Conflict Engine — Complete Rules Reference

Chapter I

Character Creation

Build your knave from ten points of raw potential. No attribute may exceed +6 at start.

Ability Scores

The Nine Pillars of Survival

Characters begin with 10 attribute points to distribute among nine ability scores. No ability score may exceed +6 at character creation.

Starting Points

10

Distributed freely among nine abilities

Maximum at Start

+6

No ability may exceed this at creation

Total Abilities

9

Each representing a pillar of character

Example Distribution: Might +2, Finesse +2, Endurance +1, Insight +1, Resolve +0, Presence +2, Faith +0, Magick +0, Luck +2

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Physical

Might

Add to melee attacks and strength-related checks like swimming, climbing, breaking down doors.

Physical

Finesse

Add to defense, ranged weapon attacks, stealth, lockpicking, balancing and acrobatics.

Physical

Endurance

You can carry items equal to 10 + Endurance. Saving throws vs. poison; increases healing during resting.

Mental

Insight

Add to history, knowledge rolls. Having +1 indicates basic literacy skills.

Mental

Resolve

Add to fear and morale/mind-based saving throws, searching and tracking.

Social

Presence

Add to reaction checks, persuasion and deception. Determines number of hirelings you can maintain.

Divine

Faith

Add to divine abilities and saving throws versus malevolent forces.

Arcane

Magick

Add to spellcasting rolls and saving throws against magical effects.

Fortune

Luck

Fortunate events through chance, bestows favorable outcomes in uncertain situations.

A ragged knave with a scarred face peers from the shadows

Races

Grim Sorts — Choose Your Blood

Some races are rare in the world of Torches in the Dark. To play a rare race, roll a d100 and roll equal to or lower than the number shown. Playing as a non-human race IS your Grim Sort.

Race	Rarity	Bonuses
Human	Common	+1 to any ability score; choose one passive and one active trait.
Dhagax Dwarf	40%	+3 Endurance, +2 Might, Iron Gut (passive).
Badda Dwarf	40%	+3 Finesse, +2 Insight, Keen-Eyed (passive).
Khawv Dwarf	40%	+3 Presence, +2 Might, Foe Reader, Magick Sense.
Drakon	20%	+2 Might, +3 Faith, Unshakable Faith (passive).
Orkon	20%	+4 Might, +1 Endurance, Tenacious (passive).
Sun Elf	20%	+2 Presence, +3 Insight, Unshakable Faith (passive).
Astral Elf	10%	+2 Magick, +3 Presence, Void Gaze, Quiet Mind.

"You aren't a hero. You're a knave, a scoundrel, a rogue. A survivor. Play your cards right, and you might stay that way."
— Torches in the Dark, Core Rulebook

Chapter II

Core Mechanics

This is how you play the game. Pretty simple.

The Strikes System

Life, Death & Damage

Every character begins with a number of strikes equal to their class's strike count. For every hit taken, a character loses 1 strike worth of damage. Particularly powerful enemies may cause 2 or even 3 strikes of damage.

Finesse + 5 + Armor Bonus = Defense Score

Base Save DC

15

Standard difficulty for saving throws

Attack Roll

d20

Plus relevant ability modifier

Base Spell DC

10

Modified by armor interference

Equipment & Inventory

Armor, Shields & Helmets

Players can hold 10 + Endurance slots of equipment. Armor type affects both defense and damage reduction chances.

Armor

Armor	Category	Slots	Defense Bonus	DR Chance
No Armor	None	0	+0 DEF	0/6
Padded Tunic	Light	1 slot	+4 DEF	1/6 — roll 1 on d6
Hide Armor	Light	1 slot	+5 DEF	1/6 — roll 1 on d6
Leather Corslet	Light	1 slot	+5 DEF	1/6 — roll 1 on d6
Brigandine	Medium	2 slots	+2 DEF	2/6 — roll 1–2 on d6
Chain Mail	Medium	2 slots	+3 DEF	2/6 — roll 1–2 on d6
Scale Mail	Medium	2 slots	+4 DEF	2/6 — roll 1–2 on d6
Ring Mail	Heavy	3 slots	−2 DEF	3/6 — roll 1–3 on d6
Scale Hauberk	Heavy	3 slots	−1 DEF	3/6 — roll 1–3 on d6
Plate Armor	Heavy	3 slots	+0 DEF	3/6 — roll 1–3 on d6
Full Plate	Heavy	3 slots	+1 DEF	4/6 — roll 1–4 on d6

Shields

Shield	Slots	Defense Bonus	DR Bonus	Special
No Shield	0	+0 DEF	+0 DR	—
Buckler	1 slot	+1 DEF	+0 DR	Can be destroyed to negate all damage from a single physical attack.
Round Shield	1 slot	+2 DEF	+0 DR	Can be destroyed to negate all damage from a single physical attack.
Tower Shield	1 slot	+3 DEF	+1 DR	Can be destroyed to negate all damage from a single physical attack.

Helmet

Equipment	Slots	Defense Bonus	Special
Helmet	1 slot	+1 DEF	Turns a critical hit into a normal hit but is destroyed afterward. Test Endurance 10 vs Stun.

Damage Reduction: When you take damage, roll a d6. If you roll within your armor's success range, reduce incoming damage by 1 Strike. You choose when to attempt damage reduction.

Healing

Resting & Recovery

Sanctuary Rest

When at a sanctuary, players regain all strikes over 24 hours with food, drink, and proper rest.

Breather

Once per day, heal for 1d4 strikes. This represents a short rest and catching your breath in the field.

Chapter III

Combat Mechanics

Don't go looking for fights — you'll probably just end up dead.

Grim warriors locked in brutal melee combat

Initiative

Who Acts First

Group-Based Initiative: GM rolls d6: on a 1–3 enemies act first; on a 4–6 players act first. Simple and fast.

Single Initiative: Each character rolls d20 + Insight. Highest result acts first. More granular and tactically interesting.

Critical Results

Critical Hits & Fumbles

Natural 20: Deal an additional Strike of damage. Something spectacular and devastating occurs.

Natural 1: Something horrible happens — GM interpretation. Weapon breaks, you hit an ally, you fall prone.

Weapon Effects: Optional special effects like knockdown, bleeding, or armor sundering can be applied on critical hits per weapon tag.

Chapter IV

Spellcasting & Miracles

The gods care nothing for mortal races.

Arcane Magic

Spellcasting

When a Wytch casts a spell, they roll 1d20 + Magick vs the spell's DC. Wearing armor dramatically increases this difficulty.

Base Spell DC: 10

Armor Interference

Light Armor

+4

Added to spell DC

Medium Armor

+8

Added to spell DC

Heavy Armor

+12

Added to spell DC

Magical Mishap (Natural 1): Lose 1 Presence, then roll 1d100 on the Magical Mishap Table.

Arcane Mishap Table

Magical Mishaps (d100)

Roll	Effect
01–08	Dogs and other animals are terrified when around you.
09–18	Shadows begin to move oddly and crows follow you.
19–31	You cast a bestial shadow and a strange voice whispers to you.
32–40	You develop a disturbing ritual that you must complete daily or suffer disadvantage.
41–48	Magical healing no longer works on you. Your hide thickens (+1 Defense).
49–55	You hear terrible voices in your head. You can't tune them out.
56–62	You become sensitive to daylight. Disadvantage on all rolls when outside during day.
63–70	Open sores and pus-filled boils cover your body. Horrible scars.
71–80	Your eyes become red and glowing. You can see in total darkness.
81–86	Something reaches through the void. −1 Presence. Die if Presence reaches negative.
87–92	Psionic energy melts your brain. Take 3 Strikes of damage.
93–99	Tentacles rip out of your face. 5 Strikes of damage. All allies roll Resolve DC 14.
100	Madness takes you. You become an agent of the Slender Crown.

Divine Magic

Miracles & Divine Mishaps

Crusaders, Prelates, and Pyromancers can attempt to channel divine power. The gods care nothing for mortal races — petition them at your own risk.

Base Miracle DC: 12

Divine Mishap (Natural 1): Lose 1 Faith, then roll 1d100 on the Divine Mishap Table.

Roll	Divine Mishap
01–10	Your god marks you with visible stigmata. All social checks at disadvantage for 1 week.
11–18	Divine silence. You cannot attempt miracles for 24 hours. All enemies sense your abandonment.
19–26	Cursed tongue. You can only speak in religious blasphemies. Allies must save vs fear when you speak.
27–34	The god demands sacrifice. Take 2 Strikes and an ally within sight takes 1 Strike.
35–42	Divine test. Complete a dangerous task within 3 days or permanently lose all Faith.
43–50	False prophet. Your next miracle automatically fails and affects a random target.
51–58	God's jealousy. All magical healing hurts you instead of helping for 1 week.
59–66	Divine madness. Disadvantage on all mental saves for 1 week. You see things that aren't there.
67–74	Wrathful abandonment. Your god sends a minor divine servant to punish you. It hunts you.
75–82	Twisted miracle. The miracle works, but on the worst possible target in the worst possible way.
83–90	Divine price. Permanently lose 1 point from a random ability score as the god claims their due.
91–96	Heretic's mark. All followers of your god know you've been abandoned. They will not aid you.
97–99	God's cruel humor. You are transformed into a mockery of your former self for 1d4 days.
100	Ultimate abandonment. Your god personally appears to strip you of all divine connection. Become NPC.

Chapter V

Death & Dying

Death occurs quickly and violently in combat.

A fallen warrior lies on the battlefield

Zero Strikes

Reaching Zero

When a character is reduced to zero strikes, they gain a horrible wound. Roll 1d12 and consult the table based on the damage type that reduced them to zero.

Falling Damage: For every 5 feet fallen, take 1 Strike of damage. A 50-foot drop deals 10 Strikes — almost certainly fatal.

Horrible Wounds

Crushing Damage

Maces, fists, rocks, and blunt force.

d12	Result
1	Head battered. Knocked senseless — STUNNED.
2–5	Beaten to a pulp. STUNNED for 1d4 rounds.
6	Bashed over the head, crying out in agony. SKULL CRACK.
7–8	Limb broken. Roll 1d4: 1=left arm, 2=right arm, 3=left leg, 4=right leg. EXHAUSTED.
9+	Your head is crushed, your skull explodes. You are dead.

Slashing Damage

Swords, knives, saws, and blades.

d12	Result
1	Scream bloody murder. Lose 1d4 fingers.
2–4	Gush blood, cry out. EXHAUSTED.
5	Limb severed. Roll 1d4: 1=left arm, 2=right arm, 3=left leg, 4=right leg. LAST GASP.
6–7	Bloody and dying — your artery has been slashed open. ARTERY SLASH.
8+	The last thing you see is the glint of steel. Your head rolls.

Puncturing Damage

Arrows, bolts, bullets, and spears.

d12	Result
1–2	Arrow to the knee or a bullet wound. Agonizing pain. Maybe take up being a guard.
3–4	Arrow to the chest; blood spurts with every breath. LAST GASP.
5–6	Shot strikes your face — your eye is blown out. LAST GASP.
7+	The last thing going through your head is an arrow. Dead.

Fang & Claw Damage

Beasts, monsters, and natural weapons.

d12	Result
1–2	Claws rake across your chest, tearing at flesh. BLEEDING WOUND.
3	Throat bitten, bleeding out fast. You are mute. ARTERY SLASH.
4–6	Eviscerated. LAST GASP.
7+	Claws and fangs tear into your face. Your head is torn away from your body. DEAD.

"Every stone on this road is soaked in the blood of someone who thought they were clever enough to survive."
— Veteran mercenary, found dead the following morning

Chapter VI

Conditions

Each condition imposes meaningful penalties until cured.

Last Gasp

You're going to die. Test DC 14 Endurance every encounter; die when you fail.

Artery Slash

Test DC 12 Endurance after every action. Die when you fail.

Bleeding Wound

Bleeding for 1 Strike every round. Ignores DR. DC 14 Insight to bandage.

Morale Broken

Disadvantage on all actions. Enemy attacks have advantage against you. Rally on DC 16 Presence.

Frostbite

Disadvantage on attacks and all actions requiring movement. 10% chance of instant death.

Poisoned

Test DC 10 Endurance every action; vomit and forfeit your turn on fail. Attack with disadvantage.

Stunned

Cannot act on your next turn. Enemy attacks have advantage against you.

Skull Crack

Test DC 12 Endurance every encounter; become Stunned on fail. 10% chance of instant death.

Burning

Burning for 1 Strike every round. Ignores DR. DC 16 Finesse or spend a full turn to extinguish.

Exhausted

Disadvantage on all tests. Requires at least one hour rest, ration, and water to remove.

Chapter VII

Character Traits

Define your survivor's unique abilities. Passive traits are always active; active traits have limited uses per encounter.

Always Active

Passive Traits

Passive

Stalwart

+1 maximum Strike.

Passive

Scarred Veteran

+1 to all Resolve-based saving throws.

Passive

Tenacious

You do not fall unconscious until you're at −1 Strike instead of 0.

Passive

Iron Gut

+2 to all Endurance saves vs poison and disease.

Passive

Tactician

+1 to all Initiative rolls. Allies within 10 ft. gain +1 to theirs as well.

Passive

Pain Hardened

Critical hits against you only deal +1 Strike instead of +2.

Passive

Divine Shell

Take −1 Strike from unholy, necrotic, or fiendish sources once per encounter.

Passive

Foe Reader

You always know if a humanoid target is stronger or weaker than you (GM discretion).

Passive

Keen-Eyed

+2 to checks to detect illusions, forgeries, or falsehoods.

Passive

Unshakable Faith

Immune to fear effects caused by enemies with fewer Strikes than you.

Passive

Blooded

Once per day, automatically succeed a morale or Resolve save.

Passive

Magick Sense

You can detect the presence of active magical effects within 30 feet at will.

Passive

Void Gaze

Once per encounter, force one enemy to reroll an attack against you.

Passive

Quiet Mind

+2 to all saves against charm, domination, or mind-reading effects.

Passive

Hard to Kill

Whenever you gain a Horrible Wound, roll twice and take the better result.

Passive

Shadow Step

Moving through darkness or dim light costs no additional movement and makes no noise.

Limited Uses

Active Traits

1/encounter

Battle Cry

All allies within 30 feet gain +1 to attack rolls for 1 round.

1/encounter

Second Wind

Heal 1d6 Strikes as a free action.

2/encounter

Parry

Turn a successful melee attack against you into a miss.

1/encounter

Intimidate

Force one enemy to make a Resolve save DC 14 or flee for 1d4 rounds.

2/encounter

Precise Shot

Your next ranged attack ignores cover bonuses and deals +1 Strike.

1/encounter

Rally

Remove Morale Broken or Fear from yourself or one ally within 30 feet.

2/encounter

Shield Bash

If carrying a shield, make an attack that Stuns the target on a hit (no damage).

1/encounter

Study Weakness

Spend 1 round observing a target; your next attack against them has Advantage.

1/encounter

Heroic Surge

Take an additional action on your turn.

1/encounter

Deathblow

Against an enemy at half Strikes or fewer, your attack deals +2 Strikes.

2/encounter

Taunt

Force an enemy to target only you for 1 round or suffer 1 Strike of psychic damage.

1/encounter

Arcane Surge

Gain Advantage on your next spellcasting roll but risk Magical Mishap even on success (roll 1d6; mishap on 1).

2/encounter

Divine Smite

Channel divine power into a melee attack for +2 Strikes against unholy or fiendish targets.

3/encounter

Gambler's Edge

Declare before rolling: if you succeed, gain +2 to the roll. If you fail, take 1 Strike.

1/encounter

Lucky Twist

Reroll any d20 roll you just made. You must accept the second result.

2/encounter

Poisoned Strike

Apply contact poison on hit; target tests DC 12 Endurance or gains Poisoned condition.

Chapter VIII

Torches in the Dark — Grim Sorts

Each class represents a different way to survive a world trying to kill you.

Mercenary

Professional Soldier · ⚔ 6 Strikes

Contract Killer (2/encounter)
Mark a target at the start of combat. Deal +1 Strike to that target for the entire encounter.

Combat Veteran (2/encounter)
Reroll any attack roll, but must accept the second result.

Mercenary's Edge (2/encounter)
When you deal a critical hit, heal 2 Strikes.

Knave

Cunning Rogue · ⚔ 4 Strikes

Dirty Fighting (2/encounter)
Throw sand, strike groins, or use other underhanded tactics. Target attacks with Disadvantage next round.

Lucky Dodge (1/encounter)
Turn a successful hit against you into a miss.

Knife in the Dark (3/encounter)
If your target hasn't acted this encounter or you have Advantage, deal +2 Strikes.

Wytch Hunter

Scourge of the Arcane · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Sanctified Weapons (Passive)
Your weapons count as blessed and deal +1 Strike to spell-casters.

Wytch Sight (3/encounter)
See through illusions and detect magical auras within 12 squares for 1 round.

Supernatural Resistance (Passive)
+2 to all saves against magical effects and supernatural abilities.

Prelate

Sawbones & Silent Gods · ⚔ 4 Strikes

Medicinal Prep (Passive)
Start each day with 2 doses of Painkiller, Stimulant, or Sedative.

Herbal Remedy (2/encounter)
Produce medicinal herbs to cure one condition: Poisoned, Bleeding, or Exhausted.

Field Surgery (2/encounter)
Spend full turn on ally to heal 3 Strikes, but they're Stunned next round from trauma.

Marauder

Brutal Raider · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Berserker Rage (1/encounter)
For 4 rounds: +2 to all attacks, immune to fear, cannot be Stunned, treat as no armor.

Hate-Fueled (Passive)
Deal +1 Strike against anyone who has wounded you in this encounter.

Crushing Blow (3/encounter)
Your next successful attack ignores armor and shields completely.

Ranger

Master Tracker · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Expert Shot (3/encounter)
Ranged attacks ignore cover and deal +1 Strike.

Ranger's Shot (1/encounter)
If you don't move or attack for 1 full round, your next attack deals +3 Strikes.

Tracker's Sense (Passive)
Can follow tracks up to a week old and determine exact numbers and condition.

Crusader

Holy Warrior · ⚔ 6 Strikes

Empyrean Aura (Passive)
Undead and demons within 2 squares take 1 Strike at start of their turn.

Divine Weapon (2/encounter)
Your next attack deals +2 Strikes and counts as blessed.

Divine Healing (2/encounter)
Heal yourself or an ally for 1 Strike through prayer and laying on hands.

Pyromancer

Fire Wielder · ⚔ 4 Strikes

Anointed Oil Bomb (2/encounter)
Throw blessed oil that explodes for 2 Strikes fire damage in a 4 sq radius.

Flame Divination (Passive)
Read omens in any fire source and sense when someone is lying to you.

Righteous Immolation (1/encounter)
Set yourself ablaze for 3 rounds: immune to cold, +2 Strike to all attacks, take 1 Strike per round.

Alchemist

Transmutation · ⚔ 4 Strikes

Acid Vial (2/encounter)
Throw acid dealing 1 Strike initially and 1 Strike next round, ignoring armor.

Mutagen (1/encounter)
Drink mutagen: gain +5 to one ability score for 10 mins, then lose 2 Strikes.

Alchemical Mastery (Passive)
Create 1d4 alchemical concoctions each day.

Wolfgroom

Beast Master · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Go for the Throat (Passive)
If you and companion attack the same target, both gain +1 to attack rolls.

Companion's Sacrifice (1/encounter)
Your animal companion takes all damage from one attack targeting you.

Drag Down (2/encounter)
Command wolf to drag foe down, giving next attack advantage.

Blackguard

Intimidation & Brutality · ⚔ 6 Strikes

Ruthless Assault (1/encounter)
Make two attacks against same target. If both hit, deal +2 Strikes.

Cruel Efficiency (Passive)
Deal +1 Strike to enemies who are already wounded, frightened, or helpless.

Intimidating Reputation (Passive)
+3 to Presence rolls when intimidating. Common folk flee rather than fight.

Skald

Warrior Poet · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Court Intrigue (Passive)
Use knowledge of politics to gain advantage in social situations with nobility.

Warrior's Challenge (2/encounter)
Force an enemy to focus their attacks on you for 2 rounds or suffer a Strike.

Hero's Last Stand (1/encounter)
When at 1 Strike or less, all allies gain +2 to attack and Defense for encounter.

Wytch (15%)

Arcane Practitioner · ⚔ 3 Strikes

Harvest the Dead (Passive)
Cut spell-inscribed flesh from dead wytches to add to your Black Book.

Black Book Ritual (3/encounter)
Spend 1 round chanting to cast any spell. Roll with Advantage but risk Mishap on failure.

Flesh-Bound Tome (Passive)
Your spellbook is made of tattooed skin. Cannot be destroyed normally but horrifies all.

Chapter IX

World of Warcraft — Grim Sorts

MMO classes from our online campaigns. Different ability progressions from the core TTRPG experience.

Warrior

Fury & Steel · ⚔ 6 Strikes

Rending Slash (2/enc): Deal 1 Strike. Target bleeds, taking 1 additional Strike at the end of their next turn.

Battle Cry (1/enc): You and nearby allies gain +1 to attack rolls for 1 round.

Last Breath (1/enc): When reduced to 0 Strikes, remain standing at 1 Strike and take your full next turn.

Rogue

Shadows & Deception · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Backstab (3/enc): If target has already acted this encounter, deal +1 Strike on a successful attack.

Poisoned Blade (2/enc): On hit, target must pass Endurance save or take 1 additional Strike next round.

Marked for Death (1/enc): Choose a target: attacks against them deal +1 Strike for rest of encounter.

Hunter

Bow and Fang · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Pinning Shot (3/enc): On hit, target cannot use active abilities on their next turn.

Hunter's Focus (2/enc): Reroll a ranged attack or gain +2 to a tracking or perception-based check.

Trophy Kill (1/enc): If you reduce a beast or monster to 0 Strikes, gain 1 temporary Strike.

Paladin

Righteous Fury · ⚔ 6 Strikes

Judgment (2/enc): Deal 1 Strike. If the target is unholy, deal +1 additional Strike.

Lay on Hands (1/enc): Restore 2 Strikes to yourself or an ally.

Divine Flame (2/enc): Smite target for 2 Strikes. Target takes 1 Strike next encounter if Faith save fails.

Priest

Divine Grace · ⚔ 4 Strikes

Heal (3/enc): Restore 1 Strike to yourself or an ally.

Sanctuary (2/enc): Negate all damage from a single attack on one ally this round.

Soothe Madness (1/enc): Remove a mental or spiritual affliction from an ally.

Mage

Arcane Mastery · ⚔ 4 Strikes

Firebolt (3/enc): Deal 1 Strike. Target catches fire, takes 1 Strike next encounter on failed Magick save.

Arcane Barrier (2/enc): Block the next incoming spell or negate 1 Strike of magical damage.

Dispel Magick (2/enc): End one magical effect or curse on a target (Magick save vs 12).

Warlock

Forbidden Power · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Shadow Coil (3/enc): Deal 1 Strike. Target loses 1 use of an active trait next encounter if Magick save fails.

Drain Soul (1/enc): Steal 1 Strike from an enemy: deal 1 Strike, regain 1 yourself.

Pact Seal (Passive): Once per day, reroll a failed spell roll. If you fail again, summon a hostile demon.

Druid

Nature's Wrath · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Entangling Roots (3/enc): Target cannot use active traits next turn if they fail Resolve save.

Nature's Grace (2/enc): Heal 1 Strike and gain +1 to your next Faith or Endurance roll.

Regrowth (1/enc): Restore 1 Strike immediately, and another 1 Strike at the end of the round.

Shaman

Elemental Harmony · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Lightning Surge (2/enc): Deal 1 Strike. If you roll a natural 20, deal 2 additional Strikes.

Spirit Echo (2/enc): Your last healing spell echoes to a second ally for 1 Strike.

Storm Wrath (1/enc): Call the storm: all enemies take 1 Strike unless they pass a Resolve save.

Death Knight

Undeath's Champion · ⚔ 6 Strikes

Death Coil (2/enc): Deal 1 Strike. If target dies from this, regain 1 Strike yourself.

Unholy Frenzy (1/enc): Until end of encounter, deal +1 Strike with all attacks, take 1 Strike yourself each round.

Raise Ghoul (1/enc): Summon decaying servant. Makes 1 attack per encounter for 1 Strike.

Evoker

Soldier of the Flight · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Breath of Devastation (2/enc): Unleash draconic breath in a cone. Targets take 1 Strike unless they pass Magick save.

Temporal Rift (1/enc): Rewind time: undo the last action taken by any character this round.

Time Dilation (1/enc): Slow time for enemies: all foes act with Disadvantage on their next turn.

Demon Hunter

Fel-Forged Vengeance · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Fel Blade (3/enc): Deal 1 Strike with fel energy. Target takes 1 additional Strike next turn if Endurance save fails.

Metamorphosis (1/enc): Transform into demonic form. Gain +2 to attacks and +1 Strike damage for 2 rounds.

Soul Cleave (1/enc): Deal 2 Strikes to a demon or fiend. If you kill it, regain 2 Strikes yourself.

Monk

Body & Spirit · ⚔ 5 Strikes

Chi Burst (3/enc): Channel inner energy to heal 1 Strike or deal 1 Strike to an enemy within 30 feet.

Flurry of Blows (2/enc): Make two unarmed attacks in rapid succession. Each deals 1 Strike.

Transcendence (1/enc): Become one with universe. Ignore all damage/effects for 1 round, but cannot act.

Chapter X

Character Advancement

There are no levels — only scars.

Experience & Training

Advancement Without Levels

Character advancement isn't a traditional leveling system. Advancement is earned by exploring the world, finding treasures, earning coin, and purchasing training to learn new traits, passives, and equipment proficiencies.

In addition to purchased training, players can earn honorifics and unique traits from facing unique challenges, clearing dungeons, defeating bosses, and surviving legendary encounters.

Purchased Growth

Treasure & Coin — funding for training
Exploration — discovering new locations
Training — learning from masters & mentors

Earned Through Deeds

Legendary Deeds — unique traits through great acts
Surviving Horror — resilience through trauma
Dungeon Clearing — rewards for the brave and lucky

"What doesn't kill you leaves a scar. And scars are the only currency that matters in this world."
— Torches in the Dark, Advancement Chapter

Chapter XI

Tools of Death

Weapon tags that grant deadly advantages. These represent the craftsmanship, materials, or enchantments that make a weapon more than just steel and wood.

Weapon Tags

Tags & Their Effects

Weapon Tag	Tag Feature	Rarity
Accurate	+1 Attack bonus	Uncommon
Balanced	+1 Defense bonus when wielded	Uncommon
Bashing	Bashing weapons ignore shields	Uncommon
Blood Link	Damage is split between two targets	Very Rare
Catalyst	Base spell DC becomes 8 instead of 10	Uncommon
Crippling	If max damage is dealt, target can't move this round	Uncommon
Deafening	Incredibly loud. DC 12 Endurance or deaf for 1d4 rounds	Uncommon
Death's Embrace	Ignore first horrible wound each combat	Very Rare
Defensive	Give up your attack action; gain +3 Defense this round	Uncommon
Executioner	On a critical hit, deal +2 Strikes	Very Rare
Feared	Some enemies may fear you on sight	Very Rare
Finesse	Use Finesse instead of Might for melee attacks	Uncommon
Flame-Infused	On a critical hit, inflict BURNING	Very Rare
Glowing	Weapon glows as bright as a torch	Very Rare
Heavy	−2 to attack, but +1 Strike of damage	Uncommon
Hidden	Advantage when trying to conceal the weapon	Uncommon
Light	Weapon weight reduced by 1 (minimum 1)	Uncommon
Like a Feather	Weapon weight reduced by 2 (minimum 1)	Rare
Noble	High-born design; advantage on Presence checks while displayed	Uncommon
Quick-Draw	Switch to and from the weapon instantly; no action cost	Uncommon
Rending	On a critical hit, reduce target's Defense by 2	Uncommon
Shattering	On a critical hit, inflict STUNNED	Rare
Skirmisher	Retreat from engaged enemies without risk of opportunity attacks	Very Rare
Sturdy	Nearly indestructible; ignores the broken weapon condition	Rare
Tearing	On a critical hit, inflict BLEEDING WOUND	Rare
Versatile	Can be wielded two-handed for +1 Strike	Uncommon

Chapter XII

Equipment Reference

Essential gear for survival in a dark world. You can carry 10 + Endurance slots of equipment.

Adventuring Gear

Basic Equipment

Abacus1 slot

Arrows (20)1 slot

Backpack+5 slots

Bedroll2 slots

Bell0.2 slots

Blanket1 slot

Book1 slot

Candle0.2 slots

Chain (10 ft)1 slot

Cloak1 slot

Climber's Kit2 slots

Crowbar1 slot

Fire Kit1 slot

Grappling Hook1 slot

Hammer1 slot

Healer's Kit2 slots

Lamp1 slot

Lantern1 slot

Lock1 slot

Manacles1 slot

Mess Kit1 slot

Mirror, Steel1 slot

Oil (flask)1 slot

Paper (sheet)0.2 slots

Ration (1)0.2 slots

Rope (50 ft)1 slot

Tent (1-person)2 slots

Tent (2-person)3 slots

Tent (6-person)6 slots

Tinderbox1 slot

Torch1 slot

Waterskin1 slot

Mounts & Animals

Beasts of Burden

Mount / Animal	Cost	Speed	Capacity	Special
Riding Horse	200 coin	Fast	Rider + 20 slots	Noble bearing, skittish in combat
War Horse	500 coin	Fast	Rider + 15 slots	Trained for battle, +1 Strike trampling
Pack Mule	30 coin	Slow	60 slots	Stubborn but reliable
Draft Horse	150 coin	Moderate	80 slots	Perfect for pulling wagons
Pony	50 coin	Moderate	Rider + 10 slots	Hardy, excellent in mountains
Hunting Dog	25 coin	Fast	5 slots	Tracking, loyalty, 3 Strikes
Guard Dog	40 coin	Fast	3 slots	Combat trained, 4 Strikes
Falcon	100 coin	Very Fast	1 slot	Scouting and message carrying
Ox	120 coin	Very Slow	100 slots	Incredible strength, patient
Camel	180 coin	Moderate	Rider + 30 slots	Desert survival, water storage

Vehicles & Transport

Wagons & Vessels

Vehicle	Cost	Capacity	Requirements	Special
Handcart	15 coin	40 slots	1 person	Portable, fits through doorways
Small Wagon	100 coin	120 slots	1 draft animal	Perfect for small groups
Merchant Wagon	250 coin	200 slots	2 draft animals	Lockable storage, weather protection
War Wagon	600 coin	100 slots	2 war horses	Armored, mounted weapons
Caravan Wagon	400 coin	300 slots	4 draft animals	Long-distance travel, sleeping quarters
Sled	40 coin	80 slots	2 draft animals	Snow and ice travel only
Noble Carriage	800 coin	50 slots	2 riding horses	Luxury travel, +2 Presence in cities
Rowboat	50 coin	20 slots	2 crew	Rivers and lakes only
Canoe	25 coin	15 slots	2 crew	Fast, quiet, shallow water

Compendium

Character Creation

The Nine Pillars of Survival

Grim Sorts — Choose Your Blood

Core Mechanics

Core Mechanics

Life, Death & Damage

Armor, Shields & Helmets

Armor

Shields

Helmet

Resting & Recovery

Sanctuary Rest

Breather

Combat Mechanics

Combat Mechanics

Who Acts First

Critical Hits & Fumbles

Spellcasting & Miracles

Spellcasting & Miracles

Spellcasting

Armor Interference

Magical Mishaps (d100)

Miracles & Divine Mishaps

Death & Dying

Death & Dying

Reaching Zero

Crushing Damage

Slashing Damage

Puncturing Damage

Fang & Claw Damage

Conditions

Conditions

Last Gasp

Artery Slash

Bleeding Wound

Morale Broken

Frostbite

Poisoned

Stunned

Skull Crack

Burning

Exhausted

Character Traits

Character Traits

Passive Traits

Active Traits

Grim Sorts

Torches in the Dark — Grim Sorts

Mercenary

Knave

Wytch Hunter

Prelate

Marauder

Ranger

Crusader

Pyromancer

Alchemist

Wolfgroom

Blackguard

Skald

Wytch (15%)

WoW Campaign Sorts

World of Warcraft — Grim Sorts

Warrior

Rogue

Hunter

Paladin

Priest

Mage

Warlock

Druid

Shaman

Death Knight

Evoker

Demon Hunter

Monk

Advancement

Character Advancement

Advancement Without Levels