     : 

W  
. A setting and rules companion to Lady Blackbird.

W   

. Anyone who enjoys Lady Blackbird or other Tales from the Wild Blue Yonder.
. Anyone interested in fantasy steampunk adventure role-play.

W    

. Extending or augmenting the adventures of Lady Blackbird and associates.
. Having other exciting adventures in the Blue.
. Writing new chapters of Tales from the Wild Blue Yonder.

W      

. At the table, when you play.

H    

. Find bits of setting detail to add into your game.
. As a GM: find ideas for obstacles, questions, and NPCs.
. As a player: find ideas for your character, places to go, and things to do.
. Ignore what you don’t like and—probably—what contradicts what you do like.

 .. .
 . C .
⃝
c 2010 Timothy Adamson.

This document is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/). Note that parts of this collected work are used under different li-
censes. Read carefully before making derivative works as some licenses are incompatible. Special thanks for everything that came before.

The following were culled for traits, keys, secrets, and awesome:
. Lady Blackbird by John Harper
http://www.onesevendesign.com/ladyblackbird/
. Darkening Skies by Chris Sakkas
http://www.box.net/shared/eqdk9jaqdf
. Alien Survivor by Will Hindmarch
http://wordstudio.net/thegist/?p=2022
. The Bloody Forks of the Ohio by Jason Morningstar
http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/projects/games/bloody_forks/bloody_forks_04.pdf
. Making the Bigs by Richard J Rogers
http://www.canonpuncture.com/wp-content/uploads/mtb_lady_b_style_081310_playtest.pdf
. My Darn Ex-Wife by John Ryan
http://theloneamigo.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/my-darn-ex-wife1.pdf
. Old Mesilla by Sage LaTorra
http://www.latorra.org/old-mesilla/
. Post-Apocbird by Jason Morningstar
http://www.bullypulpitgames.com/projects/games/post-apocbird/post_apocbird.pdf
. The Darkest Night by MisterGuignol
http://www.scribd.com/doc/47599728/The-Darkest-Night
. Castle Blackbird by Gremlin Legions
http://www.mediafire.com/?avaui66pdk2crh8
. The Shadow of Yesterday by Clinton R. Nixon
http://crngames.com/the_shadow_of_yesterday/
. Revolucion by Sage LaTorra
http://www.latorra.org/revolucion/

The pretty, mostly in order:

. Imperial Fleet Circling Ilysium, Sky Hauler Leaving Cloud City, and Attacking Void Spider by Timothy Adamson used under the CC BY-NC-SA
3.0 license, are derivatives of Clouds from Above by Skybase, Sunset Over a Cloud Ocean by Jason Pratt, Tower of Guard 3 by TLBKlaus (used
with permission), and IMG 0454 by petergranheim.
http://skybase.deviantart.com/art/Stock-Clouds-from-Above-109585408
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonpratt/3109250815/
http://tlbklaus.deviantart.com/art/Tower-of-Guard-3-64250885
http://www.flickr.com/photos/granno/4672853811/
. La façade Renaissance de la cour carrée du Palais du Louvre by dalbera used under the CC BY 2.0 license.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalbera/4764365190/
. Hand Held Time Machine Steam Punk Assemblage (with alterations) by Don Pezzano used under the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/donpezzano/2658192282/
. Clockman by Qsimple used under the CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/qsimple/4876862918/
. Soldier and Armband by Cliff Nordman used under the CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cliffnordman/4966052232/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cliffnordman/4059657964/
. The Inner Workings of a Leviathan (with alterations) from Leviathans by Catalyst Game Labs used under the CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
http://www.monstersinthesky.com
. Cosplayers (with alterations) by Mirko Tommasino used under the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/88icarus88/4008661371/
. Steampunk and his portable morse device (with alterations) by Matthew Mendoza used under the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 license.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattmendoza/4831924239/
. Lady (with alterations) by AleKdust-Stock used under a CC NC license of some sort.
http://alekdust-stock.deviantart.com/art/s15-02-164977177

For Judd and the sidebar on page 372.

 . P  P .
I W I E
The Empire is officially ruled by Empress Sadhana Serra, but the The Empire is not always present or welcome in the Expansion.
day-to-day governance is handled by the House of Lords. The Only half the worlds here have any established imperial presence.
Empire’s power comes from the navy and the blooded noble Food is scarce and water is scarcer. The poor live on the bottom
houses, as well as control of the small rocks of land that float side of worlds not big enough to create full gravity on the under-
throughout the Wild Blue. side. Children are tied down to the ground to make sure they don’t
accidentally fall—or get pushed—into the depths. The really poor
The Empire lays claim to all stable worlds floating within it’s live on the bottom of worlds so small they don’t even have any real
territory and regularly sends skyships out to investigate new gravity of their own. Here, floor repairmen can always find work.
rocks that have dropped from the upper Blue or surfaced from the
depths.
-  

Ilysium B ’ U T  T

Imperial Capital, Great Noble Houses, Congress of the Blooded, Impe- Located on the bottom of a world not big enough to have it’s own
rial Library, Rich, Decadent, Servants, Slaves, Elite Bodyguards, Clean significant gravity, Bottom ’s Up is attached at the ceiling and fea-
Water, Verdant Pastures tures many transparent floor sections for viewing the sky below.
Olympia This is a great place to grab a drink, watch a sunset, or catch one
Fleet Headquarters, Shipyards, Factories, Swamps, Brewers, Distillers, of the thrice-daily squid-watching cruises. Cruises are guaranteed
Pollution, Crowded, Restless Populace to find a sky squid or you get another cruise free. Sky squid are ac-
tually quite majestic creatures when they’re not tearing your ship
Vulcanus apart. Nearby are giant jellybird matings grounds. During mating
Volcanic penal colony responsible for most of the current coal
season they create quite the spectacle, refracting the light and col-
production. Captured Crimson Sky Rebels are always sent here.
ors of the sun and the depths to create a fantastic show.
Arcadia, Delphi, Ithaca, Marathon, Pylos, Thrace     
   
F W
Some worlds have freed themselves of the Empire’s influence.
T I P
Haven, Icepack, Moorage, Nightport
    

Thom Bannister
Pilot, Bold, Gambler, Imperial Citizen
     
Home to the Empress, her many servants and guards, and nobles
trying to gain her favor. What will you wear to her next masquer- Sandra Cosgrove
ade ball? Activist, Conservative, Bookish, Womanhood, Key of Longing
         

T I L Everett Saul

Every book from every world in the Blue is here. Even more sub- Ascetic, Convict, Laborer, Spiritualist
versive material—like The Empress Eats Puppies and other Crimson
Sky propaganda—are kept in secure rooms by the curators. When
    
you need a book, this is the place to go!
     Julia Redding
Entertainer, Free Person, Meddlesome, Optimist

A   I N   -

Guns. Lots of guns. Also ammunition, explosives, armor, uniforms,
supplies, and support craft. Mark appropriate conditions when you bring something into play.
     You may want to cut up this page to separate the people and places.

S’: Vulgarity. “There’s a shacklin’ hole in the side of the ship!” Also as a noun. “Shackles!”
G: Vulgarity. “The whole grudding fleet will be hunting us.”
 . C C .

An illegal mobile mining platform that doubles as a home for thou- Enter the City
sands. The city chases the large storms of the Wild Blue in hopes Cloud City is never in the same place twice, and must keep Imperial
of easier access to the thick gases of the depths that get kicked up, spies out. Will someone vouch for you?
which it then sells to the Free Worlds. With the right equipment, OBSTACLES: Convince someone to vouch for you: 4. Find Cloud
ships can mine these gases for pockets of diluted Essence. Chasing City: 3. Find Cloud City in Imperial skies: 5. Bribe your way in:
the storms can lead the city into Imperial skies and the occasional 2. Talk your way in: 5.
run-in with an Imperial cruiser.
ESCALATION: They start shooting. Taken prisoner. They hold
S your ship. You’re blacklisted.
Diameter: 2.1 kilometers
Defend the City
Population: 61,374 This illegal mining operation is not small enough to go unnoticed.
. Tobias Mulgrove (Administrator, Charm, Miner, Survivor) OBSTACLES: Stall hostilities: 3. Shelter populace: 4. Defend with
. Eli Ruttengout (Sheriff, Officer, Strongback, Drunk) ships: 4. Fire on enemy ship: 3. Avoid damage from enemy
. Felix Uller (Pilot, Compassion, Sly, Ex-Troublemaker) fire: 4. Protect city with magic: 5. Negotiate surrender: 2. Ne-
Power Plant: 1 Liter Recumbent Essence Percombinator gotiate favorable surrender: 5.
Propulsion: ESCALATION: Propulsion system damaged (Crippled). Critical
. 14 Micropulse Maneuvering Thrusters systems damaged (Sinking). Enemy invades the city.
. 2 Essence-Injected Goliath Steam Drives
Hunting Essence
Max Speed: 50 knots Chasing storms brings the city all over the Blue, even Imperial skies.
Weapons: OBSTACLES: Predict a storm: 5. Locate a storm: 3. Pilot Cloud
. 3 Destroyer-Class Torpedo Tubes City: 4. Avoid Imperial patrols: 4. Distract Imperials: 3. Out-
. 6 Anti-Aircraft 3in Cannon Turrets run Imperial Cruiser: Impossible—without better engines.
Wireless: Imperial Open-Blue Communications Relay Node ESCALATION: Running out of Essence (Poor). Collision course
Sensors: with a planet or large rock. Imperial Cruiser demands surren-
. Long-Range Echo-Cancelled Sonar der.
. Military-Band Wave Sniffer Mining Essence
. Infrared Essence Detector You’d better have other ships watching for squid-sign.
Support: OBSTACLES: Navigate in the depths: 4. Find a pocket: 3. Watch
. 5 C8 Sky Haulers for squid-sign: 3. Leave before a sky squid arrives: 4. Leave
. 2 Depth-treated M3 Transports with Mining Kits with the Essence before a sky squid arrives: 5.
. 12 Haven FB-1F Freebird Skyfighters
ESCALATION: You get lost. Cloud City leaves without you. A sky
. At least one Stormblooded Master Sorcerer
squid attacks.

      

 . S  S .
A But nowadays ships have a thaumaturgical engine hooked up to a
The star is named Stella. She carries a woman’s name because of steam loop. The engine burns Essence and coal, forming a feed-
her fickle nature, and man’s initial inability to understand her, be- back loop that causes magnetic resonance with the star. A criti-
fore taking to the skies that is. The length of a day is complicated cal component of resonance engines is the heavy iron bar required
due to the combination of whatever world you are on spinning and to focus the magnetic resonance, known as the star axis. When
Stella rising and falling. The rocks circling her can move; the most charged, the star axis governs buoyancy, or vertical position rela-
populated worlds are pretty much known to be stable, but some tive to the star. Each planet or asteroid has its own fixed resonance
of the others float down and up, sometimes on a regular schedule. that gives it a particular buoyancy, which in turn corresponds to
Interestingly, some rocks have flux iron in their cores, giving them a static orbital course. The plane of the star’s equator is zero de-
variable buoyancy. grees buoyancy, of course. Airships can alter their buoyancy to
positive or negative, which causes lift or drop. Matching buoyancy
While all the worlds in the Blue generally circle Stella at the same to another object means going to relative zero buoyancy or zero-B.
rate, several worlds—such as Ilysium and Olympia—have some Turbines or sails or mechanical wings or other methods of propul-
wobble to their orbits such that Olympia will occasionally pass sion provide lateral velocity. Airfoils assist with maneuverability.
Ilysium. This causes eclipses, Skilled engineers can use the star axis to push or pull relative to
some of which are obvious the star, thereby delivering a certain amount of lateral thrust to
with the usual halo, oth- the vessel, which provides extra turning velocity in larger vessels,
ers—due to the clouds of depending on the number of star axes and their placement.
the Blue—appear as simple
night. Special devices are E
used to predict the length of Everything in the Blue can be broken down into basic building
the coming day, but these blocks called elements. Each element has unique properties, de-
require constant corrections termined by the number of essence polyspheres it consists of and
based on actual conditions. how many void states it has. Elements are arranged in the Periodic
Most only work to about a Circle of Elements according to these numbers.
week out; the best can pre-
dict a whole month accu- Pure Essence consists of an 8-bond of essence polyspheres. Ele-
rately. ments in the first ring have 7 essence polyspheres in their makeup,
6 in the next, and so on. The elements immediately counterclock-
C P wise of the zero-void-state line have no void states. Continuing
Where down is depends on where you are. The larger worlds exert counterclockwise, each element has one more void state than the
significant gravitational pull on anything nearby, so there down previous. Some elements have different isotopes based on the par-
is the world. Stella also has the same effect, but the combination ticular void states it is in. While several other elements are known
of gravity and Essence tremors makes approaching her practically to exist, only the first three rings are known and accepted gener-
impossible. In the open Blue down is toward the depths. If you ally by scientists in the Blue. Elements tend to have similar prop-
fall here, you keep falling until you die from exposure in the gases erties to those around it, whether in a more inner or outer ring, or
of the lower depths. The atmosphere of the Blue is stacked: heav- adjacent or nearby in the same ring.
ier gases below lighter gases. What causes the gravity—the gases
themselves or something else—is unclear. The transition between Fog Cloud
being in the open Blue and near a world is tricky: to passengers it
Cyanide Hydrogen
is disorienting; to pilots it can be harrowing.

A well designed ship (or refueling station, or prison) can “float” at Smoke Helium
Wave Sap
roughly the level of the habitable zone. The atmosphere gets too
thin higher up and toxic lower down. Ships, especially pirates, will Oxygen
dive into the lower depths, but they have to be designed for such a Light Blood
Ferrite Bile
purpose. Large ships cannot fly in the lower depths, not only be-
Flame Essence Water
cause of the corrosive gases, but because they aren’t maneuverable
enough to avoid the hard-to-detect rocks hiding there. Also, many Acid
Lava Oil
Sodium
large ships are lighter than air and therefore simply incapable of Rock
diving to such depths, as the gases there are too heavy.
Ember Textile
S O Copper Wood
In the old days you’d have to wait for winds to stir up out of the Titanium Bone
depths. Some folks would even have a weather witch or a wind 0
dowser on board, hoping to fill their sails. It could take months to Gold Quartz
get from one side of the Wild Blue to the other; lots of ships died
at sky, caught in a windless Sargasso. Periodic Circle of Elements

R: A solid body orbiting the star. Also, derisive slang for “world” (an inhabited rock), implying the lack of
anything—or anyone—worthwhile.
 . H  M .
S B I L
Life in the Blue started on Olympia. As the world began to be Law within the Empire is an artifact of an unknown, older civiliza-
choked with factories, people took to the skies. Long had man tion. The discovery of ancient, living stone figures that had com-
looked upon Ilysium’s bright color’s from afar, knowing for some plete knowledge of some long-lost law helped transform the early
time that it must be another habitable world, and not a large float- chaotic Empire into the stable government that now holds sway
ing chunk of moldy spinach and cream. A group of enterpris- over half of the Blue. Adopting the ancient law, perfectly applied
ing businessmen realizing the turning of the tide and took strict by the Stone Judges, gave the stability needed for the Empire to
control of Olympia’s helium production capabilities, effectively expand to it�s current boundaries. New stone judges are occasion-
controlling early sky travel. The earliest travel was achieved us- ally found when excavating older rocks, and their recovery always
ing heated-helium balloons with pedal-powered propellers. These a matter of importance since each Judge has some specific knowl-
businessmen became the Sky Barons, each ruling a collection of edge of the Five Fold Law (as the Judges refer to it) that others do
worlds and together ruled the Blue. During the time of the Sky not.
Barons most of the worlds of the Blue were settled, with most of
the Barons themselves making extravagant palaces on the verdant Magic belongs in the hands of the few
Ilysium, which they reserved for themselves. “It is unlawful for any person not bestowed the dispensation of the Royal
Head to wield, research, obtain, or claim to posses the powers of the blood
F   E (hereafter referred to as ‘magic’).”—Magincarnum Rex, part of the Five
A series of developments followed, the precise order of which is Fold Law, as recorded from the rulings of Judge Meritus
unclear. The blooded emerged, the goblins appeared, the Stone
Imperial law holds that magic is the privilege of the nobility. Since
Judges were uncovered, and heavier-than-air skyships were in-
magic is primarily passed down through bloodlines, few have the
vented. This combination spelled disaster for the Sky Barons. The
opportunity to challenge the noble chokehold on magic. It is only
Blooded noble houses replaced them on Ilysium (including some
the odd bastard or noble who has forsaken their title that even has
Barons who became blooded) wielding a new law announced by
potential to wield magic without royal dispensation.
the Judges. A regional governing of the Sky Barons was replaced
with the central authority of the Imperium centered on Ilysium.
Peace comes from the capital
At least as far as it could spread. Parts of the Blue were never quite
“Authority to rule, levy taxes, raise armies, and otherwise administer the
fully settled, but became de-facto part of the Empire in what is now
Empire is granted to colonies and cities only by the grace of the Royal Head
called the Imperial Expanse. Haven and a collection of worlds with
and his government. They serve at their Majesty�s whim.”—On Cities, part
it were able to resist the initial Imperial takeover.
of the Five Fold Law, as recorded in the ruling of Judge Neblis
F W The outlying areas, from the smallest rock to Olympia, have self-
Now the Free Worlds live in the precarious situation of being out- governance only by the kindness of the royal government in Ily-
laws in their own sky. Imperials claim all the worlds in the Blue as sium. Local laws and actions are always subject to review by any-
their own. Practically, though, they make no attempt to enforce one up to the Empress herself.
their rule. However, they do chase criminals into the skies of the
Free Worlds and will even occasionally land an extraction team on All worlds are better off under our rule
one of the less secure worlds. While the Free Worlds are equipped “By the right and good power vested in the Royal Head, this law is set forth
enough militarily to at least put up a fight against a full invasion, to make upon these lands a better civilization, such that those so ruled may
such losses of liberty have not yet caused more than a few potshots prosper and pursue their just interests.”—Purported to be the first words
at the Imperial ships as they return from a successful mission. Sole spoken by the first Judge discovered.
Imperial cruisers are unwelcome, but tolerated.
The Empire�s rule is not deliberately or systematically cruel. Most
C W officials at least claim to be working for the best interest of those
A greasy civil war between the Empire and the Expansion fought by they rule, any many believe it.
over artificially-intelligent clockwork servants. As the decadence
of the noble houses grew, so did technology to meet its needs, Naval Technology is the sole property of the Empire
culminating in the creation of clock-men designed to serve every “On the matter of ship hulls, fuel, and sails, and the design thereof: these
whim. They started as toys and status items, being the product of knowledge held by the people in general, shall
symbols in court, but soon began to re- always be the property of the Royal Head, so that no man may falsely lay
place people in several menial jobs. After claim to devices that would benefit all.”—Judge Meritus, deciding the case
an isolated incident of supposed insubor- of Ilysium Trading Co. v. The Royal Navy
dination, the Empire outlawed clock-men Imperial ships are outfitted with the most advanced aeronautical
and destroyed all the soldiers they made. technology of anything in the Wild Blue, at least as much as pol-
Some escaped and had to be hunted down. itics allows. A well-outfitted Imperial ship travels faster, cleaner,
A few escape the Empire’s reach and hid in and safer than anything else in the air, and the Empire likes to keep
the more remote regions of the Expanse, it that way.
while others made it all the way to the Free
Worlds.

T S ( S): Slang. Refers to the depths, especially the lower depths. “Drop like a rock until we hit
the soup.”
 . F  R .
T B V S
The blooded are those who have the ability to manipulate Essence Gargantuan creatures who seem to appear out of the aether. Their
through will alone; commonly called magic. They are either born master is the void, the nothingness beyond the Blue. They con-
with the ability, or gain it after direct exposure to Essence—usually sume Essence, draining it from existence, and most magic just
from flying too close to Stella. A blooded’s power is centered in his feeds them. Whenever one of the lights in the night sky goes out,
blood, and passes it on to his progeny. If diluted with “common” it is the Void Spiders who are responsible. While apparently un-
blood, the powers of the succeeding generation are lesser. The concerned with the affairs of men, they will kill to feed, to avoid
Congress of the Blooded has catalogued and named several types distraction, or on a whim.
of blooded. Some noble houses even arrange marriages in hopes
of achieving specific blooded types. Since only nobles are—or al-
lowed to be—blooded, any commoner born blooded is, necessarily,
a noble’s bastard child. Such children, once identified, are claimed
by a noble house. The diluting effect keeps the blooded within the
ranks of the nobility.

G
Goblins unconsciously change color based on their emotion. They
can control this somewhat, but intense emotions are nigh impos-
sible to overcome. Fear causes goblins to turn green.

Goblins unconsciously change color based on their morality. Evil

goblins appear green.

G
Language used by goblins and those who like them. Similar to gob-
lins’ appearance, Goblish constantly changes and mutates. Each W
base word carries not only several meanings, but can be any type Communication over distances is done using wireless telegraph
of speech: noun, adverb, conjunction, pronoun, etc. Further, machines which can send waves to each other. Messages are en-
phonemes change by region, time of day, color, and mood. Almost coded by setting the void state of each wave as it is sent. Because of
every word is used as a pun. Those not used to the fluid lifestyle of the difficulties in using wireless—aiming waves well and interfer-
a goblin find it hard to follow, let alone master. Use by non-goblins ence from storms—sometimes signal lights are used instead. Mili-
is usually limited to cussing and exclamation. tary waves are usually encrypted using secret codes, but the most
secure messages are sent by experienced couriers.
S T
Specially trained Imperial soldiers. These troops are elite surgical T P A   S S
strike teams that always travel in the cover of a storm, whether Anchor Flame Kindle Park Union Yaw
natural or man-made. Storm Troopers are outfitted with gyro- Bell Ghost Lamp Quiet Veil Zenith
scopic Essence manipulators that allow them to operate in the Chalk Hammer Mirror Rope Witch
open Blue for short periods without a ship, as well as hermetically- Dagger Iris Never Song Exile
sealed armor and custom breathing apparati that allow them to Eel Junk Ocean Titan
continue operations in the lower depths.
T O S
There is another set of worlds on the other side of the depths. This
is where the Judges come from. This makes sense, as the most
dense gases accrete in the middle of the matter rotating around
Stella. This also explains why some worlds and rocks have unsta-
ble orbits; they aren’t unstable, but simply tilted—spending some
time on this side and some on the other. Actually, this is a binary
star system, the two stars rotate vertically around each other, but
they look the same and are considered one. Occasionally, both can
be spotted during the crossover. The other star is usually consid-
ered male and has many names. The crossover is thought to be
some kind of mating; lots of worlds tend to cross over during this
time. The complicated system may explain why some worlds have
stable orbits, but there is likely more to it than that. A group of
entrepreneurs believe that they can reach the other side and are
building a ship capable of driving far enough into the depths to
come out the other side.

J: Vulgarity. “Shut your juvven mouth!” Possibly related to Jove, an ancient diety, whose name is also used
as an exclamation.
 . S S .

1. Armored Double Hull 11. Tesla Coil 20. Wheelhouse & Fighting Bridge
2. Ship Stores 12. Airman�s Quarters 21. Captain�s Quarters
3. Ducted Screws 13. Aerial Torpedo Magazine 22. Radiotelegraphy Room
4. Engine Shafts 14. Upper Keel 23. Foremast with Main Telegraphy An-
5. Backup Electrical Generator 15. Lower Keel tenna
6. Main Electroid Containment Tanks 16. Steering Gear 24. Bunkers
7. Main Electrical Generators 17. Bunkers 25. Turreted 6in Guns
8. Boilers 18. Adjustable Electroid Tanks (Trim 26. Casemate-mounted 3in Chase Guns
9. Turbines (newer Destroyer Class) Tanks)
10. Officer�s Mess & Quarters 19. Swan Stabilizers

Older four-boiler Imperial Destroyer. Newer and larger models may be different. Plans liberated by Crimson Sky rebels.

. Q .
I  C L Q
Why do you trust/distrust him? This seems like a dangerous borough. Do you know anything about
Where have you met him before? the gangs around here?
Why does he despise/admire you? She seems to be interested in your ship. Are you okay with that?
Why is his appearance good/bad news? They look like a tribe of bushmen, have you dealt with any before?
What reason does he have to want to kill you? After the dance, do you say anything to her?
Why does his presence bring back unpleasant memories? Were you going to make inquiries after the fire?
Why are you glad/unhappy to see him? You’re not just going to let him get away with what he did, are you?
What secret does he know about you? What was it that he did again?
Why do you fear him? Does he hate you even more than he hates the rest of them?
How does his arrival make the quest easier/harder/complicated? Was it because you stole from him or made him look weak?
What rumors have you heard about him? She thinks you’re going to stab her in the back. Is she right?
Why are you now in extreme danger? Who are you going to betray, then?
What favor did you get from him that you still owe him for? Who’s the one person in this room you would save if—just hypo-
How long have you known her? thetically—a grenade were to pop in through the window in the
Which one of them do you hate the most? next minute or so?

Amnesiac, Bastard, Hidden Family Engineer, Inventor, Mechanic

Someone you don’t know—but who obviously knows you—is star- You’ve tried to do this before, haven’t you? What went wrong last
ing at you; who approaches whom? time, and do you really think it’s going to work now?

Domination, Command, Fame Master Sorcerer, Stormblood, &c

Does he hate you for what you did to him to get where you are? That’s a powerful spell, are there any side effects for you now?

O B: Slang. The sky far from any world, where the only thing below you is the depths.
 . A  O R .
T  T C C
Customize traits and tags to fit your character. Traits that over- . Choose four traits and 16 tags (25 for veteran characters).
lap are okay, but not tags on the same trait. . Choose three keys.
. Choose two secrets.
To take Master Sorcerer or any blooded trait you must have a
relevant Secret, otherwise you’re relegated to magic that only uses Don’t be constrained by the lists, customize or write your own.
one spell tag at a time.
The group must approve any player-created character.
The GM may grant special temporary traits (and tags for them)
to represent objects and gear obtained of particular importance. C L
For hard limits use these.
If your character changes and the name of a trait doesn’t make . Maximum tags on one trait: 12
sense then change it. E.g. if you have the Soldier trait but aren’t a . Maximum keys per character: 5
soldier anymore change it to Ex-Soldier. Tags stay the same. . Maximum secrets per character: 4
K If you have four secrets you may spend an advance to change
Customize keys to fit your character and situation. one, provided you meet the requirements.
Keys may also have implicit buyoffs. For example, if you have N-P C
the Key of the Mission then completing the mission counts as a NPCs can have traits, but no tags. If you interact with an NPC
buyoff condition. and he has a related trait, then it’s always an obstacle.
At least one key about the situation is good. At least one key
about another character is good. At least one key to get your char-
O-S
Play without XP or refreshment scenes. Buying off a key earns
acter into trouble is good. Conflicting keys are good.
an advance and adds five dice to your pool.
If you hit your key and want to reward another player who
Quickly hand-wave refreshment scenes instead of playing them.
helped set up the situation, you may give him an experience point
or a die for his pool. When you make yourself vulnerable to someone by entrusting
them with something you hold dear (a valuable secret, your life,
If you frame a refreshment scene that hits another player’s key
your heart, your honor), refresh your pool to seven dice.
but not your own, that player may give you the option of taking 1
XP or 1 pool die.

C
Add or change the conditions available to suit your adventure.
Add conditions to people, places, or things as appropriate.
For each relevant negative condition that is checked, you need
one extra hit to succeed. For each relevant helpful condition that
is checked, you need one less hit to succeed.
When a relevant roll passes, you may add or remove a condition.
Conditions aren’t tied to mechanics; check and uncheck as ap-
propriate to what’s happening.

O
If two players act against each other, then both roll without set-
ting a difficulty level, whoever gets the most hits wins. If there is R D
a tie, then escalate. For each level of difficulty above 1 assign a danger. Each 6 is a
For an extended conflict, scale down the scope of the obstacles. hit, or take a condition to count each 1 as a hit. Spend a hit to:
. Overcome the obstacle.
Players may freely add setting detail until the GM sees an ob- . Avoid a danger.
stacle. If the player succeeds the detail is true. Only the group . Establish an advantage.
together can outright veto. If you overcome the obstacle, discard the dice you rolled. Other-
When a roll doesn’t pass, the GM selects one of the following: wise, keep them and add one to your pool, then the GM escalates
Condition: success, but the GM marks an appropriate condition. and adds another danger. Spend an advantage to add a die to a roll.
Escalate: failure, but the stakes increase and you can try again. Advantages can be more than one die too.
Twist: failure, and a new obstacle presents itself.
Delay: success, but a new obstacle takes precedence. The GM can increase the hits required to overcome the obstacle.

K: The bottom of a ship. Also, generally, “below.” Slang: Feeling poorly due to excess of drink or difficult
circumstances. “After that night at the Silver Eel, I was keelside for a week!”
 . T  T .
Activist Bloodhunter
Accusation, Anarchist, Communist, Conspiracy, Contacts, Criminal, Gather Information, Interrogate, Intimidate, Incognito, Recognize
Determined, Factions, Honest, Inspire, Leaflets, Organize, Propa- Blood, Reflexes, Authority, Firefights
ganda, Rabble, Radical, Speech, Yell
Bodyguard
Administrator Awareness, Threats, Defend, Disarm, Restrain, Carry, Delay, Security,
Accounting, Banking, Bureaucracy, Carbon Paper, Credit, Details, First Aid
Double Check, Finance, Irritable, Loopholes, Organization, Politics,
Research, Stingy, Stocks, Taxes Bold
Brave, Daring, Heroic, Rescue, Falling, Fire, Reckless, Explosions, Es-
Adventuress capes, Outnumbered, Underdog, Amputation, Suicidal
Scandal, Excitement, Danger, Disaster, Escape, Lack of Decorum,
Wilderness, Aborigines, Fire, Justice Served, True Love, Curiosity, Bookish
Heart’s Desire, Mojo Theology, History, First Aid, Languages, Folklore

Alchemist Bounty Hunter

Demand, Disarm, Follow, Intimidate, Jobsworth, Knock ’Em Down,
Bleeding, Brewing, Curatives, Folklore, Formulas, Hallucinogens,
Manacles, No Mercy, No Nonsense, No Use to Me Dead, Heavy Pistol,
Healing, Herbs, Humours, Leech Jar, Legends, Natural, Old Ways, Poi-
Tireless, Tracking, Traps, Tricks of the Trade
soning, Potions, Research, Strange
Braggart
Alienist Boast, Confidence, Ego, Haughty, Oblivious, Pushy, Reckless, Sly
Analyze, Behavior, Crackpot, Delusions, Ground-breaking, Inured,
Smile, Talk for Hours, Tall Tales
Mesmerise, Methodical, Motivations, Observe, Pocket Watch, Sooth-
ing Voice, Therapy, Torture, Trauma, Unorthodox Brainy
Think it Through, Informed, Anticipate, Portable Wireless, Surmise,
Aristocrat Quick
Command, Charm, Etiquette, Heraldry, Soldiers, Impeccable, Politics,
Connections, Dance, Educated, History Builder
Construction, Demolition, Hiding Spots, Repair, Hard work
Artist
Appreciation, Avant Garde, Backing, Classic, Creative, Grand Scale, Burglar
In Demand, Literature, Loans, Painting, Proficient, Realism, Refined, Quiet, Sneak, Hide,
Sculpture, Style, Unique Dextrous, Locks, Percep-
tive, Traps, Darkness,
Ascetic Alarms, Distractions,
Acrobatics, Alert, Anecdotes, Animal Stance, Austere, Balance, Brave,
Appraise, Avoid, Bash
Defend, Disarm, Endure, Fast, Fitness, Humble, Iron Fist, Martial Arts,
’Em, Break and Enter,
Meditate, Reaction, Wisdom
Case the Joint, Climbing,
Assassin Crowbar, Fence Goods,
Ambush, Backstab, Cold Stare, Conceal, Contracts, Crossbow, Deadly, Lockpicks, Sprint, Tough
Feared, Garrote, Guild, Poison, Quick, Ruthless, Shadow, Sniper,
Stealth, Stiletto, Trailing, Unemotional

Athlete
Acrobatics, Run, Brawn, Strategy, Endurance, Tough, Wrestling, Con-
tortion, Barge, Gymnastics, Karate, Boxing, Fame, Signature, Rouse
the Crowd

Athletic
Run, Fencing, Rapier, Duels, Shooting, Pistol, Acrobatics, Endurance,
Sneak, Hide, Contortion, Dodge, Ass-Whipping, Quick, Reflexes,
Climbing

Bandit
Black Market, Blood Money, Dagger, Dark Cloak, Drink, Hardy, Kid-
nap, Odious, Old Pistol, Racketeer, Rotten Breath, Ruffian, Scattergun,
Shooting, Slash, Sneer, Treacherous

Blacksmith
Craft, Cold Iron, Endure Heat, Muscles, Bellowing Voice, Mastercraft,
Starmetal
 . T  T  .
Carnie Conservative
Animal Trainer, Balance, Bizarre, Clown, Contortion, Distract, Escape, Argue, Denial, Grouchy, Headstrong, Intolerant, Life Savings, Rally,
Geek, Juggling, Midget, Misfit, Misshapen, One of Us, Pick Pocket, Religious, Serious, Suspicious, Tradition
Prance, Stunt, Trained Monkey, Trick, Tumbling, Whip
Constable
Cavalier Apprehend, Brawl, Careful, Disarm, Gruff, Hardy, Informants, Inter-
Affluence, Brave, Breastplate, Charge, Equestrian, Etiquette, Fealty, rogate, Law, Manacles, Nightstick, Pride, Protect, Revolver, Solidarity,
Fencing, Haughty, Longsword, Heraldry, Loyal, Manners, Pistol, Pol- Warrant, Watchful, What’s All This Then?
ished, Rank, Shooting, Tactics, Warhorse
Construct
Changeling Angry, Boost, Crush, Hardened, Immense, Innocence, Iron Grip, Leap,
Amorphous, Blending, Convincing, Dead Man’s Face, Diversion, Feign Lonely, Misunderstood, Power Source, Rage, Smash, Stone Skin,
Ability, Grow, Imitate, Indistinguishable, Quick Change, Repeat, Re- Strong, Unnatural
place, Shrink, Steal Form, Steal Memories
Convict
Charlatan Bitter, Cold Stare, Desperate, Fight Dirty, Finish You But Good!, Fugi-
Alibi, Attention, Blackmail, Bribery, Charisma, Counterfeit Ban- tive, Hardened, Hatred, Improvise, Iron Stomach, Old Cellmates, Out
knotes, Cunning Plan, Deception, Disguise, Forged Documents, Ex- For Blood, Reformed, Scarred, Tough
cuses, Forgery, Misdirection, Smooth Talker
Corporate Operative
Charm Backbone, Cold-Hearted, Cutting Stare, Negotiator, Sportsman’s
Charisma, Presence, Command, Nobles, Servants, Soldiers, Fast Talk, Physique, Wireless, Loyal, Deception, Blend In
Deception, Misdirection, Seduce, Enchant, Sweet Talk, Impress, Hand- Corrupt
shake, Ladykiller, Youthfulness, Empathy, Compassion, Attractive Betray, Cunning, Fraud, Greedy, Illicit, Impatient, Infamous, Power-
Hungry, Schemes, Secrets, Two-Faced
City Slicker
Law and Order, Streetwise, Sneak, Haggle, Petty Crime, Quiet, Distrac- Cosmopolitan
tions, Connections Aloof, Connections, Culture, Education, Etiquette, Gossip, Open-
Minded, Spunky, Style, Tolerant, Well-Off
Clever
Keen, Planning, Tactics, Negotiations, Tricks, Notice Flaws, Observant Country Girl
Daring, Clever, Proud, Intimidating, Tough, Run, Lucky, Impulsive,
Clock-Man
Rifle, Loud, Ruthless, Hero, Bow
Made of Gears, Oil, Strength, Reflexes, Infravision, Hidden Gun, Ar-
mored Skin, Inhuman, Labor, Follow Orders, Rebel, Interface, Encryp- Courtier
tion, Technology Affluent, Charisma, Concealed Dagger, Deception, Etiquette, Exquisite
Derringer, Favors, Flattery, Friends in High Places, Pillow Talk, Privi-
Colonial lege, Resentment, Secrets, Seduction, Toadying, Yes-Man
Accent, Combative, Determined, Forefathers, Gruff, Hardy, Impatient,
Improvise, Independent, Land Deed, Scrounge, Solidarity Cowardly
Awareness, Beg for Mercy, Bluff, Cry for Help, Duck and Cover, Escape,
Colonist Excuses, Hide, Sprint, Wary
Hearty, Resolved, Patient, Charitable, Firearms, Tough as Leather

Companion Craftsman
Armors, Carpentry, Detail, Dirty, Gruff, Hammer, Inspect, Large
Charm, Trickery, Seduction, Manners, Misdirection, Connections,
Hands, Masonry, Metals, Pride, Quality, Repair, Smelting, Smithing,
Command, Gather Information, Arouse, Eavesdrop, Facade, Infec-
Solidarity, Strong, Tradition, Weapons
tion, Innuendo, Intimate Details, Pander, Pocket Money, Scandalous,
Weave Tales Creepy
Company Man Intimidate, Terrifying, Reputation, Morbid, Pale
Resolute, Gallows Humor, Medium Clearance, Politics, Communica-
Crew
tions, Scanner, Bullshit Artist, Tough, Access Routes, Loyal, Proper,
Gunnery, Aim, Maintenance, Damage Control, Observation, Signals,
Make it Work, High-Level Clearance
The Owl, Cargo, Supplies, First Aid, Boarding Action
Compassion
Empathy, Understanding, Soothing, Calming words
Cruel
Bitter, Exploit, Insult, Offensive, Ruthless, Sadistic, Salt in the Wound,
Con Artist Tough, Turn the Screws, Unfeeling
Guile, Deception, Convincing, Blather, Double Talk

The difference between the C8 and the C9 Sky Hauler is that the C8 doesn’t have the bottom stabilizer. This makes
for a noticeably rougher ride in the depths.
 . T  T  .
Crusading Deviant
Charge In, Courage, Headstrong, Intimidate, Intolerant, Lofty Goal, Betray, Bloody, Cold-Blooded, Dark, Dishonest, Icy Stare, Infamous,
Loyal, No Mercy, Overpower, Rally Obsessed, Perverted, Psychopath, Scandalous

Cultist Dilettante
Blood Pact, Ceremonial Dagger, Chants, Conspiracy, Fearless, For the Attitude, Borrow, Carouse, Connected, Cultured, Elitist, Entitlement,
Dark One!, Gibbering, Influence, Occult Lore, Rituals, Ruthless, Sinis- Excuses, Fashion, Favors, Haughty, Loans, Privilege, Repartee, Seduc-
ter, Stamina, Strange Artifact, Unhinged tion, Wealth, Winning Smile

Cunning Diviner
Deception, Misdirection, Disguise, Codes, Sneak, Hide, Lies, Trap, Astral Sight, Astrological Charts, Comprehension, Crystalmancy, Des-
Eavesdrop, Honest Face, Can’t fool a fool, Seduction, Bluff, Trickery, tinies, Doomsayer, Dowsing, Dreaming, Extend Senses, Harbinger,
Haggle, Sense Motives, Silver Tongue Omens, Past Lives, Postcognition, Precognition, Prophesy, Scrying

Cutpurse Doctor
Artful Dodger, Conceal, Cunning, Distract, Duck for Cover, Hide, In- Medicine, Organs, Tools, Bedside Manner, Sewing, Stop Bleeding,
conspicuous, Keep Your Wits About You, Pick Pockets, Pocket Knife, “Dammit, I’m a doctor not a …”
Quick, Quiet, Size Them Up, Teamwork, Trip
Dreamblood
Cyborg Sedate, Manipulate Dream, Enter Dream, Hallucination, Blind Fight-
Strength, Reflexes, Infravision, Hidden Gun, Laser Eye, Backup Or- ing, Read Mind
gans, Armored Skin, Inhuman, Interface, Encryption, Technology
Drunk
Cynical Drinking, Liquor, Brawling, Drawling, Insults, Fighting, Homebrew,
Criticize, Distaste, Honest, Ignore, Irritable, Notice Flaws, Observe, Bottles, Tolerance, Fortitude, Alien Liquor
Prepare for the Worst, Sarcasm
Dustblood
Daredevil Spellcaster, Second-Rate Sorcerer, Breeze, Dirt, Whispers, Cover, Im-
Adrenalin, Against All Odds, Athletic, Brave, Daring, Face Death, Fear- pression, Patient, Small Effect
less, Leap In, Quick, Reckless, Strong, Tough
Elderly
Dealer Anecdotes, Can’t Feel a Thing, Demanding, Grouchy, Hard of Hearing,
Antiquities, Banknotes, Black Market, Bookie, Conceal, Contraband, I Knew Yer Pa!, Knobby Cane, Pushy, Respect, Senile, Tall Tales, Thick
Cover Up, Counterfeit, Deception, Forgery, Haggle, Hide, Jewelry, Spectacles, Wise
Lending, Narcotics, Sneaky, Trafficking
Engineer
Debauchee Mechanic, Repair, Sabotage, Invention, Trains, Rails, Ships, Engines,
Iron Stomach, Fraternizer, Witty, Persuasive, Fast Friends, Unfazed Architecture, Black Powder, Clockwork, Devices, Dynamite, Eureka!,
Improvise, Modification, Salvage, Spare Parts, Talented, Tool Kit,
Deceitful Wrench
Backtalk, Conman, Convoluted, Disguise, Dishonest, Hiding, Lies, Mis-
Entertainer
direction, Opportunity, Promises, Scoundrel
Acrobatics, Antics, Contortion, Distraction, Escape, Hidden Knives,
Dedicated Humor, Juggling, Keen Aim, Keep ’Em Occupied, Mask, Sleight of
Clear Thinker, Confidence, Fast, Friendly, Hit the Ground Running, Hand, Theatrics, Throwing Knives, Trickery, Tumbling
Iron Will, Keen, Reliable, Resolve, Vow Escort
Alert, Blood Bond, Calm, Conceal, Defend, Derringer, Disguise, Eti-
Defeatist
quette, Fencing, Loyal, Rapier, Reaction, Search, Serious, Stipend, Sus-
Calm, Exhausted, Patient, Persevere, Pessimist, Reserved, Resigned,
picion, Tend Wounds, To the Death, Watchful
Tough, Vengeful, Yielding

Deputy Sheriff Ex-Imperial Soldier

Tactics, Command, Soldiers, Rank, Connections, Maps, Imperial War
The Law, Badge, Watchful, Handcuffs, Pistol, Taser, Disarm, Arrest,
Ships, Uniform, Code of Conduct
Protect, Careful, Negotiate, Command, Undercover

Detective Ex-Skyballer
Case Files, Deduction, Determined, Elementary!, Fisticuffs, Game is Olympian Skyball, Athletic, Brawn, Game Plan, Endurance, Tough,
Afoot!, Informants, Insight, Investigate, Law, Magnifying Glass, Per- Wrestling, Awareness, Strategy
ceptive, Pistol, Questioning, Research, Search, Warrant
Ex-Slave
Sneak, Hide, Run, Tough, Endure, Scrounge, Nobles, Hatred, Iron Will
 . T  T  .
Ex-Soldier Former Outlaw
Swords, Axes, Rifles, Tactics, Command, Rank, Connections, Uniform Knives, Hidden Weapons, Thrown Weapons, Brawling, Gouging,
Avoiding Fire
Ex-Troublemaker
Run, Grab, B&E, Dirty Fighting, Gunplay, Dodge Free Person
Haven Knowledge, Pride, Connections, Law, Trade, Liberty, Commerce
Executive Officer
That Smile, That Haircut, Designer Suit, Wealth, High-Level Clear- Frontiersman
ance, Connections, Combat Simulator Experience Curious, Aware, Nimble, Hardy, Lore, Birds and Beasts, Shooting,
Hunting, Family, Tracking, Trapping, Lay of the Land, Allies, Brawl-
Explorer ing, Camping, Gold Shares, Gritty, Hunting Rifle, Interpret, No Non-
Curious, Aware, Nimble, Hardy, Ancient Lore, Languages, Ruins, Mon- sense, Orienteering, Riding, Rugged Pistol, Scouting
sters, Myths, Maps, Appraise, Decipher, Excavate, Funds, History,
Traps, Treasures, Whatever you can find Gambler
Cards, Dice, Sharp Eye, Hidden Weapons, Betting, Bookie, Distract,
Faith Fast-Talk, Infamous, Know the Odds, Loaded Dice, Lucky Streak,
Calm, Collected, Pious, Unyielding, Assurances, Truth Marked Cards, Now You See It, Palming, Place the Blame, Poker Face,
Shell Game, Up the Sleeve
Faithful
Determined, Honest, Ignorant, Iron Will, Loyal, Patient, Religious, Gentleman
Spirited, Stubborn, Unyielding, Uplifting Etiquette, Persuasion, Dueling, Drinking, Friendly Wager, Fisticuffs,
Noblesse Oblige, Towering Rage, Gravitas, Seduction, Education
Fallen Aristocrat
Educated, Etiquette, Music, Dance, Languages Ghostblood
Fly, Possess, Insubstantial, Control Technology, Electrical, Dominate,
Fanatic Terrify, Sneak, Overload
Angry, Bomb, Branded, Combative, Convert, Fervent, Flagellant, In-
tolerant, Molotov Cocktail, Religious, Scarred, Wild Hair Goblin
Warp shape, Glide, Nightvision, Agile, Quick, Tumbler, Teeth & Claws,
Farmer Mimic Shape, Reckless, Connections, Spines, Gills, Mimic Shape
My Land, My Family, Scrounge, Endure, Repair, Lay of the Land,
Hidey Hole, Barter, Moonshine, Trader Goddamn Crazy
Cats, Shotgun, More Cats, Paranoia, Shooting, Raving, Reckless, Un-
Fingersmith steady, Roadkill Pie, Shoot Anything That Moves, Stir Crazy
Quiet, Sneak, Hide, Dexterous, Locks, Traps, Darkness, Thievery
Good Times
Flamboyant Charisma, Reassurance, Diplomacy, Presence, Partying, Drinking,
Attention, Colorful, Exuberant, Fine Clothes, Flashy, High Spirits,
Persuasion, Bargaining, Locals
High Tension, Interrupt, Outgoing, Prance, Style
Guard
Flameblood Awareness, Cudgel, Defend, Disarm, In the Line of Duty, Leather Coat,
Spellcaster, Channeling, Master Sorcerer, Fire, Blast, Shield, Heat,
Nobody’s Fool, Notice, Pistol, Polearm, Restrain, Serious, Take the Hit,
Smoke, Terrify, Quench
Threaten, Unflinching
Foolish Gunfighter
Annoy, Barge In, Cajole, Curious, Determined, Ignore Them, Ill Man-
Pistols, Quick Draw, Gun In Each Hand, Cover, Show Off
nered, Insult, Jump to Conclusions, Stubborn, Whine

Foreign Gypsy
Allies, By the Stars, Cackle, Clan, Dark Tales, Eerie Stare, Evil Eye,
Allure, Exotic, Fresh Perspective, Incomprehensible, Pidgin, Strange
Legends, Lore, Myths, Palmistry, Pick Pockets, Riddles, Secrets, Tarot
Mannerisms, Surprising, Unique Habits, Unknown, Unreadable
Cards, The Old Ways, Tricks, Unsettling
Foreman
Architecture, Argue, Bribes, Carpentry, Direction, Double Check, Handy
Handy, Intercede, Management, Negotiate, Read Plans, Temper, Insightful, Aware, Practical, Assess, Repair, Drive, Vehicles, Jury-Rig,
Tough, Well-Off Patch up, Danger, Explosives

Former Beauty Queen Hero

Aged Beauty, Charming, Presence, Dancing, Swimming, Beautiful Bold, Daring, Rescue, Fire, Reckless, Brave, Outnumbered, Underdog,
Dress Hometown, Freedom, Liberty
 . T  T  .
Inventor
Steam, Gears, Bulky, Portable, Grandiose, Novel, It Just Might Work,
Crackpot, Patents

Investigator
Search, Deduction, Perceptive, Seduce, Interrogate, Bribe, Coerce,
Contacts, Sneak, Deception, Insight, Logic, Fisticuffs, Pistol, Gather in-
formation

Journalist
Badger, Camera, Chutzpah, Contacts, Deception, Disliked, Ear for
News, Eavesdrop, Fast-Talk, Gossip, Headlines, Inquiry, Integrity,
Photography, Scandal, Stop the Presses!

Keen
Insightful, Aware, Coiled, Liars, Traps, Danger, Sense Motives, Ready,
Anticipation, Quick, Perceptive, Observant, Watchful, Common Sense,
Understanding, Distrustful, Listen

Kind
Gentle, Smile, Sense of Humor, Listen, Calm, Negotiate, Haggle,
Friendly, Father, Caring, Good Husband

Laborer
Carouse, Carpentry, Distrust, Endure, Farming, Fireman, Follow Di-
rections, Friends, Gardener, Handy, Lumber, Mining, Pickaxe, Plain-
Speaking, Pummel, Solidarity, Strong, Teamster

Lady
Etiquette, Dance, Educated, History, Science, Wealth, Connections,
Self-Preservation, Courtesy, Sense Motive, Throwing things very hard,
Languages
Hidden Knowledge
History, Weaknesses, Mysteries, Arcane, Folklore, Religion, Stone Landlubber
Judges, The Other Side Airsick, Ground beneath my feet, Walk, Outsider’s Perspective, Com-
munity
Hoodlum
Bash, Blackjack, Bottle of Spirits, Brawling, Break, Crass, Criminal, Life of the Party
Cruel, Destroy, Dirty Tricks, Kick It In, Menace, Miscreant, Mugging, Fast Talk, Pick-Up Lines, Bar Divination, Charisma, Casanova, A Call
Pushy, Revolver, Strong, Tough, Ugly, Violent in Every Port
Hunter Litigant
Curious, Aware, Nimble, Hardy, Backworlds, Trapping, Birds & Beasts, Berate, Chastise, Convince, Cross Examine, Debate, Integrity, Inter-
Rifle, Sneak, Camouflage, Wilderness Survival, Track, Beasts, Traps rupt, Investigate, Law, Legal Briefs, Objection!, Oratory, Prosperous,
Secrets, Trusted
Huntsman
Animal Mimicry, Camouflage, Dagger, Endure, Keen, Lures, Navigate, Lycanthrope
Observation, Predator, Running, Scrounge, Shooting, Shotgun, Silent, Animal Form, Bestial Hide, Call Animals, Claws, Deadly, Fierce, Full
Snares, Tough, Tracking Moon, Hideous, Howl, Instinct, Keen Sense, Lost Humanity, Nightvi-
Impassive sion, Predator, Ravenous, Shred
Cool-Headed, Inconceivable!, Informed, Logical, Surmise, Think It Magician
Through, Unemotional, Unyielding Bluff, Charisma, Clever, Distraction, Endless Ribbons, Faster Than the
Eye, Fireworks, Mirrors, Prediction, Sleight of Hand, Smoke Bomb, Top
Imperial Noble Hat, Trick Cane, Ventriloquist, You’re Getting Sleepy
Etiquette, Dance, Educated, History, Science, Wealth, Connections,
House Blackbird Master Sorcerer
Initiate Spellcaster, Channeling, Stormblood, Wind, Lightning, Fly, Blast,
Ancient Lore, Awareness, Brotherhood, Conspiracy, History, Initiation Sense, Dustblood, Hex, Strain, Haunt, Winnow, Terrify
Rites, Influence, Mysteries, Rituals, Secret Handshake, Solidarity, The
Oath
 . T  T  .
Mechanic Olympian Warrior
Repair, Engines, Efficiency, Spare Parts, Sabotage, Enhancements, Honor, Might, Combat Trained, Thunder Sword, Leadership, Superi-
Ship Weapons, Improvise Tool, Good with Machines, Perceptive, ority, War Drinking, Loyalty, Battle Rage, Poetry
Toolkit, Dextrous
Optimist
Meddlesome Calm, Compliment, Confidence, Energetic, Honest, Inspire, Polite, Pos-
Advice, Curious, Gossip, Inquire, Listen, Nonchalant, Observe, Peek, itive, Tenacious, Unrealistic
Tinker, What Does This Do?
Orator
Mercenary Convincing, Censure, Command, Charisma, Hope, Inspiration, Rebuke
Battle-Hardened, Brawl, Casual Killing, Shooting, Pistol, Long Gun,
Tactics, Broadsword, Fencing, Opportunistic, Fast, Disloyal, Tough, Outcast
Callous, Overkill, Careful Alcoholic, Branded, Contacts, Convict, Creepy Stare, Infamous, Loner,
Misanthrope, Outlaw, Scrounge
Merchant
Accounting, Appraise, Arrange, Bargain, Budget, Buying, Conceal,
Parent
Loving, Caring, Protective, Over-Protective, Deadbeat, Diapers, Es-
Connections, Deals, Evaluate, Fast-Talk, Procure, Profit, Prosperous,
tranged, Worrisome, Strict, Sleepless Nights
Selling, Stocks, Supply, Trading
Pastor
Military Science Advice, Authority, Calm, Ceremony, Comfort, Community, Confes-
Gunnery, Aim, Maintenance, Digging, Observation, Signals, Supplies,
sion, Educated, Flock, Holy Book, Holy Symbol, Inspire, Level-Headed,
Healer, Construction, Damage Control
Respected, Sacrament, Stipend, Temptation, Trusted
Miner Perfectionist
Tunnels, Labor, Strong, Pickaxe, Dim Light, Hold Breath, Ores, Resist
Critical, Details, Effort, Expertise, Frustration, Hard Work, Irritable,
Cold, Endure, Explosives, Tight Spots, Rare Metals, Big Damn Explo-
Stress, Studious, Tireless
sions, Shaped Charges
Performer
Mischievous Acting, Charming, Composition, Dancing, Direct, Disguise, Famous,
Bluff, Distract, Escape, Humorous, Impulsive, Keen, Quick, Sharp,
Influence, Luxury, Memorable, Musician, Opera, Opinions, Poetic, Se-
Tricks, Unpredictable, Wide Grin
duction, Singing, Sway
Monstrous
Abominable, Bat Wings, Bizarre, Claws, Disembody, Fangs, Fierce,
Petty Criminal
Sneak, Pickpocket, Crowbar, Hotwire, Sly, Running, Getaway, Vanish-
Hideous, Hunger, Infection, Mutation, Regrow, Scales, Sting, Stran-
ing, Space Crime, Firearms
gle, Strong, Tentacles, Terrible, Venom, Wall Crawl

Nobility Petty Magic (use one spell tag at a time)

Light spell, Dark spell, Jump spell, Shatter spell, Channeling, Spell-
Coat of Arms, Culture, Education, Etiquette, Favors, Heirloom, His-
caster
tory, Inbreeding, Inheritance, Lineage, Majesty, Paragon, Presence,
Privilege, Royalty, Title, Tradition, Wealthy Philosopher
Grim Determination, Big Picture, Calm, Supportive, Quote Philosophy,
Officer Perfect Clarity, Abolition, Argue, Crackpot, Educated, Ethics, Hereti-
Soldiers, Form a square, On my signal, Tactics, Fortifications, Connec- cal, Morality, Ponder, Reasoning, Religion, Revolutionary, Spurious
tions, Guns, Maps, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Duty and Honor Logic, Stubborn, Temperance, Thoughtful
Officer Physician
Bureaucracy, Chain of Command, Confidence, Etiquette, Fencing, Anatomy, Bedside Manner, Dentistry, Diagnose, Diseases, Dissection,
Groomed, Heavy Pistol, History, Intel, Leadership, Medals, Military, Educated, Examine, Healing, Medical Bag, Pharmacy, Prosperous,
Orders, Rank, Respect, Saber, Shooting, Stand Tall, Tactics, Wages Remedies, Sedatives, Surgery, Unnerving
Old Lady Pilot
Strict, Caring, “Medicine”, Cookies, Knitting, Baking, Pumpkin Pie, Daring, Steady, Maneuvering, Evasion, Tricky Flying, Navigation,
Grand-Niece, Grand-Nephew, Frying Maps, Atmospherics, Battle, Ramming, Stay Awake, Wireless, Repair,
Modifications, Cargo, Warp Drive, Stunts, Alert, Drive
Old Man
Fists, Tough Skin, Dead Nerves, Hard, Improvised Weapons Pit-Fighter
Combat Tested, Brutal, Living Weapon, Fast, Hard, Strong, Bone-
Olympian breaking, Scary Look
Drinking, Brawling, Drawling, Hunting, Shotgun, Pride, Hometown
Hero, Heritage, Olympic Charm
 . T  T  .
Politician Reputation
Above Reproach, Argue, Authority, Connected, Contributions, Con- Trustworthy, Reliable, Fearless, Reckless, Ruthless, Underhanded,
vince, Elected, Exaggerate, Hogwash, Hyperbole, Law, Lobby, Pillar Dangerous, Deadly, Cruel, Unpredictable, Heroic, Honorable, Compas-
of the Community, Rants, The Game, Trusted, Wealthy sionate

Polymath Resilient
Obscure Fact, Hidden Knowledge, Healer, Maps, Construction, Flash of Iron Will, Tough, Relentless, Escape
Insight, Practical Solution, Handy Almanac, Friends, Strange Notions,
Elegant Thinking
Ruffian
Lying, Stealing, Hiding, Connections
Priest
Prayer, Evangelize, Defender of the Faith, Comfort, Condemn, Rouse, Rustic
Calming, Respected, Kindly, Helpful, Confessions Aware, Backwoods, Curious, Family, Hardy, In Your Blood, Intolerant,
Lay of the Land, Nimble, Plain, Temper, The Way It’s Always Done,
Printer’s Devil Traps
Script, Ink, Propaganda, Machinery, Deadlines, Scramble, Contracts
Sailor
Private Investigator Cudgel, Fishing, Gunnery, Iron Stomach, Navigate, Pistol, Rank, Row-
Careful, Deduction, Connections, Sense Motives, Gather Information, boat, Sailboat, Scrimshaw, Sea Legs, Sea Shanties, Signals, Stamina,
Informants, Careful Listener, Slippery Tongue Steamer, Warship, Whaling, Woman In Every Port

Protect Saintly
Awareness, Threats, Defend, Disarm, Restrain, Carry, Delay, Healer Religious Lore, Faith, Presence, Inspiring Prayer, Righteousness, Re-
solve, Self-Sacrifice, Aura
Pugilist
Fisticuffs, Clean Fighting, Dukes Up, Right Cross, Dirty Fighting, Bad Savage
Temper, Bone-Breaking, Brass Knuckles, Brutal, Crush, Fancy Foot- Alertness, Berserker, Bow, Brother Wolf, Calm, Fasting, Fierce,
work, Fast, Hard, Menacing, Reputation, Suckerpunch, Sure Bet, Hatchet, Hunting, Legends, Quick, Scrounge, Silent, Sister Falcon,
Thick-Skinned Snares, Survival, Talisman, Tracking, Wilderness

Questions Scarred
“Who am I?”, “Where do I come from?”, “Is what I feel real?”, “Who Memorable, Frightening, Intimidating, Missing Teeth
can I trust?”, “What is love?”, “Are my deeds righteous?”, “Am I a
thing worth saving?”, “Can I live up to my destiny?” Scholar
Literacy, History, Culture, Cosmology, Science, Mathematics, Haven,
Quick Heraldry, Ancient, Argument, Colleagues, Cultures, Curator, Debate,
Fast Hands, Smart, First To Act, Run Dissertation, Old School Song, Philosophy, Research, Studious, Stiff,
Tenure
Rebel Agent
Stealthy, Subterfuge, Innuendo, Silent, Contacts, Sabotage, Double Scientist
Agent, Identities, Assassinate, Bombs, Ray Guns, Double Cross, Codes Investigate, Reveal, Geometry, Employ Device, Analyze, Explosion,
Impressive Display, Natural Science, Distraction, Thrilling Discovery,
Rebellious Maths, Rational, Systematic, Selfless, Acids, Backing, Crackpot, De-
Antisocial, Argue, Brash, Bring It!, Daring, Headstrong, Impatient, In- tached from Reality, Explosives, Stipend, Theory, Untested
subordinate, Take Advantage, Tough
Scout
Reclusive Quiet, Sneak, Hide, Dextrous, Climb, Perceptive, Traps, Darkness,
Antisocial, Emotional Wounds, Extreme, Hateful, Hide, Leave Me Maps , Distractions
Alone!, Misunderstood, Quiet, Shy
Secretive
Redsmith Arcane, Blackmail, In the Shadows, Observant, Paranoid, Quiet, Stub-
Craft, Haggle, Copper, Amber, Ambronics, Wires, Jewelery, Beauty born, Suspicious, Tight-Lipped, Unknown

Regulator Sensible
Connections, Infamy, Safe Houses, Stashes, Weathered Anecdotes, Big Picture, Calm, Clarity, Consider, Cool-Headed, Humil-
ity, Supportive, Unflappable
Religiosity
Baptist, Bible, Prayer, Disapproval, Letter Writing, Reverend Willy, Sharpshooter
Evangelist, Preaching, Turn the other cheek, Love thy neighbor Steady Hand, Long Shot, Trick Shot, Ambush, Rifles, Sharp Eye
 . T  T  .
Sheriff Spy
Badge, Honorable, Law, Disarm, Arrest, Protect, Serve, Calm, Under- Deception, Disguise, Codes, Sneak, Hide, Misdirection, Assassinate,
cover Impersonate, Camouflaged Pistol, Collapsible Dagger, Conceal, Cun-
ning, Cyanide Pill, Gain Trust, Infiltrate, Iron Will, Lies, Military, Ob-
Sky Pirate serve, Politics, Propaganda, Secrets, Subversion, Surreptitious
Vicious, Hack & Slash, Cutlass, Knife, Shooting, Boomstick, Gunner,
Boarding Action, Crew, Loot, Capture, Drink, Hardy, Treacherous, Squid Biology
Intimidating, Contacts, Underworld, Pilot, Navigate, Close Quarters, Eats Anything, Mighty Strong, Odd Smells, Squid Senses, Ink Glands,
Cruel Breathe in the Depths, Additional Organs
Sky Sailor Steadfast
Gunnery, Aim, Maintenance, Observation, Signals, Empire, Pirates, Honorable, Reliable, Oath-keeper, Brave, Tough
Free Worlds, Haven, Repair, Connections
Steward
Skyship Officer At the Master’s Side, Blackmail, Convincing, Eavesdrop, Efficient, En-
Drive, Ship Systems, Power Loader, Repair, Clamber, Pilot, Orders dure, Etiquette, Inform, Intrigue, Loyal, Patience, Secrets, Servant,
Tradition
Slayer
Cold-Hearted, Crossbow, Defy Evil, Demonology, Hatred, Holy Symbol, Stoneblood
Holy Water, Hunting, Iron Will, Know the Signs, Know Thy Enemy, Harden, Make Heavy, Meld Into Stone, Petrify, Immovable, Mauler,
Monsters, Patience, Silver, Sniper, Tracking, Tooth and Nail, Wooden Move Through Stone, Shape Rock, Tough
Stake
Stormblood
Slippery Spellcaster, Channeling, Master Sorcerer, Wind, Lightning, Fly, Blast,
Backup Plan, Aliases, Deception, Escape Route Sense, Hex, Strain, Haunt, Winnow, Terrify
Sly Strongback
Crafty, Sneaky, Distractions, Bluff, Languages, Trade Speak, Sharp, Heave, Steady Hands, High Pain Threshold, Brawl, Grip, Crush, Un-
Disguise, Deception, Wheeling & Dealing, Shadows, Artful shakeable
Smoothtalker Student
Smile, Soothing Lies, Doubletalk, Innuendo, Handsome Contraband, Drinking Games, History, Literature, Lollygag, Old
School Song, Pranks, Research, Scholarship, School Colors, Science,
Smuggler Studious, Take Notes, Teacher’s Pet, Truancy
Haggle, Deception, Sneak, Hide, Camouflage, Forgery, Pilot, Naviga-
tion, Repair, Gunnery, Bribes, Contacts, Bruisers Summer Camp Counsellor
Survival, Campfires, Ghost Stories, Archery, Bows, Hunting, The
Sneak Woods, Other Worlds, Counseling
Shadows, Quiet, Camouflage, Forgery, Accomplice
Superstitious
Sociable Careful, Details, Folklore, Good Luck Charm, Legends, Lucky Number,
Approachable, Carouse, Connections, Friendly, Inspire, Nonchalant, Myths, Nervous, Observant, Reaction, Suspicious
Positive, Talkative, Well-Mannered
Survivor
Soldier Tough, Run, Scrounge, Endure, Creepy Stare, Intimidate, Medic, Trap,
Discipline, Rifle, Pistol, Sabre, Command, Tactics, Fraternity, Strat- Cunning, Bravery, Keen, Hunt, Axe
egy, All For One, Bitter, Fierce, Flashbacks, Grim, Grisly Tales, Gritty,
March, Scarred, Shooting, Spit and Polish, Tough, Uniform Jacket, Tale Spinner
Veteran, War Stories Teacher, “That’s how they do it in the bigs”, Drills, War Wounds, I
Know a Guy
Spiritualist
Calm, Crystal Ball, Deception, Distraction, Hauntings, Improvise, Target
Knocking, Lore, Misleading, Observation, Palmistry, Parlor Tricks, Flee, Hide, Notice, Perseverance, Dash, Shake it off
Rituals, Secrets, Tragedy
Theurgist
Sportsman Atonement, Blessing, Consecrate, Convert, Divinity, Exorcise, Fire and
Archery, Champion, Fair Play, Famous, Fencing, Fitness, Golf, Jump- Brimstone, Healing, Holy Fury, Holy Light, Holy Spirit, Miracles, Pu-
ing, Longbow, Olympics, Rapier, Rules, Running, Strength, Swim- rification, Rebuke, Retribution, Righteous, Word of God
ming, Tennis, Throwing, Training, Unbeaten, Vigorous, Wrestling
 . T  T  .
Thief Vengeful
Alarms, Appraise, Balance, Bluff, Conceal, Etiquette, Eye for Detail, In- Anger, Determined, Gritty, Headstrong, Ignore the Pain, Menacing, No
trude, Lockpicks, Locks, Prosperous, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Trailing, Mercy, Righting Wrongs, Tough
Traps, Unassuming, Winning Smile
Veteran
Tradesman Combat Tested, Brutal, Patrol, Rifle, Fast, Hard, Strong, Bone-
Barman, Brewing, Coachman, Conductor, Cooking, Efficient, Groom- Breaking, Scary Look, First Aid, Fearless, Weaponry, Riding
ing, Hard Work, Husbandry, Organized, Patient, Professional, Reli-
able, Service, Spit and Polish, Tailor, Undertaker
Victim
Resigned, Angry, Tough, Vengeful, Brash, Brutal, Fearless
Trash Visionary
Inconspicuous, Endurance, Low Blow, Mean, Escape, Sucker Punch,
Ambitious, Creative, Curious, Dreamer, Hopeful, Ideals, Inspiration,
Intimidation, Hard Man, Gunplay
Progressive, Unrealistic
Traveller Voidblood
Weathered, Pathfinding, Directions, Customs
Invisibility, Vacuum, Make Weightless, Pass Through, Erase Mind,
Tricky Counterspell, Disintegrate
Quick, Dirty Fighting, Tumbler, Escape, Contortionist, Sleight of Wanton
Hand, Acrobatics, Deadly Knife, Find Weakness, Contortionist, Agile, Excitement, Masochist, Obsession, Perverted, Scandalous, Sensual,
Sneaky, Unexpected Strike, Scrambling, Wriggling, Martial arts, Am- Temptation, Tickle, Unflappable
bush

Trucker War Leader

Command, Strategy, Soldiers, Intimidating, Combat Tested, Send men
Driving, Wakefulness, Radio, Repair, Big Rig, Pickup, Pilot, Steam
to die, Tactics, Training Exercises, Fast, Hard, Strong, Scary Look
Drive, Stunt Driving, Navigation
Warrior
Undead Battle-Hardened, Shooting, Two-Gun Style, Pistol, Brawl, Hail of Lead,
Bite, Break Through, Claw, Dead Gaze, Feel No Pain, Fierce, Hor- Cool-Headed, Cuirass, Dagger, Dangerous, Daring, Disarm, Duelist,
rific, Hunger, Lunge, Memento, Memories of Life, Nightmares, Pass Feint, Flanking, Keep Fighting, Longsword, Parry, Rapier, Shortsword,
Through, Relentless, Rot, Shriveled, Smell Their Life, Tireless Steady Gaze, Surprise, Two-Handed, Unpredictable
Underworld Weapon Scrounger
Haggle, Deception, Forgery, Hideouts, Contacts, Criminals Improvise, Imperial, Gunnery, Pistols, Axes, Search, Swords, Explo-
sives
Unflappable
Fast, Reliable, Good Eye, Clear-Thinking, “Shit that’s fast”, Serene Whispblood (one spell tag at a time)
Float spell, Thin spell, Whisper spell, Pale spell, Spellcasting, Chan-
Urbanite nelling, Hypnotism spell, Spark spell
Bargain, Contacts, Directions, Favors, Feel of the Streets, Gossip, Know
Someone Who Knows Someone, Rivalry, Streetwise Woodsman
Tough, Run, Scrounge, Endure, Languages, Lay of the Land, Barter,
Vagrant Trader
Alms, Begging, Bitter, Feign Injury, Hoboknife, Hungry, Iron Stomach,
Pathetic, Poor, Scrounge, Stamina, Unnoticed, Unwashed Worldly
Adventurous, Alert, Been There Done That, Cultures, Curious, Hardy,
Valiant Improvise, Languages, Open-Minded, Shrewd
Calm, Charge In, Courage, Ethical, Feel Their Pain, Heroic, Inspire,
Mercy, Protect, Righting Wrongs Youth
Annoy, Curious, Exuberant, Innocent, Pester, Slingshot, Small,
Tantrum, Whine, Wriggle
 . K .
The Key of Addiction The Key of Conscience
You like to go out on the town; having a drink or two helps you relax. You don’t like to see anyone suffer, even enemies. Hit your key when
Hit your Key when your character gets another character to go out on you help someone who is in trouble or when you change someone’s life
the town with him. BUYOFF: Go sober and quit the drink. for the better. BUYOFF: Ignore a request for help.

The Key of the Amnesiac The Key of the Could-Have-Been

You have lost your memories. Hit your key when you learn more of Once, you were a hometown hero, the hope of your world. Now you’re
your past. BUYOFF: Forge a new identity. just another cloud in the Blue. Hit your key whenever you give up on
a course of action because it seems unrealistic. BUYOFF: Succeed at
The Key of Banter something unlikely.
You have a knack for snappy comments. Hit your key when you say
something that makes the other players laugh or when you explain The Key of the Coward
something using your pilot techno jargon. BUYOFF: Everyone groans Despite your dreadful reputation, fighting secretly terrifies you. Hit
at one of your comments. your key when you avoid a potentially dangerous situation, or when
you stop a combat using means besides violence. BUYOFF: Leap into
The Key of the Bastard combat.
You never knew your father. On her deathbed your mother revealed
his identity and you’ve been pursuing him ever since. Hit your key The Key of Crazy
when you pursue meeting him. BUYOFF: Give up on ever knowing You’ve got more than a few leaks in the brainpan. Hit your key when-
your father. ever you do something crazy and awesome. BUYOFF: Let the kids
play on your lawn or give away your cats.
The Key of the Best Friend
You have a best friend from when you were in diapers. You’d help him The Key of Curiosity
hide bodies. Hit your key whenever your friendship is important in a Hit your key whenever you investigate something new. BUYOFF: Ig-
scene. BUYOFF: Put someone or something else first. nore an opportunity to learn something new.

The Key of Betrayal The Key of the Daredevil

You are deeply self-interested. Hit your key when you abandon your You thrive in dangerous situations. Hit your key when you do some-
companions to ensure your own safety or pursue your own ends. thing cool that is risky or reckless (especially piloting stunts). BUYOFF:
BUYOFF: Stick with your companions when you don’t have to. Be very very careful.

The Key of Bloodlust The Key of the Deal

You have a passionate disposition and love a good scrap. As an impe- You love making deals and getting things just right. Hit your key
rial soldier you’ve seen more than your share. BUYOFF: Avoid a fight. whenever you bargain, exchange favors, or strike a deal. BUYOFF:
Pass up a good deal.
The Key of the Brokenhearted
You no longer form bonds of love or friendship. Hit your key when you The Key of the Destined
succumb to nostalgia or rebuff the affection of others. BUYOFF: Fall in You are fated for great things. Hit your key when you act like a hero.
love. BUYOFF: Give up on a quest or act craven.

The Key of the Broker The Key of Disguise

You like to make deals and trade favors. Hit your key when you bar- After being left by the Regulators you crawled to a mission and took
gain, make a new contact, or exchange a favor. BUYOFF: Cut yourself up the Godly life ’til you could heal. Now you use your frock as a dis-
off from your network of contacts. guise to avoid the law and the rest of the gang. Hit your key when
you perform well enough to fool someone. BUYOFF: Reveal your true
The Key of the Charming Scoundrel identity.
You can’t resist a sucker or a pretty face. Hit your key whenever you
turn your considerable charm on someone for your own ends. BUYOFF: The Key of the Dispossessed
Tell the truth about one of your lies. You have been disinherited or have had your birthright stolen from
you. Hit your key when you take action to restore your rightful title
The Key of Cleverness or property. BUYOFF: Give up on restoring your birthright.
You were always the smartest kid on your world. Hit your key when-
ever you come up with a clever plan or point out something no one The Key of Domination
else knew. BUYOFF: Have a clever plan fail. You are driven to assert your power over others by bending them to
your will. Hit your key when you convince someone to do something
The Key of the Commander that is against their best interests. BUYOFF: Go along with someone
You are accustomed to giving orders and having them obeyed. Hit else.
your trait when you come up with a plan and give orders to make it
happen. BUYOFF: Acknowledge someone else as the leader.
 . K  .
The Key of Doom The Key of the Half-Breed
You are doomed to a terrible fate. Hit your key every time you You are half Ilysian and half Havenite. Hit your key when your mixed
act without regard to your safety, especially when you enter battle Free and Imperial heritage causes you trouble or is important in a
against superior enemies. BUYOFF: Retreat from an overwhelming scene. BUYOFF: Disavow one side of your ancestry or the other.
battle or fight.
The Key of the Hero
The Key of Eldritch Learning You do what needs to be done, no matter the cost. You like to be con-
You are in search of a rare cursed tome. Hit your key when you take sidered one of the good guys. Hit your key when you act on behalf of
an action to reclaim that tome from dusty antiquity. BUYOFF: Give others. BUYOFF: Act selfishly.
up your search.
The Key of Hidden Family
The Key of the Empire You are the long-lost sibling of one of your companions, though he
You are an Imperial. Long live the Emperess! Hit your key when you doesn’t know it yet. Hit your key when you protect or nurture him.
serve the Empire’s interests, make contact with other Imperials, or re- BUYOFF: Disown or betray your sibling.
veal your Imperial medals. BUYOFF: Betray the Empire.
The Key of Hidden Longing
The Key of the Evangelist You are completely enthralled by one of your companions but you
You bring the word of the Good Book wherever you go. Hit your don’t want him to know it. Hit your key when you make a decision
key when you speak the word or try to bring someone into the faith. based on this secret affection or when you somehow show it indirectly.
BUYOFF: Fall into apostasy. BUYOFF: Give up on your secret desire or make it public.

The Key of the Exile The Key of the Honest Man

The Empire exiled you for high treason. Hit your key when you are Your father made his money skirting the law, but you always made
threatened by or defy the Empire. BUYOFF: Return to Ilysium. a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Hit your key whenever you
deal fairly with someone else or follow the law at your own expense.
The Key of Fame BUYOFF: Cheat, lie or steal.
You will make a name for yourself or die trying. Hit your key when-
ever you brag or put yourself at risk to do something unnecessary or The Key of Honor
foolish that will add to your reputation. BUYOFF: Pass up the oppor- You abide by a strict code of honor. Hit your key whenever you make a
tunity to boast. decision influenced by your code of honor or keep your word. BUYOFF:
Do something underhanded and dishonorable.
The Key of the Father
You hate everything your son has done since he went out on his own; The Key of the Hunter
but no matter how he acts he’ll always be blood. Hit your key when You are accustomed to leading men in the hunt against creatures of
he influences your decision. BUYOFF: Disown your son. the depths. Hit your key when you come up with a plan and give or-
ders to make it happen. BUYOFF: Swear off hunting forever.
The Key of Fraternity
You are sworn to one of your companions in a bond of brotherhood. The Key of the Idiot
Hit your key when your character is influenced by him or when you You were dropped on your head as a child and now it doesn’t work
show how deep your bond is. BUYOFF: Sever the relationship. right. Hit your key when you say something stupid or incorrectly or
when you act based on faulty reasoning. BUYOFF: Demonstrate your
The Key of the Gambler latent intelligence.
You can’t pass up a chance at something great, no matter the odds,
and it’s put you in debt. Hit your key when you take a wild chance The Key of the Impostor
or when you act to get money to pay off your losses. BUYOFF: Play it You are in disguise, passing yourself off as commoner. Hit your key
safe or pay off your debt. when you perform well enough to fool someone with your disguise.
BUYOFF: Reveal your true identity to someone you fooled.
The Key of the Great-Aunt
That damn whore broke your favorite nephew’s heart and then stole The Key of Intolerance
his children. Hit your key whenever you act to find, protect, or help You have a deep-seated intolerance for those that are different from
his kids. BUYOFF: Sit back while she keeps the kids. yourself. Hit your key when you demonstrate your disdain, or when
your intolerance causes problems. BUYOFF: Approve of something
The Key of Greed someone different did.
You like the shiny things. Hit your key when you steal something cool
or score a big payoff. BUYOFF: Swear off stealing forever. The Key of Kindness
You are a compassionate person, however much you might try to hide
The Key of the Guardian it. Hit your key whenever you show kindness or mercy. BUYOFF: Hurt
You have sworn to protect one of your companions. Hit your key when someone you didn’t have to.
you protect him from harm. BUYOFF: Sever your relationship.
 . K  .
The Key of the Law The Key of the Naif
You have a deep and abiding respect for the law. Hit your key when You are especially naive. Hit your key whenever you are taken advan-
you act to uphold the law or prevent a crime. BUYOFF: Break the law. tage of. BUYOFF: Get the better of someone.

The Key of Longing The Key of the Outcast

You are certain there is a perfect match for you. Hit your key when You got exiled from the Empire. Hit your key when your outcast status
you pursue true love or open your heart to someone. BUYOFF: Vow to causes you trouble or is important in a scene. BUYOFF: Regain your
lead a life of chastity. former standing or join a new group.

The Key of the Lover The Key of the Pacifist

You have more lovers than you can count and more kids than you care You abhor violence and will take no part in it, no matter the cost. Hit
to know. Hit your key whenever you pursue or develop a relationship your key when you avoid using violence to solve your problems or dis-
with a woman. BUYOFF: Take a wife and forsake all others. approve of someone who does. BUYOFF: Commit an act of violence.

The Key of Love The Key of the Paragon

You have a deep love for one of your companions. Hit your key when As a noble you’re a cut above the common man. Hit your key when
you are near him or whenever you make a decision that is influenced you demonstrate your superiority or when your noble traits overcome
by him. BUYOFF: Sever the relationship. a problem. BUYOFF: Disown your noble heritage.

The Key of the Loving Father The Key of the Pastor

You love your kids more than anything else. Hit your key whenever You take your responsibilities as a man of God seriously. You do what
you act to nurture, protect, or help your kids. BUYOFF: Disown your you can for the least of humanity. Hit your key when you help the sick
children. the friendless and the needy. BUYOFF: Ignore a cry for help.
The Key of Loyalty The Key of the Patriot
Back in the day, someone had your back in every fight, you owe him You are a loyal servant of the crown. Hit your key when you do some-
your life. If it weren’t for him, you’d still be digging mines for the Em- thing to benefit the Empire. BUYOFF: Act against the interests of
pire. Hit your key whenever you act out of your sense of debt or do the Empire.
something he would approve of. BUYOFF: Pass up a chance to meet.
The Key of the Phenom
The Key of Lust You are lauded as the next great prospect. Hit your key whenever you
Your great weakness is debauchery and licentiousness. Hit your key fulfill this expectation even though it causes you harm. BUYOFF: Let
when you give in to temptation instead of helping your companions. the pressure break you down or give up.
BUYOFF: Say no to a good time.
The Key of the Pirate
The Key of the Manipulator You pillage, raid, and terrorize the Wild Blue. Hit your key when you
You work behind the scenes manipulating others in order to be a impress someone with your piratical nature or do something to add to
shadow leader. Hit your key whenever you exert your will over your reputation. BUYOFF: Turn over a new leaf and go straight.
the leader, even over minor matters—especially over minor matters.
BUYOFF: Accept the mantle of power yourself. The Key of the Poet
You have a way with words and a romantic soul. Hit your key when
The Key of the Mean Stare you say something that moves the other players at the table. BUYOFF:
You enjoys intimidating others. Hit your key whenever you cow or You realize life is nasty, brutal, and short.
defeat an opponent. BUYOFF: Be intimidated by someone else or
swallow your pride. The Key of Poverty
You’ve never had more than a few coins to your name, since your fa-
The Key of the Missionary ther left Mom to raise you alone. You’ve taken on all kinds of jobs, but
Your faith requires you to come to the aid of all in need. Hit your key never made much cash. Hit your key when you screw someone over
when you take action to protect the weak and less fortunate. BUYOFF: to get ahead. BUYOFF: Give away something valuable.
Put the greater good before those in need.
The Key of Power
The Key of the Mission You desire power above all else. Hit your key when you pursue your
You have a critical, pressing mission. Hit your key when you take ac- own ascendancy over the safety and security of your companions.
tion to complete the mission. BUYOFF: Give up on your mission. BUYOFF: Relinquish all your authority.
The Key of the Mysterious Past The Key of Prudence
Though no one can put his finger on it, you are not quite who you ap- You are focused on doing the little things that help your companions
pear to be. Hit your key when you allude to your former life or use an succeed, playing conservatively to the odds. BUYOFF: Take a big risk
unexpected skill. BUYOFF: Tell someone your life story. or go for glory.
 . K  .
The Key of the Quick Draw The Key of the Spotlight
You’re the fastest gun because you don’t bother to think between slap- You live for the moment to take the critical action to save the day. Hit
ping leather and pulling the trigger. Hit your key whenever you jump your key when you are credited with the success of the group. BUYOFF:
into action. BUYOFF: Stop and think. Cause your team to fail.

The Key of the Rake The Key of Swagger

You like the ladies. Hit your key whenever you make a pass, make As a nobleman adventurer, you’re a cut above the common man. Hit
a proposition, or get busy. BUYOFF: Behave honorably toward a your key when you demonstrate your superiority or when your no-
woman. ble traits overcome a problem. BUYOFF: Disown your House Firefly
heritage.
The Key of the Rebel
The Empire is your greatest foe. Hit your key whenever you strike a The Key of Team Spirit
blow against them or kill am Imperial agent. BUYOFF: Make peace You have sworn yourself to the success of your team. Hit your key
with the Empire. whenever you make a decision influenced by the team. BUYOFF: Sever
the relationship with your teammates.
The Key of the Regulator
What’s right and what’s lawful aren’t always the same in your eyes. The Key of the Tinkerer
You do what you think’s right, courts-be-damned. Hit your key when You just can’t leave it alone. Hit your key when you modify, improve,
you take the law into your own hands. BUYOFF: Abide the law when repair, or patch some tech. BUYOFF: Pass up the opportunity to
you know it’s wrong. mess around with technology.

The Key of the Reluctant Leader The Key of the Traveler

As the highest ranking survivor, you were obliged to take command. You love exploring new places and meeting new people. Hit your key
Hit your key when your orders are obeyed and when you risk your life when you share an interesting detail about a person, place, or thing
for your men. BUYOFF: Leave your men to die. or when you go somewhere exciting and new. BUYOFF: Pass up the
opportunity to see something new.
The Key of Revenge
Someone left you for dead as he saved himself, and you’ve never for- The Key of the Unquiet Grave
given him for it. Hit your key when you act against him or take action You are charged with helping restless souls enter the afterlife. Hit
to confront and kill him. BUYOFF: Forgive him face to face. your key when you take action to end the suffering of a ghost. BUYOFF:
Bind a soul to it’s body.
The Key of the Revolutionary
You are dedicated to establishing a new world order and throwing off The Key of Vengeance
the yoke of tyranny. Hit your key when you speak or act against your The Empire enslaved you and made you kill for sport. You will have
Imperial masters. BUYOFF: Stand mute before injustice or accept your revenge on them and watch their cities burn. Hit your key when
favors from the Empire. you strike a blow against the Empire (especially by killing an Impe-
rial). BUYOFF: Forgive them for what they did to you.
The Key of the Rival
You hate someone. Hit your key when you outperform or outfox him The Key of Vice
in any arena. BUYOFF: Decline to compete against him. You are a closet alcoholic. Hit your key whenever alcohol makes its
way into the scene, when you make a decision based on the vice or
The Key of the Secret Mission when alcohol causes you or someone you care about great harm or
You have a mission that you keep secret from your companions. Hit great success. BUYOFF: Sober up, come clean, and renounce alco-
your key when this puts you in conflict with your companions or hol for good.
when you take an action that is a step toward fulfilling your mission.
BUYOFF: Give up on your mission or reveal it to your compan- The Key of the Vow
ions. You have a vow of personal behavior that you have sworn not to break.
Hit your key when your vow significantly impacts your decisions.
The Key of the Showoff
BUYOFF: Break your vow.
If someone doesn’t already know you’re the best shot in this slice of the
Blue they should be listening closer. Hit your key whenever you talk The Key of the Warrior
yourself up or do something to try to impress others. BUYOFF: Don’t You crave the crash and roar of battle the tougher the better. Hit your
take credit for an accomplishment. key when you do battle with worthy or superior foes. BUYOFF: Pass up
an opportunity for a good fight.
The Key of the Son
You left your father to make an honest living, but now you’re forced to The Key of Xenophobic Bigotry
work with him again. Hit your key when your relation to your father You are convinced that these good-for-nothing green goblins from the
influences a decision. BUYOFF: Give up the family name. outer rim are a bad influence. Hit your key whenever you act with
xenophobia or bigotry. BUYOFF: Become true friends with a gob-
lin.
 . S .
The Secret of Blackbird Hand Signals The Secret of the Explorer
You may communicate with others using nothing but the subtle hand You’ve been all over the Wild Blue, seen a lot of strange things. Once
signals developed by House Blackbird. REQUIRES: You are a member per session, you can re-roll a failure when you’re dealing with local
of House Blackbird or one of their most trusted servants, or customs or strange places. REQUIRES: You’ve traveled from one
learned from someone who is. side of the Wild Blue to the other.

The Secret of the Bodyguard The Secret of Family

Once per session, you can re-roll a failure when protecting someone. Once per session, you may call on assistance from one of your many,
REQUIRES: You are willing to sacrifice your life for someone. many relatives. REQUIRES: A large family.

The Secret of the Cat Lady The Secret of the Flying Leap
You can talk to cats and cat-like beings, and they are always friendly You can jump three times as far as an ordinary man, and never lose
towards you. REQUIRES: You have a lot of cats at home. your balance. REQUIRES: Training with the monks at the Roof of
the World.
The Secret of Common Sense
Once per session, you may allow someone else a chance to re-roll a The Secret of the Hidden Plan
failed roll by giving them advice. REQUIRES: Common sense. You plan for every contingency. Once per session, you may declare
how you prepared for the situation at hand. This may involve a roll.
The Secret of Concealment REQUIRES: Succeed at an endeavor because of a good plan.
No matter how thoroughly you’re searched, you always have a few
key items with you. You can produce any common, simple item at a The Secret of the Hound
moment’s notice. REQUIRES: Keep an item hidden through a thor- You speak the language of wolves and dogs. REQUIRES: Acceptance
ough search. into a dog pack.

The Secret of Contacts The Secret of Inner Focus

You may declare past relationships with any characters in the ad- Once per session, you can re-roll a failure when doing Sorcery.
venture by describing them in a short phrase, such as “old rival” or REQUIRES: Do some impressive Sorcery while distracted or un-
“ex-lover”, but the GM decides the current disposition of each person. der a lot of pressure.
REQUIRES: You know a lot of people.
The Secret of the Iron Mind
The Secret of the Crimson Sky You can refresh your pool whenever you defeat someone else in a one-
You know and are known to the Crimson Sky rebels, and you can reach on-one personal contest of any type, as long as it has been established
them under any circumstance. REQUIRES: Fighting with the Crim- as a contest between you. REQUIRES: You live for competition.
son Sky.
The Secret of the Jack of All Trades
The Secret of Destruction . . . but master of none. When you add a trait, you get a tag for
You can break things with your bare hands as if you were swinging free. However, you can never have more than four tags in any trait.
a sledgehammer. It’s scary. REQUIRES: Living in forced labor and REQUIRES: Beginner’s luck.
humiliation for several years.
The Secret of Leadership
The Secret of Determination Once per session, you can give someone else a chance to re-roll a
If your pool is full (and was before you rolled) you may re-roll once. failed roll, by giving them orders, advice, or setting a good example.
REQUIRES: A near-death experience that you pulled yourself out REQUIRES: You are an official or de-facto leader.
of.
The Secret of the Lucky Break
The Secret of Disarmament Once per session, you can keep your pool dice when you succeed (so go
Your attacks, if successful, always disarm your opponents. REQUIRES: ahead and use ‘em all). REQUIRES: Succeed at something decidedly
Study with a master duelist. unlikely.

The Secret of Endless Trouble The Secret of Luck

You may re-roll a failed roll if you elect to mark a relevant condition. Once per session, you may declare something almost unbelievably co-
REQUIRES: None. incidental or lucky that happens to your benefit. REQUIRES: Someone
has commented on how lucky you are.
The Secret of Experience
Once per session, you can use tags from more than one trait when you The Secret of the Name
make a roll. REQUIRES: Experience in a wide variety of dangerous You are (in)famous. People may not know your face, but when anyone
situations. hears your name they stop in awe. REQUIRES: Word of your (sup-
posed) deeds has traveled clear across the Wild Blue.
 . S  .
The Secret of Rank The Secret of Tenebrous Egress
You hold a rank in an organization, military, or guild and have the Once per session, you can disappear into the shadows and escape from
associated responsibilities and privileges. REQUIRES: Promotion in any scene or confrontation. REQUIRES: Something worth living to
the organization or excellent forgeries of papers indicating the fight another day for.
same.
The Secret of Throwing
The Secret of Reflexes Anything is a dangerous missile in your hands. REQUIRES: Practice.
Once per session, you can re-roll a failure when doing anything involv-
ing grace, dexterity, or quick reflexes. REQUIRES: Grace, dexterity, The Secret of the True Course
and quick reflexes. You know how to navigate the Remnants. REQUIRES: You need to
learn the navigation codes from someone who has the secret.
The Secret of Shape Warping
As a goblin, you can change your shape, growing shorter, taller, fat- The Secret of the Unwalked Path
ter, thinner, or changing your skin color, at will. REQUIRES: You are Your character’s footfalls are silent and leave little trace for others to
a goblin. follow. REQUIRES: Pass unnoticed when someone’s looking for
you.
The Secret of the Shootist
You’re deadly with a firearm (or two). Once per session, you can re- The Secret of Warpblood
roll a failure when you’re shooting. REQUIRES: You’ve been in a lot Once per session, you can teleport yourself or someone you’re touch-
of gunfights or are learning from someone who has. ing. REQUIRES: Fly too close to the sun.

The Secret of the Signature Weapon The Secret of Womanhood

You have a weapon you have bonded with (give it a name). You gain a Once per session, you can re-roll a failure on any social action.
bonus die to any action taken with that weapon. Any other character REQUIRES: You are a woman.
trying to use it loses a die. REQUIRES: A named weapon.

The Secret of the Sky Song

You know how to call sky squid and can attempt to communicate with
them when they appear. REQUIRES: You’ve trained with a master
of the Sky Song or have been dream-linked to a sky squid.

The Secret of Southern Charm

Once per session, you may re-roll a failure when trying to influence or
charm someone. REQUIRES: A true Southern accent and a charm-
ing smile.

The Secret of the Squid

You seem to be part man and part squid. You can squirt ink and
breathe in the the lower depths. REQUIRES: You were born this way
or transformed by magic.

The Secret of Stormblood

As long as you can speak, you can channel magical power and do Sor-
cery. REQUIRES: Born to a stormblooded family or breath the air
of a storm that blots out the sun in the Open Blue.

The Secret of Subtle Communication

You may see others’ intentions and engage in meta-speak embedded
in normal-seeming conversation that lesser men cannot understand.
REQUIRES: Training in courtly etiquette.

The Secret of Taking a Beating

Years of hard living have made you tough. You can replace the “In-
jured” or “Dead” condition with “Angry” if it comes up. REQUIRES:
Years of hard living.

The Secret of Teamwork

When assisting an ally, you may give more than one pool die.
REQUIRES: A team.
 . L B P A .
C: Lady Blackbird C: Naomi Bishop C: Cyrus Vance
P: P: P:
T: Imperial Noble T: T:
Master Sorcerer Athletic Pit-Fighter Bodyguard Ex-Imperial Soldier Smuggler
Charm Cunning Ex-Slave Keen Survivor Warrior

K: Paragon K: Guardian K: Commander

Mission Imposter Vengeance Warrior Hidden Longing Outcast

S: S: S:

Stormblood Inner Focus Destruction Bodyguard Leadership Warpblood

C:  C:  C: 

     
     
     
C: Kale Arkam C: Snargle The Owl
P: P:  
T: T:
Burglar Tricky Pilot Sky Sailor  
Petty Magic Mechanic Goblin Sly
  

K: Greed K: Daredevil
Mission Fraternity Conscience Banter

Difficulty Levels
S: S:  
Concealment Reflexes Shape Warping Lucky Break  
 
 
C:  C: 
L  A Q,
    D’ P
   
S Y,
    L   O
M: Abel, Artemis, August, Eli, Giovanni, Ivan, Jack, Jefferson, Jonas, Leo, Logan, Malachi, Mario, Micah, Nahum, Noah, Orlence, Oscar, Samuel, Silas, Victor, Vlad, Wester
F: Alice, Ardent, Ashlyn, Caess, Clare, Elena, Eveline, Fiona, Grace, Hannah, Hazel, Hester, Isabel, Krista, Leah, Lucile, Lydia, Seraphina, Sonya, Sophie, Veronica, Violet
S: Bell, Bowen, Carson, Cross, Harwood, Hunter, Kalra, Keel, Moreau, Morgan, Porter, Pickett, Quinn, Sidhu, Soto, Torrez, Vakharia, Walker, Winter, Wright
N H: Ash, Blackbird, Firefly, Mooncloud, Nightsong, Snow, Twilight, Whitethorn.
 . D S P A .
C: Elizabeth W C: Malachai Bell C: Jezebel
P: P: P:
T: T: T:
Crew Explorer Wispblood Aristocrat Companion Keen-Eyed
Ghostblood Sky Pirate Veteran Spy Tricky Bold

K: Broker K: Imposter K: Poet

Pirate Conscience Empire Hidden Family Mission Vow

S: S: S:

True Course Sky Song Concealment Throwing Womanhood Lucky Break

C: C: C:

     
     
     
     
C: Lord Firefly C: Rarg Cutter One-Seven-Nine
P: P:  
T: T:
Master Sorcerer Hunter Athletic Goblin  
Private Investigator Reputation Weapon Scrounger Smuggler
  
K: Coward K: Greed 
Swagger Love (Jezebel) Bloodlust Tinkerer


S: S:
Shootist Explorer Taking a Beating Shape Warping Pirate’s Hammer
 
C: C:  
      
    
    
    
M: Abel, Artemis, August, Eli, Giovanni, Ivan, Jack, Jefferson, Jonas, Leo, Logan, Malachi, Mario, Micah, Nahum, Noah, Orlence, Oscar, Samuel, Silas, Victor, Vlad, Wester
F: Alice, Ardent, Ashlyn, Caess, Clare, Elena, Eveline, Fiona, Grace, Hannah, Hazel, Hester, Isabel, Krista, Leah, Lucile, Lydia, Seraphina, Sonya, Sophie, Veronica, Violet
S: Bell, Bowen, Carson, Cross, Harwood, Hunter, Kalra, Keel, Moreau, Morgan, Porter, Pickett, Quinn, Sidhu, Soto, Torrez, Vakharia, Walker, Winter, Wright
N H: Ash, Blackbird, Firefly, Mooncloud, Nightsong, Snow, Twilight, Whitethorn.
 . P A .
C: C: C:
P: P: P:
T: T: T:

K: K: K:

S: S: S:

C:  C:  C: 

     
     
     
C: C: C:
P: P: P:
T: T: T:

K: K: K:

S: S: S:

C:  C:  C: 

     
     
     

        