Monsters

Key facts

Characteristic

Reason

Overview

Monsters is the hunter's field guide: naming the thing in the dark by the tracks it left, knowing a creature is immune to fire, recalling that this species always fights near water, warning the party that the corpse in the road is bait. It is a Reason skill because it is accumulated study of creatures the party has not met yet. It comes up on first sighting, over remains and lairs, when planning an ambush, and whenever the party wants to know what happens if they run.

How it works

Characteristic: Reason. Skill group: Reason skills. Test: 2d10 + Reason; 11 or lower is tier 1, 12 to 16 tier 2, 17 or higher tier 3. Training grants a benefit and unlocks attempts untrained heroes cannot make. How it is used: Tier 3 names the creature and gives a usable weakness or behavior. Tier 2 gives its general nature and habits. Tier 1 gives nothing, or a confident half-truth that gets someone hurt. Edges and banes: Remains to examine, a bestiary, or prior experience with the species grants an edge (+2). A creature from another world, a unique specimen, or a glimpse in poor light imposes a bane (-2).

Tips and playstyle

Best for: Any party that would rather prepare for a fight than discover its rules the hard way. Character concepts: Sage career monster hunter, Gladiator who fought beasts in the arena, a wilderness culture tracker. Synergies: Nature for ordinary animals and terrain, Tactics to turn a weakness into a plan, Timescape for creatures that are not native to this world.

Frequently asked questions