Darkfriends everything. Sometimes it's interesting to face an oppo-
• Children of the Light charged with hunting Dragonswom nent whom you don't want to (or just can't) kill outright.
• Private merchants looking to gain wealth and influence Special Situation-The Prisoner Dilemma: What should
• Members of a mercenary company willing to work for the heroes do with enemy prisoners? If a foe surrenders,
the highest bidder the players immediately face a quandary. Do they spare
• Fanatics preaching the coming of their messiah the lives of their evil foes or put them to the sword?
(whether Dragon, Coramoor, or Car'a'cam) far and What's the greater wrong; killing something evil or let-
wide ting it live to commit more evil acts? In some campaigns
or locales in a campaign world, bounties are paid for liv-
ing prisoners. The prisoners' friends can also offer ran-
INCORPORATE INTERESTING NPCs: It's soms to get them back alive. These two facts can help
your job to portray everyone in the world who isn't one
players decide what to do. You might also give some in-
of the heroes. These people are all your characters, run-
dication, usually through other allied characters, what
ning the gamut from the feisty young princess who ran
the accepted course of action is, at least for the nation or
away from home to fo!Iow the heroes on their adventures
region where the heroes are adventuring. Although you
to the foul Black Ajah sisters out to destroy or enslave the
should play NPCs as appropriately as you can, don't
Dragon Reborn. The vast majority of folk don't care
make the players face a prisoner dilemma unless you're
about the heroes unless the heroes have established sig-
sure it's necessary.
nificant reputations for themselves (see Reputation in
Chapter 6: Heroic Characteristics).
Most people go about their own lives, oblivious to
Villains: The diabolical Darkfriend, the insane Child
of the Light, the corrupt city governor, the infamous
the actions of' the heroes and the events around them.
thief-taker, the scheming crime lord-the possibilities for
Common people whom the heroes meet in a town won't
intelligent villains are endless. They make for some of the
notice them as being different from anyone else unless
most memorable and hated foes. A well-played villain
the heroes do something to draw attention. ln short, the
203
can become a recurring character who is a constant thorn velop some sort of ecology. A hundred forkhorn deer
in the side of the heroes. You can create a vilJajn who the might band together in one area, but a hw1dred grolm
p1ayers love to hate. never would unless an intelligent, outside force was com-
Tips for well-played villains include the following: pelling them to do so somehow. An intelligent, organiz-
Use Lackeys: Don't have the villain confront the he- ing force often helps to explain the p resence of creatures
roes herself unless you have to. Eventually they will want in numbers or locations that their natural inclinations
to take the fight to her, but she should use underlings, can't explain.
employees, bodyguards, and other lackeys to fight them Animals and low-intelligence creatures want to eat, be
for her whenever possible. The Forsaken, for example, use safe, and protect their young. They're not thrilled about
minions all the time. But don't deny the heroes the satis- competition for food, but only the most belligerent at-
faction of eventually having the opportunity to defeat tack for no other reason than that.
their foe. These creatures make great foes for heroes, since there
Be Sneaky and Resourceful: Use all available op- are few moral issues brought to bear by slaying a form or
tions to foil the heroes. If it's possible for a villain in your a raken. Thus, even though in the real world, humans are
campaign to have access to channeler minions or power- a poor choice of prey for most animals, assume that most
ful ter'angreal, don't overlook these options. If the villain predators in the campaign don't mind, or even prefer, to
is a noble, he can call in favors just as easily as a hero can. hunt and eat intelligent creatures, providing opportuni-
The basic idea to keep in mind is that for every ability the ties for heroes to fight them in your campaign.
heroes might have, a villain can counter it with the right
resource or ability.
Have an Escape Plan: Once the heroes have con-
BUILD ON CAMPAIGN EVENTS: Once you've
finished setting up the campaign, don't think your work
fronted the villain and foiled his plans, it's hard for him
is done! Without a living, reactive environment, even the
to get away. Heroes are notorious for dogging the heels of
most exciting context will become stale. Use what's come
a villain who tries to escape. Use misdirection, disguises,
before and prepare for what's still coming. That's what
secret passages, the Ways, the One Power, and swarms of
makes a campaign different from a series of unrelated ad-
underlings to aid in the villain's escape.
ventures. Some strategies for maintaining a campaign by
Take Hostages: Put the heroes in a moral dilemma.
building on the past include using recurring characters,
Are they willing to attack the villain if her troops are
having the heroes form relationships beyond the imme-
prepared, on her command, to slay innocent victims
diate adventure, changing what the heroes know, hitting
they've captured?
them where it hurts, preparing them for the future, and
Fight on the Villain's Terms: Don't fight on the he-
foreshadowing coming events.
roes' terms. A smart villain fights the heroes only when
Recurring Characters: While this includes Jmmer,
he has to and only when he's prepared (and preferably
the im1keeper who greets them each ti.me the heroes visit
when the heroes are weakened or unprepared).
Baerlon, it extends to other NPCs as well. The mysterious
stranger they saw in a back alley of Illian reappears in
Allies: Most alijes provide assistance to the heroes in
Tanchico, revealing his identity and original intentions.
the form of information, resources, or safe places to hide
The renegade commander responsible for inciting mutiny
from the eyes and ears of the Dark One. These allies may
returns, this time with am entire mercenary company at
be friends, relatives, former companions, or anyone the
his command. The other Aes Sedai a hero embarrassed
heroes have met during their adventures. The Gamemas-
while both were Accepted in the White Tower surfaces
ter should plan such NPCs in as much detail as necessary
again, after she has sworn her unholy oaths to the Black
for the campaign. At the very least, a name, background,
Ajah. The charismatic gleeman who helped the heroes
and personality should be included in the GM's notes.
free the princess returns just in ti.me for a climactic battle.
Allies will have attitudes of Friendly or Helpful toward
Overused recurring NPCs can make things seem artificial,
the heroes.
but when you reuse existing characters judiciously, it not
On rare occasions, heroes may have allies who will
only lends realism, but also reminds heroes of their own
join them on their adventures. Tbjs is most useful when
past, reaffirming their place in the campaign and the
the group of heroes is small or doesn't cover the requisite
world at large.
skills for an adventure. Either the Gamemaster or one of
Form Relationships Beyond the Adventure: The he-
the players can run this type of NPC. Be careful not to
roes make friends with a local innkeeper and visit her
overuse such allies, as you don't want the players (and
every time they are in town, just to hear another of her
their heroes) to become reliant on them.
jokes. A hero falls in love with a prince, and eventually
they marry. Old Adric, a retired officer of the Q!leen's
Animals: Animals and other low-intelligence crea-
Guard, looks upon the heroes as the children he never
tures compose a special category of NPCs. They don't
had. The Ogier of Sledding Tsofu deliver a present to the
act like intelligent creatures. Instead, they're driven by
heroes every year on the anniversary of their heroic vic-
instinct and need. Hw1ger and fear, for example, moti-
tory over a Trolloc army. These relationships flesh out a
vate animals. They are occasionally curious but are usu-
campaign.
ally looking for food. When setting up encounters with
Change What the H eroes Know: The Q!Jeen of
animals and low-intelligence creatures, remember to de-
Andor is replaced by a usurper. The streets of Caemlyn,
now teeming with refugees, are safe once again, thanks to tions. A character with a prestige class will be more spe-
increased patrols. High-ranking members of several of cialized, yet perhaps slightly better than a character with-
Andor's most powerful houses have fled into the coun- out one.
tryside. Change a few details that you have already estab- A newly created, l st-level character cannot begin as a
lished. You establish both what the players know now and member of a prestige class. Abilities granted by prestige
what they knew before more firmly in their minds. classes are inappropriate for beginning characters. They
They'll also be intrigued to know why things changed. are acquired only by meeting the requirements specific to
Hit Them Where They Hurt: If a hero makes friends each example, which almost always require-in effect-that
with the captain of the guard in town, then rule that his a character be at least mid-level (say, around 5th or 6th
son was among those kidnapped when the Trollocs at- level). Additionally, there may be nonrules-related re-
tacked. If the characters really enjoy visiting Caemlyn, quirements that must be met in-game, such as group
put the city in the path of an out-of-control horde of fa- membership fees, initiations, special training exercises,
natics sworn to the Prophet. Don't overdo this, though, quests, and the like.
or the heroes will never grow attached to anytlUng for fear Prestige classes are purely optional and always fall
that it will put that thing in danger. This strategy works as under the purview of the GM. Even though a few exam-
a powerful motivator when used in moderation. ples can be found below, tl1ey are idiosyncratic to each
Prepare the Heroes for the Future: lf you know that campaign, and thus many GMs may choose to not allow
later in the campaign you want to have a group of rene- them or use them only as NPCs.
gade Asha'rnan rise up from secrecy and begin hunting
Aes Sedai, foreshadow that event beforehand. Have the CREATING PRESTIGE CLASSES: Prestige classes
heroes hear rumors about a rift in the Black Tower, or are like regular classes, except that they have requfre-
even see evidence of such a rift on an unrelated adventure ments that must be met before one can attain the class.
long before the renegades declare themselves. It will make There's one additional change: Normally, when a charac-
the later adventure much more meaningful. Threading in- ter multiclasses, she adds her Defense bonuses from all
formation into previous adventures while hinting at fu- her classes together, then subtracts 2 for each additional
ture events helps weave a campaign into a whole. class after the first. A character adding a prestige class
Foreshadow Coming Events: If the old guardsman does not subtract 2 from the prestige class Defense
that the heroes befriend speaks about strange deaths at bonus. Instead, she gets the full bonus to Defense.
the Black Tower while he was serving there, and the he- Requirements vary, but there are some general rules.
roes hear whispers from both Amadicia and Altara of Most characters should have a chance of working toward
"black-clad terrors" who strike under the cover of dark- qualifying. Class and level, for example, are never used as
ness, they will be better prepared to stop these renegade a requirement. A prestige class based around being the
Asha'man in a future adventure. They might even fol- "Qieen's personal guard," for example, wouldn't require
low up on the leads you plant before you ever initiate a prospective character to be an armsman of a given level,
the adventure. even though that might be most appropriate. Instead, it
might require a base attack bonus of +8. Thus, armsmen
or woodsmen could take up the prestige class at 8th level,
PRESTIGE nobles and wanderers would qualify at I l th level, and ini-
CLASSES tiates and wilders would not be eligible before 16th level.
This requirement, in effect, then encourages certain types
The beron-mark blade tells the tale plainly: This man is (and levels) of characters but precludes none.
unmatched in battle. Bearing his distinctive weapon, the Sometimes, prestige classes can be created to be more
blademaster strides the westlands and confronts the discriminating. An "Ogier treesinger" prestige class would
forces of the Dark One wherever he goes. The most fa- require that the qualifying character be an Ogier. The
mous blademasters are themselves legends. saidinl saidar dichotomy of the One Power produces
From Tar Yalon, an envoy of the Aes Sedai rides to strong gender distinctions in channeler classes. This sort
confer with the Q!Jeen in Caemlyn. By her side, ever vig- of restriction further develops the differences between
ilant, is a hard-eyed man-her Warder. Bound to the Aes backgrounds and helps quantify the game world in very
Sedai through the One Power, he is companion, tangible ways.
guardian, and confidant. He would lay down his life for Examples of good requirements include:
her without a second tl1ought.
Blademasters, Aes Sedai, and Warders are examples of • Background
prestige classes. Characters who qualify can choose a pres- • Base attack bonus
tige class as a multiclass as they advance in level. Prestige • Number of ranks in a specific skill
classes allow GMs to create specific, exclusive roles and • Specific feats, including specific weapon proficiencies
positions as classes. In some cases (as with the various • Specific special abilities such as sneak attack (with a
channeler prestige classes), they also represent the accept- certain damage bonus), uncanny dodge, and the like.
ance or assumption of specific traditions or philosophies.
These special roles offer abilities and powers otherwise in- Prestige classes should offer a number of special abilities,
accessible to characters, focusing them in specific direc- including at least some not available in any other way.
205
Qyalifying for a prestige class is difficult, and taking lev- Gender : Female.
els of the new class is a sacrifice, so the rewards should be Skills: Composure 4 ranks, Concen tration 8 ranks,
substantial. When designing a prestige class, look to char- Weavesight 4 ranks.
acter class special abilities and use them, modify them, Feats: Multiweave, Sense Residue, Tie Off Weave.
and build upon them for guidelines. A prestige class C han n eling: Two or more Talents.
should be at least as beneficial and powerful as a normal
character class, and-if the requirements are high-might Class Skills: The Aes Sedai's class skills (and the key
even be more powerful. Always balance the power of a ability for each skill) are Composure (Wis), Concentra-
prestige class with its requirements. If the requirements tion (Wis), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha),
dictate that a particular prestige class won't be available Gather Information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Innuendo (Wis),
to characters below 10th level, it can be better than one Intimidate (Cha), Invert (Int), Knowledge (any) (Int),
available to characters at 5th level. Sense Motive (Wis), and Weavesight (Int).
Use prestige classes to establish and develop the fol-
lowing in your campaign: Skill Points at Each Level: 4 +Int modifier.
C ultural and Background Distinctions: If the people
of a certain region ride large catlike creatures and work Class Features: The Aes Sedai prestige dass, and the
with them on their hunts, create a prestige class that al- other channeling prestige classes, work a bit differently
lows a character to befriend the creatures, ride them into than standard prestige classes. For all purposes except
battle, and so on (Seanchan rnorat'torm, for example). available weaves per day, the character may freely multi-
G roup Membership: Joining the Band of the Red class between the original class and the Aes Sedai prestige
Hand or rising within the inner circle of the Children of class each time she gains a new level. When determining
the Light provides benefits for those who qualify. This is weaves per day, however, use the character's total level in
an obvious place to install a prestige class specific to your both classes and refer to the progression table for the orig-
campajgn. inal class (either initiate or wilder). For example, a 6th-
Some examples of prestige classes follow. level initiate adds the Aes Sedai prestige class when she
acquires enough experience to advance to 7th level, be-
coming a 6th-level initiate/1st-level Aes Sedai. She con-
AES SEDAI: Aes Sedai inspire equal amounts of fear,
tinues to consult the initiate table for weaves per day but
awe, and grudging respect from the huddled masses.
uses her total level when reading the table, gaining weaves
Rulers step warily around che sisterhood's intricate plans
as a 7th-level initiate. When she advances again, she may
and machinations, knowing full well that when a sister
increase either her initiate or Aes Sedai level, but regard-
talks, "The truth she speaks may not be the truth you
less of which class she improves, she gains weaves per day
hear." Aes Sedai represent the most recogruzed and
as an 8th-level initiate.
prominent channelers in the world, hailing from a tradi-
Weapon and Armor Proficien cy: Aes Sedai gain no
tion unbroken for more than a thousand years. More de-
proficiency with any weapon or armor.
tailed information on Aes Sedai and the traditions of the
Sup port: Aes Sedai can expect to receive all the
White Tower can be found throughout this book, espe-
necessary requirements of life from the White Tower.
cially in Chapter 9: The One Power.
This i11cludes room and board, necessary weapons
Both initiates and wilders can become Aes Sedai, al-
and equipment, and funds needed for specific pur-
though the paths each travel to full sisterhood are often
poses or missions.
quite different. All Aes Sedai are female.
Iron W ill : Aes Seda i gain Iron Will as a bon us feat.
Hit Die: d4.
Aes Sedai Presence: Aes Sedai are renowned for
their ability to stare down even kings and to remain icily
Requirements: To qualify to become an Aes Sedai, a persistent at the negotiating table. An Aes Sedai receives
character must fu lfill all the following criteria.
207
Improved O ffensive Con trol: At 6th level, the
Class Features: The Asha'man prestige class, and the
Asha'man's mental control becomes even stronger. When
other channeling prestige classes, work a bit differently
attempting to overchannel within one of his Affinities, he
than standard prestige classes. For all purposes except
receives a +I 0 competence bonus o n his Concentration
available weaves per day, the character may freely multi-
check. This abiliry can only be used on weaves wh ich tar-
class between the original class and the Asha' man prestige
get foes directly or include them in their areas of effect.
class each time he gains a new level. When determining
Extra Affinity: At 7th level, an Asha'man gains Extra
weaves per day, however, use the character's rota! level in
Affiniry as a bonus feat.
both classes and refer to the progression table for the
Resolve: At 8th level, the Asha'man has honed his
original class (either initiate or wilder). For example, a
skill. For the purposes of calculating weaves per day and
6th-level wilder adds the Asha'man prestige class when he
bonus weaves, treat him as having a Wisdom score 2
acquires enough experience to advance to 7th level, be-
points higher than it actually is.
coming a 6th-level wilder/1st-level Asha'man. He contin-
Improved Asha' man Combat Casting: As Asha'-
ues to consult the wilder table for weaves per day but uses
man combat casting, except the Asha'man gains a +6
his total level when reading the table, gaining weaves as a
bonus on Concentration checks to cast a weave while on
7th-level wilder. When he advances again, he may in-
the offensive.
crease either his wilder or Asha'man level, but regardless
Improved Resolve: On reaching 10th level, the
of which class he improves, he gains weaves per day as an
Asha'man has mastered his skill. For the purposes of cal-
8th-level wilder.
culating weaves per day and bonus weaves, treat him as
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Asha'man are profi-
having a Wisdom score 4 points higher than it actually is.
cient with all simple and martial weapons. Asha'man are
not proficient with any type of armor or with shields.
Support: Asha'man can expect to receive all the neces- B LADEMASTER: The heron-mark sword of a true
sary requirements of life from the Black Tower. This in- blademaster strikes fear into even the most battle-weath-
cludes room and board, necessary weapons and equipment, ered veteran. ln times past, individual blademasters were
and funds needed for specific purposes or missions. known far and wide, their exploirs the stuff of legend.
Iron Will : Ash a'man gain Iro n W ill as a bonus feat. These men often carried blades wrought by the One
Asha'mao Presen ce: Asha'man can often overawe Power during the Age of Legends, symbols of their mar-
and strike fear Lnto an opponent through presence alone. tial prowess. In the Third Age, fewer blademaster~ walk
An Asha'man receives a +4 competence bonus on Intim- the land, but their unique talents make them no less
idation checks. deadly than their forebears.
Asha'mao Combat Casting: At 2nd level, an Asha'- Blademasters train for many long years to perfect
man gains a variation of the Combat Casting feat. He re- their swordwork, although anyone who has actually
ceives a +5 bonus on Concentration checks made while earned one of the rare rema ining heron-marks can tell
casting or maintaining a weave. you that none ever tru ly master the forms. Rather, blade-
O ffens ive Control: On reaching 3rd level, the Asha'- masters consider themselves to be artists, moving through
man is capable of extending his capacity to cast weaves. their forms in an unending, darkly beautiful dance of
When attempting to overchannel within one of his death. Their training represents a path toward inner calm
Affinities, he receives a +5 competence bonus on his and self-reflection, not a lifeless collection of martial
Concentration check. This abiliry can be used only on of- skills. A blademaster worthy of the title knows that he
fensive weaves. cannot master his blade unless he has first mastered him-
Improved initiative: At 4th level, an Asha'man gains self. In fact, most pursue centeri ng techniques similar to
Improved Initiative as a bonus feat. Rand aJ'Thor's "flame and the void" method.
Great Fortitud e: At 5th level, an Asha'man gains Blademasters usually embark on their careers as arms-
Great Fortitude as a bonus feat. men, nobles, or wanderers. Many begin their training at a
209
MADNESS Check for Madness: When a triggering condition
occurs, the character makes a check for madness. This
is a Will saving throw against a DC equal to his Mad-
Every male channeler has a Mad- ness rating. If the save succeeds, the character suffers
ness rating. This rating is the result no ill effects. If the save fails, roll ld20, subtract the
of a Id6 roll (made in secret by the result from the character's Madness rating and con-
GM), with an additional ld6 roll sult the table below. The result indicates which symp-
added to that figure each time a tom of madness the character suffers at this time. A
male channeler increases a level in symptom of madness remains with the character for
any class. Overchanneling also the duration given on the table.
adds 1 point to the character's Madness rating each time
the channeler attempts it As the rating increases, insan- Madness Rating
ity may begin to take over a hero or an NPC. Eventually, -ld20 Symptoms Duration
if the Madness rating grows high enough, a character 05 or lower Delusion 2d6 minutes
may become permanently insane and even begin to suf- 06-15 Suspicion 2d6 hours
fer the horrible rotting disease that consumes men who 16-25 Panic 2d6 rounds
have exposed themselves too much to the taint on sa;J/in. 26-35 Withdrawal 2d6 hours
Early on, the character might have to make Will 36-45 Fury 2d6 rounds
saves to prevent momentary outbursts or bouts of in- 46-55 Disease Sec text
sanity. Stressful situations in particular might trigger 56+ Dementia Sec text
these crises, as can exposure to intensely powerful
ter'angreaL As the madness tightens its grip, these Explanation ofSymptoms: If the character fails his
saves grow more frequent and difficult. The table check for madness, he behaves in an erratic manner.
below gives the conditions that can trigger a bout of The symptoms are described below in general terms;
madness, depending on a character's Madness rating. the exact manifestation is up to the GM.
Delusion: The character suffers from hallucina-
Madness tions-auditory, visual, or both-and is difficult to
Rating Trigger Condition convince that these delusions are not real.
0-15 Suspicion: The character has a deep distrust of
16-30 Injury everyone, even friends, and suspects them of secretly
31-40 Will save plotting against him, causing him harm, even being
41-50 Casting a weave, ter'angreal Darkfriends in extreme cases.
51-60 Threat Panic: The character is convinced that he is in
61+ Constant mortal danger and does his best to flee the threaten-
ing situation. If he cannot flee, he attacks desperately.
Explanation ofTrigger Conditions: At each threshold Withdrawal: The character becomes depressed, ar-
point. a new trigger condition is added to those already in gumentative, stuhbom, and unwilling to interact with
effect. For example, a hero with a Madness rating of 38 the world.
would have to check for madness (see below) whenever Fury: The character flies into an insane fit of tem-
he suffers an injury or whenever a Will save is required. per. He lashes out at the nearest available target if in
Injury: Whenever the channeler takes damage in combat, or goes on a violent rampage in other situa-
combat (whether from a weapon or a weave effect) or tions. Thereafter, he overreacts dangerously to events
in dangerous noncombat situations, such as a fall or that would make others irritated, frightened, or other-
ilie effect of disease, he must check for madness. wise stressed.
Will Save: Whenever the channeler is required to Disease: When madness has progressed this far,
make a Wlll saving throw (such as against a weave's ef- ilie channeler falls prey to a horrible rotting illness
fect or a creature's special ability), he must d1eck for (Fortitude save DC 20). His very body decays around
madness, whether or not he succeeded at the initial save. him, and the stress of this situation is often enough to
Casting a Weave, Ter'angreal: Merely touching propel him to final destruction. The disease incubates
saidin, whether through casting a weave or activat- for one week and causes ld3 points of temporary
ing a ter'angreal, is enough to trigger a check for Constitution damage each day thercaftcL Unlike nor-
madness. mal diseases, this rotting affliction continues until the
Tbreat: Any stressful situation, whether real or victim reaches 0 Constitution and dies.
imagined, might drive the character to insane behav- Dementia: The character's personality has been
ior. He must make an immediate check for madness. lost entirely to madness. A hero becomes an NPC
Constant: By this point, madness is so far gone in and is forever beyond saving. Death usually comes
the character that it is a permanent condition. A not long after th:is point.
check for madness is no longer required-the charac-
ter is irredeemably insane.
allies and enemies alike. Most commanders begin rheir Hard March: Speed can be a critical factor when
development as armsmen, nobles, or wanderers, and al- leading troops over long distances. Starting at 3rd level,
most all are veteran soldjers or guards. the commander can urge troops to move faster. Anyone
Hit Die: d8. traveling with the commander gains a +4 morale bonus
on Constitution checks required for making a forced
Requirements: To qualify to become a commander, a march (see Chapter 6: Heroic Characteristics) or any
character must fulfill all the following criteria. other task calling for extended exertion. Animals are
Base Attack Bonus: +5. not affected.
Skills: Diplomacy 6 ranks, Ride 5 ranks. Logistics: At 4th level, the commander can requisi-
Special: Must belong to an organized stanrung force. tion supplies for specific engagements or actions. The
This includes mercenary companies, nationa l armies, and maximum value of the supplies assigned to the com-
the forces attached to individual houses or nobles. mander at any given time is equal to the commander's
class level x Charisma bonus x 2,000 mk. Thus, a 4th-
Class Skills: The commander's class skills (and rhe level commander with a Charisma of 14 could have up
key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Craft (Int), to 16,000 mk worth of supplies (including weapons, wag-
Diplomacy (Cha), Cacher Information (Cha), Intimidate ons, or any other equipment) assigned to him at any
(Cha), Knowledge (any) (Int), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive given time. A 10th-level commander with Charisma 18
(Wis), and Spot (Wis). cou ld have up to 80,000 mk (8,000 gc) of gear "on loan"
at any time.
Skill Points at Each Level: 6 +Int modifier. In general, the commander should return requisi-
tioned equipment in a reasonable time frame; however,
Class Features: All of the following are class features no specific limits (other than the GM's discretion) are as-
of the commander. signed. If any requisitioned equipment is lost or de-
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Commanders are stroyed, its value counts as a permanent penalty to the
proficient with all simple and martial weapons, wirh all commander's maximum value.
types of armor, and with shields. Tactics: Beginning at 5th level, a commander can use
Strategy: By directing the actions of others, a com- tactical knowledge to direct allies during a battle, thereby
mander can increase their chances of success. This re- increasing their chances for success. By using his attack
quires a Diplomacy check (DC 10 +the number of allies action, the commander can grant any one ally (not in-
to be assisted) and a full-round action. A success grants cluding himself) a competence bonus on attack or a
a competence bonus on all allies' skill checks for I dodge bonus to Defense and Reflex saving throws. The
minute (or a single task if it requires more than 1 minute bonus is equal to the commander's Intelligence bonus
to complete). T he bonus is equal to the leader's and lasts a number of rounds equal to ld4 + the com-
Charisma bonus. All allies to be affected must be within mander's Charisma modifier.
sight and voice range of, and must be able to under- With a full-round action, the commander can grant
stand, the commander. the selected bonus to all allies (including himself). In this
Battle Cry: When the commander's battle cry rings ouc case, the bonus lasts a number of rounds equal to the
over the field, it inspires allies who can hear his shout. At commander's Charisma modifier.
2nd level, a commander gains this ability. Affected allies re- All allies to be affected must be within sight and
ceive a +2 morale bonus on Will saving throws against voice range of, and must be able to understand, the
mind-influencing weaves (such as compulsion) or similar ef- commander.
fects, and a + 1 morale bonus on attack and weapon dam- Improved Strategy: At 6th level, the commander is
age rolls. These bonuses last a number of row1ds equal to more able to monitor his allies' performance. Improved
the commander's Charisma bonus, and the commander strategy works like strategy, except that the effects last for
can shout a battle cry once per day per class level. 10 minutes.
211
Improved Logistics: At 7th level, the commander has A gleeman works a sort of magic with his music, tales,
enough "pull" to get virtual any supplies he needs. This poetry, and tricks. He can encourage allies, bold his audi-
ability works like logistics, except the maximum value of ences rapt, and distract attackers with clever sleights.
requisitioned supplies equals the commander's class level Gleemen have some of the skills that wanderers have, al-
x Charisma bonus x 4,000 rok. though they are not as focused on skill mastery as those
Superior Strategy: At 8th level, the commander has roguish souls. They listeu to stories as well as tell them,
gained unparalleled administrative ability. This ability of course, so they have a vast knowledge of local events
works like improved strategy and strategy, except that the and noteworthy items. Gleemen love to join the en-
e ffcc ts last for 1 hour. tourage of heroes (and villains) to witness their deeds
Improved Tactics: At 9th level, the commander re- firsthand. Indeed, after telling so many stories about
quires less time to direct his allies. Once per round, he mighty deeds, many gleemen take these themes to heart
can direct a single ally with .i free action or all allies with and assume the role of hero themselves.
an attack action. An apprentice gleeman learns bis skills from a single
To the Bitter End: At 10th level, the commander's experienced gleeman, whom he follows and serves until
presence on the battlefield inspires troops to make the ul- he is ready to strike out on his own. Gleemen occasion-
timate sacrifice for the cause. Any aJlies within 30 feet of ally congregate in informal "colleges," but an individual
the commander can continue to fight whiJe disabled or has no strong allegiance to o thers as a whole. A few
dying without penalty. They continue until they reach gleemen, the best of the best, go on to become bards, en-
- 10 hit points. tertaining kings, coUits, and Aes Sedai with their won-
drous rnusicaJ abilities.
Wherever they come from, gleemen proudly denote
GLEEMAN: It is sa id that music has special power,
their status and skms by wearing patchwork cloaks. The
and the gleeman proves that saying true. Wandering
fluttering patches display a myriad of colors, catching the
across the land, gathering lore, telling stories, perform-
eye even in a crowd and acting as a sort of advertising for
ing wondrous tricks of prestidigitation, and living on
the gleeman.
the gratitude of his audience: Such is the life of a glee-
Most gleemen are male, but this is not a requirement.
man. When a gleeman arrives in town or at a tavern,
Hit Die: d6.
ofte n all work or talk ceases, the more to enjoy his en-
tertainment. When chance or opportunity draws them
into a conflict, gleemen serve as negotiators, messen-
Requirements: To quali fy to become a gleeman, a
hero must fulfill all the following criteria.
gers, scouts, and spies.
Background: Human, non-Aiel.
Skills: Diplomacy or Intimidate 6 ranks, Perform 10
ranks, Pick Pocket IO ranks.
Feats: Fame.
213
Dice for determining the effects and results of casting create a work that makes a specific character o r group
weaves. (class, background, etc.) appear in the wo rst light possi-
Gleem a n's Lore: A gleeman picks up a lot of stray ble. Those in the audience make Will saves against a
knowledge while wandering the land and learning sto- DC equal to the gleeman's Perform check; success
ries from other gleemen-everything from the current negates the calumny. A successful calumny shifts the
local gossip, to tidbits of historical information Jong audience's attitude toward the target down by one cat-
thought lost by scholars, to the latest standings in the egory-for example, from Friendly to Indifferent, from
Game of Houses in Cairhien. A gleeman may make a Indifferent to Unfriendly, or from Unfriendly to Hos-
special gleeman's lore check with a bonus equal to his tile (see Table 10-2 : fnfluencing NPC Attitude). Fur-
level + his Intelligence modifier to see whether be thermore, audience members gain a +2 morale bonus
knows some relevant information about local notable on all opposed social interaction checks against the tar-
people, legendary items, or noteworthy places. This get. Calumny lingers in the minds of the audience for
check will not reveal the powers of a ter'angreal but 24 hours for each daily use the gleeman applies to the
may give a hint as to its general function. The gleeman calumny. For example, a 7th-level wanderer/7th-level
may not take 10 or take 20 on this check; this sort of gleeman could apply seven daily uses to a song of anti-
knowledge is essentiall y random. The GM determines Aes Sedai hatred. All who heard it would be affected for
the Difficulty Class of the check by referring to the a week, and the gleeman would have no daily uses left
table be low. that day.
Distract: Beginn ing at 2nd level, a gleeman can jarring Song: An 8th-level gleeman with at least 12
distract an enemy with a feat of legerdemain and ranks in Perform cai1 drive channelers up the wall. Any-
thereby ga in an adva ntage in combat. A gleeman with one wishing to cast a weave while a jarring song is being
3 or more ranks in Pick Pocket can use his sleight of performed must make a Concentration check with a DC
hand to slip past an enemy's gua rd. The target must equal to 15 + the casting level of the weave or lose the
be within 5 feet of the gleeman. The gleeman makes a weave. A jarring song counts as three daily uses of virtu-
Pick Pocket check opposed by the target's Spot check. oso performance.
If the gleeman wins, bis trid-y hands earn him a + 1 Mindbending Melody: A 10th-level gleeman with at
bonus on attack and damage rolls for every 5 points least 14 ranks in Perform can command a person (as the
by which his check result exceeded the target's (mini- Compulsion weave at casting level 5) that he has already
mum bonus of+ 1}. This only applies to a single at- fascinated (see glecman's music, above). A successful Will
tack; the gleeman must try ano ther distraction next saving throw (DC 15 + gleeman's Charisma modifier)
round. negates the effect. A mindbending melody counts as two
Virtuoso Pe rformance: With an impassioned solilo- daily uses of virtuoso performance.
quy, a haunting melody, or a splendid display, the glee- Persuasive: At 5th level, a gleeman gains Persuasive
man can inspire even more spectacular effects. The as a bonus feat.
virtuoso performance ability can be used once per glee- Trustworthy: At 6th level, a gleeman gains Trustwor-
man level per day, and some effects coun t as more than thy as a bonus feat.
one daily use. Mimic: At 9th level, a gleeman gains Mimic as a
As with gleeman's music, the gleeman can usually bonus feat.
fight whi le us ing this ability but cannot use ter'angreal
that req uire activation by speech. If a virtuoso per-
THIEF-TAKER: Also known in some places as thief-
formance forces the audience to make a Will save,
catchers, t hief-takers are the professional bounty hunters,
then the only other action the gleeman can take is a 5-
bodygua rds, and crime fighters of the westlands. Unlike
foot step.
soldiers and nobles, who prefer to use overwhelming
Ctdumny: A 4th-level gleeman with at least 11 ranks
force to protect their charges, thief-takers adopt the skills
in Perform has mastered the fine art of slander and can
and methods of Lhe very criminals they pursue. Stealthy,
215
A thief-taker who beats a trap's DC by 10 or more dodge bonus to Defense against attacks by traps. At 8th
with a Disable Device check can generally study a trap, level, these bonuses rise to +2.
figure out how it works, and bypass it (with his party) Capture: At 3rd level, a rhief-taker can use flexible
without disarming it. weapons to bind and capture an enemy without caus-
S n eak Attack: If a thief-raker can catch an oppo- ing harm. He must be within melee attack range and
nent who is unable to defend nimself effectively from make a melee attack roll, modifying it with his Dex-
the attack, the thief-taker can strike a vital spot for terity bonus rather than his Strength bonus. If he hits,
extra damage. Basically, any time the thief-taker's tar- he has entangled the target. The entangled creature
get would be denied his Dexterity bonus to Defense can attempt to escape with a Strength or Escape Artist
(whether he acrually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or check opposed by the thief-taker's attack result; on a
when the thief-taker flanks the target, the thief-taker's success, it slithers or fights its way free. (Of course, a
attack deals extra damage. The extra damage is +2d6 thief-taker can always use a net or whip in the usual
at 1st level and an additional +2d6 at 4th, 7th, and way described in Chapter 7: Equipment if he prefers.)
9th levels. Shou ld the thief-taker score a critical hit This ability works only on Small and Medium-size
with a sneak attack, the extra sneak attack damage is creatures.
not multiplied. Ranged attacks can only count as Special Abili ty: Beginning at 3rd level, and at 7th
sneak attacks if the ta rget is within 30 feet. The thief- and 9th levels, a thief-taker gets a special ability of his
taker can't strike with deadly accuracy from beyond choice from among the following :
that range. Crippliug Strike: A thief-taker with this ability can
With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, the thief~ sneak attack opponents with such precision that his blows
taker can make a sneak attad< that deals subdual damage weaken and hamper them. When the thief-taker d amages
instead of normal damage. He cannot use a weapon that an opponent wiLh a sneak attack, that character also takes
deals normal damage to deal subdual damage in a sneak 1 point of temporary Strength damage. Ability points lost
attack, not even with the usual - 4 penalty, because he to damage return on their own at the rate of 1 point per
must make optimal use of his weapon in order to execute day for each damaged ability.
a sneak attack. Defensive Roll: The thief-taker can roll with a poten-
A thief-taker can only sneak attack a living creature tially lethal blow to take less damage from it. Once per
with a discernible anatomy, such as humans, torm, or day, when a thief-taker would be reduced to 0 hit points
Trollocs. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is or less by damage in combat (from a weapon or other
also not vulnerable to sneak attacks. The thief-taker must blow, not a weave or special ability), the thief-taker can
be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital attempt to roll with the damage. He makes a Reflex sav-
spot and must be able to reach a vital spot. The thief-taker ing throw (DC= damage dealt), and if he's successful, he
cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with con- takes only half damage from the blow. He must be aware
cealment or striking the limbs of a creature whose vitals of the attack and able to react to it in order to execute his
are beyond reach. defensive roll- if he is denied his Dexterity bonus to De-
ff a rhief-raker gets a sneak attack bonus from an- fense, he can't roll.
other source (such as wanderer levels), the bonuses to Oppor111nist: Once per round, the thief-taker can make
damage stack. an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has just
Exotic Weapon Proficiency: At 2nd level, and again been struck for damage in melee by another character.
at 6th level, the thief-taker gains Exotic Weapon Profi- This attack counts as the thief:taker's attack of opportunity
ciency as a bonus feat. Thief-tahrs tend to specialize in for that round. Even a thieftaker with the Combat Re-
flexible weapons such as nets and whips. flexes feat ca n't use the opportunist ability more than
Uncan ny Dodge: Starting at 2nd level, the thief- once per round.
taker gains the ability to react to danger before his Sliill Mas1e1y: The thief-taker selects a number of
senses would normally al low him to do so. At 2nd level skills equal to 3 + his Intelligence modifier. When mak-
and above, he retains his Dexterity bonus to Defense (if ing a skill check with o ne of these skills, the thief-taker
any) regardless of being caught flar-footed or struck by may take I 0 even if stress and distractions would nor-
an invisible attacker. (He still loses his Dexterity bonus mally prevent him from doing so. He becomes so cer-
to Defense if immobilized.) tain in his skill that he can use it reliably even under
At 4th level, the thief-raker can no longer be flanked; adverse conditions. The thief-taker may gain this special
he can react to opponents on opposite sides of him as ability multiple times, selecting additional skills for it to
easily as he can react to a single attacker. This defense de- apply to each time.
nies wanderers or orher thief-takers the ability to use Feat: A thief-taker may gain a feat in place of a special
flank attacks to sneak attack him. The exception to this ability.
defense is that a wanderer or thief-taker at least four lev- Weapon Specialization: On achieving 5th level or
els higher than the character can flank him (and thus higher, the Lhief-taker may take the Weapon Special-
sneak attack him). ization feat. Weapon Specialization adds a +2 damage
At 6th level, the thief-taker gains an intuitive sense bonus with a chosen weapon. The thief-taker must
that alerts him to danger from traps, giving him a + 1 have Weapon Focus with that weapon ro take Weapon
bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a + 1 Specialization. If the weapon is a ranged weapon , the
damage bonus only applies if the target is wicbin 30 Warder would give his life to save the sister who carries
feet, because only at that range can the thief-taker his bond. Although there bave been instances of Warders
strike precisely enough to bit more effectively. The attempting to reject tbe bond, most warders serve their
thief-taker may take this feat as a bonus feat or as a Aes Sedai with pride and conviction. They undersrand
regular one. that theirs is a higher destiny, and most embrace their
Bonus Feat: At 9th level, a thief~Laker gets a .Glii:l."'!lirilllF fore with little or no regret.
bonus feat in addition to the feat that a character Most Warders begin their development as armsmen,
of any class gets every three levels. This bonus feat nobles, or woodsmen. Young members of noble
can be of any type except channeling feat~, houses are frequently sent to the White Tower
and the thief-taker must still meet all at a young age to begin their training. Virtu-
prerequisites, including ability score ally all warders are male.
and base attack bonus minimums. Hit Die: dl2.
(See Chapter S: Feats for descriptions of
feats and their prerequisites.) Requirements : To qualify to become
a Warder, a character must fulfill all tl1e
following criteria.
WARDER: Known for their legendary
Base Attack Bonus: +6.
prowess in battle, catlike grace, and
Skills: Balance 4 ranks, lntimidate S
unswerving loyalty, most Warders are
ranks, Ride 4 ranks.
Ji deadly and unmerciful foes. Trained
Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative,
.~ from youth in all manner of weapons,
Combat Reflexes.
... Warders hone their considerable skills
-<::! Special: A character must have been
'-' to serve the Aes Sedai, who call them
the target of the bond warder weave prior
Gaidin, meaning "Brother to
to taking any levels of this class.
Battle."
Warders are bonded to their
Aes Sedai with the One Power,
Class Skills: The Warder's class skills
(and the key abi lity for each skill) are
and th is bond imbues them with
Balance (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump
a number of heigh tened senses and
(Str), Knowledge (Int), Listen (Wis),
abilities. They heal more quickly
Move Silently (Dex), Ride (Dex), Search
th an normal people, enjoy in-
(Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis),
creased stamina and endurance,
and Tumble (Dex).
and have the ability to sense the
Aes Sedai to whom they are bonded
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Im
at great distances. Both Aes Sedai
modifier.
and Warder are instantly aware of
the moment the other dies, and
Gaidin who lose their Aes Sedai
Class Features:
Weapon and Armor Proficiency:
often waste away and die themselves
Warders are proficient with all simple
soon after.
and martial weapons, with all types of
Often seen as hard or grim by out-
armor, and with sh ields.
siders, Warders exist to serve and pro-
Armor Compatibility: Like armsmen,
tect. They are constantly on guard and have
Warder Warders benefit more from armor than
little time for pleasantries. A
other fighting classes do. When a
219
More detailed information on the Wise Ones and the Iron Will: Wise Ones gain Iron Will as a bonus
traditions beyond the Spine of the World can be found feat.
in Chapter 9: The One Power. Wise One Presence: Wise Ones are renowned for
Not every Wise One can channel the One Power. their ability to stand toe to toe with their sept and clan
Many are advisors and healers without access to chiefs. A Wise One receives a +4 competence bonus on
saidar. This prestige class, however, is for a Wise One Intimidation checks.
who is a channeler. All Wise Ones are female. Endurance: At 2nd level, a Wise One gains En-
Hit Die: d6. durance as a bonus feat.
Dreamwalk: At 3rd level, a Wise One learns the abil-
Requirements: To qualify to become a Wise O ne, a ity to enter Tel'ara11'rh;od, the World of Dreams.
character must fulfill all the fo llowing criteria. She gains Dreamwalk as a bonus feat.
Gender: Female.
Skills: Composure 4 ranks, Concentration 8 ... Bend Dream: At 4th level, the
Wise One improves her ability to
ranks, Weavesight 4 ranks. influence dreams. She gains Bend
Feats: Multiweave, Sense Residue. .. Dream as a bonus feat.
C h anneling: Two or more Talents. Great Fortitude: At 5th level, a
Wise One gains Great Fortitude
Class Skills: The Wise One's class as a bonus feat.
skills (and the key ability for each skill) D ream J ump : At 6th level,
are Bluff (Cha), Composure (Wis), the Wise One's control over
Concentration (Wis), Craft (Int), her dream self becomes even
Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Infor- greater. She gains Dream
mation (Cha), Innuendo (Wis), Jump as a bonus feat.
Intimidate (Cha), Intuit Direc- Control: On reaching 7th
tion (Wis), Invert (Int), Knowl- level, the Wise One is capable
edge (any) (Int), Sense Motive of extending her capacity to
(Wis), and Weavesight (Int). cast weaves. When attempting
co overchannel within one of
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 her Affinities, she receives a
+ Int modifier. +5 competence bonus on her
Concentration check.
Class Features: The Wise Dreamwatcb: At 8th level, the
One prestige class, and the Wise One has mastered her con-
other channeling prestige trol of the dream realm. She
classes, work a bit differently than gains Dreamwatch as a bonus
standard prestige classes. For all feat.
purposes except available weaves Extra Affinity: At 9th level, a
per day, the character may freely Wise One gains Extra Affinity as a
multiclass between the origina l class and bonus feat.
the Wise One prestige class each time she gains Im proved Control: At 10th level, the Wise
a new level. When determining weaves per day, Wise One O ne's mental control becomes even stronger.
however, use the character's total level in both When attempting to overchannel within one of
classes and refer to the progression table for the original her Affinities, she receives a + 10 competence bonus on
class (either initiate or wilder). For example, a 6th-level her Concentration check.
initiate adds the Wise One prestige class when she ac-
quires enough experience to advance to 7th level, be-
coming a 6th-level inJtiate/lst-level Wise One. She
WOLFBROTHER: WestJanders who live in the Bor-
derlands and midlands, or near mountains or forests,
continues to consult the initiate table for weaves per day
often chance to hear the high, mournful howl of the wolf.
but uses her total level when reading the table, gaining
Rare in some areas, and quite common in others, wolves
weaves as a 7th-level initiate. ~en she advances again,
are an important facet of the westlands ecology and, un-
she may increase either her initiate or Wise One level, but
beknownst to most humans, fierce foes of the Dark One
regardless of which class she improves, she gains weaves
and his servants. They do not hesitate to attack "Twisted
per day as an 8th-level initiate.
Ones" (Trollocs) and will sacrifice half the pack to kill a
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Wise Ones are pro-
"Neverborn" (Myrddraal) or Darkhound. They even exist
ficient with all simple weapons. Wise Ones are not profi-
partly wit11in Tel'amn'rhiod, the World of Dreams.
cient with any type of armor or with shields.
A few humans are aware of the special nature of
Support: A Wise One can expect to receive all the
wolves, for they have the ability to speak to them with
necessary requirements of life from her sept and clan. This
their minds. Known as wolfbrotbers (or wolfsisters), they
includes room and board, necessary weapons and equip-
can become powerful fo rces for the Light-if they learn to
ment, and fonds needed for specific purposes or missions.
understand and contro l their abilities, and thus retain
their sanity and humanity in addition to their strange Requirements: To qualify to become a wolfbrother, a
powers. hero must fulfill all the following criteria.
Wolfbrothers possess several distinctive physical fea- Background: Non-Ogier.
tures. Their eyes tum a haunting shade of yellow, just like Skills: Animal Empathy 8 ranks, Listen 5 ranks, Spot
those of a wolf. Some try to hide this, while others revel in 5 ranks, Wilderness Lore 5 ranks.
the strangeness of it and the way their eyes disturb other Feats: Animal Affinity, latent Dreamer.
people. Most wolfbrothers be- Special: Must have heard
come hirsute: Their beards and the call of the wolves or spent
hair grow more quickly and time in a wilderness area.
thickly, and sometimes hair Wolfbrothers almost never
growth increases along the chest, arise in cities.
back, and shoulders. In some Acceleraled Matbuss: A hero
campaigns, a wolfbrother's face can waive up to three of the
might change slightly, becoming skill and feat requirements,
just a bit longer and sharper, but each one so waived adds
with slight points developing on an additional ld6 roll to his
the tips of the ears. Madness rating (see below).
No one knows what makes
a man become a wolfbrother; Class Skills: The wolf-
not even wolfbrothers them- brother's class skills (and the
.t- selves can tell you, though key ability for each skill)
some speculate that it's the are: Animal Empathy
wolves that do the choosing. (Cha), Balance (Dex),
Wolves have opposed the Climb (Str), Handle Ani-
Dark One and his minions mal (Cha), Hide (Dex), In-
for centuries, and they timidate (Cha), Intuit
never pick a man to be Direction (Wis), Jump (Str),
their brother who does not Listen (Wis), Move Silently
share the ir cause to some de- (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Mo-
gree. Typically wolfb rother tive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim
abi lities manifest in late (Str), Tumble (Dex), and
adolescence. Sometimes fear- Wilderness Lore (Wis).
ful villagers lock a young, con-
fused wolfbrotber up, thinking Skill Points at Each level:
him insane or a Darkfriend. 2 + lnt modifier.
Some wolfbrothers react poorly
and run off into the wild to Class Features: All of
join the pack, leaving their Wolfbrother the following are class features of the wolf-
fri ends and family behind forever. The fortunate brother.
ones master their abilities and learn to use them for the Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The wolfbrother is
greater good. proficient in the use of all simple and martial weapons,
As the name indicates, most wolfbrothers are men; light armor, and shields.
women rarely hear the call of the wolf for some reason. Wolfspeech: A wolfbrotber can converse telepathi-
Hit Die: d8. cally with wolves, speaking mind to mind with them over
a distance equal to his level x 10 miles. This effect does
223
Table 10- 14: The Diplomat
Base Fort Ref Will Defense Reputation
Level Attack Bonus Save Save Save Bonus Score
1st +o +O +O +2 +O 0
2nd +1 +O +o +3 +O 1
3rd +l +1 +1 +3 +1 1
4th +2 +1 +1 +4 +1 1
5th +2 +l +l +4 +l 2
6th +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 2
7th +3 +2 +2 +5 +2 2
8th +4 +2 +2 +6 +2 3
9th +4 +3 +3 +6 +3 3
10th +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 3
11th +5 +3 +3 +7 +3 4
12th +6/+l +4 +4 +8 +4 4
13th +6/+1 +4 +4 +8 +4 4
14th +71+2 +4 +4 +9 +4 5
15th +71+2 +5 +5 +9 +5 5
16th +81+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 5
17th +8/+3 +5 +5 +10 +5 6
18th +91+4 +6 +6 +1 l +6 6
19th +91+4 +6 +6 +11 +6 6
20th +101+5 +6 +6 +12 +6 7
innuendo (Wis), Knowledge (Int), Read Lips {Int, ex-
DIPLOMAT: Diplomacs are the speakers of the world. elusive skill), Sense Motive (Wis), and Speak Language.
Most are minor functionaries or independent business-
Skill Points at l st Level: (4 + Int modifier) x 4.
people, though some also come from the wealthy and
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 +Int modifier.
privileged classes, or rise to positions of influence. Local
politicians, canny tavernkeepers, even exceptionally well-
traveled peddlers are all diplomats.
Class Features: The following is a class feature of the
diplomat NPC class.
Hit Die: d8.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The diplomat is
proficient in the use of all simple weapons. Diplomats are
CLASS SKILLS: The diplomat's class skills (and
not proficient with martial weapons, armor, or shields.
the key abil ity for each skill) are Appraise (Int), Bluff
(Cha), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha),
224
Table 10- 16: The Warrior
Base Fort Ref Will Defense Reputation
Level Attack Bonus Save Save Save Bonus Score
1st +1 +2 +o +O +O 0
2nd +2 +3 +O +o +o 0
3rd +3 +3 +1 +1 +1 0
4th +4 +4 +1 +l +l 1
5th +5 +4 +1 +l +I 1
6th +6/+I +5 +2 +2 +2 l
7th +71+2 +5 +2 +2 +2 1
8th +8/+3 +6 +2 +2 +2 2
9th +91+4 +6 +3 +3 +3 2
10th +10/+5 +7 +3 +3 +3 2
11th + 11/+6/+l +7 +3 +3 +3 2
12th +12/+7/+2 +8 +4 +4 +4 3
13th +13/+8/+3 +8 +4 +4 +4 3
14th +14/+9/+4 +9 +4 +4 +4 3
15th + 15/+10/ +5 +9 +5 +5 +5 3
16th + 16/+ 11/+6/+ 1 +1 0 +5 +5 +5 4
17th + 17/+ 12/+7/+2 +1 0 +5 +5 +5 4
18th +18/+13/+8/+3 +11 +6 +6 +6 4
19th +19/+ 14/ +9/+4 +11 +6 +6 +6 4
20th +20/+15/+10/+5 +12 +6 +6 +6 5
Starting Gear: 6d8 x 10 mk worth of equipment. a straightforward and unsubtle opponent in a fight, hue
not an inconsiderable one.
Warriors are not as good as armsmen, and thus heroes
EXPERT: Experts operate as craftsfolk and pro~ess~on should be encouraged to avoid this class in favor of the
als in the world. They normally do not have the rnclina-
standard combat-oriented ones provided earlier in this
tion or training to be advenLurers, but they are capable in
book. Representing experience in fighting and related
their own field. The skilled blacksmith, tbe educated sage,
areas but not sophisticated training, warriors are common
and the master shipwright are all experts. among Trollocs. You should also use the warrior class for
Potentially, the expert could make a hero-worthy class soldiers (although perhaps not for officers or career sol-
choice, but only for those players willing to create a charac- diers), guards, local thugs, toughs, bullies, a.nd even re~
ter focused on something other than traditional adventuring lar people who have learned to defend their homes with
careers. Experts have a vast number of s~s. ~ost t?wns some ability.
and communities have at least a few experts m vanous fields.
Hit Die : d8.
GMs should use the expert class for NPCs such as elite
craftsfolk, experienced merchants, seasoned guides_, wily Class Skills: The warrior's class skills (and the key abil-
sailors, learned sages, and other highly skilled professions.
ity for each skill) arc Climb (Str), Handle Animal (Cha),
Hit Die: d6. Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Ride (Dex), and Swim (Str).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (2 + Int modifier) x 4.
Class Skills: The expert can choose any ten skills Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 +Int modifier.
(other than channeler skills) to be class sk!lls.
Skill Points at lst Level: (6 + Int modifier) x 4.
Class Features: The following are class features of the
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 6 + Int modifier.
warrior NPC class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: J?e warrior is p:o-
Class Features: The following is a class feature of the ficient in the use of all simple and mama! weapons, with
expert NPC class. all armor, and with shields.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The expert is profi-
Armor Compatibility: Warriors benefit more from
cient in the use of all simple weapons and light armor,
armor than other NPC classes. When a warrior wears
but not shields.
armor or carries a shield, his class Defense bonus stacks
with the equipment bonuses of the armor and shield. A
Starting Gear: 3d4 x l 0 mk worth of equipment.
warrior who multiclasses into armsman may add both
class Defense bonuses together and add that total to the
WARRIOR: The warrior is a strong, stout combatant equipment bonuses of the armor and shield.
without the specialized trai ning and finesse of an anns-
man the survival and outdoor skills of a woodsman. or Starting Gear: 3d4 x 10 mk worth of equipment.
wanderer, or the sophistication of a noble. TI1e warrior is
As interesting as adventures and the stories behind them
are, playing a Wheel of Time game ultimately consists of
encounters. An encounter is an interaction or activity that
includes some level of risk or danger to the heroes. A
battle with a squad of Seanchan soldiers, a tense negotia-
tion with some Aes Sedai, figuring out how to avoid a
trap protecting a chest full of gold marks, or a romantic
assignation in the backroom of a tavern against the
wishes of your superiors- these are all encounters. Each
individual encounter is like its own game, with a begin-
ning, a middle, an end, and victory conditions to deter-
mine a winner and a loser.
TAILORED VERSUS
STATUS QUO
Encounters can be adjusted specifically to the heroes. A
tailored encounter is one in which you take into consider-
ation the heroes' level, the difficulty of the challenge, and
other circumstances uniq11e to the situation. For example,
an initiate hero has a minor ter'angreal, while the group's
armsman has a Defense of 23. You design things to fit the
PCs and the players. In fact, you can specifically design
something for each hero to do-the Seanchan damane and
her sul'dam present a challenge for the initiate, while the
soldiers in the Seanchan party are just the right foes for the
armsmen and algai'd'siswai in the group. City streets and
alleys form the battlefield, offering a clever wanderer the
chance to sneak around the enemy and strike a deadly
blow, while the wolfbrother calls his four-footed friends in
from the nearby forest to attack the grolm and other crea-
tures the Seanchan brought to the battle.
A status quo encounter forces the heroes to adapt to
the encounter ratl1er than the other way around. For ex-
ample, a group ofTrollocs live in caves in the Black Hills,
and if t he heroes go there, they will encounter Trollocs,
whether that is an appropriate encounter for them or not.
This type of encou11ter gives the world a certain verisimil-
itude, and so it's good to mix a few in with the other sorts
of encounters.
If you decide to use only status quo encounters, you
should probably let your players know about this. Some
of the encounters you place in your adventure setting
will be of an appropriate level for the heroes, but others
might not be. For instance, you could decide where one
of the Forsaken ha.s established his secret domain long
before the heroes are experienced enough to survive a
fight against him. If players know ahead of time that the
setting includes status quo encounters that their heroes
might not be able to handle, they will be more likely to
make the right decision if they stumble upon a tough en-
counter. That decision, of course, is to run away and fight
again another day (after the party is better equipped to
face one of the Forsaken).
CHALLENGES
These rules rate encounters as simple, challenging, or
extreme. These definitions provide a Gamemaster with
important information that she can use to build an ad- the same level as the heroes, or a group of four NPCs two
venture. Of course, you don't have to slavishly follow levels lower than the heroes.
these as hard and fast rules; we've provided them as guide- An extreme encounter for a group of heroes of a spe-
lines for how you might structure a "typical" adventure. cific level is only a challenging encounter for a group of
Encounter definitions are relative to the heroes' heroes two or three levels higher, and merely a simple en-
power level. What constitutes an extreme encounter for counter for a group of heroes four to six levels higher.
lst-levd heroes might only be a challenging encounter
for 3rd-level heroes and is probably a simple encounter
CHALLENGE CODES: A Challenge Code is a letter
for 6th-level heroes. Table 11- 1: Sample Encounters fol-
that indicates the relative difficulty of an encounter. A
lows the encounter definitions below and gives examples
Challenge Code B encounter, for instance, is more diffi-
of appropriate encottnters based on the heroes' levels.
cult than a Challenge Code A and less difficult than a
Gauging encounters to the heroes' power level re-
Challenge Code C.
quires a fa ir amount of GM intuition, which becomes
To find the appropriate Challenge Code for an en-
simpler as you become more familiar with your players
counter, first determine how difficult you want the en-
and their heroes. After a few adventures, you should
counter to be (simple, challenging, or extreme). Then find
have relatively little difficulty in estimating appropriate
the average level of the heroes in that column o f Table
encounters.
11- 1: Sample Encounters. The Challenge Code of that
row is the appropriate code for that encounter.
SIMPLE ENCOUNTERS: A simple encounter ex- Example: Christian wants to create a challenging en-
pends about 100/o of the heroes' resources- hit points, ar- counter for a group of 4th-level heroes. Using the Chal-
rows, weave slots, and so forth . The heroes should be able lenging column, he finds the appropriate level range
to overcome several simple encounters before needing to (3- 5) and checks the row (Code C). He now knows to cre-
rest for more than an hour or two. As a general guideline, ate a. Challenge Code C encounter.
about 250/o of all encounters in a typical adventure should
be simple. If the heroes have significant time to rest be- Table 11- 1: Sample Encounters
tween encounters, the percentage of simple encounters
Code Simple Challenging Extreme Samples
shouJd drop to 100/o or so.
A typical simple encow1ter involves a single NPC two
A 1-2 n/a n/a 2 1st-level warriors
I 1st-level armsman
levels lower than the heroes, or a pair of them four levels
lower than the heroes.
B 3- 5 1-2 n/a l 2nd-level wanderer
2 2nd-level warriors
c 6- 8 3-5 1- 2 1 4th-level wanderer
CHALLENGING ENCOUNTERS: Most encoun- 2 2nd-level armsmen
ters are challenging encounters. They should expend D 9- 11 6- 8 3-5 I 7th-level wanderer
20- 250/o of the heroes' resources. Some significant hit I Stl1-level initiate
point loss is likely. After four encounters of this type, the •.E 12- 14 9- 11 6- 8 1 10th-level armsman
heroes will need to rest for several hours, if not a day or 1 8th-level initiate
two. As a general guideline, about half of all encounters F 15- 17 12- 14 9- 11 4 9th-level woodsmen
in a typical adventure should be challenging. 1 13th-level initiate
A typical challenging encounter would be a single G 18-20 15- 17 12- 14 1 16th-level initiate
NPC of the same level as the heroes, a pair of NPCs two 2 14th-level armsmen
levels lower than the heroes, or four NPCs four levels H n/a 18-20 15- 17 1 19th-level wanderer
below the heroes. 4 15th-level armsmen
A challenging encounter for a group of heroes of a I n/a n/a 18- 20 2 20th-level initiates
given level is only a simple encounter for a group of he-
roes two or three levels higher.
NONCOMBAT
EXTREME ENCOUNTERS: The extreme en- ENCOUNTERS
counter is a typical "climactic" encounter for an adven-
While battles between the heroes and dangerous oppo-
ture (or a chapter of a long adventure). An extreme en-
nents are relatively easy to gauge, encounters that don't
counter should expend up to 500/o of the heroes' re-
involve combat can be every bit as rewarding. You could
sources. Heroes who don't act wisely risk serious injury or
award experience points for solving a puzzle, surviving a
death. No more than one-quarter of the encounters in an
trap, learning a secret, convincing an NPC to help, or es-
adventure should be extreme, unless the heroes have
caping a foe. Traps, puzzles, and roleplaying encollnters
ample time to rest and recover. If the adventure allows
can qualify as encounters, but rating their difficulty re-
long rest periods between encounters, the percentage of
quires more work by the GM. The difficulty of a non-
extreme encounters can rise to 500/o of the total number
combat encounter is measured by its Challenge Code.
of encounters in the adventure.
Hazards can va1y significantly. A hazard might con-
A typical extreme encounter would include a single
sist of a potential landslide, a ra ing snowstorm, or a con-
NPC two levels higher than the heroes, a pair of NPCs at
tainer that an Aes Sedai has rigged to explode if it's not use a noncombat encounter as an extreme encounter, and
opened correctly. A hazard's Challenge Code depends on such encounters should always have very high levels of
the total damage it inflicts, as noted on Table 11- 2: Haz- risk for the heroes.
ard Encounters. Since some hazards can be navigated
without actually suffering damage (for instance, by chan-
neling the One Power to disarm the Aes Sedai's trap be- WHAT ISN'T AN
fore it explodes), overcoming the challenge of a hazard
involves "encountering" the hazard and surviving it, re-
ENCOUNTER?
gardless of how much damage is actually inflicted. Not every interaction or activity of the heroes qualifies as
Note that two damage listings are included for each an encounter. Attending a treaty negotiation, talking with
code. The first is a hazard's one-time damage (such as an a trusted contact, or buying a horse-while appropriate
exploding fireball trap). The second is for hazards that and useful activities for the campaign- probably don't
deal damage over a period of ti.me (such as exposure to represent any real risk to the heroes and therefore don't
great cold). This assumes that the heroes are poten tially qualify as encounters.
exposed to the hazard for at least two of the time inter- On the other hand, any of these examples could be-
vals listed (otherwise use the code for one-time damage). come an encounter if the Gamemaster included elements
Hazards that inflict less than ld6 points of damage per of risk or danger within them. For instance, the heroes' par-
minute probably shouldn't be treated as an "encounter" ticipation in a treaty negotiation might require them to
but simply as an environmental condition (see below). make a number of difficult Diplomacy checks, for which
failure might result in serious repercussions to the cam-
Table 11-2: Hazard Encounters paign (or even a simple brawl). If the meeting with the he-
roes' trusted contact occurs in a crowded bar full of city
Code Hazard Damage
guards, where any misstep could result in arrest, that would
A ld6 or ld6/ minute
constitute risk. If the heroes were buying a horse from a
B 2d6 or ld6/five rounds
surly Tairen looking for an excuse to pull out his blade,
C 4d6 or ld6/round
that might well qualify as an encounter. Ultimately, it's up
D 7d6 or 2d6/round
to you, the Gamemaster, to determine what is or isn't an
E 10d6 or 3d6/round
encounter in your Wheel ofTime campaign.
F 13d6 or 4d6/round
G 16d6 or 5d6/round
H 19d6 or 6d6/round
I 22d6 or 7d6/round
THE ENVIRONMENT
Crossing tbe Aiel Waste raises the risk of heatstroke and
Other noncombat encounters- such as breaking a secret dehydration. Plunging into the murky depths of the sea
code or fast-talking a noble- can be assigned a Challenge incurs the peril of drowning. Heroes spend a lot of time
Code based on the difficulty and the risk entailed by fail- in the most dismal, dangerous, and generally unpleasant
ure. When such an encounter requires one or more skill places imaginable. If the villains and strange creatures en-
checks, the DC of the check(s) can give the GM some guid- countered don't kill the heroes, tlie environment might.
ance, but even then he must rely on his own best judgment. This section details hazards the heroes face from the
See Table 11- 3: Miscellaneous Encow1ters for guidelines. physical world around them.
Use the "DC (single)" column when only a single skill
check is required to resolve the encounter. Consult the
"DC (multiple)" column when two or more skill checks
DARKNESS AND LIGHT: It's a rare mission that
doesn't end up in the dark somewhere, and heroes need
(whether by a single hero or more than one h ero) are re-
a way to see. See Table 11 - 4: Light Sources for the radius
quired to resolve the encounter.
that a light source illuminates and how long it lasts.
Table 11-3: Miscellaneous Encounters Table 11-4: Light Sources
Code DC (single) DC (multiple)
Item Light Duration
A 15 10
Candle 5 feet 1 hour
B 18 13
Torch 20 feet 1 hours
c 21 16
Lantern; hooded 30 feet 6 hours/pint oil
D 24 19
Glowbulb 60 feet Permanent
E 27 24
F 30 27
Without a light source, heroes are effectively blinded (see
G 33 30
Character Condition Summary).
H 36 33
I 39 36
HEAT AND COLD: The hot desert sun is as deadly
Most noncombat encounters should be simple or chal- an enemy as a hostile band of Aiel. Even th e bravest hero
lenging. O nly in very rare circumstances should a GM can easily succumb to the prickly fUlgers of icy death.
Prolonged exposure to hot or cold temperatures can points of subdual damage. This damage cannot be recov-
quickly wear down a hero, and heatstroke or hypothermia ered until the character returns to an area of normal tem-
can be deadly. perature. A character who takes enough subdual damage
Characters who are out and about in uncomfortably to fall unconscious begins to take normal damage unless
hot or cold conditions- equivalent to a very hot summer brought into the appropriate environment.
day or freezi ng cold winter day-must make a Fortitude Heavy clothing or armor imposes a -4 penalty on
saving tluow (DC 15, + 1 per previous check) each hour saves against heat but grants a +4 circumstance bonus on
or take ld6 points of subdual damage. Extreme heat or saves against cold. Also, a character with the Wilderness
cold (desert or arctic conditions) forces characters to Lore skjll may receive a bonus on these saves and may be
make Fortitude saves once every 10 minutes or take 1d6 able to apply this bonus to other characters as well {see
points of subdual damage. Breathing air in areas of amaz- the Wilderness Lore skill, page 86).
ing heat (such as above a lava pit) automatically deals ld6
points of normal damage per minute, and the character
STARVATION AND T HIRST: It's not heroic, but
must make a Fortitude save every 5 minutes or take ld4
sometimes heroes find themselves without food and
229
continuedfrom page 229
attacking a prone target). A ranged attack gets no spe-
-6 to Strength and Dexterity. After 1 hour of com- ~ial bonus. A helpless defender can't use any Dexter-
plete rest, exhausted characters become fatigued. ity bonus ~o ?efense. In fact, her Dexterity score is
Fatigued: Characters who are fatigued cannot run treated as 1f 1t were 0 and her Dexterity modifier to
or charge and suffer an effective penalty of -2 to Defense were -5. She can be sneak attacked.
Strength and Dexterity. A fatigued character becomes Panicked: A panicked creature suffers a -2 morale
exhausted by doing something else that would nor- penalty on saving throws and must flee. A panicked
~ally cause fatigue. After 8 hours of complete rest, fa- character ~as a 50% chance to drop what he's holding,
tigued characters are no longer fatigued. chooses his path randomly (as long as he is getting
~lat-Footed: A. character who has not yet acted away from immediate danger), and flees any other
dunng a co~bat ~s flat-footed, not yet reacting nor- dangers that confront him. If cornered, a panicked
mally to the situation. A flat-footed character loses bis creature cowers. A creature may use a special ability or
Dexterity bonus to Defense (if any). cast a weave to escape; being panicked doesn't prevent
Frightened: A creature that is frightened flees as an Asha'man from using a Portal Stone, for example.
well as it can. If unable to flee, the creature may fight. Paralyzed: A paralyzed cha1·acter falls to the
It suffers a -2 morale penalty on attack rolls, weapon ground, unable to n;iove or act physically. She is help-
damage rolls, and saving throws. A frightened crea- less. She has effective Strength and Dexterity scores
ture .can use special abilities, including weaves, to of 0 but may take purely mental actions.
flee; mdecd, the creature must usc such means if they Pinned: Held immobile (but not helpless) in a
arc the only way to escape. grapple.
Grappled: Engaged in wrestling or some other Prone: The character is on the ground. He suffers
form of hand-to-hand struggle with one or more at- a -4 penalty on melee attack rolls, and the only
tackers. A grappled character cannot move, cast a ranged weapon he can effectively use is a crossbow:
weave, fire a projectile, or undertake any action more w~cb he m.ay use without penalty. Opponents re:
complicated than making a barehanded attack, attack- ce1ve a +4 cucumstance bonus on mdce attack rolls
ing with a Small or smaller weapon, or attempting to ~gainst .him. but a -4 penalty on ranged attacks. Stand-
break free from the opponent. In addition, grappled mg up 1s a move action.
ch~racters do not threaten any area and lose any Dex- Shaken: A shaken character suffers a - 2 moraJe
terity bonuses to Defense against opponents they penalty on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls and sav-
aren't grappling. ing throws. '
Held: Held characters are subject to effects that Stable: A character who was dying but who bas sta-
make them unable to move (such as the harden air bilized and still bas negative hit points is stable. She
~eave) ..They are helpless. They can perform no phys- is no longer dying, but she is still unconscious.
ical actions (but they continue to breathe and can Staggered: .A character whose subdual damage ex-
take purely mental actions). actly equals his current hit points is staggered. H e is
H~lpless: Bound, held, sleeping, paralyzed, or un- so badly weakened or roughed up that be can take
conscious characters are helpless. Enemies can make only a single move or attack action each round.
advantageous attacks against helpless characters or Stunned: The character loses her Dexterity bonus
even deliver a coup d.e grace. ' to De~ense (if any) and can take no actions. Foes gain
A melee roll against a helpless character is at a +4 a +2 CU'Cumstance bonus to hit stunned characters.
circumstance bonus on the attack roll (equivalent to Unconscious: Knocked out and helpless.
wa~er. In normal climates, they need at least a gallon of until the character gets food or water, as needed. Even
flutds and about a po und of decent food to avoid starva- weaves and medicines that restore hit points cannot heal
tion. In :ery hot climates, such as the Aiel Waste or parts this damage.
of the Blight, they need two or three times as much water
to avo id dehydration.
A character can go without water for one day plus a SUFFOCATION AND DROWNING: Any charac-
number of hours equal to her Constitution score. After te~ can ~old bis. bre.ath for a number of rounds equaJ to
this, she m ust n:ake a Constitution check ead1 hoUI (DC twice his Constitution score. After this period of time,
10 + l per previous check) or sustain ld6 points of subd- the charac~er must make a Constitution check (DC 10 +
ual d.ama~e. She can go without food fo r three days, in 1 per previous check) every round in o rder to continue
grow1.ng discomfort. After this, she must make a Consti- holding his breath.
tutio~ check ea~h day (DC 10 + 1 per previous check) or When the character finally fails his Constitution
sustain 1d6 points of subdual damage. A character who check, he begins to suffocate or drown. l n the first round,
takes enough subdual damage to fall unconscious begins he tak~s subduaJ. dan~age equal to his current hit points
to take normal damage. {dropptng to 0 hit pomts) and falls unconscious. The fol-
Damage from thirst or starvation cannot be recovered lowing ro und, he drops to - 1 hit points and is dying. In
the third round, he suffocates or drowns.
Table 11-5: Poisons
Poison Type lnitial Damage Secondary Damage
Knockout drops Ingested DC 12 ld6 Dex Unconscious*
Sense-deadening poison Inhaled DC 12 ld6 Wis 2d6 Wis
Weakening poison gas Inhaled DC 12 ld6 Str 2d6 Str
Knockout gas Inhaled DC 18 ld6 Dex Unconscious*
Paralytic poison Injury DC 15 ld6 Dex Paralysis
Deadly poison Ingested DC 15 ld6 Con 2d6 Con
Red adder bite Injury DC 16 ld6 Con 2d6 Con
Blood snake bite Injury DC 17 2d6 Con 4d6 Con
Contact poison Injury DC 18 ld4 Con 2d4 Con
*Unconscious and stable.
231
Table 11-6: Diseases
Incubation lnitiaJ Secondary
Disease Type Period Damage Damage
Type I disease Ingested/inhaled D C 13 ld6 days l Con Id2 Con and ld2 Str•f
Type II disease Ingested/inhaled DC 13 ld4 days l Str ld2 Con* and ld4 Str
Animal-based disease Injury DC 15 ld4 days 1 Con and 1 Str Jd3 Con* and ld3 Str''
Spore-based disease Ingestedhnjury DC 14 2d4 days 1 Con and 1 De.x ld2 Con* and ld2 Dex*
"If damage is sustained, make a second saving throw to avoid 1 point being permanently dra ined (instead of damaged).
indicate that she has fought off the disease and recovers, rolled for Strength loss, she'll recover that the following
taking no more damage. day. The chills won't present anything more than a sbort-
term inconvenience for a hero unless multiple saving
The following details the information shown on Table throws fail with 2 points of ability loss each time.
11-6: Diseases.
Type: The disease's method of delivery- ingested, in-
haled, or via an injury-and the DC needed to save. Keep
in mind that some i11jury diseases may be transmitted by
CREATURES
a wound as small as a flea bite. Most diseases that are in- The world of The Wheel of Time is home to hundreds of
haled can also be ingested (and vice versa). different creatures, ranging from common animals to
Incubation Period: The amount of time before initial Seanchan exotics and twisted Shadowspawn. The follow-
damage begins. ing entries represent a small sampling of creatures the he-
Initial Damage: The extra damage the character suf- roes may encounter as allies or enemies in the course of
fers after the incubation period, after failing her saving their travels.
throw against this type of disease. Ability score damage is Each creature entry is organized in the same general
temporary unless marked with an asterisk (*), in which format, as described below. This information is in a con-
case the loss is a permanent dra_in. densed form. Although most creature information uses
Secondary Damage: The amount of damage the th e same rules and format as for characters, creature en-
character su ffers one day after exposure as a result of the tries include some additional rules unique to creatu res.
disease, if she fails a second saving throw. This damage is These additional rules are explained below.
suffered each day the saving throw fails.
MAIN STATISTICS B LOCK: This text contains
Healing: Use of the Heal skill can help a diseased
basic game information on the creature.
character. Every time she makes a saving throw against
disease effects, the healer makes a check. The diseased
character can use the healer's result in place of her saving
Name: This is the name by which the creature is gener-
ally known. The descriptive text (following the main and
throw if the H eal result is higher. The diseased character
secondary statistics blocks) may give other names.
must be within the healer's care and must spend most of
each day resting.
Remember that ch aracters recover points lost to abil-
Size and Type: This line begins with the creature's
size (such as Huge). There are eight sizes, which are
ity score damage at a rate of 1 per day. That means that a
briefly described in the table below. A size modifier can
hero with the yellow chills (a type II disease) might be able
apply to the creature's Defense and attack bonus, as well
to withstand the duration of the illness without any accu-
as to certain skills. A creature's size also determines how
mulation of damage. Upon catching the yellow chills, the
far it can reach to make a melee attack and bow much
hero loses a point of Strength, but then regains it the next
space it occupies in a fight (see Face/ Reach below).
day. Even if she fails her save the following day, if a 1 is
233
Damage: This entry shows the damage each of the crea- When a creature gets a hold after an improved grab at-
ture's attacks deals. Damage from an attack is always at tack, it pulls the opponent into its space. This act does
least 1 point, even if a subtraction from a die roll brings not provoke attacks of opportunity. The creature is not
the result to 0 or lower. (Certain effects may temporarily considered grappled while it holds the opponent, so it
increase the damage modifier to the base die roll.) still threatens adjacent spaces and retains its Dexterity
Natural Weapons: A creature's primary attack damage bonus. It can even move (possibly carrying away the op-
includes its full Strength modifier (one and a half times its ponent), provided it can drag the opponent's weight.
Strength bonus if it's the creature's sole attack). Secondary Gaze: A gaze attack takes effect when opponents look
attacks add one-half the creature's Strength bonus. at the creature's eyes. The typical range is 30 feet, but
If any attacks also cause some special effect othe.r than check the creature's entry for details.
damage (poison, disease, etc.), it is listed here. The type of saving throw for a gaze attack varies, but it
Natural weapons have types just as other weapons do is usually a Will or Fortitude save. The DC is 10 + 112
(see "Weapon Qialities" in Chapter 7: Equipment). The the gazing creature's HD + gazing creature's Charisma
most common are summarized below. bonus (the exact DC is given in the creature's descriptive
Bite: The creature attacks with its mouth, dealing pierc- text). A successful saving throw negates the effect.
ing, slashing, and bludgeoning damage. Each opponent within range of a gaze attack must at-
Claw or Rake: The creature rips with a sharp appendage, tempt a saving throw each round at the beginning of his
dealing p iercing and slashing damage. or her turn. Only looking directly at a creature with a gaze
Gore: The creature spears the opponent with an antler, attack leaves an opponent vulnerable. Opponents can
horn, or similar appendage, dealing piercing damage. avoid the saving throw by not looking at the creature, in
Slap or Slam: The creature batters opponents with an one of two ways: averting their eyes or wearing blindfolds.
appendage, dealing bludgeoning damage. Averting Eyes: The opponent avoids looking at the crea-
Sting: The creature stabs with a stinger, dealing piercing ture's face, instead looking at its body, watching its
damage. Stings are usually envenomed. shadow, tracking ir in a reflective surface, and so on. Each
Manufactured Weapons: Creatures that use swords, round, the opponent has a 500/o chance to not need to
bows, and the like follow the same rules as characters. make a saving throw against the attack.
The bonus for attacks with two-handed melee weapons is wearing a Blindfold: The opponent cannot see the crea-
one and a half times the creature's Strength bonus, while ture at aU (also possible by turning one's back on the crea-
secondary melee weapons add half the Strength bonus. trne or shutting one's eyes). The creature with the gaze at-
tack gains total concealment against the opponent.
Special Abilities: Many creatures have unusual abil- A creature with a gaze attack can actively gaze as an attack
ities, which can include special attack forms, resistance or action by d1oosing a target within range. That opponent
vulnerability to certain types of damage, and enhanced must attempt a saving throw but can try to avoid this as de-
sense. A creature entry breaks these abilities into Special scribed above. Thus, it is possible to save against a creature's
Attacks and Special Qialities. The latter category includes gaze attack twice during the same round, once before the
defenses, vulnerabilities, and other special abilities that opponent's action and once during the creature's tum.
are not modes of attack. A creature is immune to its own gaze attack unless
noted otherwise.
Special Attacks: This line Jim all the creature's special
attacks in the order they are most likely to be used. If the Special Q!.ialities: This line lists aU the creature's
creature has no special attacks, this line does not appear. special qualities in the order they are most likely to be
Details of the most common special attacks are listed here, used. If the creature has no special qualities, this line does
with additional information in the creature entries. not appear. Details of the most common special qualities
Improved G rab: lf the creature hits with a melee are listed here, with additional information in the crea-
weapon (usually a claw or bite attack), it deals normal ture entries.
damage and attempts to start a grapple as a free action Blindsight: Using nonvisual senses, such as sensitivity
without provoking an attack of opportunity (see Chapter to vibrations, scent, acute hearing, or echolocation, the
8: Combat). No initial touch attack is requ ired, and Tiny creature maneuvers and fights as well as a sighted crea-
and Small creatures do not suffer a special size penalty. ture. Invisibi lity and darkness are irrelevant, though it
Unless otherwise stated, improved grab works only still can't discern insubstantial beings. The ability's range
against opponents at least one size smaUer than the crea- is specified in the creature's descriptive text. The creature
ture. The creature has the option to conduct the grapple usually does not need to make Spot or Listen checks to
nonnally, or simply use the part of its body it used in the notice creatures within range of its blindsight ability.
improved grab to hold the opponent. If it chooses to do Damage Reduction: The creature ignores damage from
the latter, it suffers a -20 penalty to grapple checks but is most weapons and natural attad<s. Wounds heal immedi-
not considered grappled itself; the creature does not lose ately, or the weapon bounces off harmlessly (in either
its Dexterity bonus ro Defense, still threatens an area, and case, the opponent knows the attack was ineffective). The
can use its remaining attacks against other opponents. creature takes normal damage from energy attacks (even
A successful hold does not deal any additional damage those not created with the One Power), weaves, and the
unless otherwise noted. powers of ter'angrral.
The enrry indicates the amount of damage ignored Strength: To determine a quadruped's carrying capacity
and the type of weapon or su bstance that negates the limits, use Table 6-8: Carrying Capacity, multiplying by the
ability. For example, the gholam's entry reads "damage appropriate modifier for the creature's size: Fine xl/4,
reduction 5/+l": Each time an opponent bits thegholam Diminutive xl/2, Trny x3/4, Smail xl, Medium-size xl 1/2,
with a weapon, the damage dealt by that attack is re- Large x3, Huge x6, Gargantuan xl2, and Colossal x24.
duced by 5 points (to a minimum of 0). However, a Intelligence: A creature can speak all the languages
Power-wrought blade with a + l enhancement bonus listed in its descriptive text, plus one additional language
deals full damage. per point oflntelligence bonus. Any creature wit11 an Intel-
A creature wiLh its own damage reduction can some- ligence score of 3 or higher understands at least one lan-
times damage the creature normally. For these purposes, guage (usually Common, unless noted otherwise). How-
a creature with as much or more damage reduction than ever, unless the descriptive text specifies languages spoken,
its opponent damages it normally. A creature's natural the creature can only understand-not speak-that language.
weapons count as the type that ignore its own innate
damage reduction. Skills: This line lists all the creature's skills by name
Low-Light Vision: The creature can see twice as far as along with each skill's score, which includes adjustments
a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, or similar for ability scores and any bonuses from feats or racial
conditions of poor iUumination. It retains the ability to abilities unless otherwise noted in the descriptive text. All
distinguish color and detail under these conditions. listed skills were purchased as class skills unless the crea-
One Sense: A few Shadowspawn can sense when a ture has a character class (noted in the entry). If you wish
character embraces the One Power or casts a weave within to customize the creature with new skills, use the table
60 feet of them. This requires a successful Spot check. Be- below to determine its total skill points. Treat any skill
cause weaves are easier co sense than just embracing the not listed in the creature's entry as a cross-class skill un-
One Power, the casting level of the weave .is added as a less the creature has a character class, in which case it can
circumstance bonus on the Spot check. purchase the skill as any other member of that class.
Scent: This ability aUows the creature to detect ap- A creature's type and Intelligence score determine the
proaching enemies, sniff out hidden foes, and track by number of skill points it has. Some creatures receive
sense of smeU. Creatures with the scent ability can identify bonus skill points for having Hit Dice in excess of what
familiar odors just as humans recognize familiar sights. is normal for creatures of their size, as listed in the ac-
The creature can detect opponents within 30 feet by companying table.
sense of smell. If the opponent is upwind, tbe range in- The "Skills" section of the creature's descriptive text re-
creases to 60 feet; if downwind, it drops to 15 feet. caps racial and other bonuses for the sake of clarity; these
Strong scents, such as smoke or rotting garbage, can be bonuses should not be added to the listed skill scores un-
detected at twice the ranges noted above. Overpowering less otherwise noted. An asterisk (*) beside the relevant
scents, such as a day-o ld battlefield, can be detected at score and in the "Skills" section indicates a conditional
triple rnnges. adjustment.
When a creature detects a scent, the exact location is
not revealed-only its presence somewhere within range. Feats: This entry lists all the creature's feats by name.
The creature can take a move or attack action to note the The creature's descriptive text may contain additional in-
direction of the scent. If it moves within 5 feet of the formation if a feat works differently than described in
source, the creature can pinpoinl that source. Chapter 5: Feats.
A creature with the scent abi li ty can fol low tracks by Most creatures use the same feats as are available to
smell, making a Wisdom check to find or follow a track. characters, but some have access to a couple of unique
The typical DC for a fresh trail is 10 (no matter what kind feats: Flyby Attack and Multiattack. (See the sidebar on
of surface holds the scent). This increases or decreases de- page 236 for descriptions of these feats.}
pending on how strong the quarry's odor is, the number
of creatures, and the age of the trail. For each hour that
the trail is cold, the DC increases by 2. The ability other-
SECONDARY STATISTICS BLOCK: This section
includes infom1ation that the GM needs for campaign
wise follows the rules for the Track feat. Creatures track-
purposes but not (generally) during an encounter.
ing by scent ignore the effects of surface conditions and
poor visibility.
Climate/Terrain: This entry details the locales where
the creature is most often found.
Saves: This enrry lists the creatuxe's Fortitude, Reflex, Cold: Arctic and subarctic climes. Any area that has
and Will saves, which reflecl its type, ability score modi-
winter conditions for the greater potion of the year is cold.
fiers, and any special qualities.
Temperate: Any area that has alternating warm and
cold seasons.
Abilities: This entry lists all six of the creature's abil-
Warm: Tropical and subtropical climes. Any area that
ity scores, in order: Strength (Str), Dexterity (Dex),
has summer conditions for the greater portion of the year
Constitution (Con), Intelligence (Int), Wisdom (Wis), and
1s warm.
Charisma (Cha). Most abilities work exactly as described
Aquatic: Fresh or salt water.
in Chapter l: Abilities, with the following exceptions.
Desert: Any dry area with sparse vegetation.
235
Organization:
FLYBY ATTACK (GENERAL] This line describes the kinds of groups the creature might
The creature form. A range of numbers in parentheses indicates how
can attack many combat-ready adults are in each type of group.
on the wing.
Prerequisite: Challenge Code:
Fly speed. This indicates the relative difficulty of an encounter with
Benefit: the creature. See Challenge Codes, page 227.
When fly -
ing, the creature can take ao attack action at any Advancement:
point duri11g its move action (including a dive). The examples of creatures given here cover only typical
The creature cannot take a second move action examples of each species. It is possible for some creatures
during a round when it makes a flyby attack. to advance as they grow older, becoming more dangerous
Normal: Without this feat, the creature takes an and skilled. Each entry shows how high a creature can ad-
attack action either before or after its move. vance, and what size it becomes at each level of advance-
ment. What increases a creature gets as it gains Hit Dice
MULTIATTACK [GENERAL] depend on its type, as shown in Table 11- 8: Creature Ad-
vancement by Type.
The creature is adept at using all its natural
weapons at once. Size Increases: Creatures may become larger as they
Prerequisite: Three or more natural weapons. gain Hit Dice (the new size is noted parenthetically in the
Benefit: The creature's secondary attacks with creature's Advancement entry).
natural weapons suffer onJy a -2 penalty. A size increase affects a creature's ability scores, De-
Normal: Without this feat, the creature's second- fense, and attack bonuses, as indicated on Table 11 -9 :
ary natural attacks suffer a - 5 penalty. Size Effects on Ability Scores.
DARKHOUND
CoRLM Darkhounds are massive, black creaturers similar in ap-
Medium-Size Exotic pearance to dogs but the size and mass of ponies. They
Hit Dice: 2d10+6 (17 hp) have huge, slavering mouths, bright, silver eyes ~nd. p~w
Initiative: +2 (Dex) erful, muscled bodies. The cry of a Darkhound is ~urular
Speed: 30 ft. to a wolf's, but with an undertone of pam and
Defense: 15 (+2 Dex, +3 natural) death that clearly
Attacks: Bite +6 melee comes from no mun-
Damage: Bite ld8+6 dane beast.
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft. According to leg-
Special Q!ialities: Scent end, Darkhounds
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +I are taken on night-
Abilities : Str 18, Dex 15, Con time hunts by the
16, Int 3, Wis 12, Cha 10 Dark One himself,
Skills: Listen +11, Spot +3, Wil- and the recent spotting
derness Lore + 12 of several of these crea-
~ tures suggest that the
Feats: Run
Shadow is closer to es-
Climate/Terrain: Any forest, caping its prison than
hill and plains anyone would have
Organization: Solitary or pack believed possible a
(2- 12) few short years ago.
Challenge Code: A They are certainly
Advancement: 3 HD (Medium- agents of the Dark
size); 4-5 HD (Large) One, and are sent to
find and kill his ene-
Corlm are similar in appear- mies. Only a single
ance to large, flightless birds. pack of Darkhounds
They are carnivorous predators is ever seen at once,
and unmatched trackers. as two different packs
A typical codm stands 6 feet would set upon one
tall and weights 300 pounds full another. Darkhounds
grown, but some individuals do not generally work
grow to be as much as 8 feet tall. with other Shadow-
Rather than feathers, corlm are spawn, nor do they
covered in long hair with patterns need to. They are re-
similar to a house cat's fur. The lentless hunters that
tail flattens out for stability when never tire and rarely
running, and the two crestlike ears lose a track.
are capable of rotating in nearly any Darkhounds dislike rain and
direction. A corlm has large, powerful legs Corlm thunderstorms, rarely venturing into them,
and a pair of small arms thal are generally used only but once a Darkhound has spotted its prey,
when building a nest. The beak is large for its head and rain is not enough to dissuade it from attack. Darkhounds
hooked, much like a raptor's. Unlike many of the Sean- never cross running water, however-escaping across a
chan exotics, a corlm has only two eyes, located on the river or stream will save a victim no matter how close a
sides of its head. Darkhound is. Darkhounds always attack at night and
Corlm find prey by both scent and sound. They can there are no reported cases of them being seen during the
easily crack down human targets, able to keep pa~e day-but there is no guarantee that a pack of Darkhounds
with them over long distances and outrun them m would flee from the dawn.
short sprints. They are solitary creatures and are never
deployed by the Seanchan in groups, since they do not Combat: Only the most competent of warriors should
tolerate one another except during mating seasons. risk fighting a Darkhound. They are extr.emely ~if£cul~ to
kill and often slay their opponents with a single bite.
Combat: Corlm attack with their powerful bite, often Darkhounds are smart enough to concentrate their at-
charging prey. If badly injured, a corlm flees combat, for it tacks on more dangerous combatants and use their speed
is able to outrun most of the things it hunts.
237
to make swift strikes-moving in to bite one target, then them is healed at the rate of 5 hit points per round. Even
running on to a second victim. mortal wounds dealt by weapons are recovered, possibly
A pack of D arkhounds is bringing a greater Dark-
generally sent to kill a particu- hound back &om death.
lar prey, but they enjoy killing
and attack anyone found with
their target as well.
DRAGHKAR
Medium-Size Shadow-
Poiso n: Both types of
spawn
Dark.hounds have poisonous
Hit Dice: 2d8 (9 hp)
saliva, making a single bite
Initiative: + 3 (Dex)
from either extremely deadly.
Speed: 30 ft., fly 40 ft.
Any creature bitten by a Dark-
(poor)
hound must make a Fortitude
D efense: 13 (+3 Dex)
save (DC 18 for lesser Dark-
Attacks: 2 talons +2 melee
hounds, DC 19 for greater
Damage: Talon ld6
D arkhounds). On a failed save
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft.IS ft.
a target takes 1d6 points of
Special Attacks: Captivating
temporary Constitution dam-
song, kiss
age, and must make a second
Special Qµalities: Low-light
save l round later. If this save
vision
is failed, the character dies.
Saves: Fort +3, Ref+5, Will +2
P oisonous Blood: The
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 17, Con
blood of Darkhounds is poi-
11, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 26
sonous as well, forcing anyone
Skills: Listen +5, Move
who damages a Darkhound
Silently + 6, Spot +5
with a Medium-size or Small
Feats: Flyby Attack
melee weapon to make a Forti-
rude save (DC 18 for lesser
Climate/ Terrain: Any land
Darkhounds, DC 19 for greater
Organization: Solitary
Dark.hounds). On a failed save,
Challenge C ode: C
a target takes ld6 points of
Advancement: By character
temporary Strength damage
7Jarkho1mds class
and must make a second save l
round later. If this second save
Draghkar are Shadowspawn created during the Age of
is failed, the character takes ld6 points of temporary
Legends from human stock to serve as scouts and outdoor
Constitution damage.
assassrns.
Regeneration: Greater Dark.hounds can only be killed
Draghkar are roughly human in appearance, often re-
by weaves of the One Power. Any other damage done to
sembling overly rail, gaunt men draped in thick black
Lesser Dark.hound Greater Dark.hound
Medium-Size Shadowspawo Medium-Size Shadowspawn
Hit Dice: 8d8+32 (68 hp) 8d8+40 (76 hp)
Initiative: +2 (Dex) +2 (Dex)
Speed: 50 ft. 60 ft.
Defense: 14 (+2 natural, +2 Dex) 20 (+8 natural, +2 Dex)
Attacks: Bite + 12 me lee Bite + 13 me lee
Damage: Bite Id8+6 and poison Bite 2d6+ 7 and poison
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./O ft. 5 ft. by 5 ft.IQ ft.
Special Attacks: Poison Poison
Special Q!JaJities: Scent, poisonous blood Scent, poisonous blood, regeneration 5
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +6, Wt!! +3 Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +4
Abilities: Str 18, Dex IS, Con 18, Str 20, Dex 15, Con 20,
Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 14 Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 16
Skills: Listen +10, Spot + 10, Listen +12, Spot +12,
Wilderness Lore +9 Wilderness Lore + 12
Feats: Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack
238
cloaks that are in fact batlike wings. Upon closer inspec- Damage: Longsword ld8+5
tion a Draghkar's frail, taloned hands and oversized black Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft.
eyes betray its inhumanity. Special Q!ialities: Damage red uction 5/+l, One sense,
What makes a Draghkar dangerous is not its talons or boneless, weave immunity, ter'angreal vulnerability
flying attack, but its ability to entrance a being with its Saves: Fort +12, Ref +10, Will +5
song and steal the victim's soul with a kiss. This horrid Abilities: Str 20, Dex 20, Con 20, Int 15, Wis 15, Cha 14
embrace is not immediately fa tal, but even those only Skills: Intimidate +8, Listen +6, Move Silently+ 19, Spot +6
briefly affected by a Draghkar's touch are rarely quite the Feats: Combat Expertise, Improved lnitialive, Power
same. Those rescued too late are so dulled as Lo be worse Attack
than dead.
Climate/Terrain: Any land
Combat: Draghkar are dangerous combatants only Organization: Solitary
when able to use their kiss. In general, a Draghkar seeks a Challenge Code: G
target who is alone and unprepared for combat. It Advancement: By character class
then uses its song to lull the victim into a Stu·
por, attempting its kiss only after there is no /~ Very little is known about the Shadowspawn
further resistance. Draghkar often act in ~ known as gho/nm. They were created dur-
tandem with Myrddraal and Trollocs, tak- ~ ing the Age of Legends by the Forsaken
ing advan tage of distractions caused by Aginor, though it is not known from
those violent Shadowspawn to catch a what original stock.
single target unawares. The gholam served the Dark One as
Captivating Song: The song of a warriors of great skill, hunting down
Draghkar is capable of dulling the and killing many of the powerful Aes
keenest mind. The song must be di- Sedai of tha l age. OnJy six were ever
rected at a specific target within 120 feet made-three men and three women-
of the Draghkar. Using the song is a free and none are known for certain to have
action, though the Draghkar can affect been killed. At least one managed to sur-
only one crearnre at a time. The target must vive to the current Age.
succeed at a WiH save (DC 19) or become ut- Chofam are especially dangerous Shadow-
terly captivated. If the save is successful, that spawn for several reasons. They are extremely
creature cannot be affected again by that strong and fast, and extremely resistant to dam-
Draghkar's song for one day. age. A single gbolam is more than a match for
A captivated creature becomes completely dozens of typical armsmen. More importantly,
docile and moves toward the Draghkar, taking however, gholam are immune to weaves. This al-
the most direct route available. lf the path leads lows them to ignore most channelers' attacks and
into a dangerous area (through flame, off a cliff, defenses, making ir easy for tl1em to kill any stu-
etc.), that creature gets a second saving throw. The dent of the One Power.
target is unable to take any action other than ap- It is unknown how gholam receive their orders
proaching the Draghkar. A victim within 5 feet of from the Dark One. They do not seem to work
the Draghkar stands helpless, offering no resist- together or with any other Shadowspawn, and
ance to the Shadowspawn's kiss. The effect con- little is known of their lifestyle or habits. Gholam
tinues as long as the Draghkar sings. subsist purely on blood, ofte n the blood of hu-
Kiss: The most fearsome attack of a Draghkar is mans, and can sometimes be tracked to a city by
its soul-stealing kiss. It must make a melee touch at- Vrnghkar following trends of sudden disappearances.
tack to kiss its victim, which provokes an attack of
opportunity. Thus, Draghkar generally only use their kiss Combat: A gholam is a vicious and skilled fighter.
against targets they have already lulled with their song. When faced with both channeling and nonchanneling
A target kissed by a Draghkar must succeed at a For- targets, it generally moves to kill nonchannelers first,
titude save (DC 19) each round the kiss is held or be per- since it does not consider channelers a threat. Gbolam are
manently drained of ld6 points of Wisdom. A target arrogant in their ability to defeat nearly any foe, and they
whose Wisdom is reduced to 0 is killed, its soul com- are not intimidated when outnumbered. rf a gholam does
pletely desrroyed. find itself in tro uble during a fight, however, it flees and
seeks some other way to achieve its objectives.
Boneless: Despite their human appearance, gholam
GHOLAM are boneless. A gholam is capable of slithering through
Medium-Size Shadowspawn
small cracks and under doorways. Any opening at least
Hit Dice: 10d8+50 (95 hp)
1116 inch thick is large enough for it to move through
Initiative: +9 (+5 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative)
easily.
Speed: 30 ft.
Their boneless anatomy also makes gholam immune
Defense: 20 (+5 Dex, +5 natural)
to extra damage dealt by sneak attacks and critical hits.
Attacks: Longsword+ 15/+ 10 melee
239
Weave Immunity: No weave of any state, they are completely ordinary-looking and can be
kind can affect a gholam. Attacks in- overlooked even by dedicated searchers. Gray Men are
volving the O ne Power slide use- therefore excellent assassins, able to kill both peasants
lessly off it, such defenses fa il and kings in their homes with ease.
to protect against it, and it It is not known what promise the Dark One uses to
moves through such barriers convince anyone to become a Gray Man, but they exist ~
as though they did not exist. in sufficient numbers to threaten any of his enemies. ~
()
Secondary effects can still Against common targets, a single Gray Man is gener- ~
harm a gholam, however: If ally sufficient, but bands of up to four may be sent
the One Power is used to against more powerful individuals. If one group fa ils
hurl a rock at it, the rock can in its mission, the Dark One seems to assume others
still dea I damage (al- will fail as well, and more Gray Men are rarely sent.
though its damage re-
duction would apply). Combat: A Gray Man is an assassin more than a
Ter'angreal Vulnera- warrior. Typically, a Gray Man stalks its prey in plain
bility: Although gholam sight, then attacks without warning, trying to catch its
have very few weaknesses, target flat-footed. Once a Gray Man is spotted, it
they seem vulnerable to cer- fights to the death, but it has no special combat abil-
tain ter'angreal that protect ities in a stand-up fight.
their wearer from the One • Sneak Attack: If a Gray Man can catch an opponent
Power. Using such a ter'an- who is unable to defend himself effectively from its at-
greal as a weapon against a tack, it can strike a vital spot for exrra damage. Basically,
gho!am requires a melee any time the Gray Man's target would be denied his
touch attack to deal ld8 Dexterity bonus to Defense (whether he actually has a
points of damage. The gho- Dexterity bonus or not), or when the Gray Man flanks
lam's damage reduction is , the target, the Gray Man's attack deals +3d6 extra dam-
useless against this attack. age. This ability works in the same manner as a wan-
Skills: Gholam are ex- derer's sneak attack. Gray Men normally make sneak
ceedingly stealthy. They ,.,.. attacks by catching their targets flat-footed.
receive a +8 racial bonus Gholam Death Attack: If a Gray Man studies its victim
on Move Silently checks. for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack with a
GRAY MAN
Medium-Size Shadowspawn
Hit Dice: 4d8+ 12 (30 hp)
Initiative: +2 (Dex)
Speed: 30 ft.
Defense: 12 (+2 Dex)
Attacks: Short sword +8 melee
Damage: Short sword ld6+3
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft.IS ft.
Special Attacks: Sneak attack, death attack
Special Q!ialities: Beneath notice
Saves: Fort + 7, Ref +4, Will + 1
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 15, Con 16, Lnc 10, Wis 10, Cha 2
Skills: Climb +5, Hide +1 3, Listen +4, Move Silently
+ 10, Spot +4
Feats : Alertness, Weapon Focus (short sword)
241
Light Warhorse: These animals or similar to light
ho rses but are trained and bred for strength and aggres-
sion. They usually are not ready for warfare before age
three. A Light warhorse can 6ght while carrying a rider,
but the rider cannot also attack unless he or she succeeds
at a Ride check (DC 10).
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a light warhorse
is up to 230 pounds; a medium load, 231-460 pounds; a
heavy load, 461-690 pounds. A light warhorse can drag
3,4SO pounds.
LO PAR
Large Exotic
Hit Dice: 8dl0+40 (84 hp)
Initiative: + 1 (Dex)
Speed: 40 ft. (all fours); S ft. (standing)
Defense: lS (- 1 size, +1 Dex, +S natural)
Attacks: 2 claws + 1S melee
Damage: Claw ldl0+8
Face/Reach: S ft. by 10 ft./ 5 ft. (all fours), 5 ft. by S ft.110
ft. (standing)
Special Attacks: lmproved grab
Saves: Fort+ 11, Ref +S, Will +4
Abilities: Str 27, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 4, Wis 14, Cha 12
Skills: Climb +14, Listen +8, Spot +8, Wilderness Lore +6
Feats: Alertness, Run
Light Horse: The statistics pre- C limate/Terrain: Any forest, hill, mountains, and plains
sented here describe smaller breeds of working horses
Organization: Solitary or pair
such as quarter horses. These animals are usually ready for
Challenge Code: C
usefu l work by age two. A light horse cannot fight while
Advancement: 9-12 HD (Large)
carrying a rider. This entry can also describe any sort of
wild horses, which always travel in herds.
lopnr are the most dangerous of the Seanchan exotics.
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a light horse is
They are used as watch animals and bodyguards.
up to ISO pounds; a medium load, 151-300 pounds; a
A lopar is a large, scout creature weighing between
heavy load, 301-4SO pounds. A light horse can drag
l,SOO and 2,000 pounds at adulthood and standing up to
2,2SO pounds.
10 feet tall on its hind legs. It has two eyes set in a squar-
ish head and no visible ears. Although its legs are long in
243
Climate/Terrain: Any land One of the few weaknesses of Myrddraal is their
Organizatio n: Solitary or band (2-4) dislike of running water. They hate to cross it
C hallenge Code: E in any form and go to some lengths to
Advancement: By character class avoid doing so. A Myrddraal won't give
up pursuit of a target that flees over a
Also known as the Eyeless, Shadow- bridge but will avoid crossing a river
men, Halfmen, Lurks, Fetches, and / for the mere possibility of finding
Fades, Myrddraal are horrifying op- prey on the far side.
ponents. They exist only to serve their
masters and inflict suffering on creatures Combat: Myrddraal are cunning
within their reach. and dangerous. As generals they can show
Sometimes the offspring of Trollocs (see great patience, though they have no concern
below) arc throwbacks to their animal or human for the lives of the creatures under their com-
ancestors. The former inevitably die, but human mand (generally Trollocs). Myrddraal do not
throwbacks are generally viable, though polluted work together unless ordered to do so by the
by the touch of Shadow. It is these perversions of Dark One or some other powerful master.
h umanity that are known as Myrddraal. They They are extremely dangerous in a fight, gen-
able to fight with great skill, cause fear with their erally picking out and killing the most pow-
gaze, walk through shad ows, and direct large erful opponent first. Their shad ow-blades
numbers of Trollocs. and great speed make them more than a
A Myrddraal looks like a tall, muscular, well- match for most armsmen, and even Warders
formed rnan with a sinuous grace. It has no eyes, often cannot endure their ferocity. Myrddraal
nor even an indentation to suggest where eyes are also smart enough to know when stealth is
should be. Despite this, Myrddraal see as far as a more appropriate than force, and are perfectly
human can on a dear clay, even through pitch capable of lying in wait to ambush dangerous
blackness. A Myrddraal's skin is a pale fish-belly opponents.
color, and dull black hair covers the top of its head. Shadow-Blade: MyrddraaJ usually carry spe-
Myrddraal all seem to be cast from the same mold, cial shadow-blades crafted at Thakan'dar on the
each one's appearance identical co all others of their kind. slopes of Shayol Ghul, no more than a few yards from the
They appear as no more than a hazy mist when seen in a very Pit of Doom. These blades, created by animated
mirror, and they are unaffected by wind, no matter how shadow-forgers seemingly carved from the mountain itself,
strong. It is possible that Myrddraal do not truly exist fully are quenched in water tainted by Shayol Gbul and finished
in the world, though that is no more than a theory. with the sacrifice of a human soul. They do wear out after a
Myrddraal have no sense of humor, do not breed, and time, though, and there is always greater demand for blades
avoid all social interaction. They all seem to be loyal than victims to use in their making. As a result, some Myrd-
agents of the Dark One, though many have served spe- draal must make do without their special weapons.
cific Forsaken as well, and if forced may accept another Wounds delivered by a shadow-blade never heal nat-
powerful being as a master. urally; only the One Power can resrore hit points lost in
this way.
Disease: Wounds caused by a shadow-blade fester eas-
ily. Anyone hit by such a weapon must succeed at a Forti-
MYRDDRAAL BLACK PLATE tude check (DC 18) or contract a terrible wasting disease.
Myrddraal wear articulated, The incubation period is one day, and the disease deals 1d6
black plate armor designed to points of temporary Constitution damage. Anyone (other
provide maximum protection than a Shadowspawn) foolish enough to use or carry a
without restricting mobility, shadow-blade is also subject to the disease, and must make
as well as enhancin g their scr- a Fortitude save each day he carries the weapon.
p entl ike au ra. T his armor Fear Gaze: The sightless gaze of a Myrddraal can
adds a +4 armor bonus to De- cause fear in the most steadfast of opponents. Anyone fac-
fen se, allows a maximum ing a Myrddraal within 30 feet must succeed at a Will save
Dexterity bonus of +6, and has no armor check (DC 17) or be shaken for ld6 minutes. This causes the tar-
penalty. Each suit of black plate is individually fit- get to suffer a -2 morale penalty on all attack rolls,
ted to the Myrddraal who wears it, al though with a weapon damage rolls, and saving throws.
Craft (armorsmithing) check (DC 20) it could be Dark Vitality: A Myrddraal does not die, even if
fitted to ano ther Mediu m-size creature o f slender reduced to - 10 o r fewer hit points, until the next set-
build and h umanoid shape. Such a suit of resized ting of the sun. A Myrddraal in this state cannot re-
armor would be worth 110 gc, though it would still cover on its own but could be rescued from near death
plainly be of Myrddraal origin and mark whoever if brought above - 10 hit points by a Healing weave.
wore it as a Darkfrien d, at the very least. Once the sun sets, a Myrddraal below -10 hit points is
truly dead.
244
TroUoc Link: The psychic link between a Myrddraal though thin, tail. The head is about the same size as a
and its Trollocs gives it limited control over them. A sin- horse's, with two eyes set forward (giving it excellent vi-
gle Myrddraal can link to ld6+20 Trollocs. Although the sion) and a horny snout with ridges that serve as both lips
Myrddraal cannot direct the specific actions of an indi- and teeth. A raken's hide is hairless, leathery, and gray,
vidual Trolloc through this link, it does make tbe linked and it has two thin legs ending in six long, clawed toes.
Trollocs more amenable to its orders. However, should These claws provide excellent purchase, allowing raken to
the Myrddraal be killed, all Trollocs linked to it fall to perch in very large trees or even on cliff faces.
the ground in convulsions and die within a few rounds. A raken is awkward on the ground, normally moving
Shadow Walk: A Myrddraal can travel through its graceful neck and head to look around while leaving
shadows, entering one shadow co appear instantly in its body in a crouch. It stands erect only if alarmed or
another rnaJ1y miles away. It is unknown how this abil- about to take flight. Raken are easily mounted when
ity works, but with it a Myrddraal can travel vast dis- crouched, with a saddle normally set between the wings.
tances very quickly. A Myrddraal cannot enter its own Morat'raken, also called "fliers," are always smaller
shadow. Seanchan, often women. A raken sent on a scouting mis-
sion carries two Aiers, but when it is delivering messages,
~ onJy one flier rides the beast. With just one Aier a raken
~
RAKEN
can fly as far as four hundred miles, though that is its max-
~ Huge Exotic
imum range without resting. A raken will fly even if in-
.... Hit Dice: SdlO+lO (37 hp)
jured or ill, and can be ridden to death if care is not taken.
~ Initiative: + 1 (Dex)
~ Speed: 10 ft, fly 180 ft. {good)
Combat: A raken on the ground may strike a creature
::: Defense: 14 (-2 size, +3 Dex, +3 natural)
with its tail, though it does not normally attack intention-
-~ Attacks: 2 claws +6 melee; or tail +6 melee
ally in this manner. A raken usually fights only when air-
~ Damage: Claw ld6+3; tail ld4+4
borne, raking with its claws (its tail is used for balance when
~ Face/Reach: 10 ft. by 20 ft./10 ft.
~ Aying). Raken normally hunt only small prey but can be di-
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +6, Will + 2
rected by a well-rrained morat'raken to attack any target.
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 17, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Raken receive a +8 racial bonus on Climb and
Skills: Climb + 13, Listen +4, Spot + 13
Spot checks.
Feats: Alertness
245
Shadow-Linked Rat Shadow-Linked Raven (or crow)
Tiny Shadowspawn Tiny Shadowspawn
Hit Dice: 1/4 d8 (1 hp) 1/4 d8 (1 hp)
Initiative: +2 (Dex) +2 (Dex)
Speed: 15 ft., climb 15 ft. 10 ft. , fly 40 ft. (average)
D efense : 14 (+2 size, +2 Dex) 14 (+2 size, +2 Dex)
Attacks: Bite +4 melee Claws + 4 melee
Damage: Bite ld3-4 C laws l d2-5
Face/Reach: 2 112 ft. by 2 112 ft./O ft. 2 112 ft. by 2 112 ft.10 ft.
Special Q!ialities: Scent
Saves: Fort +2, Ref + 3, Will + l Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +2
Abilities : Str 2, Dex 15, Con 10, Str 1, Dex 15, Con 10,
Int 4, Wis 12, Cha 2 Int 4, Wis 14, Cha 6
Skills: Balance + 10, Climb + 12, Hide +18, Listen + 6, Spot +6
Move Silently + 10
Feats : Weapon Finesse (bite) Weapon Finesse (claws)
Climate/Terrain: Any land and underground Any forest, hill, plains, and mountains
Organization: Solitary or swarm (10- 100) Solitary, flock (2-9), or swarm (10-100)
Challenge Code : A A
Advancement:
Combat: A single Shadow-linked vermin is little threat as beasts of burden by the Seanchan. Those that have
to a well-armed opponent, but a swarm of a hundred of made their way to the westlands are known by many
the creatures can overpower even a prepared opponent. names, one of the more common being "boar-horse." ~
l:!
However, Shadow-linked vermin are most often spies, ~
rather than soldiers, and rarely attack opponents otl1er Combat: Despite their size, s'redit are generally docile, but ~
than small animals and other vermin. they can be unpredictable and dangerous when agitated. ~·
Skills: Shadow-linked rnts get a +4 racial bonus on Hide Trample: A s'redit can trample Medium-size or smaller ~
and Move Silently checks and a + 8 racial bonus on Balance creatures for automatic gore damage. Opponents who do C'.
checks. They use their Dexterity modifier for Climb checks. not make attacks of opportunity against the s'redit can ti..
!:>
attempt a Reflex saving throw (DC 20) to halve the ~
damage. ~
S'REDIT
Huge Animal "~
Hit Dice: lld8+55 (104 hp) To'RAKEN ~
!:>
Initiative: +0 (Dex) Gargantuan Exotic
Speed: 40 ft. Hit Dice: 7d10+21 (59 hp)
Defense: 15 (- 2 size, +7 natu ral) Initiative: + l (Dex)
Attacks : Slam + 16 rnelee, 2 stamps Speed: 10 ft., fly 120 ft (poor)
+11 melee; or gore +16 melee Defense: 15 (-4 size, +l Dex, +8
Damage: Slam 2d6+10, stamp natural)
2d6+5; gore 2d8+ 15 Attacks: 2 claws + 9 melee; or tail +9
Face/Reach : 10 ft. by 20 ft.110 ft. me lee
Special Attacks: Trample 2d8+ 15 Damage: Claws ld8+ 6; tail ld.6+9
Special Q!ialities: Scent Face/Reach: 20 ft. by 40 ft./10 ft.
Saves : Fort + 12, Ref +5, Will +4 Saves: Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +2
Abilities: Str 30, Dex 10, Con 21 , Int 2, Wis Abilities: Str 22, Dex 12, Con 17, Int 2, Wis
13, Cha 7 / 10, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6 Skills: Climb + 13 , Listen +2, Spot +12
Feats: None Feats: Ale1tness
A large herbivore native to the warmer regions S'redil To'raken are flying lizardlike creatures simi lar to,
o f the Seanchan lands, domestic s'redil are used but much larger than, raken. They have much
TORM
Large Exotic
Hit D ice: 6dl0+18 (51 hp)
Initiative: +2 (Dex)
Speed: 50 ft.
Defense: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, + 5 natural)
Attacks: 2 claws + 12 melee, bite +7 melee
Damage: Claws ld8+7, bite 2d6+3
Face/Reach : 5 ft. by 10 ft.IS ft.
Special Q!.ialities: Frenzy
Saves: Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +3
AbiJities: Str 25, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 4, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Climb+ 14, Listen +8, Spot +8, Wilderness Lore +4
Feats: Track
247
young have a high mortality rate, in part because they C hallenge Code : A
often fight for dominance among themselves. Advancement: By character class
Torm are excellent trackers but cannot b e trained to hunt
speci6c creatures- they hunt only when hungry and always Powerful soldiers of the Dark One, Trollocs originate in
seek the nearest food . TI1ey are used as steeds for scouting the Blight, venturing forth on missions for the Forsaken.
units, rather than as cavalry animals, because of their ren- They are often led by Myrddraal, who control them
dency go enter a frenzy if exposed to prolonged combat. through fear and some sort of psyd1ic link.
Torm are extremely particular about accepting riders, though These creatures are constructs created millennia ago by
no one knows why. A beast may refuse dozens of morat'torm combining humans with aggressive animals such as boars,
before choosing one and, once having cho- goats, wildcats, and eagles. They are large, strong,
sen, accepts no other until its rider's death. hard to kill, and somewhat cunning. A Trolloc
stands 8 to 10 feet in height, with the body of
Combat: Torm are fierce and cunning an oversized, muscular man and some fea-
fighters. When hunting, they get as d ose tures of the animal used to create it. Trol-
as possible before attacking and often seek a!IMI• locs are ferocious and enjoy a lust for
weak and easily taken prey. If a corlm is killing, often making jt difficult for their
p resent, a form always moves to attack it fost Myrddraal masters to con trol them
(for this reason the Seanchan do not de- when restraint is a preferred tactic.
ploy corlm and torm in the same unit). Trollocs are naturally no cturnal
Frenzy: A tonn that remains in .-,..,....,""" and dislike bright light, although
combat too long eventually suc- they are active during daylight
cumbs to blood lust. A trained rider hours when necessary.
can hold off this frenzy with a suc-
cessful Handle Animal check (D C 10, Combat: Trollocs are impa-
+2 for each round of sustained combat), but only for a time. tient and blood thj rsry. While
A frenzied torm attacks the nearest target to it (friend or they possess reasonable tactical ability-
foe), other than its trainer or rider, until one or the other is they especially enjoy setting ambushes-
killed. During this time the torm gains a + 4 enhancement they have little patience for sophisticated
bonus to its Strength and Constitution and a +2 morale preparation o r any p lan that significantly
bonus on Will saves but suffers a - 2 penalty to Defense. delays the action. Indeed, they can overturn
Once in a frenzy a torm does not calm down u11ti l 3d6x10 their own victories by dissolvi_ng into ran-
minutes after all fighting ends. During this time it paces dom violence just when their masters' care-
uncontrollably and attacks any creature that comes near it. fully implemented battle plans are corning
Skills: Torm are excellent climbers and trackers, as to fruition.
well as being very stealthy. They receive a +4 racial bonus When traveling through hostile territory or
on C limb, Listen, Move Silently and Spot checks, and to preparing to attack an enemy position, Trollocs
Wilderness Lore ch ecks made when tracking. frequently send small patrols to scout or probe.
Their orders are generally to return, report, and
bring up reinforcements, but overeager patrols have been
TROLLOC
known to attack on their own.
Large Sh ad'owspawn
Light Sensitivity: Trollocs suffer a - 2 circumstance
Hit Dice: 3d8+3 (16 h p)
penalty on attack roJls in bright light.
Initiative: +l (Dex)
Myrddraal Link: The psychic link between a Myrd-
Speed: 30 ft.
draal and its Trollocs gives it limited control over them . A
D efense: l 4 (- 1 s.ize, +I Dex, +4 mail shirt)
single Myrddraal can link to ld6+20 Trollocs. Although
Attacks: Scythesword +4 melee; or shortbow +3 ranged
the MyrddraaJ cannot direct the specific actions of an in-
Damage: Scythesword 2d4+3; or shortbow 1d6
dividual Trolloc through this link, it does make the linked
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft.110 ft.
Trollocs more amenable to its orders. However, should the
Special Qpalities: Low-light vision, scent, light sensi tiv-
Myrddraal be killed, all Trollocs linked to it fall to the
ity, Myrddraal link
ground in convulsions and die within a few rounds.
Saves: Fort +4, Ref + 3, Will + 1
Skills: Trollocs are cunning if not subtle. They receive
Abilities : Str 15, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 9
a +4 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks.
Skills: Climb +2, Hide +2, Listen +3, Move Silently +3,
Spot +3
Feats : Alertness
Trolloc Society: TroJlocs are the only Shadow con-
structs that bave developed a social structure, albeit a
p rimitive one. They live within caverns and dungeons in
C limate/ Terrain: Any land
the Blight, organized into bands or clans. A single Trol-
Organization: Gang (2- 6), band (11- 20 plus 1 2nd-level
Joc, usually the biggest and meanest male, leads each
sergean t and so metimes 1 Myrddraal), or fist
band. Females are treated as little more than breeders. A
(100-200 plus 5 2nd-level sergeants, 1 leader of
band has as many young as it h as adults. Childre n do not
3rd- 5th level, and 1- 4 Myrddraal)
join the adults in their missions of destruction and are Combat: Wolves normally fight in pairs or packs,
never encoun tered outside of the Blight, but they will flanking enemies and making bit-and-run attacks. Their
fight to protect themselves or their lairs. excellent night vision gives them an advantage if facing
Trollocs have only three drives: to kill, to eat, and humans at night, and they avoid fighting two-legs during
(when properly motivated through fear and the psychic link the day. Normally wolves attack only when hunting food
with their Myrddraal masters) to carry out their missions for or protecting their territory, bur wolves have a great ha·
the Dark One. They do not care much for treasure and are tred of Trollocs and Myrddraal, and often attack such
rarely found carrying money or items of value. They survive creatures on sight. So great is theiJ hatred of Myrddraal,
primarily by hunting, eating whatever they can bring known to them as "Neverborn," that an entire pack will
down-including any people they kill or capture, and occa- fight to the death to bring one down.
sionally other Trollocs. Wolfspeech: A wolf can converse telepathically with
otl1er wolves, speaking mind to mind with them over a
distance of up to 100 miles. Wolfspeech is both simpler
WOLF
than human communication (wolves simply
Medium-Size Animal
lack certain two-leg concepts) and
Hit Dice: 2d8+ 4 (13 hp)
richer, since their thoughts
"'
.~ Initiative: +2 (Dex)
include emotion and
~I.: Speed: 50 ft.
memory. A wolf's name
J3 Defense: 14 (+2 Dex, +2 natural)
might translate to a
1! Attacks: Bite +3 melee
human as "River Run,"
~ Damage: Bite Jd6+1
but in wolfspeech the
~ Face/ Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft.IS ft.
name also conveys that par-
~ Special Qualities: Low-Light vi-
ticular wolf's love of splashing in a cool
sion, scent, wolfspeech
stream and his memory of once being
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4,
swept away in a swift river, along with
Will +2
the fear and exhilaration he experi-
Abilities: Str 13, Dex
15, Con 15, lot 8, ,,.
Wis 14, Cha 10
Skills: Hide +5, Listen +6,
Wolf
-~ ....
enced during the wild ride.
249
Rand's birth mother was a midlander woman adopted chiefs and the Wise Ones. TI1e chiefs supported Rand,
into the Far Dareis Mai, Aiel battle-maidens. She died on but this truth was too much for some Aiel to accept and
the Dragonmount, but Tam aJ'Thor found the infant Rand many, including the Shaido, fled .
and brought him back to the simple community of The Forsaken Lanfear, desiring Rand for herself, then
Emond's Field. Tam and bis wife Kari raised him as though appeared and told him he could find Asmodean, one of
he was th eir own, though Kari died when Rand was young. the male Forsaken at Rhuidean. Rand fought Asmodean
Rand was raised on a smalJ farm with no knowledge of the and, with the aid of an angrea! he found in Tear, defeated
special circumstances of his birth. He made friends of Mat him. Lanfear helped Rand bind Asmodean, forcing him
Cauthon and Perrin Aybara, and everyone expected he to teach Rand how to channel.
would one day marry Egwene al'Vere. Rand al'Thor has taken many steps since then. He has
Rand's life changed forever shortly after he met conquered Cairhien and Illian, built schools of learning,
Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai traveling through and created the Asha'man. He hears the voice of Lews
Emond's Field. His home was attacked by Trollocs, Therin in his bead, and argues with and rails at the dead
and burned to the ground. The homes of his dose man. He has come to realize he loves three women
friends were also destroyed. Tam al'Thor was badly / equally. He bas sent friends and allies out
injured, though Rand managed to get him safely to war. Rand knows that to win the
back to Emond's Field. Moiraine convinced Rand final battle he must be hard,
and his friends that the Trol locs had sought them, and he has set out to burn
specifica.lly, and that Emond's Field would not be every vestige of softness
safe so long as they remained. Carrying his father's from within him. He strug-
sword Rand fled with gles with madness and
Moiraine, Mat, Perrin, Shadow-poisoned wounds that
Egwene and Thom Mer- do not heal, but in the end, he
rilin, a gleeman, toward the must be victorious. Above all
White Tower. Rand al'Thor is the Dragon Re-
Rand faced many dangers, born, and all the hopes of a
and suffered nightmares sent by world ride on his shoulders.
Ba'alzamon, one of the Forsaken.
lea rned swordfighting from Lan, Moiraine's Rand al'Thor: Midlander Woods-
Warder, who informed him that his father's man l/Armsman 4/Wilder 12/Blademaster 2; hp
weapon was a blademaster's sword. He was sepa- 123; lnit +2 (Dex); Defense 22 (+2 Dex); Spd
rated from most of the party and spent some time 30 ft.; Atk +17/+12/+7 melee
traveling with Mat and Thom before finally meeting (ld10+3/19- 20/ x2, Warder's sword); SQ
up with Moiraine again. She took him into the Armor compatibility, increased multiplier
Blight to seek the Eye of the World, which turned out 1/day, nature's warrior (forest), parting the
to be a pool of untainted saidi11, preserved from the silk 2/ day, slow aging, Warder's bond; SV
Age of Legends. Using the Eye of the World Rand Fort +14, Ref +15, Will + 14; SZ M; Rep
faced an d defeated Ba'alzamon. 9; Madness 31; Str 13, Dex 15, Con 14,
Still unconvinced he was the Dragon Reborn, Int 16, Wis l 9, Cha 22''".
Rand took to reading ancient prophecies. These Sllills: Balance + 6, Climb +3, Compo-
eventually led him to the Stone of Tear, a fortress sure+ 16, Concentration +20, Diplomacy
that had never fallen and by prophecy would not +10, Handle Animal +8, Heal +8, Hide +7,
fall until the Dragon Reborn came to claim Callan- Intimidate +12, Invert +19, Knowledge (ar-
dor, a powerful sa'angreal in the form of a sword. The cana) +13, Knowledge (history) +8, Knowledge (nature)
Stone did fall, to a swarm of Aiel invading Tear, and Rand +7, Knowledge (nobility and royalty} +6, Listen +7, Move
claimed Callandor. He also fought and finally killed Silently +6, Perform (flute) + 7, Ride +8, Sense Motive
Ba'alzamon on that same night. + 14, Speak Language (Borderlands, Illian, Midlands,
The Aid were searching for the Chief of Chiefs, or Tairen), Spot +13, Weavesight +19, Wilderness Lore +8.
Car'a'carn, who they suspected was Ran d. He traveled FeaJs: Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Eliminate Block, Exotic
with them to Rhuidean, where the history of the Aiel was Weapon Proficiency (Warder's sword), Extra Affinity (Air,
revealed to him as it is to every Aiel chief. In Rh uidean Earth, Fire, Water)'·", Extra Talent (Balefire, Earth Singing,
he was marked with dragons on both arms, the sure sign Traveling, Warding)'1 *, Mental Stability, Mobility, Multi-
that he was Car'a'carn. From there he traveled to Alcair weave, Power-Heightened Senses, Sense Residue, Spring At-
Dal to be declared chief of chiefs, but not all Aiel were tack, Strong Soul, Tie Off Weave, Track, Weapon Focus
willing to accept an apparent wetlander as their leader. (Warder's sword), Whirlwind Attack.
One, a Shaido named Couladin, showed the dragon Possessions: +2 Power-wrought Warder's sword, +3 an-
marks as well and claimed that he was the Car'a'carn. To greal, Dragon Scepter, noble outfit.
prove Couladin had never been to Rhuidean, Rand re- Affinities: Air, Earth, Fire, Spirit, Water
vealed that the Aiel are descended from a peace-loving, Talents: Balefue, Earth Singing, Elementalism, Travel-
pacifist people, a truth previously known only to the ing, Warding.
wtaves KnO'llJn (6/8/817/6/5/3/ 1): Balefire: balefire; Rand and several Shienaran soldiers followed Padan Fain
Conjunction: sense Shadowspawn; Earth Singing: earth- to Faime where Mat reacquired the dagger. However, an
quake; Elementalism: arms of. air, b!~e ?ffire, crttt!ng lin~s of army of Seanchan invaded Falme and nearly captured
fire.false wafl.,fiery sword; Illus1on: dlSgtme.Jolded lrght, nurror Mat and his companions. ln desperation, Mat blew the
of mists; Traveling: bridge bctwee~ w~rlds, create ?atMoay, use Horn of Vale re (a powerful ter'angreal they recovered from
Portal Stone; Warding: dream shieldmg, seal, shield, strtke of the Eye of the World), summoning heroes of legend to
death, 1oard against dJamzelers, ward against people, ward ftght the Seanchrn. As a result Mat is b~:mded to the
against Shadowspawn, ward bore. . . Horn , and until his death only he can use it.
"Rand has a +2 ta'verm bonus to his Charisma. lf be Mat was finally taken back to the White Tower and
ever stops being ta'veren, his Charisma will drop by 2. healed from the taint of the dagger, though the process al-
**Rand bas these feats as bonus feats for being ta'veren. most killed him. Afterward Mat discovered that the whole
If he ever stops being ta'veren, he will lose these feats. ordeal had damaged his memories, leaving madde~g
holes in his past. Looking for any opporcuruty
to escape Tar Yalon, Mat accepted a mission
MATRIM CAUTHON from Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne to carry let-
Matrim Cauthon (usually just calJed Mat) is a sinewy ters for them. Tl1is set him off on a series of jour-
youth with bright, mischievous eyes. He was born in neys that result in his saving those same three
Emond's Field within a few weeks of Rand al'Thor and women from Dark&iends at the Stone of Tear.
Perrin Aybara. Mat is also one of the most While at Tear, Mat learned of the Tear archway ter'an-
.il powerful ta'veren the world has known in re- greal. Without consulting anyone else, Mat stepped
~ cent centuries, though not as powerful as through it and was given a
... the Dragon Reborn.
·i:: prophecy: He is to die and live
6 As a youth Mat was always well-known once more, he must go to Rhuid-
.t' for getting into trouble-if a prank was ean, and be must marry the
played in Emond's Field the chances were Daughter of the Nine
good Mat was somehow involved. Even Moons. Of course, Mat felt
Rand and Perrin often found themselves that these vague and seem-
going along with some scheme of his, de- ingly meaningless auguries
spite their better judgment. Many of the left him with more questions
women of his home town, especially than answers.
town Wisdom Nynaeve, feared Mat Mat had also begun to feel the
would spend the entirety of his life pull of Rand, his own destiny intertwined with
shirking work and getting into the more powerful ta'veren. Although he con-
trouble. Had Trollocs not attacked stantly set out to leave Tear and Rand, he al-
Emond's Field, they might have ways found reasons to delay just one .more day. Eve.n-
been right. tually he accompanied Rand to Rhuidean, and while
TI1e same night Rand Rand was learning the history of the Aiel, Mat passed
aJ'Thor's home was assaulted, Trollocs attacked Mat's through another ter'angreal. There he was given three
home. The Aes Sedai Moiraine convinced Mat to gifts-his Power-wrought ashandarei, th~ foxhead
travel with her, Rand, Perrin, and Egwene to Tar medallion ter'afzgreal, and the memories of the
Yalon. During their flight from Shadowspawn, the past lives of other men, along with the knowl-
group was forced to enter the tainted ruins of edge and skills earned by those men when they
Shadar Logoth, an ancient city destroyed by a lived.
taint of evil that overcame its inhabitants. There Mat and These memories have turned Mat into a formidable
his friends came across an old man who turned out to be general. He has gathered a band of armsmen around him
MordeLh, an evil creature attempting to lure the friends to forming a small army he calJs Shen an Ca/bar, or the Band
their deaths. Mat took a dagger from Mordeth's treasure of the Red Hand. Though Mat has continued to try to run
hoard as they escaped the creature. Trollocs followed the from his destiny, being ta'veren he often finds himself in
heroes into Shadar Logoth, forcing them to flee, and Rand the lhickest fighting. He bas all but given up resisting the
and Mat were separated from the others. pull binding him to Rand, and now leads the Band of the
TI1e paranoia and hate that had consumed Shadar Lo- Red Hand on missions at the Dragon Rebom's command.
goth tainted the dagger, and soon began to take h?ld of
Mat. For weeks he suffered under a haze of paranoia and Matrim Cauthon: Midlander wanderer 9/Commander 6;
suspicion that blinded him to his friends and eve_nts hp 76; !nit +5 (Dex); Defense 24 (+5 Dex); Spd 30 ft.;
around him. Eventually Moiraine Sedai tried to heal him, Atk +9/+4 melee (ld8+3, ashandarei blade), + 11/+6
but could do little more than keep the dagger from con- melee (ld6+3, ttJhandarei staff); SQ Battle cry, illicit
suming him. She told Mat he must go to Tar Yalon to be barter, improved strategy, logistics, sneak attack +2d6,
fully freed from the dagger. slrategy, tactics; SV Fort +8, Ref +15, Will +8; SZ M;
After Rand used the Eye of the World to defeat Rep 7; Str 13, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 1_6.
Ba'alzamon, Mat's dagger was stolen by Padan Fain'. a Skills: Appraise + 8, Balance + 11, Bluff +18, Climb
twisted creature who was once a Darkfriend. Mat, Perrrn,
251
+7, Diplomacy + 18, Gather Information + 18, Handle Perrin fled with his two friends, Egwene al'Vere and
Animal +15, Hide +14, Intimidate +15, Knowledge (Age Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai. On the way to Tar
of Legends) +14*, Knowledge (hisrory) +14*, Knowledge Yalon, Perrin and Egwene were separated from the rest of
(local) +8, Move Silently + 12, Perform GuggJjog) +4, Pick the party. Eventually Perrin and Egwene met E!yas
Pocket +14, Profession (gambler) + 15, Ride +20, Sense Machera, a wolfbrotl1er who recognized Perrin as a kin-
Motive + 12, Speak Language (Cairhien, Midlands, dred spirit, and Perrin found he could feel the wolves in
Tairen), Speak Language (Old Tongue), Spot + 11, Wi l- the distance. Elyas introduced Perrin to a nearby wolfpack,
derness Lore + 4. and Perrin learned to communicate with them. [n the
Feats: Ambidexterity, The Dark One's Own process, his eyes turned the golden color they are today.
luck (x3)"''c, Dodge, Exotic Weapon Proficiency Perrin tried to keep his wolf-
(ashandam)", Improved Two-Weapon Fighting*, sense at bay, but his yellow
Latenc Old Blood, Luck of Heroes, Mobility, eyes brought him trouble. A
Old Blood, Skill Emphasis (Handle Animal, confrontation with White-
Profession-gambler), Spring Attack, Two- cloaks who, because of his
Weapon Fighting*. eyes, accused him of being a
Possessfons: +2 Power-wrought ashandarei, Darkfriend, eventually Jed to Perrin ::::;
foxhead medallion rer'angreal (see Chapter having to kill several of them to save his ... ~
14: Wonderous Items), Lraveler's own life and those of his friends.
:;;-
outfit. / Later in his travels, Perrin met a young ~· "'
''Mat gained these feats and woman who called herself Faile, though he ~
skills as bonus feats and skills later learned her name was Zarine Bashere. g
after passing through the ler'angreal A Hunter of the Horn, Faile caught Per- ....
in Rbuidean. rin's attention immediately, and eventually ~·
''*Mat gets these feats as bonus
feats for being ta'veren. If Mat ever
they fell in love. But before they had much
time together, Perrin learned that White-
l"
stops being ta'veren, he loses these feats. cloaks were gathering in force in the Two
Rivers. With Rand's blessing, Perrin (along
with Loia! and Faile) traveled to the Two
PERRIN AYBARA Rivers, which he found nearly overrun
Perrin Aybara, also called Perrin
with Trollocs. A troop of Whitecloaks
eneyes and Lord of Two Rivers, was born
was making halfhearted efforts to pro-
in Emond's Field and was a childhood
tect the local villages-but the White-
friend of Rand al'Thor and Matrim Cau-
cloaks were terrorizing the villagers as
thon. Perrin is a cautious leader, prefer-
much as helping, in their zeal to root
ring to think out any action before taking
out Darkfriends.
it. This occasionally makes him look
Outraged, Perrin moved to or-
slow or even a bit stupid, but in fact Per-
ganize his onetime neighbors against
rin is capable of very deep thought and
both Trollocs and Whitecloaks.
often manages to overcome great trou-
, Emond's Field folk began to refer to
b les by careful consideration. Perrin is
him as "Lord Perrin" and take up the
also very stubborn, a trait common to
battle cry "Goldeneyes." But as the
natives ofEmond's Field. Like Mat and
Trolloc menace grew, he struck a deal
Rand, Perrin is a powerful ta'veren.
with the Whitecloak commander-Perrin would
Though half a head shorter than Rand, Perrin is a
turn himself in if the Whitecloaks would help de-
stocky youth with arms and shoulders thick
fend Emond's Field from an approaching
from hours spent in as a blacksmith's appren- 'Pen-in Ayabara
Trolloc army. Dain Bornhald, commander of
tice. He wears a thick beard, trimmed short, that
the Whitecloaks in the Two Rivers, agreed. Perrin also
he occasionally scratches, and carries a broad half-moon
moved to send Faile to Caemlyn to warn Q!leen Morgase,
axe, a long spike balancing out the axe's head. Perrio's
but she refused to leave until he married her. Perrin
most striking features are his bright yellow eyes, similar
agreed and the two were wed.
to a wolf's- many people find it difficult to match Per-
When the battle of Emond's Field came, thousands of
rin's gaze.
Trollocs swarmed the defenses of the small town. The
Perrin was apprenticed to Haral Luhhan, the black-
Whitecloaks made no move to help, so even the women
smith of Emond's Field. The work suited his careful and
of Emond's Field took up arms next to their husbands
determined personality, and Perrin greatly enjoyed the
and sons. Despite their bravery, the defenders were driven
hours spent hammering away at the forge. Most local vil-
back. Just as the village was to be overrun, new combat-
lagers assumed Perrin would follow in Master Luhhan's
ants arrived. Rather than go to Caemlyn, Faile had ridden
steps when he grew older. When Trollocs attacked
to nearby villages and marshaled their populations to
Emond's Field one midwincer night seeking Perrin and
come aid Ernond's Field. With the fresh fighters, rhe Two
his friends Rand al'Thor and Matrim Cauthon, Perrin's
Rivers folk defeated the Trollocs. As they hadn't helped
life changed forever.
in the least, Perrin refused to turn himself over to the Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah. There Egwene was captured
Whitecloaks, who found their welcome in the Two Rivers by the Seancban and made into a damane. In time Ny-
worn out. naeve and Elayne rescued her, and she returned to the
Since them Perrin has taken a loyal band of Two White Tower. She was made Accepted and was given a
Rivers archers into the service of the Dragon Reborn. The ter'angreal ring to aid her with dreaming. She was also in-
future is uncertain, but it is clear that Faile has many structed to hunt down Liandrin and the Black Ajah.
plans for him, and th e folk of Emond's Field will follow This led her, Nynaeve, and Elayne to Tear, where they
him anywhere. were captured and later rescued by Mat Cauthon. After the
rescue, she met the Wise One Amys in Tel'tmtn'rhiod, who
Perrin Ay bara: Midlander woodsman 5/Wolfbrother 10; instructed her to come learn to be a dreamwalker among
hp 137; Init +5 (+4 partial improved initiative, +1 Dex); the Aiel. Egwene ser out with Moiraine Sedai to cross the
Defense 21 (+l Dex); Spd 30 ft.; Atk +16/ +ll/ +6 melee Spine of the World. Once among the Wise Ones, Egwene
(ld8+3/ x3, battleaxe), or +15/ +10/ +5 melee (ld8+3/ x3, became an excellent dreamwalker. She also learned much
smith's hammer); SQ Alert pack, call wolves, great ofji't'toh, the Aiel code of honor. She also came to fear
health, low-light vision, nature sense, nature's warrior for Rand's future-that he might become too arrogant
~ (forest), partial improved initiative, rapid healing, to gain the allies he will need to win a battle agajnst the
~ scent, sense emotion, track by scent, wolf dream, wolf- Dark One.
G speech, woodland stealth + 2, yellow eyes; SY Fort + 15, Sometime after her return to the westlands, a
~ Ref +5, Will +10; SZ M ; Rep 6; Madness 15; Str 16, break occurred within the White Tower and a
" Dex 12, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 18". group of renegade Aes Sedai called upon her to
~;,
Skills: Anin1al Empathy + 12, Bluff +6, Climb +6, visit them in Salidar. Upon her arrival, Egwene
·~ Diplomacy + 12, Handle Animal +8, lntirojdate discovered the Aes Sedai there considered those
~. + 13, Knowledge (nature) +4, Listen + 15, Move in the White Tower to be in the wrong, and had
~ Silently +4, Profession (blacksmith) + 14, Ride +6, raised an army to help retake the Whfre Tower.
~ Speak Language (Midlands), Spot + 15, Wilderness She was informed that a group of Aes Sedaj in
Lore +18. Salidar planned to make her Amyrlin Seat.
Feats: Alertness, Animal Affinity, Bullheaded, Though it was clear co Egwene that the Aes
Cleave, Latent Dreamer, Mental Stabi lity, Power At- Sedai hoped to make her a puppet, she won the
tack, Skill Emphasis (Diplomacy'~'>, Listen»», Profession approval of the Sitters and accepted the position.
[blacksmith], Spot''''), Survivor, Track, Trustworthy*''. Egwene is now balanced in a precarious but pow-
Possessions: Masterwork battleaxe, smith's hammer, .....,~::;;;;,.,~ erful position. She is Amyrlin of a group of Aes
traveler's outfit. Sedai outside the White Tower, but is far &om con-
»Perrin has a +2 ta'veren bonus to his Charisma. lfhe trolling them. She has an army at her command,
ever stops being ta'veren, his Charisma will drop by 2. but lacks the resources needed to be sure she can
**Perrin has these feats as bonus feats for being keep it. She knows the Aes Sedai must support
ta'veren. If he ever stops being ta'veren, he will lose Rand al'Thor as the Dragon Reborn, but fears
these feats. he is too bull-headed to accept her help. Eg-
wene also knows that if she doesn't find some
way to fix these problems, the Dark One is sure to
EGWENE AL'VERE defeat Rand, and doom the world.
E&rwene al'Vere is a beautiful young woman from Two
Rivers with deep brown eyes and waves of dark hair
Egwene al'Vere: Midlander Initiate 8/Aes Sedru
that fall past her shoulders. The childhood sweetheart Eg1vene al Vere
7; hp 50; Init +l (Dex); Defense 17 (+1 Dex);
of Rand al'Thor, she is the daughter of Brandelwyn,
Spd 30 ft.; Atk +61+0 melee (ld4-1/x2, dagger); SQAes
owner of the local inn and longtime mayor of Emond's
Sedai presence, control, improved resources, resolve, re-
Field, and spent much time studying herbs and healing
sources, slow aging, weavesight; SY Fort + 10, Ref +8, Will
under the village Wisdom, Nynaeve.
+ 19; SZ M; Rep 9; Str 8, Dex 13, Con 12, lnt 17, Wis 20,
Moiraine Sedai recognized the spark of channeling
Cha 18.
ability in Egwene when traveling through Emond's
Skills: Composure +23, Concentration +19, Diplomacy
Field, and when the Aes Sedai took Rand, Mat and Per-
+21, Heal +9, Intimidate +8, Knowledge (arcana) +20,
rin from their home, Egwene went with them. Moiraine
Knowledge (history) + 13, Profession (herbalist) +5, Sense
began teach ing Egwene and was surprised at the great
Motive +19, Speak Language (Cairhien, Iman, Midlands,
potentia l the girl showed. Nynaeve, Egwene's onetime
Tear), Spot +8, Weavesight + 25.
teacher, followed the party, and joined them when it was
discovered that she too had the spark of a channeler.
Peats: Bend Dream, Dream Jump, Dreamwalk,
Dreamwatch, Extra Aftlnity (Air, Spirit), Exua Talent (Ele-
After reaching the White Tower, Egwene met Elayne
mentalism, Traveling), Iron Will, Latent Dreamer, Multi.-
Trakand, Daughter-Heir of Andor. The Aes Sedai who
Weave, Luck of Heroes, Sense Residue, Tie Off Weave,
trained Egwene suspected she might be a Dreamer-a tal-
Waking Dream.
ent not seen in the White Tower for many years. But be-
Possessions: Healer kit, dagger, Amyrlin shawl.
fore any progress could be made in testing her for this
Affinities: Air, Earth, Spirit.
abi lity, she and others were led to Falme by Liandrin, an
253
Talents: Earth Singing, Elementalism, Traveling. Nynaeve al'Meara: Midlander Woodsman 1/Wilder 14;
Weaves Known (41716161514131211): Earth Singing: hp 74; Init +2 (Dex); Defense 21 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.;
earth delving, grenade, polish, riven earth; Elementalism: arms Atk +8/+3 melee (ld3/x2, unarmed); SQNature's war-
ofair, harden air, light; Healing: heal (0 level only); Traveling: rior (forest), slow aging; SV Fort + 10, Ref + 11, Will + 15;
bridge between worlds, create gateway, skimming; Warding: SZ M; Rep 4; Str 11, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 20,
dream shielding (0 level only). Cha 19.
Skills: Composure + 17, Concentration + 11, Heal
+25, Hide +6, intimidate + 10, Knowledge (nature) +6,
NYNAEVE AL'MEARA Listen +5, Move Silently +6, Profession (herbalist) +23,
Nynaeve al'Meara is a strong-wiUed and serious woman.
Ride +6, Sense Motive + 11, Speak Language (Border-
Though slender and pretty, she doesn't hesitate to slap
lands, Midlands, Tairen), Spot+ 12, Weavesight + 15, Wil-
down anyone she feels has stepped out of line. Nynaeve
derness Lore +12.
was the Wisdom of Emond's Field prior to her departure,
Feats: Bullheaded, Dodge, Extra Affinity (Air, Fire,
and despite being young for such a position, no villager
Water), Extra Talent (Elementalism, Healing, Warding),
was foolish enough to mention her age when arguing
Great Fortitude, Multiweave, Sense Residue, Tie Off
with her. Not more than once, in any case. Weave, Track.
Nynaeve followed Moiraine Damodred when the Aes
Possessions: Healer's kit, traveler's outfit.
Sedai left Emond's Field with Rand al'Thor and several
Affinities: Air, Fire, Spirit, Water
other young villagers. Not trusting Aes Sedai, Nynaeve
Talents: Cloud Dancing, Elementalism, Healing,
hunted the party down with the firm intention of bring-
Warding.
ing back Rand and the other villagers. When she finally
Weaves !V1011m (618171616141211): Cloud Dancing:
caught up with them, however, she was convinced they
foretell weather, harness tbe wind, lightning, warmth; Elemen-
would not be safe ill Emond's Field, and might well need
talism: arms ofair, harden air, tool ofair; Healillg: delve, heal,
to travel to Tar Yalon. Moiraine also forced Nynaeve to
renew, rest.ore the Power, sroer; Illusion: eavesdrop; Warding:
accept that she could channel, convincing her that her ex-
dream shielding, shield.
cellent healing skills were in fact aided by a latent use of
the One Power. In fact, Nynaeve had great potential, and
could possibly be more powerful than any living Aes ELAYNE TRAKAND
Sedai. Rather than let the party go on its way, Nynaeve Elayne Trakand is a tall, beautiful woman with hair of
insisted on attaching herself to it. red-gold curls and eyes of deep, crystal blue. She is also
Although certainly mistrusting of Moiraine and pro- very selt:possessed and sure, with a regal bearing that is
tective of her fellow vilJagcrs, Nynaeve may have been af- easily identified. This is unsurprising, because Elayne is
fected by another factor when deciding to travel with Daughter-Heir of Andor, her mother Morgase Trakand,
Moiraine's party. Lan, Moiraine's Warder, caught Ny- Qieen of Andor. Elayne is a practical woman not given
naeve's eye in a way she would not admit to herself for to daydreaming or complaining about things that cannot
many weeks. This may also have been the source of some be changed. However, she is used to being in a position
of Nynaeve's deep-felt hatred ofMoiraine, who was obvi- of power and authority and, though she does not abuse
ously the most important woman in Lan's Life. Nynaeve her authority, she finds it difficult to act humbly or ac-
swore to herself that she would learn to channel con- cept orders from others even when it's clearly the wisest
sciously, even become an Aes Sedai, so that she would be course of action.
able to make Moirainc pay for the injustices Nynaeve fe lt Like all Daughter-Heirs of Andor, Elayne was sent to
the Aes Sedai had caused. be trained at the White Tower. Unlike most of her prede-
Nynaeve became friends with Egwene, her former cessors, however, Elayne has the potential to become a
pupil, and with Elayne Trakand, the Daughter Heir of true Aes Sedai, and a powerful one at that. Since there has
Andor. She was immediately made an Accepted upon ar- not been a ruling Aes Sedai queen in many centuries,
rival at the White Tower, though she had no luck over- both Qieen Morgase and the White Tower have taken
coming her Block, which prevented Nynaeve from chan- steps to warn Elayne to be cautious in all her dealings.
neling unless she was angry. Nynaeve was betrayed by The powers of an Aes Sedai could be a great boon to
Liandrin, an Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah, but managed to Elayne as queen, but the suspicion and mistrust she's
escape. When she later helped rescue Egwene and return likely to earn by wearing the Great Serpent ring will be se-
to the White Tower, she was given the task of hunting rious impediments as well.
down the Black Ajah. While undertaking this mission she While at the White Tower, Elayne met Nynaeve and
faced and defeated Moghedien, although the Forsaken Egwene, whom she soon befriended. With those two,
managed to escape. Elayne was betrayed by Liandrin of the Black Ajah, then
Nynaeve is one of the most powerful Accepted ever later sent by the Amyrlin Seat to uncover other members
and has successfully masqueraded as a full Aes Sedai. Al- of the Black Ajah. This soon led her to Tear, where Elayne
though she still mistrusts Aes Sedai in general, she seems met the Dragon Reborn. Although she did not recognize
to accept her friends Elayne and Egwene. Nynaevc has the signific311ce at the time, she realized she had already
proven herself to be nearly fearless in the face of any op· met Rand al'Thor: months before, he had fallen from a
ponent, but she often thinks of herself as cowardly. wall into her garden in Caemlyn while trying to get a bet-
ter view of the false Dragon Logain.
The Daughter Heir ended up spending considerable since undertaken training to be a Wise One, although
time with Rand. Elayne found herself developing deep somewhat unwillingly. Aviendha has not given up the
feelings for the Dragon Reborn-feelings so deep that she life of the Far Dareis Mai in her heart, but has begun to
feared she would suffer almost any indignity to be part realize her future is unlikely to allow her to take up the
of h is life. Before leaving Tear, Elayne sent Rand two let- spear once mo re.
ters: one explicitly explaining her feelings for him, and Aviendha met Egwene while traveling in the wetlands,
another ensuring h e understood she was an independent and accompanied her back to the Three-Fol.cl Land. Th ere
woman. Aviendba began training as a Wise One, and was orde red
Elayne takes her duties as Heir very seriously, and to stay close to Rand. Aviendba soon fell in love with
does not plan to allow anything, even Rand, to stand Rand, but she also befriended Egwene and learned that
in her way of being crowned Q!leen of a free and her friend, Elayne, also loved Rand. To do her
strong Andor. In fact, she plans to bond Rand as duty to Egwene, Aviendha tried to convince
her Warder, then ally Andor with him and help Rand that his place was with Elayne. Un-
guide him to victory in Tarmon Gai'don, the Last fortunately, Rand fell in love with Aviendha
Battle against the Shadow. as weU and the Wise Ones continued to insist
they spend time together.
Elayne Trakand: Midlander Noble 1/Initiate fn order to share Rand with Elayne,
8/Aes Sedai 4; hp 51; Init: + 1 (Dex); Defense Aviendha has decided to become first-sisters
17 (+ ! Dex); Spd 30 ft.; Atk +5/+0 melee with Elayne. She will do her best
(1 d4- J /x2, dagger); SQ Aes Sedai pres- to do this both for her and Rand's
~ ence, call in a favor, resources, slow sake, and because she does not wish
aging, weavesight; SY Fort +9, Ref+7, to distress Egwene, her close friend.
Will +17; SZ M; Rep 10; Str 8, Dex
13, Con 12, lnt 20, Wis 18, Cha 18. Aviendha: Aiel Algai'd'siswai 4/lniri-
Skills: Bluff +10, Composure ate 6/Wise One 3; hp n; Init +S (+3
+ 18, Concentration+ 15, Diplomacy Dex, +2 dance the spears); Defense 22
+16, Gather Information +9, Innu- (+3 Dex); Spd 40 ft.; Atk +9/+4 melee
endo +8, Intimidate + 16, Knowledge (ar- (ld4+1/x2, dagger); SQ Dance the
cana) +20, Knowledge (history) +9, Knowl- spears, fast movement, slow aging,
edge (local) + 19, Knowledge (nobility and stealthy movement, uncanny dodge (D ex),
royalty) +20, Ride +5, Sense Motive + 19, weavesight, Wise One presence; SV
Speak Language (Arad Doman, Borderlands, Fort +11, Ref +9, Will +12; SZ M;
Illian, Midlands, Tairen), Spot +6, Rep 6; Str 12, Dex 16, Con 14, Int
Weavesight +20. 14, Wis 15, Cha 16.
Feats: Dodge, Extra Skills: Balance + 10, Climb
Affinity (Air, Water), Extra +8, Composure + 19, Con-
Talent (Cloud Dancing, centration + 19, Gather In-
Conjunction, 11lusion), Fa- formation +7, Hide +12,
me, Iron Will, Multi-Weave, Intimidate +7, Move
Persuasive, Sense Residue, Si lently + 12, Sense Motive
Strong Soul, Tie-Off Weave. + 6, Speak Language (Aiel,
Possessions: Dagger, Cairbien), Speak Language
noble's outfit. (Hand Speech-Nine Val-
Affinities: Air, Spirit, leys Sept, Maidens of the
Water. Spear), Spot + 11, Weave-
Aviendha
Talents: Cloud Dancing, sigh t +18, Wilderness
Conjunction, Elementalism, Lore +11.
IUusion. Feats: Dodge, Dreamwalk, Endurance, Extra Affinity
Wi>aves Known (4/7/6/5/5/4/2): Cloud Dancing: har- (Air), Extra Talent (Elemenralism, Traveling, Warding),
ness the wind, warmth; Conjunction: bond Warder; Elemen- Iron Will, Mobility, Multi-Weave, Sense Residue, Spring
tal ism: arms o.fair, current, dry, harden air, mo1Je waler; Heal- Attack, Survivor, Weapon Focus (Aiel spear).
ing: heal; Illusion: disguise, distant eye, eavesdrop; Warding: Possessions: Dagger, gems and jewelry (worth 35 gm),
dream shielding. traveling outfit.
Affinities: Air, Spirit.
Talents: Elementalism, Traveling, Warding.
AVIENDHA Wttaves Known (4/ 6/ 5/3/ 2/ 1): Elementalism: arms of
An attractive Aiel woman of the Nine Valleys Sept of
air, harden air: Healing: heal; Warding: dream shielding, seal
the Taardad Aiel, Aviendha has bright green eyes and
shield, ward bore.
auburn hair. She is a fearless woman, though she has
grave concerns about her fate. Once a member of the
Far Dareis Mai (Maidens of the Spear), Aviendha has
255
MOIRAINE DAMODRED aging, weavesight; SV Fort + 10, Ref +8, Will + 16; SZ M;
Dead (or at least believed so) at the time of Dumai's Rep 9; Str 9, Dex 15, Con 14, lnt 20, Wis 16, Cha 17.
Wells, when living Moiraine Damodred was a powerful Skills: Bluff +6, Composure + 19, Concentration + 18,
Aes Sedai. Like most Aes Sedaj, Moiraine enjoyed an age- Diplomacy+ 16, Disguise +6, Gather Information +8, In-
less though mature appearance, and an aura of authority timidate + 12, Knowledge (arcana) +28, Knowledge (his-
proportioned beyond her relatively slight frame. A pretty tory) +25, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) +15, Listen
woman who almost always wore blue (in keeping with her +5, Sense Motive +26, Speak Language (Borderlands,
aj((,h affiliation), Moiraine had large, dark eyes and dark Cairhien, Midlands, Tairen), Speak Language (Old
hair worn in soft ringlets. She Tongue), Spot + 10, Weavesight
generally wore a delicate +19.
chain of gold in her hair that Feats: Alertness, Combat Cast-
suspended a blue gem in the ing, Endurance, Extra Affinity
center of her forehead. (Afr, Spirit), Extra Talent (Con-
Twenty years before meet- j unction , Healing, Warding),
ing Rand al'Thor, Moiraine Heroic Surge, Iron Will, Multi-
was at Tar VaJon when the weave, Sense Residue, Smooth
Dragon Reborn was birthed Talk, Tie Off Weave, Toughness.
into the world on the slopes Possessions: Staff, courtier's
of the nearby Dragonmount, o utfit, noble's outfit, traveler's
and heard an Aes Sedai outfit, light warhorse.
named Gitara Moroso Foretell Affinities: Air, Fire, Spirit.
his arrival. At that time Talents: Conjunction, Ele-
Moiraine and her friend Siuan mentalism, Healing, Warding.
Sanche began a clandestine ~aves Kn<r<1Jn (417161615141
search for the Dragon Reborn, 31211): Conjunction: bond ~r
vowing to act together to der, fal.se trail, pass bond, sense
guide him safely to Tarmon Shadowspawn; Elementalism:
Gai'don, the Last Battle arms ofair, createfire, d1)1,fireball,
against the Dark One. This harden air, light, mo11e water, tool
continued even after Siuan of air; Healing: delve, heal, heal
Sanche became the Amyrlin the mind, renew, sever; Warding:
Seat. Fairly early in this search, circle of silence, dream shielding,
Moiraine met al'Lan Man- master ward, seal, shield, ward
dragoran. whom she took as against d1an11elers, ward against
her Warder. people, ward agaimt Shadow-
Eventually Moiraine spawn.
foun d Rand al'Thor in
Emond's Field, along with
MoirtJine 'lJamodred
MIN FARSHAW
two other ta 'veren of the
M.in Farshaw is a slender young
right age. After Trollocs at-
woman with short but lush dark hair and fair skin. Some-
tacked the village, Moiraine convinced Rand and his
thing of a tomboy in nature, she prefers trousers over
friends to travel with her to Tar Yalon, where they would
skirts, and can pass as a boy if she tries to.
be safe. Unfortunate ly, events conspired against
From a young age, Min has been a Viewer, able to see
Moiraine, and she never managed to get Rand to Tar
auras around many individual that portend thefr futures.
Yalon. Instead she did her best to guide him as he fought
Few people believed Min's tales about what she saw, and
Ba'alzamon, conquered the Stone of Tear, and was
many felt she was either a troublemaker who caused the
named Car' a' cam of the Aiel. She was a strong influence
things she claimed to see, or a Dark.friend somehow in
on Rand until her death.
league with the Shadow. When Min's father rued she was
When Rand faced Lanfear in Cairhien, Moraine threw
raised by her three aunts, who tried co teach her some of
herself onto the Forsaken , driving them both through a
the arts of a seamstress, but she hared the work and left her
red stone archway ter'angrea!, which then de.s trayed itself.
aunts as soon as she was able, to take up a position as a sta-
Though it is not known fo r certain that she rued, her bond
ble groom in Baerlon. Ir was there she first met Moiraine
with Lan was broken, and he found himsel f bonded to an-
Sedai, who found Min's talent very useful Since Moiraine
other Aes Sedai-an act Moiraine had taken to ensure he
made no effort to control or change Min, the young
would not rue avenging her own passing.
woman was willing to help. Because of this, Moiraine
brought Rand al'Thor for Min co see, and Min fell im-
Moiraine Damodred: Cairhicnin Initiace 8/Aes Sedai 7;
mediately in love with him. Her visions also revealed that
hp 68; !nit +2 (Dex); Defense 18 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft.; Atk
she would have to share Rand with rwo other women,
+61+ I me lee (ld6-l/x2, staff); SQ Aes Sedai presence,
neither of whom knew it yet. Min told Rand none of this,
control, improved reso urces, resolve, resources, slow
but in her heart she knew it would come to pass.
Somewhat after that meeting Min traveled to Tar Emond's Fielders against Shadowspawn. Once the Two
Valon and met and befriended Egwene, Nyoaeve and Rivers seemed secure, Loia! set out to travel from sledding
Elayne. She then spent time in the Dragoo Reboro's to sledding, to warn the Ogier that Shadowspawn are now
camp, and was sent back to Tar Valon to inform the using the Ways.
Amyrlin Seat of Rand's progress. To keep her safe from Loia): Ogier Wanderer 9; hp 61; lnit: +O; Defense 15;
politica l enemies and Darkfriends, the Amyrlin had Min Spd 40 ft.; Atk +1 11+6 melee (ldl2+5/x3, hafted
disguise herself as Elmindreda, a simpering boy-happy axe) or + 11/+6 melee (ld6+5/x3, quarterstaff);
twit of a girl that no one wou ld ever identify with SQillicit barter, low-light vision, reach 10 ft.,
the tomboy Min. When the Amyrlin Seat was sneak attack +2d6; SV Fort +8, Ref +6, Will
overthrown, Min helped her and the Keeper +5; SZ L; Rep 4; Str 20, Dex 10, Coo 16,
escape, eventually making their way to Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 10.
Salidar. She was then sent with the Skills: Appraise +16, Craft
Salidar embassy to Rand, where she (treesioging) + 16, Diplomacy +8,
and he admitted their feeling and Intimi date +6, Jump +11,
became intimate. But Min knows Knowl edge (arcana) +16,
t that, sooner or later, she must Knowledge (the Age of Leg-
~ share Rand with others. ends) + 16, Knowledge (ar-
~ chitecture and engineering)
Min Farshaw: Midlander + 16, Knowledge (history)
Wanderer 9; hp 34; !nit + 4 +12, Listen +15, Move
~ (Dex); Defense 20 (+ 4 Dex); Silently + 12, Profession
·~ Spd 30 ft.; Atk +6/+ 1 melee (scribe) + 13, Speak Lan-
~ ( ld4, dagger) or +10/+5 guage (Midlands), Speak
~ ranged (ld4, dagger); SQillicit Lang uage (Ogier),
~ barter, sneak attack +2d6; SV Speak Language (Old
Fort +4, Ref+ 11, Will +6; SZ Tongue), Spot + 13.
M; Rep 3; Str 10, Dex 19, hats: The Da rk
Con 11, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha One's Own Luck, La-
14. tent Treesioger, Mar-
Skills: Appraise +8, Bal- tial Weapon Profi-
ance +16, Bluff +8, Climb ciency (hafted axe),
+6, Disguise +8, Handle Ani- Run, Skill Emphasis
mal +6, Gather Information + 14, H ide (Pick Pocket, Spot), Treesinger.
+ 16, Knowledge {local) +8, Move Possessions: Hafted axe, quarter-
Silently +16, Pick Pocket +19, Ride staff, books, traveler's outfit.
+10, Sense Motive +13, Speak Language Loia/
(Cairhien, Midlands), Spot + 16.
Feats: The Dark One's Own Luck, Latent
AL'LAN MANDRAGORAN
last in a long and royal line, al'Lan Mandragoran is a
Viewer, Luck of Heroes, Point Blank Shot, ~ick Draw,
powerfully bui lt man with piercing blue eyes and long
Skill Emphasis (Pick Pocket, Spot), Viewing.
hair swept back by a band of braided leather. His face is
Possessions: Courtier's outfit, 6 daggers.
hard and weathered, but not worn o r haggard. He is the
uncrowned King of Malkier, the Borderlands kingdom
LOIAL lost to the Blight shortly after his birth. There are many
Loia! is a handsome Ogier from Stedding Shangtai. He titles Lan can claim- lord of the Seven Towers, Lord of
stands over 10 feet tall and has long, tufted ears and thick lhe Lakes, Diademed Battle Lord of Mal kier. Should Lan
black hair. Loia! is a scholar and loyal friend. Slow to raise the Golden Crane banner of Malkier, an army of
anger by human standards, he is excitable for an Ogier. Borderlanders would likely answer his call.
Though only ninety years old, young for an Ogier, But Lan has no desire to lead an army. He fights a
Loia! set out from his sledding to see the Ogier groves. He war against Shadow alone, a war bound to him when his
did this without permission from the elders of his sted- parents placed the sword of the Malkier kings in his
ding, and discovered that most of the groves had long hands and swore oaths in bis name. They named him
been destroyed in any case. On bis trip he met Rand Dai'Shan, and gave him over to twenty Malkieri warriors
al'Thor and his friends, and decided he should write a to take to safety even as his homeland was destroyed.
book about the three la'veren and the circumstances of Lan intends to destroy every Shadowspawn and Dark
events around them. It was Loia! who helped them to One's pawn, or die trying. In truth, he knows his death
travel through the Ways, though he did so reluctantly. is the more likely outcome.
When Perrin heard of trouble back in the Two Rivers His journeys brought him into contact with Moiraine
and decided to return, Loia! went with him. Loia! proved Sedai. At their first meeting he dumped the Aes Sedai
his bravery on many occasions, traveling through Trolloc- into a lake, but a bond of respect eventually grew between
infested hills to lock a Waygate, and fighting alongside them. He became her Warder and served her faithfully for
257
many years. Lan was with Moiraine when she found Rand But in truth, Thom led a much more active life than
al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, and traveled with Rand and he's generally willing to admit. H e was once the lover of
his companions from the Two Rivers. When Nynaeve ~een Morgase of Andor and a master player in Daes Dae'-
al'Meara followed the boys Lan met her for the first time. mar-the Game of Houses played by lords and ladies seek-
Soon, Lan and Nynaeve fell in love. But Lan was unwill- ing power. In fact, be helped secure Morgase's throne early
ing to have a widow's black be his wedding gift to Ny- in her reign, and once bounced young Elayne Trakand on
naeve, and did his best to keep her from him. rus knee, allowing her to pull at his moustache.
Lan spent some time training Rand in the arts of war But Thom had a bad turn in ms ljfe. His young nephew
and instructed him on the proper way to wield tbe Owyn turned out to be able to channel, and was taken by
Heron-marked blade Rand carried. As Moiraine sought to members of the Red Ajah. Thom was too busy to try to
guide the Dragon reborn, Lan was ever at her side. After help Owyn in the early stages of his problems, and when
her apparent death battling Lanfear, Lan found his he finally did leave Morgase to find Owyn his efforts
Warder's bond had been passed to an Aes Sedai named proved to be too little too late to help rus nephew. Upon
Myrelle, though his heart still belongs to Nynaeve. his return to Andor Thom and Morgase fell out, their re-
Lan is an extraordinary warrior and Warder, lationship eventually becoming
doubtless one of the most dangerous . . ,hostile. He left Andor rather
men in all the westlands. Although .·~ than lose his head.
it is in:'possible . to . s~e exactl,r ~~ Thom might have slipped
where his future hes, 1t 1s clear bis .. ·.., into obscurity, had he n ot
destiny shall bring him close to been at Emond's Field the
Nynaeve again, and his battle night Trolloc's attacked. He
with the Shadow is far from soon found rumself traveling
over. with an Aes Sedai and her
Warder, a local girl who could
al'Lan Manclragoran: Borderlan- channel, and three young ta'v-
der Armsman 10/ Warder 4/Blade- eren. Thom took to the young
master 2; hp 134; lnit +9 (+3 Dex, men, especially Rand who was
+4 Improved Initiative, +2 later revealed to be the Dragon
Blooded); Defense 29 (+3 Dex); Reborn. Even so, Thom tried to
Spd 20 fr.; Atk +21/+16/+l 1 settle down in Cairhien with a
melee (ld10+3/19- 20/x2, Warder's you ng woman named Dena.
sword); SQ Armor compatibiljty, Sadly, Dena was killed due to
Warder's bond, defensive awareness some perception that Thom was
(Dex), parting the Silk 2/day, increased c once again playing the Game of
multiplier l/day; SV Fort+ 11, Ref +15, Houses. In response Thom
Will +9; SZ M; Rep 9; Str 17, Dex 16, killed the King of Cairhien,
Con 15, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 20. plunging the nation into civil
Skills: Balance + 7, Diplomacy + 7, Intim- war.
idate +15, Knowledge (Blight lore) +8, Thom then wandered for a
Knowledge (history) +6, Knowledge (nobility time, eventually hooking up with
and royalty) +6, Listen + 13, Move Silently +8, Mat Cauthon, and later Rand. Thom
Ride + 11, Speak Language (Borderlands, ~ has used his skills to help secure Rand's
Cairhien), Speak Language (Old Tongue), Speak control of Tear and may become one of the
Language (Trolloc), Spot +13, Wilderness Lore Thom Merri/in Dragon Reborn's best allies.
+ 12.
Feats: Alertness, Blooded, Cleave, Combat Expertise, Thomdril Merrilin: Cairhienin Wanderer 7/Gleeman 7;
Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Exotic Weapon Proficiency hp 61; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Defense 23 (+3 Dex); Spd 40 ft.;
(warder's sword), ln1proved Initiative, Iron Will, Mobil- Atk +10/+5 melee (ld4, dagger) or +13/+8 ranged (ld4,
ity, Power Attack, Spring Attack, Track, Whirhvind Attack. dagger); SQDistract, gleeman's music, gleeman's lore, il-
Possessions: Masterpiece warder's sword, masterwork licit barter, sneak attack +2d6, virtuoso performance
breastplate, shifting cloak, traveler's outfit. (calumny); SV Fort +3, Ref+ 13, Will+ 11; SZ M ; Rep 11;
Str 10, Dex 16, Con 8, Int 18, Wis 15, Cha 16.
S!ulls: Balance +8, Bluff +15, Decipher Script +12,
T HOMDRIL M ERRILIN Diplomacy +20, Forgery +15, Gather Information +20,
At firs t glance, Thomdril Merrilin seems little more
Hide +8, Innuendo +8, Intimidate +9,Jump +7, Knowledge
than an older gleeman in the winter years of his life.
(local) + 17, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) + 17, Listen
Going simply by the name Thom, he makes no effort to
+ 12, Move Silently + 13, Open Lock +8, Perform (chant,
conceal his grayi ng hair or the age of his gleeman's
comedy, dance, drama, epic, flute, harp, juggling, singing,
cloak. As he traveled from town to town in the mid-
storytelling) + 18, Pick Pocket + 16, Search +9, Sense Mo-
lands, Thom brought little attention to himself for
tive +21, Speak Language (Cairruen, Midlands, Tairen),
many years.
Speak Language (Old Tongue), Spot + 7, Tumble + 13 . . sneer or let his face twist into hatred, and sometimes he
Feats: 111e Dark One's Own Luck, Fame, Persuasive, laughs for no apparent reason. He is driven by his hatred
Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Qiickdraw, Rapid Shot, Skill of Rand al'Thor and his fear of the Dark One.
Emphasis (Forgery), Smooth Talk, Trustworthy. Once no more than a merchant, Padan Fain became
Possessions: Flute, harp, juggling balls, 8 daggers, glee- a Darkfriend as a young man. He was summoned to
man's outfit. Shayol Ghul and made the Dark One's hound, sent to
find the Dragon Reborn. His travels brought him to the
Two Rivers and from Padan's information the Dark One
DAIN BORNHALD concluded 'that his prey was one of three young men in
Dain Bomhald is an officer of the Children of the Light the town of Emond's Field. Padan Fain brought the Trol-
and a furn opponent of anyone he thinks is a Darkfriend. locs that attacked the houses of Rand al'TI10r, Perrin Ay-
He's also something of a zealot, and is willing to risk bara and Matrim Cauthon, but it would be some time be-
harming a few innocents if it means he is more likely to fore they knew where to place that blame.
capture the guilty. As far as Dain .is con~emed, anyone When the three youths escaped the Trolloc attack,
who is unwilling to support the Children 1s suspect at the Fain felt compelled to ftnd them. He
least, and likely a secret worshiper of the Shadow. could sense their presences, especially
Dain Bornhald is the son of Geofram Born- Rand's, and followed them to
hald, a senior officer in the Children of the Shadar Logoth. There he was ac-
Light who was killed fighting the Sean- costed by the creature Mordeth, and
~ chan at Falrne. However, Dain was in- somehow Padan and Mordeth
~ formed that Perrin Aybara was re- merged into a single entity. Patlan
~ sponsible for his father's death. Fain was more than a mere Dark-
This has built in Dain a personal friend now-his very soul was so cor-
vendetta against Perrin, and the rupted that he had become a new
belief that he is a Darkfriend. kind of evil. He turned from the
When the Children of the Shadow, but is no less horrid than
Light sent troops into the any Shadowspawn.
Two Rivers, Dain Bornhald
went to bring Perrin to jus- Padan Fain: Midlander Wanderer 16;
tice. Perrin, however, hp 61; lnit +4 (Dex); Defense 23 (+4
managed to bring the Two Dex); Spd 30ft.; Atk +141+91+4
Rivers folk together and in melee (Id6+2 short sword or ld4+2
the end drove out the dagger or ld6+2 subdual sap),
Children of the Light. +16/+11/+6 ranged (1d4+2, dagger);
SQ Illicit barter, sneak attack +4d6;
Dain BornhaJd: Midlander SV Fort +5, Ref +14, Will +8; Rep 6;
Aansman 9/Commander 1; Str 14, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 16, Wis
hp 68; lnit +1 (Dex); Defense 12, Cha 13.
21 (+ l Dex); Spd 20 ft.; Atk Skills: Balance +9, Bluff +13,
+12/+7/+2 melee (ld8+4/ Climb +15, Diplomacy +15, Dis-
19-20/xZ, longsword); SQ • guise + 7, Escape Artist +9, Gather In-
Armor compatibility, mat- -:.;,;,!'.l!. 1-- formation +19, Hide + 11, Intimidate
egy; SV Fort +8, Ref +6, - adan Fain +20, Intuit Direction +5, Jump +13,
Will +4; SZ M; Rep 4; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 13, Int Knowledge (Shadowspawn) +18, Knowledge (ar-
10, Wis 8, Cha 16. . cana) + 12, Listen + 10, Mov.e Silently + 17, Op~ Lock
Skills: Bluff+ 12, Diplomacy + 7, Gather Informabon + 12 Pick Pocket +9, Profession (merchant) + 7, Ride +8,
+10, Intimidate +11, Ride+ 11, Sease Motive +3, Speak Sear~h + 13, Sense Motive + 19, Spot+ 17, Swim +6, Tum-
Language (Midlands). ble +8, Use Rope +8.
Feats: Bullheaded, Cleave, Mounted Combat, Power Feats: Alertness, Bullheaded, The Dark One's Own
Attack, Trample, Ride-by Attack, Weapon Focus (long- Luck, Dodge, Improved Critical (short sword), Luck of
sword), Weapon Specialization (longsword). Heroes, Persuasive, Run, Skill Emphasis (Gather Informa-
Possessions: Longsword, full mail. tion, Intimidate, Knowledge [Shadowspawn], Sense Mo-
tive), Stealthy.
PADAN FAIN Possessions: Dagger, sap, short sword, backpack, 12
Padan Fain is a thin, small man with a large hooked nose torches, 34 siJver marks, 4 l gold marks.
and long, gangly arms. A man of ever-changing iden~ty,
he has gone by many names besides his own, includmg
Ordeith and Jeraal Mordeth. When it has suited him he
has dressed in finery; at other times he has lived for
months in a dirty, rags, covered in grime. He tends to
259
TI1e westlands- the mainland region west of the Spine of
the World-possess a long, rich history, though most folk
alive today regard the fabulous stories of times past as
nothing more than legends and fables. But even when the
tales exaggerate, they usuaUy contain a nugget of truth-
and in many cases, the truth is more spectacular, more
wondrous, and more full of despair than any legend.
HISTORY OF THE
WESTLANDS
History is made up of great Ages, of which ours is only
one. Little is known of the Ages before, although many
fragmentary records refer to the Age of Legends, and the
events of that era that made the world what it is today. ..;:...
t
'!
THE AGE OF LEGENDS: The earliest time of §"'
which the westlanders have stories (and, rarely, fragmen- ~
tary written records) is an era now known as the "Age of ~
Legends." Occurring about three thousand years before ~
the present day, it was a time of power and wonder, a
peaceful, utopia11 age when the miraculous was an every- ti
1
day thing. Some few of those miracles, such as the span ~
at Whitebridge, still exist today. ~
During the Age of Legends, the One Power played a ;.
major role in society. No taint existed on saidin; both
men and women could channel safelv. All who could
channel were known as Aes Sedai, me,aning "servant of
all," for they were charged with using their powers to
benefit society. And so they did. Channelers called Re-
storers used their Healing ability to counteract and cor-
rect the effects of injury and disease; channelers with
ability in Earth mined ores and created alloys and struc-
tures far stronger and more elaborate than any now ex-
isting. Aes Sedai were typically ordinary people with or-
dinary jobs who simply came together in groups when-
ever some task required their powers. Thanks to their ef-
forts, society was peaceful and prosperous but did not
have to exploit or ruin the land to become so.
Although the Aes Sedai were not a formal organiza-
tion of the sort associated with that name today, they pos-
sessed considerable influence and power over the world as
a whole and commanded the respect of everyone for their
good works and noble intentions. To govern themselves,
they established the Hall of the Servants, a sort of guild
that created and enforced rules and guidelines for chan-
neling. Led by an officer called First Among Servants, the
Hall of the Servants enhanced the Aes Sedai's reputation
by providing governance and accountability.
Thanks to the use and benefits of the One Power, the
Age of Legends was a time of enormous, elaborate, beau-
tiful cities, urban areas virtually free of crime, over-
crowding, or poverty that were a joy to live in. In Paaran
Disen, V'saine, Cornelle, Adanza, Jalanda, and many
other cities, the people of the time lived side by side with
Aes Sedai, all of them working together for the benefit of
society. And each of the cities had its own unique won-
ders. For example, V'saine was home to the Col.lam
Daan, the greatest university the world has ever seen,
above which floated the Sharom, a thousand-foot-diame- in the War; the rnighry technologies of the time easily
ter white sphere held aloft solely by the One Power. adapted to wartime use. Carrying shocklances and other
Using their intellects and the One Power, the people weapons, and outfitted in strange armors that provided
of the Age developed powerful, sophisticated technolo- some measure of protection against them, warriors rode
gies to satisfy their daily wants and needs. Not everyone to battle in armored air and ground vehicles and un-
could channel, but anyone could make use of the sci- leashed destruction nearly as vast as that caused by the
e.nces and devices developed by the leading minds of the Aes Sedai and Dreadlords.
time. For example, those who needed to travel long dis- As battle engulfed the entire world, the fortunes of war
tances could use antigravity devices called sho-wings to teetered back and forth. For three years the Dark One's
fly through the air, or jo-cars to drive along the paved f?rc~s triumphed mor: than they lost, conquering vast ter-
roads. ntones. Then the anmes of the Light, led by Lews Therin
Telamon, the First Among Servants, also known as "the
Dragon," gained the momentum and drove the Shadow
THE BORE AND THE RISE OF THE DARK: back. But after a year of stalemate, the Shadow began to
The end began for this idyllic period when Aes Sedai re- creep forward again, now seemingly unstoppable.
searchers .from the Collam Daan, seeking even greater
power, discovered a "thjn" place in the Pattern that The Breaking of the World: Determined to de-
seemed to cover up a vast, undivided source of the One feat the ~ h adow, Lews Therin hatched a p lan to reseal the
Power. Hoping to access it, they used their power to cre- Bore, us mg seven cuendi!lar disks as foci for seven imma-
ate a hole, now known as the Bore, in the weak spot. Un- terial seals. But this required the assistance of female Aes
fortunately, what they reached was not a wellspring of Sedai, and under the leadership of Latra Posae Decume,
new power for society, but the Dark One himself, impris- the women refused to help rum. Latra Posae favored an-
oned outside the Pattern since the momenr of creation. other scheme: the use of two enormous statue sa'angreal,
The backblast from the drilling of the Bore shattered the one near what is now Cairhien, the other in what is now
Sharom and strained the fabric of reality. the island of Tremalkiog. Even when attacks by the Dark
Even worse, the Bore loosed evil into the world. One's forces deprived her of the access items needed to
Though still imprisoned, the Dark One could touch real- use the statues, Latra Posae refused to support the
ity, inspiring people to horrible acts of crime and vio- Dragon's plan; she feared that failure to place and acti-
lence, and enhancing base emotions such as jealousy and vate the seals precisely would rip open the pattern and free
fear. To those of weak will, or who sought greater status the Dark Lord.
~nd honor in a society where such things were of great Believing he had no other alternative, Lews Therin
unportance, the Dark One offered influence and power. Telamon went ahead with hls plan without the women.
Even some Aes Sedai succumbed to his wiles and prom- Taking bis Hundred Companions (a group of 113 power-
ises, becoming known as "Dreadlords." ful young male Aes Sedai who supported him) and an
army of 10,000 soldiers, he attacked the Bore. There he
The Collapse and the War of the Shadow: found lhat the 13 most powerful Forsaken (Aes Sedai who
For approximately a century after the creation of the served the Dark One) were conferring with their master in
Bore, society plunged into ever-greater fear, evil, chaos, th.e Pit of Doom. The Dragon and his Companions struck
and despair. Early historians named this period "the with speed and power, sealing the Bore and trapping the
Collapse." Forsaken with their lord. Contrary to the women's fears
After a hundred years of societal decay, forces loyal to they did not rip the Pattern. '
the Dark One decided the time bad come to free their Yet all was not well. At the moment of the sealing, a
lord from his prison. Attacking their enemies across the strange backblast tainted saidin as the Dragon and his
world in one fierce, bold stroke, they began a terrible Companions drew upon it. Believed to be a deliberate
conflict, reintroducing the concept of war to the world. counterattack by. the Dark One, the taint immediately
Later generations called this the War of the Shadow, or drove Lews Therrn Telamon and the surviving 68 Com-
the War of Power. panio~s insane. In their madness, they began to destroy
For ten years, the armies of Light and Dark strove anything that came to their attention, killing anyone they
against each other. The One Power, once used solely for encountered. Thus began the Breaking of the World.
peaceful purposes, became a terrifying weapon. Channel- Over the next decade, every male Aes Sedai suc-
ers found ways to use their powers to wreak havoc and cumbed to madness after touching the tainted saidin too
devastation o n a grand scale, bringing instant death to many times. Aud with their power they inflicted more de-
thousands of people. But that paled in comparison to struction on the world than perhaps even the Dark One
balefire, a new channeling ability discovered by some had. Cities were shattered; seas flowed over the land to
nameless Aes Sedai. Able to bum whatever it touched reduce ~ountains to islands and plains to seas, new lands
into nonexistence, the "liquid white-bot fire" became the were raised out of the ocean, and uncounted numbers
favored weapon of powerful channelers on both sides- were slaughtered. For somewhere between 239 and 344
until they realized what it actually did was bum entire years (records differ), the people of the westlands were re-
th.reads out of the Pattern. Afraid of unraveling all of re- duced to a daily struggle for survival. Art, honor, culture,
ality, channelers voluntarily stopped using balefire. status, and kindness were forgotten in the desperate battle
Ordinary soldiers did not find themselves powerless
among themselves. Second, despite the Length of the
YEARS AND DATES Breaking, during this time memories of the Age of Leg-
ends remained strong. Humanity hoped and believed that
Tracking dat es during and
the glories of that era could return again, and strove to
after t he Breaking o f the
recreate them as best they could.
World is an exercise in frus-
tration. The lack and loss of
records due to war, h avoc,
The Aes Sedai, Tar Valon, and the White
and accident has left histori-
Tower: Before and during the Ten Nations period, the
Aes Sedai, now an entirely female organization, set out to
ans with more guesses th~n
preserve their lore and power (much of which they lost
solid information. The far-
during the Breaking), eradicate Aes Sedai pretenders, es-
ther back one goes, the less reliable the dates as-
tablish their influence over society, and protect humanity
signed to particular events are.
from the threat of the Shadowspawn. By the first half of
Since the Breaking, the westlands have used
the first century AB, they had adopted a system of Ajah,
three different calendar systems. The first, estab-
groupings based o n common purposes, goals, or beliefs,
lish ed approximately two centuries after the death
which eventually evolved into the much more defined
of the last male Aes Sedai, is the Toman Calendar,
and rigid structure known today (the modern seven Ajahs
which begins with I AB (After the Breaking). It re-
had actually come into existence by about 300 AB). In 98
mained in use until the end of the Trolloc Wars,
AB, with the help of the Ogier, the Aes Sedai began con-
which destroyed so many records that scholars es-
structing the city of Tar Valon on the island of the same
tablished a n ew calendar, the Gazaran. It began
name in the northern River Erinin.
with year FY 1 (Free Year). Historians disagree ve-
hemently as to exactly what year AB is FY 1.
Another conflict, the War of the Hundred
The Trolloc Wars: The dreams of humanity for a re-
turn to the tranquility of the Age of Legends were shat-
Years, prompted a second calendar change (again
tered around I 000 AB when an enormous army of Trol-
due to loss of records). The Farede Calendar, de-
locs came ravening down out of the Blight to attack the
vised by the Atha'an Miere, starts with year 1 NE
westlands. The Trolloc Wars, which consumed approxi-
(New Era), though the exact correspondence be-
mately rhe next 350 years, destroyed much of the west-
tween 1 N E and a sp ecific year in the G azaran sys-
lands, and, ultimately, the Compact itself
tem rem ains the subject of much debate (most
The Trolloc armies, led by Dreadlords (both male and
scholars equate FY 1135 with 1 N E). The p eople of
female) and supported by Darkfriends, used their large
the westlan ds still use the N E calendar; Rand
weapons and terrible strength to overwhelm human op-
al'Tb or left Emond's Field in the year 998 N E.
ponents. Whenever possible, they simply surrounded
their foes and destroyed them through sheer weight of
numbers- what matters the loss of a few thousand sol-
simply to remain alive in a world of chaos. Only when
diers when o ne can suffer twenty-to-one casualties and
the last male Aes Sedai finally died did this period of de-
still rri umph?
struction, horror, and madness come to an end and give
The Compact's forces soon learned that trying to
humanity a chance ro rebuild.
fight the Trollocs toe to toe was an exercise in futility;
even when outnumbered, the monstrous beings were
THE WORLD SINCE THE BREAKING: Two hard to defea t. They adopted new tactics designed to ex-
cen turies of gradual ly decreasing anarchy and struggle fol- p loit the Trollocs' weakness- their bestiality and lack of
lowed the end of the Breaking. Finally, new kingdoms reason. Using fast-moving cavalry and infantry units, the
arose as powerful men began to ex.ert control over the Compact's soldiers harassed the Trollocs with hit-and-run
lands and peoples near them. tactics, pincer movements, rear attacks, and other uncon-
ventional maneuvers. When successful, this strategy led
The Time of the Ten Nations: In the year 209 to the deaths of thousands ofTrolJocs with rdatively Light
AB, the ten most powerful rulers, fearing the power of human casualties.
the Shadowspawn and the Friends of the Dark, formed The Compact's main weakness was its lack of a central
the Compacr of the Ten Nations. The realms who joined authority. Each nation mainrained its own army, refusing
the Compact were: Aelgar, Almoren, Aramaelle, Aridhol, to give control of its soldiers to an "outsider." Likewise,
Coremanda, Eharon, Essenia, Jaramide, Manetheren, the Aes Sedai kept control of the sisters assigned to help
and Safer. the armies. Even the closest of allies cannot work to-
Amazingly, the Compact lasted as a formal political gether as well as an army with a single commander. Then,
alliance for approximately eight hundred years. Accord- as the Trollocs pushed farrher and farther south, getting
ing to historians who have examined the few surviving support from one's "allies" became harder and harder.
records, the Ten Nations worked well together for two Thus was sealed the fate of Manetheren, which, though
reasons. First, they shared a common enemy-the always willing to lend aid ro the orher nations, received
Shadowspawn, the remnants of the D ark One's forces no help whatsoever when Trollocs laid siege to its capiral.
who still threatened the world-so they did not fight (Rumors persist to this day that Manetheren was deliber-
ately betrayed, possibly by the White Tower itself.) After after Caembarin, Khodomar, and Tova simultaneously at-
a rerrible and heartbreaking ten-day battle, the Mountain cacked him (perhaps at the instigation of the Aes Sedai).
Home of Manetheren fell and was utterly destroyed by Thus began the Wars of Consolidation. Hawkwing's ge-
the forces of the Dark One. nius for matters military allowed him to defeat his attack-
Losses in battle, treachery, despair, or a lack of re- ers and capture much of their territory. Over the next
sources spelled the end of many other nations, and not a n ineteen years he defeated o ne foe after another, losing
single kingdom remained free of the effects of the war. not a single battle, tmtil he controlled the entirety of the
The Trollocs penetrated as far south as the Stone of Tear, westlands. By FY 963 he was the High King.
besieging it unsuccessfully several times. Finally, a solid The High King's reign was, generally, a peaceful and
alliance of the remaining five nations confronted the bulk prosperous one. From FY 963 until FY 986, he weathered
of the Trolloc army at Maighande. After seven days and nine rebellions, typically sparked by disgruntled nobility
nights of unceasing battle, the forces of the Light broke and lacking in popular support. Among most folk the
the back of the Trolloc army, sending its members fleeing High King was beloved and admired. Even ilie smallest
northward in panic. Over the next year and a half, the al- villages erected monuments to him out of love and re-
liance drove the Trollocs north, eventually forcing them spect. The High King ruled with a firm hand, forcing the
back into the Blight and ending the war. nobility into bureaucratic roles and promoting them
solely on the basis of merit. His justice system (including
The Time of the High King: TI1e ravages of the Trol- his rangers), and the environment of safety it created, h as
loc Wars left tbe westlands in social and political turmoil, and become legendary.
no member of the Compact survived it. By FY 100, where The High King's relations with the Aes Sedai were
once ten nations had existed, there were now nearly thirty. often strained. Sometimes he worked closely with the sis-
Mainly small kingdoms, given to political infighting, border terhood, but at other times strong political tensions
wars, influence-peddling, and the like, they lacked ilie caused problems between them. Finally, convinced the
grandeur, authority, or power of their predecessors. Only Tar Aes Sedai were using him (or attempting to) to increase
Valon remained a force truly to be reckoned with. their own power, in FY 975 he put a bounty on any Aes
For the next eight hundred years, tbe westlands re- Sedai who would not renounce Tar Yalon, and besieged
mained at largely peace with no all-encompassing wars, the city itself after taking its outer territory. The siege out-
allowing peoples and nations to thrive and p.rosper. Trade lived Haw~-wing himself, and it fa iled only because sym-
increased, and a Jesurgence of art and culture gladdened pathetic outsiders smuggled supplies to the island.
heans across the continent. But tl1is was only the calm The tenor of High King Artur's reign changed in FY
before the storm. 986 when a three-pronged Trolloc invasion struck at his
The storm broke in the early 900s FY, with the birth kingdom. Although seventy-four years old at the time,
of two men. The first was Guaire Amalasan, who declared Paendrag moved swiftly and surely to destroy the
himself the D ragon Reborn in FY 939. Within four years enemy. He fought seven major battles against them, fi-
he had conquered ten southern nations, and tens of nally destroying the Shadowspawn at tile Battle of Tali-
thousands of people joined his crusade. dar in FY 987.
Amalasan's star fell in FY 943 when the second man, Apparently ilie battles turned the High King's mind
King Artur Paendrag of Shandalle, fought a decisive once more to thoughts of conquest and martial glory. In
battle against his forces in the Maraside Mountains. Paen- FY 992, he sent a massive expedition of approximately
drag had begun fighting tl1e Second Dragon in FY 940, two thousand ships, commanded by his last surviving son
earning his nickname "Hawkwing" from the speed and (Luthair Paendrag Mondwin), to conquer the continent
precision movements of his troops, and the fact that he of the Seanchan. This force succeeded (see Seanchan
never lost a single encounter with Arnalasan's armies. The below). The next year he sent a similar fleet, under the
Battle of Jolvaine Pass was one Paendrag should have lost; command of one of his daughters, to conquer Shara, on
he was outnumbered almost two to one, in a poor posi- the far side of the Aiel Wastes; this force's fate remains
tion, and unable to counter Amalasan's use of tile One unknown.
Power effectively. But after tricking his enemy with a false The launching of these navies was Hawkwing's last,
retreat, Paendrag launched a powerful surprise attack that great glory. In the summer of FY 994, at the age of
devastated the Second Dragon's army and captured eighty-two, he contracted a strange, sudden fever. After
Amalasan hin1self. Rather than pursue the defe ated army, a month of delirious ravings, the High King died.
Paendrag took his captive to Tar Valen, where be is ru- Within another few months the War of the HundJed
mored to have helped the Tower survive an attack by Years had begun.
much larger armies led by two of Amalasan's best gener-
als, Elinde Mothenos and Sawyn Muculhene, sent to &ee The War of the Hundred Years: Since ilie High
Amalasam. The truth of this rumor is sealed in the secret King left no known heirs, his vast empire was up for grabs
records of the White Tower-what is known is that the Aes after he died. Until FY 1117, noble fought noble and gen-
Sedai despised Paendrag for having brought an army into eral fought general as new nations rose, crumbled, and
tlleir territory. fell. Eventually fourteen nations became strong enough
But Artur Paendrag was not yet done fighting and to resist the constant fighting and political manipulation,
conquering. He returned to Shandalle, and soon the re- establishing what would become the modem political
?rder. Only a few villages, crumbled monuments, and ru-
med towers mark where once stood such kingdoms as KINGDOMS OF
lrenvelle, K.intara, Mar Haddon, and Malkier (this last fell
to Trollocs in 955 NE).
THE WESTLANDS
In addition to the new nations, an order known as the Several nations survived the War of the Hundred Years to
Children of the Light arose at this time. Founded in FY form the lands between the Aryth Ocean and the Spine
1021 as. an organiz.ation of itinerant preachers who spoke of the World Mountains. They include: Altara, Amadicia,
out. a~a":ist Da~neuds, the Children eventually became Andor, Ara? Doman, Arafel, Cairlllen, Illian, Kandor,
a .d1sc1plmed military force determined to destroy Dark- Saldaea, Sh1enar, Tarabon, and Tear. Three city-states of
fnends everywhere. What was once a group of simple inlpOrtance also survive: Far Madding, Mayene, and, of
men who fought only to defend themselves has become course, Tar Yalon.
a potent, and often dangerous, element of the modern
political landscape.
ALTA.RA
Symbol: The Golden Leopards.
THE MODERN DAY: In the nearly ten centuries Located on the southern coast of the westlands east
since the War of the Hundred Years sputtered to an end, of Amadicia and west of Illian, Altara is a place of low-
the westlands have enjoyed a period of relative peace. AJ. lands~ co~stal plains, swamps, and scrub and pine forests.
thou~h lesser wars break out between some nations (such Dommating the lower reaches of the River Eldar, it con-
as IlLlan and Tear, or Cairhjen and Andor), and civil wars ~ols much of the trade along that river, and also engages
occur in places such as Cairbien, most people live with· m profit~ble co~merce with the Sea Folk and ships of
out.fear o.f a~mies or violence. The only major war fought other nations at 1ts large, bustling capital of Ebou Dar.
dunng this time was the so-called Aiel War. Filled with everything from stinking, run-down hov·
els, to gleaming palaces of marble, to large buildings with
The AieJ War: Nearly five hundred years ago, in 509 elaborate domes, Ebou Dar consists of two sections. The
NE, the enigmatic Aiel granted to the Cairhjenin the west side of the Eldar includes the houses of nobles
right to. cross the Aiel Waste to trade with Shara, gifting many businesses and shops, horse-racing tracks and othe;
them with Avendoraldera. This sapling was an offshoot of cultural institutions. The Rahad, on the east ~ide of the
Avendesora, a descendant of the ancient chora trees ere· river, is a dangerous, low-class place filled with vicious
ated by the Aes Sedai of the Age of Legends (a chora cre- thugs and ruthless tricksters. Both parts of the city have
ated an aura of calm and peace around itself that affected almost as many canals and bridges as they do roads· the
anyone nearby). inhabitants learn to row or pole small boats almo;t as
In 976, !<ing ~~man ~amodred of Cajrhien, seeking soon as they learn to walk.
to bolster Ills posmon against challengers to his rule, cut Altara constitutes a kingdom only in the technical
down Avendoraldera to make himself a throne with its sense. Many ~fit~ nobles hold power equal to the king or
wood. ·when the fuel heard of this, they were enraged. queen, who b1stoncally has rarely controlled much territory
Tens of thousands of Aid, from four clans, poured over o~tside Ebou Dar. These nobles squabble, fight, and deal
the DragonwalJ to attack Cairhien. They slaughtered its Wlth one another as if each were royaJry, without regard for
people and destroyed the capital (except for the library), what tl~e ml.er in Ebou Dar thinks. The Altaran people gen-
but Laman escaped them. As they pursued him, the Aiel erally 1denafy themselves as the subjects of a particular
brought war to Tear, Andor, and fina lly Tar Yalon. noble, or residents of a specific town or region, not as "Al·
In 978, a coalition of westlands armies assembled a tarans." This political divisiveness and lack of national
force of 170,000 soldiers at Tar Yalon to fight the Aiel in unity leaves Altara vulnerable to invaders, such as the Chil-
what wo~d. become known as the Battle of Tar Yalon (or dren .o~ the Light, who have coveted it for years. During
of the Shmmg Walls, the Nations, the Red Snows, or the the Whitecloak War of 957, lhe Children would have con·
Blood Snow). They faced approximately 100,000 fierce quered Altara easily if not for the assistance of Illian.
:4Jel spearfighte~s. There were three days of terrible fight·
mg. On the third day, the Aiel found and killed King Dueling: Perhaps the only tlllng that unifies the Al·
l~man. Having accomplished what they came for, the tarans is their culture, wlllch other westlanders best know
A1el retreated east, harried by Alliance forces, and even- for two things: its many holidays and festivals and its
tually crossed back over the Spine of the World and re· emp.hasis on dueling. Many westlanders engage in duels,
turned to their desert home. Lacking a common purpose but 111 Altara the custom of challenging those who insult
the Alliance quickly broke up. ' you to a duel has become a societal institution. Duels
Si~ce. then.• the nations have gone their own ways, take place every day, and in Ebou Dar, up to every hour.
pursuing md1v1dual agendas or focusing on internal prob- Even the women duel, frequent ly over men; in fact,
lems. Now that the Shadow is rising again and the women wear "marriage knives" hanging from chokers
Dragon Rebo:n has revealed himself, they may find around their necks. The decor on the knife inrucates the
themselves united once more-whether they like it or not. w~man's status (single, married, widowed), number of
children, and other information.
Because of the prevalence of dueling, the Altarans long
ago developed an extensive code of courtesy and civility to
keep from giving offense. It often seems as if their inter- men, not women, study herbalism and healing.) Thieves
personal relationships are as complicated and interwoven and other criminals experience similarly harsh penalties,
as Cairhienin politics! Only when told to "lean bad< on ranging from branding, to loss of limbs, to hanging for
your knife" (meaning to talk freely without fear of giving even the most trivial of offenses. But few subjects can
insult) will an Altaran speak openly and bluntly. deny that Amadicia has become a more peaceful and safe
The Altarans do not exempt visitors from their cus- place because of this.
toms. Though they will not always take offense at things
an outsider says that would instantly give rise to a chal-
lenge if said by an Altaran, they tolerate "incivility" only
AN DOR
Symbols: The White Lion; the Rose Crown.
to a certain extent. A traveler who doesn't want to find
Perhaps the largest, most powerful, and most presti-
himself facing an angry Ebou Dari on the dueling ground
gious of the fourteen kingdoms, Andor occupies an envi-
had best learn at least the rudiments of Altaran courtesy.
able position in the very center of the westlands between
the rivers Manetherendrelle and Erinin, making it a cross-
Q!leen Tylin: From the beautiful Tarasin Palace, lo- roads of trade and thus a prosperous place (in fact, the
cated on Mol Hara square in the heart of Ebou Dar,
Andoran mark has more gold in it than most other coins,
Qieen Tylin Qiintara, High Sear of House Mitsobar,
making it a favored medium of exchange). Most of its
rules her capital city and the lands within approximately
land consists of plains or gentle hills, though more hilly
one hundred miles of it, making her one of the most
and rural regions farther west toward the Mountains of
powerful royals in recent history. Given the instability of
Mist, such as the Two Rivers, nominally belong to the
Altaran politics, it's unlikely her son, Beslan, will succeed
Rose Crown as well. However, the Qieen has not exer-
to and hold the throne; if he does, House Mitsobar will
cised authority west of the Manetherendrelle in so long
become the fust since House Todande to control the
that the inhabitants of that area have forgotten their alle-
Throne of the Winds for more than two generations.
giance to the Rose Crown.
Though well into middle age, Qieen Tylin retains
much of the beauty of her youth. Combined with a fiery
determination and willpower equal to that of the Aes
History: Andor's history begins centuries ago, shortly
after the death of Artur Paendrag, when Ishara, the
Sedai, this makes her a formidable opponent in the po-
daughter of the ruler of what was chen the province of
litical and social arenas, able to manipulate her fractious
Andor, declared it a sovereign realm with her as its
nobles as well as any Altaran queen in mem.ory. Nor does
Qieen. Because her husband and sons all died in the wars
she avoid physical challenges: She wears her marriage
following Hawkwing's passing, the Lion Throne passed to
knife with pride and has used it often.
her daughter Alesinde. Similar events affected later rulers,
For more information about Altarans in general, and
until by the end of the War of the Hundred Years Andor
Ebou Dari in particular, see Chapter 2: Backgrounds.
had established laws that hold to this day.
Only women may rule Andor. The queen's eldest
AMADI CIA daughter and heir must study and train in the White
Symbol: The Thistle and Star. Tower, thereby cementing ties between the Aes Sedai and
South of Ghealdan and the Mountains of Mist, east Andor. Her sons become soldiers and generaJs (the eldest
of Tarabon, and west of Altara, Amadicia is a pleasant always studies with the Warders). No man has ever ruled
land of rolling hills, broad meadows, and light forests Andor. Jn the event a queen has no daughters, the Rose
broken up by regions of farmland. Thanks to its position Crown passes to the nearest female blood relative ac-
between the Shadow Coast and the mountains, it enjoys cording to complex formulas relating to matrilineal de-
relatively cool summers and mild winters. scent from Qieen Isbara. This sometimes causes con-
Amadicia does not, unfortunately, possess an equally flicts, which the Andorans call "disturbances" and other
pleasant political life. It is, in fact, a kingdom without a people call "wars of succession."
true king. Nominally, King Ailron rules from his court at The current Qieen, Morgase of House Trakand, as-
the Serenda Palace, where even the servants wear red and cended to the Lion Throne only after one such "distur-
gold livery and the nobles are just that much more re- bance," better ]mown as the Third Andoran War of Suc-
splendent and beautiful. But he lacks real power. The true cession. The former Qyeen, Mordrellen, died after her
seat of authority in Amadicia is the massive Fomess of the Daughter-Heir, Tigraine, disappeared and was declared
Light in Amador, from which the Children of the Light dead. After using her political and diplomatic skills to
control the realm. Since the Whirecloaks effectively took convince the strongest Houses to support her claim for
over Amadjcia during the 930s and 940s NE, their Lord the throne as Tigraine's nearest blood relation, Morgase
Captain Commander has, for all practical purposes, ruled married Tigraine's former husband, Prince Taringail
the land. King Ailron dares take no action that might of- Damodred of Cairhien. Morgase's daughter, Elayne, will
fend tl1e Children, and he does whatever they tell him to. be Queen after her, while her son Gawyn and adopted
As a result, Amadician laws and policy reflect the son Galadedrid are already skilled warriors.
Children's beliefs and policies. Both channelers and Evidence of even more ancient history exists
channeling are strictly outlawed, and the penalty for even throughout Andor. Among the most noteworthy arti-
having the ability to use the One Power can rise as high facts of bygone eras travelers can see there are the bridge
as death. (As a result, Wisdoms are rare; in Amadicia, at Whitebridge, which, though it appears to be made of
266
CAEMLYN
s
white glass, cannot be damaged; the River Arinelle Almoth Plain. It claims the plain as part of its territory, as
bluffs, carved for half a mile with hundred-foot-tall stat- does Tarabon, creating conflict and animosity belween
ues of kings and queens; and the featureless, doorless, the two nations. In fact, the dispute has caused a series of
metal Tower of Ghenjei (also on the Arinelle). border wars between the two kingdoms, including the
current struggle (which came to a halt only when Sean-
Politics and the Military: Though Andor is among chan invaders conquered most ofTarabon).
the most stable of kingdoms, and does not suffer from Other than these petty wars with its neighbor to the
anything close to the "Game of Houses" that afflicts south, Arad Doman is a sleepy little kingdom that in-
Cairhien, it does not lack for political conflict. The no- volves itself little in foreign affairs. Its primary contact
bles of the land, many of whom belong to ancient with other realms is in the form of trade. Domani traders
Houses of great reputation and honor, often compete for (most of them women) have a well-deserved reputation as
power and position, especially during "disturbances" clever bargainers and skillful sailors. Its primary trade
when the closeness of one's relation to the line of lshara goods include foodstuffs, wool, and minerals and gems
may not matter as much as one's political clout. The mined from the mountains.
Q!ieen generally enjoys the support of her nobility, or at In the eyes of many westlanders, the Domani, partic-
least their acquiescence to her laws, but every ruler has ularly their women, have rather "loose" habits. Domani
more than one rival who thinks to disgrace or depose her. women wear sheer gowns that ding to their bodies, leav-
Andor retains its stability in an increasingly chaotic ing little to the imagination, and from a very early age
world largely because of its powerful military. As one of practice arts of seduction and charm that few, if any, men
the wealthiest kingdoms, Andor can afford to maintain a can resist. Women from other kingdoms find their con-
large, well-equipped standing army (and police force) duct scandalous at best, though men seem to have fewer
known as the Q!ieen's Guard. Members of the Guard objections. Domani as a whole are also known for their
wear a red undercoat with white cuffs and collar, topped hedonistic lifestyle and love of languid pleasures.
by plate-and-mail armor (always polished to a brilliant
sheen), with a large red cloak over all. The Queen's eldest The King and the Council of Merchants: Al-
brother, the First Prince of the Sword, commands the salam Saeed Almadar, king of Arad Doman, rules the na-
Guard. If the Q!ieen has no surviving brother, she will ap- tion from his seaside capital at Bandar Eban. The king-al-
point someone to the title. Until bis recent retirement ways a king, never a queen-is elected by the powerful
under something of a cloud, the redoubtable Gareth Council of Merchants, made up largely of women. Osren-
Bryne served as Morgase's Captain-General. When the sibly elected for life (though a 750/o vote of the council can
Guard goes to war, the Q!ieen often rides with them, depose him), he lega!Jy holds absolute authority. In the-
helping to inspire her troops. ory, rule is not hereditary, though the king must be elected
Andor needs its large army, fo r enemies and trouble- from among members of the major noble houses, and the
makers assail it from without. Chief among these is sons of previous kings are often prime candidates.
Cairhien; during the New Era, only Tear and lllian have For more information about the Domani, see Chap-
fought each other more than Andor and Cairhien. Nei- ter 2: Backgrounds.
ther seems able to overcome the other, or capable of seiz-
ing and holding large amounts of new territory. Addi-
tionally, due to its close relations with the White Tower,
ARAFEL
Symbol: The Roses (three white and three red roses).
Andor experiences pressure fro m the Children of the
In the Borderlands, hard upon the Moun tains of
Light, many of whom would like nothing better than to
invade it and destroy its "Darkfriend" rulers and nobles Dhoom, and directly south of Shayol Ghul itself, the
rocky, mountainous realm of Arafel lies wedged between
once and for all.
the River Erinin and one of its tributaries. Home to a
people as bard as the mountains themselves, it stands as
Caemlyn: Andor's capital, Caemlyn, is one of the one of the westlands' bulwarks against the power of the
largest and most spectacular cities in the world. It consists
Shadow.
of an Inner City built mostly by Ogier, surrounded by a
New City of more recent human manufacture. A fifty-foot- Arafel arose during the chaos of the War of the Hun-
dred Years, one of five northern provinces of Hawk."Wing's
tall, white stone wall, broken by round towers and several
empire. When it became dear to the governors of these
arched gates, surrounds the Inner City, rendering it virtu-
provinces (Lady Mahira Svetanya of Arafel, Lord Rylen
ally impregnable. Caemlyn's streets are broad and dean, its
t'Boriden Rashad ofSaldaea, Lord Jard Soukovni ofKan-
towers tall, its domes glittering, and its Royal Palace one of
dor, Lady Merean Tihornar of Shienar, and Lord Shevar
the most beautiful in the land (with a library second only
J amelle of Mal kier) that the empire was crumbling, they
to those of Tar Yalon and the Royal Library in Cairhien).
met to reaffirm measures to cooperate against the Blight
Andorans are justly proud of their Q1een's city.
and assure mutual defense against attack from the south.
Each took the title of King or Q!ieen of his or her former
ARAD DOMAN province, now a new nation. None of these nations
Symbol: The Sword and the Hand. would take part in any of the wider fighting of the War of
Arad Doman, a nation of plains and hills, lies be- the Hundred years (except to defend themselves and pun-
tween the Mountains of Mist, the Aryth Ocean, and the ish those who attacked them), though some individuals
or groups, for political reasons or family connections, did Cairhienin history under Colmcille and his succes-
become involved. sors reflects a concern over power and prestige, with the
Since that time, the Arafellin, hke the other Border- holder of the Sun Throne using his political and eco-
land peoples, have acted as the first line of defense nomic power to engage in expansionism on a wide scale.
against Trollocs and other horrors coming down from At one point, the kings of Cairhien controlled all of the
Dhoom and the Blight. They maintain a proud battle tra- eastern lands from the border of Shienar nearly to the
dition, with their two-sword-carrying warriors able to use River Iralell. Since then, for various reasons, much of that
both blades at once to deadly effect. Easily recognizable territory has slipped from their grasp, leaving a realm
by their large, far-seeing eyes and distinctive hairstyles barely half that size.
(two braids for men, no braids for women), the Arafellin The saga of Cairhienin Life since then is a long and
have well earned the respect of more southerly nations convoluted tale of political relationships and actions,
for their no ble self-sacrifices in fighting the Dark One. boring to any but the Cairhienin themselves. Its most no-
The Arafellin have a strong sense of honor, which dic- table events are the many Wars of Cairhienin Succession,
tates that they always speak their minds freely when when nobles competing for the throne took to the field
asked, always keep their word, and do whatever they must to fight for it with steel (though typically these wars are
to repay debts and obligations as quickly as possible. fought mostly in the political arena, with bloodshed oc-
Southerners often refer scornfully to "Arafellin honor," curring only at the very last).
since they don't understand it-but they' re always glad to Today, in the wake of King Galldrian's assassination,
rely on it. famine, another Aiel invasion, and the rise of the Dragon
Reborn, Cairhienin politics are as muddJed as ever. It re-
King Paitar: Paitar Neramovni Nachiman, an old but mains to be seen who emerges as the strongest power- or
proud man who wears his gray hair cut short, has ruled who the Dragon places on the throne to rule in his name.
Arafel for over twenty years. While proud and stem, he
possesses keen insight and knows when to bow before the The Game of Houses: The Cairnienin nobility bas a
weight of superior wisdom. His capital, Shol Arbela, is a special name for their particularly convoluted style of po-
formidable city of gray-black stone, built in one of the litical machinations and influence peddling. They call it
most defensible positions in the Borderlands. Shadow- Daes Dae'mar-the "Game of Houses," also called the
spawn have never broken its walls, 30 feet tall and 10 "Great Game." It is a game in name only, for its players are
thick, nor befouled its streets with their feet. deadly serious and the matters it touches on are of the
King Paitar's sister, Kiruna, is a channeler and an Aes greatest import. In the Game, a player's every action, or
Sedai of the Green Ajab. They are very close, and she even refusal or faiJure to act, becomes a matter of conse-
often advises him on matters of state. As in the other Bor- quence, debated at length in salons, drawing rooms, dining
derland kingdoms, Aes Sedai are welJ-regarded in Arafel, halls, and counci l chambers as other players seek deeper,
especially those of the Green Ajah (the Battle Ajah). hidden meanings. But soon, of course, some other action
For more information about the Arafellin and other comes along to draw people's attention. Secret messages,
Borderlanders, see Chapter 2: Backgrounds. midnight skulking, a contemptuous glance passing be-
tween two people at a party, being seen having a few words
with the king's nephew-aJI have importance in the Game.
CAIRHIEN Aping their superiors, the common folk of Cairhien
Symbol: The Rising Sun.
have adapted the Great Game to their own lives. Just
Occupying the midlands east of the River Erinin,
about any class, organization, institution, or town bas its
south of Kinslayer's Dagger, west of the Spine of the
own miniature version of the Game of Houses, as trades-
World, and that lie above the unclaimed lands north of
men, smiths, and housewives all seek for ways to come
Tear, Cairhien is an old, proud, and powerful land.
out ahead of theiI rivals and peers. Strangers entering
Though less extensive than it once was, with its power di-
Cairhienin society had best beware, lest they find them-
minished by internal struggles and external attack, it re-
selves caught up in the Great Game without knowing it!
mains one of the most prosperous and important of the
fourteen kingdoms.
The City of Cairhien: Though still recovering from
the ravages of the Aiel War twenty years ago, and the
History: Prior to the War of the Hundred Years,
much more recent Shaido War, the city of Cairhien re-
Cairhien was the name of both a province within Hawk-
mains one of the greatest cities in the westlands. Laid out
wing's empire and that province's capital city. Shortly
in a precise, neatly planned grid along the eastern shore
into the war, an alliance of nobles seized Cairhien with
of the River Alguenya, it holds something for everyone.
the stated intention of restoring the nation of Tova. At a
From its Topless Towers, the envy of architects and engi-
grand ball held to celebrate the supposed restoration of
neers in every other kingdom, to the fabulous Sun Palace,
Tova, however, every surviving descendant of the Tovan
to the Royal Library that even the Aiel left undamaged,
Counselors (the last rulers of Tova) was set upon and
to the school recently established by Rand al'Thor, it rep-
slain. Months of assassination, in.fighting, and Daes Dae'-
resents the best of what modern westlanders can achieve.
mar followed, but eventually external threats forced co-
The Cairhienin penchant for order, control, and
operation, and Lord Matraine Colmcille was crowned
straight lines breaks down in the Foregate, a "ciry outside
first King of Cairhien.
N
RIVER
.ALGUENYA
the city" that grew out of the gate markets around the otherwise impassable marshes. The city itself contains
walls of Cairhien. The people living there, mostly poorer many canals and bridges in addition to roads.
folk and tradesmen, defy many of the city's conventions, As a major center of manufacturing and trade, Illian
including the Cairhienin preference for dark clothing. Ut- never seems to sleep, or even to quiet down. Its tanneries
terly destroyed during the Shaido War, the Foregate and tailors work to create leatherwork, textiles, rugs, tap-
surely will rise again from the ashes-assuming no more estries, and similar goods coveted by nobles all over the
wars break out. westlands. The fishing fleet is so large that lllian actually
For more information about the Cairhienin, see exports fish. Like the many cargo ships and rakers in the
Chapter 2: Backgrounds. harbor, the fishing boats work out of the Perfumed Qiar-
ter, a port district characterized by many distinctive
stenches and odors, and by a large degree of lawlessness.
IL LIAN The highest and nicest parts of the city, centered
Symbol: The Golden Bees; the Laurel Crown.
around the Square of Tammaz, contain many Ogier-built
Illian, one of the most powerful kingdoms of the
towers and structures. The King's Palace (home of House
south, occupies a central position wedged between Altara,
Stepaneos) and the Great Hall of the Council face each
Murandy, the Plains of Maredo, and the Sea of Storms,
other defiantly across the square. In accordance with the
with the River Manetherendrelle splitting it right down
king's dictum that the nobles could have whatever palace
the middle. The northern reaches of the realm, consisting
they wished as long as it was smaller than his, the Great
primarily of lush, forested land, make excellent farms.
Hall is an identical copy of the King's Palace-just 2 feet
The farther south one goes, the more low-lying and
shorter in every dimension.
swampier the land gets. The coastal capital, also called Il-
Located not far from the Palace, but in quarters much
lian, seems to rise right out of a swamp itself. Despite the
less fine, are barracks housing the bulk of Illian's power-
dismal marshes, Illian's favorable geography-specifically,
ful army. Led by the Companions, a guard of elite sol-
its excellent seaport, and its control of the lower reaches
diers who accompany the King and/or his commanding
of the river- have enriched it through trade.
general during war, the army is one of Illian's primary
foundations of power. Having defeated the Children of
History and Government: Toward the end of the the Light during the Whitecloak War, and the Tairens on
War of the Hundred Years, Lord Nicoli Merseneos den
many occasions, the lllianer army is rightfully regarded as
Ballin captured the city of Illian. Qiickly gaining a fol-
one of the best militaries in the westlands.
lowing among the nobles and commonfolk of the area,
For more information about Illianers, see Chapter 2:
he created a kingdom out of the region and named it after
Backgrounds.
its capital city. Considered a fair and just ruler, his House
held lllian for nearly three hundred years until it died out
in all but the most distant lines. KANDOR
Merseneos founded the Council of Nine and the As- Symbol: The Red Horse.
semblage as advisory bodies. These institutions quickly Kandor occupies that section of the Borderlands be-
gained power, however, and historically the king, Coun- tween Arafel and Saldaea, holding back the Blight as best
cil, and Assemblage have engaged in a three-way struggle it can. The Plain of Lances, which takes its name from the
for real power practically since the founding of the na- many battles fought there, fills most of the land, making
tion. The King, the Council, and the Assemblage each it flatter and easier to cross than many other parts of the
have their own opinions about any given issue, and each Borderlands. For tl1at reason, bands of Trollocs often try
try to control Illian er policy on that subject. Jockeying for to break through here, and the skilled Kandori swords-
power, attempts to disgrace rival groups, and other such men use every ounce of tl1eir abilities to push the hated
activities have become the order of the day (though ll- Shadowspawn back into the Blight.
lianer politics seem simplistic compared to those of Kandor arose during the War of the Hundred Years,
Cairhien). Even the wars with lllian's ancient enemy Tear, one of five northern provinces of Hawkwing's empire.
of which there have been many, cannot wholly unite the Lord Jarel Soukovni, in cooperation with the governors
three groups. of the other four provinces, established Kandor as an in-
Recent events have thrown Illian into turmoil. King dependent kingdom. From the first, the five Borderland
Mattin Stepaneos has disappeared, feared dead at the kingdoms refrained from participating in the War of the
hands of an advisor who turned out to be the Forsaken Hundred Years, remaining focused on defending the west-
Sammael. The Dragon Reborn himself now wears the lands from the Blight. See Arafel, above, for more on the
Laurel Crown, though whether he wiJl keep it for good re- formation of the Borderland kingdoms.
mains in doubt. Kandor can have either King or a Qteen. The ruler
also has an advisory council, made up of both men and
The City of Illian: Approximately half of the king- women. By law, half the council must be commoners.
dom's population lives in the city of Illian, located at the The council truly is advisory; the ruler is under no obli-
very mouth of the Manetherendrelle. Built on swampy gation to do what it wants, though wise rulers have t least
ground, it has no walls to protect it; the kingdom's large paid attention to what it said. The current ruler, Qieen
army can easily defend the two causeways through the EthenieHe Kirukon Materasu, is a strong-willed, sharp-
rninded queen known for both her wit and her temper.
N
ILLIAN
rains of Dhoom into the Blasted Lands, and the Niamh
Like her predecessors, she has the legendary two-handed
Passes through the Spine of the World. As such, the King·
Sword of Kirukan, which once belonged to the selfsa~e
dom of the Lancers stands first in the line of assault dur-
Qyeen of Aramaelle, though she prefers to leave fightmg
ing most Trolloc invasions of the westlands: Its people,
to her generals whenever possible. .
from King Easar Togita down to the lowliest peasant,
For more information about the Kandon and other
know well how to fight Shadowspawn and don't hesitate
Borderlanders, see Chapter 2: Backgrounds.
to stop whatever they're doing to con~ue their age-old
battle with the forces of the Dark One, if need be.
SALDAEA Shienar arose during the War of the Hundred Years,
Symbol: The Silver Fish. one of five northern provinces of Hawkwing's empire.
Largest and westernmost of the Borderland, S~ldaea Lady Merean Tihomar, in coopera~on with. the govern?rs
holds all the territory between Kandor, the Moumams of of the other four provinces, established Shienar as an m·
Dhoom, the Aryth Ocean, and the River Arinelle and the dependent kingdom. From the first, the five Borderland
Black Hills. Its grasslands, broken here and there by kingdoms refrained from participating in th~ War of the
forests and the occasional small range of hills, breed some Hundred Years, remaining focused on defending the west·
of the finest, fastest horses in all the fourteen kingdoms. lands from the Blight. See Arafel, above, for more on the
They also breed the best cavalry in the westlands. The S~ formation of the Borderland kingdoms.
daean light cavalry can perform Aawless. m~~euvers m The later history of Sbienar consists of little more
formations of up to nine thousand, and 111d1v1dual offi. than a recitation of Trolloc invasions, assaults on the
cers can perform so many stunts while on horseback th~t Blight, the building of towers, and other matters mil~t~.
it sometimes seems as if they've never walked on theu Powerful fortifications exist throughout the land, givmg
own two legs! warriors and common folk alike a place of refuge and
Saldaea arose during the War of the Hundred Years, strength when Trollocs tread on Shienaran soil. From
one of five northern provinces of Hawkwing's empire. Ankor Dail in the east, to Carnron Caan m the west,
Lord Rylen t'Boriden Rashad, in cooperation with the fortresses such as Fal Sion and Mos Shirare have served to
governors of the other four provinces, established Saldaea keep the Shienarans alive in the face of a powerful enemy.
as an independent kingdom. From the fi~s~, th.e fiv.e Bor· Mightiest of all fortifications, save only the king's capital
derlands kingdoms refrained from participating m the at Pal Moran, is Pal Dara, the home and strongh_old of
War of the Hundred Years, remaining focused on defend· Lord Agelmar Jagad, one of Shienar's boldest warriors.
ing the westlands from the Blight. See Arafe_I, above, for Sbienaran warriors, known as "lancers" for the longs·
more on the formation of the Borderlands kingdoms. pears they carry, patrol their land ceaselessly, keeping a
Q1een Tenobia si Bashere Kaza.di, the young. woman wary eye out for even the smallest TrolJoc incursion. Wit~
who presently rules the realm, is said to take advice from their distinctive shaved heads and topknots, fierce attt·
no one but soldiers, including her Marshal-General, tudes and special armor consisting of leather, mail, and
Davram Bashere, and her grizzled old uncle Lord Kaly~n plate,' no one can mistake them for anything other than
Ramsin. She has yet to marry, though not for lack of su1t· what they are-'-bighly skilled warriors bent on the destruc·
ors. Many a nobleman has made ~he long journey ~o her tion of the Dark One and all who stand with or serve him.
capital at Maradon, only to ftnd his overtures and gifts re· As heavy cavalry, mounted on thei.r armored horses, they
jected with scorn or laughter. are unmatched in the westlands, even by the Saldaeans.
In Saldaea women often fight right beside their men, The Shienarans, particularly warriors and nobles,
or at the very '1east accompany them to battle (except in have a highly developed sense of pride and honor. T~ey
the Blight) to provide support off the field. Some possess reaard shame-the shame of failing at a task, or not being
an uncanny accuracy with thrown knives. Th~~ have able to grant a friend's request, or forgetting to do so~e
many other talents, ranging from poetry compos1t1on, to thing important- much as other westlanders regard bemg
playing rnusic, to knowledge of fighting Trollocs, to a dis- arrested for a terrible crime. Shienaran lords and com·
tinctive language spoken by waving fans. And they learn manders use this to their advantage, making duty a part
a weapon even deadlier than knives-a seductive dance of a Sbienaran's pride, so that his fear of shame compels
known as the sa'sara. Responsible for starting (or stop· him to obey orders flawlessly.
ping) dozens of wars, feuds, and rebellions throughout For more information about the Shienarans and other
Saldaean history, the sa'sara supposedly has the power to Borderlanders, see page Chapter 2: Backgrounds.
inflame men's hearts with desire. Though outlawed by
several queens (not including Tenobia), it somehow re·
mains a vibrant part of Saldaean culture.
TAR VALON
For more information about the Saldaeans and other Symbol: The White Flame of the Aes Seda!·
The first major city built after the Breaking, Tar Valon
Borderlanders, see Chapter 2: Backgrounds.
is the home and seat of power of the Aes Sedai. Located
on a long, narrow island in th~ northern .reacb~s o_f th.e
SHIENAR River Erinin, it has six high Ogier-built bndges lmkmg tt
Symb ol: The Black Hawk. . . to the land (each with a village at its foot), and two lar~e,
Easterrm1ost of the Blightborder kingdoms, Sh1enar round, high-walled harbors (one on each ~nd o_f the 1s·
guards Tarwin's Gap, the largest pass through the Moun- land) so that traders can keep it well-supplied with food
and goods. Situated between the Borderlands kingdoms so many channelers, but the Tower Guard, a powerful
and the southern realms, it provides an ideal meeting army that patrols the city and keeps troublemakers in line.
place for merchants, pilgrims, and other travelers, many Tar Yalon has never fa llen to invaders, be they Trol-
of whom provide information to the sisterhood. locs or the soldiers of Artur Hawkwing. Its Shining Walls
Ogier, working with plans and specifications prepared protect the inhabitants from the dangerous forces of the
by Aes Sedai, began building Tar Valon in 98 AB, finish- outside world. Broad, bronze-clad, well-guarded gates
ing the work in 202 AB. To this day, the city displays the pierce the Walls at each of the bridges, and watchtowers
quality of their stonework, in terms of both durability overlook their length at regular intervals.
and beauty. Its buildings somehow seem to resemble ln addition to its beautiful buildings, Tar Valen con-
breaking waves, or swaying trees, or other natural shapes tains one of the few surviving Ogier groves. Ogier often
instead of man-made structures. Most westlanders con- come to visit it, and city residents find it a quiet refuge
sider Tar Yalon the most beautiful of all cities (though when the pressures of life afflict them. The grove also con-
Andorans prefer Caemlyn for that honor). tains a Waygate (an entrance into the Ways; see Chapter
Before the Trolloc Wars, Tar Yalon controlled all the 13: Other Worlds), fenced in to prevent accidental use.
land for hundreds of miles around the city. Many sisters For more information about the Aes Sedai, see Chapter
died during the wars, whether from Trolloc swords or 2: Backgrounds.
overexertion, and this weakened the Aes Sedai. By FY
100, the territory controlled by Tar Yalon had shrunk
considerably. After High King Artur besieged Tar Yalon
TARABON
Symbol: The Golden Tree.
in an effort to destroy the sisterhood, the Aes Sedai lost
Occupying the southwestern comer of the subconti-
all terricory but the island itself. To this day they claim
nent, between the ocean, Amadicia, the Mountains of
nothing beyond the island, preferring to leave the ruler-
Mist, and the Al.moth Plain, Tarabon is a hot, often
ship of the rest of the westlands to Icings and queens.
humjd country well suited to agriculture, husbandry, and
craftwork. Although part of its extensive coastline in-
The White Tower: The centerpiece of the city is the
cludes tlie Shadow Coast, a region rightly feared for its
White Tower, headquarters of the Aes Sedai. Designed by
dark hills and the strange creatures that live among them,
the sisterhood and built partly witb tl1e help of the One
the rest remruns open, giving the Taraboners plenty of op-
Power, it does not look like the more "organic" stone
portunity to fish and trade. Their capital, Tanchjco, larger
buildings crafted solely by the Ogier. Standing 500 feet tall
than either Tear or Cairhien, is one of the major trading
and 300 feet across at its base, ir is so large it has never been
centers of the westlands.
fully occupied. Its top half includes living quarters for the
In FY 1006, Lord H aren Ma seed, Lady Tazenia Neren-
sisters (divided into seven equal sections, one for each ajah)
hald, and Lord Bora! Amadia, three powerful nobles who
and some offices (includjng the large and luxurious one
had held high positions in Hawkwing's regional govern-
used by the Amyrlin Seat, head of the Aes Sedai). The bot-
ment, took Tanchico and proclaimed the coastal area
tom half holds classrooms, training areas, eating facilities,
around the city an independent nation. They adopted a
and more offices for sisters charged with administrative du-
form of government that had been used in Balasun, with
ties. A smaller building, attached to the back of the Tower,
a king or queen, balanced by a Panarch (always of the op-
provides quarters for novices and Accepted.
posite gender), with an Assembly consisting of nobles,
Jn addition to tl1e Tower itself, the Aes Sedaj com-
wealthy merchants, and guild representatives to balance
pound in the very center of Tar Val o n contains many other
both the ruler and the Panarch. Lord Bora!, a former
builrungs. Tbe most important of these is the Great Li-
provincial governor and general under H awkwing, was
brary, the largest collection of books, scrolls, manuscripts,
the leader of the three, but he was murdered, leaving
and other written records in the westlands. Outsiders may
Lady Tazenia and Lord Haren to become Queen and Pa-
use part of the library, but its inner recesses and most se-
narch, respectively.
cret books remain open only to Aes Sedai. Other build-
Tarabon consisted of Little more than the city of
ings in the compound include barracks for the Warders,
Tanchico, and was immediately attacked by forces want-
and a hostel for visitors come to petition the Amyrlin
ing to reestablish Balasun. But Tarabon survived, and by
Seat. Several public buildings cluster around the broad,
the end of the War of the Hundred Years had grown to its
paved square in front of the Tower.
present size. The dual-ruler form of government re-
mained unchanged for centuries, but by 500 NE the ruler
Beyond the Tower: The rest of Tar Yalon resembles
was always a King, and the Panarch always female. The
any other major city for the most part, though it has far
Assembly had lost nearly all of its power. The King is a
more Ogier stonework and places of calm beauty deco-
hereditary position, and one of the few powers remaining
rated with fountains or statues. Unique "skybridges" link
to the Assembly is that of electing the Panarch.
tall, delicate towers that seem almost sculpted, not built,
Since its founding, Tarabon bas enjoyed prosperi ty and
and even minor buildings such as inns are made of stone.
relative peace. All that began to began to change four cen-
Despite all tbe transients passing through, Tar Yalon re-
turies ago, when a ruspute with Arad Doman over the own-
mains clean and peaceful, with almost no crime to speak
ership of the Almotb Plain turned ugly. Ever since then,
of. Most citizens attribute this to the presence not only of
the two kingdoms have fought uncountable border skir-
mjshes and diplomatic battles in an effort to win control
U ·A rn•oR
NOR'I'H~
To
of the plain, draining enormous resources from each. Re- Well before the end of the War of the Hundred Years,
cently, the conflict turned into an all-out war-a war that struggles between more than a dozen nobles of roughly
W~>Uld undoubtedly rage still, were it not for invasions by equal strength Jed to the organization of the High Lords.
the D ragonsworn and Seanchan, which have given loyal ("High Lords" is the officia l coUective term, despite the
Taraboners far more pressing concerns. Now lacking any fact that noblewomen of rank, High Ladies, are num-
leadership, the nobles of Tarabon find themselves search- bered among the ruling council.) The chronicles ofTairen
ing for a way out of most desperate straits. history since that era mainly relate the story of the many
wars between Tear and fllian.
Tanchico: Tanchico, capital of the realm, claims to be the The High Lords have a particular dislike of channel-
oldest city in the westlands. It occupies three peninsulas ing and have outlawed it in their land. They tolerate the
overlooking Tanchico Bay at the mo uth of the Ri ver Anda- presence of Aes Sedai, provided they do not channel. T he
har (from north to south, the Verana, the Maseta, and the D ragon Reborn has changed that law, but a deep distrust
Calpene) and the hills north of them. A dozen strong forts of the One Power still runs strong in Tear.
and a wall guard it ceaselessly. Its gleaming white buildings
include the th ree enormous "Circles" (the Great, the King's, The City of Tear: The High Lords, and many other
and the Panarch's) where the public can view special enter- nobles, reside in the city of Tear. Situated at the mouth of
tainn1ents, such as Illuminators' displays. TI1e two grandest the River Erinin, above the large delta known as the Fin-
build ings are the King's Palace and the Panarch's Palace; the gers of the Dragon, it is the largest city in Tear, for the
latter includes a museum of ancient artifacts, such as the High Lords use taxation to prevent any town from grow-
bones of enormous, fabulous creatures never seen alive. ing large enough to challenge Tear's dominance. The High
Sadly, much of Tanchico's grandeur fades upon close Lords use the Fingers as protection for the city, allowing
inspection. As the nation itself has fallen on hard times, no ship to pass through them without a Tairen pilot.
so has its capital. Buildings have gone long unrepaircd, Tear's greatest protection is the enormous citadel
their white paint and plasler peeling in the heat and hu- known simply as the Stone of Tear. Built during or shortly
midity. Many merchants have closed their shops for after the Breaking, it consists of a smal l mountain of
good, refugees and h omeless folk live in the streets, and stone welded into a single, solid mass with the One
crime runs rampant. The Civil Watch no longer functions Power. Although invaders have besieged it over one hun-
effectively. King Andric is dead at the hands of the Sean- dred times, it never feU to attackers until the coming of
cban, and Panarch Amathera made a slave. Even if the the Dragon Reborn. It contains luxurious chambers,
Dragon Reborn can drive the Seancl13n away, Tanchico enormous meeting halls, vast libraries, lavish feast halls,
and Tarabon may not be long for this world. and, deep within its depths, the Great Holding- the
For more information about Taraboners, see Chapter largest collection of angreal and ter'angreal outside of tile
2: Backgrounds. White Tower. Chief among these treasures was Ctzllrmd01;
the sword-shaped sa'angreaf that now belongs to the
D ragon Reborn (see Chapter 11: Encounters).
TEAR The Defenders of the Stone, an elite military unit, live
Symbol: The Crescent Moons.
in and guard the fortress, and also patrol the streets and
Situated on the southern coast to the east of Illian,
put down riots. They devote most of their energies to pro-
Tear consists of the city of the same name and a long,
tecting the rich and powerful, who have status and im-
broad strip of territory it controls. Like most other south-
portance in Tear. A commoner or poor person has little
ern realms, its lands are low-lying, hot, humid, and often
chance of getting the Defenders, or other officials, to lis-
swampy. The common folk of the nation's outlying re-
ten to bis complaints or accusations about a wealthy mer-
gions farm the fertile soil, though the nobles so control
chant or important noble; in fact, they're just as likely to
and dominate their lives that they live a squalid existence.
arrest or kill him for causing trouble.
Olives (often pressed to create oil), horses, and grain are
Outside of the Stone, Tear resembles most other
the best crops; many nobles and soldiers consider Tairen
southern cities, though unlike Illian and Ebou Dar, it has
horses the best in the westlands. Many commoners also
no canals. A tall wall of gray stone divides it into two main
support themselves with fishing.
d istricts, the inner and o uter. The inner district houses the
Tear was founded in FY 994 by a group of nobles led by
nobility and wealthy. Its streets are paved, well patrolled
Lord Istaban Novares and Lady Yseidre Tirado. Declaring
by the guard, and lined with large, beautiful buildings.
independence as soon as they had confirmation of Hawk-
The outer district, on the other hand, is unpaved and
wing's death, they initially held only the Stone of Tear and
much less fine. Mud often covers the roads, forcing the
the surrounding city. They were immediately engaged in
residents to wear special wooden shoes to keep their feet
fighting with those trying to reestablish the nations of Fer-
and clothes o ur of the muck. Beyond the outer district lies
gansea and Moreina, aJJ of whom wanted the strong port,
the Maule (tl1e rough, fou l-smell ing port district) and the
as well as the many ambitious lords seeking to control the
Chaim (a neighborhood of warehouses and taverns along
whole of Hawkwing's empire. The new nation overcame its
the docks). Another important district, the Tavar, is where
adversaries, however, and by the end of the War of the
farmers come to sell their crops and animals.
Hundred Years had grown to control much of the sur-
For more information about the Tairens, see Chapter
rounding region. The absorption of part of Mar Haddon,
2: Backgrounds.
long after the war, increased Tear to nearly its modern size.
STONE
OF
TEAR
MAULE
TEAR
UNCLAIMED LANDS corruption of disease affects Lhem all. Everytl1ing, from
Than ks lo wa rs, depredations, plagues, famines, and the smallest leaf or twig to the Largest tree, poses danger
many other disasters, large pa1ts of the westlands lie un- to the traveler: J ust touching them can bring sickness or
inhabited and unclaimed . Large stretches of land contain death by virulent poison. Some of the trees can even
no notable human h abitations, and sometimes no habi- move, using their branches to snatch and devour living
tations whatsoever. In p laces such as the Caralain Grass, prey. The animals are worse, and virtually all of them pos-
the Haddon Mfrk, or the forests near the River Jvo, a per- sess venom or terrifying natural weapons. Many are un-
son can walk for days without encountering another naturally large or otherwise altered by the Blight, which
human being. In these wild places tell beasts and ruthless only increases their strength and the horror they inspire
bandits often lurk, waiting for innocent travelers or hap- in humans.
less explorers to wander into their nets. Those who wish However, the Blight is not uniform throughout. ln
to journey into or through sud1 areas had best learn how some places, such as north of Seanchan, it is slightly safer,
to protect themselves. since the Seanchan long ago slew all the Trollocs and
Myrddraal in their part of it, leaving relatively few
Shadar Logoth: In the wild, abandoned territory Shadowspawn to trouble them. Perhaps valiant and pow-
around the River Arinelle lies a terrible place, not of the erful warriors-or the D ragon Reborn-can push back or
Dark One's making, but evil nevertheless. In the time of even eradicate the Blight, someday.
the Trolloc Wars, the nation of Arid hol clain1ed th is land,
with its capital a city o f the same name. King Balwen
Ironhand, despairing in the war against the Shadow, took
counsel from a mysterious man named Mordeth, who ad-
THE WORLD
vised him to use the tactics of evil against evil. With Bal- OUTSIDE THE
wen under Mordeth's sway, Aridhol became darker and
darker, full of suspicion, treachery, and cruelty. In time
WESTLANDS
the peoples' fee liJ1gs gave rise to an evil force that con- Tho ugh some fo lk of the westla11ds may consider the
sumed them, leaving th eir ciry a wasteland. Now only M ountains of D ho om and the Spine of the World to
that evil, called Mashadar, haunts the broken cobbles and form the boundaries of the world, in fact many lands
shattered buildings of what is now known as Shadar Lo- exist beyond those confines. Much about those lands re-
goth, the Place Where the Shadow Waits. It consumes mains mysterious to the westlanders, the subject of wild
any who visit the ruined city, human or Trolloc; in fact, stories and rampant speculation, but they are no less real
Shadowspawn refuse to enter the ruim unless driven in- for all of that.
side by Dreadlords or wliip-wieldjng Myrddraa l.
The Mountains of Dhoom and the Blight: THE AIEL WASTE: East of the Spine of the World
mountain range, and west of the features the Aiel cal l the
Stretching across the northern reaches of all the world-
Great Rift and the Cliffs of Dawn, lies the Aiel Waste, a
even Seanchan and Shara-is a terrifying region known as
vast and unforgiving desert. Only the Aiel, and those
the Blight. Controlled by the Dark One and warped by
they assist or permit to enter their lands, can live there;
his terrible power, the Blight is home to Trollocs, other
all others face death by thirst or algai'd'siswai spears. The
Sh adowspawn, and creatures still more terrifying.
Trolloc term for it- Djevik K'Shar, "the Dying Ground"-
Though o nce con fin ed by a world-spanning mo untai n
provides an apt description. The Aiel, on the other hand,
range called the Mountains of Dhoom, the Blight has
call it tl1e "Three-fold Land," because it makes, tests, and
grown since the Breaking and now reaches slightly south
punishes them.
of the mountains. North of the Blight, between it and
Geographically, the Aiel Waste consists of two pri-
the northern icecap, lie the Blasted Lands, a region so de-
mary areas. The first, occupying the southern fifth of the
void of life that not even Shadowspawn or Blight-crea-
Waste (and thus bordering the Sea of Storms) is the Ter-
tures dare to go there. Some say the migh tiest battles of
mool, or "Waterless Sands." This region contains little
the War of Power were foughl here, causing barrenness
m ore than league upon league of shifting, blowing sand .
and desola tion.
Here and there an outcropping of rock dares to raise it-
The most terrifying part of the Blight is Shayol Ghul,
self above the dunes, but nowhere can a traveler find
an enormous mountain north of the westlands, the
even the smallest pool of water or bit of greenery. lt is
prison of the Dark One. Jn its shadow lies the valley of
desert in its purest form, and not even the Aiel journey
Thakan'dar, where the Myrddraal's terrible weapons are
there if they can avoid it.
forged. Though perpetually shrouded in unnatural fog,
The northern four-fifths of the Waste also qualify as
icy-cold Thakan'dar has no more moisture than the wa-
desert, but of a "friendlier" sort. The land here is marked
terless Termool region of the Aiel Waste.
not so much by sand d unes as by mountainous areas,
Few humans dare to en ter the Bligh t, though some
canyons, rocky hills, mesas, strange stone "towers"
Shienarans and other Borderlanders raid into it on oc-
shaped by wind and scouring sand, buttes, and the like.
casion. Despite its northern latitude, it is unnaturally
Scrub brush consisting of only the hardiest plants covers
warm and humid. Trees and plants growing there pos-
some areas; others, with water sources nearby, sprout
sess a weird vitality, though the mottling, bloating, and
more and greener bushes. There is water here, if one
knows where to look, but precious little of it. The Aiel Here the Sea Folk maintain their largest shipbuilding and
have fought decades-long feuds over pools of water so shipwrigh t docks, facilities that allow laborers to work on
smaU a grown man can easi ly step across them. One or several ships simultaneously. Many small coastal settle-
more of the Aiel clans owns every known spring and ments exist, primarily to hold warehou ses where the Sea
stream, in accord with ancient treaties. There is but one Folk store bulk goods brought up from more southerly
river, recently created by the Dragon Reborn; it belongs islands and destined for the mainJand.
to aU Aiel. The Sea Folk aJso control three small groups of is-
A rocky and mouncainous land, the Aiel waste would lands to the west of the westlands: Aile Jafar, Aile
pose difficulties for travelers even if water were plentifu I. Somera, and Aile Dashar. As with Tremalking, they use
Wagons and large groups of travelers that tl1e Aiel aUow them primarily as a place to repair ships and store trade
into the waste (such as pedd lers) must remain on certain goods. Few Atha'an Miere have any desire to live on land
roads and pathways during their journeys. Moving off (or to remain there any longer than they have to), so
them would likely result in getting lost, suffering a bro- these islands contain few dwellings-after concluding
ken axle, or accidentally falling off a cliff or into a gully. their landside business, the Sea Folk return to their ships
Once nomadic, the Aiel eventually expanded to the to eat and sleep.
point where they had to settle down, and to do so they The Sea Folk lands consist of islands to the south and
adapted the mountains to suit them. Today they carve west of the westlands. Few if any westlanders have visited
homes and fastnesses out from the very rock of the cliffs, the Sea Folk islands, but it is believed, based on hints
vaJleys, and canyons, burrowing deep to make ilieir and snippets of information from the Atha'an M iere,
homesteads as cool and comfortable as possible. When that they are warm islands bathed in sun light and cov-
necessary they build homes more in the open, using ered with exotic, strangely colored plants (and inhabited
bricks carved and shaped from native stone, or some- by equally colorful and strange animals). Speculation
times made from local clay. They furnish their dwellings about large Atha'an Miere cities misses the mark, how-
with goods obtained through trade, raiding, or their own ever; the Sea Folk prefer to live in towns and villages.
manufacture. They build most of their towns right o n the coast; only
The Aiel have only one city- Rhuidean, a place one or two exist more than two hours' ride inland. A few
begun millennia ago by the Jenn Aiel, and thus reminis- Atha' an Miere villages consist entirely of treehouses and
cent in many ways of the great cities of the Age of Leg- other buildings constructed amid the enormous trees of
ends. For complex reasons relating to Aiel history, ilie coastal jungles.
ciry was eventuaJly sealed away by ilie Aes Sedai, for use
as a testing ground by potential Aiel chiefs and Wise Society and Government: Many people believe
Ones. Recently Rand al'Thor reopened Rhuidean to the the Atha'an Miere are a matriarchal society, but iliis is not
world, and created there a vast lake and a river flowing entirely so. Women do own and command the ships, but
from it. Many Aiel now live there, exploring the glass all matters of trade and money are in the realm of men,
columns and timeless towers their ancestors built, and as are matters of defense, while property ashore can be
building structures of their own. owned by either men or women. Women hold the high-
Like ilie Aiel themselves, the animals that live in the est places of authority, but governors of land-based facil-
Waste are harsh and deadly. Most feared of them is the ities are often men.
bloodsnake, a brownish-red venomous serpent that can The Atha'an Miere o rganize iliemselves into clans,
grow to over 3 paces long. Its bite turns a person's blood each with its own name and reputation, such as Clan So-
to jelJy in mere minutes, and no cure exists for its marin. Each dan is led by a Wavemistress. When a
venom. Its serpentine brethren include the red adder, Wavemistress dies, the First Twelve of that clan (the
rock snake, and the dust viper (all venomous). Many dif- twelve senior-most Sail mistresses, ship captains) gather to
ferent species of scorpion also inhabit the Waste, though elect her successor. The First Twelve among the
their stings are, in most cases, merely painful. Some of Wavemistresses themselves elect the Mistress of ilie
the less arid parts of the Waste house small wild pigs, a Ships, the Atha'an Miere "queen." The Mistress of the
type of cat ilie Aiel ca ll a caisid, various species of large Ships wears a nose chain with many overlapping medal-
lizards (considered delicious by the Aiel), and a wide va- lions and is accompanied by a servant carrying a three-
riety of birds, among other creatures. tiered blue parasol with gold fringe.
For more information on the Aiel, see Chapter 2: Beneath the Sailmistress, each ship has a Windfinder,
Backgrounds. a second-in-command and chief navigator. The Wind-
finder often possesses the ability to channel, using it to
manipulate wind and wave and otherwise aid ilie ship (for
ISLES OF THE SEA FOLK: South and west of the
more information, see ilie Windfinder prestige class in
westlands, in ilie Sea of Storms and the Aryth Ocean, lie
Chapter 10: Gamemastering). The Cargomaster, ilie chief
several groups of islands where the Atha'an Miere, the
male officer, oversees trading and defense. Each
Sea Folk, dwell. Few, if any, westlanders have seen iliese
Wavemistress appoints a Swordmaster from among her
lands, for only the Sea Folk have the ships and sailing
clan's Cargomasters, and the Mistress of the Ships in turn
skills to reach them, and they guard them jealously.
has a Master of the Blades.
Largest of aJJ the Sea Folk islands is Tremalking, a
Each clan possesses not only ships, but villages,
crescent-shaped body of land southwest of Tarabon.
docks, harbors, warehouses, and control over certain Government and Society: Since the Conquest,
trade routes. Generally the Mistress of the Ships leaves Paendrag's descendants have controlled the Empire of
the clans to govern themselves, stepping in only wh~n Seanchan. Known as "the Blood," they hold the place of
disputes between clans threaten the peace and p.rospenty prominence in Seanchan's rigidly stratified society. No-
of the Atha'an Miere. The Sea Folk have a unified and bles who are also "of the Blood," mark themselves by
wealthy society, making friction and crin1e rare. sha~ing their beads in particular ways and having .long,
The Sea Folk refuse to cross the Aryth O cean, claim- beautifully lacquered fingernails (ranging from all four
ing the "Islands of the Dead" lie on its other sid.e. Since nails for the Empress, to only one for nobles of the low-
they sail everywhere else, some w~stlanders ~elieve t~e est rank). Not all nobles can clainl descent from Paen-
Sea Folk concocted this story to hide somethmg special drag; on some occasions, the Empress raises a deserving
or valuable. soldier or official to the nobility.
For more information on the Atha'an Miere, see The ruler of all Seanchan, and under Imperial law
Chapter 2: Backgrounds. the owner of everyone and everything on the continent,
is the Empress (or Emperor), a direct descendant of
SEANCHAN: far to the west of the westlands, across Luthair Paendrag-and thus of Hawkwing himself. From
the seemingly endless expanse of the Aryth Ocean, lies a her Crystal Throne in the Court of the Nine Moons in
continent called Seanchan (pronounced SHAW N-chan). her capital of Seandar, the Empress directs the affairs of
Unknown to the modern westlands un til recent attacks by h er vast realm. In addition to her children, the Empress
exotically garbed annjes riding monstrous beasts'. it re- has legions of nobles, officials, and slaves to help her
mains an enigma, and other than the Dark One himself, carry out her duties. She chooses her successor from
may represent the most terrible threat Rand al'Thor or among her own descendants, selecting the one who has
the Aes Sedai ever face. best demonstrated power, honor, and strength through
political maneuvering, intrigue, and accomplishments
Geography and History: Unlike the westlands, a of various sorts.
single uniform landmass of plains and forests bro~en by Other than that, very little mobility occurs in Sean-
occasional small mountain ranges, Seanchan consists of chan society. A Seanchan almost always remains in the
an enormous continent stretching from the Blight class he is born into, though even within classes, many
nearly all the way down to the so u t~e m icecap. It p.os- "subclasses" and other forms of ranking exist, which are
sesses towering, bitterly cold mounta in ranges, steam1_ng fully understandable on ly by someone raised within
jungles, broad plains, dismal swamps, lush for7sts, in- Scanchan society. Ranking below nobles are craftspeople,
land seas, and virtually every other type of maior geo- merchants, and commoners. Persons of this class do not
graphic feature. In fact, Seanchan actually includes r.wo shave their heads, lacquer their nails, or display any of
major subcontinents: a northern landm~ss rea~hing the other physical indications of rank so beloved by th_e
down from the Blight with two long, fingerlike peninsu- nobility. Instead, they distinguish themselves by their
las; and a much larger, roughly teardrop-shaped land- dress, and sometimes tJ1eir manner of speech .
mass also marked by many deep bays and peninsulas. A Below the ha'shnln is an enormous class of persons
channel containing many islands of varying sizes sepa- known as da'covale ("those who are property") or covale-
rates the two. in short, slaves. Slavery, a major cultural institution in
Scholars know very little of the early history of Sean- Seanchan, not only survived the Conquest but earned ac-
chan. Records of what the Age of Legends was like there ceptance am ong Paendrag's descendants. Every day, no-
were lost d uring later eras, though most assume it was 1.it- bles, merchan ts, and others with money buy and sell peo-
tle different than in the westlands. For many centuries ple like any other commodity. Because slavery is so ~om
after the Breaking, a constant series of minor wars and monplace, the Seanchan generally do not regard 1t ~s
other forms of political strife were tl1e central fact of life shameful (nor, for the most part, do they mistreat thetr
in Seanchan. Dozens of tiny realms, many ruled by chan- slaves). In fact, some slaves, such as the so'Jhin, the hered-
nelers, struggled for power and prestige, their borders and itary caste serving the Blood, actually outran~ many free
alliances shifting as easily as leaves in a breeze. Revolts, people. Other important and powerful slaves mclude the
assassinations, and civil wars occurred every year, and es- Empress's powerful and ruthless Deathwatch ~uard
pionage and political intrigue never ceased. . (which includes some Ogier, who are not considered
The defin ing event in modern Seanchan history was property), marked by its b lack-tasseled spears and bl ~ck
the arrival of Luth air Paendrag Mondwin, "the Hammer," shields, and her Seekers for Truth, a much-feared police
and his massive army of conquest. Aided by the balka- and intelligence-gathering organization th at also hunts
nized and treacherous nature of Seanchan politics and Darkfriends. For this reason, it's not uncommon for free
the use of damane {leashed channelers; see below), Luthair persons to sell themselves a?d their fam?ies ~ito. slavery,
and his children conquered the entire continent within since doing so can actually improve theJr lot m life.
three hundred years. But their victory was only a partial
one. While they controlled Seanchan politically, they had Channelers: The most pathetic and despised of all
little effect on its culture and were eventually absorbed Seanchan slaves are the damane, or "Leashed Ones"; that
and integrated into the Seancban social structure, rather is, channelers. Luthair Paendrag's hatred and fear of Aes
than changing it to resemble that of the westlands. Sedai, combined with Seanchan slavery and a type of
ter'a11greal called an a'dam (page 293), has led to a society SHARA: More mysterious stiJI than Seanchan is Shara,
that ferrets o ur channelers, then links them to women the land east of the Aiel Waste. Protected by vast cliffs
who control them and force them to use their powers on rhat not only separate it from the Waste, but line its coast
command, much as a circus-master makes beasts perform to make it impossible for outsiders to even see much of
as ordered. Fearing the agony and humiliation the a'dam their land, the Sharans seem determined to keep their
can inAict on them, the servile damanc do whatever they home and customs as secret as possible from others.
are told, without quibble or fai lure. Given the Sharans' prediJection for lying, subterfuge,
In Seanchan, all female children must test to deter- misdirection, and trickery, westlanders can establish few
mine if they have the ability to chan nel. They may also facts (even the ones discussed below, or the name of their
opt to test for the ability to act as a sul'dam, or "leash- land) witb certainty.
holder." Sul'dam possess the power to use the a'dam and At present, aU contact between the westlands and
thus control damane. Becoming a ml'dam confers prestige Shara talces the form of trade-both overland trade via the
and honor, and no small measure of persona] power as Aiel, and oceangoing trade with the Sea Folk and some
well. These privileged women are identified by dark blue ships from southern realms such as Mayene. Traders may
dresses decorated with red panels and silver forked light- only enter certain cities, six along the Cliffs of Dawn and
ning bolts on the breast and sides. five along the Sharan southern coast, which have walJs so
Those few men who display the ability to d1aunel are high visitors cannot see the rest of the land. Ships that
hunted, captured, and executed. Putting an a'dam on them have sailed around to Shara's eastern coast have simply
causes a painful death both for the man and the ml'dam. disappeared. To malce matters worse, the Sharans do not
trade honestly or honorably; they seem to consider it
Honor: In Seanchan society, the concept of honor their duty to trick foreigners, thus forcing westlander mer-
holds great importance. A Seanchan, particularly a Sean- chants to check literally every single inch of every item
chan noble, must have sei'taer, literally meaning "straight they buy in Shara to ensure it meets specifications. De-
eyes" or "level eyes" (since an honorable person always spite these problems, trade in Sharan silk, ivory, and
looks other people in the eyes). The tenets of sei'taer are other commodities brings such profit that it shows no
too complex and sophisticated for outsiders to truly un- signs of ceasing.
derstand, but the central principle is the sanctity of one's According to information gleaned by traders, Shara
word. Once a Seanchan gives you his word, he will do consists of one enormous, peaceful empire that has ex-
whatever he must, including sacrificing his own life, to isted since the Breaking and, say the Sharans, was never
keep it. Failure to keep one's word, or lying to someone's troubled by any Trolloc invasions or attack by the fleet
face, are the most dishonorable acts imaginable. led by Artur Paendrag's daughter. TI1e ruler, a sort of em-
A person who violates this elaborate code of cruvalry peror called a Sh'boan (if a woman) or Sh'botay (if a
and conduct becomes sei'mosiev ("lowered eyes" or man), oversees a land with many precisely organized
"downcast eyes"). signifying diminished honor and a loss provinces and a social structure similar to Seanchan in its
of face. Depending on circumstances, this can occur due rigidity. (Slavery is commonplace, though slaves seem less
to one's own actions- or inactions- or even from the ac- well treated in Shara than Seanchan.) The ruler takes a
tions or inactions of another {for example, family leaders spouse upon assuming the throne and invariably dies
must take responsibility for the conduct of their families, seven years later. The spouse then remarries, in turn dying
and slaveowners for that of their slaves). The constant seven years after assuming total power. The Sharans call
struggle to maintain and earn honor drives many institu- this "the Will of the Pattern."
tions and practices within Seanchan society. Some reports, however, indicate that the ruler (cur-
rently a Sh'boan) may actually be little more than a fig-
The Return: In recent months, the Seanchan have urehead. The true rulers may be the Ayyad, or channel-
made their presence known in the west.lands due to some- ers, who surround the throne and control virtually all
thing called Corenne, "the Return." Luthair Paendrag in- contact with the ruler. Under Sharan law, the authorities
structed his descendants to add Seanchan to Hawkwing's segregate all channelers {male and female) in special
empire, if necessary using their own power to help high-walled villages only channelers can enter. The gov-
reestablish it. Now possessing the ships and technology ernment treats male channelers simply as breeders, exe-
needed to cross the Aryth Ocean, the Seanchan sent five cuting them after they sire children, and maintains elab-
hundred ships containing the Hailene ("Those Who orate breeding records to ensure that channeling abili-
Come Before," or "Forerunners") to determine the cur- ties pass from one generation to the next. Males who
rent state of Hawkwing's empire. Having found that it no travel outside the Ayyad villages to breed wear hoods so
longer exists, the Seanchan are following through with they see nothing of the land. Unfortunately, given Sha-
their historical imperative to rebuild it. An invading army ran secrecy and lying, it's unlikely the westlands will
of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and fearsome beasts ever know the full extent of channelers' political power
has arrived on the western coast and begun its conquest. in the empire.
Unless the rulers of the fourteen nations band together to
oppose these invaders, as they did the Aiel twenty years
ago, the Seanchan may soon reestablish Hawkwing's
rule-albeit in a very different form.
Our world is but one retlection of the Pattern, or perhaps
one Pattern among many: Careful use of the One Power,
mysterious Lost Abilities, or ancient Ler'angreal opens
gateways to other realities. Human beings created some
of these realms with great feats of channeling; others are
windows into completely different worlds, as real and ex-
pansive as our own. Still others are transient reflections
of what might have been, or still might be.
Just a few of these worlds are detailed here. Others
certainly exist, but little is yet known of them-let alone
how many others there might be.
TEL'ARAN'RHIOD
Tel'aran'rhiod is called the world of dreams, and that's a
somewhat apt description. It is a world much like the
natural world- a reflected universe that mirrors the entire
physical world: mountains and rivers; cities and palaces;
forests and oceans. But it's an empty place. Living crea-
tures are not reflected; they appear only briefly when
they dream themselves into Tel'ttran'rhiod, and even more
rarely when they enter it physically.
Tel'aran 'rhiod is not the world in which most dreams
occur; on the contrary, most people's dreams are set
within their own temporary realities, which form as bub-
bles within a realm known to dreamwalkers as "the space
between dreams." Only the tiny stars of thousru1ds of
sleeping, dreaming people light this vast, dark space. For
most, that is t11e extent of it: Their dreams exist as brief
flashes in the space between dreams, cuddled in tiny re-
alities of their own deV'ising. But occasionally, while a
sleeper is in a deep, deep slumber, his dreams wander out
of the bubble and into Tel'aran'rhiod.
Inanimate o bjects are not always reflected perfectly in
Tel'aran'rhiod. Permanent objects- those that don't gener-
ally move for months or years-usually appear in
Tel'aran'rhiod exactly as they are in the natural world.
More transient items are likely to move, disa.ppear, or
change in appearance. A door, for example, may at one
moment appear open, and then suddenly, without sound
or visible motion, closed. Dishes in a kitchen might
change in shape or color, or appear and disappear. A
chest might be lod<ed one moment, open the next. These
odd movements are metaphoric of the transient nature of
these objects, a reflection of where they might be at any
given moment. They do not directly represent movement
within the natural we.rid- a sword carried by a man in the
real world does not simultaneously float across the same
room in Tel'aran 'rhiod.
It is impossible to affect inanimate objects in the nat-
ural world from Tel'aran'rhiod. An object moved, altered,
or destroyed in Tel'aran'rhiod is simply not affected in the
real world. In fact, the object in the dream world will
eventually revert to its original form-the reflection of the
unaffected item in the real world.
Although empty of most living creatures, any two
creatures or chaiacters that enter Tel'aran'rhiod- perhaps
by dreanung themselves there at the same time- can en-
counter one another. In fact, some dreamwalkers (people
with the Lost Ability that allows them to visit and control falling asleep with the ler'angreal against his skin is
dreams, as well as enter Te/'nran'rhiod-see Chapter 5: enough to deliver the dreamer into Tel'aran'rhiod.
Feats) use the dream world as a meeting point. Such peo- Another way of entering Tel'aran'rhiod is via the One
ple meet one another at some specified location in Power. It is possible to channel a gateway directly from
Tel'rmm'rhiod to exchange information even when they're the natural world to Tel'aran'rhiotl, and to enter the latter
th o usands of miles apart in the real world . th rough this gateway. This takes the traveler physically
l n addition to dreamers and o t her visitors, into the Dream Wo rld. Unlike a dreamwalke r, who leaves
7Cl'aran'rhiod is also inhabited by wolves, which come to her physical body behind, one who crosses through a
what they call the "wolf dream" when they die to await gateway takes h er b ody with her. Gateways into
rebirth. Because their time there is generally short, and Tel'aran'rbiod connect at the same point in both the real
they prefer the remotest of locations far from the sites world and the dream world. In other words, a channeler
generally visited by human dreamers, they are opening a gate from the Stone of Tear would walk di-
rarely encountered. rectly into the Tel'aran'rhiod version of the
Some visitors to Tel'aran'rhiod learn to Stone, in the same room she de-
control their appearances. Indeed, _,J parted from.
since the appearance of the visitor Entering the dream world
is really just a reflection of his corporeally is dangerous in sev-
con sciousness, it is possible- eral ways. For starters, unlil<e a
with sufficient practice- to con- • dreamer, a character physi-
trol every aspect of oneself: cally in Tel'amn 'rhiod needs
clothing, possessions, hair rest, food, and water just
color, facial features, etc. See as he would in the
the Bend Dream feat, in r' real world. The
Chapter 5: Feats. dream world's reflec-
tions of food and
water provide no nour-
THE ORIGINS OF
ishment. A character
TEL 'ARAN'RHIOD:
who becomes trapped in
Te!'amn 'rhiod is no t a
Tel'aran'rhiod has only
man-made place. Rather,
what food or water he
it is believed that the Pat-
has orought with him,
tern woven of men's
and without a means
lives-the Pattern that
of returning to the
makes up the world as we
real world will even-
know ir-is but one reality
tually die, his body
among many. The Patterns
fading into nonexis-
of other possible realities are
tence over the weeks and
themselves woven into a gre-
months to follow.
ater Pattern, and it is in the spaces
Second, a character
between the weave of this Great
physically in Tel'arar!'rhiod
Pattern that Tel'aran'rhiod exists.
cannot leave by simply wak-
ing up. He can only return
ENTERING TEL 'ARAN'JunOD: The most common Tel'm·n.n'rhioa through another gateway. If
way of entering Tel'ara11Jrhiod is to dream oneself into it. he is unable to channel a return gate-
For most people, this method is completely unreliable; way, he may be trapped in the dream world until he dies.
the few accidental visits most dreamers might experience Finally, each time a physical visitor returns from
are brief and indistinguishable (ro them) from their ordi- Tel'aran'rhiod, he risks losing a bit of himself. Every char-
nary dreams. Even those who might somehow stay longer acter returning physically from Tel'aran'rhiod, by any
in Tel'aran'rhiod cannot actively explore this empty means, must make a Fortitude save (DC 10). Failure re-
dreamland, since most people have little ability to con- sults in the permanent drain of Ld4 points of Charisma.
sciously control their actions in d reams. This Fortitude save is not made upon physically entering
There are a few, however, who can do so. Individuals Tel'arrm'rhiod, just upon leaving.
with the Dreamwalk Lost Abifoy feat (see Chapter 5: How a visitor gets about in Tel'aran'rhiod depends on
Feats) often develop the capacity to enter Tel'aran'rhiod at her dreamwalking abilities. Any visitor can walk about,
will as they sleep. These dreamwalkers can then move just as in the real world. There are no horses to ride or to
about and explore the dream world as they wish. draw wagons, however, leaving faster movement options
A few known ter'angreal allow access to Tel'ara11'rhiod. limited. Some dreamwalkers learn to "jump," traveling
Some of these simply aid dreamwalkers in finding their instantaneously from point to point. See the Dream
way there, while others allow those without that Lost Jump feat in Chapter 5 : Feats.
Abi lity to do so, just as if they had it. Usually, simply
HAZARDS OF TEL 'ARAN'RHIOD: Although brought on by saidin's taint. Seeing their comrades suc-
Tel'aran'rhiod is a dream world, things that affect you cumb to the madness, and knowing that they would in-
there also affect you in the real world. If you are injured- evitably suffer it too, many of these took refuge in Ogier
or killed- in Tel'aran'rhiod, your injury or death is just as sledding, where they were mercifully disconnected from
real as if it had occurred in the real world. The popular saidin and its taint.
myth that if one dies in a dream, he dies in the real world The Ogier had found that they were all but trapped in
has its roots in this aspect of Tel'aran'rhiod. their sledding- travel between stedding, common in the
The realm of Tel'aran'rhiod is empty of domesticated Age of Legends, was all but impossible during the turmoil
creatures, but wild animals and insects can be found of the Breaking. In gratitude for their sanctuary, one
there. The chances of running into another visitor are group of Aes Sedai made a gift to the Ogier: a set of oth-
small- but there are other visitors, and they can be hos- erworldly pathways between each stedding. These path-
tile. The dreamwalking talent is kept alive among the Aiel ways, called the Ways, were grown with the One Power,
Wise Ones, and there are a handful of other beings that and their location outside the natural world made them
have the ability to enter Tel'aran'rhiod. Wolves, for in- immune to the turmoil of the breaking-regardless of
stance, enter Tel'aran 'rhiod when they die, remaining there what happened to the land between two stedding, the
until their rebirth. Other beings seem to be regular visi- Ways joining them would remain unaltered and safe.
tors as well: A man (or manlike creature) known as Slayer Because the growing of the Ways required the One
sometimes wanders Tel'aran 'rhiod, apparently interested Power, which cannot be touched within a sledding, the
only in killing whatever other creatures he can find. Ways do not actually connect from stedding to stedding.
Instead, each stedding has a Waygate just outside its
boundaries.
Ultimately, no male Aes Sedai could forever hold out
THE WAYS against the puU of the One Power, and all eventually left
The Ways are a series of paths through a netherworld the sledding and suffered the fate of all male channelers.
void, connecting points all across the westlands, includ- Before this happened, however, the Aes Sedai made one
ing all Ogier stedding and most of the great cities. Few additional gift to the Ogier: the Talisman of Growing.
people are even aware that the Ways exist- but those who This ter'angrea!, triggered by Ogier treesinging, allowed
know, and are willing to face the grave dangers of the the Ogier to grow additional Ways to rediscovered sted-
Ways, can use them to cross vast distances in short peri- ding and other locations. Years later, when Ogier were
ods of time. called upon to build the great cities, they grew new
The Ways consist of a series of bridges and ramps branchings of the Ways to those sites, creating Waygates
built across a dark and seemingly limitless void. One en- at or near them that still stand today.
ters v.ia Waygates, stone portals Located in the natural For almost two thousand years, the Ways provided
world. From the Waygate, the traveler weaves his way safe and valuable transit for Ogier and human alike. But
along the labyrinth of stone ramps and bridges, which about a thousand years ago, during the War of the Hun-
hang in the darkness without any visible means of sup- dred years, something changed the Ways. When origi-
port. These bridges join and branch at stone platforms- nally built, the pathways hung in a bright open space.
equally unsupported- some of which bear markers in- The islands and their thin arched bridges were visible
structing the traveler, in Ogier script, on his route. across the brilliant void, each a garden lushly planted
The Ways are unnaturally dark; the light of lanterns, with fruit trees and carpets of thick grass, upon which
torches, or even the One Power seems to simply fall away, travelers could rest and feed their beasts of burden. But
extending mere paces into the darkness where it might the Ways began to dim, eventually growing dank and
normally illuminate a much larger area. Similarly, the completely dark. Travelers who entered the Ways began
darkness of the Ways seems to swallow sound, giving the to disappear, and some of those who did emerge came
realm an oddly muted nature. Light and sound travel out mad, often ranting about something they called the
only one-half the distance they travel in the real world. "Black Wind," (or as it is called in the Old Tongue,
Torches, for instance, only illuminate an area with a ra- "Machin Shin').
dius of 10 feet. It is thought that because the Ways were created by
The most distinctive feature of the Ways is the deteri- male Aes Sedai, the taint on saidin also tainted their cre-
oration of the stonework itself. The floors and railings of ation. Whether or not this is true, for centuries use of the
the bridges and platforms are pjtted and scored, almost as Ways has been banned by Ogier Elders. Few, even among
though the stone is decaying. In some areas it crumbles those who remember the existence of tl1is ancient route,
under the touch; in others, entire bridges have fallen dare use the Ways now.
away, blocking rou tes through the Ways.
ENTERING THE WAYS: A Waygate Is an ethereal
THE ORIGINS OF THE WAYS: During the portal protected by a heavy stone door. From the outside,
Breaking of the World, there were many male Aes Sedai the Waygate looks like a wall of stone, perhaps 8 feet tall
(remnants from the days before the Breaking, when by 12 feet wide, ornately carved as though covered in
saidin was untainted and men and women channeled dense vines and leaves. Built into this wall is a double
side by side) who had not yet succumbed to the madness door, so cleverly concealed by the delicate carvings that
284
The Ways
its seams cannot be discerned among the stone leaves and It is possible to lock a Waygate from either side. Simply
vines. One special leaf-the trefoil Avendesora leaf-sits in removing the Avendesora leaf from one side and placing it
the center of this door; the door is opened by moving the among the carven vines on the opposite side of the door
leaf to a different position, and closed by replacing it in prevents the Waygate from being opened from the far side.
its original position. The door closes slowly, allowing a Removing the leaves from both sides causes the door to
person time to enter the Waygate before it seals shut. close and leaves it locked from both the inside and outside.
Figuring out how to open a Waygate requires a However, leaves removed from the door for more than a
Knowledge (arcana) check against DC 22, but anyone single day lose their power to unlock the Waygate. Its
who has previously opened a gate, or seen someone else leaves dead, the gate remains sealed forever, or until the
do it, can skip the check. Talisman of Growing can be brought to create new leaves.
Beyond the door is the portal itself: a film of oily There is no other known method of entering the
darkness that vaguely reflects the outside world. Stepping Ways. If a weave has ever been developed to directly ac-
through this film is like stepping through a line of ice, but cess the Ways, it has long since been lost.
it is not difficult and offers no resistance. From the in-
side, the portal looks like a large round window into the
outside world. It floats in the darkness, with nothing be-
TRAVEL IN THE WAYS: Each Waygate opens to a
broad expanse of pitted stone, surrounded by darkness.
hind it. A traveler brave enough to wander through the
Leading from the Waygate is a white stripe embedded in
darkness behind the portal would find nothing there-just
the stone floor. Following this stripe leads the traveler to
endless dark.
a marker, a stone pedestal covered in the flowing, vine-
When closed, the stone door can be opened from
like script of the Ogier. For those who can read Ogier
within the Ways in the same manner as it is opened from
script, the pedestal is a guidepost of sorts, telling the
without. The interior surface is also carved in the intricate
traveler how to get to a variety of destinations. Interpret-
form of vines and leaves, and there is a second Avendes-
ing the instructions requires a Knowledge (arcana) check
ora leaf that can be removed to open the door and re-
against DC 16-again, presuming the traveler can read
placed to open it.
Ogier writing.
From this first pedestal, the traveler takes one of any llAzARDS OF THE WAYS: The Ways are a dan-
number of ramps or bridges leading out into the dark gerous realm, and those who venture into them do so at
void. This path does not take the traveler directly to his grave risk.
destination, however. Instead, the fust bridge leads the
traveler to a rectangular platform floating in the darkness. Lost in the Ways: The single greatest danger is get-
Numerous other bridges lead away, and the traveler makes ting lost. For those who can read Ogier script, the stone
his choice based on the instructions from the pedestal. pedestals at many junctions tell the traveler where to go
After crossing over many bridges and islands, the traveler to reach his destination. However, relying on these is
comes to an island with another pedestal. The i.nstructions fraught with peril. While most pedestals remain intact,
on tl1is pedestal lead him to yet another, and so on, until some have succumbed to the degeneration of the Ways,
the traveler finally arrives a t his destination Waygate. splintering or even disintegrating with time. Others have
The number of pedestals between locations varies been vandalized by Shadowspawn, which have begun
widely, and does not seem to correlate directly to the dis- traveling the Ways in recent years.
tance between the Waygates in the real world. ln general, Those not willing to rely on the pedestals might be
though, travel between Waygates at sled.ding (the Waygates able to research the route and create a map or set of in-
originally created by the Aes Sedai) is typically quicker structions to fol.low. Doing so requires research materials
than travel between Waygates at the great cities (which likely to be found only in the most esoteric and obscure
were later grown by the Ogier). The table below indicates of sources- the White Tower, perhaps, or maybe tl1e li-
the number of pedestals between two Waygates. braries at some of the larger stedding. To create a map or
A separate Knowledge (arcana) check against DC 16 is instructions leading from one Waygate to another, have
required at each pedestal. Failure indicates that the trav- the character make a Knowledge (arcana) check against
eler takes the wrong path. The traveler isn't irrevocably DC 20. If successful, keep track of how much she beat the
lost, however. Instead, the total travel distance is in- DC by.
creased by one pedestal. Thus, if the route was going to Determine the number of pedestals in the overall trip
go through four pedestals, a failed Knowledge check at (see Travel in the Ways, above). Although tbe pedestals
one of them increases the total trip to five pedestals. are meaningless to a traveler relying on a map, the num-
Sometimes, due to the corruption that has afflicted ber of pedestals dictates the number of checks against tbe
the Ways or the vandalism of passing Shadowspawn, the map that must be made. For example, if the trip has a dis-
pedestals are damaged or otherwise unreadable. Make a tance of seven pedestals, the traveler will have to make
percentile roll every time a party reaches a pedestal. There seven checks against the map. Each of these is a Knowl-
is a 50/o chance (01-05) that the pedestal is unreadable. In edge (arcana) check with a DC equal to 16 minus the
such a case, the party must choose their path randomly. amount by which the mapmaker beat her DC. For exam-
Have them roll ld6; on a 1, the bridge or ramp they ple, if the character rolled a 24 when making her map
choose is the correct path, and they continue on. A 5-6 (beati.ng the DC by 4), her checks to follow it would be
result is the same as failing the Knowledge check-the against DC 12 (16 minus 4).
total travel distance increases by one pedestal. Unlike travelers following the pedestals, a traveler
who fails a Knowledge check while following a map be-
Route Number of Pedestals comes lost.
Stedding to sledding 2d4 Lacking a map or t.be ability to read Ogier script, there
Sledding to city, or city to stedding 2d6 is simply no chance of successfully navigating the Ways
City to city 2d8 in any reasonable amount of time. Characters who find
themselves in the Ways with neither map nor the ability
The distances between pedestals also varies, but averages to read the pedestals become lost.
around 4 hours of travel at a walking pace. Thus, the dis- Characters lost in the Ways might eventually find a
tance between two cities might be nine pedestals, which Waygate-but they have no way of knowing where it leads
takes the traveler arow1d 36 hours of walking time. Given until they open it. When searching for a Waygate, there is
that most travelers need some rest, that probably equates a 5% chance of finding one for every 4 hours spent
to a three-day trip even as a forced march, or a four-and- searching.
a-half-day trip at a normal walking pace.
Owing to the odd nature of tl1e Ways' extradirnen- The Endless Plummet: A second hazard of the
sionaI void, time spent in the Ways does not equate di- Ways is falling. The void of the Ways is bottomless, and
rectly to the passage of time in the real world. When a any character or creature that falls into it is likely lost for-
party exits the Ways, divide the time spent in the Ways by ever. There's a 50/o chance, however, that the fallen char-
the roll of 1d4. The result is the amo un t of time that has acter might land on a bridge, ramp, or island not too far
passed in the real world since the party first entered the down. Roll 3d6 and multiply the result by 10- that's the
Ways. In our example above, assume that the characters to tal distance fallen. Apply falling damage as usual. The
manage to force march the entire distance, making the fallen character is now separated from any companiens
trip in three days, or 72 hours. Rolling ld4, you get a 3. above.
While the heroes have traveled for 72 hours within the lf the character does not land on a bridge or island,
Ways, only 24 hours have passed in the real world. he plummets forever through the void (eventually dying
of thirst, starvation, or sheer terror), or strikes some sur- of ld4 points of Wisdom and ld4 points oflntelligence.
face so far down that she is instantly killed. When either ability is reduced to 0, the character is a soul-
less husk, completely devoured by Machin Shin.
Shadowspawn: In recent years Shadowspawn have Jl.1achin Shin is a phenomenon, not a creature. Physi-
begun to use the Ways to travel from the Blight to other cal attacks can not harm it, and no weave of the One
locations in the westlands. Trollocs fear tl1e ·ways and Power has ever been proven to damage or even slow it.
would not use them of their own volition, but are driven Note to GMs: Machin Shin can easily destroy an en-
to by tlieir masters. tire party. As in the novels, it may best serve as a device
Encounters with Shadowspawn in tl1e Ways are rare to keep heroes on their toes when in the Ways, rather
but dangerous. Once per trip, make a percentile roll. If than being treated as an actual encounter.
the result is less than the number of pedestals in the
overall trip, an encounter occurs. Make another per-
centile roll and check the result against the following
table.
THE MIRROR
WORLDS
d% Nu mber and Type of Shadowsp awn
Our world is but one reality, one facet of the Great Pat-
01- 55 A single Irolloc straggler lost in ilie Ways tern. Beyond the world as we know it are many other re-
56- 70 A gang of 2d4 Trollocs
alities- reflections of our world, variations of different
71- 90 A Myrdd raal pasts, and £leering images of what might be. The Mirror
86- 100 A band of 2d8 Trollocs and 1 Myrddraal
Worlds are an infinite assortment of universes, some
mudi like our own, others radically different.
Machin Shin: The greatest terror of the Ways is the
Ead1 of these infinite worlds is different. Many seem
Black Wind, or Machin Shin. Since the darkness fell
identical to ours. Others are unrecognizable. Some swarm
upon ilie Ways some thousand years ago, a cold wind
with people much like those of our world; others are de-
that howls with the voices of death, decay, and mad-
void of life. Many feature bizarre and ferocious crea-
ness has blown through the Ways where no wind
tures- in fact, it is believed that the exotic beasts of the
shoul d blow. Nobody- not even the Ogier-knows what
Seancban were originally imported from one or more of
exactly this Black Wind is, bur it is though t to be an-
the Mirror Worlds.
other manifestation of the corruption that now erodes
the Ways.
Machin Shin steals the minds and souls of those it em- THE ORIGIN OF THE MIRROR WORLDS:
braces, leaving the survivors empty, but living, husks. It is likely that the Mirror Worlds are, like our world,
Some of those empty beings have found their way out of as ancient as the pattern itself-indeed, it may be that
the Ways in years past, but most never do, and simply our world is really the mirror of some other, primary
wander to die of thirst or starvation, alone and mindless, universe.
in the dark. No one knows who created the Portal Stones that
The chance of encountering Machin Shin varies ac- grant access to the Mirror Worlds. They have certainly
cording to location. The Black Wind shows a slight ten- been in existence since the Age of Legends, and it is
dency to lurk near Waygates. Roll for an encounter when generally thought that they were created then by tl1e
entering or exiting a Waygate, and when leaving each Aes Sedai, who are known to have been much more
pedestal along the trip. The table below gives the chance powerful than any channeler living today. The odd
of encountering ilie Black Wrnd. historical reference to the Portal Stones seems to in-
dicate that they were primarily used for transporta-
At a Waygate .5% tion across our natural world, and that though the an-
Within 1 pedestal of a Waygate':· 4\l/o cients knew how to reach the Mirror Worlds, they
No t witllln 1 pedestal of a Waygate 2% rarely did so.
''Between tlie first and second pedestals of a trip, or be-
tween ilie last pedestal and the destination Waygate.
ENTERING THE MIRROR W ORLDS: It may
be possible to enter ilie Mirror Worlds via a channeled
Machin Shin moves at a speed of 30 feet and covers an weave, bu t if so, such weaves have been long lost. Some
area 30 feet across. As it approaches, allow ilie characters
gatewaylike ter'angreal seem to transport the user to mys-
a Listen check (DC 15) to hear the whisper of its breeze.
terious, unknown places, but the nature of such places is
Heroes fleeing Machin Shin may be able to escape it: Each
not clear- some may in fact be Mirror Worlds, while
round that they stay out of its grasp, Machin Shin has a
others may be alternate realms of an entirely different
cumulative 100/o chance of losing them (01- 10 after 1
variety.
round, 01- 20 after 2 rounds, and so on). Should it catch
The one known method of entering tlie Mirror
one character, it will pause until it has devoured her be-
Worlds is via a Portal Stone. The ruins of these mono-
fore pursuing the remaining characters.
litliic columns, some 20 feet tall by 3 feet across, dot ilie
A character caught within Machin Shin must make a
westlands and beyond. No one knows how many there
Will save (DC 20) each round or suffer a permanent drain
are, but scores at least are th.ought to exist.
The Mirror Worlds
Each Portal Stone is covered with symbols repre-
senting Stones elsewhere, both on our world and oth-
STEDDING
ers among the Mirror World. Using the Stone reqtLires Stedding, the homes of the Ogier, are localized regions
that the traveler pick a symbol for her destination and with unusual properties. They are pleasant, natural-feel-
then channel into it (see the weave use Portal Stone, ing environments. The air within a stedding always seems
page 181). Not every Stone that exis ts in our world fresh and sweet, trees and plants grow to huge heights and
also exists in every Mirror World, and there are prob- live for ages, and a feeling of peace seems to pervade
ably many Mirror Worlds touched by no Portal Stones everything.
at all. More important, channelers cannot touch, use, or
Once someone is in a Mirror World, his or her travel even sense the One Power while within a sledding. Weaves
options vary according to the exact nature of the world. cast from outside a sledding cannot affect anything within.
In most, the terrain is identical or very sin1ilar to that of And sledding within Tel'aran'rhiod are off limits: A visitor
the real world. The One Power generally works the same, to the dream-world cannot enter a region that reflects a
and Portal Stones within the Mirror World generally con- stedding in the real world.
nect to one another in the same manner as in the natu- Shadowspawn do not like stedding, and Trollocs will
ral world. not enter one unless forced to. Myrddraal enter sled-
ding only at the direst need, and even then with great
reluctance. It is said that even Darkfriends-truly dedi-
liAzARDS OF THE MIRROR WORLDS: The cated Darkfriends- fee l uncomfortable and unwelcome
hazards of the Mirror Worlds are as myriad as the worlds
in stedding.
themselves. Many of the Mirror Worlds resemble the real
Stedding are not large places: Few are bigger than ten
world in all but the smallest detail. Others have been
or fifteen miles across. Most of the active stedding-those
overrun by Shadowspawn, or are crawling with exotic
occupied by Ogier-are located in mountains or remote
predators. Still others are even more dangerous: Ancient
forests.
records state that in some the very air is poisonous, while
others are tom by unimaginable chaos. Traveling to the
Mirror Worlds is fraught with dangers almost beyond THE ORIGINS OF mE STEDDING: It's not
inrngination. known how the stedding came to be, or exactly what their
properties are, but they have been in existence since be-
fore the Breaking of the World. During the Age of Leg-
ends there may have been hundreds or even thousands of
stedding, but the sundering of the land was so dramatic llAzARDs OF STEDDING: Stedding are generally
that many were lost or entirely swallowed up. havens, refuges from the hazards of the world. Peaceful
Although sledding are closely tied to Ogier, even the places, they offer no natural dangers to good travelers,
Ogier's long memories cannot account for the creation of and even to Shadowspawn offer no threat worse than a
the stedding. Indeed, it is thought that the Ogier did not nagging unpleasant sensation.
create the sledding. Indeed, travelers may find that stedtling offer a com-
There are known to be some sledding that are not oc- fortable and relatively safe resting spot-even those that
cupied by Ogier, but that retain their mystical properties. haye long been abandoned by the Ogier.
In some cases, the Ogier that Jived there djed out; others
might never have been occupied since the Breakjng of
the World.
Within the stedding, Ogier settlements are dotted with
AELFINN AND
moundlike homes built into the earth, often scattered EELFINN
among the Great Trees, which tower hundreds of feet into
Very little indeed is known about these two realms,
the air and have trunks scores or more feet across. Fre-
other than that they are inhabited by mysterious and
"1:1 quently, the stump of one such tree, shaved flat and pol-
~ potentially dangerous races of powerful creatures. The
>I:! ished on the top, serves as a meeting space and center-
only known method of reaching these realms is via cer-
~ piece of the village.
tain ler'an&real and the Tower ot Ghenjei, which is
c{! somewhere in the Mountains of Mist. Some scholars
~ ENTERING STEDDING: Stedding provide no barrier have suggested that the children's game Snakes and
.~ to entry; anyone can simply walk into a sledding from any Foxes is a metaphor for dealing with the inhabitants of
~ point along its perimeter. Indeed, other than the lush ap- Aelfinn and Eelfinn.
~ pearance of vegetation, and the feeling of peace and
~
~ beauty that one feels on entering a sledding (or the feeling
of unease among Shadowspawn and Darkfriends), there is
nothing to mark the edge.
.A stedding
289
Tue Aes Sedai are quick to remind nonchannelers, often
in haughty tones, that objects cannot channel the One
Power. A sister may carry a staff, a wand, or an amulet,
but those items don't channel; they simply aid the chan-
neler's concentration and help her focus her abilities.
Only living beings can channel. But some items do exist
that allow a channeler to manipulate the One Power
more easily, safely, or powerfully. And some other items
permit even a nonchanneler access to the awesome might
of the True Source.
ANGREAL AND
SA'ANGREAL
Created dUiing the Age of Legends (or shortly thereafter,
before the secret of their making was lost, perhaps for-
ever), items of power known as angreal and sa'angreal
allow a channeler to control more of the One Power than
she nom1ally could. More important, they allow her to
do so safely, without risk of accidentally burning herself
out or stilling herself.
Of the two, the sa'angreal are the more powerful, and
also rarer. According to the most reliable authorities, a
sa'angreal allows a channeler to channel much more of
the One Power than with an angreal.
The channelers of the Age of Legends made angreal
or sa'angreal in many forms. Surviving examples include
statues and statuettes, weapons, jewelry, tools, and the
like. At the time of its making, each one was attuned to
either male or female channelers (or, to put it another
way, to saidjn or saidar); men cannot use angreal or
sa'angreal attuned to women, and vice versa. Any chan-
neler can determine that an object is an angreal or sa'an-
greal by touching it- provided it's attuned to his or her
gender. One attuned to the opposite gender seems like
an ordinary item.
293
a'dam, a sul'dmn suffers its effects like any other chan- Aes Sedai tradition are already Accepted, and have al-
neler. Any female channeler can use or be leashed by an ready successfully experienced the Three Silver Arches.)
a'dam; nonchannelers cannot use them or suffer the pain The Aiel Wise Ones know of a similar ter'angreal in
and subdual damage they cause. Rhuidean, and use it the same way. Unlike with most
A'dam are intended only for women. If a male chan- ter'angreal, a person can only use this archway once;
neler simply touches an a'dam while a female channeler passing through it again at any point in the user's life
wears either part of it, he and the female channeler both has no effect.
take 2d6 points of damage. If be wears either the
bracelet or the collar while a female channeler wears the
other, both take 2d6 points of damage per round. lf a
THE TEAR ARCHWAY
Activation: Enter
nonchanneler louches or wears an a'dam, nothing hap-
Affini ties: None
pens to him, and the leashed channeler (if any) suffers
Size: Huge
no effecls.
Weigh t: 200 lb.
Occurrence: Unique
AMULET OF ALERTNESS
Activatio n : Wear (channeler only) This archway, part of the Great Holding of Tear, is made
Affin ities: None of red stone so oddly twisted that the eye has a hard time
Size: Small looking at it. Three deeply carved, sinuous lines running
Weight: 1 lb. the length of each upright mark it. Anyone can use this
Occurren ce : Rare ter'angreal. A person who passes through it enters a strange
world peopled by bizarre, humaulike beings dressed in
This ter'angreal, which looks like a simple decorative neck- yellow (thought by some scholars to be the Aelfinn; see
lace or medallion, keeps the wearer alert, aware, and Chapter 13: Other Worlds). By ancient agreement, a per-
wakeful. It has two powers. son using the archway must carry no lamps, torches, mu-
First, it provides a +2 resistance bonus on any saving sical instruments, or items made of iron (anyone who fails
throw lo resist the effects of a special ability, weave, poi- to abide by this restriction is forcibly returned to his own
son, or anything else that would make the wearer sleepy, world and can never use the archway again). The seeker
diminish his powers of observation, or lull him into a may ask these beings three questions about any subject
false sense of security. (The GM determines whether this (past, present, or furure), and they answer him truly. He
power protects against a given attack.) must ask all three questions and hear all three answers be-
Second, it makes the wearer aware of persons spying fore he can leave and return to his home world. lf he asks
on him or eavesdropping on his conversations. Whenever a question the beings consider frivolous, they punish him.
someone tries to secretly watch or listen to the wearer, the (The GM determines what constitutes frivolous and has
amulet grows unusually warm. It does not point out who discretion as lo the nature of this punishment, but it usu-
the spy is, or even her location, but often just knowing of ally takes the form of an extended period of extremely
a spy's existence allows the wearer to safeguard his secrets. bad luck or simi lar malady, not physical harm.) Qiestions
concerning anything related to the Shadow pose dangers
for the questioner; the answers may drive him mad, at-
THE THREE SILVER ARCHES
tract the Dark One's attention to him back in hjs own
Activation: Enter
world, or the like. Qiestions regarding people other than
Affinities: None
one's self also create difficulties; the beings may not an-
Size: Huge
swer them with complete truthfulness, and asking them
Weight: 800 lb.
may entangle the questioner in the subject's destiny. Un-
Occurrence: Rare
like most ter'angrcal, a person can only use this archway
once; passing through it again at any point in the user's
In the bowels of the White Tower exists a room holding
life has no effect.
an unusual structure: three silver arches, linked together
at their bases, each just tall enough for an average-sized
woman to walk under without ducking her head. The Aes THE RHUIDEAN ARCHWAY
Sedai use these arches to test novices for advancement co Activation : Enter
the rank of Accepted. Wearing only a simple dress, the Affinities: None
candidate must walk under each of the arches, one at a Size: Huge
time, in a specified order. They cause her to experience, Weight: 200 lb.
in her mind, her worst fears-first for what was, second for Occurrence: Unique
what is, third for what is to come. The first archway re-
quires a Will save against DC 10, the second a Will save Similar to tJ1e Tear Archway, but marked with three
against DC 12, and the third a Will save against DC 14. lines of etched triangles instead of simple straight lines,
If the candidale fails any of the saves, she succumbs to this archway was once kept in the lost city of Rhuidean
her fears, collapses, and fails the test; this usually means (tbe Aes Sedai removed it since the Dragon Reborn re-
she can never become Aes Sedai. (1st-level initiates of the opened Rhuidean). IL functions similarly, but leads to a
different world peopled by different beings (thought to when she rings it- she could choose, for example, "any-
be the Eelfinn). These beings do not answer questions, one from Emond's Field," "all Cairhienin nobles," "all
but they do grant requests. Any tbree things the seeker Aes Sedai," "all women," or even "everyone." All desig-
needs and asks for, they give her-though not necessar- nated persons within a distance equal to one hundred
ily in the manner she envisions. The gifts come at a miles times the level of weave slot used to power the bell
price, though, and the price is always high. A wise (or ten miles for a zero-level weave) automatically hear
seeker negotiates the price before leaving, though her the bell in their minds. If they are asleep, the ringing
bargaining power is not absolute. (The price is at the awakens them. They get a mental picture of who rang
GM's discretion b ut usually involves something non- the bell, and they know where she is. They are not, how-
tangible and extremely important to the seeker, such as ever, compelled to do anything for her; each hearer
part of her creativity, her capacity to love, a promise to must react to the ringing for himself.
engage in some future activity of unknown import, or
the like.) In the absence of any negotiation, the beings
exact whatever price they consider appropriate. Unlike
BIRD STATUETTE
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 0 level
most ter'angrea!, a person can only use this archway
Affinities: Spirit
once; passing through it again at any point in the user's
Size: Tiny
life has no effect.
Weigh t: 112 lb.
O ccurren ce: Rare
BALEFIRE Roo
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 2nd level This type of ter'angreal is a small statuette of a bird. The
Affinities: Air, Earth, Fire, Spirit, Water materials and species vary from statuette to statuette,
Size: Small though all the ones known are small enough for a per-
Weight : 4 lb. son to carry easily in a belt pouch. They grant the user
Occurren ce: Rare the power to see through a single bird's eyes. The user
must be able to see the bird and has no control over
Once held by the White Tower but stolen by the Black where the bird goes or which way it turns its head. If
Ajah, this fluted black rod is about an inch in diameter the bird ever passes out of the user's sight, the link be-
and as long as a human foream1. It produces balefire (as a tween her and the bird instantly ends. The user may
9th-level casting), but using it is exhausting and danger- switch directly from one bird to another; this is a free
ous. Every rou11d the user wields it, she must make a For- action, but requires a Concentration check (DC 15).
titude save (DC 18). If she fails the save, she takes ld6
points of damage from the Rod; if she succeeds, she takes
THE BOWL OF THE WINDS
ld6 points of subdual damage.
Activation : Weave sacrifice: level varies
Affinities: Air, Water
THE BELL OF FAR ALARM Size: Medium-size
Activation : Weave sacrifice: level varies Weigh t: 2 lb.
Affin ities: Spirit Occurrence: Unique
Size: Large
Weigh t: 15 lb. H idden fo r many years in the trove of Ebou Dar, this
Occurrence: Unique object resembles a shallow bowl over 2 feet across made
of thick, clear crystal, carved on the inside with a pattern
This ter'angreal consists of a large bell with of clouds. When used, the bowl itself turns sky blue
no clapper, seemingly made of bronze while the clouds become white and move along the
tbough far lighter than an object of bowl's surface.
solid bronze should be. Etched The bowl allows the user to cl1ange the weather to an
around its outer rim are words in the extent not possible through any known weave. The de-
Old Tongue. They say "Wheresoever gree to which the weather is changed, the duration of the
thou shalt be, thou shalt hear my change, and the area affected all depend upon the weave
call." The rest of the outside of the slot sacrificed.
bell has pictures depicting men Changing the weather by one season (for example,
fight ing Trollocs. changing springlike weather into summery weather)
Using the bell requires a requires a 1st-level weave slot. Changing to tl1e oppo-
Concentration check (DC site season (changing winter into summer, for exam-
16). Failure means the chan- The Bell of Far .Alarm ple) requires a 3rd-level slot. In both cases, the
neler wastes her weave slot and cannot attempt to use change lasts for one day and covers an area five miles in
the bell again for a day. Success makes the bell ring. It radius from the bowl. Increasing the duration and the
emits no actual sound that anyone can hear; instead, its radius requires increasing the level of the sacrificed
distinctive ringing occurs only in the minds of desig- weave slot, as follows:
nated persons. The user specifies who can hear the bell
Duration This Ler'angreal resembles a short, round, smooth ivory
One week + 1 weave level rod about 5 112 inches long and 3/4 inch in diameter,
One month +2 weave levels topped by an unusual blue-green crystal of similar diam-
One season +3 weave levels eter but almost twice the length of the ivory. When the
Area user holds it firmly in his hand and concentrates on it, it
10-mile radius + 1 weave level emits a bright, wholesome light covering a radius of 25
50-rnile radius +2 weave levels feet around him. Not only does this light illuminate dark
250-mile radius +3 weave levels places, it also deals 4d6 points of damage per round to
1,250-mile radius +4 weave levels any Shadowspawn it falls upon (a Fortitude save against
Worldwide +5 weave levels DC 20 halves the damage).
The White Tower once owned the Crystal Spar, nam-
ing it after the sister who discovered and first studied it.
CAT STATUETTE Eighteen years ago, the Amyrlin Seat issued it to Maraela
Activation : Carry
Sedai, who went on a secret mission into the Blight. Nei-
Affin ities: None
ther Maraela nor her Warder returned, and the fate and
Size: Tiny
whereabouts of the Crystal Spar remain unknown.
Weight: 112 lb.
Occurrence: Rare
DAGGER OF RESISTANCE
This item is a statuette of a housecat, small enough to fit Activation: Carry
comfortably in a human palm, made of various types of Affinities: None
stone or metal. The bearer can move with the silence and Size: Tiny
grace of a cat. The statuette provides a +1 enhancement Weight: 1 lb.
bonus to Dexterity and an ~dditional +10 competence Occurrence: Unique
bonus on Move Silently checks.
This ter'angreal, though shaped like a dagger, actually has
a very dull blade. Its purpose is to blunt the effects of
THE CIRCLET OF KARIM TAY weaves used against the possessor. It provides a +4 resist-
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 1st level
ance bonus on all saving throws to resist or diminish the
Affinities: Fire
effects of weaves.
Size: Small
Weight: 1 lb.
Occurrence: Unique DREAM RING
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 0 level
This Ler'angreal resembles a Dreamring (see below). It con- Affinities: Spirit
sists of a ring of twisted green-colored stone large enough Size: Tiny
for an Ogier to wear as an armband or a man as a head- Weight: l .lb.
band. It grants the power to project bolts of green fire Occurrence: Rare
that cause 3dl 0 points of damage and have a range of 100
feet. The user must succeed with a ranged touch attack ....
,Jm~~,.... Tbjs item resembles an arm-ring made of
to strike the target. stone, twisted to give it an unusual appear-
Use of the circlet tends to exhaust the wielder. ance. When worn by a sleeping channeler,
After firing each bolt, the user must make a Forti- it allows her to enter 1C/'aran'rhiod, the
tude save (DC 16). If she fails the save, she takes world of dreams. Many other Ler'angreal
ld3 points of damage from the circlet; if she suc- of every shape, substance, and size,
ceeds, she takes ld3 points of subdual damage. have similar powers; some can even be
No existing record reveals who Karim Tay is, or used by nonchannelers.
why his or her name has become associated with the
circlet (the name may refer to a place rather than a
person). The circlet first enters history during the Trol-
EBON SCEPTER
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 1st level
loc Wars, when one Rhinella Sedai found it "in the
Affinities: Fire
Caralain Grass" and used it to slay many Trollocs.
Size: Small
Weight: 2 lb.
THE CRYSTAL SPAR OF Occurrence: Unique
TEMARHWIN
As thick as a man's wrist and 12 inches
Activation: Wield
long, this smooth rod made of polished
Affmities: None
black stone (or some stonelike substance)
Size: Small
always feels hot to the to uch. It responds
Weight: 1 lb.
to a flow of Fire. When a user channels Fire
Occurrence: Unique
into ir, the rod allows her to create
The Circlet of Karim Tay
296
elaborate visual and aural illusions of up to 30 feet in di- FOXHEAD MEDALLION
ameter. Touching the illusion, or touching something with Activation: Wear
it, reveals its nature. Similarly, a Will save (DC 20) allows Affinities: None
someone viewing the illusion to realize its unreal nature. Size: Tiny
The scepter poses some danger to the user, however. Weight: 1/2 lb.
When activating it, the user must make a Concentration O ccurrence: Unique
check (DC 18). If she succeeds,
the rod functions normally, with Mat Cauthon received this lcr'angreal from the beings who
no side effects. If she fails, the rod live on the other side of the Rhuidean archway in response
takes control of her mind. She passes to bis request to be "free of Aes Sedai and the Power."
out, awakening ld6+3 hours later. While she A medallion in the form of a fox's head, when
sleeps, the rod creates an ilJusion of her fantasies worn it shields the wearer from any direct use
and/or dreams, broadcasting tbem for anyone of the One Power, harmful or benign. No
nearby to see. Typically this only causes her to The Crystal Spar of weave has any effect on him: He cannot be
suffer embarrassment, but it can create other Temarhwin Healed, moved with flows of Air, tricked by Il-
problems in some situations. lusion, or harmed (even by balefire!). Of
course, a channeler can still harm him indirectly- for exam-
ple, by burling boulders at him or setting on fire the build-
FANCLOTH LOOM ing he is in. When someone channels against the wearer, or
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 1st level
even embraces the Source within 30 feet of him, the medal-
Affinities: Air, Spirit
lion turns icy cold, alerting bim to the potential assault.
Size: Huge
Weight: 125 lb.
Occurrence: Unique HOGARN MEDALLION
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 1st level
One of the most useful ter'angreal possessed by the White Affinities: Fire, Spirit
Tower, this object is a carved wooden trunk with elabo- Size: Tiny
rately engraved brass fittings but no Jock. Each use pro- Weight: 1/2 lb.
duces a bolt of fancl oth, enough to make three Warder Occurrence: Rare
cloaks. It functions up to three times per day.
This rather simple medallion is engraved with a picture
of, or carved in the shape of, the famed wolfhound Hog-
THE FIVE LEAVES FOLDED am. According to legend, during the Trolloc Wars Hogam
Activation: Wield
saved his master from a Darkhound, slaying tl1e fell beast
Affinities: None
at the cost of his own life. The medallio n, likewise, pro-
Size: Tiny
vides the wearer with a weapon to use against Dark-
Weight: 1 lb.
hounds, allowing her to project a bolt of energy that deals
Occurren ce: Rare
4dl0 points of damage to Darkhounds (a Fortitude save
against DC 16 halves the damage). TI1e beam has a range
When inactive, this
of 50 feet and automatically hits. The
ter'angreal resembles a
medallion can generate one beam
day-flower that has
per round.
withdrawn its petals to
hide under five large
leaves of some strange }ENASA'S GOLDEN KEY
substance with the flexibil- Activation: Wield
ity of cloth but the hard- Affinities: None
ness of metal. When acti- Size: Tiny
vated by touch, it opens to Weight: 112 lb.
reveal the flower. Made of Occurrence: Unique
carved and painted ivory,
the flower fills the A piece of thick gold wire
room with sunlight, bent into a U-shape at one end, with a long shaft ex-
the scent of flowers, tending perpendicular to the U from Lhe top, this
and the pleasant feel The Five Leaves Folded object received its name because it makes it easier to open
of early springtime in the doorways of Portal Stones. Consider it the equivalent
a green and fertile land. The effect lasts for 3 hours, or of a sa'angreal with power rating 6 for a user casting the we
until the user touches the ter'angreal again with the intent Portal Sto'Ze weave. It also aids other Traveling weaves as a
to turn it off. The item is usable once per day, and only sa 'angreal of power rating 4. Additionally, if the user
during daylighl hours (it automatically deactivates when makes any Concentration checks relating to a Traveling
night falls). weave, she receives a +2 competence bonus on them.
297
THE LAPIS SPHERE. This large medallion, typically made of st~el, has small,
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 0 level derailed geometric patterns etched all over its face. When
Affinities: Spirit the owner wears it prominently around his neck, anyone
Size: Small looking directly at it (including anyone who engages t~c
Weight: 2 lb. wearer in mclee combat from the front) must make a Will
Occurrence: Unique save (DC 18). The medallion entrances anyone who
fails, causing them to devote so much of their atten-
This ter'angrtal is a smooth, I~ tion to the medallion that they suffer a -4 penalty on
highly polished sphere of [i all checks, attacks, and Defense.
solid lapis lazuli about 3
inches in diameter. It seems OATH Roo
to gather the light to itself Activation: Wield (channeler only}
and reflect it back in shades Affinities: None
of deep, gentle blue. Holding Size: Small
it brings a feeling of peace and Weight: 2 lb.
tranquility to most people, though Occurrence: Unique
some feel no effect whatsoever.
A channeler who holds the The Lapis Sphere
This object, a smooth rod made of some strange wh~te
sphere and concentrates upon it . substance, is one of the greatest treasures of the White
can cause it to show scenes of far-off places in the real Tower. Oaths sworn on it binds the swearer "bone deep"
world or Trl'1mm'rhiod, or distant times in the real world. (as the Aes Sedai say). Breaking an oath sworn on the rod
She must make a Concentration check (DC 18). If the requires a Will (DC 30} each time the oalh is broken. If
check fails, nothing happens; the user simply wastes her the save is successful, the oath may be broken, but the
weave slot. lf it succeeds, the Lapis Sphere displays a pic- swearer sufTers extreme discomfort and 2d6 points ofsub-
ture of the desired place and/or time. If the user chooses dual damage.
to view the waking world, she can name any person or A channeler can also use the Oath Rod to remove an
place within two hundred miles and/or one hundred oath another person has sworn on it.
years per weave level (or twenty miles and/or ten years for The Oath Rod only affects channelers; if scilled, .i
a 0-level weave). The sphere does not transmit sound, but woman who bas sworn oaths on tbe rod is freed &om
it does provide a clear enough p1ctu~e for ~he user to read them. To bind an oath into a nonchanneler requires a
a speaker's lips (using the Read Lips skill). [f the. user rype of ter 'angreal called a Binding Cha ir, .though s~ far
chooses to view Tel'aran'rhiod, increase the sacnficed as is known, none of these fearsome ob1ects survived
weave slot by one level. Attempting to view a specific pe~ the Breaking.
son in Ttl'aran'rhiod requires, of course, that the person is According co some, the Oath Rod may be one of the
in Tel'amn'rhiod at the time (either physically or dream- "Nine Rods of Dominion" the ancient records say Lews
ing); if not, nothing happens and the sacrificed weave slot Therin Telamon summoned. If so, it may have other pow·
is wasted. ers. The nature and powers of the other eight rods, and
whether they survived cbe Breaking, remain unknown.
MASK OF ILLUSION
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 0 level PENARA'S BUCKLE
Affinities: Spirit Activation: Wear
Size: Small Affinities: None
Weight: I lb. Size: Tiny
Occurrence: Unique Weight: 112 lb.
Occurrence: Unique
Resembling in its unaltered state an elaborate mask made
of the finest silks and other materials, this ter'rmgreal al- Named after the famed traveler for whom, legend says, it
lows the wearer to disguise herself. It provides the equiv- was created Penara's Buckle is made of solid gold, though
alent of the disglfiSt weave at 2nd casting level (major it is less he~vy and more durable rhan most such objects.
changes to self). Any Will saves made to see through_ the Ornate and beautiful, it is large enough for a broad man's
illusion suffer a -2 penalty. The illusion of course hides belt, though paradoxically it seems t~ fit smaller ladies'
the presence of the mask itself. belts just fine. Minute mazelike etchtngs cover its face;
they cause headaches if looked at too closely.
MEDALLION OF DISTRACTION Penara's Buckle diminishes the wearer's need co car
Activation: Wear and drink. The wearer only requires one good meal and
Affinities: None one cup of water per week. I~ he or sh~ goes longer tl~an
Size: Tiny this without eating and drinking, the effects of starvahon
Weight: 1/2 lb. and thirst (see page 229) set in.
Occurrence: Rare
THE TALISMAN OF GROWING This ter'angrenl, a 2-foot-long rod of turquoise weighing
Activation: Wield no more than a rod of oak, was supposedly created by the
Affinities: None powerful channeler Zarinda dah Tharine during the Age
Size: Small of Legends. The carvings along its length, of fish and
Weight : l lb. other water creatures, betray its powers, for it grants two
Occu rre n ce: Unique abilities to the user.
first, it increases the effect of any weave with the
This fcr'tmgreal, created by some male channelers after the Water Affinity by + I casting level.
Breaking but before they went insane, is a fist-sized Second, it allows the user to summon fish to her
amulet shaped like the seed of a bean and made out of whenever she is on a body of water where any fish live.
crystal. Although the object has no seams, inside the seed She may designate the specific species of fish she wishes
can be seen a smaller seed; inside that is another even to summon, or multiple species, or simply all fish. All
smaller, with another inside that one, and so on to the design ated fish withi n a radius of 100 feet respond in-
limits of human sight (or perhaps beyond). Ogier and stantly, swimming as close to the rod as they can. This al-
channelers activate its powers by singing to it. lows the user (or her companions) to catch the fish easily,
The talisman allows the user to expand the Ways by or herd the m to safety, or the like.
growing a new Waygate. The user makes a Perform
(singing) check against DC 5 {the Treesinger fear gran ts a
+5 bonus on the roll). The process takes 10 hours, minus
15 minutes for every poin t by which the user exceeded
PORTAL STONES
the Perform (singing) DC. For every 15 minutes spent in These strange objects, arti-
the process, the user takes 2 p oin ts of subd ual damage (a facts from a time before the
DC 15 Fortitude save makes the rate 1 point per 15 min- Age of Legends, are. found in
utes). Lf damage causes the user to go unconscious before several p arts of the westlan ds
the process is complete, the Waygate is not created and (and p erhaps elsewhere in the
t he p rocess must be started again fro m the begi nning. wo rld as well). Each consists
Once the Waygate is created, it opens on to the Ways of a column of gray stone, 3
and functions in exactly the same way as all existing Way- feet thick and 20 feet tall, covered with hundreds
gates (see Chapter 13: Other Worlds for details). of markings, diagra ms, an d runes carved deep into
The Ogier have nor used the talisman since the Ways the stone. Even after millennia of exposure to the
bega n to change during the War o f the Hundred Years, elements, mapy still appear freshly cut and etched.
fea ring what m ight result if they tried to grow a new Way Some stand amid the ruins of flagstone-paved
today. They keep it hidden in one of their sttddi11g, yards nestled in mountain valleys or in other areas
though they have never told humans whid1 one. bearing signs of former civilization; some stand by
themsel ves on lo nely hilltops or in forest clearings
with nothing around them for miles.
THE TWELVE RINGS OF GLASS No o ne is sure whether the Portal Ston es are
Activation: Touch
ter'attgreal or n ot, but no scholar de nies they have
Affinities: None
great power. The Stones are gateways, b oth to the
Size : SmaU
Mirro r Worlds (those countless lands that fill the
Weight: 5 lb.
warp and weft of the Pattern) and from place to
Occur ren ce: Unique
place on this world. Activated by use. of the One
Powe r, they transport the user to whichever Mirror
This ler'a11greal is a set of interlocking rings mc1de of glass.
World h e wish es to visit-assuming he knows how
Despite its fragile appearance, it is unusuaJly heavy and
to choose. The carved markings on the columns
possesses the normal fer'angrea/ resistance to harm. Any-
apparently constitute a "road map" or directions,
o ne who looks at it for more than 1 round develops a
though few people alive today know how to read
headache (-1 penalty on all rolls for the next ld2 hours).
them. The markings on the top h alf of the column
TI1e rings aid channelers who wisn to link. It provides a
represen t or lead to Mirror Worlds, while those on
+2 competence bonus on any Concentration check made by
the botto m half represent or lead to other Stones
the user to join a link, or for any subsequent cba1m eler to join
in the westlands (and perhaps elsewhere).
tbat link so long as tbe user remains in it. It also increases the
Activating a Po rtal Stone requires the use Portal
power of tbe link as if two more women had joined the circle.
Stone weave (page 181). A Knowledge (arcana)
check is requi red to interpret the symbols prop-
ZARINDA'S Ron OF THE WAVES erly. The DC is set by the GM depending upon the
Activation: Weave sacrifice: 0 level destination-known Portal Stones in the real world
Affinities: Water typically require a DC of 15, wh ile more exotic lo-
Size: Small cales (esp ecially in the Mirro r World s) m ay require
Weigh t: 2 lb. a D C of25 or h igh er.
O ccurrence: U nique
It is a time ofgreat happenings in Caemlyn. Logai11, the false
Dragon, hns been captured by rhe Aes Sedai and is to bepamded
through the streets. Some s.zy this will bolster the reign of Mor-
gase, while others see Lhefalse Dragon-and the winter that will
not end- as a call for her overthrow. Red and white cockades
and armbands abound, tempers flare, and Whitec/oaks roam
the streets. And from without the city walls come nonors- ru-
mors offearful things stalking the shadowedforests of Andor.
BACKGROUND
The great city of Caemlyn is in turmoil. The winter that
will not seem to end has drawn thousands of outsiders
into tbe city, filJing its inns and public houses and crowd-
ing the streets with transients. A simmering spirit of unrest
is on the verge of boiling over into violence, as those who
see a time to bring O!ieen Morgase's rule to an end (dis-
playing this sentiment by wearing white cockades, arm-
bands, and sword wrappings) confront those who suppo rt
the O!ieen (wearing similar markings of red). Children of
the Ligbt patrol the city, keen to identify Darkfriends and
impose their own brand of justice upon them. And to top
it off, the recently captured false Dragon is to pass through
the city within a few days, amid much fanfare, as the Aes
Sedai transport him to Tar Yalon to be gentled.
But that is not all that troubles this ciry. Though few
realize it, stories of shadowy creatures in the forests out-
THE CLOAK
side Caemlyn are more than just rumors. Trollocs and Events of this story center
even Myrddraal lurk o utside the city w~Jls, and. s~me around an item carried or
have even entered the city on their ominous llliss1on. owned by one of the player
They seek a particular young man , and they are willing characters. Throughout this
to tear Caemlyn sto ne &om stone in order to fmd and adventure, we've chosen a
kill him. cloak, but you can choose any
And they aren't the only threat. Another individ ~al personal item carried by any of
seeks this young man as well. Among the teeming your h eroes. We recommend
masses of human flotsam thronging the streets of that you choose an item of moderate actual value but
Caemlyn, this man might seem little more r?an a par- significant personal value to the cbara~er who owns
ticularly wretched beggar. But be is Padan Fam, and he it. As outlined in Chapter 7, it's a good idea for play-
will stop at nothing to find Rand al'Thor or some ers to assign a little personal significance to some of
means ro his destruction. their mundane possessions when creating their char-
That's what draws the heroes into this story. Chap- acters. Discuss these items and their significance
ter 7: Equ ip ment suggested that, when ~h ara ~ters are with the players after they've made their characters
generated, man y of the items t~ey b~gw with have but before you start this adventure. With a little fi-
some personal value-perhaps family be1rloo.ms or part- nesse, you might even suggest that one such item be
ing gifts from loved ones. This adventure hinges upon a cloak such as the one we describe here. But be
one such item. Throu ghout the adventure, we assume caxefu l: You don't want to clue the players into the
that it's a cloak, but it can really be any sort of per- key nature of the cloak, so you can't make ~oo big a
sonal item carried by one of the heroes (see The Cloak deal out of its importance to the hero. You JUSt want
sidebar). to ensure that the hero values it enough to want to
Whatever the item, Padan Fain believes it to have k eep it out of Padan Pain's bands. lf you ~oose. not
power over the D ragon Reborn. Unbeknownst.to the to use a cloak, secretly pick any other suitable item
character who carries it, Fain happened to notice th e from the possessions you've discussed with the play-
item as the hero passed him in the thronging cro':ds ers and use tl1at instead.
that fill Caem lyn's streets. He has since been look1r:g For now, we'll continue to use our cloak as an ex-
for an opportunity to approach the hero an d obtain ample. To most observers, it's a fairly ordinary
it. The events of this story will give h im the chance cloak- a well·made garment, to be sure, lined with
he seeks. fur and trimmed with unusual, though hardly exotic,
designs. It's well suited to this cold weather, but not
extraordinary.
GETTING THE It should be more valuable to the player who
owns it, however. Perhaps it is a family heirloom,
HEROES handed down for generations. No one knows it s
INVOLVED exact origins, and all agree that it is not particularly
valuable. But it is exceptionally warm and com-
Before beginn ing play, decide with each of y~ur players fortab le and has been a cherished possession of
what his or her character is doing in Caemlyn in the first the family for uncounted years. To the hero, it is
place. Some might be from Caemlyn itself, ~r elsewher.e more than just your average cloak.
in Andor, drawn to the city by the unfolding turmoil There's a reason why this cloak has served the
over Morgase's reign. Others migh~ ~impl y be .travelers, family so long and so well: Centuries ago, the One
passing through one of the great .c1ues on rheu way to Power was employed in its making. It was created to
other destinarions. Still others might be beaded for 11- provide the wearer with exceptional comfort in in-
lian to become Hunters of the Horn. The most popular clement weather (not enough to protect the hero from
reas~n of all might simply be to see the fal.se ~ragon-his any real hazards of extreme environments, but
display, as he is paraded through the city, 1s a maior enough to keep him or her comfortable when others
even t drawing th ousands of curious on lookers from are shivering). Much like the cloaks worn by Warders,
leagues around. still crafted at Tar Yalon, this cloak is not a true ter'an-
Whatever th eir reasons, the characters find them- greal though it does resonate with the O~e Power.
selves but a few of many guests at the Golden Stag Inn Padan Fain has somehow sensed this resonance
just outside the city. There, the events of rhis adventure and, in bis madness, come to the conclusion that
will quickly overtake them. the cloak is a ter'angreal capable of rendering the
wearer invisible to the Dragoo Reborn. Is be cor-
rect? No-but that doesn't matter to our story. What
does matter is that be wants the cloak and that the
heroes want to keep it from him.
SCENE 1: wall. He crashes against a shed door, tumbling
WELCOME TO THE through it as it splinters apart, ro land in a heap on
the floor within.
GOLDEN STAG There's a gasp from the hushed crowd, but the
The first scene begins at the Golden Stag Inn, a moder- unconscious man in white is no longer the focus of
ately prosperous establishment of some size tucked attention. For within the shadows of the shed, a da rk
among the warehouses and merchant shops a little ways form is shifting. Taller than a man by half, its bestial
outside the city wall. It so happens that each of the he- head swings toward the open door. Light glints off
roes, on arriving in the overcrowded city, ended up stay- monstrous fangs . and disturbingly human eyes sur-
ing here. Used to serving the many merchant trains that vey the crowd as a low growl emerges from its th roat.
pass through Caemlyn, the Golden Stag is currently, like The creature brandishes a crude, curving sword
every public house in or around Caemlyn, stuffed to and steps toward tl1e doorway. Behind it, more such
overflowing with out-of-towners. creatures stir in the darkness.
The events of the adventure begin one evening, after
the heroes have been iJ1 town for two or three days.
They've had enough time in CaemJyn to become familiar TI1ere is a collective scream as the crowd scatters in every
with the situation, and perhaps some of them have met direction. Have the heroes make Spot checks (DC 12) to
one another. Read the following out loud to the players: notice two of the creatures in the shed hastily forci11g the
struggling form of a yo ung body into a coarse burlap sack
(see the map).
The mood at the Golden Stag is boisterous, almost These creatures are Trollocs, part of a band that has in-
festive. Although the simplicity of the fare reflects filtrated the outskirts of the city to watch for signs of Rand
the long, bard winter, there is plenty to drink-and al'Thor. Although they should be laying low, these tluee
where there is ale and a lighthearted crowd, music, snuck out in search of a snack. By prymg loose some
laughter, and games of chance quickly spring up. So boards between the back of the shed and the narrow alley-
many are crammed u1to the Golden Stag that the way behind, tl1ey crept into the stablemaster's room and
common room cannot contain all the guests, and ta- seized his young daughter. She's the one being forced into
bles have been set up in the stableyard to acconuno· the sack. Unless someone steps fo1ward to save her, she's
date the overflow. There several open fires have been headed for a Trolloc cookpot. U nfortunately, other than
lit, to bold the wiutery chill at bay and grant a cheery Rol the bouncer (who is unarmed), everyone else is fleeing.
atmosphere. A fiddler plays as guests chatter and toss Courageous heroes will stay to fight the Trollocs.
dice. Even more courageous ones might try to get into the
The crowd is mixed-a few wear the red of Mor- shed, to save the victim being stuffed into the sack. As
gase's supporters, a few wear white in opposition, the map shows, there is no way to get to the rearmost
but most don't openly display any affiliation. Those Trollocs without going through the one in front.
who have chosen sides avoid the company of their Clever characters might recall that Trollocs despise
rivals, gathering ill clusters at opposite ends of the bright light-make a Knowledge (Shadowspawn) check
stableyard. But Master Ferrin has forbidden any against DC 12. The bonfires in the stableyard are not
o pen strife on his property, and his men seem to bright enough to bother the Trollocs, but a quick-think-
have the muscle to make the order stick. So far, the ing character might light additional lanterns or channel to
antagonists have been content to shoot the occa- create a light bright enough to put the defending Trolloc
sional hostile glare across the yard at one another, at a disadvantage (see the Trolloc description in Chapter
avoiding more serious confrontations. 11: Encounters for their light sensitivity penalty).
Until now. Strangers all in a strange city, you had Defending Trolloc: hp 18.
found yourselves engaged in light conversation Fleeing Trollocs (2): hp 14, 16.
among yourselves. But the fes tive chatter of the
crowd is suddenly silenced by an angry shout. Two
men, one in red and another white, are closing upon
TROLLOC TACTICS: Trollocs aren't that clever, but
these ones are smart enough to know that they shouldn't
one another as one of Master Ferrin's toughs moves
have been caught .nosing around in town. Confident that
to break up the fight.
it is more than a match for the scattering humans, the
"Only a coward turns bis back on his ~eenl"
Trolloc closest to the door lunges forward to cover the es-
the man in red cries.
cape of the other two. Once it has slain anyone who might
"Bum me, you'll eat those words!" replies the
follow, the defending Trolloc plans to exit via the back of
man in white, as he reaches for his dagger.
tbe shed and meet its comrades back at their hideout.
But before the fight joins, a bouncer grabs the
Bagging the struggling girl takes the fleeing Trollocs a
man. The furious combatant struggles to tum his
full round. Tims, tl1e first pair of Trollocs do not escape
knife on the tough, but before he can draw blood
until their second round. If the heroes flee along with the
the powerful bouncer burls the man at the stable
rest of the crowd, the defending Trolloc quickly dis-
patches poor Roi and immediately follows its comrades.
302
!
f
~::::::::r+~~=i 1[1L
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~
~
"'
)
-=- cm-
lt takes more than 10 minutes for the Qpeen's Guard to
arrive in response to the growing alarm- far too late for
SCENE 2:
them to intervene in the Trollocs' escape. THE HUNT
If the heroes engage the Trollocs, it's a fight to the
The excited crowd breaks apart, as servants and guests
death. The defending TrolJoc occupies the doorway, try-
alike begin searching the stables, shed, and yard for any
ing to prevent the heroes from getting past it (and also re-
sign of Ben net's daughter. But it's quickly obvious, if the
ducing the number of heroes who can gang up on it). The
heroes don't point it out themselves: Sirene is gone.
Trolloc will not flee if there's any chance of being fol-
Hushed speculation on her fate drifts through the re-
lowed to its hideout, so it won't leave anyone standing-
maining crowd, and it runs from gruesome to worse.
nor will it surrender or flee if the fight goes against it.
Ferrin turns once again to the heroes.
The beggar is Padan Fain (see his descrip tion at the end
of the adventure). A twisted and evil man, Fain has been
lingering near the Golden Stag Inn since th e arrival of the
heroes, looking for an opportunity to approach the char-
304
acters and get his hands on the cloak. For now, anyway, THE TROLLOCS' HIDEOUT: There are three
he'd prefer to do so withou t resorting to violence, so he Trollocs i11 the copse. If they sp ot the heroes, they
isn't a direct threat to the heroes. That will probably quickly gather behind trees and boulders in the copse in
change soon, though .... an attempt to surprise the characters as they enter the
The heroes might choose to follow the beggar, or they woods. This time, it's the Trollocs' tum to make Hide
may prefer to make their own way. checks, opposed by the heroes' Spot checks. As they
In the fi rst case, the stooped form o f the beggar leads enter the copse, the heroes are not su rprised by any Trol-
them out into the road, down the street, and around the Jocs they spot, though they might be surprised by any
comer past the alleyway entrance. He says nothing, an- that they miss.
swering questions with a brief snuffle and stating only Trollocs (3): hp 14, 16, 19.
that he had been sleeping in the shadows across from the Remember that two of these Trollocs were the ones
alley when the Trollocs emerged, fleeing with their sack. that fled Lhe Golden Stag. If the characters somehow
Characters asking for the beggar's name, o r any other per- prevented their escape, only one Trolloc (hp 19) awaits
sonal information, receive only a muted grunt in reply. them here.
At the fringe of the fields surrounding the city out-
skirts, some 600 or so feet from the Golden Stag, the beg- Trolloc Tactics: The Trollocs are supposed to be lying
gar points along a hedgerow. The Trollocs, he indicates, low, and they know they're in trouble with their superiors
went into the stand of trees a quarter-mile across the fields. if they get caught. They fight fiercely at first, hoping to
kill all of the heroes (and thus any witnesses to their p res-
ence). However, they attempt to flee combat once all
FINDING THE TROLLOCS WITHOUT THE
three of them are wounded to below half their maximum
B EGGAR: Heroes who choose not to follow the beggar
hit points. Their snack is not that important to them, and
might still find the Trollocs' hideout on their own. Have
they make no attempt co take the sack, still containing lit-
the p layers make Search checks (D C 17) to locate the
tle Sirene, with them.
Trollocs' tracks in the unpaved alleyway. From there,
players with the Track feat can make Wilderness Lore rolls
(DC 15) to follow the prints through the dirty streets and
Aftermath: If the characters return to the Golden Stag
without Sirene, they are welcomed back with resigned
into the field; those without can attempt more difficult
warmth. They may not have saved rhe girl, but at least
Search checks (DC 19) to follow the footprints.
they tried-an act of real courage, everyone agrees. If any
are wounded, servants quickly flock arou nd them, Mere
tending their injuries as best she can.
The recently tilled field stretches a quarter-mile, and
If the heroes have rescued Sirene, of course, the re-
you can easily make out the jagged footprints of the
ception is a celebration. Father and daughter are tear-
Trollocs in the disturbed earth. They parallel a
fully reunited, and Ferrin and the rest of the staff- and
hedgerow that exten ds ou t into the field, stretching
man y of th e guests- offe r their warm regards. Bennet
toward a copse of trees at the fa r edg·e. In the nigh t-
thanks the heroes with heartfelt gratitude, and Ferrin
time darkness, the copse is a black mass, and no
insists on moving them to his richest accommoda-
forms can be discerned in the inky shadow.
tions-a separate room for each of them, on the second
floor at the front of the inn. The rest of their stay at
the Golden Stag is o.n him. Again, wounds are tended
There are several options for approaching the copse. The if necessary, and several rounds of roasts are offered up
most straightforward is to simply follow the trail along to the heroes.
the hedgerow, but that's also the most dangerous. The A patrol of the Qieen's Guard, made up of a Lieu-
two recently returned Trollocs are watching that route, to tenant Jerman and two Guards, has arrived in the he-
see if their comrade retu rns-or if they were fo llowed. roes' absence. Jerman has questioned Ferrin and many
Characters fo llowin g the hedgerow can attempt to of the witnesses, and examined any TrolJoc bodies left
take advantage of its shadow. Have the heroes make Hide in the stab leyard from Scene 1. A stocky, sandy-haired
checks, opposed by the Trollocs' Spot checks. Any modi- man of about 25 with a likable demeanor, Jerman is
fiers due to darkness that the heroes might normally ex- somewhat overwhelmed by the evening's events, and
pect are offset by the Trollocs' low-light vision. he's eager to return to the city to make his report and
C raftier heroes will pro bably want to try a different dispatch additional men to the Trolloc encampment
route. O pen fie lds or pasture su rroun d the copse on all (assuming he learns of its location from the heroes). In
sides, except for a shallow ravine leading into the woods tbe meantime, he questions the heroes quickly but care-
from the west. It provides some visual cover, as do occa- fu!Jy and makes arrangements for the Trolloc body to
sional bushes and shrubs that dot the pasture to the be hauled away and burned.
north. The Trollocs are keeping an intermittent watch in He's not the only one awaiting the heroes' atten-
all d irections, including up the ravine. Have each hero tion. Once Jerman has moved on, read the following,
make a single Hide check as he or she approaches the aiming it primarily at the player with the cloak.
copse (with a +4 bonus due to the Trollocs' inattention),
opposed by the Trollocs' Spot checks.
305
Amid the kudos, congratulations, and questioning, the
SCENE 3: THE
beggar has been aU but forgotten. But he has not dis- FALSE DRAGON
appeared. He steps forward, grasping you by the cloak.
The next morning, the heroes awaken to considerably
"My reward, sir?" he coughs, carrying the fetid
more comfort than they experienced in the tiny, crowded
odor of his breath toward your face. "Much have 1
rooms they h~d been forced to accept previously. A hot
done. But 1 ask little. Only it is so cold out-give me
bre~ast awaits them, and another round of friendly
your cloak, so that I might warm myself. That is all."
greetmgs marks their arrival in the common room .
Ferrin wrinkles his nose at the stooped figure.
Tilis is the day that some of them, if not all, have proba-
"Well, J suppose you deserve something," he admits.
bly been awaiting: the day that Logain is paraded through
"But you'll not go troubling my guests. If it's cold you
Caemlyn. Characters wishing to see the captured false
are, I'll give you a blanket. Two, even-you've earned
Dr~gon wi.11 have to set off early to find a good spot from
them. And you can sleep in the loft, there, above the
which to Vlew the parade as it makes its way through the city.
stable. Now go on. Call for a bath if you want one,
It's possible, of course, that the heroes won't want to
but don't come back into the Stag without."
go see Logain. If that's the case, simply skip this scene (or
The beggar raises his cowled head, and you can
find a way to work the following events into whatever ac-
see his eyes studying you from within. After a mo-
tivities they choose for the day).
ment, he reluctantly releases your cloak, takes the
blankets that a servant offers, and turns to shuffle
from the room.
The route that will bring the false Dragon through
the city has been public knowledge, oft-discussed,
for days, and there's a small square just inside the
The hero in question can, of course, catch up with the
New City where you should enjoy a fine view. As
b7ggar .before he. exits the inn-if he really wishes to part
you approach the square, you can see the dense
with lus cloak (1f be does, this adventure is essentially
crowd already pressing against the line of red-
over; see the epilogue for details). If they don't approach
cloaked pikemen who keep the street itself clear. Al-
the beggar, he quickly disappears into the night, appar-
~hough you have arrived in plenty of time, the scene
ently uninterested in Ferrin's offer of the loft.
1s dense with onlookers. Some sit in windows or
~ROLLOC COPSE
"
306
The false '.Dragon is borne through Cnemtyn
lhough unwill ing to openly face down the Whitecloaks,
crowd balconies, but most swirl around you in the deliberately slows their progress enough to prevent any
street, chattering in speculatio n as they jockey for attack of opportunity and allow the heroes to escape.
the best positions along the parade rou te. However, any Whitecloak who gets a chance to act be-
A distu rbance in the turbulen t throng catches fore all of the heroes will attempt to grab one of the re-
your attention, and you turn to see a gap appearing maining ch aracters. If the W hitedoak fa ils, th e hero ca n
in the crowd. Four men emerge, glaring at the on- run away on his or her action. Otherwise, the White-
lookers who part before them. They are heavily cloak holds on to the hero, to be questioned by Under-
armed, armored in gleaming mail, and wear cloaks of lieutenant Arlvin.
pure white with a golden sunburst pattern, the The Wh itecloaks aren 't looking for armed confronta-
leader's augmen ted with a silver lightning-flash tion (and actually have n o real authority in Caemlyn), so
emblem. they won't draw their weapons unless the heroes do first.
"You there!" the leader calls out, pointing toward Of course, having no real reason to avoid them, most
your group as they approach. heroes will p robably not try to hide or flee but simply
wait for the Whitecloaks to approach.
307
Underlieutenant Arlvin, the leader, is looking for a group
of travelers from the Two Rivers area of Andor. He's
stopped the player characters because one or more of
DISRUPTING THE PARADE
them might fit the vague description he has been given. AJthough unlikely, it's possi·
Although his manner is rude and demanding, the heroes ble that the characters may
will have no reaJ trouble with rum so long as they coop- decide to disrupt the parade
erate and make it d ear they're not the ones he's looking or even try to kill Logain the
for. The officer questions them closely for several min- False Dragon. Fortunately,
utes, demanding their names, their origins, the routes they don't have much chan ce
they have traveled to arrive in Caemlyn, where they are of succeeding.
staying, and their reasons for coming to the city. Once The parade's first line of
he's had bis answers, he warns the heroes to "stay in the defense is the legi on of pikemen that lines the en-
Light" and moves on with his men. tire parade route. These soldiers stand every few
If any of the heroes do claim to be from the Two feet, watching the crowd and ready to take action
Rivers, Arlvin attempts to arrest them. His men start to should aoy problem erupt Any character who ac-
draw their weapons, but the surrounding crowd, watch- tually makes it through tbe pikemen would then
ing the exchange with interest, quickly begins to heckJe have to contend with the thousands of soldiers
the soldiers, pressing in around thern. Faced with the that make up the parade itself. It's very unlikely
hostile mob, the Whitecloaks hesitate, and after a mo- that any disruption the heroes cause could even
ment a patrol of the Q!ieen's Guard appears. Arlvin momentarily slow tbe parade.
won' t risk a fight with them around, so he and his men Finally, Logain and the eigh t Aes Sedai are
back off. protected by a master ward weave that surrounds
Whitecloaks (4): hp 9, 7, 7, 6. the entire wagon . Ranged attacks against the
wagon simply bounce off the invisible dome over
the cage.
THE CAGE: Shortly after Arlvin disappears, a peal of fan-
fare from down the street announces the arrival ofLogain.
The parade draws to a close, and the crowd begins to disperse.
The heroes are free to return to the Golden Stag or wander the
The crowd surges forward, strammg at the line of
streets of CaernJyn. But either way, eyes are upon them.
Guards who barely hold the street clear. As the lead el-
ements of the procession round the corner, the air is
split by the pealing of trumpets and the responding A WATCHER: Have any alert heroes make Spot
roar of the crowd. Rank after rank of trumpeters ap· checks (D C 14). On a success, read the following.
pear, followed by scores of drummers. As these musi·
cians pass your position, a hundred ranks of horsemen
flanked by scores and scores of archers and pikemen A form catches your eye some sixty feet down the
file arow1d the comer, the first ranks carrying aloft the street. A weasel-faced man with hunched shoulders
banners of Andor: white lions on fields of red. Armor leans against a building, watching you. As your gaze
glitters in the cold sunshine, lances are held proudly meets his, the man's eyes narrow, and he turns and
aJoft, and crimson banners fl utter in the breeze. disappears into an aJleyway.
Then a massive wagon appears. Four hitches of
four giant workhorses puH the enormous vehicle,
The weasel-faced man is Grom Fetchit, a toady of the
upon which sits an iron cage surrounded by stately
Whitecloaks. The heroes may choose to pursue him, but
women, two at each comer-Acs Sedai, surely. k the
by the time they make their way through the crowd to the
wagon appears you can make out a dozen men on
aJleyway entrance, Fetchit is long gone. With a Gather In-
horseback around it, wearing strange cloaks that
forma tion check (DC 14), however, the heroes ca n learn
shimmer and seem to disappear as they blow in the
from a local resident Fetchjt's name and the locaLion of
breeze. Their eyes scan the crown relentlessly.
his tiny home, a few blocks away.
But it is not they who hold your gaze as the
Catching the suspicious Fetchit there, though, is a dif-
wagon draws nearer. For there, in the cage, is Logain
ferent matter. He watches the road from an upper window
himself. The false Dragon is a tall man, with long
and flees via a back door if he sees any of the heroes ap-
dark hair that hangs in curls about his shoulders. He
proaching openly. (Heroes approaching surreptitiously
stares out at the crowd defiantly, suddenly making
should make Hide or Disguise checks opposed by Fetchit's
the processional seem a regal esco1t rather than a
Spot check.) If the heroes do catch him (either by sneak-
capturing army; the cage a stately coach rather than
ing up to his house, chasing him down, or awaiting his re·
an iron prison. As he passes, his eyes seem to fall, for
turn and catching him then) he does not physicaJly resist.
just a moment, on you, and you sense the power of
Getting information out ofFetchit requires an Intimi-
the man.
date check (DC 11). On a success, Fetchit admits chat he
was paid by the Whitecloaks to keep an eye on the heroes.
308
He knows nothing about what they want, other than tbac
they're looking for a group of young men and women The hunched form of the beggar, lurching slightly as
from the Two Rive rs area of Andor. be shambles ahead of you, leads you away from the
G rom Fetchit (Commoner 1): hp 3. Golden Stag. You head up the street, in through the
massive city gate, and up the boulevard some five
hundred feet or more. Signs of ilie parade lie every-
SCENE 4: THE where, in the debris strewn across tlie streets and
banners hanging from windows. You turn down a
BEGGAR RETURNS side street crowded close with shops and homes
three, four, and sometimes even five stories tall.
Some time after the heroes return to the Golden Stag, a
Though the city remains crowded, the throngs are
visitor calls for them.
nowhere near as dense as tliey were earlier, and you
easily make your way through the remaining bustle,
A bustle at the doorway attracts your attention. A
servant is turning to look your way, and beyond her
you can see the hunched form of the beggar in the
past merchants and townspeople, transients and
refugees.
The beggar stops before a plain building, marked
only by a crimson banner of Andor hanging from an
- 2
Master Ferrin won't let the beggar into the Stag, so if the
heroes wish to speak to him, they must join bim on the
The "soldier'' is really one of Fain's thugs. (Have any hero
street. lf they choose not to, the beggar loiters in the road
who voices suspicion make a Spot check against DC 16. On
outside the inn, waiting for the heroes to emerge. He then
a success, the hero notices that the thug is somewhat di-
approaches them.
sheveled for a Guardsman and that his tabard is worn and
frayed.) The thug invites the heroes in, leading them through
a door at the back of the small antechamber. The room be-
"That lieutenant from the Guard sent me for you,"
yond is an empty storeroom, and it is here the ambush is to
croaks the beggar. It's immediately clear that he
take place. Two additional thugs, along with the one who led
didn't accept the bath Ferrin offered him. He turns
the heroes in, attack as soon as most of the heroes enter the
to point, extending a clawlike hand toward the gates
room. A fourth is hiding in the stairwell off the antechamber
of the New City. "He bids you join him-I will take
and moves to attack &om the rear, cutting off their escape.
you there."
The beggar does not participate in the fight but quickly slinks
down the street to lose himself in the crowd.
IJ asked why LieutenantJem1an sent him instead of a reg- Thugs: hp 7, 6, 6, 4.
u lar Guard, the beggar mumbles something about sol- Development: The heroes may question captured or
diers being "too busy after the parade." A successful incapacitated thugs. With a successful Intimidate check
Sense Motive check (opposed by Fain's Bluff check) indi- (DC 13), they learn the following. The thugs were hired
cates that the beggar is hiding something, perhaps about by the beggar to kill or subdue the heroes, and paid good
why Jerman wants co see the heroes. He refuses to answer gold (5 gold crowns each, with another 5 when the job
any more questions, however, even if it means that the was done) to do it. They were told to strip the subdued
heroes won't go with !tim. heroes of all possessions; tl1ey were allowed to keep any
Jn reality, his crude attempt at gaining the cloak cash, but were specifically told to give all other belong-
through service to the heroes having failed, Fain is now ings to the beggar, who would meet the thugs after ilie
putting into motion a more direct method. He has hired ambush. No specific meeting place was set-the beggar
some tlrngs to ambush the heroes and intends to lead the said that he would find them. The thugs have no idea
characters into the trap. Once the heroes are disabled or what the beggar wants with the heroes' possessions, nor
slain, he figures, he'll simply take ilie cloak and slip away how a beggar has so much money to pay them-but they
to continue his pursuit of Rand al'Thor. weren't asking questions.
309
a Hide check opposed by Fain's Spot check. Ifsuccessful, the Suspicious characters may want to follow the beggar
hero follows the beggar into a nearby alleyway. If the beggar after he departs. lf so, have them make Hide checks op-
notices the hero, he follows a winding path through the posed by Fain's Spot check. If the beggar notices the he-
New City. If he cannot lose the hero (by succeeding at a roes, he follows a winding path through the gates into the
Hide check opposed by the hero's Spot check), he eventually New City. He then leads the heroes to a shop-and right
tu ms into a side alleyway. ln either case, a hero following the into the ambush he has prepared for them.
beggar into the alley has a chance to confront him. If the heroes simp.ly tgnore the beggar, Fain may still
The beggar initially plays dumb, crouching in the al- have an opportunity to attack them. He gathers his thugs
leyway as if seeking a p lace ro shelter from the wintery and watches the Stag, waiting for the heroes to leave.
breeze and perhaps even asking the hero for a few coins. When they do, the thugs follow. This time, have the he-
If the hero presses him with questions or simply doesn't roes make Spot checks opposed by the thugs' Hide checks.
leave after a few moments, Fain suddenly attacks, pulling If a character notices the thugs, read the following.
a sap from beneath his many rags. Have the hero make
Sense Motive checks (opposed by Fain's Bluff check); if Someone is following you: a burly man with squinty
she fails, she is flat-footed. Fain takes advantage of a flat- eyes and a broken nose. There's an axe at his belt. He
footed hero by using his sneak attack bonus to damage. may have companions.
A hero in this fight-especially if there are only one or
two of them-is quite probably outclassed. Fortunately, the
alleyway isn't a great place for a fight, and passersby on the To lose the thugs, each character must succeed at a Bluff
adjoining street quickly call out the alarm. At the end of check opposed by the thugs' Sense Motive checks. lf tJ1e
the second regular round (or before, if a hero is incapaci- Bluff succeeds, the character can make a Hide check op-
tated), the beggar flees the scene as Guards come running. posed by the thugs' Spot checks. If a character's Hide
check is successful, the character eludes the thugs.
Alternatively, the party may try to lure the thugs into
T URNING THE TABLES: If the heroes don't leave an ambush-a simple affair, since the thugs themselves
the Golden Stag with the beggar, the hunched figure
also hope to catch t.he characters in a dark alley. If the he-
briefly attempts to cajole rhem, growing increasingly
roes continue on their way, the thugs attad: them as soon
angry if they continue to refuse. Ultimately, however,
as they enter a secluded area- a deserted alley, a shop with
there is nothing he can do to make them go with him,
few customers, or the like.
and he gives up his efforts after a few moments.
0 JO
F EET
310
T HE BEGGAR'S PLAN FOILED: Finally, if the a second time to escape). He does not fight back or make any
party gives Fain no opportunity to ambush or attack them, attempt to defend himself-he simply takes his blows as he
he's simply forced to skip this step of h is strategy. He waits must to grab the cloak and make a run for it. Remember that
un til evening to try to steal the cloak. Move on to Scene 5. even alert characters are flat-footed the first row1d, and sur-
prised characters cannot act at all. Drawing a weapon, or ris-
ing from a bed, is a move action; a character can combine
SCENE 5: one, but not botl1, with an attack so long as he or she does-
n't have to move more than 5 feet to make the attack.
SHADOWS IN THE Whether h e is seen and attacked or not, Fain makes a
run from the inn as soon as he has the cloak in h is hands.
DARKNESS Any character not already awake will probably be awak-
His previous efforts having come to n aught, Fain is n ow ened by the commotion as the beggar plows down the
ready to resort to direct action. Just before dawn the next staircase and through the common room- have sleeping
day- when most of the world is sound asleep in their characters make Listen checks (DC 8 if it's just Fain, DC
beds- he sneaks into the Golden Stag to steal the cloak. 5 if other characters are fighting or chasing him) as out-
Attracted to the cloak by the same arcane resonance lined above, using only their skill modifiers.
that brought it to h is attention in the first place, he has n o
trouble identifying the room in which it is kept, even from
outside the inn. Climbing the stone walJs to the window
A DAWN PURSUIT: Qiickly moving characters, es-
pecially any heroes who confron ted him in the room with
presents him little difficulty (using his Climb skill, DC 18);
the cloak, can chase after the beggar.
neither does using a thin dagger to lift the bar on the inside
of the shutters (using Open Lock, DC 14). Altematively, if
the heroes have taken any unusual steps to secure the win-
As you careen out of the inn's fiont door, you see the
dows of their rooms, he can slip into the Stag elsewhere, to
beggar up the street-a dark shadow in tl1e dimness before
sneak through the halls to the room witJ1 the cloak
the dawn. Someone has stepped out from the stableyard
Despite th e comfo rt and security of the Golden Stag,
gate as if to stop the fleeing form. The beggar lunges at
recent events might have stimulated the adventurer in-
the man with a weapon. The man quicldy returns a strike,
stinct in the heroes, encouraging them to double up in
perhaps drawing blood. The beggar staggers back, then
their rooms or even set watches through the night. If any-
quicldy runs past the man and up the street.
one is keeping watch in the room with the cloak, have
As you give chase you pass the man, now
them check to see if they remain awake. Wariness in the
crouched in the darkness clutching a bleed ing arm.
wilderness, surrounded by shadows and eternal danger, is
It's Bennet the stablemaster-he must have heard the
one thing; wariness in a luxurious in n room, with a soft
commotion as he went about h is early chores. "He
bed and warm fire crackling merrily on hearth, is another.
ran off up there," Bennet cries, pointing toward the
Require a Concentration check (DC 15) for the hero tak-
New City. "He got me, but I'll be aJl right. I matched
ing the last watch, with a +4 bonus if he or she bas the En-
his cut-look, he's bleeding!" Sure enough, you can
durance feat. Failure indicates that the hero bas dozed off.
see spatters of blood on the paving stones.
Assuming the heroes are asleep or dozing, Fain needs
The beggar runs on as if every Trolloc in the Blight
to succeed at two tasks to get his hands on the cloak: sneak
were after him. He has a good 120-foot lead on you, but
into the room, then locate and remove the cloak. Both
these tasks require Move Silently checks opposed by the
if you hurry you can keep him in sight. As you row1d
the bend in the road, you see the op en city gates ahead.
heroes' Listen checks. Fain creeps into the room, at well
under half his normal speed, so he suffers no penalty for
moving. Also, the check result for a sleeping hero is equal Like some few of Caemlyn's denizens, Bennet was up be-
to his or her skill modifier; such a character does not get to fore the dawn, tending to early morning errands. The com-
add the result of a Id20 roll. Dozing characters (any heroes motion in the Stag alerted him, and he stepped out through
who tried to remain awake but fa iled) make their Listen the stableyard gates and into the street just as the beggar
checks normally but suffer a -5 penalty for dozing off. sprang from the front door of the inn. Seeing the beggar
If any hero is awake in the room with the cloak, have with a bund le in his arms, obviously fleeing the scene of
the character oppose Fain's first Move Silently check with some illicit act, he barred the man's path up the street. Al-
a Spot check, with a +4 bonus. If the hero succeeds, he though he did not stop the beggar, he delayed him just a
notices fain quietly lift the window bar or turn the door moment- perhaps long enough for the heroes to catch him.
handle. If be fails, he is surprised when Fain enters the Fain has the Run feat and is moving all-out, for a total
room. Either way, there is no chance of Fain reaching the movement of 150 feet per round. Other characters with
cloak without being spotted; the room is simply too small the Run feat can keep pace with hjm (remaining about
to allow him to sneak past a d1a racter on watch. 120 fee t behind him the entire way). After a lengthy run,
If Fain is spotted, he drops any pretense and lunges for they see him disappear into a narrow alley.
the doak. If he must run past a character to do so, he won't Heroes without the Run feat fall behind, at the rate of
hesitate, even if this provokes an attack of opponunity (or 30 feet perround. ft takes the beggar 10 rounds to reach bis
more than one, ifhe must run past once to get the cloak and target, which means that by the end of the race he is 420
311
feet (120 feet initially, plus 300 feet gained over 10 rounds) inside the door, and the lock-rusty but serviceable-lies in
ahead of them. The h eroes lose sight of him after about 3 the alley just outside. Either can be used to bar the portal
rounds of running when they're 200 or so feet behind. from the inside, and it will ta ke the Whitecloaks several
But observant characters might not lose the beggar minutes at the very least to bust through the sturdy doo r.
completely. There are still occasional spots of blood on
the street. Require two Search checks, each against DC
12. Success on the first picks up the trail; the second leads The cavernous cellar is nearly devoid of contents.
the party to the alleyway and the cellar. Failure on either Some baggage, including a bundle of torches, sits at
sets the heroes back a few moments but allows a retry. the foot of the stairs, and there's some ancient debris
Whether they kept up with the beggar or followed his stacked against the far wall. There do not seem to be
bloodstained trail, the heroes should eventually make it to any entrances or exits beyond the one by which you
the cellar doo r. entered and the odd double door of stone. Dust lies
heavy on the floor. It's clear that the beggar was not
the only person to pass through here lately. The cen-
Glimmers of dawn pearl the sky above the eastern ter of the room is thick with fresh tracks, and it does-
rooftops, but in the alleyway the darkness concedes n't take an expert to see that several people-and
few traces of the daylight to come. Only one shape even some horses or mules-were recently in the
is visible in the gloom: a contour darker than the room. It looks as though they, too, went through the
darkness around it, lying low to the ground against stone doorway.
the side of the merchant shop that flanks the alley-
way. An opening, it appears-a doorway into a cellar
or vault below the building. There is no other exit to Closer examination makes that last fact clear: The tracks
the alleyway. The beggar is nowhere to be seen. come down the stair from the cellar door in the alleyway,
As you approach, you see that it is indeed a cellar gather in the center of the room, and exit via the stone door.
door, set almost flat against the ground. A rusty iron Any character m aking a Search check (DC 13) sees not only
lock lies open beside it. Within, the dark space ap- the tracks of several people and pack anin1als, but also Trol-
pears to be an unused storeroom of sorts, as deep and Ioc tracks. The tracks are all recent- prior to these visitors, no
wide as the building above it. The room is crowded one has disturbed the dust in this cellar for years.
with stout brick pillars supporting the heavy vaulting The heroes' attention almost certainly turns to the
above. Aside from some baggage at the foot of the stone portal.
steps and a few broken barrels stacked against one
wall, the only sign of use is the mass of recent foot-
prints in the thick dust at the foot of the stair. The stone wall is fin ely carved in a pattern of vines
Though three of the walls are ordinary brick, the and leaves so delicate that if it were painted green,
fourth is of stone. It is covered in intricate carvings, in you might almost believe the plants to be real. The
the center of which is a heavy stone double door of fronts of the double doors are carved in this manner
odd design. TI1e beggar stands at the doorway, barely as well, and if they were closed it would be hard to
visible in the dim light, but your view through the discern the doorway's edges.
door is blocked. The beggar looks back at you briefly, But they are not closed, and the opening is what
then steps through the doocway and out of sight. truly draws your attention. For it is black: not black
second man appears around the corner-a heavily ar- like a darkened room beyond, but black like a thick
mored man with sword in hand, his pale cloak curtain lying smooth across the opening, like the
swirling as he turns. A second armed man appears, surface of a dark lake somehow upended and affixed
and then a third. to the wall. As you look, you can see your reflection
"You there!" the first armsman shouts. "H alt! mirrored faintly in the darkness.
The Children of the Light command it!" The beggar entered this darkness, and all the
footprints in the dust lead into it.
312
SCENE 6: INTO THE DARKNESS: lf they follow the foot-
steps, the heroes find themselves on a high arching
THE DARK ALONG bridge that seems to cross an enormous, bottomless gulf
The stone of the bridge, like that of the ground, is
THE WAYS cracked and pitted.
313
Villain Tactics: The Trollocs have been ordered to
As you near the next platform, a dim ligh t resolves kill the heroes, and that's just what they set out to do.
.itself from the darkness. It's torchlight, and just a few They move forward to meet the heroes where their bridge
dozen feet ahead. Several figures move in the light. reaches the platform. They don't spread out farther than
As you approach closer, you make out two huge 10 fee t apart, but other than that they observe few tactics.
forms-Trollocs!-as well as the disheveled outline of Fain remains behind the Trollocs, at the foot of a
the beggar holding a torch aloft. bridge opposite the heroes. "Hurry! We must catch
But the beggar is transformed. No longer al'Thor!" he urges the Trollocs in the first round. lf any
stooped, he stands tall and proud. His rags have heroes rush past the TrolJocs to attack him, Fain drops his
been replaced with the sturdy traveling clothes of a torch to the ground, steps fo rward from bis pile of bag-
wanderer or merchant-grimy and worn, to be sure, gage, draws his short sword, and engages.
but a definite improvement over the rags. And He's not a brave man, though. When one of the Trol-
there, atop the baggage stacked at his feet, you see locs goes down, or Fain takes more than 15 points of
the bundled shape of the cloak. damage, he decides to withdraw. If he has taken 20 points
The beggar turns to command the Trollocs. "Kill or more of damage at this point, he takes a full-round ac-
them," he orders. tion to disengage and fl ees up the bridge behind him. If
The bigger Trolloc turns toward you, a malicious he has taken fewer than 20 points of damage, he makes
glin t in its almost-human eye. It drnws its heavy, one attempt to reach for the cloak. That draws an attack
curved sword. "Fain say you die," it gloats as it steps of opportunity from any hero who threatens him. If they
forward. hit him, Fain pulls back and does not grab the cloak. Oth-
erwise, he does. Either way, he takes a 5-foot step and a
total defense action for the remainder of his tum. On his
Th.is is the fi nal battle of the adventure. With luck, the he-
next tum, he takes a disengage action to flee up the
roes will defeat the Trollocs, drive off Fain, and retrieve
bridge behind him .
the cloak.
If the heroes don't pursue, he runs off into the dark-
Trollocs (2): hp 18, 15.
ness, getting well out of earshot within a couple of
Fain : hp 43 .
rounds.
If they do pursue, Fain reaches the apex of the bridge
and stops. With one last scowl at the heroes, he jumps up
314
onto the crumbling railing and shouts, "I don't need the Padan Fain: Midlander wanderer 10; HD 10d6; hp 43;
cloak to kill al'Thor!" He then jumps from the edge into Init +3; Defense 20 (+7 class, +3 Dex); Spd 30 It.; Atk
the darkness, down toward another bridge that can barely +9/ +4 mclee (ld4, dagger or ld6, short sword or ld6
be seen below. Make a Jump check (DC 15) for Fain. (See subdual, sap) or +10/+5 ranged; SA Illicit barter, sneak
the skill description in Chapter 4 for details.) arrack +2d6; SV Fort +4, Ref +11, Will +8; Rep 4; Str
Smart heroes will probably let him go. Those who 14, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 13. Challenge
want to jump can of course make the attempt. Success Code: E.
lands a hero on the lower bridge, from whjch point he or Skills: Balance +7, Bluff +l I, C limb +13, Diplomacy
she can continue to pursue the fleeing Fain. Failure resuJts +11, Disguise +7, Escape Artist +7, Gather Information
in an endless plummet through the dark of the Ways, and +9, Hide +9, Intimidate + 13, lnruit Direction +5, Jump
eventual death. Heroes who become separated from their + 11, Knowledge (Shadowspawn) + 7, Listen +8, Move
friends may have some real difficulty in reconnecting in Silently +9, Open Lock +12, Pick Pocket +5, Profession
the labyrinthine Ways. (merchant) + 7, Ride +6, Search + 7, Sense Motive + 7,
Spot + 12, Swim +4, Tumble +6, Use Rope +5 .
Feats: Alertness, Bullheaded, The Dark One's Own
Luck, Luck of Heroes, Persuasive, Run, Skill Emphasis
EPILOGUE (Intimidate, Knowledge [Shadowspawn)), Stealthy.
If the heroes followed the general course of the adven- Possessions: Dagger, sap, short sword, backpack, 12
ture all the way into the Ways, they have likely recov- torches, 34 silver marks, 41 gold marks.
ered their cloak and seen Fain escape into the Ways to
continue his pursuit of Rand al'Thor. Although this is Whitecloaks: Midlander armsman I; HO 1dlO each; hp
a successful conclusion for the heroes, it does leave 6 (average); Init +l; Defense 16 (+5 full chain, +l Dex);
them stranded in the Ways. Finding their way back to Spd 30 ft; Atk +3 melee {ld8+2, longsword); SV Fort +3,
Caemlyn requires three Intelligence checks, each Ref +2, Will +0; Rep O; Str 15, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10,
against DC 15. Wis 10, Cha 11. Challenge Code: B.
Becoming lost in the Ways seems a bad mrn of events Skills: Climb +6, Intimidate +4, Jump +6, Ride +5.
for the party, but it's really an opportunity for you, the Feats: Endurance, Mounted Combat.
GM. Heroes wandering through the Ways will eventually
(probably within a few hours, or a day or two at most) Grom Fetchit: Midlander commoner l; HD ld4; hp 3;
find a Waygate leading back to the real world. But who !nit +O; Defense 10; Spd 30 ft.; Atk +O melee {ld4, dag-
knows where they will emerge? That's up to you-you can ger); SV Fort -1, Ref +O, Will +O; Str 10, Dex 11, Con 9,
bring them our wherever your next adventure calls on Int 13, Wis 11, Cha 9. Challenge Code: A.
them to be. Skills: Craft (brewing) +4, Listen +4, Spot +4.
What happens if the parry doesn't enter the gate? For Feats: Alertness, Skill Focus {Craft [brewing]).
starters, they don't get the cloak back-Padan Fain is gone
for good and will soon discard the cloak in the Ways, Thug: Midlander warrior l; HD ld8; hp 7 (average); lnit
once he realizes that it doesn't have rhe properties he +O; Defense 14 (+4 chain shirt); $pd 30 ft.; Atk +3 melee
thought it bad. Additionally, they will have to deal with {ld8+2, longsword); SV Fort +6, Ref +0, Will +O; Rep O;
the Whitecloaks outside the cell ar. They may choose to Str 14, Dex 10, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 12. Challenge
fight them or to surrender-how you handle that is up to Code: A.
you. Finally, this adven ture is designed as a lead-in to Skills: Intimidate + 4, Jump +4.
Prophnies of the Dragon, the Wheel of Time Roleplaying Feats: Great Fortitude, Run.
Game adventure book. If the heroes don't enter the
Ways, getting them involved in that series of adventures
will require a bit of effort-though it is by no means im-
possible.
In any event, the main plot of this adventure is es-
sentially over. Play out the heroes' encounter with the
Whitecloaks and any subplots they set in motion here
in Caemlyn. Prophecies of the Dragon begins at Toman
Head, so if you intend to use that adventure next you'll
need to create a plausible reason for the heroes to go
there.
315
block (wilder) 60 current 172 fiery sword 173
INDEX Bluff72 cutting lines offire 172 fighting defensively 141
abifay checks 71 bond Warder 166 damage 134 fireball 173
ability damaged 229 bonuses, stacking 197 damage rolls 140 fire trap 182
ability drained 229 Borderlander 30 dance the spears (algai flanking 146
ability modifiers 17 breaking items 150 d'siswa1) 48 Hat-footed 230
ability scores 16 bridge between worlds 179 Dark One's Own Luck 92 fly 174
changing 21 bull rush (action) 150 Darkhound 237 Flyby Attack 236
actions in combac 137, 138 Cairhien 29, 261, 264, 268, da[kness and light 228 folded light 179
adventuring gear 122 269 dazed 229 followers 106
Aes Sedai 30, 38, 39, 51, 53, Cairhienin 32 dead 144 food, drink, and lodging 127
54, 154, 155, 156, 157, 164, call in a favor (noble) 55 deafened 229 forele/1 weather 165
166, 167, 181, 206, 217, 260, carrying capacity 110 Decipher Script 75 Foreteller 98
261, 262, 263, 274 carrying Loads 111 Defense 134 Forgery 77
Affinities 160 casting time 160 delve 176 Forsaken, the 157
(iniciace) 52 casring weaves 159 Dexterity 18 free action 138
(wilder) 59 I-action weaves 139 dice 6 frightened 230
age (of a character) 103 full-round weaves 143 Diplomacy 76 full attack (action) 142
aid aJ1other (action) 149 Challenge Code 227 diplomat 224 full-round action 138, 142
Aiel 27, 32, 47, 52, 58, 156, 279 channeler skills 68 Disable Device 76 Gamcmastering 186- 205
Aiel War 264 channelers, abilities and 17 disabled 144, 229 Gather Information 78
Aiel Waste 47, 278 character condition disarm (action) 151 gender (of a character) 102
aiming a weave 161 summary 229 disease 23 J gholam 239
Alertness 89 character creation 10 disengage (action) 143 gleeman 212
Alcara 34, 35, 36, 264 planned 11 Disguise 76 goals (of a character) 105
algai d'siswai 47 random 10 disguise 178 goods and services 122, 124
Arnadicia 36, 39, 266 characters 6 dist.am eye 178 grapple (action) 151
Ambidexterity 91 customi<:ing 105 distractions 74, 162 grappled 230
Andor32,33,3~39,264, 266 dmge (action) 142, 148 Dodge 92 Gray Man 240
angreal 159, 290 Charisma 20, 21 dodge bonuses 135 Great Cleave 92
Animal Affinity 91 checked 229 Doman.i 33 Great Fortitude 93
An.ima1 Empathy 71 circle ofsilence 182 Draghkar 238 grenade 169
appearance (of a character) class feature 47 DreanJ Jump 97 grcnadelike weapons 128, 152
103 class skill 46 dream shielding 182 grolm 241
Appraise 72 class tools wd skill kits 126 Dreamwalk 97 hampered movement 108
Arad Doman 34, 39, 268, 274 Cleave 91 Dreamwatch 98 Handle Animal 78
Arafel 31, 268 Climb 73 drowning 230 hardm air 174
armor 119, 120 clothing 126 dry 172 hardness 150
getting into and out of 121 Cloud DaJlCing 164 dying 144, 229 harness the wind l 65
for unusual creatures 121 cold (environment) 228 earth delving 169 he11/ 176
armor compatibility combat 130 Earth Singing 169 Heal 79
(armsman) 50 actions 137 earthquake 169 heal the mind 176
Armor Proficiency 91 basics 132 eavesdrop 178 Healing 176
anns ofair 171 example 130 Ebou Dari 34 healing 145
armsman 48 sequence 132 Elementalism 171 heat and cold 228
Asha'man 51, 53, 54, 157, 207 statistics 133 Eliminate Block 92 height and weight (of
Atha'an Miere 29, 53, 58, 156, Combat Casting 96 encounters 226-228 a character) 103
218, 279 Combat Expertise 91 encumbrance 11 0 held 230
Athletic 91 Combat Reflexes 91 Endurance 92 helpless 230
attack action 137, 139 command (noble) 56 entangled 229 helpless defenders 148
attack bonus 134 commander 209 equipment 112 hero template 9
attack an object (action) 149 commoner 223 availability 112 Heroic Surge 93
attack roll 133, 140 Composure 86 eras and places of play 7 Hide 79
modjfiers 146 compulsion 167 Escape Artist 77 hit points 135
attacks of opportunity 138 concealment 147 exhausted 229 loss of 144
attacks, multiple 141 Concentration 74 Exotic Weapon Proficiency 92 objects 150
attitude (of NPCs) 200 Conjunction 166 experience, awarding 202 temporary 145
automatic misses and ruts 140 Constitution 19, 145 expert 225 holding a weave 162
awarding experience 202 ccrlm 237 Extra Affinity 96 horse 241
background feats 23, 42 coup de grace 148 Extra Talent 96 Uliaa 33, 38, 264, 268, 271
background skills 23 cover 146 falling 231 lllianer 35
Balance 72 cowering 229 false trail 168 illicit barter (wanderer) 57
Balefire (Ta lent) 164 Craft 74 false wall l 73 lllusion 178
balefire (weave) 164 crl!tlte fire 171 Fame 92 immolate 174
barrier to sight 181 crer~te gatewaJ' 180 Far Shot 92 Improved Bull Rush 93
Bend Dream 97 creature advancement 236 fast movement Improved Critical 93
blade offire 171 crearures 232- 236 (algai d'siswa1) 48 lmproved Disarm 93
blademaster 208 critical hits 140 fatigued 230 Improved Irutiative 93
Blight, the 30, 248, 278 cross-Talent weaves favorable and unfavorable Improved Trip 93
Blind-Fight 91 (initiate) 53 conditions 68 Improved Two-Weapon
blinded 229 (wilder) 60 feats 88, 90 Fighting 93
Improved Unarmed Strike 93 noble 54 Shadow-linked vermin 245 tool ofair 175
Infamy 93 NPC attitude 200 Shadowspawn 160, 233, 235, torm 247
initiate 50 NPC classes 222 249,262,263,269,278,287 total defense (action) 140
initiative 136, 148 objects 149, 150 shaken 230 touch attacks 135
injury and death 143 off-hand weapon 135 Shara 28 1 touch ofdeath 178
Innuendo 79 Ogier 38, 40, 262, 268, 274, Sharp-Eyed 94 Toughness 95
inspire confidence (noble) 56 276 shield 183 trace 168
Intelligence 19, 21 Old Blood 99 Shield Proficiency 94 Track 95
Intimidate 80 One Power, the 154 Shienar 31, 273 Trample 96
Intuit Direction 80 history 154 Shot on rhe Run 95 Traveling 179
Invert 86 traditions l 55 Simple Weapon Proficiency 95 Tree Warden 100
Iron Will 93 Open Lock 82 size modifier 134, 135, 232 Treesinger 100
Jump 80 opposed check 65, 68 skill check 65, 67 trip (action) 153
K.andor 31, 271 overchanneling 162 time and 69 Trolloc 248
Knowledge 81 (initiate} 53 trying again 68 TroUoc Wars 262
language, bonus choices 26 (wilder) 59 Skill Emphasis 95 Trustwonhy 96
language, home 23 overland movement 109 skill points 64 Tumble 85
Latent Dreamer 99 overrun (action) 153 skill ranks 66 Two-Weapon Fighting 96
Latent Foreteller 99 panicked 230 skills 64, 65, 67 two weapons, attacking
Latent Old Blood 99 paralyzed 230 combining 70 with 142
Latent Sniffer 99 pass bond 168 synergy 71 unarmed attacks 141, 153
Latent Treesinger 99 Perform 82 skimming 180 uncanny dodge
Latent Viewer 99 personality (of a slow aging (initiate) 54 (algai d'siswat) 48
life experience (of a character) I 04 (wilder) 60 unconscious 230
character) 104 Persuasive 94 smoke 231 untrained skill check 65, 68
light 175 Pick Pocket 82 sneak attack (wanderer} 57 use Portal Stone 181
light sources 228 pinned I 52, 230 Sniffer 99 Use Rope 85
/ight11i11g 166 Point Blank Shot 94 Speak Language 85 vehicles 110
Lightning Reflexes 93 poison 231 special and superior items 127 Viewing 100
Linking 159 polish 170 speed 135 voice ofpower 179
Listen 81 Portal Stones 299 Spirited Charge 95 Waking Dream 101
local movement 109 Power Attack 94 Spot 85 wand offire 175
lopar 242 Power-Heightened Senses 97 Spring Attack 95 wanderer 56
Low Profile 93 Precise Shot 94 s'redit 246 ward against people 184
madness 53, 210 prestige classes 205 stable 230 ward against the One Power 185
male channelers 53 Profession 83 stacking bonuses 197 ward against Shado1uspawn 185
Martial Weapon Proficiency prone 230 staggered 230 ward bore 185
93 Qiick Draw 94 starvation and thirst 229 Warder 217
master ward 183 raise fog 166 Stealthy 95 Warding 181
measurement 104, 201 rake11 245 stealthy movement (algai warmth 166
melee attacks 139 range (of a weave) 160 d'siswai) 48 warrior 225
melee, shooting or range penalty 134 steddi11g 288 Ways, the 284
throwing into 141 ranged attacks 139 Strength 18 wealth and money 11 3
Mental Stability 94 Rapid Shot 94 strike ofdeath 183 Weapon Finesse 96
mid lander 36 Read Lips 83 stunned 230 Weapon Focus 96
Mimic 94 ready (action) 148 subdual damage 148 Weapon Specialization 96
mirror ofmists ·179 recovering hit points 144 suffocation and drowning 230 (armsman) 50
Mirror Worlds, the 287 rend 177 surprise 136 (woodsman) 62
miss chance 148 renew 177 Swim 85 weapons 113, 116
Mobility 94 Reputation score 105 tactical movement 109, 145 weaves, casting 159
modes of movement 108 restore the power 177 Tairen 37 lost and rare 158
mountain cat 243 rewards (for PCs) 202 taking 10 70 Weavesight 87
Mounrains of Dhoom 278 Ride 83 taking 20 70 westlands, the 260-281
Mounted Archery 94 Ride-By Attack 94 Talents 158 calendar 262
Mounted Combat 94 riven enrtb 170 (initiate) 53 history 260
moumed combat 152 Run (feat} 94 (wilder) 59 whirlpool 175
mounts 110 run (action) 143 Tar Valon 151, 156, 262, 263, Whirlwind Attack 96
and related gear 127 sa'an.greal 159, 290 264, 273 White Tower, the 155, 274, 291
move action 137, 141 .1aidar 157 Tar Valoner 38 wilder 57, 157
Move Silently 81 saidi12 157 Tarabon 33, 34, 268, 274 Wi lderness Lore 86
move water 175 SaJdaea 31, 273 Taraboner 39 Wilders 157
movement 108, 145 save or check? 198 ta'veren 189 Windfinder 51, 53, 54, 58,
Multiatcack 236 saving throws 136, 161 Tear 32, 33, 36, 39, 264, 268, 156, 218
multiclass characters 44, 62 for items 162 276 Wisdom 19,21
multiplying damage 135 seal 183 7Wara11 1rhiod 282 Wise One 51, 53, 54, 58, 156,
Mulriweave 97 Seanchan, the 157, 280 1er'a11grt.r11293 219
MyrddraaJ 243 Search 84 terms and definitiol15 8 wolf249
name (of a character) 102 Sense Residue 97 thief-taker 214 wolfbrother 220
nature's warrior sense Sbadowspt1wn 168 thirst 229 woodland stealth (woodsman)
(woodsman) 61 sever 177 Tie Off Weave 97 61
Nimble 94 Shadar Logoth 278 to'raken 246 woodsman 60
3 17
_____________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Ccharacter
HARACTER N
name
AME Pplayer
LAYER
®
_____________________ __________________________________________________________ ___________
Cclass
LASS BACKGROUND
race alignment deity LEVEL
__________ __________ __________ ____________ __________ ___________ ___________ ___________ C H A R A C T E R R E C O R D S H E E T S
Slevel
IZE Asize
GE Gage
ENDER Hgender
EIGHT Wheight
EIGHT EYES
weight Heyes
AIR SKIN
hair
ABILITY ABILITY TEMPORARY TEMPORARY HIT DIE
ABILITY NAME SCORE MODIFIER SCORE MODIFIER TOTAL WOUNDS/CURRENT HP SUBDUAL DAMAGE TYPE SPEED
STR
STRENGTH
HP
HIT POINTS
DEX
DEXTERITY DEFENSE = 10 + + + + +
EQUIPMENT BONUS DEX SIZE NATURAL MISC MISS ARMOR WEAVE
CON
CONSTITUTION
TOTAL OR CLASS BONUS MODIFIER MODIFIER ARMOR MODIFIER CHANCE CHECK
PENALTY
RESISTANCE
CROSS-CLASS
= + MAX
INTELLIGENCE
IFIER SKILLS RANKS /
DEX MISC
TOTAL MODIFIER MODIFIER KEY ABILITY MISC. SKILL
WIS SKILL NAME ABILITY MODIFIER RANKS MODIFIER MODIFIER
WISDOM
B A S EB OATTAC K
CHA
CHARISMA
NUS
□ A N I M A L E M PAT H Y C H A ______ + ______+______=______
□ APPRAISE ■ INT ______ + ______+______=______
SAVING THROWS TOTAL BASE ABILITY MISC. MISC. TEMPORARY
CONDITIONAL MODIFIERS □ BALANCE ■ D E X * ______ + ______+______=______
SAVE MODIFIER MODIFIER MODIFIER MODIFIER
□ B LU F F ■ C H A ______ + ______+______=______
F O(CONSTITUTION
RT I T U D) E = + + + + □ CLIMB ■ S T R * ______ + ______+______=______
□ COMPOSURE WIS
R( DEE XFT ELR IET YX) = + + + + ______ + ______+______=______
□ C O N C E N T R AT I O N ■ C O N ______ + ______+______=______
GEAR _____________________________________
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ITEM WT. ITEM WT. _____________________________________
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O N E P O W E R TA L E N T S _____________________________________
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ONE POWER AFFINITIES _____________________________________
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W E AV E SAV E
DC MOD
0 0
1ST
MEDIUM
TOTAL WEIGHT CARRIED LIGHT LOAD HEAVY LOAD
LOAD 2ND
MONEY
3RD
LIFT OVER LIFT OFF PUSH OR
CP — HEAD GROUND DRAG
EQUALS 2 X MAX LOAD 5 X MAX LOAD 4TH
MAX LOAD
5TH
SP —
L A N G UA G E S 6TH
MK — 7TH
8TH
GC —
9TH
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